“Mrs. Thornton?” he asked, flustered.
Ryann had taught English Literature at the Academy for years when she had still been married to her late husband who’d tragically died in a car wreck years earlier. The kids all knew her as a Mrs., and at that moment, the Mrs. turned on her Oscar Award winning skills.
“Kevin?! Hi!” Ryann got up to walk over to him. “What a small world,” she smiled. “Do you live here?”
Kevin began convulsively swallowing and looked behind him. Then he turned back and said, “Yeah. What are you doing here?” he asked nervously.
“I actually live in the neighborhood. I didn’t even know you lived around here,” she laughed lightly.
“Yeah. I heard you weren’t coming back to the Academy this year.”
“I’m not. Actually, I got a job at the Manhattan Institute for Art and Design as an instructor. I started this summer.” She turned to Emily while speaking to Kevin, “This is my friend Miss White. She’s actually the one who wrote the curriculum that you guys are gonna be using for the new mentoring program at school.”
Emily put out her hand with a reassuring smile. “Hi Kevin. Nice to meet you.”
“Same here,” he said shaking her hand then looking behind him at the front door.
“As a matter of fact,” Ryann turned to look back at Mike and Jeremy as they were approaching on the sidewalk, “you’re already ahead of the other students. These are two of the mentors in the program.” She directed his attention to the guys walking up. “You would’ve met them this coming Friday, but you might as well meet them now.”
Kevin swallowed again as the guys approached. Emily imagined they appeared intimidating to a teenager. There were pretty tall and had ‘don’t mess with me’ looks about them.
Sensing Kevin’s nerves, the guys plastered on smiles and approached with their hands in their pockets, trying to appear casual.
Ryann continued with the introductions. “This is Detective Michael Callahan with the 9th Precinct, and this is Jeremy McCallister. He’s an art dealer, and owns and runs the M Gallery on the lower East side.
All of the men shook hands and Kevin finally spoke. “Well, I need to get back inside.”
“Kevin?”
They all turned to look and found Dr. Strover standing at the door. He looked composed in his suit minus the jacket. As if finally recognizing Emily and Ryann, Vincent stepped out of the doorway and walked down his steps to the grouping in front of his house. He glanced at the men then spoke directly to Emily.
“What’s this about?”
Emily, Michael, and Jeremy were all about to explain, when Ryann answered first.
“Dr. Strover, I don’t know if you remember me. My name’s Ryann Thornton. I taught Kevin English Lit at the Academy when he was a freshman. I just happen to live in the area and was taking a walk with my friends and bumped into Kevin while he was taking out the garbage.” Ryann smiled naturally, like ‘isn’t this a co-inkydink?’
Jeremy stepped in and put his arm around Ryann’s shoulders, claiming her in front of the doctor. He put out his hand first. “Jeremy McCallister, Dr. Strover.” They shook hands, then Dr. Strover crossed his arms and looked down at Emily. Michael stepped in at this time.
“Detective Michael Callahan, sir,” Mike said putting out his hand. He waited until Vincent finally shook it. “I believe you’ve met Emily White already. I understand you had a meeting with her the other day about the mentoring program.” They shook hands. “Jeremy and I are actually two of the mentors in the program you had some concerns about, so I’m glad we were able to meet.” Mike looked around at the neighborhood, “And here we were just taking an evening stroll.” Mike gave him a pointed look.
Vincent narrowed his eyes examining them all then let a condescending smile play on his lips as he glanced at Emily. “I have my doubts about the program, yes. We’ll see how Kevin’s first experience goes with it, then I’ll re-evaluate.”
“Well,” Mike continued, “I can assure you it’s top notch. We’re all looking forward to getting to know the students. The men involved are excited about giving these kids tools and resources to be well adjusted and contributing men to our society.”
Vincent smiled his shark smile and said, “Yes, Miss White has already given me the speech, thank you.”
“I would love to meet Mrs. Strover,” Emily finally spoke. She turned to Kevin. “Is your mom home?”
Vincent looked at Kevin. “Yes, Kevin. Why don’t you see if your mom is available?”
There was an awkward pause while Kevin just stared at his stepfather. It was as if everyone was holding their breath to see how he would respond.
“I don’t think she’s feeling well enough to come out,” Kevin practically whispered while looking at Vincent. As if sensing a deeper explanation was needed, he turned to the rest of them and said more confidently, “She’s been fighting a cold. But I’ll be sure to tell her you were all asking for her.”
“Please do. I haven’t seen her since I taught you. How has she been otherwise?” Ryann asked.
“Good, good. She’s good,” Kevin stammered.
“Well, I’m looking forward to getting to know you better, Kevin. You’ll be in my class with Mr. White from the Academy. It was nice to meet you. We’ll see you this Friday, okay?” Mike put out his hand and shook Kevin’s. “We’ll leave you guys to your evening.” Mike turned to the group. “Ready to head back?”
“Yeah,” Jeremy said. “Nice to meet you all. Kevin, we’ll see you later this week,” he said with a smile. With that, he took Ryann’s hand and began walking her in the opposite direction of their brownstone.
No sense in letting the man know which direction Jeremy and Ryann lived, Emily thought.
They all said their goodbyes and started walking as Kevin and Vincent walked back to the house. Emily looked up at the movement which caught her attention in one of the windows. A curtain had fallen back into place. She held Mike’s hand and squeezed. There was definitely something going on and she would do whatever she could to help Kevin and his mother if they indeed needed help.
They stayed quiet for a few moments until they got to the corner to turn down another street to head back. When they did, Ryann finally spoke.
“Did you see the curtain move in the window upstairs?”
“I did,” Emily responded.
“I hated leaving,” Ryann said. “How many of you really think she has a cold?”
Jeremy snorted.
“We’ll figure out what’s goin’ on. This Friday will be the beginning. If Strover is abusing them, then obviously the kid will be scared. If he wants to talk or needs something, we’ll just have to convince him that we’re safe.”
“Yeah,” Emily murmured.
“I wish we didn’t have to wait until Friday to get the ball rolling, especially if there is something going on,” Ryann mused.
“We may not have to wait until Friday,” Mike said mysteriously.
“Meaning?” Jeremy asked, one eyebrow rising.
“When I shook his hand, I slipped him my card,” Mike said. “If he wants to talk, he knows how to find me. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.”
“Nicely done, Detective,” Emily said looking up at him sweetly.
He leaned down to kiss her nose. “Let’s go home.”
……
Sunday began with Emily plastered against Mike’s side, soaking up his warmth. They’d decided to stay at his place on Saturday night, opting for a nice motorcycle ride home from Jeremy and Ryann’s. By mid-afternoon, their laundry was done, the apartment was picked up, and when Emily walked out of the bathroom after using it, Mike was crashed on the sofa with his guitar in hand.
She flopped down next to him. She’d never heard him play before.
“Are you gonna serenade me?” she joked.
He had a mischievous glint in his eye and began playing Stairway to Heaven. She laughed.
“I’ve been working on something, actually.”
She settled into the cushions and readied herself for a treat.
He began playing Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. He crooned softly, but stopped singing when he forgot the words, just hummed along with his strums. It was such a beautiful and special moment, and Emily couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so weepy.
Well, other than the two weeks without him.
“Whattaya think?” he asked at the end of the song. He must’ve seen that she planned on attacking him because he quickly put the guitar down and she crawled into his lap. Holding his face in her hands, she kissed him soundly on the lips.
“I think I love you more and more every day,” she murmured with her mouth against his.
“Baby,” he responded. Then he kissed her and there was no more talking for a few moments until he was imbedded deep inside her a few minutes later, their clothes strewn on the floor. “You know,” he said into her ear, his movements measured and purposeful, “we really should talk about moving in together, don’t you think?”
“Mmm, don’t stop moving, Mike.”
She was currently on her knees down on her stomach, with him mounted behind her. She rolled her hips back into him so she could increase the friction. His foot was on the floor next to the sofa giving him leverage and just the right angle. He pressed his chest into her back and bit down behind her ear. At the same time he thrust up into her.
She let out a satisfied sound. “Yeah,” she moaned softly.
He increased his rhythm and reached his hand under her stomach to find her clit. Once there, he ground into her using his hand to massage her while he pounded into her. “Come back here with me.”
He moved them so he was sitting back on his knees and she was pulled up practically sitting on him, her back to his front.
“Bring your arms back around my neck.”
She did and grabbed tufts of his hair so she could hold on. His arms wound around her, one hand on her breast and the other still on her mound holding them connected and massaging her there. He felt so incredible that she couldn’t seem to stop the sounds escaping from the back of her throat.
“God, you feel good, baby,” he said, nuzzling her neck.
They moved together until the slow build turned into something more primal, raw, and they were bucking against each other not able to get enough. When the tension finally snapped, they crashed into each other one last time, collapsing onto the sofa into a heap of arms and legs.
“We need to do that again,” he groaned while resting his weight on top of her back. “You’re so fuckin’ tight that way. I can’t even explain to you how mind blowing it is.”
“I might have an idea,” she mumbled into the cushion, her muscles feeling shaky and wobbly. “I never knew sex could be like this.”
“So you’ve said. I like hearing that. Say more. I’m good, right?”
She rolled her eyes even though they were closed at the moment. “Yes, Mike, you’re good. But you already knew that. Now shut up.”
He chuckled behind her, kissing her between her shoulder blades. “Guys need to hear these things.”
“Uh, huh.”
“You’re the best I’ve ever had, Em. Remember when I first told you that?”
She smiled. “Uh, huh.”
“You are,” he murmured, still kissing her back. “Made even better because of how much I love you. Sex means so much more now.” He was still seated deeply inside her. She could feel him getting bigger. “And since I’m already here,” he began, then started moving again.
Her insides lit up, not prepared for his movements. Her inner walls were so sensitive that she jumped. He sucked on the back of her neck and took the next several minutes to bring her to completion, both of them marking the other as their own.
……
Monday and Tuesday they didn’t see each other until they were crawling into bed at the end of the day. They both had cases that took up their time.
Wednesday afternoon, Emily got a text from Mike.
MC: I arrested two kids today. One was drinking battery acid and the other was eating fireworks. We charged one and let the other one off.
She chuckled and shook her head at his bad jokes.
EW: Hello, Detective. Will I be seeing u today?
MC: Let’s get something straight, GC. As far as I’m concerned, you’ll be seeing me every day from this point on. Period, no arguments.
Emily smiled and felt all warm inside.
EW: Let’s get something straight, Detective. I reserve the right to argue when I see fit. However, on this point, I’ll happily agree w/ ur edict.
MC: My edict would be foolproof if we were living together. Hint, hint.
EW: Yes, you’ve mentioned this idea before.
MC: Let’s talk over Krav Maga. Meet u there @ 6.
Then while she was writing her response, another one from him came in almost immediately.
MC: Btw, have I told u how much I adore u today?
She sighed giddily, a stupid sappy grin on her face.
EW: No, as a matter of fact, u haven’t. But u can tell me when I’m kicking ur ass at about 6:05.
MC: I’ll look forward to it. XO
Mike was already at the studio when Emily arrived. He was talking to Jose, but as soon as she walked in, he felt her presence and turned to her. A sexy smile lit up his face as she walked toward them.
Would her heart always speed up like this whenever she saw him? He always looked so gorgeous and edible.
“Hi Detective,” she drawled.
“Counselor,” he said, leaning in to give her one of his trademark enormous full bodied hugs. “Go get changed. I’ve been waiting impatiently for you.” He leaned her over his arm to give her a sultry kiss.
When he released her, she said, “You’re early.” She turned to Jose. “Hey Jose,” she said knocking shoulders with him. “I’ve been looking at my schedule for teaching. Let’s chat sometime soon.”
“Nice. And what about this one?” he asked, cocking his thumb over toward Mike.
She looked at Mike. “We’ll talk about it.”
“Good. Have a good workout, you two.”
She ran into the locker room to change then met Mike on the mat five minutes later. Within the hour, she had pinned him three times and knocked him on his ass once.
“I don’t understand it,” Mike panted while sitting on the floor shaking his head. “Just when I think I know your ‘tells’, you throw me a curveball.”
She breathed on her nails and buffed them on her tank top, as if toppling this giant of a man was no big deal. In truth, she was done for the evening. Sparring with Mike always tuckered her out. It was harder to keep her concentration due to the sexual awareness that was always close to the surface with him.
By the time they’d showered at the studio, made it to her place, and picked up some food, they’d settled in and relaxed at the small dining table to eat.
“So, my captain had an interesting phone call today,” Mike said around the food in his mouth.
“Yeah? Who from?”
“A one Scott Matthews,” Mike said, letting the syllables draw out on his name. He looked completely nonplussed by this turn of events.
Emily, however, nearly choked. “What?!” She swallowed and tried to calm herself, her mind racing in a million directions. “Don’t even tell me he –?”
“Oh, he did.”
She put her fork down. “What the hell happened? What did he say? Was he filing a complaint?”
“He tried.” He didn’t elaborate.
“Well, come on! Tell me!”
“He wanted my captain to know that he had a detective working for him who was ‘using his badge inappropriately’, I believe his words were.”
Emily dropped her head in her hand then looked back at him. “What did your captain say?”
Mike smirked and said, “Like a good captain, he listened to the complaint, said he would talk to the detective then hung up.”
“An
d?”
“And he called me in, I explained the entire situation, he warned me to stay out of trouble, we had a good laugh, and that was that.”
Emily pinched her eyes under her glasses which she’d put on when she’d gotten home. “I don’t believe this. How friggin’ embarrassing. I could kill him.”
“I don’t think we’ll be hearing from him again.”
“Did you do anything after he called?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.
“Moi?”
“I’m serious, Mike.”
“No, I didn’t do anything. I wanted to do something, but I didn’t.”
She sighed.
“He’s not worth either of our time, baby,” he said. “But if I see him again, I’ll be happy to give him a few of my thoughts.”
“No, let’s just let it lie, okay?”
Mike smiled innocently at her.
“Mike,” she growled.
“You’re so sexy when you growl.” She began to speak but Mike beat her to it. “Listen, he’s an asshole who likes to put down and intimidate women. So the next time I happen to bump into him, I will be giving him a piece of my mind. I won’t touch him, I won’t threaten him, I won’t take out my badge unless it’s warranted, but I will be saying what I need to say.” He ended his diatribe with a smile then shoveled more food into his mouth.
She looked at him trying to stay mad, but she couldn’t hold onto the emotion for long. She loved this man to the point of pain and as far as she was concerned, she didn’t care what happened to Scott just as long as Mike didn’t get in trouble.
She reached over and took his hand, bringing it to her lips. “I love you.”
Mike swallowed his food and pushed his plate away so he could take both of her hands in his. “There is no doubt that you can protect yourself against anyone, baby. This is undisputed. But if there is ever anyone out there who treats you the way he treated you? I’m just lettin’ you know, I’m not gonna stand for that. I wouldn’t stand for that if a guy did that to anyone just walking on the street. I’m certainly not gonna stand for it if it’s done to the woman I love. I’ll do anything for you, including slaying those dragons. Even if you do slay them better than me half the time,” he said dryly. He looked at her seriously then said, “You’re my sweetheart, baby. So let me take care of you when I can, okay?”
Revelation: A Contemporary Erotic Romance (Iris Series) Page 34