Chapter 278

Aria’s POV

After our pool rendezvous, Aiden was still rock hard against my thigh. God, this man’s stamina was unreal.

“Do you want to continue?” he whispered, his warm breath tickling my ear. Even after what we’d just done, he still asked for my consent. That consideration made my heart flutter.

I nodded eagerly, not trusting my voice.

In one fluid motion, he lifted me out of the pool, water cascading down our bodies as he carried me through the house. My skin prickled with goosebumps from both the cool air and anticipation.

He tossed me onto the bed with enough force that I actually bounced. I laughed, the sound catching in my throat as he crawled over me, his muscled body caging mine.

A delicious tingling spread across my chest as he lowered his mouth to my nipple. My entire body felt like it was burning up, desperate for more of his touch.

“God, Aiden, please,” I moaned, arching my back.

We were more than ready for round two when a knock at the door made us both freeze. I held my breath, mortified.

“Mr. and Mrs. Carter, dinner is ready,” called Nanny’s voice from the hallway.

The interruption killed the mood instantly. I glanced at Aiden, who ran a hand through his damp hair with a sigh.

“Shit,” I whispered. “I completely forgot Nanny was home today.” A horrifying thought struck me. “Do you think she saw us in the pool p>

After considering it for a moment, I shook my head. “No, that’s impossible. If she had seen us, she definitely wouldn’t have come knocking p>

I swallowed hard, then leaned close to Aiden’s ear. “What if we skip going out tonight?” I suggested softly, running my fingers down his chest.

Aiden looked at me, something dark and promising in his gaze. Then he gently patted my shoulder. “Let’s get dressed and have dinner first p>

I climbed off the bed reluctantly. By the time I emerged from the bathroom, Aiden had already composed himself.

“Dinner time,” he said casually.

My heart was still racing, but I tried to appear calm as I nodded and took his hand. We headed downstairs together, my body still humming with unfulfilled desire.

At the dining table, I discovered I was ravenous. I didn’t wolf down my food, but I certainly didn’t pause between bites either. Sex always made me hungry.

Aiden finished before me and meticulously wiped his mouth with a napkin. I caught him watching me with amusement as I continued eating.

“What?” I asked between bites.

He smiled, those gorgeous lips curving upward. “Nothing. You just remind me of a squirrel storing food for winter p>

When I finally paused, he handed me a glass of water. I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was until that moment. I took several large gulps, trying to wash down a bite that had lodged in my throat.

“I’m done,” I announced, patting my chest as the food finally went down.

“Got something stuck?” he asked, looking genuinely concerned.

I blushed. “Just ate too fast p>

“Did you get it down okay p>

I nodded. “Yes, it’s gone now.” After a moment’s hesitation, I asked, “Are we still going out tonight?” As soon as the words left my mouth, my face heated up.

Given what had almost happened before dinner, asking about our evening plans felt like I was being transparently eager for sex wanted to explain myself, but couldn’t find the right words. Wouldn’t trying to clarify just make it worse?

Aiden gave me that knowing half-smile. “Does Mrs. Carter still want to go out p>

The way he phrased the question made it clear he wasn’t just asking about going out. My ears burned red hot.

Taking pity on me, he relented. “I promised you a night out, and I keep my promises. Go get ready. We’ll head out soon p>

Relief washed over me. “Should I dress up p>

“Wear whatever makes you comfortable,” he replied.

“Okay, I’ll go change!” I wouldn’t just throw on anything—a date night with my husband deserved effort.

I hurried upstairs while Aiden remained at the table. Through the dining room doorway, I heard Nanny emerge from the kitchen.

“Are you finished, sir?” she asked.

“Yes, you can clear the table,” Aiden replied before following me upstairs.

Late September evenings had grown cooler, sot selected a plum-colored

dress with a peter pan collar a braided my hair to the side. When Aiden entered the bedroom, Pwas applying makeup at my vanity.

“Just doing some light makeup,” I explained, catching his reflection in the mirror.

“Take your time,” he said, settling into an armchair. “No rush p>

Still, I didn’t want to keep him waiting quickened my pace, applying foundation, subtle eyeliner, blush and finally setting it albwith a bit of powder before adding lipstick

After a final check in the mirror, I turned to Aiden with a smile. “All done! Ready to

go p>

His gaze lingered on my lips, his dark eyes intensifying in a way that made my stomach flip. “Perfect,” he said simply, standing to take my hand.

As we descended the stairs, Nanny was preparing to leave for the evening. She paused when she saw me.

“You look beautiful tonight, Mrs. Carter,” she said warmly.

Compliments always brightened my mood. I smiled genuinely. “Thank you, Nanny p>

I turned to Aiden, giving him my best “your turn to compliment me” look.

He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. “You’re stunning. My treasure is

the most beautiful woman in the world p>

My heart skipped as his words sent a fresh wave of heat through my body.