ARIA
Aaron’s eyes were still locked on the doorway behind me. Dread crawled up my spine. Slowly, I turned.
Oh, s**t.
Lucian stood there, just inside the room. His expression was unreadable, his eyes dark and unblinking. Wh–when did he get in here? Why were his footsteps so light?
Tobias was right behind him, frozen as the realization sank in. His face darkened. “You f*****g b***h…”
Lucian raised a hand to his lips, silencing him. “Did you reject him?” he asked me. His voice was different. It wasn’t the usual gruffness or dry irritation. This time, there was something hollow underneath—judging, accusing…why did I feel disappointed? I gripped the edge of the bed. I didn’t want to answer.
I didn’t want to hear myself say it.
Lucian’s gaze never wavered. “Aria.”
I swallowed, forcing my
