Devil's Deal

by Michele Arris

  He brought the phone to his ear in time to hear Bailey’s sharp intake of breath.

  “Is that ... you’re with Faith?”

  “Listen, Bailey, this can be easily explained.”

  “Don’t bother. Bye, Lucas.”

  “Bailey, wait!” She hung up. Lucas set eyes on Faith, and she shrunk back. What she saw glaring back at her had her scrambling off the desk and running as if her life was in jeopardy. Raw, unmitigated rage filled with gross contempt toward her lit him on fire.

  With her back pressed against the wall beside the door, her breath sawing in and out, he brought his mouth near her ear and spoke in a menacing, tight whisper, “You’re going to see to it that this is made right with Bailey, or I will make you regret you ever met me.” His jaw muscles were clenched so tight he was close to fracturing a bone. “Do you understand?”

  She nodded rapidly. “I ... I was forced to do it. Please,” she whimpered.

  His anger churning, Lucas snarled, “Talk!”

  Looking up at him, black mascara tears stained her cheeks. “My boyfriend is in some trouble. He owes money to these guys—a gambling debt ... and for some other stuff, but things got screwed up. He lost the money. When he saw you at the apartment the other day—” She paused, and her swallow was loud enough to hear.

  The motherfucker had sized him up that day on the sidewalk. Lucas cocked his head, “Other stuff like what?” Not that he gave a shit.

  “A pick up. The items got seized before Dale could complete the transaction. It wasn’t his fault, but he owes these guys. I was to sleep with you, and then—”

  “Then you’d have leverage. You’d go to Bailey if I didn’t pay you off.” Her head bobbed, and a growl of unmistakable fury vibrated up from his chest.

  “It’s the truth,” she voiced timidly when he said nothing as he grappled for much needed restraint. “Dale took on the full burden for something I was part of. I owed him and wanted to help him. But everything has gotten out of control now. I don’t know what to do,” she cried.

  Incensed, Lucas swung open the door. “I don’t know what kind of shit you’re mixed up in, nor do I give a fuck, but the fact that you would callously hurt Bailey by coming here and attempting this for some piece of shit boyfriend tells me the kind of person you are. Now get out.”

  “Wait! You don’t understand!” Pants of breath made her pitch near panic.

  “Stay the fuck away from me. We clear?” He didn’t wait for her reply as he slammed the door in her face.

  Infuriated, he raked his fingers through his hair. Bailey was already wary about starting a relationship with him. Those previous chumps she’d been with left her skittish, unable to trust. No doubt this shit with Faith would set him back to square one with her. He had to somehow repair the damage that bitch had just created.

  Fuck!

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “I’m going to need something a lot stronger than champagne to make it through the night.” Gavin swallowed down the entire contents of his glass and then beckoned to a waiter for another. “I’ve been here ten minutes, and already I want to slit my wrists. How can you stand it?” he asked Lucas beside him.

  “Why are you getting here so late?” Lucas glanced over at him.

  “I got tied up on a conference call. I’ll fill you in tomorrow.” The waiter approached with a tray of filled champagne flutes. Gavin quickly snagged one and took a large gulp, then surveyed the room. “So how’s it going here, besides insanely boring?”

  “I’ve networked with some of the other sponsors,” Lucas answered. “I guess that makes it worth it. Plus, my artist, Sienna Keller, is getting a lot of praise for her work. I’ve been asked by several if she’s truly an amateur.”

  “I can see why. I walked by all of the displays when I got here. Her paintings and sculptures are really good. Given the mediocre competition I see in comparison, she has a good chance of winning this thing. By the way, she’s smoking hot. Considering her name isn’t Bailey, glad to know you’re not hitting it.” Gavin winked as he caught the sleeve of a passing waiter while tossing back his champagne. He placed the empty glass on the tray and said, “Thanks,” then continued on, “You’ve been holding out on me, brother. What’s the deal with you and her?”

  “She’s Bailey’s friend.”

  “Good to know. My eyes have been playing cutout of her apple-round ass in that tight, black dress. It makes this shit bearable.” They looked over at the artists standing beside their displays that were lined up along the far wall. “What’s next here?”

  “Now that the judges have done their review, all that’s left is to announce the three finalists.” Lucas did another sweep over the room in search of Bailey, but she hadn’t shown. He had to see her and clear things up. The fact that she wouldn’t come out to support Sienna told him just how deep in the shit he was sunk in with her over Faith’s stunt.

  He pulled out his cell from his inside coat pocket and sighed long. No missed calls or text messages.

  • • •

  Staring out the car window, Bailey refused to shed another tear. After she hung up on Lucas, she’d crawled into bed listening to the sound of her cell phone ring over and over—Lucas redialing nonstop. A short time later when he knocked repeatedly on her apartment door while calling her name, amid ringing her phone, she turned it off.

  She’d cried in the shower and cried as she got dressed. The gown she’d purchased had been selected specifically with him in mind. At the boutique, she’d fallen in love with the rich indigo-blue, full-length evening gown, and already had the perfect shoes to wear with it tucked away in her closet—deep blue, strappy heels with a glittery beaded band across the toes.

  The dress was strapless chiffon with a sweetheart shaped bodice and a side slit high up the right thigh. That feature in itself was why she chose the dress. Remembering Lucas’s words to her before she left his car, she snatched up the gown knowing he’d appreciate its easy accessibility for his fingers. What’s more, the fact that the jewels she’d received from him coordinated perfectly with the gown made her cry all the more.

  The driver parked in front of the National Art Gallery and assisted her out of the car. Her straight tresses caught the breeze of the evening and whipped across her face as the slit of her dress billowed, exposing her bare legs. She had to grab hold of the fabric to keep from exposing herself. She wasn’t wearing any panties, and not for Lucas’s benefit. Simply put, the bodice through the hips hugged her like a second skin.

  Looking at the glass doors in front of her, she took a deep breath to gather her nerves. If it weren’t for the fact that it was Sienna’s night, she would have just as easily stayed in bed for the next two weeks. Her heart felt so heavy in her chest, she could barely withstand the weight to stay upright.

  At least this time she didn’t have to carry the mental image of Faith’s naked body on top of Lucas like the mental picture she had of Faith and Andrew forever in her brain.

  In a moment, she’d have to face Lucas and somehow mask the hurt and betrayal to get through the evening. Better it happened now before she’d gotten in too deep with him. But that didn’t stop it from hurting.

  Showing up late was in bad taste, but she was in such a dismal mental state, barely able to move, that she’d stayed seated on the edge of her bed weeping and staring into space for nearly an hour. There, she’d tried to digest the reality that Faith had done it to her again.

  You’re here for Sienna. Releasing another lung-cleansing breath, she squeezed the beaded clutch purse in her hand for renewed strength and started up the steps to the entrance. Hearing her name, she paused and turned around. Kevin was heading toward her and Diego was paying the cab driver. Both were dressed in black-tie.

  She was glad to see them, especially Kevin. His text had gone unanswered, with her being so preoccupied with Lucas and ending up in bed with him. Her heart constricted painfully, remembering those blissful hours spent in his arms.

  Gatheri
ng herself, she forced a light smile. “Hey, Kev.” She kissed him on the cheek and did the same to Diego. “You two clean up nice.”

  “Look at you! Wow, lady, you look killer!” Diego praised.

  “Truly a vision,” Kevin said.

  “Thanks.” Bailey caught the added weight carried in Kevin’s words.

  “Kevin, I ...” She glanced over at Diego.

  “I’ll go check on our girl.” Diego went inside.

  Once the door closed behind him, Bailey said, “I’m sorry if I hurt you. I value our friendship and would hate to lose it. I really mean that. You’re important to me.”

  “I’m sorry, too. Seeing you with that dude, I guess it caught me by surprise. I understand that you’re gonna see other people. I don’t have to like it, but I understand.” He cupped her chin, with his thumb caressing her cheek. “I will always care about you, Bailey. I can’t just hit a switch and turn it off.”

  Glum, Bailey nodded. Here was a man, a good man who was kind, honest, and trustworthy. He was always there when she needed him, and he obviously cared about her, yet she was grieving over the loss of her relationship with a man who in all likelihood had hooked up with her ex-friend. What the hell is wrong with me? Was I dropped on my head as an infant?

  It was safe to say Kevin wasn’t tardy because he was crying like a baby into his pillow.

  With a hand on her hip, she said, “I know why I’m late. What’s your excuse, mister?”

  “Diego and I had to speak with the reps in Baltimore about the show we’ll be performing in next week.” Kevin proffered his arm to her. “Shall we, my lady?”

  “We shall.” It was like that with Kevin—nothing complicated, just simple, easy ... safe.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Bailey took in all the men dressed in black tie. She felt like a beacon in her indigo blue among the mass of women in black as well.

  She and Kevin scanned the crowd and over to the wall of at least twenty-five to thirty artists’ displays stretched from one end of the room to the other. They found Sienna with Diego about three booths in from the far right and headed over.

  “Sorry I’m late.” Bailey gave Sienna a hug.

  “It’s cool. They announced that the judging will take place in twenty minutes,” Sienna informed them.

  “Who’s your sponsor?” Taking a side step, she gave a look at the company’s logo printed on the easel: Marx Venture Capital. For a moment, Bailey’s gaze studied her friend’s features, not sure what she was looking for. “How did he manage that?” Her head turned to Diego and Kevin. “Can you give us a minute?”

  Diego’s cell phone rang. He stepped away to answer it.

  “Would anyone like something to drink?” Kevin asked.

  Bailey took his hand and gave it a light squeeze. “That would be great. Thanks.” She waited until he was far enough away before she said, “Lucas was with Faith.”

  Sienna’s eyes popped wide. “Oh shit,” she grounded out. “Are you sure? When? How do you know?”

  “After I spoke to you, I called Lucas and could hear Faith’s voice in the background. It felt as though I was back in college when I walked in on Faith with Andrew.” Deeply hurt, Bailey sighed. “It’s over with Lucas, not that there was much to end.”

  “Let’s not be hasty,” Sienna cautioned. “You don’t know for sure that he cheated.”

  “Not be hasty!” Incredulous, Bailey gaped, annoyance grating her tone. “Why else would they have been together? They’d only just met that morning. I saw how they were behaving with one another.” She received a side-eye. “What?”

  “You’re doing that thing you do.”

  “What thing?”

  “I know you said that you weren’t into Kevin beyond a friendship. I get that, but you and I know that when he started wagging behind you too close, you cut him loose.”

  “That’s not true.” With arms crossed at her chest, she made an aggravated snort. “I know what I heard.”

  “It just doesn’t sound like Lucas.”

  “How would you know?” she argued.

  “Here you go, ladies.” Kevin came up and handed them each a glass.

  “Thanks, Kev,” Sienna said.

  “Yes, thanks, I really need this right now.” Bailey took a sip with an unblinking stare at Sienna over the rim, apprehension beginning to flutter in her stomach. Was her friend right? Overwrought, she shifted her glass from one hand to the other, the weight of it all taking its toll on her.

  “You all right?” Kevin stroked her back, settling his arm around her waist, his affectionate, concerned eyes studying her face. “What’s wrong, dollface?”

  “I’m good.” Bailey attempted a smile and took another sip from her glass, trying her best to relax. She just had to get through another hour or so; then she could go home, and shut herself up in her room. She knew the drill. It’s not like she hadn’t been here before.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Getting an elbow nudge from Gavin, Lucas looked up from checking his phone for what felt like the hundredth time, pulled out of his dismal musing.

  “Now that’s a lucky motherfucker.” Gavin blew out a low, appreciative whistle.

  Lucas followed the man’s fixed gaze and nearly fell over when he saw to whom Gavin was referring. He could feel the blood slowing in his veins, his lungs lacked adequate air, and the sudden rapid patter of his heartbeat felt as though it was trying to punch a hole in his chest at the sight of Bailey standing over by Sienna ... on Kevin’s arm. When had she arrived?

  He felt Gavin’s nudge in his side again, but he couldn’t speak. Hell, he could barely breathe.

  Her curls were replaced by a curtain of lustrously straight tresses, gracefully flowing down her back, drawing many male gazes to the splendor of her stunningly beautiful face.

  Her dress ... merciful heaven. He closed his eyes for a heartbeat and then brought them back to Bailey wearing a dress that was melded to the shape of her hourglass figure. It sketched out the tight roundness of her breasts to precision, narrowing to the contour of her small waist to form over her slightly flared hips and her firm ass.

  As she took in the artwork around her, the side slit of the dress fluttered freely with even the slightest graceful stride she made, revealing a shapely right leg high up the thigh. Strutting in her heels gave even more emphasis to the way her perfect figure worked that dress.

  Like Gavin beside him, Lucas observed how several men were caught in a trance. They all stared at the stunning beauty in vibrant blue. He wanted to gouge their eyes out, his best friend included. They were all plainly ogling her with lascivious eyes. It brought to mind what he’d told Bailey before she left his car. He bit the inside of his jaw so hard he tasted blood as he tried to keep his composure intact at the very idea that she was likely sans panties on Kevin’s arm. And she wasn’t wearing the jewels. Lucas saw blood.

  “Damn, man, do you see that body?” Gavin blew out another faint whistle. “She’s got equal front and back.”

  Sandra walked up behind Lucas and Gavin. “What is she doing here?”

  “You know her?” Gavin asked without turning around.

  “Of course I know her. She’s my assistant.” Sandra stepped over to Lucas’s side. “Did you know Bailey would be here tonight?”

  Gavin’s head jerked over. “That’s Bailey! Damn, bro.” He looked across the room and shook his head. “Just damn.”

  Sandra frowned. “Lucas, what’s going on? Is there something I should know? Are you seeing her?” Her inquisitive stare at him hardened. “Answer me,” she snarled.

  Lucas forced his eyes away from Kevin’s hand stationed at the small of Bailey’s back, bordering her ass and cut a glance to his right. “Sandra, who I see is not your concern.” At that moment, Bailey’s gaze collided with his from across the room. With a startled look of surprise at seeing him staring directly at her; she quickly turned away.

  Looking affronted, Sandra gasped. “Bailey works for me. If there h
as been some sort of breach of professional conduct, she’ll be terminated.”

  “If you fire her, I’ll ruin you,” Lucas growled, his eyes transfixed on Bailey.

  Heavy lashes fluttered. “What are you saying? I thought we could try again. We’re both out here on the East Coast now, away from the influences of our families. I understand what you expect. I won’t pressure you. I can be that woman for you. Luke, give us another chance.” She came in intimately close. “Let me stay the night.” Stroking his forearm, her eyes softened. “We can have some fun like we use to.”

  “Drop the notion, Sandra,” Lucas stated coolly, contrary to the blood simmering in his veins from seeing Kevin now affectionately caressing a hand down the length of Bailey’s hair. Smiling sweetly at the man, she seemed to welcome his affections.

  Hearing someone call Sandra’s name, Lucas turned his head and saw a young man waving to get her attention. “Sandra, you’re being summoned. Your artist needs you.” She hardly gave the man a glance.

  “Let me be there for you, Luke.”

  “Your artist, how about you go be there for him.”

  Her blue eyes narrowed, and her lips were thin as sheet paper. “I must say, Bailey’s date is awfully sexy. Big, strong, African American man like that, I’ll bet he’ll fuck her good and plenty tonight. What do you think, Luke? I mean, from the way he’s practically stroking her ass, I wouldn’t be surprised if they disappeared and found a closet right here. On second thought, she was late getting here. That may explain her tardiness.” She shrugged with a malicious grin and walked off.

  Gavin turned back around. “Bitch,” he murmured. “Now on to more important matters. What’s the deal with your lady showing up with a date?”

  “She said he’s a friend,” Lucas bit out. His eyes narrowed, fury welling up inside him as he watched Kevin now caressing Bailey’s lower spine. Sandra’s parting words began running on overdrive in his head. “If her friend doesn’t take his hand off her, I’m going to break the son of a bitch’s joint off.” He stalked off toward them.