Page 62 of Fight or Flight
CHAPTER XXI
CLAIRE
It’s been four weeks since Aidan and I decided to give our love another try. And so far, it’s the best decision I have made in years.
Sometimes, it feels like we picked up where we left off with how comfortable and real we can act around each other. But most times, our relationship is so much better now that we’ve both matured and learned from our previous mistakes.
Whenever we’re apart, I feel like half of me is missing, and I wish we could fast-forward to the place where we share our lives and our space again. But we agreed to take things slow, so that’s what we’re doing.
We haven’t even had sex since the trip to the pier, and I can feel I won’t be able to last much longer. Every time Aidan kisses me goodbye after another date, he leaves me there on Jenny’s doorstep, panting and needy. And I know the next time that happens, I will probably just drag him to the closest isolated place.
Funny how the right man can turn me into a sex-crazed zombie. When I was in Chicago, I didn’t even like the thought of being touched by a man. And now all I fantasize about is when I will again feel Aidan’s body move against mine.
Today, we have another date, and Aidan claimed this one will be special, so I know it’s time we move to the next level. Although, I don’t know what can be considered more special than the last date we were on. He took me to an amusement park and let me go multiple times on each ride until I puked the mixture of popcorn and cotton candy into the nearest trash can. Good times.
But if he’s going to up his game, then I decided to do the same and buy myself some sexy lingerie for tonight.
I started to help out a bit at the diner Jenny used to work at to make some money, and slowly transitioned from being the parasite feeding off Jenny and Brody’s hospitality to being an actual responsible adult. I’m taking it slow and only working for a few hours when Garry the boss needs me.
But I made enough now to take myself on a little trip into town and splurge on something sexy for my man.
Since Jenny took the car to drive herself to the last checkup before the baby comes, I just scribbled her a quick note, grabbed my bicycle from the garage, and rode downtown.
Last time I was shopping with Jenny, I noticed a nice shop with lingerie that looked just perfect, and now I walk into the place already set on what I want.
The cute little costume looks remarkable. I can’t wait to see Aidan’s face when he undresses me tonight. God, I need to make a move on if I want to be ready before he arrives at Jenny’s.
I pay and quickly get out of the store when a male voice freezes me on the spot. “Found you.”
My head whips toward the silhouette of a man standing beside me, right where I left my bicycle.
Nico Ramirez stands there looking very well put together if it weren’t for a weird metal brace around his leg. By his side stands a tall bodyguard, looking ready to tackle me, and I gulp before I start to frantically look around for a way to escape. Then I remember the lady at the store and take a step back.
“You don’t want to do that, Claire,” Nico warns, swiping his eyes over me. “You should come with us.”
I snort and give him an incredulous look. “Why would I ever do that?”
“Because we know what you’ve been hiding,” he states simply, and I feel the blood leaving my face. “I would hate for something to happen to your friend. How far along is she?” Nico’s head tilts to the side like he’s genuinely curious, and we’re just friends catching up.
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I feel faint and nauseous. This can’t be happening. Again.
Why did I think that they would just leave me be? Oh, fuck. Nora...
She’s been staying with Amelia and her family for a while, since she’s been getting along so well with her kids. I visited her a few times, but when I noticed that I only brought her pain and bad memories with my presence, I stopped.
How long were they watching me? Do they know where she is? Is their whole family in danger, too?