Page 71 of Beautiful Revenge

I’m not sure I realized how exhausted I was—physically, emotionally, and yes, even dramatically—until I woke up next to that note.

But that wasn’t the only thing I woke up to.

When I picked up my cell, there was a text waiting on me ... from the rat bastard.

Not that I expected him to slither off into a dark hole forever and ever, but his level of frustration and anger is surprising after knowing how well he faked it for months to get me to agree to marry him in the first place.

Albert – Dammit, Harlow. It’s time you grow up and talk to me like an adult. You agreed to be my wife. I don’t care what your last name is, no one treats a Humphries the way you have. Answer my fucking phone call or else I’ll be forced to use different means. Consider this a warning.

Well.

He really knows how to turn the charm on and off. I’d block him if I didn’t need to keep tabs on him.

The text from Albert aside, I’m in a great mood. Alert, energized, and refreshed. I’m ready to hit the court and move my body. If Devon lets me pay for the court time, I’ll sign up for regular spots.

I’m tying my last lace when I hear the door to the suite open and shut. And since we missed the whole waking up next to each other after first-time sex, goosebumps ripple down my bare skin with anticipation.

“Harlow?” His deep voice cuts through the silent space right before I hear keys clang on the entry table tray. “You awake?”

My only answer is to move to the bedroom door and lean on the jamb at the threshold to the living area.

Devon’s eyes rake over me from top to bottom before he narrows his eyes. He’s back to business, donning another suit that looks as custom as his others. He doesn’t waste another moment and cuts the distance between us. His heated gaze holds mine in a trap, and I hope that means what I think it does—that his mind is centered on last night as much as mine is.

I tip my head back as he gets so close, his body presses to mine when he takes my mouth in a searing kiss, answering my inner thoughts. Yes, his mind is exactly where mine is.

His tongue is demanding and forceful against mine, proving nothing has changed in the light of day. I hold onto the lapels of his jacket and try to feel guilty for wrinkling his perfect suit, but I just can’t. The desire to be close to him overwhelms me.

One hand slides under my tennis skirt where he palms my ass over the shorts beneath and he cups my face with the other. His tongue swipes mine one more time before he breaks the kiss and brushes my cheek with his thumb. “I’m sorry I had to leave. I had to make a phone call and deal with something pressing. Did you sleep well?”

A small smile touches my lips. Devon makes it easy to forget about Albert. “Very well. And I understand that your work is demanding. Don’t apologize for that.”

He lifts his chin once before glancing back at the kitchen and dining table. “Did you order breakfast?”

“No. I slept too long. I have a lesson at the court. In fact, I need to go, or I’ll be late.”

“I saw you on the schedule. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” He pauses, as if to choose his words carefully for a change. “I hope you’re not going to be disappointed.”

I catch my breath and force myself to shift my attention from his possessive kiss to his confusing statement. “Why would I be disappointed?”

He licks his lips and hesitates, his jaw tensing as he mulls over his words. “Because your time with the tennis pro has been canceled.”

I blink and try to pull away from him, but he holds tight. “I just received a reminder text that he’d meet me at the courts. There was nothing about a cancellation.”

He hikes a brow, and he’s back to unapologetic. “I canceled it.”

I manage to push out of his hold. “Why would you do that?”

He shakes his head. “This is something I need you to trust me on.”

“If you want me to trust you, then tell me why.” I firmly enunciate every word. “I told you everything about Albert last night. Sorry if I have a little PTSD when it comes to blind trust.”

“This isn’t about you or Albert. This is about me.”

I put my hands on my hips. “Let me get this straight. You demanded to know everything there was to know about Albert and what I’ve gone through with him, but you won’t tell me why I can’t keep my scheduled tennis lesson?”

His exhale is heavy and dramatic. I want to roll my eyes, but I’m too busy seeing red because of all the flags he’s flying. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

I move to grab my cell and backpack from the dresser before I turn back to push past him. He moves, but he’s reluctant about it. “Your split personality is enough to make my head spin, Devon. Asshole by day, prince charming by night. Newsflash, you don’t get to be both ways. I might’ve woken up this morning in a post-sex haze, but that’s not going to carry you through daylight hours.”