Page 17 of UnTrained: Volume Two
Aiden's thumb traces my lower lip, his eyes following the movement with an intensity that makes my pulse quicken. "My involvement with your case is officially over. The mission was completed when we brought down that trafficking ring." His voice drops lower. "What happens between us now is personal, not professional."
Relief washes through me, followed by something warmer. Hope, maybe. Or the beginnings of it.
"I'd like that," I whisper. "Taking it one day at a time."
Aiden pulls me closer, his lips brushing my forehead. "Then that's what we'll do."
15
Isettle against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart beneath my ear. For the first time since my rescue, I feel like I might have a future worth looking forward to. Not just survival, but something more.
"Thank you," I say softly.
"For what?"
"For seeing me. The real me. Not just what they tried to make me."
His arms tighten around me, protective and gentle all at once. "I think I saw you from the very beginning."
I believe him. In that cold facility, when I was nothing but a number, a project, a broken thing to be fixed, he somehow saw past all of that. He saw the woman I used to be, and the woman I could be again.
I close my eyes, breathing in his scent, letting myself sink into this moment of peace. For so long, touch meant pain, or theprelude to pain. Now it means comfort. Safety. Maybe even something more that I'm not ready to name yet.
"We should get up," Aiden murmurs against my hair, though he makes no move to release me. "Get something to eat."
My stomach rumbles in agreement, and I laugh softly. "I guess that's a yes."
But neither of us moves right away. This cocoon of warmth, of connection, is too precious to break. His fingers trace lazy patterns on my back, and I find myself mapping the contours of his chest, memorizing the rhythm of his breathing.
Finally, Aiden shifts, pressing a kiss to my forehead before sitting up. "Stay here.”
I sit up, the sheet falling away, feeling suddenly exposed. A strange panic flutters in my chest, like a bird trapped in a cage. What am I doing?
Aiden is watching me, his eyes gentle but questioning.
"Lana? What's wrong?"
"I don't know," I whisper, wrapping my arms around myself. "This feels... too good. Like it can't be real."
He reaches for me, but stops when I flinch involuntarily. His hand hovers in the air between us, and I see concern etched across his features.
"I'm sorry," I say quickly. "I didn't mean to?—"
"Don't apologize." His voice is firm but gentle. "Your body is still processing trauma. These reactions are normal."
I draw a shaky breath, fighting the urge to retreat further. "I just... I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. For this to turn into something else."
Aiden sits up slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements. "That's understandable. Trust takes time to rebuild."
"But I do trust you," I insist, frustrated with my own reactions. "At least, I want to."
Aiden's eyes soften as he watches me, careful to keep his distance. "Trust isn't just about intentions, Lana. It's about your body believing you're safe, too. And that takes time."
I nod, drawing the sheet up around me like armor. The fabric feels cool against my flushed skin, grounding me in this moment rather than the shadows lurking at the edges of my mind.
"Can I come closer?" Aiden asks, his voice gentle.
I nod again, forcing myself to breathe through the momentary panic. He moves slowly, telegraphing each movement as he settles beside me, not touching but close enough that I can feel his warmth.
