“I don't want to hear it.” He nuzzles his face into my neck, not entertaining whatever I was about to ask as he holds me close.

My breathing slows.

“You have ruined me for any other woman, Aurora.”

Chapter Six

AURORA

“You fucked the man?!” Lydia screeches with wide eyes. I wince, cowering backwards in my car.

I look away from the screen of my phone, glancing around my driveway where my car is parked as if I want to check if anyone is watching. Then, I swing my head towards her, my eyes narrowing on her in a glare.

“Keep it down,” I hiss through gritted teeth.

“I'm not keeping anything down, bitch. You fucked your dad's best friend. I'm struggling to wrap my head around the fact that he made you come in a corn maze on Halloween.” Much to my horror, Lydia doesn't in any way look pissed, in fact, she looks amused, grinning from ear to ear.

“How was it?” she wiggles her eyebrows at me, tossing some chips into her mouth.

My eyes widened in shock. “Lydia!”

“What? I looked the man up, he's insanely hot and ripped. He's a monster in bed, no doubt.” She says with a casual shrug. My core tingles in remembrance of him inside me, my cheeks burning hot.

“Lydia, please. Can you act serious?” I groan, tucking my hair behind my ear.

“Fine,” she rolls her eyes. I exhale. “Do you like him?” She speaks up softly.

“What? No! Are you crazy? Did you miss the part where I said he's my Dad's best friend? He's fifty years old for goodness sake!” I lament.

“I heard that part.” She grins. “But it didn't stop you from spreading those legs and fucking him.”

“I know, it was a?—”

“Don't you dare finish that sentence.” Lydia levels me with a glowering look. “It wasn't a mistake. Three times, Aurora Marshall. You have been with him, three fucking times. Yes, you only slept with him once but if you didn't want him, you wouldn't have gone along with it. I know you, Aurora. You don't just sleep with anyone.” Her eyes are pinned on me, those words striking nerves I don't want them to.

“I don't like him.” I insist, even though my guts twist as I say those words.

“You are lying.” She grimaces.

“You don't?—”

“I don't get it?” she arches a brow at me and completes it before I can finish. “It's complicated. He's your dad's best friend and things are probably going to get more complicated when your Dad finds out, but don't lie to yourself by telling me that you don't like him.”

I look away from her, blinking back my tears. I hate that she's right. “I don't know what to do…” I say shakily.

“Of course you do,” she smiles at me. “For starters, stop running from him. Maybe you two can figure things out from there.”

“Okay,” I whisper. She flashes me a huge grin that instantly makes my heart melt. “I have to go in now. I need to finish up with some sketches. How does having drinks tomorrow evening sound?”

“Perfect!” she claps her hands like a little girl, eliciting a giggle from me. “I'll see you tomorrow. I love you!”

I wave at her and she hangs up.

My deep exhale fills the car when I put my phone away. I pick up my bag and alight from my car, heading to the front porch. I punch in my passcode into the security system at the door and it beeps open, letting me in.

The space between my brows dip in confusion when I notice that the lights are on. I might be forgetful at times but one thing I never do is leave my lights on when I'm heading out. My handbag drops to the floor with a thud when I hear the clinking of utensils in my kitchen.

An alarm goes off in my head when I register the danger lurking in the confines of my home. My heartbeat quickens, cold sweat breaking out on my skin.