Aiden throws the man on the floor once I’m out of the danger zone. He glances over at me and gestures for me to turn around. I obey for a moment but worry fills me and I turn my head slightly to keep an eye on him. I watch with wide eyes as they yell at each other, and all too quickly, a fight ensues. It doesn’t last long as Aiden punches the man in his jaw, and he falls limp onto the floor.
Aiden makes a quick call on his cellphone and looks up to see me staring. He quickly makes his way to me. His breath is ragged, and I can see his hands trembling.
“I thought I told you to look away.”
I step back instinctively. I’m not scared of him, but his voice is so deep and authoritative that it frightened me. I don’t say a word.
He shakes his head. “I’m sorry.” His voice gentle once more. “I’m not mad at you. I just didn’t want you to see that. Don’t fear me. Please.”
“Who is he?” I nod at the large unconscious man.
Aiden wraps me in a hug, he hesitates before speaking again. “Casualties of the job.”
I wonder how dangerous his life is. “Am I safe here?” I whisper, the tremble in my voice is clear.
He tightens his hug. “Of course, you are. He shouldn’t even know where I live, but he found out somehow. I’ll make sure to put security guards by the elevator and the downstairs lobby, so this never happens again,” He promises.
A knock sounds on the door moments later, which Aiden answers. A few commands are spoken, and a man slings the stranger over his shoulder and makes his way out silently.
I wonder how Aiden handles this so well. This must be normal for him, this life…but my trembling hands send warning shivers throughout my body.
Our food arrives shortly after. I watch as he unboxes countless boxes slapped full of Thai food. My stomach growls in anticipation but I’m too shaken up.
“Eat.” He looks at me with concern. “I’m sorry about that, but everything’s okay. Let’s eat and talk about it, okay?”
A silent dinner ensues, as I debate over what to say. Can I leave after how quickly sparks have flown? Even though his life may be full of danger, can I ignore our chemistry?
Finishing my food, I eye him curiously. “What did you say to that guy? I didn’t know you spoke Italian.” I realize there are a million things I don’t know about him yet.
He leans back in his seat, taking a swig of his beer with casual ease. “Sure you want to know?”
I nod.
He places a hand on mine. “I told him if he ever touched you again, I would fucking kill him.” His voice is calm and collected.
I chuckle. “You wouldn’t really kill someone for me, would you?”
He straightens as his green eyes pierce mine. “Emma, I know we just met, but I don’t give a fuck about what is normal when it comes to you. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure your safety. Absolutely nothing.”
The way his eyes narrow in a sensual way makes my heart almost burst out of my chest, but should I think twice about this? Is this someone that I need to get involved with? “That really scared me. That man…” I trail off, shaking a shiver from my body.
He wraps his hand around mine, “I know.” He looks down, biting his lip. “Nothing like that will ever happen to you again, I promise.” I throw caution to the wind, ignoring every ounce of my mind telling me to run as I look up at him with batted lashes.
∞∞∞
He takes my hand in his and leads me up a stairwell. My confusion fades when he opens the door and reveals a rooftop patio. My breath catches as I take in the sight of stars overhead twinkling in the night sky, a rare sight in a city. The twinkling lights are a well needed distraction from the events of the evening.
Greenery lines the balcony while subtle warm light cascades down from the circular bulbs, creating a very romantic ambiance. My eyes trail to a small outdoor bed where plush white sheets lay on top. I gulp in nervousness, imagining how perfect it would be to lose myself in him in such a romantic setting.
He picks me up without a word and I wrap my legs tightly around him. His grip is firm on my ass as he heads for the outdoor bed. He lays me down and hovers over me. His massive frame hides the starry sky, but I don’t complain. He’s a much more glorious sight.
I run my hands through his thick hair, ignoring everything that happened, as our bodies and lips collide. My insecurities creep in no matter how hard I try to push them away. I was just cheated on, and I’m paranoid. Even though Aiden makes me feel beautiful I fear I’m not exactly his type.
“Look.” Aiden looks down, the night casts shadows on his sharp jawline sending a frenzy of chills through my aching body. “I don’t want to sound stupid, but you can have any girl you want. I’m not special, or established, or anything. I don’t want you to sleep with me and take my virgin…you know…and never talk to me again.”
He plants a kiss on my forehead. “Em, I told you that you’re mine. I don’t give a fuck about anyone else. I never have. You’ve seen the way I am with you. I’ve never let a girl stay the night where I live. I wanted you the moment I saw you. I wanted you to be mine, no one else. End of story. This is the first time I’ve ever felt this way for someone. So, when I take your innocence, that’s it for you…and for me. You’ll simply be mine.”
My body melts at his words. I can sense his sincerity and honesty. I’ve
