The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134

Aria’s POV

、 ཛཱ52%

After Devon had signed our contract and abruptly left, d sat in his penthouse feeling confused and oddly hollow. What had I said or done to cause such a sudden change? One minute we were on the verge of intimacy, the next he was cold and distant, fixing his tie and heading out without explanation.

I waited for nearly an hour, expecting him to return. When it became clear he wouldn’t, I gathered my things and called a car. If he didn’t want me there, I wouldn’t stay where I wasn’t wanted. Back in my Brooklyn apartment, I’d fallen into a restless sleep, my mind replaying our interaction, searching for the moment things had shifted.

The vibration of my phone jolted me from a restless half–sleep. I fumbled for it in the darkness, squinting

at the bright screen: 2:37 AM.

“Marcus” flashed on the display. Devon’s assistant never called unless it was important.

“Hello?” My voice was thick with sleep.

“Ms. Harper.” His tone was clipped, professional even at this hour. “Where are you?”

“At my apartment. Why?”

“Mr. Kane returned from the club an hour ago. He seemed… displeased to find the penthouse empty.”

Marcus paused, his voice dropping slightly. “He’s had several drinks since then.”

I sat up, suddenly alert. “Is he okay?”

“Physically, yes. But perhaps you could return? He…” There was a moment of hesitation. “He sleeps better

when you’re here.”

I bit my lip, conflicted. This wasn’t in our contract. Yet something in Marcus’s voice suggested an urgency

beyond professional obligation.

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” I said, already searching for my clothes.

During the Uber ride, I stared at the glittering Manhattan skyline, my thoughts racing. Was I crossing a boundary? Was this still a transaction, or something more complicated? I wrapped my arms around myself,

feeling suddenly vulnerable in the empty backseat.

|||

1/3

12:08 Wed, Dec 24 GO.

Chapter 134

The doorman nodded in recognition as I entered the lugury building. The elevator whisked me to the penthouse floor where Marcus walted, his usually Impecable appearance slightly disheveled.

“He’s in the bedroom,” he said, relief evident in his volc. “I’ve never seen him like this before. Not with anyone.” With that cryptic comment, he disappeared in the elevator, leaving me alone with its

implications.

ressed in his evening clothes. The scent of

air fell across his forehead, his expression

52%

I found Devon sprawled across his king–sized bed, still expensive scotch hung in the air. His normally perfect unguarded in a way I’d never witnessed before. The sight of him so undone stirred something protective in

1. me.

As I approached, his eyes flickered open, focusing on me with surprising clarity for someone who’d been

drinking. His gaze softened momentarily before hardening again with recognition.

“You came back,” he murmured, his voice deeper than usual, rough at the edges.

“Marcus called. He was concerned.”

Devon shifted, propping himself up against the headboard. “Why did you mention Blake tonight?” His jaw

tightened as he said the name.

The question caught me off guard. “Ethan? I was just making a comparison.”

“Do you still think about him?” The directness of his question, so unlike his usual measured speech, made

me pause. His fingers curled into the sheets, knuckles whitening.

“Not the way you’re implying,” I replied cautiously, watching his reaction.

He studied me, gray eyes intense despite his inebriated state. I could see him struggling to maintain his

composure. “How could you have wanted someone like Him? So… superficial.” His lips curled with distaste,

a muscle working in his jaw.

“I was younger, Less experienced.” I kept my voice steady, though his scrutiny made my skin warm.

“He didn’t deserve you.” The raw possessiveness in his one sent an electric current through me. His gaze dropped to my lips for a fleeting second before meeting my eyes again.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. That’s over.” I found myself wanting to reassure him, despite knowing this vulnerability was likely temporary.

=

2/3

<

12:09 Wed, Dec 24 GO

Chapter 134

52%

“Is it?” His gaze was penetrating, searching for truth beneath my words. His shoulders remained tense, his

breathing uneven.

I sat on the edge of the bed, maintaining a careful distance. “You should sleep, Devon.”

He reached for my hand, his touch surprisingly gentle. His fingers were warm against mine, hesitant in a way I’d never felt from him before. “Stay.”

After a moment’s hesitation, I nodded. “I’ll take the sofa.”

Something like disappointment flickered across his face before he closed his eyes. His grip on my hand loosened gradually as sleep claimed him. I watched his features relax, the furrow between his brows smoothing out, his lips parting slightly.

Comments

LIKE

Write Comments

<SHARE