Chapter 32

Chapter 32 Aden

The morning after the...incident in the hallway, I'm working in my office, but I'm having trouble getting anything done.

Though I'm not sure I could have prevented it, I'm angry with myself for falling apart like that in front of Brooklyn. And even more annoyed that of all the professions she could have possibly had, she had to be a therapist.

She had to think she might be able to help me.

I thought about the way she looked at me, her cheeks flushed, eyes concerned, hair messed up from dragging me, ME, through the doorway to her bedroom.

I wanted to take her in my arms and shut her up. Prove to her I was strong, that she was powerless to me. That I was not the powerless one.

I groan, throwing my head back against the chair, where I stare at the tree line outside my window until a knock comes at the door.

"Come in," I call, hardly paying attention.

The door creeks open, but no one says anything. Annoyed, I turn from the window, ready to tell whatever captain or guard is coming with a report to get on with it and stop wasting my time.

To my surprise, and slight irritation, Brooklyn stands in the doorway. I lean back in my chair my eyes roaming over her. What on earth could she want now?

"Yes?"

"Can I come in?" she asks, anxiously playing with her hair.

wanted to run my hands through,

in, Brooklyn." I keep

two steps

the wall, a little afraid. Like a kitten in a tiger's cage. I can't help but smile at the sight of

brown riding boots over tight jeans, a green cashmere sweater on top. The green brings

selected the sweater for precisely that reason, had it sent up

decide in that moment that I like it down better than up. I make

prompt her again,

About last night." She hesitates again. "Is it safe to talk in

I sigh. "Go ahead."

just wanted to offer, again, to help. In whatever way I

rove over her body

here. If I

her squirm, virgin that she is and

mean, Aden," she says. "I could

the desk as if they're more interesting and important. How many times do I

smiling again. I like these moments when

but I love to stir that

ask now, leaning back in my chair, studying her. I'm genuinely curious. Maybe she thinks if she could get into my head, she'll have even more secrets, leverage on me. Brooklyn shrugs. "I got into counseling because I want to help people. It's not easy to simply stand around when someone clearly needs my help... even if they

roll my eyes, breathing a heavy

to help you-maybe you'd respect me more. Stop belittling me," she says, frustrated,

away my favorite new hobby?

your offer, Brooklyn," I tell

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