Hiding in the Devil's Bed (by Malea Cox) novel Chapter 8

“Report Amelia and Landon? Are you out of your mind? Do you think the Kingsley family is someone we can afford to provoke?” Walter snapped, his tone laced with exasperation,

Then what are we supposed to do? Amelia latched onto that family knowing we wouldn’t dare step out of line. If we don’t act fast, she’ll claim the entire inheritance for herself” Sandra hised, her face dark with frustration.

The Edwards family was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Debra’s antique collection was their last lifeline, the only thing that could save them from ruin.

If they failed to secure it, not only would the family collapse, but Sandra’s cushy lifestyle would be nothing more than a distant memory. She would be left with nothing.

We must get that inheritance,” Walter growled, his expression hardening with grim resolve. His eyes, clouded with age. gleamed with a dangerous determination.

“Does Amy know about the inheritance?” Zachary interjected, a shadow of doubt crossing his face.

Walter and Melissa exchanged a heavy sigh. “She knows about her real mother. The inheritance… well, it’s only a matter of ime before–she finds out about that too.”

Zachary’s brows furrowed in thought. That complicates things. If Amy knows everything, she’s fully within her rights to claim the inheritance on her own.”

Regret clawed at him. ‘Damn it. If I’d known Amelia would uncover the truth, I wouldn’t have gotten involved with Sandra. At the very least, I could’ve married Amelia first and claimed the inheritance before any of this blew up.

“She can’t take it. Not yet,” Walter muttered, massaging his temples. “When Debra wrote her will, she explicitly stated that both husband and wife must sign off to access the inheritance.”

Zachary’s eyes lit up with sudden excitement. “That’s perfect. Landon’s a vegetable–there’s no way he can sign anything

In his mind, the problem had already solved itself. As far as he was concerned, the feud between the Edwards family and Amelia was none of his business.

He was confident that if he distanced himself from Sandra now, Amelia might forgive him. And once she did, the mas inheritance would still fall into his lap.

Growing more pleased with his own plan, Zachary leaned forward eagerly. “Mr. Edwards, I have an idea.”

“Speak, Sandra demanded, brimming with impatience.

Zachary hesitated, glancing awkwardly at Sandra. “But it’ll mean Sandra has to make a bit of a sacrifice..

Sandra’s face soured instantly. “What do you mean, Zachary?”

Zachary’s gaze sharpened, revealing a cunning glint. “Amelia and I were together for a year: She has feelings for me. The only reason she’s furious now is because she found out Sandra is pregnant with my child. But if I told her it was a mistake, that Sandra already… took care of it-”

“I won’t do it,” Sandra cut in, her voice sharp and unyielding. “I will not get rid of this baby. He’s the proof of our love.” “Sandra, Zachary said soothingly, reaching for her hand, Tmn saying you actually have to do it. I’m saying we lie to her.”

“Oh… Sandra’s pout softened, though she still clung to his arm, acting all sweet and coy. “That’s fine. I guess. But you better not actually fall for her. And you definitely can’t hurt me for her kike.”

13:06 Sun, Dec 22

Chapter 8

90%

“Of course not, sweetheart, Zachary chuckled, tapping her nose playfully. “Once this is all over. I’ll marry you. I promise.”

“Alright.” Sandra’s smile returned, bright and satisfied as she snuggled closer to him.

As the sky dimmed into a soft, dusky haze, Gloria decided to celebrate Amelia and Landon’s marriage in style. The kitchen staff outdid themselves, preparing a lavish spread that would put a royal feast to shame.

She even brought out an exquisite bottle of vintage red wine, string it with Amelia over heartfelt toasts and laughter.

Meanwhile, the groom himself, Landon, lay utterly still and alone in his bedroom. His mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts, countless emotions surging through him, but his immobilized body betrayed no sign of the storm within, unable to do anything about it.

What he craved most at that moment was Amelia’s presence. Come back already,’ he thought desperately, just sit by my side, talk to me, anything.

It felt like an eternity before the bedroom door creaked open. Amelia finally returned, her cheeks glowing faintly pink from the wine. Relaxed by the alcohol, she moved with an unsteady, carefree sway.

She stumbled toward the bed, tossed back the covers, and flopped down beside him, her warm body sinking into the mattress with a sigh

The faint tang of wine clung to her, teasing his senses, wearing down his already fragile patience. Landon’s mind filled with a sharp, accusatory thought. On our first night as a married couple, you ditch me to drink?‘

Amelia, as always, heard him loud and clear. She giggled, her voice laced with a tipsy playfulness, “I wasn’t drinking alone, okay? Your mom and I had the party of our lives. She hiccupped lightly, then shivered and instinctively snuggled closer to him, seeking warmth.

Landon stiffened immediately. Her soft, warm body pressing agnst his was almost unbearable. His muscles tensed involuntarily, and a familiar, unwelcome heat began coursing through him.

He snapped, his inner voice filled with frustrated restraint, ‘Get away from me.‘

“Nope, Amelia mumbled defiantly, wrapping her arms around his neck as if claiming her territory. She nestled even closer, rubbing against him like a mischievous kitten. “Your mom said we have to share a bed. Married couples do that, you know.”

Amelia, oblivious to his inner struggle, sighed wistfully against his chest, “Landon, you’re so lucky. Your mom protects you like a fierce lioness. She’s kept your family’s legacy intact. Do you know that?”

“Yeah, they sure did,” Amelia answered breezily, hearing his unspoken question. “Not just once, either. They think you’re down for the count forever, so they’re circling like vultures. If you don’t wake up soon, they might actually pull it off.”

“They didn’t lift a finger to help. And now, when everything is thriving and they’re still leeching off his legacy, they want to take it all? Over my dead body. I will not let them destroy everything my father worked for. I have to wake up. I have to

‘Amelia, do me a favor, Landon’s voice echoed coldly in both their minds, sharp as a blade slicing through the silence. “What kind of favor?” Amelia asked, her tone light and playful as she continued to poke at his chest, her fingers prodding the firm muscles as if they were her new favorite toy. The more she poked, the more fascinated she seemed.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify