Chapter Ten

Aiden

Everyone was making space as Aiden and Rocky moved through the electronics store. Aiden was partly outraged on Rocky's behalf as people were clearly judging him as dangerous. He was, of course–all of Devil's Wrath MC were–but not to innocent people. Devil's Wrath was only a threat to those who would hurt women and children without a qualm. Yes, Aiden was angry that someone he cared about was being judged on their appearance alone. Another part of Aiden, however, was grateful. He didn't like crowds. Too many people in one place made Aiden uncomfortable and anxious. Having Rocky be able to clear a perimeter around them just by being him was something Aiden appreciated almost as much as he hated it.

Aiden was quick about browsing. He knew the specs he wanted for his laptops and he didn't dally in finding them. As soon as Aiden had decided on the machines to get, Rocky was able to have a salesclerk over to help them at a speed Aiden envied. He'd been to several stores and had never gotten help so quickly. Of course, he generally grabbed what he wanted and headed to the register. The things that needed to be gotten from the back rooms, however, he'd always just stood beside them until someone came to help. He didn't like to interrupt people, so he'd always waited until they came over to see if he needed assistance.

This time the shopping experience was an extremely quick one and they were back in Rocky's car in no time. Aiden found himself holding his breath and trying to curb his desire as Rocky took the seatbelt in hand, leaned over Aiden and clicked it in place. Once Aiden was secure, Rocky looked over at him, eyes bouncing back and forth between Aiden's lips and his eyes. Aiden was sure Rocky was going to kiss him and, shockingly, he hoped Rocky would.

Aiden had never been one for close contact. It was better with those he cared about but people touching him, even accidentally, made him feel itchy. He wasn't a fan of contact and he had certainly never hoped for it. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he'd been able to cuddle in Rocky's lap and engage in all the physical contact they had. His hope for a kiss was another thing he needed to process. Not right then, however, as Rocky slowly backed away and closed the door before rounding the hood and getting in his own seat. Rocky started the vehicle and once again they rode in companionable silence as Aiden processed all that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. It was a lot to take in.

Rocky and Aiden pulled into the parking lot of Hell Hole, or Devil's Playground. Aiden adjusted as he took in the new, much more elegant business sign over the door. The outside had received a fresh coat of paint and was now a deep dark red that caught the eye. The door had been replaced with a new glass door that allowed a person to see into the establishment before going in. It looked like progress on the outside was proceeding at an astoundingly fast rate. It looked really good. Like a place a person would want to visit.

Rocky parked the car but hadn't even cut off the engine before Blade had approached. Rocky lowered his window and Blade wasted no time in speaking.

"Could you park next door? I know it's an empty lot and probably rough terrain but we're paving the parking lot today. We're closed for the next twenty-four hours as the pavement sets."

"Sure, no problem."

Rocky didn't say anymore, and it seemed Blade didn't require anything else as he headed off to talk to one of the workers bustling around the building. Rocky got out of the vehicle, rounded the hood and came to undo Aiden's seatbelt. Aiden blushed as Rocky released the belt and told him, "I'm letting you out here, so you don't have to walk so far. Head on inside and get your new computers running. I'll be in soon."

"Okay, but um," Aiden paused a minute and tried to think of how to word his request. His heart raced and ached at the thought that it might push Rocky away, "Can I maybe, um, undo my own belt when we're here?"

Aiden tried to push down the guilt at the flash of pain in Rocky's eyes. It became easier when Rocky's gaze warmed almost instantly and he responded, "Of course, baby. It would look pretty strange for me to be doing this regularly. We should be good today as everyone will correctly assume I'm worried because of your injury."

Aiden relaxed once he realized Rocky was right. Even if he wasn't a Middle, Rocky would worry about him. Breathing a sigh of relief, Aiden stepped out of the vehicle and grabbed his purchases from the backseat. Aiden headed directly to his office and immediately opened the boxes. Setting up both computers on his desk, he began the long process of the initial set up. Between that and loading the programs he needed, it was shaping up to be a long and boring day.

Since he had plenty of time between each of the steps, Aiden pulled out some Kinetic Sand from his drawer and began forming shapes. His fingers sunk into the sand and part of him settled, the texture of the sand soothing his nerves. He'd always been attracted to things of certain textures and repulsed by others. It seemed there were many things that could calm his nerves and many things that could increase them. He loved the Kinetic Sand most, however, because not only was the texture helpful in calming him but being able to make art and play with it also added a little fun to his day.

Aiden lost himself in his task and didn't notice the time flying by until Rocky came through the door of Aiden's office.

"It's lunch time. How does Ralf's sound?"

Aiden loved Ralf's Diner but as he looked at his computers, he noticed that he would be needed to input data soon. He wrestled with himself for a minute. He was hungry but he had Goldfish crackers in his drawer and he could eat those while he worked. He needed to get his stuff up and running. The guys needed information if they were going to get Cynthia Blair safely away from her abusive husband and according to Sheriff Blake, the situation was pretty urgent.

"The computers and your artwork will be there when we get back and you need more than Goldfish to sustain yourself. Come get real food with me." Rocky's tone was casual but the raised eyebrow told Aiden immediately that it wasn't a request so much as an order. Had he read Aiden's mind? And how in the hell did he do the unspoken command thing so well?

With a sigh of defeat, Aiden rose from his seat, grabbed his messenger bag and headed from the office behind Rocky. Just to be safe, Aiden made sure to lock the door. He didn't want to have to replace his computers again the next day. When they reached the new door, Rocky opened it, letting Aiden exit first and the younger man melted a little at the gentlemanly gesture.

As they walked to the car, Rocky broached a topic that Aiden wasn't sure he was ready to discuss even though he knew it was necessary.. "We need to talk about rules, limits, and what you need from this dynamic."

"I know."

"Would you come stay at my house again so we can talk about it properly?"

Aiden would like nothing more. He'd wanted to stay there that night but hadn't yet gotten the courage to ask. So, when he answered, he was perfectly honest. "I'd love to, Daddy."

Rocky's smile over the roof of the car warmed Aiden's heart. That smile clearly said that Rocky really did want to spend time with him. He wasn't sure if anyone had ever really wanted to spend time with him. It might not last long, but Aiden was soaking up every little thing, hoping that when Rocky was done with him, the memories would help ease the pain.

Aiden preceded Rocky into the diner as Rocky had once again opened the door for him. As soon as they entered, Ralf came toward them and hugged the two men. Aiden did his best to hide the discomfort he felt. He tried his best to calm the itchy feeling in him. Ralf was a good guy and he was very hands-on when he cared about someone. If Ralf ever married again, he'd be the type that always had to touch his wife in some way or another.

The big man chattered away as he led them to the booth. Rocky was engaging in the conversation, so Aiden didn't feel the need to pay attention. He was lost in his thoughts, trying to organize his mind so he could know what to say for the upcoming conversation. There were so many things that had always been off limits for him, usually because Aiden had never been comfortable with being touched by others. He hadn't been ready for this conversation because he still wasn't sure if last night had been a fluke. If it wasn't, should he change his limits list? Would Rocky mind him changing it?

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Rocky's words broke into Aiden's thoughts, and he realized that Ralf had gone back to the kitchen, and they were now alone. Well, as alone as anyone could be sitting in a booth in a crowded diner. Aiden realized quickly that he should have been thinking about what to say now rather than focusing on tonight. He really wasn't sure what to say.

"Oh, um." Did he admit to his actual thoughts? Would that seem weird? Maybe he should just make something up. "I was thinking about tonight's conversation." The words had escaped despite his desire to be more vague.

"Good, it's an important conversation. You likely need to work out what you really want, need, and won't tolerate. I've been thinking about what I would like to say as well."

That really made Aiden feel better. He was never sure what was too much information. It'd happened where things he said made people think he was weird and then back away. Aiden was brutally honest, never understanding why people couldn't just be truthful. He didn't filter the truth because he didn't understand how to. So often his feelings and thoughts were not received well. He worried greatly that Rocky wouldn't be able to handle that particular trait.

Aiden didn't reply to Rocky's statement. He didn't think it needed a reply. Thankfully, it seemed he was correct as Rocky initiated a new conversation. One that made Aiden just as uncomfortable, "So, tell me more about yourself."