Page 41 of Devil's Sinner

We arrived at Devil’s Manor and a feeling of peace overwhelmed me when I walked inside. I never thought I would be happy to see the inside of those walls again, but it was the only place I wanted to be. Cabot Estate would always be my home, but there was a place for me at Devil’s Manor too.

Belle met me in the living room and pulled me into a hug so tight that I thought she was going to suffocate me before she let go. I owed her an apology, but that could wait. Even Jasper seemed happy to see me, or maybe he was just relieved that he didn’t have to deal with Devlin’s brooding since I was back.

“I’m going to call a doctor.” Devlin pulled out his phone as soon as we walked inside.

“I saw a doctor. Your mother had one take care of me…”

“I want a doctor that I trust.” He shook his head and kept dialing.

My nervousness returned as I waited for word about Georgia. The doctor arrived, checked my wounds, and told Devlin that they were as good as they could be under the circumstances. He wanted to see me in the office in a few days, but beyond that, I just needed to manage the pain. He gave me some pills, but what I really wanted was a drink. I wanted to feel numb all over without having my circulation cut off, or pain to break my body to get it.

“If you’re wondering if Connor did anything other than what you can see, he didn’t.” I took a sip of my drink. “He wanted my name on a contract first.”

“He’s still going to die.” Devlin gritted his teeth. “What he did is enough for me to watch him bleed out.”

“I feel like we should talk about why I left…” I looked down and sighed. “Before Georgia gets here.”

I’m going to keep telling myself she will walk through that door safe and sound until I have a reason to believe otherwise.

“You were lied to.” Devlin waved off my concern. “I get it.”

“That wasn’t the only reason.” I shook my head. “I overheard you on the phone. You were making a deal to sell me. I got scared.”

“Oh god.” Devlin raised his hand to his forehead. “No, never. Not in a million years, princess. I swear to you!”

“Then what did I hear?” I felt like I needed to ask.

It was uncleared air and I didn’t want it hanging there.

“I was laying a trap.” Devlin ground out. “I assumed the person who went after your father would bite, and obviously they did. It was Peterson.”

“Connor swore he didn’t put my father in prison.” I exhaled sharply. “But your mother may be the one…”

“She’s not capable of that.” He waved his hand in the air. “No fucking way. She’s a bitch and she hates your family, but whoever is behind your father’s arrest needed resources. The kind of resources Peterson has.”

“We have to consider the possibility that there’s someone else involved.” I took another sip of my drink.

“Who? Who else could…” Devlin shook his head.

We didn’t get a chance to finish our conversation. There was a commotion outside and a second later the front door opened. Dominic walked in first with a stoic expression on his face. I had never been able to read the elder Windsor--I didn’t know if he was about to deliver bad news or the best news. That conundrum was answered when he took a step to the side and Georgia came running towards me.

“Violet! Oh my god!” She nearly tackled me with a hug. “You’re-” Her eyes drifted to my wounds. “Did he do that to you?”

“Georgia, I…” I put my hand on her check and saw bruises along the edge of her eye. “Did he do that toyou?

Neither question had to be answered. We both knew the truth. Connor Peterson was a monster. My sister must have figured that out at some point, but she was too wrapped up in it by then. I looked into Georgia’s eyes and for the first time in what felt like ages, I saw mysisterlooking back at me.

She wasn’t under Connor’s spell anymore. She was back.

“I’m so sorry, Violet.” Tears began to stream down Georgia’s face. “I didn’t want to lie to you, but he forced me to do it. He swore he wouldn’t hurt you. I… I was so stupid to believe him.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.” I hugged her. “You’re free of him. I’ll wear these marks with pride if they bought your freedom.”

“They're the last ones he’ll ever put on either of you.” Devlin walked up and put a hand on each of us. “I swear it. I stake my fucking life on it.”

“Do we have a room for Georgia to stay in?” I glanced at Devlin.

“Yes.” Devlin nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements. Give me a few minutes.”