Page 68 of Villainous

“You smell delicious,” Aiden says as he leans forward and kisses my cheek. We’re in the kitchen making Christmas cookies for the Christmas party tonight at Devious’s house.

“Gross,” AJ says, sticking out his tongue.

“You’re putting too much batter on the sheet,” I say, snatching the bowl from AJ.

This year has been crazy with Aiden. I never thought in a million years he would break my heart and put it back together. I never thought in a million years I would forgive Aiden for all the bullshit he did, holding me captive and then punishing me for leaving him. I broke his heart, and he broke mine, and together, we mended each other’s hearts. Love is funny and messy, and I’m glad to share it with the only true love I’ve ever known. As for my mother, I haven’t been to prison to visit her, and I hope she rots for all the shit she did to me. I realize it can be the people who are closest to you to hurt you more than anything in the world.

“It’s time to put the cookies into the oven. Grab the mittens,” I tell Aiden, and he does what I say. He stuffs the tray into the heated oven, and we make our way to the living room. “Jingle Bell Rock” plays in the background, and the white Christmas tree decorated with silver and teal ornaments sits in the corner. We went to pick out the tree a week ago, and we’re going to start our own family traditions.

“It’s time to unwrap presents,” Aiden says as he squats down and hands AJ at least five presents.

“You went all out, didn’t you?” I tease him.

“It’s our first Christmas as a famiglia. I want to make sure it’s big.”

AJ tears open his presents and removes them from the boxes. He received five video games for his system, toys, and a key.

“What’s the key for?” he asks, confused.

“It’s a key to your go-kart.”

“Really?”

“Yes, we’ll go outside and drive it in a little bit. I want to give your mother her gift first.” He grabs a small box from the tree and hands it to me.

“What is this?”

“Open it.”

Slowly, I unwrap the box and open it. It’s a ring—a black heart diamond ring. He slides it onto my finger.

“We’re getting married tomorrow morning.”

“Are we now?”

He brings me into his lap. “We are. I’m not letting you leave me again.”

He kisses me on the lips.

“Well, maybe I don’t want to get married tomorrow, and maybe I want to wait until a year from now.”

“Fuck no. We’re getting married. End of story.” With that, he kisses me senseless.

“I have a gift for you as well,” I state, getting up from the couch and grabbing the big box. “It’s heavy, so you’re going to have to get up.”

He does what I say and tears the wrapping paper open. He uses a knife from his pocket to cut the box open and picks up a few journals.

“It’s my thoughts of you after I left you. I loved you so much that I had to write a journal because it felt like I was closer to you when we were apart.” Tears wet my eyes, and they fall, my chest overflowing with happiness. “It has always been you, Aiden. I never loved anyone as much as I love you—besides AJ, of course.” I wink at AJ.

AJ gets up from the floor. “Um, you two are about to get mushy. I’m leaving.”

Aiden brings me into a bear hug and kisses me like crazy, and I couldn’t be any happier.