IMPORTANT: So I'm going to be asking a question at the end of the reviews that I can't ask here or it will spoil the chapter.
More time skips but these are shorter mostly.
-A-R-Y-A-
They walked in, stripping their gloves off and setting them in the mudroom. She needed to talk to him about the crap he'd pulled earlier, but something else was bugging her. She glanced about.
"Where are they?"
He frowned, walking to look in the back as she checked the basement. Both came up empty. She swore, hearing music and heading for the steps, taking them silently, Eragon following behind her. Techno was blaring from Saphira's room and Arya tried the door. Locked. Eragon looked about ready to break it down but she shook her head, going to the closet loaded with all the gear and getting lockpicks. Within seconds she had the door flying open and almost immediately she wished she hadn't.
Firnen was over Saphira, his shirt strewn somewhere in the room, while Saphira was fully dressed but losing articles like belts and buttons. They were making out, hands going all the places they shouldn't. Before she could do anything, Eragon was moving. Both teens yelped in surprise as he gripped Firnen under his arms and dragged him out of the room. As soon as they cleared the door, Arya slammed it and whirled to face Saphira who was glaring angrily.
"What's your problem?!"
Arya just stared at her, wondering how on earth she could justify playing dumb.
"What do you mean what's my problem?! Saph- Izzie you were literally just being mauled by him!" She was furious enough that she was forgetting to use the cover name. Not good. Saphira seemed to realize that as well and rolled off the bed, facing away as she buttoned her shirt back up.
"Sorry."
Arya stormed to her, gripping her shoulder and spinning her around.
"You're sorry? Is that it? Really Izzie, how are you that stupid."
Saphira glanced out the window and sighed.
"You don't have to act anymore, Arya. He's leaving. Shirtless, I might add."
Arya crossed her arms.
"Oh, this isn't an act, Saphira. This is serious! First today with playing hooky, now this! You could've ruined everything if Mary hadn't bought the fact that it was all just happenstance."
The girl shrugged.
"I'm sorry about earlier, alright. And now, what? So I got a little excited. My bad."
Eragon flew into the room and glared daggers at her.
"A little excited?! Your clothes were halfway across the room!"
Saphira narrowed her eyes and Arya knew she was feeling cornered. She turned to Eragon, forcing her breath to calm as she looked at him.
"Just let me talk to her for a minute, alright?" His jaw was clenched tightly, dead set on staying. She knew she wasn't getting through. He was raging mad that his closest friend had just about made a huge mistake and he was only barely able to stop her. In a rare moment of sympathy, she turned his face to look at her, her fingers brushing his jaw. His brown eyes were electrical and she stared into them for several seconds, trying to get across to him that Saphira couldn't talk to both of them without getting defensive. He finally nodded, giving Saphira one last look before turning and slamming the door behind him.
Saphira seemed to finally accept the gravity of the situation, sitting on the bed and folding her hands in her lap.
"I am really sorry, Arya. I . . . I couldn't help it. He was just so. . . ."
She sat next to the teen.
"You know that there's a chance he isn't like you? That we'll have to leave them? You're setting yourself up to be hurt."
Saphira leaned her head against Arya's shoulder.
"Yeah but what if he is. He'll come back with us and it'll be fine."
Arya wrapped her arm around the girl's shoulders, thoroughly uncomfortable but willing to endure it for her friend.
"Saphira, as soon as he figures out that you've been playing him, even if we do bring him back, we don't know what his reaction will be. He could refuse to speak to you." In order to relieve Saphira's sudden sadness, Arya smiled. " And he may really have a thing for girls with black hair."
Saphira laughed although Arya glimpsed moisture forming in her eyes. She knew it was time to bring Eragon in. She was no good with tears.
"Come on, lets go make sure Eragon didn't chase after your boyfriend."
Saphira laughed again and stood, walking down the steps with Arya to find him smashing the living hell out of the dough he was tossing. He glanced up, watching with wary eyes. Saphira tilted her head towards the couch, offering a chat. He nodded, immediately dropping the dough and following her to the living room. Arya watched, silently, almost wishing she had the nerve to go over and sit with them. But that wasn't her. She didn't get attached. She didn't care.
She'd never lied to herself more.
-E-R-A-G-O-N-
"You really like him, don't you?"
Saphira nodded, her head resting on the the armrest and her feet across his lap.
"He's just so. . . I don't have words, really."
Eragon grinned slightly.
"You like him a whole hellovah lot, then."
She shrugged, not really answering. He bumped her foot, trying to make her smile.
"Well, just so you know, I think that's the first time Arya has blown up like that. You made her show her emotion. Props."
She chuckled, glancing at Arya sitting in the kitchen, doing something on her phone.
"I don't think I ever want to do it again, truthfully, that was rather terrifying. She almost broke character while Firnen was still in the house. I've seen her get mad before, but she was raging when she first came in."
Eragon studied the current topic of their conversation, watching her purse her lips in annoyance as she flicked through something. Saphira noted the direction of his gaze and grinned.
"Well, looks like I'm not the only one who likes somebody."
Eragon shook out of his trance and snorted.
"Yeah right. She's cra cra."
Saphira rolled her eyes.
"Oh don't even. You like her cra cra."
"No way in hell. I couldn't deal with the mood swings and brooding."
She looked at him knowingly.
"Eragon."
He finally gave in, shrugging as she had before.
"Alright. So she's not so bad. But it still isn't happening."
"Why not?"
He looked at her incredulously.
"Really? That woman wants nothing to do with me."
Saphira pushed off the couch, giving him a smirk.
"She wants more than you know."
With that she walked off, joining Arya and snatching her phone. Eragon watched as Arya's green eyes sparkled, her lips turning up into a smile and her lithe body twisting as she plucked her phone back. His heart stirred and he tensed. Dammit, Saphira's right. Suddenly, Arya's eyes were returning his gaze. She frowned slightly, looking away and he bit the inside of his cheek. This was not good.
Not twenty minutes later, Arya's cell phone rang. She grimaced at the caller, sliding to answer.
"Mary, hey."
Eragon leapt off the couch and grabbed the phone, pressing the speaker button in time to hear her say,
". . heard about what happened. I wanted to call and apologize on behalf of my son. He'll be saying sorry too as soon as he sees you."
Arya responded, rolling her eyes at Eragon's childishness.
"It's not only his fault. Izzie wasn't fighting it. I just think that they probably shouldn't be let alone with each other. It could lead to things that they might not be ready for."
"I totally agree with you. I'm shocked that Firnen would try that at all."
Arya sighed.
"I think they got carried away. I don't believe either one was really planning on it happening. The fact that he told you is a testament to his character, though."
A small chuckle reached them over the phone.
"Well I'm not sure he would've. There just wasn't any way for him to hide it considering he came home without a shirt."
Arya bit her lip, grinning slightly while Eragon sported on a very smug look.
"You can blame Chase for that. Things kind of happened rather quickly."
"Yes, I heard. Thank your husband for his rapid decision making."
"Alright, will do. See you tomorrow, Mary."
"Bye."
She hung up and groaned.
"This is going to be awkward."
Eragon nudged her arm.
"Don't worry about it, Arya. You guys will probably laugh it off."
The next day she walked into the elevator to find Mary already there. They both paused for a moment, looking at each other before Mary grinned, letting out a small laugh. Arya mirrored her, stepping inside. Eragon had been right. Mary pushed the button to Arya's floor and leaned against the railing.
"I was hoping it wouldn't be too uncomfortable. Luckily your easy to get along with."
Arya nodded.
"I was worried about that as well."
The door opened moments later and Arya moved to get out, waving. Mary spoke, holding the doors open.
"There's a stack of folders on your desk that I'd like you to go through. I have a meeting with the client tomorrow and I'd appreciate if you could be there as well."
Arya feigned excitement, smiling at her.
"Thank you so much. I'm looking forward to it."
Mary nodded and the door closed as Arya walked to sit at her desk. Like clockwork, Asher was there seconds later.
"I'm going to get you to come to lunch with me soon."
Arya shook her head.
"Your optimism is aggravating. Get it through your head that I don't want to go to lunch and stop asking."
The man frowned.
"Are you just too good for me or something because you're working with the big cats now?"
Arya was getting frustrated.
"I'm married, Asher."
He smiled nastily.
"Rings can be removed."
She stood, getting in his face.
"Back off. NOW."
He grumbled, returning to his desk and work.
Around noon Mary called and asked her if she wanted to go to lunch. She agreed, though still slightly upset with what had happened earlier that morning with Asher. She didn't care if it was a fake marriage. That guy didn't know that and so his persistence was disgusting and most of all, ridiculous.
They had only been sitting for five minutes when Mary folded her arms.
"Alright, Taylor. What's wrong?"
She rested her chin on folded hands.
"That guy wont just leave it. I've told him over and over that I'm not interested, that I'm married, that'll it will never happen."
Mary patted her hand, giving her a pointed look.
"I understand your pain, honey. Had the same issue when I first started here. I figured out a solution, though."
Arya leaned in, curious.
"What is it?"
The woman grinned.
"Get your husband to come in and just kiss you flat out, in front of everyone."
Arya's heart skipped a beat at the thought.
"And that works?"
She nodded.
"Immediately. Especially if your husband is sexy as hell and muscled. Which mine is."
Arya pictured Eragon in her mind and had to admit, as much as she didn't want to, that he fit that description. She chuckled.
"I wouldn't want to get fired."
Mary waved away her worries.
"I have your back. I hold major pull in the company after all."
Arya forced a smile.
"If he keeps it up, I'll call Chase and have him do that."
"Good. Men like Asher need to learn that they don't get anything they want."
Arya nodded.
"That they do."
It was Wednesday night, rain was drenching the outside surfaces and wind howled past the windows. She heard Eragon open the door to their room and walk to the closet. He called to her as she straightened her hair.
"So what do you wear to a dinner with friends?"
Arya rolled her eyes, ironing the last strand of her hair and joining him.
"You really should learn to dress yourself, Eragon."
He pouted, his voice a whine when he spoke next.
"But it's so difficult! Like, wear this tie with that and don't clash and blah! It's stupid."
She grabbed some light gray jeans, setting them on his shoulder before pushing other hangars to the side and pulling out a black, red, and white checkered flannel shirt.
"Put these on." She crouched down, sliding out a pair of red low-top Chucks and turned to find him shirtless. Her cheeks flamed and she spun away, having not expected it. " I meant in the bathroom!"
He pulled on the shirt, buttoning the front and shrugging.
"Eh, I mean, you've seen it all before."
Clamping down on her skittering nerves she turned around, pushing the shoes against his chest. He winked at her and left to change his pants where she had wanted him to be in the first place. A couple minutes later he returned and held out his arms, turning slowly.
"So how do I look?"
She studied him before taking a worn brown belt from it's hook and handing it to him. He slid it through the loops and gave her a questioning look. Stepping forward she gripped a sleeve and rolled it to his elbow, doing the same with the other. He looked at her while she did so, a slight smile on his face.
"Thanks."
Looking up she tensed. He was close to her and the air around them was fizzing with tension. It caused her pulse to speed up and she forced a nod, sliding past him.
"No problem."
-E-R-A-G-O-N-
He could've found clothes himself. He knew it. After so much time around them and having to dress up, he'd accustomed himself to recognizing style. But he wanted a reason to have her close to him again. Ever since his realization, well, Saphira's revelation to him, that he liked Arya, the feeling had intensified. It was like he was a preteen again, not knowing what to say or how to act. So unlike his usual self. As she'd walked into the closet, he took in her tight brown jeans and a tan, loose, sweater that just went past her hips. Her shoes were tan as well and matched with ease. He let his eyes soak in her beauty, allowed his heartbeat to jump against his chest, and made his mouth speak words that he knew she expected him to say.
It was strange for him, this feeling of wanting just one person more than any other. His palms were sweaty as she tossed him the shirt and a brilliant idea fluttered into his mind. She always seemed to become so tense whenever she saw him shirtless and he wanted to catch her by surprise, see if she would maybe slip up and reveal if she felt anything like he felt. All he was capable of capturing before she turned away was the slight blush of her cheeks. It didn't give him and definitive proof but at least he'd had an effect.
He changed completely, asking her what she thought and he reveled in her presence as she stepped closer. His mind fogged and when he thanked her, causing Arya to look up, he stared into her insanely unique emerald eyes. As she slipped past, he felt like he'd been hit by a blow to the chest. Suddenly the feelings running through him didn't seem like something to be happy about. That she had that much power over him? No, not good at all. His mind panicked as it realized he fact that there wasn't much chance for him to ever be with her. She wasn't interested. A deep ache that he couldn't truly understand filled him and he shoved it away, ignoring the pestering thoughts that filled him.
Thirty minutes later he knocked with two hard raps on Devon's door. They'd hurried through the rain and huddled under the overhang while they listened to heavy footsteps rushing to the door. Devon opened it, a large smile on his face while a delicious smell wafted from inside.
"Come on in! Will Izzie be joining us?"
Arya shook her head.
"She's at her boyfriend's house at the moment."
Devon chuckled.
"They serious?"
She nodded, feeling Eragon's hand tense in her own.
"Seems like it. I hope it works out."
Devon heard footfalls and grinned as a brunette rounded the corner, her light brown locks wrapped in a messy bun. She was pretty, still nowhere close to Arya, but pretty. Her brown eyes sparkled.
"Chase, Taylor, this is Melody."
The woman grinned.
"I've heard so much about both of you, I feel like I've known you as long as Devon."
Eragon smirked, reaching forward to shake her hand.
"And I was beginning to think he'd made you up. It's good to finally meet you."
Arya shook her hand as well, a warm smile on her face.
"Whatever you made smells amazing Melody."
The woman's eyes crinkled with mirth.
"I just helped a bit. Devon is a natural born chef."
Arya raised her eyebrows, wondering at the similarities between him and Eragon.
"I swear Chase and Devon are like clones of each other. They both cook magnificently it seems."
Devon's cheeks reddened at the compliment and he waved them towards the kitchen, the table set and ready.
As they ate, Eragon and Devon poked fun at each other, laughing about inside jokes as both Arya and Melody just smiled in amusement. Arya found that the girl was sweet, a little soft-spoken, but very intelligent in her answers to whatever she was asked. Finally Devon and Eragon turned their attention away from their own talk and Eragon looked to Melody, beginning a conversation that they could all involve themselves in.
As they closed the door behind them, Eragon looked back at her.
"So you still think he's a suspect?"
Arya dropped onto the couch, turning on the Xbox and seeing that Assassin's Creed: III was in. She still hadn't had a chance to check it out yet and so she clicked play.
"Yes. As much as you like him, there's a major possibility that he's working for Galbatorix."
Eragon grumbled, pushing her feet out of his spot.
"Well I don't think it's him. He's not connected to Firnen in any way."
Arya shrugged, clicking New Game.
"Well he's been here for an extended period. We wouldn't be so connected to the target if we weren't in such a rush. He could easily just be using surveillance to watch the kid."
Eragon sighed.
"Yeah but-" He was cut off by Arya's hand on his mouth. He froze immediately, thinking that she'd heard something. After a moment she removed it and continued watching the screen. He frowned.
"What was tha-" She repeated her action. He was indignant as he glared at her, removing her palm from his mouth. "Stop it."
"SHHHH. I'm trying to listen to the storyline, stupid."
He stared at her.
"Are you kidding me? You made me think something was going down!" She paused the game, shooting him a dirty look. After a moment he chuckled. "You're becoming too obsessed with gaming, girl. It's scary."
Rolling her eyes she returned to the game and he watched her play until Saphira got back.
One Week Later
He wanted to slam his fist into the counter. Why was she having this affect on him? It was like he was bound to her and whatever she was doing was his heart's main focus. At the moment she was talking on the phone to Mary, laughing quietly at something the woman said. He shivered, the sound reverberating through him, before resuming his preparations for dinner. She laughed again and he slipped up, the knife he was using to chop the thyme slicing into his finger. He dropped it in shock, seeing the blood well up around the cut and groaning in annoyance. Arya was at his side in moments, frowning.
"Hey Mary, I'm going to have to let you go. Chase just cut his finger open and he's whining like a baby."
He heard the chuckle on the other end of the line and gave Arya a glare before walking towards the sink. Cold water rushed by, removing the scarlet liquid from his skin as Arya set down a bandaid and crossed her arms.
"Why are you so distracted?"
He shrugged, trying to think of a reason other than the fact that she mesmerized him.
"I'm just pissed, alright. We finished with Richard's business two days ago and now we have one less way to get the truth. Not that I was getting anywhere with him, but still."
Sympathy reached her eyes before he watched her tamp it away.
"It's fine. I'm still in with Mary and Saphira is basically married to Firnen. We have all the bases covered."
He ran his hands tiredly down his face just as Firnen entered from the back porch. Arya switched gears, smiling and reaching for his cheek. Eragon's heart thudded, his skin begging for more of her touch, and his chest tightening at the fact that his crush was unreturned. Well, it was a lot more than a crush and he knew it. But he'd grown used to this reaction. It happened whenever she instigated the marriage mode. When he did it he was able to prepare himself, but he knew that his actions were always very tense for several moments after she acted.
"Hon you need rest. I think you should take a couple days off work."
He slid into her play.
"Yeah I think you're right. I'll ask my boss tomorrow if I can possibly have a day or so free when I see her tomorrow."
She nodded, pretending that she just heard Firnen and turning to him. The boy looked at them uncomfortably.
"Sorry to interrupt. Izzie said I should come grab a bag of chips from the pantry."
Eragon wanted to yell. A few days before he'd spoken to the girl about Arya, asked what she'd meant when she'd said that Arya wanted more than he knew. Her response was a laugh and a knowing grin before she said,
"Eragon, you are blinder than a bat. She is much more open and at ease around you than anyone I've ever seen her with."
He'd rebutted, telling her that Arya just thought of him as a friend. In an effort to prove it, ever since then, Saphira had been creating reasons for them to go into cover mode and act like a married couple. At first he'd relished it. But after a few times he began to realize that it hurt more and more every time they returned to normal. This one was no different. As Firnen exited the door, she removed her hand and walked into the living room, opening her computer. His chest squeezed tightly and he distracted his mind by focusing on wrapping his finger in a bandaid. As he glanced back at Arya, he wondered how much longer he could deal like this. Whatever this was.
-A-R-Y-A-
She glanced at him, her eyes shielded by her hair. Eragon's face was set in a scowl as he returned to the cutting board. He was beginning to become more uptight as the days passed, always keeping a safe distance from her whenever he was capable. It was strange, and she couldn't lie, also somewhat of a disappointment. She felt comfortable around him. A weird sensation, yes, but all the same. She trusted him.
And now he was acting all weird, constantly tensing and shifting at her actions. She wanted to ask him what the hell was wrong, but she knew. She knew deep in her subconscious that he liked her. A lot more than he let on. She shook her head, feeling her heart skip a few beats at the thought. No. Nope. She felt nothing at all. Repeating that to herself, she returned to her computer, studying the files Mary had emailed her to review.
The next day she was interrupted at her desk by none other than Asher. He wore his most charming smile and sat down casually on her desk.
"Hey." She didn't respond. He hadn't bothered her since she'd told him off and she didn't want him to start back up. When she was silent he continued. "So I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I wanted to apologize. Can I treat you to a lunch?"
Rage broiled through her and she glared at him.
"Are you kidding me?"
He sighed, pushing away from her desk and heading back toward his own.
"One day, Tay. One day."
She gripped the edge of her chair tightly, wanting to break something, when a hand took her phone from her desk. She turned to find Mary frowning at her while she searched something in her iPhone. Arya watched her curiously.
"What are you doing?
Mary held up a finger, bringing the phone to her ear and waiting. Arya wondered at her actions a little nervously, not sure what was happening. When the woman spoke, her words made Arya wish they hadn't become such good friends. If they'd kept it professional, Mary probably wouldn't feel comfortable calling Eragon.
"Hey Chase, this is Mary. I was just calling to let you know that one of the interns here keeps hitting on your girl and she's too damn stubborn to get you to come in and end it." Arya's eyes widened and she waved for Mary to shut up. The woman only smiled and listened to whatever he had to say. She handed the phone to Arya. "He wants to speak with you."
Arya shot her a death glare and took her phone, cautiously holding it up to her ear. She didn't know what she expected, but it wasn't the cold tone that came through after she said hello.
"What the hell, Taylor!?"
She winced, glaring at Mary again while the woman looked on with pride.
"Chase, it's really no big deal."
She could almost hear him bristle.
"No big deal? You should've told me this the moment it happened! How long has he been bothering you?"
She leaning heavily into her seat, not wanting to answer truthfully but knowing Mary would tell him if she lied.
"Since I started."
She heard him swear before somebody in the background yelled for him to keep his obscenities to a minimum.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
His voice was accusatory and she didn't know quite was to make of it. She shrugged to herself.
"I didn't want you to worry, babe. Mary is being overprotective."
The woman before her leaned forward.
"Am not."
She said it loud enough for Eragon to hear and Arya wanted nothing more at that moment than to gag her. Eragon breathed in slowly.
"Taylor, I'm coming to end this."
She closed her eyes, clenching her jaw.
"You're not beating him up, Chase."
Mary raised her eyebrows, amusement written in her gaze. Eragon's tone was even more tense when he responded.
"Why not?"
She sighed, knowing what she had to do to keep Eragon from ripping Asher limb from limb. It was pissing her off at the moment. She wanted to yell at him that he wasn't her husband or her boyfriend and that he should just back off, but she couldn't.
"Because I'd get fired. Mary suggested that you just. . . well you come in and kiss me in front of him."
There was silence for a moment and then he agreed.
"I can do that."
She felt dizzy suddenly before immediately shutting it down, not understanding or wanting to understand, why.
"Alright. Tomorrow around noon."
He grunted his agreement and ended the conversation while Arya hissed in annoyance at Mary.
"Why did you do that?"
Seeming unnerved by Arya's anger, she frowned.
"I'm not going to allow my friend to go through that when there's an easy fix. It shouldn't be such a big deal, Taylor."
She had to save the situation fast. She'd let her emotions get the better of her and that was unacceptable. She gave Mary a rueful smile.
"I'm sorry. I just, well, Chase is a rather strong guy. While he knows I'll get fired if he starts a fight, it doesn't change the fact that he might. And if he gets carried away, Asher might just get hospitalized. I might've just signed his death warrant.
Mary grinned.
"It's good he's so protective though. You got an exceptional one there, Taylor. From what you've told me, your husband sounds like a great guy. And Asher needs the shit beat out of him for sure, but I think Chase can contain himself if you distract him." She winked at that last part, making Arya's insides flutter. Oh she knew how to handle him, but she didn't know if she was willing to do what was necessary. Mary chuckled.
"I am not missing this. I'll pretend I'm bringing you files so I get to watch the show."
Arya's stomach dropped. Not good. Not good. Not good.
When she arrived at the house he was already there on the couch, his elbows resting on his knees, his fingers clasped together. She took in his appearance and tried to pretend she didn't know why he was upset.
"Stressful day?"
He glanced up, seeming to just realize she was there.
"What? No it was fine. How about you?"
She sat next to him.
"Alright. Saphira upstairs?"
He nodded, a small smile gracing his sculpted features.
"Yeah. She doesn't like this 'no Firnen when we're not here' rule still. Complained about it for thirty minutes straight."
Arya chuckled.
"I bet." After a moment of silence she questioned him.
"What was with earlier? You seemed overly pissed."
He shrugged, not looking at her, but she could see his muscles bunch and tense.
"I was. I don't want people messing with you."
She frowned.
"I assumed you would find the whole situation at least somewhat funny."
He grabbed the controller for the Xbox. It was their routine to get a couple games in before dinner.
"I didn't."
She grabbed the controller from his hand, causing him to scowl at her as she continued her questions.
"Why would it matter?"
He kept her gaze for a moment before looking away.
"You're my friend. Nobody messes with my friends."
There was much more broiling under the surface of his words but she chose to ignore it for the moment.
"Whatever. So I was planning on just telling Mary you'd come in and not have you do it, but she thinks it's going to be entertaining. She's coming to watch."
He nodded, fingers fisted into his hands.
"I'll be there then." Standing, Eragon headed for the stairs. "I want to change out of this before dinner. Be back in a sec."
She watched him leave, worry and confusion fighting to gain control in her mind. Whatever it was, tomorrow was definitely going to be interesting.
She walked to her desk, sitting down and waiting for the inevitable. But Asher didn't come. As the hours passed she had begun to feel that maybe the man had figured it out. He hadn't. This time, around twelve, instead of asking, he brought up two bags of food and held them in each hand, a conceited smile on his face.
"So I decided that maybe you'd get off your high horse if I did all the work."
She wanted to punch him in the face. With a knife. She shook her head, suddenly wanting Eragon to show up. She heard the elevator ding and then her nerves collided, sending her mind into a panic and her heart in her throat. She was scared. More scared than she'd been when she'd almost died. Her emotions swirled through her, unbound and wild as she saw his tanned and toned body walk around the corner. Behind him was Mary, files in her hands. And then Asher gripped her wrist, face annoyed.
"Come on. What is wrong with you?"
The look on Eragon's face changed and twisted into a mask of rage as he froze, watching Asher talk to her. Oh shit. She pulled her arm from under his and moved away. She needed to get in between Asher and Eragon before he did something stupid.
"Nothing. Besides, my husband is here."
She slid around a suddenly surprised Asher, facing off with the Eragon who was focused soley on the intern's skull. Asher turned and saw that Eragon was looking right at him, his face promising all kinds of pain. As she reached Eragon, he tried to go around her, but she blocked him, her hands against his abdomen.
"Chase."
He looked at her and she could tell this wasn't an act. He was seriously furious. She made him focus on her, hands on either side of his face. And suddenly the anger, while still apparent and deadly, was overlapped with a hunger that frightened her. This was all too real. He leaned down, his eyes still focused on her own. But he stopped a centimeter away, suddenly nervous, questioning. She took a breath and closed the distance.
Fire explode through her veins as his lips met her own. Her hands tightened in his dark blue dress shirt as he moved his mouth against hers. Arya's knees felt weak suddenly, her heart flipped in her chest, her body trembled. She was lost instantly, her own conscience shut down as he stepped closer, one of his strong hands sliding into her hair while his other curled around her waist. Without consent, her own hands found their way to his muscled shoulders, pulling him closer until there was nothing between them.
His tongue brushed her bottom lip and she gasped quietly, accidentally giving him easy access to her mouth. And there was no way she was capable of regretting it as she melted into his body. Of all the delicious food that he'd prepared for them, of anything ever, he tasted one hundred times better. Her heart was thudding erratically and her body was reacting quickly, aching for more until it was almost unbearable. After almost two minutes he pulled back, his eyes dark and his lips swollen. He breathed out slowly, his eyes watching her reaction which she couldn't retain. She knew she looked just as flustered and wowed as him. It impossible not to be. Because, come on. That was amazing. She recognized after a few seconds where they were and let herself smile sweetly, kissing his cheek before taking his hand and pulling him towards the elevators. Fear skittered in the back of her mind but she was distracted when she saw Mary standing there, eyes wide, a huge grin on her face. Arya curse, totally having forgotten she was going to be waiting.
"Mary. . . ."
The woman smiled, waving the files.
"No worries. Just go to lunch and I'll set these on your desk. It's nice to finally meet you, Chase."
Guest: Thank you!
A Dark Noon: :D Are you excited for Black Flag?
Elrond Half-Elven: Thanks!
Eternal Salvation: Yeah I have played all the AC games. Halo I haven't played much but the online stuff.
pie6013: I'M A NINJA! And this is kind of how I was with Forgetting the Past when I uploaded it the first time. Everything was working and it allowed me to fly through chapters. Idk how long it will last but we'll see haha.
Morzan's Elvish Daughter: Fuddle is basically the same as confused. I know! David Tennant! Wooohooooo!
CorLeonis92: There will definitely be some in the future :) And thanks!
funnelwebs: Bleh, PS3 gross. Jk I don't actually care much about that whole feud. I know I actually have to set 20 alarms to get myself to wake up. Lol brain damage? Oh being dirty minded is the best! So many awk situations come from it!
Flyflyaway: I think the reason it doesn't flow as well is because I kept skipping days. And I knew that would make it less smooth but I also needed the story to move along at a certain pace. Only indoors when Firnen is there or somebody can hear them. Yeah I'll be sliding some stuff in in a couple chapters. You'll see ;) Oh and I'll get to the reason enemies might be in the neighborhood pretty soon.
Ocadioan: I'm a bit dastardly :D
IIIMagic: Thank you a million! I'm glad that's how it seems because thats what I wanted to happen. Lol this review just boosted my self-esteem past the safe limit.
Guest: I can probs try to slide one or two in there.
lightningwind: Thank you! And crap yeah thank you for reminding me. I legitimately forgot about that lmao. I should really re-read my own stories to make sure I'm progressing right.
Renaissancebooklover108: I'm glad! I was hoping it would bring a few chuckles haha.
lukeharvey0: Well it's both. Kind of confusing for the characters and stuff. They don't know what they're feeling. I'll be doing a Saphira POV in a few chaps but it probs wont be in school. I don't know anything about UK schools and bleh haha. Thanks!
Ok so this is where things begin to get tricky. The emotional turmoil that is going to happen must be done right and with a soft touch. Too soon and it ruins it. Drag it out and everyone gets pissed. They aren't getting together yet, I know now would be way too soon, but do you think this chapter and Eragon's feelings are progressing correctly? Let me know so I can proceed accordingly.