To Trap a Billionaire

Twenty.

It only took two weeks to build a solid case against Clara. With the video and audio evidence I had from the office, the will, and Arlo's history, our chances of winning were high, but honestly, the stock market numbers spoke for themselves. And our court date was the next day. I strategically picked out his suit and my outfit to compliment but not overshadow Arlo. I made sure every detail was right. I even enlisted in Kristen's help to double check me. He came over to Arlo's place and did his run over quietly. He questioned Arlo the way a top lawyer would. He was stoic the whole time; professional. Afterwards, Arlo went to the kitchen to get us snacks, leaving Kris and I alone in the living room.

"How are you?" he asked me I sighed heavily but nodded.

"I'm good," I said vaguely. "You?" I asked.

"I miss you over there. The place is too quiet," he admitted. I threw my arms around him before I could think too much about it. His arms wrapped around me automatically.

"I missed you too, Kris," I breathed. And I really did. Kris and I were like Bonnie and Clyde in a sibling kind of way. This was probably the longest we'd been away from each other. When we pulled away, his hands still held mine.

"You look happy," he said. It wasn't a good thing when he said it. He wasn't implying that he wanted me to be miserable. He was just more worried that I might be getting too comfortable.

"I am," I replied hesitantly.

"You should be careful with that," he warned. I looked away from him as I nodded. I couldn't very well come out and tell Kristen that I loved Arlo, but I think he knew anyway.

"Here we are," Arlo said, coming back with sandwiches and drinks. He set them on the table and faced Kristen. "I really appreciate you helping out with this. I know I'm not you're favorite person," Arlo said.

"Of course not. You stole my sister and my best friend away from me... but she asked for my help, so here I am," Kristen said with a shrug.

"Kristen," I warned.

"It's okay... I was just heading out anyway. Good luck tomorrow," Kristen said as he grabbed his jacket.

"Thanks for everything, man," Arlo said holding his hand out Kristen hesitated before finally shaking his hand.

"Yeah," he said before leaving. Arlo huffed out a breath as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"He can be a bit... intense," I apologized on behalf of my brother. Arlo sat on the couch and pulled me onto his lap as he kissed the side of my head.

"I don't blame him for hating me. I did kind of steal you away," he said.

"I love my brother, but I I can't live with him forever. My brother and I only had each other after our parents died. We may have clung to each other a little too tightly, but it was our own way of coping," I explained. It was completely true. Kristen was my rock and I was his.

"Well, I'm glad to have you here with me, but if you wanted to go back with your brother-"

"He kicked me out, remember?" I said with a dry chuckle. Arlo turned the TV on before cuddling in closer to me and peppering kisses along my neck. I giggled and turned to lay on top of him; his arms still holding me close to him. I smiled gently as I pushed a stand of hair out of his face. He kissed me gently, but I was quick to deepen the kiss. His kisses were intoxicating. His hands were around my lower back securely as he held me closer to him. I was practically straddling his lap.

"I love you so much, Lyra," he said softly as he just looked at me in content. I smiled and pecked him again.

"We should go to bed soon. Big day tomorrow," I said, trying to keep from giving him my virginity right here on the couch. His hands held my face and pulled me closer to him for more kisses anyway before he just held me close to him as my head rested on his chest with a sigh.

"I'm going to miss this," I said softly.

"Miss what?" He asked.

"Just relaxing with you and seeing you smile," I answered. He chuckled as his hand began to rub my back.

"My smiles are reserved for you. As long as you're around, you'll see them. Going back to the company isn't suddenly going to turn me into an uptight businessman all the time, just at work. Plus, it's a lot more fun sneaking kisses at the building," he joked. I shifted and rested my chin on his chest to look at him.

"I love you, Arlo," I smiled softly. I kissed him gently before I stood and stretched. "Come on," I said holding a hand out to him. He smirked mischievously before scooping me up and putting me over his shoulder. I squealed as he carried me up the stairs and sat me on the bed. I shook my head at him before I went to grab my pajamas out of the drawer. A few of my clothes had since made it into his room. I didn't sleep with him every night but often enough to keep a pair of pajamas nearby. I took the change of clothes to the bathroom and brushed my teeth before changing. My old clothes went in Arlo's hamper before I went and got in the bed next to him. He turned off the lamp before pulling me closer to him. My legs tangled with his as I got comfortable.

"Goodnight, love," he said softly as he kissed my hair.

"Goodnight, Arlo," I replied with a yawn.