Page 23 of Unbroken

Maya left the bedroom door open, then climbed into bed. She couldn't stand the thought of being confined, and she felt immeasurably better knowing she had an avenue of escape, as irrational as it seemed.

This was her apartment, but Jeffrey Wainwright had stolen her sense of security.

As she lay there in the darkness, though, she realized something.

It was slowly coming back.

Thoughts of Aiden filled her mind as she fell into the first good night of sleep she'd had in more than a year.

CHAPTER

FIFTEEN

Aiden pulled up to Maya’s apartment complex, his pulse thundering in his veins. What if she’d changed her mind? He killed the engine and palmed his keys, jingling them nervously as he made his way toward the door. He lifted a hand to open it when she stepped out, stealing his breath.

He allowed his gaze to sweep over her from head to toe before meeting her bright blue eyes. “You look gorgeous.”

She smiled shyly. “Thanks.”

They stood there for several seconds, staring at each other.

“I thought for sure you’d cancel.”

Her head tipped to one side. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I just… I thought I’d scared you away yesterday.”

“Not at all.”

He held out his hand, and his pulse kicked up when she placed her fingers trustingly in his. He tugged her forward.

“Would it be weird if I said I missed you?”

“Would it be weird if I said I missed you, too?”

He cracked a grin. “No. I think I like the idea of you missing me.”

She didn’t say anything, but the shy little smile that curved her mouth and tinged her cheeks pink told him everything he needed to know. He squeezed her hand.

“I thought about you a lot last night.”

She’d been in his thoughts constantly, more than usual.

She peered up at him with those liquid blue eyes that threatened to slay him.

“Me too.”

They had to get out of there before he dragged her inside and begged to touch every inch of her. He gave a gentle tug to her hand.

“Come on. I have reservations for us downtown.”

He held the door for her as she slid inside, then rounded the car.

“Anything you don’t eat?” he asked.

“Fish,” she replied. “I’m not allergic or anything, I just don’t like it.”

He nodded. “I’m not a huge fan either.”