Aria's POV
I pulled the blanket a little tighter around myself as I slowly sat up, the warmth of Aiden's skin still lingering against mine.
When I finally looked up at him, his expression was unreadable, but his presence alone had a strange way of grounding me.
"I've decided what to do," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. I gave a small, firm nod. "But I don't need your help with this."
I meant it. I could handle this on my own.
When I'd vented my frustration to Aiden moments ago, I wasn't actually asking for his assistance. I'm not so weak that I can't fight back when someone walks all over me.
But somehow, without even realizing it, I ended up turning to him.
I didn't plan to. It just… happened.
But when Aiden heard me say I didn't need his help, something in his expression s
