Chapter 24_ Sophistication And Simplicity

"Is Selma the name of this girl, Alex?" Arya inquired curiously.

"Yes, how did you figure that out?" Alex questioned with surprise evident in his voice.

"I have known her for a while. She was one of the challenging teenagers I used to babysit before deciding to take on challenging adults full-time." Arya gestured towards Kane, who gave her an amused grin.

"Oh, so she's a troublemaker?" Kane interjected, to which Arya let out a sigh of agreement.

"Yes, especially when it comes to boys." Arya replied, causing Kane to have a sudden realization.

"That actually makes things easier! Alex, pass me your phone. It's time to tame this little shrew." Kane declared, and despite Alex's confusion, he handed his phone over without hesitation.

Without wasting any time, Kane typed out a message and returned the phone to Alex. "There you go, buddy. Let the battle begin." Kane's voice was dramatic as he spoke, causing Arya to roll her eyes.

"What kind of battle are you talking about? What did you write?" Alex asked, quickly opening the message and reading it. 'Forget about your homework.'

"No, what have you done?" Alex's panicked expression caught Kane's attention.

"Calm down! This is the only way to handle it. The message implies that you are off the hook...and do you know what that means?" Kane questioned, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"That I will be left alone?" Alex's remark made Kane chuckle.

"Not at all! It means that she will try to win you back, but you have to resist. The more you resist, the more she will pursue you. And before she knows it, she will be smitten by your charm. That's the plan, kiddo." Kane explained, playfully ruffling Alex's hair.

"Well, maybe it will work for someone with abs like yours." Alex joked, causing Kane to have a small laugh.

"Trust me, we can come up with something for you. Just ignore her for a while, and she will come running back to you." Kane reassured Alex, who nodded in agreement.

Arya, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "I must say, I am impressed. Have you dealt with a 'difficult girl' before?"

"Oh, yes. I am dealing with one at the moment." Kane replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Is it really such a complicated process?" inquired Arya with a curious expression.

"I cannot say for certain. It largely hinges on the girl in question. Perhaps you know her as well....she boasts a coat of orange and black stripes, a lengthy tail, and a love for hunting and lakes," remarked Kane thoughtfully.

"You must be referring to a tiger, not a girl." chimed in Alex with a laugh.

"Exactly, Alex, exactly. She's a tigress in human form, unyielding and fierce," said Kane with a sly wink directed at Arya.

Arya met Kane's gaze, shook her head with a slight smile, and thought to herself, ‘He's an endearing idiot.’

"Speaking of which, Arya, when was the last time you took a stroll in the park? Perhaps on a quiet, delightful weekend?" inquired Kane.

"Wait a minute, are you asking my sister out on a date?" exclaimed Alex with a playful smile.

"You are absolutely right, my friend. That's precisely what I'm doing," replied Kane, causing Arya to blush and look away.

"I adore the park! It would be lovely to walk there together," responded Arya, causing Kane to grin in satisfaction. That was a definite yes!

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The remaining days flew by quickly for Arya, and before she knew it, she was in her room, getting ready for her walk in the park with Kane. As she was primping, she heard a knock on her door.

"Hey, are you still alive in there?" asked Kane, checking his watch. He had been in the parlor for three hours, waiting for Arya to finish getting ready. What on earth was taking her so long? he wondered before deciding to check on her.

"What? Of course, I'm alive," responded Arya from behind the door.

"Then why has it taken you so long?" questioned Kane with a puzzled expression.

"I don't always get ready for a date, so I want to savor the moment...just be quiet and wait!" retorted Arya, hearing the doorknob turn before Kane walked in and closed the door behind him.

Arya, who was clad in only a black bra and panties, felt flustered and quickly used her hands to cover herself, causing Kane to chuckle at her.

"I have seen every inch of you, Sunshine. You have no need to feel bashful when you're looking this smoking hot," Kane spoke huskily, taking in her appearance with ravenous eyes as he nonchalantly leaned against the door, admiring the graceful curves of her body.

After thoroughly inspecting her, Kane strolled towards her, unable to tear his eyes away. He enveloped her tiny waist with his arm and pulled her closer, "Your beauty is driving me insane." Kane whispered in her ear, trailing his hands down her back as he turned her to face him. He leaned in to kiss her, their lips meeting in a deep and tender embrace.

Arya's whole body trembled as their lips moved together in a soft and passionate kiss, while Kane pressed her tightly against his body. She ran her hands through his dark hair, holding onto him as their kisses grew more intense.

Kane's hands roamed over her body, reveling in the feel of her skin as he lingered near her perky, round breasts. Arya could sense his arousal through his clothes, but he was exerting admirable self-control. She pulled away from him before things could escalate any further.

"If you don't leave now, I will never get ready." She playfully pushed him out of her room and lightheartedly slammed the door in his face, giving him one final look at her incredible body.

"You are lucky that I find your down-to-earth nature ... so endearing, Arya." Kane called out through the door.

"It's not luck, baby. It's power." Arya teased back.

"Take all the time you need, powerful girl." Kane's comment made them both laugh as Arya returned to her preparations.

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An hour later, Arya emerged from her apartment and Kane, who was already in his car waiting for her in the driver's seat. She walked towards the car and got in the passenger seat.

Kane shifted his gaze, a sharp breath escaping his lips as he beheld her. "I don't think I can drive, Arya," he remarked.

"Why not?" Arya inquired, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Because...if I have to look away from you, it won't be possible," Kane declared. "You look absolutely stunning and irresistible, I just want to tear that dress off of you and have you right here, right now."

Arya couldn't help but shiver at Kane's bold words. She was wearing a black sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline. Adorning the front of the dress was a delicate bow, adding a touch of elegance.

The dress also featured white piping along the edges, creating a subtle contrast against the dark fabric. On one side, there was a pocket with a white-lined detail, adding both style and functionality. Her large hoop earrings dangled from her ears, while a sparkly bracelet adorned her left wrist. On her feet were silver strappy sandals, and she held a white clutch in her hand. Her face was lightly made up, with beige lipstick gracing her lips. She exuded a perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity.