Chapter 136 A Bite of Trouble
He reached out and wiped the creams from her lip with the pad of his thumb, never taking his eyes off
Martin.
You clearly don’t understand culstery, Dorian said flat, “Sometimes a namie change is part of the fir
Arden stared at him in shock. His touch had been slow, firm like he meant it.
“You mean I had something on my face?” she asked, reaching up quickly.
“I got it,” he said, eyes still on her lips.
His fingers twitched, as if replaying the softness. Arden ught his gaze and quickly looked away. Her cars were red. She took a step back.
Dorian saw it, and didn’t care. His hand slid to her waist pulling her in, not gently. “You’re dancing the first song with me.”
“There are people watching,” she whispered.
“So?” he murmured. “You embarrassed to be seen with me?”
She glared. No. It’s you who doesn’t want people to know.
From across the room, they looked perfect together–tall and elegant, powerful and poised. He in black, she in red. Martin watched the whole thing with a glint in his eye.
“Well,” he said, sipping his wine. “Dorian, I see you’ve changed. You used to stay far away from women. Now you’re into… sweets?”
There was no denying it–Arden looked sweet. But not the fake kind.
The kind that made you want to lean closer, just to see if she tasted like she looked. Like something soft, juicy, and unexpectedly addictive.
That dress gave her a quiet charm, a softness that didn’t look forced. She looked put together, but untouched. Elegant, but not guarded.
Martin’s eyes lingered far too long. Dorian didn’t like that.
“I don’t owe you explanations,” he said coolly. “But here’s one. Don’t even think about her.”
Martin liked to play the part–clean–cut, all smiles–but Dorian knew better. He was the type who collected women like trophies, always switching up the game. Every personality, every look–he’d had them all. Vivienne? She’d probably been through his bed at some point.
And Arden? She wasn’t built for men like that.
If Dorian didn’t draw a line now, Martin would push until there was nothing left.
His grip on Arden’s waist tightened just slightly. Not possessive, but unmistakable. His gaze sharp, cold, warning.
Martin’s eyes dropped to that hand, resting low at her side, his wine glass turning slow circles in his hand.
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Chapter 186 A Bite of Trouble
Who would’ve thought? Dorlan–so protective over a woman.
Interesting
“Dorian,” Martin said with a smile. “it’s been a while since we had a drink together. Join me for one?
Dorian didn’t blink. “Not everyone qualifies as my friend. You don’t.”
With that, he turned on his heel and walked off, still keeping Arden close.
Finiched
As they stepped into the quieter hallway, Dorian tilteds head slightly toward her. “You really didn’t know who he was, and still let him flirt with you?”
His tone was low, controlled–but edged.
She rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t flirting. He came over. You were across the room.”
His grip lingered until she twisted slightly. “Let go already.”
He finally released her, but not before letting his hand trail for half a second too long.
“I’m serious,” he said. “His name’s Martin Ash. Vivienne’s older brother. He’s not what he looks like. If you ever find yourself on his radar, run.”
Arden frowned at the name. Of course it had to be Vivienne’s brother. That family had a way of showing up wherever she went.
“Thanks… for stepping in,” she said, quieter now. “I didn’t have an easy way out of that one.”
Dorian looked sideways at her, clearly amused. “That’s it?”
“What else do you want? A bow?”
“Not necessary,” he said, eyes dropping to her lips again. “But I’ll collect it later.”
“I could Venmo you?” she offered dryly.
He huffed out a laugh. “Arden, I’m literally on the global billionaires list. You think I need money?”
She tilted her head. “Then what do you need?”
You. But he didn’t say it. Not yet.
Instead, he smiled slowly. “Let’s just say you owe me. I’ll let you know when I want it back.”
And he’d make sure she remembered. He shifted gears, voice casual. “So, you ignoring fny texts now?”
“Texts? I didn’t see anything.”
Of course. He’d been annoyed for hours, and she hadn’t even checked her phone.
“Then let’s try this–why didn’t you wait for me?”
He looked at her, waiting to hear the excuse. She glanced down. “I thought… you’d be working late.”
Dorian narrowed his eyes. “And the team I sent to do your styling? The dress I picked out? You skipped all of
Chapter 136 A Dife of troubila
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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