Eye Candy

J.J. Massa

Eye Candy By J.J. Massa

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The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Eye Candy Copyright (c) 2005 by J.J. Massa ISBN: 1-59836-062-0 Cover art and design (c) 2005 by April Martinez All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form without permission, except as provided by the U.S. C opyright Law. Printed and bound in the United States of America. For information, you can find us on the web at www.VenusPress.com

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Chapter One

“Have you met Devon’s niece?” Erika Arnold heard one man at the front of the elevator ask another. “She’s pretty nice looking.” Her best friend, Mark Lincoln, glanced down at her and winked. She wrinkled her nose at him and waited to hear what the other man would have to say. “I haven’t met her yet but I’ve seen photos,” the other man replied. His voice stroked across her senses and she had to fight not to moan. The sexy, deep Scottish murmur kept her mind firmly in the bedroom. The air around her seemed to hum. She listened as he continued speaking. “I don’t know how bright she is but she’s definite Eye Candy, that one,” the smoky voice purred. As the door to the elevator opened, Mark clapped a hand over her mouth and maneuvered her to the front of the small space and out the sliding doors before anyone could really see her. Quickly, he pushed her into an empty office and closed the door before they both dissolved into fits of laughter. “Eye Candy!” she choked, trying to contain the tears of mirth that threatened her eyeliner. “That’s a new one.” “Come on now, my little lollipop… gumdrop, Tootsie Roll™!” Mark guffawed. “You’re just jealous because nobody mentioned your sweet round gumball derriere!” she countered, with a stinging slap to her long time friend’s posterior. Mark jumped away playfully and chuckled. “You know, Erika, you could have used your “radar” to find out who he was…” “Radar” was how she and Mark referred to Erika’s ability to listen to other people’s thoughts. There were certain rules that she applied to her radar and getting information about hot guys was a big no-no. “I didn’t need my radar for that, bright-eyes! How many guys with a voice and an accent like that do you think are wandering the hallowed halls of Duncan, Devon, and 4

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Rice? Besides, you know I only use that for finding out if people are lying to the court or their lawyer!” she stated piously. “Yeah, sure, and I’d better start calling you “Cherry Cordial” because that sounds sweet, but we both know you’re full of it!” Mark crossed his arms and shot her a mock glare. “How could you say such a thing to me? Me! -- Your dearest friend. I’m hurt!” She leaned back and tried to look wounded failed miserably, dissolving into another fit of giggles. “Okay, Bubble Gum, time to pull it together to meet with your uncle. He’s got our next year’s assignments ready for us. We have to meet our department counterparts, too, don’t we?” Mark was becoming nervous and Erika stood still while he fussed with her hair and the neckline on her dress. When he turned his attention to his own appearance, Erika tried to calm him. “Don’t worry, Mark. We know he’s going to give us separate assignments but we did well working for the District Attorney’s office these past three years. We’ve proven ourselves,” she reassured him. She knew that Mark was a compulsive worrier but she also knew that her uncle would do his best to place him in an interesting department. While many young lawyers came to the prestigious law firm of Duncan, Devon, and Rice directly from law school, Erika and Mark had chosen to work outside the firm and establish strength and credibility before joining her uncle’s practice. They had both risen steadily through the ranks of Manhattan’s District Attorney’s offices and had gained confidence in themselves and their abilities. Erika knew that Mark hoped to work in criminal law while she was more interested in international law. “Okay,” Mark finally sighed, turning toward the door. “I guess now we’re fashionably late, huh?” Erika slid her hand through the crook of his elbow and led him toward her Uncle Charles’ office. *** Jack resisted the urge to turn and look when he heard the office door open. He knew it would be Charles Devon’s niece, Erika. He’d just been informed that she would be working with his department, International Law. He would litigate here on the home front and she would gather information needed. 5

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“Ahhh, here they are, now,” Charles beamed, spreading his arms to indicate Mark and Erika. Turning to look at her, Jack forgot to breathe for a minute. Erika Arnold was five feet and five inches of silvery blonde perfection. As if from a distance, he heard his mentor and employer begin the introductions. “Jack Mac Addison, I’d like you to meet Erika Arnold. She’ll be spending a few days with your department here and then will be working with you on International cases from our offices in the Middle East.” Charles’ cultured voice barely registered with Jack as he took the young woman’s hand. Soft–so very soft and she smells like… Is that vanilla? Or maybe it was some kind of flower? Vanilla flowers! Yeah! “Huh hmm!” Erika cleared her throat. “Excuse me? Mr. Mac Addison?” The young lady’s voice was clearly amused. Jack let his hand drop as he felt the heat of an embarrassing flush sweep his body. In an effort to avoid the gamut of arousal to humiliation, Jack looked away from Erika and glanced at the two men speaking quietly next to him. Another partner, Hugh Willingsput, who headed up the criminal defense division of Duncan, Devon, and Rice, was shaking hands with a handsome young blonde man. Turning back to Charles and Erika, Jack was reminded that she was the niece of his senior partner. It would definitely not do to get too interested in her. No, it just wouldn’t do at all. “I hope you’ll get something out of your short time here with us, Miss Arnold. With any luck you’ll go to the Middle East with a clear sense of how we litigate from this end.” Jack knew he sounded a little pompous, but he couldn’t help it. Somewhere between the mischievous sparkle in her big gray eyes and the twitching of her full lips, Jack began to think she was laughing at him. He coughed to clear his dry throat. He was a little surprised when she extended her hand to him, offering something he couldn’t see in her closed fist. Automatically, he opened his palm and let her drop her offering into it. “Don’t worry, it’s just a blue peppermint.” Her grin displayed two enchanting dimples. “It’ll help your dry throat.” She looked at the candy in his hand and looked up

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into his eyes. “Would you look at that? It’s the exact color of your eyes!” She began to turn away and then turned back. “Enjoy your Eye Candy, Mr. Mac Addison!” *** Mirabel looked speculatively at the blonde haired man and woman who’d garnered so much attention. She already knew she didn’t like them. They were just too good looking. Not only that, they were too pleasant and friendly. She didn’t hate pleasant and friendly people in general and she had plenty of appreciation for good-looking men. The problem with this particular good-looking man was that he was apparently a very good friend to that good-looking woman, and probably nothing more. Something about the way they acted together made that crystal clear to her. She suspected he was gay. The problem with that was that the woman, Erika Arnold, would be working closely with Jack Mac Addison. Mirabel had her eye on Jack who was already a partner with the firm. She’d already done quite a bit of work learning about him and setting the stage for him to notice her, date her, and ultimately marry her. Now it looked like she had more work to do. Mirabel believed that she could convince Jack Mac Addison to marry her if she only had enough time. She could be what he needed, she was certain of that. What worried her now was that this little blonde would be working closely with him and Mirabel knew how weak men were with blondes. All blondes were sleazy and easy – it was so unfair! “This is Mirabel Grady,” Hugh Willingsput murmured to the firm’s latest partners. “You’re a junior partner in Contracts, right?” Mirabel fought the urge to cringe when she heard the words junior partner. “Yes, sir, I am.” “This is Erika Arnold and Mark Lincoln, both new partners,” Hugh beamed at them. “Mark will be working with me in Criminal and Erika is joining Jack in International, right Erika?” Mirabel shuddered internally and startled at the raised eyebrow from Erika. “Pleased, I’m sure,” she murmured, shaking Erika’s hand. “I’m sure,” smiled Erika in response, returning the handshake. “I HATE blondes,” she thought.

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Erika leaned over and whispered something in Mark’s ear and he stuck out a hand to Mirabel, a wide smile on his face. “Mirabel, I just know we’ll be the best of friends,” he grinned. Hugh Willingsput aimed a pleased smile at her. “I’m sure we will,” she said, teeth clenched. “I REALLY hate blondes,” she glared at Mark and Erika, and walked away.

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Chapter Two

Mark sat next to Erika in the courtroom ostensibly observing some of the firm’s top lawyers ply their trade. Both were fairly successful lawyers in their own right even given that they were under thirty years old. That fact and the uninspired proceedings left them entertaining themselves in their own unique way. “Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t,” Mark thought. Almond Joy, Erika wrote. “Okay, how about: Candy-coated popcorn, peanuts, and a prize?” he thought, still looking straight ahead, a serious look on his face. Crackerjacks she wrote. “Ohhh I got one you won’t know…” he glanced down at her note pad. Try me! She wrote. “Once upon a time there was an engineer.” He glanced over. She shrugged lightly and he fought to keep from smiling. “Choo Choo Charlie was his name we hear. He had an engine and he sure had fun. He used…” She gasped and sat up straighter. Good & Plenty!!! She wrote and nudged him. “How about –what would you do for…?” There was a rustling in the room as one witness sat down and another was sworn in. A Klondike Bar® she scribbled with an impatient sigh. “Too easy, my little marshmallow? Okay, It’s a creamy lickin’ sensation?” he thought to her smugly. O-R-E-O! She wrote triumphantly dotting the exclamation point with enthusiasm. “Is this trial making you hungry, Miss Arnold?” came a smoky Scottish purr. Jack Mac Addison had seated himself on the wooden bench next to Erika. Mark glanced down and bit his cheek. The legal pad on her lap had the words, Almond Joy, Crackerjacks, Try Me, Good & Plenty, A Klondike Bar, and Oreo written on it and nothing else. 9

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“Uh ohhhh looks like someone’s in TROUBLE!” Mark taunted with his thoughts. “Shut up!” she whispered, elbowing him. “Excuse me? Am I annoying you?” Jack turned a hard blue gaze on her. “Perhaps if someone gets you a snack you can force yourself to pay attention?” he murmured condescendingly. “I’m fine, Mr. Mac Addison, thank you,” she mumbled. “In that case, we’d all appreciate it if you’d focus on the trial before we are asked to leave,” with that he turned away from her and seemed to become engrossed in the proceedings. “What a pompous ass. I can’t believe you’re into him!” Mark goaded her. “Face forward and write a hundred times: I will not…” He was unable to finish that thought because Erika kicked him hard in the ankle while in the process of crossing her legs. She did, of course, offer a smile of apology. Turning from Jack, Erika tried her best to concentrate on the trial but it was very dry and basic. Knowing she shouldn’t, Erika couldn’t help but peek into Jack’s thoughts to see if he was as bored as she was. “Torture, sheer unadulterated torture,” she heard from him. “It would be torture to listen to that man try a case anyway but to breathe in her beautiful scent while acting like I care about it as I’m scunnered to death…” She didn’t know what “scunnered” meant exactly but assumed it had something to do with being bored stupid since she was. The lawyers prosecuting and defending in this trial were certainly well matched. None of that mattered to her because Jack thought she smelled beautiful! She fought a sappy grin. “Fascinating, isn’t it?” she whispered to him, leaning close. He didn’t respond, just looked at her with a raised brow and a forbidding glare. She smiled sweetly as he glared at her and thought, “You, Miss Arnold, are evil, pure and simple.” *** For the next three days, Erika tagged along with Jack as he interviewed witnesses and deposed clients for various cases pending. She liked his charming and suave style of questioning and found it was as effective on men as it was on women. It was incredibly difficult for her to ignore the vibrations she felt whenever he was near. Her fingers tingled, her heart slammed against her ribs. She felt the heat pool 10

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below her waist. She was aware of every move he made and every move she made doubly so. Without a doubt, she had more than a crush on her new quasi-partner. She thought back to that morning and remembered how she’d nearly zoned out during the deposition they were doing. She’d been so wrapped up in the sound of Jack’s voice that she’d almost missed the witness leaving out important information. “Where were you going when you left your apartment, Mrs. Phelps?” Jack had asked. “I was going to work,” Mrs. Phelps had answered but she’d been thinking, “I was supposed to meet Mr. Carmichael in the bakery parking lot first, but that was work, too.” Jack drew a breath to speak again but Erika had reflexively placed her hand on his arm. “Mrs. Phelps, did you go directly to your place of employment from your apartment?” “Um…” she began. “I met my boss, first thing.” Erika leaned forward and gave the woman an understanding smile even though Jack’s hand had moved to the small of her back. “Where did you meet him, Mrs. Phelps? We have to be specific,” she smiled and shrugged. “Oh! Well, I was supposed to meet him in the bakery parking lot around the corner from our building. It's called Lite as a Feather, they have low-fat pastries.” Mrs. Phelps smiled warmly back at Erika who wrinkled her nose in womanly allegiance. “How long did you have to wait for Mr. Carmichael to join you?” she asked, seemingly curious and empathetic. Jack’s hand moved back and forth across the small of her back in agitation. She was glad the opposing attorney’s couldn’t see his actions even though they couldn’t have stopped the questioning. “You know what? With everything else that happened that day, I nearly forgot! Mr. Carmichael was walking up the street before I even got that far. I just stopped the car and opened the door. He climbed in and off we went, on to the office!” She was so pleased to have come up with that little memory for Erika. Erika was doubly pleased that she had. Not only had that information somehow been pivotal to Jack’s case, he was massaging the back of her waist and murmuring, “Good job, Erika!” in that sexy voice, directly into her ear. Mmmmm. It had made her feel good when Jack praised her this morning. She sighed. 11

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With difficulty, she pulled her mind off of her sexy co-worker and the morning’s events and tried to focus on the present and on trial going on now. Jack had given his eloquent opening argument and both attorneys were listening and taking notes as opposing counsel did the same. In this case, Duncan, Devon and Rice had been hired to assist in the defense of two young American servicemen who had been accused of stealing several weapons from the base in Italy where they'd been stationed and selling them to terrorists. According to official reports, the two young soldiers had been in charge of the weapons storage facility at the time of the theft. One of them had insisted that someone else stole the weapons and hit him over the head. The problem was that the other young man had been the only person with the combination to the lock on the weapons room, and the door had not been forced. Glancing surreptitiously at the younger of the two men, Erika reached for his thoughts. “Goanna be found guilty of treason just for being hit in the head!” she heard him whine mentally. Shifting her mental focus to the other young man she heard, “All this trouble for a piece of ass that wasn’t even that good. It should be the Colonel’s wife up here on trial, not us!” Barely concealing her grin, she leaned forward to whisper excitedly in Jack’s ear. “Jack, the older one, Sergeant Taylor? He’s whispering about a Colonel’s wife.” His palm landed on her thigh and squeezed hard. “How do you know that?” he demanded. “What did he say?” he went on before she could gather her thoughts. She shook her head and tried to ignore his intoxicating scent and the strong hand gripping her leg. “I read lips,” she improvised. Jack quickly glanced back at the man who was pale and looked guilty. “Jack!” she whispered again, trying to ignore the glare from the other attorney at their table. She dropped her hand to his and attempted to peel it off of her thigh. COLONEL’S WIFE? He scribbled on a pad and handed it back to the young man, arching a black brow at him. The young soldier’s face lost what little color it had and he began to cry. She did her best to look fascinated and innocent at the same time as Jack approached the bench.

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“I don’t care what this looks like for the military,” she heard from Jack, “I won’t let two innocent young men go to prison as traitors. Especially since one of them had NO idea at all that anything was wrong.” Erika watched, falling harder than ever for Jack as he argued passionately for a hearing to proclaim a mistrial. He seated himself beside her once again as they waited for the judge to decide if new evidence and witnesses could be introduced. “You take it very personally, don’t you, Jack?” she whispered, leaning close to him. He looked at her for a moment and she realized he thought she was judging him. “I do,” he said finally. “I’ve had many advantages in my life but I believe that the law should be used to help the innocent go free and stop people from hurting each other. I know that’s idealistic and simple, but its how I feel.” She didn’t know what to say. He continued to look hard at her and she gave him a little smile. “I like that, Jack. That’s a good way to put what we do.” He continued to stare at her, unmoving. “I know we can’t always succeed, but I agree, it’s important that we try.” Jack said nothing else after that and Erika did her best to stay out of the way as she watched him negotiate with the other lawyers and talk with the judge. *** “So, Jelly Bean, how’d you like sitting in court with your Eye Candy?” Mark teased Erika as they sat in a busy bar not far from the courthouse, discussing their new assignments. Erika had joined Mark there as soon as she and Jack left the courthouse. “It was fun, educational, and instructional,” she replied smugly. “One of the defendants had a secret and he was mumbling…” she looked guilelessly into Mark’s amused sky blue eyes. “I mentioned it to Jack and he got an extension to further investigate the case.” Mark couldn’t help laughing at the casual way she told her story as he listened to what she wasn’t saying. She’d read someone’s mind and given Jack important information that would no doubt save the firm’s clients. “You are a piece of work, young lady,” he chuckled at her. “Tell me about your day, Mark,” she changed the subject, taking a sip of her drink.

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“My day?” he inquired drolly. “Hmmm, well, in an effort to aid in the discovery for the Filks versus the State of New York case, I had to visit the seventeenth precinct. It wasn’t long before I found myself comfortably ensconced in Interrogation Room three with…” he glanced around casually. Satisfied that they were not the subjects of any attention, he continued. “…With the hottest detective on the entire planet!” he whispered excitedly, leaning close to Erika. “Well?” Erika grinned at him. “And?” She was one of the few people who knew that Mark was homosexual. His father was a high-ranking military officer and he couldn’t accept or understand anything besides what he called “normal” couples and “normal” sex. Although Mark hadn’t followed his father into a military career, he had joined the Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate General Corps lawyer to appease him. Any hint of an alternate lifestyle would have Mark court-martialed and would leave his father devastated. Mark sighed. “And… Now I have someone to fanaticize about, Erika.” He leaned back and closed his eyes for a second, smiling. Detective Joshua Kincaid, you hunk of beefcake you. “But, Mark! What if he likes you, too? How do you know he doesn’t?” Poor Erika so wanted him to be happy. Mark leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Erika, you are such a romantic. He’s a cop. They don’t even have the three monkeys to protect them – there is no “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on the police force,” he reminded he. The three monkeys Mark referred to were “see no evil”, “hear no evil”, and “speak no evil”. They’d talked about the military’s policy regarding homosexuality many times. Erika would certainly know what he meant. “What are you going to do while I’m gone for the next year, Mark? Who’s going to cover for you? Maybe it’s time…” “God, I’m going to miss you, Erika!” Mark groaned, taking her hand. He didn’t want her suggesting he dig his way out of the closet while she was gone. Life would be hard enough without that complication. “Now,” he kissed her palm. “Tell me what you’re going to do about Jack Mac Addison before you leave tomorrow!” ***

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Erika truthfully didn’t have any idea what she was going to do about Jack Mac Addison beyond lust after him and pretend she hadn’t fallen head over heels in love with him. Generally, she considered herself levelheaded but she couldn’t dismiss her feelings for Jack as simply a crush. Not only did her heart pound and her knees get weak whenever he was near, she realized that he mattered to her. It wasn’t only his opinion she cared about. She cared if he was happy or comfortable. She had left the bar after only one drink with Mark. He would be riding to the airport with her the next day. Without thinking about what she was doing, Erika changed into casual clothes and headed out the door, heeding a call she didn’t understand. She needed a good brisk walk -- that must be it. Most people believed that New York City was little more than an overlarge den of iniquity but Erika loved it. She loved the throbbing life to be found in the large city. The Manhattan area had benefited a great deal from the previous Mayor’s policies and she knew she’d be safe. Before she realized what was happening, she found herself signing into the Duncan, Devon, and Rice offices. She’d walked there on autopilot, seemingly without thinking. Now she realized that she’d been thinking the entire time. Thinking Jack’s thoughts without even trying. As she stood in the front lobby she considered that. Am I thinking Jack’s thoughts? Immediately, she realized that she was experiencing his feelings, not his thoughts. Her body was tingling and she knew he wanted her. She felt her stomach dip - it was like a visceral need. She entered the elevator.

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Chapter Three

Jack had followed Erika to the upscale bar that many lawyers frequented. He wasn’t surprised when she headed straight for a table occupied by a good-looking young man. In fact, he thought he recognized the man as Mark Something. He’d met him the day he’d met Erika. He was attracted to her--he couldn’t lie to himself about that. Clearly, though, she was involved with Mr. Something. He watched as they leaned together, completely engrossed in each other. When the other man kissed her forehead, Jack finished his drink and left. Instead of heading to his apartment, he headed back to his office. For some reason, he hadn't felt like going home. He’d fallen asleep in desk his chair when a tiny noise woke him. Was he dreaming? He must be because Erika Arnold was leaning over him. He slowly reached up and touched her face. He heard her inhale sharply. She turned her head to look at him. Her eyes were huge. The scarf she’d wound around her silvery blond hair had slipped down. The bulky leather bomber jacket she wore had slipped from one petite shoulder. Jack leaned forward and put his feet on the floor. He stood, closing the distance between them. He pulled the scarf off of her and tossed it aside. Subconsciously, he knew he’d want a souvenir–she wouldn’t find that scarf later. She tilted her head up to look at his face. That was all the invitation he needed. He lowered his mouth to hers. At first he just moved his mouth over hers but it wasn’t enough. He licked her lips and nibbled, sipping and tasting. He slid the jacket off her shoulders. “What are we doing, Erika? Tell me to stop,” he groaned in a whisper. “I can’t, Jack. I want it too bad. You want it too bad. I can’t tell you to stop,” she whispered back to him, her voice cracking. “Please, Jack.” 16

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“Please what, Erika?” he murmured into her neck. “I don’t know, just … please!” she moaned, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. He lowered his mouth to hers and began nipping at her lips. A voracious hunger swept him and he groaned, aching to taste her. She seemed just as hungry for him. Her lips parted and he entered her mouth. He stroked her teeth with his tongue and explored her sweet flavor. He caressed her palate with his tongue enjoying the soft silk texture he found. Her knees seemed turned to jelly and he slid an arm under them. He easily carried her to his sofa and laid her down carefully. Without breaking the kiss, he unbuttoned and removed his shirt. Erika ran her fingers through the blanket of hair on his chest and groaned into his mouth. Jack kissed her face, her neck, her ear, at the same time, then pulled her tee shirt over her head. He felt her scraping her shoes off and he unsnapped her jeans, sliding them down her hips. He sat up to look at her. She wore a royal blue lace confection that both covered and displayed her shapely feminine body. The teddy was more lace than satin and hugged her breasts and hips lovingly. “Oh God,” Jack groaned in a whisper. “I have never seen anything so beautiful.” “It’s the color of your eyes,” she whispered in return. “Erika, this is probably a mistake, but I want you, you know I want you,” he knew it was too late. There was no going back now. “I want you, too, Jack, or I wouldn’t be almost naked underneath you on this couch. I’ll be gone tomorrow – gone for a year,” she didn’t move but looked deep into his eyes. “Just a taste, hmmm? A taste for you and a taste for me?” he arched a brow at her and the flush of arousal staining her shoulders and throat deepened into embarrassment. She didn’t look away though, still regarding him steadily. Finally, her lips curved in a teasing little smile. “Just a little taste of Eye Candy.” “When did you hear me say that?” he murmured the question, still holding back, though he wanted nothing more than to pounce and ravish without further delay.

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“I hear lots of things…you’d be surprised. Maybe we can talk about it after I get back?” she tilted her head sideways and her hair slipped off of her shoulders accentuating her elegant neck. “No more talking now,” he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his raging libido. Nothing more was said as she leaned forward to kiss his nipple and run her hands along his arms. He let her explore his chest, down his abdomen, even allowed her to help him remove his pants and boxers. He sat on the couch and leaned toward her when she slid over him and pushed him back. She placed herself between his thighs and he tried to resist. “Please?” she whispered. Jack was sure he was dead. Only in heaven did beautiful blonde angels beg permission to pleasure a man this way. She wrapped both hands around his rigid erection one above the other and then touched her tongue to the slit on top. She licked him again, savoring the taste of the clear liquid. He wanted to close his eyes but he’d miss watching her. He groaned loudly. She laved the hood of his cock with her tongue and slid a hand down to cup his balls. She began to move her other hand up and down on him as she took as much of him into her mouth as she could. She sucked and licked and lightly grazed him with her teeth. All the while she kept her gaze fastened to his. Finally, he had to stop her. He didn’t want to come in her mouth. He tugged until she slid up his body and he kissed her, rolling with her until she was under him. He kissed and licked her neck, shoulders, and collarbone as he lowered her teddy around her waist. He suckled at her right breast while he palmed her left. He nipped at her nipple and sucked it into his mouth, pressing it against the roof with his tongue. He switched to the other breast, giving it the same attention until she was moaning. He continued to kiss and nip and lick his way down her body. He gave her navel extra consideration and then turned his attentions to her hipbones. Lingering over a deep bruise on her right hip, he finally slid the teddy off her legs and exposed her sex. He’d been pretty sure that she was a natural blonde. The tiny thatch of silvery curls covering her mound looked like sweet icing to him. He lowered his face to it and

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rubbed the little curls across his cheeks, mouth, chin, even his eyes and forehead. He reveled in her smell and the feel of her. He touched her labia with his tongue and she gasped. He kissed the inside of her thighs and moved his tongue to her opening. He realized somehow that nobody had ever done this for her before. He lapped up her juices and licked her inner lips finding her little nub. He eased a finger inside of her as he suckled on her clit. Her body arched backward and she cried out as she began to orgasm. Jack moved his fingers to her clit and sucked at the gush of honey her climax had produced. As he rose above her and kissed her mouth, he reached and snagged his pants. He pulled out his wallet and found the condom he kept there. He rolled it over his burgeoning length and poised at her entrance. He looked down into her big gray eyes intently. She touched his face with both hands and ran her hands down his body to his waist. She parted her knees wider and lifted her hips. Jack took a deep breath and slid into her all the way to the hilt. In unison, they both groaned out loud. The fit was perfect–she was made for him. Then he began to move. She wrapped her legs around him and met him thrust for thrust. He slid an arm under her bottom and another under her upper back and she clutched his shoulders holding him tightly. He continued to pump into her until neither could hold back any longer. He groaned into her neck and she moaned her climax into his shoulder. After a few minutes, he moved so that they lay on their sides. She adjusted herself so that her back was pressed against his front. He held her and kissed her shoulder and neck and stroked her hair. She rubbed his arm and thigh and just seemed to enjoy being surrounded by him. After a while, he fell asleep. Before dawn, he felt her kiss him one last time. He opened his heavy eyes and murmured, “Erika” and closed them again. He heard her as she slipped on her clothes and locked his office door on the way out. She didn’t find her silky scarf, never realizing that it was draped on his desk chair. The next day, Erika left to join the United Nations Counter Terrorism Action Group as an in-area legal advisor. She’d be working with the UN in the Middle East to 19

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combat terrorism for the next year, as well as consulting with him long-distance for Duncan, Devon, and Rice. Jack had done similar work before he’d transferred back to the company. He didn’t like Erika doing this. But, what difference did that make? She was only a coworker, right? *** “More coffee, ma’am?” the young waitress asked nervously when she heard Mirabel growl low in her throat. “The only reason she’d be leaving the office at this hour is if she spent the night there,” Mirabel snarled watching Erika step into a cab in front of the Duncan, Devon, and Rice offices. “Excuse me?” the waitress ventured uncertainly, turning to try to see whatever Mirabel was staring at. As the two women watched a man emerged from the building and stopped at the curb across the street. “Son. Of. A. Bitch!” she screeched seconds later, slamming a fist down onto the table. The frightened waitress skittered backward behind the counter. “They were up there all night!” she paused, breathing heavily. “Together.” “Uhhh,” mumbled the waitress, looking around frantically. “Fucking,” she gritted at the blank-eyed girl. “I’m sure they were up there fucking,” she explained in a growl. “Oh, um yeah,” came the stammered response. “She’s already a partner and she already has money. She doesn’t need him.” Mirabel turned back to look out the window again. She watched intently as a cab pulled over to the curb and Jack opened the door. He’d been waiting for several minutes but it was late at night. Or it’s early in the morning… Mirabel sat quietly now, ignoring the jumpy waitress and staring off into space. It was time for a new plan of attack. She was just glad she’d picked up those two college boys at the bar the night before. If she hadn’t she might have gone home tonight and would have never known about the devious, insidious actions of one Erika Arnold. “I know…” she murmured, brow furrowed in thought. “More coffee?” the waitress poured it and quickly backed away from the table.

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“I’ll get closer to him and talk up her relationship with Lincoln. Jack will never buy that they’re only friends,” she tapped the scarred Formica tabletop with one manicured crimson nail, eyes fixed unseeing upon the hapless young woman. “I’m pretty sure he’s gay but men never seem to know…” “Good idea,” mumbled the waitress when Mirabel continued to tap and stare. “Yeah…” she muttered, a smile slowly curving her lips. “Yeah.” *** “I’m going to miss you, young lady,” Charles Devon smiled fondly at his lovely niece. “You’ll come visit, won’t you, Uncle Charles?” Erika asked hopefully, pouring their coffee. “Of course I will, Honey,” he smiled, thinking again how much she looked like both of her parents. “I’m glad you were able to stay with me this week after subletting your apartment.” “I enjoyed it even though it was odd living so far from Mark even for a week,” she grinned. “We’ve stayed so close to each other for so long.” “I can’t tell you how pleased I’ve been - knowing that you two were able to stay friends for so long. That was my primary reason for not taking over the firm until your senior year of high school.” He sipped his coffee and let his glance stray from Erika to the cityscape that could be seen from his penthouse window. “You’ve been such a good parent to me after Mom and Dad died, Uncle Charles. It couldn’t have been easy for a single man to take on a teenaged girl.” Erika fought the tightness in her throat that she always felt when she thought of her parents dying so young, and her uncle losing them and the life he’d built for himself. “Your father was my best friend, Honey, and your mother, my sister, was less than a year younger than I was. We were all so close. You’re so like them--I know I just said that, but I’m proud of you, very proud,” he sniffed discreetly and stood turning to walk to the large window and hoping to hide his teary eyes from his niece. It wasn’t like Charles to be so obviously emotional even though he’d made sure that Erika always knew she was loved. She could have no doubts that she was more important to him than anyone in his life.

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He felt her arms slide around his waist from behind and smiled, chuckling softly. “This is silly, isn’t it?” he lowered his arms to cover hers and squeezed them. “After all, I’m the one sending you away, aren’t I?” “Oh, Uncle Charles,” she sniffled. “Look, you’ve got me doing it now.” He felt her taking a few deep breaths against his back. “It’s just that we’ve never been apart since you first took custody of me.” “That was over thirteen years ago, wasn’t it?” he shook his head, turning to gather her in a fierce hug. “You were all knees and elbows, blonde hair and braces back then. I was panicking! How was I, a footloose bachelor, going to deal with menstrual cycles, bras, and boyfriends?” “I think you did an incredible job,” she smiled up at him. “I think we both did an incredible job, Honey,” he kissed her nose. “I owe a debt of gratitude to Mark, too. He sure took a lot of the pressure off for me.” “You would die, Uncle Charles, if you really knew how much,” she giggled. His arms tightened around her and he held her closer. “You’re absolutely right, so don’t tell me. In return, I’ll do whatever I can to help him with his father when the crusty old bastard realizes you and Mark aren’t going to get married.” “I do want you to keep an eye on Mark while I’m gone, Uncle Charles. I’m going to be so worried about him. I don’t really think his dad expects us to get married, do you?” Erika leaned back in his arms and looked up questioningly. “Yes, Honey, I do think he expects that. If he ever learns of Mark’s proclivities toward members of his own sex–well, let’s just say it’s going to be a difficult revelation for him,” Charles said with a sigh. He cared a great deal for the young man and knew how stubborn his father was. “Mark said he wasn’t going to come out while I was gone. I guess that’s probably best. He’ll need support when he finally does,” she sighed, taking his hand and leading him back to the breakfast table. “Speaking of while you’re gone, Erika, what about Jack Mac Addison?” he held himself still, hearing her cup rattle in her saucer. “I don’t have your radar, Honey, but I’m told when employees come and go from the office.” He looked at her steadily. Pink cheeked and guilty, she looked over at him from under the sweep of her long golden eyelashes. “I don’t know what to say, Uncle Charles.”

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“Erika, you’re nearly thirty years old. I have no intention of chastising you for your intimacies.” He took a deep breath. Even at nearly thirty, she still felt like his little girl. “I’m not saying I’m thrilled with the idea of you and anyone, mind you,” he gave her an uneasy half-smile and took a sip of his coffee. “I’ll be gone for a year. There really can’t be anything like that anyway, right?” she smiled at him weakly and swirled a finger in her coffee. “Just be careful, Honey.” He stood once again and moved to stand next to her chair. “I like Jack. I like him a lot.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “You, I love.” Stretching up, she looped her arms around his shoulders and gave him a tight hug. “I love you, too. Thank you for being there for me always,” she mumbled into his neck. Releasing him, she scooted her chair back. “I guess I’d better finish getting ready. Mark will be here soon.” With a final hug, he turned and walked toward his bedroom and she turned toward hers. He was going to miss her.

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Chapter Four

“Another one, Erika?” Mark crowed into his cell phone. He stood at the elevators waiting to head down to the lobby and out. He was due at the seventeenth precinct and he couldn’t be happier. Detective Kincaid had idly offered to answer any police procedure questions that he might someday have. Giving in to his weakness, Mark called him just the day before and took him up on it. “He just can’t keep his hands off of you, huh?” Mark stepped onto the elevator noting absently that Jack Mac Addison stepped on behind him. “Now how am I supposed to feel about that, I ask you?” he snapped with mock severity. “Here I am slogging away in New York while you go through one man after another a world away? That’s definitely going to put a strain on our relationship.” Mark pretended jealousy as he continued chatting with Erika during the longish elevator ride. He loved to tease her about the terrible time she’d had with interpreters throughout her stay in the Middle East. Either they were offended that she, a woman, expected equal treatment in a man’s domain or they thought she was little more than an addlebrained sexual plaything. He nodded to Mac Addison and stepped off the elevator at the ground floor. “I bet your grasp of the language is increasing by leaps and bounds, isn’t it?” he chuckled, leaving the building. “I’m on my way to see Detective Kincaid at the one seven. Call me tomorrow and I’ll tell you all about it!” he smiled saying his good-byes. Mark practiced what he’d say to the detective during the short cab ride to the seventeenth precinct. He had a list of questions that would help his case if he had a better understanding of certain police procedures. It was true that he could get the information some other way but this way he could stare at the well-built, attractive police officer as long as possible.

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The officer was just exiting the building as Mark’s cab pulled up. Getting out of the taxi, he reached out for a handshake as Detective Kincaid’s explanation washed over him. He was sure it was a good one but he was too busy drinking in the man’s dark good looks to catch all the details. The detective’s voice was a mellow baritone, with laughter seeming to hide behind every word. Mark conducted a visual inventory of the man, taking in the tall, muscular frame, the pale, masculine face, and the plush, perfectly formed lips. Dark amber eyes were framed by lashes as thick and dark as his hair and had Mark dreaming of plunging his hand’s into it. Absently, his eyes traced the strong chin and jaw down to where the path of smooth skin disappeared under a stiff shirt collar. Focusing with difficulty, he realized that the object of his fantasies was suggesting that he join him for lunch. “Uh sure, I haven’t eaten yet, but only if you’ll let me pick up the tab,” Mark countered quickly. “It’ll be a working lunch so the company will feed us.” “Good company and a free meal! My day is looking better and better all the time,” the officer teased with a wink. Mark fought hard not to blush but couldn’t stop the happy smile that spread across his face. A quick peek at his companion as they strolled up the street revealed that he too, had found something to smile about. Upon entering a bustling neighborhood restaurant, the two men were quickly seated and presented with menus. For a time the only conversation between them focused solely on their lunch orders. Finally, the waitress left them alone with their drinks. “Thanks for taking the time to help me out, Detective Kincaid,” Mark began only to be halted immediately. “I made that offer in friendship, Mr. Lincoln, and my friends call me Josh or Joshua.” Mark did blush this time and hoped the other man blamed the warmer air and the lighting. “Please, call me Mark and thank you for your help, Josh,” he grinned. Josh winked at him and smiled. “Good man. Now, why don’t you ask me what you had in mind while we wait for our food?” “Okay, here’s the first part–I should tell you, it’s complicated,” Mark told him. Josh smiled and made a “bring it on” type gesture. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Okay, I need to know the recognized police procedure followed in missing persons cases.” 25

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Mark happily pretended to jot down notes as Josh began to rattle off the requested information. All too soon, the two men were shaking hands and parting company agreeing to get together again the next time Mark needed help. It was such a nice day and he was in such a great mood, Mark decided to walk the few blocks back to work. His mood improved still more when Rudy, a middle-aged mail clerk from the law firm, normally surly and uncommunicative, appeared and asked to walk with him. Mark was glad to agree. He planned to call Erika the minute he got home that evening. *** “We meet again,” Jack heard and looked down, startled. “Mirabel Grady, Contract Law?” his brows furrowed in thought. “We were seated next to each other at the Partners/Associates meeting last month? And the one before that, come to think of it.” “That’s right. I remember now.” The last meeting had been right before Erika had come on board. “Forgive me for forgetting such a charming companion,” he smiled hoping he hadn’t hurt her feelings. “That’s okay. Contract Law isn’t nearly as sexy as International Law, is it? You can’t be expected to remember the “little” people,” she sounded teasing but also a little serious. Jack was alarmed and a little guilty. “Oh, come now, Miss Grady,” he began. “Mirabel,” she corrected. “Mirabel, then,” he amended, “Contract Law is every bit as “sexy” as International Law.” Thinking about it he became just a little angry. “I certainly don’t believe I or my chosen branch of law is in any way more important than any other.” “Prove it,” she challenged. They were outside the elevator now and both stopped briefly in the lobby to sign out. “Prove it?” he didn’t know what she meant. “Prove I don’t feel elitist about International law? How?” “Come have a drink with me,” she arched a pencil thin brow at him, moving through the glass doors and stopping to wait. “Make friends with a Contract Lawyer, Jack.” He looked at her for a second. She seemed nice enough, even interesting. At least she’d be company. He didn’t want to go home and think about Erika and her “Another

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One?” as Mark Lincoln had chortled on the phone earlier. Damn he didn’t want to be alone tonight. “Okay,” he said with a small smile. “One friendly little drink with a Contract Lawyer.” *** “Just one drink, and a short conversation and you can say you’re not an elitist,” she grinned at him. “A small price to pay, I guess,” he murmured, killing her with that sexy Scottish accent. “I’m not keeping you from anything?” she stopped and looked at him with wide eyes. “I mean, I’d hate to keep you from your wife or girlfriend,” she hoped her smile seemed sincere to him. She knew he had neither but she wanted to move the “date” away from friendly drinks and into something more intimate. “Neither, currently,” he grinned cheekily. “I can safely stop for drinks with a colleague.” She moved ahead of him and pulled on the door to an upscale bar, hiding her ire. This was not satisfactory. No, no, no. She would be more than a colleague. “Sounds like you have a vacancy in your life, Jack,” she smiled over her shoulder as she led the way to a table near the bar. “Mirabel…” his voice had a warning tone and he hesitated beside the little table. “For a friend, Jack. Room for a friend – for lunch once in a while, or drinks sometime, whatever,” she smiled reassurance for him and turned to the waiter, “Vodka martini, with onions,” she ordered. Jack cautiously sat down, “Glenlivet, straight,” he ordered his drink and looked at her considering. “Just a friend,” he looked at her levelly. “I’m taking time off from messy personal entanglements right now,” she quipped. “Just a friend will work perfectly.” To her satisfaction, he relaxed and reached for his drink as the waiter put it down in front of him. She’d lull him into a second drink and let him pay when they left. She knew he’d insist on it, his guilt and old-fashioned chivalry would insist on it. She knew it was only a matter of time before they were dating–first casually and then exclusively. On the way home, she’d pick up a realty magazine and maybe even a

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Modern Bride. If one wanted a tasteful wedding in New York, one had to plan ahead by at least a year or two.

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Chapter Five

“Another Murphy’s Stout for ya then sir?” at his nod, the barmaid deposited the foaming mug none too gently on the scarred table and flounced off. Mark knew that this neighborhood bar was home ground for many local NYPD officers and he vaguely hoped his favorite one, Joshua Kincaid, would wander in. Even if he didn’t, though, Mark just couldn’t go home. He needed the company. “Evenin’ boyo!” he heard and looked around. “Whatcha drinkin there, laddie?” came a deep and musical voice. Mark looked up in time to see a smiling man slide into the booth across from him. As the handsome newcomer made himself comfortable on the hard bench and ordered his beer, Mark looked him over carefully. There was something familiar about the man. He had light brown hair with red highlights, a strong face with a square jaw and twinkling green eyes framed by laugh lines. Mark couldn’t place why he seemed familiar, he just did. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around here much?” the joiner’s statement was phrased in the form of a question and Mark shrugged. “No, I’ve only been here a few times, actually.” He still wasn’t sure what to do with this friendly man. He didn’t want to offend him, but the stranger’s focused attention on him was making him nervous. “Fancy meeting you here, councilor!” a familiar baritone rang out as someone scooted into the wooden booth next to him. Mark grinned. My devious plan is working! Joshua Kincaid, you’ve made my evening. Maybe I’ll sleep tonight after all. Unobtrusively, Mark moved a little in his seat so that his leg brushed the other man’s. “Detective! Small world isn’t it?” he blushed at the trite saying, feeling foolish.

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Josh chuckled and waved his hand toward the man across from them. “I see you’ve met my cousin Niall.” “Not formally,” Mark smiled. He reached out to shake the handsome stranger’s hand. “Pleased to meet you, Niall. Mark Lincoln,” he furnished, fighting the odd tug he felt. Niall Kincaid was a very attractive and magnetic man. “Niall works out of the tenth precinct, Mark,” Josh went on. “The whole family’s cops,” he grinned. The smiling man across from him took his hand in a two-handed grip. Is it my imagination or is he caressing my wrist? The other man smiled blandly, tipped him a sly wink, and dropped his hand. “Mark,” Josh went on, ignorant of any undercurrents between the other two men. “I’d like you to meet my partner, Anna. Did you meet Mark when he handled the Filks case, Anna?” he indicated the woman who had seated herself next to Niall. Conversation covered that case for a moment and then became more generalized until Anna spotted someone she had to go and speak to. At the same time Josh’s older brother, Joe, and his partner entered the bar so Mark decided to say his “goodnights”. He expressed his pleasure at meeting Anna and Niall and agreed to call Josh soon for a working lunch regarding one of Josh’s suspects who was also one of Mark’s clients. Mark headed to the men’s room deciding he’d duck out the rear exit when he was finished. The alley seemed deserted as Mark stepped through the door but it wasn’t well lit. When he heard a man clear his throat, he was more than a little startled. Whipping around, he found himself caught by two strong hands. “Shhh, laddie, it’s only me, Niall,” the smiling man laid a gentle palm across Mark’s cheek. “Never fear, I only wanted a quick word with you to say goodnight.” “Umm,” was all he could manage and he felt his mouth fall slightly open but couldn’t seem to move. Niall’s thumb began to caress his lower lip and jaw. “I hope you get what you’re heart desires young Mark,” Niall spoke, his lyrical voice flowing over the stunned man. “If you find yourself lonely and in need,” Niall’s hand slipped to the back of Mark’s head and pulled him closer. He leaned forward so that his lips brushed Mark’s ear. “I can be any manner of friend to you should you need one.” Niall pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Ye ken?” he asked, 30

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Mark licked his lips, feeling the other man’s gaze riveted on his mouth. “I – yes, I understand,” he answered in a hoarse whisper. “Good,” Niall murmured, leaning close again and Mark closed his eyes. He felt the other man’s velvety lips brush his temple seconds before they moved to place a soft kiss on his forehead. Niall dropped his hand and stepped back, disappearing through the alley door and into the bar once again. For long moments, Mark stood, stunned and unsure. Eventually, he shook himself and turned toward the street and home. *** “So you ran into Detective Kincaid at the corner bar? He wasn’t surprised to see you there?” Erika encouraged Mark to continue with his tale. It had been weeks since Mark had shared lunch with the handsome officer and she was sure that things were going in the right direction. “It turns out he doesn’t live that far from me or the precinct house. It’s kind of convenient, really,” he chuckled. “Now I can run into him all over the place.” “Do you, um… Do you know any more about his sexual orientation?” she asked carefully. “No, all I know is that his partner is a woman and she was with him at the bar. Otherwise, he’s not dating anyone.” Over the miles separating them, she could hear him pacing his apartment as he talked. “Mark, just don’t give up hope, okay? He seems to really like you, you know?” she tried to reassure him. “Erika, you silly little romantic, you. I realize that he’ll probably never be attracted to me like I am to him. I’m pretty sure he’s straight. For right now, I’ll just concentrate on work and enjoy my Eye Candy, okay?” At first he’d been earnest but he finished what he was saying with a chuckle. “Hey, he’s got a cousin I met the other night. Mmmm,” Mark was smiling into the phone, she could tell. “Talk about Eye Candy. I guess he could be my back up Sweet Treat.” “Okay, Mark, okay,” she giggled. “Speaking of that, have you seen my Eye Candy around?” “As a matter of fact, I haven’t seen him at all in the last few days. Haven’t you gotten email or anything from the office?” Mark’s attractive tenor sounded puzzled now.

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“Not a peep. I really expected him to want me to have the Farid file couriered to him right away. Everyone was quite surprised when her cousins admitted to the unusual sex acts and provided her with an alibi.” She knew her voice was thoughtful, too. “Now, Licorice Drop™, I want to know–how were you able to get them to confess?” Mark teased. “Mark! All you have to do is ask the right questions, that’s all!” she knew he could hear her grin over the phone. How she missed her best friend. Can I do this for seven more months? The car she’d been riding in rolled to a stop in front of her building. “I’d better go, Mark. I’ll talk to you next week, okay? I love you, Bud.” “I love you, too, SweetTart™,” he hung up the phone before she could reply.

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Chapter Six

Mark could tell it was going to be one of “those” nights. He’d been restless and irritable all day and those feelings had only increased since he dragged himself through his apartment door, exhausted. He was too edgy to sit still long enough to eat anything. His clothes felt too heavy and constricting. His scalp tingled and prickled. Shadows jumped and swayed in the periphery of his vision, making him start every few seconds. He tried pumping weights. Next, he tried watching TV. After that, he turned on some music. The shadows still closed in around him. With a muttered curse, he pulled on a pair of jeans and a soft sweater. He needed to be among people--people who accepted him for who he was. He missed Erika and he felt so alone. Leaving his apartment and walking quickly, Mark made his way to a place he occasioned only a few times a year. As he entered the club, he inhaled a deep, calming breath. Music with a steady beat assaulted his ears and his pulse responded. Feeling better than he had all day, he made his way to an empty stool at the bar, on the side, facing the room and, more importantly, the door. After ordering his customary shot of scotch, he finally let his glance drift over the crowd, taking it all in. The place was nearly wall-to-wall men. He’d needed this so much. For a Friday night, the club wasn’t as crowded as usual and Mark was glad. Soon, his heart rate slowed to a manageable rhythm and he looked toward the game room. He saw a group of men there that he knew and headed in that direction. So involved was he in hugging and kissing his old friends and renewing acquaintances, Mark never noticed Rudy watching him from a dark corner. Anyone who did notice Rudy might have wondered why he was looking at his cell phone so intently in the middle of a busy bar. Mark played pool with a few old friends and thought about the reasons he’d come to the bar tonight. Mostly he was restless and needed to feel the touch of another human 33

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being–another man. It had been far too long. The question he had to ask himself was, how intimate did he want to be with a stranger–or even a friend. No longer in the mood for pool, Mark excused himself and moved to a table on the far side of the bar. If the bartender didn’t know you, you were discouraged from finding a seat there. Mark had done the bartender a little favor while still at the DA’s office. He knew he’d be welcomed and he needed a few minutes to think and decide whether or not he wanted to pick up another man or let himself be picked up. When Anton, the server, brought his scotch, he reached in his pocket for some bills. “This one’s on me,” he heard a familiar deep baritone say. “And bring me a Guinness, please.” Detective Kincaid slid into the booth next to him. His heart froze in his chest and then began thumping madly. He felt hot all over and a little nauseous. He couldn’t get his mind around the fact that the other man had entered this bar. That by itself was a declaration of his sexual orientation. “Mark,” his voice rumbled. “You okay?” He cleared his throat. “This is going to sound stupid, Josh, but are you gay?” Josh chuckled richly, his hazel eyes turning darker amber in his mirth. “Yes, counselor, I am, in fact, homosexual. I usually come in here once or twice a month.” Mark blushed deeply and took a gulp of his drink. “I come by maybe every three or four months, I guess.” He rolled his glass between his palms and looked into it. “Are you embarrassed, Mark? Are you worried that I’ll out you?” Josh squeezed his shoulder and then began rubbing the back of his neck. Unconsciously, he leaned into the other man’s touch, enjoying the feel and the closeness. “No, Josh, I guess I’m just nervous. It’s been a while for me, you know?” The larger man leaned close and murmured in a low voice, “Come on, Mark. Let’s go. Let’s go take care of that.” Mark knew he must have a shocked look on his face but he couldn’t help it. “Josh, I can’t really get involved…I mean, one night stands are one thing but…” He couldn’t seem to say what was on his mind. “Listen, you need something, I need something. We don’t have to buy each other flowers or anything. We’ll just get together every week or two and take care of what we need.” Josh looked deeply into his eyes, still rubbing his neck. “Okay?”

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Mark was powerfully attracted to the other man. He’d known he would give in the minute Josh had touched him. “Yeah,” he sighed. “Okay.” *** “I share a place with my brother, Joe, six blocks west,” Josh told Mark, tugging him into the alley. “I live a couple blocks in the other direction. Alone,” Mark responded. “Your place it is, then,” Josh grinned back at him. “Let’s go in through the garage,” Mark suggested hesitantly. “That doorman doesn’t speak English.” Josh nodded and they moved around the building and made their way in through the parking entrance. Before he knew it, Mark was unlocking the door and they were inside and facing each other in the darkened entryway. Neither man spoke for countless seconds until Josh lowered his hands to Mark’s hips and urged him forward with the tips of his fingers. Mark’s palms landed, fingers splayed on his chest. He tilted his head to look up and Josh covered those chiseled pink lips with his own. Somehow, the two men made their way into the bedroom, kissing and licking and tugging at clothes along the way. Josh soon found he was standing next to the bed, a lithe and overheated half dressed blonde in his arms. He slowed his kisses and stepped back lifting his head and gazing at the beautiful male body in front of him. His dilated eyes raked over Mark's chest, and he ran a hand through the light covering of pale -gold hairs. He was breathing heavily as he stared into Mark's sea colored eyes, delighting in the reactions he saw there. And then he opened Mark's jeans and gripped his hard cock. A groan erupted from deep within Mark's chest as he flung his head back and closed his eyes at the feel of Josh's rough grasp on his throbbing erection. Josh couldn't resist and he latched his lips onto that golden throat as his hand stroked Mark smoothly. This time a frustrated groan burst from Mark as Josh stopped stroking and dropped to his knees. Glancing up at Mark, Josh was amazed at the emotions surging through him from just looking at the younger man. He maintained his connection with those blue eyes as he slowly leaned forward and ran his tongue up Mark's shaft, in a long, luxurious slurp. He saw Mark's eyes widen 35

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and his lips part in a soft, gasping pant as his own mouth engulfed Mark's cock and he swirled his tongue around its head. He closed his eyes and he devoted himself to the enjoyment of Mark's musky male scent, his taste, the sound of his gasps and moans and his whispered words of encouragement. Long fingers were tangling in his hair kneading and grasping at his head. The younger man’s long and elegant cock was thrusting and jerking in his mouth now and Josh grabbed Mark's hips to hold him still. He relaxed his jaw and felt the slide of Mark's cock down his throat. Mark’s hands gripped his head convulsively and he heard him give a long moan, and then the whisper sounded in his ears, "Ohhh...yesss Josh, yes, yes please, more. That, I like that, oh yeahhh..." a long sigh "Mmmm...God, yes Josh. Uh, uh, uh... I'm goanna come now...Josh!" Josh swallowed as Mark's cock surged in his mouth and he felt his seed running down his throat. Then Mark was on his knees as well, and Josh was kissing him again, deep hungry kisses, only mouths touching, where tongues rasped and burned against each other and their desperate breathing merged. Suddenly he pulled away and stood, hauling Mark with him. "It's time for bed," he said, his voice harsh with need and shaking. Minutes later found him poised above the other man rolling a pre-slicked condom onto his burning length. He couldn’t help thinking how beautiful Mark looked to him lying as he was, on his stomach, arms extended above his head, muscles relaxed and willing. The blushing pink opening had been well stretched and lubricated, glistening invitingly. Josh couldn’t wait any longer. He dropped down and kissed the back of Mark’s neck as he drove his slick erection all of the way in, burrowing his nose into the other man’s hair. He was thrilled to hear the moan build from his new lover's throat as he reveled in the heat and tightness that completely surrounded him. He stayed still for another moment just waiting–just feeling. Mark rocked his hips up, and Josh began to pull out until the blunt head of his cock rested just inside and then pushed back in steadily. He started the rhythm slowly, intent on keeping them on the verge of the ascent. Easing his hands up Mark's arms, he

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laced their fingers together reveling in the feel of their bodies aligned and in sync, so intimate, so natural. Gradually, he increased the rhythm of their thrusting. He was approaching his peak too quickly - he wanted to pleasure Mark first, so he let his mind drift away from the bed. Imagined they were slow dancing together, swaying to throbbing music, holding each other tightly as they drifted around the floor. Mark's lithe body pressing close to his was absolutely intoxicating. Soon reality returned, and they were rushing toward the explosion. He could feel Mark's movements becoming jerky and erratic under him. He let go of one hand and wrapped it around his lover’s renewed and throbbing erection. They moved together, thrusting themselves up and up, over and over. He tried to hold off but he was so close that control was rapidly slipping away from him. Then the shaft in his hand swelled and Mark stopped moving, freezing in place for one brief, everlasting moment. Suddenly he came, thrusting hard through Josh's fingers, shuddering in his climax, contracting around Josh’s cock, which was deeply imbedded in him. Somehow Josh pulled back one last time, then plunged hard, his orgasm ripping right out of him, blackness crowding around the edges of his mind. His shocks of release mirrored Mark's as he collapsed onto his sweat slicked back. The sounds they were making, words of gratitude, murmurs of satiation flowed over him soothingly. He eased both arms under Mark and gently rolled them to the side, pulling the younger man against him as they both quickly fell into a deep slumber.

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Chapter Seven

Jack couldn’t figure out what Erika was doing when he opened the link to the econference they had scheduled. He knew he was early but hadn’t expected her to be online yet, much less with her camera on. She was wearing a pair of lightweight silky-looking pants and a thin spaghettistring top that showed her rounded shoulders and elegant neck to perfection. His gaze was caught, however, when she raised her knee to her chin and tapped her foot on her computer chair. He spent a full two minutes trying to figure out what she had on her feet. She seemed to be wearing footwear, sock-type slippers he deduced, that were shaped like the clawed talons of a bird, complete with four pointed toes in front and a fifth on the side pointing inward. As soon as he realized what it was, his loud guffaws got her attention and he vaguely heard her speaking into her cell phone. “Um, I have to go, really. I’ll call you later. Conference, bye!” she rushed her caller off the line, snapping her cell phone closed. “No!” he wheezed. “Can’t talk!” he choked. “Spòg baffies…” he rasped, tears of mirth pouring from his eyes. She looked at the computer screen. “Jack? Um, are you okay?” She gave her head a shake. “What are you talking about?” “Your baffies, your slippers–shaped like claws–chicken feet!” he was reduced to peels of laughter again. “Be right back.” He moved away from his desk and laughed so hard that his secretary opened the door and looked in on him. He just couldn’t get past the conflicting image of cool, blonde, and beautiful Erika Arnold with long, scaly, pointed chicken toes.

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When he returned to his desk for their videoconference, she was sitting up primly, wearing a suit jacket over her spaghetti-string top and he was under the impression that he might never see her feet again. He cleared his throat, sat up straight and said, “Okay, we have several cases to cover today so let’s begin.” She was still looking at him suspiciously and gave him a weak smile. “Okay, where do you want to start?” Somehow he controlled the urge to start laughing again. “Did you take care of the depositions on your side of the Bakahasab case?” She began leafing through a thick manila folder. “I have them right here, I’ll prepare them for courier tomorrow. Also, the files for the Kanasani case will be in there.” “That’s fine,” he rifled through a stack of files on his desk and made a few notes, still commenting on other cases. It wasn’t long before he noticed that she had stopped speaking and looked up in time to see her nod into her hand. Glancing at his watch, he realized that it was late at night in the United Arab Emerates where she was. Against his better judgment, he continued watching her for a minute as she struggled to stay awake and lost. Finally, he couldn’t help but chuckle as the image of her in those ridiculous slippers entered his mind again. “Erika,” he called out softly. “Hmmm?” she mumbled. He smiled. “Erika,” he called a little louder. When that earned him little more than another mumbled reply, he said, “Erika!” sharply. “Oh, Jack! I’m so sorry!” He fought an indulgent smile as she pushed a hank of mussed blond hair out of her face. “Um, so where were we?” “You were going to go to bed and call me when you get up,” he declared firmly. “Are you sure?” she rubbed at one eye with the heel of her hand. “Positive,” he smiled slightly trying to ignore how adorable he found her in her disheveled and confused state. “I’m going to go have lunch. For some reason, I’m in the mood for chicken.” Chuckling at her embarrassed flush, he severed the video connection and shut down his computer. He was still seated in his chair and smiling to himself when his office door abruptly swung inward. 39

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“Jack, let’s go to lunch!” Mirabel Grady, the woman he’d been very casually dating for the last month, entered his office. He liked her okay but she just wasn’t Erika and her entrance effectively dissolved the warm feelings his conversation with the sweet blonde had stirred. “Mirabel, it is customary to call first or at the very least, knock on a closed door and wait to be invited in. I was in a videoconference,” he snapped irritably, trying but failing to keep the ire out of his voice. “I’m so sorry, Jack,” she purred. “That was terribly rude of me. Will you ever forgive me?” “I don’t know,” he growled, only partially joking. He stood and pulled his suit coat on. “What can I do to make up for it?” she asked, moving to him and wrapping her scarlet tipped fingers around his arm. “Just don’t do it again,” he gritted shaking her hand off and walking toward the door. She strolled through the door he held open for her and waited while he instructed his secretary to meet with him after lunch. “So…who were you conferencing with?” she asked casually. “Eri…an associate in the Middle East.” He didn’t want to talk about Erika to her right now. “What’s happening down in Contract Law?” he asked, holding the elevator. For the rest of their time together, she updated him in the entire minutia that constituted her day. He spent that time thinking about and trying not to think about Erika, blonde hair spread across a pillow, fast asleep in her bed, almost three continents away.

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Chapter Eight

Josh hurriedly dashed up the courthouse steps. He was looking for Mark and he didn’t want to miss him. The desk sergeant at his precinct had just let him know that the lawyer had been there that morning. He’d apparently been meeting with a client and had asked about him. For Mark to ask about him at work was a very big step because Josh knew that he was reluctant to have a relationship with him. Just getting the man to admit they were friends would be a major breakthrough. The part that really aggravated Josh was that he’d arrived while Mark was still there and hadn’t known it. In fact, the sergeant told him that the other man had watched for a moment as he and his partner hauled in their suspect. As he came off the elevator, he rounded a bend in the hall and saw Mark talking to a young man sporting multiple facial piercings and wearing a rumpled suit. “I don’ need your chit, pendejo!” the dark haired youth declared nastily. “My G’s will catch my back.” “Mr. Benevides,” the young lawyer said in an even voice, “I will be going home tonight to my luxury apartment. I will enjoy a hearty meal and an imported beer before I crawl beneath my flannel sheets and sleep the sleep of a free man. You, on the other hand, stand to spend the next five to fifteen in a cozy six-foot by nine-foot cell that you will share with three other inmates. I’ll get paid the same money no matter where you sleep tonight.” The young rumpled man seemed shocked. After a long moment, he gave in. “What–what do you recommend, sir?” he said, finally. “Begin with removing all the metal from your face--head.” He’d apparently decided the earrings should go, too. “Wash your face, comb your hair and keep your opinions to yourself.” “Sure, okay. I’ll be right back,” Young Mr. Benevides hurried off down the hall. 41

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“Five minutes, Rauel,” Mark called after him. Josh was impressed, never having seen Mark dealing with his clients. He was about to go and talk to him when the courtroom door opened and another man came out to join him. This man was at least ten years older than Mark and Josh recognized him as being a Manhattan ADA. “You ready to talk deal, Lincoln?” the ADA, Steve Enders, Josh recalled his name, approached Mark. “What’s the matter Stevie? You don’t have a case?” Mark taunted. “C’mon, the jury’ll take one look at that guy and decide they’re doing him and society a favor by locking him up. All that stuff poking out of his face... I’m surprised he didn’t set the metal detector off.” Josh didn’t think his friend was buying the ADA’s cocky act. “Too bad, Stevie. He’ll take all that metal out of his face and look normal. There’s not much you can do to make your case look like any better.” Rauel Benevides came strolling up at that time and Josh agreed that he now looked pretty close to normal. “Sorry, pal,” Mark grinned, not appearing sorry at all. He and his client turned and walked through the door to the courtroom. He was followed closely by the ADA. After a few moments indecision, Josh followed as well. He sat at the back of the courtroom, impressed as he watched Mark rapidly dispense with four witnesses including one expert. The allegations were that Rauel Benevides, the wayward son of a New Jersey District Court Judge, had destroyed public property and endangered the lives of countless elderly people by sabotaging several park benches. It was quickly proven that, while Rauel had been in the park the night of the incident, he had been arrested for public intoxication before the more serious of the crimes had been committed. The state’s case was primarily circumstantial and Mark’s client was acquitted. Josh stood back and caught the lawyer’s eye as he waited while his client thanked him profusely, along with the client’s father. The ADA moved in to shake his hand and Mark turned toward Josh, indicating that he should join them. “Steve Enders, meet Detective Josh Kincaid,” he introduced the two men.

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“I’ve worked with ADA Enders before,” Josh answered, shaking the other man’s hand. “One of my clients may have information that will help clear up this case and a recent string of vandalisms in the area,” Mark looked at the two men who were instantly riveted. “I’d like to meet with both of you tomorrow. Maybe we can clear all this up and find something else to do?” “Do you want to call me later and see what schedules look like in the morning?” Steve asked. “I’ll have my secretary call with available times for tomorrow. I’d like the four of us to get together, five I guess with your partner?” he looked at Josh and went on. “Let’s make this a one-shot deal. I’m sure I’ll be free in the afternoon and my client will accommodate us, no doubt.” Josh nodded, saying nothing. He was amazed at the complete metamorphosis of the seemingly shy man whose body he’d loved so thoroughly not two weeks ago. After another round of hand shaking, the ADA left and Mark turned, dropping files and folders into his briefcase. “I have to be up on the fourth floor in fifteen minutes.” He grinned boyishly at Josh. “Walk me to class?” The urge to put an arm around this man, to kiss him and touch his face nearly overwhelmed Josh. Controlling it with difficulty, he said, “Sure, I’ll even split lunch with you. Snickers?” “Snickers™ satisfies,” Mark answered with a nod. As they entered the elevator, Josh turned to the young lawyer and asked, “So? You were over at the precinct this morning? Sorry I missed you.” Mark flushed a little and looked down at floor then up at Josh. “Actually, I got there in the middle of the night. I thought it’d be nice to say hello since I was still there when dawn broke over our fair city.” “No rest for the wicked, huh?” he winked at him. “Not much,” Mark answered. “Um…” he began awkwardly. The elevator stopped and the two men got off. “Um?” Josh encouraged him. “You up for a DVD and a six pack later?” Mark blurted in a rush. “Sure. Sounds good,” Josh grinned. “Leave my name with the doorman?” “Yeah, okay,” Mark seemed relieved to have gotten that out of the way. He was much more relaxed when they reached the vending machines. 43

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*** Mark floated between sleep and wakefulness feeling exhaustion in every cell. He felt his brain buzzing in his head. He was so tired that he didn’t think he’d be able to lift himself from lying facedown on the bed. That wouldn’t be such a big problem if he could actually turn his head so he could breathe better. After working until ten the night before, he’d been called in at three-thirty this morning to meet with an important client who had been arrested for solicitation. He’d arrived at the seventeenth precinct by four a.m. and had only left around nine-fifteen for his client’s arraignment. The upside of that had been seeing Josh work, but he hadn’t managed to speak with him then. He’d left a message when it seemed he’d be long gone before the other man showed up. He’d been on his way out the door with his client when the detective had arrived. The rest of the day had been both physically and mentally exhausting. Josh had caught up with him between court cases and Mark had invited him over to watch a movie. Right now he just hoped that he’d left the door unlocked for Josh, for their movie date, because he wasn’t sure he could get up to open it. He continued to struggle against his fatigued muscles when he felt himself being turned over onto his back. He wanted to speak but all he could do was blink and mouth, “Joshua”. “You’re completely totaled, Mark,” Josh gave voice to the obvious while reaching down to remove his shoes and socks. “Mmm,” he managed trying to communicate agreement to the other man somehow. What he was trying to say, he wasn’t sure. “Here, let me help,” Josh smiled down at him, pulling off his tie and sliding his suit jacket free of first one arm and then the other. “Now don’t move, young man,” he chuckled, leaning down to kiss his forehead. Mark blinked slowly watching as Josh hung his jacket in the closet and then returned for his slacks. At some point he realized he’d been stripped down to his boxers and was resting against a broad chest with the muffled sounds of the television in the background. A bit later he was sure that hours had passed and he knew he wasn’t alone. The faint flickering of light had to be the television. His limbs felt leaden and unwieldy. Who was with him? Josh? Who’s here? I’m dreaming, right? Wake me up! Josh! 44

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“Wake me up,” he rasped, fighting against what felt like layers of cotton wool holding him down. Josh? “Josh?” he managed, fighting the irrational panic building in him. “Shh Love, shhh,” Josh crooned cupping his face and pressing warm lips against his cheekbone. “I’m right here, Mark, you okay?” “Need… Wake me…” he struggled. “Kiss me, Josh,” he whispered. “Bring me back.” Josh’s arms came around him and rolled them so that Mark was on top looking down into his darkening hazel eyes. Josh leaned up to nibble along the line of Mark’s pectoral muscle while he raked his nails lightly down his abdomen, somehow slipping his own boxer shorts off at the same time. Mark arched helplessly against him, feeling more and more conscious and aware. The erection growing between his legs certainly had something to do with that. The strong, sculpted face, the smooth, pale skin framed by that unruly mop of mahogany satin–he became harder just looking at this man. He slid down so their erections were pressed together and rocked his hips against Josh's. Josh reached up and dragged Mark's mouth down to his, kissing him hungrily. Mark could feel Josh's other hand working down his back, over his curved cheek, along the sensitive skin at the crease of his leg and buttocks under his boxers. Josh's mouth on his was insistent, desperate, searching. Mark closed his eyes, giving himself over to the intimate contact. Their bodies pressed close together, skin against skin, the heat of Josh's nearness soaking into him. The warm lips that were pressed into sensitized skin between shoulder and neck were feeding the flames of his hunger. He began to thrust lightly against the other man, thrilled when he felt him lower the thin barrier of cotton between them releasing his burning cock. Once again, Josh rolled them over, now bringing Mark underneath him. With one arm, the larger man braced himself above him and with the other he palmed both of their throbbing members. Mark wrapped both of his hands around Josh’s cupped hand and began to thrust into the artificial channel. Fiery ecstasy swam along every nerve ending, rising up and around in a swirl that was familiar, but different at the same time.

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Then the wave crested, and Mark broke with a startled cry, feeling himself convulse in Josh's secure embrace, then hearing Josh's own pained groan moments later. The slick heat of their combined release poured over both their hands and bellies. He let himself drown in the all-encompassing ecstasy that followed, surrounded by Josh's warm male scent, Josh's hoarse breathing, Josh's muscled limbs and knowing that nothing would ever be the same again. Vaguely, he felt the big man slide off the bed and return with a wet towel to clean their sticky ejaculate from his hands and stomach. Minutes later, Josh came back and scooted under the covers, pulling him into his arms. “Wha time ‘zit?” Mark mumbled. “S’posed to watch a move t’gether.” “Don’t worry about it, Love,” came the baritone rumble under his ear. “I watched a movie and we were together the whole time. Go to sleep.” Hours later Mark realized that he must have done exactly that when he heard a cell phone ringing. He felt the bed move and the warmth that had been wrapped around him went away. He sat up groggily as Josh went into the hall with his phone talking quietly. Mark stumbled to the bathroom and relieved himself of at least ten hours of stored up liquids. Austin Powers had nothing on me! Evacuation… Complete! Ahhhh. He went back into the bedroom and pulled on a pair of sweatpants, looking up as Josh returned to the room. It was Saturday but Mark knew that NYPD detectives seldom got a five-day workweek. He too, would be putting a few hours in at the office later that day. “Work?” he asked. “Yeah,” Josh answered, distracted. “My partner will pick me up on the street in twenty minutes.” “I have a shirt you can have–it’s too big for me. And take any tie you want. I’ll go make coffee.” He handed the hunter green silk oxford to Josh, acknowledging silently to himself that he’d purchased it with him in mind. Without another word, he left the room.

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Chapter Nine

The doorman opened the door for Erika and wished her, “ Masa alkhair,” Good evening. “Masa alnur,” she replied in the traditional response, keeping her eyes demurely downcast. Quickly she scanned his thoughts catching the word reejal–man, and American. It didn’t tell her a lot but she suspected that an American man had stopped by. She hoped it wasn’t that elderly embassy official. He seemed to have a real problem understanding that she wasn’t lonely. With a sigh, she made her way through the door and up to the apartment the company provided for her. As she entered her apartment, she remembered vaguely that someone from the firm was coming to exchange some very sensitive documents with her. She groaned inwardly, realizing that she’d probably be entertaining that evening. *** The sound of the apartment door slamming jerked Jack out of his fitful nap. He’d arrived in United Arab Emirates several hours ago and had come straight to the company’s apartments to see Erika. He needed important files from her and they couldn’t be shipped. No sooner had he pulled off his jacket and tie, kicked off his shoes, and sat down, he’d fallen asleep. He stayed where he was, listening to see who had arrived and what they were doing here. “Good Evening, Miss,” said an Indian voice. “Hello, Khalli. How are your children today?” That was definitely Erika’s voice. He was supposed to meet her about a case but he hadn’t called ahead. It wasn’t unusual for the firm to let attorneys use company apartments. He just hadn’t thought about the fact that they’d both be staying here–alone–together.

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It would be very awkward to meet another man of hers. He knew that Mark Lincoln still spoke to her once a week. It had been just over five months since she’d left the company. He was supposed to pick up some important files here and leave some with her. “Ah, you are an angel. They are fine, Miss. There is a man in your study, Miss,” the musical Indian voice gushed on. “Um, Khalli, the man…” Erika sounded choked. “Not to worry, Miss, it is not the evil rat bastard Lasiandras. Should that man appear, my nephew, Jabar, has instructions to injure him.” They had Jack’s attention now. Who is this rat bastard? Why would Erika like to have him injured? Was he a spurned lover? “Really?” Erika actually sounded hopeful about that. “Of course, Miss,” returned the Indian woman complacently. “Lovely,” sighed Erika apparently satisfied. “I think I’ll take a shower and cool off before I greet our guest. I’ll be quick.” “Not to worry, Miss. He is sleeping. The jet lag, I think. Take some time,” Khalli reassured her. “Khalli, you are the angel. I have these for your girls. I got this for Kamir.” Jack heard paper crinkle. “You go and have fun with them. If the gentleman wants to eat, I’ll have it brought in or something. Uncle Charles wouldn’t send anyone difficult. Please, take the day tomorrow. Enjoy your celebration day.” Jack heard the rustling of what was probably one woman hugging another. “Miss, I have a pot of Chai for you and your guest. I will see you in two days. Be well!” Jack heard the door open and close and then heard another door open. A few silent minutes went by and then he heard the distant sound of running water and stood up. Following the sound, he moved through the hallway to the bathroom. The shower and the toilet were in completely separate rooms so he knew that if she were in the first room, she’d be showering. He prepared to knock but the door swung inward. As Jack stood about to call out to Erika, he was frozen in place by the tableau before him. Her heavy military style boots were by the door. They were so small they looked oddly dainty. She tugged off her khima’r, the traditional head covering for

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women, and stepped out of her sand colored camouflage pants and turned toward him. Her head was bowed as she unbuttoned the military BDU style blouse. He was riveted to the spot as she shrugged out of her top. Instead of a tee shirt, she wore a gray silk and lace teddy. It was almost completely sheer with an inverted triangle of gray silk covering parts of her breasts and another covering her sex. Even the straps were lace. Turning to check the temperature of the spray, Erika didn’t hear Jack walk in. When she straightened, his hands settled on her shoulders. He fitted his body behind hers and slid the straps down. He kissed her neck as he eased the silk lingerie down her body. He turned her to face him. Her eyes were closed. He was sure she’d recognized his touch. She opened her eyes and moved her hands to his chest. For him it was almost like coming home. He had no resistance to her at all. She slid both hands up to the buttons of his shirt. After she unfastened them, she slid the shirt off of him. His hands settled about her hips as she unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. She pushed them down with his boxer shorts and he stepped out of them. They stood naked facing each other. He moved back a half step so that he could look his fill. While he looked, so did she. Their eyes met. He lowered his mouth over hers and licked her bottom and top lip. Slowly, he eased his tongue into her mouth. Hesitantly, she touched her tongue to his. He pulled her closer, and she rose to stand on her toes bracing her hands on his shoulders. He slipped his tongue between her lips again and deepened his possession of her mouth. Gradually, he released her and stepped back. He held her by the hand and helped her into the marble shower. Stepping in behind her, he pulled her against his body and turned them this way and that until they were both wet. When they were sufficiently soaked, he reached for the shampoo. She held her cupped hands out and he squeezed a measure of shampoo into them. He then bent down so she could massage his head as she lathered his hair. He stood and rinsed his hair and she held her hands out again. He raised a brow and put more soap in her hands. She reached out to his chest and began to lather it. Moving her hands in circles she began above his nipples, concentrating on them for a minute or two, then worked her way down his body, stalling on his

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abdomen. She obviously reveled in every moan and groan as she skipped the center of his manhood and made her way down his thighs. When she finally did wrap her soapy hands around his engorged staff, he had to grit his teeth to keep from spilling himself right then. As she soaped his member and his balls, he poured shampoo into his own hands. He began soaping her hair and massaging her scalp. He moved her under the water and then began worshiping her body with his soapy hands. He didn’t leave one millimeter of body un-soaped. By the time he eased her back under the warm spray, she was boneless in his arms. When she was rinsed, he moved her to the wall of the shower. He lifted her and urged her legs around his waist. With one large elegant hand on either cheek, he lowered her onto his cock slowly, easing into her, inch by inch. For a minute she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his neck, groaning. He waited a moment, just to feel her tight sheath around him. Many had said he was an exceptionally handsome man and he’d easily had hundreds of sexual encounters. Nothing had ever felt as incredible, magical, and wonderful to him as being inside of Erika Arnold. Every move she made complimented him exactly–almost as if she was reading his mind. Slowly at first, he began to move. He began to thrust in and out of her, holding her a little tighter with each thrust. He moved her up and down to meet his hips as he plunged his cock into her. Staring into her eyes, he ground against her mound and continued to pump steadily inside her. When he felt her begin to clench around him, he groaned loudly, pushing his cock deeper inside as his orgasm overtook him. He kept her pinned to the wall as his body shook with the aftershocks of his climax. Still supporting her with both hands clamped around her delectable derriere, he moved them both under the water. He lifted her off of his semi-erect penis and allowed her to slide against him. Her legs trembled and he continued to hold onto her. When they were both rinsed, he turned the water off and helped her from the shower. Like a devoted slave, he carefully dried every inch of her and wrapped her in a fluffy towel.

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Still naked, although no longer dripping, he lifted her and moved into the hallway. She was half asleep now but she did lift her hand and pointed to an open door. He walked through it. He carefully laid her in the middle of the large curtained bed. He climbed in next to her and smoothed the hair from her face. There were purple shadows under her eyes, showing her exhaustion. He ran his fingers through her long blond hair and rubbed her back. Erika fell asleep immediately. *** Jack edged off of the bed. He wondered if she had a lover here in the Middle East. He could see the closet and there were no men’s clothes hanging there. Sure there were pictures of her with Mark Lincoln and Charles Devon, but that was all. While Jack didn’t love that, he knew the other lawyer was thousands of miles away. Feeling like a snoop, Jack walked to the dresser. He pulled open a few drawers finding only Erika’s clothes. When he got to the drawer that held her lingerie, he felt himself growing hard again. Naked, he walked to the kitchen of the apartment. He was a little hungry but he also wanted to look around some more to check for other signs of male involvement. Any woman as beautiful as Erika was must have men around her constantly. Although he didn’t search every inch of the premises, he felt confidant that no other man had ever stayed there. He couldn’t say exactly why it mattered to him, but it did. He crawled into the bed next to Erika and pulled her to him. “Eye Candy?” she mumbled. “Erika,” he answered, kissing her temple. Her lips curved in a smile. “Eye Candy,” she stated on a sigh.

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Chapter Ten

Erika woke to find herself surrounded by the most heavenly warmth coupled with the most incredible smell. She snuggled a little closer and moved her face in the warmth. Awareness slammed into her. This was a man! She froze. Then she felt the familiar tingle wash over her. The living fire that she hadn’t felt for five long months, until the night before, swept over her again. “Erika?” mumbled a very sexy, Scottish murmur. Either she was dreaming or it had to be Jack Mac Addison. “Jack?” she whispered very, very quietly. “Mmm, Erika,” groaned the sexy voice. “Baby, come here.” She didn’t know how he managed to do anything without a crowd of women following him. She was already “here” and she wanted to find a way to “come here” more. “Jack,” she said, still quietly. Heat was pooling between her legs. Not only did she feel her own desire, the surge of Jack’s hunger shot through her. She identified her own need but coupled with his, it was nearly overwhelming. “Want you,” he was thinking. “Want you more than anything.” His hand moved up her thigh under the towel that barely covered her. “Come here, Baby,” he murmured, grasping a hip in each hand and lifting her atop his thighs. “Oh, you mean, here…” she said looking into his warm cobalt eyes. With one tug, the towel was gone. He grinned his thousand-watt smile dropping his hands to her rounded cheeks. He slid his hands around her thighs so that the tips of his fingers on each hand touched her dripping pussy. He lifted her and slid his throbbing cock into her. “No, Baby, I mean, HERE,” he murmured, as he hilted inside of her. “Ahhhh,” was all she could say in return.

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“Yeah,” he said, moving beneath her. “Perfect,” she heard him groan in his mind. “This is absolutely perfect.” With one hand he massaged her clit while the other rolled one of her nipples and then moved to its twin. She reached behind her and began to massage his balls. She loved how they felt. So soft and furry. She smiled. She wouldn’t need a pet if she could just stroke those whenever she wanted. “What?” he asked, going still. She took that as an invitation for her to move on him. First she sat up straight, bracing her knees against the bed. She reached up and ran her hands through her hair. He groaned loudly. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered. She could feel something from him. What was it? She stopped and looked hard at him. Her brows knit. Why would he say that? She was already naked on top of him. His thoughts weren’t clear but she kept hearing him say, beautiful. Something of her thoughts must have showed in her face because he reached for her shoulders and pulled her face down near his. “You” he thrust upward, sparks rocketing through her body, his lips covering hers, kissing her deeply. “Are,” another thrust and kiss. “So,” he thrust again and kissed her chin. “Beautiful!” He thrust upward and sunk his tongue into her mouth, kissing her passionately, taking her over completely. When he released her, she looked into his stunning deep blue eyes. She saw passion and sincerity there. He meant what he said, she could feel it. She leaned forward and whispered, “Bend your knees.” He did and she began angling her body forward and thrusting backward upon him. When he began to groan, she took his earlobe between her lips and whispered to him. “Thank you, Jack,” she sighed in his ear flicking her tongue back and forth against his lobe.

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Suddenly, he grabbed her hips and held her still. He stared into her eyes for a minute. “You make me feel like…” he stopped and stared. “Tell me Jack,” she urged feeling a wave of hungry lust wash over her. “You make me feel basic. Primal.” He stared into her eyes. “You make me feel… Male.” Animalistic hunger from him washed over her in waves. She felt the elemental pull of dominance and submission. “Jack,” she whimpered in a whisper. His blue eyes narrowed and he looked up into her gray eyes. “Tell me,” he growled. “Tell me I’m more powerful. Tell me I’m all you want.” So low, she wasn't sure if he'd hear, she said, “I submit to you, Jack,” knowing that’s what he needed from her. He lifted her off of him and laid her on her stomach on the bed. Before she had time to think, he entered her from behind. “Say it again,” he growled low. “I submit, Jack,” she whispered, wave after wave of hunger and need swamping her. “I want you and only you, Jack.” He held her hips in his hands and plunged into her until she felt his balls smack against her upper thighs. He pulled back and began to thrust into her hard and fast. She cried out with every thrust and he held her hips still, pounding into her with a driving rhythm. She had begun coming almost right away. The head of his cock found her g-spot over and over again. Finally, he threw his hips against her and began to come. “Erika! Oh my baby, my Erika!” he roared, emptying himself into her. He collapsed on top of her. He remained buried deep within her as the two of them slid down to the mattress and drifted off to sleep. She stayed cuddled against him and slept better than she had in years. She vaguely remembered waking when he roused to brush her hair from her face and kiss her temple. “Don’t leave me,” she’d whispered. “Just stay with me tonight.” She'd heard him make promises to her but she couldn’t remember what they were. The next morning, she was not in bed when he awoke. 54

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Chapter Eleven

Jack prepared to leave for his flight. He had a few hours to kill and he remembered that he needed to trade paperwork with Erika before he left. He had just pulled on his boxers and suit pants when he realized he should take care of that before he forgot. She’d aroused him so much that he’d forgotten why he’d come to the Middle East to begin with. Bare-chested and barefoot, he went looking for her. He found her standing at the window in the study, looking out. Jack admired her for a minute. He’d never noticed what a woman was wearing until Erika. She was wearing a loose, light colored, gauzy dress that barely skimmed the tops of her knees. When he entered the room, she didn’t turn around. “Yes, Jack?” she said from the window. Jack was sure it was best if she stayed right where she was. They’d been screwing like bunnies since he’d laid eyes on her. He’d never leave if she took one step closer to him. He knew it. “I have these briefs for you, Erika. Where are the files I’ll need?” he stood at the door, waiting. This was the most they’d said to each other in a normal voice since he’d arrived. She stepped back a few inches and pivoted, pointing toward the desk. The sunlight from the window was angled in such a way that her gauzy dress appeared sheer. Her green stretch lace teddy with the satin bows and ribbon thong could clearly be seen. When Jack didn’t move, she turned from the window and began to move toward the paperwork he’d asked for. “Stop!” he choked out. Turning toward him, she obeyed his command and stopped, confused. “What did I do, Jack?” she asked him. He looked into her eyes. She really didn’t know. 56

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*** “Erika?” he said between gritted teeth. She didn’t know what was wrong but felt his hunger swamping her again. HE wanted her badly–again. It was almost as if he couldn’t resist. She was almost afraid now. “Jack? What’s wrong?” her voice was a little high. He walked to her and put his arms around her. He smoothed a hand down her back stopping at the hem of her dress. “You really don’t know do you?” he asked. “No, I’m sorry.” She whispered, shaking her head. Once again, her skin was sensitive and tingling. Her body clenched and she felt him…needing her? Slowly, carefully, he edged his hand under the hem of her dress. He eased it up her naked hip until it found lace. The panty on her teddy was a thong. “Erika, I’m going to need to fuck you again,” he choked. “I have to have you again, Erika,” he sounded almost desperate. He pulled her to him and she felt his erection. It really did feel larger than it had before. “Jack?” she whispered, confused. How was this possible after the night they’d shared? But she felt it. She felt him trying to fight it and she felt him give in. “Oh, God, Erika,” he groaned, lowering his mouth to hers. He kissed her stunned mouth long and urgently. When she could only cling to him, he dropped to his knees in front of her. “Hold on to me, Erika,” he ordered her, “Put your hands on my shoulders.” She did as he directed her. Her fear had been replaced by arousal, both his and hers. She hadn’t been a virgin when she’d met him but she wasn’t sexually adventurous. His affect on her had certainly made her overcome any inhibitions she’d ever had. Jack had that impact on her. Looking down at the top of his dark head, she smiled a little. Maybe she had that impact on him, too. He gathered the hem of her dress in both hands and pulled it to her waist, holding it there. After staring at her barely lace covered sex for at least a full minute, Jack groaned and leaned his head on her abdomen. Gently, he urged her backward until the windowsill braced the backs of her thighs.

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He turned her so that her hands rested on the window and pulled the skirt of her dress up to bare her ribbon thong-covered derriere. He rubbed her rear cheeks with both hands and ran one finger under the satin strand that disappeared between them. Holding it aside, he spread her cheeks and began feasting between them. He teased her with his tongue and one finger until she didn’t think she could stand any longer. “Jack” she begged weakly, “I can’t…” “Hush, Baby,” he murmured, turning her around to sit on the windowsill. She grabbed his shoulders when he buried his face in her mound. He nudged her legs apart and lifted one over his shoulder. He lowered his face between her widely spread legs. Moving the ribbon out of the way, Jack lapped her from her dripping slit up to her throbbing little nub. “Mine!” he thought, “Mine! Mine!” Erika was inundated with sensation. She didn’t know one person could come so many times in just a day. He moved two fingers in and out of her sliding them up to her clit. He followed this action with his mouth until she was clinging to him and actually crying. “Jack, please, Jack, please…” she sobbed, no longer able to find his thoughts. She couldn’t even keep up with her own. “I’ve got you, Baby, Shh, Erika, I’ve got you,” he cooed, moving up her body. He unzipped his pants and pulled out his erection. Without preamble, he drew her forward onto his cock. “There, Love,” he soothed. “Just for you. Is that better?” He didn’t really need an answer. He kissed the tears from her face as he began to move inside of her. His hard cock slid in and out of her steadily, soothing and arousing her at the same time. Holding her bottom with one arm and cupping her head with his other hand, Jack rhythmically thrust in and out keeping a steady pace. Before she knew what was happening she was arching against him. He took her mouth hungrily as she cried out, her pussy rippling tightly around him. Jack continued his pace for several more thrusts until he roared into her mouth. He held her tightly against him and turned to sit on the windowsill. He kept her like that for long minutes before he slowly released her, adjusting his pants. 58

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When she stood, he stood too, looking down at her. “Jack?” she whispered, swallowing. He arched a sable brow and waited. “This thing between us…” she waved her hand from him to her and back again. “You mean this thing where we shag like minks in heat?” he murmured with a crooked half smile. Normally she would have laughed but it was such an accurate description. She sighed. “Yes, Jack, I guess that’s exactly what I mean. We work together and all and…” “Right now, we work on opposite ends of the earth, Erika,” he cut her off, gusting a frustrated breath and running a splayed hand through his dark hair. “We’re both a long way from home and you–you’re a very attractive woman.” It was her turn to lift a brow. “Thank you, I think.” She stepped back to lean against the windowsill again. “Obviously, you’re…” she grinned slightly, “sweet on the eyes, yourself.” “Eye Candy,” he growled. “You’re calling me Eye Candy again?” “If the wrapper fits,” she shrugged. “There’s more to me than that, Erika,” he ground out roughly. “I know there is, Jack,” she said softly. “I guess I shouldn’t have teased but I get the same treatment a lot you know.” “No, I don’t know,” he shoved his hands in his pockets and glared at her from beneath furrowed brows. “What are you talking about?” “Oh, come on, Jack! You all but said it right now. You’re more than just another pretty face. Well so am I. But that’s why you’re attracted to me, right?” She would have kept going but he interrupted her. “Damnation, woman!” he growled. “What do you want from me? We don’t really know each other and we aren’t really friends! Just because we…” now he seemed to be at a loss for words momentarily. “Hell!” he spat. “Don’t worry, Jack,” she sighed, trying to hide her own inner turmoil. “I wasn’t going to demand a ring or anything. I guess I just–I don’t know, I just hoped there was something.” She turned away feeling foolish. His palms settled over her shoulders and she felt his warm body inches behind her. “We’re colleagues. We work together. I don’t really know you and you don’t really

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know me, Erika. You have Mark Lincoln and I–well, I’m sort-of dating someone. That’s it. That’s all. At least for now.” Letting her head drop forward to rest her chin on her chest, Erika squeezed her eyes shut and let out a long breath. “Yes, okay.” She inhaled deeply and let it out, standing up straight again and turning. Tipping her head up, she looked at Jack. “That’s it,” she confirmed. “That’s all,” she said with a nod. “For now,” he looked hard at her and finally let his hands slide off of her shoulders after pressing a lingering kiss against her forehead. She closed her eyes and waited. Unmoving, she stood rooted to the spot ignoring the tearing pain she felt as he left the room. Erika heard him return to the room and take the files before he left an hour later. She hadn’t moved from where he’d left her. Before he moved back through the door, he hesitated for long minutes and she was aware of his heavy regard. Silently willed him to go. In her mind, she could feel his arousal begin to stir again and knew she wouldn’t be able to keep her hands off of him. When she was sure he was gone, she crawled back into the bed that still smelled like their coupling and tightly hugged the pillow he’d slept on. Seven more months was all she had to get over him.

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Chapter Twelve

Sitting in his shirtsleeves, his back to the door, Mark finished reading the final case law on his list and closed the book it was in. It had been six weeks since he’d last seen Josh. He’d informed his sometime lover that he’d be away for a while, fulfilling his obligation to the military. During his month long duty, he’d found more than enough time to consider his feelings for the other man. It was simple and complicated at the same time. He loved Josh. He knew he loved him and he thought the burly and handsome detective might have feelings for him, too. The possibility that Josh cared about him might actually be worse than if he didn’t. Mark couldn’t resign from the military just yet–he was under contract. If he was outed, he’d be court-martialed and his father would be devastated. If Josh was outed, the detective could be in serious danger. All he knew for sure was that he really should put some distance between himself and Joshua Kincaid. Satisfied that he had the information he needed for the case he was working on, he turned around to his desk and put pen to paper. He was ready to begin summarizing the salient points he’d had to prove to make a strong argument on behalf of his client. His office was quiet, his mind was occupied, and his pen was moving. He loved this part of his job--it was second only to standing in front of a jury and pleading his client’s case. He was in the middle of a sentence when he heard the door to his office open and close. Without looking up he lifted his hand to forestall speech. He finished his thought and lifted his head. “Well hi, Rudy!” he smiled warmly at the man who came in and stood by the door. The other man seemed nervous, almost edgy. “You okay?” he asked in concern. With a hard look, Rudy turned and locked the office door. “I’m fine, Mr. Lincoln.” His hard look turned into a sneer. “You’re the one with the problem.” 61

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Mark looked at him, confused, until the other man pulled out a stack of pictures and scattered them across the desk with a flick of his wrist. Glancing at them, his heart squeezed tight. Although Mark knew that the images were innocuous pictures of him greeting friends, he also realized that not everyone would see them in that light. If his father took one look at a picture depicting his son hugging another man and kissing him on the lips, he’d never understand. There was even a shot of him and Josh walking out the door with the detective’s hand wrapped around his upper arm. Given that the pictures were taken inside an exclusive gay men’s club, the Army might have a problem accepting the situation as harmless. In Josh’s case, he knew he could plead “plausible deniability” should it be necessary. After all, the picture showed the detective escorting him from the bar and there was nothing to suggest any intimacy between them. He, however, was sunk. Those pictures made it seem obvious that he had been seeking the company of a same sex partner. His throat felt dry and tight. Slowly, Mark lifted his head and looked at the other man. Rudy was somewhere in his late fifties and the years hadn’t treated him very well. A slight man, he had thinning brown hair shot through with gray strands. His face was narrow and pinched with a bulbous red-veined nose, and small, pale, watery blue eyes set close together under sparse, graying eyebrows. Swallowing to clear his throat, Mark stood. He jammed his hands in his pockets and paced around the desk. “Okay, Rudy, what do you want?” he asked forcefully. Good, my voice sounds almost normal. Rudy’s lip curled. He took a few steps away from the door and closer to Mark. “Now, see?” he mocked coldly, “I knew a nice college boy like you–a real smart lawyer–I knew you’d cotton on right quick. You’re mighty pretty, too. Lessee just how quick you are at everything else.” Mark’s brow furrowed and he tilted his head a bit. “I don’t…” he began. “I want two things, lawyer boy,” Rudy growled. “I want twenty thousand dollars by the day after tomorrow.” He sneered at Mark’s shocked look. “Right now though, I want you to get on your knees and suck my dick.”

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He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His head jerked in an automatic negative response. “No, Mr. Lincoln? You don’t think so?” Rudy sounded almost pleasant now. “I–I didn’t… ” Stunned, Mark didn’t know what he was trying to say. Rudy leaned over and snatched the lawyer’s cell phone from the desk. With a few quick jabs, a preprogrammed number connected and Rudy held the phone aloft so that Mark could hear it ringing. “How about we see what your good friend the detective thinks, hmmm?” “Kincaid,” he heard over the line. Nothing for a second and then, in a louder voice, “This is Detective Kincaid, may I…” “No!” Mark lunged at Rudy, who was laughing uproariously, as he danced out of the way. “NO, STOP!” he pleaded. “Okay! Okay! You win!” he quickly capitulated, almost collapsing with relief when he heard the phone snap shut. “So, pretty boy, you don’t want me to talk to him? How about I call his lieutenant? No? What say we call your family next?” Mark made a sound of defeat and the metallic sound of a zipper being lowered filled the air. *** “What was that about?” Joshua Kincaid started abruptly and turned to his partner who was negotiating uptown traffic. “I don’t know, Anna,” he scowled. “I think something’s wrong with a friend of mine.” “Which friend?” she looked over at him as they stopped at a light. “Remember that lawyer on the Filks case? His name is Mark Lincoln–I’ve met with him a few times since then. We went over and had a drink with him that time at the bar, remember?” “Ohhhh, I know who you mean!” She gave him a sly look. “About twenty-eight, blonde hair, very, very attractive…” she let her comment trail off. “Don’t know about all that,” he mumbled, looking away. “Don’t you even try that nonsense with me, mister!” she snapped. “I saw how you were looking at him and I think he likes you, too.” Josh sighed. Sometimes there was a down side to having a partner who knew all his secrets. Pushing her from his mind, he reviewed what had just happened.

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Mark had called his cell and said nothing for several seconds and then yelled “NO” from a distance. After a moment, he’d heard laughter that wasn’t Mark and then Mark’s voice yelling, “NO, STOP! Okay! Okay! You win!” before the call had ended. It didn’t take a detective to figure out that something was badly amiss. Ignoring Anna, he returned the call to the other man’s cell phone. There was no answer. Josh swore quietly, glancing at his watch. It had been twenty minutes stuck in traffic since the odd call. Still ignoring his partner, he dialed Mark’s office number and got his secretary. It seemed he’d left just moments ago telling her he was feeling ill. She was already canceling all his afternoon appointments. This news caused the hair raise at the back of his neck. “Anna, make a U-turn up there at the light and head toward where you picked me up that one morning.” She frowned but he knew she didn’t need further explanation. He seldom spent the night away from his own apartment. “I’ll call if I need you. You don’t mind?” he tacked on as an afterthought. “No, of course not, Josh, just let me know, okay? It’s goanna nag at me.” She zipped the car around and headed back the way they’d just come. They drove in silence for a time until finally, Anna pulled the car up next to Mark’s building. When no one answered the buzzer, Josh flashed his badge at the doorman and was told that Mr. Lincoln had arrived home sometime over the last hour but seemed ill. Arriving at the door to Mark’s apartment, Josh expected to have to break the lock or otherwise bully his way in. Although the door was locked, when he knocked on it the first time, it swung inward, not having been closed all the way. Another prickle of unease snaked up his spine. Pulling his gun, he advanced slowly through the small foyer and then the tastefully appointed living room. In passing, he saw that Mark had dropped his briefcase coat and suit coat in a heap on the floor but wasn’t in that room. There was a large bathroom connected to the master bedroom and the second bedroom. The light was on and he stepped inside. From what he could tell, there had been a nasty toothpaste incident and an even nastier mouthwash incident–broken glass was scattered across tiles tinted with blue liquid and smelling of “winter-fresh”. 64

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Carefully picking his way around the debris, he made his way into the master bedroom. He spotted Mark huddled in an armchair near the bed. “Mark?” Slowly approaching the quaking man, he re-holstered his gun the mint and spearmint smell stronger the closer he came. “It’s me, its Josh,” he said in a low voice. “Please go away,” Mark replied tonelessly. Josh sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned toward Mark. He could see splashes of blue mouthwash on his starched white shirt. He thought there might even be some in his hair. “Mark, tell me what’s wrong,” he said firmly. “Can’t.” Mark took a deep breath and moved to face away from him in the chair. He was shaking severely and Josh suspected that he was in shock. “Go ‘way!” he mumbled, shrinking further into the large chair and pulling his knees up to his chin like a frightened child. Josh took a deep breath. From some of their conversations, he knew that Mark had grown up in a military environment as well as serving in the National Guard. He decided to try another tactic to snap him out of the state he was in. “Answer me, Lincoln!” he rapped out. “That’s an order, soldier!” he barked. That seemed to get Mark’s attention. “Josh? What…” he seemed a little more coherent, at least. “Mark, if you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I’ll have to call your family and have them come and help you. Is that what you’d like?” From the dread on the younger man’s face, he was sure that was the last thing he wanted. The young lawyer scooted to the edge of the chair and lowered his feet to the carpet. “Please, Josh,” he whispered roughly, “Please don’t do that.” “Mark, I don’t know how you feel about me and I know I haven’t been honest about how I feel about you.” Josh pulled in a deep breath and forced himself to continue. “The truth is that I like you a lot. I care about you. At the very least, I want us to be good friends. Let me help you. Tell me what happened.” Mark pulled his knees back to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. He rested a cheek on one knee and seemed to consider Josh’s words. The detective found himself holding his breath. He looks so young and innocent right now.

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For a long time, Josh Kincaid, a craggy, burly, dangerous looking NYPD detective hadn’t had a life partner and hadn’t really wanted one. He’d always known his soul mate was out there. More and more he was coming to believe that this beautiful young man was his other half. Appearing to think things over, Mark turned his face back to him. “Joshua, I can’t tell you. It’s,” he took a deep breath, “…it’s bad,” he closed his eyes and looked away. Fighting the tightening ball of fear in his gut, Josh reached out and laid his palm against Mark’s cheek. “Whatever it is, Mark, let’s handle it together, huh? We’re good together aren’t we?” He felt like he was begging now. “No!” Mark spat, jerking away. “Don’t you get it? You can’t fix this. You’ll only make things worse!” “You don’t trust me?” Josh didn’t know what to say now. That thought hurt. Saying it out loud hurt. “Oh God, Joshua, that’s not it. Oh hell!” Mark seemed on the verge of tears now. He wrapped both arms around his chest and began to rock back and forth in the chair. Josh leaned forward and wrapped both arms around the distraught man, pulling him against his chest and sinking to the floor at the same time. After a brief, halfhearted struggle, Mark collapsed against him. For long minutes a shaking Mark huddled in Josh’s arms until, with a deep sigh, he finally started talking. By the time the young man finished recounting the events of his meeting with Rudy, Josh found that his shoulders ached, his jaw hurt and the heat of rage was causing him to sweat. It took more than an hour after that to settle Mark down and calm him to sleep. By the time he did, someone had tried to call the lawyer’s cell phone twice and now the house phone was ringing. When the caller, a very feminine caller, threatened over the answering machine to call the super to check on Mark, Josh snatched up the phone. “Who is this and what’s wrong with Mark?” demanded the woman, clearly upset and agitated. “My name is Joshua Kincaid and Mark is sleeping right now. I’m just…” she cut him off abruptly. “Mr. Kincaid, Joshua, I know who you are. I’m glad you’re there with Mark but I can tell something bad is wrong. I’m Erika Arnold and Mark and I are very close. Please, 66

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is he okay?” her voice shook although she sounded less tense since he’d introduced himself. Mark had told Josh about Erika. He’d said that she was his best friend and that he told her everything – if he left something out, she’d know it anyway, he’d added with a laugh. Josh took a chance and told her what had happened. Needless to say she’d been understandably upset for her friend and angry with the perpetrator. In short order, though, the two had discussed possible courses of action. Erika eventually hung up finally promising not to hop on the next plane home but instead agreeing to call Mark the next morning. After assuring himself that Mark was fine and leaving him a lengthy note, Josh arranged to meet with his cousin Niall and a few other officers whom he knew would be interested in Rudy’s proposal. *** Jack was busy writing his opening arguments for the trial that would start the next morning and checking the appropriate case law when his telephone buzzed. “Who is it, Laura?” he asked his secretary, still checking and rechecking his notes. “It’s Miss Arnold. Can I put her through?” He’d said not to interrupt him but Erika seldom called unexpectedly like this. “Yes, Laura, please, put her through.” He waited a second. “Erika?” “Hi, Jack. Do you have a minute?” her voice sounded high and shaky to him. “Erika? Are you all right? What’s wrong? Why aren’t you asleep right now?” he glanced at his desk clock. It was almost five o’clock so it was nearly two in the morning where she was. That’s why he was concerned he was sure, no other reason. “I, uh, I was planning ahead for the interviews I have to do in Afghanistan next month and…Well…” she trailed off and he cut in. “Erika? You’re not really bothered about work, are you?” He closed his eyes and imagined them snuggled in bed together with his arms wrapped tightly around her. “Tell me what’s wrong, hmmm?” he wheedled, his voice dropping an octave. She sniffed loudly. “It’s…I…Umm,” she tried. It came out high-pitched. She was obviously on the verge of tears. “Come on, Baby,” he crooned, “talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong.” He steadfastly ignored the little voice that suggested it was not his place to comfort and care for her. 67

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She took a deep breath. “Something happened to a friend of mine. I – it – something mean happened. I don’t want to be here anymore. I want to come home,” her voice cracked dangerously. He wanted to ask what had happened. He wondered if it had happened to a friend here or there where she was. He really wanted to know whom it was that something had happened. He wanted to ask those questions but reasoned that those things wouldn’t matter now. What mattered now was that his counterpart was upset and needed reassurance so that she would stay where she was and finish the job that she was doing. At least, that’s what he told himself. “Shhh. I wish you could come home, too. It won’t be much longer, I promise.” He heard her sniffle again. “Come on, get a little sleep and after you can call your friend for a chat. You’ll feel much better when you’ve rested.” He heard her expel a shuddering breath. “I promise, Baby,” he soothed. “Okay,” she sighed. “I’ll call you around seven-ish tomorrow evening, shall I?” he kept his voice comforting and even. “Yes, okay. Okay, Jack, thank you,” she let out another shaky breath. “Good night, Erika,” he waited. “Good night, Jack,” she sighed. He listened as she hung up the phone. It was a minute after that before he hung up. *** Mirabel smiled in satisfaction upon seeing that Laura, Jack’s secretary, was away from her desk. Ever since she’d entered his office that day without knocking, Laura had guarded the door like a rabid Rottweiler. Carefully she turned the knob. She could hear his sexy Scottish murmur. She leaned closer to the door and opened it a crack. “Shhh. I wish you could come home, too. It won’t be much longer, I promise,” she heard him purr to someone. Who is he talking to? Whoever it is, he feels affectionate toward them. I’m not sure I like that. “Come on, get a little sleep and after you can call your friend for a chat. You’ll feel much better when you’ve rested.” That doesn’t help. 68

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“I promise, Baby,” she heard him murmur. Her blood began to boil. Jack Mac Addison belongs to me! He should be calling me baby! “I’ll call you around seven-ish tomorrow evening, shall I?” he went on in a soft, sultry voice. Whoever she is, I’ll take care of her. “Good night, Erika.” Erika Arnold? That BITCH! Resisting the urge to slam the door with all her might, Mirabel eased it closed snuck out of Laura’s alcove. She had some serious thinking to do. Jack Mac Addison was her property and somehow, he failed to understand that. She’d have to step up her pursuit–he wanted her, she was sure.

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Chapter Thirteen

“Why Detective Kincaid, what a pleasant surprise!” came the oily, slightly nervous voice hidden behind the dingy door. “I’m sorry, but I’m not taking callers right now.” Niall felt sick to his stomach. When he’d received the call from Josh that afternoon, he’d responded immediately. Mark had been hurt, Josh had said, that was all. His cousin had been stingy with the details regarding what this man had done to the golden boy but Niall didn’t need to be told. He was fey and fools like this one couldn’t hide from him. Standing at the door, Josh reached up one large hand and gave it a push, sending the rat-like older man stumbling backward. “No wingin’ for the guard, ya sleeveen wanker!” Niall growled, surging forward past his cousin and dragging the shaking man up by his shirt collar. He took several deep breaths knowing that if he didn’t control his temper, his native brogue would only sound thicker. He was proud of his family and the years of his youth that he’d spent in his father’s country but sometimes it had its drawbacks. “My cousin thinks you’re a nasty thieving crook, Rudy. He is advising you not to whine for the cops, probably because we’re already here,” Josh explained, waving a hand broadly to indicate himself, Niall, and two other people who had entered the room behind them. “We’ve heard you’ve got some lovely snaps of a mutual friend. We’d like to see them,” Niall went on. He’d apparently spotted them, already moving across the room to pick them up. “Hey! Lincoln’s gonna pay me for those!” Rudy squealed, rushing to intercept Niall, but Josh was faster. Almost languidly, one long arm shot out and grabbed the smaller man around the neck. Rudy began to make gagging noises as Josh lifted him by his throat. 70

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“He liked you!” Josh gritted through grinding teeth. “He treated you like a human being!” the agonized lover choked. Niall was overwhelmed by the image and emotion of what the dirty little man had done to Mark. His world went red and he heard his own feral snarl as if from far away. He felt himself surge forward but knew nothing else for some minutes. He came back to himself surrounded by cold night air and the arms of his cousins, Joe and Josh, on either side. “Did we–did I kill him?” he gritted, his jaw clenched tightly. “No, Niall, he’s still very much alive, though he was in as much danger from Josh as from you, never fear,” Joe placated him, though he suspected Josh was as shaken as he was. “He’s got some prominent bruises on his neck and he shit all over himself when ye jumped at him, but he’s none the worse for wear.” “How’d you get here, Joe?” Josh demanded of his older sibling. “Why’d you come? The others would’ve stopped us from going too far.” “Hell, brother, they would just as soon help you kill him more than likely. I know that’s not what you had in mind,” Joe sounded almost hopeful as he shot back his answer to Josh. “I don’t think either one of us have a fuck of an idea what we had in mind beyond getting rid of the scammin’ divil!” Niall muttered angrily. “Anna called me when she heard you calling Niall, Josh. She was already worried about your young man. Knowing how taken Niall was with him and how you two are when you’re out of control together, she thought somebody should step in and handle you boys,” he looked hard at both men and then continued. “Now, I’m going back in there and make sure Rudy’s got police protection until he’s packed, got his final paycheck, and headed out of town.” “Get all the pictures,” Josh rumbled. Joe nodded and went in through the window. Niall turned to look at Josh. They were standing on a small fire escape and couldn’t move without touching. He reached out and put a hand on his cousin’s chest. “I could love that one, I think,” Niall spoke low, his usually musical voice sounding rough to his own ears. “I know it,” Josh’s eyes darkened to near black. “He’s mine. You know that.” “As long as you take care of him,” Niall’s green eyes were slits now. “I will,” Josh nodded resolutely. “We’re both here now, aren’t we?”

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After considering his cousin at length, he judged him sincere. Niall extended his hand to shake. Josh took it and pulled him into a tight embrace. Releasing each other, they climbed back into Rudy’s dingy apartment. *** Mark leaned back in his desk chair and stretched. He'd spent the morning reading case files. He was trying not to think about what might have happened to Rudy. He didn’t want to think about any part of that incident. Well, he did want to think about Detective Joshua Kincaid. When he’d told Josh his sordid little tale, he could feel the anger and tension grow in the officer. Instead of ranting and raving though, the other man had simply nodded his head and held him more tightly, encouraging him. Mark had watched Josh’s eyes as they widened upon hearing of Rudy’s initial entrance, flashing dangerously and then darkening from hazel to green, then to pitch black by the end. After that, he had untangled himself from Mark and then cleaned the mouthwash and glass from the bathroom floor. After a long shower, Josh had presented him with a warm mug of hot milk and helped him settle into bed. The older man promised him that Rudy wouldn’t be bothering either of them and Mark need never fear him again. The next thing he knew, he’d slept twelve hours and there was a note from Josh asking him to call sometime the following day. When he’d called Josh’s cell phone, he’d gotten the greeting and had left a message promising to call the following day when he was back at work. He’d also called Erika and talked to her for hours. It hadn’t surprised him that she had sensed that something had happened to him. He knew that she’d be as upset as if it had happened to her. What did surprise him was that Josh had spoken to her so frankly about it. He wasn’t angry, though. He was pleased that Josh felt comfortable with her and that he’d remembered what Mark had told him all that time ago about Erika. He turned and looked at the phone again. Before he could reconsider one more time, he picked up the receiver and dialed. “Detective Kincaid,” he heard when the ringing stopped. His heart skipped. He could hear the noises of the seventeenth precinct in the background. "Josh, it’s Mark." 72

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He heard what sounded like a chair creaking. “Hey,” Josh said softly, a wealth of caring in his voice. “Are you okay? I was a little worried.” “I’m good. Really,” Mark tried to reassure him. “Um…” he hesitated, not sure how to proceed. “Um?” he could hear the smile in the detective’s voice. “Do you--are you free for dinner tonight?" He picked up a pen and started rolling it back and forth across the desk. “Maybe we could go somewhere?” “Sure, I’m free. Where and what time? Hang on…” A muffled conversation took place and then he was back. As Mark began to give him the details, his secretary walked in. He waved her to sit while he finalized the dinner plans and ended the conversation. His heart was beating faster than before when he hung up the phone, still rolling his pen across the desk blotter. "Nice to hear you have a date. Here's the appeals motion in the Rialto case." She handed him the papers. He looked at the document, but didn't see the words. A date? Is this really a date? He felt a slow smile spread across his face as the realization hit him. His first real date with the man he thought he might love would be that night. He raised his glance to hers. "I think it's nice to know that I have one too," he said. He put the pen down, and still smiling slightly, read the motion. *** “So I got the plaintiff’s girlfriend on the stand and asked her, “Miss Smith, how long have you been sexually active?” and she looked at me and then at the jury and said, “I’m not sexually active–I always just lay there.” Josh couldn’t help it and began to choke and sputter, finally laughing full out. “Poor bastard,” he guffawed laughing at Mark’s reminiscing and pleased that he was talking about his past cases and his close friend, Erika. “No wonder that hooker alibied him. How’d you keep a straight face?” “I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood. Thankfully, the judge declared a recess–probably so he could go laugh his ass off. When we returned, I let Erika take over the questioning. No way could I talk to that girl without breaking down.” The waitress returned with Mark’s credit card. Josh waited while he signed it and left the tip and then the two men got up to leave.

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By tacit agreement, they began slowly walking north, in the general direction of Mark’s apartment building. “So how are you really, Mark?” Josh asked finally, interrupting the comfortable silence. Mark gusted a deep sigh. “Mostly–well, pretty much, I’m okay. I try not to think about it. I still want to steam clean my mouth,” he began, then added, “and my throat, esophagus, and stomach.” He shuddered hard. Josh clasped his shoulder in a quick gesture of reassurance. “I’m pretty lucky,” he said, dropping his hand and stopping to lean against a low fence at the edge of a park. The other man settled on the cement border, looking up at him. “Yeah?” he encouraged. “Yeah. I knew I was attracted to men and not women before I joined the force. And the truth is that there is nothing saying that homosexual people can’t be cops. It’s more a mindset than anything.” He looked at Mark again. He had the other man’s attention. “I wasn’t sure… So people know that about you?” he seemed hesitant in his questioning, almost careful. “Well, I said it wasn’t illegal, not that it was A-okay with everybody. My family knows and my partner knows–that’s pretty much it. There are still prejudices.” He waited to see what Mark would say. “What- what does your family think?” he asked hesitantly. Josh smiled warmly at the other man, reaching out to squeeze his hand, dropping it after a few seconds. “Nobody celebrated, of course.” He winked and Mark grinned a little in response. “My dad and my brother Joe were angry. They stayed that way for a few years. Know what changed their minds?” “What?” Mark asked, leaning forward. It was all Josh could do to keep his hands to himself. The younger man was dressed all in black tonight, a ribbed tee shirt stretched over his well-toned torso and dark jeans hugging his hips, a leather jacket topping the outfit off. With his bright hair shining in the light of a streetlamp and an eager expression on his face, he looked like a fallen angel, there to tempt him. He shook his head to clear it and returned his thoughts to the conversation.

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“Some years back, there was an incident where a known gay cop was gunned down in the line of duty because none of his brother officers would back him up. They all took their time in answering his call for assistance.” He glanced at the other man’s face. “That’s awful!” Mark choked, horrified. He obviously struggled with the questions he had and somehow managed to focus on the personal conversation they’d been having. “How’d that cause your father and brother to get over their anger?” “My cousin Niall was already a detective working the tenth precinct then and he and his partner caught that case. He interviewed a lot of people in the gay community, cops, ex-cops, and people in other professions. He realized that being gay isn’t a lifestyle choice but a fact, like having brown eyes. He also learned that a lot of damn good cops fear for their lives every day because of who they are. My father decided he’d rather have me around and watch my back – my brother, too.” Josh was surprised to feel the sting of tears behind his eyes. “Niall’s gay too, right?” Mark asked after a moment’s silence. “Niall’s actually bi,” Josh explained. “He believes that love, desire, and attraction just are what they are and shouldn’t be regulated by gender. I guess he’s got a point…” They stood for a moment, side by side, considering Niall’s philosophy. After some time Mark tugged Josh’s arm and the two men continued their walk toward the young lawyer’s apartment. Neither man said anything until they arrived at his door. Keys in hand, Mark opened the door and stepped through, turning to Josh who followed him in. “Are they pretty accepting of your partners then?” he asked shyly. “Your family, I mean,” he clarified. Josh moved closer and gently cupped his face with both hands. He smiled and caressed the younger man’s cheeks with his thumbs. “They’ve never met any of them. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the first.” He continued to smile into Mark’s wide, ocean blue eyes as he lowered his mouth to brush the soft lips with his. Carefully and gently, he tasted and teased the pliant mouth under his own keeping his kisses soft and non-threatening. After what couldn’t have been more than a few minutes, he reluctantly pulled back.

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He kept one hand on Mark’s shoulder feeling his muscles move as he tilted his head and took a deep, shuddering breath. “Can I call you tomorrow evening?” Josh remembered that the other man had court all day the next day. “Uh huh,” came the rusty response from the normally articulate lawyer. Josh leaned down for another taste of those soft, sweet lips and reluctantly turned to leave. “Lock the door behind me, Mark,” he instructed, just before he walked through it. He waited until he heard the dead-bolt slide into place and walked slowly back toward his own apartment. *** Erika was frustrated. Make that hot, tired, and frustrated. She was standing in a cave, of all things, trying to take a statement from important witnesses to an international terrorism case. They were all lying but worse than that, they were lying in a foreign language. Just to add to the fun, three of the men had guns trained on her. It made her twice as angry because she’d had to climb over two miles of rocky terrain to make her way up to this nasty cave just so she could be lied to. “Mr. Kamal, did you see the brothers Ahamed or Abdul Ghaznai with any of the documents when they were at the camp marked on the map?” she looked at the witness, noticing his hands were shaking. Erika waited a minute and listened as a torrent of words spilled from first the interpreter’s mouth and then the witness’s. Both were speaking in a dialect that she couldn’t hope to figure out–there were so many and while she knew a little Arabic, she did speak almost fluent Dari since it was actually distantly related to the English language. Apparently, Mr. Kamal, the witness, thought in Dari more than in Arabic. “I do not know with certainty what this fool wants of me,” she heard him think in his native language. “I only know that today would not be a good day to die,” he glanced at Erika, “Even in such lovely company.” Erika grinned. “You find me lovely?” she asked in Dari. The interpreter turned to her, his face white. Distantly, she heard the photographer who’d accompanied them, snapping photos. “I apologize,” she went on in the same language. “This is Afghanistan and of course I should know you would use this language.” 76

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Suddenly the men around her dropped to their knees and all began speaking at once. “What did you say, luv?” asked the Australian Associated Press reporter, as he held up a hand and stopped the photographer in mid-snap. “I said I felt silly because they must speak Dari and I know that language,” she improvised quickly. She’d learned during their arduous hike that the man didn’t speak any Persian languages. “That’s an odd reaction all for speaking their language,” the reporter observed suspiciously. “I think it has something to do with my hair,” she grinned weakly at him. He looked at her for a long moment and then grinned back. “They do say blondes have more fun, don’t they, pet?” he laughed. “Well, get on with it then and I’ll interview you on the way back. It’ll make the time go by faster.” With a small smile, she moved over next to Mr. Kamal and indicated he should speak into her tape-recorder. “How do you know what I thought?” he asked her suspiciously in a whisper. She looked hard at him for a minute. He was dirty, frightened, fighting to keep his family and his way of life safe and risking his life to talk to her. For all of that, he was a simple young man who had a group of uncertain and uneducated men to answer to. “It’s a gift,” she said, hoping he’d let it go. He shook his head from side to side. She took a deep breath. “I was born under a full moon,” she said finally, looking straight into his eyes unblinking. I was, she consoled herself. He nodded and began answering her questions into the tape recorder.

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Chapter Fourteen

Jack Mac Addison was feeling edgy. He’d had another “Erika” dream the previous night. That was bad enough since it had been five months since he’d last seen her, but circumstances had compounded things. He was supposed to be dating Mirabel. In fact, one of the first things he’d done upon waking that morning had been to call the other woman and break their dinner date. He missed Erika. He couldn’t deny it. He just didn’t know what to do about it. Unfortunately, Mirabel herself wasn’t helping. She was as different from Erika as it was possible to be, he supposed. He just needed more time to think. Now he was failing miserably in his attempts to focus on his opening statement for the trial that would start the next day. He gratefully answered the phone when it buzzed and made his way up to Charles Devon’s office. Charles informed Jack without preamble that he was to be assigned a new “partner” and that the two of them would be the lead litigators in the International Law department from now on. When asked who his new partner would be, Charles handed Jack a flat, wrapped package. “I want you to keep this in your desk drawer, son.” Charles told him. “Any time you think she’s a fragile little flower, open that drawer and take a look.” Jack opened the package and found a colored picture of Erika. He felt the blood drain from his face. She was wearing those sand colored BDUs and was surrounded by rough looking rebels all carrying hazardous looking rifles and wearing dangerous expressions. Her silvery blond hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail that curled at the end and shone brightly amongst the dark background of the cave she was in. He saw a swarthy, dirty man holding a rifle that was pointed directly at her. She seemed to be ignoring him and the gun as she indicated a map on the floor of the cave. “One of the press photographers took that picture while she was interviewing some of the rebels for the Al Amar case. I know you’ll be tempted to think she can’t 78

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handle some things since she looks so delicate, but she did damn fine work out there under fire. You two will figure out the best way to share the workload. Just don’t try to protect her unless you’re sure she needs it.” Jack would have liked to tell his boss that, far from reassuring him the picture reminded him only of how much he would like to protect her. “When will she be back here, Charles?” he wasn’t sure how he would manage to work with her but knew he’d have to. “We’re watching the situation over there, son. If things get any more strained, she’ll be heading home early,” Charles informed him stating decisively, “I expect we’ll bring her home in a month either way.” He sat at his desk for an hour, just looking at the picture. He knew that she probably hadn’t been in as much danger as the photo itself seemed to indicate. That didn’t seem to matter to his racing heart. Having her in any danger at all was not acceptable. Erika Arnold was committed to Mark Lincoln and here he was smitten with her. How was he going to work with her? Jack sighed and slid the framed photograph into a desk drawer. *** When Jack had called that morning to cancel their dinner date, Mirabel had acquiesced graciously, oozing care and concern. Jack sounded strained. Was he okay? She made sure he couldn’t tell that she was furious, certain that somehow, Erika Arnold was to blame. It wasn’t long before she realized that the nasty little bitch had obviously taken advantage of Jack’s brief trip to the Middle East. Was it possible that she continued to come on to him through work somehow, too? Mirabel wouldn’t put it past her. She was certainly clever or she’d never have made partner–no matter whose niece she was. That phone call she’d overheard had been proof of that. It was past time now that Mirabel step up her campaign to smear Erika or at the very least, confuse Jack about her. Lunch together provided a perfect opportunity. “Jack,” Mirabel opened the conversation after they’d placed their order. “When is Erika Arnold due back?” “Sometime in the next month,” he murmured and then looked up. “Why do you ask?” 79

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“Well,” she smiled sweetly, “I bumped into Mark Lincoln the other day,” Don’t ask where, I don’t know what he does after work… “And he just looked so lonely. Aren’t they the cutest couple?” “I don’t think they’re actually a couple, Mirabel. I know they’ve been friends for a long time,” he looked directly into her eyes and she hated that. It made her feel like he could see right through her. “Its just that he’s always alone and I just know he misses her a lot,” she tried again. “Mirabel? Would you like to go out with Mark Lincoln?” Jack arched a dark brow at her and sipped his water. Shit, shit, shit. That is NOT what I was going for. “With you here? No, Jack, of course not! You know how important you are to me.” She was trying for the perfect balance of acceptable commitment to Jack and concern for her coworker. “I just thought he seemed well… solitary. And he’s such a pleasant man.” “Mmmm,” Jack responded noncommittally. Mirabel decided to let the matter drop. She’d pick it up again later. *** It was some time before Jack banished the panic that looking at the picture of Erika had caused him. He had put it in his desk drawer as instructed and resisted the urge to cover it with papers and folders. For the next few weeks, Jack concentrated on forgetting the best sexual experience of his life. Working with Erika Arnold was going to be torture on so many levels. He experienced a taste of that torture when he found himself stepping into Mark Lincoln’s office and found his gaze drawn to a picture of the other man and Erika. They were both much younger, dressed in short, tight clothes and laughing in each other’s arms. Walking around the empty desk to get a better look at the picture, Jack looked up to see Mark coming through a recessed doorway, carrying his suit and pulling a sweatshirt down over a blonde furred chest. “Please excuse my dressing in front of you, Jack,” Mark was flushed and disheveled and clearly embarrassed. “I’m headed to a Mets game tonight.” He ran a hand through his hair and smiled, following Jack’s gaze back to the picture he was looking at. 80

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Laughing, Mark moved up to stand beside Jack. “That was The Sadie Hawkins Dance at our old high school. We’d gone back to address the departing seniors after we’d gone on to law school.” Chuckling softly, he lifted the picture. “I thought I was going to have to fight the assistant principal. The dirty old bastard couldn’t keep his hands off her. Poor Erika was just trying to dress authentically.” He flashed Jack a grin. “Let me guess, Bo and Daisy Duke?” Jack raised an eyebrow at him. “I think not!” Mark proclaimed in mock horror. “Li’l Abner and Daisy Mae Scragg! The originals if you please, sir.” Irritation flashed through Jack. He was finding that he liked this man and he did not want to. He’d slept with his apparent longtime girlfriend not once–not even twice but many more times than that. To make matters worse, she was on her way home him, not Jack. “I guess you know Erika will be back sometime in the next couple of weeks or so, hmmm?” he asked looking down at the file in his hands. “Yeah,” Mark grinned. “I will be so happy to have her home. I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed her.” Jack felt like a heel. It was bad enough that he was dreaming about the woman while he was supposed to be dating Mirabel. They’d never talked about being exclusive and Jack was certainly not in love with her. Still, he had no right to feel as he did about Erika. He’d known that she and Mark Lincoln were close. Needless to say, they’d never talked about her relationship with the blond man. They hardly spoke at all when they got together. Usually, they went straight for the sex. Disgusted with himself and with Erika, he tossed the case file he’d brought with him onto Mark’s desk. “Here’s the Cranton vs New York file. I’m done with it,” he barked, spinning on his heel and stalking from the other man’s office. He didn’t have to look to know that Mark watched him leave with a confused expression on his face.

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Chapter Fifteen

Jack settled himself into his chair in the conference room, waiting for the department meeting to begin. He nodded at Charles Devon as some of the associates began filing in. Listening to the chatter around the room, Jack finally realized that most of the morning’s talk was about Erika Arnold. “She’s back, did you see her? Damn she’s hot.” “What I wouldn’t give to thaw that little ice cube.” Jack felt his face go hot. If the meeting didn’t start soon, he was going to hurt someone. He didn’t see Charles’s satisfied smile. “I’d love to see what she wears under those Dior suits.” That nearly had Jack roaring. “Wouldn’t you love to see those big gray eyes looking at you over your…” That did it! Bracing both hands on the table, Jack began to stand. He’d opened his mouth to speak when Charles stood and addressed the group. “Good morning, everyone!” Charles said jovially, clapping Jack on the shoulder. “You all had a fine weekend, I trust?” Jack fought the urge to growl out loud. Hadn’t Charles heard the filth those men had been spouting about his niece? “While I’m sure you all know that Erika Arnold has returned as a partner to our team, we’ll wait until tomorrow to welcome her back.” He looked around, beaming. “She’ll be working with Jack here in International Law. They’ve established a fine working team already and I’m sure you’ll want to address any comments or questions to him regarding Erika.” Jack slowly looked around the room glowering at those he’d heard spouting sexual innuendo. It didn’t matter if they were not going to be intimate. She was his

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partner and nobody should be talking about her that way. The rest of meeting went quickly and smoothly. *** Erika was standing on a chair straining to hang a plant in her new office. The plant would hang just to the right of her desk and she had a small tree on the left. The chair was positioned almost in the center of the room. While it was a comfy chair for sitting on, it wasn’t made for hanging plants. She should have taken her shoes off. “Note to self: Never stand on a padded chair in heels,” she muttered. She felt herself begin to wobble and she hadn’t even gotten her plant on the hook yet. Erika began to wave her free arm, trying to regain her balance. Without warning, she felt prickly heat wash over her and her fingers began to tingle. Before she could acknowledge what that meant, she felt a strong arm go around her waist. Looking down, she saw another long arm stretch above her and take hold of the lush plant. Erika was pressed tight to a broad chest and she grabbed the arm at her waist with both hands. Her rescuer had a sheaf of papers clasped in the hand around her waist. The cologne he was wearing made her want to fall back and groan and just roll around in it. The underlying manly scent had her heart racing. Her whole body was alive with heat. Jack Mac Addison, she groaned inwardly. Dispensing with the plant, Jack turned Erika in his arms and set her on her feet on the floor. She dropped into the chair she’d been standing on to hang the plant. Jack still stood inside her personal space and was scowling down at her. “Don’t do that anymore.” Jack ordered in a rumble. She felt his fear wash over her. “Thanks for your help.” Erika told him, trying to stand. She was determined not to let him overwhelm her. “Would you mind moving? You’re in my bubble,” she snapped crossly. He’d just have to deal with his fear. She didn’t need a keeper, after all. “Bubble?” Jack continued to scowl at her. “I like about three feet around me for personal space. You. Are. In. My. Bubble.” Erika punctuated each word with an ineffectual push to his chest. He arched an eyebrow at her and stepped back.

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Damn the man! He was overpowering her senses even after all this time. The first time she’d met him she’d felt like she’d been hit by a Mack truck. Nothing had changed. He made her feel things she just couldn’t handle right now. Maybe she’d never be able to handle those feelings. “You’ve lost weight!” he accused her. “The hell you say!” she fired back. She stood and walked to the door. “If you mean, 'you’ve lost weight, welcome back', thank you. It’s good to be back.” She glared at him. “If you mean 'you’ve lost weight, have you read Donahue vs. UAE?' no, just leave it on my desk. If you mean, 'you’ve lost weight, you look thinner', mind your own damned business.” Jack stepped back into her "bubble." “What if I mean, you’ve lost weight, you felt lighter in my arms?” he growled. “Damn you, Jack!” she turned away. “I’m going to get some coffee,” she said angrily between her gritted teeth, and walked through the door and down the hall. She was grinding her teeth. How dare he? How dare he put her on sensual overload within an hour of her being back at work? He didn’t want her. She wasn’t going to play whatever game he had in mind. She could tell he was uncertain about her place in his life and she intended to simplify that. They were coworkers–that’s all. And why couldn’t she ignore his sexy purr, her mind groaned. His Scottish accent sounded so good to her. Wasn’t there some part of that man that wasn’t sexy? *** Jack tossed the sheaf of papers at her desk and jogged after her. “Erika! Erika stop.” She didn’t stop but he could see she was holding herself rigid with anger. He caught up to her and slid an arm across her shoulders turning her to face him. She still smelled so good. She still felt so perfect in his arms. Damn it! She might be a great lay, but she’s my partner! Mind over matter! I am not going to think about the way she felt wrapped around me. I can forget the sounds she makes when I buried my cock deep inside of her. He flipped out his cell phone and pressed a button. As he firmly guided her back to her office, he ordered coffee and pastries to be delivered. “You’re in my bubble again,” she grated as they entered her office. Jack wisely bit back a grin, noticing her face was beet red. 84

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He dropped his arm. “Look, we need to talk,” he said. He opened the door behind her desk and slightly to the left. There was a short hallway with a recessed doorway in between and another door that opened to another office. Jack pointed to the recessed door. “That’s our bathroom.” He pointed to the adjacent door. “That’s my office.” …With my couch where we first came together... She shook her head and turned away. He moved back into her office and over to the back wall where she had a cushy sofa and a chair with a coffee table in between. “We’ll be working very closely together, Erika. There’ll be long hours and late nights.” He turned to look at her intently. He reached out and guided her to the sofa. She sat down and he sprawled out in the chair. “We need to get past our… past,” he got out, finally. What was she thinking he wondered? Before she could open her mouth to respond, there came a tap on her door. A smiling waiter from the exclusive restaurant at the top of the building eased in with a coffee service. Without a word, he produced two deep china mugs with saucers and poured both of them steaming cups of rich smelling coffee. He placed small china plates in front of them and prepared an elegant tray of Danish and French pastries. Smiling and bowing, he accepted their thanks and left. Seeing her pained look, Jack explained about the coffee and food. “I worked with the UN too before I came back to the company” he told Erika as she stared at him. “I know its mind boggling to accept this kind of luxury after the hell of living in the field, but we’ll earn it. Trust me. The coffee is Turkish but unsweetened.” Jack leaned over and took a satisfying sip of the coffee. “We’ll do as much or more good here, over coffee, as we did in the sand, dodging bullets.” He chose a Danish pastry and took a bite.

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Chapter Sixteen

Erika looked from him to the table and picked up her coffee. She kicked off her shoes and tucked her legs under her. He arched a questioning brow and pointed from one pastry to the next until she nodded. He put it on a little plate and placed it on the sofa next to her. It was very tasty. She took a sip of the coffee and leaned back, lowering her eyelids so she could study Jack covertly. She watched as he slipped out of his tailored suit jacket and turned to drape it on the chair behind him. She could see his muscles ripple as he turned. He was broad-shouldered and narrow-hipped. As he loosened his tie a little, Erika tried to decide: did he look more like Alec Baldwin or Pierce Brosnan? Either way his dark hair and intense blue eyes ought to be against the law. She loved his voice. That hint of Scottish brogue in his deep tones–the way he seemed to murmur everything so intimately–it was too sexy for words. How was she going to spend all that time with this man and still keep her peace of mind? Erika tried to ignore the memory of her two nights in Jack’s arms. She could feel him fighting his attraction. She could do this, she was sure of it. Yes she could feel him fight it but his hunger for her rippled across her mind like a hot blush. Her fingers still tingled and she needed him, too. “Jack?” she spoke softly. “Erika, I want us to be a good team,” he murmured, looking at her from under sinfully long eyelashes. “Maybe if we get to know each other a bit, I can figure out what’s going on between us.” Jack sighed to himself. “We’ll need to get used to each other, working so closely,” she said quietly, taking another bite of her sweet roll from the plate Jack had placed beside her. ***

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While Erika was studying Jack, he studied her. She had an oval face dominated by large gray eyes. Her brows were elegant and dainty. Her lush mouth featured prominently in most of Jack’s fantasies. He imagined those full lips wrapped around his hard cock while those big passionate gray eyes stared at him over it. He could almost feel her silky blond hair sliding over his thighs. He had to stop this. He adjusted himself to hide the growing erection he’d been fighting since he’d snatched her off of that chair. Sneaking a peek across at Erika, he could see that her face was turning red again. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she’d been privy to his illicit thoughts about her. She’d smelled so good. He remembered the day they’d met. She’d been beautiful, soft and feminine and he’d wanted her on the spot. Then he’d had those two incredible nights holding her, loving her. He still wanted her–badly. After a while, Jack leaned forward and put his mug on the table. “Erika, I know that you and Mark Lincoln are very close.” He looked at her intently. She looked like she wanted to run away and hide. “I’ve been dating a woman in Contracts. There’s no reason why we can’t work together and live our lives.” Erika took a deep breath. “You’re right, of course, Jack.” She offered him an embarrassed smile and went on. “You needn’t worry about me doing anything to make you uncomfortable. Don’t worry.” She placed her mug on the table. “I’d feel better if we could just stick to business from now on, okay?” It wasn’t okay with Jack, not really. But she was right. They should definitely stick to business. He was fine dating Mirabel. He wasn’t going to get romantically involved with Erika Arnold – nope, not in a million years. “Okay, Erika, you’ve got a deal.” He smiled his thousand-watt smile at her and she flinched. He arched a brow in concern. “Erika? Are you all right? What’s wrong?” Maybe she was trying to do too much, too soon after all her traveling. He knew she’d had to unpack all her belongings and fix up her apartment after being gone so long. “Just a twinge, really. I moved wrong,” she assured him. He didn’t believe her. She was always taking on more than she should and trying to act tough. The picture Charles had given him of her under the gun of rebel activists flashed through his mind.

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Instantly, he bent over her, running his hands over her shoulders and down her back. One hand searched her legs. “Are you okay?” he demanded, “Erika? Where does it hurt?” She pushed at his shoulders to stop him but he needed to reassure himself that she was really all right. “Jack…” she began, pushing harder. Suddenly, Mirabel appeared through the connecting door and cleared her throat loudly. “Well, well, well. We all knew she had the hots for you, Jack. I didn’t think you’d give in on the first day, though!” she said. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Mirabel. Get out of here. Just go wait in my office.” Jack ordered furiously. Mirabel didn’t move. “Jack, please, I’m fine. I’ll take an aspirin, really.” He allowed himself to be pushed backward finally but he kept one hand on her shoulder. “You’re in my bubble again, Jack,” she whispered loudly. He chuckled and helped her stand. He dropped his hands and stepped backward bumping the coffee table. He started toward Mirabel who still stood in the doorway when he remembered his suit jacket and turned back to retrieve it. Erika avoided his eyes as she poured herself some more coffee and moved to her desk. *** A few days later, Erika was engrossed in transcripts at her desk when her door opened. Startled, she looked up. She expected Jack but knew he was in his own office and the connecting door was open. She was surprised to see Mirabel, the woman Jack was dating, come through her outer door. “Hello, can I help you?” Erika asked cautiously. The other woman glared at her. Mirabel had long, straight, dark hair that she coiled on her head. She was attractive but Erika thought she had a hard, glossy look about her. “How about I help you, Barbie?” she sneered at Erika. “That’s my man you’ve been all over and you need to know that he has never wanted you.” Erika decided not to

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argue that point. The woman was really getting wound up. “You may be a little Barbie doll, but Jack is not your Ken.” “Excuse me, Mirabel is it?” Erika tried for a sincere smile. “I wasn’t all over him and I know he isn’t my Ken,” she grinned, hoping she could tease the woman a little. “I’m not losing him to you, bitch,” Mirabel growled in her mind. “I’ve worked too hard for this and you have NO idea what you’re up against.” Erika was more than a little startled. The woman didn’t seem altogether …together. “You take my advice, little Barbie doll,” Mirabel growled. “Do your work and go home. Jack Mac Addison is spoken for.” Mark walked in and stopped short. “Mirabel? Jack’s office is over there.” He pointed toward Jack’s office. Mirabel moved toward the door Mark had just come through. “You heard me, Barbie! Get your own Ken!” she snarled and walked out. Jack came in through the connecting door. “Did I just hear Mirabel in here?” he asked. Mark started to speak but Erika cut him off. “Of course not, Jack. Mirabel and I are hardly pals. We don’t visit each other.” She tried for her own thousand-watt smile and heard Jack suck in his breath. “Beautiful,” Jack thought, staring at her transfixed. “Mark was doing impressions,” she improvised. “Did you need anything else, Jack?” she arched a dainty brow at him. “Um, no” Jack seemed disconcerted. She knew he didn’t believe her but she’d distracted him with her smile. That fact made her feel pretty good. He found his way back to his own office and got back to work. “Barbie, huh?” Mark lifted a brow at her as he led her toward the elevator. “Obviously she doesn’t see you as Eye Candy,” he chuckled. “No, I’d have to say she does not,” she responded archly, hoping to change the subject. “So where are we going, Mark?” she asked hoping to draw him even further from any talk of Mirabel and ultimately Jack. The elevator doors opened and they rode down to the ground floor in silence. Finally Erika asked again, “Where are we going, Mark?”

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“Why, we’re going to lunch, Licorice Whip,” he slid a hand under he elbow and escorted her from the elevator and out of the building. He hailed a cab and quickly opened the door for her when it arrived. She gave him a hard look but didn’t say anything during the short ride to the little restaurant. “Why are you being so mysterious, Mark?” she asked finally. She’d tried to scan his thoughts but he was deliberately thinking of the color pink. “I don’t mean to be, really.” At her disbelieving look, he chuckled and relented. “I just want you to meet a friend of mine.” She opened her mouth to speak and he held up a hand. “Not date him, just meet him!” he insisted, holding open the restaurant door. “That’s a good thing, Mark, because…” she began, looking up at him as she walked passed him. “There he is!” Mark was doing his best to keep his mind clear, it seemed. “Niall!” Mark called out grinning. “Faith and begorrah!” Erika heard in her head. “Sunlight and Moonbeams stand before me!” She smiled at the handsome man with the green eyes that hugged Mark and then took her in an exuberant hug. “I wonder if I’m sunlight or moonbeams?” she thought to herself. “Moonbeams, of course, me darlin’! Beauty such as yours could blind a man by the light of day,” she heard a lilting Irish voice say inside her head. “Y-You,” she stammered. “Um, you can, you are…” “That’s right beautiful lassie. I’m fey, just like you,” he announced proudly. Mark groaned loudly and lowered his face into his palms. “Come on, Mark!” she laughed. “Don’t you think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship?” *** Niall was sitting at his desk, ostensibly reading an eyewitness report of a shooting when he decided a little experimentation was in order. He thought of Erika as he remembered her at lunch. Closing his eyes, he reached for her thoughts. “Tell me beautiful lassie, promise it isn’t a Scotsman you’re pining after. It would surely break my heart,” he pondered after skimming Erika’s thoughts. “Niall Kincaid! How dare you prance around in my head reading all my thoughts?” came her angry response. “That is unbelievably rude!”

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“I’m sorry my fey beauty,” he really did feel contrite. Sort of…“I was just seeing if I could do it. You are free to wander among my thoughts and memories in good faith.” “That’s not the point, Niall! It’s … Niall? You’ve got the hots for Mark?” she paused and then gasped mentally, “AND ME?” “I wouldn’t say the “hots” lovey. More it is that I feel a deep and abiding affection for each of you.” He thought about that a second. He could practically feel her tapping her foot. “Should either of you need or desire to share that affection in a physical way, I would be only too happy to express those feelings, too.” He heard nothing for a few long seconds. “Well,” she said finally, “that was certainly the most diplomatic come on I’ve ever had.” Niall couldn’t control his laughter at that and his partner, who was seated at the desk across from him, looked up sharply. “Private joke, Phil, sorry,” he excused himself. Phil shook his head and went back to work. “I will tell you that Mark’s sweetness of spirit and his soul-deep loneliness spoke to me the first time I met him. I pledged to befriend him no matter his needs,” He began his explanation to her and then paused. After thinking it over, he continued. “You, I ken, are beautiful inside and out but you touched a loneliness inside of me. To lie with either of you would be a privilege indeed.” “I agree that this thing we do–this clairvoyance–it can be very lonely. Still…” she trailed off. “Erika, need I remind you that I am a man? I am attracted to both men and women but regardless, when men feel affection, especially for people who are physically attractive, well, it’s more than a mental thing, hmmm?” He tried to keep his amusement inside this time since his partner continued to glance suspiciously at him every so often. “Okay, Niall, I get it but–two things: first, don’t go running through my thoughts unless I allow you to, it’s not right, and second… well, you know I have feelings for someone.” “Don’t worry, lass, I’ll respect your privacy and let you know when I’m near. You must promise that you’ll lean on me if you ever need me–no matter how it is that you need me, okay?” “I’ll turn to you, Niall, and I want you to turn to me too. There aren’t a lot of us out there. I’ll be here for you, okay?” Niall smiled and nodded. “Okay,” he thought with finality. 91

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“Okay,” he heard her say in his head followed by the creaking sound of a door closing. Chuckling to himself, he looked up and caught his partner looking at him again. “Ya know, Niall, sometimes you’re just plain creepy,” Phil told him with a shiver. Niall laughed a little louder and forced his attention back to the job at hand. *** The following morning, Jack and Erika met in court and settled in to wait for their client to arrive and the trial to start. The opposition lawyers walked past their table chattering. Erika giggled when she heard one of them say, “Looks like Barbie and Ken are already here!” “What’s so funny?” Jack asked her. Without thinking, Erika turned to Jack and said, “Barbie and Ken. That’s what Mirabel called us the other day when…” “I thought you said Mirabel hadn’t been in your office the other day?” his eyes were narrowed on hers. “Um…Did I say Mirabel?” she hedged nervously. “I meant Miriam–you know, Miriam from finance? She’s got that granddaughter and…” Erika knew she didn’t do subterfuge very well. “She has a grandson, Erika,” he still looked fierce. “She’s very progressive.” Erika sunk low in her chair and opened a file, pretending to read. She didn’t know what to expect if Jack got mad at her. Jack continued to look speculatively at her but said nothing. He had to wonder why she didn’t want him to know about Mirabel coming to see her. He had to know though, that if she had called them Barbie and Ken, Mirabel obviously hadn’t been welcoming his new partner to the team. The thing was, Jack had a big heart. She knew he cared about Mirabel. She knew he was a decent man who didn’t want to hurt either her or the dark haired woman. He obviously didn’t realize that Mirabel took him much more seriously than he took her.

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Chapter Seventeen

Josh was a little disappointed that Erika had turned up on Mark’s doorstep this night of all nights. Over the last couple months he’d been carefully courting the other man, and they were taking it slowly and seriously. Mark was getting past his experience with Rudy. They hadn’t been physically intimate since the day Rudy had tried to blackmail Mark. He was opening up to him more and more and realizing that they could have a real, committed relationship. Although they’d indulged in some light petting, his relationship with Mark was still teetering, not yet solid and serious to the younger man. Josh wasn’t worried, though. His acceptance of Erika could only be seen as a positive thing to Mark, he felt certain. He knew that Mark Lincoln was the one. They had a lifetime for physical intimacy. Tonight, they’d share another kind of intimacy. “Is she okay?” he asked the other man. “What happened?” Mark gusted a deep sigh. “It’s this guy at the office. She’s had a thing for him for over a year. I always hoped …” he trailed off, his eyes distant and unfocused. “Mark, she’ll be okay, don’t worry so much.” He laid a palm on Mark’s cheek. “It’s just that she deserves the best. I just want her to be happy.” Mark’s eyes sparkled with a sheen of emotional tears. He turned his head away. “I’m sorry, Josh. I know this isn’t what you had in mind for tonight. She just needed some company so I asked her to come down.” Gently, Josh tugged Mark’s face back toward him. He dipped his head and kissed both of Mark’s cheeks and gently grazed his lips with his own. “I had in mind to spend tonight with you, Mark. Any way that happens is fine with me,” he smiled, sliding an arm around the other man’s stiff shoulders. Slowly, the tension seeped away. “Really?” he asked in a low voice. “Really,” Josh grinned, hugging him tightly. “Let’s watch a movie--whaddaya say? We’ll snuggle up and ogle other guys’ tight asses.” 93

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Josh eased a chuckling Mark down on the couch in front of him as he stretched out and reached for the remote. “Sounds like a perfect night,” Mark sighed. “Maybe Erika will come in and ogle, too. You’d better snuggle close so there’ll be room for her on this couch.” Before she’d joined them, Josh had been enjoying the feel of pressing his erection into Mark’s rear. He was teasing the other man with his hand on his abdomen, sometimes dipping lower. Looking up to see Erika hovering uncertainly in the hallway, he realized he saw on her face the same fear of rejection that he saw on Mark’s in unguarded moments. She had started moving backward, apparently intent upon returning to her own apartment on another floor when he called to her. Mark had stretched out an arm to her–she said she’d be there as soon as she’d used the bathroom. The minute she’d disappeared, Mark had rolled toward him. Surprising Josh completely, Mark tentatively kissed him on the lips. “Thank you, Josh,” he whispered, kissing him again. Mark then turned back to spoon with him, wriggling his butt against Josh’s painful erection. When Josh groaned, Mark said in a low voice, “Don’t worry, officer, we’ll inspect your weapon later.” When Erika did come and join them on the sofa, Mark wrapped an arm around her and the three lay, spoon-fashion, watching the Tony Curtis movie, Sparticus. Josh grinned as he tickled Erika’s waist, causing her to giggle. Josh realized that Mark had accepted him partly because of the way he treated Erika. Hell, she was a nice lady and easy to be nice to. But he’d be glad to take his reward, just the same. *** Erika stayed to watch the movie with them and then returned to her own apartment, citing legal briefs that she needed to look over. Before she left, she gave Josh a hug and Mark one as well. “You’ve got something real here, Bud,” she whispered in his ear. All he could do was hug her tighter and let her go. Now he was alone with Josh and nervous. This time it was more than just sex with a guy or a guy friend. This was intimacy. Mark knew that he was in love with Josh.

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Turning toward the older man, he moved to him and put his arms around his waist. Reaching up with one hand, he carded his fingers through that thick mahogany colored mop, reveling in the silken smoothness slipping through his fingers. Josh was two inches taller and his muscles were much heavier and more defined than Mark’s. He found that very attractive as he trailed along the side of the strong jaw with the tips of his fingers. He’d followed their progress along the other man’s cheek to his chin. Now he looked up again and was captured in those expressive, ever changing eyes just like a fly in amber. Only now, they were darkening to green like those of a powerful jungle cat. Standing on his toes, Mark traced those plush moist lips with his tongue, memorizing their lines and curves, following their perfect contours until he met rough stubble. He licked and kissed his way across the high cheekbone to the baby soft skin just in front of Josh’s ear. Continuing his odyssey, he tracked his way down his neck, tasting and nibbling until he got to the other man’s collarbone. His first nip there seemed to break the dam that was holding the big man in check. Josh groaned and gathered Mark closer, covering his mouth in a hungry kiss. The older man’s tongue danced against his brazenly, sweeping his palate and delving deeper and deeper within him as the large hands cupping his head pressed him closer and closer. He relaxed into the densely muscled body enfolding him, offering no resistance when strong arms tightened around him. Molten green eyes met his, full of silent promises that lifted Mark to new heights of anxiety and anticipation. He found himself needing to lean on the wall behind him, his legs suddenly untrustworthy. He watched, mesmerized, as those kiss-swollen lips moved temptingly, barely hearing what Josh was saying. “Bed,” he groaned in a raspy whisper. Mark couldn’t agree more. “Bed,” he concurred. The two men made their way down the hall to Mark’s bedroom and Josh gently pushed him down on the bed. Immediately, the larger man rose above him pushing his shirt out of the way and off. He’d disposed of his own somewhere between the hallway and the bedroom. His mouth descended on Mark’s chest, using his tongue to surround a stiff nipple and lift it to his waiting teeth. He kissed the taut flesh, soothing the sting of the bite. 95

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Mark felt the shock of air against his wet chest as Josh's mouth moved downward. He was swamped with a surge of relief as his jeans were suddenly opened to free his trapped cock. Large warm hands briefly palmed his ass as the pants and boxers were slowly drawn down and away. Mark opened his eyes and looked down to see Josh kneeling between his legs. The older man leaned in and took his very erect penis in hand. He let his tongue run from the base to the tip, tasting him. Then, with no warning, he opened his mouth and swallowed Mark’s swollen erection whole. He let out a yelp of surprise as he felt himself completely surrounded by moist warmth. Josh’s strong hands kept him pinned in place as he fought the urge to thrust. He was sure he was going to come when the larger man stilled his ministrations and moved beside him on the bed. Mark tackled the other man and reached for the waistband on the loose sweats he was wearing. He carefully eased the cloth over the straining erection, freeing the large cock to the evening air. "Yesss..." he hissed and closed his fingers around it. As he slowly stroked, Mark leaned up to lightly bite along Josh's jaw to a spot just behind one ear. Then he began sucking a trail down the satiny pale skin, lazily swiping his tongue in the lightly furred valley that bisected Josh's well-muscled chest. He ran his teeth over the ridged abdomen, heading for the patch of hair arrowing down from his navel. He halted his southern journey when Josh's hands tugged at his arms. "Mark...too--too close," he breathed. Mark immediately moved up to share a sizzling kiss, delighted when he felt powerful hands sliding down to cup his rear end once again. He sent one hand out in a search for the lube he’d bought earlier and put on the nightstand. With his other hand, he continued to stroke and tease the body beneath him. When he found the tube he lifted himself off his almost-again lover and handed it over without a word. “Are you sure, Love?” Josh whispered in a gravelly voice. “Yes,” Mark promised, “Please, Josh.” Taking the tube, Josh warmed the slick gel between his palms. Mark turned over to his stomach, moaning loudly when he felt his nether cheeks parted and Josh’s slippery finger pushed against his tiny opening.

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He couldn’t resist pressing back as another and another made their way inside him. Once, twice, Josh’s fingers stroked the little bump deep in his body and he thought he’d come right there. Soon, the fingers were gone and he felt the blunt head of the other man’s rod pressing against him. A brief pleasure-pain shot through him as Josh pushed his way into Mark’s body in shallow, persistent strokes. Gradually, the minor hurting was scalded away, letting the underlying wave of raw pleasure rise to the fore. The thrusts deepened and quickened until Mark felt Josh’s body press flush against him again. The other man stilled as soon as he was buried to the hilt inside of Mark. After a moment, Josh began thrusting, slow and deep, speeding up as Mark gasped and begged. He moaned and twisted and bucked helplessly, the kaleidoscope of pleasure robbing him of any coherent thought. One hand reached to grip his, while the other slid under his hip to close tightly around his painful erection sending a bolt of lightning up his spine. He tightened his grip on the long fingers intertwined with his own as the harsh sound of gasping breaths surrounded them both. Even as he climbed higher and higher towards the precipice, a small active kernel of Mark’s mind noted how eventually, even their breathing fell into harmony, matching the rhythm of their joined bodies. For one brief moment, Mark could feel Josh’s body all around him, breathing with him, his heart beating with his. For the space of a few heartbeats they ascended to a level, well beyond that of the flesh. Suddenly, reality shattered around him as he fell off the peak into a pillow of ecstasy. Mark felt himself convulse into the mattress, emptying himself into Josh's palm. His involuntary contractions produced a violent shudder in the long, hard body pressed into him, and then he felt the cock deep within him spasm and jerk and erupt thickly. A pained groan reverberated against the nape of his neck as the powerful muscles against his back bunched and jumped while Josh shook in the throes of his own orgasm. Mark gasped and then sighed with a shudder as he felt Josh slip out of him carefully. Limp and exhausted, he felt himself be turned around and folded into strong arms, leaning wearily into his lover’s hard, lightly haired chest.

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Mark smiled as warm moist kisses fell along his neck and cheek. Feeling loved and content, he tilted his head up and looked into Josh’s face. Those ever-changing eyes had returned again to that familiar caramel-cognac color that had featured prominently in Mark’s dreams for the past year. They were the last things he saw before he drifted off to sleep.

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Chapter Eighteen

Laura was almost in the building when she caught sight of her male boss, Jack Mac Addison. He was walking with Mirabel Grady from Contracts but his gaze was riveted on a taxi that had just pulled up. She couldn’t resist the urge to look and see who was in the cab since his attention was so focused on it. She had her suspicions. As she watched, the door to the taxi opened and a tallish blonde-haired man got out. He leaned down and reached into the cab. Mark Lincoln. I bet Erika’s with him. YEP! Erika and Mark stood at the door to the cab for a minute longer, both blonde heads flashing in the morning sun, their laughter ringing out across the sidewalk. Laura bit back a grin as Jack turned abruptly and stalked into the building, Mirabel Grady in tow. The elevator ride up to their floor was quiet even though the car was reasonably full. Laura was sure that, if she could feel the tension, no doubt the other riders were affected, too. Jack strode off the elevator and straight to his office while Mirabel turned left and went on to her own department. Laura busied herself with organizing her desk for the day while keeping an eye on the elevator for her other boss, Erika. When she spotted the petite blonde stepping out of the sliding metal doors, Laura walked around her desk, intent on greeting her. She stopped short when Mirabel intercepted the smaller woman. “Wait a minute, Blondie, I need to talk to you,” Mirabel ordered harshly. “Ohhh, sorry, I’m in a rush this morning,” Erika oozed apologetically, barely slowing down. “Tell you what, I’ll have my secretary call you back with possible times for later today or tomorrow. How’s that?” She gave the angry woman an insincere smile

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and added, “Look at the time! Gotta dash!” she quickly sped past Laura and through to her office. Laura stood with a smile on her face, turning toward Erika’s office when she saw Mirabel flounce off in a huff. “Is she gone?” Erika asked seconds later leaning out of her door. As she nodded, Erika took a few more steps out until she leaned on Laura’s desk. The secretary flipped out her appointment calendar for Erika and Jack and scanned it. “Okay, I have you free today from two-thirty to three and then that’s it until tomorrow,” she grinned, certain that Erika wouldn’t have her call the other woman. Once again, Erika surprised her. Leaning over to jot down a little note, Erika said, “Call her, tell her that,” she waved a hand at the script she’d written. “If Miss Grady still wants to meet, I am at her disposal.” She hesitated briefly. “Well, I am during the times you say I am.” Laura watched Erika disappear back into her office and turned around to her desk. She spent a good fifteen minutes puttering and doing everything she could think of that didn’t include calling Mirabel. Finally, she could put it off no more. Picking up the phone, she punched in the numbers to Mirabel’s extension. Fingering the note containing the scrawled lines, she waited for the other woman to answer the phone. “Mirabel Grady,” came the bored and flat greeting. “Good morning, Ms. Grady, this is Laura Sims, calling for Erika Arnold.” “Yes?” the other woman snapped, instantly aggressive. “Miss Arnold would like you to know that, if your request for a meeting is regarding a contract, acquiring personal holdings, or establishing informal mergers with specific workplace colleagues, you should know that she did get the memo.” Ahhh, she’s telling Mirabel to back off because everyone knows she’s a grasping, insecure shrew who’s afraid that Jack will slip through her clutches. There was a moment of silence. Just when Laura was sure the woman had hung up, she growled, “That’s good.” “Ms. Grady, if you needed to meet about another issue…” Laura went on in her most professional manner. “No, Laura,” Mirabel cut her off rudely, “That’s all.” She hung up the phone with a clatter. 100

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The secretary was struggling with a grin when she heard a familiar murmuring brogue behind her. “I’m not familiar with that memo, Laura. Refresh my memory?” Jack! Oh no! Where did he come from? “Um, good morning, Jack!” she smiled nervously. “Did you have a nice evening?” she tried. “Lovely, Laura, it was lovely. Now, about that memo?” he persisted. Oh why does this sort of thing happen to me? ERIKA! The door behind her opened and Erika walked out smiling. How does she do that? “Jack! Good morning! Are you ready for coffee and case management? Laura, go ahead and order the coffee for us, please. Be sure to snag a couple of pastries for yourself.” Jack had turned toward Erika and slowly moved into her office. Laura breathed a sigh of relief. “What memo was Laura referring to?” She heard Jack ask Erika. “Oh that. Just an update of certain policy changes during my absence,” Erika explained with a wink at Laura before she closed the door. Chuckling to herself, she ordered the coffee and pastry.

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Chapter Nineteen

Kevin Kincaid was not sure what to think, much less feel. Every year members of his family came together in the Adirondack Mountains for a week of camping and renewal. It was understood that husbands, wives, and significant others were welcome. Once again, Joe, his older son, had brought his girlfriend Maria. Kevin suspected that wedding bells wouldn’t be far off for that couple. Keeley, his daughter and the oldest of his children had brought along her husband, Nolan, and their brood. Even his nephews Niall and Sean would be there soon. This year though, for the first time ever, Joshua, his youngest, had brought someone. Kevin was uneasy because that someone, his son’s significant other, was a man. He’d known for years that Josh was gay but he’d never seen evidence of it. Josh kept that part of his life away from his family of Irish cops. Kevin could only discern then that this young man was special to his son. Permanent. He’d been keeping a close eye on Mark, Josh’s friend, ever since he saw Joe’s SUV pull up with the two couples in it around six that morning. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected but the handsome blonde man had surprised him from the start. “Hey old man,” his son Joe interrupted his musings. “I know that boy is pretty but if you keep staring at him, I think Josh might get a little testy.” “You’re not funny, son. Besides, I’m not staring at him, I’m just watching,” he hedged quickly. “Oh yeah?” Joe countered, arching a dark red eyebrow. “Look at him, got all those teenagers busy putting up tents and stowing the gear. They’re doing a fine job of it, too.” Kevin knew his voice conveyed his admiration for the young man. “He’s not afraid to be in charge, is he?” “What’d you think, Pop? He’d have a limp wrist and mince around on his tippytoes?” Joe teased. “He’s a lawyer, not a hairdresser.” 102

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Kevin turned and glared at his oldest son. “No, I didn’t think he’d act like that.” Joe raised his eyebrow at him again. He looks just like his mother when he does that. “Okay, well, I don’t know what I expected. I guess I thought he might be a little feminine-like. You know how Joshua is.” “You mean how dominating and macho Josh is?” Joe laughed. “Just like the rest of this Black Irish mob?” Kevin chuckled. “Yeah, I guess that’s what I mean. But that young man’s definitely in charge of whatever he’s doing, isn’t he?” “Must be the military thing.” Kevin looked at him and shook his head. “What military thing?” “Oh, he’s an Army Captain in the National Guard. On the list for Major,” Joe supplied. “Are they allowed to date men in the National Guard?” Kevin asked. “Doesn’t that “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy apply there?” “It does. So don’t bring it up. I think that’d upset him.” Joe clapped his father on the shoulder and went off to help Maria. Now Kevin noticed Mark discreetly clasp Josh’s hand and let go, turning to head up a path alone. Seizing the opportunity to talk to the other man privately, Kevin decided to follow. “Excuse me, Mark, I hoped you’d have a minute to talk?” he asked, as he got near the other man. “Certainly, Mr. Kincaid. Do you mind waiting a minute or two while I call my secretary?” He smiled apologetically. “It won’t take long, I’m sure. I just need to follow up on a couple of things.” “If it’s no imposition?” Kevin was curious about what lawyers did when they weren’t in court so he’d stick around if Mark didn’t mind. “You do what you need to do and I’ll be right back,” he compromised. He’d go take a leak and then eavesdrop. I have to make sure this guy’s good enough for my son, right? Mark smiled and nodded and began dialing as Kevin moved down the path. “Mark Lincoln’s office,” he heard a hollow feminine voice announce. Must have put it on speaker somehow. “Good morning, Gail. What’re you doing in the hot seat today?” Mark asked jovially 103

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“Oh, Mr. Lincoln! Leigh decided to take you up on those personal days you offered since you’ll be out. What can I do for you, sir?” The young lady sounded breathless now. She sounds like her boss has surprised her. “First, Gail, make sure you schedule deposition appointments for the listed parties in the Franks case. The list is in Leigh’s inbox. Also call Steve Enders’ secretary at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and follow up on the state’s amended complaint in the Rialto case.” He flipped through a notebook while he waited. “Okay, Mr. Lincoln. Anything else?” the young lady asked eagerly. “Just transfer me to Jordan Sinclair, please,” he instructed. “Yes, sir. Have fun, sir.” A series of clicks could be heard. “Jordan Sinclair,” a different feminine voice announced. “Good morning, Jordan, its Mark,” he greeted her. “Oh, Mr. Lincoln! I mean, Mark,” she sounded embarrassed. “Its okay, Jordan. You’ll get used to it. I just called to make sure you had things set up with some of the junior associates to begin discovery in Yates vs Zyland Springs case.” He sounded very adult and business-like, Kevin thought. “Oh, yes sir. I sure do. And that’s the main thing you want this week, right? That, and the continuance paperwork?” “Yes, Jordan but I also want you to summarize why a breach of property judgment should be made against Red Deer, Inc. I’ll check in on Wednesday,” he promised. “Thank you, sir. I’ll have everything done. You can count on me, sir.” She sounded very eager. “Fine, Jordan. That’s fine. Until Wednesday, then.” Kevin waited a moment and then walked back to the fallen tree that Mark was sitting on. “Sounds like you have a pretty important job,” he observed. “I guess everyone’s job is important to the people who pay them, right?” Mark grinned sheepishly. With a jolt, Kevin realized that the young lawyer was nervous in spite of how secure and in charge he’d seemed to his subordinates. He looked so young, now that he studied him up close.

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“I want to thank you for coming with Josh this week, Mark.” He smiled selfconsciously. “To tell you the truth, I was a bit nervous about meeting you. I’ve never met any of Josh’s … well, friends, I guess.” He knew his face was red now. Mark’s cheeks were flushed pink as well. “I was pretty nervous about meeting you too, Mr. Kincaid.” He looked over and then looked down. Kevin rested a hand on his shoulder. “I wish you’d call me Kevin, son.” He thought a second. “Or you can call me “Pop” if you want. I think it’s likely that you’ll be around a while, don’t you?” He chuckled at him. “Hard for a blonde to hide a blush, isn’t it?” “Yes, sir, it is,” Mark flushed deeper but laughed with him. “I’ll call you Kevin for now, sir. I hope I’m around long enough to make it “Pop”.” “Good, good.” Both men stood and Kevin tossed an arm over Mark’s shoulder. “A man can’t have enough sons. I’d be proud to welcome another one.”

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Chapter Twenty

Erika often thought that it was a very good thing that neither she nor Jack was married. She knew that no husband would have put up with the long hours and late nights she was working. Once in a while, she’d go have a quick drink with Mark or he’d stay and have dinner with her. Occasionally Josh ate with them. Usually, they’d work until one of them would start to yawn and then call it a night. They did that if they were working in the same office. Just as often, one of them would fall asleep on the couch or chair in their own office. Sometimes Jack would find her and wake her up or the other way around. Erika had been working with Jack for almost two months when she found him asleep on his couch around two in the morning. She lifted the papers from his chest and leaned over him to remove his reading glasses. It was so late that she figured he should just get a good night’s sleep and run home to change when he woke up. He looked so good to her when he was all rumpled. She had just eased the reading glasses from his face when she felt his hand cup the back of her head. “Erika, you came back,” he murmured obviously dreaming. She parted her lips to speak and he pulled her mouth down to his. He took her bottom lip between his teeth and tugged lightly. He licked her top lip and parted her lips with his. She moaned softly as his tongue swept her mouth. He pulled her gently to him with the hand at her head. Her upper body was pressed to his chest and his free hand was making its way up her leg. She grabbed at his wrist but he didn’t stop. “Jack,” she breathed. “Jack, we can’t,” she moaned into his mouth. His magic fingers had found the tops of her stockings and were teasing the edge of her teddy. Erika knew that she’d be lost if she let this go on another millisecond. “Want you,” he thought. She couldn’t escape it. “Want you, want you.” 106

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His elegant hand was cupping her bottom cheek under her teddy now and she knew he wouldn’t sleep through making love with her. If she thought he would, she wouldn’t have tried to stop him. Moving both hands to his head, Erika tugged his hair. “Jack! Wake up!” she said loudly, pulling her head back as much as the hand in her hair would allow. His eyes seemed to focus and he looked around. She must have turned scarlet when he flexed the hand that was still under her satin teddy cupping half of her bottom. Slowly he eased his hand back the way it had traveled. He slid his palm and fingers over her silk covered thigh and down to her knee. He tugged her skirt back down. He slowly pulled his other hand out of her hair over her neck and caressed her cheek. She carefully stood up. She sat down on his coffee table. Her legs just weren’t working right. Jack eased himself up and ran his fingers through his hair. He looked up at her. “Erika…I…” She saw him struggle with what to say. “I wish to hell I were still asleep,” he thought. “I wish you’d waited until I was inside you to awaken me.” “Jack, it’s my fault,” she said red-faced. His eyebrow shot up. She went on to explain. “I remember the last time I leaned over you when you were asleep. I …” “You what, Erika?” he interrupted her harshly. “You got in my bubble, Erika? Don’t worry about it, I forgive you,” he gritted. “Just don’t do it again, you got that? And stay off that damned chair to water your fucking plant!” he barked, apparently for good measure. Erika bolted into her own office. In seconds, she had her things together. She was on the elevator before Jack could’ve had time to feel the first pang of regret. She turned her cell phone off when it began to ring. There was a message from Jack on her machine at home but she didn’t listen to it. She’d messed up and she didn’t want to talk about it. He’d been angry with her and she didn’t want to talk about that either. She didn’t want to examine any part of how she felt about what had happened. She’d liked it too much when he was touching her. It hurt too badly when he was angry with her. *** Jack couldn’t say why he was so angry all of the sudden. Maybe it was because he’d only been half asleep when she’d stopped him. He felt like a total ass. He had 107

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certainly behaved like one. He should have taken–or even shared–the responsibility for what had happened. He was a man after all–he had male sexual urges. She was a beautiful, healthy young woman. She had female sexual urges. They’d put in so many hours side by side. She smelled so good. The way she’d felt under his hands… She’d kissed him back just as deeply as he’d kissed her. She wasn’t immune to him. They were attracted to each other. It was just natural, wasn’t it? He’d fight these feelings he had for her. He was certain she didn’t want a relationship with him. After all, she already had Mark. Mirabel never missed an opportunity to remind him of that. *** When Jack got to work the next morning, there was a message on his voice mail from Erika. She didn’t sound too good and he wondered if she’d been crying. He handled one deposition and an interview without her. After lunch, he called her apartment. At first nobody answered. Twenty minutes later, he called back. Erika answered but it sounded garbled. Deciding to investigate, Jack caught a cab and headed over to Erika’s apartment. When he knocked at the door, he heard a muffled voice calling out. “Go away!” Erika told him. If she’s going to yell, she really needs to put a little more strength behind it. “Erika Arnold,” he bellowed, “You open this door right now!” Instantly, he heard her fumbling with the lock and the knob. One look at her and he realized that his assumptions were way off base. He had believed that she’d called in because she didn’t want to face him after the way he’d–they’d–behaved the night before. She opened the door and moved back to her couch, huddling and shivering in one corner. She was wrapped in a blanket but he could see a thick, burgundy colored robe of Turkish cotton under the blanket. “Erika?” he moved closer to her. She coughed and shrunk lower into the couch. “Don’t come closer, Jack,” she groaned. “I’ve got the flu.” He reached out and felt her forehead. Even without a thermometer, he could tell she had a fever. He scooped her up and headed for the bathroom. “Jack,” she croaked, “You’ll get sick, put me down.”

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“I’ve had a shot. How come you didn’t get one?” he asked her, setting her on the commode seat. “It’s because of being overseas…what are you doing?” the last bit came out a high squeak. Jack began peeling layers off of her beginning with her blanket, followed by her bulky robe. Under it she wore a silk button down sleep shirt over silk boxers. Bravely, he stripped her down to her blue silk lace panties with the sweet little satin ribbon tied in a bow on the front. Biting back a groan, he murmured, “Put your arms around my neck,” and he eased them down her legs. Erika was sick and he wanted to jump her poor aching bones. I am such an ass. Ruthlessly, he plopped her into the tub and turned the shower on to barely warm. He got her to tell him where her bedding and clothing was. He found a clean set of flannel sheets and stripped her bed, remaking it. Hopefully, she’d feel snug and warm in them. He pulled back the chenille jacquard comforter and went to find fresh clothes for her. He found some more lace panties that were white and laced up the front with a baby blue ribbon. For pajamas, he found a set of charmeuse pajamas with a button down top and drawstring pants in a vibrant blue. How he was going to work with her and not imagine her in the sexy underwear, he didn’t know. The same way I work with her and not imagine her in nothing at all and with my dick buried deep inside of her. Hell, sheer, wonderful hell. Carrying the clothes into the bathroom, he turned the shower off and lifted a shivering Erika out. He wrapped her in a bath sheet and rubbed her until she was completely dry. Carefully he helped her dress trying not to touch her intimately. “You and your underwear, Erika… You’re going to kill me,” he murmured, holding her upright while he helped her into it. “Like pretty things,” she mumbled. “Soft things…want to feel feminine…” “Baby, you are feminine no matter what you wear.” He pulled the pants on her and buttoned her top.

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Lifting her, he carried her to her bed and placed her in it, covering her with the soft comforter. She snuggled into it and then began to sneeze. A cursory search of her apartment told him that she didn’t have anything much to combat the flu. He sat next to her on the bed and rubbed her back until she dropped off to sleep. Taking her house keys, he quickly headed home, plunged into an icy shower, and changed into jeans. He stuffed some sweats, extra socks, and clean boxer shorts into an overnight bag. He’d called the office and cancelled everything for the rest of the day and the following day. He called Mirabel’s voicemail and cancelled dinner with her for that night. Stopping at a drugstore, Jack stocked up on flu remedies and other odds and ends.

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Chapter Twenty-One

When he let himself back into Erika’s apartment, she was calling out, begging someone, “NO! I want to go home! Don’t make me go back…” “Erika” he sprinted to her bedroom and immediately gathered her into his arms. “It’s me, its Jack,” he soothed. “No,” she sobbed, “Jack was here but he didn’t stay. Jack is gone.” He soothed and comforted her until she began to calm down. He went into the kitchen and began heating water for “flu tea” and brought it to her. She’d become agitated again when he left her alone. “Erika,” he called softly helping her to sit, “Drink some of this, it tastes bad but you’ll feel better.” He brought the cup to her lips and she sipped. “Jack,” she whispered hoarsely, “why are you here?” “You’re sick, Erika, you need me,” he soothed. “You’d do it for me if I was sick, hmm?” “Of course I would. But you’re not ever sick, Jack.” She collapsed back against him. “I’ll do my best to get sick just so you can help me get better, okay?” He kissed her forehead and she curled up under his arm. “Can you drink a little more?” “It’s awful,” she mumbled. “Pretty please?” he wheedled. With difficulty, she pried her eyes open and he brought the cup to her mouth. She took a big swallow and shuddered, grimacing. Chuckling, he eased her down in the bed and she curled into a fetal position. “Jack?” she whispered. “Yes, Erika?” he leaned over her, combing her hair from her face with his fingers. “Maybe later, would you lay down with me? If you’re sure you won’t get sick…” “I will, Erika, after I put things away, okay?” he promised her. 111

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Her mouth opened in a large yawn. She forced apart watery eyelids and looked at him again. “Okay,” she agreed, closing her big gray eyes. As Jack puttered in the kitchen putting tea, soup, juice, and crackers away, he realized that something was missing. He found vegetable bullion in the pantry with other sauce mixes, pastas, and grains. He found cheeses, milk, almost everything he’d expect in the refrigerator but no meat. When he found the Vegetarian cookbook, he was sure. Erika was a vegetarian. That’s okay I’ll eat meat when we go out… What am I thinking? We are NOT a couple! *** Erika knew that she was sick. She kept fading in and out of reality. The last time she’d faded in, she’d somehow come to believe that Jack Mac Addison was tending her in her illness. She knew that was wrong. It had to be. Dragging her aching body out of bed, Erika found a spare blanket and wrapped it around herself. Following the sound of the voice talking in her living room, she peeked out of the hallway. “Mirabel, I don’t really care what you believe, I can’t make it tonight and…” it was Jack and he looked up and saw her hovering in the hallway. Covering the cell phone, he held out his arms, “Come here, Baby,” he murmured. This has to be a dream. It has to be. She was hit with memories of their night in the UAE when he’d said those same words to her. She was powerless to do anything but climb onto his inviting lap and into his open arms. With a sigh, Erika collapsed against his solid chest. “Yes, Mirabel, I’m with Erika Arnold. Yes, we’re going to have mad, passionate sex over and over again just like we do every single chance we get. So sorry you can’t join us. Three’s a crowd.” He snapped the cell phone closed. I wish we had mad passionate sex every single chance we got. I wish I felt like having mad passionate sex. “Jack? I’m sorry that Mirabel is mad at you. I’m sure you could…” “Hush, Baby,” He stretched out on the couch and pulled her along with him. “She’ll get over it. Watch a game of squash with me?” He’d removed his shirt and she was losing the battle against rubbing her face in his chest hair. “Okay,” she said turning against him so her back was against his front. I have to, its self-preservation. “What is squash? I thought it was a vegetable?” 112

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He chuckled deep in his chest. She loved the sound of it. “Squash is–it’s like playing chess at a hundred miles an hour,” he started to explain. “It’s like racquets–tennis–gone mad. You can serve from either side and the play is almost continuous. Play is stopped most often due to bleeding injuries.” She looked from him to the television in awe. She was amazed as the little ball zipped around the courts with players zipping after it. She couldn’t keep up but Jack could. At first he tried to explain what was going on but then his enthusiasm for the game took over. He no longer lay beside her, but had jumped up to harangue the television. She drifted in and out, smiling as she watched him cheering his favorite players and cursing the ones he didn’t like. He swore in a mixture of English and Scottish that made her laugh. At one point, he heard her giggling at him and seemed embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Erika. I’m carrying on like a fool and here you are sick. Shall I turn this off?” He tucked the blanket around her and helped her drink some of that awful 'flu tea'. “No, I’m enjoying it. I think you’re so cute, ranting and raving at the television in all those strange words. You’re hair’s a mess. I like it.” She was feeling sleepy again. She hadn’t meant to be quite that honest. “I’m rather glad you don’t understand all those “strange” words, Baby,” he murmured in his too sexy voice. “I much prefer being here watching squash with you, even if you’re sick, than being out with Mirabel tonight.” “I think someone stepped on the ball, or got hit,” she said. She’d needed to distract him so he wouldn’t see her sappy smile. *** Angry did not quite describe Mirabel Grady’s response to Jack’s phone call. Livid was a closer description but still not quite right. She knew she wasn’t in love with Jack Mac Addison. She’d claimed him and he’d help her career–he was hers. “How dare he?” Mirabel screamed, throwing her telephone at the wall. “He’s mine! He has no business with her!” She stalked back and forth across her small living room not seeing her surroundings, blinded by rage. Moving over to her bookshelf, she scattered books and magazines until she found the firm’s directory. Charles had thought it a good way to help

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everyone know each other by including pictures and a small biography next to each employee’s name and phone number. Angrily, she flipped through the first few pages until she found Erika Arnold’s likeness. “Bitch!” she hissed at it, stomping into her kitchen. She slammed the magazine down on the central butcher block and pulled out a sharp knife. “This is what you deserve!” she growled. “He’s mine and he knows it. You are ruining everything! Everything!” Beside herself with fury, Mirabel stabbed and slashed at the picture with one hand, holding it still with the other. “Mine,” she screamed. “I’ll kill you!” she shrieked. “You don’t need him, I do! He’s my insurance to success! You don’t need him!” she sobbed. Her slashes and jabs were half hearted now as she began to sob. One last angry lunge was her undoing. Blinded by tears, she didn’t see how close her stabs were coming to her hand. When she felt the stinging pain of the blade on her flesh, she was surprised. In a fog, Mirabel moved the hand with the knife in it so that she could see the blood staining it. Confused, she looked over at her bleeding hand. For long moments she looked from the knife to her hand and finally, down at the mangled picture of Erika. “Now look what you’ve done!” she growled at the other woman’s likeness. “You already have everything and you’re trying to take my chance to win. And look,” she held up her dripping hand, “you’ve caused this–you’ve made me get cut and bleed. You’ll pay, Barbie ™ doll,” she gritted. “You will pay,” she vowed. *** “Jack, make me warm. Please make me warm,” a shivering Erika pleaded hours later. Jack had fallen asleep on the couch watching the after-game interviews when speculation turned to who would play in the World Men’s Championships. Now a Cricket match was on ESPN 2. Erika was in the opposite corner of the couch quaking with teeth chattering. She was curled tightly into a little ball trying to get warm. Instantly, Jack scooped her up and carried her to the bed. Wrapping his body around her, he tried to warm her but she still shook and her teeth still chattered. He searched his mind and remembered his mother’s old remedy for the chills. Chamomile tea. 114

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Jack rushed to the kitchen and heated a cup of water in the microwave and plopped a tea bag into it. Setting the cup down on her nightstand, he kicked off his jeans and climbed into her bed. Pulling her into his lap, he carefully urged her to sip some of the hot tea. He’d made it strong and hadn’t made an entire cup’s worth so he was satisfied when she drank almost half of it. Finally, he settled her against him and began to doze. He was awakened when Erika began moving around. He realized that she was getting up for the bathroom and fought sleep to wait for her return. “Everything okay?” he mumbled when she climbed back into bed. “Almost perfect,” she whispered burrowing against him. Hours later, he came awake slowly trying to figure out what he had his hands on. His morning erection told his mind what his body already knew--Erika Arnold was snug in his arms and her legs were entwined with his. His hands were massaging her lush, round, lace covered bottom. “Mmm, Jack,” she breathed, rubbing her lips against his nipple. “Erika? How do you feel?” He could barely think, much less talk. “It feels good to have your arms around me. This feels good against me.” She wrapped a hand around his aching cock through his boxers. “Are you hungry for me, Jack?” Jack groaned pressing her to her back. Her words had driven away any chance of rational thought. Kissing her deeply, he began unbuttoning her silk top. He kissed his way down her throat and across both breasts. He pulled back to look at her in her white lacy panties that were laced up the front with a thin satin ribbon of baby blue. “Oh Baby,” he murmured, “Your underwear will be the death of me.” He tugged at the satin ribbon with his teeth until it came untied. Licking and nipping, he pulled the ribbon free opening up the front of her panties. Working his way down to the bottom of the v-shaped opening, Jack insinuated his tongue between her legs. He tugged the panties down her legs as he burrowed more deeply between them. Once he had them off, he began tracing her labia with his tongue and gently flicking her clit.

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He held her legs open with her knees bent. He nipped at one creamy thigh and then licked her from her wet opening to her little engorged nub. Covering her labia and clit with his mouth, he began to suck. Her hips shot up as he sucked on her and his tongue slid in and out of her as he sucked harder. He flicked her little nub with his tongue and began sucking on her opening. When he covered one finger in his saliva and moved it to her anus, she screamed and began coming in his mouth. Jack slid up her body and entered her while she was still clenching from her orgasm. For long seconds, he just felt her tight sheath clench around his throbbing pole. “Jack,” she moaned, “you feel so good, Jack.” Slow and steady, he began thrusting in her. It felt too good for him to speak. He was reduced to moans, grunts, and groans as he continued to ease himself out of her and slowly push himself back in. Instead of thrusting hard and fast, he continued steadily pushing himself into her and pulling himself out. He felt her body gushing the sweet cream that eased the way and felt so good around him. Eyes closed, Erica’s body arched as she angled her head back. “Jaaaack,” she moaned, her channel began to tighten on him over and over. “Erika! My Baby!” he shouted, exploding inside of her. He wrapped both arms around her tight and just held on as he felt his body jerk with the aftershocks of that incredible orgasm. Still holding her snug in his arms, Jack began to doze.

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Chapter Twenty-Two

Jewel Kincaid turned and smiled at her daughter and future daughter-in-law. She’d been sitting in the dark on the quiet shore overlooking the lake and watching her son, Josh. She was brooding. “Ma, what’s wrong?” Keeley asked, worried, her frown warning the older woman that she would take nothing but the truth. “Aw, Keeley, it’s just …” she sighed. Maria reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m worried about my Joshua, ya know.” “Mom? Josh is fine. He seems quite happy. The happiest…” she was cut off by her mother’s raised hand. “He seems happy, I’ll grant ya that,” she returned a tad brusquely. “He’s a big hearted man and I don’t see that cold high-toned lawyer as being enough for him,” she huffed. Maria raised a brow. “Ma Kincaid, what don’t you like about Mark?” she asked carefully. Maria had had some opportunity to get to know Mark a little. Aside from the long car ride, she’d met him in New York when he’d come with Josh to visit his brother. These days, Josh really spent more time at Mark’s apartment than at the home he shared with Joe. “I just don’t think he’s affectionate enough for my loving boy,” she declared sternly. “Look at the poor soul down there. He’s all alone.” “Now wait a minute…” before Maria could respond, Mark, the man in question, came out of the trees and moved up behind Josh, sliding his arms around the larger man’s waist. In silent agreement, all three women took a step closer in order to hear the men speak. “Mmmm,” Mark groaned, laying his head against Josh’s back. “Please tell me its okay to touch you now. Nobody’s watching.” 117

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Josh turned and pulled him into his arms, leaning back to rest against a nearby tree trunk. “It’s been hard for you, hasn’t it, Love?” Josh crooned, resting his cheek against his lover’s head. “To be so close to you and not be able to breathe you in – its punishment Josh.” He rubbed his cheek against the larger man’s shoulder. “Tell me you need me too, that you miss me.” Mark pulled back and looked up into Josh’s face. Maria glanced over at Jewel and Keeley triumphantly. “Not affectionate enough? Hmmmph,” she grumbled in disgust. She was quite enamored of the sweet young man with his gentle humor. “Oh Mark, Love,” Josh said in a groan. “I have missed being close to you, so much.” The three women were frozen to the spot as Mark hurriedly unbuttoned Josh’s shirt and eased it off of his shoulders, kissing every bit of skin that he could reach. Mark traced the other man’s jaw with his tongue, sucking on the sensitive spot just below his ear. “Oh, God, Mark!” Josh moaned, surrendering to his lover’s ministrations. “Mine,” Mark murmured, teasing a nipple with his thumb and suckling the other. “I think that’s our cue to leave, ladies, don’t you?” Maria whispered, steering the older woman away. None of them spoke for a moment listening to the quiet murmurs fading as they moved further away from the two men. Finally, Maria turned to look at her companions. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’d have to call that “affectionate”. What do you think Keeley?” She fought to keep her voice even and her face straight. Maria could see Keeley fighting a grin. “Nolan only wishes I was that affectionate,” she responded with a twinkle in her eye. Jewel sniffed. “As long as my Joshua is happy,” she said primly. *** “Mine!” Mark growled again as he kissed down Josh’s stomach and unfastened his jeans, pulling out his dripping cock. “Mark,” Josh groaned. “What are you doing to me?” 118

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Mark’s pink tongue lashed out and laved the rounded head of Josh’s engorged penis. “I’m loving you, Josh,” he murmured, opening his mouth and taking the large organ inside the moist, heated cavern. “Maaarrrrkkk!” Josh moaned, bracing his feet and throwing his head back. Both hands sunk tightly into Mark’s thick blonde hair. “Mmmm,” Mark hummed, swallowing Josh whole and moving his head up and down at the same time. “Mmmmm,” he hummed again. “Ahhh,” he called out as Mark’s long fingers reached under Josh and cupped his balls, cuddling them. “Ohhhh!” Josh groaned, his hips shooting forward and stopping. “Oh my God!” he moaned. Mark kept his mouth where it was until Josh collapsed against the trunk of the tree. He tucked Josh’s genitals back into his blue jeans, zipping them and stood, kissing him at great length. “Mark,” Josh began in a husky voice as their kiss ended. “How could you do that? After what that bastard did to you, how could you do that?” “Oh, Josh,” Mark sighed. “He was horrible and what he did was horrible. But tasting you? That’s incredible. You’re my Josh and you’re beautiful,” Mark groaned and buried his face in Josh’s neck.

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Chapter Twenty-Three

Jack stood in the shower enjoying the feeling of the hot water sluicing over him. He’d still been buried deep inside of Erika when he’d awakened. What kind of a deviant was he to take advantage of a sick woman like this? He tried to tell himself that he’d reacted naturally to being in bed with a beautiful woman who’d said she wanted him. The truth was he couldn’t keep his hands off of her. She was beautiful, blonde, delicate, feminine, and smart as hell. Unfortunately, she was also his partner. Together they handled multi-million dollar lawsuits that set international law. Besides that, he was dating Mirabel and she was with Mark Lincoln. He could not have an intimate relationship with Erika Arnold. Finishing his shower, he hurriedly dressed in his sweats and called their department secretary letting her know that he had a personal emergency and wouldn’t be in. After that he cleaned the litter he’d left from watching the game the night before. Checking on Erika again, he found that her fever had climbed back into the triple digits. It was a good thing she was already naked, he decided, as he deposited her quaking form into the tub. After soaping her with shampoo from head to toe as impersonally as he could, he rinsed her and turned the shower to cool. While she sat in the tub whimpering and shivering, he changed her sheets and returned with fresh clothes. He’d rifled through her underclothes, his cock becoming harder and heavier as he sorted through the silk, satin, and lace. The most demure panties that he could find were green stretch lace and satin. He found a satin chemise trimmed in lace and snatched it from the drawer. After buffing Erika’s skin a rosy pink and drying her hair, Jack began dressing her again. Guiding the satin and lace up her legs and over her hips, he was grateful he’d worn sweats. Jeans would have cut off his circulation he was so hard. *** 120

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Charles Devon was a little alarmed when he called his niece’s office and found her voicemail full. He called Jack Mac Addison’s office and was directed to call his cell phone if the caller couldn’t possibly wait. When Charles called the department’s secretary he was told that Erika had the flu and Jack had some kind of personal emergency. Smiling, he called Jack’s cell phone. “Hello!” Jack snapped when he answered the phone. “Jack, Charles Devon here…” he began. Jack cut him off. “Charles, can you possibly hang on a minute?” Jack asked. “Sure, my boy, sure, I’ll wait,” Charles offered cheerfully, hearing Jack set the phone down. “Come on, Erika, you have to try a little. It’ll make your throat feel better.” Jack was confirming Charles’s suspicions about his personal emergency. “Please, Jack, just let me sleep, I can’t drink any more of that horrible stuff,” Erika said weakly. Charles couldn’t be happier. He wasn’t pleased that the poor little thing was sick. He was thrilled, however, that Jack was there with her nursing her through this bout of flu. He’d hoped to get them together since he’d first met Jack. “I promise, Baby, its only tea with honey in it. No more horrible stuff. You’ll get dehydrated if you don’t drink more.” Charles listened to Erika protest feebly again. “If you don’t drink more, Baby, I’ll have to call a doctor.” Charles grinned to himself as Jack’s ploy met with apparent success. The two of them were already a couple. It was only a matter of time before Jack figured it out. He knew that Erika would be nervous but if Jack treated her right, she’d be okay. “Sorry, Charles” Jack came back on the line. “I’d just gotten her up and it’s been difficult getting her to eat or drink.” “She has the flu, son? It’s good of you to step in and take care of her. Damn good,” Charles praised him. “I just happened to check on her. She’d do the same thing for me. Besides, we’re partners.” Chuckling, Charles ended his phone call with Jack. It did sound like the boy had his hands full. It wouldn’t be long before he got an announcement from those two, he was sure of it. They were so good together. How long would it take Jack to figure that out? *** 121

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By late that evening, Erika’s fever had subsided. She’d noticed that Jack did his best to keep his distance from her. She couldn’t help feeling hurt but she understood. She resisted the urge to read his mind and accepted that she just wasn’t his type. Besides, he was dating Mirabel anyway. She stood in the doorway to the living room, drinking in the sight of him. She was going to have to move to an apartment that would allow her to have seventeen cats. She knew she’d live out her life yearning for Jack Mac Addison. “Jack,” she called softly. He was reading legal briefs on the couch, “I think I’m a lot better. You look tired, though. Maybe you should go home and get some rest.” Even speaking softly, she’d apparently startled him. Shooting to his feet, Jack dropped the sheaf of papers. He strode to her and pressed his hand to her forehead. “Erika! You shouldn’t be out of bed! What if you get sick again? You’ve had a rough day,” he admonished her. “I know I was doing pretty bad earlier, Jack, but somehow I think the worst has passed.” She was sure the worst had passed and now she needed to clear him out of her home so she could get back to her lonely life. After another hour had gone by and he’d found her temperature to be normal, Erika thought he’d probably give in. When his cell phone rang again and it was Mirabel, Jack did leave to go meet her for drinks. Erika thanked him again and went back to bed, wrapping her arms around the pillow he’d used and finally fell asleep.

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Chapter Twenty-Four

“You’d never drag Josh to one of these things, even if you could, Mark. You love him too much for that,” Erika teased as they danced. All hint of teasing disappeared when he stumbled. “Mark? What’s wrong?” when he didn’t answer, she continued. “You never stumble on the dance floor, Mark.” He sighed and led her to a small, waist-high table, accepting two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. For a moment he considered not telling her what was on his mind but he knew he would in the end so he should just get it out of the way. “Its Joshua,” he said gathering his thoughts. “Did something happen between you two? I thought you had a good time with his family?” Erika seemed confused and Mark was grateful that she didn’t read his thoughts for an answer. “I did! I had a great time,” he insisted, thinking back to the week he’d enjoyed. “At first I was pretty sure his mom and sister didn’t like me much but then… Well after a couple of days, they started treating me like I was the best thing that ever happened to Josh.” “Oh Mark! That’s so cool,” she smiled softly as they stood, sipping their champagne. “That’s what I want, Erika. I want to be the best thing that ever happened to him. He’s certainly the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He blushed and grinned sheepishly. “Well, besides you, of course.” Erika leaned across the small table and kissed him. “Of course silly, that goes without saying. So? What’s the problem?” He sighed and rolled his champagne glass between his hands considering how best to answer her. Honesty, I guess, he thought with an inward sigh.

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“It’s two things actually.” He drained his glass and handed it to a hovering waiter who replaced it with another long-stemmed flute full of expensive champagne. “Don’t get toasted, Bud,” Erika fretted. “Every dignitary in the city is here tonight. Uncle Charles would have us both drawn and quartered if he saw you staggering across the ballroom on the ten o’clock news,” she warned, glancing around the crowded ballroom nervously. “I won’t, I promise,” he sighed again, lustily. “I hate these charity affairs. I’d rather just give them the money.” “I know, Bud, I know. Now, what two things with Josh have you so upset?” Erika persisted. “Okay. The first thing is… Well…” she arched a brow at his hedging. “I’m pretty sure I’m in love with Josh. No, I’m completely certain I’m in love with him.” “Oh Mark! That’s wonderful!” She threw her arms around him and kissed his jaw. When he didn’t respond, she stepped back and looked up at him. “That is wonderful, Mark. I’m pretty sure he loves you too, you know.” “Maybe,” he nodded. Erika took a sip of her champagne. “I think he might, but…” “But?” she countered. “I don’t want to find out yet because of the second thing.” She gave him a “go ahead” gesture. “My family, my dad mostly,” he mumbled after a pause. She gently took the champagne glass from his hand and set it down carefully on the table. Taking his hand, she laced their fingers and led him out through a set of French doors to a small verandah. “Okay,” she said, kissing his hand. “Talk to me, Mark. Talk to me, Bud.” After a minute, he looked at her. “I know it wouldn’t be safe for Josh to come out publicly. I know that, but it was so great not having to hide ourselves from his family. We kept the PDAs to a minimum…” “PDAs?” she shook her head from side to side indicating her confusion. “Public displays of affection,” he grinned. She laughed lightly. “Anyway, I want to be myself more. I want to be me around the people I love. I want those people to know that I love Josh. Hell, I just want them to know Josh.” “Oh, Bud,” she sighed. “So what are you going to do?”

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“I’m going to resign my commission from the Army Guard. That’s first. After that, I’m going to come out to my parents.” He paused for a minute. “Would you come with me?” She wrapped her arms around him again and he embraced her in a tight hug. Pulling back she said, “Of course I’ll go with you, Mark. You’re my best bud! I’ll do anything for you--you know that. What about Josh? Are you going to talk it over with him?” Mark shook his head no. “I don’t want to put any pressure on him. And I don’t want him to feel bad if–well, when--my dad wigs out. After I tell my parents, I’ll come back and tell Josh all about it.” “Don’t you think he’ll feel bad that he couldn’t be there to support you? Won’t he feel a little left out?” Her worried expression brought a smile to Mark’s face. “I guess you’re right. I’ll let him know that I resigned right before we go. I’ll tell him that I’m going to see them and then I’ll call him that night and tell him what I did and how they took it. I want you to come in case my mom loses it. You just never know, right? And of course, you’re my best friend.” He looked deeply into her eyes after he stopped talking. Would she agree with his plans? She took both his hands in hers and squeezed. “That sounds like a good place to start.” She gave him a warm and loving smile. “Now, whaddaya say we go mingle?” He groaned loudly. “Come along, my little praline. Mingle we shall!” She slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow and the two of them rejoined the festivities. *** “She was all over him, wasn’t she?” Mirabel turned to Jack. “Is she like that with all men? Is she like that with you, Jack?” she asked suspiciously. “Of course not, Mirabel. They’re very close, that’s all,” Jack snapped in response. She saw his eyes track the couple out to the verandah. Mirabel glanced from Jack to Erika and Mark and back again, speculatively. “Well she spends enough time in his office so I hope they’re close.” She knew that the two blondes lived in the same building. She wondered if Jack was privy to that information. “You know, they practically live together…” she let that sentence trail off, enjoying the red flush on Jack’s cheeks. 125

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So, he does have quite a crush on little Miss Barbie, does he? I’ll have to see what I can do about that. I’d rather not get violent until I have to. As they moved to the dance floor, the State’s District Attorney swept Erika past them in a smooth arc. Mirabel pressed herself closer to Jack. “Another conquest for Miss Arnold,” she murmured. “It’s a shame you can’t use that on behalf of clients.” Jack looked down at her with a hard glare but she moved closer to him and just ignored it. He’d get over himself, she was sure. Throughout the rest of the evening, Mirabel took every opportunity to extol the virtues of monogamy to Jack. She also went to great pains to quietly garner his attention whenever Erika as much as spoke to another man. By the time the evening ended, she thought she had Jack halfway convinced that Erika had bedded a significant number of men who’d been present at the charity function. Now all she had to do was reinforce that.

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Chapter Twenty-Five

“Was your automobile in the same condition that it was when you left it at the shipyard lot in Germany, Sergeant Lewis?” Jack asked the man patiently. He and Erika were in the middle of a case involving an international moving company. Their business transported automobiles and household goods for service members and their families moving to or from overseas posts. “Um, it was low on gas, I guess,” the man responded with a furrowed brow. Erika gently laid her hand on Jack’s forearm the way she had countless times in the past. He jerked away and leaned back, not looking at her. He could hear her start in the chair next to him. “Sergeant Lewis, when you looked it over and then when you drove it, did you notice anything different about it from when you’d last driven it?” she asked him calmly. “Oh! Oh yeah, there was lots of stuff that was different. It was missing the window wind up thing on the rear passenger door. And…” the man was becoming indignant now. “And the tires! I loved my whitewalls. My daddy always said whitewalls were the best! Well there weren’t any whitewalls anymore! The sumbitch had switched my damn tires!” Erika ducked her head and tried to share an amused look with Jack but he wasn’t having any of that. He leaned forward to continue questioning, ignoring her as much as possible. Finally the witnesses and the opposing lawyers were gone and Jack had begun to put his files and notes into his briefcase when he heard the door close and lock. Thankfully they were in their own office building so nobody would find that unusual. “What are you doing, Erika?” he growled. “Tell me what’s bothering you, Jack?” she countered. “Why do you think anything is bothering me, Erika?” he snapped back at her. “Jack, I know we’ve never been the best of friends but…” she began carefully. 127

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He cut her off. “We’re not friends, Erika. We had sex. That’s what’s bothering me.” He looked at her for a moment. “What? That we aren’t friends? Because…” He cut her off again. “No, that we have had sex. We shouldn’t have ever had sex. It was wrong!” he wasn’t quite shouting but he wasn’t keeping his voice down. “Wrong? Wha…? I’m afraid I…” she couldn’t seem to form a complete sentence. “WRONG, Erika! Don’t you have any morals?” he shouted, not caring who might hear them. “Excuse me?” she yelped, flabbergasted. “You’ve been with Lincoln since you were teenagers! He missed you while you were in the Middle East, did you know that? Of course you did!” he answered his own question. “Jack, Mark and I are just friends. Very, very good friends, but we’re not an item,” she explained. He didn’t want to hear it. “Maybe you should let him know the status of your friendship then! You were all over him Friday night at the gala!” “Jack? I don’t… Jack?” she seemed stunned but he didn’t care. “Well, I don’t know how much you care about Lincoln but I guess that’s not my problem.” He stood and lifted his briefcase and walked to the door. “You disgust me and we still have to work together. That’s what I know. That’s my problem” With those final words, Jack strode from the room leaving a stunned Erika behind him. *** Mirabel had positioned herself just beyond Laura’s line of view when she heard the phone ring. She’d hit the jackpot. Erika was meeting someone named Josh in the park for lunch. Laura, ever the perfect secretary, had repeated the exact location of their meeting place so that she could be sure to pass on the correct information. Mirabel knew exactly where they’d be. Now, lounging behind a sheltered rock, she and Jack were eating an impromptu picnic waiting, unknown to him, for the entertainment to arrive. The man Erika was apparently meeting had already come along and was seated on a nearby bench.

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Finally, Mirabel heard what sounded like footsteps and looked up to see Erika hurrying toward the bench. Jack had his back to the path and seemed very preoccupied. Mirabel knew that wouldn’t last long. From where they were “hidden” they’d hear any conversation between Erika and the man named Josh very clearly. “Erika! Thanks for meeting me here,” Josh said in a serious voice, standing and intercepting Erika before she could reach the bench. Jack’s head shot up. “Josh? What’s wrong?” Erika’s answer was muffled. Mirabel assumed it was because she and Josh were embracing since she couldn’t see around the rock. Jack’s surprised expression had changed to ire. The couple moved to the bench now and Jack and Mirabel could see them from an angle. “I had to talk to you, Erika. You are the only person I can talk to,” Josh was still agitated and holding one of Erika’s hands as they faced each other on the bench. “Did you tell Mark that you were meeting me, Josh?” she asked in a gentle voice. “No,” he said and then, in alarm, “You didn’t tell him, did you?” “No, Josh, I didn’t,” she answered in that same quiet voice. “Don’t. I don’t want him to know that I’m here with you, okay?” he entreated her. She sighed. “Okay, please, Erika?” Mirabel couldn’t believe her luck. This couldn’t be going better if she’d written a script. Jack’s face was flushed and his deep blue eyes were angry slits. Erika sighed again, closing her eyes and leaning against the back of the bench. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him. I know he wouldn’t want me here with you this way. Not right now.” They were silent for a minute except for the man’s fidgeting. Jack had turned to watch, his eyes glued to the couple on the bench. Mirabel was certain he’d crack a tooth, his jaw was clenched so tight. “Erika,” Josh sighed after a lengthy pause, standing and walking across the path and then back to stand in front of her. She looked up at him and waited. “Tell me what’s going on? Where are you and Mark going next weekend?” Mirabel couldn’t believe it. The big man was shaking and his eyes looked to be bright with tears. He was certainly very upset. Glancing over at Jack, she could see that he was convinced Josh was upset that Erika was going somewhere with Mark instead of the other way around.

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“Josh…” Erika reached up and took his hand. As the two hidden lawyers watched, she kissed his palm and tugged. He pulled her up to stand next to him and she slid an arm around his waist, “Come on. Let’s walk while we talk, okay? You’re too wound up to sit here.” The couple turned and began to walk along the path away from Mirabel and Jack. Neither spoke for long moments. Finally Mirabel turned to Jack, “Sweet little Erika is certainly a busy girl, isn’t she? Well, she’s young and single…” she let the statement trail off. Jack glared into the distance, looking after Josh and Erika. “I need to get back to the office, Mirabel,” he gritted, standing. “Thanks for lunch.” Mirabel sighed. She’d done everything she could think of to take Jack’s mind off of Erika Arnold. Thinking back, she realized that he’d quit spending as much time with her as he had during the year that Erika was gone. Pondering that further, Mirabel recognized that, while she and Jack still went out and attended functions together, he was definitely distancing himself from her. No, that just doesn’t work for me. I have to find more ways to make her look bad so that he’ll turn to me. Maybe I should spend more time around Mark Lincoln’s office. I don’t want to have to hurt her unless she forces me. *** “Kevin,” Mark smiled shyly, “Um, Pop…” he amended at the older man’s hard look. “I-thanks for meeting me today.” Kevin Kincaid reached out and slapped Mark on the shoulder. “Anytime, son. I’m glad you called.” “I didn’t know you were a Deputy Inspector, sir. The next time I end up at the seventh precinct, I’ll look around for you,” Mark offered, still apparently nervous. “If ya don’t son, I’m goanna make sure you only get domestic beer at family dinners from now on,” Kevin teased him, realizing that something serious was going on with this young man. “Um, I needed to talk to you, sir. It’s about…” As the young man struggled with what he needed to say, Kevin looked at him closely. For the last week, Josh had been dodging his phone calls and avoiding his own mother. Kevin was sure that it had to do with whatever Mark wanted to talk about today over lunch. 130

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Taking pity on the floundering young man, Kevin interrupted. “Mark, is everything okay between you and Joshua?” he asked gently. Mark stared at him in stunned disbelief. “I love Josh, sir. That’s why I’m getting out of the military and telling my parents,” he blurted artlessly. If possible, the young man’s face became paler than it already was. Kevin waved down a waiter and ordered them both a double shot of scotch. He gave the other man a few minutes to sip his drink before taking up the conversation again. “Son, that’s a couple of big steps to take right in a row, especially all by yourself. Have you talked to Josh about any of this?” “I- I well…” Mark released a deep sigh. “I shouldn’t have said that just the way I did, sir,” at Kevin’s glare, he amended, “Pop, I mean. See, I do want to be honest and open with my family and friends because I’m proud of Josh but that’s not the only reason. I’d still want to come out, even if he and I weren’t … serious, I guess.” Kevin gave him an approving smile. “I’m glad, son. This isn’t the sort of thing you can ever do for someone else. You have to do it for yourself. I’m glad you see it that way.” Mark puffed a short sigh. “I know I do. But I’m nervous.” At Kevin’s raised eyebrow, he rushed on, “Not about the military. I loved it and I’m sorry to leave but I’ve already gotten my honorable discharge. I resigned for personal reasons and after exit counseling–that’s pretty standard–anyway it’s already over. I’m out.” “So you’re nervous more about talking to your parents then?” Kevin asked. Mark nodded. “That’s why I asked if you’d talked to Joshua, son. You’ll need support.” “I am going to talk to him about it, sir–Pop,” he grinned weakly. “It’s just, this is something I have to do myself. I’m taking my friend Erika with me because my parents have known her so many years. She’ll be familiar to them and can help.” “It sounds like you’ve thought this through pretty good. What can I do to help?” Kevin could see that the other man was still nervous to the point of shaking. He’d do whatever he could to help calm him down. “When Josh told me about–about coming out to his family, he said that you and Joe were both pretty upset.” Mark flashed Kevin an apologetic smile. “Could you give me some idea of what you were thinking and feeling so I… well, just so I know, I guess,” he trailed off. “My dad is going to go nuts, I think.”

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Kevin gave the young man a level look. Maybe he could be of some assistance here. He knew how to be honest, anyway. “I’m sure Josh told you we were mad as hell, didn’t he?” “He said something like that,” Mark mumbled, looking down into his glass. “We were sure Josh was just getting back at us for something. After that we were mad that he’d decide to choose a lifestyle that was so abnormal.” Mark’s wide-eyed blue stare was making him a little uneasy. “We just didn’t understand, son. We just didn’t realize that Josh didn’t have any choice.” He downed what was left of his drink. “It took us a while to accept that he was still our Joshua.” Mark nodded somberly, finishing his own drink. “I guess if I expect the worst, I won’t be disappointed, will I?” he took a deep breath and released it. “That’s likely the best way to go about it, son. I think you’d better build up some strength. How about a spot of lunch?”

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Chapter Twenty-Six

Erika fretted for days over Jack and his odd anger towards her. After sneaking a peak at his thoughts, she learned that he was convinced that she was cheating on Mark. While it hurt her feelings that he found her so shallow and amoral, she hoped she could talk to him and convince him otherwise. Currently, Jack and Erika were spending a great deal of time together depositioning witnesses and following through on discovery for a very involved case they were working on. Their client was a rather large transport company that contracted with the military to ship household goods and automobiles. The allegations by the government were that the company stole, vandalized, and was otherwise negligent with service members’ property. The job that Erika and Jack faced was twofold. They had to prove that, not only was their client innocent of the allegations, but that a German company was responsible. This was made more sensitive because that country’s government administered the German company under suspicion. Sometime in between supervising depositioning the hundreds of witnesses, Erika found the opportunity she’d been waiting for. Although Jack had been studiously avoiding her, she was finally able to trap him in his office, early one afternoon. She stood just inside his office, having entered through the little hallway that they shared. After several minutes, he must’ve sensed her watching him because he looked up at her with a frown. Her tentative smile was quickly erased when he snapped harshly, “I’m busy right now, Erika!” “Jack, we need to talk,” she sighed, her hopeful attitude draining away. “I have nothing to say to you and you have nothing I want to hear!” with that, he resolutely focused his attention back to the file he’d been reading. 133

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“Please, just listen for a second, Jack,” she pleaded, hopeful when his cobalt gaze leveled on her face. “Fine!” he spat, slamming his open palm down on the desk and shoving his chair backward away from his desk. With a kick of his feet, his chair rolled to the side of the desk, nothing between them now but empty space. “Speak then!” he barked. Her eyes went wide with surprise. She’d known he’d be resistant but this was stunning. She pulled in a deep breath. “First of all, Mark Lincoln and I are friends, not lovers.” When he moved to speak, she raised her hand, palm out. “You are the only lover I’ve had in at least two years.” “We aren’t lovers, Erika,” he growled. “Whatever!” she snapped, surprising him. “I never forced you to do anything to, with, or for me against your will.” She glared at him, eyes narrowed. “Any time that you and I exchanged bodily fluids, it was one hundred percent consensual.” He began to speak again but she cut him off. “Deal with it, Jack!” His jaw worked soundlessly for a moment. “Anything else?” She was as angry as she could ever remember being. Fists clenched, she took one more step toward him so that they were only a few feet apart. “It doesn’t matter what she says, she’s got all those men on a string. I WON’T be one in a crowd. I’d rather have Mirabel!” she heard Jack think. “You don’t believe me?” she questioned silkily, so angry now that she couldn’t think. “You think I’ve got a bunch of men in my bed, do you?” “No, I don’t believe you!” he growled, eyes narrowed. “And I don’t care who’s in your bed because I’m not going to be there.” “Is that so, Jack?” Although her voice was low and calm, she was livid. “You’re the one who’s stringing someone along. You’ve been dating Mirabel all this time and having sex with me.” “I never… You’re just…” sputtering now, Jack couldn’t seem to form complete sentences. Erika didn’t really need them to know what he was trying to say. “Well, now we see what happens when you think for yourself, don’t we? You go on and keep Mirabel, and enjoy her since you’d rather listen to her lies and ignore your own heart,” she stalked the last few feet up to him and stepped between his legs, dropping her hands to his shoulders and pushing his rolling desk chair backward. 134

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“What the hell are you doing, Erika?” he ground out. She slid her palms to his cheeks and lowered her face to his. Sinking one hand into the short, thick hair at the back of his head, she tugged lightly, tilting his head backward. He gasped in protest as she covered his mouth with her lips, sinking her tongue in deep and exploring until the need for air forced her to release him. She looked into his eyes, noticing only the faintest hint of dark blue to be seen around his dilated pupils. Slowly she drew one hand down his chest until it cupped his now swollen cock. She squeezed his throbbing shaft lightly until he groaned aloud. “Get over your problem, Jack, or get yourself a new partner,” she growled. “You’ll be on your knees begging before I get this close to you again.” With that, she spun on her heel and stalked from the room. *** Near the end of the trial, Jack sat in his office reviewing documents and sharing a meal with Mirabel. Erika was curled up on the couch in her office reading trial transcripts. Suddenly, there it was! She’d found the proof that their client could be free of further persecution. “Jack!” she squealed. “Jack Jack Jack! I got it!” Erika had shot to her feet upon discovering the key information all irritation at Jack forgotten. Jack came sprinting down the short hall when he heard her call out. She leaped onto the coffee table in her stocking feet. When he ran through the door, she was jumping up and down on the coffee table and waving the document. “Here, here, read this, I’ll show you!” she thrust the papers at him. He had a half smile on his handsome face when he took the papers. She draped herself over his shoulder and put her finger on the line where he should begin reading. He took hold of her hand and guided her finger down the paper as he read. A huge grin split his face when he came to the end and realized that she had, indeed, found the information that would absolve their client. He whirled around and grabbed her off the table. “I’ll be damned!” he shouted. “You did it, Erika! Damn! Damn! Damn!” he squeezed her tight, twirled her twice and kissed her enthusiastically. In his exuberance, he’d evidentially forgotten Mirabel. She hadn’t forgotten him at all.

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From just inside the door, Mirabel made her presence known. “She’ll do anything to get your attention and look at you! You’re all over her!” Mirabel was shouting. “You can’t resist a bitch in heat, can you Jack?” Erika was stunned. She didn’t know how Jack would respond. He managed to stun her even more than Mirabel had. “Come on, Mirabel! You know it’s not like that.” He put Erika down and moved away from her, still placating Mirabel. “Erika and I are only friends,” he told the woman. As he followed Mirabel down the little hall Erika heard him say, “Hell, I don’t think we’re really even friends.” Erika couldn’t find her shoes. She had to get out of there. She snatched them up, grabbed her purse and briefcase and shot through the door. Jack might not have realized what he’d said. He might have wondered what the crash was when she’d overturned the coffee table getting her briefcase. He probably just heard her door slam. She was gone. *** The next few days, Erika’s behavior was guarded and distant. She was painfully polite to Jack. He wasn’t sure how to talk to her. She was acting normal but–not–somehow. They had reached a truce since their last argument but it seemed a cold war had been declared. He decided that she was treating him as if she didn’t really know him. She acted as if she’d learned an uncomfortable secret about him. He really didn’t get it and it was making him perturbed. The client, whose case they’d won, decided to throw a party to celebrate the successful resolution of the case. It turned out that two employees of the German company had a grudge against American service members. The issue would be dealt with and the company would retain its contract with the United States Government. Everyone mingled and talked and seemed to be enjoying themselves as Jack mulled over the activities of the days leading up to the party. He was nursing a glass of Macallan Scotch, courtesy of their host, while he watched the festivities. Jack thought Erika looked devastating in a wine red dress that exposed her left shoulder. She’d pulled her hair into an unfinished French Braid but let it wave gently over her partially naked back. Jack watched her trying to fend off advances from more than one ardent attacker. His gaze tracked her every move. He couldn’t even follow the conversation around him. 136

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When he noticed that she was nearly cornered he just couldn’t take any more. Handing his glass of rare Scotch to the bartender, he stalked over to her and took her by the wrist. The band struck up a slow melody and he pulled her into his arms. He placed both of her hands on his chest. Her hair tickled his chin and he laid his cheek on her head. He rested one hand at her lower spine and the other trailed over the bare skin of her left shoulder and back. He felt Erika give herself up to the moment. She laid her cheek against his chest and let her arms cup his back and shoulders. He knew she felt his erection intimately pressing her abdomen. They held each other like lovers and moved to the music. It was as natural as breathing. Erika held on tight to Jack as they moved. He savored the feel of her in his arms. She didn’t say a word and she didn’t look up at him. Silently, she moved in perfect harmony with him. Just before the music trailed off, Erika pulled away. The song was ending and Jack was startled. He reached for her but she caught one of his hands and lifted it to her mouth. She kissed his knuckle and quickly walked away. Jack looked after her frowning. Mirabel walked up and placed a hand on his arm. “Wonder what’s eating her?” she simpered, glaring after the retreating blonde woman. He knew she was pissed that Erika had kissed his hand that way. Jack ignored her. Straightening his tie in an automatic gesture, his hands froze when he felt moist spots there. He reached for his lapel and noticed dampness there, too. Without a word he stalked to the men’s room. Damn! She’d been nestled in his arms crying. *** “Did it have to be a Scot, m’darlin’? So many good Irish lads would love nothin’ more than to keep time with ya and you have to fall for a bleedin’ Scot!” Niall moaned. Mark heaved himself to an upright position, levering Josh’s head off of his lap and planting his feet on the floor. “Who wants a blanket and a pillow?” He looked around at the rest of the motley quartet of drinkers gathered in his living room. “Bring ‘nother round, Love,” Josh mumbled after him. “How’s he do that?” he asked when Mark left the room, shaking his head. “I know I got more’n fifty pounds on him and he’s put away half again what I have.” 137

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“Don’ whine, Josh,” Erika giggled. “It’s the soldier in him. Never know when a drink might be your last.” “Sh’up Erika,” Josh slurred. “He’s a military lawyer, for god sakes! Not gonna get killed in battle arguing a case.” “More lawyers been in danger by my hand than any other walk o’ life save drug dealers, boyo,” Niall piped up. “Tis a Scottish one needs killin’ right now to my thinkin’.” “Didn’t take him long to get back to that!” Mark grumbled good-naturedly as he returned with the beers. Erika overbalanced reaching for her beer and landed in a heap on Niall’s lap. He wrapped both arms around her and slobbered a wet kiss on her neck. “So many foine Irish laddies, myself included, beggin to worship the ground you walk on and treat you like the princess ya are....” Niall was all set to expound on his theme. She rushed to cut him off. “Well, I’m not in love with any foine Irish laddies, Niall, you included.” She gusted a deep sigh. “I jus’ wish I was, my friend. Hey! Where’s my beer, Mark? That’s who I love from now on. His name is Murphy! Murphy Stout!” she giggled, apparently pleased with her lively sense of humor. Mark shook his head in reluctant amusement knowing she’d be sorry the next morning. “C’mon, little bourbon ball, time to get you off to bed, hmmm? Let’s give Mister Stout a rest.” “Don’ wanna go, Markee,” she whined. “I wanna hang out and bitch about Jack some more.” “Me too!” piped Niall, wrapping his arms more tightly around Erika, who still nestled in his lap. “Filthy bleedin’ worthless Scotch sheepshagger!” he cursed. Mark chuckled. “Enough Niall, enough. We’ll pick this up again in a day or two. You’re all going to have a hard time tomorrow.” When Mark returned from tucking Erika in her bed a few floors above them, he found Niall and Josh finishing the remaining beers while propped against one another on the couch. Pulling Josh upright, he maneuvered him down the hall and propped him up against the bathroom sink. He helped him scrub his teeth and left him attempting to

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urinate inside the toilet while he returned to the living room. Niall needed to be tucked in, too. “Give us a shift, golden boy, and I’ll kip off to sleep, hmmm?” Niall wheedled to Mark’s amusement. He’d been learning the Irish slang Niall used and knew the other man was trying to get a kiss. “Come on, pal, let’s get you to the bathroom. Don’t want any accidents on my couch,” he chuckled. “S’ amazin’ I got so steamed and there you are, sober as a saint. Don’ s’pose you’d hold m’ cock for me?” “Ummm, no. I don’t suppose I will. Just try to hit the toilet in the middle, will ya?” Mark closed his eyes and shook his head, mentally storing up the blackmail material. Niall finally attended to his own personal needs and Mark steered him back to the couch, tucking him in and feathering a light kiss across his forehead. A loud noise caused Mark to hurry back down the hall to the master bedroom and bath. In an attempt to undress, Josh had apparently stumbled with his boxers around his ankles. It seemed he’d tried to sit down on the closed toilet seat. Unfortunately, he’d misjudged the distance and landed with a hard thud on his ass. Refusing his lover’s help, Josh finally kicked off his shoes, pants and boxers and leaned back to savor the victory of being naked. For Mark, that success led to new trials. Now he had the task of hauling off to bed a drunk six foot, two inch, two hundred and fifty pound mass of solid muscle. No easy feat when his own slight bulk maxed out at one hundred and seventy five pounds. After an ungainly, staggering tango across the bedroom, both men landed with a tangled bounce on the bed. Laughing out loud, Mark used his momentum to roll his lover across the king-sized expanse, grabbing him roughly before he spun off the other side. “’es fuck, want to?” Josh slurred with an exuberant smile. Roaring even harder with laughter, Mark tugged him further onto the bed and leaned over him. Before he could stop him, Josh wrapped both arms around him and rolled on top. Unfortunately, he continued to roll until both men wound up on the floor. “Kay. Think I’ll jush resh a min…” Josh slurred, his sentence trailing off. It didn’t take much to realize he’d passed out.

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Shaking his head, Mark carefully eased away from his snoring partner and left him on the floor while he went to get ready for bed.

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Chapter Twenty-Seven

Mark was too antsy to sleep the next morning and Erika was more than happy to do just that as he drove. The car ride from Manhattan to Watertown, just outside Ft. Drum where his father was stationed was going to take about five hours. Mark felt a little guilty about not letting Josh come along. He knew the other man was worried for him. He just didn’t want Josh trying to protect him from his parents. He knew he had to do this himself. In addition, if Josh wasn’t serious about Mark, well, he just didn’t want to pressure him. He wouldn’t even let Josh talk about that right now, since they had so much else to consider. Josh, as always, was understanding and didn’t press. “I feel much better, Bud,” Erika said, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. They’d been traveling for hours and the trip was more than half over. “Why’d you let me drink so much last night?” she groaned. “Me let you drink?” Mark whooped incredulously. “Like I could stop you! Both Josh and Niall were still sleeping it off when I left. Hell,” he chortled, “Josh was on the floor. I couldn’t get him back into the bed last night after he rolled off of it.” Erika giggled. “I hope you left him a note telling him why he’s on the floor,” she grinned at Mark. “I’d hate for him to think you made him sleep down there or something.” Mark sighed and aimed a half-smile at her. “I did leave him a note. It’s taped to his favorite coffee mug. I told him I’d call him before we headed back home.” He glanced at her again and winked. “I had to get Niall trashed, that’s the only way I was going to keep him from poking around in my head and running his mouth to Josh about how nervous I was.” Erika offered him a weak smile. “Josh probably knew. He loves you. I’m sure that’s why he got so drunk.” She was silent for a minute and then turned to him. “Mark,

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you know it’s going to be tough don’t’ you? Your parents–well, mostly your dad–they might say all kinds of hurtful things.” “I know the stages, Erika,” Mark said with a wry smile. “Shock, denial, guilt, expression of feelings, personal decision-making, and in a perfect world: true acceptance.” “It could take a while for them to accept this, Mark. You know that, too, right?” She glanced over at him quickly and then away. “I know, Pixie Stick™, I know,” he smiled sadly. “But if I don’t tell them, they never even get to try to accept it, right?” He looked over at her and back at the road. “I love ‘em and I want them to love me, too–the real me.” Nothing else was said as the miles melted away under the wheels of Mark’s rented car. Both driver and passenger kept their own counsel. *** “If this is your idea of a joke, young man, I am most certainly not amused,” rumbled Brigadier General Martin Lincoln. “Dad, I know this is hard for you but I just need to be honest about who I am,” Mark responded calmly. His face was white and his chin was set. His father knew that he wasn’t calm and wished he could admire his son’s poise. At present, however, admiration was not his foremost emotion. “Hard for me? Hard for me?” He choked. “This is BULLSHIT!” He roared. “It is hard for me to believe you’d resign your commission and put your mother and I through all this just so you can bugger somebody,” he growled angrily. “That’s what’s hard for me.” “Dad, c’mon, I know it’ll take some getting used to but…” Mark began earnestly. “Shut up! Shut up, do you hear me?” Martin bellowed. “No son of mine is going to be called a cock-sucker!” “Martin!” squealed Marion, his wife and the mother of what was turning into his biggest nightmare. “Shut your mouth, Marion, not another word,” he snapped. She began to cry quietly.

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“Just try to hear me, please. You know I’d never… If this was an experiment, a one time thing…” Mark was stumbling over his words and some part of Martin felt smug about it. “I don’t have any idea about you and what you’d never anything,” Martin growled low and angrily. “I never thought the day would come when my own son would stand in my den and claim to be a queer.” Mark winced, his face growing still paler. “Name calling won’t help, Dad. I know this is an awful shock to you. There are people you can talk to that…” “Talk to?” Martin roared, stalking across the room to stand in front of a window. In a more normal voice, he continued, “You think I’m going to talk to someone about this? Not likely.” He answered his own question. Marion Lincoln could still be heard sobbing quietly coupled with Erika’s low voice soothing her. Martin wondered distantly if she was crying over her son’s news or his own yelling. Martin centered himself and struggled to find a reasonable tone of voice. “Is it me?” he turned to face his son. “Is it something I did? Was I too tough on you?” Mark began to open his mouth and closed it again. Stepping closer, Martin continued, “Did your mother coddle you too much? Did we move too often? Why are you doing this to us, son?” “No, Dad, no, it’s nothing like that, no.” Mark ran a hand through his hair the dim sunlight from outside picked spun gold from its disheveled depths. “General Lincoln, this is just how Mark is. Its not just sex, this is his life. Nobody did this to him - he was born this way,” Erika stepped forward, moving away from Marion. “You!” Martin spat, stalking toward Erika. As he looked at his son’s best friend, everything seemed to crystallize for him. She somehow became the root and cause of all his troubles. “This is your fault. This is your fault.” “Sir?” she questioned, bewildered. Martin grabbed Erika by the shoulders. “We let you into our home, we encouraged our son to be your friend. You were like a daughter to us and look what you’ve done!” He felt himself gripping her shoulders tightly but he didn’t care. It was all so clear now.

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“Dad, let go!” Mark tried to move between Martin and Erika but the older man merely swung her away, lifting her by her shoulders. Shaking her like a rag doll now, Martin had lost any tenuous grip he’d had on his composure and began shouting into Erika’s stunned and frightened face. “It’s because you wouldn’t put out, isn’t it?” he roared at her. “You think you’re too good for a military man, don’t you with all your high society ways?” She began to struggle in earnest as he continued to shout. “If you had just fucked my son once, none of this…” Martin felt pain explode in his face as he flew backward releasing Erika automatically. The world tilted sideways and all he could hear was a roaring in his ears, punctuated by his wife’s constant keening. After what felt like an hour but no doubt was only a minute or two, Martin began to sit up. “Where’s the nearest civilian hospital?” came a clipped voice he didn’t recognize. Still confused, he shook his head. That same clipped voice, he now realized it was his son’s voice, began talking on the telephone. Martin’s head began to clear and he realized that Mark had an arm wrapped around Erika, holding her up. He was still trying to lever himself off the floor when he realized that Mark had stopped in front of him. He leaned back a little to look up, feeling the world tilt again. What did he hit me with? For a gay guy, he packs a hell of a punch. He didn’t realize he’d been thinking aloud until he heard Mark say, “I didn’t hit you, Dad,” Mark said angrily, “Erika head-butted you.” Turning his head he addressed his mother, “Goodbye, Mom.” Martin was still sitting on the floor as his son and Erika drove away.

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Chapter Twenty-Eight

Mirabel stood outside Jack’s office waiting for her cue. She had just come from a quick gossip session with Jordan Sinclair, Mark Lincoln’s assistant. It had taken a lot of carefully planned coincidences to become the young Associate’s friend and confidant, but it was paying off. Jordan had confided that she didn’t expect to hear from Mark that day. She didn’t have all the details but Jordan did know that Mr. Devon and Mark’s boyfriend, Joel or something, had gone upstate. Apparently, Erika and Mark had gone to visit his parents and there’d been an accident of some kind. “Jack, Erika won’t be in for the next few days,” Laura began. That was the cue Mirabel had been waiting for. “Why not?” Jack snapped just as Mirabel walked in. “Oh, isn’t it awful?” she oozed, ignoring Laura’s narrow-eyed glare. “Poor Erika! And I don’t know if Mark was even hurt, do you?” She turned toward Laura projecting innocent concern. “What are you talking about, Mirabel?” He turned to Laura and back to Mirabel, “What’s wrong with Erika… and Mark?” “Well,” Mirabel sat down on Jack’s couch, waiting until both he and Laura moved toward her. “Mark and Erika took a little weekend trip to visit his parents,” she hoped that sounded cozy enough to Jack. “It seems there was some kind of accident and poor Erika has whiplash. I guess she wasn’t wearing her seatbelt…” she let her statement trail off. “Mr. Devon’s message said she’d be out of the office for a few days, Jack,” Laura said quietly. Mirabel saw that Jack’s jaw was clenched tightly. “Poor Mark must be a wreck about the whole thing. He just loves her so much,” she sighed, turning to Laura. “It’s so sweet and romantic, isn’t it?” 145

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It was still something of a secret around the firm that Mark was gay and Mirabel was grateful for that. She’d only guessed at it until Jordan Sinclair had spilled the beans to her. The week before, Mark had told his boss and his assistant about his lifestyle, his boyfriend, and the fact that he’d resigned from the military. As long as Jack didn’t know, Mirabel was certain that she’d be fine. Laura was so pious and opposed to office gossip that Mirabel was sure that she didn’t know anything about Mark’s homosexuality. “Fine!” Jack barked. “Mirabel, did you need something?” he rapped out. “Oh, Jack,” she adopted a hurt look. “I just wanted to stop in and offer support. I know what a close team you and Erika are.” Jack looked at her intently until she began to feel uncomfortable. “No, Mirabel, you don’t. You have no idea.” Suddenly disconcerted, Mirabel decided that retreat was called for. “Well, you know I care, Jack. You must know. Laura,” she turned her best “I’m your friend” smile on the other woman, “Just let me know if there’s anything I can do. I do care about Erika you know.” She winced inwardly, knowing she sounded almost desperate. “I’m sure you do, Mirabel. Erika will be touched by your concern,” Laura moved to stand next to her and Mirabel stood, walking with the other girl toward the door. “Jack, do you…” she began belatedly realizing that Jack had moved back to his desk and seemed to be ignoring her. Completely bewildered now, Mirabel just nodded when Laura cupped her elbow and steered her toward the door. “He’s got a lot of work to do today,” Laura whispered gently. Once again, Mirabel nodded and, in a daze, headed for her own neglected office. She wasn’t sure what had just happened but she did know that she was not going to be shunted aside. She’d worked hard to win Jack Mac Addison and she intended to keep him. *** Jack sat back in his chair considering the scene that had just taken place. Something about Mirabel’s behavior rubbed him wrong this morning. In truth, it had been rubbing him wrong for a long time now.

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Reaching over, Jack lifted his telephone receiver to his ear and with his other hand, tapped in the code that would replay the disjointed message Charles had left sometime the night before. “Jack, this is Charles Devon. Listen, there’s been a car accident and Erika…” he heard a man’s voice in the background, unclear. “Wait just a minute, young man, what do you mean? I thought you said…” He heard Mark Lincoln saying, “…said whiplash, yeah. But not…” there was a lot of static where he suspected that Charles had covered the cell phone’s mouthpiece. Suddenly, he heard the rare sound of Charles’ voice vibrating in anger. “Why would your father think that your sexual orientation has anything to do with my niece?” Jack heard a muted conversation punctuated with the words, “shook her”, followed by, “head butted his face”, and finally, “sue him?” “Sue him?” he heard Charles growl, “I’m not going to sue him, I’m going to go over there and kick his ass!” apparently in response to the last statement. This announcement was followed by the sounds of two men either trying to talk Charles out of his plans or trying to join in. Jack couldn’t make that out clearly. Finally the line went dead when Charles must have realized he was still on the phone. Jack sat unmoving for a minute or two longer and then made up his mind. He had some suspicions and some questions and he wasn’t getting any answers. He leaned over and picked up his phone again. After dialing an extension, he waited until he heard, “Willingsput,” in a clipped British accent and smiled. “Hugh, it’s Jack Mac Addison,” he began. “Jack, old boy!” Hugh boomed, causing him to wince and pull the phone from his ear. “Are you without your partner today as well?” he demanded jovially. “As a matter of fact, I am, Hugh, but you knew that,” Jack answered back, with a smile in his voice. “Indeed I did, indeed I did. No good reason not to go to lunch, then, is there?” Hugh ventured good-naturedly. “None at all, in fact. See you in three hours then?” Jack confirmed. “Make that three and a half and you’re on,” Hugh countered amiably. “Done,” Jack agreed and ended the call quickly before Hugh could change the time again. 147

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He sat quietly in his office for long minutes, just thinking. Finally, he turned his attention to the multitude of paperwork he needed to wade through for the upcoming trial. *** Niall watched the two men in the corner table as they drank and chatted, enjoying what was obviously a liquid lunch. After half an hour or so, he decided he’d have what they were having and moved to join them. “Well, Hugh-laddie, what a treat!” he greeted him on walking up to the table. Hugh rose to his feet, hand extended and a big smile on his face. “Niall Kincaid!” he crowed, “we only need a Welshman and we’ll have all of the UK represented here!” “Am I right in guessing we have a Scot here, then?” Niall arched an eyebrow already knowing the answer. “Jack Mac Addison,” Jack stood and offered a hand, introducing himself. Niall took the proffered hand briefly and seated himself in one of the two unclaimed chairs around the table. “Niall’s a detective out of the tenth precinct, Jack,” Hugh explained. “Isn’t it your brother my young partner, Mark, is involved with?” “I guess Lincoln is gay. Wow…” Jack thought. Niall smothered a grin at Jack’s obvious surprise. “Ahhh, me handsome golden boy, he’s keepin’ time with my cousin, mores the pity. Otherwise I’d be after him myself.” Laughing at Hugh’s exaggerated eye-roll and Jack’s stunned silence, Niall decided to bait the dark –haired lawyer a little. “That’s all right though,” he conceded nodding at both men. “Sweet Erika, a lovely little moonbeam, that one, and not making romance with any of my family members–or anyone else that I can see…” He offered Jack a bland smile. “Dinna fash yirsel! Bletherskite is aul yir sayin!” Jack apparently thought in the Scottish vernacular when he was outraged. Niall chuckled to himself. It seemed that Jack thought Niall was kidding himself and was talking rubbish. Hugh chose then to leave the table for a moment and Niall couldn’t have been more pleased. “Excuse me, gents, I’ll just pop off to the loo for a mo,” Hugh announced, climbing unsteadily to his feet. “So,” Niall began, “You think a blinkin Scotch is good enough for my little moonbeam, do ya?” 148

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“Better a Scotsman than an Irish, I’ll grant ye,” Jack growled. “Down boy,” Niall laughed at him. “So you think you’re deserving of the fair Erika, Scotch boy? I think you’re not.” “I’ve yet to figure why your opinion matters in this, Irish,” his voice was deceptively even but Niall knew he was thrumming with anger. “It’s takin’ ya long enough to cop on to that scrubber you’ve been listening to instead of sweet Erika,” Niall spoke harshly, remembering how hurt Erika had been and clearly reading that Jack had been convinced that Mirabel’s observations were honest. “What would you know about who or what I’m listening to?” Jack gritted, keeping his voice low but his anger was quite clear. “He can’t possibly know about Mirabel or all the men she said Erika was with…” “I can and do know all about the bird you been seein’, Mirabel is it? I know she tried to make my little moonbeam look like she’s flah’ed out every man in her path,” Niall shot back, disgusted at the idea that anyone could believe Erika would have sex indiscriminately like that. “How can you know such things?” Jack was more than a little alarmed now. “Because I’m fey, same as Erika is,” Niall explained, shocked when Jack’s face went white. “Ah ya thick Scotch!” he realized suddenly that the language differences were subtle but noteworthy. “Fey like mind readin’ not fated for death.” Jack blew out a relieved breath. He gave a little chuckle. “I guess people on the reaper’s list wouldn’t know my thoughts, would they?” “Well it’s good to see you aren’t completely daft, boyo. Although I do believe sweet Erika has written you off for lost,” Niall absently wondered what Hugh had found to keep his attention so long in the restroom but decided that it was just his good luck. He held his drink glass up to signal that he and Jack were ready for another round. *** Sinking down into his overstuffed chair, Mark hung up the phone. Charles hadn’t let him talk to Erika. She had been resting. The older man had tried to reassure Mark that his friend would be fine. Apparently she was just recovering from the shock of the event more than any injury she’d suffered.

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He slowly lowered his face to rest against his open palms. Everything is such a mess. If only I’d come out of the damned closet while Erika was gone, none of this would have happened. “What is it, Love?” Joshua squatted in front him. “Mark? Whatever you’re thinking, stop!” “Josh, she could have been hurt so bad. I knew my dad would be angry, I knew…” Mark felt the tears prickle at the back of his eyes. Josh reached out and gently put his hand behind Mark’s neck. He pulled him forward until their mouths met. The kiss was soft and tender, their lips moved together almost languidly as Mark followed the other man’s lead, returning each slow kiss, all concentration focused on the feel of their mouths. Josh gradually increased the pressure. Mark couldn’t help but respond. Josh pulled away slowly, looked deeply into Mark’s eyes and softly rubbed a thumb along the side of his neck. “It’s not your fault, Mark. You love Erika and she loves you. Neither of you could have predicted what your father would do. She’ll be fine, her uncle will pamper her and you know he will. And Mark?” Josh leaned forward again. His breath puffed lightly against Mark’s mouth. “Yes, Josh?” Mark whispered against his lover’s lips. “I’m in love with you Mark. I’ll take care of you.” Joshua stood, pulling Mark to his feet and into his embrace. Josh's hands moved down Mark's back, cupping his ass and pulling him close, groin-to-groin, hipbone against hipbone. Mark felt their erections straining against each other, the scrape of taut fabric over the bulging seam of zippers. Both men groaned out loud. Josh lowered his head and his mouth covered Mark’s, parting his lips, taking his tongue deep inside his mouth with a moan. Mark groaned in response. Their hands roamed, teasing and pleasing, seeking the most intense pleasure, the most intense release. Josh took Mark’s hand and led him into the bedroom. He lifted Mark's sweater over his head. Moving as if caught in a dream, Mark slowly pulled at Josh’s clothing then helped him off with his own shirt. Kneeling, Josh tugged Mark’s shoes off, then stood and scraped off his own

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Josh unfastened Mark’s pants and moved them away enough so he could touch him. Josh wrapped his fist around the thick velvet skin of Mark's cock. The moment Josh's hand tightened, Mark groaned. The sound seemed to boil out from somewhere deep in his belly, a cross between desire and pain. He felt his eyelids slowly close as Josh’s mouth came back to his, the other man's tongue plunging back onto his palate, the soft moans growing louder as Josh slowly stroked Mark's rock hard cock. Josh released Mark's erection with a last caress over the sensitive crown, then took Mark’s pants down and helped him step out of them. Mark returned the favor, pausing to lavish some attention on Josh’s engorged cock, loving the sounds of pleasure the man made. Naked, they moved toe to toe, slipping naturally into a powerful embrace, their erections rubbing skin to skin, their mouths once more locked together. Josh pushed Mark to the bed and lay down next to him. Mark tried to watch Josh's fingers running the length of his chest, wanted to follow the movement as Josh's fingers skimmed over his taut, suddenly sensitive nipples. The sensation was so moving, the feelings so intense and unbelievably erotic, he couldn't keep his eyes from closing, his back from arching. Behind his closed lids, he sensed Josh watching him, knew Josh was just as aroused as he was. Josh chuckled softly and rolled onto him, covering Mark's mouth as they twined arms and legs together, both men groaning at the intensity of the full body contact. Josh planted kisses from Mark’s mouth along his jaw line, down his neck. Their bodies writhed slowly together. Mark ran his hands up and down Josh’s back, reveling in the heat of his skin, the smooth texture of flesh over muscle and bone. Josh pulled back as if to make eye contact. Although aware of Josh's move, Mark didn't look at him. He was already floating away on a tide of yearning hunger. Josh rotated his hips into him. Mark knew his lover could see his need intensify. He moaned as Josh rotated and pressed against him once again. Mark slowly pulled his legs apart, nestling Josh between his thighs. He groaned. “I need you, Josh." Josh smiled and lowered his head, kissing Mark thoroughly and gently, then pulled back enough to ask him, “What do you need, Mark?” His whisper was soft. He traced Mark's lips with one finger. “I want you moving inside me, loving me, needing me, too.”

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Mark trailed his hands down Josh’s back cupping the rounded globes of his butt cheeks, rubbing his cock against him. Josh groaned, then leaned away and snagged the bottle of Astroglide sitting on the night table. Flipping open the lid, Josh poured some into his hand and tipped it so that the slick liquid coated his fingers. Josh placed a finger on Mark's small opening between his cheeks. A groan slipped from between his lips. Mark rocked slightly backwards, giving Josh more access. Josh slowly pushed his finger in and then moved it around in slow, smooth circles. Mark moaned even more, caught up in the amazing sensation of penetration. He felt Josh's cock twitch frantically against his groin. Josh added another finger to loosen Mark up. He couldn’t stifle the groan that welled from deep inside as the other man’s fingers slid in and out of him. Lying on his back underneath Josh, Mark could watch his face. Josh's eyes never strayed from Mark’s as he placed the head of his cock against Mark and entered him, steadily, smoothly until he was deeply sheathed. Already overwhelmed with sensation, the act was intensified by Josh’s gaze locked onto his. Mark reached up and pulled his lover's head down. He thrust his tongue into Josh’s mouth, grunting as Josh made the final surge into him. Josh pressed down, squeezing Mark’s swollen cock between them. Mark’s eyes closed. He moaned again, feeling the tight grip of muscles as Josh slowly thrust deep then withdrew just as slowly. Josh lowered his head again and plundered Mark’s mouth, his thrusts increasing in speed, his belly stroking Mark’s sensitive cock with every plunge. As they moved together, all skin, and muscle, sweat, and tongues and mighty lunging thrusts, Mark felt Josh spiraling further and further upwards with him. Their moans and groans, lost at first in each other's mouths, echoed loud and clear. Mark sensed Josh's need to slow things down so they could savor the sensations, but it was too late, both were too far past any point of control. Josh came first. His hips slammed down hard. He thrust deep into Mark, at the same time plunging his tongue into his mouth, sending Mark over the edge. 152

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His cock erupted beneath the pressure of Josh's taut belly, flooding the men with Mark's hot semen. Groaning loudly, Mark pulled Josh even further into him. Heart pounding, cock spasming, the tight muscles of his ass squeezing Josh's pulsing cock, Mark slumped back against the mattress. Mark began to register things little by little. His heart no longer raced. Joshua Kincaid was the wonderfully warm, solid body lying on top of him. The larger man’s fingers gently rifled through his hair. Josh’s full, sensual lips caressed his neck. He felt a tingling ache between his cheeks because Josh was still there. He, Mark, was responsible for the stickiness between their bellies. The sweet warmth that permeated all of his cells, the afterglow that he craved–he was in love. This man on top of him had made love to him, miraculous, magnificent love. Maybe there really is a happily ever after. If there’s one for me, maybe there’s one for Erika.

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Chapter Twenty-Nine

International law continued to be a busy branch of their law firm and Jack and Erika were attending to depositions and preparing clients for trial long hours on end. Often they did these together but they also did them separately. Jack remained in a foul mood and Erika kept her distance. Late one afternoon, following a lengthy session preparing a particularly difficult witness, Jack came storming in from the main hall. It looked like Erika had just watered her plant and was climbing off the chair she’d stood on to reach it. “Erika, Goddamn it! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he shouted. Her eyes got wide and round and she stumbled down from the chair. “I’m sorry, Jack, calm down,” she choked, her eyes growing huge. “Sorry? Damn you, woman--I TOLD you to stay the hell off that fucking chair! You’re going to break your silly neck!” Jack roared at her. Erika slowly began backing away from him. He stalked toward her angrily. All he could think of was her falling off that chair and hurting herself badly. Erika continued to back away from him toward the adjoining door. “I promise, I’ll never do it again. Come on, Jack, please, just calm down,” she was trying to placate him and it just made him angrier. She had her hands behind her, feeling for obstacles. “You already promised! Damn it, Erika! One of these days I’m going to find you in a pile on the floor!” he bellowed. “I swear, Jack, I won’t do it again, I swear!” Reaching back, her hands found the knob to the connecting door and opened it. “Please, I’ll listen from now on. I forgot, that’s all.” She was able to back through that door because it opened into the little hall. Finally, Erika’s odd behavior penetrated Jack’s anger. “Erika?” he questioned. He continued to pace toward her.

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In her obvious fear, all Erika could do was to continue to back away from him. “I swear I’ll stop watering my plant, I promise, Jack.” When she reached his office door, she pressed into the corner and, obviously realizing she couldn’t open it before he’d get to her, she sunk to the floor in defeat. “Don’t you go nuts too, Jack,” she was fighting tears. “I’m just goanna go home now, okay?” She bargained, looking at him as if he were a stranger. “Please, I’ll never do it again, just don’t hurt me.” Jack didn’t know where this was coming from but he knew bone deep fear when he saw it. He sunk to his knees and slowly moved within range of Erika. He reached for her and pulled her to him. “Erika? I’m sorry, Baby. Erika, shhhh.” He tried to soothe her as he cradled her in his arms. “Don’t cry, Baby. I’m not mad at you. Hush, I’m not angry.” He kept talking to her in his calmest voice, hoping to get through to her. Her body shook with fear. “Jack, I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry, Jack. I won’t ever do it again, I promise.” She continued to give him whatever she thought would placate him and make him happy just so she could get away from him. Jack felt like complete scum. She was cringing and trembling and he felt like he’d been caught beating a kitten. “Erika, don’t. I was worried for you, Baby, standing on that chair. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” Jack kissed her hair and he kissed her eyes. He stroked her back. What had he done? He’d known something had happened with Mark’s parents. Charles had told him she’d been hurt by a close family friend. What the hell was the matter with him? She probably figured that nobody was safe to be around anymore. “Erika? I AM sorry. I behaved like an asshole. I was stupid to shout at you like that. Will you forgive me, Baby?” he murmured. She was incredulous now. “You want me to forgive you?” “I was wrong Erika. I was wrong,” he told her. “We’re friends, aren’t we? Friends don’t treat each other that way.” She went rigid. She began to struggle with him. He almost had to body slam her to keep her still. “Erika you have to tell me what’s wrong!” he demanded. She deflated like a balloon with a hole in it. 155

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“We aren’t friends, Jack,” she said. He was shocked. “Erika?” “You aren’t my friend. You said so. You said you didn’t think we were even friends.” She turned away from him, hurt etched in every line of her body. Shit! Holy hell fucking shit! What an enormous ass he genuinely was. Without thinking, he’d shot his mouth off to placate a piece of ass he didn’t really want in the first place. Now he might have blown the most important relationship of his life. “You’re right, I did say that. I don’t know why.” She turned further away from him. He knew he’d have to do better. Honesty was the only way. Maybe, if he were honest, she’d learn to trust him again. Jack was pretty sure that he was in love with Erika Arnold. He was pretty sure he had been in love with her since he first shook her hand nearly three years ago. He didn’t know what she felt for him but he knew there was something. He’d settle for friendship and trust right now. He cupped her chin with his hand and turned her face to his. “Erika? I do know why I said that to her.” He had her attention now. “I didn’t want her to be mad at me. She’s hard to be around when she’s mad. She’s kind of hard to be around all the time.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “I’d rather be your friend than hers, Erika. Can we be friends again?” at her dubious look, he continued. “I’ve been such an asshole, I know it. I’ll do better from now on.” “You never gave me a chance, Jack. We never took any time to really be friends in the first place,” she sighed heavily and looked up at him through her lashes. “It’s my fault. I jumped your bones first, didn’t I?” He threw back his head and laughed out loud. “Erika Arnold, you are hazardous to a man’s health.” She looked steadily at him and he shook his head. “You’re right that I didn’t give you a chance, however, I think the bones-jumping was mutual, can we agree to that?” She giggled. “Yes, I guess it was pretty much mutual. Umm, Jack, there’s a lot about me though, that you don’t really know,” she went on. He thought he might have some idea about what was on her mind. “While you were …injured, I spent a little time with an Irish friend of yours,” he began, hesitating. 156

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“Niall!” she snapped in a huff. “Yeah, Niall Kincaid,” he verified. “He told me a little about how you… Well, he mentioned that he and you…” He was unsure how he should continue the conversation. “He’s got such a big mouth. He told you I can read minds, right?” she said with an edge to her voice. “That’s right, he did,” he confirmed. “Does that bug you?” she asked, waiting. “Well, I admit it made me a little nervous at first but it also explained a lot of things for me,” Jack admitted, watching to see her reaction. “I always try not to use it indiscriminately,” at his arched eyebrow, she went on, “I mean I didn’t want to invade people’s privacy and all but–well, sometimes it’s a little hard.” “You always know when clients are lying or when they’re just leaving something out, I did notice that,” he smiled at her and gave her a little squeeze. “Yeah, that’s what I try to do, just use it for that. I can’t help it with you, though. You, something about you makes me feel what you feel sometimes…” she trailed off. He thought he knew what she meant. “I want to explore that with you some. I’d like us to try to spend some time getting to know each other a little better. I’m going to properly end things with Mirabel,” he looked down into her gray eyes. “Does that sound okay to you?” he murmured. “Umm, yes, Jack. I think I’d like that,” she nodded, settling against his chest. Neither spoke for several quiet minutes until something occurred to Jack. “Baby, you know Mirabel’s going to act ugly for a while, right?” he looked down at her again. “Can you handle that?” after a brief hesitation she nodded again. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, okay?” Another nod. “Will you try to trust me again? Please?” She leaned up and kissed his cheek and relaxed against him. He pulled her against his chest and put both arms around her. He tried to settle her away from his painful hardon. Jack decided that the peace he felt was worth a couple of cold showers. They sat in the little hallway between their offices for long minutes. Finally, Erika spoke. “Jack?” she said quietly. “Yes, Baby?” he murmured. 157

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“You know you’re in my bubble again,” she said with a resigned sigh. He chuckled. “I think you need to let some air out of that bubble, Erika. Or at the very least, add a zipper.” He gave her a squeeze and helped her to her feet. “I intend to spend a great deal more time in there.” They caught a cab together with Erika getting out first at her apartment and Jack afterward at his own. The next day was Sunday and neither expected to go into the office. *** Sunday evening, Jack met Mirabel at an uptown bar. He was seated at a table near the door when she walked in. He’d worn jeans and a casual sweater and felt pretty comfortable considering the nature of this “date”. Jack thought Mirabel looked expensive and overdressed when she arrived. He’d told her where they were meeting and that it was nothing fancy. He’d even said he needed to talk to her. Maybe her fancy clothes were her armor against potential unpleasant situations. After she was seated with a drink in front of her, Jack spoke up. “Mirabel, I’ve enjoyed much of the time we’ve spent together over these many months,” he began, “I think its time we parted as friends.” He slid a small decorative gift box from an expensive jeweler across the table to her. “I hope you’ll accept this little gift as a memento of the fun times we’ve shared,” he murmured. She glared daggers at him. “It’s that little blonde bimbo, isn’t it?” Mirabel sneered at him. “She’s finally put out, hasn’t she?” Jack couldn’t believe what she was saying. “She caused Mark Lincoln to go gay, Jack. What makes you think she can satisfy you?” He stared at her incredulously. “What the hell is wrong with you?” he asked, stunned. “She won’t give you what you need, Jack. I’m as pretty as she is, you know. I’ll do things she won’t do. She’s just too high and mighty. You’ll never be satisfied and you’ll come looking for me!” she jeered.

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“I am ending it with you Mirabel because I realized I didn’t like being with you. You’re mean and you lie. Thank you for proving it one last time.” Jack stood up. He’d taken a step away from the table when he turned back. “Mirabel, keep your poison away from the office, I warn you.” He wanted to tell her to leave Erika alone, but he knew that would be a red flag to a bull right now. Jack walked away from the table. Deciding he definitely needed to wash his hands, Jack headed for the men’s room at the back of the bar. He was more than a little surprised to run into Mark Lincoln on his way out. Mark had gotten a phone call and was just hanging up. “Hey Jack! How’s it going?” Mark really was looking better every time Jack saw him. He had golden blonde hair, a sculpted face, and a light tan that seemed to enhance his attractive features. Jack knew his sisters would be all over this man no matter which “team” he played for. “How are you, Mark?” he asked, shaking the man’s hand. “Heard from Erika this weekend? How’s she doing?” He’d left her alone since they parted company the day before. “Ask her yourself, man” Mark replied with a jaunty smile. “She’s over there with Joshua.” He pointed to a large, burly looking man seated across from Erica. Jack recognized the man he’d seen Erika with at the park weeks before. Evidently seeing something in Jack’s face, Mark draped an arm over his shoulder. “Josh is my date, Jack. Erika’s going stag.” He laughed and slapped Jack on the back. Jack was sure his face was red. “Sorry, man,” he mumbled. “Jack?” Mark stopped him before they moved away from the quiet alcove. Jack turned to look at Mark. “Jack, Erika’s pretty select about who she gets close to… She’s only ever dated two guys–one in college and a brief affair when we first started at the DA’s office-except for one other guy. She’s pretty quiet about him.” Mark peered intently at Jack. “What are you trying to say, Mark?” Jack looked hard at the other man. He knew he was making him uncomfortable. Mark probably knew Jack was that “one other guy”.

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“She’s beautiful and sweet. She’s smart. She’s fun. If there’s any chance you’re going to hurt her, just walk away now.” Mark looked a little dangerous, suddenly. It was not easy for anyone to appear dangerous to Jack Mac Addison. Jack put his hand on the other man’s neck in an affectionate gesture. “That’s the last thing I ever want to do, Mark.” He tried to give Mark his most sincere look. Mark began to smile. “Let’s go have a drink.” At the table, Jack reached over and shook Joshua’s hand and kissed Erika’s cheek. He ordered a beer and sat down next to her. Before long, the four of them were laughing and having a good time. “Isn’t that your old bomber jacket?” Jack whispered to Erika. She turned a pretty shade of pink and dipped her head. “I still haven’t found my scarf,” she finally replied. She gave him a long look. Jack slid his arm across her shoulders and hugged her. “If you’re a very good girl,” he teased her, “you’ll get it back some day.” Nobody saw Mirabel looking on from the bar. She couldn’t have heard what was being said but she also couldn’t miss Jack’s obvious relaxation and enjoyment in Erika’s company.

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Chapter Thirty

Monday morning was a busy one for Erika. She’d had a doctor’s appointment first thing, so she came in early. She knew Jack wouldn’t be in until a bit later so she made sure the coffee would be delivered and headed for the bathroom. Finished, she walked back through the adjoining door and closed it without looking up. Since she wasn’t really paying attention to her surroundings, Erika was more than a little surprised to hear Mirabel’s dulcet tones wishing her a good morning. “So, Barbie, you think you’ve won, do you?” Mirabel growled at her. “I didn’t realized we were competing, Mirabel, what was the prize?” Erika asked her sardonically. “Don’t be coy, bitch, I saw you two all over each other at the bar!” Mirabel snapped back. “The same bar where he broke up with me!” Mirabel towered over Erika now and grabbed the lapels to her jacket. “For heaven’s sake, Mirabel!” Erika gasped. “You sound like an angry sixteen year old whose boyfriend took someone else to the prom or something!” “I’ll teach you to mess with me!” Erika heard Mirabel screech in her mind and ducked as the other woman swung her arm. “You think you can get away from me, do you?” Mirabel grabbed Erika and jerked her sideways. Note to self, no more heels! I think my ankle is broken. “C’mon, Barbie,” Mirabel sneered, “We’re going out for a while.” Erika scanned Mirabel’s thoughts and realized that the other woman really had taken leave of her senses. She opened her mouth to scream, the only thing she could think of to do, when she felt a solid force hit her in the stomach. Erika felt the adhesive of a mailer label cover the bottom half of her face before she had time to recover.

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“Jack Mac Addison was mine!” Mirabel screeched. “Is mine,” she amended in a lower, hoarse voice. “You don’t need him,” she growled, pushing Erika in front of her. Pulling Erika roughly to her feet, Mirabel gave her another push. She’d have been more than capable of manhandling the smaller woman but Erika’s injured ankle made her much more malleable. As it turned out, Mirabel’s powers of reason were more coherent than Erika thought they were. She didn’t head for the elevators as Erika had hoped but instead, pushed and tugged her toward the stairs. “No doubt about it,” Erika thought, “Mirabel has definitely gone around the bend.” It was impossible to get a handle on what Mirabel was thinking because her thoughts were so disjointed. Erika heard the words “Jack”, “mine”, “never find her” and “bitch” but nothing much that made sense. Before she knew it, she was stumbling down the many flights of stairs trying not to panic. It wasn’t easy going because of her ankle and she did her best to fight Mirabel as the larger woman pushed and tugged at her. Half the time she feared passing out from the pain in her ankle and soon pain throughout her entire bruised body. Mirabel continuously shoved at her causing her to fall down some of the stairs as she clutched at the hand railings on the way by. Clearly the older woman was much more vicious and streetwise than she was, keeping Erika from getting a firm enough footing to turn and attack her assailant. As she came to, Erika looked around, peering through the gray cold. Mirabel must have knocked me out. I wonder where I am. It's always cold and dark when these things happen, isn’t it? She glanced around at the painted stone walls and realized that she must be in a basement. Probably even the basement of their office building, she reasoned. The room she was in did not feel very big but she couldn’t be sure. There was a muted gloom that wasn’t completely dark but neither could she find any light source. It didn’t escape her notice that her hands and feet were tied, either. In fact, there was only one thing she could really be grateful for–okay two things. The first was that she hadn’t had any coffee yet that morning so she didn’t have to go to the bathroom. The second was that Mirabel had left her all her clothing including her suit jacket. She wasn’t comfortable but she wasn’t freezing either. 162

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*** Jack was confused. The coffee and pastries were waiting in Erika’s office the way they had been time and again. In fact, they’d been there for an hour and a half. The problem was, Erika never showed up. After two hours, Jack finally lost patience and called Mark. “Mark Lincoln,” came the younger man’s voice over the phone. “Mark, I’m looking for Erika, have you heard from her today?” Jack asked right away. He had no tolerance for the niceties. He just couldn’t quell the feeling that something was wrong. “No, Jack, but she had a doctor’s appointment this morning. Did you speak to her uncle?” Mark’s voice was concerned but not overly so. “No,” Jack responded abruptly and hung up the phone. He knew he’d been rude but that feeling of unease was agitating him. Dialing another number, Jack waited. “Charles Devon,” he heard a cheerful voice proclaim. “Charles, have you heard from Erika this morning?” he demanded without preamble. “Jack? What’s wrong, son?” Charles paused. “I did hear from her after her doctor’s appointment. Everything was fine, why?” Jack felt so impatient that he hardly wanted to talk to Charles but supposed it could help somehow. “Well, she’s ordered the coffee and breakfast rolls, but she isn’t’ here,” he explained. “When did she order them?” Charles asked. “She put in the order around eight-thirty according to the restaurant,” he said thoughtfully. He had taken the time already to check that much out. “I asked security when she signed in this morning and they said about eight-fifteen a.m.” “Hmmm,” Charles seemed to be thinking. “Why don’t we do this? Let’s find out if she signed out again and while you’re at it, check and see who else was in the offices at the same time she was.” Jack felt foolish. Those were very good ideas and he should have thought of them. He also felt foolish that he was so worried about Erika’s non-appearance. It didn’t deter him but he still felt sheepish about it. He’d just arrived at the security desk when a hand on his back surprised him. Whirling around, hoping to see Erika, he was disappointed to find Mirabel behind him. 163

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“Oh, Jack! I’m so sorry if I took you by surprise!” she apologized with what seemed to be a contrite look on her face, although Jack didn’t buy it. “Mirabel, I’m a little busy right now,” he gritted roughly, turning back to the desk. “I just wondered if you’d like to have a bite to eat with me for lunch,” she gave him a flirtatious smile. “Just to show no hard feelings,” she wrinkled her nose at him. “That’s very…” he couldn’t think of a way to be polite to her, but still refuse. “No, thank you, Mirabel,” he said finally, deciding that bluntness was called for. Somehow he was not convinced that Mirabel’s offer was as magnanimous as it sounded at face value. “Now she’s an odd one,” the security clerk said, making a note as Mirabel left the building. “Yes, friend, she certainly is,” Jack responded then thought about that, “Why do you think so?” he asked staring intently at the man. “Well, sir,” he began, his fingers racing across the keyboard in front of him, his eyes fastened on a computer screen, “This here’s her assigned number – makes it easy to keep up with who’s going in and out and when, see?” he pointed at a screen in front of him. “This here’s that lady, she’s 2117, Mirabel from contracts.” Jack nodded. Generally speaking, he didn’t like situations where numbers instead of their names designated people, but he understood the necessity. His brow furrowed. He’d noticed what he was sure the young man was trying to show him. “According to this,” Jack looked at the other man to confirm what he was saying. “Mirabel Grady came into the building twice today but the only record that she left it today is five minutes ago. Is that right?” “Yessir!” the proud security clerk nodded importantly. “See, now I have two questions. First, how did she leave to come back like she did, and second, why?” “Those are both very good questions Mr.,” Jack looked at the man’s nametag, “Mr. Davis. Do me a favor and call Charles Devon’s office and let him know the minute she returns, okay?’ “Well, sure, Mr. Mac Addison, sure,” the guard answered excitedly. “Mr. Davis, check your records and tell me if Ms. Grady was in the building this morning at the same time that Erika Arnold was here, please. And double-check to see

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what time Miss Arnold left this morning,” he added, even though he felt certain that there would be no record of Erika leaving that morning. “She sure was, sir. And no, Miss Arnold never left this morning. She’s a pretty little thing, isn’t she?” he grinned, blushing. “I generally notice when she comes and goes.” “She is at that, Mr. Davis. As it happens, I usually notice her comings and goings, myself,” Jack smiled at the man to hide some of his own worry and to reassure the other man just a bit. *** Erika sat, huddled in her cold little prison shivering and trying to figure out what to do. She’d tried making noise and kicking but Mirabel had her trussed up pretty good. The other woman had taken what had turned out to be a very well made scrunchie and wrapped it tightly around her wrists, which were behind her back. Her ankles were secured with a thin leather belt that had been doubled in an intricate pattern to hold her tightly. “Jack!” she tried to call out with her mind. “Niall! Niall!” she remembered having that mental conversation with him when they’d first met. She just wasn’t sure how they’d done it. After considering that for a few minutes, she realized that it wasn’t that complicated. She was able to read minds so she’d read Niall’s. He was able to read minds, so he’d read hers. Elementary. A conversation had ensued. Erika tried not to feel too sorry for herself although the timing was perfect. There couldn’t possibly be a better time or place to feel sorry for yourself then all beat up and tied up in a dark, cold, closet, she was sure. Closing her eyes, she pictured Jack and tried to read his mind. “Erika! Where are you, Baby? I know something is wrong. I’m sure of it!” Well that was something, anyway. Jack was worried about her and looking for her. She let her mind drift to her Uncle Charles. “If anyone knows where she is, Mark will know,” her uncle thought decisively. But, of course, Erika knew that was not the case.

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Thinking of Mark, Erika imagined him sitting in his office with his back to his desk and looking out his window. If he was in the building, she knew she could read his thoughts. “Damn, Erika, where are you? MMMM! NIALL! He’ll find you! I’ll call Jack and then I’ll call Niall. No, I’ll call Niall and then I’ll call Jack.” Erika was reassured just knowing that these three men whom she loved so much had missed her presence so soon. She was bruised and uncomfortable but she knew that, if Niall came, he’d find her in short order. She was going to do something wonderful for her guys as soon as she could. She’d never felt so loved in her whole life.

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Chapter Thirty-One

Jack was thrilled to see Niall. “Why didn’t I think of calling him?” he wondered when the Irishman appeared at his office doorway with Mark. “Ye didn’t think of it because you’re a stubborn Scotch who thinks he can just do everything all by himself, boyo,” came the lilting voice of one Niall Kincaid. Jack surged to his feet, rounded his desk, and clasped Niall’s hands in a desperate grip. “You can find her can’t you, Irish?” he murmured, trying to keep his panic under control. “Ya think that mot of yours, Mirabel, ya think she did something, huh?” Niall squeezed his hands and let them drop, patting a muscular shoulder instead. Jack was grateful for Niall. The man knew what each of his friends needed from him and wasn’t afraid to provide it. He was wishing he could be more like the Irishman, when he realized his every thought was open to the other man. “Everybody wants to be like me, lad,” Niall grinned, “It’s a painful cross to bear.” He squeezed Jack’s shoulder again and then went on to Mark’s. Jack looked up to notice that Charles had entered the room. “Charles, this is Niall Kincaid, a friend of Mark’s, Erika’s, and mine. Niall, this is Erika’s uncle, Charles Devon. Charles, we think he can help find her more easily than anyone else could.” “Really?” Charles’ eyes narrowed at the newcomer. “And why is that?” “Because, Mr. Devon, Charles?” Niall arched a cinnamon colored brow and Charles nodded. “I can read minds just like she can, Charles,” Niall said holding Charles’ hand in a very friendly handshake. “We should,” Charles cleared his throat and withdrew his hand, “We should concentrate on finding Erika just now,” he stated firmly, although his voice was not as forceful as Jack was used to hearing.

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“Don’t worry, I can hear Erika,” Niall announced causing everyone in the room to go silent. “She’s cold, she’s a mite cheesed off, and she’s a bit knocked around, but she’s in no danger.” “Where is she?” Jack growled. He was pleased to know that Erika was not in any danger but still…. “Well, sir, she thinks she’s still in this building somewhere,” Niall began, turning to move toward the office door again. “Niall,” Mark piped up, rolling his eyes at the rest of the assembled group. “Wait just a second, here, okay?” “What?” he snapped. “What is it, Golden Boy?” he said in a softer voice, placing a hand on Mark’s cheek in apology. “Niall, we don’t all read minds like you do and we need more upfront information. Take a minute and fill us in, please,” this surprisingly came from Charles and not Mark. Jack realized that Charles would have a lot of experience dealing with people like Erika and Niall since he’d raised his niece from her early teens. “You’re right, Charles, my apologies,” Niall sighed heavily. “I’m angry for her and eager to set her to rights, same as you, I expect.” Jack noted that Charles, who normally remained aloof, walked up to Niall and squeezed his shoulder in a reassuring fashion. “What do we know about what has happened to her, Niall?” Charles had led Niall to the sofa in Erika’s office and poured him a cup of lukewarm coffee. Sipping at it absently, Niall thought for a second. “Well, Jack’s right, that bird he’d been keeping time with, she’s flown well away from her sanity it would seem.” “What happened?” Jack growled angrily. He’d kill her. He’d hunt Mirabel down and choke the life out of her with a smile on his face. “Now, now, son, calm down. We’ll decide what to do about her after Erika is safe and sound,” Charles soothed. “What else can you tell us, Niall?” “She pushed and pulled Erika down the stairs instead of using the elevator. Now, she’s somewhere dark and cold but close enough that it could be a closet. She’s not hearing any scratching like mice or much of anything at all.” “Okay,” Mark finally spoke up. “Here’s what we’ll do.” He looked around expectantly until everyone nodded. “Jack and Niall, you’ll go down and look for Erika 168

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and Charles and I will call the precinct that would serve our apartment building and file a complaint. That way, Joshua and Anna, his partner,” he explained to Charles and Jack hurriedly, “they can be looking for Mirabel. We know she’s dangerous, right?” *** “Erika love, we’re in the basement level, above the garage, can ya make any noise at all?” Niall knew it was hard for Jack to just follow him and not say anything. He had to give the dark-haired man credit he was containing himself very well. “Niall, it might be easier if you tried to make noise. I’m all tied up here and I think my ankle is sprained or something. Just knock on the wall or something and I’ll let you know when I hear you.” That made plenty of sense to Niall so he turned to Jack. “I’ve got a pocketknife here but even a quarter will do,” he held up a piece of metal. “Just knock along the walls or doors every few feet and wait. As soon as she hears, she’ll let me know. I know it’s hard, mate, but don’t go too fast.” Saying nothing, Jack nodded and turned away. He let Niall head off in the opposite direction, tapping on the wall each yard or so with a silver Cross-pen he’d had since college. There were security guards stationed at each end of the long hallway near the fire stairs doors. “I’m having some trouble Niall,” he heard Erika’s thoughts after a few minutes. “What’s wrong, moonbeam?” Niall thought back to her. She sounded weak to him now. “When she was dragging me down the stairs before, I’m pretty sure I passed out for a minute or two. That’s why I wasn’t sure where I ended up. I think I’m hearing some noises but I’m just not sure.” Immediately, Niall stopped tapping. He didn’t say anything to Jack, instead just letting him go ahead as he was. “And now, lass? Do you hear any noises now?” He flipped out his cell phone and ordered an ambulance to meet him at the lowest level of the building above the garage level. “Yes, I do, I hear something,” she answered breathlessly. “Jack! Stop!” he called. The other man froze in place. “Now, Erika? What about now?” Niall waited tensely, ignoring Jack’s thoughts – the other man was trying valiantly not to think but only to do as instructed. “Nothing, Niall, now I hear nothing,” she sighed.

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“Go again, Jack!” he called to the lawyer in a low voice. A metallic “tic-tic-tic” noise was heard. “Yes!” Erika crowed, in his mind, her voice was cracking. Niall waved a security officer over to the door nearest Jack and unlocked it. The younger man went into the room ahead of Jack with a gun drawn but he pushed the guard out of the way. “Oh, Baby,” Jack crooned, tugging at the adhesive label covering Erika’s mouth with one hand while reaching around her to find her bound wrists with his other hand. Niall immediately went to work unbinding her ankles and supplying a handkerchief to dab at the blood from her mouth and various injuries. The scene was chaotic for a time with the emergency medical technicians bundling Erika up and carting her off to the nearest emergency room while Jack stumbled along beside her. He was unwilling to let her out of his sight, Niall noted with approval. After a brief kiss to Erika and a rushed handshake with Jack, Niall hurried upstairs to find Josh, Mark, and the very intriguing Charles Devon. From what Erika had gleaned from Mirabel, she’d had no intention of ever returning to the closet where she’d stashed her rival. *** Charles looked around at the three men seated in front of his desk as he replaced the telephone receiver. “That was Todd Davis from security. Miss Grady is still in her own office and seems none the wiser about Erika’s rescue.” “I think she should… I don’t know…” sighed Mark. “I hate what she did to Erika. Isn’t that kidnapping, Josh?” “Its illegal restraint, molestation, attempted murder possibly, there’s any number of things she could be charged with,” Josh said thoughtfully. He was angry, no doubt about it, they all were. “The problem here, as I see it,” Niall spoke up, “much as I’d like to lock her away in a damp, dank cell–she’s likely ill.” With one part of his mind, Charles agreed with Niall. With another part of his mind, Charles couldn’t help marvel at how very drawn he was to the other man. He felt his face burn as Niall arched a knowing brow at him. He lowered his eyes to his desktop to regain his equilibrium and then sighed, glancing at the three men again.

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“Jack should be checking in soon,” Charles said in a tired voice. “Chances are good that Erika will be none the worse for wear.” He closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair for a minute. “Niall is right, gentlemen. Miss Grady is most likely in need of mental help.” No one spoke for several minutes. “Look,” Josh spoke up finally, “the woman committed a crime–a serious crime. She’s a danger to herself and obviously to Erika.” He turned and looked over at Niall. “Erika should press charges and then we can take it from there.” Without a word, Charles stood, Niall after him and walked out of his office. Josh and Mark stood and followed the two men out. Mirabel was leaving her office when Mark and Josh turned the corner. The minute she saw Mark, Mirabel began to scream. “He’s after me! She’s told him lies and now he’s come to hurt me!” she screeched. “Miss Grady,” Charles tried to intervene in a calming voice, “Nobody wants to hurt you.” Mirabel whirled on her heel and sprinted back into her office. “Police, ma’am,” Niall called out. He began to jog after her, reaching a hand out to try to stop her progress. “Just a question or two?” Charles was certain he could hear the bone snap in Niall’s arm as she tried to slam her office door on him throwing herself bodily against it. “Bloody shit!” Niall cursed with a pained grimace on his face. Josh came up behind him and heaved at the door sending Mirabel stumbling backward. “You are under arrest, Miss Grady. You have the right to remain silent,” he began, tugging a pair of handcuffs from under his suit coat. “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law,” he went on, pulling one arm behind her and encircling it with a shiny metal handcuff. Mirabel looked at him mutely. Charles surmised that she was completely stunned. He and Mark had both rushed to aid Niall who was clearly in pain with his arm hanging at an odd angle from his elbow. “You have the right to be speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning,” he advised her as he snapped the other metal circlet around her

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free wrist. “If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense. Do you understand these rights as I’ve explained them to you?” “What?” Mirabel looked around at Josh and then at Mark as if she was in a daze. “Miss Grady, you’ll have to come with me,” Josh said stiffly. “Mark,” Charles spoke up, “Call Hugh Willingsput to represent Miss Grady until something can be done for her. Mark immediately moved to the telephone on Mirabel’s desk and dialled a number leaving Charles to help Niall. *** “What’s wrong with Niall?” Erika asked when Jack returned to her hospital room. She was being kept overnight for observation and treatment but most of her injuries were superficial. “Don’t lie to me either, Jack, or I’ll know,” she gave him a narrow glare. “I’ll never be anything but honest with you, Baby, I promise. Besides there’s only one way you knew anything was wrong at all, now isn’t there?” Jack countered. Erika wanted to object and come up with a good cover for how she knew things she wasn’t supposed to know–that’s what she’d always done. Looking at Jack now, though, she realized that she didn’t have to do that anymore. She could be herself with him and it felt very liberating, indeed. “You’re right, Jack, I kind of scanned and everyone’s thinking about Niall. What’s going on? What happened with Mirabel? She really snapped didn’t she?” She reached out with one hand and he took it in both of his. “Yes, she really snapped,” he agreed, his face twisted in disgust. “All I can say is… Hell, there’s nothing I can say. I didn’t intend to lead her on, I never did.” Erika leaned over until Jack caught her and scooted her onto his lap. She didn’t have IVs so it was a simple matter of lifting her and sliding underneath her. “Jack, you were dating her. That’s not a life commitment. Not even a tacit agreement…” she began, trying to soothe Jack’s self-reproach before he could embark on a full-fledged guilt-trip. “She needs help–I mean, I’m not ever going to be friends with her, I didn’t like her to begin with, but I think she just developed a mental problem or something.” “Shhh, Baby, I know what you mean. I’m just sorry about all of it, you know? I regret that I let this happen to you and I regret that…” Erika covered his mouth with hers and stopped his tirade of personal vilification. 172

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When the kiss ended, Erika snuggled closer into his arms and against his chest. “So, what’s the deal with Uncle Charles and Niall?” she asked. “Hmmm,” Jack murmured. “I’m not really sure. I don’t think they’re really sure, to put a point on it. It should be interesting finding out, though.”

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Chapter Thirty-Two

“Excuse me?” Josh turned and stopped at the polite voiced murmur. He was already late for Jack and Erika’s engagement party and he was exhausted. One more minute to be courteous to strangers wouldn’t hurt. “Can I help you, sir?” he asked the tall blonde man. With a start, he realized looking from the man and woman and back again that these were Mark’s parents. “We’re looking for…” the man, whom he now knew to be General Lincoln glanced down at the embossed card in his hand. With a small grin, Josh pulled his invitation out waving it and said, “Follow me.” “Are you friends with Erika?” Martin Lincoln asked. “I’m really closer to Mark, but to be close to Mark is to be close to Erika, isn’t it?” Josh smiled as he slowed to accommodate the smaller stride of the woman who, so far, hadn’t said anything. “For a long time,” she looked up at Josh and then away, “Well, we really thought Mark and Erika…” she trailed off. “Well, if you care about Erika,” Josh gave her a small smile, “If you care about Erika, you’ll love Jack. They’re perfect for each other.” “Young man,” Martin Lincoln spoke up again. “Yes, sir?” Josh asked, opening the door to the restaurant. “You say you’re close to Mark?” he demanded. Josh nodded. “Are those all policemen?” the senior Lincoln asked glancing past Josh into the room where the party was in full swing. Josh pulled his jacket back to expose his gun and badge and smiled. “Both Mark and Erika’s Uncle Charles are both romantically involved with–detectives. As I said before, to be close to Mark is to be close to Erika and vice versa, right?” “It’s always been that way,” said Miriam with a small tilt of her lips. “They were always soul mates of a sort.” 174

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“Still are,” Josh confirmed, stepping into the doorway. Before he could speak, Mark had rushed up to him. “Joshua!” he nudged the larger man backward out of the doorway, focused completely on him. “I was so worried when the desk sergeant said…” Without thinking, Josh swung Mark around into the hall and lowered his head in for a quick but intense kiss, the elder Lincolns completely forgotten. “I’m sorry, Love. A flying bullet winged Anna but she’s fine. It was a clean arrest. She’s changing and on her way. It was quicker just to head over and tell you in person.” Mark’s arms tightened around Josh as he laid his head on his lover’s shoulder. “I like to forget that people are shooting back at you while you’re out there saving the world, I guess.” “You give me a very good reason to duck, Mark, don’t worry. I’m careful.” Josh would have leaned down for another kiss but the sound of a masculine throat clearing behind him reminded him that he hadn’t arrived alone. “Mark, look who came to the party,” Josh turned a shocked Mark to acknowledge his parents. Josh had begun to worry about Mark’s stunned silence when Niall came up, his hand snaking around Mark’s waist with Charles right behind him. “What have we here, cousin?” Niall asked, his lyrical voice edged with a hard note. “Martin, Miriam,” Charles snapped, looking at Mark’s father with a narrow glare. “Charles…” Martin began. “Oh, Mr. Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln!” Erika squealed, rushing into the hallway and taking the man and woman by the arm. “I’m so glad you could come. I was so afraid you wouldn’t! Jack! You have to meet Mark’s parents! They were there for me my whole life!” “It was so sweet of you to invite us, Erika,” Miriam gushed. “Erika, I just can’t believe you’d want us here after all what I did before,” Martin stood straight and tall in front of her. Josh watched as Jack moved in behind Erika, close enough to be there if she needed him but otherwise just remaining nearby. “You two were there at my graduation from high school and college. I know it was for Mark but you’ve loved me and been there for me, too. I could never let one emotional incident ruin years of love and support.” 175

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Josh stood back watching as the older couple hugged Erika and she returned the affection. Mark joined the fray and soon Charles, Mark, Niall, and Jack were talking to the elder Lincolns, while Josh stood on the edge of the circle enjoying seeing his lover reunite with his parents. Feeling a hand sneak around his waist, Josh looked down into Erika’s big gray eyes. “God, you’re sweet,” he said, leaning down to drop a kiss on her full mouth. “Sweet as candy,” she winked impishly. “Yummy, yummy candy,” he laughed hugging her tight.

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