Page 129 of The Devil's Deceit

“Even if I didn’t have enough energy, I’d crawl on my hands and knees for a surprise.”

“Works for me. I like you on your hands and knees.”

“As you just proved.”

A few minutes later, Christian leads me along the hallwayto an area of the house I haven’t seen. To be fair, there’s about ninety percent of this house I haven’t discovered yet. He turns left, then right, eventually stopping in front of a door that’s identical to the ten or twelve we just passed.

He gestures to the doorknob. “After you.”

My belly flutters as I turn the handle and push open the door to step inside. Christian joins me and rests his hand on my hip.

I gasp. “Oh, Christian.” Slipping out of his embrace, I cross the room, trailing my fingers over the glossy, black grand piano standing proudly in the center. Pivoting, I turn to face my husband. “It’s a Steinway.”

“Do you like it?”

“Like it? Iloveit. But, Christian, it’s too much, especially as I haven’t played for ages. These cost a fortune. How did you even know what to buy?”

“I asked Destiny. She recommended it, and let’s face it, that girl knows her pianos.” He caresses my cheek, then slides his hand around the back of my neck, massaging the nape. “And just so we’re clear, nothing is too much for you. You’re my wife, Grace. My greatest love, my proudest achievement.”

My heart. “I’m not nearly skilled enough to do justice to such an incredible piece of craftsmanship. You should have stuck with a much more basic model. I’ll probably ruin it.”

“Nonsense. Although, while we’re on the subject of Destiny and skills, I may have asked her if she could spare some time to give you a few lessons.”

My mouth falls open. “You did not.”

“I’m afraid I did.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she’d be delighted to.”

“Oh, my God. Destiny Winslow is going to teachmehow to play a Steinway. This isinsane.” I squeal, doing a little twirl. I throw myself at him, hooking my legs around his waist. “I love you. I love you so much. Thank you, Christian.” I squeal again. “Amazing.”

“Have you ever seen the moviePretty Woman?”

I tilt my head. “Yes. Who hasn’t?”

“Remember the scene on the piano?”

I grin, guessing where he’s going. “Yep, and every time I watch it, I feel cheated.”

“Why?”

“Because the camera cut away just as it was getting interesting. We got a PG-13 when I wanted the X-rated version.”

“Hmm, fair point.” He carries me over to the piano and sits me on top. He tugs on the belt, and the two halves of the silk robe part. He eases me onto my back until I’m lying flat, then opens the lid of the piano and places both my feet on top. The tinkling sound of the piano keys fills the room.

“Don’t cheat me, Mr. De Vil. I want the X-rated version.”

"I promise, Mrs. De Vil," he murmurs, trailing his fingers up my thigh like he's playing the most exquisite concerto. "I’ll make sure this performance gets a standing ovation.”

Chapter Forty-One

TOBIAS

Flurries of snow dust my jacket as I exit my car and step onto the icy pavement outsideThe Lairon a bitterly cold January evening.It may be a new year, but it’s the same old me. Same old fucked up Tobias De Vil, the joker in the pack who’s got so proficient at acting that even I believe the charade some days.

The tension riding me slides from my shoulders the second I step into the reception area. The club I started as a bit of a side interest has turned into the only place I can be my true self. I don’t have to pretend I have my shit together here. I can be who I am: sex club owner, voyeur, and all round fucked-up individual.