Page 85 of Subbing For Santa

“Ok.” I nod, even though he can’t see me. “But I need you to do something for me, too.”

“Anything.” He rasps.

I suck in a shuddering breath, hoping my voice remains steady. “Be careful and come back to me safe and alive.”

“Nothing on this earth will keep me from getting to you, little elf. That’s a fact.”

A slight grin tugs at my lips at hearing the determination in his tone.

“Good. I’ll obey then.”

“Atta girl.” His tone is pleased, and I can just imagine his sexy smirk tugging up the corners of his mouth. “Keep the phone with you. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

We say our goodbyes, and I find myself wanting to say something more. I’m not sure what. The term, I love you, doesn’t seem like something I should be wanting to say yet. How can I love someone I’ve only known for a short time? It’s impossible. Right?

Even though I fooled Griffin into thinking I was cool, calm and collected over the phone, I’m anything but. I’m freaking the fuck out because someone, an enemy of the Marx family, was here today, taking photos of me.

Who the fuck does that?

Besides Griffin, of course.

While he has a few stalker tendencies, I’m not scared of him. These other people, on the other hand, have me losing my mind.

I pace for what feels like hours, but I’m sure it’s nowhere near as long, until a couple of cars pull up outside, and heavy feet thud on the deck of my rental.

Devon Marx is not like Griffin in any way but looks. Sure, they have the same shade of dark hair and brown eyes, but Devon Marx doesn’t have a caring bone in his body.

To put it politely, he’s an arrogant prick.

He lets himself in with a key, his eyes landing on me and giving me a once over before glancing around the living room.

“You the piece of arse?”

“Excuse me?” I hiss, and he waves me off.

“You’re the girl, right? Agatha?” His dark eyes travel over me, making me squirm, and I automatically wrap my arms around myself.

“I am Agatha.” I confirm in a blunt tone, and he nods.

“Mmm.” His eyes travelling over my body, again.

“Dude, what are you looking at?” I hiss, feeling extremely uncomfortable with the way his eyes roam. I know Griff told me to do exactly what this guy says, but if he tells me to do anything remotely sexual, I’m going to get a knife from the block in the kitchen and sink it through his heart.

Devon chuckles. “Just trying to figure out what’s got my cousin so whipped by you.”

My brows hitch. “Arsehole much?”

“Always.” He grins like it’s a good thing.Wanker.“You’re stunning, but that’s not why he’s so caught up with you. He can have any woman he wants. But he’s infatuated with you. Why is that?”

“Maybe I’ve got a dick. Maybe you don’t know everything about your cousin.” I deadpan and Devon’s dark brows lift before he throws his head back, laughing.

“You have wit. He’d definitely like that. It’s not the reason why he’s so wrapped up in you, though.”

I sigh and shrug. “He once told me that I match his energy.”

“How does that work? You’re like the zen yoga lady and he’s like an uptight hitman.”

“She’s the calm against my storm.” Griffin’s voice sounds behind us, and I spin to see him standing there, face a little bruised and suit looking a little ruffled.

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