Kiara:
Following my clash with Zane, I stride back to my room; the door slamming behind me in a burst of anger. Ariana is there, her face bright with a broad grin, eagerly awaiting feedback. But I ignore her, throwing myself onto the bed and repeatedly pummeling the pillow.
“Ma’am,” Ariana says, reaching for my hand. She halts my assault on the pillow, and I turn to face her, my brows furrowed in irritation.
“We should get you out of those clothes,” she says, and I exhale a sigh.
I take a deep breath and decide not to lash out at her. She’s innocent in all this. The real foe is Zane Malibu, and I must keep my attention on him.
As Ariana assists me in removing my dress, a thought occurs to me.
“Ari,” I call out. Her eyes widen at the nickname.
“Ye...yes, ma’am,” she stammers, and I s
