Dark Hearts (The Dark Series Book 1)

by Livvy Aarons

  “Do you want me to take you home or is there somewhere you like to go?” Aidan asked as he leaned forward in his chair.

  Before I could answer, Tristan burst into laughter and threw his feet on the table then grabbed a silver case out of his blazer pocket. The case was definitely expensive but I did find it curious that a demon would possess a silver case. One of the few things that I knew about demons is their weakness to salt and silver; both are biggies on the no-no list.

  Tristan seemed to read my mind, “It’s a nickel cigar case that a friend of mine gave to me a couple of years ago for my birthday; a present of sorts. You like presents don’t you McKenna”

  “Who doesn’t?” I said gritting my teeth.

  “What’s going on McKenna?” Aidan asked suspiciously.

  “I know I am ruining the surprise and everything but McKenna here brought you a present. I even saw her put it in the guest house. Sorry Buddy; you know I am horrible at keeping secrets.” Tristan wriggled his eyebrows provocatively at me.

  I wanted to stab that stupid demon. Maybe a truce was not such a good idea.

  Aidan smiled at me, “You got me a gift?”

  “Not really.” I blushed

  Quickly Tristan threw down his feet then launched from his chair. “Don’t be so modest McKenna. I would love to have this gift.” Tristan now stood behind Aidan with his hands on Aidan’s shoulders. “You are a very lucky man to have such a thoughtful girl. I could only hope to be so lucky.” Tristan was calling my bluff.

  “I guess the cat is out of the bag.” I said pointedly. “But like Tristan said I left it in the guest house. So if you want it we have to go get it.”

  “Trust me…he wants it.” Tristan’s eyes flickered black then to a blue color. “I should go.” Tristan’s mood seemed soured suddenly. He turned away making his face unreadable.

  Aidan didn’t seem bothered by Tristan’s first comment. “Yeah, we should go to the guest house before it gets too late.

  I think I skipped out the door.

  Aidan did not slow down nor did he speak until we got outside. “Where’s your car?”

  “Umm…I didn’t drive. Julie dropped me off.” I mumbled.

  Aidan looked confused. “I guess I can take you home in a little while; if you don’t mind riding on my bike in your dress.”

  I bit my lip. “Well I thought that I could stay the night. I mean my dad is at work and Ben had mentioned going to a friend’s house. I did not want to be alone.”

  The color drained from Aidan’s face, “That’s not a good idea McKenna.”

  This was beyond embarrassing. I had not considered that Aidan would refuse for me to even stay with him. “Okay—let me get my stuff and I will call Julie to come and get me.” I stormed past Aidan to retrieve my overnight from the guest house. I had not noticed that he followed me until I was inside and heard the door slam behind me.

  “Please don’t go.” Aidan said huskily. “I am sorry. You just caught me off guard. I-I want you to stay.” He slouched against the door with his hands in his pockets. Aidan had his puppy dog eyes on display.

  I tossed my bag from my shoulder. “Are you sure? I would hate for you to babysit me.”

  Aidan shoved from the door then came to stand in front of me. Gently he grabbed my hand, “Please stay, I would never consider you a burden; not even in slightest. This is just happening faster than I thought it would and the guy in me freaked a little.” He pulled me against his body, his face nearly touching mine. I should’ve struggled to get away but I could not resist the affection he was offering. “We barely know each other yet I cannot not deny that I fell in love with you the moment I saw you in the dinner. When I look into those beautiful eyes, I willingly drown myself in them. I forget everything and everyone. There is something I need to tell you—please just don’t freak out.”

  Trust me, my secret is bigger.

  Aidan nervously spoke, “I have dreams about you.”

  “So what—you’re a guy. However I do find it flattering that you have dreams about me.”

  Aidan was not amused or relieved. “That’s not what I mean; they started before I met you. They started nearly seven years ago…right after my adoption went through.”

  Don’t panic—don’t panic!

  “What were they about?”

  Aidan’s grip tightened, “Everything. It’s as if I was watching snippets of your life and I can honestly say that I am glad that I dreamed about you. I really do love you McKenna. Please don’t think I am crazy.”

  How in the hell am I supposed to answer? Oh, don’t worry Aidan about me thinking you’re crazy. I see mythic logical creatures that no one else can see, including you—the future grim reaper. By the way, I am using you to save the world. Kiss, kiss--love you too. I could not think of anything to say that would not toss my entire plan to the wind so I did what any stupid girl would do, kiss him.

  Aidan groaned passionately as he kissed me back. Slowly he flicked his tongue in my mouth; I mimicked his action in return. I had never used my tongue before; Aidan did not stop so I must have been doing it right. In a smooth motion, I felt one of Aidan’s hands slip from my waist to the zipper in between my shoulder blades. I tightened my arms that were around his neck, hoping that he would take that as a sign to continue; he did. Once the dress had loosened, Aidan pulled from my lips and began to kiss my shoulders. I started to tremble nervously when he started to pull my dress down; thankfully the dress was too snug to come easily.

  “Did they stitch this before or after you put it on?” chuckled Aidan.

  In a shaky voice I tried to laugh but I avoided eye contact. “Something like that.”

  Aidan was silent for a moment then he lifted my chin to force me to make eye contact. “McKenna look at me.” His gaze was soft but I could still see the hungry look in his eyes. “If you want to stop baby doll, we don’t have to go any further. I would never force you to do something you don’t want to do.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut, “I do want you Aidan; it’s just that--" swallowing hard, I opened my eyes then continued “--I am not sure what to do. I’ve never done that kind of stuff.”

  Aidan dropped his hand then took a few steps back. “Huh…maybe I should get something to drink. You want anything?”

  Feeling rejected I needed a minute to think—alone. “Bathroom?”

  “Down the hall, last door on the right.” Aidan seemed pre occupied.

  I locked the door when I got to bathroom. I desperately needed to clear my head. Aidan had not verbally rejected me but I wasn’t an idiot I could see the rejection in his actions. Regardless of my staying or going, I wanted out of my second skin dress and for once I had used my brain by putting my overnight bag in the bathroom. So I grabbed the comfortable cotton shorts and spaghetti strapped tank top that Julie had packed for me, and took my time in getting dressed. It was a long time before I left my refuge; a part of me never what to see Aidan ever again yet there was another part of me that wanted to punch that jerk in the face. The violent part of me won.

  As I walked down the short hallway, I noticed the eerily quiet sizzle that had entered the house. I slowed my pace when I saw who was in the living room; Tristan. I could not ignore the sexy way he was laid back in one of the huge overstuffed chairs. His black button up shirt was only halfway buttoned and tattered jeans tightly encased his muscular legs. Tristan knew just how mouthwatering he was too.

  “There you are peaches. I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to come out of that tiny bathroom.”

  “Where’s Aidan?”

  Tristan smiled wickedly. “He went to the main house for some supplies. I am sure he’ll be back any minute. Why don’t you have a seat, you look a little jumpy. Perhaps you would like to tell me that I am wrong?”

  Silently I pursed my lips and folded my arms. Screw you demon, is what I should’ve had said.

  “Don’t be so upset peaches; you may still get what you want. In fact dear sweet Aidan called me
for advice on your particular situation.”

  My face felt hot with embarrassment. “Can you please just tell me what you want and leave. Believe me I will be doing the same shortly.” Maybe—I still wasn’t sure if I was staying or not. Tristan did not have to know that bit of information.

  In a swift motion Tristan jump from the chair and was standing in front of me in barely three seconds. The playfulness had vanished from his expression; it was replaced with an internal wickedness. Instinctively I back away until I hit the wall. Tristan caged me in with his arms, leaving me no escape. “What I want McKenna—”, he hissed through clenched teeth “—is for you to be mine. All of you not just your body. Don’t get me wrong, you’re beautiful in every facet of the word. I just want anything and everything you have to offer. Aidan does not deserve you nor can he protect you from the things to come.” Tristan leaned his head in to my neck, nibbling it gently.

  When I tried to push him away, he pinned my hands above my head with one hand while his free hand teased the neckline of my top. I could feel my heart hammering in my chest and unfortunately it was hard to say if it was from fear or excitement.

  Just when I thought Tristan would stop, his tantalizing kisses resumed and trailed lower to the tops of my breasts.

  My wrists strained to free themselves from Tristan’s grasp but the fight was in vain. He was much stronger than me both physically and mentally. One thing most humans didn’t know is that the mind is where the true battle is in demonic warfare. A demon’s greatest weapon is the ability to control a person’s mind, planting a seed that would poison even the most innocent of minds. Tristan’s poison however was not violent or dangerous; it was beautiful and erotic. I could not fight this battle any longer and something inside wanted such a poison that he was offering. Tristan’s mental assault seemed to withdraw and I was able to pull myself back to reality. It was then I realized that Tristan had ripped off my shorts and was now playing with the waistband of my thong.

  He lifted his head from my breasts to meet my gaze, “Do you know that I could take you right now?” Tristan’s hand gripped the waistband tight, nearly ripping it in the process.

  My breathing was still heavy. “You wouldn’t though. My body may be saying yes but you know that I really don’t want you.”

  Tristan’s black eyes melted back to his normal gray, “You are brave to make such assumptions. However you are correct. I need you, want you in every way possible yet I cannot take what you do not wish to give me.” Tristan removed his hand from my nether regions and let go of my wrists.

  Despite my hands were mostly numb, my rage bubbled inside and a punched him with everything I could. “You are the worst kind of monster and I could never want you.”

  Tristan was unfazed by my physical blow but my words seemed to cut him deeply.

  The sound of the door slamming made me jump. Oh crap, Aidan.

  “What in the hell is going on?” Aidan asked angrily.

  Tristan gave Aidan a smile then said, “You asked for my help; so I am just warming her up for you. We use to play these games all the time.”

  I looked at Aidan horrified as the Tristan’s words echoed in my mind. “We use to play these games all the time.”

  Aidan looked to the floor, “McKenna is different. She deserves more than some game.” Aidan snapped his head up. “You need to leave before I toss you out.”

  Tristan gave me a wink then left in silence. Aidan did not unclench his fists. I slid down the wall until my bare bottom hit carpet. I wanted to disappear, I needed to cry and I definitely wished I could go back in time. I pulled my legs to my chest then slouched my head forward. Aidan did not need to see me cry.

  A short time had passed when I felt Aidan sit down next to me. “I am sorry.”

  I knew my face was soaked from tears, so I did not look at him.

  “Please forgive me McKenna. I should have never left you. I called Tristan to ask him for some advice but he didn’t answer so I left him a message. I waited for him to call me back, when he didn’t I went to look for him in the main house. I never thought he—“

  “What games was he talking about?” I asked.

  Silence. I wiped my face the best I could then looked at Aidan; he was sulking. “Fine—tell me why you said I was different.”

  “Because you are.” Aidan wiped tear from my chin. “You have an enormous amount of strength and bravery. I envy your strength you have to carry such a burden of your mother’s death. You are smart and too beautiful for me. When I saw the way Tristan was looking at you and the way you were dressed I thought the worst. Then when I saw the anger in your eyes and the way you were crying, I hated myself. Please forgive me McKenna both past and present.”

  I swallowed hard, knowing deep down I should be begging Aidan for his forgiveness. Yet he would not know why. “Of course I forgive you Aidan.”

  Without warning Aidan kissed me. It was sweeter than Tristan’s kiss and instead of consuming my lips, it invoked them. I wrapped my arms around Aidan’s neck, pulling him closer against my body. In swift movement, Aidan picked us up off the floor and was cradling me in his arms. It stunned me that Aidan didn’t even sound out of breath nor did he stop kissing me. Slowly he began to walk us to another room. When I felt him lower me to a soft bed I knew where he had taken us…his bedroom. Gently Aidan pulled back from our kiss and I opened my eyes. The light from the living room barely graced the bedroom but I could still make out the shadow outline of Aidan, who was closing the door. The room was now pitch black and I could no longer see anything; hearing on the other hand seemed amplified. Somewhere in the dark Aidan was getting undressed, I could hear the rustle of denim, the slid of soft fabric and then a click. Suddenly the dark was gone being replaced by tiny stars that illuminated the ceiling.

  “Beautiful.” I whispered

  Aidan sank onto the bed to lay beside me, “You have no idea.”

  I flinched nervously when I felt his hot skin touch my arm. “I meant the stars.”

  “I promise I won’t bite.” Aidan said playfully.

  “I know…I just was surprised that you’re not wearing a shirt.”

  Aidan sighed, “You really are a virgin aren’t you.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut. “You were my first tongue kiss…so what does that tell you.”

  “Open your eyes McKenna.” Aidan’s voice was thick.

  Reluctantly I opened my eyes and was shocked to see Aidan’s face only a few inches above mine. “It tells me that you have respect for yourself. It tells me that I am right about the feelings I have for you. I love you McKenna and I have from the moment I first saw you in my dreams.”

  Suddenly I felt one of Aidan’s hands tugging my shirt up higher. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to let him take off my shirt or if he was trying to give me a hint; I striped off my tank top.

  Even with the stars to brighten up the room, it was still mostly dark and was thankful that Aidan could not see my nakedness. I didn’t want him to compare me to the other girls he had seen.

  Unfortunately, Aidan turned on a lamp that was on his nightstand. Embarrassed, I clutched my arms over my chest. His tattoos looked as if they were darker but it may have been the lowlight of the lamp.

  When Aidan turned from his nightstand, he raised an eyebrow, “Are you okay?”

  “I just didn’t expect you to turn on the light.” I mumbled.

  Aidan smiled as if he understood. “McKenna, you can put your shirt back on if you want. Trust me I am not going past second base tonight.”

  Ouch, that kind of hurt. “You’re not?”

  Aidan moved closer then pried my arms from my chest. “McKenna you are insane if you think I could possible not want you. I am barely hanging on to my paper thin willpower.” I felt exposed as Aidan continued to stare. “If you’d like we can always do other things. I will even turn out the lights if you want me to.”

  I blushed, thinking about what other things he had in mind. Aidan seemed to have read my
mind and reached for the lamp. When he did, I noticed a small scar on his right side. It looked deep and it definitely had been stitched up. The starlit darkness was comforting and when Aidan took me in his arms, the world melted away.

  I lip trembled slightly, “What other things did you have in mind?”

  “Plenty” chuckled Aidan.

  I may have underestimated the power that Aidan was now holding over me. Sure Aidan was in love with me but could I keep from falling in love with him?

  I think not.

  Chapter 8:

  Silly Rabbit Tricks are for Demons

  The sun seemed brighter today, perhaps it was me. Waking up this morning with two warm arms wrapped around was simply blissful. For once in a long time, I felt safe—safe from the nightmares, safe from the sand trap of blackness that was in every crevice of my brain. The holes in my heart were filled with the love Aidan was giving me; he was healing me.

  “Good morning sunshine,” Aidan tightened his arms.

  I managed to wiggle free and turn to my side to face him. Then I kissed him lightly on his neck. Morning breath was the worst so kissing him on the mouth was out until I brushed my teeth.

  “So what time do I need to have you back home?” asked Aidan.

  “Well I supposedly stayed with Julie last night so I need you to drop me off there. Why, you have another girl coming over or something?”

  “Definitely not another girl coming over--” Aidan snorted. “--I have a job. Tristan may have a trust fund that pays for everything in creation but I don’t. When my parents died, I had nothing; I don’t even remember if I had grandparents. Yes, my adoptive father is wealthy and I am sure Paul would never let me starve but…” Aidan swallowed hard then continued on shrugging out of his thoughts. “Anyways I have to be there at eleven. It’s nothing; just a landscaping job for the city.”

  That explains his natural physic and his talented callused hands. What it didn’t explain was the strange emotion tied to his adoptive father. I glanced at the clock beside Aidan’s TV. “Oh crap, its 10:40.”