Page 39 of The Devil's Bargain
“Next time,” he mused, “we should bring the production figures. Nothing silences critics quite like profit margins.”
“Next time?” She raised an eyebrow. “You assume I’ll want to face that gallery of doubters again?”
“My love, I assume you’ll have them all building your designs within the year.” His smile held equal parts pride and certainty. “And I’ll be right beside you to witness it.”
18
The Devil’s Past
The evening paper sat between them at dinner, its presence as unwelcome as an uninvited guest. Caroline had been reading an article when her slight exclamation caught Devlin’s attention.
“Something interesting?” he asked.
“Nothing of consequence.” But her fingers lingered on the page, and Devlin caught a glimpse of the headline: “Findlay’s Latest Innovation Revolutionises Steam Power.”
“Is that about Thomas Findlay?” he asked, trying to sound casual. “You never mentioned how you knew him.”
“He’s an old friend,” she said, averting her gaze.
“Is that all?” When she hesitated, Devlin felt his muscles tense, preparing for a blow he somehow knew was coming.
She fidgeted with the paper for a moment before answering, “We had an understanding, an arrangement if you will, for a short time.”
The admission hit him like a physical strike. Blood roared in his ears as possessive fury clawed through his chest. Hisexpression must have betrayed his rage because Caroline leaned back as if to distance herself from him.
“You were lovers?” Each word dripped venom. “And you had him witness our wedding?”
“It didn’t mean anything.” Her chin lifted in that stubborn way he usually found charming. Now it only stoked his anger.
“Which? Our wedding or your affair?”
“Why are you acting this way?” Colour flooded her cheeks. “You forced me into this marriage. You don’t have the right to be angry about anything related to the wedding.”
“I have the right to be a jealous husband!”
“Our affair meant nothing. It was a long time before you and I met. What’s causing this ire?”
“I don’t share what’s mine!”
“I am not yours!” she exclaimed with her fists clenched at her sides.
He leaned toward her, his control slipping. “Which infuriates me even more. And the thought of you still maintaining such a close connection with this man—”
“There is nothing between us now.” She stood her ground despite her obvious nervousness. “We’re friends, nothing more. He helps me with research, engineering, since I never had advanced education. He was my only ally for a long time.”
“Now you have me, so you don’t need him!” Devlin moved closer, searching her face with desperate intensity. “Were you ever in love with him? Do you love him still?”
“No.” Her voice softened. “I was lonely, that’s all. There was respect between us. I didn’t love him then and I certainly don’t love him now.”
Her words should have soothed him, but the image of Findlay kissing her, touching her, made his blood boil. “You are not to speak to him again.”
“What? Devlin, be reasonable.”
“I am being reasonable. If I weren’t, I’d have him killed.” He rose to his feet.
“You beast!” She actually stomped her feet in frustration. “You can’t force me to abandon the only friendship I have besides Flo!”
“One friend is sufficient!” He barely recognised his own voice. “If that is not enough, make all the female friends you desire!”
