Viya's POV
In the car, Caesar's words left me silent for a long moment while I tried to sort through my chaotic thoughts and find some thread of rationality.
I chose to follow my heart, speaking softly. "Thank you for defending me back there."
When I hadn't known the Hawthorne family's stance, when Hailey and Miranda had been so aggressive—his protection had been like warmth in a snowstorm.
Burning bridges with the Hawthornes served no purpose for me right now. I didn't want to do that yet.
But Caesar stepping in meant the family and I wouldn't be completely opposed to each other.
Though Luna Gloria and Elizabeth's attitudes had ended up being completely different from what Hailey and the others had displayed.
A self-mocking smile curved Caesar's lips. "I've defended
