by H. L. Swan
“But Aiden…” She whines.
He holds a hand up, cutting her off. I’m assuming from her words in the bathroom that this conversation isn’t one of a boss and his employee, it’s something deeper.
Crossing her arms, she looks around the room, “Can I at least explain myself?”
“There’s no need. You aren’t even on the payroll yet, so technically you’re not a part of this company. I will not have childish drama inside my office. I should have never hired you in the first place.”
Huffing, she stomps out of the room.
“I’m very sorry.” His voice is soft and silky once again.
I love that he only speaks to me with that tone. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause drama. I never do. I’m embarrassed I couldn’t hide my emotions.”
He laughs softly before helping me down and wrapping me in a tight hug. “I know you don’t like drama. That’s what I like about you.”
I blush, thankful my face is buried in his chest so he can’t see me.
“If anyone is ever mean to you again, don’t hesitate to tell me.” His voice is stern, but still filled with concern.
I nod in agreement as he pulls me away to wipe the tears from my eyes. “I didn’t mean to get emotional. It just hurt to hear what she said.”
“We’ll discuss that later. You ready to go?”
The coast is clear as we head off. I’m thankful he stood up for me, but I just wish none of this happened. The first day I show up at his job, one of his employees gets fired because of me. How embarrassing. I wish I told her off and went on with my day.
I let out a long yawn as my eyes grow heavy, tired from the early morning. “Do you have a coffee machine at the apartment?”
“Yes, the realtor said it’s completely furnished. But I haven’t gotten a chance to get groceries, so no coffee.”
“Want to go to a cafe? There’s one near my new place.”
I nod happily.
We pull up in front of the brick building that is swanky and different from the Dunkin Donuts by my place. Aiden pays for my large latte against my wishes, but I’m thankful. I really need to get a job. I look for a seat while Aiden waits for our drinks. I’m on my phone when the chair in front of me slides out and I look up to find a man in his twenties staring down at me.
He eyes me with interest. “Hey, mind if I sit with you?” Not waiting for my answer, he takes a seat.
“Actually...” I begin but I’m cut off when Aiden sets my latte in front of me.
“Hey princess.” He scowls as he eyes the man. “Up,” He demands.
I watch the stranger get up and walk away. “What was that about? He didn’t know I was with anyone. Why are you so territorial?”
He laughs, covering my hand. “I told you, beautiful. You’re mine.”
Eight
It’s dark out by the time we arrive at Aiden’s new apartment.
His realtor greets us, handing Aiden his new keys. “Hello Mr. Scott, I hope you and your...” She trails off as she looks at me, extending her hand with a warm smile. “I’m Paula. It’s nice to meet you!”
I return her handshake. “I’m Emma. It’s my pleasure.”
Aiden’s lips curve into a small smile at my formality.
“Mr. Scott, your apartment is fully furnished. If you have any issues, please do not hesitate to call me.”
“Thank you very much, Paula.” Aiden guides me into the elevator and pushes the button to the penthouse.
The elevator door opens, and I’m taken aback when I see a large open living room. I had expected a hallway leading to multiple apartments.
I look at Aiden in surprise. “This whole floor is one apartment?”
He laughs as he undoes his cuffs. “Of course, it is. It’s a penthouse.” He throws his jacket on the rack. “I’ll be back in a moment. I’m going to hop in the shower. Wanna join?” He winks.
I shake my head.
“I ordered us food. It should be here any moment.” He calls out as he leaves.
I take in the modern and masculine architecture. The white floors and walls contrast with the black leather furniture that adorns the living room. The kitchen and dining room have a similar setup, but what truly takes my breath away is the view. The city skyline is so close.
The chime of the doorbell echoes throughout the house. With a grumbling stomach, I dash to the door to retrieve our food. I wonder what he ordered.
A man stands on the other side of the door, empty handed. He’s covered in tattoos and is as tall as Aiden. He’s not as muscular but he’s still pretty fit. He looks off, scary even. His eyes rake up and down my body as he stands in silence. He definitely isn’t the deliveryman.
“Can I help you?” My voice trembles slightly. Alarm bells go off in my head when he remains silent. Ashley’s voice reminding me that Aiden works with bad men penetrates my brain.
I attempt to slam the door shut, but he slaps a large palm against it and pushes it open with ease. The gesture frightens me, and I jump, letting out a slight yelp.
Where is Aiden?
I watch as the stranger paces around the room before coming to stand in front of me, a little too close for comfort. Dad was a police officer and I often listened to him tell Mom about certain cases. I note his demeanor. He isn’t twitchy or sluggish, so no drugs. Angry and paranoid? Yes.
I back away, attempting to head towards Aiden’s room but he pushes me against the wall.
“Where is he?” The stranger demands. His voice has an accent. Italian, maybe?
“In…in the…bathroom,” I stutter, hoping he will be out of there soon.
The man smiles creepily at me, tucking a lock of hair that fell out of place behind my ear. “Maybe I can take you for payment.”
I shudder at his touch and stiffen in fear. My mind races, but my worries melt away when I see a pissed off Aiden stalking his way towards us. His dark hair is wet from the shower and he only has gray sweatpants on.
Aiden yanks the man away, pinning him by his throat. His eyes darken as he holds the man in place.
I let out a sigh of relief.
“Se la tocchi di nuovo, ti ucciderò.” His voice is deep and full of venom.
I try to decipher Aiden’s words but he’s speaking in another language. Italian, definitely Italian. I wish I could understand what he was saying.
“Sweetheart, can you go to the balcony for a moment? And don’t look inside.” His voice has softened but it still holds a note of anger.
I nod, more than happy to get away from whatever is going on. I slam the balcony door shut behind me. But the anticipation is too much, and it isn’t long before I’m peering in.
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 a
nd 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 seen the way he treats others, with disinterest. But he’s different with me. He wants me to be his, and I want that too.
“There is one thing though. This is a one-time thing.” He circles his finger. “This sweet, romantic side of me in bed. When I take you for the first time…when I take your innocence,” His breath grows ragged, and I feel him harden against me. “It won’t always be this way. I’m going to fuck you rough once you get used to me.”
I nod, my breathing growing fast. I don’t care what way he wants me. He can have all of me.
He grinds against my core, his hard length pushing against my slit through my panties, making me ache for him. His hands are wild against my body as they squeeze and caress me.
His lips collide to mine, our tongues in a warm dance as his hand holds my face possessively. He pulls off my dress in one quick and impatient movement, his eyes wild and hungry, before stripping his own clothes off.
My eyes trail down his bare, tattooed chest to his groin. The size of him still surprises me. I don’t know how he’s going to fit. I wrap my hands around his hot length, barely covering it, and give it a tentative stroke.
“Your hands look good on me.” A deep growl resonates in his chest, he watches my movements with hooded eyes. “This may hurt.”
∞∞∞
The incessant buzzing of my phone ruins the moment as Aiden peppers kisses along my jawline. I move my hand around blindly, trying to hit ignore but I just can’t hit the right buttons.
Frustrated, Aiden leans over and grabs my phone. His body grows stiff and he turns the phone to me. Ian. “Why the fuck is he texting you?”
I shrug. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll block him later. Can we continue?” I plead.
He looks as though he wants to jump through the phone and kill Ian.
“Are you mad at me?”
“Of course not, it’s just…you’re mine.” He states, tossing my phone on a nearby chair and looms over me. “I don’t want your ex texting you. He’s fucking nothing.” His jaw clenches while his eyes look almost animalistic. “I’m going to prove to you why he doesn’t matter. Why no man matters, but me.”
I’m angry at Ian for making him upset, but the territorial way Aiden looks at me is making me feel things…really good things I’ve never felt before.
I hide a smile. “I know no one matters but you.”
He kisses and sucks on my neck more aggressively than before. I’m a little startled by my voice, smooth and full of want.
“I don’t know why no one’s ever fucked you, but I’m glad they didn’t. I get all of this to myself. Do you know how happy that makes me? How fucking turned on I am by your innocence?”
I involuntarily let out a moan as his mouth trails my neckline.
“Just say the words, and I’ll fuck you, Em.”
I nod eagerly, staring at him with hopeful eyes.
“Say it. I need to hear how much you need me inside of you.” His usual emerald eyes are a deep jade from lust.
“I want you, Aiden,” I whisper through ragged breaths. I want him so badly. Can’t he tell how much I need him?
He trails kisses down my body, starting with my lips, then my neck, and stomach. His movements are wild and uncalculated as he moves down until he reaches my panties. He smirks devilishly as he pulls them down carefully. Gripping my trembling thighs in his warm hands, he peels them open slowly. I feel exposed, but the way he admires my body makes me feel confident.
He slides a long finger up my slit and caresses my clit. I shake beneath his touch. He lifts his finger to his mouth and licks it clean. “Fucking delicious.” He murmurs, bringing his face down.
I close my legs, surprised.
“Too fast?” He looks concerned.
“I’ve never done this before.”
“Really?” He sounds excited, intrigued.
I nod.
“Open for me, baby. It will feel good,” He coaxes.
I push pa
st my nerves and spread my legs for him. I tremble as he expertly circles my clit with his tongue. The feeling is exquisite, so warm and euphoric. I moan as his tongue plunges deeper, exploring me. I writhe beneath his touch, collapsing further into the soft bedding. Blissful minutes pass by as I’m in euphoria, his thick hair clenched between my fingers.
He brings his free hand slowly up my stomach, I gasp when he twirls my nipple between his warm fingers. Another new sensation spreads through me as I admire his back muscles while both of his hands work magic on my body.
“Come for me,” Aiden commands, replacing his mouth with his warm fingers. His long fingers strum my clit perfectly, sending waves of pleasure through my body. He watches with a smirk, as I come undone with a moan of his name.
Still trembling, I cover myself up with my hands, embarrassed by how intimately he’s seen me.
Aiden lets go of my thighs and pins my arms above my head. “Don’t cover your body. You’re fucking perfect.” He kisses me deeply before nibbling my ear. “Are you ready for me, beautiful?”
“Yes, please,” I whisper.
He rubs his length through my slit, sliding it up and down, teasing me but not entering.
“Aiden, please,” I beg.
“I needed to make sure you’re wet enough.”
He pumps his length in one hand as he grabs a condom from his pants, ripping it open with his teeth. I admire how he puts it on, having never seen it done in person.
Lowering himself, he nudges the head of his cock against my opening. I wince as I feel him stretch me. He pushes in slowly, stopping to make sure I’m okay. I rake my nails across his back, eliciting a pleasurable moan. He presses in again. This time, it’s better, but I shift around.
“Shh, it will be over soon. The pain will turn into pleasure,” He coos as he continues his small rhythmic thrusts until he finally fills me completely.
“So fucking soft.”
I moan as his thick length stretches and fills every inch of me. The stinging pain subsides and is replaced by an overwhelming pleasure. The sound of skin against skin, his kisses and moans send me into a euphoric state.
