Page 19 of The Devil In Disguise

Kylo vexes me, yet I can’t help but notice that when he’s around all my mental turmoil disappears. Ignoring his jab because I certainly don’t want him either, I move on.

“Whatever you say. Anyway, since you are here, I need clothes and groceries at the very least if I’m going to be staying here. Also, how long am I supposed to be staying? I don’t even know if I have a job,” I rush out all at once.

“Woah, slow down. You don’t have a job anymore and I don’t know how long you’ll be here, yet.”

“I don’t even have a phone! And you should know how long this arrangement is going to last.”

“You are welcome to stay for as long as you’d like. At least until you can get back on your feet properly. Once you’re healthy we can worry about finding a job for you. In the meantime, I’ll take care of your necessities. Sound good?”

“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I just need access to my stuff. Where is all my stuff? This can’t be it.”

His jaw ticks and it almost isn’t noticeable. “We will go get new stuff for you. I gotta run, we can finish this conversation next time I see you,” is all he responds with.

“I need answers, Kylo!” I shout at his retreating form. He doesn’t deign me with a response, walking out and shutting the door behind him. I groan and slam my fist into the door where I had him pinned not too long ago.

That man is infuriating. Whenever he comes around me, my pulse skyrockets and a little voice in my head chants, him! It’s him! But what about him? All that does is add more fury to my fire.

Why was he even here? I’m pretty sure I asked him, but I don’t remember if I did or what he would have answered.

I hate this. I hate him and the way he makes me feel. I hate the confusion. I hate all of it.

Am I going crazy? If I’m not, I have a feeling I will soon.

I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. I will not spiral. We will not spiral. I blow my breath out. I am okay. We are okay. Opening my eyes, the verdant landscape outside of the window grabs my full attention.

Maybe I’ll explore the grounds today, see what else is around here or how deep the forest goes.

A loud grumble from my stomach reminds me of what my plans were before I was rudely interrupted. It doesn’t take me long to whip up a quick breakfast and get ready to tackle the day. The kitchen clock reads eight thirty-two by the time I’m ready to walk out the door. I only hope the day goes by quickly.

As soon as I turn to walk around the guesthouse I’m occupying, I’m met with a large, black Doberman sitting on the corner of the house next to mine, watching me. He looks vicious, but that does nothing to stop me wanting to cuddle him—I’ve always wanted a dog.

“Hi there, sweet boy. What are you doing out here?” I ask, knowing I won’t get an answer. He stares at me with an almost bored expression, but since he doesn’t know who I am, I shouldn’t risk getting too close.

Steeling my spine, I turn the corner and my steps falter when I see at least a dozen men scattered across the two fields between the four houses. Some of them seem to be sparring while others seem to do basic training routines.

What the fuck is this?

Maybe one of them will talk to me. Then I’ll ask why they seem to be training for the damn military. With slow steps, I scan the faces that I’m able to see, trying to find the friendliest face possible. I would have better luck finding a needle in a haystack. Most of them seem standoffish and avoid eye contact when I pass by.

A low whistle sounds from close behind me. Suddenly there’s a tall, muscular man to my left. “Is the little lamb lost?” he coos.

“No.” I move to face him, noticing a malicious glint in his eyes. This guy doesn’t seem like someone who would give me any answers I’m looking for. “Just passing through.”

Don’t trust anyone. The phrase invades my head, sending goosebumps down my back despite the warm sun beaming on me.

Getting closer to me, he lowers his voice. “I didn’t know we could get a taste before the show.” He drags a finger up my arm, but before he even gets halfway, I step away.

“Nothing to taste here.”

The sweaty man openly leers at me and licks his lips. “If you think there’s something special about you because you’re here, there isn’t. So, you can give in like the slut you are or you can fight me.” His voice drops to a whisper. “If you fight me, I might enjoy it more.”

The open crudeness catches me way off guard. All the heat in my body rushes up to my neck and ears, my fists tightening on their own accord. I have half a mind to stab this pig to death right where he stands.

Who does he think he is?

This isn’t your territory. You don’t know where you are or what he’s capable of. That thought alone is what has me saying, “There isn’t a chance in hell for you to get your filthy hands on me.”

Whatever cocksure comment he was gonna make flies out the window when another shorter man calls from a distance. “Eli, are you coming to do the drop or not?”

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