Caleb scoffs before taking off down the road.
I swat Aiden’s chest playfully. “Quit torturing the guy.” I giggle as he throws his head back in laughter.
∞∞∞
“Oh, my. Eww!” A familiar voice screeches as the elevator doors open.
I blush as Aiden pulls away, letting go of my hands which he pinned to the wall. I shiver as I remember the feel of his lips on my neck, his stubble on my skin and his firm arms holding me down as I playfully struggled to get free.
“I can’t move.” I had complained, wanting to run my hands through his hair.
He smiled against my neck. “I prefer you that way.” His teeth grazed my bottom lip. “I might as well take you here.”
I peek around Aiden’s shoulder to see a grossed-out Ashley. I take his hand and pull him into the living room. Ashley runs over to me as Aiden rubs a hand down his face in frustration.
She rolls her eyes at him before hugging me. “I came to see MY best friend. I haven’t seen her in days since she ran away.” She pulls back, giving me a stern look.
“I texted you constantly,” I remind her. But from the way her eyes shimmer, I can tell it isn’t enough. Mine are burning too, I feel the same way.
“I’m so happy you’re okay. I’m sorry I left. Everything happened, and I just kind of just blanked...I’m sorry.” I say in a small voice.
She wipes her eyes and shakes her head. “I get it, Em.” She rubs my shoulder sympathetically. “We’re okay though and look!” She gestures over to a man I hadn’t noticed. He’s extremely tall with a serious expression stuck on his face.
Ashley grunts. “Moore, please smile at Emma so you don’t scare her.” She laughs as he gives us a small smile before turning his eyes to the elevator.
“Bodyguard?” I look at Aiden in question, to which he puts his hands up in innocence.
Ashley launches into a tirade and gushes over Ricky. She’s been helping him heal from the gunshot wound to his leg, updating me every time I texted her asking if they were both okay.
It’s so nice to hear about a guy who keeps her interest and makes her happy. Normally, the men she chooses aren’t the best fit for her. I hope Ricky will bring a more stable and happier change to her life.
She heads over to the fridge and grabs a water bottle. “I missed you, Em. Come stay the night with me at Ricky’s!” She squeals.
Before I can speak, Aiden’s laugh bellows through the room as he makes his way to my side. “Absolutely not.”
She swats his arm, pouting. “She’s my best friend, Aiden. You can’t just decide for her.”
I laugh at their sibling rivalry over me.
Aiden brings his hand to the back of my neck. “Give me an hour with her, and then you can take her with you.”
Her face contorts in disgust. “Eww. Okay, that’s my cue. Bye!” She runs out the door, a serious-looking Moore locking the door behind her.
I scoff. “I’m not having a bodyguard with me, twenty-four seven.”
Aiden studies me before smirking. “Emilia Achelois Banks, don’t use that tone with me!”
I sigh, throwing a dramatic hand to my forehead. “Please don’t ever tell anyone that,” I beg.
He pulls me tightly to his body. “Your secret’s safe with me. But you know, your middle name has meaning.”
I nod. “Yeah, yeah, it means goddess or something.”
“Actually, it means she who washes away the pain. You’re named after a goddess.” He kisses my cheek. “How fitting.”
I blush. “My mom is big into astrology and all that. She’s a romantic.” I smile.
“Seriously though, you will have a bodyguard with you at all times, when you’re not in my view.” He presses his lips to my forehead.
I nod. Anxiety shoots through me as I realize why I need a bodyguard. That night comes rushing back, but I take a deep breath and push my hand through my hair. It feels greasy and tangled. I shiver at how awful I must look.
“I’m going to go jump in the shower.”
“Want me to join?”
As much as I want him to join me, I shake my head, blushing.
∞∞∞
Aiden’s emerald eyes rake up and down my body as I step into the kitchen, dressed in a short gray robe he bought me. He walks over, dressed in just a pair of basketball shorts, and places his hands on my waist.
“I knew this would look perfect on you.” He trails his hand against the fabric, grazing the side of my breast. “How bad did you freak out when you saw it hanging next to mine?” He laughs.
I swat his arm. “That wasn’t funny,” I scold playfully. “But thank you! I love it. It’s so soft!” I caress the material.
He kisses my neck before pulling away. “Where is my necklace?”
“Bathroom.” I smile.
He stalks away and comes back seconds later, twirling it around his fingers. “You’re not to take this off, baby.” He turns me around and places the chain around my neck.
I shiver as his hand grazes my throat. How can something so simple be so sensual when Aiden’s the one doing it?
“Better.” He turns me around and plays with the lock.
We stare at each other for a long moment.
I wonder what my brain was thinking when I first left. Was it shock? Or fear of being so desperately dependent of this man? “Weren’t you worried I would refuse to come with you?”
“No.”
Oh, the confidence. “Why?”
“I see the way you look at me. You’re just as crazy about me as I am with you.” He places a solitary finger under my chin, making me look up at him. “Besides, I’m too selfish to allow you to leave again.” He
