Page 31 of Unbroken

Aiden had known for months that he was in trouble.

Maybe longer.

It had started quietly, so gradual he hadn’t recognized it for what it was. But somewhere over the last year, affection had become attachment. Attachment had become need.

Now she sat curled against him on the couch, and he couldn’t imagine a world where he didn’t spend the rest of his life trying to keep this woman smiling.

God, she was beautiful.

The hesitant curve of her smile. The vulnerability she fought to hide. The way she trusted him enough now to let him see the parts of her nobody else did.

That trust meant more to him than she would ever understand.

Aiden brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before leaning in slowly, giving her every chance to pull away.

She didn’t.

Her eyes fluttered closed the moment his lips touched hers. She responded tentatively, opening her mouth to him a little at a time. He swept his tongue over her lips, gently coaxing her to give in and let him take care of her.

The kiss was soft.

Unhurried.

He felt her melt against him by degrees, tension easing from her body with every slow pass of his mouth over hers.

His hand spread against her back, holding her securely as he kissed her again.

And again.

Each one left him more wrecked than the last.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured against her lips.

Maya gave a tiny shake of her head, dropping her gaze to his chest. Aiden’s chest tightened. He rested his forehead against hers.

“Don’t do that,” he said quietly. “Don’t doubt me when I say it.”

She drew in a sharp breath, her muscles tensing beneath his touch.

“You’re beautiful,” he repeated, his thumb stroking gently along her jaw. “And perfect. Exactly the way you are.”

Emotion flickered across her expression so quickly it nearly undid him.

The idea of anyone hurting Maya filled him with rage.

She deserved to be cherished.

Loved.

Aiden would spend the rest of his life undoing the damage Wainwright and countless others had inflicted.

He kissed the corner of her mouth, slow and reverent.

Then her cheek.

Her temple.

Every touch carried the same silent promise that she would be safe with him.