Saving Ayden

by Muriel Garcia

  “Do you really think you need to ask?” I raise my eyebrow.

  “Don’t get cocky.” She frowns and hides into my neck.

  “I’m not!” I yelp when she bites me. “No biting!”

  “That’s for always smacking my ass.”

  “You’re going to pay for that.” I pull her closer to me and cuddle into her. “Not now, but one day, when you least expect it, I’ll get you back.” I smirk and kiss her softly.

  “Only words.” She shrugs and cuddles into me.

  “Remember them.” I whisper and turn off the light.

  We cuddle and she falls asleep almost instantly. I guess all the worrying and stress wore her out. It takes me a bit longer to fall asleep but her soft body pressed against mine is so relaxing that soon I find myself giving into sleep.

  ******

  I wake up with a start hearing Ayden scream. I shoot up in bed and look at her. She’s having a nightmare. When she mentioned them, I never thought she would be screaming and trashing in bed at night. That motherfucker!

  “Sweet Cheeks! Shh, it’s okay. You’re safe, it’s just me.” I whisper stroking her hair. She nearly hits me in the face so I have to hold her hands. I try to be as gentle as I can I don’t want to cause her more distress.

  “Don’t touch me you fucking prick!” She screams in her sleep. I know it’s not directed at me, but the fear and pain in her voice is just turning my blood to ice. “Somebody help me please!” She screams louder and I try to shake her gently to wake her up but nothing happens. She’s stuck in her nightmare and there’s nothing I can do.

  “Calm down please, Sweet Cheeks! It’s Anthony! You are safe, no one will hurt you ever again I promise you baby.” I say in her ear and lay back down and spoon her, holding her close to my body while rubbing her stomach. That’s how I would get her to sleep when she was having nightmare when we were kids. After a couple more minutes of trashing, she calms down and tries to push me away but I don’t let her. I know the only way for me to get through to her in this state is to just keep holding onto her and hope she won’t kick me in the balls.

  After about half an hour of struggling and whimpering in her sleep she finally settles down and falls back into a deep sleep that seems to be free of nightmares. I settle deeper into the bed still spooning her and stay awake for as long as I can to make sure she stays calm.

  I guess I did end up falling asleep because I woke up with a way too warm blanket over me. I try to push it away but the weight doesn’t move and just groans. I chuckle to myself and wrap my arms around her.

  “Morning Sweet Cheeks.” I whisper, my voice rough with sleep.

  “It’s not the morning, I’m not awake.” She mumbles into my chest and I chuckle again. She’s adorable in the morning, scrap that, she’s always adorable.

  “It does feel nice to wake up with you on top of me.” I grin squeezing her ass gently.

  “You and my ass. You have a seriously unhealthy obsession with it, it’s not normal.” She mumbles again and yawns. “Too early.” She pouts and rests her chin on my chest.

  “It’s not unhealthy. You have an amazing ass, be proud of it. You are simply amazing end of discussion! And it’s not too early—you just had a rough night.”

  “Damn.” She sighs. “Sorry if I kept you awake. Next time just kick me out of bed.” She shrugs.

  “I’m never kicking you out of bed and don’t worry about it, I don’t mind as long as I can stop you from having them in the future.” I stroke her cheek, her vibrant red hair resting on my chest and I smile at the sight. “Beautiful.” I smile and she blushes. She really has no idea how beautiful she is.

  “I wish I didn’t have to relive it over and over again almost every night. It’s exhausting.” She nibbles her full lower lip and I want to bite it. I release it from between her teeth and bring her further up my body to kiss her softly.

  I grin and kiss her hair, seeing her soft pale hand on top of my tanned chest is just amazing, her soft curves filling my hands perfectly. I smile to myself, feeling complete for the first time and it's a fucking amazing feeling.

  She’s lying half on top of me, lost in her thoughts for quite a while.

  “What are you thinking about?” I whisper, playing with her hair.

  “Nothing.” She mutters against my chest.

  “You do know you’re a shit liar right?” I can’t help but chuckle.

  “Am not!” She glares at me and I can’t help but laugh.

  “Yes you are, and you know it. Now spill it.” I lick her neck, making her shiver.

  “Ugh, fine, just my nightmare. I usually wake up screaming and trashing in bed but this time it was quite different, it was really vivid and I was scared and feeling helpless but I was also feeling a soothing force, like something was protecting me and nothing could happen to me. I don’t know what I said but it couldn’t have been good and I’m just worried that you won’t be able to handle it if it keeps happening.”

  “Sweet Cheeks look at me.” She shakes her head, still resting it on my chest. I sigh and lift her chin. “No matter what you say or how many nightmares you have, nothing and no one will break us apart. I am not letting you go.” I say in a very serious tone, not leaving any room for discussion. Of course as stubborn as she is, she has to give me shit.

  “You promised me that years ago and you did let go.” She whispers, a single tear rolling down her cheek.

  “Sweet Cheeks, I didn’t let go, you did. You left New Orleans and went to New York.” I sigh and stroke her cheek. She face plants my chest and mumbles into my chest. “What was that?”

  “I said fucking smartass.” She pouts and hides her face against my chest again causing me to chuckle.

  “Ah, you love my smartass.” I can’t help but squeeze her ass yet again. “And I do love your sweet ass.” She looks up and slaps my chest.

  “Leave my ass alone!” She giggles as I start tickling her.

  “Never!” I grin and roll us over so I’m half lying on top of her.

  “You’re squishing me!” She struggles playfully under me.

  “Are you trying to say that I’m fat?” I fake being hurt.

  “You’re quite heavy and I’d appreciate you moving off of me because I need to use the bathroom.” She replies.

  “I’m two-hundred-and-fourteen pounds of pure muscle and love.” I chuckle making her roll her eyes.

  “Well if you could move your two-hundred-and-fourteen pounds off of me before I wet the bed that would be highly appreciated.” She giggles.

  “Alright, alright. You’re no fun!” I roll off of her.

  “You know that’s not true, I’m hilarious.”

  “If you say so.” I grin sheepishly at her and she smacks my chest. I catch her arm and kiss her knuckles. “Unfortunately, I have to get going soon. I have some club business to take care of. I’m taking you to the compound.” I hope she won’t put up a fight. I don’t feel like arguing with her this morning, as much as it can be fun sometimes, I don’t want to upset her after the night she had.

  “Can’t you have whoever you have in mind to babysit me, come stay here with me? I don’t feel like going out.” She pouts. She really is adorable when she pouts.

  “I suppose I can arrange that. Get ready and put something decent on and I’ll get one of the guys to spend the day here with you.” I brush my lips over hers before she gets out of bed.

  “Alright, but not because you told me to.” She flips me off then sauternes out of the room, closing the door behind her. I can’t help but chuckle.

  I call Callum to see if he can come over and spend the day with her. I know he won’t mind and he’s the one she felt the most comfortable with so it makes sense.

  While she’s getting ready, I grab her phone and do something she probably will be pissed about. I turn it off and unassembled it, placing a tracker chip inside of it. I know it’s bad and she will be pissed at me when she finds out. I’ve been thinking about it for quite some time now
and with the latest news we’ve had, it makes more and more sense for me to put one in her phone. I need to make sure she’s safe.

  I finish just before she comes back into the bedroom. She takes my breath away. She has no make-up on, her hair is still wet and she’s wearing a simple band t-shirt and sweatpants, yet she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and soon I’ll get to call her mine.

  “You’re beautiful,” I whisper to no one in particular.

  “Seriously? My face is all red from the having to wash my hair in the sink, my hair is a mess, and I’m wearing sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt.”

  “Exactly, you are beautiful.” I walk to her and kiss her softly but a bit deeper than I have the past couple of days. I can’t help myself—she’s not rejecting me or pushing me away so I take it as a good sign. She kisses me back but cuts it short. I’ll give her the time she needs—it’s already a step in the right direction.

  “You’re the beautiful one.” She whispers.

  “Nah, look at me.”

  “I am.” She looks up at me and my heart stops beating. Her face is soft and relaxed, her eyes are not showing fear, they are showing love. I’ve been waiting for so long for her to look at me with those eyes again. It warms my heart. I hate that I have to leave her yet again for club business but I don’t have a choice.

  The noise coming out of my pocket breaks our moment but I’ll cherish it forever. I pick up my phone and answers.

  “I’m at the door.” Callum says before hanging up. He’s not one for talking much or often, but when he does he’s straight to the point.

  “Callum is here.” I smile softly seeing her relax.

  “Thanks for asking him to come over.” She smiles back softly.

  “You’re welcome Sweet Cheeks. I know he’s the one you’re the most comfortable around.” I walk down the stairs with her and open the door for Callum to come inside while she disappears in the kitchen.

  “Morning brother.”

  “Morning.” We greet each other with a man hug and join Ayden in the kitchen.

  “Morning brother.” Ayden imitates us and makes us laugh.

  “Smartass.”

  “You know it.” She grins innocently and I can’t help but kiss her. “Coffee before you leave?”

  “Of course.” I motion to Callum to join me outside.

  “How is she doing?” He asks lighting a cig.

  “Distraught. She acts like everything is fine but I know she’s nervous and scared. Keep an eye on her and make sure she’s okay. She’s not to go outside on her own. They still haven’t found him and I don’t want her to be a target for any one.” I say lighting a cig too.

  “Gotcha. She’ll be fine I promise. She’s in good hands.”

  “I know, that’s why I asked you to keep an eye on her. I put a tracker in her phone just in case. I might be taking this too far but considering the asshole had a room dedicated to her, I’d rather have her pissed at me if she finds out I did it than risk having her be taken from me again.”

  “I would have done the same. Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on her. I just hope she won’t make me do girly shit.” I can’t help but laugh.

  “Ah, I told her she could paint your nails and give you a makeover, it was the compromise.”

  “Asshole.” He laughs.

  “You know it.” I smirk.

  We both walk in and she’s waiting for us with coffee, toasts and eggs.

  “Figured you could use some food before going on the road doing whatever it is you have to do.” She shrugs.

  “I wish I could tell you but it’s club rules Sweet Cheeks. Besides it’s nothing interesting today.” I kiss her softly and eat the toast and eggs. Simple but so good.

  “Yeah, yeah I know club rule and all that shit.” She shrugs and pouts. So fucking adorable.

  “You’ll be good with Callum staying with you?” I kiss her softly and finish my coffee.

  “Yes, don’t worry we’re totes BBF. We’ll do our nails and have a makeover, don’t worry about us. Or maybe you should worry for him, not me. I might make him like wearing make-up and nail polish, you never know.” She shrugs and burst out laughing seeing Callum turn pale. “I’m joking, I’m joking. Don’t worry, I’m not that cruel.”

  “I just told him that was the deal for you to have him keep you company.” I can’t help but laugh.

  “Damn it I ruined the joke!” She pouts.

  “I’ll give you a coloring book if you want to paint something just not my face or nails.” Callum chuckles, shaking his head. “I’m going to hide anything that could be used on my face.” He goes upstairs to check on the windows and the layout of the house.

  “Don’t scare him away,” I chuckle and kiss her softly.

  “I’ll try not to.” She grins and kisses me back softly while holding my chin. “Be careful.” She whispers.

  “Always.” I brush my lips against hers and walk to the front door with her. “I’m out of here Cal.” I bellow from the bottom of the stairs.

  “Okay brother.” He says from somewhere upstairs.

  “I shouldn’t be too late. If anything happens text me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can Sweet Cheeks. Okay?”

  “Okay, I’ll text you.”

  “I love you.” I whisper against her forehead.

  “I love you.” She whispers, kissing my chin. Fuck, I love hearing her say it.

  I smile and step out of the door. Callum and her watch me get on my bike and leave. I hate leaving her. I know she’s in good hands but I can’t help feeling like I’m abandoning her.

  ******

  The deal with the Mexicans went well, now we have to deal with the Bastards from Hell and I can’t wait to be done for the day and check on Ayden. I haven’t heard from her, which is good but I miss her.

  “How is Ayden doing?” Ray asks me taking a long drag of his cigar.

  “Why do you ask?” I glare at him—he knows something.

  “I’ve heard she has a stalker. People talk a lot.” He shrugs.

  “Yeah, know anything about him?”

  “No, but if I hear or see anything I’ll let you know.”

  “Why would you do that?” I ask warily.

  “Because it’s not a club matter, it’s a woman matter. Women are important and are what keep us going. You need your woman.” I nod and sigh. He’s right, it’s not a club matter but I wish I could take care of it and make it all go away in one simple shot.

  We are about to finish the deal when I get a text from Ayden. Three simple words that turn my blood to ice.

  Ayden: I need you.

  “A problem Anthony?” Ray asks point at my phone.

  “Ayden.” I say in a clipped tone.

  “Go brother, we’ll finish this,” Gabe tells me. I nod and get up, not bothering to excuse myself. I need to get to her.

  Me: On my way.

  I break the speed limit but I need to get to her. I don’t care why she texted me, if it’s just because she just misses me or if something is really wrong, I need to be with her and make sure she’s okay.

  I park in her driveway after a way too long drive and go into the house. She jumps into my arms as soon as I step in the door and she holds onto me for dear life.

  “Hey Sweet Cheeks what happened?” I ask her wrapping my arms around her, walking to the living room.

  “I’m going to let you two talk.” Callum says clapping my shoulder and squeezing Ayden’s.

  “Thanks brother.” I nod at him and sit with her on the couch. “Talk to me Ayden, what happened?”

  She mutters something I can’t make out then she breaks down crying again.

  “Calm down Sweet Cheeks, I didn’t understand what you said.” I stroke her hair and hold her close.

  She takes a couple of minutes to calm down and slow her cries. “I-I fell asleep and had a nightmare where Michael was attacking me and I freaked out. I’m sorry I had you come back just for that.” she finishes on a whisper and
hides into my neck.

  “It’s okay Sweet Cheeks, I told you to text me when you needed me. I’m glad you did. It might not seem much to you now but I get it. It makes it all the more real what he did. I wish I could have been here with you.”

  “Y-yes.” She sniffs.

  “I’m here now and I’m not going to let anyone get to you okay?” She nods softly. “I missed you so much today.” I whisper.

  “I missed you too.” She mumbles into my neck.

  “Don’t feel bad about what happened okay? None of this is your fault. We’re all here for you and we’ll protect you. No one will get to you, I promise you that.” I kiss her forehead. Staying in this position for a while.

  We spend the night watching movies and ordering pizza. She has a hard time relaxing but finally starts relaxing after a couple of beers.

  Sometime during the third movie, she fell asleep on top of me. I turn off the TV and carry her upstairs before making sure everything is locked and the alarm is turned on. I join her in bed and we have a quiet night cuddling, without a nightmare this time.

  Chapter 22

  Ayden

  November 28, 2014

  I wake up to the sound of my alarm clock and smile to myself remembering the dream I just had. I was dreaming of Ant and I in our spot by the lake. I miss those days. I brush my thumb over my hip where I have the skull and roses tattooed. I don't think he knows I got it done.

  I head for the free-from-camera bathroom, taking a shower quickly and getting dressed before heading out of the door to go to the bakery to pick up a couple of boxes of donuts and two lattes. It shouldn’t have been a surprise but I see Bennett sitting in his car, parked in front of my house. I wave at him and lock the front door before getting in my car and driving to the bakery.

  Today is the day that my father finally gets released from jail! I couldn’t be happier.

  It’s been two weeks since the incident with Michael and no one, not even the cops have any info on where he could be hiding. For all we know, he could be lurking in the shadows and be ready at any given moment to strike but I’m trying not to let it get to me, at least not today.

  I drive to my parent’s place singing along to the rock radio station. “Dear God” by Avenged Sevenfold is playing. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs and is so appropriate right now. I park in the driveway and get out but not before finishing the song. What can I say? I’m a sucker for M. Shadows’ voice and his nice ass, not my fault he showed it to the world in a video clip! I pick up the donut boxes, coffees and my bag, and then lock my car. I let myself in the house with my old key.