Chapter 54: Chapter 55

Chapter 55

My heart drops. Some part of me had wondered absently if Aiden’s family might have something to do with all of this, but to have Aiden say it truly confirmed how far things have spiraled

“Do you think they would do something like this?” I ask at last. “I mean, I know they don’t approve of me, but stalking? Attacks? Hell, attempted murder?” I bury my head in my hands as the memories of each incident roll over me.

“I don’t know,” Aiden admits. They’re certainly capable of this. didn’t think they would ever stoop this far, but at this point I don’t know what other explanation we have.

The revelation floors the both of us for some time. There’s not much more that can be said such a horrifying suggestion casts doubt over everything in our lives.

Still, 1 remain by Aiden’s bedside. We chat for the rest of the day play cards, and watch movies- anything to take both of our minds off of everything, Aiden protests me spending another moment in such an uncomfortable chair, but I insist. I don’t want to leave his side for even a moment.

-you

in that chair.”

need to go home and rest,” Aiden urges. “You can’t keep sleeping in

1 shake my head firmly. “I’m not leaving you alone here, Aiden. Tll be fine. Besides, I don’t think I should be alone right now, either

With a sigh. Aiden relents. I can still see the small yet fond smile on his face despite his protests.

As the days pass, I spend more time outside of the hospital, moving back and forth as much as I can. When I do leave. come back with care packages. I bring snacks, books, more pillow anything that might make this more bearable.

1 spend quite a bit of time fussing over Aiden’s bedside. I fluff his pillows and adjust his blankets even as he argues it’s unnecessary. It’s the only thing that settles my feelings of helplessness.

The news of Aiden’s further injury reached the team quickly. Aiden has a few calls with team administration, explaining the situation as best as he can. We decide that it’s best if we disclose that the injury came from a personal attack on me so that the rest of the team can be on high alert as well. I had to inform Mr. Whitlock eventually anyway, I muse.

Not everyone takes the news well. One afternoon, Coach Henry practically busts down the door and storms inside. “Aiden, what the hell have you been doing?” He demands. “Do you know what this means for the team? We can’t afford to have you out of commission like this!”

I can feel Aiden tense up beside me. I’m about to step in to defend him when Mr. Whitlock enters the room. He has a stern expression on his face

“Enough, Henry,” Richard admonishes. “Aiden needs time to recover. What’s done is done. We’ll have to manage without him for now.

Coach Henry bristles at being shut down so quickly. He shoots another glare at Aiden, who offers him a charming smile in response. Coach Henry huffs angrily before storming right back out of the room.

I blink. “That was efficient,” I say eventually, my eyes moving between the door and Mr. Whitlock. He laughs quietly, sit, Richard

“Don’t listen to him. He’s just worked up because he’s worried about you and doesn’t know how to express i explains. He strolls over to Aiden’s bedside and pats his shoulder “Your health comes first.”

Richard sticks around for a little while longer to ask some questions about Aiden’s condition. Eventually, he turns his attention toward me.

“And how are you doing. Ms. Miller?”

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Chapter 55

“Oh I’m alright,” I say a bit confused. “I’m not the one with a broken foot.

Richard chuckles. “I know that, of course, but this situation is more complicated than that. The attack was aimed at you, wasn’t it?”

I shiver at the thought, but try to put on a brave face. “Presumably. What’s important right now is that we stay safe and recover moving forward.” I say with determination. Richard smiles gently

“You’ve got grit. Ms. Miller,” he says. With a polite farewell, he steps back out of the room.

In the following days, both Aiden and I are surprised to find that a few of his teammates decide to visit. Most of them seem completely out of their element in this situation. Some bring small gifts or cards, but they seem uncertain if that’s what they should be doing:

I can’t help but feel touched despite their clumsy delivery. Their awkwardness and stilted conversation with Aiden betray their gemine concern for him. It warms my heart to see them come to their teammate’s side in his time of needl

One evening. Aiden is admitted to the hospital, his childhood friend Oliver stops by. Aiden and I are playing cards when we hear a knock at the door.

“Am I interrupting anything?” A playful voice calls. Aiden immediately perks up.

“Oliver? Is that you?” He responds. The door swings open to reveal Oliver standing outside the door with a big grin.

I met Oliver briefly at the Cruz family party, so it’s nice to see luam in a less formal setting. Still, he’s dressed smartly — as to be expected from the Capital’s elite. His dark brown hair is neatly styled, and the light dusting of freckles on his cheeks brings out the brightness of his blue eyes. He’s wearing a tailored sweater, slacks, and white leather shoes

“Oh, buddy” Oliver whistles. He takes a moment to look over Aiden, and clicks his tongue. “Not exactly looking your best. are you?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking abour, Aiden jokds His expression turns from excited to confused. “How do you hear about my injury?”

“Well, as far as your initial injury, the whole world has been gossiping about it. This recent development, though, is definitely less public.”

“That doesn’t answer my question Aiden points out with a raised eyebrow, Oliver laughs good-naturedly.

“Close,” Oliver points out. “It’s best not to ask too many questions, Just know I have my sources, and they’re t

‘re more ethical

than most

It makes sense that Oliver would be of a similar ilk to the Cruz fimily, but I still final myself surprised by his words. I guess my suspicions are confirmed – it seems like elite from the capital can get anything they want. Even a beta, like Oliver, seems capable of that.

“If you’ve already found out, does that mean Aiden’s fanuly knows, too? Lask, concern etched into my face.

“Quite pretty and smart, huh?” Oliver says approvingly

“Watch yourself,” Aiden warrens. Oliver raises his hands defensively.

“OK, OK, I get it. Anyway, regarding the nice ladies question, I’m not sure. If they slon’t know now, they probably will soonTM “Is that why you came all the way here?” I ask “As a warning?

“Something like that,” Oliver agrees. “But I also couldn’t just let my boss, my buddy stuck in the hospital. Although, if you’re here, maybe I don’t need to worry about that?

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Chapter 55

Aiden’s expression seems genuinely regretful. “I apologize for the trouble,” he says. Oliver and I share a sarcastic look.

“Come on, Alden, you can’t blame yourself for everything in this world,” Oliver, teases softly. “Seriously, though. I’m sure you are causing Carol here a lot more distress than me.”

at there’s something else on

ell. Still, I can tell that Oliver visits a few times. His presence lifts Aiden’s spirits, and mine as well. Aiden’s mind.

Eventually, I decide to ask Aiden what’s bothering him still. We’re watching a movie with our fingers intertwined when I finally ask.

“Is something bothering you?” I ask. I realize it might be a foolish question and flush. “Other than the obvious, of course.”

Aiden looks at me with a bit of guilt on his face. “I just miss it, you know? Being close to you.”

Oh. I have to suppress a giddy laugh. I’ve always known that Aiden has a high sex drive probably something to do with being an alpha- but I didn’t realize how much of an effect this is likely having on him.

My lips curve into a teasing smile. I bat my eyelashes. “Oh, really? Is that all you can think about?”

I see Aiden’s eyes flash with passion. His gaze is intense as he squeezes my hand. I’m serious, Carol. It’s driving me crazy.“

I flush even harder at Aiden’s intense gaze. Everything he does seems to turn me on. I can imagine how sexually frustrated

he has been

A devious idea pops into my mind, and I can’t resist the temptation. I laugh softly, a smirk playing across my lips, “Well, lucky for you, there are other things we can do even if you’re not able to move.”

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