Page 96 of Devious
“Tomorrow, we’re going to pick out my wedding colors. I hate this planning shit.”
I exhale, placing my phone on the table before striding to my walk-in closet and tossing clothes into the suitcase. “I’m moving back home.”
“You mean… Have you spoken to Devious?”
“No, but if I show up with my suitcase, then he will have no choice but to take me back. I’m sick of waiting for him to come around.” I sigh. “I texted him last night asking him to come over so we can talk, and he declined without telling me why. After everything we’ve been through, if he thinks he can throw what we had away, he thought wrong. I’ve decided I want to be with him, and I don’t want to be free from him or our marriage, that’s why I haven’t signed the divorce papers. I’m miserable without him.”
“It’s about time you came to your senses.” She smirks. “Go get your man!”
I pack up most of my stuff, then I dump my suitcase into the trunk, and I get into my car, putting it in drive. I got my license last week and I’m still getting the hang of driving myself around.
What exactly am I going to say to Devious? I don’t know yet, but I’ll say what feels right at the moment. The drive to the manor makes me a nervous wreck, and butterflies spin and flip-flop in my chest. Forty minutes later, I pull up to my home.
It still looks the same, but pumpkins ranging from white to orange sit around the door. Winter is approaching fast, and lanterns shaped like rocks decorate the staircase. This is my home.
This will be home as long as Devious lives here.
I don’t knock on the door. Instead, I type in the code, and the door clicks open. As I walk in, it’s pitch-black, which means Devious is not home. It irks him if I leave the lights on when we’re out. It’s the small things I miss about him. I miss him placing a napkin over my lap and cutting up my steak and opening up my water bottle before giving it to me. He always took care of me in small ways.
Removing my coat, I place it in the closet and head upstairs to the bedroom. When I open the door, I glance around. The bed is neatly made, and a lot of my perfume bottles are still on the dresser. I head to the walk-in closet, and most of my clothes are still in the same place; even the nightgown Marla bought me is still there. I go back into the bedroom and inhale the scent of his expensive cologne and bourbon. It smells like home. As I unpack my suitcase, I dump my dirty clothes into the laundry room and put the rest of my belongings away. I head to the kitchen to find Leanne and Katina are busy making food. Katina’s eyes narrow on me, and she smiles.
“You’re back!” she says, rushing up to me to give me a hug.
I let her go and grin. “I am.”
“Mrs. Vitali.” A smile spreads across Leanne’s face. “The manor hasn’t been the same without you.” She bows. “You need anything?”
“A bottle of water, please.”
“My pleasure,” Leanne says, going into the fridge then handing me a drink.
I unscrew the cap and chug half the bottle down. “Where is Devious?”
“I don’t know. He doesn’t tell us where he goes,” Katina answers.
I whip out my phone from my pocket and tap the screen to see where he’s at, but then the front door opens.
A woman’s laugh fills the manor. Has he brought a woman here to fuck? Well, he didn’t waste any time getting his dick wet somewhere else. My nightmare is becoming true. I feel sick to my stomach, and my heart beats rapidly. I rush toward the foyer, making sure my mind isn’t playing tricks on me. Devious is with some woman, and she looks twice his age, but she’s still pretty. Her blonde hair cascades down her back, and she’s wearing a black suit. She pats him on the shoulder.
“So, when do you want me to start?” she says.
“As soon as possi—”
I clear my throat, and they both turn to look at me. I glare at the woman, and she does a double take. Devious stares at me with a surprised expression. Then his eyes trail to my wedding ring. I haven’t taken it off, and I’m not planning on removing it either.
She eyes me up and down. “Is this your wife?”
“Yeah,” he says without hesitation, his eyes never leaving mine.
She walks up to me, holding out her hand, and I shake it. “You’re so beautiful.”
“Who are you?” I ask.
“I’m in charge of the staff on Devious’s properties.”
“Leave, Pia.” Devious’s tone is deep, and I miss hearing it. He stalks up to me, grabbing me by the hand and ushering me into the living room. He removes a few strands of my hair out of my face, then uses his thumb to tilt my chin. His touch makes me melt. “What are you doing here?”
I want to tell him how much I miss him, but the words won’t come out.
