While Aaron, Keith and Ben talked about business I sat with Kara. Ellie went to grab us some dessert. And Aaron was right, as he usually is, Kara is really shy. How did she marry Keith is beyond me. She seems to adore him.
"Was it always like this for you?" Kara finally asked.
"Like what?"
"The rush of feelings. How easy the love came. All the sweet things. Keith is very sweet and always gives me a rose. Every time I wake up he is there next to me with a big smile on his face, as if I'm the best thing that's ever happened to him. It's just too good to be true." Kara sighed.
I felt a pang of jealousy hit me as I noticed how I didn't have any of that. But as Aaron said, we have to fake to be the perfect couple. No one must know that we didn't like each other. Sure there were a lot of arranged marriages and well, you didn't always get along with your partners. But I think that we were the only ones who weren't at least friends or that we didn't even try to. No, Aaron didn't try to. He can promise all he wants but I have a feeling that I disgust him and that wounded me deeply.
"Well, Aaron and I have only been together a week so I wouldn't know how everything will go in the future." I smiled at Kara.
"But you don't feel like a rush of feelings? Your heart beating faster when you're close to him?" Kara frowned at me. "You two look like you're in love. Very much in love."
"Of course. I mean, why wouldn't I feel all those things? I love him. What I meant that I'm not the best to ask for advise, I haven't been married long enough."
"So you do love him?" Kara looked at me somewhat excitedly.
"Yes, I love Aaron. How more obvious do you want me to put it girl?" I chuckled.
I heard a clear of a throat and when I turned I saw Aaron looking at me with a frown on his face, Ben smiling sweetly and Keith eyeing Kara adoringly. If only Aaron looked at me like that.
"Like I said, you've got yourself a jewel Aaron." Ellie smiled and placed desserts in front of us.
Aaron just smiled but didn't comment on it.
I sighed and closed my eyes as the headache started to come back. Oh no. No right now. I need to stop stressing and over thinking things or these headaches won't go away.
"Your head." Aaron stated as he came closer.
"I'm..." I let out a low groan and unconsciously leaned onto his side, my head resting on his hip since he was standing.
"What's wrong with her Aaron? Should I call a doctor?" Ellie sounded worried.
"Are you okay?" Aaron surprised me by placing a gentle hand on my face, he sat down and let my head rest on his chest.
"Can we go home? Please." I whispered so only he could hear.
"Of course." he whispered back and helped me stand up. "We'll be leaving early. Regan doesn't feel good."
"Don't worry honey, please let us know when she's feeling better." I heard Ellie say.
"Will do. It was a pleasure dining with you guys." Aaron said as we started walking towards the main entrance.
"Maybe next time we'll meet at your place." Keith grinned over a cup of wine and then looked at me in concern. "Hope you feel better Regan."
"Thank you." I smiled as I held tightly to Aaron's arm since I started feeling dizzy.
Skipping meals and the lack of sleep are going to be at the top of my not-to-do list.
"You should let her sleep more, Aaron. Having sex all night isn't-"
"Keith!" Ellie and Ben scolded at the same time.
"Oh God." I mumbled.
When we finally sat inside the car I leaned back and closed my eyes. Why did the headache came back? I sort of slept it off. I thought that they were gone. I used to get them a lot before I married, my mom said it was because of all the stress and excitement. I wasn't really feeling excited but I was sort of stressed. The school and Aaron were wearing me out. All this pretending...
"Are you pregnant?"
"What?!" my eyes snapped open and I sat up straighter, making my world tilt a little and I had to grab onto the seat to steady myself.
"Are you pregnant?" Aaron bore his eyes into mine.
I opened my mouth like a fish more than three times before I shut my eyes close and took a deep breath.
"Aaron, we haven't had sex. How can I be pregnant? Unless you drugged me or something because I don't remember having any sort of touchy time with you."
"I didn't do anything. But you're dizzy and -"
"That doesn't mean I'm pregnant." I rolled my eyes.
"What does it mean then?"
"It means I'm stressed out." I sighed and looked at him straight in the eye. "I can't be pregnant if I'm a virgin. Unless there's a miracle or something."
Aaron stayed quiet for a little while. I sighed and went to close my eyes again. Please go away, please. I thought. Of course referring to the headache.
"You've never being with a man?"
With a groan I turned my head to the side and looked at Aaron with an 'are-you-serious' look.
"I'm eighteen, I don't exactly make it a habit to sleep around. And if I even wanted to I couldn't. I've been under a close study. My parents had me practicing to be your wife, or a wife in general, since I can remember. I don't think we ever practiced on how to sexually pleasure my husband." I snapped the last part.
"Regan." he said in a warning.
"Sorry. That was out of line. Even though I wouldn't have minded practicing with-" my eyes widened as I heard his growl, making me shut up mid sentence.
We arrived at the house and he helped me up the stairs to my room.
"I was only joking you know?" I mumbled as he went to call one of the maids to bring me pain killers.
I started to get out of the dress, pulling the zipper down and wiggling out the straps.
"What are you doing?" he asked in all his seriousness.
"I like to sleep in pajamas."
"Right." he gave his back to me as I dressed into said clothes.
See? What type of husband, or men, turns around at the sight of a woman undressing? The only reason was that he wasn't interested and perhaps disgusted.
"I'm not that hard to look at you know? It's not like you'll get sick for looking at me." I stated and Aaron turned to look at me with his 'don't-start' look.
Cindy came in with the pills and Aaron grabbed them and made her go away.
"It wouldn't kill you to be nice." I said as I grabbed the pills from him and swallowed them.
"Are you sure you don't need a doctor?"
"Aaron, are you worried about me?" I teased.
He glared at me, mumbled a goodnight and left the room. I let out a groan and felt on my back on the bed. He wont ever be playful with me, or sweet, or caring or anything for that matter. I'm just a business deal for him.
As soon as I walked out of the car, I was bombarded with questions. Apparently Elliot told the rest of the guys what happened yesterday and for some reason they were worried.
"I'm fine." I said for the hundredth time. God, they were tiring. Holding a conversation with them is exhausting.
"Jenny's going to pay." Alice said with narrowed eyes.
"Oh, and what are we going to do?" Leah rolled her eyes.
"I can always accidentally hit her with a basketball too, you know?" I joked.
"Of course you could!" Jared put his arm around my shoulders.
We heard someone clear their throat and slowly turned around to see who it was.
Aaron.
What is he doing here?!
He wore a suit, meaning he was going to work.
I turned to look around me and everyone was quiet. I pushed Jared's arm off me and walked up to Aaron smiling.
"What are you doing here?" I said through greeted teeth.
"You left your cell phone and wallet in the car, I was passing through." Aaron smiled back at me.
"Thank you." I grinned as he handed me my stuff and I hugged him, he stiffened considerably and I mumbled. "Better hug me back Aaron, the kids here know we're married."
"Right." his arms tightened around me and he kissed my temple. "And I don't want you getting that close to that guy."
"Jealous?" I pulled back and grinned.
"I don't have to be. You're mine." Aaron stated and kissed me on the lips. For more than two seconds. Oh, I think I'm starting to feel lightheaded.
He pulled away and I couldn't help but blush at the grin he gave me.
"See you at home, honey." he left grinning.
What happened? What the hell just happened?
He did all that on purpose, didn't he? Aaron is jealous!
No. That can't be. He's probably keeping up with appearances. A normal husband would get jealous if he saw his wife hugging someone else. Yeah, that's it.
I couldn't help but feel bad about it. Why can't he want me? Am I really that bad of a woman?
"Was that Aaron Scarlatti?" one of the triplets gawked.
"No, it was his evil twin." I rolled my eyes at her.
"Aaron has a twin?" the other one gasped.
"Of course he doesn't. If you weren't that stupid you'll see things. So buzz off." Alice snapped and we left the triples gawking at us.
"Aaron is the jealous type isn't he?" Greg asked.
"Not really." I mumbled.
"Right. Because he didn't kiss you in front all of us just because he saw you with Jared." Leah chuckled.
The bell saved me from arguing further and I walked into class.
As always I tried my best to pay attention. Numbers are just not friendly with me. If I don't pass this coming test I might have to get a home tutor.
I took notes of everything Ms. Callahan said and wrote. I refuse to fail this class.
The bell signaled that it was time for second period and I placed everything inside my bag.
"How someone like Aaron could marry someone like you is beyond me." one of the triplets stopped me before I could step out of the room.
"Yeah." was the second's smart comment.
I narrowed my eyes considerably and gave them my best imitation of Aaron's fuck-off look.
"Jealous that he didn't even glance at you?"
They all turned red.
"He would have if he hadn't been distracted." the other one said to her defense.
Seriously, how can I tell them apart? Not knowing who is who is very annoying.
"Aaron won't pay attention to you even if you dropped on your knees, bleeding and crying for help, in front of him." I stated and had the satisfaction of seeing their worried looks. "Now if you'll excuse me, I don't want to be late for my next class."
I wasn't lying. Aaron wouldn't help them even if they were in that situation. He's just that cold blooded. He'll only help me because I'm his wife.
Feeling really low I walked into Mr. Braddock's, not looking at anyone and feeling all their stares.
I just can't wait to be home.
At lunch the guys started talking about some trip and I tuned out, my mind wondering to Aaron. Why is he so cold? Why doesn't he try to like me? Why is he so distant? Why is he always serious? Why won't he talk to me?
I'm his wife, but we're not even close to what a married couple or even just a normal couple should act. We're nothing more than strangers keeping up with appearances. And even though I know he can't stand me, why do I want more? Why can't I get him out of my mind? We've only been together a little more than a week, surely I can't be falling for him so soon. Not when he's so keen on keeping his well measured distance from me.
"Why so gloom, Regan?" Elliot asked and I just tried my best to smile and shook my head. I saw him frown but he didn't comment on it.
We just met yesterday, I won't start pouring my life to them. Yet. I've known Aaron longer and we rarely bring anything personal to the table.
"So what do you say, Scarlatti?"
"I'm sorry, what?" I frowned at Greg.
"I wanted to know if you wanted to come to the trip with us."
"What trip?" I asked confused. This is what I get for tuning out.
"Where are you, Regan?" Jared shook his head and began to explain. "It's a trip to this sort of camp in the woods. The school organizes one every year for seniors. Mr. Parker is the one who always goes with us, but he asks for other adults to go. It's an adult for every four to seven people. We'll spend three days there. Its done so that we spend some time together since its our last year."
"It's pretty neat, actually. You can do everything you want. Well nearly everything." Alice looked disappointed.
"Nearly?" I asked.
"Yeah, it depends on the adult that comes with us. And since they're adults and more 'mature' they take away the fun." Elliot shook his head in dismay.
"Last year my cousin invited us and we didn't do half of the things we wanted to. He always said how dangerous it was." Greg shook his head.
"So we need to find an adult that doesn't care what we do." Jared concluded.
"I'm not going this year guys." Leah finally spoke.
"Why the hell not?" the guys asked in anger.
"Because I don't have a job anymore and my parents wont pay for it." she sighed.
"How much is it?" I questioned the now sad people at the table.
"A hundred each plus whatever money you want to buy things over there." Leah said in defeat.
"Yeah, the cabins are expensive but its worth it." Greg mumbled and looked at Leah in disdain. "I'm sorry, I'll lent you the money if I could."
"It's okay, Greg." Leah smiled.
"I can pay for you." I said and all their heads snapped in my direction.
"What? No. No! Really, it's fine." Leah blushed and waved her hands at me.
"Nonsense. I can pay for it and I will, so don't argue with me."
"But it's your money I don't I you wasting it on me." Leah said to her defense.
"Your argument is invalid. It's my money and I spend it however I want, and right now I want to pay for your trip."
"But-"
"Accept it Leah. Regan is filthy rich, a hundred is nothing to her." Alice argued.
"She's right. Not about the filthy part, but I do have the money. Aaron wont miss a couple hundred." I smiled at Leah.
"Thank you."
"You are very welcomed."
"If you're so rich, why are you here?" Greg asked.
"Because I hate drama and stuck up people. My parents wanted to send me to a private school where some of their friends sent their kids. All that meant drama. So I asked Aaron and he said yes, as long as I graduate with good grades he's fine with where I study."
Greg nodded in understatement.
"Now we need an adult who will let us do as we please." Elliot and the rest of the guys went into deep thought.
"Aaron." I blurted.
Once again they snapped their gazes at me.
"Your husband hates me." Jared stated.
"Not entirely." I smiled a little.
"He's so serious and boring, he wont let us out of the cabin. No offense." Elliot said rapidly.
I waved my head in dismissal.
"He'll have us reading and lecturing us on how to be better people." Alice shuddered.
"You guys have a weird concept of him." I chuckled. "But you're not seeing the big picture here."
"Which is?" Leah asked.
"Aaron doesn't particularly like any of you." I told them with a wince.
"Exactly our point. He'll make our stay there miserable." Greg groaned.
"You don't know Aaron. When he doesn't care or like something, he simply ignores it. And I'm sorry to say this but he doesn't like or care about you guys. So he'll let you do whatever you want as long as you don't bother him much." I explained.
"He will have to go everywhere we go." Jared taunted.
"Are you sure he'll want to baby sit a bunch of teenagers?" Elliot looked at me worriedly.
"Like I said, he doesn't care. And as long as you don't try to make small conversation with him everything's good." I paused and then grinned at them, knowing I'd won the argument. "He's our only hope."
"So as long as we aren't friendly with him, he wont get in our way?" Jared asked again.
"Pretty much."
He rubbed his face and sighed. "Your husband is cold."
"True."
"Alright. Ask him and let us know what he says." Greg said as the bell rung.
"I'm sure he won't have a problem with it." I smiled reassuringly.
"No."
"Why not?"
"I'm not going to baby sit a bunch of crazy teenagers." Aaron argued.
I sat at the chair across his desk. He looked like a God in his studio. A freaking gorgeous God. Damn him.
"I'm not crazy."
"I didn't mean you."
"Come on, Aaron. It'll be fun. Plus you'll have a chance to rest and get away from all this work. I'm sure your father would understand if you missed three days."
"I won't leave my responsibilities to watch over your friends."
"We didn't have a honey moon because of your work, I'm sure if you explained to your father the situation he'll find someone to stand in your place for three days. It's normal for a married couple to take time off now and again." I fought.
"I said no."
I stood up and threw my hands up in exasperation.
"I do everything you ask of me, why cant you please me this once?"
"No is no Regan." he said and started typing away on his laptop.
"Oh no you don't." I snapped and slammed my hand down to close the laptop, if he didn't have good reflexes his finger's would have been crushed. He looked up at me in shock.
"I'm tired of you ignoring me and dismissing me like one of your servants. But guess what? I'm not your servant, I'm your wife. I'm your equal which means I also have a say in this farce. Why can't you just humor me and come with us? It's just three days! I've done everything you ask of me. I don't question you, I simply obey. But I'm tired of it. I'm tired of your indifference. I'm tired of your coldness. I'm tired of you being a complete asshole!" I said all in one breath then started panting in rage and began pacing away from the desk.
"Calm down Regan." he walked around to stand in front of his desk.
And I snapped again.
"Oh, that's just what you want don't you Aaron? A calm and composed wife who would do whatever you say without putting much of a fight. Well I'm sorry to crush your dreams. I wont let you step all over me. I'm just asking for a favor." I ran a hand through my hair and glared at him. "I didn't say anything when you practically threw me in my room and left me with the wedding dress still on. I didn't say a thing when you ignored me for three days. I didn't complain when you told me to act like I loved you. I didn't run off to my parents when you said you didn't want me. I don't give you grief every time you move away from me as if I have some disease. I've done everything you want until this day, putting away all my feelings, all my wants, just for your sake. And you don't want to go with me to a camp? Is it because you'll get sunburned? Because you'll scratch that perfect skin of yours? Because you wont lower yourself to hang with that class? Well fuck you Aaron, because what I've endured is more painful than what ever could happen to you at the camp."
It was until I finished my rant that I noticed I was crying. I felt shame coursing through me. I let him see me cry. I've cried every night since I got here, but not even once had I let him see that.
"That's all nonsense. I just don't have the time to-"
"Don't come near me. Now it's me who doesn't want you close." I snapped and saw him shocked for the first time.
"Too bad." this time there was anger below all that calm.
He walked up to me until I was pressed against the door and he was at arms length.
"Get away from me."
"No. Now listen to me-" he caged me in, placing both hands on either side of my head and stepping just a little bit closer.
"So you can be disgusted about me but I can't feel the same way? That's fair." I interrupted him knowing all too well how much he hated that.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not disgusted?" he snapped, making me cringe a little at the loud tone.
"You're simply not interested." my voice trembled. Don't cry again, Regan. Don't!
"Regan." Aaron warned.
Will he ever say my name the way Keith says Kara's? So much sweetness and love. I sighed.
Looking at Aaron right in his beautiful eyes as I prepared myself to be rejected.
"Prove it then."
"What?" Aaron frowned at me.
"Prove that I don't disgust you." I stood up straighter. "Kiss me like you actually mean it."
He stared at me for several seconds, I started to regret the challenge. I just embarrassed myself. With my hopes crushed I opened my mouth to tell him I was just messing with him but he beat me to it. Aaron's lips made contact with mine for a second and he pulled away a little, he seemed in deep thought and then his lips were on mine once again. It started soft, as if he was tasting first and then it became rough and passionate. It was as if he couldn't get enough. His tongue invaded my mouth, touching mine earning a moan and shiver from me. My arms went around his neck to caress his neck and hair with my hands, earning a small groan from him. Aaron's hands went to my hips and pulled me closer to him. I bet my luck in this and bit his bottom lip, softly pulling it. This time he growled and pushed me against the door roughly, pressing his whole body against mine, taking over the kiss. My head began to spin and my body felt hot. His lips then traveled to my neck where he kissed, licked and sucked. His teeth then bit my earlobe and I was a panting mess. I pressed my lips to his throat and felt him shiver.
"Is this proof enough?" he asked breathless, his mouth near my ear.
I nodded weakly, trying to regain all my cells back.
Aaron pulled completely away from me and walked behind his desk.
"I'll call my father, tell him I'll be missing three days." he grabbed the phone and then looked at me. "When do we leave?"
"The day after tomorrow."
Aaron frowned. "Such short notice. I'll arrange something."
"I'll let the guys know."
"Okay." Aaron said and I felt his eyes on me until I closed the door behind me.
What just happened?
Oh sweet Jesus, how am I supposed to look at him now? To touch him? When I know how passionate he can be.
With shaky legs I walked up to my room and sent a text to Elliot.
Aaron agreed. Tell the rest of the guys.
Seconds later my phone buzzed and I looked at Elliot's reply.
Sweet. Better start packing, this is going to be awesome!
I smiled and laid down on my bed, replaying the kiss over and over in my head.