Chapter 190

Aria's POV I glanced up, catching Aiden's words mid-thought. "So Mrs. Carter cares that much about me." "She has ulterior motives," I shot back, giving him a pointed look. "She's been trying to steal you from me for weeks now. Anyone with eyes can see what Elena's doing." Aiden's hand found mine, his grip warm and reassuring. "Don't worry. No one can take me away from you." God, I loved when he talked like that. A few months ago, I would've turned away blushing instantly, but I was getting bolder now. My cheeks still burned, but I didn't look away. Instead, I snuggled closer against his side. "No one at all?" "No one," he promised, squeezing my hand with surprising solemnity. "Not a single person." My heart flooded with sweetness, but I wasn't about to let him see how much his words affected me. Aiden had a tendency to push boundaries when he knew he had the upper hand. I allowed myself the smallest smile before straightening my face into something more serious. "I'll take your word fo