This is such a turnaround from prior conversations. I’m accustomed to him giving orders and arrogantly assuming I’ll do as he says. His sudden appearance today has caught me off guard and thrown me somewhat. This feels like one of the ‘getting to know you’ conversations that I’ve had with Keagan. Why has Devlin suddenly switched tactics?
He’s waiting on my answer, so I focus on my phone. There isn’t much to share. I grew up as a ward of the state. Once I graduated and turned eighteen, I was on my own.
Devlin frowns upon reading my text, and his eyes lift to mine. “Were you booted out of the system? Wasn’t there some kind of program to help integrate you into the community?”
I reply, No.
Something twists in his gaze. “Is that how you became homeless?” he asks.
I had a car, but it was stolen.
I watch as he reads my text, and then I’m distracted as my meal arrives. I smile kindly to the young woman, and after she bustles away, I situate my meal in its basket and open the tartar sauce. After reaching for my plastic fork, I glance at Devlin. I’d like to eat, but I can’t eat and text at the same time.
He motions for me to go ahead.
As I drop my eyes and focus on my meal, I’m uncomfortable and a little self-conscious. He’s being nice today, so it feels weird to be eating in front of him. Last time, I hadn’t cared because I was annoyed.
While I eat, I’m aware of Devlin looking out the window we’re seated by, watching the passersby. I don’t know if he does it out of politeness or boredom. He’s not an easy man to read.
I keep waiting for him to snag my attention to bring up the real reason we’re here, but he doesn’t. When I’m finished eating, he inquires, “Subway, I’m assuming?”
His question has my eyebrows lifting. He wants to ride the subway with me?
A hint of amusement flickers in the depths of his eyes. “I’m assuming the limo is out of the question.”
I give him a pointed look as we vacate the booth.
“I figured as much.” He politely motions for me to lead the way.
I’m utterly bewildered as we exit the restaurant and make our way to the subway. Devlin Kade is being…accommodating. Has Hell frozen over after all?
The subway ride is just as awkward as it was last time, and then we’re finally approaching the apartment building.
I pause on the sidewalk, just in front of the building and turn to him expectantly. Maybe now I’m going to find out why he’d sought me out today.
He stands there looking sophisticated and confident as he stares down at me, his expression unreadable. “It’s been…nice, Charli.” I keep waiting for the ‘but,” and we stand there for a long moment. It doesn’t come. A dark eyebrow quirks. “Was there anything else?”
Wait…that’s it? He just wanted to watch me eat and bring me back to the apartment? Why? I’ll have to sort it out later because I’m recalling the money in the envelope that I’d planned on dropping off at his hotel. But now that he’s here…
I pull my phone out and text, Can you come up for a minute? I have something for you. As long as he’s being cordial, now’s the time to give him the money and be done with it.
A look of bewilderment flickers across his handsome features before he regards me with keen interest, and I can tell I’ve caught him by surprise. “Yes, of course,” he says.
We go into the building and make our way up to the eleventh floor. It’s weird having him with me, but I’m hoping he’ll let me return the envelope he’d given me. I’d replaced what I’d spent, and now that I have a job, I don’t see any reason why he can’t take the cash back.
I’m aware of Devlin standing behind me as I unlock the apartment door. We step inside and find Keagan comically sprawled upon the floral sofa I’d bought last week. It’s far too small for his big frame, but he’s making do as he watches something on his tablet. When he hears us come in, his blue eyes lift, a ready grin on his face until he spies Devlin. The grin fades as a look of concern replaces it.
I turn to Devlin, and he’s staring at the sofa with a look of distaste. “What the fuck is that?” I see him ask.
I frown and turn to look at the sofa. It’s pretty. I spy Keagan pointing to me, indicating that I’m the one who’d bought it.
Devlin rubs his temple, looking dubious. “It looks like it’s going to drop you on your ass,” he tells Keagan.
I roll my eyes. The sofa is perfectly fine. I’d bought it at the thrift shop so it’s gently used, but it’s still capable of doing its job. Devlin’s snobbishness is showing. I wave my hand for Devlin’s attention and motion for him to stay put, that I’ll be right back. His brows knit together, and I turn and quickly leave him with Keagan.
In my room, I set my purse on the bed and lift the mattress, pulling out the original envelope. All the cash is there, and I’m proud to be able to give it back. I have a job, and soon I’ll be able to look for a place of my own.
When I re-enter the living room, I note that I’ve interrupted their conversation. I walk to Devlin and hold out the envelope. He immediately reaches for it and then pulls back when he realizes what it is, but I’ve already handed it to him.
I quickly take a step back.
His chin drops so he can peer at me, and the stern set of his jaw is visible. “I am not taking this back.”
Shoot. I’d left my phone in my purse on my bed. I glance at Keagan, knowing he’ll translate for me. I begin to sign, I don’t need it, and I paid back anything I used in the beginning.
Devlin’s expression darkens as he yanks his gaze from Keagan to look back at me. “I gave it to you as a gift—”
My hands are already moving, It wasn’t a gift. It was a manipulation of sorts. I can’t— His warm hands reach out and catch mine, preventing me from signing further.
The fact that he’s interrupted me cuts deeply, and I am thoroughly offended. His lips are moving, but I’m not reading them. Instead, I swat away his hands with a glare before hurrying from the room.
As much as I want to make it clear how furious I am, I calmly close the French door instead of slamming it, and then when I reach my own room, I shut the door firmly so that Keagan knows I want to be left alone.
Tears spring to my eyes, and I press my palms to them, trying to prevent the tears from leaking down my cheeks. He’d dismissed me like I was a child—like my opinion was meaningless. It just throws me back to my childhood when everyone else would dismiss me by turning their backs. Or they’d laugh and pick on me, knowing that I couldn’t hear them. I was treated like a nobody, like I had no right to be there. I matter, damn it.
I. matter.
Damn Devlin Kade.
Twelve
Devlin
I stare after Charli as she rushes from the room. A second later, I hear her bedroom shut with a hint of force. What the fuck? One minute I’m in the middle of explaining myself, and then the next, she’s gone. I turn to Keagan for answers, and he’s now standing, his expression gravely serious. That look warns me that I’d screwed up in some way.
“What did I do?” I ask with genuine confusion.
Keagan shakes his head, rubbing his neck as he looks at me with disappointment. “About the worst thing you could do. Why would you prevent her from talking by grabbing her hands?” he asks in a biting tone.
I blink. “We were arguing.”
He looks at me like I’ve committed the worst possible faux pas. “During an argument, would you go up to someone and put your hand over their mouth to shut them up?”
“Of course not.”
He gives me a flat look. “Well, you just did with her.”
My mouth opens in denial, but then it sinks in. He’s right. Holding her hands meant I’d taken away her ability to communicate since she chooses not to use her voice. Her expression had been one of hurt and betrayal. Without even realizing it, I’d hurt her deeply. Everything I’d thought I’d accomplished by spending time with her had been undone by one thoughtles
s action on my part.
I make a move to cross the living room, but Keagan’s voice is sharp as he says, “What are you going to do? Barge in on her? Invade her personal space without permission?”
His reprimand has me spinning around with the threat of violence in my eyes. I don’t tolerate being challenged, but he has a point. Instead of allowing my temper to take over, I take a moment to study the young man standing before me.
He’s about four years younger, but he’s gazing back at me unflinchingly, his need to protect Charli overriding his subservience to his employer. The anger quickly fades, because I’ve come face to face with Charli’s champion, a man that I had chosen myself. They’ve evidently grown close, and I can see that he’ll take on anyone that dares to hurt Charli—whether it be physically or emotionally. He’s exactly what she needs.
I give him a respectful nod—one that I rarely give anyone. He’s earned it. “What can I do to fix this?” I ask.
Keagan’s silent a moment, and then he shrugs. “Honestly, I don’t know. She’s got a chip on her shoulder the size of Texas where you’re concerned. About the only thing you can do is walk away and let her calm.”
As much as I hate to leave her tonight—especially when she’s hurting, I know it’s wise to follow Keagan’s advice. I need to find a way to fix this. “I expect to see you in my office tomorrow—at the penthouse—after Charli begins her shift at the library,” I tell him, my expression warning him it’s non-negotiable.
Thirteen
Charli
The following day, my mind is still on Devlin as I slip a book in its correct slot during my shift at the library. Last night, I’d gone to bed with a rollercoaster of emotions taking up residence inside my chest.
Somewhere, between leaving the library with Devlin, and him riding the subway with me, I’d began to enjoy his company. I’d known that he still might have an ulterior motive, but it’d been nice not to be at each other’s throats in a battle of wills.
In fact, during the subway ride, I’d even envisioned asking questions of my own. I wonder why he is the way he is. Was it his father that molded him into the man he is today? Does he ever let his guard down? Does he ever do anything he honestly enjoys? I’m curious, because every time I’ve seen him, he’s so stoic. He doesn’t strike me as the type to enjoy the small, simple things in life.
I’d had so many questions building in my mind, and because he’d been easy to be around during our brief time together, I’d foolishly thought I might be able to personally return the money. If I could have foreseen how he’d react, I would have dropped it off at the hotel lobby as I’d originally planned. I should have known he wouldn’t be happy about it, but I hadn’t expected him to be so disrespectful. Why couldn’t he just let me have my say and then share his opinion?
I grimace and begin pushing the cart down the aisle. Though to be fair, he hadn’t even finished speaking when I’d begun signing. I, too, had done some interrupting of my own.
As I search for the next aisle number, my lips flatten. I’d thought that I’d walk away from last night with maybe a little insight into Devlin Kade. Instead, I’d walked away with anger and a hell of a lot more questions than I’d had before.
And where does that leave us? I’m still living in an apartment he’s paying for, and Keagan is still working for him. I think it would be best if Devlin and I went our separate ways, but I need him to come to the same conclusion. Judging by last night, he’s not there yet.
I turn a corner and spy the aisle number I’m looking for. A woman is standing there, browsing. She looks up and smiles. I return it and make my way further down the aisle, my eyes scanning the book numbers as I pass by.
About the only thing that had redeemed Devlin—just a smidgen—was he’d left after I’d stormed out of the room. Keagan, the kindhearted man that he is, had dared to defend Devlin. He’d explained that Devlin had genuinely regretted his actions and hadn’t realized how offensive the act had been. That was about as far as I’d allowed Keagan to get with the conversation. Last night, I hadn’t been in the mood to listen to my closet friend—well, my only friend—defend someone who has been a monumental asshole since the moment I’d laid eyes on him.
Today, my anger has faded somewhat. I’m still mad, and I’m not going to make excuses for Devlin, but obviously he’s never been around anyone that’s deaf. It’s not like I want special treatment, but he’s going to have to learn what’s appropriate and what’s not. I suppose it’ll be interesting to see how he acts the next time I see him. How do I know there’ll be a next time? Because he’s Devlin Kade. So there’s that, but I’d also been the one to have the last word.
Whatever reason he has for sticking his nose in my life, it’s going to keep him from leaving me alone entirely. Otherwise, he would have kept his distance after my scathing response the day I’d taken the subway by myself.
Devlin never strays far from my thoughts while I work, and when my shift ends, I pause by the glass doors that lead out of the impressive building. My heart sinks. Dark, angry clouds have overtaken the sky, and it’s pouring.
Keagan, who always insists on meeting me after my shift, is nowhere in the lobby. I chew my bottom lip and pull out my phone. He must be running late. I find a new text message waiting for me. It’s not from Keagan, though, it’s from Devlin. Carter is waiting just outside the doors with an umbrella.
I stare at the text. He is? I lift my gaze and open the door marginally, receiving a face full of dampness from the rain.
Carter stands there with a large umbrella held above his head. He’s dressed in a nice suit, and his expression is polite. “Miss Andrews,” he greets.
As much as I want to be annoyed, I can’t help but be relieved. I nod to him and step outside. Carter moves into place as I leave the overhang, and he holds the umbrella so that I’m sheltered from the rain. We make our way down the many steps that lead to the sidewalk, and I spy the limo at the curb. I know I’d told myself that I’d never set foot in it, but it’s raining terribly and the walk home would be miserable. Besides, Devlin’s proven he’s not going to hurt me, so what harm can it be to allow him to drive me home?
Carter leads me to the limo and opens the door. I quickly duck inside and blink, looking around as I settle onto the long bench seat, brushing droplets of rain off my dark pants. Carter closes the door, and now I’m alone with Devlin.
For a moment, I look around, acquainting myself with the unfamiliar surroundings. There is a single, leather-covered seat that runs the length of the limo, and located across from it is a wet bar. All the windows are tinted, and yet the city streets can still be seen. As I inhale, I note that the scent in the interior is a mixture of Devlin and something else that can only be describe as distinctly expensive.
As the limo pulls away from the curb, I focus on Devlin. He sits a few feet away, looking like a lounging predator as he patiently waits for my full attention. He sets the amber-filled glass he’d been holding on the ledge of the bar, and his eyes stay locked on mine. He points to himself before making an A with his right hand, rotating it clockwise in front of his chest. He’s signing that he’s sorry.
My lips part as I stare at him with amazement. This man, the very one I’d called a monumental asshole earlier, is apologizing in ASL. I’d been hoping he might apologize, but not once had I ever thought he might try to learn ASL. He had to have seen Keagan sometime today. As usual, he’s wearing one of his pricey business suits, which means he’d had to make time to meet with Keagan. I’m still hurt by his actions last night, but his apology eases most of it.
He’s watching me avidly, a slight crinkle on his forehead. He’s waiting to see if I’ll accept his apology. Slowly, my lips curve upwards into a smile, and I nod.
His expression relaxes, and a softness appears in the depths of his eyes. His lips part, and I focus on them. “I am sincerely sorry for my actions last night. Will you accept my offer of dinner to make up for it?”
Dinner? Ag
ain? I look at him searchingly, and he stares right back. I’ve grown accustomed to people avoiding eye contact with me when they’re uncomfortable, which is pretty much all the time except with Keagan. But Devlin, he’s the opposite. His eyes will capture mine and hold them captive until he’s ready to release me. It’s new, and for some reason, I really like that he’s not put off by deafness.
He’s waiting for my answer, and I wet my lips and nod.
His eyes had sharpened and focused on my mouth, and something stirs within me. Devlin makes me feel like a woman—a full-grown woman. I can’t deny that it’s a heady sensation knowing that our attraction is mutual. I draw in a deep breath and exhale, trying to calm my nerves. He makes me nervous, but not in a bad way. I don’t feel scared or intimidated. I feel very aware.
Devlin’s reaching into his suit jacket, and he pulls out the familiar envelope filled with cash. Immediately, my hackles rise. He’s going to ruin this moment by bringing up the money? Wait. Why does he have it in the first place? He’d left it with Keagan last night.
When Devlin notes my confusion, he says, “I will respect your wishes and accept the money that you are so…kindly returning,” he says. The look on his face is one of dry sarcasm, but not accusing.
Once again, I’m momentarily at a loss. He’s accepting the money? I’m thrilled, and I quickly dig into my purse and pull out my phone. I text, Will you accept the credit card, too?
Devlin has his phone out, and he glances at it before giving me a pointed look. “Don’t push it.”
I let it go, because I’ve already won one battle. The card can be dealt with another day.
“Are you enjoying your job at the library?” he inquires.
Devlin is the last person I’d thought to see this evening. It’s a little unexpected being whisked through the city in a limo, but it’s also kind of nice. I warn myself that he’s a dangerous man and to tread carefully, but having a conversation with him won’t hurt anything. Nor will having dinner together. If anything, maybe I’ll be able to find out what it is that he truly wants.
Caught in the Devil's Snare Page 12