Page 70 of Devious Deals

“Pity. I’ve always wanted to live out my stepmother fantasy.”

I glance at him, expecting to find that he’s joking. He’s not.

I laugh nervously. “Well, that won’t happen with me.”

“Won’t it?” He leans in closer. “You’ll find that I’m very persuasive, Ariel. And my father won’t be around for long.”

I take a step, putting distance between us. “For as long as he’s alive, I will cherish him as my husband. You’ll do good to remember that.”

“The little lamb shows courage. I’m impressed. Just remember that a hunter can always smell the fear of its prey. And I do love a good chase.”

My skin is crawling as John rejoins us.

“Sorry about that. Clayton and I should go. We have a lot to tend to before we reach out to Mr. Van der Zee.”

He pulls me in for a quick hug. Clayton moves to do the same and breathes in deeply next to my ear.

“Don’t even think of trying to back out on my father, Ari. You’ll find that will only make me chase even harder.” His lips brush against my cheek. “Until next time,stepmother.”

Both men climb into their car and leave before I have time to fully process what just happened. Clayton is going to be a problem. I know it. He gives off the same vibes I got from Max, though he hides it better. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. John seems nice, but is that just an act, too?

My car arrives and I slip into the back seat. I’ll tell Kieran about the encounter with Clayton. Even if he’s mad at me, he won’t let me walk into another terrible situation. I hope.

* * *

Kieran

My ears perk at every sound. Where in the fuck is she? This meeting shouldn’t have taken so long.

Seb taps on the door.

“I just got word that Ari is on her way back. Greystoke will be reaching out soon.”

Which means he was as enchanted with her as I knew he would be. This is what I wanted. So why do I want to fucking punch something?

“Tell Chef I’m ready for my dinner.”

“You aren’t going to wait for her?”

“No.”

Seb glares, and, if looks could kill, I’d be dead. He mutters something under his breath as he walks away. I stare at my cell, willing it to stay silent. It doesn’t.

J. Greystoke

Ariel was a delight. When can I sign the contract?

I’m booked for the rest of the week, so it’ll have to be Monday.

Damn. I was hoping to sign ASAP.

As I said, it’ll be Monday.

She’s a gem, Van der Zee. Well done on finding her. Since the contract won’t be signed until next week, will it be okay to call on Ms. Triton? I’d like to take her out to lunch. And we’ll need to get a ring.

My fist clenches around my phone and I have to resist throwing it against the wall. This is how it has to be. I just need to fucking remember it.

That will be fine.

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