Page 11 of Devour

“Why doesn’t this elevator have music?” I ask Nicholas as the doors shut.

He crosses his arms and smirks down at me. “That’s what you’re wondering right now?”

“It’s disappointing when you get into an elevator with no music. Movies and cartoons always show the classic elevator music, so it’s…it’s like quicksand. I haven’t heard of anyone in real life being lost to quicksand or even so much as stepping in it.” I hate the way he’s just staring at me. I suck in my lips but then remember I have this gorgeous red lip color on so I release them as not to mess it up.

“What does quicksand have to do with anything? Where’d that even come from?”

“I’m nervous. You’re a stranger.” I turn and point my finger at him. “Who by the way – I thought you were a driver.”

“We’re on a first name basis and already sharing embarrassing stories, how again am I a stranger?”

“You’re something. You could’ve told me youownthe casino at the front desk.”

“What difference does it make if I’m a driver or the owner? You don’t strike me as the type who cares about a person’s status. Would that have really made you treat me differently? I rather like how rude you’ve been to me. You weren’t rude to the valet guys so that stung a bit. Or does that mean that I’m special?”

This guy. A part of me wonders if he’s bored and this is a more entertaining way for him to meet with my cousins. I’m not too naïve. My cousins are dangerous men. They’ve become somewhat tame now that they have people to lose, but they’re still a force.

Nicholas Deschamps is more than likely a dangerous man as well. The smooth sexy voice and handsome face, the lavish treatment and gorgeous dress, these are all distractions and tools to get what he wants.

“I find it strange you have yet to tell me anything about you. Why are you having me wear all this?”

He takes a single step and invades my space. Though his body doesn’t touch mine, his warmth and woodsy smell invade my senses. “Because tonight, you’re mine.”

The intensity in his eyes as his gaze locks on mine has my knees trembling. I’m embarrassingly aroused.Again.I need to shut this down and put distance between us. This is psychotic. He appears out of nowhere, seduces me with lavish gifts and his charm, and I know I agreed earlier to us having a weird arrangement – but the possessiveness in the way he saidmine.

I side-step around him and pray for these doors to open up to free me from the tension. Alarm bells are ringing in my head. I’m smarter than this. I don’t fall for strangers, and this guy is waving a giant red flag. The elevator stops and dings.

“That’s a bold statement.” The doors open and I hurry out, tripping a little bit, but I don’t fall. I recover quickly, which is reassuring that the universe doesn’t completely despise me. I turn around and proclaim, “And an outright lie.”

I storm away and walk as quickly as my feet in heels will allow. I feel more confident now that I’m free. I’ll put some distance between me and him. Not sure how I got into this mess, but I need to go find my family, especially Grandma, get away from him, and probably check into a new hotel.

Six

Maeve

After making sure I’m not being followed by a random beautiful man, I hurry over to my oldest cousin Tristan Goodman.

“Hey there,” I squeak and give a little wave.

“Maeve. You made it. I was beginning to worry.” Tristan is always so stiff and serious.

“Yeah. About that…Have you seen Gram yet?”

“Yes. She’s been at the bar most of the night. Made a new friend.” He says the wordfriendwith distaste. “She was wandering around here about five minutes ago.”

Thank goodness.Gram is okay, and she’s here. His rigid body suddenly shifts when a cheerful blonde latches onto him.

“Maeve! Oh my gosh! I’m excited to see you again! Isn’t this place crazy amazing? Speaking of crazy amazing, look at you! You look gorgeous! I mean – you’re always beautiful – but wowza!”

Tristan gives what for him is a smile. “Tori had coffee.”

Tori’s naturally energetic, but her with coffee is supersonic energy level. She’s bright and sweet, the best thing to happen to my broody cousin.

“Only two cups!” She beams.At this time of night?

“What were the size of the cups, Angel? You’ve had at least six shots of espresso.”

My eyes widen in mock horror, but then I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face whenever I talk to Tori. “Isn’t that over the FDA’s recommended dose?”

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