Cards of Love: The Devil (Devil's Playground #1)(18)

I can’t even afford to go to college unless I get a full scholarship or take out a massive loan. Which of course, I’ll be forced to do because my father won’t allow me to be a disgrace and embarrass him.

And yet Damien can spend all his father’s money on drugs and walk around intentionally looking like a bum.

“You’re a scrub, Damien. You’re not rich because you’re intelligent and earned your money with your brain. You’re nothing but a trust fund baby who will end up dying from a heroin overdose by thirty.” I leer at him. “Don’t worry, though. You’ll leave behind three ex-wives who took you for whatever they could, and five kids who hate your guts because you’re a shitty father.” Amusement lines his face as I continue. “As for my bedroom skills, you don’t know shit because I’m sure as hell not screwing you.”

He blows a stream of smoke in my face. “A bit hypocritical, don’t you think? You just told me my future and you don’t even know me.”

“You don’t know me either, asshole.”

“No, I don’t.” He stares at me for a long moment, pondering. “Well…I do know some things.”

I hate myself for feeding into whatever bullshit game he’s playing, but curiosity won’t let it go. “Like what?”

I’m not sure what to make of the expression on his face. I can’t tell if he hates me as much as I hate him, or if it amuses him he annoys me so much.

“I know your dad’s a senator. I know you wear preppy shit like khakis and polos. I know you’re on the debate team. I’ve heard you a few times—you’re not bad…but you could be better.” He takes a step in my direction. “I know your twin brother can be a dick…it’s why people respect him more than you.” He smirks. “I know Gerald Douglas was supposed to win the race against you for student body president, but you rigged the votes.” He fixes my collar and winks. “I know your dad’s credit card got declined at the country club the other day—because I fuck one of the waitresses and she couldn’t stop laughing about it when I saw her later that night.”

He inches closer and it’s all I can do not to deck him. “And I know you never gave a shit about your little girlfriend—because if you did, you would have gone after her…instead, you’re locked in here with me.”

Tension locks my jaw when his lips hover over my ear. “You’re just mad she played you and made you look like a sucker. Because Cain Carter can’t be anything less than perfect, can he? He has to remain in complete control and be an angel at all times. He has to color inside the lines and stick to the script. Just like his daddy taught him.” His voice drops to a whisper and the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. “We both know you don’t hate me because I fucked your girlfriend…you hate me because I fucked her better and live my life the way you wish you had the guts to.”

I open my mouth to respond, but the sound of something clanking outside catches my attention.

Damien, the fucker, chuckles under his breath. “That must be Bagels.” He throws his cigarette on the ground and steps on it. “Catch you later.” He starts walking toward the door but pauses. “If you ever want to stop being a pussy and have some fun, you know where to find me.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

His cruel, mocking laughter as he walks out of the shed has me thinking up ways to hurt him.

But it also has me wondering what it would be like to be Damien King for a day and live life the way he does.

To break all the rules and not give a fuck about the consequences.





Chapter 10





Eden





“What is it?”

Claudia shrugs, appearing just as baffled by the two large boxes as I am. “I have no idea. It came addressed to the birthday girl.”

I eye her skeptically. I know for a fact the woman had a hand in all the gifts I’ve received from Cain this year.

I look at the diamond tennis bracelet on my wrist. It’s thin, delicate, and perfect. One of the best birthday presents I’ve ever received. Claudia might have hideous taste in clothing, but her eye for jewelry is on point.

“Oh, it came with a note.” She makes a face as she hands me a manila envelope. “Feels like there’s something else in there too.”

This is getting stranger and stranger by the second.

I go to reach for it but pause, trying to figure out a polite way to tell her to leave. Cain said he was sending me a surprise soon, and if this is it, I don’t want to open it in front of her.

Luckily, I don’t have to because Claudia places the envelope on the bed beside me and says, “I’ll give you some privacy.”

I pick it up, but then I notice one of the boxes—the biggest of the two—has Open me first scrawled on it.

I bite the inside of my cheek as I take the top off the box and wade through the mountains of tissue paper. I don’t want to smile since I’m still sad and angry with Cain…but I can’t help myself.

Until I see what’s inside.

Why in the world would Cain send me a dress? Especially one as extravagant as this?

Taking it out, I hold it up and examine it. It’s completely sleeveless, and the bodice is black and form-fitting—highlighting the mermaid shape of the dress. Little red jewels run along the sweetheart neckline, giving it an elegant vibe. That alone is enough to make me fall in love, but my favorite part of the dress is the lower half. A dangerous slit mid-thigh leads to a floor-length gown made of sheer black tulle fabric edged with red ribbon.