Page 88 of Devious Deals

His eyes widen. “What’s this?”

“An exit clause for Ari.”

“And then you’re going to tell her everything?”

I nod. “I will, if she’s willing to hear me out.”

She may not forgive me. Hell, she may hate me. But at least she’ll be free.

22

Ari

I ended up sleeping for fourteen hours straight. My first thought when I wake up is that I only have days left as a single person. Hot tears fill my eyes. I hoped Kieran would come and find me last night. I was so sure that when he found out my father had spoken to me that he would at least want to hear about that. But he never came. Instead, Seb told me that I would meet John and his attorneys today, but that Kieran’s attorneys would come with me to ensure that I’m not taken advantage of.

I get out of bed. I don’t have the energy to shower, so I pad to the closet and pick out jeans and a nice top. Only, when I go to put on the jeans, they won’t button. Great. I’ve been stress eating to the point that my clothes aren’t fitting. That’s just freaking perfect. To make matters worse, my boobs are also achy today. My mind goes to the milking room, and a different ache spreads through my body. No! I’m not going to do this to myself. Not when Kieran has made his feelings clear.

Tossing the jeans on the floor, I grab a pair of slacks that thankfully fit. What I really want to wear is one of the milkmaid dresses, but there’s no way in hell that I’m going to wear something like that when there’s a chance Clayton will be around.

In the bathroom, I pile my hair into a messy bun. I don’t even bother with make-up. My stomach rumbles. God, I hope I have time for a quick bite to eat before I have to go to Manhattan. I slip on my flats and make my way downstairs to the dining room. No one is there, but my place is set with eggs, a piece of toast, and some fruit. Sitting, I eat my meal, relieved that I don’t feel sick.

I’m almost finished when I hear the front door open. Thinking it’s Seb, I wipe my mouth on the napkin and make my way toward the foyer.

“I just need to grab my jacket,” I call out.

But when I round the corner, I come to a stop. Jane stands there looking like a supermodel.

She scowls at me. “I’m so glad you’ll be gone in four short days. Kieran and I will finally be able to live our lives without trash like you hindering things.”

I laugh before I can stop myself.

“Is something funny?”

“Yeah, it kind of is. Do you really think Kieran is going to stop being himself just because I’m not there? He might play your game for a while, but eventually his needs will need to be met and he’ll go looking for another unfortunate soul to corrupt.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I sigh, suddenly exhausted. “Maybe I don’t, but neither do you. Come on, Jane, we both know you’re in love with a version of him that doesn’t exist anymore. The boy you fell in love with all those years ago was ruined when your mother got her claws into him.”

“Don’t you dare speak of my mother! She saved him, just like she saved the others.”

“Just like Kieran has done.” I hold up my hands. “I don’t want to fight with you. You’re right. I’ll be gone soon, and you won’t have to worry about me. But unless you get to know therealKieran, you’ll always be fighting someone.”

I sidestep her and find Kieran leaning against the wall around the corner, his arms crossed. I don’t say anything and make my way to my room. I know he’s right behind me, which only makes me walk faster.

I’ve just stepped into my room when he grabs my arm, spinning me to face him.

“I won’t say I’m sorry for what I said to her.” My chin wobbles.

His gaze goes to my lips right before his mouth crashes against mine. I melt into the kiss. Maybe I should shove him away, but I can’t. Not when I’ve missed him so freaking much. He cups my face and the tone of the kiss changes to one that breaks my heart. He’s telling me goodbye. I know it. I cling onto his shirt, willing it not to be true.

He steps away, breathing heavily.

“Your car will be here in a moment.”

“Kieran, please—”

“Ariel, we can’t. Now go.”

---