Page 88 of Devil’s Promise

I groan. New York. “We can’t stay here?”

His hands slide over my hips. “I’m afraid not. I’ve got an empire to build. I can’t have a queen who presides over nothing.”

“Oh stop,” I say as my hands skim over his shoulders. “I don’t want an empire and I don’t want to be queen.”

“What do you want then, Promise?”

“A bit of peace,” I murmur. From my father, and the memories of my mother that haunt me. The only place I’ve found it? In Angel’s arms.

We finally finish showering, and then, wrapped in fluffy white bathrobes, we head back out to the room to drink our coffee and eat our now cold breakfast.

By the time I’m getting dressed, I’m feeling recovered. The elevator to our suite chimes, Knox appearing with a bag of clothes that he holds up. “Mason’s wife said these should fit Promise.”

“Thanks,” Angel grunts, sitting next to me.

Knox looks at the floor where my wedding dress still sits in a pile, the pieces of Angel’s tux laying in a trail to the bed. “Have fun last night?”

“None of your business.” Angel glares. “Get any clothes for me, or am I wearing my tux again today?”

“I went shopping for both of us. I assumed we’re around the same size. If the stuff is too big in the shoulders or the dick, that’s bad on you.”

Angel snorts.

But now I’m curious. “Aren’t we going shopping for clothes?”

“No.” Angel takes another bite of croissant.

But I stare at him, my brow furrowed. “Then what are we shopping for?”

“Hardware,” Angel answers with a wink. “The kind that tells other men to fuck off.”

“Hardware?” But then my eyes widen. “Angel,” I start. “I don’t need any jewelry. I already told you, all I want is you⁠—”

“You’re getting a ring. And you can think of it as a gift from me. I want everyone to know you’re taken.” His eyes narrow as he gives me a glare that tells me there is no arguing this one.

I let out a sigh. “If you insist.”

Knox shakes his head. “Weird,” he mutters. “He wants to buy jewelry, she doesn’t.”

“We’ll meet you in the lobby in half an hour,” Angel says in response. “But before you go, learn anything interesting last night?”

“Yeah. Vegas is fun when you’re not here for a fight.”

“Anything else?”

“That guy Sver was seen twice last night. Once during the reception and again on the cameras at about five in the morning. He left without incident, but he’s definitely got the Smiths and the Kincaids spooked. Whoever he is, they are afraid of him, and I don’t think they’re afraid of very many men.”

I cock my head as I take another sip of my coffee. This is a scene I’ve seen play out many times. Gain new allies, take on their enemies.

Not that my father follows through. He never actually intends to take on anyone’s fight, he just makes the false promises. But Angel…

“When you speak with Jake, I’d like to listen,” I say, pulling off a piece of toast. “How open he is, what he shares, will tell us as much about the Kincaids as it will about Sver.”

“That’s true, blondie.” Knox cocks his head as he looks at me. “I bet you know a lot about strategy.”

“My fair share,” I answer, popping the toast in my mouth. “I don’t know if it will help, but I can try.”

“Of course it will help.” Angel takes my hand and brings the back of it to his lips. “But first, we need to get back to New York and attempt to neutralize whatever your father is planning for his next move.”