Page 57 of Devour

“Mr. Deschamps. I hope you’re pleased with the grand opening.”

“I wouldn’t know anything about it since I haven’t take my eyes off you. I’m sure it’s wonderful. After all, I hired the best to organize it.”

My cheeks heat under his compliment and hungry stare. He steps closer, so close that our chests are touching. “I knew if I wanted to give you your space I had to arrive right at the last minute from Vegas. I’ve been trying. Now that I have you back in my arms, I’m going to apologize now because the rest of the night I’m not going to be able to take my hands off you.”

“I’m okay with that.”

“Good.” A slow, delicious smile spreads across his handsome face.

“Thank you for the rose.”

“I’m proud of you. And just so you know, I wasn’t stalking. It was public information that I came across. I hope you don’t mind I sent the rose. I wanted to congratulate you.”

I release a small squeak as his hand slides down my back and presses me closer against him. “I’ve missed you so fucking much.”

My lips quiver. “Same. I had some things I wanted to work out before fully giving myself to you.”

He flashes me a sexy crooked smile. “You’ve always been mine. Never stopped being mine, Little Bit. You’re mine, forever.”

“So fucking cocky.”

“Confident.” He quips. “But I’m glad you’re on board now. It’ll make everything much easier.”

“A willing participant does help in a relationship.”

I wrap my arms around him and hug him tightly. I inhale the familiar scent of him and relish the wonderful heat radiating from his strong body as I fit against him perfectly. “Everything is right again,” he says against the top of my head.

Nick takes me by the hand and begins to lead me away, but I stop him. “Wait. I need to tell you something.”

The love I feel for him is overwhelming and scary. But I know it’s real. It’s the type of love that’s worth taking the gamble of trusting another person. When I first open my mouth, no words come out. I try again. “I – I love you,” I choke out. Then more forcefully, I speak with determination. “I love you, Nick.”

His voice becomes husky and fierce. “I love you, Maeve.”

Nick leads me to where the party is happening. We walk past the slot machines and tables. People are everywhere. There’s a grand ballroom with one of the country’s leading DJs hyping the room. Nick sends a text and the music immediately changes from an upbeat melody to a slow romantic one. “Dance with me.”

I melt into his arms. The beginning of our relationship might’ve been strange, and we’re far from a typical relationship, but I’m certain this is where I’m meant to be. I look up at him and smile as we sway to the music. “You said you always win?”

“Yes?”

“I won.”

His smile is one of victory. He leans down and kisses me until I’m breathless. This relationship came about in the most bizarre way. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, full of twists and turns that’s included a diarrhea disaster, blackmail, fake relationship becoming real, murder, torture, threats, and somewhere along the way self-discovery. In the end, we both won the game.

Epilogue

Maeve

Surprising Nick has turned out to be the greatest challenge I’ve faced in our relationship. It took a tremendous amount of planning as well as convincing my guards to lie to him and getting the security crew on board. I had to assure them repeatedly he wouldn’t be upset. Not that I blame them. The least of their problems would be getting fired, the worst…well…

He has no clue that I’ve flown to Las Vegas and broken into his room. I can now understand the appeal of breaking into someone’s room. It’s kind of exciting. I’ve never been so bad before!

I take my luggage and hide everything in a closet. The glass of roses clank on the granite counter as I place them. Grabbing a few stems, careful of the thorns, I slowly begin plucking the silky petals. The trail of deep red rose petals will lead Nick to the living room where he’ll find my note.

Next, I make a beeline for the guest bedroom. I put on my red lace and silk lingerie that has a matching red silk cape and hood, complete with red garters and white lace stockings. Quickly, Islide on my red converse.I forgot the best part.I apply a generous amount of red lipstick and then kiss the note I left for him.

With everything in place, I leave the room with a fist full of extra rose petals. I return to the exact place he’d found me the first time we’d played this game. I sprinkle the rose petals and then lie down holding a single rose. Now, I wait for him to hunt.

Nicholas

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