37. Jared

37

JARED

A warmth spreads through my body as I remain inside Aria, our bodies tangled together. Aria on the edge of the kitchen table and me standing between her thighs.

Sunlight streams in, casting a soft glow over her skin. Her eyes are closed, and she has a peaceful smile on her lips. She looks like a fucking angel.

I lean down, capturing her mouth with mine. Her hands rest on my chest, silently inviting me to linger. I grip her tighter, unwilling to let go.

"Stay with me," she whispers, a plea that mirrors my desire.

"Always," I murmur, punctuating my promise with a gentle thrust. Her soft gasp goes straight to my cock, her walls clenching around me.

The morning light bathes the scene—her pale skin, dark curls cascading over her shoulders, and the satisfied curve of her mouth. I trace kisses along her jaw, tasting the salt of her skin, my hands possessively exploring every curve. My little doll, mine to cherish, possess, and protect.

Our forgotten breakfast cools as we lose ourselves in each other again. Each touch, each kiss, builds upon our intense, forbidden connection. This is more than lust. It's an all-encompassing love, a dark fire only she can extinguish.

Finally, I pull out of her, our bodies reluctant to part. I gently lower her to the ground, but even as we separate, I reach for her hand, lacing our fingers together. A silent promise that we're in this together.

Aria bites her lip, mischief in her eyes. "Again," she whispers, and I can't resist leaning in for another taste.

But then, loud, insistent banging on the front door snaps us out of our reverie.

"We should probably get dressed," I murmur into her hair, dreading the separation.

She hums her agreement as we hastily gather our clothes. I pull on my pants and shirt, running a hand through my hair. Aria slips into her dress and a light jacket, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen from our kisses.

My heart pounds with desire and apprehension as we approach the front door. I sense that something is about to change.

When we open the door, my fears are confirmed. Dad and Elaine stand on the doorstep, their expressions a mix of anger and concern.

Rage courses through me at their intrusion. I step in front of Aria, protective instincts kicking in. "What do you want?" I snap.

Dad holds up his hands placatingly, fueling my irritation. "Jared, we need to talk. This can't continue. It's not healthy."

I glare at him, defiance burning within. "You think I care what you think? Aria is mine. You won't take her from me again."

Elaine steps forward, her eyes pleading. "Please, Jared. Think about what you're doing. Let Aria go. She doesn't belong here."

My hands ball into fists. "She doesn't want to go anywhere with you. This is her home now."

They exchange a glance that enrages me. "You two can't keep doing this," Dad says firmly. "It's not normal behavior."

I step forward, invading his space. "And what would you know about normal? You, who walked out on your first family?"

There's a flash of guilt in my dad's eyes at the mention of a wound that has festered for years. His abandonment.

Elaine speaks. "You're step-siblings, Jared. It's wrong, and deep down, you know it."

I laugh bitterly. "Step siblings, yes, but not related by blood. There's nothing wrong with the love Aria and I share. She knows what she wants, and she wants me."

"You've manipulated her!" Dad exclaims, his voice cracking. "She's not thinking straight!"

"No, I fucking haven't! Aria is an adult. She's consented to every step of this." I wrap an arm around Aria, pulling her close. She leans into me, her silent support giving me strength.

Aria finds her voice steady and sure. "You can't deny the connection between us. It's more than curiosity or a crush. We belong together, and we're not letting you tear us apart."

"Connection or not, it's wrong," Dad insists, his voice rising.

Aria stiffens beside me at his harsh words, and my anger surges. "Get out. Both of you. Aria is an adult, and she's made her choice. You have no right to interfere."

The hurt is clear on their faces, but I don't care. I've spent too long repressing my desires, my need for Aria. I won't be shamed or guilt-tripped into denying what's between us.

"You can't keep her captive," Elaine says, her voice breaking. "She'll see what you're doing, the manipulation, the control."

I feel Aria tense beside me as her mom continues her accusations. Their words land like blows, but then Aria surprises me.

Stepping forward, she lifts her chin. "No. I want to be with Jared. I bailed him out, and I came back with him. Whatever happened before is in the past. I choose him."

I reach for her hand, squeezing it gently, offering my silent support.

"Aria, honey, you're not thinking clearly," Elaine says, her voice cracking. "He's clouded your judgment. This isn't what you truly want."

"You're wrong," Aria replies, her voice steady. "I've never been surer of anything in my life. I love Jared, and I choose to be with him."

The word ‘love' hangs in the air, filling me with warmth. I tighten my grip on her hand, my unspoken promise that I feel the same.

Dad takes a step toward her, his eyes pleading. "Aria, please. Come home with us. We can work through this as a family."

I see the conflict flash in Aria's eyes, but then she turns to me, her gaze locking with mine. "My home is with Jared."

The force of her words hits me like a physical blow. Home. She sees this apartment, our sanctuary, as her home.

"We'll be fine, I promise," I say, looking at them. "We just need you to accept this."

They don't look convinced, but I can see the determination in Aria's eyes. She's not going to back down.

"I know you think you love him," Elaine says. "But give it time. The infatuation will fade, and you'll see things more clearly."

Aria shakes her head, her eyes never leaving mine. "It won't. I know what I feel, and I know what I want."

There's an endless moment where we stand, locked in a stalemate, the air thick with unspoken words. Then, our parents share another loaded glance.

"If that's what you want, Aria, we won't stop you," Dad says, defeat heavy in his voice. "But we're here if you need us. If you ever change your mind."

Relief washes over me as I realize they are conceding, for now. I had expected a bigger fight, but Aria's unwavering stance has thrown them off guard.

As they turn to leave, shoulders slumped, Elaine looks back, sorrow in her eyes. "Think about what we said, Aria. We'll be waiting."

"I will," Aria calls after them, but I know her words are just a formality.

When they're out of sight, Aria turns to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'm sorry they can't understand."

I pull her into my arms, holding her close. "It's okay. They'll come around. Eventually, they'll have to."

She nods, her face buried in my chest, finding comfort in my embrace. "I hope they can accept us someday."

Their hurt and disappointment are just a small price to pay for our happiness.

I know I've won, and the thrill of victory courses through my veins. Aria is mine, and nothing can change that. Together, we're an unstoppable force.

At this moment, I'm untouchable, and the triumph banishes any doubt that niggles at the corners of my mind. Aria and I are meant to be, and I know, deep down, that our love will conquer all.