I sank back slightly against Liam, my hands suddenly clammy in his. He noticed immediately, his brow furrowing as he searched my eyes.
“Elle… what’s wrong?” he asked softly, concern lacing his tone.
I shook my head quickly, forcing a small smile that felt brittle even to me. “Nothing… I’m fine.” But even as I said it, my chest tightened with the weight of guilt. It’s not nothing. Every memory of Aiden—the touch, the kiss, the intensity that had once drawn me—pressed on me now, amplified by the brief moment he had appeared.
Liam’s fingers brushed mine again, tentative, patient. “Elle… you’re not fine. You were tense the moment he walked in.”
I swallowed hard, guilt twisting inside me. I’ve chosen Liam. I love Liam. But Aiden… he’s still part of me, in ways I can’t fully control.
Aiden
