Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Aiden studied Maya across the table, watching her stiff movements as she gathered up the silverware and stacked it on her plate. Over dinner, he’d caught occasional glimpses of the old Maya, but she seemed… stressed. Something was off, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was.
When she carried their dishes to the sink, he followed and leaned against the counter beside her.
“You okay?”
“Yep.”
Her tone was full of forced cheer, and he placed one hand on her arm, stilling her movements. He waited until her gaze met his before speaking.
“You sure?”
She dropped her eyes back to the sink and blew out a little breath.
“You’re going to think I’m crazy.”
“Never.” He lightly grasped her chin, then turned her to face him. “Tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I keep thinking about last week. About…”
Her gaze skittered over his shoulder toward the couch, and suddenly it all made sense.
She was thinking about the kiss.
Had it been too much, too soon?
“Did you enjoy it?”
She licked her lips. “I did. I…”
She hesitated, looking defeated.
“I feel stupid even saying this.”
Aiden shook his head. “Don’t ever feel bad telling me what you want.”
“That’s just it. I want… more.” The word came out on a whisper. “I know I should just let it happen naturally, but I feel better talking about it, you know?”
Her expression was heartbreakingly vulnerable, and he gently tugged her into his arms.
It must have taken an incredible amount of courage for her to admit that.
“I know exactly what you mean.”
He knew how deeply rooted her fears and insecurities ran, and seeing her willing to give herself over to him meant more than she would ever understand. It filled him with pride.
Possessiveness.
Obsession.
Because he knew he would never get enough of her.
He still wasn’t going to make love to her. No matter how much she begged, he knew she wasn’t ready for that yet. He was going to take things slowly, one step at a time. He refused to rush and risk triggering an old memory. She’d been through too much.
He meant what he’d said—he would wait weeks, months, even years for her.
He kept every move slow and controlled, determined to take his time with her. Her arms wound around his shoulders, and he slid his hands down to the curve of her hips before lifting her into his lap.
She blinked up at him, then swallowed hard.
“I’m right here, beautiful.” He coasted one finger over the curve of her cheek, then down the column of her neck. He traced her collarbone with one finger. “It’s just me.”
Keeping his touch light and seductive, he dragged his fingertips over her shoulder and down her arms. He lightly massaged her hand, twining their fingers together.
Holding hands was almost as intimate as kissing.
He loved this connection with her, the pure joy she inspired in him.
He allowed his other hand to explore her back, gradually increasing the pressure of his touch. Aiden leaned in, brushing his nose lightly over hers. Her chest rose with another deep breath, but she didn’t stop him.
Instead, she swayed forward, her mouth connecting with his.
Fireworks shot through him, explosions of sensation.
Aiden had known for months that he was in trouble.
Maybe longer.
It had started quietly, so gradual he hadn’t recognized it for what it was. But somewhere over the last year, affection had become attachment. Attachment had become need.
Now she sat curled against him on the couch, and he couldn’t imagine a world where he didn’t spend the rest of his life trying to keep this woman smiling.
God, she was beautiful.
The hesitant curve of her smile. The vulnerability she fought to hide. The way she trusted him enough now to let him see the parts of her nobody else did.
That trust meant more to him than she would ever understand.
Aiden brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before leaning in slowly, giving her every chance to pull away.
She didn’t.
Her eyes fluttered closed the moment his lips touched hers. She responded tentatively, opening her mouth to him a little at a time. He swept his tongue over her lips, gently coaxing her to give in and let him take care of her.
The kiss was soft.
Unhurried.
He felt her melt against him by degrees, tension easing from her body with every slow pass of his mouth over hers.
His hand spread against her back, holding her securely as he kissed her again.
And again.
Each one left him more wrecked than the last.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured against her lips.
Maya gave a tiny shake of her head, dropping her gaze to his chest. Aiden’s chest tightened. He rested his forehead against hers.
“Don’t do that,” he said quietly. “Don’t doubt me when I say it.”
She drew in a sharp breath, her muscles tensing beneath his touch.
“You’re beautiful,” he repeated, his thumb stroking gently along her jaw. “And perfect. Exactly the way you are.”
Emotion flickered across her expression so quickly it nearly undid him.
The idea of anyone hurting Maya filled him with rage.
She deserved to be cherished.
Loved.
Aiden would spend the rest of his life undoing the damage Wainwright and countless others had inflicted.
He kissed the corner of her mouth, slow and reverent.
Then her cheek.
Her temple.
Every touch carried the same silent promise that she would be safe with him.
Always.
Maya’s fingers curled against his shoulders as she leaned into him, trusting him with the fragile parts of herself she kept guarded from the rest of the world.
The feeling nearly overwhelmed him.
He’d never believed much in fate. Never thought there was one person crafted perfectly for another.
Until her.
Until Maya.
Holding her like this felt dangerously close to Heaven. It was like coming home. Like maybe every terrible thing either of them had endured had somehow led them here—to this exact moment, wrapped around each other while the rest of the world disappeared.
Aiden deepened the kiss slightly, still gentle, still patient. Not rushing. Not taking more than she willingly gave.
He wanted forever with her, and forever was worth moving slowly for.
When they finally pulled apart, Maya stayed close, her forehead tucked beneath his chin. Aiden closed his eyes and held her tighter.
She was everything he’d ever wanted.
She might not believe him yet, but she would.
Maya was his.