Chapter 48

I closed the door behind me and heard a voice, clear as day, speaking from somewhere far away.

“Where have you been, my darling?”

I felt a sudden shock of surprise when I heard Aiden's voice, and my eyes widened in recognition. It seemed as though the chair here in the living room had turned around on its own accord and suddenly I was looking into Aiden's face. For a moment I could hardly believe it was him after all this time, but there he was sitting before me looking as handsome as ever.

“A-aiden…”

He’s standing in front of me wearing nothing but a thin, white bathrobe that does nothing to detract from his intense scrutiny. His eyes, full of judgment and evaluation, travel slowly down my body, making it difficult for me not to squirm beneath his gaze. A lump appears in my throat as I follow their path and remind myself that he holds all the power here. I search desperately for something else to focus on before I become even more embarrassed under his unflinching stare.

“I’m asking