Aria’s POV

Carl hit the floor before he even understood what was happening.

One second, he was standing in front of me—smug, confident, and assured I was right where he wanted me. The next, his body crumpled into a heap, soundless and heavy on the carpet. His glass had slipped from his hand, still clinking against the tiled floor in what sounded almost like an applause.

I stood there for exactly three seconds—hands trembling, eyes locked on him, breath in my ...