Page 60 of Aydin

“I live with Aydin under his protection because somebody tried to kill us,” I blurted out.

Dad took a seat at the table, rubbing a hand down his face.

“Is she safe with you?” Dad spoke to Aydin.

“Yes, sir.”

“She’s our world,” Dad told him.

“Amelia, I’m not happy about this.” Mom sat next to Dad.

“Aydin can tell you from the beginning, I wasn’t happy.” Aydin came around to sit next to me and rubbed my leg under the table.

“All right, the second a piece of hair is out of place on her head…” Dad threatened.

Aydin raised his hand in understanding.

“Daddy, I’m fine. I trust Aydin.”

A week later, Dani, Molly, and I sat around Aydin’s house and drank margaritas outside. I invited them over to hang out with me for the weekend. Even Rebecca and my mom were included, but both women had plans already and couldn’t make it today. Honestly, I was happy because I could be free in my conversation about Aydin.

“So, your dad threatened Aydin.” Molly picked up her drink.

“I was so embarrassed.”

“What did Aydin say about being threatened by Conrad?”

“He understood, and they went off to drink whiskey together and talk.”

“Any new updates?” Molly wondered.

“He’s kept it from me for the most part. The second I told him about me opening my business, our conversations changed.”

“He’s used to having you around,” Dani said.

Dani was correct. I enjoyed being around him, but I did miss my apartment and going out with friends. My life was different from when I bumped into him in need of a job. From my time working at TN, I had money saved so I could go out on my own.

“I do miss my apartment but have grown to like waking up in his place.”

“In his place and bed.” Dani smirked, pretending to kiss her hand.

Molly bit into her taco.

“Have you two taken the next step?”

“No, we kissed.”

“He’s sexy,” Dani said.

I scoffed and ate some of my nachos.

“What are you afraid would happen if you slept with him?”

“He’s never made a move beyond the kiss.”

“Then you need to take the first step. You don’t need to wait for the man,” Molly encouraged me, and I looked out in the yard, realizing he’d played it safe with me, thinking I was some soft, untouchable doll.

“First step,” I muttered.

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