Aria’s POVI couldn’t stop smiling. It felt like I was floating on air, watching everyone around the table enjoy the meal. Victor had actually survived our kitchen adventure, and not only that—he thrived. He didn’t complain once, which, to be honest, I half-expected from the old Victor. But this new
Aria’s POVWhen it was finally time to sleep and my parents had already resigned to their bedroom, Jasmine yawned and tugged at my hand and Victor’s hand. “Come on, it’s time to sleep.”“Uh, but Jasmine…” I began to say. I didn’t know how to explain that Victor wasn’t supposed to be staying with us
Aria’s POVVictor quickly turned on the lights, the sudden brightness filling the room and dispelling the shadows. “Let’s check it out,” he whispered. We moved cautiously into the hallway, our footsteps echoing in the quiet house. Victor inspected every corner and he even peeked into some of the su
Aria’s POVI froze when I felt his hand slip behind my back, gently rubbing in small, circular motions. It was innocent enough, but the way his touch spread warmth through my body—warming parts of me that I had tried to bury for so long—was anything but. My breath hitched as I felt his knee brush ag
Victor’s POVI wanted to kiss her. I could feel it—the urge was so strong it almost hurt. The way she looked at me, the ease in her voice, the way she was open and vulnerable... it all drew me in. But I hesitated, afraid that one wrong move could shatter whatever connection we were rebuilding.Inste
Aria’s POVI tried to push away the feelings swirling inside me, but it was impossible. The kiss had opened a floodgate of desires and confusions I wasn't ready to face.Finally, I whispered, “I’ll go ahead, Victor. Good night.”I tried to move forward, but as I did, my toe slammed into something ha
Aria’s POVVictor’s fingers were still gently caressing my ankle, and the pain had definitely subsided. “You know,” I said, “I think the pain is much better now. I might be able to hop my way back to the bedroom.”Victor’s expression turned serious, and he shook his head adamantly. “No way. You migh
Victor’s POVSitting across from Mr. Everhart, I felt more nervous than I should have. It was ridiculous, really—I was a grown man, and yet here I was, hands fidgeting, wondering what the hell he was thinking. I glanced at the clock. Almost 2 am. The man had just caught Aria and me standing closely