PERSEFONE POV
Aiden came to me first, slowly enough that I could have stepped away.
I did not move a freaking inch.
I stood there as tall as my five-four allowed, chin up, shoulders squared, pride fully deployed.
Very proud.
Very furious.
Very aware that I wanted to step into his arms anyway, which was frankly rude of my body.
He stopped in front of me and looked down.
“I am sorry,” he said.
No defense.
No explanation.
Just that.
Damn him twice.
“I know Richard is not the main threat,” he continued, voice low. “I know you can handle him. I know you do not need three males turning a message into a siege. But when I saw come alone”—he lifted both hands and made finger quotes around the words—“I could not make myself feel reasonable.”
My anger faltered.
Aiden reached for my han
