Page 26 of Unbroken

A flashback of that day at the hospital hit her—the way he’d stared at her like he wanted so badly to touch her but couldn’t.

Tonight was the first time she’d held someone’s hand in more than a year. She didn’t know how she felt about it, to be honest. The idea of allowing someone this close to her again made her heart beat faster, both from exhilaration and terror.

She stared up at him. “I don’t want to be the broken girl anymore.”

His free hand lifted, and the backs of his fingers drifted across her cheek before tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re not broken, Maya. You’re the strongest person I know.”

His gaze dropped to her lips, and a strange sensation curled through her. For a moment, it felt as if everything had slipped away and she was the old Maya, confident and carefree.

But as quickly as it came, the feeling slipped away.

She wanted him to kiss her, but part of her was terrified. Not of Aiden—never of Aiden. She knew he would never hurt her.

She was scared that if he got too close, things between them would change.

She wanted him to see the woman he’d met a year ago and not look at her with pity or awe as everyone else did, but with desire. Passion. Maybe even more.

“I don’t know what to do.”

His voice was low and full of something. Desire, maybe?

“What do you mean?”

She had no idea why she was whispering, only that the situation seemed to call for it.

“I’m trying so hard not to touch you right now. All I’ve thought about for the past year is you—when I could see you again. Hold you. Kiss you. It’s been killing me.”

She took a tiny step forward.

She remembered the way he’d held her after she escaped, cradled her in his arms like he could protect her from anything and everything.

She wanted to feel that way again.

Safe. Secure. Cherished. Protected.

She lifted one hand and laid it on his chest. “You’re the only man I’ve wanted since…”

She trailed off before continuing. “You’re the only one I trust.”

Whisper-soft, he placed his hands on her hips. “You’re killing me, Maya.”

“Please,” she begged. “For me. I want to forget the past and move forward. Please help me.”

“God.” His eyes closed. “You have no idea…”

Those dark brown eyes opened and stared into hers. “I stayed away. I tried so hard. Tell me you really want this.”

She felt like she was being pulled in two very different directions. All she knew was that she didn’t want anyone else. No one made her feel the way Aiden did.

“I don’t know,” she admitted on a shaky breath. “I just… I want to try. You’re the only person who really sees me. That has to mean something, right?”

“I’ve seen you, Maya. Believe me. I…”

He trailed off, and her body heated at the sparks of lust in his eyes. “I want to kiss you.”

It wasn’t a question, but he stared at her for several seconds as if seeking approval. Finally, she nodded.

Her breath left her lungs in shallow pants, and Aiden stepped forward, eliminating the space between them. He kept his hands on her waist, tight enough that she felt secure but loose enough that she didn’t feel trapped.