Chapter 276
Aria’s POV
I nestled into Aiden’s lap, his large hands gripping my waist through the thin fabric of
my nightgown. His touch burned like a brand against my skin, instantly sending heat rushing through me. My breathing quickened as I looked up at him through my lashes.
“I want a kiss,” I whispered, my voice surprisingly breathy to my own ears.
When his lips descended on mine, I instinctively closed my eyes, tightening my arms around his neck. The champagne I’d had earlier had my nerves firing on all cylinders, making me bolder than usual. My hands, which normally just rested against him, began to wander across the muscled expanse of his back.
Even through the silky material of his shirt, I could feel the scorching heat of his skin. God, he was burning up. He’d already climaxed once-how was he still radiating heat like a furnace?
I shifted slightly in his lap, and Aiden suddenly pulled back. “Aria p>
Still dazed from his kiss, I stared up at him with confusion. “What’s wrong p>
My lips felt swollen, and I knew they must look glossy in the soft lighting. Aiden’s gaze fixed on my mouth with an intensity that made my stomach flip.
“I need to control myself tonight,” he murmured, his voice rough with restraint. “I don’t want you sore tomorrow morning. I’ve noticed how you wince sometimes, after we’ve been… enthusiastic p>
Heat flooded my cheeks. “You noticed that p>
His thumb traced my bottom lip, his eyes never leaving mine. “Of course I know. When someone loves another person, they pay attention to everything—including how they react after making love p>
He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch impossibly gentle. “I want sex to be something we both enjoy because we love each other. Not just me taking what I want while you suffer the consequences p>
Something warm bloomed in my chest at his words. Without thinking, I threw my arms around him, burying my face against his neck. The fact that he noticed that he cared enough to hold back—meant more than I could express.
His hand stroked my hair soothingly. “Goodnight, my love p>
“Goodnight,” I whispered back, feeling ridiculously happy over something so simple.
Maybe it was the alcohol, but I slept deeply that night. When I finally stirred awake, Aiden was no longer beside me. The floor-to-ceiling windows were partially open, allowing the morning breeze to play with the curtains. Sunlight danced across the room, alternating between bright and shadowed as the fabric moved.
I’d assumed Aiden had already left for work, but when I climbed out of bed and padded toward the bathroom, I heard movement downstairs.
“You haven’t gone to the office yet?” I called out, running my fingers through my sleep-tousled hair as I made my way downstairs.
Aiden looked up from his coffee, a smile warming his face. “Just finished breakfast p>
“Oh, I’m starving,” I said, my stomach growling on cue.
“Would Mrs. Carter help me pick out a tie first?” he asked, his eyes twinkling.
The mention of food instantly vanished from my mind. “Absolutely p>
Choosing ties for the men in my life held special meaning for me. It started when I was eight, helping my father on his birthdays. My first attempt had left his tie hopelessly wrinkled. By middle school, I’d
1.n
watched countless YouTube tutorials to master various knots. On my eighteenth birthday, Dad had commented nostalgically about how grown up I was, and I’d promised I’d always help him with his ties.
He’d teased me then, saying someday I’d meet someone I’d happily tie ties for every morning. retorted that I’d never do that for Liam, my boyfriend at the time Dad had just smiled and said, ” “Then not truly the one for you.” Content”
The
I’d dismissed it as fatherly teasing, but now it seemed almost prophetic. Despite knowing Liam for years and dating him for three, we’d never shared this kind of intimacy.
I shook off the memories and selected a tie from Aiden’s collection. Most were in deep colors with subtle patterns-classic, versatile pieces that would complement anything.
Turning to find Aiden, I startled when I realized he was already standing right behind me. “I picked one,” I said, holding up my selection.
I unfolded the tie and rose slightly on my toes to loop it around his collar. Thank God
I wasn’t short, or this quintessential married-couple moment would’ve been awkward.
I opted for a simple Windsor knot-nothing too elaborate would suit Aiden anyway. My fingers worked methodically, the routine familiar despite this being only the second time I’d done this for him.
“There,” I said, smoothing the fabric against his chest.
Unlike the first time when I’d been nervous and self-conscious, this time my heart fluttered with a sweet contentment. Aiden’s hands settled at my lower back, drawing me closer as he bent to press a quick kiss against my lips.
“Thank you, Mrs. Carter,” he murmured, his voice warm with affection.
I gazed up into his deep eyes, my attention caught by the intensity I found there. “I
think I want another kiss,” I said, surprising myself with my boldness.
Aiden lowered his head again,
sucking gently on my lower lip before putting back just enough to rest his forehead against mine.. “Would you like another?” he asked,
his voice dropping to that gravelly
fone that never failed to make my ** knees weak.
My face burned, but I couldn’t look away from him. “Enough,” I managed, though my body disagreed completely.
He made a soft sound of disapproval, not releasing me. His fingers tilted my chin up.
“I don’t think that’s enough, Mrs. Carter,” he breathed, his voice low and seductive.
His warm breath caressed my face, making my pulse skitter wildly. I raised my eyes to meet his again. “Then maybe one more,” I conceded.
“Mmm,” he hummed in agreement,