CHAPTER 6: FEELINGS AIDEN’S POV

Her lips met mine with a force that took my breath away. For a moment, I froze, feeling the storm of emotions I had tried so hard to keep at bay. Artemis was a mix of rebellion and sweet defiance, and even though my mind screamed for me to stop, my body betrayed me.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Artemis had always been a tempting presence, too close, too intense, too… her. I had told myself countless times to keep my distance. Women like her—no, all women—brought trouble, and I had learned that lesson the hard way. My past was filled with scars I couldn’t show, reminders of how easily trust could be shattered.

But at that moment, all my rules crumbled.

Her lips melted against mine, igniting a reaction I had buried for too long. My hands moved on their own, wrapping around her waist and pulling her closer until the warmth of her body threatened to burn away every ounce of my self-control.

And then I kissed her again.

It was anything but gentle. It was raw, desperate, and reckless.

But as soon as I felt her lean in closer, asking for more, fear surged back. My defenses snapped back into place, and I pulled away, her taste still lingering, teasing me.

“What in the world was that?” Artemis asked, breathless, her eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and something deeper—something that made my heart tighten.

I managed a smirk, the kind I knew would drive her crazy. “I’m not that easy, Artemis. You’ll have to try harder than that.”

Her jaw dropped, and then she frowned, her cheeks flushing a deep red. “You’re such a jerk.”

“Glad you noticed.” I shoved my hands into my pockets, needing to create some space between us before I did something I couldn’t take back.

“Oh, the competition is on,” she whispered, but I caught it.

If only she knew. If only she understood how much I wanted her, how every glance, every teasing comment, and every accidental touch pulled me apart. But I couldn’t give in. Not now. Not ever.

“Let’s get out of here,” I suggested, gesturing toward the door. My voice was cold and distant, a sharp contrast to the fire raging inside me. “And next time you interrupt me while I’m working…” I paused, letting the threat hang in the air. “There will be consequences.”

Her lips curled into a sly grin, her chin lifting defiantly. “I’d love to see what you’d do.”

Damn it, Artemis.

We stepped out of the closet, the air thick with tension. Daymon leaned against the car, his sharp eyes flicking between us as he opened the door. Artemis slipped in first, her skirt hiking up just enough to tempt me further. I clenched my jaw, sliding into the car behind her, trying to keep my composure.

The ride home was suffocating. The silence was heavy, broken only by the hum of the engine. I stared out the window, avoiding her gaze, even though I could feel her watching me. My heart pounded in my ears, but I kept my expression neutral.

When we arrived, I got out first and waited for her to follow.

“Dinner is at seven,” I said curtly, avoiding eye contact. “Get ready.”

I didn’t wait for her response. I needed space—needed to remind myself why letting her in was a mistake. My heart couldn’t take another betrayal, another wound.

*******

A few hours passed as I worked, but later that evening, I sat at the dining table, my fingers tapping nervously on the wood as I waited. I told myself that her outfit didn’t matter.

Then she appeared in the doorway, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

She wore a red silk gown—no, it was more like lingerie, a sheer slip that hugged her curves and revealed too much. Her red hair fell over her shoulders, and a playful smile danced on her lips as she approached me like a predator closing in on its prey.

“You’re late,” I said, my tone harsher than I intended.

Her smile widened, and she tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Are you already starting to miss me?”

She sat across from me, her perfume wrapping around me like a trap. My hands clenched beneath the table as I fought to keep my thoughts in check.

Dinner flew by in a blur. I barely tasted the food, distracted by the way her eyes sparkled, how her fingers toyed with the rim of her glass, and how she leaned in just enough to give me a glimpse of—Crap.

Artemis knew exactly what she was doing.

“Is there a problem, Aiden?” she asked, her voice dripping with mock concern.

I met her gaze, trying to muster a smile that didn’t feel real. “Not at all. Were you expecting me to crack under pressure?”

Her laughter was light and melodic, and it only frustrated me more. “You wish.”

When dinner ended, I stood abruptly, feeling the urge to escape before I acted on impulse.

“Dinner’s over,” I said sharply. “Sleep well, Artemis.”

I didn’t wait for her reply. I walked away, my footsteps echoing in the hallway.

Once in my study, the tightness in my chest grew stronger. I had made it through the night, but the battle was far from over. No matter how hard I fought it, Artemis was becoming my downfall.

And I wasn’t sure how much longer I could resist her.

Later that evening, I heard a knock on my door.

“Come in,” I said, my voice steady despite the chaos inside me.

Artemis entered, her gaze filled with a fire that ignited my blood. She closed the door behind her and locked it.

“What are you up to?” I asked softly, my heart racing as she stepped closer.

“You tell me, Aiden,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

With her just inches away, her eyes daring me to make a move, I knew this time, I wouldn’t back down.