Page 84 of The Devil

“No, my wife and I will be staying together.”

“That’s not really⁠—”

“I’m not asking,” I say, taking an aggressive step toward him that the soldier at his back matches.

Jameson puts up a hand. “Of course. This way.”

We all follow him through several corridors which are much more luxurious than the ones where the rooms they gave Sev and me are. Carpeted with priceless Persian rugs and hung with ancient oil paintings I’m sure any museum would pay an arm and a leg to get a peek at.

When we get to Amal’s room, I exchange a look with my brother who raises his eyebrows subtly. While Sev’s room was comfortable, Amal’s is opulent. Where I assume Sev and I had the standard accommodation, Amal’s room looks like it’s fit for a queen.

“We’ll have your things brought over,” Jameson says with distaste.

“My brother will take the room next door,” I tell him.

“That room is occupied I’m afraid. However, I shall make another available a few doors down.”

“Well, that’s nice of you,” I say sarcastically. It makes me happy to see him look irritated.

Once I see the room Sev’s in, Amal and I enter ours and close the door. I want to lock it but no key. I walk the perimeter of it, checking for hidden cameras and, or bugs. Although I don’t see anything outright, I walk with her into the spacious bathroom and close the door. I then switch on the shower before turning to my wife. I’m glad to see she still has her bag on her shoulder, and I bend down to remove the gun and strap at my ankle.

“They didn’t take that?” she asks as I try the strap around her thigh.

“Nope. Never searched me. I guess they want to keep a pretense of civility.” Once I make sure it fits, I straighten. “You’re going to take it, just in case.”

“In case we get separated you mean? We’re not getting separated again. No way,” she says, trying to make us both believe it. “I don’t want the gun, Jet. I want to get out of here. I have a bad feeling. A really bad feeling.” She tries to push out of my arms.

“Listen to me,” I say, holding tight. “Hey, listen to me. You need to stay strong for me.”

“You don’t understand. I think there’s more going on than the watch. I think…” She closes her eyes. “This makes no sense.”

“Amal, sweetheart.” I take her face in my hands and wipe away her tears with my thumbs. “I’m going to get you out of here. I promise. But you need to keep a clear head right now. I need you strong, sweetheart. I need that high school girl who took an Uber to my office when she needed help. I need the woman who had the nerve to steal from me and to manage to keep herself hidden from a fucking mob boss for three months. Can you be that woman now, Amal? It’s in you, sweetheart. You are fierce and powerful. Don’t forget that. Don’t let these assholes make you think anything different.”

“Jet, I…” she trails off, worry etched on her face.

I walk her backward to sit her on the edge of the tub and kneel at her feet. “Do you know your name means hope?”

She looks up at that, stops trying to pull her hands free.

“Your mother named you, didn’t she?”

She nods, more tears falling. While I watch, I make a silent vow to make everyone responsible for those tears pay.

“You were her hope, weren’t you?”

Her eyes search mine and I see how young she is. See how much she wants to believe me.

“You’re my hope too. Did you know that?”

She shakes her head. “I’ve only been trouble for you.”

I take her hands, kiss them, then lay them over my heart. “You’ve made this dead heart of mine feel something I never thought it was capable of feeling. I’ve fallen in love with you, Amal Blackstone. And I plan on having a long life together, you and me. And Cotton,” I add, which is a good move because she laughs through her tears. “I love you,” I say, not sure if it’s for her benefit or my own. “I love you. And I will never let anyone hurt you. I will make all these mother fuckers pay for scaring you. Do you trust me, baby?”

She nods.

“Good.” I stand up, pull her to her feet with me. I hold out the gun. “Do you know how to use it?”

She takes it from me and checks the magazine like a pro. That’s my girl. She nods.