Veiled Echoes

C H A P T E R 1 5

I can't express how much grateful I am for everyone who is still eager to continue this journey with me. I hope you do enjoy the chapter and make sure to comment as you go along!!

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HANA

Aiden touch became ingrained in my mind after that day.

And perhaps he had intended to because he had become more blatant, more daring, with every contact our skin made.

His hand would often find its way to my hair, tucking it behind my ears when I was too distracted to notice. His fingers would brush against mine whenever he was walking me to my class—more often than not.

What truly made me want to jump out of my skin was how his eyes would trace me like gentle fingers, leisurely roaming around my figure. There was an unmistakable desire that would flicker across his features that he would try to conceal, yet it was evident when he would peck me right at my pulse point on my neck.

It made me want to revoke him of this right, as not only did it make me act out of character, it made me wish he could just take that slight step and allow his mouth to roam over my body.

Preferably down my neck, nipping at the sensitive area between my shoulder and neck; he could then gently use the flick of his tongue to soothe the sharp sting of pain. I'd wanted his hands to roam beyond my waist, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

Stop. That's not appropriate.

"So, you're telling me," Rae spoke slowly, her eyes meeting mine, "your date was good?"

I nodded, my eyes moving across the beautiful dresses at each store. With one hand stuffed inside my trench coat pocket and the other holding the warm hot chocolate, we walked down Elizabeth Street with the tips of our noses red from the biting cold.

Despite the light drizzle this morning that dampened the pavements, today was the only day I was free to go shopping for the charity event. Although it was only a month before—as the event was around December tenth—leaving it last minute would only make me feel uneasy.

Rae sniffed beside me, hiding her face further beneath the scarf wrapped around her neck.

"I can't believe a man can yearn this much," she muttered, her voice croaky. Then she added, "I'm fucking jealous, by the way."

I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Of course. I couldn't tell." But then I sighed. "I don't know what to do."

"What do you mean? Just drop down on your knees and let the night take you away." She shrugged, taking a sip of her hot chocolate.

"Rae!" I slapped her arm. "Don't say such things."

"Is night not good for you? You can also do the day, whatever floats your boat." Rae's brows shot up at one of his he dress on the boutique display. "Let's go in here."

Upon entering the boutique, the warmth instantly embraced me and the fragrance of sandalwood with the hint of neroli wrapped around me like silk. Soft jazz played in the background with the lady at the front humming to the tune.

"Hello," a lady walked around the cashier with a soft, practiced curve of her lips. "How can we help you, today?"

"Hey." Rae smiled down at her and looked around the place. "We were wondering if she could try the red dress that's on display."

Both the lady's and my eyes followed Rae's line of sight, landing on the beautiful deep, wine-red satin gown that was right next to the door.

"Very well," she said, a hint of glee toning her voice. "Please wait in the room; I'll be with you shortly with the dress."