Chapter 2

Arya’s POV

I lifted my head and studied him.

James stared at the ceiling, jaw tight, eyes too dark.

“Tell me,” I said softly. “What happened today?”

He didn’t answer at once.

His fingers stroked my hair once. Twice. Slow, soothing. Like he was buying time. Like he was choosing words that wouldn’t explode.

Then he turned his head and looked at me.