Everything was a deal until divorce novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53 Lines Crossed

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Finished

Vincent stood frozen, fists clenched tight as he watched the car drive off with Arden inside.

In the back seat, Arden slid as far as she could toward the window, like even the air between her and Dorian was too much.

Dorian glanced over at her, adjusted his cuff links with practiced ease, then asked casually, “Who is he?”

Arden kept her eyes on the city outside. “That’s none of your business.”

He let out a sharp breath. “So, the reason you ditched dinner at the Vale estate… was because of him?”

She didn’t even turn her head. All he could see was the arc of her ponytail.

“Yes.”

Dorian’s voice turned cold. “You’re a married woman, Arden. Sneaking around with some guy behind my back?”

Arden blinked, baffled. She turned to look at him.

He was slouched in the seat, long legs stretched out, his posture careless but commanding. Those sharp, dark eyes of his locked on her like she owed him something.

“Mr. Vale,” she said, her voice flat. “You’re the one who goes to clubs. Who entertains actresses. You think I don’t see that? Did I ever say a word?

“We have a contract marriage, remember? Your rules. You made it very clear: we live our own lives, we don’t interfere. So what right do you have to question who I spend time with?”

That hit.

Her eyes were steady, and there wasn’t an ounce of warmth in them. Just ice. And it stung.

Dorian’s jaw tightened. He leaned in, fingers tilting her chin toward him, thumb brushing her cheek in a deceptively soft gesture. “You calling me Mr. Vale now?”

“What else should I call you?” Arden shot back. “Boss?”

Lucien, up front in the driver’s seat, glanced at the rearview mirror–and instantly wished he hadn’t. Dorian’s expression could freeze lava.

“Oh, but calling him Vincent is just fine, huh?”

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Chapter 53 Lines Crossed

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Dorian’s thumb pressed down against her bottom lip, just enough to make her wince. “Yet when it’s me, it’s ‘Mr. Vale‘? Not even babe? Hmm?”

“Let go of me,” Arden snapped, trying to bat his hand away.

He didn’t. Instead, he caught her wrist with his other hand. “Come on. Just say it once. Call me babe.”

“You’re insane,” she hissed. “You’re the one who told me not to call you that before, remember?”

“Well, I’ve changed my mind,” he said, his voice deep and velvety smooth. Dangerous. “From now on, call me that. Every time.”

Arden stared him down. “Not happening. Let me go.”

Dorian tilted his head slightly. “Fine. How about Dorian? Just once. Say it like you used to. Call me that.”

She blinked. Is he actually serious right now?He’s out of his damn mind.

Arden turned her head away, refusing.

His expression darkened. He saw the red mark on her chin from his grip and finally released her. “You won’t say it? Fine. But from now on, you don’t get to call him Vincent either.”

She smirked. “I’ll call him whatever I want.”

“Say that again?” His voice dropped a degree colder.

“I’ll. Call. Him. Vincent.”

Dorian’s patience snapped. He grabbed her waist with one arm, fingers wrapping around her like steel. The other hand found her chin again, tilting her face up until her lips were just inches from his.

She smelled like something sweet and warm. Her lip gloss was a muted rose, but under the low light, it looked just as bold as her attitude.

He didn’t give her time to react–he just leaned in and kissed her, hard.

He hit the button to raise the privacy screen without breaking the kiss.

Arden struggled, fists pounding against him. His skin burned hot beneath his shirt, but his lips were cool–until they weren’t.

She couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

14:48 Tue, Feb 3

Chapter 53 Lines Crossed

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Finished

A kiss was something you gave when you loved someone, not when you were trying to prove a point.

Even the first two times they’d slept together, Dorian hadn’t kissed her. He’d made it clear he didn’t care. It was about power, not passion. She hadn’t let herself want more.

Now he was kissing her like he meant it. Like he needed it. Like he couldn’t stop. She fought him until he pushed a little harder, deepening the kiss.

That’s when she bit him, hard. Dorian jerked back, lips stained red, his breath ragged.

He wiped the blood from his mouth and shot her a look. “What the hell, Arden–did you just bite me?”

“Try keeping your mouth to yourself next time,” she snapped.

Her lips were swollen, slick with gloss and… now, blood. Her cheeks were flushed, ears tinted pink, and her glare could’ve cut glass.

And still, she looked incredible.

Dorian chuckled softly, clearly not mad. He grabbed a tissue, wiped his mouth again, and leaned back in his seat, amused.

Just then, the car pulled up to the Vale estate.

He’d promised Theresa and Eugenia he’d bring Arden back tonight. Lucien stepped out to open Dorian’s door. Dorian rounded the car and opened the passenger side for Arden.

She scowled at him, eyes wide, cheeks puffed with frustration.

He raised an eyebrow. “You coming? Or do I need to carry you in?”

He bent forward like he actually might.

Arden scrambled out of the car before he could make good on the threat.

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