Infernal Incarnation: Asmodeus to Ari

Chapter 8

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    Some hours had passed since Kate texted the family group chat to let us all know she had left school and started the trek home.  She should be arriving sometime soon, thought Ari, rolling their head and popping their neck to release some stress that had built up throughout the day.  It's time to get out of here anyway.  Ari swiftly got up, gathered up their things and then rushed to grab the elevator about to return down, forgetting they had given Jerome the rest of the day off when he dropped them off this morning.  Ari couldn't help but let out a frustrated groan once they reached the lobby floor and saw that their car wasn't already outside waiting for them.

    Watching from the security desk, Laura couldn't help but smile and bite her lip, dear goddess, they're so cute. When they're flustered, they're absolutely adorable, but still so incredibly sexy.  

    Gus softly elbowed Laura in the arm, "Why don't you offer them a ride home?" 

    Laura just looked back at Gus in shock, "What?! What do you mean, I- I wouldn't even know how to get them home, an-and isn't... isn't that inappropriate?" Laura was visibly flushed at the thought of being alone in a car with Ari. Ari and all their magnetic, sexy and alluring energy. She couldn't help but feel drawn to them. The best she could explain it is that Ari had their own gravity field, and anyone that dared to get close enough would get pulled in. Not that she minded. Laura found Ari to be absolutely exhilarating, but she had only ever admired them from afar. 

        "What do you mean, what do I mean? It -is- technically part of our job description. We are here to keep the building secure, but we are mainly here to ensure the safety and security of Ari.  Besides, they don't live too far from here, and your lunch break is coming up. You could use the hour to take Ari home, then we can have something delivered here, and we can gossip girl over some food together." Gus winked at Laura before letting a knowing grin spread across his face. 

    Upon hearing this, Laura was completely flush, blushing to the point to where she could feel the heat in her cheeks. However, she was also really confused.  Looking back at Gus, she asked, "What?! I mean, I know that Ari works on the top floor so they must be an exec or something,  but how is the safety and security of the execs part of our job description?"

    She had always known Ari was someone that had to be higher up in the company because they worked on the top floor. At least, that's where the number on the elevator stopped before returning back to the lobby. She had never seen them with any security, though. 

    Gus laughed at her response and shook his head with a smile. "Laura... Ari isn't just some exec that works here.  Ari is the owner and CEO of this company."

    Laura felt her jaw drop and her eyes widen at the revelation.  "But they look like they're so young... How did they become the Owner and CEO of a company so soon, assuming they are as young as they look?"  If Ari were the CEO, wouldn't they at least have some sort of security detail or something?  Or is that not the way they do things around here?  Ugh, and if they are, I have been pining after the Owner/CEO of this company; entertaining a crush on Ari like a school girl.  Like they would -ever- consider me... a lowly security guard when they essentially own all of this and are in charge of everything around here... oh goddess. 

    Gus didn't even bother with a reply, instead calling out to Ari with a beaming grin,  "Excuse me, Ari?" 

    Ari turned and grinned at Gus,  "Heya, Gus. Is everything alright?" Ari asked as they started making their way toward the desk where the security team was located. 

        "Of course, Ari.  I jus- I couldn't help but notice that Jerome isn't here and you seemed a bit flustered. So, I wanted to see if you were alright, or if you had a ride... If you don't, Laura here has graciously offered to give you a lift home."  Gus added in the last bit because he knew that Laura would never have the guts to -actually- offer Ari a ride home, especially given how she reacted to learning they are the owner and CEO of the architecture firm. 

    Ari just stood there for a moment, blinking, as they were not expecting that to come out. Is my helplessness that obvious?,  they thought then quickly brushed the thought aside. "One moment, I was just about to order an Uber or Lyft, but I..." Ari stopped short as they looked down at their phone, seeing that the soonest an Uber ride could get to them would be another 26 minutes. Mulling over their options for a minute, they thought, Better to get a ride from someone I somewhat know than a complete stranger... and a cute woman that has something about her I can't quite put my finger on... f**k an Uber. 

    Clearing their throat, then looking back at the pair of security guards Ari addressed Laura, "I would be really appreciative of a ride home.  I had forgotten that I gave my driver the rest of the day and weekend off.  I'll even speak with payroll and make sure that you're compensated extra for the ride." 

    Laura's mouth suddenly when bone dry and all she could do was smile and nod in response.  Swallowing hard, then looking over at Gus, Laura managed to choke out, "I-I'm just... I'll go get my keys", finishing with a blush and a small smile.  Ari simply returned a smile and nodded in response to Laura, then turning to Gus when Laura had gone from earshot, "Gus, you sly dog.  I know what you're trying to do." 

        "I haven't the faintest, Ari."  Gus replied with a smile that stretched from ear to ear, and a glint of excitement in his eyes.  Ari had known Gus since before he had taken over the architecture firm. In fact, Gus had known Ari since they were a youngling coming in to visit their parents at the firm.  As they had already stated to their friend, Ari knew exactly what Gus was trying to do. And while they really appreciated Gus for it, attempting to set up Ari had always gone wrong for everyone else in the past. Why would it work just because Gus was the one to suggest getting together with someone? 

        "Ahh, uh-huh, because I'm totally gonna believe that", Ari smirked and raised their eyebrows at Gus expectantly.  "What do you think is going to come of this, Gus-Gus?"

        "Oh, nothing, nothing.  Not a thing.  Just thought you might appreciate a lift home from a beautiful woman.  Don't worry,  she doesn't have to take you all the way like Jerome does,  if you want to protect your privacy.  I know how finnicky you are about people knowing too much about you."  Gus lifted both palms in a surrendered position, then waved them at Ari to accentuate his innocence.  

    Suddenly Ari's eyes widened, then they swatted at Gus's hands, and hurriedly tried to shush him. "She's coming back, act natural".  Gus just looked back at Ari and let out a hearty laugh,  as Ari cleared their throat and tried to act as if Gus hadn't just let them in on what his alterior motives were for suggesting Laura give them a ride.  Goodness gracious, did Ari love this man's full belly laugh, it could spread joy to anyone within a 20 foot radius.  Gus had the kind of laugh that made other people laugh and he never held back when he was tickled about something. 

    Laura returned then, car keys in hand and her jacket already on.  Smiling up at Ari and Gus, "Alright, I'm back",  she said breathlessly,  "What'd I miss, y'all?" 

    Clearing their throat again, then flashing their famous devilish grin at Laura,  "Oh, nothing, nothing. Not a thing.  Ol' Gus here was just filling me in on some updates from his family.  Weren't ya, Gus-Gus?"  Ari looked at Gus, smirking with their eyebrows raised, and their dimples in full force. 

        "Yep, yep, what you said, boss.",  Gus chuckled as he turned to answer the ringing phone. 

        "I'll be back as soon as possible, Gus.  Let me know if you need anything while I'm out."  

    Gus just moved his hand to wave his dismissal of the two while he continued speaking to whomever was on the other side of the phone call.  Laura couldn't help but feel the giddiness bubbling up inside of her.  Damn, these butterflies are getting out of control,  she thought to herself as she smiled at Ari, then gave a small nod before turning on her heel and leading the way to where she was parked in the parking garage.  IF I survive this,  I'll still need a fresh pair of panties, I swear.  Thank you, goddess, for somehow orchestrating this into my fate,  Laura thought to herself, unconsciously biting her lip. 

    As the pair finally reached her car,  Laura asked Ari if they could put their address in the GPS navigation app on her phone so she would know where she'd be driving. Ari obliged, then walked to the passenger side to open the door and climb in.  Before they could enter the car, though, they turned to Laura and asked, "Would you like me to just put these things in the back seat?" 

    Laura let out an audible gasp before blurting out an apology.  "I'm so sorry, I completely spaced and forgot I still had all this up here."  Ari's curiosity was piqued, they watched Laura fretting over the state of the front seat as she was gathering all of her things and relocating them to the trunk.  Ari raised an eyebrow and c****d their head to the side, This woman is quirky as hell.  "It's quite alright, I- I'm sorry, but, what is all this?"  Ari asked, motioning to the books, baubles and small trinkets that Laura had relocated to the trunk before they got in the car. 

        "Oh, hah, it- it'll just sound silly, I don't think you'd be into it, really."

        "Hah, a bit presumptuous, don't you think, Laura?"  

        "Oh, oh goodness... I mean... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to assume." Laura said sorrowfully as she plopped down into the drivers seat, watching Ari also climb into the car. 

    Suddenly bursting out in laughter, Ari holds up his hand to stop Laura's trailing apology.  "It's alright, it's okay, I'm only joking.  I really -am- interested, though.  I don't mean to pry, though, you don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable with it."  Ari tried their best to look innocent, which only served to further charm Laura. 

    Oh goddess, look at that face... how can I possibly say no to sharing anything with this person?? Help me!   "Well",  Laura started hestitantly, "these are all things that coincide with my spiritual beliefs.  I study and do research on the gods and goddesses of lore from this region, as well as the ones that were worshipped where my family comes from in Norway."  She paused to see if there'd be any reaction, but so far Ari just stared back at her, absorbing everything she was saying to them.  

        "In my family, we have always worshipped, or served, a specific goddess.  Some family members would also worship, learn about and honor other gods in addition, but there's a particular goddess who's known as a patron deity for our family.  As the story goes, centuries and centuries ago, my family made a pact with the goddess Frig.  In return for her being our patron deity, or goddess, our family would continue to celebrate and worship her."  Laura stopped suddenly, realizing that she had already spent a great deal of time just rambling about herself, her faith, and now her family.

        "I'm so sorry, I'm rambling... We should get going."  Laura stated before moving uneasily in her seat, then fiddling with the air conditioning.  Whenever she got really nervous or embarrassed, she got crazy hot and didn't want to start sweating.  What in the world, Laura, get it together.  She silently scolded herself as she readjusted then let out a dejected sigh, not wanting to make eye contact with Ari now that she had thoroughly embarrassed herself.   

    After a few seconds of stunned silence on Ari's part, they responded to Laura, "I don't think you were rambling, and I don't mind.  I actually rather enjoyed learning that about you.  This is all very interesting...  I have never heard of this goddess, Frig.  Or patron deities, or gods and goddesses making pacts with families, that's all incredible!"  Ari looked at Laura, noticing she was chiding herself, She really wears her emotions on her sleeve, doesn't she. "Look, please, don't feel bad, and please don't be embarrassed.  I mean it, I found all of that to be really interesting.  Especially because I have recently become more interested in spirituality myself." 

        "Oh?  Only recently?  So... so, did you grow up with any sort of spiritual practice or religion?  If you don't mind my asking, of course."  

        "Actually, my parents were 'non-denomination' Christians, but we never really went to church or did any worship services.  I mean, we did when we were kids, but at some point we started going less and less until we stopped going all together."  Ari paused wondering at why they had never thought to ask about why their family wasn't particularly religious or spiritual.  That could be interesting to bring up at the family dinner tonight,  Ari thought with a small smile, still pensive. 

        "Anyway, um, we used to go to a non-denominational church, but I don't really have many memories from that place other than a conversation here, a snippet of words there...  Some interactions with the other members of the church at the 'trunk or treat' events the church held so we wouldn't go trick or treating on Halloween."  Ari laughed out loud this time, despite themself.  "I used to hate having to go to the church on Halloween instead of going out and getting candy door to door like other kids."  Ari sighed, "but... I guess I didn't have to do that for long anyway, so it doesn't really matter".  Ari trailed off and didn't bother with continuing their train of thought out loud.  I don't know what it is about this woman, but I don't feel compelled to put on a show with her like I normally do with strangers... and already having a conversation about our families, she's definitely way more adept at getting me to open up than anyone else I've ever met in my life.  Something about her it just... comfortable.  

    Laura felt a pang of sadness, at what Ari had shared with her and wondered what it must have been like to not be able to celebrate Halloween. Her family didn't celebrate Halloween in the traditional sense, either, but she was -not- about to try to explain the Sabbats or the finer details of what the women's roles in her family's spiritual practice and teaching had been.  "Good decision on that one, lass.  That would definitely be too much too soon, goose."  Laura smiled at the voice in her head that confirmed it was best not to reveal more.  

        "Well, we are here, Ari"  Laura stated as they pulled up in front of Ari's parents house.  "I have to admit, this isn't what I had originally thought when Gus said you lived close to here.  I guess I had you pegged more for a downtown kind of person, and not so much of a suburbs person."  

    Ari looked around as a small laugh escaped their lips, "Well, hah, actually, I had you drive me to my parents house", a smirk playing at their lips.  "Something no other woman has done or seen.  Come to think of it, I don't think that I have ever brought a woman home, much less had a woman bring me home".  

    Laura couldn't help but let out a laugh and playfully slap at Ari's arm with a dramatic gasp, "What?! You had me bring you to your parents house??  Does this mean I am in your good graces?" Laura asked as Ari exited the car.

    Ari bent down to make eye contact with Laura before responding.  "Well, you could say that... plus, I hear we run some seriously thorough background checks on anyone we'd allow to have guns in the building.  So, I figured there was only a tiny itty bitty chance that you were crazy."  Ari laughed as they shot Laura a wink.  

    Laura felt her eyes get insanely wide, as she suddenly burst out into laughter.  "You're funny, you know that??  And, about the whole crazy thing...  I guess you'll just have to get to know me more to find out", she retorted with a wink of her own.  "Have a good time at your parents, I have to skidaddle back.  Don't wanna lose my job."

        "Don't worry about it.  I'll put in a word with the owner, I'm sure they won't mind you being a little late.  Afterall,  you did me quite a big favor."  Ari flashed a smile at Laura, who in return bit her lip then smiled back.  

        "Well, thank you for that."

        "No problem at all, drive safe on your way back."  Ari tapped the top of the car twice, then turned to walk into their parents house, with a newfound pep in their step.  I think I really like her...  Maybe Gus has some sort of magic match-making mojo afterall.  Ari had liked plenty of people, and had always had their fair share of lovers to explore new things with, but never had they ever felt that kind of pull toward someone.  

        This is new... new, and exciting,  Ari thought to themself.   I don't know what she has done to me, but I know for sure I want to feel it again.

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