Chapter 106

**ARIA**

Two hours. That was all I lasted.

The shops were beautiful, the company perfect, and yet my energy disappeared faster than the battery on Rosalie's phone when she opened a dozen apps at once. I'd tried to hide it—smiling, nodding, even laughing at Leila's offhand jokes about Cassius being terrified of baby socks. But by the time we reached the third store, my feet were dragging.

"You okay?" Rosalie had whispered, leaning close.

I nodded, swallowing the nausea and fatigue that rolled in waves.

"I think... I think I need to go back."

"Of course," Leila said quickly, putting down the tiny onesie she was admiring. "We’ll all go."

But that made my stomach twist for another reason. Guilt.

"No, please," I said. "I ruined our day already. Go back. Enjoy it. I just need to lie down."

Rosalie frowned. "Don’t be ridiculous."

"I'm serious," I said, mustering what was left of my voice. "Drop me off and go. I’ll text if I need anything."

They exchanged a look, but eventually, they agreed.

The ride back was quiet. They helped me out of the car, made me promise I’d call if anything felt off, and then drove away.

I took a deep breath and turned toward the building. Our apartment was on the top floor, which normally wasn’t a problem. Today, however, the stairs looked like Everest.

Halfway up, it hit me.

A wave of dizziness. Nausea. My vision blurred at the edges.

I grabbed the railing, my breath coming too fast.

"No," I whispered to myself. "Not here. Not alone."

Then, I felt it—a hand on my arm. Strong. Steady.

"Easy," came a familiar voice. "You’re not alright. Let me help you."

I turned my head slowly. Caedmon.

I wanted to say no. I wanted to pull away. But my knees were buckling and I had no strength left to argue.

"Fine," I whispered. "Just to the door."

He nodded, slipping an arm around my back, guiding me up the last few steps. I hated how my body leaned into him out of necessity.

"What happened?" he asked softly as we reached the apartment.

Before I could answer, I heard footsteps. The door flew open.

Adam and Austin.

Both of them looked breathless, tense. Adam’s eyes locked onto me immediately. Austin's gaze shifted to Caedmon.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Austin barked, stepping forward.

Caedmon raised a brow. "If I hadn’t been here, she might have fallen down the stairs."

Adam stepped between them, voice low but calm. "Thanks. We’ve got her now."

Caedmon offered a faint smile. "Of course. I hope you feel better soon, Aria."

There was something in his eyes. Curiosity. Concern, maybe. But more than that, suspicion. He knew something was wrong, but not what. And I wasn't about to give him a clue.

He turned and descended the stairs as Adam helped me inside.

The moment the door closed, the flood began.

"What do you need?" Adam asked, helping me onto the bed.

"Are you hungry?" Austin added, crouching beside me. "Water? Food? A massage?"

I smiled weakly. "Just water. And sleep. Please."

Adam was up in a flash, returning with a glass. I drank it slowly, each sip easing the throbbing in my head.

Austin lay down beside me, careful not to disturb me. His arm slipped around my waist.

I didn’t say anything else. I didn’t need to.

I let the quiet hold me.

And then, finally, I slept.

***

I woke two hours later with a growling stomach and a dry mouth. The bedroom was dim, the soft afternoon light filtering through the curtains.

Austin was still beside me, snoring softly with his mouth wide open. I couldn’t help it—a laugh burst out of me before I could stop it.

His eyes snapped open, startled. He blinked, confused. "What’s so funny?"

"You snore like a chainsaw," I teased.

He groaned, rubbing his face. "Sorry. Shouldn’t have fallen asleep."

"It’s okay," I said, stretching carefully. "I’m just... starving."

Without hesitation, he grabbed his phone and sent off a quick message.

I raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"

He gave me a sheepish grin. "I have snacks."

That set me off laughing again, harder this time. He rolled over and scooped me up into his arms, hugging me close.

"I missed your laugh," he whispered.

A few minutes later, the front door opened and Adam appeared, arms full of paper bags.

"Food delivery," he called out.

"Come help," he said to Austin.

Wow that was fast and I don't know why I'm still surprised.

I followed them into the living room, settling onto the sofa as they unloaded enough food for a small army. They bickered over the best way to set up the plates, Austin fussing over the drinks while Adam carefully unwrapped containers.

I watched them from the couch, my heart full. My eyes lingered on Austin as he pretended not to care which dish went where, sneaking glances at Adam who, ever meticulous, rearranged everything anyway. Their dynamic was comical, frustrating, and utterly endearing.

I looked at them and felt a wave of love crash over me. Not the quiet, easy kind. The overwhelming, breath-stealing kind. These two infuriating, protective, imperfect men had rooted themselves into every corner of my heart. Despite the secrets, despite the moments of doubt, they were mine. And I was theirs.
No matter what came next, we would face it together. When I think about everything they have been willing to do for me and everything they will still be willing to do for me, I feel deeply fortunate. 

And for the first time in days, that thought made me smile.