All Chapters of The Devil’s Bargain: Chapter 1 - Chapter 4

His eyes flickered. He knew it was an act—if she were truly afraid, she wouldn’t be here. But for some reason he couldn’t explain, he went along with it.He let out a frustrated sigh, annoyed with himself for his own inexplicable decision. Before the door opened, he sat down on the bed, pulled the covers over himself, and casually picked up a book.Lana entered, a gentle smile on her face. She wore a modest nightgown and carried a cup of fragrant herbal tea.“You’re still awake?” She placed the tea on the nightstand, her eyes quickly scanning the room, lingering for a moment on the slightly disheveled bed. She asked, feigning nonchalance, “I was just looking for my niece, Zoe. You haven’t seen her, have you?”Aaron leaned back against the headboard, his face an emotionless mask. “No.”His coldness made Lana’s smile falter slightly. She knew this fiancé of hers wasn’t fond of her, but she was confident that no man could resist a woman as beautiful and accommodating as she was. It was o

“This girl has been frail since she was a child,” Lana continued, her voice dripping with fake honey. “I have to look after her so carefully.”Aaron didn’t look up. He gave a sharp, curt nod. “Then you should probably focus on your own plate. Stop worrying about everyone else.”The subtext was loud and clear: Shut up and eat.Stunned by his coldness, Lana could only manage a stiff, awkward smile. She glanced at Victor for help, but he signaled her to stay quiet. Unable to lash out at Aaron, she funneled all her simmering resentment toward Zoe.Under the table, Aaron stopped retreating. He shifted his legs, and in a sudden, predatory move, he clamped his thighs shut, trapping Zoe’s straying foot between them.Zoe froze. She tried to yank her foot back, but it was too late. His thighs were like bands of steel, locking her ankle in place.She looked up at him, her eyes wide with genuine shock. Aaron remained a mask of icy composure, calmly sipping his tea, but there was a flicker of a mo