Page 84 of Claimed By the Villain

“And then he changed the rules. He said that after five years, I could ask for a divorce.”

She laughs. “Which obviously means that’s not what he wants.”

“I don’t think so either, but when he said it, I got angry. I want lots of babies, and Lucifer told me he doesn’t want children.”

“And what are you going to do? Talk to him about it?”

“No. I don’t think talking will help in his case. Lucifer needs to feel it, so I’ll create that need in him.”

“What’s the plan?”

“I’m going to give him a home. In the middle of the chaos that is our life, I’ll give him something to fight for: my unconditional love, a house where we’ll celebrate milestones, and later, a family.”

Chapter 43

Locked in Beau’s office at Hazard in New Orleans, my mind is split between discussing the final details of the nightclub acquisition and Jackie, who I know is walking through the place with his wife.

Even though we’ve been in Louisiana for several days, it’s the first time I’ve brought her here.

“It’s a low-risk business,” I say, referring to the companies I’m buying.

“It’s not just low-risk, it’s completely legit. Little by little, the lawyers will be able, through legal maneuvers, to prove you could have bought them all along.”

“That’s what I pay them three hundred bucks an hour for.”

“They’re sharks, no doubt, but very necessary in the food chain. At first, all eyes will be on you. Acquiring the clubs will draw some attention. Other businessmen will want to know who you are.”

“And who am I?”

“Besides Satan himself?” He smirks, but his face quickly turns serious. “My protégé. You won’t have to hide in the shadows anymore.”

“I like the shadows.”

“I know. But right now you’ve got too much to lose. With Jackie at your side, the shadows are dangerous. I’m not telling you to flaunt her. That’s not what I do with Amber or my kids. But it’s important that every organization and your possible enemies know she exists.”

I nod in agreement. “I never thought I’d be doing this.”

“Settling down?”

“Yeah. And getting married too.”

“Sounds like it’s permanent now.”

“It is.”

“Does Jackie know that?”

“Jackie told me she loves me. If that’s true, she won’t walk away.”

“I believe you. But there’s something you need to understand, Lucifer: women aren’t like us. They need more.”

“More what?”

“You’re still at the start of your marriage, but at some point Jackie’s going to want a real house, not that apartment you live in.”

I nod. “When she was a teenager, she said she’d get married and live on an island. Or somewhere near the beach.”

“Then buy her one.”