Page 60 of Aria

A chill encompassed the table, and I almost spit my drink as I turned to face my boyfriend. “Devon, please. That was completely unnecessary—not to mention, untrue.”

“More importantly, what do you mean I’m a distraction?” Julia demanded. She sat up straight and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ll have you know I rock his world, buddy. I guarantee you he’s not thinking about your girlfriend.”

Devon shrugged, then leaned back in his chair as if nothing had happened.

“You know, this is rich coming from you,” Noah continued. He twirled his whiskey glass between his fingers, seemingly unfazed by the accusation. “If we’re on the topic of boundaries, I have an interesting story I could share.”

Devon’s eyes finally reflected something other than apathy. He set his phone on the table and scratched his head. “I think I’m ready for the check. You guys good?” He looked pointedly my way.

“Uh… yeah. I’m ready when you are,” I said, turning my gaze toward Lisa. Lisa looked equally confused, but Miles had a smirk on face as if he knew exactly what Noah had implied.

“Sure.” Noah reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He tossed several one-hundred-dollar bills onto the table as he rose to his feet, holding his hand out to Julia. “You coming?”

Julia jumped out of her seat while she adjusted the straps of her cocktail dress. She reached for her designer purse, blowing a kiss to the table. “Goodnight, everyone. I’m off to have mind-blowing sex.”

Eww.I wasn’t sure why, but the thought of Noah and Julia together made my insides coil with unease. “Have fun,” I forced out.

I guess I couldn’t shake the feeling that Noah deserved… better?

Shitty.

I was a shitty person for thinking that. What kind of a friend was I? Why did I evencarewho Noah slept with?

When my friends began to disperse, I gathered my leftovers and followed Devon out to his car. The drive home was made in silence, and it was the kind of silence I didn’t dare break—the kind that penetrates the air, thick with tension and unanswered questions. If I were to speak, the sound of my own voice would be so jarring, it would fracture my entire essence.

It wasthatkind of silence.

So, I just sat there with my thoughts and questions, bubbling with anxiety, addled with impatience. Every minute felt like a lifetime, and every mile felt like an eternity.

Luckily, that eternity came to an end when we were finally standing face-to-face in Devon’s luxury condominium. The sound of his keys clanking against the glass entry table had been kind enough to break the harrowing silence.

“Well, that was—” Before I could finish my sentence, he was on me. He was pulling at my dress as he backed me down the hallway and into the bedroom. “Devon, what…”

My words were cut short again by his lips. His tongue dove into my mouth, tasting my questions, worries, and doubts. Devon was never aggressive with me—our lovemaking was gentle. Unhurried. This was…different.

Devon flipped me around, tossing me face-first onto the bed. He yanked up my dress and a sense of panic crept in.

This felt too familiar.

“Do you like it rough?”

His voice was alarming. He didn’t sound like himself. I tried to pull myself back up, but Devon pressed me onto the bed with a firm hand while the other unlatched his belt buckle.

I gathered my strength, twisting my body until I was lying on my back. “Get off me, Devon. I don’t want it like this.” My heart was pounding. Beads of sweat were trickling down my forehead. Visions of Ian flashed through my mind as my breathing became more labored, more desperate.

It felt like I couldn’t breathe at all.

I drew into a sitting position as Devon backed away. My chest heaved. I was clawing at my throat with shaky hands, attempting to get my breathing under control.

It had been years since I’d had a panic attack.

“Shit, are you okay?” Devon asked, his eyes gleaming with worry. He zipped his pants back up and sat beside me on the bed, wrapping a strong arm around me. “God, I’m so fucking sorry.”

I closed my eyes. I needed to compose myself. Devon had no idea his aggressive sexual advances would trigger deep-seated memories. Hecouldn’tknow.

I hadn’t told him any of that.

“I – I’m fine. I’m sorry,” I croaked out as my breaths began to steady.

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