I understood.

After all, Aurora had real feelings before. Mason's recent persistent actions were bound to make her waver.

Still, I warned her: "Don't push too hard. If he snaps, even Derek might not be able to help."

They're buddies, after all.

Aurora's eyes sparkled teasingly, "You're just worried about your Derek."

I gave her a side-eye, "No way, I'm worried about you. If he loses it, you could get hurt."

Aurora clinked her wine glass with my ...