𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐑𝐓

41

                                ᴏɴɪᴋᴀ ᴍᴀʀᴀᴊ

"So you enjoyed Christmas today, yeah?" Aubrey called from the bathroom, his voice carrying over the sound of running water.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my fingers brushing over the note I still hadn't given him yet. I was supposed to give it to him this morning when everyone was opening presents but I was too scared.

"Yeah, I really did enjoy it," I replied softly, my voice trailing off as I thought about the day. "The kids had a great time, and I did too."

I paused, glancing down at the diamond chain around my neck, the one he'd surprised me with earlier.

"I just still don't know why you got me this diamond chain that says Barbie. How much did you spend on it?"

Just as I finished my question, Aubrey stepped out of the bathroom, tying his durag. He stopped mid-step when his eyes landed on me, his head tilting slightly.

"What?" I asked, watching his expression change into that familiar smirk of his.

He shook his head, still smirking. "You got my durag on."

I blinked before reaching up to touch the silk fabric tied around my head, realizing it was the one he'd been searching for earlier. I couldn't help but laugh softly. "Oh, this is yours?"

"Yeah, that's the one I wanted to wear," he said, walking toward me slowly. "But it's cool. I like seeing you in my stuff anyway."

I rolled my eyes, fighting back a smile as he stopped in front of me, standing so close I could feel his presence. "You don't have to say that just because I took your durag."

"Nah, I mean it," he replied smoothly, his voice a little lower now. "You look good in it, I mean you look good in anything, shit."

I looked away, my fingers brushing over the note still in my lap. "Whatever."

Aubrey chuckled, dropping onto the bed, stretching out as he leaned back against the headboard. "So...what's that?"

I glanced at him briefly, then quickly tucked the note under my leg. "Nothing."

"Uh huh," Aubrey said, his voice full of amusement.

I ignored him, turning my attention toward anything else in the room as I felt his eyes follow me.

"And like I said," I added, trying to change the subject, "Christmas really was perfect, Aubrey. You always know how to do too much. Also your mom's desert was sooo good!"

"That's 'cause you deserve it, and yeah, that shit was good." he said simply.

I parented I didn't hear him, busying myself with fixing the pillows. I felt him stop me, Before I could react, Aubrey was right there, hovering over me.