MORE THAN A FEELING

Chapter 6: The Brother’s Watchful Eye II

The tension didn’t end when Dante walked away. The weight of the brothers' words followed Cassian back into the grand lounge, where the parents were already clinking glasses of gold flecked champagne.

Aria was standing by the floor to ceiling windows, her back to the room. She looked so small against the backdrop of the city lights.

Cassian walked up to her, his heart feeling like lead. "Is it true?" he asked softly. "Dante said you’re going out with Marcus on Friday."

Aria didn't turn around. Her reflection in the glass looked haunted. "My parents think I need to 'get back out there.' They think if I hide in my room or hide behind you forever, I’ll never be the Aria Rosemont they know."

"And what do you think?" Cassian stepped closer, the scent of her rose perfume filling his senses.

She finally turned, her blue eyes searching his. "I think I’m terrified, Cass. But I also think that if I don't try to date someone else, I’m going to get too used to having you around. I’m going to start relying on you for my happiness, and that’s not fair to you."

It’s the only thing I want, Cassian thought, but he didn't say it. He couldn't.

"Marcus is a good guy," Cassian lied, the words tasting like ash in his mouth. "He’s captain of the tennis team. He’s... polite."

Aria looked down at her silver bracelet, spinning it around her wrist. "He asked me three times. I finally said yes just to make the noise in my head stop. Will you... will you be there when I get back? Just in case?"

"I’m always here, Aria. You know that."

Before she could respond, Silas stepped into the space between them, his large frame blocking Cassian’s view of her. He handed Aria a glass of sparkling water and gave Cassian a look that said, 'Enough.'

"Aria, Mom wants to show you the new sketches for the spring line," Silas said, his voice firm. He didn't move until Aria had walked away toward their mother.

Once she was gone, Silas turned to Cassian. "You’re a good man, Cassian. But don't think I didn't see your hand shaking when Marcus's name came up. You’re playing a dangerous game. You think you’re her hero, but right now, you’re just a reminder of the world she’s trying to survive."

"I'm the only one who actually knows her, Silas," Cassian snapped, his patience finally wearing thin. "You guys treat her like a porcelain doll. I treat her like Aria."

"Then let her be Aria," Silas countered. "Let her go on this date. Let her see what else is out there. If you’re really her 'best friend,' you’ll step back and let her breathe."

Cassian didn't have an answer for that. He watched the Rosemont family the tall, beautiful, powerful siblings surround Aria like a fortress. He realized then that he wasn't just fighting Aria’s fear of love; he was fighting her brothers' protection and her own desire to be "normal."

As the Thornes finally said their goodbyes and headed to their luxury cars, Cassian looked back one last time. Aria was standing at the top of the stairs, her eyes locked on his. She didn't wave. She didn't smile. She just watched him leave, her hand subconsciously gripping the silver bracelet he had given her.

In the car ride home, Cassian’s father, Victor, looked at him through the rearview mirror. "You’re very quiet tonight, son."

"Just thinking, Dad."

"About the Rosemont girl?" his father asked with a small, knowing smile. "Be patient, Cassian. A girl like that... she’s like a rare wine. You can't rush the process, or you’ll ruin the taste. Give her time to breathe."

Cassian stared out at the passing streetlights. He was tired of waiting. He was tired of being the "patient friend." But as he thought about Aria’s scared eyes and Marcus’s upcoming date, he knew he had no choice. He would wait. He would watch.

And if Marcus so much as made her frown, Cassian wouldn't just rip his collar he would show the world exactly why a Thorne was the most dangerous person to cross when it came to a Rosemont.