Chapter 473
473
Owen pressed closer , marveling at how impossibly soft Aria’s lips were . As sweet juice seeped from between them , he caught it with his mouth , gently sucking on her lower lip . The sweetness washed over him , sending a thrill straight to his heart .
His tongue slipped in and claimed the strawberry from her mouth , his forehead pressed against hers as he chewed and swallowed . “ That’s sweet . ”
Owen thought , ‘ The strawberry is sweet , but she’s even sweeter . ‘
Aria blinked in a daze before shooting Owen an incredulous look . “ Did you have to snatch it from my mouth ? Are you out of your mind ? ”
Before Aria realized it , Owen’s arm slid around her waist , drawing her flush against him . In a husky voice , he murmured , “ This is foreplay . ”
He had her all figured out by now .
‘ She can be terrifyingly blunt sometimes , ‘ Owen thought , ‘ like asking me point – blank if I brought condoms . But sometimes , she’s adorably clueless , analyzing whether I’ve lost my mind mid – kiss . ‘
As the movie climaxed with a spine – chilling score , Aria instinctively turned toward the screen , only to be pulled back by Owen .
He asked , “ Is the movie better than me ? ”
At that moment , his eyes gleamed with desire , lips glistening with strawberry juice . He looked even more alluring than the beautiful demon on screen .
Aria answered him with action , leaning in to kiss him and taste the sweetness on his lips . With a playful glint in her eyes , she murmured , “ Are you seducing me on purpose ? ”
Owen answered truthfully , wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her onto his lap . “ Did my little seduction work ? ”
Aria smirked and said , “ Yes , it worked . ”
Owen teased , “ So , will you sleep with me tonight ? ”
The position had them pressed so close they were almost glued together .
Aria didn’t feel the least bit shy . After all , they’d already done things way more intimate than this .
Owen knew all about the dark possessive streak Aria kept hidden deep inside , just as she saw through his reserved exterior to the innocence and passion
beneath .
“ Of course , I could sleep with you tonight , but we’re watching a horror movie , not a romance . The mood’s all wrong . Maybe next time , darling , ” Aria said .
‘ Should’ve picked a rom – com instead , ‘ Owen thought , then added with a playful grin , “ It’s still early . How about we switch to a rom – com now ? ”
Aria couldn’t help but laugh at his earnest expression . “ You’re so adorable now . Let’s skip the movie and read something instead . ”
Owen replied softly , “ Alright . ”
He grabbed the remote and turned off the movie . As Aria started to slide off his lap , he scooped her up , one arm supportin her back , the other cradling her hips , and rose to his feet . “ Let’s go to my study room , ” he murmured . “ I’ve got plenty of medical books there you can
Aria looped her arms around his neck with a playful grin and said , “ Alright , but don’t you dare drop me . ”
Owen stopped mid – step at her words , giving her a playful look . “ You think I’m that weak ? ”
“ Not only are you weak , you’re also not up to the task . ” Aria met his gaze teasingly . “ That’s what you call foreplay . ”
Owen was at a loss for words at that moment .
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473
He let out a soft laugh , clearly helpless against her . “ Alright , whatever you say . ”
He walked toward the study , releasing one hand to adjust his grip , then effortlessly hoisted her up with an arm under her thighs and caught her Heddens toward the shelves , he said gently , “ These are all medical books . Pick whichever you like . ”
His voice was as calm as still water , showing no sign of exertion .
He used his actions to refute her claim that he was “ weak . ”
Aria let him carry her and began scanning the shelves intently . “ Lower , ” she instructed .
Owen did as she asked , watching as Aria pulled out a book . “ Done , ” Aria said .
He shifted her into a bridal carry and asked , “ Desk chair or sofa ? ”
“ Sofa , ” Aria replied ,
Owen settled Aria onto the sofa . She leaned back naturally and opened the book to the first page .
Owen also picked up a book and sat beside her , placing two pens within easy reach . He said gently , “ Feel free to take notes . None of these books is for collection . ”
Aria replied , “ Okay . ”
They read in companionable silence , each absorbed in their respective books .
An hour later , Owen received a call from Emma .
That afternoon , Emma attended a gathering where Zoe was also present . Zoe subtly probed about Owen and Aria’s romantic relationship , asking how serious things were between them .