The Devil's Revenge: The Devil's Eyes, #2

By Jennifer Loren

The argument for my bail begins, and I lower my head until the doors behind me crash open with a thunderous roar. A vibration rushes through my body, I look up at the judge as his eyes widen and a cold silence takes hold of the room. It's him. I know it's him. It can be no other. Before I can turn I whisper his name and feel the energy of him blaze up my body as if the simple whisper of his name makes it true, makes him true. As hard as I fight my own curiosity I can't stop myself, with all the assuredness in my head I still have to prove it to my own eyes. Turning, I slowly raise my head up and look upon the three gentlemen, dressed in dark suits and letting the hoods of their coats fall back and reveal expressions of pure - desired annihilation. But it is he that stands center and strong that confirms my suspicions. It is he that has caused this silence and chocked the breath out of an entire room. It's as if the air could breathe and it breathes a trembling gasp of his name, with all that laid their eyes on this sight I see. Only I breathe his name and meet his eyes whispering … "I knew you would come for me." Only God could save me from a certain deadly fate, and so rightfully, he sent the devil to rescue me.

The sequel to The Devil's Eyes is action-packed while still maintaining the same dark romance and suspenseful tone of the first novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Loren
• Release date: Jul 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393557180

Jennifer Loren

Jennifer Loren graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Fine Arts Degree, specializing in Architecture and Design. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her German shepherd, Nick. In addition to the vastly popular, top mafia romance and bestselling series, The Devil’s Eyes, Ms. Loren has successfully published bestselling romantic suspense novel Finding Ava and its sequel Reckless and the bestselling short story, The Hand That Holds Mine. Her mafia series, The Laws of Kings, and its sequel Dethroning the King along with standalone novel Undercover – Secrets & Lies have also been released with great reviews. Her writing genre is considered dark, romantic suspense, and mafia romance. Her books tend to have a lot of humor, which is why she is currently branching out into comedic books and children's books. Her first children's book, the award-winning The Awkward Puppy has been highly rated and loved by children and adults.  @JenniferLorenDE https://www.jenniferloren.com https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLoren.Author http://www.youtube.com/user/LorenJennifer Books By Jennifer Loren The Finding Ava Series Finding Ava Reckless The Long Road The Devil’s Eyes Series The Devil’s Eyes The Devil’s Revenge The Devil’s Son The Devil’s Masquerade: The Poison The Devil’s Masquerade: The Remedy The New Devil in Charge The Devil Forgotten Fate Escape The Laws of Kings Series The Laws of Kings Dethroning the King Undercover Undercover: Secrets & Lies Short Story The Hand That Holds Mine

Book preview

Prologue

Kayla

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I manage to free my hands and run down the dock while Dawson is chasing after me. I notice a boat off in the distance and decide it’s my only hope at this point. Jumping into the ice-cold water, I swim as fast as I can. Dawson jumps in after me. Although he’s still weak from being shocked by the Taser, I cannot outswim him. He takes hold of me and continuously pushes me underwater while I try to fight him.

Wayne! Wayne, get your ass down here and help me! he yells as the other man comes running down the path. Finally!

As I choke on the water in my lungs, he pulls me out and throws me onto the dock.

What the fuck? How? Put your gun down or I will kill her right now! Dawson yells.

When I try to crawl away from him, he grabs hold of the back of my head and tries to pull me up, but he drops me onto the hard surface of the dock as he stumbles backward. My head is spinning, my heart is pounding, and I’m beginning to lose focus as yelling increases around me.

I’m warning you! Stay back!

Dawson grabs hold of me again. Suddenly, I hear a gun go off, and Dawson screams and releases his grip on me. When another shot rings out, he falls to his knees next to me.

Please! Please! I had no choice. You have to understand! Joseph would have killed me. He—

Fuck you! someone growls.

As another shot rings out, Dawson falls backward off the dock. Sinking into the water, he gurgles his last breath.

Holding up my head, I sit up and try to focus as a dark figure comes near me.

You got here quick. You must have driven like a madman, I say as I watch him walk toward me. I swallow hard as he slowly comes into the moonlight. Nick?

My breath is labored, and my heart is beating rapidly, but still...I reach out to him, hoping that I am not hallucinating.

Leaning down to me, he takes my hand and holds me close to his warm chest.

Am I dreaming? I ask.

You’re safe now, Princess, he says before kissing my forehead. I have to go. Ryan will be here soon.

He moves me to a safer position, while I fight to keep from passing out from exhaustion. I close my eyes once, only once, and he’s gone—like he was a dream, a perfect dream that was then taken away.

"Nick. Nick. Nick!"

My voice scorches my throat, and my ears are ringing. There is nothing—no one but me and a sweat-soaked bed. It had to be him. It had to be. Ryan walks in with some water, looking at me as if I am about to break at any second. Oh, why did I have to pass out? If I had only stayed focused, I could have made him stay.

Ryan pushes my hair away from my face and kisses my forehead gently. "It’s okay, Kayla. You’re safe, and everything is going to be okay now. Estrella should have known better than to mess with you. Badass. You could have at least waited for me. I would have liked to kick Dawson’s ass, too."

No, Ryan...it was Nick.

Ryan’s expression tells me everything he is thinking.

Taking hold of his shirt, I continue. "He is alive! I swear, Ryan, it was him...it was Nick. I know it."

Ryan leans me back into bed with a subtle sigh. Okay, it was Nick. I’m sure he will always be watching over you.

I huff, forcing my face into the pillow.

"What do you want me to say, Kayla? Nick is not here. He died in that plane crash. He is not coming back. I don’t know what it’ll take before you get that through your thick skull!"

I seethe my insistence. He is alive! And I am going to prove it!

Chapter 1

Kayla

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I hate these parties. I know I don’t belong even with the expensive gown and jewels I’m wearing. I have nowhere near the heritage or upbringing of most of these people. It never bothered me when I would come to these with Nick. No matter the people around us, I always felt like I belonged with him, and that was all that mattered to me. Everyone else was only a spectator to my happiness.

Now, the background is suddenly forced into view, and I can’t help but feel lost and alone. I miss him more and more every day. I made Nick my life, and somehow, I am supposed to put the pieces back together and live a life without the only person I ever loved. He’s the only person I still love.

Mrs. Jayzon, you look lovely as always. Estrella approaches me with a gleaming smile and an outstretched hand. He leans down and gently kisses my knuckles.

Sighing, I graciously give him a weak grin. Thank you, and you look...well...old and tired as always.

Estrella laughs, and for some reason, I follow. I must have drank too much.

It’s good to see you laugh. Your sadness has been breaking my heart, Estrella expresses with a sickening passion.

Then, perhaps you shouldn’t have killed my husband, I say with a hardened glare. Why did you do it? You two had such a great relationship. Why did you risk everything? What did you expect to gain? You don’t have Nick’s connections, and you certainly don’t have his skills at convincing people to believe in you. So, why did you betray him?

Estrella steps back with a curious expression, and for a brief moment, I see something that I did not expect—retreat. A coward had my husband killed? I don’t think so.

I am sorry for your loss, but maybe you and I can repair our relationship and come to an agreement, Estrella says, focusing his eyes on everyone else in the room.

What are you asking? Better yet, what do you want? I meet his eyes with determination.

Nick had great skills, no doubt, but you have some skills of your own. Nick came to me because I have connections that he needed, and I believe those same connections can still be valuable to the Jayzon business. Likewise, I believe I can use your assistance in my business.

Estrella’s movements and emotions are sincere. It shocks me but doesn’t make me a believer.

You want to work together again? Well, that is unexpected, but I will surprise you and say I will consider an offer. I will meet you with an open mind, but I will not make any guarantees. I will contact you in a few days to—

Estrella touches my arm with a shake of his head. No, I will contact you. It is best for both of us that way. Trust me.

I nod, and he responds with a charming forced smile.

I will contact you soon then.

Excitement passes through me, but I am unsure of what it means. I had been going after Estrella because I was sure he was responsible for killing Nick, but now, I wonder if I have been after the puppet rather than the puppeteer.

Estrella casually walks through the crowd of people, flirting with beautiful women and shaking hands with man after man. It’s nothing unusual, except he doesn’t seem to be enjoying it. The man who always enjoyed the parties and the attention is forcing his smile and his notorious flirtatious nature.

Gazing across the room, I begin to search for the missing piece to this puzzle. There has to be a reason Estrella feels he needs to put on such a show. My eyes scan the room as I greet and smile at people, searching and searching until I find that reason.

Exploring low and then high up to the open floor above, I come eye-to-eye with Senator Spencer Welch, the former district attorney who was determined to put Nick in jail. The man stares at me boldly and with a ruthless resolve that makes my muscles tighten.

I glance back at Estrella and watch his eyes dance around until they catch sight of Welch. Estrella’s sigh echoes loudly, leaving me with no doubts.

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Lionel, don’t pull up too close. I want to watch without her knowing I am here, I say, studying Lena’s house closely.

He isn’t exactly going to just walk out the front door, you know? Lionel says, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

I hum in agreement. I know I’m right, but I am unsure of how to get to the truth. Nick is alive, and if anyone knows how to find him, it’s her. There is no mistaking the devil’s eyes on that woman. I saw them the moment she was angered. The darkness in her eyes instantly swirled to the forefront, trying to control me, as she mistakenly thought she could intimidate me.

Alright, Lionel, let’s go home.

As soon as we start to leave, a strange sensation comes over me.

Wait! I yell, stopping him.

I jump out of the car and run up to the door, determined to barge through any barrier. When the door swings open, I look up and see Brady.

Kayla? He’s obviously surprised by my presence.

Hi. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were here. I push my way in and search the room for any signs of Nick.

Come in, he says sarcastically. What are you doing here?

I need to talk to her, and I am not leaving until I do, I demand with a hardened posture.

Okay. Honey, someone is here to see you, Brady says, passing Lena as she enters the room, already huffing.

Kayla, I would appreciate it if you would stop coming over here unannounced. I don’t know what— She stops talking as I walk up to her fearlessly.

Steaming but controlled, I glare into her eyes. I know who you are, and I know you know where he is. I pause, trying to restrain the rage inside me. Despite the darkness forming in her eyes, I stand solid, using the skills I learned to stand up to Nick. I tower over her in strength. You tell him...you tell him I know, and I am not going to stop looking for him.

Kayla, you really need to seek help! Lena yells at me.

I want my husband back! I yell, glancing at Brady as I walk out of the house.

I fall into my car still angry but soon feel nothing other than pain and sorrow as I drive home. It’s like he dies every day. I fear that I will never see him again, but most of all, I fear I am going crazy from trying to hold on to a ghost.

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After putting Nicky to bed, I wait. And I watch. And I wait some more. Day after day, I go to work as usual, burying myself, so I don’t think about him. But, at the end of each day, I am always waiting...for him.

Even tonight, while staring out the window, I watch for him, expecting him to feel my pain and come running, like he always did. He loves me. He has always loved me, and he would never let me hurt like this. Nick has been my hero more than once. He has even risked his own life to save mine. How could he possibly leave me here alone, lost and in pain, if he is alive?

Ryan walks up behind me, waiting for me to turn. When he sighs deeply, I know what he is thinking without him saying a word.

You have to get over him, he says, taking hold of my arms.

I need him.

I try to leave his grasp, but he pulls me to his chest, and he holds me so tight that I exhale from the comfort.

Baby, I wish I could bring him back for you, but I can’t. No one can. You have to find a way to move on...for Nicky if nothing else.

When I look up at him, he leans down and kisses me gently on the lips.

You irritate the hell out of me, but I love you, and I would do anything for you.

I see Ryan, but at the same time, I have to struggle to not see Nick in his eyes. My loneliness begins to control me. Feeling the need creep up from my toes to my hands, I trace the lines on his bare chest. Ryan kisses me harder as he fondles me and tugs at my shirt. When I pull my shirt over my head, Ryan goes wild. His hands take hold of me, and then he positions me on the sofa to please his rising desire. His muscles flex as he makes himself more comfortable on top of me.

Ryan? I question with doubt swirling around me.

Just let it happen.

He kisses my breasts, squeezing them against his face, and he moans in satisfaction against my nipples. He pushes my pants down, stripping me completely, and he feels up my legs roughly as he pulls them to wrap around each side of him. He quickly slides his pants down, and his throbbing erection protrudes onto my bare stomach, twitching with expectation.

Ryan I don’t think this is a good idea, I gasp.

It’s okay. I love you. We belong together. Nick would have wanted us together...right? He exhales, smiling at me confidently.

Ryan caresses my face back to his and takes in my lips as he massages my breast and presses his erection against me. It feels so wrong. I do love him, and if I can’t have Nick, then I’ll have Ryan. When I kiss him back, he hums with delight.

A loud, abrupt sound causes us both to jump up in shock. Ryan runs to seek out the cause of the noise while I cover myself and wipe the regret from my face.

A picture frame fell off the table in the hall, he says, looking away from me as he gets dressed. Now, don’t freak out, please, but it was your wedding picture.

We both look at each other with knowing expressions.

"What are we doing? I love you, Kayla, and as much as I think I could make you happy, I don’t think you will ever see me. You will only ever see him, and that’s not fair to either of us. We are both lonely right now, and I think that’s clouding our judgment more than anything."

Lowering his head, he laughs. My judgment. I know I have been pursuing you. You’re a beautiful, sexy woman, Kayla. It’s hard to ignore, but I do love my brother, and even though he is gone, I beat myself up every time I kiss you or look at you or dream about fucking you.

He glances up at me. I am going to go on a date tomorrow night. I need...I need to remind myself that there are other women besides you.

Ryan kisses me on the head and leaves me alone.

I’m alone again.

Chapter 2

Ryan

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What the hell was I thinking? I shake my head all the way into my room, feeling relieved that we were interrupted before it was too late. I wanted her...damn, I wanted her but not for the right reasons.

Before I start thinking about her sexy body and her soft hair touching my skin, I head for a cold shower and try to wash the yearning off of me.

After I step out and towel off, I feel better and less sex crazed. When I head back into my room, an eerie sense of disturbance greets me at the threshold. I instantly notice my cell has been moved from the side table to the bed. Slowly, I move to my bed and look down at the flashing cell as a message comes in.

Did the shower help?

I grab my gun and turn. I brace myself as I meet a shadow coming at me. My gun flies across the floor when I take a blow to the jaw, but I land a solid hit of my own. Fearing for Kayla and Nicky, I rush to get to them before I sound an alarm for the guards.

Ryan, a rough voice calls out to me.

I turn toward the shadow as he halts our fight with a stance I know well. Suddenly, I begin to question my guilt and my sanity.

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I watch Kayla closely as she sits down. She forces a warm smile in my direction, and I return the favor, allowing her to get back to business as usual. She is obviously distracted, she has to be thinking too much about Nick and not enough about the mission at hand. She was doing so well, but now, she worries me. I can understand her obsession. Nick haunted me most of last night.

We both have to get our heads on straight. We are under attack and on the verge of a huge win, but we can’t do it without Kayla. Since she has taken over, she has been nothing but brilliant. She has made several profitable business moves, many of which I would have never done. She sees things others don’t, and the payoffs are big.

When Dawson and his buddy floated to the shore, Estrella’s confidence took a major hit. Since the bodies were discovered, the police have been all over us. They have no evidence to prove anything, and Estrella certainly won’t tell them what his men were doing.

All we have to do now is drive a stake into his heart and kill the beast for good.

Estrella wants to talk, Kayla announces.

The news is not a surprise to me, but Kayla’s expression is. She is considering it.

I want to talk to him and see what he has to say. I think he wants to tell me something, something we have been missing until now.

Distracted and worn down by grief, she is obviously not making the decision based on what she knows to be true but what she wants to be true. She is forcing my hand, and I know she will hate me for it, but I have no choice. As much as I don’t want to, I have to work behind her back and do what Nick would do.

Kayla excuses herself to tend to other business while I decide that I need to meet my new silent partner. Calling him on the sly, I make plans to work out our issues at a meeting place we used to frequent years ago.

***

He emerges from the shadows, wearing a dark coat, gloves, and a raised hood. As he approaches, his tenacious eyes become clear. Lamont Cranston is the name he texted me.

The Shadow? Real funny, asshole.

With a slight nod, we immediately dive into business.

She’s distracted. I think she needs to know, I say, watching him closely.

No! She is followed wherever she goes. It’s best she continues like she has been with everyone watching her. Then, no one will see me coming, Cranston says with authority.

Let’s get one thing straight right now. This is a partnership. We both have to agree on everything, especially when it comes to Kayla and Nicky. Before his powerful stance has a chance to take form in front of me, I lean in to him. I don’t care what you have to say about this matter because nothing will change my mind. They are my responsibility now, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure they stay safe.

You’re getting pretty bold these days. You just make sure you keep a calm head and don’t— he grumbles.

I know! I huff with a low groan. Tell me what you got.

I don’t have much yet, but something isn’t right. Estrella’s son is moving numerous goods in and out of their warehouses. There’s a lot of it, and he doesn’t seem too concerned about anyone questioning anything. When the inspector comes down, he barely gets out of his car. They are moving three times more product than before.

With a shrug, I reply, So, they are paying him off. Nothing new.

Even if he were being paid off, he wouldn’t allow that much product to move, especially out in the open. No, there is something more to this. Someone else is calling the shots. No way Estrella would do these things, not without assured protection.

Cranston looks worried, but I don’t understand why.

Dirty cops?

No. It has to be more than the usual suspects. I am telling you, Ryan, the amount they are moving, even with dirty cops, is still too risky. When is Kayla supposed to meet Estrella?

He is supposed to call her in a few days. Then, they will decide on when and where to meet.

His long sigh worries me even more. He has always been good at knowing when something is wrong.

Keep her away from him as long as you can. Until I can find out what he is up to, I don’t want her anywhere near him.

I laugh. And how the hell am I going to keep Kayla from doing something she wants to do?

They are your responsibility now, so you should be able to figure it out, right?

His harshness is expected but not appreciated. I walk away, leaving him to disappear into the shadows from where he came.

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I meet with Kayla and Dwayne where she is convening with one of Senator Welch’s lackeys, a Mr. Brandon Knox.

He sits back with his repugnant smile and expensive suit, eyeing Kayla like she is a piece of meat. I don’t even know why she is bothering with this guy. He doesn’t know anything. He just likes staring at her legs and breasts.

We should be checking out Estrella’s men. We should be watching him, his partners, his distributors...something! Damn, what is she doing with this guy?

So, Mr. Knox— Kayla says in a soft voice.

Brandon, he says, taking Kayla’s hand. Please call me Brandon. I would love to hear you say my name.

He’s looking deep into her eyes while I look towards Dwayne with disgust. My patience with the situation is wearing thin.

Kayla sweetly smiles at him and crosses her legs seductively. Brandon, it is then. Well, Brandon, what exactly do you do for Senator Welch?

Oh, the usual. Nothing exciting. I would much rather talk about you. Brandon stops and looks over at Dwayne and me. Is there a time or place we could have some dinner alone or a quiet drink?

I think that might be possible. How about my place this Saturday? Kayla suggests to my instant revulsion.

Saturday would be perfect, Brandon says, drooling all over himself.

***

Once the so-called meeting is done, we head home, and I glare at Kayla with disapproval.

Do you have something to say to me?

What the hell are you doing with this guy? He has nothing to offer us. And now, you are going on a date with him? He’s not even that good-looking, Kayla, I gripe.

First, I do believe he has something to offer. Second, don’t ever question me. And third, if you’re going to let your jealousy get in the way of your judgment, then maybe I need to get someone else to—

You can’t trust anyone else! And I am not jealous, but I am not going to stand by and watch you get fucked by this loser, I yell.

Her head suddenly snaps toward me, and I stare her down.

Then, I suggest you not be home on Saturday night, she says with no give and all determination.

I forget she is immune to the Jayzon eyes. I’ve never tried to use them on her before, and after attempting so hard now, it’s a little scary that she doesn’t even flinch. How am I supposed to control her? How the hell am I going to keep her away from meeting with Estrella? Sitting back in my seat, I take a deep breath and