Page 75 of The Devil

I toss the phone on the bed and tell Jenna, “It’s just Santiago.”

She presses her hand to her chest while sucking in deep breaths.

She must’ve gone downstairs, and seeing Santiago scared the shit out of her.

“Sit on the bed while I get dressed,” I order.

She plants her butt on the covers, her back to the walk-in closet, then she pulls her knees up and wraps her arms around her shins.

I hurry to where my garment bags are hanging, and I unzip the nearest one. While I put on my pants, my eyes flick to Jenna.

She’s doing so well, much better than I expected. I know I have to work on being patient with her. I’ve made a lot of progress and don’t want to risk fucking things up by moving too fast.

I pull up the zip and reach for my shirt, then glance at her again, drinking in the sight of her blonde hair hanging down her back.

I once again realize how much smaller than me she is. Earlier, when I was kissing her, it took no strength at all to lift her from her feet.

She weighs practically nothing, and it makes my protective side come out in full force.

Deus, I swear if anyone ever tries to lay a finger on her, I’ll rip them apart with my bare hands.

Once I’m dressed, I shove my feet into my shoes before walking back to the bathroom to grab my gun from where I left it on the counter.

As I come into the room again, Jenna’s eyes land on my weapon. While shock ripples over her face, I quickly tuck the gun into my waistband at my back and adjust my jacket to cover it.

I hold my hand out to her, and without any hesitation, she climbs off the bed and comes to me. When her palm settles in mine and I link our fingers, it feels as if our souls link together.

My eyes snap to her face, and in my own language, I repeat what I said to her last night, “Nunca vais ser de mais ninguém. És minha. Para sempre.

She gives me a questioning look. “Portuguese?” When I nod, she asks, “What does it mean?”

“You’ll never belong to anyone else. You’re mine. Forever.”

Her eyebrows draw together. “I don’t understand why a man like you wants someone like me?”

Not caring that Santiago is waiting, I lift my arm and brush my knuckles along the curve of her jaw. “Everything about youmesmerizes me. Your eyes. The way you blush. How small you are.” Once again, I’m overcome with the emotions she makes me feel. “When you worked at the gas station, you slowly got a little comfortable with me, and it was like watching a rare flower blossom.” I take a deep breath as I cup her cheek, my eyes drifting over her beautiful face. “Last night you were scared, but that didn’t stop you from taking care of me.” I shake my head in absolute wonder. “You are perfect in every way that matters to me.”

I lean down and press a tender kiss to her parted lips.

“You are everything I never knew I wanted, and the biggest surprise of my life.”

Jenna’s face is so expressive, it allows me to witness the exact moment she falls in love with me.

Her eyes fill with wonder, and she looks at me as if I’ve just given her everything she’s ever wanted.

My phone begins to ring, once again disturbing a special moment for me.

Letting out a growl, I tighten my hold on Jenna’s hand and stalk out of the bedroom. As we head down the stairs, my eyes lock on Santiago, who still has his phone to his ear, where he’s standing in the foyer.

“Your timing sucks,” I snap at him.

A wide smile spreads over his face while he pushes his phone into his pocket. “Finally. I think I got an extra gray hair waiting for you.”

His dark gaze moves to Jenna, and it has me letting go of her hand and instantly stepping in front of her to block his view of her.

He brings his attention back to me, then smirks, “How the mighty have fallen.”

Letting out a sigh, I ask, “Why are you here?”