Devil's Deal

by Michele Arris

  “I was expecting a Tricksy or Lola,” Gavin quipped.

  Lucas couldn’t suppress his grin. “Paxton and Caldwell should be here in an hour, and don’t forget the art contest is tonight.”

  “I’m prepared and I haven’t forgotten.” Stretching his muscles while cracking the tension in his neck, Gavin remarked, “I was looking forward to us hanging out tonight, thought we’d tag team and shit, nail a couple of those artsy broads. Wait a minute. So you’re not banging Sandra?”

  “Fuck no!” Lucas frowned, revolted at the mere thought. “You know good and well that ended years ago.”

  “When I overheard Kara confirming the pickup time with her, I thought—”

  “I’m her escort as a business associate, nothing more.” Again, he scowled in disgust. “I wish I’d never agreed to it.”

  “Bro, are you really coming off the field with this new lady?”

  Lucas looked up from responding to an e-mail. Bailey was nothing like any woman he’d ever met. It was indeed the reason he was so drawn to her. He found her startlingly attractive. Hers was a natural beauty. But, it was also that exposed innocence about her that intrigued him. “I want to see where it goes. She’s ... different, special.”

  “I gathered that. I never would’ve thought you—” Gavin paused at the buzz of the desk phone.

  Lucas pressed the speaker button. “Yes, Kara?”

  “Mr. Alfred Deluca from Tiffany’s will arrive at four.”

  “Thanks.” He closed the line.

  “I guess I’ll go review my notes.” Gavin headed to the door while teasing, “Oh, Bailey, smooch, smooch, kissy, kissy.” He laughed at his own antics and dodged the sticky pad that jetted past his ear. “I’ll be back in an hour.”

  “Yeah, yeah, until then, stay the fuck out.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Bailey sat behind her desk, unable to concentrate on her work. She couldn’t shake the mental image of Lucas and Sandra together, imagining him making love to Sandra in the many ways he’d been with her that very morning. She pressed her thumbs at her temples in an effort to stop the slideshow, unequivocally smothering in the images.

  The very idea that Sandra would be on his arm later made the jealousy near unbearable.

  Don’t do this to yourself. He’s not Andrew or Craig. He said there was nothing going on between him and Sandra.

  She had to trust that Lucas spoke true. That said, she understood that Sandra had a different take on the matter. Recalling the woman’s parting words, Bailey shot to her feet and sprinted down the hall to Brian’s office. He was typing away on his computer. She knocked on the doorframe, and he looked up.

  “Hey, Brian.”

  “What’s up?”

  “I was wondering if I could take the rest of the day off. Sandra’s gone for the day, and my work is caught up.”

  “Go ahead. I say you earned it. You really did a great job on that project. Sandra will see.”

  That’s exactly what Bailey was afraid of—Sandra getting a firsthand look by way of Lucas’s bed.

  “Thanks for supporting me.”

  “I know you have the skills and could do much more if given the opportunity.” Brian crossed his arms over his chest and sat back. “I kind of wish there was more to that little car ride this morning than you needing a lift. That woman needs to be brought down a peg or two.”

  Feeling her cheeks warm, Bailey subtly looked away. She was such a terrible liar.

  Brian jerked up in his chair and slapped his knee. “I knew it!”

  She sighed. “We’re getting to know one another. Please don’t say anything to Sandra.”

  “Mum’s the word from me. I mean why give the woman an aneurysm.” With a grin, he zipped his fingers across his lips. “You do your thing. By the way, that tall, handsome, dark chocolate specimen who drives Mr. Marx around is hot.” Wearing a winsome grin, he cocked his head. “Just saying.”

  Bailey laughed. “Don’t let your husband hear you say that.”

  “Hey, a guy can look, but don’t touch.”

  “I’ll see you on Monday. Have a good weekend.”

  “You, too.” He winked.

  Bailey headed back to her desk to get her things. She trusted that Brian would keep his word. With that thought, she changed into her sneakers, then picked up the phone, dialed the spa where she’d gone earlier in the week, and was in luck to snag an appointment in forty-five minutes.

  She waved bye to Jason and headed for the elevators. Stepping out onto the busy D.C. street, Sandra’s words rang like cathedral bells in her head. I’ll be able to take a firsthand look at the renovations tonight. Bailey then remembered that Lucas was having a car drop her off at his place later. Smiling, she patted the outside zipped pocket of her satchel that still held Lucas’s key and credit card. With a pivot left, she headed one block up to catch the Metrorail en route to the spa.

  Don’t wear any panties tonight, princess. It will be our little secret that your pussy is unencumbered, awaiting my fingers. He was such an intense man. The naughty glint in his eyes had made her pussy pulsate in anticipation of the pleasure he’d give her.

  As for Sandra, bitch, you’re not the only one who can seduce a man. Bailey had learned what she was capable of that very morning.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Lucas hadn’t thought it would be this difficult. He sat on the couch with his elbows on his knees, looking over an impressive array of diamonds and gemstones situated upon white velvet cloths and neatly spread out on the coffee table before him.

  What should he choose for Bailey? Emeralds would complement her beautiful eyes, but the rubies reminded him of the fire he ignited and brought out of her with his touch. There were also the traditional diamonds. She’d appreciate the simplicity of the stone.

  His eyes came up to the jeweler. The man sat patiently in the leather armchair where he’d been stationed for the past forty-five minutes, watching him study the jewels presented before him.

  “Mr. Deluca, my apologies for my indecisiveness. This is much harder than I anticipated.”

  “Might I make a suggestion?”

  Lucas sat back. “Go ahead.”

  “Imagine the lady wearing something you like to see her in—a special cocktail dress or an evening gown. A certain fur, perhaps.”

  Lucas gave that some thought. All of the jewels would look stunning draped over Bailey’s naked body. Quite frankly that was his favorite outfit. A thought occurred to him. “Just a minute.” He went over and hit the speaker button on the desk phone.

  “Yes?” Kara asked on the line.

  “Find out what purchases were made today on my Amex card ending in zero, zero, three, three. I want specifics down to the color and style. I need the info—”

  “Directly,” Kara interjected. “I’m on it.”

  Within fifteen minutes, Kara phoned back with the information he needed. Lucas told her she could call it a day and to take off next week as well. Kara deserved a month off for all she did for him.

  She, along with Isaac, had been in his employ for five years now. They were among the few people he allowed in his personal space, the few able to tolerate his demanding nature. Lucas recognized their value and compensated them generously for their loyalty and dedication.

  About twenty minutes later, he walked Mr. Deluca to the door and shook his hand. “Ensure they arrive as I’ve instructed. Thank you for your assistance.”

  “Earrings in a trillion-cut sapphire and diamond surround, set in platinum with the matching pendant necklace and tennis bracelet, the trio is a magnificent choice. Mr. Marx, she will love them, I assure you.”

  Lucas nodded and closed the door behind Deluca hoping the man was right.

  Gavin was right about the last time he’d picked out a gift for a woman—excluding his mother and sister—usually leaving the matter to Kara. This time, it was imperative that he do it and do it right.

  Finding out what Bailey had purchased was the help he needed
in picking the right stone. Smiling, he shook his head as he walked back to his desk. He’d given Bailey a credit card with no monetary limit and all she’d spent between a spa visit and a dress boutique was four hundred thirty-seven dollars. He sat down in his chair and turned to face the window, quite intrigued by her. She was truthful about not being attracted to his wealth. Impressive. That said, what would it take to impress her?

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “What do you mean she left? Sienna, hold on.” Bailey exited the cab in front of her apartment building. She draped the garment bag over her forearm in order to dig into her satchel for her wallet to pay the cab driver. “Thanks.” She brought her cell phone back to her ear. “Sienna, you’re there?”

  “Yes. We had a stupid argument. Among other things, it was about that asshole, Dale. I overheard them outside the apartment ... okay, I had my ear to the door, but whatever. Anyway, I heard Dale say something about meeting up with some guys in southeast D.C. in Anacostia. You and I know that nothing good goes on near that end of town. Dale is just using her, but she refuses to see him for the scum that he is.”

  “Sie, of course he’s using her. That’s his M.O. We can’t force her to listen.”

  “I called her cell, but she’s not answering. Bails, I’m worried about her. Faith also told me her dad kicked her out.”

  “Oh no! Why would he do that?”

  “Don’t know. I asked, but she stormed out.”

  “We need to find her. I’ll try calling her also, but, Sienna, you need to concentrate on the art competition. This is your night. You’ve waited years for this. Do you have everything?” Bailey pushed her satchel strap upon her shoulder and slipped her straight tresses behind her ears. She’d gotten a blowout for the evening. Her long mane about reached past her waist. “Lucas is sending a car for me. I can bring anything you need.”

  “I’m good. Everything is set up. We’re all doing the whole howdy, how are you bullshit, sizing up each other’s work and all that. Bails, when you get here, I need to talk to you about something. Hey, are you there? Bailey?”

  “Sie, there’s a guy outside our door. Are you expecting someone?” Bailey suspiciously eyed the young man that was seated on the ground next to her apartment door. They made eye contact, and he came to his feet. He was holding a package.

  “Where’s your pepper spray?” Sienna asked.

  “Hold on.” She pulled her pack off her shoulder and hastily dug around in search for her spray. As her mom would say, you can never be too cautious.

  “Bailey Walters?”

  Her head came up. “Yes?” She brought the phone back to her ear. “Sienna, he has a package. It’s a delivery guy.”

  “Don’t trust that. Find out what he wants, but keep your distance, and have that spray ready. Who hand delivers shit after five?”

  Bailey addressed the man, “Can I help you?”

  “Miss Walters, I’m here to deliver a package that must be placed in your hands only. Here’s my identification.” He approached her with hand extended holding his I.D.

  “Did you hear that, Sie?” Studying the guy’s picture on his badge, it read, Falcon Express Couriers. She’d seen the company’s name on the back of the shirts worn by couriers zipping through D.C. traffic on their Bianchi Pistas.

  “I heard. What is it?” Sienna asked.

  “Please provide I.D.,” the courier requested.

  Bailey pulled out her wallet and showed the man her driver’s license. She signed the electronic pad. He then handed over the package, said thank you, and headed over to a white Mini Cooper.

  She went to her apartment, entered, locked the door, and went straight to her room. The hanger sticking out of the garment bag was hung over the door.

  “What is it? I have to go soon. Hurry, open it,” Sienna urged her.

  “Just a second.” With the phone to her ear, she sat down on the side edge of the bed and began tearing into the heavy brown wrapping, revealing a glossy robin’s-egg-blue box. “Oh my God, Sienna, it’s from Tiffany’s!”

  “Lucas,” they both said in unison.

  “Open it!”

  Bailey opened the box and gasped, nearly swallowing her tongue.

  “Bails, what is it?”

  “It’s ... they’re beautiful.” Gaping at the sparkling jewels perched upon white velvet cloth, she shook her head as if Sienna could see her. “It’s too much. I can’t accept this.”

  “Let me see. Take a picture. Hurry up!”

  A snapshot was taken with her cell phone and sent off. “Take a look.”

  A moment later, Sienna came back on the line. “Oh my God, Bails, they’re gorgeous! He must want you to wear them tonight.”

  “You don’t understand. I slept with Lucas,” she said as she brushed an index finger across the twinkling stones.

  “What! Oh hell yes, now I understand fully. You put a hurt on big boy. You unleashed three years of pent up orgasms, and it blew his mind.” Sienna laughed.

  “This isn’t funny, Sie. Sandra still wears the diamonds that he bought her.”

  “So what? Now tell me, was it worth the wait? How does he measure up to Andrew and Craig?”

  Bailey pictured Lucas’s beautiful body spread out on top of her, him behind her, his massive frame pressing her up against the shower wall, thrusting, and pounding his long, thick, hard cock inside of her. A warm shiver engulfed her entire body from the memory. “It was definitely worth it. Andrew and Craig don’t come close to Lucas.” She laughed shyly.

  “Yes!” Sienna screeched.

  “I need to talk to him.”

  “Bailey, he cares about you. That said, we need to talk.”

  “I have to go.” Bailey’s thoughts of Sandra and her twirling earrings bounced around in her mind. “We’ll talk later. She closed the line.” Lucas and she needed to have a conversation if he was really serious about having a relationship. This was what he did for the woman he was currently screwing. She refused to become Sandra.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Lucas electronically signed and sent the final agreement to Paxton-Caldwell via his laptop. He would respond to a few more e-mails before heading home to get ready for the evening.

  The fact that he’d arrive tonight with Sandra instead of his beautiful lady left a bitter taste in his mouth and soured his mood.

  Needing to hear Bailey’s voice, he reached for his cell phone, but his desk phone rang. The display showed Security from down in the lobby. He answered the line, “Yes?”

  “Mr. Marx, there’s a Faith Sullivan here to see you. She says she’s a friend.”

  Lucas could hear the skepticism in the man’s voice. Curious of her visit, he replied, “Send her up.” A few minutes later, Faith walked into his office with the strut of a pro, wearing a pink tank top, sans bra—her nipples practically poked a hole in her top—and a black mini skirt with strappy high heels. Her eyes were heavily inked in black eyeliner, and her hair was pulled up into a tight ponytail. He now knew why the security guard had his doubts. Low rent were the two words that came to mind.

  She took a seat in the chair in front of his desk, sitting side-angled on the edge, exposing ample thigh.

  “Faith, what can I do for you?”

  “I thought I’d follow up on our conversation about possibly working for you.”

  Lucas’s eyes dipped down at her crossing her legs and then back up. He got a good view of her ass peeking out at the hem of her skirt. Her legs and ass didn’t hold a candle to Bailey’s beautiful body.

  “As I said, I’m in no need of an assistant, but I’ll ask around. What experience do you have?” She got up, rounded his desk, and took a seat on top. He eased his chair back from her crossed legs that found their way between his. “Faith, what is this about?”

  “I was thinking you could have two assistants. One for your business,” she uncrossed and spread her legs to reveal she wasn’t wearing any panties, “and one for your pleasure.”

  He looked at her ba
re, pink pussy and was repulsed. Seeing him looking, she spread her legs wider. He could scarcely mask his scowl of contempt. She was supposed to be Bailey’s friend.

  Bailey had told him that Faith had slept with her ex. Apparently, it was her intention to try that shit with him.

  Forcing a grin that he didn’t feel, he asked, “Are you interviewing to be my, what you might call, pleasure assistant, Faith?” The ring of his cell phone displaying Bailey’s name had him hastily coming to his feet, feeling guilty for ... what? He didn’t know why he felt guilty. He had no intentions of fucking the woman. In fact, he was about to tell her to fuck off.

  “Get out,” he growled. She looked surprised by the abrupt shutdown. By the third ring, he turned away from her, and answered the call. “I see you are indeed clairvoyant, madam. I was just about to call you.”

  “Is that so? Well, I’m calling you because I received the jewels. They’re beautiful.”

  Lucas smiled, pleased with his choice. “I’m picturing my princess as she—”

  “I’ll be returning them to you,” she interjected.

  He frowned. “Why?”

  “Evidently, Sandra was thrilled to receive your thank you earrings after you took her to your bed.”

  “It’s not like that. I—”

  “Lucas?” Faith called from behind him.

  Lucas spun around. He’d forgotten about her, dismissed her from his brain that quickly. She’d removed her top and was resting back on her elbows, her perked pink nipples pointing skyward. Shit!

  “Lucas, did I interrupt something?”

  “Just a minute, love.” With the phone pressed against his chest to muffle his voice, he whispered tightly to Faith, “Put your top back on and get the fuck out now!” Seeing the woman scramble into her top, he turned away from her, and brought the phone back to his ear.

  “Hey, love.”

  “If you’re busy with Kara, we can talk about this later.”

  “No ... I mean, it’s—”

  “This was fun. Nice seeing you again, Lucas.” Faith giggled close at his back. He spun around so fast, he knocked into her, and she fell back across the desk, sending his desk lamp crashing to the floor. “I didn’t ... sorry about that,” she said as she tried to regain her footing.