You are the reason my family is dead. Now that I know your name, nothing can stop me from taking away everything you ever loved, starting with the brunette.
Someone had seen him and Alice together. His entire body froze, but training took over. John's feet pressed into the floor as he listened to his heartbeat slow. First he forwarded the message to his ex-boss at the FBI and then clenched his hands. He might have quit, but this was likely job-related.
The pain in his chest felt like a heart attack. All that mattered now was ensuring that Alice was safe.
The FBI was the best plan. With the Morgan fortune, he could hire whatever security he needed. Rejoining his father's world meant he had to face his choices, but in no way would anyone hurt Alice. He swallowed and coldness entered his body. He'd never go out with Alice Collins, ever again, if that kept her safe.
The threat mentioned her specifically. He'd have to protect her. No one would ever hurt her. He grabbed his bag and headed to the door. Tonight he slept in the hall.
Chapter Seven
Last night had ended too innocently to be the ultimate fantasy. All she had was the promise of another date and a few spine-tingling kisses. It was more than she'd had previously, but her skin felt icky, like she missed something. A frown didn't budge from her lips, and the bright sun from the window did nothing for her, except wake her up.
The coffee in her room helped as she checked her cotton granny panties and prayed the line wasn't that noticeable. The clock read later than she intended, so she walked out the door. No morning conversation with her mom was also perfect as her phone was still off, and she kept it that way. At the hotel, they let her sit inside until the valet had her SUV, and then bellboys packed her one bag in the back.
The cloudless blue of the morning sky lifted her spirits. She poked her tongue into her cheek as she drove. Another date with John might seal the deal. A funeral should have cooled her libido, and John was the man's son. She tapped the steering wheel to the beat of the radio.
As she turned her SUV into the church parking lot, bright lights from the streets blinded her. She'd passed so many video cameras that her eyes were dazed. She killed the ignition, a frown on her face. She'd never live like this.
It was still morning and the coffee hadn't kicked in. She ran her hands through her short hair, and kept her head down to avoid the flashes of a mob from the gate she had just passed. She sighed. Nothing good happened at funerals.
John would be in the procession later and he'd warned her that he wouldn't spend time with her today, not until after this was over. She made her way to the front door, though she realized she was early.
The glass doors closed behind her leaving her in a white hallway. A flutter grew in her stomach. Alice turned right and swore she saw a blonde woman who looked like Victoria float into an adjoining room. Alice blinked, knowing that was impossible.
Denied sex never brought people back to life. Alice rubbed her eyes.
The church was warm. Hopefully, when people arrived, they would blast the air conditioning. She swallowed and felt overheated as she entered the main room.
A few mourners sat in the light brown pews but the place was still pretty empty. Mitch Morgan's casket had so many flower baskets around it he appeared like a king as he lay in state at the front of the room.
This was why John had been in no mood for her last night. If the situation were reversed, she'd be a total mess too. Alice hugged her stomach and chose instead to go wait in the greeting area for more people. With the scattered amount of guests who milled in the halls, she'd blend better.
If she missed seeing John this morning, she'd be fine. Coffee afterward would make up for everything else. With that thought, she turned on her phone. There were a dozen voice mails from her mother. She pursed her lips, flicked it back off, and returned to the bright hall.
Though the sun was shining brightly, her arms had goose bumps. It felt like someone was staring at her. She turned around completely, but saw no one.
Whatever it was felt familiar, not frightening.
Perhaps Mitch had more children than the three he raised, and John would meet half-brothers and -sisters at his funeral. Not that she wished that on him, but her gut said something was about to happen.
Noise outside caught her attention. She folded her arms in front of her black dress as a large group of people walked in. The lights flashed brighter than fireworks on the Fourth of July, so Peter and John must have arrived.
The explosion in her heart begged to lock eyes with John. Alice didn't see him, but the surge of hope never wavered.
Alice blinked at Jennifer in a magnificent black gown that could double as a dress for the Academy Awards. Her long black hair, dark eyes, and pale skin made her the star that she was. Mortals did not look like Jennifer Gonzales.
Other people passed by, but she never saw John. The lights were too bright. As shoulders passed in front of her, goosebumps rose on her arms. Then her stare froze as she gazed at the outline of her fairy-tale prince. John's light blondish-brown hair, blue eyes, and dimples blew every other man out of the water.
Her lips tingled as she remembered their kiss. She averted her gaze and blended into the crowd that walked into the chapel for the ceremonies.
Peter Morgan suddenly appeared at her side. She gazed up at John's brother. Her mind didn't register anything at first, but then Peter's words acted like a knife to the bread that was her brain. "Consider our contracts canceled at the end of the term."
Alice's mouth dropped open. Her father's retirement depended on that contract. Her fingers felt like ice, and her skin grew cold. "What?"
Peter continued past her in the rush and took Jennifer's hand. He acted as if he hadn't just destroyed her.
Jennifer, obviously in on the plan, added, "You were never important, Alice. No one knows why you're here."
Alice's stomach twisted. Sharp pains poked through her skin.
The pair of them walked away in the throng of people.
Alice blinked and could do nothing but stare. She'd come here to pay her respects to the House of Morgan and keep her family safe. Instead, she'd lost her family's contract to sell their produce in supermarkets around the country.
Her parents were retiring and needed the income. Her father was recovering from a heart attack. Her brother was leaving the Marines to raise his daughter. The weight of responsibility rested on her shoulders, and her very independence depended on her business skills. This wasn't possible.
She folded her freezing hands together. She had to think fast.
John's fingers brushed her back. A spark of electricity woke her. "Alice, you look like a ghost. Are you okay?"