Chapter 205

ARIA'S POV

A few days had passed since the final custody hearing, and Brandon had practically been living with us at the estate ever since. But today, he was supposed to travel.

He had a massive business meeting that he couldn't miss in his own city, and though I hated the idea of him leaving, he promised he would be back in just two days.

That morning, I was woken up by a pure, overwhelming sense of pleasure.

When I slowly opened my eyes, the morning light was just filtering through the curtains, and I realized Brandon was shifted down between my legs, eating me out.

Sex with him was always completely amazing, but this, waking up to the incredible sensation of his mouth on me was heavenly. "Mmm... Brandon..."

The soft, broken sound tore from the back of my throat, a breathless gasp of pure surrender melting into the quiet of the morning. My fingers tangled wildly into his dark hair, pulling him closer as his tongue drove me completely out of my mind.

Every sharp flick, every deep, demanding stroke down there had me arching helplessly off the mattress, my hips stuttering against his mouth as the intense waves of pleasure crashed through my body.

"Ah...Brandon!" I cried out, my voice thick and breathless, completely undone by the heavenly heat of him devouring me until I finally shattered, a long, trembling moan trailing off as my body shook with a sudden, beautiful orgasm.

When he finally came up, his chest was bare and his dark eyes were hooded with passion. He leaned over me, pressing a warm, lingering kiss to my lips. "Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, his deep voice thick with a rough, gravelly edge.

I smiled, my body still tingling from the aftershocks, and reached up to wrap my arms around his neck to kiss him again. Once we broke apart, I looked up at him, breathing softly. "Are you ready for your flight?"

Brandon nodded, but as he rested his weight over me, I could feel the rigid length of his erection pressing firmly against my thigh. A playful smile touched my lips, and the moment I moved my hand down to touch him, he caught my wrists in a tight grip.

He let out a low growl, shaking his head. "Don't do that, Aria. I won't leave if you touch me right now."

I giggled softly at the raw desire in his voice, relaxing back into the pillows. "Okay," I said, giving him a look. "Go get ready. I promise I will make it up to you the second you get back."

Brandon chuckled, kissing my forehead before rolling off the bed. "I'm holding you to that." He stood up, looking down at me with a more serious expression. "I'm leaving some of my best men here with you to keep you and Amelia safe while I'm gone. But this morning, I'll drop the two of you off myself."

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude for how fiercely he protected us. "Thank you."

We both stood up to get ready for the day. When we were finally dressed and done, we went downstairs to the dining room. Amelia was already at the table, having gotten ready with Sarah's help.

We had a quick, peaceful breakfast together, the laughter of my daughter completely erasing the lingering ghosts of the trial, and then we all headed out to the driveway.

Anthony drove us while Amelia and I sat comfortably in the back seat, Brandon sitting right up front. As the car cruised smoothly through the morning traffic, Amelia leaned forward, tapping Brandon's broad shoulder. "Uncle Brandon?"

Brandon turned his head around, a warm smile breaking across his rugged face. "Yes, princess?"

"When you are coming back, can you bring me my favorite chocolate?" she asked, her big eyes wide and hopeful as she described her favorite sweet treat.

Brandon chuckled softly, his expression melting completely. "I'll get it for you, I promise. A whole box of it." Amelia squealed with delight and sat back, looking entirely satisfied.

When we finally pulled up to the front of her kindergarten, the car came to a stop. Brandon stepped out of the front seat right away, walking around to open the door for Amelia.

She stepped out slowly, adjusting her little backpack, and then she threw her arms around his neck. "I'm going to miss you," she whispered tightly. "Come back soon, okay?"

Brandon smiled, holding her close for a brief moment. "I'll be back before you know it, princess," he said gently, kissing her cheek before stepping back and waving her off as the teacher led her inside.

Once she was safely through the doors, Brandon stepped into the back seat right next to me, closing the door behind him. He looked over at Anthony. "Drive to Aria's office first."

I shook my head immediately, reaching out to catch his hand. "No, Anthony, drive to the airport. I want to see him off."

Brandon raised an eyebrow, a handsome, amused smile playing on his lips. "Don't you have work, beautiful?"

"I have a free morning until 10," I argued back, glancing at my watch, "and your flight is at 8. I have plenty of time."

Brandon’s smile widened, and he squeezed my hand tightly. "Okay."

When we arrived at the private terminal of the airport, Brandon's men immediately stepped out of the follow-up vehicles to help carry his bags. Anthony parked the car and then discreetly stepped out of the vehicle, giving the two of us some much-needed privacy.

Brandon turned to face me, his dark eyes searching mine. "Will you and Amelia be fine while I'm gone?"

I smiled, leaning into his space. "We will be completely fine, Brandon. Don't worry about us."

He reached up, his large thumb brushing softly against my cheekbone. "It's just two days. I'll be back before you even have time to miss me."

"Inform me the exact second your plane lands," I told him, my voice softening as I looked at his lips.

He nodded, his gaze darkening, and then he pulled me in for a deep, commanding kiss.

I let out a soft moan into his body as his tongue slid past my lips, deepening the kiss until my head was spinning and my heart was racing against his chest. He held me tightly, as if leaving for forty-eight hours was the hardest thing he had to do.

When he finally pulled away, his breathing was slightly shallow. He rested his forehead against mine, a small smile on his face. "I'm taking you out on a date the night I get back."

I nodded, my chest tight with affection. "I'd love that." I kissed him one last time, a quick, sweet brush of our lips, before he finally stepped out of the car and walked toward his waiting jet.

The drive back to the city was quiet, and when I finally got back to my office, I threw myself straight into my paperwork, trying to keep my mind busy.

But a few minutes later, the heavy quiet was shattered. The office door clicked open, and Chloe entered, looking incredibly nervous.

"Miss Aria," Chloe said, her voice hesitant as she glanced back toward the hallway. "Someone is here to see you. I told him he couldn't just walk in, but..."

I frowned, setting my pen down. "Who is it, Chloe?"

Before she could answer, a hand forcefully pushed the door wide open, and Julian stepped inside the room. I froze in my chair, my heart dropping into my stomach.

Julian looked much worse than he had at the court a few days ago. His clothes were wrinkled, his hair was completely wild and uncombed, and his face was pale with deep, dark circles bruising the skin under his bloodshot eyes.

He looked entirely broken, trembling slightly as he stood in the doorway. Chloe immediately stepped in front of him, her face full of apology. "Miss Aria, I'm sorry. I told him he should wait outside, but he just shoved past me—"

I looked at Julian's desperate, unstable frame, and a cold wave of calm washed over me. I didn't want a scene in my office, and I knew he wouldn't leave until he said whatever he came to say.

"Don't worry about it, Chloe," I said quietly, keeping my voice deadpan and steady. "It's fine. Please leave us and give us some privacy.”