Aria immediately shifted her gaze, her body tensing as she pulled the furs higher over her chest, moving slightly away from Liam.
The "sister" act was a reflex now, a shield she used even when her world was falling apart.
“Oh, Marcus,” she said, her voice small but steady. “You’re here? You really didn't have to come. I’m just a bit under the weather.”
Marcus walked to the foot of the bed, his face a mask of forced neutrality. “Stop it, Aria. You were more than ‘under the weather.’ You gave us all a heart attack. How are you feeling now?”
“I feel better,” she lied, though the dark circles under her eyes told a different story. “Just a bit weak. My head is finally stopping the spinning.”
Marcus looked at Liam, then back at her. He wanted to ask—he wanted to scream the question—but he
