Chapter 306
Aria’s POV
I collapsed onto the plush sofa after lunch, my body finally betraying just how exquisitely exhausting last night’s activities had been. My lower back ached with a dull, persistent throb, and my stomach felt oddly tight, a lingering warmth in my core. Even so, I’d stubbornly pushed through a solid hour at the piano, the music a temporary balm, before finally surrendering to the undeniable call for sleep.
“The glorious aftermath of passion,” I muttered to myself, a wry smile playing on my lips as I crawled into bed, my eyelids already heavy, my limbs deliciously languid.
What was supposed to be a quick power nap turned into a full-blown hibernation. I slept straight from 2:30 until 6:30 PM, waking disoriented as the long evening shadows stretched across our bedroom. Feeling much more refreshed after my extended rest, I wandered onto the balcony, letting the gentle breeze clear the last vestiges of fog from my head before making my way to the music room.
Lucy appeared in the doorway as I was adjusting the piano bench, a steaming mug of milk in her hands, a thoughtful gesture.
“Mr. Carter returned to the office about thirty minutes ago,” she informed me, setting down the mug on a nearby table. “He asked me to tell you he won’t be able to join you for dinner tonight, Mrs. Carter p>
“Oh… okay, I understand,” I replied, trying my best to sound nonchalant, but a small knot of disappointment tightened in my chest.
When Lucy asked what I wanted for dinner, I just waved my hand dismissively. “Whatever you think is best, Lucy. I’m honestly not particularly hungry p>
By eight o’clock, I was deep into practicing the intricate piece I needed to record in a few days, completely lost in the transcendent beauty of the music. The notes flowed through my fingers, my concentration so intense that I didn’t notice anyone entering the room.
When I finally paused, my hand instinctively raised to massage my aching shoulders, only to feel a pair of strong, familiar hands beat me to it. I jumped slightly, a surprised gasp escaping my lips, turning to find Aiden standing directly behind me. “When did you get back? I didn’t even hear you come in,” I said, genuinely startled. His fingers worked expertly at the tense knots in my shoulders, applying just the right pressure, as he replied, “I got home at 8:10 p>
Glancing at my phone, I saw it was already past nine. “It’s been an hour! Why didn’t you say something? Or scare me with some ridiculously elaborate prank p>
He just smiled, deflecting with effortless charm. “You were completely engrossed. And besides, your shoulders feel incredibly tense. Does it hurt, my love p>
I couldn’t help but shoot him a playful glare. Last night’s… enthusiasm combined with hours hunched over the piano had left my body feeling like it might actually break in half.
His hands were pure magic though, applying just the right pressure in all the right places, melting away the tension with each stroke. I tried to sit properly at first, maintaining some semblance of dignity, but within minutes I was leaning back against him, my eyes fluttering closed as relief, warm and profound, spread through my aching muscles.
I nearly dozed off before jerking myself awake. “That’s enough,” I murmured, gently pulling his hands away, though I longed for them to stay. “Your hands will get tired too. Thank you p>
Standing up, I turned to face him, hesitating for a moment before rising on my tiptoes and hooking my arms around his neck to place a quick, chaste kiss on his lips.
Aiden wasn’t having that. His arm snaked around my waist, a possessive, anchor, pulling me firmly back as tried to step away. Cradling my face in his hands, he kissed me properly, deeply, thoroughly, a kiss that tasted of mint and lingering desire before taking my hand and pressing his lips against each of my fingers, one by one, a tender, intimate gesture that made my pulse race.
My knees nearly buckled. Even after he released my hand, I could still feel the phantom warmth of his lips lingering on my skin, a silent promise.
“I have to go on a business trip tomorrow,” he said suddenly, his voice taking on a
more serious tone. “Three days. It came up quite unexpectedly p>
I spun around, shocked. “That’s so sudden! Did something happen? Is it about those calls to Dad p>
“Just a small situation that needs handling directly,” he replied vaguely.
Biting my lip, I blinked up at him, disappointment already starting to settle in. “Can I take you to the airport tomorrow, then p>
“It’s an early flight, darling,” he said gently. “You don’t have to p>
“Fine,” I sighed, unable to hide my genuine disappointment. “But you know I’d want to. Three days feels like an eternity already p>
Aiden’s fingers brushed my cheek, a feather-light touch. “Are you truly upset, Mrs. Carter p>
“No! Of course not!” I protested, far too quickly, my voice higher than usual.
“Let me know the moment your father’s surgery is scheduled,” he said, his voice firm, a silent reassurance. “I’ll try my absolute best to get back in time for it p>
I took his left hand in mine, playing
with his long strong fingers absently, drawing comfort from his touch. “It’s just a minor procedure, Aiden Monestly, I can handle it
myself. You don’t have to rush back
for me p>
He didn’t respond directly, just leaned down to place a tender, possessive kiss on
my forehead. “Go to bed, Mrs. Carter p>
I was about to protest that I wasn’t
tired, that I wanted to talk, to simply be near him, when a massive, involuntary yawn betrayed me completely. Embarrassed, I paused for two seconds before conceding, “Afright, alright. Sleep it is, then p>
“Goodnight, Mrs. Carter,” he murmured, a smile in his voice.
“Goodnight, Mr. Carter,” I whispered back, leaning into his solid, comforting embrace one last time before he gently guided me toward our bedroom.