Heart of a Devil

by Morgan James

  Glancing around, I took in the back yard. It was fenced in and well-maintained, surrounded by lush palm trees that blocked the view from the neighboring homes. A smallish rectangular pool took up most of the space, and a tiny grill sat off to one side. The fence was high enough so that someone walking by couldn’t see over, which was a blessing. A gate at the far end of the patio opened directly onto the beach, and a small grassy area ran the length of the fence to the left of the pool.

  A few minutes later, she exited the pool, and I tensed as she settled in the lounge chair right next to mine. Droplets of water glistened on her skin, and I watched as one slid over her stomach and down her side. My mouth went dry, and I swallowed hard. Jesus.

  Forcing my gaze and my thoughts away from Jana, I focused on every little sight and sound around me. Things were still quiet, and it felt like we were secluded in our own little world. Hopefully the next two weeks would pass without incident. All I had to do was keep her corralled near the house. Of course, with Jana that was easier said than done.

  A half hour later, I heard the soft rumble of an engine approach, and I glanced toward the direction of the street. “I’ll bet that’s our guy.”

  “Perfect.” Jana hopped up. “We’ll get the groceries put away, then we can head down to the beach.”

  “Not so fast,” I said, catching her arm as she walked by. “I need you to stay out of sight.” For a moment, she looked hurt, and I felt the need to explain. “We need to keep your identity a secret, especially now that we’re here.”

  She stared at me for a moment then nodded. “Right.”

  I opened the door for her, and Jana headed to her bedroom while I cut across the living room toward the front door. I was two steps away when the knock came, and I peered through the peep hole at the young man under the portico. I opened the door just enough that my body filled the space. “Groceries?”

  The young man nodded. “Jana Incarnato?” It was the second time today that her name had been used in combination with mine, and it still sounded strange. I nodded. “That’s us.”

  I followed the young man as he strode to the trunk of his car, and I helped him carry in two cases of water as well as various grocery bags full of stuff. Once I’d double-checked everything, he ran my credit card and finalized the transaction. I had taken one step toward the door when the kid’s voice stopped me.

  “Oh, I almost forgot.” He held a drugstore bag in my direction, and I reached for it just as Jana came barreling down the hall. Clad in a wide brimmed hat and giant sunglasses, she snatched the bag from the kid’s fingers with a brilliant smile. “I’ll take that. Thank you so much.”

  I watched in disbelief as she turned abruptly and fled back toward her room. Shaking off the strangeness of the situation, I turned back to the kid. He remained frozen in place, his eyes glued to Jana’s backside as she moved away from us. Something settled over me when I saw him watching her, and I tensed, every muscle in my body going completely rigid. I cleared my throat hard, and the kid jumped, his gaze snapping back to mine.

  “I, uh... Thank you, sir.”

  He bolted for the front door, and I locked up behind him with a slight shake of my head. I seriously doubted he had recognized her in her crazy beach get-up, and more than likely it was just seeing Jana in a swimsuit that had scrambled the kid’s brain. Truth to tell, I didn’t blame him one bit, because she did the same thing to me.

  Chapter Twelve

  Jana

  The sand squished beneath my feet, giving way and sucking me in, like the mud near the riverbank I’d played on as a kid. It was the whitest sand I’d ever seen—the only sand I’d ever seen in person—and I marveled at the way it stretched from one end of the beach to the other. The breeze picked up, and I placed one hand on my hat to keep it from blowing away. The sun was hot on my skin, reminding me that it’d been too long since I’d taken any time to do something for myself. With Vince’s rigid security measures, I wasn’t sure how often we’d be able to go out, and I was determined to make the most of the moment.

  I increased my pace, eager to get down to the ocean. The sight had literally taken my breath away. It was so vast, so wide, that it seemed never-ending. Parts of it were navy, other areas green, and some closest to the shore were aquamarine. Tiny shells pricked at my feet as I made my way across the sand, but I brushed off the pain and continued, not wanting anything to strip the joy from this moment.

  Vince hovered just a few feet away, and I practically ran into the surf. I sucked in a breath as the cool water lapped over my feet and ankles, making me dance backwards out of the way.

  “Oh! It’s cooler than I thought it would be.”

  Vince gazed out at the ocean. “By the end of summer, it’ll be much warmer.”

  I nodded. It was the same as the creek that ran behind the trailer park where I’d grown up. The runoff from the mountains filled the rivers and streams during the spring and early summer, but by the end of the season it warmed to almost bathwater temperature. I turned it back to him. “Can we walk a little bit?”

  Though he didn’t move, I knew he was taking in every single detail of our surroundings. Finally, he gave me a curt nod. “That should be fine.”

  We’d locked up the house before we came down here, so I knew our things were safe enough inside. Even down here at the beach, only a few dozen people were visible lounging or playing on the bright white sand.

  “Which direction?”

  He glanced up and down the beach. “Doesn’t matter. The island is only about seven miles long, and we’re just north of the midpoint.”

  I pursed my lips and shielded my eyes, glancing each direction. Finally, I pointed north. “Let’s go this way today. Maybe tomorrow we’ll check out the southern strip.”

  Silently, Vince fell into step beside me and we walked on, lost in thought for several minutes. A half mile or so up the beach, a cute little bistro sat along the shoreline. Shell pink with white trim, it had a deck off the back for patrons to view the sunset while they ate. “There’s food close by if we want to go out.”

  Vince shook his head. “We’re supposed to be lying low.”

  I suppressed a huff. I didn’t know why I’d hoped things would be different here. I bit down on my tongue to keep a sharp retort from escaping. The idea of a fake honeymoon had definitely sounded better in theory, because the reality was looking pretty crappy so far. I drew in a deep breath. My anger at Vince was misguided. I knew he was just following orders, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. “So, basically nothing has changed? Different house, same guard, same rules?”

  Vince side-eyed me from behind his mirrored sunglasses. “Basically.”

  “Awesome. Can’t wait.”

  Vince’s lips quirked at my sarcasm. “At least the view is better here.”

  “Are you saying my house is shit?”

  My question seemed to catch him off guard. “No. Just... different.”

  “Hmm...” I glanced out at the ocean, watching the birds overhead, but I could feel his gaze on me.

  “It does surprise me a little, not gonna lie.”

  It was the first thing he’d offered voluntarily, and I turned to meet his gaze. “Why’s that?”

  “I thought you’d choose something more... extravagant.”

  Because he thought I was spoiled and self-centered. I probably should have expected something like that, but his words cut into my heart like a dagger slipping between my ribs.

  My shoulders twitched as I fortified the walls around myself. “The belief that all singers make a ton of money right off the bat with a record deal is a misconception. I got started as a backup singer to some of the more popular artists. It’s only been about a year and a half since I’ve really ventured out on my own. There’s a lot of money tied up in recording, and though I tour, only the headliners make a decent profit. When I moved to Dallas, I wanted to put down some roots, but I didn’t want to buy anything ostentatious. I’d rather save my money now and live
modestly than try to keep up with the Joneses and be broke in ten years.”

  He was silent for a long moment, then—“Smart.”

  Though I refused to look at him, I heard a faint thread of admiration in his voice. Not wanting to acknowledge it, I changed the subject. “I’m getting kind of hungry. What about you?”

  “I could eat.”

  I rolled my eyes. Such a guy thing to say. He could always eat. In fact, I was pretty sure Vince would never stop eating given the choice. I had no idea how he stayed in shape with as much as he consumed over the course of a day. Though we’d avoided each other as much as possible while he’d been staying with me, I couldn’t miss the dent he’d made in my pantry. Not that I minded. I was a terrible shopper. I always seemed to go when I was hungry and grabbed all kinds of things that I regretted later. Vince had helped polish off most of my open bags of snacks so they didn’t go to waste.

  I slowed to a stop and gestured with my head back toward the house. “Let’s head back and start dinner, then.”

  I studied him surreptitiously as we turned around to head home. Well, our home for the next couple of weeks, anyway. Temporary house, temporary marriage. I almost laughed out loud, though I was far from feeling the humor of the situation. My heart still felt bruised at the way Vince had so easily stereotyped me as a high-maintenance blonde bimbo who was only concerned about appearances. Would he ever see me for who I really was? I seriously doubted it.

  Inwardly, I heaved a sigh. He seemed to be acting stranger than normal, and I hoped that wasn’t a sign of things to come. I liked knowing exactly where I stood with someone, and now I felt like I was floundering, grasping for purchase. I knew all of this was a fabrication to keep me safe. I just couldn’t stop my heart from wishing it could be more.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Vince

  As I stacked the last of the dishes in the sink, I glanced over the bar into the living room where Jana was curled up at one end of the plush sectional, a pair of fuzzy pink socks adorning her feet. The sight made me want to smile. She wore little else in the way of clothing, only a camisole and a pair of tiny shorts, but she always had a pair of those fuzzy socks on. What’s with that?

  I hadn’t realized I’d spoken out loud until Jana’s head swiveled my way. “What’s with what?”

  Embarrassed to have been caught watching her, I dropped my eyes back to the sink and fiddled with the utensils for a moment. “Your socks.”

  I dried my hands on a dish towel as I glanced over at her again. She lifted one shoulder. “My feet are always cold.”

  I cracked a grin. “Have you tried wearing clothes?”

  She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t say the rest of me was cold, just my feet.”

  “Gotcha.” I sank onto the couch a few cushions away and spread my arms out over the back. “What’re you watching?”

  “I don’t honestly know.” She gently tossed the remote my way. “I don’t get a chance to watch much TV, so if there’s something you want to turn on, go ahead.”

  “This is fine.” I turned my attention to the reality show on TV. From what I’d gathered, a dozen or so strangers were all on an island, apparently looking for love. Twenty minutes later, I was reluctant to admit that it had sucked me in.

  “What a tool.” I gestured to the guy on the screen. “Do women actually go for that shit?”

  Jana lifted one shoulder. “I guess so. In my experience, all the good ones seem to be taken.”

  I snorted. The only men she’d been with recently were money-hungry, douche bag pretty boys, so it didn’t surprise me that she hadn’t found anyone worthwhile. Keeping the comment to myself, I turned my attention back to the TV until the show ended.

  Jana slapped a hand over her mouth to cover a yawn, and I glanced over at her. “Are you ready for bed?”

  Her face scrunched up in apology. “Sorry. It’s been kind of a long day. You can stay up if you want.”

  I’d been dreading this moment all day long, but I couldn’t put it off any longer. I picked up the remote and turned off the TV. “That’s okay, we can head to bed. I need to do a quick once over of the house, then figure out where I’m going to sleep.”

  Part of me stupidly, irrationally, hoped she would voice her offer to let me sleep in bed with her again. Before I could say anything I would regret, I continued. “Why don’t you use the bathroom first, and I’ll shower up when you’re done.”

  Without waiting for an answer, I headed to the sliding door by the patio and checked to make sure but it was locked. Though I didn’t look at her, I heard Jana’s soft footsteps pad down the short hallway and into the bathroom. Heaving a soft sigh, I checked each window and door thoroughly, wasting as much time as possible before I had to meet her in the bedroom. Once I was sure that everything was locked up tight, I grabbed a change of clothes from my suitcase and slipped into the bathroom to get ready.

  I took a quick shower, not wanting to leave her unattended too long, then hopped out and yanked on my clothes. I steeled myself as I flicked off the light and headed toward the bedroom. Jana had gotten a shower earlier this evening, and she was waiting on the edge of the bed when I entered.

  She’d worn the tiny tank top and shorts all evening, but somehow, the sight of her wearing them here in the bedroom was a thousand times more erotic. I wanted to slide the spaghetti-thin strap down her shoulder, explore every inch of tanned, toned skin. Forcing my gaze and thoughts away from her, I scanned the bedroom again.

  The floor was tiled, probably for low maintenance reasons, but there was at least a rug under the bed. The rug made a three-foot border around the bed, and the thin layer of woven fabric was better than nothing. Pulling a blanket from the closet, I folded it in half for extra padding and laid it on the floor at the foot of the bed, placing myself between both the sliding door and the door to the hallway.

  I gestured with my chin toward the bed. “Can I steal a pillow?”

  Silently, Jana reached behind her to snag a pillow, then threw it my way.

  “Thanks.” I dropped it to the floor then found an outlet close by to charge my phone. Jana still sat on the edge of the bed, and I finally lifted my eyes to hers. “Do you need anything else before we hit the hay?”

  She shook her head slowly. “Nope. I’m good.”

  I spun on a heel and took two quick steps toward the door, then flipped off the overhead light. The rustle of sheets met my ears as Jana slipped under them, and I bit my tongue, willing myself not to look. I settled onto my makeshift pallet and tucked my hands beneath my head, staring at the ceiling. The blankets made it more comfortable, and it definitely wasn’t the worst place I’d ever slept.

  “Night.” Jana’s soft voice floated on the still air down to me.

  “Night.” I closed my eyes and tried to shut off my brain to settle in to sleep, but all I could see was her. I remembered the look of wonder on her face the moment we stepped onto the beach and she’d seen the ocean for the first time. I heard her tinkling laugh as the cool water lapped over her toes, the huge smile lighting her face more radiant than the sun. And that tiny red bikini... God, she was so gorgeous. I’d had to constantly fight my hard-on around her, because the sight of her sleek body was like a drug to my system.

  I shifted uncomfortably and bit back an oath as heat raced to my groin. Fuck, I couldn’t think of her like that. She was slowly burrowing under my skin with those sweet smiles that made me want to show her everything, spend every minute of the next thirteen days exploring the island from top to bottom. I wanted to say to hell with the rules—but I couldn’t. We were here for her safety, and it needed to stay that way. In order to pull this whole thing off, I needed to spend more time watching our surroundings and less time checking out Jana’s tight ass and perfect tits, barely concealed in that stretchy fabric. Damn.

  A soft creak of the mattress drew my attention back to her as she shifted in bed. I drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, finally managing to wrangle my wayward thou
ghts under control. I closed my eyes and willed myself to go to sleep. But I was trained to be attuned to my surroundings, and my ears perked up at every little sound—and there were a lot of those. For the next several hours, I lay on the floor in a state of torture as Jana tossed and turned in the bed just a few feet away. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was as uncomfortable and on edge as I was.

  Finally, in the still-early morning when I could drag it out no longer, I hauled myself to my feet. With a grimace, I stretched my sore muscles then glanced over at the bed. Jana slumbered away, her face relaxed, long blonde strands spread out behind her on the pillowcase. She seemed so small, so vulnerable, and a strange sense of possessiveness washed over me.

  I gave a slight jerk of my head, shaking off the strange emotion. Though I’d spent years in the military watching over my brothers’ backs, this was the first time I’d ever been in a situation like the one with Jana. Protecting a woman was different. They were softer, more delicate... and infinitely more tempting. I shut down that train of thought, chalking up the surge of protectiveness to the basic primitive need to protect her from harm.

  I quietly exited the bedroom and closed the door behind me, then headed into the kitchen. I’d never been a coffee person, and apparently Jana wasn’t either. Neither of us had added it to the grocery list, and I couldn’t remember ever seeing her drink it. I smiled. As different as we were, at least that was one thing we had in common.

  The sun was just breaking over the horizon as I stepped into the back yard. I shot a glance toward the sliding doors where Jana hopefully still snoozed away in bed and drew in a lungful of the salty ocean air. After being with her almost every minute of the past twenty-four hours, I needed some time to myself to get my head on straight.