Forbidden

Chapter Five

~~~

As they stepped outside the club, the cool night air enveloped them, and the sound of raindrops hitting the pavement created a soothing melody. Lyra and Aidan walked hand in hand, the rain casting a romantic glow over the scene.

"I'm sorry if you got the wrong idea from him tonight," Lyra said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Michael is a huge flirt, he always has been. Girlfriend or no girlfriend."

Aidan's eyes locked onto hers, his expression softening. "I'm so sorry, Lyra, for assuming," he said, his voice laced with sincerity. "But the way he was looking at you..." His voice trailed off, and Lyra couldn't help but smile.

"Don't tell me you're jealous," she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Aidan's eyebrows shot up in genuine shock. "Jealous? No. I'm not jealous of him," he protested, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone.

Lyra chuckled, her eyes never leaving his. "If you say so."

The tension between them was palpable, and Lyra decided to break the silence. "Do you want to get out of here?" she asked, her voice low and husky.

Aidan's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Inviting me back to your place already? What happened to asking me out to dinner first?" He placed his hand over his heart, his expression mock-offended.

Lyra laughed, her eyes rolling good-naturedly. "Oh, would you relax? It's just a little too crowded here for my taste."

Aidan's smirk grew wider, the lights from the street sparkling in his eyes. "Your place or mine?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Lyra's cheeks flushed, and she looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your lace is fine."

Aidan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his arm wrapping around her waist as he guided her towards his car. The rain continued to fall around them, casting a romantic spell over the night.

As they pulled into the driveway, Lyra's eyes widened in admiration. The house was a stunning reflection of Aidan's personality - sleek, modern, and effortlessly sophisticated. The black roof glistened in the wet moonlight, and the gravel driveway crunched beneath the tires as they made their way up to the gates.

Lyra couldn't help but think, 'Of course he has a gate.' The code was entered, and the gates swung open, revealing a beautifully manicured lawn and a stunning facade.

As they pulled up to the front steps, Aidan parked the car and Lyra reached for the door handle. But before she could open it, Aidan's hand closed around her wrist, his fingers warm and gentle.

"Let me get that for you," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he got out and rushed to her side to open the door.

Lyra stepped out into the cold rain, shivering as the droplets hit her bare skin. "I'm not dressed for this," she said, her teeth chattering slightly.

Aidan's arm wrapped around her, pulling her close as he guided her towards the front door. "Let's get you inside, then," he said, his voice low and soothing.

As they stepped into the warm, dry foyer, Lyra felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was grateful to be out of the rain, and even more grateful to be wrapped in Aidan's warm, protective embrace.

Lyra's eyes widened as she took in her surroundings. Aidan's home was a far cry from the warm and cozy abode she had envisioned. Instead, the air inside was oddly chilly, sending shivers down her spine. Her wide, green eyes scanned the room, drinking in the elegant décor that seemed to whisper tales of a bygone era.