Chapter 6

Ariana's POV -

"See you tomorrow Ben." I smile, waving goodbye. The bell above the little coffee shop rings as I pull it open, stepping out into the dark night. The air is still warm, the smell of coffee beans lingering through it. I've just finished my shift and I'm on my way home, a hot chocolate firmly in my hand. Even though I work in a coffee shop, I hate coffee.

Not the scent, just the taste.

I take a sip of my hot chocolate, heading for my car in the parking lot. I pause in my tracks as I notice a figure leaning against Betty, his hood up to cover his face. I inhale sharply, frowning in the dark as I try to make out his face. He's scrolling through his phone, his back resting comfortably on my drivers seat door.

"Justin?" I call out, narrowing my eyes in the dark. The figure pushes himself off my car and turns towards me, smiling. I break out into a grin and head towards him, my free hand outstretched.

"Hi! What are you doing here?" I smile, embracing him awkwardly with one arm. My other hand is clutching my cup and car keys.

"I thought I'd surprise you after work. Good shift?" He asks, leaning towards me to peck my cheek. I nod, my dark hair bouncing around my shoulders.

"Just the usual. I accidentally spilled an entire jug of milk today. It was like a blood bath, just with milk." I grimace, pulling open my drivers door. Justin walks around the other side, pausing and looking at me intently.

"Are you still thinking about that night? It happened like two weeks ago now Ariana."

I nibble on my lower lip, shaking my head at his words.

"Of course not, it was just a metaphor." I roll my eyes and slide into my seat, hoping he couldn't see my face. I lied.

I do still think about it, think about Alex.

I often wonder if he's okay, whether the stab wound is healing as it should.

"Is it cool if I stay over at yours? I was thinking pizza and a movie." Justin grins, changing the subject. I start the car, checking my mirrors before nodding.

"You know it is, my parents love you Justin. Pizza and a movie sounds great." I say cheerily, disappointment settling inside my stomach. I hope he didn't sense it.

It's not that I don't enjoy staying in with him. . . Because I do. But lately, it's all we ever do.

"Why don't we try out that new club opening that's happening tonight? We could get the rest of the guys to come and meet us, it'll be fun." I suggest, slowing down at the changing traffic lights. The roads are deserted, only a few cars on their way home from a long day.

"I went out last night with the guys. I still feel hungover now." Justin groans, grimacing. I nod my head understandingly, holding in a heavy sigh.

"Pizza and a movie it is." I repeat, my smile slightly strained.

*****

Halfway through the movie, Justin's hand starts to drift from my arm down to my waist. I watch it from the corner of my eye, my lips twitching up into a grin.

"You're going to turn this into the stereotypical Netflix and Chill scene, aren't you?" I tease, turning to look up at him. His blue eyes are shining brightly at me as he leans down, his lips pressing against mine. They move slowly, his tongue flicking out to wet my lower lip. I reach up to place a hand on the back of his neck, butterflies fluttering in my stomach from his kiss. He always tastes. . . good, safe.

A knock on my bedroom door causes us to pull apart and Justin groans, rolling his eyes.

"I can't even get five minutes with my girlfriend..." he mumbles under his breath. I giggle at his foul mood and slap his chest lightly before standing up off my bed.

Mum is standing on the other side of my door and she notices Justin on my bed as I open the door.

"Justin! Honey, how are you?"

"I'm great Mrs Winfrey. It's always a pleasure to see you."

I have to resist rolling my eyes at his suck-up attitude towards my parents. It's the main reason they absolutely adore the ground he walks on. It's always Justin this and Justin that.

It's great they like my boyfriend, it's slightly irritating when they seem to like him more than I do. 

"Do you want something Mum, we're halfway through a movie." I smile, running a hand through my long hair. Mum turns back towards me, her makeup applied perfectly.

"I just came to let you know me and your father are going out for the night. We won't be back until late so you two lovebirds enjoy yourselves."

"Thanks Mrs Winfrey! You look lovely, enjoy your night." Justin yells as Mum walks away. I turn towards him, narrowing my eyes and scowling. "What?" He asks innocently, his eyes wide.

I swing my door shut, turning to cross my arms over my chest.

"You-are-such-a-suck-up to my Mum."

Justin smirks, climbing off my bed to waltz over to me. I remain in the same position, my arms tightly folded across my chest. He doesn't stop until he's standing directly in front of me, leaning down so our faces are inches away.

"She can't resist my charming personality. It's a gift baby." Justin teases, leaning forward to nuzzle his nose against mine. I roll my eyes and shove at his chest, causing him to stumble backwards slightly. He knows he's winding me up and chuckles at my expense. His arm shoots out as he grabs my hand, wrapping it in his. I giggle as he yanks me towards him, pulling me backwards with him until he meets my desk. He sits himself down on the edge and pulls me between his legs, his eyes turning shades darker within seconds.

"Justin, my parents are still home." I breathe out, inhaling his scent. He smells good and I lean in closer, pressing a kiss on his jawline.

"They won't be for long" Justin murmurs down my ear, his hands exploring my body. I tangle my hands in his hair and rest my forehead against his.

"You have pretty eyes" he whispers, his words causing my heart to flutter. I smile at him, reaching forward to peck his lips quickly.

"It's a gift, baby." I repeat his words and Justin chuckles, his hand pressing against the bottom of my back. He pushes me forward so I'm pressing against him and I bite down on my lower lip, knowing he likes it when I do that. His eyes drop down to my lips as he watches me, drifting off into a daze.

"Ariana! Can you feed the cat please!"

Mum yells up the stairs before the front door slams and I groan, pulling away from Justin. He pouts unhappily, giving me his best puppy dog look.

"I'll be two minutes." I say apologetically, pausing the movie. Justin lets out a heavy sigh, bouncing back down onto my bed. He turns to give me a stern look, his eyebrows raised.

"Two minutes, go. I'm timing you."

I throw another apologetic look his way before opening my bedroom door and walking downstairs. The cat is quietly meowing at the bottom of the stairs, looking at me with desperation in her eyes.

"Come on Misty," I say over my shoulder and she quickly follows me, her meows gradually coming to a stop as she realises she's about to be fed. I pass the living room window and sub-consciously peer out of it, my gaze landing on the end of the road where Alex lay a few weeks ago. The image of him lying completely still flashes through my mind and I exhale out the breath I'm holding, shaking the image out of my head.

What if I try to find him online? Drop him a simple message to see if he's okay?

I did save his life after all.

I nibble on my bottom lip nervously as I battle with myself over the decision. Do I? Don't I?

My hand automatically reaches for my phone and before I know it, I'm scrolling through a bundle of Alex's in the area, scrutinising their profile pictures. Maybe I've forgotten what he looks like and won't be able to find him?

Another lie.

I can't forget those eyes, chocolate swirls complete with dark lashes staring up at me. He held a glimmer of danger in his eyes. Every damn time I think about it, it causes a chill to run down my spine.

"Ariana? What's taking you so long?"

I let out a sigh, finish feeding the cat and begin to walk back up the stairs.

"Coming now Justin!”