I hate to do this, but we need to head back, Alex.
I know.
We started walking back through the park. Aiden was a lot quieter this time aroundlost in thought. It didnt take nearly long enough to reach the front gates. Thick trees gave it an almost surreal quality as we strolled back to the Hummer.
Before I knew it, I was sitting in the passenger seat, and Aiden had just put the keys into the ignition, but he hadnt turned the car on. He twisted in his seat, facing me, and the expression on his face caused my heart to falter in my chest.
I know how brave you are, Alex. But you dont always have to be. Its okay every once in a while to let someone else be brave for you. Theres no loss of dignity in that. Not for you. Youve already proven that you have more dignity than even a pure-blood can muster.
I kind of wondered where that had come from. You must be high off sugar or something.
Aiden laughed. You just dont see what we see, Alex. Even the times youre being utterly ridiculous about something or when youre just standing around, doing nothing, its hard to not notice. As a pure-blood its the last thing I should notice. His eyes flickered shut, long lashes fanned his cheeks before his eyes reopened to reveal intense silver. I dont think you have a clue.
The world outside the car ceased to exist. What dont I have a clue about?
Ever since Ive met you, Ive wanted to break every rule. Aiden turned away, the muscles in his neck tensing. He sighed. Youll become the center of someones world one day. And hell be the luckiest son of a bitch on this earth.
His words created a mad rush of strong emotions. I was hotso incredibly hot. I really did think the world ended right then. Aiden glanced over at me, his lips parting. The intensity in his gaze, the hunger in his eyes left me dizzy. His chest rose sharply.
Thank you. My voice sounded thick. Thanks for doing all of this for me.
You dont need to thank me.
When am I ever supposed to thank you?
When I do something that is truly worth thanking me for.
Those words struck a deep chord in me, and I dont know who moved first. Who leaned over the center consolewho was the first to cross the invisible line between us? Who broke the rules first? Aiden? Me? All I did know was that we both moved. Aidens hands were around my face, and mine fell to his chest, to where his heart beat just as fast as mine. In an instant, our lips met.
This kiss was nothing like the first one wed shared. Its rawness left us both breathless. There wasnt a moment of hesitation or indecision. There was just want and need and a thousand other powerful, crazy things. His lips scorched mine, his hands dropping to my shoulders, sliding down my arms. My skin burned under my sweater, but oh, this was so much more than just a kiss. It was the way he touched the deepest parts of me. My heart and soul would never be the same. It was nearly overwhelming to realize something as powerful as that and it brought a sense of urgency that pushed me into the unknown.
Aiden pulled back, resting his forehead against mine. He was breathing heavily. What came out of my mouth next was not something Id planned. The three words just bubbled up my throat, barely even audible.
I love you.
Aiden jerked back, eyes wide. No. Alex. Dont say that. You cant you cant love me.
I started to reach for him, but then pulled my hands back to my chest. But I do.
His face was tight, as if he was experiencing some terrible pain. Then he closed his eyes and leaned in, pressing his lips against my forehead. He lingered there a few moments before pulling back. His chest rose and fell as I stared at him.
Aiden scrubbed the palms of his hands over his eyes and let out another ragged breath. Alex
Oh, gods, I whispered, facing the front of the car. I never should have said that.
Its okay. Aiden cleared his throat. Its all right.
Okay? It didnt seem okay. And okay and all right werent what I wanted to
hear. I wanted him to say he loved me, too. Wasnt that what was said after a declaration of love? Not okay . I knew he cared about me and he wanted me in the physical sense, but he wasnt saying those three little words.
And those three words were so important. They changed everything.
I willed my heart to stop the aching it was doing. Maybe he was just shocked into silence. Maybe he didnt know how to say it. Maybe he felt it but thought he couldnt say it.
Maybe I shouldve kept my big mouth shut.
I fell asleep during the ride back, which served several purposes. I got one hell of a power nap, and I avoided what probably wouldve been the most awkward car ride of my life. I pretended to still be asleep while we crossed the bridges.
Aiden kept it cool, like he hadnt kissed me and I hadnt professed my undying love for him. He even hopped out and opened the door for me before Id even gotten the seatbelt off. He was such a gentlemanor he was just that eager to get rid of me.
After a half-assed goodbye, I headed back to my dorm. I cut through the courtyard, hoping to avoid the more heavily populated areas of the quad. I kept replaying everything Aiden had done and said.