Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 30540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
"And that's the only reason you're still alive."
But just as Aaron slowly raises his gun, another voice interrupts us—-
"I'm afraid you have it all wrong, Mr. Bronn."
I know that voice, and if the terror that flashes in Aaron's eyes is any indication, it seems like he knows it, too.
My heart thunders against my chest when I see the Devil stepping out of the dark.
"Don't come any closer," Aaron yells out shakily.
"You look frightened, Mr. Bronn."
"F-Fuck you!"
"You're right to feel scared of me," the Devil says softly. "You may not be prepared to hear this, but the only reason you're alive is because she's alive...and for the past few weeks, my men have been working hard to keep you from making the worst mistake in your life."
The Devil takes another step forward, and Aaron's expression turns slightly hysterical. "I said don't fucking move—-"
"I warned you, didn't I? You were supposed to forget she ever existed—-"
"Fuck you!"
Multiple things happen all at once after that.
Aaron is about to pull the trigger when the Devil lunges at him, and my whole world turns into a tearful blur when the Devil snatches the gun out of Aaron's hold...and shoots the other man using his own gun.
I'm already sobbing by the time I crash down on my knees.
Oh God, finally.
It's finally over.
#15
I'm not sure how much time has passed...or how much whiskey I've consumed when my nerves finally calm down, and memories start trickling back in. I remember the Devil swiftly leading me away as Aaron's body falls to the ground, and I remember his men walking past us as the Devil bundles me inside the backseat of his limousine.
"Feeling better now?"
I find myself swallowing hard as the Devil's quiet voice penetrates my mind. I'm not sure if 'better' is the right word to describe how I'm feeling, since all I can suddenly think about is the look on Aaron's face when he realizes he's been shot.
"Is Aaron..."
"He's dead."
My blood turns cold even as relief washes over me. I've done enough research on how the Devil operates to know that come morning, the stage would've been perfectly set. No one will have any reason to even suspect foul play having a hand in Aaron's death, and while I'm glad...I'm really, really glad that I'm finally free from Aaron Bronn's threats, and that I no longer have to live in fear about getting my parents in trouble...
Guilt still razes my heart as I find myself wondering if there was something else I could've done—-something that might have put an end to his threats without having Aaron die.
"Don't waste your tears on him."
I don't even realize I'm crying until I hear the Devil speaking from the seat opposite mine, a forbidding expression on his handsome face. "Assholes like him would never stop making your life hell. And they would never hesitate to hurt the people you care about just to see you suffer. He had to die. Do you understand?"
"I do."
The words are already out when I remember too late they're the last thing I should've said—-
Every time you say those words, you make me feel like I've asked you to marry me.
—-but I actually find myself welcoming the blush stealing over my cheeks. It's exactly the distraction I need to stop thinking about Aaron's death.
"I didn't mean anything by it, I swear."
A slight smirk touches the Devil's lips. "I'm not sure I believe you."
Honestly, I'm not sure I believe myself either...since it's just occurred to me that with Aaron no longer alive to threaten me, does this mean I'll never see the Devil again after this?
Golden eyes narrow at me, and I'm not sure if I should be glad or dismayed at how swiftly the Devil's able to pick up on my mood. Is he able to read me so easily because I'm special to him? Or is it only because my face is an open book? Because if it's the latter...then doesn't that mean the Devil would also know that I'm...in love with him?
"What is it? You look troubled."
I'm unable to speak as I stare at him. I've never allowed such a thought to cross my mind until now, and maybe it's because I was already subconsciously aware of the truth.
I'm in love with the Devil, and I think I have been so for some time.
"Sheena?"
"What's going to happen now?" I ask jerkily.
"What do you mean?"
"Now that this is all over..."
His lips tighten, and my heart sinks to my stomach.
"I'm not going to see you again after this," I whisper. "I'm right, aren't I?"
"Yes."
"And was that your plan all along?"
"It was."
I've always known the Devil could be ruthless, but it still hurts to hear the utter absence of emotion in his voice.
Just let him go, Sheena.
I asked for his help, and the Devil protected me as he promised. I have no reason to keep him from leaving, but...