Devil in the Details

by Morgan James

  “If it’s too soon, or if you don’t want to, I understand.” He took a deep breath. “I know we haven’t really talked about it, but... I promise I won’t let you down this time. I want to be here for you, for Alexia and any other kids we might have.”

  My heart raced. “Are you sure?”

  He placed my hand over his heart. “I love you so much it fucking hurts. Nearly losing you scared the hell out of me, but it also made me realize how quickly shit can go sideways.” He swept his hand over my stomach again. “I want to see my baby grow inside you. I want to be by your side every day. I want to grow old and gray together and die by your side.”

  My smile started small then grew until my cheeks hurt. “I want that, too. All of it.”

  He tumbled me to the bed, his mouth hard on mine. When we finally broke apart, he smiled wolfishly down at me. “First, let’s work on getting you pregnant.”

  Xander

  Two Weeks Later

  THE SOFT RUSTLE OF sheets and the gentle shifting of Lydia’s body next to mine brought me fully awake. I blinked my eyes open, immediately alert and ready to start the day, conditioned from years of military training. The dim light seeping through the bedroom window told me that it was still early, and a glance at the clock on the nightstand confirmed the fact. I listened intently for any indication that Alexia had begun to stir, but the house remained quiet. I didn’t have to be at work for another two hours, and with a beautiful woman cuddled up next to me, there was no reason to get up yet.

  Twisting my head, I glanced over at Lydia to see if she was still asleep. She was. One hand curled under the pillow, the other draped over her waist, her lips were parted slightly as her chest rose and fell on deep, even breaths. She looked so peaceful, so angelic, and a fierce protectiveness washed over me. For so long, she had tried to take on everything all by herself: parenting, her business, every single thing life threw at her. Though I’d told her nearly a month ago that I was here for the long-haul, she gave me that little half smile of hers, like she didn’t quite believe me.

  Lydia struggled with love and trust, and I knew I’d have a hell of a time overcoming what she’d experienced in the past. Over the last few weeks, I’d done my damnedest to prove to her that I was different, that we were different. We would never have a marriage like her parents’ respective relationships, jumping from one partner to the next, selfishly viewing their unions only in terms of financial stability and social status. But I’d never been one to turn down a challenge, and I wasn’t about to start now. So I’d terminated the lease on my apartment, moved into the duplex with her and Alexia, and set about proving to her just how serious I was.

  Each day had been better than the last. Lydia had gradually begun to shed the doubt and insecurity that had plagued her for so long. She seemed more relaxed, more free. Now that she finally trusted me, she was less reserved, offering her smiles and affection in abundance. I planned to spend every day of the rest of my life loving her and Alexia, and what better way to start the day than doing just that?

  Lydia shivered as I lifted the covers, briefly allowing our body heat to escape. I tugged them over our heads, then gently rolled her to her back and maneuvered between her legs. Her muscles tensed and twitched as I skimmed my hands over the sleek curves of her waist and hips, then hooked my thumbs in the fabric of her panties and tugged them down. She slipped one foot free, then the other, and she let out a sleepy little sigh as I spread her thighs and settled in.

  Slender fingers delved into my hair as I dipped my head to kiss her. Her sweetness filled my mouth, and I leisurely explored her pretty pink folds until she was writhing beneath me, soft, sexy little pleas falling from her lips. She trembled and quaked as I brought her to the edge of orgasm, her teeth digging into her lower lip to contain her cries of ecstasy.

  I flicked the tiny bundle of nerves with my tongue, and her hips jerked as she hovered on the precipice, ready to explode. I pulled away with a little grin and glanced up her, her head pressing into the pillow, bracing herself for the sensation. It took her little more than a second to realize it wasn’t coming, and her nails dug into my shoulders.

  “Damn it, Xan!”

  A rough chuckle left my throat, and I kissed her inner thigh before levering myself over her. “No need for threats.”

  My dick leaped as I dropped to my elbows, bringing every inch of skin against hers from nose to toes. I loved the feel of her, soft and silky smooth, so different from my own hardened muscle. No matter how often I made love to her, it wasn’t enough. I wanted to sink inside her and stay there forever.

  Long, lean legs curled around the backs of my thighs, urging me on, and I gently pushed forward. The sensation of her hot flesh yielding to mine stilted my breath for a second, and Lydia wrapped her arms around my shoulders, pulling me closer. Sliding one hand under her bottom, I angled her hips upward the slightest bit as I sank all the way to the hilt. Slowly, in deep, measured, strokes, I began to move. Cocooned in our own little world, I made love to her slow and unhurried, tender and sweet. I teased her lips with soft kisses, drawing out her pleasure as she finally came on a gasping breath. The tightening of her flesh set off my own orgasm, and I came hard, emptying myself inside her with a ragged groan.

  I slowly withdrew, then turned onto my side, pulling Lydia against me. Instinctively, she found that sweet spot right between my neck and shoulder and burrowed in, tangling her legs with mine. Her chest brushed mine as our lungs fought to draw in air, and our pulses gradually returned to normal. For several long minutes, only the sound of our combined breaths filled the air. Then Lydia spoke.

  “Xan?”

  I could barely make out the word as she spoke against my chest. “Yeah, babe?”

  She drew a deep breath. “I have to tell you something.”

  Instantly on guard, I stiffened. “What’s wrong?”

  She lifted her head and peered up at me, insecurity and worry swimming in the gray depths. “We haven’t... It’s been...” She trailed off, then started again. “I mean, I know you said...”

  She looked so lost that I took pity on her and stopped her rambling by brushing my thumb over her lower lip. “Liddy, what’s going on?”

  She bit her lip, and her gaze darted away for a moment before returning to mine. “I’m late.”

  My brows drew together. “Late for what?”

  “Late late.” She paused. “Like, two weeks late.”

  Understanding slammed into me with the force of a freight train. “You’re sure?”

  She shook her head. “I haven’t taken a test yet, but...”

  I slipped my hand between us and rested it on her stomach as a smile slowly bloomed over my face. “You’re pregnant.”

  “Maybe.” She lifted her shoulders a tiny fraction. “I think so, yeah.”

  I dipped my head and kissed her hard, my tongue sliding against her own. It was full of love, passion, gratitude and everything in between. It was something we both wanted, and nothing made me happier than the idea of having a big family with Lydia.

  Alexia’s happy cry from the next room ripped us apart, and I grinned at my wife. “Your turn or mine?”

  She smiled and pressed one hand against my chest. “I’ll get her. Take your time.”

  After one last lingering kiss she peeled herself away from me, and I let my hand trail over her back as she climbed from the bed. She pulled on her robe and, with a parting smile, disappeared out the door to collect our daughter.

  I collapsed to my back and stared at the ceiling for a minute before launching from the bed and heading into the bathroom. I couldn’t curb the stupid grin that took up residence on my face as I showered and shaved. Lydia was pregnant; we were having a baby.

  “Holy shit.” I caught my reflection in the mirror, stunned but ecstatic nonetheless. I still couldn’t believe it. My grin grew. “A baby.”

  Saying the words aloud made it seem all the more real. I thought of her changing every day, growing round with my baby
. I barely held back a whoop of joy. I couldn’t fucking wait.

  I threw on clothes then bounded down the stairs and into the kitchen. Tossing a glance toward the living room, I saw Alexia playing on the floor, babbling quietly to the stuffed elephant she was strapping into a doll-sized stroller. I grinned at the sight, then turned my attention back to Lydia. My wife.

  She stood at the stove, her back to me, and I stepped up behind her, then wound my arms around her waist. She tipped her head to one side, and I kissed the side of her neck. My lips brushed the sensitive skin when I spoke. “Have I told you how happy you’ve made me?”

  “In the ten minutes since I last saw you?” She let out a little laugh, then turned to face me and looped her arms around my neck. “I don’t think so.”

  One handed tightened around her waist while the other slipped up to cup the back of her neck. “I feel like the luckiest man in the world.”

  Her teasing smile slipped away, and moisture gathered in her pretty gray eyes, rife with guilt. “I love you so much. You mean everything to me.”

  “No tears, babe.” I dipped my head and leaned my forehead against hers. The past was the past; not a damn thing mattered but this moment right here. “We’ve got a beautiful little girl and another little one on the way. Nothin’ better that that.”

  Her chest lifted on a half-laugh, and I dropped to my knees in front of her, then placed my hands along the curve of her waist. My thumbs traced the still-flat plane of her stomach that housed the tiny form of our baby. “Do you think this one will look like me, too?”

  I couldn’t help teasing her, and she gently smacked my shoulder. “I’d better get at least one that looks like me.”

  I glanced up at her, a wide smile on my face. “Sounds like a challenge. We’ll just have to keep trying until we get it right.”

  The sweetest smile curved her mouth, and I was so absorbed that I never heard the patter of tiny feet approaching.

  “Da-da!”

  Those two syllables slayed me, and I thanked God I was already on my knees because I was sure I’d have hit the floor otherwise. Every muscle in my body froze, unable to respond to the sound of my beautiful little girl saying those words for the first time ever. I was dimly aware of Lydia clutching at me, her fingers curling into my flesh. Slowly, I swiveled my head toward Alexia.

  “Who am I?” I said it quietly, encouragingly, desperately holding back the holler of elation that was bubbling up my throat.

  For a second, she hesitated as if she wasn’t quite sure what to do. Then she said it again, almost like a question. “Da-da?”

  I shifted to face her fully, an elated grin forming on my face. “Who am I?”

  She tipped her head to one side, a mischievous little smile curling her lips as she regarded me for a long moment. I knew she was making me work for it, but I didn’t even care. I would wait a fucking lifetime to hear that sweet baby’s voice call me her daddy again.

  The word came out with more conviction this time. “Da-da!”

  “Damn right, baby girl.” My heart swelled with pride and unadulterated joy as I lifted her to my chest and hugged her tight. Lydia slid to her knees next to us, and I slipped an arm around her shoulders. I closed my eyes, my heart threating to explode out of my chest as I clutched them both to me.

  I dropped a kiss on Alexia’s head and released her as she squirmed to get down. Over her head, Lydia’s tear-filled eyes met mine. Reaching for my wife, I cupped the back of her head and took her mouth in a single hard kiss. I pulled back and met her gaze again, sincerity drenching my tone. “Thank you.”

  My girls, the loves of my life. This—this was everything worth living for.

  Thank you so much for reading Devil in the Details! I hope you love Xander and Lydia as much as I do. If you enjoyed this story, don’t forget to check out my other sexy alphas and their sassy heroines in the Quentin Security Series!

  If you are interested in leaving a review on any retail site, I would be so appreciative. I always love to hear what readers say, and reviews are immensely helpful in helping me to become a better writer! If you aren’t comfortable leaving a review but would like to reach out to me, I’m always available on social media or by email!

  Also—typos are the bane of my existence. If you find one, feel free to let me know so I can fix it!

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  Plus—Don’t miss the next book in the Quentin Security Series, Devil in Disguise! Read on for a sneak peek!

  Devil in Disguise

  Chapter One

  Kate

  I paused, my hand hovering over the wrought iron handle of the large glass door, and drew in a deep breath. I hated coming in here. God willing, this would hopefully be the last time I ever had to see the inside of this office and the people in it. Not that I had anything against my lawyer—the guy was a total shark, not to mention incredibly easy on the eyes. Gavin Price was both a welcome and unsettling distraction from the reason for my visit.

  I pulled open the door and strode into the welcoming air conditioning, then pushed my sunglasses to the top of my head. The receptionist sitting beneath the Walker and Raines placard smiled at me, and I returned it despite the turmoil swirling in my stomach.

  I stepped up to the desk and signed in. “I have a ten o’clock with Mr. Price.”

  The older woman nodded and clicked away at the keyboard. “I’ll let him know you’re here.”

  The appreciative smile melted from my face as the familiar voice spoke from behind me, and I automatically stiffened.

  “Hey, Katie.”

  I closed my eyes for a moment before turning to face my soon-to-be-ex-husband. “Steve.”

  His eyes flicked over me before zeroing in on my forehead. “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine, thanks.” Self-consciously, I lifted one hand and arranged my bangs to cover the wound as best I could. I’d been in my office at the Healthplex a little over a week ago getting ready to head out for a girls’ night with my friend Victoria when a man seemingly came out of nowhere. Something had sliced through the air and pain exploded across my forehead. The next thing I was aware of was waking in the hospital a day later.

  Thank God, Victoria had let herself in and scared him away, then ran for help. The man had escaped, but the ordeal had cost me seventeen stitches and one hell of a bruise. The wound was still an angry red line against my face. “Stitches came out yesterday, but...”

  Steve nodded. He knew the drill. Like me, he was a licensed medical professional, and we shared a practice in the Healthplex downtown. Though for how long, I didn’t know. Steve had proposed during college, and I’d happily agreed to marry him, a young, rash decision that seemed to make sense at the time. We’d had everything all planned out—we would graduate, start a practice together, then, once it was established, we’d start a family. Except it hadn’t quite worked out that way.

  “How’s Libby?”

  Steve’s gaze cut away before meeting mine again. “She’s good.”

  “And the baby?”

  His face relaxed, taking on an expression of elation. “Healthy. It’s a girl.”

  His words were like a knife to my heart, and I offered a small smile then dropped my gaze to the travertine tile floor. Up until just a few months ago, I thought everything was fine. Not perfect, certainly, but it was... okay. We were both busy with work, and I hadn’t seen the signs until it was too late.

  From the information I’d gleaned from friends, the affair had started a little over eight months ago. Steve had gone on a health kick and joined a new gym. It was there that he’d met the perky little blonde and fallen head over heels for her. The fact that he had a wife was apparently little more than a blip on his radar. Within a couple months, Libby was pregnant and he’d presented me with divorce papers.

  Thank God we hadn’t rushed into startin
g a family. I would never want to drag kids through this. It was bad enough that we were fighting over the business. The house, I didn’t care about. I hadn’t stepped inside since the day I’d learned about the affair. It had taken just under ten hours for myself and two friends to pack up my belongings and my fur baby, Peanut, and move into a condo across town.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Gerber? You can come back now.” The receptionist gestured to the long hallway, and I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that I didn’t have to stand there any longer and feign interest in the man who had left me for another woman.

  Steve gestured for me to precede him into the room, and I slipped by, careful not to brush against him. After his infidelity, I could barely stand to be in the same room with him, let alone touch him. I couldn’t help the resentment I felt toward him. He’d chosen to cheat instead of work things out or even address the issue, and I could never forgive him for that. I knew I was better off without someone like Steve in my life, but his betrayal still hurt.

  I’d known for awhile that things were... off. But after six years of marriage, wasn’t that to be expected? The potent sexual desire we’d experienced at twenty-two had gradually declined, and the last time we’d had sex was more than a year ago. It had felt stiff and awkward, like a necessary evil performed out of obligation. Although I’d blamed Steve for his cheating, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d been partially responsible for driving him away. In the process of building our careers, there had been so many long nights, so much to do. And I was acutely aware that I’d changed since college, too—I’d put on a few pounds and rarely wore makeup. Was Steve more physically attracted to Libby or was it purely chemistry, a connection between them that had never existed between Steve and me? Maybe if I’d tried harder...

  I stepped into the conference room, my gaze automatically drawn to the man standing by the coffee service. His broad shoulders stretched the fabric of his dark suit, and his pants were perfectly tailored, skimming his muscular thighs and breaking perfectly over his polished shoes. Gavin Price was the kind of man who had been put on this earth purely for women’s pleasure. His dark eyes caught mine as he turned, and I blushed furiously, quickly averting my eyes as I sank into a chair.