OrTalon?—
That thought has me scrambling to grab my gun from my nightstand and aiming at the back door. The latch on the handle slides up, and the door opens, covered by my white sheers. A haunting figure, draped in ghost-like fabric, emerges with its arms held in front. As if feeling its way through the darkness of my room.
It stumbles over the threshold and yells, “Ow,fucking hell.”
I flick on the lamp. “You could’ve called from the guard tower, asshole.”
Aiden hobbles on one foot, rubbing his shin. He’s got those football black ink stains under his eyes. Black gloves, jacket, jeans, boots… Like he’s returning from a jewelry heist.
“Get the fuck out of bed, Ashlyn. We’re going home.”
“No. I feel like trash. And you only ‘bought’ me so you could sabotage the casino.”
His fierce expression softens for a moment. “What’s wrong?”
“My period. Because you ripped out my birth control.” Quieter, because I see the shock and the worry: “It hurts.”
He gives one nod, then advances toward the bed, scoops me into his arms, blanket and all. “Keep hold of that.”
I snag the tablet and headphones. “Where are we going?”
“To prove how much I love you.” His hips sway as he carries me. A kiss to my forehead, a whisper against my skin. “And how much you’re mine.”
Dad’s in his office downstairs, and that’s where Aiden aims.
When he enters, Dad stands abruptly and grabs his shotgun. But Aiden simply sets me gently on the chaise lounge bythe window. He strolls straight to my father and snaps his finger at his monitor.
“Check your shares.”
Confused, Dad eyes him for a moment, then punches some numbers on his keyboard. The silence stretches. My father’s fingers hover over the keyboard.
“You’re selling them to me?”
“No,” Aiden says, voice even. “I’mgivingthem to you. As we already discussed. The shares were the bargaining chip I needed to make you comply.”
Dad sets down the gun on the chair as Aiden pulls out a piece of parchment from his jacket. He slams it on the desk.
“Ashlyn Iyla Donovan has been appointed to Aiden Isaac Cardell. Signed by the presidentand you.”
My heart races. On shaky legs, I stand and wander closer, letting the blanket hit the floor. Aiden faces me, arms at his sides, as if expecting me to hit him or hug him.
“Officially?” Voice quivering with emotion, I ask, “Really?”
“Yes, baby. I told you I’d do everything to make you mine.”
The words used to sound like a threat.
Tonight, they sound like a vow.
Before I can throw myself into his arms, he reaches into his pocket and catches my wrist, tugging me closer.
When he opens his hand, something glints in his palm.
“Your pin.”
He attaches it to my old T-shirt and stands back with pride. “You’ve got my ring. My tattoo. And now myThetapin. Do you understand now? I love you. And I always have.”
Tears burst from my eyes. It’s done. It’sofficiallyover.