Chapter 270

Aria's POV I woke up in a groggy haze, slowly opening my eyes to find Aiden's face mere inches from mine. His dark eyes studied me intently as I blinked the sleep away. "Aiden," I murmured, my voice husky with sleep. Something in his expression softened immediately at the sound of my voice. He twisted the cap off a water bottle and handed it to me. "Drink some water." I glanced down at the bottle, taking it with delayed movements. The cool liquid slid down my throat, instantly clearing the fog in my brain. "How long was I out?" I asked, touching my warm cheek. Aiden smiled. "Not long. We just arrived at the restaurant." I checked the time on my phone—already 1 PM. As my mind cleared, hunger took over. I looked at him sheepishly. "I'm starving." "Then let's go eat lunch," he said. "Mmm-hmm." I nodded, unbuckling my seatbelt and pushing the car door open. The midday sun blazed overhead, making me squint as the brightness assaulted my eyes. I quickly raised my hand to shield them, blinkin