Ayden had decided to completely ignore his brother. He didn't want to waste his energy begging him to join his crusade to keep everyone safe. Mark had always been a damn nuisance to him.He hadn't wanted to tell Arya about what happened between them when they were children. She had enough trauma from what happened with her stepmother, and he didn't want Arya to form a negative opinion of Mark because of it.Many times, he had asked her to stay away from Mark, but it was nearly impossible. She had developed a sort of fondness for him that he couldn't fully understand. He respected that to a certain extent because he knew his half-brother had been a bad influence due to his late mother. He felt at peace as long as they didn't get too close, or rather, closer than normal.Arya and Robin had started their first day at the hospital. Both of them were excited and happy to begin this new phase."Welcome," says Dr. Swan, the hospital's chief."Thank you very much. We appreciate being able to

As Arya climbed into the SUV, Robin immediately started questioning her."Will you tell me what happened now, or will you keep me in suspense?" he asked anxiously."I'll tell you at the house," Arya warned, nodding toward the bodyguards. She wasn't sure how much they knew or didn't know.The idea that someone was following her was chilling. Although Ayden said Jeff wasn't the culprit, she couldn't think of anyone else but him. She didn't want to jump to conclusions, but at the same time, she didn't want to live in constant worry, wondering if it was her brother or not."Harry, take us to Rikers," Arya instructed her bodyguard."To Rikers?" Robin asked, alarmed. "I have to inform Mr. Emory first," Harry said."You won't. From now on, I'll be paying your salary, and you'll be protecting me," the doctor said authoritatively. "I'm in danger, and I want to be able to trust those around me. If you're going to report everything to them, then get out of the car, and we'll go alone."Harry gla

Ayden knew Arya was right about seeking help from her brother. What he didn't like was how she exposed herself in a way that put her in danger. That was something she didn't measure, and he didn't understand why."I understand that you've taken care of yourself for most of your life. But you're not alone anymore, Arya. I'm here for you, and even if I have to deploy a whole army to protect you, I will," Ayden declared without worrying about her contradicting him. "You're important to me, and if you want to get angry, go ahead. I won't feel bad about taking care of you."In that moment, Arya felt guilty. It was true that she had only tried to help, but she hadn't assessed the risk properly. Slowly, she reached out and took Ayden's hand, surprising him."I'm sorry, I promise to call you next time I come," she explained, and even so, Ayden furrowed his brow upon hearing her."Because you caring about me and putting an army at my disposal won't stop me from doing what I want to do.""This

As night fell, Arya returned to Ayden's bedroom. She mentally scolded herself for this situation. She didn't want to be there, didn't want to tempt fate and risk everything falling apart. But at the same time, she didn't want to pull away. She needed it, as much as fire needs heat."Do you think Robin is as okay as he says he is?" Ayden inquired as he took his pajamas."I don't know, but I want to believe he is," she replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. "This day has been a constant back-and-forth. I just want to take a shower, lie down, and sleep. My back is killing me."Ayden gave her a smile that barely reached his eyes and offered her the bathroom first."Go ahead then, so you can rest," he suggested, and she immediately got up."Thank you," she said as she entered the shower with only a bathrobe in hand.Arya undressed with the door locked, turned on the shower, and adjusted it to hot water before stepping in. The water gradually warmed her reddened skin. It felt pleasant, an

The lovers awoke, entwined in each other's arms. Arya hugged Ayden by the chest and had one leg draped over his. Skin to skin, bare of both body and soul. A knock at the door roused them. Arya stretched, but Ayden's warmth was more comfortable for her."Who is it?" she asked when the knocking resumed."Wake up, sleepyhead, we have to work, we're running late," Robin exclaimed from the other side of the door.Arya jumped out of bed, quickly wrapping herself in a sheet."Where are you going?" Ayden inquired, trying to reach her as she passed by him."To work, it's late, we overslept," Arya clarified, adjusting the sheet to ensure nothing was exposed."Are you going dressed like that? Because if you are, I think I'll schedule a consultation," Ayden joked, sitting on the edge of the bed completely naked."No, I'm going to my room to change," she replied and approached him, giving him a kiss on the lips. "Last night was one of the best nights of my life," Arya declared, still kissing him.