For a moment, Marley couldn't believe the words coming out of Aiden's mouth. She had tensed in preparation for an innuendo or to be teased, and he wasn't doing any of that. In fact, he called her his friend, when he had every leeway to boost his ego and call her out as being jealous of Aaliyah. Which, would be absolutely absurd, and a total lie, but Aiden Matthews would absolutely have had a field day running with it. But, he wasn't?
Marley looked up at him suspiciously, but his expression was clear of mischief. He was smiling at her warmly, something behind his eyes she couldn't read. She blinked, having to gather her bearings for a moment. "Um...I suppose I could have picked her up by her shirt and threatened her? Returned the favour."
Aiden chuckled, and her stomach fluttered. "Guess
