by Perry, M. J.
“The bedroom,” I blurted out without thinking and his eyes clouded over. I’d insulted him and I hadn’t meant to. I hurried to explain.
“Up until yesterday we hadn’t even kissed and now you’re talking about marriage and babies. I didn’t even know you thought of me like that so forgive me for not thinking ahead.”
“I’ll forgive you if you’ll marry me.” I searched his face and his fierce expression told me he wasn’t joking. I was speechless. “We’ve wasted enough time. I’ll give you a month to get used to it, but that’s all. I want you as my wife, and I want Katie and you in my life permanently.”
Wow. Butterflies assaulted my tummy and my palms felt clammy. I wasn’t sure if I was happy or if I felt sick from his bombshell.
“Do you agree?”
It sounds like it mattered that I did even though he’d basically acted like our marriage was a given. “I agree, but it’s very fast Ryder.”
“In a month you won’t feel like it is.”
“Maybe.”
“Trust me. I need to go and get the cameras so I can install them.”
I tensed. “I’m still not happy about that.”
“But you’ll let me put them in, won’t you?”
I sighed. “I’ve already agreed, but that doesn’t mean I’m happy.”
“I know and I appreciate you letting me put them up so I know you’re safe.”
“I think I should get a kiss for being such a good sport.”
“It will be my pleasure.” He grinned, and a dimple popped out.
His lips came down on mine and my whole body sighed. His hands settled on my waist and his fingers gently brushed the underside of my breasts. A shudder ripped through me and Ryder reluctantly pulled back from me. “I wish we had more time.” He whispered.
“Me too.”
“I have to go.” He stood up and pulled me up with him and my eyes lovingly ran over his face and I smiled at his hair. I didn’t remember messing his hair up, but I obviously had.
“Ok.” I sighed.
“I’m not going to tell you where I’m installing the cameras. I don’t want you to give their location away by accident if something should happen. Just know that there will be one in every room and hallway except for the bathroom just like I’ve already told you.”
“I’ll remember.”
“And you’ll remember to get changed in the bathroom, Katie too.”
“Yes. I’ll remember. I don’t want anyone to see my naked body.” I shuddered.
“Good. I don’t want anyone to see your naked body but me. Now give me a kiss and I can get on with installing them. Are you having a bath before bed?”
“That’s the plan.”
“If you go now, I’ll have them all in before you come out.”
“You’ll do it that fast?” I asked amazed.
“Lex, you spend at least two hours in the bath.”
“That is true.” I agreed.
“Take your nightie and robe in there.”
“Yes, sir.” I saluted with a grin.
He grinned and tapped my bum as he walked towards the door. “Goodnight baby. I’ll call you when I have more information.”
“I’ll look forward to it.”
He gave me a look and then his eyes slid down my body and back up to my face. “Me too, you have no idea how much.”
My cheeks warmed. “Wait, how will you get back in?”
“I have my ways.”
“Wouldn’t you rather have a key?”
He held up his hands as if to ward me off. “Whoa, don’t you think that’s a big step?”
“But you were going on about marriage earlier,” I said bewildered.
He chuckled. “I meant it’s a big step for you, Lex. Are you sure you’re ready?”
I rolled my eyes. “There’s a spare key hanging up above the drawer to the left of you.”
His big hand gripped the ribbon it hung on and he tucked it into his pocket. “Thanks. Go take your bath.”
“It would be better if you were sharing it,” I said and blushed.
“Of course it would be, but we don’t have the time baby and I get the feeling you’re not ready for that just yet.”
“You’re probably right, but it’s a nice thought.”
“Next time Lex. That’s a promise.”
“I’ll hold you to that. Goodnight.”
“Night, night,” He went out the door closing it behind him without looking back and I got the feeling he’d had to force himself to do it. I’d just in a roundabout way issued an invitation to share my bath and even though I knew he’d wanted to take me up on it he’d put my feelings first. He knew me better than I knew myself.
I headed to my bedroom and grabbed everything I needed to get dressed for bed. Closing the door I chose lavender bath salts knowing I’d need all the help I could get to fall asleep tonight. It wouldn’t be easy because I was going to miss him a lot, I always did, but this time it was different. I now know how he kisses, how he tastes. Julian never had this effect on me; he couldn’t turn me on just by looking at me. Who knew things could change so much in such a short space of time? Ryder used to pop in when he was home, he’d eat my cakes play with Katie and help around the house. He'd tease me and flirt with me, but I’d always assumed he was like that with everyone. It turns out I was wrong and I’ve never been so glad to be wrong in my life.
Chapter Four
Ryder
“Fuck, its bad isn’t it?” I asked David knowing just from his face I was right.
“It’s not good news, dude.”
“Really, fuck.” I sat heavily in a chair. “Tell me.”
“Julian decided he didn’t have enough problems with a shopaholic wife and maxed out credit cards so he got himself mixed up in a hard-core poker game.”
I stared at him in disbelief, “A poker game?”
“I’m afraid so. When he lost a lot of money and realising, he was in a predicament he borrowed from a loan shark. He lost that money too and didn’t have any to repay the guy. The guy he's borrowed off is the kind that dishes it out and demands double back.”
I scoffed. “Don’t they all do that?”
He nodded. “This one has a reputation for breaking bones but never going after the family of the client. He’s a straight shooter.”
“That’s good isn’t it?”
“It was good.”
“Was?” I didn’t like where this was going.
“It was good until the guy realised Julian was using his wife and daughter as shields. He never left his house without one of them so they couldn’t get to him. That pissed him off.”
“Son of a bitch,” I swore.
“I know. Ryder, sit down.”
I hadn’t realised I’d stood up. I sat back down in the chair fuming. Julian is a rat, a dirty little rat, and I’d like to kick the shit out of him. I couldn’t believe he would use Katie like that. It made sense now why he’d kept her for another night. He was using her to save his ass, his own fucking daughter.
“I need you to keep calm, there’s more. Ok?”
“I’m calm, or as calm as I’m going to get. Keep talking.”
“The loan shark sold his debt to Jacobson at Casino, Casino.”
There was no need for David to explain the consequences of that. I stood and pulled my phone out of my pocket. “I need to ring Eric to tighten security on Lexi and Katie. They aren’t safe now. Jacobson is a bastard, a sick bastard, and he doesn’t care who he has to hurt to get his money back.”
“I’ve already called Eric. He’s pulled in a couple of his pals to help. He’s going to be staying on her sofa.”
I relaxed slightly. I knew Eric will protect them. My heart was still pounding, and I felt sick. I’ve been in some fucked up situations before where I should have been scared but knowing my girls were in danger beat everything. I felt helpless even though I knew I wasn’t. No fucker was going to get their hands on them.
“Julian owes a
lot of money; we’re talking about enough to buy a five-bedroom house with no mortgage. He’s been seen going into Casino, Casino and it isn’t to plead his case.
“He’s trying to win back his money?” I asked in disbelief. Didn’t he realise he was a shit gambler?
“Looks like it, but he’s either really shit or the staff have orders to do him over.”
“Jacobson has to know what’s going on in his own house which means he has a plan.”
“That’s what I’m thinking. Jacobson needs something from Julian and this will be his leverage.”
“This explains Julian’s behaviour. Lex said it was out of character for him. The bastard nearly put his hands on her.” I’ll never forget how scared she looked or how much her body was shaking with her fear. My fists clenched.
“The girls will be in sight at all times. I have a couple of acquaintances who are working hard to find something on Jacobson. Unfortunately, it’s hard and it could take some time. Hopefully, they will find out what he wants from Julian. Short of killing Jacobson the only thing we can do is put him away.
“I owe you, David.”
“No, I owe you more than I can repay.”
“You don’t owe me anything.”
“I do but I know you’ll never admit it. I have your back, we all have your back.”
“I’m grateful. The girls mean everything to me.”
“I know. We all knew when you first met her by the way you spoke about her.”
I shook my head in disgust. “I wasted time worrying I would put them in danger and it happened, anyway. I have some paperwork to do on my open cases then I’m going home.”
“I figured you would be. I have Swift coming in to cover you.”
“I was going to ring him. Thanks.”
He shrugged. “It’s one less thing for you to worry about.”
“Thanks,” I repeated.
“Stop thanking me Ryder, you’d do the same for any of us.”
“That goes without saying,” I said. My phone vibrated in my hand and I smiled when I saw who was calling.
“Lexi,” I greeted.
“Ryder, I agreed to the cameras, but I did not agree to let a strange man barge in and tell me he is going to be sleeping on my sofa.” She sounded pissed, and it made me grin. It didn’t happen often but when she was mad, she was cute as hell. Before I could speak she started talking again, but this time it wasn’t to me. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you’re a very nice man.”
I chuckled. “I wouldn’t call Eric nice baby, it might go to his head.”
“It’s not funny, I’m not happy with this.”
“It’s for your protection baby, yours and Katie’s.”
“Has something happened?” Worry was clear in her voice and I hated it.
“I’ve found things that don’t look good, Lex.”
“What have you found out?” Her voice was hesitant, and I wished I didn’t have to tell her anything. Julian is her ex-husband, even though she doesn't love him anymore he’s still her child’s father. It’s going to be a blow especially as Katie is in danger.
“Julian owes money to a dangerous man. He’s put you and Katie in danger so until I’m back Eric is staying with you.”
“But I don’t know him.” She protested.
“I do and I trust him with my life which means I trust him with yours and Katie’s.”
There was a pause before she spoke. “If you trust him, then I guess I do.”
“That’s my girl,” I said with pride.
“What about Tammy?”
“Tammy?”
“If we are in danger doesn't that mean she is too?”
“I hadn’t thought of her.” Even after what that woman did to mine she was still thinking of her and worrying. “I’ll get someone to keep an eye on her but you and Katie are my priority.”
“I might dislike her but she doesn’t deserve to get hurt because Julian messed up.”
“I know baby, I’ll sort something out.”
“Thanks, Ryder, for everything.” She whispered.
“I’d do anything for you, Lex.”
“And I would do anything for you.”
“Anything, huh? I’ll have to have a think.” I teased startling a laugh from her.
“Should I have a think too?” she asked shyly.
“Why not, we could have some serious fun?” I loved her laugh; I’d missed it when I’d been away. “If you’re uncomfortable with Eric why don’t you invite Jen to stay?”
“I don’t want her to be in danger too.”
“If you give her the choice she will be over like a shot. I don’t think she is in danger but at least if she’s at your house Eric can keep an eye on her too.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“She’ll give Eric hell, think of the entertainment.”
She chuckled. “Yes, you’re right, Jen loves to flirt.”
“And Eric has sworn off women, it’ll be fun.”
“I’ll call her.”
“Good. I don’t want you moping around. Don’t send Katie to Julian’s. Make up some excuse as to why you’re not. We don’t want him to know we know anything yet.”
“Ok, but he’s going to kick off,” she said worriedly.
“Eric is there sweetness. He won’t allow Julian to hurt either of you, it will be fine.”
“You sound so sure, I wish I could be.”
“I’m sure because I trust Eric to keep you safe until I’m home and I know we are going to sort this out. Have faith baby and try not to worry. That’s my job.”
“I’ll try to stay positive.”
“Good. I’ll be back as soon as I can until then listen to Eric.”
“You’re so sweet.” She said quietly.
“Only for you, baby.”
“Not just with me, but I like that you think that. You’re a sweet guy Ryder; I really like that about you.”
“Ah baby, I miss you.”
I heard her breath catch. “See, sweet. I miss you too, so does Katie.”
“Tell her I miss her right back. I have to go now. Remember to get changed in the bathroom.”
“I won’t forget, trust me.”
“I’ll ring you soon. Be good.”
“Bye Ryder.” She said and then the connection dropped.
I allowed myself a grin before turning back to David. “Lex is worried about Tammy.”
“She’s some woman your Lexi. I can’t imagine many women caring about the welfare of the person who stole their husband.”
“Me neither, she’s one of a kind.”
“I’ll make sure someone is on Tammy. It’s a good job I’m rich otherwise this case would bankrupt me.” He said with a laugh, and I had to agree.
He wasn’t joking about being rich though, he could buy a small country a few times over with the amount he is worth. Instead, he runs a security firm helping people who the police can’t. He’s a good guy, another person who I trusted with my life. “I need to catch up so I can leave. I hate being away from Lexi.”
“You big softy, what happened to the badass who took out two drug dealers with his bare hands?”
“Oh, he’s still here he’s just realised there is more to life than danger and adrenaline.”
“I never thought I’d see the day. I’m pleased for you.”
“You should come and meet her, Katie too. They are both amazing.”
“That’s the picture you present of them. I’d love to meet them but let’s leave it until they are safe.”
“I shouldn’t have left it so long. I regret it even though I had reasons for doing it.”
“Sometimes it’s all about the timing.”
“Yeah and sometimes we just have to man up and take what you want.”
He smiled. “Ryder, you’re absolutely right there. It took me a long time to realise it with Chloe, but she’s the best thing to have ever happened to me.”
“I know how that goes. I’ll see you later, thanks for a
ll your help.”
“No thanks necessary, do you fancy a beer tonight?”
“Sounds good, I’ll catch up with you later.” I closed the door behind me and put everything out of my mind except for the work I had to do. My girls were safe for now but I wanted to be with them. I need to get everything here wrapped up and find out as much as I can about Jacobson. There was no way I was leaving it all to David. I was going to take Jacobson down and make sure he couldn’t bounce back.
Chapter Five
Lexi
I did what Ryder had suggested; I invited Jen to stay, and she accepted even knowing the danger. She had a few choice words about Julian when I gave her a brief explanation of what he’d done. She’d even sounded excited when I’d told her I had cameras in all the rooms of the house watching us and one of Ryder’s friends was staying with us. That all changed when she walked through the door and saw Eric. I’ve never seen someone blush red and then turn as pale as milk so fast. Now I was sat watching her make the drinks, Eric was watching her as well, and he had a strange look on his face, almost like regret. They knew each other that was obvious and whatever was between them isn’t good. Jen’s usual bubbly personality had gone and all I could see was sorrow. I hated it. I waited until she brought the tray in then I grabbed her hand.
“I have to show you my new dress. It’s so beautiful.” I was fibbing, they both knew it, but it was the only excuse I could think of. I almost dragged her out of the kitchen and through the living room.
“Katie, we’re just popping upstairs. Shout if you need me.” I told my daughter who barely looked up from her cartoons.
Jen opened her mouth to speak, but I shook my head and pulled her to my bathroom. No cameras spying in here. “Spill, honey,” I said gently and my bubbly, doesn’t let anything get to her best friend, burst out crying.
“Oh, baby,” I whispered as I put my arms around her in comfort. I’d never seen her cry before and my heart broke for her. I rubbed her back slowly, giving her the chance to pull herself together. She moved away, and I pushed some tissues into her hand.
“Want to talk about it?” I asked her.
She sniffed loudly and then plonked her bum on the closed toilet lid. “I’ve known Eric since I was about thirteen. He moved in next door to us and we became friends, best friends, then it changed into something more.” She paused to take a breath, and I took her hand sensing it was going to be hard for her. “One day he came to see me and told me he couldn’t see me anymore. It was completely out of the blue.”