The Choice

28) Aurora

Sorry for updating late, doves! Hope you enjoy!

I wake at the sound of my phone buzzing next to me at the night stand. I groan as I reach for it, unknown number. I put it on silent and close my eyes again when the phone starts vibrating again. I tut and reach for it answering, "yes?"

 I hear shuffling then, "Aurora! God, I thought you won't answer."

 I squint at the light as I recognize my brother's voice," hi baby. Are you okay?" I drawl voice thick with sleep. 

"I am. I hope you are. I wanted to tell you something important." I nod as if he can see me and he goes on,  

"dad, dad got fired from his work and he went to look for another job to be rejected instantly. He's fuming and he said that the manager of the second job said something about a man, actually he said an icon in marketing and business. And that he sent him a message. When dad realized I was listening he stopped, but I heard the rest of the conversation with mom. The message this man sent said, 'it's just the beginning'." I blink. Twice.

 I can barely make out my surroundings or what my brother is saying, an icon- I spin in bed to find it empty. 

"I think I know who the man is." I say when my brother beats me to it, "yes! I knew it was your guy. Dad didn't know his name, but I heard him mispronounce the name Mughrabi." I snort then widen my eyes in realization. His name. He gave his name. What about his father! I sit up quickly wincing at the sudden movement. I feel heat creep up my neck at the memories of yesterday. I push them away as I talk with my brother for a bit then end the call.

I throw the phone next to me as I huff out, Omer nowhere to be seen. I lift the covers and dangle my legs slowly wincing at the sudden ache that shoots through my body. I push against it as I stand and head for the bathroom to freshen up.

 Memories of yesterday flash through my eyes when I enter the bathing room. I find myself smiling to myself as I brush my teeth and wash my face. He took care of me after our entanglement as if I was made of glass. He washed me all over again and I didn't have the energy to argue so I let him do whatever he wanted. He brushed my hair and tucked me to bed. I was naked, but I remember waking up at night shivering so, he put on me one of his shirts hugging my body till I felt warm enough to drift off to sleep again. 

He didn't. I felt him sitting next to me all night, just looking at me; playing with my hair and kissing my face and hands. I felt everything, but I was so drained and exhausted I couldn't open an eye.

I exit the bathroom and plop face first on the bed again. I hear the door open and close as his steps close in, I can't lift an inch of my body. I feel him cover my ass, yes, I felt cold air, but didn't have the energy to cover it. He circles his arms around my waist spinning me gently as I now lay on my back facing him.

"what's your roman empire?" I ask tilting my head. He smiles, "you." He leans in kissing my forehead. "Ugh, you didn't have to be romantic." He chuckles, "what's yours, dove?"

I touch his jaw, "our future." His hands move to grip my hips, "are you ready for it, my baby?" I nod, "I've never been more ready. Can I tell you a secret?" He nods as he looks at me in awe playing with strands of my hair. I smile sweetly then glare pushing myself up tackling him as I trap him under me pushing at his shoulders before saying, "I'd kill any girl who looks your way. And you, mister, will get rid of the body." My body shakes as he laughs out loud, "I'm totally in, dove." I flip my hair, "good."

I move to get off of him, but he pins me in place gripping my thighs. I play with a lose thread in his pants as I murmur, "you threatened him." He sits up gripping my chin to look at him, "I didn't threaten. I acted. Not a soul gets to lay a finger on you when I'm breathing. I'm sorry I didn't act instantly. You are more important and you were triggered, I waited till I made sure you're safe till I acted. And I promise he will pay." I look at him through tears," I love you. "

"I love you too, dove. "