Chapter 105

Aiden's POV I dropped my smile and strode over to her in three quick steps, crouching down beside her. "Did you hurt yourself?" Aria didn't answer, just stayed curled up in that vulnerable position on the stairs. Her silence made my blood run cold. My mind immediately went to her right leg—the one that had barely healed from her previous injury. If she'd damaged it again, the consequences could be permanent. "We're going to the hospital," I said firmly, reaching to scoop her up. The doctors had warned me her bones hadn't fully healed. Another injury could mean she'd walk with a limp for the rest of her life—something I wouldn't allow to happen on my watch. With the awkward way she was huddled on the stairs, lifting her would be tricky. One wrong move and we'd both tumble down. I frowned, gently trying to pry her arms from around herself. "Let's get you checked out. Be good now." She finally lifted her head, those expressive eyes meeting mine. "I'm so embarrassed!" Relief washed through