Cabin Fever | ✓

(50) The Enemy Of My Enemy

The both of them were able to make safe trips to the bathroom no problem - it was the first aid of Aiden that took a lot longer. He had deep gashes in his back from landing on whatever trash and litter had been on the floor. He had a couple cuts on his face and chest, but she worked with meticulous care, making certain that everything was clean and taken care of.

They both finished off the waters quickly - well, for the most part. Aiden only drank one, leaving the second untouched even though she'd already drank her half. He was worried that this was their only supply, and as much as she argued, he refused to do anything but save it for her.

It had cooled down considerably, but that was the only tell of time they had. The noise of the billiard rooms faded but never quite disappeared. It's December in California, so it isn't all that warm in general but this small building, with poor ventilation and congested with at least a hundred bodies - added up to awful heat.

It had become bearable, though, as more and more patrons filtered out for the night.

Marley lay between Aiden's legs, his leather jacket folded beneath her body to keep her bones from aching at contact with the concrete floor. He sat up against the wall, his right hand captured by hers as she played with his fingers, and the fingers of his left sliding gently up and down her left arm.

Her eyes were drooping, but she would fight it. All night, if necessary.

"Aiden?" She whispered.

"Hm?"

"Is there something...am I missing something here? With Eli? Is there more to the story?"

She couldn't see his face, but he did still for a few seconds. Marley connected their hands with the one she was playing with a few times, until he caught hers - as always. His thumb rubbed along the back of her hand.

"Our father," he began quietly, his voice stiff, "he told Eli's mother that he only needs one older son. An heir to the company and his assets. He said because he has me, that Elias is useless to him."

Marley inhaled sharply, snuggling closer to Aiden, "He blames you."

"For not being well-off, yes," Aiden elaborated easily, but beyond the simple words he was angry. Rightfully so.

Aiden doesn't deserve to be hurt for his fathers' mistakes.

It was quiet between them for a few minutes. He caressed her cheek, "Get some sleep, spitfire. You're safe. I promise I'll wake you if anything changes."

Marley shook her head stubbornly, blinking away fatigue that kept coming back, "I-I don't want to. You need to sleep too-"

"Not happening," he cut her off calmly, but his demeanour was shattered by both of his hands shaking, until he took deep breaths to calm them down.

She shifted her cheek to press her lips to a sliver of hot skin on the centre of his chest, "I'm okay. I'm right here, Aiden. We're together, and I'm not going anywhere. They only want the money."

The door banged again and swung open. The both of them assumed it was food, but when it widened to reveal figures entering the room Aiden stood to his feet quickly. He swayed with inertia and his injuries, but his stance in front of her body didn't waver.

She was sat up on the palms of her hands, eyes wide as saucers watching two bodies drop on the opposite wall. One was a redhead girl and the other was a light blonde. The both of them were bruised and limping. Their heights and youth gave away that they probably weren't any older then Aiden and Marley. They were dirty from the mud and sweat, jeans and t-shirts wrinkled and damp.