The next morning Hayley awoke early, momentarily confused by her surroundings. As she attempted to get up a sharp pain in her stomach caused her to remember the events of the day before. Laying back down, Hayley wasn't sure of the time but judging by the light slanting through the curtains it wasn't long past dawn. Dust motes whirled in the sharp ray of sunshine between the gaps in the curtains. Getting up more slowly this time, Hayley sat on the edge of the bed and lifted her shirt.

Hayley made a face as she spotted the ugly purple bruise colouring her stomach where one of the brutes hit her. Pressing lightly on the bruise she winced. It wasn't bad and would heal in a few days. Hayley's fingers absently trailed slowly over the healing scars that the bruise half covered. Clenching her teeth, Hayley fought off a wave of dizziness as the familiar feelings of dread, fear and grief assaulted her memory.

Gripping the edge of the bed, trying to anchor herself, Hayley breathed deeply, using the exercises the Psychiatrist taught her. It wasn't easy but she managed to fight off the anxiety attack. The Psychiatrist had told her to anchor herself in her current place. Find an object to hold on to and push past the physical reaction. It was hard, her mind tried to convince her that she needed to go into fight or flight mode.

Hearing Aiden in the other room strangely helped her relax. It helped her anchor herself, know she was here and not back in the place where chaos reigned and her semblance of control was lost. Hayley opened her eyes slowly, taking stock of her body. With a calming breath she pushed off the bed, grabbed her pants and put them on. She needed more clothes and other supplies, which is what she needed to discuss with Aiden now.

Hayley exited the bedroom, gave Aiden a tight smile and said good morning. Sitting down at the table, Hayley watched as Aiden put on a pot of coffee. His back was turned and he spoke before Hayley had the chance.

"I'm going out for a while but you can stay here. I need to get some supplies. What do you need?" he asked, still with his back to her fiddling with the coffee machine.

Hayley arched an eyebrow at his back, annoyance bubbling to the surface. "Just a bowl of water. And maybe leave the window open a crack for me," she retorted sarcastically, not liking his dismissive attitude.

Hayley watched as Aiden seemed to tense briefly before he turned, folded his arms across his chest and stared at her. Hayley merely stared back at him, already having misgiving about their 'partnership'. If Aiden thought he could leave her home like a Labrador and go out investigating he was sorely mistaken.

Ignoring her jibe, Aiden responded, "I'm just getting a few things I need. Weapons, ammo, and some clothes for you. I'm not doing anything in regards to Danny so I didn't think you needed to come with me."

Hayley took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. She didn't know why but talking with Aiden made her feel agitated, like she was on the back foot with him. Aiden's need for control over every aspect of his life was borderline narcissistic. His need to micromanage people was infuriating. But Hayley knew where that need stemmed from. Aiden's Father had been a drunk and abusive. Aiden as a young boy bore the brunt of his Father's alcoholic stupors in an attempt to divert attention away from his younger sister Nicole.

Hayley knew enough about people and psychology to know that the need to control people was typically a reaction to the fear of losing control. Soldiers in Hayley's elite Special Ops unit came from a broad array of backgrounds and were required to develop an adaptable and eclectic skills base. Hayley chose to excel in trauma medicine and psychology, and to a lesser extent, computer sciences. It was a demanding and rigorous training course that, on top of active duty, required assignments, practical application and field work. As such, Hayley's skills were honed and she now had a firm grasp on trauma medicine and psychology. As a qualified Nurse before she enrolled in the armed forces, transitioning between her understanding of physiology and furthering her training was a natural progression.

As a result of that training, Hayley saw Aiden's need for control as what is really was. People who struggle with the need to be in control often feared being at the mercy of others, and this fear usually stemmed from traumatic events that left them feeling helpless and vulnerable. As a result, they often craved control in disproportionate and unhealthy ways. The experience of abuse could make people look for ways to regain control of their lives, which is what Aiden was doing now.

Knowing that, Hayley made an effort to be calm. "Aiden, if we're to work together we must be equals. You can't just think or do for me. I agreed to doing things your way, but I meant when we were in the field. I won't be micromanaged."

Aiden continued to stare at her from his position in the kitchen, his eyes defiant. Hayley stifled a laugh; this was Aiden's 'Stormy Look' as Nicole would have said. Nicole knew her brother and despite, or maybe because of, his faults, she loved him anyway. Hayley jerked out of her musings, suddenly thinking about Nicole, guilt gnawing at her for not thinking of Nicki sooner.

"How is Nicole?" Hayley asked suddenly, putting aside her earlier disagreement with Aiden. "I'm sorry I haven't asked about her sooner. How are the kids?"

Aiden flinched visibly and his shoulders tensed, almost like he was trying to curl into himself to protect himself from physical damage. Aiden didn't answer her, but his reaction warned her that all was not right. He wasn't looking at her anymore, but the desolation she saw in his expression alarmed her.

"Aiden," Hayley called sharply, worry making her voice sharp. A shudder seemed to ripple through his body when she said his name. His head slowly turned towards her.

"Lena died."

Hayley heard the words but a roaring began in her ears and she realised her hands were shaking. Her heart was hammering, a result of shock and adrenaline.

"How … How?" Hayley couldn't even complete a full sentence, her tongue felt glued to the roof of her mouth.

"Car accident," Aiden said shortly, avoiding eye contact. His body language was almost defensive, if that was even possible. Aiden's stiff posture seemed to be radiating with a type of festering anger, while his lack of eye contact had Hayley wondering if he was hiding something. Brushing that thought aside, Hayley got up off her chair, and began walking towards Aiden.

Grief welled up within her, threatening to choke her. Hayley and Nicole had been best friends ever since Aiden had introduced Danny and Hayley to his family. Nicole and Hayley were of a similar age, so while Aiden and Danny were off doing 'boy's stuff' as Nicole would say, they were at home cooking, dancing and gossiping. Nicole and Hayley became as close as sisters, Nicole instinctively picking up on the crush Hayley had for her brother. From time to time she used to gently tease her about it, but mostly she respected Hayley's feelings. Hayley was there when Nicole began dating Lena and Jackson's Father, and she was there through Nicole's pregnancy with Jackson and her subsequent split with their Father.

While Hayley was at school getting her Nursing Qualification, Nicole was busy being a single Mother but they still kept in touch. After enrolling in the Army, Hayley didn't contact as often, not because she didn't care but because she was so busy. After she was sent overseas, and especially in the last 18 months, Hayley hadn't maintained many social contacts for her own reasons. Now those reasons made her feel shameful. Hayley had not had contact with Nicole for some time, and now she knew why.

It hurt that Nicole had not told her, but Hayley brushed those feelings aside. Lena's death must have devastated the Pearce family. Aiden loved his niece and nephew more than his own life. Hayley attempted to get close to Aiden, her need to comfort him overriding her vow to stay away from him.

"Don't." Aiden voice was like a whip, the hand he held in front of him warned her that physical contact would not be tolerated. Hayley deliberated before backing off, knowing when she wasn't wanted. Only once had she heard Aiden speak to her in such a cold, harsh way and it stilled her.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, anguish at Lena's death making her voice crack.

He didn't acknowledge her, but instead walked over to his hub of computers and grabbed his phone. Another phone was sitting next to his and he grabbed it as well, then walked over and held his hand out with the other phone in it. Hayley stared at it, shock still coursing through her system, unable to do much beyond stare numbly at him. He made in impatient sound in the back of his throat, grabbed her hand and placed the phone in it.

"This is your new phone. Don't use your old one, it could have a trace. I've put a few apps on there that aren't available on iTunes. Don't go outside without it. The phone has a scrambler, which means it messes with ctOS's ability to run facial recognition. You'll just appear like a pixilation on their screens. You can also access the Internet, but only access it from this phone. Another app is one I designed last night for you."

Aiden stopped and grabbed the phone back from her, swiping the screen and pointed. "Here, it's called Alert. If you tap it my phone will be able to hone in on your position if you're in danger. You'll need to get used to it if we're to work together as a lot of what I do could be considered electronic espionage."

With that he handed the phone back to her and with a curt, "I won't be long" he disappeared out the door. Hayley stood for a few moments, phone in her hand, staring at the door Aiden had recently shut. She just barely followed what he told her about the phone, her mind still spinning over Lena's death. Shaking her head, Hayley made her way to the coffee pot Aiden had put on. In a kind of daze she poured the coffee into the cup and sat down at the table.

Hands wrapped around the warming mug, Hayley began to sort out her thoughts. The discovery that her long-time friend had lost a child was beyond distressing. Hayley felt like her own trauma paled in comparison to what Nicole had been through. On the contrary, Hayley knew her own reasons for lack of contact weren't trivial; she had almost lost her life, and the resounding impact it had on her affected her even today.

Something about the way Aiden reacted to her asking about Lena's death set off alarms. Hayley knew that human communication was 20% verbal and 80% non-verbal so if you were saying something to a person but your body language says the opposite then you're not getting your message across. This is what she had picked up on with Aiden, what he was saying just wasn't meshing.

Grabbing the phone that she had placed on the table, Hayley began to swipe through it, getting used to the operating system. It was a smart phone, but unlike any she had encountered. Hayley wondered whether Aiden had created his own operating system. It reminded her vaguely of what her iPod looked like after she'd used a jailbreak on it to access apps for free. Hayley realised that this was most likely what Aiden would have done. By jailbreaking the phone, Aiden was able to get past the device's limitations so that he could change the default programs and run his own applications.

Some of the apps that he had installed were what she was used to; calendar, contacts with only Aiden's number programmed into it, and navigation. The Internet symbol was different, the Safari app she was used to with the compass had a red tip with a blue rounded background. This Internet browser had the colours the other way around, with a blue tip and a red background. Hayley assumed that meant that she was able to access the Internet through a backdoor he had created so that she would be untraceable.

Hayley activated the Internet app and began a search for information about Lena's death. What she found allowed her to understand Aiden's reaction. Hayley read the short article about what had happened.

Police and emergency services were called to the crash site, in the Pawnee underpass about 7.30pm on Wednesday after a car veered off the road.

The driver (Aiden Pearce, 38) and another occupant of the car (Jackson Pearce, 9) were injured and transported to Chicago Med. The other occupant of the car, Lena Pearce (6) sadly died at the scene.

Major Crash investigators attended the scene overnight and are investigating.

One lane was closed to traffic near the crash site overnight while officers investigated but it has since reopened.

The state's road toll is 24, compared with 25 at this time last year.

Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken to police are asked to contact Chicago Police Department.

Hayley read and re-read the article, which provided a pitiful amount of information but did enlighten her about one particular fact; Aiden was driving the car that killed his niece. No wonder he practically ran out the door after he told her. Aiden would no doubt have been wracked with guilt. Hayley wondered if Nicole and Aiden were still in contact, this was the type of tragedy which could tear a family apart.

Taking a sip of the coffee, Hayley made a face; it was bitter and rather terrible. Placing the cup back down, Hayley's mind wandered back to her argument before Aiden left. She could feel a tick start up in her cheek, seemingly twitching in time with her rising anger. Aiden had left so abruptly that she hadn't had a chance to set him straight about leaving her at home while he went off by himself. He had taken advantage of her shock over learning about Lena's death and escaped out the door.

Hayley felt herself tense up as she remembered the way he spoke to her, warning her not to come any closer. There was only one other time he had spoken to her in such a cold and harsh tone. Memories came hurtling back to her completely unbidden….

1999 – Aiden's Mother's residence

"Danny, I really don't want to meet you criminal friend," Hayley whined, following behind her brother.

Danny chuckled. "Too bad Sis. Mom needs the rest and she ordered me to take you out of the house for the day. Bad luck kid." Hayley scowled at his back when Danny continued, "Besides, Mom met Aiden and she likes him."

Hayley rolled her eyes, knowing that the main reason her Mom approved was because Aiden had brought flowers. She wasn't there when her Mom met Danny's new friend but she knew that her Mom was a sucker for flowers and would like anyone who buttered her up with them.

"Besides Hayles, Aiden has a sister your age; she's a year younger, so that'd make her….13? Anyway, you guys go off and play, Aiden and I have stuff to do."

Hayley stiffened at the 'go off and play' comment. "We're not five Danny; we won't go off and play."

Danny shrugged, not listening as he climbed the stairs to his friend's house, knocking on the wooden front door. Hayley relaxed against wall next to the front door, but soon stood up when the door was opened.

Danny began talking to the guy who opened the door but Hayley's eyes were fixed on the face of the guy standing just inside the house. Her heart quickened at the sight of him. At 14 she had been aware of boys for a while and thought the man standing in front of her was very attractive. Suddenly nervous, she pulled at a thread on the sleeve of her jumper, darting furtive looks at him while Danny was droning on. The guy flicked his gaze over at her, and she felt herself blush furiously as she realised he had to most amazing green eyes she'd ever seen.

"Oh," Danny began, waving a hand at Hayley, "This is my sister, Hayley. Hayley this is my criminal friend Aiden." Danny's smirk showed just how much he enjoyed teasing his little sister about her earlier remark.

A smile tugged at Aiden's lips but he ignored the comment. "Nice to meet you Hayley. Come inside, my sister is excited to meet you."

Hayley mumbled something and brushed past Aiden to get inside, feeling like she would die from embarrassment.

2002 – Renley's Diner

"Nic, you going to eat the rest of those fries?" Hayley asked, already reaching towards her plate. Nicole Pearce smiled and waved her acceptance.

Hayley grinned and grabbed her plate, finishing off Nicole's left over fries. "If I didn't know better I'd warn you that those fries would go straight to your hips," Nicole stated ruefully, secretly a little jealous that Hayley could eat seemingly whatever she wanted and never put on weight.

Hayley waved away her concern but grinned at her friend's expression. "I know, most of my friend's say they just look at food and put on weight. I believe I'm the only 17 year old who can eat what she wants. I think it's all the long distance running I do for track at school."

The girls ate in silence for a while before Hayley asked in a deceptively even voice, "Is Aiden picking us up tonight?"

Nicole narrowed her eyes at her friend, knowing exactly why she was asking. Hayley had a crush on Aiden since the first time she saw him. It started out as an innocent young girl crush, which Nicole became aware of pretty quickly. As the years went on and Hayley spent more time at the Pearce household, that crush had developed into deeper feelings. Nicole sympathised with her friend, Aiden was in his 20's and didn't seem to even notice Hayley beyond thinking of her as Danny's little sister. Hayley was going away soon to College and Nicole would miss her, but she thought it might be best for her. Nicole knew that Aiden's activities with Danny were not exactly above board, and she was worried her friend may be pulled into their world if she stayed here.

"Yup," Nicole responded in answer to Hayley's question, and couldn't help but notice the broad smile on Hayley's face.

Almost on cue Aiden sauntered into the restaurant, Hayley pushing the plate away immediately and straightening in her chair.

Aiden tilted his head at them, indicating he was ready to go. Never one for many words was Aiden. It was what Hayley found alluring. Aiden wasn't like any guy she had ever met. He was self-assured, talked very little and seemed to scream danger. Even at her age Hayley recognised that it was the danger aspect which was most enticing. Aiden was a bad boy and that was hugely attractive to a 17 year old girl.

As both girls trailed outside after Aiden, Hayley stopped short besides a car when she saw a pretty blonde woman leaning against it. Hayley watched, dejected, as Aiden went up to the girl and kissed her, long and hard. A crushing sensation vibrated in her chest, watching as Aiden's hands grabbed her hips.

Nicole came up and put her arm around Hayley, knowing how devastated she would feel. Nicole knew Aiden was seeing one of a few girls, and tried to shield Hayley from that knowledge. Hayley straightened her shoulders, fighting off tears, realising that to Aiden, she would never be anyone but Danny's little sister. At that moment, feeling like her heart was in pieces, she vowed to move on. She was off to College in a matter of weeks, where there were plenty of other guys. She would forget about Aiden Pearce.

2007 May – Danny's Apartment

Staring at the front door, where white paint had peeled and she could see the chips flaking off, Hayley had to wonder if her brother could have chosen a less appealing place to live. Freshly out of prison, Danny was now settled into his new apartment. Being away at College for 5 years had changed Hayley; she just wondered whether a stint in prison had changed her brother. She knocked on the door, and heard the faint dulled footsteps of someone approaching. As the door swung open Hayley glimpsed her brother for a split second before he engulfed in a huge bear hug.

"I missed you Hayles," Danny whispered into her shoulder. Hayley's heart contracted when he said that, not realising how much she had missed him.

Eventually he released her and ushered her into the apartment. Hayley looked around at the sparse furnishings before turning to face Danny. He looked thinner, and his eyes darted around the room, restless and nervous. He'd spent a year in prison for aggravated armed robbery and the time in prison had obviously had an impact on him.

"Take a seat," Danny gestured towards a lounge. As Hayley approached it she couldn't help but raise her eyebrows at the state of it.

Danny must have seen her expression as he rubbed his forehead in an embarrassed kind of way. "I know, I found it on the curb. I couldn't afford anything else."

"It's fine," she assured him, and sat down.

Conversation between them was awkward and went in fits and starts. Hayley had been away for years, only returning to Chicago for a few weeks each Christmas period. She had also returned when their Mother had passed away, although both didn't mention her, the wound was still too raw. Their conversation had begun to flow easier when a knock sounded on the door. Danny sprung up to get it while Hayley took a better look around the apartment. It was small, run-down, and had so little furniture, but Danny seemed happy, so in return so was she.

Hayley had ignored the voices at the door until they came closer. Hayley turned around, assuming it was Danny's probation officer coming to check on him. Who she actually saw made her heart beat faster. Aiden Pearce stopped at the end of the hallway and stared at her.

Danny fidgeted nervously next to Aiden. "Uh, you remember Hayley right?"

The question was directed towards Aiden, and he nodded, but he hadn't taken his eyes off of her since he entered the room. Hayley was completely unprepared for the flash of attraction that she saw in his unwavering gaze. Having seen that look on his face before albeit directed towards other women, it surprised her that it was now directed towards her.

In actual fact, Hayley was mostly unaware that in the 5 years, she had changed quite a bit. Her changes were not just physical. Hayley had been slightly awkward and shy as a teenager. Now, on the cusp of true adulthood, she held herself with more confidence and poise. Her face had matured; it no longer had a childlike quality to it. While no longer competing in long distance running events, she still kept up a routine that meant her body was fit and toned, and suited her more now than when she was a teenager. In fact, she had seemed to grow into her adult body quite well.

Hayley remembered the last time she had seen Aiden, kissing that girl against the car. While the memory no longer caused her grief, it served to remind her what an awkward crush she had on Aiden. Hayley had moved on with her life, thinking of Aiden only occasionally. Seeing him again, while Hayley no longer felt the insane longing of a school girl crush, she was surprised that she felt some pull of attraction as an adult.

Aiden nodded at her, eyes lingering on her a fraction too long. Danny began talking with Aiden, while Hayley sat on the couch, needing some time to compose herself. She wasn't unaware of the looks Aiden was shooting her but she ignored him, unwilling to let herself be caught up in him again.

Aiden left, and after a few minutes so did Hayley. When she exited the apartment Aiden was waiting for her, lounging against her car. She hesitated briefly before walking up to him, wondering what he wanted. She didn't have to wait long to find out when he asked her if she wanted to get a cup of coffee. She resisted at first, knowing deep down that getting involved with Aiden Pearce was not a good idea. The problem was he was so charming she found him difficult to resist, and had thus agreed.

May - August 2007

When he took her out to coffee he was polite, attentive and unbelievably charming. Hayley remained wary, if not aloof at times, confused and more than a little overwhelmed by his sudden attention. When Aiden asked if he could see her again, she agreed, albeit reluctantly, wondering why her lips formed the word yes.

After that evening, Aiden took her out a number of times, remaining the perfect gentleman, never making a move besides a polite kiss on the cheek when he dropped her home. Hayley found herself growing to like him; his personality was very different from what she remembered before she went to College. Although that wasn't a complete surprise, as a teenager she saw Aiden through rose coloured glasses and never really paid much attention to his core personality traits. In the all the years she had known Aiden, it seemed like she was always on the periphery, she was involved in his life but she never really knew him.

Spending time with Aiden, Hayley was amazed to find that beyond that silent, stoic exterior was a person with a keen intellect, who was very perceptive and had a biting wit when it suited him. Aiden's personality was complex and Hayley found herself increasingly intrigued with all the layers that melded together. Hayley saw Aiden as a confident and at times cocky person, who seemed to prefer his own company and was fiercely loyal to those he considered loved ones. Aiden was charming but never sleazy, seemingly sensing Hayley's reticence about him.

However, Hayley certainly wasn't blind to Aiden's faults. Despite enjoying her time with Aiden, Hayley realised that she could never truly know every facet of who he was. If she were to liken it to anything, it would be that Aiden reminded her of a chameleon, taking on different personality traits depending on who he was with. This made her uneasy; was the man before her the real Aiden Pearce, or just some projection of who he thought she may like? He could also be broody at times, and liked control. Hayley didn't have a lot of life experiences so chalked it up to one of Aiden's idiosyncrasies. He was evasive about his activities during the day, but Hayley knew he was involved in criminal activity. It was this more than anything else which had Hayley holding back. She planned on joining the Army and didn't want his criminal activities to taint this, even indirectly.

When Hayley and Danny's Mother had passed away in a sudden car accident both of them were distraught. She had been such a constant presence in their lives, their rock. To have her taken away so suddenly had been a brutal blow to both of them. Hayley dealt with the loss and grief by working harder at school, taking on an extra part-time job and jogging. Danny, on the other hand, used his grief as an excuse to return to his criminal behaviour. He had been doing so well, he had a steady job and a girlfriend, but when their Mother died that all vanished. It was like their Mother was holding Danny in place, the force which stopped him from going down a path he would regret. As soon as she died, he seemed to no longer have any one to stop him from doing the stupid things he did as a youth. As soon as Hayley learnt her brother had been arrested, her first thought had been 'thank god Mom wasn't here to see this'. Now Hayley, having finished school, came home to be with her brother to get him on track, and as soon as she could, would join the Army.

Deep down Hayley knew that Aiden was the reason why she had delayed getting the papers to fill in and pass the physical which was required to join the Army. The more she spent time with him, the more confused she became, wanting more from him than his usual kiss goodnight. Aiden had made no move towards her, preferring to take things slow and get to know each other. While that had been an informative and eye-opening experience for Hayley, she wanted more. She knew Aiden felt more for her than just friendship. Aside from the way he had looked at her that first time in Danny's apartment, she felt his attraction for her. His hand would linger on her back as he ushered her in the door, when he thought she was unaware he would allow his gaze to linger on certain places.

As the weeks wore on, Hayley became restless, not liking the inaction in her life, feeling like she was floundering. To put off her career to be with Aiden wasn't part of her plans, despite knowing deep down that the time they had spent together had allowed her feelings for him to grow. She knew she loved him, she couldn't help it. The crush she had on him turned into teenager adoration, and eventually as she got to know him, adult love.

The last week Aiden had been distracted when they went out. Hayley had tried to talk to Nicole about what was happening, but she had a then 2 year old Jackson and an increasingly absent boyfriend to deal with, so she didn't want to bother her. One night Aiden picked her up as usual, but he was quiet. This normally didn't bother Hayley as she was never one for incessant chatting and liked that Aiden didn't feel the need to fill the silences. However, he seemed…nervous, which was unlike him. Hayley attempted to garner what was wrong but he brushed off her concern.

They ate at a nice restaurant, but instead of returning her home, Aiden had asked if she would be okay if they went to his place for a while as he was waiting for a call. Hayley felt her heartbeat increase at that, despite being a little perturbed that his only reason for inviting her back was because he had 'other business'. Hayley was surprised by Aiden's apartment; it was neat, stylishly furnished with definite masculine undertones.

Aiden seemed completely relaxed, a contrast to Hayley's increasingly nervous behaviour, stumbling over words, picking at pillow threads on the couch she sat on. Aiden poured them some wine, turned on the TV and sat next to her, closer than normal, placing his arm over the back of the chair. Hayley felt the warmth of his body next to hers, but he seemed to genuinely want to watch TV.

Aiden sent so many mixed signals so felt like she needed to be a linguist in order to interpret them. Hayley began to have second thoughts. Aiden had such a pull over her already, she wondered if sleeping with him would be a mistake and plunge her into territory she didn't want to be in. Already she found herself trailing behind him, allowing him to be in control of where they went, when and for how long. If she wondered if this was normal behaviour, she had no one to truly ask.

Making a decision, she scooted towards the end of the couch, intending to ask him to take her home. Instead, she felt his hand on her thigh and looked up to see him staring at her, those beautiful green eyes intense, and blazing with lust. Hayley's heart seemed to jump into her throat as he leaned towards her slowly. Hayley felt like a deer stuck in headlights, she was frozen to the spot and didn't move. It wasn't that she was a virgin; she'd lost her virginity in College, and had since had a few boyfriends. It was the thought that if things progressed, it would never be the same.

Sensing no resistance from her, Aiden closed the gap, his lips claiming hers in a kiss. Hayley noted that he had nice lips, but when she felt the push of his tongue, all other thoughts escaped her. As Aiden deepened the kiss, his tongue expertly entwined with hers, he grabbed her hips to pull her towards him. His hands began to roam over her back and Hayley supressed a moan, savouring the way his hands felt on her body. Hayley pressed her own hands against his chest, liking the feel of muscle beneath his shirt.

Aiden certainly was a good kisser, knowing when to deepen the kiss, and using his tongue in such a skilful way. Hayley felt excitement in her veins when after a while he moved closer and leaned his body into hers, gently pushing her back onto the couch. Hayley complied, and when he leaned back she could see in the flickering of the TV that his eyes were an intense, almost electric green. Aiden didn't move, seeking permission from her with his expression. Hayley gave it, reaching up for him. He bent over and let his warm hands slide under her shirt, thumbing circles on her hips. He leaned over and kissed her, before moving away to remove her shirt. Hayley suddenly felt exposed, lying on the couch beneath him in her bra and jeans. Aiden seemed to sense her indecision as he spoke for the first time since he started kissing her.

"You're beautiful," he breathed.

Hayley felt the sincerity in his words and reached for him again. He began kissing her, while also undoing her bra at the front. As soon as it was off, he trailed kisses down her neck, over her collarbone to take one of her nipples in his mouth. Hayley couldn't help but groan, loving the feel of his tongue tracing circles around her nipple. So lost in the sensation, Hayley didn't hear Aiden's phone ring, nor react when the door to his apartment burst open a moment later.

Aiden jumped up from the couch, reacting far quicker than she thought he was capable of. She stared open mouthed as he deftly reached into a box under the coffee table and produced a gun. He wasn't fast enough though, whoever had broken in came running towards Aiden, who didn't have time to raise the gun before the intruder tackled him to the ground. Hayley heard Aiden grunt before watching him scuffle with the guy who was on top of him. Hayley gasped as the man drew his hand back and hit Aiden over the head with some kind of object.

"Aiden," she heard herself scream.

The guy on top of him whipped his head up to stare in surprise at her, obviously not having noticed her presence before. His gaze flickered over her shoulder before returning to Aiden, who was struggling beneath him. Once more the guy hit Aiden over the head, but Hayley's focus was split as she heard movement behind her. Another two guys were in the room and had switched the light on. One held up a gun at her and was leering at her exposed breasts. Hayley watched the guy nervously while reaching down to gather up her top from the floor in an attempt to cover herself.

She quickly looked around to see how Aiden was doing and was alarmed to see blood seeping from a wound just under his hairline. The guy was pulling Aiden to his feet, although Aiden was having trouble standing, as he was blinking rapidly and seemed groggy from the blows to his head. The guy eventually stood him up and held him at gunpoint. Aiden eyed the men behind the couch before his gaze shot to her and lingered there. She saw no fear, only anger, which worried her. She knew Aiden was impulsive and worried he might do something stupid.

"Nice bit of ass you've got for yourself Pearce," the man behind her spoke to Aiden. "Did we interrupt something?"

Anger flared briefly in Aiden's eyes before he shut it down. What he said next caused Hayley to turn cold.

"She's just some slut I met tonight. Look guys, what's all this about? I was about to get some but you've interrupted a nice evening."

Hayley stared at Aiden in confusion, but he refused to look at her. A man behind her walked in front of the couch, ogling her in a way that made her feel uncomfortable.

"We can do business after if you want to share?" the intruder asked, thrusting his hips in an obscene gesture.

Aiden's lip curled. "No I don't want to share," he sneered. "And before you get any ideas I won't have you rape a girl in my apartment. You do that and our deal is off." His voice was low, but full of menace.

They guy in front of her made a type of growling noise. "Shut the fuck up Andy, we ain't here for that." The one called Andy seemed about to argue but at a look from the guy who spoke he shut his mouth. Andy gave her one last smirking look before he wandered off.

"We have business to conclude. The Boss wants to know when you'll have that money from the Risoni's. He said you're taking too long. He hired you to hack into their accounts and take their money. He suspects you've already done that but have stolen he money yourself. Is that true Pearce? Because if it is, you and this pretty little piece in front of you will pay."

Aiden rubbed the blood off that had dropped down his forehead into his eye. He sighed. "I've told your boss that these things take time. The Risoni's accounts are spread out and I have to get through their firewall, route the money to different accounts, and make sure he can't trace it."

Aiden turned around and stared at her, his voice cold, his eyes uncaring. "There's no use threatening her. She's just someone I intended to fuck."

The more Aiden spoke about her, the more Hayley cringed and felt her cheeks redden in embarrassment and horror. Aiden spoke so coldly about her and to her that despite the situation she realised how stupid she had been. No one could be that good of an actor, she had seen his eyes, knew he spoke the truth.

The guy holding the gun near Aiden's stomach considered him carefully, but Aiden started back insolently. The thug lifted his shoulders in a careless shrug before whipping his gun up to smack Aiden across his cheek. Aiden barely had time to react before the guy punched him in the stomach. Aiden doubled up and dropped to the floor gasping.

"That's a bit of incentive from the Boss to get you to do your job a bit quicker. Get the job done Pearce, and quickly. Or you won't like what the Boss will do."

The thug who hit Aiden didn't even look at her as he gestured for the guys behind him her to follow him out the door. Hayley sat on the couch, adrenaline coursing through her body, making her feel nauseous and dizzy. Aiden groaned, and Hayley quickly put her shirt back on and was on her knees beside him. She didn't touch him; his earlier dismissal of her making her hesitate. Aiden uncurled himself and sat back, panting, blood covering his face. The look he gave her made Hayley's head jerk back. It was so devoid of emotion, so unlike how he usually looked at her.

"Is what you said true?" Hayley asked in a whisper.

He stared at her for a long time. "No," he said, but he didn't sound at all convincing and Hayley felt her heart breaking all over again.

Biting her lip to keep from crying, Hayley stood up and collected her bra. She looked at Aiden again, who hadn't moved from his position and made no move to stop her. Hayley wasn't sure if Aiden meant what he said about her being just some girl he was going to sleep with, or whether he was acting to keep her safe from the men who had broken in. That was the whole point; she was never sure with Aiden and either way she was sick of guessing.

Hayley took a deep breath, fighting back tears at what she was about to say. "I think this was a mistake. I've never been sure of you Aiden, I feel like I follow you blindly without ever questioning why. I know now. It's because I love you." Hayley stopped at this juncture, watching as Aiden regarded her, his emotions shut down tight. This frustrated her, but she continued.

"But after tonight I can see that those feelings aren't reciprocated. You'll always be who you are, and damn it even that is what I love about you. But I don't want to get caught up in whatever it is you're doing. I don't want this life for myself, I deserve better."

Hayley felt a tear spill over but she didn't wipe it away. Tonight had been a wakeup call for her; Aiden just wasn't good for her. There were times in the last few months that she believed he cared for her, but she couldn't figure out if it was real or not. Her love for Aiden was toxic, she allowed herself to be caught up in her feelings, knowing it wasn't exactly healthy. The problem was, she genuinely liked him, she knew his faults, he could be controlling, moody, and impatient, but she also knew the good parts of him, his ability to listen without judgement, his intelligence and good looks, even his humour which was sarcastic and made her laugh. Most of all she knew that he presented excitement to her, and he was dangerous, not to her, but he had that aura about him. Her obsession with Aiden Pearce needed to stop. She needed to grow up and realise that Aiden could never be for her what she wanted. She knew that all along, and against her better judgement she had allowed him to ingratiate himself into her life. At that moment, she decided she would take control.

Hayley left Aiden's apartment and the next day signed on for Basic Training. It took her away from Chicago, away from Aiden and away from all her hurt and anger, not just at Aiden, but at her Mom's death, her brother's irresponsibility, and her heartache. Aiden didn't contact her again, but she did learn from her brother that he was arrested and charged with Computer fraud, Grand Larceny and possession of an illegal firearm not long after she left the state. He was sentenced to 15 months in Cook County Correctional Facility.

Present Day – Aiden's Apartment Block

Hayley realised she had been staring off into space, reliving painful memories for so long, that her coffee was now ice cold. Hayley wondered why she even followed Aiden here after he stopped those thugs from hurting her. After all she had been through with him; it surprised her that she was here in his dining room. There was still that pull there, she figured there always would be. However, she was a vastly different person now, compared to the person who had gotten involved with Aiden years ago. The Army had given her the training and mental fortitude to withstand anything. Or so she told herself anyway. In all honesty, if she hadn't come back to Chicago she would not have given Aiden Pearce a second thought. That thought pleased her. Hayley knew that she would never allow someone to totally consume her again. She may be forced to work with Aiden again but she would not allow him to feel like he could control her.

With that thought in mind, she grabbed her phone and headed out the door. Hayley may have been too shocked by Lena's death to argue with Aiden about his 'confinement order', but that didn't mean she would allow him to control her movements. She saw the sense in taking his lead while out in the field, but she would not sit there while Aiden was out and about doing his own thing. She had his phone, had the scrambler, so she saw no danger. She would go to her old apartment, pick up some clothes and be back. After all, she didn't need his permission.