A week of sitting on the goddamn edge of my seat waiting for Violet to respond to me.
And there hadn’t been a peep from her, not a single word from the Cabot Estate. I knew the date she had to vacate the premises was coming up. Sooner or later, she’d have to decide. And I was confident she’d make the right call.
“This o-one,” Belle managed, approaching me and handing me a cream envelope embossed with the Cabot Estate’s logo. “I brought it over as soon as it got delivered. I thought you m-might want it.”
“Thank you, Belle,” I got out, taking the letter from her outstretched hand. “That will be all.”
She nodded with a shy smile and closed the door on her way out. Soon enough, it was just me and my thoughts, along with the unopened letter I’d left on my desk.
I poured myself a gin and tonic and eyed the letter. A smirk was playing on my lips. Finally, everything was going according to my plan.
I had no doubt about the contents of the letter. Violet had nowhere else to go, and soon enough, she’d end up in my arms where she belonged. I was confident she’d accepted my offer, and, unbeknownst to her, walked right into the devil’s lair.
I took my time enjoying the drink before setting the glass down and sitting back at my desk. My fingers touched the smooth cream paper, and I brought the envelope to my nose. It still carried her scent, gardenia and honey, the perfume she wore every day.
I inhaled her. My Violet.
Then, I tore into the envelope like a savage, revealing a short note inside. I devoured her words, smirking to myself when I realized her response was exactly what I’d been hoping it would be.
Miss Cabot would like to inform you she will accept your offer. Please expect her to arrive at Windsor Manor next Friday.
I set the note down, finishing my drink and touching the ever-present bulge in my pants.
“Welcome to Hell, princess,” I muttered to myself. “You just sold your soul to the devil.”ThirteenVioletPresent time“Welcome to The Devil’s Manor.” A woman opened the door and motioned for me to enter. “We’ve been expecting you, Miss Cabot.”
“I’m sure you have…” I muttered under my breath as I walked inside. “Where’s Devlin?”
“Mr. Windsor is away. My name is Belle, and I’ll be attending to you while you are our guest.” She gave me a warm smile and looked past me. “Do you have any belongings that I should retrieve?”
“No.” I shook my head back and forth. “I was only allowed to leave with the clothes on my back.”
“That will not be an issue. Mr. Windsor will take care of everything.” She motioned for me to follow. “Let me show you to your room.”
I looked around as I followed Belle towards a staircase. The manor was dark and mysterious with hallways that were not illuminated in any way. Even the lighting in the main part of the house was dim. The decor was Neo-Gothic and I wasn’t surprised to find that every detail absolutely flawless. Belle led me to a bedroom once we reached the top of the stairs, and it was as luxurious as the one I left behind at Cabot Estate. The first thing I noticed was a huge painting of Devlin hanging on the wall opposite the bed—almost like he would be watching me sleep.
“I will get some measurements and then you will have some time to get settled before dinner—it will be served at eight o’clock sharp.” She pulled a seamstress tape out of her pocket and motioned for me to lift my arms.
“I assume Devlin will be home by then?” I lifted my arms and stared into the mirror as she began taking measurements.
“Yes, of course.” She nodded quickly. “He never misses a meeting—especially when there is a contract to be signed.”
“A contract?” I blinked in surprise. “What kind of contract?”
“He’ll go over that with you at dinner.” She gave me a half-smile and nodded.
I’m not sure I like the sound of that.
“Okay…” It didn’t seem like I was going to get answers from Belle, so I would just have to wait until I could speak with Devlin.
“I’ve got your measurements, so if there’s nothing else, I will take my leave.” She took a step back.
“No, I don’t think I need anything else.” I shook my head back and forth.
“There’s a bell installed on your door.” She walked over and pointed. “Just ring it if you need me. Otherwise, I’ll come to get you when it’s time for dinner.”
“Thanks…” I nodded.
Belle left and once she was outside, I heard a click on the other side of the dour. I immediately walked over and twisted the handle—it was locked.
Am I a guest here or a prisoner? Apparently, he doesn’t want me wandering around his manor…