Letting Dolores stare at your abs and shit.
“Do I detect a hint of jealousy, wife?” he teased.
“Careful. I know how to bury a body, remember?”
He chuckled. “There goes that dark humor I love. Come on, Brave Heart. I’ll carry you upstairs to the bedroom.”
Aiden didn’t give me a chance to argue. One second, I was sitting there about to tell him he didn’t have to carry me. Next, I was being lifted off the couch, cradled against his chest.
“I can walk,” I protested, wriggling slightly.
“And I can carry you,” he replied as he climbed the stairs.
“Aiden, I’m not fragile.”
“Oh, I know. You’ve proven that this morning.”
“Too soon,” I told him, rolling my eyes, but the corner of my mouth betrayed me.
“Just let me carry you, beautiful. When I heard that scream earlier, I thought it was you. My mind immediately started thinking the worst. I thought I wouldn’t make it to you in time to protect you. I thought I might... I might lose you. I believe my heart stopped beating for a second. Yeah, you can walk. But I need to hold you close to my heart, so it can know you’re okay.”
Awww, Aiden!
“Well, when you put it like that...” I drawled, resting my head against his chest. “Hey, husband’s heart,” I murmured. “I’m okay. You can relax now.”
“My heart says thank you.”
Smiling, I listened to my husband’s heartbeat as he carried me upstairs. When we reached the bedroom, he didn’t put me down right away. He just stood there, looking at me.
“You can put me down now,” I told him.
“I know,” he whispered.
I waited for him to do so.
When he didn’t, I said, “Any day now, Aiden.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked.
My gaze searched his. He was still worried about me. Moving slowly, I placed one palm against his cheek. He leaned into my touch, and I found that to be the sweetest thing ever.
“I’m fine, Aiden. And thank you.”
“For what?”
“For running to my rescue when you thought I was in danger.”
“Woman, I’d run through fire to get to you.”
Don’t you dare tear up, Noe. Don’t do it.
I did it.
“Thank you,” I whispered again.
“You’re welcome. And thank you for knowing how to protect yourself. I know your actions scared you. But I’m glad you’re able to defend yourself. When I’m not around, don’t hesitate to use your skills if you have to. I need you to be safe at all times. Today, you’ll meet the people who work here. Some are even coming in just so we can do this meeting. If you see anyone in the house or on the grounds that are not them, don’t hesitate to act. Understood?”
I nodded. Finally, that fear, that shame, and guilt from before were fading. And it was all thanks to my husband. I could stillfeel the adrenaline threading through my system from earlier... but it wasn’t the same.
