The next morning, Damian paused outside Aria’s door, hand lifted, knuckles stiff. One breath.
Two.
Then he knocked.
From inside, her voice floated out—calm, distant.
“Come in.”
He stepped inside… and she turned, surprise flickering just once before her walls snapped back up.
“Long time, Miss Carter,” he said, trying for neutral.
“Mr. Cross,” she replied, tone...