Alex, Aiden ordered, pleaded really. His voice was thick, gruff. Alex, please
I hesitated for an instant, but I had to see it. I just had to. Carefully, I tugged the chain up. My breath caught in my throat as I lifted the chain until it was completely out from underneath his shirt.
Dangling from the silver chain was the black guitar pick
appeared. Aiden brought a candle to the bed, setting it down on a small table. He looked at me, expression softened by the candlelight. He smiled.
I started to relax, the blanket easing away from my fingers.
Carefully, he pulled back the covers on his side and climbed in, never once breaking eye contact with me. Alex?
Yeah?
He was still smiling. Relax. I just want to be here with you if thats okay?
Its okay, I whispered.
Good, because I really dont want to be anyplace else.
Oh, the warmth that flooded my chest couldve had me floating to the stars. I watched him stretch out beside me. My gaze darted to the closed door even though I knew Deacon was nowhere near us. And it wasnt like he didnt already suspect something. Or like he cared. I bit my lip, daring a quick look at Aiden. He chin was tipped up and his eyes burned silver, bright, and intense. I couldnt look away.
Aiden drew in a shallow breath, lifting the arm closest to me. Come?
Heart pounding, I scooted over until my leg brushed his. His arm came up, wrapping around my waist. He guided me down so that I was nestled against him, my cheek on his chest.
I could feel his heart racing just as fast as mine. We lay in silence for a little while, and in those minutes, it was like being in paradise. The simple pleasure of being beside him felt so right it really couldnt be wrong.
Aiden brought his other arm across him, cupping my cheek in his hand. His thumb smoothed over my jaw. Im sorry for that day in the gym. For how I talked to you, for how much I hurt you. I just thought I was doing the right thing.
I understand, Aiden. Its okay.
Its not okay. I hurt you. I know I did. I want you to know why I did that, he said. After you told me how you felt, at the zoo it it shattered my self-control. Didnt seem that way, I thought as he continued. I knew I couldnt be around you anymore, because I knew I would touch you and I wouldnt stop.
I lifted up, staring down at him and opened my mouth to say something that probably wouldve ruined the moment, but I never had the chance. Aidens hand found the nape of my neck and pulled me down. His lips met mine, and like every time before, there was this indefinable spark that coursed through us. He made a sound against my lips, kissing me harder and harder.
He pulled back just enough so that his lips brushed mine when he spoke. I cant keep pretending that I dont want thisthat I dont want you. I cant. Not after what happened to you. I thought I thought Id lost you, Alex, forever. And I wouldve lost everything. You are my everything.
Many emotions rose in me all at onceawe, hope, and love. So much love that everything outside of us vanished in that instant. This this is what youve been trying to tell me.
Its what Ive always wanted to tell you, Alex. He sat up, bringing me along with him. Ive always wanted this with you.
I slid my hands to his cheeks, meeting his heated gaze with my own. Ive always loved you.
Aiden made a strangled sound and his lips were on mine again. His hand buried in my hair, holding me still. This wasnt my intention coming in here.
I know. My lips brushed his as I spoke. I know.
As he kissed me again, he eased onto his back. My heart was hammering against my ribs as his fingers left my face and traveled down. He lifted himself up just enough for me to take off his shirt and toss it aside. My hands splayed across each hard ripple and I kissed my way down until his chest heaved under my lips and he whispered my name in a pleading sort of way. He gripped my arms and pulled me back to his lips.
I shrugged out of his grasp and lifted my arms without speaking. He obeyed the silent command and tossed my shirt aside. Without any warning, I was on my back, staring up at him. His hands slipped over my bare skin as his lips dipped down my throat and over the curve of my shoulder. Each scar was kissed tenderly, and when he came to the one Linards blade had left, he shuddered.
My fingers sifted through his hair as I held him to me. His kisses were doing crazy, strange, and wonderful things to me. I whispered his name over and over again like some kind of mad prayer. Then I was moving against him, being guided by some primal instinct that told me what to do. The rest of our clothes ended up in a pile on the floor. The moment our bodies were flush with one another, a sense of wildness came over me.
Our kisses deepened, his tongue swept over mine, and I rocked against him. All of this was wonderful, exquisitely pleasing. Aiden dropped kisses all over my flushed skin. I was lost in the heady sensations, completely unprepared for it. This may not have been what we intended, but this this was happening.