Chapter 113

Aria's POV I opened my mouth to respond with something witty, but nothing came out. The embarrassment was too much. Before I could gather my thoughts, Aiden moved through the water toward me with powerful strokes. "Let's get you out of here," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. Before I could protest, he'd wrapped one strong arm around my waist and was guiding me toward the edge of the pool. I was hyperaware of his bare chest against my side, the heat of his skin contrasting with the cool water. The way his muscles flexed as he effortlessly moved us both made my breath catch. When we reached the edge, he lifted me out of the water with what seemed like no effort at all. Water streamed from my dress as he set me on my feet, and I stood there dripping and mortified. Aiden climbed out after me, water cascading down his perfect torso. He walked over to a nearby chair and grabbed a large white towel, then returned and held it out to me. "Here," he said simply. I took it with trembling f