Page 127 of The Devil's Deceit
Christian’s family welcome Arron and Juliet with open arms, just as they did with me when I sat down with them and explained why I did what I did. Even Alexander has accepted me as a member of the family due, I’m sure, in no small part to Imogen. As for her and for Victoria, and Saskia, too I’ve not only gained three sisters-in-law, but three more best friends.
While I still miss my parents desperately, knowing they weren’t saints has helped me to manage the agonizing grief of their untimely passing. I think both Arron and I, with Daniel’s disturbed encouragement, had put them on a pedestal no one could live up to. I don’t agree with what they did, but none of us are perfect. I hope that wherever they are, they’re looking down on us with pride.
Charles leans back in his chair as the last of the dessert plates are cleared away, and his keen gaze shifts to my brother. “Not many people pull the wool over my eyes, young man, but somehow you managed it.”
I freeze, and Arron’s flared eyes are reminiscent of a rabbit frozen in the middle of the road as a truck hurtles toward it. I hadnotexpected this turn of events. My brother seeks me out, but I have no reassurance to offer him.
“Um, thanks?”
Charles lets out a hearty laugh. “You’ve got skills, that’s for sure. The kind of skills my organization doesn’t allow tosimply walk away.” He gets up from his seat and makes his way to Arron’s chair. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he passes him a business card. “This is family time, not business time, but on Monday, you call me.”
“Are… are you offering me a job, sir?”
“I am, and I fight hard for what I want, so whoever you’re working for, tell them not to bother counteroffering. They’re destined to lose.”
“Oh, my God,” Juliet whispers while I look at Christian who shrugs. He didn’t know his father planned to do this, either.
“Thank you, sir,” Arron says. “I will.” He safely tucks the card in his pocket and gives me a “What the fuck?” look.
After coffee, I walk my brother and Juliet to the door. Once we’re out of earshot of the De Vils, Arron takes out the business card and stares at it. “You think he really wants me to call?”
I laugh. “Yes, I think he really means it. Charles wouldn’t give his number out to anyone. This could be an amazing opportunity for you, Arron. I’m so excited for you.”
I hug and kiss them both and promise we’ll see each other again soon.
When I turn around, Christian is lounging against the post at the bottom of the staircase. He’s got this expression on his face, a hunger that pulls the knots of desire tight in my stomach.
“You look… famished.”
His languished smile forms slowly, his gaze running over me from head to foot. He lingers on my mouth. “Starved.” Reaching out a hand, he crooks his finger. “Come here.”
I go to him, prolonging our eye contact. Standing ontiptoes, I press my lips to his. “What do you want?” I whisper.
“You. Naked. On all fours.” He runs his hand over my bottom. “This delicious backside in the air while I rail you from behind.”
“Come now, Christian. Don’t be shy. Say what you really think.”
He chuckles, a low rumble echoing through his chest. “Upstairs. Now.”
Spinning me around, he gently shoves me in the back. I’m on the third stair when the first smack comes. Giggling, I break into a sprint, my legs trembling with a combination of excitement and effort. Christian’s laughter sounds behind me, his footsteps drawing nearer and nearer. I make it to the second flight of stairs when he catches up to me. Next thing I know, I’m over his shoulder, upside down.
“My turn.” I slap his right buttock. “Ooh, someone’s been doing their glute exercises. Very firm bottom, Mr. De Vil.”
He snickers. “Why, thank you, Mrs. De Vil.” Kicking open the door to our apartment, he strides straight through the sitting area and nudges open the door to the bedroom, setting me on my feet at the end of the bed. His fingertips brush the side of my neck as he flicks my hair over my shoulder, and I shiver. “Why did I get so lucky?” he muses, almost to himself.
I undo a button on his shirt and slide my hand inside, touching his warm skin and dusting of chest hair. “I think we’re both lucky. To have found each other, to have come through adversity stronger and more in love than ever. To have the strength of character and forgiveness of spirit to get past the mistakes we both made and understand andappreciate that we’re only human.” I gaze up at him. “I have something for you.”
“I hope that whatever it is, it starts with p and ends in y.”
A giggle ripples through my chest. “Wait there.”
“Take your time,” he says as I disappear into the walk-in wardrobe. “My balls are only getting bluer.”
I return with his gift—one that began as a way to put Tobias off the scent when I was searching Christian’s office. I even had it gift wrapped since I can’t wrap for shit.
“Here.”
His eyes sparkle as he takes it from me. “What is it?”
