Page 96 of The Devil's Heir

I'm still thinking about Jarek as we pile into an SUV. Jackson, accompanied by Seth, waits in the front seats. Once we settle in, I grin at Seth.

"Hey, Seth. I didn't know you'd be joining us today."

He shrugs. "The boss thought it would be safer if there were at least two of us," he explains.

I roll my eyes. "I think your boss overreacts just a tad bit."

Jackson's eyes take on a serious look when they meet mine in the rearview mirror, and he states, "Mr. Falcon has every reason to be concerned. Just humor him, okay."

Sighing heavily, I reply, "Fine."

"Good girl." He winks at me through the mirror, causing my lips to twitch just a little as I flip him off. "So, where to?"

"The shopping center. There are a few stores I would like to stop at," I tell him.

"Sounds good."

My friends play twenty questions with each other while I sit back and enjoy the camaraderie. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside, never having had this feeling before in my life. Is this how it is to have good friends? I've missed out on so much growing up and hope to rectify that.

Jackson doesn't pull into the parking lot like everyone else. Instead, he drives around to the back and stops by a door. When he sees my raised brow, he grins and says, "I'm just following orders."

We go in and out of stores, trying on different clothes and acting like teenagers. Even Fran loosens up and joins in. People in our position will never be able to experience something like this—not everyone is as lucky as I was. Thinking back to years ago, when I was being bullied and chased into the streets, the last thing I'd call myself was lucky, but they say everything happens for a reason.

If it were not for Jarek, who knows where I would be today? I definitely would have never met Heidi and Fran. Jarek is changing not only my life but theirs as well. It makes me happy that I get to do this for them.

The last store we enter is the lingerie store. Jackson and Seth stand guard outside while we shop. I find the perfect black and red set that I know Jarek will love. The thong is red with a black bow on the front, and the top is a black and red corset. But what makes this set unique are the chains in the back and the set of cuffs that come with it.

My lower region tingles just thinking about Jarek seeing me in this, even if I can only wear it a few times before I get too big. When Fran rolls her eyes at the set, I ignore her and laugh at Heidi's reaction. My friend squeals and claps her hands in delight when she sees me in it.

"That is so perfect, Lily!"

"It is, isn't it?"

"Next thing you know, Falcon will be having you dancing in one of his clubs," Fran mumbles.

Wanting to mess with her just a little, I bump her with my hip and tease, "Oh, come on, Fran—would that be so bad?"

My friend's eyes bulge, and she's about to respond when I wink at her. She's silent for just a split second before she bursts out laughing.

We're still laughing as we walk out of the store, but then a familiar voice ruins the mood.

"Oh look, the gold-digging whore is doing what she does best." The snarky words come from none other than Carmen. "What? My nephew leaves the country and you decide to spend all his money?"

"Ignore her, Liliana," Jackson scowls as he steps in front of me and addresses Jarek's aunt. "I don't think Mr. Falcon will like hearing you talk to Miss Sumner like that. I suggest you go about your business, Ms. Falcon."

I love Jackson for how he protects me, but I'm not afraid of Carmen, and her words do not hurt me one bit. She's a bitter woman, and from the little bit I've learned from being in the mansion, she doesn't matter.

I step around Jackson and smile bitterly at the older woman. I study her from her perfectly coiffed hair down to her shiny Jimmy Choo heels and then back up to her cold eyes. I know her type. She thinks she's above everyone, and people must kneel before her. Well, I don't get on my knees for anyone—except for Jarek—I'll get on my knees for him in order to pleasure him sexually.

"Carmen, you can call me all the names in the book and think that I'm a gold digger all you want, but the truth is, your nephew is the one whowantsme. He chosemefor a reason, and you're going to have to…" My sentence trails off as I glance over Carmen's shoulder and see another familiar face smiling menacingly at me. "No!" I whisper and take a step back.

"Liliana? Are you okay?" Jackson asks and then looks around for the source of my distress.

"I need you to take me homenow," I tell him, and he doesn't hesitate.

With Jackson and Seth flanking both my sides and my friends following close behind, we leave Carmen standing there as we rush from the shopping center and into the SUV. It isn't until we're blocks away that Jackson once again asks me what's wrong.

"I saw someone from my past," I reply.