Page 38 of The Devil's Heir

Liliana

It's been peaceful the last few weeks. A harmonious atmosphere has replaced an unsettling one, and my relationship with Jarek has been amicable. I'm laughing again, something I haven't done since my time with Heidi and Fran. Jarek isn't so bad to be around when he isn't trying to be so domineering.

However, there are times when I find myself enjoying the Falcon Heir's dominant traits, like in the bedroom when he has me restrained and coming multiple times before he finishes himself.

Jarek is a very experienced lover. I'd like to be able to let my guard completely down, but if being around men has taught me anything, it's that they're unpredictable.

One day they can be sweet as pie, and then the next, they plan on selling me or pimping me out. Granted, Jarek has never done that, but I'm sure he'll still show off in front of his cronies and treat me less than an equal if the need arises.

So, no, I don't think I can let my guard down, but I will learn to try and enjoy my time here as much as possible. The only Debbie Downer is Carmen. She stays out of my way for the most part, but if, by chance, we pass each other, she always has a backhanded compliment for me.

Just yesterday, we passed each other in the hallway, and she asked me if I had lost some weight. She then proceeded to tell me that the little bit of makeup I was wearing made me look prettier. I just rolled my eyes and ignored her; it's what Jarek and Jackson told me to do .

It's unusually warm today, so after putting on the tiniest bikini ever, I pull the lace cover-up on and head out to the pool area. I'm feeling pale these days and could use a nice golden glow.

Instead of taking my earbuds with me, I turn on the radio and let the music play softly through the speakers placed sporadically around the pool.

It's midday, and the sun is at its peak as I lay on the lounge chair, soaking up its rays. It's quiet and relaxing out here, and I can't help but think how much Heidi would enjoy this. She's young like me, and she's had a hard life; I'd love to be able to give her just one day of relaxation.

I'm not sure if I accidentally dozed off, but as soon as I no longer feel the warmth of the sun on my face, I open my eyes. A figure stands over me, their hands deep in their pants pockets, and just by the way they're standing, I know it's Jarek.

Smiling comes easier these days, and I do so now as I say, "Hi," while holding my hand above my eyes in a salute to block the sun.

"Why hello, gorgeous," Jarek replies.

His face is shrouded in shade, so I can't see his expression, but by the tone of his voice, I can tell he's smiling back. I scoot over, and he takes a seat on the edge of the lounge chair.

I don't know how he does it, but it's as if he gets hotter and hotter by the day.

Jarek's good looks have never been the issue—it's his demeanor and attitude.

However, he has seemed to have grown up a bit since high school, but sometimes, I still see that attitude come out when he doesn't get his way.

The vibe Jarek brings when he's with me in my room or when he takes me to his playroom is so different than the one throughout the day. He's so serious and business-like when the sun is up, but as soon as it sets, he's like a different man—a man I can see myself falling for.

"You're home early. Is anything wrong?"

"No, everything is fine, but I had the urge to come and spend the afternoon with you. It seems I've been a bit remiss when it comes to giving you attention."

His words have me flabbergasted. I open my mouth to respond but then close it again. What do you say to this? This isn't the Jarek I know. When I can finally think of a response, it sounds so clinical .

"I work for you, Sir. You don't have to—"

"We both know that this is more than that, Liliana. I certainly don't treat you like an employee—you're more than that."

I feel my eyes widen at this confession, and my heart skips a beat for some unfathomable reason. Once again, I'm left baffled by him.

"You can't sit there and say that what happens between us behind closed doors is just employer/employee. The things we do to each other go far beyond that kind of relationship," Jarek states.

"But that's not part of the contract…" I breathe out softly.

Jarek shrugs.

"Sometimes, contracts are meant to be broken, just like rules. We have them until they no longer work for us."

"You don't think the contract is working for us any longer?"

A million different things are running through my head at the moment, but the most important question is: Will I be asked to leave? Am I out all that money now?

"I don't. It's time we talk about dissolving it, and then, talk about your future, Liliana."

Panic seizes me, but I don't want him to see it. I sit up and swing my legs to the other side, preparing to stand, but his hand wraps around my elbow.

"I don't think that's necessary, Jarek. I'll go and pack whatever belongings I brought with me, and I'll be gone within the hour."

"What? No, I think you misunderstand, Lily…"

I can't look him in the eye, but I don't try to run either.

I sit stiff as a board, and instead of demanding that I turn and look at him, I feel him get up, and then he's squatting before me.

He places his hands on my bare knees, and a tingle streaks through me.

The feeling is disconcerting because although I don't mind Jarek's touch, I've never felt tingles like this.

"Look at me, Liliana." Jarek's voice is soft, making it sound less demanding, but I still submit to it and raise my head. "The last thing I want is for you to leave. I still want you to have my heir—and I still want you."

"I don't understand…"

I don't get to see Jarek with a genuine smile often, if ever, so when he does so now, it's like the world stops rotating on its axis, and time stands still.

His smile is gorgeous when it's sincere.

Jarek's pearly whites gleam in the sunlight and his dark eyes look more like silky dark chocolate instead of the blackness I've always compared them to.

"To be honest, I don't either, but I would like us to figure it out together. Would you let me take you out to dinner tonight, pauper?"

"Oh!" Everything out of his mouth sounds nice, but I must stay alert and protect myself. However, dinner does sound nice. "You mean like a date?"

"Yeah, I'd like to take you on a date. Is that okay?"

"I've never been on a date before," I admit.

Jarek smirks. "I guess that makes two of us."

"No way, I don't believe for one minute that you've never been on a date," I say skeptically.

"Well, you see, pauper. There was a girl that I wanted to take out years ago, but I sort of frightened her into running away. I never wanted to take another woman out."

"But I've seen you in papers and magazines…"

His smile grows wider. "Ah, were you stalking me, pauper?"

"What? No…" I gasp. "It's kind of hard not to read the articles when you're trying to use the newspapers for warmth."

His smile drops, and a heaviness thickens between us.

"I'm sorry, Liliana. I never meant to scare you like I had. I just really liked you, but I knew my uncle and aunt would have never approved of you. I needed to keep you close to me by any means possible. It didn't help that Carmen…"

When he doesn't continue, I ask, "What about Carmen?"

Jarek shakes his head and replies, "Let's save that story for another time. How about that dinner?"

Whatever it was he was about to say couldn't have been good. I won't push him on it, but I do wonder if it has anything to do with what Jackson couldn't tell me. Studying Jarek briefly, I finally nod.

"Okay."

"Yeah? You'll have dinner with me?" He sounds like a teenager excited for his very first date.

If what he said was true, I guess it is his first date. I smile, replying, "Yes, Jarek. I'll go on a dinner date with you—on one condition."

He cocks a brow and waits for me to tell him what my condition is.

"You don't make me call you Sir anymore." I hold my breath, wondering if I may have gone too far, but then he grins.

"I love hearing my name drip from those lips of yours anyway. No more Sir."

I'm filled with glee as Jarek stands, then takes my hand and helps me up. Before I can grab my things and head for the house, though, he pulls me in and brushes his lips against mine. It doesn't deepen, but it's still an amazing kiss.

"Thank you, Liliana."

Wanting to test the waters with him, I nod and simply say, "You're welcome. Now, don't fuck it up, Falcon."

I bend over in front of Jarek as he bellows from my comment and grab my book and water bottle off the table before walking away from him.

When I get to the sliding glass door, I glance back, and he's still standing in the same place, with a goofy grin on his face as he stares at my backside.

The backside that has a piece of string going up my ass crack because he must have thought it needed flossing, too.

Shaking my head, I hide my own smile as I disappear into the house. I'm feeling lighter than I have in a long while. Am I seriously going out on my first date with Jarek Falcon? I must be going insane; either that, or they're drugging the water.

The restaurant isn't as fancy as I thought it would be. It's actually a tiny building tucked away between two tall skyscrapers. Of course, it's Italian, and the atmosphere is cozy and intimate, but other diners aren't dressed as fancy as we are.

I had chosen a black little number with spaghetti straps that comes to just above my knees.

The front dips lower than I'd like, but it isn't too inappropriate.

It's silk, and it's stunning, and it feels like butter against my skin.

Jarek is in his usual dress suit and tie, with his dark shoulder-length hair pulled back into a low ponytail.

I prefer it down, but I'm sure he doesn't like it getting in his way when he eats.

His facial hair is neatly trimmed to a little more than a five o'clock shadow and even I have to admit that Jarek Falcon can turn heads.

It's unfortunate that I've had such a shitty past with him, and even though he's apologized, it's hard to forgive something like that when it caused me such hardship for the past four years.

I will, however, put forth my best effort to try and put it behind me, especially if I'm going to be carrying his child. Therefore, I reach my hand across the table and place it over his. He looks up, questioningly.

"Thank you for this." I smile softly.

He covers my hand with his and returns the smile. "It's my pleasure. Besides, I doubt anybody would complain about taking someone like you out for a nice dinner."

"Someone like me?" I ask.

"Yes, a beautiful and intelligent woman…"

I can feel the blush creep into my cheeks. I've never seen this side of Jarek, but I like it. Of course, the doubts still creep in.

"What's changed?"

"What do you mean?" he continues to smile across the table at me.

"Where is the Jarek Falcon that I know?" I question playfully.

He chuckles softly as he caresses my hand. "I'm here," he states. "I'm just trying to get used to all these new feelings I have while still being the hard-ass Don that I need to be."

"Well, just so you know, I can keep a secret, so if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I'm your girl." I wink at him.

Jarek lets out a boisterous laugh, earning stares from other diners, but he doesn't seem to care.

Once it all quiets down and the diners return to their own conversations, Jarek turns his eyes back on me.

Something has changed in him, and the way he stares at me now, with that lascivious stare, has my pulse racing.

"Tell me, pauper. What would you do if I told you to take your panties off and hand them to me?"

I raise my brow at him while I take in his demeanor. I can see the lust swimming in his eyes that wasn't there a few minutes ago. I'm not sure what changed, but I'll bite.

"I'd have to say that it's not going to happen."

It's his turn to cock his brow now. "Oh? And what if I demand it of you? "

I shrug and say, in a smooth, silky voice, "I'm sorry, Mr. Falcon, but this is one time I can't submit to you."

"Pray tell…"

I take my time picking up my glass of ice water and taking a decent-sized sip before placing it back down and looking him in the eye. "Well, you see, Mr. Falcon, it's hard to give you what you want when there's nothing to give."

It takes him a moment to grasp what I'm saying, but then his brows lift, and a broad grin spreads across his face. Just then, the wait staff arrives with our order. I can't help but smile back at him before turning my attention to the meal and digging in.