The Rapper's Favorite || An Eminem Fanfiction

Chapter 20: Lines in the Sand

Marshall's POV

The studio's dim lights cast a warm, amber glow over everything, and the bassline of our latest track pulses, deep and steady. I should be focused on fine-tuning the mix, but my attention keeps drifting to Aria. She's leaning back in her chair, over-ear headphones covering her ears, eyes closed, completely absorbed. Her fingers tap along to the rhythm on her knee, her body relaxed but energized, as if the music is flowing right through her veins.

She's in a loose Nas T-shirt and a black mini-skirt, her legs crossed and her white kicks kicked off by the door. The casual, effortless look suits her—comfortable, completely at home in her skin. She finally pulls off her headphones and catches me watching her. She raises an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a smirk.

"Distracted, Mathers? That's a first," she teases, her voice soft but laced with challenge.

I lean back in my chair, letting a grin slip through. "Just wondering what's running through that head of yours, Bennett. You've been locked in on this track for a while."

She rolls her eyes, but there's a spark in them, a mischievous glint that matches her smirk. "Waiting for you to admit it could use more grit. Come on, Slim, don't hold back."

There's a magnetic energy to her—something about the way she sits there, confidence radiating from her like heat. I give her a slow nod, hands resting on the edge of the table as I lean in. "Careful, Bennett. You talk a big game. Hope you're ready to back it up."

She leans forward, crossing one leg over the other, the playful glint in her eyes shifting to something sharper. "Oh, I am. Question is, are you?"

The air between us thickens, like a wire pulled taut. She's close enough that I can feel her warmth, catch the faint scent of her perfume mingling with the studio's metallic tang. My gaze flickers to her mouth for just a second before I force myself to pull back, chuckling to break the moment.

"Fine," I say. "You want a break?"

She shrugs, her smirk widening, her eyes bright with amusement. "Even the Reaper deserves a little time off," she teases, tapping her chin as if deep in thought. "Let's hit the coast."

I raise an eyebrow. "The beach? You're dragging me to the beach?"

She laughs, the sound rolling easily off her lips, echoing slightly in the quiet room. "What's wrong, Mathers? Afraid of a little sand?"

"Not afraid," I say, letting a cocky smirk settle in. "Just don't see the point of sitting in it."

Her grin only deepens as she stands, tossing her headphones aside and tilting her head toward the door. "Trust me, it'll be worth it."

There's something in her eyes—daring and playful—that makes it hard to say no. The studio feels too small, too charged with her energy, and I find myself following her out, curiosity and something else tugging at me with every step.

———

By the time we get to the coast, the sun is dipping low, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and violet. The ocean stretches wide and endless, the waves crashing against the shore in a steady, calming rhythm. I'm sticking to my T-shirt, feeling the warm evening breeze settle over everything, and it's strange being here, so out of my usual element.

Aria's already kicked off her sneakers, her bare feet sinking into the cool, damp sand as she heads closer to the water. She looks back over her shoulder, her hair catching the last rays of sunlight, a playful glint in her eyes as she sees me lingering back.

"You look completely out of place," she teases, crossing her arms as she lets her gaze travel over me.

I give her a smirk, lowering myself down beside her, brushing my fingers against the sand. "Maybe. But I'm still here, aren't I?"