CHAPTER 24: GRAPES

James paused, feeling Aria’s slender arms wrap around him, her embrace warm and grounding. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat echoed faintly against his chest, but what caught his attention was her breathing. Shallow, quick breaths brushed against his skin, and he pulled back slightly, searching her face with a hint of concern.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly, his eyes gentle yet probing, worried that he might have pushed her too far.

Aria gave a playful roll of her eyes, dismissing his worry with a light laugh. Her head settled more comfortably against his shoulder, and she let out a long, satisfied sigh.

“You always leave me exhausted,” she teased, her voice soft, carrying the warmth of lingering affection.

She closed her eyes, her face now serene and content, a look of pure satisfaction spreading across her features.

As she nestled herself even closer to him, James felt the warmth radiating between them, a comforting reminder of the closeness they had created. He couldn’t h