The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 108

Aveline

The cool night air hit my face as Luna and I stumbled out of the bar, and I immediately felt some of the alcohol-induced haze begin to clear. The street was surprisingly quiet for a Friday evening, just the distant hum of traffic and the soft click of our heels on the pavement.

"Are you completely insane?" Luna's voice cut through the silence, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and disbelief. She grabbed my arm, forcing me to face her. "You bit him? You actually bit a man in the middle of a crowded bar?"

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep in my chest. The absurdity of the entire situation was finally hitting me, and somehow it felt liberating rather than embarrassing.

"I only bit him once!" I said, waving my hand dismissively. "It's not like I mauled him or anything. He deserved it—no, he more than deserved it!"

"Aveline—"

"The audacity of that man!" I continued, my voice gaining strength as the righteous anger returned. "He was completely out of line tonight. And then he had the nerve to kiss me like... like he owned me or something!"

Luna stared at me for a long moment, her expression shifting from concern to something that looked suspiciously like recognition. Then her eyes went wide.

"Oh my God," she breathed, pressing a hand to her forehead. "I just realized—now that I think about it clearly—that was Orion Blackwell, wasn't it? That's who you were fighting with in there!"

I shrugged, taking another sip of my drink. "Trust me, he's nothing like his reputation."

"Aveline, how the hell did you get tangled up with Orion Blackwell?" Luna's voice pitched higher with excitement and worry. "Do you have any idea who that man is? He's not just some random guy you can bite in bars without consequences!"

I waved my hand dismissively, my voice flat and unbothered. "He's the father of my favorite student, if you must know. It's complicated, Luna. Really, really complicated."

"Complicated how? And don't give me some vague answer—I want details!"

Before I could respond, Luna's expression shifted again, this time to one of mischievous curiosity. A slow smile spread across her face.

"Although," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "I have to ask—if you were so angry at him, why did you kiss him back like your life depended on it?"

Heat flooded my cheeks. "I did not—"

"Oh please," Luna interrupted, grinning now. "I was watching the whole thing. You melted into that man like butter on warm bread. That was not the kiss of someone who was purely angry."

I pressed my palms against my face, groaning. She was right, and we both knew it. The moment Orion's mouth had touched mine, every rational thought had fled my brain. My body had responded to him with an intensity that was both thrilling and terrifying.

Images flashed through my mind unbidden—Orion's hands on my skin in the hotel room, the way he'd held me during those stolen moments, the heat that seemed to ignite between us every time we touched. Even now, just thinking about it, I could feel that familiar pull, that magnetic attraction that seemed to override every logical instinct I possessed.

"It was just... biology," I said weakly, dropping my hands. "Physical reaction. Nothing more."

Luna's eyebrows shot up. "Physical reaction? Honey, that looked like a lot more than—"

"Speaking of physical reactions," I interrupted quickly, desperate to change the subject, "shouldn't your boyfriend be here by now? You said he was coming to pick us up because you were worried about handling drunk me on your own."

Luna glanced at her phone and smiled. "Actually, he should be here any minute. I texted him while you were busy assaulting Manhattan's most eligible bachelor."

As if summoned by her words, the low purr of an expensive engine filled the quiet street. I turned to see a sleek black Bentley pulling up to the curb, its chrome details gleaming under the streetlights. The car screamed money and taste—exactly the kind of vehicle I'd expect Luna's mysterious wealthy boyfriend to drive.

The driver's door opened, and a tall figure emerged with practiced elegance. Even in the dim light, I could make out the expensive cut of his suit, the confident way he moved as he walked around the car toward us.

"My darling Luna," he said, his voice carrying a familiar accent that made my breath catch. "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting. You said you needed help with—"

The man stepped into the pool of light from the streetlamp, and my world tilted sideways.

"Laurent?" I stared at him in complete shock, my mouth falling open. "What the hell are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Europe expanding our markets and making me ridiculously wealthy?"

Laurent's handsome face broke into a delighted grin as he recognized me. Before I could protest, he swept me into an enthusiastic embrace, spinning me around once before setting me back on my feet.

"Aveline! Mon dieu, what a wonderful surprise!" He held me at arm's length, his dark eyes sparkling with genuine joy. "I cannot believe my Luna's mysterious friend is you! What are the chances?"

"Luna's mysterious—" I turned to stare at my best friend, who was watching our reunion with obvious amusement. "Luna, this is your boyfriend? The one you've been gushing about for weeks?"

"Surprise!" Luna laughed, clearly delighted by the turn of events. "Though I have to say, I never expected you two to know each other. Small world, right?"

"Small world indeed," Laurent agreed, though his expression grew slightly sheepish. "Aveline, ma chérie, I owe you an explanation about the European expansion..."

"You certainly do," I said, crossing my arms. "I was expecting to be sipping champagne on my private yacht by now, living off the profits of our incredibly successful international business ventures."

Laurent ran a hand through his dark hair, looking genuinely apologetic. "I'm afraid I've been somewhat... distracted by matters of the heart. I met Luna, and suddenly the thought of leaving New York became impossible. Our business expansion may have to be delayed just a bit longer."

"A bit longer?" I raised an eyebrow. "Laurent, I'm starting to think you're using me as an excuse to avoid actual work."

"Never!" he protested, but his grin was unrepentant. "Though I must admit, love has made me reconsider my priorities."

Luna stepped forward, linking her arm through Laurent's with obvious affection. "As much as I love watching you two catch up, maybe we should continue this conversation in the car? It's getting cold, and Aveline has had quite a bit to drink tonight."

"Of course," Laurent agreed immediately, moving to open the rear door of the Bentley. "We can drop you off at home and—"

"Wait," Luna interrupted, squinting through the bar's large windows. "Is that Orion in there? He looks like he's completely passed out at the table."