Shayla Black - Forever Wicked

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…”

FOREVER WICKED

A Wicked Lovers Novella

by Shayla Black

CRIMSON TWILIGHT

A Krewe of Hunters Novella

by Heather Graham

CAPTURED IN SURRENDER

A MacKenzie Family Novella

by Liliana Hart

SILENT BITE: A SCANGUARDS WEDDING

A Scanguards Vampire Novella

by Tina Folsom

DUNGEON GAMES

A Masters and Mercenaries Novella

by Lexi Blake

AZAGOTH

A Demonica Novella

by Larissa Ione

NEED YOU NOW

by Lisa Renee Jones

SHOW ME, BABY

A Masters of the Shadowlands Novella

by Cherise Sinclair

ROPED IN

A Blacktop Cowboys ® Novella

by Lorelei James

TEMPTED BY MIDNIGHT

A Midnight Breed Novella

by Lara Adrian

THE FLAME

by Christopher Rice

CARESS OF DARKNESS

A Phoenix Brotherhood Novella

by Julie Kenner

This novella might never have been written if not for the clever, unflagging persistence of Liz Berry and M.J. Rose. I’m thrilled you two allowed me to be a part of this project and tell a story that hits so many notes near and dear to my heart. Huge appreciation for every author in the inaugural 1001 Dark Nights collection for seeing the potential in our collective power and going on this adventure with me. Special hugs to all the “Beach Babes” with whom I had a chance to share my enthusiasm for 1001 Dark Nights (along with many Jell-O shots): Lexi Blake, Cherise Sinclair, Lara Adrian, Larissa Ione, Lorelei James, and J. Kenner. I’m extremely grateful to Isabella LaPearl for her fabulous voice that helps me “see” everything I’ve written. And to Chloe Vale for her gently guiding editorial hand, along with her ability to see what I’ve somehow missed. I can never thank you all enough.