Date: 2016-09-19 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Romance; Contemporary Romance; Contemporary; Fiction; Anthologies
Description: Billionaire FBI agent John Morgan returns for his father’s funeral, igniting his interest in his sister’s best friend, and getting them both in danger. For some, joining the FBI is a long-term goal. For billionaire John Morgan, joining the Bureau is a stepping stone to proving his father is culpable for his sister’s death. After his estranged father dies, John is forced to return home and face the ghosts of his past. But that proves to be more difficult than he ever imagined. After losing her best friend under inexplicable circumstances, Alice Collins’ world view shifts until her small town se
Publisher: Love in a Book

Secret Crush

The House of Morgan

Victoria Pinder

Secret Crush

Copyright©2016

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemble to actual events, business establishments, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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Published in the United States of America.

Copyright © 2016 Victoria Pinder Love in a Book

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1535140065

ISBN-10: 1535140062 (Love in a Book)

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my husband who kept hearing me talk about the Morgan family when we sleep at night. My dearest husband kept asking who was Peter and John.

Chapter One

John Morgan loaded his Colt M4 Carbine assault rifle as he studied the mansion nestled in the Georgia hills. After a year of digging for information, Frank Hudson was about to be arrested.

His skin prickled as his team moved into position. He frowned and adjusted the rifle by the strap across the back of his FBI wind jacket so he had his hands free.

His cell phone buzzed in his jeans' back pocket. John checked it fast, surprised to see his brother's number. He turned off the ringer, deciding to call Peter once the mission ended. It had to be important for the heir apparent of the House of Morgan to call the spare son. John swallowed and shook his head. Normal families didn't call themselves a dynasty or the House of anything.

With his gaze narrowed, John focused on his job—to arrest his father's associate. Frank was dirty, and he might know more information about John's father, Mitch. Every arrest brought John one step closer to the evidence he needed against the man who'd raised him.

John tipped his chin and nodded at the four men set to break through the door.

His primary team and the local police burst into the house. John stayed back, gun ready, in case an associate of Frank's ran outside.

Agent Wolfson shouted, "FBI. Freeze."

John gestured for more men to enter the house.

No shots were fired.

Just as the surveillance read, Frank Hudson had been home with his wife, Beatrice, and his two adult daughters, Serena and Serenity, who were all used to the best in life and funded through money laundering. Women's screams rang in the air as the last of the law enforcement filled the house.

John tugged his baseball cap over his sandy blond hair and went inside with the third wave to ensure that Frank was in handcuffs.

John lowered his head so Frank might not notice who'd brought him to justice as he rushed in the door. He'd prefer to let the guys who didn't personally know Frank handle the arrest. John's moment would come later, during the interrogation at the station as he let his six foot two frame intimidate from the door.

He'd wasted too much time already. Mitch Morgan had killed his own daughter, John's sister, and he would prove it. Frank's arrest would help Victoria rest in peace, despite what Mitch had done to her.

John clenched his jaw. Unlike Mitch, it had been easy to learn about Frank, his habits, his quirks, his schedule. John's shoulders were tight as he turned into the living room.

Two team members stood over the older gentleman kneeling on the floor, hands cuffed behind his back, with tears in his brown eyes. He cried out to the other agents, "My lawyer will hear of this."

John scowled and shook his head. Frank was done, bringing John one inch closer to learning how deep the House of Morgan had buried itself.

He'd spent a year on this case, on his mission to bring down all of his father's connections. It was airtight. Frank Hudson's charity had laundered money to thicken his wallet. The older man gazed into John's eyes. "John Morgan, is that you?"

So much for waiting. John's spine straightened as he towered over the prisoner. Being the second son in the House of Morgan, who looked like Mitch, meant he'd always be recognized. He took off his cap and stilled. "Yeah, Frank. It's me."

"Why would you do this to me?"

John wouldn't give Frank any clues on this investigation for his lawyers to use. His body tensed as he slammed his fists on the coffee table. "Why did you break the law?"

The old man pleaded in a warbling voice, "John Morgan, I'm friends with your father. That should mean something." He said it as though he expected leniency, for John to look the other way. He imagined his father, twisting his ring as he waited for someone like Frank to bow to his hand.

The House of Morgan owned everyone and everything. His father taught him to never let emotions interfere with business. He chose to ignore how the women all sat in the dining room and focused on his target. John shrugged. "Who isn't a friend with dear old Dad?"

"I'll speak to Mitch, right after I speak to my attorney."

John's mouth curled into a sneer. Perfect. His old man should know he was one step closer to uncovering his crimes. Then he turned on his heel. His footsteps echoed on the polished mahogany floors as John stepped out of the house and into the shadows of the trees outside. He'd interrogate Frank later.

He went to his car and started it up, driving to the local headquarters to report that Frank Hudson was in custody.

His brother's face played in his memory as John made the second turn onto I-285. What had Peter wanted? They hadn't spoken in years.

John's phone vibrated in his back pocket. He reached behind him and stared at Peter's name, again, as he placed it on the console. A coldness inched up his spine. Truthfully, he had no words to say right now. Peter was his father's right-hand man and could be guilty. He could also not be. He clenched the phone. If he didn't answer, he'd spend forever analyzing what Peter might have to say. "Hello."

"John."

Peter's voice struck at some deep memories he'd rather avoid. The back of his neck pinched. Peter had chosen Mitch's life. I shouldn't have answered. "Peter, I'm busy."

"Whatever you're doing can wait."

Once again Peter Morgan thought he could order him around. His left eye twitched. His older brother's forceful answer burned like acid through him. No one told him what to do. He sighed. "No, my life can't wait."

"Dad's dead."

John stepped on the gas and his car took off at high speed. "He's what?"

He took his foot off the accelerator and pressed his lips together. At least no other car was near him on the freeway.

John's heart raced as Peter spoke with crisp syllables. "Dad is dead."

Adrenalin shot through him, electrifying his body. He steadied the wheel. "I don't care."

"I don't either."

No? Peter expected to be next in line and to inherit the entire House of Morgan. Then just as fast as the storm of emotions set off inside him, his body temperature cooled. Peter was too much like their father. John didn't trust him. He'd keep his words and sentences short. "So why are you calling me?"

"You should be at the funeral."

John rolled his eyes as he turned off of the 285. "Why? So you can pretend we have a family?"

"Victoria would want us to be together."

John's breathing hitched at the sucker-punch. Their dead baby sister deserved better than her name in the mud. Though he didn't need to say so, he did anyway. "Vicki's dead."

"I don't know how that happened."

John rubbed his forehead. Peter had to stop this conversation, now. No words could change any of the past. "You do, too. Dad did something to her. It's his fault."

"I don't know anything other than my sister died while I was away in grad school. You're my only brother."

What did their shared DNA have to do with the question? John's entire body stiffened—he needed to know the truth. "Peter, did you help Dad kill Vicki?"

"No, and if you have proof Dad did, then share."

John hesitated. There had never been any proof, just unanswered questions that were buried with a closed casket. Their father's death changed everything. "I'm working on it."

"Then you're too late. We're all that's left of the House of Morgan."

John let out a sigh. Peter was right, as he'd never learn the truth now. Then he swallowed back his bitterness. "You'll go straight to hell if you covered for Dad."

"I'm not involved. I loved her too."

Peter had been silent, distant, and even during childhood, always with their father, except when he took the heat for whatever John or Vicki had done. John lifted his chin, threw his baseball cap into the backseat, and turned his car into headquarters' parking lot. "What's the point of coming to the funeral? Dad and I had nothing to say to each other."

"You're not disinherited, despite how you intended to arrest him. Dad didn't care and even hoped you'd forgive him."

He parked the car, resisting the urge to check his hair in the rear-view mirror. All that mattered right now was booking Frank Hudson.

He shook his head. He'd never forgive, and Peter should never have, either. "How could you?"

"I never said I did. I never said anything."

Silence drove John away from trusting his older brother. He stepped out of the car, his every cell crawling with sweat. The humid air in Atlanta lacked the cool breezes coming off the ocean. "Peter..."

"Come back to Miami. There's nothing holding you there. Now that Dad's dead you can stop arresting all of his lowlife associates who will never darken our doors again."

"You knew?"

"Yeah. Dad knew too. There was nothing any of us could do to bring Vicki back. Come home."

John hung up and took the elevator to his office and picked up his report, then went to stand outside a conference room that overlooked Atlanta. Peter's call changed everything. John's boss, Special Agent Smith, waved him in.

This was it. John's throat was parched.

A part of him had failed. He'd never see Mitch Morgan in handcuffs.

Smith leaned back in his office chair, near the wall, and took his time. John stayed still and noticed the dead flowers on a cabinet in the corner of his office. Smith nodded at him. "You're on now, John. Go."

John's mind was in a daze. His skin felt clammy. He was supposed to give his report on white-collar crime statistics and an oral report on what happened at the Hudson estate.

His father's old friend had been taken down in this investigation, but no one had ever uncovered any evidence on Mitch Morgan. Now, he'd never find it. Dad was dead.

He rubbed his forehead. Then he slid the report across the table. "I can't do this right now."

"What's the matter, Morgan?" His boss clasped his hands together.

John swallowed and gazed into the older man's brown eyes. Special Agent Smith already hated him. John bet that his boss knew and expected the spoiled heir to return to his life of privilege. Pressing his lips together, he said, "My father is dead."

Smith's nose curled and his tone was the same he used when interrogating someone. "Your father owns more than half the corporate businesses in this country, and much of that came from illegal activities."

"We've never found evidence."

Smith pressed his hands on his desk. "He needs to pay for his crimes."

"You can't prosecute a dead man."

John placed his hands in his pockets as he quoted the law and perspiration trickled down his spine. "I have to go."

In his dark suit, Special Agent Smith stood and then crossed his arms. "Don't bother coming back."

Now that Mitch Morgan was dead, Peter was the heir, but John would likely inherit billions of stolen dollars. The House of Morgan was richer than 99.9 percent of the world's population with stock in oil production, electricity, computer intellectual property, banking, and every other investment a hundred years of savvy ancestors had made. John turned around at the door. Smith wasn't worth his time. He shrugged. "Does this mean I'm fired?"

"It would if I had anything on you." His boss glared at him as his face reddened. "You're useless to me now."

John's shoulders tightened. The FBI had been his purpose for years. He didn't know what to say. He held his jaw tight. Smith had never liked him on his team, but who understood Mitch Morgan better than his own son? They both knew where they stood. Despite the animosity, he couldn't be fired, not by Smith, not without cause, and there was none. John left. He'd be better off finding out about Frank's interrogation.

No one said anything to him on his way to the elevator. As he waited to leave the building, he texted Peter. I'm coming home. I'll text my arrival time when I get to the airport.

Peter texted right back. Take the private jet.

John shook his head. He walked into the elevator, hit the button for the first floor, and let his mind wander. He remembered his sister's tears the month before she died. He vowed to never let something like that happen to anyone else he loved.

The House of Morgan, which was how they were raised to say family, changed with her death. Despite being the spitting image of his dad, John would never be like his old man, though he'd go to his funeral.

It was a farce he needed to experience for himself.

As the elevator doors opened, he took one final look around the FBI headquarters in Atlanta. The pristine white building once commanded him to believe in justice at all costs. He coughed and realized he no longer believed that. He wasn't sure of his own purpose anymore, but Peter was right on one thing. He had nothing left at the FBI.

John put on his sunglasses to block the blinding sun and hurried out the door.

Today he'd go home. Then he'd figure out what he was supposed to do next. Vengeance left him empty and unfulfilled.

Chapter Two

"You can't just ignore Mitch Morgan and his heirs and hope they don't come after you," Alice Collins explained to her mother as she stepped around the kitchen boxes and back into their old dining room. "The House of Morgan owns everything and our fruits are just part of the corporate machine."

"That's not fair." Ellie Collins only came up to Alice's shoulder, but she had the personality of a giant. She stopped packing her china in boxes, glared at Alice, and then crossed her arms. "Your father and I operate an independent farm and we choose who buys our products."

Alice pushed her short blondish bob behind her ears and counted to five so she wouldn't yell. "And you and Dad chose to make money and sell everything with the Morgans' corporate chains. We even bank at the bank they are the majority shareholders of." Alice dropped the hand she had on her hip and brushed it down her black dress. "With Dad on the mend from his heart attack, I'll go to Mitch Morgan's funeral and pay our family respects in his place."

"You've done your hair and gussied up, which I don't understand. You shouldn't bother looking pretty for those boys. In fact, you shouldn't go at all." Ellie shook her head, like her decrees mattered. Done issuing her dramatic over-the-top orders, she reached down to seal the box with tape. "That family is nothing but trouble."

Alice inhaled as fire caught in her blood. "Mom, the wake and funeral will be on television. The President of the United States will be there. I can't go looking like a farmer."

"You should." Her mother dropped the tape onto the dining room chair already wrapped for delivery. The plastic cartridge bounced. Ellie pressed her hand against Alice's cheek. Alice expected a goodbye, but her mother said instead, "Be sure to kick over the casket and light a match to ensure Mitch Morgan's body burns in hell."

Alice stepped back. "You're being unreasonable. We hardly spoke to Mitch Morgan and his contract with our farm has been very lucrative."

"Your father had no choice but to sign." Her mother crossed her arms, again.

Alice shook her head. "No one forced Dad. He made a choice that made us all money."

Her mother pursed her lips. "He should have listened to me and never signed."

Alice rolled her eyes. "He did what he thought was right for us."

"You and Colt need to be smarter. I know your brother would agree with me that those contracts should die just like Mitch did."

Why was she bringing Colt into this? He understood that they never saw the Morgans anyhow, but the contract with them ensured they had a buyer for all their produce. Alice tried to keep her voice even as she said, "Dad trusted the farm to Colt and me after his heart attack. We will make the decisions about the farm and the contracts."

Her mother lifted her chin. "The renewal period is starting and now that Mitch is dead, don't coerce Colt into signing."

Alice held back her sigh. Once again her mother went over the top with her feelings on all things named Morgan. No one forced their father and no one would force her brother or her into any agreements. "You weren't always this ridiculous. As a child, I spent years with the Morgans. Vicki was my friend."

Ellie clearly wasn't done. Her arms crossed as if it was the only body posture she had today. "No, she wasn't your friend. You should have grown out of that."

"Grown out of what?"

"Your belief that Victoria Morgan was your friend."

Alice froze. Her fingers trembled and she reached up to clutch the best-friends-forever necklace Vicki had given her years ago. "Mom, stop. She's been dead for three years now."

Her mother's eyes misted. "I'm sorry. I just love my family and don't want you hurt."

Alice hugged her mother to forgive her, though she shouldn't have spoken ill of Vicki. It was time to pay her respects to her friend's family. Alice patted her mother's back. "You aren't half as mean as you claim to be when it comes to the Morgans. You'd never really kick over the casket."

"You have no idea about that. Mitch Morgan deserves whatever happens to him in the afterlife." Ellie pushed Alice's hair back. "And wipe that lipstick off your face so you don't look like a clown."

Ellie turned to look out the window, and Alice followed her gaze. The sky was a brilliant blue and the smell of ripe strawberries drifted into the house as the wind rustled the crops. Alice rubbed her arms. "Mom, soon you get to move into that new condo on the beach and go to those awesome 55-and-older parties every night."

Her mother gave a reluctant smile then nodded. "The beach is going to be great."

Alice was also moving out of this house to her own condo, though she doubted there were any events or activities she'd have time for other than work.

Now that her brother was getting married, Colt intended to raise his family here, so at least the farm would go on through them. This week Colt had ended his service in the Marines so he could take over the day-to-day farm work, while Alice used her college degree to manage the business aspects.

Alice glanced in the one hall mirror left on the wall near the front door and ensured she had no lipstick on her teeth. She said, "Mom, everything is going to work out. Be peaceful."

Ellie tilted her head. "Your father can't stay here and not try to help out and run the farm. It's hard for him."

"We have to do what's best for Dad's heart." Alice stepped beside her and took her hand. "Collins Organic Fruits will stay profitable and Dad can come visit, but he's not allowed to work."

Ellie's eyes became glassy. "Agreed."

Her niece chose that moment to bounce into the room. Blonde ringlets surrounding her angelic face bobbed as she carried her small brown teddy bear. Alice knelt down. "Come here and give me a hug."

Clara's little hands wrapped around her and the ever-present teddy bear. The scent of strawberries wafted into her nose. "You look so pretty, like my Barbie doll."

Alice smiled at the three-year-old girl. Her niece lived here with them while Colt was away. "I'll never be as sweet as you are, princess."

"Aunt Alice, will you take me for ice cream?" Clara's small hands circled her neck. Alice sighed. She'd rather spend the day with Clara than face the funeral, though she couldn't. Their family needed to stick together, despite what her mother said about the Morgans. Today, Alice would represent the Collins family. She'd ensure that Peter renewed the contract  that guaranteed one hundred percent of the farm's items would be shelved in various stores throughout the nation and that her family would make money.

"I can't." Alice unwrapped herself from Clara's hug. She stood and fixed the strap on her black high heel. "I have to go to a wake on business."

Clara's baby blue eyes were wide and full of wonder. "What's a wake? Do you have to wake someone up and jump on the bed?"

"No, sweetheart, but that does sound fun."

Alice smiled and checked her dress in the mirror. John had been so shut down the day of his sister's funeral. Alice used to have a major crush on him. She'd not seem him in years. She fixed her earring. "Be good for Grandma."

Clara nodded and bopped her head to some imaginary music on her way back to the living room. Alice applied one more coat of lipstick. Finished, she packed her pocketbook. She heard her mother's tongue click against her teeth, but she ignored the sound.

At the door of their old house, Alice turned. The entire place was packed with boxes. All the walls were empty. It felt like she was leaving, almost like she'd never come back to her parents, though she had another week until she could move into her new condo. The bare walls held no sign of her childhood. "Bye, Mom."

With the first step onto the porch, the hot South Florida air warmed her skin. The smell of citrus eased her nerves. Naval season would be over in a month.

She headed to her white SUV, caressing the eighteen-carat gold necklace. Today she'd show up for the funeral out of obligation, and love of her dead friend.

Waiting for the air conditioner to cool her down, she reviewed her plan. Peter Morgan, the oldest, would likely take over and she'd deal with him for business. Her family needed to keep that contract with Morgan Enterprises—to lose it would be a death knell to the Collins farm, since the House of Morgan had their hands in almost everything. No other corporation would touch them if they were deemed unfit in any way. The Morgan bank holdings stretched far beyond the stores they invested in and she didn't want to answer the questions that might naturally arise if she ended with a bad rating.

She rubbed the back of her neck. The full blast of air cleared her mind and Alice drove down the dirt road headed toward the paved roads and Coral Gables, which would be an hour or more with traffic.

Tonight she'd stay at a hotel so she didn't have to do this drive twice. Perhaps she'd go to the spa for a massage to ease her tired muscles, a welcome change from packing boxes. The wake and the funeral would be spectacles in and of themselves.

At the funeral home, she drove past so many people in the press she wondered if this was a world premiere of a Hollywood movie and not a funeral for a business tycoon. Cameras took her picture in the car. Alice covered her face to avoid direct eye contact and slid into a parking spot.

Her heels clapped against the pavement as she hurried toward the funeral home, and the press called out for smiles. Alice cringed. Victoria had been a poster child for fashion and elegance, the friend who had taught her how to put on makeup. She was plain with hair that wasn't truly brown but not blonde either.

At the door to the funeral home, Alice stopped. Jennifer Gonzales, the television beauty, held Peter Morgan's arm like they were an item. Jennifer was always sharp with her insults. Alice swallowed. The two of them probably laid in bed together and made fun of the less fortunate, a.k.a. everyone who wasn't them. Alice never understood how sweet Victoria Morgan had such a friend as Jennifer.

Alice stood in line to say hello until she reached Peter and Jennifer. Peter was still speaking to whoever was in front of him in the line, but Jennifer tilted her head. "Oh, look, the help arrived."

Jennifer's beauty would someday melt off her face, and she'd be left an old, wrinkled hag. Alice bit back her retort, and smiled. "I came out of respect for Victoria. She was my friend."

Jennifer shrugged and gazed at her up and down. "Hard to remember what she saw in you. She died years ago. Did you buy that off a rack?"

"Most people do." Alice hugged her waist and chose to ignore anything else Jennifer said. She continued down the line despite her goose bumps. "Peter."

He glanced at her and then spoke to the man behind her in line, like he was someone important and she was not. She pressed her lips together and prayed this had no significance to her own contract renewal.

As she stepped aside, Alice's stomach knotted. Jennifer's jabs still ate at her, even now. Alice's mind reeled with memories of how Jennifer made her life hell back in school. Alice rolled her eyes every time she saw another telenovela starring that woman.

She turned the corner and walked straight into a wall of muscle. Hard arms wrapped around her waist and then steadied her. Alice stepped out of the man's embrace, though her legs were weak, and gazed upward. John Morgan leaned back, and her mouth opened in surprise. His hair was slightly darker now, though it still had strands of pale blond, but those piercing blue eyes, and his huge dimples, were the same. He had lost all pretense of boyhood. The man before her was gorgeous. He was two years her senior, but had never been this hot.

She swallowed and told herself that "they" would never happen. She was country and the Morgans were players in a game of "rule the world" with their banks. Alice steadied her feet as anchors because her head grew light near him. With bravado, she smiled. "John, it's been a long time."

At least she'd coughed out a sentence that made sense. She took a deep breath.

"Thank you for coming…”

It was clear he didn't remember her name. Alice sucked in her bottom lip, embarrassed. They'd spent hours together at Vicki's funeral, where he'd clearly tried to forget his past with numerous shots of whiskey. She sighed. "I'm Alice Collins. I was a friend of Victoria's."

"The tomboy." John smiled and showed twin dimples just on each corner of his mouth. "I heard what Jennifer said to you. Don't listen to her. You fill out a dress nicely."

At least someone liked her dress. John's face showed sophistication as he scanned the room, studying all the doors and windows. Her jaw clenched as she guessed he was either a cop or a mobster. In this family, was there any difference? She had no idea what to say or how to excuse herself. She was like a groupie with a rock star. His hand settled on her back and her body melted like butter. "Will you escort me to get a drink, Alice?"

Her lips wouldn't move. Not good. John Morgan wasn't supposed to be attractive anymore. She'd thought she was over her crush on the former high school football captain. She curled her arm around his. She tried to say something intelligible but instead she blurted, "Didn't you recognize me a minute ago?"

"From Vicki's funeral, but I tried hard to forget everyone in this city after that. You were the only other person genuinely upset. The only real person there."

Alice understood. They progressed in step. "She wouldn't want you to suffer all your life."

"My father did something to her." He stopped at the bar. "I don't know what happened, but I haven't been able to forget."

Alice pointed to the Sauvignon Blanc. John tugged his ear and nodded to the waiter. She stared at him, unsure what to talk about besides the past. "There was nothing any of us could do. Vicki disappeared without a word and then she was dead."

"What do you remember about her?"

"Her kindness. And her laugh." Alice looked toward the room where a few heads of state gathered around Mitch Morgan in his practically royal casket. John's gaze contained a firestorm of emotion. She tilted her head. "You going in there?"

His expression turned hard and cold. Then he stepped backwards, but his stare never left his father's casket. The steely expression changed to fiery. "You can if you want."

She hugged her waist. She'd asked the wrong thing. Her heart fluttered near John, but she tried to act like an adult instead of a teenager. It was good to see him again. "I don't. I came out of respect for Vicki."

He placed his hand on her arm to lead her to an empty space along the wall. Her skin became alive as he said, "I came because Peter asked. He wants to pretend we're a happy family for the world to see. Look at him now. He's over there as the new king."

He leaned against the wall and let the throngs of people pass. She followed suit, standing next to him as she sipped her wine. "I assumed he was taking over. Did you want that job?"

John's entire body jumped as if she'd slapped him. "Hell no."

She gulped her sip fast. She kept saying the wrong thing. Inside his blue eyes was a kaleidoscope of emotion. Alice remembered that he used to be kind. She rubbed her lips together. "Then who cares?"

He drank his wine and scanned the room. After making the rounds with his gaze, he took in her entire figure with an intensity that made her knees weak. "What is it you do, Alice?"

"Collins Organic Farm." She brushed her brown bob behind her ear. "I work for my family. What is it you do?"

Again, his blue eyes flashed as if lightning was in his stare. She watched him, hypnotized. "I work in real estate."

"Liar." She tilted her head. He definitely didn't work in real estate. She crossed her arm around her chest. Without another word, she waited for the fallout of her remark.

His eyebrows quirked in shock. Then his dimples appeared. "What do you think I do?"

She met his smile with her own. "Professional bad boy and poker player. It's what I always thought."

He chuckled. "I played football."

She nodded. A moment of silence clung in the air as she sipped her drink. Then she said, "I went to your games in high school, but I also remember how you set up more than a few poker games. You always read people correctly."

His sexy smile lit the room and her skin melted, literally fused into itself. "I remember that. You cheered with my sister, and I played you, too."

Perhaps she shouldn't spend the funeral with John, but then again Vicki's older brother could be a good friend to have in her corner for help with the contract. "You did. I'm glad you remember more than just us talking at funerals."

His gaze went past her and flashed toward the casket. He stood straighter and it seemed as if a dark cloud passed over him. His face hardened. "I also remember how my father came to my room as I did homework, handed me a million dollars in cash, had me hold it and touch it—and then he took it away and told me to earn it myself."

She tilted her head. "So did you?"

He clenched his jaw and lifted his chin as if he expected to be hit in the face. "Absolutely not."

She reached out to his arm and squeezed his biceps. "Good. I was always attracted to bums, so you'd fit right in."

Had she just said that out loud… at a wake? Her face was hot. She must have turned beet red.

His dimples appeared again. "Alice, stick to my side tonight. I don't think I like most of the other people here."

"Deal." She finished her wine. "I'd like for us to be friends, and not just people who meet at funerals."

He sighed. Without an answer, he took her empty glass, and placed it on the table next to his. He then turned and leaned closer. "Alice, you're the only woman here who hasn't looked at me with dollar bills in her eyes. Protect me from the vultures."

His right side brushed against her. Her mind turned to pudding. "Glad to be of help, John."

He sucked in his breath. His energy changed as he stood taller. "Here comes Peter."

She also stood straighter and stopped leaning against the wall. She nodded. "You'll need to talk to him."

He clasped her wrist and she froze. His touch hypnotized her. All she could do was stare at him as he said, "Don't leave my side."

If he held her hand, then she'd lose whatever was left of her mind. It was so inappropriate to be lustful at a wake. Her body disagreed. He took her hand and kept her close as Peter approached. It was strange. Victoria's brothers were very different. Peter's dark hair, brown eyes, and six-foot-three figure had muscles, but his presence left Alice cold and indifferent. She couldn't read him, but with John it was entirely different. Her skin electrified when he touched her arm. She swallowed. His lighter hair, blue eyes, and sexy dimples were all she'd ever dreamed about.

John leaned back against the wall and whispered to her, "He's up to something."

She didn't speak as Peter stopped in front of them. Neither of the men said a word to each other. They just stared.

Alice licked her lips and tried to understand what the silence meant. This might be the first time either of them had seen each other since the last funeral, though she couldn't be sure. Peter gazed at her fingers entwined with John's. "We should talk."

"Now?" John asked. His grasp remained firm. "I'm getting reacquainted with an old friend."

Peter nodded. "You'll be here for the reading of the will in a few days?"

John shrugged. "Sure, as long as Alice here keeps talking to me."

"Keep him here." Peter turned toward her. "Your contract depends on it."

John let go of her hand. Alice's heart ached as if she'd just been unmasked as some kind of fraud. She stood next to John as Peter stormed off.

John stood straighter and stiffened in front of her eyes. "Contract?"

"My family's produce gets sold in supermarkets around the country because of our contract with Morgan Enterprises. They are our biggest buyer."

John's face became unreadable as his cold veneer cut through whatever warmth was between them. He shook his head. "The House of Morgan owns everyone and everything. I'd hoped you were different."

Her eyes threatened to tear from the sting in his words, but Alice was no longer a shy girl from high school, and she wouldn't act that way. John started to walk away. She placed her hand on her hip and shouted after him. "John Morgan, don't you dare sit in judgment of me and my family. We work hard every day for what we produce and we're proud of it. What have you ever done?"

John stopped, turned. His gaze stayed on her for several beats. Then he stormed down the hall like he'd been stung by an entire swarm of wasps. She rubbed her arms. Unsure what to do, she retreated inside the vestry. She'd come to this affair to be seen, and it was time she knelt at the altar to get her picture taken, just like every other person here.

John Morgan could rot. Her crush on him died today, finally. She hadn't seen him since the day her best friend was buried, and there was clearly a good reason to stay far away. Self-absorbed jerks didn't deserve her time.

Chapter Three

The sweet smell of vanilla and strawberries dissipated as John pushed away from the group of people that surrounded him. He searched for Alice, who stood in the hall with many other people, all there for the farce of a wake. If he went back to her, the scent would return.

Everyone stared at him as they took seats in pews in the viewing room. After Vicki's death, he swore he'd never step foot inside this place again. His shoulders tightened. Baskets of flowers nearly obscured the casket. He gulped as his hands became fists. He marched toward his father's casket. The former President stood aside. The coast was clear.

In death, would his father's face be peaceful? More human? John's mind reeled on that one question. He wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer. Mitch Morgan would never pay for any crime he'd committed now. Death had freed him from the consequences, not that John should be surprised.

His throat was parched. He turned back toward the hall to see Alice, rubbing her arms and hugging her waist—which he'd realized was a nervous habit—in conversation with Jennifer. Alice wasn't happy, but then he wouldn't want to talk to Peter's girlfriend either. Perhaps he'd been too judgmental with Alice earlier.

Of all Vicki's friends, only Alice had a smile which promised picnics and a home, complete with a rug and fireplace.

Right now she was the only thing that beamed any light into this place. He walked ahead until he saw Mitch Morgan.

The expression on his father's face as he lay in the casket read in his mind like "suckers". He'd assume multiple Presidents would be here, and that his son would show up too. Once again, Mitch Morgan won, just as he always did.

The rocks in his stomach churned. John leaned toward his father's corpse and whispered, "I guess Vicki avenged her own death. I'm happy someone, even if it was yourself, brought you down."

Souls might not go into the depths of fiery damnation, but if anyone deserved it, his father did. John stood up, seeing that he was alone. No one had heard. John swung around. His gaze met Alice's in the hallway. Her blue eyes held concern, but then she turned away.

A life with someone like her would be so different from everything he'd known. She'd guessed he'd turned out to be a professional poker player. He tugged on his ear. Alice seemed genuine, a rare diamond amongst the dark coals.

His hands curled into fists at his sides. The tension in his neck sent pains down his spine. He had to get away from these people, from this place, from his father. He took a step toward Alice, to apologize, but Peter overshadowed her standing at the door of the hall.

Now wasn't a good time to talk with him. John saw Peter's gaze shift to their father's casket. It must be his turn to say goodbye.

John stepped aside. He'd talk to Peter about this charade later. There was absolutely no way he'd stay at the mansion or in that house listed under his name that his father bought him. Tonight he'd disappear to a hotel nearby.

Tomorrow's funeral would be harder.

He watched as Alice excused herself from Jennifer and walked into the ladies room. When Jennifer wasn't smiling for an audience, her scowl seemed permanently embedded on her face.

Memories and old opinions flooded his brain. John needed fresh air to breathe. He strode past Peter and into the hall. A few minutes later, he found Alice talking to the last President as she clutched the pendant of her necklace.

At least Alice would have a story to share with her future children about meeting a former President. Most people John had met these past few years turned green and averted their eyes when he mentioned weekend stays at the White House. His neck tingled as he turned away to head to the door.

At Vicki's funeral, Alice had been sad, though she found time to check on him. Before he left for the early evening, he'd talk to her one more time.

Outside, the hot Florida sun beat down in the parking lot. He stepped into the crushing humidity, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. Here, he could think. He took off his jacket, but stilled as leaves crunched in the distant woods. He narrowed his gaze. If someone wanted to hurt them, they'd hide there.

It had to be the Secret Service keeping watch. His FBI badge weighed down his pants. Responsibility tore at him as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and took his gun from the slim side holster, revealing the badge clipped to the top of his slacks.

That life seemed over now. Miami, despite all its problems, was home. He'd needed change.

He'd think about this later. First, he'd go back in to talk to Peter and then he'd find a good drink to calm him down. The hotel had a bar. With luck, he'd be there soon. Tequila.

The hot, sticky sun made his palms moist. He put his gun in his back holster and untensed his fingers. He hadn't realized he was this wound up. He rolled his shoulders and tried to calm his thoughts.

The FBI had no more place in his life.

His father had once said he'd be a business failure. John fixed his tie and buttoned his suit coat to ensure his gun was hidden. It was time to prove him wrong.

From outside in the middle of the parking lot, he looked into the lobby. A young man was speaking to Alice. A blush stained her cheeks as she smiled at him.

Something ate at his gut as he headed back toward the funeral home.

John stopped walking when his phone rang and he took it from his back pocket. Fire spread through his veins as he read his caller ID and saw his boss's name. "Hello."

Smith asked in sharp, clipped words, "Where are you?"

This was another reason to change. His new boss was a complete jerk. He started walking again, the parking lot at his back. "I'm at my father's wake."

His hands itched and he noticed a dark smudge of residue from handling his gun on his thumb and fingers. He wiped it clean on the hem of his suit coat while his other hand held his phone to his ear as Smith said, "We need you back here, now."

Goosebumps grew on his arms. John's gut told him to check everything and everyone out, but he let it go. He leaned against the funeral parlor door, intending to go back in as soon as he ended the call. He'd told Alice about the million-dollar offer from his dad, which had been his reason to avoid business.

His foot tapped against the door. He'd realized then that his father would control him through money, just like he did Peter. Mitch Morgan expected nothing from him, which had always suited him fine.

Now that Mitch was dead, perhaps he could prove that he understood accounting better than anyone expected. He transformed his millions into one and a half billion dollars from investing without truly caring if he lost it all. He never lost, though. The idea lightning-rodded in his mind that he could now prove he fit his last name. His fingers itched to begin something new. "I told you I was taking a two-week break. I have enough earned leave."

"Bereavement is meant for those who actually cared about their family." Smith sounded spiteful.

Alice, who he saw through the door was still talking to the same man, was the opposite. Years ago, she'd grieved with him over Vicki. The late afternoon heat on his back pushed him to go inside. He swallowed.

Special Agent Smith was unnecessary. The man had been rude the moment he'd been assigned to the Georgia office. "You have no idea what I'm feeling."

Alice noticed him from behind the glass window. The guy she stood with stared back and forth between them. John recognized him from high school, but his name escaped him.

Then his boss yelled, "Your brother will be knee-deep in whatever caused you to hate your dad."

Peter might be. John didn't trust him, but he wasn't the one who killed Vicki. At worst, he'd covered up for their dad. Now wasn't the time. He broke the visual connection with Alice. "Now, I don't know that. So how would you?"

"It's obvious."

His boss's words were the final straw. "No. I wish it was." John's muscles tightened in readiness as he turned away from the glass, patting his concealed weapon. "I'm resigning."

His boss didn't try to hide the derision in his voice. "It took twenty-four hours for the money to call you back in."

He held his head high. John's memory flashed to Alice's blue eyes that shone brighter than the sun. Then his shoulders tightened. "Whatever. I'm through with the FBI."

"Rich kids like you should never have been allowed in my office anyhow."

The ringing sensation in his ears along with the fluttering of relief in his chest told him he'd done the right thing. He kept his feelings about his boss to himself. He had nothing in Atlanta or anywhere that was in his small apartment. He had no reason to return. "I'll come in to drop things off when I'm done here."

"Don't bother. I'll send an agent."

A weight lifted off his shoulders. He widened his stance. "Great. Makes my life easier."

John ended the call. In one conversation, he'd changed. He texted the Morgan cleaning service to open his house for him and settle in there. Turning back to the entryway, John saw Alice through the rectangular glass smiling at whatever the man said. John opened the funeral home doors and strolled into the cold air conditioning. The chill made life possible in the subtropics. John chuckled to himself. His father was like the humid air, a blanket of smothering, oppressive heat that had suffocated his life.

Without that weight, John was a different person.

People stared at him, a member of the House of Morgan, but he didn't care.

Alice left the man she'd been talking with and stood next to him. "Are you okay, John?"

He stopped laughing. She must think him crazy. Her flawless skin glowed against her smooth brown hair, angled at her chin. No one ever seemed so sweet. "Yeah. Alice, we have to talk later, if that's okay."

Her lips pressed together. "We'll see."

That sounded like he was dismissed, but she was too polite to say so. John stared at the other guy who waited for her as he held two glasses of wine.

Emptiness filled him as Alice went back to her friend.

John's back straightened as Peter approached. Perhaps his boss at the FBI was easier to talk to than his brown-eyed, too-serious brother. Peter stopped in front of him. "John."

This was a conversation he wanted to avoid, but knew he couldn't. He hesitated as heaviness settled in his stomach. "Peter."

His brother hesitated too, his gaze going to Jennifer who took a step toward them, but Peter shook his head. Then he swallowed and asked, "Can we go somewhere to talk for a minute?"

They had nothing good to say to each other. They never had, but Peter approached a side room and John followed. Peter standing next to Mitch at every "family" meeting replayed in his memory. His brother, the model son, rarely said anything. John closed the door behind them in a small room with no windows.

This was too much. John ran his hand through his hair and sat in the chair across from his brother. "Am I here for this event so we can play perfect family?"

"No." Peter stared at him but said nothing else.

John swallowed as his heart raced. "Then why? Because Dad wanted me for this?"

"I wanted you here. The will reading is in a few days."

"How exciting for you." John pursed his lips. Everyone knew Peter would inherit the company. He'd get whatever second sons get, and nothing else. John fidgeted with the keys in his pocket as he wondered if he took a position in Dad's companies, then he might prove their father wrong about him.

"This was never what I wanted," Peter said.

Yes it was. Peter had earned every penny of his inheritance.

Part of John wanted to shout that he'd start his own business, but then he realized that Peter wasn't their dad. He owed him no explanations. John held back his thoughts and fiddled with the top button of his shirt. "Are you sure you care one way or the other? We don't have to play happy home life. I know I don't want to."

Peter rolled his shoulders, his eyes wide. "So we continue to be rude? It's not like we know each other."

Someone knocked at the door. John loosened his tie. The room was suffocating. Peter stood up and walked across the room. Jennifer whispered, "The President has arrived and you need to greet him."

Peter nodded, but then he silently dismissed his girlfriend. John wondered if he'd be dismissed like that once whatever Peter wanted was done. Peter closed the door. Without a word, he sat back down.

John leaned forward. "That's absolutely true. We don't know anything about each other."

"You went to work for the FBI."

John inhaled. Despite how he was in college and Peter was away in grad school, their father confided and trusted only in Peter. He was the heir and Peter kept their father's secrets. John assumed their father told him about John's FBI career, but then again perhaps they only noticed him because of the multiple arrests he'd made of Mitch's colleagues. Peter sat back in his chair as John nodded. "I did. I wanted to arrest Dad. Should I have gone after you?"

"I didn't kill Victoria. I miss our sister as much as you."

John winced. Score one for Peter. Then he reclaimed his righteousness. "Why bring her up now?"

"She's why you joined the FBI."

There was no reason to deny anything. John said, "True. She was the only one who treated me as family."

His brother shifted his weight as he averted his gaze. "I never knew how to ... we never spoke the same language."

John redid his tie. In a moment they'd go back out. "No, you were always off with Dad."

"I did whatever he wanted, but I wasn't allowed to do most of what you did."

He re-crossed his legs. No one would feel sorry for Peter. John simply said, "I guess we all have our issues."

"I'm worried Father left things to you."

Like what? At least this was the truth and the real reason Peter wanted him here. John's shoulders tensed. Was Peter concerned that there was an off-chance he wasn't the crown prince? John stood up. "Whatever it is, I'm sure I don't want it."

Peter stared at the door and not at him. "I've never had a secret life, y'know. I'm not like you."

The FBI and football were hardly a secret. His family never came to any games, even if he was featured in the newspaper. His father and brother were always too busy for trivialities like that. Mitch disowned him once John joined the FBI. Red-hot fire rushed into his blood. "You could have left Dad in the dust years ago to do your own thing."

The tsk in his brother's voice echoed their father's. John's lip curled as Peter said, "While you were outside playing football, I was stuck inside making sure Dad's books were balanced."

Perhaps there was another side to their story, but feeling sympathy for Peter? He crossed his arms. "You could have come outside."

"No, I couldn't. If I didn't comply, he'd have gone after either you or Victoria, leaving none of us the option for fun."

John froze. Peter had no right to talk about their sister as if he was protecting her. He hadn't cared what happened. "You weren't some hero. Vicki's dead, just like our mom."

"I don't want to bring her up," Peter said. "Mom didn't die. She walked out the door and never came home."

John lifted his chin. Peter sounded like their father, and he'd not let his guard down. No, now was not the time. He refused to share his plans with Peter and argue with his brother about the past. He looked at his watch. In twenty minutes, whoever Peter hired to speak would start. Their father didn't have one person here who truly mourned for him. He glanced at the door. "We should go. Why aren't you speaking?"

"Why aren't you?""

Did you need me to answer that?"

Peter nodded. "The funeral is tomorrow. That's where my strengths have to be. I am glad you're here."

John stilled. Strengths were for important matters. "Why? Are you giving the eulogy then?"

"Someone has to. You have every right to speak if you want."

No. Peter was welcome to pretend to care, but if John spoke he'd accuse his father of murder in front of the enormous crowd. John refused to be that spectacle. His father didn't deserve that he humiliate himself on top of everything else. "Absolutely not."

Peter breathed deep and got to his feet. "Then it has to be me."

Standing as well, John shook his head, his hand on the door. "No, it doesn't. The church can be silent or we can just let the President have his say and whoever else wishes to tell us how Dad was a wonderful, salt-of-the-earth type of guy."

Peter's dark eyebrows quirked. "Salt of the earth? Who would say that?"

He smiled. At least Peter wasn't a complete fool. "I'm sure someone."

Peter lowered his face and kept his voice low. "I'm tired of fighting, John."

They never spoke, so they never fought. John pressed his lips together. Peter had a plan. He shouldn't care, but what if his brother was telling the truth? John opened the door. "Me, too. I'm not staying for the hired performer tonight. I'm exhausted. Bye."

Peter walked behind him. "I'll see you tomorrow."

John's gaze landed on Alice as she slipped out the front door. He sighed. The only light in this place was now gone. John stared at the room full of strangers as Peter walked away with his girlfriend on his arm. John's hands clenched. He'd show up tomorrow. Whatever Peter thought their father might bequeath him left him with nothing but guesses.

Chapter Four

Alice picked up her phone and then put it down. She'd call her mother after she checked into the hotel. She handed over the SUV keys to the valet and ignored his nose curl. She'd still tip the man, but so what if she didn't drive a Maserati like the customer behind her?

She filed the paperwork and tucked her phone in her purse as the late afternoon sky suffocated the air. Her mother had told her to call right after the wake, but if she dialed, Ellie would chirp louder than the wild parrots in the palm trees above her head. Ellie Collins could wait.

The tropical paradise of this deluxe hotel offered a stark contrast to the funeral home. The clear blue sky with spots of white clouds and happy birds in palm trees helped steal the tension from her body.

She strolled past the fountain and into a marble-floored lobby. The Biltmore was iconic old Miami, built in the 1920s with lofted ceilings, an inner courtyard famous for its outside seating, unlimited Bellinis for Sunday brunch, and one of the best spas in the country. Her heels sank into the plush red carpet as she walked toward the mahogany desk to check in.

She gazed through the French doors to the outside tropical paradise which enticed her with the sound of bubbling water. For one night, she was living it up, and she intended to take a long swim in the morning in that perfectly blue pool.

A dip in the waters would help her forget all about John Morgan and that wake. Tonight, she'd dream that John Morgan's lips touched hers. Of course they hadn't, but her lips tingled with a long-ago high school memory.

Her mother would tell her to never see or think about John Morgan. Ellie had serious issues with the House of Morgan that extended to all of their children. Mom hadn't even been sad when Vicki died. Instead she'd been stoic and not said a word as Alice cried that her childhood friend was dead.

She sighed. Perhaps she needed to think of happier moments.

Above her head the pillars to the high, painted ceilings overwhelmed her sense of awe. This place smelled like money, which was strange for her, since Alice needed to budget.

With a nose twitch, she shook her head and realized that thought came from Jennifer's little jab about her black dress. Normal people budgeted and, once in a while, splurged. The super starlet didn't get to judge her life.

She reached the desk and waited for the man behind it to finish his phone conversation and then speak to her.

Finally his gaze met hers as he ended his call, and she told him, "I'm checking in. Alice Collins."

"Ms. Collins." Another man behind the counter stepped forward as the original clerk stepped back. He wore a red uniform, but his was more formal. The clerk stepped aside, and the hotel manager with a pin on his name badge waved his hand to his right. "We're happy you chose our hotel for your overnight stay. There is a gentleman here to see you."

Impossible. Her dad was in Homestead packing up his house, and her brother was still in the Marines. As that was the extent of the men in her life, she shook her head, "A gentleman? Who is he?"

"I'm not at liberty to answer, ma'am."

"Did you ask what he wanted?"

He averted his gaze. "It wasn't my place."

She swallowed. With a thump, she released the handle of her black rolling suitcase and leaned on the counter. "And you didn't get his name to share with me?"

"I cannot say."

It had been a tiring day. She kept her tone even and said, "So he could be some crazy person."

"I assure you, he's not."

Clearly she wouldn't get anywhere with this manager. She crossed her arms and stepped backwards. "I don't want to go meet strange men. I'd like to just check in, please."

The man's expression fell, but Alice stood tall. The manager typed into the computer and said, "Your room won't be available for another hour. I'm very sorry, miss."

How convenient. She wasn't fooled. "How much did this man pay you to get me to talk to him?"

The clerk averted his face and stared at his computer as his manager said, "I don't know what you mean."

Lies didn't invoke trust. She pressed her lips together. "Of course you don't. It was only perfect timing."

He stayed silent.

There was no other choice. She was in no danger except being annoyed with whoever delayed her. "If I go, will my room be ready sooner?"

"I will see to it that your room is ready upon your return."

She narrowed her stare until he flushed. "Sure, okay. If anything happens to me, I'll sue and own this place."

The man smiled like she'd just saved his life or the life of someone he loved. "Of course, miss, you will most assuredly be fine."

She snapped her fingers at her sides. Of course. She let out a breath she hadn't known she held and followed him outside to the Cascade Patio near the pool. Metallic chairs were filled with people lounging by the blue waters, but she didn't recognize anyone. If it was a stranger, she'd run the other direction.

Without warning, her escort stopped near the bar. She scanned the area for someone she knew. Then her heart contracted as she stared into the blue eyes of John Morgan.

Her spirit lifted. He had asked for her. She had no idea why. Their last conversation made it seem like he'd never speak to her again. He'd been rude an hour ago, but it was hard to remember what happened as he gave her that gorgeous smile.

John stood up as she walked toward him, and her heart skipped a beat. His broad shoulders and open smile invited her to throw herself into his arms. He wore the pants he'd had on for the wake, and a white shirt that was now unbuttoned a few notches. The shirt melded to every hard muscle of his body. Along his travels to the hotel, he'd lost the jacket and tie, amplifying pure masculinity.

She opened her mouth and tried to speak, but no words formed. Refusing to act like an idiot, she inhaled and forced herself to sound normal. "I didn't expect to see you."

He kept his hands to his sides and offered a small smile without the dimples. "I am sorry, Alice. I was rude and I wanted to tell you that in person."

With a lift of her chin, she focused on her questions and not on how her mind went blank near him. "How did you know I was here?"

"After you left, I talked with Mr. Soliz and he told me."

He was so tight in the shoulders. Her gaze honed in on the slight bump from a break of his nose during a football game. "Mr. Soliz? You mean Rafe? We went to school with him."

"I thought he looked familiar, but didn't remember from where."

Figured. She stood on her tiptoes to get him to look her in the eye. It was time he stopped forgetting about the past. "What do you remember?"

"That I was angry at my brother, and myself, for being at the wake. I was rude to you, and I came to apologize."

With words like that, she'd fall to his feet in worship. He didn't have to say them. Her body melted a little that he did though, and she smiled. "Your dad just died. You're easily forgiven."

With a nod he said, "It's not your fault that my family bought you off."

Alice winced but then relaxed. How misguided his opinions were—misguided and wrong. She kept her voice even. "When someone signs a business contract to sell in the market, it makes them partners. It's called the free market, not the slave market."

Outside the bar someone splashed at the pool beyond the window. John's shoulders slumped. "And my family takes advantage to control the free part."

She tilted her head. He apologized for the entirely wrong things, but now wasn't the time to sound like a harpy. "Now that is true, but I don't blame you for that. No one forced my family into any contracts to make money. What offended me at the funeral parlor was how you acted as if you couldn't be bothered with someone who did business with your family. We were friends, John. Never think I'd betray anything you'd ever say or do."

"I didn't. Not really." His gaze remained full of judgment, but then she might be reading him wrong. She swallowed as he said, "I tend to jump to the worst conclusions when it comes to my family's business policies. I apologize. Would you like a drink?"

"No, thanks. I want to know you're okay."

"Why do you care?"

"You're Vicki's brother." Her chest tightened and she rubbed the back of her neck. Why not tell him the truth? Neither of them were children and she'd never see him again once the funeral was over and he went back to wherever he was from. "I went to your football games because I had the biggest crush on you then."

"A crush? You? Alice, I didn't know." His face softened and the outlines of his dimples puckered his cheeks.

Sexiness was no reason to fall apart. She straightened the hem of her dress, wishing she'd worn something sexier—though he'd told her earlier that she filled out her dress just fine. "Now you do. It was a long time ago."

He appeared caught off guard by her declaration. She looked into his deep blue eyes and he took a step backwards. "Because of my family money?"

"No. Don't be rude again." Her heartbeat was so rapid that she feared losing her ability to speak but she fought through because she needed to finish what she'd started. She held the back of her bar stool. "Because you never treated me like a peasant that your sister brought home from the streets."

His smile faltered as he studied her. She felt like an ice cube that had been out in the sun too long. For relief, she stepped into the shadows as he then said, "Alice, you went to school with us. Your family is far from the peasant class in any century."

The oranges up north ensured that her family stayed millionaires as long as the farm stayed productive. She blinked. "Not everyone in your family agrees."

He softened his voice. "Peter?"

Guessed right the first time. His brother had said that her contract depended on getting John to the funeral. She coughed and then stared back at him. "Yeah."

His shoulders relaxed as he stepped closer to her with a genuine smile on his face. "I'm glad I asked the concierge to bring you to me."

Unsure how she became so lightheaded so fast, she hung onto her chair. The air around her smelled like cedar and pine trees and John. She hoped she'd get the thump of her heart under control before she lost her precious control. "Is that what this was? I thought I was summoned."

"Summoned? I can't command anything from you. You can go if you wish." The last thing she wanted was to leave his side.

Then he offered his arm. "I hope you'll stay, though. I don't want to spend the night alone. I just spent the evening with people I no longer wish to know, and I could use your company."

Heat rose to her cheekbones and she’d have bet she was blushing. All her life, she'd dreamed John would be hers. To build a wall, she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I'm not inviting you into my room, if that's the implication."

"No." He smiled at her. His warm gaze sent her heart into a tizzy. She dropped her arms to her side as he said, "I was hoping you'd have dinner with me here, and maybe a drink. I have a suite on the thirteenth floor."

A drink and dinner with her Prince Charming. She must be dreaming. Maybe she should throw caution to the wind for one night with John. She was an adult now, and her reactions to him sent her body into overdrive. The House of Morgan always controlled the deck of cards, but soon enough he'd be gone back to wherever he came.

In the future, she'd still be here and end up married to someone who could tolerate farm life. This night might be all she'd ever get of John Morgan. She shrugged her shoulders. "If you are afraid of bad luck or Al Capone's hauntings, you might want to change floors."

"Nope." John held out his hand. "Will you hang out with me tonight?"

Hang out was far too tame for her thoughts. Alice brushed her fingers down his thin, long-sleeved shirt, until she reached his hand. Her flesh seemed electrified. If he touched her bare skin, she'd wrap her arms around him, wanting to see every part of his body. This neediness was so unlike her. She wanted to agree with anything he said when she usually questioned everything. "Sure. Let me go change. Meet you here in an hour?"

At least she sounded normal. Earlier she couldn't even do that. She leaned into him as he said, "Perfect, and thank you."

She tilted her head. "For what?"

His dimpled smile drew her into a dream as he said, "For forgiving me so fast."

The wake seemed a long time ago now. "In the House of Morgan, no one taught you to let things go?"

The no he gave when he shook his head didn't match the humorous gleam in his eyes. "No, that wasn't one of the lessons."

She turned to leave the bar, but peeked behind her. John watched her and his muscular body combined with those blue eyes and dazzling smile triggered something deep inside her. This was her fantasy coming true, so she'd enjoy every moment until it was over. "Well then, welcome to Alice's worldview tonight. You might regret this tomorrow."

He winked at her. "Somehow I doubt it."

With a spring in her step, she sashayed from the pool and picked up her room key and bag. John said hang out, but this was one night where she could pretend to be Cinderella. Alone in the elevator, she licked her lips and wondered what John's kiss would taste like. She'd bet it was tastier than the freshest strawberries from their fields.

Chapter Five

Once inside the elegant hotel room, Alice picked up her phone and stared at the screen. Her mother had called. She rolled her shoulders. No, she'd not report in—she chose to let it charge instead.

Tonight she had her fantasy date with John. Her dreams mattered too. She wouldn't let anyone's opinion sway her, especially since it concerned a Morgan.

Adrenaline pumped in her veins as she rushed around the room to get ready. Out of her two dresses, she chose the silky black one with the lower neckline and would keep the sweetheart with the flared hem for tomorrow. Her just-in-case-something-happened backup dress was now her date dress.

She'd packed two pairs of underwear. If she wore the lacy silk ones tonight, tomorrow she'd be at the funeral in her plain cotton panties that might show a line across her backside. The cameras wouldn't focus on her, so she chose the sexier pair. Tonight she was the star. Tomorrow, she'd keep her hands to her sides and slink into a pew.

She fixed her hair as straight as it could in this humidity. At the mirror, she ensured her makeup was flawless. Everything had to be perfect.

Satisfied with how the neckline revealed her assets, Alice stared at her necklace. The Tiffany gold that Victoria gave her somehow glowed brighter. Should she take it off? Would her friend be upset if she slept with John? So she asked, "Do I have your permission to go out with your brother?"

Alice's face grew a wicked grin as she imagined Vicki saying, Please take him off my hands.

Vicki'd had a sense of timing and had known what to say to everyone. She left the necklace around her neck. Alice always asked herself WWVD, which meant what would Vicki do, if she ever found herself shy. Done, she turned away and grabbed her pocketbook. With confidence in every step, she left her room.

Tonight was never going to be forever, so she could be someone she wasn't. Tonight she was flirtatious and fun, not studious and reserved.

This hotel, a blend of art deco of the 1920s meets ancient Italian villa, was one of the finest in the country. The paintings on the wall promised a fairy tale where fantasies came true. Exquisite angels etched in the walls watched over her as she called the elevator to take her down to the lobby.

She had a date with one of the mortal gods on this Earth. Fate decreed they both stayed at this hotel. Life, wherever she ended up, would never be a fairy tale. For once, she was transported into another world. Perhaps she'd even get to find out what her crush tasted like.

As the elevators opened she spotted John from across the hall. He hadn't seen her so she studied him. He wore gray pants, a fresh white button-down shirt, and as always his hair was flawless. She glimpsed his blue eyes in profile.

Heat inched up her back. Then he half-turned, and his smile widened the moment he saw her. Her arms grew goose bumps. They could each be somebody else. She swung her hips as she stepped toward him.

Her feet itched to run, but she knew better. She slowed her pace to seem in control, but halfway there she barely missed the bellboy's luggage cart. Alice ducked—her big opening scene almost ruined. Then she laughed at herself. So much for those lessons on deportment that Victoria imparted from her actual etiquette lessons.

She gazed at John. His blue eyes stared right at her. She stopped laughing, but then he broke into a small laugh. She turned her head to the side to hide her giggles.

Without another incident she made her way to where he waited. As she stared up, his bright smile dimpled with approval. Her heart beat just for him. He took her hands in his and squeezed lightly. The skin he touched on her body sparked like she was a firework, though he simply said, "You look amazing, Alice."

He towered over her, exuding pure male testosterone. He hugged her and kissed her cheek, which was how everyone in Miami greeted each other, and never meant anything. Her skin tingled again. Then she caught a whiff of cedar and… gunpowder. She wiggled her nose to be sure. The scent was unmistakable. Then she crossed her arms. "Why do you smell like a gun?"

"I do?"

She swallowed. "Yeah, you do."

Silence hung in the air, but she expected an answer.

He stared hard at her. "How do you know what a gun smells like?"

This wasn't happening. He hadn't answered. She'd better not be on a date with a man who became a mafia's boss—and he hadn't inherited his father's evil personality. Her gaze narrowed. "I grew up in the country, where sometimes animals need to be put down. What is it you do? And don't lie. It's got to be something serious for you to smell like that."

"I shouldn't tell you." He peeked around the room and avoided her stare. She licked her lips. Otherwise she stayed still. John Morgan was not the billionaire rebel without a clue. His cheeks reddened. The color in his cheeks showed he was in the prime of his life. Then he leaned down. Her heart did a pitter-patter as he whispered in her ear, "I spent the past three years in the FBI, so I practically sleep with my gun."

"You work as a government agent?" She kept her voice low too. "Your father cursed the fact my dad served and that my brother went off to serve." Memories surfaced of how Mitch Morgan vocally hated all forms of government agents.

"I remember your dad mentioning Colt's choice to go to basic training. I'm sorry you heard my father's rantings."

His father didn't matter. Safety did. John was a man of integrity and honor. Her lips craved to brush against his. "How did your family feel about this?"

With a shrug, he said, "I don't want to talk about Dad tonight."

True. The man had stolen enough of their day already, but her curiosity continued. "He couldn't have been happy you chose to serve your country."

"He threatened to cut me off."

"Did he?"

"No, but he should have. I didn't touch a dime once I left."

"He used money to keep you on a leash."

"You understand too much." Then he shook his head. "The money doesn't drive me or matter."

She swallowed. It was impossible that a Morgan would walk away from the dynasty. In her own family, she couldn't walk away from the farm entirely, though she refused to ever touch a crop again, unless it was to help in an emergency. Her parents sacrificed everything for her and she'd do the same for them. "Then why did you come back?"

"Because Peter asked."

Peter and John were all each other had. She kept the thought to herself. With a shrug, she followed him to the restaurant. "So? If Colt wants me to do something I don't want, then it doesn't happen."

The hostess took his name and gave him a buzzer. On their way back outside, he whispered, "I needed to see with my own eyes. If my father is dead there is no way to take him down."

"Was that why you joined the FBI?"

"Absolutely."

"Oh. I didn't make that connection."

A conversation over dinner about his father was the opposite of fun. Besides, she needed to learn a few things in the here and now. Peter Morgan was the mystery to her—four years her senior, he'd never been home all those years she spent with Victoria. "Is Peter like your father?"

John brought her to the terrace where people sat with their drinks. The live music drifted in the open air as he answered, "I hope not. He's being kind, but he wants something and he's mentioned the will reading. I don't know how ruthless he is. I might remember wrong, or he might have changed."

He led them to a corner with black metal tables and chairs and fewer people to wait for their dinner buzzer to go off.

"What does that mean?"

He held out her chair and a sigh escaped her lips as she noticed the taper candles near the small vase of flowers. "I don't know, but he wants control of the business empire."

Everyone knew Peter had spent years in training to take over the House of Morgan. Her brain couldn't quite wrap around that John took off to be a government agent.

"What do you want?"

He lifted his finger for the waitress to come to their table as he showed off his cute dimples. "You."

Did he? Her face heated as she clutched her hands together under the table.

The waitress came over and John told her, "The Riesling. Alice has always enjoyed sweet."

She massaged her wrist to stop trembling. He remembered her sweet tooth.

The waitress left to get the bottle of wine.

Alice fixed her hair behind her ears, leaning close enough to John to sniff cedar, pine, and subtle gun residue. John was sexy before, but now he upheld the law. His untouchable hotness level skyrocketed. Her skin ached for him. "You avoided the discussion," she said. "I don't understand how a man such as yourself would take a job that doesn't pay nearly as much as you have in your bank accounts."

He tipped his head and her heart raced.

"How did you smell the gunpowder? I just bought these clothes."

"I like the shirt." The change of conversation didn't sway her, but his investigation technique needed work. She didn't feel pressured in the slightest. His broad shoulders could make a trash bag sexy. Her body melted like ice cream on a hot summer day. He'd leave soon, but he could have anything he wanted from her. The waitress came back with the bottle of wine and two glasses.

Alice waited for him to pour with her hands under her legs. She tried to calm her heartbeat so she'd sound almost normal. "I don't know." He set her glass before her. "You're supposed to smell like cedar and pine trees."

He stopped mid-sip. "I'm supposed to smell like a tree?"

"No. No." She shook her head. So much for smooth. She massaged the back of her neck with one hand and picked up her wine glass with the other.

She gulped some wine, grateful she could swallow. The liquid only made her peek at John again and fall deeper under his spell. Slowly, her temperature grew and her gaze wandered to the hotel door. Air conditioning might help. "It's how I remember you smelled. Reminds me of home, I guess."

Silence hung in the air, leaving her empty and vulnerable. He sipped his white wine, his gaze unreadable. Coldness seeped through her and sent a shiver down her back. This was the worst moment in her life. "Alice, why do you remember so much about me?"

Her face heated, which countered the ice in her neck, but her brain didn't quite work. She was light-headed. If she fainted, would the nightmare of this moment end? Not with her luck. I have to tell the truth. She leaned forward. "You were my first kiss."

Clearly shocked, his mouth fell open. Her breath stuck in her throat. The earth needed to swallow her right now. He placed his drink on a cocktail napkin and her nerves tingled. Then he put his forearms on the table. "What do you mean?"

There was no escape. No earthquakes appeared to save her. She placed her hands over his. He had to remember that moment as it was burned into her dreams. "It didn't mean anything to you. I knew that then. I accidentally moved my face, and you kissed my lips instead of my cheek. At that time, I didn't know what to do and I opened my mouth."

His entire face gazed so intensely at her that she lost her ability to think. He had no idea what she was talking about. She ought to go jump in the pool fully clothed and cool off. Granted she'd only been fourteen, but the memory was seared into her mind.

To avoid him, she gulped a second glass of wine and said nothing. There was nothing else to say. The special moment was destroyed, so she pushed away from the table. "I should probably go back to my room."

"Wait." He squeezed her hand. "We were at Vizcaya for Vicki's birthday party. I had no idea it meant so much to you."

She inhaled and scooted closer. He remembered! She took her hand back from him and clutched her necklace. "You remember?"

He tilted his face so they were inches apart. "You tasted like strawberries."

At the farm, she always ate strawberry something. He remembered her taste? Her mind was mush. To avert her gaze she turned her head and tried to stop her limbs from shaking. For one second she needed to breathe like a normal person. "We grow them on the farm."

Without a word, he picked up his drink and studied her. His perusal felt different from other men. There was no way she was worldly enough for a man like John.

Then a smile that shined like the sun appeared on his face and brought out those dimples as he leaned back in his chair. "I didn't know it was your first kiss. I'd have made it more special."

Her gaze flew to his, and the gleam in his eye made her feel like she was the only woman on the planet. "That would have been more awkward, and I was already embarrassed."

The buzzer on the table reverberated. He picked it up and took her elbow. "Don't be embarrassed. I was the luckiest guy that day, and I didn't even realize it."

If he thought like that, then tonight would end with fireworks and explosions. "Really?"

"Yeah," he said. "You had just had a fight with your dad or something. Shall we go to dinner?"

Her hotel room would be quieter. She would have been happy to skip dinner but he seemed intent on a meal. He lifted her to her feet as she scooted back her chair. His hand brushed the base of her spine. This was it. Her body trembled for his hand against her naked body as he escorted her into the dining room.

"I'm glad I came home," he said.

They waited for the hostess to show them to a table, and John held her seat for her. She'd told him her feelings and he'd responded. It wasn't her imagination—John was flirting with her. She had to read this right. After the funeral, they'd go their separate ways, but for tonight, she'd be his Cinderella. She traced her throat with her forefinger. "Why?"

"You." He slid into the seat opposite her.

A shiver of pleasure overwhelmed her. She lowered her eyes and giggled. Her nerves were getting in the way. She'd never be sophisticated. "The Morgan charm."

His hand went across the table and brushed against hers. "What?"

She picked up her drink. More memories played in her mind like a movie as she remembered the House of Morgan and how Vicki went to charm school. She tilted her head. "Did you get lessons in how to be charming?"

For a second, his face lost all traces of that guard that was so high and jaded. Then his sexy dimples came back and his smile was simple and pure. "No. I just like seeing you blush. Do the boys in the country not compliment you?"

She slid her drink back on the table and winked at him. "Not like you do."

Without warning, he scooted his chair closer to hers. "Alice Collins, if you keep looking at me like that, then I'm going to kiss you."

Yes. Her mouth fell open. He couldn't mean that. It was what she'd always wanted. Her entire body felt light and airy, but despite her dreams, she'd never actually drag John to her bed or anywhere. It wasn't who she was. Despite her claims, she couldn't pretend to be that much of someone else. She averted her gaze. "It's way too soon."

He leaned closer, across their seats. Every second disappeared and time went still. Her heart beat wildly. Then his nose brushed hers. "Then turn away."

She closed her eyes. Fairy tales weren't real and she needed to respect herself in the morning. "I can't."

His arms circled her waist. Nothing else existed in the world except them. Her body ached for his touch, all over. This was fate. Then his lips met hers. The featherlike brush against hers melted everything. This was heaven. His lips tasted like a fine wine or candy, but a million times more succulent.

Chapter Six

John thought Alice's strawberry-scented hair matched the sweetness of her kiss as he pulled away from her mouth and leaned back in his chair.

He was under some spell and not himself tonight. With her, the world was fresh and clean. He gazed into Alice's light blue eyes and felt like he was in a dream where he was safe, and no one judged him. Though she'd compared him to a tree, Alice gave him a sense of home and belonging.

There was no other choice but to go slow with her. Her entire body begged him to take her right here and now, but he wouldn't. He ran his hands through his hair and tried to regain his control.

The music from the terrace wafted into the restaurant. Sitting across from Alice felt like he belonged somewhere. He tried to breathe.

She fingered her gold pendant, saying something he didn't catch. His gaze returned to her sweet lips as she unfolded her napkin and placed it on her lap. He pictured kissing the parts she hid under her black dress.

She leaned across the table and kissed him. Without intention, he opened his lips, and tugged her close.

Steel drums beat in his ear, and he questioned if it was his heartbeat. He let go of her chin as the waitress came over.

"John, I don't know what to say."

Whatever had prompted those words would remain a mystery. The tingle of her kiss lingered on his lips. At least she couldn't hear his thoughts. She would run away. He sat back and crossed his arms. "I don't either. Alice, I'm in the middle of changing my entire life."

She scooted her seat in across from him. The distance of the round table between them was good. "Okay. Don't worry about it." She shrugged. "Tonight is a fantasy."

Fantasies and Alice were a dangerous combination. Forget dinner. It had been a bad idea to spend time with her. The trouble was, if he went anywhere near her room, he wouldn't let her go. The thought scared him. Alice reminded him of a dream he never had. She was the only thing he'd touched in years that was warm and inviting. "The funeral is on my mind."

"Of course it is. Despite everything, he was your father and the only parent you had."

"I don't want my dark thoughts to ruin your night too. Maybe once we finish our meal, I should let you go back to your room."

She toyed with her water glass, but then her lips puckered. "Don't run away on my account."

She knew him. Her comments about home earlier hit him in the gut. Alice's kiss made his body soar, and if he took her, then it would be forever. But eternity wasn't a possibility for him. In his everyday life, vengeance ruled him and he held onto too much anger to ruin a girl like her.

Breaking with the FBI wasn't as simple as handing in his badge and figuring out a financial position. He finished his drink and then said, "It's dangerous for me to involve myself in your life."

A brush of her hands on his pumped up his adrenaline. "Who said involved? It was just a kiss."

"A moment ago you were reserved." There was no way for her to know. She didn't understand. He gazed into her light blue eyes as she sipped her wine and then took her hand. "Alice, don't be someone you're not, for me or for anyone. You are too good for me."

Her eyes watered as she said, "You are being dramatic."

The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. "Don't brush off how we feel right now. We both know where this leads."

"Then don't turn this moment into something it doesn't have to be. Just relax."

Relaxing wasn't going to happen near her. Alice Collins was sexy, and he didn't think she saw that. Back when Vicki was alive he must have been truly self-delusional, or blind. She'd been in front of his face the whole time. One moment with her might be worth a lifetime of possibilities.

He pulled his hands back to his lap. Tonight, he'd respect her. His sister's memory should mean that Alice was off limits. The heat under his collar grew. Every inch of him craved her. He stood up and offered his hand. "Dance?"

She blinked in surprise, but then she smiled like he'd picked her off the bleachers for the school dance. He shook off the thought and helped her up—her hand stayed in his. "Okay. I want to be in your arms."

For the dance only. He kept his lips pressed together.

With his rapt attention on her, she fixed her hair behind her ears and let him lead. Her body had curves, and her hand fit in his perfectly. He'd claim the life he wanted and when he was settled and secured, he'd keep Alice for a lifetime.

They found their positions on the dance floor where salsa music wafted in the air. He wrapped his arms around her perfectly shaped body and closed his eyes to breathe in the hint of strawberries. He led her in the dance. "You are one of those women, aren't you?"

She stumbled and then let him hold her to lead, but this time with a frown. "What are you talking about, those women?"

He turned her, his fingers aching to bring her closer. The beat was hard, rhythmic. He finally said, "The ones men call ‘Sweetheart.' It's in your eyes."

The tempo rose and Alice shook her hips in time to the music. Her moves made his body feel weak, but hot. Her open gaze seemed inviting. "What did you say? What's in my eyes?"

This dance was torture. As her mouth moved, his lips ached to taste her one more time. He swallowed. "How sweet and kind you are and that you have a heart."

He spun her around and took that second to get himself under control. Goose bumps dotted his skin, and his flesh was hypersensitive. No words came out of his mouth as she twirled back into his arms. He had dated plenty of women—none of them had affected him like this. Alice was his home. The thought hit him hard. It held him in his place.

The need in his fingers to keep her locked in his arms grew. No more kissing her was allowed for him. As she moved, she came back and rubbed her chin. "I'm trying to figure you out. One minute you kiss me. The next minute you're stiff and not smiling. Does the FBI rip that out of its agents or something?" She tapped his chest.

This conversation was like a merry-go-round and made him dizzy. With the music, it was hard to follow a train of thought. If she was anyone else, he'd be different, but she shattered his reserve. It took a second to catch that she was referring to his heart. She brushed his face with her fingers as he said, "The FBI leaves me cold."

Her body pressed against him. "You're far from that."

"You don't know that." He'd be ruthless, but near Alice, he lost that part of himself.

Her hips swayed, brushing his groin. Every part of him was primitive and wanted to throw her over his shoulder and take her upstairs to his room. Instead he said, "I don't want to talk about work."

"Then let's talk about us."

"Us?" Absolutely not. There was no us or we in this lifetime. His hands trailed up her perfect back, which only sent more heat throughout his body. "You are a more interesting topic. Funny too."

"What's funny?" Her face ticked like he said the wrong thing.

The music was in such a rush now that no matter how loud they spoke, it was difficult to hear.

He grimaced. "Nothing. We can't."

Her frown told him he disappointed her, though for the moment she said nothing.

The music picked up into a frenzy as he led her around in a circle. He pressed his lips together as she asked, "What's holding you back?"

The song ended with a high note. She was perfect, and his lips tingled to kiss her again. Instead he led her off the dance floor, as he'd not torture himself again. The date had to end soon. Night was coming in like a blanket that made him forget. His body couldn't handle being that close. She took his hand, and adrenaline surged through him. Brakes would help about now. "My family."

He led her to stand between a wall and the dance floor. Her face lost its brightness as she said, "Your sister liked me."

He liked her. He glanced at their table. The food wasn't nearly so tempting. Part of him hoped to get over his issues and just take her, but he leaned against the wall. "The House of Morgan is unforgettable."

"Perhaps it's your father that holds you still." She stayed in his arms as he massaged her shoulders. So close, he could kiss her again. He leaned in and her lips were inches from his, but then she turned her head. Her eyes misted, like she was upset at him. "Let's change topics. Why did you join the FBI?"

Clearly he was the one with the issue. Every pulse in his body demanded he take her and never let go. He stared into her blue eyes and saw a spark. It might be fear, but it might be desire. Perhaps she should fear him, but his pulse near her was off the chart. He shook his head and tried to get a grip. "To find out the depths my father would go. I know he had something to do with Vicki's death."

Her face flinched. "Would he kill his own daughter?"

"If I stood in the way of something, he'd discard me. I'd assume he'd do that to her too."

"Yet you joined the FBI to hunt down his friends and still he didn't cut you out. Despite how miserable I remember Vicki being with your dad, I have a hard time believing he'd have killed his only daughter."

She stroked his forearm, offering comfort. "Don't think about him."

Then she reached out and hugged him. Her body pressed against his, and his hands shook as he restrained himself from holding her too tight. "Deal."

Alice nodded, and pulled out of their hug. "Vicki was distant and unseen for months before she died. I thought we were going to college together, but she never showed up."

He tilted his head and took another long look at Alice's beauty. This was a conversation he could have. Her skin had a glow to it that made her stand out. It might be because she seemed to truly care. "She never confided in you why she disappeared?"

Her eyes widened. "No. Did you ever find out why she left?"

He shook his head and squeezed her hand, taking her to the table and their dinner which had just arrived "No. I hoped you did."

John held her chair as she sat and then pushed her in. "Where did you go after the funeral?"

"I was getting my master's at Stanford the day she died." He took the seat opposite Alice. His father had assumed he was into science, so when he'd moved to DC and walked away from everything, Mitch had hardly noticed. "Right after the funeral, I joined the FBI academy. My father was so angry he said he'd disown me."

Both of her hands now held his across the table. "But he didn't."

Alice was easy to talk to. He hadn't had anyone in his corner for as long as he remembered. "No. He kept the monthly money piling into my accounts, but now I have no idea what will happen. I guess I'll find out at the will."

She shrugged. "Maybe Peter disagreed with your dad."

Holding Alice's hand made the entire day worth living. He took his hand back and gazed into her clear and lovely face. Then he poured them both a glass of wine. "I don't know. Peter was the oldest and he was the most distant. Out of all of us, he remembered our mother the most, and I think I was jealous that he had memories."

She took the glass as she squeezed his shoulder. "You don't?"

This wasn't to make her feel bad for him. He shook his head. "Fragmented pictures go through my mind, but nothing concrete."

She brushed her hand against his again, and the warmth in his body shot through his veins. "I don't know how that feels. Vicki always said your mom left you all the day she was born, but if you have memories, that has to be hard. I'm so sorry."

This conversation could only be had with her. No one else would ever understand. He withdrew his hand and rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know why I'm telling you this."

The server interrupted and asked, "Do you need anything else?"

"No, thanks." John said without one glance away from her.

"I'm glad we're honest with each other." As soon as they were alone, again, she smiled and her face glowed. She could be related to angels, if those things existed. "'Cause you can trust me. It's okay. John, I told you my darkest secret."

"I wish I'd known about your crush back then."

She sipped her wine. His mouth watered and he wished he was the wine. He needed to stop this fantasy about Alice. She had no idea.

They finished their dinner.

She shook her head. "I was a tomboy and your sister's friend."

No, that wasn't why he hadn't noticed her before. If he had, it would be less of a nuclear explosion inside him now. She drank her wine. He scooted closer. "You turned out to be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

What had he said? Her entire body seemed to tell him to take her. Every cell in him reacted to her. He stared at her mouth and remembered she tasted better than fruit. She tasted liked Heaven.

She opened her eyes and then offered a smile. With a wink, she said, "That's it. We're getting married."

His entire body stilled. "What?"

She laughed. Perhaps she could be flirty and fun. "I'm joking, slightly. I don't know how much more flirting I can do. John. We're both adults now. We should go upstairs."

It wasn't a joke. The picture of a simple life with Alice at the door as she waited for him flashed in his mind. If he married Alice, then he'd have her in his life forever. No one would be hurt if he kept her.

It was something to think about. He took her hand and led her inside the hotel. "Then I'll ensure you get back to your room, alone."

She winced, hurt. "Okay." She shrugged. "Thank you for tonight."

He walked her toward the elevator, but kept her hand in his. Her eyes widened but she didn't ask. Her soft skin kept him grounded and warm. He hit the button to call the elevator. "At the funeral tomorrow, I'll be distant. The press will be there. Please don't be offended."

"So you don't want people on television to see me with you?"

"It's for your own protection. You should be safe, away from Peter and Jennifer and their narrow worldview."

The elevator opened, and they both went inside. She pressed 12 as he hit 13. Part of him wanted to go to her room and rip that dress off her body.

He gripped the elevator door to stop himself. She asked, "Why?"

The doors closed and they were alone. He wouldn't kiss her again. He swallowed. "I'm attracted to you and that's something my brother and the world doesn't need to see."

She rubbed her arms and met his gaze. Her eyes held a glimmer of a question that she kept unspoken. Should he lean her backwards in the elevator and kiss her hard? Right now, no. He intended forever, and forever doesn't start with seduction. A potential wife was different than a random hookup. He stood straighter. She was steady and he needed strength.

"You really don't trust him, do you?"

What had he said? Something about his brother. His mind caught up to the conversation, though his mouth still ached to kiss her. "I don't know. He might be fine, but in the House of Morgan signs of affection can be used as a weapon. You're too sweet."

Without another thought he captured her lips in a kiss. The overwhelming sense that he belonged with her shot through him like a lightning bolt. Her hands wrapped around his neck as he held her waist. He pulled back for a breath of air as the elevator stopped and the doors opened.

For a moment, neither of them moved or said anything. The elevator dinged a second time and his hand went out to stop the doors from closing. She swallowed and then said, "Okay. Good night."

She moved like an angel. She walked off the elevator, but then he held the door and asked her sexy backside, "Coffee afterwards?"

The words had just flown out of his mouth. She turned around and offered him a smile. "Where?"

He reached for his phone, and hoped his hands didn't show sweat. He swallowed back his nerves. "I'll text you, if you give me your number."

A laugh formed on her face, though neither made a sound. "Smooth, John."

She took his phone and typed her number. Then she handed it back to him. Strawberries scented the air. The taste of Alice was even sweeter. She took a step back from the elevator. "Good night."

"I'll see you at the funeral."

He lost all sense of what to say near her. Alice was incredible. If he could bottle her and keep her in his life, he'd be happier than he'd been in years.

He walked into his room and stared at Alice's number one more time. Smiling, he knew he'd find her again, but he refused to spend the evening like a lost puppy dog as he gazed at her name. He closed out the phone application and checked his email. The second one caught his attention.

John Morgan,

You are the reason my family is dead. Now that I know your name, nothing can stop me from taking away everything you ever loved, starting with the brunette.

Someone had seen him and Alice together. His entire body froze, but training took over. John's feet pressed into the floor as he listened to his heartbeat slow. First he forwarded the message to his ex-boss at the FBI and then clenched his hands. He might have quit, but this was likely job-related.

The pain in his chest felt like a heart attack. All that mattered now was ensuring that Alice was safe.

The FBI was the best plan. With the Morgan fortune, he could hire whatever security he needed. Rejoining his father's world meant he had to face his choices, but in no way would anyone hurt Alice. He swallowed and coldness entered his body. He'd never go out with Alice Collins, ever again, if that kept her safe.

The threat mentioned her specifically. He'd have to protect her. No one would ever hurt her. He grabbed his bag and headed to the door. Tonight he slept in the hall.

Chapter Seven

Last night had ended too innocently to be the ultimate fantasy. All she had was the promise of another date and a few spine-tingling kisses. It was more than she'd had previously, but her skin felt icky, like she missed something. A frown didn't budge from her lips, and the bright sun from the window did nothing for her, except wake her up.

The coffee in her room helped as she checked her cotton granny panties and prayed the line wasn't that noticeable. The clock read later than she intended, so she walked out the door. No morning conversation with her mom was also perfect as her phone was still off, and she kept it that way. At the hotel, they let her sit inside until the valet had her SUV, and then bellboys packed her one bag in the back.

The cloudless blue of the morning sky lifted her spirits. She poked her tongue into her cheek as she drove. Another date with John might seal the deal. A funeral should have cooled her libido, and John was the man's son. She tapped the steering wheel to the beat of the radio.

As she turned her SUV into the church parking lot, bright lights from the streets blinded her. She'd passed so many video cameras that her eyes were dazed. She killed the ignition, a frown on her face. She'd never live like this.

It was still morning and the coffee hadn't kicked in. She ran her hands through her short hair, and kept her head down to avoid the flashes of a mob from the gate she had just passed. She sighed. Nothing good happened at funerals.

John would be in the procession later and he'd warned her that he wouldn't spend time with her today, not until after this was over. She made her way to the front door, though she realized she was early.

The glass doors closed behind her leaving her in a white hallway. A flutter grew in her stomach. Alice turned right and swore she saw a blonde woman who looked like Victoria float into an adjoining room. Alice blinked, knowing that was impossible.

Denied sex never brought people back to life. Alice rubbed her eyes.

The church was warm. Hopefully, when people arrived, they would blast the air conditioning. She swallowed and felt overheated as she entered the main room.

A few mourners sat in the light brown pews but the place was still pretty empty. Mitch Morgan's casket had so many flower baskets around it he appeared like a king as he lay in state at the front of the room.

This was why John had been in no mood for her last night. If the situation were reversed, she'd be a total mess too. Alice hugged her stomach and chose instead to go wait in the greeting area for more people. With the scattered amount of guests who milled in the halls, she'd blend better.

If she missed seeing John this morning, she'd be fine. Coffee afterward would make up for everything else. With that thought, she turned on her phone. There were a dozen voice mails from her mother. She pursed her lips, flicked it back off, and returned to the bright hall.

Though the sun was shining brightly, her arms had goose bumps. It felt like someone was staring at her. She turned around completely, but saw no one.

Whatever it was felt familiar, not frightening.

Perhaps Mitch had more children than the three he raised, and John would meet half-brothers and -sisters at his funeral. Not that she wished that on him, but her gut said something was about to happen.

Noise outside caught her attention. She folded her arms in front of her black dress as a large group of people walked in. The lights flashed brighter than fireworks on the Fourth of July, so Peter and John must have arrived.

The explosion in her heart begged to lock eyes with John. Alice didn't see him, but the surge of hope never wavered.

Alice blinked at Jennifer in a magnificent black gown that could double as a dress for the Academy Awards. Her long black hair, dark eyes, and pale skin made her the star that she was. Mortals did not look like Jennifer Gonzales.

Other people passed by, but she never saw John. The lights were too bright. As shoulders passed in front of her, goosebumps rose on her arms. Then her stare froze as she gazed at the outline of her fairy-tale prince. John's light blondish-brown hair, blue eyes, and dimples blew every other man out of the water.

Her lips tingled as she remembered their kiss. She averted her gaze and blended into the crowd that walked into the chapel for the ceremonies.

Peter Morgan suddenly appeared at her side. She gazed up at John's brother. Her mind didn't register anything at first, but then Peter's words acted like a knife to the bread that was her brain. "Consider our contracts canceled at the end of the term."

Alice's mouth dropped open. Her father's retirement depended on that contract. Her fingers felt like ice, and her skin grew cold. "What?"

Peter continued past her in the rush and took Jennifer's hand. He acted as if he hadn't just destroyed her.

Jennifer, obviously in on the plan, added, "You were never important, Alice. No one knows why you're here."

Alice's stomach twisted. Sharp pains poked through her skin.

The pair of them walked away in the throng of people.

Alice blinked and could do nothing but stare. She'd come here to pay her respects to the House of Morgan and keep her family safe. Instead, she'd lost her family's contract to sell their produce in supermarkets around the country.

Her parents were retiring and needed the income. Her father was recovering from a heart attack. Her brother was leaving the Marines to raise his daughter. The weight of responsibility rested on her shoulders, and her very independence depended on her business skills. This wasn't possible.

She folded her freezing hands together. She had to think fast.

John's fingers brushed her back. A spark of electricity woke her. "Alice, you look like a ghost. Are you okay?"

"Your brother…" Her voice trailed off. She shouldn't tell him, not here, at the funeral. She pressed her lips together. She gazed at the floor to count the marble tiles. "Never mind. We can talk about it later."

His warm hands pressed against her back. She turned toward him as he took her hand. "Forget what I said last night. Sit next to me and tell me what happened."

This wasn't smart. She swallowed. She'd be in the same row with Peter and Jennifer. No real conversation could be had there. Besides, the entire world might see her if she sat next to the President of the United States or the former one. She kept her legs from buckling by locking her knees. "I don't think I should."

John's hand kept her warm. The blush in his cheeks suggested he was happy to see her. It was something at least. He held his hand on her back as he walked her down the aisle. "Tell me what happened."

She must be having an out-of-body experience. As she followed him and her hand took his, her mind was a complete blank. Honestly, she couldn't think. This was so strange.

Her backside sat down before she realized she was exactly where she feared, in front of a President and in the row as part of the family. With those cameras, her mother would definitely see her and Alice had no explanation to offer on what happened with John Morgan. "Not here."

John's hand stayed on hers as they stood up so the former President could pass and get his seat. John's face paled as he stared at a television camera. "I didn't know Peter allowed cameras in here."

At least he thought about what this looked like too.

Jennifer shook her head at Alice in disapproval. Alice refused to cower because of her, and she held her head higher. "Your brother is dating an actress. I wouldn't be surprised if the engagement was a television reality show."

"No," John whispered in her ear, and his warm breaths tickled her neck. "That wouldn't be fitting for a Morgan. Peter would not sink that low."

Then, in the corner of her eye, Alice swore she saw Victoria again. She rubbed the back of her neck.

She squeezed John's hand enough for him to ask, "Are you okay?"

To avert her gaze, she brushed her hair behind her ears. "Yes. You're right about your brother and trust, by the way."

"What happened?"

Vicki would be here, if her father was dead, but Alice didn't believe in ghosts. There was no explanation for what she thought she saw. She touched her forehead. "Right now, this isn't about me. Your brother just dropped a bombshell that I'll have to figure out how to handle."

John's gaze turned cold as he stared over her head. Alice followed the direction and saw Peter. Peter's face appeared confused for a split second, but then he nodded at his brother. The Morgan attitude of they own everything took over.

John whispered to Alice, "Tell me what happened with him the second we escape this. Peter has no right to bully you."

Bully was a strong word and untrue. The contract wasn't with John. Peter had every right to walk away, though her heart constricted at the thought. She'd have to scramble fast to find another client.

Then lights blinded her as people gasped. Alice's arms had goosebumps. John's eyes lit up as he gazed at something behind them. The glow of his entire demeanor emanated happiness. She bit her lip. Someone shocking must be here. Then she turned her head around and followed John's stare.

His mouth gaped and he took her hand closer to his body. Even Peter's cheeks were rosy with excitement. The people around her blocked whoever everyone stared at. John's fingers laced around hers. Alice followed the direction of his gaze. The heads finally swayed out of her way and she pressed her free hand against her chest.

Alice's entire body went numb. Victoria Morgan walked into the room and made her way down the aisle. Like both her brothers, her cheeks were rosy and her blue eyes shone with life and vitality. Alice swallowed. Oh my goodness. Her best friend was alive.

Chapter Eight

John flinched and he couldn't quite stop blinking. Victoria and Alice hugged like they were sisters while the entire world watched everything live on television, including whoever intended him or Alice harm. His sister would be a target too. He stood back in thought until Vicki called, "Don't I get a hug, or are you mad at me?"

Without one word, John wrapped his arms around his baby sister, and her soft skin and fresh clean smell told him she was indeed alive. He hadn't quite believed it. He closed his eyes as a sea of emotions wracked his body. Victoria's death had been the hardest part of his life, but it didn't matter now. She was here.

Peter coughed. "Let go, John, so I can hug our sister."

John stepped out of the way and brushed his hand down Alice's back. He tried to hold her steady because she was shaking like a leaf in a windstorm.

Peter and Victoria hugged. Jennifer didn't budge from the first row for a few seconds. Then she trembled as she joined them. Alice tried to slip her hand free, but John kept her close. He glanced down at her and Alice whispered, "This is a family moment, John."

Jennifer's eyes watered as she walked over to Victoria and Peter, though Alice braced as the woman glided past them.

He shook his head, holding Alice tight. Victoria would want her best friend, and he needed to keep them all safe. Together.

Everyone watched through the rolling cameras.

Victoria and Peter stepped out of their hug. She asked, "Is Dad really dead?"

"We should have checked your casket." Peter smiled then stepped aside.

John tilted his head. His brother's face read like he had already known that Vicki was alive. There was no shock, not like everyone else. Had Peter known all along? His sister's funeral had been faked and he'd fallen for that. Their father must have been laughing in his grave at how gullible he'd been. John's spine turned ice cold.

"You're hurting my hand." Alice twisted her wrist and he let go.

Alice needed to be protected. He turned to her and again placed his hand on her arm. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine." She smiled with a warmness that felt like concern. "We all thought Victoria was dead—you turned into an icicle. John, sweetie, are you okay?"

He gazed over her and stared into the network news camera that was aimed right at his face.

"Yes." John looked beyond her and toward a camera that recorded the entire funeral. There was no way he could let Alice leave, not now. She'd be in danger. "Come, help me get the family out of here."

Victoria hugged Jennifer as the television actress cried in front of the cameras. At Castle Morgan, the family home that wasn't truly a castle, but an estate, they'd be safe. Alice wouldn't like that arrangement. John held her elbow and guided her as he said, "Peter, let's take Vicki to the back room, away from the cameras."

Jennifer took Peter's hand and the five of them pushed past his father's casket and out the side door. Alice stayed with him until they were at the exit. He let go so she could enter, but she stepped to the side. John tried to call her back, but she slipped into the crowd.

Vicki would be safe with Peter and Jennifer, but Alice wasn't. She had no idea about the danger. He rushed into the crowded room to get her.

Walking fast, she'd already reached the front room near the main door, and he called out, "Wait."

Her face was red as she turned around and glanced at the crowd of people around them. "Why did you follow me?"

At least she stayed still as he approached. He needed to explain so she'd understand. With his palms up, he tried to sound reasonable. "Don't go."

She shook her head, her fingers on the door handle. "What are you doing? You should be with your family right now."

He reached out to stop her. "Stay with me."

She averted her gaze and looked over his shoulder at the people around them. "Victoria is in there. She'll call me later. Be with your family."

The thought of Alice outside alone sent a chill down his entire body. "I can't let you go."

Her face turned a deeper shade of red. "John, our date last night was great, but it was just a fantasy. Our worlds are different." As she spoke, a red laser appeared on her face and his mouth dropped.

Without a word, John grabbed her and positioned her between his chest and the wall as a bullet crashed through the glass doors right beside them. Alice screamed and then put her palm over her mouth to stop.

He covered her head with his arms to block any shattered glass.

Shouts sounded behind them.

He patted her strawberry-scented hair as her smell helped block out the stench of gunpowder.

From both sides of the church foyer, Secret Service came out of the funeral with guns drawn. Alice shook. He held her tight as he called, "Bullet came from outside."

At least he hadn't given back his gun or badge yet, as his training was why he was wore his weapon.

One of the agents had his finger to his ear as he answered, "We have two Presidents to protect. Our men are en route."

Alice trembled in his arms and he rocked her to keep her calm. This was his fault. No one would get to her. In the security mirror, near the entrance, he saw she was pale. "Can I take her to sit down?"

One of the men in sunglasses said, "I need to see identification."

Her lips shook. "My license is in my purse, John."

No one should scare her like this. He'd have to find out who did this. John nodded, but held her waist to keep her close as he opened his jacket to reveal his FBI badge. "She's with me. She was almost shot."

The men with the guns pointed at them held their weapons higher and let them pass. He took her toward one of the rooms to the back and away from the funeral. Alice stayed in his arms as she followed. She stayed close until he closed a side door. Then she blinked, tried to stand taller, and swallowed. "Who shot at me?"

His heart constricted in his chest. He had no idea how much to reveal. He couldn't tell her that this was a threat against him. "Could be anyone."

She took his bicep in both of her hands. "Did you see a laser on my face? I thought I saw a red light."

"Yeah. It's why I dragged you in my arms."

Her blue eyes sparkled with curiosity and fear. Her cheeks grew red. "Your skills as an agent were spot-on perfect."

"No, that wasn't what happened. I was lucky."

She shook her head, placed her palm to forehead like she recalled the feel of the red laser, and then closed her eyes. "Wow. I'll be fine. It was probably someone trying to shoot the President."

She walked away from him, and he reached out to keep her close. Again the smell of strawberries played in his throat. "They almost shot you."

Her face went pale as she stiffened. "That doesn't make any sense. I'm not the President. I'm no one important."

His hands froze on her back as he realized he had to tell her. He gazed into her eyes, wishing he didn't have to reveal his true feelings. "Someone threatened to kill anyone I loved."

Her lips parted. "What? I still don't qualify. You don't love me."

John let her back away as his spine stiffened while he waited to be knocked out from a punch he had no power to stop. What he said sounded extreme, but his heart knew the truth. He promised himself that no one was going to hurt her because of him. "Just now. On national television? We appeared close."

She frowned. "So someone thinks you love me?"

It shouldn't be that hard for her to believe that he had feelings. He took a deep breath and steered the conversation back to the point. "We need to focus on your safety."

Her arms stayed at her sides as her eyes grew wider. "What about my family?"

Alice should think more about herself. He nodded. "I'll keep a patrol at your parents' farm."

She shook her head like it wasn't enough. "They have to be safe."

As she wasn't a fan of his family, he wouldn't mention the Morgans had their own security that rivaled any government run organization. By staying out of sight, no one should go after her parents. John crossed his arms so he'd not attach himself to her. "You're the primary target. They'll go to them if they can't get to you, but you have to be kept out of sight."

"That wasn't very reassuring."

"I don't know how to soften my words or lie to you."

"My mother pretty much hates your family."

Only Alice would spend this long worrying about others and not herself. Her sweetness was more palatable than sugar. He stayed still so she wouldn't jump. "Good. Whoever hears her tell that to the world won't bother with her. Right now, I want you with me until I find out who is behind the threats. If you go home, you risk putting your family in danger. It's safer if I put a patrol on the outside while you're with me."

Her eyes misted like she might cry, though her pale cheeks stayed dry. She stared at him like he'd set out to hurt her. "So I can't go home?"

He'd have to go slow with her and not push too hard too fast, but no one would get to her on his watch. "I have to insist you stay with me."

Her lips twitched. "You don't have a place, and I'm not staying at Castle Morgan."

His brother's home would have state of the art security where no one would get to them, though he'd rather not bunk with Peter. He had his own version of a Morgan home that he never used and the family service just stocked for him. "I don't want to go there either."

"I won't be your shield from your brother. You need a better plan if I'm staying with you. The hotel?"

"No." He rubbed his chin. "Let me think."

She crossed her arms too as if this was an argument she could win. "I finalize buying my condo next week…."

He dropped his arms to his sides so he wouldn't close her off. She needed to agree to be with him. He missed the rest of what she said and blinked. She turned to leave. He said, "What?"

She turned back around, shook her head and threw her arms to her sides. "Yeah. I do have a life, John."

He reached out with both hands and stroked her arms until she calmed down. She gazed up at him and her blue eyes welled with tears. He lowered his head and the scent of strawberries caught in his throat. He spoke softly but firmly as he vowed not to bring up every type of criminal out there and what they might do. "If you intend to keep that condo, then you stay with me. We don't know who is after us yet."

She licked her lips but shook her head. "This is insane."

He texted the service his family used to ensure that the house was livable. With Morgan security it would be the safest place for them.

Victoria poked her head into the room he was in with Alice. John saw Peter and Jennifer in the background. Peter had his hands in his pockets, wearing a confused expression as he looked at Alice. Vicki smiled at them and opened her arms. "John, Alice, come join us. I've missed you both so much."

John had no words. Perhaps his family hadn't heard the shot or they were pretending again. The attack had used a silencer. His sister wasn't a ghost, but he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing either. He took Alice's hand. A spark of fire grew in his belly. No harm could come to Alice because of his stupidity today. He'd find a way to keep her safe until this was over.

His gaze returned to Peter. For Victoria, they'd work together.

Chapter Nine

Alice's entire body shivered. Her mind replayed the bullet that blasted through the door and shattered the glass above her head. John had protected her with his massive, muscular chest by shoving her against the wall. She could have died.

Everything else right now was a complete blur.

John's strong arm was still on her back, and his presence helped steady her fast-paced heartbeat. She rubbed her arms with both hands. This whole day was like a dream come true. Vicki was alive. Her childhood crush now held her.

A bullet to the head wasn't part of that fantasy. She sighed. The others were talking about what had happened. Perhaps John was wrong about the threat against those he loved. Who knew what happened to Victoria and how she'd escaped to come home?

The beat of her heart overshadowed her hearing. She moved closer.

Peter Morgan was on the phone with someone and Jennifer stroked Vicki's hair. Alice stayed near John and asked, "Vicki, did your dad kidnap you and keep you from all of us?"

"No." Victoria averted her gaze and looked toward both her brothers. "I faked my death."

Alice turned to John as his mouth formed the shape of an O and his eyes grew wider. His hand stayed on Alice's back.

John asked, "Why would you do that?"

Victoria's face grew white. "I had to get away from Dad and everything he'd done."

Peter stepped in and blocked her view as he took his sister's hand. "What happened between you two?"

John snorted. "You don't know?"

Peter shook his head and then turned toward them. "When it came to our sister, Dad never said anything."

"You weren't surprised to see Vicki today." John's accusation caused silence all around.

"I saw him an hour before the funeral. He was surprised then," Vicki explained. "He couldn't track you down for a private meeting. I'm sorry."

John's fingers pressed into her arm and Alice turned to take his hand. "You don't have to pretend our family is normal, Vicki."

Vicki rocked on her feet and hugged her waist.

Alice stepped away, but John's fingers circled the small of her back. If he needed her right now, she'd stay. She needed his strength, too, as her mind was a whirlwind, and she couldn't quite feel or think.

John said, "Peter, in many ways you are just like him. You should have told me when we were walking in."

Peter stood still. "Vicki wanted to surprise you."

John's palm heated. "Dad would have said that too."

"He trained me since birth to be who I am." Peter returned his attention to Victoria. "I never thought to escape as you did."

Vicki's face paled until she almost matched her all-white dress, but then she licked her lips which had the only trace of pink color. "I see my brothers both decided to keep my friends as girlfriends."

Alice's face flushed. "John and I are just friends."

Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Sure, and I'm applying to be a nun next week. Alice, we're adults now. You don't have to pretend to be an angel."

Alice clenched her hands. Jennifer was too much. "Not everyone is like you, Jenny."

Jennifer's nose curled at her old nickname. Alice bit her lip and then realized she had nothing to be guilty for. One kiss didn't make a relationship. This whole thing was crazy. She had avoided Jennifer for years and would again, once they all left this room.

Victoria smiled and nodded at how John and Alice held hands. "I approve of you two, if that means anything to either of you."

Alice broke into a laugh. This was a ridiculous conversation. Someone was out to kill someone—her—and they spoke about dating. They were no longer teenagers.

John released her hand, and Alice's body chilled. He went to the door to speak to security as she glanced at the bulge on his spine that must be his gun. Her heart almost stilled as he returned to her, placed his hand on her spine, and addressed his brother. "Our family reunion needs to be better planned. Peter, ensure that Vicki is kept safe tonight at Castle Morgan. I'll plan our escape from here and see the rest of you tomorrow."

Alice opened her mouth and almost asked, "What about me?" but clamped her lips together. Her mind returned to the fact that she was at a funeral where two former US Presidents showed up and the current one had sent his apologies. The shot had to be related to that, and not some threat to John. No one was going to kill her. Or her family.

John took Alice's hand and dragged her out the door.

Her feet stumbled to keep up, but he held her close as he went to a Secret Service agent. He spoke to the man so fast that Alice turned toward the funeral and tuned out their conversation. Guests sat in the pews of the church, talking animatedly. "She's alive?" "It's better than a soap opera." "Do you think the old man is dead or will he wake up later today?"

Once again Mitch Morgan set off a firestorm in his family, at his own funeral. Her mother would say he was stirring trouble from the grave.

Alice's face heated. Victoria's funeral had been with a closed casket while Mitch Morgan's waxy face beamed from his silken coffin. He had been the richest man in the world who craved power over the rest of mankind.

John told the agents, "My father loaned the government money to pay the national debt. This threat is either against the Presidents, me, or my family. I'm heading to a safe house with this woman. Cover us until we make it out of the parking lot."

"Woman?" Alice said as he turned her on her heel and they headed back where someone had almost killed her.

He opened the door and didn't bat an eye. Her heart raced. "The Secret Service cleared the parking lot to get the Presidents out. I'll have your car brought somewhere safe, later, but we're heading to my car."

John kept her hand in a tight lock, and she shivered as she ran to stay beside him. "Don't call me woman. My name is Alice."

He stopped at a brand new black Mercedes Benz with tinted windows. Her white SUV on the other end of the lot was dusty from the road but right now it seemed like a shrine toward home. John opened the passenger door and waved for her to get in. "Alice, I didn't mean to offend you."

Her shoulders curved inward. Part of her wanted to run toward her SUV and take off for the family farm. The other part didn't think that was a good idea. Her body shook. "I don't feel safe outside right now."

He placed his hand on her shoulder and she jerked back at the touch. Then she took a breath and relaxed. John said, "I'll protect you, but we can't camp out at the church."

Noise behind them caused her to spin on her heel and stare at the Secret Service taking one of the Presidents to a limo. Alice rubbed her arms and turned back to John's strong profile. His five o'clock shadow somehow soothed her. "Where are we going?"

He tilted his jaw in the air. "I can't tell you."

She wasn't a child and that was not a good answer at all. She shook her head. "Why not?"

John leaned closer. "In case someone is listening."

"What?"

He opened the door. "We're outside, open targets. Alice, please get in."

She stared into his blue eyes. Then she slowly nodded and ducked into the passenger seat of his car. "John, okay, I'm going to trust you."

He locked her door and then swung around the car and joined her. He found his sunglasses and then sped out of the parking lot. Alice massaged her forehead. "Your brother canceled his contract with my family."

"What?"

This was a topic she'd have discussed with him over coffee. The original plan sounded like a dream. "Peter spoke to me before we all went in. He canceled the contract. It was why I was upset earlier when you came over to me. I have no idea how my parents can retire without that. I have to get to work."

The engine purred and she paused. He kept his gaze on the road and clutched the wheel. "We have more important things to discuss."

No. She wouldn't think about herself or the bullet that almost lodged itself in her brain. She played with her gold pendant. "My parents are my priority."

"I'll speak to Peter for you."

If Peter Morgan changed his mind then she could breathe easier, but it wasn't wise to hope. There had to be another production company that would buy their oranges up north. The cash crop was a commodity many people around the country craved. "If he doesn't change his mind, then I have to go shopping for a new shipper. That's going to be my priority."

His hand crossed the seat and squeezed her arm. "It's not as important as your life."

John Morgan was bringing up things out of her comfort zone. Her body tensed as she wrapped her head around what she could handle. "I don't have a life if I don't find a new contract."

"Alice, you have your priorities backwards."

She stared out the window. Today was something out of a movie. The funeral, her best friend returned from the dead, someone almost shooting her, her lost business contract, while her body buzzed with awareness of John and it was altogether too much to handle.

John wasn't being reasonable right now and her muscles were so tight that she couldn't breathe. "Let's not talk anymore for a while. I'm not in the mood. Today has been insane."

Chapter Ten

John's gut clenched as if he'd been sucker-punched. Alice Collins had almost died today and it was because of him. He shouldn't have spent the evening with her the night before his father's funeral.

Alice stared out the window and refused to look at him.

Mitch Morgan ruined everything and even from his grave, he'd ensure that his children did as they were told. John's mind flashed back to his father's opinion of Alice he'd shared one night to Vicki at the dinner table.

Alice isn't good enough for you.

Dad, she's my friend and nice to me. No one is nice to me.

People shouldn't be nice to you. People should fear you and the House of Morgan.

John had stayed quiet, but the message was always the same. Fear was the weapon of choice for the Morgans. Unlike his sister, John snuck out of the house and did what he wanted. His father never knew how he played high school and college football as it didn't bring anything substantial to his business. It had been better to simply not bother him, as he was the spare son. It had been easy to disappear. Peter and Victoria had had it different.

"Where are you taking me?" Alice turned toward him. His heartbeat quickened as he stared into her pretty eyes that now seemed almost green and not her usual deep blue.

He tugged his ear and turned south. "I own a house in Pinecrest."

Her gaze narrowed. "I thought you didn't have any property here."

"My dad bought it for me."

"Must be nice."

His shoulders tensed. "I never wanted it."

"Houses in rich areas are tough to give up as a present." The harshness in her tone disappeared and she reached over and caressed his arm. "I'm sorry. It's been a long day. What did you want?"

He turned off Biscayne and down a side street. "From my father, absolutely nothing."

"Then why are we going to the house?"

He made another turn. Soon enough he'd have her at his place. "It's safe. The House of Morgan has better security than the Secret Service, and neither of us wanted to go to Castle Morgan."

"True." She crossed her arms. "Now that your dad is dead, you'll take your place in the House of Morgan, and everything will go back to normal, fast."

"I don't have my own place here yet or a final decision on my career." His body still burned. He licked his lips to cool down. "I don't know anything other than you need to be safe."

She shook her brown hair and a piece of shattered glass glinted from the strands. He reached behind her ear and removed it as she said, "Don't pin your inheritance on saving my life."

He clutched the wheel and drove into the driveway with huge trees that blocked the view of the black gate that he clicked open. "You know way too much, Alice."

She gazed at the modern home where he parked the car in the garages to the right, and her eyes widened. He followed her gaze toward the Spanish-style open air courtyard. Then she unlocked her own door. "I paid attention."

He clicked the garage open and drove the last few feet so no one would see his car from the street. Behind him the garage door closed, and the lights came on automatically. He turned off the engine. "I should have paid more attention a long time ago."

She crossed her arms beneath her breasts. "Why don't you just take me to the farm? We'll know if anyone steps foot on our dirt."

The garage was fully closed now. He unlocked his door and stepped out. "Alice, you know I can't."

She unbuckled her seatbelt, and then jumped to follow him. "I don't know anything."

He walked toward her even though it was the wrong side of the house. She took a step back. Her eyes were so big. He opened his hands, palms showing, and nodded. "I was in the FBI and investigated bad people."

Her gaze narrowed again. He'd have to remember Alice was really sharp. "Was? Are you or are you not?"

With her, he was honest and not holding back. "I am making new plans for my life. There's no point staying in the FBI."

"Except for the threat on your life." She moved nearer to him and even though the garage still had the car engine smell, his nostrils picked up her strawberry scent. "The House of Morgan tempting you back."

He gestured toward the house but she stayed still. John straightened his back. "I left Miami because of Victoria."

Her voice softened. "She's alive."

He nodded. "And I don't know what I'm supposed to do any more."

She came closer. His world went from gray and lifeless to full color. Her brown hair had a shine to it, and her pert lips tempted him. She clearly wasn't affected because she acted angry. "Live. It's what we're all supposed to do. We find a way in the world to give back to our community and shine as the individuals we truly are on the inside."

She was like a big human puzzle. He tilted his head to try to figure her out. "What if I turn out like my father?"

"Impossible."

If John planned on making the money to prove his father wrong, he'd need someone next to him to remind him. A smile spread across his face. No one ever said that with so much conviction. He almost believed her. "Why?"

"'Cause you care too deeply."

His heart did a double beat in that second. "Most people think I'm cold."

She shook her head. "That's because you went into the law where there is black or white, no room for color."

Alice was the most fascinating woman he'd ever met. She must spend her evenings thinking up witty answers, and if so, he hoped she carried the pen in her purse. "Will you come inside now?"

He opened the door and said a silent prayer that she approved of the mansion he had keys for but never saw. From the living areas they could see Key Biscayne and the clear blue bay of Miami. He flipped on the lights and she followed him into his house. "Okay, but John, I can't stay long. I have no idea how I'm going to explain this to my mother."

They weren't in high school anymore. He spun on his heel. "We're adults, Alice."

She sighed and ignored the house. Her stare was on his face, and his entire body lit up from her interest. "I moved home to take care of my father after his heart attack. Now Mom and Dad are moving to the beach. Besides, until I'm married and with children of my own, then there's no excuse with her."

He'd marry her tomorrow if it meant she'd never disappear, but now wasn't the time to say that. Instead he tugged on his ear and went into the kitchen. He'd get wine and help her unwind. "I wish I had your mom."

She rubbed her arms and walked into the living room. The ocean was dark now as evening fell, but tomorrow with the sunshine, life would be good. Alice's smile kept his every attention. She was beautiful in her black dress with the sweetheart neckline that modestly hid her curves.

Chapter Eleven

This mansion with the view of the bay made Alice's body tremble. She hadn't been in a home this austere since she'd picked up Victoria from her father's house to go to school. Modern art gave splashes of color on the walls, but the entire space was sterile and lifeless. Alice rubbed her arms. She couldn't live without warmth for long. Unlike his family, hers was in her life and not going anywhere. Her parents and brother checked on her every day.

John called out from the right, "Are you hungry?"

He must be in the kitchen. She turned and followed his voice, but then her phone rang. She saw her mother's number. Her heart raced as she answered, "Mom?"

"Where are you? Are you okay? I saw the news."

Alice touched the pendant. She couldn't lie to her mother, ever, and she wouldn't start now. She gazed out a window that overlooked the blue water. "I'm fine. I can't come home tonight."

"Why? What happened?"

Alice had no idea how to explain. She wasn't a child, but her mother was the closest thing she'd had to a friend for some time. She held her breath and chose her words with care. "Someone was shot at the funeral."

Her mother's voice had an edge of steel. "Come home. I want you here."

Alice paced back to the living room. "Mom, I'm fine."

"Then why aren't you with your family?"

"It's complicated."

"Which of those Morgan brothers is trying to steal you?"

Score one. Alice gritted her teeth and cleared her throat. "Mom…."

"You'd be home if that wasn't the case. Peter is just like his father and you never liked Jennifer. John?"

"That's not it." Alice should have moved out long ago. Her mother had no idea. Other women her age moved to the city and had sex every night, maybe even with a different guy. Alice swallowed. Her television probably lied about that life, but that didn't stop how her face heated. "Mom, I'm staying with John tonight."

The disgust in her mom's voice was palpable. "Where? I'm coming to get you."

This wasn't happening. Alice went back to pacing. "I can take care of myself, Mom. Victoria is alive."

"Don't divert this conversation."

She envisioned her mother with her arms crossed and blowing smoke like a dragon. "It's true. Vicki is alive."

"Is she there? Put her on the phone."

Alice knew her mother had her hand on her hip like she didn't believe a word. Alice shook her head and swayed on her feet. "That wasn't on the news?"

"I don't believe you. If you don't tell me where you are, I'm calling the police."

Dad's health meant Alice had spent too long at home. To help. She remembered the four wonderful years she'd been away to college when no one questioned anything she did. "Mom, I'm fine. I'll explain everything soon."

"You'd better. If John hurts you then I'm having your father shoot him."

This was ridiculous. Alice lifted her chin. "You're being silly. Don't include Dad in your insanity. We want him to live a nice long life."

"You were holding John's hand and the news reporter said you were his girlfriend."

She swallowed. Reason always won with her mother. "Stop. You know better. The last time I saw any of them was at Vicki's funeral. Right now, what I do doesn't concern you."

"Yes it does. I'm your mother."

This conversation was too much. "And I'm an adult." Alice hung up, shaking her head. So much for being reasonable. She put her phone on the small end table by the couch and turned back toward the windows.

If this were a week later, then her mother wouldn't even know that Alice hadn't returned home. She'd be at her own condo in Brickell and living a city life. Her temples ached.

John's arm brushed against her back. She closed her eyes and the scent of cedar and pine filled her nostrils. She leaned into his back as he rubbed her shoulders.

"That didn't sound like a fun conversation."

"Did you know we're dating?"

He massaged her shoulders. "We are?"

His hands took away some of the stiffness in her back and her body grew warm and soft. "It was on the news."

He stopped, and her body craved the warmth of his touch. "And your mother wouldn't approve."

Her mother didn't matter. Alice stepped out of his strong personal space, and turned to gaze into his blue eyes. She played with her necklace and ignored how her heart and body acted like she had no cares near him. "I'm famished. What's for dinner?"

His dimples appeared as if he was amused that she changed the topic. "I'm having food brought in."

She rolled her eyes and pretended shock as she covered her lips. "The refrigerator isn't well stocked? Will a country's children starve because the House of Morgan isn't satisfied?"

"You were nicer at the church."

Score one for him. Alice swallowed as she realized how deep her mother's words scarred her. Plus her Cinderella fantasy was just that. She couldn't stay near the hottest man she ever met without being affected. He was a crush, and she didn't do carefree and meaningless anything. She hugged her waist. "I was free then."

"You'll be free again as soon as we catch the shooter."

She looked out over the dark bay. "I have to go home tomorrow."

"It might not be possible."

Turning toward him with a pleading expression, she blinked against his hypnotic blue gaze. "If I can't go by myself, then you have to take me."

"Why?"

One moment with John and her mother in the same room would kill any amorous thoughts he might have toward her. Perhaps then she could be friends with him, but Alice wouldn't be another random woman in his bed. "Because I don't want to alienate my family the way yours is."

He slipped out of his black suit jacket. "My world has spun on its heels."

His world and her world had collided and Alice lost her own sense of balance. He came closer to her. She stepped backwards and placed her hands behind her back. "Did you join the FBI to punish your father?"

He unbuttoned the bottom of his shirt near his wrists. "You ask too many questions. But yeah, I wanted to arrest Mitch."

She smiled and waited to see his dimples in return. When she saw those cute indentations, she nodded. "Tell my mom about your job if you have to take me home tomorrow."

She should stay with him indefinitely and not tell her mother anything. He loosened his black tie. "Alice, we're not really together—why am I explaining anything to your mother?"

Her mother was her friend, and by next week Alice would be free of parental interference like most twenty-somethings. Besides, her mother only became prickly when the Morgan name was mentioned. She was usually cool as a cucumber. "Because if you intend to keep me here we have to tell her why, and if she knows that you are an FBI agent, that will ease her mind. I don't want her worried someone might shoot me because of you."

He undid the top button of his shirt. "Then I'll tell her we're getting married."

The House of Morgan and her family would never blend. Her face heated. Her mother might pass out cold. "Don't you dare. My mom has old-fashioned ideas on forever."

His eyebrow quirked and his dimples grew wider. "Why not?"

She tried to untangle her legs to prove she wasn't stuck permanently in one spot. This made her sway. "Marriage isn't something you should joke about."

He crossed his arms and stared at her. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

She shrugged and mimicked his body language. "What if I did?"

"Then I'd have to prove he's the wrong choice."

Her jaw dropped. John Morgan could have any girl he'd ever desire and last night he'd turned her down. She'd not repeat that scene. Her eyebrows quirked. "And you're the right one?"

He rubbed his temples like he was confused. "Don't spin this conversation."

"You're bringing up marriage and my love life." Her arms flew outward, away from her as she anchored her feet into the ground. "And I'm not. You frustrate me."

"I'd rather kiss you."

She slipped out of her high heels as she gripped the edge of the table. "I can't. Not until I can center myself without swaying like the wind can push me around. You confuse me."

He let out his own breath. "That makes two of us."

She needed space and a bucket of ice to cool her heated body down. "John, where is my bedroom? I should go."

He gestured toward a long hall. "I don't know. I never lived here. Pick whatever you want."

She turned and started down the massive mansion hall that might rival the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. Again, this house was a showpiece and not a home. The coldness returned. She rubbed her arms and let her body cool. "Which one is yours so I don't take that one?"

He shrugged. "I've never slept here, so I don't have one."

She refused to turn around and stare at him. Instead, she took one step forward and glanced at herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were rosy. He saw how she reacted.

She carried her heels by two fingers, her soles cool against the marble floor. She turned her head to the side and called out, "I need twenty minutes to close my eyes and lose my headache."

"Dinner will be here when you're hungry, Alice."

She opened the second door and slipped into a bedroom. She closed the door behind her and rested her head on the wood. She'd never survive staying here for more than one night. Her crush on John Morgan needed to fizzle out as fast as it sparked back. She hadn't thought about him since he left for college years ago, and now she was out of control.

The offer of that kiss had her lips tingling with desire. She wouldn't kiss him again, but her body ached to do so much more.

Chapter Twelve

An hour later, a Morgan security guard dropped off supplies. The man's identification checked out, but John still went through each bag of food and clothing, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

He put together a suitcase full of clothes and left it in front of Alice's bedroom door. John knocked and listened, hearing the splash of water from a shower in the background.

The shower didn't turn off, so Alice must not have heard his knock. He walked down the hall.

Today had been surreal. John put his clothes in the room he'd chosen across the hall, then went to the kitchen and put the two-month supply of groceries away.

They didn't have to go anywhere for a while, though she'd insist on going to her parents. He had to convince her to stay. How? The thought of going into her room to seduce her set his body on fire.

He wouldn't follow that thought, so he popped open a beer and took a sip. The brew did little to appease his mood so he picked up his phone, wondering if Vicki had one. He'd been so busy he hadn't asked. He swallowed and then called the Castle.

On the second ring, his brother answered, "Where did you disappear?"

No amount of beer would lessen the pain of this conversation. John drank, but the ale had a bitterness to it. "I went to the house dad gave me."

"With Alice?"

His grip on the bottle tightened. There had been no reason for Peter to cancel Alice's contract at the funeral. "Don't mention her name."

"I'm surprised. I never would have guessed she was your type."

Peter had the worst taste in women. John's spine straightened. Peter's disapproval could rot right next to their father's grave. Alice wasn't the topic of this conversation. He directed the dialogue. "Do you have Victoria with you?"

"Of course. She's my responsibility."

John pressed his lips together. That comment reeked of power, control, and all things taught in the House of Morgan. He found his FBI voice and regained his composure. "Put her on the phone."

"Yeah. Hold on."

Perhaps his brother's imitation of their father's voice was breeding, but the tone made John's entire body clench. His demeanor relaxed the moment Victoria uttered her first syllable. "Hey, you."

He placed his bottle on the table and flexed his fingers. "Can you talk?"

"I'm going to a guest room right now." Vicki sounded bubbly, calm, and alive. "Peter turned my bedroom into a gym."

John rubbed the back of his neck. "We thought you had died."

She clicked her tongue, and he smiled. "Don't defend him. I expected a shrine with a plaque on the door."

At least he wasn't alone anymore. The only person in the Morgan household who ever had a heart was his sister. In the distance he heard Alice's bedroom door open. He stood up and leaned against the window that overlooked the bay. "Why didn't you call and tell me you were alive?"

Outside the ocean waves could be heard, but night made the view of the water so black that the moon reflected in the ripples. He traced the moon with his fingers in the glass as she explained. "I needed to disappear."

"Where were you?"

"Europe."

She sounded evasive. He stared down the hall. Alice's suitcase had disappeared. He couldn't see her, but his sister's words played in his ear. "Care to be more specific?"

"Not over the phone. I'm happy I'm home. When did you start dating Alice?"

He tugged his collar. Alice's kiss played in his memory. He'd kiss her again, but keep that under wraps until he knew she was safe. His gut churned knowing that the danger was because of him.

"I asked you a question, bro."

Bro was so Miami. He smiled and realized his sister was still the same. "You can ask her, later. She's sleeping."

"She was always a sweetie who did the right thing. I missed Alice and you. I'm glad you had each other."

He wouldn't disillusion Vicki yet, and the image of Alice in his arms again burned in his skull. The hallway stayed silent. "I spent the past few years blaming Dad and wanting to avenge you."

"I love you, John."

He blinked. Vicki was another reason to stay in Miami and she'd answer all his questions once they were alone. He dropped his arm to his side. "I love you too."

A door clicked closed in the distance. Alice must have retrieved her suitcase and gone back in her room. He turned on his heel and walked into the living room. His sister said, "I should have called you sooner."

He nodded though she couldn't see him. "You should have."

"I want to see you and Alice tomorrow."

"Maybe. Let's play it by ear. I might have to take her to her parents' place."

His sister sighed. "I'm sure with Dad's funeral and the shot into the glass door, they'd want to check every inch of her body to make sure she's okay. I'd do that if my… I always wished our dad was like either of her parents."

His sister took the words right out of his mouth. "You're here now and with the family you have. Don't run away on us again."

"I won't. And I'll text you the second I get my own phone."

A knock sounded at the door and Peter's voice echoed through the phone. "In two days we're reading Dad's will. Tell John he should be here."

Their sister shouldn't be reduced to the buffer zone, but he couldn't have a conversation with Peter yet. Peter would want answers on what he'd do with his life. John sucked in his breath. "Tell Peter I might."

She astutely added, "John, you're both my brothers. We're all that's left, and I don't want to live with everyone throwing daggers at each other anymore."

John's neck heated. "No one's sharpened any blades, Vicki."

"Then let's start acting like a family who loves each other."

He could see in his mind's eye his sister with her arms crossed. He smiled but then stopped himself. "Whatever Dad did to you, Peter must have known about it."

"No. I don't believe that. So I'll see you for sure in two days. Tell Alice's parents hello for me, and I'm calling tomorrow to get her number from you."

She evaded too many questions. Something wasn't right with why she left and never came back. He'd get the truth out of her, but for now he stared down the hall. "Night."

Vicki hung up.

Just knowing that Alice was here in the house brought warmth to his chilled heart.

Chapter Thirteen

Alice opened the suitcase as John's "I love you" replayed in her ears. He was probably talking to Vicki, but her mind had flashed to the question of a girlfriend. As far as she recalled back in high school and college, he had never cheated on his girlfriends.

She unzipped all the containers that contained her overnight necessities as she decided that it definitely had been Victoria. Her mind still reeled on how someone dead just walked through the door without an explanation. Okay, they'd run off fast after the shooting incident, but like John, Alice wanted to know how Vicki had come back to life.

She flipped through the clothes and realized everything was both designer and in her size. The House of Morgan knew how to provide for their guests. The last designer dress Alice owned was something bought for her to be Victoria's escort to a Hollywood premiere. She found a light t-shirt and a pair of jeans, threw them on, and turned on her bare heel to go speak to John.

The hall was quiet as she approached.

He was in the dark living room staring out at the night. His muscular frame sat straight in the chair as he sipped a beer. Her heart did a pitter-patter in her chest as she took the seat next to him. "Do you have something to drink? I'm thirsty."

He turned and stared hard at her. He must have heard her coming. Alice expected his tone to be harsh and guarded, but then he took a swallow from his bottle of beer. "Are you still upset at me?"

She studied the tile to get her bearings, determined to be honest. In high school, she'd envisioned a fairy-tale life that money like her friend's might create and how miserable her friend was. "I don't want to be here and live in some bubble as if the real world doesn't exist."

His bare feet came into view as he stood. She lifted her face to him as he smiled. "I'll get you a drink. Are you hungry?"

Her stomach growled and her hands clutched her stomach to somehow muffle the sound. "A little. We never had the chance to eat at the funeral."

Death was a strange way to start a conversation. She gulped. He walked toward the kitchen. She stared at his strong backside and then jumped to follow him. She leaned against the doorway as he fixed her a plate of fully cooked chicken marsala and linguini. "When did you have time to cook?"

He shrugged as he placed the plates on the table. "I had security drop off supplies and that included a hot meal for tonight."

She stepped closer and turned around in the kitchen. Once again the Morgan family took care of details that took time out of the day for mere mortals like her. She sighed. "Add a glass of white wine and I promise I'll be nice."

He winked. "Deal."

John opened a drawer, revealing a full wine rack with a large selection of white to red. "Any particular kind?"

A genuine smile broke free as she brushed her hip against his leg. "Moscato. I've been feeling sweet lately."

"It's because you are sweet."

She shook her head, but said with a smile, "No flirting."

His gaze went up and down her body as he took stock of her figure in the designer jeans and cotton tee. "Why not?"

She picked up the wineglass and stepped back. "'Cause you confuse me. My real life is much different than your reality."

"I've been shot at a few times in the past few years."

She winced. "I was trying not to think about that."

He poured a glass for himself and then added a cork to the bottle. He clinked glasses with her. "It's why I'm keeping you here."

She sipped her wine and her face heated. She licked her lips to get the taste off. "Let's not talk about it."

He leaned one hand against the kitchen counter. "Okay. So how is my life different from yours?"

Sipping from the glass she cupped in her hands, Alice said, "I expect to work. I don't choose a career as payback to my father. I have to look after myself."

John tilted his head. "You work for your parents."

She lowered the glass to the counter, her hands resting on the granite. "They need me. My dad's heart condition changed everything. When Colt comes home, he's going to manage the farm and land. I studied business in college so I could ensure our farm stayed profitable even if we lost your family's accounts. Somehow we have to make this work."

He licked a drop of wine from his lower lip and her body tingled. "If you didn't need to do that anymore for them, what would you do?"

He'd turned the tables on her. She shrugged and relaxed as she stepped back. "Get a job. Part of me wishes I worked in my own store, perhaps doing something crafty to sell online, but I don't know what I'd do."

He picked up their wineglasses and walked past her, gesturing for her to go into the living area. She passed him and he followed. "Don't be like my family."

She gazed over her shoulder. "We never could be."

He seemed to dissect every word, listening intently as he joined her on the couch. "I don't understand. So why would you go into business if not to make serious money?"

He'd probably had at-home lessons from his father on how to succeed no matter what, even if that meant destroying everyone else who got his way. Alice touched his hand and tried to make him understand her family's philosophy. "Business is to help us have a happy family life and give back to the community where we live. Plus everyone needs to work and then retire. We all grow old, John. We don't all want to be your dad."

He leaned his arms on his knees and stared out the dark windows toward the moon. "I quit the FBI."

She licked her lips. Part of her hoped to beg for a kiss, but he didn't even glance her way. "You said that. Why?"

He turned and his blue eyes had a fire inside them that burned. "I can't arrest a ghost."

She nodded and rubbed his knee. "What will you do then?"

He stared at her hand so she stopped. "I have some ideas, but I could use someone good with numbers on my team."

Her skin heated from his gaze. "Is that a job offer?"

His hand brushed against her leg, and she blushed. She knew what she must look like as he said, "Would you want that to be?"

She took his hand in hers. "You like pulling the rug out from underneath my feet, John."

His lips were so close to hers. She closed her eyes as he said, "I like to see you happy."

She'd be his if he took her. She had no control and wished he'd take everything she had. His lips came closer as she said, "You don't know me."

He took the glass from her hand. She opened her eyes as he placed both wineglasses on the coffee table. Then his lips came back to hers. "I know plenty."

The brush of his lips on hers sent a spark down her spine and into her soul. Her fingers curled around his coarse light brown hair as she turned her face to accept a deeper kiss.

John didn't disappoint. His tenderness was her undoing and she sighed his name.

She had a strong sense of her own heartbeat as he sat back.

Every nerve tingled as he handed her back the glass of wine. She lifted her chin and took another sip.

He stared hard at her but she couldn't read him. All around her was the smell of cedar and pine. The waves of the ocean lapped in the distance beyond the window, and she turned her gaze away. "How will you protect me if you quit your job and someone is after you?"

His dimples appeared as he scratched the back of his head. "You'll let me?"

If she stayed here, she'd be mush. Without her spine, she wouldn't last long against John's charm. She sipped the last bit of her wine. "I'm here for the night. This can't be long-term."

His hand went to her arm, but she brushed him off. He stayed still. "I have security here, but I don't want to let you go."

If that were true, she'd have no clothes on right now. Perhaps she wasn't thinking clearly at the moment. "Why?"

"You bring color into my life and I like it."

That was like a movie line where she'd moan over true love with her friends. Her body craved him. "So everything was black and white before now?"

"More like gray. I'd like to discover what makes you happy."

Alice swallowed hard. She ached with need for him, but she knew she'd never survive being one night's worth of fun with John, not if she had to see him day after day. "Tomorrow."

He stayed seated as she stood and smoothed her jeans. "Is that a promise?"

John got to his feet but kept his distance. Perhaps she shouldn't play with this much fire. "It's just a date, nothing more."

A date would play in her fantasies for years to come. His blue eyes seemed to swim with desire, but she dared not. She hugged her waist as he called for her to come back. "Alice…."

She jumped backwards. No. She wouldn't do anything else. She'd survive her crush and then move on with her life. She ran down the hall away from him as she called behind her, "Night, John."

Alice stopped at her bedroom door and watched him take the dishes into the kitchen. She closed it behind her and tried to breathe.

John Morgan was everything she'd never have.

Chapter Fourteen

Alice awoke from a dream. She'd been at an office desk, wearing a pencil skirt, hair up, black high heels and a white button-down blouse. She sat across from John Morgan, in a pin-striped navy business suit that clung to his muscles as he winked at her. She swallowed back the visual and wiped the sleep from her eyes. That was a dream she'd never experience. She stretched and then went to the suitcase of clothes.

She chose a sleeveless black cotton dress and crossed her fingers that her mother believed this was in her bag already. Ellie Collins wouldn't know Versace from Walmart, and the knee length was typical.

Today she would go back to the farm, with or without John Morgan at her side. No one uninvited had come to this house last night, so the threat must have been against the President and not John or her as he'd supposed.

It was time to reclaim her life and identity.

She slipped out of the bedroom and made her way to the kitchen.

John's broad shoulders and muscular frame sent a fire through her as he called out from the open refrigerator door, "Morning. I'm getting breakfast."

She went on her tiptoes and then fell on her heels as if movement might stop her lust. She turned toward the kitchen table. "Okay. Did my SUV get transferred here from the parking lot?"

He closed the refrigerator and had a bowl of fruit in his hand. She tried hard not to stare at him until he shrugged. "No."

She wouldn't get stuck with him another day. She couldn't handle it. "Can you drive me to get it?"

"No."

He seemed to be the "king of no" this morning. She took a seat at the round glass-topped table as he brought over the fruit. His clear blue eyes made her tingle. "The threat must not have been against you," she said. "I agreed to one night, not a lifetime."

He walked away, brought over toast, and returned to the table. John slid a plate in front of her as her stomach tied in knots. Even-toned, he said, "You don't know if it was against me or not."

"I didn't hear any disturbances last night. No one came here."

He sat to her right, acting like everything was perfectly normal. "That's because this house is secure."

She squirmed in her seat. She couldn't stay this close to him and not desire more. "Why, because it's yours?"

He poured himself a glass of milk as his shoulders relaxed. "Yeah."

Her spine stiffened. "I'm going home. I'll take a taxi."

He picked up his coffee cup as if it might shield him. "You'd be in danger."

She affected him, too. "It's my life."

He rubbed his eyes. "What's so important at the farm? You said you could work from anywhere. I can have a new laptop here in less than an hour."

The image of her mother's permanent scowl appeared in Alice's mind. "My family. They will want to see me and my dad won't rest easy if he's worried about me after what he saw on the news."

"You said you were moving out and that next week you would have your own condo."

Her body softened. Her stomach wasn't so bad now. She nodded. "I did. Families care about each other, John. I don't want to put them in danger…."

He scooted his seat closer and placed his hand on hers. Her heartbeat became the only sound she heard until he said, "So stay here."

If she stayed, she'd hope to do things she couldn't handle. John Morgan was larger than life, and not for a farmer's daughter. "I can't. They will want to see I'm okay."

"Why not?"

Because she wanted him to take her to bed. She coughed and said, "It's not right, but I still remember how weak my dad was the day he had his heart attack. I can't cause anything like that to happen to him."

His hand feathered up and down her arm, making her feel important. If he kissed her, she'd melt. All he said though was, "If we stay here, it's closer to where you intend to move."

She took her hands back and pushed her hair out of her face. "This is your house."

"I've never lived here before."

He'd told her that already. Her lips ached for another kiss. She averted her gaze. "Why do you want me to move in so bad?"

"I don't want you hurt because of me."

Her body cooled down. He didn't say he had to have her. That he desired her. She should have expected she was a responsibility. "I'll be fine."

"I need you here."

Her face heated as she dared to hope. "Why?"

"They're reading my father's will tomorrow. Now that I quit the FBI and plan to move back here, I need to keep the people I trust close."

Her heart soared at the fact that he trusted her, which was silly. She tried to sound calm and rational. "Sounds like you have big decisions to make."

His blue eyes melted her the second she stared into his gaze. "All I'll think about is you if you go. If you stay, then I'll know you're safe and I won't have to worry."

She sighed. She'd do whatever he wanted. He had to know that. "Do you want me with you because you need a friend, John?"

He sat back in his chair like she was the bee that stung him. He mumbled, "I guess. Is that bad?"

She poured some orange juice, wondering what she'd done to bring his guard back up. "No, but why me? You have your choice of women—you always did."

He leaned closer. Alice smelled the cedar and pine of his aftershave. "I'm comfortable with you."

She'd comfort him? She'd drink in the sweet nectar of his kiss and then crave so much that she'd lose herself in him. "So I'm like a worn tennis shoe that's been around the House of Morgan so you know I'll survive if something explodes?"

His brow wrinkled as if she said the craziest thing he ever heard. "You're neither old nor a tennis shoe, but I like you here."

Like. The word reverberated in her ear. They were friends. Just friends. Alice wouldn't let her crush get away with her better judgment. She'd be fine. Alice swallowed and then stared into his open, clear blue eyes. "Okay, but this is just for the week. I need to go to my own place after the closing."

His dimples appeared as he smiled. "You'll stay here, then."

She ran her hands through her hair to cradle the back of her skull and massage her scalp. "If you take me home, bring my car here for later, and somehow we explain to my mother that you're not after my virtue."

He laughed and picked up his milk. "Virtue?"

She sighed. John Morgan would never understand. "Mom is old school."

He licked his lips and the fire inside her grew again. He said, "I promise to behave."

She buried her feelings and held out her hand with her finger outstretched. "Pinky swear."

He stared at her hand and her. "What?"

She met his gaze with as much steel as she could muster in hers. "Pinky swear. We were friends once."

He took her hand and kissed her finger. "That was my sister and you."

She would never forget his tenderness. "So we're not friends now?"

His voice had a gravely sound that etched itself in her heart. "I don't know what we are, but ‘friends' sounds way too innocent."

He lifted their hands and she locked her small finger with his and waved their hands up and down in a handshake. "It's a deal."

Lying to herself, she repeated that she was an adult and one day she'd get over her crush on John. The thought didn't ring true, but there was nothing else to do without possibly putting her family in danger.

Chapter Fifteen

John's five o'clock shadow tickled his face as he started the car toward her family farm. He should have shaved this morning. He grimaced as he realized his Mercedes wouldn't like the dirt roads, but he kept that to himself. If he had his car in Atlanta, he'd have his shaving kit with him.

Alice sang along to the radio, and his heart grew lighter. Twenty-four hours with most women was torture, but Alice was unlike every other woman he'd met.

She wasn't needy and was generally happy.

The song changed and she adjusted herself in the seat. "My mother will want to hug me, and I'll grab a few personal things. Try not to speak to her if possible, but don't be rude. I won't leave you alone with her for too long."

Her big blue eyes implored him as he turned down a side street. He'd do what he could to ensure that her mother approved. "I can handle your mother."

She shrugged, but then bounced in the seat to the new song. "You have no idea what you're saying. We'll be fast."

Unlike most people he met, Alice clearly loved her family and worried about them. He drove along a paved road bearing a sign for her family farm. "I can bring down major criminals. Your mother won't be a problem."

"My mother is dramatic and over the top. Just remember her opinions have never been mine or Colt's."

He smiled. Colt had been the star of the high school football team. "Your brother was the quarterback of the team."

She nodded. "And you were a lineman. We were at your games. My mom, in time, will remember that about you. She isn't always a hater."

"Hater?" He faced her as his jaw ticked. Hate wasn't something easily brushed aside. His gaze narrowed. "How?"

She closed her eyes as if carefully choosing her words. "She resents your family. Told me to kick over your father's casket at the funeral."

A laugh escaped his lips and then he turned onto a dirt road toward her farm. "I'd have kissed you if you had."

Her cheeks turned red, as if she was embarrassed. "Stop. That's not helping."

He reached out with one hand and squeezed her arm. "Your mother will like me."

Her pretty mouth parted and she shook her head. "You're part of the House of Morgan."

"That's the stupid way we were taught to say family."

Alice sat up straight in the leather seat. "It's intimidating."

He clutched the wheel tighter. "Just imagine if your father drilled it in your head."

"That would have sucked."

John nodded at the white house with blue trim in the distance as the Mercedes bounced along the dirt road. Debris flew in the air behind them. "Doesn't matter. Is this your place?"

She scooted forward. "Yeah, this is the local base of the Collins Organic Farm. Our orange trees are up north."

He replayed all the houses of all the people he arrested in his mind as he sniffed the orange scented air. He had never arrested anyone on a farm. The few plantation style homes in the South he'd been on didn't grow anything. John parked the Mercedes behind a pickup truck. Alice frowned. "Colt's truck is gone."

They had been teammates but Colt had never been his friend. John remembered her brother as a good leader. He also remembered the brown-haired, brown-eyed intensity Colt had used to intimidate the other team. "Does this mean your brother is back from the Marines?"

She opened the car door and got out. "He was due back. Let's go see."

Alice eased as she spoke about Colt. Her family might like to know his intentions. John's plan became more tangible and palatable. He'd reassure them that he'd keep her safe. Clouds gathered in Alice's eyes. He reached over to touch her shoulder. "Alice, don't forget—you are going home with me as you promised."

She turned on her heel and didn't smile at him as she stepped onto her patio. Her hair blew in the warm breeze, making her even prettier as she called over her shoulder, "Let's go, John."

He followed the sway of her hips. "Other than my family, you're the only person who calls me that."

She blinked as if he'd said something stupid. "It's your name."

He caught her elbow to stop her. "Morgan is the label. Take my hand."

She let him lead her as her other hand fell to her side. "My mother—"

He squeezed her arm. "Is not your keeper anymore, Alice."

Her small hand slipped into his, and her face flushed. Without another word, she turned and guided him into her house. At the door she called out, "Mom, we're here."

Her hand stayed in his and she didn't let go. John gazed around the empty farmhouse, saw how spacious and warm the empty walls felt. Outlines remained where pictures had recently hung. The windows still held yellow curtains, though most of the house was packed into piles of boxes along the walls.

He had never been here to see what her home looked like before, but his mind noted the difference between a real home and a show house.

A moment later, an older lady with Alice's nose and profile walked in the room. She stopped and placed a hand on her hip. "We?"

Alice's face paled, but she eyed her mother. "Yeah, we. John brought me home."

Her mother's arms crossed. "You have the SUV."

John stepped forward. Alice looked weather-beaten. "She does, ma'am."

"I'm Mrs. Collins to you." Her mother shook her head. "Don't pretend to have manners. It's doubtful anyone in your family taught you any."

Manners ensured that his father made a business deal. He bowed but stayed next to Alice. "True."

"Mom, your name is Ellie, and that was so rude." Alice's voice shook.

Ellie Collins tapped her foot on the floor. "And don't pretend to agree with me."

Alice had been one hundred percent correct in her description of her feisty mom.

"Mom, where are both trucks?"

John turned toward her with a grateful smile. She'd changed the course of the conversation.

Her mother fisted her hands on her hips and looked out the picture window. "Your father will be here shortly. He went to the doctor. Colt took Clara north to check on the orange crops."

"Colt made it home?"

"Yes. He flew in yesterday, as he knew how worried we were about you."

"Was Clara glad to see him?"

"Of course."

Alice smiled, dropped his hand, and took a step forward. "Great. I'll just go pack a few things, so we can get going."

"We?" Her mother practically jumped in her way. "Pack? This is your home."

Alice walked around her. "Yeah. We're moving anyhow, so I'm staying with John for the next few days."

Her mother made the sign of the cross even though she was never religious. "Excuse me."

Alice's hands clenched and she met her mother's gaze head-on. "Did something happen to your hearing?"

She didn't need to get defensive. John coughed. "Mrs. Collins, I need to make sure Alice is safe."

Her mother held her head high. "We look after our own here."

Then she reached over and patted her daughter like a trained nurse as she searched for battle wounds.

"The shooter might be after your daughter personally." His gaze went toward Alice who took a deep breath. "This is bigger than hating me."

"We'll keep her safe."

"She's safest with me until we locate the shooter."

Alice went to her room. This time her mother didn't stand in the way. Instead Ellie came toward him, and her hand went to her hip once again. "How? My husband was in the Marines and my son is fresh out. We can handle things just fine without a Morgan as our overlord and master."

At her door, Alice called out behind her, "Mom. Dad has a heart condition, and you are so out of line."

She half-turned around, but then John said, "Mrs. Collins, I intend to marry Alice."

"What?" both women said in unison. Alice came out of her room as her mother's eyebrows lifted.

The words flew out of his mouth, unplanned, but he recognized the truth. Alice would be his forever. John pressed his lips together, nodded, and stared into Mrs. Collins' brown eyes.

He'd marry Alice. It had more appeal than years in the FBI. Alice's blue eyes misted. Her mother's brown eyes held streaks of fire in them. "Alice Collins will make a beautiful bride."

Her mother shouted, "She's not a toy you just pick up and then toss away when you're done. Her life is valuable and far more than you deserve."

Dramatic and powerful. He'd have paid to see Mrs. Collins tell off his father years ago. If he had known she existed, he might not have joined the FBI. He swallowed. "I agree."

Then her mother stared back and forth between them. She sniffed the air as if smelling for the truth. "My daughter doesn't have a ring on her finger."

Alice took a step closer. "Stop, Mom."

John breathed deep and nodded. "She hasn't said yes, yet."

This all had to be a cruel joke. Her insides quaked that he might hurt her mother with this wordplay. Alice shouted at him, "John, I told you not to tell her."

Her mother spun to greet her with her arms crossed. "You knew he intended to marry you."

Alice threw her hands in the air, but her eyes still held shock and disbelief. "Be right back. I'm getting my bag."

Alice stormed off. Her mother stayed right on her heels into her bedroom. "I'll help you." She shut the door.

John realized that his heart wasn't racing. If he married Alice, then he'd have what he always wanted, a place where he belonged with someone who made him feel warm as he started his own business.

Alice would make a perfect wife.

Chapter Sixteen

Alice's mother slammed the bedroom door. "You cannot marry him."

She found her suitcase in the closet and kept her gaze on the bag. "Mom, you're being overdramatic, as usual."

Ellie walked in front of the dresser drawers, so Alice returned to her closet to get her dresses for the bag. "I'll die right here, in this very spot. My daughter is marrying the enemy."

Alice wasn't really engaged, but that wasn't the point. She threw her clothes in the bag. "John is not my enemy, and you're healthy."

Alice turned around and glared at the dresser with her stuff. She crossed her arms until her mother stepped aside. "Alice, the Collins’ and the Morgans should not mix. You're my only daughter. I can't lose you too."

Alice stormed past her and opened the drawer with her bras and underwear. Luckily most of her stuff was already in storage for her move next week. Colt officially took possession of the house as soon as the rest of them moved out. She scooped up the last of her clothes and huffed by. "Mom, I'm an adult. You haven't lost any of us, and you have to trust me at some point in my life."

Her mother shook her head, not hearing a word Alice had said. "If you marry him, then you will destroy us all."

"Why, Mom? How will my marriage destroy you?"

"Mitch Morgan almost ruined us."

Her mother's flair for the dramatic made her impossible. The past was over, and the man was dead. "You didn't answer the question, Mom."

Her mother's voice became soft and it sounded like she would cry. "I can't answer that, sweetie. I need you to trust me that the House of Morgan is too big for us and that you can't get involved."

Ellie Collins would always be irrational when it came to the Morgans. Alice closed her eyes and tried to sound reasonable. She probably should tell her that it was a lie, but her mother should respect and accept her choices, whoever he might be. "John makes me feel special."

Her mother reached out to stroke Alice's hair. "You are special, but your head is being turned from the size of his bank account. John is not good for you."

"At least you remembered that his name is John, not Mitch Morgan reincarnated." Alice stepped back and refused her mother's touch. Her temper soared. "And I'm not a gold digger. Have some respect. We didn't stay at the mausoleum. John has his own house."

"I don't care if he lives on the farm next to ours." Her mother paced the room and threw her hands in the air. "He's his son, and wrong for you."

Her bedroom used to be full of all her worldly possessions, but now all that was left was an empty room with a bed. Her things were packed and gone, which told her she should pack her necessities and go too. Alice ground her heels in the floor and calmed her tone. "Mom, John's been in the FBI. He had an honest job that doesn't pay millions."

Her mother sighed. "He is young and sought adventure."

Alice rolled her eyes. Reason was not a good option. Then she took a deep breath and tried to keep the steam out of her voice. "I doubt that."

"And now you claim Victoria is alive."

Alice squared her shoulders. "She is alive. I saw her."

"I can't take this. No one comes back from the dead." Her mother shook her head. "And if that's true, then that's more trouble for our family."

Vicki had spent years in this house, with her family, away from the House of Morgan. Her mother cooked dinners for them all, right in this kitchen. Alice shouted, "She was my best friend."

"I thought you outgrew your childhood fantasy to be a part of the House of Morgan."

Alice zipped up her bag and rolled it on the floor, heading toward her door. "Mom, this conversation is over."

Her mother's plea clung in the air like the heavy weight of humidity outside. "Are you leaving with him?"

Alice refused to turn back. "Yes."

"Then you are not welcome back in my house."

Alice stopped and turned. Inside every part of her wanted to shake and she'd probably cry the second she was alone. She lifted her chin to not let her mother see. "You're kicking me out of the family?"

The corner of her mother's lip ticked. "You left me with no other choice. I have to protect the rest of us."

"I'm not the enemy." Alice gripped the suitcase handle like it was a lifeline. "You can respect my choices."

Her mother's eyes misted like she was about to cry. "You don't know what you ask."

Crocodiles used tears to manipulate people, and Alice was tired of the dramatics. It was not nice to strike out like she did when upset. "And you don't explain, so there is nothing else to say."

Her mother's face grew wet and she sniffled. "Alice, your father and I will always love you. When that Morgan breaks your heart and leaves you broken, come home."

Families were supposed to trust. Her mother missed the memo. Alice's jaw began to loosen, and her eyes welled. She'd not cry in front of her mother and let her comfort her. It was all part of the plan to control, but Alice was not buying it. "You could have some faith in me."

Ellie opened her arms to hug her. "Likewise. I need you to trust me."

No. Alice stepped back and turned on her heels. Manipulation wasn't part of this. She was no longer a child. Alice left her bedroom. "Goodbye."

Alice went to the living room, where John straightened and took her bag from her. He had no idea of the drama he'd caused, but she decided she'd deal with him later. Right now, she marched for the front door. She had everything she needed to run the finances virtually. She'd never darken her mother's door again.

She let John help her, but that didn't ease the pain in her chest. Not everything in life needed to be a movie or a horrible telenovela. She turned around and glared at her mother who dried her eyes. The puppy dog look was all an act.

John placed his hand on her back. "Are you okay?"

She turned around, took his hand in hers and a spark of electricity shot through her. "Let's go."

At least, her mother said nothing else. Probably because John was a Morgan, but at the moment, Alice needed the silence.

She kept her back straight as she headed to the door. Her mother had disowned her over John. The marriage comment was inappropriate, but it was time Alice made the choices in her life. Angry, she picked up her phone and blocked her mother's phone number. In a few days, she'd think about talking to her again.

John followed her and once they reached the patio, her mother slammed the door behind them.

John's hand on her back made her skin prickly. She'd get no peace. She didn't budge or move from her spot in the driveway. Then he said, "So your mother didn't like me."

"I told you to keep quiet near her." She swallowed as her eyes misted but she wouldn't let her mother see her reaction. "Let's just get in the car."

"I'm sorry. I don't know why that came out of my mouth." John opened the trunk to place her bag in the back. "Are you upset?"

She hugged her arms and waited at the passenger seat for him to unlock the Mercedes. "Yes."

He rushed to her side, and the wind he created cooled her cheeks. "That wasn't my intention."

He'd lied about marriage to her mother for some reason that she couldn't even fathom. That lie was horrible, but he didn't know her mom. She kept her chin from trembling as she sucked in the inside of her cheeks. "It's not you, but what you said was wrong too. Please hurry, I don't want to cry until we're off the property."

He opened her door and she slid into her seat, her body numb. This wasn't what she'd intended. She shivered despite the heat.

John's presence set off her heart in a different way, but she was glad when he drove away from her old house.

Lies about marriage only made everything worse. Her mother was ridiculous, but then so was she. Marriage to John in jest was like being offered one piece of chocolate instead of the whole bag. They'd never be together. Kings of the world did not spend eternity with peasants and farmers.

Chapter Seventeen

John closed the door to his house as they parked the car in the garage and left Alice's bag beside him. Outside the walls, the security gate still closed automatically, but her ears mostly burned as she stormed down the hall. In the distance she heard John enter the house and lock the door.

First her heart had to accept her mother's actions, but what he did was wrong, on so many levels. She took a deep breath, ready to finally speak after that silent car ride, so she turned to face him though she only reached his broad shoulder. "Why did you tell my mother we're getting married?"

He covered his face with his hands as he studied her. She swore his blue eyes seemed to glow with regret. Finally he said, "I didn't. Exactly."

What? "I heard you."

This was outside the box of acceptable. She shook her head. "You never asked me, and you told my mother we were. She already has a thing against your family, but this made it so much worse."

He took her hand in his. "I said I intend to marry you."

If it was anyone else, she'd take him seriously. But this was John Morgan, son of one of the wealthiest families alive, and potential heir to a business kingdom. People like him did not marry people like her, so there was no way he'd be serious about marriage. She wasn't a complete idiot. "That's insane. My mother officially wishes you dead now."

She tried to take her hand back, but he asked, "Does your mother's opinion matter so much?"

She stilled and averted her gaze. Maybe John didn't understand because he never had a family that cared. "No. Yes. I want my mother to retire and be happy with my dad while I live my own life."

His fingers traced her knuckles. "So you gave up your freedom when you moved back home?"

John would never get it. "My dad had a heart attack. Colt was serving overseas. They needed me, and when you love your family, you give up a little freedom in exchange for their well-being."

His hand left hers, and traced her face. "That's noble and sweet, and you're right. I wouldn't know how that feels."

His touch sent her body into overdrive. "John, our lives are different."

She hoped he'd rip off her clothes and take her right here, right now. She ached for another kiss, but he dropped his arms to the sides and shrugged. "Our lives shaped us, but they don't define our future."

She caught herself from forgiving him carte blanche. Her lusty thoughts for John clouded her judgment, again. She rubbed her neck and tried to cool down. Her mother fit into the Morgan family. "True. I don't want to talk about my mother and her dramatics anymore. We go to your family tomorrow."

He reached backwards and picked up her bag. She followed him down the long hall as he said, "Yeah we do. The reading will not be fun."

She must have misread him earlier. He hadn't even thought about a kiss. "Are you sure you want me there?"

He turned around at her bedroom door and she gazed right into his clear blue eyes. "Victoria asked for you."

John opened her door and dropped the bag on the inside. She stepped closer to him and caught his hand in hers. "What about you?"

He swallowed and the smell of cedar and pine mixed in her nose. Her lips tingled in hopes of a kiss. "I don't know if I can handle being in the room with Peter," he said. "I don't know if I can trust him."

Perhaps there was a book she could read on how to get over a crush with pointers that might clear her head. Right now she was acting like some dog in heat and not herself. She stepped back and wondered if she spoke to Peter one-on-one, would that change anything with the contract? "You have to listen to your heart on that one. Is he like your father?"

John shrugged and closed her bedroom door. "He might be. I hardly know him."

She talked to Colt all the time. She watched his daughter for him without complaint. She blinked as she tried to understand. "He's your brother."

John's face turned red. "He stood right next to my father all my life. He's two years older than me, but I have no memory of Peter on his own without my father."

Strange. Colt led his own life, but she'd do whatever she could for him, too. Despite how Peter canceled their contract, family was family. "Maybe he's not that bad."

"Maybe he's worse. I don't trust him."

"Then you've made a decision."

"No, I'm just talking it through. I'm not sure how to take Peter or if I want a position in my father's company."

She reached out and touched his arm. Fireworks exploded inside her, but she stayed sharp. "You have to try. What happened to the determined guy I met at the hotel?"

He nodded. "You're right. I'd still like you with me tomorrow."

With luck his family might bond, now that Mitch was gone. "Of course. I'll be there for you. We're friends."

He turned and her back went against the wall. Her entire body ached with need as he leaned closer to her. "We're more than friends."

Her toes curled as his hands surrounded her. Her eyelashes fluttered. "I don't know, John."

He lowered his head, as if he'd like to kiss her. She closed her eyes and waited for his lips to brush against hers, again. Then he said, "I don't know what I'm doing near you."

His mouth brushed hers and she saw stars all around them. His body pressed against her and nothing else existed except the two of them.

He stepped back and looked like he was selected in a military draft, unable to escape. She tried to stand taller, but swayed on her feet from the too-brief kiss. His face was red. "Alice, you're someone who believes in happy ever after."

She shook her head, not wanting him to take on responsibility for her feelings. If she let her wild side dictate her emotions, she'd happily accept whatever small amount of time he offered her. Then she'd stop whatever fantasies she had of what might happen between them that sparked from her old crush. "I don't believe in love."

His eyebrows quirked like she said the silliest thing he ever heard. She'd straightened out her dress. She'd have to be more convincing.

"You have two stable parents."

She nodded. Parents didn't mean she was needy. "Yeah, and they love each other despite how they drive each other crazy."

His blue eyes clouded. "I never knew my mother. I have sketchy memories of a woman who might have been her, but I was two when she disappeared."

Disappearing wasn't the story that she remembered being told. She tilted her head. "Didn't she die?"

John shrugged. "So my father says. He said Vicki died too, so I don't believe anything he ever told me. Tomorrow's reading might be where he finally kicks me out of the Morgan family and does what he promised to do years ago."

His mind had to be on the reading of the will tomorrow. His father wouldn't cut him out. It would make it look like he'd been unable to keep his family, and Mitch Morgan was all about family appearances. In how many magazine pictures did Mitch Morgan present himself with his son or sons? She ran her fingers down his bare forearm and caressed the blond hairs near his wrist. "John, I don't envy you."

His dimples returned and the fire inside her flamed. "It's why I think you're the sexiest woman I ever met."

She shook her head. He was being ridiculous. "What?"

He inched forward, his hip pressing hers against the beige wall. "You are."

His hands traced her arms and her body tingled, hoping he'd kiss her again. She asked, "How?"

His head lowered and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Your blue eyes haunt my dreams. Your kiss is embedded on my lips."

John Morgan kissed her like she was the most important person in his life. Her toes curled as her entire body craved him. He tasted better than honey or chocolate or anything she'd ever had that was sweet. Then she pulled her head back and whispered, "Stop."

He froze though his blue eyes had flecks of lightning inside them. "Why?"

She tightened her hold and she tugged him close. Regrets were for tomorrow. Right now, she lived. "Because I want you to do it again."

He pressed her back against the wall, kissing her so deeply that she lost sight of everything else. All that mattered was how they'd become one.

Chapter Eighteen

In the kitchen, John set the table for breakfast in his designer jeans and short sleeve button up white shirt. She stood and watched him as he added coffee to a tray. Why would he take such good care of her but then interfere with her mother all at the same time? She lifted her chin. He added fruit to the tray as she walked in. With her hand on her hip, and no smile on her face, she gazed at him. "Why didn't we sleep together last night, John?"

He fixed the silverware. "You deserve better."

She came closer and placed her hand on his. His eyes met hers "How?" she asked. "Who would be better?"

Alice had to know how he felt. She deserved someone strong and capable of falling in love with her and wanting to spend the rest of his life next to her. Then he said, "I just quit my day job and I am about to start from zero."

Her gaze narrowed. "Would that bother you?"

He shrugged.

She knew Mitch Morgan had never once said a kind word to John, training Peter to be his replacement, but he hadn't cut out John either. Why would John expect him to change after death?

"I wouldn't expect anything less from dear old Dad."

She fiddled with the gold pendant Vicki gave her. Then she picked up some toast and sat. "What does that have to do with me and you and last night?"

"Everything." He stood as tall and still as one of the orange trees on the farm. "If there is to be a future, then we should know our finances."

Her mind whirled. Money was not a reason to say no to sex. "I don't care about that."

"I was cut off in all things except a bank account that was always supplied. I've never been poor a day in my life."

"What happened to the money, then, if you didn't touch it?"

"My rebellious side kicked in and I set up an investment portfolio. The millions grew much higher as my way of showing him that if he kept sending it to me, then I'd not touch a dime. I never told him though."

"So even if you get nothing, you're far from poor?"

"Let's not talk about the billion."

Wrong answer. He clearly didn't wish to clarify his vision of a future, though billion meant he could afford whatever happened to him. She picked up her toast and walked toward the garage to get in the car. "Is it empty now?"

His booted steps sounded behind her. "Absolutely not. The interest alone keeps building the stockpile."

She squared her shoulders and turned around to glare at him. Then she saw how he slumped, and her heart softened. Today he had enough on his shoulders without her adding to it. "Then it doesn't matter what is in the will."

"It matters to me."

She almost ripped open the car door and listened to the exterior house door slam as John closed and locked it before getting into the driver's seat. "Why?"

He started the car, but his body was stiff. He swallowed, refused to look at her, and backed out of the garage to the driveway. "Today we go to my brother's house. It used to be mine, too."

The will reading might be a reason for the no last night—if it weighed on his mind. She uncurled her fists, realizing she was tense, and tried to relax. She stared out the window and reminded herself that she was not Cinderella. She had her own issues to deal with, like finding a new buyer for her farm goods, and calling her brother to talk about mom.

He turned onto the highway toward Star Island. "The home where you grew up has already transformed in your mind."

His grip on the car wheel tightened. They were heading to Peter's house unusually fast for Miami, but they'd missed rush hour. "Yeah. I wouldn't call the place a home. Most days it felt like a prison."

"Most people's prisons aren't nearly so nice, and Vicki is there now. There is a reason to be happy." Alice had so many questions for her old best friend, but John's hardness right now took up all of her emotional room. She tugged her dress to her knees. "You haven't even talked to Peter yet today, and you already have that guard up. If you walk in this way, you're liable to snap."

He turned off the highway. They were close to the mansion now. Silence filled the air until he parked in front of the house that looked the same. John said, "I don't trust him."

Happy times. She had to help him stay positive. "Okay. Then who cares what you get in the will, then? Peter is the only one left."

He removed his sunglasses and tossed them on the dashboard, turning to her with his blue eyes that sparkled with righteousness. "I don't care."

"Why are you here?"

He gulped and some of the tension left his body. "Curiosity. I'd lay odds that Dad left me nothing but a note of contempt."

She shook her head. "He wouldn't."

His brow wrinkled. "How can you be sure?"

He should know his father better than her. Mitch Morgan's reputation was well known. "He wanted to be remembered as a god amongst men. I can't imagine he'd cut you out of the will. What if somebody found out?"

The last time he spoke to his father, he had accused him of murdering his sister. His father's lie included a funeral and with that track record, anything was possible in the will reading today. He sat in his seat, like her words were bullets. "I don't want to think about it."

"Let it go. We should go inside." She opened her car door. A second later he did the same and stood up. He slammed his car door. As he walked over to her, she asked, "Where do you see your sister living, once this is over?"

She accepted his offered hand, receiving strength that empowered her to do almost anything. He didn't answer her question until they'd reached the door. "Not here."

He pressed the doorbell. She fixed her dress as the walls made her feel inferior and forbidden from the entrance. "Any ideas why Vicki wanted me here?"

He turned toward her. Their gazes met. "You'll have to ask her. Please remember every word she says to you about why she pretended to be dead."

Footsteps echoed from right outside the door. She lowered her voice, "Do you want me to spy on her?"

He answered fast. "No. I want to compare notes. If something happened to her, then I want to help her if I can."

A Hispanic older woman answered the door. Alice felt a chill as they walked inside. She kept his hand in hers. "Okay. I'm not going to worry about it, but I'm hoping Jennifer isn't there."

John's hand brushed against her shoulder. "Don't let the actress get to you."

She stared at his broad chest and let his words float into her heart. He was right. "I know I shouldn't."

"I saw you handle your mother. You can handle Jennifer."

She smiled. Other than the constant teasing and lying to her mother, John Morgan tried to take care of her and watch out for her. Perhaps once this was over, she'd get answers to her own questions. "After everything goes down here, can we relax and go out to dinner? I want to go to your favorite place growing up."

Laughter echoed from upstairs. Victoria was close. John gazed up the flight of stairs, but then returned his focus on her. He lowered his voice. "That's dangerous."

The tension in the car had been palatable and Alice hoped that with the right atmosphere, he'd relax and laugh again. John had to be wrong about being a target as the FBI never called. Soon she'd end this farce, but for now, she shrugged her shoulders. "You'll protect me."

High heels clicked on the stairs above them. "Anywhere I want to go?"

Vicki's bare legs in her floral sundress came into view. Alice placed her hand on his arm. "I want to see the world you grew up in and your favorite hang outs. So take me someplace that the House of Morgan frequented without me, Vicki's tag-along."

John smiled up at Vicki and then frowned as Peter, in his usual power suit, followed right behind their sister down the flight of stairs. He scooted closer to Alice. "Vicki never said that."

Alice squeezed his hand. "Your dad did."

Peter ushered Vicki and John down the hall, but John kept Alice's hand firm in his as she shied back. "Stay with me."

Peter walked ahead of them and into the lofted ceiling dining room. Alice whispered, "You are capable of handling your brother by yourself, but I'm here if you need me."

John's shoulders were tense, as if he'd rather be anywhere else. Standing at the end of the table, Peter beckoned them into the room. "Please sit."

Alice turned around to greet her friend. Vicki had been right behind them. She raised her hand to her chin and asked, "Where is Victoria?"

Peter sat in their father's chair, and opened a file like he was about to run a business meeting. Then he arranged his seat to ensure it was more like a throne and acted like their father. "She's coming."

John followed his brother's gestures, crossed his legs like he was the challenger in a boxing room, and took a seat beside him.

Two lawyers in black suits and carrying brief cases walked into the room from the kitchen door and sat opposite them. Peter's reflection shone in the polished wood and even his posture mimicked their father as he stretched in his chair. John raised his eyebrows and asked, "Why is this so formal?"

Peter refused to answer the question. Instead his gaze met Alice's as she sat beside John. Peter then asked, "Are you sure you wish Ms. Collins to be with you right now?"

John held firm, and his gaze never wavered. He said, "Absolutely."

Peter said no more. She wasn't sure what to do, so she stayed silent. Then Vicki walked into the room and her dress floated as if she were an angel. She passed both of her brothers who offered her small smiles as she sat next to Peter. Her smile was the only warmth in the room.

Alice sat straighter in her seat as all the Morgans turned to stare at the lawyers.

One of the lawyers said, "Let's get this started."

Alice scooted her chair so her hand could stay in John's. The chair squeaked as she moved and everyone glanced at her. Her face heated, but she said nothing. John's fingers locked with hers.

The lawyer continued and read the will as the other took notes on a yellow sheet of paper. "Being of sound mind and in the presence of witnesses, I hereby bequeath my estate as follows."

John shook his head. "This should be so much fun."

Peter's entire body stilled. Whatever the paper said affected him the most, at least in Alice's view. He placed both his hands on the table as he whispered, "Don't be a hypocrite. We skipped the burial."

John's eyebrows quirked. "Because someone might shoot us."

"Neither of us wanted to be there."

"To my son, John…"

John's hand tugged on hers, and she tried to be his rock.

He held his head high as the lawyer said, "He never proved in his life that he could take care of himself or anyone else. I leave him one hundred million dollars and ten percent stock in all my companies, so he'll never have to."

John released her hand, his body so tight if he turned he might break. "I always loved the faith he had in me."

Alice massaged his leg until he took her hand again and then whispered to him. "John, don't worry about what he thought."

Their knees touched. John's temple pulsed. "I have a plan, Alice."

She pushed his water glass in front of him and urged him to drink. "Let it go," she said. "You're fine."

John pressed his hand on her leg that she entwined with his and said nothing else.

The lawyer continued. "In memory of my daughter Victoria, who was a disappointment in the end, I leave one hundred million dollars with no stock shares, to various charities for unwed mothers and adoption agencies. May newborns benefit from her tragedy as she always told us to care about children first."

Victoria scoffed and gazed around Peter toward John. "He's a total jerk. Is it too late to dance on his grave?"

John turned his chair to stare at his sister. "What does this mean to you, Vicki?"

Victoria shook her head and refused to reveal what happened to her years ago. Instead she said, "That Dad doesn't deserve one more second of my time."

Peter must have done the math in his head of the billions left over. He said, "I'll match the one hundred million, Vicki. Don't stress about money."

Victoria beamed her happiness. "I'm going to open a dress shop, be creative, and design wedding dresses. In life, he'd never have allowed me to go into retail."

Peter scowled. Alice swallowed. The idea of a Morgan working must have soured his mood.

John saw the same reaction. He tilted his head and said, "I'll fund your business idea, Vicki."

Vicki shrugged and didn't seem to notice any issues between her brothers. She simply said, "Thanks."

Alice pressed her knees closer to John. Neither John nor Victoria might have the power to change Peter's mind about her own contract. She had to search for a buyer and probably shouldn't be here. What kept her glued to her seat was that John might need her.

"Six hundred million dollars was left to various people that I won't read, unless requested." No one said anything. The lawyer then continued, "And finally my son, Peter. He has proven a sound mind in business and will do well with my business ventures. I do hope he forgets his promise to remain a bachelor and finds himself a wife. He receives the remainder of my estate, my house, my various holdings, and everything else I own."

Peter took in a breath as if he'd held it the entire time the lawyer read. He smiled at last. "I figured. I'll have the money drawn up for you, Vicki. And John, there is always a place for you in Morgan Enterprises, if you want it."

Vicki shrugged her shoulders as she stood up to go. "Doesn't matter, Peter. Right now I want to open my dress shop, but thank you."

John pushed his chair back to get up as well. Alice followed him, happy this was over.

"It's not done," the lawyer then said. They all readjusted their seats. The other lawyer held his pen like his life depended on it. "If Peter ends up childless, the remainder upon his death should go to John's heirs. If neither of my sons has children, then the remainder should convert to the designee I left in my lawyer's files that is only to be opened on these conditions."

John sat straighter and asked the lawyer, "Who would Dad leave everything to if we all wind up childless?"

Peter leaned in his chair like he too wanted to ask, but then he straightened. "Doesn't matter."

John turned to him and argued, "Yes it does."

Peter glanced at Vicki and the closed his eyes. "No, it doesn't. This doesn't matter at all."

John shook his head, clearly upset with his brother. He whispered to Alice, "I'm going to find out."

Her mind raced. "How?"

John pushed his chair back again, ready to leave. "Dahle, I don't want to be here anymore."

Alice followed. "Agreed."

Peter's fingers tapped on the table as he clearly considered this a threat of some sort. "If the money and company are mine, then it's mine to do with as I see fit at my own death."

"Legally, that's true." The lawyer sat up straighter. "Your father just wanted you to know he had a plan."

Peter leaned back in his chair as if satisfied he'd won the argument as he said, "I don't care what my father intended. I'll still leave the company to a pet monkey if I want to and he doesn't get a say from the grave."

"You don't have a monkey." Vicki placed her hand on his.

"I might when I get older. I told him I'd never have an heir."

John stood and the tension in his body snapped. He pressed his hands on the table and shook his head. "That's what you focus on? As long as you get the money and the company then who cares about everyone else? Aren't you curious who Dad would leave his fortune to?"

"You didn't ask about the six hundred million dollars, which are probably half-siblings." Peter stood and leaned on the table as if they were opponents. "And so we're clear, I'm already investigating a few people who are probably our family as well. Dad used to take me to a woman's house. She had children our age. Whoever Dad designated doesn't matter. The money is ours. The House of Morgan continues through whatever children we have."

The lawyer shrunk in his chair. "This part is unenforceable."

There was no way to enforce Dad's wishes, but John's shoulders hunched and Alice could tell he wanted to know who was next on their father's list. "You are unbelievable."

Peter leaned closer, ready for a fight. "It's my life, John. I worked too hard for this."

Alice glanced at Victoria for one second who nodded at her, indicating they could talk later. She grabbed John's arm and tugged him toward the door. "Let's go."

He stared at Vicki and Peter, then took her hand. His hands shook with his emotion, but he said nothing. They walked out in silence.

Chapter Nineteen

Hours later, evening began to set, and they were done with the paperwork that the lawyer had chased him down to sign.

John tried to think of the right words to say to Alice as they got into his car, but nothing came to mind. He'd promised her a night out. The image of the red laser pointed to her head replayed in his mind and he didn't want to go anywhere but home.

The heaviness in the air wasn't the humidity. He turned toward the Rickenbacker Causeway to take her to Harry's, which was at least exclusive. If they sat in the back near the wall, they'd be safe enough.

His own mood might get better with fresh air. The restaurant's staff ensured that only certain people came inside. He'd been there many times as a child, so it fulfilled Alice's request.

The one thing that kept his shoulders from bowing beneath the weight of oppressive heat and the emotional day was the chance to enjoy the sunset with this beautiful woman next to him.

Alice had been quiet during the ride.

John asked, "Do you think Peter knows who the alternate beneficiary might be?"

"I don't know," she said.

"I don't know if I can trust him."

"If you accepted the position within the corporation, you'd get insight into his day-to-day. You'd see for yourself if he can be trusted."

"I'm tired of secrets."

"So you don't care if Peter's theory is correct about more Morgans?"

"I haven't thought about it."

A smile grew on her face as he entered the parking lot. The waterfront restaurant had a valet that guarded the lot. An assassin would have to be on a ship or stop the car on the highway. He assessed the entire place.

The cars in the lot were Maseratis and Aston Martins with a few BMWs and Mercedes Benz. The Miami well-to-do were here. Near the water if they sat by the wall, they'd see through the screen all the people on their yachts as they passed. The ten-foot walk from the lot to the restaurant was the hard part.

His stomach clenched, but he tried to ignore it. His brother's words that there were more Morgans out there replayed in his mind as he stepped out of the car and the implication that he didn't care about his family rang in his ears.

Nothing stirred in the air. If they could walk fast the few feet to the door with the pressing humidity, his heart might calm down. As the valet opened her door, Alice stepped out of the car. Sweat had formed on his forehead. She said, "Relax."

He swallowed and gazed one more time at the valet as he came to the driver's side. Then he stepped out and visions of a crime scene he had once seen at a restaurant flashed in his head. "I'll try, but we probably should have gone home."

Without a word she walked toward the restaurant door, and he shadowed behind her. As the doors opened, she turned around and waited for him. "I can't live my life worried about who is out to get me. Besides, you are overreacting. It was probably someone after the President."

He crossed his arms. She needed to take this seriously, even if his boss hadn't updated him. Tonight he'd send an email, but he let the thoughts go. "Alice, I'm not."

She turned and walked toward the maître de. He stayed right on her heels.

"I think you are the target. We're here because you wanted to unwind after today, and I promised."

She winked at him and said, "Get the frown off your face, then, and remember we're following my plans for some fun tonight. You need to relax."

He shook his head, in no mood for levity. "We always follow your plans."

She raised her eyebrows at him. "This is a special place for you? Did your family take you here?"

She only knew the high school football player and the FBI part of him. Perhaps he should take a job at Morgan Enterprises and be a Morgan. The thought left him speechless and he let out his breath. "I heard a few political and business speeches here."

The air around her smelled like strawberries. The hair on his arms rose. At first she said nothing. He held his silence. Then she tilted her head. "So this place holds no romantic history for you."

He laughed in surprise. "No."

She stayed close. "I remember you dated Cindy in high school."

The pressure he'd felt being outside dissipated as Alice's blue eyes captured his attention. "Not for long. She wanted my name and the money of my world. I think she married a real estate developer."

"So, what about in college?"

The hostess motioned that their table was ready. They followed her and he sat opposite Alice. They sat outside near the wall he requested, but had a great view of the ocean from their seat as screens kept their faces cloaked.

She sighed as he ordered a bottle of red wine. When the server retreated he told Alice, "I never met anyone I was serious about. What about you?"

She sat back in her chair. The waitress returned quickly, pouring them both wine in crystal glasses. John sipped as the server waited, then nodded his approval. Alice stayed quiet until the server left with their orders. Then she said, "I always assumed I'd marry someone who knows about farms."

Automatically he scanned the area. The table closest to them had grandparents with their grandchildren, all dressed up. The table after that had another couple and the table near the end had a group of women clinking glasses and laughing. No one seemed suspicious.

He left his hand on the table and then gave Alice his full attention. He picked up his glass. "Why? Does that turn you on?"

She sipped hers and lowered her gaze. "Not really, but it's the life I know."

He waited for her to place her glass back on the table before capturing her clear blue eyes. "What about the life you don't know? Perhaps the guy is right in front of you."

Giggles burst out of her throat. "John Morgan, you are being silly."

He didn't move at all. "Why?"

Her hand shook as she pushed a piece of hair out of eyes. "Because it can't be you."

His eyebrows arched. Last night she'd been tempting as she kissed him back. It took all of his self-control to keep his hands to himself. "Why?"

She played with a strand of her hair. "It can't be."

His heart constricted in his chest. Either she wasn't into him or she didn't take him seriously. "You said you had a crush on me and that I was your first kiss. How are these not signs for you?"

She shrugged. "Silly daydreams and heart-racing kisses don't equal true love with a happy-ever-after, and that is what I want."

He folded his hands on the table. The sweet taste of her lips tingled as the memory of her lips on his burned through him. He'd find a way to prove his feelings to her. "Why not?"

She reached for the bottle, but he said, "Let me."

He poured her more of the fruity red and as she accepted her glass, their fingers intertwined. Her lightest touch sent a jolt through him. "I always assumed I'd have what my parents have," she said.

He had to ensure nothing his father did haunted Alice or him from his grave. Perhaps he should have listened to her mother and kicked over the casket to see if Mitch was truly dead, but either way, he had to keep things slow with Alice until he knew she was safe.

He settled in his seat and decided he'd delay the rest of the conversation until later. "What is that?"

"My dad is a stable guy who never gets upset about anything. Colt is the same way." So in this logic, he wasn't stable. She continued like she hadn't said anything offensive. "I always assumed I'd find a no-drama type of guy to settle down with."

He reached for the badge that he no longer carried. Memories flooded him of people who acted like they were fine only to be arrested moments later. The air around him cracked and he shouldn't be here, but at no point in his life did anyone think him rash. He lifted his chin and asked, "I'm dramatic?"

She gulped her second glass of wine. He sat straighter, but didn't want to push her. She then said, "Your entire family is constantly in the headlines and supposedly someone wants you and anyone you love dead. So yeah, you qualify as dramatic."

It wasn't him, but the lifestyle he was born in. He couldn't change his past, but he had a say in his future. "You can't look beyond that?"

She sighed. "I'm with you right now because you think someone pointed a gun to my head."

The kisses hadn't registered as important enough. He'd have to test that. "That's it?"

She leaned closer. "John, you and I are not a long term thing. You're going to get bored and leave."

He settled his elbows on the table so they were eye to eye. "You have no faith in me."

She reached out and touched his arms. Electric bolts shot through him. She kept her voice low, "Don't take it like that."

The waitress came back over with another bottle and the prime rib dinners. She set the table. Both of them sat back until the server left. John picked up his fork and nodded. "Let's just enjoy our dinner."

"Bon appetit."

Silence hung in the air while they ate. John finished his meal first, wiped his lips clean and glanced at her. "My father's death upset me more than I realized, Alice. You being here is the most important part of all this, and I don't want to lose what we could have."

She picked up her fork. "Let's enjoy tonight and this beautiful setting. The future doesn't have to be answered right now."

His gut twisted like she'd stabbed at his manhood. Every other woman at this point in the relationship wanted more than he'd give. Once again, Alice was different. She picked at her food unaware his mood was off. He tried to follow her lead, but then she said, "I hope tonight made you feel better after what happened at your brother's place."

"You asked to go out." He shook his head and massaged the bridge of his nose. "I'm here because of you."

She closed her eyes. "John, you confuse me."

His hands fell to his sides. "Likewise."

She swallowed like she tasted something bitter. "Maybe I should just go back to the farm."

"No. I 'couldn't live with myself if something happened to you.

"Everything was wrong right now. This started because of his foul mood. "Please don't make this worse."

She picked up her fork and ate in silence. Then she placed the fork back down, but stared at the silverware. "I'm trying to make everything better. I don't know if I believe anyone is truly after me. I still think it's the President that was the target at the funeral."

Something else had to be bothering Alice. His mind raced through everything she ever said to him, and then the math clicked in his head. "When is your condo available?"

"Tomorrow it becomes empty." Her gaze flew to meet his. Her eyes were crystal clear blue. Whatever she said next was something she believed. "As no one has taken any shots at my head in the past few days, I think I should just move into my condo."

He sat absolutely still. The email threat had been real. He vividly remembered the glass shards that flew through the door as the bullet passed over her head. He kept his tone even. "That's not a good idea."

"Why not? It's not a good idea for me to stay with you."

She should have the same memories. She was there. He dropped his napkin on the table. "We should have just gone home."

Her gaze narrowed. "Why?"

He leaned forward, but she took her hand off the table. "You are not safe on your own, not yet. I'll contact someone else in my old department, other than the boss, first thing in the morning."

She squared her shoulders. "It's my choice."

This was insane. She acted like she wanted to get killed. "Don't you care about your own life?"

She shrugged, but then stayed still. "Of course I do, but the Morgan family is taking all my energy."

He froze. What did his family have to do with anything? "Don't let it."

"Your money means you're the star of everything."

She sounded jealous, which made no sense. He leaned closer again. "What are you talking about? My money buys security, and that's what I'm talking about."

She pressed her lips together. Whatever he said wasn't getting through to her. "Let's just go."

He stood up and waited for her to follow. "Okay."

Once home, he'd find a better way to keep her there. If something happened to Alice, he'd never forgive himself.

Chapter Twenty

Alice hugged her waist and gazed at a piece of Spanish art from old Cuba that hung near the inside door. She could see it from the outside as they drove toward the garage. The bright color contrasted with her feelings. This was the final night that she would be staying with John.

With her head down, she turned toward John's profile. He couldn't see her eyes behind her sunglasses. Tomorrow, she moved out on her own. Tomorrow her real life started. Victoria could stop by. If she was lucky, John might also show up. Their date had been the opposite of romantic. She'd kicked him while he was down.

He parked the car in the garage. She studied his strong jawline. His kisses lit her on fire, despite his back and forth emotions. Perhaps with time that didn't include funerals, they had a chance at a stronger relationship. Dating John would be the prize she had always wanted, but never thought she'd have. She didn't dare to hope.

Perhaps she should settle. If somehow she could have one night with him, it would be enough.

John took her hand and led her into the house from the garage.

If she stripped off her shirt and threw herself in his arms, perhaps he'd finally take her. The thought played in her mind as he locked the door behind them.

Then, without provocation, he turned around and kissed her hard. She fell backwards and almost knocked the stand with the flowers down next to the door. He didn't seem to care and continued to press his lips against hers.

Her hands raked up his body. She needed to touch him. She needed to have him. He tasted like delicious wine and testosterone. Her fingers untucked his shirt and found his chiseled abdomen. Her entire body flamed with desire as his eyes held a blaze in them that read he wanted her too.

Finally. She pressed into him and reached farther up his shirt to feel his naked skin.

His muscles quivered at her touch. Her body moistened with desire.

John stepped away from her, and his voice was gruff as he said, "Tell me to stop."

She lifted her chin, wanting him. "Take me to a bedroom."

Dropping her pocketbook on the ground near the door, Alice slipped her hand into his as he led her down the hall to his room.

Her heart pounded in her chest as he opened the door with his free hand. His bed was messy and the gray duvet was on the floor beside his slept-in silken sheets, but otherwise the room was devoid of anything personal. She swung to him. "You haven't hired maids to clean up after us?"

His eyes widened. "I've been afraid to have anyone here."

Perhaps she shouldn't have changed the tone. She licked her lips and placed her hands on his chest. "Why?"

"I don't want anyone to hurt you."

No. They'd not discuss some threat that should keep her here. "Kiss me."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

His hand brushed against her skin. The hair on her arms stood up, welcoming his touch. He swept her hair back from her face, leaned in, and kissed her.

Fireworks exploded in her stomach and the rest of the world faded to black. All that mattered was this kiss, this moment, this everything.

Her hands wrapped around his back to somehow keep him close. If he stayed with her then the ride would never end.

John took a step backwards and she followed, not letting him go.

Her fingers ached to touch him and she held her breath when he stopped by the bed. She lifted her chin and gazed into his blue eyes. He was her everything. She stood up on her tiptoes, and his arms wrapped around her waist. His lips met hers and a tidal wave of need overwhelmed her.

Alice gasped as he released her to kick off his shoes. In a frenzy, she lifted her dress up and over her head, tossing it to the floor.

His eyes gleamed, making her dizzy.

He unbuttoned his shirt and stripped off the clothes that hid his perfectly formed masculine body. Every nerve ending in her body stirred.

He kicked his pants to the side, which left only perfectly sculpted thighs and part of his muscular abdomen hidden under his black boxer briefs.

Impatience grew, but then his hands brushed the hair out of her face so he could kiss her, hard and demanding.

Her bra felt uncomfortable but the smell of oak trees spurred her forward as her body temperature shot so high a thermometer would explode. Her body pressed against his groin, and she could feel the huge, hard length of him that waited for her.

Her knees were weak as he moved her to the bed. Alice fell back, wrapping her legs around John's so he landed with her in the center of the mattress.

He leaned above her, his fingers trailing down her body. At her chest she turned so his fingers would unhook her black satin bra. He smiled. "You're in a rush."

"Hardly. I've waited all my life for you."

His breath caught behind his lips as her bra fell to the side and her breasts were freed from restraint. "Pink."

Laughter bubbled as she gleaned his interest. He'd probably dated gorgeous women the past few years. No one like her. Then his lips pressed against her pink pebbles and she moaned instead. This felt like heaven.

Alice pressed her mouth together to stop her reaction, but then he did it again to her other breast. Another sound came out of her that vibrated from inside her soul.

Her hands traced against his perfectly sculpted body and she tugged his boxer briefs down over the hard length of his penis. She had to see all of him.

He leaned up so she could work off his boxers. She threw them aside and then stared at his loins. He was bigger than any man she'd ever seen, and adrenaline rushed in her veins. "Will that fit?"

"We'll find out."

Heat radiated through her smile. Yes, she would find out. Her hands traced his shoulders and reached his neck. He leaned down and kissed her again.

Her soul soared.

His fingers traced her body and reached her panties.

Every heartbeat reverberated in her ears as he lowered her plain white cotton panties like they were spun of pure gold.

His fingers traced the sensitive skin of her thighs and the hot brush of his hand sent her toward an edge as he touched her in her secret apex.

No more barriers existed between them.

His mouth kissed every inch of her body.

Goosebumps grew everywhere. The hunger for him ached inside her. She opened her legs and wrapped herself around him.

His eyebrows shot up. "You are impatient. We've got all night."

She shrugged, but then said nothing. He ripped open a condom and rolled it on fast—next time, she'd help him put it on.

His eyes were bright as he stared at her. Part of him had to care about her, even if they had no future beyond the here and now.

Then he kissed her shoulder as he slid inside her.

Her body stretched for him and the sweet ache made her moan.

When he was fully inside her, her body pulsated with desire and moved on its own.

The pleasure she felt sent her entire body soaring. Their bodies were entwined in a rhythm.

The music in her heart and body reached a crescendo. She lost the ability to think or feel. Her soul seemed to have left her an aching need of desire.

Chapter Twenty One

Alice woke up entwined in John's strong arms. Cedar and pine tickled her nose. She felt protected and warm as she lay beside him.

She turned and stared at John, whose eyes were still closed. The sheets were entwined around their naked bodies, revealing the tattoo on his arm. The black ink of roses was something she hadn't expected.

The last time she saw him in short sleeves had been at a high school football game. One day she might get to ask him where the tattoo came from. She hugged her waist and flipped toward the edge of the bed. If she stuck around, she'd buy him a muscle shirt to let him show it off. He must have done it out of protest years ago.

Until last night, she had never found tattoos exciting. Right now she shouldn't either. She had to get on with her life.

She untangled herself from the sheets, careful not to wake him as she kissed his forehead. Time to leave the fairy tale.

No more designer dresses that were way out of her budget. No more fantasy dates. No more Prince Charming. None of it existed long term, and it was time to get her life together.

She dressed in last night's clothes and slipped out the door.

The hallway was still dark as she made her way back to her room.

As she packed, the sun peeked above the horizon, sending light through the blinds in the guest bedroom. Finished taking what she'd come with, she zipped her bag. If she stayed, she'd never want to leave this life, or John. One day, once the funeral was a memory, he'd realize that he belonged to the House of Morgan. He could never be just hers.

Her mother would tell her that the real world required toughness. She let out a sigh. For the past few days, Alice hadn't solved any of her own problems. The Morgans had taken over her every thought. Now she needed to be there for her parents and herself.

At her new condo, she'd be able to think clearly.

She peered through the sliver of window at the front door into the dim morning light. The house at her back was pitch-black, but the sound of the waves as they splashed against the shore played outside. In the dream, she'd never leave this place, but Alice Collins never lived in a dream.

First she went and released the security code. Then she unlocked the door and departed. The grass was wet with dew as she passed through the lawn to where her SUV was parked in the driveway to the right of the house. She threw her bag in the backseat and rushed to get inside herself. A chill raced up her spine, but she ignored it as she realized her keys were in the car waiting for her.

A moment later the car engine roared to life. She glanced up and down the street and then at the house one more time. John Morgan was the man she would always crave, and her crush on him had grown into love.

She backed out of the driveway and headed toward her new condo. She refused to get mopey or weepy—she was not Cinderella. No one forced her to do anything. If she and John were to have a future, it would need to be much later, after they'd gotten their lives sorted.

Alice wasn't against dating, but she had to live for herself too. Before she met John she spent months picking her first condo, painting it in yellow and white with a blue trim. The furniture was soft golden oak to let more sunshine in and her place was the first thing that would ever truly be hers.

First and foremost, after coffee, she'd brainstorm and then reach out to new fruit buyers for the farm.

She refused to let her mind wander back to John Morgan for one second.

Alice's phone rang and she rummaged through her pocketbook. On the second ring, she fished out the phone and saw a number she didn't recognize. If it was John calling from his house phone, she would do the right thing, and turn around to talk to him in person. Her heart hammered in her chest as she answered, "Hello."

"Alice? I would love for you to join me and Jennifer this morning. Please?"

Vicki's voice bubbled with the happiness Alice remembered from the old days. Alice touched her best friend necklace. "Where are you going?"

"The Miracle Mile for coffee and then I want to show you both my new idea for my future."

Vicki's take-charge attitude might rub off. It's what Alice needed to do, too. She shifted the wheel to turn in her new direction as she agreed. "We'll meet at the book store like we used to, but I can't stay for long."

"Deal," Vicki said.

Alice danced in her seat. A friend was what she needed. Vicki ended the call and Alice threw her phone onto the passenger seat. Today she'd find out where Vicki had spent the last few years and avoid all conversations about John. No one pretended to be dead without a good reason.

Chapter Twenty Two

Near his ear, something rang on the bedside night table. For a few seconds, he ignored it, but then remembered it might be the FBI. They hadn't called him. John woke up and glanced at the number on the voicemail message. No caller ID available might mean it was the FBI or a telemarketer.

He licked his lower lip and tasted strawberries. Alice's scent was in the air. He turned to his side, but where she'd slept was cold as if she'd been gone for a while.

He rubbed his forehead. He never slept like this. Then he picked up his phone and hit play.

A garbled voice that had been processed through a changer spoke.

John, your girlfriend was smart enough to leave you. You're the reason she'll die now. Prepare to live with what you've done.

His body went still. Why had the FBI done nothing? This was something he needed to solve on his own or use more of the Morgan security. He stood and walked to the window. Money was power. The sun was in the morning sky. He clutched his phone, threw on his pants and then made the one call he'd never wanted to make.

Peter answered, "This is a surprise."

John said, "I need your help."

"How?"

The coldness between them didn't deter him. He had to get his brother's help. The FBI wasn't working fast enough. "Let me play you a message."

The repeat of the threat to Alice made his blood freeze. Peter sucked in an audible breath as the voicemail played. John's heartbeat quickened as the deadly voice sent a chill down his spine. He shrugged into a shirt. As the voice finished, John said, "I need to find Alice before anything happens to her."

Peter didn't hesitate. "What do you want me to do?"

John ran one hand through the left side of his hair. His brother would help. "You have the staff to find her fast."

"You need me to employ our handlers to get her back."

John's mind raced. Peter had their father's confidence but not the venom that implied John once again was the always-in-trouble son. He'd call the local police once he finished with Peter. "Yes. Thank you."

"Why did she leave you in the first place?"

John straightened his back. Now was not the time for this. "I've no idea, and it doesn't matter right now. Alice's safety is on the line."

"I'm on it. I'd recommend you talk to Vicki. They were friends."

John's eyebrows arched. Now that was a good idea. "Is she up?"

"She's not here. She left the house early this morning. She mentioned that dress shop again and a future fashion empire she'd build."

John changed his screen while he spoke to his brother so he could make a note. "Does she have a cell?"

"I bought it for her yesterday. I'll text you the number, but it's the same as when she left."

Even better. Peter wasn't completely their father. "Thanks."

"We are family. Dad was right about one thing."

John rolled his shoulders. He might have spoken too soon. "What was that?"

"I don't want children or a relationship, John. I'm more than happy if you live that life and then I will leave money to nieces and nephews."

His mouth opened and wouldn't close all the way. "Why?"

"I don't want to be like our dad. I wish I didn't remember Mom."

John scratched his head. They'd talk once everything was over. He might have been too hard on his brother. "Peter, once I find Alice and make sure she is safe, then let's sit down and talk."

"Deal."

They hung up. His brother would have specialized guards a phone call away.

The local Miami PD would be on his side. He probably should have called them already, but he thought the FBI and Morgan security would be enough. He held himself together and dialed.

"This is the emergency line. How can we help you?"

John swallowed, aware that every word he spoke was recorded. "Someone left me two threats that they intend to kill Alice Collins. Now she's disappeared and I don't want anything to happen to her."

The word kill must have been all he needed to say. The second he finished his sentence, the woman on the phone responded. "Dispatch is on its way, Mr. Morgan."

Of course everyone knew who he was. Today he'd have to use the name. "Thanks."

He hung up the phone and gazed out at the morning sun. The smell of coffee from the automatic machine permeated the air. He went to the garage but Alice's SUV was gone. He picked up his phone to call her, but the squad car squealed in the distance.

In the front hall, he put on his socks but left his sneakers at the door.

John's mind ran through everything. Alice would likely go to her parents. Her mother hated him. If he went to her as he was, he'd smell of sex. A shower would cure him, but there was no time.

Instead he walked into the kitchen, picked up his phone, texted Vicki and Alice to call him and poured two mugs of coffee. One was an offering to the officer who would arrive any moment.

The silence in the house made his skin itchy. He sipped his coffee. The caffeine sent his blood into overdrive. He had to do more. He picked up his phone again. No text from Alice. No missed calls. Her mother might have answers. As he dialed her house phone, he prayed everything was fine and that Alice was there.

On the second ring, her mother Ellie answered, "Hello?"

"Mrs. Collins."

The gasp held obvious disdain. "John Morgan."

Now wasn't the time to win her over. His words rushed together. "Is Alice there?"

"She's not with you?"

The more people that looked for Alice, the safer she might be. He had to tell her. He blinked. No police cars were on his street yet. "I know you don't like me."

"Like is too soft a word, Mr. Collins. My daughter deserves better than you."

"I agree. She deserves everything the world can offer her."

"Then let her go."

A lump formed in his throat and he couldn't get rid of it. "I can't."

Her loud breaths said plenty. "Why are you calling me?"

John closed his eyes. He wished he didn't have to say this. "Alice is in danger. Someone wants to kill her because of me, and now I don't know where she is."

"What do you mean, kill her? I thought the news said that was because of the threat to the President, and that was your brother, Peter Morgan, who sent that security car outside our farm."

Her words were crystal clear. He blinked and in the distance he saw the lights of police cars. "Someone wants to murder her."

"Who?"

There was so much to say, but he had no answers. "I don't know. The police are on their way to my house to pick up the threats. She's gone. I don't know where she is and I was wondering if she'd contacted you."

"Oh my goodness. You're not making this up. My daughter had better be safe."

He walked toward his shoes and slipped them on. "Call her. She's not answering my calls or texts."

"She'll answer mine. Give me your address, John. I'll send her brother to you to get as much information as possible."

Unlocking the front door, John stepped outside. The blaring sun made his skin heat. He told her his address and then said, "The police are here now, Mrs. Collins. Please let me know if you find her."

The sirens stopped in his front lawn, but the black SUV behind them held a camera crew. He pressed his lips together and stared into the tinted windows of the police cruiser that was followed by a local station.

Years of training told John television cameras might make everything worse. It would illuminate angles that the bad guys shouldn't know. With luck Alice was fine, but he'd not take that chance.

The officer, who had been speaking to Alice at the wake, got out of the patrol car. Good. At least this man knew her and knew she was a sweetheart. "Rafe. Alice is in danger."

The man stepped closer on the grass as cameras took their picture. "How?"

With his head down, John led them to the front door.

"I sent this to the FBI the other day." He slipped the letter in the plastic bag into the other man's hands. He stared at the camera crew and then said, "Please come inside."

Rafe walked inside and John closed the door. The officer put on plastic gloves and John handed him his phone to listen to the message. "Here. This is what I heard this morning."

John hit replay on speaker, knowing there was no way to recognize the distorted voice pattern.

Rafe read the note and listened to the short message. "Where is Alice now?"

His heart beat in his chest, loud. "I don't know."

"Alice was always a kindhearted girl. I don't want her in any sort of trouble."

John's gut twisted, but he ignored the pain. Instead he simply asked, "Will you help me find her?"

Rafe sucked in his lower lip and tapped his pen against a piece of paper. "We solve crimes after they happen. I can release an APB to be on the lookout for her, but I can't promise anything. What I can do is track the voicemail and try to match the handwriting and any fingerprints in the database."

No. They'd not find Alice's body somewhere in the bottom of a swamp picked apart by alligators. "Do what you can. I can't let anything happen to her."

Rafe's face paled as he said, "Alice Collins will turn up fine. She's smart, sweet, and a loyal friend. She used to tutor me in math."

John put his hand on the knob, feeling determined. "And someone wants her dead because of me." He opened the door.

Rafe walked outside but turned back before he reached the patrol car. "I will do everything I can. She was always a good girl."

Was meant past tense. John lifted his head. "She is a good woman. Thanks again Rafe."

Rafe lifted John's phone. "Just doing my job. Can I keep this?"

"Answer if it's Alice." No real choice existed. John shrugged as that was the only answer he could give, but then he stared at his brother's men who appeared on the street. He nodded at Rafe. "I'll get another line connected."

He'd send one of them to get him a phone as he went in search of Alice himself.

Chapter Twenty Three

Alice parked her car and got out into morning sunshine. Palm trees lined the fashionable street where Alice intended to go a few hundred feet to meet her friend.

She dropped her phone to the bottom of her bag and stopped to find it and hold it in her palms. Her neck grew cold, like someone watched her. She turned around but didn't see anything. She took her phone and walked forward.

Then footsteps echoed in the alleyway behind her. Alice's limbs shook as the image of a laser pointed to her head emerged in her mind. She ran fast down the street.

The shuffle of footsteps followed her. Her stomach was rock-hard as she went as fast as she could. She turned onto the busy street with children eating ice cream, but her insides quaked.

The heavy steps behind her became louder, and Alice blinked as she ran to blend into the people on the Miracle Mile.

A large hand brushed against her back. A scream got stuck in her throat.

Then Vicki grabbed her arm and dragged her into the bookstore. She pushed Alice toward the carpet, between aisles of books, like she might protect them both.

Books wouldn't stop a bullet, Alice thought. She stood up and dusted off her jeans, but said nothing as her voice wasn't able to function at the moment. Perhaps John was right that someone wanted her dead.

A pair of designer heels and a black pencil skirt joined them. Alice rocked on her feet and then gazed toward Jennifer. Her hands trembled as she waited for the insult.

Vicki, pale, asked, "Are you okay?"

"Now. I'm here with you both." Alice walked to the window and looked out. So many people were outside and she had no idea who had frightened her. She'd have to call John.

Without another word, Vicki dragged her farther into the bookstore and away from the glass. "Who was that?"

Alice wiped her hands on her pants. In a minute her heart would stop the frantic pace now that she was safe. "I don't know. Some guy was following me."

"I have it on video from my phone. I'll text it to John and Peter. The guy chasing you had a cap on."

"You saw him?"

"I couldn't make anything out, but perhaps the police can. I hate stalkers." Jennifer stood with her arms crossed, but then she sniffed the air. "You smell like sex."

Alice's entire body heated. Leave it to Jennifer to change the subject.

Vicki turned her small frame from where she'd been staring out of the window and looked at both her friends. She sniffed the air. "You mean she smells like my brother's cologne."

Alice stepped away from the pair of them. This was not a good conversation at all. Her face warmed. "Stop."

"You slept with John and then left him in bed." Jennifer tapped her foot, and Alice realized they stood in the romance section. "I thought good girls like you never did anything like that."

There was no way a normal person would ever assume such a thing. Alice lifted her head and dared Jennifer. "Like what?"

Jennifer laughed as if they shared a secret and didn't really hate each other. "Like sleep with a man before marriage. Isn't that what you hated about me in high school?"

No, it was all in the superior attitude. Alice kept her hands crossed. "You slept with every guy in our high school."

Jennifer lifted her eyebrow. "Not every guy."

Alice's feet grew apart. "Like who did you miss?"

Jennifer traced the neckline of her dress. "Not your John or Colt."

Alice opened her mouth but Vicki cut her off. "My brother had said someone was after you from the funeral. I didn't think about that when I invited you this morning, and I don't like you here without protection."

"Let it go." Alice shrugged. The further her mind went from those few moments, the better her sanity, though she quickly texted John. With only one bar of service, she could only hope it went through.

Her mind flashed to the gun shot through the glass doors of the funeral. She sighed. "Creeps don't get more than a second of our thoughts. I'll be more careful from now on."

Jennifer's grin grew wider. "Yes, let's talk about you and John."

Alice wouldn't run away from more sly insults. She took a step forward. "We could talk about you and Peter."

Jennifer shrugged. "Old news."

Vicki then tilted her head and stood next to Alice. "No. I want to know, too. What is going on between you and Peter?"

Jennifer's grin fell and she shifted toward both of them. "Peter and I are not in a relationship."

Alice had assumed they were. At the funeral, Jennifer had been on Peter's arm. "You're not?"

Jennifer's perfectly formed nose on her flawless skin gave off an effervescent air that her long dark hair silhouetted with her angelic face. "No. We're friends with benefits."

Vicki's face went white. "And you're okay with that?"

Jennifer flicked her hair behind her ears. "Of course. It was my idea."

Alice didn't believe a word. She'd never agree to that with John. She'd die if another woman entered the picture. Maybe Jennifer never worried about that. On the outside, no one competed in looks with her.

It was strange John hadn't texted her back right away. The tower hopefully sent her signal through as it read ‘sent.'

Vicki asked, "Does he not want a relationship?"

Poor Vicki had no idea what her brothers were like, since she'd been "dead" for the past six years. It was time to ask what happened.

Jennifer took Vicki's hands. "As I said, I don't want one so it doesn't matter."

Part of Alice liked that Jennifer's life wasn't perfect. It might be wrong to say that out loud, so she kept her lips sealed. Jennifer continued. "I'm not the one who walked out of your brother's bed today without a word. Why don't we ask Alice what's wrong with her relationship with John?"

"Nothing's wrong." Alice hugged her waist. She had answered too fast. Then she tried to spin out of it. "My life isn't working as it is right now. I've not solved one of my problems. I have to help my parents, and I've always wanted to be independent."

Vicki stared at Jennifer for a moment longer and then she turned all her attention to Alice. Her calmness yet attentiveness were new characteristics. Alice's skin prickled as Vicki said, "There is a time for independence and a time for your heart. What is it you want?"

Alice decided the latest bestseller needed to be held and she read the back blurb. "I want both. For years, I've told myself everything will be better when I move out on my own. It's time I do that. Today my condo is ready for me to move in. I ordered the furniture and the moving trucks months ago. All I have to do is pick up my key and walk in the door."

Jennifer tapped her foot. Then she stared down her nose. "So how does John factor in?"

Alice turned toward Vicki, but she had no sympathy from her either. She put the book back on the shelf. "I'd like to see him."

Jennifer rolled her eyes. "That's it?"

Guilt iced down her back, though she hadn't done anything wrong. She stared into Vicki's eyes. "John doesn't love me."

Vicki smiled and the brightness caused a chain reaction inside of Alice. Her insides quaked as Vicki said, "I don't believe it."

Alice's body heated again, even if John hadn't called her immediately. "You are saying that because he's your brother."

Vicki took both of her hands in hers and waited for Alice to gaze into her pretty blue eyes. "Exactly. Who knows him better than me? Alice, I have never seen John look at another woman the same way he looks at you."

Her heart hammered in her chest. "Then maybe he'll want to date, but for today, I have to do this."

Jennifer's sigh interrupted the moment. "What about me and Peter, Victoria?"

Vicki dropped Alice's hand, and her best friend's face flushed. "Jennifer, I love my brother, and I want you both to find your happiness."

Jennifer rapid voice sharpened as she spun on her heels. "You don't know anything."

The bookstore had customers in their aisle. It was more than time to go. Alice said, "I thought we came here today to see this store Vicki wants to open."

Vicki walked down the aisle to gaze out the big window. Alice didn't see anything unusual in the morning crowd that was shopping on the million-dollar boulevard. She scanned the street for signs of another bad guy, but nothing clicked in her head. "Okay, I think the coast is clear."

Alice joked, "You sound like your brother, the FBI agent, with that sentence."

Both women chorused, "John was in the FBI?"

Alice almost tripped over her feet. John had joined because of her. She hadn't realized she'd divulged state secrets. "You didn't know? Vicki, he's your brother."

"I love my family." Vicki stood at the threshold. "But I've been M.I.A. for a while now."

Jennifer joined in. "Peter never said anything."

Alice quipped, "'Friends with benefits' doesn't exactly inspire communication."

Jennifer's tongue came out of her mouth like she'd swat this conversation in the butt. Then she sucked it back in and rolled her shoulders. "Like you have any answers, Alice. I don't remember anyone ever finding you the least bit interesting."

Vicki crossed her arms and turned toward Jennifer, "You're both my friends, so stop that."

Jennifer would never be her friend, but Vicki was always friends with everyone. Alone, she might end up adopting a three-legged dog and every down-on-their-luck person they passed. Alice chose to smooth things over. "Okay, let's go."

Jennifer shook her head, but said nothing else. Instead all three of them walked outside and a few minutes later, they stood in front of an empty building on the Miracle Mile. Alice asked, "Is this where you want your shop?"

Vicki smiled and nodded her head.

Jennifer shrugged. "I don't get what you want a shop for."

No? Alice understood Vicki's plan to be independent and peered inside the empty window. "This place has potential, Vicki. All the brides will want to come to you."

"Come." Vicki rifled through her pocketbook and found a key. She unlocked the door and as she threw it open to the sunshine of the morning, she said, "I bought this place yesterday to be the base of my fashion empire. The address is perfect."

Good. Independence was something they should all enjoy. Jennifer had it with her telenovelas. Vicki would have it with her store and fashion world, and Alice would have it too once she found a buyer for the farm products, moved into her condo, and the potential threat was gone. The three walked inside, and Vicki locked the door right behind them.

Alice twirled on her heels. She could imagine the mirrors on the walls, and rows of changing rooms. The aisles would be filled with white dresses designed to help a woman feel beautiful on her special day. Right now, the place was completely empty of everything, but it had lots of potential.

"I've already sent the designs for how this place will look to my decorator." Victoria nodded, eager for someone to say something positive. "I'll have it open in two weeks."

Jennifer's face pulled back. "You're crazy. That's a lot of work."

Alice jumped forward. Vicki deserved someone's support. "The Morgans can have this place open in an hour."

Vicki added, "And the store is just the start of my plans."

Jennifer turned toward Alice. "You have a point."

Alice's heart grew lighter that her friend was alive. Her life had all the people she loved in it. One day soon, John would stop his emotional see-saw and recognize how beautiful his life could be. He had his family and it was a miracle.

Victoria paid neither of them any mind. Instead she hugged herself and said, "See, my friends can get along."

Police sirens echoed in the air. Alice's heart froze. Her limbs grew goose bumps as she looked out of the glass. Jennifer pressed her nose against the window. "I wonder if they arrested your stalker."

The police cruiser stopped right outside the dress shop. Alice bit her lip and took a step into the shadow. The memory of the man who had followed her replayed in her mind.

Then a split second later, John's car stopped in the street behind the police. Alice's breath caught in her throat. Maybe that's why he hadn't returned her texts.

Then her brother Colt got out of the passenger side as John stepped from the driver's seat. She held the pendant at her neck. She hadn't seen Colt in months, so she had no idea how he stood right next to John like they were old friends.

They had played football together. Perhaps her brother stopped at John's house, but that didn't seem right. She hadn't told her mother the address, though she had blocked her mother's number the other day which prevented her from calling. Her brother hadn't asked for an address either. The two men walked toward the store. Alice asked, "What are they doing here?"

Jennifer whistled and nudged her side with her elbow. "Is that your brother?"

"Yeah." Alice turned around now. She expected Vicki to be right behind them, but the two of them were alone. Alice scratched her head. "Where is Vicki?"

Jennifer pushed her arm toward the door as the men knocked. "It's better if you go out to the street and not let them in here."

Why? Her friend had vanished as if she were a ghost. Since she was alive, it wasn't possible, but Alice had no idea why Vicki would just take off. Surely the police were not here to arrest Vicki of all people.

"Okay, I'm leaving then."

Jennifer smiled and stepped into the door frame like she'd block anyone who entered. Something strange was going on, but right now she'd solve one mystery at a time. Alice stepped outside into the suffocating humidity.

John didn't wait for one word. He reached out, grabbed her and kissed her.

The world faded to black with his touch. All that mattered was the fireworks inside her.

Leaving John without a broken heart was no longer an option.

Chapter Twenty Four

"Get in the car." Colt gestured to John's Mercedes.

This made no sense. The last time either man had seen each other was years ago at a football game. They never spoke, and they were not friends. Her brother was in the Marines. If he was here in Miami, then he'd be with his daughter. Her gaze shifted from Colt to John.

John's expression seemed relieved.

Alice bit her lower lip, held John's hand and asked, "Why are you both here?"

"You and Vicki texted me." Then John repeated Colt's message. "Get in the car."

That wasn't an answer. She tugged her hand to take it from him, but he held firm. She shook her head. "I have my own car in the parking lot."

Colt worked in unison with John. He opened the backseat of the car. John walked her and placed his hand on her head as if he could protect her with his body from a shooter. Colt assessed the crowd. "Sis, don't be an idiot. Get inside."

The hand that brushed against her back burned in her memory. So did the moment the bullet broke through the glass. She sucked in her breath. "I don't know what's going on, but it must be big if you are both here."

Without another word, she squeezed into the backseat of the car, which she quickly realized was overdramatic. The leg room was more than ample, she thought, as both the men in the front seat were all muscle. They stared at each other. She crossed her arms as the men closed their doors. "What?"

Colt turned to her from the passenger seat. John revved the engine. Colt asked, "Why weren't you at John's as planned? Did you two have a fight so you put your life in danger out of anger?"

Her skin prickled and her forehead felt hot. This discussion was not to be had with Colt. She shook her head. "No—and what a question."

His gaze narrowed like he was a hawk and she was prey. "Then why did you leave?"

"Today is move-in day with my condo. It's time I do what I need."

John gripped the wheel and she caught his gaze in the mirror. His blue eyes looked haunted. Then he handed her his phone. She stared at the newest model of the phone and realized this wasn't what she'd seen before. Whatever it was that brought them together had better not be technology-related. "This looks brand new."

John shook his head. Then he returned his attention to the black-tarred road. "I had to give my old one to the police. Listen to the voice mail."

The police. The thought that something had happened to her father replayed in her mind. He couldn't have had another heart attack. No.

"Okay." She hit play. This couldn't be happening. A chill raced through her body. The man had been a real threat. She coughed as the message replayed again. "Someone was following me. At least he didn't shoot me on the street."

Her entire body had a chill that ran through it. She could have been shot on the street where people buy wedding dresses and walk in their finest outfits to be seen.

John's hand went to her spine and he quickly massaged her shoulders. "Don't think about what might have been, Alice. You called and Vicki sent the video. The police are on it."

"Victoria dragged me inside the bookstore. Jennifer has the original footage of the man on video."

Again both men shared a look. Colt nodded, "I'll deal with Jennifer and get that to the police with her sworn statement."

John told her brother, "Thanks."

This was all her fault. She should have listened and stayed at John's home.

John sped his car down the street. Colt shook his head, stared back at her, and said, "You have two options until this all clears up, Sis. You come home with me to the parents' house, or you stay with John. You cannot be alone."

No. She gripped John's new phone like it was a lifeline. Her condo would only have locks, not the House of Morgan protection. She stared at John's profile. He kept his eyes on the road so she couldn't see them. She shook her head and turned her attention to her brother. "This is idiotic."

John tapped the steering wheel with his fingers. Her head snapped toward him and then she met his blue eyes for a moment in the mirror. "My house has security that the farm doesn't have."

To go back with John made her heart race. Alice recalled her fear at how close the stranger had come and decided she'd stay without one more complaint until the man was caught. It wouldn't be too long, not with video evidence. She nodded. "John's house is free of Mom and her constant negativity."

Colt stared at John next to him in the front seat. John nodded back, and then Colt ran his hands through his hair. "Mom has good reasons for not trusting the Morgans. She tried to call you."

Alice reached for her phone and unblocked her mother's telephone number. As her fingers clicked, her mind did the same. Whatever happened to fuel her mother's opinion of the Morgans, her brother knew.

John didn't have a clue how much her mother despised his family. She pressed her lips together as John told Colt, "You were the quarterback the year I was running back. Remember?"

Football seemed to be John's argument that Colt could leave her with him. Alice's mind prepared an argument for when that didn't work.

Then her brother shrugged. "Which is why I can let my sister stay with you. I don't think you're like your brother or father."

How did football translate into trust? Alice blinked, but kept her silence.

John said, "Alice, you didn't have to leave alone this morning."

Yes, I did. Though it hadn't worked out in her favor, she'd had to reach out for her independence. If she'd stayed in his bed, she would have turned into a needy sex-slave who begged for another moment of John's time. Not how she envisioned herself. She lifted her chin. "I'll stay for a few more days."

A few days she could handle. She dropped the phones on the seat beside her like they were heavy bricks.

John stopped at a light. "Colt, want to stay for dinner then?"

John seemed relieved as the light turned green and he accelerated the car. He had to know how he affected her. All her life, she'd had this overreaching crush on him that never wavered.

Her brother's brown eyes met hers. He nodded. "Yeah. John, we should catch up."

Strange. They drove back into the driveway of John's house where cameras waited outside. She kept her head down until the garage door closed. Despite the walls, she rushed inside with both men on either end of her.

Once inside, Alice rushed to pick up the flowers that she and John knocked down last night with the stand, before her brother saw it. A minute later, he walked in with John and Alice squared her shoulders. Colt nodded at her and said, "Text Mom you're here and you're safe."

Her mind went blank. "Mom?"

Colt again met John's gaze. Then he turned to her. "Yeah."

Again, Alice was hit with a jolt. Colt knew something she didn't about their mother.

John asked, "Anybody want something to drink? Water? Coffee? Soda?"

She took off her shoes and left them at the front door.

Colt walked in like he'd been here all morning. He slapped John on the back and smiled. "Iced tea."

"Me too," she said.

John went toward the kitchen, so Alice tapped her brother on the arm. She'd ask her questions before John came back. "Come on, Colt. Let's go to the living room and sit down."

He followed her. The sun shone bright in the window that faced the bay. She took a step toward the clear glass, but then her brother blocked the sun. "Now you can tell me why you left here without John's listening in."

Her face heated. No, she'd not tell him that. "I wanted my independence. I've lived with Mom and Dad for a while, and Mom always drives me crazy."

"I asked why you left John's side, not Mom's."

Adrenaline rushed in her veins. "I like him."

He shrugged his shoulders like she was the one that needed to see reason. "That's not a reason to put yourself in danger."

The birds chirped out the window as palm trees rustled in the breeze. She hugged her waist. She'd steer this conversation now. "Yeah it is. You know our mother hates his family."

Instead of looking at her, he turned toward the blue waves outside the window. "She doesn't hate John. She doesn't know him. I don't even hate John."

She stood next to her brother, staring up at his profile. "Even? You should hate the others?"

His face turned red. "Let's not talk about me. What's going on with you?"

"I'm angry she disowned me, again." She took a step backwards. In the background, John put on some music.

"She's been like that all our lives. Don't let her get to you."

"Easier said than done."

Alice tucked her hair behind her ear. "I was supposed to move into my condo."

Colt crossed his arms. "Why didn't you discuss it with your boyfriend?"

"He's not my boyfriend."

That just blurted out as a defense. Alice wished she could take the words back. Her feelings for John were too complicated.

"He's not? So I should go in there and beat him?"

She grabbed her brother's arm with both hands. "No."

Colt called out over the music. "John, would you date my sister?"

John walked inside with three glasses of iced tea and placed them on the table next to him. "Yes. I already said I'd marry her."

"The last time you said that it didn't end well." Again, he told the same lie to her family. Everyone was liable to believe it. She shook her head. This was ridiculous. "Colt, stay out of my life. Wait. Don't you have to get back to Clara?"

"You want me to leave so you can talk to your guy?"

"Stop it, Colt."

"Sorry I can't stay for dinner, John," Colt said.

Her entire body heated. She pushed her brother to the door. He stalled and dug his heels in. "If you want this guy then go for it, Sis. Don't let what Mom says get in your head."

No answers on what charged up her mother against John in the first place. She'd ask later. It was more important to get Colt out the door before he had it in his head to speak to Mom about wedding planning. "Thank you."

He stalled again. Perhaps talking to Colt was a bad idea. He placed his hands in his pockets. "For what?"

The Marines had transformed her brother into someone nicer, but he was still her family. She nodded. "For support no matter what I choose."

Colt glared at John who stayed quiet throughout all this. "You're my sister. I'll kill him for you if I have to." Colt then kissed her forehead.

Too much discussion about death. Everyone's heads stayed attached to their bodies in her mind, and no bullet would graze any of them. "Personally, I like John's head on his body. We do have to talk about something else."

John ducked out of the room, scratching the back of his head. "What?"

She lowered her voice. "Peter Morgan wants to end our contract."

Colt's gaze turned to ice. He reminded her of their mother as he said, "Then let's find new buyers."

"It's one of the things I wanted to work on at my condo, away from distractions."

"Close your bedroom door and use the computer." Colt crossed his arms. "You think John will stop you from working?"

John''s footsteps echoed behind her. Her body tensed. "No."

"I had already prepared this. Wish you could stay." John came in with a cheese tray. As neither of them were speaking, he asked, "What's going on?"

Her brother shrugged. "We're talking business. Alice just told me that your brother canceled the contract."

She took the tray from John and set it next to the iced teas as he said, "I'll buy all your products and get them into stores."

Alice waved her arms in front of the men. No one would shake on that offer. "You don't have the business to do that. You're not Peter."

John's expression steeled. "I hope I'm not."

"Then don't try to throw money at us like we're desperate. We'll find a buyer. I know what I'm doing and my family will not take charity."

Her voice was sharp and left no room for argument.

John took a step back, his expression confused as he tried to understand her. He nodded, but countered, "Can I approach this again if I have a business plan you approve of?"

If she said no, she'd sound like a harpy. She rubbed her arms. "Sure."

John's smile dazzled the room. "Perfect. It gives me a reason to get to know the farm better. Did Colt get you to say why you left?"

This was not going to happen. She stood between the men and crossed her arms. "We should talk alone."

Then she turned and gave her brother a slight nudge toward the door.

"That's my sister's way of telling me to leave. I'll go home to Clara. Do we still have that patrol car around the farm?"

"Absolutely." John nodded.

"Stay safe, Sis." Colt opened the door to slip out.

Alice unlocked the door ready for him to leave. "I love you, Colt. I'm glad you're home."

"Me, too."

John walked next to Colt and asked, "Who's Clara?"

Alice's heart went cold like there was some clue in what she said though it made no sense. "His daughter. She's a sweetheart."

John's eyes widened. "I had no idea you had a child."

Colt stepped out the door. "If you're still dating my sister, then you'll meet the moppet soon enough."

John waved from his side door, and Alice stood beside him. To the outside world, they must seem like a couple who waved off a loved one. John shook Colt's hand and said, "I'm looking forward to it."

Colt hugged his sister and then stepped into the garage. "See you both later."

From the window, Alice blinked and saw a black car across the street from John's house. John's gaze must have followed hers as he pulled her inside and locked the side door. "Those are Morgan men. Don't worry."

Good. His family intended to save her. She sucked in her cheeks and walked away. John followed her without another word. In the living room she slumped on the couch. He sat next to her. "What's up? Why did you run this morning?"

Her heart beat grew loud in her ears as she said, "I have wanted to be independent for years, John."

Her hand shook, but she hid it to her side for him not to see.

He scooted closer to her. She played with her necklace as her heart raced. He then said, "Last night we ended up in bed. Did I disappoint you somehow?"

All she could do was blink. That was definitely not it. She reached out and brushed his arm. "Absolutely not. It was the best night of my life."

He nodded. "Mine too. Then what?"

His too! Her head became dizzy as she stared back at him. "I can't be one of those girls who forgets everything they are supposed to do because my childhood crush finally noticed me."

The light in his eyes dimmed as if her words might have hurt him. He asked, "What are you saying, then?"

The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him. John was like the sunshine that fed the plants at her farm. Her mouth went dry. "That I want to take things slow."

He shrugged. "You could have told me that this morning."

The right words did not bubble forth. If she apologized and said she'd stay forever then she'd be a fool. She rubbed her arms and changed the topic. "I intended to talk to you. I didn't know you would get some threat against me."

"I told you someone threatened you before."

Her lips were dry. She swallowed the entire glass of iced tea, but it didn't help. "Nothing had happened since I moved in. You never gave me any updates. I assumed it was a misunderstanding."

He reached for his tea as she placed her glass down, and their hands touched. Instead of pulling back, he laced his fingers through hers. "As soon as I find out who it is that is threatening you, then we can go as slow as you like."

The hum in her veins begged for him. "John, if I'm going to stay here, then we're going to have to be honest."

His voice lowered. "What do you want to know?"

She tugged her fingers back. If they touched, she'd be all over him within minutes. "What is it about me now that was missing before?"

"Nothing. I was just young and foolish which made me blind."

The boom in her soul woke her up, though she listened to the ache in her chest. "So this isn't about sticking it to your father, even though he is dead?"

"No."

That one word held so much depth that she didn't know if he was sincere or if she over-read the strong negative reaction. She lowered her gaze. "He didn't like me."

"I am not him."

She straightened out a wrinkle in her jeans. "Have you let go of his shadow? Seems to me you made your life choices because of him."

On a hunch, she gazed at him. The light was gone, and in its place was a riot of emotions. "That's really deep, Alice. Let me sort that out."

Had she pushed too far? Overthinking never helped anything grow. Taking her own advice, she decided it was time for levity. Safe at the house meant no outside forces would get her. The only issue was how she was falling for John Morgan. She stood up and smiled. "Deal. Now what are we having for dinner? I'm getting hungry."

John rose after her and they walked into the kitchen together. She fell behind to memorize his strong broad shoulders and his squeezable butt. Last night, her hands had raked all over him. Tonight, she'd hold back. Last night she realized how much she loved him. Now she was tied to him, but he couldn't know how deeply.

Chapter Twenty Five

With a flutter in her belly, Alice sautéed the vegetables as John finished with the chicken in the frying pan. The flutter had everything to do with the man next to her. He added a few spices to his dish. She decided to test John's fortitude and reached for the pepper, adding it to the vegetables. Her brother and father said that real men handled spices. Pepper wasn't much, but she was curious.

After their conversation on the couch, she'd decided that everything would be all right if they did end up dating. John walked away from the meat and set the table. She found a bowl and added her vegetables. Then she opened the refrigerator and grabbed the bag with the rolls. Together.

The accent wall that separated the kitchen and dining room was yellow. If she lived here full-time, she'd suggest something brighter. In Miami, bland was not part of the decor. Alice smiled as they passed each other—their partnership had the table set in no time. Her father never helped her mother in the kitchen, but then he was in the fields until Ellie called him.

John's brow shot up. With a wink, she continued to smile. He grabbed the rest of their dinner and called behind her, "What has made you so happy?"

First she put the food on the table, and then placed her hand on her hip. "You."

He took a step backwards. "Me?"

Light-hearted, she felt as if she were floating as she rearranged the dishes and then sat down. "Yeah."

"I thought you wanted to be free of me."

As he sat, she scooted her chair closer so their knees brushed. "No. I said I wanted to go slow. There is a huge difference."

The color of his eyes darkened. "Explain how you see us then."

Fireworks exploded inside her. "You want an us?"

As his hand fell onto her thigh, her body melted. "Yes," he answered.

Every cell in her body woke up. She needed a kiss. "I wanted to hear that, I guess."

As her eyes closed, her heartbeat grew loud in her ears. She opened her lips, and then his met hers. The embers of last night burned hot inside her, and she ached for more.

Her hands wrapped around his back, feeling the muscles underneath his clothes.

An alarm rang loudly in the air. John jumped out of his seat and her body felt shaken from his sudden departure. "Go to your room and lock the door."

Her eyes scanned the area as her heart thrashed in her ears. Her voice was fast and shaky. "You said this house was safe."

John walked out of the dining room and assessed the front door. She ran behind him. "The police will be here and Morgan security is on the way," he said. "I need my gun."

Of course he had one. The FBI didn't let agents not carry. Then, as if he was walking toward a battlefield, he turned and headed toward the living area. Nothing seemed out of place, except for the blare of the alarm.

Her limbs trembled as she followed him down the hall. John pointed to her room. "Go inside. Lock the door."

She looked behind her, but no one was there. Her hands were clammy and she tried to stop shaking to tell him, "No. I'm staying right beside you."

He kept his pace toward his room. "You're impossible to protect."

Her chin trembled, and every step they took echoed in her head. "Likewise. John, if this guy wants to hurt me to get to you, then he'll target you. I can't let that happen."

Glass shattered behind them. John pushed Alice in front of him and then turned around in the hall. "Get to my bedroom so we can get my gun."

A whimper escaped her mouth, but she turned around and went for his room. He needed his weapon. Alice swung open the door, and John rushed them both inside and then headed right for the dresser drawer. The second he stepped away from her a coldness entered her. He grabbed a key from his pocket and unlocked a drawer.

More glass shattered. Alice said in a low voice, "They have to be inside now. Hurry."

The clip of the gun made a snapping noise as he put everything together. John rushed back into the hall. With tight shoulders, she followed behind him. She grabbed his hip so she'd at least touch him. "If you won't lock the door and stay here, then stay behind my shoulder."

With her elbows pressed to her sides, she ducked back. "What are you going to do?"

"If someone is in my house, here to hurt you, then he's a dead man."

The image of how John held her to protect her from the bullet, and how safe she felt in his arms, replayed in her mind. She swallowed.

Nothing stirred from the living room.

Sirens echoed in the air as the police arrived. Her stomach had rocks in it still, but she managed to breathe. A moment later, the house was flooded with lights. She rubbed her arms as John walked them toward the front door. The tingling in her chest stirred, but then he let in security to check every dark corner.

Her thoughts were scrambled. She crossed her hands until she saw Officer Rafe Soliz and John together, near the front door. Rafe said, "You two didn't let me finish my dinner."

A nervous laugh escaped her lips, but then she swallowed. "We're sorry, Rafe."

Her vision blurred, and the truth was she wasn't focused on anything other than her heartbeat.

Officer Soliz said, "At least you're safe, Alice, and we'll keep you that way."

Without another word, she scooted closer to John. Closeness helped rally her spirits, and she could see sharply again.

A security guard came out of the garage and announced, "The window was broken, but it's not large enough for a man to get through."

She shook her head. No, the goosebumps over her body weren't for nothing. There had been danger. Alice called out, "What about a woman?"

Without thinking, she reached out and took John's hand. Heat traveled up her body as he asked, "What?"

Alice turned back to the officer—her suggestion wasn't out of left field. "Women can be assassins or trained killers."

Officer Rafe nodded his head. "We'll search the house to be sure."

Like the royal son, John lifted his head and the security guard reported, "I've called in a team to fix the window. They should be arriving soon."

Her breathing returned to normal, and her body temperature regulated. "The House of Morgan has everyone on speed dial?"

He pressed his palm toward hers, and the skin to skin contract sent her an electric pulse. "Yeah. Alice, I need you to be safe."

Another round of adrenaline hit her, but for an entirely new reason. Her body trembled. "Why?"

Her knees knocked together as he said, "You talk about homes and families like everyone should have one. I like it and hope to hear more about these things."

Talk about the perfect answer. She sighed. If they were alone, she'd throw herself at him.

Officer Soliz interrupted her thoughts as he said to her, "That's a big admission coming from this guy, Alice. Between the Morgans and the Gonzales family, everyone else at school seemed to have normal lives."

A bark of a laugh escaped her lips. Jennifer's home life never crossed Alice's mind. She had never tried to spend time with her or think about her. "We all have difficulties in our families. My mom and I disagree, but despite her parting words, I know she cares about me."

John shook his head. "At least you have a relationship where you can fight with her. She knows you're there, right in front of her."

Rafe turned red, clearly thinking about his own affairs, and then stepped away from the two of them. "I'm investigating a break-in."

He walked toward the garage.

Now they were alone. Her heart raced. Alice reached up and placed her hand on John's chin. He gazed into her eyes. With everyone around, she'd not beg for a kiss though she'd like one. She sighed instead. "I don't know how you're so together despite everything."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. Every cell in her woke up and begged for his attention. "I can't let anything happen to you."

"That's all you have to say?"

His eyes narrowed. "What else did you expect?"

Perhaps that he cared about her and might love her. Not that she'd say that. Small pieces of ice went back into her veins. She stepped out of his arms. "Nothing, I guess."

John, stiff, stood next to her as the house swarmed with people.

A few seconds later, Rafe came from the garage as security came out of the house. She stayed next to the cheese plate from earlier that made it somehow seem they were there for a dinner party. Alice's heart rate spiked at the thought she might have just been an idiot. Someone might be in her house. She swallowed, but then security spoke first, "No one is here, sir."

She released a huge breath. But then a car arrived outside and a team of security went out to greet the new arrival. She hugged her waist as she waited.

John nodded at the security officer without speaking. Who would be outside, now?

Rafe returned to join them. "I didn't find anything in the garage or attic. I'm going outside to check the grounds."

John smiled. "Thanks."

The police were supposed to collect fingerprints and clothing molecules to be brought back to a lab. That's what she saw on every cop show as procedure, but Rafe had no evidence bags. She stroked her throat. Then she held her breath as the door opened and two men carrying new panes of glass came in. Afraid, she stepped behind John, who reached behind her and rubbed the base of her spine. "It's okay. They will replace everything."

Over his shoulder, she peered at the two new men. "This is crazy."

His massage helped calm her. He asked, "Why?"

"Nothing on the farm gets fixed this fast when it breaks. Normally we have to patch things up and then when we have the time we head to the store to buy whatever we need to put everything back together as best we can."

His eyes closed while he took in her every word. At least her heart didn't race quite so much. He said, "I've never done that."

Sometimes his life seemed so strange. "What about when your bike chain went off the track?"

John shrugged. "I never thought about how it was fixed."

"John, your world is very weird to me sometimes. Next you'll tell me you've never ordered off the dollar menu."

A smile broke out on his face like he'd dared something exciting. "I was on stakeouts, though I usually had delivery from restaurants I approved of, but I went for fast food once, last year. I'm still not a fan."

Once, last year, were words that spoke volumes about his life. She shook her head.

The glass repairmen were noisy but fast and slammed their car doors before driving away. Alice jumped but tried to stay calm. Not every noise had to scare her. Whoever broke the window was gone now. There was no evidence of a break-in. Could've been a ball from a kid next door, but she didn't believe that. There had to be a rational explanation.

John locked the front door, showed her a number combination to set a new security code and then let his shoulders slump. Alice gazed around the empty house. Everyone was gone and they were alone, again.

Her blood boiled. What if the intruder came back? Her mind swirled as she massaged her chest. She walked closer to John and hoped a conversation would stop the fear building. "What happened today?"

His eyebrows arched. "Someone tried to break in."

The wrong answer. Perhaps she hadn't formed her question right. Her body trembled. There had to be another reason, but John spoke to her fear. She swayed on her feet. "And we're staying here?"

Without asking, he took her hands. "You saw how security worked. I didn't call anyone and we had the cops and Morgan security within minutes. Do you have a better place in mind?"

Unsure, her mind raced. "No."

His presence was like a rock. "Then here is good."

If she stayed next to him, she might feel safe. Maybe. She tilted her head "People don't usually want to murder me, unless you count Jennifer the one time in high school I went out with Rafe."

The spark between them fizzled. "You went out with Rafe? I don't remember any of this in school."

He sounded jealous so she quickly reassured him with a squeeze of his fingers. "It was one date. We decided we would be friends, so it wasn't a big deal. Jennifer and Rafe were once inseparable, though his younger sister, Caro, was always complaining about her. She works for your brother as his maid."

The spark of heat grew again as he smiled. "You make light of situations, a lot, but I don't remember much of anyone, except you."

Now was the time to ask. Her heart skipped a beat as she hoped for an immediate yes. "It's part of my charm. Can I sleep with you tonight?"

His lips pressed together. Not good. A shiver went up her spine. Worry that she'd ruined everything swept through her.

"What about taking it slow?"

She blinked. "Just sleep." She steadied her nerves. "I won't sleep at all if I'm alone."

"Why?"

They'd slept together the night before, which had been amazing. Tonight, his arms needed to be around her. "I'm scared."

The glimmer in his eyes told her he understood. A huge sigh of relief burst free as he squeezed her shoulders and said, "Then, yes, you can sleep in my bed next to me."

She smiled. "You're perfect."

"’Thank you’ is good enough."

She shrugged. Tomorrow, she'd deal with the rest of the world. Now if only she didn't turn into the sex slave she feared she'd become. At some point, she'd have to prove to herself that she had the gumption to stand on her own two feet, alone in the world. It just wouldn't be tonight.

Chapter Twenty Six

Her suitcase was in her SUV, which left Alice with no clothes. To ensure that she didn't turn into her worst nightmare, she found a clean pair of John's sweats and his FBI t-shirt. She'd smell like him, but at least she'd have layers. The last thing she'd do was sleep next to him, naked, again.

John got out of the shower connected to his bedroom. She feigned interest in the hem of her shirt, but as he came closer it became harder to miss how solid his muscles were above the towel at his hips. At the moment she couldn't think or speak. This wasn't good at all. Next, she'd be his slave and do everything in her power to stay. To avoid his gaze she jumped into bed and hid under the covers.

The weight on the bed shifted. He must have sat. Then his hands rubbed her shoulders. "Are you tired?"

The night sky wasn't black yet, but that wasn't a polite answer. She stared at the blanket that covered her face. "Not really."

"Can we talk?"

If she'd stop being a child? She prayed he had a shirt on—those biceps of his made him hard to resist. "Okay."

"Come out from the covers then."

Seduction never started with someone acting like she was at the moment. She sat up and then froze. No shirt, and his boxers left his powerful legs exposed. One flex of his muscles, and she'd quiver with excitement. "John, I'm scared."

A sigh escaped her lips. It was too late to take her foolish behavior back and ask for a repeat of this entire evening.

He rubbed her shoulders and her muscles trembled at his touch. He took away knots that she hadn't known existed in her body.

"I'll protect you from whoever is out there. We'll get the bad guy soon."

"Not just that …." Words escaped her. She licked her lips and gazed at a drop of water that trickled down his abdomen. Alice reached for his discarded towel and dried him off so she could avoid eye contact. "That being with you, I lose me."

He wrapped his hands around hers. She dropped the towel. They sat in silence until she met his concerned gaze. "That hurts," he said. "I know I've never had a normal family to know what I'm supposed to do in situations, but I promise I do listen."

Sympathy shouldn't sway her. "John, I've never been on my own, not really."

He fixed her hair behind her ear. Her cheek moved to keep the physical contact. "And that's important to you?"

With a lift of her chin, she came closer to his lips. Breathless, she turned her face away. "Yeah. It's been my plan for the last year on how I'd survive. Independence was my prayer and now this roller coaster of a situation with you leaves me lost."

His fingers brushed against her cheek. "It's the opposite for me."

Luckily she was on the bed already because she might have toppled over with how weak her knees became at the look on his face. "How?"

His words were soft. "With you, my life feels complete. We can't force that on each other, though. In the end, if you need to walk away, I'll have to respect that."

The smell of cedar and pine overwhelmed her. The taste of him watered in her mouth. Every cell in her body ached for his touch. "I'm sorry I hurt you. For right now, kiss me."

He shifted backwards on the bed. "You said earlier no kissing."

She reached over and ran her hand through his hair. His gaze softened as he stared into her eyes. She shifted to be closer to him. "I changed my mind. I want to feel every moment with you."

He gathered her hands and held them over his heart. With bated breath she waited for whatever he'd say. His eyebrows rose. "Why?"

The pang in her heart grew. There was no escape. She had to tell him everything. "Butterflies soar every time you stroke my body. John, without you, I've been half-dead on the inside, and you've woken me up. It scares me, but I want you so bad that I ache."

She stroked his neck, then kissed where her hand had touched. A moan of delight rumbled through him. "You confuse me."

He traced her sides—she kissed his cheek as the fire inside her grew. He had to kiss her again. "Don't think," she whispered. "Let's just feel."

His grip tightened around her waist, and then whatever dam held him back broke. His lips claimed hers, hard and demanding. Her body slackened as she leaned into him to give him more room.

His fingers caressed her backside. The feel of his hands on her had to be skin to skin. The sweats were unnecessary and a wall. Right now, she needed him. She pulled back from his kiss, and lifted her body to throw the sweats and underwear across the room.

His hands fell to his sides. "Alice, we don't have to."

"Yes we do. I need you." She lifted her shirt and then sat on the bed naked and waiting for him.

For some reason, he didn't move. She reached between them and threw his towel on the floor. "Don't you want me, too?"

Then his strong arms ran up her legs. Her body ached with desire on every part of her that his fingers touched.

Right now, she needed him inside her. Nothing else mattered.

She scooted herself onto his lap and kissed him again. This time his hands traced her naked back and heat coursed through her, everywhere.

There might never be another time. The reason people almost killed her twice was because they wanted to hurt John. His life was on the line, too, even if he never said it. The future was unsure. Now was all they had. She ran her hands down his back to mirror what he did to her.

Her mouth tasted the fine wine that his offered. Every part of her soft body was hypersensitive to his strong hard muscles.

As her fingers lowered, she traced the outline of his penis. It was engorged and ready for her already. Without waiting, she lifted herself to guide him inside. He stopped and pulled out. "We need protection, Alice."

Common sense was lost in the heat of passion. He lifted her up and placed her on the bed as he went to his bureau. A moment later he had a condom, ripped the packaging and rolled it on himself. As he rejoined her on the bed, he asked, "Are you sure?"

"Don't make me beg," she said huskily and climbed on him. It was better to be a sex kitten then nothing at all. Her muscles quivered as he held himself over her.

As his lips claimed her breasts, another moan came through her. She had to have him. Now. She rolled him backwards on the bed, and lifted her hips. With her knees to the sides, she straddled him and led his cock inside her body.

If only she could believe that they'd be together forever because then she'd truly be free. Right now reckless abandon overtook her. She ached for him. All that mattered was total surrender. The wild throes of riding him released something deep that burst out of her.

Chapter Twenty Seven

Cocooned in John's embrace, Alice snuggled closer to his warmth. Everything was perfect. A giggle escaped her throat as sunshine poured through the windows. Despite how wild she was last night, this morning she was still herself.

The fear of being some crazy sex slave would never happen to her. The discussions her mother had said about orgies at the Morgan house created all that stuff in her head. This bunch of rubbish was instilled at a young age.

Alice bounced off the bed. So much energy coursed through her. She threw on John's t-shirt and headed to the kitchen to make them breakfast.

She hugged her arms as she strolled through the halls. Coffee, bagels, eggs.

Something dark caught the corner of her eye as she passed the living room. She stopped and her toes curled against the cold tile. Someone had hung a huge stuffed doll with her face painted on it right outside the big window, with red paint slashed across the neck.

The urge to throw up hit her hard and fast. She stumbled backwards and cried out.

John bolted through the hall and wrapped her into his arms. He cradled her head against his broad chest as tears spilled. He must have looked outside because his embrace became fierce. "Don't worry. I'll get that taken down."

A sigh escaped her lips. "How can I not worry?"

The smell of cedar and pine wafted in her lungs. Her pulse settled. "They didn't get in," he said.

She pulled back, her body trembling. "That's not enough. They were here. They could have seen us."

Her voice sounded weaker than she felt. He squeezed her hand. "Don't think about it."

In a twirl, she turned around and pointed toward the effigy. "Someone wants me dead."

He rubbed his jaw as she hugged herself. "It's always about you. It's strange that no one else is threatened."

As her leg brushed against the couch, she sucked in her cheeks. "That doesn't make me feel better."

He tried to offer her a smile, but no dimples appeared on his face. "I'm putting the pieces together."

Clues were good. She swallowed. "I'm nervous."

With a curt nod, he walked past her in the hall. "Go, take a shower and wash up. I'll get that down and then we'll have a nice, normal breakfast."

No. This wasn't okay. She took hold of his wrist and he turned toward her. "I'm not calm at all."

He reached for her shoulder and offered her a gentle squeeze. "Can you try?"

Those blue eyes of his still knocked her socks off, if she had socks. Perhaps she spent too much time with her mother. A small fire was set inside her that burned away the frigid air. "O…kay."

He kissed her cheek and her face grew warm. "That's my girl."

This was how everything started with him years ago. One kiss meant for her cheek had changed her entire life. He led back to his room and the shower. He tried to hide grabbing his phone and she averted her gaze to let him think he was smooth. With her head held high, she told him, "Don't get hurt if you go outside."

He nodded and stepped back. "I'll bring the security guard."

"Okay. Come right back."

The dimples showed on his face this time as he smiled. "I will."

His smile made her feel like she had sunshine bursting through her skin, so she smiled back. "We should make a plan over breakfast. I don't want to be stalked."

"Fair enough," he agreed.

"Security did a lousy job."

"I'll find out what happened."

She went back to her room to grab clothes that he supplied and change. As she walked, she breathed easier. He was right. If she'd gone to her condo or her family farm, she'd probably be dead right now.

As she exited her room, freshly showered John called her from the living room. Every footstep felt heavy. His fingers brushed his five o'clock shadow as he told her, "I have to go see my brother to ramp up security."

Her mouth opened and for a moment no question formed. She'd never understand his family dynamic. "Will he?"

"Yeah."

At least he didn't spout off some hatred of his brother. She ran her hands through her hair. If he hadn't cut off her contract, she'd have supported Peter the whole time. She shook her head. "Then why can't you just call him?"

He handed her his phone with his call log on screen. "He's not answering."

The mansion of the Morgans had the aura of an ancient unbreakable fortress. She cleared her throat. "Will it be safe if we go there?"

"Yeah."

The fast yes strengthened her resolve. She adjusted her blouse and skirt. "Then let's go. I can catch up with your sister there too."

A knock reverberated in the air and both of them turned toward the front door. Alice grabbed his arm. He massaged her back and then walked away to open the door. A moment later he called out, "It's Vicki and Jennifer."

Alice traced the bottom of her skirt. She looked presentable. "Let them in."

A moment later, heels clacked on the marble floor and his sister's voice said, "John, we need to speak to Alice without you."

"What's going on?" Alice asked.

The heels came closer to the living room as Vicki answered, "Girl stuff."

John stepped in front of his sister, but she saw both women behind him. He reached for Alice. "Give me one minute." As he stood in front of her, he held her hands to his heart. "It's important we go now."

Vicki's face had a determined look. It might be nice to solve someone else's problem instead of worry over her own. She glanced at Jennifer, who rolled her eyes. Vicki needed her. Alice squeezed John's hands. "The house is safe, if I stay here and you go?"

His eyebrows lifted. "Yeah."

With one more look at her friends, Alice smiled to reassure him that she was strong. "John, go. I'll stay here, as long as your sister keeps me company. I will follow every security procedure."

His gaze narrowed as he turned to his sister. "Vicki, will you stay with Alice until I get back?"

With a salute, Vicki giggled. "My bro is protective now."

John stood taller and all the laughter stopped. "Will you? There was another threat against Alice."

Vicki strolled past him. "Of course."

John came back to her, and took her hand. "Thanks. Alice, I'll be gone for less than hour."

Without thinking, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him goodbye. The brush of his lips on hers sent energy through her. As she lowered herself back to the ground, John nodded. "See you soon."

As soon as the front door locked, Vicki twirled, "That looked serious. What's going on?"

Her mother's lesson that it's better to not kiss and tell played in her head. This seemed more logical than her earlier fears. She'd almost lost everything by heeding that advice. Instead she turned toward Jennifer who was dressed like she was ready for the runway. "Why are you both here? It's early."

Vicki practically exploded as she paced with her hands in the air. "Jennifer is planning a huge scene at our house in a few hours. I need help talking her out of it."

Jennifer's loud sigh echoed in the air.

The woman had taken a video of the man who almost grabbed her the other day, and then sent the clip into the police. Not totally evil. Alice chewed her lip. "Why?"

Vicki turned to Jennifer and shook her head. "She thinks Peter is sleeping with someone else."

Wow. Alice flinched. "I thought they were friends with benefits. That's not exclusive."

Jennifer studied her nails. "Don't be rude."

Alice settled her attention on Vicki. "I'm not trying to be rude at all. Where is Peter?"

Vicki bit her lip. "At work or at home."

A scoff came from between Jennifer's lips. "Victoria is trying to talk me out of going, but I'm planning the stage perfectly."

This sounded sketchy. Alice crossed her hands. "What are you talking about?"

With a toss of her hair, Jennifer was the epitome of a soap star. "I'm setting him up to admit everything."

Alice's eyes widened as she saw how Vicki's face lost color. "Admit what?"

The laugh that Jennifer uttered sounded bitter. "Some woman was in his bedroom last night."

Vicki rubbed the back of her neck, almost exactly like her brother, as she said, "How do you know?"

With a click of her heels, all attention went to Jennifer. "It wasn't my perfume I smelled."

In defense Vicki argued, "What if it was mine? I'm his sister and I could have spilt something on him."

Jennifer crossed her arms but stood with one leg to the side like she was modeling her shoes. "No, it was too floral. I'm not stupid and it was more than that. I could tell Peter had sex and it wasn't with me."

Alice piped into the conversation. "So don't call him and find someone else."

Jennifer's mouth opened as she studied Alice. For a split second, Alice repeated high school and felt that small. "That's too easy."

No, she'd not turn back into a quivering mess of a teenager. She was an adult now. She lifted her chin as Vicki suggested, "Let him see you with another guy and walk away."

With a sad spark in her eyes, Jennifer leaned closer to Alice. "You're both missing the point. It's fun to smoke a man's entire world. He thinks he can lie? I'll show him he's the one being a fool."

Alice's stomach clenched as she asked, "How?"

Jennifer tossed her hair to the side. "I already asked Rafe to find out who the girl is."

Alice and Vicki both asked in unison, "What?"

The police should be working on finding her would-be killer, not exploring Jennifer's sorry excuse for a love life. Alice kept a tight grip on her thoughts and didn't say anything else.

Jennifer shrugged. "He'll find her."

If he did, then he wasn't spending enough time on her case. Alice squared her shoulders. "Did you have proof to give him?"

Jennifer smiled. "I'm sure there is DNA on the sheets."

Vicki's voice shook. "You took his sheets?"

Jennifer turned her focus to Vicki. "He'll never know."

Alice blinked. Rafe Soliz was her friend, but he had mentioned Jennifer in high school too. Her breaths were shallow. He wouldn't put Jennifer's nonsense case first when she had a real case, would he?

Vicki's jaw clicked. "How?"

Jennifer went into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of iced tea. Then she returned. "He has maids and Caro told me everything."

Alice shook her head. "You're crazy."

Jennifer turned to her with a pout on her lips. "So are you, if you don't shore up whatever is going on with you and John."

Alice went and found herself a cold drink. The delay mixed with iced helped her focus her thoughts. She returned and nodded. "You might be right. Would you like iced tea?"

Vicki then bounced to her feet and Alice glanced at her as she excitedly asked, "What?"

"Iced tea?"

"No thanks."

The lump in her throat formed and she had to cough to get it out. "I had my mother in my head and I was so scared of falling apart that I was willing to run away. Once whatever the threat is goes away, I'm going to see if there is a future and if John wants one, with me."

Vicki hugged her. "Good for you."

Alice shook her head and gazed back at the window. "Someone was spying on us last night."

Jennifer laughed. "Don't tell me you're worried someone videotaped you to put it online."

"Eww." Alice clutched her stomach. "No. Does that happen?"

The answer was an obvious yes, but not something that had ever crossed her mind. Jennifer said, "Yeah, but don't worry about it. I'm sure John will find out who was there."

Not once had Jennifer ever talked badly about John. It was strange. Perhaps that was the closest Jennifer came to an approval of any relationship. Alice turned back to the window and shook her head. "I'm so sick of waiting. Scared. There has to be a faster way."

Smiling, happy Vicki said, "Patience is a virtue."

The beat of her heart was steady at the moment and if she thought about this morning's message, she'd drive herself crazy. "Wait, let's change the topic."

Jennifer narrowed her gaze. "To what?"

Alice crossed her arms. "To where you have been, Vicki. You never explained."

Vicki took a step backwards, like she'd leave if that was an option. "I was in Europe."

Alice shrugged her shoulders. "You let us all think you died."

With her eyes closed, Vicki took deep breaths. "Part of me did die. I couldn't live in my own skin."

Jennifer stayed absolutely still and her voice became quieter. "What does that mean?"

Vicki clutched her stomach and Alice wondered if there was a baby involved. The will reading replayed in her mind as Vicki said, "My father stole something more precious to me than my own life and there is nothing I can do to get it back."

If her best friend had been pregnant, she'd have known about it. Alice let the thought go, dropped her hands to her sides, and spoke in a soft voice. "That sounds horrible. What was it?"

"I can't talk about it." Vicki rocked on her feet. "Not yet anyhow. So I'm focusing on my family, love that exists between people, and my shop—which will become my fashion empire. You'll have to be my first customer, Alice, for a wedding dress."

It was Alice's turn to step backwards. "I'm not getting married."

With a smile on her face, Vicki asked, "Want me to discuss that with John?"

"No."

The front door opened and a split second later John called out, "Discuss what?"

Oh, goodness. With her fingers crossed she prayed he hadn't heard this conversation. Vicki rushed to give her brother a hug as he stepped into the living room. "You're back. That was fast."

John hugged his sister, and then came to Alice's side to give her a kiss on her cheek. "Peter's not home."

She clutched his arm. If he wasn't there, then they wouldn't have extra security. "He's not?"

The clack of heels echoed on the floor as Jennifer hurried to the front door. "I have to go."

Vicki rushed and hugged them both, and then raced out after Jennifer.

Together they followed their guests' footsteps to the front door. John reached out and locked it. Alice stood up on her tiptoes to be closer to John's face as adrenaline rushed through her. "Did you amp up Morgan security at least?"

John turned back to her with a smile that showed off his sexy dimples. "Yes, we spoke on the phone."

The energy inside her couldn't be contained. "Good. John, I don't want to sit here and wait for someone to attack us again."

"What do you want to do?"

As she pointed to the door, the squeal of Vicki's tires reverberated in the air and Alice's hands shook. "Go out there and wrangle up the intruder in our lives."

John nodded. "Let's review the clues together first."

"Huh?"

He reached out and took her shaking hands in his. "Solving a case usually requires going through mounds of paperwork. We have email evidence, the phone message, and the video. We have mounting clues. Help me put the pieces together."

She bit her lower lip. This was at last something useful to do. She hugged her waist. "Where do we get started?"

He led her back to the rest of the house. "I have my case brief in the bedroom. Let me get it."

The charged energy she felt needed direction. In the bedroom, she'd likely get distracted. "Let me put coffee on and I'll meet you in the kitchen."

The threat would end soon and there would be nothing that stood in her way.

Chapter Twenty Eight

John sat next to Alice in the kitchen as they studied everything they had. His years in the FBI had taught him how to build a case. The organization of this empowered him. Alice replayed the video that Jennifer took of the man that reached for her again. He glanced toward her and something flashed on the screen. "Go back."

"What?" She handed him her laptop. "Where do you want me to play?"

The scene went backwards, but nothing caught his attention other than a man's profile beneath a dark cap.

His sister's quick thinking to order Jennifer to take video as she saved Alice showed her intelligence.

A knock at the door chilled his blood. He pushed his chair back as he stood. "Wait here."

She picked up the piece of paper detailing the first email to read. John walked toward the front door and peered through the hole. His old boss from the FBI stood on the front step. Finally. John ran his hand through his hair and opened the door. "Smith."

With a curled lip, his ex-boss peeked around the foyer and then said, "I'm here for your badge, Morgan."

John's jaw tightened. "I thought you'd send an agent days ago."

Just as John remembered, Smith curled his mouth into his usual sneer. "I wanted to do this myself."

With a frown, John let the man walk into the foyer and closed the door behind him. "Any headway on who is after Alice?"

"I'm here to review what you have. It won't take long."

Smith hated him and didn't care what happened to Alice. He rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Let me get everything."

Sweet-sounding Alice's voice penetrated the cold. "Who's at the door?"

With clenched teeth, John hoped to avoid niceties and send the man on his way. "Agent Steve Smith, my former boss, from the FBI. He's not staying long."

Smith straightened his shoulders. "This is the brunette from the note. I had no idea your tastes were quite so clean and innocent, Morgan."

Smith wasn't worth spending another moment with. John told Alice, "I have to go to my room and get him his badge. Please ignore him. I usually do."

With a welcoming expression on her face, Alice reached out to shake Smith's hand. His ex-boss actually broke a smile. "How did you get to be John's boss?"

Smith turned his back on John like he wasn't in the room. "Morgan was transferred to my division a few months ago. He had some personal insight on a few cases under investigation."

Alice laughed. "Rich people that the Morgans knew, no doubt."

Smith's metallic voice grated on his eardrums. "You're very perceptive."

His former boss wasn't worthy of being in the same room with Alice. From now on, he'd keep people like him from soiling her hands. John walked past them both to get his badge from the top drawer of his nightstand. Perhaps it was time to claim his last name and his birthright.

The door slammed and John closed his eyes. Had Smith forgotten something in his car? He slid open the drawer, picked up his badge and job-issued gun. His personal gun was still locked inside the drawer.

For years, John had planned on using the gun to arrest Mitch Morgan and right the world. Now he'd never have that opportunity, but his heart was okay with how things had turned out.

Alice kept him grounded in a way he'd never been before. She'd be his forever, once he convinced her his feelings were real.

He returned to the hallway. Ice went up his spine the second he entered the foyer. His gut felt like someone sucker-punched him and a buzz sounded in his ears. Adrenaline coursed through his veins and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. "Hello?"

No answer.

A sour taste in his mouth grew as his stomach rolled. This wasn't happening. No. With heavy footsteps, he walked back to the front door. Unlocked, it opened wide into the blazing hot sun. All the humidity of the outside stuffed the room with its overpowering presence, but his skin was cold and clammy.

Alice was gone. Agent Smith kidnapped his Alice.

Chapter Twenty Nine

Alice woke up in the back of a car and tried to scream. With a pain in her chest, she clamped down on the impulse. The whimper she made was muffled anyhow.

Something was tied across her mouth. Adrenaline spiked through her. There had to be a way out. Despite the dizziness, she lifted her feet and realized they were free. Her shoulders were so tight that the pain brought tears to her eyes, but she squirmed anyway. She tried to wiggle her arms, but cold metallic handcuffs kept her locked in place.

The noise to her left sounded like she was in a fast moving car. With her head down, she decided to slowly open her eyes. Leather seats stuck to her skin.

This was a small sedan with a window, probably shatterproof glass, that blocked her from the front seat.

"You're awake."

The male voice of the man in the foyer. He must have been sitting and watching her. Her mind raced. She knew his name. The words escaped her until she remembered the words ‘Agent Smith.’ That was it. She hadn't known he was the agent of death. "Aren't you one of the good guys who work for the FBI?"

"The lines got blurred the day we let people like your boyfriend in."

The best weapon she had right now was to humanize herself and keep talking. The car rumbled. "Why? He sought justice."

The rapid turn of the wheel sent the car in a spin. Black spots formed in her eyes. Then the car came to a complete stop. In a reflex her head hit the glass, and she saw stars.

Smith threw open her door and grabbed her hair. She was dizzy, but the place looked familiar. As they walked to an elevator in the parking lot, her heart raced but she recognized where she was. This was her new condo building.

He pressed the button to the top floor as he dragged her along. The building had just been finished yesterday. It was brand new. Her mind swirled with information as her stomach tightened.

She breathed in, but every inhale was pained. She licked her dry lips and tried to speak. At first no words came out, but finally she had the courage to continue and said, "Please let me go."

"Your boyfriend deserves to be punished."

Tears formed in her eyes as the elevator climbed. She backed into the wall as he let her go for the moment and crossed his arms. "Revenge isn't justice. Rich boys like him don't know anything about how the real world works."

If the doors opened, she'd run down the hall to the stairs and make it to the first floor. She held her head up. "So you're punishing him for crossing the lines?"

"I intend to make Morgan pay."

The beep of the floor echoed inside her and Smith's grimy hands grabbed her by the neck as she flinched. "What did he do to you?"

"He breathes and thought he was my equal."

Smith dragged her down the hall, close to the stairwell. The penthouse apartment was three feet at most to salvation. "So you hate him enough to destroy your career?"

"Yes."

A chill went down her as her chin trembled. "Why would that take over your life?"

"You ask too many questions."

Her limbs shook, but she had to keep it together. "I grew up on a farm where everything we do is grounded and made in an effort to grow the right fruits."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

At least she had his attention. Now she'd try to talk her way out of this. "On a farm, it takes more work than just planting the seed for the fruit to blossom. You worked hard to be a boss at the FBI. You earned a pension to retire on. You have to have a plan."

"I do."

Smith opened the door to an unfinished apartment. The wind rattled plastic sheets that were taped onto walls.

He stilled for a moment as the door behind them to the apartment creaked shut. She was inside this empty place with no windows. He locked the door behind them, and the image of falling to her death played in her mind. She had to keep talking. It was her only option. "What is it? It can't be better than government security."

He grabbed the handcuffs and dragged her to a machine used in construction. He tied her cuffed hands with the rubbery material. "My partner in this intends to leave the country and if I help her, then I get a one-time settlement that pays for all my expenses the rest of my life."

The rubber pressed deeper into her skin than the cuffs, and she cringed as he tied her tight. Then he unhooked the cuffs and stuffed them in his pocket.

Without a word he hit a button on a huge machine and her hands went into the air. "So if you kill me then you get to retire right now. That's the plan?"

"Basically."

The machine continued to lift her. As her feet rose in the air, she squealed. Then he hit another button. He planned to drop her to her death. Her heart raced. She was running out of time. "Are you waiting to trap John too?"

"That's plan A. Plan B is to kill you and let him find your dead body."

Okay… he meant to lure John here. There might be time. "I'm not that important to him. He'll get over me in a second."

"Now that is a lie."

The wind outside rattled the plastic wraps. Her voice sounded shrill and she blinked uncontrollably. "It's the truth. He has so many women. I seriously doubt he'd care if I died."

With one punch, he knocked the plastic so it flapped outside. The rustling of the wrap sent a chill down her spine. "He said he'd marry you."

Her limbs shook, but the rubber tie kept her in place. "How would you know he said that? And I don't take that serious so you shouldn't either."

"I've never heard him on the phone with another woman, saying those words."

"He didn't say that on the phone."

"Are you with him twenty-four hours a day to know what he says to who?"

Of course the FBI had tapped their line. She pleaded with him. "It's a joke. He doesn't truly care."

"You're the one who's delusional. Now be brave."

He hit another button on that machine and she felt herself swing outside. "Where are you going?"

"To the spot where we planned your death. It's going to be a long way down."

The wind slapped her in the face as she dangled high above the ground. Her heart thundered. "Plan A requires John to be here, remember."

"We'll just let you hang until he is."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm busy."

Footsteps echoed in her ears. She swallowed and opened her eyes. There was no escape. She was trapped. It might be better to close her eyes and just let herself die. The rapidness of her heart might be a kinder death than a fall. It had better not be John falling for a trap.

The wind knocked the rubber ties that held her and her feet swung.

Chapter Thirty

Alone, Alice refused to look down as the wind swung her in the air. Hyperventilation hadn't helped her racing pulse. She squeezed her eyes tightly as she prayed. If she was to fall to her death, then it was cruel to hold onto hope. They were on the top floor of her new condo complex. If somehow she lived through this, she'd never step foot in a high rise again.

"You think you can get away with stealing my man."

Her heart hammered in her chest. Jennifer. She swayed which turned her around in the air. Alice kept her eyes closed, but she called out, "Help."

"Why should I help…." Jennifer's voice stopped midsentence, while Alice's heart thrashed in her ears. Then Jennifer called out, "Alice? Is this a joke? What are you doing here?"

Her throat was so dry. She kept her eyes closed as her head swam. "Please get me down."

"How did you get out the window?"

This was a cruel torture. Out of all people to save her, she had not expected Jennifer. She was going to fall to her death any minute. Her body convulsed. "Please, just help me."

"Hold on. Let me figure it out."

Her limbs tingled. This was her only hope. Alice swallowed, "Hurry."

The large industrial sound of a lever screeched in the air and Alice's heart raced. As she swung, she opened her eyes and plastic hit her in the face. She grimaced, but then she saw the apartment floor below. Her entire body felt weak. She would survive.

"I came to confront the girl sleeping with Peter," Jennifer said.

Now was not a good time for conversation. Alice's heart thrashed in her ears.

"I was kidnapped." Her feet tiptoed on the floor. Jennifer had saved her. She'd never say another bad thing about her again. Then without one plea, Jennifer reached above her and tried to untie the rubber. With a grunt, the actress opened her purse and found her keys.

"I have a pocket knife for the handcuffs. These are not police-issued. Give me a second."

Nothing made sense. The Spanish telenovelas were filmed in a nice area of town, so Jennifer wouldn't need a knife, not that she was complaining. With a few strikes, her new best friend freed her.

Alice collapsed to the ground as she tried to compose herself. Tears in her eyes welled as she gripped the floor. "Thank you."

"The girl sleeping with Peter kidnapped you?"

"I didn't see a girl. It was John's boss at the FBI."

Jennifer reached out to help her stand. Alice's legs were weak, but she found her balance as Jennifer said, "No wonder Rafe said the government database was giving him trouble."

Alice rubbed her forehead. "He told you that?"

Jennifer held onto her arm as Alice stumbled closer to the door and the elevator. They had to get out of here in case Smith, or his mysterious benefactress, returned. "I was in his office demanding a name on that DNA."

Adrenaline pumped in her veins. "Is Officer Soliz here?"

"No. I drove here myself."

Jennifer let her go so Alice could walk on her own two feet. A few steps later, Alice had her strength back. "Jennifer, can you drive me to the Morgan mansion?"

Alice went to open the door, but Jennifer grabbed her hand. "Escuchar. The elevator just dinged in the hallway."

Her hands shook. "We can't be here."

"There is no place to hide."

Alice stared at her feet and then at Jennifer. Her gaze returned to her new friend. "Take off your heels."

"What?"

Heavy footsteps echoed down the hall. They were out of time.

Alice pointed. "Those can be used as weapons. We just have to get to the stairwell."

"You want me to run without high heels?"

She closed her eyes and prayed. "Yes."

As she opened her eyes, Jennifer handed her one shoe and kept the other, stiletto out. "I could just slap him."

Someone was outside the door. Alice tensed and whispered, "He's stronger than that."

"You've never seen me slap a man."

"Actually, I have. Hit and run to the stairs. This is the plan." The door handle opened. Alice gathered her energy that surged from the near-death adrenaline rush.

Smith stepped into the room. Alice lifted her hands and then crashed the shoe spike on his head. The heel broke, but he went down. "Run."

"You broke my shoe."

She grabbed Jennifer's hand and held tight. "Now."

Hand in hand they raced toward the stairwell. As the door closed behind them, Alice broke the glass on the fire alarm and pulled it.

The loud screeching sound pierced through the air. Other people joined them on the steps as they raced downward.

Her heart hammered in her chest as they made their way outside.

Chapter Thirty One

Excessive energy coursed through John as he held his phone. His mind raced as he waited for his security team to pick up on his ring. As he peered out the window, his hands twitched. No one answered. He paced. There should be video footage of his front yard.

As his hands shook he made a fast plan. First he'd call the police. Then he'd call DC and report what happened to Smith's superiors. None of this helped him search for Alice, but he had clues.

A racing heartbeat echoed in his chest as the phone rang again, but this time, he swung open the door and jogged to the car where Morgan's security should be.

Nobody was there. Pick up, Rafe. The seconds ticked and finally Officer Soliz answered. "Good morning, Mr. Morgan. What's going on?"

John rocked on his feet and peered inside the black van. "Alice was kidnapped out of my house."

Something metallic screeched in his ear as Rafe shouted, "What?"

He tapped his finger against the van window. "I let Special Agent Steven Smith into my house to collect my badge. I went to get the badge and when I came back, they were gone."

"I'm on my way."

John swung open the van door. No one was inside. "Security will have a video, if I can find them."

"John, we'll find her."

His neck stiffened. This wasn't good. "Hurry."

If no one was in the security truck, then either Smith went after his people or they were on patrol around the property.

No need to panic. He dialed Washington. With his free arm curled around the back of his head, he paced before his front door and waited to be connected to someone. Then he spoke to Smith's boss and repeated the story.

No matter what it took, he had to save Alice. His life wasn't as important. A few minutes later, the supervisor told him, "We're sending our men to help you now, Mr. Morgan."

The FBI and the police were both good at solving crimes, but not for prevention. He swallowed back his thoughts as a police cruiser came into view.

Rafe parked and walked from the cruiser, waving toward another patrolman who then sped away. John stared at his Mercedes. If he knew where to go, he'd be there already. He had to figure out where she was taken so he could get her back. As Rafe walked over and stood next to him, John couldn't hide his pain. "We have to find Alice."

Rafe patted him on the back. John shook his head. Sympathy didn't help her and that was all that mattered.

Security chose that moment to turn the corner from the back of his house. John crossed his arms. These two were supposed to answer their phones if they walked away from the van, not that it mattered. John called out to them, "Where is the video of Smith taking Alice?"

Both men stood straight, like they were new cadets in the Marines. One said, "We sent it in, sir."

John walked in front of them like a drill sergeant. "You did what?"

The boy shook in his boots as he repeated his training. "We saw the entire thing sir, including the black sedan take off from your driveway. Ron caught everything on video, and all digital files save automatically at Morgan security headquarters. From there, they disseminate the information."

The information rang in his head as truth. He backed up and stared at Rafe and then back to the men. "Give me the number immediately to whoever is on staff. Headquarters are still in the same place?"

"On the estate, sir."

"At Peter's house?"

"Yes."

Clarification always helped. John pointed Rafe to his driveway. They'd take his Mercedes. He then told the security detail, "Call it in to the police department too. We need to give Rafe the video. The license plate?"

"Yes, sir."

Rafe held up one finger. "Did either of you write the plate down?"

"Yes, sir."

As he paced, John cleared his head. Hot heads caused trouble, and that was the last thing Alice needed. "Then get me everything you have."

The security guard nodded. "Immediately."

John shook his head. Rafe told him, "We'll find her. Hurting her is meant to hurt you. We should still have time."

He puffed his chest out and accepted that fear had clouded his judgment. Now it was time to study the information and find her as fast as they were able. "The case I worked has never been about someone I care for before."

"Let me handle the police work."

John thought Rafe would have been a decent partner back in the FBI. That life was over now, as long as he found Alice, alive.

A moment later he had an APB out for the black Chrysler sedan with license plate X23NK9. Rafe turned back to John. "We're doing everything we can."

With a curt nod, there was no more argument. "I want to go to my brother's house and watch the video."

"Okay, but I'll have to take it once we're done there."

The police needed the evidence to arrest Smith. Video was enough to convict, usually, as it makes denial an impossible defense. The car ride to Castle Morgan went fast and John barged in the front door without knocking.

Victoria came rushing downstairs in high heels and a sundress. If his sister was alive, then miracles were possible. He needed another one.

He walked straight past her and toward the main security hub. "John, what's going on?"

"No time, Vicki."

Her heels clanked on the marble floors as she chased him. "Is it Alice? I want to help."

If he had time, he'd catch her up. Right now every second mattered. "We're here for the video."

Security stood up as they all rushed into the room. John walked right to the computer and hit the button to bring up the timestamp at his house.

His sister tugged on his chair. "What video?"

Rafe took her hand in his and told her, "Alice has been kidnapped."

Vicki jumped back and her eyes widened. "What? I'm getting Peter. We're helping."

With the click-clack of her heels, she threw open the door and charged down the hall. John found the car and watched how Smith threw Alice into his car like a rag doll.

His fists clenched. He'd kill him, the second he saw him.

Vicki must have thrown open the master bedroom on the first floor because a woman screamed. Time froze. John gulped as recognition dawned. He had heard that scream before. He left Rafe with security and followed in Vicki's footsteps.

A moment later, he planted his feet apart and pushed up his sleeves as he stared at the brunette. With a clenched jaw, he turned his gaze to Peter who threw on a t-shirt. "Frank Hudson's daughter?"

Peter tilted his head and stared hard at his brother and sister. The cluelessness in his expression told John he was innocent. Peter rolled his shirt down to cover his underwear. "Yes, John, she's Serena. We met her…."

John turned his attention back to the brunette as she stood with her arms crossed beneath her bra. Serena held her head high, challenging him. "You were there when I arrested your father."

Her jaw clenched and her words held her arrogance. "I'm surprised you noticed."

Pressing his lips together, his gut told him this girl knew exactly what happened to Alice and how to get her back. "Why are you here?"

Serena raised her eyebrows and didn't move. "Excuse me. What?"

Vicki tugged on his arm as she stood next to him. "She's clearly just had sex with Peter."

Everyone would understand in a moment. With his shoulders back, John stepped into the room. "Why Peter? Why Miami? Why now? You sent the threats."

Serena tilted her head and laughed. "I what?"

That was all he needed to know she was guilty. Every cell in his body told him to ensure this girl never saw life without prison bars in front of her. "If Alice is dead, then you have no idea the pain I will cause in your life."

She threw her arms on her hips in righteous anger. "You stormed into my house, arrested my father, destroyed my family because you hated your own--so, yes, I will destroy yours."

Walking into the bedroom, Rafe knocked on the open door. "I have an APB report. We've found the car."

Serena shook her head and stared at him with furious eyes. "Your girlfriend will be dead by the time you get there."

Rafe stepped in front of John and asked, "Have you hurt her already?"

Serena stared past Rafe and her brown eyes held the fire of hatred. She narrowed her gaze like she could kill him with one look. "Define ‘hurt.’"

A few more needles in this conversation would make her confess, just like her father and most criminals had once they'd been arrested. "I don't have time for games. Where is Alice?"

Serena smiled like she had exciting news to share. "She's gone. She's dead by now. Get over it."

Vicki sobbed and as John couldn't comfort her, she ran to Peter who massaged her shoulders as she called out, "Why would you hurt Alice?"

Serena scowled at Peter and Vicki like they'd done something that she hadn't planned. John's muscles tightened in case he had to defend his family.

Then Serena turned her full hatred back to him. "John Morgan doesn't get to play God with our lives and then roam free. I took from him what he took from me, all sense of home and family."

Peter hugged Vicki and said, "You're wrong."

Serena turned toward him, and the air around her chilled him. "Excuse me?"

Peter and Vicki held hands as they walked to John. Vicki reached out and took his hand as Peter said, "John, Vicki and I might not be much of a family, but we're the Morgans. If Rafe doesn't arrest you, I'm sure I'll find justice for you."

All this talk of family was a bit much. John let go of Vicki's hand. Vicki then commanded in a strong, determined voice, "Peter, put some pants on and grab your keys. We have to help John find Alice."

Rafe stepped forward and threw the handcuffs on Serena.

Smith remained out there and he had Alice. Right now that was all John needed to focus on. He'd save her. He had to. With fast, sure steps he walked toward the door. If Serena bankrolled the crime, Smith was about to implement his exit strategy to get out. He had to outthink him, fast.

The footsteps behind him sounded like everyone intended to come along for the ride, but he couldn't wait. Nothing could slow him down.

Then someone banged on the door. John reached for his gun as security shouted, "They're clear."

Smith had been clear too. Neither Rafe nor John moved. Peter pushed Vicki behind him as security buzzed whoever was outside in. First Jennifer walked in. Rafe lowered his gun, but John's skin stayed hypersensitive and alert. A moment later, Alice pushed her way inside.

Rafe dragged Serena outside as John locked his gun in place. His skin tingled and his thoughts didn't make any connections.

Jennifer stopped, crossed her arms, and clicked her heel like she intended a huge fight. "Who's this?"

Alice's blue eyes were moist and wet. John rushed past Jennifer who stalked toward his brother. Then Alice threw her arms around his neck. If the heavens knew how to set a man's soul ablaze from one touch, then they blessed her with the skill. She hugged him and life surged back into his spine. With her face nuzzled in his chest, she asked, "Is this over now?"

Her hair was like silk as he ran his rough fingers through it to cradle her head. "Yes."

Without letting go of his neck, she trembled. "Can we go home? I want to talk to you, alone."

Smith was still out there. Officer Rafe Soliz had his APB and location. John decided to trust the police and turned all his attention toward Alice. He massaged her back. "Of course."

She let go of his neck, but took his hand as she dragged him toward the door. It was clear she didn't want to be in the Morgan mansion. Alone, he could tell her that all was right with the world now that they were together again.

Chapter Thirty Two

Her heart hammered in her chest. Alice tugged John's arm. She couldn't wait to tell him. She turned to the huge house and the green trees that created the illusion of shade. It was fitting they were here. She turned him into the garden next to the driveway, as she wasn't ready to drive to John's house. They walked toward the gazebo. The sun shined down and birds chirped in the air. She held onto his arm. "I didn't want an audience to hear me."

He rubbed her hand and nodded. "It's fine. We'll go home soon."

She closed her eyes. This was it. She took a deep breath and everything else around them faded away. As she opened her eyes, he had an ethereal glow around him. "John, I'm so in love with you."

Deep dimples appeared on his cheeks. Her heart raced as he cleared his throat. Then he leaned his forehead on hers. "Good, because I love you too."

Her stomach fluttered. "You do?"

His hands clasped her waist, and an electrical jolt rushed through her. "Yes. And I've tried to tell you for weeks, but you won't listen."

She laughed. "What?"

He kissed her nose, and then went down on one knee. Her heart fluttered as she stared at him. "I want to ask you a question."

Her hand covered her mouth. "What?"

As he reached into his pocket, his face went white. Then he bolted upright. "Wait right here. Don't move."

A smile grew across her face. "Okay, my love."

His mouth brushed against hers. She tried to hold him close, but he stepped back. She laughed as he ran toward his car.

A moment later, he slammed the car door shut and ran back toward her. Then he went down on one knee and held out a jewelry box. "It's been in my jacket."

That whole weak-knee moment was real. Her eyes watered. John opened the box and revealed a diamond larger than she'd ever seen. "Will you marry me, Alice?"

Alice jumped up in the air, pulling him with her so she could wrap her arms around his shoulders. "Yes. Of course."

With a huge grin, he slipped the ring on her finger.

A sigh escaped her lips as she stared at her hand, resting and sparkling on his shoulder. "John, we're doing this. Really?"

He hugged her. "Even if your mother disapproves."

"I would rather spend my life with you than have a life without you."

Out of the blue, her phone rang. Alice reached into her back pocket to silence it, but she saw it was her mom. "She's right on time."

John held her in his arms as she answered. "He—"

"Sweetheart, stay safe." Her mother's voice was so high that it took a second to understand. Alice stepped back and covered her mouth.

Her gaze stayed on John though his eyes narrowed. She asked, "What?"

"Give me the phone." The man that tied her up and left her to die. Smith. Alice recognized his voice. She fumbled to get the phone on speaker.

Now that John could hear, she screamed, "Who was that?"

John motioned with his finger for Alice to stay quiet as he used his cell phone to text someone. She was so dizzy that she couldn't form a sentence.

Then Smith caused both of them to freeze as he said, "Alice, your mom is coming with me as insurance that I get to the airport."

The front door of the main house opened and the police, Victoria, Peter, and Jennifer followed. "Where is my dad?"

Smith's inhale reverberated in the air with a ring. "You have a dad that lives here?"

Colt and Clara were also there, unless he went to the beach condo. Alice held her tongue, not wanting to give away her family to Smith. Officer Soliz and the others stayed behind her, though it was obvious that they rushed around to do something.

Her stomach clenched and her vision blurred. She closed her eyes and rocked on her feet. At any moment her father might walk in and then this would get so much worse. Her dad had a heart issue. "Oh, God."

John texted Colt. She grabbed his arm to keep him next to her, as she saw the name on her screen.

With her hands shaking, she begged into the phone, "Please leave my family alone."

Smith sighed. "I will. Tell your mom to get in the car."

No. This was wrong. She rubbed her forehead and tried to loosen her tight shoulders. "The police arrested Serena. Now is the time for you to run."

Then gunshots echoed in the house. Black spots danced before her eyes and her pulse rushed. The phone turned off as Mom screamed.

Alice trembled and the world became black even as there was a swarm of activity around her. John's arm around her waist was the only warmth she felt as he picked her up and rushed her toward his car. Alice needed her mom and in the end the arguing never mattered.

Chapter Thirty Three

Palm trees flashed by her car window and she focused on the yellow line of the road. Alice's nerves were raw. She flinched as the yellow line disappeared and the paved road turned rocky. The farm. Strawberries scented the air, and her muscles tensed.

The police sirens behind them did nothing to help her tension. As John stopped the car in front of her old house, she fought off the image of her parents dead on the floor. They had to be fine.

A moment later, her mother ran out of the front door and threw her arms around her. "Alice."

Her mother hugged her hard. "Mom."

John placed his hand on her lower spine. "Are you okay, Mrs. Collins?"

Her mother pulled away, but she kept their hands locked together. "Yes. No. Colt has that man tied up in the kitchen."

Alice stayed near John so she could smell his woodsy scent. "How is Dad?"

Her mother brushed her hair out of her face. "He's grateful you weren't here. I took Clara to our neighbors until this is over."

Alice folded her fingers over her mothers. "Good idea. Can we go in?"

Her mother lifted her hand and let the diamond shine in the sunshine. "What is this you're wearing?"

Alice took her hand away from her mother. "Mom, John and I are getting married."

Her mother's face went white. "The man wanted to kill us because of John. Now you're marrying him?"

Alice stood next to John and nodded. "It's not a question. It's a fact, Mom."

Tears formed on her mother's face, but then she reached out and hugged John too. John seemed baffled as he reached one hand around to hug her.

Ellie pulled away, but then raised her hand and finger. "Fine. John, if you hurt my daughter…."

John lowered his head. "I won't."

Her mother continued with her finger in the air. "Then keep her safe."

Alice pressed her lips together. She'd not scold him more. "Mom."

Ellie stepped to the side and pointed to the door. "Fine. Let's go inside." She then pushed her way between them and took both their arms and looped herself with them. "John, where is your family?"

John held the door for them. "Vicki wanted to stay at home in case we needed logistics. Peter is coming now."

Alice tilted her head and tried to see John. "Without Jennifer?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Did you want her?"

She'd find a way to thank Jennifer later, but right now Alice had everyone she needed. "No."

More cars parked on the dirt lot by the farmhouse and John let her mother's arm go. He waited and held the door open for his brother and Officer Soliz. A moment later, Peter came through the door with papers in his hands. Soliz walked over to Smith. John rubbed Alice's arm, but then followed Soliz. His years of FBI training instilled the law in him.

Peter went to her parents and handed them a few sheets of paper. Curious as to what made her dad smile, Alice joined them and heard, "This contract is fair."

A noise escaped her throat. "Contract?"

Peter nodded, though he stared at John who spoke with Colt and Special Agent Smith chained to a chair. "We've done business together for a decade, and now that you're marrying my brother, I figured we should ensure both of our sides stay happy."

Alice rubbed her neck. "But you said…."

Peter nodded and turned toward her, away from her parents. "I thought you hurt my brother at the funeral. Don't hold that against me."

Her mother walked away in a huff. Alice stood next to her father and shook her head. "I'm still confused."

John's hand on her back sent a warm spark through her. He studied the papers. "What's happening?"

None of this mattered. Now that she was to marry John, her life was perfect. She crossed her fingers and hoped he agreed. "Peter just renewed the contract for the farm."

Her father folded the papers. "This looks excellent, but we'll have to talk it over with Colt."

John's eyes held a sparkle though she saw both surprise and confusion. She used her thumbs to massage her wrist as he said, "That's amazing. Everything worked out."

Her stomach hardened for a moment as she reached for John's arm. "John, you offered…."

With those dimples back on his cheeks, he gave her a smile. "I still need your help with the rest of my life and where I should spend my money. You're not getting off the hook."

A huge sigh escaped her mouth. Everyone else blurred in the background as she threw her arms around John. "Deal."

He hugged her and kept her close. "I love you."

As she stepped out of his embrace, she took her dad's hand. Her mother came back toward them as Alice had John shake her father's hand. "Welcome to our family, Mr. Morgan. I hope you grow to like family."

Peter added, "There is always a job at Morgan Enterprises for my brother."

John nodded his acknowledgment and shook her father's hand. "Alice gets her eye color from you."

Her father placed his hand on her mother's back and kept her close. "Yes, she does."

John turned toward her and squeezed Alice's hand. "Thanks to you, I see what the point of a family is."

With time, her mother would accept John. The rest of the world would sort itself out.

Chapter Thirty Four

A few weeks later….

Alice stared at the stick in the bathroom one more time. Adrenaline pumped through her veins. The image of a family with John played in her head. She fanned herself, turned on the bedroom light, and jumped on the bed.

John turned toward her, but his eyes were still closed. "What time is it?"

With one glance outside, the morning sun shone. It was probably just after five AM. His arms wrapped around her waist, but he otherwise didn't stir from the bed.

This couldn't wait. A giggle escaped her lips as she shook him. "John, there is something I have to tell you."

As her hands trembled, he sat up, took her hand, and rubbed his head. "What?"

A lightness grew in her chest. A huge grin grew as she said, "I'm pregnant."

His mouth fell open and he froze with his hand still on his head. "What?"

The bed bounced as she threw her arms around him. "I said I'm pregnant."

His arms wrapped around her waist and he hugged her. "I can't believe it."

A breathless joy settled in her as his entire face beamed as he stared at her. He lifted her legs off the floor and had her lie down where he was. "I'll call for a doctor's appointment as soon as the office opens. Let's not tell anyone until then."

He kissed her forehead and lifted the blankets back above her knees. "You're the boss."

As she lay next to him, he cradled her in his arms. Now was not the time to relax as her heart beat too strongly. She kissed his neck and chin. "I have another idea."

A yawn escaped his lips. Then he kissed her back. "You're crazy."

She turned and settled on top of his chest. He held her hands but otherwise didn't move. "Online it says that we should make love more often now that I'm with child. It helps the baby have an easier birth."

He tipped his head back and laughed. Then his hand went under the sheets and cupped her bottom. Without another word, he kissed her lips and rolled her on her back.

The End

If you enjoyed this story, please leave a review and let others know. Your review is the best way to help others find the novel.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston then moved to Miami. Eventually, found that writing is her passion.

She always wrote stories to entertain herself. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, but when she sat down to see what she enjoyed doing, writing became obvious.

In 2016 Electing Love, the third Collins Brother book will be published as well as Stormy Peril. Both continue in the romantic suspense category. More books might be scheduled, so stay tuned on her newsletter and sign up at http://eepurl.com/bHX79L.

She also write science fiction/fantasy romance, and in 2016 Mything the Throne and Queen Uncovered will be published. Eventually she wants to put this category under a pen name, so watch her newsletter for updates.

Her website is www.victoriapinder.com and you can sign up for her newsletter there to stay tuned to all of Victoria’s new releases.

Table of Contents

- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Chapter Sixteen
- Chapter Seventeen
- Chapter Eighteen
- Chapter Nineteen
- Chapter Twenty
- Chapter Twenty One
- Chapter Twenty Two
- Chapter Twenty Three
- Chapter Twenty Four
- Chapter Twenty Five
- Chapter Twenty Six
- Chapter Twenty Seven
- Chapter Twenty Eight
- Chapter Twenty Nine
- Chapter Thirty
- Chapter Thirty One
- Chapter Thirty Two
- Chapter Thirty Three
- Chapter Thirty Four