Chapter 13
My tongue felt heavy in my mouth, my eyes unable to break away from the circuit they had closed with Aiden’s. I was trapped in a speil and I didn’t want it to end. I shivered when I felt his large hand cup my jaw. His skin was smooth and warm against my cool cheeks. He was impossibly close now, I could feel his breath fanning my skin and I felt as if I was being consumed by his presence.
“Ellie?”
Oh god, how did he manage to make my name sound like that?
“The bridge. I managed out. I go to the bridge sometimes to think.”
Why didn’t you go to bed?”
I caught my lower lip between my teeth, my mouth feeling dry. I felt my cheeks heat up as I remembered coming home to an empty house and hating it. My loneliness had amplified in that moment and nearly crippled me. I looked away, ashamed.
“The house was empty and I couldn’t bear it. I admitted. “I know you hate me because Tammy wants to spend time with me when she’s here but I think I got used to you all being around that it felt weird…”
I looked up to find Aiden frowning but not in anger. Guilt seemed to flicker over those beautiful features.
“I don’t hate you, Ellie. I could never hate you.” He finally spoke, sighing heavily as he seemed to choose his words carefully. “I just worry that Tamray can be a bad influence.”
“She’s nice to me.” My voice was pathetically tiny. “So is Kyle. I don’t have any friends so it’s nice.”
“And me?”
The question took me by surprise. My eyes widened as I processed the question.
*I…uh…” I stammered, my cheeks burning and I was so glad it was dark because I could only imagine how red my cheeks were now.
Aiden chuckled, shaking his head a little. “I’m just teasing you.” He murmured. “I guess I have been a bit absent.”
I shrugged a little. “It’s not my business, Aiden. Liam didn’t let you lodge here just to babysit me.”
“True but we live together. Aiden shrugged. “Come here.”
I said nothing as he pulled me into a bear hug but couldn’t hide the wince on my face as my bruised ribs and stomach were pressed against. I didn’t think Aiden had noticed but he pulled back almost immediately, his brows creased in concern.
“Did I hurt you?” He asked.
No.” I replied shakily. “I just hurt my ribs when I slipped over at work.”
“What? Why didn’t you say something?” Aiden’s hands were around my upper arms, his heat burning through the material of my top to my skin. His eyes
were searching me. “Did you check if your ribs weren’t broken?”
I hadn’t thought of that.
My mouth opened but nothing came out leaving the gaping fish.
“Come on, let me take a look inside.” Aiden sighed and guided me back into the house.
Kyle was still passed out on the couch but the latest episode was now finished and the TV was waiting for someone to choose a new channel or episode. I was silent as we moved to the kitchen where the light was better. I was nervous. I hadn’t looked at the damage Noah had done properly. I knew there was a bruise though, the skin smarted like one whenever I moved. What would Aiden think?
“Let’s see.” Aiden motioned for me to show him.
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Chapter 13
It’s really not that bad.” I mumbled.
Ellie, show me already.
I swallowed against the lump in my throat, reluctantly lifting the hem of my top to expose my stomach and ribs. I heard the sharp intake of breath but didn’t look at Aiden in case he could see the lies in my eyes. I didn’t want to see or feel his pity. I didn’t even want to do this. Why did he have to hug me?
“Jesus Christ, Ellie! Who the fuck did this to you?” Aiden growled making me tremble.
Chapter Comments
Shelli Hays Dunlap
she needs her brother back
matshidiso nzuza
I feel Ellie
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