I carefully pillow my head on his chest, sighing as he plays with my hair.
Aiden wasn’t too surprised when the doctor came by to explain what happened the past three days and how lucky he was to be alive. The bullet went through and through, and he passed out from blood loss. He even had stitches on his head from when he hit the concrete. What surprised me most was when the doctor accepted a wad of cash from a guard to keep quiet about everything.
He looks so broken lying on that hospital bed, I want to wrap his massive frame in my small arms and hold him. Thankfully they’ll discharge him in a few days after monitoring the swelling in his brain.
“We need to talk about what’s going on though,” I hedge, feigning a calm expression.
I heard the men inside the warehouse. I know Aiden is doing some shady business. I trust him to keep me safe, but do I want that for the rest of my life? Maybe it’s not as serious as it sounds. Aiden’s a good guy. It probably is a misunderstanding.
He rubs his face. “I know, Em.” He sighs. “It’s a long story. Maybe when we get home?”
My heart flutters when he calls it home, our home.
Which reminds me… “So, I went home to change and found all of mine and Ashley’s stuff in your living room?”
A half-smile creeps up his face. “You’re going to kill me.”
I nod, eyeing him warily. What did he do?
“Your rental is in Ashley’s name. I kind of took the paperwork and broke the contract.”
“You what?” I push myself up and glare down at him. But I can’t stay mad with him looking so broken.
He shrugs. “You live in a shithole, Em. I’m not going to allow it.”
“I think that’s my decision,” I point out.
He shakes his head. “You would never do that to your mom. I know you’re both going broke. It’s only a matter of time.” His eyes plead with me to understand.
I take a deep breath. “Where are you moving us?”
“Well, I had this whole plan.” He laughs a humorless laugh. “I had some houses for the both of you to look at with a realtor once you finished shopping that day. You never got the chance.” He looks down.
I cup his cheek. “Okay, so explain why we never got the chance.”
I can’t be upset with him about the house thing, it isn’t just me living there...it’s his sister too. When he’s less bandaged, I’ll talk to him about it.
“I made a bad business choice.” His voice is gruff and thick. “I was in college, building my business. How do you think I got all this at such a young age? Definitely not from following the rules.” A small, deep laugh escapes his perfect lips.
He twirls my hair as I sit next to him, my fears becoming a reality. Who is he?
“I’m an investor. I didn’t lie about that.” He sighs. “I met a CEO of a large investment company, who saw that I could hold my own. He offered me a proposition. Take on the ‘criminal’ clients; Mafia, organized crime, that sort of thing.” He speaks nonchalantly.
“Why?”
He shrugs. “I wanted to be something. I have a piece of shit father, who’s no help in my life. I did everything on my own, I had no privileges. I needed to be something more, so I thought, why not?” His eyes pierce mine. “I didn’t have anything to lose...until you.”
My voice trembles as I speak. “Will they come after you again?”
He shakes his head. “No, I’m hiring security detail for you and Ash. I’m also moving our stuff to another location. Don’t worry, it’ll still have pretty views.” He smiles.
“I don’t want this life anymore. What kind of castle do I have if the foundation is cracked and the throne is made of glass with nowhere for you to sit?”
His words warm me, but I can’t shake my fear. Being kidnapped is traumatizing and I’m terrified it will happen again. I’ve seen too much loss in my life, between my father being taken from us so suddenly to what I’ve just experienced… It’s too much.
∞∞∞
After checking with the doctor five times to make sure Aiden will be okay, I hesitantly creep out of the room. I look back at his sleeping frame, remembering the feel of his hair as I stroke him to sleep before tearing my eyes away.
I almost turned around when I got to the lobby, almost.
I squint at the bright sun, lost in thought. Aiden’s left me homeless, but there’s still Mom’s. I get his sentiment of wanting to stash us somewhere nicer and safer. It’s sweet. How could he have foretold the events that happened?
I look down at my hands, still shaking from fear before lifting one to hail a taxi. I slip my phone out of the cracked window halfway towards Aiden’s building. Those men had us for too long, and I can’t risk them tracking me.
I keep a straight face as I speak with the security, telling him I’m getting a shower before taking some things back to the hospital, before stepping onto the elevator. I hesitantly walk into our room, his room, and begin to pack. There’s no way I can get my furniture and things from where the movers dropped it off, but I guess I could get my own moving company.
I probably won’t be doing another semester at college anyways since Mom is closing her shop. My heart breaks for her. Maybe I can get a job baking somewhere and help her with the bills.
My eyes landed on Aiden’s gift. I thought it funny when Aiden claimed he already had the Tiffany blue suitcase. I knew he got it for me as it’s my favorite color. But I can’t take it with me; I settle for one of his shirts instead.
I bury my face in the black fabric, inhaling the intoxicating scent that is Aiden. Mint and leather, with a hint of smoke. A tear falls as I place the trunk on the bed before stuffing my belongings in a trash bag.
I thank God my car is parked at the penthouse.
“Hello baby.” I pat the hood of my Altima and climb in. I wonder if Aiden has woken up and realized I’m gone.
First stop, gas station and a burner phone.
I need to know if Aiden and Ashley are okay. I know it’s selfish to leave, then check up on him. But I care about him, more than myself. Which is why I can’t let him chase me around, protecting me. He had a life before me.
I know he cares, but at what cost if I’m a burden in his life?
He said he wants to get his life together; I don’t want to hinder his progress. Hiring security to watch after me will just make him worry about me instead of focusing on himself.
∞∞∞
After what seems like days, I pull into the lot of Mom’s flower shop at three in the afternoon. My breath hitches in my throat when I see every single parking spot is claimed. It looks like everyone in town is here. I had hoped no one was around so I can cry on my mom’s shoulder.
I squeeze my Altima into a tight spot and head for the front door, passing rose bushes and hundreds of colorful flowers. I always love coming here. The fact that she’s losing the place breaks my heart. The old brass bell rings as I step in.
I watch as Mom turns towards the door, ready to give her usual “Welcome to The Flower Patch!” catchphrase.
Upon seeing me, she squeals with delight and barrels towards me. She wraps me in a tight hug I didn’t know I needed. One of her famous Pamela Banks hugs. Her freshly highlighted hair masks my face as she clings tightly to me. She looks good, well-rested and happy.