Passion

Aiden's POV.

The front door unlocked with a quiet hum as we stepped inside, the villa's warmth wrapping around us. Most of the staff had already retired for the night, leaving the house dim and silent, save for the soft sounds of our movements.

She was quiet in my arms, the weight of her against me unfamiliar yet… not unwelcome. She hadn't protested when I carried her, though I had fully expected her to. Instead, she let me. Trusted me.

I wasn't sure why that did something to me.

I moved through the villa effortlessly, adjusting my hold when she stirred slightly, the scent of her perfume lingering in the air between us. By the time we reached the bedroom, she was barely holding onto consciousness.

I set her down carefully, watching as she sank into the mattress, her body surrendering to exhaustion. The soft glow from the bedside lamp cast faint shadows across her features—relaxed, vulnerable in a way I wasn't used to seeing.