Aria’s POV

The phone buzzed once — a single vibration that sliced through the dark like a secret begging to be caught.

Carl’s arm was heavy around me, his breath warm against my neck. I didn’t move. Not yet.

Another buzz.

My pulse stuttered.

Carefully, I slid my hand beneath the pillow, finding the phone by touch alone. The screen lit up, soft and dangerous.

Damon: Can’t stop thinking about you. Need you. Now.

My throat tightened. The audacity of it. The recklessness. The ...