Chapter 58
Chapter 58
VENUS
I didn’t go back to the office immediately.
And I knew. Knew I was going to get another scolding from Aaron for it.
Yeah. Right.
I’d come back. Just… not yet.
I needed the air.
My head was a mess-yesterday with Mom kept playing on an endless loop. Her face. Her voice. The way helplessness had wrapped around my throat and squeezed until I could barely breathe.
What do I do next?
How do I save her?
I couldn’t abandon her. I couldn’t. But the cold truth was-I didn’t have a plan. Not yet.
I let my feet wander, my mind numb. The hum of New York blurred around me-cars honking, voices shouting, the sharp clang of life moving too fast. My legs just carried me forward like they had a will of their own, until they started to ache.
Finally, I sighed, pulled out my phone to hail a cab-
And that’s when I saw him.
Connor.
T
Across the street, tucked into the corner booth of a sleek little restaurant. No one else would’ve noticed him-not unless they’d memorized his every angle.
I had.
Of course I had.
Grinning, I reached for my phone. A little harmless teasing wouldn’t hurt. Connor, the infamous ladies’ man, having lunch alone? Tragic.
I tapped his name. The line began to ring-
And then the car parked in front of their booth shifted.
My heart stopped cold.
Sabine.
She leaned in and kissed him-soft, deliberate, intimate.
The smirk on my lips died. My pulse hammered in my throat.
I fumbled to hang up-too late.
“Bored of Aaron already?” came Connor’s smooth voice, far too casual for someone caught mid-tryst.
Shit.
I spun around, walking fast, weaving through the crowd. “Never,” I said breezily, forcing the smile he couldn’t see. “He keeps me on my toes, thank you p>
“You wound me.” His voice held a teasing lilt-but beneath it, something else.
“I highly doubt that.” Flat. Cool. Inside, I was burning.
A pause.
Then his voice shifted-quieter, sharper. “Everything alright p>
Too fast. Too soon.
Damn it, Venus, don’t show your hand.
“Of course,” I replied lightly. “Just getting some air p>
“Mmm. You always were a terrible liar p>
Successfully unlocked!
I swallowed. “I met with Dorian. Had everything under control
“You sure you’re fine?” His voice softened, genuine concern bleeding through.
1/3
Chapter 58
My throat tightened.
Too much. Too soon.
“I gotta go,” I blurted. “Back to work p>
“Sure,” he said slowly. “Tell Aaron I said hi p>
Click.
I stood frozen for a moment, the phone cold in my hand.
Ouuu Sabine. Naughty, naughty girl.
I let out a breathless chuckle.
Connor and Sabine. Huh.
And damn it-they looked good together.
I wondered though-did Aaron know?
Not that he’d care. He wasn’t the type to mind. Not unless Connor was playing with her.
Still.
I wasn’t telling Aaron. Not yet.
Not until I talked to Sabine.
Not that I had any right to interfere.
I forced myself into a cab, sliding into the backseat like a woman running from ghosts. I stared out the window, mind racing all the way back to the office.
The building loomed tall and cold as I stepped inside.
Aaron was going to be furious.
When the elevator pinged open at the lobby-there he was.
Waiting.
Black suit. No tie. Shirt unbuttoned just enough to make me forget my own damn name.
His gaze locked onto me-dark, unreadable, like a storm ready to break.
I walked toward him, bracing myself.
But instead of an ice blade, his voice came low. Calm. “You okay p>
No scolding. No bark.
Just a question.
I swallowed. “Yeah p>
His eyes lingered on mine, like he could see straight through me. Then-choosing not to push, for now-he leaned in and pressed a soft, grounding peck to my lips.
“Good,” he murmured. “Now listen carefully p>
I blinked up at him.
“You work for me, Venus.” His voice sharpened, the words cool steel. “Not Richard. You’ve proven yourself. No more running around fixing his chaos unless I say so p>
“Got it p>
“And if you’ve got nothing to do, you either sit your pretty ass at your desk, or you go home. Understood p>
A teasing smile tugged at my lips. “Bossy p>
“You like me that way p>
“… Maybe.” I cleared my throat, steadying. “Actually-can I come to your next meeting? I want to observe p>
His brow arched. “You offering to work p>
I shrugged. “Unless you want me sitting at my desk looking bored. Your call p>
A sharp smirk tugged at his mouth. “Fine. Let’s go p>
I followed him through the glass doors, heart racing.
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Chapter 58
The meeting was brutal.
One hour of Aaron slicing objections to ribbons with terrifying precision. He commanded the room like it belonged to him- and watching him made my pulse thrum beneath my skin.
When it ended, we returned to the office. His assistant approached, posture stiff.
“There’s an invitation on your desk,” she said. “From the Winters Foundation p>
Aaron gave a faint nod.
“Gala?” I asked, catching the glimmer of a black card.
“Yes.” Her gaze flicked to me. “Formal. Charity event. Friday p>
Yeah, she didn’t like me that much.
Too bad for her.
“Are we going?” I asked casually.
Aaron glanced at me. “We are p>
My pulse skipped. “Together p>
He leaned in, voice dropping just enough to make my breath hitch. “You are my wife, aren’t you? Or would you prefer I take Laila p>
“It’s Lilly,” the assistant mumbled, looking like she wanted to melt into the floor.
I gave him a look. “Imagine the rumors.” I chuckled. “Of course I’ll go with you. Since you asked so politely p>
“Good girl.” His voice was velvet against my skin.
Lilly handed him the card and practically stormed off-though not without giving me the stink eye.
I smirked. “She doesn’t like me, does she p>
Aaron tilted his head, eyes gleaming. “Say the word and I’ll fire her p>
“You’re crazy.” I grinned.
“You married crazy, princess. You’ll survive p>
“Yeah. Not by choice.” I muttered.
He leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, fingers lingering at my neck.
“I didn’t hear that when you were throwing yourself on me the other night p>
My cheeks heated.
“I was drunk okay?” I mumbled embarrassed. ” Can we both pretend it never happened p>
“I’ll think about it p>
“I missed when you were an asshole to me p>
Lies, I liked this version of Aaron too much.
“Me too p>
He said with a rare smile.
Somebody’s in a good mood.
“Anything else, boss p>
“Yes. Come home with me tonight p>
“I already live with you. Stop making it sound so dirty p>
I said breathless.
He had that effect on me.
6
3/3
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.