h.e.l.l, 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 c.o.c.k 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 a.s.sistance 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 a.s.sisting others."

Shock and pride both smacked him. G.o.d, 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 a.s.sured 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 h.e.l.l.

She sank back into the seat but still didn't look relaxed. "All right."

s.h.i.t. 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 a.s.sured 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. d.a.m.n 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 pa.s.sion 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 h.e.l.l 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, pa.s.sion-stained lips parted and tempting and... s.h.i.t, 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."

f.u.c.k 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. h.e.l.l, 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 h.e.l.l 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 a.s.s 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..."

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1001 Dark Nights Click to purchase FOREVER WICKED.

A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black CRIMSON TWILIGHT.

A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham CAPTURED IN SURRENDER.

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A Demonica Novella by Larissa Ione NEED YOU NOW.

by Lisa Renee Jones SHOW ME, BABY.

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by Christopher Rice CARESS OF DARKNESS.

A Phoenix Brotherhood Novella by Julie Kenner Acknowledgments from the Author 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.

About Shayla Black Shayla Black (aka Sh.e.l.ley Bradley) is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 40 sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances produced via traditional, small press, independent, and audio publishing. She lives in Texas with her husband, munchkin, and one very spoiled cat. In her "free" time, she enjoys reality TV, reading and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Shayla's books have been translated in about a dozen languages. RT Bookclub has nominated her for a Career Achievement award in erotic romance, twice nominated her for Best Erotic Romance of the year, as well as awarded her several Top Picks, and a KISS Hero Award. She has also received or been nominated for The Pa.s.sionate Plume, The Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the National Reader's Choice Awards.

A writing risk-taker, Shayla enjoys tackling writing challenges with every new book.

Connect with her online: Shayla Black: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShaylaBlackAuthor Twitter: _black Website: www.shaylablack.com Theirs To Cherish Wicked Lovers, Book 8 By Shayla Black Coming March 4, 2104!

The perfect place for a woman on the run to disappear...

Accused of a horrific murder she didn't commit, former heiress Callie Ward has been a fugitive since she was sixteen-until she found the perfect hideout, Club Dominion. The only problem is she's fallen for the club's Master, Mitch.e.l.l Thorpe, who keeps her at arm's length. Little does she know that his reasons for not getting involved have everything to do with his wounded heart...and his consuming desire for her.

To live out her wildest fantasies...

Enter Sean Kirkpatrick, a Dom who's recently come to Dominion and taken a pointed interest in Callie. Hoping to make Thorpe jealous, she submits to Sean one shuddering sigh at a time. It isn't long before she realizes she's falling for him too. But the tender lover who's slowly seducing her body and earning her trust isn't who he claims...

And to fall in love.

When emotions collide and truths are exposed, Sean is willing to risk all to keep Callie from slipping through his fingers. But he's not the only man looking to stake a claim. Now Callie is torn between Sean and Thorpe, and though she's unsure whom she can trust, she'll have to surrender her body and soul to both-if she wants to elude a killer...

Callie trembled as she lay back on the padded table and Sean Kirkpatrick's strong fingers wrapped around her cuffed wrist, guiding it back to the bindings above her head.

"I don't know if I can do this," she murmured.

He paused, then drew in a breath as if he sought patience. "Breathe, lovely."

That gentle, deep brogue of his native Scotland brought her peace. His voice both aroused and soothed her, and she tried to let those feelings wash through her. "Can you do that for me?" he asked.

His fingers uncurled from her wrist, and he grazed the inside of her outstretched arm with his knuckles. As always, his touch was full of quiet strength. He made her ache. She shivered again, this time for an entirely different reason.

"I'll try."

Sean shook his head, his deep blue eyes seeming to see everything she tried to hide inside. That penetrating stare scared the h.e.l.l out of her. What did he see when he looked at her? How much about the real her had he pieced together?

The thought made her panic. No one could know her secret. No one. She'd kept it from everyone, even Thorpe, during her four years at Dominion. She'd finally found a place where she felt safe, comfortable. Of course she'd have to give it up someday, probably soon. She always did. But please, not yet.

Deep breath. Don't panic. Sean wants your submission, not your secrets.

"You'll need to do better than try. You've been 'trying' for over six months," he reminded her gently. "Do you think I'd truly hurt you?"

No. Sean didn't seem to have a violent bone in his body. He wasn't a s.a.d.i.s.t. He never gripped her harshly. He never even raised his voice. She'd jokingly thought of him as the sub whisperer because he pushed her boundaries with a gentleness she found both irresistible and insidious. Certainly, he'd dragged far more out of her than any other man had. Tirelessly, he'd worked to earn her trust. Callie felt terrible that she could never give it, not when doing so could be fatal.

Guilt battered her. She should stop wasting his time.