Forever Wicked

Chapter Eight

Fifteen minutes later, they sat around the breakfast table in her parents’ kitchen. Mama busied herself making coffee. Mila settled Little Tony in front of the TV in the next room, then put Bella in her playpen. Jason linked his fingers with her own. Daddy didn’t say a word.

“Who gave you the news? What happened exactly?” Gia asked finally as Mila entered the kitchen again and Mama sat down with her steaming mug.

Her father sighed. “Sergeant Miller called. He still works at the precinct, right?”

She nodded. “He’s retiring in March.”

“He thought I’d want to know that Wayman had been killed. Apparently, he got into a fight with one of his homies and it ended with a gunshot.”

Gia sat back in her chair, the shock still pinging inside her. A thousand emotions pelted her. Vindication warred with anger. Wayman had been an unrepentant thug, well known for selling drugs to kids. Whoever had shot him had probably done the human race a favor. But she’d wanted to arrest him and at least try to make him answer to a jury and the prison system for his crimes. His violent end shouldn’t be surprising, not when he lived so violently himself. Still, the suddenness of it left her reeling.

“Do we know why?” she asked.

Mila breathed a sigh of relief. “Do we care why? He’s dead, and I say good riddance. Wayman shot your brother in cold blood, and I hope he pays for what he’s done in Hell.”

“I can’t disagree,” her father said gruffly, sipping at his coffee. But he still looked shaken.

Mama reached out and tucked her hand in his. “I know I should look at it differently as a good Christian, but that criminal took something from me—from all of us—I can never replace. I couldn’t bring myself to forgive him. Maybe now that he’s reaped what he’s sown, I can. I don’t know. But I also know there’s a mother out there tonight grieving the loss of her son. She will miss him at Thanksgiving and Christmas, every year his birthday passes, every time she sees something he would have enjoyed… Even if her son committed terrible deeds, my heart goes out to her.”

Daddy nodded fiercely and wrapped his arms around her mother, breathing loudly into her hair as if trying to get a hold of his emotions. A long moment later, he kissed her head. “His death probably saved lives. And right or wrong, I feel a sense of closure now.”

Gia didn’t. She was relieved in a way, but even more, she felt cheated. The whole swirl of emotions barely made any sense to her. But right now had to be about her family.

Beside her, Mila sobbed quietly. “I know Wayman’s death doesn’t bring my husband back.” Her breath hitched on his name. Still, she pressed on. “But I feel better knowing that man doesn’t walk the streets any more and can’t pull the trigger again. He can’t rob any other woman of her husband or son. Maybe now, we can all move on with our lives.”

Beside Gia, Jason squeezed her hand. She knew she should let go of her anger against Wayman and her driving need for revenge to focus on tomorrow, on building her own family with her husband. On the surface, that sounded great. But how did she just forget the fact that she’d needed to give her family—and herself—some finality before she moved on?

“We certainly weren’t going to get closure from DPD,” her father added cynically.

“What do you mean?” Gia frowned. Did her dad know something she didn’t?

“Think about it. A good cop died and no one lifted a finger? The story of an officer murdered on the streets within days of Thanksgiving barely made it to the press. And Patrick recanted his eyewitness testimony after a few days.”

“Yeah,” she drawled. “And I have little doubt he bought a boat with the bribe that made him suddenly ‘unsure’ of what he’d seen. I even reported him to Internal Affairs. It’s like…they’re stalling or they just don’t care.”

“That’s what I’m saying. Wayman was paying off most of the precinct, including the brass. I can’t prove that, but I know he targeted your brother because Tony refused to be bought.”

Gia sat back, feeling flattened all over again. It all made sense, and she should have seen it sooner. But no, she’d wanted to believe that the people she worked with weren’t corrupt assholes more concerned with lining their pockets than justice. She felt damn naïve.

How was she going to return to work when her stay with Jason was up and look those people in the eye without wanting to rail and scream at them all?

Jason’s phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the screen, then stood. “I should take this. You okay?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

Sort of, anyway. She might self-combust in the next ten seconds if her head didn’t stop spinning. Hell, what else didn’t she know?

“Excuse me for a minute.” Jason nodded and ducked out of the room.

Gia watched him ease out the front door with his phone pressed to his ear, his posture telling her he was already in business mode.

“It’s been a hell of a night,” her father commented with a sigh.

She nodded, then reached for Daddy’s hand. “It has, but I want you to know that I’m here for you all.”

“No,” Mila insisted, jumping out of her chair with her hands on her hips. “Hell, no.”

Blinking, Gia stared at her usually reserved sister-in-law. “What the…”

“You listen to me.” Mila wagged her finger. “Don’t you dare give up one more minute with your husband! Tony and I had six wonderful years together. Even though they ended terribly, I wouldn’t trade a second with him because I loved him. You gave me a year when your place was with Jason. Don’t spend more time apart from him that you may someday regret. I should have been standing on my own two feet all this time. I will from now on.”

“If we had known you were newly wedded, honey, we would have done so much more to pitch in and help.” Mama’s expression looked somewhere between miserable and guilty. “I let you handle everything because I felt lost myself. Taking care of the kids would have given me purpose and allowed me less time to wallow.”

“You weren’t up to it.”

Her mother snorted. “I’m not ancient. I would have managed.”

“I’d hoped dealing with the kids would give you less time to hunt Wayman,” her father admitted. “I damn near did a jig when you were put behind a desk. You were too set on revenge to be looking for that killer.”

“Daddy, I can take care of myself.”

“I thought Tony could, too.” He shook his head solemnly. “I kept fearing I’d get a phone call about your murder next.”

“I wouldn’t have risked myself.”

Her father scoffed. “Don’t lie to me.”

Gia sighed as guilt ricocheted through her. “I was careful.”

He shook his salt-and-pepper head. “Bullshit. You went into Wayman’s ‘hood with guns loaded and cocked. I made a couple of phone calls and tried to get you reassigned or put behind a desk, but I don’t have any influence since I retired. Whoever finally realized that you were going to get yourself killed and did something about it, I want to shake his hand.”

“I’m glad you approve.” Jason closed the door behind him suddenly and crossed the front room into the kitchen with his hand outstretched.

Daddy took it, pumping vigorously. “You got Gia desk duty?”

“Yes, sir. I’m acquainted with the mayor. I might have suggested that if he wanted a healthy donation for his reelection campaign, he needed to make sure a certain beautiful female officer didn’t get hurt in the line of duty.”

“Well, hot damn!” A grin broke out across her father’s face. “I like you even more.”

“Thank you.” Tears trembled in Mama’s eyes.

Mila nodded, wearing a mirror expression.

She glared at them. They all approved of Jason’s manipulation? What the hell?

Jason looked surprisingly grim. “Don’t thank me yet.” Then he turned to Gia and took her hands. “You know I’d do anything for you, that I would move mountains to keep you safe and happy.”

“Yes,” she said cautiously.

He’d proven it again and again these past nine days. Really, since they’d met. She might not always like the boundaries he gave her, but she couldn’t deny that he had her best interests at heart.

“Always,” he vowed, then faced her family. “That phone call I just took was from an associate of mine. A week ago, I hired him to spread the word in Wayman’s neighborhood that I would pay anyone who brought information leading to the thug’s capture a hundred thousand dollars.”

Her father choked. Her mother gasped. Mila’s jaw dropped.

“What are you saying?” Gia demanded.

“Once word got out, one of his fellow criminals didn’t want to just give us information. Apparently, this one decided he could run the hood better, so he tried to turn in Wayman and collect a little money, too.”

“Wayman would never go in quietly. He’d fight to the death… Oh my god.” She pressed her hand to her mouth, shaking.

“Your reward put an end to him,” Mila said.

Jason shrugged. “His fellow gangster’s greed prompted him to turn on his ‘buddy,’ and Wayman chose to die rather than go to the station for questioning. Maybe I should cry or feel guilty, but I don’t. I don’t always get to use my money for something good, but I think in this situation, we got the best outcome possible.”

“You knew I wanted to bring Wayman in myself,” Gia said through her shock.

He nodded. “I knew it was going to kill you, too.”

She couldn’t argue that he hadn’t done everything possible to keep her safe, but he’d completely missed the point. Later, when she was less stunned, she might not be so angry. But not now. “You didn’t even discuss it with me.”

“I saw no reason to mention it unless my plan actually worked. And I didn’t know Wayman would rather die than be questioned.”

“Did you think he’d just go quietly?” She tossed her hands in the air.

“Most people do, so yes. My intent was simply to get him into the station, which I hoped would lead to his arrest and eventual conviction. I did this for you.”

She knew that logically, but somehow she had a hard time simply thanking him. “What gave you this crazy idea?”

“The night we met for Mexican food, I knew you needed closure. The way you spoke suggested your family did, too. I knew you’d kill yourself trying to provide it. So I took care of it. It took me a few days to find the right person and another week for results but—”

“That phone call this morning, the one I overheard after I first woke up… That was him.”

“Yes.”

“You threatened to fire him.”

“I wanted results. How does that make me the bad guy?”

It didn’t, and in her head Gia knew that. But right in her gut where the anger and rage over Tony’s death lived? Not so much. “You didn’t talk to me about this.”

“So you could tell me not to and go on risking your life?” he challenged.

She held up her hands, feeling seconds away from explosion. She didn’t even know how to put everything she felt into words. Jason’s heart had been in the right place, but that didn’t excuse his interference.

“You had me put behind a desk, then you blackmailed me into spending a few weeks with you. You bought me clothes without consulting me, forced me to introduce you to my parents. And now you tell me that you had my brother’s murderer turned to dust. When do I get to make some decisions about my own life?”

“Gia!” Mila screeched. “I couldn’t be more grateful to him.” She turned to Jason, then rounded the table to hug him. “Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, really. Thank you.”

He put an awkward arm around her. “I’d do it again.”

Meeting Jason’s stare over the top of her sister-in-law’s head, Gia dragged in a breath, trying to get ahold of herself. They’d been so happy an hour ago. She’d been almost convinced this could work.

Almost.

Her father grabbed Jason’s hand again and shook it. “You did what I wish I’d had the means to do. My wife and I are grateful.”

Mama nodded. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re a permanent member of this family.”

“That means a lot.” Jason disentangled himself from Mila.

“Let’s leave them alone,” her mother suggested to the others.

Bella started crying, and Little Tony called for his mother. The women sent Jason one last grateful smile before they disappeared into the family room. Her father followed. As they retrieved the children, turned off the TV, and disappeared into the back of the house, the yawning silence suddenly enveloped she and Jason, threatening to swallow them whole.

“You’re really angry with me?” he challenged.

“Yes.” Fury growled at her, threatening to break free from its chain. “Apparently, I’m the only one. I know you did it for the right reasons, but…I can’t believe you went around me like that.”

Jason tilted his head. “You left me so few options. As long as Wayman was at large, you weren’t going to stop obsessing. It takes two to have a marriage, and I can’t be the only one fighting for us, Gia. I might make choices you hate, but damn it, at least I’m trying. What are you doing to keep us together?”

“You only offered that reward because you didn’t think I was good enough at my job or strong enough to bring Wayman in.”

“No. That’s your insecurity talking. I did it because I knew you were brave and determined to keep going until the day one of you died.”

His words knocked her back on her heels. For a long moment, Gia couldn’t quite breathe.

“You’ve always made me feel so special and cared for—until this. Now you’ve just taken away my sense of purpose. Poof.” She tossed her hands in the air. “All gone—without saying a word to me. Yes, I know you did it to protect me. But you tried to distract me with pretty baubles that don’t mean a damn thing. I needed to make this world a safer place for my family by bringing Wayman down way more than I needed new designer clothes. And you just didn’t get that love is more important than Prada. Or care. You might be able to buy another wife, but not this one. If you don’t see that, I’m not sure we need to stay together.”

He stiffened, then clenched his jaw as he stepped back from her deliberately and slowly. “You haven’t discussed any of your plans with me for nearly a year, especially this obsessive, dangerous manhunt. Or your decision to move in with your sister-in-law and totally ignore your husband. But I digress… I’m sorry for not consulting you and for trying too hard. Neither will happen again. I’ve done everything I know to make you care about our marriage, but it’s clear to me that we will never be a priority for you.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Tell your family that it was nice to meet them. I have a reward to pay out tonight. Good-bye, Gia.”

Jason raised his hand like he wanted to touch her. But he didn’t. He simply clenched his fist and turned on his heel before he walked away. Her chest imploded as she watched him, the jagged and raw pieces of her heart a splintered heap. Gia wanted to call him back…but why? Loving Jason wasn’t enough. She couldn’t change him any more than he could fit her into the mold of women, like his mother, he understood.

As her husband shut the door quietly behind him for the final time, Gia knew that nothing would ever be the same again. A sob tore through her chest.

Jason paced his condo. The November sun streamed through the floor to ceiling windows, blinding him. If he’d been able to drink himself into a stupor after last night’s debacle, his hangover would be bitching at the light. As it was, he had nothing to blame his squinty, vampiric avoidance of the sun on except his bad mood. Why should the day be so fucking cheerful when he wasn’t?

Stalking back into the kitchen, he grabbed a bottle of water and downed long swallows. He hadn’t been able to run this anger out of his system, even after a punishing eight-mile jog on the treadmill. Business hadn’t distracted him during his sleepless night. Neither had trying to logic his way out of this mess. No matter how he told himself that he’d failed at marriage and now he should move on, Jason couldn’t make himself listen. He’d even tried to convince himself that Gia was just another woman who could be easily replaced. On paper, maybe. Something inside him wasn’t buying it. He had no idea why.

She’d been a pain in his ass, with her quick Italian temper and headstrong ways. The woman wasn’t logical. She’d taken a long time to give him her submission, railed every time he tried to set boundaries or keep her safe, insisted that she didn’t need his money or his protection or…much of anything from him. Jason sighed.

In some ways, those traits were the very ones that had drawn him to her, which probably made him sound like an idiotic loon. But he’d enjoyed the challenge of coaxing her from her shell. Gia’s independence coupled with her submissive nature had been so unlike anyone he’d met. The fact that she didn’t seem to give a shit about his fortune was refreshing. Hell, he respected it. She’d wanted money from their divorce, yes. It disappointed him, but the businessman that lurked in his brain said that in her position, he’d want the sum they’d mutually agreed upon, too. His attraction to Gia was everything he’d thought and still more he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Her loyalty, for sure. The way she so often put the people she cared about first.

Sadly, she’d never made him one of her priorities. So where did that leave him? Mooning over a woman who would never return half of his…what, sense of attachment? No. He’d mooned over some of his girlfriends in high school. What he felt was more than mere connection. Missing her now hurt like he’d lost something vital. A limb, maybe. But even more important.

Like his heart?

Jason downed another swallow of water, then huffed out a breath of air. Oh, shit. Was that even possible? He’d always believed that love was a fabrication, but what else explained why Gia would sacrifice so much of herself to help raise her niece and nephew? Risk her life to vindicate her brother? Worry so much about her parents’ reaction to their marriage? She genuinely loved those people, would do anything for them.

Maybe she hadn’t been able to love him because he didn’t understand the meaning of love. His parents had been lousy examples. Samantha would never have lifted a finger to help raise the children of a relative grieving the loss of a spouse. She would have cheered Wayman’s death and Jason’s method for bringing it about because she wouldn’t have had to get her hands dirty. She could simply spend another day at the spa, drink champagne, and think about how grand life was. Even his dad hadn’t been a shining example of devotion. Jason had never said anything, but he had zero respect for a man who would leave his wife and three kids because he’d been stupid enough to bang his secretary and knock her up. All his life, Jason had seen “love” exchanged for a new pair of shoes or a trip to anywhere exotic.

Before she’d ever taken a dime from him, Gia had proven that wasn’t love at all.

So what was it exactly?

Jason whipped out his phone and opened his browser to search. Dictionary results popped up. With a shrug, he figured that was as good a place to start as any.

1. A deep, tender, indescribable feeling of affection and care toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness.

That was a really convoluted way of saying he gave a shit about her way more than the average person and that he had a hard time explaining his feelings. Check.

2. A feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person with whom one is disposed to make a pair; the emotion of sex and romance.

Check, though those were really clinical words to describe the feelings unsettling him. He’d never felt anything like this and he didn’t have anything to compare it with. What her parents felt for one another? That had looked like love to him. When he’d seen Marco and Silvana, he’d been struck by an odd jealousy. Those two had been through hell together, would have done anything to make one another happy and whole. Jason couldn’t deny he wanted what they shared.

3. Sexual passion.

Um…like mad. He wanted his wife all the time. Check, check, check.

Well, shit. He was in love. What a fine time to realize it now that Gia was gone.

If his mother could see him now, she’d laugh her head off—after she’d asked him for money, of course.

Jason gripped the phone tighter. What did he do about this mess? He’d been angry with his wife last night. He’d tried to help her and keep her safe, and he’d been hurt. So he had thrown in the towel. But really, he couldn’t keep the relationship going for them. She had to want it, too.

Why didn’t she? Was he that unlovable?

As he ping-ponged mentally whether he should let her go and call his attorney or find another way to lure his wife to his side, his phone rang. He stared at the display.

Gia.

His heart stopped. But he could only make one choice.

He stabbed the button with his finger and answered. “Yes?”

“Jason, I need to talk to you.”

Her voice trembled, and he braced. Whether she felt guilty or angry or worried, she’d brought them to this place. Okay, he’d probably helped. Being decisive and in charge worked for him in business. It didn’t translate quite as well in marriage. His mistake, and he’d already taken note for future reference. That, and the fact that he fucking missed her, were the only reasons he’d answered her call now. But without calm, productive conversation…their marriage could only be heading one place.

“I’m listening.”

“Face to face. I can’t do what I need to over the phone.”

Do, not say, he noticed. Had she decided not to wait the eight days until their anniversary to file for divorce? Most women wouldn’t pass up decent six figures just to be free a few days early. Gia? With her, anything was possible.

He could point out the pitfalls of bailing early on their agreement, but she was smart. She knew the score. And even if it made him foolish, he wanted to know what the hell was going on in her head. He wanted to see her, too. Might as well not kid himself. Besides, once she’d served him with papers and they started down the grand road to divorce, he wanted to look her in the eye and tell her that he loved her. In part because he knew he’d never feel like he’d given this his all until he did. And also because he wanted Gia to know exactly what she’d lost.

“When and where?”

“Four thirty. Lakeside Park, by the granite teddy bears.”

The park he’d taken her to early in their relationship for their first scene together, a semi-public one meant to open her submission and fulfill a fantasy. The same one in which she’d called her safe word and nearly ended everything between them for good.

Symbolism. Fabulous. He loathed that shit.

“I’ll be there.”

“Thank you. See you then.”

Before he could reply, she hung up. Jason cursed, then paced his empty condo. He had exactly eight hours to decide how to approach her.

Grabbing his gear, he left his place. Too many memories of Gia here pelting him now. He wished like hell he would have thought of that before he’d coerced her to stay in his home. He could have gotten a suite at the Crescent or something. But no. He’d wanted her in his personal space, in his bed, as if she shared his life. So she would experience what their marriage could be like.

Dumb ass.

Making his way out the door and to his Porsche, he drove the city aimlessly, past his boyhood neighborhood, past upscale shops and family neighborhoods. A pretty brunette pushed a stroller on the sidewalk, a napping toddler securely tucked in. The smiling woman looked visibly pregnant with another child.

Why couldn’t that be his life? His family?

Damn it, he sounded maudlin.

His phone rang again. He couldn’t see the screen while driving, but he pounced on it. “Gia?”

“Is that your wife or your latest girl toy?”

Samantha. He sighed. “Did you want something?”

“Well, I’m being a good mother this time and inviting you to my engagement party.”

Jason recoiled. “That was fast. The guy you met at Neiman’s?”

She sighed as if she didn’t have a care in the world. “Geoffrey is a wonderful man. You’ll like him. He takes such good care of me.”

Whatever. “What do you like about him? I mean, besides his bank balance.”

“Well, he’s charming, of course.”

“Do you love him?”

She gasped, affronted. “Would I marry anyone I didn’t?”

Only four other times. “Would you take care of him through thick and thin?”

“Jason, Geoffrey is ten years younger than me and in perfect health. Neither of us are on our death beds.”

And his mother was missing the point of the question completely, probably on purpose.

“Would you do anything to comfort him if he lost something priceless?” He couldn’t compare Gia’s unflagging support of her family after Tony’s death against his mother helping her next fiancé through a missing cuff link or whatever. The questions were soaring right over his mother’s head because she valued things far more than people.

She laughed off his questions. “I’m sure I’d find the appropriate words for such a moment and hand him a double Scotch. Where are you going with this?”

Jason winced and gave up explaining it to her. She had limitations, and he wouldn’t change her. But one thought resonated in his head over and over: If he let Gia slip through his fingers, he’d probably wind up with a new wife every five or ten years, each one much like Samantha.

The thought sickened him.

But he couldn’t control everything between them. He certainly couldn’t make her love him.

Fuck.

“When is the party?”

“Tonight at eight o’clock.” She rattled off an address, somewhere off of Mockingbird in Highland Park.

Old money. Naturally.

“I have a meeting at four thirty. If it wraps before then, I’ll be there.”

“Lovely. Don’t disappoint me.” Samantha hung up.

Jason ended the call and shook his head.

He felt sorry for his mother because she would never know anything deeper than the joy of pretty, shiny things for sale. She’d never really feel her heart. Moreover, he didn’t want to be like her. He wanted what Gia’s parents had.

He wanted Gia.

How could he impress that upon her when he saw her this afternoon? All his usual ideas—jewelry, handbags, shoes—took him in the wrong direction. She wouldn’t care about any of that. She wouldn’t take a trip to an alley with him, much less anywhere tropical and fabulous so that he could romance her unless she wanted to be with him.

Other than her divorce settlement, she didn’t seem to care about money. In fact, now that he thought about it, her agreeing to spend eighteen days with him for the cash seemed out of character.

Unless the money wasn’t for her at all.

He pounded on the steering wheel with a sigh. Oh, hell. He’d been so stupid.

But at least he knew what to do now.

A few errands and a lot of anxious waiting later, Jason pulled up at the park, locked his car, and headed toward their meeting point. The sun shined brightly, the thermometer edging toward the seventy degree mark as the last of autumn fought against a winter that would soon encroach. A few leaves still clung to the trees. Ducks swam in the nearby pond. Kids ran and laughed across the little stone bridge near the granite bears that served as monuments in the park. He’d grown up here and always thought of this place as a little slice of heaven, a refuge in the city.

Now being here just ate at his guts.

Jason glanced at his watch. Right on time. He looked around for Gia, leaning against a little railing, hoping like hell he’d made the right decision.

As he second-guessed himself, Gia approached in a pair of faded jeans, a simple coral-hued T-shirt paired with a beige sweater, and flip-flops. What she didn’t wear was her wedding ring or a smile. Jason couldn’t stop the anxious slide of his stomach to his toes.

He didn’t want a goddamn divorce.

“Hi,” she greeted. “Thanks for meeting me here.”

He wanted to hold her. Fuck, he wanted to take her, possess her, convince her that she was his and always would be. But she put off a vibe that gave him pause. Not a fuck-off sort…but not precisely welcoming, either.

“Of course. What’s on your mind?”

She drew in a not-quite-steady breath—a hint that she was nervous, too. “I’ve given everything that happened recently a lot of thought. I’ve made some decisions and taken some action.”

Here it came, Gia telling him that she’d filed. He clenched his jaw, braced for the worst, and resolved to at least listen before he spoke. Then he intended to fight like hell. She might not see it yet, but they were right for one another.

“We made an agreement before I came back to you. I am determined to keep up my end of things, so I’ll return for the next eight days if you want.”

“Because you want the money from the divorce settlement?”

“Yes.”

“So…you haven’t filed yet?”

“No.”

Thank God for that. “Then what? You plan to hire an attorney and just…go on with your life as if this never happened?”

“No,” she said softly. Her expression broke, and he watched her fight tears.

It took everything inside Jason not to intervene and comfort her, to reach out and try to make everything okay.

“Then what?” He frowned at her, not understanding. “Explain.”

“I won’t be the one to file. I can’t stop you if that’s what you want, but…” She shook her head, tears gathering. “I’ll never make the first move to end our marriage. I tried for a year to go on as if we never happened. I already know it’s not possible.”

His chest seized up. Breathing stopped. His heart thundered furiously. “Are you saying you don’t want a divorce?”

“No.” She emphasized her answer with a shake of her head. “I’ve given this a lot of thought. You’ve been trying to show me affection in the way you know how, with gifts. It’s not an insult, and I have to stop being too proud to see that.”

Gia had been thinking.

Relief poured through him. “I never once tried to hurt or offend you.”

“And you’ve gone out of your way to help me. Trying to have Wayman arrested is a good example. I might not like your methods, but you meant to keep me safe and eradicate him from my life all at once.”

“Two birds, one stone. I’ve been telling you my motives for a while.”

“You have, and I…” She shook her head and curled her fingers together nervously. “I can’t hate you for that.”

“Protecting what’s mine is in my nature. I know you don’t like my methods—”

“But your intentions are in the right place, I know. Sometimes, I lose my temper and I get emotional. When I look back later, I see clearly that I overreacted. I’ve gotten pretty good at eating crow over the years. I wish you had told me that you intended to deal with Wayman, but I know you didn’t mean to take away my opportunity for justice.”

“I didn’t.”

“After I calmed down, I realized that I took my frustration out on you. I’m sorry.”

“You always want to right the wrongs. I respect that about you. I’m sorry if I stepped on your toes. I might be a bit too accustomed to calling shots and making decisions.”

“I’ve heard enough of your business conversations to figure that out. I just had to calm down enough to realize you didn’t do this to hurt me.”

“Never.”

“And I wanted to be really mad at you for forcing me to introduce you to my parents.” She gave him a wry, if reluctant smile. “As hard as it is to admit it, you were right. They really love you.”

A bright spot in this mess. “I’m pretty fond of them, too. Your niece and nephew are adorable and clearly idolize you.”

“They are a handful. I’ve loved every minute I’ve been with them.” She sighed. “But we’re not here to talk about the kids.”

“No,” he agreed. “You don’t want a divorce. What do you want?”

“What do you want? When you left last night—”

“I was mad, too.” A tight grin tugged at his lips. “I don’t often lose control of my temper.”

“Do you want these last eight days with me?” Gia looked like she held her breath. “You don’t have to coerce me. I’m more than willing to give them to you.”

Jason couldn’t find her words anything other than endearing. “Why do you ask? Because you want to spend those days with me or because you need money?”

“Both,” she admitted quietly.

He watched her closely, trying to puzzle her out, but her normally expressive face didn’t give a lot away. “We can negotiate the time together. The money…” He reached into his pocket and pulled free a piece of paper he’d folded and placed there earlier after picking it up off the fax machine at his office, then he handed it to Gia.

She scanned it. “What’s this?”

“Read it,” he encouraged with a bob of his head.

With a frown, she did. Her expression changed from impatience to confusion. Finally surprise overtook her face, complete with a gasp. “You didn’t!”

“What?” he asked innocently.

“You paid off my sister-in-law’s house?”

She screeched the question, and he took a step back. “You’re mad? I’m not trying to buy you, if that’s what you think. I just thought that since you always worry about Mila and the kids—”

“Thank you!” Gia threw herself at him, arms encircling his neck, legs around his waist, squeezing tight.

Damn, the minute she touched him, he wanted to tear her clothes off, restrain her, and get as deep inside her as possible.

Not far away, he saw a few moms watching over their kids stop and stare at them. Public scenes were nothing new to him…but definitely not with kids nearby.

Jason cleared his throat and gently eased Gia to her feet. “Baby, as much as I’d love to do every fabulously dirty thing to you I can think of, now isn’t the time.”

She sent him a little scolding glance with a laugh, but she still blushed. “I know. I just… Wow, I know you paid off Mila’s mortgage for me, and I can’t think of anything that makes me happier.”

Relief wended its way through his bloodstream. “Thank God. I finally figured out this morning that you wanted the divorce settlement to help your family, so I just took care of it. I know I didn’t consult you first.”

“It’s the most thoughtful thing you’ve ever done for me.” She grinned from ear to ear. “Mila is happiest being a stay-at-home mom, and even with my salary and the proceeds from the sale of my house, I could barely keep up financially. I didn’t want her worrying about affording the house or wondering how they’d find the money to eat. Now, without a mortgage, she’ll have enough left after Tony’s death benefits to take care of their necessities and save a little for the future. She’s going to be so incredibly happy.”

“If you’re happy, that’s what matters to me.”

“I’m thrilled. But…” She winced. “I still want the money from the settlement.”

“On top of paying Mila’s mortgage? All two hundred fifty thousand?”

“Yes. Today, if you can get it to me.”

Jason’s first reaction came from the cynic in him. She wanted money and she still intended to let the divorce happen? Why? Had she decided that she couldn’t live without the swanky shopping? He stared down into those deep dark eyes of hers, the lush rosy lips and paused. Did her reasons really matter? If all he had to do in order to keep Gia was take her to the mall and buy her a few things to line her closet…

He frowned and put the brakes on that thought altogether. Gia wasn’t Samantha. She’d been thrilled that he’d spent his money paying off a family member’s house, rather than try to bribe her with baubles.

“Who needs the money?”

She bit her lip. “It’s complicated. If you’ll at least consider it, take me to your bank, and I’ll show you what I’m thinking. Then…you can decide what you want to do about the money and about us.”

Knowing his wife, the money would benefit someone else far more than her, at least directly. She would probably derive her satisfaction from knowing someone she loved no longer had to worry, but who? Her parents?

“Separate cars? You lead. I’ll follow.” They headed toward the lot.

Gia gave him a sheepish grin. She looked like such a sensual woman most of the time. Her beautiful femininity had caught his eye first. She was all curves and angles, graceful. At the moment, however, she looked a bit like a child with that smile.

“Can I ride with you?”

Jason palmed his keys. “You like the car.”

She shook her head. “No, I’m fascinated by the way you drive. It’s aggressive. And…sexy.”

Jason laughed. “Hop in.”

As he pressed the button on the fob, the car beeped and unlocked. He opened her door and helped her in, then shut her inside. Bracing against the car, he closed his eyes for a second, allowing himself a moment of triumph. She didn’t want a divorce.

So what happened with them after this jaunt to the bank? Gia wouldn’t tell him what she had in mind until she was good and ready. But any time he spent with her was a pleasure, so he played along.

Jason slid into the low, sleek vehicle, letting the black leather hug his body as he started the car and let it roar. He backed out of the lot, threw it in drive, then revved the engine. A smile crept up her face.

“You know, Officer Angelotti, I might break a traffic law or two today. Think you want to try to arrest me for that?”

Her smile disappeared, and she turned suddenly somber. “No.”

Hell, what had he said? “Did I upset you? I was just teasing.”

Face pensive, she licked her lips. He got hard at the sight and cursed himself. She was upset. As much as his cock wanted those lips around him, Jason had to focus on her.

“Sorry,” he murmured.

“It’s okay. It’s not you. I’ll explain after our stop.”

Something still bothered her. Jason examined their conversation from every angle, trying to determine what. Their marriage? This errand? He came up blank.

A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of the bank. Jason emerged and opened her door, curiosity eating at him. Whatever she was about, he wanted this settled so they could deal with their marriage and their tomorrows…and start letting Gia know that she was his.

As they approached the door, she stopped and placed her fingers on his chest. “Before we go in, I want to say a few things.”

He pulled her to the side to let another customer enter the branch and tried to rein his impatience. “Go ahead.”

“Whether you want to give me the money or not, it doesn’t change my decision. I won’t file for divorce. Obviously, I can’t stop you from doing it, and if you still choose to at the end of eight days, I won’t expect more money.”

His silly wife hadn’t yet grasped the way he saw their relationship working, but as soon as he figured out what she was up to, he’d make a few things clear.

“All right. Anything else?”

She nodded, then took in a shaky breath. “Last night, I gave a lot of consideration to my future, all parts of it. I took a long, hard look at my job and decided that I can’t keep working for a precinct where no one cares if justice is being served. When money becomes more important than right, I have no business being there. I talked it over with my dad. He understands. This morning, I quit.”

The words stunned him. Happily, of course. He never thought he’d see the day that Gia gave up the pursuit of order and goodness. He loved the idea that she wouldn’t be risking herself in the line of duty and possibly wind up a casualty like her brother, suddenly gone because some street punk had pulled the trigger. But Jason remembered their argument in his kitchen yesterday morning. She needed purpose in her life.

“If it’s a decision you’re happy with, then you made the right one. If you want my support, you’ve got it.” And he would totally provide for her. If she never wanted to lift a finger again, he’d be happy to give her everything she needed.

“That’s where the money comes in,” she admitted, wrapping her arms around herself as a breeze whipped through her sweater.

“So it’s a nest egg for the future?” Did she think she’d remain married to him but live separately?

“No, it’s the beginning of my new purpose. If I’m not going to be a police officer, I’ve got to do something good with my life. So I’m going to start a fund to help the families of slain officers. It will provide assistance for everything from burial expenses to child care to financial planning for the future. And grief counseling, definitely. Whatever these survivors need, I want to make sure they get. The money from the settlement will allow me to get a good start on fundraising and assisting others.”

Shock and pride both smacked him. God, Gia had the biggest heart. She made him feel alive for the first time in his life. Until her, he’d never known what it meant to think with goodness. Jason felt blessed to have her. If he had his way, he’d spend the next fifty years absorbing more of that love and giving it back to her.

“Did you already set up an account here?”

“No, but I did file the paperwork to create a nonprofit LLC so I could open one. Do you hate the idea?”

“No, baby. I love it. I think it’s every bit as amazing as you are,” he assured her. “Let’s get this started.”

An hour later, they emerged from the bank. Evening was just falling, leaving a bright orange-pink swath across the sky. Gia wore a smile of such serenity that she glowed. Jason had been attracted to her the moment he saw her, but he found her so much more beautiful because he knew how good she was inside as well.

“Congratulations,” he murmured as he helped her into the car again.

“I’m really excited to get started. Thank you so much for doubling the contribution. I can do more for others much faster.”

“My pleasure.” He started the car and drove back to the park.

It didn’t take long before they pulled into the lot again. Most of the minivans and SUVs had cleared out.

“So…that’s everything I had to say.” She looked at him expectantly. As Jason pondered the best way to tell her what was on his mind, she grabbed her purse and fished her keys out. “I’ll…um, get out of your hair.”

Jason reached out and grabbed her wrist. “No, you won’t. I need to say a few things before anyone goes anywhere.” And now that the moment had come for him to finally speak what was in his heart, he felt nervous as all hell.

She sank back into the seat but still didn’t look relaxed. “All right.”

Shit. He hadn’t planned this speech exactly. Without knowing what Gia had on her mind, he hadn’t been sure what to say. Usually, he went on with his thoughts and plans, then let everyone else adjust as necessary. Besides keeping him off guard, his wife deserved more consideration—especially since she always put everyone else first. No one did that for her, and he wanted to be the one she could count on.

“I’m listening,” she assured softly.

He gulped down rare nerves and took her hands in his, clutching them. “Gia, baby, I don’t want a divorce, either. I want you to stay with me and live as my wife. I want to take care of you and watch you grow this foundation in your brother’s honor, be a part of your family…and start our own. W-will you do that with me?”

The beginnings of a smile broke across her face, and she pressed her lips together to squelch it. Even so, he saw the moisture gathering in her eyes and making them glisten. Damn it, if she wasn’t the most beautiful woman he knew. “Really?”

“Yeah…” He squeezed her hands. “I’ve been thinking a lot, too. I love you.”

Gia froze, completely silent. Then she shoved her purse to the floorboard and launched herself into his arms, pressing her lips to his with a need that floored him. The passion to become one with him flowed from her kiss, deep into his mouth where they joined…then straight to his heart. Over the gearshift, he held her tighter, wishing like hell he could pull her body completely against him and make her his all over again.

But first, he had to hear her say that she wanted what he yearned for, too.

He tore away. “Is that a yes?”

She panted, her slick, passion-stained lips parted and tempting and… Shit, he needed to keep his head together. This answer was too important.

“Yes.” Gia brushed a solemn kiss on his mouth, then smiled softly at him. “Yes. I’d love that because I love you. So much.”

When she gasped suddenly, then dove for her purse on the floorboard, he frowned. “Baby?”

After a wild dig through her purse, she came up with a triumphant grin on her face. “Put this on me?”

Gia handed him her ring, then kept something back in her other fist.

Jason wondered what little plot she cooked up now, but he smiled. “My pleasure, wife.”

In the solemn silence, he slid the ring onto her finger. This time, he knew it would stay there. Joy lit up every nerve and jetted through his veins. He couldn’t imagine being any happier than he was right now.

“There,” she breathed, looking down at the symbol of their marriage all glittering in the falling light. “It’s beautiful…but not perfect.”

“It’s not?”

Gia grabbed his left hand in hers, set it against her cheek, kissed his palm. Then she looked into his eyes and, with shaking fingers, she settled a perfect platinum band around his finger. “I bought it this morning when I figure out what I wanted. In our rush to Vegas, we never picked out a ring for you, and I wanted you to have something from me so you’d always remember that you’re my husband.”

Fuck if he didn’t feel his throat close up as he choked on the moment. “It’s incredible. I’ll cherish it because you gave it to me.”

“I love you, Mr. Denning.”

“I love you, Mrs. Denning. Hell, I enjoy saying that.” He laughed, filling with light and joy and more happy tomorrows. “I’ll probably say it a lot.”

“Good.” She grinned, then gazed out the windshield. “I think all the moms and kids are gone.”

He glanced around the empty parking lot. “I think you’re right.”

Gia opened the door, stepped out, and bent to toss him a come-hither look. “You know, I’ve been a very bad girl, Master.”

Jason wondered what she was up to but figured he’d like it. “You have. I still owe you one hell of a spanking for deserting me for so long.”

“You do,” she agreed. “You’ll always keep me safe, right?”

“Always, to my last breath.”

Her smile filled with mischief. “Then spank me…and whatever else you have in mind. That is, if you can catch me.”

Her words clicked through his brain and had registered with his libido by the time she slammed the car door and started jogging into the park. He’d finally have her here, where their relationship had almost ended once—and now she’d trusted him enough to surrender. She’d love him more than enough to make it sweet.

“It’s on, baby,” he muttered as he jumped out of the Porsche and clicked the fob to lock it as he ran after her. “When I catch you, I’m going to spank your ass red and take you right then, right there.”

As she reached a towering tree, she curled her arm around the trunk, then peeked back at him with a grin that lit up her whole face. “I can’t wait…”