The Handsome Devil

Chapter 31 - It's all about that game

Who's Jamie?

The question kept echoing in her mind.

How?

She was sure she hasn't mentioned his name to any of the bulldogs, and most certainly not to Max. In fact, she hasn't said the name out loud for three years, until...

No..

"You eavesdropped on us... in the office with my father.." She blurted out in undertone, the realisation draining all the blood from her face.

"What was I supposed to do once I found your letter?" The devil scoffed. "I had to ensure you won't repeat such stupidity."

She winced at his harsh tone.

"You had no right.." Her jaws visibly clenched in anger. "It was a private conversation"

The devil's muscled hands caged her on the bed as he leaned in till their eyes were levelled.

"Oh, how else would I find out about your love for me, and the happiness my presence brings you?" He mocked her, lips curved in a cocky smirk, which did not disappear even after the girl's palm landed on his left cheek with a loud smack.

It was a low blow. He was well aware she just went along with his lies. It was all just a performance to protect her father's feelings. Nonetheless, even the thought of the letter she wrote was clouding his senses with darkness.

To think she would go behind his back. The words she wrote...

"Who's Jamie?" He pressed again, the veins on his forehead throbbing.

Her narrowed eyes bore into his. There was no way she could tell the devil about him.

What if it meant putting him in danger? Max might have promised not to hurt her father, but the favour did not extend to others from her old life.

"Veto"

"What?" The devil blinked in surprise.

"You heard me." She struggled to keep her voice steady. "Choose another question."

She could feel the animosity radiating of his body. It was obvious he struggled to accept her decision, but the veto rule was his idea and as such he had to respect it.

"Fine" He hissed in annoyance. From unknown reasons, her refusal to tell him about the Jamie guy drove him mad.

"Why did you runaway to London?"

"I was studying there, you already know that." She whispered, not meeting his eyes.

"Yeah. But why have you left your family?" The devil didn't seem satisfied with her reply.

"Because of the accident, you know that too." The hurt in her voice was unmistakable.

"Accidents happen all the time." The stern look he gave her let her know she's not getting out of this one. "Doesn't mean everyone goes running to a different country afterwards."

She could feel tears flooding her chocolate orbs. Why is it that some things only become real once you say them out loud?

"What do you want to hear?!" She burst out in trembling voice. "That I was tired of bringing misery to everyone that mattered to me? That I thought it would be easier to end it all in London, so my death won't be another burden to them?"

She was hardly keeping it together, her tiny hands clutched into fists.

"I left to protect them." She whispered with contempt. "My only fault is that I should have done it much earlier.."