The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98: Chapter 98: The Talks

Aria pov

"I did." He leaned closer, his breath warm against my lips. "I deserved every second of it. Just like I deserved last night, when you slammed that door in my face. But Aria—" His voice dropped lower. "If we’re going to torture each other, at least be honest about why."

"And why is that?"

"Because we want each other." His hand slid to my waist. "Because this thing between us is still there, still burning. Because no matter how much we’ve hurt each other, we can’t let go."

"That’s not"

"It’s true." His forehead pressed to mine. "You felt it this morning. Felt how much I want you. And I felt you press back. Felt you enjoying the power you have over me."

"I wasn’t"

"Don’t lie." But his voice was gentle. "Not about this. We’ve lied enough to each other, to ourselves. Let’s at least be honest about this one thing."

I stared up at him, my heart pounding, my defenses crumbling. "Fine," I whispered. "Yes. I did it deliberately. I wanted you to feel what I felt last night. I want you frustrated and aching and desperate."

"I was all three." His hand tightened on my waist. "I still am."

"Good."

"Is it?" His eyes searched mine. "Because I could end this right now. Could kiss you until you forget why you’re angry. Could make you feel so good you’d forget your own name."

"Arrogant," I breathed, but I didn’t pull away.

"Honest." His mouth hovered over mine. "But I won’t again, not until you ask me to."

"What if I never ask?"

"Then I’ll wait." He pulled back slightly, and I hated the loss of his warmth. "But we both know you will ask me once again."

"You’re so sure of yourself."

"I’m sure of us." His smile was gentle. "And I’m learning patience. Even if you’re testing every last bit of it."

"Maybe that’s my revenge," I said softly. "Making you wait. Making you want, making you suffer."

"Then I’ll suffer gladly." He stepped back, giving me space. "Because at least it means you’re here. At least it means you haven’t given up on us completely."

I stared at him, this man who’d destroyed me and was now offering me everything, putting himself at my mercy. "I don’t know what I want," I admitted finally.

"That’s okay." He moved to the door, opening it. "Take your time figuring it out. I’m not going anywhere."

I walked past him, pausing in the doorway. "Damien?"

"Yeah?"

"This morning..." I met his eyes. "Don’t think it means I’ve forgiven you. I’m still angry and hurt."

"I know." His smile was warm despite the words. "But you’re talking to me. Fighting with me. Making me suffer in the most delicious ways. That’s more than I deserve."

"Yes," I agreed. "It is."

I left before I could say something stupid. Like that I’d enjoyed making him squirm. Or that the look in his eyes when I’d pressed against him had made me feel powerful in a way.

Noah looked up as I entered the living room. "Mama! Come watch dinosaurs!"

I sank onto the couch, pulling him into my lap. "What are we watching?"

"The one where they have babies!" He pointed at the screen. "Baby dinosaurs are so cute!"

"They are." I kissed his head, breathing in his little-boy scent, my heart still racing from the confrontation with Damien.

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