Page 88 of Filthy Devil

His eyes slide down my body, then shift back up to meet my own. “This deal goes the way I want it to, then that won’t happen. The deal doesn’t. All fucking bets are off.”

I suck in a breath then lean down slightly. My brows furrow together before I speak. I have one more question, and then I’m going to get into his car because those assholes are getting closer… and louder.

“Is your word good, Gil?”

“Yeah, babe. It’s good.”

“Then promise me nothing happens to Nash or his family. Not ever. Not even if this deal goes bad.”

His eyes are wide, his brows rising to his hairline, and he lets out a grunt before his lips curve up into a grin. “What happens to you if this deal goes bad?” he asks. “You want me to do all this shit, but what’s in it for me?”

“Is the deal going to go bad?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “No.”

“Then it doesn’t matter what happens to me.”

And with that, I hurry to the backseat and slide inside, closing the door. Gil takes off just as those assholes approach the car. I’m not sure where he’s going, and right now, I don’t think I care as long as he goes. As long as Nash is safe. As long as his family is safe.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-FOUR

JAMES

Maybe for thesecond time in my life, I haven’t completely fucked everything up. But only maybe, because I’m not sure. Gil drives toward a hotel, a really nice one. Like, so nice it’s got valet.

A few moments later, I’m out of the car, barefooted and all as I walk through the lobby. I can see the looks of the other guests out of the corners of my eyes.

I almost laugh, because I think I’ve seen this movie before. I’m not a hooker, but this short dress and no shoes makes me look like I could be one.

We make our way up to the penthouse. This doesn’t surprise me. Gil doesn’t seem like someone who would have a double queen room. Of course, he’s got the penthouse. It’s really nice, too, but it’s sterile and cold. It’s nothing like Nash’s house.

I already miss it.

“You want some dinner?” he asks as soon as we walk into the living area.

“I’m not hungry,” I whisper as I move toward the window.

I hear Gil murmuring in the background. I ignore him, staring out at the darkness. A few moments later, I hear him approach, but he doesn’t get close enough to touch me. I can’t even feel his heat.

“It’s the ocean,” he rasps. “It’s pretty in the daylight.”

“I haven’t been to the ocean yet,” I whisper.

There’s a moment of silence. I don’t know if he’s looking at me or just standing behind me. I don’t care either. I want Nash to be here. Gil clears his throat, and that’s when I turn around to face him.

“As much as I want to keep you here in an effort to make Nash sweat, I don’t think it’s something he would appreciate.”

“And you want him to appreciate you?” I ask.

He chuckles, lifting his head as he slides his fingers through his hair. “Yes, I do,” he murmurs. “I want this deal to go through. It’s mutually beneficial, and I have my own woman. So taking you wasn’t ever my endgame anyway.”

“What’s your endgame, Gil?” I ask.

He shakes his head, then clears his throat. “I could tell you, but I’m not going to.”

Pressing my lips together, I roll them a few times before taking a step backward. My back touches the window as I wait for him to continue. He claims he’s not going to tell me anything, but I can tell he wants to.

---