Chapter 35: In Which He Won't Let Her Take a Call

Her mother was chortling like a pig’s snort.

Aurora rolled her eyes at her condescending laugh, then Theo tightened his arms and her back fell against his sturdy muscled chest. She turned back and mouthed, stop it. But Theo grinned back with a mischievous gaze.

Aurora faced ahead as her mother’s voice sounded again. “So typical of you, Rory. You chose that timing so it’s easier for you to get away after the meal, am I right?”

Theo’s lips were on her sensitive spot. She was getting aroused again. Aurora squeezed her eyes to stay focused and managed a stammer, “N-no, mum.” It was because she needed to work!

“Ha! You stupid girl. You can’t fool us with your dumb tricks. You’re the weakest link in the family, remember that. So don’t think you can outsmart us,” her mother said angrily.

Aurora would have erupted into a boiling rage, if not for Theo’s fingers - they have slipped into her again, stroking her insides, inducing streaks of heavenly delight through her.

“Oh God,” she moaned helplessly.

“God?” Her mother’s voice paused. “What the-- Rory, you silly girl, are you listening?”

Theo was playing with her nipples, twisting and pinching those rosy pearls.

Aurora gritted her teeth. “Y-yes… oh mmmm.” Those tantalizing lips were on her back. She pursed her lips to suppress a curse word. If her mother heard, she’d surely think that her daughter was cussing at her and all hell would break loose.

“What the hell is wrong with your voice? Rory! Godd*mn it. Answer me! You are to bring him over early so we could have a little chat, do you hear me?”

Theo was tracing his tongue across her satin skin.

“I--I’m alright,” Aurora’s voice came out in a strained whisper. “I’m… sleepy, mum. Saturday… see you… see you on Saturday.”

Once his girlfriend disconnected that untimely call, Theo took the d*mn phone from her hand and threw it far away. Then, he whispered into her ear, “How many times do you want to come tonight?” His fingers delved deeper and her body arched against him.

She answered him with her sweet moan, then reached behind to pull him forward for a kiss.


******


The best time to clean the billionaire’s apartment was actually at dawn, when he was fast asleep.

Aurora couldn’t clean for more than an hour each night; Theo would appear at the exact same time and drag her off to bed. If she resisted, he would make love to her wherever they were. After the third night, she decided to wake up two hours early to finish the job.

If she cleaned the apartment everyday, she would have enough by the end of the week. Then, she could reduce to once every two weeks, which would allow her to move back to Trish’s place.

That was her plan.

But will she have the strength to move out when the time comes?

Aurora couldn’t answer that.

It has been so peaceful these few days, she was starting to feel uneasy. Life has never been good to her. Something bad is going to happen soon, she thought as she flipped the eggs in the saucepan.

Maybe Theo will leave her.

Stop! She squeezed her eyes and shook her head. Don’t think about it, she calmed herself, taking in a deep breath.

Another good thing about waking up earlier than the royal highness of hearty meals for breakfast was that she could make them for him.

You’re doing it again, her mind warned. When you start to like someone, you'll do everything to please him - till you lose yourself.

She stared at the two plates of eggs and bacon and sighed. This was just to save time so they can reach the office early to get some work done, she argued silently.

Who is she kidding?

“What are we having today?” Theo came down the stairs, all washed up and freshly shaven. He went in front of her and gave her a thick kiss, then went around the counter again and sat at the stool.

“Eggs, bacon and toast,” Aurora beamed back.

They ate in silence for a while, enjoying the peaceful morning and each other’s company before Theo casually asked, “Do you have any other siblings?”

The question came out of the blue, so she was unprepared and shot him a puzzled look.

He explained, “You mentioned that you have a brother, so I was curious.”

“Just him.”

“What’s he like?” Theo slit the bacon.

He’s extremely lazy but very ambitious, Aurora thought. But she replied, “He’s alright. He has always wanted to venture into something.”

“An entrepreneur at heart,” Theo smiled.

“Give me your palm, I want to give you another reading.”

Theo sensed that she didn’t want to talk about her family and stopped his questions. Flashing his impish grin, he stretched out his hand.

As Aurora studied the lines on his palm, Theo watched her silently.

He already knew that Aurora’s mother is a nasty character. God, that darn woman! First, she called Aurora at an ungodly hour. Then, she went off like a rogue trumpet, criticizing her own daughter and calling her names.

Aurora was so tensed up in his arms, he thought he was holding a rock, so he distracted her. She was more responsive than usual, as if she was releasing years of repression, and he came really hard that night.

God, he can’t wait to meet her family.


******


Aurora's home took him by surprise.

It was a one-story ranch bungalow with walls of beige stone slabs, sheltered with a dark grey roof. There were several shapes and sizes of silver windows that reflected the golden sunlight, giving the house a humble, fairytale feel.

Don't they have a lot of debts? Clearly this home needs a lot of maintenance. How did they have the money? What's happening?

He glanced at Aurora who was staring at the house quietly. Was that guilt on her face? He followed her gaze and saw a middle-aged man staring at them from behind the window next to the main door. He didn’t look happy to see them.

“Is that you father?” Theo came up to her side.

Aurora nodded slowly, “Yes.”

He took her hand and led her towards the door.

It burst open before they reached the steps.

“Mr. Barone!” A chubby man in his early thirties with a short curly coif on his head bounced down the steps eagerly and took Theo's hand for a firm handshake. “I didn’t believe my mother when she told me. I’m so glad to finally meet you!”

In a brief moment, Theo caught his custom-made suit and was surprised for the second time. This must be Aurora’s brother, he concluded silently.

But why the hell is he wearing an expensive suit while his sister goes around in rags? Feeling sour on behalf of his girlfriend, Theo made a mental note to get her more clothes after lunch.

Smiling warmly at the over-enthusiastic man, Theo greeted back, “Nice to meet you…” He turned to his right and looked at Aurora, who wouldn’t meet his eyes.

Aurora’s brother raised his chin for a good laugh and slapped a hand on Theo’s shoulder like they were old friends, “Just call me Adrien! Hell, you can call me whatever you want.” He took a cursory glance at Aurora then back at Theo, “As long as you’re happy, Mr. Barone.”

Theo noted the displeased look in his eyes when he caught Aurora, but as before, he maintained a composed look.

“Please, call me Theo,” he said with a polite smile and placed an arm around Aurora’s shoulder. “A brother of Aurora’s is a brother of mine.”

Then, those trimmed brows on the round face twitched in disgust. Theo widened his gaze. It happened for a fraction of a second and then it was gone, and Adrien smiled again, “If you insist. Theo! Come, let’s get out of the hot weather.”

Theo was rudely pulled away from Aurora and ushered into the house. He turned back and saw his fiery goddess followed quietly behind.