Symphony Of Control

Nine

CHAPTER NINE

Kendrick’s POV

I pushed my door open, and nearly collided with Aria.

“Morning,” I started but she just walked past me like I was a host.

Her usually bright, lust filled and vulnerable eyes were now cold and completely distant— like she was someone else.

FUCK

FLASHBACK

“Then I want to know what we are.”

I was taken aback by the question.

She'd never been like this before, what suddenly happens?

“Kendrick…” she called

I blinked, jolting back to reality.

“Aria… you should just go to bed, I'll see you in the morning.” I didn't know if that was the truth I wanted to say but all I knew was that I shouldn't stay here much longer.

“Ken… Kendrick.” She called but I'd already walked out the door.

That question was way beyond what I was prepared for.

PRESENT

I followed her into the kitchen where the tempting scent of brewing coffee hung heavy in the air.

I reached for her, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind— she stiffened.

“Aria,” I murmured as I nuzzled her neck. “About last night—”

“We’re meeting my parents at the VIP diner for breakfast,” she cut me off— her voice sharp.

She pulled away, grabbing a cup and walked out, leaving me standing there. The scent of her perfume still hung in the air.

Guilt and confusion gnawed at me— What had started out as a game, a simple power exchange had turned into something far more complex.

When did I start losing control? When did her mood start affecting me? When did her sad face start turning my world upside down?

It was supposed to be just s*x with the aim of a release but somewhere along the line, it changed. I started noticing the vulnerability in her eyes, the longing for something more than just physical connection.

And I started to crave it too even with my walls built high.

Now… I was drowning in the feelings I'd developed for her— something I swore to never do.

What terrified me more was the truth I was still hiding from her— a secret that could shatter the fragile connection we'd built. I wanted to tell her, she needed to know but I know the aftermath would be a disaster.

“I'm so f****d!”

An hour later, I'd dressed up and was waiting for Aria to come out so we could head to the diner together. She soon stepped from her room— looking all breathtaking.

A royal blue gown clung to her curves, highlighting her figure. Her hair was styled up, revealing the delicate curve of her neck. She was flawless—

“Aria,” I said as I reached for her.

She tried to brush past me again but this time, I didn't let her. I grabbed her arm, spun her around and pinned her against the wall.

My mouth crashed against hers in a desperate, hungry kiss. I poured all my frustration, guilt and snowballed feelings into it.

At first, she struggled with her hands pushing against my chest. But then, she stopped, her lips parting willingly as her body softened against mine. I deepened my tongue as it tangled with hers, I could taste the remnants of her coffee.

Breathless, I finally broke away and dropped to my knees.

“Aria,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “I'm sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” She demanded, eyes shooting lasers. “For using me? For making me think there was something real between us?”

“No,” I said as I reached for her hand.

“I'm sorry for not being honest. I care so much about you Aria…”

“More than I was ever supposed to.”

Her expression softened but she was still edgy— suspicion lingered in her eyes.

“But…?”

“But I can't say anything else unless I tell you everything—” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. “I really want to tell you—”

“Then tell me.” She pleaded

“I can't do that now— after the breakfast meeting, I'll tell you.”

“You're sure?”

“I promise,” I said, squeezing her hand.

“After breakfast… I'll come clean, I won't hold back anymore.”

She stared for a long time, her eyes searching mine. She finally nodded as a flicker of hope returned to her gaze.

“Thank you,”

She nodded. I stood up, took her hand and intertwined our fingers. Together, we walked out of the suite— I know the meeting might last for a while but I was already mentally preparing my speech.

Ho

w do I tell her—

How do I tell her I'm already engaged to be married without hurting her feelings?