Chapter 171

Aria's POV The atmosphere in the car became strange and tense after Aiden's words. I noticed the subtle smile at the corner of his lips, knowing I had fallen into his trap. During the twenty-minute drive home, I pretended to sleep while he pretended not to see through my little act. I could feel his gaze occasionally sweeping over from the driver's seat, wrapping around me like tentacles. The temperature inside the car seemed higher than usual - perhaps just my imagination, but enough to make my heart race. When the car finally pulled into the garage, Aiden didn't immediately wake me. I heard him unbuckle his seatbelt, followed by the rustling of fabric. Through my slightly opened eyes, I saw him leisurely remove his jacket and unbutton the top two buttons of his shirt, his Adam's apple sliding in the dim light. Damn, he was doing this on purpose. Soon, he came to the passenger door and unbuckled my seatbelt. I felt his strong arms slip under my knees and back, easily lifting me up. My