Page 61 of Aiden

“I’m going to go jump in the shower.”

“Want me to join?”

As much as I want him to join me, I shake my head, blushing.

∞∞∞

Aiden’s emerald eyes rake up and down my body as I step into the kitchen, dressed in a short gray robe he bought me. He walks over, dressed in just a pair of basketball shorts, and places his hands on my waist.

“I knew this would look perfect on you.” He trails his hand against the fabric, grazing the side of my breast. “How bad did you freak out when you saw it hanging next to mine?” He laughs.

I swat his arm. “That wasn’t funny,” I scold playfully. “But thank you! I love it. It’s so soft!” I caress the material.

He kisses my neck before pulling away. “Where is my necklace?”

“Bathroom.” I smile.

He stalks away and comes back seconds later, twirling it around his fingers. “You’re not to take this off, baby.” He turns me around and places the chain around my neck.

I shiver as his hand grazes my throat. How can something so simple be so sensual when Aiden’s the one doing it?

“Better.” He turns me around and plays with the lock.

We stare at each other for a long moment.

I wonder what my brain was thinking when I first left.Was it shock? Or fear of being so desperately dependent of this man?“Weren’t you worried I would refuse to come with you?”

“No.”

Oh, the confidence. “Why?”

“I see the way you look at me. You’re just as crazy about me as I am with you.” He places a solitary finger under my chin, making me look up at him. “Besides, I’m too selfish to allow you to leave again.” He plants a kiss on my cheek that sends a shiver down my spine. “Understand?”

His hands trail lower.

I swipe his wandering hands away reluctantly and gesture around the room, trying to calm my breath.Get it together, Em. “Are we safe here?”

His inked hands cup my face protectively, warming me. “Don’t you worry about that. I know I fucked up, but I promise you, Emma. You will always be safe with me.”

I give a small smile. “I need more than that.”

He drops his hands. “We buried Maxon while you were gone.” He bows his head.

I suddenly feel horrible for being so concerned with myself to think about Maxon or how Aiden must feel about losing his driver, but most importantly his friend.

“I’m sorry.” I place my hand on his arm.

He gives me a weak smile. “As far as the Mafia goes, all loose ends will be tied up soon. Nothing to worry about.”

“Umm, you still work for a lot of bad men,” I remind him.

He shrugs and holds a solitary finger up. “Let’s make it clear. I work for no one.” Authority laces his voice, making me shiver.

He’s right; he deserves the credit of how successful he is on his own.

“And that was my only dealing with someone who would fuck with me. They’re all dead.” He smiles. “No one else would think of coming after you when word of what happened gets around.”

“I’m not worried about me. I was scared, but I’m terrified of you saving me again and getting hurt. That’s why I left. You charged in that room without fear for your safety.” I try not to cry as he looks at me with the softest expression.

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