Chapter 47

Aria's POV I found myself enjoying dinner with Aiden at The Celestial more than I'd anticipated. The panoramic view of the city lights created a dreamlike atmosphere that matched the delicious food and easy conversation between us. "Try this," Aiden suggested, pouring a deep ruby liquid into my glass. "It's a rare vintage from a small French vineyard. I think you'll appreciate it." I hesitated, knowing my low alcohol tolerance. "I should probably pass. I don't handle wine well." "Just a sip," Aiden insisted with that commanding tone that somehow made me want to comply. "The flavor profile is exceptional." One sip turned into several glasses as the evening progressed. The wine was indeed exceptional, warming me from within and loosening the tension I hadn't realized I'd been carrying in my shoulders. "Your cheeks are flushed," Aiden observed, his eyes lingering on my face with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. "I told you I don't handle alcohol well," I replied, feeling my head g