by Nicole Vidal
Part of me is screaming, hell no! I want her in my bed each morning and night. The other part is screaming, hell yes! I don’t want to wake with her for a few months and then move to Maine alone. The selfish part will win. The part that wants to learn as much as I can about this spectacular woman who seems to want the real me. She’s my unicorn. The bigger question is will I move to Maine without her.
“Selfishly, no, they aren’t.”
“When can I move in?” She pulls her lower lip between her teeth in an unconscious movement that makes blood run south. Damn, that’s sexy!
“How’s this afternoon? We could go scoop up Gray and most of your clothes.”
“Works for me, as long as Connor is free.”
My gorgeous woman agreed to move in with me. Hopefully, when I include her on all the other decisions, she’ll shift her thoughts to moving to Maine with me. “Should we celebrate now or later tonight?”
A flicker of her inner vixen flashes in her eyes. “Both.” With strength I didn’t know she possessed, she flips us both, straddles my hips, and pulls me to sitting. Her hands grip the hem of my T-shirt, yanking it overhead.
“That view will never get old.”
“I feel the same way about this one.” I draw her shirt upward, kissing each exposed inch of skin.
As I wet her skin with my mouth and tongue, she grinds against my shaft. If I wasn’t ready to strip her naked with her simply sitting in my lap, the sensations from her taking what she needs is making me even harder. After throwing her shirt to the floor, I bite her nipple.
Sounds of approval fall from her lips, along with the increased movement of her against me. I continue nipping and sucking her full breasts and belly.
“Sam, I need you now. I want to try to be on top again. Why did you switch us last time?”
She didn’t question it then, so I went with it. “Truthfully, I needed to slow my reaction to you. You’re so tight, and the deeper you surrounded me, the faster I approached my release. I wanted our first time to last longer than that, so I flipped us over so I could control myself.”
A charming blush brightens her face as she slides down my legs, taking my shorts with her. Before climbing back onto the bed, she wiggles out of her thin pajama pants and lace panties.
I meet her lips as she moves over me. Sliding my hand between us, I coast my finger back and forth over her nub. She moans into my mouth as I increase my pace.
“Sam….” She shudders above me. Watching her fly apart is exquisite. She looks like a goddess hovering over me while her body shakes and spirals with pleasure. The moment she regains control of her breathing, she sinks down over me in one motion.
“Sweet mercy, you feel amazing wrapped around me.”
Without a word, she slides up and down my shaft all the way to the root every time. My release is already building at the base of my spine. I’m glad I switched our positions before. She clenches her inner muscles around me, sending a wave of pleasure through my entire body. I feel her shudder, and her thighs start to shake. Her hips lower over me faster while she rides out the sensations. She drops to her forearms, changing the angle of her hips. That’s all it takes. I empty into her with long, hot bursts, drawing her lush breasts against my chest.
I want this every day. Now I need to support her until she realizes that Scarlett will be fine on her own, especially with Finn shadowing her. A long and sensual shower later, we message Connor and get Emme ready.
Chapter 32
Savannah
The ride to my apartment is largely silent. I opt for the back of Sam’s Land Rover with Emme so Sam can have the leg room in the front. This beautiful angel has a grip on my pinky finger and refuses to let go. She has as tight a grip on my heart as her daddy.
When we visited Noelle and Cash, it was wonderful to see that side of Sam. Calmer, more relaxed, and dare I say happier. I loved it there too, aside from my run-in with Margaux Morgan. Not having a mother figure present for my most formative years, I truly pity her. She has four of the most amazing children and one adorable granddaughter. If she could let them handle their own lives, everything would work out better for the entire family. All these thoughts lead me to Scarlett. She’s a grown woman who doesn’t need me to watch over her. Yet I’m still torn about moving to Maine.
“Sam, are we going out tomorrow?”
He turns to look at me over the center console. “I don’t think so. Why?”
“I’m going to see if Scarlett can stop by.”
“Okay, no problem.”
I pull out my phone and text my sister.
Me: Hey there! Are you free tomorrow early afternoon?
Scarlett: Yeah.
Me: Will you come to Sam’s?
Scarlett: Sure. Everything okay?
Me: Yes. I haven’t seen you in a while.
Scarlett: Sure. I’ll be by around one.
Me: See you then. Love you.
Scarlett: Love you too.
We follow Connor up to my floor and wait while he checks out my apartment. After offering him a drink, Sam and I move upstairs to pack my clothes. It doesn’t take as long as I thought considering Sam has some nifty tricks for my closet. He took large garbage bags, made a hole for the hangers, and packed my work wardrobe in literally ten minutes.
Emerson is on my bed surrounded by pillows with Gray purring away by her feet. While I pack my dresser, Sam packs all my shoes with more care than necessary.
“Should I give you some time alone with my shoes?” I giggle.
“What?”
“All of those shoes probably cost about as much as one of your suits. You don’t need to be that careful with them. Seriously, Scarlett kicks them around when she wears them.”
“I happen to love a few pairs of your shoes. I’m simply making sure you have them in your closet at my place.”
“My closet?”
“Yes, of course. There are his and hers closets in the master bedroom at my penthouse with a shared dressing room in the middle.”
“Oh.”
“Tell me, gorgeous.”
“I’m just…. You’re so…. I could ask you for the sun and you would find a way to get it for me.”
“I would, but you wouldn’t ask because it’s not who you are. I know you don’t care about my wealth, but I also don’t want it to be an issue either.”
“It’s not an issue, but it’s something I need to get used to. I’ve never had extra money, if you will. Everything was always budgeted for, saved for. There were no extras for me or Scarlett.”
“That may be true, but some of the things you consider extra, I consider necessary.” He stops working on my shoes and moves next to me, one hand bracketing my waist and the other against my jaw.
“Such as?” I ask pensively. I love my ring, but it’s more than I’m accustomed to. I suppose that’s how everything will be going forward.
“Date night, gorgeous flowers to make you smile for no reason, couture dresses designed by Billie or Kelly for events along with matching jewelry, to name a few.”
None of those seem over the top except the jewelry for one event. “I promise to be more accepting of the things you want to do for me.”
“Thank you. I would appreciate a few hints here and there since there’s no way I’ll get lucky again after choosing your ring so expertly on the first try.”
“I’ll consider it, but you don’t need any help. You did fine on your own.”
He lifts my hand, kissing right behind the ring he gave me before pressing his lips to mine. “We should get moving. I’m pretty sure we have some more celebrating to do at home in bed later.”
Home hits me. Home to him is where I am. My chest constricts, making it hard to breathe. “Yes, yes we do.” I throw the rest of my workout and sleeping clothes into a tote and set it near the door.
“What’s left?” Sam asks.
“I need to clean out the fridge, empty Gray’s litter box, and gather my books in the living room.” Sam
lifts two totes and trots down the staircase. I secure Emme in my arms while looping the other arm through one of my bags filled with personal items. Unbeknownst to me, Connor has been making trips to the Rover with my stuff.
“Is there more?” Connor asks, taking the bag off my arm.
“Thank you. There’s another bag near the bed.” I set Emme on a blanket on the floor by the couch.
“Do you mind if I get it? I’ll make another trip outside.” For whatever reason, Connor thinks we should leave my apartment sooner rather than later.
“No, first door on the right.” Turning my attention to the kitchen, I empty the fridge efficiently and move into the half bath for Gray’s litter box. Securing Gray, I wait for Connor to return while Sam changes Emme.
“Sir, we should get out of here. The throng of reporters is growing each minute we’re here.”
Sam nods. “How much longer do you need, sweetheart?”
“I’m good except for taking the trash out back to the dumpster.”
“What’s your plan, Connor?” Sam asks. This is Connor’s domain. Sam will heed his advice like I will.
“Before I came back up here, I called a unit mate of mine who works for the NYPD. He’s on his way. Any chance you have a wig, Savannah?”
“Scarlett does, if it’s still here.” I hurry upstairs into Scarlett’s old room and rummage through her closet. Luckily, the red wig is still there.
Once back downstairs, I overhear Connor on his phone sharing my address.
“Cruz is on his way up. Sir, the best plan is for Savannah to go with him. They’re expecting the four of us to leave together. If she can slip out with Cruz, he’ll take her to your house.”
“Savannah, I’m going to need—"
There’s a strong knock on the door. Connor checks the peephole before opening the door just enough for his friend to step in. Cruz and Connor hug, slapping one another on the back.
“Cruz, this is Sam Morgan, Savannah Clemons, and Emerson.”
“Pleasure to see you again, Sam.”
“Likewise, Cruz. How is your mother?”
“She’s well. Thank you. Yours?”
“No comment.”
“How do you know one another?” Connor asks.
“It’s a long story for a later time. Can we get Savannah and Emerson out of here?” Sam answers.
It’s the first time I’ve heard concern for my safety. It’s scary that he’s worried but makes me love him even more. Love him?
“Savannah, you need to look like you know Cruz well. Like you’re going on a date. He’ll escort you to his car and drive you home. We’ll wait at least ten minutes before following you.”
I nod my head in understanding while I smooth the wig.
Sam draws me closer and whispers, “I’ll be right behind you. Savannah, I…. Please do what he says.”
“I will.” Taking a deep inhale, I loop my arm around Cruz and we step out the door.
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. Simply pretend you like me.”
As we approach the foyer door, I lean over and whisper, “I don’t dislike you. I don’t know you. I trust Connor. If he thinks you’re trustworthy, then so do I.”
“You’re a natural. You don’t even realize it.” Before I know it, Cruz is opening the passenger door for me. The photographers are none the wiser. We pull away from the curb and ease into traffic.
“What did you mean?” I ask.
“How long have you been dating Sam?”
“Dating, a few months, but he’s my boss. I’ve known him for more than a year.”
“What I meant was you seem accustomed to the press.”
“No, not even a little. Before we started dating, we were photographed together a few times at business dinners or events, but the press coverage has increased significantly since we started dating and with Emerson’s arrival. Sam asked me to have security. I understand his concerns, so I have Connor or Christoph with me when I go out. Well, and you.”
“Sam is a good guy and has dealt with some tough issues over the years. And all of Jacob’s staff are great.”
“How do you know Sam?”
“As he said, it’s a long story, and he should tell you.”
When we approach Sam’s building, the press contingent is small. Even so, I direct Cruz into the garage and up to the lobby.
“Hi, Jimmy. This is—”
He does a double take because of the wig but focuses more on my companion. “Lt. Cruz, good to see you.” Jimmy and Cruz shake hands. Apparently, the story is over a long time as well.
“Connor, Sam, and Emerson should be here shortly; there was increased press at my apartment.”
“No problem, Miss Clemons.”
“Also, my sister and Finn from Blackthorne will be stopping by tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’ll escort them up.”
“Thank you.”
Cruz and I ride up to the penthouse. Once inside I offer him a drink and pace the floor, waiting for Sam and Emerson.
Chapter 33
Samson
My anxiety is through the roof right now. The throng of reporters is significant outside of Savannah’s apartment, so much so that Connor is concerned. I’m grateful that Jacob and Connor have deep networks of people they trust for situations like this. Little did I know that Cruz served with Connor and Jacob. It appears he knows Christoph somehow as well.
I overhear Connor on the phone with Jacob. “Jake, when was the last check-in from Finn? I called, but he hasn’t returned. Also, any news from Blaine?” Connor listens to Jacob’s responses and then hangs up.
“Finn has been checking in with Jacob as required. I suppose calling me as well was too much to ask. Anyway, Jacob will reach out regarding the information that Blaine uncovered later this evening after I inform him you’re safely at home.
Cruz: We’re safely inside the car.
Me: Roger. We’ll leave in ten.
Cruz: Roger.
“That was Cruz. They’re safely on their way home,” Connor shares before checking all the windows again.
I exhale sharply. Now more than ever, I need to convince her to move with me. My siblings have adjusted fine to life outside of the city. Emerson deserves a peaceful life without prying eyes of paparazzi following her clothing and dating choices. Maybe spending the holidays there will help, especially by including Scarlett too.
“Ready, sir?”
I check Emerson’s buckle again, loop my arm around her carrier, and bend to grab Gray. He’s crying loudly in the carrier. I gather he isn’t likely in there for this long normally.
The flashbulbs are blinding as we step outside. The questions from the reporters come fast and furious.
“Are you aware your girlfriend has odd hours?”
“How many jobs does your girlfriend have?”
“What is her stage name?”
That one really makes my blood boil.
One reporter sticks his microphone in my direction. “Do you condone her new profession?”
Unfortunately, their questions surround me as I secure Emme in the truck. and I fail to close the door completely. With all the questions zinging around in my head all I can manage is “No comment.” What the hell is he talking about?
“Where are these questions coming from? Savannah is always with me.”
“Sir, how much does Scarlett resemble Savannah? Is it possible they mean Scarlett?”
I gather Connor has never seen a photo of Scarlett. “Close enough that they could be mistaken for one another,” I grumble, gazing over at Emme who has no clue about the concern and anger coursing through me.
Connor pulls into the garage near the elevator. Expeditiously, we load Savannah’s clothing so we can only make one stop in the lobby.
“Hi, Jimmy.”
“Good afternoon, sir. Miss Clemons and Lt. Cruz are upstairs. Would you like some assistance with those items?”
“No, thank you, but I’m going to set Emme here fo
r a few minutes.”
“Of course, sir.” Jimmy smiles at Emme and playfully touches her hands, playing peek-a-boo while Connor and I shift to the upper floors elevator.
After thanking Jimmy, the three of us ride up to my home. The first thing I do is set Gray’s carrier on the floor and open the door. Later Savannah and I will point him to his litter box. With assistance from Cruz, we empty her stuff into my place more rapidly. Savannah unbuckles Emme and moves into the nursery to change her. I offer Connor a drink and Cruz a refill. They take seats at the island.
Before I even get to kiss Savannah hello and check on her, my phone is ringing.
“Hello.”
“Sam, it’s Jacob. I have an update. Is Savannah there with you?”
“Yes, I’ll get her.” I walk toward Emme’s nursery. As I approach, I hear Savannah singing to my daughter. Even if I hadn’t fallen already, that would have done it without question. I need to tell her and soon. When I cross the threshold, she faces me with a bright smile and a, dry baby in her arms. “It’s Jacob. He wants to talk with both of us.”
Savannah nods and follows me out of the room. She lays Emme on her playmat in the living room before meeting me in the kitchen.
I set the phone on the counter, activate speakerphone, and draw Savannah against me.
“Good ahead, Jacob, I put the phone on speaker. Also, Connor and Cruz are here.”
“Hey, guys.”
Both Connor and Cruz mumble responses.
“When the odd questions started happening, Connor reached out to me and I contracted Blaine to dig deeper into Savannah and Scarlett. He has uncovered some concerning things about both of them. Well, mostly Scarlett.”
“Go ahead, Sam knows everything there is to know, at least about me,” Savannah responds.
“Your father, Arthur R. Clemons, was released from a stint in rehab about two months ago and spent the last few weekends in lockup in New York City drying out. All information points to Scarlett bailing him out of jail on more than one occasion in the recent past. Additionally, he has racked up some serious gambling debts in Atlantic City. Were you aware of this, Savannah?”
