Nobody Like You

Chapter 22 Gabriella: Fighting For Him

"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked, probably for the hundredth time tonight as we rode in the truck to go home. "You're not in pain or anything?"

Aiden chuckled from the front seat, surprisingly amused by my worrying. "Baby, stop freaking out. Mike did a pretty good job getting the bullet out and patching me up especially since it was through and through wound. So far these pain killers are a blessing."

"Yeah, I have tended to a bullet wound or two in my days," Mike rolled his eyes. "I know the drill by now."

Realizing they were right, I sighed and nodded. "You're right, I'm overreacting. Sorry, I guess I'm still on edge from everything."

Aiden turned around to take my hand and look at me. "Don't be, you have every right to be on edge after everything you've been through tonight. I love that you're worried about me and honestly, I've been missing that but trust me when I tell you that I'm okay. Better than okay now that I got you in front of me."

I smiled as he leaned forward to kiss my hand. Mike groaned. "Gross, I'm going to be sick. But since we're on the topic, what are you two going to do about the war zone we're about to walk into? I may have convinced Gabriella's parents that you should help us, but they still don't like your ass."

"In all honesty, I don't give a damn," Aiden shrugged. "I don't work for them anymore, so I don't have to listen to shit that they say."

Hearing him say that was such a relief. Since we left the warehouse, I had been terrified that he was just going to take me home then leave my life again. Knowing that he was ready to fight for me was all I needed to hear.

"Wow, unemployed Aiden is a whole different person," Mike smirked.

Aiden playfully shoved him as we pulled up to my neighborhood. After we got through the gates, the nerves started to set in. I was excited to see my family again, but it was because of how miserable I was that I even went off on my own in the first place. I didn't want to have to go back to that.

As Mike pulled into the driveway, my parents ran out of the house and pulled me into their embrace as soon as I got out of the backseat. Regardless of how nervous I was feeling about Aiden, it felt amazing to be in their arms after thinking that I was going to die and never see them again.

"We're so glad you're safe," my mom whispered.

"Come on, let's get you inside," my dad said.

As soon as we came through the door, Alexis ran down the stairs and launched herself into my arms. "Gabby you're home!"

I hugged her tighter and kissed the top of her head. "I missed you too, Lex."

My mom looked at Aiden and Mike. "The words 'thank you' don't even begin to cover how grateful we are for you two."

"Just doing our job," Mike replied. She and my dad sent Aiden a nod before turning their attention back to me.

"I think I'll just let them have their time together for right now," I heard Aiden tell Mike. "We can deal with the matter of us later."

When I saw him start to back away, something in me snapped. I didn't care if it was the right time or not. I wasn't about to let him disappear from my life again. Not if I could help it. "Aiden's not leaving."

Suddenly, everyone froze as I walked over to him and took his hand in mine. He looked at me with wide eyes. "Gabriella you just came home. We don't have to do this now."

"Yes, we do," I replied before turning back to my parents. "I ran off after my recital because you took someone important from me and I almost died because that. I'm not letting you chase him away again."