♥️

I've tried everything to fall asleep but between my mom's impromptu visit and Aiden's confession of his worries of him not knowing why I stay with him, it's making it difficult for my brain to wind down.

I'm fully aware of how dangerous our lives are right now but he doesn't need to worry about me going anywhere.

Laying on my side, I take in his sleepy features. Normally his rough edges are softened in his sleep but now, with everything going on he looks haunted more than calm as he sleeps beside me.

Careful not to wake him I slip out of the comforter and tip toe downstairs for a glass of hot chocolate. I rummage the pantry, looking for anything resembling something sweet, bingo. Pulling out some chocolate chips I take my time making myself a homemade hot chocolate on the stove, whisking in milk to create a creamy treat.

Sipping the soothing liquid, I walk around the quiet cabin trying to calm my restless mind. I find Leo on the porch and walk out, "Couldn't sleep?"

He shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm on watch duty."

"Isn't this a safe house? Is that normal?"

He shrugs, lighting up a cigarette, I inhale deeply at the rich aroma. "I like to keep on my toes, just in case." He winks, blowing the smoke away from me.

Remembering the taste from Italy, I get curious again. "Can I have one?" I ask. He smiles, pulling one from his pack and placing it in my mouth.

The lighter flicks on and he brings the flame to the end of the cigarette. An unnatural small gush of wind blows beside my face. The flame disappears and I see the cause, Aiden.

Standing with his eyes narrowed wearing only a pair of sweatpants, which sit so perfectly low you can see his defined v as it cascades down his tattooed stomach. I stop gushing when he grabs the cigarette from my hand, gently brushing his finger against my lip as he pulls it away and places it in his mouth. Pulling out his own lighter, he scowls while inhaling the first drag. His stoic expression pointed directly at Leo.

"She doesn't smoke." Aiden spits. Leo nods his head, but I can sense the slightly amused expression he's giving off and I can tell Aiden doesn't miss it either.

"Let me make one thing clear." He tells Leo, taking a menacing step forward and crossing his inked arms against his broad chest. "You're not going to corrupt her."

Leo places a carefree smile on his lips. "She asked for one the night we stayed in the hotel together. I didn't tell her no."

Aiden's narrowed eyes turn to me, his face twisted. I try to fix the situation, "It reminded me of you. Okay? I just missed you."

Aiden places a hand on the back of my neck, then he grazes my exposed shoulder with his fingertips sending a chill through my body. "But I'm home now beautiful." I smile at his truth. "and it's a disgusting habit, I don't want you picking it up."

I nod, knowing he's right but I really was just curious.

After a moment of silence, he rudely waves Leo off. I give him an apologetic expression as he steps inside the cabin.

Aiden takes my hand and brings me to the far side of the patio. He looks behind me once, his jade eyes searching the patio to make sure Leo really did leave. Grabbing my waist with one arm as not to burn me with his other hand he sets me on the ledge of the porch rail, I would be afraid of the height, but I know he won't let me fall.

"Careful, don't hurt your wrist." I remind him.

He holds up the white bandages, showcasing their still intact. His cigarette hanging slack on his full lips. He returns his warm arm around me, slinking it around my waist. The guard rail is high and I'm eye level with him. I'm so used to looking up to see his features, this takes less work.

He stands in between my legs, causing the shirt I'm wearing of his to ride up. "Did he ever touch you?" He asks, his hand planted firmly on my thigh, I gulp. His voice growing darker he adds, "I mean not the shit that happened at the mansion, what had to be done is what had to be fucking done I guess."

I think for a moment, "Not in the way you're thinking." I tell him.

"Tell me, Emilia." His tone is death. "Don't lie to me."

I bite my lip, trying to hold back a smile. I've missed him so fucking much. But then my stomach grows sick thinking of how I'm going to explain this. "Well, the first night we stayed together in that condo."

"Separate rooms, right? Because from what I recall I saw only one bed, was there another room attached that I didn't see?" He asks me. I admire his side profile, the sharp edges of his jaw and the way his cheeks become more defined as he inhales the last drag of his cigarette. He flicks it behind me.

Nervously I say, "No. They only had one bedroom available."

"Bullshit." He spits.

"I'm not lying."

"No, but he is. I'm sure there was somewhere with two beds, I'm assuming he made the reservations?" I nod and Aiden throws his head back laughing.

"Okay, so he slept on the couch?" He asks, guilt smothers me. I don't know how to explain how innocent that night was. I shake my head, "The floor?" His tone becomes darker if that's possible.

I place my hands on his warm chest, "Let me explain before you flip out."

"Fucking. Answer. Me."

I take a deep breath "So, we slept in the same bed."

♥️

See y'all a little bit later!

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