#Chapter 73: Smitten

Aria The picture on the screen felt like a knife to the gut. As if tonight wasn’t already confusing enough, images of our kiss—complete with my face on full display—were circulating the internet. I stood there, stunning into silence, just staring at the phone. “No,” I repeated. “No, this can’t be. What are we going to—” Darren suddenly turned to me. “I’ll fix it.” My eyes widened. “How—” “Just trust me,” he insisted, already taking a few steps toward the ballroom. “I’ll handle it.” Bella and I exchanged wary glances, but I knew that if Darren said he would handle it, then he would. No matter how upset I was about our confusing relationship, I still trusted him. I nodded, handing the phone back to Bella. “Alright. Thank you, Darren.” He jabbed his thumb over his shoulder. “Let me drive you home,” he offered. “Both of you. If you want.” I shook my head. “Thanks, but we’ll get home on our own.” His lips pressed into a thin line,