Were trying to help you. Why cant you see that? Then his eyes deepened to a tumultuous gray. I will not lose you again.
You havent lost me, Aiden. I promise you. Some of the anger seeped out of me. Fear was behind his fury. I could understand that. It was what drove my tantrums on a regular basis. You havent and you wont.
Thats not a promise you can make. Not when there are so many things that could go wrong.
I didnt know what to say to that.
Aiden crossed the room, sweeping me up in a tight embrace. There wasnt a word spoken for several moments just the ragged rise and fall of his chest.
I know youre mad, he began, and that you hate the idea of anyone trying to control you or force you into doing something.
Im not mad.
He pulled back, arching a brow.
Okay. Im mad, but I understand why you think I should go into hiding.
He led me back to the couch. But youre not going to go along with this.
No.
Aiden pulled me into his lap, circling his arms around me. My heart did a flip and it took me a few seconds to get accustomed to this openly affectionate Aiden who didnt pull away and keep his distance.
You are the most frustrating person I know, he said.
I rested my head on his shoulder, smiling. None of you are giving Seth a chance. He hasnt done anything, and I dont have any reason to fear him.
Hes lied to you, Alex.
Who hasnt lied to me? I pointed out. Look, I know thats not a great excuse, and youre right, he has lied to me. I know that, but he hasnt done anything that warrants me running off and hiding. We have to give him a chance.
And what if we take that risk and you were wrong, Alex? Then what?
I hoped that wouldnt be the case. Then Ill have to deal with it.
His shoulder tensed under my cheek. Im not okay with that. Ive already failed you once and
Dont say that. Twisting in his embrace, I met his gaze and cupped his cheeks. You had no idea Linard was working for the Order. You are not at fault for that.
He pressed his forehead against mine. I shouldve been able to protect you.
I dont need you to protect me, Aiden. I need you to do what youre doing now.
Hold you? His lips twitched. I can do that.
I kissed him, and my chest squeezed. Never in a million years would I get used to being able to kiss him. Yes, that, but I just need your love and your trust. I know you can fight for me, but I dont need you to do that. These problemstheyre mine, not yours, Aiden.
His arms tightened around me, so tight, I found it hard to breathe. Because I love you, we share each others problems. When we fight, we fight together. Im going to be by your side no matter what, whether you like it or not. Thats what love is, Alex. You never have to face anything alone again. And I get what youre saying. I dont agree with it, but I will support you in any way I can.
I was struck silent. There was really nothing I could say to that. I wasnt that great with words, not those kinds of words. So I wrapped myself around him like a super-friendly octopus. When he leaned back, I settled over him, not caring that he was still in his Sentinel gear, daggers and all. Quite some time passed before either of us spoke.
Seths not really a bad guy, I said. He can be prone to moments of great douchery, but he wouldnt do something like take out the Council.
Aidens fingers slipped over my cheek. I wouldnt put anything past Seth.
I decided not to respond to that. Since the phone call after
portraits. It was safe in here as no one dared to enter it. What had once been Aidens sanctuary had become ours.
Today was no different.
But it wasnt all fun. As the days passed and I knew Seths return was approaching, anxious energy built inside me. There was also barb-tipped guilt that sank in deep. Sometimes, when I thought of him, I remembered those glimpses of vulnerability hed shown after our midnight swim in the Catskills and the day after Id been given the brew. Seth was a lot of things, almost a complete enigma at times, but under it all, he was a guy who who cared, and he cared about me. Maybe more than I did for him. Maybe not, but I didnt want to hurt him.
I wiggled on the couch beside Aiden, trying to shake the sudden dark cloud thatd settled over me. Talking to Seth wasnt going to be easy. Then again, I had no idea how he would respond. Hed been with Boobsso maybe it wouldnt be that hard.
So tell me, Aiden continued idly, drawing me back to the presentto him. Where was that spot again? Was it here? He trailed his fingers over my stomach.
No. My eyes closed as my heart jumped and tiny shivers skated through me.
Here? His fingers danced over my ribs.
Beyond words, I shook my head no.
Now where was that spot?
His agile fingers skipped over my stomach and along my side. I clamped my mouth shut, but my body shook as I tried to restrain my natural reaction.
Aha! Is this it? He increased the pressure slightly.
I squirmed, but he was relentless. He laughed when I jack knifed, and I wouldve tumbled to the floor if it werent for his quick movement. Stop, I gasped in between fits of giggles, I cant take it.