“You’ve scared the hell out of me.”
She laughed. “Yeah, you getting shot wasn’t a pleasure cruise for me either. Welcome to my world.”
“Don’t do it again, Tessa. I can’t handle much more,” he pleaded.
Needing to offer him reassurance, she leaned over and placed her hand on his chest. When she realized what she was doing, she paused. “Can I touch you here?” she asked.
He laughed, “Tessie, you can touch me anywhere. In fact, I insist you do.”
Despite her lip, she kissed him like she meant it. Putting every ounce of love and energy behind it, since they’d nearly lost each other once more.
When she pulled away, they weren’t alone.
“Agent Brass. I thought I’d find you up here. I suggest you head back to your room until the doctor releases you in a little bit. If I have to drag you back, don’t think I won’t.”
Tessa rolled her eyes, before giving him another kiss. “I’ll be back,” she murmured. “Give me an hour.”
“Agent Brass!”
She sighed, letting the woman escort her away.
Paris’s mother started laughing, alerting her son that she was in the room. “She’s a piece of work,” Daphne said, grinning. As she approached her son, there were tears in his eyes, and they were running toward the sheets on the bed. “Oh, honey, what’s wrong? She’s okay.”
The internal war raged. He desperately wanted to stop dwelling on what his brain was screaming, but he couldn’t. It was threatening to pull him under, making him cave.
“I have to let her go.”
She gasped. “Paris! You had to see how hard she fought to get back to you. That girl didn't give up, even when that horrible woman kept knocking her off her feet. Tessa kept getting back up because she loves you. You can’t quit on her, Paris!”
The emotion overwhelmed him, as the tears began flowing. “If I let her go, she’ll live, Mom. If I’m selfish, she’ll suffer. What can I offer her? I’m damaged beyond repair.”
She stroked his chest reassuringly. With a kiss to his cheek, she offered him the only advice she could, “You have everything to offer her. Don’t you see, Paris. She’s the one. You need to grab hold of your heart and not let go. Marry the girl. Make her your wife, and stop over thinking this.”
“Mom,” he began.
“No, Paris. Trust me on this. I held her after her battle to save us. She’s a warrior. You let her fight for you when you’re not strong enough, and you’ll be there when she’s the one who needs a helping hand. That’s what partners do. They have each other’s backs. Now, you need to man up and take care of her heart. You’ve never disappointed me in your life, and I know you’ll make the right choice, son.”
“I can’t even scratch my own face,” he whispered.
“You’re not alone, Paris. She’ll give you what you need. We saw her in action. If you let her go, you’ll destroy her. She’ll be crushed. Choose love, my sweet little boy. This time, it’s the only way to go.”
Paris closed his eyes and prayed for some divine intervention. Without it, he was afraid he would make the wrong choice.
Maybe having brains wasn’t a gift.
In his case, it was a hindrance.
* * *
They decided to take a break and have dinner at home as a family. Even though they weren’t all related by blood, they understood the importance of having people to call your own.
They would love you.
Support you.
Stand for you when you couldn’t any more.
That was the true meaning of family. As Brynn helped Emma finish up the dishes, and the men had a drink and cigar on the balcony, Emma’s phone began ringing.
“Grey, can you grab that?” she called.
When he jogged in barefoot, wearing his well-worn jeans and a wicked grin on his face, her heart skipped in her chest.
“Sexy Emma Croft’s phone,” he said, much to her horror.
“It’s Commissioner Ford, and I hope she kicks your ass when she finds out how you answered her damn phone,” he replied, laughing.
Croft snickered. “She’s staring at me like she’s about to.”
“Can I talk to her? You might as well stick around. She’s going to tell you anyway.”
That had his attention as he put it on speaker, before placing it on the counter in front of her.
“Yes?”
“It’s Chris. I need to talk to you about something that was just dumped on my desk. Normally I’d do it in person, but I can’t get into that locked down fortress you call a home.”
Emma didn't like the way that sounded. “Is it bad? I’ve had a rough week. Can we try and keep this happy and pleasant?”
He laughed. “Ah, I love my detectives all worked up and afraid,” he teased. “It’s not death related. I’m supposed to offer you a raise.”
She lifted a brow, as the rest of her family moved closer to hear what the man on the phone was talking about.
“Why?” she asked. “Is the LVPD getting a conscience?”
He laughed. “Don’t bet on that. I’ve been asked to offer you the newly vacated position of captain for the homicide division. It appears that you’re an asset to the team, and they higher ups voted. They want you.”
Everyone stared at Emma, especially her husband.
“What?”
“Would you like to be Captain Emma Croft?” Chris Ford asked, nothing but humor in his voice. “That is, if your cranky husband will let you.”
She stared at Greyson and he shrugged. When he mouthed, ‘it’s your call’, she knew the decision was hers.
Emma looked around. Curtis and Dante were grinning, Brynn was shocked, and her husband was indifferent. If she took the job, then that would mean interdepartmental cooperation would be far easier for him.
Greyson would have his inside man or in this case woman.
But, if she accepted the position, she’d be off the streets and behind a desk, just like Chris Ford had done.
Did she want to give up her gold shield for gold bars? By doing so, it meant that she’d never work a case with her husband again.
That, Emma was sure she couldn’t live with.
“Well, Chris,” she began, as everyone waiting on baited breath. “I hope you find someone better than Patty Stout to take the position, because I’m going to decline your offer.”
Brynn looked at her like she was insane. If she wasn’t here for the conversation, she wouldn’t have believed it.
“Can I ask why?” Ford inquired, a little shocked. He recalled the day he was offered the job, and he snapped it up.
She stared right at her husband. “If I take it, I’m off the streets, and we both know I’m too damn good at what I do. The people of Vegas need detectives who want to do the job.”
“And the real reason?” he asked, not buying any of the PC bullshit she was just handing out.
She never looked away from her husband, even for a second. Emma saw the flash of surprise, and then the heat of lust begin to burn in his eyes.
“If I took it, I’d never be able to work side by side with my husband. Then, the ‘King’ would be missing his ‘Queen’. We can’t have that happen, but if you want to go back to your bosses and tell them I do accept their offer to be official liaison to the FBI, I will take that.”
Ford paused. “I didn't say anything about a position like that.”
Emma laughed. “I’m going to be the detective that works with the FBI for our department, because I’m the best woman for the job,” she insisted. “Take it or leave it, Chris.”
“Detective Croft, that sounds like a threat to me,” Chris Ford said, trying not to laugh.
“Damn right,” Croft said, so very proud of his woman. There was no doubt that she could pull off captain. Emma knew how to play the game. “You heard the lady.”
“Are you sure, Emma?” Chris inquired. “You only get asked once in your life. This is your time to climb the ranks and make your
mark.”
“I’ve never been more sure in my life. I’m a cop, not a paper pusher,” she said. “Goodnight, Christopher. I know you’ll find the perfect man for the job. Happy hunting.”
He didn't know what that meant.
When the call was disconnected, Emma turned the phone off for the night.
“I can’t believe you did that,” Brynn said, wishing she had the nerve to turn down that big of a promotion.
Emma didn't give a rat’s ass. “I have other things to do than climb up the work later.”
Croft was proud of his wife. “What other things, Emma my sweet?”
She raced at him, wrapping her legs around his waist. “I’m going to spend the night climbing what matters most.”
Dante and Curtis groaned.
Brynn giggled and was glad that she wasn’t losing her partner after all.
Greyson held her pressed to his body, as her fingers lovingly ran through the splattering of gray above his ears. His heart filled with so much love for his wife.
“Take me to our love nest, Mr. Croft,” she purred.
He laughed. “Anything you say, kitten. Anything at all.”
~ Epilogue ~
Four Weeks Later
With weeks and weeks of intense physical therapy, Paris Archer was finally able to get out of bed. He still couldn’t feel much below his waist, but that was okay.
He had a new focus and goal.
After having to fight to get his life back every day at physical therapy, he had new perspective. With Tessa at his side, acting as his biggest cheerleader, Paris knew what he had to do.
This was his moment.
So, after her first day back at work, he planned an ambush. He’s had his boss come and pick him up to take him to the office. Before arriving there, he had everything ready for his plan.
“Are you sure you’re ready?” Greyson said, grinning. “There’s no going back once you roll into that office.”
Paris looked determined.
When his agent told him what he wanted to do, it was perfect. This was going to surprise Tessa beyond her wildest dreams.
“Yeah, I am,” he stated, slipping down into the wheelchair that Croft had opened for him. Wheeling himself across the parking lot, Emma met him at the door.
“Curtis has eyes on her. She’s at her desk working on that bullshit paperwork you came up with, Grey.”
He grinned. “Awesome. I can’t wait to see this.”
Emma handed him the bouquet of red roses that she’s picked up for the agent. “Good luck, Paris,” she said, kissing him on the cheek.
He grinned as he wheeled himself toward the elevator. Tomorrow, he started training for his ‘run’ with the boss, but before that could happen, he wanted to lock down one other thing.
There was a huge loose end, which he needed to tie up.
As the doors opened, the Crofts stayed back, getting a good view of Tessa in her cubical. When Curtis gave them the thumbs up, they signaled Paris, who couldn’t see her from his position.
Well, it was now or never.
“Tessa Brass!” he shouted, causing every agent in the place to stand up, including her. The look on her face was a mix of confusion, surprise, and nerves.
“Paris?” she asked, moving toward his voice. When she rounded the corner, she stopped. There he was, in one of his work suits, roses on his lap, and a smile on his face.
Wheeling toward her, he held out the flowers as he came to a stop in front of her.
She looked beyond confused. “Paris, everyone’s watching,” she whispered, pointing out the obvious.
Yeah, he didn't care one bit. This was the moment he’d nearly died for, and he was going to do it right.
“Three months ago, I fell in love. I was swept off my feet and haven’t been able to get my baring since. I’ve never met a woman quite like you. You captivate me, make me laugh, and fix what’s broken in me.”
Her eyes filled with tears at what he was doing.
“I love you and can’t imagine spending another day without you as my wife.”
At the word, she gasped.
“Marry me, Tessa, and make me the happiest man on the earth. Struggling, he slid forward to lower himself to his knees. In his hand, he popped open the ring box. “Be mine forever, Tessie baby.”
She’d never seen this coming. Just that morning, he’d been wearing a t-shirt and bitching about physical therapy. There was no indicator that this was going to go down.
She was dumbfounded.
Everyone around them began whispering, until Greyson stepped out so he could be seen. It silenced the crowd of agents, so Paris could do his job.
“Tessa?” he asked, getting nervous.
She didn't have to think. Immediately, she dropped to her knees in front of him and held out her casted hand. “Yes, Paris. I’ll marry you.”
He slipped the ring on her finger and took her face in the palms of his hands. “I love you, and we’re only beginning. I’m going to walk again, and we’re going to have a beautiful life.”
The tears began falling, as she stared into his amazing blue eyes. “I never doubted it for a second, Paris. I’ll be more than proud to be your wife. I’m the luckiest woman in the entire world,” she replied, moving toward him to seal their words with a kiss.
When their lips met, a thunderous applause filled the room, and there were few dry eyes in the place. As soon as they broke apart, Paris pulled himself back into his chair and spun it around. “Want to take a ride, Tess?” he asked, patting his lap.
She laughed, taking the offered seat, as he wheeled them toward the elevator. Once near his boss, he held up his hand and earned a high five.
“Take the day off, Agent Brass,” Croft said, grinning as the elevator doors began to close, and they were joined at the mouth once more.
Emma wiped her eyes. “That was perfect,” she whispered, so happy for them.
Croft grinned, knowing they were going to be just fine. “Yeah, I love when the good guys win,” he stated.
Didn't they all?
* * *
Somewhere in Vegas
“Is the hit man hired?” the leader asked. “We need to take down Randall Mason, and soon.”
The other person finished sipping the martini before answering. “It’s done, and he promises that it’ll be one hell of an exit from the world.”
“When’s it happening?”
There was laughter. “When Emma Croft goes to his place to offer up his purchased concert. We’ve made sure his security will be handled and no one will know until the morning.”
“And Croft?”
There was more laughter. “From what I’ve heard, he’s not invited. Emma will be on her own. Once we take down Randall Mason, she’ll be easy to handle. This killer likes to be particularly vicious.”
“Yes, I saw the bill. Is he good?”
The martini was drained, as they looked out over the fancy Vegas restaurant. “Yes, he’s the best.”
“Perfect. Then it’s only a matter of time.”
“Isn't that what you wanted?”
There was quiet contemplation. Deep down there was the need to rule it all, have the power, and control the city, but there was more…
Fear was there. Croft was a wild card. He could break or go berserk. It was a crapshoot.
“I want to rule this town with an iron fist,” came the answer.
“Then, there looks to be new royalty on the horizon. All we have to do is bide our time.”
They clinked glasses. “To the new power in Vegas.”
“Here here!”
* * *
Later That Night
As they headed back to Sky Villa, they were a little upset that the restaurant lost their reservation. Obviously, being head of the FBI in Vegas didn't always get you to the table you wanted, when you wanted.
“It’s okay, Grey,” Emma said, reassuringly. “We can head upstairs, make dinner, and watch a movie. Want to get naked and mak
e out on the couch?”
He grinned at that suggestion. “Hell yeah, I do. Curtis is out with Brynn and won’t be home until later, and my brother has a date with the new love of his life. He’s good for at least a few hours,” he added.
Emma leaned over to nibble on his ear as he parked the car. “We can always have sex down here in the garage,” she offered, pulling at his tie.
Normally, any offer of sex with his babe was a good plan, but downstairs in the monitored garage, was a definite no.
“Uh, we have a perfectly good luxury condo for that, so let’s use it.”
She giggled as he came around to help her out of the car. When she flashed him some leg, he ran his fingers up her calf.
“Emma, you’re baiting me, and you know what happens whenever you do that.”
She led him to the elevator and behaved all the way up to the lobby. What she had planned was going to be spectacular. “I ordered some lingerie, Greyson,” she stated, holding his hand.
Of course, they were now at the desk, and he couldn’t make a comment.
“Mr. and Mrs. Croft, you’re home early,” stated William. “Your brother is upstairs, and he has a guest.”
Croft lifted a brow. “Damn,” he muttered, leading his wife to the door. He knew he shouldn’t have told the security staff to admit anyone Dante brought there. He could only imagine what kind of orgy was going on upstairs.
As of yet, they’d yet to meet his mystery woman. Dante was keeping her under wraps.
Emma saw the look and reassured him. “We’ll fool around in our room, because trust me, Director Croft, the naughty secretary outfit is going to be worth your full attention.”
As the elevator door closed, he leaned over. “You mean the one I picked out with the really low cut shirt and super short skirt?”
“Uh, huh. It seems I’m ready to get down to business and handle all your dictations. I hope you have your handcuffs, boss man.”
He shuddered when her hand rand up the length of him over his clothes. “Okay, here’s the plan. We sneak by my brother and pray he’s in his room with his date.”
Love is Bleeding (A Croft & Croft Romance Adventure Book 4) Page 48
