One by one, they file out of the house. Cleo is the last to leave, lingering in the doorway. “Call if you need anything. Anything at all.”
When they’re all gone, Aaron keeps one arm around me as he locks the door and resets the alarm. Then he scoops me up into his arms like I weigh nothing and carries me toward our bedroom.
“Aaron,” I start, but he shakes his head, cutting me off.
“Let me take care of you, butterfly.”
He sets me gently on the bed, then disappears into the bathroom. I hear water running, and he comes back with a wetwashcloth. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he carefully dabs at my split lip, his touch feather-light.
“He was going to kill me,” I whisper, the reality of what happened hitting me full force. “I could see it in his eyes.”
Aaron’s hand stills, and he closes his eyes briefly, like he’s fighting for control. When he opens them again, they’re filled with rage and heartbreak. “I’m so fucking sorry I wasn’t here.”
“You couldn’t have known.” I reach up to touch his face, wincing at the movement.
“I should have put that motherfucker in the ground when I had the chance in Florida.” He sets the washcloth aside and cups my face gently, his thumbs stroking my cheeks. “I will never let anyone hurt you again. Ever.”
The tears come again, hot and stinging. “I was so scared.”
“I know, baby. I know.” He gathers me against his chest, rocking me gently as I cry. “But you’re safe now. I’ve got you.”
I sob against his shirt, all the fear and adrenaline pouring out of me at once. Aaron holds me through it all, murmuring soothing words, his hand stroking my hair.
When my tears finally slow, I pull back to look at him. “I love you, Aaron.”
His eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, he just stares at me. Then his expression softens. “I love you too, butterfly. So fucking much.”
The words wrap around me like a blanket, and I press my lips to his, needing to feel connected to him, to feel alive.
“Make me forget,” I whisper against his mouth.
He pulls back, his eyes searching mine. “Baby, I don’t think that’s a good?—”
I silence him with another kiss, more insistent this time. I need this. Need him.
After a moment’s hesitation, he kisses me back, his lips gentle on mine. When he pulls away, his eyes are dark with concern. “Are you sure?”
“I love you,” I say again, because it’s the truest thing I know right now.
He studies my face, then nods slowly. Shifting on the bed, he sits with his back against the headboard and pulls me into his lap, my legs straddling his.
“We go slow,” he says, his voice rough. “And if you want to stop, you tell me. Promise?”
“I promise,” I whisper.
His hands come up to cradle my face, careful of my bruises. “I love you, Savannah. You’re everything to me.”
My heart swells at his words. This man—this gruff, outlaw biker with the heart of gold—loves me.Me.
He holds my gaze as he reaches behind me, unhooking my bra. He pulls the straps down my arms, tossing it aside. His eyes never leave mine as his hands come up to cup my breasts.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs, his fingers pinching my nipples gently.
I arch into his touch, a soft sigh escaping my lips. He bends his head, taking one nipple into his mouth, his tongue circling the sensitive peak. My head falls back as pleasure ripples through me, momentarily chasing away the memories of Eddie.
Aaron takes his time, worshipping my body with his mouth and hands. His touch is gentle, reverent, nothing like the bruising grip Eddie had on me earlier.
“I love you,” I say again, the words spilling from my lips as his mouth moves across my collarbone to my other breast.
