Damian's POV
"Nothing."
"Aria."
"It doesn't matter."
"It matters to me." I caught her free hand, bringing it to rest over my heart. "Were you worried about me?"
"No." But she couldn't quite meet my eyes.
"Liar." I smiled despite everything. "You care about me."
"I care about not having your death on my conscience." But her fingers curled slightly against my chest, and I knew I'd hit a nerve.
Rick pulled up to the hospital entrance.
"We're here, Alpha."
Aria immediately tried to climb off my lap, but I held her still.
"Let me—"
"Walk in carrying you, or walk in with you at my side." I gave her a look. "Your choice."
"You can barely walk at all!"
"Try me."
We stared at each other for a long moment before she huffed out a breath.
"Fine. But if
