Devil You Know (The Diavolo Crime Family 2)

Things have changed so much between us, so much so that he seems proud of me. Proud that I’m helping in his plans, that I’m part of his world, or at the very least, no longer running from him. I crave the looks he gives me when he thinks I’m not looking: part sheer need and part awe. But the ones filled with hope and pride are the best.

I’m tangled up inside about this even while I want his hands on me every minute and his soft whispers in my ear. Even now, I’m staring at my clothes fucking mooning over the man. I need to get my shit together; it’s not always going to be like this. Once he has whatever he wants from me, once he’s satisfied his lust or his curiosity, he’ll put me up in a penthouse somewhere and forget I exist. I know how this world operates. No one has a happy marriage, and I refuse to be some sort of prize for his misdeeds.

I leave my clothes alone and decide to wear the leggings and sweater combo I already have on. Nic won’t care, as long as he can strip it off me when we’re done eating. Sometimes, he can’t wait and will even start during dinner. If it’s been a long day, and he hasn’t been able to touch me in a while—like waiting is too much for him to bear.

My heart flutters at the thought of him bending me over the polished wood of the dining room table. Again. He ignites things in me I didn’t even know were there. Whenever his hands touch my skin, I can’t think about anything else. Maybe that’s how he likes it, and he’s trying to keep my head muddled by lust, so I don’t notice what’s going on around the house.

I sit on the bed and wait for Nic to come find me. He’s been late the last couple of nights. He and Soo have been planning some mysterious activities. When I asked about it, all he said was it had to do with the five families and not specifically my father, so I don’t need to worry about it.

He obviously doesn’t know me well enough yet if he thinks I won’t worry just because he ordered me not to.

Nic enters the bedroom a few moments later, and it takes everything in me not to reach out for him and have him wrap me in his arms.

“Are you ready to eat? I think Sarah said the food is done and on the table. We won’t be disturbed.”

I nod and take his offered arm. He leads me to the dining room, sits me in the chair next to his before taking his own seat. There are only two plates covered with trays, silverware, water, and wine sitting out. Good. I’m not in the mood to deal with anyone else at dinner tonight.

“Are you all right?” he asks, lifting the tray off his food and setting it aside.

“Yes, I’m just thinking about whatever it is you and Soo are working on. I just worry, and yes, I know you told me not to, but I’m going to do it, anyway. Will you share your plan with me, or are you guys keeping it all to yourselves?”

I’ve forced cheer in my tone, and I know he hears it. It can’t be helped. I lift the tray off my food and tip it over, so the condensation doesn’t escape all over the table, and set it beside my plate. As usual, Sarah’s team made a delicious dinner. Chicken, vegetables, and a small salad.

I grab my fork and eye the food, hoping Nic will answer my question so I don’t have to ask him again or try a damn lifeline to get it.

I spear some of the chicken and nibble on it. He’s eating with relish, he always does, beside me, and I shake my head as I swallow my food.

No, he’s not going to answer, and I’m going to have to try a different tactic to get it. I place my fork on the table and stare at him until he lifts his gaze to mine.

“Please, don’t do this to me. Don’t shut me out.”

He drops his fork to his plate. “Princess,” he warns.

“Do you have a plan together?”

Grinding his jaw, he finally answers me. “Yes, Soo and I came up with a plan. We decided that in order to bring your father down, we need to destabilize his base of power first. We need to use the other families to bring him down, and then we can conduct a more focused strike against him. So right now, we are reviewing the families for weaknesses to see who we can hit first and with minimal setup.”

I go back to eating, my chest lighter now that he’s talking to me. “Do you already have one in mind? Do you want my suggestion?”