Devin and the Playboy

by Kastil Eavenshade

  “Go where, exactly?” Jack picked up the discarded envelope, broke the seal, and eased the papers out. “Back to life as a high-priced whore? Just because she has a madam to set up dates with her clients doesn’t mean that the wrong one won’t be chosen. You know I care for her, and if anything were to happen, I couldn’t live with the consequences. Besides, I’ve offered her a better life and she took it.” He flicked his fingers across her signature.

  “And us?” He blurted it out. The one thing that had him apprehensive about the deal in the first place—Jack Monterey no longer needing him.

  “Stephan.” Jack sighed, setting the papers down. “Nothing’s changed.”

  “The contract says otherwise.”

  “Does it?” Jack grinned. “It’s clearly defined that you are to be available to both of us. I can hardly keep my business going without you, and Devin’s going to need someone to teach her the ins and outs of upper society. A few social events aren’t going to refine her for the cat-and-mouse games those women my colleagues are married to play. They’ll chew her up and toss her carcass to the street. Be her student, keep her happy. Isn’t this what you’ve always dreamed of? Me finding the perfect girl?”

  Stephan ran his hands through his hair. “I should get back.”

  “On the way, remember to make sure our arrangements for the honeymoon are prepared, would you?”

  “It’s already set up as you requested.” Stephan licked his lips. He and Devin didn’t quite exactly see eye-to-eye and soon the quarters were going to be a lot closer. He hoped Jack would come up with an explanation of why his assistant had an adjoining room in the quaint bungalow the soon-to-be former playboy owned. Perhaps Jack relied too much on him, not that he minded his duties in the slightest.

  He stepped out of the private elevator, his mind still reeling with all the last-minute details. A fast wedding over a long engagement didn’t surprise Stephan. Jack was keeping the scandal-hungry media on their toes. At least one of them would get through the barriers being set up, but so long as Devin played her role, nothing damaging should come out of it. Stephan would see that their whirlwind romance story stayed air-tight and without scandal. Jack’s wealth was, at least, good for that.

  The car still idled outside the back entrance as he had instructed. Stephan slipped in. “Back to the spa.” The driver nodded and pulled out into the heavy traffic.

  Doubt clouded his mind. He’d been Jack’s trusted confidant and more over the years. What if his role would change? The contract guaranteed him many amenities, some of which pleased him, yet the slippery slope they presented threatened him from his already precarious position. Could Devin become far more important in Jack’s life to dismiss him from service?

  “Tread lightly,” he murmured as the driver parked along the curb. He jumped out of the car and glanced at his watch. Five minutes late. Another strike against him with the future Mrs. Monterey, he was sure. He hurried to the entrance and swiped the keycard the receptionist had given to him. The door clicked open softly. His steps faltered as Devin stood at the receptionist’s desk conversing with her stylist. She was breathtaking, her long hair swept back beautifully into a waterfall of curls. Wisps hung down to frame her face and the makeup highlighted her features without masking her natural tones. He shook himself out of his obvious staring before his mouth begged to take something that wasn’t his.

  “Devin?”

  She turned and grinned, twirling about in the pink taffeta dress Jack had picked out for her to wear. He let her pick what style wedding dress she preferred and the simple yet elegant outfit hugged every curve before flaring slightly at the hips. The silky patterned Victorian roses dotted the fabric and Stephan smirked. The train that would wrap ever so slightly around her bottom would accent her petite waist. The strapless nature showed off the diamonds adorning her neck.

  “Are you going to stare at me all day, Stephan, or shall we get going?” Her eyebrows arched.

  “Waiting on your word.” He gestured to the door. “I have the car ready.” He returned the keycard to the receptionist.

  “What a lucky girl.” The receptionist winked.

  “Yes.” Stephan quick-stepped and opened the door for the future Mrs. Jack Monterey.

  She moved with the grace of a ballroom dancer, hooking her arm in his. She glanced behind her and waved to the receptionist. “Thank you so much. I’ll see you when I get back from the honeymoon.”

  A brilliant flash nearly blinded Stephan before he realized what it was. He shoved Devin behind him and surged forward. He wrenched the camera out of the man’s grasp. It shattered as Stephan slammed it to the floor.

  “You realize how much that camera cost, asshole?” The man huffed.

  Stephan grabbed him by the collar. “Do you realize you’re trespassing on private property? Members only.” He grabbed the man’s jaw and jerked it toward the sign that stated what he had said. The photographer joined his camera on the floor. Stephan touched Devin’s elbow and she pulled away, trembling.

  “I won’t allow anyone to spoil your day.” Stephan held out his hand to her. For a moment, he saw an innocence flashed in her eyes. She didn’t lead a sheltered life by any means, but what he did frightened her. “Devin.”

  She blinked, her demeanor changing in an instant as she became the professional. “Yes.” She took his hand.

  Out on the street, Stephan rushed her to the car and opened the door for her to climb in, shielding her from any onlookers. He ducked in after her but not before he checked to see if any other photographers lingered in the shadows. The previous one being tossed out of the building right after them might give the others a warning at least.

  He motioned for the driver to go. Devin squeezed his hand, a nervous tremble evident in their closeness.

  “How do I look?”

  “Like a princess.” He patted her hand.

  “Will…” She bit her lip for a moment. “Will he like it? I mean, he wanted my hair down but I thought it took away from the necklace.” She fingered the multi-faceted white, pink, and chocolate diamonds angled toward her ample bosom.

  “I don’t see how he will argue over a trifle detail and if he does, let me know. I have an unusual knack for knocking some sense into him.” His wink had her smiling. He relaxed a little when the lights through town gave them a steady green.

  “Yet you couldn’t talk him out of marrying me?”

  “Why would I? He’s been wanting to do this for some time.” Stephan remembered trying to convince Jack to steer clear of escorts for some years to no avail. With Devin, they had found a woman with enough sense to keep secrets when need be. “You’re a perfect match, more than you know.”

  She stared at him, almost convincing him that she had one virginal bone in her body. The look was pure bliss to him. As well as she carried herself in the ceremonial dress, he couldn’t wait to see her in the more extravagant gown Jack had planned for the reception. The ceremony itself was private, with only Stephan in attendance as a witness. The real fun would begin afterward.

  Chapter Four

  Jack kissed her on the lips again at the clanging of the crystal wine glasses. They promised each other to not make the kisses more than a proper couple would do in public. He’d made the wedding site as private as he could but even Devin knew that the money-hungry photographers would crash any party. Twice, Stephan had escorted a click-happy idiot away under the threat of a sound beating. She’d taken the whole thing on the chin like a champ the second time right after the wedding when another had tried to barge his way into her changing room. The old Devin might have given the man a good swift kick in the lower region for trying to get a half-naked picture of her. Stephan was her knight in shining armor and Jack her valiant prince. She had a feeling that man would give up his paparazzi days after she witnessed Stephan wrapping a bandage around his bloodied hand.

  “Have I told you how lovely you look lately?” Jack whispered in her ear.

  “Yes, but I don’t
think I’ll ever tire of hearing it.” She placed an affectionate hand on his cheek. “I’ve heard it from so many men but with you? You mean it.”

  “Shall we dance one last time before we head off?”

  She nodded, a smile broadening on her lips. “I’d like nothing more, Mr. Monterey.”

  “Well, then, Mrs. Monterey, shall we?” He left his seat and pulled hers back. Her billowy dress made the exit from her chair precarious but Jack steadied her with his strong grip. In his arms, she’d surrender tenfold.

  He’d purchased her a traditional dress straight out of Gone With The Wind. A necklace sparkling with rose, chocolate, and yellow diamonds custom made by Tiffany’s accented the tiara in her hair. She feared that she was dreaming and in a fairytale wedding. Any minute she’d wake up to her phone ringing Mrs. K’s special tune. Each dress she’d changed into during the day had brought her to a new state of euphoria.

  As they hit the marble dance floor and the sultry music started, she refrained from pinching herself. All eyes were on her and Jack. In his eyes, she saw the admiration she never realized she’d begged for in her life. Greed and lust was the glint she’d normally see on the men who came and went in her illustrious career.

  “Thank you.” She stepped closer to him as he twirled her across the dance floor.

  “Thank me after tonight.” He winked and spun her around.

  Before leaving the reception hall, Devin had changed into a less bulky outfit. Her sleeveless lily-white dress had a modest amount of green tool along the flowing skirt. Jack arranged for them to sneak out the back of the establishment and into his personal limousine. He rested a mink shroud over her shoulder to keep her warm. The nights had not gone to uncomfortable temperatures, but the feel of the fur against her skin was sensual. If she had her way, she’d lay it on the floor of the limo and consummate the marriage before they even got to the jet.

  She giggled with excitement as she entered the limo. The mink shroud left her shoulders and fell perfectly onto the floor. As soon as Jack entered the vehicle, she slammed the door shut. Her fingers grabbed the lapels of his suit, and she dragged him down on top of her. The surprise on his face was priceless. Just as she pressed her lips to his, the door opened. Her hands fell away, afraid that the paparazzi had spotted them. Her scramble turned to shock as Stephan poked his head in.

  “Can’t leave without me.” He squeezed past her to the other side of the limo. The door shut and the car rolled forward.

  Devin, still on the floor, felt the heat in her cheeks rise. She snatched the mink off the floor and scrambled to the seat beside Jack. The shroud covered her front as she shrunk down in the cushions.

  “I hadn’t realized Stephan would be joining us.” She burrowed further into the fur.

  “Of course he’ll be joining us.” Jack patted her leg. “I believe that’s in Section Five?”

  “Correct, sir.” Stephan nodded. “Incidentally, the same passage tells you that I am also your personal assistant. When Mr. Monterey doesn’t require me for something.”

  “Lovely.” Devin played with her lip, silently cursing. Stephan had prodded her several times to read the contract over more carefully and she’d refused, too focused on getting out of her current employment. “I’m sorry, Jack. It’s been an overwhelming day. I shouldn’t have been so brash in my behavior.”

  “Devin, I love your wild spirit the most.” He pulled her close. “I’m sure we’ll get through these little hiccups just fine. Stephan, have you made the arrangements?”

  Devin couldn’t keep her eyes off Stephan. The man’s eyes lingered too much on her exposed legs for her liking. Had there been a clause in the lengthy contract about her having to satisfy them both? Whether or not she could handle it—after all, it had been one of her specialties—wasn’t the question. She promised she’d be with one man and one man only when she tied the knot. They missed their chance as soon as she said “I do” to Jack.

  “Yes. Your bungalow on the beach is prepared.” Stephan’s smile curved seductively.

  “How long is the flight?” Devin asked.

  “Maybe a couple of hours at best.” Stephan shrugged. “Have something in mind for the flight?”

  Oh yes, his smirk held the devil within.

  “Yes. Lots of reading.” She turned her attention to the scenery outside her window. The heat of Stephan’s piercing gaze set her skin ablaze but she made a resolution never to allow him to touch her sexually—no matter what the contract may or may not contain. He was a temptation that could lead to her downfall.

  ****

  Devin stared out the window of the car driving them from the airport. Stephan, in his usual position of sitting opposite of her, had not stopped staring in her direction since helping her into the car. Jack Monterey, her newly minted husband, had spent his time on the phone since they took off for their honeymoon. Out on the town with him, she’d been in her element. This part of their relationship was foreign territory.

  Her mind, numb from the rather lengthy contract she’d read, couldn’t concentrate on the lovely scenery. It took the whole flight to get through the thick ream of paper. What had she gotten herself into? He would give her the world if she did absolutely nothing to ruin his reputation. The amount of time he spent on trips, without her at his side, was extensive. She was half-tempted to back out of the deal, but how could she go back to the life she had after the small taste he offered? Besides, she had burned that bridge with high octane fuel and a flamethrower. While she should be offended that he’d picked every outfit she’d worn thus far, his taste was impeccable. He made her feel as if she’d been born into money instead of the gutter. She’d never felt so pretty and glamorous. No, Jack deserved a chance and she needed to quell her fears. Regardless of the end of the road, so to speak, he promised to take care of her the rest of her life.

  Focusing on the positive aspects, she found the scenery outside her window and the landscape was breathtaking. Stephan had told her about the small estate Jack owned on the island. With a private beach and Stephan at her beck and call, she only needed to snap her fingers when she wanted something. It seemed an odd life for a man to wait on another. She wondered if Stephan ever had time to even think of having a girlfriend—let alone a wife.

  White pristine sand and palm trees lined the entrance to the estate. A wrought-iron gate opened as the car slowed before going through. What Stephan described as a bungalow looked more like a moderate-sized plantation house. She shifted in her seat.

  “Relax,” Stephan said.

  Jack squeezed her hand as she turned to glance at Stephan. The same old smirk he gave her every time she showed her inexperience in dealing with Jack’s display of wealth greeted her. She didn’t know whether she wanted to slap it off him or not. He had the devil Temptation riding his shoulder. An odd combination if Jack was serious about the infidelity part of his contract. She chalked it up to a test of her will power and turned her attention to Jack. Letting Stephan know how good he modeled a suit would spark that big ego of his into overdrive.

  “It’s not quite the size I’d imagine a bungalow to be.” She smiled and leaned into him.

  “Oh, this?” Jack put his arm around her. “This is the main house, not where we’ll be staying for the honeymoon. I have a smaller, more intimate home near the beach. You’ll be able to walk right out and onto the beach there. Nude, if you wish.”

  “With you watching me?”

  “Of course.” He rubbed her shoulder.

  “Perhaps join me?”

  “If time permits.”

  Devin stiffened at his words. If time permits on their honeymoon?

  “What Jack means is he loves to sleep in, so if you go during sunrise, which is a beautiful sight here, he’ll miss your jaunt.” Stephan’s lips thinned.

  “Ah, yes. Sorry, dear. My words didn’t quite come out right.” He pointed out the window. “And there’s the little cottage.”

  She followed his finger and saw the little brown,
thatched-roof structure. It was more her size, and she soaked in the rainbow display of flowers planted along the outside. Jack chuckled beside her.

  “I had them put in a whole garden of bird of paradise just for you.”

  She turned his head and kissed him on the lips. “Thank you.”

  “I’ve been paying attention on our dates, Devin.” He ran his thumb along her lips. “You’re a smart girl and I hope to have many more debates. Just because we’re married doesn’t mean I want you to change who you are to me. Remember that.”

  His favorite activity was talking a wide variety of subjects with her. Some she knew, others she fumbled over, but he never made her feel inferior intellectually. She’d learned so much from him that she never realized. Perhaps the deal wasn’t as bad as the contract read. Tonight would be the start of a blissful relationship with the one man who didn’t use her body only for sex. That, in her mind, would be the bonus.

  “Go ahead, Devin.” Jack gestured for her to get out of the car. “We’ll meet for dinner tonight. For now, please take in the surroundings. You won’t be disappointed.” He kissed her hand as Stephan leaned forward and opened the door.

  Devin scooted out with the help of Stephan. He guided her to the pathway. Coral-colored sandstone in various shapes and sizes trailed toward the back of the bungalow. From her vantage point, she could see a privacy area winding around the house.

  “Wait here for one moment.” Stephen motioned to the car and the driver got out. The small man hurried to their position, carrying a pair of sandals. “Those heels look stunning, Devin, but highly impractical for this environment.”

  “You’d be surprised what I could walk on in shoes higher than these little things.” She’d worn platform stilettos and ones with no heel at all. Balance helped greatly for special clients and unusual positions. This place was a cake walk to some of the territory her former clients brought her. Besides, heels and her jogging helped her keep her legs the perfect tone.