The devil's advocate

Chapter 25 Eden

“I think he’s waving you over.” I gesture to the tall slender guy in glasses. Anderson, I think. Damien briefly mentioned on the car ride here that he was the man in charge of things behind the scenes and the one who kept everything ru

He also said he was a

Suffice it to say, I didn’t ask him to go into any more detail about Anderson after that.

Damien raises his glass and takes a leisurely sip, not looking at all concerned. “He can wait.”

With that, he turns away—deliberately ignoring the man.

I have to stifle a laugh because Anderson looks like he’s about to have a temper tantrum.

“He’s starting to sweat,” I muse as the visibly nervous man dabs his forehead with a napkin. “He might even pop a blood vessel.”

Damien shrugs. “If it’s so important, he can walk over here like a big boy and tell me himself. Covey might have babied him, but I sure as hell won’t.”

I bite my bottom lip as Anderson walks forward before taking a big step back. “He looks like he’s dancing.”

Damien’s lips quirk up. “Give it a few seconds, he’ll start pacing and muttering. After a minute or two of that, he’ll finally remember he has a set of balls and come talk to me.”

If he does, he’ll be the first one. It’s fu

The gleam in his eyes ever since we arrived tells me it’s not a front either. He’s genuinely reveling in ruffling these people’s feathers.

Especially Cain…who’s standing about fifteen feet away from us…looking increasingly ruffled by the second.

Lucky for him, our paths haven’t crossed in the thirty minutes we’ve been here. The orange juice they’re serving is delicious, and I’d hate to waste any of it on his lying, manipulating face.

Forcing in a breath, I stuff thoughts of him down and focus on Damien, who’s not bothering to hide his amusement.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re having fun.”

He downs the rest of his glass. “Anderson’s nervous fits are the most interesting thing about him.”

“I meant the election. I know you’re only doing this to get back at Cain, but maybe it’s your calling.”

He makes a face. “Fuck that. I have no interest in politics. As soon as this is over, I’m going back home.”

Home. On an island. Out of the country.

Far away from Black Hallows.

If that doesn’t put things into perspective, I don’t know what will.

Damien and I are a temporary thing. It will hurt less after he’s gone if I stick to my own revenge plan and worry about myself.

There are so many things I want to see in this world and so much I want to experience.

Freedom is an equally scary and liberating thing.

“That can’t be good,” I whisper as Governor Bexley and another man in a suit approach Anderson. “The governor just walked up to your boy and he looks like he’s about to piss his pants.”

“Fuck.” He places his glass on a nearby waiter’s tray. “We should go over there.”

I grimace. “I’ll stay here. I don’t want to go anywhere near that asshole Bexley unless I absolutely have to.”

Not only is he rude. He gives me the creeps.

“I can stay here.” He grins. “Or go over there and shove my foot up his ass.”

“Tempting, but I’m pretty sure that would get you ca

He studies my face intently. I know it’s Damien’s way of checking in with me to make sure I’ll be fine. I kind of love that about him.

“Okay,” he says after another minute passes. “I’ll be back shortly.”

The second he walks away I want to latch onto his leg and beg him not to leave...but I won’t.

I’ve got this. Fuck this town and fuck these people.

Squaring my shoulders, I stroll over to the table of hors d'oeuvres and other refreshments.

I’m in the middle of filling my glass when I feel someone come up behind me.

“Bathroom on the third floor. Now,” Cain snarls in my ear.

I take a dainty sip of my orange juice and then nibble a cookie.

For once, Cain will have to wait for me. Lord knows I’ve waited long enough for him.

I take my sweet time walking to the bathroom, knowing the second I enter I’m going to have to pretend I’m infatuated and on his side.

I won’t accomplish anything if he thinks I’m out to get him. He’ll only push me farther away.

Which is exactly the opposite of what I want.

I want him so obsessed and distracted he starts screwing up.

And then, after Damien’s destroyed him, and Cain’s left helpless, feeling like he has no one in the world to turn to but his Eden…

I’m going to crush him like a bug.

No. I’m going to give him some rope and then manipulate the hell out of him until he slowly hangs himself…just like he did to me.

Breathe—I remind myself when I reach the bathroom door.

Breathe and feign i