Page 181 of Firestorm
Dani nodded knowingly. “You did good, you kept the damage from spreading. His kidneys are a little pissed, but I don’t think that was from today.”
Aiden laughed weakly while Willow and Mia snorted behind me. Aiden held my hand firmly, his thumb swiping back and forth over my pulse while my heartbeat thundered through me.
I was so thankful he was safe. He’d become such an important part of my life, I thought of him more than I thought of my brother, these days. Just the thought of something happening to him had my chest squeezing tightly.
I couldn’t lose Aiden.
The thought struck me so suddenly, I almost couldn’t breathe.
Aiden had loved me even when he didn’t know who I was to him. He didn’t care about biology or society. He knew he loved me, and he’d said it freely and openly, never once questioning his feelings.
He was the living embodiment of his affinity. Fiery and strong but also beautiful. He’d snuck up on me just like a wildfire, latching onto me quickly, burning hotter and hotter until suddenly I was surrounded with no hope of escaping.
I’d never told him I loved him. I’d thought it was because I didn’t…but something had changed. Watching him struggle to breathe, knowing if I couldn’t fix it, I’d lose him…knowing he’d die never hearing me say the words to him…
“Baby, what’s wrong?” Aiden asked. His voice sounded stronger already. Dani was almost done with her inspection of him, and she was moving down his legs, checking for more issues.
I wiped at some rogue tears streaming down my cheek and shook my head. Aiden clenched his jaw, but didn’t push for a response.
“Alright, he’s almost set. Jump on the bed, he needs some cuddles.” Dani said, wiping some sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.
I snorted, wiping more tears. “Shut up, Dani.”
Dani laughed. “No, seriously. You’re his Key, he needs some bodily contact.”
Aiden wiggled his eyebrows at me.
“Pleasedon’t get naked,” Willow said from off to the side.
“Shut up, Wills.” Mia laughed.
I climbed onto the bed, and Aiden didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around me and squeeze me to his chest. I tilted my head up to look him in the eye, my guilt from before still threatening to make me cry again.
I couldn’t believe I’d almost lost him. And I hadn’t told him I loved him.
The world around us faded away as Aiden’s hand cupped my cheek. Rafe’s deep voice was saying something behind us. Willow was cackling at Dani threatening Rafe, but no one was paying attention to me and Aiden.
“Can I do something?” I breathed. “I have to ask, I can’t just…I have to ask.”
Aiden’s brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded slowly. “You can do anything you want to me, Skye.”
I reached into his mind, trembling with anxiety as his eyes widened. He blinked several times before I spoke to him.
I love you, Aiden.I said.
Aiden’s breath hitched, so I knew he’d heard me. His eyes welled with tears and he looked away quickly, trying to hide his reaction.
I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,I said.
Don’t apologize,he spoke back to me.
I snuggled closer to him, pressing my face to his chest and breathing him in while he ran a hand up and down my back. Even as he was the one crying, he soothed me. He was too perfect. I didn’t deserve him.
Aiden slowly sat up with my help. He leaned back against theheadboard while I cuddled next to him. Rafe was watching us, though he still spoke to Dani. I felt…content. For the first time in a long time, I felt…safe. I had friends. I had Aiden.
‘I’m going to protect you. Both of you.’
I had the prince, too.
