Chapter 132
Aria's POV
Devon's grip on my arm was tight as he pulled me through the garden of Pierce estate, away from the party. His jaw was clenched, his movements calculated and tense. I stumbled slightly in my heels, trying to keep pace with his long strides.
"Devon, slow down," I protested, but he didn't seem to hear me. I could feel the anger radiating from him—or was it something else? Something deeper that made my heart race despite my irritation.
The valet brought his Maybach around with impressive speed. Devon opened the passenger door and guided me inside before circling around to the driver's side. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel. The silence between us felt electric, charged with unspoken emotions.
As we turned sharply onto the main road, I instinctively grabbed his thigh to steady myself. The muscle beneath my palm tensed immediately. I felt a jolt of awareness travel up my arm, and judging by the subtle shift in his breathing, he felt it too.
"If you're that eager, you could have said so," Devon remarked, his voice low and strained. "The party wasn't even over yet."
I pulled my hand away quickly, feeling heat rush to my cheeks. "Don't flatter yourself."
Eight days. It had been eight days without a word from him, and now he was acting as though nothing had changed? As though he had some right to dictate who I spoke with? The thought made my stomach knot with a frustrating mixture of anger and longing.
My phone chimed in my purse. I pulled it out, seeing Jeremy's name flash across the screen. Before I could answer, Devon glanced over, reached across the console, and snatched the phone from my hand. His fingers brushed against mine, sending an unwelcome tingle up my arm. He hit the decline button and tossed it back onto my lap.
"What the hell?" I snapped, my voice rising with genuine anger. "You disappeared for eight days, and you think you have the right to screen my calls?"
A smile curved his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. There was something raw in his gaze that made me pause. "Our agreement hasn't expired, Aria."
I stared out the window, watching the lights of Manhattan blur past us. My reflection showed a woman I barely recognized—flushed cheeks, bright eyes, lips slightly parted. I looked... alive. And that realization terrified me.
When the car finally stopped, I realized we were outside his building on Central Park West.
"I should go home," I said firmly, making no move to unbuckle my seatbelt. My fingers tightened around the leather strap, betraying my nervousness.
"It's not a good time tonight," I added when he continued to stare at me, his eyes searching mine. "My period just started." The lie felt heavy on my tongue.
Devon's eyes darkened, and he leaned closer. I could smell his cologne—cedar and something distinctly him. "Is that so? What an unfortunate coincidence." His voice dropped to a whisper that sent shivers down my spine. "Perhaps I should verify that myself?"
He exited the car, and before shutting his door, he looked at me with an intensity that made my breath catch. "You have one minute to decide if you're coming up willingly, or if I'll have to carry you."
---
In his penthouse, Devon had already removed his jacket and tie. Three buttons of his black shirt were undone, revealing bronzed skin underneath. He poured two glasses of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light. Then he pulled me onto his lap, one arm securing my waist. I could feel his heartbeat against my side—faster than his composed expression suggested.
"Compared to me, how is Jeremy Pierce?" he asked, his eyes never leaving mine. I noticed the tightness around his mouth, the slight furrow between his brows.
I exhaled slowly, feeling the tension in my shoulders. "You're always imagining something between Jeremy and me, but there's nothing inappropriate there. He's just designing the renovation for my beach house." I paused, studying his reaction. "You seemed quite engrossed with that blonde in the white dress, though."
Devon laughed unexpectedly, the sound warming something inside me. "Are you jealous, Aria?" His fingers traced small circles on my hip, each touch sending ripples of awareness through me. "I apologize for not contacting you these past days. I've been dealing with family matters."
I tensed slightly, wondering if it had something to do with Connor and me. The thought made my stomach clench.
"Right. Family matters." I kept my voice neutral, though my heart was beating so loudly I was sure he could hear it. "That doesn't explain why you dragged me away from the party like a caveman."
Instead of answering, Devon kissed me roughly, his lips demanding against mine. The pressure was almost painful, his desperation evident in every movement. I tasted whiskey and need on his tongue. When I pushed against his chest, feeling overwhelmed by the intensity, he pulled back. For a moment, his expression was unguarded—vulnerable in a way I'd never seen before.
"Eight days, Aria," he said, his voice so low I had to strain to hear it. "I haven't truly slept in eight days. The insomnia... it came back the moment you were gone."
I froze, my hand hovering near his face. For the first time, I noticed the dark circles under his eyes, the slight strain at the corners. This powerful man, this titan of industry who commanded rooms with a glance, was admitting a weakness—to me.
"You can't sleep without me?" I asked, unable to mask my surprise. The implication sent a rush of conflicting emotions through me—satisfaction, worry, and something deeper I wasn't ready to name.
He didn't answer, but the tightening of his arm around my waist and the subtle softening of his eyes was confirmation enough. His vulnerability stirred something protective in me, something I hadn't felt before.
My phone rang again—Jeremy, persistent as ever. This time, Devon didn't try to intercept it. Instead, he handed it to me with a challenging look in his eyes, though I could see uncertainty flickering beneath the surface.
"He seems very concerned about you. Perhaps you should answer." His voice was steady, but his fingers pressed slightly harder into my hip.
I accepted the phone, holding Devon's gaze as I answered. His eyes revealed more than he probably intended—concern, possessiveness, and a fear I couldn't quite place.
"Aria?" Jeremy's worried voice came through. "I heard Devon Kane took you from the party. Are you okay? Do you need me to come get you?"