The next morning, I woke up early, not wanting to dwell on last night. It had been one big mistake, and I resolved to fix it.
I sat up in bed, my eyes scanning the room, wondering where Aiden was.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps coming down the hallway. My heart began to thump in anticipation, my mind racing with possibilities of what he might want – a morning kiss, maybe? Or was he just coming to wake me up?
I heard the door open, and then I felt myself being lifted into the air.
“Good morning, princess,” Aiden said, his arms wrapped around me.
I smiled as he planted another kiss on my lips, holding me tight. He lowered me slowly until we were lying on the bed, our bodies pressed together.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, running his hands down my bare back.
I shrugged. “I think I’ve lost my appetite.”
He laughed.
“Seriously though, I feel fine, thanks to you,” I added, smiling up at him.
He nodded, his eyes sparkling as he gazed down at me. Then, without warning, he rolled on top of me, pinning me down beneath him.
“I see you haven’t forgotten about me,” he said, his fingers trailing down my stomach.
“No, I haven’t,” I gasped, trying to push him away.
His lips descended upon mine, his tongue thrusting inside my mouth. And as he kissed me, I felt my body responding, my insides clenching as I felt the familiar tingle between my legs.
Aiden ran his hands up my sides, his fingers digging into my skin as he held me tightly. Before I knew it, his lips were moving down my neck, his hands roaming over my chest.
I moaned softly, my heart pounding in my chest as he continued to explore my body.
“Oh, please, Aiden,” I begged, a sudden wave of arousal sweeping over me.
He chuckled, his tone playful as he pulled his lips away from mine. Then, abruptly, he flipped me onto my back, his head descending between my thighs.
I gasped in surprise, my heart hammering as his tongue delved inside me, his fingers stroking my inner thigh.
“You taste as sweet as ever,” he murmured, his nose brushing against my wet folds.
I shivered as his tongue swirled around my c**t, his finger gently pressing against my opening. I tried to pull away, but he was too strong, and I could feel the pressure building within me, the intensity growing steadily as he continued to tease me.
“Please, Aiden,” I begged again, unable to take it anymore.
I cried out as a powerful orgasm swept through my body, my muscles clenching around his fingers, the waves of pleasure continuing to sweep over me as he licked and sucked me.
When I finally came down from the high, Aiden pulled himself off of me. His hair was disheveled, his face flushed with excitement, and he was breathing heavily.
I stared up at him in amazement, unable to believe what had just happened.
“What was that?” I asked breathlessly, my voice shaky.
He grinned wickedly. “That was just a little foreplay. I wasn’t done yet.”
I giggled nervously, watching as he climbed back on top of me. He positioned his c**k between my legs, rubbing it against my wet entrance, and I whimpered as he pushed inside me.
“I haven’t been able to get enough of you these past few days,” he groaned, his hips moving, his shaft filling me.
My breath caught as he started to move, sliding inside me.
“You feel amazing, princess,” he breathed, his eyes locked on mine.
I smiled up at him, reaching up to run my fingers through his hair. Then, suddenly, I felt his lips on mine, our tongues slipping against each other as he moved inside me.
A moan escaped my lips, and I arched my body, urging him to go faster. As his pace quickened, my breathing increased, and I closed my eyes, relishing in the sensation of being filled by him.
We stayed like that for several minutes, and then, without warning, he stopped moving, pulling out of me, leaving me empty and frustrated.
“I can’t take much more, princess,” he panted, his forehead resting against my shoulder.
I turned my head toward him, and he kissed me. Then, as we lay there on the bed, he nuzzled against my neck and whispered in my ear.
“I love you, Harper. So much. I can’t imagine life without you. But… there are things that I need to do, and they may not be safe.”
I swallowed, my heart hammering in my chest.
Aiden ran his hand up and down my arm. “There aren’t any easy answers, princess. I don’t know how to tell you this. But I think you should pack your bags and prepare yourself for a long trip.”
I pulled away, looking up at him.
“Why? What are you talking about? Where am I going to go?”
He shook his head. “I can’t tell you yet, but I promise you that when the time comes, I will explain everything to you.”
I didn't say anything else, afraid of what he might say next. Instead, I got off the bed and started packing my clothes.
“Where are you going?” he asked, sitting up behind me.
I nodded toward the dresser. "Just pack some shirts, pants, and underwear. Also, bring a toothbrush."
He stared at me for a second, his gaze questioning. Then he nodded.
"Do you have a suitcase?" I asked.
He nodded.
I sighed. "Then, pack those as well."
Afterward, I pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, heading downstairs to wait for Aiden. When I came back upstairs, he was already gone.
***
Aiden left just before noon, and I spent the rest of the day alone. I didn't know when he would return, but I was determined to find out.
I headed into the woods, searching for any traces of him, hoping to catch sight of him in the distance.
I didn't have much luck, though, and after an hour or so, I gave up, returning home. After making dinner, I took a shower, taking extra care to scrub all of the dirt from my body. By the time I finished, it was almost ten o'clock.
Feeling exhausted, I crawled into bed, not even bothering to turn on a lamp. I was asleep instantly.
I awoke the next morning, my alarm clock ringing beside my bed. I yawned, stretching my arms above my head. I glanced over at the clock and frowned. Ten thirty.
Damn, I'd overslept!
Quickly, I climbed out of bed, jumping into the shower. Once I was clean, I threw on a pair of jeans and a black shirt, slipping on my sneakers as I headed out the front door.
I jogged down the sidewalk, checking my watch.
Where is he?
It was only a few minutes later when I spotted him walking down the street, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
I slowed to a stop, my pulse speeding up.
Aiden looked up, his eyes widening as he saw me standing there. Then, his expression changed, and he started to walk toward me.
“Hey,” he said, stopping in front of me.
“Hey,” I replied, staring up at him.
He smiled. "I'm glad to see you're okay."
I shrugged. "Yeah, I am. How about you?"
He ran his hand through his hair. "I'm good. You?"
I nodded. "Me, too."
For the first time, I noticed that he hadn't shaved in a couple of days. The stubble on his chin was rough and dark. It made him look older, more mature.
"I figured you would be gone," I said, frowning. "Did something happen?"
He frowned. "No. Just wanted to disappear for a bit."
I nodded, my gaze wandering to the ground.
"So, where have you been?" he asked, his tone warm.
I looked up at him, and he smiled. "I've been here," I said, gesturing toward the house.
Aiden's eyebrows shot up. "Here?"
I nodded. "I needed some time to think."
Aiden seemed surprised. "And did you figure anything out?"
I smiled faintly. "Not really. But I'm getting closer to figuring it out. I can feel it."
Aiden stared at me for a moment, his brow furrowed. Then, slowly, he reached out and placed his hand on top of mine.
"If you need to talk about it, I'll listen," he said.
I nodded, squeezing his hand. "Thanks, Aiden."
He squeezed mine back. Then, after a moment, he released my hand and started walking toward the car.
I followed him, wondering what he was thinking.
Aiden opened the passenger side door, and I slid into the seat.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
He hesitated. "My aunt's place."
"Your Aunt Lillie?" I repeated.
I thought back to the woman who had raised Aiden. She was an old lady—a very old lady, as far as I was concerned.
But I remembered her telling me that Aiden had two older half brothers.
"How old are they?" I asked, curious.
Aiden laughed as he slammed the door shut. "Old. Real old. Like, ancient. They live on a ranch in Montana. I haven't seen them since I was twelve years old."
I stared at him for a moment, confused. "Why?"
"They're druids."
"Oh, hell no!" I exclaimed.
"What? Why?" Aiden asked, looking surprised.
"Because they're druids?" I scoffed. "I mean, duh. That's why."
"Well, yeah, but—"
"Druids," I muttered, shaking my head. "I swear, I'm never going to understand how you guys can stand living with them."
Aiden chuckled. "Believe me, I wish I could escape."
I rolled my eyes, waiting for him to start driving.