Till Justice Is Served

by Jerrie Alexander

  "You ran track. I watched you change shirts."

  "You pervert." His hands had been empty too long. He remedied that by cupping her breasts in his palms and stroking her nipples with his thumbs.

  "Hmm." Her eyelids fluttered closed, and her hips gyrated in that slow, insistent rotation again. "In fact, you were always the beautiful one," she said without opening her eyes.

  "I'm calling bullshit on that." Rafe huffed out his denial.

  She looked straight at him with one brow raised in defiance. "Go ahead. It doesn't make me wrong." The impish sparkle in her eyes shimmered.

  "You want to see true beauty?"

  He moved his hands to her backside, grabbed hold, and stood. Before he could tell her to hang on, her legs had wrapped around his hips, and she had his earlobe in her teeth. Shit, his knees weakened. He carried her to his bedroom, stopping in front of the dresser. He gently put her feet on the floor where she was facing the mirror. Standing behind her, he slowly peeled down her pants, kissing her from her waist to the backs of her thighs as he went.

  "Rafe," she murmured.

  "Shh." He turned her into his arms and covered her lips with his, sweeping his tongue in to sample her sweetness. Her hands tugged at his jeans, but he stopped her. "Not yet."

  He faced her toward the mirror again, easing her lacy beige panties down and tossing them aside. "What you see in the mirror is beautiful." His hands held her breasts as if they were fine china, tenderly stroking her nipples until they were red and firm.

  "You're embarrassing me."

  "Your body is nothing to be embarrassed about. Surely, some man has told you how gorgeous you are."

  "Not like this."

  His hands skimmed lower, feeling her stomach muscles clench as he slipped even farther down past the soft curls. She spread her legs slightly, leaned her head back against his chest and closed her eyes.

  "Keep your eyes open." Rafe slipped his finger inside her wet heat. She rocked against him, while her gaze seemed locked on his movements. When her knees relaxed, he wrapped his free hand around her waist to hold her steady, but didn't let up on the pressure on her core. "Your face is the most erotic thing I've ever seen. It's beauty defined."

  Her breathing got faster and heavier. Her heated gaze met his. "You're going to make me come."

  Rafe abandoned her sweet spot long enough to take her hand and place it between her legs, covering it with his. "Show me."

  Together, they found a rhythm, circling her clit, his hand on hers, until she stiffened and gasped. Taking the cue, Rafe plunged their fingers deep inside her just as her inner muscles clenched and spasmed.

  The corners of her mouth curved, and she arched her back like a cat. Sweat beads formed across Rafe's forehead. Her cry at release and her limp body against his just about sent him over the edge. He held her there, allowing her to tumble back to earth in her own time.

  She lifted her gaze to his. "Inside me."

  "Great idea." He swept her into his arms, walked to the bed, and carefully deposited her. When he started to join her, she stopped him by lifting her finger. Lying there with her legs slightly spread, her bare breasts begging to be kissed… Hell, he'd have moved a mountain if she asked.

  "Not with all those clothes on. Lose the jeans and underwear."

  God, he couldn't get out of his clothes fast enough. He fumbled a condom from his wallet and tossed it to her.

  CHAPTER 17

  Erin made no attempt to keep the smile from spreading across her face. She'd left her inhibitions on the floor in front of the mirror. Now, she felt no discomfort staring at Rafe's bare shoulders, muscular chest, or narrow waist.

  But those features weren't what she found mesmerizing. His erection, jutting toward the ceiling, throbbing and beautiful, drew her attention. She couldn't pull her gaze away as he moved over her. She had to touch him. Reached for him, but he moved just out of reach.

  "No fair."

  "You touch me right now, and things will be over way too soon." His eyes gleamed with desire as he captured her hands, leaned forward, and kissed her.

  Her bones melted into the mattress as his lips demanded and took everything she could give him. She buried her hands in his hair and held him to her, showing him how much she wanted him. Her heart pinched when he moved to her neck and nipped his way to her breasts, gently taking one and then the other into his mouth.

  Way down deep, an ache blossomed. A need to hold him in her arms forever worked its way through her body as sure as blood flowed through her veins. She couldn't let the spark of affection she'd carried for Rafe all these years get out of hand. The last thing she needed was to fall in love with him.

  He caught her hands and pulled them over her head and under the bottom bar of her brass headboard. "Don't move."

  Tension balled between her thighs. The ache in her core turned to a throb, a need almost painful.

  Rafe shouldered her thighs open wider and lowered his head. His fingers parted her outer lips, and he stroked her with his tongue. Erin was lost in sensations. She lifted her hips, seeking more of the release his mouth offered, surrendering herself completely as he drove her higher and higher. The wave hit her rapidly, sending every fiber into convulsions. Her brain shut down, and nothing existed but the two of them. Tears filled her eyes, but she held them back, fearing he'd misunderstand.

  His hand was splayed across her stomach as if to keep her from floating away, which she might have had he not been holding her in place. He placed small kisses in a trail up her body while she regained her senses.

  "I could make love to you forever." His smile was that of a man who knew he'd pleased a woman. "You're so responsive."

  She reached for him, pulling him in for a kiss and tasting herself as his tongue swept inside. "I respond to you," she uttered a confession. "I need you inside me."

  Rafe retrieved the condom from the nightstand and laid back. Before he could open the package, she had to touch him. Had to feel his hardness in her hand. She wrapped her fingers around him, sliding her fingers up and down. His moan pulled her gaze up to meet his. Dark smoldering eyes were watching her every move. She squeezed. He groaned then leaned up and captured her mouth with his. Hot and needy. Deep and demanding. They matched each other's passion. Both were breathless when he broke away and ripped open the packet.

  "You do it," he said, handing the condom to her.

  "My pleasure." She spoke the truth, enjoying every second. When she'd covered him, he lifted her on top. She opened her thighs around his hips.

  "You're in the driver's seat."

  Erin placed the tip of his penis at her entrance. Sliding down slowly, she enveloped him inch by inch, pausing to allow her body to adjust to his size, until she'd taken all of him. She stilled for a moment, savoring the fullness their being joined gave her. Then she started a slow ride, leaning forward so her body was aligned perfectly.

  He thrust hard, sinking even deeper, pushing farther into her body. Soon, they were in sync, moving together as if they'd been made for each other.

  Her orgasm surprised her, rising more quickly than she'd expected. Nerve endings screamed for release, pushing her closer and closer. Rafe's hand slipped between them and found her most sensitive spot. As he rubbed in circles, his gaze locked with hers.

  "Let go, baby. Let go," he said softly. "I'll come with you."

  Her heart seemed to shatter in a million pieces as every part of her system rocketed to a place she'd never been. She wanted to laugh. Wanted to cry. Wanted not to be in love with Rafe Sirilli. She collapsed on his chest.

  Sweaty and satisfied, her cheek resting on his shoulder, they lay in silence for a long time.

  "God." She mustered the one word.

  "You can still call me Rafe," he said with a chuckle, kissing the top of her head.

  "Smartass. I was just about to give you a compliment, but now you get nothing." She laughed with him.

  "You're wrong there. I got it all."

  Every fiber
of her being had turned to rubber. Satiated, content, and at peace with the world, she rolled off Rafe, waiting while he disposed of the condom, then cuddled up beside him. He snuggled her against his chest and smoothed her hair off her face before kissing her on the forehead.

  She was on the edge of sleep when he spoke. "I'm glad you got to know Dad. I called when I could, but that wasn't a lot. Did you know he had heart problems?"

  The tenderness and anguish in his voice were agony to hear, but that he'd opened up to her gave her hope. "No. Jeff had no idea either. Your dad's heart attack was a shock to everybody."

  "Dad never wanted to appear weak or soft. Not even in front of family. He didn't tolerate it in his boys either. Nick felt like he was a constant disappointment to the old man."

  "That was a lot of pressure—"

  Rafe's cell buzzed from somewhere on the floor. His chest rose and fell with a big sigh. "I'd better get that."

  Their moment of intimacy was over. Erin moved off his shoulder. Rafe pulled his jeans onto the bed and fished out his phone. She'd cling to the memory of today. It would be her lifeline, a piece of Rafe to hold in her heart after he returned to his first love. The FBI.

  "I'll check it out." In one motion, he returned the cell to his pocket and slipped on his jeans.

  "What's wrong?" Erin stood, sliding on her panties while he dressed.

  Rafe zipped his jeans and reached for his shirt. "Maybe nothing. That was Jeff. He drove by your house and saw a car in the driveway."

  "We forgot about Linc." She continued to dress. "But he shouldn't still be there."

  ****

  A pinch of regret hit Rafe when she pulled her blouse across her breasts and started buttoning it. He walked around the foot of the bed to her, leaned down, looped his arms around her waist, and rested his forehead against hers. "Things ended a little too abruptly for my liking. I didn't get the chance to tell you how wonderful you are."

  "We did okay for a first time." She moved away, flashed an impish grin, and finished dressing. "I'll call Linc."

  Rafe grabbed his socks and shoes, then followed her to the living room. A glance at his watch sent a chill of concern up his back. In reality, Linc should have interrupted their lovemaking. That she had to leave a message sent off mental alarms.

  "I'll head over. He might've forgotten something and ran next door to his house. I wouldn't have moved the car either."

  "I'm coming with you," she said with conviction.

  The set of her jaw made him think she used that face on the teenagers at school. "Save that I'm-the-boss look for your students. No way was I leaving you here alone."

  "Let me brush my hair." She darted out of the room before he could respond.

  "Good idea," he said to no one. Taking her cue, he went to the guest bath, splashed cold water on his face, then ran his hands through his hair. He glanced in the mirror. "Close enough."

  Erin was ready to go and waiting for him. He clipped on his holster and badge then opened the door. She braided her fingers through his, standing close as he locked up. He tucked her in his car and wasted no time getting in and starting the engine. Rafe would have liked to enjoy the warmth of her body for a while longer, but his personal satisfaction took a backseat for now.

  Linc Hawkins might've been sidetracked, but why wasn't he answering his phone?

  "Want me to try Linc again?"

  "Now who's reading whose mind?" Rafe joked, trying to keep her from worrying. "Go ahead."

  He pressed the gas pedal harder, picking up speed to blend in with the highway traffic. She left a second message. This time imploring Linc to call as soon as he could.

  "Something's happened to him. You think maybe the word slipped out he's a federal agent?" Her hand gripped Rafe's arm, icy fingers tightening. "I'm just talking to hear my head rattle. You can't know the answer to that."

  "I haven't heard that phrase in many years. Dad used to tell us boys that after he'd gotten tired of listening to us argue."

  "Jeff says that, too. Figures they'd use the same slang." Erin turned her head toward the window and fell silent.

  Rafe broke the speed limit a few times, but within twenty minutes, he drove into her neighborhood. Linc's car was parked in her driveway. Rafe called Colton and pulled him off surveillance. They wouldn't wait for him to arrive, but at least somebody knew where they were and what was happening.

  "That's not a good sign, is it?" she said softly.

  Rafe parked on the street and turned to face her. No way was he going to lie to her. "Hard to say. I don't want to take you with me, but I can't leave you alone in the car. I'll go in first but want your hand on my back at all times. Do not lose contact with me until I tell you it's okay. That way I won't wonder where you are."

  She swallowed hard. "I understand."

  "Did you bring the pistol Jeff gave you?"

  "What? You know it's only legal if it's kept in the house."

  One glance and he knew she'd lied. "I'll bet Dad took all of your money every time you played poker with the boys."

  "Okay. Fine." She lifted a shoulder then reached for the leather satchel. "It's in my purse. If I get arrested it's your fault."

  "I can bear the responsibility. Better a citation than a lifelong regret. And let me have your key to the front door."

  She followed instructions. Then she removed the gun from her purse and jacked a shell into the chamber. Rafe was betting Jeff had taken her to the firing range more than once.

  "Keep your pistol close."

  "I will." She got out, holding the weapon nestled against her leg. "Linc should've heard the car doors close."

  Rafe gritted his teeth. Erin was right, and he might be walking her straight into danger. She matched his stride, making it easy for him to maintain contact with her physically. They crossed the lawn, and Rafe quickly unlocked the door. He caught Erin and moved her behind himself before pushing inside. "Linc?" Rafe called out.

  He'd hardly had time to say the name when he spotted the body on the floor. Erin cried out, but he caught her by the arm. "Not yet. Let me clear the house."

  "Please, don't let him be dead." Her words were soft and low, as if she'd whispered in church.

  "Call 911 and Beckett, but stick close to me for a minute." The quick glance Rafe had taken made him think it might be too late for Linc. Spatters of crimson were on the furniture, walls, and the briefcase that lay inches from his hand.

  Rafe kept Erin close until he'd made sure they were alone with Linc. "We're clear," Rafe said. "Be careful where you step and don't touch anything."

  Erin raced to the still form, stopping short of the pool of blood that spread across her carpet. Tears brimmed in her eyes. The color had drained from her face, but she leaned toward the body and pressed two fingers on his neck. She gasped. Hope flooded her face.

  "He's alive. I feel a faint heartbeat."

  "The scalp bleeds easily. Let's hope it looks worse than it is." Rafe had soft-pedaled his analysis of the situation for her benefit, and the steely glance she sent him said she wasn't buying. He liked that she expected the truth from people.

  "Why would anyone attack him?"

  "Lots of possibilities. Looks like rage to me." Rafe held out his hand, closing his fingers around her cool fingers as sirens screamed in the distance. "Let's get out of the way while I call Colton. Let the EMTs take over."

  She slid her gun under her blouse and secured it behind her back. Rafe shoved his into his holster, snapping it in place, then led her to the porch. Police cars, a fire truck, and an unmarked roared in behind the ambulance. Wade Beckett emerged from the plain car and headed their way. He made quick introductions while the EMTs rushed inside the house.

  "Tell me what happened." Wade removed a small notepad from his pocket. He lifted one shoulder. "I'm old school."

  Rafe quickly explained Linc hadn't shown up as planned, so he and Erin had come to check on him. "He'd stopped here to pick up her briefcase."

  "Think he could'
ve walked in on a burglar?"

  Rafe shook his head. "No. You won't either after you see Linc. He wasn't just knocked out. The side of his head is bashed in."

  Wade stuffed his notepad into his pocket. "You two hang out while I check inside." He didn't wait for an agreement, just turned and walked away.

  Rafe appreciated the detective's direct, pull-no-punches approach. The truth might be harsh, but it remained the safest way to avoid misunderstandings.

  "Can we go to the hospital with Linc?"

  "Sure. We'll stick with him for a while. But I have to come back and get inside his house as soon as possible. If he has any information on the drug investigation that he hasn't shared with me or Colton, I need to know what it is."

  A gust of wind caught her hair, sending loose strands swirling around an interesting scowl. Her brows dipped, and a look of confusion clouded her eyes. "Now?"

  "That might sound cold to you, but there's a killer out there who's not going to stop. Linc would be the first to understand. These cases need attention."

  Voices from inside the house grew louder as the ambulance crew brought Linc out on a stretcher. Erin fell in step with one of the EMTs.

  "Linc," she said as the gurney was lifted into the ambulance, "stay with us. You hear? Hang on."

  Rafe stepped up and slid his arm around her waist. She leaned into him as he led her to the detective. The three of them waited in silence as the ambulance backed out and sped away. The crime scene unit arrived and entered the house.

  "We can't go back inside." Wade broke the silence. "Erin, I need a brief statement from you."

  Erin's gaze held a sadness that ripped at Rafe's soul. Pain radiated from her. He got it. Seemed everywhere she turned, people were dying. She nodded and glanced briefly at the fleeing ambulance.

  "Take it easy with her," Rafe said, leaving no doubt of his sincerity in his tone. "There's nothing she can tell you except Linc was down when we got here."

  "I believe you," Wade said. "You've already explained why you were here. But it's her house and I need to hear what she saw."