He Didn’t Kidnap Me. Not Exactly novel Chapter 208

Chapter 208

(Daisy’s POV)

“There you are.”

A smile found its way onto my face before I even realized it was happening.

It wasn’t a particularly large smile, nor was it one I had consciously chosen, but seeing Aria standing there looking exactly like herself somehow eased a weight I hadn’t fully admitted I’d been carrying. For the first time since DeLuca showed me that photograph, it felt as though my own instincts had finally been proven right.

This was Aria.

My Aria.

Before I had the chance to say anything, she closed the distance between us and wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.

“I missed you, girl.”

The words had barely left her mouth before a sharp pain flared through my abdomen.

“Ow… ow…”

I winced instinctively, and Aria immediately released me, her eyes widening with alarm as she took an abrupt step backward.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, bringing a hand to her forehead. “I completely forgot about the wound.”

I managed a small laugh despite the lingering sting and carefully pressed a hand against my side.

“It’s okay.”

“No, it isn’t.” She grimaced apologetically. “That was incredibly stupid of me.”

“It really is fine,” I assured her, smiling to let her know I meant it. “It only surprised me for a second.”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly.

“I still feel terrible.”

“You don’t have to.”

She studied me for another moment before the familiar warmth returned to her expression.

“I missed you.”

This time the words came more softly.

Something inside me tightened.

“So did I.”

The confession surprised me with how true it felt. After everything that had happened over the past few days, after all the confusion and uncertainty, I really had missed her.

Aria’s smile widened.

“Well…” She tilted her head playfully toward the apartment behind me. “Are you going to let me in, or are we planning on having this reunion in the doorway?”

I blinked.

“Oh.”

Heat crept into my cheeks.

“Right.”

I stepped aside quickly.

“I’m sorry.”

She laughed as she walked past me.

“I was beginning to think the invitation had been revoked.”

“It wasn’t.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify