“I just…” she started, looking up at me yet again while she fiddled with the hem of her dress. “I just wish I’d get to see you as often as I used to.”
“And why is that, princess?” I murmured.
“I miss you.” Her voice was shaking, her hands nervously twisting the fabric in her lap. “I… I wish you were around, the way you used to be. I really, really… need you around, Devlin.”
I wanted to give her what she wanted so fucking badly, but the chasm between us was widening. And I needed to bide my time. After all, she wasn’t even legal yet. I’d be able to claim her once the time was right. For now, I needed to keep her wanting me.
“Things will change,” I promised her. “And soon enough, you’ll have me any time you want. How does that sound, princess?”
“Good,” she replied, her lips slowly turning upward into a smile.
“You better get started on that ridiculous ice cream,” I grinned at her. “Don’t want it to melt.”
She laughed and dug into her sundae while I watched her.
Such a mesmerizing little creature she was.
Too bad I’d have to break her heart after this.
Eleven
Violet
One year ago
“I can’t believe your Dad managed to get you tickets to Sleeping Beauty for your birthday.” Annie looked over at me as we stood in line, waiting for the people in front of us to finish up at the counter. “This ballet has been sold out for weeks.”
“I was kind of hoping for a car.” I shrugged and sighed. “I feel like he owes me more than tickets to the ballet after ruining my prom last year.”
“Yeah, I would be mortified if that happened to me.” She shook her head back and forth. “But, it’s kind of sweet—he was just being protective of his daughter. My Dad barely even pays attention to anything I do. Sometimes I wish he was a little more protective…”
“There’s protective and then there’s dragging you out of prom kicking and screaming.” My jaw tensed when I remembered the most embarrassing moment of my life.
“Yeah…” She nodded.
We made our way inside and found our seats. It was a beautiful performance, but I had trouble enjoying the show because all I could think about was prom. It had been a traumatic experience, and I still hadn’t completely forgiven my father for what he did. I knew he had good intentions, but it was still humiliating. My classmates still hadn’t let me live it down and I didn’t like being teased. It had put a strain on some of my friendships, and I rarely talked to anyone except Annie. At least she was there for me—the one friend that would never abandon me like all the others.
“Uh oh.” Annie grabbed my arm and dug her nails in as we walked out of the theater during intermission.
“What?” I looked at her and then followed the direction of her eyes. “Oh my god!”
It was Devlin. I hadn’t seen him in six months and just the sight of him took my breath away. After prom, he completely ignored me, but a chance encounter following my disastrous date with Steven Hawthorne brought us back together. He picked up the pieces, took me for ice cream, and gave me a small glimmer of hope that maybe we could have something together—then he tore that hope apart. I was too young. I was a child—he said the same thing to me that my father did—and those words stung. They hurt so much that I didn’t try to contact him again—I just couldn’t handle being rejected again.
“Don’t try to talk to him.” Annie pulled me back towards the theater.
“Come on, I should just say hello.” I pulled my arm out of her grasp, and her grip was so tight that the skin tore in the process.
I ignored the cut on my arm and walked over to Devlin as fast as I could in a pair of heels that weren’t designed for speed. He was talking to someone—a guy I didn’t recognize—but when he saw me, that conversation ended. Our eyes locked together. Those cool hazel eyes. They looked at me like I saw all they had ever wanted to see and staring into them made me want to melt and wither at the same time, but they filled me with purpose.
“Hello, princess.” His words were calm, but I saw him tense up when I approached. “What are you doing here?”
“I should be asking you that—the ballet, really?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise.
“I’m—not here for the dancing.” A smile swept across his face, but then it faded. “You’re bleeding.”
“It’s nothing.” I reached over to cover the wound.
“Here.” He dug a handkerchief out of his pocket that bore his initials and took my arm in his hand. “It doesn’t look too bad.”
“It doesn’t hurt.” I put my hand on his, but he pulled away, leaving me holding the handkerchief over my wound. “So, you didn’t come for the dancing? Why are you here?”
“I’m watching someone.” The smile returned to his face. “Someone that has captured my attention.”
“Oh.” I nodded. “You brought a date?”
Of course he has a date. Why wouldn’t he?
“Not exactly.” He shook his head back and forth. “But I have no intention of leaving by myself tonight.”
“You could leave with me.” I took another step closer. “I’ll be eighteen in six months—I’m practically a woman now.”
“Princess…” His hand lifted and he caressed the side of my cheek, but immediately pulled his hand away. “No. I can’t…”
“Why do you keep doing this to me?” My eyes closed for a moment. “I know what I want.”
“You know what you think you want.” He exhaled sharply. “You really have no idea what would happen if I left with you.”
“I have a pretty good idea.” I opened my eyes slowly and smiled.
“No—you don’t.” His words snapped at me and his eyes clouded. “Enjoy your show.”
“Devlin, don’t push me away again.” I grabbed the front of his jacket—and I kissed him.
It was a one-sided kiss. My lips pressed against his. I tasted the bliss I had been craving, but then I felt his hands on my shoulders. He pushed me away—so hard that I stumbled back and nearly lost my footing. He didn’t even try to catch me. There was no smile on his face—just an ice-cold stare. He immediately turned and headed back into the theater as Annie rushed to my side. The shove might as well have been a slap across my face—I felt more humiliated by that than I did when I was dragged out of prom.
“What an asshole.” Annie sighed. “I swear that man really is the devil.”
I’m not so sure about that, because he keeps refusing to let me sell my soul to him.
“I guess we should get back to the show.” I looked towards the theater.
“Yeah.” Annie nodded and looked at my arm. “Sorry about that—I didn’t realize you were going to try to tear off your arm to get to him.”
“It was stupid—obviously.” I sighed and shook my head.
We returned to our seats for the second half of the ballet and I scanned the crowd until I found Devlin. He was sitting alone, and it didn’t appear that he had a date. A couple of times I saw his eyes cut in the direction of my seat, but he never looked at me. I barely paid attention to the rest of the show because my thoughts were spinning. I finally felt his lips on mine—but nothing. There was no reaction on his part other than to send me away—not just send, actually push—hard enough that he could have sent me to the floor if I didn’t catch my footing. I never believed Devlin would physically hurt me before that moment, but his eyes said otherwise. He would have watched me fall—he might have even enjoyed it. The ballet finally ended, and the dancers did their final bow before the curtains were closed for the last time.
“Let’s go.” Annie looked over at me. “Is your arm okay?”
“Yes.” I looked down and realized I had been clutching Devlin’s handkerchief during the entire second half of the performance. “It’s fine now.”
“I’ll call my driver.” She pulled her cell phone out of her purse.
“Not yet.” I stood to my feet. “I nee
d to try and talk to Devlin…”
“Violet—don’t!” Annie tried to stop me, but I pushed my way through the crowd before she had a chance to intervene.
I saw Devlin several times as I went the opposite direction of the other patrons, but each time someone got in my way, I lost sight of him and had to find him again. He was heading towards the stage—no, he was going backstage. I had no idea why, but I need to talk to him one more time. I had not laid it all on the line. If I truly meant nothing to him, then I needed to see that in his eyes. I needed to hear him say the words. The crowd thinned out once I got to the stage and I avoided a security guard’s glaring eye to enter the same door I saw Devlin go in.
There he is.
I started towards Devlin as fast as I could move on high heels, but he was walking faster than I was and he had the lead. When I finally turned the corner and caught sight of him again—I witnessed something I didn’t expect. I watched him walk over to the lead dancer, the one who had played Sleeping Beauty, and pull her close for a kiss. My jaw fell open—I felt my legs turning to jelly. He was involved with someone else—and it wasn’t the woman I saw him with the night we went for ice cream. He said she meant nothing—just a friend. It was clear the woman his lips were crushing was more than a friend.
“Excuse me, miss. I don’t think you’re supposed to be back here.” One of the dancers walked up and put her hand on my arm.
“Sorry, I must have gotten lost.” I didn’t look at her—I just stared at the horrifying sight in front of me.
“Ah, don’t tell me you’re one of Devlin’s girls.” She chuckled under her breath. “He’s quite popular.”
“I’m sorry.” My head finally turned—and it turned in a snap. “One of his girls?”
“Let’s just say he won’t be going home alone tonight—nor will she be the only one he leaves with.” She gave me a wink. “I had the pleasure once—he’s something else.”
Oh my god.
“I need to go.” I turned and started walking back towards the door.
I truly meant nothing to Devlin. I was just some child that was obsessed with a fantasy—one that was never real to begin with. I had him on a pedestal and he didn’t deserve one. I wouldn’t have been mad if he was dating someone, but—he was just like Steven Hawthorne. One woman wasn’t enough to satisfy or please him. He wasn’t looking for love, he was just looking for a fuck. I couldn’t believe I had fallen head over heels for a man—no, he wasn’t a man. He really was the devil.
“There you are.” Annie came running up as I walked back into the main part of the theater. “Are you crying?”
“I want to go home.” I swallowed hard and blinked away my tears.
“Here.” She took the handkerchief from my hand and tried to wipe my eyes.
“No!” I grabbed the handkerchief and tossed it on the ground. “I don’t want to be touched by anything that he’s had his filthy hands on!”
“I’m sorry, Violet.” She put her arm around me and we walked to the car. “I never wanted to tell you this, but I can see you’re hurting.”
“What is it?” I looked over at her as we entered the car.
“Devlin Windsor is not the man you think he is.” She exhaled sharply. “I know you’ve had this—crush on him.”
“Obviously, that was a mistake.” My words came out through clenched teeth as my sorrow turned to anger.
“Yes, and I’m sure it’s a lot worse than you realize. There are stories—stories about the girls he takes back to his place—the thing she does to them.” Her nose wrinkled and she shuddered. “You’re lucky you dodged that bullet, trust me.”
I would have run towards the bullet, and probably kept running when it went through my heart—but he doesn’t want me. I guess it’s for the best.
“Yeah.” I nodded, not saying a single thing that was actually on my mind.
“It’s worse than that though—that isn’t why they call him the devil.” She swallowed hard.
“Oh?” I tilted my head inquisitively, but it was just a reaction—all I felt was numb.
“He summons people to his estate because he wants to make a deal, and my father says nobody ignores one of his invitations.” She looked down for a moment before continuing, as if she was afraid to tell me the rest. “He’s making big moves in the business world—and none of his deals are fair, but people are afraid of him.”
“That’s ridiculous.” I shook my head back and forth. “He’s—harmless.”
Unless he’s taking a swing at your heart—those hits don’t miss.
“He’s not harmless Violet. He’s far from harmless. Just hope that you never end up getting a letter in a blank envelope—written in crimson ink. That’s when you know the devil wants to make a deal, and he’s definitely going to take your soul.” She sighed.
I would have gladly sold it to him—but now I know better. Devlin Windsor—or the devil—whatever he wants to call himself.
He’s dead to me.
Twelve
Devlin
Present time, 1 week later
“Mr. Windsor?”
I raised my eyes from the contract I’d been poring over to find my maid, Belle, standing awkwardly between the doors of my office.
“I said not to disturb me,” I barked. “What is it now?”
“I’m sorry, M-Mr. Windsor,” she stuttered. “I thought you’d want to hear r-right away that you’ve received a response to your letter.”
“Which letter?” I asked, my stomach twisting into knots.
It had been a week.
A week of sitting on the goddamn edge of my seat waiting for Violet to respond to me.
And there hadn’t been a peep from her, not a single word from the Cabot Estate. I knew the date she had to vacate the premises was coming up. Sooner or later, she’d have to decide. And I was confident she’d make the right call.
“This o-one,” Belle managed, approaching me and handing me a cream envelope embossed with the Cabot Estate’s logo. “I brought it over as soon as it got delivered. I thought you m-might want it.”
“Thank you, Belle,” I got out, taking the letter from her outstretched hand. “That will be all.”
She nodded with a shy smile and closed the door on her way out. Soon enough, it was just me and my thoughts, along with the unopened letter I’d left on my desk.
I poured myself a gin and tonic and eyed the letter. A smirk was playing on my lips. Finally, everything was going according to my plan.
I had no doubt about the contents of the letter. Violet had nowhere else to go, and soon enough, she’d end up in my arms where she belonged. I was confident she’d accepted my offer, and, unbeknownst to her, walked right into the devil’s lair.
I took my time enjoying the drink before setting the glass down and sitting back at my desk. My fingers touched the smooth cream paper, and I brought the envelope to my nose. It still carried her scent, gardenia and honey, the perfume she wore every day.
I inhaled her. My Violet.
Then, I tore into the envelope like a savage, revealing a short note inside. I devoured her words, smirking to myself when I realized her response was exactly what I’d been hoping it would be.
Miss Cabot would like to inform you she will accept your offer. Please expect her to arrive at Windsor Manor next Friday.
I set the note down, finishing my drink and touching the ever-present bulge in my pants.
“Welcome to Hell, princess,” I muttered to myself. “You just sold your soul to the devil.”
Thirteen
Violet
Present time
“Welcome to The Devil’s Manor.” A woman opened the door and motioned for me to enter. “We’ve been expecting you, Miss Cabot.”
“I’m sure you have…” I muttered under my breath as I walked inside. “Where’s Devlin?”
“Mr. Windsor is away. My name is Belle, and I’ll be attending to you while you are our guest.” She gave me a warm smile and looked past
me. “Do you have any belongings that I should retrieve?”
“No.” I shook my head back and forth. “I was only allowed to leave with the clothes on my back.”
“That will not be an issue. Mr. Windsor will take care of everything.” She motioned for me to follow. “Let me show you to your room.”
I looked around as I followed Belle towards a staircase. The manor was dark and mysterious with hallways that were not illuminated in any way. Even the lighting in the main part of the house was dim. The decor was Neo-Gothic and I wasn’t surprised to find that every detail absolutely flawless. Belle led me to a bedroom once we reached the top of the stairs, and it was as luxurious as the one I left behind at Cabot Estate. The first thing I noticed was a huge painting of Devlin hanging on the wall opposite the bed—almost like he would be watching me sleep.
“I will get some measurements and then you will have some time to get settled before dinner—it will be served at eight o’clock sharp.” She pulled a seamstress tape out of her pocket and motioned for me to lift my arms.
“I assume Devlin will be home by then?” I lifted my arms and stared into the mirror as she began taking measurements.
“Yes, of course.” She nodded quickly. “He never misses a meeting—especially when there is a contract to be signed.”
“A contract?” I blinked in surprise. “What kind of contract?”
“He’ll go over that with you at dinner.” She gave me a half-smile and nodded.
I’m not sure I like the sound of that.
“Okay…” It didn’t seem like I was going to get answers from Belle, so I would just have to wait until I could speak with Devlin.
“I’ve got your measurements, so if there’s nothing else, I will take my leave.” She took a step back.
Devil’s Captive: Fallen Dynasty Book One Page 5
