“Better than we expected. We’ve done a lot of late-night talking. I think Lacey is coming around, and I’m ready to meet his other family.”
“Good for you.” Devin leaned forward and kissed her lips. “I wish we had time to play, but we’ll make up for lost time when we get to my house.”
“I’m not going to live with you until we get married.”
“Why not?”
“The wedding will be soon, and I want to wait.”
“Let’s elope here in Washington.”
“No. Your mother would be very disappointed. I like her, and I don’t want her mad at me.”
“Honey, she’ll be so happy to have another son married there won’t be anything you could do to upset her.”
“Still, I want all your family around. I haven’t forgotten how my parents have acted throughout this period.”
“When we leave the courthouse, we’ll visit them. We need to invite them to our wedding,” Devin said.
“They probably won’t be home.”
“Call and see.”
“Okay, but after I finish breakfast.”
Surprisingly her mother said they’d both be there. “We wanted to talk with you, too. Please come for lunch, whenever you get out of court.”
“See you then,” Josie hung up the phone. Devin was smiling. “Don’t smirk, smarty. You aren’t always right.” She punched him on the upper arm playfully. “Get your jacket, it’s time to leave. Dad and Lacey want to go with us. We’ll stop and get them on the way out.”
* * * *
Dolan Lerones looked totally different this morning. He had bloodshot eyes and a general haggard appearance in the jail outfit. When his eyes glanced around the courtroom, he glared at Josie and looked shocked when he saw Devin sitting beside her with his arm around her shoulders. Dolan’s face went white.
“He knows we’ve got him,” Devin whispered to Josie.
The judge read the charges against Lerones which included the murder charges. “California has requested you be transported to them for the murder trial and the other financial fraud charges,” the judge said. “We have agreed, and as soon as we have the paperwork, you will be flown there.” Dolan’s knees buckled and the guard caught him.
“I almost feel sorry for him,” Josie said.
“I don’t.” Devin stared hard at the prisoner. “I hope he gets all he deserves.” He spoke loud enough that Dolan heard him, and Dolan’s body trembled.
The judge finished the hearing and left the courtroom. Dolan didn’t look their way when he walked out.
Devin glanced at Lacey and her dad. “Are you all ready to leave?”
“Most definitely. We’ll go to the hotel and wait for Hunter to arrive. I hope you all have a good visit with Mom and Alex,” Lacey said.
* * * *
Josie’s mom must have been watching for them. She opened the door before they got to it. “I’m so glad you came. Please come in. Alex is in his study. We’ll have a drink and then go to the dining room for lunch.”
She led Josie and Devin to the study. “Alex, Josie and Devin are here,” Josie’s mother said, and motioned for them to enter the room.
Alex came around his desk. “I am so glad this nasty business is over. I’m sure the judge will drop the charges against you when Hunter goes to court with you tomorrow.”
“I’m certain he will,” Devin said. “We went to Lerones’s hearing today. He’ll be sent to California to be tried for murdering his wife and for the fraud charges he falsely accused Miss Lyles of when he testified against her. Also Hunter’s going to look into the other two women’s cases when he finds out their names. Eventually, Lerones will come back to Washington to face these charges. He won’t ever be out of jail after all he’s done.”
Alex put out his hand. “You did a good job on getting the information on record. The news has been reporting what you did and about Miss Lyles being freed in California.”
“My brother and I and the judge were determined to get to the truth.” He put his arm around Josie. “Josie deserved all our effort and support,” Devin said, and frowned at Alex.
“I must apologize to you, Josie,” Alex said. His face had flushed red at Devin’s words. “Your mother and I were disappointed you didn’t trust us to help you, and then it caused a difficult situation for us all. We overreacted. I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive us.”
“If I hadn’t had Devin and Hunter, I’d be in jail. You two were no help, and you made me more anxious. It will take some time to see if I can forgive and forget. To be honest I don’t know that I can. I’ve suspected if my sisters and I came between you and your position in Washington it wouldn’t go well for us. You proved me right, but”—she looked directly at her mother—“I expected more from you,” Josie said, and tears came into her eyes.
Her mother took hold of Josie’s hands. “Please forgive me. You’re right. I put our reputations before you. I was wrong. I promise it won’t happen again.”
When Josie started to cry, her mother wrapped her arms around her and Alex patted her back. Devin stayed close to her right side.
“I’ll try to forget,” Josie said tearfully. She wiped her eyes and stepped back. “Where’s the drink you promised us? I’ll have a glass of white wine.” She tried to smile. Alex hurried to his bar and got the wine for her and her mother and bourbon for him and Devin.
“Have a seat and relax before we eat,” her mother said. She guided Josie and Devin to two chairs sitting side by side. She and Alex sat across from them.
“We came mainly to invite you to our wedding,” Devin said, and sipped his drink.
“When is it?” Josie’s mom asked.
“As soon as we can get home and make the preparations. Hopefully in the next two to three weeks,” Devin estimated.
“Why the rush?” Alex looked from one of them to the other.
“Because she won’t live with me until after we’re married. I want her in our house and us living together.”
They talked a few more minutes before the maid came to say lunch was ready. Josie was glad. She wanted to eat and be on their way. Hopefully Hunter would be back when they got to the hotel, and they’d make plans for a court hearing in the morning.
Additionally, she didn’t feel comfortable with her parents. A part of their relationship had been severed. It would take time to see whether it might heal.
After lunch Devin explained why they wanted to return to the hotel. There were plans to be made for the court hearing and their trip home.
When Josie sank into her car seat, she smiled across at Devin. “Thank you. My nerves are frayed. No matter how much I tried, it’s still an awkward situation. I haven’t gotten over the hurt.”
“They understand. We all have to give it time.”
“How did you get so wise?” she teased.
“I had a wise mother who kept repeating to me the things I needed to hear. Surprisingly, I remember most all of it.”
“I can’t wait to return to Pleasure Valley, marry you and get back to my job. Will it really happen tomorrow?”
“Yes.” Devin kissed her hard before pulling out into traffic.
Chapter Fifteen
Lacey greeted them when they returned to the hotel and knocked on her door. “Come in. Dad and I are playing a game of chess. He beat me the first game. I’m trying to tie the score.”
Devin and Josie followed her to the living room where a small table had been set to hold the chess game. Josie studied the board. She and Lacey both loved chess, Renee not so much.
Josie closed her eyes for a second. “I seem to remember you sitting at a table like this when we were little.”
“Yes, I’ve always loved chess. I’m the one who started teaching you and Lacey to play.”
“When he told me, I had vague memories of him and the chess pieces,” Lacey said.
“I do, too. We must get our love of the game from you,” Josie said. Then she asked Lacey, “When are Hunter and Nigan d
ue in?”
“They got a straight-through flight back. They’ll land about ten this evening.”
“He won’t have time to arrange the hearing for in the morning,” Josie said. Her shoulders slumped.
“Nigan called a judge, and you will be seen at nine o’clock,” Lacey said.
“Then we can catch a late morning flight straight to Denver, and I’ll get the shorter flight to Cheyenne set up now, too,” Devin said.
“One of my brothers will meet us,” Devin assured Josie.
“I won’t believe it’s all over until we’re on the plane headed to Pleasure Valley.” Josie hugged Devin’s arm. “Let’s go to our suite and rest. Lacey can call us when they arrive.”
“I’m all for that idea.” Devin smiled and raised his eyebrows at her.
“Oh, by the way, before you rush off I have news. There will be three of them flying back.”
“Three?” Josie grinned. “Is Sapphire Lyles moving to Washington?”
“It seems Nigan gave her an offer she couldn’t refuse.”
“Ah, love is in the air,” Josie said, and laughed. “Nigan will be the next one down.”
Devin opened the door to their suite and locked it behind them. “Woman, you’d better get naked in the next five minutes, or I’ll be tearing those clothes off of you.”
“I didn’t know I had such a caveman,” Josie said. She moved closer and put her arms around his neck. “Why not carry me to bed?”
Josie laughed when he threw her over his shoulder.
“Into my cave, woman. You are mine.” He plopped her on the bed and quickly pulled her clothes off. Then he undressed and crawled onto the bed toward her.
He straddled her hips and put his mouth on her neck. She screamed and laughed as he tickled her and she tried to get away. They rolled across the king-sized bed, playing. Devin grabbed her foot when she tried to get away from his tickling and pulled her back. He clamped his long legs around hers and held her wrists to the bed. His eyes were a deep green filled with love.
“How did I get so lucky?” she asked.
“I’m the lucky one, darlin’. You knocked me for a loop the first time I saw you. You’re beautiful, and I can’t wait to have you for my wife and see you holding our child.”
“What if I can’t get pregnant? I’m in my thirties.”
“Don’t worry. If we can’t have our own, we’ll adopt. Why don’t we start trying now?” He had a mischievous gleam in his eye.
“What a wonderful idea. Get started.”
“At your command, my love.” Devin kissed her breasts and sucked on her peaked nipple. Then he kissed her midriff and took a deep breath at her mound. His finger rubbed across her clit, and his tongue tasted her juices.
Josie moved restlessly under him. Her heart pounded and pleasure seeped through her skin and into her blood, rushing throughout her body. “My body craves your touch, but even more I want your big, hard cock inside me.”
“You are such an impatient woman. On our honeymoon I will teach you the art of slow lovemaking and the rewards.”
“And I’ll teach you to quit talking and show more action.” Her words had him laughing out loud.
“Oh, honey, we will deal magnificently together.”
She put her hand around his cock and rubbed her finger across the sensitive tip of his crown. He abruptly stopped talking and took a deep breath. She scooted down and took his cock inside her mouth. Her tongue slid around his girth as her hand caressed his balls.
“Damn, that feels good,” he mumbled.
* * * *
A jolt of electricity went straight up his spine. His balls tightened and he clenched his teeth to hold on. Her sweet, hot mouth and her tongue were doing delicious things to his dick. She swirled her tongue up and down and around and held him snug at the end of his shaft.
When she sucked on his cock, stars shone in his vision, his body shook, and his orgasm hit him hard until he collapsed on the bed beside her.
Then she proceeded to kiss his face, his earlobe, and his neck, and her hands ran over the hard lines of his body. “When you’ve recovered, we’ll play again.”
“All I need is a few minutes, honey.”
His breathing returned to normal and his heart rate slowed. Devin glanced at her head resting on his chest. Her golden-blonde hair spread out around her. He ran his fingers through the silky strands.
She raised her head. “I thought you’d gone to sleep.”
“I’m savoring the moment.”
“Me too. Do you feel like taking a shower? Then we can fix a sandwich and wait for Hunter’s call.”
“Sounds good to me if it includes a little fooling around.”
Josie grinned. “Of course.”
Devin carried her into the bathroom and adjusted the water temperature before stepping inside. He’d let her down, and she followed him in the shower. He washed her all over with her scented soap. Then he nibbled on her shoulder.
“You smell good and taste good.”
“I’m going to wash you. Which soap do you prefer, my scented or your practical male soap?” she asked, and her eyes sparkled with glee.
“I’ll tickle your neck for an hour if you touch me with that scented stuff.”
“Oh, all right. You are no fun.”
“Yes, I am.”
Josie scrubbed him and followed with kisses. She nipped at his ear, kissed his neck and rubbed her fingers across his nipples. Then she knelt and cleaned his legs and feet. Last, she covered her hands in suds and gently massaged his cock. He grew large and hard. Then harder when she did the same to his sac. It took all his strength to not climax.
Devin pulled her up. “This time I pleasure you. Let me put your legs around my middle. Put your arms around my neck.” She did and he pulled her legs around his hips. His cock pulsated against her pussy opening.
“Put him inside, please.”
Slowly he pushed inside her tight, hot pussy. Waves of euphoria went to his head and spread to every corner of his body.
* * * *
Josie’s pussy clamped tight around his girth. Her pussy walls vibrated against him. Desire curled in her abdomen. Her passion for this man never lessened. With only a smile he charmed her and aroused her body.
When he began to go in and out, her body trembled with delight. Her hips met his strokes and soon they were moving faster and faster charging up a hill and at the top everything exploded. Intense ecstasy had her hanging on to him as sensual joy rolled through her.
Devin’s body shook while he carefully let her down. He pulled her tight along the length of his well-muscled body. His hand held her head snug and she heard his heart beating fast, and his breaths were raspy.
He didn’t let her go for several minutes. When he did, he smiled at her. “I’d be surprised if we don’t get a baby out of that lovemaking.”
Josie closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. “I think so, too,” she replied.
The phone rang when they were drying off. Devin ran for it. “Hi, Hunter. You’re at the airport?” He glanced at his clock. “You got in early. I’ll be right there to pick you all up.” He hung up the phone and grabbed his clothes. Josie stood with the towel wrapped around her.
“Hunter’s at the airport. They got a tailwind and got in early. Get dressed, and I’ll leave you at Lacey’s suite.”
She dressed quickly and kissed Devin good-bye at Lacey’s door. He waited until he heard the lock click.
He strode toward the elevator. Hopefully tomorrow they’d be headed home and Josie’s nightmare would be over.
* * * *
The next day started off badly. The judge’s secretary called and said the hearing was delayed until one o’clock. Nigan talked with her and then hung up the phone and faced Devin and Josie.
“This time I didn’t help you by interfering. The head judge doesn’t want me involved at all, so the case had been handed over to Judge Talbert. He and I are not friends. He’s firm, difficult, and he’l
l hesitate to drop the charges completely.”
“How does he get away with that behavior?” Devin asked.
“He’s old and has power. You must not show any emotion in court or say anything to make him mad. I’ll stay outside the courtroom. If he doesn’t see me, it might go better.”
Fear filled Josie’s body. She began to shake and cry. “I knew it was going along too perfectly.”
Devin picked her up and sat with her in a chair. “Cry it all out, baby. You have to be cool and collected in court.”
Lacey punched in the numbers to her parents and told them what had happened.
“Let me speak with Josie,” Alex said.
“Here Josie. Alex wants to speak with you.”
Josie reluctantly took the call. Devin’s arm tightened around her. “Hello.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve been influential in getting the old judge elected the last two times. Your mother and I will be in the courtroom. He’ll mind his manners or he’ll lose the next time he runs for reelection.”
“Thanks, I’ll be looking for you two,” Josie said. When she handed Lacey her phone she explained what Alex said.
Hunter frowned. “No, it might put the old boy’s back up. I’ll call and tell them to stay home. We’ll do this the right way.”
Josie’s heart sank. Devin called and cancelled their flights and rescheduled them for early the next day. The clock seemed to move twice as slow as it usually did. She was glad when it was time to leave. She’d dressed in a dark-blue dress and black flats. Lacey handed her a matching sweater of hers. “You’ll get nervous, and the air conditioning is frigid in there anyway.”
In court, Josie sat at the front table with Hunter. Devin sat right behind the rail in the first row of seats and Lacey and their dad sat with him. Nigan and Sapphire, who they’d met and liked, stayed out of the courtroom but nearby if they needed Sapphire to testify.
“All rise.”
They stood, and Josie studied the man who held her fate in his hands. He was medium height and had graying hair and deep-set eyes. When he got to his chair, he gazed around the room and frowned at Hunter and Josie.
The Unexpected Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 11
