Chapter 191

It’s nice to finally be appreciated, even if it’s only because he was losing money. It’s something anyway. From worthless and not wanting me around, to actually being needed on my own merits and skills and nothing pertaining to sex. It gives me a little feeling of something warm, maybe pride and for the first time in my life, I feel a little worthwhile for a talent that has nothing to do with my body or my looks. Something to give that’s more than my flesh and something I can actually care about.

‘I will max your card, just pre-warning you.’ I add in afterthought, another little prod at him. I may as well make the most of it while I can and Alexi brings those almost colourless eyes back to mine with another annoyed glance.

‘Whatever; just be back before seven. I need to see you before I go. We didn’t finish talking.’

I blanch at him.

Whatever?

He gave me a ten grand limit card, and he doesn’t care if I max it?

I think he might be sick or maybe misheard what I just said. Or he might just be too distracted by whatever he has going on in his brain and I should take full advantage of it. He said whatever, after all.

‘Why?’ I try to distract myself from the card thing and focus on the demand that we have to have another little chat. I was hoping to avoid cosy one-on-ones with him so soon. I want to just find my feet today and get back to being the girl I thought was dead.

‘I told you, we need to talk about money and I will have something for you by then that you need. I have a dinner after seven, so you need to be here before I go,’ he commands, eyes on his phone as it vibrates and that furrowed brow is back on, hints of annoyance in place … definitely not relating to me then. I only have half his attention today and I guess he has other matters and his focus lays elsewhere.

‘What if I am not?’ I can’t help it, he’s too easy when there are no punishments dangling over me, and I’m irritated that he’s more interested in his phone right now. I’m in a naughty mood, high on the better turn of luck in my life, and feeling decidedly mischievous where Carrero is concerned. I want to play him at his own game for a little while. Being the one calling the shots. I also demand his full attention when we are chatting.

‘You really want to test me today?’ That low tone and narrowed gaze move in fast, eyes flickering to me quickly, and I finally lose my bottle with that uber cool and calm pitch of his that means he’s idling near his full-on sadistic psycho switch—His text obviously getting to him.

There’s one thing poking the bear but another thing to shove the stick entirely up its arse. I should remember that son of a bitch and nasty demonic prick still lingers under that sexy persona, and bear in mind he does snap from time to time. I should set myself some boundaries too, on how far I push. I’ll stay healthier for longer if I do.

‘Fine, I shall be here. I want to get some of my to-do list sorted tonight anyway, get back onto the night-time schedule and altering my sleep pattern. Better to work late and get used to my five-a.m. knock-off time.’ I relent, letting go of the sass for now and killing him with sweetness and smiles. Alexi looks wary for a moment as though he doesn’t trust the change in me and softens too.

‘Good … Sorted. Don’t be late; I don’t like to be kept waiting.’

Alexi is back to oozing charm, yet that tone is still on the offensive, smiling as though he is joking but there’s that warning edge in there. That look that says, ‘I’m still the devil underneath’.

‘Nice to see you back on form, I was starting to forget what a dickhead you are.’ I wink at him and then brush past, waving my hands at Jackson to follow me like a good little puppy dog. Satisfied in the look that Alexi gives me on my departure. A complete deadpan, unamused frown that equates to nothing much, but the way he follows my progression out the door with his eyes tells me it got to him more than he’s letting on.

He’s very sensitive since I came back, and not for the first time I wonder what went on in the four months that I haven’t been around. He’s off his game in a lot of subtle ways, and I am picking up on it because it’s not the Alexi I left behind four months ago—something has changed. I just can’t put my finger on it.

‘Chop, chop, luv. I have a hair appointment to get to.’ I click my fingers in the air, full on bossy queen mode and rush out the door with renewed happiness and a smile.

My driver obediently tails me, and I don’t stop to look back when I get to the front door.