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Chapter 42
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A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 43
Mae’spovI felt like I could barely breathe, plus I was freezing for what felt like hours. Being scantily dressed had made it so easy for me to get cold.After banging on the door and yelling for help for a long time, I was very tired. When I heard Ethan call my name, I thought I was hallucinating, but I hit the door anyway, ignoring the icy stickiness.“Please, Ethan help!” I called out forcing strength into my voice.He muttered something else and then I heard nothing from his side.He could not leave me here. Panic built up in my body making my shivering worsen. I hit the door trying again. What if I had actually hallucinated him. Was I trapped in here till I went completely crazy.Ava was going to kill me. When hereturned I was in a frenzy.“Mae, can you hear me. I was not sure my voice could carry through so I hit the door twice. “There’s a button Mae, by the door. Look for a latch by the door. Feel around for one.” I reached out with shaky hands and felt around the wall
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 44
I tensed in bed as he raised the volume of the television.“…and she has been getting a lot of hate for what she did to the dress. When I first saw the video of her ripping the bodice, I was horrified, that was..the dress, you know…” She told the interviewer who nodded sympathetically.“Then she came on stage in this absolutely beautiful dress, it wasn’t the same as what my mother was makin-if you’ve seen the original you would understand.” A photo of Saskia’s dress taken after her death, and my alterations at the show was placed side by side on the screen.“I’ve attended shows with my mother and every show she always had something to say about the designs, what she would do differently. That night for the first time after her death I felt she was-she was there with me.“ my heart leapt out to Hilde as she wiped a stray tear from her eye.“Mae Ricci did not ruin my mother’s dress. She did the exact thing my mum would do if she was in that situation. I can even admit that she made i
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 45
Panic rose in my chest as her forehead leaked blood in an almost steady stream. I temporarily forgot that she had gotten the injury by bashing her freaking head on the tile like it meant nothing to her.“Oh my god, are you okay?” I ask and reached out for her.My action seemed to trigger her because she screamed even louder causing me to shrink away from her. Then she pulled on her hair ruining the perfectly done updo.I had never seen someone act this psychotic, I was worried she was going to harm herself. Oh who was I kidding, she already did. The goal now was to make sure she didn’t do something worse. I rushed to the bathroom door and yanked it. it didn’t budge.Ethan knocked on the door calling my name, so she had locked it when she had come in. I opened it quickly, talking rapidly while he looked me over checking for wounds.“It’s not me, it’s Ava!” I tell him and Ethan paused like he really didn’t understand what I was saying. I was relieved the bathroom was a while away f
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 46
I had the house to myself, which was a good thing in my books. There was no one here to see me sulk and stuff my face with food. My only company was Gideon and he kept to his own his side of the house. Even my escorts were unavailable. Guess at the end of the day, protecting his precious Ava was more important than guarding me.For the millionth time that day I filled my bowl to the brim with cereal and sat crossed legged on the plush rug, as I watched several reruns of my mother’s favorite telenovela, since my life was becoming one. They might have tips for handling my fake husband’s possibly crazy ex.To say I was in shock was a simple term, so many times I had replayed that night in my head, wondering if I missed something.We were talking, and then she slammed her head on the counter. My hands were no where near her, I think? With the fear I saw on her face after she raised her bloodied head, I wondered if I had actually done it in a fit of rage, and wiped the incident from my mem
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 47
I looked down at the clear liquid, hesitating.“You didn’t say anything about the new decor Wynona.” I pointed out, pouting as I raised theglass.“Oh yeah!” she giggled turning around. “It looks great, I would have done a lot more…”-she ran her hand across a frame of a painting. I could not tell what the artist was going for, all I could see were legs and a ton of color, but I liked it. Seeing my chance, I emptied the contents of my glass into the plant pot beside me, hoping the dosage would not be enough to kill the plant.I raised the glass to my lips just as Wynona turned.She frowned at me, then shrugged and smiled. “I wanted us to drink at the same time, but hey! I appreciate the spirit.” She downed hers and gagged, sputtering. “How the fuck did you manage to keep this down with a straight face?”“Oh you know, Italian genes.” She snorted at that.It took a little convincing, but Gideon reluctantly agreed to let me go out without him, even though his brows stayed knit together as
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 48
That was the longest shower I had probably taken. I let the hot water run over my body for the longest time, to wash away the smell of alcohol and my anger at Ethan for his words. Was I angry at what he had said, or the fact that he was with Ava all day and only came to boss me around, or was it just the fact that he had been with Ava? I knew this feeling. Jealousy.I turned off the shower and stepped out.By the end of thirty minutes, I had on pants and a cashmere top, and carried the luggage I had packed for the trip, enough for a week. My eyes fell on the drawer containing Wynona’s gift and my cheeks colored.Ethan had also changed clothes and was now dressed in cream colored slacks and a light colored polo shirt. He stared at one of the art pieces I had got. I cleared my throat to alert him of my presence. He gave me a once over and nodded his approval.“You ready?” He asked coldly.Dotting Ethan was gone, and brooding Ethan was back.After I nodded, he turned on his heel and open
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 49
Cool air blew around me raising my hair off my neck as it barreled in my face. I could smell the sea from our place. I itched to see the beach but waited as Ethan led us to the main house. Natural looking décor hung around the property giving it a calming feel. I now understood why rich people went on vacations in homes like these. “Is this really yours?” I asked incredulous“Not mine specifically. My grandfather bought this property a long time ago, it has been in the family ever since, why?” I forced my grin down and unlocked the patio door Ethan pressed his phone to his ear and moved down a corridor as he spoke into the receiver.I took off my sandal heels and ventured further unto the patio. There was a little dinner setting, covered Jacuzzi and a little swing, but more importantly, the empty beach. I felt drawn to it. God I would love the week we would spend here. I walked to the sand and sunk my feet in, allowing it to cover my toes. A giggle of pleasure escaped from my lips. It
A Bargain With The Devil Chapter 50
I woke up earl y that morning to make breakfast. A little exchange since he had made dinner for us last night. After a comfortable meal, we set on our mission.He stopped us in front of a unisex shop for clothes and helped me out of the car.The shop was unassuming on the outside but absolutely gorgeous on the inside. With bold- looking interior design that would appeal to both their male and female customers. A sales representative welcomed us and asked who needed outfit.“We both do.”“Would you like your fitting together?”“She should get started with the designer. It won’t take me long to find a suit.” he replied with a charming smile. The representative grinned back at him.“Of course Mr. Crowe.”She led me to a small room and people brought in snacks and food while I waited for them to bring dresses out. She walked in, in a cute black business suit with her afro styled in a low bun.“Mrs. Crowe. It is a pleasure to finally meet you! I’m Imani. ” she said fondly with light in her
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A Bargain With The Devil chapter 71
“That went very well if you ask me.” Jace said when I had stayed deathly silent in the car on our way home. “Except for the part where you disappeared into your mind and I had to do the whole compliment thing.”“Oh, I uhh, got distracted.” Maybe I could just not go. I could tell her we were down with the cold that day and decided to stay home.“I noticed. You were not much help when she wanted to pick shoes. I hope my option would not be considered a fashion faux de pas.” He added brightly, failing an attempt at a French accent.“I think both shoes looked great. Either was fine.” If I did the sick thing, and she sent condolences then Ethan would find out that I declined an invite without telling him.“Course you do. Do you mind telling me exactly what is wrong? You know what they say about problems shared.” He wriggled his brows in the mirror.A second opinion would be great. “I would love to attend; I mean my dress, worn by one of the rich people in this state. But…I don’t want Ethan
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 70
For the following weeks, Ethan knew to avoid me, and I made sure that I kept seeing Ethan to a minimum. I was up late and spent most of my day in my room making Lindsey’s dress.The door was always locked, in case he had the bright idea to stop by. A few times, I would hear his footsteps stopping at my door for a while, before he would continue down to his own. Each time I would hold my breath, like it kept me from going to it and opening it to see his face.The only highlight in those weeks, save for watching my dreams for Lindsey’s dress come to life, was spending time with Jace. His easygoing attitude was rubbing off on me and I found that I could relax more in situations I thought were normally stressful.He had helped me pack Lindsey’s heavily beaded dress into a carrier bag and loaded the car with the things I needed.“You know, if this driver thing doesn’t work for you, you can always be my personal assistant. You’re great at that.” I joked as I climbed in with my tools in the
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 69
“You’re back early.” I uttered like an idiot, my smile fading from my face. God, why did the man have to looks o stunning in a suit.“I had some documents I wanted to get, you look…busy.” He answered staring at Jace’s outfit.“Yeah, I’m just helping out with Mrs. Lindsey dress.“ Jace explained, Ethan’s eyes clouded into an unreadable expression.“I see that. Mae, can I talk to you?”“In private?” I squeaked. Jace already started waddling out of the room.“No you stay.” He told Jace. “You can meet me in my office?” I gave a curt nod. Satisfied, he left.“Can I take this off now? I can feel a pin poking the side of my ass.” Jace groaned, and his backside in search of said pin.“They stay on till I’m done.” I informed him as I made my way out of the room. “Give me a second okay? Don’t do anything, don’t even sit down. Remember there are pins everywhere.” “Mannequin mode, got it.I moved to Ethan’s office and pushed the door open. “Hey…” he murmured, His eyes softening.When he turned fro
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 68
“Hey, hey.” He whispered, pulling me to the side. “It’s alright. She’s gone. It’s okay...“ He wrapped his hands around me and gave me a comforting squeeze.After a while, I moved out of his grasp, and tried to steady my breathing.“I’m sorry I reacted that way. I am not used to confrontation like that.” “I completely understand.” He said supportively.“You do?”He began nodding but ended up shaking his head side to side.”I have no idea what you’re feeling right now. Confrontation is my jam, I was going to sucker punch her in the face before that guy showed up.” A laugh escaped my mouth and I sniffled. “Do you feel better?”“A little.”“Hi there.” Another woman spoke up next to us. I remembered her standing off to the side when the first woman was yelling. Was she also going to give me a piece of her mind? I steeled myself for trouble. Jace did too because he turned angry eyes on her.She raised her hand in submission. “I just came to find out if you were alright? I’ve met that woman a
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 67
I made sure that Ethan was completely out of the house before I showered and went downstairs, I had a busy day... I had sent Lindsey the styles that I had finally settled on and she had chosen from the two I sent. Now I just had to go fabric shopping. Gladice was in the living room dusting the mantel when I finally went down, showered and dressed.“Mrs Gladice, so good to see you back! How are you feeling.”“Very well thank you Mrs. Crowe.”“Oh take it easy with that greeting. “ I chided. “I’m going to be out for a while, I just need to get some supplies for a project.” She nodded.“Breakfast? Before you leave. I saw that the fridge is already stocked with food. Thank you”“Oh it’s nothing. I have chef blood running through my veins.” I winked at her and continued on my way. “And I’ll have breakfast while I’m out. Thank you.”“GideoN!” I called as I made my way to his side of the house and then I remembered what Ethan had said. Gideon was gone.“Mae…” I heard Jace’s voice behind me. H
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I was determined to give Ethan the silent treatment till I could not anymore. I just did not want my family be a part of this act The less dad knew him the better for us .From outside I could hear dad and our neighbor, Wes chanting. They had been on opposing teams since I was a kid.I plastered a smile on my face before I opened the door. At least dad would be majorly distracted by the game and not have the chance to focus on Ethan. I wore a green jersey, The color of dad’s team. Ethan for some reason had gone with the opposing team. Way to pick sides. I rolled myeyes.“Mia figlia.” dad greeted earnestly and he smiled proudly when he saw my jersey, and then his eyes fell on Ethan’s.“I see you have chosen the losing side.”Billionaire or not, football was something dad took seriously. So did Mr. Wes because he clasped Ethan on the shoulder and pulled the whole six feet of a man under his sweaty arm .“Oh please, we’ve been resting all this time. No one was worth putting energy.“You
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 65
“He’s a very pretentious fellow.” I commented, recalling the way he looked me over. I knew his kind, They usually came in the form of tourists to the restaurant. With their elevated sense of importance and nasal way of speaking.“It’s not about what he is, but about what he can give to you.”“I went through his website, I don’t think I’m wanted at that company.”“He told you he wanted you, did he not? I had discussed the details with him, did he go back on his word?”“No Ethan, what I am trying to say is that my designs are very different from the designs that are associated with his brand, it’s easy to tell that he doesn’t actually want me in his company. He’s just offering because you got involved.”“A lot of people would be grateful, that I got involved.”“I’m sorry that I don’t fit that mold right now, I like to know that when I’m picked to work in a fashion house it’s because I’m actually good, not because my billionaire husband forced my work on an unsuspecting victim.” My words
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Did Ethan invite someone over without giving me a heads-up. I sighed loudly. I could not even force an atom of energy into my steps, they would have to manage a measly smile.I flattened my dress to my body like it would make me look more presentable. The man took a swig of his drink and dropped the glass on the bar, then he got up slowly and walked up to me. why were they drinking in the dark with just the side light? That barely showed anything.“Beth, lights on.” I paused. I waited for a second before the room was flooded with bright fluorescent light. I now had a good look at Ethan’s guest. I gaped at him when I recognized theface.“You’ve already met Jace.” Ethan said, rounding meJace grinned down at me with a charming smile. For the second time that day, we held hands. He was one of those people that loved to maintain intense eye contact during conversation, seeing as they were one of his enthralling features. With a sigh I looked away. Why was he here?“Yes, I met him. At the
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 63
“You see, my birthday is coming up. I don’t usually do anything fancy about it but I was thinking this year could be different. That’s why I’m here even. I was thinking it would be a great choice to handle the breakfast themed table.”“Oh yeah, these people are great.” Wynona interjected. “Double win if you could get the hot waiters too.”“I-I’ll see what I can do?” she glanced at her. “Anyway, I had this brilliant idea, to have you style a dress for me. We can pick one together and you change it however you think will look gorgeous-I’ ll pay you of course. We would get a really popular piece, so people can identify the before…and then my dress would be an after,” Lindsey was very lost in her imaginings. As she spoke, she used her hands to draw the picture in her mind. I waited for her to finish.“…wouldn’t that be amazing?” She laughed in glee. “I’m so sorry Lindsey, but I can’t do that…” ”What?” She looked confused.“The thing with Saskia’s dress, it was a one time thing.”“But…it d
