Devil She Became (Devil's Angels Book 1)

by Autumn Raynne

  “Yes, Tom, I recall that. How tragic. She was so young. Grantham was left with two young girls to raise.

  “Harrison Grantham is the son of billionaire, Harlan Grantham, of New York. The ceremony will take place at St. John’s Cathedral on Lakeview Road. From there, a horse-drawn carriage will transport the couple to the Lake Shore Grand Reception Hall for their lavish reception. Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets to catch a glimpse of what is being called the wedding of the decade in Chicago.”

  “Yes, Tom, some people are even calling the Granthams American royalty. He is ‘old money’ and she is an unknown model.”

  “Truly seems like a real life fairy tale, Jessica. Stay tuned. We have reporters attending the ceremony, as well as the reception, and will have a full report for you tonight at 9:00 p.m.”

  Ugh. Disgusting, Ava thought as she watched footage of the engagement party on TV. The more she saw Grantham, the more enraged she became. He was disgusting and crude. Barbie was nothing more than a pretty little doll to him. A plaything to be bought with his billions, she thought. Once she became inconvenient, he would get rid of her too, just like Lisa. The thought caused her hands to involuntarily clench, razor sharp nails digging into her palms. One of the clips they were displaying on TV showed Barbie and Grantham kissing. How vulgar, Ava thought and nearly retched. She had to pour herself several shots of scotch to erase that image from her head. Checking her phone, she started getting ready. Brushing her long black hair until it shone, she decided she wouldn’t wear a wig. She wanted everyone to finally see the real beauty she possessed. Her eyes would remain their natural pale blue. With her makeup applied, she slid into her breathtaking red gown. Donning a pair of ruby and diamond earrings, she admired herself in the mirror. Fabulous. Slipping her 9mm Glock into her red evening bag, she descended down the elevator to the garage, and the valet brought her red Ferrari Spider around.

  Chapter 55

  “Reese, you look so gorgeous!” Ashley exclaimed, watching two stylists work on Reese’s hair. Her hair had been softly curled, waved back from her face and caught high at the crown with a cluster of curls cascading down her back. With her makeup professionally applied, Reese looked every bit the part of Cinderella. Her full lips were tinted a glossy rose shade, and her blue eyes were lined in kohl with dramatic mascara. Small elegant diamonds glittered from her earlobes. Ashley stood back and admired her friend’s beauty without envy. Reese deserved all this happiness after her first disastrous marriage and all the heartache Harrison had put her through when they’d broken up last year.

  Reese sat in the stylist’s chair feeling stunned at how beautiful she looked. Surely she had looked this good before as she had modeled for years, but it was the love shining in her eyes which made her stunningly beautiful. The hope and promise of a new life with Harrison made her light up as nothing else ever had. Her mother, sister and sister-in-law all flattered her with compliments.

  After several pictures, Reese retired to her private suite to slip into her wedding lingerie and a white silk chemise she was wearing until it was time to don her phenomenally gorgeous gown. The diamonds on the gown made it extremely heavy and difficult to wear.

  Her wedding veil in place on her head, she checked her phone. She had an hour until she needed to dress. Her nails were flawlessly painted a light, sheer pink color. She drummed her fingers on the dresser. Outside, one of Harrison’s hired guards, Omar, stood watch over her. She had been quite worried about Ava showing up, but with Omar standing there, she felt safe. Leaning back, Reese grabbed a glass of champagne and sipped it while she waited to dress. She couldn’t wait! Looking at her exquisite gown on the mannequin, she could scarcely wait to put it on. Reaching down, she slipped on her custom diamond heels. Almost like glass slippers, she thought, laughing.

  A soft knock on her door and Ashley poked her head inside. “Reese, it’s almost time!”

  Ashley threw open the door, carrying her own glass of champagne. She closed the door and whispered, “Who is that goon outside?”

  Reese rolled her eyes. “It’s one of the guys Harrison hired to do security for the wedding. Lot of weirdos out there. Harrison wanted to be sure I was safe is all.” Reese wasn’t about to mention anything about Lisa, Darrell or Ava.

  Ashley shrugged then looked at her. “Girl, you look gorgeous! That dress is to die for! It looks like something royalty would wear. You are so lucky. You got a real catch this time!” Ashley threw her arms enthusiastically around Reese.

  Reese disentangled herself from her friend’s tight embrace. “I know! He’s just fabulous,” she said and sighed.

  “Doesn’t he have another brother or something?” Ashley kidded.

  Reese shook her head. “Nope, sorry.”

  Ashley, wearing her beautiful rose-colored bridesmaid dress, sipped her champagne while admiring Reese’s gown.

  “Oh, my God, are those glass slippers?” She swooped down to inspect Reese’s glittering heels.

  “No. Diamond studded.” Reese smiled.

  “Are you kidding? Wow. I’ve never seen diamond heels before! I guess that’s what you get when you marry a billionaire!” Ashley ran her hands over the elaborate shoes.

  Reese giggled. “Yep, I really hit the jackpot with Harrison. He’s everything I ever wanted… handsome, debonair, sexy.”

  “And tremendously rich. Don’t forget that!”

  “How could I? I know most people probably think I’m quite the gold-digger being a blonde ex-bikini model marrying a very wealthy man, but it’s not about the money. It never was. In the beginning, I didn’t even know Harrison was heir to such a vast fortune. I thought he was just a very successful attorney. Only when I met Av–”

  Reese caught herself before she said Ava.”

  “What?” Ashley looked puzzled.

  “Never mind. It was almost a year before I found out who Harrison really was. So his money is nice, but that’s not why I want him.”

  Ashley patted her shoulder. “I know, Reese. Ever since I have known you, you have been looking for Mr. Right. The fact that your Mr. Right happens to be a billionaire is just a plus. I never thought you were a gold-digger. Not for a second. I just think you are so lucky!” Ashley jumped up and down and embraced Reese again.

  “Whoa, Ash. Don’t want to mess up my hair!” Reese pulled Ashley’s arms from her neck.

  “What? Oh, I’m sorry! Hey, who’s that groomsman with the dark wavy hair?”

  Reese thought a moment. “Oh, the tall one with the goatee? He’s super cute, isn’t he? His name is Kevin Cox. He works with Harrison.”

  “Is he an attorney too?”

  Reese nodded. “Yes, and single.”

  Ashley squealed. “Oh, he’s hot! Introduce me, please!” Ashley pleaded with Reese.

  “Sure. Actually, he noticed you last night at the rehearsal dinner and asked Harrison about you. He said you were ‘very sexy’ as Harrison put it.”

  Ashley jumped up and down, clapping her hands. “Oh, set us up, Reese, please! Sit us next to each other at the reception.”

  “Definitely. I think you two would be a great match. Harrison plays golf with him often. We could all hang out together. It would be so much fun.” The two women giggled like schoolgirls as they sipped their champagne.

  Checking her phone, Reese noticed she only had a few minutes left before she had to get dressed.

  “Hey, Ash, give me a few minutes before I need to get dressed, okay?” Reese wanted a few minutes alone to reflect and gather her thoughts before the wedding. She was so excited, so happy. She just wanted to savor every minute she could.

  Ashley kissed her on the cheek and left the room, shutting the door.

  Gazing out the window, it was a perfect day… azure-blue sky, not a cloud in sight, bright sun streaming through the window and a soft breeze in the air whipped through the sheer curtains. Thinking of Harrison, she had a naughty idea. Giggling, she grabbed her phone and pulled down her panties. Slipping the phon
e between her legs, she snapped a quick picture. She texted it to Harrison. She had never done that before and wondered what his reaction would be. She insisted he not see her before the wedding, but she guessed that this probably didn’t count.

  A few moments later, he responded.

  That’s the hottest pic I have ever seen. Now I will have a hard time getting my pants zipped. Can’t wait to see u. Love u Reese Grantham.

  Reese smiled. Looking out the window, it would be the last time she saw the sky as Reese Vogel. In less than two hours, she would face the world as Reese Grantham. She couldn’t wait!

  Harrison was busy getting dressed in his custom tuxedo. Clean shaven with his hair styled to perfection, he looked at himself in the mirror. He flexed his muscles underneath his dress shirt. He thought of how much he loved Reese and how beautiful she was going to look on his arm.

  He was startled by his door opening.

  “Hey, man, just wanted to have one last drink with you before we head out!” Mike carried a bottle of scotch and two glasses with him.

  “That sounds great. I could use one!” Mike set the glasses down and began filling them.

  Holding their glasses up, Mike offered a toast. “To your beautiful new wife, Reese, and the beginning of a wonderful new life for your family!” They clinked glasses and downed the liquor.

  “Thanks, man. Not long now.” Harrison turned back to the mirror, adjusting his shirt.

  “Congratulations, brother, on getting to marry the girl you’ve always wanted. I know things with Lisa were rough.” Mike put his hand on Harrison’s shoulder.

  Harrison nodded. “Yeah, it feels a little strange to be doing this so soon after her death, but Reese is the one, Mike. I can’t let her get away.”

  Mike smiled. “I know you were always crazy for the curvy blondes, Harry. Listen, I didn’t just come here to toast you. I wanted to thank you.”

  “Thank me for what?” Harrison appeared incredulous.

  “For always being there for me as a kid. For taking the brunt of mom and dad’s ‘think of the family name’ spiel. You did it all. I fucked around with trashy girls, went to a crappy state school… I didn’t give a shit about the family name, but you did. You lived the life they wanted you to, and I saw how you suffered. I married a hot girl from nowhere, and you stayed and married the girl they wanted you to. It wasn’t fair. I knew it, but I never said anything. I liked Lisa a lot, Harry, but she wasn’t for you. I’m so sorry she’s gone… she was a great mother, but she was so cold to you. Jessica noticed and commented on that often, but I didn’t say anything.”

  Harrison held his hand on his shoulder. “What could you have said? My marriage to Lisa was a disaster, but she gave me two beautiful children. I’m sorry she’s gone too, but Reese is like a bright light in the darkness to me. I can’t get enough of her. This is my second chance.”

  Mike nodded in agreement. “Absolutely. I just wanted you to know I’m here for you. I’m so happy for you finding love again, and in such a beautiful girl.”

  Harrison turned to face him. “Thanks, man. You and Jessica have been there for me and the girls through all this. I appreciate it so much. I’m honored to have you as my best man.”

  Mike smiled. He was touched by Harrison’s words, but didn’t want to show it. “It’s all good, man. You’re my brother.” They embraced briefly.

  Harrison grabbed the bottle of scotch. “One more toast.” He poured the liquor and handed Mike a glass.

  “To you, brother. For all that you have done for me and my girls. Thank you so much.”

  As they clinked glasses, Mike added, “To Reese, a fantastic girl, and a great new sister-in-law!”

  “To Reese!” They both exclaimed. Harrison downed his scotch and resumed buttoning his cufflinks.

  “Harry, it’s almost time to go. I will leave you to your preparations. I need to go check on dad. Make sure he’s holding up okay with mom’s constant bitching in his ear.”

  Harrison rolled his eyes. “Yes. She yaps to anyone who will listen about Reese being so ‘West Coast’ and a former porn star. I told her that Reese only modeled bikinis and never did any porn! I swear I want to slap her sometimes.”

  “She’s one of a kind. I know dad is sick of her shit and can’t wait to get back to New York so he can ditch her at her bridge club.”

  Harrison sighed. “That’s exactly why I am marrying Reese. She is everything mom and Lisa were not. She’s fun-loving and spontaneous, not to mention sexy as hell.”

  “Absolutely. Well, good luck. I will see you in a few.” Mike shut the door.

  Harrison looked down at his phone and the last picture Reese had sent. He couldn’t wait until tonight when they could be alone again. His heart raced as he thought of her. He couldn’t wait to see her in her beautiful white gown and to see what was underneath it. He’d never dreamed that a girl who had once been his mistress was now going to be his wife. And he owed it all to one little spider. A deadly, venomous spider he hoped he would never see again.

  Chapter 56

  12:15 p.m.

  “Reese? Reese? Are you in there?” Reese’s mother and Ashley tapped on her door. Opening the door, they saw Reese’s room just as it had been when Ashley had talked to her a half hour before.

  “Maybe she’s in the bathroom.” Ashley suggested going to check. Looking around the room, Meg felt a chill go up her spine. Something wasn’t right. Reese’s gown was still hanging on the mannequin. Her shoes, however, were gone. Her phone was still on the dressing table.

  Fearing something terrible had happened, Meg reached down and began scrolling through her phone. Maybe Harrison had called her and they had met briefly. No, nothing recent from Harrison.

  Ashley emerged from the bathroom puzzled. “She’s not in there. This is strange. She was fine when I talked to her a little while ago.”

  “Are you sure? Where would she go? She wasn’t even dressed…”

  Meg’s face was as white as a sheet as she thought of all the dreadful things that could have happened to her daughter.

  “I’m sure. We had some champagne and talked about Harrison. She was so happy. I don’t know…” Ashley looked down, trailing off.

  Scanning the room, the two women saw nothing out of the ordinary. Omar, the guard, sauntered into the room eating a barbecue cheeseburger with sauce dripping off his chin. “What’s going on here?”

  Meg walked up to him and seized him by his beefy shoulders. “Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to be watching this room.”

  Omar held his hands up. “Hey, I just went out to get a bite. She was fine when I left.”

  “How long have you been gone? Ashley asked.

  Finishing his burger, he swallowed. “About thirty minutes. Why? Where is she?” The big burly guard wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

  Hiding her disgust, Meg swallowed hard. “Well, she couldn’t have gone too far in that short time. Maybe she went to check on something downstairs.”

  Ashley nodded. “That’s probably it. She said she wanted to be sure that the music director had the correct music since she made a last-minute change.”

  Checking her watch, Meg noticed it was almost 12:30 p.m. the wedding was supposed to start in an hour.

  “Ashley, go check downstairs and see if they have seen her. I will go and get Trisha and the rest of the bridesmaids to see if they have seen her.”

  “Should I call Harrison?” Ashley paused at the doorway.

  Meg was right behind her. “Not yet. We will look around for her first, then call him.”

  Ashley quickly ran downstairs careful not to trip on her long gown. Meg went to the bridesmaids’ dressing suite to check for Reese.

  A few minutes passed and they all met up in the hallway outside Reese’s dressing suite.

  No one had seen her since earlier that morning. Where was she? Her suite held no clues. Meg became hysterical and finally called Harrison. He didn’t answer any of his calls or texts. The b
ridal party was becoming frantic. Did Reese get cold feet? Did the two of them run off somewhere for a brief tryst prior to the wedding? None of that made any sense.

  Chapter 57

  A dark, shadowy figure crept down the long hallway. Gliding past the security guard, the dark figure entered Harrison’s suite. Harrison was bending over slipping into his shoes. Hearing something, he tried to turn around.

  “What the fuck?” He demanded.

  Suddenly, he felt a cold, steel barrel pressed into the back of his head. Harrison held his breath.

  Then all went black.

  A few minutes later, Mike and his father were storming into Harrison’s suite looking everywhere for him.

  “Where the hell could he be?” Harlan demanded to know.

  “I have no idea. I was in here about an hour or so ago having a few drinks with him, and he was fine then.” Mike held up his hand helplessly.

  “Maybe Reese called him. Where is his phone?” The two of them looked around and located Harrison’s phone on the floor behind the dressing table.

  Very soon you will see the error of your ways, Harrison.

  “What the fuck does this mean? Who sent this?” Mike demanded. He handed the phone to Harlan.

  “That’s strange. No phone number. Just a text message. Very odd.”

  Grabbing the phone back from Harlan, Mike looked through the rest of the messages. Nothing else unusual other than Reese’s text from earlier.

  “Wow.” They both commented at Reese’s photo.

  “Do you think he couldn’t wait and ran off to see her?” Mike asked.

  “I would. Damn.” Harlan kept looking at the picture.

  “Stop it. This is serious.” Mike ripped the phone out of his hands.

  “I don’t know. No one else has seen him?” Harlan looked at Mike.

  “No, we came in here looking for him to tell him it was time to go.”

  Harrison’s mother wandered into the room. “Where is Harrison? It’s time to go.” Rose picked at the crystals on her exquisite blue designer gown.