Page 69 of Devil's Claim

“Hold on. You bought him a bed? As in you determined we’re staying for an extended timeframe?” I don’t know why I asked the question. I wasn’t used to repeating myself and he was the kind of man to do whatever he wanted without hesitation.

“Yes, you are staying. We discussed this. I also ordered a few other items like a bookcase. But you’re welcome to make any changes that you’d like. You’ll have a full array of locations you can shop online at your disposal and of course any number of my credit cards at your disposal.”

“We talked about this? We talked about me coming with you since some dangerous men witnessed our… interactions. I did not agree to living with you on a permanent basis. I have a life. I know what I’ve told you, Kruz. My life isn’t perfect. My parents stopped talking to me. I was fired and I hate waiting tables, forced to endure all those nasty men fondling me, and I’m broke, fighting cockroaches every day. That doesn’t mean I want to toss everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve aside. So let me be perfectly clear in case that brain of yours can’t comprehend what I’m saying. The answer is hell, no.”

“Men were fondling you?” The stiff clench of his angular jaw was more severe than before. Was he kidding me? That’s what he’d gotten from my statement? His presence became overwhelming, especially as he puffed up his chest. “Make no mistake. No man will ever touch you again.”

Another speechless moment.

“As I said, I can’t live here.”

“You’ll have a life here with me, Christine.”

“As a prisoner.”

“You’re no prisoner.”

“Then let me out of the house.” I ducked under his arm, moving swiftly toward the front door.

His actions were swift, yanking me back to the wall and cupping my jaw. When he pushed his thumb under my chin, I held my breath. His stare was clear and direct. And it was all about possession.

“Make no mistake, my vulnerable guest. The men who witnessed our… interaction made mental note of who you are and what you look like. If you think an ocean will stop them from attempting to get to you, you’d be wrong.”

“Then what damn difference does it make where I live?”

Every time his eyes flashed, I wanted to defy him even more. “Because I’m the only one capable of keeping you safe.”

“Do you honestly think that makes me feel any better?” He was serious about this. He pulled back slightly, thinking about what I’d said.

“I think you’re an intelligent businesswoman. We’ll make this a business deal. You’ll help me. I’ll help you.”

“Why would you need my help? You’re safe here. Even if I said something about what I witnessed, it wouldn’t matter.”

“It’s good for my reputation.”

He was also serious about the business arrangement. All I could do was laugh. “Let me get this straight. At some point men like you are expected to be married?”

“Something like that.”

“Oh, my God. Next, you’re going to tell me there are rules in the world of crime lords. Maybe honor. That would be a good one. Men who enjoy killing people have honor. How about families? Are they treasured too?” He was glaring at me. I knew I was pushing too many buttons when all that could do was prove to be harmful to myself and to Maverick, but I honestly didn’t understand how this worked.

“There are some unwritten rules. Killing family members is frowned upon.”

“But not impossible.”

“Not completely.”

“Hence the guards all over the place.”

He nodded, more than a hint of amusement on his face. He was enjoying himself. Why not find out how far he was willing to go to create this twisted union between us.

“Okay. A business arrangement. Let’s talk. What are we discussing?”

I could tell Kruz was surprised. Bully for him. I kept a hard look on my face, scowling at him on purpose.

“Ten thousand a month for your troubles, all expenses paid of course. Maverick will be able to go to the finest schools and have everything he needs. All medical costs will be handled aswell. And if I decide to end the marriage, you’ll be given a hefty severance pay.”

“How much is hefty?”

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