Chapter 13 My tongue felt heavy in my mouth , my eyes unable to break away from the circuit they had closed with Aiden's . I was trapped in a speil and I didn't want it to end . I shivered when I felt his large hand cup my jaw . His skin was smooth and warm against my cool cheeks . He was impossibly close now , I could feel his breath fanning my skin and I felt as if I was being consumed by his presence . " Ellie ? " Oh god , how did he manage to make my name sound like that ? " The bridge . I managed out . I go to the bridge sometimes to think . " Why didn't you go to bed ? " I caught my lower lip between my teeth , my mouth feeling dry . I felt my cheeks heat up as I remembered coming home to an empty house and hating it . My loneliness had amplified in that moment and nearly crippled me . I looked away , ashamed . " The house was empty and I couldn't bear it . I admitted . " I know you hate me because Tammy wants to spend time with me when she's here but I think I got used to you all being around that it felt weird … " I looked up to find Aiden frowning but not in anger . Guilt seemed to flicker over those beautiful features . " I don't hate you , Ellie . I could never hate you . " He finally spoke , sighing heavily as he seemed to choose his words carefully . " I just worry that Tamray can be a bad influence . " " She's nice to me . " My voice was pathetically tiny . " So is Kyle . I don't have any friends so it's nice . " " And me ? " The question took me by surprise . My eyes widened as I processed the question . * I … uh … " I stammered , my cheeks burning and I was so glad it was dark because I could only imagine how red my cheeks were now . Aiden chuckled , shaking his head a little . " I'm just teasing you . " He murmured . " I guess I have been a bit absent . " I shrugged a little . " It's not my business , Aiden . Liam didn't let you lodge here just to babysit me . " " True but we live together . Aiden shrugged. " Come here . " I said nothing as he pulled me into a bear hug but couldn't hide the wince on my face as my bruised ribs and stomach were pressed against . I didn't think Aiden had noticed but he pulled back almost immediately , his brows creased in concern . " Did I hurt you ? " He asked . No. " I replied shakily . " I just hurt my ribs when I slipped over at work . " " What ? Why didn't you say something ? " Aiden's hands were around my upper arms , his heat burning through the material of my top to my skin . His eyes were searching me . " Did you check if your ribs weren't broken ? " I hadn't thought of that . My mouth opened but nothing came out leaving the gaping fish . " Come on , let me take a look inside . " Aiden sighed and guided me back into the house . Kyle was still passed out on the couch but the latest episode was now finished and the TV was waiting for someone to choose a new channel or episode . I was silent as we moved to the kitchen where the light was better . I was nervous . I hadn't looked at the damage Noah had done properly . I knew there was a bruise though , the skin smarted like one whenever I moved . What would Aiden think ? " Let's see . " Aiden motioned for me to show him . 1/2 Chapter 13 It's really not that bad . " I mumbled . Ellie , show me already . I swallowed against the lump in my throat , reluctantly lifting the hem of my top to expose my stomach and ribs . I heard the sharp intake of breath but didn't look at Aiden in case he could see the lies in my eyes . I didn't want to see or feel his pity . I didn't even want to do this . Why did he have to hug me ? " Jesus Christ , Ellie ! Who the fuck did this to you ? " Aiden growled making me tremble . Chapter Comments Shelli Hays Dunlap she needs her brother back matshidiso nzuza I feel Ellie View All 5 Comments > 5 3