CHAPTER 6: FEELINGS AIDEN’S POV

Her lips collided with mine with a power that took my breath away. For an instant, I paused, the tempest of feelings tearing at the barriers I’d created around me. Artemis was the flavor of uprising and sweet defiance, and even though my brain urged me to stop, my body let me down. 

This was not meant to happen. 

Artemis had remained an enduring, persistent allure, always too nearby, too intense, too… her. I had reminded myself countless times to keep my distance. Women like her—no, all women—brought trouble, and I had learned this lesson through tough experiences. My history carried wounds I couldn’t reveal, reminders of how effortlessly trust could be broken. 

Yet at that instant, all the rules I had established for myself fell apart. 

Her lips melted against mine, urging a reaction I had suppressed for far too long. My hands acted independently, grabbing her waist, drawing her nearer until the warmth of her body endangered to burn away every bit of my self-restraint. 

And then I kissed her again. 

It was not mild. It lacked caution. It was unrefined, desperate, and perilous. 

Yet the moment I sensed her move closer, demanding more, the fear surged back unexpectedly. My barriers locked into position, and I pulled myself back, her flavor still present, provoking me. 

“What in the world was that?” Artemis spoke in a breathless tone, yet her eyes flickered with a blend of frustration and something deeper—something that caused my heart to tighten. 

I managed a smirk, the type I was aware would drive her crazy. "I'm not so simple, Artemis." "You'll need to put in more effort than that." 

Her jaw fell open, and then she frowned, her cheeks turning a deep red. "You’re such a jerk." 

"Happy you know that." I shoved my hands into my pockets, wanting to create space between us before I took an action I couldn’t reverse. 

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

If only she was aware. If only she realized how deeply I desired her, how each look, each frustrating remark, and each unintentional touch broke me apart. But I couldn't give in. Not now. Not ever.

“Let’s leave this place,” I suggested, gesturing to the door. My tone was icy, disconnected—a sharp contrast to the blaze burning within me. "And the next time you interrupt me while handling business. There will be consequences.” 

Her lips formed a sly grin, her chin raising boldly. "I would enjoy seeing your actions." 

Darn it, Artemis. 

We stepped out of the closet, the atmosphere around us heavy with tension. Daymon leaned against the car, his keen eyes darting between us as he opened the door. Artemis slipped in first, her skirt hiking up just enough to entice me more. I tightened my jaw, stepping into the car behind her, trying to maintain my composure. 

The journey back home was stifling. The quiet was thick, broken only by the drone of the motor. I looked out the window, steering clear of her eyes, even though I sensed her observing me. My heartbeat pounded in my ears, yet I maintained a neutral expression. 

When we arrived, I got out first and waited for her to come after me. 

“Dinner is at seven,” I replied curtly, avoiding eye contact with her. "Prepare yourself." 

I didn't hold off on her reply. I needed space—had to remind myself why allowing her in was an error. My heart couldn't endure another betrayal, another hurt. 

A few hours passed after getting some work done. Later that evening, I sat at the dining table, my fingers tapping on the wood as I waited. I reminded myself that her outfit and appearance were unimportant. 

She stood in the doorway, and for a brief moment, I lost all sense of how to breathe. 

She wore a red silk gown—no, it was lingerie, a sheer slip of fabric that embraced her form and revealed much. Her red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her lips formed a mischievous grin as she approached me like a hunter aware she had captured her target. 

"You're late," I remarked, my tone more severe than I meant. 

Her smile grew broader, and she tilted her head, pretending to be unaware. “Are you already starting to miss me?” 

She sat opposite me, the fragrance of her perfume enveloping me like a snare. My hands formed fists beneath the table while I fought to maintain control over my thoughts. 

The dinner went by in a rush. I hardly tasted the food, distracted by how her eyes shone, how her fingers played with the rim of her glass, how she leaned in just enough to offer me a sight of— 

Crap. 

Artemis knew exactly what she was doing. 

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

I caught her eye, trying to muster a grin that wasn’t genuine. "Not at all. Why? Were you expecting me to break under pressure?" 

Her laughter was gentle, melodic, and infuriating. "You wish." 

When the meal concluded, I rose suddenly, feeling the urge to leave before I acted impulsively. 

"Dinner is finished," I stated, my voice sharp. "Sleep well, Artemis." 

I didn’t allow her to respond. I moved away, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the hallway. 

When I arrived at my study, the tightness in my chest intensified. I had survived the night, but the fight was still ongoing. No matter how hard I fought against it, Artemis was turning into my downfall. 

And I wasn’t certain how much longer I could withstand her. 

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

"Come inside," I spoke, my tone calm despite the storm inside me. 

Artemis entered, her gaze burning with passion that set my blood on fire. She shut the door behind her while locking it. 

“What are you up to?” I asked, my tone soft. 

She grinned, her movements slow and careful as she came closer to me. 

"You tell me, Aiden," she replied, her voice barely audible. 

My heart raced with her just inches away, her eyes challenging me to act. 

This time, I didn’t back off.