Lily Of The Valley (Aris x Reader)

24) Locked Out

The walk felt like forever, my legs aching the entire time. It didn't help that I was trying to keep up with Aris, who was basically pouting. It's the closest thing to a tantrum I had ever seen from him, and I've seen a lot.

Seeing as he's keeping his mouth shut, that had no choice but to be pushed to the side by now. Maddie left us in the dirt, clearly the athletic one, so I ended up with Josh most of the time. He chattered on a fair amount, telling stories that I gave polite laughs to, even when I struggled to hear.

The building made me breathe a sigh of relief even though it was breaking down. The windows out front were boarded up while there was a padlock on the door.

That's always a good sign.

I looked back at Aris, who was just as concerned, brows furrowed and eyes soft for the first time this walk.

Should we just leave?

It might just be safety. Maybe we should give it a chance? Just for a night?

He took a slow breath before subtly nodding. When I went to turn back to the siblings, I swear I saw him roll his arms as he crossed his arms over his chest. I couldn't help but cringe at his attitude, desperately wishing he could just calm down.

“Can't have any Cranks breaking in,”she smiled, opening the doors. Josh walked in casually, hands in his pockets and looking straight ahead.

Glancing back, I reached for Aris's hand, searching for some way to calm the nerves, only for him to brush past me, avoiding my eyes.

Oh. That's . . . fine. I guess he just doesn't want to hold my hand in front of people. That's totally cool.

Sucking in a shaky breath, I followed them. When we stepped inside, the door slammed behind me, making me wince as I covered my ear.

“Why don't you just scream our coordinates?”he snapped, trying to rub my back.

“Stop it, Aris,”I hissed, stepping back from him. He flinched, staring at me like I had personally slapped him. All the while, we were being stared at.

“Alright. Let's eat,”she announced, clapping her hands together.

The motel had old brown carpet, the kind that made you scared to take off your shoes. The curtains, while clean, had seen better days. The once vibrant green was faded while there were a few scratches and brown patches in it that made me shudder. The lights flickered every time we moved, bathing us in uncertainty.

“I'll grab it,”she volunteered, walking through a door. We heard her footsteps echo, clearly going down.

“So, you two dating?”he asked, looking between us.

“No, we're just friends,”I answered bluntly. It's not like there's a lie there. There's never been anything more, never been allowed for deeper feelings. Our relationship, while matured, always had the same nature.

“You're free then?”

“We're not staying here,”Aris cut in, giving him a look that stunned me into place. His eyes were cold, calculating, an almost plotting anger burning inside of them.

When I could move, I subtly scooted further away from him, keeping my eyes on the ground. The silence that overcame us was deafening, and I of all people would know.

She finally walked up the stairs, two trays in hand. With a friendly smile, she passed around the plates, a burger and fries waiting to be hidden.

“Where'd you get the meat?”he interrogated, peering at him like it was poisoned. While I had the same question, his constant rudeness came from any other place than concern or curiosity.