wanted to put me away regardless, but in that case, he was right. My mistake was in stealing a car out of Silverville. It was the sheriff’s aunt’s car, actually.” He snorted. “I was part of a group out of Spokane stealing cars. We were paid a set amount, depending on the car, when we delivered them to a chop shop in the Tri-Cities. I’m sure the place closed down eons ago.”
“I, uh—” I didn’t have any words. My temples started to hurt.
He kind of ducked his head. “Yeah, sorry. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear.”
No. It really wasn’t. “I defended you. To everybody,” I murmured, trying to be angry but just not finding the energy at the moment. Tomorrow, I’d get pissed. That was a good plan.
“Thanks for the defense.” He set his napkin down. “I don’t suppose you’ll be kissing me goodnight?”
Man, he was sexy. He really was. “Maybe,” I said.
His eyes darkened to the color the lake got once a year right before winter. “Really?”
I was tired, I was hurting, and I was done. For years, I’d dreamed of him, and now he was here and right in front of me. The past was coming back, too fast to stop. He was the only good thing from a day that wouldn’t leave me alone.
Maybe I didn’t want him to leave me alone. “You know, Aiden? I’m going to keep drinking. You should, too.” I filled our glasses again.
He shrugged, looking big and dangerous and distant. “As much as I’d love to find your g-spot, baby, this is a bad idea.”
Maybe I just didn’t want to stay alone with danger out there. No. It was Aiden. I didn’t want him to leave. “Suck it up, Devlin. Either take a drink or get out.” Man, I was tough all of a sudden.
He took a big drink. “I’m not gonna let anything happen to you, Angel. No way will you be in danger. You can trust me to take care of it, but you’re gonna want me to do that distantly. Stay smart and stay away from me.”
Being smart wasn’t getting me anywhere. “No.” I tipped back the glass and let the heated wine explode down my throat.
Consequences could screw off. For now.
Chapter 27
I awoke comfortably warm in my bed. The last thing I remembered was swigging more wine with Aiden the night before. Awareness filtered through my haze. A large male body wrapped around me from behind, hence, the warmth. One strong hand cupped my breast, spreading heat through me everywhere.
I stretched a bit against the hardness behind me, and then froze, at the hardness behind me. Morning wood at its finest.
My movements awoke him. He pulled me closer, murmuring drowsily against the back of my neck, the fingers on my breast seeking and easily finding my nipple. Liquid heat shot straight south from his hand as his lips moved leisurely across my ear.
I took a moment and tried to think. A large t-shirt covered me, my underwear was on, and Aiden wore briefs that did nothing to conceal his impressive length. His chest felt hot and bare against my back. Mine ached heavy and full.
In a smooth motion, he pulled me onto my back and rolled on top of me. His dark hair fell rakishly over his forehead. Even in the early hour, his eyes were the clear blue of the purest sea.
“Um, did we…” I tried to ignore the hard body over me. It was impossible to ignore.
“Not yet,” he grinned, the dimples flashing in his strong face. I figured they were a rare sight and thought it safer for womankind that way.
He pressed into me, and my eyes rolled back into my head. Then he leaned down and kissed me gently. One broad hand slid down the side of my body before cupping my rear to pull me even closer against him. Heat met heat. You couldn’t get more direct than that.
I fought the whimper wanting loose and tried to focus my eyes on his.
“If you want to stop me, say it now,” he said softly against my mouth as his hand started to knead. “I didn’t take advantage of you last night because you were toasted, but you’re sober now, and this is your decision.”
My mind questioned what I should do. My body told my mind to shut the hell up. There were some experiences a girl shouldn’t miss.
I don’t know if it was the good night’s sleep from the wine, or