ARIA

I see panic in Ryder's eyes but it's gone in a flash as he looks down at me. My heart's beating so fast and the fact that his father is on the other side of the door doesn't make me feel any better.

"I'm here."

"I need you down here right this instant."

Ryder's eyes meet mine once more as he answers, "I'll be right there."

We both hear his father's footsteps retreating and I relax a little. "See? This is exactly what I mean. This is only going to cause us more pain, Ryder, can't you ...