Aria’s POV
“What?” His question caught me off guard, and I instinctively moved back a little, my voice barely above a whisper as I replied, “Nothing.”
Confidently, he looked into my eyes and said, “You're so beautiful.” I couldn't help but notice how he had become more open with me lately, no longer avoiding me like before.
He pulled me closer, embracing me tightly, his bare chest against my skin. His hand slowly moved around my back, causing my heart to race.
“Are you scared of me?” he suddenly asked, still holding on to my waist tightly.
“You? No, I'm not,” I responded in a hushed tone.
“Then why is your breathing so loud?” he questioned.
“I don't know either,” I answered honestly.
“You know I won't hurt you, right?” he reassured.
“I'm not scared of you. What I'm scared of is wh
