Page 23 of Devious Deals

The only thing that’s wrong is that he keeps everything so… cold. I know we have an agreement, but any time I show signs of emotions, especially during sex, he pulls away. It leaves me feeling like something is wrong with me. Or worse. Sometimes I feel dirty, like I’m nothing more than an object for him to fuck.

I’ve also been thinking about my sisters a lot, likely because the holidays are just around the corner. I’ve never spent Christmas away from them and my father, but I guess there’s a first time for everything. I’ve thought about asking Kieran if I could call them, but I already know he’ll tell me no. We’ve talked about them a few times, and each time I’ve ended up in tears. He always looks irritated, too, like I’ve disappointed him.

One night, I asked him if there was someone he cared about to get him to sympathize with me, and that’s when he told me aboutJane. I frown thinking about her. I shouldn’t hate someone I’ve never met, but I do. He referred to her as hisdear friend, but my gut tells me there’s more to the story. And since I have nothing but time, I’ve created several scenarios about the mysterious Jane and who she is to Kieran. Ya know, because there’s nothing like hurting your own feelings.

I may not know who Jane is, but I know that Kieran decided to leave me for the first time since I signed the contract. There’s an event at his club and he left an hour ago, telling me I could watch some TV in the den before going to bed. Without him here, I feel… lost. How pathetic does that make me?

Sighing, I pad to the kitchen, hoping to find Sebastian. He’s not there, but the Chef is.

“Do you know where Sebastian is?”

Chef turns, looking startled. “You’re not supposed to be in here, ma’am.”

“Sorry.” I pause. “Is Sebastian around?”

“He went with Mr. Van der Zee to the club. They said they aren’t to be disturbed unless it’s an emergency.”

He’s holding his spatula like he’s ready to fight me off if I take another step into the kitchen.

“Okay, thanks.”

I hear him muttering under his breath about not losing his hand because of me. I’m not sure if he’s serious or not, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he were. Kieran has made it clear the only person I’m allowed to speak to is Sebastian. I’m not even allowed to talk to his third in command, Flounder, who I’ve seen around a few times over the past few months.

I’ve grown up around the Mafia my entire life. Of course, when I was younger, I didn’t know that’s what it was. The older I got, the more I saw. My father would come home with a black eye or busted lip. He never said anything to us, but my sisters and I became experts at listening at closed doors to hear what was happening. The interesting thing is that Kieran doesn’t treat me the same way. He speaks freely in front of me, not caring that I’m there. I can’t decide if it’s because he trusts me or because he knows I already know what happens behind closed doors. I hope it’s because he trusts me.

In the den, I grab the remote and flip on the TV. Kieran has this TV set up to watch streaming services only, so no local news for me. And still no word on whether he’s going to let me take some online classes yet. Things have been good between us, and I don’t want to rock the boat by asking. But I’m tiring of TV and Netflix, and I can’t stop thinking about how far behind I am in my studies. If I don’t enroll soon, I won’t be able to catch up. Sighing, I find my favorite movie and start it, but even Mr. Darcy can’t hold my attention for long.

I make my way to the second floor, turning in a direction I’ve never been before. The hallway is dark, warning me I should turn around, but I don’t. Reaching the closed door, I test the knob, expecting it to be locked. It opens and my lips part on a gasp. Holy cow. Kieran’s room is at least three-times as big as mine, but the thing that catches my attention is the massive bed. It’s the biggest bed I’ve ever seen. Two fireplaces flank each side, making me shake my head.

“Talk about showing off your money,” I mutter.

But I can see how it would be nice to be in bed on a wintry morning, looking out over the wooded area behind the house. There’s a double walk-in closet. One is filled with his clothes. The other is full of sex toys. My cheeks are warm. Wonder why he hasn’t used these on me yet? Closing the door, I pad to the bathroom. Holy cow! There’s a glass-enclosed rainfall shower with a soaking tub in the glass enclosure. I’ve seen similar designs on HGTV, and, god, I want to take a bath so badly. I don’t dare do it, though. Not when I know there are cameras in the house.

Hell, he probably already knows I’m in here. I shiver, and it’s not out of fear. No, I want him to know I’m in here. I can admit that much to myself. I wanted to go against his rules to see what he would do when he found out. I go back to the bed and sit on one side. This must be where he sleeps because his scent is stronger here. I should get out of here while I can, but I’m bored and kind of want to see what he does. So, what do I do? I curl up on his side of the bed and close my eyes.

* * *

Kieran

My phone went off the moment Ariel entered my room, snooping. Little brat. She didn’t seem to be looking for a way out, though. No, it’s more as if she’s curious. She lingered in the bathroom but shook her head as if deciding something. I expected her to leave, not climb into my bed and fall asleep. And I know she’s asleep. She’s been in there for a while now, her lips slightly parted.

Seb looks over my shoulder. “I believe you owe me a grand.”

Reaching into my pocket, I dig out my wallet and hand him some cash.

“Thank you,” he says in a singsong voice. “Should I tell them to bring your car around?”

“Why would you do that?”

“So you can go home and punish her.” He gives me a knowing smile. “That is why you left her, right? To see if she would obey.”

I don’t answer, and he laughs.

“That’s what I thought. Go. I can handle things here.” He winks. “And I’ll be sure to give you some time before I return to the house.”

I snort as I stand, finishing my drink.

Slapping him on the back, I say, “You’re a good man, Seb.”

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