“Sorry,” he says with a huge grin. “It just feels good saying it out loud.”
“Can you help me?” I hate asking him. I mean, I know I just took his career to another level, but I hate owing him, even more than I already do.
“Did you tell your dad?” He stares into my eyes as he asks me.
“No, I didn’t tell my dad. How am I supposed to tell him that I was fucking my lieutenant?” I tap my fingers on the arm of the chair.
“I’ll see what I can do, Lani. There are forms you can fill out, and tests you’ll have to take. But your record is spotless, besides this.” I squint my eyes at him, wondering how he knows that. He shrugs. “Are you sure you want to make this kind of commitment? I mean, what happens if you’re pregnant in a month or two?”
I shake my head. But I can’t say that I won’t be. “I don’t know.”
He makes a phone call, asking someone to retrieve forms with letters and numbers in the name. “I’ll get you the forms. You have to fill them out and bring them back.”
“Okay,” I agree. Within minutes, a young woman knocks and hands him a manila envelope, which he hands to me. “Thanks,” I say sincerely.
Tony
I’m struggling to button the pants that Lani bought me, the black ones. Mr. Worthington wants to come by, and I don’t want to look like a slob. I’m this close to asking the guard outside my door to help me out, when I hear a knock. It’s too early for Worthington, and way too early for Lani. I open it, and she’s standing on the other side, with a frown and a manila envelope.
“Hi, baby. It’s a little early for you to be off work, isn’t it?” I ask, as I step aside to let her in. “But since you’re here,” I say, and point down at the pants.
She closes the door and smiles at me. “I could work out some frustrations.” My dick jerks in response to her comment. I close my eyes momentarily, and feel her fingers against my stomach. I inhale deeply, and hold the breath. She fastens the button swiftly, then zips the pants. “You aren’t going commando?”
“No,” I admit with a grin. “Zippers scare me. Button my shirt.”
“Bossy,” she grumbles, but she fastens the buttons on the dark grey shirt.
“What are you doing here so early, baby?” I ask, as I look down at her.
“I was suspended.” I lift my eyebrow. “Apparently my lieutenant is pissed that we’re not still sleeping together. Why are you actually wearing clothes, and underwear?”
I sigh loudly. “Worthington is supposed to be stopping by.” The pants are a little snug around my waist, but I’ll be damned if I tell her that. I look in the mirror, and ask, “How do I look?” Yea, I’m fishing for compliments, but I love hearing her tell me I’m good looking. Fine, I need positive reinforcement. Doesn’t everyone?
“You look beautiful,” she states. “You look great.” Her eyes are so wide, and her tone is so husky, I actually believe her. She places her hand on my cheek, and smiles up at me. I can’t help but kiss her pretty mouth.
“So what are you going to do about your suspension? You gonna go to your dad?” I ask, after I steal a quick kiss.
“I went to Killian. Maybe I’ll join the Bureau.” She shrugs, as if it’s no big deal.
“That’s a big commitment,” I warn her. “They’ll want you to sign your life over.”
“That’s what Killian said. But I can’t work for Barrett anymore.” I smile as she says it. She doesn’t want to be around the man she slept with. I can’t help but feel good about that.
“I’ll support you, baby, whatever you want to do.” I say it, but I don’t really mean it. I don’t want her to work long hours, and travel all over the country. I want her to be here, with me, making babies.
“Thank you, honey.” Just as she says it, we hear a knock. “You look great,” she reassures me, just as I open the door.
“Hello, Mr. Worthington,” I say formally, and reach out to shake his hand.
“Hello, son, I’ve heard from the Attorney General, and it’s good news.” I wave him toward the couch, and I wait for him to sit before I join him. Lani takes a seat at the desk, and opens the envelope she carried in.
“Tell me, what’s happened?”
“The President has asked for a hearing on Capitol Hill. He’s very likely to sign a pardon, however the hearing goes.” He sounds extremely happy, but I’m not sure that’s enough. I want the pardon. I don’t want a damn hearing. “I’ve heard from two competing publishers, also. One is offering fifteen million, and another is offering twenty.” When he says it, I glance over at Lani. She doesn’t even look up from the papers.
“What do I need to sign?” I ask. “Just give it to me.”
“Slow down,” he counters. “If you sign the contract for twenty million, you’ll sign away any future rights to any movies or books, or any future revenue.”
“So, which one should I sign?” There’s really no question about taking the money. I need the money.
“Well, I countered both offers, and only negotiated for rights for one book.” He pauses, I guess for dramatic flair.
“What?” I wonder aloud. “What did they offer?”
“Ten million, for one book, and you keep the rights to negotiate a movie deal, any future books, or any action figures.” He sounds even more excited.
“Action figures?” I repeat. That gets Lani’s attention. She grins at me, but she quickly turns her attention back to the papers.
“It’s a good deal,” he assures me. “And I’ll only take two million for myself.”
“Two million,” I echo, with a nod. It’s a little surreal to contemplate giving someone that much money, when I literally have nothing. No, wait, I have forty-five dollars. I could take Lani out to a movie, and a burger, maybe. “Two million?” He nods, encouragingly. “I’d like to sign it, but I’d like to talk to a financial planner as well. Can you leave the contract with me?”
“Of course,” he replies. “No problem. I hope to hear from you soon.” He stands, shakes my hand, and I escort him out.
“Action figures,” I chuckle, as I place my hand on her shoulder. “Why haven’t you died your hair back yet?”
She frowns at me, and asks, “Financial planner?”
“Do you know someone?” I wonder aloud. I rub her hair, as she gazes up at me.
“We can figure something out,” she assures me. “So, I brought something with me,” she says, and picks up a backpack. She pulls out the cutest little hot pink bike shorts and running bra, and I can’t help but smile at her. “What? I like pink.”
“I like pink too, baby, especially yours.” I place my thumb on her bottom lip.
“Did Doctor Dad okay you working out?”
I shake my head. “I haven’t asked him yet,” I admit. “But you can still put that outfit on for me.”
“Are you going to take the money?” she asks me, her tone far more serious than usual.
“Do you think I should?” I can’t think about an amount of money that is hard to fathom, even for someone who isn’t a prisoner. And that outfit is just lying there, beckoning my attention. “Put on the outfit, baby, and we’ll talk about whatever you want to talk about.”
The phone rings, and I jump to answer it. Maybe it’s the kids. When I do, I’m shocked to hear a voice I haven’t heard in more than a decade. “Tony? How are you?”
“Lucy? Is that you?” As I speak, Lani’s eyes grow wide, but then she quickly tries to hide her emotions. “How is Max?”
Lani picks up the pink outfit, and shoves it back into her bag. I reach out to stop her, and she grabs my hand and weaves her fingers through mine.
“Max is fine. He’s in school. Can I ask you to do something for me? Would you please stop giving the kids the hope that they can come see you?” I roll my eyes, and shake my head. I should have known the attitude was coming.
“Lucy, I’m not telling them I can see them. I’ve told them that I’m still a prisoner.” I try to calmly explain it all to her.
<
br /> But she continues with her angry assumptions. “Max had all his birthday savings, and he was going to buy a bus ticket to come see you. How do you think he knows where you are?”
“The internet,” I provide, honestly. “Apparently Lauren found me. I didn’t call them, Lucy. I didn’t have any way of knowing their phone numbers.”
“You’re telling me your new friends at the FBI didn’t give you Lauren and Max’s number? You’re telling me that Lauren found your number all on her own?” Lucy’s yelling now, and Lani frowns because she can hear Lucy screaming. She places her free hand on my stomach, and her cheek on my chest.
“Yes, that’s what I’m telling you, Lucy. And I’m sorry if you don’t believe it.” I’m trying to keep my voice calm, but only because Lani is here. She calms me.
“I know you’re lying to me, Tony. I know you’ve been calling Max. I want you to leave them alone. You have no rights to them, I made sure of that ten years ago.”
“I’m going to answer the phone when they call me. They’re my kids, Lucy.” I breathe deeply, and keep my tone even.
She screams like a crazy person, “They’re not your kids, Tony! They’re mine! Leave them alone!” And then suddenly the line is dead. Lani wraps her arm around my waist, and kisses me gently. I listen to the emptiness for several moments, then I release Lani’s fingers and hang up the phone. As I do, she hugs me. She holds me close, and holds me together. I want to cry, and break down. But Lani somehow keeps me sane.
“So that’s the same woman who was crying on TV about the government taking her husband, and her children’s father?” Her voice is full of disbelief.
“Yea,” I scoff. “That’s her. She never cared about anything but Lucy.”
“Take the money, Tony, and hire a lawyer to get your rights back,” she implores.
“I will. I promise.” I wrap her up, and kiss her head. “If you promise me your hair is going to be brunette again sometime soon.” She grins at me. “Very soon.”
Chapter Five
Lani
I’m unbuttoning the shirt that I’d just buttoned up for Tony less than an hour ago. I’m excited just to see him naked. I feel like it’s my birthday, and I’m getting the best present ever. “You’re beautiful,” I say, as I’ve buttoned down to his stomach and I’m untucking his shirt.
“You’re beautiful,” he argues, as he touches my cheek. And as I’m about to unbutton his pants, there’s a knock on the door.
“What in the hell is it now,” I complain, and begin to button him up again.
He smiles at my impatience. “It’s okay,” he assures me, before he bellows out, “Hold on a moment.”
When he’s dressed, he opens the door. Doctor Dad is standing on the other side. He seems surprised to see me, and after he shakes Tony’s hand, he asks me, “Why aren’t you back at work?”
“My little tryst at the jail got me suspended,” I groan. I don’t feel like being flippant. I feel like being in Tony’s pants. What is it with everyone interrupting us?
“I’m just here to take a look at how his healing is progressing,” Doctor Dad says, but he shields his blue eyes, and turns toward Tony. “How are you feeling, Mr. Roman?” Why is he being so formal with Tony? Call him Tony, or Roman, damn it.
“I’m feeling great. I’ve never felt better, Doctor Foster,” he replies, just as formally. What is it with these two?
Doctor Dad unbuttons his shirt swiftly, then removes the bandage that I replaced after his bath this morning. He tried to get me in the tub with him, and it was hard as hell to say no. I can’t wait until this period is over. I look up at Tony, and he winks at me.
“Your nurse is taking great care of you,” he states, and I hear a bit of irritation in his tone. Is he mad that I’m taking care of Tony? He was the one who told me to do it, after all. It feels like something else is happening here today, something that I don’t understand.
“Lani’s great. I couldn’t ask for more,” Tony declares. I think I see Doctor Dad’s eyes narrow. “When can I start working out, maybe do some jogging on the treadmill?”
“I’m not sure you’re ready, but I think you probably know your body better than anyone. I mean, look at it.” Is Doctor Dad jealous? I think he might be. “Just try to take it easy.”
“Thanks, Doctor Foster.” Tony beams. He’s not jealous at all. He’s actually kinda proud of himself, for a change. I like it.
“Lani, I’m glad you’re here. Will you walk out with me? There’s something I want to talk to you about.” He avoids Tony’s eyes. “Alone.”
I look to Tony, but he just nods. “Okay.” I touch Tony’s bare stomach and his abs jump under my fingers. I love his reactions to me.
I wave at the now very familiar FBI guard as we walk past, toward the elevator. As soon as we’re inside, he drops a bomb I’m not expecting. “I’m planning to divorce your mother.”
I must look as dumbfounded as I feel. “Wait, what?”
“I’m going to ask her to leave. She has enough money to take care of herself, and of course I’ll sell the house and give her half.” He says it all very matter-of-factly, soullessly, as if he’s telling a patient they have a stomach virus.
“Can you tell me what the fuck is wrong with you? I mean, Jesus, she just lost her daughter a few weeks ago. And now you’re going to ask her to leave her home? What are you going to do, throw out all of Addy’s stuff too?” He doesn’t seem to be surprised at all by my rant. He probably expected it.
“I can’t deal with her anymore, Lani. She’s like a zombie. She wakes up, drinks, and sleeps. I haven’t even seen her eat in days. I’ve tried to talk to her, bribe her, negotiate with her, but she won’t. She’s a shell, Lani, and I can’t crack it.” He doesn’t sound nearly as cold as he did. He almost sounds human. His blue eyes shine, maybe with unwept tears.
I reach out and hug him, just as the elevator doors open. “Give her a chance, Doctor Dad. She just lost Addy. Give her time to grieve.” I’m pleading with him as we walk out to his Corvette.
“She’s not getting better, though. She’s just getting worse. She hasn’t showered in almost a week. I can’t live like that.”
I sigh loudly. That doesn’t sound like my mother. Liberty Foster showered twice a day, had her hair curled at the salon twice a week, three times if they had a formal function to attend, and had a facial, manicure and pedicure at the spa once a week. She cried if she broke a nail. At least, that was the Liberty that existed before Addison’s death. She’s a different person now, I guess.
“Why don’t you send her to that resort she likes in California?” We’re standing beside his beast of a car now. I bet Tony would look incredible behind the wheel of one of these. I bet he’d handle it like a boss.
“You think I haven’t offered?” Then he gets this look in his eyes, and I know I’m not going to like his idea. “Why don’t you go with her?”
I finally find the man I’m meant to be with, and Doctor Dad wants to keep us apart.
“You know I can’t leave right now,” I say. “You know why.”
“Fine, she can move in with you, and you can deal with her.” He moves to open the door of his gorgeous car. “Because, Lani, I can’t anymore.” He climbs in behind the wheel, and sits there for a moment. He shakes his head. He’s debating with himself. I step away from the car, and he starts the engine and pulls away.
Tony
While she’s gone, I pull on a pair of the shorts that she bought me, and the tennis shoes that Burke provided that I can just slip my feet into. I can actually dress myself. I try not to wonder what Foster wanted with Lani. I’m sure he’s probably bad mouthing me some more. She doesn’t seem to care what he thinks, though. Lani is the first woman I’ve met who really doesn’t care what anyone else thinks about her. She does what she wants, and fuck you if you don’t like it.
I’m in the bedroom, staring at myself in the full length mirror. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out what she sees in me. I’m t
oo old, I’m too big, I’m losing my hair on my head, but it’s growing on my chest. I rub my hand over it and wonder if I should shave it, when I hear the door open. I stride into the living room, as Lani and Burke are entering. He’s handing her a keycard.
“I hope you don’t mind,” he says to me. He hopes I don’t mind that he’s condoning his prisoner having conjugal visits with his ex? Sometimes being in Lani’s life is a little like a Salvador Dali painting, it seems normal, until it turns totally surreal.
I shake my head. “No, I don’t mind at all,” I admit.
“It’s the best way to keep a guard on Lani, without her going all crazy on me about it.” My eyebrows lift up in response. Of course he’s still worried about her safety. Why haven’t I thought of that? “Do you still think there are threats on her life?”
“I’m going to assume there are, until I’m sure there aren’t,” he assures me.
“I fucking carry a gun. I can take care of myself. And I’m standing right here,” she reminds the men in the room.
“You can start as my consultant any time,” Burke says to Lani. “Since you’re not a cop anymore.”
“Jesus Christ, Killian, I’ve only been suspended, I wasn’t fired,” she groans, and throws herself down on the couch.
“Language, Lani.” Burke frowns at her.
“You say it like, a million times more than me, altar boy.” She throws a threatening glance his way, and says, “Jesus H. Christ.”
Burke sends a look my way. I try not to react. “Tell her, Roman.”
I point at him, and bite my bottom lip. She looks at me, and I inhale loudly. Burke’s eyebrows rise all the way up to his hairline.
“Tell me what?” Lani challenges.
Oh, fuck, is another guy in Lani’s life trying to come between us? Isn’t that why Lani said the two of them broke up to begin with? Didn’t Killian say something about Lani’s lifestyle choices contradicting his religious beliefs? I can’t figure out any other reason why they would break up, they actually seem kinda perfect for each other. He’s more her age, he has the looks, even a good job where he can provide for her. I need to reassure her that I am nothing like him, that I am not going to judge her past choices.
Prisoner and Together: All of You series complete set Page 22
