Chapter 38_ Fallen For Him

Chloe's Apartment;

Upon the conclusion of her workday, instead of accompanying Kane, Arya opted to surprise Chloe with a visit. It had been quite some time since they last bonded together, and Arya wanted to remedy that.

Upon reaching her friend's apartment, Arya utilized the spare key that Chloe had previously given her to easily gain entry. She unlocked the door and stepped inside.

Chloe, who had been engrossed in her work on her laptop, paused when she heard the click of the door opening. She looked up towards the door with a furrowed brow, wondering who it could be. Then she realized that it could only be Arya.

With a smile, she got up from her bed and met Arya in the corridor, pulling her into a tight hug.

Arya chuckled at Chloe's exuberant greeting and pulled away, joking, "Are you that thrilled to see me?"

"Of course I am," Chloe replied, playfully rolling her eyes. "Ever since Kane entered your life, it's been difficult to spend time with you. Even our weekly rituals have been put on hold. It seems someone's enjoying Kane's company more than mine and wants to replace me in their life."

Arya wrapped her arm around Chloe's as they walked to her room, responding sheepishly, "Come on, Chloe. No one could ever replace you in my heart. You're my best friend forever, and I cherish you. I've just been busy with work and...”

"Kane," Chloe finished with a knowing smirk. "Spill the details, girl. I want to hear the juicy part, and don't hold back!” Chloe exclaimed, giving Arya a knowing look. Fueled by her friend's persistence, Arya chuckled and began recounting the events in her life involving Kane and just how intimate they had gotten.

As the words tumbled out of her mouth, Chlo couldn't contain her excitement, looking like a giddy fan girl. "No way, Arya! You've slept with him? More than once? How was it? Was it amazing?" she eagerly prodded.

Arya blushed at Chloe's words, lowering her head in bashfulness, causing Chloe to laugh at her reaction. Who knew Arya could be so shy and lovey-dovey when it comes to Kane? It was a rare sight for Chloe to witness, but she couldn't be happier for her friend. She didn't need to pry for details, Arya's expression said it all about how much she enjoyed her time with Kane.

"So, are you just casual lovers? Friends with benefits? Or is there something more?" Chloe probed, noticing the spark in Arya's eyes fading at her words. Arya opened her mouth to speak but then closed it, unsure of what to say.

"Arya, I didn't mean to come on so strong. Forget I asked," Chlo said with a tone of regret, trying to comfort her friend. Arya smiled gratefully, laying back on the bed with her gaze fixed on the ceiling.

"I don't have an answer for that, Chlo. Whenever I'm with him, I feel safe, wanted, and desired. My heart races whenever he's near, and his touch sets me on fire. I can't stop thinking about him, but I try to push those thoughts away. It's like...I want to be near him, to be wanted by him, to be touched by him," Arya confessed, her voice laced with emotion. She turned to face Chlo with a look of uncertainty, fear, and unshed tears in her eyes. "Is that love, Chlo? Am I falling for Kane?" she asked, her heart in turmoil. But before Chloe could respond, Arya continued, her tone laced with uncertainty, "Or have I already fallen for him completely?"

Comfortingly, Chloe reassured her, "Arya, there's no need to fear love, especially with Kane. Isn't this what you've always dreamed of? To fall in love with your perfect man, just like in the novels you love to read? This is your chance, girl. Kane is your dream man, your fantasy comes to life. Embrace your feelings, okay? And don't let them bring you down."

"But what if he doesn't feel the same, Chloe? What if reality doesn't match my dreams? What if I can't win his heart and tame him, making him give up his bad habits? What if I'm just another girl to him?" Arya poured out her fears and emotions to her friend.

Chloe admonished her, "Arya, don't think about 'what ifs'. Just focus on taming the King's heart. Kane would be foolish not to see the treasure that you are and fall for my badass best friend! And if he ever dares to hurt you, I'll kick his ass, royalty or not. No one has the right to hurt my girlfriend and get away with it."

Arya couldn't help but giggle at Chloe's protective words, feeling grateful for her friend's support. She stood up and embraced her, surprising Chloe for a moment before she smiled and returned the hug.

"I've got your back, Babe," she said, giving Arya's back a reassuring pat. "Now, enough emotional talks. Tell me more about Alonso, the King's friend."

Arya raised an eyebrow at the sudden change of topic and quipped, "What? Do you like him?"

Chloe shrugged nonchalantly, "Let's not jump to conclusions, Arya. I just find him attractive, okay? Do you have a problem with me hooking up with him?"

Arya shook her head with a smile, "Definitely not."

"Great." Chloe grinned naughtily. "Instead of being cooped up here, let's invite Kane and Alonso to join us at the bar. We can have some fun. What's the harm?"

Arya hesitated, "Is that a good idea?" Chloe rolled her eyes and quickly found Arya's phone in her bag. She entered her contacts and looked up at Arya, silently asking for the name she saved Kane as.

Arya sighed, muttering under her breath, "Jerk." Chloe winked as she sent a text to Kane, inviting him and Alonso for a drink. She handed Arya's phone back to her and exclaimed, "Come on, girl! We need to get ready for a night of dancing and fun with the guys!"