Aria's POV
My steps faltered. For a brief second... neither of us spoke. I slowly looked away. "Noah... you know I..."
"I know." His voice remained as calm as ever. "You don't have to explain."
"I don't have room for love. My father needs me. My daughter needs me. And Claudia..." My eyes hardened. "I still have debts to collect."
Noah nodded. "I know. I've never asked you to love me." He smiled softly. "I only hope you'll let me stand beside you. Use every resource I have. My pack. My influence. My strength. If it helps you achieve your revenge... then it's worth it."
I stared at him. "Noah..."
"And if one day..." He paused briefly. "You find room in your heart for someone... I hope you'll look back and see that I've always been here."
My chest tightened. I didn't know what to say.
