AIDEN'S POV
Who's missing?" Sydney asked again.
"I thought you'd gone missing." I replied her, exhaling with relief.
"Why would you think that?"
"Nothing, nothing." I know my cousin, she's an over thinker, I could possibly tell her. "Do me a favor, never leave the without proper security, alright?" A command I expect her to adhere to.
"Alright but why? Is there something you're not saying?" she asked, squinting her eyes as she stared at me, as if that'll help her see through me.
"No questions, Sydney, you know that." I replied in a low tone.
"Fine. Anyways, Jayden will be here soon."
"What do mean JAYDEN WILL BE HERE SOON?" I asked obviously frustrated. I do like my cousin but damn, he's one of the most annoying, obnoxious person on earth. With a pretty face, which makes him even more unbearable, well, not to women at least.
"What do you mean? I spoke to him earlier and told him I'll be here, turns out he's in town for business. He decided to stop by." The door bell rang, "That must Jayden!" Sydney said hurried over to get it.
"Long time no see, Syd, how are you?" Jayden said as he enveloped his sister in a hug the minute he stepped in. I had no time for this, I turned to walk away, "Aiden! Won't you at least say hi to cousin? It's been ages."
"I wouldn't mind punching that smirk off your face." I stated slowly and uninterested.
"Look, I don't get why you two are beefing with each other, but you'll both pretend in Avery's presence." Sydney said sternly.
"And why would I pretend?" I asked, slightly pissed. For fuck sake I'm not some sort of actor or something.
"For the same reason you pretend in front of Grandma."
"I don't pretend."
"Fine, whatever you do to keep this silly feud away from grandma, do it to keep it away from Avery. Understood?" The command stunned me. I was going to reprimand her for that but Jayden cut in.
"Who's this Avery, hmm, sis?"
"Aiden's wife."
"Wife? You're married, Aiden? Where is she? Aiden Armstrong, married? No way, she must be a goddess or something or maybe there's something more. Did you fall in love." How could he stand here in my house and ask stupid questions? "Where is she?" he asked again.
"At the hospital." Sydney replied.
"Hospital, why?"
"She got attacked. I'll be heading back to the hospital later. I got a few stuffs and got back here to take a shower. I just need to eat, get a few things done and I'm off."
"How's she—" I was cut off mid sentence.
"I'll join you. I want to meet the beautiful, lady that got Aiden to tie the knot." Jayden said and then smiled towards my direction.
"If you go even five feet close to Avery, I'll kill you. What is wrong with you?" My anger rose as memories flooded in my head. Who did this betrayer think he was fooling?
"Aiden—"
"Stay out of this Sydney!" I thundered at Sydney, a mistake, It got her to tears in seconds. She was always happy, Sydney doesn't need much to make her happy but she also didn't need much for her to get broken.
"Sydney..." I called in regret. "Why don't we all head to the hospital when you're ready?" That got a smile on her face.
In less than an hour, we were headed to the hospital. In the car, I thought of different ways to get Avery to ignore Jayden's charms. Jayden had made it his goal to mess around with my women, this is different though, Avery is my wife and if Jayden tried shit... family ties be damned.
"If you don't mind, Rudy, I'd like to get a few gifts for my Sister in law." Jayden drawled and looked at me with a wide grin. Sydney gave me a look that stated I should get some gifts too.
A few minutes later, we got back into the car and headed straight for the hospital. "When we get there, Aiden, try to be as sweet as possible. She's mad at you for some reason. I know you care and you're currently busy hunting the attackers but don't forget she needs to know you care, it'll make her feel safer." What the hell does care make one feel safe?
Avery's Pov
"Kiki..." I called with relief the moment she picked up the phone.
"Avery, thank God! I came to the hospital to see you but the security wouldn't let me in."
"I'm sorry about that. Can you please come back? I would really love it if you could stay with me a bit." I just hope she hasn't gone far.
"Are you even asking? I'm already on my way girl!" And that's why she's my best girl! I love her.
"You're the best." I ended the call and anticipated her arrival. My mind drifted over to Aiden and what Sydney had told me. Whatever was wrong with him, certainly he could deal with it and be better, right. How could one be cool this minute and then crap the next minute?
"I'm here! How's my best girl doing?" Kiki's voice brought me out of my thoughts.
"Kiki!" I tried to move, forgetting my current condition, it hurt like hell!
"Easy girl, you shouldn't be moving much. You've got all these IV's and monitors connected to you." She gave me a hug but even the slightest movement triggered my headache. Guess I hit my head really hard. Kiki sensed it, "Are you okay? Should I call a doctor?"
"No...no, I'm fine."
"You're sure?"
"I'm fine, Kiesha."
"I'm really glad you're okay—not okay yet, I know but I'm glad you'll be fine."
"I am too. I had never felt fear as great as the fear I felt at night. It felt like the shooters were there for me. I know it sounds silly but that's what it felt like." I hope she doesn't think I'm crazy.
"Why do you say so? Because I think so too."
"Seriously?" I eyed her curiously, trying to figure out if she was joking or not.
"Yeah."
"Everyone knows how dangerous the Armstrongs are, right?"
"Right."
I tried to continue but my throat felt like it was on fire.
"What's wrong, Avery?" I just pointed at my throat. She passed me my water, I drank and felt a bit better.
"Back to what I was saying—"
"Avery, we can continue this later, you don't have to make your throat hurt any worse than it already does."
"I'm fine." I said with a smile.
"You seem so cool about all of this, I couldn't possibly be this calm if I were in your shoes."
I had no response to that, "Armstrong's security is top notch from general knowledge. And attacks like this haven't occurred in a long time."
"A decade."
"You know..?"
"Yeah, I looked it up, that's why the shoot out is strange. They didn't after your husband, Avery, they skipped Aiden and shot you."
"How did you —"
"It's all over the news. What if this your husband's—"
The door swung open, cutting Kiki off. Sydney stepped in. "Hi Avery, I'm back... you have company." She smiled at Kiki, "Hi! nice to meet you." A tall handsome guy walked in and I heard Kiki whisper, "Who the hell is that Greek god?"