Chapter 17: Finished Business

––––––––

Derek

An irritating beeping noise is in my ears. It’s dark, and I’m sluggish. My limbs are so heavy, I can’t lift them. Confused, I blink up at the ceiling, trying to remember where the hell I am and how I got here. The last thing I recall is lying on the floor of the jail, blood pooling around my midsection.

Clearly, someone called help. Wait. Ben was there. He called me Captain... Something is across my shoulders. I try to lift up, but pain sears my left side, and I remember the knife going between my ribs, gasping for air. Shit. That fucker must’ve punctured a lung. So I’m in the hospital? Another beep, and I try to move again, but the slim band across my shoulders prevents me.

Turning my head, everything changes. I realize what’s holding me. Melissa. Her soft hair is against my shoulder. I try to lift my arm again, but it feels weighted down. I want to hold her. Straining my neck in her direction, I take a deep inhale... ocean roses. Warmth swells in my chest. She’s in the hospital bed beside me.

“Derek?” Her voice is thick with sleep, and the sound is so lovely. Lifting her face, her dark brow pulls over those beautiful sapphire eyes. “Are you awake?”

I try to answer, but my mouth is so dry. “Yes.” It comes out a scratched whisper.

“Oh!” She’s on her feet at once. “Are you thirsty? Here, let me get you a drink.” She runs around the foot to my other side. A plastic cup is on a rolling tray. She grabs it and is back at my bedside just as fast.

“Take a sip.” Her hand lightly touches my chin as she holds the straw to my lips.

Fuck the water. I want to drink in her lovely form, standing over me. Her eyes are a little swollen, and I realize she’s been crying. My lips part, and I pull the tepid water into my mouth. It’s not very good, but it soothes my throat.

“You’re here.” I whisper. It’s all I can think. She’s here. After all those nights apart when my body ached for hers, she’s right here in this room with me. Then she’s up on the bedside again, leaning closer, but holding herself off my torso.

“I’m here,” she repeats with a smile, her eyes glistening with more tears.

“Don’t cry,” I say, but my voice cracks again. She quickly holds the straw to my lips, and I take another sip.

More tears are in her eyes, but she’s smiling now. She sniffs as they stream down her cheeks, and she leans forward, pressing her forehead to mine.

“I’m so happy you’re awake. I’ve been waiting to tell you how much I love you. I want you to come home. I want us to never be separated again.”

I tilt my chin to kiss her cheek. She lifts up, but hesitates before kissing my mouth. “The doctor is worried about infection...”

“Kiss me.” My voice cracks, but the order is clear. Her lips press together, and she hesitates. “Melissa,” I say a bit stronger. “I’m not worried about infection. Kiss me, dammit.”

She breaks into a smile before lightly cupping my cheeks and leaning forward. Her soft lips press against mine, and I curse my inability to hold her. Lightly pulling my lips with hers, it’s just a tease of a kiss. I growl and lift my head, kissing her more forcefully, but the movement sends a stab of pain into my ribs.

“Ugh,” I gasp, falling back against the pillow.

“Oh my god!” She hops up. “I’ll call the nurse!”

“Melissa,” I growl. “Get over here and give me a real kiss before I fucking hurt myself.”

My words freeze her on the spot. She blinks back at me then exhales a laugh. With a shake of her beautiful head, she’s at my side again in the same spot as before.

“You’re the most stubborn man,” she whispers in that low, sultry voice I love.

“What do I have to do to make you listen to me?”

Her eyes sparkle as she cups my cheek. “I’m listening to you.” She touches my lips softly with hers and pulls back. I let out a frustrated growl, and she speaks again. “I hear every word you say.”

This time her lips crash against mine with all the longing we both feel. Mouths open, my tongue finds hers and curls with it. Desire floods my veins, and I manage to lift my right arm. It’s heavy, but I hold the back of her neck, drawing her body closer to mine. She lets out a little sigh and lifts her chin. Pulling her closer, I press my mouth to her soft throat.

“You have to be careful,” she whispers, threading her fingers into the sides of my hair.

“I’ll let you know if anything hurts.”

Slipping off the bed, she’s again beside me. My arm falls and she catches it, moving it under the blanket. “You’ve had some pretty serious injuries. Let me call the nurse.”

All I want is to hold her. I’ve waited so long for this moment. “Only because I don’t want to stay in this bed longer than I have to.”

She smiles and leans forward to kiss my forehead. I make a move to catch her and she laughs, dancing back. “Your recovery might be extensive.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not finished with you.”

* * *

Three weeks, and I’m back in the Alexander-Knight office in Princeton, collecting the files I’d brought up from Wilmington and sorting through the files I’d dug out while I was here away from Melissa.

The doctor in Baltimore released me a few days after I came around, once my infection cleared up. I had to check in with my doctor here, who put me on bed rest. I still get winded, and at times I feel like an infant learning to walk again.

Speaking of infants, Melissa brought Dex from Wilmington to stay with us, and my ultimate bachelor pad looks more like a nursery than ever. It’s exactly the way I like it after those nights alone, hating the sterile single-ness of the place. Today, they’re in Baltimore meeting with Bea. Our wedding plans have been restored, and Melissa is taking pictures of doughnuts. I didn’t even question her.

“These are the last of the files,” Nikki says, taking a stack of accordion folders off my desk. “You want them in the back filing cabinet?”

“We should probably think about scanning them and saving them on the hard drive.” I open my MacBook and click on the main directory folder. “As a leader in online security, it’s pretty ridiculous for us to keep paper files in the office.”

Her chin drops and she pauses at my door. “I’m not planning to stick around and help with that. I’ve sent my resume to a few offices, and I have an interview with one tomorrow.”

Stopping what I’m doing, I push back against the desk and slowly stand. “I guess we never finished talking about that.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I don’t belong here anymore.”

Patrick has returned to Wilmington with Elaine and Lane, and I briefly glance in the direction of Stuart’s empty office. He hasn’t made it in yet this morning.

“I understand how you feel,” I say. “If you need a reference, I’ll be happy to give you one.”

“I won’t make you lie for me,” she says with a bitter shake of her head. “I slept with Mr. Knight, I helped a blackmailer trap Mr. Alexander in a murder rap—”

“To be fair, it was an honest mistake.” I’m not holding it against her.

“Yes, because I’m such a god-awful secretary, you didn’t let me open your mail.”

I don’t have a good answer for that because it’s true. I’m standing in the office trying to think of a nice send-off when the glass doors open, and a face I never expected to see here emerges.

Slayde pauses in the doorway when he sees Nikki and me standing there. “Hi,” his voice hesitates. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“I was just taking these files away for Derek.” Nikki takes off toward the back office, and I’m left facing the son of my nemesis.

“Would it be okay if we talked in your office?” He steps forward, and his expression is conflicted. “Star told me what happened. I just... I need to ask you some questions.”

“Of course.” I step to the side and motion for him to enter.

He walks in, but doesn’t take a seat. Instead, he steps to the bookshelves and puts his hands in his front pockets as he studies my photographs of Melissa and Dex. I step around my desk and take a seat.

“You hired this guy Bennett to be your private investigator?” He asks, turning to me. “You didn’t know anything about him?”

“I knew his work history,” I say. “I needed someone to work cases here when I moved to Wilmington. He came highly recommended, and Bennett is a common enough name. I’m sorry, but you never entered my mind.”

The young man nods and paces to the other side of my office. “No, I’m sorry.” He stops and faces me, those ice blue eyes burning with intensity. “I’m sorry for what he did to you, the blackmailing and the forcing you to turn yourself in. I’d never have wanted him to do that. I’m not about revenge.”

Nodding, I lift the Montblanc pen off my desk. “I believe you.”

“It sounds like a line, but I’m not sorry I went to prison. I was a waste of space, an ungrateful killer.” He pauses and rubs an inked hand over his mouth, glancing down. “Doc changed my life. I’d never have met him if it weren’t for what you did.”

I knew a little of Slayde’s story. Patrick had explained his transformation to me when we debated whether Lane should spend time with Kenny now that she was dating an ex-con. Based on how I knew him, the answer was an automatic No. However, since leaving prison, Slayde had started over, taken control of his life. He rescued Kenny then he rescued his entire work crew and was named a hero. We’d decided he was one of the rare success stories of the penal system, and it was obvious Kenny couldn’t be more in love.

He looks up at me. “Do you know where this Bennett is now?”

“I haven’t had a chance to look into it,” I say. “It’s only my first day back in the office. But I’m sure I could find him for you.”

“Would you?”

I’m just leaning forward to wake up my computer when a cold voice breaks through our conversation.

“No need to look,” the man says. “I’m right here.”

Slayde spins around just as my head snaps up to see none other than Robert Bennett in the entrance to my office. He’s smiling, leaning against the doorjamb. His brown hair—the same color as his son’s, I notice—is neatly trimmed, and he’s dressed neatly in khakis and a short-sleeved shirt, as if he were just out taking a drive and stopped by the office.

Despite his casual appearance, I’m on high alert. He wanted revenge, and I’m not sure he’s satisfied. Momentary silence fills the air as the three of us assess one another. My attitude is angry, defensive, but I can feel waves of rage rolling off of Slayde. His fists clench, as does his jaw. I’m on guard against what he might do. At the same time, I recall his reputation for control.

“What do you want?” Slayde’s tone is low.

“Shane?” The man says, pushing off and taking a step toward us. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”

“My name is Slayde,” the young fighter replies. “Why are you here?”

An evil smirk crosses my former PI’s face, and his dark eyes narrow. “I’ve been keeping tabs on my old employer, waiting for him to be strong enough to get back to work.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

My brows rise. Slayde might be tamed, but a lot of his old ferocity still exists.

“Take it easy, son,” Bennett says, stopping in his tracks. “This is for you. Everything I’ve done has been to avenge your honor.”

“I’m not your son.”

“Well, biologically speaking—”

“I don’t have a father.” Slayde’s fists tighten again, and I remember his signature move. High-volume punching. “The man who raised me was a fucked up bastard, and you were nothing more than a sperm donor.”

Robert frowns. “I wanted to be there for you. I followed all your fights, all your matches. I was so proud of you.”

“Once I was an adult. Where were you when I needed you? When I was seven years old being beaten for leaving a fucking Lego on the floor? When I was locked in a closet for hours for not knowing how to make breakfast?”

“My cousin was a fucked up loser,” Robert snaps, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of the old Slayde reflected in his face. “Trust me. If he hadn’t died already—”

“He was an alcoholic who was broken after the love of his life died.” Slayde’s demeanor shifts like sand, and I can see how he’s changed since I faced him in the courtroom. “At least now I understand why he hated me so much.”

“It doesn’t excuse what he did to you.”

“I never said it did, but you knew about it. You knew who I was and what I was going through. You never did a thing to help me.”

“How could I?” Robert holds his hands open in a plaintiff gesture that makes me sick. “I was in no position to raise a kid. I was alone and not in a good place myself when Megan died.”

“You could’ve sent the cops. You could’ve done something to help me.”

Bennett shakes his head, and I see the crazy rage spark in his eyes. “NO! This isn’t about me. This is about HIM!” He waves his arm at me. “You survived. You made it out of there and made a name for yourself. You were a star, a rising legend!”

“I was a broken loser just like the drunk who raised me.” Slayde’s shoulders droop. “I was so full of rage. I went through money like it didn’t matter. I went through women like they were worthless whores.”

“Until Derek Alexander ended your life.”

Slayde’s head snaps up at that. “He didn’t end my life. He started the chain of events that helped me find peace. It’s more than you ever did.”

Bennett lunges forward now. “How can you say that? You don’t know him like I do!” Sneering in my direction, his level of hatred for me is stunning. “He struts around here like some fucking hotshot, like he’s some king.”

I would argue, but I’m feeling my injury. My wind is cut in half.

“You’re just trying to assuage your own guilt,” Slayde murmurs.

“It’s time the king was dethroned.”

“What are you talking about?” Slayde’s voice is an echo in my ears. Bennett’s hand is in his coat, and I see the gun as he pulls it from his pocket.

“You are fucking... NO!” Slayde shouts, making a lunge toward the man.

A BLAST! rings out, and I flinch, anticipating the bullet wound. In the hair’s breath of a second, I know it could very well be more than my body could handle in my current state. Slayde is young and strong, but if it hits him in the chest, in the heart...

Gunfire is a sharp, staccato sound. It ends almost as fast as it begins, leaving you to wonder if it truly was a gun. Could it have been fireworks? A car backfiring? No, cars don’t backfire in these days of computer-controlled starters

My first thought upon all these reflections is I’m in shock.

My second is I haven’t been hit.

Looking up, I realize Slayde is standing in the center of my office as well, seeming stunned. On the floor in front of him, the man claiming to be his father is crumpled into a heap. A thick, blackish pool is forming around him, and I realize he didn’t shoot at all. Bennett was the victim here.

Wresting control of my scattered thoughts, I look up, and in the hallway, I see her standing there. In her hand is the small pistol Stuart put in my boot the night he dressed me in Kevlar and sent me out to meet our unknown blackmailer. I’d given him the small gun back, and he’d put it in his desk, where for the first time since she’d been a part of our team, our weakest link took control of the situation and changed it for the better.

Nikki shot Bennett just as he was attempting to shoot me. Now he’s on the floor at Slayde’s feet, writhing in pain, and my secretary stands, blue eyes huge, shivering in the reception area.

* * *

The police have cleared out by ten. One of Nikki’s friends drives her home, promising to stay with her, and Slayde heads back to Bayville. I send a quick text to Melissa, promising to tell her everything once I get home.

When I meet Stuart at the bar across from our office, he has Marcus on the line discussing the details of the shootout and whether he needs to come in town to represent Nikki. It’s the same bar Patrick and I visited the night he decided to drive to Wilmington and take Elaine back, and I can’t help remembering that night with a smile. We’ve come a long way since those days.

“I can’t believe she fucking shot him,” Stuart says, shaking his head.

“Does it ever calm down around there?” I hear Marcus laugh over the speaker on Stuart’s phone. “I’m putting you assholes on a $250K retainer.”

“I’m sure you are,” I say, noting his Armani style as I take a sip of the Glenfiddich the bartender places in front of me. “You’d be happy letting us keep you on the dole.”

“Depending on the timeline, I could probably handle this when I’m in town for the wedding. If it comes to that.”

“I’ll keep you in the loop. Slayde witnessed the whole thing, and I intend to press charges.”

“We’re becoming the poster office for ‘defense of others,’” Stuart says, sipping his beer. “At least we’re not in Baltimore this time.”

“He’s lucky she didn’t kill him,” I add. “She said she closed her eyes and pulled the trigger.”

“Good god,” Marcus says. “My fee just went up.”

Stuart stands, polishing off his beer. “It’s late. I’m headed home to Mariska.”

“Yeah, I’ve got to get back and tell Melissa what happened.”

Marcus is right there to give us hassle. “It’s a Thursday night, and you’re going home at ten? You fuckers are so whipped.”

“Famous last words,” I say, finishing my scotch.

“Famous true words.” I hear the grin in our attorney’s voice.

“Just keep talking, friend,” Stuart pays our bill and slips on his blazer. I shake my head, remembering the days when my partner was just as cocky.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Merritt continues. “I love pussy, but there is no way in hell I’m letting it order my life. I control my destiny.”

Yeah, yeah. I’ve seen enough to know how this story ends. Taking the phone from Stuart, I turn it off speaker. “Hey, before you go, I wanted to thank you for helping me.”

“Just doing my job,” he says. Then as if remembering, he’s back to teasing. “Thank me by paying your bill.”

“Don’t worry.”

The slightest pause, and a serious tone enters his voice. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt today. Melissa’s a special lady, and she loves you. You’re a lucky man.”

“Thanks again.”

“See you next month. Now I’m headed out for the night.”

Disconnecting, I hand the phone back to Stuart. We decide to split a cab rather than driving. Sitting in the back, I look out the window at the passing lights.

“I’m thinking of offering Slayde a job,” I say.

Stuart shifts in his seat. “Doing what?”

Shaking my head, I don’t know why I feel the need to reach out to these kids. “I’m on the market for a new PI.”

“It’ll only work if Kenny will move here.”

“We might make it work if he doesn’t mind commuting.” A few quiet moments, and I remember our other unfinished business.

“I was also thinking of asking Nikki to stay on.” He looks out the window, and I keep going. “Since she saved my life and all. How would you feel about that?”

“I don’t have a problem with Nikki,” he says through an exhale. “All that shit is water under the bridge in my mind. She handled things wrong, but maybe I did, too.”

Silence again. I’m not sure what to say. “That’s pretty generous of you.”

He glances at me, and a smile spreads across his face. I’m confused, but not for long. “I asked Mariska to marry me. She said yes.”

“What?” Now I’m smiling. “Well, damn. Congratulations.”

“Yeah.” He leans back and looks out the window again, still smiling. “None of that past shit matters anymore. It was stupid anyway.”

We’re at the condo, and my partner slaps my back before heading up the stairs. I’m feeling good as I go to the elevator. Marcus and his playboy swagger cross my mind, and I remember how Stuart was before Mariska came along. I wonder what girl’s going to knock our hotshot attorney on his ass.

Jason is filling in for Walt again. He hits the elevator button and smiles, a wistful look in his dark eyes as the elevator comes down. “That little guy of yours is one cute kid. I used to dream of having one of my own.”

“What’s holding you back?” I glance at him as I wait.

His dark head bows. “You have to woo the fairer sex, and I’m financially challenged.”

I can’t help thinking his sallow complexion and oversized nose might also be challenges, although the right lady would overlook such things. “Money isn’t a necessary evil. Be creative.”

Shaking his head, his melodrama continues. “I’m not creative either, sir. It’s my curse.”

Clapping his shoulder as the elevator doors open, I’m ready to be upstairs wooing my own lady. “Only one person can change that situation, my friend.”

“No truer words.” He waits as I get inside and hit the button for the top floor “Have a good night, sir.”

The condo is dim when I arrive. Dex, I’m sure is sleeping, and as I step through the kitchen area, I see Melissa sitting on the black leather couch in front of the gas log. A glass of white wine is in her hand.

I drop my keys on the oak table, and she looks over her shoulder. Our eyes meet, and hers are soft and full of love. “How are you feeling?” Her voice is a gentle wave in my direction.

I don’t waste any time going to her. She’s wearing only one of my white dress shirts, and I’m feeling awake in every part of my body, most of which are located below my belt. Leaning forward, she puts her glass on the table, but I don’t want her to get up. I want to scoop her into my lap and hold her.

“I’m not used to feeling weak,” I say, sitting beside her and loosening my tie. My eyes never leave hers, and her cheeks flush under my gaze. “I’m ready to be back to normal.”

I lift my tie over my head, and she leans forward to unbutton my top button. “I know,” she says and kisses my throat. “At least you’re here with me.”

Her movements give me a nice view down the front of the shirt loosely covering her body. She’s bare underneath, and my thoughts are moving away from this conversation to the bedroom.

“We had some excitement at the office today.”

“Is that so?” She shifts so she’s straddling my lap. “Tell me about it.”

My hands slide up her smooth thighs to her ass, and I tease the edge of her panties with my fingertips. “I’ll give you the short version.”

A little shiver, “Okay.”

“Slayde came to see me. He apologized, but he also wanted to know if I could find his dad for him.”

“I had a feeling he would want that.” Her elbow rests on my shoulder, and her beautiful cheek is against her slim hand.

I can’t help thinking the best part of my day is holding this woman in my arms, talking. I understand now she needs this, and damn if I’ll give her any reason to put my shit on the doorstep again.

“I was ready to tell him I could when the asshole walked in the door.”

Her head lifts, and her expression changes. I was sure she would’ve heard this from Elaine who heard it from Kenny by now, but I guess not.

“Derek!” she whispers. “Oh my god. What happened?”

Pulling her to me, I kiss her soft lips. They melt to my pressure, accepting my comfort. “Nothing to me, as you can see. Slayde had the confrontation I think he’s always needed...”

Her brow lines. “And?”

“Bennett was pretty pissed I’d escaped a life sentence. He pulled out a gun.” She slides back onto the couch, both hands cover her mouth. “Nikki shot him.”

Jumping up, she paces my living room shaking her hands. “Oh my god, Derek. I don’t think I can take any more of this.”

Easing to my feet, I capture her in my arms and hold her close, smoothing her long dark hair as I kiss her temple. “He’s not a threat to us anymore.”

She tenses and pulls back to find my eyes. “He’s... dead?”

“No, but he’s under arrest. They’ve taken him to the hospital for treatment then I intend to press charges. Marcus said he’d help us ensure Bennett will never threaten us again.”

Wiggling free of my embrace, she holds my arms, her eyes glistening with tears. “I’m not sorry.” Her voice drops to a whisper. “I hoped he was dead. Does that make me horrible?”

I pull her to me again and she melts against my chest. “It makes you human. Bennett is a psychopath.”

For a moment, her small body rests against mine. My hands slide down her waist to her hips, and I pull her closer.

“I have an idea,” I say against her hair. “Let’s do something to take our minds off the bad stuff.” She exhales a little laugh and puts her arms around my neck.

I want to carry her to the bed, but this fucking lung injury prevents me. Instead, I take her hand and lead her to our dim-lit room. Her lacy red bra, pink nightgown, and emerald silk robe are scattered around the room... these delicate items break the dark mahogany furniture, stainless accents, and white linen of my male space. I love the change.

Stopping, I turn to face her, watching her beautiful eyes as I unbutton the shirt she’s wearing. Sapphire turns to navy as desire builds, and I cup her breast in my hand, teasing a beaded nipple between my finger and thumb.

Leaning forward, I capture her mouth in a deep kiss. My tongue sweeps inside to hers, curling with it as my thumb circles the tip of her breast. I want to sweep her up, throw her on the bed, and climb after her, claiming her in whatever position we land.

Again, I have to be more deliberate. I kiss her slower, pulling her full bottom lip between my teeth. She rises on her tiptoes with a little squeal, tangling her fingers in the sides of my hair as she kisses me again. Her tongue plunges in my mouth, and I can feel the heat rising in her body as it presses against my chest.

Being more deliberate might not be as bad as I originally thought.

Breaking away, she gasps as she quickly unfastens the last of my buttons. I take the opportunity to touch the side of her neck with my tongue then cover it with my mouth, pulling her flesh in a hard suck.

“Oh, god, Derek,” she gasps, ripping the last of my buttons free and jerking at the bottom of my undershirt.

A little chuckle rumbles from my throat as I remove them. Another little noise from her, and she spreads her palms flat over my chest, smoothing them up and curling her fingers so her nails scrape my skin. It’s teasing and erotic, and I’m quickly unfastening my belt as her breasts press against me.

“You have to take it easy.” Her voice is low and sultry. “Let me do all the work.”

I can’t help a grin. “Whatever you say, Miss Jones.”

“Sit back against the headboard.”

The remainder of my clothes are gone, and I comply, getting comfortable against the pillows. She stands at the foot of the bed a moment, letting her eyes travel over my body. Fire follows her gaze, and I’m ready to ditch the helpless act.

“You’d better do something or I will,” I say with a rasp.

Her eyes widen a flicker and she’s on her hands and knees, climbing up the length of my body. Along the way, she ducks her head to plant a kiss on my thigh. It’s like a charge of electricity straight to my cock. Once there, she stops again, blue eyes flashing to mine. My stomach tenses, and she dips her head forward, pulling my tip into the hot space of her mouth.

“Melissa,” I groan as she begins to suck. Her tongue flickers around the edge, and my head presses back against the pillows as my orgasm roars to life. Her hand grips my base, pumping my shaft, and her head bobs to meet it. Tension builds, and my eyes squeeze shut. I’m panting, but fuck if this doesn’t feel like heaven.

“I’m close...” But she doesn’t stop. I want to be inside her before this ends, so I sit up and catch her under the arms.

She comes off me with a pop, and I fall back, taking her naked torso with me. “Ride me,” I groan as she reaches down, sliding my tip into her clenching, hot center. “Come on, baby.”

I’m in. My whole shaft is engulfed in her. It’s hot and tight, and she’s on her knees facing me, rising and falling fast. “Oh, god,” she moans, bucking against me.

I can barely take the sensations. “Melissa.” My voice is hoarse, and I can’t stop thrusting up into her. As hard as she’s getting off on me, I’m unable to stop meeting her fuck for fuck.

“Oh, YES!” She cries as I grip her ass. I’ll probably leave a mark, but damn if I can help it. She’s flying over the edge, and I grab one of her bouncing tits in my mouth, giving it a hard pull followed by a little bite. She cries out again, and it’s all I need.

My lung burns, and I don’t care. I feel like I’m dying the most fantastic death possible. I close my eyes and hold her, letting my orgasm fill her, pressing up into her as her nails bite into my shoulders. A cough pushes through my moans, and I take a ragged breath.

“Fuck,” I gasp. “I think that was the best yet.”

She collapses against me, and I rock my hips once more, allowing the receding waves of pleasure to ripple through my pelvis. Her arms hang on my shoulders, and I feel the smile on her lips.

Then she starts to laugh. “You always say that.”

Holding her waist, I roll her onto her back and prop on my elbow beside her. “I mean since I got home.”

She arches her back and laughs more, and I catch a nipple in my mouth again, giving it a little pull. “Oh!” She squeals, curving the other way. “You’re insatiable.”

Nodding, I bend down to kiss the hollow of her neck, making my way up to her jaw. “I will never get enough of you.”

“Mmm.” Her hands cup my cheeks. “That goes double for me.”

We hold each other a moment, looking into each other’s eyes. I think about the recent past, our future... “Everything straight in Baltimore?”

“Yes,” she nods. “And I’ve been able to restore all our previous arrangements. The only problem was with the caterer.”

“No food?”

“It’s okay. I talked to the manager of a hotel near our venue, and I was able to reserve their ballroom. Catering included.”

My brows rise. “Seems like that was a lucky break.”

“It really was.” Her slim fingers thread into the side of my hair. “Now all you have to do is show up in your dress blues.”

“Whites.”

“Shit!” Her eyes blink close, and I laugh. “I always get it backwards.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Leaning down, I kiss the side of her jaw. “I know what to do.”

“Me too,” her voice is warm. “And I can’t wait to do it with you.”

That makes me smile, and I capture her lips again. Our tongues touch, and love burns in my stomach, spreading upwards into my chest. We’ve endured so much, and in only a few short weeks, this woman will be mine forever.

She turns her face and whispers at my ear. “What are you thinking?”

The touch of her lips against my skin stirs other parts of my body. “I’m thinking of something else I’d like to do with you.”

A little laugh, a little touch, and our bodies move together in a way I will never jeopardize again.