Page 130 of Betrayal (Corrupt Empire 1)

Trust him to make light of it.

“Can I ask why not?”

“I don’t want him to hurt you.”

“Why the fuck would he do that?”

“You must’ve noticed he’s not exactly a sunshine and roses kind of guy.”

He snorted. Aiden was dangerous and that danger excited me on some level. Not to mention he considered me his. Anyone else touching me would be a complete no-no. Aiden wouldn’t hesitate to kill them. I’d seen the efficient way he’d killed my parents without remorse.

“Really? Can’t think why… not like the whole boxing bag, seriously insane muscles and tattoos gave it away or anything.”

I stifled a laugh.

“Were you checking him out?”

“What? No. Fuck off. I was trying to work out what you see in him. Not exactly your usual type.”

He wasn’t wrong. I couldn’t explain it. Aiden’s soul called to mine. The connection we shared made no sense. I shouldn’t want a man so fucked up and broken and he shouldn’t want the girl whose family killed his. And I was trying to ignore the glaringly obvious feelings we had for each other.

One day I’d stop lying to myself.

One day he’d admit to having them too.

“I have a type?”

“Yes, nerds.”

“Are you calling yourself a nerd?”

“Again, fuck off.”

I grinned.

“I just like Aiden, okay? I feel… free when I’m with him.”

“If you like him so much, why are you keeping secrets from him?”

He kept more than enough from me.

“Some things should be left in the past, James. It’s what we needed at the time and you’ve got other ways to cope now. We promised each other we’d never let it ruin our friendship.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I won’t tell him. You can trust me. Anyway, as much as I love talking to you, I’m fucking tired.”

“I’ll let you go.”

“Love you.”

He hung up. I wasn’t going to be able to sleep. Even though I’d sort of cleared the air with James, there were other things bothering me.

I got up from the armchair and walked over to where I’d covered the stuff I’d got for Aiden. I pulled away the sheet and there lay a canvas along with paints. He might not like surprises, but it wouldn’t be Christmas if I didn’t do something for him. He liked my art. It was the first thing which came to mind when I thought about what to get for him.

I set the canvas against the window. I didn’t have my easel, but this would do. I picked up a pencil and began sketching out the initial design. By the time I was done, my hand ached a little, but I was happy with my progress. I could start painting next.

I checked the phone. It was three in the morning. I tucked the canvas back where it’d been with the sheet over it.

When I turned around, Aiden was standing in the doorway in just his boxers watching me. I’d never get over how beautiful he was. His tattoos, everything about him.

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