ARIA'S POV

The limo ride to the press conference was quiet at first. The tension between us wasn’t sharp, it was more like a low hum, like static clinging to my skin. Kane sat beside me, calm as ever, scrolling through his tablet. Meanwhile, I was still caught in the echo of the almost-kiss. His breath, his closeness. The way he pulled away like it meant nothing.

Why did it sting? Why did it feel like rejection?

"I need you to stay close to me.." he said suddenly, eyes still ...