Page 70 of Devious
“You married Maya to piss off Cashel? Is this the bullshit you’re trying to sell me?” I snap. “You don’t give a fuck about the war or pissing off Cashel. Why don’t you want to kill her?” I throw my hands in the air. “Why betray me? You know I don’t want anything to do with them. We’re at war with her brother, for fuck’s sake.”
He won’t admit to himself that he might still be in love with her, which is the only reason why he would keep her around. I should have gotten Lex to do it. He loves younger women, but I wouldn’t have to worry about him marrying her.
His face flushes with embarrassment. “You know why.”
Either he’s still in love with her but won’t admit it to himself, or he’s seeking revenge. Knowing Aiden, I think it’s both. Since he’s my brother, I’ll cut him some slack. I should kill my brother, and if he were anyone else, I would have.
“You still love her and want revenge.”
“I was going to kill her after I finished using her, but I can’t bring myself to do it.” He leans against the wall, watching my every movement. “I need to know why she left me.”
I nod, understanding what he means, though I want to bash his skull in.
“I’m pissed off at you, Aiden.”
He sighs. “I know.”
“You betrayed me.”
He runs his fingers through his hair. “I know.”
If word got out that they are married, then I would have no choice but to kill him. He’s my brother, and I love him. This is the stupidest thing he has ever done. The entire mafia would view me as weak if they found out I spared his life.
“I will have to kill her eventually, Villainous. You do know that? She’s our enemy.”
He doesn’t say anything but looks out of the window. I’ve never seen my brother with so much sorrow on his face. “Keep your marriage a secret for now. If word got out, then I will have to kill you.”
“I know, big bro. I wouldn’t blame you if you did.”
Roselyn
Marla paints my toenails black. Devious is staying overnight with Aiden for business, and I’m glad she showed up because I didn’t want to be in the big manor alone. Sometimes, this place is spooky, and it doesn’t feel like a home with all the soldiers guarding the yard. I haven’t had a girls’ night since I lived in Atlanta.
She finishes painting my big toe and places the top onto the small bottle, resting it on the metal dresser. “Black is so your color.”
I’m nosey, so every person I get in contact with, I want to know their business so I can see what type of person they are. From what I’ve learn about her, she’s outgoing. Usually, I don’t talk to people unless they speak to me, and if they want to be my friend, then I’ll consider it. In this lifestyle, you can’t call everyone your friend.
“Are you married?” I ask.
“Um, no. I’m in a steady relationship with a bodyguard.”
“How long have you guys been dating?”
She sits up on the bed, tucking her legs under her butt. “For two years now. I think Ronnie is about to pop the question.”
I bring the pillow to my stomach, hugging and sniffing it. It smells like Devious—clean sheets and a hint of expensive cologne. “Are you going to say yes?”
“I don’t know. I thought about it a lot. Do I want to share my life with him? Will Mr. Pot like having him around?”
“Who is Mr. Pot?”
“My pet cat. I don’t know. I’ll wait until he asks, then whatever answer pops out my mouth, that’s what I’m going with.” She stretches out her legs.
The freedom of doing what I want seems so far away and a privilege to me.
“I wish I was given the chance to choose my own partner,” I mumble.
She plays with the end of her big white T-shirt with a rock band across her chest. “Would you have chosen my cousin?”
