Chapter 29

Arya

“Arthur.” I swallow hard. “I’m so sorry.”

Arthur just stares at me, combing his hand through his wet hair. There are wet patches on his shirt and I can’t stop thinking about how the fabric clings on his skin. I want nothing more but to get in and touch him, but the serious look in his eyes stops me in my tracks.

“What are you doing here?” he asks in a low voice. “How did you get in?”

“The maids let me in,” I tell him sincerely. “I promise, I didn’t sneak in.”

“Hmm,” is the only thing he says, and he just watches me expectantly as though he’s waiting for me to say something. Something specific. Something that will maybe fix everything.

“I’m sorry,” I say, and I have to say that I hate the way my voice cracked. I came here determined to explain everything rationally and without asking for sympathy or an emotional response. But here I am, about to break down. “I really am. I know I should have told you. I should have asked my parents if I can tell you. I just came here to say that .