After Midnight

6

"Have you lost your fucking mind?" I hissed. Aiden disregarded my comment, too interested in his surroundings to be bothered with me. He wandered around my room aimlessly, examining everything from the books on my bookshelf, to the cream plush rug sprawled across the floor.

"You know, I've never been in your bedroom before." He said while turning around. "I never pictured you as a pink type of girl." He pondered, gesturing to the baby-pink coated walls that surrounded us.

"I was seven and it was during my barbie phase." I defended while crossing my arms.

"You had a barbie phase?" He asked, a glint in his eyes. Glancing at my oak dresser, his smirk grew even wider as he picked up a red lacy bra that hung across the edge. "Well, well, well." He mused, inspecting it. "I guess I really don't know you at all, love."

"Hey!" I yelled and snatched my bra away from him, my cheeks flushed, almost becoming the same shade as the undergarment in my hands. "What are you even doing here Aiden? Have you just come here to cause trouble? You and your goons are all over the news. What were you thinking?!"

"Trust me, love, that wasn't part of the plan." He grit out, diverting his eyes elsewhere. "I only went to the store to see you, and I knew you were going to give me a hard time so I brought some back up. Instead of finding you though, that leech was there, so there was a change of plans."

"Paul? Paul is such a nice guy!"

"Oh, really? Then explain to me how such a nice guy can be working with Damius Cantano."

"What?" I asked, my mouth going dry. "How do you know that?"

"Like I said." Aiden stated while walking over to the window that was opposite my bed. "I can spot a leech like him from a mile away. You're actually lucky I came to see you, who knows what would have happened if that Paul guy found out who you really are."

"That wouldn't have happened."

"Oh, really?Are you sure about that? Because last time-"

"That's not important right now." I snapped, wanting to change the topic. "Now what the hell are you here for?"

"Oh, love." He laughed out. "You already know the answer to that question, but I can say it out loud if you prefer. I came back for you. There's been a little bit of trouble in paradise, and we need your help."

"We?" I questioned.

"Oh, you know, the old crew. Jack, Lena, Peter, and of course myself."

My eyebrows knitted together and I tilted my head to the side. "What's going on?" I asked, my eyes narrowing.

"Oh, you know what Lily? Sometimes you break my heart. Here I thought you would be so excited for a reunion. The fearsome five back at it again for one more showdown and-"

"Aiden." I said sternly. "What's happened?"

"It's Mike." He sighed while rubbing his face. "The council caught him doing some bad business, stuff they really didn't like. He was all set up and ready to go to trial, but he just vanished. I think he's been taken."

I sat down on the edge of my bed, the springs squeaking slightly with the action. "Mike was doing bad business? That doesn't sound like him." I muttered.

"It's not him." Aiden said. "I think someone framed him. The four of us have been doing some research and coming up with some theories, but we need you. You're the only one that can go out in the field."

I scoffed. "Oh, so you're just planning on using me to bait someone out? Damn, Aiden, you never learn do you? This is the whole reason I left!"

"Yes, and now I'm asking you to come back. I'm not asking this for me, but for my baby brother. You have brothers, what would you do if something happened to one of them?"

I chewed on my bottom lip and looked at the ceiling. The truth was, as much as Brent and Darren could be little devils, I would do anything to help them if they needed it.

I'd even call Aiden.

"Fine." I said. "I'll come back, but this is the last time." I Stressed.

"Yes, yes, of course!" Aiden beamed.

"And we're playing by my rules." I said.

"Oh, a woman in charge, I like where this is going." Aiden said while winking. I rolled my eyes.

"Ugh, just get out." I groaned, having enough of Aiden for one day.

"Your wish is my command." He grinned, sauntering to my bedroom door.

"No!" I yelled. "What if my dad sees you? Go out the window."

This time Aiden rolled his eyes. "You know I'd be too quick for him to notice, but if you really want me to go out the window I will."

I nodded my head, and pointed to my window. Aiden sighed and made his way over to it and opened it up, a cool breeze flowing through as he did so.

"Oh, and Lily?" Aiden asked while swinging one leg out.

"Yeah?"

"I changed your background picture. The one you had of a field of flowers didn't suit you well." He stated and threw my phone to me as he slipped out the window.

Horror flooded my face as I looked down at my phone as I caught it, my new background picture coming into view.

It was a picture Aiden had taken, one with him grinning, pearly white teeth on display for everyone to see.

Holding up my lacy red bra.