Chapter 53

Lucas

I can’t fucking believe this. Exhaustion? Aria passed out because she was stressed out and overworked? How the hell did I not see that coming? She skipped breakfast, looked like she was carrying the weight of the damn world, and that stupid box practically had her spiraling. I should’ve known.

Now she’s lying in bed, out cold, looking way too peaceful for someone who scared the crap out of me earlier. As soon as she hit the ground, I rushed her to the medical center like a man possessed. Maria did her tests, gave her some kind of injection, and told me it’s just exhaustion. Nothing serious, she said. I almost kissed her out of relief, but you know, boundaries.

Aria’s hand is soft in mine, and I rub my thumb over her knuckles, hoping she wakes up soon. She’s too cute when she’s asleep, though. It’s distracting. But seriously, why the hell didn’t she tell me about that damn box? Threatened or not, I’m supposed to protect her. It’s literally my job, isn’t