Page 88 of Devil's Claim

Not to me, but for me.

“Understood, but I need to tell you something.” I moved closer to him so Maverick wouldn’t overhear. “I’m angry. Very angry. My father was going to sell me off like cattle. I hate the man for what he did to me and to my mother. I want him destroyed and I will be a part of helping make that happen. Whether you like it or not.”

The way he sucked in his breath was as if he was going to tell me no way. But his eyes flickered with something entirely different. Respect. “Then you’ll have your revenge, my sweet Christine. That I promise you.”

He took me by the arm, leading me away from the elevator. As soon as he made a turn, a set of glass doors appeared. The bold red wall in the reception area caught my attention first, the dazzling artwork that crossed between depicting horrific acts of violence and the throes of intense passion stunning me.

Couples were woven in a strange dance, naked bodies wound in vivid color, blood splashed against the floor. The depiction was passionate and stark, the glint of steel adding to the element of danger.

Wow.

What kind of business chose something so provocative while greeting their guests and clients?

When we were led inside, I blinked and took another look. Kruz followed my gaze, creating the guttural sounds of amusement I’d come to know and loathe.

“Tell me what you see, Christine.”

Either my brain was playing tricks on me or seeing the pictures feet away instead of yards presented an entirely different representation.

Nothing but bold colors carefully plotted out on a massive canvas. The selection had been done on purpose. Interesting.

I blinked several times, certain there was a cerebral crack somewhere. “Nothing. It’s lovely.”

“Did you see a stunning couple in a display of intense affection while standing in a pool of blood, marveling at the massacre presented as a gift?”

His voice was startling, his tone different than I was used to. “You see it that way too?”

“Yes. What do the experts say? It’s all in the eyes of the beholder.”

What did that say about me? I continued to stare at it even as Kruz said something to the woman behind the desk.

“Wait right here. I’ll be right back.” Kruz turned toward me, rubbing his knuckle across my face. “Teme sólo aquello que no puedes visualizar.”

“What did you say to me?”

“I said, fear only what you cannot visualize, and you have an insight unlike anyone I’ve ever met. There is no reason for you to find a need to be afraid. Besides, everyone knows that you belong to me.”

His words were possessive.

The look on his face was carnal.

And I was immediately pulled into the usual vacuum when I was around him, yet I did my best to shake it off.

His touch always created warmth in my stomach, but his words had more of an effect on me than any touch had before.

Seconds later, he left us in the waiting room, bypassing the receptionist and heading down a long hallway.

I was still nervous, but my natural curiosity was winning the battle of nerves and excitement.

The girl eyed the two of us curiously, but I noticed out of the corner of my eye she’d pulled out a lollypop. When she noticed I was watching, she lifted her eyebrows and grinned.

“Will it be alright?” Her accent was delightful, the romantic sound matching her sultry attire.

“Why not. Maverick. This nice lady has something for you.”

He gasped when she held it over the desk, allowing me to nod my okay before giving him such a treat.

“You just made him a happy little boy.”