Marian's POV
Aiden's gaze burned into me, his breath slow, controlled—too controlled. Like he was holding something back. His fingers still lingered against my jaw, the heat of his touch seeping into my skin, making it impossible to ignore the weight of what had just happened.
I kissed him.
And he kissed me back.
Neither of us moved. The silence between us was heavy, thick with something neither of us wanted to name. My pulse hammered against my ribs, but I forced myself to meet his gaze, to hold it even as my breath came too fast.
Aiden exhaled slowly, his grip on my jaw tightening for just a second before he pulled back. Not far—just enough to put space between us. His lips parted as if he was going to say something, but then he didn't.
He just stared.
It was maddening.
"Say something," I murmured, my voice quieter than I intended.