Chapter 108
Aria’s POV
I noticed we entered the elevator still holding hands. My palm was sweating, and I
had no idea how to ask Aiden to let go without making it awkward.
“Everything okay?” he asked, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine despite my discomfort.
“Just a little hot,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
He immediately released my hand. The moment his strong grip left mine, my sweaty palm felt instantly cooler. Relief washed over me, though part of me oddly missed the contact.
The elevator stopped at the first floor, and about half the people stepped out, creating more space in the cramped compartment. I seized the opportunity to move slightly away from Aiden, making a conscious effort not to brush against him.
He noticed my subtle movement and gave me a questioning look.
“It’s just warm in here,” I explained, feeling awkward. I didn’t want him to think I was repulsed by him or anything.
“Mmm,” he responded noncommittally as the elevator doors opened again. I breathed a sigh of relief.
Once in the car, I dutifully fastened my seatbelt, trying not to think about how close we’d been standing just moments ago.
Suddenly, Aiden’s phone rang. He glanced at it briefly, brow furrowed, and answered, “What is it p>
I couldn’t hear the person on the other end, but Aiden’s response was curt: “Not available.” Then, after a short pause, he added, “Afternoon tea p>
The call ended almost immediately.
Aiden turned to me. “That was Ryan. He wants us to join them for afternoon tea p>
Meeting his friends? I looked down at my casual outfit, suddenly self-conscious. Before I could even voice my concern, Aiden continued.
“He doesn’t believe we’re actually married. He thinks this is all for show p>
That immediately lit a fire in me. “Let’s go then! I’ll show them how real this is p>
“Aren’t you tired?” he asked, his tone revealing genuine concern.
“I’m fine, not that tired,” I insisted, only for my body to betray me with a massive yawn right afterward.
” “
Well, that was embarrassing.
Aiden’s expression softened slightly. “We’ll just have tea and head back p>
“Okay, whatever you think is best!” I agreed eagerly, determined to prove our marriage was legitimate to his doubtful friends.
“Don’t mind anything they say. They’re just jealous assholes who love to stir trouble p>
I had initially thought Aiden’s friends might be difficult, but hearing him describe them that way, I suddenly felt sympathetic toward Ryan. They were clearly engaged in some sort of mutual antagonism.
“You can rest for a while. It’s about twenty minutes to get there,” Aiden offered.
I hesitated briefly, but decided not to play coy. Better to be rested and alert when
meeting his friends. “I’ll take a quick nap then p>
“Is the air conditioning too cold?” he asked unexpectedly.
“A little,” I admitted. Now that he mentioned it, the car did feel quite chilly.
“I’ll adjust it,” he said, turning it up a few degrees.
“Thank you. You’re really kind, Aiden p>
“Am I?” he asked, sounding genuinely surprised.
I adjusted my position, getting comfortable as drowsiness overtook me. “Yes, you really are,” I murmured.
Aiden fell silent, and the car became peaceful. Within seconds, sleep began pulling me under.
As consciousness faded, I remember mumbling, “Mmm, you’re truly so good to me p>
Aiden’s POV
I glanced at Aria sleeping peacefully beside me, her chest rising and
falling with each breath. Something about her vulnerable state made me
reconsider our plans
reached fo
my phone and typed a quick
message to our group chat.
“Afternoon tea canceled. My wife is tired. Drink without us p>
The response was immediate – and predictable.
Ryan: WTF Aiden? You literally asked me to call you 10 minutes ago. I made the call, YOU suggested afternoon tea, and now you’re bailing? @AidenCarter
Ethan: I’m already in my car heading out! Are you serious right now? @AidenCarter
Michael: Classic Aiden move. “Afternoon tea” has always been code for “not happening”
Ryan: p>
Ethan: p>
Six minutes of silence passed before I responded.
Me: I did want afternoon tea. But my wife is exhausted.
Michael:…We GET IT. You have a WIFE now!
Ryan:… Yes, we KNOW you have a wife!
Ethan:…Thanks for reminding us AGAIN about your wife!
Me: Just thought I’d mention it since none of you have one.
Ryan: *string of obscenities*
Ethan: *even worse string of obscenities*
Michael:…I can’t with you anymore.
Me: Struck a nerve, did I?
The group chat descended into chaos, but I simply muted my phone and set it
aside. They could handle their wounded egos without me.
Twenty minutes later, I pulled into our driveway. After parking, I unbuckled my seatbelt and circled around to the passenger side. carefully unfastened Aria’s seatbelt and lifted her into my arms.
I’d worried the movement might wake her, but she was completely out, lost somewhere between dreams and reality. Her weight felt right in my arms – light but substantial, warm against my chest.
I carried her inside and gently laid her on the bed. As I removed her shoes, she suddenly shifted positions, her dress riding up her thighs and revealing the edge of pale pink underwear.
My eyes darkened as I took in the sight. My lashes fluttered as I fought against the sudden surge of desire. My gaze traveled up to her lips, which parted slightly with a soft smacking sound.
I tried to resist – I really did. I told myself to walk away, to let her sleep in peace. But something about her drew me in like gravity.
“Fuck it,” I whispered, leaning down until my lips hovered just above hers.
I pressed my mouth against those soft, full lips. A gentle kiss – just a taste. But it was enough to stir her from sleep.
Her eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding them for a moment before recognition dawned. “Aiden?” she murmured, her voice raspy from sleep.
I froze, caught in the act like a goddamn teenager. For a man who prided himself on always being in control this was unfamiliar territory. My heart hammered against my ribs as I waited for her reaction -Shame? Anger?
What I didn’t expect was for her hand to reach up and cup my cheek, her thumb gently stroking my skin as she gazed into my eyes with a mixture of wonder and desire that set my blood on fire.
“You’re not dreaming,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended.
“I’m not sure I want to be awake,” she whispered back, her other hand sliding up my
arm.
Then she pull me closer, her fingers tangling in my hair as she guided my mouth
back to hers. This time, there was nothing gentle about our kiss. It was hungry, desperate.
I braced myself above her with one arm while my other hand slid down her side, feeling the curve of her waist, the flare of her hip. Her body arched into my touch, eager and responsive.
“Aria,” I groaned against her lips. “What are you doing to me p>