ELeven

Kazia

I nibble on my finger as I watch Aidan move around the house like he didn't almost kill someone just a few hours ago. Honestly, I'm surprised he cares about me. He was ready to defend me, even if it meant getting himself into trouble.

I want to thank him, but he hasn't even looked at me since then, let alone initiated a conversation. I think he's angry with me.

I don't know where this sudden urge to hug him is coming from and it's strong. Could it be because I've never had someone truly care about me besides my father? Am I getting attached to him because my life has been so lacking in affection? Geez, this is driving me crazy.

Just when I thought he would keep ignoring my presence in the room, he walks up to me, holding a small dish with cotton swabs.

With one hand, he holds my jaw, and with the other, he gently dabs the wet cotton swab over the bruise on my cheek. "Ahhh," I wince, instinctively pulling away, but he tightens his grip, keeping me still.

His gaze is stern as he focuses on my cheek, determined to finish cleaning it. Once he's done, he moves on to my wrist, treating each injury with quiet care.

My phone rings, and I quickly pick it up when I see who's calling.

"Kazia, darling! I heard what happened to you. Are you alright?" Jules' concerned voice comes through the phone. Of course, Leo must have told her everything—there's nothing that man doesn't share with his wife.

"Do you want to come over?" she asks, her tone gentle.

Do I? Maybe I should stay away from Aidan right now, give him some space.

"I don't know," I murmur, sneaking a glance at Aidan. He's finished tending to my wounds and is about to leave the room.

"I think Aidan is angry with me," I say, hoping Jules has some insight.

"Why do you think that?" she asks.

"I don't know… he's usually not this cold towards me. Maybe he's upset that I didn't tell him where I was going."

"Kazia, I don't think he could ever be mad at you," she reassures me. "Have you tried using your charms on him?"

"What charms?" I ask, genuinely puzzled, and she giggles on the other end of the line.

"Okay, how about this: walk up to him and give him a peck on the cheek," she suggests mischievously.

"Huh?! I can't do that!" I sputter, my face heating up.

"We're not that close. A peck is way too much," I insist, dismissing her suggestion immediately.

"But weren't you boasting to your stepsister about how amazing he is? So… you two haven't actually… you know?" she teases, her laughter bubbling through the phone like she's heard the funniest joke.

"I was just bluffing! We haven't done anything like that," I confess.

"What? Are you both logs of wood? How can you live under the same roof and not do anything?" she exclaims in surprise.

"Our relationship is… kind of complicated," I admit, struggling to find the right words.

"Complicated? Have you seen the way he looks at you? I think he really likes you. Why don't we find out?" she encourages.

"No!" I protest, though a part of me wonders if he does feel something for me. I shake off the thought. "I don't want to make the first move. What if he uses it against me later?" I say, conveniently forgetting that I almost kissed him a few weeks ago.

"If you two keep going like this, my future baby won't have a friend, and I won't get to be a godmother," she sighs dramatically.

"Chill, girl. We're still talking about a peck on the cheek. How did we jump to having babies?" I laugh, trying to brush off her teasing.

"Well, you two better hurry up," she says, her tone playfully insistent.

"I don't think Aidan would want that. I respect his personal space and I don't plan on crossing any boundaries," I say, hoping to convince both her and myself. What if I try something and he rejects me? That will be humiliating.

"Kazia, you're married to him! What could go wrong?" she argues. "Do you need me to come over and make it happen?"

"Don't you dare," I say, exasperated.

"I never imagined I'd have to tell a married adult what to do in her marriage," she laughs mockingly. "Do you two need a live demonstration?"

Just then, Aidan appears in front of me, holding a container of cream. He opens it, scoops a little onto his fingers, and gently rubs it on my cheek, massaging the spot tenderly.

"Kazia? Kazia?" Jules' voice brings me back to the present, but I can barely focus on her.

"He's right in front of me, caressing my cheek. Jules, What should I do?" I whisper, grateful that Aidan is too focused on my cheek to notice my lips moving.

"There's your chance, girl. Go for it," she urges.

"My heart is racing. I'm scared. What if… what if he doesn't want it and pushes me away?"

"Kazia, do it already!" Jules demands, her sudden command startling me.

I ignore her voice and focus on Aidan instead. Should I really try? My heart is pounding as I study his face, noticing how close he is.

Why is he still massaging that same spot, anyway?

Alright, here goes nothing. One… two… three… I lean forward, letting my lips brush against his. Time seems to stop as our eyes meet. He doesn't look surprised, just… calm, watching me with that same intense gaze. He isn't pushing me away, but he's not really responding either. I pull back, feeling embarrassed. I shouldn't have done that.

Just as I start to look away, he grabs my jaw and pulls me back, his lips crashing onto mine. He kisses me with a fierceness that takes my breath away, like he's been waiting for this as long as I have. The sensation is overwhelming, intoxicating—I lose myself in the kiss, pressing closer to him.

"Yes, that's it!" I hear Jules cheer faintly through the phone. In a flustered panic, I press the power button, ending the call immediately.

Aidan pulls back slightly, and we both gasp for air, his forehead resting against mine. I'm too shy to meet his gaze, but I can feel his eyes on me, intense and unwavering.

After a moment, he lifts my chin, guiding my face up to his, and then he kisses me again, slow and tender this time, savoring every second, exploring every inch of my mouth.

Oh my goodness! I don't ever want this to end.