Page 11 of Vendetta

For a while we just sit there in a comfortable silence.

“If you can't let it go...” she says.

“I can't let it go. It's not right, and I owe it to them,” I say, my voice gaining more conviction with each word.

“She wants a television.” Hayley changes the subject, amusement lacing her voice. “The girl is held prisoner by the nephew of a sworn enemy, and she wants a television.”

“I'll get her something. Will you help me out with her?”

“Why, are you scared of that little girl?” she asks.

“She’s not that much younger than you. And, if you were me, you wouldn't go in there either.” I give her a pointed look.

“Oh my God,” she says in mock outrage. “She didn't?”

I groan out in exasperation and lean my head on the wall behind me, looking up. “Oh, she did,” I say as a vivid image of Leighton's naked little body plays in my head. I swallow hard, hating myself for the pang of regret I feel for walking out of her room.

“Wow, I'm actually impressed she'd dare to try and seduce the unattainable Devon Andre,” she says, thoughtful. She turns to me, and her lips curve into a smirk. “Like you'd fall for that. Doesn't she know anything about you?”

I swallow hard, remembering my weakness.

4

LEIGHTON

I didn’t ask for a TV so I could catch up on the latest reality shows, even though that's clearly going to be a plus.

As soon as Hayley leaves the room after delivering my TV, I turn on the local news. I know the way my dad works. If he thinks I went missing unrelated to business, he'd call in his police contacts. I'd probably be on the news as a missing person.

On the other hand, if he had any idea that I’m missing because of who I am, because of him, he wouldn’t call the police. He'd keep a lid on it, and deal with it on his own. I definitely wouldn't be on the news, if that were the case.

I watch news station after news station for two hours, my vision blurring from staring at the TV so much, but nothing. My dad must have his own suspicions about my disappearance.

I exhale in relief. Just a little while longer.I hope.

I’ve noted Devon's absence, and wonder what, exactly, he’s doing. Hayley's been coming here for three days straight, breakfast, lunch and dinner. No sign of him.

And who is Hayley to Devon? She's been nothing but nice to me, but I know better, and people like that usually don’t exist ifthey are in any way related to one of the families. No one lives like us and remains completely unscathed, entirely innocent.

I watch show after show, passing the time. If the Andres don’t kill me, boredom surely will.

I wake up early the next morning, having fallen asleep with the TV on. I turn it off and have another long shower—it’s not like I have anything better to do. I dress in denim shorts and a tank top, and walk out into the room barefoot.

I’m surprised to see Devon standing there, placing down my food on the bedside table. The slight flinch he makes when his eyes meet mine lets me know that he was hoping to leave without being seen. Well, I guess that answers why he hasn't been around. He’s been avoiding me since the other night.

“Devon,” I greet, walking toward him.

He glances at the TV, and then back toward me without a word, but he takes a step back. He has a few days stubble on his face that I can’t help but find attractive. I always liked him like that.

“Thanks for the TV. Could you bring me some books to read?” I ask him, adding a flirty smile. He licks his top lip once before he answers.

“Tell Hayley what you want, and I’ll get it for you,” he says, his voice steady. He crosses his arms against his chest, a dominant stance. I notice that he stares into my eyes, but his gaze doesn’t roam. Not once since I've walked out from the bathroom has he looked at my body.

“Well, aren’t you accommodating?” I say sweetly, coming closer to him.

“That’s not going to work on me, Leighton. I’m a little different than the men who usually pant after you,” he says, his voice gaining strength.

"I know," I say, holding my palms up, hiding the sting. I shrug casually. “Just an attempt at some friendly conversation.”

---