Page 31 of Beautiful Devil

“Only the immediate family knows of your existence.”

“Perhaps that isn’t the case. Find out.”

“What is his interest in you?” When I didn’t answer he laughed bitterly. “Your particular skills. I find that interesting.”

“Yes. Interesting. Find the goddamn leak and plug it.” With this discovery, I’d likely bought Emily’s mother a safe haven for now. I had to question why it seemed important to me. Family members were merely used as pawns to gain information. However, I couldn’t find it within myself to have her mother killed.

My anger continued to increase as my desire for her erupted all over again. No. I couldn’t allow her to use my hunger in a manipulative way. As I shoved the phone into my pocket, I let out a long, heated breath.

Emily Shephard knew more than she wanted me to believe. She would soon learn that there was no possibility of keeping secrets from a cruel, heartless man like me.

CHAPTER7

“There is beauty in everything. Even in silence and darkness.”

—Helen Keller

Emily

The darkness would normally be oppressive. I used to hate when twilight befell the earth, tossing the world into a black hole. But tonight everything appeared different, the full moon illuminating the open French doors more ethereal than I’d ever seen. I stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorjamb, Kiki remaining dutifully by my side. She’d bounded into the room the moment a woman named Maria had brought in a tray of food.

Fruits. Vegetables. Meats. Cheeses. Artisan breads. The huge platter was overwhelming, every piece placed strategically as if a staff member had taken hours to provide a presentation worthy of royalty. There was wine and sparkling water, two pristine goblets waiting for a passionate couple to indulge in the feast.

Only my mouth remained dry, my refusal to partake in the food and drink a small way of ignoring the circumstances as well as refusing to submit to another realm of Kostya’s seduction. A part of me knew that was ridiculous given my stomach hadn’t stopped rumbling since the moment the food was brought into the room and that I’d already allowed the man to lure me into his darkness.

And even worse, I’d enjoyed every moment of his dominance. When I’d awakened to find that he’d left the room, I’d rolled onto his side of the bed, continuously inhaling his intoxicating scent. Now I stood in his tee shirt and nothing else, trying to pick apart my brain as to why I’d allowed my guard to fall so quickly.

I thought about the scar on his face and quivered. The blemish gave him character while the colorful phoenix inked on his back created an instant vibe of embracing life. For a man who relished darkness, the choice seemed strange.

Woof.

The slight bark wasn’t the first sound Kiki had made after entering the room, yet her sweet voice seemed to be asking a question. Maybe more than one. For some reason, she’d taken to me, constantly rubbing against my legs. Her appearance had provided comfort when I’d felt so lost after waking to find Kostya had disappeared.

I leaned over, brushing my hand across the pup’s head, laughing from the way the girl constantly thumped her tail back and forth. “Are you hungry?”

Woof!

She snorted then jumped, driving her front paws against my thighs. I couldn’t help but laugh, enjoying the moment of peace. Kostya was like a tornado, his presence creating an infuriating disturbance. The difference in the two creatures allowed me to breathe. “Okay. Let’s get you some cheese.” I walked into the room, selecting three different cheeses, palming the morsels before allowing her to eat from my hand. “I’m glad you’re here, Kiki.” She was a reminder of a distant past, a time as a child when I’d been allowed to have a pet.

Then my father had slowly drifted away, preventing our little family from experiencing the usual household situations including holidays. His work had changed without any explanation, disappearing for months at a time. I hadn’t been told why until I was almost sixteen, and only after demanding to learn the truth.

While my mother had reluctantly told me, she’d left out most details. I’d been in college before learning how dangerous my father’s life had become.

His choice in professions had led to his death.

And to my abduction.

I stared at the closed door, swallowing hard before tugging two grapes from the thick vine. I’d never felt so agitated or apprehensive before, my life spiraling out of control. After almost choking on the grapes, I moved toward the bed, sitting on the edge. Kiki immediately jumped beside me, shoving her head under my arm.

“You are insatiable. Aren’t you?” I rubbed my hand down the soft fur of her back as I continued to stare out the open doors. Nothing seemed real any longer. I was in a magnificent cage, the beauty surrounding me unlike anything I’d ever experienced before, but the cliff’s precipice loomed ever so close. It was almost as if the edge of the rocky terrain was tempting me, drawing me closer.

I continued stroking Kiki’s fur, fighting tears, the strong emotion continuing to surprise me. It would seem the ruthless man had zapped my resolve, imprisoning it the same way he’d done my body. I couldn’t succumb to him again. No, I would do everything in my power to shove him away.

Just when I closed my eyes, Kiki stirred, her tail thumping against the bed. I felt his presence, his incredible muscular scent drifting into every cell. My body had the same reaction as before, my pussy immediately quivering. I was sickened by the increasing desire for a man who would eventually toss me aside, likely putting a bullet in my brain.

“Kiki.Espera junto a la puerta,” he commanded, Kiki immediately responding, jumping off the bed. Why did he want her to wait by the door? I refused to act. Doing so would allow him to think I gave a damn.

I didn’t.

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