Lara’s POV
The world seemed to tilt as Jake spun me, my breath hitching from the sudden motion. But when the spinning stopped, I realized I was no longer in Jake’s arms. Instead, I found myself pressed against a chest that was far too familiar, strong, and unyielding. My uncle, Aiden. I froze, feeling his hands steady me, one firm on my waist, almost possessive and the other lightly brushing my back. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, and the air between us grew thick—too thick. My heart raced, and a strange chill ran down my spine, making my body tense against his. I blinked in confusion. How had I ended up here? A quick glance to the side revealed Elena in Jake’s arms, her eyes wide with disbelief and her body stiff. It was as if the dance floor had momentarily swallowed everyone else, leaving the four of us trapped in a strange, unintended exchange. "Uncle," I breathed, my voice barely audible over the music.Aiden's POV The sight made my blood boil. Jake stood too close to Lara, his posture casual, but his presence invasive. Lara looked pale, her wide eyes snapping to me as the door opened. “Jake,” I said coldly, stepping into the room. My voice cut through the tension like a blade. He turned to me, his expression calm, almost smug. “Aiden,” he greeted smoothly, as if my interruption was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Lara looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn’t. Her lips parted, then closed again as if she couldn’t find the words. Her silence unnerved me. Jake gave me a nod, brushing past me without another word. “I’ll leave you two to it,” he said, his tone maddeningly nonchalant as he exited the room. As the door clicked shut behind him, my gaze fell on Lara. She lo
Lara's POV The car ride home was suffocatingly silent. Aiden’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, his knuckles slightly pale. I sat beside him, my hands clutching my dress nervously. The tension in the air was thick, and I dared not speak. When we finally reached home, he stepped out of the car without a word. I hesitated, watching him walk toward the front door, his posture stiff and unyielding. Gathering my courage, I followed him inside. The moment the door closed behind me, Aiden turned, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. "Go to your room," he said, his voice low and commanding. I froze, the authority in his tone making my heart race. "But—" "Now, Lara," he interrupted, his eyes narrowing dangerously. I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his unspoken words. Without another word, I turned and ascended the stairs, my legs trembling with each step. Once in my room, I shut the door and leaned against it, my mind a tangled mess of emotions I couldn’t untangle For t
Aiden’s POV I shut the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment before letting out a heavy breath. What the hell was wrong with me? I crossed the room, pulling off my tie and tossing it onto the chair, but it didn’t help ease the tension in my chest. My mind was a complete mess. That kiss… What was I even thinking? I dropped onto the edge of the bed, rubbing my hands over my face. How do I even explain something like that? “Sorry, Lara, I kissed you because I couldn’t handle seeing another man touch you”? It sounded ridiculous. Worse, it sounded possessive. I’d warned her to stay away from Jake, not to let him get too close, but she didn’t listen. And seeing her with him, and letting him hold her… Darm..... It was like something inside me snapped. I couldn’t stop myself.
Lara’s POV Shit. My mind snapped back to reality as my Uncle's voice came from the other side of the door. “Lara, are you okay?” I blinked, my breathing still uneven. That was when I realized—I was completely naked on the floor. My face burned with embarrassment as I scrambled onto the bed, yanking the white bedsheet around me, covering myself as best as I could. It was thin, almost useless, but it was the only thing within reach. My breath was still unsteady, my heart hammering in my chest. “I’m fine!” I called out, my voice shaky, not from fear, but from… something else. He didn’t sound convinced. “Lara, open the door.” “No,” I shot back quickly. “Just go to sleep. I’m fine, seriously.” I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping he would just leave. But I could hear his footsteps pacing outside my door. “Lara,” his voice came again, low and firm, “at least let me see you. Just for a second. Let me confirm you’re really fine.” My heart pounded. He wasn’t going to let this go.
AIDEN POV Her body tensed for a second, like she was caught between pushing me away and giving in. But the moment my lips moved against hers, claiming her, something shifted. She let out a soft, shaky breath, and I felt her melt, just a little. I deepened the kiss, my grip tightening around her waist, pulling her impossibly close. Her hands, which had been pressed against my chest, fisted my shirt instead, as if she needed something to hold on to. She tasted warm, sweet, and completely addictive. I groaned against her mouth, my tongue sliding against hers, demanding more. She gasped into the kiss, her fingers curling tighter, her body pressing against mine. The damn bedsheet was the only thing between us, and it was barely holding on. One of my hands moved up,
Elena’s POV That fucking Aiden. I gripped my phone so tightly I thought I’d break it. Who the hell did he think he was? Leaving me like that, embarrassing me in front of everyone, ignoring all my damn calls? Twenty. Freaking. Calls. I wanted to scream. No, I wanted to throw something—preferably at his stupid, gorgeous face. I sat on the couch, my jaw clenched, my leg bouncing with pure frustration. The whispers from last night still echoed in my ears, the fake pity, the judgmental stares. Everyone saw it. “Elena.” I turned my head sharply to see my father walking in, looking composed as ever, like his daughter wasn’t on the verge of committing murder. “Are you still
Elena’s POV Jessica leaned in, her eyes practically glowing with excitement. "Elena, you won’t believe this," she said, gripping my hand. "I got you the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!" I blinked at her, confused. "What opportunity?" She scoffed. "Don’t play dumb. The modelling deal with Luxe Vogue! They want you as their new face!" My heart skipped a beat. "Luxe Vogue?" I repeated, almost in a whisper. That was the biggest fashion brand I had dreamed of working with. It wasn’t just any modelling job—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Jessica grinned. "Yes! You’ll be flying out this week for the campaign shoot. This is huge, Elena!" Reality hit me like a truck. This week? My wedding was supposed to be this weekend. I hesitated, biting my lip. "Jess… I’m gettin
Lara’s POV I sat in class, staring at the board, but nothing the professor said made sense to me. My pen hovered over my notebook, but I hadn’t written a single word. My mind was somewhere else—back in that house, in Aiden’s arms, feeling the heat of his touch, the intensity of his gaze, the way his lips had claimed mine like he had been starving for me. I swallowed hard, shifting in my seat as the memory replayed in my head. He hadn’t just kissed me—he had wanted me. I saw it in his eyes, felt it in the way he held me, the way his hands trembled slightly when they touched my skin. But then he pulled back, like he was fighting against something, like he was trying to convince himself it was wrong. I pressed my fingers against my lips, still able to feel the ghost of his kiss. Aiden didn’t want to admit it, but I knew the truth now—he felt it too. He wanted me just as much as I wanted him. He just didn’t want to accept it. The realization made my heart pound. If he truly didn’t
Lara’s POV I sat in class, staring at the board, but nothing the professor said made sense to me. My pen hovered over my notebook, but I hadn’t written a single word. My mind was somewhere else—back in that house, in Aiden’s arms, feeling the heat of his touch, the intensity of his gaze, the way his lips had claimed mine like he had been starving for me. I swallowed hard, shifting in my seat as the memory replayed in my head. He hadn’t just kissed me—he had wanted me. I saw it in his eyes, felt it in the way he held me, the way his hands trembled slightly when they touched my skin. But then he pulled back, like he was fighting against something, like he was trying to convince himself it was wrong. I pressed my fingers against my lips, still able to feel the ghost of his kiss. Aiden didn’t want to admit it, but I knew the truth now—he felt it too. He wanted me just as much as I wanted him. He just didn’t want to accept it. The realization made my heart pound. If he truly didn’t
Elena’s POV Jessica leaned in, her eyes practically glowing with excitement. "Elena, you won’t believe this," she said, gripping my hand. "I got you the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!" I blinked at her, confused. "What opportunity?" She scoffed. "Don’t play dumb. The modelling deal with Luxe Vogue! They want you as their new face!" My heart skipped a beat. "Luxe Vogue?" I repeated, almost in a whisper. That was the biggest fashion brand I had dreamed of working with. It wasn’t just any modelling job—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Jessica grinned. "Yes! You’ll be flying out this week for the campaign shoot. This is huge, Elena!" Reality hit me like a truck. This week? My wedding was supposed to be this weekend. I hesitated, biting my lip. "Jess… I’m gettin
Elena’s POV That fucking Aiden. I gripped my phone so tightly I thought I’d break it. Who the hell did he think he was? Leaving me like that, embarrassing me in front of everyone, ignoring all my damn calls? Twenty. Freaking. Calls. I wanted to scream. No, I wanted to throw something—preferably at his stupid, gorgeous face. I sat on the couch, my jaw clenched, my leg bouncing with pure frustration. The whispers from last night still echoed in my ears, the fake pity, the judgmental stares. Everyone saw it. “Elena.” I turned my head sharply to see my father walking in, looking composed as ever, like his daughter wasn’t on the verge of committing murder. “Are you still
AIDEN POV Her body tensed for a second, like she was caught between pushing me away and giving in. But the moment my lips moved against hers, claiming her, something shifted. She let out a soft, shaky breath, and I felt her melt, just a little. I deepened the kiss, my grip tightening around her waist, pulling her impossibly close. Her hands, which had been pressed against my chest, fisted my shirt instead, as if she needed something to hold on to. She tasted warm, sweet, and completely addictive. I groaned against her mouth, my tongue sliding against hers, demanding more. She gasped into the kiss, her fingers curling tighter, her body pressing against mine. The damn bedsheet was the only thing between us, and it was barely holding on. One of my hands moved up,
Lara’s POV Shit. My mind snapped back to reality as my Uncle's voice came from the other side of the door. “Lara, are you okay?” I blinked, my breathing still uneven. That was when I realized—I was completely naked on the floor. My face burned with embarrassment as I scrambled onto the bed, yanking the white bedsheet around me, covering myself as best as I could. It was thin, almost useless, but it was the only thing within reach. My breath was still unsteady, my heart hammering in my chest. “I’m fine!” I called out, my voice shaky, not from fear, but from… something else. He didn’t sound convinced. “Lara, open the door.” “No,” I shot back quickly. “Just go to sleep. I’m fine, seriously.” I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping he would just leave. But I could hear his footsteps pacing outside my door. “Lara,” his voice came again, low and firm, “at least let me see you. Just for a second. Let me confirm you’re really fine.” My heart pounded. He wasn’t going to let this go.
Aiden’s POV I shut the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment before letting out a heavy breath. What the hell was wrong with me? I crossed the room, pulling off my tie and tossing it onto the chair, but it didn’t help ease the tension in my chest. My mind was a complete mess. That kiss… What was I even thinking? I dropped onto the edge of the bed, rubbing my hands over my face. How do I even explain something like that? “Sorry, Lara, I kissed you because I couldn’t handle seeing another man touch you”? It sounded ridiculous. Worse, it sounded possessive. I’d warned her to stay away from Jake, not to let him get too close, but she didn’t listen. And seeing her with him, and letting him hold her… Darm..... It was like something inside me snapped. I couldn’t stop myself.
Lara's POV The car ride home was suffocatingly silent. Aiden’s grip on the steering wheel was firm, his knuckles slightly pale. I sat beside him, my hands clutching my dress nervously. The tension in the air was thick, and I dared not speak. When we finally reached home, he stepped out of the car without a word. I hesitated, watching him walk toward the front door, his posture stiff and unyielding. Gathering my courage, I followed him inside. The moment the door closed behind me, Aiden turned, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. "Go to your room," he said, his voice low and commanding. I froze, the authority in his tone making my heart race. "But—" "Now, Lara," he interrupted, his eyes narrowing dangerously. I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his unspoken words. Without another word, I turned and ascended the stairs, my legs trembling with each step. Once in my room, I shut the door and leaned against it, my mind a tangled mess of emotions I couldn’t untangle For t
Aiden's POV The sight made my blood boil. Jake stood too close to Lara, his posture casual, but his presence invasive. Lara looked pale, her wide eyes snapping to me as the door opened. “Jake,” I said coldly, stepping into the room. My voice cut through the tension like a blade. He turned to me, his expression calm, almost smug. “Aiden,” he greeted smoothly, as if my interruption was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Lara looked like she wanted to say something, but she didn’t. Her lips parted, then closed again as if she couldn’t find the words. Her silence unnerved me. Jake gave me a nod, brushing past me without another word. “I’ll leave you two to it,” he said, his tone maddeningly nonchalant as he exited the room. As the door clicked shut behind him, my gaze fell on Lara. She lo
Lara’s POV The world seemed to tilt as Jake spun me, my breath hitching from the sudden motion. But when the spinning stopped, I realized I was no longer in Jake’s arms. Instead, I found myself pressed against a chest that was far too familiar, strong, and unyielding. My uncle, Aiden. I froze, feeling his hands steady me, one firm on my waist, almost possessive and the other lightly brushing my back. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, and the air between us grew thick—too thick. My heart raced, and a strange chill ran down my spine, making my body tense against his. I blinked in confusion. How had I ended up here? A quick glance to the side revealed Elena in Jake’s arms, her eyes wide with disbelief and her body stiff. It was as if the dance floor had momentarily swallowed everyone else, leaving the four of us trapped in a strange, unintended exchange. "Uncle," I breathed, my voice barely audible over the music.