She did.
As soon as she was done, she headed back to the bathroom to do exactly what she’d said she was going to do.
Poppy was going to soak her stresses away.
In the bathroom, there were oils, salts, and so many things to play with that she found herself smiling.
Oh, and thinking about him.
Well, at least she would see him tomorrow.
The killer couldn’t get to her.
And she had room service.
This wasn’t bad.
Still…
She wished he’d stay.
And not because she was scared.
Chapter Five
Sky Villa
Eight P.M
Monday
W hen Dimitri returned home, his face said it all. He wasn’t happy to have left the detective behind. While he knew the hotel was secure, there was still that chance, and that worried him. Leaving her was hard, but what choice did he have? Like he told her, he had kids, responsibilities, and…
Jesus.
What had happened? It was just a few weeks ago that he was buying hookers and living life…miserably.
Maybe change could be good.
When he walked into his condo, Emma and Greyson were there. They looked up as he came in.
“Thank you for watching the kids. Where are they?” he asked, as he looked around. The place was still standing.
How?
No clue.
“Well, they are worn out. Apparently, swimming is something that they love, and it makes them complacent to directives,” Emma stated.
“We will have to keep that in mind,” Greyson stated, touching Emma’s belly.
Honestly, he didn’t expect the man home so soon. He was going to start making out with Emma as they watched a movie and babysat.
Someone wasn’t getting his sex on with a sexy detective.
Odd.
When Dimitri dropped into the big comfortable chair, that had once been Katerina’s, he lifted a brow.
“You look worried.”
Yeah, he was, but it was time to be a parent.
“I’m good. She really can swim?” he asked, wanting an update on their lives.
“Yes, imagine my terror as I nearly dove in after her only to watch her swim like a fish. For the record, my friend, she’s fast. She saw water, and she was gone.”
“Well, I can cross swim lessons off the list. No one will drown.”
That was always a good thing.
“And Sam?”
“He was hovering. Are you sure he’s not your biological son?” she asked. “He was all over her.”
Dimitri laughed.
“I’m sure. I was better at illegal things at his age. Some things just come naturally.”
She snorted.
“Where are they?”
“They’re fed, and we weren’t kidding. They are both in bed. It’s a school night.”
Dimitri owed them big time.
“Thank you. I had to drop Poppy off.”
Oh, Emma had just been getting all the dirt. Her husband was telling her all about it.
“Oh, were you?” she asked, trying not to smile. She was genuinely happy for him. Dimitri was a good man.
“You’re home sooner than I thought,” Greyson stated. “And you don’t have any hickeys.”
He laughed.
“I’m well aware.”
“Did she shoot you down?” he asked.
“No, she was disappointed that I was dumping her there and leaving.”
Emma tried not to laugh.
“It’s not funny,” he stated.
“Well, it kind of is, Dimitri. If you think about it. You could have stayed with her. I would have stayed here with the kids. I don’t mind. They’re out cold.”
“No, I’m not,” Sam said, standing in the doorway. “I was waiting for my dad to come home.”
And there it was.
Dimitri simply lifted a brow.
“Hello, son,” Dimitri stated as the boy headed his way.
“You could have spent time with a babe and you came home?” he asked. “Was it the sexy one with the shooting skills?” he asked.
“They are ladies, not babes,” he corrected for what must have been the millionth time.
Sam rolled his eyes.
“You’re deflecting.”
“Where did you learn that?” he asked.
Sam pointed at Emma.
“Sue me! I taught him a big word. Bad Aunt Emma,” she teased.
“I suppose I was, Sam.”
The kid didn’t get it.
“Did you pass up a date?”
This was tricky. Dimitri patted his lap and his son hopped onto him without hesitating. He loved that most about the boy. He was his. This was his son.
“Well?” Sam asked.
If he lied, he was promoting it. If he told the truth, he didn’t want Sam to think he didn’t want him. It was a fine line.
Truth it was.
“Yes.”
“You like her, huh?” he asked, staring into his eyes. Immediately, Dimitri wrapped his good arm around him and cuddled him.
“Yeah, I do. As it seems, a lot.”
Sam didn’t hesitate.
“Go back.”
“Sam.”
“Take her out for dinner or do whatever it is adults do. I’m good. You didn’t leave me with killers.” Then he looked at Greyson. “Unless you believe the TV, some papers, and general rumors…”
Greyson laughed.
“Smart ass.”
Sam smiled.
“I have responsibilities. That’s why I’m not out doing what adults do.”
God!
He wanted to be balls deep in her, making her scream his name, but that wasn’t happening.
Sam wasn’t buying it.
“We’re good, Dad. If Petra wakes up, I’m here. She’s my buddy anyway. She’s in my bed right now. She’s going to be fine. The babe was right. She can hang. We can watch a scary movie, have some popcorn, and a beer.”
She pointed at him.
“A root beer.”
“Better.”
“I don’t want you to feel like you are being shoved off on someone. I took on the responsibility.”
Sam stopped him.
“I know the difference now. I know that you really do love me. You blew off hanging with your BFF today to spend it with me. You earned it.”
“I love spending time with you, but if we’d like to stay in tutors and expensive candy bars, a man has to work.”
He leaned against his father.
“Well, I can tell that you really like her. I know she feels the same.”
He lifted a brow.
“You do, now, do you? How?”
Sam shrugged.
“Easy. When we were on that dune, she was praying she was going to be able to save you. She was praying. Literally. She likes you, Dad. Don’t let her slip by you. We know you’re here for us. I have kick-ass tutors, we live in the best place, and you got shot trying to save us. I know, and Petra…she will know. I promise.”
“Oh, Sam. I don’t deserve you,” Dimitri said. “You are my greatest blessing.”
“Pussy,” he said, embarrassed by the whole thing.
Emma laughed.
They all looked over at her.
“WHAT? I’m sorry! This son in my body has made me a bad influence!”
“Language,” Dimitri stated. “AGAIN.”
“My bad. Go see the lady. You like her. I can tell,” Sam stated.
Oh, he really did.
“He’s a smart boy,” Emma stated. “I’d listen to him. Besides, I’m up for a movie and popcorn.”
Dimitri looked at his watch.
“It’s already eight. I don’t want to…”
Croft cut him off.
“What are you? Ninety?” Greyson asked. “In Vegas time, that’s like three in the afternoon.”
“Are you sure it’s okay, Sam?�
� he asked. “You and Petra come first.”
“Can I stay up a little longer? I’ll keep Emma company. She can teach me how to play poker.”
“Uh, why?” she asked.
“You know so I can open a back-room gambling business when I get older to help support our family.”
Dimitri had never been prouder.
“Okay,” Dimitri stated. “You absolutely can.”
They both looked at him as if he’d taken a blow to his head and forgotten that he’d set up the bedtime rules.
“What?” Emma stated.
“Really?” Sam asked.
“Uh, I own one of those, so…”
She laughed.
“Get the cards. I still get popcorn,” she stated. “Mac wants something salty.”
“Cookies? I know I heard cookies too,” Sam offered.
“Yeah, I’m in.”
Greyson was smiling.
“Don’t say it. I know. I’m mellowing with this pregnancy.”
“Go get the cards, Sam,” Dimitri said, “and don’t wake your sister.”
It felt nice to say that.
He left, and Dimitri lowered his voice.
“Are you sure?”
Emma got up, sat in his lap, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. This man was a part of her. He filled a hole Gage left when he died.
“Yes. Take her to Aquarius and have a drink. Talk, maybe be romantic, give her a good night kiss, and see her tomorrow,” Emma suggested.
“How do I ask? She’s already ignored one invite. What if she turns me down? For the record, that’s getting old.”
“What is she doing?” Emma asked.
“She said something about a fifth of Jack and six pounds of chocolate.”
She smiled.
“Send her a box of chocolates. Tell her if she wants the booze, to meet you downstairs.”
“Will that work?”
She smiled.
“I’d meet you.”
He grinned wickedly.
“I can get popcorn and cookies before your old husband can,” he teased.
Before she could scold him for calling Greyson old, her husband cut him off.
“And then I’d cut off your dick,” Greyson said, grinning equally as wickedly. “Checkmate.”
“So cold.”
She pointed.
“The concierge will have the chocolate delivered. Get changed and get to Aquarius. Drink in the actual bar, and not the back room. You’re an average guy with a date.”
He could do that.
Dimitri got up, and then he stopped.
He was overwhelmed, but he still needed to say something to them.
“What’s wrong?” Emma asked moving into Greyson’s lap.
“Thanks, both of you. I never thought I’d have a family, and even in my wildest dreams, I never thought it would be this perfect. I have my brother and best friend, and I have a woman I respect so much and love beyond any comprehension. Thank you, Emma. Thank you for loving Randall Mason, so you could come into our lives.”
She opened her arms and he headed into them. Once there, she hugged him.
“Go get the girl. She already likes you. This is easy. Just be yourself, Dimitri. You are a catch.”
He touched her cheek.
“Thank you for believing that.”
He headed out.
“Well, want to make out on the couch?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows. “We have the place to ourselves,” Greyson said, cuddling with her
“Dad! The babysitters are making out!” Sam shouted from the doorway. “Hurry and catch them!”
Emma laughed as Greyson held up a fifty without batting an eye.
The boy took it.
“Where were we?” he asked, going to kiss his wife while the boy tucked away his ill-gotten gains.
“You and the babe were going to teach me poker. Thanks for the money to bet with,” Sam said. “Show me how to do this. I want to take over the world.”
Greyson shook his head.
The boy was tricky.
And just like his father.
“Well, here’s something I never thought I’d see. We’re teaching an eight-year-old how to gamble,” Emma said.
Greyson laughed.
“Parents of the year.”
Damn straight.
* * * G R E Y S O N C R O F T * * *
Penthouse
She’d just gotten out of the monster bathtub, and she was lotioned, creamed, and smelled like a bunch of flowers. While she wasn’t one to spend money on frivolous things, it was fun to distract herself with how the other half lived.
God knew as a cop, she’d never live this kind of life. Emma Croft had gotten damn lucky. Once she went home, this wouldn’t be something she could do.
Paying her rent and car payment were important. You know…so she wasn’t homeless and without a car.
Just as she hopped onto the bed in the big lush robe, she heard the bell.
Her heart stopped.
Poppy wasn’t expecting anyone.
Who the hell could be there?
Heading toward the entry, she stood by the sliding door and tried to steady her nerves.
“Who is it?” she asked.
“Miss Wayne, it’s Benton, and I’m the hotel concierge with a delivery for you.”
That was…odd.
Poppy wasn’t expecting anything. She almost pulled out her cell phone to text Dimitri.
Instead, she pulled her gun out of the pocket.
Yes, she was in a secure location, but…
“Who is it from?” she asked.
“Mr. Gideon sent it for you. He told me to tell you don’t forget to punch in the code or the police WILL be coming, and that will give away your location.”
Her body relaxed.
Dimitri was the only one, other than her, that heard that conversation, so she knew it had to be legit.
She put in the code and then the one for the elevator.
“What is it?” she asked, checking out the rich looking box with the ribbon.
“I’m not to say, miss. Mr. Gideon ordered it up for you. Please enjoy,” he said.
She still hesitated.
Why did it make her so nervous that he kept sending her boxes with cute things in them? Why couldn’t she just enjoy it like every other woman would?
After all, it was Dimitri Gideon. He was sexier than sin.
“Here you go, miss. Have a good night.”
She took the big box and then punched in both codes to secure the place. Poppy carried it to the big white sofa and sat down. With shaking fingers, she tugged open the red ribbon and opened it.
There was a note.
‘Here’s half of what you wanted. I have the other half downstairs in Aquarius. Meet me for a drink—Dimitri.’
She pulled the tissue paper back, and inside was a box of chocolates. Six pounds of gourmet chocolates that had to cost a small fortune. She’d seen the brand in a chocolate boutique once, and she couldn’t afford them.
Most sane people couldn’t.
It was a car payment.
Opening the gold box, she stared at the little confections. They were decorated with gold leaf, and on the top of each little truffle was something spelled out in gold, wispy lettering.
Date One
Her heart skipped.
Well, the man could call up some chocolates and have them ‘messaged’ at nine at night. That was…impressive, and the sexiest thing anyone had ever done for her.
Poppy glanced over at the clock. It was almost nine at night, and still…she wanted to see him. She knew that he had to juggle his home life to come back to the hotel, and she wasn’t sure how many chances she’d get.
At some point, he’d likely walk away.
He was rich and sexy.
She was…a cop.
Oh, she was grabbing this Russian bull by the horns.
Racing into the bedroom, she prayed she packed a dress. Then, Poppy also prayed that sh
e’d had the fortitude to pack heels in case this happened.
When she found the strappy heels, she did a little-naked jig.
This must have been meant to be.
Poppy rustled around in the bag and found the next part of her outfit. She pulled on some lacy undergarments. She knew why she’d packed them and the four of five other pairs too.
They weren’t meant to be seen UNDER clothes. They were first, second, and third date-worthy. When she finished pulling them on, she stared at herself in the mirror.
Oh, boy.
She looked…plain.
The freak out began. She didn’t bring anything girly with her except that dress and the sexy undergarments. She was screwed.
Then it hit her.
There was makeup in the bathroom. Emma must have left it there, and she was so grateful.
When she found the box with all kinds of makeup she couldn’t afford, she prayed the woman wouldn’t be upset that she’d poached some. She’d offer to pay for it, but that was funny as hell.
The lipstick alone was a full shift at work.
Digging through the kit, she found about ten different shades of the pricey tint.
Oh, hell.
What color?
Poppy tried to be a girl. Surely, she could pull this off if she thought about it. She solved murders. How hard could this be?
Black dress….
What color?
Her phone rang, and Poppy didn’t recognize the number. For a second, she hesitated but instead answered it. Maybe it was work.
“Hello?”
“It’s Emma. Do you need help?” she asked. “I know you’re going to be running around like a crazy person to get ready for your date.”
Clearly, Dimitri and Emma were close. The woman knew what she was doing.
“Uh, how do you know that?”
“Because it’s Dimitri. He’s sexy, and he and I spoke when he got back to the condo.”
She laughed.
Well, she was freaked out and crazed.
“First off, I didn’t bring makeup. That big kit…may I borrow some? I can pay you back.”
She laughed.
“I don’t pay for makeup, Poppy. People send me shit to wear when Greyson takes me out. Feel free to use whatever you want and take some of it. There are dresses in the closet of the master suite, and shoes. If they fit, go with them.”
Mob Justice Page 16