The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 177

Chapter 177

As we drove through evening traffic, I replayed this morning’s events in my mind–Connor Kane cornering me in Devon’s hallway, Devon appearing just in time. The way he’d stood between Connor and me, his voice ice–cold as he threatened his own brother.

I’d spent my life avoiding dependence on anyone. After watching my father surrender to Victoria’s manipulation, I’d promised myself I’d never become so reliant on another person that I lost my identity. But New York’s social elite played by different rules. Without powerful connections–without protection–l

was vulnerable.

I glanced down at the small paper bag in my lap containing freshly baked chocolate chunk cookies. A peace offering? A thank you? I wasn’t entirely sure

anymore.

The private elevator opened directly into Devon’s penthouse.

*Devon?” I called out, hearing only silence in response.

I placed the cookies on the kitchen counter and moved deeper into the apartment. Perhaps he wasn’t home yet. I probably should have called first, but after

the confrontation with Victoria and the debt collectors, I’d acted on impulse.

A soft sound drew me toward the master bedroom. The door was slightly ajar. Without thinking, I pushed it open.

“Devon, I hope you don’t mind me stopping by, I wanted to-

The words died in my throat.

Devon stood completely naked in the center of the room, his skin still glistening with moisture from the shower. The last rays of sunlight caressed his sculpted body, highlighting every perfect muscle. A single droplet of water traced a slow path down his abs, following the V–line that disappeared below his

waist.

I froze, unable to look away, unable to breathe. Time seemed to stop as my eyes traveled the length of his body.

Devon made no move to cover himself. Instead, his lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile.

‘Like what you see, Aria?” His voice was low, amused.

Heat flooded my face. I spun around, facing the door, my heart hammering against my ribs. “I’m sorry

didn’t–I should have called-”

Behind me, I heard the soft rustle of fabric as he unhurriedly dressed himself. The sounds only intensified my embarrassment, forcing me to imagine each

movement.

“You can turn around now,” Devon said after what felt like an eternity.

I turned slowly. He’d put on silk lounge pants but remained shirtless, his chest still damp. The casual display of skin seemed almost calculated, as if testing

my reaction.

“That was quite an entrance,” he said, running a hand through his wet hair. “I didn’t expect company. Especially not after this morning’s… incident with my

brother.”

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Chapter 177

“I wanted to thank you,” I managed, fighting to keep my eyes on his face. “For intervening with Connor.”

Devon studied me, his expression shifting from amusement to something more analytical. “Is that the only reason you’re here, Aria? To thank me?”

I hesitated. “I brought cookies.” The explanation sounded ridiculous even to my own ears.

“Cookies,” he repeated, stepping closer. ‘You baked me cookies as a thank you for saving you from my psychopathic brother.”

When he put it that way, my gesture seemed absurdly inadequate.

Devon reached out, taking my arm gently and guiding me to sit on the edge of his bed. The intimacy of the location wasn’t lost on me. He remained

standing, looking down at me with those penetrating gray eyes.

“I think we both know you’re not here because of cookies or gratitude,” he said softly. “You’re here because you need protection. Your office was vandalized.

Your family is plotting against you. And now loan sharks are threatening you.”

My eyes widened. “How do you know about-”

*I make it my business to know things, Aria.” He sat beside me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his skin. “I can help you with all of

1. it. But first, you need to be honest–with me and with yourself.”

“About what?” I whispered, though I already knew the answer.

Devon’s hand moved to my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. “About what you want from me. What you need from me.”

The air between us seemed charged with electricity. I swallowed hard, caught between pride and desperation.

“I need you, I finally admitted, my voice barely audible.

A satisfied smile spread across Devon’s face as his thumb brushed my lower lip. “That’s a good start,” he murmured. “I look forward to seeing what other

truths you’re brave enough to admit, Aria Harper.”

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