Page 10 of Devilish

“I was just saying it’s not the best weather for a stroll.” He moved behind his desk and tapped a few buttons, and the elevator doors opened. “Mr. Vale said to come on up.”

Really? Lucien knew I’d left? That I’d come back?

I stood there in shock, dripping onto the marble floor so much that a small child would be able to swim in the puddle I made.

I’d expected to have to plead to go back upstairs. To beg and apologize for running out.

The elevator doors closed and, with a few taps from the doorman, opened back up again. This time I didn’t hesitate, stepping inside before turning around to thank him as the doors slid shut.

I could see my reflection in the high-gloss interior, and “drowned rat” was an accurate epithet—hair and clothes plastered to my body, my skin pale from the cold. Hopefully Lucien wouldn’t see me like this, because I wasn’t sure I’d ever looked worse.

Nervous anticipation rolled through me as I stepped out and into the hallway that led to his “apartment”—though that word didn’t accurately describe the place. It was more like a palace, like nothing I’d ever seen before.

When I looked up, my steps faltered. Lucien waited at the entrance, one arm stretched out to hold the door open.

He didn’t look upset. Not mad or disappointed. But not surprised, either.

I swallowed and began to move again, not sure what to expect.

A small smile curved his lips as I reached him, and my chest squeezed as he said, “Welcome back. There are towels in your en suite.”

5

LUCIEN

WITH SLEEP EVADING me for most of the night, I’d had to brew my coffee at max strength this morning. I wasn’t used to having guests in my house, at least none that required a separate room, and I’d found myself listening out for movement after Kai’s disappearing act.

He was free to come and go as he pleased, but the thought that he’d go back to a toxic situation bothered me.

I could already hear the advice I’d get from several of the men I called my brothers and friends. That what happened with Kai and the bastard wasn’t any of my business and that I couldn’t save everyone.

Maybe that was true. But I could savehim.

With my tablet in my lap to read through the morning news, I sipped on my second cup of coffee and let my gaze drift to the closed door of Kai’s room. I didn’t know what it was about him that made me want—no,needto be there for him, but I wasn’t about to overthink it.

I forced my eyes back to the screen and skimmed the top stories, letting the caffeine do its job before I had to do mine.

It wasn’t long before I heard Kai’s door unlocking, but I kept my attention right where it was and settled back against theleather. No need to startle or make him feel like I was waiting for him. This was my morning routine whether he was here or not, and that included lounging in my black silk robe. Clothes were made for leaving the house, but inside? Only the feel of the nicest silks against my skin would do.

Light, tentative footsteps moved in my direction, and I brought my mug to my lips, giving Kai the space to make the first move if he wished.

He stopped at the edge of the rug and cleared his throat. “Hi.”

The sight of him wearing the wine-colored silk sleep shirt and pants I’d brought him made me smile. And not just because the sleeves hung down past his fingers and he’d had to roll the waist of the pants up several times so he wouldn’t trip on them.

He’d let down his guard enough to stay the night…and to wear what I’d provided for him.

“Good morning,” I said, setting the tablet aside. “Did you sleep well?”

Kai nodded a little too quickly, and I smirked.

“Really? Because I didn’t sleep for shit.”

His brows shot up and then he bit the inside of his cheek to stop from smiling. “Me too. Your bed is really nice, though.”

“Oh?”

The red flush that crept into his cheeks was fucking adorable. “I mean, the guest bed, notyourbed.”

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