Page 101 of The Devil's Deal

Bang.

The sound of a bullet punctures through the air, hitting him right in the temple.

Chiara gasps.

“Call the cleanup crew,” I tell Miles as I drop the gun next to the body and go to Chiara, who can’t stop staring at the dead body on the floor.

“No problem, sir,” he responds.

I’ve never needed my cleaners at the house before, but there’s a first time for everything. They’re the best out there, and know how to dispose of a body and all the evidence.

My clothes are covered with his blood. I need them off so they can get rid of them too, along with hers. They’re usually quick to show up, especially for the amount I pay.

“Come on, baby. Let’s get cleaned up.” I pick her up off the bed and carry her out.

She remains silent, her head on my shoulder, my jacket still around her.

“Don’t be scared of me,” I say. “I’d never hurt you.”

My heart thunders in my chest at the thought of her fearing me like she did the bastard who dared to put his hands on her.

“I’m…I’m not scared.”

She gazes up at me with eyes drowning in sorrow, and I want to dry her ocean of tears.

“I just need a shower and…”

Her trembling hand lands over her mouth as I kick the door of my room open.

“I don’t know.” Her voice cracks a little, and her brows knit tightly with waves of emotion.

“It’s okay. You’re safe now. I'll always protect you.”

She nods, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.

“I didn’t think you’d get there in time. I thought he’d…” She sucks in a harsh breath as the tears continue to fall.

My own damn heart cracks right along with hers.

How could I have let this happen?!

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to begin with, baby.” I hold her tighter. “I should’ve never sent you up here alone. I swear to you, no man will ever hurt you again. You hear me?”

“It’s not your fault.” A battered breath leaves her as she looks up at me.

Of course it is.

If she hadn’t been in my home to begin with, this wouldn’t have happened. But I had no choice. She had to be here.

I slowly place her feet down on the floor. “Let’s get you showered, okay?”

She nods as her trembling hands slip my jacket off her body. Grabbing it, I try hard not to stare at her breasts, making sure I look at her face instead.

But then I see her bruised lip and I rage again, clenching a fist against my thigh.

How could you let this happen under your damn watch?!What good are all these men and these fucking cameras when you can’t keep the woman you care about safe?

“Brian? Did you hear me?” she asks, her soft hand slipping into mine.

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