The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 186

Chapter 186

Aria’s POV

Devon was beside me. His fingers traced my collarbone deliberately brushing against the beauty mark that always drew his attention. The unexpected touch made me gasp just as I accepted the call.

“Aria? Are you okay?” Jeremy’s concerned voice came through the speaker.

Devon’s lips curved into a mischievous smile as he continued trailing his fingers down my shoulder, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“I’m fine,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady as Devon’s touch sent shivers down my spine.

“What was that sound? Did something happen?” Jeremy pressed, his tone growing more worried.

I shot Devon an annoyed glance, but he merely widened his smile, clearly enjoying my predicament. “Nothing happened. I just… stubbed my toe,” I lied, pushing Devon’s hand away.

There was a pause before Jeremy’s voice lowered. “Listen, if you need any help, you can call me anytime. We all know Devon Kane can be… unpredictable.”

Devon’s smile vanished instantly. Though Jeremy’s words were barely audible, Devon had clearly heard them. His eyes darkened, a storm gathering in those gray depths.

“He’s fine, really,” I said quickly, eager to end the conversation before Devon’s mood deteriorated further. “I’ll call you later about the beach house designs.”

I hung up, dropping the phone onto the bed between us Devon let out a soft, humorless laugh.

“What’s wrong? Afraid he’ll find out what we’re doing?” His voice had an edge to it, his earlier playfulness replaced with something colder.

I recognized the jealousy simmering beneath his words. Instead of responding defensively, I reached up and looped my arms around his neck, meeting his stormy gaze directly.

“If I agreed to be with you, why would I be involved with someone else?” I asked softly, watching his expression carefully.

Devon’s jaw remained tight. “Yet you were quick to become his date today.”

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“That was just a friend helping out a friend,” I explained, unable to keep a hint of accusation from my voice. “I thought you’d grown tired of me. Eight days without a single word, Devon. What was I supposed to

think?”

Something flickered in his eyes–was it guilt? Regret? Whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly as it had

appeared.

He pulled away, walking toward his massive walk–in closet. As he turned, the afternoon light illuminated his back, and I gasped at what I saw. Crisscrossing his broad shoulders and extending down his spine were numerous scars–some faded white with age, others still pink and relatively fresh.

“What happened to your back?” I asked before I could stop myself, genuine concern coloring my voice.

Devon froze mid–step. His shoulders tensed, and though he didn’t turn around, I could sense the sudden shift in his demeanor.

“That’s none of your business,” he said coldly, reaching for a shirt.

“Those scars look recent,” I persisted, rising from the bed, wrapped in the sheet. “Did someone-”

“I don’t need your sympathy,” he cut me off sharply. “This is the first and last time we’ll discuss this.

Understood?”

The harshness in his voice made me step back. I nodded silently, though he couldn’t see me. My mind raced with possibilities–could these scars be related to my conflict with his brother Connor?

Devon pulled on a light gray shirt, buttoning it methodically. When he turned to face me, his expression had reset to its usual inscrutable mask.

“Do you need money?” he asked abruptly, the change of subject giving me whiplash.

I hesitated, startled by the blunt question. My financial situation had become increasingly precarious since my father threatened to cut me off, but I wasn’t ready to admit that to Devon. My silence, however, seemed answer enough for him.

“Go shower. We’re going out,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Despite the exhaustion seeping into my bones, I didn’t dare refuse. I nodded and headed to his luxur bathroom, letting the hot water wash away the tension of the morning. When I emerged, I chose a sim white sundress from the overnight bag I’d brought, appreciating how it contrasted with my lightly tanned

skin.

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In the mirror, 1 noticed my lips were still slightly swollen from Devon’s kisses. I quickly applied a light coat of lip balm and ran a brush through my damp hair, wondering where he planned to take me.

I found Devon waiting in the living room, keys in hand. Without explanation, he guided me to the elevator and then to his waiting Bentley.

We drove in silence through Manhattan, finally stopping in front of an unmarked door on a quiet side street. From the outside, it looked like nothing special a simple wooden door with no sign, nestled between a boutique bookstore and an antique shop.

“What is this place?” I asked as Devon held the door open for me.

“You’ll see,” was his only response.

Inside, I was immediately enveloped by the scent of premium tea leaves and subtle incense. The decor was minimalist but undeniably elegant–dark wood furniture, calligraphy artwork on the walls, and soft, traditional music playing in the background. It was nothing like the flashy restaurants or exclusive clubs I’d expected Devon to frequent.

A middle–aged Asian man approached, bowing slightly to Devon. “Mr. Kane, it’s been too long. Your usual room is ready.”

Devon nodded in acknowledgment, placing a hand on the small of my back as he guided me through a narrow hallway to a private tea room. The space was intimate, with a low table surrounded by cushions and a view of a small, meticulously maintained garden.

We sat across from each other as the proprietor prepared a tea service with practiced precision. Devon’s movements as he poured the pale golden liquid into delicate cups were unexpectedly graceful, revealing a side of him I hadn’t seen before.

“You brought me to… a tea house?” I asked, unable to hide my surprise.

Devon looked up from his cup, his gray eyes unreadable. “Disappointed? Were you expecting ng more extravagant?”

I shook my head, studying him with new interest. “Just surprised. This doesn’t seem like your usual sce

A hint of a smile touched his lips. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Aria.“

I picked up my cup, inhaling the complex aroma. “I’m beginning to see that.”

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The tea was exquisite–subtle yet complex, with notes of orchid and something I couldn’t quite identify. As I sipped, I found myself relaxing despite the confusion of the morning. This quiet, serene space seemed worlds away from the power plays and tension that usually defined my interactions with Devon Kane.

“Why did you bring me here?” I asked finally, setting down my cup.

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