Caitlyn moved to protect her husband, but Roy reached out and kissed her mother’s hand. “Tuesday will be lovely. Thank you.”
What? He seriously didn’t need to appease them. They had no rights. She fanned her hot forehead. “Okay. Bye Mom, Dad.”
Her mother pulled her in for a hug. “It’s good to see you happy, Caitlyn.”
Something had happened. Something big. What?
Her parents never changed their minds, ever. The two times in life she’d tried to take a pet home, her parents had returned the dog and the cat without a care for her tears. But somehow they were over Roy’s criminal arrest?
This didn’t add up.
She didn’t say a word and walked with Roy out of the hotel, flanked by security. However as they slid into the backseat of the limo, she bumped right into her phone. She picked it up with a shrug—she hadn’t noticed it gone. “Oh, I must have left the phone in the limo. Glad I found it.”
Roy picked up his phone to check his messages though he pointed to hers. “Looks like you have a message.”
“Oh.” She quickly pressed the listen button. Her breath caught in her throat as she heard, This is Officer Baxter. Sorry I’ve been away from my desk. Call me when you get this message.
Finally he’d called her back, but this was so not the right time. She almost dropped the phone like she had butter for fingers. Caitlyn slid the device into her bra, hoping that Roy wouldn’t press.
Roy put his own phone away in a fluid motion while he asked, “Who was it?”
Lying wasn’t good. She needed to tell him. She steeled her spine and told herself to stop the small trembles inside her tummy. “Umm, a police officer I gave a statement to on Sam Zandi and Adam Lepour back when we were living in the forest.”
His eyes widened. “You gave the police a statement on them?”
Now he’d ask her more questions and probably put together everything. He had a right to know, but she needed to tell the police she wasn’t going to bother to spy on any of the Bentley brothers. She fixed a wayward curl as she said, “Back when I was living on the commune. I was trying to get my files from the officer. When you and your brother said the police had no records on them, that isn’t true. They have my witness statements.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“I’m sorry. I should have.”
“I’ll have Jake dig it up,” Roy said like that ended the conversation.
Her heart slammed against her chest. If he investigated, he’d find out that she was helping them before she had a chance to quit. She shook her head as she said, “No.”
“No?” He repeated in a clueless tone.
What mattered was the two of them. Together. She stopped moving her head and instead led his hand to her back for him to hold her tighter as she said, “I mean tomorrow. Tonight, we have plans.”
He traced her backside, cupping her butt and leading her to sit on his lap. “So you want me?”
Once she was on top of him, she circled his shoulders and held herself closer, breathing the same air. “Absolutely. If we stay this happy, it’s possible we could both fall in love and live happily-ever-after.”
He didn’t move though she felt the stirring of desire under her as he asked, “Is that what you want?”
The limo stopped. “It’s better than a marriage of convenience, no?”
Roy helped her get down and she opened the limo door. Security was waiting for them. As she stepped out, she adjusted her dress so it wasn’t bunched around her thighs. Roy followed her out and took her hand while he said, “I just like to see you happy.”
She waited until they crossed the lobby and entered the elevator, alone. Security finally gave them some peace. Her heart lifted as they entered their condo again. The second he closed the door to lock it, she said, “I’m ready. Let’s make that baby.”
His eyes widened while he took off his shoes at the door. She kicked off her designer heels too and then ran her hand down the back of his pants, feeling the hard muscles flex under her fingers. He took her hand while he led her forward to his room. “Caitlyn, sometimes it’s like there is something bothering you that you’re suppressing and sometimes you’re just so happy.”
Innocence wasn’t her pretense, but in his arms she forgot everything else. She waited as he opened his bedroom door and finally she asked, “What do you prefer?”
He leaned forward and claimed her lips. They both knew she was his, heart, body and soul now. His kiss was like a branding that she wanted to continue receiving the rest of her life. When he let the kiss end, he said, “That you keep stirring up my life like this.”
“Good, now let’s go.” She unzipped her dress, heading for his bed.
He closed the door, letting her see his muscular chest and abs while he unbuttoned his white shirt, displaying smooth skin.
Tonight they were together. Tomorrow they’d work out everything else, but right now, she was his.
Today was going to be a great day. Roy glanced down at the white sands of the beach and the clear blue water. He turned from the window, holding his coffee cup, and stared at Caitlyn with her blonde hair spread over his pillow and her cute upturned nose on her relaxed face while she still slept in his bed.
Someone rang the doorbell and security beeped his phone.
Roy adjusted his suit jacket that he’d wear to court today and grabbed his light blue tie and headed out.
Security quickly sent a message that the police officer’s identification checked out.
Miami PD wasn’t part of his discussion at the courthouse today so he had no idea why an officer might visit him now unless it had something to do with Jake requesting Caitlyn’s witness statement.
Caitlyn’s admission surprised him, but now she started making sense to him.
And he’d have cooperated if he’d been in her shoes.
Either way, he wasn’t sure why an officer might show up today of all days. They hadn’t broken any parole, though hopefully soon, they’d all be free of supervision.
He unlocked the door and Officer Baxter, a man with bright blue but beady eyes and pepper-colored hair, showed him his badge. “I’m here to see Caitlyn Cooper.”
Caitlyn? His eyes widened. She’d never do anything illegal. Maybe Baxter was her contact, so he’d stay close. He pointed the officer into his office and said, “I’ll get her for you.”
“Thanks. I need to speak with her alone.” He stuffed his badge back on his belt and headed into the office with an arrogant swagger.
Roy ignored that and entered his bedroom. Caitlyn was awake and stretching on the bed. He closed the door so the officer didn’t hear any of their conversation and kept his voice low when he said, “Caitlyn, a police officer is here for you.”
Her brow wrinkled as she stood up from the bed, grabbing the light blue dress he’d brought for her as she asked, “Me?”
“If he’s here about your witness testimony, and wants your consent, I get it.” He nodded while she threw it on and fluffed her hair. “But we need to be fast as I have to go to court. Don’t tell the officer anything about my court hearing.”
“Not a problem.” She was ready in under a minute. “Where do I go?”
He walked out with her. “Why don’t you use my office as he wanted to speak to you alone?”
In the hall, Roy was sure the officer could hear them. His frustration at the cocky way the man had entered his home made Roy intend to stay right outside the door, ready to defend Caitlyn. Today, Roy would free his family from having to accept the police showing up unannounced like this and then accepting without question. Caitlyn took his hand and said, “Roy, I…”
Her voice trailed off. Perhaps she didn’t want to be overheard. He hugged her and asked fast in her ear, “Yeah?”
Her cheeks paled like she was about to step in front of a firing squad. He understood. Ever since his false arrest, talking to the police about his family gave him pause too. She took a deep breath and said, “Give me five minutes. Th
en come in and join us.”
“Should I come in now?”
“No! Five minutes.”
He’d not let her face anything alone. They were together now. He nodded.
Body rigid, Caitlyn walked into the office. She didn’t entirely close the door behind her as she held out her hand and said, “Officer Baxter, what are you doing here?”
Roy fixed his tie and intended to give her privacy when he heard the officer say, “You were supposed to report any criminal activity the Bentleys might be involved in.”
His heart nearly stopped. Caitlyn was the spy? He’d been that much of a fool? She’d told him last night, but he thought that was about the commune and Jensen, not his family.
Wow. He was clearly stupider than he thought. He held still behind the door.
Caitlyn’s voice pitched higher as she said, “They aren’t involved in anything illegal that I can see.”
And she didn’t deny it. Adrenaline coursed through him as his ears buzzed.
Baxter then spoke softer. “You used to write detailed notes for me.”
Roy’s vision swam and his head was so hot he might explode. She’d lied to him. How many times had he asked her why she’d married him and she’d denied ever being involved?
Over and over again, she’d lied.
She squeaked out, “There is nothing to see here.”
At least there was that. She saw they were innocent because they were, but she hadn’t trusted him. Betrayal pumped in his veins as the officer told her, “You claimed you were marrying the lawyer to help us keep an eye on these criminals.”
This time Caitlyn’s voice grew louder. “There is nothing to report. The Bentleys are good people.”
Even if he wasn’t standing behind the door, he’d have heard that.
A jolt ran through him. Standing here eavesdropping was stupid. He backed off and straightened his tie.
He could still hear everything because the officer said, “Or you’re blind to the truth. Did they pay you off after you swore you wanted to protect your friends from their own mistake in marrying criminals?”
Stunned—she’d wanted to marry him to get information—Roy stumbled toward his bedroom though he heard Caitlyn say in a harsh voice. “No. It’s plain that the family was set up. Roy’s working hard today to prove his families’ innocence.”
“What evidence does Roy have?”
“I don’t know.”
He stopped short. At least she hadn’t mentioned the FBI file. It was something. The last thing Roy needed was for anyone else to interfere with his hearing today. If the officer was connected to Kirno then who knows what other manufactured evidence might suddenly appear.
And it was possible, Roy’s mind clicked. All the lies were already there so what was a bunch more? His skin radiated with disgust that Caitlyn met with a dirty cop, right here in his own home.
Officer Baxter’s words were laden with disdain. “So you’re helping criminals escape the law. I never should have picked you. You weren’t desperate enough.”
“The Bentleys are innocent.” The stomp of feet meant their conversation was over.
The office door swung wide and Roy briefly saw the officer’s foot as Caitlyn said, “Officer Baxter, I’m going to tell Roy and his brothers everything I told you about Adam Lepour and Sam Zandi.”
Roy’s ears buzzed. She’d told him that she needed to talk with Hannah before getting him information that she already had—why had she delayed? More lies. And he’d been the fool who’d believed her. Officer Baxter said, “You never found enough for a conviction on those two either.”
Roy came into view and Caitlyn’s face was bright red, her strawberry blonde hair down around her shoulders. She clutched her stomach as she said to Baxter, “I’m done. That’s what I wanted to tell you.”
The officer saluted her and strutted past Roy as he said with heavy sarcasm, “Good luck with everything.”
Whoever Baxter was, he more than likely wanted to arrest Roy, who walked behind the officer and locked the door after he left.
Steam would probably explode out of his ears like in one of those cartoons from childhood if he let go of his emotion. His heart sped up as he turned and faced Caitlyn.
She took an audible breath.
The adrenaline that pumped into his veins showed no signs of slowing. He needed to tell her that he knew—her game was over. “Caitlyn.”
She opened her arms and let out a sweet sigh. “Roy, I need to talk to you.”
Talk? He crossed his arms and stayed a foot away. He never wanted to see, talk or touch her again. “Too bad.”
She flung her hands to her side and her face went white as she asked, “Why? What’s wrong with you?”
She flinched as she stared at him. This needed to end as red hot fury threatened to overtake his logical mind. He stayed back as he said, “I overheard everything.”
She covered her lips and her gaze grew glassy as she asked, “What?”
“You were working for the police the entire time.” He turned to put his shoes on.
She closed the gap between them and stood to his side as she said, “I’m not the spy you’re looking for. I never said an ill word to Baxter about any of you.”
Her nearness made goosebumps grow on his arms, but he ignored it. He was the fool for that reaction, so he knelt down and pulled on his Italian loafers. “Why not? You lied to me about why you married me.”
She trembled like a witness on the stand about to crumble. “Not exactly.”
He stood, blocking her rose scent. “I asked you multiple times why you married me. I knew your story was missing something, but not once did you mention the police.”
She pressed her palms against the arm of his suit jacket. “I was trying to help Hannah, who really believed she was out to save her soul. I told you that.”
Finally, her story made sense. At least his mind rested that he’d been right. But that didn’t make him feel better. He lifted his eyebrow like he did when he caught someone on the stand in the midst of their testimony that said something different than the previous record. “So you could play hero?”
She ran her hands through her light blonde hair and clutched her heart. “Was it wrong to want to do something honorable? I didn’t lie to you. It wasn’t until I left home that I learned to make my own choices. When the police offered me a chance to help them, I jumped at the opportunity to remain with Hannah, and Lois, and possibly catch a criminal. I wanted to make a difference for people I care about.”
He reached for the door. Her speech was too much. “Well, I hope that you are satisfied.”
“No.” She touched his arm. “Wait. I knew within a week of being here that your family was innocent and that Hannah and Logan had the real thing between them. I also saw right away that you had integrity. It’s why I fell…”
His temples began to throb. Years of training helped him block out the fire in his veins as he said, “I have to go. I’m already late.” He stepped into the hall.
“Good luck in court,” she whispered after him.
The softness in her voice made him pause. He turned around and nodded at her. He’d trusted her and opened up when he never had with anyone before. At least she hadn’t told Baxter about the FBI files or his plans for the hearing today. He let out a small sigh and said, “You and I will talk when I get back.”
She closed the gap between them. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier but I’d promised not to.”
Security saw them and Roy didn’t want an audience. She hugged him, but he didn’t hug her back.
She met his gaze with an earnest expression. “And I’ll finish the list about everything I know.”
“That’s at least useful.” His hand brushed against hers automatically. He pulled away and headed toward the elevator.
She called out as he hit the button, “I wanted to tell you.”
“But you didn’t.” The ding of the elevator rang in the air.
Roy w
ent inside while Caitlyn stayed in the doorframe of the condo. “I wanted to quit first.”
The snap in his brain made him retort as the doors started to close, “Sounded like you were fired.”
Her cheeks flamed red.
The doors slammed shut and he pressed the button to descend. As he went down, he ignored how his stomach was hard as rocks. He shouldn’t have twisted the knife.
Caitlyn had no idea she’d ripped out his heart. He didn’t even know he had one, until now.
The doors opened to the lobby and Jake walked with him to the waiting limo. As they went inside, Roy took out his case notes on his phone and read.
Jake coughed. Roy glanced over and his brother said, “Roy, you look stressed.”
“It’s nothing.” Roy tried to focus on his notes.
Jake lightly smacked him on the shoulder and said, “Well, keep your head in the game. Harry’s meeting you at the courthouse. We all want to get out of being constantly on parole. It felt more like house arrest.”
Roy put his phone down and turned toward his brother. “An Officer Baxter just left my apartment.”
Jake folded his hands between his legs. “What did the officer want?”
“I can’t talk about it now. I need to focus on the hearing first.” His wife was the one who’d sent a shockwave through him. Roy wasn’t ready to talk about it though, maybe never. So he pocketed his phone and said, “So let’s just clear our names and we’ll move on.”
“We’re all depending on you Roy,” Jake said.
This was why Jake was a great corporate negotiator and why Roy had brought him today. If anyone heard anything unexpected, and even though he wasn’t an attorney, Jake was the second best at picking up anything that might be useful to the hearing. Roy swore he’d get his head in the game as he said, “I won’t let my family down.”
And he meant it. The words were a personal statement. He swore to himself he’d not think about Caitlyn until he came home. Right now he had work to do.
Caitlyn paced the condo after Roy left for the courthouse. Every time she neared the bedroom door, she remembered last night and how happy she’d been in Roy’s arms. She turned and then recalled the conversation in the office.
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