Of Demons & Stones: A Tri-Stone Trilogy

by Anne L. Parks

  That spurs him on even more.

  I'm nearly crying, and my sides hurt. "Okay, okay! Uncle!"

  "Say it, Kylie," he sings.

  "I made it up." I'm gasping for air. I poke my lower lip out and pout.

  He slides his fingers through my hair and pulls my face a little closer to his. "If there were such a thing as a Dude Card, I would rip it into tiny pieces and burn it, because there will never be another woman for me but you."

  He holds me captive with his eyes, and I swear, I'm putty in his hands. The man is seriously skilled in the art of seduction.

  "I like you a whole bunch, Alex Stone." I rest my head on his shoulder and kiss it. Why can't we just stay like this forever? "Every part of me, body and soul, I'm yours—completely." I may not be able to say the exact three little words in my heart and on the tip of my tongue, but I hope the ones I do say mean just as much.

  Alex is silent but buries his face into my neck, tightly wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. We sit this way for a few minutes until he forces me to look at him. His blue eyes ensnare me, holding me in his gaze.

  "You've made me happier than I've ever been, Kylie Tate."

  How did I get so damn lucky?

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Judge Riley concludes his instructions to the jury and officially turns the fate of my client over to them. I'm completely helpless. There is absolutely nothing more I can do until they reach a verdict. All I can do now is resist the urge to run to the restroom and throw up.

  "Now what?" Tony asks, his eyes wide and face pale.

  I give his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Now, we wait."

  Alex comes through the gate and embraces me. "You were amazing, Kylie," he whispers in my ear before releasing me. He reaches past me and extends his hand to Tony. "How are you holding up?"

  "Doing my best, Alex. Thanks for coming. I appreciate the support."

  Alex nods. " I called in a favor and found a quiet place for you to wait for the jury to return their verdict. It's close by, and the press won't be an issue."

  I freeze and stare at him in total disbelief. He thought ahead and found a place for us to hang out? I didn't even think to do that.

  No matter how much time I spend with him, he never ceases to amaze me, and he always seems to know just what I need, precisely when I need it. It's almost as if he is a part of me that has been missing, a piece of the puzzle that has been lost under the couch and finally found. We fit together so perfectly that it's daunting to consider what life would be like without him.

  Carl escorts us down the back elevator, and we enter the garage. Alex, Tony, and I slide into the backseat while Lisa takes the front passenger seat next to Jake. A similar SUV leaves ahead of us, and I watch as it slowly makes its way down the block, a myriad of press charging after it. I snicker, thinking how surprised they'll be when they discover they've chased the wrong vehicle and we're not in it.

  We turn in the opposite direction and make a strange set of left and right turns, seemingly going nowhere. We finally pull into the service entrance of the Queen Anne Inn, a mere two blocks from the courthouse. I glance behind us as the gate closes to the private parking area at the rear of the hotel. Not one news van is following us. Jake is pretty good at evasive maneuvers. I'm guessing this is not the first time he's had to get away from inquisitive press and paparazzi.

  A short gentleman in a smart suit, striped tie, and matching handkerchief folded in the pocket of the jacket steps forward as the SUV comes to a stop.

  Alex exits the vehicle and shakes hands with the man. "Alberto, it's nice to see you again. Thank you so much for your help in accommodating us on such short notice." Alex turns to me, and places his hand on the small of my back. "Allow me to introduce Kylie Tate. Kylie, this is Alberto Consuelos. He manages the Queen Anne Inn."

  Alberto takes my hand and kisses the back of it. "Miss Tate, I've been watching you on TV all week. It's a great pleasure to meet you and have you at our hotel."

  He has a Spanish accent that I could listen to all day. "Thank you. It's very nice to meet you as well."

  Alberto turns and begins walking into the grand hotel. "Let us get inside before anyone takes notice of us, shall we?"

  We are led through the kitchen and onto the service elevator. Alberto uses a key card and pushes the button for the top floor.

  Of course Alex would get a penthouse suite.

  Using the same key card, Alberto opens the door to the suite and stands aside to allow us to enter. It's breathtaking and charming and feels like home.

  The pale gold walls contrast the dark wood flooring, furniture, and fireplace façade. Tall narrow windows line one wall, covered by heavy crimson drapes that are pulled back to allow in the sunlight and an amazing view of the historic courthouse and churches surrounding the circle. The open room is separated into two distinct areas—a large sitting room with a couch and recliner facing a huge flat screen TV and a dining area in the other half.

  The buffet table along the wall in the dining room is filled with sandwiches and salads as well as a couple of covered serving dishes. There is a three-tiered dessert tray with cookies, cakes, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

  "Miss Tate," Alberto calls to me, "your coffee and tea station is here, tucked into this nook."

  I look over at Alex, who just winks at me and smiles.

  He has thought of everything.

  Alberto remains for a few more minutes, ensuring everything is to Alex's expectations. Before leaving, he informs me that I simply need to call his office if I require anything at all. I thank him and smile as he takes my hand and kisses it once again.

  I walk through the suite into the bedroom, Alex not far behind me. I twirl around, wrap my arms around him, and press my lips to his. "Thank you for doing all of this, Alex."

  "Anything for you, baby. You know that." He draws me back in for a longer, deeper, more passionate kiss.

  I take in the opulence of the room. There's a king-sized bed with down comforter and too many pillows. "This must have come at a premium on short notice. Was it strictly a monetary exchange, or did you have to promise him something else?"

  "It cost some coin, but I had to agree to name-drop, as well. We'll have to let it slip that you were staying here while waiting for a decision to come back. Nothing will happen on that front until after you have left. I'll have my PR people release a statement." Alex kisses me again, his lips teasing the sensitive skin along my neck.

  "Better have them coordinate with the firm's PR for consistency."

  "Mmhmm."

  "What would I do without you, Alex Stone?"

  He lifts his eyes and gazes at me, a mischievous glint in them. "A better question is, what do you plan to do with me?"

  "Odd you should ask because I'm compiling quite an extensive list."

  "Really? Sounds intriguing." He draws me in for another kiss that makes my toes curl. "Unfortunately, I have to get back to the office. I have a conference call that I can't reschedule."

  "Tease," I chide him. "Okay, but some time in the future, we're reserving this suite, and trying out this bed...and maybe a couple of other places around the suite."

  "Deal. Until then, try to relax. And eat something, please. I have some plans for you when this is all over, and it will require you to have lots and lots of energy."

  "Again with the teasing," I murmur.

  I grasp his tie, haul him against me, and lay a lustful kiss on him. If he's going to leave me here in a heightened state of arousal, turnabout is fair play.

  I step back.

  He murmurs, "Damn.".

  "More of that, later." I wink.

  We head back into the main living area.

  Alex shakes hands with Tony and offers a reassuring, "See you again soon."

  He gives me a peck on the cheek, and he and Jake walk out the door.

  Thomas arrives and makes a beeline for the buffet, piles his plate full of food, and joins Lisa, Tony, and me at th
e table. We don’t discuss the trial or speculate on the jury deliberations. Instead, Lisa and Thomas regale Tony and me with tales of their childhoods and the antics of children of large families.

  By mid afternoon, Thomas and Tony are playing some excessively graphic war game on the Xbox. Lisa had files sent over to the hotel from the office and is typing away on my laptop. A deposition from another case was included in the materials, which I'm trying to read without much success.

  My cell phone rings, and the room falls instantly silent. I check the caller ID, and my stomach rolls.

  "Kylie Tate."

  The judge's clerk. She gives me instructions, and I disconnect the call.

  I perform a quick mental calculation. The jury deliberated for about four and a half hours. My heart sinks. That's awfully quick for a death penalty case.

  "Jury's back."

  Tony's face turns ghostly white.

  He stares at me, probably trying to gauge my reaction. He's no doubt wondering the same thing I am and coming up with the same conclusion. It doesn't look good.

  Lisa is on the phone with the office and informs Sarah the jury is returning. I call the front desk for an escort to the service entrance.

  A black cloud looms over all of us. I desperately search for light amid the storm that darkens my vision.

  I quickly send a text to Alex.

  Verdict. Too soon. Expecting bad news.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  I look through the gallery and spot Jack in the front row, expressionless. None of the other penthouse attorneys are here. It's a pretty clear indication they think it's a lost cause, as well. I imagine a new petition is circulating to have me extricated from the top floor by Monday morning.

  "All rise," the bailiff calls.

  Judge Riley enters the courtroom and takes the bench. "I have been informed that the jury has reached a verdict. Before I call them in, I would like to go over some ground rules. There will be no outbursts in the courtroom after the verdict is read. If you become disruptive, I will have you removed. If the defendant is found guilty, he will immediately be taken into custody. If he is found not guilty, he will be free to go after some out-processing procedures. At this time, I'll have the jury enter."

  Carl calls for everyone to rise again as two uniformed sheriffs take up positions behind Tony. He turns, looks at them, and then at me.

  I place my hand on his arm and whisper, "Standard procedure." If the worst happens, and the verdict is not in our favor, the sheriffs will slap handcuffs on Tony in the blink of an eye,and restrain him in case he tries to make a run for it.

  The members of the jury enters and take their seats. Half look at Tony, and the other half are staring at their feet. After they're all seated, the judge follows and signals the rest of us to sit.

  An intense thump rattles my chest and pounds through my head. It's deafening. Every muscle in my body tenses, and it's difficult to even draw in a breath. Tony has both hands on the table, but his knees are bouncing, unseen by anyone but me. To the jury, the onlookers, and the TV viewing audience, he looks calm and collected.

  "Has the jury reached a decision?" Judge Riley addresses the twelve members.

  The jury foreman stands. "We have, Your Honor."

  There's a faint buzz in my ears. The verdict form is handed to the court clerk, who passes it to the judge. Time slows to a near stop. Every action appears measured, which only adds to my anxiety and further increases my already accelerated heart rate.

  Judge Riley opens the folded paper and then peers over his glasses at me and indicates we should rise. I stand next to Tony, stock-still, and hold my breath. The judge reads the entire statement, but it's really only the last couple of words that matter. It seems like minutes pass, and I feel I might have an aneurysm implode before we find out the answer to the question haunts us.

  "The jury finds the defendant not guilty."

  The air is sucked out of the room. I'm not sure I heard correctly. I peer at Judge Riley for some type of indication that I haven't lost my mind, and he simply nods.

  Relief washes over me. Breathing becomes a simple task again. I turn to Tony.

  Tears stream down his face, and he pulls me into a bear hug. "Thank you so much, Kylie. I owe you my life."

  I choke back tears and try to maintain a professional demeanor.

  The judge bangs his gavel and calls the courtroom back to order. Tony and I stand, arm in arm, quietly thanking the jury.

  I did it. I won. Tony will be able to raise his children. And I will maintain my corner office.

  I step off the elevator on the top floor of Stone Holdings. Amy's desk is empty, and the double doors to Alex's office are wide open. The inner sanctum is filled with people, but no one's talking. They are all staring at one of the many large screen TVs that cover one wall. The news reporter relays the "shocking verdict in the Anthony Trevalis murder trial."

  I lean against the doorframe, trying to remain inconspicuous, and survey the room. People are mesmerized by the information. Some place hands to their mouths in disbelief. I hear my voice and realize they're replaying my interview from the steps of the courthouse.

  Jake is just inside the door and catches sight of me. I wink at him and put my finger to my mouth.

  "We're pleased, of course, with the jury's verdict. It's our sincere hope that law enforcement will continue to investigate this case and apprehend the person who brutally murdered Cindy Onstad. It's clear that there is more here than was originally discovered through the minimal investigation performed by the police and subsequent rush by the District Attorney to convict an innocent man."

  Alex is sitting at his desk intently watching the TV. He slides his finger over his bottom lip. My eyes are transfixed on his wide smile as he listens to my statement. I realize just how much I want his approval. He nods his head slightly and listens to my answers to the reporters' questions, and I can't help but feel I've accomplished something huge.

  "Hey," someone in the room pipes up loudly and points at me. "There's the woman of the hour."

  Everyone turns to me, and the room breaks into applause. People shake my hand and offer congratulations. Heat rises in my cheeks. I've never been comfortable with adulation and attention. Ryan is always chastising me for my inability to take a compliment. He blames it on my dad. Maybe he's right. It's not that my dad was cruel in his remarks, more that he was too drunk to remark either way, positive or negative.

  People make their way past me and return to their desks.

  Jake approaches me and shakes my hand. "Congrats, Kylie."

  "Thanks, Jake, but I really need you to go help Lisa with…whatever. Thomas can get Alex and me home."

  Jake smiles but glances over his shoulder at Alex.

  "I can handle Alex," I whisper, and playfully elbow him in the side.

  Jake nods and heads to the elevators.

  Alex strides toward me and wraps his arms around my waist. "I'm so proud of you, baby. You were amazing."

  "I seriously thought the jury was going the other way. I nearly passed out waiting for Riley to finish reading the verdict."

  "I never had a doubt. You laid out a solid case. There was nothing for the jury to consider. They had to find him not guilty."

  "Thanks, babe, but I need your help."

  Alex peers at me, his eyes questioning, and his eyebrows drawn together.

  I step into him and press my body against his. "It's a little known fact that after I win a big case, I have to have mind-blowing sex."

  "I'll get my stuff." Alex says quickly, and he starts to pull away.

  I grab his tie and pull him back toward me and shake my head slowly from side-to-side. "Uh-uh, babe. I need it now. Right now." My lips travel up and down his neck. He lets out a low moan, igniting a flame between my legs.

  "Here?" His voice is raspy.

  My nipples harden. "Here. Now." My lips find his, and my tongue slips effortlessly into his mouth.

  We linger in the kiss for
a moment until he pulls away and walks to his office doors.

  "Amy, hold all my calls, and no one is to disturb me under any circumstance."

  The double doors close and lock. He grasps the back of my head, twists his fingers into my hair, and he pulls me to his lips. I clutch the muscles in his back, so firm and strong. He walks me backward toward the leather couch.

  "Damn, babe, you are all sorts of sexy," I murmur and move my hands to the front of his pants, anxious for him to fill me.

  "Baby, you cannot scream here, okay?" Alex says in that deep growl that sends fingers of heat straight to my core.

  I unbutton his pants and lower the zipper. "Uh-huh," I answer, trying to find his mouth again.

  "I'm serious. Promise me, Kylie."

  "I promise." He’s thick, solid, and wanting to be free of the boxers restraining him.

  Alex pulls my skirt up around my waist and lowers me onto the couch. I spread my legs, inviting him into me.

  Horny as hell and impatient for him to be inside me, I whisper in his ear, "Please, babe. I need to feel you in me."

  Alex moves the fabric of my panties over and thrusts into me hard. I suck in a deep breath and dig my nails into his back. He drives into me, fast and deep. I bury my head in the crook of his neck and stifle my cries. This is rough and fast and exactly what I want. I writhe under him, desperate to find an outlet for my passion usually expressed in my loud outburst and cries.

  My hips move fast against Alex. I'm climbing—so close to climax. I bite my bottom lip and finally topple over the edge.

  Ripples of pleasure roll through me. Alex thrust into me a few more times and shudders through his release. Our breathing is heavy but in sync.

  "See? I can be quiet," I say, exhaling roughly.

  Alex chuckles. "Yeah, you did great. Really fucking great."

  I laugh and kiss his shoulder. It wasn't soft or romantic, but it was no less loving.

  All the stress and tension is gone. I needed a physical outlet, and Alex provided it—although, I guess he needed it as much as I did. It seems like we've been hanging on by our fingernails. Yes, the sex was a physical outlet, but it was also an emotional bond. We received something. We gave something. Neither one of us is adept at relationships, but we seem to be on the right track. Now, if we can just keep moving forward.