The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 231

“I didn’t want to involve you in every detail,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “You’ve done enough already.”

I despise being lied to, Aria,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. “More than anything.”

The danger in his eyes made my breath catch. I knew that look–it was the same one he’d worn when confronting Ethan, when dealing with Preston Scott. Cold, calculating, and utterly in control.

“I wasn’t lying,” I insisted, though we both knew that wasn’t entirely true. “I just didn’t tell you everything.”

“A sin of omission is still a sin,” Devon replied, his face now inches from mine. “And I find myself particularly… sensitive… to deception from you.”

I needed to defuse this situation before it escalated. Acting on instinct, I rose slightly in the water and pressed my lips to his. It was meant to be a distraction, a quick kiss to break his intensity.

But Devon didn’t yield. Instead, he deepened the kiss, his hand sliding to the back of my neck, holding me in place as he took control. When he finally released me, I was breathless.

“Devon, I truly wasn’t trying to deceive you,” I said softly. “I was going to tell you about Ryan helping me investigate. I just wanted to get all the facts first.”

His thumb traced my lower lip, his eyes following the movement. “Yet you lied about where you were today.”

“I-”

“You said you were working late at the office,” he interrupted. “Instead, I find you here with Winters, discussing matters you’ve chosen to keep from me.” His voice was calm, but there was something beneath it that made me shiver despite the heat.

“Ryan’s just helping me handle a point person for the investigation,” I explained, trying to maintain my composure as Devon’s hand slid down my neck to my shoulder. “I didn’t think you’d want to be bothered

with every detail.”

Devon’s laugh was short and humorless. “It seems my assistance is inadequate. You needed to seek out

Winters instead.”

Before I could respond, he gripped the delicate lace of my swimsuit and tore it with a sharp motion. The

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Chapter 231

sound of fabric ripping echoed in the quiet space as cool air hit my exposed skin..

“Devon!” I gasped, instinctively trying to cover myself.

3/%

He caught my wrists, pinning them gently but firmly against the pool edge behind me. “No one can see us,” he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. “I’ve had this entire area closed off.”

His hands released my wrists to explore my body beneath the water, his touch both punishing and tender. I

glanced around nervously despite his assurance.

“What if someone comes?” I whispered.

“They won’t,” he replied confidently. “Unless I summon them.”

For over an hour, Devon claimed every inch of me in that pool, water splashing over the edges, rose petals clinging to our skin. He was relentless, demanding, his every touch a statement of possession. And despite my initial resistance, I surrendered completely, my body responding to him with a fervor that shocked me.

When we finally emerged from the water, my legs were trembling. Devon wrapped me in a robe, his own

chest still bare and glistening with droplets. He looked satisfied, the earlier anger in his eyes replaced by a

smoldering intensity.

“Go get dressed,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I’ll wait for you by the entrance.”

In the changing room, I hurriedly pulled on my clothes, my mind racing. I needed to check on Ryan, to

make sure our conversation hadn’t been completely wasted. I grabbed my phone from my purse and saw a

text from him:

“Had to leave–emergency at the office. Will call tomorrow with updates. Sorry for the quick exit.”

I stared at the message, realization dawning. Devon had arranged this, somehow. He’d made sure Ryan

would leave, clearing the way for his confrontation with me. The thought should have angered me, but

instead, I felt a confusing mix of frustration and admiration for his efficiency.

As I walked toward the resort entrance, I couldn’t help wondering how many other aspects of my life Devon

Kane was silently orchestrating, and why the thought didn’t terrify me as much as it should..