Not this.
My bodyguard, secret-agent, special forces boyfriend is as chivalrous as the knights of old, and he treats me like a princess.
He grips me firmly but gently; his hands possessively claiming and yet subtly lulling my body into a submissive state of satiation. I am revered with kisses. Worshipped with caresses. Tasted by a tongue that whispers prayers to a God I have forgotten how to believe in.
Through it all, he’s telling me that I might have said the words first, but he’s the one willing to show me how deeply he feels it too.
I am loved.
I wrap myself around him and give as much as he gives me. He tastes of mulberries and low-alcohol beer. His hair is golden strands of silk between my fingers. His whiskey eyes are molten brown and never leave my face. When he sinks into me, I wrap myself aroundhim to fuse us together, rocking to the steady rhythm of his heart. Keeping time, keeping pace until we fall apart together, where I remain wrapped in his arms for as long as he’ll keep me.
Chapter Fifteen
Something I should have predicted from a highly trained,action-force-secret-agent-manwas the early as hell wake up time. You’d think on his day off, after a night ofphenomenalsex, he’d be willing to sleep in.
No.
Aiden is up with the lark. Showering, teeth-scrubbing, coffee making. Someone needs to teach him to slow down. Is that me? Is that my job now? The irony of the thought is breathtaking. I’ve been on the move my entire life, and only recently have I even tasted the peace that stillness can bring. That clarity that comes from pacing myself and not worrying about the next task, other people, or everyone else’s problems.
The Vale and the inferiority complex it etches into your bones has always made me feel closer to Dax. We’re the same like that. Both held down by our insecurities; our perceived worthlessness. Yet, I’m just realising that Aiden and I have this constancy in common.The dogged-relentlessness to keep moving—giving everything to the work, the task, the next thing driving us tomove move move. Where my responsibilities were a burden, I bore to keep my family safe, Aiden’s are his choice. Was it about succeeding in his career for him, or did he consider this his life’s work? Or perhaps he is more like me that I realise, and he’s doing all this to protect those he loves? He described Dax as his home. Could it be as simple as that?
While Aiden tries, and fails, to cook quietly downstairs, I dive into the steam-filled shower and get ready for the day. My clothes are grotty, but I’ve not much choice but to wear them with how unprepared I was to stay out for the night. I scrub at the traces of Ben’s blood from the hem of my shirt. Was that only yesterday?
I’m not sure if I’m happy that hardly any time has passed or worried about how much crap seems to fit into each day.
Aiden’s smile is enough to snap me out of my thoughts. That, and his golden skin clad in only a fluffy white towel. Smooth swaths of muscle, front and back. A voluptuous swell of a round backside. God, even his ankles are glorious. How did I get so lucky?
His grin suggests he caught me looking. Can I blame my drool on sleep?
“Morning, Tiger! Did I wake you?”
I counter his question with my own. “Did you make me coffee?”
“I did.”
“Then I’m up at the perfect time. You, however, need more sleep.” I slide onto the barstool in front of my cup, wrapping my hands around the base and smiling at the warmth soaking into my fingers.
“There’s a farmers market over by the Marina this morning. I was going to grab a few things for today.”
“Sounds good. Do I have time to drink my coffee, or do I need a to-go cup?”
“I wasn’t going to wake you, but now you’re up, I’d love you tocome. Sit. Eat. There’s lots of time, and there’s something I need to give you. Wait here a moment.” Aiden shoves two slices of toast at me and points to a whole lazy-Susan of jams, jellies, honey, peanut butter, hazelnut, and almond butter spreads.
I stick with plain butter and eat slowly, enjoying the way Aiden whips off the towel as he runs up the stairs. His perfectly muscular back and shoulders pale in comparison to the beautiful curvature of his behind.
Moments like this make all the other shit, not worthwhile exactly, but bearable.
Sweet coffee. Warm toast. Fuzzy feelings. Aiden bumping furniture and cursing up a storm as he rushes to get ready. I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“What happened to‘There’s lots of time’?” I shout up to the mezzanine.
His head pops over the half wall. “There is. I’m just impatient. Almost ready. Hang on.” He disappears again then emerges with a T-shirt in hand. He tugs it over his head and then vanishes from view again. After a few minutes more of drawer slamming and mumbling, he appears at the top of the stairs and lifts his hand, waving a large white envelope in the air.
“Found it. Forgot I’d left it in my blazer pocket. Here, this is for you.” Aiden hands me the envelope as soon as he descends. At the top, printed in silver, are the words Harrison City Bank. I take it and flick open the flap. A booklet, a letter, and a small multicoloured card rest inside. I take out the card. The bank’s logo dominates the left side of the card. Underneath in embossed print is my name and an account number I don’t recognise. “A bank card?”
“Yeah. We figured it was time we arranged access to your money. I was at the bank when we received your message from the hospital.”
“I don’t understand. My money is at the apartment. In cash.”
