Page 39 of The Devil In Disguise

New emotions take over and the small praise has a lump forming in my throat. All I can manage is a nod.

He passes me a water bottle that he must have grabbed at some point—that must’ve been what he held to my neck. “Drink,” he commands.

Half of the bottle is gone before I manage to look him in the eye again. “You smell good,” I mumble, then speak up before he can comment. “How did you get in here?”

“I have a key, remember? Ace was barking uncontrollably outside your door and I’ve learned to trust him over the years.” That’s when I notice Ace sitting patiently at the end of the couch on the floor.

“Come here, boy.” I pat the free spot on the couch next to me and he snuggles into my side instantly, as if he was waiting on me to give him the okay. Wrapping my arms around him in a bear hug, I release a comforting sigh.

“Get dressed, princess, we’re going on a magic carpet ride.”

Peeling myself off of Ace, I sit up and eye him inquisitively. “Where are we going?”

“Do you still have your helmet?” I nod. “Good, just get dressed and grab your helmet, then meet me outside.”

“Okay…” I drag out the word. He plants a tender kiss on the top of my head before walking out, Ace following closely behind him. The act was so out of character for him, it keeps me stunned in place long after he’s gone.

When I look at my reflection in the mirror I’m horrified. Did I look this crazy the entire time he was here?

There’s nothing I can do about it now, so I wash my face and push the thought out of my head. Throwing on a casual, but comfortable outfit, my hair in a low ponytail, and my new boots on, excitement runs through my veins when I pick up my helmet. It’s been too long since I’ve been on a bike, I miss it so much.

Now I know how Jasmine felt when Aladdin took her for a ride. When I drive, I’m in control and it’s amazing. But to hand over the control to someone else is liberating in a new way I don’t think I’ve ever felt before.

My arms are wrapped tightly around Kylo as he maneuvers us through the roads with ease. His muscles are hard under my touch as I accidentally roam my hands around. I bet his usual backpack isn’t this handsy, but I can’t help myself.

We stop to get breakfast sandwiches then park outside a cute little bookstore, tucked away on a side street. I pull my helmet off excitedly, buzzing with energy. When Kylo takes his helmet off I jump on him, giving him a big hug, not able to contain my happiness—he really does smell delicious, it’s so addicting I want to lick him. The two books I got from the mall have been read and reread a couple of times by now and I’ve been itching for a new book.

“Thank you, Kylo,” I whisper, hoping he understands that I’m thanking him for more than just the trip to the bookstore. Craning my head back to look into his eyes, I rest my forehead on his. I’m rewarded with a breathtaking smile from him, dimples prominent. Stuffing down the urge to pull him in for a kiss, I wiggle out of his arms and we go inside.

In the back of my head, I realize that with Kylo I feel cared for and safe. Always.

While I take my time browsing through all the sections—mainly the romance section—Kylo stays near at all times, but gives me my space, busying himself with his phone. He told me to buy as many books as I want, but mentally I gave myself a limit of four. That didn’t stop me from obsessing over all the good books I came across.

The ambience here makes me so happy, just the smell of books can put a smile on my face. After having an employee help me find a certain author, I strike up a small conversation then ask her if they are hiring. This is somewhere I can see myself working happily. She walks me to her desk and has me fill out an application, informing me that someone will get in touch with me soon if they decide to move forward.

After checking out the books that I finally settled on, Kylo and I take up a spot in the back of the room and I read the first two chapters of my favorite book out loud to him. Assuming that I’m boring him to death, I suggest heading out.

As soon as I stand, Kylo pushes me up against the nearest bookshelf and kisses me slowly, languidly, until he’s ravaging my mouth and has to pull himself away.

It was nothing like the way he usually kisses me, but somehow still full of passion and fire.

It’s explosive, but sweet.

He has the power to burn my world down, I just hope he never lights the match.

“I can listen to you talk for hours, don’t ever think you bore me,” he rasps, catching his breath.

A blush creeps up my neck, I feel like a teenager with a crush. With a hand on my lower back, he guides us outside, suggesting we walk around the corner to an ice cream shop he knows about. I’m lost in conversation with Kylo when I hear a familiar voice shout from behind us.

“Amaris, is that you? What are you doing on this side of the bridge?”

I whirl around to face a man much shorter and skinnier than Kylo in a light-colored suit, looking professional with his espresso brown hair styled to one side. His dark, brown eyes ring a bell in my head, but I can’t place where I know him from. Kylo stiffens beside me.

“I’m sorry, do I know you?”

The man is visibly offended and kind of pissed. “Real mature, Amaris. Enough with the games. You left me for this guy, really?”

Kylo steps in front of me, towering at his full height—he almost seems taller than normal—blocking my view while my mind whirls with confusion.

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