Page 78 of Tempting the President

He had seen her living in a glass house and broke it in one smash, never once thinking if he would be strong enough to help her live again.

Across the ocean, the only girl he had ever loved was waiting. The only girl he had wanted to beg to love him—-

But here...

Here was a girl who was doing everything not to beg him to stay. A girl who promised to never make him choose, even if him leaving made her feel like she was all alone again.

Aria, I’m so goddamn sorry.

And he was. Because Kellion knew what was the right thing to do, but it wasn’t what his heart wanted.

Chapter Thirteen

Dear Ashton,

I hate mornings. I’m just not like you. I remember how you loved mornings, the way you’d be so excited seeing the sun rise.

Maybe if you were here with me, I wouldn’t hate it so much. Ah, who am I kidding?

These days, I just exist to hate. It’s better than being scared.

Love, Your Big Sis

ARIA

THE MORNING OF THEexhibition dawned nice and sunny, and its brightness was like acid on my skin. The first thought that came to my mind was even more painful, the kind that made me squeeze my eyes shut and wish I could just go back to sleep so the world would forget I ever existed.

Did I really tell everything about myself – about Ashton – to Kellion Argyros?

It was all I could think about the whole time I was in the shower, and even as I changed and fed myself an energy bar for breakfast, my mind remained tormented by last night’s memories. Remembering alonedrainedme. It felt like the more he knew, the more control Kellion had over me.

And I hated it. Was terrified by it.

When I stepped outside my dorm building, the sun was even brighter, and I quickly fumbled for my sunglasses. Even without Kellion around, the world had somehow become too sunny and vivid, blinding me. I wanted rain and gloom, thunder and lightning, dammit. Wasn’t September supposed to be hurricane season in Florida? While I would never in the world wish for anotherKatrina,I did want something like a drizzle.

But no, what I got instead were days that were depressingly like Kellion Argyros, radiating so much sunshine-y happiness it made me want to gag. If today had been an ordinary day, I would probably have tried countering the brightness by wearing something miserable, maybe go all Goth just so I could be that one big black spot in the midst of all the light.

Unfortunately, today wasnotan ordinary day.

Everyone turned towards me as I entered the exhibit venue through the back door, but I pretended not to notice. I was dressed in a strapless LBD, one that had a sweetheart neckline and a knee-length skirt that swirled around my legs every time I moved. The best thing about it? The dress hadpockets.

“You look gorgeous,” KC exclaimed. “And oh my God, you’re wearing makeup!” Indeed, I was. Eyes made larger with mascara, bronzer to highlight my cheeks, and a matte lilac shade for my lips. I’d like to think it was because I wanted to look professional for my big day, but that wasn’t the only reason. All this – the dress, the hair, the makeup – it was me starting to live again, because of Kellion.

The thought chipped away a piece of my heart, that piece forever lost to me because from now on it was Kellion’s. It was a terrifying thought, and I forced myself to think of something else, something less life-changing like—-

My eyes narrowed.

When I pointed to her face, KC smiled sheepishly. “Yes. I’m not wearing makeup.”

I threw my hands up.Why?Today was just as important for KC, a way to inject new life into her career. I dragged her towards the room reserved at the back for the exhibit’s artists. As expected, Professor Edison was there, and his ever-ready professional makeup kit was on the dressing room table.

I pointed towards a vacant swivel seat.Sit.

KC sat dutifully. She had a beautiful cat-like face, but she also had an air of naïve innocence about her. I didn’t want that today since it could make others take advantage of her. A few strokes, a few brushes, and in minutes I got what I wanted, transforming her child-like beauty into something mysterious.Was she or was she not as innocent as she seemed?You had to kiss her to find out.

I stepped back, rubbing my hands with glee.Mission accomplished.

KC slowly swung her seat to face the mirror. It had incandescent bulbs all over its frame, its golden light illuminating her face.