Page 48 of The Devil's Deceit

He couldn’t have been more hurt if I’d punched him in the face. “Well, then, I have failed you as your father.”

Remorse slams into me hard. “Dad, I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I’m not saying I can’t talk to you.”Unless it’s about Nexus or my inferior intelligence compared to my family.“Just that I… well, I know you regret letting Nicholas choose, and I wasn’t sure you’d be open to me having that same freedom of choice.”

“And Grace is who you want?”

I’m not even lying when I reply, “I do, yes. She’s kind, compassionate, and has a sharp wit that I find charming.”Not to mention how hot she is. So fucking hot. “She intrigues me. She’s great company.”

“And she would be agreeable to marriage?”

“Yes, I believe she would.”

“Why?”

I frown. “Excuse me?”

“Why would she be agreeable. It’s a simple enough question.”

“I mean, I’m a catch.” I throw my arms out to the side and laugh.

“I’m serious, Christian.”

There’s no harm in sharing the truth. “Grace sees marriage to me as a way of securing her financial future.” And I see it as a way to get Grace out of my system and have a partner-in-crime that will allow me to live my life as I do now, with free abandon. That’s a part of this plan I intend to keep to myself, though. My father wouldnotapprove.

“Hmm.” He taps his bottom lip with his forefinger. “And she realizes it’s a life-long commitment? No large divorce settlement after two years.”

“She’s aware. I’ve been completely honest with her, Dad, and she’s been honest with me. We’re not walking into this blind. All I ask is that you consider her as a serious contender.”

He stands and fastens his suit jacket, and when I look at what’s got his attention, I see Grace heading toward us.

“I promise I will appraise her fairly. There are several steps that need to happen, especially as she’s a relative stranger, whereas the other ladies I’m evaluating have been known to our family for some time.”

Research. He means research.

“I have looked into her, and there are no skeletons waiting to jump out and destroy our reputation.”

“I’m sure you have, but that doesn’t negate my own investigations.” He moves toward my (hopefully) soon-to-be fiancée with a friendly smile. “Ah, Grace. Allow me to escort you to lunch. I know an incredible Japanese restaurant close by. You do like Japanese food, don’t you?”

“I do, sir. Love it.”

“Excellent.” He sticks out his elbow, and Grace slips her hand through. As the two of them walk away, she glances over her shoulder and smiles at me.

Tension I wasn’t even aware had been riding me slides off my shoulders. You know, I think we might just pull this off.

Chapter Sixteen

GRACE

I’m sweating and my back aches from holding myself so stiff during the past two hours, but as Christian and his father are driven away in an imposing black SUV, I heave a sigh of relief and finally allow myself to relax.

I did it. I got through an entire two-hour interrogation and survived. Oh, Charles De Vil is an expert at making his insightful questions seem like interest, but I saw them for what they were. I have no doubt he’ll go straight back to Oakleigh and instruct his team of experts to dig up every piece of information on me.

Arron better have his ducks in a row.

As I head back to my car, I fire off a quick text.

Me: Just had lunch with Daddy De Vil and my potential betrothed. He’s a wily old bastard. You’d better have ticked every box, or we’re toast.

Three dots instantly appear. I wait for the message to come through.