“I was wondering,” he said slowly, his voice carrying a faint trace of amusement, “how long you were going to keep that up.”

Aria’s face burned bright red as the realization sank in that she had been caught red-handed.

She bit her inner cheek, her eyes lowering in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry…” she said softly. “I only did that because you wouldn’t listen to me.”

Reed exhaled slowly looking away for a moment before his gaze turned back to her.

“Wouldn’t listen?” he repeated, with a raised brow making Aria’s fingers tightened slightly.

“You were walking out,” he continued, his voice steady. “And you didn’t even stop to ask me anything.”...