Chapter 225
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Aris leaned in , inhaled lightly , her smile razor sharp . “ You smell like a slave . You want to play , but honestly ? I’m not interested . ”
For a second , a storm flickered across Russell’s face .
The elevator doors opened at the first floor ,
A passerby caught a glimpse of their “ Intimate ” posture and muttered , “ Seriously ? Can’t you w
wait till you get a room ? ”
He shot Russell a quick , nervous look – one glance at Hussell’s eyes , dark and deadly , and be jabbed the ‘ close door ‘ button , vanishing without another word .
Aria stepped back , punched the eighteenth – floor button again .
This time , Russell didn’t make another move
She stepped out . As she did , Russell’s voice drifted after her , “ Aria , you care about a lot of people ”
Aria paused, turned back with a faint smile . “ So do you . Like Orlando . Or that girl who’s always by your side ?
Everyone knew Russell had plenty of enemies – and a woman hidden away somewhere , protected to the extreme .
Leaving those words hanging , Aria walked away .
As the doors closed , Russell’s eyes grew even darker .
She’s more complicated than thought
Aria entered her apartment .
The door across the hall opened , and Derek’s cheerful voice greeted her . “ Aria , you’re back
She turned to find him grinning . “ I stopped by and you weren’t home , so Owen made me dinner .
“ Did you eat enough ? ” Aria asked .
Derek rubbed his stomach , putting on a melodramatic face . “ Stuffed . But I haven’t even made it inside and you’re already kicking me out . That hurts , you know . ”
His tone was deliberately theatrical , hall – pouting as he peeked at her face .
vy mood lightened a little . “ What do you want , Derek ? ”
Aria’s heavy m
He shrugged . “ I need a reason to see you ? ”
Lately , Nathan had been reaching out more than in the past seventeen years combined , all to try and get information about Aria
Derek found the whole thing absurd – Nathan had never been close with his own sister , and now wanted to play the conce to be left out .
After a bit more banter , Derek decided he’d come to Aria’s just to spite Nathan , and maybe gloat about it
Owen , hearing voices , stepped out from behind Derek
His brows drew together when he saw Aria – she wasn’t in a good mood
He glanced at her swollen knuckles , copter flashing in his eyes .
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Bling ? Sarves Him right .
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Suddenly remembering something , Derek said , “ it’s a bit chilly , you should go inside first . I need to head up to the nineteenth for
Aria frowned , “ Why the nineteenth ? ”
“ I was going to buy a place thele , but somenne beat me to it . I want to see if they sell
“ There are still apartments in Mayen Garden , ” she pointed i
“You don’t have to firate on the nineteenth floor
“ Yeah , but it’s closer to you . ”
She gave him a look . “ You don’t need to buy a place just to see me . You’re welcome to visit anytime . ”
He put on his best wounded face . “ Dut you were just trying to kick me out ! ”
“ I won’t , not next time . ”
Derek’s eyes sparkled , instantly taking advantage “ It’s getting late . Canicrash here tonight ? ”
“ Sure . ”
It seemed she was worried about Derek going to the nineteenth floor .
Owen , regaining his composure , said , “T make breakfast for three tomorrow .”
Derek froze . Breakfast together ? Since when had things gotten so cozy between Owen and his sister ?
Aria nodded . “ Okay ”
Owen would cook , she’d pay for the groceries . Aria unlocked her door . As Derek made to follow her in, Owen spoke up , “ Why don’t you stay at my place tonight ? Aria doesn’t have pajamas or slippers in your size , but I’ve got extras ”
Derek saw the sense in that . “ Alright , I’ll stay with Owen tonight – next time I’ll leave some stuff at your place . ”
Aria replied , “ Suit yourself ”
Derek called back , “ Owen , I’ll come over later . ”
Owen said , “ Alright ”
The two of them went inside and closed the door .
After a moment’s thought , Owen picked up his phone and sent a message
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