The Devil You Know

by Morgan James

  She lifted her hands in the air, fingers spread wide, her expression playful. “I’m just saying, it sounds pretty easy to me.”

  “Oh yeah?” He took a step toward her and her arms dropped to her sides. “I don’t think you appreciate the extent of my tracking skills.”

  “I...” Her eyes darted to the side and she let out a shriek as he lunged forward. His fingers grazed the material of her robe as she sprinted toward the living room, her musical laughter filling the air. He caught up to her just as she reached the couch, and he wrapped his arms around her from behind and hauled her against him. She wriggled like a worm on a hook, laughing and pleading incoherently as he tightened his grip on her.

  “Who’s laughing now, beautiful?” Her head dropped back, and he kissed the exposed column of her neck, gently raking his teeth over the sensitive flesh. The laugh died in her throat and a soft sigh escaped her lips as she turned to putty in his arms. Trailing kisses up her neck, he set her on her feet and turned her in his arms, pulling her flush against him.

  Her hair fell around her face in gentle waves, and her luminous gray eyes sparkled up at him, cheeks pink from exertion. He couldn’t begin to imagine why he’d ever thought she was cold and unfeeling. Victoria was soft and sweet, and she fit perfectly in his arms, all soft curves to the hard planes of his muscles. The passion she’d shown last night told him that he’d barely scratched the surface. If he ever had the chance to make love to her—and God, did he want to—he knew she’d be passionate and enthusiastic.

  Cupping her chin in one hand, he watched her eyelids flutter closed as he traced the contour of her jaw with his thumb. He dipped his head and brushed his lips across hers, the tingle of their chemistry igniting a fire within him that shot sparks of awareness all the way down to his toes. He pulled back and let his gaze wander over her beautiful face.

  Husky breaths escaped her parted lips and they quivered slightly as if lamenting the loss of his mouth on hers. He traced the slight point of her chin, over the apple of one cheek, up to the sculpted, winged eyebrow over her right eye. He met her gaze, heavy-lidded with lust, and he captured her mouth with his again, unable to resist tasting her once more. A low sound left her throat and he swallowed it as his tongue swept over hers.

  He pulled back slightly and rested his forehead against hers, and her hands swept over his shoulders, tangling in the hair at the nape of his neck.

  “Blake...” She gripped his hair tightly and pulled him down to her, mouth searching for his.

  He happily obliged and, lips never leaving hers, bent and placed his hands beneath her buttocks. He swept her into his arms and settled them in the corner of the couch, straddling her legs across his lap.

  His hands delved into her hair, cradling her skull and tipping her head for better access as his tongue plundered her mouth. She writhed against him, heat from her center pressing against his groin. He abandoned her silky soft hair and trailed his hands down her back, inching the hem of her robe up her thighs, thumbs stroking the soft skin along the crease of her hip. The fabric parted and his hands delved inside, eager to touch her, his fingers skimming the skin just beneath her breasts.

  She inhaled sharply as he flicked over her nipples, and they instantly hardened under his touch.

  Her muscles tensed and Blake froze, praying he hadn’t pushed too hard. After last night, he was dying to touch her again, run his hands and mouth over every inch of her. “You okay?”

  She let out a shuddering breath. “I... yes.”

  Her forehead dropped to rest on his shoulder and he slid his hands around to her lower back. He kissed the tender spot just below her ear, his breath stirring the wisps of hair there as he spoke.

  “Sorry, sweetheart.”

  She shook her head against his shoulder. “It’s just...”

  He understood her unspoken words. It was too much, too soon, and she needed reassurance that she could trust him. Last night had opened the door, but she still had a long way to go. Whether it took days or weeks or years—he wanted to be the one to guide her. His hands came up to cup the back of her head and he leaned her slightly away from him, catching her gaze. “We’ve got plenty of time. Not gonna rush you.”

  A sweet smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “Thank you.”

  “Nothin’ to thank me for. But,” he dipped his head and searched her magnetic eyes, “I do want to see you again.”

  “When?”

  “Soon. Dinner tonight?” She ducked her head to hide the smile that erupted over her face, but he lifted her chin. “God, I love that smile.”

  Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment and he tightened his hold on her. “You’re so beautiful, Doc.”

  Her cheeks blazed at the compliment. “Hardly.”

  He shook his head. “That’s because you don’t see yourself the way I do. You’re so smart, and such an amazingly beautiful person inside and out. I can’t get enough of you.”

  He wrapped his fingers around her tiny hand and lifted it to his lips. “You never answered me, gorgeous. Dinner tonight?”

  Lower lip still caught between her teeth, she let out a soft exhalation and nodded. “Yes.”

  A grin threatened to overtake his mouth. “Good. I’ll pick you up around seven. Wear a dress?”

  One sleek brow shot toward her hairline. “What do you think this is, 1950? Why do I have to wear a dress?”

  “So I can check you out.” He grinned unrepentantly and slid one hand over her knee and up her thigh.

  She laughed and lightly smacked his chest but didn’t say anything else. He studied her for another moment, heart swelling with a strange emotion. He recognized part of it as lust for the beautiful woman he held in his arms. Another was joy that she’d allowed him into her life, trusted him with her body—and maybe even her heart. That last part eluded him, though. It ran deeper, more powerful than the other two; he felt it down to the tips of his toes. Whatever it was, he wanted more of it.

  “HELLO, VICTORIA, HOW are you?”

  “Good morning, Johnathan. I’m fine, how about you?” Victoria shifted the phone so it lay cradled between her ear and her shoulder as she moved around the kitchen.

  ‘Fine’ was a drastic understatement. Her body still pulsed with unrequited desire, and her skin buzzed like a live wire where Blake’s hands had drifted over her.

  Blake had walked out the door barely half an hour ago, leaving her with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside that had yet to subside. From the tingling of her skin, she doubted it would go away anytime soon. And the thought of dinner with him tonight, maybe going back to his place... A welcome heat spread over her chest, fanning outward to her fingertips and lower to her core, making her feel needy and restless.

  He was so different from any other man she’d ever dated. Blake had his own code of honor and he upheld it like the law. He seemed to intuitively know exactly what she needed—he pushed her out of her comfort zone but still managed to respect her boundaries. The last line that lay between them had become slightly blurred. Did she want Blake to be her first? Trepidation mixed with anticipation coursed through her when the immediate answer popped into her mind: yes. He would take care of her, treasure her, treat her the way she deserved.

  “Wonderful. Did you hear about the exhibit the art gallery downtown will be hosting?”

  “I didn’t. Are they featuring anyone good?”

  “I’m not really sure. I just read about it this morning, and I thought maybe we could go tonight.”

  Victoria froze mid-stride. Should she tell him about Blake? Probably not yet. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, and this was a conversation best had in person. Johnathan had been the one to suggest she start dating again, but he’d more than likely meant she should date him. No, for now, she’d just keep it close to her chest until she figured out exactly how to break the news.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I can’t. I promised Kate I would come see her today. She’s supposed to get released sometime this afternoon.”

&
nbsp; It wasn’t a lie, exactly, just... not the whole truth. A trace of disappointment lined Johnathan’s tone when he spoke again. “Do you think you’ll be there all evening?”

  “Possibly. I hate the thought of her being there all alone. They’ve been monitoring her for internal bleeding and they’ve been keeping a close eye on her head for any trauma she may have sustained. Last I heard, everything was normal. They kept her just as a precaution, but she should be fine to come home today.”

  “Wonderful.”

  Victoria couldn’t tell if the statement was genuine or if there was a hint of sarcasm in there. She decided it didn’t matter. A thought popped into her head. “Did Greg Andrews ever contact you?”

  “No. In fact, I left a message for him a few days ago but he never returned my call.”

  Victoria’s features settled into a moue of displeasure. She really hoped the man would leave her alone now. She had no desire to ever have another run-in with him again. “Well, then, I wouldn’t worry about it. I think we were beyond what he initially came for and he was hanging on out of habit.”

  Johnathan made a thoughtful noise on the other end. “Do you suppose he was infatuated with you?”

  She mentally replayed their conversations. “It’s a possibility, I suppose.”

  She’d told Detective Sanchez of the possibility of Greg Andrews lashing out, but the idea just didn’t seem to fit. Of course, nothing was ever as it seemed. Sometimes people hid their deepest secrets right below the surface.

  “Well, you should be extra careful, especially in light of recent events. I love you, Victoria. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

  She cringed at his words. Though she’d told him before she loved him as a friend, she had a feeling his love went a whole lot deeper. She swallowed hard before forcing a lightness into her tone that she didn’t feel. “I’m sure everything will work out.”

  He was silent for a moment when she didn’t return his sentiment. “Well, maybe I’ll give you a call tomorrow and see if you’re interested in dinner or something.”

  “Sounds great.”

  Victoria disconnected the phone and pressed the flat of her palm to her head. She really needed to come clean—and soon. Guilt was already weighing down her conscience and she couldn’t bear to see him hurt. He’d been her shoulder to lean on, and he’d given her some great advice over the past couple years. He didn’t know the whole story, but then few people did. He knew she’d been held against her will and that she’d escaped, but she’d left out all the gory details about Leah’s murder. She’d opened up to Kate one night, years ago, finally spilling every detail. But Johnathan was a man—a friend, yes, and a great doctor—but still a man. She hadn’t quite crossed that hurdle of being able to trust him enough to fully open up.

  Why, then, had she told Blake?

  She glanced at his coffee cup where it lay in the sink next to hers. She’d barely known him for two weeks. What in the world had prompted her to air her dirty laundry? Because he made her feel... everything. Safe, happy, loved... She promptly cut off that last train of thought. It wasn’t love. Lust, maybe. Attraction, certainly. But not love. People didn’t develop those kinds of feelings in just a couple weeks. As a doctor, she knew that. It was lust driving them, nothing more. Pushing away the sudden emptiness filling her heart, she focused on her plan for today. She would go see Kate, make sure her friend was okay. And tonight... tonight she would seduce Blake.

  “HOW ARE YOU FEELING?” She leaned down and gave Kate a hug. Although she was sitting upright in a chair by the window, Kate’s face was still pale, accentuated by the purple bruise emanating from her forehead.

  “Ready to get the hell out of here,” she griped. “I still don’t know why they kept me an extra day. Complete waste of resources.”

  Victoria smiled as Kate rolled her eyes dramatically. It had kind of surprised Victoria, too. Usually hospitals pushed people through recovery and out the door to open up the bed for the next patient. Maybe it was more of a professional courtesy than anything, or maybe there really was more trauma than the doctors had initially guessed.

  “But everything’s okay?” Brain trauma was a tricky thing. Sometimes everything appeared to be okay initially, but latent injury manifested itself later.

  Kate nodded. “Normal function. Everything’s still there, bad judgment and all.”

  Victoria’s lips pressed into a firm line at her friend’s flippant remark. “You weren’t the one with poor judgment—Steve was. He’s the one who cheated and ruined your marriage.”

  “Maybe,” her friend agreed, “but it was a bad idea to get married in the first place. We were too young.”

  She didn’t know what to say to that, so she remained quiet. Kate piped up a minute later. “My memory from the other night is coming back, too.”

  Victoria’s eyes flared with surprise. “Really? Did you recognize him?”

  “No,” Kate shook her head, “but I do remember a little bit of what he said.”

  “Oh. I didn’t realize he’d said anything.”

  “I hadn’t either. But when I woke up this morning, it was the first thing that popped into my head, clear as day.”

  Her friend’s tone was hesitant, and Victoria warily dropped into the chair beside her. “What did he say?”

  “He said you were perfect just the way you were.”

  Victoria’s eyebrows drew together. “But if you were perfect, then why—”

  “Not me.” Kate glanced over at her. “You.”

  “Me?” She reared back in surprise.

  Kate’s head bobbed in affirmation. “He called me a whore. Told me I was corrupting you, that you were perfect just the way you were.”

  Chills raced through her and Victoria couldn’t suppress that shiver that wracked her body. Someone had attacked Kate because of her?

  “My God. I’m so sorry, I had no idea.”

  Kate reached over and laid a hand over hers. “It’s not your fault. I didn’t want to worry you, but this person is clearly after you, and you need to be careful.”

  Victoria bit her lip. “I think you’re right. I think someone broke into my house the other day.” She held up a hand as Kate’s eyes rounded in shock and her mouth opened to speak. “Nothing was stolen, at least not that I can see. But it felt different, like someone had been there.”

  “Did you call the cops?”

  “No. Blake came over and checked things out for me.”

  “Oh?”

  She couldn’t miss the interest in Kate’s question, and a smile curved her mouth. “Then he stayed the night. Last night, too.”

  Glee lit Kate’s features and she let out a very un-Kate-like squeal. “Really?!”

  Victoria laughed. “And before you ask, he was a perfect gentleman.”

  Her friend’s face twisted into an expression of dismay. “Well, that’s disappointing.”

  She bit her lip. “Although...”

  Kate’s eyes lit up as Victoria told her all about the night before. “Was that your first time?”

  She nodded. “We’re going to dinner tonight and I think... I think I’m ready.”

  “It’s a big step,” Kate said, her voice serious. “You’re sure?”

  “Yeah. Blake is...”

  “Sexy? Gorgeous? Ripped?” her friend supplied with a grin.

  “Yes,” Victoria laughed, “to all of those. But he’s... different. I want him to be the first.”

  “As long as you’re certain.”

  “I am.”

  “Good.” Her friend pinned her with a stare. “I want details tomorrow. All of them.” Kate pointed at her. “And don’t you dare leave a single thing out.”

  Victoria grinned. “Deal.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “You’re not a vegetarian, are you?” Blake pointed his fork toward her salad and Victoria shook her head.

  “No, I eat meat occasionally.”

  His head tipped to one side as he studied her. “I tho
ught you ate some of the chicken I made last week, but I couldn’t be sure. You didn’t get it because it’s the cheapest thing on the menu, did you? Because I brought you here to spoil you a little, not starve you. Jesus, a bird couldn’t get full on that.”

  Her lips curled into a smile at his teasing tone before she shrugged. “I don’t get much of a chance to work out these days, so it’s just the lesser of two evils. I have to be careful what I eat.”

  “You have nothing to worry about. You’re perfect just the way you are.”

  “I just... I don’t know. I’ve always been self-conscious. Leah...” She dropped her gaze to the table. “She was the beautiful one—the homecoming queen, the one who all the guys flocked to. Next to her, I felt like the Ugly Duckling. I tried to look my best, but she was always prettier, more perfect. I’ve tried to diet, but it’s like I can never lose those last ten pounds.”

  She sat across the table from him, and he allowed his gaze to sweep over the parts of her that he could see before narrowing on her eyes. “That’s because you’re not meant to. Your body is perfect just the way it is. Curvy, sexy, just begging to be touched. Who wants some supermodel who looks like she’ll break the second you touch her?” He shuddered dramatically. “Besides, Victoria, all that matters is what you think. If you’re happy with yourself, then screw everyone else.”

  Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter stopping by to refill their drinks. “Can I get you two anything else, or will that be all? We’re featuring a fabulous tiramisu tonight.”

  Blake shot her a look. “Dessert?”

  Longing flashed in her eyes before she quickly blinked it away and scrunched up her nose. “I really shouldn’t.”

  He stared at her for a moment before directing his gaze to the waiter. “I’ll take it. Thank you.”

  The man nodded and left, and Blake turned to Victoria. “You’re sharing with me, you know.”

  A tiny smile broke over her face, even as she shook her head. “You’ll regret those words tomorrow when I’m carrying an extra ten pounds on my hips.”