Chapter 415
Chapter 415
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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Chapter 415
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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Chapter 415
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
