Chapter 29
Aria’s POV
Devon paused, his eyes finding mine before shifting to Ethan. His expression remained perfectly neutral, betraying nothing of our intimate encounter just hours ago.
"Mr. Blake," Devon acknowledged with a slight nod. "I see you've recovered well. My legal team informed me the hospital bills have been taken care of."
"Thanks for not finishing the job," Ethan replied sarcastically. "Though I suppose hitting someone with your car and then fleeing the scene is standard behavior for Kane Technology executives."
The blonde woman beside Devon raised an eyebrow, looking between the men with undisguised curiosity.
"It was hardly a hit-and-run," Devon replied coolly. "My driver stayed with you until the ambulance arrived, and my assistant has been in constant communication with your legal team regarding compensation."
William and Marianne joined us on the sidewalk, the tension immediately apparent.
"Mr. Kane," William greeted stiffly. "What a surprise."
"Mr. Harper." Devon's expression remained unreadable, though I thought I detected a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Mrs. Blake. I was just assuring Mr. Blake that if he experiences any discomfort from his injuries, my legal team is at his disposal."
"How generous," Marianne replied, her tone frosty. "Though perhaps you should consider driving lessons before offering legal services."
Devon's companion laughed lightly, placing a manicured hand on his arm. "Devon is actually an excellent driver. His Ferrari collection is quite impressive."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her simpering tone.
"Caroline Hayes," she introduced herself, extending her free hand to William. "I don't believe we've met."
Caroline Hayes. The name registered immediately—this was the woman Devon's mother had mentioned, the one she wanted him to consider for a business merger marriage. My stomach twisted unpleasantly.
William shook her hand. "William Harper. This is my daughter, Aria, and you already seem acquainted with Ethan Blake and his mother."
Caroline's gaze lingered on me for a moment too long, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "Aria Harper. Yes, I believe I've heard your name mentioned in relation to... marketing, is it?"
"Aria is the CEO of Stellar Impressions," Devon stated before I could respond. "They're handling the campaign for Kane Technology's new blockchain integration system."
His casual mention of our professional relationship felt like a deliberate reminder of the boundaries between us. Public knowledge: business partners. Private reality: something far more complicated.
"How fascinating," Caroline replied with practiced interest. "I'd love to hear more about it sometime."
"We shouldn't keep you," I said, anxious to end this uncomfortable encounter. "I'm sure you have reservations waiting."
Devon's eyes met mine briefly, a flash of something unreadable passing between us. "Indeed. Enjoy your lunch."
As they entered the restaurant ahead of us, I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Ethan's hand found the small of my back, his touch possessive.
"I still can't believe that guy nearly killed me and acts like nothing happened," he muttered.
"Let it go, Ethan," I said tiredly. "The last thing we need is another scene."
Inside the restaurant, we were led to a private dining room overlooking the Hudson River. The setting was intimate and elegant, with fresh flowers and crystal glassware adorning the table. In another life, I might have found it romantic. Now, it felt like a trap.
Once we were seated and had ordered our meals, Ethan leaned toward me. "Aria, I was thinking... next weekend, why don't we go to the Hamptons? Just the two of us. We could stay at your mother's beach house, like we used to."
My mother's beach house. The one Scarlett had been using for her weekend parties. The one my father was using as leverage to force me back into a relationship with Ethan.
"I can't," I replied, keeping my voice low. "I have a new project at Stellar that's taking all my time. The Kane Technology campaign is critical for us."
Ethan's smile faltered. "Surely you can take one weekend off. For us."
"There is no 'us,' Ethan," I reminded him gently, aware of our parents engaged in their own conversation across the table.
Before he could respond, I excused myself. "Please excuse me for a moment. I need to use the restroom."
I made my way through the restaurant, nodding politely to a few familiar faces from New York's social scene. As I rounded the corner to the ladies' room, a strong hand caught my arm, pulling me into an alcove hidden from view of the main dining area.
Devon stood before me, his gray eyes intense as they locked with mine. Without a word, he backed me against the wall and captured my lips in a fierce kiss that sent electricity coursing through my body. I responded instinctively, my hands finding his shoulders as his tongue demanded entrance.
When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, he kept me pinned against the wall, his body pressed intimately against mine.
"What are you doing here with Blake?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
"Family obligation," I managed to reply, still dizzy from his kiss. "What are you doing here with Caroline Hayes?"
"Business," he said dismissively. "Answer my question properly, Aria. Are you reconciling with Blake?"
"No," I said firmly. "Absolutely not. My father is pushing for it because of some merger between our family companies."
Devon's eyes narrowed. "And you're just going along with it?"
"I'm playing the game," I corrected. "There's a difference."
He studied me for a moment, then stepped back slightly. "Meet me in the ladies' room in two minutes. The one by the private dining rooms, not the main one."
Before I could ask why, he was gone, disappearing down the corridor with the same silent efficiency with which he'd appeared.
I waited exactly two minutes, checking my reflection in a decorative mirror and fixing my slightly smudged lipstick, before making my way to the designated restroom. It was more luxurious than the main one, with individual powder rooms and a plush seating area. I was checking my phone when the door opened and Devon slipped inside, locking it behind him.
"This is the ladies' room," I pointed out needlessly.
"I'm aware," he replied, closing the distance between us. Without preamble, he lifted me onto the marble vanity counter, stepping between my legs. "What I'm not aware of is why you're having lunch with the man you claimed to be finished with."
His hands gripped my thighs, pushing my dress up slightly. The possessive gesture sent a thrill through me despite my annoyance at his presumption.
"I told you, it's family pressure," I said, trying to maintain my composure as his fingers traced patterns on my bare skin. "My father is determined to see me and Ethan reconcile."
"And what do you want?" Devon asked, his lips finding the sensitive spot below my ear.
I gasped as his teeth grazed my skin. "Not Ethan. Never Ethan again."
Devon's hands tightened on my thighs, his touch both punishing and arousing. "Good. Because the thought of him touching what's mine doesn't sit well with me."
"Yours?" I challenged, even as my body betrayed me by responding to his touch. "I believe our arrangement is strictly professional, Mr. Kane."
A dangerous smile curved his lips. "Is that what you think?" His hand slid higher, and I had to bite back a moan. "Your body seems to disagree."
A knock at the door startled us both. "Aria? Are you in there?"
Ethan's voice was like a bucket of cold water. Devon's expression darkened, but he didn't move away.