The kiss was a desperate, strategic move and for one breathtaking second, it worked. Alina’s dramatic sobs stopped with a small hiccup, her body going still in his arms. But as Aiden pulled back and searched her eyes, she immediately frowned again.

“Why did you do that without me?” she sniffed, lips pushed into a pout.

“I’m sorry, alright?” He muttered, brushing his thumbs gently over her damp cheeks. “I thought… it was just a small piece of advice that would help. ...