When we’re allowed to leave, we tell Brian we’re okay to head home ourselves. He’s reluctant and offers to have us to stay with him, but I think the twins and Aiden want their own beds. I wear Aiden’s huge hoodie and keep my face shielded when we leave the police station, as there are media following us and taking pictures because of his dad, people yelling for Aiden to give a statement, to tell them what happened. He doesn’t stop for anyone, though, instead leading me and the twins to his car, where I keep my hoodie up even though his windows are tinted.

I keep feeling like I should call Agent Dylan, because this is the kind of thing he should know about, right? But then I remember how he put me here on purpose, how he wants me to draw Tony out, and I drop any thought of calling him.

We’re all okay, just bruised. Aiden got a couple of stitches under his jaw, but he keeps reassuring me that he’s okay. I can’t stop looking at him; the stitches make him look more dangerous and hot.

By the time we get back to Aiden’s house, it’s early in the morning. I move my car from down the block into his driveway, and we all head to bed. Crawling into Aiden’s bed with him is the most comforting and surreal feeling. I can’t help thinking I could get used to this, especially when he wraps his arm around me and I curl into his side.

We lie in his bed, facing each other, staring into each other’s eyes and letting all the unspoken words pass between us. The early morning light streams in through the sides of his drawn curtains, giving the dark room a faint glow. Maybe it’s the adrenaline. Maybe it’s because we’ve come so close to death for the second time and could’ve lost it all. But I can’t stop staring at Aiden.

Aiden gently rests his hand on my face and strokes my cheek with his thumb, his eyes reflecting my thoughts.

“You are so fucking beautiful.”

That’s all it takes.

Before I can even process what I’m doing, I’m on top of Aiden, chest to chest, my legs straddling his waist and my hands tangled in his hair. I kiss him with all I’ve got, putting all my emotions into it, letting him feel my fear, my happiness, my desire, my love. He kisses me back just as fiercely and desperately, pulling me closer to him, like he’s scared I’ll disappear. I can’t get enough of him. My heart is going to explode from how much I love him, from how much I want him.

Aiden’s hands tighten on my waist and he flips us over so that he’s on top of me. He breaks our kiss, and I’m only disappointed for a second before his perfect lips find my neck, trailing down the side and finding that sensitive spot that he knows drives me crazy.