Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 170

Chapter 170

Aiden hadn’t used much force, but the instant he heard Valerie’s gasp of pain, he instinctively loosened his grip, his gaze dropping to her wrist toeta quickly concealed her hand.

Valerie climbed into the car, clutching the pharmacy bag so tightly it crinkled softly in her hand; Aiden glanced at it and said, his tone leaving no room for discussion, “Give me your hand.”

Valerie kept her hand hidden behind her back, but seeing Aiden’s unwavering expression, she hesitated before reluctantly extending it; the shocking sight of angry red blotches and blisters now covered her usually smooth skin.

Aiden’s face suddenly clouded over. Seeing his change in expression, Valerie quickly pulled her hand away, saying softly, “It’s alright. It feels much better

now.”

“What happened?” Aiden demanded, his voice low as he retrieved her hand, not waiting for a reply. His grip, though firm, carefully avoided Valerie’s injuries, holding only the undamaged skin. She couldn’t discern if he were doing it intentionally or merely coincidentally.

Aiden drew her hand closer, his expression darkening he examined it. “We’re going to the hospital,” he stated, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

as

Valerie’s heart skipped a beat. “It’s okay,” she murmured, pulling ointment from the plastic bag. “I can apply some myself. It’s pretty strong–smelling, so I’ll wait until I get home.”

Aiden snatched it before Valerie could refuse and pressed, “What happened?” His slender fingers deftly opened the ointment, squeezed out a dab, and gently drew Valerie’s hand to him.

Valerie was mesmerized as she watched his elegant fingers lightly graze the back of her hand. The ointment offered an incredible relief, yet his touch sparked an unexpected warmth that resonated deep within her. “I–I was making coffee at grandpa’s house,” Valerie stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

“Grandpa’s house?” Aiden realised Valerie didn’t have a grandfather, so she must mean his own. Aiden frowned. “What were you doing at Grandpa’s house?”

“Grandpa seems to have figured out,” she murmured, “that I’m not a Clark.”

“Did Grandpa do this to you?” Aiden asked, his voice hushed.

“No, it was a girl–someone I didn’t recognize,” Valerie said, carefully observing the change in Aiden’s face. “She seemed very fond of you, though… She said you were her first love.”

Aiden hesitated, his fingers momentarily still as he applied the ointment, then said with a touch of confidence, “I’ve been a first love for quite a few people.”

Valerie almost laughed, exclaiming, “Gosh, you’re so arrogant!”

“That’s a fact,” Aiden said coolly. “I was the campus heartthrob back in the day–plenty of people had a crush on me.”

Valerie studied his face intently; ‘He truly is strikingly handsome,‘ she mused.

Of everyone she knew, Aiden was the most captivating, possessing a ruggedly handsome allure that was impossible to ignore. Despite his reputation and formidable influence, he naturally commanded attention.

Valerie’s self–doubt deepened as she wondered, Why would someone like him be interested in a girl like me? He could have anyone.‘ Valerie had always dismissed it as mere possessiveness, but now she wondered if there was something more profound.

Aiden leaned in close, asking, “What’s on your mind?”

Valerie jolted awake from her reverie as if snapping out of a dream, only noticing then that Aiden had finished wiping her hand. Looking down, he frowned at the large coffee stain on her dress and reached for the damp fabric.

Chapter 170

Valerie wore a light, sheer dress that day–almost transparent in the heat. She flinched when Aiden’s warm hand pressed argume the dad po covered her hand firmly with his and demanded, “Let me soo

Valerie’s cheeks flushed bright red as she glanced at Lennox behind the wheel and stammered, “N–no, not now… We’re not alone:

Lennox’s expression remained blank, his face unreadable, as he silently raised the privacy partition between the front and back seats, Auden came moved her hand aside and said, “It’s just us now.”

“Absolutely not,” Valerie said, instinctively pressing her hands against him, her face flushed. “N–not here… Let’s wait until we’re home!

Aiden disregarded her objections and lifted her skirt, revealing more skin than she was comfortable with, as she wore only a long dress underneath

Aiden’s gaze darkened for a moment before drifting to her smooth abdomen, now marred by a large, angry red patch mirroring the burn on her hand. Although less severe here–no blisters, at least–the sight of her delicate skin so inflamed was still deeply disturbing

Aiden’s expression clouded over as he reached out a finger to touch it gently, leaving Valerie feeling more itchy than hurt.

Valerie quickly brushed his hand away and adjusted her skirt. “Honestly, it’s fine–just needs some ointment when we get back,” she said.

Aiden’s face was unreadable, his expression calm, as he said, “Let’s go home.”

Nervous, Valerie hurried home and went straight to the bathroom to freshen up before changing into a comfortable nightgown. Aiden was already waiting when she came out, holding a new tube of ointment with a deliberately plain Estain label on its packaging; he silently walked towards her and lifted the hem of her nightgown.

Valerie shifted uncomfortably, gently pressing his hand. “I can manage on my own,” she murmured.

“Be good,” Aiden murmured, squeezing her hand. “Now, tell me what happened today.”

Valerie felt drawn to the bed’s edge, but as she attempted to get up, Aiden gently yet firmly pressed her shoulder, holding her down while he carefully lifted the hem of her nightgown and began applying the ointment.

Valerie’s cheeks flushed as his touch left her skin tingling and intensely sensitive, every muscle in her body tight with tension, even her toes curling. Anxious for a distraction, she quickly shifted the conversation, briefly summarizing her earlier phone call with Waylon about the villa.

Aiden, his head lowered, gently spread the ointment on her skin and quietly asked, “Who was she?”