Chapter 51

Aria's POV "Fine," Aiden said with that infuriating smirk still playing on his lips. "Show me your skills." I rushed to my room and grabbed my makeup bag, mentally cursing myself the entire way. Why had I offered to help cover up a hickey that I'd apparently given him? This was beyond mortifying. When I returned, Aiden had settled back into his chair, head tilted slightly to expose his neck. That little red mark seemed to taunt me—evidence of my drunken behavior I couldn't even remember. "Let's get this over with," I muttered, squeezing concealer onto the back of my hand. "Not excited about touching me again?" he asked, his voice low and teasing. "You were quite enthusiastic about it last night." I nearly dropped the makeup. "Can you please stop bringing that up?" "Why? Your face turns the most fascinating shade of red." I took a deep breath, willing my hands not to shake as I dabbed concealer over the mark. His skin was warm beneath my fingertips, and I could feel his pulse—steady and