Chapter 224


    Chapter 224


    “I wasn’t look for him,” Leanne said, diverting her gaze.


    Devin, ever the social butterfly, didn’t wait for an invite to join their table; he just plopped down with his


    usual ir.


    Not only did he seat himself, but he also gestured for others to join.


    Joy, momentarily forgetting herints, stood with hands on hips, ring. “Did we say you could sit


    here?”


    Devin scoffed. “In Stonebridge, I’ve never needed permission to sit anywhere.”


    Joy retorted, “Why don’t you go sit on Curtis’ head then?”


    Caught off guard, Devin had to think fast. “If you think you’re brave enough to sit on Leanne’s head,


    well, I can y that game, too.”


    Leanne couldn’t help but ponder Joy’s proposition, feeling a mix of amusement and resignation. “…Just


    sit down.”


    “I can’t believe I couldn’t out-argue him,” Joy muttered, clearly annoyed. “Must be Austin throwing me


    off my game!”


    Devin nced at the drink menu with disdain, finding none to his, or as he put it, ‘Mr. Perez’s


    standards.’


    “What kind of bottom-shelf booze is this? Got any Dom Perignon?”


    The waiter shook his head. “We don’t carry that.”


    “Then go buy some,” Devin said, sliding over a ck card. “Spare no expense.”


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Normally, bars don’t run errands for customers, but sensing the vibe from this group clearly not your


    average patrons – the waiter took the card to the manager without protest.


    After ordering, Devin leaned towards Leanne, “Curtis likes this champagne.”


    –


    Then, covering his mouth and lowering his voice, he added, “He says it reminds him of you.”


    Leanne’s grip tightened on her cocktail ss, her ears burning with embarrassment.


    Thankfully, the dim, shifting lights of the bar concealed her flushed face. She gritted her teeth, “You


    didn’t have to tell me that.”


    “What are you guys talking about?” Joy leaned in, curious.


    “Nothing,” Leanne responded quickly.


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    Chapter


    Joy looked suspicious, but Devin, with a cocky lift of his eyebrow, draped one leg over the other.


    “Secrets between me and Leanne are none of your business.”


    He realized toote that hisment might have crossed a line.


    Jeremy knew Devin was brash but not bad at heart, especially loyal to Curtis like a true brother. He


    wasn’t trying to make Leanne ufortable.


    “Devin, mind your words,” Jeremy cautioned.


    Devin, the proverbial rebel, shot back, “Now you’re lecturing me?”


    Before he could continue, he felt a smack on the back of his head.


    Who dares to strike Mr. Perez?


    Turning around, ready to explode, he saw it was Curtis and immediately softened, “Bro.”


    Curtis, phone in hand, nced at Devin with a chilly look. “What secrets are you keeping with my wife?


    I’m all ears.”


    Devin swiftly stood, offering his seat to Curtis. “Our secrets are all about you,” he grinned, showing


    teeth.


    Curtis took the seat, his gaze settling on Leanne, who was fixated on her martini, not even looking up.


    Unaware Devin had just thrown him under the bus, Curtis thought Devin wasparing Leanne to


    Dom Perignon for its smooth yet bold character, a unique blend that’s irresistible – apliment,


    though ambiguously phrased.


    Curtis, who enjoyed teasing Leanne, unaware of the misunderstanding, smirked, “What’s so fascinating


    about that drink?”


    Leanne, without a word, poured her drink onto hisp.


    Curtis was speechless.