His Crode Clutches

Unspoken bond!

Author Pov

“What’s going on here?”

Aria’s voice cut through the tension and she stepped forward, a deep frown visible on her face.

Nora turned to her slowly, one brow arched in amusement.

“Well, well… the bodyguard has arrived.” She let out a fake laugh. “Relax, Aria. We’re just talking to your little friend.”

Her minions giggled behind her, but Aria’s glare didn’t waver.

“Looks more like you’re trying to pick on someone just because you’re bored!”

One of Nora’s minions scoffed. “We just wanted to ask her about the guy picking her up in that shiny car yesterday.”

Another chimed in with a mocking pout. “Didn’t know our little Rosa had such high-profile connections.”

Rosa clutched her notebook tighter, shrinking under their stares, but Aria stood tall. “And what if she does? It’s none of your business.”

Nora frowned at her bravery. “Stay out of this!” she warned, stepping a little closer.

But Aria didn’t budge. “You stay away from her! Mind your own business!” she snapped back.

Nora’s eyes narrowed. “Getting bold, aren’t you?”

Aria crossed her arms. “Only when people like you forget their limits.”

Nora grit her teeth, about to stomp toward Aria, fury flashing in her eyes. Rosa’s eyes widened in panic. This was getting out of hand.

“Stop, please.” Rosa whispered, her voice cracking with nervousness, but it was so low no one heard her.

Just then, Max appeared out of nowhere.

“Girls! What the hell is going on? Stop!” Nora snapped her head toward him, glaring, but he didn’t flinch or step back.

“Well, look who showed up right on time, her knight in shining attitude!” Nora said, glancing at Max before throwing a mocking look.

“Too bad yours didn’t;” Aria snapped.

Nora’s face darkened instantly. Her fists clenched at her sides and her minions shifted uncomfortably behind her.

“I’ll see you!”

Nora gritted through her teeth before throwing one last glare at Rosa and stomping out of the classroom.

Aria rolled her eyes, her arms crossing as she looked over at Max. “Thanks, Max.” she muttered.

Max didn’t respond right away. His eyes were already on Rosa, expecting her to say something.

Rosa stood there,

“Thanks.” she mumbled.

A smile tugged at Max’s lips. “My pleasure. If she ever targets you again, just tell me, alright?”

Rosa didn’t say anything, her eyes glued to the floor. Aria noticed and scoffed lightly at Max and he glared at her before walking off to his seat.

“Idiot.” Aria muttered under her breath before turning to Rosa.

Rosa was still standing like a lost kitten when Aria pulled her hand and made her sit beside her. “Are you okay?” she whispered.

Rosa stayed silent, and Aria held her hands.

“Don’t worry, Rosa. I’m always here for you.” Aria said in a soft voice.

Rosa looked at her. Aria really was a good friend, brave, loyal, and kind. Not everyone had someone like that.

“Thanks, Aria.” Rosa mumbled with a small smile.

“You heard what she said? I’m your bodyguard now, so it’s officially my duty to protect you.” Aria added, nudging her slightly.

Rosa let out a soft giggle, her tense shoulders finally relaxing a bit.

Aria didn’t ask anything about the car. She knew boundaries. If Rosa ever wanted to tell, she would. No need to push and make her uncomfortable.

⏤⏤⏤

The bell rang, marking the end of the final class.

Aria let out a dramatic sigh and stretched her arms above her head. “Ugh, my back’s gonna break someday.” she muttered, cracking her neck as students started leaving one by one.

She turned to Rosa, who was quietly packing her books. “Rosa.” she called, a playful tone in her voice.

“I wanna take you to my house.”

Rosa paused, blinking. Aria pouted, eyes big and lips jutting out. She whined. “Pleaseee?” Rosa couldn’t help but smile, her heart softened. “Okay.” she nodded.

“Yay!” Aria did a tiny victory hop, grabbing her bag with excitement. “Let’s go, let’s go!” she chirped.

Rosa giggled softly, grabbing her own bag. The two walked out together, Aria swung their hands while chatting away. Aria’s energy was too infectious to resist.

Nora’s sharp gaze locked onto the two girls laughing as they disappeared down the corridor. Her nails dug into her palm, lips curled in annoyance.

“Aria is such a loudmouth.” one of her minions scoffed beside her. “She thinks she’s untouchable now.” another said.

Nora’s jaw tightened. “Let her laugh now,” she sneered, voice dripping with hatred. “I’ll make sure she cries later.”

-----

The streets were quiet as Aria and Rosa made their way to Aria’s place.

Finally, after a few turns, they stopped. Aria pointed at a house with vines curling around the side walls. “Tada! My little kingdom!”

Rosa looked up at the big house. A small garden sat out front, and the house looked peaceful under the golden dusk light.

“This is your place?” Rosa asked softly.

“Yup. It’s a little cozy, but I like it. You’ll see.” She grinned at Rosa.

Aria leaned in close, whispering, “You’re gonna love my room. It’s messy, though, so don’t judge.”

“I won’t.” Rosa mumbled with a sweet smile.

Aria fished her key out from her pocket and unlocked the door. The door creaked open, and a soft warmth spilled out from inside, the faint scent of vanilla and something floral filling Rosa’s nose.

It felt... homey.

“Mom and Dad doesn’t live with me.” Aria announced and stepped inside, kicking her shoes off. “So we can be as loud as we want.”

Rosa quietly followed her in, slipping off her shoes and looking around. The living room was large, and family pictures were scattered across the walls.

“Come on.” Aria gestured with her head, already walking toward the stairs. “My room’s upstairs.”

Rosa trailed behind, her fingers brushing the railing as they ascended. Everything felt warm. Safe.

Just like the home she once used to live in.

When Aria flung open the door to her room, Rosa’s eyes widened slightly.

There were clothes on the floor, posters on the walls, and a bunch of fairy lights tangled over the headboard of her bed.

“Told you it’s messy.” Aria grinned.

Rosa smiled. “I like it.”

Aria dropped her bag and flopped down on the bed, sighing dramatically. “Come on, sit. Don’t just stand there like a guest.”

Rosa hesitated for a second, then quietly sat down, smoothing her skirt over her knees. Her eyes wandered around the room, taking in the soft colors and photo strips on the mirror.

Aria propped herself up on one elbow, watching her. “You okay?”

Rosa nodded slowly. “It’s just, it’s been a while since I visited someone’s home like this.” she replied in her gentle voice.

Aria’s smile softened. “Well, get used to it. You’re gonna be coming over a lot more now.”

Rosa looked at her, surprised.

Aria shrugged. “I mean, someone’s gotta protect you from crazy girls like Nora, right?”

That made Rosa giggle, the sound soft. Aria laughed too, pleased she could make her smile. “You’re not alone, Rosa.” Aria said, getting up from the bed. “I’m here. Your friend.”

Rosa looked down at her lap, lips curving into a smile. “Thank you.”

Aria grinned. “Anytime, princess,” she chimed, walking out of the room. Rosa looked around.

Aria returned with two glasses of juice in her hands. “Ta-da!” she announced. “Orange juice for us. Cold and fresh.”

Rosa looked up, a little startled.

“You’re my guest. I gotta treat you right.” Aria said, plopping down beside her. Rosa slowly took the glass, murmuring a soft, “Thank you, Aria.”

“Most welcome, your highness.” That made Rosa smile quietly, her fingers wrapped around the glass as she took a sip. The tangy coldness was refreshing after a long day.

“Good, right?” Aria asked.

Rosa nodded with a cheeky smile. “Very.”

Aria beamed. “Told ya.”

Their laughter echoed faintly in the quiet room, like a secret only they shared.

------

Killian sat in the driver’s seat of his sleek black car, one hand resting on the steering wheel, the other tapping his ringed fingers against his knee. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the world into shades of blue and gray.

A soft click sounded in his ear, his Bluetooth earpiece activated.

“Boss,” came a voice, low, from the other side. One of his men. Killian’s jaw tightened immediately. “Talk.”

“She didn’t return home.” the man reported. “She’s currently with a girl. Classmate. They left together. We tracked them to a residential house.”

There was a pause. Static buzzed lightly through the connection.

Killian’s mind flashed an image of Rosa and Aria, the only girl Rosa ever seemed to talk to.

Killian’s voice dropped an octave. His jaw clenched.

His voice came low and emotionless. “Keep an eye on her.”

“Yes, boss.” The line went silent again.

Killian’s fingers curled tighter around the steering wheel, leather creaking beneath his grip. His tongue clicked against his teeth.

She was supposed to be in his mansion. Safe. Obedient. Seen, but not wandering.

She’s soft. Fragile. She needs to be watched. Protected.

Controlled.

But she left without his permission!