Chapter 37

Cole stayed still, fully clothed, water running down his jaw, his shoulders, the floor pooling around their feet. He rested his hands on her shoulders only, grounding her, holding her upright.

“I know,” He said quietly. “I’m sorry.”

She broke then, knees feeling weak. She rested her forehead against his chest, breath hitching, tears lost in the water but unmistakable in her shaking as she sobbed.

He stayed still, wanting to wrap his arms around her and rub her hair and back while she cried but couldn’t bring himself to touch her. Not after all the pain he had caused her. He knew he wasn’t worthy. But what he didn’t know was what Aria wanted tonight.

After Ferro was carried out of Ironwood, bandaged all over his body, she felt empty. She felt lonely. It was only then that she realised what she had promised to Cole earlier. All of it dawning on her, she needed comforting. She needed a warm and hearty hug. She needs a kiss on her forehead. She wanted to be carri