The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 139

Chapter 139

完52%

Aria’s POV

The rain drummed against the windows of Devon’s Aston Martin as he navigated through the flooded Brooklyn streets. He drove with purpose, already knowing the route to my apartment. My clothes clung to my skin like a second layer, my hair dripping rivulets down my neck and back. The adrenaline that had kept me going was starting to fade, leaving me trembling.

I glanced at Devon’s profile, noting the tight set of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes as they flicked between the road and me. His knuckles were white against the steering wheel, revealing the anger he was containing beneath his controlled exterior. Something about his silent concern made my chest tighten with an unfamiliar warmth.

“Thank you,” I said quietly. “For finding me out there.”

Devon’s eyes met mine briefly. “You were lucky I was already on my way.”

The simple statement carried weight I wasn’t ready to examine. Instead, I hugged myself tighter as another shiver ran through me.

As we pulled up to the building, I felt a strange mix of relief and anxiety. The lobby felt unusually warm after the chilled rain. Devon placed his suit jacket over my shoulders, his fingers lingering slightly longer than necessary. The gesture felt protective in a way that made my pulse quicken.

“Sixth floor,” I said as we entered the elevator. My voice sounded small in the confined space, and I became acutely aware of how close Devon stood, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made me look away.

When the doors opened, I fumbled with my keys, hands still unsteady. Devon waited silently, watchful. I could feel the heat of him behind me, not touching but close enough that I was conscious of every breath.

My loft greeted us with its familiar comfort: exposed brick walls, large windows, and walls adorned with photographs–mostly of my mother. Devon’s eyes swept across them, his expression softening momentarily. I watched him taking in these glimpses of my past, my private world, and felt unexpectedly vulnerable.

“I need a shower,” I said, breaking the silence. Water pooled beneath me on the polished concrete floor. “Guest bathroom is down the hall if you want to clean.”

Devon nodded, his eyes returning to mine. “Go ahead.”

|||

1/2

12:09 Wed, Dec 24 GO

Chapter 139

52%

In the sanctuary of my bathroom, I finally let the tears come. The hot water washed away the rain and the fear, but not the memory of almost drowning in my car I leaned against the tile wall, allowing myself this moment of weakness where no one could see. When the water began to cool, I stepped out, wrapped in my softest robe, and took several deep breaths to compose myself.

I found Devon standing in my living room, still in his wet clothes, studying a photograph of my mother and me at the beach house. His shirt clung to his broad shoulders, dark hair still dripping onto his collar. He turned at the sound of my footsteps, his eyes taking in my appearance with an intensity that made me self-

conscious.

“You should have told me Preston threatened you before,” he said, voice low and even.

I sighed, noticing the water still dripping from his hair down his neck. “You should change before you catch

pneumonia.”

Something flickered in his eyes–surprise at my concern. “Marcus is handling the police and lawyers.

They’ll need your formal statement.”

“Wait here,” I said, heading to my bedroom. I returned with a Brooks Brothers box, still wrapped in its original packaging. “This should fit you.”

Devon’s eyes narrowed as he took the box, his fingers bushing mine. “Whose is this?” His voice had dropped an octave, suddenly wary.

“It’s… nothing special,” I attempted nonchalance, but my eyes darted away too quickly.

He set the box down on my sofa, then gripped my wrist backing me against the wall. His touch was firm but not painful, his eyes searching mine. “Don’t lie to me, Aria.”

The intensity in his gaze made my heart beat faster. I swallowed hard. “Fine. I bought it for Ethan’s birthday three months ago. We were still together then

Devon’s expression darkened, his eyes cooling to steelay, “I don’t like other men’s things in your home.” His voice was dangerously quiet, each word precise. “It makes things feel… contaminated.”

Comments

LIKE