Chapter 196
Aria's POV
My fists pounded helplessly against Devon's back as he carried me into the elevator, my body thrown over his shoulder like I weighed nothing. His muscles were unyielding beneath my blows, my struggles futile against his determination. When the elevator doors closed, I felt a ridiculous sense of desperation wash over me.
"Put me down, Kane!" My voice echoed in the confined space, making no impression on him whatsoever.
The elevator ascended directly to his penthouse. Once inside, Devon marched straight to the bedroom and tossed me onto his expensive bed. I scrambled up immediately, glaring at him with fury blazing in my eyes.
"What? Got Reed's olive branch and now my contract feels beneath you?" His gaze was dark, his voice ice-cold.
"Don't interpret everything with your control-freak mentality!" I spat back. "Calvin Reed and I have a strictly business relationship!"
Devon gave a cold laugh, stepping closer. "Seems our arrangement has lost its appeal for you?"
He came too close, his presence suffocating. In desperation, I bit down on his shoulder, immediately regretting it—his muscle was like stone, and my teeth ached with a dull pain.
Devon's expression grew even more dangerous. "Two days apart and you've grown bold?"
He advanced another step. I instinctively retreated until the back of my knees hit the bed. "I didn't mean to..."
His fingers tilted my chin upward, forcing me to meet his gaze. I couldn't decipher the storm in his eyes—was it anger or something else entirely? Suddenly, he leaned down, his lips crashing against mine in a kiss that felt more like punishment. Panicked, I bit his lip.
Devon pulled back immediately, touching the blood at the corner of his mouth. His eyes darkened further. "Two days apart and you've grown bold?"
Just as the tension reached its peak, urgent knocking interrupted us. "Mr. Kane, there's been an incident." Marcus's voice came through the door.
Devon opened it. Marcus reported in a low voice, "The woman took poison. She's dead."
I watched Devon's silhouette stiffen instantly. "The surveillance footage?" he asked tersely.
"Already deleted. Police will take over soon."
Devon turned to me coldly. "You can leave now." Then he followed Marcus out, leaving me alone in the bedroom, confused and hurt.
After a moment's hesitation, I decided to follow them for answers. "Marcus, wait!" I caught up to him in the hallway. "What happened last night?"
Marcus looked at me reluctantly before answering: "Someone sent a woman to approach Mr. Kane. She was at the hotel bar, mimicking your style and mannerisms. Mr. Kane saw through it and brought her to the suite for questioning."
Shocked, I asked, "What was she trying to do?"
"Her ring contained poison. Her target was clear." Marcus's expression grew serious. "I suggest you don't inquire further, Ms. Harper. The business world has many enemies."
After Marcus left, I stood in the hallway, suddenly realizing the dangers Devon faced were far more complex than I'd imagined. I glanced back at his apartment door, remembering the dark circles under his eyes and his tense expression. It wasn't just anger or jealousy—it was exhaustion and vigilance.
My anger gradually gave way to concern. Whatever our relationship was, the thought of someone trying to harm him made my chest tighten. I suddenly felt ashamed of my petulance.
For reasons I couldn't fully explain, I decided to wait for him. In the kitchen, I opened the refrigerator to find it nearly empty—just some mineral water and energy drinks. "Typical bachelor fridge," I muttered to myself, then took out my phone to order food.
An hour later, I had set the table with his favorites—steak, vegetables, and red wine. I texted Devon asking when he'd be back, but received no reply. I sat at the table waiting as the food went from hot to cold. Outside, night deepened over New York, city lights twinkling like stars, reflecting on my tired face. I wasn't sure why I was waiting—perhaps just to confirm he was safe.
At two in the morning, I woke to the sound of the door opening. Devon stood in the doorway, exhaustion etched on his face, suit jacket draped over his arm, tie loosened. Surprise flickered in his eyes when he saw the cold meal on the table and me on his sofa.
"Are you hungry? I can reheat it." I stood up, rubbing my eyes.
Devon scoffed coldly: "Women are so changeable. Tonight is quite the education."
He walked to the bar, poured himself a whiskey, and drank it in one swallow. His eyes never left me, their intensity leaving me nowhere to hide. I noticed his fingers trembling slightly, the shadows under his eyes deeper than this morning. It must have been a long day.
Devon set down his glass and walked straight to the bathroom. The door closed with finality, the sound echoing through the quiet apartment. I heard the shower running and, after a moment's hesitation, took a deep breath and decided to make a bold move.
I slowly removed my clothes and pushed open the bathroom door. Through the steam, Devon's strong back was clearly visible, water droplets running down his muscle lines. He didn't turn, but the tension in his shoulders told me he knew I was there. I summoned my courage and approached him, embracing him from behind. "Stop being angry, okay?"
Devon turned around, his gaze shifting from surprise to heat as water cascaded over us both. "That depends on your performance, Ms. Harper."
Rising on tiptoe, I gently kissed the wound at the corner of his mouth. "I'm sorry..."
His arms encircled me, pulling me closer. Under the shower spray, our lips met again, this time not in punishment but in understanding. I felt his heartbeat, steady and strong, creating a curious harmony with my racing pulse.