Page 41 of Devious Deals

“Spit it out.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“I know your tricks, brat. Tell me what’s on your mind so I can get back to work.”

He meets my gaze. “You’re different with her.”

I snort. “I’m not.”

“You are. I see the way you look at her.” He pauses. “It’s not a bad thing, Kieran. You deserve to be happy, too.”

“Back to happiness? Well, I am happy, Seb, and it has nothing to do with that girl.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

He bites his bottom lip, looking away.

“Fucking say what’s on your mind.”

“Have you kissed her?”

I freeze.

“That’s what I thought. Kieran, you can’t hide it. You want to kiss the girl.” He says it so surely that I want to punch him. “And maybe she feels the same way but is scared to admit it. Kiss her. See what happens.”

“The only woman I kiss is my fiancée.”

“And how often does that happen? Tell me, friend, would Jane climb under a desk and blow you? Would she let you hook her up to your machine while you do perverse things to her?” His eyes flash. “We both know Ariel is different. You need to get your head out of your ass before it’s too late.”

I stand. “That’s enough, Sebastian.”

He stands, too, and we stare each other down. Sebastian is one of the few men who’s brave enough to do this. Normally, I’d say that I respected his bravery, but right now my hand itches to pull out my gun and shoot him just to remind him of who I am.

Seb breaks eye contact first, lowering his head.

“I’m going to the club. Maybe you should take this time to remember that not only did you keep Ari away from her sisters for Christmas and New Year’s, but for her birthday as well.”

My eyes widen. “Her birthday?”

“It’s today in case you’re wondering. It’s likely why she was in here, trying to make you feel good.” He huffs. “You know what? I’ve changed my mind. Don’t try to find happiness with her. You’ll only break her heart. The best thing you can do is find a match for her and let her go before it’s too late.”

He spins, leaving before I can reply. He’s just put me in my place. The thing is, I think he may be right. I’ve suspected for a while that Ari has feelings for me, but she’s not the only one feeling the same way. Not if I’m being honest with myself.

Each night we spend in the milking room, I find myself not wanting to let her go, which is why she’s been sleeping with me in my room rather than her own bed. My goal was always revenge, but the lines have become blurred as I’ve discovered how fascinating Ari is. But I did sign a contract with her, which means Seb is right. It’s time to find a match for Ariel and then get her the hell out of my sight before I do something stupid. Like fall in love with her.

11

Ari

I’ve felt off since leaving the study. I can’t explain it. Seeing Jane was a rude awakening. Kieran isn’t mine. He’s hers. I can still remember the way it sounded when he spoke to her. He’s never used such a caring tone with me. My eyes water and I wipe away the tears. What a terrible birthday.

I mope around, ending up in my room. There’s a book on my bed that I’ve been trying to work my way through. Since I can’t take any classes, reading is the next best thing. I climb onto the mattress, opening the book, but my thoughts are scattered. I wonder if Winter has texted me to say happy birthday. Probably not. Maybe I should write her a letter and get these negative thoughts off my mind. I might not send it, but it could make me feel better. Being angry at her is taking a lot out of me and I don’t like it. Especially when it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. No, what matters is making sure my sisters are safe and I’ve done that by making this deal with Kieran.

As if I’ve summoned him, he taps on the door.

“I have a surprise.”

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