"My parents were murdered by masked men," I said. Saying it out loud still felt like pressing on a bruise. "I've already survived the worst thing that could happen to me. So don't stand there and decide what I can and can't handle."
The engine idled beneath us, loud in the silence. Noah shifted behind me, but I didn't turn around. If I did, I might falter.
"This is the part where you choose," I said. "You either trust me with the truth, or you stop pretending you're protecting me."
Aiden's hand slipped off the handlebar.
Aiden slowly got off his bike and ran a hand down his face.
"Let's go inside and talk."
I folded my arms. "Promise you'll tell me the entire truth."
Aiden stared down at the ground. I could practically see his thoughts at war with each other.
I sighed and stepped forward before hugging him hard, my arms going round his toned middle.
"Promise me," I whispered.
