Page 49 of Devour

“Of course I have. It’s just…” A blush creeps up her neck. “It’s so scary.”

My lips twitch as I fight back my smirk. “What are you scared of?”

“Failing. I’m terrified to fail.”

Oh, Little Bit. I’d never allow it. “You’ll never know unless you try.”

Twenty-Five

Maeve

I’ve fallen for a man with a broken moral compass. Worse, a sick part of me kind of gets a thrill at the idea of him going through the trouble of stalking me. Did my last relationship break me so much that the idea of someone obsessing and giving me this much attention has me willing to sacrifice my morals? We couldn’t possibly have a healthy relationship, could we?

In his defense – oh good grief I’m defending his actions – he has toned it down. At first it was too much, too strong, too obsessive…

This past month, he’s making efforts to respect my boundaries and privacy. When I told him a long-distance relationship would be difficult, he asked if I would be willing to relocate to Las Vegas. I told him I couldn’t leave Gram and the closeness of my family. He didn’t even hesitate, told me he’d be fine living here.

I worry he’ll resent me if he has to make too many adjustments and changes. Leo did. I didn’t even realize we had problems. He confessed he’d been changing himself for me andhated who he’d become. He also said that Trina accepts him and isn’t an uptight prude. It hurt. I don’t recall ever asking Leo to change or do anything different. If anything, he’s the one who wanted our relationship to remain a secret since he’s the accountant for the KO Club. He’d been friends with Vincent for years, and I’d had the biggest crush on him. I’d never felt such humiliation and shame.

Leo is nowhere near as gorgeous, successful, and charming as Nick. If I couldn’t keep Leo, on what planet could I handle Nick. The cold hard truth is that I’m a game. A play thing, minor infatuation.

All afternoon I’ve busied myself with cleaning my house from top to bottom. I’ve even ironed all my clothing for the week in attempt to remain busy and not think about the stalking casino owner who’s turned my world upside down. My music is turned up loud to attempt to block out all thoughts and keep my momentum up. I make it a point to skip every sad song and the too mushy ones.

I shove an armful of towels into the washer and then pour the detergent. A yelp escapes me when I turn around to find Nick standing in the laundry room doorway. Strong hands grab my waist. He lifts me up and sets me on the edge of the dryer. His expression is dark, hungry, and…there’s a tinge of relief.

“What did we say about breaking into my house?” I ask.

“I tried calling. I rang the doorbell. I knocked. I did everything short of breaking down your door from beating on it so hard.”

Goosebumps erupt over my skin at his gravelly voice and strong hands slowly making their way over my body. I jolt in shock as his mouth claims mine in a raw primal need. I want to get lost in his touch, but there’s definitely something wrong. I push him back. The worry and anxiety etched lines on Nick’s face have a knot forming in my stomach.

“Nick.” I take his face in my hands. “Talk to me. If this is going to work, I need communication.” He clenches his jaw so I beg. “Please.”

“Only one person knows my past, Maeve.”

“Cleric,” I guess. He nods. “Okay.” I’m hurt that he claims to be obsessed with me. Him wanting a serious relationship, all this talk of chemistry, when he doesn’t even trust me.

Nick’s voice is thick when he speaks. “I say that for you to know how big this is and how difficult it is for me to tell you.”

I dissolve into his hold. I lay my head on his chest and wrap my arms around him, already knowing whatever he tells me is going to break me. It’s time we both shed our secrets and fears. I have to trust that I’ll survive whatever the outcome. Love or betrayal.

Nick opens up to me and tells me about witnessing his father’s death. He explains that he never knew his mother since she’d died when he was young, and because his father never remarried, Nick was juggled from house to house until he eventually ran away. He found Cleric, who more or less became his idol and father figure. It was only five years ago when Nick went out on his own. Then he confesses the entire truth about me going on the trip. Yes, Cleric wants someone he can trust to be Lani’s companion, but Trina also wishes me ill will.

I explain to Nick the history behind my relationship with Leo.

“He proposed? And you two were still dating in secret?”

“I know. It was pathetic. I think he only proposed to keep stringing me along.”

“Why was Trina desperate enough to go toThe Golden Haloand seek out Cleric?”

That part doesn’t add up. I force myself to speak honestly and boldly, no matter how pathetic I might sound. “Trina easily caught Leo’s attention from me. You saw her. She’s a former beauty queen. Her career is far surpassing mine. She’s so confident and –”

“You can’t be serious? She’s fake, shallow, and has the personality of a dead fish. I’m not sure there’d be much difference between fucking her and a blowup doll. Where’d my she-wolf go, Maeve?”

Nick shakes his head with a pained expression. His hands fist the hem of my shirt before he jerks it over my head. I swallow back the urge to cover myself as he reaches around and easily unhooks my bra with the flick of his wrist.Someone’s done that a time or two.

He takes a step back and allows his eyes to get their fill. “You are the only woman who has ever left me speechless.”

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