The Devil CEO's Contract Wife novel Chapter 269

Chapter 269: They Got Creative

ARES

"What’s wrong?" I asked the moment Catherine’s expression changed.

I could tell she wasn’t too content with my reply, but it was for the best. The farther I kept her away, the better. This was something I needed to handle on my own and quickly.

"Alright."

Alright.

Hearing her say that one word without giving me so much of an attitude disturbed me more.

I eyed her more intensely, hoping to get her to start talking, but she remained unfazed as if immune to it.

"Let’s talk about what happens from here on out..." she switched.

I licked my lips, leaning against the table edge.

"What happens from here...?"

"Will I forever be caged in the penthouse..." she asked through clenched teeth, displaying her obvious irritation.

I raised an eyebrow.

"Or not? It’s clear where I stand now... I might as well ask."

She probably thinks I’m sidelining her or something. That was not my intention, but I do enjoy this. Her anger always came with a fire I wanted to consume me.

"That depends on you, baby."

"Me?" She blinked.

I clutched her waist and pulled her close, welcoming her body heat. It reminded me of how she caressed me throughout yesterday.

There was also a shift between us that I couldn’t explain. The air was cleaner in a way, and even though we haven’t talked more after I told her everything, the difference was there.

I had expected her to pull away from me or feel disgusted in any way, or how my brain had processed a response, but none of it became my reality.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. This... her... and at the thought that I was finally able to open up.

"I’d very much be pleased if I can keep you trapped at my side at all times... but I need your thoughts."

"Why do I get the feeling that, despite my thoughts, you are still gonna do it anyway?"

I grinned.

"Ugh!" She tried to move, but I held her tighter. "What now? Do I need to bring my application to your table? Are you gonna interview me, Mr. King?"

"Don’t give me ideas, Mrs. King. I have special ways..." I brought her closer until it seemed like her body would blend with mine. "To check for qualifications, because your service now comes with extras."

She shivered but still kept her cool. "And how do we go about those qualifications?"

I sneered. "You don’t need to worry about that... you’re overqualified."

"Good thing you know." She succeeded in pushing away, but I smacked her ass peeking from her shorts.

"You’ll resume effective immediately, Mrs. King."

She flipped me a middle finger, disappearing out the door. That’s ten. Keep them coming, baby.

I took my phone, dialed a number, and the line picked up instantly.

"Get to work."

"Yes, boss."

~☆~

I watched from the car as Catherine fixed Esme’s blazer, saying something to her, to which she responded with a nod and a giggle.

Catherine kissed her forehead, standing to full height as she supervised Esme’s walk into the school. I had my men roaming every inch of the institution. There will be eyes on her the entire time. No one will get close or breathe in her space.

Catherine waved before walking back to the car. The door was opened for her, and she got in, still eyeing the building with a tensed expression.

"She will be fine," I said.

"I know..." Catherine replied. "This is for the best. I don’t want her to feel trapped in any way."

Neither do I.

"She’s so excited about her new school. Been chatting us to death about the things she couldn’t wait to do. And more thrilled about her new uniform."

Catherine’s eyes met mine. "Thank you... I think she’s gonna love this school."

"I had it picked personally. The professors were interviewed individually, and the entire institution was surveyed. You have nothing to worry about."

"Honey, you didn’t need to do that!"

"It’s vital. I want Esme to have nothing but the best. Any misstep and I’ll sue the entire school."

Or set it on fire.

Catherine rolled her eyes, but there was a smile on her lips.

"And the paparazzi?"

"There are none within the area, I double checked..."

"That’s better."

"But..."

"But?"

"Us now?"

I gave a warning look, but Catherine didn’t look too bothered about it or even considered it. She turned away from me, but her body locked the next minute when she saw her desk was still in the same position, neat and without a thing missing.

I came close and stood right behind her, my hand sliding to grip her waist as I pulled her close.

"You never removed it," she mumbled.

"There was no reason to." I kissed the top of her head.

"I have somewhere to be, I’ll be back in three hours."

She faced me with narrowed eyes. "Private business?"

"Something like that..."

"Ah... where I’m not needed."

"I’ll tell you all about it when I get back."

"Bargaining now, are we?"

"Behave," I pecked her lips before leaving the office.

~☆~

A smile was plastered on my lips as I monitored Catherine through the camera feed. She had chosen my desk as her working space.

I didn’t leave any work behind, so she just scrolled through my laptop for a few minutes before looking over the documents on my table.

When the car came to a stop, I turned off the feed and dropped my iPad.

The door was open for me, and I stepped out, walking towards the building into the empty speakeasy, music playing from the box. The place was a bit old-fashioned, keeping to that vibe of something you would find in the 80s.

"Don King!"

My eyes moved to the voice.

"I have been expecting you..." He extended his hand out for me, but I didn’t take it.

He laughed, the age lines on his face becoming more visible.

"Still as cold as always."

Carlo Ricci. He was the last person I wanted to meet, but he was what I needed. He was one of Elias’ loyal supporters, and had a handful of useful networks. Information networks.

"Please..." He gestured toward the seat, and I moved to sit.

"I was shocked when I heard you were coming to see me."

"I never announced myself," I said, taking a case from inside my coat pocket and opening it to take out my cigar.

"Word travels fast, Don King."