Scuffle

"Because my job is to protect you."

Aiden didn't give me even a moment to process his words before sweeping me into his arms and striding toward where his motorcycle was parked.

"Aiden Hartley! Put me down this instant and answer the questions you know I'm dying to ask!"

He let out a low groan, his hold tightening around my back and knees, as if to make sure I couldn't wriggle free.

"I can't believe I told you that. What is wrong with me? What the hell is wrong with me?" he muttered, his voice hushed with surprise and disbelief.

I stayed quiet, letting his anxious words hang in the air. Everything about this situation was a tangled mess, completely incomprehensible. And yet…

I felt safe with him.

Aiden set me down carefully on his bike, then stepped back, dragging both hands through his hair in frustration.