A Calculated Move

Aria tugged at Alaric's sleeve and whispered, "Come on, don't be mad. I know exactly what I'm doing, okay? So please, don't stay angry."

Hearing that, Alaric turned to Aria and asked, "So you've really made up your mind about this?"

He could tell Aria was trying to change the subject.

He saw right through her attempt to dodge the question.

Aria met Alaric's deep gaze and cleared her throat. "I