Chapter 280

Aria's POV I gasped as Aiden swiped his credit card, barely turning around before I wrapped my arms around his. The electricity between us was instant—like always. "Got it," I whispered, my breath tickling his ear. I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach as his dark eyes locked with mine, growing more intense by the second. His arm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer against his solid chest. Elena Pierce approached us, her gaze lingering on Aiden's hand at my waist before quickly looking away. "Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter," she greeted formally. I bit back a smile. Last time, Lillian had called her out for addressing me as "Miss Jones" and using Aiden's first name instead of acknowledging our marriage. Clearly, Elena had learned her lesson. "Ms. Pierce," I replied politely, feeling Aiden's thumb drawing small circles against my hip. Aiden barely glanced at her. "Something you need?" His voice carried that edge I'd come to recognize—the one that said his patience was already wearin