Arya's POV
Fray was quiet. Really quiet. That was the first thing that stood out about her. I often found myself carrying the conversation, but I didn't mind. She was observant and a bit mysterious—god, it was sexy. There was something incredibly alluring about how she noticed everything around her, taking it all in without a word. Her eyes would flicker over the minor details, from how a leaf trembled in the wind to the subtle changes in someone's expression.
She didn't reveal much about herself, which made me eager to learn more. Whenever she shared something, it felt like a precious gift, a glimpse into a world that was otherwise hidden. Her silence wasn't empty; it was filled with unspoken thoughts and untold stories. The way she would quietly watch me as I spoke, her gaze steady and intense, made my heart race. There was an electricity in the air, a silent connection that was both thrilling and unnerving.
Everything about her was mesmerizing—her clear, moderately brown skin and her eyes, which were uniquely different colors—one a full light brown and the other light brown with flecks of green. She became my new infatuation.
It started one night and then another, leading into our long conversation, which invaded my mind so thoroughly that it prevented me from focusing on work during the late-night hours. I'd find myself intentionally staying up, hoping she might need me to be there for her—not that she couldn't take care of herself. It made me wonder if anyone had ever been so kind as to offer her help.
She was beautiful, but her tall, almost dangerous demeanor initially intimidated me. Yet, the pull was strong.
Despite warnings from Isaiah and the building manager, I didn't want to stay away. I wasn't going to. She was my neighbor. Fray insisted on doing something for me to apologize for that night. I, of course, welcomed it. She didn't have to keep apologizing, and the gesture was adorable, so I couldn't shut her down if I wanted to. However, I convinced her to let me plan our night.
I loved being successful. Being the youngest designer to receive numerous nominations at my company was nice, but I wanted a stable family, a life my parents couldn't provide me with. They loved each other, but sometimes love isn't enough, especially when you have kids.
Buying this apartment was meant to be a temporary decision; I originally wanted to live alone. "You've been in bed all morning," Isaiah said, getting into my bed. It was common for Isaiah to come into my room early in the morning, but I wasn't in the mood. I turned back around and nestled into my bed more.
"That is what people do when they are tired," I said, irritated. Zay laid with me, making me groan in frustration. "Are you lost or something?"
"Noooo, silly. I missed you!" He said, hugging me. I shrugged him off, trying to find sleep. "Remember that thing I wasn't supposed to tell your brother?" I sighed silently, knowing he was referring to the incident with Fray. "I didn't mean to... he just. The magic stick... it really is magic." I looked at him from over my shoulder with disgust. Now, I really wasn't in the mood.
"Why do you say shit like that?" I shook my head. "You're a sick bastard." I loved Zay; he had always been my best friend, one of the realest friends I could have asked for, and I loved how happy he was with my brother. Sometimes, I wished he'd be my best friend without always being Xander's boyfriend. "What did he say?" Over this conversation.
"Something about she is going to have to see him." I rolled my eyes. I hated being woken up, even though I was already up; now I had to deal with this. I took my phone off the charger and went through my emails and other notifications, Ignoring Zay trying to give me puppy eyes. "I'm sorry, Rya!" He pulled me into a close hug.
