Page 18 of Devlin

Krista’s heart raced. She had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. The narrow alley walls closed in around her, and she felt cornered, trapped like a rat. Enzo’s finger tightened on the trigger.

Just then, a shadow moved at the alley’s entrance. Devlin, in a fluid motion, appeared behind Enzo. Before Enzo could react, Devlin’s hand came down hard on his wrist, twisting it until the gun clattered to the ground.

Enzo cried out, trying to wrench free, but Devlin was relentless. He delivered a swift punch to Enzo’s gut, making him double over in pain. With another decisive move, Devlin kicked the gun far out of reach and pressed Enzo against the wall.

“You’re done,” Devlin hissed, his voice ice-cold.

Krista watched, her breath catching in her throat. The tension was palpable, the air thick with danger. Enzo struggled, but Devlin’s grip was unyielding.

Finally, with a last desperate effort, Enzo tried to break free, only to be slammed back against the wall, his head hitting the brick with a sickening thud. Enzo slumped, unconscious, and Devlin let him fall to the ground. He turned to Krista, his eyes blazing with intensity.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softening slightly.

Krista nodded, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She couldn’t believe what had just happened, how close she had come to the end. She took a shaky breath, locking her gaze with Devlin’s.

“You saved my life,” she whispered, the reality sinking in.

Devlin stepped closer, his hand gently brushing her cheek. “I told you, Krista. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

She looked up at him, her fear slowly ebbing away, replaced by a strange sense of safety and trust. Despite the chaos, despite the danger, she felt secure in his presence.

Devlin didn’t need to come. He could’ve left everything to Mark and Tony, but she suspected he was here because he was worried about her.

Devlin pulled her into a fierce embrace, holding her close. She felt his warmth, his strength, and for a moment, she let herself relax. The world around them faded away, and all that mattered was this moment.

“Come with me,” Devlin murmured into her hair, his voice soothing.

Krista nodded, knowing she couldn’t go back to her apartment tonight. She didn’t think she would feel safe there anymore, especially knowing Phantom was watching the place.

“Okay,” she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they walked back to his car, she couldn’t help but ask, “What’s going to happen to Enzo?”

She assumed Mark or Tony would take care of him. Devlin’s expression darkened, and she almost regretted asking.

“I still have plans for Enzo,” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for further questions.

Krista shivered, understanding what he meant. She did wonder why he didn’t kill Enzo right away. Devlin Arrow didn’t have a single merciful bone in his body. He probably wanted to question Enzo before getting rid of him.

In the safety of Devlin’s car, Krista leaned back, letting out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. Devlin glanced over at her, his hand finding hers and squeezing gently.

“You’ve done your part. You’re safe now,” he assured her, and for some reason, Krista believed him.

Chapter Eight

“Where do I put this, boss?” asked Mark, holding one of the boxes carrying Krista’s clothes.

Devlin nodded to the corner of his living room, and Mark complied, setting the box down gently. The room was already half-filled with other boxes. Krista didn’t own a much, so it wasn’t much of an imposition.

“What’s all this?” asked a testy voice from behind him.

Krista leaned against the doorway of his bedroom, dressed only in one of his t-shirts. It was oversized and fell to her knees. Devlin licked his lips. She looked positively delicious.

A surge of possessive want filled Devlin at the sight. She looked perfect wearing it, and she knew it. She knew how much power she had over him and what he was currently thinking because she smiled at him, a mix of amusement and challenge in her eyes.

Three days had passed since the incident at the bar. The fact that Devlin had nearly lost her in that gamble didn’t sit well with him. He knew the risks of using her as bait. Krista knew them as well, but he was never going to let her risk her life again.

“I’ve taken the liberty of moving in some of your things. No big deal,” Devlin answered, his tone deliberately casual. Besides, it would make things more convenient, and he wanted her close—always.

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