Page 133 of Between the Lines

“Yes.”

I consider that for a moment. It’s a very good offer. “Okay. But I’m warning you, it’s such a stupid story.”

“I doubt that, Chaos.”

It’s not very flattering, either. But Aiden’s done nothing to make me believe he may feel the same way Blake did. “Remember what I told you about my ex?”

“I do.”

“Well, he was the first guy to ever… you know.”

“Go down on you,” Aiden fills in.

That’s another of his traits. He’s so comfortable talking about this, speaking things out loud that I rarely have. I’ve had my fair share of casual sexual relationships, but part of that kind of intimacy is rarely talking openly about what we’re doing.

This is different.

“Yeah. Exactly. And later, I heard him talking to some people about it. He said that…” I shrug. Like this is nothing to me. “He said that it was part of the job, but not something he enjoyed. Just a way to butter me up for sex. And that next time, he’d make sure I showered right before.”

Aiden’s face goes blank, and then he closes his eyes. The hands at my sides tighten into fists. “What?”

“He was young and dumb. I know he’s likely not representative ofallmen, but it’s just gotten into my head, you know? And now I can’t get it out.”

“Makes perfect sense,” he grinds out the words.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. Just angry.”

“Oh,” I say. “At him, I hope.”

“Of course it’s at him.” He releases a long breath, like he’s forcing his limbs to relax. The fingers on my hips spread wide, warming my skin through the tank top. “Did you believe him?”

“Believe him? I mean, it was very clear he was telling the truth.”

“His truth,” Aiden says. “Notthetruth. Because trust me, Charlotte, there’s nothing wrong with you. Going down on you would not bepart of the job.It would be a fucking privilege. Has anyone but him done it?”

I hesitate only a moment before shaking my head. “No. I never let anyone else after that. It was easier just… to avoid that bit of sex.”

“He was the problem, Chaos. Not you.”

“You can’t know that for sure,” I say. It’s such a vulnerable thing to admit. It makes me feel like running. Opening up like this to Aiden.

But it also feels scary-good. And it’s been a long time since I’ve done things that feel scary-good.

His eyes are warm on mine. “Do you trust me?”

It takes me a moment to answer. “Yes. More than I should.”

“Then trust me when I say he was an asshole. There’s nothing wrong with you… and I can’t wait to prove you wrong.”

I play with the collar of his shirt. “My question to you, then.”

“Ah, yes. Hit me with it.”

“What’s the best sex of your life?”

His eyebrows lift, and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Really? That’s your question?”

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