Page 53 of The Marine

Aidan blinked, and I guess he squeezed tighter because my father pulled his hand away.

Fuck.

I bit the side of my cheek and waited.

“Just taking her to the movies and then dropping her home,” Aidan had replied. “Sir.”

Definitely felt like that last part had been forced.

Dad glared at him as my eyes darted between them.

“By midnight.” Aidan then added.

“Make it eleven.”

“Okay, bye Dad. My god,” I said, pushing Aidan down the path. “I’ll be home then.”

Jesus.

I was eighteen.

He never said anything when we drove to the movies or during, but I feel like he has questions. Or at least a point of view about my father’s dominant nature.

But he still hasn’t said anything.

Aidan opens the door to his car, and I climb in. When he circles around and shuts his own door, he immediately reaches over and takes my hand.

Touch is definitely his love language.

I think it might be mine too.

We smile at one another, and he leans in and kisses me.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I smile at him adoringly.

Last week, we finally made love, and it was the most special night of my life.

I know without a shadow of doubt he is the man I want to spend my life with.

My plan has to work.

He starts the car and adjusts the heat, then puts his hand on the headrest behind me.

“Sure I can’t talk you into staying at my place tonight? I can drop you at work in the morning.”

I shake my head and let out a short laugh. “You just met my dad. Do you want him to hunt you down and kill you?”

“Preferably not.” He winks, then turns to the steering wheel and starts to drive. “Youareeighteen. Nearly nineteen.”

I know.

But my father doesn’t care about that.

His fist doesn’t care.

“I can say I’m staying at one of the girls’ places again this weekend. Friday. I’m sure you can wait a few more days.” I reach out and run my hand over his thigh.

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