"Ayla," Liam started, "are you okay?"
She then chanced a look at him, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine, Liam. Just a lot to process."
Liam nodded and moved closer. "This can't be easy for you. I never meant to have things go this way between you and Ethan."
Ayla sighed heavily and raked a hand through her hair. "This ain't your fault, right, Liam? It's just ... Oh, this is ... complicated."
He nodded again, his eyes softening in some way. "If you'd need more time, I get that. I'm not going to be in a rush about anything. I just need to be sure you and your pups are safe."
"Thank you," she whispered in gratefulness for his understanding.
And Liam was quiet for a moment before he said, "Ayla, I know you and Ethan are leashed together. And I respect that. But what I feel f
