Falling in Love : I love you, Today and Forever

"Dad?" Aria propped on her forearms as she stared at the man who was lost in his thoughts. "Will he help you after all that happened?" She was unsure that her father would even speak to Noah let alone help him deal with his grandfather. It would be a dream come true for them if her father did not throw a tantrum and joined hands with Noah without complaining and losing his cool in the meanwhile.

Noah's lips curled up into a smirk when he realized that Aria had no idea about Ivy's secret phone call with him and the silent conversation he had had with his father-in-law. And he was in no mood to reveal it either. It was best the matter remained secretive and he could give Aria a huge surprise, at least something to make up for the pain he had put her through.

"He will forgive me eventually. Do not worry." Noah assured and even though Aria was not convinced, she did not probe further into the matter, allowing the suspense to sustain in the air. "And, if it makes you feel any better, I already have a plan to gain father-in-law's forgiveness." He winked at her playfully much to Aria's surprise and her eyes widened in astonishment.

"And what might that be?" She queried, curious to find out what exactly Noah had in mind. But the man did not fall for the tricks and just shook his head.

"Not that easy, baby. Not that easy." He clicked his tongue and Aria sulked on seeing that Noah had not fallen for her ploy. The man was too cunning for her to handle.

"Fine, don't say if you don't want to. I am not dying here to find out your plan anyway." She huffed and folded her hands before she averted her gaze away from him and Noah's smile widened on seeing her adorable expression. Her pouty lips ignited a desire in him to kiss her again and he did just that.

Careful so as to not put his weight on her bruises, he pushed her back on the bed and Aria yelped in shock at the sudden attack. But soon, her screams were swallowed by Noah and she was overwhelmed by the passionate kiss. Aria eventually forgot her complaints and succumbed to the toe-curling kiss, one that had her wishing to go further.

But the man pulled away even before she could attack his clothes and strip him bare. Aria stared at him in a daze, her eyes teary and filled with lust. And just this expression alone was almost enough for Noah to lose his self-control.

However, he did not go further and even moved away from her, making Aria frown in the meanwhile.

"Noah..." Her small, soft voice sent butterflies fluttering in his stomach. Yet, he still did not surrender and shook his head at her, confusing her all the more. She had never expected him to pull away at such a critical moment.

"Not now, Aria. Not now."

"But..why?" Her lips quivered and she looked at him blankly, her lust now replaced with confusion.

"Although I would love to do you until you forget everything else, you are injured and I do not wish to implicate you anymore due to my carelessness."

"But I'm fine. Really." She tried to assure him but in vain.

"No, Aria. Nothing you say or do will make me change my stance. I will not take the next step until you are well and all healed."

"Don't underestimate me, Mr. Carter." Aria objected, her voice rising an octave. "These wounds are insignificant. I can handle the pain."

"But I can't see you in pain and as I said before, nothing you say or do will change my decision. We will not have sex until you are healed." Noah enunciated each word and Aria's expression darkened consequently.

"Fine." She spat and ran a hand through her messy hair. "Have it your way. In the future, don't come begging me when I'm healed. I will not allow you to even touch me."

"Oh really?" Noah's raised a brow in amusement and watched the woman tidy her hair and clothes, his eyes filled with unconcealed love and dotingness.

"Really. Try me." Aria did not hold back and even challenged him, one which Noah had no qualms in accepting.

Instantly, he crawled onto the bed and Aria, who was focused on tidying herself stiffened when she felt his hot breath on her cheeks and neck.

"Are you sure you can stop me, Aria?" He whispered, sending tremors through Aria's already excited body.

But this time, she was in more control of herself and her body and she met Noah's gaze with confidence. "I can stop you and I will stop you." She pointed her finger at him and pushed it against his chest, forcing him to move away from her.

"You had your chance and you lost it, Mister. Don't blame me for being harsh and unyielding in the future." Not giving Noah any chance to rebuke, she jumped off the bed and winked at him before she ran out of the bedroom, much to Noah's disbelief.

He did not even have the time to comprehend what she had told him, much less catch her and stop her from leaving the room. By the time, he followed her out, Aria was already at the entrance and she waved at him playfully.

"I will have to leave now, Noah. Dad is waiting for me at home. Will see you later."

"Let me drop you." He offered, only to be denied.

"That's fine. I drove here anyway and you need to rest. Take some rest and forget your problems for now. I will call you once I reach home."

Aria threw him a flying kiss and Noah let out a sigh as he watched the woman walk out of his house happily before he chuckled lightly. At least, Aria was not furious with him for what he had done and that was all he wanted.