Chapter 214
Aria’s POV
My body still trembled with aftershocks from our lovemaking as Aiden withdrew from
me.
The sharp ring of a phone shattered our intimate moment, and he growled in annoyance. Before pulling away completely, he caught my lower lip between his teeth-not hard enough to hurt, but enough to send shivers down my spine.
Gazing into those deep dark eyes, my cheeks immediately flushed.
“My phone,” I whispered, suddenly aware of how breathless I sounded.
At this hour, it was likely work-related. “Probably Summer,” I said, glancing at my phone.
Aiden finally released me, leaning back against the couch cushions. I quickly climbed off his lap and walked to the kitchen island to answer the call.
It wasn’t Summer after all, but another work matter.
“Could we discuss this over text instead?” I suggested.
“Of course, of course,” the caller replied hastily, clearly realizing they had interrupted something, and quickly hung up.
I nervously bit my lip and walked back to Aiden, settling on the couch beside him.
“You came back so quickly… won’t this affect your work schedule p>
He handed me a glass of water, his fingers deliberately brushing against mine. “Everything’s been handled. Now, Mrs. Carter, please tell me exactly what happened last night p>
His directness and that piercing gaze made my heart skip a beat. I took a sip of water, pausing to collect my thoughts. “Alright,” I finally conceded.
I looked down at my glass, gathering my thoughts before continuing. “Lilian and I split up at the mall after the movie. I was driving when I described how Paul had frantically waved me down, explaining about his friend’s bleeding ulcer, the emergency situation, and how he’d even shown me his ID to gain my trust.
“I carefully checked his identification,” I added, mustering the courage to meet Aiden’s eyes. “I made him read out the numbers to confirm. Then I drove his friend to the hospital. Paul arrived shortly after, so I went home p>
Aiden’s expression shifted subtly. “What was this man’s name p>
“Paul Garcia,” I answered, suddenly feeling worried. “Did I get the wrong person p>
A dangerous smile played at his lips-the kind that always made my heart race. “What kind of trouble does my wife manage to find p>
His tone suggested that even if I had gotten into trouble, he wouldn’t hesitate to handle it. The thought made my heart pound, warmth spreading through my body.
“I just thought… business competition can get pretty ruthless,” I explained weakly.
Aiden raised an eyebrow, an amused smile on his face. “Perhaps for others. Not necessarily for me p>
I felt foolish. Of course who would dare cross Aiden Carter? His reputation preceded him everywhere.
He glanced at his phone, typing quickly. “I’ve already asked Lucas to look into this Paul Garcia,” he explained, though he didn’t seem particularly concerned. “Not that I think anyone would be stupid enough to target my wife, but maybe someone doesn’t know who you are p>
After sending the message, he stood and glanced out the window. “I need to return to the office this afternoon. Want to take a nap with me first p>
His suggestion made my ears burn—I understood perfectly what kind of “nap” he meant. “I just woke up,” I protested weakly.
He gave me a meaningful look, his eyes full of desire. “Didn’t you sleep well last night p>
I bit my lip, suddenly aware of that delicious soreness from our earlier intimacy. “I think you’re right p>
“I’m going to shower,” he announced, then turned toward the stairs.
Watching him leave, I remembered he’d mentioned Lilian had called earlier. It was her lunch break now, but she’d called during work hours, so it must be important.
I quickly called her back. She answered almost immediately, sounding frantic. “Aria? Is it really you p>
“It’s me,” I confirmed, feeling somewhat embarrassed remembering that Aiden had answered earlier.
“I need a favor,” Lilian said urgently, explaining about her company’s upcoming anniversary celebration. “We’d really love for your husband to attend, but you know how he feels about these events p>
I understood immediately. Aiden never liked accepting social invitations. “I can’t promise anything,” I told her honestly. “I’ll mention it to him, but if he’s busy, I can’t force him. If he’s free, I’ll bring him for an appearance. Would that work p>
“That would be wonderful!” she exclaimed. “With you there, he’ll definitely come p>
“That’s not certain,” I protested, thinking about how busy Aiden’s schedule usually
was.
“Don’t worry! Just mention it casually,” Lilian insisted. “Anyway, I won’t interrupt your reunion anymore!” Before I could respond, she hung up.
I sighed, refilled my water glass, and headed toward the bedroom. As I passed through the outer room, the sight before me made me gasp.
Aiden stood there, a loose bathrobe hanging open, barely reaching his waist. Water droplets still clung to his chest as he casually toweled his damp hair.
God, the man was sex incarnate. I raised my glass to my lips, my teeth grazing the rim as heat pooled in my lower abdomen.
His intense gaze met mine, and noticing my flushed ears, his knowing smile grew even more radiant.
I looked up, finding myself
completely captivated by his gaze. I
swallowed hard, pressed my lips
together, then stepped forward,
wrapping my arms around his neck.
called than back earlier
He smoothly wrapped his arms around my waist, shifting our positions so I straddled
his lap while he sat on the edge of the bed.
“What did she want?” his voice was low and husky against my skin.
I stared at his exposed throat, swallowing hard before meeting his eyes. “Her company’s anniversary is coming up. Her boss asked her to try to get you to attend p>
I felt awkward making this request. Aiden was incredibly busy, and while this wasn’t
a huge favor, it wasn’t as simple as just making an appearance.
“When?” he asked, studying my face carefully.
“End of the month. She’s already sent an invitation p>
Worried he might think I was pressuring him, I quickly added, “It’s fine if you can’t
make it. Lilian just asked me to check. Your schedule is most important p>
Aiden looked at me, his expression softening. “My wife’s matters are equally important p>
I blinked in surprise. “So you’ll go p>
“Yes.” His hand covered mine, giving it a gentle pat. “I brought you some travel souvenirs p>
My eyes lit up immediately. “Mango candy p>
He just smiled slightly, saying nothing.
“Where are they?” I asked eagerly.
Aiden gestured toward the inner room. “On your vanity table p>
I immediately jumped off his lap. “I have to see p>
At some point, Aiden had started bringing me mango candies as souvenirs from
every business trip. It had become our tradition.
I hurried into the inner room, spotting the candy box on the vanity before I even reached it.
I quickened my pace, my eyes brightening. Reaching the vanity, I discovered not only the candy box but also a small jewelry box beside it.
I raised an eyebrow curiously, first picking up the candy box, opening it to take one
and savoring it, then turning my attention to the jewelry box.
As I picked it up, I felt Aiden behind me. “Good?” he asked.
The candy had a slight tartness that sent a pleasant tingle through my jaw.
I turned to look at him. “A bit sour,” I said, then added, “but still delicious p>
I took another candy from the box and offered it to him. “Want to try one p>
His gaze flicked to my lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing visibly. “May I p>
I shrugged, finding his restraint amusing. “Why not p>
“Then I’ll have a taste p>
Before I could understand what he
meant, his warm hand cupped the back of my neck while his other arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me toward him.
His lips claimed mine without warning.
The sweet and sour candy mingled
with our tongues, the fresh mango scent mixing with the mint on his breath in an intoxicating blend that left me both clear-headed and dizzy, burning with desire.
A moment later, he skillfully stole the candy from my mouth.
Aiden rolled the candy on his tongue, mischief dancing in those deep eyes as he savored the flavor. “Indeed, very delicious,” he said quietly.
His burning gaze made my heart race, and the candy I’d been holding for him
slipped from my fingers, hitting the floor with a soft “clink” that seemed especially loud in the quiet room.
I instinctively looked down, my cheeks burning. Was he tasting the candy’s flavor, or
mine?
Aiden bent to pick up the dropped candy, unwrapped it, and brought it to my lips. “For you p>
I accepted the candy somewhat awkwardly, then quickly changed the subject, focusing on the jewelry box still in my hand. I held it up and asked, “Is this also my souvenir p>
He nodded with a slight smile. “Yes p>
“What is it?” I wondered if it might be a ring.
“Open it and see p>
I looked at him once more, then opened the lid to reveal an exquisite bracelet inside.