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37
AARON
Aaron lay in bed in the dark room. The only light came from the moonbeams slipping through the blinds, gently illuminating Brynn’s sleeping figure next to him. She’d clung to the edge of the mattress, as if she was trying to take as little space as possible in his bed. But she’d already taken up all the space in his heart.
A small whimper left her lips. His ears perked up, alert to her pain. She rolled onto her back, her eyebrows furrowed, her mouth frowning. Whatever she was dreaming about, it wasn’t good. Should he wake her? Or would that scare her more?
Brynn’s arm reached out, as if searching the bed for him. In her sleep she sought his comfort, but when the sun rose, would she climb back into the protective shell she constructed around her?
Aaron pulled her into his arms and snuggled closer. At least on some level she knew she could trust him to protect her. Her breathing evened out as she relaxed against his chest. His chest swelled with pride that he could make her feel safe, even if it was when she was unconscious. He’d have to take extra care with her, but he’d find a way to get through.
“I love you, sunshine. Won’t let anything bad happen to you again.” He kissed her crown to seal his promise, then closed his eyes. One day soon, maybe not tomorrow, but eventually, she’d be able to hear the words from his heart and believe them.
Aaron opened his eyes to the blinding light coming from the window before slamming them shut again. He groaned, tugging the sleeping form in his arms tighter against his body. Brynn tensed as her ass pressed into his erection. Aaron leaned down and kissed her cheek. Maybe it was best he pretended nothing had changed until they could really talk about the other night. And her scars.
“Good morning, sunshine.”
“M-morning.”
“How did you sleep?” He pulled away enough to look down at her.
Her cheeks were stained pink. “Good. You?”
“Never slept better.” He leaned over and kissed her temple.
Her eyes met his, wary and surprised.
I’ve got you, baby.
“What’s your plan for the day?”
“Um, I’m off from the diner and Pippa said she didn’t need me either.”
Because I told them it was your birthday and I’ve finally organized a plan. He smiled to himself. Time for the birthday surprises to begin.
If he had his way, it would start with his mouth on her pussy, making her come, but this was not the birthday for that. Maybe next year—because there would be a next time.
“Stay here. I’ve got a surprise for you. Okay?” Aaron kissed her lips before rolling out of bed, immediately missing the feel of her in his arms.
“Okaaay.” Suspicion laced her voice as one of her eyebrows quirked up.
He smirked and gave her a wink. “Be right back.”
Aaron left the room and bounded down the hallway to the stairs. The smell of his mother’s famous cinnamon buns wafted into the house as he made a beeline for the kitchen. His mom and Dani drizzled the frosting on top as he rounded the corner.
“They smell divine, Ma.”
She smiled. “I’m just so happy I had an excuse to make them again. Your dad’s been having to watch his cholesterol.”
“I can’t wait to eat them.” Dani clapped her hands excitedly. “Here’s the candle.” She held it up.
His mom transferred two rolls to two different plates and placed them on a wooden tray next to steaming cups of coffee.
Dani pushed the candle into one of the buns. “Mom’s gonna love it.”
“You two ready for the next part of the surprise?” Aaron asked, lighting the candle before lifting the tray.
“Almost,” Iris answered, hooking her arm with Dani’s. “We’ll enjoy our breakfast down here and then finish getting ready, right, darlin’?”
