Page 54 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

“What can I say? I’m a man on a mission.” He chuckles. “Come on, where’s that fearless Aria I admire from afar?”

Despite my better judgment screaming at me to stay put, I’m intrigued. “Alright, Einstein. I’ll be there in twenty. Try not to remodel the whole block before I arrive.”

I hang up and stare at my phone, feeling like I’m standing on the edge of a cliff. Quinn’s enthusiasm is infectious, but Dash’s scent—citrus and ocean breeze—still lingers in my nostrils, mixing confusingly with thoughts of Quinn’s lavender and bergamot. It’s like my brain is hosting the world’s most confusing perfume party.

Shaking my head, I grab my jacket and keys. I need a distraction, and Quinn’s salon makeover might be just the thing—or it might be another complication in my already overly complicated life. There’s only one way to find out.

As I lock up, I glance down the empty hallway, half expecting to see a rumpled Dash still camped out. The corridor is deserted, and I’m not sure if I’m relieved or disappointed. Welcome to the emotional roller coaster that is my life.

The crisp autumn air hits me as I step outside, and I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head. By the time I reach the storefront, I’ve almost convinced myself that I’m excited about this new venture with Quinn.

Almost.

I round the corner and stop dead in my tracks. The storefront is unrecognizable, like it went through puberty overnight and came out the other side looking like a movie star. Gone is the faded awning and peeling paint. In its place stands a sleek, modern facade with floor to ceiling windows that gleam in the afternoon sun. A stylish sign proclaims “Aria’s Oasis” in elegant script. My name is right there for everyone to see. It’s surreal, and for a moment, I’m overwhelmed by the implications.

This is real.

This is happening.

I’m terrified.

Quinn is bouncing on his toes outside the salon, looking like a kid who’s had way too much sugar. The street bustles with theusual noise—honking cars, chattering pedestrians, and the hum of city life—but all I can focus on is the gleam in Quinn’s eyes.

“You made it.” He grins, looking like he’s about to burst. “Ready for the grand reveal?”

I arch an eyebrow, trying to play it cool even though my heart’s doing the cha-cha. “You’ve hyped it up, so let’s see if it lives up to the Quinn standard of excellence.”

We step inside, and I stop, stunned. The musty smell is gone, replaced by the fresh scent of paint and possibility. The walls, once drab and uninspiring, now pop with a soothing sage green. Boxes are everywhere, some open to reveal sleek, gleaming salon chairs and shiny new sinks. It’s like someone took all my daydreams and made them real.

“Holy shit,” I murmur, turning in a slow circle. “Quinn, this is… wow. Did you sell your soul to a home improvement demon or something?”

He beams, pride radiating off him like a radioactive glow. “Right? I couldn’t wait to show you. Look at this.” He leads me to a corner where a living wall has been installed, lush greenery cascading down like a tiny jungle oasis. “For that zen vibe we talked about, because nothing says ‘relax’ like the constant fear of plant murder, right?”

I run my fingers over a soft leaf, marveling at the texture and coolness. “It’s perfect, and these colors are exactly what I had in mind. Are you sure you didn’t hack into my brain while I was sleeping?”

I turn to Quinn, a mixture of awe and gratitude washing over me. “Damn, Quinn. It’s… It’s incredible, and the name… Aria’s Oasis… I don’t know what to say. I’m not usually this speechless. You might want to record this moment for posterity.”

He shrugs, but I see the pleasure in his eyes. “When I’m inspired, I work fast, and you, Aria, are very inspiring. The name… Well, this place is going to be your sanctuary, isn’t it?Your oasis. A place where you can hide from all the alpha drama and maybe occasionally cut some hair.”

There’s a weight to his words that makes me pause. I glance away, suddenly aware of how close we’re standing. “Well, you’ve certainly outdone yourself. I’m impressed and slightly terrified of what you could accomplish if you ever decide to take over the world.”

Quinn takes a step closer, his voice dropping low. “There’s more. Come see the treatment rooms. I promise they aren’t secret lairs for my world domination plans.”

As he leads me toward the back, I can’t help but notice the way his hand hovers near the small of my back, not quite touching but close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his palm. It’s an intimate gesture, one that sends a confusing mix of excitement and unease through me, because apparently, my body has decided to be a traitor today.

The treatment rooms are just as stunning as the main area, each one a cocoon of tranquility with soft lighting and soothing colors. As Quinn shows me around, pointing out features and asking for my opinion, I find myself relaxing as I get caught up in his enthusiasm.

“So what do you think?” he asks, turning to face me. “Is it everything you dreamed of? Or did I miss the ball pit and chocolate fountain?”

I nod, a smile spreading across my face. “It’s perfect, Quinn. Really. I can’t thank you enough, though now I kind of want a chocolate fountain.”

He takes my hand, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. The gentle touch sends a shiver through me, and I find myself caught in Quinn’s intense gaze. He glances at my lips, and for a moment, I think he might kiss me. My heart races, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty swirling in my chest, becauseapparently, I’ve decided to audition for the lead role inAria’s Complicated Life: The Saga Continues.

A loud crash from the main room breaks the spell. We jump apart, and I let out a shaky breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Saved by the bell. Or the crash. Whatever.

“What was that?” I ask, grateful for the distraction. “Did gravity suddenly increase while we weren’t looking?”

Quinn frowns, heading toward the door. “Probably just one of the workers. Let me check. Try not to rearrange all the furniture while I’m gone.”

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