Chapter 74
I woke up with an arm draped heavily over my body, warm and comforting, yet starting as I blinked into the first rays of morning light spilling through the curtains, I groaned, still disoriented, trying to piece together why I was feeling so snug and pinned down. The memories of last night rushed in without so much as a warning and I felt myself stiffen.
The way I threw myself at him like a shameless has because he was nice for one night, the exact same thing I did years ago. I was appalled at my behavior but there was no time to dwell on it.
Charlie would be here soon and I needed to put myself together for him.
Shiu Charlie.
My mind started to catch up to reality as the door burst open with a loud bang
“Mummy! Mummy!” My son’s voice rang through the room, full of excitement and energy, Charlie charged in, his little arms flailing as he bounded over to the bed.
I forgot he was being dropped off today.
But just as quickly, he froze at the foot of the bed, his eyes going wide, his mouth forming a surprised “O” as he took in the sight before him.
I turned my head. barely processing the situation myself. Lying beside me, eyes still closed, was Aragon sleeping peacefully, his face softened in a way that almost made me forget the chaos around me. I thought he had left, I thought he understood this for what it was, nothing but a rump in the
theets.
My heart lurched. Charlie’s gaze shifted between us, his g grin spreading as he slowly started backing out of the room, his eyes still fixed on the two of
“Oh Charlie, wat—” I started, but he was already out of sight, the mischief evident in the faint giggle I heard as he disappeared down the hall.
Oh no, what have I done!
My stomach flipped as I yanked the sheet up, covering myself before shaking Aragon’s shoulder. “Aragoni Wake up!” I whispered urgently.
He groaned, his hand reaching up to rub his eyes. “Mmum moming,” he muttered, turning toward me smile and leaning in to kiss me.
I pushed him back with a hand firmly planted on his chest. “No–none of that. It’s time for you to go.
His brows drew together as he frowned. “Go? What’s the hurry?” he asked
*Because Charlie just walked in here, Aragon,” I said. “I don’t want him genting confused or getting any ideas. He’s just a lid, and this between us, searching for the right words. “This is compliced”
gestured
He looked at me, a hint of hurt shadowing his eyes. He sighed and shook his head, but he didn’t argue. “So, what are we calling what happened last night, then?
bit my lip, my eyes dropping to the tangled sheets. “Last night.. it was nothing. Aragon. I don’t know what got into me. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrung impression, but it can’t happen again.”
There was a idence that stretched painfully between us. Finally, I heard him sigh, the sound heavy with resignation “Right,” he muttered.
I slipped out of bed and threw on my robe, cinching it around me tightly. Without another word, I left the room, ignoring the pang in my chest. Curlie was downstairs, and I couldn’t afford for him to see me unravelling.
I took the stairs to at a time, trying to keep my expression calm and collected by the time I reached the dining room. Charlie was sitting at the table, his face an innocent mask of curiosity as he looked up at me.
“Good moming, sweethean,” I greeted him, leaning down to kiss his forehead, hoping he hadn’t sensed any of the awkward tension lingering in the
Curlie looked up at me with a grin, his eyes wide and brimming with curiosity. “Mummy,” he started, full of that innocent mischief only a
n year old could muster. “Why was Daddy in your bed?”
Hat back a sigh, glancing away for a moment. “Daddy just stayed over, that’s all. We were talking, and it got late.”
Charle tilted his head, clearly not convinced but accepting my answer, at least for now. “Are you and Daddy friends again!”
I felt a patig in my chey, knowing that Curlie had longed for us to be a family. “Yes, we’re friends,” I said carefully, brushing a stray lock of hair off las forrhead “Trends who both love you very much.”
Clverlie seemed unified with that answer, at least for now, and quickly changed the subject. “Are we having pancakes for breakfast!”
I laughed, feeling a wave of relief at his simple request. “Yes, we are, master,” I said, playfully riffling his hair. “And maybe a few duncolate chips in
His eyes lit up as he clapped hus lunda “Yay!”
I moved around the kitchen pulling ingredients from the pastry, I tried to ignore the flurry of emotions twisting inside me. Last night had been a
stake, a lapar injurie that Tronddot afford, no matter une conforting Aragon’s presence had felt. We were not going to be involved and that me needed tra stay clear For Churlar a sake, and for munur
som flipping the pancaker on be stove when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned, and there he was, looking freshly dressed but still a bit weary. Tie met my pane, his face in
“D
Chapter 74
“Good morning, Daddy!” Charlie greeted him, oblivious to the quiet tension lingering between us.
“Good morning, buddy.” Aragon replied with a warm smile, niffling Charlie’s hair as he took a seat at the table.
“Are you staying for breakfast?” Charlie asked.
Aragon shot me a look which I returned with a glare, my eyes
es were yelling at him to get out but he simply shrugged.
“Yes, your mother agreed to feed me before she sent me away,” he told Charlie who giggled in response.
I busied myself with the pancakes, trying to ignore the awkwardness that hung in the air. Charlie was babbling on about his sleepover plans, and Aragon was listening intently, nodding and chiming in with questions
Finally, I plated the pancakes, placing them on the table. “Here we go.” I said, forcing a bright tone as I set down a stack of fluffy pancakes in front of
them.
cup of coffee, his gaze heavy and questioning.
Charlie dug in immediately.
tely, but I c
I caught Aragon watching me as I poured myself a cup of
“Thank you for letting me stay last night,” he said quietly, just loud enough for me to hear.
I nodded, hot meeting his eyes. “Of coume. You’re always welcome to be here for Charlie.” I said a little too loudly.
A beat of silence passed, and then he spoke again. “It wasn’t just Charlie I was here for.”
My fingers tightened around the handle of my coffee cup. I kept my eyes fixed on Charlie, who was obliviously munching on his pancakes. “Aragon, let’s not make this more complicated than it is.”
He sighed. leaning back in his chair, but didn’t push further. “Alright,” he murmured. “I understand.”
But I knew he didn’t—not fully, at least. And maybe I didn’t understand it myself. The boundaries I’d set for us felt fragile, like
any moment, and the stakes felt higher than ever.
they could shatter at
What I did last night was reckless and selfish, it was a decision I made because I was thinking with my vagina. I had hoped he would be gone by the time Charlie returned but I timed that wrong
I forced myself to smile and joined them at the table, listening to Charlie’s cheerful chatter as he planned his day. For a little while, I let myself be present, reminding myself that whatever uncertainties lingered, my son’s happiness was the only thing that truly mattered.
