Donuts and Handcuffs

by Haley Travis

  I nodded again. “I swear, I’ll tell you everything. If they’re doing all of those hotel jobs, that means my dad is trying to boost his retirement fund before he quits.”

  “Shh, that’s not what I meant.”

  Looking up at him, I swallowed hard and tried to blink away the tears.

  “I mean that I’d like it if you’d be my girlfriend. Publicly. Which would mean coming to events like the police charity ball. Would you be comfortable with that?”

  I erupted in giggles, so drained that I couldn’t stop myself. “Not comfortable, but I could do it. I can manage enough interesting bakery and neighborhood small talk that nobody would grill me further.” I stopped myself from biting my lip. “And I’m pretty good at diversions, redirecting attention, and getting people to talk about themselves instead.”

  “Sneaky little thing,” he grinned. Then his eyes blazed as he kissed me again, deeper, slower. “Bailey,” he murmured against my lips, “I need you.”

  “Really?” I moaned, my hands clutching his shoulders.

  He pulled away just enough to set our foreheads together. “I once thought my heart was broken years ago. That was a sliver compared to what I felt every time I worried about you. Even when I barely knew you and found you on that kitchen floor.” I felt a tremor run through him at the memory.

  Daniel’s eyes were burning. “You’re my guts, Bailey. I need you to live. That scares the royal shit out of me, but I’ll never stop. Can you understand that?”

  I nodded, our kiss immediately soft, dreamy. Finally, breathlessly, I said, “You’re the only man in my entire life who has ever put me first. Listened to me. Respected me. Taken care of me, without wanting to control me. I–”

  “Love you,” he breathed. “I love you, Bailey.”

  “I love you,” I murmured into our kiss, our bodies taking over for what we couldn’t articulate through the fog of relief and revelation.

  “I’m going to be overprotective with you,” he murmured. “I can feel it already. But you’re strong enough to tell me to back off when you need space, aren’t you, baby?”

  “I don’t think I’ll want you to.” His deep chuckle shook us both a little.

  I floated as he carried me to the bedroom. I dissolved under his hands as he undressed me, slipping naked with me under the sheet.

  The deep need to have his skin completely against mine was almost an ache. As much as I needed to give him every drop of pleasure possible, I also needed to be connected with him. I wanted to be part of his breath. I wanted his energy to control my heartbeat.

  After being so tightly controlled by others for so long, this time I was giving myself to another freely. It was a beautiful feeling that I didn’t know I needed, like discovering a brand new flavor.

  His teeth slid gently up with the side of my throat until I gasped. Even though he was touching me everywhere, I needed more.

  I looked up to see his pupils dilate, stretching that strange rippling orange ring through his irises. His huge hand ran down my body, teasing my breast for just a moment before sliding down my stomach and cupping my sex. His thick fingers were so gentle as he stroked my softest skin.

  As his fingertip swirled inside me, I felt a shudder run through both of us. “I love how wet you are for me.”

  “You make me feel…” I was almost delirious with lust and didn’t even know what I was trying to say.

  “Sexy. I hope I make you feel sexy, baby. I’ve never met anyone with your luscious fire before.” His finger entered me slowly, teasingly, as my hips began to writhe under him.

  “I’ve never felt sexy before you,” I moaned. “I’d never truly craved… this. Oh!” A second finger slid inside me and my palms dug into his shoulders.

  I loved how he pulled back to rake his eyes up and down my body. I was openly staring at him as well, as a positively devastating grin curled across his lips. The anticipation was making me crazy, then his lips molded against mine, our mouths opening as his tongue gently played with mine.

  His finger stroked deeper, his other hand cupping my breasts, pinching my nipples slowly until I squealed into his breath.

  My blood felt strange at this warmer temperature, so used to being a bit cooler. Now his heat enveloped me, and my head fell back as my hips squirmed up against his.

  I still couldn’t believe how gentle his huge, strong body was, and I lowered my hand to his shaft, stroking gently. I could feel his reaction in our kiss, and the way his hips began moving restlessly.

  Pulling him gently, I spread my legs, tipping my knees up as he removed his fingers, taking his cock from my hand. He entered me so softly, slowly, as he never stopped kissing me.

  When my body opened for him, he began taking deep, seductive strokes, as if he were claiming me.

  As he moved inside my body, I realized how profound that was. I’d let him in completely, in every aspect of my life. And he didn’t run. Didn’t judge me. Just loved me.

  His motions were rhythmic, hypnotic. The indescribable perfect pressure deep within sending sparkles through every vein. Tilting my hips a bit more, he was grinding against me perfectly.

  The entire universe was reduced to this bed, our breath. Every firm thrust felt like he was bonding me to him, making me his. My body softened under his touch, pulling him deeper. I clung to him, moaning too loudly as he filled me over and over.

  “Daniel,” I panted into his mouth, “I…”

  His hand gripped my ass hard, rocking against me as he plunged faster, as lost in this blissful moment as I was. “Come for me, baby. I love you so much.”

  My entire body twitched and shattered as I screamed, crying out wordlessly as I stared up at him through streaks of falling light.

  “Love you… Oh, Daniel –” then I shrieked again as he gripped me harder, his throbbing cock jerking deep as he exploded.

  Our tight grip on each other didn’t let go for several moments, as we breathed against each other, eyes and mouths still wide in shock.

  “Bailey,” he finally murmured, “That was intense.”

  I giggled, as he flipped over to pull me on top of him. “Yeah.”

  “Too much?” he asked carefully.

  “Never.”

  I looked up to see his eyebrow raise. “Interesting.”

  Laughter bubbled out of me. “Wait until someday when we’re both hepped up on sugar after a tasting session.”

  His rumbling laugh was music under my ear, then we just snuggled quietly for a while.

  “Hey, baby,” he asked softly, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but what’s your real name?”

  I didn’t even pause. “My original name was Kendra Bailey Lake. But you know, I honestly think that Bailey Saunders is my real name.” I let my fingers trail around his firm chest. “This is the first time I’ve been able to make my own decisions, my own life. No restrictions, no control from others. So this is the life and the name I’m choosing.” I looked up to see his sweet, boyish smile.

  “I think that’s perfect. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. And if you ever need me to get lost for girl’s night, or alone time, please let me know loudly. I don’t want to crowd you in your new space.”

  I kissed his skin just over his heart. “Knowing that you’d understand if I needed some space is a huge relief. I don’t think that would happen often, but being aware of it is comforting.”

  “I think you need some comfort, Bailey. You’ve earned it. Maybe someday soon we’ll make a sign for your shop door with a crazy story about going on an adventure to visit unicorns and we’ll run away for a vacation.”

  Nodding seriously, I said, “The toddlers in this area are quite astute. We’ll need to bring back photos.”

  “I know an artist who can make that happen. We’ll have giant unicorns and talking frogs added to our vacation photos.”

  His huge hands stroking my back were making me melt all over again. “I’m glad you understand that the shop is g
oing to be a priority.”

  “I’m glad you understand that my job is too. We’ll work it all out.”

  Snuggling with my sexy boyfriend, I had no doubt in the world that we really would.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  By the night of the police station’s charity ball, I’d been tied up in knots for a week. This wasn’t just an event to raise money for the local children’s hospital. This wasn’t just the first formal event of my life. This was a little girl who grew up under the care of criminals ready to publicly declare that she was going to be a good girl for the rest of her life. And that I was officially dating Daniel.

  At least, that’s how I saw it. Everything was still so fresh and new with Daniel that I didn’t want to explain it to him that way. He didn’t seem nervous about anything, ever. But even just announcing to his work colleagues that he had a girlfriend was likely some sort of occasion for him.

  It was sweet that he seemed to accept my nervousness. I’d sent him far too many texts asking him what I should wear, who I should talk to, and everything else under the sun. He answered everything patiently, in great detail. Which was certainly a few more points in his favor, not that I was bothering to count anymore.

  Since it was a neighborhood charity event, I’d donated several trays of desserts, having my new part-time assistant Devin deliver them earlier today. He was a quiet kid, but a hard worker, and seemed dedicated to learning a few new things every day. I appreciated his attitude, and was planning on starting him off with cookie cutting and donut glazing next week.

  Hearing Daniel’s knock on my door, I ran down to answer it, still in my robe. I didn’t want to get my new dress messed up.

  Pulling him into the living room, I knew I had to get the most important thing out of the way first. “I swear, once I tell you something, I can be ready in ten minutes.”

  His sweet smile always mellowed me out a little. “We’re fine. What’s up?”

  Leading him to the couch, he seemed confused as I handed him a postcard. It had a big cheesy cartoon sun beaming over a light sand beach, and read, “Everything’s Sunny in Good Old Florida”. On the back was nothing but my address, printed in black ink. In the space for a message, there was only a check mark.

  “What’s this? Is someone on vacation?”

  “It’s a coded message from my father,” I said. His jaw clenched slightly. “It just came in and I’m telling you immediately. It means everything is fine, so I guess Joel’s daughter is okay and doesn’t need my bone marrow.”

  Daniel set the card on the table and took my hands in his. “You’re telling a police officer your secret family code?”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m telling you, Daniel, because I’m never keeping anything from you again.” Looking up at him, I tried to smile. “Except for where I hide birthday and Christmas presents. That’s just non-negotiable.”

  He nodded seriously. “Bailey, this means a lot to me.” Then he finally smiled. “I bet it also means a lot to you. No invasive needles and tests.”

  I let out a heavy sigh, as a tremor ran through me. “Yeah, I hadn’t even had a chance to process that part yet. But also, even though I want nothing to do with them, I hope they’re all okay.”

  “Of course you do,” he said quietly, that low rumble making me want to hug him for being so calm. “Especially a little kid.” He paused. “Do you think you’ll ever go meet her someday?”

  Shaking my head, I said, “No. Our agreement still stands, and it would take something like that for any of them to ever contact me again.”

  “Are you positive?”

  I took a slow breath, and he squeezed my hand to tell me to take my time. “They think that I have information on certain jobs they ran, but I don’t. My ex might have. I tried so hard to tune them out and not hear anything, but they think I know enough to incriminate them. So they won’t ever mess with me.”

  Looking up into those strange eyes, I wanted desperately for him to believe me. “The only job I have any information about, my ex-boyfriend Jenson is already in jail for. I thought he just worked at an auto body shop with some rough guys. I honestly didn’t know that they were stealing cars, stripping and reselling and who knows what else.”

  My voice had become a choked whisper. Daniel waited patiently for me to continue.

  “Also, I don’t think that I told you… the money I used to open this shop was from selling extravagant gifts, and the money Jenson owed me that was in our joint account. So as far as I know, all of the money I took when I left was clean.”

  He nodded, seeming relieved that I was venting openly.

  “For the rest of it, I knew my parents and uncle organized robberies, but I don’t know the details. We moved around so much when I was little I don’t even remember the order of the cities we lived in. If I ever think of anything, I’ll tell you.”

  Tears welled in my eyes and I looked down to try to hide them, but he tipped my chin up with our clasped hands.

  “I wanted to tell you immediately about that tiny bit of contact,” I choked. “I don’t want to hide anything from you. You’re the first decent person I’ve ever been real with, and I need you to know that’s important to me. I just hope that you know I’m not like them.”

  Instantly my cheek was being held against his, our bodies pressing together as he held me. “I know, baby. I know. You’re such a good person. Even when you were skulking around in the shadows in that alley, it was to help people. I see that. Shh.”

  Hearing him say that was such a rush of relief that I started to shake, sobbing uncontrollably into his shoulder. But he didn’t shush me again, instead murmuring, “Let it out. Take your time, Bailey.”

  The way he was so sweet with me made me sob anew, and it was some time before I could control myself. Finally sitting up straight, he handed me a tissue, rubbing my back gently while I composed myself. When I finally risked a look into his eyes, he was concerned, but not annoyed.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, trying to breathe slowly.

  “Feel better?” he asked softly. I nodded, blowing my nose. He smiled so warmly it nearly set me off again. “Bailey, moving away on your own, being alone for so long, having all of that hanging over your head... I can’t even imagine.” Leaning forward to kiss the top of my head, he said, “That’s too much stress for anyone.”

  “It’s funny,” I said, curling into him. “I thought that I could handle everything. I honestly thought I could be a loner forever, and just have a quiet life with no problems.”

  “Everyone needs someone,” Daniel said, rubbing my back. “I think you’re inspiring, Bailey. You’ve done so well for yourself, completely on your own. But people do need people. I’m so glad that you let me in.”

  He rocked me gently and I was tempted to drag him to the bedroom instead of the ballroom. I felt him shift slightly under me, and I wondered if he was feeling as randy as I was.

  “If we don’t leave soon, I’m going to start thinking inappropriate thoughts,” he murmured in my ear. “How about you get ready before I get too distracted?”

  Kissing him on the cheek, I darted to my room. I’d found an elegant long-sleeved dress that hid the smaller bandage on my arm. Although I had been to the doctor, who told me the stitches were dissolving perfectly and I was healing well, I couldn’t look. The new bandage was smaller, but I still wanted to hide it for now.

  My shoes were selected, my handbag was packed, and I just had to fix my slightly smudged eye makeup. It was easier to add a little more than clean it up, but now the overall effect was a bit sexier than I had intended.

  “Is this okay?” I asked, emerging from the bedroom.

  Daniel turned to look at me, and his eyes flared. “Holy shit, baby.” He came over to tip my chin up. “Thanks for not wearing lipstick,” he grinned before giving me a soft kiss. Then he ogled me again. “Would I be an asshole of a boyfriend if I strongly suggested you don’t leave your apartment looking like this unless I’m with you?”

/>   Once again, I was grateful for how much he made me laugh. “I’ll do my best,” I teased.

  He held my hand tightly during the entire cab ride, and as we walked into the large church that had been converted into an elegant event space.

  I’d never been anywhere so fancy in my life, and I tried not to stare like some country bumpkin who was overwhelmed. My sweet new boyfriend was holding my hand, and keeping me close. Somehow that made the rattling inside me smooth out a little.

  Daniel marched me straight to a table full of police officers and their very polished looking wives.

  “Captain, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Bailey Saunders. She runs the bakery up the street.”

  He practically jumped out of his seat to shake my hand. “Teeny Tiny Temptations? Well, thank you, Bailey. All of the folks here have been raving about your snacks, especially the donuts.”

  I grinned. “We can’t have people running around without proper fuel,” I said.

  One of the women at the table commented that she bought an assortment of my cupcakes for her daughter’s birthday, and they were quite a hit. Soon I was sitting with a circle of strangers, making small talk as we got to know each other. I couldn’t believe that I was surrounded by cops. For the next hour, I couldn’t believe how genuinely nice everyone was.

  But after a while, it became exhausting. I just wasn’t used to this much socializing all at once. Somehow Daniel knew, and excused us, pulling me out of the room into a back hallway.

  “You looked like you needed a quiet moment,” he said gently. He leaned us against the wall with his arm around me.

  “How did you know?”

  “You seem like a naturally quiet person, and I know that a lot of animated talking can wear people out.”

  A huge giggle bubbled out of me. “Now who’s the big reader?”

  He looked sheepish. “Yeah, I read some psychology stuff sometimes.”

  “Does that mean you’ll analyze me whenever I’m stressed?”

  “No,” he chuckled. “I’ll just bring you pizza and wine and order you, sorry… strongly suggest to you that you don’t work so hard.”