บททั้งหมดของ The Devil's Mistress: บทที่ 41 - บทที่ 50

DAMIEN RAPHAËL POV"Make me a martyr." Garry stood the hell up."Kendrick!" He barked, jabbing a finger at him, then swung it around to his crew. "Put the goddamn guns away, all of you." His boys hesitated, then, reluctantly lowered their weapons one by one. Then Garry's gaze shifted to Kendrick, stone cold. "And you. Don’t test me, boy." Kendrick lingered a moment longer, eyes flicking to me like he was daring me to say the word, before he took his hand away from his waistband and exhaled sharply.Adam and the boys didn’t move till I gave them a slight nod. Then, and only then, they holstered their Glocks.I glanced at Fred. He gave me a side-eye. Then, with a frustrated grunt, he shoved it back in his waistband and turned away slightly, still glaring at Kendrick like he was memorizing every inch of his face.Garry exhaled, half laughing as he stroked his mustache. "Well, that was dramatic."I didn’t respond, just listened as I leaned back in my chair."We must can come to a bet

ROXANNE POVI stared for a moment too long.It was unsettling, realizing how much of this man’s life I didn’t know. I took a slow step back, suddenly aware of how out of place I looked in leggings and sweater among all these trained bodies and bulletproof buildings.Then I bumped into someone. I stiffened and spun around quickly.It was Thomas.He stood there, arms crossed tightly over his chest, glasses sitting perfectly on his nose, his mouth drawn into that hard line that never seemed to bend.I instinctively took a step back.His gaze didn't leave mine. "What are you doing way out here?"The question wasn't casual. Not even close.Before I could answer, he tilted his head slightly, scanning the area behind me. "Tired of cooping up in the tower, huh?""Something like that," I said, nodding. "Just looking around. That's allowed, right?"His expression didn't change and he said nothing. Just kept watching me like I might suddenly make a run for it. I shifted awkwardly, glancing to

ROXANNE POVThe midday heat was relentless by the time we reached the market, but Thomas didn't complain. He parked close to the plaza side entrance and got out without a word.The vendors in the market recognized Thomas instantly. No surprise there. Damien's name seems to have that effect. I grabbed a cart and went about my business while Thomas followed a short distance behind, occasionally pointing out a better brand or suggesting something else if an item was missing. I couldn't tell if Thomas was annoyed to be playing chauffeur or just naturally tense all the time. Maybe both."Fresh tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers." I read aloud under my breath, scanning one of the produce stands. The vendor smiled as I picked up a few items and I handed over the black card Damien had given me. He accepted it without question, of course he did. That card probably had no limit.As I tucked the receipt into my bag, Thomas appeared at my side. "That's it?""Still need meat and household supplie

DAMIEN RAPHAËL POV"You'll still be waitressing," I said evenly and calmly. "But only for the VIPs who come up here. Office clients. Special meetings. Quiet service."Her brows knit together slightly, but she didn't speak right away.I kept going. "You'll take drink orders. Maybe food, if they ask. You'll knock before entering. Stay in the room until I say otherwise. You don't speak unless spoken to. You don't listen in, you don't ask questions, and you sure as hell don't repeat anything you might overhear."Her lips parted slightly, then closed again. She was chewing on my words like they didn't sit right on her tongue. I could see it, but she didn't speak."I'm not asking you to answer phones or file papers," I added, 'cause that much was true. "This isn't that kind of office.""You'll be paid more and have shorter hours," I said simply. "You'll be in here, under my protection. That's the deal."She tilted her head slightly. "So you're basically turning me into your assistant-slash-

ROXANNE POVI padded quietly down the wide marble staircase, one hand gripping the polished railing as the other stiffed the small yawn escaping my lips. My bare feet brushed over the last step when the faint scent of brewed coffee lingering in the air suddenly hit me, but it was the sound of the front door opening that pulled my attention.I paused mid-step, then stopped altogether when I spotted Damien walking through the doorway with Angelina beside him. She was in her little plaid uniform with a bow in her curly hair as her tiny backpack swayed on her back while she trotted by his side.Something about the sight warmed my chest involuntarily.I stepped in the foyer, stopping a few feet from the door and watching as they walked toward one of the cars parked in the driveway. Thomas stood beside the vehicle, arms crossed, his usual stoic expression in place.But it was Angelina who caught me looking, she glanced back at the house as if she felt me there and just in time, her face l