CHAPTER 70
Surely you haven't forgotten your past actions?"
Past actions?
As Xander's question hung in the air, memories from the past flooded Arianna's mind. She remembered how she used to express her gratitude to him in more affectionate ways when their relationship was different.
Sensing her discomfort, Xander's gaze softened, but his eyes held a hint of amusement. "Well?" he prompted, waiting for her response.
Arianna's cheeks flushed red, the memories causing her embarrassment to resurface. How could she even consider such actions now, given their current circumstances?
However, Xander couldn't resist teasing Arianna further. "You did say you're not ungrateful, didn't you?" he prodded, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Arianna felt a mixture of frustration and embarrassment at Xander's playful banter. Though she knew he was just teasing, she couldn't help but feel flustered.
Determined to prove her gratitude, Arianna took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and stepped forward. Without hesitating, she reached out, gently gripping Xander's lapel, and leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek.
But just as her lips met his skin, Xander turned his head slightly, causing her kiss to land on the corner of his lips instead.
As their lips brushed against each other, their gazes locked, and Arianna's heart raced in her chest, her breath catching in her throat.
Suddenly pulling back, she stuttered, "Xander, you... you're overstepping."
Xander leisurely ran his fingers over his lips, a suggestive smirk playing on his lips. His voice lowered, dripping with implication as he replied, "Overstepping... Shall I allow you to do the same?"
"Are you implying I should kiss you again?" Arianna's voice trembled with a mixture of indignation and uncertainty.
Xander's smirk widened, his gaze lingering on her lips. "Perhaps I am," he replied, his tone teasing.
Arianna's anger flared. "There's no need for that!" she retorted sharply, turning away from him. With brisk strides, she marched to the other side of the room, climbing into bed and pulling the blanket tightly around her.
"Good night," she muttered through gritted teeth, hoping to end the conversation and the tension that crackled between them.
If Arianna hadn't been indebted to him for rescuing her, she would have slapped Xander for his audacity!
Xander observed her retreating figure with amusement, a smirk playing on his lips. His chuckle echoed through the room, the sound sending a shiver down Arianna's spine.
With frustration mounting, Arianna covered her ears, trying to drown out the sound of his laughter, and squeezed her eyes shut, hoping to escape the situation even for just a moment.
********
The next morning, when Arianna awoke, she noticed Xander's absence beside her. Presumably, he had already left for work.
After getting ready for the day, Arianna joined Grandma King for breakfast. Once they finished, she changed into a fresh set of clothes and headed out.
A little while later, the car pulled up in front of the police station. Arianna stepped out of the vehicle, her gaze fixed on the entrance. With determined strides, she made her way inside.
If Piper and Violet hadn't stirred up trouble, they could have continued living peacefully. But since they insisted on causing problems, Arianna would make sure they weren't left unscathed.
After completing the visitation procedures, Arianna was escorted to the visitation room. She waited patiently until someone approached from the other side of the glass panel.
When the woman laid eyes on Arianna, a flicker of surprise flashed across her face before she resumed her approach. As she pulled out the chair and took her seat, her expression remained stern and guarded.
Arianna greeted her with a warm smile and reached for the phone at her side. With a subtle nod, she gestured for the woman to pick up the receiver.
After a brief moment of hesitation, the woman finally lifted the handset.
"Arianna, what brings you here?" she questioned, her tone laced with suspicion. "Are you here to rub salt in my wounds, to mock me?"
Arianna couldn't help but chuckle at the woman's reaction, but her amusement quickly dissipated as the woman's anger became palpable.
"What's so funny?" the woman snapped.
Ignoring her hostility, Arianna replied in a calm tone, "I'm not here to laugh. I'm here to talk."
The woman's demeanor softened slightly, though confusion still lingered in her eyes. "Talk about what?"
Arianna decided to cut straight to the point.
"Sheena, I know you're not the one pulling the strings behind my false accusation. You're just a pawn in Piper's game."
