Page 32 of Scandalous

This afternoon in the park with Aurora has been everything we could have hoped for. Not only was she open to what we were suggesting, she almost seemed excited about it.

I wasn’t sure where she was going when she mentioned Santi and Ezra, but I didn’t mistake the hurt in her expression. She likes them both as much as she likes us. She hasn’t said it out loud, but her actions are speaking for her.

Ezra was so worried about her picking only one of us, but she doesn’t want only one. She wants us all.

With renewed energy, we walk her back to her apartment as we wait for her to get ready for a night out. Holland went into her room with her an hour ago, but we don’t really mind waiting. She told us she would need to post a few things on her page before we could go out.

Liam is over at the setup the girls have to take photos, using their light to take another thirst trap for his page.

Instead of taking a new photo, I grab one that Liam took while I was skydiving and cue it up on my page. Then I write the caption.

The.American: Fun fact: Not all skydivers fall at the same rate. There are several factors that go into how fast someone falls. The things you learn when you decide to take a new adventure.

I press post, smiling when I hear Liam’s phone ding. He set up notifications on both of our phones, so we know when the other posts. I’m not surprised when I see he liked it right away. What does surprise me is that Aurora does as well.

For a moment, I wonder if she’s offended that I didn’t tag her. I often put fun facts about whatever I did that day on my page without tagging anyone, but this was a first date of sorts for us. Should I have tagged her?

Not wanting to dwell on it too long, I get up and move toward her bedroom door.

I can hear the faint murmurs from the girls as they get ready. Knocking on the door, I take a deep breath.

When Holland opens the door, I look past her to see Aurora dressed in a little black dress with silver pumps. The dress clings to her body like a second skin, showing each curve of her body.

“You look stunning,” I blurt out, making both girls laugh.

“Thank you.” Aurora looks at Holland. “I have it from here.”

She nods. “Be safe tonight.” Then she turns to me. “I expect her back without a single harm done to one sliver of hair on her head. Got it? I can kick your ass.”

I hold up my hands. “I know you can. I will take care of her. We both will. She’s in good hands.”

Aurora snorts behind her, but Holland only stares me down one more moment before leaving the room.

I cautiously step inside and look around. This room is so her. The walls are white, but it’s not plain. Instead, the walls are covered with different photos of her and her friend Holland. Some from around the city, but others in places I don’t recognize. On one side, there is a whiteboard with her weekly tasks. I smirk when I see what she’s planning to make this week.

“Lemon curd pie?” I ask.

She glares at me, but it’s ruined by the smile on her face. “Don’t you go telling anyone. It’s supposed to be a secret.”

I move closer to her. “Never. Your secret is safe with me.”

She looks up at me from under her eyelashes. “I feel safe with you.”

“That’s because you are.” I reach out, brushing her hair over her shoulder. “Are you ready, or do you need more time?”

She shakes her head. “Holland has some older videos she’s going to post. I don’t have anything scheduled for today, so she should be good.”

“God, you’re gorgeous,” I murmur, taking in her face.

She has makeup on, but it’s very light. She doesn’t even need it. She’s a dime piece without it.

I watch as she bites her lower lip. “If you keep complimenting me like that, it’ll go to my head.”

I chuckle. “Who says that’s a bad thing? You need to know you are the best-looking person in the room. That way you don’t settle for less than you deserve.”

“What do I deserve?”

“The world,” I whisper, moving my face closer to hers.

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