Page 67 of The Devil's Torment

“No, but you’re getting there.”

“I guess I deserve that.” He kisses my cheek. “Go on. Have fun. Unlimited budget.”

I arch a brow. “Oh, it was always going to be unlimited.”

He laughs before drifting off to join a group consisting of Alexander, Christian, and his father. I move from group to group, making sure I spend time with everyone. Despite my intention to spend Nicholas’s money, I end up winning big on roulette despite never having played before. Then again, it’s a game of chance. No skill required.

After an hour of playing, I look around for my husband. I can’t see him anywhere. I’m about to collar one of his brothers and ask them if they know where he is when I spot him slipping through the double doors that lead into the public area of the casino.

By the time I cross the room and follow him, the crowds outside have swallowed him up. Damn it. Where’s he going? I’ve spent time with just about everyone, and now the hurt I felt has receded, I want to thank him for putting all this together while reiterating that if he ever does anything like this to me again, I’m going to make pâté out of his man parts.

“Mrs. De Vil.” Andrew appears at my shoulder, my ever-present shadow. I have to commend the guy for his diligence. There’s no escaping him.

“Did you see where Nicholas went?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“Hmm.” I quickly scan around, then set off with purpose. He must be here somewhere. I’ve almost completed a full circuit of the room when a familiar voice calls my name.

“Vicky?”

I pull up and spin toward the voice. “Matthew?” My jaw drops. “Oh, my goodness. What are you doing here?”

Before I know what’s happening, he flings his arms around me and wet lips land on my cheek. “You look amazing. They pour you into this dress?” He laughs.

I extricate myself and step back, frowning. Who says that to an ex? “Thanks. Are you on leave?”

“Yeah. Two weeks.” He rakes his gaze over me, and there’s something in the way he does that makes me want to take a shower. “Damn, Vicky, you look sexy as hell. Don’t suppose you’re interested in a hookup while I’m in town? I could get on that body again, no problem. Are your tits bigger? They sure look bigger.”

I’m too shocked to answer. Has the military done this to him? He wasn’t this crass when we were going out. Was he?

“Mrs. De Vil, would you like me to deal with this… individual?”

Matthew’s eyes go wide, and he looks at Andrew, appearing to only notice him because he spoke. “Mrs? You’re married?”

“Yes,” a voice snaps behind me, sending prickles scattering over the back of my neck. Nicholas slides an arm around my waist, possessively tugging me into his body. “To me.”

Lethal vibes pour off my husband, and for the first time, I see the predator beneath the smooth, billionaire exterior. I’ve always known on some level what he’s capable of—what all the De Vil men are capable of. When you move in our circles, stories get around. And there was the guy who punched me at my hen party, and the bruises and scrapes on Nicholas’s knuckles afterward. But this is the first time the gloves have come off in my presence.

While I’m considering how to defuse the tension, Matthew thrusts out his hand.

“Matthew Courteney. Vicky and I used to date in college.”

Nicholas stares at his hand, then lifts his icy gaze to Matthew’s face. After a couple of seconds, Matthew’s arm drops back to his side.

“I know who you are.”

My shoulders bow. Ofcourse,he does. I bet he’s got a thick dossier of information containing everything from Matthew’s inside leg measurement to what his nighttime routine is.

“Andrew,” Nicholas snaps.

“Yes, sir.” Andrew steps forward.

“Take my wife back to the party.”

“Nicholas, no.” I grip his forearm. “Matthew was leaving, weren’t you?”

“Wasn’t planning to, no. I only just got here. What’s this party? Can I gatecrash?”

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