Chapter Twenty-Five

C hapter Twenty-Five

A rna

" A rna." Andy's morning cadence eased through my sleepy haze.

His soft whisperings carried through me and while it wasn't the worst way to be woken, I reached for the blanket sitting low on my waist in an attempt to hide. I was not ready to leave behind the satiated bubble following last night. After we got out of the spa, we showered and fell into bed, again losing ourselves in each other, until even Barbara was begging for a break. We shared murmurings of our favourite things, our bucket list dreams and where we would be if we could choose another life . In the early hours of the morning, we regrettably succumbed to sleep, our shared secrets and passions dancing around us like an early morning fog.

It was obvious there had been a shift since our date, however, this was another change in whatever this was between us although neither of us was brave enough to verbalise what that was.

The first two times we were together were hot and passionate, matching our quick attraction and fiery banter. The latter two felt more intimate. There was deeper eye contact matching a slower tempo. There was no rush, no urgency, only the motivation to explore and discover. The pads of his fingers traced me – memorising a path designed only for them and as our bodies moved in sync, there were so many words left unsaid. Like a finale on the stage where the fatigue of overexertion drove every move you made.

"Arns, wake up. Serg is here." He again murmured and I reluctantly opened one eye to find him hovering above me. "Not a morning person, huh?" He chuckled and I made a less than attractive sound which told him, in no uncertain terms, to leave me alone. Taking hold of my hands, he pulled me up into a seated position. "Come on, sleepy head."

"But your apartment is so clean and comfortable. And you're here." I whined, stretching my arms above my head and yawning. I knew why he was waking me at this ungodly hour. I needed to leave or risk the paparazzi obtaining photographs which was the last thing either of us wanted or needed. Andy took advantage of my still naked form and pressed a kiss to each of my breasts. I held his head to my chest and fell back, taking him with me, and his hands shot out to catch himself as he chuckled again.

"Keep going and I'm going to take you again before you go." He avowed cheekily, a minor hint of the dominance I saw last night in his threat.

Pressing my hips up invitingly, I teased, "I think you should definitely do that."

The thought alone was enough to wake me right up and I frowned when Andy pushed himself off me and stood at the end of the bed in a pair of shorts he most definitely was not wearing when we went to sleep.

"If only. I'm going to have Serg take you home then I have to hit the gym." He looked genuinely remorseful and I rolled my eyes petulantly before kicking the blanket off entirely and throwing my legs over the side of his bed.

"Finnnneeee." I stood and quickly threw my shirt over my head, glancing over my shoulder to see Andy watching me, a hungry look on his face.

"Hurry up, woman, my patience is only so strong." He said clearly conflicted.

Walking towards him, I reached up onto my toes, still wearing nothing other than my shirt and planted a kiss on his lips teasingly.

"I guess I will just have to go home and sort myself out then." I whispered into his mouth.

"Oh, for fuck's sake." He uttered before hoisting me up, allowing me to lock my ankles around his back as he walked me into the wall. "You're killing me." He moved me ever so slightly to the right as he reefed open a draw and grabbed the small foil packet, groaning as he pulled his shorts down and freed his already hard dick. "Hold on." He gritted as he released his hold on me just enough to put the condom on before looking back at me, a mixture of hunger and something else I couldn't quite name.

"I'm not even sor –" My words fell short as he pressed himself into me, nuzzling his face into my neck, giving me exactly what I was craving, only a few hours after my last fix.

All I could do was hold on as he viciously moved in and out of me, sending bolts of pleasure throughout my body until the familiar tingle in the pit of my stomach took hold. I felt insatiable when he was near, always ready and always willing, like he held the key to my ignition.

"Never felt anything like you." He said against my skin as he continued to give both of us what we craved. There was nothing soft or slow about how we were taking right now. I clawed into his back and his hands gripped my arse harder as he drove into me forcefully. The sounds of our moans combining with the noises of our bodies pressing together.

"Ohhh, fuuuccckkk." I screamed as waves of euphoria surged through me, encouraged by him growling into my neck with his own pleasure.

I kissed his forehead, sighing with repletion as I tasted the salty sweat which now lined his skin as he ceased his movements and let out a deep breath.

"Oops." I said coyly, gripping his arms to steady myself as I slid down his body.

Placing a kiss firmly on my mouth he shook his head. "Get your clothes before we never leave this apartment."

It was still dark when we stepped outside to find Sergio parked close. Andy walked ahead briskly, his hand firmly holding my own as he opened the car door. Just before stepping inside, I leant back and waited. Andy looked around, as if confirming we were still alone, before pressing a brief kiss to my mouth and patting me on the backside. I knew this public show of affection was a big step for him, so I didn't take advantage of what he was offering – returning the chaste farewell before stepping into the car. He closed the door, tapping the hood once before Serg took off and I was left smiling warmly at a cascade of memories which all involved Andy.

I woke for the second time that day to the sun blaring through the windows, having risen long ago. Rummaging on my nightstand for my phone, I screeched when I saw the time. I was supposed to be at work three freaking hours ago.

Opening my emails, I shot Darren a message, apologising for my tardiness and committing to stay back to complete my designated work and hours. Showering in record time, I hauled arse to work.

Last night felt a million miles away, yet the quiet pinch between my legs as I walked reminded me it wasn't a fantasy and I had in fact done the horizontal dance with Andy. Repeatedly.

Entering the office, I opened my text thread with Marlee, disappointed she still hadn't replied to my messages from yesterday. I was stumped, as my last text was a graphic premonition of what I hoped Andy was going to do to me. Yet there was no haughty reply, gif or even a simple reaction.

I sent another which included a threat that her having had her brains shagged to the brink of insanity was the only acceptable excuse for not replying – before I pocketed my phone just as the lift opened to a red-faced Darren, pacing a path near my desk.

"I'm so sorry," I hastily pre-empted.

He didn't respond, instead gesturing to his office with his head before walking ahead. I inwardly groaned, not at all ready for the spray he was about to give me for being late. Especially when I hadn't even had time for caffeine.

"Close the door." He said, his voice clipped.

Standing in front of him, he turned his computer monitor to face me and I gasped at the image filling the screen. It was still dark, the lights bright along the street and Andy was leaning into me against Sergio's car, his mouth on mine. My hand instinctively lifted to my lips as I remembered the feel of him and the angst at possibly being caught. The evidence not as exciting now it was here in colour. With the lack of lighting and the significant distance between us and the paparazzo, it was obviously strategic on the photographer's behalf and my only saving grace, as it was near impossible to determine that the woman was me and I sighed.

"You appear relieved." He said, his face impassive as he scrolled up to the headline, reading it aloud. " Captain's Kiss - Hearts' Star Spied in Second Sizzling Rendezvous with his Surreptitious Lady . Clever use of sibilance, wouldn't you say, Arnabelle? Almost symbolic of the whispers which come with secrecy."

"Yes, the title is quite catchy." I concurred with chagrin.

I wasn't sure if he knew it was me or he was making an educated guess until he scrolled further and in all its glory was my face, a step behind Andy as we exited his building. His hand firmly grasped my own and I was smiling, clearly pleased with myself. If I recall correctly, his look of mock horror was because I had just told him I was ready to go again if he didn't mind Sergo potentially seeing us in the car.

"Shit." I whispered, leaning over the desk for a clearer look as Darren continued to scroll, displaying another image. This one of Andy and I deep into the kiss. My hands gripped his shirt, nothing casual about the way I clung to him or the way he caged himself around me.

"Shit, indeed, Arna. What the actual –" He censored himself, instead running a hand through his already dishevelled hair. "You can't deny that it's you. That image is clear as fucking day."

Apparently, he was beyond restraint now. "It's only a matter of time before someone publishes your name and your place of work." He snapped.

"So, let's get on the front foot." I rushed, the suggestion leaving my mouth before I was able to think it through.

"Go on." His eyebrows were scrunched, and I stared at the deep crevices which were still apparent even when he wasn't scowling. I frantically searched my mind for an answer to placate him.

"My article on Andy is nearly complete. Maybe we should share something earlier, given the minute it drops with my name attached, it will blow up across the country." I despised what I was uttering, wanting nothing to do with the notoriety that would follow being affiliated with someone high profile. But first, I needed to speak to Andy because there was no chance I was going to be lumped in with others who wanted him only for his name.

"Interesting idea. Bring me something by the end of the day and I might let you keep your job."

We both knew he had no grounds to fire me but I waited until I turned around before rolling my eyes at his pathetic attempt at intimidation.

"I won't publish anything before I speak to Andy." I added.

"How romantic." I heard him mumble and I skipped away before he had the chance to add anything further.

Turning my computer on I opened my inbox and headed straight for the last email from Andy. With no time for salutations, I got to the point and hit send, following it up with a text and a call which went straight to his message bank. He would reply as soon as he could and then I would go with whatever it was he wanted. The photos would be a media shit storm for him and he was likely managing this on a level I couldn't even fathom, however, given how clearly identifiable my face was, I also needed to take some action. Dad and Queeny would no doubt be flooding my phone before the end of day, and I was surprised Marlee hadn't already called with a please explain .

Thankfully, there was plenty to keep me busy as I waited for Andy's response, in addition to finalising the feature. Prioritising the smaller tasks to chase some sense of accomplishment, I got to work.

Proofing, editing and sending polished pieces through to those who were next in line to approve was a monotonous task. However, I was able to switch off and find peace because this was where I was most comfortable – with myself and the words. A space where I could play with language, challenge myself with new terms and more often than not, finish the day with these new additions in my word bank. Today I added jentacular – a synonym for breakfast - and ironically, cattywampus - something which is in disarray. Both were now written on my desk, ready to be used on some unsuspecting soul as I did my best to permanently insert them into my vocabulary.

I loved the art of the written word and the immense power it held. What I didn't like was when people misused their platform to sprout garbage, or when those in journalism lacked basic skills in punctuation and grammar. Which, I noted, was exactly what the author of the current article struggled with as I corrected their basic syntax. Always more infuriating when the content was interesting, yet I fought to grasp anything due to the sheer verbosity of the paragraphs. But it was enough to distract my mind for small bursts and pretend people I didn't, and would never know, were not currently dissecting photos of me.

The vibration of my phone against the desk alerted me to Andy's incoming call hours after I first reached out. It was nearly time to finish for the day and I was ashamed to admit that there was a small element of self-doubt that it had taken him this long to return my call.

"Hi." I breathed into the phone quietly. The office was nearly empty, most of my colleagues long gone, yet I didn't want to risk any lingering eavesdroppers.

"Hey." He responded tersely and I shot upright in my seat, the sharp reply startling me.

"Everything okay? I was starting to think you were ignoring me." I wanted to apologise for the images he had no doubt seen, but I wasn't exactly sure what I would be saying sorry for.

"Yeah, sorry. It's been a big day and I didn't have my phone on me." He huffed.

"The photos, huh?"

"Yep." He audibly exhaled and I vacillated between apologising and hanging up, turning my phone off and ignoring everything.

"Andy, I'm really sor –"

"Don't apologise." His words snapped through my own. "Sorry," he mumbled. "They are just relentless. I didn't want them to draw you into this. It's not the kind of life you want. Their morality is questionable to say the least."

"Andy," I said, intentionally keeping my voice light. "It's okay. Dad and Nan will be thrilled and no one else will be interested in little old me. It will be forgotten by tomorrow."

"I should have known better," He self-chastised. "Please just watch yourself and don't underestimate them."

"I'm one of them, remember?" I was aiming for a joke, but his lack of response signalled I missed the mark, so I continued to babble. "My boss wants Urban to release something as he had a few emails today requesting a statement from me from the few people who have recognised me. What do you think?"

He took a moment to respond, and I second guessed whether he saw the email or any of my texts despite my initial thought that was why he was calling.

"You're going to release a statement – about the photos?" His suspicion pulled at my heart and I leapt to explain.

"Andy, only if you agree. I wouldn't release anything unless I spoke with you. Darren just thinks getting on the front foot might be better. Keep it light before someone makes a mountain out of a molehill."

The line was quiet for a while and I scratched at something non-existent on my desk as I wondered if I should fill the silence. Should I continue to explain why I thought this was a good idea or tell him to forget I mentioned anything? I hated that this felt so awkward when last night was perfect. Now it was stilted and stiff.

Plus, I was a total coward using Darren as my scapegoat when it was actually my suggestion.

"Can you let me think about it?"

"Of course. As I said, I would never release anything without your approval. I hope you know that." His light breaths were the only indication he was still on the line as I patiently waited for his reply.

"I know, Arns." He paused, before adding, "I wish I could see you tonight but some of the boys are coming around." His change in direction was reassuring and I felt myself smile.

"Boys night on a Monday? Wild!" I joked and his soft chuckle echoed through the speaker.

"Just a few mates coming around for some poker. You're still coming to the game on the weekend, yeah? Did I tell you I got those seats for you and your friend?"

I had totally forgotten about the game with Marls this weekend having been so preoccupied over the last few weeks. Watching a match was really the last thing I needed before I could finalise the feature and the thought was bittersweet.

"We will be there. Thank you, Marls is going to lose her mind." I smiled, already thinking about calling her once I was off the phone with Andy.

Heading outside a short time later, I crossed my arms to secure the warmth, the chill in the air heightened by the zephyr brushing my bare lower legs. I headed home, knowing I was in for a night of over-thinking. I couldn't pinpoint a time in my life when I experienced anything approaching this. I felt on the verge of something amazing with Andy. Something scary and uncharted but amazing all the same. Right now, though, worry was the dominant emotion and it sat ever-present because this was all so new for me and it was becoming more and more apparent that it was for him too – and more than anything, that scared the shit out of me.