The mattress shifts as he sits beside me and wraps his arm around my shoulders.
“What the hell was that all about?” I ask him. “Why did you tell Xander you needed to talk?”
“It’s for Reed’s sake.”
“K-Kim? Is she in danger?”
“Not yet.”
“Not yet?”
“I know how much she means to you.” He sighs. “I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Hear her side of the story first.” He strokes my hair back. “And then we’ll talk, okay?”
I nod slowly. As much as I want Aiden to tell me everything, Kim is my best friend. I need to hear what the hell is wrong from her.
Aiden retrieves the plate of the cut apples and places it in front of me. He’s back to sulking, but he still feeds me the slices.
I try to tell him that I can use my hands, but he’s not listening.
I take a bite and munch on it slowly. I study his profile as I eat. The strong jawline, the metal eyes and the dark strands I’m itching to ruffle up.
He’s mine.
All mine.
The thought fills me with a strange type of empowerment.
This boy who told me he’d destroy me is now my number one protector and carer. He would do anything to make me happy.
Turns out his plan with Agnus was about the Rhodes deal. Aiden and Dad’s right hand somehow convinced Tristan Rhodes he could get better results if he hired both King Enterprises and Steel Corporation in their respective field - King for imports and exports, Steel for copper and their mass productions.
Jonathan and Dad, ex-friends and rivals, are now partners.
This deal brought a certain type of peace to their strained relationship. I don’t have to worry about Jonathan anymore either.
Levi told me about the threat Aiden made against Jonathan. If he comes near me or interferes in our relationship again, Aiden will leave him without an heir.
I never wanted Aiden to go against his father, but the fact that he’s doing it for me makes me feel all fuzzy inside.
“Are you still mad about earlier?” I ask after the third bite.
“Hmm. So you knew I was mad.”
Oops.
He removes the hospital table and lowers himself atop of me. Before I can blink, Aiden grabs both my wrists and pins them onto the pillow over my head. “Was it fun, sweetheart?”
“Maybe.” I bite my lower lip, my heart hammering so loud, I’m sure he can hear it.
This side of Aiden is my addiction and my damnation.
I love his intensity and his madness.
I’m in love with his dark mind and twisted soul.