Aiden finally exhaled, turning away from Varra as his gaze drifted to Aethoniel.
She lay there pretending to be asleep, but the tiny crack between her lashes betrayed her.
He grinned.
"Aethoniel," He murmured.
Her eyes snapped shut instantly, her cheeks coloring deep crimson.
"I saw that," Aiden chuckled as he slowly crawled toward her.
Her breath caught when his shadow fell over her.
He brushed a silky strand of hair away from her face, and she trembled.
"Benefactor…" She whispered, barely audible.
"Look at me," He said softly.
Her lashes fluttered, and her eyes opened halfway—shy, glowing, wanting.
Aiden leaned in, and her lips parted in surprise before meeting his.
A small, startled sound escaped her as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
When he drew back, she kept her eyes half-lidded, face burning red.
"Benefactor…" She breathed, unable to meet his gaze.
He lifted a hand, gently touching her antennas. She shivered instantly.
