#Chapter 57: Conflicted

Aria Lily’s voice was muffled against my palm, but I could make out the odd burst of words here and there: “Knew it—mates—possible—Goddess!” Darren and I exchanged panicked looks as I kept my hand clamped over her mouth. If she kept this up, half of the office would catch on. And this was not what either of us wanted. “Lily,” Darren whispered urgently, glancing back at the locked door. “Promise you’ll keep it down if Aria removes her hand. Just—just be quiet, okay?” She nodded fervently, and I slowly removed my hand from her mouth. But the moment she was free, she blurted out, “You two are mates?!” “Shh!” Darren and I hissed and stepped forward in unison, reaching for her. She clasped her own hands over her mouth this time, eyes wide, and repeated in a much quieter voice, “You two are mates?” I sighed, glancing at Darren. It was a little too late now to play stupid. He paused for a moment, realizing this as he rubbed the back of his neck with h