Tempting Devil: Sinners and Saints Book 2

by Eden, Veronica

  “That’s wonderful!” Mom’s eyes mist. “I’m so proud of you, Blair.”

  A happy spark of pride fills my chest. I love my studies as an art history major. These days my dreams reach higher than the stars I used to wish on.

  As the oven timer rings, Mom pops up to take the muffins out. She bustles around the kitchen as the heavenly scent of cinnamon and brown sugar fills the room.

  “Those smell amazing.” The front door opens and my eyebrows hike up. “What, do you have a boyfriend you didn’t tell me about? Or are you being robbed right now?”

  “That’s your area of expertise.” A deep, familiar voice curls around my senses and a kiss drops on my head, enveloping me in the rich scent of leather and spice.

  I twist in my seat. “Dev? What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming down until the end of the week?”

  Devlin grants me a charming smile tinged with mischief. He’s pleased he surprised me. I saw him this morning before the meeting with my art history professor, but he has a way of igniting a constant ember of heat in my stomach with his dark tousled hair, his intelligent eyes, and his laugh. My fingers find his and he brings my knuckles to his mouth, kissing them with a tiny smirk.

  “Surprise.”

  “Hi, Devlin.” Mom greets. She doesn’t seem as shocked as I am to see him. “How was your drive?”

  “Great. Want to see the new love of my life? It comes in line after your daughter, of course.”

  Mom smirks and points at him. “Smart answer. Let me get a coat.”

  Devlin pulls me to my feet for an actual kiss. He grazes his nose along my cheek.

  “If you were driving down the same time as me, we could’ve driven together.”

  Devlin hums. “Yes, but then I wouldn’t have a chance to drive the X1.”

  I squint, my instincts tingling. “You’re up to something. You’ve got your scheming face on.”

  “Is that so?” Devlin’s arms lock around my waist and he hoods his eyes. “Pretty sure these are just genetics, angel.”

  Mom returns to the kitchen, bundled in a puffy parka. Devlin gestures us to the door. On the way, I grab my scarf and wind it around my neck to block out the crisp chill.

  “Wow,” Mom drawls as we step out. “It’s so nice.”

  Devlin puffs up a little at the admiration, standing at my back with his arms around me. Mom walks around the vehicle as we amble over. He absently rubs my arms to protect me from the cold, his wool peacoat keeping me toasty.

  “Very impressive, Devlin.” Mom passes us, patting Devlin’s shoulder. “I’m going to see if the muffins have cooled.”

  I turn to follow her, but Devlin catches my hand.

  “Hang on. I have something in the car for you.” He stares at me for a beat, a brief flash of nerves shining in his eyes before he opens the car door and retrieves a small package. “Here, I got you this.”

  “What is it?” I shoot him a smile as I unwrap it. “This feels book-shaped.”

  Devlin’s mouth curves, but he remains quiet while I push off the wrapping. My breath catches as I skate my fingers delicately over the cover.

  “Devlin…”

  He takes a small step closer, cupping my elbows. It’s a copy of Stardust, the hardcover edition. The faint smell of an old book, musty with a hint of sweetness, reaches my nose. I trace the letters of the title.

  “Open it,” Devlin says softly.

  I meet his gaze. He watches me with such intent focus that it steals my breath.

  Tearing off the rest of the paper, a blue velvet ribbon bookmark attached to the book unfurls. A glint of metal dances from the end, where the ribbon is knotted. My eyes widen as Devlin cups my hands and kneels in the snow.

  “Dev,” I whisper hoarsely.

  He unknots the ribbon and presents me with a beautiful platinum ring with a moon and star fitted together around a black opal that looks like a galaxy is locked inside. It’s the prettiest piece of jewelry I’ve ever seen. Overwhelmed tears prick my eyes because this ring is…it’s us. It’s everything about Devlin and I.

  “Blair.” Devlin looks from the ring to me with love shining in his eyes. “You’re my home, my magic star. I want to keep that, if you’ll have me. Forever, preferably.”

  A shocked, breathy laugh leaves me. Devlin licks his lips, taking my hand. He places the ring at the tip of my finger. An excited squeal distracts me for a moment. It’s Mom, filming with her phone. She has a hand pressed to her cheek, smiling joyously.

  “Did you know about this?” I call to her.

  Mom nods, squealing again. Devlin strokes my knuckles with his thumb, drawing my attention.

  I swipe beneath my eyes to catch the leaking tears. “Is this really happening?”

  The corners of Devlin’s eyes crinkle. “When you’re ready for it, will you marry me?”

  Words have escaped me. All I can do is nod, watching as if I’m outside of my body as he slips the stunning ring on my finger. A watery gasp gets stuck in my throat as I launch myself at Devlin, snaking my arms around his neck.

  A relieved laugh rumbles in his chest as he clutches me close. “Love you, angel. Going to love you forever.”

  Happiness like I’ve never known fills me to the brim as I hug him. Mom cheers from the front step as Devlin picks me up by the back of my thighs. My legs lock around his waist as he supports me. I grin, cupping his cheeks with cold hands and he gives me a matching expression. I kiss his smile, unable to contain my own.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Fuck yes.” Devlin smirks, carrying me to the house. “I’ve known I wanted to marry you since winter formal senior year.”

  “Wow,” I drag out. “Long game, huh?”

  Devlin’s voice drops as he brings his lips to my ear so Mom doesn’t overhear. “You know how much I love playing games with you.”

  My delighted laugh echoes into the trees as we cross the threshold into the warm cottage.

  Forty-Eight

  Epilogue

  DEVLIN

  Three Years Later

  After the last appointment for the day leaves, I lean back in my office chair, surveying what I’ve built for myself. The rooms are designed similarly to the rustic cabin-style house Blair and I have in the mountains, with wood accents and a focus on comfort. Art from the gallery Blair manages downtown lines the walls. My aim is to make this place feel as little like a counselor’s office as possible.

  The newly established therapy practice focusing on child and adolescent psychology stirs pride in my chest. My patient list is steadily growing, but it’s not because of my parents’ reputation. It’s because of the dedication to make sure my patients are heard, determined that no child in this town will face the same lack of outlet I had growing up.

  My phone lights up on the desk with a message from Bishop to our group text with Lucas. I snort at the picture he sent, helping his wife with one of her wild new ideas for her business.

  Bishop: This Valentine’s you too can have your very own chocolate dick mold. [eggplant emoji] Spread the word to your wives. Family gets first dibs on orders.

  Lucas: Jesus. That is way more of you than I ever wanted to see again. I’ll forward you my therapy bill. Dev, you got any openings?

  Devlin: Fuck off, both of you.

  Bishop: [smirking devil emoji] What, Saint, didn’t you take any nude figure drawing classes at your fancy art school?

  Lucas: [middle finger emoji]

  Devlin: [GIF of Homer Simpson retreating into a bush]

  It’s strange to think of the anguish I once faced thinking my two best friends would someday leave me behind. Instead, we’ve grown closer than ever. Blood related or not, we’re all family.

  I don’t have to wish for one anymore. The one I needed was there all along.

  I spin the platinum wedding band on my ring finger, picturing the stars Blair had engraved on the inside when we got married last year.

  As if I’ve conjured her, she texts me. The corner
of my mouth lifts.

  Blair: How do you feel about beef stew for dinner? I have the biggest hankering. Or maybe something with a little kick to it.

  Devlin: What my wife wants, my wife gets.

  Blair: [GIF of a beautiful woman in a crown]

  Blair: Going hard for this year’s best husband award?

  A smirk crosses my face and heat tugs at my groin as I type my response.

  Devlin: Not until I have you screaming my name tonight. You get beef for dinner and I get you to feast on.

  It doesn’t matter that we’ve been together for five years, I still can’t control the need I have for her.

  Blair: [smirk emoji] Going for gold, then?

  Devlin: Always when it comes to you, angel.

  Blair: Better hurry home, then.

  She sends a surreptitious selfie of her plump red lips wrapped around her finger, sucking it to the knuckle.

  “Fuck,” I mutter hoarsely, adjusting my cock in my slacks.

  I love my fiery little demon. Grabbing my key fob and coat, I let Blair know I’ll be home soon after I stop to pick up stuff for dinner.

  When I get in, Blair’s not back from the gallery yet. I hang my coat in the cozy living room, filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves for our book collection. On the shelf closest to our wedding photos, the hardcover edition of Stardust from my proposal is displayed front and center.

  Once I have the groceries put away in the kitchen, I hear the front door open. Blair murmurs in a calming tone. My brow furrows as I sneak closer to see what she’s doing.

  Blair has her scarf bundled in one arm, bustling around the room to build a fort of sorts out of the pillows on the plush sofa. Once she’s satisfied, she nestles her bundled scarf.

  Intrigued, I move closer. Propping my shoulder against the doorway, I survey the attentive way she tucks in the edges of the scarf.

  It’s nurturing in a way, how she tends to the bundle. We’ve both talked about how we want a big family. My gaze sweeps over her frame. I’m ready to start one now, eager to see her belly swelled with our baby.

  We’ve only come close once so far. Shortly after we were married, we took an at home test when we thought we might be pregnant, but it turned out to be a false positive. I haven’t wanted to push her, not until she’s ready to try again, too.

  “What are you doing?”

  Blair emits a startled sound and pops up. She spots me and huffs. “Jesus, give a girl a heart attack much?”

  Humor injects my voice as I cross the room. “You shouldn’t have taught me the trick to being stealthy then. If I can’t use it to sneak up on you, what good does it do me?”

  The lesson plays in my head, followed by the ways I’ve employed the new skill over the years. Usually it ends with both of us naked and sated. Blair tips her chin up with a wry smirk.

  My hand rests on her ass when I reach her. Giving it a squeeze, I peer into the scarf mound. A ball of black fur greets me.

  “I found her behind the gallery. She was all alone, crying up a storm.” Blair reaches out to stroke the kitten’s fur. “I couldn’t leave her there.”

  The little kitten pops her head up, peering at me with big yellow-green eyes. She’s a tiny, pathetic thing. I can see why Blair was immediately drawn to the kitten.

  I take a seat next to the pillow fort Blair constructed, leaning an arm across the back of the couch as I watch the kitten. “So my stray brought home a stray?”

  Blair snorts and plops onto my lap, pinching my arm. I tug her closer, and she snuggles against my chest as we study the tiny kitten.

  “Isn’t she cute? She reminded me of you.”

  I run a finger down the kitten’s back. My lips twitch up at the way the kitten leans into my touch like it’s starved for affection, needy for a connection. The kitten releases an indignant mewl, demanding more attention. I resume petting it, astonished by the loud purring.

  “I think she looks more like you,” I counter in a teasing tone, patting Blair’s thigh. “So a cat, huh?”

  “Yup.” Blair bites the corner of her lip, reaching for my hand. Our fingers intertwine, the same as they have a thousand times. “And that’s not all.”

  “More surprises?”

  “Well, I made an appointment to confirm, but I’m pretty sure.” Blair tugs my hand over her stomach, covering it with her palm. Her eyes are soft as her mouth curves. “I think…”

  Eyes wide, I cup her jaw. “You—Really?”

  Blair nods, swooping down to kiss me. I cradle her close, tracing her stomach with care, searching for the feel of life we created together.

  She releases a breathy laugh. “You won’t feel anything yet.”

  “That won’t stop me from imagining.”

  Elation builds in my chest as it hits me. Blair and I are having a baby.

  A piercing meow interrupts our celebration. The kitten clumsily climbs from the makeshift swaddle and jumps between us, curling up once more.

  The family I found is growing. A warm glow rises inside me. I think it might be happiness.

  Blair rests her forehead against mine. I hook my hands around her waist and kiss her.

  My thumb strokes over her freckled cheek when we part. “My shooting star. You’re better than a wish.”

  * * *

  THE END

  Download a free bonus scene at bit.ly/TDfreebonus

  The Sinners and Saints series continues in Bishop and Thea’s book, Ruthless Bishop. Pre-order here!

  Thank You + What’s Next?

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  Acknowledgments

  I want to thank you, readers, for reading this book! It means the world to me that you supported my work. I wouldn’t be here without you! The response to this series and these characters has seriously blown me away. I love all of the comments and messages you send! I hope you enjoyed your read! I’m really excited to bring you more from this series!

  Thanks to my husband for being you! He doesn’t read these, but he’s my biggest supporter. He keeps me fed and watered while I’m in the writer cave, and doesn’t complain when I fling myself out of bed at odd hours with an idea to frantically scribble down.

  Bre, I seriously couldn’t have written this book without you. Our many chats were amazing. You never fail to make me laugh, cheer me on, and inspire me to write. Your love and understanding of my characters is amazing! Thank you for your friendship and support, and no, I will not apologize about my love of pineapple on pizza haha!

  Thank you to Jade Bones for help whipping this problem child of a book into shape and helping me make it something I’m proud of! I always appreciate your help and love chatting writing with you!

  Thank you to Ashlee of Ashes & Vellichor for the amazing book trailers for this series! I love the way you can look at something and get it, and I’ve been in awe of what you’ve come up with to bring these books to life!

  To my beta readers, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I appreciate that y’all read my raw words and offer your time, attention to detail, and consideration of the characters and storyline in my books! You’re a dream team and I’m so glad I met each of you! Your time and hard work are much appreciated!

  To my street team and reader group, y’all are the best babes around! Thank you for your help in sharing my books and for your support of my work!

  To the bloggers and bookstagrammers, thank you for being the most wonderful and welcoming community! You guys
are incredible and blow me away with your passion for romance!

  As always, I want to send a big shout out of love to my writing hags, the best bunch around! I always cherish your support and encouragement of my writing, no matter where my heart eyes and the muse take me. Every book I publish is thanks to you guys.

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  Ruthless Bishop

  Sinners and Saints Book 3

  dark new adult high school bully romance

  Cover Reveal: May 2020

  Release: Summer 2020

  * * *

  THEA

  one wrong move and it’s over.

  I was invisible until I wasn’t.

  One mistyped number became the catalyst to my hell on earth when I accidentally sent a risqué photo to the blackmail king of Silver Lake High. Now Connor Bishop holds it as a bargaining chip over my head. I’ve become his doll, at his mercy in a corrupt castle.