Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 182

**TITLE: Wore 182**

**Chapter 182**

**Aria’s POV**

I had encountered that particular expression on his face more times than I could count. It reminded me of the moments spent with Zane or any other man who dared to enter my life.

In those fleeting instances, I used to feel a rush of flattery. After all, it was a testament to the fact that he cared, wasn’t it? A girl like me, capable of igniting jealousy in Grayson Hart—how magnificent was that realization?

But with time, I began to see the truth behind that look. It wasn’t rooted in any genuine feelings for me. Instead, it stemmed from a twisted desire for control and possession that Grayson harbored deep within him.

And perhaps, just perhaps, I could turn that very realization to my advantage.

In a bold move, I lifted my hand, allowing my fingers to glide gently over Rhys’s cheek before trailing behind his ear. He appeared taken aback, raising an inquisitive eyebrow, yet he didn’t pull away from my touch.

“What’s the matter? Do I have sauce smeared on my face too?” he quipped, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Well… yeah… something like that…” I mumbled, my gaze still fixated on Grayson.

He remained a cold specter, watching us with a chilling intensity, his expression darkening as we stood in close proximity. My plan was working splendidly. I turned to Rhys, offering him a bright smile. “Shall we find somewhere else to talk?”

“Absolutely,” he replied with a nod, his demeanor shifting to one of eagerness.

We stepped out of the packhouse and into the serene garden, eventually settling into a quiet nook behind a laurel tree, where the world felt distant and muted.

Rhys was the only member of the family with whom I felt a genuine sense of ease. Perhaps it was because he was the only one who seemed to possess a functioning brain amidst the chaos.

“Did I give you what you wanted back there?” he inquired, a teasing lilt in his voice.

“Umm… what do you mean?” I replied, slightly puzzled.

“Come on. Don’t play coy. You were clearly using me to provoke Alpha Grayson’s jealousy,” he stated, a knowing smile creeping onto his face.

My heart skipped a beat, and I froze, my cheeks flushing a fiery red. Just like that, my sneaky little scheme had been exposed.

“I’m kind of honored, actually, knowing I can stir up jealousy in Alpha Grayson,” he said, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk.

“I-I am so sorry… I didn’t mean for it to come off that way. I mean, you’re my cousin, right? I shouldn’t have done that,” I stammered, feeling the weight of my awkwardness.

“But you do realize that cousins in royal families are permitted to marry, right? In fact, it’s encouraged to maintain the purity of the bloodline,” he added, his tone teasing yet serious.

Panic surged through me. I had no idea about that.

Noticing the shock etched on my face, he continued, “Which means you could choose either me or Ori—”

“NO! Definitely not Orion!” I blurted out, cutting him off before he could finish. “God, no! I’d rather marry an ogre than Orion!”

His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and in that moment, I realized that my vehement rejection of Orion might have inadvertently sounded like I was opting for Rhys instead.

“No. Not you either!” My face burned even hotter. I stumbled over my words, “Not you, and definitely not Orion. I just wanted to make Grayson mad. I wasn’t thinking straight. I’m really sorry…”

“I don’t mind, you know?” he shrugged, a relaxed smile on his lips. “If helping you strengthens our alliance, I’m more than happy to assist.”

Gradually, I felt my tension dissipate.

It was evident that Rhys was extending an olive branch, but why? What motivated him to offer his help?

So, I decided to voice my curiosity. “Why would you want to help me? Your mother despises me.”

“She loathes your mother. And that hatred stems from her delusion that she still has a chance at becoming Alpha. But let’s be real—Grandmother would never consider someone as foolish as her,” he remarked, his tone almost cruel.

His biting words caught me off guard. How could he speak about his own mother in such a manner?

“So you’re seeking allies outside your immediate family?” I mused, studying him intently.

“Exactly. Men aren’t allowed to wield real power in this pack. If I aspire to rise, I need a formidable alliance,” he replied, his golden-brown eyes locking onto mine as he stepped closer. “Aunt Tamsin and Maeve are equally hopeless. I was nearly at my wit’s end… until I met you, Aria Collins.”

We stood unnervingly close now. I could even detect the fresh scent of mint that clung to him.

I frowned and instinctively took a step back, my calf brushing against the rose bushes behind me. Yet, he closed the distance, stepping forward.

“Too close,” I warned, placing a hand on his chest to halt him.

He seized the opportunity, pressing his hand over mine. Through my palm, I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

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