Chapter Four

Rafael

Pulling to the side of the bar I hope the truck will be okay here. It’s a 51’ Ford with a wooden bed and running boards to match. It took me four years to strip and rebuild it. Hitting the alarm, I walk to Cassidy’s door looking back at the truck. The metallic midnight blue looks nice in the sun. Nothing but the frame and body are from 1951. I made it mine, complete with a brand-new motor, transmission and of course, the alarm. Hitting the doorbell, I can’t help admiring the blue. The body shop in Pawtucket dropped it off yesterday. The guy said I should have left it fire engine red, but the blue looks good on it.

When I hear her moving around, I turn to the door. It’s an oversized heavy wooden barn door that’s nice, but there’s no glass, even on the sides. When it opens, I’m hit with those pretty blue eyes smiling at me. “Hi. I’m ready.” She pulls my shirt and kisses my lips.

I love the welcome. “Bella, we have a lot to do and we won’t get it done if you keep kissing me.”

She giggles and my body stops moving. What a pretty little sound. Bending, I kiss her hoping to hear it again. She’s got me lost in the kiss until she moans. The sound has my dick straining but a car’s music reminds me where we are.

“You’re lethal.” I kiss the corner of her mouth and stand straight taking a deep breath. No woman has ever affected me like she does. She’s got a lost look in her eyes, so I take her bag and check the door before I kiss her again. “Ready?”

“Since the brownie.” She stops short and I’m doing everything I can not to smile. “I said it out loud. You’re making me crazy. I don’t act crazy, I don’t talk crazy, I’m the normal one. Everyone knows it.”

When she stomps her foot, I smile. “I believe you. In case you missed it, you’re driving me crazy too.” I pull her hand and start walking again. She needs to know she’s not alone in this. I think of how to say it walking to the truck. “I’m not the guy that walks around with my head in the clouds, Cassidy. It’s never happened before. Since I met you, I want more of everything. I want to know everything. I even think about what you’d say or what your reaction will be to things that happen in my life. It’s not normal for me either, but I don’t think I could stop this even if I wanted to.”

She’s looking at the truck. I shake my head, I couldn’t wait to see her reaction to it, just like I said. Her hand caresses the bed as she walks toward the front. “This is beautiful, Rafael. I love the color and all the wood.”

Moving around her I stand at the front fender and watch her face as she looks inside.

“It’s like brand new. Did you do this your self or buy it like this?” She never looks up, but checks out every detail of the inside then starts walking around the front.

“I rebuilt it myself then sent it out to be painted. I wanted the metallic flecks in it to match my car.” I can’t take my eyes off her and stay just ahead moving around it.

“I love it. You did a beautiful job on it. Since you smelled like wood yesterday, I thought you did some woodworking, but this is more than I expected.” Her hand strokes the bed and I’m hard as a rock watching it slide across the shiny planks.

“I did the wood on it last year. Let’s go and I can show you the stairs I put in yesterday. When you stroke those, I won’t be in public.”

She giggles and I kiss the side of her mouth afraid to take any more out on the street. The bench seat is looking good for what I want.

Instead, I smile opening the door and put my hand out for her. “No one has ever ridden in it before. You’ll have to tell me how she rides.” I groan as the words come out of my mouth.

She closes her eyes and it strikes me as demure. Where the hell these words keep coming from is a mystery to me, but she has a whole slew of new words popping into my head every time I see her.

“I’m sure the ride will be everything you hope it will be.” She actually bats her lashes at me.

All I can do is laugh. “You’re fucking killing me, Cassidy.”

On the way to the store, I explain about changing out the original parts for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. She knew right away it wasn’t original. For some reason, this pleases me. General Lecompte taught his daughters about the basics of cars and Cassidy must have paid attention. It’s one of those surprising bits of information that I love learning about her.

In the market, we decide on Caesar salad and get the makings along with some basics that I need. Setting up the house is more fun with her helping. We banter back and forth making other shoppers smile or, like the old guy in the cookie aisle, laugh out loud. At the register, she helps empty the cart pointing out the lack of chocolate. I just smile. I’ve got the chocolate covered.

Before we put the food in the back, I lay the rubber mat down and hook the net to the clips I installed.

“Why?” she asks watching me.

“I don’t want to scratch it up and it will keep the bags from rolling around.”

She nods as if satisfied and helps unload the cart. Noticing how her jeans stretch across her ass has me hard again and I’m starting to think something is wrong with me. The lack of control is concerning. I hook the top of the net to the hooks by the tailgate, satisfied the food won’t go missing on the way home.

“That’s a nice setup.” She kisses my lips and walks toward the door.

It takes me a second to catch up, but I open it and help her in. Jesus, I’m losing my mind here if a kiss like that scrambles my brain. Walking around I think it’s not just the kiss. She’s been touching me and kissing me the whole time. It’s her. She’s a witch.

“That’s a lot of staples but not much actual food,” she says when I get in.

It is, but I don’t have anything right now except the left-over pizza Ford brought over. “Last night was the first night I stayed there. It’s a sad, bare kitchen to wake up to. There’s a small butcher right by me, but I needed everything and he doesn’t carry anything but meats and vegetables.”

“Sounds like Primos.”

“It is.” Shit, there are trucks everywhere. I didn’t expect them for another few minutes.

When I pull in, she laughs. “You live in an old fire station?”

I look at her face seeing pure joy. “I do now. It was a good deal and the builder did a great job. I didn’t want him having all the fun so I’ll finish the rest.”

She shakes her head. “You like making old into new with your own hands. Very cool, Rafael Saber. What’s with all the people here?”

I hit the door opener and drive in. “The party.”

“You can park right in your house! This is amazing.” She’s looking at the lounge and game room.

I watch her eyes move around the room. “Not really. This is just a play area. I live upstairs.”

She jumps out surprising me. “Just the play area.”

I catch up to her trying to see it as she does. One side has couches and a table with two TVs hanging from the ceiling. The other side has a pool table, a small gaming area and air hockey. Against the front and side wall is a dumbwaiter and the staircase I finished yesterday. The back wall has the firemen’s pole that I refused to take out and all the hooks for the gear that the firemen used. She can’t see the closed room that houses my workshop. I put the door down, so she didn’t see it and think it’s a mess.She’s happy with what she’s seeing and I’m happy with her reaction to it.

“Let’s get the food put away so I can make sure the workers don’t need anything.”

“Right. This is amazing, Rafael.”

I nod and get another kiss. “We don’t have to carry all this up.” I drop the bags on the dumbwaiter and go back for more. When the truck is empty, I fold the net and mat and put them away.

Taking her hand, I hit the button and the dumbwaiter rises up. We take the stairs and she’s laughing. “I’m lazy,” I tell her.

“You’re something, but lazy can’t ever be used. The stairs are incredible too.” There goes that hand caressing the banister.

I’m never making dinner if this keeps up. “Thanks.”

“Oh, my God, Rafael, it’s gorgeous! This is like a loft, it fits you, the open space I mean. Beautiful.”

I watch as she walks around the living room then the kitchen. I kept the huge gas stove that was here and the cabinets but had the counters changed out with granite. The island looks like an old table but has storage under it. I love the heavy wood look.

“My bedroom and bathroom are in here.” I take her hand and lead her to the back. Her eyes are drawn to the back wall that’s mostly glass showing a balcony overlooking the backyard. “Ford and Wheeler stopped in to help me last night. They moved the furniture, so it looks like a room and not storage.”

“I can keep saying amazing, but it sounds old even to me. I can’t believe you made such a beautiful home out of an old fire station.” She walks through to the bathroom and squeals like she’s hurt.

I move fast hoping she didn’t fall on the damn rug. I hate that thing. She’s standing in the middle of the room with her hand over her mouth. The small rug slides making me grab the counter when I stop to watch her spin and take everything in.

“Beautiful.” Is all she says.

Jesus. Stepping back, I pick up the rug and throw it in the trash barrel. “I thought you fell. I hate that rug.”

She laughs. “We better get the food put away.” She takes my hand and pulls me right through the room to the kitchen .

“This cabinet is the dumbwaiter.” I open it and pull out some bags trying to figure out what that look was right before she dragged me out.

She helps and starts putting things away in a logical pattern. Since nothing is here, I’m all for letting her go and get the cold food in the fridge. It’s a big fridge that still looks bare with the food I put in it. Seeing it like this bothers me, but how much food do I need? I eat at the office or alone most of the time. That’s it. I want her food here too. I remember the chocolate and smile. I have her food here.

“Let’s go see what your workers are doing.” She puts her arm around my waist as she says it. I like that.

“First, I have to show you your food.”

She’s intrigued. I love that look. Putting my hand on her back, I walk her to the other end of the counter and open the cabinet.She squeals again. “Chocolate! Oh, my God, chocolate everything! You’ll never get rid of me if you keep this stocked.”She looks at every single bag and box on the shelves with the biggest smile.

I’m watching her, but thinking I want her to stay. I take a deep breath. Where the hell did that come from? Shaking my head, I refocus on getting to the yard for the party setup. I pull her away before I do something stupid like tell her what I’m thinking.

* * *

Cassidy

He grills the chicken right here in the kitchen. I love the stove. I love everything about his house. I’m done dumping lettuce and cheese in the bowl, so I walk around looking at his knick-knacks and pictures. There are a lot of kids on the wall. His family is huge. I stare at a younger Rafael with that cocky smirk facing what has to be his brother. It’s a family of handsome men and beautiful women. Moving down the wall, I see his military friends mixed in with pictures of exotic places. He’s a well-traveled man. What in the world is he doing with me? Compared to his life I’m a country bumpkin. His arms go around me from behind and I’m a country bumpkin leaning against him.

“You’ve been everywhere.” I look up at him but don’t want to move away, so I do it by stretching my neck.

He kisses my forehead. “Yeah. Dinner is done.”

I’m turned and he holds my hand walking back to the dining area. He’s got the table set and food on it. I didn’t hear him moving around in here. I must have been caught up in the pictures. Nothing about him is what I expect from someone so good at what he does. He downplayed the work he’s done here, on his truck and his job. Aren’t the top guys the cocky ones? Like the picture shows that cocky grin I’ve seen, but he doesn’t talk much about all he’s accomplished. I think about last night and the team didn’t show that either. Maybe it’s just shows on TV that do it. Harper certainly isn’t conceited. She has a confidence about her, but she never brags.

He touches my hand. “Why are you so quiet and what is that look?”

I close my eyes and smile. “I’m in my head. I was just thinking that you’re not anything I expected when I first figured out who you were. It’s been a week of happy surprises.”

He looks relieved. “You aren’t either. I’ve never been so preoccupied before.”

I laugh and he watches with a smile. “If that means daydreaming and scatterbrained like I’ve been, I’m glad.” I get a nod and he starts eating. He’s always watching, just like he said earlier. It’s endearing and a little scary. I should feel self-conscious or weirded out, but it feels good. “This is great, thank you.”

He laughs. “It’s salad. Thanks for helping me today. It feels good to be done for a while.”

I set up drink bins around the tent and backyard. The workers and Rafael did everything else. He’s got a whole day of activities out there to keep everyone happy.

“Are there many kids coming?” I ask because a bounce area was set up.

“They were invited. A bunch of the Investigators have families and a few from the teams do. Perez had me order food for a hundred and fifty. Since we have sixty-two in the unit counting me, I’d say the kids will be here. Plus, the five kitchen staff from the Army.” That’s a lot of food and people.

“Perez is your assistant?” Do GI Joe’s have assistants? I hold in the laugh. If I had seen a doll of him, I would have dropped Ken in a heartbeat.

He shakes his head no. “He’s my Personnel Agent and the FBI’s equivalent of a lieutenant. He worked as an assistant SAC for a New York Field Office, before that he was a prosecutor.”

“That’s a substation? A Field Office.”

“Yeah.”

We talk about my cases and he’s interested in the trial I have starting Tuesday. Since it’s all over the news, everyone is. Evan dropped it on me at the last minute. I’m sure to avoid political fallout.

“If you send the information over, the Investigators can look at it and maybe find you more evidence,” he says seriously.

“I would love that, but the trial starts Tuesday and I’m not sure I have authority to ask the FBI to investigate.” Although it would help to keep me from looking like a fool on a high-profile case, I need and like my job.

He puts his fork down and smiles. “This unit is meant to be a help for any agency in our territory. We don’t do anything but behind the scenes legwork and the Ops teams go out as muscle when they’re needed. Let them look, it can’t hurt and it may bring you an easy win in court.”

I like the sound of that. “I’ll get you the file tomorrow when you take me home. There’s a reason he dumped this on me with only a couple of days to prepare. I’ve never met the witnesses and that alone makes me a little anxious.”

He doesn’t look like it makes him happy either. “Is this normal for him?”

“No, sometimes he’ll jump on a case I’m set to handle and takes the credit, but he never dumps such a high-profile case just days before the trial. He said he had another case that was being heard, but it’s a petty case compared to this one.”

“That doesn’t sound good. I’ll get the team on it first thing Monday. They have a database that’s huge.” He stands and clears his plate.

I follow smiling. He cleans up too. The case is concerning, but I can’t figure out why. I have all of Evan’s notes to get through the trial, but some of my own evidence would be nice. He’s a GI Joe genie. I laugh and he kisses the edge of my mouth. Why is that sexy?

Once the kitchen is clean, he takes me to the backyard and sits on a deck chair pulling me down on his lap. “Thank you for helping today.”

He mustn’t get much help. This is the third time he’s thanked me. “It’s been an interesting day. I’m glad you asked me to come over. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” Really, I enjoy learning anything about him, but today has been awesome. He bought a fire station and made it a beautiful home. I relax against his chest and his arms envelop me. I like this feeling right here. I’m safe, comfortable and happy.

“Commander Saber, hostage situation in progress. Team Ford is gearing up.” A loud voice says from somewhere on him.

“Fuck.” He fiddles with his watch. “I’m fifteen out, Ford. Lift off when your team is ready.” He stands with me in his arms and starts walking.

“Eight out,” Ford says back to him.

He hits a button on the wall and the door closes. “I can drop you at home, or you can stay here. I’m sorry, Cassidy, but I have to go.”

“Go. I’ll stay here.”Hostage situation means no time to lose.

He kisses me like I won’t see him again and puts me down holding on to my hips. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Go! Your team needs you.” I can’t believe I’m saying it while panting for the guy. Why is he still here? There’s a hostage thing happening.

He jumps in his car and the garage door opens. He’s gone in a flash of lights but no siren. I smile as the door comes down. I bet the neighbors are happy the sirens stopped when the fire station closed. His is the only house on this side of the street, but the other side has small shops and apartments above. The park is right behind him. When the door is all the way down, I climb the stairs wishing I brought my briefcase. I’ll remember next time. I walk all around looking at everything I missed and think about his job. He has a hostage situation and the men are flying somewhere to get to it. He used to be the guy that went on these jobs. Now he runs them. I hope he likes this job. I know it can’t be easy for him, but not getting shot at is better than the alternative. I really like Rafael and have been thinking about more than just dates. I hope he has too.

* * *

Rafael

Walking in the situation room, I’m glad to see that Marks, Benavides, Peters and Henderson are here with my maps and the Team’s tracking.

“I’m in, Ford.” I scan the screen telling me what they have so far and what the request is for. Quincy wants a quick resolution to a hostage situation.

“Commander, latest intel has a GSW. Eight-year-old boy. Quincy won’t move in with the perp threatening to shoot more. He’s surrounded himself with women and kids.”

“Roger, Ford. We’ll run as a strike team. Our video of the scene just came up. Hostage Rescue out front, get your breacher in quick.” I look at the building. It’s a free-standing urgent care facility surrounded by locals and a SWAT team.“Benavides, get me on with our contact.”

“Center board, Commander.” He types and a woman’s face shows on the screen .

“I’m Commander Saber, Captain Jennings. Our team is four out. They’ll move quickly, but I need your officers to stand down once they’re in place. Getting hit by friendly fire isn’t part of the plan for tonight.”

She nods. “I understand, Commander. The concern is the women and children. We can’t chance another innocent death. Our negotiator has a rapport with the gunman.”

Not for long. I check the team’s location. “I understand your concern, Captain. Once the team lands, they’ll move into place. Our Hostage Rescue will negotiate and the team will infiltrate and disarm if possible. I need all of your officers to step back and stand down. When the job is finished, the team will board the chopper and return home. Our objective is no more dead bodies. We’ll do everything we can to make that happen.” I can tell she’s wavering, but she’s got a hard look in her eyes. I turn as Marks waves his hand. “Our team is landing now. Transport in two, Captain. If your men don’t step back and stand down, the team will not engage. It was you that called for help. Let us do the job.”I watch knowing time is running out.

Her face relaxes. “I’ll have my officers stand down.”

“Thank you, Captain. Team Ford, you’re a go.”

“Roger, Commander,” Ford says, then starts giving locations to the team.

“Captain, I’ll leave you up so you can follow the Op. Benavides, move her off center and follow the team.”

She’s off my screen that fast. “Roger, Commander, body cams up.”

A black tactical box truck pulls up and the team jumps out running in different directions. “Captain, I need you to give that order.”

She turns and tells someone to order stand down and move SWAT back. Their negotiator isn’t happy but moves for Carlson. He starts talking right away and the Captain gives me a nod.

“Ford, disarm if possible.” I leave it at that knowing he’ll do what he has to.

“Roger, Commander. Breacher is in.” Ford has me looking for her. Marks points to the bottom screen. Swanson is lowering herself from a ceiling panel in what looks like an exam room. She’s moving fast and out the door running toward an exit door.

Ford is giving orders while she disarms the alarm. A minute is a long time when there’s a gun aimed at kids. My men rush the hall and a new video shows the floor then the waiting room. It’s the articulating camera and starts taking in the room slowly. Ford is giving location and a body count. The gunman is located in the corner with four women and three kids covering him. “Go high, Ford.”

“It’s the only way to travel, Commander.” He tells Carlson to get a reaction from the perp on his go then the team where he wants them moving. I’m smiling, Ford is hot dogging it, but it’s a good plan.

“Carlson, you’re a go.”The gunman’s arm goes up. “Move, move, move!” Ford says loud.

The team moves fast yelling “FBI” as they get into position.Taylor and Pells hit the floor on all fours and Decker stands on their backs aiming, the gunman has a red dot on his forehead. “Drop it!” Decker yells while Swanson is telling everyone to stay down.

The women drop down pulling the kids to the floor with them and the gunman lowers the gun pointing it their way. One shot is fired, screaming is covering Swanson and Decker’s words, but the gunman is on the floor. Petit is cuffing the guy and the team is trying to move the women.

“Captain, the gunman is secured. The team is opening the door and your hostages are free. I need you to send an officer to take the prisoner into custody. A report will be on your desk in the morning.” I watch as Benavides switches her to my center screen.

She’s surprised making me smile. “Thank you, Commander, your team works fast. We appreciate the help. This could have turned into a nightmare. Will you process the boy?”

Process the boy? “No, ma’am. We came in as a strike team only.”

“Ford team, clear. Move to transport,” Ford says.

The Captain nods. “Rioux usually processes for the FBI.”

I hold my hand up stopping more from her. “Roger, Ford. Transport readied. Flight plan, Benavides?” I need to take care of the team. She’ll have to wait.

“Hanson has the flight plan, sir,” Benavides answers right away. The pilot pulling flight plans is a bonus.

I look for Ford. Most of the team is in the transport truck waiting. “You’re set for transport and return flight, Ford.”

He looks into Pells body cam. “Roger, Commander. Bet my pizza is still warm.”

I shake my head and look for the Captain. She’s waiting on my reply. “Captain, Rioux is part of the team as forensics. If he’s needed, he will perform the duties of ME, but the job today was releasing hostages safely. We did the job. The team is already on the way to the chopper. We’re happy to help when we’re needed. If you have a need for a forensic specialist, we can assist on the case.”

Marks makes a noise and I give him a warning look. The Captain is surprised and her face isn’t hiding that. “That’s it? You come in, catch the gunman and leave? Is your spokesman talking to the media?”

Benavides turns and I put my hand on his shoulder to settle him. “Follow the team back, lower the audio and shut down body cams.”

The room quiets down considerably when he does.

“Captain, I know this is new. We don’t have a spokesman and will never speak to the media. The program was set up to assist in the New England territory. You called into Lowell for help and they sent us. We work with all law enforcement agencies. Our databases and manpower are available to everyone in the territory whenever you need assistance. We have open cases with quite a few of your neighboring cities and towns. The report will be on your desk in the morning and our part in this job is done. So, yes, that’s it.”

“Thank you, Commander. The men are already relieved you’re not taking the case over. Please send our appreciation to your Ford team for a job very well done. I’m out.”

Her video goes black. “Jesus, I need Hank to talk to these people.”

“You did good, Commander. They’re used to the FBI jumping in and walking away with the cases. You might have even gotten more business out of it. She’s tough but smart and politically motivated. She doesn’t want dirt on her shoes and you just gave her a way to avoid that,” Marks says smiling. He knows the PD up there so I file it.

Peters stands. “Sir, the report is done and Ford approved it. Do you want me to put it up?”Shit, she’s fast.

I nod. She’s got every step they took written with times and a diagram of locations. “Good job, Peters. Get it on the tablet and I’ll stamp it.”

She hands me a tablet smiling. These fucking men are very good at their jobs. I put my thumb under my name. “Send it to Perez, the Captain, Ford and Lowell’s SAC.”

She nods and sits to type. I look for Ford. “Get Ford up, Benavides.”

He shows on the center screen. “Commander.”

“Seventeen minutes, Commander Ford. First Op and you resolved it in seventeen minutes. You know next time they’ll want it in sixteen.” I’m proud and let it show. The men laugh. “Good fucking job, Team Ford. I have to bypass the beer in the dining hall, but I’ll see you all tomorrow with a beer to celebrate this one. Commander Saber out.”

The team is yelling then gone. Benavides shut them down. I look around at them. “First time out and I have nothing to say but good job, men. You ran it perfect from beginning to end. Henderson, make sure the file has the full video from the room. Since the report is done, you’re just waiting on the team to land. Does anyone know why the gunman was holding the hostages?”

“Drugs,” Peters says.

“Jesus, he shot a kid.” I’m glad we’re not dealing with the aftermath. I have never had to deal with that side of Ops and don’t even know how to. An eight-year-old boy. How the fuck do you console a parent with that? I look around the room. They’re all busy as video starts dropping from the screens. “Am I needed for anything else?”

Henderson spins toward me smiling. “Talking to the contact and directing Ford was it, sir. Once Peters had your thumb you were clear. We’ll get the file stored, the reports sent and a beer with the team.”

I nod, no debriefing is good. “I have a job for Monday morning. It’s the trading case that’s in the news. The DA handed it off. Something is off about it. The trial starts Tuesday so it will be a priority.” They look excited. I just shake my head. “I’m out. Call if I’m needed.”

Marks salutes me and they all laugh. I like the salute but turn and walk out. Cassidy is waiting.

Pointing my car toward home, I think about Cassidy, beautiful Cassidy. She helped with everything today. She’s happy to set up games and drink stations for the water and kids. She was comfortable enough to stay while I was gone and she just about pushed me out the door. There was no anger in her eyes as I left. She understands the job and had no problem with me doing it. Getting back in an hour and a half is a good first for her to see. Everything about tonight ran perfect. I’ll take it, but I know they won’t all be this fast and easy. Pulling in I’m smiling. It worked perfectly for what I want. The woman and her delectable body are driving me crazy. Climbing the stairs, I correct that. She’s got a mind and heart to match that body. Something about her easy nature is pulling me in.

I like the open floor plan. Walking in, I see her right away sound asleep on the couch. My luck just ran out.

Walking closer, I’m trying to figure out why this pleases me. She was comfortable and the door opening isn’t loud enough to wake her. Sitting on the coffee table, I watch her sleep. Those are good things to know, but even with her sleeping, I feel the pull to be closer. She sighs and my body moves. Lifting her gently I walk to my room and sit on the big chair stretching my legs out by the balcony door. I love this view, but I’m watching Cassidy for a while before her eyelids flutter then open slowly.

“Hi.” Her voice is soft and rough with sleep.

“Hi. I was watching you sleep but wanted to hold you. I’m not sure if I wanted to wake you up or not. I like you sleeping in my arms.”

She moves, but it’s not away from me. That little smile shows as she slides her arm under mine and holds it to my side. I love her always touching me. “Did they get the guy? Are the hostages safe?”

Her first thought is for people she doesn’t know. “Yeah. It took seventeen minutes from start to finish. The gunman never fired while the team was getting into position and executing the takedown. Before we got there, an eight-year-old boy was killed.”

Watching her eyes fill with tears, I think I should have held that. “I’m glad you stopped him before anyone else was hurt. The worst part is the gunman doesn’t have to live with that pain. He should have to wake up every day knowing he stopped that boy from growing up.”

“He will, our Sniper hit his shoulder.” Personally, I wouldn’t have reprimanded Decker for killing him. He shouldn’t be a drain on the US justice system. Killing kids is a hard line for me, but we follow our procedures without judgment.

She nods as if it’s as it should be. “I’d love to prosecute the bastard.”

I smile. “Fighting crime in a different way must be it.”

Her head tilts to the side. “Must be what?”

Shit. “Whatever it is that keeps pulling me in and making me do crazy shit.”

“Common interests, admiring my intelligence, the ability to talk for hours about anything never made it in there? It’s all about fighting crime? I think you’ve got me mixed up with Wonder Woman.”

The picture hits me and I moan. She has the dark hair, light eyes and a body that I can’t wait to see. “She was always my favorite, but now I want to see you in her little outfit. You have to wear the boots too.”

She giggles as I turn her to straddle my legs. I give her no time to react, kissing her as soon as she’s facing me. Her hands running up my chest, then neck to my face has mine going down her back to her ass. “Bella, what do you need from me for us to be naked in this position?” I ask against her ear.

She’s breathing heavy when she looks at me. “Less clothes.” She surprises me sliding her hands under my shirt. “I like the GI Joe clothes but not right now.”

I hold her hands still. “Your hands are making it hard to think. Cassidy, I don’t share. This is me telling you right now that I don’t plan on seeing anyone and I don’t sleep with anyone attached to or sleeping with another man.”

She smiles. “I’m not seeing anyone but you.” Her hands try to move again.

“If that changes you tell me we’re done before you’re in someone’s bed.”

She laughs, but I’m serious. “I mean it, Cassidy, this isn’t a joke to me. I won’t cross that line and expect the same back, it’s a respect I need to know you understand.”

She gets serious fast and nods. “I understand. I’m monoganistic too. Before you try to talk more, I’m clean, I can count partners on one hand and my dad made sure I’d never be assaulted sexually. It worked.”

All good things to know but I’m not bringing up women with her. “Me too for the clean. My mother is just as crazy and nice as yours. The family will show here so you can see for yourself and I can take care of myself too.”I’m surprised she doesn’t give me shit for not mentioning women.

A sexy little smirk hits her lips and I’m done talking. My dick likes where she’s sitting and she’s agreed. When my mouth is on hers, everything moves fast. Breaking apart only to lose our shirts she pushes me back and has her mouth right back on mine. My fingertips follow every curve like a map that I’m memorizing. Once I have everything from her waist up pictured in my head, I move her away to see. “Beautiful Cassidy, the picture in my head doesn’t do justice to what I’m seeing.”

She moans grinding against my dick, but I have to taste her. “Your perfume is stuck in my head, Bella.” My mouth makes its way down her neck to her nipple and she leans in moving her hand to the back of my head. She likes me right here as much as I do. Her rolling hips have me moaning with her.

Moving to the other nipple her body shudders and she lets out a moan that has my dick looking for in. “Now, Rafael, I need you in me now,” she says as her hands are on my belt.

I sit her in between my legs and undo her pants then peel them off her dropping them on the floor. When I reach again she is sliding down her pretty purple panties. She has a shy look on her face as she gets them to her feet. I take over and she looks away. Her panties are wet. That embarrasses her?

Putting them to my nose, I take a deep breath drawing her eyes to mine. “Your scents, beautiful Cassidy, every one of them will be forever etched in my mind.” I drop her panties watching her face relax then her eyes get wider. She’s ready by the time I slide my pants down. “Just like this, Bella, we can do slow next time. I need to be in that pretty pussy that smells like heaven.”

“Mmm, yes.” She moans wrapping her hand around my dick. Not that I need the help to be ready, but I don’t stop her from sliding that hand down. Her firm grip and intense look will have me coming in no time. For men, it’s pure pride to have a woman appreciate his dick. I am no different until her hand moves back up and she leans forward. I’ll never make it in her mouth. Moving her hand, I roll a condom on .

I lift her back on my lap watching the pout play across her lips. “Later, beautiful. Your panties tell me you’re ready, slide me in, Cassidy.”

Her hand on my dick has heat running through my veins. With clothes on, it kept me wanting more, without clothes I need to feel her around me, hear her and taste her. Taking her nipple has her moving faster. Holding her hips, I move her up, then down going a little further each time. I’m thick and she’s adjusting with the sweetest moans following my mission of being buried all the way.

“Heaven, Bella, your pussy feels like heaven.”

“Yes,” she moans pushing down further.

As soon as she’s seated, I let her hips go. She rolls them letting out a sexy moan while her eyelids drop. That’s the spot. With my hands on her ass, I move her so I hit it again. Her eyes drop and I have it. “Move with me, Cassidy. I’ll hit it every time for you, but I need you to move with me, Bella.”

She does and I match her, tilting my hips and getting that sexy sound. She’s loud, her hands are everywhere on her tits and me, her body is moving with intent and confidence, but her eyes are on mine. I can’t look away. “Fucking heaven, Cassidy.”

Her nails bite into my right shoulder and her movements become jerky. “Rafael,” she whispers.

“I’ve got you, Bella. Let it go.” With my hands back on her hips, I move us both so I’m stroking her inside and she’s slamming all the way down on me. “You’re getting tighter, cari?o, let go.” Sucking her nipple, I know it will throw her over. When I nip at the tip, she screams and my dick is pulsing with the almost painful need to release. “Fucking perfect, Bella,” I growl then moan with her.

* * *

Cassidy

Panting like a wildebeest in heat again, I try to move my face off his shoulder. Oh, my God, that was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Not that I’m telling him that. I swipe at the drool I feel on my chin and his shoulder. “Perfect,” I mumble kissing his neck and plop my face right back down. He moans tightening his arms around me. I’m okay with this. I can’t move right now and know I’m going to be sore in the morning. That makes me smile. I am never telling Donna about this. She can keep wondering.

“I think you’re perfect too, Bella, but I need to take care of the condom.” His voice is pure silk sending a shiver down my spine and my insides tighten like a vice. He kisses my head. “My dick likes being squeezed, but I don’t think it will work twice.”

I hate the condom. “Mmm. I get a shot. The condom isn’t my friend right now. I feel like I ran a marathon.” When has sex ever felt like this? I can’t come up with an answer and he’s moving me. I watch as he lifts me off him and his dick slaps his stomach. Oh, what I want to do with that. Shouldn’t he be wilted and withering? I hold the smile in watching him clean up with his shirt and pull his pants over his hips.

I’m surprised when he reaches for me and carries me to the bed. “I’ll be just a minute, Bella.” He kisses me like he’s leaving again and I forget everything but this feeling. When he walks away, I smile. He’s still got his boots on. With his pants so low I can’t decide if I like this view better than the sexy cargos and polo. It’s the boots, they’re sexy too. Shaking my head, I fall back onto the pillows. Everything about him is sexy, especially the low voice that feels like silk running down my back.

He walks out of the bathroom completely naked and I decide this is the best look. I watch every part of his body move. He has nice body parts and my hands want to touch them all. He sits by my legs and I finally see his hands, with a towel he starts washing me up. As embarrassing as this is, it’s also endearing, so I keep my mouth shut and watch him. He dries me with the same attention to detail making me smile. “I could have used your shirt.”

“No, Bella, you deserve better than a dirty shirt.” That voice and the way he pins me with his eyes has my body clenching again. “Now I get to map the bottom half.”

His mouth is on my hip bone and I’m already panting. I really like the way he maps.