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Those photos… why did Evan hide his identity?
“You okay?” he asked. “You seem bothered by something.”
“No, I’m fine—just shaken up from that nightmare.” She walked back to bed, placing the glass on the nightstand. “I’m gonna try to sleep.” Aria slipped under the covers. “Sorry again for waking you.”
“Don’t sweat it. Sweet dreams, love.”
As Evan walked out, Aria gazed at his tattoo.
Were all those women his lovers? Why do I even care? I need to sleep.
??
An hour had passed, and Aria still couldn’t shut off her thoughts as she tossed and turned. That nightmare was still fresh in her mind. Painful memories had risen to the surface. Her face was wet with tears. She was about to get up and go to the bathroom when something furry hopped on the bed and purred.
“Hey, little guy!”
The cat rubbed himself against her before he scurried away.
“Baxter!” Aria whispered.
Having him around eased her anxiety. Animals were so therapeutic, she thought, getting out of bed to follow the playful feline; he stealthily turned a corner and slipped into another room.
Aria’s late-night pursuit led her straight into Evan’s bedroom. Her pupils had adjusted to the darkness, which madeit easier to see him under the sheets, lying on his back with an arm hanging over his eyes. She paused and wondered if he was hovering between dreams and consciousness. She needed to be held and assured that everything was going to be all right. More than anything, she needed Noah. Having sobered up, all she felt was emptiness. Tears stung her eyes as Aria blinked them away.
I need to get out of here.
Turning to leave, Baxter let out a startled yowl. He had been standing right behind her, and she had almost trampled him.
“Baxter,” she whispered. “Come here…”
Evan stirred and raised himself on an elbow.
“Aria?” He squinted in the darkness.
She whipped her head around, feeling like a trespasser. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t fall asleep. Baxter came into the room—then he left—and I was trying to look for him—and he came in here—but it was dark—so I didn’t realize I was in your—”
“It’s okay.” He chuckled at her disjointed speech.
She must be anxious,Evan thought, charmed by her awkwardness.
“Come here.” He pulled back his sheets and patted the mattress. Having heard the tremor in her voice, Evan sensed she needed him.
“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” she said. “I should go.”
“Come…here.”
Making her way to his bed, she crawled in. Evan stretched out his arm and allowed her to mold herself against his body. His heart glowed to life when he felt her energy radiating through his vessel. There had been many nights when she yearned to be held and cuddled. The dominant topics in Aria’s childhood memories were physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. Rob had been a monster to live with, and she could never forget his cruelty. The trauma always haunted her, even at eighteen, even in her dreams.
Resting her head on Evan’s chest, she hugged his waist and sighed. There was nothing but a lulled quietness between them. Though, it didn’t last long, as she whispered, “Would you ever hit me if I made you mad?”
“Don’t be silly.” He tilted her chin up. “Where did that come from?”
“I just wanted to know.”
“This is about your nightmare, isn’t it?”
“It’s nothing.”
