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The Deal With The Devil 41
VeronicaForty-five minutes later, Charlie and I stood at the gate alone. A sedan came toward us down the dusty road, pulling to a stop at the gates. My grandfather opened the back door and stepped out at the same time as the driver, and I climbed into the car with Charlie on my lap."What is that?" he asked, a clear look of distaste on his face.I scratched behind Charlie's ear and held him on my lap. "It's a puppy, Grandfather. His name is Charlie.""Does he have to join us?""Yes."He didn't argue with me but gave me a resigned look. The driver closed the door, and we were off."No one to wave you off? Where is your sister?""Resting," I lied. I knew he wouldn't like knowing Robyn was in enemy hands. Although Stephen was hardly the enemy. Maybe he was my only ally. Funny how, just a few hours ago, I'd been thinking Stefan was my ally."And Stefan?""Meetings.""Does he know you're with me?""No.""Good girl," he said with a smile, shifting his gaze out the window."Why haven't you
Last Updated : 2024-04-13The Deal With The Devil 42
VeronicaI sat on the edge of the seat. My heart hurt at the realization.After setting the tiny bottle down, I ran my finger over the surface of the mirror and picked up the tube of lipstick and looked at the brand. It was a cheap drugstore brand I used to buy when I was a teen and had limited funds.Taking the lid off, I brought it to my lips and applied some. It was hard and cakey, but I imagined her gliding it across her mouth, and it almost felt like her. It was the closest I would come to my mother physically.Pocketing both, I closed the drawer and checked the dresser and closet. I found nothing. Not a piece of clothing. Not a forgotten stuffed animal or book or anything."Veronica?" My grandfather's voice called from the distance.Wiping my hand over my nose and eyes, I went to the door, taking one last look around. "I'm coming."Downstairs, the manager pointed out the new equipment they'd installed, including a new security system. He toured us through the vineyards with Char
Last Updated : 2024-04-13The Deal With The Devil 43
StefanThe looks on their faces when they saw me approach their cozy little lunch was priceless. I wished I had a camera. Shock and awe felt about the right words to describe it. At least as far as Veronica went. I had a feeling the old man expected me.When Eric had called to tell me neither she nor the dog were anywhere to be found, I knew exactly where she would be. Or at least whom she'd be with. She had ignored me completely and done the opposite of what I'd said. Which I guess meant she hadn't ignored me completely. I did always try to see the silver fucking lining.I'd called the hotel in Siena where her grandfather was staying, and it had taken only a few minutes for me to get them to tell me where their driver was taking him. Kingston Winery."Well, well, what a surprise," Marcus said, wiping his mouth with his napkin.I ignored him, my eyes on my disobedient wife instead. In that moment, I realized I couldn't name the storm of emotions swirling inside me. They were too confu
Last Updated : 2024-04-13The Deal With The Devil 44
StefanVeronica leaped out of the car after Charlie, hugging first her sister, then Stephen. He said something to her, but I didn't hear it. From the look on her face, it was a reproach. Good.Robyn took Veronica's hand, and they went into the house. But just before they were out of sight, I noticed the look Robyn threw over her shoulder at Stephen. There was something strange about it. Something unexpected."Where did Stephen take you?" Veronica asked.I didn't hear Robyn's response as they disappeared ahead of us, but I did study my brother, saw how his eyes followed them, how they narrowed as they tracked Robyn."She's a little young, isn't she?" I asked, meaning it to be a joke but realizing he took it as more of a taunt the moment I saw his face."What the hell does that mean?""Just that she's young. Sixteen, right?""So first you accuse me of being—what was the word you used? Cozy? Yes, cozy with Veronica, and now it's something else with her sister?"I grinned. "I thought you'
Last Updated : 2024-04-13The Deal With The Devil 45
VeronicaStefan and I walked back to the house in silence. He held my hand, his thumb making circles inside my palm. The air hung heavy around him, his mood dark. I wished he'd tell me what had happened between him and Stephen."Are you okay?" I finally asked before we went inside.He turned to me and rubbed my arms, backing me against the wall. His expression looked as though he had a thousand things to say, but instead of saying any of them, he cradled my head with one hand and leaned down to kiss me full on the mouth, his lips soft against mine, the touch intimate and sensual. Different than his other kisses. Not erotic. Not at first. When he pulled back, his eyes almost gleamed.I touched his face, and he flinched. He'd have a wicked bruise tomorrow."My intention when I started this, the whole time I planned it, I never thought about you. Not you as in flesh and blood and human. My brother is right to be worried. I keep telling you I won't hurt you, but I do, don't I?""Stefan—"
Last Updated : 2024-04-13The Deal With The Devil 46
VeronicaOn the morning she was to fly home, we got up early and took a long walk around the property with Charlie."I'm not sure who you're going to miss more, me or him," I teased."Both of you. I wish I could stay longer.""I tried, but Grandfather wouldn't allow it." I left out the part about Stefan thinking it was safer for her to go home anyway."Well, maybe I can come back over the Thanksgiving break. We can show Maria what an American holiday is like.""You mean we cook a turkey? You and me?""Nah. We don't want to kill her." She paused, hesitating for a moment before reaching into her pocket. "Do you think when you see Stephen again you can give him this?" It was a sealed envelope.I took it from her hand, studying her, trying to work out how far I could go."What happened with you two?""Nothing. Not really."She turned to walk, and I stepped alongside her. She kept her eyes on the ground, but I saw the small smile creep along her lips."I don't even know how to describe it.
Last Updated : 2024-04-13The Deal With The Devil 47
StefanMy fucking brother wouldn't stop dialing my phone. I guessed Veronica had called him as soon as I left, and I knew he wouldn't stop calling. Finally, after the eighth time, I answered."What is it, Stephen.""Where are you, Stefan?""I'm guessing you know that.""On your way to Moriarty's offices?""He's gone too far.""Veronica said you have a gun.""Do you propose I go without one?""I propose you don't go at all. Not until you've calmed down. He's not some two-bit thug we're talking about. He's a legitimate businessman—""There's nothing legitimate about him.""Unless you want to give him ammunition, you can't go into Florence with a fucking gun."He was right. I knew it. But fuck. "He sent a car after us. Us, Stephen. Veronica was with me.""I realize there has to be a meeting. Just not like this, not when you're out of control.""Aren't I always out of control? That's what you were telling me a few days ago with your fists, wasn't it?"He sighed. "I need to be there too. T
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Stefan"You know, once upon a time, your mother, father, and I were very close.""Ancient history." I did know that. My father had gone to school with Moriarty when his parents had moved to Italy. He'd met my mother two years after that, and the three of them were once friends. For a short time at least."Still." He shrugged a shoulder."Wait a minute." I chuckled and looked around the room. I had a feeling the two leather armchairs the men sat on had been moved from the front of his desk so he would keep us standing. "Mind if I sit?" I asked, picking up a smaller, hardback wooden chair and carrying it toward his desk before he could reply. Stephen remained standing. "So, is that what all this is about?" I asked. "Is it what it's always been about?"His eyes narrowed just a little. I would have missed it if I wasn't paying attention. Stephen wasn't the only one who could read people."My mother?" I continued."Stefan," Stephen's low voice warned from beside me.Moriarty picked up a pe
Last Updated : 2024-04-13
Latest chapter
The Deal With The Devil Epilogue
StefanSpring, One Year Later* * *She never did sign those annulment papers. My stubborn, beautiful wife.I stood drinking coffee at the kitchen window, watching Veronica talk to one of the workers. Charlie, full grown and weighing eighty pounds, never left her side.We'd come back to Tuscany a few days after the bank took possession of the house in Philadelphia. Robyn had come with us and would be starting her final year at a school in Florence geared toward gifted musicians.Thanks to their grandfather's greed, Veronica and Robyn had lost everything. Guardia Winery no longer existed, except as an example of corruption and destruction.Robyn never spoke about any of it. She rarely mentioned her grandfather at all. Veronica worried, but Italy was a good move for her. It got her away from everything, the past, the publicity, gave her anonymity again, and hopefully would give her a fresh start.I finished my coffee and set the mug in the sink before walking outside. Veronica waved whe
The Deal With The Devil 65
Veronica"Well, I wouldn't want to put you out. You've probably been busy tonight, putting someone else to bed." I didn't mean for it to come out angry like it did."Ah." He finished his drink and poured another. "The truth.""I never lie to you.""You did once.""When?""You lied to protect your sister."I felt heat flush my face. How had he known?"I haven't put anyone to bed but you since we've been together," he said, cockiness gone."Oh.""Did you really think otherwise?""I don't know what to think. You don't have to be married to me anymore. I'm really more of a liability now.""I think of you as a human being, not a liability.""But I'm not an asset either.""Human being. Don't feel sorry for yourself, Veronica. Shit happened to you. You survived it, and you will now move forward. Welcome to life.""Piss off."His face changed, hardening a little. "Be careful, sweetheart."Sweetheart. God, I loved when he called me Sweetheart. "I'm not feeling sorry for myself.""Then ask the
The Deal With The Devil 64
VeronicaThe house had never felt like home to me. I didn't want to stay here and wouldn't have if it weren't for Robyn. But she'd been closer to our grandfather than I ever had been. And she'd lived here for as long as she could remember.After the very public scandal, Grandfather took the plea deal he was offered, which meant a reduced prison sentence—they took into consideration his age—in exchange for full disclosure. He'd kept meticulous notes, so much like him. In addition to the notebook Robyn had found, there were three others. At least three that were uncovered. I wondered if there were more. If he'd ever tell us. The land in Italy was auctioned off, bought by Vincent Moriarty of all people. And what a deal he got. It was unfair, but it was also finished.I saw my grandfather during his sentencing. I watched from inside the courtroom. I didn't make physical contact with him. Seeing him like that, up there looking smaller, older, I wondered if there was something wrong with me
The Deal With The Devil 63
StefanShe finally quieted.Fuck. I hadn't come here to fuck her. I hadn't."You still want me to let you go?"She shook her head.I released her wrists and flipped her over onto her belly, then straddled her again, trapping her beneath me."I love you," I said, reaching over to grab the bottle of hand moisturizer she had on the nightstand. "But you're a pain in my ass." I drew her hips up, so she was on her knees. "Don't get up," I told her when she started to rise. I pushed her knees apart with mine and fisted a handful of her hair, pushing her face down into the bed. "Ass up, face down. Understand?""Stefan—"I slapped her hip—not hard, but enough to get her attention. She cried out and looked back at me from the corner of her eye."Understand?""Yes.""Good." I let go of her hair and twisted the lid off the lotion, squeezing about half the tube on her lower back. "Now like I said," I started, unzipping my jeans and pushing them and my briefs down, my cock like steel in anticipatio
The Deal With The Devil 62
VeronicaI felt stronger, like the effects of the wine were wearing off. Maybe it was the water or the coffee, but I had a feeling it was the anger inside me burning away the alcohol more than anything else.But then he said what he said."If you wanted me out of your life, you would have signed the annulment papers."And I knew it was true. He was right. If I wanted him out, I would have signed and put all this behind me."I've changed my mind, anyway. You're not going anywhere, Veronica.""Not until you have my signature, you mean? Did you bring a clean copy of the paperwork?""You're being stupid.""No, I think the word is naive. You used that once too, didn't you? You had my number all along. I was the fool to fall for it, for your tortured soul act. Get out. I mean it.""No.""Get the fuck out."He cocked his head to the side. "Fine. You want me out? Make me go."I narrowed my eyes and went toward him. With both my hands on his hard chest, I shoved him backward.Except he didn't
The Deal With The Devil 61
VeronicaI left by train from Siena to Venice that evening. Once I checked into a small hotel, I called the attorney who'd overheard my conversation with my grandfather and left him my address, telling him to forward any paperwork to me here. I called Robyn and told her I was in Venice, told her what had happened and what I'd done, and told her I needed to be off-line for a few days.I missed Charlie. I missed cuddling up with him on my lap, missed his unconditional love.The first twelve days I spent in bed, feeling sorry for myself.On the thirteenth day, someone knocked on the door. When I told whoever it was to go away, they answered that I had received a package.Reluctantly, I went to the door, cringing when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I opened it and took the large white envelope, assuming it was paperwork about Robyn's guardianship. I pushed the shutters and window open to let in some fresh air and sunshine. The room smelled stale, and it seemed my sadness had
The Deal With The Devil 60
StefanIt had taken all I had to turn my back on Veronica and walk out of that office. I knocked someone's shoulder on my way out but didn't look back, didn't apologize, couldn't stop. I went out the door and into the hallway and flew down the stairs and out the front doors where I stopped, gasping for breath, my hands on my knees, wanting to vomit.Lying to Veronica on the chapel floor, that had wounded me. But this? Today? Leaving her like that, signing that damned contract and walking out on her, it finished me. I'd promised her truth, and I'd kept my promise, finally. And it destroyed me.I straightened, wiping sweat off my forehead.I didn't remember walking through the city to the parking garage. Didn't remember driving home. As soon as I stepped out of the car, though, Charlie came running to me. I stopped and looked down at him. Watched him wait for the passenger side door to open, for Veronica to step out. He barked several times, ran back to me, tail wagging, then returned t
The Deal With The Devil 59
VeronicaAfter Stefan left the office, I stood in the room, staring after him. Staring at the space where he'd just been before falling back into my chair, my legs unable to support me.I wasn't sure what would be easier, thinking he didn't love me or knowing the truth. Although I guess I knew there was no easy. This would hurt. It would hurt for a very long time.My grandfather and the attorneys walked back into the room. No one seemed to take notice of me. Grandfather set the ring and pen aside and checked the signature on the contract."It's done," he said, handing it to one of the men who slipped it into his briefcase then clicked it closed. No one sat back down. "Gentlemen, thank you. I'll be in touch."They were shaking hands, almost at the door, when I spoke. "Why did you want the marriage consummated?"They all stopped. Someone cleared their throat. My grandfather turned to me, a coldness in his eyes that chilled me, then shifted his attention back to them."Forward official c
The Deal With The Devil 58
VeronicaStefan shifted his gaze from my grandfather to me, but his eyes revealed nothing. My hand rested in his. His thumb drew circles in my palm.The longer he took, the heavier the silence grew, the more tears welled in my eyes.This was it.Stefan and I were finished.My grandfather cleared his throat and rose from his seat. "Five minutes, or the offer expires, and you can take your chances on the payout." He buttoned his jacket. "I'll be outside."We didn't watch him go, and we didn't speak for an eternity after the door closed.Stefan stood and went to one of the two windows. "I thought you were dead," he said, his back to me."What?" I started, swallowing the lump in my throat.He faced me but remained where he was. "I have this nightmare—I've had it for six years now—where I keep seeing the fire at the house, keep running inside to save my mother, and keep finding her too late."A weight heavy as a pile of bricks settled in the room with us."Well, it changed over the last fe
