Fingers curl beneath my chin and lift my head, forcing me to look into Aiden’s eyes. His features soften, and he tilts his head as he strokes my cheek with his thumb.
“I don’t regret being with you. Not for a single fucking second. You were my last thought, and it really put things into perspective for me.” His hand slips behind my head and drags me toward him until our lips brush. “It was never pretend for me. Everything I said to you and how I treated you was real. Youwere mine the whole time, and I wanted you to choose me. I love you so fucking much, Nova. I tried to tell you, but I couldn’t because I was too scared. And I’m tired of being afraid, because I don’t want to miss another chance to be with you.”
My breath hitches, and before I can respond, he smashes his lips against mine and plunges his tongue into my mouth, like he’s afraid of what I’ll say.
Since he won’t let me speak, I put everything into the kiss so he can taste my love. The heart monitor’s beeping increases, likely from how nervous he is. His breaths tremble out of him, and a pained sound slips between them. I draw back to inspect his chest.
“I’m okay.” He licks his bottom lip, chasing the taste of me.
I smile and lean forward with my hand braced on the other side of his leg. “I love you too.”
Aiden’s eyes widen, the heart monitor’s beeping increasing. If it keeps climbing, a nurse will rush in to make sure he’s okay. I bite back a laugh at the thought.
“I tried telling you that night,” I say. “You told me not to fall for you, but I did, anyway.”
He winces. “I didn’t think you actually would, but I didn’t want you to know how excited I was about pretending to be your boyfriend.” He wets his bottom lip. “Say it again.”
“I love you, Aiden.” Butterflies fill my stomach, and my cheeks sting from grinning so hard. “And I don’t want it to be pretend anymore. I meant it when I said I want to burn with you.”
His smirk is less drowsy, his eyes clearer. “Then let’s burn together, pretty girl. We’ll make the prettiest flames.”
THIRTY-NINE
NOVA
Pursing my lips,I look between the two outfits I laid out on my bed.
The one on the right—a black sweater paired with a pink skirt and sheer stockings—isn’t fit for the colder weather. The ripped black jeans and pink long-sleeved shirt are nice and will keep me warm, but the outfit isn’t as cute as the other ensemble.
I sigh and tug a strand of hair behind my ear.
A large body presses against my back before a hand covers mine and lowers my arm to my side. Tattooed hands grab my stomach pooch over my t-shirt.
“Hi, pretty girl,” Aiden whispers, and drops his chin on my shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
Leaning against him, I drop my head against his shoulder and turn my face to him. “Can you help me?”
His gaze softens. “Always and forever.”
“Which outfit do you like best?” I gesture toward the clothes on our bed.
“The one with the skirt. It’s very you.” His gaze slides to my face, and he smirks. “Who are you trying to look cute for?”
Holding back a smile, I shrug with both shoulders, since I’m not wearing the sling anymore. “Some cute guy who insisted we go out on a date.”
“Cute, huh?” He raises an eyebrow.
“And funny, charming, protective, sweet . . .” I tick off the list with my fingers and lose the battle of hiding my smile.
Aiden’s eyes dance with amusement. “You like stroking my ego, don’t you?”
“I like stroking other things, too.”
He throws his head back and lets out a booming laugh.
It’s nice that he’s been laughing and joking a lot more lately. After the hospital released him a week ago, he was still in rough shape. He also struggled with depression and guilt about Brandon shooting me. It wasn’t his fault, but he held on to it as if he were the one who had pulled the trigger.
After I gently suggested therapy, he agreed and has been going twice a week. It’s not a quick fix, but I’m proud of him and that I get to be at his side as he heals.
