Chapter 231

Aria's POV We finally left the restaurant, heading back to the hotel. The food had been amazing, but I was feeling that familiar drowsiness that comes after a satisfying meal. "I think I need a nap," I said, glancing at Aiden as we entered our suite. "Care to join me?" "Give me a few minutes. I need to make some work calls first," he replied, already pulling out his phone. I nodded and made my way to the king-sized bed, sinking into the plush mattress. Though exhaustion weighed on my limbs, sleep refused to come. Every time I closed my eyes, images of Aiden flooded my mind—his intense gaze, his strong hands, the way his muscles moved beneath his shirt. I'd been so busy preparing for the competition this past week, leaving home early and returning late, completely drained of energy. We barely had time to talk, let alone anything else. The mattress suddenly dipped behind me, pulling me from my thoughts. I tensed momentarily before feeling Aiden's arms wrap around me, blanket and all, pul