Chapter 19

"Why are you... You know each other?" Ashton stuttered in astonishment. "I just happened to meet her here. You never introduced me to your fiancee, Ashton." I answered. He raised his brow. He was skeptical with my answer. "Okay. Sierra-" He was cut off when Sierra stood suddenly. "I have to go, Avery. Thank you for the company. I hope you’d think about my offer being my maid of honor." I glanced at Ashton who had a surprised face. I smirked. "I never really said no you know but I’ll gladly take that role." She smiled ear to ear. She then hugged me. "Thank you." She let go and hurriedly walked towards Ashton. She dragged him away while he was glancing at me with a questionable look. I smiled amusingly. As I stepped inside the mansion, I was met with the most familiar glare. "Where were you?" He asked with crossed arms. I crossed my arms too. "I was out for some air." He frowned. "With Ashton’s fiancee?" My eyebrows raise and I loosened up a bit. So he saw me. "I did." He answered my thoughts. "My parents were looking for you- He was cut off when his parents found us." There are you two . Avery, we were looking you. I can’t let this night pass without my favorite sweet girl. "Angela approached me and hugged me. "Hey, Mr. Ranallo."  Marco nodded at me and smiled. "You look wonderful, Avery. Should have known you’d dress up so prettily." "I know right? She could pass up as a model. Not my son’s driver." Her mother added obviously aiming at Stefano. Stefano just rolled his eyes. "Speaking of which, son, I’d like to introduce you to someone-" "Later, Dad." Stefano interrupted his father. "I promised Avery a dance." He grabbed my arm and pulled me away leaving his parents in awe while I in agape. "What are you doing?" He dragged me in the middle of the dance floor. "Avoiding my parents’ matchmaking." I placed my hands on his shoulder. He did the same with his im my waist. I chuckled. "Really? I’m sure you need someone to tame you." I teased. He glared at me. "I was just joking. Jeez." Feeling uncomfortable with my hands, I intertwined them around his neck. "How was Henderson?" I know it’s been quite awhile since that happen but he never did discuss about it. We had a heated argument that night. It made everything colder between us. I felt insulted to the fact that he ignored my thoughtless ability to save his life from danger. I hated the guy but I’m not that selfish to leave him be. "I don’t think it’s any of your business on whatever happens after that night." I frowned yet again insulted by his words. I inhaled deeply. "Okay. If that’s what you want." I said almost a whisper. I rolled my eyes and looked away not wanting to look at his eyes. "You don’t need to care about it, Miss White. Everything was settled. Henderson has been taken care of." I turned to him swiftly. My brows creased. "What about the other guy? We didn’t see him, Stefano. I’m sure Henderson wouldn’t just confess so easily." I said in a pissed tone. "As I said, Miss White, you don’t need to concern yourself about it. Everything has been taken care of. Trust me on this." For once, he didn’t say it with arrogance and scorn. It was like he was easing my worries. I looked at him in the eye and understood him. " You should take care of yourself, Stefano. Not all people are there to save you." I was trying to hide my concern but it was etched all over it. I had this stupid habit engraved during my days in the academy. "You have a knack for butting into people’s business, Miss White." I frowned. Yeah, so much for easing my worries. You have a knack for scorning people yourself, Stefano. He stared at me. "It was just a joke, Miss White. No need to ruin your face with that frown." My eyes widened. "Are you kidding me?!" I pulled him by his neck. Our faces were an inch closer. "You’re an asshole. You don’t joke." I studied his grey eyes. We ended up staring at each other. My eyes moved towards his lips. It was slightly open. Somehow it was inviting me in. Magnets have a reason why they are pulled towards each other. We’re not magnets obviously. But I don’t know the reason why I’m suddenly pulled towards him... especially his lips.