Be Her Hearth (2)

Nicolai glanced at Keon with even greater distaste than before. He hated how the man seemed to be taking control of the situation as if he had the right to do so.

However, he didn't say anything to Keon because he had bigger worries. He twisted his neck and looked at the stubborn woman in front of him. 

She was so weak and yet at times like these when it came to protecting the people she loved, Ari seemed to find unbound and inexplicable courage. 

"Are you sure?" he asked while studying her expression. He wanted to catch even the slightest hint of unease if there was. 

Ari gave him a brave smile. She said to him, "I will be fine, why don't you get another cup of coffee? This one looks like it has gone cold." 

Only then did Nicolai look down at the cup in his hand. He had been focusing on the Ashford brothers and Aaron instead of his coffee which had turned the liquid cold and most certainly even more bitter.