Cards of Love: The Devil (Devil's Playground #1)(28)

“Don’t mention it,” a deep raspy voice replies.

“I’m so sorry.” Nausea barrels into me as I bend down to pick up the broken glass. “I should have been paying better attention to where I was going—”

I freeze when a hand wraps around my wrist. “Let the waiter handle it.”

I look up and all the oxygen gets sucked out of the room. I’m staring into the most intense blue eyes I’ve ever seen.

“You could hurt yourself if you’re not careful.”

I try to respond, but my throat goes dry. Jesus. It almost hurts to look at them head-on, like staring into an eclipse.

Transfixed, I take in the rest of his features. His complexion is tan, as if he spends most of his time in the sun. A jaw sharp enough to slice through metal is covered by a fine dusting of stubble. Not enough to be considered a beard, but a little more than a five o’clock shadow. His mouth has an interesting shape…almost pouty. Like he’s sucking on a lemon. The rest of his face is shielded by a black mask, and I find myself grateful—because if the features I can see are this penetrating, I can’t imagine what he looks like when all the puzzle pieces are put together.

My gaze drifts to his lips again, but the ink peeking out from under the collar of his tux catches my eye. His tattoos are out of place with the rest of his attire…make that the rest of the room.

Oddly enough, it’s comforting. Like I’m not the only one who doesn’t belong here.

Somehow, I manage to find my voice. “It’s not a problem. It was my fault.”

“What makes you so sure?”

I’m trying to think of how to answer that, but my finger starts throbbing. When I look down, I see blood.

“Guess you were right.”

I look around for Cain because I know he’s watching me, but the man turns my wrist, examining my finger. “There’s a small piece of glass in there. Does it hurt?”

“Not really.” I grimace. “A little.”

I’m taken back when he brings my finger to his lips. I’m about to inform him that I don’t need him to kiss my boo-boo, but to my utter bewilderment, he places my bloody finger in his mouth.

I’m too shocked to protest and too mesmerized to pull away. The breath I was holding leaves me in one big rush when he starts sucking. He’s so gentle, so tender…it’s almost erotic.

This is without a doubt the most unusual experience I’ve ever had in my life.

“It’s out.”

He stands, and I look down at my finger. It’s barely even bleeding anymore.

“Thank you—” I start to say, but he’s already gone.





Chapter 16





Damien





“Thanks for saving my ass before. If there’s anything I can do for you, or if there’s something you need tonight, let me know.”

Tearing my gaze away from the trembling fallen angel who’s trying her best to blend in with the wall, I glare at the waiter. “How about you get the fuck out of my face and we’ll call it even?”

His expression is comical, like he doesn’t know whether to shit his pants or defend himself.

He’s smarter than he looks though because he high tails it down the hallway.

I peer into the ballroom and focus my attention on my two favorite people.

Cain is still talking to his future father-in-law and new fiancée. Judging by the taut line of his jaw, the conversation isn’t a pleasant one.

It’s rather unfortunate…because his night is only going to get worse.

Swiveling my gaze to the other side of the room, I search for Eden.

She’s not hard to spot…given she looks like a frightened kitten being held over water.

Christ, she’s so uncomfortable, it’s almost painful to witness.

Stroking my chin, I continue examining her. Even though her face is covered by a mask and she’s unraveling at the seams…the girl is beautifully fascinating.

A breathtaking tragedy waiting to happen.

She reminds me of my fish when I put them in my tank for the first time.

Skittish in her new surroundings. Alone and exposed…despite being surrounded by her own kind.

Smirking, I reach down to adjust my growing erection.

And vulnerable…because she doesn’t know there’s a piranha watching her…and he’s hungry.

My balls tingle when her lower lip trembles and her chest heaves, accentuating those full perky tits. Poor thing keeps checking her phone and looking around…desperate to connect with the man she’s given her heart to.

The reason she’s putting herself through all this torture.

My angel has no idea the man she loves is going to crush her soul before the night is over.

My dick twitches, straining against my zipper. It’s like watching two trains about to collide…boom.

If I still had a heart, it would break for her. The girl didn’t ask to be part of my plan…she’s just an unfortunate casualty.



Cain, however—deserves everything coming to him.

Eden might be na?ve…but Cain’s the one at fault in this scenario due to his self-serving ways.

No matter who he has to step on or whose heart he has to break…Cain Carter always gets what he wants in the end.