Page 99 of Lust & Lies

But it wouldn’t die down. Perhaps I should take a peek inside just to silence the doubt in my mind. It wasn’t a sign that I didn’t trust Aiden. I was just curious to learn more about our home and property.

Yeah, that’s what it was. I could just peer into the window or something. I didn’t need to actually go in. I frowned when something growled. I glanced over my shoulder.

“Was that you?” I asked.

“Yep. I didn’t eat breakfast, remember? I was too busy feeding you cock.”

This man!His sinful words wiped thoughts of the shed from my mind. But I couldn’t focus on his wicked words. I was too busy feeling guilty for bringing him outside instead of making sure he’d eaten.

I’d been in a rush to get to the garden and hadn’t even remembered that Aiden hadn’t eaten breakfast.Wait!We’d slept through lunch. So he hadn’t eaten anything today.Damn it!

“You haven’t eaten all day, Aiden, and it’s almost dinner time.” I frowned, feeling like a failure. I wanted to be enough for him, to give him back the same care he poured into me. Instead of worrying about sheds, I needed to worry about him.

The thought that I might fall short of what he needed made my stomach twist. I’d been about to lose my shit because of a shed, while he’d been ignoring his hunger and helping me in the garden.

“I’m a horrible wife. I didn’t even think about food. You always think of everything I need. And I didn’t think that you needed to eat something before coming outside and...”

I went silent when he grabbed my chin and forced me to look up at him. I hadn’t realized he’d taken his gloves off.

“Look at me, love. Don’t ever say you’re horrible again. And never ever think that you’re a horrible wife. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, woman.”

“But I didn’t ask if you were hungry or remember that you hadn’t eaten breakfast. I was just focused on being out here and...”

“Calm down, baby. I’m a grown man. I won’t die if I miss a meal or two.”

“But...” I started.

“And it’s not your fault that I didn’t eat. I wasn’t hungry. Yeah, I’m hungry now. But I wasn’t hungry earlier. If I were, I would’ve eaten. It’s not your responsibility to make sure I eat.”

“But you make sure I have everything I need, Aiden.”

“That’s my job, love.”

“Okay, so my job is to make sure you have everything you need, too.”

“No, it’s not.”

“So, what’s my job then?” And if he said sex or anything related to it, I was going to snap.

“Right now, your job is to heal and get better. But on a regular day, your job is to love me, be safe, and be happy. That’s it.”

He got me every single time. Just when I thought I couldn’t fall deeper, I found myself slipping some more.

“But that’s what I want for you, too, Aiden. I want you to just love me and be happy and be safe.”

“I’m doing that already.”

“Along with everything else,” I pointed out. “You’re doing everything. Eventually, you’ll get tired of doing all of that for me.”

“Woman, haven’t you caught on yet that my love language is taking care of you?”

His touch was tender, his eyes sincere. It was impossible not to see and feel his love for me. Yet, I doubted him and his intentions the moment my brain started to spiral with conspiracies and chaos.

One day at a time, I told myself.Just take it one day at a time.

“Actually, I have noticed that,” I whispered. “But people can get burnt out on love just like they get burned out on a job. I don’t want that for us. I don’t want you to ever feel like all you do is give and get nothing in return. So, let me take care of you just as much as you take care of me. I insist.”

“You do take care of me, love. I don’t think you realize how much you take care of me.”