Ari’s POV:
Mr. Arden’s words leave a heaviness in the air that envelops me in a suffocating grasp. Kai and Ryker gently squeeze my hand, pulling my focus on them instead of my anxiety. My hand drops freely from Kai as he turns to face me, cupping my face.
“Sweetheart, take a deep breath,” he whispers, and I do as he says. The exhale momentarily relieves the bubbling anxiety. He nods as he returns to standing at my side and looks at Ryker.
“Mr. Arden, are you asking me for a final answer right now?” I reply to his question, my voice unsteady.
His teeth clench, and he inhales deeply through his nose, his nostrils flaring from the force. “I am, Ari,” he replies.
I place my right hand right under my collarbones, dragging my nails across them. Taking a deep breath, I reply with my eyes
