Chapter 253

Aria's POV I woke up feeling deliciously relaxed, still basking in the afterglow of last night's passionate lovemaking. Aiden had pulled me into his arms after we'd finished, his strong body curving protectively around mine. "Goodnight, Mrs. Carter," he'd murmured, his warm breath tickling my ear. "Goodnight," I'd whispered back, drifting off into one of the most peaceful sleeps I'd had in ages. When morning came, I realized Aiden was already up. My body tensed at the thought of facing him—not because I was embarrassed about last night, but because I knew one look from those intense eyes of his might lead to another round that would keep us in bed all day. I quickly hopped out of bed and scurried to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. Coming out of the bathroom, I nearly collided with Aiden, who'd just finished his morning swim. Droplets of water still clung to his bronzed shoulders as he loosened the tie on his bathrobe. The fabric parted, revealing that perfect V-cut of