Alina’s POV
“Lila, do you need anything?” Edrick finally said.
She held back her tears before facing.
“Uhm, I was going to ask if you were available for horseback riding today.” She said.
“Maybe tomorrow. Aria and I would join you.” Edrick said.
She gave a bitter smile, nodded, then walked out slamming the door so hard it shook.
I was still staring at the exit when Edrick’s lips brushed the side of my neck, warm and slow, like he was trying to coax my mind back into the room.
“Aria,” he murmured against my skin. “You’re drifting.”
My body shivered, but my heart… my heart slammed against my ribs in panic.
Guilt. Thick. Suffocating. Burning behind my eyes.
I forced a smile and tilted my head slightly, giving him access, pretending I wasn’t spiraling.
“I’m here,” I whispered brea
