Page 10 of Devilish Prince

Sofia blinks hard a few times and focuses her eyes on me. Not every room in my house is decorated with such detail or expense. This room is where I bring those whom I would like to impress, to open their minds to the ways of my world and invite them to dabble a little. Business ventures, politicians, even a lady now and then.

“Your stitches…” she mumbles but her hand reaches for the whiskey. She picks it up and gulps it, then screws her face up and shakes her head as the burn sinks through her. I could have warned her, but it’s enjoyable watching her squirm.

“If you’d really like to see them, I will show you.” I lift my glass to my lips and sip carefully, enjoying the musky undertones of the liquor. “But I believe you came here to discuss a different matter.”

Sofia gasps and breathes deeply a few times before slapping the glass onto the table and putting a finger in her collar to loosen it. Her face flushes red and she fluffs her dark hair. She’s on edge, like a beast in the woods who knows his days are numbered. She smells the scent of the lion approaching, ready to devour her.

“Uh… yes, well.” She blinks rapidly again and glances around. Norm stands in the doorway waiting for my instruction as always, and I eye him. He takes my expression as an order and makes himself scarce.

“You were saying?” I sip the whiskey again and wait. Forcing her to say it is much more fun than supplying the words for her. She’s been too resistant. It’s time to make her beg.

“I, uh… I think it’s time for you to maybe… I was thinking that I may need…” She clams up, pinching her lips together in a firm line. “I need your protection.”

Smiling, I set my glass down and lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees and tenting my fingers in front of myself. I watch her throat constrict as she swallows. Then she squirms again, readjusting her position in the chair, showing signs of great discomfort. She’s uncomfortable asking for my help because she knows what sort of help that is, but that’s okay. Anyone who rushes into this family is a fool. She’s wise to be cautious.

“I’d be happy to offer you a proposition…” Narrowing my eyes at her, I set my jaw and wait. She glances around nervously again and then clears her throat.

“Proposition?”

“Yes… a proposition. A business exchange if you will. You provide something for me, and I provide something for you.” I lean my head to the side and she sinks farther into the chair.

“Uh, you offered to protect me…” Her eyebrows twitch as they grow closer together.

“Ah, yes, but that was before you walked away. You took your money and that was payment for my treatment.”

“But—”

“Would you like to hear my proposition?” I lean back now confident I have her firmly in my grasp. Draping my arms along the back of the couch, I cross one leg over the other in an intimidating posture and stare at her sternly.

“I don’t understand. I thought…” She swallows again and rubs the back of her neck. Her knee bounces furiously, her shoulders curled around her purse still clutched to her stomach. She licks her lips and continues. “Yes, please tell me your proposition.”

She’s so young, so naïve. She really thought she was going to waltz right into this house and get something for nothing—after fucking me and leaving without a goodbye. Silly girl…

“I will provide my best men to protect you. They’ll follow you around so stealthily you won’t even know they’re there. You will fear for nothing, day and night. You will make a peep and they will storm the gates and you will be saved.” I feel smugness creeping into my expression and I let it blossom into a full devilish smirk.

“In exchange for?” she stammers, knee still bouncing.

“You will date me, openly and very publicly.” Relaxing my posture, I reach for my Scotch and sip it, watching her over the rim as she scowls and her nostrils flare.

“Absolutely not. There is no way. I have a reputation and?—”

“Why did you call me, Sofia?” I finish the drink and set it down on the table hard. She jumps, startled by the sound and my glare. “Because I seem to remember you approaching me about this?”

She blinks rapidly and looks at her knees. Her feet are turned inward, toes pointing together. She breathes hastily, shaking her head, but says, “Someone broke into my house; then someone else smashed my car up and stole my purse. I’ve been terrified. I saw a man following me and then right after I was at the bank someone robbed it. I’ve never felt so unsafe.” Her words come out rushed, breathy. She really is terrified, and it’s obvious she hasn’t realized that I’m behind it all.

“Hmm… Well it does seem you could benefit from my proposition. You just have to agree to the terms.” I stand and fold my fingers together, letting my arms hang. She takes it as a cue to stand too, but I merely want to disarm her. “If you agree, your fears are vanquished. No need to look over your shoulder in a dark alley anymore.”

Sofia huffs out a sigh and rolls her eyes, narrowing them and turning away as she says, “Fine.”

I can’t stop the smile from creeping across my face. She’s feisty. I like it. “Good, then consider it done.” I wave my arm in a sweeping gesture and move toward her.

“What are you doing?” she asks, dropping her purse.

“Well, you can make your first payment to the cause…” I reach for her, snatching her wrist and pulling her against my body. She turns her hands to fists and pushes against my chest.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you fuck me like you did last time you were here and that is how we set our deal in motion.” Sofia’s eyes widen in shock and disbelief. She tries to pull away from me, but I hold her tight.

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