by K E Osborn
Finally, the world has returned to normal.
“Uh-hum.” Someone clears their throat, jolting us back to reality. Our lips regretfully part, but our eyes stay focused on each other as we try to catch our breath.
“Congratulations!” Killian yells out.
Aiden’s eyes leave mine. “Thank you.” He beams as he continues to hold me close while I cuddle into his chest. I don’t ever want him to let me go.
“Thank Jeni. She was instrumental in getting the evidence, big bro,” Killian announces.
Aiden holds me tighter, kissing me atop my head. “I honestly don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t need to. I would have done anything to get you back.”
His lips turn up showing me his pearly whites, the dimple in his cheek dipping in, reminding me how truly gorgeous he is.
God, I’ve missed him.
“Right, now it’s time to party,” Killian calls out excitedly.
We all chuckle as Aiden nuzzles my hair. “I love you.”
My eyes meet his. “I love you, too.”
Niall slowly strides over and pushes his hand out for Aiden to shake. I look up at Aiden to gauge his reaction. “I didn’t believe you, son... I apologize.”
Aiden exhales like he’s frustrated but takes his father’s hand and shakes it. “Father, I really wish you had more trust and faith in me. It pains me greatly to think that you believed a co-worker over your own flesh and blood. I can forgive you, but I’ll never forget.”
Although it’s all said civilly, it’s obvious Aiden’s still pissed off with his father. I’m quite sure he’ll hold onto his father’s reaction and treatment for some time. I think Niall’s going to have to work for his son’s forgiveness, as he should.
But right now, I’m far too happy to dwell on the lack of Niall’s ability to be a good father as we all walk out to the curb. Everyone takes turns hugging Aiden, but I don’t dare release his hand for fear this is all a dream.
Chris slaps Aiden on the back in his usual manner. “I never thought you were guilty, bud. Not for one minute.”
Aiden lets out a long breath. “Thanks, I appreciate it, and everything you did for Jeni.” They go in for a man hug, slapping each other on their backs while they embrace.
Mike steps forward taking Aiden into a tight squeeze. Their bond is so strong, it’s nice to see them together. “Don’t scare me like that again, you hear me?” He swipes away a tear from his cheek.
My heart flutters at the undeniable adoration Mike has for Aiden.
“Mike’s been taking very good care of me while you’ve been… away,” I tell Aiden.
“Thank you, Mike. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
Aiden takes my hand in his as he moves us off to walk to the car, and I take my seat next to Aiden. Sarah and Chris said we should have some time alone so they left to catch an Uber. But the minute we’re alone in the car, I can’t control myself, lunging onto Aiden’s lap, surprising him by kissing him passionately. He chuckles, wrapping his arms around my waist as my hands mess through his hair. The car starts, and we move out into the traffic while my tongue dances with his. The feeling of kissing him again sends a rush of emotion through me.
I thought I had lost him.
For years.
I thought we were on a rocky road with no end in sight.
And now, he’s here, in my arms, kissing me with these damn explosions surging through my lips as we make our way to his parents’ mansion to celebrate. I know we won’t have a lot of time alone. However, we make the most of what time we do have. I don’t even care if Mike sees. All I want is the taste of Aiden’s lips against mine.
His arms hold me tightly but not tight enough. I need him with the same urgency as he needs me. We stay in our desperate embrace, both afraid to let go.
The abrupt stop and the lack of engine sound indicates we’ve arrived. Slowly, and regretfully, we separate, resting our foreheads together, our breaths returning to normal.
“I’ve really missed you, Jeni, more than you’ll ever know. I’m so in love with you. What I need more than anything right now is to be inside you, but I know we have to celebrate with everyone first.”
My body throbs at the thought of him inside me. “I missed you, too. Every day was torture being away from you. I can’t wait to be at home, alone, so I can show you just how much I missed you.”
Aiden grins as Mike opens the car door. I’m still sitting on Aiden’s lap which makes Mike smile as he stands aside. Aiden kisses me one last time, slowly and softly, before placing me on the seat and edging out of the car. He holds his hand out for me to take as I exit right behind him.
“Mr. O’Connell, you… ah… have lipstick on your mouth.” Mike looks away, smiling.
Aiden chuckles as I move closer and swipe it off with my thumb as the other vehicles arrive, and we congregate on the steps of the mansion.
Callie goes about unlocking the door and steps inside. We all follow and make our way to the living room. I still can’t believe this is happening.
Nana brings drinks, cheese and crackers, and an assortment of cakes. The night is cheery, and we celebrate Aiden being back with us. As the alcohol flows, everyone relaxes, and we enjoy each other’s company. Even Niall looks as though he’s having a good time. I’m glad Niall seems happy in this moment. Perhaps this has been good for him. Maybe he’ll change after this experience, especially his attitude toward his son.
I can’t hold on any longer, so I let go of Aiden and make my way to the bathroom. I see Callie walking down the hall toward me and notice the effects of the alcohol starting to hit me hard.
“Oh, Jeni dear, I want to thank you again for saving my Aiden. You really are an angel.” She hugs me, then continues off down the hallway before I can say anything. I try to steady myself on the wall with a giggle. The wall seems to be doing a good job of holding me up while I continue my way to the bathroom. I’ve definitely had far too much celebratory wine.
On my way back, I see Aiden obviously looking for me. My heart beats faster at seeing him. He makes everything better, even my spinning head as I smile at him while I continue to use the wall to steady myself.
He chuckles, walking briskly toward me. “Are you drunk, Miss Taylor?”
“Drunk with love.” I giggle at my own lame joke.
He chuckles. “That’s a yes. Maybe we should head home. What do you think?”
I stare into those bright blue eyes, no longer sad and depressed but happy and full of life. “Hey, Aiden, ‘you big stud. Take me to bed or lose me forever,’” I blurt out, quoting a famous line from one of Sarah’s and my favorite movies, Top Gun. He looks at me with a smirk, arching his brow. “Then you’re supposed to say, ‘Show me the way home, honey.’” He laughs, then shakes his head slightly, clearly not getting it.
“Duh, it’s from Top Gun, remember?”
He chuckles. “I’ve never seen Top Gun.”
“What? Take me home now, and we can watch it.”
“You’re hilarious when you’re drunk.” He puts his arm around me and walks us back toward the living room. “Guys, I have to get this one home.”
“Jeni, are you wasted again?” Chris asks.
Aiden nods slightly, so I slap him on the chest and laugh. “No, I’m not.” Hiccup.
Brielle, Daniel, and Killian burst out laughing as Aiden bends down and picks me up, cradling me to his chest, bridal style. I wrap my arms around his neck, nuzzling my head into him. He is my safe place, a place I never want to leave.
“Thanks, guys. I’ll see you all soon.”
“I love you all,” I cheer, waving goodbye, still being held firmly in Aiden’s grasp.
Sarah and Chris say their farewells as well, then follow us out so they can pick up Chris’ car from our apartment.
When Mike opens the car door, Sarah is the first to climb in, then Aiden slides me across the seat next to her while I laugh uncontrollably. Chris sits up front, and Aiden g
lides in next to me. I lay my head in Aiden’s lap, and Sarah pulls my legs into hers.
I’m stretched out across my best friend and partner as we drive home in complete happiness.
Once we’re back at the apartment, Aiden helps me sit. He quietly guides me out of the car, and I hit my head.
“Ouch!” I rub the pain away.
Aiden bends and lifts me in his strong, masculine arms. “Whoa!”
Sarah and Chris both laugh as they leave.
Aiden carries me to the elevator with a big smirk on his face.
Hiccup.
His brow scrunches, and a look of pain sweeps across his face. “I think I better get you into bed,” he murmurs quietly, moving my happy mood to a more somber one. He carries me all the way from the parking garage to the bedroom. “I see you’ve had someone else keeping you warm at night?” He lays me down, and grabs Mr. Snuggles from the cabinet.
Hiccup.
“I missed you.”
Aiden frowns as he sits on the bed next to me. “I missed you, too, more than you’ll ever know. You look pale, and you’ve lost weight. Are you hungry?”
“I could eat.”
He stands quickly and walks out of the room. I get comfortable on the bed, finally feeling like the world’s back on its right axis. Aiden walks in with a bowl of cereal and a big glass of water with some painkillers on a tray.
I sit up on the bed. “Breakfast in bed, huh?”
“Yeah, at ten thirty at night.” He smirks.
I take the bowl of cereal and start to eat while Aiden gets undressed. I watch him take off his clothes, showing his body still in as pristine condition as it was before he went inside. I wipe the imaginary drool from my chin.
“I’m going to have a real shower,” he tells me as he walks into the ensuite.
I continue to eat, then drink the entire glass of water, swallowing the painkillers in preparation for my impending headache. I hear the shower turn on while I think about how the apartment doesn’t feel quite so lonely anymore, and I freaking love that fact. When finished, I place the tray on the floor and saunter into the ensuite. Aiden’s still in the shower, all lathered up with shampoo, so I sit myself on the bench opposite and watch him.
It’s so damn good to have him home.
He turns around with a start when he sees me staring at his masculine physique. “Jeni, you scared me.”
I scoff. “You scared me,” I mumble quietly back to him.
Aiden opens the door of the shower, his eyes narrowing in on me. I bite my bottom lip as memories fill my head of him being dragged away from me. He steps out of the shower, spilling water all over the floor as he takes my hand in his. “I’m sorry you went through that. But knowing you trusted I was innocent is what got me through all the days in there.”
Looking up at him, a tear forms in my eye and rolls slowly down my cheek. He senses my emotional state, pulling me from the bench into a hug. I hold onto him as his arms wrap around me tightly.
“I hated the thought of you in there. I didn’t know what you were going through. If you were in danger? It was like my worst nightmare, only it wasn’t a nightmare, it was real.”
His hand comes up caressing my face. “It wasn’t easy… being without you.”
My eyes shift to his. “This isn’t about me, Aiden. What you went through…” I sigh. “You were in jail… for something you didn’t do. I can’t even imagine how you’re feeling.”
His jaw ticks, but he tries to hide his emotions. “I don’t want to think about that place, Jeni. I just want to focus on you.”
So, it was bad in there, he’s just not telling me as much.
I hate what he has been through, but if he’s not ready to talk, then I can respect that.
For now.
“I missed you so damn much, Aiden. Don’t ever leave me again,” I whisper to him.
“Never.” He nuzzles into my hair.
“Get back in the shower. You must be freezing.”
He smiles mischievously, pulling me closer to him.
I glance at him sideways. “What are you up to, Mr. O’Connell?”
Unexpectedly, he pulls me, fully clothed, into the shower with him. I squeal and try to fight as he drags me under the warm water. He laughs loudly which is music to my ears. I stop fighting and let the water run over me. It feels great as he continues to laugh. Shutting the shower door, he let’s go of me. I look at him, sternly, but, as always, he calls my bluff.
“You are adorable when you pretend to be angry.”
He leans in and kisses me softly, then I remove my drenched clothes and throw them in the spa bath, leaving us completely naked.
Together, at last.
Aiden is wrapped around me, our legs tangled as he sleeps soundly, nuzzled into my hair. He’s home, safe, and we’re in each other’s arms. A part of me was missing, and now that he is back, I’m whole again. My inner self is at peace.
Turning to face him, I untangle our legs and gently stroke his cheek with my fingers. He looks peaceful, still, and for the first time in weeks, calm. I gently kiss his lips, making him stir. I smirk to myself, then kiss him repeatedly until a smile forms on his face, and he kisses me back.
“Now, that’s a wake-up call.” His perfect bright blue eyes stare into mine. “God, I missed this,” he exclaims, stroking my arm as I lean over him. He kisses me, then I push him back to the bed and move so I’m straddling him. “I missed this, too, and you, of course.” I don’t fail to notice his eyes wandering to my breasts.
Sitting, I stare at him, my hands on his chest, and he holds me to him as we kiss each other sensually. Swiftly, he takes hold of my back and shifts me over so I’m beneath him.
One arm rests next to my head supporting his weight and with the other hand, he holds my face as he shifts his weight on top of me.
God, this feels good.
Wrapping my leg around his waist, I pull his hips closer. Passionately and forcefully, he kisses me with such a need I’ve not felt before. It’s like he’s scared to lose the feeling. The intensity is overwhelming.
His hand moves from my face to my breast, gently massaging, pulling at my nipple, then rolling it in his fingers. Still kissing me, he moves his hand from my breast down to my pussy. His finger slowly rotates on my clit. We stop kissing, but our lips still touch, and my breathing increases.
“You’re my world,” he whispers into my mouth.
I moan in response. His pace quickens on my clit which causes my breathing to escalate. The feeling of being touched again after so long away from him only heightens the pleasure. Then, he pushes two fingers inside me. The motion of his fingers in and out causes me to quiver with his touch. His kisses are more forceful than before as his tongue goes rogue with mine. He continues his pace, in and out.
The heat rises from within, and I feel it building. My breathing hitches and stutters as I moan with pleasure at the increasing intensity. My back arches, pressing my breast to him, and my body shakes uncontrollably.
He groans into my mouth as I moan loudly. He pushes into me harder and faster. My hands grasp his biceps while my nails dig into his skin. “Aiden,” I scream, coming apart beneath him, shaking and breathing erratically.
He pulls his fingers out, shifting his full weight on me, the head of his hard length sliding against me. With his knees, he spreads my legs farther apart. His arms hold him up on either side of my shoulders while he eases himself in. We both moan when he slides inside my slickened folds to the hilt. The feeling is so amazing. He leans down, kissing me while our bodies move in a synced rhythm.
My hands move to his back, holding him tightly as he moves inside me, our hips meeting with every thrust he makes. The sound of our movements and our heavy breaths echo in the room. He increases his kiss to a level that’s almost punishing, and I can’t help but the moan that escapes. A bead of sweat tops his brow, threatening to fall, as we become consumed with each other, panting, moaning, and lost to the pleasure building inside us b
oth with a heat that threatens to burn.
Our lips meet again but don’t kiss as we breathe in staccato. The feeling immense, he’s so completely satisfying as his cock thrusts inside me endlessly. Aiden moans when I tighten my muscles around him, gripping onto his cock. His eyes close at the pleasure, and he moves his mouth to the side of my neck, sucking and biting.
The heat rises quickly this time as I react to his movements. My breathing hitches, my back arches, and I shiver with pleasure as I climax under him. I’m exploding with satisfaction as every part of my insides feel like they’re vibrating with need. This one is different—the intense feeling rolls through me strongly.
“Aiden, fuck…” I moan, the feeling lasting far longer than normal.
He moves his hips in such a way that it sets me off again, and I shake uncontrollably while the pleasure overwhelms me. My breathing slows as I come down from my third high. I feel weak beneath him, but he doesn’t stop his movements.
“Jeni,” he moans while continuing to thrust in and out of me, moving in such a way that I feel on edge again. I stiffen, digging my nails into his back. The heat rises, he pauses as I tighten my muscles firmly around his cock, gripping onto him hard. He scrunches his face in that delicious way that I love as he explodes inside me with a drawn-out moan.
Aiden rests his entire body on mine, completely worn out. Our breathing is rushed and harsh as he slowly pulls his face up to meet mine and then kisses me softly.
“Fuck! You drive me crazy,” he whispers through staggered breaths. He continues to stare at me, and our breathing slows gradually to a normal pace. With the back of his hand, he strokes my cheek as he rests over me on his elbow.
With a warm smile, he raises his eyebrows. “Now that’s a welcome-home present. Maybe I should go away more often?” he jokes, then I pull his lips back to mine for another long, passionate kiss.
He slowly pulls out and lies next to me on his back. I turn toward him and snuggle against his chest. My core aches in that incredible way, and I know I’m not done, so I move my hand down to his cock.