Deep (Heavy Hearts Book 2) by Sarah Duncan (red seas under red skies txt) 📗

Ayden says. I look at my phone and realise that at some point, Ayden must have ended our call.

“SnapMaps?” I ask. “I don’t use the map feature on SnapChat.”

“Ah, yeah. It was Jared’s idea to turn it on so we could find you if something happened.”

“What? Like trying to hide from you guys at school, or if I run off to a party with Rhys?” I shove my hands on my hips, not impressed.

“Hey, he only turned it on after the party. But yes, we all want to keep you safe.”

I frown, and he laughs before reaching out to my hip and pulling me to him.

“I missed you.” He says before leaning in to capture my lips in a searing kiss.

My arms know what they want, and they wrap around his neck as he draws me closer, tasting me with his tongue.

“I need to get you home where I can show you how much I missed you today.” Ayden draws back, his blue eyes flitting from my lips to my eyes.

“I like that idea.”

We walk quickly, both of us needing to get behind closed doors to continue that kiss. I use the time to tell Ayden about what happened at my house. It didn’t go well. He’s pissed off big time because I didn’t call him and didn’t let him know what went down until now. He’s also pissed because Muz showed up, even though he helped me.

When we arrive back, he doesn’t even ask me if I want to go up to his loft; he just decides for me and drags me up there, slamming the door behind us. I’m not saying I don’t want to go up to his loft because hell yes, I do, but playing hard to get is kind of fun because it seems to piss him off more. Something I realise I like doing.

I know, I know, I’m messed up!

“Get your clothes off!” His words are demanding, and for a brief moment, I panic. Mike's face flashes through my mind from when he said similar demanding words to me.

“Oh fuck. Lexi, I’m so sorry.” Ayden’s face contorts from the sexy dominant annoyed at his girlfriend look, to shame and sorrow. He saw the panic on my face. I obviously didn’t hide it in time. He steps towards me, but I step back. Determination fuelling me. I need to get past this shit.

“Say it again,” I demand, and he frowns.

“What?”

“Say the words to me again,” I demand.

“No. Lexi I’m sorry I…”

“Fuck it, Ayden. Say the words to me again, dammit!” Angry heat pools behind my eyes.

“Why?” He whispers, confusion in his gaze.

“Make new memories. Isn’t that what you said up in my bedroom the other night?” When he nods, I continue, “Make new memories with me, Ayden. Help me replace the old ones with ones I want. Say. It. Again.”

Understanding dawns in his blue eyes, and he parts those kissable lips.

“Get your clothes off.”

I raise an unimpressed brow at him, “Really? That’s all you got? I think I’ll pass.”

He chuckles, “You sassy minx. Get your clothes off now!”

A shiver runs down my spine at his demanding tone. Yes, I like this side of him. “Again.”

“Lex, I won’t say it again. Get your fucking clothes off!”

That does the trick. Heat pools between my legs and need fills me. Biting my lip, I lift my t-shirt up over my head and drop it to the floor. The heat in Ayden’s eyes is so addictive, I couldn’t stop now if I tried.

Hooking my fingers in the waistband, I drag my leggings down slowly and watch his eyes as they follow my hands until I step out of the fabric.

“You’re mine.” He growls the words, and I raise a brow.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“What if I don’t want to be yours?” I tease, making him growl again.

“You can fight it all you want. You’re mine, and that’s all there is to it.” He licks his lips. “Bra off.”

I do as he asks, reaching back to unclasp my bra, trying to shake off Mike’s voice when he demanded the same thing. Again, my face must show my vulnerability, and when Ayden’s face drops, I shake my head at him, throwing him a glare and letting my bra fall to the floor.

“Lex. Maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

“Let me ask you something,” I say, standing as tall as I can, pushing out my chest and drawing his attention to my pebbled nipples. “Do you like being dominant like this? Is this part of you?”

“It doesn’t have to be.” He answers as his eyes watch my hand lift to my breast, and my fingers graze over my nipples.

“That’s not what I asked.”

He sighs. “Yes, I like it. Yes, it's part of me.” He answers honestly.

“Then stop holding back. I like this part of you, Ayden. I may freak, I may even get upset, but I will tell you to stop if I need you to. If I don’t say stop, then don’t. I know it sounds messed up but help me work through this shit so I can be… normal.”

Ayden’s chest rises and falls as his breathing becomes deeper and faster before he nods.

“Fine, get in the shower then.”

I freeze.

Ayden’s breathing quickens, and his nostrils flare. He ducks his head for a moment, looking to his feet and shakes his head. I can see this is killing him, I didn’t tell him to go that far, but maybe it’s exactly what I need. The quicker I face those demons, the quicker I can be a normal girlfriend.

I can tell he’s about to apologise again, so I move past him, my legs shaking a little as I head towards his bathroom. Turning on the light, I step inside the small white space keeping my back to him.

“Lex.” He pleads.

“Keep going,” I beg, a tear popping free.

“You still have clothes on. I said everything off.” Ayden’s voice gives away how much he is struggling, so I suck in a breath and turn to him, holding my head high.