His Wicked Pleasure (Wicked #1)

by Christina Gallo

~*~*~*~

  The moment Kristie walked into the doctor’s office, her life was changed for the better. Her doctor happened to be standing there talking to his receptionist. When he saw her, he grinned and then came around the counter where he confiscated her crutches.

  “Thank the powers that be. You no longer need these things,” he laughed.

  “Yeah,” said Kristie fist pumping with glee. “The world thanks you. Now everyone doesn’t have to run for their lives when they see me.”

  “Come on, I’ll take a look at that ankle,” said the doctor as he led Kristie into his office.

  Lorie walked next to her sister and whispered, “Me doth think the good doctor has the hots for you.”

  “Ain’t life grand,” replied Kristie with a soft chuckle.

  “Here we are,” said the doctor closing the door behind them.

  Looking around his office, Kristie noticed a bunch of degrees hanging on the wall, a few plaques with lots of writing, and, of course, a family picture. The desk was an expensive, old-fashioned, mahogany desk with a bunch of files neatly stacked on top.

  The window to his office seemed newly cleaned with a few streak marks and when Kristie looked outside, the view was of the parking lot, which explained the exhaust smell she was suddenly hit with.

  “Thank you for seeing me right away,” said Kristie giving the doctor her undivided attention.

  “How does your ankle feel? You seem to be walking okay without the crutches,” observed the doctor.

  “My ankle doesn’t hurt at all. I’ve been following the instructions given to me and kept up with my physical therapy,” Kristie said in an optimistic voice.

  “Wonderful,” said the good doctor. “Are you still in any pain?”

  Thinking for a moment, Kristie tilted her head to the side and glanced at the photo of the happy family. Bringing her eyes up slowly, she said, “Only when I don’t follow the routine.”

  “Great. Now just because your ankle doesn’t hurt anymore doesn’t mean you go crazy. Ease back into your daily routine. Slow and steady wins the race.”

  “Thank you,” said Kristie with a smile. “That will not be a problem.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kristie rubbed her forehead as she stared at the computer screen. She’d been back to work for a week since her doctor’s appointment and part of her wished she were still off. Going over the figures of Rossi Co., she found a bunch of mistakes.

  Shoving her laptop across her desk, she stood up, walked over to the window and looked outside. The sun was shining, people were outside walking, and the birds and squirrels seemed happy to be alive. Deciding she needed a minute to regroup, she walked out of her office and down the hall.

  “Maybe a cup of tea will clear my head,” said Kristie out loud to no one but herself. Once she made her tea, she noticed the office seemed too quiet and took a walk around. “That’s it. I’m listening to Benny, time to cut the waste and clean house.”

  She pulled out the folder with the list of names and decided there’s no time like the present. Walking around the office quietly, she noticed empty desks and committed it to memory, and made her way back to her office to start working again.

  “Knock, knock,” said Lorie as she opened the door to her sister’s office and walked in.

  “Well, you’re in a good mood this morning,” said Kristie looking up from her laptop to glance at her sister.

  “I am,” said Lorie as she pulled out a chair in front of her sister’s huge desk and sat down. Looking at her sister with concern, Lorie asked, “What’s wrong?”

  “I’ve decided to fire each and every person on that infamous list the guys put together,” said Kristie blowing her hair out of her face. “The guys are right and, frankly, I’ve had enough.”

  “Great,” replied Lorie with a smile. “I happen to agree with that list.”

  “Want to help me with the termination process?” asked Kristie with optimism in her voice.

  “Of course. I also want to run an idea by you,” said Lorie as she opened her purse and pulled out a huge file. “I really want to do this once and for all.”

  Kristie reached out, took the folder from Lorie and opened it. Feeling her heart melt, she looked across the desk at her sister and smiled. “Finally. I’m so happy to see these again.”

  “Do you think my sketches are good?” asked Lorie as she looked at her sister for approval.

  “I sure do. I have an idea,” said Kristie opening her laptop and moving closer to her desk.

  ~*~*~*~

  Declan sat behind closed doors the entire day as tidbits of information seemed to come in drips and droves. Apparently, his team had been given information of a possible situation in the Middle East.

  “So?” asked Paul walking into Declan’s makeshift office with his brows raised. “Are we, or aren’t we, deploying?”

  “It looks like we are,” said Declan as he tossed Paul a stack of papers. “The commander just got these. Why don’t you go through them for me.”

  “Sure,” said Paul taking a seat across from Declan.

  “I hate to leave my Barbie Doll. This is going to be the toughest assignment yet,” said Declan tapping his foot nervously.

  “I know what you mean but we do have a job to do,” said Paul trying to pull them both out of their misery.

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m aware. Doesn’t mean I like it.” Declan stood up and moved over to the large televisions that displayed the area where the possible threat was said to be. He surveyed the surrounding area. Finally, he shook his head and broke for lunch. He headed outside so he could do his best to focus and clear his mind.

  “Mind if I join you?” asked Paul biting into an apple and sitting down next to his friend.

  “Looks like a storm is brewing,” said Declan staring blankly up at the sky. He noticed that the winds picked up and dark clouds rolled in bringing forth a sweet, pungent zing to his nostrils. “Smells like a storm too. Kind of matches my mood right now.”

  “Well snap out of it. We’ve been invited to the girls’ house tonight. Kristie is cooking dinner and, according to Lorie, she’s an excellent cook,” said Paul enjoying the wind as it picked up.

  “Do we tell them tonight? Just incase we’re gone tomorrow?”

  “Yes. Of course we tell them. Why wouldn’t we?”

  “I don’t know,” said Declan standing there blankly rubbing the tension out of his neck. “I’m so afraid of losing her. I’ve fallen head over heels for her in such a short period of time.”

  “So telling her would be the wise thing to do,” Paul said. He was always the voice of reason. “If you don’t tell her, she’ll think you left her for someone else. Trust me man. I’ve been listening to my girl when she talks.”

  “You’re right,” said Declan pulling out his phone and looking at a bunch of pictures of Kristie. “She’s the one. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

  “I feel you man,” said Paul standing up and walking over to a trashcan to dispose of his apple core.

  “I have a few stops to make before we go to the girls’ house tonight. Maybe we should go separately,” said Declan lost in thought.

  “Sure, no problem,” replied Paul following Declan back inside the huge brick and stone building.

  The commander walked into the room about a half hour after Declan went over everything with his team.

  “Gentlemen,” said the Commander in a deep voice. “We leave at 0500 tomorrow. Finish your briefing, go home, get a good meal, and get some rest. See you then.”

  “Thank you Commander,” said Declan as he watched the commander exit as quickly as he entered. Turning his attention back to his team, he went over the plan a few more times. After another three hours, the men decided they were ready and Declan dismissed them. “Men. I’ll see you all at 0500.”

  ~*~*~*~

  Kristie had put the third tray of baked ziti in the oven when the doorbell rang. Noticing no one around, she wiped her hands, walked towards the fron
t door and opened it.

  “Hey there Paul,” said Kristie greeting him with a huge smile. “Come on in. Hope you brought your appetite with you.”

  Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Paul looked at Kristie and smiled. “It smells like heaven in here. I can’t remember the last time I had a home cooked meal.”

  “Well,” said Kristie walking into the huge kitchen. “I hope it tastes as good as it smells.”

  “It will,” said Lorie walking over to Paul and taking his hand. “I was worried you wouldn’t make it with all this heavy wind and rain.”

  “Wildfires couldn’t keep me away,” said Paul as he wrapped Lorie up in his arms and kissed her.

  Kristie stood there for a moment watching her sister and Paul; she loved the happiness between them. Turning her attention back to the stove, she stood there stirring the sauce and decided to make Lorie’s favorite dessert.

  Her cell phone rang the same time the doorbell rang, which caused her to talk and walk.

  ‘Hey Jason.’

  ‘Make sure you save me some food. I’m stuck working late tonight am I’m starving.’

  ‘No problem. I cooked plenty of food.’

  ‘Okay. See you in a bit.’

  ‘Love you.’

  Opening the door, Kristie smiled at Declan as he walked in and shook out his hair being sure to aim at her. “I’ll be right back. I have more stuff in the car,” he said as he turned and ran back outside into the torrential rain.

  Kristie held the door open for him and cringed when he ran towards her. “You’re like a charging bull,” she said with a smile and stepped out of the way.

  Declan looked at Kristie with a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I’d like to charge you straight upstairs to your bedroom.”

  “You’re soaking wet,” said Kristie attempting to get away from him but failing.

  Feeling himself twitch, he bent down and whispered, “That’s something I plan on saying to you sometime in the very near future.”

  Blushing from her head to her toes, Kristie led Declan inside and said, “Take off whatever is wet. I’ll wash and dry it for you. I’m sure one of my brothers has something you can wear in the meantime.”

  Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Declan put his things down and hugged Kristie tight. “We need to talk.”

  Feeling her heart stutter inside her chest, she raised her head and looked at him with her green eyes showing a hint of pain. “Now?”

  Hearing her voice crack caused his stomach to turn. Hurting her was the last thing he ever wanted to do. Taking her hand in his, he said, “Yes. Right now.”

  “Let me turn off the stove so the food doesn’t burn.”

  “Okay,” said Declan counting to ten in an effort to calm his nerves.

  Turning around quickly, Kristie said, “Where would you like to talk?”

  “Honestly? Somewhere we won’t be disturbed.”

  “My bedroom,” said Kristie. She turned away from him and walked towards the beautiful, white marble stairs. She climbed the stairs slowly and then walked into her bedroom where she patiently waited for Declan.

  Leaning against the door, she focused on breathing, telling herself over and over again that he’s only a man. She hoped that would calm her nerves. Her deep breaths weren’t helping and her fear caused her stomach to turn.

  “Why don’t you sit down,” said Declan trying to collect his thoughts.

  “Okay,” said Kristie softly as she anxiously waited for the bomb to explode inside her.

  Sitting alongside her, Declan lifted her face and planted a kiss on her lips. When the kiss ended, he looked into her brilliant, green eyes and noticed the sadness and worry, which pained him because he was the one putting it there “There’s no easy way to say this.”

  Kristie felt her heart lurch and thought it actually flew right out of her chest. Sitting up a little straighter, she did her best to focus and remain calm.

  Declan stood up and took a few steps, turned and brought his body directly in front of her. Bending down, he said, “My team and I will be deployed tomorrow at five in the morning. I don’t know how long I’ll be, nor do I know when I’ll be home.”

  Kristie did her best to hold it together but her bottom lip began to tremble. “Oh,” was all she was able to say.

  Pulling her up, Declan wrapped his arms around her and held her against his body. He stood there silently and just breathed her in. Feeling her every breath, he whispered, “This is going to be so difficult. I have come to enjoy spending time with you and will truly miss that.”

  ~*~*~*~

  The celebratory mood that Kristie had cooked with had disappeared in the bedroom when Declan had told her about his deployment. They had returned to the kitchen and she’d finished cooking. Dinner was eaten in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Kristie didn’t even notice her brothers’ walking in and joining them.

  She was lost in a fog of emotions. Kristie’s mouth was moving but her actions reminded her of a robot. Once everything was cleaned up, they walked into the living room and watched television for a few hours.

  Declan turned to Kristie once her brothers went their separate ways, “Come on, I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.”

  Turning to face Declan, Kristie opened her mouth to speak but Declan stopped her with his lips. “Don’t deny me my last request Barbie Doll.” He spoke in a husky voice, which sent chills down her spine. Not trusting her voice to reply, she took his hand in hers and led him upstairs, neglecting to say a word to her sister or Paul.

  Before she closed the door, Declan whispered, “I’ll be right back.”

  She walked into her bathroom, brushed her teeth, washed her face and walked towards her bed, where she plopped down in an unlady-like huff. Her body was shaking from nerves and her head began to spin. Finally, Declan walked in and closed the door.

  “Before I leave, I have something for you,” said Declan in a warm voice while his eyes watched Kristie carefully.

  “Thank you,” she said taking the package he held out for her. Letting out a small breath, she eyed the beautiful bag and opened it with trembling fingers. Looking up at his with two red blotches on her cheeks, she said, “Apologies. I’m just wracked with so many different emotions right now.”

  “I know Barbie Doll...I am too. I promise the moment I’m on my way home, I’ll let you know. I want you to be the first face I see once I’m here,” he whispered, his voice full of love. “Deal?”

  Sucking in her pain, Kristie closed her eyes for a moment to collect her emotions. Pulling herself together, she said, “Deal.” Turning her attention back to the package in front of her, Kristie pulled out a velvet red box and opened it.

  “Here,” said Declan taking the box from her. “I had these made for you. Whenever you think of me or miss me, all you have to do is look down.” He placed the silver dog tags around her neck and kissed her. “Now I’ll always be with you.”

  Kristie held her hand on the cold silver as it laid near her heart and read the tags with interest: G.I. Joe Loves Barbie Doll 4-Ever. Moving her eyes to the other one, it read: G.I. Joe <3 Barbie Doll 4-Ever. In an attempt to hold back tears, Kristie reached her hands up and placed them on either side of his face. Finding her voice, she said softly, “Thank you G.I. Joe. This means so much to me.”

  “Just promise me that you’ll wait for me to return home…”

  Chapter Fifteen

  The following morning, Kristie woke up to an empty bed and a broken heart. All she could think about was how she gave Declan his last kiss before they’d fallen asleep in each other’s arms.

  Pulling herself up and out of bed, she decided sleep wasn’t an option despite the early hour.

  “Good morning,” said Lorie as she walked into Kristie’s room. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Not good,” said Kristie walking towards her bedroom window and looking outside. “I kind of had a feeling this would happen. They are Navy SEALs after all.”

&nb
sp; “That they are,” said Lorie sadly. “I’m about to get ready to go into the office. Wait for me. We’ll go in together.”

  “Perfect,” said Kristie walking into the bathroom and turning on the shower. “I’ll be ready in a half-hour.”

  Walking downstairs with sadness in each step, Kristie made her way towards the front door and opened it. “Wind and rain. What a surprise,” she mumbled while closing the door and gathering her things. “Kind of matches my mood. Dark and gloomy.”

  “You talking to yourself again Kristie,” stated her brother Billy while he walked towards her with his hand out. “Uncle Frank wants you to go over these and get back to him later on today if you can.”