Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 151

Chapter 151

Aria’s POV

I couldn’t help it. I wrapped my arms around his neck too, my voice trembling.

“Zane… God, I missed you so much.”

He pulled back just enough to cup my face. “Let me look at you. How have you been?”

While he studied me, I was studying him as well.

He had lost some weight. And he looked more mature, too.

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When I first met Zane, he was that carefree rich boy who didn’t seem to give a damn about anything. He did crazy, reckless things just for fun.

But now… now he looked calmer. Sharper. There was a heaviness in his expression that reminded me uncomfortably of his devil brother. The spark in his eyes was dimmer, and it broke my heart.

Tears welled up before I could stop them. I covered my mouth and sobbed, “God…what did that bastard do to you?”

He laughed softly, like it was nothing. “Don’t worry. I made sure to give him some headaches too.”

“But Zane-”

“I know what I’m doing, Aria.” He cut me off, firm but gentle, pulling me back into his arms. “I don’t want you to cry for me. I just want you to be happy. To live free. That’s the only thing I’ve been fighting for. So no more tears, okay?”

I sniffled and nodded. He smiled and guided me to sit down at the table, keeping my hand in his.

“I want to hear everything that’s happened since we parted,” he said quietly, locking eyes with me. “I’ve heard enough rumors and fake news and it’s been killing me. Finally, now I get to hear the truth from you.”

I hesitated.

Honestly, I didn’t even know where to start.”

So much had happened since.

After we got separated, Grayson and I hit a rough patch. He refused to admit we were exclusive, and things only got worse after all that drama with Delilah and Jace. Then I saved Delilah, and only after that did Grayson finally realize his feelings for me and make our relationship public. But I lost my wolf at the same time, and I learned that my body was bound by a powerful curse,

And then… Isla came back.

While I was struggling to awaken my wolf again, I also had to face the return of his ex–wife. Every bit of hope

Chapter 151

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I’d built kept crumbling. Every time I survived an assassination attempt, another one came at me. It’s a miracle that I was still alive, breathing.

Thinking about all that now made me realize just how exhausted I really was.

If all those things couldn’t make Grayson choose me firmly, what else could I do?

“Zane, I… I don’t even know where to begin,” I murmured.

“Start with Isla,” he said darkly. “What did that woman do to you?”

I let out a long sigh. “You know how many assassination attempts she’s planned against me? I’ve honestly lost count. She keeps denying it, but it’s obvious she wants Grayson back–and that means she needs me gone. When she couldn’t kill me, she decided to throw me in prison instead, using this damn trial.”

Zane’s jaw clenched. “And Grayson just let it happen? He watched all this go down right under his nose?”

“He tried to protect me,” I said weakly. “But Isla managed to buy off some of his people. Even Grayson didn’t see it coming. And you know how she is–always pretending to be innocent. Everyone falls for it…”

“Stop making excuses for him, Aria!” Zane snapped. “If he really cared, he wouldn’t let any of this happen to you. It’s that simple!”

The words cut deep. I bit my lip, but he wasn’t done yet.

“I watched the whole damn trial live yesterday,” he continued bitterly. “Do you know what the people around me said? That anyone with eyes could see Isla’s guilty as hell. You think Grayson can’t tell that? He saw it, but he still abstained. He let that murderer walk free-”

“Stop it!” I jumped up and held my head. “Enough…I don’t need to hear that from you.”

But he didn’t stop. “He’s protecting that evil woman, can’t you see? He well knows what’ll happen if you lose this trial because you’re a commoner challenging a noble. You’ll be punished. Prison, or worse. Death. So wake up, Aria. The man you love wants you dead!”

The words sent a shiver through my whole body. I gripped the chair tightly, trembling. Then, all at once, I stood up.

“I…” My voice cracked. I swallowed hard before forcing the words out, “Zane, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, I really do. But I have things to do, so… I’m leaving.”

I pushed my chair back with a loud scrape and turned to go. But Zane caught my wrist.

“You’re mad at me? Because I said something bad about Grayson?” he snapped.

I spun around, glaring at him. “Yeah, maybe everything you said is true. But how the hell does that help me, Zane? I don’t need another person reminding me how pathetic I am!”

He tightened his grip. “I’m trying to make you stop dreaming about him. That heartless bastard will never protect you. But I can, Aria. I can protect you and I’m ready to do it.”

10:40 Thu, Oct 16

Chapter 151

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“How?” I snapped. “By giving up your Alpha title in exchange for Damian’s vote? I’m not letting you do that!”

“I know what I’m doing,” he said without hesitation. “As long as you’re safe, that title means nothing to me.”

“NO!” I shouted, almost choking. “You think giving it up will make Damian spare your life? He won’t! He’ll keep coming after you until you’re fucking dead! So don’t throw away your power for me. I won’t let you.”

He didn’t move. His blue eyes–those clear, beautiful eyes–stared right into mine, full of something deep and sincere. I couldn’t help but tremble under his gaze. I didn’t deserve a perfect man like him. I certainly didn’t deserve his love.

“What if I told you there’s another way?” he said suddenly. “A way to save you without giving up my claim?”

I frowned, confused. “What do you mean? There’s no way that

easy.”

“There is.”

He stepped closer, sliding a hand through my hair and cupping my face. His thumb brushed over my cheek, sending a chill down my spine.

“Marry me, Aria,” he whispered. “If you become my wife, you’ll be a noble too. Even if you lose the trial, you won’t be punished. That’s the law.”

My mind went blank instantly.

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