Chapter 421
421
421
For a split second , it felt like fireworks exploded in Owen’s head . Excitement surged through his veins , leaving him a little breathless and lightheaded .
His eyes shone so brightly it was almost blinding , and Aria had to look away , flustered . “ It’s late . You should head home , ” she said , her voice unsteady .
“ Alright , ” Owen agreed obediently , getting to his feet – but his legs were so weak he almost crumpled , ending up kneeling right there , elbow banging hard against the coffee table .
He didn’t even flinch , the dazed smile on his face never changing .
Aria grabbed his hand , concern flickering across her features as she spotted the deep bruise already forming on his arm . “ You hit your elbow . ”
Owen looked up at her , grinning like a fool , happiness practically pouring off him . “ I’m fine . ”
“ Go home and put some ice on it , ” Aria told him , not quite able to keep the fondness out of her voice ,
He just kept smiling at her , “ Okay . ”
“ Go on , get out of here . ”
“ Alright . ”
He started for the door , still walking like he was floating . Halfway there , he stopped , turned , and asked , “ Are you planning to go to Neon Club again ? ”
The question caught Aria off guard , but she answered honestly , “ Probably . If Vanessa asks me out again , I’ll go . ”
Owen stepped closer , leaned in , and lowered his voice , “ Just … do me a favor , okay ? Next time , don’t touch that guy . ”
Aria blinked , not following . “ What guy ? ”
Taking advantage of the lingering buzz , Owen took her hand and pressed it against his own stomach , his tone both earnest and teasing . “ Me . I’m yours now . If you feel like touching someone , just touch me – whatever they’ve got , I’ve got, too . ”
Under her palm , his abs were rock hard , and Aria yanked her hand back like she’d been burned , clenching her fist as her heart pounded . “ Got it . Now please , just go . ”
Owen looked at her , voice a little more serious , “ You won’t regret this in the morning , will you ? ”
Aria shook her head , “ No. I won’t .”
The next morning , Aria sat in bed , running her hands through her hair , staring at her phone .
Owen’s chat was still on the screen , timestamped 2 AM : [ Just in case you forget , here’s a copy of the contract . ]
She’d lost track of how long she’d been staring at it .
Finally , she let out a long , exasperated sigh , muttering to herself , “ I must be out of my mind . How did I end up agreeing to this ? ”
‘ Not a girlfriend , just a lover . What even is my life right now … ‘ she thought .
A new message popped up .
Nikolas : ( Found the truck driver . Want to meet ? ]
Perfect. She needed something – anything – to distract herself . She typed back . [ Where ? ]
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23:47 Sun , 22 Jun
421
Nikolas sent her a location . She replied , [ On my way . ]
She was out of bed , dressed , and out the door without even stopping for breakfast .
She checked the hallway security camera , made sure it was empty , then slipped out quietly and hurried away .
Owen hadn’t slept all night . As dawn broke , he forced himself out for a run , still thinking about Aria .
Just as he was pulling out his phone to message her , he spotted a familiar car drive past . He caught a glimpse of the license plate – Aria’s car .
His heart stuttered . ‘ Don’t tell me … she changed her mind and ran away ? ‘
He almost called her , then stopped , thinking better of it . He texted instead : [ You awake ? ]
The message , like the contract , got no reply .
She must’ve seen the photo by now .
He just stood there , staring after her car as it disappeared down the street , lost in thought – until an old man wandered over and followed his gaze .
“ What are you staring at ? Did your wife leave you ? ” the old guy joked .
Owen forced a smile , “ No , she just stepped out . ”
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