Reality struck like a whip. I shoved him hard and slapped him across the face.
He stilled, his cheek flaming red.
"Don't ever come near me again. Ever," I hissed before storming off.
By the time he returned to the dining room, Chloe's sharp eyes narrowed. "What happened to your face?"
"I hit a door," Aster lied smoothly.
But Pia wasn't convinced. And neither was anyone.
Later, as Pia tried showing him around, he faked a coughing fit until she left for water. He turned instead—straight to my room.
I stiffened when the door opened. "What are you doing here?"
"I need to talk to you."
"I don't want to talk to you."
"I'm not leaving until you do."
A knock sounded. Pia's voice. "Anya? Is Aster in there?"
My chest seized. "Hide in the bathroom!"
"No." His eyes gleamed with stubborn challenge. "Not unless you promise to talk to me."
I clenched my fists. "Fine. I promise."
Only then did he slip into the bathroom as Pia barged in, sneering her usual venom.
By the time Pia left, my chest burned with anger and shame. I sank against the door, trying not to cry.
The bathroom door creaked.
Aster emerged, eyes softer now. He knelt, cupping my face. "Hey… are you okay?"
"Let me go," I whispered, voice breaking.
"Shut up," he murmured, pulling me into his arms.
"I don't want you. That night was nothing but a mistake."
"I like you, Anya. Not because of that night, but because you're different." His lips brushed mine again, his voice a vow. "I want all of you. I want you to be mine."
And before I could protest, he kissed me like he meant it.