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chapter 54
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A Bargain With The Devil chapter 55
”When are we leaving?”“ I was hoping tonight, but when Altieri offered the cinema date, I thought our trip back could wait.” He answered casually. “Is there a problem?”“Oh nothing, I thought we were supposed to be here for a week.”“Work things came up. Plus, we’ve met and wowed Altieri, no need to stay longer.”“Right.”Throughout the date that evening I tried to be as charming as I could be. All it reminded me of was the fact that we would have to go back to reality quicker than I had thought. When Ethan led me to bed I went willingly, attacking him with equal fervency as he did me. * * *“ Are you okay? ” Ethan asked suddenly, his arm on my back. I had gotten lost in thought while he was speaking to the pilot of our plane.“Yeahh, just feeling a little tired. I didn’t get enough sleep last night.”“I presume I am to blame for that.” He brushed my hair off my forehead and kissed me on my lips. “Hopefully I can get you in bed soon enough.” He
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 56
Bron was playing golf in the backyard with Benjamin.“This game is for chumps.” He declared as we approached him on the field.Benjamin laughed, “you are such a sore loser.”He scoffed at Benjamin but a grin was peeking through his frown. “We’ll if it isn’t the couple of the century.“Hello Bron.”“You two are back early.” He picked up a glass filled with whiskey and took a sip. Ethan frowned at it, but answered nontheless.“Work emergency. You know how it is.” He reached for his grandfather’s drink and downed it and he nodded in understanding.“Even in the short time, I’ve heard good things. You both look …well Mae, you looklovely.”“Yes, we all know it’s above you to give your grandson a compliment.” Benjamin said, joining us at the table. “You look lovely, dear.”“He doesn’t need more, his ego is big enough as it is” Bron said, filling his glass up again. “Our annual family tradition is just around the corner.”“This celebration is extra special because of the new additions to
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 57
Wynona’s home was everything I thought it would be and more. With the size of houses they owned I wondered how there was still room for the rest of us in this state.When I stepped in the living room, an older gentleman was smoking tobacco from a pipe like an aged man. Wynona’s father, my mind screamed at me.“Good day sir.” I greeted with a comfortable smile.He looked me up from my jimmy chop flats and summer jumpsuit with a flattering ribbon that held my hair away from my neck. Considering she had been with me the night she had dressed like a biker’s fan girl. I assumed he was checking me for flaws.“Mrs. Crowe. It is lovely to have you in my home.” He said in a terrible attempt at being warm. It was a curse for a man like this to have a daughter as eccentric and worrisome as Wynona. It made me feel bad for him. “I hope you don’t have more plans on going on drinking sprees with my daughter. She’s not married and has a lot more to lose.”And my empathy towards him was chucked out of
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 58
Two weeks went by smoothly with me and Ethan sinking into our new found routine. I would stay at home; cook, watch movies, draw, maybe hang out with Cecilia or I would be over at Wynona’s and sometimes Cartwright made guest appearances.But the highlight of those two weeks were the times I spent wrapped up in Ethan’s arms, or sharing a meal once in a while. The public appearances had been kept to a minimum. We were married now and in the first weeks of it, so it was normal to not have constant public appearances. This would be the third night we were stepping out together for an event. And it was none other than the party that included Ethan’s family tradition. My family tradition too, since I was married to him.When I heard family tradition, I had thought it would be a small scale event, with just the family, maybe mine would be invited. But the hall was semi filled with people I was beginning to learn, were considered important to the Crowe family, not just in the business sector.
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 59
“Listen to me Mae,” she gripped my shoulders. “He’s bad news.” “What do you mean by that?” she was scaring the hell out of me with her crazy eyes. Lisa had never breathed a word. Not even while she was with Ava. A guest walked past our spot in the shadows and she whipped her head up and blinked a few times. She looked down at me and anger flashed in her eyes. Shoving me away, she tried to barrel past me “Lisa wait!” I tried to grab her hand but she jumped away from me as if I had burned her. “Stay the fuck away from me!” she hissed and I had a flash back to Ava’s bathroom accident. Was this going to be a repeat of it? I took big step away from her. “You’re a smart woman, do the safe thing.” Satisfied that I wasn’t going to touch her, she continued on her way. Her blank expression replacing the anger I saw earlier before she turned. I was still in a daze when Ethan found me. He wrapped his hand around me and kissed my cheeks. “Are you alright?” he asked when he noticed how unr
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 60
“Go bug someone else Miles.” I said finally.“I don’t know many people here. Maybe Wynona, but I don’t see you coming around and playing big sister.”“Yeah have fun with that.” I told him, staring daggers into his back as he sauntered away. What right did he have to judge me like that. It was so easy for him to get on a high horse and act like everything was simple. I refused to let his words bugger me. He knew why I was here, I didn’t care what he thought was happening.“A moment of your time Mrs. Crowe.” A savvy voice called beside me, When I turned my head, I was looking down at a stout man with a checkered scarf on his neck and gauges in his ear. He didn’t fit in with the rest of the party, and smiled at me like I was supposed to know him. Oh dear. “ Of course! I answered brightly, and waited on him to continue the conversation. Perhaps something he said would jog my memory.“Well. Your husband told me about your potential…So I want you to send me your portfolio-it’s alla formali
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 61
“Papa?” I said crossing my fingers. God let him be alright.“Margaret Ricci.” I heard his gruff voice. A sigh of relief escaped my mouth.“Papa, you’re alright.”“Not with the heart attack you’re trying to give me. I want you in this house by tomorrow, do you hear me?”“si papa.” He had called my full name. I was definitely in trouble for something. My heart dropped. Did he find out about the contract?Worrying would do nothing. There was only one thing to do. Call Miles. I knew mum would be glued to dad and won’t have time to answer me.“What happened?” I asked immediately he took my call.“Well good day to you too, sis. Oh me? I’m doing great.”“I don’t have time for this. Did he find out about the contract?”“He did not. He left the house while mum was taking a nap and walked to the restaurant. He noted the changes in the restaurant, just regular stuff. But then he asked about his lovely daughter and one of the new employees informed him that no Mae Ricci or Crowe had worked there
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 62
“ Mae? ” mum asked, trepidation written all over her face. I smiled at her. Miles entered the room fully, his expression flashing between confusion, annoyance and a lack of comprehension.That would all end in a minute, once they heard what I wanted to say. I forced their faces out of my mind and turned to dad.“Mae let’s talk about this.” Mum reasoned with me.“Please calm down.” I begged. She seemed to understand because she clamped her mouth shut and folded her arms. I rushed to speak before Miles would say anything that would jeopardize us even farther.“Papa, Your son is a playboy.” Miles cursed and dad threw him a look.”What are you talking about?” He asked. I felt a little guilty but if this meant that I could take dad’s mind off the main problem it would be better.I lowered my voice and in a flurry of Italian i tried to tell them about his little escapade in school with a strange girl and made another one upset, I was just about to add a few more embellishments about a catfi
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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
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 66
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
A Bargain With The Devil chapter 64
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
