#Chapter 41: Just Friends

Aria’s POV “You don’t need to apologize for Lucian,” Matt said quickly. I shook my head. “I do. His behavior was out of line, and instead of trying to clear up the misunderstanding, I went along with him and left you there.” “It’s fine, Aria.” “It isn’t,” I insisted. “I should have corrected Lucian. But he was acting all possessive, which he never does, and I…” I was saying too much, finding Matt too easy to talk to, so I quickly shut my mouth. “You don’t have to explain yourself,” Matt said. “But –” “I’m not offended, Aria. Though I am worried about you.” “Worried?” He pressed his lips hard together, like he was worried he was the one who said too much this time. But then he spoke, “You’ve always had a blind spot where Lucian is involved. It’s concerned me, but I’ve held my tongue. I wanted you to be happy.” His almost smile tugged into a frown. “You don’t look very happy right now.” He was right to assume that. I’d always tried to make the best about my situation