Page 54 of Aiden

He pulls away, pushing a stray hair behind my ear. “By the way, who is Caleb?”

I hesitate. I could lie, it’s not like it matters. No one matters but him, but I can’t lie to him…I never will. If my parents’ marriage taught me anything, it was that communication is key. That’s why they stayed together for so long. I need to remind myself that whenever I doubt him.

I flip my hand carelessly in the air, keeping my tone nonchalant. “An ex from high school.”

His jaw twitches and he lifts a brow. “And your mom wants you to go to dinner at your ex’s house because?”

I sigh. “She doesn’t know we dated. It’s a long story, but to make it short, our parents have been friends for years and we dated in high school. He cheated on me on my birthday. That’s it.” I smile but his perfectly controlled face doesn’t waver.

“Why doesn’t she know you two dated?” He asks the question I hoped he wouldn’t ask.

I shrug. “She would let him stay over really late when I was in high school because she thought we were best friends.”

He shakes his head. “Fucking wonderful. Did he do anything to you back then?” His green eyes bearing into mine.

I look at him confused. “No, of course not. Only you, I’ve never done anything with anyone but you. You know this,” I remind him.

His body relaxes before tensing up again. “So, you never did anything with him at all?”

I hesitate and he leans in closer.

“We kissed,” I admit.

Aiden’s fist clenches.

I grin. “Honestly, it’s cute that you’re jealous, but you’re the first guy I’ve ever done anything serious with. And you’re a lot more...experienced. If I see one more girl whom you’ve slept with, I’m going to go fucking crazy.”

He laughs, his eyes softening. “First off, hearing you say fuck is hilarious. Truth be told, I don’t like imagining anyone other than me touching you, let alone kissing you. It makes me want to put a hole through a wall. As for me, no one compares to you.” He leans in closer, kissing my cheek. “No one can do what you do to me.”

I smile. “Well, don’t worry, because I have no interest in anyone else.”

He stands up, towering over me as he snakes his large hands through my hair, pulling me closer. “I know you don’t, or I’ll fucking kill any man who even so much as breathes the same air as you.”

He kisses my lips before sitting back down and crossing his arms. “So why did he invite you to dinner?”

How can he do that to me and then just change the subject?I’m literally panting over here, and he looks calm and collected. Damn him.

I shrug. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”

“Good girl.” He scoots closer.

My body heats from his proximity, his scent giving me a heady high.

Aiden’s features darken as his eyes drink me in. He looks like he’s about to attack me, like I’m his prey. He growls lowly before I feel his hand on my neck, gently but protectively squeezing, letting me know how much he owns me.

I know I’m in for it later.

I grin.

I can’t wait.

∞∞∞

The rest of the night goes smoothly.

While he refused to cuddle with me during the movie out of respect for my mom, he held my hand firmly. As though if he eased up, I would fly away. I made him a sleeping spot on the couch, laughing when he laid down and his feet hung over.

It’s midnight and I can’t sleep with Aiden downstairs. I know it’s only a matter of time before he comes up here, so I’m already expecting him when the door creaks an hour later. I only have on his shirt and a pair of panties.

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