Page 50 of Entwined

“Her? The mystery girl?”

I nod, curtly, taking her by the elbow, leading her towards the chateau. “We’re leaving. Now. The press snapped enough pictures of me, donating my generous check to the Worldwide AIDS Foundation.”

“It’s become a forgotten cause,” she nods, “but I want to stay. I want to dance. Be kissed by the devil again.” She spins around, with stars in her eyes. I’ve never seen her like this. Nicole is strong. Dependable. Professional. But right now, she’s been reduced to a teenage girl who’s stunned by her first kiss.

“We’re leaving.”

“Do we have to? I’m enjoying myself.”

“You don’t know who he is or what he’s capable of. He wants everything that’s mine. Including you.”

“I just want to feel the way he made me again. Even if only for a moment.”

“That’s stupid. Reckless.”

“I was in a horrible marriage. Trapped. But I feel the magic tonight, don’t you? You can’t possibly understand. I gave my ex fifteen years. And he never made me see stars or made me feel impossible things like Dimitri just did.”

“You’re drunk? How much champagne did you have?”

“Probably too much. Don’t you get it Christos? I’ve always been the good girl. The anti-risk taker. Now I have the chance to experience all the things I missed out on.”

“Like being kissed by the devil?”

“Exactly.”

I lean closer, “I am the devil sweetheart. The originalEl Diablo.”

She wrinkles her nose. “No offense, but I don’t want to kiss you.”

“I know,” I sigh, raking a hand through my hair. “Why did you run from Dimitri then?”

“I panicked. It was just a lack of oxygen. I’m sure,” she trails off.

“What did he say?”

“Something about caging a bird? Honestly, he spoke such nonsense between kisses, it was hard to understand with that sexy accent.” She shrugs. “But I think he said something about... me beingperfecto?” She sighs, swaying on her feet. My arms shoot out to steady her, just as a flash alerts me we’re not alone.

“Bloody paparazzi.” I mutter, holding her close as I pull her reluctantly towards the back of the chateau. “Have my car brought around.” I nod to the security guard at the door.

“Certainly Mr. Devillo.”

My phone buzzes from inside my pocket.

She tastes just as sweet as I thought. Sweeter than the dove. Bring her to me or I’ll find Jessie.

“See?” I hold up my phone for Nicole to read Dimitri’s text.

“That bastard!” she gasps, ripping the phone from my hand. Before I can stop her, she hits call.

“Devillo?”

“Guess again. I don’t like being played. I won’t take crap from any man again.”

“Ah, so the beautiful raven-haired American has claws, yes? Good. I can’t wait to feel them on my back.”

“You wish!” She huffs, with a red face. “Never. I can promise you that!” She disconnects, stomping her high-heeled feet. “What a bastard! He’s unbelievable! The utter ego on that man blows my mind!”

“Can we leave now?” I ask dryly.

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