Chapter 54

Aria's POV At Knox's words, I paused with a small wince. “Well…” I started, and Knox also paused, lifting an eyebrow at me in question. “I want to go on my own.” I said softly, but steadily. “I don't want you to come with me, let me handle it myself.” He hesitated, clearly unhappy as he crossed his arms with narrowed eyes. “Why not? Is there a problem with me walking you there?” I shook my head quickly. “It’s not that. I just... I want to do this on my own. I need to.” His jaw tensed as he watched me, “Aria, I don't want anyone taking advantage of your kindness or soft heart to disrespect you.” “I’ll be fine,” I assured him, “I want to stand on my own two feet. If you come with me, it’ll feel like I’m relying on you for everything. Please, Knox, trust me.” Knox sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I do trust you, Aria. It’s just… after that incident with Connor, I…I” He trailed off with a frustrated sigh, clenching his fists. “I just don’t want anything like that to happen again.