Defects
1083 Words
Asha
It's been hours since the mating gala ended. Although I arrived home a little early, because the event was just suffocating for me, I still haven't been able to fall asleep as I thought I would.
I get off the bed, and head towards the door. If I can't sleep now, I might as well let the breeze caress me a little.
I walk out of the house, going towards the pool. It's become my favorite part of the house. Anytime I feel suffocated, the pool is the place to go for me.
I arrive at the pool with my bag of chips, and I sit down, putting my leg in it. The coolness of the pool sends sweet chills down my spine.
"What a great evening, hm?" I tear open my bag of chips.
Just when I'm finally enjoying my peace and quiet, I hear the pool bubbling up.
I snap my eyes open to see what it is. My heart jumps to my throat, I leap to my feet ready to defend myself if there's a need.
A head pops out of the water, before breaking through the surface.
It's Auren.
"Auren? Wh..at were you doing under the pool not moving?" I let out a shaky sigh of relief.
He shrugs, coming up to sit beside me.
"How are you feeling? Why aren't you asleep yet?" He grabs a towel from the railing, wrapping it around his neck.
I sigh deeply, setting my bag of chips aside, "I just couldn't sleep. It didn't come."
He hums something under his breath, "I couldn't sleep either."
I turn to look at him again, my eyes falling on his bare chest. He isn't exactly a muscular guy, but he's perfectly lean, and has perfectly defined abs.
I let my eyes trail to his strong arms, my heart fluttering at the sight.
"Oh wow," I mutter under my breath, tearing my eyes away from him, feeling heat crawl up my neck.
"Is there something you want to say?" He breaks the silence, and I feel his gaze resting on me.
"Uh.. or course not," i shift away from him, feeling my heart race with excitement.
"I don't bite. You can come closer, darling," his voice drops.
My heart leaps, as I stuff my mouth with a handful of chips to stop myself from saying something stupid.
Before I know it, his hand wraps over my shoulder, leaning closer.
"Mind if I have some?" He sticks his hand into my bag of chips, bringing out a handful.
The sound of heartbeat pounding in my ears leave me flustered, and undeniably embarrassed.
"I.. want to ask you something, Auren."
He shoves the chips into his mouth, then faces me, "Hm?"
"The thing is.. I'm mateless, and at some time of the month, my heat comes, and for me it's usually unbearable. What if it comes about next month? Would you.." I pause to suck in some breath, "Would you help me?"
He throws his head back, a small smirk playing with his lips, "I'm mateless too, and I also have my heat bothering me. So what do you think?" His eyes meet mine.
I exhale deeply, looking away from him, "So is this what our marriage is about?"
Not that I mind, I actually enjoy this position.
"I already told you why I married you, right? We're both defects; it's only right we married each other. Besides, I would present you to my grandfather soon. I have to show him what I'm capable of."
I clench my fists, looking at my legs in the pool. A strange coolness, rests over my chest, my breathing comes out in slow, controlled exhales.
"What's the matter?" He slides his hands to hold mine.
"Is there a limit to this? This is a contract, right?" I raise my eyes to look at the stars.
"Yes?"
"So is there a limit at all? If there is, when does this end?"
His hand leaves my palm, placing both his hands on my shoulders, "Look at me."
I shake my head, "I can't."
His hand gently grips my chin, making me look him in the eyes, "Do you plan on leaving me soon or what?" He lids his eyes.
"What does that mean? This is a contract, there should be some kind of limit. If there isn't, then I don't mind either," I free my face from his grip.
If there isn't a limit to this. Then it's my advantage. I could use this position for as long as I want without any obstruction.
"Aurora, I.."
I whip my head in his direction again.
His eyes slightly crinkle at the corners, his eyes softening as his ember eyes look directly into my soul. They carry this kind of intensity I have never seen in eyes before. He places his hand on my cheek again, his pupils dilating slightly, shimmering like emeralds.
"I don't know if I should say this, but I don't want you to leave at all. You should stay with me. I don't think anyone would take care of you the way I will."
My head swells under the intensity of his gaze. I glance away for a few seconds, shifting uncomfortably under his gaze.
His other hand frames my jaw, making me look him in the eyes again.
"Please don't look away from me, or am I making you uncomfortable?"
I slightly part my lips, mouthing the word, yes.
His shoulders droop, his face falling as he slowly leaves mine alone.
"I don't mean to bother you," he gets to his feet, "I just like you, okay?"
He gives me a sad smile, swoops my bag of chips, then walks away.
I sit there, feeling lightheaded like I've been injected with some kind of drug. My body is still trembling, my heart pounding as if it wants to get out of my body.
"What do you know about liking someone you hardly know?" I shakily sigh, "Tsk. That can't be possible," I manage to stand on my feet.
First, he talks about taking me to meet his grandfather, now he likes me? Really now?
My body is still trembling, and my legs almost give way. The afterimage of his eyes lingers in my head, sending violent shocks all over my limbs.
I shake my head, pushing out those thoughts.
I accepted this because of revenge. I can't spoil what's ahead of me because of this.
Breathe, Asha, forget about it.
- Writer
