Page 99 of Devil's Claim

But he’d never take my heart.

CHAPTER 24

Kruz

I was a terrible person.

Someone not to be trusted.

In truth, I was a darker, much angrier version of myself than the man portrayed to Christine, even though our illustrious beginning had started with a gun in her face.

I’d often been told I drove a dangerous bargain. That was true. How many times had I made an offer to an enemy that his life would be spared if he provided the correct information?

How many times had I lied, enjoying the outcome of light fading from the man’s eyes?

I’d proven it again by forcing a codicil onto the contract at the last moment.

A child.

Why in God’s name I’d done so was beyond me. I’d never wanted an heir. Everyone who knew anything about me realized that. But the moment I’d written the short passage I’d had a sense of peace that had felt good.

Granted, it had been fleeting since daggers had returned to Christine’s eyes. However, she wasn’t the saint I’d believed her to be. She certainly wasn’t an innocent flower or even a bystander. Was it remotely possible she was playing a vicious game with me? A small percentage only. There’d been no way of anticipating I’d use the gutters and a tall bush to make it to the third-floor apartment.

With the contract in place, there were other options, including using her as bait. While I didn’t want that to happen, I would if necessary.

I’d allowed her to cross out the passage regarding obeying my rules, but doing so meant nothing. She would. I’d insist upon it.

She’d increased the monthly deposit into Maverick’s trust fund, which I had no issue with.

She’d also demanded I place her monthly funds in offshore accounts that couldn’t be touched by law enforcement should anything go wrong. That also meant I would have no access to it. She was worried I’d steal her money earned or perhaps hold it hostage to force her to stay with me. She’d been reading too many mafia books.

I wasn’t that kind of man.

Hmmm… If not, then why had I tied her to me with a child?

She’d also stated we would be equal partners in my less than legitimate holdings. Jago would say I was nuts, but I’d agreed.The girl was as cunning as she was beautiful. Every attribute kept me aroused, especially tonight.

The smart girl had made one final change. In the event of my untimely death, payments continued for a term of ten years, the one million forked out within thirty days.

Little did she know I found her conditions extremely hot, my cock pressing hard against my trousers.

When the dust had settled, the contract folded and placed in my suit jacket, she’d acted like there was nothing left to talk about, keeping her attention on the world outside the restaurant. At first, I’d been amused. Then I’d become annoyed. How could she ignore me? I was to be her husband.

Now the only thing left on my mind was devouring her.

I tossed my napkin onto the table, jerking to a standing position. The sudden movement forced tension into her body and she finally looked up at me.

“Are we leaving?” she asked ever so demurely. Why did I have a feeling she was baiting me, toying with me? Or perhaps just planning my sudden demise.

I honestly looked forward to her attempt. That would heighten the sexual tension in our relationship.

“Not yet. Come with me.” I held out my hand. If she had a meat cleaver, I had a feeling she’d chop it off.

But she took it a few seconds later, tossing her napkin and allowing me to guide her to the dance floor.

Taking her into my arms was a reminder that as of now, I could do so as often as I wanted.

The music was sultry, the dancers obscuring most dinner guests and the view spectacular. And I wasn’t talking about the engaging city.