Chapter 164
Aria's POV
I shook my head at Ryan to prove that I was fine and walked to the front desk alone. And then I stared at the selection of swimwear laid out before me. This was ridiculous. Devon had clearly arranged this whole thing to punish me for meeting with Ryan.
"Is there anything more... conservative?" I asked the attendant.
She offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Ms. Harper. These are all the selections in your size. Mr. Kane was very specific about the styles."
Of course he was. I bit the inside of my cheek, scanning the array of designer swimwear. Each piece seemed more revealing than the last—strategically cut monokinis, barely-there bikinis, and a single blue lace one-piece that, while technically covering more skin, somehow managed to look even more provocative than the two-pieces.
"Fine," I sighed, selecting the blue lace one-piece. "This one."
Inside the changing room, I slipped into the swimsuit and turned to face the mirror. The reflection confirmed my fears—the blue lace hugged every curve of my body, the plunging neckline and sheer side panels leaving little to the imagination. The color made my skin appear luminous against the deep blue, and the cut accentuated my figure in ways that seemed deliberately designed to entice.
"Perfect for business discussions," I muttered sarcastically, wrapping a white resort robe around myself. Even with the robe, I felt exposed, vulnerable.
Following the attendant's directions, I made my way through the resort's winding paths to the private hot springs area. The scent of eucalyptus and rose petals filled the air, and soft ambient music played from hidden speakers. Under different circumstances, I might have enjoyed this luxury. Now, all I felt was tension coiling in my stomach.
The private pool area was secluded, surrounded by lush tropical plants and stone walls. Rose petals floated on the steaming water, and candles flickered in recessed alcoves. I had to admit, it was beautiful—and completely, utterly empty.
Where was Devon? Had he set this all up just to make me wait? To keep me on edge?
I slipped out of my robe and eased myself into the warm water, sighing involuntarily as the heat seeped into my muscles. Despite my irritation, the sensation was divine. I leaned back against the pool's edge, allowing myself a moment to close my eyes.
My thoughts drifted to the Harper Group financial records that Ryan had been analyzing. I needed concrete proof before confronting my father. If William chose to believe Victoria over me again...
The water rippled around me, and I lost myself in planning my next moves. I would need to secure those records, perhaps hire a forensic accountant. Then there was the question of the beach house—despite the fire, I still held the deed. Rebuilding would take time, but it was my mother's legacy, the one piece of her I had managed to reclaim.
"Is this what 'working late at the office' looks like these days, Harper?"
My eyes flew open. Devon stood at the edge of the pool, still dressed in his suit pants and shirt, though he'd removed his jacket and tie. His expression was unreadable, but his voice carried an edge that sent a shiver down my spine despite the warmth of the water.
"Devon—" I started, but didn't get to finish.
In one swift movement, he reached down and turned me to face him, his hands firm on my shoulders. Water splashed around us as I gasped in surprise.
"Too early for a greeting, Ms. Harper?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. His eyes traveled over my face, down to where the water lapped against the lace of my swimsuit.
"You scared me," I said, trying to regain composure. "And this isn't what it looks like. Ryan and I were discussing—"
"Business?" Devon finished for me. His thumb traced a small circle on my bare shoulder. "Strange place for a business meeting."
I met his gaze, refusing to be intimidated despite the way my heart hammered in my chest. "We were discussing Harper Group finances. Ryan knows people who can help with the investigation."
Devon's expression darkened. "And you couldn't share this information with me? I believe I've demonstrated my willingness to assist with your family's... complications."
He moved closer, trapping me against the pool wall. The stone pressed against my back as Devon's body hovered inches from mine. His proximity made it difficult to focus on my defense.
"I didn't want to involve you in every detail," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "You've done enough already."
"I despise being lied to, Aria," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "More than anything."
The danger in his eyes made my breath catch. I knew that look—it was the same one he'd worn when confronting Ethan, when dealing with Preston Scott. Cold, calculating, and utterly in control.
"I wasn't lying," I insisted, though we both knew that wasn't entirely true. "I just didn't tell you everything."
"A sin of omission is still a sin," Devon replied, his face now inches from mine. "And I find myself particularly... sensitive... to deception from you."
I needed to defuse this situation before it escalated. Acting on instinct, I rose slightly in the water and pressed my lips to his. It was meant to be a distraction, a quick kiss to break his intensity.
But Devon didn't yield. Instead, he deepened the kiss, his hand sliding to the back of my neck, holding me in place as he took control. When he finally released me, I was breathless.
"Devon, I truly wasn't trying to deceive you," I said softly. "I was going to tell you about Ryan helping me investigate. I just wanted to get all the facts first."
His thumb traced my lower lip, his eyes following the movement. "Yet you lied about where you were today."
"I—"
"You said you were working late at the office," he interrupted. "Instead, I find you here with Winters, discussing matters you've chosen to keep from me." His voice was calm, but there was something beneath it that made me shiver despite the heat.
"Ryan's just helping me handle a point person for the investigation," I explained, trying to maintain my composure as Devon's hand slid down my neck to my shoulder. "I didn't think you'd want to be bothered with every detail."
Devon's laugh was short and humorless. "It seems my assistance is inadequate. You needed to seek out Winters instead."
Before I could respond, he gripped the delicate lace of my swimsuit and tore it with a sharp motion. The sound of fabric ripping echoed in the quiet space as cool air hit my exposed skin.
"Devon!" I gasped, instinctively trying to cover myself.
He caught my wrists, pinning them gently but firmly against the pool edge behind me. "No one can see us," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. "I've had this entire area closed off."
His hands released my wrists to explore my body beneath the water, his touch both punishing and tender. I glanced around nervously despite his assurance.
"What if someone comes?" I whispered.
"They won't," he replied confidently. "Unless I summon them."
For over an hour, Devon claimed every inch of me in that pool, water splashing over the edges, rose petals clinging to our skin. He was relentless, demanding, his every touch a statement of possession. And despite my initial resistance, I surrendered completely, my body responding to him with a fervor that shocked me.
When we finally emerged from the water, my legs were trembling. Devon wrapped me in a robe, his own chest still bare and glistening with droplets. He looked satisfied, the earlier anger in his eyes replaced by a smoldering intensity.
"Go get dressed," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'll wait for you by the entrance."
In the changing room, I hurriedly pulled on my clothes, my mind racing. I needed to check on Ryan, to make sure our conversation hadn't been completely wasted. I grabbed my phone from my purse and saw a text from him:
"Had to leave—emergency at the office. Will call tomorrow with updates. Sorry for the quick exit."
I stared at the message, realization dawning. Devon had arranged this, somehow. He'd made sure Ryan would leave, clearing the way for his confrontation with me. The thought should have angered me, but instead, I felt a confusing mix of frustration and admiration for his efficiency.
As I walked toward the resort entrance, I couldn't help wondering how many other aspects of my life Devon Kane was silently orchestrating, and why the thought didn't terrify me as much as it should.