Page 47 of Aiden

“We need to talk about what’s going on though,” I hedge, feigning a calm expression.

I heard the men inside the warehouse. I know Aiden is doing some shady business. I trust him to keep me safe, but do I want that for the rest of my life? Maybe it’s not as serious as it sounds. Aiden’s a good guy. It probably is a misunderstanding.

He rubs his face. “I know, Em.” He sighs. “It’s a long story. Maybe when we get home?”

My heart flutters when he calls it home, our home.

Which reminds me… “So, I went home to change and found all of mine and Ashley’s stuff in your living room?”

A half-smile creeps up his face. “You’re going to kill me.”

I nod, eyeing him warily.What did he do?

“Your rental is in Ashley’s name. I kind of took the paperwork and broke the contract.”

“You what?” I push myself up and glare down at him. But I can’t stay mad with him looking so broken.

He shrugs. “You live in a shithole, Em. I’m not going to allow it.”

“I think that’s my decision,” I point out.

He shakes his head. “You would never do that to your mom. I know you’re both going broke. It’s only a matter of time.” His eyes plead with me to understand.

I take a deep breath. “Where are you moving us?”

“Well, I had this whole plan.” He laughs a humorless laugh. “I had some houses for the both of you to look at with a realtor once you finished shopping that day. You never got the chance.” He looks down.

I cup his cheek. “Okay, so explain why we never got the chance.”

I can’t be upset with him about the house thing, it isn’t just me living there...it’s his sister too. When he’s less bandaged, I’ll talk to him about it.

“I made a bad business choice.” His voice is gruff and thick. “I was in college, building my business. How do you think I got all this at such a young age? Definitely not from following the rules.” A small, deep laugh escapes his perfect lips.

He twirls my hair as I sit next to him, my fears becoming a reality.Who is he?

“I’m an investor. I didn’t lie about that.” He sighs. “I met a CEO of a large investment company, who saw that I could hold my own. He offered me a proposition. Take on the ‘criminal’ clients; Mafia, organized crime, that sort of thing.” He speaks nonchalantly.

“Why?”

He shrugs. “I wanted to be something. I have a piece of shit father, who’s no help in my life. I did everything on my own, I had no privileges. I needed to be something more, so I thought, why not?” His eyes pierce mine. “I didn’t have anything to lose...until you.”

My voice trembles as I speak. “Will they come after you again?”

He shakes his head. “No, I’m hiring security detail for you and Ash. I’m also moving our stuff to another location. Don’t worry, it’ll still have pretty views.” He smiles.

“I don’t want this life anymore. What kind of castle do I have if the foundation is cracked and the throne is made of glass with nowhere for you to sit?”

His words warm me, but I can’t shake my fear. Being kidnapped is traumatizing and I’m terrified it will happen again. I’ve seen too much loss in my life, between my father being taken from us so suddenly to what I’ve just experienced… It’s too much.

∞∞∞

After checking with the doctor five times to make sure Aiden will be okay, I hesitantly creep out of the room. I look back at his sleeping frame, remembering the feel of his hair as I stroke him to sleep before tearing my eyes away.

I almost turned around when I got to the lobby, almost.

I squint at the bright sun, lost in thought. Aiden’s left me homeless, but there’s still Mom’s. I get his sentiment of wanting to stash us somewhere nicer and safer. It’s sweet. How could he have foretold the events that happened?

I look down at my hands, still shaking from fear before lifting one to hail a taxi. I slip my phone out of the cracked window halfway towards Aiden’s building. Those men had us for too long, and I can’t risk them tracking me.

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