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The only thing she wanted to watch was him grimacing above her, but he seemed determined that she would see whatever it was, so she relaxed against him.
He opened the text, and she saw it was from Ian. It was a video clip from WESH2, the central Florida news station.
BREAKING NEWS: SON OF PROMINENT ATTORNEY RICH DANNER ARRESTED
Her heart kicked into high drive. Eyes wide, she sat up straight, leaning forward.“What’s this?”
His smile was uncharacteristically ruthless.“Watch.”
She turned her eyes back to the screen.
There was Bart Danner, handcuffed, with a brown belt around his waist, wearing a navy jumpsuit withORANGE COUNTY CORRECTIONSwritten in white across the back. Two armed officers led him to a sheriff’s vehicle and slammed the door when he was seated.
“Oh my God,” she whispered.“I can’t believe it.”
Adam nodded.“Believe it. That reprobate is going to prison.”
“Did you have anything to do with this?”
A muscle at his jaw ticked.“I couldn’t find the words to console you and had no way to change what happened in the past. What I didhave, however, was Ian, his resources, and a desire to see Danner six feet under. This is the next best thing. All I can say is he’d better learn how to fight. I’m pretty sure he’s going to Union Correctional.”
That was where Ted Bundy had been housed and executed. Every Floridian knew that it was the state’s worst prison.
Eve shivered.“How did they finally get him?”
“With an investigation into child kidnapping. He took the kid from his mother, kept him from her, and threatened her to where she was terrified for her life. What they found when they dug deeper…” He shook his head, his mouth twisting.“You do not want to know.”
But she could guess. She gazed up into his eyes, now steely, her chest swelling with adoration.“When did this investigation start?”
His jaw was taut.“The morning right after you told me.”
Emotions clashed inside her, nearly overwhelming in their intensity. He’d been so silent that night, not once mentioning it again. But he had never let it go.
Quietly and resolutely, her handsome prince had slayed her dragon.
Epilogue
Eve
Eve held her hand out at arm’s length. Her platinum band shone, and the facets of her blue diamond engagement ring caught the light.“I still can’t believe it’s blue, like your eyes.”
“And like the sky,” he pointed out.
Adam had insisted on platinum wedding bands. “The permanent Platinum Package, for both of us,” he’d explained with a rakish grin.
Eve’s heart soared at the sight of the stunning bridal set that finally graced her ring finger. “It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful. Come here.”
He pulled her into his lap.“God, you feel good.”
“I can’t believe Jannie caught my bouquet. She actually called Blake to tell him.”
“Don’t mention that name on my wedding night,” he grumbled.
He kissed her for a long, long while. She broke for air; he nuzzled her neck, and she tilted her head to give him better access.
Now was the time, before she lost her nerve.