"Arden, Tyler's looking for you," I heard Aunt Becca from behind my door as I remained in my bed for two days now. Maybe three days? I'm not sure. Ever since I escaped from Mr. Il Volo, I didn't go out of my room. I don't want to risk the chance and have my ass thrown into jail.
"How sure are you that he's Tyler, Aunt Bec? He could be someone who's out to get me, Auntie. Don't let him in!" I have seen several movies to be convinced that it's easy nowadays to pretend to be someone. They don't need to undergo surgery to change their face; modern technology got them covered.
"He's inhaling the baked mac I just made. If that's not Tyler, I don't know who that is," Aunt Becca deadpanned and I heard the retreating footfalls. I jumped out of bed, freshened up, and made my way downstairs. That is definitely Tyler.
If he was a prey in the jungle, he could easily be captured if you just baited him a bowl of baked mac. Sometimes, I worry about him. He could easily be lured by someone who has a restaurant whose main menu is baked mac. I bet he's willing to go with a stranger if the latter promised Tyler unlimited food.
True to her words, Tyler was chomping on the freshly-baked cheesy mac. The tray was on the counter and Tyler sat next to it. It was as if someone will steal his food if he doesn't sit closer to it. He lifted his head when he sensed my presence and heaved a sigh of relief. "Oh, it's just you. I thought Aunt Bec will snatch my fave from me," he replied after swallowing a spoonful of baked mac.
I headed to the fridge and poured orange juice, then grabbed the toasts Aunt Bec prepared for my PB&J. She's so thoughtful and considerate. She always makes sure that whatever we need will be within our arm's reach. For sure, she woke up earlier than usual to prepare the baked mac because she knew that Tyler is coming. Tyler never fails to inform Aunt Becca if he's stopping by. I guess it's his way of telling Aunt Becca that a feast should be prepared.
"Why are you here? Don't you have work?" I sat on the chair in front of him and put strawberry jam on my toast. I then spread the peanut butter on the other one.
"I'm worried about you, Arden. You didn't call me since that time in the gallery." I put my toasts together and arched my brow at Tyler. "Fine, I'm craving some baked mac, okay? I'm short on money so I'm so happy that Aunt Bec has made enough to accommodate me."
He made it just for you, Ty. No one eats baked mac in this house.
"Anyway, tell me what happened. Aunt Bec told me that you locked yourself in your room. Did Mr. Il Volo do something to you? Should I beat him up for you?" Tyler asked with a deep frown and exposed his slightly toned arms. I bet it will break if someone grabbed it forcefully.
"I... appreciate the offer, Ty, but I care for you. Also, I don't have enough money to pay for your hospital bills. Do you have insurance?"
Tyler parted his lips and a soft gasp escaped from his mouth. "The audacity! I will not take this insult lightly, Arden. I am offended!"
I hummed and took a mouthful of my sandwich. Gosh, it's so good. I will never get sick of this. "Do you want to show him who's the boss? I'm not stopping you. After all, I will not be the one who will end up broken and bruised in the hospital. From what I can recall, he also has a bodyguard with a muscular build. I bet he can take you on before Mr. Il Volo--"
"Uhh..." Tyler blinked and chuckled breathlessly. "It's the thought that counts, right? You love me anyway, right?"
"Of course, silly," I giggled softly and Tyler's expression lit up and he also laughed a little. "Do you want to know what happened?" He pushed the tray of baked mac aside and gave me his undivided attention. "Okay, so what happened was..."
After I told him what happened in detail, Tyler nodded. "All the more that you should go to the party, Arden."
"What? Did you not hear what I said? If my hunch is correct, he knows that I'm stalking him, Ty. If he put me behind bars, my dream of having a family will be over." Who knows what Mariano Il Volo is capable of? Stalking him was the stupidest decision I have ever made.
"Stop overthinking, Arden. If he wants to sue you, the cops would have arrested you that same day; that's how powerful Mariano Il Volo is. Now, think of this as your last act before you give up. Aren't you curious? What if he agrees to your proposal? Don't knock it till you try it. Let's live without regrets, hmm?"
I swallowed thickly and stared at Tyler. He's got a point. Just one more try and I will give up. I don't want to make any excuses. "Okay, then."
He clapped and cheered. "Yes! We're going to party!"
"When is it?"
"Tonight."
Eyes bulging, my lips parted in shock. "Are you crazy?! We need to go shopping!" I don't want to look undesirable in front of Mr. Il Volo if we happen to meet there. I just assumed that he will prefer the company of his elite group of friends. "But then, I'm broke for this week, Ty." With a frown, I groaned and my lips stretched downwards.
"Don't worry, Arden. I got you this time."
"But your student loans... I can--"
Tyler scoffed and dismissed me. "I'm so close to paying it fully. Relax. I have been saving for an occasion like this," he added with a proud face and a smug smile.
"You have been saving money just in case we decided to gate crash an exclusive party? Didn't you say that you're short on money?" I deadpanned and reached for a spoonful of baked mac only to put it back when Tyler growled lowly. "Easy, boy. Easy." What a generous best friend.
"I have enough for shopping, Arden."
"Tyler, I can-- yes, boss. I understand," I surrendered when Tyler gave me his signature glare that can make my knees tremble.
Breakfast went peacefully since I didn't try to grab food from Tyler's tray. Our next activity for the day was shopping and Tyler bought me tattered skinny jeans, an almost sheer silk top, and a black panty. I almost broke my neck when I looked at him with wide eyes after throwing the said piece of clothing into my cart.
"What the fuck are you doing, Tyler?" I hissed and grabbed his arm so I could drag him into the corner. The saleslady was eyeing us curiously and I could see the look of disgust on her face when Tyler put the underwear in.
"Chill, Arden. This is part of the outfit."
I glared at him. "No, Tyler, and I am not going there to get laid. I can't even stand a man's touch. Why do you think I am looking for a sperm donor? It's because I don't want to have sex with them!" Finding some easy fuck is not a problem. I am just uncomfortable with men in general, aside from Tyler and River. I don't want to recall what made me feel repulsive toward that act, but I can't see myself being that intimate with another.
Tyler pouted and fluttered his eyelashes. "Please? Just this one, Arden? We rarely go clubbing because you hate that kind of atmosphere. Let's just have fun tonight."
"Why panties?" I have never worn one because I'm comfortable with my snug boxers.
"Because it's comfy and I'm sure you will like the feel of the fabric once you try it." He smiled and leaned for a whisper. "I am going to wear a red, lace panty tonight," he confessed with a giggle and my eyes almost fell out of their sockets. "That's why you need to wear that too so we match, okay?"
Tyler didn't give me time to protest because he picked up the cart and paid for the items, ignoring the disgusted expression of the cashier. "Hey, woman. Don't you ever look at my best friend like that again. Unlike you, he will nail his outfit. If seeing gays buying panties disgusts you so much, find another job. We don't need people like you here."
Grabbing Tyler by the hand, I dragged him out of the store, fuming. "We need to find another store to shop, Ty. That is not a safe place for y--"
"Thank you, Arden." He hugged my side with a sheepish grin on his lips, his eyes glistening.
I smiled and patted his head. "Don't be silly. I will always fight for you, Ty. Now, come on. I heard that there's a new Japanese restaurant here. I'll treat you."
He blinked and gasped. "What? But you don't have enough for the week since--"
"River will understand if I use his credit card." I showed him the black card and Tyler squealed in joy. Then, his happy expression morphed into a slightly annoyed one.
"You have River's card but you let me pay for your clothes?" He huffed and crossed his arms.
"I want to tell you about the card but you were pretty insistent about treating me so I let you be. To make it up for you, you can order anything you want." I think I saw hearts in Tyler's eyes as he bounced on his feet, muffling his squeals. River gave me this card a few years back but I rarely use it since I don't want to trouble him more than necessary. He already put a roof on my head, fed me, and clothed me. As much as possible, I want to earn my keep and try to rely less on him.
Tyler ordered two grand worth of food but seeing him enjoy them was worth it. I only have a small circle and I want them happy. We returned to the mansion with three hours left to prepare. In a way, I was starting to dig my black hair but I hope it returns to its original color soon.
I cleaned, shaved, and moisturized my body. Wearing my robe, I stepped out of the bathroom and stared at my new clothes, fresh from the laundry. Tyler volunteered to wash them; he wants to let all the food he ate digested properly. I reached for the black panty and rubbed the soft fabric. "Tyler's right; it is soft." Slipping it on, a pleased sigh escaped my lips when I realized how comfortable it is. No wonder Tyler likes wearing panties. He usually buys them online and this was the first time he bought them in a store so I was pissed off when the saleslady and the cashier gave him stink eyes.
Before slipping into my clothes, I applied a facial moisturizer and some serum to keep my face from drying. Self-love is very important, and both Tyler and I practice that. I don't put many products to my face because I get breakouts. A moisturizer, a serum, and an eye cream are enough for me. Of course, don't forget sunscreen when going out during the day.
I wore my jeans which fit me like a glove, outlining my butt and legs. Next was the shirt I half-tucked in front and popped three buttons for a sexier look. I have to get Mr. Il Volo's attention so I can give him my proposal. If he rejects me, then that's it. I will just be grateful if he doesn't sue me for stalking.
"Best friend, are you done?" Tyler yelled from behind the door and when I asked him to come in, I almost lost my balance. "What? Very sexy, right?" He giggled and slowly turned around so I can see his outfit. Tyler was wearing leather shorts and a mesh top, paired with black boots.
"All you need is a collar and you're on your way to a BDSM club, Ty."
His expression lit up, delighted by what I said. "That's the look I'm going for: irresistibly sexy. My fucking ex made me forget for a second that I'm gorgeous and should be treated like a princess. This is my time to prove to the world that it's their loss, not mine. Hmmph! I'm going to find a real dom there, well, I hope so. I will behave, I promise," he lifted his right hand when I gave him a narrow gaze.
"Fine, and you are right, you look gorgeous. Way to go, Ty." His lips stretched into a wide grin and hugged me, slapping my butt in the process. "Ty!"
"Mr. Il Volo will drool over you, best friend," Tyler giggled with me blushing softly as we made our way to the garage. "Do you have the invite?"
"Mm. In my jacket pocket," I assured him and put on my seatbelt. Good thing that the party allows a plus one; I don't think I would ever go there if Tyler is not around. With The Reaper's latest album in the stereo, Tyler drove to the venue. We were expecting that it would be a fancy building but our minds were blown when we arrived at an enormous Spanish mansion with a huge steel gate. Men in black suits were scattered around the perimeter, with cars lining up to have their invites checked.
"Ty, you didn't tell me that this was going to be a huge party," I breathed out in awe as the bright lights of the mansion sparkled. The upbeat melody can also be heard from where we are. Even the cars in front of us scream luxury and money.
"Well... I didn't know, too. I should've checked the venue but I assumed that it will be held in an exclusive club. Good thing I brought a coat with me," he chuckled nervously and chewed his lower lip.
"We're going to stand out like sore thumbs. It's not too late to back out," I tell him with a look of plea, considering that we didn't dress for the occasion. I was wearing jeans and he was wearing leather shorts; not a good way to blend in with the crowd when the said crowd are in their formal wear. Women flaunted their wealth with their expensive gowns and glittering pieces of jewelry while men showed off with their limited-edition cars and million dollars worth of accessories.
Tyler nodded. "You're right. Let's go back. This is a bad idea, Arden. I'm sorry that I didn't check the venue first."
"It's okay. You were only trying to help when you suggested this. Come on; we'll party at our house," I smiled and patted his shoulders comfortingly. That was the plan until someone knocked on Tyler's window. I hitched a breath when I realized who it was... Mr. Il Volo's bodyguard! His dark eyes swirled with many unreadable emotions.
He bent his muscled frame to have a good look at us and he blinked for a second when he saw Tyler. "You're holding the line. Is there a problem?" We just noticed that there were no cars in front of us and the people behind us were beeping.
Tyler, who seemed to have swallowed his tongue, turned to me with a blush. I have never seen him this flustered. Help, he mouthed and I realized that this man is Tyler's type. "Um... We apologize. There was a mix-up and we were not properly dressed. Don't worry, we are going home right away. We don't want to cause some trouble," I added with a nervous smile and he looked at us in scrutiny. When he noticed Tyler's outfit, his jaw ticked.
"That's not a problem. I can help. Follow me." His deep and rugged voice sent chills down my spine. I don't need to have him investigated to understand that he is a dangerous man. His aura exudes power and danger. I was about to protest when Tyler reached for my hand and shook his head softly. The man truly caught Tyler's interest and who am I to stand in my bestie's way of finding the love of his life?
"Lead the way, please," I finally replied to the man and he nodded. He climbed on his big bike while Tyler let go of the breath he was holding. I didn't miss his trembling fingers gripping tightly on the steering wheel. "Are you okay, Tyler? Do you want me to drive?"
Tyler looked at me with a shaky smile, a sheen of sweat lining his forehead. "Fuck, Arden. I found my daddy."
Comments (0)
See all