Page 18 of Aiden

“I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

And truthfully, I don’t want Ian to get hurt. He may be an absolute idiot, but I don’t like violence. Aiden is massive, and with him being so protective tonight, Ian could get seriously hurt.

His shoulders bounce from laughter. “I wouldn’t be the one to get hurt, babe.”

I blush at his bold choice of word. “I know but...”

A warm hand wraps gently around the nape of my neck, halting all rational thought. His gentle eyes bore into mine, as though seeking permission.

Hesitantly, I nod once, biting my lip. “You really should stay away from me.” He tells me and then slowly, as if to not scare me away, he closes the distance between us. Our lips touch, light as a feather, soft as a whisper.

Anticipation fills me as I wait for our lips to collide.

“I should have punched Ian in the face!” Ashley’s drunken declaration shatters the moment.

I sigh.

Aiden hesitates to release me as I wiggle away.

“Fuck,” he curses under his breath, it’s the first time I’ve seen his impenetrable persona slightly crumble.

Ash must not have seen us, or she doesn’t care. She mumbles about Ian while yanking the front door of the car open.

I giggle as I watch her fumble into the seat. She’s all talk, and no bite. Thinking about how she ran to the bathroom to get away from the situation makes me laugh harder.

“That’s Emma’s seat.” Aiden states flatly.

I shoot him a warning glare, though secretly happy.

“Oh my God! You two can sit apart for five minutes. I swear you will live.” She cackles at her joke before climbing over the leather seat and sinking into the back with a smirk.

I blush as Aiden smiles down at me before helping me into his car. I peek at the rearview to see Ash is already passed out as we take the short drive home.

Aiden’s warm hand settles on my thigh and my body heats underneath his touch. I admire the way his large hand covers my leg. I bite my bottom lip when his fingers gently dig into my skin. Darting my glossy eyes in his direction, I note that his own glossy eyes are trained on me.

“Look at the road!” I chide quietly.

He laughs and tightens his grip on my leg, sending fire to my core. I bite my lip harder and he smiles, bringing his eyes back to the dark road ahead. We pull into the driveway seconds later, and he walks around to help me out.

“Can you pick her up?” I whisper, gesturing to Ashley who is now snoring away.

“I can carry you inside,” He offers.

I shake my head and his shoulders slump.

“Fine.” He sighs before gently lifting her off the backseat.

I stumble into the kitchen, in search of water, while Aiden brings Ashley to her room. I need something in my stomach besides liquor.

“Eat this.” Aiden holds out an apple, I didn’t even hear him walk into the kitchen.

“I’m fine. I’ll just drink this,” I gesture to my glass of water, pushing the apple away.

“Eat,” He demands.

I roll my eyes at his commanding tone. I grab the apple and take a bite.

“Happy?” I ask sarcastically.

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