Sinful Sacrament

by Morgan James

  Twice recently Masterson and Moreau had contracted a private plane and flown into North Dakota. The trips had only lasted a few days each. There was no reason that the men couldn’t have just been on a trip to the mountains—but why? It had struck me as strange at the time, and I voiced my question to Hossam, who shrugged. “Masterson does not hunt. In fact, he’s vehemently opposed to it.”

  Hossam had more than proved his loyalty to both myself and Elle, and I knew I could trust him. I explained to him what I had learned about Araña and his operations. “It’s interesting that both Spencer and Sebastian made two separate trips to North Dakota only a couple of months apart. With his connections as senator, I believe he may be greasing the hands of the port authority or border patrol in order to smuggle the children across. Possibly both.”

  Hossam’s eyes darkened. “That wouldn't surprise me. Especially if someone was controlling him. He would do anything to you get his next fix as long as it didn’t become public knowledge.”

  I’d had the same thought, but Hossam’s words confirmed my suspicions. “I have my men back home running background on both of them to see if anything jumps out.”

  Hossam’s gaze sharpened. “You think they’re running this together?”

  “No.” I shook my head. “That would make it too obvious if anyone else stumbled onto their recent activity. This has been going on for more than thirty years, and Masterson is only thirty-six. Moreau is in his early forties. Though I can’t rule out the possibility that he took over for someone else, I get the feeling that they’re pawns in a much larger game.”

  “So we need to figure out how Spencer and Sebastian are connected, and that will lead us to Araña.”

  I nodded. “It would be someone close to them—a friend or relative, someone they could easily pay off or pull the wool over their eyes. I'll have my men back home look into them further, see what they can come up with. Until then, we need to keep a close eye on the women. I am trying to convince Eva to stay on the island until this is all settled. Maybe Elle can give her some incentive.”

  Hossam nodded in agreement. “I'll see what I can do.”

  “I appreciate it. And if you think of anything in the meantime, please let me know.”

  He nodded slowly, seeming to think it over. “I seem to remember Masterson being particularly stressed right about the same time I left his employ.”

  I tipped my head. “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m not sure.” He gave his head a little shake, like he was trying to draw back on his memory of that time. “Things had gotten progressively worse for Elle, which is the only reason I remember. Masterson was pushing particularly hard to have a bill passed around that same time. I don’t remember exactly what it was for—some green initiative, maybe? Maybe there is some correlation.”

  It was entirely possible that he was indebted to someone. Or, more likely, the proposal was a form of quid pro quo. Perhaps Spencer had greased the way for the bill to be passed in exchange for leniency when the shipments crossed the border.

  “Do you remember who he was working with?”

  “I do not.” He grimaced a little in apology. “I would assume it’s someone in his circle of friends, someone he owes or who owes him a favor.”

  “Thank you, Hossam.”

  He dipped his head, then retreated from the room, leaving me with my thoughts. As of right now we hadn’t been able to determine exactly how both men were involved. Aside from the fact that they’d traveled together twice last year, there was no outward sign of them being accomplices or partners in any way. There were no joint ventures between the two, no familial relations. I’d begun to suspect that Sebastian and Spencer were connected indirectly through some third-party entity. Hopefully whatever information we turned up would tell us exactly what we’d been looking for.

  I emailed the information off to my men back in Chicago and asked them to research the bills that had been passed through the Senate around that time last year, then closed up my laptop. One thread at a time, Araña’s web was slowly beginning to unravel. One of these days I would find him. But not today. My gaze snagged on Eva as I stood and rounded the desk. Today I had more important things to do.

  Chapter Twenty

  Eva

  My anxiety ratcheted up with each passing minute, and the bubbly champagne I sipped turned to acid in my stomach. Earlier this afternoon, Fox had insisted we stay in the house and get ready. Elle and I had selected dresses from a boutique in town a couple of days ago, and the seamstress had finished alterations just this morning. He had brought someone in from the village to do our hair and makeup, and we spent several hours sipping champagne as we were pampered and dressed for the evening ahead. To say I was nervous was an understatement.

  The glass of champagne trembled in my hand, and all I wanted to do was run to Fox. For some reason I couldn’t explain, I was terrified he wouldn't be waiting at the end of the aisle for me. The sitting room we were currently ensconced in faced out the front of the house, and the cosmetologist chattered away with Elle as she packed up her things and got ready to leave.

  Unable to stand it for another second, I set my flute down with the clink on the end table and escaped from the room, a swarm of butterflies battering my stomach. I picked up my skirt and headed up the stairs, intent on catching Fox alone. I passed Hossam on the landing, and his eyes widened as they fell on me.

  “What are you doing, Miss Eva?”

  My eyes darted toward the bedroom door at the end of the hall. “I need to speak with Fox.”

  One dark eyebrow lifted, and his large hand moved to my bicep. “It is bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding.”

  I knew all about that superstition, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. “Please,” I implored. “I just need two minutes with him.”

  His eyes softened as he noted my expression. “Okay.”

  He opened the door, emitting me into Fox’s domain. The man in question turned to me, shirt unbuttoned, like he was in the middle of getting dressed. “Angel.” His expression turned wary as I crossed the room. “Is everything okay?”

  “Fine.” I waved one hand in the air. “I just... I needed to talk to you for a second.”

  “Okay?”

  I could hear the thread of tension in his voice, and I felt terrible for worrying him. “I needed to see you before we went down there. I wanted—” I gestured out the window and froze as I caught sight of the people down below. “What... What’s this?”

  Fox’s hands landed on my hips, and his familiar weight pressed against my back as he dipped his head close to my ear. “Do you like it?”

  I tossed a look over my shoulder at him. “You did this for me?”

  He tipped his head slightly. “Both of you, yes, but mostly for you, angel.”

  The white fabric of the arches billowed in the gentle ocean breeze, and the sight brought tears to my eyes. “I...” My attention was drawn back to the men and women who had strung lights over the terrace and were putting final touches on the several dozen arrangements of fresh flowers that had been brought in. “It’s gorgeous.”

  “I’m glad you like it.” He turned me in his arms. “God, you’re gorgeous.”

  His eyes swept over me from head to toe, sending fire sparking along my nerve endings. “Thank you.”

  “Welcome.” We were silent for a second before he spoke again. “You said you needed something.”

  “Right.” I couldn't steady my nerves. I wasn't getting cold feet, exactly, I just needed the reassurance that Fox wanted this as much as I did. After our tumultuous beginning and everything that had happened since, we’d really only been a couple for a short period of time, and never during a calm period of our lives. Everything had always been in upheaval, marred by betrayal and distrust. “I just... What if people find out?”

  He lifted a brow my direction. “I was counting on the fact that they would, unless you prefer to keep our marriage a secret.”


  His expression was guarded, and I lifted my hands to his chest. “That's not what I meant. But you told me a long time ago that anyone serious in your life could be viewed as a weakness. I don't want to be the one responsible for that. This doesn't have to be the next logical step if you don't want it to. We could just—”

  Fox lifted a hand and pressed a single finger to my lips to silence me. “I'm not good with emotions, angel, and I’m even worse at putting them into words, but let me tell you this.” He hesitated for a long moment before continuing. “You are the only woman I have ever wanted this way. This is not a business transaction, nor is it an excuse to keep you safe. I want all of you—your gorgeous body, your agile mind, your beautiful heart. I belong to you, and you belong to me.”

  The honesty ringing in his words made my heart swell almost to the point of pain. I blinked rapidly, sniffing away the burning sensation rippling across the bridge of my nose. I didn't want to cry and ruin my makeup, so I tried to deflect by cracking a joke. “Is this where you tell me I have to obey you ‘til death do us part?”

  A broad grin transformed his face, lighting his eyes. “Obey? I didn't know that word existed in your vocabulary.”

  I grinned, glad that the tears had passed. “First time for everything.”

  “Give me your hand.” I placed my palm in his, and he crossed my middle finger over my index finger. “Just like this. That way, when you recite your vows, we’ll both know you didn't mean it.”

  I sputtered with laughter and smacked his chest with my free hand. “I can't believe I’m willingly signing up for a lifetime of this.”

  Although I joked about it, I knew in my heart that I wanted this more than anything.

  “There’s still time to back out,” Fox countered, his words teeming with seriousness.

  I shook my head. “Someone has to take care of your stubborn ass.”

  “Only because you do it so well. I would never let another person order me around the way you do.”

  And that admission right there solidified my thoughts. What he said was the truth; in the beginning, he had refused my help, shunned my presence. But now we’d found common ground with each other. He would always take care of me, and I would always take care of him. Though we were both strong, confident individuals, we had both learned over the course of the relationship that we could retain our independence yet lean on each other in our times of need.

  “What do you think, angel?” His dark eyes bore into mine. “Are you ready for this—for a lifetime with me?”

  “More than ready,” I replied.

  “Good.” Fox dropped a kiss on my lips, then smacked my bottom. “Now go before that dress ends up on the ground.”

  Feeling much better about everything, I followed it back down the hallway to the sitting room. Elle glanced up at me as I entered. “Is everything okay?”

  “Perfect.” I smiled. “Are you about ready?”

  “I hope so.” She shook her hands nervously. “I swear, I wasn’t half this nervous when I married Spencer.”

  I threw a look her way. “There’s more at stake now that you’ve found someone you really love.”

  Just like Fox and me. I loved him so much, and I hoped one day he would feel the same about me.

  “True.” Elle stood, and I linked my arm through hers. “It's going to be perfect.”

  Together, we left the room and headed toward the back of the house. The men stood beneath the archway that had been set up on the terrace, and my heart gave a little thump in my chest. Fox’s dark gaze moved to mine, almost as if he could sense the emotions roiling inside me. A small smile lifted the corner of his mouth, and he held up his hand, fingers crossed.

  I couldn't help the grin that overtook my face.

  Beside me, Elle leaned in close. “You good?”

  “Perfect.” I couldn’t tear my gaze from Fox.

  Fox had hired a photographer, and the man captured our movements as we crossed the terrace under the glowing lights as the sun began to dip below the horizon. Since it was just the four of us, we decided to have the man marry us all at once, rather than having to do two ceremonies.

  Elle broke away, moving toward Hossam, and I stepped into Fox's arms. He wore a suit similar to the ones he wore every day for business, and I couldn't help but smile. “Nice of you to dress up for the occasion.”

  He let out a low growl, and his hand slipped down my back to pinch my bottom. “You'll pay for that later.”

  I grinned back at him. “I hope so.”

  The reverend greeted us warmly, then launched into his liturgy. Standing there, looking up at Fox, my hands in his, the moment was absolutely perfect. I loved him more than anything, and I couldn't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Fox

  From my spot on the chaise lounge, I swiveled my head to look at Eva, acutely aware of the asinine smile that had taken up residence on my face. I couldn’t stop looking at her—couldn’t believe she was mine. Forever.

  As if feeling my gaze on her, Eva rolled her head toward me. “What are you looking at?”

  “You.”

  One eyebrow arched upward behind the rim of her oversized sunglasses. “I can’t be that fascinating.”

  “Oh, but you are.”

  “Hmm...”

  She said nothing and instead sat up to liberally apply more of the SPF 25 we’d found in town. The people in the village looked at her like she was crazy when she’d asked if they had anything more potent. “I never knew they made SPF 50 until you asked for it.”

  She snorted as she applied more of the lotion onto her arms. “Yeah, well, I can thank my European ancestors for my fair complexion.”

  My gaze roved over her once more, and my grin grew. “You’re so white, I swear I can see the blood pumping through your veins.”

  “Hey!” She reached over to slap my chest, but I caught her hand with a laugh and laced our fingers together.

  Yanking on her hand, I pulled her close enough to kiss. She melted into me as she always did, and I slid my hands under her thighs, then lifted her onto my lap.

  She pulled away, scowling at me. “You’re such a jerk.”

  I grinned. “You know you like it.”

  Here we could be free to just be ourselves, another pair of newlyweds. There were no witnesses, no one who could use her against me. I could hold her all night and all day, kiss her whenever the hell I wanted. Even Hossam and Elle had made themselves scarce over the past couple of days, joining us for dinner before retreating to their cottage no doubt to celebrate their own nuptials.

  It felt so good to be able to lower my guard and just be happy. And it was all due to her. She was everything I’d ever wanted and then some. My captive. My lover. My wife. Every day with her was better than the last. Unfortunately, it couldn’t last. We’d already been here for twelve days. Soon we would need to go home so I could pick up the reins where I’d left off. I wanted to track down Araña and rid the world of him once and for all. But after that... I wanted this. Quiet days on the beach. Eva at my side. Elle and Hossam next door.

  I wasn’t nearly ready to broach the subject of me returning Chicago, but it was a discussion I couldn’t put off any longer. “Can you believe we've been here for almost two weeks already?”

  “I know.” She let out a contented little sigh and snuggled deeper into my arms despite the heat of the day. “I feel like so much has happened in such a short period of time. It's like I got caught up in a whirlwind that just won't stop.”

  Several long tendrils of hair had come loose from the knot secured at the top of her head, and I brushed one behind her ear. “My offer still stands. You're more than welcome to stay here, angel. Spend the time with Elle.”

  She glanced over her shoulder at me and held my gaze through the darkened lens of her sunglasses. “What about you?”

  I trailed my fingers up and down her arm as I spoke. “I have to go back. I can't leave this unfinished. But
if you stay here, I’ll know you're safe. I'll return to you soon as I can.”

  Her hand moved to my bare chest and traced small circles over the space above my heart for what seemed like several minutes before she spoke. “I don't want to be away from you. I'm coming with you.”

  Of its own volition, my head began to shake before I caught myself. I knew all too well how this would play out. “Are you sure? Elle has missed you so much. I know she’d love to have you here with her,” I coaxed.

  Her head tipped slightly to one side, and her lips pressed into a thin line as she studied me through narrowed eyes. “I know what you're doing.”

  “What am I doing?” I asked innocently.

  She let out a soft snort. “If this is your backhanded way of thinking you’re protecting me, you can drop the idea right now. We both know how well it worked out for you last time.”

  The memory of her running because of my stupidity flared in my gut, and I tightened my hold a fraction. I felt anger at her for throwing it back in my face, but most of it was reserved for me, for my own ignorance. “I thought we were past that,” I said, trying to keep my emotions in check.

  “We are past it,” she soothed. “Whatever happened, happened. But you can't continue to make choices for me just because you think it's the right thing to do.”

  Stubborn woman. I drew in a deep breath. “Can’t you just make my life easy for once and do what I say?”

  A little spurt of laughter burst from her throat. “I knew you were out of your mind, but I didn't think you were senile already.”

  I smacked her ass cheek, loving the way she jumped and dragged in a stilted breath. But her smile didn't diminish. “Is that any way to talk to your husband?”

  “You'll have to forgive me,” she purred. “I'm new to this whole marriage thing.”