A Rival's Revelation

**KIAN**

I stare at Aurora, her hand still warm on my arm, waiting for an answer I'm not sure I'm ready to give.

"What I decided..." I start, then pause. The real answer isn't something I want to share right now.

The truth is, seeing her with Liam has changed everything. Watching her kiss him tonight cut deeper than I expected. Now, with her scent still on my skin and the taste of her lingering on my lips, I've made my decision.

"You'll have to wait," I finally say, stepping back from her touch.

Her face falls slightly. "That's not fair, Kian."

"Life rarely is," I reply, fixing my shirt and smoothing back my hair. "I'll come back for you. Just wait here."

She crosses her arms over her chest, defiance flashing in her eyes. "And if I don't want to wait?"

I lean in close, my mouth hovering near her ear. "Then I'll remind you of who's in charge."