Page 275 of Inferno

Last out is a pair of red sole heels, black leather, of course. As I go to close the basket, a note at the bottom catches my attention.

In Declan’s scribbly handwriting, I read it, and a sob catches in my throat.

I will always burnfor you, heartbreaker.

I love you, forever.

Your Declan.

After spendingthe next thirty minutes showering and shaving every hair on my body and getting my hair into a perfect curly ponytail, I’m ready.

Nerves pit in my stomach as I shove my arms in my black trench coat and do it up tight. Before I leave, I swipe up the chocolate milkshake.

As I open the front door, Declan’s black Mercedes pulls up, and he gets out, opening up the back for me.

“I thought it might be best to give you a ride there.” He winks, ushering me towards him.

“No handcuffs?” I ask, making my way down the steps and onto the gravel.

He leans inside the back seat and pulls out a diamante set, holding them up in front of his face with his finger.

“I didn’t forget. Keep hold of them, you’ll need them soon.”

As I bend into the car, tossing the carton on the passenger side, he slaps my ass, and I squeal.

He jumps in the driver's seat and his eyes catch mine in the mirror.

“You look breathtaking.”

I blush and look away from his burning gaze.

“And I haven’t even seen what's underneath.”

Any nerves I did have about returning back to Decadence are washed away with his words.

He makes me feel sexy and powerful.

“I prefer this way of getting me to the games.”

He chews on his lip.

“I can only apologize for that. If I knew what I do now, I would have never,” he says solemnly.

“I know, Declan. It’s okay. We are way past that.”

It’s a short and quiet drive to the gates. When he comes to a stop, he hops out and opens my door for me, holding out his hand to help me out.

“So this is the last time you’ll host a game?” I ask as I link my fingers through his.

“I have more important things to be doing with my time. They were there to fill a void, the one that could only ever be filled by you.”

I smile and bat my lashes.

“Good. We can still play together in Inferno, though?” I pout.

“Maybe. If you behave.” He teases and guides me up the stairs. The doors open for us, and just like the first time here, the chocolate factory workers ignore us.

But the smell makes my stomach rumble. Isabella is right, their chocolate is the best I’ve ever tasted.

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