Chapter 129
Aria’s POV
I slipped back into the private room, my heart still racing from what had just happened with Damian on the phone.
God, I could still feel the heat coursing through my body, the phantom sensation of his voice in my ear, commanding and possessive.
My cheeks burned as I smoothed down my clothes, praying no one could see the flush on my face or the slight tremble in my hands.
“There you are!” Jennifer looked up from her wine glass, grinning. “We thought you got lost p>
“Sorry, work call,” I said quickly, sliding back into my seat. “You know how it is p>
Diana raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp and knowing. “A work call? At lunch p>
“Important client,” I lied, reaching for my water glass.
Leo smirked. “Must’ve been a very important client. You look flushed p>
Damn it.
“It’s just warm in here,” I muttered, taking a long sip of water.
Kyle leaned forward, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Or maybe it was a certain Alpha King calling to check on his mate p>
I nearly choked on my water.
“Kyle!” I hissed, glancing around to make sure no one else had heard.
They all burst into laughter, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
“Relax, Aria,” Jennifer said, patting my hand. “We’re just teasing. But seriously, you two are adorable p>
“We’re not adorable,” I grumbled. “We’re… complicated p>
“Complicated?” Diana echoed. “Honey, the way that man looks at you? There’s nothing complicated about it. He’s claimed you in every way that matters p>
My face burned hotter. She had no idea how right she was.
Especially after what we’d just done over the phone.
“Can we please change the subject?” I begged.
“Fine, fine,” Leo said, raising his hands in surrender. “But just so you know—we approve. Damian’s a good match for you p>
I couldn’t help but smile at that. “Thanks p>
We finished lunch, the conversation shifting to safer topics—work projects, office gossip, weekend plans.
But my mind kept drifting back to Damian, to the promise in his voice when he’d told me he’d see me tonight.
Finally, I glanced at my watch. “I should probably get the check p>
“Already?” Jennifer pouted. “We’re having so much fun p>
“I know, but I’ve got a meeting this afternoon.” Another lie, but I needed to get out of here before they started asking more questions I couldn’t answer.
I flagged down the waiter and quickly settled the bill, ignoring their protests that they could split it.
“My treat,” I insisted. “You guys have been amazing. I owe you p>
Diana hugged me as we gathered our things. “You don’t owe us anything. We chose to follow you, remember p>
My throat tightened with emotion. “Still. Thank you p>
We said our goodbyes in the parking lot, and I drove back to V&A Group, trying to shake off the lingering heat from earlier.
But it was impossible.
Every time I shifted in my seat, I felt the dampness between my thighs, a reminder of how thoroughly Damian had wrecked me without even touching me.
By three-forty-five, I was back at my desk at Smith Corp, supposedly working.
In reality, I was staring at my computer screen, re-reading the same email for the fifth time, my mind completely elsewhere.
Damian had texted me twenty minutes ago.
Damian:[Did you enjoy lunch, sweetheart p>
I bit my lip, typing back quickly p>
Me:[ It was fine. Stop distracting me p>
Damian:[ I haven’t even started distracting you yet. Wait until tonight p>
My breath hitched. God, this man.
Me:[Behave p>
Damian:[ Never p>
Damian:[ Picking you up at 5. Made reservations p>
Me:[ You don’t have to do that p>
Damian:[ I want to p>
My stomach fluttered just thinking about it.
I glanced at the clock. Still over an hour left. Plenty of time to—
I caught myself reaching for my lipstick and laughed.
God, I was acting like a teenager before prom.
But I couldn’t help it. I pulled out my compact anyway, checking my makeup, smoothing down my hair. I wanted to look good for him tonight.
A knock on my door startled me.
“Ms. Smith?” My assistant, Emily, poked her head in. “There’s a Ms. Crane here to see you. Says she has a major project proposal and specifically requested a meeting with you p>
I frowned. “Ms. Crane p>
“Vanessa Crane,” Jenna clarified, handing me a business card.
My stomach dropped.
Vanessa Crane. Riverside Pack. The same she-wolf who’d argued with me at the gala and nearly ruined my engagement party with Damian.
What the hell was she doing here?
I stared at the card, debating whether to just have Emily send her away.
But then again… The Crane family’s business operations were closely tied to V&A Group’s supply chain.
They were one of our key partners, though I’d heard rumors they were also negotiating with Blackwood Industries.
If this really was about business, turning her away outright could backfire.
And if Vanessa was here, it meant she wanted something.
And besides, I wasn’t about to let Vanessa Crane intimidate me on my own turf.
“Send her in,” I said finally.
Emily nodded and disappeared.