Page 191 of My Unexpected Mate

Cassie wrapped her arms around Aria from behind.

“I am, Cass,” Aria said. “Thank you for being there for me.”

“We will always be there for you, Minnie,” Jacob said and sat down at the table.

“Thank you, Jake,” Aria said. “I am really sorry.”

“Why?” Jake asked her and raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“I don’t want to be a burden,” Aria sighed. “I shouldn’t have broken down like that.”

“You are not a burden,” I said, somewhat angrily.

How could she think she was a burden? How could she be sorry for showing her emotions?

“Gabriel is right, love,” Nick said and took her hand in his. “You are not a burden. And you should always tell us how you are feeling and what you are thinking.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Minnie,” Jake added.

“I am surprised you lasted this long, A,” Annie jumped in. “I told Gabriel I would have cracked much sooner. You have been pushing your emotions back and you shouldn’t have.”

“You are right, Ann,” Aria mumbled.

“Don’t do that again,” I told Aria. “Talk to us. Don’t hold back anymore, please. We love you and we want to help.”

She looked up at me and smiled. “Okay. I will.”

I smiled back at her and placed my arm around her shoulders. I pulled her to me and kissed the top of her head.

Annie started serving dinner. She made pasta with pesto sauce and garlic bread.

“Should we wait for Mike and Jack?” Cassie asked.

“No,” Annie said and sat down at the table. “Mike texted. They will be late. He said we should eat.”

We nodded and started to fill up our plates. Annie was an amazing cook. Everything was delicious.

“When will you be leaving?” Nick asked Annie with his mouth full.

Annie looked up at him and laughed. “Maybe you should swallow first.”

Nick frowned and started chewing faster.

“Where are you going?” Aria asked, looking between Annie and Nick.

Cassie stopped eating as well and looked at Annie. I forgot that they didn’t know about the trip to find Patricia.

“Mike, Jack, and I are leaving tomorrow morning to find Patricia,” Annie told Aria.

Aria’s eyes widened. “What?”

“We decided it would be best for the three of us to go,” Annie explained.

“Why?” Aria asked her. “It could be dangerous, Annie. I don’t want you to go.”

“Nothing will happen to me with Mike and Jack,” Annie said.

“She will be fine, Aria,” I added. “Don’t worry.”

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