Chapter 64

Aria's POV I slumped against the car seat, mentally kicking myself. God, what was I thinking? My big mouth had gotten me into trouble again. Thomas looked like he was about to have a stroke right there at the dinner table. I snuck a nervous glance at Aiden, fully expecting him to rip into me for causing a scene. Instead, his face was weirdly calm, not a trace of anger. "Did they scare you?" he asked, voice low and steady. "No," I shook my head, chewing my bottom lip anxiously. "Aren't you mad at me? I think I went too far... your uncle looked ready to explode." To my complete shock, Aiden's lips curved into a smile—an actual smile—as he reached over and patted my head gently. "Well done." "What?" I blinked rapidly, wondering if my ears were playing tricks on me. Seeing my confused face, something in his dark eyes softened just a fraction. "Are you hungry? You barely ate." I licked my lips nervously, suddenly aware of the hollow feeling in my stomach. "A little." Truth was, I'd been sho