MasukAria's POV
Our ride was waiting right outside, with the staff quickly grabbing our luggage and helping us into the car.The moment we shut the doors, I spotted a swarm of reporters realizing what was happening. They rushed toward our vehicle, cameras flashing wildly through the windows."God, they're intense," I said, turning to Aiden with a half-smirk.He laughed softly, reaching for my hand and playing with my pinky finger. "That's what happens when Mrs. Carter generates this much buzz.""I'm hardly a celebrity," I protested, feeling heat creep up my neck despite myself."Better than one," he murmured, his thumb tracing circles on my skin.His words sent a flutter through my stomach that I couldn't quite suppress. Even after being together so long, he still had this effect on me.As our car pulled away smoothly, the reporters fell behind, though I caught a glimpse of one particularly determined photographer sprinting after us in the rearviewAria's POVWe pulled into the driveway at five o'clock. I watched as Aiden opened the back door of the car, and suddenly remembered the shopping bags I'd left there.I instinctively reached for them, but Aiden caught my movement and raised an eyebrow. "Afraid I'll damage something?"My cheeks warmed slightly. "No, not at all."He flashed me that disarming smile. "What did you buy?"I pointed to one of the bags in his hand. "A little gift for you, actually."Feeling suddenly self-conscious, I added, "Just something small."After all, I couldn't exactly afford anything extravagant for a man who had everything.Aiden's eyebrow arched as he lifted one of the bags. "This one?"He was holding two similarly sized bags - one containing a necklace I'd bought for myself (nothing expensive, just something pretty that caught my eye), and the other holding his gift.I shook my head. "The other one.""Let's open it inside." His warm fingers entwined with mine, tugging me gently toward the house."O
Aria's POVI woke up feeling deliciously relaxed, still basking in the afterglow of last night's passionate lovemaking.Aiden had pulled me into his arms after we'd finished, his strong body curving protectively around mine."Goodnight, Mrs. Carter," he'd murmured, his warm breath tickling my ear."Goodnight," I'd whispered back, drifting off into one of the most peaceful sleeps I'd had in ages.When morning came, I realized Aiden was already up. My body tensed at the thought of facing him—not because I was embarrassed about last night, but because I knew one look from those intense eyes of his might lead to another round that would keep us in bed all day. I quickly hopped out of bed and scurried to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face.Coming out of the bathroom, I nearly collided with Aiden, who'd just finished his morning swim. Droplets of water still clung to his bronzed shoulders as he loosened the tie on his bathrobe. The fabric parted, revealing that perfect V-cut of
Aria's POVI quickly checked my phone after texting Lillian. A message from Aiden popped up on my screen."I'm here."My head snapped up instantly, scanning the street. The black Bentley was parked at the curb just a few yards away. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of it.I shoved my phone into my pocket and jogged over to the car, shopping bags swinging from my wrist. The summer heat made sweat bead across my forehead by the time I reached the vehicle.Aiden leaned across to open my door, then took the shopping bags from my hand as I slid into the cool leather seat. He carefully placed them in the back before returning to the driver's seat."Why the rush? I wasn't going anywhere," he said, his voice carrying that hint of amusement I'd grown to love.I fumbled with my seatbelt, feeling slightly embarrassed. "This area's notorious for parking tickets."His lips curled into that half-smile that always made my stomach flip. "A ticket for Mr
Aria's POVI watched with satisfaction as Elena stormed off, her face twisted with obvious disappointment. Beating a romantic rival gives me a better rush than any nightclub ever could."Want to hit the shops?" Lillian suggested with a mischievous gleam in her eye."Absolutely!" The word tumbled out of my mouth as excitement bubbled through me.We rode the escalator down from the sixth floor, heading toward the women's section in the west wing. As we passed the fifth floor, the gleaming displays of men's designer wear caught my attention. My steps faltered automatically as a realization hit me—Aiden always brings me gifts when he travels for business, but in all our time together, I've never once reciprocated.The thought stopped me dead in my tracks.Lillian reached the bottom of the escalator before noticing I wasn't beside her. "Aria?" Her voice carried back to me, confusion evident in her tone.She jogged back up to where I stood transfix
Aria's POVThe afterglow of sex with Aiden left me floating in a dreamy haze. My body hummed with satisfaction as I collapsed onto the bed, still catching my breath. The sheets beneath me felt cool against my heated skin.Aiden rolled to his side, his muscled arm snaking around my waist to pull me against his chest. The warmth of his body enveloped me as he nestled his face in my hair."Goodnight, Mrs. Carter," he murmured, his deep voice vibrating against my back.I smiled, too content to form words, and let myself drift into the most peaceful sleep I'd had in ages.Morning arrived with sunlight streaming through the half-drawn curtains. I stretched languidly, feeling the delicious soreness in my muscles that reminded me of last night's activities. The bed beside me was empty – Aiden must have gotten up already.The thought of facing him with last night's memories so fresh made my core tighten again. Not trusting myself to keep my hands off him i
Aria's POVI'd completely forgotten to tell Aiden about my plans with Lillian for Saturday until Friday night rolled around.The realization hit me as I was scrolling through my phone, seeing Lillian's text about what time we should meet at that trendy new restaurant downtown."Shit," I muttered, sitting bolt upright in bed.That's when Aiden walked out of the bathroom, a towel slung low around his hips, water droplets cascading down his broad chest and shoulders. My mouth went dry at the sight. His tanned skin glistened under the soft bedroom lighting, muscles flexing subtly with each movement. My eyes followed a particular droplet trailing down his abs before disappearing beneath the towel."Want to do something tomorrow?" His deep voice broke through my appreciation of the view.I tore my gaze away, suddenly feeling guilty. "I totally spaced on telling you - Lillian and I made plans to check out that new place on Fifth Avenue tomorrow."Aiden to







