It was a relief to Smiley. “That’s right. He’s not. There’s more.”

She shifted on the bed and he was pleasantly surprised when she curled into him, resting her face against his chest. He released her hand and pulled her closer. It felt right having her in his arms and that she seemed to understand his need to touch her as often as possible. He played with her hair.

“What else?”

The information had infuriated him when he’d been told what the investigation had revealed. “Did you agree to let Carl purchase a life insurance policy on you?”

“Sure. We discussed it when we got engaged. He wanted us both protected in case something happened to one of us. We were going to do it after the wedding.”

“He bought a policy two months ago and insured you for a million dollars, Vanni.”

She tensed in his arms and her chin lifted. “He said it would be about a hundred grand on each of us. Just enough to cover the costs of a funeral and pay off what he said he still owed on his house so I wouldn’t be left in debt.”

“He only got a policy on you. There wasn’t one for him. I feel he may have planned to harm you once you were married.”

She paled and her fingers curled around his forearm. He brushed a kiss on her forehead. “You’re safe now. I just don’t want you to feel bad for him, Vanni. He’s not a decent human. He deserves to be locked up.”

“Beth always said he was a snake. I guess now I know why he didn’t care if his father ended up hurting or killing me. It would have saved him the trouble of getting rid of me himself. Why didn’t I see it?”

“Humans can be deceiving. You are the type to want to see good in people. That’s not a flaw. It’s a good trait.”

“I’m an idiot.”

“No.” He leaned in and stared into her eyes. “You’re sweet and I don’t want that to change about you. He fooled you. That’s his shame, not yours.”

“He’s really an ass.”

“Exactly. I don’t want you to forget that. He doesn’t deserve your sympathy or compassion. I’m going to ask him about it tomorrow. I’ll get the truth.”

She nodded. “Are you going to hit him?”

He was torn on how to answer. When he’d heard about that life insurance policy and Tim’s assumption that Carl planned to kill Vanni for profit it had made him see red—Carl’s blood, to be exact. She might not appreciate him beating on a male she’d once cared about though.

“It would be okay.” She caressed his arm. “I even want to hit him.”

He grinned. “You’re my female. I’m certain I’ll lose my temper and punch him a few times. You can watch, if you wish.”

She shook her head. “I’ll pass. Just don’t get arrested for assault and I’m fine with whatever you want to do to him. As you said, I won’t feel bad for him.”

She wasn’t into violence. He appreciated that about her. Vanni had a gentle, tender soul. It was one of the things he loved about her. She also seemed to accept him just as he was.

“They captured Bruce as well.” He tried to keep the anger out of his voice but that was a male he wanted to harm. “He will pay for the threats he made and for Tasering you.”

She shivered at just the mention of the male. “I’m glad he’s off the streets. I think he could potentially turn into a serial killer or something equally as bad, if he’s not already. I’ll sleep better at night knowing he can’t hurt anyone.”

Her words brought a gruff rumble from deep within his chest. Vanni’s eyes widened but she didn’t pull away.

“That’s my pissed-off-I’m-going-to-hurt-him noise,” he explained. “It’s not directed at you.”

“I know. That sound is kind of sexy.”

That surprised him. “You think so?”

“Yes. I like how protective you are. You’re totally going to kick his ass, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

She released his arm and flattened her palm on his chest, exploring it. He tightened his abs and lowered his gaze, watching her. His dick hardened further when she gently pushed against him. He leaned back, giving her access. Her chin rose and a slight blush tinged her cheeks.

“Is it okay to touch you?”

“Anywhere, anytime,” he rasped. “I encourage it.” The phone rang and Smiley muffled a groan. “I have to get that.”

He regretted pulling away from her to reach across the bed. He just wanted to make love to his Vanni. His frustration sounded in his voice. “What?”

“Is this a bad time?” Jericho asked. “Were you sharing sex?”

“We were about to.”

“Don’t answer the phone when you’re naked, Smiley. Here’s a tip. You can always return calls later when you’re done bonding with your mate.”

“That’s why you called? To give me obvious advice?”

“No. The helicopter is leaving at nine in the morning. They moved up the flight. Gregory Woods faked a heart attack, hoping Medical would send him to a human hospital. It was a pathetic attempt on his part to escape. He’s irritating everyone at Reservation to the point that they want to hand him over to Fuller Prison as soon as possible. I spoke to Torrent and he’s ready to shoot the male himself. He said the human is wailing and whining constantly and it’s hurting his ears.”