About this ebook
During the course of my career working for the FBI, I've learned that there's no shortage of evil in the world. But occasionally we find something good, something worth fighting for.
When a case takes me out of my way one morning, I spy Chloe behind the counter of a local coffee shop. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and a sweet smile that lights up my dark world, I know she's meant for me.
Suddenly, she's gone without a trace, abducted from the parking lot after her shift. There are no clues. No eye witnesses. And each minute that passes narrows the window of opportunity to bring her back to me safely. The clock is ticking, and I don't have a single second to lose…
(Warning: Includes depictions of abduction, attempted rape, and other situations that may be uncomfortable for some readers.)
*Twisted Devil is the first standalone the Quentin Security Series. There are no cliffhangers, no cheating, and each book ends with a HEA.
#1 Twisted Devil – Jason and Chloe
#2 The Devil You Know – Blake and Victoria
#3 Devil in the Details – Xander and Lydia
#4 Devil in Disguise – Gavin and Kate
#5 Heart of a Devil – Vince and Jana
#6 Tempting the Devil –Clay and Abby
#7 Devilish Intent – Con and Grace
Morgan James
Morgan James is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and romantic suspense novels. She spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book, and she loves all things romantic, dark, and dirty.
Other titles in Twisted Devil Series (1)
Twisted Devil: Quentin Security Series, #1 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Read more from Morgan James
Chasing Matisse: A Year in France Living My Dream Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Purls of Wisdom Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5In Search of Alan Gilzean: The Lost Legacy of a Dundee and Spurs Legend Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCracking the Japanese Market: Strategies for Success in the New Global Economy Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Master of Circumstance Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I Spy Something New: A Collection of Poetry Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMy Poetic Dream, Reality, and Fantasy: Live Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Twisted Devil
Titles in the series (1)
Twisted Devil: Quentin Security Series, #1 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related ebooks
Silent Treatment: Rescue & Redemption, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExploding Love: A Psychic Love Novel, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFull Moon Security: The Complete Series: Full Moon Security Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRight Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Out of the Smoke Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Just Business: Aegis Group Dangerous Ladies, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGive Me Back My Man: The Love Barn, #1 Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Queen Of Killers: A Suspenseful Mafia Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSlim To None: Cedar Tree Series, #1 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Unconventional Beginnings: Black Swan Series, #0.5 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Spy Games Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The SEAL: Black Hawke Security, #1 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Out of Character Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEdge of Shadows Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Cherishing Shay Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRelentless Habit Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5J Speaks Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5His Saving Grace: The Prequel: Badass Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Lost in Shadows Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5No Mercy: Deadly Intent, #2 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Captured - Special Forces Team Series 3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsForsaken Ride: The Punishers MC, #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHold You Close: A Fight For Me Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Carved in Stone Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5In His Memory Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Bully's Obsession: In Love With The Shape Of You Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Mafia's Wife: A Mafia Romance Series, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHer Master of Hearts Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsUp in Flames: Firehouse Three, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Contemporary Romance For You
It Starts with Us: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Animal Farm Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Stone Heart Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Hopeless Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Icebreaker: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wildfire: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ugly Love: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It Ends with Us: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Before We Were Strangers: A Love Story Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Heart Bones: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Enemies With Benefits: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beautiful Disaster: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Finding Cinderella: A Novella Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5November 9: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ruin Me Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Maybe Not: A Novella Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Funny Story Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Maybe Someday Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Confess: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5All Your Perfects: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Beautiful Bastard Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Slammed: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The American Roommate Experiment: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Book Lovers Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Swear on This Life: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wallbanger Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Intense - Erotic Short Story Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Spanish Love Deception: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Without Merit: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5His Little Red: A Possessive Dark Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related categories
Reviews for Twisted Devil
1 rating1 review
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Jul 25, 2023
This was a great little story. I hope the rest of the series is as good.
Book preview
Twisted Devil - Morgan James
CHAPTER
ONE
JASON
The scent of coffee grounds permeated the air, and just the thought of caffeine had my body tingling with anticipation. Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only person who needed the shot of adrenaline this morning, and a line of people filled the small shop ahead of me.
I glanced at my phone and let out a little sigh. Goddamn. It was only a little after eleven o’clock, but I felt like I’d been up forever already. Although, with several active cases, I wasn’t getting a whole lot of sleep these days, anyway. I needed all the help I could get staying awake, hence my trip to the coffee shop. Though I’d had a cup first thing this morning after working out, I needed the jolt of energy.
I didn’t make it to this side of town very often, but we were wrapping up a case a couple of blocks over and the Starbucks across the street had been closed so they could fix a broken pipe. A quick Google search had listed this place, and it was better than nothing.
I mentally went over my list of things to do today, responding to emails as the line in front of me dwindled. Finally, I stepped up to the counter, ready to order. But the sight that greeted me halted me in my tracks.
A pair of eyes the color of the sky on a cloudless day peered up at me. Framed by sensually long lashes, I felt my words dry up on my tongue as I tumbled headlong into them. They were the brightest blue I’d ever encountered, filled with a sparkling intelligence, and I felt myself drowning in the depths.
What can I get for you?
Embarrassment of being caught staring at her washed over me, and my shoulders tightened at the sensation. Christ. What the hell was wrong with me? I cleared my throat. Just a large coffee, please. Black, no sugar.
Sure thing.
She tapped the screen a couple of times, then smiled up at me, revealing a row of bright white teeth. The way it lit up her face, making those cerulean eyes glow, was like a punch to the solar plexus. That’ll be $4.27, please.
I handed over my credit card, studying her efficient movements as she swiped it through the machine, then handed it back to me. While she waited for my receipt to print, she poured my coffee into a travel cup. Haven’t seen you here before.
Uh… No.
Her statement caught me off guard. This is my first time.
She smiled and passed me the cup. I thought so. We’re kind of off the beaten path, so we get mostly regulars.
A smattering of freckles, so light I’d missed them before, covered the bridge of her nose and the tops of her cheeks. Her blonde hair was pulled back, highlighting her heart-shaped face and full, sensuous lips. They looked soft and sweet, and I wondered how they’d taste beneath my own.
Would it be too forward to ask her out? Probably. She was a little on the young side, maybe in her early twenties or so, but I wasn’t quite thirty yet.
Jesus. I was already trying to justify asking her out, and I’d only just met her. I couldn’t explain exactly why, but I felt a draw to her. She was beautiful, and she caught my attention in a way no other woman ever had. I wanted to see her again—wanted to see if this feeling still existed, that it wasn’t some one-time occurrence that would fizzle out as quickly as it’d come.
I was acutely aware of the line of people behind me as she printed off the receipt and handed it to me. Maybe I’ll stop by tomorrow.
I almost cringed at the desperate quality my voice held. Fucking smooth, Jason. Seriously. You know, if I’m still in the area.
Those big blue eyes stared up at me. Then maybe I’ll see you tomorrow, stranger.
Jason.
I held her gaze, unable to make myself leave just yet.
A bashful smile curled her lips, and her cheeks flared light pink. There was no maybe about it. I knew I would be back tomorrow.
CHAPTER
TWO
CHLOE
The pungent scent of used coffee grounds rose into the air as I cleaned the machine and got ready to close up for the night. Behind me, Sara helped the final customer cash out, then locked up behind him.
She joined me along the back bar with a little groan. God, I feel like this was the longest day ever.
I offered a little smile. I know. My feet are killing me.
I shifted on the anti-fatigue mats that lined the floor behind the bar. I'm just ready to go home and crawl into bed.
Me too. Are you ready for finals?
I rolled my eyes as I wiped down the machine. Hardly. Whitaker is brutal.
I know, right?
Sara commiserated. I’m so over it already. I can’t wait to be done.
Thank God, I only had a couple more weeks before I was free. Sara and I were in the same microbiology class, and the stodgy old professor was a giant pain in the ass. I'll be so glad when this semester is over.
Have you found an internship yet?
I shook my head. I've put in some applications, but I haven't heard anything back yet.
Me either.
The directors at the school were supposed to help with job placement, but so far with the job market the way it was, it was extremely competitive.
I'll probably have to move out of state,
Sara lamented.
Honestly, that didn't sound like the worst idea to me. Do what you have to do, right?
I shrugged.
I know, but then I've got Ryan to think about…
Sara trailed off, and I threw a look her way. How are you guys doing?
She rested one hand on the counter and turned to me. I don't honestly know. Sometimes I think we're great, then other times he pisses me off and I wonder why we’re together. I swear, if he wasn’t so damn good in bed…
I knew exactly how she felt. I’d had an on-again, off-again relationship with my boyfriend for nearly two years before I finally broke it off for good a few months ago. I loved Aaron, but we made better friends than a couple. I hadn’t dated anyone seriously since then, always too busy with work or school to devote any real time to a relationship.
I thought of the man who’d come in yesterday morning. Jason. I was a little disappointed he hadn’t been back to the coffee shop since. It was irrational, I knew, considering we’d talked for a whole two minutes while I poured his coffee. But I’d sworn there was some kind of spark there, and he’d hinted that he would come back. But he hadn’t.
I tuned back in to my conversation with Sara. I think every couple goes through that phase. But if things are meant to work out between you two, they will. Don't decline an amazing job offer on the off chance that you and Ryan stay here and live happily ever after.
Her mouth twisted. Why is this so hard?
I cracked a smile. Adulting sucks, doesn't it?
No kidding.
She let out a little laugh at the same time her phone dinged with an incoming message. Speak of the devil,
she said.
I watched her fingers fly over the keyboard as she responded. Why don't you take off?
I suggested. I can handle the rest.
Sara’s eyes flicked to me. Are you sure? I hate to leave you here by yourself.
It's no big deal.
I waved off her concern. We're pretty much good anyway. I'll get the dining room cleaned up a bit, then head out.
If you don't mind…
Sara made puppy dog eyes at me, and I couldn't help but laugh.
Just go already.
You're the best.
She bounced happily on her toes before grabbing her purse from under the counter and throwing a wave over her shoulder as she left. See you in the morning!
I waved as she cut across the parking lot to her small silver sedan, then locked the door once more. I straightened chairs and wiped down tables as I made my way around the small dining area. Once I put all the cleaning materials to rights, I locked up the cash register and turned off the lights. As a safety precaution, the morning crew would handle the bank deposit, so I left the slip on the counter for tomorrow’s employees.
I left through the front door, throwing a quick glance around before locking up and heading to my car. Employees had to park on the side to leave room for patrons to park right in front of the shop, so I headed in that direction. As I rounded the corner of the building, a large figure stepped out of the shadows. My breath suspended in my lungs, and my muscles went completely rigid before my brain sent out the signal to run.
Just as I started to turn and bolt away, the man's arms came around my torso. I kicked frantically, my arms pinned at my sides where he held them tightly. Unable to form words, a series of low grunts left my throat as I thrashed against his hold. Finally, I opened my mouth to scream, hoping it would draw attention. As if he knew what I intended, the man's forearm moved up and constricted around my neck.
He leaned back, forcing my back to arch, and the motion put strain on my throat. Black spots danced before my eyes as I struggled to draw in a breath. Two seconds passed, then three. My lungs felt tight, like they were burning, and the man tightened his