Chapter 188

Aria's POV Aiden made a move to continue our intimate encounter, his hands roaming with hungry intent across my skin. My body screamed yes while my mind waged war with itself. I wanted him—god, how I wanted him—but my body needed recovery time. "I need to rest," I whispered against his neck, my voice betraying how torn I felt. To his credit, Aiden didn't push. He simply nodded, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead before stepping back. "Play something for me then," he suggested, nodding toward the piano across the room. I made my way to the grand piano, my cheeks burning at the memory of what we'd just done. Sitting at the bench, my fingers hovered uncertainly over the keys. For nearly five minutes, I played random notes that barely resembled music, my mind replaying every touch, every kiss. "Get it together, Aria," I muttered, slapping my cheeks lightly. The midday sun streamed through the windows, casting the room in a golden glow. With no air conditioning running, a gentle breeze li