*************Aubrey’s POV**************
Ryder’s smirk remained plastered on his face, but I could see it—the slight narrowing of his eyes, the way his gaze sharpened as if trying to dissect me. He was suspicious, and rightfully so. I had just agreed to something that would make any sane person recoil in disgust.
He stepped closer as he tried to tower over me. But I didn’t flinch, didn’t let him see the discomfort curling at the edges of my thoughts. Instead, I met his gaze with a steady calm and indifference that I knew would drive him crazy.
“You’re awfully quick to agree,” he said, his voice laced with suspicion. “What’s your angle, Aubrey?”
I let a slow, deliberate smile creep across my lips. “Do I need an angle? Maybe I’ve just accepted my fate. Maybe I’m tired of fighting. Or maybe”—I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper—“I’m just that desperate to be free of you.”