The ride was quiet at first. The soft hum of the car filled the silence between them. The city lights streaked across the windshield, and for a while, it almost felt like peace.
Then Aria spoke.
“You never mentioned it was your sister’s engagement. She seemed… nice.”
Killian didn’t respond.
“And your family,” she added, sneaking a look at him, “wow, talk about intimidating. But in a curated kind of way.
That got his attention — he shot her a look, eyes a little too sharp.
“They remind me of gallery pieces,” she added softly, not unkindly. “Beautiful. Meant to be admired. But you’re not allowed to touch.”
A long beat passed. Then his voice cut through the quiet.
“You don’t know them.”
“I didn’t say I did,” Aria said gently. I just mean…” she continued, “It felt like everyone was… w
