Chapter 57
“Don’t play dumb, Aurora,” he snapped, stepping closer. “I sent someone after you. They saw you talking to him.”
I let out a soft scoff, crossing my arms. “Whoever you sent needs their eyesight checked.”
Tyler’s jaw clenched. “Are you saying they lied?”
I let out a small, humorless laugh. “I’m saying they were obviously mistaken.”
He didn’t look convinced. Good. That meant I needed to push harder. I sighed, letting frustration seep into my voice. “Seriously, Tyler? After everything, you’re just going to believe some random spy over me?”
His eyes flickered. Doubt. I could see it creeping in. I took a step closer, lowering my voice like I was offended. Hurt.
“I get it. You don’t trust me.” I let my shoulders sag slightly. “Even after I came back. Even after I chose you. That’s what this is about, isn’t it?”
Tyler’s lips pressed into a thin line. “That’s not—”
“No, it is.” I cut him off, shaking my head. “You want to find a reason to be mad at me. A reason to doubt me. It’s like you’re waiting for me to betray you.”
His eyes darkened. “That’s not true.”
“Isn’t it?” I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. “Because it sure feels like it.”
His hands curled into fists at his sides. He was wavering. And I wasn’t done yet. I took another step, closing the distance between us, my voice dropping to something softer.
“Tyler, do you really think I’d lie to you? After everything we’ve been through?”
His eyes searched mine. I could see the battle raging in his head. Logic versus emotion. Instinct versus love.
I placed a hand on his chest, right over his heart, feeling the steady thrum beneath my palm.
“I came back to you,” I whispered. “Doesn’t that mean something?”
Tyler let out a slow, heavy breath. I knew I had him. But I still needed to seal it. I leaned in just a little closer, tilting my head up so our eyes were inches apart.
“I love you, Tyler,” I murmured, my voice full of conviction, full of certainty.
He softened, his gaze lingering for a moment longer before he exhaled sharply, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips.
“You need to rest,” he said, his tone more gentle now. “We have a ball to attend tomorrow to renew the treaty. Killian and your father will be there.”
