Chapter 53
Chapter 53
VENUS
“It’s hot in here p>
I kicked off my heels the second we crossed the threshold-well, he got us through the door. I was more stumbling than walking, one arm looped lazily around Aaron’s neck, clinging to him like my last thread of balance.
He carried me into the darkened sitting room like I weighed nothing.
And maybe to him, I didn’t.
That thought sent a silly thrill through my hazy brain.
He set me down on the cool velvet couch. The shift from the neon haze of the club to this muted sanctuary was jarring. The world spun a little slower here, but my pulse? Still racing. Skin flushed. Thoughts sticky and slow.
Then he was gone.
Just like that.
Striding out of the room without a word, jacket sliding off those broad shoulders, sleeves shoved to his forearms with practiced ease.
And there I was-alone. Buzzing. Trembling. Heat crawling under my skin.
I fumbled with the tiny clutch in my lap, my breath uneven. God, it was too hot. My dress felt like a trap, clinging to my body in ways that only fed my frustration.
I tugged at one strap. It slipped a little, but not enough. Another tug-clumsy, useless. My coordination was shot. My patience? Nonexistent.
“What are you doing p>
His voice cracked through the room, sharp as a whip.
I blinked up, startled. Aaron stood there again, a glass of water in one hand. His gaze was locked on me. Dark. Dangerous. Unreadable.
“I need a shower,” I slurred, pouting. “I feel… sticky p>
I fumbled again, trying to peel the other strap off my shoulder. It wouldn’t budge. I gave a frustrated little sound and looked up at him with wide eyes. “Help me,” I whispered, lips parted in helpless appeal.
His throat worked visibly. His gaze dragged from the strap to my skin, lingering a beat too long before he forced himself to meet my eyes.
“You’re drunk.” His voice was tight. Controlled.
“Nooo… maybe a little,” I teased, leaning back against the couch with a lazy smile. Every inch of me throbbed with restless, reckless energy.
“I’m taking you to bed,” Aaron said, voice rough.
“No!” I pushed off the couch, swaying dangerously. “Shower first. I can’t sleep like this. I’ll feel gross p>
He exhaled through his nose-sharp, impatient.
But he didn’t argue.
Not tonight.
Without a word, he set the glass down and crossed to me, his hands steady on my arms.
“Alright. But you’re not doing this alone. I won’t have you drowning in the tub p>
That earned him a giggle I couldn’t quite stop. “Mmm.” I melted into him instinctively, cheek pressed against his chest. The scent of him-cool, clean, that intoxicating hint of spice-swirled through my senses like smoke.
“Upstairs,” he murmured, voice low and rough. “Come on p>
He guided me carefully, one strong arm wrapped around my waist, half carrying me when my legs gave out. Each step up the stairs was a battle between gravity and whatever remained of my dignity.
But God, he felt good. Solid. Safe. Mine.
Always mine.
My drunk brain thought.
Successfully unlocked!
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Chapter 53
The master bathroom was cool marble and gleaming chrome. I swayed in the doorway as Aaron adjusted the water, steam already curling around us.
“Come here p>
I obeyed like it was the easiest command in the world. I tried again to tug my dress off, clumsy fingers failing me.
“I can’t…” My voice cracked. “Please p>
His jaw ticked. For a second, he just stared at me-like a man fighting a war inside himself.
Then he reached for the zipper, knuckles brushing my spine. “Hold still p>
I shivered at the contact, heart pounding as he dragged the zipper down slow-agonizingly slow. The dress slid lower with every breath until it pooled at my waist. He helped me ease out of it, hands maddeningly gentle.
Now I stood there in just my bra and panties, flushed and swaying.
Naked in every way that mattered.
“You’ll manage from here,” he said, voice thick with restraint.
But I wasn’t ready to let him go. Not yet. Not when the air between us felt electric.
I reached for him, fingers fisting his shirt. “Aaron,” I whispered, gaze locked on his. “Stay p>
“Venus p>
“I want-” The words tangled in my throat. Instead, I rose onto my toes and pulled him down.
Our mouths met-hot, hungry, wrong in all the best ways. His kiss was a claim, a warning, a war. I gasped against him,
fingers clinging tighter. He kissed me like a man starved-but never lost control. Not completely.
And then-he tore himself away with a rough sound, eyes burning. “No,” he growled. “Not like this. Not when you can’t think straight p>
“But-” I started, blinking up at him.
“No, Venus.” His tone left no room for argument. “Go. Shower. I’ll be right outside p>
I swayed toward him again, but he caught my shoulders, holding me firm. His voice softened-just a breath. “Be good for me. Please p>
Please. That word sent warmth spiraling through me faster than the liquor ever had.
I nodded faintly and stumbled toward the shower.
I barely remember it-just warmth, steam, the hazy edges of my thoughts bleeding into one another.
When I stepped out, skin pink and clean, wrapped in a thick towel, Aaron was waiting.
He helped me into one of his shirts-soft, oversized, swallowing me whole. My eyelids were heavy now, my body limp.
Then he scooped me into his arms without a word and carried me to bed.
“You’re warm,” I murmured against his neck.
“And you’re impossible,” he said gruffly.
I smiled, drifting. The world tilted pleasantly now-soft, safe.
He settled me beneath the covers, tucking them around me with ridiculous care. Like I was something fragile.
My hand reached for him one last time, brushing his wrist. “Stay p>
“Venus p>
“Please p>
His sigh was soft this time. “I’ll stay until you fall asleep p>
I heard the scrape of a chair as he dragged it close to the bed.
His hand brushed my hair back-slow, lingering.
The lights went off.
Darkness.
Panic surged.
“N-no, please turn it on. I don’t like the dark p>
My breath caught. “Aaron p>
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Chapter 53
Instant. Immediate.
“Hey, I’m here.” The lights flicked back on without hesitation. He was there, eyes steady, voice low. “I’ve got you, love. You’ re safe. I’m not going anywhere p>
Relief crashed over me like a wave. I reached for his hand again, clutching it weakly.
“Good girl,” he murmured, thumb stroking my knuckles. “Now sleep p>
And with that-finally-I did.
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.