Aria's POV

The sound of boiling stew filled the kitchen, and the smell of pepper and thyme hung in the air. I stirred the pot slowly, my mind far from the food. Ana’s words from earlier wouldn’t stop ringing in my head.

I was still in my head when I felt Jameson’s arms slide around my waist from behind. His touch was warm, firm, and familiar, and before I could turn around, he pressed a soft kiss on the side of my neck.

“You’re so quiet,” he murmured into my ear.

I swallowed, still ...