Page 17 of Devilish

Kai looked down to where he was clutching the hardback against his body. “I mean, it’s a total fantasy, but yeah, it’s great.”

“It’s always been one of my favorites,” I said as I let him go and relaxed back into my couch. “You don’t think it could happen? Some chivalrous knight fighting for his love?”

“For nothing? No way. That doesn’t happen in real life.”

I crossed one leg over the over. “Okay, my cynical little friend. What if he’s just doing it out of the kindness of his heart?”

Kai snorted and rolled his eyes, and for some reason that felt like a breakthrough of sorts.

“You don’t think that could happen?”

Kai opened his mouth as though about to respond, but then shut it.

“No, no, don’t do that. You were going to say something—say it.”

“It’s just never been my experience, that’s all.”

“Hmm.” I stroked my fingers along my jaw, and it didn’t escape my notice the way Kai’s eyes followed the move. “Maybe I’ll be able to help change your mind about that.”

Kai’s brow furrowed as I slowly got to my feet, and when he didn’t back up, my chest tightened.

I tapped the cover of the book. “Keep it. In fact, why don’t you leave it here on the table so when you want to read it again you won’t have to hunt around for it.”

Kai tipped his chin up, and the angles of his face under the lights were shown off to sheer perfection. His lips were full and lovely in a way that enhanced his already stunning features.

“Are you sure?” His voice was soft, but the question clear. “Lucien?”

My name from his lips for the first time made something other than my chest tighten, but not about to think aboutthat, I refocused on him.

“Yes, of course. You’re welcome to read anything in here. I just ask that you keep the books in this room. It’s temperature controlled to preserve their condition and quality.”

Kai looked down at the copy ofThe Canterbury Tales. The one that had cost a small fortune to acquire, given there were only twelve left in print.

“Um…just howmuchquality are we talking here?”

I stepped around him, heading for the door. “Oh, there’s no need to put a price on something so lovely.”

“In other words, I shouldn’t be holding this, should I?”

“I believe things are put out into the world to be enjoyed. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

“Okay, but seriously, how much was it?”

I stopped in the doorway and glanced over my shoulder at him, a smirk playing at my lips. “Eight point five million dollars.” As shock registered across his face, I winked and gestured to the book. “Enjoy. I’ll call you when dinner gets here.”

8

KAI

IRECOGNIZED THE doorman when he knocked on Lucien’s door a little while later. He had a luggage cart with him, packed to the brim with bags.

“Perfect,” Lucien said, taking the two takeout bags off the top of the heap. As he headed to the kitchen with them, he nodded toward my guest room. “The rest can go in there, Arnuad. Thank you.” The man nodded and headed toward the bedroom. Lucien called out, “By the way, how are the grandkids? Did they enjoy their time in the city?”

“Yes, sir, they had a wonderful time. It’s always great to catch up with Bella and the boys.”

“Love to hear it.”

As Arnaud began to unload the bags in a neat row, I frowned but didn’t follow after him to see what he’d brought. It wasn’t my business. It wasn’t actually my room. It was just the place I’d stayed in last night.

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