by H. L. Swan
“Having a bad night?”
I shake my head.
With a cock of her head, she brings her bottom lip between her teeth. “I can help, you know,” She offers, grazing her fingers across the top of her breast. “My name’s Brandi.” She steps between my legs and places her hands on my shirt, her fingers trail across my skin.
I grab her wrist before she goes too far. “Don’t touch me.” I scowl, but she isn’t fazed. Drunk, I guess.
A quick movement behind her catches my eye and I peek over her shoulder to find Emilia staring at us with a blank expression.
Fuck.
Her hair is wet, and her dress is soaked and tight against her skin from the rain. There are too many guys for her to be in here like that.
Did she fucking walk here?
I turn to see Howard sitting beside another rental car underneath an awning smoking a cigarette.
I stand and shove the red head away. She fumbles but catches herself.
Em shakes her head before looking around. Her eyes land on a group of rowdy guys chugging beers.
I laugh, knowing I must be drunk because she walks up to them.
She looks at me once more, hate burning in her honey eyes as a sly smile takes over her features.
I sit back down on the barstool and wait.
She walks up to one of them. His drunken eyes graze over her body. I refrain from smashing his head on the table for a few minutes. I clench my fist instead.
“Ouch!” The red head squeals.
I look down at my hand entrapping her wrist.
How did she even get back over here?
“Shut the fuck up.” I move her out of my sight, so I can see what the fuck Emilia thinks she’s doing.
A round of shots arrives at the table where Emilia is. She downs two, then looks back at me and smiles. It’s comical to watch her try to piss me off intentionally. Doesn’t she know what’ll happen when I get ahold of her?
I snap when a brown-haired guy places his hand on the small of her back. I take a few long strides to Emilia, clamping a hand around her wrist.
One of the drunk guys sizes me up.
I square my shoulders and narrow my eyes at him, satisfied when he shakes his head and turns back to his friends. Smart.
The brown-haired fuck isn’t as smart.
He scowls as he looks at my hand on Emma’s wrist. “Hey man, I think she’s a bit occupied.”
He goes to remove my hand.
Remove my fucking hand from her.
I laugh. “I would advise you against that,” I warn.
He hesitates before climbing off the barstool and stands in front of me.
I roll my eyes and wait. Just waiting for him to try something.
“Fuck–”
I drop him with a swift punch to the jaw before he can utter one more word to me. How dare he disrespect me in front of my girl. My girl who’s in so much fucking trouble right now. With her wrist in my hand, I drag her out to the rental car.
I’m glad we rented an Escalade. There’s plenty of room for me to punish the absolute fuck out of this girl.
I open the back door and slide us both into the backseat. I pin her body against the soft cushions, fury raging through me.
“You’re going to let another man touch you?” I growl. “In front of me, Emilia?” My eyes are wild as I look for an answer in hers.
The fact that she looks so calm makes me angrier.
“I swear to god I’ll walk back in there and fucking kill all of them Em.” I spit and she smiles, she fucking smiles at me.
She’s driving me fucking mad.
“Get over my fucking knee,” I order. Imagining her splayed out over my lap, my hand coming down with force against her bare ass.
She shakes her head.
Cute.
“Now. Fucking now. You want to be a bad girl; I’ll punish you like one.” I growl.
She puts her finger up, surprising me when she places it against my lips. “No. No, Aiden.” She straddles me, her bottom lip between her teeth.
The fuck is she doing?
“You don’t have the control right now. I walk in and see some girl in between your legs? Quit talking.”
“It’s not wha–”
She cuts me off. “I don’t give a fuck what you’re about to say.” She chuckles.
I throw my head back. What is she doing? “Don’t take that tone with me, Emilia.” I grip her waist in a warning.
A soft moan escapes her lips.
Fuck.
“Don’t.” Her voice is louder than usual.
I want to flip up her short dress and take my hand to her bare ass until it’s raw. But the way she looks at me, the way she slowly grinds against my lap shuts me up.
Slowly, she lifts her dress, exposing her thighs. Her body and dress are wet from the rain, but I can see her glistening between her legs. No panties.
“I walk in a bar, after telling you I love you…”
Her voice breaks and she stops. I grip her hips to move her myself, but she swats my hands.
“And then I find some fucking girl in between your legs when I walk in.”
Not knowing what to say, I shake my head.
She grabs my face, making me look at her. “What would you have done if that were me? If you told me something so personal and I just left, and when you came to find me, I was standing between some guy’s legs? A guy that looks totally different from you,” She spits.
The thought of her touching another man makes my body shake. “It’s not like you think.”
“Well, tell me, Aiden. What’s it like then? Because, not only did you have a girl fucking flirting with you. She was a redhead, skinny, and wearing something I would never wear. Is that what you want? Someone who’s the complete opposite of me?” Her voice slurs slightly from the shots she previously downed.
I can tell she’s trying to be brave but she’s breaking. I place my hand on her cheek. “No, baby. There’s no one more perfect than you. I pushed her away. I swear I would never.” I go to speak again but she covers my mouth, causing me to chuckle.
“If I ever,” She looks at me with fury, “ever see another girl in between your legs. I’ll never speak to you again.”
I nod.
“Now,” She whispers in my ear while grinding against me. “I’m in control tonight. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am.” I smile, giving in to whatever she wants to keep her from being upset with me.
I’m already hard as she unzips my pants. She slips herself over my shaft and my head rolls back from the pleasure. We’re both uncoordinated and a bit drunk, but the feeling of her riding me is so exquisite I forget everything else. I fight the urge to flip her around and pound her tight pussy. But what she’s doing feels so good.
During her climax, she moans, “You’re mine Aiden.”
Gripping her hips, I wrap my hand around her throat, reminding her who’s boss. “As you’re mine.”
Twenty-Three
It’s our last day here. I still remember every detail of last night.
Deciding I need him to talk to me, I slap Aiden on the chest.
He wakes up with a jolt. “What the fuck!”
His eyes dart around the room before landing on me, my arms crossed and a scowl on my face.
His dimples appear as he looks at me with sleepy eyes. “Good morning, Angel.” His velvet voice is thick with sleep.
With the frenzy of emotions from last night behind me and the drunken courage gone, only anger is left. “Why was she in between your legs?”
He places his arm on my leg, and I scoot back. He sits up; his shirtless body, messy hair and ink make me dizzy. I need to concentrate.
He pinches the bridge of his nose before taking my hands. “I thought we talked about this last night.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, but I was drunk.” I don’t remember much, besides being in control when we had sex.
“Emilia.” His tone is pleading as he runs an in
ked hand down his face. “I shoved her away, I swear. You walked in and she just happened to walk between my legs. I promise you.”
His sad tone and glossy eyes make me reconsider my next words.
“You promise? I can’t handle if you cheated on me.”
He smiles, his eyes blazing into mine. “I would never cheat on you.”
I calm down. “So, what happened?”
He bows his head.
“Coffee first?”
He throws on a lone pair of gray sweatpants that sit dangerously low on his defined hips before leading me out onto the porch where he drags me onto his lap. He breathes in the morning salt air.
“Em, I can’t express how much you mean to me. Hearing those words brought me back to a dark time.” He lowers his head against my arm.
I lift his chin up, looking into his eyes to give him strength.
“The night, that was the last thing my mom said to me. Then she was just...gone.” His eyes gloss over.
I wrap my arms around his neck.
No more needs to be said, but he continues. “I have never given a fuck about anyone, except you. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry I walked out on you like that. That was a move my dad would have–”
I cut him off with a solitary finger to his lips. He looks so broken, so vulnerable. A stark contrast to his usual serious demeanor.
“Don’t apologize, and don’t ever compare yourself to him. I get it. Don’t worry. When you’re ready, you’ll tell me. If not…” I think of something to take that pained look away. “If not, it’s fine.” I give him a reassuring smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes.
His expression is serious. “I don’t know if I’m capable of giving you what you deserve.”
I cup his face. “You deserve every ounce of me,” I assure him.
He smiles a cheesy grin before burying his face in my neck. He lifts his pleading eyes to mine. “Those words have been tainted for me. They’ll never be the same. I don’t want you to think I don’t care deeply about you. I do. So fucking much you couldn’t even fathom.”
His eyelashes are thick as he looks up at me. “You say those words…” He closes his eyes. “And I…You can’t fucking go anywhere, Em. You can’t leave me. Ever. I’m weak for you. I’m crazy about you.” His emerald eyes shimmer in the rising golden sun. “You’re mine, Emilia.”
I smile. He’s been telling me he loves me in the only way he knows how. “As you’re mine, Aiden. Always.”
That is enough. Of course, it is.
My phone rings, interrupting the moment. Aiden grabs it, checking the screen. It’s my mom. I go to ignore it, but he answers before I can stop him.
“Hey Pamela. Yes, she’s right here.” He hands me the phone.
I roll my eyes. I told her I was going on a vacation with Ash. She wouldn’t care. I’m an adult, but I don’t want to have that conversation.
“Hey, Mom.” I sigh, waiting for the third degree. My body tenses when I hear her sniffle. “What’s wrong?”
Aiden sits a little straighter.
“He’s getting released on good behavior.” Her voice is hoarse. I can tell she’s been crying for a while. I want to ask her who. But from her hysterics, I already know.
The man who killed my father.
Thomas Peters.
Tears slide down my cheeks and I lower my head, asking through gritted teeth, “When?”
“A month.”
I hang up after talking with her for a few more minutes, stunned. I turn towards Aiden to explain but he waves his hand in dismissal.
“I heard it. The speaker was loud.” He strokes my hair. “I’m sorry.”
“When we get back, I want to visit him.” I state with a confident nod.
He goes rigid. “Abso-fucking-lutely not. You’re not going to prison to visit a murderer.” His tone is laced with finality.
I shake my head. “He killed my father. He hasn’t even been in jail for five years. Mom said it was good behavior. Fuck that. I didn’t have the courage to do a victim impact statement at the trial, and I regretted it ever since. I couldn’t even bear to sit through the trial.” Tears lace my vision.
“I need this. I need him to see I’m okay, even though he took something so precious away from me. Before he’s back on the streets, I need to tell him while he’s still locked up in there like an animal.”
Aiden nods in agreement, stroking my hair. “Okay, baby. Whatever you need.”
∞∞∞
I smile as I take in my new surroundings, a sense of calm coming over me. Our new penthouse is furnished with everything from the old apartment, providing an essence of familiarity in the large space. I admire the view beyond the floor to ceiling windows. I couldn’t imagine he would find a penthouse with a better view, but I was wrong.
The kitchen takes my breath away. Elegant marble countertops and a double oven. His old kitchen is nothing like this. The equipment is something one would see in a New York steakhouse with the best bakery in the world attached. A pitch-black eight burner stove sits atop the white marble, contrasting perfectly. Brand new mixers and all kinds of baking equipment line the countertops, adorned with dainty red bows.
Our room is modern, and the simplistic decor makes the space look refreshing and clean.
Tears flow down my face in sheets.
Aiden wraps his arms around my neck and kisses it. “I wanted to make it perfect for you.”
With a wide smile, I turn and throw my arms around his neck. Melting in his gesture, in his embrace, in everything he is.
“I’ll send you and Howard shopping for some art pieces, or whatever you like.” He blushes slightly, gesturing to the few canvases that are on the walls. I admire the paintings, brushing my fingers over the rough surfaces of each one.
I remind myself he’s never done this before, neither have I. But for him, he isn’t used to showing a softer side of himself to anyone but me. “Everything is perfect, and this art is amazing! Where did you get it?”
A dimpled smile blooms on his face. “Came with the place.” He shrugs, “and I want your touch on it.”
I smile. I guess this is it. We’re officially moving in together. It’s not like I haven’t been living with him, but this seems more stable, like this is for us. I haven’t given much thought to looking for apartments with Ash. We mentioned it in passing, but she’s content staying with Ricky. More than content, she’s elated.
Aiden leads me up a set of familiar steps. A heavy metal door opens to reveal an even more breathtaking view. We are so high up the stars look closer than ever.
“Look there.” Aiden gestures to a corner.
That’s when I see a bed situated in a perfect position to look at the night sky.
Tangled and full of passion, that is where we sleep on our first night in our new home.
Well, not much sleep.
∞∞∞
I loved every ounce of Brazil, but the looming threat of Thomas getting released has me on edge. He won’t come for me; it’s not that kind of fear. He’s nothing more than a drunk, who has no life in or out of prison. But he deserves to stay in prison.
How can they let him out on good behavior after murdering a decorated officer?
The thought haunts me as I get ready for work. I already have an appointment with the corrections facility for next week. I need to ignore that until it’s right in front of me.
Back at work, I try to focus on the task at hand and the positives, clearing my head of the troubles stirring inside. We’re safe; our new home is more than I could ever ask for, I just got back from a brilliant vacation and now I get to go work in a kitchen that is stocked to the brim with all new appliances.
I arrive at work to see Avery turning on the ovens. “Wow.”
Avery walks towards me, wiping his hands on a towel. “Wow is right.” He looks me over and smirks. “You got tan.”
“My boyfriend took me to Brazil.” I smile brightly.
“Boyfriend?” He hal
f laughs as he walks over to me, his face serious.
“Yes?” I gesture around the room. “I really love the new equipment!” Why would he laugh about me having a boyfriend?
His smile returns. “It’s wonderful! They work perfectly. I’ve been prepping the space to teach you how to make my favorite. Éclairs.”
I squeal. These lessons will give me a skill I’ll utilize throughout my life.
Avery guides me to a table where a plate of freshly made éclairs sits. “First, we will taste some I made this morning so you can get the flavor profile.”
I take a large bite of one with a moan while Avery watches me with satisfaction. “So good!” The made from scratch ingredients change the game.
“Come, here’s your station.” He gestures to a steel top filled with ingredients. “Get started on the dough, while I start on the chocolate. I know you already know how to melt it down.” He smiles as he makes his way to the burners.
I wash my hands vigorously and get to work. I gasp when his body presses against my back as I roll the dough. I go to move but he pushes in.
“In France, we let the wrist do all the work and the hands are just helpers,” He whispers quietly into my hair. He brings his hands into mine as he kneads the dough with me. It begins to form better.
“Oh, so I just need a little more elbow grease,” I mumble in an uncomfortable tone as I try to wiggle out. I like that he’s a hands-on teacher, so I can learn better. But he doesn’t need to have his body against mine.
“You’re so good at this.” He murmurs in a low voice as he leans further in. “A natural.” His voice is breathy.
To my disgust, something hard press into my back. I gasp and turn quickly. His hands are on the counter when I face him. He’s holding me in. Trapping me. I look around Avery’s shoulder, desperate to find an escape. “Excuse me.”
A sly grin adorns his face. He tilts his head, studying me. “Don’t move. There’s so much more my hands can teach you.” He smirks.
