Chapter 193
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As soon as the words left her mouth , Aria struck first , her fist aimed straight for Owen’s face .
He threw up his arm to block , swinging his elbow in a sharp arc toward her neck .
Aria twisted , leapt into the air , and as she landed , drove her knee into his shoulder , her palm snapping down at his head .
Owen reacted instantly – he dropped to one knee , ducking his head to dodge her blow while catching her anikle with his hand .
She hooked her leg around his neck , and he rolled , flipping their positions in an instant .
“ Holy- ”
A couple of staff watching from the hallway stared , eyes wide .
From the way they were fighting , there was no way these two were a couple .
Everyone had expected some sweet , flirty action from a pair of pretty lovebirds – no one expected a no – holds – barred showdown .
And these two weren’t just play – fighting . They both knew what they were doing .
The staff kept watching , glued to the action .
Neither Aria nor Owen held back – every punch landed with real force .
Owen was stunned by Aria’s skills .
Eight years ago , she’d been talented but impulsive , easy to read .
Now , her strength nearly matched his , and she was so much quicker .
Aria darted to his side , landing a solid kick to his ribs .
His body pitched forward , but he managed to catch himself and spin around .
She came at him again , he blocked , countered – but then her arm flashed out , locking around his throat .
She wasn’t going for his chest .
She was going for the kill .
Owen bent his knee forward , trying to throw her off , but Aria twisted and pinned him down .
They crashed to the mat , Aria on top , her hands still around his neck , the other twisting his head back .
If he were really her enemy , this was the moment he’d hear the snap of his own neck .
With Owen as her cushion , Aria didn’t feel a thing . She grinned . “ You lost . ”
A drop of sweat slid off her nose and landed on his cheek . His chest , trapped beneath her , felt like it was on fire – his heart pounding so hard he could barely breathe .
Totally normal , he told himself . It was just the adrenaline , nothing more .
But as he looked up , he caught his own reflection in Aria’s eyes , and the rush only intensified .
His fingers curled , trying to suppress the strange thudding in his chest , and he swallowed hard . Her hand was still clamped over his pulse .
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He gasped for air , feeling that dizzy , breathless pressure as her grip loosened .
Aria seemed to notice , let go , and rolled off , sprawling beside him on the mat .
She lay there for a moment , catching her breath . “ It’s been ages since I’ve had a fight like that . Thanks , Owen . ”
She’d wanted this for years . Now , finally , she felt satisfied .
Owen hadn’t held back , either – her arms ached , especially the left , where she’d felt a sharp pain mid – fight and snapped it back into place .
Aria peeled off her gloves , tossed them to the floor , and sat up . “ You okay , Owen ? ”
He grunted and pulled himself upright . “ Ms. Saxon , you’re incredible . I can’t beat you . ”
She was fast , every move ruthless – if she’d had a weapon , he wouldn’t have lasted a minute .
They changed back into their clothes and walked out together , leaving behind a silent crowd of staff still gaping in awe .
Owen drove them back . Neither spoke – a comfortable silence .
They each returned to their own apartments and , without a word , made for the shower .
Aria rubbed ointment on her sore spots , massaging carefully , then slipped on a robe and grabbed two jars of medicine before heading out .