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“Thank you,” I say softly.
“Agent Roberts,” a police officer interrupts, “we’re almost done here.” Aiden pushes off my legs to stand up and follows the officer to the other side of the room.
“Get some rest and we’ll call you when we head back your way with Lulu.” Damon leans over and places a kiss on my head. Thinking about him and Sydney makes me happy.
“Oh, hey, congrats on finally pulling your head out of your ass,” I joke.
“I guess I didn’t have a choice if I wanted a chance with her. She seems to be in high demand.”
“Don’t forget that. You better treat her right or I’ll kick your ass.” I grin up at him.
“I promise I will.”
A couple hours later, Aiden and I return to my apartment after we stopped and grabbed some Chinese takeout. Aiden spreads the food out on the coffee table while I grab a couple Coronas from the fridge. He’s been quiet since we left his apartment. I know why. I just don’t know what to say to make it better.
He’s sitting on the floor with his elbows on the table and his head in his hands. I place the beers on the table and then run my fingers through his hair. He pushes up on his knees, turning toward me, and wraps his arms around my waist. I feel him breathe in a ragged breath. His body falls lax against me as the tension in his shoulders leaves. I can’t help but feel at fault for bringing this grown man to his knees. My fingers fist the back of his hair as I swallow back the guilt. He digs his head into my stomach. “God, Addison. I love you.” His voice breaks and he squeezes me tighter. When he looks up at me, I see the pain in his eyes.
The fear of losing me.
“Aiden, I’m right here.” My breath hitches from the raw emotion reflecting in his eyes. I hate that I keep putting fear in them. I drop to my knees and wrap my arms around him, needing to comfort him and remind him I’m here. Alive. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“When she took a shot and I saw you fall to the floor, I had no idea if she had shot you.” His hand cups my neck. “I don’t think I’ve ever unarmed someone and handcuffed them so fast in my life.” He chuckles softly and ends his mirth with a sigh.
“I can’t believe I passed out. I remember seeing you and then…nothing.”
“How’s your head?” He presses gentle kisses across my forehead.
“Better. I have a knot from hell on it, but it doesn’t hurt too badly now. What’s going to happen to Jessie?” I say, sitting on the floor.
Aiden sits down by me. “I’m sure her parents will get her the best attorney possible, which is good. He’ll probably have her plead insanity.”
“I don’t think that is too far from the truth.” Aiden nods in agreement. “Someone needs to call Brooks.”
“Ryan texted me. Brooks is already on his way to New Haven,” Aiden says.
“I’m surprised how much Brooks wants to be involved with Presley.” Aiden looks at me and cocks his head to the side.
“We’re not all assholes,” he teases. “There are men out there who want to take responsibility for their kids.”
I shove his shoulder with mine. “I know. He didn’t waste any time trying to get custody. He’s this millionaire playboy. I didn’t see him as the dad type from what I’ve read about him.”
“Well, he’s about to get his wish and be a full-time dad now.” It makes me respect him a little more.
“Growing up without a mom, it makes me sad.” I lie my head on Aiden’s shoulder. I sigh, wishing things could be different.
“You haven’t forgotten she tried to kill you just a little bit ago, right?”
“I won’t be forgetting anytime soon, but I know she’s sick. She’s being held captive in her own head. I know how it feels.”
“Hopefully it won’t be forever,” he murmurs into my hair. He’s saying it to appease me. He’d be happier if we never saw Jessie again.
Chapter nine
Aiden
Help me.
That’s the last thing Brooks texted to Addison. She’d texted him back and even called, but he didn’t respond. After what she’s been through a few days ago—her whole life, really—you’d think she’d be a little leery of receiving a message like that. Nope. Not Addison. She started packing her things up to leave. When I tried to stop her, she told me Brooks was her brother and he needed help. Yeah, we got that part in the text. It’s the why that concerns me. I told her the only way she was going is if I went with her. Thankfully the sixteen-year-old who lives next door, Hannah, could come stay with Lexi on short notice.
