Chapter 415
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Everyone saw a stormy face at the door .
Kim stepped into the private room , anger stuck in his throat , unable to come out .
He’d assumed Cloe would be the wildest one tonight – who would’ve guessed Aria would steal the show ?
He shot a glance at Owen and quietly moved a couple steps to the side , keeping his distance .
Owen , catching on , leaned in to see what was happening .
A young man sat up straight , lifting his shirt to reveal half of his toned abs .
Aria was braced on the table , leaning forward , her hand reaching toward his stomach , just a few inches away .
If they’d knocked any later , she would’ve touched him for sure .
Owen stood there , his gaze locking with Aria’s .
Her hand stayed frozen mid – air , like she’d been caught red – handed .
The room fell into an awkward , almost surreal silence .
Julia cocked her head and broke the tension , “ Oh , you’re here ! And Kim’s here too ? ”
The manager , who’d led the way , wiped the sweat off his forehead and silently prayed nobody would start a fight .
Aria slowly drew her hand back , her palm burning hot . She turned away , grabbed her glass , and downed her drink in one shot .
She thought , ‘ Why do I feel like I just got caught cheating ? ‘ She and Owen weren’t even like that .
Owen stepped further into the room , his voice gentle . “ Are you guys done ? Julia said nobody was answering , so I came by . Ran into Kim outside . ”
He was explaining , but his eyes were only on Aria .
Julia’s eyes went wide . ‘ Did I say no one was answering ? Did I ? Whatever. Owen’s given me so many gifts , I can’t throw him under the bus now .’
She put on a smile . “ Yeah , I told him . ”
So it was Julia who ratted them out .
Cloe glared at Kim , “ How’d you know we were here ? ”
Kim didn’t hesitate , “ Owen told me . ”
Owen just looked at the floor .
Kim’s gaze swept over the group , annoyed . “ Why’d you bring Julia to a place like this ? ”
Cloe shot back , “ A place like what ? This place is cleaner than you think .”
Kim frowned , “ They’re male models . ”
The manager quickly added , “ Sir , our models just perform – they don’t do anything else . These guys are all college students with part – time jobs . ”
Kim scoffed , pointing at Sonny , “ Then why was he lifting his shirt ? That’s not ‘ just performing . “ ”
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The manager forced a smile , “ Maybe the guests were too good looking . He volunteered . ”
Sonny and Aria just exchanged a look .
Brennen chimed in , “ We were playing truth or dare . ”
Kim glanced at the time . “ It’s late . Julia should get some sleep . We’re heading home . ”
Cloe agreed , grabbing Julia’s hand . “ Julia and I are going back to our place — without you . ”
She softened her tone for Julia , “ Let’s go , sweetie . ”
Julia nodded . “ Okay ! ”
Because she had to look after Vanessa , Myla hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol . “ Let’s head out too . I already booked a hotel .
Aria offered , “ No need for a hotel – just stay at my
place .”
Vanessa glanced at Owen , gave a tired smile . “ I have to meet a producer tomorrow and there’s an event the day after . Hotel’s easier .”
She wobbled as she stood up , and Myla quickly caught her .
“ We’ll head out first , ” Vanessa said , pulling out a wad of cash . “ For you guys – thanks for the fun night . ”
Myla helped her out .
Cloe handed over some tips too , and even Julia slipped off her gold bracelet and tried to give it to Sonny , the guy Aria almost touched .
The five male models were stunned by the kid’s generosity , quickly refusing .
Brennen said , “ You should keep it . We should be the ones giving you gifts . ”
Julia insisted , “ No way . It has to be fair . Next time , I’m coming back to play ! ”
Cloe added , “ She’s got plenty . Just take it . ”
The guys patted their pockets , but couldn’t find anything to give back , so they just sighed .
Brennen said , “ Alright , we’ll accept it this time . Julia , you have to come back , okay ? ”
Julia grinned , “ You got it . See you next time ! ”
Aria , the only one who hadn’t tipped , checked her pockets – empty .
Even Julia had given something ; she couldn’t not tip .
Cloe had given away all her cash , so she was probably broke now .
Aria hadn’t drunk this much in a year ; tonight she felt pretty tipsy .
She turned to Owen , “ Do you have any cash ? ”
Owen didn’t even get a chance to answer before she turned to Kim , “ What about you? ”
Owen sighed , “ I have some . ”
He’d grabbed his wallet when he picked up his jacket before heading out , just in case .
He pulled out his wallet , took out all the cash – down to the last dollar – and put it on the table .
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He didn’t hand it to Aria , just addressed the five , “ Thanks for keeping them company tonight . ”
His tone was polite and easygoing .
Cloe shot Kim a look and couldn’t help but click her tongue .
Cloe thought , ‘ Same brothers , such different vibes .
But if Kim were as smooth as Owen , she wouldn’t have had her chance with him .
Kim was easy to handle .
But as Owen reached out to steady Aria , Cloe took it back – maybe this one was even easier , a real softie in love .
Kim noticed Cloe staring at Owen and stepped in front of her , scowling . “ Stop looking . Let’s go . ”
Cloe rolled her eyes and left with Julia .
Kim followed , grumbling , “ It’s dark in the hallway . Watch your step .”
Cloe snapped back , “ We have eyes , thanks . ”
Kim said , “ You’re wearing heels and you’ve been drinking . Slow down . ”
Cloe huffed , “ I got it . I don’t need your help . ”
Their bickering faded as they disappeared down the hall .
“ Let’s get going too , ” Aria said , grabbing Owen’s arm to steady herself . “ Thanks . I’ll transfer you the cash later . ”
Owen replied , “ Don’t worry about it . ”
Aria started walking , mostly steady . “ I’m paying you back . ”
Owen walked beside her, silent but protective.
At the parking lot , Owen opened the passenger door , hand braced on the roof so she wouldn’t bump her head . After she got in , he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side .
Aria guessed how much cash he’d left , pulled out her phone , and transferred him 3 thousand dollars . Then she leaned back and closed her eyes .
Owen got in , felt his phone vibrate , checked the transfer , and hit “ refund . ”
He leaned toward her , just as Aria sensed him move closer and snapped her eyes open – right into his deep gaze .
It was getting dark outside ; she couldn’t read the look in his eyes .
Owen hadn’t expected her to wake up so suddenly . He paused , then explained quietly , “ You forgot to buckle your seatbelt . ”
me . ”
Aria