by H. L. Swan
“Em. Wait, baby.”
A bitter laugh escapes my lips. “Don’t call me that.” How dare he. “You don’t have that privilege anymore,” I hiss.
Turning on my heel, I make my way out to the exit.
Aiden
∞∞∞
I kick a stray beer can hard, the clank echoing loudly in the alleyway. I had to walk outside. I’m fucking fuming. One minute she’s grinding against me, making me hard, and the next, she’s talking to fucking Ian.
Why do I care so much is the real question. I’ve only known her for all but one week, but the connection I feel with her is something I’ve never experienced before. It isn’t merely sexual, it’s…primal.
I run my hands through my hair as I try to calm down. This isn’t her fault. That stupid fucking frat boy hurt her, took advantage of her. And she is drunk.
What am I doing out here?
This guy’s entire relationship with her was spent trying to get in her pants. She’s vulnerable right now. I don’t care if I need to stay away from her, I fucking can’t.
I turn back towards the club and see Emma stumbling towards me. She looks so delicious in that dress. I don’t usually give a fuck about girls.
But it’s different with her.
I feel a need to protect her.
Five
The palms of my hands slam against the cool metal door and it swings out easily. A breeze hits my skin as I step outside. I stumble forth on tipsy legs, looking around for Aiden. I spot him leaning against his car, broodily.
“Aiden?” I study his face quietly.
His emerald eyes twinkle in the moonlight, rage sparking in them until his gaze meets mine. His distant expression softens, his edges quite literally turning putty.
I wonder if what Ashley said is true.
He holds his arms out and I walk into his embrace. He snakes his arm around my waist, pulling me tightly against him while he rests against his car. He firmly holds me in place, as if he’s shielding me, protecting me from everything beyond him.
“Why did you come out here?”
“I don’t know. I mean if you wanted to flirt, be my guest,” He grumbles, contradicting himself when he pulls me closer.
I roll my eyes. “Ian wanted to talk, and I told him to never contact me again. But why do you care?” I wonder if he’ll admit he’s interested.
He has to feel this connection we have; I know I do. I’m doing things I never do, like chase angry guys outside of clubs when I think they’re upset with me. I even catch myself batting my eyelashes at this man.
Taking a deep breath, he tilts his face to meet mine. “Isn’t it obvious? I haven’t taken my eyes off you since I first saw you.” His confession sends a swirl of butterflies through my stomach. His strong hands tighten on my hip, causing chills to rake down my body.
“I only talked to him because I was worried you would hit him.” I mumble, looking away from his smoldering gaze.
He chuckles and lifts my chin, forcing me to meet his striking green eyes. “You don’t need to worry about that.”
“I didn’t want you to get hurt.”
And truthfully, I don’t want Ian to get hurt. He may be an absolute idiot, but I don’t like violence. Aiden is massive, and with him being so protective tonight, Ian could get seriously hurt.
His shoulders bounce from laughter. “I wouldn’t be the one to get hurt, babe.”
I blush at his bold choice of word. “I know but...”
A warm hand wraps gently around the nape of my neck, halting all rational thought. His gentle eyes bore into mine, as though seeking permission.
Hesitantly, I nod once, biting my lip. “You really should stay away from me.” He tells me and then slowly, as if to not scare me away, he closes the distance between us. Our lips touch, light as a feather, soft as a whisper.
Anticipation fills me as I wait for our lips to collide.
“I should have punched Ian in the face!” Ashley’s drunken declaration shatters the moment.
I sigh.
Aiden hesitates to release me as I wiggle away.
“Fuck,” he curses under his breath, it’s the first time I’ve seen his impenetrable persona slightly crumble.
Ash must not have seen us, or she doesn’t care. She mumbles about Ian while yanking the front door of the car open.
I giggle as I watch her fumble into the seat. She’s all talk, and no bite. Thinking about how she ran to the bathroom to get away from the situation makes me laugh harder.
“That’s Emma’s seat.” Aiden states flatly.
I shoot him a warning glare, though secretly happy.
“Oh my God! You two can sit apart for five minutes. I swear you will live.” She cackles at her joke before climbing over the leather seat and sinking into the back with a smirk.
I blush as Aiden smiles down at me before helping me into his car. I peek at the rearview to see Ash is already passed out as we take the short drive home.
Aiden’s warm hand settles on my thigh and my body heats underneath his touch. I admire the way his large hand covers my leg. I bite my bottom lip when his fingers gently dig into my skin. Darting my glossy eyes in his direction, I note that his own glossy eyes are trained on me.
“Look at the road!” I chide quietly.
He laughs and tightens his grip on my leg, sending fire to my core. I bite my lip harder and he smiles, bringing his eyes back to the dark road ahead. We pull into the driveway seconds later, and he walks around to help me out.
“Can you pick her up?” I whisper, gesturing to Ashley who is now snoring away.
“I can carry you inside,” He offers.
I shake my head and his shoulders slump.
“Fine.” He sighs before gently lifting her off the backseat.
I stumble into the kitchen, in search of water, while Aiden brings Ashley to her room. I need something in my stomach besides liquor.
“Eat this.” Aiden holds out an apple, I didn’t even hear him walk into the kitchen.
“I’m fine. I’ll just drink this,” I gesture to my glass of water, pushing the apple away.
“Eat,” He demands.
I roll my eyes at his commanding tone. I grab the apple and take a bite.
“Happy?” I ask sarcastically.
His eyes narrow darkly. “You should be happy I’m not putting something else in your mouth right now.” He steps toward me as my mouth drops. He brings his hand up, tapping my cheek. “Is this an invitation, babe?”
His dirty words make my body shiver involuntarily.
“Wha...what?” I stutter.
“I’m trying to be nice, even though I’m still pissed about Ian and the random dude you were dancing with. So, don’t push it.” He states dryly.
“You don’t own me,” I huff, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Point taken.” Shaking his head as though to rid all thoughts of me, he leaves the kitchen.
∞∞∞
“Wait.”
Aiden’s sharp jaw is clenched but as his irate eyes meet mine, he softens. “What? You said it yourself. I don’t own you. Go to bed.” His tone is serious as he gestures to the hallway.
“Fine.” Screw it.
I spin on my heels and head for my room. Shutting my door with a little more force than necessary, I strip my dress off, throw on a big T-shirt and climb into bed.
I fall into a light drunken sleep until my door creaks open and my comforter is peeled off of me. As a warm body snuggles up against mine, I tip my head back to see Aiden’s crooked grin.
“Thought you didn’t want to be around me?” I question sleepily.
“Don’t push it,” He warns, though I can tell he’s teasing.
His warm breath makes my body tingle. He snakes his arm around me, his body heat warming every inch of my body. The sexual tension between us grows. At least to me, and I want him.
I grind against him like I did at the club and he grabs my waist, rocking back and forth, harden
ing against me. My breath quickens and I turn to face him.
I’m thankful for the moon as it casts a white glow around us, allowing me to take in Aiden’s perfectly toned body. Ink covers his massive arms and part of his chest. His black hair is messy and he’s wearing only grey sweatpants.
In a swift motion, he rolls on top of me. I gulp as I take in his intimidating size. His eyes take on a wild look as he brings his face to mine. Our lips crash together, and I sink my hand into his thick hair. His mouth expertly navigates mine as we kiss. First kisses are normally off, awkward, but the way I fit perfectly against Aiden’s frame makes me feel protected and comfortable.
He rocks against me and I feel his hardness grazing the inside of my thigh. I moan as he pushes harder against me. I reach out to pull his sweatpants down, but he lifts himself off me the moment I grab them. My stomach drops.
“You don’t want me?” I whisper through ragged breaths, embarrassed by how easy I must seem to him.
Aiden lays down beside me and cups my face. “I want you too much. That’s the problem. I want to rip your panties off and fuck you until you scream my name.”
I shiver at his dirty, heated words. I know I should put more thought into who I give my virginity to, but I don’t care at this point. Hell, I was about to give it to Ian. I would much rather lose it to Aiden.
I want him.
“Then what’s the problem? Is it because I’m throwing myself at you? I’m not normally like this,” I mutter under my breath.
“I know you’re not normally like this. You’re a virgin and shy at that, which means you want me a lot. Which in turn makes me want to fuck you more than I have ever wanted anyone,” He states seriously. A sly smile crosses his face as he continues. “You’re...I’m not going to take...”
I cut him off. “I’m capable of making that choice.”
“You’re drunk.”
I can see the internal battle going on behind his eyes. “No... I’m sober now,” I lie. I’m not completely drunk but I do feel a strong buzz.
“Let’s just go to bed.”
My heart squeezes.
He doesn’t want me now. Why would he? I don’t even know what to do.
“Why didn’t you just take some random girl from the club home since you don’t want someone inexperienced?” I huff and turn my body away, but his firm grip stops me. His deep chuckle irritates me more, and I struggle under his grip.
His eyes burn into mine. “Why would I want any of those sluts from the club?” He scoffs, eyeing me seriously. “Emma, look at you. You’re fucking gorgeous. I can’t control myself around you. I need you to be sober when I do anything to you. I will not do it when you’re drunk.”
He pulls me close and I snuggle my head against his chest. It takes me a long time to wind down and fall asleep as he plays with my hair.
∞∞∞
I admire Aiden’s now soft features as he sleeps. He looks less intimidating.
I wonder how he will be when he wakes up. Since he didn’t drink, he obviously said what he wanted to with a clear mind last night. Still, I can’t imagine why he’s interested. He seems like the type of guy who needs a girl who is certain about her career path, not an inspiring chef who enjoys baking way too much.
I hope he gets up soon, so Ashley doesn’t get upset about him sleeping in my room. A small voice reminds me that she doesn’t mind. But after Ian, I need to take some time to myself, and keep my distance.
My mind scrambles to calm, always landing on the one haven I turn to. Baking. Maybe I’ll make some pastries for breakfast.
I throw on a pair of shorts and head to the kitchen. I pull out the ingredients I need to make raspberry cheese Danishes. Pulling my hair into a messy bun, I plug my headphones in and work quietly.
Twirling around the kitchen, I take the raspberry filling off the stove to cool. Lost in the music, I stiffen when one gets pulled out. I turn, removing the other side, to see Aiden. His hair is a beautiful tousled mess, and he’s still in his gray sweatpants that hang on his hips perfectly. A defined V draws my attention down his inked stomach.
I gulp.
“You’re fulfilling my every fantasy,” He murmurs, closing the small distance between us.
“What? Making breakfast with messy hair?” I laugh.
He wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me onto the cold countertop. The way he touches me feels natural. I’ve been trying to keep my distance but maybe…maybe I shouldn’t.
“No, my fantasy of a woman in a kitchen dancing and making me food. The fact that you’re drop dead fucking sexy only makes it harder for me to not take you over the counter here.” He grips my thighs and taps a solitary finger on the marble countertop, emphasizing where exactly he will take me.
My breathing grows ragged and shaky.
“I know you want me, Em.” His eyes burn into mine, his voice a soothing rumble. “I want you more, I can assure you of that. You don’t have to play coy with me.”
Six
Aiden leans in, trailing soft kisses down my jawline.
I wrap my legs around him. The exquisite feeling of his firm hands tightening around me as he lifts me off the countertop sends electric waves to my core.
He walks us toward the hallway, never taking his lips off my neck. “You’re so fucking sexy, Em,” He whispers into my ear.
A shiver runs through me. “I don’t know ab–”
Ashley’s door creaks open, cutting me off.
I scramble despite my legs still being locked behind Aiden’s back. He chuckles and pulls us into the bathroom.
We share a silent laugh.
“Hey! I need to take a shower,” Ashley demands sleepily.
Aiden studies me, setting me on my feet reluctantly. “Be out in a minute.”
I reach for the doorknob once I hear Ashley’s bedroom door close. A hand wraps around my arm and pulls me back just as the water starts running. The warm water causes steam to steadily build.
“I can’t wait until my place is done. That way nothing can interrupt us,” Aiden murmurs.
“I can’t stay in here.” I don’t really want to leave though.
A dimpled smirk melts my protests.
“Shh, you’ll be fine. Do you really want to go?” He slides his hands under my shirt slowly.
I give a shy shake of my head.
A smile creeps up his face, slight stubble trailing his sharp jawline.
“But…Ashley…”
“Don’t worry. I won’t be loud. Well, I won’t be. But I’ll have you screaming in a few minutes.” He laughs as I playfully swat at him.
Sensually, Aiden peels my shirt off me, then my shorts, and finally my panties. My hands clench in nervousness as I’m slowly bare to Aiden’s heated eyes. I think of stopping him, but the way he looks at me boosts my confidence. I can be quiet.
“Fuck,” He mouths, holding his chin as though admiring an art piece.
I’m thankful for the thick steam obscuring my blush.
“Nervous?”
“A little.” I peer up at him through batted lashes. This is all new to me, but when his hands are on me it awakens a natural drive inside that I never knew existed.
“You’re adorable.”
I let out a soft squeak when his large hands snake around the back of my thighs and lift me, though my legs wrap naturally around his waist. He carries me into the shower as I laugh at myself.
The moment turns into a frenzy of passion when he pushes me against the cool tiles, holding me in place. I feel him smile against my neck as he gently sucks and nibbles the sensitive skin there. The unfamiliar but welcome sensation of him growing harder against my bare skin excites me and I cover my mouth to hide my moans.
He pulls back, admiring where his lips just were.
“We have to be quiet,” I remind through ragged breaths.
He hums in agreement.
A slight knock on the door alarms me.
“I’m going to skip the shower. I got to
get going before traffic messes up my trip. Tell Em I said bye whenever she gets up!” Ashley yells through the door.
I hide a smile knowing we’ll be alone any second, giggling when Aiden lets out a sigh of relief when the front door shuts moments later.
He eyes me intently. “Do you want me?”
I nod.
“Say it,” He demands.
“I want you,” I whisper shyly before bringing my lips to his, affirming my words.
He glides one hand down to where my legs are spread, and I gasp. He pulls back to watch my expression as he glides a finger through my folds. I bite my lip at the forbidden touch. His eyes are on my lips as he slides a warm finger in a feather light motion across my aching clit.
I whimper when his hand transfers locations, until pleasurable moans escape my lips when his fingers twirl around my nipple. He gently kneads my nipple between his thumb and forefinger while he watches me turn to putty at his touch.
Sliding his hand down my bare stomach, he inserts one finger inside of me. “So wet for me,” He growls, making me tremble within his strong arms.
I say nothing. I’m nervous of what’s to come. Willing, of course, but very nervous.
He pumps his long fingers and I moan each time he goes a little deeper.
“I love that you’re sitting on my hand right now.” His eyes are wild as he takes in my euphoric expression. “You have no idea how badly I want to be inside of you.”
“Please, Aiden,” I beg.
He shifts underneath me, grabbing his massive length in one hand, and I gasp when I see him in all his glory.
He chuckles. “You sure you want to do this? I feel how tight you are. I don’t want to hurt you.”
His voice is sincere, but the sight of him stroking his length, getting himself ready for me pushes me over the edge. I throw caution to the wind.
“Please, I need you.” My eyes plead with him. I’ve never experienced this want before, this lustful ache or attraction. I can feel the burning desire for him deep in my core.
His features darken as his breathing grows heavy. His voice is deep and filled with lust. “When I fuck you, you’re mine. Got it?”