Chapter 206
Aria's POV
My hands fumbled with the napkins as I desperately tried to blot the whiskey stain spreading across my white bodycon dress. I could feel Devon's icy gaze locked on me, his jaw clenched so tight I wondered if his teeth might crack. The cool liquid seeping through the fabric against my thigh was nothing compared to the chill of his stare.
"Let me help you," Calvin said, reaching for more napkins. "This fabric needs immediate attention or the stain will set." His fingers brushed mine as he handed me the stack, his smile still warm and professional despite the sudden tension filling our VIP corner.
Devon remained silent, standing at the edge of our table like some avenging angel dressed in black. The ambient blue lighting of Obsidian Lounge cast shadows across his face, making his expression even more unreadable. I swallowed hard.
"Mr. Kane," I managed, my voice higher than normal. "What a coincidence seeing you here."
Calvin, ever the smooth businessman, extended his hand toward Devon. "Kane, good to see you again. Care to join us for a drink?"
Devon's eyes never left mine as he considered the offer. After what felt like an eternity, he gave a curt nod and slid into the booth, deliberately positioning himself so I couldn't easily exit.
Noah Pierce appeared from the direction of the bar, leaning close to me as he passed. "You're so fucked," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear before moving to sit beside Devon.
"I should probably go change," I said, gathering my clutch and phone. "My dress is ruined."
Devon's expression didn't change, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Running already, Aria?"
"I'm not running," I insisted, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "My outfit is wet, and I need to—"
"I'm sure the ladies' room has a hand dryer," Devon interrupted, his tone deceptively casual. "No need to leave on my account."
Calvin watched our exchange with obvious curiosity. "Perhaps we should call it a night anyway. We've covered most of the essential points about the contract."
I jumped at the lifeline. "Yes, exactly. Thank you for your time, Mr. Reed. I'll have those projections sent to you tomorrow."
As I slid out from the booth, Devon rose in a fluid motion. "I'll be going as well. Early meeting."
Calvin stood, extending his hand once more. "Kane, always a pleasure, brief though it may be."
Devon paused before taking Calvin's hand. "Reed," he said, his voice dropping an octave. "A piece of advice—what belongs to others remains with others."
Calvin's smile never faltered. "Are we referring to people, Kane, or contracts?"
The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Devon didn't answer, turning instead to follow me toward the exit.
I moved as quickly as my heels would allow, weaving through the crowded lounge toward the doors. Outside, the cool Manhattan night air hit my face as I frantically scanned for a taxi. Spotting one approaching, I raised my hand and stepped forward, relief washing over me when it stopped.
As I slid into the back seat, I glanced through the rear window. Devon was emerging from the lounge, his tall frame illuminated by the entrance lights, eyes scanning the street. My heart hammered against my ribs.
"Could you please hurry?" I asked the driver, my voice shaky.
The driver met my eyes in the rearview mirror. "Where to, miss?"
"Brooklyn Heights," I replied, giving him my address.
He pulled away from the curb, but in the mirror, I could see a sleek black Maybach easing into traffic behind us. The distinctive headlights were unmistakable.
"That car is following us," the driver noted, his voice tinged with concern. "Want me to lose them? Someone bothering you, ma'am?"
I bit my lip, watching the Maybach maintain a precise distance. "Just... just drive faster, please."
We made it six blocks before hitting a red light. The Maybach accelerated suddenly, pulling alongside us, then swerving in front, forcing our taxi to brake hard. My body lurched forward, then back against the seat.
Devon emerged from the rear door of the Maybach, his movements unhurried as he approached the taxi. He leaned down to my window, rapping his knuckles against the glass. I reluctantly lowered it halfway.
"Run, Aria," he said, his voice soft but menacing. "By all means, continue."
The taxi driver turned around, his expression angry. "Hey man, I'm calling the cops!"
Marcus appeared at the driver's window, extending a thick fold of bills. "For your inconvenience," he said smoothly. "This should cover your fare plus compensation."
The driver hesitated, looking between the money and me. "Ma'am? You okay with this?"
Before I could answer, Devon opened my door, his fingers encircling my wrist. "Get out."
The pressure of his grip wasn't painful, but it was unyielding. I knew I had no choice. On shaking legs, I stepped onto the sidewalk, watching as the driver reluctantly accepted the money and drove away, leaving me alone with Devon and Marcus.
"Get in the car," Devon ordered, guiding me toward the Maybach.
The interior was silent and cool as I slid across the leather seat. Devon entered after me, closing the door with a soft click that somehow sounded final. Marcus took the front passenger seat, and the car pulled smoothly into traffic.
I stared at my hands, twisted together in my lap, the stain on my dress now a damp reminder of my exposed lie.
"What were you running from just now?" Devon asked, his voice deceptively calm.
I swallowed hard. "I wasn't running. My dress was wet and I wanted to—"
"Don't," he interrupted, his voice hardening. "Don't compound your lies."
I finally looked up at him. "My clothing was genuinely ruined, and I felt uncomfortable. Is that so hard to believe?"
Devon studied me for a moment before he reached out. I flinched, but his hand moved past me to press a button, raising the privacy partition between us and Marcus. Then, in a movement so quick I barely registered it, his hand closed around my throat, applying just enough pressure to make me acutely aware of my vulnerability.
"The last person who lied to me and tried to deceive me," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper, "had his teeth knocked out and his mouth sewn shut."
My eyes widened, my pulse racing beneath his fingers.
"This is your second lie to me, Aria," he continued, releasing my throat slowly. "You don't get a third."