Caught in the Devil's Snare

by Dani Matthews

  This is the first time I’ve ever wanted to experience release, and it’s all because of Devlin Kade. I yank my hand from my panties and abruptly sit up. I don’t want to think about Devlin and the starring role he’d had in my explicit dream, so I quickly climb out of bed and begin readying myself for my shift at the library. It’s far too early to leave, but I’m angry at myself for allowing Devlin to get beneath my skin. He’s the last person I should be attracted to.

  By the time I’m out of the shower, it’s still early enough that Keagan’s door is closed, indicating that he’s sleeping. Maybe waking early was worthwhile after all. I could use some alone time without anyone breathing down my neck.

  After making certain that I have enough money for breakfast, I move around the apartment as quietly as possible and leave. Keagan is going to be pissed, but I brush it off. I’m eighteen, fully capable of taking the subway by myself.

  I walk to the subway, pay my fare, and take it to my usual stop a few blocks from the library. Then, I browse the eateries that are beginning to open, and I find a quaint little shop that serves muffins, coffee, and souvenirs. There’s a few small tables and booths, and I take the corner table and sip my coffee while I enjoy an apple cinnamon muffin.

  While I eat, Devlin shifts to the forefront of my mind. If he had tried to kiss me last night, would I have let him? I’m not certain. Frankly, I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that someone as sexy as him is interested in someone like me. And no, I am not putting myself down. I have great things to offer, I know I do, but the reality is, I’m only eighteen. He’s likely in his mid to late twenties—too old for me. I don’t agree with his actions or his criminal activity, and I’m about as opposite from him as one can get. It seems strange that he would find me interesting or attractive, and yet yesterday, it seemed as if he were interested. Very much so. What if all this is part of a plan that he claims he doesn’t have?

  I sip my coffee, frowning. I’m so confused. I’ve always been confident and satisfied with who I am, but Devlin’s kind of throwing a wrench into what I think I know. Most of my teen years was spent just trying to keep my head above water and staying out of trouble, so boys weren’t high up on my list. In fact, I’ve never even kissed one—at least not willingly, but I don’t want to think about that horrible altercation behind the school. The opposite sex hasn’t ever held much fascination for me—until now. Devlin’s awakening emotions that I’ve never experienced, and I resent him for it. Why him? Why now? I’d known someday in the future that I’d meet someone, maybe even fall in love. I’d pictured someone cute, maybe funny, and completely open and accepting of my deafness. That’s the kind of man I need, not some domineering jerk that wants to make all my decisions for me.

  I’d set my purse on my lap, and I feel a slight vibration, letting me know that I’d received another text. It had been going off for a while now, and I know I’m being unfair to Keagan. I shouldn’t have run out like I had, but at the same time, I’m a grown adult. Though an adult would have at least left a note or something, and my face scrunches guiltily.

  When my purse vibrates a minute later, I decide that I’d better respond before Keagan calls for backup. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he feels the need to contact Devlin. I bite my lip. Maybe I should have answered his texts. The last thing I need is Devlin contacting me, not after my vivid dream. I can feel my face heat as I pull my phone from my purse.

  Damn it. I’m too late.

  I have texts from Keagan, but I also have one from Devlin. I decide to deal with the worst of the two evils, and I open Devlin’s text. Where the fuck are you?

  My eyebrows lift, eloquent as always. I quickly send, So kind of you to ask. I went out on my own because I’m adult. Eighteen, you know. People my age can come and go as they please without someone holding their hand. Perhaps you should look up the definition of legal adult.

  I wait for his reply and take another sip of my coffee. Much to my surprise, his response takes much longer than I anticipated. When it arrives, I blink as I read his text, and then I reread it. Your ungratefulness is appalling. If you find yourself mugged or far worse, don’t call me.

  He’s pissed, and that should bring me a sense of triumph, but it doesn’t. I am being ungrateful, but only because he thinks he owns me. Everything I’ve ever learned has shaped me into who I am today, and my gut is warning me not to trust him. Nothing is given freely, and I don’t want to be caught off guard when he quits playing games and tells me what he really wants. He’s up to his eyeballs in bad things, including human trafficking. I’d be a fool to trust him.

  Right now, my single focus should be protecting myself. I can’t do that if I misplace my trust with someone who hasn’t earned it and likely doesn’t deserve it. But then an unpleasant thought hits me. What if Devlin Kade is honestly trying to help? It’s difficult to even wrap my mind around that thought, but if he had an ulterior motive, wouldn’t he have just done whatever he wanted with me by now? Why go through all this trouble?

  I press my fingers to the skin on my forehead that’s beginning to furrow as I frown. I don’t know what to think or what to believe. Only time will reveal whether Devlin’s the man I think him to be—a coldblooded remorseless killer, or if I’ve unfairly judged him as others have done to me. There’s something going on behind that apathetic exterior of his. I can try to deny it all I want, but the truth is, I want to peek beneath the surface and find out who he truly is.

  Ten

  Devlin

  “For the last time, Elias, I am not taking the damned meeting.” I end the call and toss the cellphone onto the desk. He’s still pushing for the meeting with the Serrato’s, and I’m not playing ball. The entire idea is absurd.

  I roll my neck and shoulders, trying to ease the tension from a full day of meetings. Tonight, I need to make time for a workout in the weight room. All this tension needs to go somewhere, and I’m not in the mood to screw a random woman.

  Big green eyes and long blonde hair fills my vision, and my jaw clenches. I can’t seem to get her out of my head, and it pisses me off. Yet, once again, I find myself picking up the phone and rereading our last text conversation. The little hellion had responded with such insolence over my concern for her welfare that I’d told her to basically go to hell. It’s been two weeks since that abrupt text conversation, but fortunately, Keagan has been keeping me updated.

  I sit back in my chair, rubbing my face with frustration. When I’d sent her that cutting text, I’d been in the mindset that I didn’t want, nor need her, in my life. Then, as the days wore on, I’d found myself wanting to reach out to her. She’s on my mind often, and now I’m conflicted. Whether I like it or not, I am fascinated and want to know more about her.

  I’m coming to the realization that I’ve made a huge mistake with Charli. I’m treating her like one of my employees, and that she clearly is not. Nor is she an object that needs to be taken care of. She’s someone that I genuinely want to get to know, but I haven’t treated her in the way that I should’ve been. Though in defense of my blundering, I hadn’t known just how much I’d come to like her.

  So, here I am with a dilemma on my hands. I don’t do idle chit-chat. That kind of stuff has always been useless to me, but now I’m regretting my reluctance to deal with unnecessary conversational approaches. I’ve always taken what I wanted without much effort, especially when it pertains to women. They typically read the expression on my face when I’m looking to fuck, and they eagerly give me what I want.

  Problem is, I don’t know what I want from Charli.

  When she’s in my presence, I have this overwhelming need to invade her personal space. It’s as if my body has a mind of its own and it aches to be near hers. Sexual tension is building between us, and I’d almost kissed her the night she was here to return my gifts. When her lips had formed the word ‘stop,’ I’d been more than just a little disappointed. I’d also been furious that she’s stirring something within me, something unse
ttling. These emotions, I don’t like them. They’re unwelcoming. They’re also not fading even after I’d deliberately distanced myself from her.

  I need to figure out what the hell I want to do and get it sorted, because this isn’t working. I’m stuck in this damned limbo of sorts, and it’s messing with my mind.

  I lean back in my chair, rubbing my jaw. Charli’s eighteen. So damn young and yet a full-grown adult. I’m twenty-six, eight years her senior. Not too old, but certainly old enough to know better. That doesn’t stop me from wanting her, though. It doesn’t prevent me from wondering what she looks like naked, whether she’s a virgin—heat immediately shoots straight to my dick. The idea of her innocence turns me on liking nothing else has lately.

  Yes, I could definitely fuck Charli. It’d be damned good, too. But Charli isn’t someone you randomly screw when the need hits. No, she deserves better.

  For the first time in my life, I’m left wondering if perhaps someone is too good for the likes of me. I’ve never, ever put anyone above myself, but Charli’s different. She’s beautiful, innocent, and genuine. And so honest that her frankness pisses me off, and yet at the same time, I crave it.

  I need to figure out what I want and why I’ve taken over her life under the guise of wanting to keep her safe.

  Eleven

  Charli

  As I make my way down the steps outside the library, I’m expecting to find Keagan waiting for me.

  It’s been two weeks since my unchaperoned ride on the subway. That day had caused friction between us, and it had made me reconsider my actions. He’d been waiting for me after my shift, and the moment I’d noted his tense shoulders and seen the set expression on his face, I’d known he was angry.

  We’d gone back to the apartment without so much as a signed ‘hello.’ I’d assumed the subject was closed since he wasn’t speaking to me, but as soon as we’d entered the apartment, Keagan had let loose on me with a long, emotional tirade over how worried he’d been. Not once had he mentioned Devlin, and as our conversation had unfolded, I’d began to realize just how much Keagan cares—even if he is being paid to be around me.

  I’d quickly acknowledged his concerns, but I had also shown him Devlin’s last text. I’d watched his expression as he’d read it, and he’d turned crestfallen. Much to my surprise, he’d reluctantly backed off, stating that if Devlin didn’t care anymore, he couldn’t stop me.

  It was the torn expression on his face that had made me rethink my behavior, and in that moment, I’d let go of my need to ride the subway alone. I’d wanted to prove myself, and I think I had—but not in the way that I’d wanted. I told myself that it was just a stupid subway, and if Keagan would be happier to tag along, I might as well let him. It wasn’t worth causing him unnecessary distress. Plus, he’d probably follow me anyway. He’s the first friend I’ve ever had, and his feelings are more important than my need to prove myself to Devlin Kade.

  I’m almost to the bottom of the stairs when I snap out of my thoughts and find Devlin waiting for me instead of Keagan. The sight of him is so unexpected that I stumble on the last step and clumsily pitch forward.

  Quick as lightening, Devlin’s there to steady my arm. As I regain my footing, his cologne or aftershave seductively swirls around me, invading my senses. Why does the man have to smell so damn good? I’m also conscious of his fingers that are now wrapped around my bare arm. His touch causes goosebumps to spring to life on my skin even though the temperature today is pleasant.

  My face warms, and when I look up, I’m once again mesmerized by those slate eyes of his. As our eyes lock, my emotions waver. I’d actually missed this big brute of a man. I don’t know why since he makes me so mad, but the lack of contact the past few weeks had been disappointing. Toss in the guilt over how many times he’d called me unappreciative, and I’ve been feeling kind of bad for how I’d been treating him. Especially since he’s never gone out of his way to harm me.

  Devlin slowly releases my arm and takes a step back so that he’s no longer in my personal space.

  Now that I can breathe once more without inhaling his scent, I sweep my eyes over him, taking in his navy business suit that makes his eyes look lighter today, almost silver. He’s such a strikingly handsome man, and I feel like a clumsy dwarf compared to him. Upon exiting the building, I’d undone the fastenings holding back my hair, and now it tumbles down my back in unrestrained waves. My blouse is probably wrinkled in places, and my black pants have a coffee stain on them from when I’d taken my break earlier. Thankfully, the stain isn’t all that noticeable.

  When my eyes focus on Devlin’s face once more, I find him staring hard at me, and I begin to tense. Our last conversation hadn’t ended on good terms.

  Devlin blinks when he notes my mounting tension, and then his face begins to relax. “Hungry?” he asks.

  He’s asking me to dinner? Suspicion flares. What is he up to? I dart a look over his shoulder, and sure enough, the limo is parked at the curb. I know better than to set one foot inside that vehicle.

  When I turn back to Devlin, he begins speaking once more. “You may choose the establishment.” His eyebrow quirks. “I suppose we have to walk?”

  The instant I read his lips, I begin to relax. The ball is in my court, and I’m the decisionmaker again. I can handle that. Though there’s something in his gaze that tells me this isn’t like the last time. He doesn’t look angry, he looks…tolerant? He’d sought me out for a reason, and now I’m curious.

  I give him a cautious nod and start down the sidewalk. He immediately falls into step beside me. I’m very much aware of him, but he makes no move to carry on a conversation, and I’m content simply to walk for the next few blocks.

  Last time, I’d wanted to make him uncomfortable. This time, I want to choose somewhere nicer, but not too nice. Devlin’s not radiating those controlling vibes today, and some part of me wants to meet him halfway. If he can rein it in, I can restrain my need to always do the opposite of what he wants.

  Five minutes later, we enter a fast food restaurant that offers carryout, but also has plenty of seating for those that want to take a moment to enjoy their meal. The scent of fish and burgers has my mouth watering, and my mood brightens at the thought of eating. After being homeless for two months, I will never take food for granted.

  As expected, Devlin refuses to order anything for himself. I decide on batter-fried fish and a side order of fries. Before Devlin can consider paying for my meal, I quickly hand the cashier a twenty.

  After I’m given a number to set on our table for when my order is ready, we find a booth in the back of the restaurant beside a window overlooking the sidewalk outside. It’s evening, so the restaurant is busy, but Devlin appears much more composed this time around.

  As we each settle in opposite sides of the blue and white booth, he barely spares a glance at the little boy running past our table. Instead, his attention is completely fixated on me as he adjusts his striped tie so that it’s not touching the table’s surface.

  I open my purse and pull out my phone, and in the corner of my eye, I spy Devlin slipping his phone out of his suit pocket. I text, You’re not hungry?

  He scans the text and looks up at me. “I typically eat later than this,” he explains.

  I’d like to send him a quip about how the restaurant I’d chosen probably doesn’t meet his usual standards, but I refrain from it. So far, we’re both being cordial to one another, and I don’t want to ruin it. Instead, I watch him inquiringly as I reach for my soda and take a sip. We’re here because of him, so I’m content to sit back and patiently wait to find out what he wants.

  Indecision wars on his face, and his brows furrow. Something’s on his mind, and I wait to see what it is. “Do you mind if I ask you some questions?” he asks. His expression reveals he’s uncomfortable, and I’m blown away that I can see his emotions. He’s typically closed-off and indifferent. Today, he’s acting more like a human than a bossy robot. I like it.

>   I nod in response to his question, and I wonder why he’s so uneasy. He’s proven plenty of times that my deafness doesn’t faze him, so it can’t be me. It’s not the restaurant either, because he’d barely looked around or paid much notice to the employees. No, most of his attention has been directed my way. It must have something to do with the upcoming conversation, and I wait to see what his first question will be.

  His eyes roam my features slowly, and then he asks, “Do you mind if I ask about your deafness?”

  I’m not sure what I was expecting. Maybe something to do with my current circumstances? Or something about the apartment or Keagan? Discussing my deafness has never bothered me, so I drop my eyes to my phone and send, Ask away.

  He looks pleased by my response, and right before my eyes, he begins to relax. “May I ask how it happened or came to be?”

  I text, It’s a birth defect.

  His eyes hone in on mine as if he’s trying to see inside my mind. “You were born without the ability to hear?”

  Yes.

  He hesitates. “Would it be rude of me to ask if you can speak?”

  Amusement builds and I text, Yes, but I’ll answer anyway. Yes, I can speak. I choose not to. I don’t elaborate or go into detail. He doesn’t need to know why I don’t like to use my voice. I’m not certain where this conversation is leading, and I’m reluctant to open myself up to him. I’ll answer his questions as honestly as I can, but that’s where it ends.

  He must sense that the topic is closed, and he doesn’t press further. “You mentioned you were from Philadelphia. Will you tell me about your life?” He looks genuinely interested to know more.