by Ciara Lake
Aiden carried her to the front lobby. Avery noticed his jaw was tight.
When they reached the lobby Ethan glanced up from where he stood behind the front desk, a quick smile on his face. “Good evening. I see you’ve danced your night away. I hope you’ve had a good time.”
Avery smiled at him. “Yes, we had a wonderful time.”
“Avery has hurt her feet. Can you get her coat?” Aiden asked. “I need to take her home.”
“Right away.” Ethan dashed to the coatroom and returned moments later. “Here, I believe this is your coat.” He handed it to Avery.
“Yes, it is. Thank you.” Avery smiled at Ethan, who hurried back behind the desk to answer the phone.
“Lay it over you. I am going to carry you home.”
“Have a good day off.” Ethan waved at them as they left out the front door.
“Aiden, I feel silly with you carrying me.”
“Why?” His eyes bore into hers.
“I’m fine. It feels silly to have someone carry me when there’s really nothing wrong. I’ve never had anyone carry me home.” She shrugged.
“Enjoy it. I like being your first.”
His words triggered a physical response in her. She could feel her core tighten and dampen as desire rushed through her.
Within minutes, he was opening the front door to the cabin. He took her inside the house, then to her bedroom. Placing her on the bed, he stepped back and looked down at her. Even after their dinner and all their dancing, he still looked as perfect as the moment he walked into the dining room. Having him tower over her like this made her body hum. She ached in places where she yearned for him to touch. For a brief moment, it occurred to her to jump into his arms. Already, she missed him holding her.
“Let me remove your shoes.” Aiden started taking her shoes off.
“I can do it.” Avery tried to pull away.
His large hands took one of her feet, rubbing it. “How do they feel now?” Then he discarded her other shoe and rubbed that foot as well. “Do they feel better?” He smiled down at her.
The room was dark except for a light she’d left on in the bathroom. Aiden was enormous standing over her. His face was in shadows, yet his eyes gleamed unnaturally. Avery did not fear him. She wanted to hug him, pull him close to her.
“My feet are much better. I’ve never had anyone rub my feet either.” She moved her toes around. He bent down and kissed the bottom of her right foot. “Oh, Aiden, that feels so nice.” Her head rolled to the side. He grasped her other foot and kissed it too. “Oh,” she moaned.
“I am happy to make you feel good.” They stared at each other for a while as he continued to tenderly rub both of her feet. He kissed her toes. Heat rushed to her face, then she giggled.
“That tickles.” She pulled her foot from his hand.
He reluctantly let her foot go. “I will leave you to sleep. It is late. If you require me, call me.” He came closer, leaned down, and brushed a tender kiss on her lips. Without another word, he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Avery sat up and stared at the closed door. She got out of bed and changed into her pajamas. Her mind was abuzz with what had transpired between them. Am I allowed to feel like this about an angel? Her body still hummed with excitement. She climbed back into the bed and rested her head on her pillow. As soon as she closed her eyes, she was asleep.
* * * *
Strange voices, sounds, bright lights, and faces of people she did not know passed before Avery. As if she were someone else, she watched scenes unfold like an old home movie. People changed, passing back and forth in front of her. Some grew older. The sensation was odd. She was lonely, restless, and angry. Frustration ate at her gut. It pained her as if a dull knife cut into her.
A dark feeling came over her. A shroud of doom encompassed her, blocking out all hope. A repulsive voice spoke near her ear. “I see the angel is entertained now.”
An ugly man with an angular face looked at her. His expression was cold, so cold it made her freeze deep within her bones, and her very soul shivered. He moved closer to her. The hideous man laughed maniacally, throwing his head back as if he could not control his amusement. Then he came close to her face. His breath stank, foul as decay. Horns appeared as if growing out of his head.
“A pretty toy he’s found. One to enjoy the pleasures of his freedom and his flesh. So naughty of the angel.” His eyes glowed red as blood leaving no white in his eyes. “I think I shall enjoy you.”
Avery jumped up out of her bed screaming. Her scream soared through her like a trumpet. Her lungs, fueled with air, sang out. Never had she felt so afraid.
“Avery.” The door to her bedroom flew open. It slammed against the wall, shaking the house to its foundation. Aiden appeared in front of her, sword in hand, held high, ready to strike anything presenting a challenge. The sword shone like it was afire. His eyes reflected the sword’s brightness. “Avery.” Aiden’s face was harsh, contorted as if in rage, and his voice sounded like thunder.
“Aiden.” Avery jumped out of her bed and fell to her knees, crying. “Aiden.” She could barely get the words out. “A horrifying man talked to me in my dreams. It was so real. I’ve never had a dream so real.” She shook. It was impossible to stop trembling. “He was gruesome. He smelled like a rotten stench, like death.” Avery bent over, clutching her stomach. “He made me sick. I may throw up.”
Aiden was beside her on the bed. He pulled her onto his lap. His sword was gone. Tenderly, he caressed her hair, rocking her in a soothing way. “Hush, my darling. I am here, all is well now.” He held her for some time as she wept. “I will not allow anything to hurt you, this I vow.”
Avery clung to him, too immersed in her crazed emotions to fully hear him. Aiden’s muscular body held hers, warming her where she had been so cold. He kissed the side of her face. He ran his hand through her hair and down her back. His actions truly soothed her.
“I’m sorry for crying.” Avery wiped her face with the tail of her shirt. His chest was bare. It’d been warm against her face. “I’ve never had anything like this happen. I never have bad dreams.” She smiled through her tears and hugged him. “I’m glad you were here. My scream was so earsplitting, I’m surprised security didn’t come.”
Aiden stood up and laid her on the bed. Moving her clothes off the chair, he sat down. “I will stay here with you while you sleep.”
A faint light from the fireplace glowed in the room. She could see him watching her. He only had trousers on. His arms and abdominal muscles were toned, perfect. The sight of this gorgeous male made her forget her fright. However, a scowl was still on his face, somewhat marring his perfection. Nevertheless, his fierce look was enticing to her.
“I’m really sorry.” Avery rolled on her side, watching him. “I feel bad about screaming.”
“I am sorry you had such a night terror. Later, after you are calm, you can tell me about it.” Aiden slouched down in the cushioned chair, his long legs in front of him. He rested his head back. His movements were sensually graceful, making Avery want to reach out and touch him.
I have to get a hold of myself. Why would this perfect angel want me?
“Aiden, would you like to lay down with me?”
His eyes flashed open, his gaze searing into her.
“To sleep,” she clarified. “You’ll be more comfortable on the bed. Maybe you’ll keep the bogeyman away from my dreams too.” She smiled.
Aiden stood and removed his belt and shoes. Heat enveloped her as his big body laid next to hers. His arm rested around her middle. Its weight was heavy yet comfortable.
“Have you ever lain with a man?” Aiden pulled her closer.
“What do you mean?”
“Just what I asked. Have you been intimate with a man?”
“No.” Avery reached for the sheet to pull over them.
“I am sure many men have wanted you.” He kissed the side of her face. “You are very desirable, se
nsual, and a beautiful woman.” He caressed her hair and shoulders as if to ease her.
“Thanks for coming to my rescue.”
“I told you, you have only to call for me.”
“Aiden?”
“Yes?”
“If I’d told you I’d lain with other men, would that have changed anything?”
“Yes.” He continued to run his hand through her hair. “Now I know you are innocent.”
Avery closed her eyes, trying to analyze his words. What did he mean by that?
She struggled to resist the temptation to turn in his arms. After what seemed like forever, she finally surrendered to sleep. This time no dreams interfered.
* * * *
For hours, Aiden watched her sleep until morning light began to slip around the blinds, spreading across the floor. He knew if she had answered ‘yes’ to his question, he would have pressed her to surrender to him.
Stealthily, he got out of the bed and covered her with the heavy comforter. For several minutes, he stood watching her. Never in his long existence had he allowed himself to feel these types of emotions for a human woman. This one was eroding his defenses established so long ago. Avery made him feel things that were discouraged between humans and angels. There were so many obstacles to such a relationship. In fact, romantic relationships were strictly forbidden between a guardian angel and his ward. Fortunately, Avery was not his ward.
Tenderly, he touched her, caressing her long hair. It was like a silk curtain. The teardrop diamond earrings sparkled up at him. Tightness squeezed his chest followed by a stirring in his gut. Both sensations washed over him, making him tremble. His penis stiffened to a rigid length, pressing against his trousers as an urge to take her took hold of him. These foreign longings had developed the first moment he’d laid eyes upon her. He’d thought it was because she’d freed him, but now he knew it was much more. Lying with Avery had only intensified his feelings. He had to use every ounce of his self-control to keep from falling upon her, taking her.
He fisted his hands into tight balls as he reined in his wayward urges. Breathing deeply, he tried to concentrate on self-restraint. Regardless of his attempts to think of other things, vivid images played in his brain, explicit images of him thrusting within her. Surprisingly, perspiration gathered on his brow. It took a lot to make him sweat. He wiped his brow with the back of his hand. The muscles in the back of his neck and shoulders tensed. Desperate to flee the unfamiliar feelings, he left her bedroom, not wanting to allow his desires to control his actions. Once he released his control, allowing things to set in motion, there would be no turning back for either of them.
When he entered the living room, the bright sun was pouring in. It was nearly blinding. He walked over to the window to close the blinds and reduce the sun’s glare. Then he sat down on the sofa and clicked on the TV. Watching the news, he attempted to think about something other than Avery.
His penis was still rigid, sensitive to his every movement. Unsnapping the top of his trousers, he pulled his zipper down. With the palm of his hand, he rubbed his cock from its base to its tip in a rhythmic motion. Leaning back, he closed his eyes as he continued to enjoy the feel of his hand on his cock. Picking up his tempo, he gripped his cock, wrapping his fingers around its thickness as he pumped up and down until he found his release. Sperm gushed from him, flowing onto his fingers. Relaxing more, he continued to move his hand up and down his stiff shaft.
“Aiden.” Avery walked into the room. “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.” She rushed past him to the kitchen. Her face was pink to her neck.
“Damn.” He exhaled, looking up at the ceiling as he attempted to calm himself. He tucked his cock back into his trousers and adjusted his fly.
He got up and followed her to the kitchen. His penis was still erect, pushing against his trousers. “Avery.”
She busied herself in an obvious attempt to avoid looking at him.
“Avery, I am sorry to embarrass you.” He walked to the other side of the kitchen counter and washed his hands at the sink. “I have feelings I am not used to having.” He dried his hands on a paper towel.
“Do you want to go to breakfast or do you want me to make it?” She looked up at him but avoided looking him in his eyes. “I need to buy candy for trick-or-treating too.”
“Okay, let us go out.” He walked around the counter and pulled her close. “Where would you like to go?”
“Your penis is huge,” she blurted out and turned in his arms. She leaned her head against his chest and he rubbed her back.
The feel of her against him made him moan. He kissed her neck. “You made it grow big.”
Avery wriggled away, making his cock stir more.
“You feel so good, Avery.” He nuzzled her neck, nipped her ear. “I lose my self-control around you. I am unfamiliar with these feelings. My entire body reacts to you.” Aiden kissed her head, then gently tugged her hair, pulling her head back to look up at him. “Are you angry with me?”
“No.”
“Are you afraid of me?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Perhaps you could put a shirt on.” Avery playfully smacked him on the arm. “Seeing your…heavenly chest is making me lose my mind and want to do…things we shouldn’t do. I’m not used to men walking around without shirts on in my house.”
“Men walk around all the time without shirts in these modern days.” He played with her curls. Still she did not look him in his eyes. “Things we should not do, huh? I think I may like those things.”
“Stop it.” She smirked.
“You are innocent, yet sensual. I like those things about you.” Aiden kissed her on the lips. She leaned into him more.
“Let’s go have breakfast.”
“Sounds good. I am hungry and you are so delicious. We had better go to where I have more choices on the menu, and quickly.” He lightly kissed her again. “I will go change into my Levis and shirt. Soon the store will deliver the rest of my things.” He released her to go change. Just as he passed the front door, the doorbell rang. “I will get it.” He opened the door.
“Hello, hello, hello. Good morning, children.” Grace rushed inside past him. “I’m glad to see you’re up, ready for the day. I’d hate to disturb you.” She grinned, then winked at Aiden as she headed toward the kitchen.
“Good morning, Grace,” Aiden said. “I will be right back. I am going to change my clothes. Then we are going to go out to breakfast.”
“Don’t get dressed on my account,” she called after him. “Really, I don’t mind you shirtless.”
* * * *
“Oh Avery, the man is so beautiful.” Grace pretended to fan herself as Aiden left the room. When the bedroom door closed, her eyes widened. “I’m hot all over just looking at him.” She sat down on a bar stool at the kitchen island. “Those earrings are lovely. Are they diamonds?” She leaned closer to Avery.
“Yes, Aiden gave them to me last night at dinner. See the matching necklace.” She lifted the larger teardrop jewel to show Grace.
“Oh, and he’s sleeping in his own room? I should think not.”
“What do you mean?” Avery blew a strand of hair out of face.
“What do I mean? You can’t be so naïve.” Grace shook her head. “With rocks like those hanging from your ears and around your neck, you should fuck him senseless.”
“Grace!”
“Avery, my dear, don’t you know what to do with a man like him?” Grace winked. “I’m willing to guarantee, from the look of him, it’ll be the ride of your life. And you should never let him get away.”
“I’m tellin’ you, we’re just friends.” Avery huffed. “Men and women can be just friends, you know. We haven’t slept together and I don’t understand why others have to assume that.” Besides, he’s an angel.
“I’m sure you’re friends and nothing more...for now.” She smirked. “Men always give their friends diamonds.” Grace waved her hand. “I came to invite you both to a Halloween pa
rty at the inn. I couldn’t remember if I told you about it.”
“And you wanted to drop by to check on us?”
“Yep, I wanted to see how the extra bedroom was working out. Anyway, tonight’s party is a local tradition. The weather is going to be good, so we’ll have a bonfire near the shore. You’ve got to dress up. If you don’t have costumes, I know where you can get some.”
“Where?” Aiden walked back into the kitchen wearing Levis, which fit like a second skin. He was tucking in a blue flannel shirt. “We will go shopping right after breakfast.” He pushed his hair off his forehead. He stopped near them, towering over them both.
“What time’s your party?” Avery sat on the other bar stool. Aiden came to stand behind her, putting his arms around her. Avery couldn’t resist leaning back into him.
“It starts at eight-thirty, after trick-or-treating ends.” She stood up and walked closer to Aiden, tugging on his flannel shirt. “What are you going to be, a sexy lumberjack? If so, you don’t need a costume. You’re perfect now.” She winked. “Love your flannel shirt. It fits so nicely.”
“No, he’ll be an angel.” Avery grinned.
“Are you kidding? He doesn’t look like an angel to me. I doubt he’s one. I bet he’s a bad boy.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I mean ‘bad’ in a good way, of course.”
“There are bad angels, Grace.” Aiden grinned.
“I bet there are.” She chuckled. “I won’t keep you two from going out to get what you need for tonight. The store is called Halloween’s Happenin’. Everything’s half price today. You’d better run so you can get something halfway decent. It’s right off Bay Street on Camp Towne Road. There’s a good little diner near there too, Dockside Diner. They serve great breakfast.”
“Okay. The party sounds fun. I love to dress up. Do you want to go, Aiden?” She touched his arm. A pulse of energy rushed up her arm.
“Of course. It does sound like fun.” He hugged her, then she pulled away, standing to walk Grace to the door. But before she got away, he rubbed his hand up and down her arm. Avery felt an unusual sensation. It made her dizzy in a good way. Her panties dampened, and her breasts tingled from the electric feeling of his touch. She looked up at him.
