Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel 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."

Still dazed from his kiss, I stared up at him with confusion. "What's wrong?"

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."

Heat flooded my cheeks. "You noticed that?"

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."

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."

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."

"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."

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