Page 76 of Devil's Delirium

He nodded, moving to the refrigerator, which was inside an immaculately organized space filled with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and neatly labeled containers. “I live here part-time with Lux and Stone.”

Outside the window, though it was dark, I could still make out the well-tended grounds. The lawn stretched out like a green carpet, interspersed with neatly trimmed shrubbery and winding pathways leading to the forest beyond. Moonlight draped the area in ethereal silver, accentuating the precise attention lavished on the landscape’s maintenance. It was clear we were in some kind of secluded mansion.

“Wow. Where are we?” I asked, my voice filled with wonder.

Taking in the opulence and elegance of the kitchen, I caught the smell of fresh herbs and citrus lingering in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of something sweet. There were a few interesting paintings on the walls, and a large island dominated the center of the room, complete with high-backed stools that invited conversation and camaraderie.

“Feels like a whole different world,” I murmured, still trying to wrap my head around the sudden change in surroundings.

He chuckled softly. “It kind of is…”

“Where?”

He gave me a tight grin, setting an ornate dish on the counter between us. “I’m afraid that’s a tightly guarded secret.”

“Oh. Are we talking like upstate or Tibet?”

He shook his head. “We’re not.” He gestured toward another room beyond the kitchen, illuminated by a soft glow. “Come on, let me show you around.”

As we moved through the kitchen, I couldn’t help but marvel at the luxury and comfort. The place exuded a warmth and elegance I’d never come close to in my life.

We crossed into a pleasant living room filled with leather and dark wooden furniture. Two men sat on opposite ends of two couches, facing a large-screen television. They turned to us, and Lux raised a hand in greeting. The other guy, who resembled a psychotic FBI agent, muted the volume, and they both stood up.

“Tess, this is Stone. You’ve met Lux. Stone, Tess.”

“Nice to meet you, Tess.” He was polite, but his jaw pulsed.

“Hey Tess, how are you?” asked Lux.

“I’m okay, thanks. You have a beautiful house here.”

“Thank you.”

“What’s going on, man?” asked Stone, looking at Maverick.

He shrugged. “Just came to get something I made earlier. We’re not staying.”

“Thank fuck, I’m planning on sleeping tonight.”

I gasped and threw my hand to my mouth, trying not to laugh in nervousness.

“Don’t think the distance will make any difference, dude.” Maverick snagged my hand and tugged me back to the kitchen.

I tried not to think too hard about the fact that not only did Maverick and I know that the plan was for a steamy night, but so did his best friends and roommates. “We’re not staying here?” I whispered.

He didn’t bother to keep his voice down. “Nah, I’ve got a place in the city that’s more private.” He handed me a spoon.

I raised my eyebrows. “Okay then.” I pointed at the dish. “What’s this?”

“Hope you like passionfruit.” He picked up the lid, revealing a perfect slice of cheesecake with passionfruit compote slathered over the top.

“Oh. My. Goddess. This is my favorite.”

He beamed at my declaration. “Good, dig in then.”

“How did you know?” I peered up at him, my brain sputtering, and he motioned again for me to try it. I dug in for a small spoonful first, and when it reached my tongue, I had to close my eyes, which were rolling into the back of my head because it was so delicious. “Where did you get this?”

He didn’t answer, and it wasn’t until I opened my eyes to see him and noticed his hooded eyes to understand why. There was no mistaking what he thought of my moaning around a spoonful of cheesecake. “What if I said I made it?”

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