Zayden suddenly let go of Liam, causing him to stumble a little.
But Zayden was now completely focused on Aylin, his face a mix of anger and betrayal.
"You'd better explain," he said quietly, and somehow, that was scarier than if he had yelled.
Aylin's eyes filled with tears. "I do. I promise. Can we just talk? Just the two of us? Please?"
Zayden stared at her for a long moment before giving a quick, firm nod.
He turned to the rest of the room, his voice cool and commanding. "No one moves. No one leaves. Especially you," he pointed at Liam. "You stay right there."
Then he turned to Ayla, his expression softening just a bit. "This is your call. After you hear everything, and I mean everything, you decide if you want him here or not. Got it?"
Ayla nodded silently, tears streaming down her face.
Zayden took Aylin's hand, not gently, but not roughly either, and led her out of the lounge toward his private study.
The door slammed shut behind them.
****
