Chapter 119
Aria’s POV
Aiden lowered his head, his lips brushing against mine-so lightly it felt like a
feather. Looking down at me with those intense dark eyes, he murmured, “Good to hear that p>
It was such a brief touch, but it sent my heart fluttering wildly. By the time I processed what had happened, the sensation was gone.
Did Aiden just kiss me? In front of all these people? With everyone watching?
I could feel dozens of eyes on us as people started whispering about Aiden and me. The curious stares grew more obvious by the second, making me increasingly uncomfortable. Instinctively, I moved closer to Aiden, feeling his warmth radiating through our clothes.
“It’s getting hot in here,” I murmured, suddenly feeling flushed.
Aiden glanced at me with those piercing eyes. “Is it p>
I couldn’t hold his gaze, feeling weirdly guilty as I looked away. That’s when I spotted a familiar face across the room.
“Hey, isn’t that your friend over there?” I pointed out, desperate for any distraction.
Aiden followed my gaze and locked eyes with Ryan across the room. “Hmm,” he responded flatly, showing absolutely zero enthusiasm.
I expected him to go over and say hello-which would’ve given me a much-needed break from this charged atmosphere between us—but he just stood there, making no move to approach his friend.
“Aren’t you going to say hi to him?” I asked, feeling awkward.
“No need. Are you hungry p>
As if on cue, my stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl.
Aiden’s eyes flickered with amusement. “There’s food over there. Let’s get you something p>
“Okay,” I agreed, wanting to crawl into a hole. Could this get any more embarrassing?
As Aiden led me toward the buffet area, I felt the weight of everyone’s stares. Some looks were envious, others curious, some downright hostile, and a few just plainly judging. I straightened my posture and gripped Aiden’s hand tighter, refusing to let them intimidate me.
Claire had gone all out with the food-there was everything from sushi to pasta to fancy little canapés I couldn’t even name. I was worried I’d have to leave hungry, but Aiden kept piling food onto my plate until I was genuinely concerned people would think I was eating for two.
“Still hungry?” he asked, offering me a piece of gorgeous-looking sushi.
I had to force myself to look away from it. “I’m full p>
When his eyes didn’t leave my face, I added more firmly, “I’m seriously full. If I eat any more, I’ll need digestive medicine p>
Aiden just nodded and popped the sushi into his own mouth instead.
Just as we finished eating, Claire appeared out of nowhere. “Sweetheart! I’ve been looking for you p>
Before she could get too close, Aiden smoothly positioned himself between us, pulling me to his side.
Claire’s smile faltered. “Mr. Carter, Ryan was just asking for you p>
“Oh,” Aiden replied dismissively, making no move whatsoever to go find Ryan.
Claire repeated herself, and this time Aiden didn’t even bother responding.
“Aiden,” Claire said, her voice tightening with irritation, “you’ve been glued to her side all night. Don’t you think she deserves some personal space p>
Aiden turned to me. “Do you need personal space right now p>
Talk about being put on the spot! On one side, had my “husband” giving me his most intense stare, and on the other was Graire looking at me with hopeful eyes. I felt trapped in
the middle of their standoff
If I said no, Claire would probably be heartbroken. If I said yes, Aiden would likely be angry with me.
God, being popular is hard work!
“Sweetie, just say what you really feel,” Claire encouraged softly.
I’m such a sucker for sweet talk. One “sweetie” from Claire and I was ready to surrender.
I looked at Aiden apologetically. “I think I could use some space p>
I’m sorry, Aiden! Her charm offensive is too powerful! I’m only human!
“Fine,” he said curtly, his expression darkening like a storm cloud.
Yep, he was definitely upset.
I wanted to say something to smooth things over, but Claire had already grabbed my arm and was
putting me away. “Come see all the
birthday gifts I received p>
As I glanced back at Aiden, I suddenly felt like the worst kind of player. But that
feeling quickly disappeared when Claire dropped her bombshell.
She wanted to give me ALL of her birthday presents!
Help! Why does this woman keep trying to give me things?
“Of course I keep the gift you gave
me,” she clarified, “but everything else is yours. You saved my life, so it’s only right that you get my birthday gifts
Wait, what? That logic makes zero sense!
I backed out of the gift-filled room in panic. “Miss Bennett, can I ask you
something p>
Claire looked delighted. “Of course! Ask me anything you want p>
I hesitated, feeling awkward. “I was wondering if you like p>
God, it seemed so rude to directly ask about someone’s sexual orientation!
Claire’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “If I like what p>
I paused, then rephrased my question. “Do you like me? I mean, are you attracted
to me p>