The Meaning of Beauty
Chapter 3
Reid
I don't know what I had done to screw up this time but I'm pretty sure she thought that I was asking her to keep my secret. Damn, I muttered in my head, holding it my hands. I should've been more specific with her, to let her know that I would never do anything like that to her. But who was I kidding? I didn't deserve a girl like her. I deserved girls that slept with different guys every night.
Ty came into my room after school, setting his stuff down. "She was looking for you today," He said.
I shrugged numbly, glaring a hole through my TV. "And?"
Ty groaned, plopping down onto his bed. "Look, man. Whatever she did, I'm sure she's sorry about it. Dude, she left Herman's class because she felt sick about it. I could see it in her eyes."
I shook my head, crossing my arms. "I don't wanna talk about her or anything involving Aiden Jaspers, understand me?" I glared at my best friend.
His eyes went a little wide before he stood, shaking his head. "Man…grow some balls and talk to her."
I narrowed my eyes at him, jumping up onto my feet. "You know what? I tried that, Baby Boy! She thinks I'm a man-whore because Abbott assumed I was sleeping with her. She's been terrified of me since and today, I finally get the chance to tell her the truth and she thinks that I want to keep my status!" I shook my head, running my hands through my hair. "I'm not mad at her; Hell, I don't blame her for being terrified of me. I hate myself so much right now for letting that scare her, for ruining any chance I had with her before we even got close."
Ty stood there silently before he sighed, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Look…I'm going out with Lyn tonight. I'll talk to her about it because I'm sure she'll mention something about Aiden. We'll sort this out, okay?" He grabbed his phone and keys to his Hummer, opening the door. "If you need me, text me, dude." He closed the door behind him, leaving me alone to sulk.
I needed some time to think so I grabbed my keys and phone, planning on heading out to Marblehead. I went there anytime I needed to be alone or just blow off some steam. Now, I just needed to think with absolutely no interruptions.
I drove down the road to Marblehead, trying not to think about anything until I parked the Benz on top of the hill, walking up to the single oak tree about 10 feet from the ledge. I sat down under it, running my hand through my hair, sighing.
I couldn't believe how one girl could change how I thought about anything. Usually if a girl turned me down, I'd brush it off by making out with some girl behind Nicky's. I don't know why Aiden was so different. I thought about her smile, on the first day we met, then the fear in her eyes from today. It was how she looked at me ever since Abbott opened his big mouth.
I couldn't blame her. I really couldn't. She must've been terrified that I'd try any of that bullshit that went around the school about me on her. I'd shoot myself before trying anything like that.
I didn't know what to do about anything anymore, since all my thoughts were focused on that one girl. On Aiden Jaspers. I swear I felt like I was stalking her but I couldn't help it. I'd never met anyone in my life that would completely change my outlook on anything like she had. She took over my mind completely, stopping any rational thoughts I had with those blue eyes and those perfect lips stretching into a gorgeous smile.
I ran my hand through my hair again, sighing and glaring at the ground.
"I take it you come up here to think?" A small voice to my right caused me to jump a little, looking over my shoulder before I could feel my eyes bugging out of my head.
Aiden Jaspers was walking up to the tree, wearing jeans, high heeled boots, and a blue jacket. Looking so beautiful without even trying, I felt a little twinge of want in my chest.
I nodded, looking back down at my hands. "I have a lot to think about," I mumbled.
She sat beside me, pulling her knees to her chest, resting her chin on top of her knees. "Reid…I've been a coward." She whispered softly and before I could deny that, she held up a hand so she could go on. "I automatically assumed that Abbott boy was telling the truth, when in reality, I should've trusted you more. All my life, I've been afraid of being used…again."
I looked at her, my eyebrows squashed together on my forehead. "What do you mean 'again?'?"
She smiled softly, looking up at the full moon above us. "When I was 14, I thought I was in love. He was perfect to me, always treating me with the utmost respect and care. I honestly thought he loved me back. One night, I went over to his house while his parents went out to dinner. Some of his friends came over, bringing all sorts of alcohol and drugs. I was terrified; this was a side of him I hadn't known about. Eventually, the all got too drunk to know what they were doing before…" She swallowed nervously, looking down at her feet. "Adam, my boyfriend at the time, grabbed me and took me upstairs. His two best friends, Liam and Jamie, followed. Adam undressed me while Liam and Jamie held me down. I was trapped, completely unable to move."
She looked up to meet my eyes, her own filled with tears. "All three of them took their turns, raping me. I was completely trapped and once they were done, they left my lying there, bleeding on Adam's bed." She buried her face in her arms, crying softly. "That's why I'm afraid, Reid. I can't go through that again. After what happened with my father…" She trailed off, her voice muffled by her arms.
I was completely stunned. If there was one thing I wasn't expecting from Aiden, it was the fact that some bastard actually had the nerve to do that shit to her. I hesitated before I wrapped my arms around her, bringing her to my side and she turned to cry into my chest.
"Shh, Aiden…" I whispered against her hair, rocking her gently like a little baby. "It's fine now." I couldn't resist the urge that had built up in my chest so I pressed my lips to the top of her head, kissing it over and over again.
She cried against my chest softly before she finally calmed down enough to look up at me, her beautiful eyes three inches from mine. "Reid, I'm not scared of you or those damn rumors. I'm scared of being hurt like that again."
I cradled her face in my hands, holding her like she was the most fragile thing in the world. At that moment, she was to me. "Aiden, look at me. I want you to know that, no matter what, I will never let something like that happen to you ever again. Understand?" She nodded before she sniffled softly. I wiped the new tears away with my thumbs.
"Reid?" She breathed my name softly, opening up her eyes to meet mine.
"Yeah?" I whispered back, brushing her hair off her forehead.
She locked eyes with me before she leaned forward, pressing her lips to mine softly. It was so much better than anything my imagination had thought of. Her lips were incredibly soft and they moved against mine, her body quivering a little. I wrapped her in my arms, pulling her close and kissing her back softly, running my hands through her soft hair.
When we finally pulled away, I rested my forehead against hers, staring into her eyes. "I'll protect you from anything, angel." I promised, kissing her lips once.
She nodded before I lay back against the bark of the tree, pulling her with me. She rested her head on my chest, holding my hand tightly in hers. I kissed the top of her head softly, playing with her hair with my free hand.
"So does this mean you and I are…?" Aiden trailed off, tilting her head up to look at me.
I smiled softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "If you want," I whispered against her soft skin.
Her lips broke out into a smile before she whispered. "I'd love that," She leaned up, resting her hands on my chest and kissed me again.
I cradled her face in my hands, keeping my lips pressed to hers softly before I pull away after a few minutes, actually breathless. She smiled shyly before lying back down, laying across my chest.
We lay under the tree for another hour, before Aiden actually fell asleep in my arms. I smiled, kissing the top of her head and letting her sleep a little before I gently kissed her awake.
She smiled, looking up at me. "That's the best wake up call I've ever head,"
I grinned, helping her to her feet. "Let's go back to the dorms," I said, wrapping my arms around her waist. "How'd you get out here?" I asked.
She smiled a little shyly. "I caught Ty and Lyn before they left. Ty said you'd probably be here so he drove me up here before they went on their date,"
I kissed her cheek, moving my lips to whisper in her ear. "You didn't have to do that, angel. I could've found you at the dorms."
Aiden shrugged, smiling shyly. "I just wanted to talk to you as soon as I could,"
I kissed her lips once before I held open the passenger door of the Benz for her. I got in my side, starting the Benz and putting it into drive before I slid my hand over the gearshift to rest it on her leg. She smiled softly, taking my hand in both of hers. I smiled a little, driving the normal speed limit for once.
"Do you wanna stop at Nicky's to get something to eat or do you wanna head straight to the dorms?" I asked, before we entered the town limits.
She smiled. "Nicky's sounds great actually. Thank you,"
I leaned across the seat at a stoplight to kiss her cheek, whispering. "No problem, baby." I drove to Nicky's, which had a semi-full parking lot. I was glad Ty decided to take Lyn out to a better restaurant so Aiden and I could have some time alone.
I held her hand in mine as we walked up the stairs to the door. I held it open for her and we walked up to the bar, where Nicky was pouring some beers.
"Hey, Nick." I smiled, leaning against the bar.
"Ah, Reid. I was wondering when I'd see you again," Nicky grinned, wiping his hands off on a towel. "What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if we could have some burgers and fries," I smiled down at Aiden. She looked up at me, a sweet smile on her lips.
"Ah, and who is this lovely young lady?" Nicky held out his hand and Aiden shook it shyly.
"I'm Aiden Jaspers. I just transferred here from Ireland last week." She spoke sweetly.
"It's nice to meet you," Nicky smiled before turning to the grill. "I'll call you when your food's ready, Reid!"
I shook my head, chuckling, before I took Aiden's hand and led her over to the back of the dining room of Nicky's. I slid into the booth there and she slid in beside me, leaning against my side. I kept my arm around her waist, kissing the top of her head.
"Will I see you during classes?" Aiden asked, looking up at me.
I nodded, looking around Nicky's. "Of course. Now I've actually got a reason to go to class." I winked at her, causing a light blush to appear on her face.
"Yo, Reid!" I heard Nicky call from the bar and I kissed Aiden softly once, my lips lingering against her soft, sweet ones before I got up to get our food.
Aiden
I must've done something pleasing to the guys for me to deserve such wonderful rewards. I watched Reid walk up to Nicky, handing him some money for our food and grabbing us drinks. I smiled, cradling my cheek in my hand, thinking back to our little encounter at Marblehead. I remember racing out of my dorm as soon as Lyn left, chasing them out into the parking lot and asking Tyler if he had any clue as to where Reid would be. He agreed to drive me up to Marblehead, since he knew that's where Reid would be and I was forever grateful.
Reid's kisses literally left me breathless and my mind reeling, trying to think of words to say or ways to respond to his…sweet torture. His lips were smooth and soft, and they moved with such expertise that made me feel amateur.
He came back, setting my little basket in front of me, holding a massive burger and a ton of fries. He set my Coke down in front of me before sliding in beside me again. "Best food in New England, I promise." He grinned, picking up the bottle of ketchup and putting some on his burger. "Nicky is a genius,"
I smiled, taking a bite of mine and smiling as I swallowed. "Oh, my goodness! That's amazing!" I wiped my mouth of with my napkin and Reid chuckled.
"Like I said the man's pure genius." Reid smiled, snaking his left arm around my waist tightly. I actually snuggled against his side, eating my food quietly.
He tilted my face up towards his after we finished eating. "You ready to go back, baby?" He whispered, his sweet breath fanning my face.
I felt my eyelids flutter a little, causing him to chuckle and for me to blush massively. "I suppose," He took my hand, leading me past the dance floor and out into the cool night. I shivered, wishing I'd brought a thicker jacket when Reid slipped out of his, hanging it over my shoulders.
He drove me back to the dorms, one of my hands held tightly in his as I looked out the window at the trees. It had to have been at least midnight and I knew I'd be a monster to get up in the morning. But this night with Reid was completely worth it.
I snuggled in his jacket, which smelled musky and woodsy, just like Reid. It made me close my eyes, imagining that it was his arms wrapped around me.
I heard his deep voice chuckling and my hand was lifted up to his lips, where he kissed over my knuckles softly. "What's got you smiling so much, angel?"
I felt my heart pick up its pace at the little nickname and I blushed deeply, not realizing I had let my little smile reach my face during my daydream. "Oh! Um, nothing." I lied pathetically and he raised a blonde eyebrow at me.
He parked his car in the lot at Spenser shutting it off before turning to me, smiling. "You're a horrible liar, Aiden." He grinned, reaching across the gearshift to run his fingers down from my temple, to my lips which were quivering pathetically.
"A-am I?" I whispered, looking up from his hand to his eyes, which had this playful, yet devilish look about them. It sent my heart racing.
He nodded; moving his fingers lightly over my lips, before he leaned in, his lips merely a breath away from my own. "Mmm…" He hummed softly before he dipped his head down a little, showering my jaw with sweet little kisses.
I thought I was going to pass out or be a victim of cardiac arrest with this boy. His lips moved from my jaw to my neck, kissing it softly yet enough to make all the blood in my body feel like it was coloring my face. Reid wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him, and I buried my face in his own neck, letting his lips attack my neck in the most amazing torture I had ever been put through.
When he nipped at my pulse point, I let out a little ragged moan. His arms tightened around me instantly, before he pulled his face up to mine, crashing our lips together.
Just when I thought that his sweet torturing was over, I found out that I was completely wrong. His lips moved over mine, fast yet still sweet. My hands gripped his shoulders weakly, my own lips trying to move with his but I failed, letting him take over. I thought that his amazing torture would end but when I felt a moist yet rough texture caress my bottom lip, I let out another little moan, earning a growl from his chest.
His tongue swept into my mouth, tasting my own tongue before it caressed everywhere in my mouth. Eventually, he laid his tongue on mine, before he started to massage it. My senses were completely driven mad and my hands had ended up tangling in his sleek blonde hair, pulling myself so close to him that my left leg was almost entirely on top of his right.
After several more minutes, I had to break my lips away from his, so I could fulfill my need of oxygen. Reid buried his face against my neck, his lips caressing it softly as I breathed in his ear, trying to slow my heart down.
"God, Aiden…" He moaned my name into my neck, pressing his lips to it once before pulling his face out, meeting my eyes. "Could you be anymore amazing?" He breathed, running his hands through my hair.
I blushed, laughing a little breathlessly. "I was about to ask the same for you," I whispered, resting my forehead against his.
He smiled, chuckling lightly before his lips caressed mine for a few moments. He got out of his car, walking around to my side to help me out. I was thankful for the strong arm that had wound itself around my waist, for I was sure that my knees would give out the moment I tried walking.
He walked me straight to my dorm, allowing me to lean against the door before he propped a hand up beside my head, leaning down so his lips were a breath away from my own. My heartbeat accelerated just at the thought of what was coming.
"Thank you for coming after me tonight," He murmured, tracing his fingers all over my face, taking a longer time to brush them over my quivering lips.
"My pleasure," I whispered, looking up into his gorgeous blue-green eyes.
He took my face in his hands, groaning a little in the back of his throat before he pressed his lips to mine firmly, moving them against my own. I wrapped my arms around his neck just as his tongue slipped through my lips yet again, massaging mine gently before it swept across my mouth. I moaned a little raggedly before he pulled away, kissing my swollen lips once.
"Text me, angel." He swooped down to capture my lips once more, moaning a little before he walked down the hall and turned the corner, heading toward his dorm.
I braced myself against the door, trying to regain my breathing, my heart racing in my chest before I unlocked the door, stepping inside.
Lily was lying in her bed, sound asleep so I locked our door for the night, slipping out of my clothes and into my sleeping clothes. I held my phone tightly in my hand as I slid under the covers, feeling it buzz softly.
I hit the open button when the screen flashed, telling me I had one new text message.
'Goodnight, my little angel. I'll pik u up in the morning b4 skool. Sweet dreams, Aiden.' He even added some symbols that took the form of a rose when you turned the phone sideways.
'Thnk u 4 tonite. C U in the morning :)' I replied in the best way I could before I bit my lip, adding '*kisses you softly*' at the end of the message.
'My pleasure :)' He replied, adding a little. '*kisses my little angel before she falls asleep*'
I felt my face lighting on fire, from just a text message. I slid my phone onto my nightstand, rolling over on my side and curling up against Reid's jacket, which I had worn to bed.
A/N: So this chapter's a tad bit shorter than the others. That's only because I didn't know what else to put in it without making it drag on :)
And yes, I know Aiden was being difficult before, but now you guys know why :)
Much love,
-Danielle