Chapter 166

Aria's POV The horse's hooves softened their rhythm as we turned from the main riding trail, disappearing into the edge of a dense grove. An immediate hush fell over the air. Aiden's breath hitched, his arms banding around my waist, pulling me snug against his chest. "No one for miles. We can... catch our breath." His voice dropped to a raw rasp, a sound of untamed hunger I’d never heard before. Aiden guided the horse into a snug clearing, enclosed by a thicket where dappled sunlight danced on the ground. He swung down first, then reached for me. But as my body slid along his, his grip on my waist didn't loosen. Instead, his hands anchored me, drawing me flush against him. My voice came out a breathless whisper, "Aiden..." A tiny thrill of alarm warred with a much louder hum of forbidden excitement. His mouth devoured mine, a stark departure from the sweet brushes we'd shared before. This was raw hunger, a primal craving. My eyes flew open in shock, but then fluttered shut as I surrend