Page 92 of Crimson Love

Devon hikes a brow. “You know Eli Pettit?”

Payne looks at Devon like he’s an idiot. “Everyone knows Pettit. He’s built one of the best security and private investigative firms in the country. He was the go-to man in Texas, and now he’s taking his business nationally. My firm used him consistently. You’re in good hands.”

“I know I am. He found the breach right away and is making a trip here to review our hardware and systems. It can’t happen again. The last thing I need is a guest suing me for getting hurt on my property during a false alarm.”

“Better than a shooting.” Payne stands and holds his arms out. “And if you do get sued, you know where to find me. Your manor is bringing all kinds of business to the community, even for lonely defense attorneys who are forced to save the family business.”

“I have the preliminary report,” Devon goes on. “I’m anxious for Pettit to get here and see everything in person. I’m ready to revamp from top to bottom—hardware and software. After what Harlow and I went through, I’m not leaving anything to chance. Between my past and her being a Madison, we have enough people around the world who hate us.”

Jett pulls at the knot of his tie. “I got a taste of that today. Being added to the board of directors was the gift I never asked for. But after that meeting, I’m making it my mission to become a thorn in their sides.”

“Harlow said it went well, even if they did put you through the ringer,” Devon says.

Jett’s tie hangs loose, and he unbuttons the neck of his dress shirt in a way he looks like he’d like to rip the thing off. If I’m being honest, I’m ready for him to do that too. “If there’s one way to light a fire under me, it’s telling me I’m not capable of something.”

This is the second time I’ve seen him in a suit. He wears it well. So well, I wanted to forget my meeting with my new attorney and tackle him to the ground like I did the first time we met.

I can’t stop thinking about our first time together.

I’d never wish to experience the last six years of my life again, but to live through that and end up with someone like Jett?

Lucky isn’t a strong enough word to describe the current state of my heart and soul, even with everything else swirling around us. I’ve been alone for far too long. But that’s the last feeling coursing through my veins.

Devon pulls me out of my Jett haze and back to our rocky reality. “Do I see a future for you in the Madison company?”

Jett offers me his hand, and I take it willingly. The day has been long locked away in my office. He pulls me to my feet and straight to his side. “This is the first time in a long time I’ve had the luxury of thinking about the future. My life has been in flux for far too long. I’m looking at everything through a different light than I did before.”

Devon stands. “I get that more than you know, mate.”

“It’s getting far too sappy in here for my taste. I prefer murder and theft.” Payne pins me with one more look before he leaves. “I’ll see what I can get out of Dean on the downlow. Hopefully you won’t need me past today. Just don’t talk to anyone without me.”

“Don’t worry,” I promise. “And thank you. Send me a bill for your time.”

Jett gives my hand a squeeze. “Don’t worry about that. I’ve got it worked out.”

I don’t have time to argue with him. Last night, he told me everything about his new trust fund and how Patrick Madison gave him a stake in Stonebridge.

I ignore Jett and turn back to Payne. “Bill me. If you don’t, I can’t accept your help. It’s bad enough Jett is paying to rebuild a car that I’m going to return to the owner.”

“Let’s see if you really need my services. I’m willing to chalk today up to being in the know in this place. I do like being in the middle of everything.” Payne moves for the door before offering us a low wave. “Stay out of trouble.”

Payne is gone, and Devon follows. “I’ve got to get back to Harlow. If you hear something on Petrov before I do, keep me in the loop.”

Andrei was arrested earlier today. The Winslet Police Department isn’t set up for criminals like Petrov. He has refused to be questioned without his attorney and is being moved to the next closest city with federal prosecutors. Brax and King said they will be able to question him as early as tomorrow.

Jett pulls me to his chest and dips a hand in my hair right before his lips crash to mine. Mine part for him, and his tongue delves in my mouth, hungry and with a desperation that creates a wetness between my legs.

I sink into his chest and hold on tight. The thought that he might be as desperate for me as I am for him warms me.

By the time he breaks his kiss, his hand is cupping my ass and we’re both out of breath.

His next question might only be short and clipped, but it’s laced with promise. “Room service?”

I nod too quickly, but I don’t care, because I know what that means. “Absolutely.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

NEW LIFE