by K. Sterling
“Do you have something to ask the witness that pertains to your client?” Judge Maycross asked. McKeever nodded.
“If you weren’t being stalked…” Aiden cut him off.
“Oh, I still wouldn’t have my own place. I’m completely incapable of taking care of myself. I don’t know how to do laundry, cook or operate a vacuum cleaner.” Aiden admitted. Once again, he was composed and relaxed. McKeever grabbed onto that like it was a life raft.
“How old are you, Dr. Sharp?” He asked incredulously. Aiden sat back in his seat.
“I’m twenty-eight.” He stated. McKeever thought he was back in the game.
“And you can’t manage basic tasks like vacuuming or laundry?” He turned to the jury and widened his eyes in mock disbelief. Aiden nodded.
“I suppose I could if I tried but I don’t see the need to. I’ll save you some time. You’re trying to get me to admit that I have Asperger’s Syndrome. I have a disability but I am high functioning and I am by no means ashamed of my condition. In fact, it’s my disability that has made me an expert in my field, counselor. As far back as I can remember, I’ve believed that I was broken or packaged wrong. Like I wasn’t really a human but something that had been mislabeled. I have spent every day of my life studying people, trying to understand them so that I can be more like them. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe that I’m an alien or a squirrel in a man’s body. I just don’t have whatever it is that makes a person a person, inside of me. But I’ve learned how to mimic people by studying them closely. I can’t tell you how to boil toast or what time of day one vacuums. I’m not here to talk about household chores or trade recipes. I’m here because your client murdered his parents and that jury needs to understand why. I’ve already demonstrated that I’m more than capable of doing that.” Aiden leaned forward as he stared at McKeever who appeared to be completely lost. Aiden squeezed his temples and sighed. “I’d like to be done now.” He said firmly. McKeever nodded.
“I have no more questions for this witness.”
Chapter 12
For the first time in his life, Aiden was relieved to leave the stand. Now and then, a defense team would latch onto his disorder and try to insinuate that it made Aiden less than competent but he never had a problem making them look like assholes. Apparently, McKeever had done a lot more research. He really was a twat. Aiden shoulder checked him as he crossed the courtroom and went straight for the exit. He burst through the doors and fisted his hands in his hair as he frantically pulled air into his lungs. It had taken everything he had not to fall apart on the stand and he felt like he was caving in, inside.
A hand closed around Aiden's arm and he was being propelled down the hall, toward the courthouse doors. Aiden looked over his shoulder in shock and met Lane’s hard stare. Lane rushed them down the steps and into the parking lot and practically tossed Aiden into his car. As soon as he pulled into traffic, Lane put the siren on and sped through town. Aiden held onto the door nervously as Lane put all of his weight on the gas pedal. By the time Lane parked the car in front of his house, Aiden’s clothes clung to his sweat damp body. Lane jumped out of the car and hauled Aiden out and ran for the door, his hand at Aiden’s back pushing him ahead of him. Lane unlocked the door and threw it open before he shoved Aiden inside. He locked the door and gestured for Aiden to stay as he drew his gun and jogged along the wall through the living room into the study at the back of the house. A moment later, Lane sprinted silently up the stairs and slid into Aiden’s room. Aiden saw Lane emerge and go into his room.
Once Lane was certain the house was clear and everything was locked, he holstered his gun and drew in a deep breath. Aiden was still waiting by the front door, not sure what Lane wanted him to do. Or what Lane was thinking. Lane pushed a hand through his hair as he walked toward Aiden. Aiden tensed as Lane drew close and jumped when he pulled Aiden against his chest and wrapped his arms around him. Aiden relaxed and inhaled, letting Lane’s scent and warmth fill him as he pressed his hands to Lane’s back. Lane felt so solid and strong, so real. The internal slipping and swirling mud colors subsided and Aiden could feel his heart beating again.
“You should have told me.” Lane whispered as he leaned back and found Aiden’s eyes. Aiden shook his head.
“I didn’t see the need.” He said. Lane’s eyes flared and he released Aiden and started pacing.
“You didn’t see the need? There’s a psychopath out there that wants to kill you and you didn’t see the need to tell me?” He asked loudly as he removed his holster and tossed it on the sofa. He unbuttoned his sleeves and rolled them up. Aiden wanted to go upstairs and change out of his court clothes but he was sure that Lane wasn’t done discussing what happened in court. “You should have told me as soon as we met. You definitely should have told me before things got physical between us.” Lane ripped his tie off and undid the button at his collar. Aiden’s brows pulled together in confusion. Lane had seemed relieved and comforting when he hugged him a few minutes ago, now he was becoming irate.
“To what end, Lane?” Aiden kept his voice calm, trying to soothe Lane. Lane threw him a hard glare.
“To what end? Seriously, Aiden?” He threw his hands up as he strode into the kitchen. “You need police protection.” Lane said as he pulled the refrigerator door open. Aiden smiled.
“I have that.” He said and Lane snorted as he filled his arms and went to the counter. Aiden stepped cautiously toward the kitchen. “Why do you think I insisted that an officer picked me up from the airport and refused to stay in a hotel? I was apprehensive about staying here but I believed you were capable of protecting me.” Aiden said as he craned his neck, trying to see around Lane. “What are you doing?” He asked. Lane turned and leaned against the counter.
“I’m making your lunch.” He stated firmly. Aiden frowned.
“I’m not really hungry right now.” Aiden murmured. Lane’s eyes hardened.
“I do this or I strangle you, Aiden. You pick.” He ground out. Aiden nodded.
“I can eat.” He said as he went to the table and sat down. Lane looked pleased before he turned and went back to work.
“I thought you had an irrational fear of hotel rooms or it was a sensory thing. Or that you were legitimately insane.” Lane ducked and pulled a pan out of a cabinet. “I didn’t know what the hell was wrong with you during the run and every time we were outside. I was worried that I had triggered some kind of agoraphobia.” He explained as he started slicing something. Aiden shook his head as he looked up at Lane.
“I’m not insane.” He said and Lane raised a brow as he looked at him. Aiden grinned. “Technically. And you didn’t do anything wrong. You’ve been wonderful.” His voice died away and a cold knot twisted his stomach.
Aiden had testified. He was confident the trial would be over in a few days. He wouldn’t be needed here any longer. Lane was wonderful and Aiden’s time was almost up. His vision swam and he looked up as Lane came around the counter and set a plate on the table in front of him. Grilled cheese sandwiches, apples, grapes and cucumber slices. It felt like someone punched him in the stomach. Aiden stared at the plate as the room tilted. He felt dark and cold, his throat was too tight to eat.
“Aiden.” Lane’s voice drew him out. Aiden looked at him and tried to breathe normally. Lane’s eyes searched his face. “Let me see your phone.” He commanded gently. Aiden’s body started to disconnect, his legs became numb first and the feeling in his fingers vanished as he pulled his phone from his pocket and set it on the table. The only thing Aiden could feel was the tightness of his chest as Lane’s hand closed over his phone. The last thing Aiden wanted was for Lane’s eyes to touch the sickness in his phone. Lane was so good and strong, Aiden hated the idea of those messages infecting Lane’s brain.
Despite the way his throat muscles locked and the clenching of his stomach, Aiden picked up an apple slice and took a tiny bite. He couldn’t watch as Lane read the messages. There was a lot
of swearing and Aiden could see Lane tensing out of the corner of his eye. A few times, Lane’s hand gripped the phone tight and Aiden knew he wanted to throw it.
“There are at least sixty messages in just the last four days.” Lane said softly. He sighed as he continued to scroll. “Who is he, Aiden?” Lane asked as he continued to read. Aiden set the apple slice down and stared at the edge of the plate as his finger traced it.
“I met him at a department holiday party at the Sofitel. I thought he was in the department or someone’s plus one. He did a good job of acting like he was supposed to be there. We flirted for about an hour and I went back to his room with him. After we had sex he confessed that we had actually met a year earlier at a wedding and he had been watching me, waiting for a chance to approach me again. Of course, I got the hell out of there. The next day, the messages started. I have no idea how he got my number. It was just annoying in the beginning but it quickly escalated. I had no clue how to deal with something like that so I just avoided him. I’ve been avoiding him for three years now. I hide with law enforcement everywhere I go and he follows me around the country and sends me terrifying text messages.” Aiden slowly raised his eyes to Lane’s. Instead of looking angry or disgusted, Lane was nodding slowly and looked thoughtful.
“Talk about the worst one night stand ever.” He mumbled as he set the phone down. Aiden couldn’t help but smile.
“I had a glass of wine, my judgment was very impaired. It was my first drink and I’ve never had another.” He said as he reached for his phone and put it back in his pocket. Lane laughed softly.
“That would put anyone off of drinking.” He said as he got up. Lane got Aiden a glass of orange juice and set it on the table. Aiden took a long drink and the bright warmth of it made him feel a little better.
“You’re not mad or disappointed that I had a one night stand?” He asked cautiously. Lane’s bows pulled together and he shook his head.
“You were what, twenty-five? You’re supposed to have one night stands and you’re supposed to drink until your judgement is impaired.” He tilted Aiden’s face so he could look into his eyes. “None of this is your fault, Aiden. I don’t understand why you haven't reported these messages and changed your number. He’s clearly violated the restraining order.” Lane pushed Aiden’s plate closer but Aiden ignored it.
“I’m certain the messages can’t be traced back to him and I want him to text me.” He explained and Lane looked confused. Aiden sat back in his seat. “Information. Without the messages I don’t know where he is, if he knows where I am or what his mindset is. He’s tracking me but he’s also giving me the means to track him.” Aiden saw Lane’s eyes flare with understanding.
“That’s kind of brilliant but I still don’t understand why you didn’t tell me.” His eyes poured into Aiden’s and they were full of concern. Aiden carefully structured his response. This was clearly a big deal to Lane.
“When we first met, I was sticking to my normal routine. I arranged for protection and a safe place to sleep. I never discuss Jonathan Burgess when I arrive someplace new because I don’t enjoy talking about him and I’d end up doing it, in detail, at least once a week. That’s too tiring for me.” Aiden paused and took a few more sips of his juice. “Then, everything here was so good. I’ve never spent this much time with someone like this. I didn’t want to ruin it by bringing Burgess into it.” He watched Lane, hoping he’d said everything right. Lane frowned and Aiden sunk a little when he sighed.
“But if I knew…” Lane stopped when Aiden shook his head.
“What difference would it make if he came after me? If some man burst through your door and came at me with a gun, what would you do?” Aiden asked. Lane sucked in a breath and his eyes instinctively went to the holster on the sofa.
“I’d empty my gun into his chest.” He said softly. Aiden nodded.
“Exactly. Regardless of whether the threat of Jonathan Burgess hung over the both of us.” Aiden looked at Lane hopefully. Lane still didn’t look convinced.
“I get that but I kind of like a little more warning before I have to shoot someone, when possible.” He argued. Aiden could see how that might be preferable.
“I was very attracted to you when we first met and I was hoping something would happen between us. The first night, you said I’d be off limit's if you were protecting me.” Aiden said softly as he turned his glass in his hands. Lane groaned and nodded.
“So, you were thinking with your dick.” He teased. Aiden smiled.
“I don’t even know how to do that. But I’d already determined that you knowing wouldn’t alter your ability to protect me. I didn’t want it to be a distraction and I didn’t know how long you’d try to resist me.” He pushed the plate away and Lane chuckled.
“A day. It turns out I’m pretty easy.” He admitted and Aiden turned in his seat to face him.
“I don’t have a lot of time left here and I don’t want Burgess ruining it.” Aiden’s chest hurt when Lane shook his head and his eyes became hard. He was sure Lane was going to pull away now that he knew about Burgess.
“You’re not leaving, Aiden. Not until this is over and you’re safe.” Lane’s voice was firm and deep as he stared at Aiden. “If you absolutely have to go, I’m going with you. I’d prefer we stayed here, I have home field advantage along with the resources and support of Lake Cliff P.D.. And a place to stay. You’re not leaving my sight until Burgess is locked away or dead.” His eyes were determined as they held Aiden’s.
It was all too much. Aiden never understood what other children felt on Christmas morning, he’d never felt the giddy joy and excitement. As he stared at Lane and felt a wave of intense, glowing warmth crash through him, Aiden believed he’d tapped into a dozen children’s Christmas joy. It was surging through him and choking him. Aiden’s nose burned and his eyes stung as they blurred. A loud noise clawed at his throat and his chest felt like it was expanding too far. Aiden jumped to his feet and ran for the stairs. He climbed blindly and before he realized what he was doing, he slammed Lane’s bathroom door shut and fell against it. Aiden’s chest heaved as he slid to the floor and tears streamed down his face like drops of lightening.
“Aiden?” Lane’s voice was gentle and patient and Aiden searched for an explanation for how he came to this time and this place, with this man.
“I just need a few minutes.” Aiden’s voice was weak and watery. He cringed as he untucked his shirt. He needed to get his courtroom clothes off. They felt heavy and soiled with all the words he’d said about Jonathan Burgess.
“I’m sorry if you feel trapped. I just… I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you and I wasn’t there to protect you.” Lane explained. His voice was lower, he was sitting on the other side of the door. Aiden squeezed his eyes shut as more Christmas morning warmth swelled within him and wet heat slid from his eyes.
“I don’t feel trapped, Lane.” He whispered.
“Are you scared?” Lane asked and Aiden shook his head.
“For the first time in a long time, no. I actually feel free, like I’m living right now.” He pulled off his tie and began unbuttoning his shirt.
“Then why did you lock yourself in my bathroom?” Lane sounded like he was smiling. Aiden sighed as he let his head fall back against the door.
“I’m overwhelmed, I needed some insulation. Being here with you is like heaven. I don’t think I’ve ever been happy like this.” Aiden tried to make his eyes stop crying as he pulled off his shoes and socks. He heard a soft laugh and it tickled in his chest.
“This is the kingdom of grilled cheese sandwiches and sex.” Lane teased and Aiden smiled as he unbuckled his belt.
“It’s more than that. You’re perfect and patient and it’s so quiet and comfortable here. And there were pancakes. I really love pancakes, Lane.” Aiden heard another laugh and he didn’t want it to stop. He unzipped his trousers and raised his hips as the slid them off.
“Why did all of this overwhelm you?” Lane asked carefully. Aiden slid his shirt off and pulled his undershirt over his head. He sighed as the cool air of the bathroom wrapped around him.
“I was so tired, Lane. When I came here, I didn’t think I could do it anymore. All of the running, the hiding, the messages and sleeping on hard pleather couches or folded up in office chairs… I wanted it to end. I was starting to like the idea of just letting him find me, letting him give us peace. The night before I came here, I tried to decide where I would let him take me, if I just couldn’t handle it anymore. I thought the International House of Pancakes would be a good place. That way, my last meal would be pancakes. I think it would hurt less if I could still taste pancakes when I died.” He confessed.
“Jesus, Aiden.” Lane gasped.
“I haven’t felt like that since I met you. I got a little scared downstairs when I thought about leaving and going back to my life. I knew this couldn’t last forever but I wasn’t ready for it to end so soon. Then, you said that I was staying and it felt like a miracle.” Aiden heard Lane get to his feet.
“Can you come out now?” He asked. Aiden got to his feet and frowned when he saw his reflection in the mirror. You’re kind of a pervert, right now, Aiden decided.
“Umm… I had to get out of my court clothes, they were making me very uncomfortable.” He said as he pressed his forehead against the door. “I’m naked.” He admitted.
“So, you’re telling me you’ve had a head start? Come out and help me catch up.” Lane ordered.
Chapter 13
As soon as Aiden opened the door, Lane pulled him into his arms and was backing them toward the bed. Need slammed into Aiden but it didn’t come from his groin, like he was used to. It was mostly in his chest and his fingers fumbled as they worked at the buttons of Lane’s shirt. Aiden was overwhelmingly aware of the desire to feel Lane’s skin against his. He wanted more than that. He wanted to open himself and fill his chest with Lane. He wanted Lane to be the inside of him. Aiden wanted to dump out everything he didn’t need and replace it with Lane.