Chapter 169

Aria

Mark doesn’t answer. He just looks at me, silently, like he wants me to figure it out myself.

“I need to do something,” I say. “I swear I’m gonna lose it if I sit here any longer.”

“You wanna see the rest of the mansion?” Mark offers like he’s handing me a lifeline.

“I’d love to.” I’m already standing before he finishes. “I’ve been dying to check this place out anyway.”

“Come on then.” He stretches out his hand like a gentleman or something, but I just shake my head and grin.

“I’m cool. Let’s go,” I say, already striding ahead.

***

Lucas

The second I hit the room, I just crash onto the bed like my body finally gave up. I yank the blanket over my face like that’s gonna block out the bullshit in my head. My skull feels like it’s about to explode, and my chest? Yeah, that shit’s not doing any better either. It’s like someone’s playing a damn drum solo in there. I swear, sometimes I don’t think Aria even tries to s