Aria groaned softly into the pillow, her mind refusing to grant her peace. No matter how hard she tried, the memory of Zane’s lips on hers was seared into her thoughts. Her heart raced at the recollection of his closeness, the heat of his breath, and the raw intensity in his voice. She absentmindedly traced her fingers over her lips again, as if trying to relive the moment, before quickly shaking her head.
“Stop it, Aria,” she muttered, her voice a mix of frustration and self-scolding. “He’s the devil. A cruel, manipulative man who enjoys making your life hell.”
But even as she whispered the words, the warmth spreading through her betrayed a truth she didn’t want to admit. A strange pull, an ache, lingered in her chest. The way he had looked at her, the possessiveness in his touch… It co
