Page 75 of Claimed By the Villain

I run my middle finger along her cheek.

“Careful. I’m going easy on you today because of what happened, but don’t push me, Jackie. Almost losing you had me off-balance. I’m keeping the beast inside me on a leash.”

Still holding my gaze, she reaches for the hem of her own shirt and starts to lift it.

“I’ve never been afraid of the beast inside you. I’ll always welcome him, Lucifer.”

Hours later

“Where is she now?”Beau asks.

“Asleep upstairs.”

“Come to New Orleans. I don’t like the idea of just the two of you there.”

If I weren’t so worried about her safety, I might laugh.

I’ve spent days hiding in jungles in Africa and South America, hunting my targets. I’ve been shot, stabbed, survived three poisoning attempts, five kidnapping attempts, and one explosion. I’m hardly an altar boy. I know how to take care of my own ass, but I also know he’s got a point. Because now, it’s not just about me. Whoever went after Jackie has been watching us. He, or maybe they, knew where my woman worked and also knew we were in a relationship.

“I assume whoever tried to take her didn’t know about her before?”

“I don’t think so. We’ll never know, but I’ve never left anything to chance, always keeping her under close watch. They could’ve been watching her too, just never finding the right moment to strike.”

“I don’t buy that. More likely, they really didn’t know about her,”he says.“And by the way, your guy was an idiot today.”

“Yeah, I know. Jackie tried to cover for him, saying she was the one who told him to stay outside the association building. I actually believe her, because she can be convincing when she wants to be.”

“But he’s supposed to report to you. And only you.”

“Exactly.”

“If you want my advice, talk to Jackie. Maybe your woman still doesn’t fully grasp what she’s gotten herself into. Amber was the same way at first.”

“Jackie was born into a family like mine.”

“Not like yours, you’ve far surpassed them. Compared to you, her relatives, father and brother, were petty thieves. What Jackie needs to understand is that by putting herself at risk, she’s risking your life too. Because we both know that if they take her, you won’t stop looking until you’re dead.”

“Maybe not even then.”

Chapter 40

Days Later

I’m not the type to say living together is the same as marriage. I’m not modern. I’m romantic. I’ve always wanted the full package.

A wedding dress, veil, tiara.

A beautiful, tidy home.

Christmas trees in December.

Turkey on Thanksgiving, followed by the whole family gathered to watch the football game.

I like traditions and rituals.

Flowers, romance, and physical touch.

And of course, I likehim.