The Devil: Cards of Love

by Jade, Ashley

“You never wished me happy birthday.”

  The change of subject throws me and I check my watch. “Technically your birthday isn’t for another ten minutes.” I wink. “I’m not that old. I still have a few more years before senility sets in.”

  She starts to laugh, but a scowl twists her features. “Too bad the stupid masquerade ball is tomorrow night.”

  “I know.”

  It’s always the Saturday before Halloween. Normally I’d skip it because balls aren’t really my thing, but it’s eleven days before the election. Which means I have no choice but to show up. The two weeks before an election is the most crucial and it’s just one of the many appearances I have lined up.

  Eden tilts her head to the side, studying me intently. I should probably tell her about Margaret since we’re on the subject…but I don’t have the heart to break hers when her birthday is mere minutes away and she’s already so upset.

  “I don’t suppose there’s any chance of you skipping it?” She looks so hopeful it kills me. “We could watch movies, or—”

  “I can’t.” When her face falls, I add, “But you could go.”

  I know it’s a long shot given all her struggles, but I’m hoping she’ll give it some real thought before turning me down.

  Besides, there’s no reason Eden shouldn’t go if she wants to. It’s not like I’m planning on screwing Margaret in public tomorrow night.

  And even if that were the case, it wouldn’t matter. The second Eden walks through those doors, she’ll be surrounded by guys. Guys her own age who would undoubtedly do anything for her attention.

  Jealousy hits me like a fist to the gut, but I shake it off with a roll of my shoulders. I have no right to be jealous. She’s my forbidden fruit.

  Therefore, she deserves to find someone who can give her all the things I can’t.

  Pride fills me when I peer down at her. The adorable look of concentration on her face tells me she’s actually considering it. This is a huge step in the right direction.

  “I don’t have a dress.”

  “Use my credit card and buy one.”

  She chews her bottom lip, contemplating. “It’s too late to order express shipping online.”

  “You can go shopping for a dress in the morning.” When she winces, I say, “Or I can send Claudia to the store to pick one out for you.”

  Claudia is my campaign manager and personal assistant.

  “Claudia’s seventy-three,” Eden grumbles. “She’ll end up picking out some psychedelic flower-child frock that will make people talk about me even more.”

  Eden has a point. Claudia is great at what she does—but she’s also a self-proclaimed hippie with very questionable fashion choices.

  “Write down what you want. Color, size…girl shit.”

  The corners of her lips turn up. “Girl shit?”

  I shrug helplessly because I’m clearly out of my element and she giggles. “Okay, fine. I’ll write down my girl shit.”

  For a second I think I misheard her, but sure enough; she’s picking up a pen and pad off her nightstand.

  Only to place them back down a moment later. “I don’t think I can do this. I’m so sorry.”

  Her shaking hands and tear-stained cheeks chip away at the barrier I put up between us.

  Crossing a boundary I know I shouldn’t, I pull her into my arms. “Don’t be sorry. They have one every year.” I tip her chin. “You’ll go to one when you’re ready.”

  She sniffs. “What if I can’t?”

  “You will.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because there are two types of people in this world. Those who are capable of greatness, but don’t bother trying. And those who still try even though they’re not capable of greatness.”

  Her face screws up. “I do—”

  “You’re neither.” I wipe her tears away with my thumbs. “You’re the type of girl who can do anything she sets her mind to and succeed.”

  She leans her forehead on my chest. “You really think so?”

  “I know so. You don’t even have to try. Everything you want in this world is already yours.” She trembles and I run my knuckles down the nape of her neck, watching goose bumps erupt over her delicate flesh. “All you have to do is reach out and take it.”

  She looks up, her blue orbs darkening with lust. “What if everything I want is standing right in front of me?”

  My dick twitches and I mutter a curse. I’m not sure I have enough willpower to keep turning her down. Not when she’s pressing her hot little body against me like she is now.

  But I have to. The lines between us are becoming blurred again.

  “Eden—”

  She places her finger over my lips while her other hand falls to my zipper. “I know.” Slipping her hand through the opening of my pants, she runs a finger over my thickening erection. “But according to the clock on the wall, it’s officially my birthday.” I grunt when she wraps her hand around me and squeezes. “And I really want a birthday kiss.” She smiles coyly and drops to her knees. “Or should I say—to blow out my candles.”

  I’m a sick man because those innocent words dripping with dirty intentions have my resolve diminishing and my dick rock hard.

  I’m pretty sure this is what standing outside the gates of hell must feel like.

  “Eden,” her name comes out in a low groan as she takes me into her mouth.

  This is wrong. So wrong.

  Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

  “Suck it faster.”

  I’m so fucking sick.

  Sick. Sick. Sick.

  “Good girl.” I wind her hair around my fist as bolts of pleasure caused by her hot little tongue punch through my body. “Suck me just like that.”

  Gagging sounds fill the room as she goes to town on my dick, taking me in swift long strides.

  Bracing an arm on a nearby chair, I watch as she pleasures me, somehow looking even better than all the fantasies I’ve had starring her over the last year.

  Pink full lips stretched around my shaft. Cheeks hollow from sucking. Blue eyes glassy from my cock constantly hitting the back of her throat.

  In other words—utter perfection.

  And God help me because it makes me want to find out what she’d look like if I was balls deep inside her.

  She picks up her pace and I rock into her mouth. “Fuck.”

  I should end this, but the devil on my shoulder whispers that since I’m already going to hell, I might as well enjoy it and take everything she’s offering.

  And despite being a grown man who knows better, I listen.

  Yanking her upright, I shove her on the bed.

  Her eyes widen in surprise. She looks so innocent it sends another pang of want straight to my dick.

  I hover over her slim frame. “You drive me fucking crazy.” Running my nose along her temple, I inhale her flowery scent. “What am I gonna do with you?”

  Her chest heaves, drawing my attention to her perfect tits. “Anything you want.”

  “That so?” With a grin, I shove my hand underneath her shirt and cup her tit in my hand. They’re every bit as firm and ample as I thought they’d be. “Take this off and let me see them.”

  She makes quick work of removing her top and I make my way down her torso, pausing to lick and suck every inch of her toned abdomen.

  Circling her belly piercing with my tongue, I look up at her. I feel like a goddamn teenager again because all I can do is stare at her full breasts and peach colored nipples.

  Her cheeks turn pink and she starts to cover herself, but I shake my head. “Don’t you dare.” With a grin, I push her jeans down a little, revealing those razor-sharp hipbones. “We’re not done.”

  My cock throbs when I see her smooth, bare pussy peeking out. “Not even close.” I pop open the button on her jeans and graze the length of her slit. “So wet.” Stretching my fingers, I open her. “So pretty.”

  I plant a kiss on her sensitive clit and she utters
a throaty moan that goes straight to my balls. “Do you have any idea how bad I want this?” I circle the sensitive bud with my tongue. “How much I want to make you come all over my dick.”

  “Do it,” she rasps, goading me. “I told you, I'm all yours.”

  With a groan, I tear her jeans off and position myself between her thighs. I’m about to thrust, but I feel her body tense underneath me.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah.” The pink of her cheeks deepens, and she draws in a shaky breath. “I just haven’t…I’ve never done this before so I’m a little anxious.”

  I freeze, the awareness of what we’re about to do hitting me like a steel bat to the prick. I suspected she was a virgin, but hearing her confirm it seconds before I’m inside her, makes this whole thing feel even more…wrong.

  I look down at my cock nudging her entrance, wondering how the hell I let myself get so far down the rabbit hole.

  I care about Eden. Really fucking care about her. In two very different, very conflicting ways.

  But one side is winning out right now.

  “I’m on the pill.” She smiles nervously. “You don’t have to worry.”

  I stand up and tuck myself back into my pants. “I’m not taking your virginity.”

  “What?” She sits up. “Why? Everything was perfect.”

  “No, everything was not perfect.” I pick her clothes up off the floor and hand them to her. “You deserve more than this.”

  “But I love you, Cain.” The space between us tightens as we lock gazes. “I love everything about you.” Her lower lip trembles. “Even when you hurt me, I still love you.”

  There's a part of me that knows I'll regret what I'm about to say the moment the words are out of my mouth, but it's the only way. This can't keep happening. We're spiraling out of control and if I don't stop it...lives will be ruined.

  Just like last time.

  “No, you don’t. You only think you do because you never leave the house and you don’t know any better. You’re a sweet, beautiful girl. But this thing…this sick shit brewing between us is over for good.”

  Hot tears fall down her face. “But you love me too.” The tears fall faster, and I honestly hate myself for making her hurt like this. “I know you love me.”

  “I do love you, Eden.” Then before hope can rear its ugly head, I add, “But not in that way. I love you like a f—”

  “Don’t,” she chokes out, shooting me a look that would turn a weaker man to stone. “Just get out.”

  “Eden—”

  She grabs a vase off her nightstand and I watch as it shatters against the wall. “Get the fuck out, Cain.”

  I walk to the door, my heart in my throat. “I’m sorry.”

  “No, you’re not.” She buries her face in her hands. “You never are.”

  Chapter 5

  Eden

  I clutch my chest as pain slashes through me. It’s so severe I lose my breath. So brutalizing…I swear I can actually feel my heart breaking into a million tiny pieces.

  Like I’m dying slowly with every beat of the shattered organ.

  And yet, if God were to offer me one final wish before my soul departs the earth—I know exactly what I’d wish for.

  The same thing I’ve wished for every night for the past four years.

  I’d wish for Cain Carter to love me the way I love him.

  But I know now that will never happen…and it’s not because he doesn’t love me. It’s because he doesn’t love me in that way.

  He doesn’t want to love me the way I love him.

  Because he equates loving me with something sick and wrong.

  An evil sin.

  And deep down I know I should let him go and try to find a way to move on, but I can’t.

  Because the fucked-up thing about love is—just because the person you love doesn’t love you back…it doesn’t stop you from loving them.

  It only makes you love them even more, makes you hold on a little tighter…because your love is the only thing that still tethers you to him.

  And if the thread were to snap. If the foundation you built were to ever crumble. You’re left with nothing.

  Sometimes the only difference between love and obsession is a broken heart.

  Chapter 6

  Damien

  Flecks of gold, blue, green, and white dash back and forth in front of my eyes. There’s little more tranquil in this world than sitting in the dark watching fish swim under neon lights.

  It’s a pity the click-clack of heels across the marble floor of my office disrupts my meditation.

  “Good thing I don’t care about my job as a reporter, because the interview went exactly like you said it would.” The young woman—Jodie—huffs out a breath from behind me. “I was halfway here when I got the phone call I was fired.”

  My lips twitch. I knew Cain had a soft spot for his stepdaughter. Can’t say I blame him. She is…special.

  “You’ll be well compensated for your trouble.” Standing, I sprinkle some food in the tank. They haven’t been fed in two days, so they’ll be pleased.

  “Find out anything interesting about Eden?”

  “You mean other than her being a typical high society bitch whose shoes cost more than my rent?”

  “Jealousy is such an unattractive trait.”

  “So is ignoring someone you want information from. Are you going to turn around and look at me at some point, or are you planning on giving me my money telepathically?”

  “That depends.”

  “On?”

  “If looking at you is a better view than the one I have now.”

  I glance down at the small security screen displaying our exchange.

  It’s not.

  The girl’s mouth drops open. “Wait, are you…was that? I mean, I’m totally down to fuck. You’re Damien freaking King. I saw your picture on your website and nearly pissed myself.” She puts her hands on her hips. “But I’m no prostitute.”

  “Here’s a tip. Don’t walk into my office late at night expecting to be paid for a job you haven’t completed. My time is valuable—so you can either use that mouth of yours to tell me about the interview and leave with a check in your hand…or use it to suck my cock and leave with nothing but my cum on your face. The choice is yours.”

  “Geez.” She shuffles her feet nervously. “Sorry.”

  I pinch the bridge of my nose when she fetches a stick of gum from her purse.

  The girl is testing my patience, and if she’s not careful I’m going to strip her and fuck her little asshole…right before I drown her in my tank. “Jodie.”

  I don’t have to look at the security screen to know she jumps. “Sorry, I have to chew gum when I’m nervous. Anyway, I didn’t talk to her for long. And to tell you the truth, she’s kind of a brat.”

  Exhaling, I sit down in my seat. “How so?”

  “Well, when I asked her if she was excited about the party tomorrow night—you know, before I brought up her being a whore—she gave me an attitude.”

  Probably because she doesn’t venture outside, you idiot.

  “Oh, crap. Hold that thought. I can’t believe I almost forgot.” She claps her hands like she’s about to share the latest news with some girlfriends. Which is exactly why I hired her in the first place. Young women leave out nothing when disclosing gossip.

  “You were right. He’s totally screwing her.”

  “What makes you so sure?”

  I know Cain wants to, but I wasn’t aware they crossed that line…yet.

  “You mean besides the fact that he ran into the room like a white knight when I made her upset?”

  “I’m sure he was just concerned about his daughter.”

  Or scared Eden slipped up about their inappropriate relationship.

  I lean back in my chair and smirk. If she’ll disclose it to a stranger on the internet, what’s to stop her from telling anyone else?

  She laughs. “Yeah, concerned about his image. H
e touched her when he walked in the room—nothing sexual. However, the second she told him I insinuated they were hooking up, he jumped back like she was made of lava.” She snorts. “Then he started acting all holier than thou. Like the thought of fucking his centerfold stepdaughter was something that never crossed his mind before.”

  “Interesting. How did Eden respond?”

  “Oh, homegirl was pissed.” She snaps her gum. “Although I don’t know why. If I was doing him—and I totally would because he’s hot as fuck—I’d be more than happy getting dicked down by him every night and spoiled rotten during the day.” She rolls her eyes. “I know she’s a blonde, but she can’t seriously be dumb enough to think it will ever be more than sex between them. I mean, hello—not only is he about to be mayor, but everyone knows he married and fucked her mom.”

  She chews vigorously. “But yeah, that was basically it.” She drums her fingernails on my desk. “So, now that you have all this info, what are you planning on doing with it? Obviously, there was a reason you wanted me to ruffle her feathers and spy on them.”

  Tuning her out, I draw my attention to the fish again.

  They look so innocent swimming around in captivity. So content now that I’ve fed and taken care of them.

  So pretty. Just like Eden.

  She taps her foot. “Are you going to stare at those fish the whole time I’m here?”

  “No.”

  Pressing a button on my chair, I release the divider between the main tank and another one that’s hidden out of view. The one containing a very angry, very hungry red-bellied piranha.

  In less than a minute…all my pretty fish are dead.

  They never saw it coming.

  I spin around in my chair. “Take off your clothes.”

  Chapter 7

  Eden

  Ping.

  I blink at the clock on my nightstand. It’s just after two a.m.

  Even though I should know better, I open the Temptation app anyway.

  I won’t respond, I tell myself. I just want to know what he has to say.