Bitter Defiance

Aria clenched her fists, meeting Malachi's cold stare.

She took a deep breath. "I know coming here tonight was probably crossing a line, and I'm sorry for disturbing you. But you have no right to keep me from finding out about Alaric. We're already..."

She was about to say 'we're married,' but Malachi cut her off again.

Malachi's expression was icy. "I'm not stopping you from asking, but don't exp