LOGINAidenTightening my fingers on the steering wheel, I wondered what awaited. One thing was certain: I was not going to fail, not when I had so much to lose.I had taken the sports car, deciding to drive myself while the others followed behind me. My phone buzzed, the caller ID reading: “Aunt Rosa.”I hesitated, half expecting something horrid. Right after she'd called earlier, the call had cut off, and then I had gotten another call from her number.“The cabin where you took the lives of my men… You know what to do. Or you can say goodbye to your darling aunt.”His snicker lived rent-free in my head, and his words kept replaying over and over.Slowly, I stretched my hand forward to tap the answer icon.“What the fuck, Aiden!” Rosa's voice buzzed from the other end. “Are you trying to call me to glory or what? Who died? Because it better be something that important for you to be blowing up my phone!”Confusion and relief washed over me.“Aunt, you're not safe.”That was all I could
AveryBeads of perspiration formed on Sydney's forehead; she kept fidgeting, twisting her fingers. Turning slowly to scan the room, her eyes fixed on the door.“Promise me you won't tell anyone,” she whispered, a plea in her eyes as her brows furrowed.“I won't, I promise,” I whispered softly.“I'm pregnant.”It wasn't a surprise, since I already suspected that. She swallowed an invisible lump, closed her eyes, and took deep breaths.“Congratulations… or do you not want it?”I couldn't understand why she was acting so worried and afraid of being heard. I mean, it was her child, her choice. She wasn't a baby.“It's not that. In fact, I do want this baby.”“Then what is it?”Her eyes lowered, fixed on her intertwined fingers.“Does the father not want it?”“It's Stephan's child,” she said breathily, her voice a little shaky.My eyes widened in surprise. How did I miss this?“No way!” I gasped, smiling from ear to ear. “Wait, he doesn't want to have the baby?”My voice was a little
Avery's POV The look on Aiden's face was both scary and confusing. It looked like he was pissed but there was an undeniable look of guilt in his eyes. I had to say something— apologize now before the tension thickens and causes a rift in this Haven I'd finally found these past few days. Aiden was no longer someone whose attitude frightened me or angered me. Instead he was like my safe haven, I felt safe in the way I never felt back home with my family and I wanted it to remain that way. “Aiden, I'm sorry I—” My throat tightened, I just couldn't come with the right words, the words I so desperately needed as I stared at his retreating back. He stopped, his rich deep voice interrupted me. “You don't have to apologize—” I couldn't tell what he was about to say because he got a call. “Rosa?” There was a pause, I couldn't quite grasp what she said on the other end. “Fuck! You scared the fuck out of me. Where are you?” I could hear relief in his voice. Thank goodness she was safe.
Aiden's POV I've never felt as dumb as I felt the moment Avery told me the pain she felt was normal during pregnancy, in between chuckles. The beautiful spark in her eyes as she laughed, made me smile as well. “Oh… I see.” I murmured in understanding and confusion, a weird combination of contrasting emotion. I made a mental note to do some research on pregnancy and maybe read a book or two so I'll understand this better and know how best to care for her. When I stared at her again, there was something in her eyes, longing, maybe I was projecting. I wanted her and I wanted her to want me as well. My eyes lingered on her lips, those soft, plum, beautifully shaped lips in the pinkest shades. I found myself leaning closer until our lips met, a slow passionate kiss with the promise of a lot more. Avery slipped her hand under my shirt, caressing my skin, sending chills down my spine. She wanted me just as much as I wanted her. I was going to let us both get what we want but then,
Avery's POV I had the best time of my life. I slowly brushed my hair as I remembered everything that had happened earlier. To think I had been against marrying him at the beginning. As horrible as things had been in the beginning, life here was way better than life at my dad's house. Now, it's heaven and I hope it only gets better. Kiki had gone home— Aiden had some security escort her back home. I sat there smiling at the mirror, brushing my hair as I anticipated what was sure to happen later tonight. "What makes you smile so sweetly?" Aiden asked softly. I didn't realize he had entered the room. "Nothing." I replied, smiling even more. He walked over to where I sat, bent down and kissed the top of my head and stared at my reflection in the mirror. There was a glint of pride in his eyes. Why? I do not know but he seemed proud and happy for some reason. "You're so beautiful, Avery. Have I told you that?" His voice was deep, eyes dark with desire, half closed as he kept st
Aiden's POV A simple, ordinary surprise could bring such joy and happiness, who knew? If I had known, I would have done this sooner... really? "Easy, Bella Mia...easy." I said, putting my arms around her to stop her from jumping. "Thank you so much, Aiden!" She paused. Sydney had come out with beautiful flowers. "Everything is so perfect!" Honestly, I hadn't thought of the flowers, the music...It seemed everyone wanted to make this moment as beautiful as possible for my Avery. This petite woman had come into my life— no, I had dragged her into it. Anyways, she'd come into my life and made a mark on everyone's heart. Hard as it was to admit it, I'd let her into my heart. I, Aiden Adrian Armstrong had finally fallen for a woman. The realization didn't come as a shock nor did it make me frown, no, I was delighted. I knew I wasn't worthy of her, so I decided then and there to do my best to be worthy. I reached for the ring in my jacket pocket. When I opened the box, I couldn
AIDEN'S POV My innocent bride has no idea what I have planned for her tonight. I'll let her be for now. Spending some time with the Cartel wouldn't hurt; it's a great way to pass the time. "Boss, you just got married. Shouldn't you be busy with your bride?" "You called me 'Boss,' which means you
AIDEN'S POV "Did you get info on their location?" "No, boss," Stephan replied, his tone laced with heavy disappointment. "What exactly do I pay you for?" "I'm sorry, Boss." "Are you sure you actually tortured the man, or do I need to go down there and handle it myself?" "We broke him, Boss, bu
AIDEN'S POV "Boss! What's wrong?" Stephan rushed to my side, deep concern etched into his features. I had drifted off once more, my body fighting the residual toxins. "Lana... She—" I choked on the words, unable to form a coherent sentence. "Make sure she never steps foot into this house ever agai
AIDEN'S POV I woke up with a pounding hangover. I had fallen asleep right there in the home bar, and as the haze cleared, memories of last night came flooding back. *Avery...* I could still hear how heart-wrenching her sob had been. I hadn't been able to go after her or soothe her, because the brut







