listened.
“I broke a lot of rules that day. I let her go right there on the street in exchange for telling me that a prostitution business was being operated inside of Submission. She was an ex-server of yours.”
“How long were you going to keep this from me?” he asks, still void of emotion, and I wish he would show something–anything.
“I was going to tell you soon. I didn’t know how, Adrian. You really pursued me, and then I started falling for you, but I was still trying to discover if anything illegal was going on.
“It wasn’t long before I was certain you weren’t pimping girls out, especially after talking to Simon the night of Rick’s party, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell you the truth.
“I worried I had already lost you, so I didn’t want to drive in the last nail.” I move a hand to his cheek, and hold it there snugly.
“I know you’re not doing anything wrong, and it’s why I agreed to quit my job at Submission. I witnessed firsthand what a kind soul you have. I just didn’t know how to tell you I was a cop.”
“How you feel about me … is it genuine?”
Of course, that is what’s important for him to know. Why didn’t I start with that? “Absolutely. I meant all of it. Every smile, every laugh, every moan … all real.”
His hand covers mine that is over his cheek.
“Mmm … don’t make me picture you moaning when you’re in this predicament.”
I can’t help but grin. “That’s what you’re thinking about?” Pulling my hand down, he kisses the inside of my palm.
“I have to ask you something. What is your relationship with Reggie? He told me he’s your partner.”
Peering at the door, I chew on the inside of my cheek.
“He wants more than a friendship.”
“What do you want, Victoria?”
“I want you,” I say before I lean up and kiss his lips. I was reassured of that the second he answered my text and walked through my door tonight. The tiny shred of doubt I was having because of Reg disappeared then.
“Reggie’s only a friend and my partner at work, but I’m afraid he’s going to cut ties with me if I don’t agree to more.” I glance back to Adrian. “I don’t want to lose his friendship.”
“I’m sorry he’s putting you in this position. He’ll have to accept what is because I’m not giving you up, Juice Box.” Adrian’s lips press to my palm again, but he never takes his eyes off of mine. We gaze at each other for at least a minute.
“You forgive me?”
“Yes, and other than the good times we’ve shared, I want to put the past behind us. You’re no longer employed by me. You’re my girlfriend, who happens to be a cop.”
I grin at him, and it’s the wide, toothy kind since I couldn’t be happier at the moment. He is going to forgive me.
“You have to stay out of danger, though. I don’t believe I can take another day like this one,” Adrian says, glowering.
“I’m sorry. I’ve never been seriously hurt from my job before, so hopefully this is my one and only incident.”
“I would like you to come stay with me until you’re well. I can provide nursing care and be with you more often.”
That sounds similar to living together, and that freaks me out, but his gaze is backed with so much concern. “Please, Victoria, don’t overthink this. Do it for me.”
Chapter Three
One Week Later
Victoria
Me: I’m sorry, but you don’t get to decide this.
My fingers stop texting, and I blow out a long breath.
Adrian: You are not well enough to be working. The doctor said at least two weeks.
Me: YOUR doctor. Mine cleared me, and that is all my boss cares about.
Adrian: Your independence makes you a real pain in my ass!
Me: You and I both know the real reason you’re upset I’m returning to work, and I told you there is nothing to worry about, so bite me.
Adrian: Biting your ass is what I’m going to do. It obviously doesn’t know who it belongs to!
This has become a childish conversation, so I drop
“I broke a lot of rules that day. I let her go right there on the street in exchange for telling me that a prostitution business was being operated inside of Submission. She was an ex-server of yours.”
“How long were you going to keep this from me?” he asks, still void of emotion, and I wish he would show something–anything.
“I was going to tell you soon. I didn’t know how, Adrian. You really pursued me, and then I started falling for you, but I was still trying to discover if anything illegal was going on.
“It wasn’t long before I was certain you weren’t pimping girls out, especially after talking to Simon the night of Rick’s party, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell you the truth.
“I worried I had already lost you, so I didn’t want to drive in the last nail.” I move a hand to his cheek, and hold it there snugly.
“I know you’re not doing anything wrong, and it’s why I agreed to quit my job at Submission. I witnessed firsthand what a kind soul you have. I just didn’t know how to tell you I was a cop.”
“How you feel about me … is it genuine?”
Of course, that is what’s important for him to know. Why didn’t I start with that? “Absolutely. I meant all of it. Every smile, every laugh, every moan … all real.”
His hand covers mine that is over his cheek.
“Mmm … don’t make me picture you moaning when you’re in this predicament.”
I can’t help but grin. “That’s what you’re thinking about?” Pulling my hand down, he kisses the inside of my palm.
“I have to ask you something. What is your relationship with Reggie? He told me he’s your partner.”
Peering at the door, I chew on the inside of my cheek.
“He wants more than a friendship.”
“What do you want, Victoria?”
“I want you,” I say before I lean up and kiss his lips. I was reassured of that the second he answered my text and walked through my door tonight. The tiny shred of doubt I was having because of Reg disappeared then.
“Reggie’s only a friend and my partner at work, but I’m afraid he’s going to cut ties with me if I don’t agree to more.” I glance back to Adrian. “I don’t want to lose his friendship.”
“I’m sorry he’s putting you in this position. He’ll have to accept what is because I’m not giving you up, Juice Box.” Adrian’s lips press to my palm again, but he never takes his eyes off of mine. We gaze at each other for at least a minute.
“You forgive me?”
“Yes, and other than the good times we’ve shared, I want to put the past behind us. You’re no longer employed by me. You’re my girlfriend, who happens to be a cop.”
I grin at him, and it’s the wide, toothy kind since I couldn’t be happier at the moment. He is going to forgive me.
“You have to stay out of danger, though. I don’t believe I can take another day like this one,” Adrian says, glowering.
“I’m sorry. I’ve never been seriously hurt from my job before, so hopefully this is my one and only incident.”
“I would like you to come stay with me until you’re well. I can provide nursing care and be with you more often.”
That sounds similar to living together, and that freaks me out, but his gaze is backed with so much concern. “Please, Victoria, don’t overthink this. Do it for me.”
Chapter Three
One Week Later
Victoria
Me: I’m sorry, but you don’t get to decide this.
My fingers stop texting, and I blow out a long breath.
Adrian: You are not well enough to be working. The doctor said at least two weeks.
Me: YOUR doctor. Mine cleared me, and that is all my boss cares about.
Adrian: Your independence makes you a real pain in my ass!
Me: You and I both know the real reason you’re upset I’m returning to work, and I told you there is nothing to worry about, so bite me.
Adrian: Biting your ass is what I’m going to do. It obviously doesn’t know who it belongs to!
This has become a childish conversation, so I drop
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