Chapter 264
Aria’s POV
I groaned as the alarm pierced through my sleep.
My body felt deliciously sore in all the right places, a reminder of last night’s passionate encounter with Aiden. God, that man’s stamina was something else. My thighs still trembled at the memory of him moving between them, his strong hands gripping my hips as he-
Forcing my eyes open, I fumbled for my phone and silenced the irritating buzz. Seven o’clock already. The digital numbers glared back at me, jolting me fully awake. I needed to get moving or I’d miss my morning flight to New York, which would throw off my entire schedule for the international flight to France later.
Summer had already texted that she was waiting for me at the airport. No more time for daydreaming about last night’s activities. I dragged myself to the bathroom, my muscles protesting with each step.
Aiden offered to drive me to the airport himself since he didn’t have any meetings scheduled this Thursday. By the time we pulled out of the driveway at eight-thirty, we hit the usual morning rush hour traffic. We sat in gridlock for about ten minutes, finally arriving at the airport at twenty past nine.
Time was tight. My suitcase exceeded the carry-on dimensions and needed to be checked in. Summer had already arrived and quickly assessed the situation when she spotted us approaching.
“I’ll handle the luggage check-in,” Summer said, grabbing my suitcase. “You two head to security.” She darted off with my bag before I could respond, clearly giving us some privacy for our goodbye.
I felt my cheeks flush as I glanced at Aiden. “Should we head to security, then p>
He nodded, taking my hand in his much larger one as we walked. It was already nine-thirty when we reached the security checkpoint. With barely thirty minutes before boarding, I knew I needed to go through soon.
Looking toward the VIP security lane, I bit my lip. “I guess this is it?” I said the words, but made no move to leave his side.
Aiden’s eyes locked with mine, his gaze intense as he reached up to brush a strand of hair from my face. “Text me when you land in New York,” he said, his deep voice making my stomach flutter.
“I will,” I promised, wanting to tell him how much I’d miss him, but the words caught in my throat. There were too many people around us, watching.
He solved my dilemma by pulling me against him, his arm wrapping possessively around my waist. He bent down and pressed a kiss to my forehead that made my heart race.
I was acutely aware of the attention we were attracting. Aiden in his perfectly tailored suit, all six-foot-plus of him radiating power and confidence, was impossible to ignore. His chiseled features and intense eyes always drew second glances from women—and men-wherever we went.
I’d chosen a white sundress with tiny floral details for the journey, paired with strappy heels. Initially self-conscious about people watching us, I soon forgot everyone else as I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist. Five days apart suddenly felt like an eternity.
We held each other for several minutes until Summer’s call interrupted our moment. She reminded me that I needed to get through security soon.
I pulled back reluctantly. “I really should go now p>
Aiden’s expression darkened with barely contained desire. He grasped my wrist gently, his other hand tilting my chin up as he leaned down to capture my lips, The kiss lasted just seconds but left me breathless.
“Safe travels, Mrs. Carter,” he murmured, stroking my hair once more.
My face burned as I turned toward security. “I’m going now,” I managed, walking away before I changed my mind about leaving at all.
The security officer checked my ID
and the boarding pass Summer had given me earlier. Just before entering the checkpoint, I glanced back. Alden still stood there watching me, and my stomach did that ridiculous flip again. Lran my tongue over my lips, tasting him there, and walked through with a smile.
Five days would fly by. Five days would fly by.
Summer waited for me just past security. “Did I interrupt anything between you and Mr. Carter?” she asked, looking genuinely concerned.
“No, it’s fine,” I laughed, ducking my head to hide my flushed cheeks as I pretended to search through my purse.
Sensing my embarrassment, Summer smoothly changed the subject. “By the way, there’s this music variety show that wants you as a mystery guest. Interested p>
I shook my head without hesitation. “Not right now. I’m planning my concert tour for next year p>
Her eyes lit up. “Perfect! I’ll decline the offer then p>
We continued chatting as we entered the VIP lounge. With only ten minutes until boarding, I was grateful for the relative privacy. After making headlines twice this month, I wasn’t eager for public attention.
Summer’s concerns proved valid when a young woman approached me as I sat
checking messages on my phone.
“Excuse me… are you Aria?” The girl’s voice trembled with excitement.
I looked up instinctively, meeting her gaze.
Her eyes widened. “You are! You’re Aria! I study piano too—could I possibly get your autograph p>
She kept her voice down, clearly trying not to draw attention to us. This was actually my first time being approached by a fan in public, and I couldn’t bring myself to refuse.
The girl’s eyes welled with tears after I signed her notebook. “Aria, I love you so much. You’re my absolute idol p>
“Thank you,” I smiled warmly. “You’re amazing too. Keep working hard p>
She nodded enthusiastically, wiping tears as she walked away.