Things with Devlin are never simple. There are always layers, cruel pranks lurking beneath his punch line. I have a hard time believing what he’s offering is as straightforward as he puts it.
“It’s a one time bargain.” Devlin leans in to whisper against my ear—because what’s a ringmaster without the theatrics? “You might say it’s a real steal.”
Devlin’s deep voice tugs at something deep inside me, his hot breath coasting over my skin.
“Ugh.” I tug away from him, jerking my head. He releases me, still invading in my personal space. “Seriously, what’s the fine print? No way in hell will I agree to anything you want without knowing what a deal with the devil entails.”
Devlin chuckles, the sound low and raspy. “Smart. Too bad you don’t have any leverage or negotiating power. Your choices are limited to what I offer, or communal soap.”
“Just tell me.”
“The deal is this, little bug.” Devlin taps my nose. “You become mine.”
My breath catches in my throat as he goes on.
“Mine to command, to do anything I say, whenever I demand it.” Devlin cocks his head, hooding his eyes. “And I’ll pay you for it. If you behave and do as I say.”
How can I agree to that?! I’d have to be crazy! But…the money.
I have to swallow twice to dislodge the thickness clogging my throat. “Like your—your personal servant?”
“Like a well-trained,” Devlin flicks his eyes to my shirt and grimaces, “…dog. Even mutts can learn to obey their masters.”
Master. My stomach clenches and a cold prickle travels over my skin. Sweat beads on the back of my neck.
This is insane. I’m actually considering his offer. I have to, don’t I? I’m once again left with few options.
Devlin’s right, unfortunately. He threw it right in my face.
It’s jail time for me if I refuse him.
I can’t do that to Mom.
For whatever sick reason, he wants to give me this out. The notice letter burns in my back pocket. Debts chained to us by Dad will bury Mom and I, but this could be our way to dig out of the endless sandpit. Damn it, we need the money.
What’s worse, a jail sentence or becoming the devil’s toy?
My pride screams at me. Years of bullying at his hand in school flickers like a
movie reel in my mind. It goes against everything in me to bow to his rule.
Last year my life was easier at school. My friend Gemma was the new girl, unafraid to stand up to people’s crap. She’s in college now, so things have gone back to the way they’ve been since I started at Silver Lake High School, the pack of vultures led by Devlin himself to pick at my pride until there’s nothing left but scraps.
Agreeing to this will undermine the efforts I go to in order to rise above his petty bullshit.
For Mom… You can do it as long as it helps Mom.
“I want it in writing,” I breathe, barely recognizing my strained voice.
He hums, covering his mouth. It’s even harder to guess his thoughts with only half of his face visible. “Why?”
“You didn’t record this conversation on your phone. Verbal agreements are paper thin. You could just turn around and decide you want to fuck me over anyway.” I wet my lips and will the words out. “Put it in writing and I’ll sign it. I’ll—” My voice gets stuck in my burning throat. “I’ll…become yours. For payment.”
Devlin considers me for a long minute, tracing an absent pattern over his lips. He steps back, giving me room to breathe.
“Clever girl,” he mutters as he rummages in the drawers, coming up empty. He grabs a magazine from the middle of the island and tears out a page. “Fine. Is there a pen in your thief kit?”
“Yes. You’ll need to untie me so I can sign.”