It's been three weeks since Aiden got shot.
Since Theo and Callan were eye witnesses, Damien got his punishment.
Additionally to that, the safety cameras in the room, caught everything.
Tristan only got 55 hours of social work.
I hope it'll be hell for him.
Damien's punishment was more serious, since the fucker actually shot Aiden, with the intent to shoot him somewhere else than his hip.
He got two years of jail and a big sum of money to pay.
Not nearly enough of a punishment in my opinion.
But I'm glad he's behind bars for now.
My thoughts wander to Aiden again.
He's all that's been on my mind lately.
He loves me.
Aiden Torres loves me.
It's still crazy just saying this in my head.
Just think about the way we started off.
I don't think I ever really hated him.
He's just always been so annoying.
Not that this fact changed.
I'm currently waiting in his car.
He parked here and told me he'd be back in about half an hour.
He said I could go shop a bit, but I said no.
And when he offered to pay he almost got me, but I just wasn't in the mood.
It's been 45 minutes already.
But I'm not actually annoyed.
I've been screaming to my favorite songs the whole time.
And eating my fries, to which Aiden was hesitant about me doing in his car, but he gave me permission.
Luckily this parking lot is empty.
There's no one else around.
We're a little outside, next to a small forest.
As I finish shouting my absolute favorite song I finally see Aiden walk towards the car.
He gets in and immediately takes my chin in his hand.
"I'm sorry for making you wait so long love. I meant it when I said you could take my money and do whatever you want to with it." I raise an eyebrow.
Since Aiden has his inheritance now, he's the youngest millionaire or billionaire (I'm not exactly sure) in the area.
"It's okay. I was doing just fine." I smile and put my lips to his.
He immediately kisses me back.
A breathy sound leaves my mouth and he parts my lips with his tongue. Kissing me deeply, passionately.
I pull back breathlessly. "So what were you doing?"
"Don't get mad at me okay?"
I narrow my eyes at him.
"When you start like that I'm already beginning to get mad at you."
"But I haven't even told you!"
"Sounds like your problem to me."
He glares at me halfheartedly but chuckles nonetheless.
"Oh yes?"
"Mhm-" I begin, but it turns into a moan as he claims my mouth again.
It's a bit hard, making out over the seats and everything, so I quickly get out of the car and get back into it, right in Aidens lap.
I sit on his lap and feel him hard under me.
His arousal obvious.
We go back to kissing and I'm in heaven again.
I start rolling my hips and Aidens groans into my mouth.
I start pulling his shirt over his head while letting the seat go back, so we'll have a bit more space.
Since I'm not that great at multitasking, he overtakes the task of getting him out of his shirt.
When I'm finally satisfied with the space we now have I look back at him and stop short.
"Aiden what is that?!" I point towards his chest.
He looks down and a dimple appears.
I stare at the obviously newly stung tattoo.
"That's what you were doing?"
He nods.
"Do you know what it is?"
I take a second to stare at it.
Not to think about what it is. That's obvious. But to think 'is he stupid?'.
I stare at the Azalea directly over his heart.
"Why did you do that?"
"You don't sound very impressed?" He raises an eyebrow.
I just continue staring.
"I'm sorry if you think it's too much, but I really wanted it.
I didn't only get an Azalea because that's your name but also because I know those are your favorite flowers. And I got it over my heart, because well that's probably obvious and cheesy, but you own my heart Az." I blink away the tears.
"Stop being so damn cute. It weirds me out." He chuckles and kisses my cheek.
"I love you Az."
I smile "I love you Aiden.
I start inspecting the tattoo closely. It's very precise and admittedly beautiful.
It's only one flower but it's perfect.
I bite my lower lip, "I can't believe you did this! What if we break up?"
He kisses my nose. "Azalea," he kisses my left cheek "then I would have a beautiful flower on my chest," then my right cheek "but I have no intention of ever letting you go." My forehead. "You are mine now." Finally his lips find mine.
And I kiss him with all I have.
He's been sitting up but I push him back and his other dimple appears.
I pull my dress over my head.
Thank god I wore a dress today. Makes it so much easier for me.
With impressive strength, Aiden lifts us both up and pulls his pants off.
His windows are tainted but there is not a soul anywhere near, so I'm not worrying about people seeing us.
I can't wait any longer so I line him up and then slide down.
Once he's deep inside me, he claims my lips once more.
My nails bite into his shoulders.
I feel uneven skin under my palm and I wanna kiss every single one of his scars and ask where he got them from but that's for another time.
Maybe when we're not in a car.
He pumps his hips furiously.
His wound is so much better now.
But my thoughts quickly come back to the present when I get this feeling I always get when I'm about to come.
His thumb finds my clit and it takes me about two seconds before I come.
"Fuck Aiden!"
And it feels so good. Almost too good.
Such beautiful torture.
I come down from my high just as Aidens hits his.
I watch his face mesmerized as he fills me up.
He kisses me deeply as I lay on top of him, with him still inside me.
"You're too perfect Lux mea." I smile into the crook of his neck.
We lay like this for a while until we decide to drive back to the mansion.
On the drive back, I notice Christmas decorations everywhere.
Holy shit.
I look at my phone.
It's the 23rd.
No that's not possible
"Christmas is tomorrow?!" I practically shriek.
"Oh yeah. I totally forgot. I can't believe it's already near the end of December."
I nod because I totally agree.
Time flew by like nothing, but at the same time I can't believe that everything started just four months ago.
That's crazy.
Four months can change so damn much.
Aiden, my then annoying enemy (I snort at our antics) and my now everything.
And I didn't even know Theo by then!!
As well as Callan.
We arrive at the mansion and I see Aiden freeze as he spots his fathers car.
What the hell is he doing here now?
Aiden takes my hand and engulfes it with his big one, squeezing once for reassurance.
We enter and head straight towards the living area cause that's where he probably is.
And I know we're right when I see him sitting in one of the armchairs, one ankle on his knee, while holding some drink in his hand, like he's the king of the house.
Well too bad, but the whole property is now Aidens.
"What are you doing here?" Aiden practically seethes.
"Not even a hello? I'm hurt son."
I roll my eyes in my head. Who the fuck cares if he's hurt?
"Once again, what are you doing here?"
"I simply wanted to see how you are doing with all the money you now own? I hope you're being smart about it. Making investments."
Aiden clenches his jaw "that does not concern you. And if that's all you wanted to say then you should leave immediately. I can't believe you even dared to show your face here."
Aidens fathers eyes widen for a second but he recovers seconds later.
"I would like to speak to you without this..." he looks at me, barely concealing his disgust "...without her." He smiles a forced smile.
Aiden looks so tense, I'm almost scared for his father.
Keyword; almost.
"You better leave right the fuck now."
I'm ninety nine percent sure this is because of what Mister Torres made Tristan do.
I told Aiden everything.
"But son-"
"I am no son of yours."
His father laughs humorlessly "is her cunt really that good?"
Aiden freezes a second before he strides forward and punches his father right in the face.
"Don't you fucking dare insult my girl on my property. Leave now or I'm calling security."
"You have disappointed me. I thought I raised you better than to let yourself get blinded by good pussy."
This time Aiden punches him so hard he stumbles back.
Luckily he's smart enough to leave after that.
With blood streaming out of his nose he scurries away.
Aiden let's out a loaded breath and I walk towards him, putting my hands around his waist.
"I'm sorry." He mutters.
"Why? It's not your fault your father is a jerk."
He chuckles. "But I don't want you to think I can only solve problems with my fists. It's just that I was so angry with him for putting you in danger. When it comes to you I don't care. I'll destroy everyone who means to harm you in any way."
I put my palm on his cheek. His eyes search mine. "I'm fine Aiden." I kiss him softly. "Let's make something to eat yes?"
~
The next day in school everything feels weird.
I don't know what it is, but I just feel uncomfortable. And all I wanna do is be with Aiden.
He's a bit late for school because he had to drive back home, since he forgot his school stuff.
Normally Aiden wouldn't care.
But I practically begged him to at least try giving a little more for school.
Just a little effort, because I know Aiden is smart as hell.
He didn't seem too thrilled, but said he'd do anything for me, so he drove back home.
I'm concentrating on not falling asleep when the door to the classroom opens and Miss Dallarosa announces a new student.
I look up and freeze.
No.
This can't be real.
Liam instantly finds my eyes and he smirks.
And I almost throw up.
I feel sick to my stomach.
I can't hear anything around me.
I only hear him and his disgusting words.
Seconds later I'm at the door without even realizing it.
I hear voices calling my name but I just keep walking.
Somehow I end up in the girls bathroom.
I hear sobs.
I think they come from me?
"Azzie?"
Breathing becomes difficult.
"I only wanted you for sex. It's not my fault you were too dumb to realize that."
I hear Katie's laughing in the background "that's what you get whore!"
Whore whore whore.
Liam is here!
Something or someone pounds against my stall door.
I look up with blurry eyes when this someone finally breaks through.
I look into pale blue eyes.
"Oh azzie."
I feel arms come around me.
Breathing is still hard.
Is it possible to forget how to breathe?
I think I just did.
Fuck!
How does it work again?
"Az breathe with me okay? In and out. Follow me!"
Somehow I register what he's saying and follow his instructions.
I'm finally breathing again but it still feels like I'm suffocating.
Just then Aidens storms into the bathroom.
"Baby?" He kneels before me and Theo makes space for him.
"Hey hey, look at me. I'm here. Breathe for me baby. I know you can."
I look into his eyes and I feel everything get lighter.
I fall forward into his arms.
He puts his around me. Making me feel safe.
After some minutes I'm finally calm enough to talk.
"Thank you." I whisper into Aidens ear.
"Don't thank me. Tell me your okay."
I nod shakily "yes, I'm fine. I just-" I breathe out trough my nose. "Liam just walked into the classroom."
"It's okay. I'm here and you're safe. We'll talk about everything later. Would you like to go home now?"
I nod because even if it may seem cowardly to do so, I have no interest in seeing him again today. And sometimes I just don't wanna be strong.
Aiden brings me to the mansion, Theo stayed at school because I persuaded him Aiden would look after me and he shouldn't miss class just because of me.
Theo only reluctantly agreed but he knew I was right.
Aiden lays with me in bed for a bit until I fall asleep.
Fortunately I don't dream.
~
The next morning I'm relieved to realize yesterday was the last day of school before winter holidays.
So I have time until I'm forced to think about what yesterday means.
But that's not a problem for today.
I can't believe today is Christmas.
And even worse is the fact that I don't have any gifts for Theo or Aiden, or even Callan.
How could I forget?
I'm the worst!
I slept for a long time so it's already 1 pm when I walk downstairs, dressed in leggings and one of Aidens hoodies.
"Hello love. How do you feel?" Aiden kisses my cheek.
"Fine actually. I can't believe it's Christmas today."
"Mhm."
"Are you okay? Don't you like Christmas?"
"I'm not very fond of it no. But it's not the celebration itself. It's just my father."
"What is it? Do you wanna tell me?"
"Our Christmas was always a bit different."
I hold my breath as he pauses because I know I won't like the next thing he's about to say.
"My father always hated Christmas. I never knew why but on those days he hated me especially.
I never understood and since mom was in the hospital most of the time I had my own little routine.
I gifted myself and I was fine with it.
But every time he found out he would trash all the decorations and everything I made.
It wasn't that bad but since I was a child at the time it was really hard for me."
I blink away the tears but Aiden continues.
"But he had his own presents for me-" he laughs humorlessly "- I know you wanted to ask where I got all my scars from every time you saw them. Well here's your answer; those were my Christmas presents." I gasp soundlessly.
I don't know what to say.
"I'm so sorry. And I know you don't like when I say that and I don't pity you. I'm just so sorry for your childhood. But why was your father that way?"
"I'm not sure. That's what I never really understood. Mom always told me he was kind and considerate when they first met. But those words belong nowhere near him." He chuckles.
I think for a second. I don't want Christmas ruined for him just because his father is a piece of shit. "Aiden?"
"Yes love?"
"Let's make our own traditions. I'll call Theo and see what he has planned for today. Maybe Callan would like to join us. Is that okay with you?"
He puts his arms around my waist "as long as you're there I am more than happy." I beam at him and call Callan right away.
He tells me he'd love to come but he'll probably be a bit late, since he's still working. I tell him it's no problem and then call Theo.
He's insulted I even asked him.
"I thought we were a family! You don't ask your family members if they would like to spend Christmas with you. It's already clear, you'll spend it with them! I guess I overestimated our relationship." He scoffs and I snicker.
"I apologize Theo. But I'm glad you're coming."
"Of course I am!"
Next thing I call C.
"Merry Christmas babes!" She shouts into the phone.
I laugh out loud. "Merry Christmas bestie. How are you? I miss you like hell."
"Same! I can't wait to finally see you again. I'm fine what about you? Is Aidens wound better?"
I didn't tell C everything that happened because I didn't wanna worry her, but she's smart enough to put everything together.
"It looks much better. He can use his hip normally again."
"Yeah, I can imagine how you know that." She chuckles.
I roll my eyes but grin.
We talk for a bit and occasionally there're weird noises in her background but she tells me, she's currently shopping last minute presents.
In no time it's 5 pm and Callan arrives.
Theo got here earlier.
We decided to order pizza instead of making, (or telling the chef to do) a crazy fancy meal.
Pizza is perfect.
Callan brought a mini fake Christmas tree, because I asked him if he had one, since no one else did.
I just didn't expect it to be this mini.
Theo and I have been laughing at it for the past hour.
But I assured Callan it's perfect.
Theo looks at it closely "look at the decorations there's so much detail in them." He snickers.
Callan rolls his eyes and I ask him how the shift at the Café today was.
He tells me it's been uneventful.
When the pizza finally arrives I'm starving.
Aiden takes a seat next to me on the couch and Theo and Callan sit in front of us.
I asked Aiden if he's sure it's okay for us to eat on his couch. And he said he hated it anyway.
I was damn glad, because I didn't want us all to sit at the super big table in the dining room.
It just didn't have any appeal.
Just as I'm about to bite into my pizza the bell rings.
"Are you waiting on someone?" I ask Aiden and he grins at me.
"Your present is here."
"What? But I didn't get you anything!"
"I know. You alone are all I need. And that's the only present I got." He kisses me and gets up to get the door.
Two minutes later he walks back with-
Chiara walking in behind him.
"What?"
I shriek and run towards her.
C meets me in the middle and we hug like crazy.
"Fuck I missed you." She sniffles and thanks to her I'm also crying now.
"You don't know how much I missed you C." I squeeze her tightly before leaning back to look in her teary eyes.
"But you said, you wouldn't be able to make it to Christmas."
"Guess I lied." She shrugs and I can't believe my best friend is here.
When we both are calm enough to properly talk I turn towards Aiden.
"Is that my present?"
He smiles and nods.
"I thought you'd be happy to see your best friend."
I get on my tiptoes and kiss him.
"You're the best."
Theo clears his throat and I go to introduce them all.
Theo narrows his eyes at C. "Guess there's competition now huh?"
C raises her eyebrows. "For what?"
"I'm Azzies bestie."
Chiara chuckles "I was there first."
Theo scoffs and turns away.
I try smothering my laughter but when I notice Aiden trying to do the same, we both burst out laughing.
After also introducing Callan to C and vice versa we go back to eating our pizzas. Fortunately they're still warm.
Aiden ordered two, because he knew C would arrive.
After that we play some board games and I enjoy it so much.
Having the most important people to me around me and seeing them being happy.
Mom and I decided to have our own little celebration tomorrow.
She's also spending today with her friends.
We have an amazing time and when it gets late everyone decides to go to bed.
Callan and C both stay at the mansion.
After getting ready for bed, I get under the covers and not much later Aiden joins me.
I cuddle into him.
He pulls out a small box and hands it to me.
"What is that?"
"I lied. I do have another present for you."
I raise an eyebrow but begin to open it anyway because I'm a sucker for presents.
I open a small velvet box and gasp at what I see inside.
There lays a plain but beautiful silver ring in the middle.
With a stunning diamond in the center.
I look at Aiden questioningly.
"Don't worry, I'm not proposing. I just wanted to give it to you since I know it'll look beautiful on you."
Aiden takes the ring out and puts it on my ring finger.
It looks beautiful.
I don't even want to know what it's worth.
"Thank you so much Aiden. It's beautiful."
"Just like you." He kisses my forehead,
"Good night my love."
I continue looking at the beautiful ring until my eyes fall closed and consciousness slips away.