Too Late Mr. White! I'm Married To Your Rival Now novel Chapter 82

Aria's POV

"My dear wife, you can be as ungracious as you like."

His words sent a delicious shiver down my spine. There was something profoundly possessive in the way Aiden said "my wife" - not controlling, but protective. Like I belonged somewhere safe. With him.

I'd never imagined someone's voice alone could make my body respond this way. The heat rising to my cheeks had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with desire.

"Then let's go," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the quickening of my pulse.

"No need," Aiden said, his eyes never leaving mine as he took a sip of his wine. "I already had Lucas decline."

I blinked. "..."

He could have simply told me that from the beginning instead of asking my opinion. Clearly, he'd already made the decision for both of us. The realization should have irritated me, but somehow, I found it endearing.

"That face you're making right now..." Aiden's lips curved into a smile. "Like you can't decide whether to be annoyed or impressed."

"I'm leaning toward annoyed," I lied, fighting my own smile.

"No, you're not." He reached across the table, his thumb brushing across my lower lip. "Your mouth says annoyed, but your eyes..." His voice dropped lower. "Your eyes never lie to me, Aria."

My breath caught in my throat. How did he always manage to do this? Turn a simple conversation into something that made my heart race?

"Finish your dinner," he said, his tone suddenly lighter. "Unless you'd prefer something else?"

The suggestive edge to his question made my cheeks burn hotter.

After dinner, we retreated to our bedroom. Aiden loosened his tie while I sat on the edge of the bed, watching him through the reflection in the mirror.

"I need to fly to Singapore tomorrow," he said casually, unbuttoning his shirt. "A merger that requires my personal attention."

"Oh," I said, trying to mask my disappointment. "How long will you be gone?"

"Three days, four at most." He turned to face me. "You know about this trip, right? Lucas should have put it in your calendar."

I nodded. "Yes, I know. I was briefed."

Aiden stepped closer, his expression suddenly vulnerable in a way that took my breath away. "Aren't you going to see me off at the airport?"

The question - so unexpected from someone as self-assured as Aiden - made something melt inside me. This powerful man, asking if I'd come say goodbye like a little boy seeking reassurance.

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