“You’re hiding something from me,” Kaden said, his voice low and edged with frustration. He stood in the middle of our bedroom, his piercing gaze locked on mine. I could feel the tension radiating off him in waves, as if he were one step away from shattering. I kept my arms folded across my chest, my heart hammering against my ribs. I didn’t want to lie to him, but how could I explain something I didn’t fully understand myself?
“I’m not hiding anything,” I answered, but the words tasted false the moment they left my lips. Kaden’s eyes narrowed, and I knew he didn’t believe me. He always saw through my defenses, no matter how strong I tried to make them.
“I know when you’re lying, Aria.” His voice was soft but laced with hurt. “Don’t push me away.”
I turned my back to him, staring out th
