The Devil Heir’s Bargain

A Twisted Birthday Present

Irvin's POV

I was known for many things in Meridian: my wealth, my looks, my reputation as the bad boy every story tried to capture, but never quite could. Patience, however, wasn't on the list.

Yet, for Caroline Matthew—my girlfriend—I tried.

Tried being the operative word.

Velvet Crown was my usual evening hangout, the perfect escape before my underground matches. Tonight, though, I wasn't supposed to be here. I had a fight in less than two hours, but it was Caroline's birthday. And Caroline got what Caroline wanted—most of the time.

I leaned back in my booth, swirling my whiskey glass lazily as I watched Caroline chatting up some new face in Meridian, her glittery dress clinging to her like a second skin. She was shamelessly grinding against him—Anderson, or whatever his name was. A fresh face in Meridian, clearly clueless about who I was.

The sight didn't faze me; nothing Caroline did ever truly got under my skin. Our relationship fed on chaos. I smirked, watching her performance, more entertained than anything else. She was playing games, as usual.

When Caroline finally realized her theatrics weren't getting a rise out of me, she sauntered over, her pout in full effect.

"You don't even get jealous anymore," she whined, dropping down beside me.

I glanced up from my glass, keeping my voice level. "What do you want me to do, break some poor guy's nose?"

Her pout intensified. "When did you even start caring about people?"

"I don't."

"Exactly my point!" She folded her arms, shooting me a glare. "You're so... boring now."

I hummed in response, my attention drifting back to the crowd. But then my eyes caught on someone. A Hughes.

There she was, laughing with her coworker at the bar. Her smile brightened her otherwise plain features, her uniform neat and conservative. The sight of her annoyed me.

I had actually considered asking my friend who owns this place to fire her when they first hired her.

"Man, why would you employ a Hughes?"

"She's pretty."

"Still a Hughes."

"Won't be one when her pretty lips are wrapped around my dick."

"Seriously?"

"Come on, I want to have a taste of all of them."

I blinked back to the present, my jaw tightening. I knew all about the Hughes. Everyone in Meridian did. A family that had no business staying in this town.

"I feel like our spark is dying."

I sighed, half-listening as I took another sip. "You say that every day, babe."

"I mean it this time. I think we need... more games."

I raised a brow, setting my glass down. "Games? Caroline, we did threesomes the entire month of October. What's left?"

She leaned forward, pressing her lips against mine, her tone dropping to a sultry whisper. "I want us to go extreme this time."

I tilted my head, watching her with mild amusement. "You're insane."

"We both are." She smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I sighed, leaning back. "What's your brilliant idea this time?"

"We break up for a month," she began, her smile growing. "We each date someone new. You sleep with them, I sleep with mine."

I stared at her, incredulous. "You've officially lost it."

"Oh, come on! It'll be fun," Caroline pressed. "It's not like we don't always find our way back to each other."

"And what's the point of this game? Or is this just your twisted idea of entertainment?"

"To spice up our relationship!" she said like it was obvious. "And—" she added with a wink—"you'll be saying no to my birthday present if you don't agree."

"Thought you wanted a shopping spree in Paris?" I drawled.

She waved it off. "Changed my mind."

I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Fine."

Caroline practically squealed, climbing into my lap to kiss me. "Thank you, baby!"

"I'm already regretting this," I muttered against her lips.

"Okay, okay, let's pick!" Caroline said, bouncing with excitement.

Her eyes scanned the lounge. "Not her. Not her. Oh—her!"

I followed her gaze, my glass freezing mid-air. My eyes landed on Davina Hughes, and I nearly choked on my drink.

"A Hughes?" I asked in disbelief.

Caroline nodded eagerly. "Yup. I heard she's different from her sisters. Ryker even tried to get with her, and she shot him down. Can you imagine? She might actually give you a challenge."

I shook my head firmly. "I'm not getting anywhere near a Hughes, Caroline."

"But she's pretty," Caroline argued.

"She's still a Hughes."

"Irvin, please?"

"No, Caroline. I'm not putting my dick into a Hughes."

Caroline pouted, turning her attention to her nails. "Fine. If you're not going to play, fine. But I guess my birthday's ruined."

I groaned. As twisted as our relationship was, I loved Caroline. We'd grown up together, transitioning from childhood friends to lovers. And while she drove me insane, I couldn't imagine life without her.

"Fine," I finally gave in.

Caroline lit up, throwing her arms around my neck. "Yes! Thank you, baby! Okay, now your turn. Pick someone for me."

I leaned back, scanning the room. My eyes landed on Hugh—a local businessman and soon-to-be groom. A wicked smirk curved my lips. "Him."

Caroline frowned. "Hugh? Isn't he getting married next month?"

"Even better," I replied smoothly. "Like you said, the game is sweeter if it's harder to achieve."

Caroline grinned. "You're twisted, Irvin."

"I'm a Jenkin, babe."