THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

Chapter 5 — Knight In A Wet Blue Suit

I struggled to take his hand off my mouth but instead he took his hand off my neck and tugged on my purse. I tried to fight him off, but this guy was strong. He was trying to rip my purse from my grasp, but I was determined not to let him. Drenched and still getting more drenched, we struggled, spinning around in the rain–soaked street, my feet slipping on the wet pavement and my purse was slowly leaving my hold.

I was starting to get scared, my heart racing, when out of nowhere, a car came screeching around the corner, its bright headlights illuminating the dark scene. The driver jumped out and my eyes widened at who it was. Aaron. What was he doing here?

I mean, we had fought earlier today, and I thought we were so done with each other. I didn’t think he’d ever want to see me again, let alone help me. He ran towards us, his eyes blazing with determination as he grabbed the assailant and pulled him off me. I was taken aback by his strength and speed.

“Let her go!” Aaron shouted, his voice firm and commanding.

The guy struggled, but Aaron was too strong. He punched my assailant hard in the face but that didn’t seem to deter my assailant who returned the punch but Aaron was quick to duck.

Aaron threw another punch at him on the nose and under his chin in quick succession which finally made him release my bag and run off into the night, disappearing into the rain.

Aaron turned to me, his eyes scanning me for injuries. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, still shaken. “Y-yes, thanks to you”

He didn’t say anything, but took my arm and led me to his car. I was surprised he didn’t lecture me or bring up our earlier argument. He just opened the door and helped me in.

As we drove through the rain–soaked streets, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I was. If Aaron hadn't shown up….

“Thanks, Aaron” I said finally, breaking the silence. “I owe you one. And sorry you got drenched”

He glanced over at me “We both are drenched and no need to thank me, Khloe. Just don’t call off our deal, that’s all”

We drove in silence for a bit, the rain slaps against the glass being the only sound we knew. I couldn’t help but steal glances at him, wondering why he’d helped me after our argument.

Finally, he spoke up. “I know we didn’t part on the best terms earlier, but I could not just leave you to fend for yourself”

I felt a pang of guilt and gratitude. “Thanks, Aaron. That means a lot coming from you”

“See? No armor, no helmet, no sword, but I came through. What does that make me, eh?” He said and I couldn’t help but laugh

“A knight in a wet blue suit”

“Point of correction, your knight in a wet blue suit” We laughed

“How did you even find me?”

“After ringing your line and seeing that you didn’t pick up, of course you refused to, ‘cause I know you saw my calls, I figured that you hadn’t gone too far and you don’t know your way so much around here, so I came after you, driving somewhat slow, searching the street for you. I arrived just in time”

We remained silent until we pulled up to my apartment, and Aaron got out to walk me to the door. As we stood there, he turned to me and said, “You in or out?”

I was silent for a while before I nodded. “I’m in. Thanks again, Aaron”

He smiled and turned to leave, but I called out to him.

“Aaron?”

He turned back, his eyes questioning.

“Why did you help me? After what happened earlier….”

He shrugged. “We’ve come way too far to back out now, haven’t we? Don’t you think it’ll be a waste of time and resources if we decide to end things here?”

I didn’t know what to say, so I just smiled and thanked him again. As I watched him drive away, I couldn't help but wonder what this new beginning was going to look like for us. We had a sham wedding to plan. I giggled at the thought of planning a fake wedding ceremony.

__________

Here I was five weeks later, standing at the altar, intently watching my husband–to–be read our marriage vows. Aaron cut a striking figure in his white three piece suit which had a boutonniere attached to it, whose main flower was forest green in color while its accent and filler flowers were gold. Right above it, was a forest green hanky which was also the color of his bow tie. His taper fade haircut and pair of studs complimented his look, adding a touch of debonair to his appearance.

He was a fine figure of a man and he knew it. I wasn’t sure exactly, which got to his head –his beauty or his wealth– or maybe both. And oh! There was fame too, just that it was somewhat tied to his family’s name, so I understood why he wanted to make a name for himself. I mean, that was why we were at this altar in the first place.

Myself on the other hand, shone in my stunning, bridal white wedding gown, its delicate tulle and satin billowing around me, like the fairytale Cinderella dress. My large bouquet contained the colors of Aaron’s hanky and boutonniere.

And to add, Aaron chose to bring me chocolate and flowers two days after coming to my rescue in the rain, just so he could strengthen my re–decision of not backing out of our deal. That was his way of apologizing too. He could have easily said the words, “I’m sorry” and that might have done the magic but that was simply him being Aaron Steinberg.

I felt a nudge on my shoulder. That was Tanya. She was my Chief bridesmaid. She was nudging me to say my vows. Indeed I had zoned out. I cleared my throat and began talking. If only the congregation knew they were deceived. A part of me felt bad about it, but it was for a good cause.

The conclusion of my vows erupted clapping, mild laughter and even blushing from the audience the same way Aaron’s did. We exchanged rings and the Priest began saying things I didn’t pay attention to but fortunately, I caught the “I pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride” part. That was the climax of the ceremony.

Aaron’s davy gray eyes caught my ocean blue contacts and I tried to signal to him that he could just peck me on the cheek but he didn’t seem to understand my visual and facial gestures or more like, he chose not to understand. We had talked about everything concerning our wedding ceremony and the marriage after, but we had omitted this part unfortunately.

He covered the space between us and wrapped his left hand around my waist, pulling me to himself, so that we were now in close proximity. “We really don’t have to kiss, Aaron” I whispered as I placed my hands gently on his chest.

“I’m definitely not missing what your lips taste like” He whispered back and before I could blink, he placed his lips against mine.