The hard part about falling for someone like Jon was keeping silent. He was an well-known guy with a huge inheritance and his name appeared in tabloids and newspapers as one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in the country. That would be enough to make any eventual relationship a problem, but being Robb's best friend made everything worse.

She could not confide in her friends, because none of them wouldunderstand the kind of person Jon was. Nor could she speak with her mother, or Sansa. It would be a disaster, especially the fact that he was older than her and Arya was still a minor.

Jon was not making any easier on her life either. Since the day he called trying to arrange a meeting, things only got worse. It started with Robb's dinner engagement and that ridiculous conversation in the kitchen. She almost begged him to kiss her, or said with all the words what he wanted from her, but that was Jon and he didn't say things like that without considering infinite moral issues.

After that day, he called several times and the conversations always revolved around the same subject. He wanted to meet her again and that would mean crossing all boundaries of common sense. Arya was sure that if she saw him the consequences would be disastrous, mainly because she didn't know if she was able to resist the temptation of falling rightinto his arms again.

He regarded her in a way that Arya couldn't understand. It wasn't because of his age, or his looks. It was Jon. This alone would have sufficed to stir her curiosity, even if the masquerade never happened. The way he talked, the way he led and tortured her bodywith long kisses and calculated moves, the way he would say that he cared about her -all that destabilized and frustrated her beyond imagination.

No matter how many times she asked him to forget what had happened at the party and just leave her alone, every day there would bea message on her cell phone, or a phone call at aninconvenient time. In the middle of mess she ended up calling Gendry and went on a date in a desperate effort to occupy her mind with something else.

He could not have been more pleased and even she had to lateradmit that Gendry was not as stupid as she thought. They watched a movie, talked and ended up exchanging a few kisses in movie theater, but it was nothing compared to kissing Jon.

This only made her angrier and more frustrated. Gendry realized something was off about her. He was even perceptive enough to ask if she was involved with someone else. Arya tried to change the subject, pretending as if she didn't understand the question, but finally ended up saying that there was another guy, but that the situation was too complicated to explain.

Gendry wasn't too happybut understood that there was a limit to insist on a lost cause. He took her home and sent amessage once just to ask if she was okay. Obviously she was not, but Gendry didn't need to know that.

The result of all this was spending more time practicing fencing after school. Her coach was even considering the possibility registering her to qualify for the national fencing competition so she would have a chance to testher skills. Adrenalin flooded her system, making her forget Jon for a few hours. The physical fatigue was enough to make her want to go to bed immediately when she got home. Even her parents were enjoying all her newfounddedication to the sport.

She finished the workout that day feeling the protest of all muscles in herbody. Arya grabbed her thingsand went to the locker room to take a shower before going home. The water was a relief for both thepain and for her nose; the smell of sweat that clung to her skinwas definitely not something pleasant, after all.

When she finished, she pulled onher school uniform. She hated the outfit almost as much as she hated the dresses that her mother gave her for Christmas. The pleated chess skirt, white shirt, blazer, long white socks and an awful pair ofshoes, made her look younger than she really was.

The school was almost empty when she left. She resolved to take the bus home, when she spotted a Mercedes sedan parked across the street. The car was familiar andimmediately she quickened her pace, ignoring the car.

The bus stop was empty.

She found herself praying that the bus would come soon, but the only vehicle that pulled up and stopped by was the Mercedes. When the car window went down, Jon looked at her, trying to sound calm.

- Can I give you a ride? - He asked, in an effort to be personable and unpretentious. Arya tried to ignore him while pretending to be waiting for the bus.

- Arya, please. Get in the car.

- I do not accept rides from strangers. - She replied, finally looking at him.

- I'm hardly a stranger. - He insisted, smiling a discreet smile - Please. I just wanna talk.

Arya knew he was not going to give up so easily and frankly she was also tired of dodging him…as if there was really any chance of notgiving in to him. She got into the car and threw her bag in the backseat. Jon looked satisfied.

He drove the car through the city streets, as quiet as he was at the night of the party. She shiveredat the memory of it, secretly wishing he would take her back to the apartment and repeat that night. Inevitably, she thought once more about how wrongthat scene was. She wasa minor in a car, with an older guy who was somewhat of a public celebrity, and wasexcited by the prospect of sex with him. It couldn't get any worse than that.

- I had no idea you were one of these guys who enjoyed watching schoolgirls at the gate. – She said in a debauched tone and noticed his jaw lock - Never thought you were such a pervert.

- It is not as if you were ten years old. - He said seriously.

- And now the fact I'm underage ceases to matter? Wow! You finally stopped trying to be the knight in shining armor. - She said naughtily.

- No, it didn't but it is a matter of time, right? - He said he seriously – It's only a month until your birthday.

- You still remember. - She laughed a humorless laugh - Are youalso counting down the days, Jon?

- Incredibly enough, yes. - He answered reluctantly - I got tired of pretending that I do not want it.

- And when you say "it" you mean 'take me to bed again'? - She teased trying not appear transparent with the factthat this was what she wanted too.

- No. - He answered, even more serious - I want you. I want a chance with you, as absurd as it may sound.

- Chance? Jon, I don't know if you noticed but I'm not exactly the kind of woman who people expect to see by your side. I'm not a supermodel, or a successful executive. I haven't even been admitted to a college yet! I am the girl of your fantasies, not the woman of your dreams. So don't think this has any chance of succeeding. - She replied bitterly. It was useless to pretend that this wasn't true.

- You don't seem so convinced about that. - He said - Why not try something different just for a change? I'm not the kind of guy you're used to, nor do you fit my usual standards, but I'm tired of following standards.

- I think this is idiotic. - She said crossing her arms - Where are you taking me?

- I'm taking you to dinner. - He said, pleased. Arya's eyes widened in response.

- I don't know if you noticed but I'm ina school uniform. - She protested - Also, I should be going home.

- You can call informing themthat you decided to hang out with some friend. I can drop you at home later and say that we coincidentally met at the cinema and I offered you a ride. - He replied - Robb will probablyeven be satisfied. For some reason he thinks I can put some sense into you, he even asked me to try.

- Poor Robb. - Arya rolled her eyes - Little does he know that this is asbrilliant anidea as asking a fox to guard achicken coop.

- May God keep Robb in his ignorance. - He said, smiling and throwing her an intense look. Arya crossed her legs, feeling suddenly uncomfortable with the way he stared at her; it was as if he were undressing her with his eyes.

It was a bad idea, as bad as a masquerade party, meeting with Gendry and as bad asflirting with a stranger at the bar, but she didn't have much choice at the moment. With Jon beside her, Arya lost interest in discussing and arguing against it. She wanted to see how far he would go.

Arya grabbed the phone and called home, warning that she would arrive later than usual.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Her reactiondid not gounnoticed by Jon. By the time he parked the car in the garage of the building where he lived, Arya looked confused and even cornered. He smiled as he helped her out of the car.

- I thought you would take me to dinner. - She said seriously, always in adefensive way.

- And I will. The problem of going out to dinner in a public place is that there is always the possibility of someone seeing us. I'm not the kind of person that usually goes unnoticed, especially after I broke an engagement. Appearing in public in your company would be a problem. - He said, trying to sound sympathetic - But as I promised a dinner, I hope you're prepared to taste my food.

- Do you cook? - She looked at him suspiciously as they entered the elevator.

- Eventually. - He said, confident. The elevator door closed and he pressed the button on the top floor. - I live alone. Every now and then I like to take risks in the kitchen. Surprised?

- Well, can't say I was expecting for it. - She said, laughing - And what will you cook for me?

- Salad as a starter, steak and mushroom risotto as main course, and strawberries with chocolate for dessert. - He said, proud of the menu as the elevator stopped and he had to sign her out - Sounds good?

- Well, I think you're really trying to impress me. - She said as she watched him open the apartment door.

- Is it working? - He asked lowering himselfclose to her ear. Arya faltered for a moment.

- I'll tell you after the first bite. - She replied and he laughed at the line, kissing her neck.

- Seems fair. - He agreed.

He gave way to her and Arya walked by as if she were entering abattlefield. She looked uncomfortable there, trapped by his insistence. Jon closed the door and went to her. He removed the coat she was wearing more slowly than normal, as if trying to break the first physical barrier between them.

- Can I get you something to drink? - He asked nicely - Maybe some wine?

- Trying to get me drunk? - She teased.

- Far from it. I'm just trying to get you a little less tense. - He walked into the kitchen and was closely followed by her - I bet you're tired after having spent all afternoon practicing.

Arya agreed with a nod. He took two glasses and opened a bottle of red wine for them. Jon handed the cup to her and proposed a toast.

- We're toasting to? - She asked, lifting her own cup.

- To the masks. - He replied smiling as the sound of glasses clinkingfilled the air. Arya sipped wine, closing her eyes in responseto the remarkable taste in her mouth.

He pulled out a chair for her to sit and then busied himself preparing the food. He could still remember when he decided to cook for his former fiancée for the first time. Ygritte chattered all the time and distrusted all his movements in the kitchen. Arya was the opposite. She remained silent as she watched his every move in a curious way until she builtup the courage to offer help.

He asked her to wash the salad leavesand she promptly did it. Jon took care of the panels, feeling more and more at easewhenever Arya asked a question or just commented that the smell of the ingredients was appetizing.

This was crazy. He would feel like a dirty old man trying to seduce a teenage girl if he wasn't so tired of looking for reasons to run away when he really didn't want to. Arya messed with his head, annoyed him beyond belief with all her faultsand simultaneously aroused a sense of familiarity that he relished. Arya was the opposite of all that he sought for inhis life and atthe same time, a delicious counterchange- the unbalance to his organized and boring world.

Arya leaned against the kitchen sink, watching every move he made. Dressed with part of her uniform, no makeup and wearing those damn socks, she reminded him of Aegon's naughty comments. She seemed less contained by the end of the glass of wine.

Jon asked her to taste the flavor of the food. Arya leaned slightly forward. She made a sound of approval, trying to cleanher lips and fingers then. He watched those careless gestures, unable to ignore the accidental sensuality of them.

When all was ready he set the table and pulled out the chair for her to sit. He served her carefully and she thanked him, suddenly remembering all the lessons in proper etiquette Catelyn Stark spent a life trying to give her. They toasted again and he waited until she tasted the first bite of the risotto to tease her.

- Impressed? - He asked, and she laughed in response.

- Very much. - She agreed - Of all the skills in the world, I've never thought that cooking would be one of yours.

- I don't like cooking just for myself. The food is always better in good company. - He said - And you. I was surprised to know that you are practicing fencing. Robb said you are good at it.

- I do what I can. I 'm improving and my coach is seriously considering putting me in the qualifiers for the national championship soon. - She said modestly – It's not that much. All I have to do is to stick the opponent with the pointy end. - He laughed at her comment.

- I bet you're being modest. - He said - You always did well in all kind of sports that you intended to practice. You were fast like a rocket, if I remember correctly.

- When you grow up surrounded by brothers and a sister like Sansa, you end up having to develop that kind of skill.

- Especially when you decided that it was a good idea to hit her new dress with a ball of mud. - Jon laughed.

- And she was as red as a tomato. If it was not for you, I don't doubt that she would have me hanged that day. - Arya said, laughing openly.

- Yeah, I've saved you a lot. - Jon commented.

- True. - Arya nodded, putting another forkful into hermouth. She took some time to finishher sentence- You always liked to pose as the hero.

- Actually, I've always enjoyed watch you perform a prank. - He said, laughing low.

- No, you really always liked to pose as the hero. Nobody goes around helping unknown girls rid themselves of inconvenient companions at some random party. - Arya provoked - You can't resist a damsel in distress.

- Maybe you're right. - He agreed - Or maybe I just can't resist you in distress.

- Sorry to disappoint you, Jon. Nowadays I have no need of aknight in shining armor. - She said after drying the second glass of wine.

- But you don't resist to a masked hero. - He teased. They had already finished eating the risotto and Jon got up to get the dessert.

The melted chocolate perfumed the environment. Jon put the bowl with the syrup near where Arya was. He stopped beside her with a platter full of ripe strawberries. Arya lifted her head so she could look at him straight in the eye.

He chose a particularly fleshy and bright red strawberry, dipping it in velvet chocolate slowly. Jon offered the strawberry to her, putting the fruit between Arya's lips and delighting to see her bury her teeth in the soft pulp. The lips smeared with chocolate and juice wasa tempting invitation, but he was not going to rush anything that night.

Her gray eyes stared fixedly. There was an erotic mix of acceptance, curiosity and challenge inside of them, as if Arya was evaluating how far he would have the courage to go. There was nothing childish about the way she was staring at him, or how she tasted the fruit. She wanted him, it was very clear. She wanted him in the same way that he desired her at the night of the party, but he rarely got satisfied with a relationship by half.

Jon wiped the chocolate from her lips with the tip of his fingers, taking them to his mouth. Arya took another strawberry and repeated all the steps of thelittle ritual. Jon knelt beside her, viewing this all as a sacrament. Before she could move her hand away, he held it right where it was, licking the juice from her fingertips.

- I can't tell what I like the most. - He said, smiling at her - I do not know if I prefer the taste of the strawberry or your skin.

Arya immediately flushed. Her chest rose and fell according to her heavy breathing. Herlegs slightly separated, partially obscured by that damn plaid skirt, were a tempting invitation to touch. If he didn't know her, he would have thought she was a naive girl, but he had silenced this notion when she was nine and saw how she didn't take a step without knowing exactly where she was going.

- Are you the kind of guy who doesn't mind kissing on the first date? - She asked, staring at him intently. Jon didn't contain a wry smile.

- No. - he said putting his hand up to her knee - But this isn't our first date, is it?

Arya was silent. He brought his hand up to her neck, pulling her toward him until his lips were on hers. This wasunlike the party. That kiss was intense, but considerably slower and careful. He was concerned to make that night unforgettable. But this- this was different.

Her mouth respondedwith equal enthusiasm and need. Arya threw her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss, while Jon pulled her by the waist. The kiss was broken by a brief time for the two to rise from the ground. He pulled her close to him again and the kiss became more aggressive.

He kissed the base of her neck, causing her to close her eyes in response. His hands were bolder now, roamingup and down her back and then moving toward one of her breasts and squeezing it.

- I'm also not the kind of guy who goes to bed on the first date. - He said hoarsely next to her ear.

Arya reached for his belt, unbuckled it, and threwit away in response. Jon chuckled and she turned to kiss him.

- Good thing this is not our first date. - She said,between kisses.

Jon caught her in his arms as he had done the first time. Arya laughed as she felt her feet leave the ground and laughed even more when he threw her on the bed. The same bed as before, but this time without any shade in between.

He turned away from her and unbuttoned the shirt he wore, throwing her to the ground. Arya was sitting on the bed, legs apart and looking sleek, waiting for him to come to her. Jon knelt between her legs, sliding his hand across her thigh, beneath the pleated skirt to reach her panties. Jon withdrew the piece carefully and exhibited to her like a trophy.

- This goes to my collection. - He said, laughing. Not of black lace, this time the cotton panties was light blue, emblazoned with colorful polka dots. - Very compatiblewith the rest of the costume, by the way. - He said making Arya embarrassed.

Jon kissed the inside of her thigh, making Arya drape herleg over his shoulder and lean back. He pulled upher skirt, taking in sight of his goal. He kissed her between the legs,startling her. He kissed her clit, licking and sucking it as if savoring a juicy fruit.

Arya threw back her head and leaned backon the bed with one hand while the other held him by the hair atthe nape. She moaned insupplication and breathed heavily, while Jon attempted to make her scream.

- Shit! – Sheswore when she was very close to climaxingand Jon stopped to suck her. He looked up to face her. Her face was contorted into an expression of frustration and need. He smiled.

- What a dirty mouth you have. - He said hoarsely - You deserve to bepunished for sayingsuch things. - Arya's eyes widened immediately - Take off your shirt and turn on your back.

Arya started to unbutton her uniform shirt reluctantly. Her fingers were trembling and refused to cooperate, while Jon watchedher stress and frustration. The shirt was pushed aside and she turnedherself around, her back to himwhile on her knees.

Jon lifted her skirt, leaving herbare bottom exposed. He kissed her back down her spine. He touched her, feeling the wetness and teasing her a little more. A slap lightly between her legs made her cry out a short, sharp scream.

He slappedher ass a few times, leaving theskin rosy and tender, and then put two fingers inside her, feeling the damp tightness enclose around his fingers. Arya moaned louder, begging for relief, speed and pleasure. This time he allowed her to come, glad to hear her calling his name.

Arya went back to him, kneeling on the floor while Jon rid himself of his pants and underwear. He took out a condom that was inside the pants pocket and quickly wrapped it on. Then he went to her again and unhooked the bra she wore. Arya stood up with some difficulty and sat on the bed again.

Jon kissed her again, leading her to the center of the bed and lying down on the pillows. He kissed her neck, the valley between her breasts, sucked her nipples untilshe made low moan in response.

- I really like to hear you moan. - He said before sucking the other nipple, making Arya throw her head back.

- You talk too much. - She muttered, feeling his teeth scraping the sensitive skin of the hard nipple.

- Always impatient. - He said hoarsely – What do you want me to do, Arya? – Hesaid, sucking the lobe of her ear.

She made a sound of discontentment. Arya didn't like games. She was impulsive, impatient and demanding.

- Show me that you know where to put it. - She said, holding his latent erection. Jon gave her a smirk. He kissed her neck, positioning himself between her legs and rubbing his erection against entry. Arya squirmed beneath him seeking more friction.

- It's quite simple, actually. - He said hoarsely next to her ear - It's just a matter of sticking the opponent with the pointy end.

Arya laughed a short laugh, which was suddenly interrupted by a long moan as she felt Jon invading her slowly. She clung to him tightly, closing her legs around his waist, making him go deeper inside her.

He choked with her heat, with her legs, with her hands, causing him to lose notion of strength and speed. Arya called his name and it was like music to his ears. He moved much faster when this happened, feeling the orgasm approaching quickly. Jon tried to extend the moment as long as possible andArya felt herselfsurrender twice before he could get his own relief.

Jon lay beside her, exhausted and happy, feeling Arya nestle on his chest. They lay in silence for a while.

- You are much more creative than I've imagined. – She commented as she caught her breath - That angelic face you have disguises you well.

- I wasn't born a successful, you know? University serves to teach a thing or two, especially when it comes to bedding matters. - He said, laughing.

- Can't wait to get started then. - She said laughing and he gave her a suspicious look.

- I can teach you, if that's what you want. - Jon said kissing her mouth again - Private lessons and everything.

- They say that the university is one of the most important experiences in a person's life. You know, learning to take responsibility, expand your horizons, and meet new people. - She teased and Jon stared without amusement. - You take everything too seriously, Jon.

- Only the important things. - He answered seriously - I'm not ignoring the law and passing up a great friendship for nothing, Arya. Let's get things clear before one of us takes a misstep. I'm not interested in being a convenient affair. I'm not interested in easy sex. If you think that's what we're having, then it's better to say soon.

- What do you want anyway, Jon? - She asked angrily.

- I want a relationship, I want the pleasure of your company and I intend to make it public when you are of age. - He said with conviction.

- Make it public? You mean, talk with my family and everything? - She asked suspiciously.

- Precisely. I'm too old for secret dates and hiding my girlfriends. - He said, kissing her forehead - Robb will be the difficult part, but I don't think Ned and Catelyn will be problem.

- You like to complicate things. - She muttered - Why can't we just enjoy the moment instead of talking about the future? I don't fit into your world or into itsexpectations.

- And what if you're wrong? - He insisted - Arya, I've known you a long time ago. You've always been restless, intelligent and have a fantastic sense of humor. I don't want you to change for me, or anything. In fact, I'm so interested because I love these things about you. It's not me who is complicating things, it's you who prefers to believe that casual sex is something simple.

- And is it not? - She sounded impatient.

- No. If you haven't noticed, you lied to your family to be here. You will lie until things start to get out of control. - He spoke calmly - For what? To get a good fuck? You're smarter than that, Arya. You deserves more than guys who treat you as an object or as a convenience. I want to end the lies in a month, I want to go out with you and present you as my girlfriend. It doesn't sound as exciting as a clandestine romance, but I promise to make it up to you.

- Are you really the damn prince. - She grumbled - How did I get wrapped up in this?

Jon laughed openly and lifted her face stealing her another kiss.

- When you decide to go to a masked ball without an invitation. Only you left your panties behind instead of glass slipper.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Jon insisted on taking her home despite Arya findingthat a bad idea. He didn't hear a word of complaint from her. She shifted a few times inthe passenger seat. Being without panties against the leather seat was not exactly the greatest feeling.

She had to admit that thoughJon was almost an alien in her world, it was not necessarily a bad thing. Arya liked the way he talked, like how he was loving and amazingly creative. Despite being a good guy, she didn't mind that he transgressed her original concepts about him by whispering obscenities in her ear, or stealing her panties and teasing her with melted chocolate.

Sometimes she was frightened to want everything to work outfine. He wanted a relationship, something stable and healthy for both, but Arya didn't know what it was like to be in one for an extended period of time.

Her family was well structured, herbrothers were good sons and comparisons between her and Sansa as daughterswere annoying. She never fit intothat "perfect daughter" mold. She was a clumsy girl, rebellious and somewhat masculine. A hopeless case. A stranger to the harmonious setting that was her house. This inability to fit lead her to commit all kind of transgressions and disappointpeople at times.

It made no sense to want Jon. It made no sense to surrender to the offer of a structured life, much as they hovered between the feeling of complete disregard for appropriate. He was always on her mind, as a reminder of a person who belonged to the world in which she was born whodidn't care about her aloof temperament and lack of manners. Jon was the only thing in thisdreary world than did not scold her for being different.

The street was empty. Jon stopped the car across the street and turned to face her. He kissed her again and Arya found herself wishing that this moment could last longer. She threw her arms around his neck in a silent plea.

- I shouldn't want to spend the rest of the night with you, but I do. - Jon grunted and she smiled with satisfaction, before kissing her again.

- It is a pity that it was so brief. - He said, sliding his hand under her skirt. Arya shivered, feeling immediately excited to feel his fingers having free access to hermost intimate parts. - I'll give you something to remember me for the rest of the night. - His voice was cruel to speak in a voice so hoarse and muffled next to her ear.

The nimble fingers slid sinuously. The thumb massaged her clit carefully, and Arya clung to him as if he was an anchor. Breathing was almost impossible as he moved his fingers inside her and kissed her neck, not worrying about the fact that it would ruin the car seat when it was over.

It was fast and uncontrollable. Before Arya could try to rein it, the orgasm came and she clung to Jon harder. When the spasms stopped, she propped up on the seat, throwing her head back. Jon pulled his fingers out of her and took them to his mouth, licking them carefully. He had an incurable oral fixation.

- You are really delicious. – He said when he finished. Arya laughed - You'll think of me tonight?

- There is no way to think of anything else after this. - She replied.

- Catch you tomorrow after the practice. - He said smiling.

- I'll remember not to wear underwear then. Saves the effort. - Arya replied, laughing - Until tomorrow, Jon.

- I'll wait anxiously. - He said, kissing her mouth again.

Arya got out still feeling clammy, anuncomfortable sensation between her legs and her muscles languid. All she wanted was a shower and a good night of sleep.

She opened the door, said goodnight to her siblings and parents, and locked herself in herroom and threw her things beside the desk. The hot water was a blessing and the vision of her bed a temptation.

She threw herself on the bed and closed her eyes. Her dreams were populated by the face of Jon.