Heart of a Devil

by Morgan James

  Rutland’s gaze swung to mine, and I staggered to my feet. He held out a hand as I approached. “Well done. We couldn’t have done it without your help.”

  I bit back the angry retort that sprang to my lips as I shook his hand. Had they listened to me and questioned Maggie, maybe this wouldn’t have happened. Or maybe, I thought as my anger slipped away, it would have been too late. If we’d gone in to talk with Maggie, I never would have heard the noises on the beach that led me to her. We certainly would have been pulling up a body instead of my wife who was finally safe.

  “Thank you for your help.” I dropped my hand to my side, then tipped my head in the direction of the condo where Maggie was staying. “What’s happening with Maggie?”

  Rutland rested his hands on his duty belt. “My men are bringing her in as we speak.”

  After everything Jana had been through, I was going to make damn sure she never had to worry about her safety again. “What about the guy? Did he admit to anything?”

  “Not yet.” Chief Rutland shook his head. “His story is that Maggie was the mastermind.”

  “The asshole threw her in the fucking ocean and left her to drown.” The thought still had the power to make my blood run both hot and cold.

  “I know, I know.” Rutland held up his hands in supplication. “And we’ll get both your statements so we can do our best to put both of them away.”

  I scowled. That wasn’t good enough, but I knew he was doing everything he could. Despite his feelings on the matter, he was bound by the law. “I want a restraining order against both of them—same goes for Jana.”

  I threw a look at the woman in question who the EMS were currently loading onto a stretcher, then turned back to Rutland. “Where’s the closest hospital?”

  “Right over the bridge in Bradenton.” He tipped his chin at me. “Make sure they check that wound.”

  I gave a noncommittal nod as I dug my phone out of my back pocket, grimacing as I hit the home button. After my swim in the ocean, I didn’t expect it to work. Miraculously, the waterproof cover I used actually seemed to have protected it, because the screen lit up immediately.

  I glanced at Rutland. “I’ll touch base with Con and let him know what happened.”

  “No need.” He waved me off. “I’ll take care of it, make sure you guys are good to get home as soon as you’re released.”

  “Thanks.”

  Every muscle in my body protesting, I made my way up the beach behind the medics. Once they’d loaded her in the back of the ambulance, the medic who’d cared for Jana nodded to me, and I shot her an appreciative smile as I hopped in.

  Jana’s eyes met mine, squinting against the brightly lit interior of the truck. I took her hand in mine as I leaned in close to her ear. “Good thing I’m gonna be around from now on. Someone’s gotta keep you out of trouble.”

  A tiny smile lifted the corners of her mouth at my gentle tease, and I brushed my lips over her temple. “I’ll never let anyone take you from me. You’re mine, Jana Incarnato.”

  Chapter Forty

  Jana

  “Babe?”

  “Back here,” I yelled from the bedroom. I grabbed the last pair of socks from the bottom of the laundry basket and shoved them into the dresser, then closed the drawer with a smile. I loved seeing my clothes next to his, the way he’d welcomed me wholly into his life. I loved being surrounded by his things, being surrounded by him. Though it’d only been a few weeks, we’d fallen into a comfortable rhythm.

  After the ordeal with my father and Maggie, I’d spent a day in the ICU in Bradenton before we flew back home. The studio had cut ties with Maggie, who’d claimed innocence initially. She hadn’t been able to make bail, so she was still in Florida awaiting sentencing. My father had several prior offenses, and he’d been denied any chance at bail. He was currently being charged for attempted murder and would likely be put away for a long time.

  In my statement to the police, I’d explained their plan to kill me, then swindle my mother out of the life insurance payout she would have received on my behalf. An officer spoke with my mother to corroborate the events that had transpired prior to her arrest almost a little over a month ago.

  Apparently, Carl had swept back into her life like a white knight, luring her away from Burt. My father had convinced her to move in with him and, since my mother never had any money of her own, he’d made several small deposits into her account to win her over. While she thought Carl had been helping her out, she’d unwittingly given him access to her account information and checkbook. He would have easily been able to drain the account with her none the wiser.

  Vince appeared in the doorway, and his eyes immediately landed on me. He strode forward and pulled me into his arms. “Good news.”

  “Yeah?” I stretched up on my toes for a kiss, luxuriating in the slow sweetness of his lips on mine, the way his hands slid over my back.

  Vince broke the kiss and smiled at me. “Maggie pled guilty.”

  My brows shot up. “Seriously?”

  “It was the smart thing for her to do.” He lifted one shoulder. “Her lawyer managed to talk her into spilling everything and getting a plea deal.”

  Unease sat heavily in my stomach. “So she’s still going to jail, right?”

  “She’ll do some time.” Vince’s gaze turned wary, and he let out a little sigh. “She’s been charged as an accessory to attempted murder along with several other things, but they cut down on the sentence because she’s cooperating.”

  I leaned away. “Tell me how that’s a good thing. Because the way I see it, she’ll be back out in no time.”

  “I know, babe.” He pulled me back to him. “But we’ve got restraining orders—”

  “Great,” I mumbled sarcastically. “I’ve got a piece of paper to protect me.”

  “Come on, now.” Vince stroked my hair. “They’ve done what they could.”

  I couldn’t hide the disappointment I knew shone on my face. I wanted justice; I wanted them to be punished for what they’d done—not only to me, but to everyone else they’d hurt in the process. It wasn’t fair.

  “I don’t like it, either,” he continued, his soothing voice rumbling next to my ear. “But it’s what we’ve got to work with, so we need to take it.”

  “I know. It still sucks.”

  “It does,” he agreed. “But I’d like to believe that Maggie wouldn’t be stupid enough to try something like this again. She knows she won’t be as lucky a second time.”

  That was true, at least. “What about my father?”

  “With his history, he’ll be doing some serious time. You won’t have to worry about him again.”

  “Good.” I curled in closer to Vince, reveling in his heat and strength. I wanted to put that time behind us and move forward.

  “Besides, you know I’ll never let anyone hurt you.”

  I tipped my head up and looked at him. His expression was earnest, and it made me melt a little inside. Since Vince was no longer required to work security for me, we’d both returned to work once we arrived home. But Vince was more protective than ever. He was constantly checking in to make sure I’d gotten to and from the studio okay each day, and he hated when his jobs for QSG took him away from me at night.

  He stared down at me. “Do you know what today is?”

  “Um...” I searched my mind but came up empty. “Thursday?”

  “That, too.” He chuckled, then turned serious again. “Today marks exactly one month that we’ve been married.”

  I blinked. “You kept track?”

  “You didn’t?”

  He laughed when my mouth flopped open then snapped shut again as I floundered for a response, and I lightly slapped his chest. “Whatever. So, what’d you get me?”

  “It’s always about you, isn’t it?” His tone was teasing as he slipped his hands lower until they cupped my bottom. “I was thinking something more... mutually satisfying.”

  “By all means.” I grabbed hi
s shirt and stepped backward, tugging him toward the bed. “Show me what you had in mind.”

  He grabbed my hips and lifted me, then lay me back against the cool fabric of the comforter as he settled himself over me. I was already reaching for him when he grabbed my hands, stilling my movements. My gaze jumped to his, and my breath caught at the emotion I saw swirling there.

  “You’re beautiful.” He released my hand and stroked my hair, then cupped my face. “I don’t tell you that enough.”

  “You do—”

  His thumb swept over my mouth, silencing me. “I don’t tell you how much I look forward to seeing you each day. How happy you make me.” His chest rose and fell. “How much I love you.”

  It was the first time either of us had uttered those words, and tears sprang to my eyes as happiness spread through my body. “Really?”

  “How could you ever doubt it?” His lips lowered to mine, and he kissed me soft and slow. I slid my fingers through the short strands of hair at the back of his neck as he thrust his tongue against mine.

  A long minute later, I surfaced from my haze of pleasure and met his gaze. “I’ve wanted to tell you forever—I love you, too.”

  He grinned, pulling me with him as he rolled to his back. “Show me.”

  Epilogue

  Vince

  Six Months Later

  Buttery morning sunlight spilled through the window behind Jana, turning her hair to spun gold and bathing her in an ethereal glow. She was absolutely gorgeous, inside and out, so much that it hurt to look at her sometimes. I had no idea how I’d ever gotten so lucky, but I knew one thing—I was never going to let her go.

  I watched as her eyelashes fluttered against her cheek, those gorgeous, big blue eyes blinking open and meeting mine, as if she could feel me watching her.

  I swept a strand of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  Jana shifted her head on the pillow to look at me, a sexy, sleepy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Merry Christmas.”

  It was a very merry Christmas, and I couldn’t wait to share it with her. “You ready for breakfast?”

  “Mhmm. In a minute.” She burrowed her head into the crook of her neck, tangling her legs with mine, and I pulled her into my arms, the way I did each morning. The queen-sized bed we were currently curled up in was smaller than my king we typically shared at home, but I wasn’t going to complain.

  Yesterday afternoon we’d flown into Pittsburgh to spend Christmas with my family, and they’d insisted we stay with them instead of a hotel. It was the first time Jana had met my family, and they’d immediately welcomed her into the fold. My mom was beyond thrilled to meet her and already loved her as much as I did. Last night, once we were alone in our room, Jana had broken down and cried. I didn’t completely understand her reaction, but I knew the tumultuous relationship with her mother had done a number on her. Jana was part of my life for good, and I would do everything in my power to never let anything hurt her again.

  A little over a month ago, Jana had moved her things into my house and we’d listed her two-bedroom home for rent. Sharing a bedroom at my place left two other rooms open—rooms that I hoped would be filled soon. My mom had hinted at grandkids on the phone, but I’d warned her not to say anything in front of Jana. Though we both wanted kids eventually, I knew it would be tricky with Jana’s career, and I promised myself I wouldn’t pressure her.

  I swept one hand down her back and patted her butt. “Come on, sweetheart.”

  She let out a little groan before peeling herself away, a sexy little pout taking up residence on her pretty face. I caught her and dragged her back to me, one hand tangled in the hair at the back of her head. “Hotel tomorrow night, then you’re all mine.”

  I kissed her once—hard—then let her go. My cock twitched as I watched her slide from bed, lean muscles rippling as she lifted her hands over her head and stretched. With our busy schedules prior to the holiday, it’d been several days since we’d had a chance to have sex. My parents probably wouldn’t care, but I preferred to be in a hotel where we could be alone—especially as vocal as Jana could be sometimes.

  Several hours later, we’d eaten and were gathered in the living room to exchange presents. My brothers and their families would be coming in tomorrow to celebrate, which gave us some one-on-one time with my parents. I passed Jana a brightly colored package, and her cheeks glowed with happiness as she pulled out a pair of fuzzy socks and clutched them to her chest.

  “I love them! Thank you.” She leaned over and kissed my cheek, then turned her attention to my dad, who was doing his best to distract her with talk of his new tool set.

  I pulled up the camera function and slipped my phone to my mom. She met my gaze, a huge smile on her face. “I was worried at first, but now that we’ve met her...”

  I knew exactly how she felt. My parents were initially concerned and slightly disappointed to hear that I’d eloped with Jana before I even bothered to introduce them. I’d eventually told them it was a whirlwind romance, and that I’d known the moment I met her that I loved her and had to have her. Looking back, I think that was the truth. We’d both tried so hard to conceal our true emotions and failed miserably. Thank God.

  Mom passed me an ornament with Jana’s name inscribed on it, then pulled me into a hug. “I’m happy for you.”

  “Me, too.” I softly kissed her cheek, then turned back to my wife. I laid a gentle hand on Jana’s shoulder to get her attention, and my dad shot me a knowing look as Mom sank down on the couch next to him.

  “Hey, babe. One last thing.” She looked up at me with curious eyes as I passed her the ornament. “Now that you’re officially part of the family, you get your own ornament.”

  She reached out and tentatively touched the silver Treble Clef, her bright eyes jumping between my parents and me. “I... Really?”

  “Absolutely,” my mother encouraged with a smile. “Go put it on the tree.”

  A huge smile split Jana’s face as she slipped it from my fingers and headed for the tree in the corner. I followed right behind and pointed out a spot high up right in front. “How about there?”

  As she stretched up to hang the ornament on the branch, I dropped to a knee. She turned, and her eyes widened at the sight of me. “Vince...?”

  “It’s occurred to me that you never received an official proposal.” Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she stared down at me. “We told everyone that we got engaged at Christmas when I took you home to meet my family.” I opened my arms wide. “Now it’s the truth.”

  One tear escaped and slipped down her cheek. “I can’t believe you did this.”

  She still wore the ring I’d given her during our fake proposal, so I didn’t have anything to give her, except myself. I stood and pulled her into my arms. “Never doubt that I want to be with you. You deserve the absolute best, baby, and I want to spend the rest of my life giving it to you. We’re already married, but I want you to know that I’m in this because I want to be—because I love you more than anything.”

  A stifled sob caught in her throat, eliminating her words as she threw herself against my chest. I caught her, wrapping my arms around her waist and lifting her off her toes as I hugged her tight. “Don’t cry, beautiful. You know I can’t stand those tears.”

  She spoke against my chest, but the words came out muffled, and I let out a little chuckle. “Didn’t catch that.”

  My mom and dad had made themselves scarce, and I kissed Jana’s forehead.

  She lifted her head to meet my gaze. I lowered her until her feet were flat on the floor, then swept a stray tear from her cheek. Her mouth trembled, and I fought a smile as she sniffed loudly. “You didn’t have to do this.”

  I cupped her chin and lifted her gaze to mine. “I wanted to. You deserve it.” Her mouth trembled in a shaky smile, and I slid my fingers through her hair, cupping the back of her head. “Everything about our relationship was unconventiona
l, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

  “I love you.” She looped her arms around my waist and tipped her head up to me. I pulled her close as she leaned into me. Her teeth cut into her lower lip as she studied me. “I have something for you, too.”

  “Oh?” I followed behind as she made her way up the stairs to the guest room where we were staying.

  She stopped just inside the room, and I closed the door behind us. A strange feeling gripped me as she turned to face me, looking incredibly unsure of herself. “I... I didn’t want to do this in front of your parents.”

  I stiffened, my entire body going rigid. I was pretty certain that no good conversation had ever started with something like that. It meant she was worried how I would react. It put me on edge, and I stared silently at her as she continued. Her eyes darted around the room, unable to make contact with mine for more than a second or so.

  “I just...”

  She wrung her hands together nervously, and I fought to keep my tone level. “Whatever it is, sweetheart, you can talk to me.”

  Her lips rolled together, and her chest rose and fell on a deep breath before she spun on a heel and crossed the room. She bent and riffled through her suitcase for a moment before pulling out a small rectangle, clutching it to her chest as she turned to face me. “I...” She faltered and started over. “I wasn’t sure what you would say, so...”

  I eyed her quizzically. She was worried that I wouldn’t like her gift? My gaze fell to the item, which, from the back, looked like a small photo frame. I held out my hand. “Let me see.”

  She swallowed hard and took a step forward, then extended the object to me, facedown. I slipped it from her shaky fingers and flipped it around. My brows drew together at the blurry black and white image.

  “Wh—” The air left my lungs as the small typed letters in the upper left-hand corner registered.