Aria's POV
I slumped against the car seat, mentally kicking myself. God, what was I thinking? My big mouth had gotten me into trouble again. Thomas looked like he was about to have a stroke right there at the dinner table.
I snuck a nervous glance at Aiden, fully expecting him to rip into me for causing a scene. Instead, his face was weirdly calm, not a trace of anger.
"Did they scare you?" he asked, voice low and steady.
"No," I shook my head, chewing my bottom lip anxiously. "Aren't you mad at me? I think I went too far... your uncle looked ready to explode."
To my complete shock, Aiden's lips curved into a smile—an actual smile—as he reached over and patted my head gently. "Well done."
"What?" I blinked rapidly, wondering if my ears were playing tricks on me.
Seeing my confused f
