Page 109 of Unravelling: Aria & Crispin
"I'm here, carrying your child, in a house you bought, with your plans spinning around me, and I still don't know what happens next. I don't know what version of you I'll get tomorrow. You're too calm, too controlled. You act like everything's fine and perfect, and I feel like I'm the one who's still playing catching up." She was panting, chest tight, eyes burning.
And then Crispin glanced sideways at her, calm as ever. When he spoke, his voice was steady. "When we were in Harlech," he said, "you started making these unguarded jabs at me. You'd snap, or throw insults, or glare like you wanted to bite me, and I loved it. I loved that because it meant I was seeing a little of the real Aria. The one you usually keep locked behind that fortress you've built all these years. The one who wasn't afraid to tell me exactly what she thought. "
He gave a small shake of his head, more thoughtful. "And then we came to London," he continued, "and you slipped right back behind your walls. I don't know what I did wrong, and I'm not saying I haven't screwed up, but Aria, like most men, I don't know what's wrong until you spell it out for me."
He gave her a sideways glance, grin flickering in the corner of his mouth, the dimple cutting into his left cheek.
"I wasn't always honest with you-I know that. But to be fair...you weren't exactly showing me your true self, either. We were both wearing masks. The only difference is mine got ripped off first."
She blinked.
"And now I'm just a man doing what men do when they don't know where they stand... They poke the lion-or lioness-to see if it'll bite."
She gaped at him.
He was grinning that crooked, infuriating grin she hated because of how easily it undid her.
Before she could reload and fire another round, he said, "There's this great Lebanese place just around the corner."
As if on cue, her stomach gave a loud, unmistakable growl.
Crispin's grin widened. "See? My baby needs feeding."
The restaurant was warm and inviting, all dark wood and deep green walls, with copper lampshades casting a soft, golden glow over the tables. The air was perfumed with roasted spices, grilled meats, and the faint tang of citrus. Ivy trailed down from hanging planters near the windows, and the music made it feel like they'd stumbled into a tucked-away courtyard in Beirut.
Aria ordered two modest dishes: spiced lentil soup and grilled chicken skewers.
Crispin gave her a look of disapproval before promptly ordering half the menu.
"We'll share," he said, settling into his seat like a man on a mission.
The table soon filled with platters of stuffed grape leaves, smoky baba ghanoush, grilled halloumi with pomegranate drizzle, lamb kofta, warm flatbreads, and buttery rice. A copper tray of steaming baklava arrived at the end, dripping with honey and crushed pistachios.
Crispin insisted she try everything.
She scowled, half-playfully, as he tore off pieces of flatbread and pushed them towards her with practiced care. Her stomach, which was having a good day, happily cooperated.
By the end, Aria sat back, fully fed, her arms draped protectively around her belly.
Her scowl had mostly vanished.
Crispin sipped his mint tea and leaned back in his chair. "Shall we address the elephant in the room?" he asked.
"If there was an elephant in the room," Aria muttered, "I've swallowed it."
Crispin smiled, but his voice turned gentle. "Tell me what's bothering you. As much as I want to get you vertical," he paused, holding up a hand as she glared, "I want your trust first. Tell me what is bothering you."
She was quiet for a moment. "I feel like you always choose your image-the company, your family...Helga. I'm afraid of a repeat performance. That you'll revert."
Crispin's jaw tightened as he nodded slowly. "I know my past makes it hard to believe me, but I've changed. I've got my priorities straight. You and our baby, not my parents, not the company, not the money. You may not feel it now, but you'll know when you look back and see I'm still here-a year, two, ten."
He leaned forward. "The board is meeting in two days. With Dorian's support, I have thirty-three percent. Dad will have thirty-seven percent, now that mum is on his side. I am not likely to win this one. And if that happens, we sell our shares. We move closer to Lule and start over. If not, we stay and build an empire. Either way, we win."
Aria studied him. He seemed at peace with either solution. She gave a short nod. "Alright. But you're still on trial."
Crispin just returned the nod. But his eyes-blue, steady-didn't waver from her.
Chapter 57
