The house was unnervingly quiet that night, as though the walls themselves sensed the storm brewing inside. Aria stood by the tall windows of their shared suite, staring out at the sprawling gardens lit by soft moonlight. The glass felt cold under her fingertips, but her body burned with restless energy. She could still feel Luca's kiss from the night before, still hear his voice claiming her, still feel the way his arms had wrapped around her as though she belonged nowhere else.
And now, standing alone in the half-dark, she wondered if she was about to cross a line she couldn't retreat from.
The door behind her opened with a faint click. She didn't have to turn to know it was him. The weight of his presence filled the room instantly, heavy and magnetic, pulling her in before he even spoke.
"You should be asleep." His voice was low, a husky drawl that rumbled through her chest.
Her lips curved faintly, though her heart raced. "So should you."
