Worthy of Me by Yajna Ramnath Read Free Book Online Page B

surrounding me with her expensive perfume. “And you can call me Mrs. Kingston.”
    I glanced up and watched amusement play on the Kingston family’s faces. Great, I was the sideshow.
    “Now come along, lunch is ready,” she held onto my hand and dragged me off to the dining area.
    “Aiden!” a young voice shrieked.
    I turned around just in time to catch a teenage girl throw herself in Aiden’s arms. She was a carbon copy of her mother so I knew this must be Aiden’s sister.
    “Allison, come meet Mia,” Mrs. Kingston called.
    Allison’s gaze snapped to mine and immediately her smile dropped. Oh boy. Allison took small and slow steps to get to me. An on-looker would think she was shy, maybe even hesitant. I knew from the glint in her eyes and the pursing of her lips that she was taking my measure. I knew the exact moment she decided she didn’t like me.
    “Hi,” she snapped.
    I nodded at her and walked away to Mrs. Kingston’s side. “Is there anywhere I could leave my scarf and jacket?”
    “Here, I’ll help,” Aiden appeared out of nowhere. He grasped my hand and took me to the closet I hadn’t seen when we entered the foyer.
    Staring into my eyes, he removed my scarf, slid my jacket off and hung both up. Reaching up, he cupped my face in both his hands and stared down at me. His thumbs traced over my bottom lip and he leaned closer. My heart was beating out of its chest as if to remind me it still works despite my callous words form earlier that day.
    “You’re beautiful,” he murmured.
    I was sure that he was going to kiss me. Some part of me wanted him to. But a clearing of a throat alerted us to Allison’s presence at the end of the hall. Sighing, Aiden slipped off my beanie and then brushed my hair back.
    We made our way silently back to the dining area, my hand was still firmly clasped in Aiden’s. I had mixed feelings about that. One part of me felt this was encouraging him and another part felt complete and at ease.
    Lunch proceeded in an expected fashion. We served salads and grilled chicken while Aiden’s parents got to know me. Or tried to. Allison had something to say about everything.
    “So, Mia, where are you formerly from?” Mr. Kingston asked.
    “A small town in South Africa,” I replied while taking a bite of my meal.
    Enter Allison. “You moved from all across the world and to another small town? Why would you do that?”
    I shrugged, taking a sip of water. “Personal reasons.”
    “Right,” Mrs. Kingston interjected. “And what do your parents do?”
    I swallowed hard and took my time answering. “My father is in business and my mom is a stay at home mom.”
    I didn’t feel the need to add that they both didn’t live together. It didn’t seem like their business. Of course Allison didn’t think that.
    “And they just let to come here? I mean why here?”
    I looked at Aiden who frowned at Allison. “Yes they just let me come here. As for why here, I was interested in Michigan Tech.”
    “But why? I meant here are so many universities all around the world with better programmes than that and so many that offer in house—”
    I cut her off. “So that’s your problem with me? That I’m living with your brother?”
    Allison’s cheeks flushed red. “Yes. It is. I don’t like you.”
    “Allison!” the three remaining Kingston's exclaimed.
    “No it’s alright,” I replied. “You don’t know me, Allison, and whatever reason I have to be here and to live with your brother is my decision. That he has offered me a place is his decision. Seeing as you’re not the one whom the living arrangements concern, I don’t need to explain myself to you.”
    Allison’s mouth dropped open and all eyes were on me.
    “As for your obvious objection to my relationship with your brother, let me make it clear for you; there isn’t one. He is my landlord, roommate and my boss. At times he’s even a really good friend that helped me when I most needed it,” I said while wiping