Page 16 of Aiden

She grinds against him, and I can’t stand the fucking sight of his grimy hands on her. I close the gap between us and grab the preppy idiot’s shoulder firmly. He looks up at me with wide eyes. That’s how most people react to me. Not Emma though, she hasn’t judged me even once. But then again, most girls don’t.

He stops moving as does Emma.

She turns around and her plump lips curl into a smile when she looks my way.

Is she trying to get a reaction out of me?

“Take your hands off my girl,” I growl.

Emilia

∞∞∞

I can’t make out what Aiden said to the guy, but he releases me instantly. His irritated scowl and narrowed eyes follow as the stranger moves out of sight.

It isn’t long before his brilliant green eyes focus back on me. With strong hands, he pulls me flush against him, my back to his front.

“What did you say to him?” I tilt my head back against his hard chest, leaning into him feels…natural.

“Don’t worry about it,” He whispers in my ear. “Dance with me,” He instructs.

I oblige. Whatever he just did sent a wave of heat through my body.

Riskier than usual with the alcohol in me, I slowly rock back and forth against him. We dance for a while, and when the beat picks up, so does my rhythm. I press myself back against him, grinding slowly. I feel something hard against my back, and it takes me no more than a second to realize what it is. I’m glad he can’t see the blush rising on my cheeks.

“See what you do to me?” He whispers heatedly.

I try to think of a response, but our intimate moment is interrupted by Ashley. My eyes fly open.Why did I close them?Realization hits me that I’m dancing with her brother and I quickly fumble out of his grip that’s still tight on my hips.

She laughs, putting her hand on my shoulder to steady herself. “Em! I don’t care if you dance with him, I already told you to go after him.” She drunkenly yells over the loud music.

Hearing Aiden laughing behind me, embarrassment crashes through me. I roll my eyes and grab her hand, leading her away before she says anything else. Aiden walks ahead of us, guiding us through the mass of bodies as we continue our tipsy trek.

A groan escapes my lips when I catch sight of Ian heading straight for us. I let go of Ashley’s hand and instinctively step behind Aiden, my hands coming up to grip his shirt.

“What do you want?” Aiden’s tone is venomous.

Vivid reality flows through me at the sight of Ian’s face. Faded bruises cascade down his cheekbone. They’re nearly gone after a week of healing, but I can still see how badly he was hurt.

Ian glares menacingly at him. They step towards each other with clenched fist, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding as I think of how to diffuse the situation. Everything is happening so quick; I hate how alcohol does that.

Aiden reaches back and gently pushes me away. I become frantic at the thought of them fighting again. I don’t want anyone getting hurt because of me.

“I’m going to pee,” Ashley announces quickly before darting for the bathroom.

I roll my eyes. She’s worse with confrontation than I am.

“Wait!” I shout, stepping in between them to keep them separated. “Ian, what do you want?” My words slur as I place my hands on my hips for support.

“I just want to talk.” He eyes behind me. “Alone.”

Aiden places a hand around my waist and tugs me into him. “Absolutely. Not.”

Realizing it’s a lost cause, I pull Aiden to the door. But he is like stone, an immovable force. Without thinking, I change plans and grab Ian, pulling him away. If Aiden won’t go, I’ll get Ian out of the situation. That way, no one can fight.

I glance back. Aiden looks pissed as he heads for the door but I’m thankful the situation didn’t escalate.

I stop once I get to a quieter spot against the wall, but not wanting to go further away from people in the crowded club. I don’t trust him.

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