Hudson

by Joanne Sexton

  On his way to work he made a decision, it was time to talk to her. The last thing he wanted was his awkwardness over her being overly sweet to ruin their partnership. Lucas found her already at her desk, coffee waiting and a sugary smile.

  “Knock it off, Maggie.”

  “What?”

  “The niceties, it’s irritating.”

  “I can’t be nice to you now?” Confusion wrinkled her brow which didn’t help matters.

  He lowered his voice to ensure prying ears weren’t alerted. “You know what I mean. You don’t have to save my feelings, I understand. I want things the way they were before and during us.”

  “I don’t want things to be weird.”

  “You’re making them weird. Please, just be yourself. Nothing has to change. We had fun, but we want different things.”

  “No more weirdness.” Her smile was wide and friendly.

  To end the conversation Lucas opened the file from their current case and shifted his focus. No use dwelling on the past, he would never have given Maggie what she wanted. It would’ve jeopardised their partnership and that was the last thing he wanted to do. Why in the end did they all want to get serious?

  After draining his first cup of coffee, he needed another so he went to get a refill. He glanced up to notice a tall dark-haired guy walking in their direction. His face seemed familiar and Lucas determined him to be a detective from another department. He came to stand beside Maggie’s desk. Lucas waited, in case they were required for a case.

  “Hey,” he spoke directly to Maggie.

  “Hey yourself.” Steve, Lucas decided. Another cop, Mags? He shook his head, amused

  “Oh, Steve, this is my partner, Lucas Hudson.”

  “Hey, I’ve heard a lot about you.” Steve stuck out his hand. Lucas shook it.

  “Um, Maggie exaggerates. What department are you from?”

  “I wasn’t talking about from Maggie.” Steve glanced at her with curiosity in his eyes. “Vice.”

  “Well, don’t believe everything you hear. Ah, nice to meet you.”

  Lucas left them to it and hoped he hadn’t just told his partner’s new flame that he was her old one.

  When he returned, Steve had gone.

  “Sorry, he doesn’t know?”

  “No, I thought that would be the way you would want it.”

  “Yeah, probably best I suppose.”

  He stuck his nose back in his files in an attempt to busy his mind and suppress the slight pang of jealously. Not because Steve and Maggie were together but at their ability to have no fear in the face of love. The fear of loss outweighed his loneliness, just, or at least that’s what he told himself.

  Much later that evening, long after Maggie had left for the night and the new shift of detectives had begun, he was still killing time at his desk. After spending the remainder of the day investigating their latest case, they’d return to the station to type up notes and finish up for the day. Lucas was reluctant to go home to an empty apartment. He’d picked at a greasy hamburger at his desk before throwing most of it away and started working on some of their ‘cold’ cases, anything to occupy his time.

  The copy of his parents’ file, which lived in his bottom desk drawer along with the seven other murders just like it, beckoned for him to pull them out and read over them for the infinite time. He ignored the urge and concentrated instead on another old case, a young girl shot in her home by an unknown assailant. Her boyfriend, or ex as they discovered, was the main suspect but they’d found little evidence to arrest him and as other cases emerged it got pushed to the side. Simply another murder without justice.

  In frustration he pushed the file aside. He needed something to alleviate the loneliness and fill his time with something that wasn’t work. Craving some company - albeit for one night - he grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair and strode out to his unmarked car. Lucas determined the best place to fulfil his need was ‘In Blue’ as it was always open and filled with like-minded cops looking for the same thing. Young, rookie cops were always the most eager to spend the night with a detective. He loathed to use his status as such but it served its purpose in this instance. Guilt over the idea of using another unsuspecting girl niggled at him as he drove. Perhaps if he was upfront then no-one would be hurt.

  The bar, full even at two am, housed many tables, which were mostly full, and many stools at the bar. Loud music played from the jukebox in the corner and the buzz of voices was a din over the sound. Conversation would be difficult. This suited him as he wasn’t after a friend. Some form of communication would be needed to ensure the girl he picked up would know exactly where she stood but that would be the limit of his conversation.

  He slid onto a stool and ordered a beer. As he waited he scanned the room until he settled on a blonde in the corner sitting at a table with two other girls. As he studied her she lifted her eyes and Lucas let them linger before turning away and paying for his drink. Flicking his gaze over to her once again, he found her still looking at him. She smiled and he offered the smile which usually charmed. Lucas pulled his eyes from hers and waited.

  In his peripheral vision he saw her rise and walk over to the jukebox. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed his beer and strolled towards her. Now she was standing he realised how tall she was and assumed she would be about shoulder height. Her curly flaxen locks reached just past her shoulders and she looked trim. Lust took over now as he approached her.

  “Hey,” he said as he came to stand beside her.

  She turned towards him and her blue-green eyes penetrated his. She licked her pink shiny lips tightening his groin.

  “Hi.” She said with a wide smile. Her sea coloured eyes held his, her intention clear.

  “I’m Lucas.” He said offering his hand. Her feminine hand and long delicate fingers grasped his.

  “Sasha.”

  She let her hand linger for a moment before removing it.

  “Sasha, I’m going to be really honest with you here ...”

  “I think I know what you’re going to say and let’s save the pretences. We both know why most of us come here.”

  “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “It’s a lonely life being a cop. I’ve only been in the force for a couple of years but forming relationships with the hours we work and the things we see ... sometimes all we need is some company.”

  Lucas ran a hand over her silky hair and studied her face for a moment before kissing her lightly. He trailed kisses from her mouth to her jaw and came to rest near her ear.

  “Shall we get out of here?” He whispered to her.

  “I’ll get my bag.”

  25

  Sasha

  Once he’d parked in his building, Lucas opened her door and assisted Sasha from his car. Keeping her hand in his, he led her towards the lift, anticipation building with each step. When the lift doors closed, he pulled her towards him and teased her lips with his. Her mouth tasted like champagne. Then with lust overcoming him, he deepened the kiss. Her tongue met his and her hands wound round his neck while his roamed her back. Bringing her in tight against his body, his hands explored her curves. She groaned into his mouth as her hands trailed down his chest and began tugging at his pants.

  Her head followed her hands and she took him in her mouth. Without thought, he leaned over and hit the emergency stop button. Couldn’t have two cops arrested for indecent exposure.

  He lent his head back and closed his eyes as her lips and mouth took him all in. When he got close, he grabbed her head and gently urged her lips back to his. He now tugged impatiently at her jeans to find her naked underneath. With a groan, he picked her up and walked her backwards till he had her against the back wall of the lift. Long, lean legs wrapped around his waist as he entered her warmth. They moaned in unison as he drove them both to a release. With light fingers he brushed her sweaty brow before seeking her lips again.

  After lowering her to the ground, they hastily dressed and sent eac
h other knowing, teasing smiles. Lucas pressed his floor again and the lift took them slowly to the fifth floor. He watched her as they rode, anxious to get her to his apartment so he could see her naked, so they could start over again. He wanted to tease her, take his time. Her short breathless pants had sent him into a frenzy of lust and he was busting to hear it again. Her cheeks were pink from the exertion and she bit her lower lip as he gazed at her, his eyes full of desire.

  The sluggish lift finally arrived at his floor, and as they stepped out he took her hand. They walked the short distance down the hall in silence, neither wanting to break the moment with meaningless chatter.

  Once inside he brought her through to his living room and let go of her hand, removed his jacket and threw it over the chair.

  “Would you like a drink?” He asked her.

  “Sure.”

  Lucas went to the kitchen and was relieved to find a bottle of wine in the fridge. With a pang he realised it had probably been there from when Maggie had been. That was the past. He was happy for her and was ready to leave it all behind him now. Tonight was about enjoying the beautiful girl waiting for him in his living room. The girl he’d just enjoyed in the lift. He smiled again at the intensity and craziness of their encounter and looked forward now to enjoying her slowly.

  “Are you working tomorrow?” He asked her as he returned to the room.

  “No, I’m on permanent night shift Sunday to Thursday. How about you?”

  “No.”

  “Oh I guess being a detective, you don’t work weekends,” she said in a light tone.

  “It’s not all glamorous being a detective. I work every second weekend.”

  “I already knew who you were tonight.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes, we’re stationed at the same precinct. A few weeks ago I was working days while someone was off and you were called to a scene I attended.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t recognise you. I’m usual pretty focused at a site.”

  “My partner is the senior officer so he spoke with you. I was on crowd control.”

  “Was that the shooting victim in King’s Park?”

  “Yeah, I was keeping all the spectators behind the line. I’ve seen you around the station a couple of times too, you work late sometimes.”

  “See not so glamorous.”

  A small smile lifted pouty lips as she placed her glass on the table. “I don’t want to talk anymore.”

  She walked over to him and kissed him, showing her intent.

  “Me neither,” he said as he kissed her neck and guided her towards his room.

  They removed their shoes and clothes as they went, in between seeking each other’s mouths. Lucas turned on the bedside lamp so he could see her. Skin like milk and pink nipples almost had him rushing again but he controlled the animal lust and pulled her down with him onto the bed. After kissing her until she moaned, he feathered her jaw and feed hungrily on her neck which smelt like vanilla, increasing his appetite for her. He worked his way to her erect nipples and devoured them till she began panting again. Continuing his kisses down her creamy stomach, he teased her inner thighs with his tongue and then returned her earlier favour, tantalising her with his mouth until she groaned out his name.

  Kissing his way back up to feast first on her nipples and then neck again, he appeased his desire and slide inside her. Their mouths came together again as they moved in rhythm. She curled her legs around him and urged him over so she was astride him. He explored her body and enjoyed the show as she rode him to her groaning climax. He rolled her back over and took control again until they both reached a blissful peak. Satisfied he rolled onto his back and waited for his heartbeat to slow.

  Several moments later, when he’d caught his breath, he propped up on one elbow and stared at her pink, satisfied face.

  “You’re all pink and beautiful,” he told her.

  “Well I’m feeling pretty satisfied right now. The rumours are true.” He groaned. The drawback of sleeping with an officer from the precinct, they’d heard all about his ‘reputation’. “I think they didn’t do you justice.”

  “So that’s why you made it so easy for me?” He grinned. “You’re using me for my skills.”

  “Maybe.” She returned his smile. “When they said you were considerate and passionate I thought it might be an exaggeration. Those usually aren’t the words associated with guys who are into one night stands. You have left a few very disappointed girls in your wake.”

  “They exaggerate. I just happen to like watching women enjoying themselves. Why should I be the only one getting anything out of it, particularly when I have no intention of seeing them again.”

  Something passed over her face and his stomach dropped. Was she going to be happy about the ‘no strings attached’ policy?

  “Which is why I didn’t believe what I heard.”

  “Sasha, this is what this is. I don’t and can’t make any promises. I hope you understand.”

  “Yes, I think so. It was ... nice, it would be a shame to only do it once.”

  Pink lips offered a cheeky smile. He wanted to kiss those becoming lips until they couldn’t breathe.

  “Nice eh, well I think you need a reminder so I can get an upgrade.”

  25

  Obsession

  Life became bearable for Lucas as the weeks progressed. Yes he was lonely but the occasional companion filling his night helped to ease this a little.

  His quest for vengeance for his parents faded and he closed the door on the case once and for all when he ran his copy of the file through the shredder. The others went into the cold case drawer.

  His parent’s killers had never been caught and although there had been a few similar murders in the last twelve years, no-one had ever been brought to justice. Lucas accepted now they probably never will. He reflected instead over all the criminals – murderers – he had attributed to arresting during his time as a detective and discovered helping others find retribution had actually dulled the pain.

  The nightmares had ceased and his existence was tolerable. His decision to remain alone continued and although happiness was beyond his grasp, he felt content with his choice. Work was his life and it gave him satisfaction. It was enough.

  After his night with Sasha, his one place to find fulfilment – work - became somewhat awkward. As he spent long hours at the precinct running in to her became commonplace but Lucas suspected – due to her early arrival for shift – she aimed to bump into him. Following their night together, he taken her home the following morning offering no promises and she’d said she understood. For the first week he hadn’t seen her at work and life went on as normal. By the second week, every second day, she ‘turned up’ near his desk or at his car as he was leaving. He made polite conversation and excused himself.

  Four months had passed and although he was tempted by her obvious attempts at another night together, he didn’t cave. She was beautiful and seemed sweet but he didn’t get involved. She knew this but it didn’t seem to matter. Her persistence was intensifying and he ran into her more and more. He now avoided ‘In Blue’ entirely as she had been there on the two occasions he visited and then left with a willing girl. He had felt her eyes on him, watching his every move until he left with his conquest. Guilt festered within him and after seeing her at ‘In Blue’ he decided to cease this activity as well. There was little to stave off the loneliness now. Work continued to be his life – aside from his family. He spent the Saturdays he had off with Mabel and Tommy, giving his sister and Nathan some much needed time together. Their innocence and joy lifted his spirits.

  Sitting at his desk thinking about the past months and Sasha, he pondered over what he should do. He didn’t want to encourage her but his solitary life was making it harder to refuse. How long could he resist the need to feel soft skin beneath his hands and warm lips against his? Could he continue to have these hollow, empty encounters and be able to look at himself in the mirror an
d not feel shame, guilt? He loved women, how they felt, how they smelt, their softness and the point where they let their inhibitions go but he simply didn’t want to fall in love and feel loss. Better to keep a guarded distance. The only way to survive in this world was to close off his heart, suppress his remorse and continue to fill his nights with faces he would forget. They all knew what he wanted, he was honest, but occasionally they wanted more. Sasha was one of them. Her obsession was unnerving.

  Dammit! He loved women too much to give them up. Glancing at the time, he decided to test his resolve, bring forth his indifferent attitude and find solace in the arms of a beautiful woman. Being Friday night and not having to work the following day, he thought it the best opportunity to see if he could resume the lifestyle without the baggage. As he strode through the double doors which led out of his section and into the hall a hand grabbed his arm. He turned to find the girl who was causing his angst.

  “Guess what?” she asked sounding excited.

  “What?”

  “I’m finally on day shift.”

  “That’s great.”

  “What are you doing now?”

  “Um, going to grab some dinner and go home I guess.”

  “I’m finished too. Do you want to have dinner with me?”

  Lucas studied her for a moment. Her cheeks were flushed and her blue-green eyes sparkled with desire, while her small mouth offered a seductive smile. The thought of her sexy little pant was his undoing. His groin tightened and he internally cursed his traitorous lust.

  “Sure, there’s an Italian restaurant around the corner—” Her mouth was on his cutting off his words and her tongue probing his sent rational thoughts from his mind.

  Giving in to desire, he drew her into his arms and buried his hands in hair, while her aroma intoxicated his senses. Her hands started in his hair, then moved to his shoulders and then worked their way down to probe at his pants.