Page 64 of Devious Corruption

I can tell he’s trying to be polite in the way a child would be accommodating to their grandmother visiting. He has better things to be doing with his time, but since I’m a guest, he’s stuck tending to me.

“I need to feed Marion. So, I guess I need the kitchen.” I glance down a hallway to my left.

“It’s down the hall to your right,” he gestures the opposite of my guess.

“Right. Thanks.” I take a few steps, then stop with a snap of my fingers. “Sorry. Quick question. Marion here…she’s going to need a litter box or something like that?”

“She’s already been set up with a litter box on each floor. The housekeeper has already shown her the one upstairs. The one on this floor is in the laundry room, past the kitchen take another right at the hallway, and it’s there.”

“Oh. Great. Thank you.” The housekeeper must have been the one who left the fresh towels for me.

I turn down the hallway toward the kitchen and within a few steps I realize the man is following me.

“I’m sure you have better things to do than babysit me,” I say, half turning toward him.

He doesn’t respond, but the look on his face says I’m right. He has much better things to do than follow me around all day.

“But Lev told you to make sure I didn’t steal the China?” I try for levity.

Still, nothing. Just a bored stone-faced figure.

“How about this. I don’t want you following me around. So, why don’t you stay here, and if I need something I’ll come find you?”

“I’m to be sure you’re safe.”

“Are you suggesting someone could possibly breakinto this fortress?” I scratch Marion under her chin. She’s been somewhat patient so far, but she’s about to become unruly if I don’t get food in front of her.

“Of course not.”

“But you’re still going to hang with me?”

He nods.

“Fine. But if you’re going to do that, I’m going to feed you too. C’mon.” I carry Marion into the kitchen, with Stephan right behind me.

It’s a full-blown chef’s kitchen, like the ones I’ve seen on the food network. Double ovens are stacked beside a built-in fridge, a six-burner gas range with a restaurant-grade hood, and an industrial dishwasher is tucked flush beneath the counters— all sleek stainless steel.

Cool gray and white veined marble stretches across the countertops and an oversized island. It’s a direct contrast to the espresso-stained wood cabinets. It’s all very high-end and masculine. I get the sense that Lev had a heavy hand in designing the space.

Marion meows and wiggles free from my arms, rubbing against my legs and howling again.

“All right. I’ll find you something.”

“The pantry is through there,” Stephan directs me.

I stand in awe at the amount of space and stock. My bathroom is smaller than this thing. After a quick search, I find a can of tuna.

“Not a lot to choose from.” I jerk my thumb at the pantry. Stephan’s brow wrinkles. “I was being sarcastic.”

He nods then pulls out his phone and begins scrolling.I find a small dish and a can opener and go about getting Marion fed. She purrs happily when I place her long overdue breakfast on the floor for her.

“So.” I clap my hands. “I know it’s late, but I haven’t had breakfast. I can whip us up some eggs or pancakes or French toast. I’m sure there’s bread around here somewhere.”

Stephan looks up from his phone, confused again.

“I said I’d cook for you, too, so what do you want?”

“Nothing. I’m fine.”