Page 19 of Devil’s Candy

I know we just showered, but I can’t start my day without one. I nod, even as I hold the covers up to my chest. I know he’s seen me naked a couple of times, but it still seems weird.

He stands from the chair and walks over to the bed, lightly touching my cheek. “Candy Cane⁠—”

“That’s a new one.”

“It’s my personal favorite.” He smiles. “Later tonight, I have every intention of being buried deep inside you again. Shy is not necessary.”

“Oh.”

It’s not that I don’t understand myself. When it comes to hotly dangerous men I turn to Jell-O and fit into the mold they’re offering. But this might be a new level.

I watched him murder two men and then I just let him give me a nice scrub down, and now…he’s dictating my work schedule, breakfast, and telling me when we’ll be having sex. “I feel like I shouldn’t allow you to boss me around like this.”

He smiles and then leans down, kissing me as his fingers bury into the hair at my nape. When he pulls back there is a different gleam in his eye. “Would you like me to solve several of these—issues that have been plaguing you?”

Part of me wants to scream yes. I’m dying inside for a little care…a little support. But I shake my head. “I’m not sure.”

“Why not?”

I shrug. “We both know every time I get involved with a guy, my life gets way worse.”

He smiles down at me then. “I’m not some young hothead, Candy. I’m a man who knows his business and how to manage it.”

“Oh, I know. I’m pretty sure I’m the young hothead who can’t manage her shit.”

He pushes me back, laying me down as he pulls the covers away from my body. “Maybe. But you’re also gorgeous, generous, and kind. So let me help you.”

I nip at my lips even as his hand slides down my neck and over my collarbone.

Despite my reservations, I find my body arching to thrust my breasts up. “Appealing to my base instincts rather than my intellect. Smart.”

He chuckles even as he cups one of my breasts, his thumb flicking over the nipple. “Do as I say for today, Candy. We can discuss the merits of taking my instructions after we’ve worked out a few details.”

“Fine,” I answer with a nod, so relieved for the excuse to let him lead.

I’m shit at running my life anyway. I’m just even worse at picking men to run it for me. Which tracks.

But that means the decision I’m making right now to listen to him…

It’s likely a terrible idea.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Sver

I load Candy into my rental car, our clothes from last night already bagged and stashed in the spare tire well. It’s not the best hiding place, but it’ll pass the notice of a random traffic stop. I’ll properly dispose of all the items later.

If I drive a car for any length of time, I fit it with a false well that is almost impossible to notice.

Candy’s brown and red hair is pulled back in a ponytail, showing off the red in a way I like.

Her face scrubbed free of makeup looks even younger, and honestly, even prettier than the first night I met her.

Her hands are clasped together, resting on her thighs which are encased in a pair of ripped and very fitted jeans.

I can’t wait to peel them off her.

I shouldn’t. Candy is not part of my plan.