Chapter Five
Sky Villa
Eight P.M
Monday
W hen Dimitri returned home, his face said it all. He wasn’t happy to have left the detective behind. While he knew the hotel was secure, there was still that chance, and that worried him. Leaving her was hard, but what choice did he have? Like he told her, he had kids, responsibilities, and…
Jesus.
What had happened? It was just a few weeks ago that he was buying hookers and living life…miserably.
Maybe change could be good.
When he walked into his condo, Emma and Greyson were there. They looked up as he came in.
“Thank you for watching the kids. Where are they?” he asked, as he looked around. The place was still standing.
How?
No clue.
“Well, they are worn out. Apparently, swimming is something that they love, and it makes them complacent to directives,” Emma stated.
“We will have to keep that in mind,” Greyson stated, touching Emma’s belly.
Honestly, he didn’t expect the man home so soon. He was going to start making out with Emma as they watched a movie and babysat.
Someone wasn’t getting his sex on with a sexy detective.
Odd.
When Dimitri dropped into the big comfortable chair, that had once been Katerina’s, he lifted a brow.
“You look worried.”
Yeah, he was, but it was time to be a parent.
“I’m good. She really can swim?” he asked, wanting an update on their lives.
“Yes, imagine my terror as I nearly dove in after her only to watch her swim like a fish. For the record, my friend, she’s fast. She saw water, and she was gone.”
“Well, I can cross swim lessons off the list. No one will drown.”
That was always a good thing.
“And Sam?”
“He was hovering. Are you sure he’s not your biological son?” she asked. “He was all over her.”
Dimitri laughed.
“I’m sure. I was better at illegal things at his age. Some things just come naturally.”
She snorted.
“Where are they?”
“They’re fed, and we weren’t kidding. They are both in bed. It’s a school night.”
Dimitri owed them big time.
“Thank you. I had to drop Poppy off.”
Oh, Emma had just been getting all the dirt. Her husband was telling her all about it.
“Oh, were you?” she asked, trying not to smile. She was genuinely happy for him. Dimitri was a good man.
“You’re home sooner than I thought,” Greyson stated. “And you don’t have any hickeys.”
He laughed.
“I’m well aware.”
“Did she shoot you down?” he asked.
“No, she was disappointed that I was dumping her there and leaving.”
Emma tried not to laugh.
“It’s not funny,” he stated.
“Well, it kind of is, Dimitri. If you think about it. You could have stayed with her. I would have stayed here with the kids. I don’t mind. They’re out cold.”
“No, I’m not,” Sam said, standing in the doorway. “I was waiting for my dad to come home.”
And there it was.
Dimitri simply lifted a brow.
“Hello, son,” Dimitri stated as the boy headed his way.
“You could have spent time with a babe and you came home?” he asked. “Was it the sexy one with the shooting skills?” he asked.
“They are ladies, not babes,” he corrected for what must have been the millionth time.
Sam rolled his eyes.
“You’re deflecting.”
“Where did you learn that?” he asked.
Sam pointed at Emma.
“Sue me! I taught him a big word. Bad Aunt Emma,” she teased.
“I suppose I was, Sam.”
The kid didn’t get it.
“Did you pass up a date?”
This was tricky. Dimitri patted his lap and his son hopped onto him without hesitating. He loved that most about the boy. He was his. This was his son.
“Well?” Sam asked.
If he lied, he was promoting it. If he told the truth, he didn’t want Sam to think he didn’t want him. It was a fine line.
Truth it was.
“Yes.”
“You like her, huh?” he asked, staring into his eyes. Immediately, Dimitri wrapped his good arm around him and cuddled him.
“Yeah, I do. As it seems, a lot.”
Sam didn’t hesitate.
“Go back.”
“Sam.”
“Take her out for dinner or do whatever it is adults do. I’m good. You didn’t leave me with killers.” Then he looked at Greyson. “Unless you believe the TV, some papers, and general rumors…”
Greyson laughed.
“Smart ass.”
Sam smiled.
“I have responsibilities. That’s why I’m not out doing what adults do.”
God!
He wanted to be balls deep in her, making her scream his name, but that wasn’t happening.
Sam wasn’t buying it.
“We’re good, Dad. If Petra wakes up, I’m here. She’s my buddy anyway. She’s in my bed right now. She’s going to be fine. The babe was right. She can hang. We can watch a scary movie, have some popcorn, and a beer.”
She pointed at him.
“A root beer.”
“Better.”
“I don’t want you to feel like you are being shoved off on someone. I took on the responsibility.”
Sam stopped him.
“I know the difference now. I know that you really do love me. You blew off hanging with your BFF today to spend it with me. You earned it.”
“I love spending time with you, but if we’d like to stay in tutors and expensive candy bars, a man has to work.”
He leaned against his father.
“Well, I can tell that you really like her. I know she feels the same.”
He lifted a brow.
“You do, now, do you? How?”
Sam shrugged.
“Easy. When we were on that dune, she was praying she was going to be able to save you. She was praying. Literally. She likes you, Dad. Don’t let her slip by you. We know you’re here for us. I have kick-ass tutors, we live in the best place, and you got shot trying to save us. I know, and Petra…she will know. I promise.”
“Oh, Sam. I don’t deserve you,” Dimitri said. “You are my greatest blessing.”
“Pussy,” he said, embarrassed by the whole thing.
Emma laughed.
They all looked over at her.
“WHAT? I’m sorry! This son in my body has made me a bad influence!”
“Language,” Dimitri stated. “AGAIN.”
“My bad. Go see the lady. You like her. I can tell,” Sam stated.
Oh, he really did.
“He’s a smart boy,” Emma stated. “I’d listen to him. Besides, I’m up for a movie and popcorn.”
Dimitri looked at his watch.
“It’s already eight. I don’t want to…”
Croft cut him off.
“What are you? Ninety?” Greyson asked. “In Vegas time, that’s like three in the afternoon.”
“Are you sure it’s okay, Sam?” he asked. “You and Petra come first.”
“Can I stay up a little longer? I’ll keep Emma company. She can teach me how to play poker.”
“Uh, why?” she asked.
“You know so I can open a back-room gambling business when I get older to help support our family.”
Dimitri had never been prouder.
“Okay,” Dimitri stated. “You absolutely can.”
They both looked at him as if he’d taken a blow to his head and forgotten that he’d set up the bedtime rules.
“What?” Emma stated.
“Really?” Sam asked.
“Uh, I own one of those, so…”
She laughed.
“Get the cards. I still get popcorn,” she stated. “Mac wants something salty.”
“Cookies? I know I heard cookies too,” Sam offered.
“Yeah, I’m in.”
Greyson was smiling.
“Don’t say it. I know. I’m mellowing with this pregnancy.”
“Go get the cards, Sam,” Dimitri said, “and don’t wake your sister.”
It felt nice to say that.
He left, and Dimitri lowered his voice.
“Are you sure?”
Emma got up, sat in his lap, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. This man was a part of her. He filled a hole Gage left when he died.
“Yes. Take her to Aquarius and have a drink. Talk, maybe be romantic, give her a good night kiss, and see her tomorrow,” Emma suggested.
“How do I ask? She’s already ignored one invite. What if she turns me down? For the record, that’s getting old.”
“What is she doing?” Emma asked.
“She said something about a fifth of Jack and six pounds of chocolate.”
She smiled.
“Send her a box of chocolates. Tell her if she wants the booze, to meet you downstairs.”
“Will that work?”
She smiled.
“I’d meet you.”
He grinned wickedly.
“I can get popcorn and cookies before your old husband can,” he teased.
Before she could scold him for calling Greyson old, her husband cut him off.
“And then I’d cut off your dick,” Greyson said, grinning equally as wickedly. “Checkmate.”
“So cold.”
She pointed.
“The concierge will have the chocolate delivered. Get changed and get to Aquarius. Drink in the actual bar, and not the back room. You’re an average guy with a date.”
He could do that.
Dimitri got up, and then he stopped.
He was overwhelmed, but he still needed to say something to them.
“What’s wrong?” Emma asked moving into Greyson’s lap.
“Thanks, both of you. I never thought I’d have a family, and even in my wildest dreams, I never thought it would be this perfect. I have my brother and best friend, and I have a woman I respect so much and love beyond any comprehension. Thank you, Emma. Thank you for loving Randall Mason, so you could come into our lives.”
She opened her arms and he headed into them. Once there, she hugged him.
“Go get the girl. She already likes you. This is easy. Just be yourself, Dimitri. You are a catch.”
He touched her cheek.
“Thank you for believing that.”
He headed out.
“Well, want to make out on the couch?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows. “We have the place to ourselves,” Greyson said, cuddling with her
“Dad! The babysitters are making out!” Sam shouted from the doorway. “Hurry and catch them!”
Emma laughed as Greyson held up a fifty without batting an eye.
The boy took it.
“Where were we?” he asked, going to kiss his wife while the boy tucked away his ill-gotten gains.
“You and the babe were going to teach me poker. Thanks for the money to bet with,” Sam said. “Show me how to do this. I want to take over the world.”
Greyson shook his head.
The boy was tricky.
And just like his father.
“Well, here’s something I never thought I’d see. We’re teaching an eight-year-old how to gamble,” Emma said.
Greyson laughed.
“Parents of the year.”
Damn straight.
* * * G R E Y S O N C R O F T * * *
Penthouse
She’d just gotten out of the monster bathtub, and she was lotioned, creamed, and smelled like a bunch of flowers. While she wasn’t one to spend money on frivolous things, it was fun to distract herself with how the other half lived.
God knew as a cop, she’d never live this kind of life. Emma Croft had gotten damn lucky. Once she went home, this wouldn’t be something she could do.
Paying her rent and car payment were important. You know…so she wasn’t homeless and without a car.
Just as she hopped onto the bed in the big lush robe, she heard the bell.
Her heart stopped.
Poppy wasn’t expecting anyone.
Who the hell could be there?
Heading toward the entry, she stood by the sliding door and tried to steady her nerves.
“Who is it?” she asked.
“Miss Wayne, it’s Benton, and I’m the hotel concierge with a delivery for you.”
That was…odd.
Poppy wasn’t expecting anything. She almost pulled out her cell phone to text Dimitri.
Instead, she pulled her gun out of the pocket.
Yes, she was in a secure location, but…
“Who is it from?” she asked.
“Mr. Gideon sent it for you. He told me to tell you don’t forget to punch in the code or the police WILL be coming, and that will give away your location.”
Her body relaxed.
Dimitri was the only one, other than her, that heard that conversation, so she knew it had to be legit.
She put in the code and then the one for the elevator.
“What is it?” she asked, checking out the rich looking box with the ribbon.
“I’m not to say, miss. Mr. Gideon ordered it up for you. Please enjoy,” he said.
She still hesitated.
Why did it make her so nervous that he kept sending her boxes with cute things in them? Why couldn’t she just enjoy it like every other woman would?
After all, it was Dimitri Gideon. He was sexier than sin.
“Here you go, miss. Have a good night.”
She took the big box and then punched in both codes to secure the place. Poppy carried it to the big white sofa and sat down. With shaking fingers, she tugged open the red ribbon and opened it.
There was a note.
‘Here’s half of what you wanted. I have the other half downstairs in Aquarius. Meet me for a drink—Dimitri.’
She pulled the tissue paper back, and inside was a box of chocolates. Six pounds of gourmet chocolates that had to cost a small fortune. She’d seen the brand in a chocolate boutique once, and she couldn’t afford them.
Most sane people couldn’t.
It was a car payment.
Opening the gold box, she stared at the little confections. They were decorated with gold leaf, and on the top of each little truffle was something spelled out in gold, wispy lettering.
Date One
Her heart skipped.
Well, the man could call up some chocolates and have them ‘messaged’ at nine at night. That was…impressive, and the sexiest thing anyone had ever done for her.
Poppy glanced over at the clock. It was almost nine at night, and still…she wanted to see him. She knew that he had to juggle his home life to come back to the hotel, and she wasn’t sure how many chances she’d get.
At some point, he’d likely walk away.
He was rich and sexy.
She was…a cop.
Oh, she was grabbing this Russian bull by the horns.
Racing into the bedroom, she prayed she packed a dress. Then, Poppy also prayed that she’d had the fortitude to pack heels in case this happened.
When she found the strappy heels, she did a little-naked jig.
This must have been meant to be.
Poppy rustled around in the bag and found the next part of her outfit. She pulled on some lacy undergarments. She knew why she’d packed them and the four of five other pairs too.
They weren’t meant to be seen UNDER clothes. They were first, second, and third date-worthy. When she finished pulling them on, she stared at herself in the mirror.
Oh, boy.
She looked…plain.
The freak out began. She didn’t bring anything girly with her except that dress and the sexy undergarments. She was screwed.
Then it hit her.
There was makeup in the bathroom. Emma must have left it there, and she was so grateful.
When she found the box with all kinds of makeup she couldn’t afford, she prayed the woman wouldn’t be upset that she’d poached some. She’d offer to pay for it, but that was funny as hell.
The lipstick alone was a full shift at work.
Digging through the kit, she found about ten different shades of the pricey tint.
Oh, hell.
What color?
Poppy tried to be a girl. Surely, she could pull this off if she thought about it. She solved murders. How hard could this be?
Black dress….
What color?
Her phone rang, and Poppy didn’t recognize the number. For a second, she hesitated but instead answered it. Maybe it was work.
“Hello?”
“It’s Emma. Do you need help?” she asked. “I know you’re going to be running around like a crazy person to get ready for your date.”
Clearly, Dimitri and Emma were close. The woman knew what she was doing.
“Uh, how do you know that?”
“Because it’s Dimitri. He’s sexy, and he and I spoke when he got back to the condo.”
She laughed.
Well, she was freaked out and crazed.
“First off, I didn’t bring makeup. That big kit…may I borrow some? I can pay you back.”
She laughed.
“I don’t pay for makeup, Poppy. People send me shit to wear when Greyson takes me out. Feel free to use whatever you want and take some of it. There are dresses in the closet of the master suite, and shoes. If they fit, go with them.”
“Thank you so much.”
“Question two? You and Dimitri don’t have some kinky secret sex thing going on, do you?”
She laughed outrageously.
“No. He’s my brother. Besides, Greyson would kill him if he even thought that. Why do you ask?”
“Because I’m going to rock his world. I wanted to make sure he was available.”
“He’s very single.”
“Third question? Black dress, so what color lipstick?” she asked. “I don’t girl much. Now guns…I got that down.”
Emma was aware.
She’d been that way before they landed in a shit ton of money, and she’d been forced to play dress up.
“In the top drawer, on the left side of the bathroom vanity, you’ll find a sexy shade of red that will go with that dress. It’s one I use. I think with your skin tone, it’ll work. Go with minimal. He likes you for you.”
Her heart skipped.
Oh, she only wished.
“I’m not an idiot, right? He’s not going to be down there in jeans while I show up in a dress, is he?”
Oh, Emma helped him pick out the perfect attire. While Dimitri was suave enough to do it on his own, he was nervous. They all knew this ‘date’ mattered to him.
“I just saw him. He left in a suit and a tie.”
She giggled.
Then she gasped in horror.
“Shit! I have no idea where that came from.”
Emma laughed.
“I do. I’m married to a sexy man. Be yourself, Poppy. He is fascinated with you. You have nothing to worry about with our incomparable Mr. Gideon.”
Poppy didn’t know what to say. This was one hell of an amazing stroke of luck. She felt like she’d won the lottery on this one.
“Emma, Thank you.”
“I need a favor.”
Uh oh.
“What? You’re not going to ask some kinky thing like watching, are you?”
She snorted.
“No. Just listen to him, keep an open mind, and remember that he’s really trying hard for you. Judge him on his present, and not his past.”
That melted that fear.
“He’s really trying hard?” She didn’t get that. He was drop-dead gorgeous, and she was…just another woman.
“Really.”
She wanted to dance around.
“Hair up or down?” Poppy asked while she had someone there to help her. Why not take all the free help she could get? She’d seen Emma on the TV and she always looked stunning. Poppy needed assistance.
“You should wear it down. You have gorgeous black hair, and it’s like raven’s wings. There’s a kiss of blue in it. It’s gorgeous. If I could change the color of my hair, that would be it.”
Poppy never thought it was attractive. It was simple, and it was black.
“My ass…”
“He’s an ass man. You’re good.”
She’d have to trust her.
Poppy put on the lipstick and looked at herself in the mirror. She still looked like Poppy.
“Are you sure I don’t need makeup gunked all over?” she asked.
“Trust me. I know him. If he had a lineup of women, he’s going to pick the natural beauty each and every time. I’ve seen a ton of women throw themselves at him, and he’s never noticed them. He’s noticed you. Now go and have fun.”
“Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
The phone clicked, and Poppy hung up. Grabbing her phone, she stopped at the couch and grabbed the box of chocolates. Poppy really hoped she wasn’t making a mistake.
Deep down, she knew that Dimitri Gideon was out of her freaking league, but she couldn’t help herself. It was those cheekbones, his gorgeous aqua eyes, and what she knew was beneath his clothes.
God!
She wanted him.
Heading for the elevator, she hit both codes and then got inside.
Then she prayed.
For a freaking miracle.
* * * G R E Y S O N C R O F T * * *
Riley Henderson’s
Home
When Delilah arrived at Riley’s place, she was beaten down from one hell of a long day. It was an extensive day of litigation, and she wanted to get some wine, slide into a tub of bubbles, and call it a day.
If she was really lucky, Riley had dinner ready, and he’d help her fall into bed. All day, she was trying not to think about the pregnancy test, and each time she did, she wanted to puke.
If this was all day sickness, she was screwed.
Once in the door, she knew her hopes of a foot rub and wine weren’t going to happen.
Yeah, no such luck.
He was nowhere to be found.
“Riley! I’m home!”
Nothing.
“Riley?”
She headed in, trying to find him, and instead, his place was dark. It looked like she beat him home.
Until she walked into the living room to find what he’d set up, clearly, for her. There was a checkered tablecloth over the coffee table, candles, some roses, and his phone.
“Riley?” she called again.
Nothing.
As she got closer to his phone, she saw a note.
‘Watch the video. It’s important.’
She didn’t know what the hell was going on, but she’d do what he asked. Riley was a really sweet guy who often left her roses, some sweet note, or a cute drawing.
He was a really good guy.
Sitting down on the couch, to rest her back and get off those four-inch heels, she hit play.
His face came onto the screen.
‘Hey, Delilah, I’m taking a little road trip. I had some time today, so I figured I’d get some things handled. Our first stop is the dry cleaners.’
Was she going to get a play-by-play of his day?
What a goofball.
She loved him.
Delilah laughed as Riley carried the phone into the dry cleaners and dropped off her laundry to be washed and pressed. He actually had the guy wave at her. Then he began talking to the guy.
‘My girl might be pregnant, so no harsh chemicals on those clothes. Natural things only!’
That caught her off guard.
What was he thinking?
She couldn’t believe he told the guy behind the counter that. What the hell was he doing?
Then he headed out.
Delilah watched as he headed toward his truck, whistling a tune. As he was driving toward his next stop, he was talking directly to her as his phone recorded everything.
He got a coffee, he bought some flowers from a street vendor, and then he arrived at her place.
‘Delilah, you need me to get your things. I can’t believe I get to rifle through your panty drawer. This is every guy’s fantasy. If I could talk to my seventeen-year-old self…he wouldn’t believe this shit. He totally would call me a freaking liar.’
She laughed.
“Riley, you’re insane,” she said, watching him unlock her door, head up the stairs, and into her closet. He kept talking to her the entire time.
It was sweet.
She liked how he was sharing his day.
He would have hated hers. She’d ridden more cop ass in five hours than she had all year.
‘I like when you wear blue. It sets off the green in your eyes. It makes me think of swimming in the Caribbean. One day, I hope you and I can go there and drink beer on the beach. Naked.’
She laughed even more.
“That sounds good to me, Riley. Name the time and place, and we are there,” she said, talking back to him.
Then she watched him.
The whole time, he was gently pulling suits out of the closet, and resting them on the bed as if they were precious and mattered to him.
Riley was always so careful when it came to her. He treated her like she was glass.
And precious.
Until they were naked, and he was a freaking wild man. She loved that part best.
When he stared into the camera, she focused on him again.
‘Now for the fun part of this little expedition. Cover me. I’m going into the girl’s secret inner sanctum. The panty drawer. What unmentionables will I find there? We shall see. Oh, look at these!’
Delilah laughed as a pair of racy red ones hung off his finger, and then they were joined by a few more pairs.
‘Well, I’ll save these for later.’
She laughed as he shoved panties into his pockets. This was exactly what she needed after today. Riley was making the tension ebb away—especially when he was digging out bras next. When he was finished, he put everything in her travel bag.
‘We need to get out of here. I have the most important appointment for today up next. We are going somewhere special, and of all my errands, this is going to be my priority. Delilah, there’s tissues right there.’
She looked over at the box.
What was he planning?
Delilah watched as he drove her, and him, through town. He pointed out a few places where they’d had dinner, or seen a play. Then he parked the truck.
When he got out, she didn’t immediately recognize the place. It took a second.
She sat up on the couch.
“Jesus! What are you doing, Riley?” she asked, holding the phone in her hands.
They were shaking.
“Why are you at the cemetery?”
His face came back on the screen.
‘By now, you know where I am. The reason this is so important is I’ve never met your family. I’ve heard about them, but I’ve never been formally introduced. I’m old fashioned, as you know. So, I thought this should be today.’
She didn’t get it.
Delilah hoped this wasn’t some joke. She didn’t think she could emotionally handle it.
She was scared as it was.
Then he began talking as the camera was pointed at the crypt.
‘Mr. Fleur, I’m Riley Henderson. I’m dating your daughter. She’s a really amazing woman. When I first met her, she scared the hell out of me. Now, not having her in my life scares me. I know she misses both you and your wife, so this felt important to me. I was a cop, sir. I think I was a good cop. Now, I’m a little lost. I’m trying to find my way. I know that Delilah is the only light on that path. She’s the only thing that keeps me from stumbling. I wanted to come here to say that I love her, and I want her to be my wife. She’s going to see this, and she’s going to freak out.’
That was an understatement.
She grabbed a tissue and buckled up for one hell of an emotional ride.
“Oh, I already am, Riley. I’m ready to really freak out,” Delilah stated.
He laughed on the camera.
‘She’s going to give me a million arguments on why we shouldn’t get married. Loving a lawyer is one hell of an adventure.’
Delilah didn’t know what to say. She was frozen in that spot, and she didn’t know what Riley was trying to do. He was talking about marriage.
What the hell?
‘Mr. and Mrs. Fleur, I need her in my life. That’s the most important reason. She’s become my everything. Now, I want to be her everything. I know she’d be fine without me. She’s so strong. I want to be that strong one day.’
Tears filled her eyes.
Delilah was anything but strong. When she’d been scared, who did she run to?
Riley.
He was already the strongest person she knew.
Then she gasped.
Riley took that moment to pull a ring out of his pocket and hold it so the camera on his phone would pick it up.
“Jesus!”
It was big, shiny, and something she would have picked out for herself.
Delilah couldn’t breathe.
He was getting her family’s blessing.
‘I’m asking if I can marry your daughter. I want to be with her for the rest of my life. Since no one is saying no, I’ll continue. Samson, I’m Riley. From everything Delilah has told me about you, I know I would have liked you. In fact, I know we would have been friends. I want to thank you for serving our country. I know you felt lost when you came home, and had I met Delilah beforehand, I would have saved you. I wouldn’t have shot you. I would have stood in front of you for your sacrifice, and for her. I lost my brother. I’m a triplet. I know how Delilah feels without you. It’s hard to lose your brother. I mourn mine every day.’
The tears fell.
The man knew her.
Riley had managed to sneak under her wall, again, and he found that part of her heart that she protected. He’d invaded twice, and twice, she’d succumbed to it.
‘I’m going to be honest. Delilah might be having our child. Yes, I may have knocked your sister up. I’m sorry about that…okay, no, I’m really not. I want a family with her. She’s going to think that the reason I’m proposing is because of that and that alone. It’s not. The reason I’m proposing to her is because never in my life has anything felt this perfect. When you know, you know. I’m so happy with her in my life. I can’t imagine a day without waking up and seeing her. If we are pregnant, and if we’re having a son, I hope he’s a little you, brave, strong, courageous, and a little like Miles, compassionate, honorable, and tenacious. If I can get that, and your sister to marry me, I will have everything I need in life.’
She watched the video as he tucked the ring back into the box.
‘So, any objections?’
What the hell was she supposed to say to anything he’d said to her parents or Samson? He’d caught her totally off guard. She’d been thinking pregnancy test, and he’d knocked her off her feet with the prospect of a wedding.
On the video, there was the caw of a bird.
‘Shut up, bird. I’ll shoot you.’
He waited for a few second, panning the area. When no one said anything, since they were dead, and no act of God happened, he continued.
Delilah didn’t know what to do.
“Riley…”
‘Well, since no one has said NO, I’m going to do this. Wish me luck. I’m scared shitless that she’ll say no. Then again, if she does, I’m tossing her over my shoulder and dragging her ass to a chapel anyway. She’s supposed to be my wife. I know it in my heart, and I’m not going to let her get away.’
Delilah didn’t move from that spot on the couch. She was glued to that phone and what he was going to do next.
Riley turned the phone around and stared into the camera, and she held her breath.
‘Delilah, my love, before we find out if we’re pregnant, marry me. I don’t want to do it because we may have created a child. I want you to marry me because we have something so amazing that we can’t let it go. Marry me, Delilah. Make me your husband. In my heart, you’re already my wife. I’ve known from the day you threatened to eat my heart for breakfast and kick my cop ass. Make us one.’
She stared at the screen not sure what she was supposed to do. Did he want her to answer him in the video?
Then she heard him clear his voice.
Delilah spun and saw him.
Riley was there, on his knee, and holding that little black box. The diamond sparkled.
“Will you marry me?” he asked.
Delilah came around the couch.
“Why?”
“Because I want you to be with me because you love me and want us. I don’t want to find out what that stick says and have it cloud your judgment. You don’t need a baby daddy, Delilah. You can raise a child alone. The question is, do you want me by your side if there is no child?”
Tears filled her eyes.
Did she want him?
She never wanted anyone more than she wanted Riley. He was her other half.
Before she could say anything, he continued.
“I love you, and I’ll die loving you, Delilah. It took me four years to propose to my last girlfriend, and I didn’t do this for her. I never thought it was right in my heart. With you, it’s taken me three months to know it is right. Marry me.”
“Yes.”
He stared at her.
“Yes?”
“Yes, Riley. I’ll marry you. You had me the second you were so worried about asking my father for my hand in marriage. You had me when you dug through my panty drawer.”
He pulled a handful of panties out of his pocket and tossed them into the air like confetti.
She laughed.
“You have me forever,” she said. “I’ll marry you.”
He took her hand and slipped that gorgeous rock onto her finger. It was flashy like Delilah, the attorney, and old-fashioned like Delilah, his girl.
“God! That’s a sexy ring,” she said, grinning.
“Do I get a kiss?” he asked.
She pulled him up by his tie and to her mouth. She kissed him for all she was worth, practically climbing up his body.
When she broke free, he was breathing heavily.
“Pregnancy test?” he asked.
She laughed.
“Tomorrow.”
“Uh…”
“I want to celebrate with my fiancé. Take me to bed, Riley. Take me to bed.”
He scooped her off her feet and took the steps two at a time, all the while, she was laughing and giggling.
“Someone’s in a hurry!”
Oh, hell, yes, he was.
Delilah was going to be his wife!
Upstairs, he kicked open his door with his shoe and stopped.
He wasn’t done with the surprises.
“Oh, Jesus!” she muttered.
Delilah stared at everything he’d done for her. There were roses, candles, and the bed was covered in rose petals.
“Riley.”
“This would have been really awkward had you said no,” he admitted.
“I would never say no. I told you that one day on the porch that if you ever asked me, I wouldn’t be an idiot like your last girlfriend. I told you that when you asked, it would be yes. I meant it. You’re the one.”
He was grateful for that.
“I want you, Delilah. I’ve never wanted another woman more,” he vowed.
Her lips found his, and there was her answer to that declaration.
That kiss tore through their control, swamping them with that unquenchable heat.
“Delilah!” he muttered, as she pushed his suit jacket off his shoulders to get to his shirt.
Next came his tie, and his belt.
She was insatiable.
“Hurry, Riley!” she responded, kicking off her shoes. “I want you. I want my sexy fiancé.”
Oh, that was music to his ears.
He couldn't believe that she’d said yes. He knew she promised, but he’d been worried.
Riley got the girl.
FINALLY.
And she was worth the wait.
She began pulling off his shirt and getting him out of his dress pants.
When they dropped to the floor, she followed them.
“Jesus,” he muttered, as she pulled off her suit jacket and then the silk shirt beneath it.
“Let’s celebrate.”
She took his erection in her hand and stroked him. All the while her green eyes never left his blue ones. “I have a very sexy fiancé.”
Oh, he had news for her.
His fiancée was even hotter.
Her lips covered his erection, and he moaned. Her mouth was just as wicked as always, and Riley held on for the ride.
It was a rough one.
“Come on, baby,” he begged, his hand sliding into the back of her hair as he slowed her down. The second he did, she used her teeth to torture him.
How he didn’t cum was a freaking miracle.
Delilah had a wicked mouth—in and out of the courtroom, and he was damn glad about it too.
“If you don’t stop, I’m done. I need to last through our engagement night,” he begged.
She slowed down.
Riley pulled her to her feet and kicked off his shoes.
“Get naked, Delilah.”
“Everything?” she asked. “You know I have something sinful under this skirt, right?”
He swallowed.
“I’m hoping since I already tossed all the absconded panties.”
She dropped her skirt.
He laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“I’ve said this before, but I really want you naked, but I really want you wearing that,” he muttered. “Oh, the dilemma that faces me.”
“Decide.”
“Oh, sweetheart, it goes.”
He surprised her when he ripped the garters off of her body. She actually gasped.
“This too.”
There went her bra.
“And this,” he said, tearing the panties to shreds before he picked her up and tumbled onto his bed.
No.
Their bed.
Her legs were around his hips, and he wanted to find his way into that warmth.
His mouth tracked down her body to her breasts and he feasted on them.
Delilah moaned and when he tugged on her nipples, inflicting that kiss of delicious pain, she nearly came.
“Oh God!”
Yeah, she could say that again.
His erection was throbbing, and all he wanted was to find his way home.
So, he did.
Delilah moaned as he filled her. Every time Riley slid home, it was like the first time.
It was amazing.
Only, he stopped.
“What?” she asked, opening her eyes.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
She laughed.
Here was her sweet man, and he was thinking about the little life they might have made.
And here was why she wanted him.
“I really want you to hurt me. Hurry up!” she demanded.
Riley weighed his options, and then scanned her naked body.
Yeah, he wanted her. So, he went back to what he was doing. As he tormented her breasts and neck, he didn’t move in her body.
It was maddening.
She nearly begged him like some wanton hussy. Delilah felt so filled, and yet was getting no satisfaction.
“Riley, please!”
“Please what?” he asked, tormenting her with his mouth. “What do you want, Delilah?”
“You.”
“To do what?”
She loved how he was so bossy and strong in bed. It gave her chills.
It made her wet.
“Fuck me.”
Then he stroked that tight little bud with his fingers, and she shivered at his touch.
“Good. It’s time.”
Then and only then did he begin moving, driving into her. She was begging for more, and he was giving her everything he had.
She came.
Riley had to pull out as she exploded in orgasm. If he didn’t, he was done.
When she surfaced, he was staring down at her with nothing but adoration in his eyes. Her heart melted.
“I love you,” she admitted. “I will always love you, Riley Henderson. As a cop, you should be ashamed of yourself.”
“Why?” he asked.
“You stole my heart. So damn felonious.”
It made him laugh, and it made his heart skip.
“I love you, too, Delilah.”
He slid back into her body.
“One more time, Delilah. Cum with me next time,” he ordered.
How could she say no to that?
She took all he had to offer, and they both shook with that need and lust. Whenever they came together, there was this.
This heat.
This desire.
She held on as he drove his dick in and out of her body so wildly that she was already close again.
Delilah teetered on the edge.
“Come on, baby,” he said, as he was just about there. He was so close he could feel his body begging him to shove them off the edge into the pleasure.
He’d never wanted to cum more than that very moment with her.
His muscles rippled as she bit him on the shoulder. Her nails scraped across his slick flesh.
It turned him on even more.
“So tight,” he whispered, bracing himself for what was going to come.
HIM.
“I really love my fiancée,” he said, as the heat overwhelmed him. It was as if he was going to melt from this moment with her.
“Harder!”
Jesus!
Riley would wait for her, but it would be hell.
He wanted to end this ride.
Delilah held on as the detective fucked her. With Riley, it was never half way. He did it well, and he did it until they couldn’t walk.
Thank.
Freaking.
God.
She shook.
“I’m close.”
He was so damn close that he didn’t know how much longer he could hold on.
Then she pushed him from her body.
He stared at her as his erection throbbed.
“Jesus.”
“I’m going to rock your world, fiancé.”
Delilah got on her knees.
When he grabbed her hips with his one hand, he went to slide back into her body.
“Nope.”
He stopped.
“What?”
“You heard what I whispered in your ear. Take me. Make it count, Riley.”
He nearly came right there.
Sliding higher, he nudged her ass with his dick.
Then he slid home.
It took all he had not to cum. He was so close that he wasn’t moving. There he was, Delilah, wearing his ring, his dick in her ass, and…
“I really want to tell my seventeen-year-old self about this whole damn day.”
She wiggled her ass.
He moaned.
“Wait for me,” she said, doing all the moving.
Riley was there for the ride. He stared down as his dick kept disappearing, and he knew his sexy little siren was going to make him work for it.
“I would have loved you at seventeen too,” she purred. “Sex under the bleachers. In the front seat of your truck.”
He moaned.
The visual.
Her body.
Riley couldn’t string a sentence together. She was giving him everything he could ever want and so much more.
“We could have had sex at the drive-in. Me on top.”
He pictured it.
“We could have left the prom to do this,” she offered. “Fuck my ass, Riley.”
He snapped.
His hands found her hips, and he was on autopilot. He drove himself into her, Delilah holding onto the headboard. In his head, he saw them.
He pictured it.
It was young love.
It was wild lust.
It was everything they had now.
Riley pressed his body to hers, one hand on her breasts as the other found her clit.
And he gave as much as he took.
It was just their breathing in the room.
It was that wild need.
It was perfect.
“Oh, Delilah, honey, I’m cumming!”
Riley exploded, driving himself into her one last time. She was right behind him, as she came too.
They fell onto the bed.
And didn’t move.
Finally, he pulled her closer but stayed in her body. He nuzzled her cheek.
“Mmmmm…”
She agreed.
“Delilah?”
She cuddled.
“Yes, Riley?”
“Marry me tomorrow.”
She started laughing and couldn’t stop. Her heart was so light, and it was like being drunk.
“Delilah?”
She giggled.
“What’s funny?”
“You.”
“Is that a no?”
She moved so she was facing him.
“No, that’s a definite yes. Tomorrow. Name the time and place. I’ll be there.”
“Wear a dress?”
“Can’t I come like this?”
“Then I’ll be coming.”
She laughed.
“I’ll get a dress. I’ll marry you tomorrow, Riley. I’ll marry you every day over and over again. It will always be yes when it comes to you. Always. You’re my heart.”
He kissed her.
Riley was the happiest man on the whole freaking earth.
Nothing could bring him down.
* * * G R E Y S O N C R O F T * * *
He was pissed.
What he wanted was to get his hands on her and make her his forever. Eloise was so close, and he almost had her. He didn’t remember her being so strong, but this time, she was.
Now she was gone.
Now she’d slipped away.
When he saw her in the shower, naked, wet, and his, he lost his focus. That was on him.
Next time, she wouldn’t escape him.
Next time, he’d drag her to bed. When they left with her, it gave him enough time to follow. He knew where she was, and it was time to find her again.
True love couldn’t be stopped.
They were meant to be.
No matter what.