Page 37 of Unbroken

“Thank you.”

Aiden redirected his gaze to her, then brushed a kiss over her forehead.

“I’m just glad you’re okay. Scared the hell out of me.”

She released his hand, and he helped her into a sitting position.

“You still look pale,” he observed. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”

“Just home.”

She took his outstretched hand and stood, then followed him to the car.

Aiden drove to her place, then ushered her inside and locked the door.

“Do you need anything? Aspirin, Tylenol…?”

She shook her head.

“I just want to lie down for a bit.”

It was silly, but she felt exhausted, as if the panic attack had drained every ounce of her strength. She changed and brushed her teeth, then climbed into bed.

Aiden followed mere minutes later and pulled her in close. Just having him near calmed her, and she slipped into a deep sleep.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-TWO

He knew she was awake. The sun had risen more than an hour ago, and shortly afterward, Aiden had felt the telltale shift of her body as she came awake. She hadn’t said a word, and neither had he. He continued to lie there quietly, his body wrapped around hers, knowing she needed time to deal with the events of the previous night.

Finally, Maya scooted toward the edge of the bed. He reluctantly let her go, watching as she moved toward the bathroom. His heart aching for her, he slipped from beneath the covers and followed as she stepped into the shower and stood listlessly beneath the spray.

Once more, he enfolded her in his arms, offering silent support. She tucked her head into his shoulder, and he smoothed his hands down her back.

In his estimation, there were few things a hot shower couldn’t fix, and he grabbed the soap from the shelf, then slowly began to lather her body. She stood stock-still under his ministrations as he swept his hands up her arms, then down her back, gently massaging the tension from her muscles.

Her face tipped up to his, and he saw the need deep in her blue eyes.

Aiden bowed his head and kissed her, gently at first, then more firmly as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Time slipped away as he kissed her slow and deep.

He broke the kiss and stared down at her. Her eyes were closed in ecstasy, teeth buried in her bottom lip as she clung to him. He wanted Maya with a desperation he’d never felt before. He wanted her every day for the rest of his life.

“Maya.”

Those beautiful blue eyes blinked open, and in their depths, he saw the reflection of every emotion that roiled inside him.

Desire.

Love.

Devotion.

The timing was absolutely terrible, but he couldn’t hold his feelings back one more second.

“I love you.”

Her lips parted, and her eyes widened with surprise.