CHAPTER 4

DAVIN

I slowly stood up from the bed. Goodness knows I did not want to stand up or leave at all.

I adjusted my hard-on in my trousers and looked at her once more before walking over to the door. It was one of the servants waiting there.

I stepped out, closing the door behind me. I knew she would feel embarrassed if anyone saw her like that.

The servant told me that I had a guest waiting for me in the study. I had totally forgotten I had an appointment with Kylie today.

Kylie is my business partner, and more. My occasional escape. My fuck buddy.

But I guess she likes to think she is a little more than that.

She was sitting on the chair, wearing a tight dress that showed way too much cleavage. Normally, I would not have thought twice before pulling her onto the desk and losing myself in her, but right now, I could not even bring myself to touch her.

Because all I could think about was Aria.

I knew from the moment she stepped into the training room with an innocent face that she was up to something mischievous.

That was why I insisted on following her, even though she could have easily gone with one of the drivers or guards. The way she looked at the doors, the windows, even the servants, her eyes always calculating, her steps just a little too cautious. She thought she was hiding it well, but she was not exactly subtle about it.

I intentionally let her take the bus, pretending not to notice, while secretly following behind. I told myself I was doing it for her safety, that I was simply watching over what was now my responsibility. But that was a lie.

The truth? I wanted her to come back.

Damn it. What the hell was wrong with me? I just could not seem to have a hold on myself whenever she was concerned. And I really did not want to stop touching her just now.

I sat on the chair and quickly dived into work with Kylie. There were urgent trades we needed to finalize with the neighboring pack.

After hours of work, we were done, and the only thing on my mind was going to see Aria.

Kylie stood and circled around to meet me. Without a word, her fingers trailed over my chest, slipping between the open buttons of my shirt. Then her lips found my neck, kissing it softly, and before I could stop her, she was kissing me.

And that was when someone stepped into the study.

Aria.

“Ooh, I… I am sorry,” she stammered.

Her eyes were wide, full of shock, disappointment, and pain. She did not say another word. She just turned around and walked away.

I knew I hurt her, and I hated myself for it.

“Who is she?” Kylie asked, confused.

“You can leave now,” I said, and I began to lead her out. She looked confused, her brows furrowed as she asked why, but I did not have the patience to explain.

Pushing away from the desk, I walked out of the office and down the long hallway that led to her room. I needed to see her.

By the time I got to her door, I could hear soft sobs.

I pushed the door open.

She was crying in someone’s arms.

Kavin’s arms.

He was holding her close, his hand stroking her back as if she belonged there. Her back was to me, but Kavin’s eyes lifted, meeting mine instantly.

And then, without breaking eye contact, that bastard smirked and kissed her.

Fuck.

He wanted me to see that.

He wanted me to watch.

“Ah, I see you two are spending some quality time,” I said in the most nonchalant tone as I walked into the room.

I could see on Aria’s face that she was clearly embarrassed and confused. Kavin, however, did not flinch. Instead, he straightened and smiled faintly at me.

Kavin said smoothly, “I was just telling her how I want to throw a party to welcome her properly. You know, something fun, something she deserves.”

I tried to keep a composed expression. “A party, huh? Sounds… fine.” But I could not help my eyes lingering on Aria. I hated that my brother touched her.

Kavin’s grin widened. I was sure he sensed I was furious inside. “I thought you would agree, Davin. She is important. Let us cheer her up,” he said with a smirk. He was clearly happy to be getting on my nerves.

“Yeah… sure,” I said after taking a moment to give it some thought. “Do whatever you think is best,” I added, like I could not be bothered.

Then I walked away before I lost the control I had over myself.

I am sure Aria misunderstood what she saw in the office, and I wanted to clear the air and make things straight, but my brother got to her first.