Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 188

**Chapter 188**

**Aria’s POV**

A surge of anger coursed through me as I glared at the outfit he held up. I couldn’t believe he thought this was acceptable. Did he really think this was some twisted joke? That he could strip away my dignity like this? The thought of wearing something so revealing made my skin crawl.

“If you’re not going to help me, then just get the hell out!” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

“Your patience and temper are worse than before,” he replied, his tone annoyingly calm. “I’m not joking around. This is what you need to wear to get into that club.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, suspicion swirling in my mind. “You expect me to wear this? This sexy lingerie that barely covers anything? No way in hell.”

The faint smile that had been lingering on his lips vanished, replaced by a serious expression that sent a shiver down my spine. “Didn’t I say that if you want my help this time, you have to do exactly as I say? That includes how we get into the club and what you wear. Are you backing out on your word now?”

He had indeed said that. But still… “These clothes… I don’t know. There’s no way I can wear this.”

“You said this is a business partnership. I never joke about business,” he stated firmly. “So, are you going to trust me on this or not, Aria?”

I studied him, my mind racing with doubts. But there was something in his gaze—something unwavering and serious. He might be a ruthless jerk, but he had a certain code of honor.

After a moment of internal struggle, I sighed, resigning myself to the inevitable. “Fine! I’ll wear it. But you better be right about this.”

“I promise,” he said, his voice smooth and reassuring. “Now, do you need help putting it on?”

I realized I definitely needed help.

The garment in the box looked nothing like clothes I was accustomed to. It was a flimsy collection of fabric held together by a few straps, and I felt a wave of disgust wash over me as I picked it up with just two fingers.

“Turn around,” I commanded, trying to sound authoritative.

He raised an eyebrow, that familiar look on his face—one that seemed to say, “Come on, there’s nothing I haven’t seen.”

Embarrassed, yet determined, I stood my ground. “It’s different now. We’re broken up.”

His expression darkened at the mention of “broken up.” I could tell he despised that term. But, to my surprise, he turned around anyway. “Fine. If that’s what you want.”

“Just tell me where my head and arms should go. I’ll handle the rest.”

With shaky hands, I fumbled with the zipper on the side of my dress, letting the silver fabric cascade down to my feet. What a shame. It would have made a stunning outfit for the club, but that was a lost opportunity now.

I took a deep breath and began wrestling myself into the ridiculous lingerie.

Even though he had given me instructions, the process was far from smooth. The straps twisted and turned in ways that just didn’t make sense, and frustration bubbled up inside me.

“I seriously suspect you’re doing this on purpose,” I said irritably. “Are these straps even necessary? I just want to rip them off!”

“Let me help.”

His hand, warm and reassuring, settled on my bare shoulder, sending a jolt of electricity through me.

His fingers deftly hooked onto one of the straps, and I jumped in surprise. I was about to scold him for peeking, but then I realized he hadn’t turned around. He was simply reaching back to adjust the strap without looking.

“Stay still,” he ordered, his voice low and commanding.

I swallowed hard and froze in place, my heart racing.

The room fell into an eerie silence, so quiet that I could hear the rapid thumping of my heart and the quickening of my breath.

I tried to distract myself by thinking about our mission, the looming crisis, Tasmin and Morrigan’s wicked schemes…

But soon, my mind felt utterly blank.

All I could focus on was him. And his hands.

His fingers traced along my collarbone, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. I shivered slightly, the sensation igniting something deep within me.

The way he touched me… it felt too intimate, too charged.

For a moment, I imagined him pressing me against the wall, his body against mine, and I felt a shudder ripple through me, a warm wetness pooling between my legs.

His hand traveled downwards.

The flimsy fabric barely covered my breasts, and his fingertips grazed the edges, causing my nipples to harden.

I fought to suppress a moan, biting down hard on my lip to stifle the sound. How mortifying…

“All done,” he said coolly, breaking the tension.

He turned around, his dark eyes locking onto mine, and I felt completely exposed under his intense gaze, vulnerable as if I were prey before a predator.

“You’re wet,” he said abruptly, his voice thick with something I couldn’t quite place.

A shiver raced through me, the air thick with electricity. My skin felt hot, every nerve ending alive.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Am I right, Miss Collins?”

I inhaled sharply, forcing myself to regain my composure. “That’s a very rude question, Alpha Grayson.”

“You haven’t answered it.”

“And I never will.”

“It is the rule of the club,” the waiter reiterated. “Your date is considered a shared item for all guests present. There’s no privacy for her here.”

I gripped the sleeves of my coat, feeling a wave of revulsion wash over me. What kind of sick rule was that?!

I wanted to scream at the waiter, to tell him to shove it. But I knew that would sabotage our mission before it even began.

For the greater good… for the greater good…

I repeated the phrase in my mind, steeling myself as my hands moved toward the buttons of my coat, ready to comply.

But Grayson’s hand landed on my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.

“My companion will not be removing her coat,” he declared, his tone icy and authoritative.

“But, sir…” the waiter began.

“No rule applies to me.”

Grayson raised his left hand, revealing a ring adorned with a purple gemstone that gleamed with an otherworldly light.

The waiter’s demeanor shifted instantly upon seeing the ring, and he stepped aside with newfound respect. “Our most important guest, of course… this way, sir…”

Grayson tightened his grip on my waist, leading me inside. I breathed a sigh of relief, but then a thought struck me.

“If I didn’t need to take off the coat, then what I’m wearing underneath doesn’t matter at all,” I hissed angrily in his ear.

He chuckled softly. “Still, it’s better to dress to blend in.”

That jerk. I had fallen right into his trap.

We were informed that a “performance” was about to begin in the Rose Hall, and we were led into a large, theater-like space.

In the center stood a massive stage, dark and empty for the moment. Surrounding the stage were large booth sofas, spacious enough for four or five people to lounge comfortably.

The waiter guided us to a booth with the best view and then bowed before disappearing. I settled into the booth, the cushions enveloping me in a soft embrace that made it difficult to sit upright.

The lighting was dim, and as I glanced around, I noticed that nearly every booth was occupied—not just by one person, but by couples engaging in passionate displays of affection. The man to my left was lost in a heated kiss with a girl, while the woman behind me was already perched on her date’s lap.

It dawned on me that almost everyone around us was making out.

Grayson’s grip on my waist tightened, and I instinctively leaned into him. His husky voice whispered in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

“What do you say, Miss Collins? Shall we follow the local customs?”