After convincing me to visit some mediocre café, filled with rose walls and swinging chairs-the one that girls can't seem to get enough of, arguing that it's the best place for quality Instagram photos-Aiyana took the liberty to order every single item that appealed to her. She forgot to mention that it was practically the entire menu, smiling up at me as she recalled her order to the waitress.

A heavy sigh slips past my lips at the thought of staying here for another hour, but if I'm lucky enough, I'd be out of here in the next forty minutes. Out of all the coffee shops you could've chosen in Shepherd's Bush, you choose the most basic one?I ask, shaking my head in disappointment.

Aiyana shrugs off her cardigan, fixing it against the back of her chair and juts out her lower lip. My eyes drop to her nude painted lips, swallowing thickly when she begins to tug at her lower lip with her teeth. Her chin rests in her palm, brushing away a stray strand of her behind her ear as she glances around the coffee shop.

She barely notices the way my eyes travel down the length of her body, admiring the way the black material of her dress clings to her body like second skin, but what keeps me going is the backless design. Her back is bare, and I want to do nothing more than run my fingertips down the length of her back, to have her body pressed up against mine. Nor does it help that I'm reminded of the teasing images she sent before we met up, and nor could I get the images of her in lingerie out of my fucking head.

Judah, I've been living in London all my life and I've never been to this coffee shop,she sticks out her tongue a little, her cute little nose creasing in the process. "Besides, I don't think you've got anything better to do this evening, which reminds me... why did you call me out today?

I shrug in response. Truth be told, I had no valid reason-but did I need an excuse to see someone who's presence I was beginning to enjoy? I don't know why I called her out, it was in the heat of the moment, but it felt right. And now that she's here, sitting in front of me without a care in the world, I couldn't bail on her.

And perhaps what drew me to Aiyana Sen was the same thing that drew in everyone else; her energy and vibe was unmatched, I've never seen, never met, anyone like her. It's been a month since we've met, and I know I shouldn't lead her on, not when I'm still healing from my previous relationship, not when I'm still wary of a woman's true intentions; I know I should keep my feelings at bay, but the more time I spend in her presence, the harder it is for me to ignore her. That too, when she's constantly pulling ridiculous stunts online.

Do I... need a reason to see you? I ask cautiously, fingers fiddling with the bronze keyring, a souvenir from Paris, before I glance up to meet her surprised stare. She's blinking at me, eyes shining in curiosity, pursing her lips and clearing her throat.

You're acting strange, she murmurs, eyes squinting. Her small hand curls around her glass of water, tipping her head back before she's downing the liquid, After weeks of hostility, I don't know if I should be overjoyed, or creeped out.

A scoff slips past my lips, nudging her shin gently with the front of my shoe, Hostility? That's a bit harsh, Aiyana. I'm always treating you nice, sweetheart.

Her cheeks flush at my words, squirming in her seat, and I'm almost left satisfied with her reaction. A half-suppressed laugh rumbles from the back of my throat at her behaviour, darting my eyes across the room, until it settles on her petite figure once more. She bites her lip, slipping out of her chair to lean over the table and place the back of her hand against my forehead, Are you ill? Is there something wrong? You're not acting like your usual self.

My nose twitches at the subtle scent of her famous pomegranate infused perfume, fingers latching around her small wrist, pulling her warm hand away from my face and gently pushing her back into her seat. I'm fan-fucking-tastic, I smile sarcastically, leaning back into my chair. You're playing the role of a Doctor too well for my liking.

Aiyana straightens up, a wicked glint in her eyes. She rests her elbows on the table, chin sitting atop of her clasped hands and smiles innocently, I thought men liked that sort of stuff. If you want, I can get my stethoscope out just for you, Judah.

My name rolls of her tongue, but I know she's teasing me, emphasising my name as she does so, effortlessly, slowly, playfully, in a way that makes me want to do nothing more than bend her over my fucking knee. I shift in my seat, coughing into the crook of my arm, and Aiyana simply grins in satisfaction.

Aiyana, stop, I bite out, curling my fingers into a fist.

I don't think I will... Judah, she smiles, flashing me a cheeky wink and glancing over her shoulder to call over the approaching waitress. If it wasn't possible before, it is now, because Aiyana's smile widens when she spots the plates of dessert. Though she reaches for her cup of hot chocolate first, topped with mini marshmallows and whipped cream. Tell me something... I've known Valentino for almost five years now, and I've always known he's had a brother, but why have I only just met you? I've met Leilani and Dahlia in passing, but I've never gotten the chance to speak to them.

My only response is to shrug, reaching for my own cup of coffee, but when the bitter drink hits the back of my throat, I grimace. Aiyana uses the opportunity to drop a sugar cube into my drink, using her spoon to stir the liquid. I nod in gratitude and place the coffee back down, watching as she drinks her hot chocolate as she waits for my response.

I'm almost twenty-five, Aiyana. I moved out of London straight after I finished my A-Levels, I say. I decided to stay in Manchester after I finished my degree; made some good cash working for an engineering company, until I decided it was time for a change.

And now you're back here for your Masters? She asks.

I nod, That's right. I can't lie, Valentino and I were always in contact, but I never really came back to London during my time off.

She places her drink on the table, the tip of her tongue wiping away the whipped cream that settled on her skin. She isn't very effective in wiping away the mess, and I have to bite back a laugh when she smiles at me, the cream on her upper lip still visible. You've got a little something-I point to her lip, and when she swipes her lips with her thumb, still missing the spot, I sigh.

Instead, I grip the leg of her chair and pull her next to me, closing the distance between us. I drop my arm against the back of her seat, leaning in close. My eyes meet hers, sensing her surprise as she swallows thickly, staring up at me, eyes wide. Neither one of us glance away when I cup her right cheek, her soft skin warm beneath mine. And then, my thumb brushes across her upper lip.

Aiyana involuntarily shivers, and I can only raise an eyebrow, a smirk making its way to my lips when I watch her cheeks become infused with the colour of roses. Even under the dark lighting I'm still able to make out her blush. She doesn't break her stare, watching as I bring my thumb to my lips, tongue wiping the area clean before I'm pulling away.

You really are a sweet one, Aiyana Sen.