So I’ve started bringing my homework, but I finish that in no time. We play chess, but that’s normally a bet on what kink he’s going to indulge in for the day. I usually lose and when I win, it’s only for a harmless bet on his side.
Therefore, I came up with the compromise that I’d plant my flowers and he could watch me from the tall windows of his studio. That way, we can both be productive.
I sit on the edge of the bed and type my reply.
Mia: They’ll do. Have you gotten me the seeds I asked for?
He sends another picture of a bag of seeds.
Devil Lord: At your service, my lady. I am, after all, your favorite gentleman.
Mia: You’re the furthest thing from a gentleman. Don’t be delusional.
Devil Lord: Don’t be ungrateful.
Mia: Thanks. But then again, this is the least you can do for all the inspiration I’ve been giving you.
He finished three statues in a short time and showed pictures of them to his professors. I think the director of some gallery is offering to exhibit them, but Landon refused.
“Not yet.” I heard him talking on the phone. “They’re not exactly perfect.”
I thought he was being sarcastic or exhibiting a false sense of modesty. But one, Landon is so arrogant, modesty would shrivel and die before touching him. Two, he looked serious and was frowning as he said those words.
It's true that I’m not an artist, but even I can see why he’s labeled the genius of his generation. The level of detail he puts in his sculptures can only be described as otherworldly. The lines in the fingers, the creases around the eyes, the dip of flesh beneath a harsh grip. Everything is simply a perfect piece of art.
And yet he just pushes those sculptures to the back, then brings out new subjects to work on. I feel bad for those abandoned ones. They must feel lonely and unwanted.
My phone vibrates, bringing me out of my thoughts.
Devil Lord: I’ve been doing my due diligence by bestowing you with my cum every night.
Mia: And I’ve been giving you the honor of touching me.
Devil Lord: Does that mean I’m lucky?
Mia: Uh-huh. Thank God for it.
Devil Lord: Nonsense. He has nothing to do with what I made happen. See you in an hour.
I trap the corner of my lip between my teeth and type.
Mia: I can’t tonight. I’m having a mandatory dinner at the Heathens’。
Devil Lord: Mandatory? What is this? The sixteenth century?
Mia: Niko and especially Maya are suspicious about all the disappearing I do. I’ve spiraled into a bad mental state when I’ve done that in the past, so they’re freaking out a little, thinking I’m relapsing. I just need to assure them that everything is okay.
Devil Lord: Then tell them you’re seeing someone.
Mia: They’ll want to know who.
Devil Lord: Then just say it’s me. In fact, I don’t mind coming over to introduce myself.
I study my surroundings to make sure no one is around before I type.
Mia: Have you lost your mind? Niko will kill you.
Devil Lord: You won’t let him, right?
I chew on the corner of my bottom lip as I read and reread his words.
Devil Lord: Right?
Mia: Just stay away. Do something productive with your time and water the plants.
Devil Lord: I’m many things, but a background character isn’t in my repertoire of functions.
My eyes narrow. What the hell is that supposed to mean?
“What are you so concentrated on?”
I startle, but soon regain my composure upon seeing Nikolai at the doorway of my room. I didn’t even hear him coming close.
His long hair is loose, stopping at his shoulders and giving him a more rugged look. He’s wearing only sweatpants and a grim expression.
Subtly, I slide my phone back into my pocket, then leave the guest room and sign, “It’s a friend.”
Nikolai follows after and stops me in the middle of the reception area. “Brandon King?”
“No.”
“What other friends do you have?”
Touché.
“It’s really not him.” Just his infuriating twin.
Besides, Bran has been keeping his distance from me lately. Whenever I ask if he’s up for a game, he says he has exams coming up or that he’s focused on a project.
The excuses have become so similar that they stand out. I wonder if he found out about me and Landon. Last week, I finally managed to meet up with him and Remi for a game and Landon happened to come by.
I made a show of ignoring him, but he barged right in, teamed up with Remi against me and Bran, then proceeded to kick our asses.