Love, Lies & The D.A.

by Rohman, Rebecca

  “Better now that you’re here. It’s been a crazy night.”

  “It has.”

  We go into the bedroom, and after he lays a garment bag down, he takes his gun and an extra magazine out from a duffle bag and places it in the bedside drawer.

  He heads into the bathroom, and I go into the kitchen and make us each a cup of tea. It doesn’t matter if he drinks it. I need to keep busy before I go to bed.

  Fifteen minutes later, he’s out of the bath.

  “I know you said you didn’t want any, but I made us some lavender tea.”

  “Thanks, Babe.”

  “You want to tell me what really happened tonight?”

  He sighs.

  My stomach turns by the look on his face.

  “They weren’t able to find the trespasser. Phillip was slightly injured. The perpetrator fired a shot at him that grazed his shoulder.”

  “Oh my God. Did he go to the hospital?”

  “No. The paramedics came by and they treated him.”

  “Was anything missing from the house?”

  “Not that I noticed. There were two tracking devices on the SUV, though. Phillip also advised me to throw out all the opened food. The safe was not tampered with… anything important was in there. I’m not even sure they went into my bedroom.”

  “Maybe they didn’t have the time to get to it.”

  “Perhaps. Let’s go to bed. I’m drained.”

  I don’t know why, but I sense there’s something more.

  “What else?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “There’s something else you’re not telling me.”

  “Baby, let’s talk about it tomorrow.”

  “Why? So that I will hopefully forget to ask. What is it?”

  “Jada, we have to be very careful. The papers in the icepick on the car tire… They were pictures mostly of you, but some of us together. One was taken inside the restaurant tonight.”

  “So this person was near us? Are you sure Chris Hostin would do this? Do you think he’d go this far?”

  “I don’t know any more. Tomorrow we need to put some measures in place for our safety, and our family’s. At this point, I don’t know who or what is off limits.”

  “You think they’re after me?”

  “I can’t be certain. This may be related to you or me. Until we find out, we need to be careful.”

  Tonight went anything but as planned. The longer this drags on, the more convoluted this mess gets. The romantic evening we had hoped for squashed by unknown characters with an agenda, Jonathan pulls me in his arms. With that said, in the early hours of the morning, we wake, and slowly and gently, he makes love to me.

  When I wake the next morning, Jonathan is gone. I’ve overslept. I quickly get ready for my physiotherapy session that is due to begin in fifteen minutes.

  Every session I’ve had leaves me feeling better than the last. It’s too bad this type of technology doesn’t exist to fix a broken wrist. After the therapist leaves, I settle in my office to get some work done. Before I get started, I give Jonathan a call. He takes my call, but he’s busy in a staff meeting, so I quickly let him go.

  Later, after a long conference call with Ian, it appears that things are getting back on track with the rebuild of the kitchen. I check in with Patrick and Allan to follow up on the progress, then with Phillip to make sure he’s doing well.

  “You don’t need to worry about me. I’ve been through much worse.”

  “Still. I wanted to make sure… Have there been any new developments?”

  “We got some blood samples from the broken glass door at Johnny’s place last night.”

  “A door broke?”

  “He didn’t tell you?”

  “No. I suspect he tried to tell me as little as possible and left out details.”

  “When this person tried to escape, they ran straight through the glass doors in the kitchen. They were at least slightly injured because there was blood on some of the glass fragments.”

  “So what happens now?”

  “We’re hoping there is enough of a sample to get some DNA evidence. If there is, we’ll run it against our database. Hopefully, we’ll come up with a match. If not, we’ll have something to compare it to, should we have a suspect.”

  “I’ll keep my fingers crossed then. What about the car? Were you able to pick up anything off the street or restaurant cameras?”

  “That’s still being analyzed. We may not know for a few days. Getting the photos is one thing. Most times, they need to be enhanced further to help make identification.”

  “Okay. If I ask you a question, will you give me an honest answer?”

  “I’ll sure try.”

  “Is this person after me or Johnny?”

  “Honestly. We have a major problem. At this point, we’re not sure if we’re looking at one or two separate cases. We’re trying hard to find out, but right now, we simply don’t know.”

  “Just great. I guess I better let you get back to work.”

  “The moment we find out anything concrete, I’ll be in touch.”

  “Thanks Phillip.”

  I am surprised when, by nine o’clock that night, I haven’t heard from Jonathan. I try calling him, but the phone goes straight to voice mail. These days, the slightest thing worries me. I don’t want to overreact. I preoccupy myself with a rare trip to the gym where I practice the exercises my therapist has recommended. I return to the penthouse after half an hour.

  When I enter the foyer, I hear his voice.

  “Jada?”

  “Hi. You had me wo—”

  “God, Jada,” he says, hugging me. “Forget it, Phillip… It looks like she came in from the gym… I know. Thanks.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “I was worried. I thought something had happened to you. I didn’t know where you were.”

  “I went to the gym. I left you a message on the bedside table.”

  “I didn’t see it.”

  “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you on our private line. I went to the gym to keep busy.”

  He pulls the phone from his pocket.

  “Shoot. I’m sorry, Babe. I never noticed the battery had died. I was at my parents’ house. I had to let my family know what was going on. I hired extra security for them today.”

  “How did they take the news?”

  “Well, they’re not happy about it. Megan and Mom welcome the security, though. Pierce and Daniel don’t think they need it. Either way, they all needed to know. They need to be vigilant.”

  “Are they upset with me?”

  “Of course not. Jada, this is not your fault.”

  “I can’t help feel my presence is causing this.”

  “Did it ever occur to you that it might be the reverse? Right now, we just don’t know for sure; that’s why we have to ensure that everyone is covered.”

  “Bobby will be so upset with me for not telling him about this.”

  “He knows. I spoke to him this afternoon.”

  “Wow. You two have become best friends pretty quick.”

  “We have a woman in common.” He laughs then kisses me lightly on the lips.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “No. Mom wouldn’t let me leave unless I ate. She also gave me a plate for you.”

  “Tell her I said thank you. I’ll have it for lunch tomorrow.”

  Later that night, I follow up on some urgent work—documents that Ian sent me that require my signature. I sign them then I look through my paperwork pile on my desk. I need to return some papers to the office as well.

  What’s this? Why would the Bar Association be sending me a letter?

  I read the letter, but it’s only afterwards I notice it has an invitation attached to the back. Both addressed to Jonathan. He must have accidentally placed it in my pile of paperwork.

  He’s watching old reruns of L.A. Law in the great room. I have no idea where he finds these old shows
to watch.

  “Babe,” I call out, walking into the room.

  “Yeah.”

  “What’s this from the Bar Association?”

  He looks stunned. “You read my mail?”

  “Well, I fou—”

  “How dare you go through those files, Jada! Those are private and confidential.”

  His temple is twitching.

  “I didn’t go through your files,” I reply calmly.

  “Of course you did. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have found that letter.”

  “You’re calling me a liar?” Now I’m getting pissed off. “You know what? Next time you use my office, watch where you put your blasted paperwork. You’re angry with me for reading a letter that you put in my files?”

  He’s flabbergasted.

  “Jada—”

  I slam the paper on the glass coffee table in front of him.

  “Don’t bloody Jada me. I’d advise you to stay away from me right now,” I respond curtly, returning to the office.

  I take all his files and neatly stack them on the credenza behind my desk. For the life of me, I can’t understand why he would possibly be so upset about me reading that letter. Forget the fact that he put it in my files. It’s just an invitation from the Bar Association. What’s the big deal?

  Then it dawns on me. The invitation was addressed to Jonathan Kole and guest. Perhaps he didn’t want me to see that invitation because he never intended to invite me… And if I didn’t know, he wouldn’t have to hurt my feelings. Is he embarrassed to be seen with me?

  I shove my chair away from the desk and storm back into the great room. He’s now in the kitchen.

  “You know something, why the hell are you here? If you’re embarrassed to be seen with me around your peers, why are you in my life?”

  He sighs then rakes his hand through his hair.

  “Jada, I’m not embarrassed to be seen with you. I’d be proud to have you by my side.”

  “Really,” I reply sarcastically.

  “I’m sorry. This is one big misunderstanding.”

  “Right. Jonathan, I don’t want to talk about this right now. I’m tired. I’m going to bed,” I say, turning on my heels to my bedroom.

  “You’re wrong about this,” he says, following me.

  “Am I? Then why were you so defensive? Jonathan, you attacked me and accused me of being a liar over an invitation.”

  “I screwed up. I’m sorry. When I got the invitation, I wanted you to come with me. I was nervous about asking you. I wasn’t sure you’d be willing to attend such a prominent public event with me. On top of that, I wasn’t one hundred percent certain about attending. I only made up my mind this evening, after talking to Mom about it.”

  “Why does it seem like you’re always walking on eggshells around me? Why couldn’t you talk to me about it?”

  “Honestly, sometimes I do feel that way.”

  “Why? You shouldn’t have to.”

  “Because I don’t want to lose you.”

  “Talking to me about an invitation would send me running? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?”

  “Actually, now that you say it out loud, it does.”

  “I hope you realize that every time you avoid asking me questions directly, this sort of thing happens. You could have saved yourself the stress had you just spoken to me about this. Look, I know that I’ve been hurt and I’ve had my heart broken, but those were major issues. I’m not going to go running scared because something may be daunting.”

  “I underestimated you.”

  “Do I really seem that pathetic?”

  “You don’t… Will you come with me?”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t think so.”

  “Please?”

  “No. The only reason I won’t is because I care about your career and your reputation. You and I might know that I’m not guilty of this murder, but the rest of the world doesn’t. This is a night where the focus should be on you and your father’s legacy. Having me there would only turn it into a spectacle for the media and gossip columnists.”

  “Jada, you’re an important part of my life. I want you there. This is an important event… I want you to come with me.”

  I feel completely torn. I want to be there to support him, but I know what my presence there will do. The next day, none of the papers would be talking about whatever important message Jonathan or Charles Kole wanted to share. They’ll be talking about the fact that the keynote speaker at the event chose to show up with the suspect in a murder case.

  I have to admit it hurts, because I’d love to be there. But because of the fact that I have so much respect for him and his father, I can’t. I could never intrude on such an important occasion that way.

  “Sweetheart, I’m sorry. When this is over and the whole world knows I’ve been exonerated, I’ll be more than happy to escort you to all the important events that you have to attend. But this is too important. My attendance would just ruin it for you.”

  “You not being there would ruin it.”

  “It won’t. Trust me. Take your mom and your siblings and share that special moment with your family.”

  “Jada, you are my family.” He gazes into my eyes, and I feel his disappointment. It hurts me too. This is yet another thing that this situation with Richard has taken away from me.

  “Johnny, I’m sorry. I could never do that with a clear conscience.”

  “Please… think about it.”

  “I’ve made up my mind.” I kiss him gently on his cheek and climb into bed.

  He stares at me for a moment then quietly leaves, softly closing the door behind him.

  I’d like to pretend that it didn’t hurt to do this, but right now, my heart is breaking. I hate that I’ve disappointed him. I hate that I won’t be there, and I hate the trauma that this situation is causing in my life. I feel overwhelmingly guilty. I know this hurt him. I know it was a big deal to him or he wouldn’t have spent all his energy and time trying to ensure that he spoke to me about it at precisely the right moment.

  I climb out of bed in search of him. He’s sitting on the sofa, his head leaning back, his eyes closed. The TV is now off but the fireplace crackles.

  * * *

  I know she didn’t intend to, and in many ways, I know she’s right, but I’m extremely disappointed. I badly want her to share this with me. I do realize, however, that the night is about Dad and our family, and I know that we will all be honored and proud to be a part of this event. However, I can’t get over the fact that the woman I’ve fallen for won’t be there.

  I don’t think I can deny it any longer. I’ve fallen deeply in love with her. I don’t know if she feels remotely close to how I feel about her, but this is where I know I will need to be patient with her. I sense her presence behind me, and as I turn to look, her slender arms surround my bare shoulders from behind. She leans over and kisses me softly on my neck.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispers. “Please tell me you understand?”

  I look into her beautiful hazel eyes, and I realize that this has been difficult for her too. Her eyes are glassy and filled with turmoil. Life has dealt her a hard blow, and I know it can’t be easy for her to have to make decisions like this either.

  “Please, tell me you do?” she murmurs.

  Eventually, the words exit my mouth.

  “I do.” I tilt my head up and capture her lips. I want her—all of her, her body, mind, and soul. She stands behind the sofa. I slip my hands behind me and caress her.

  * * *

  I exhale at the sound of his words. I am consumed with pure emotion. I feel the need to be close to him. My lips meet his. Slowly, passionately, and deliberately, he gently occupies my mouth.

  He reaches back to meet my body, where he continues his gentle caress. His hands travel from my ass then he slips his fingers between my thighs, nudging them apart. I raise one of my legs, placing it onto the back of the sofa, so I am now standing on one leg. His head is now directly
at the apex of my thighs. With his palms, he caresses me, then he inhales deeply, taking in my scent.

  He kisses me softly, the navy lace fabric the only thing that lies between my flesh and his lips. He softly massages me then pushes the thong I’m wearing aside, enabling him to access my core.

  I so badly want this. I need this. I assist him, pulling the fabric of my thong aside as he strokes me with his tongue and his hand and touches my backside. I am completely aroused as he continues to lambaste my swollen clit with his tongue and lips. I brace my body with my hands to the back of the sofa. As he continues to pleasure me, my swinging hips match his intense strokes.

  He teases me with his hands once more, and then I lean over and kiss him. He pulls me over the back of the sofa into his arms. I then straddle him. Pleasuring his lips with mine, I taste myself.

  His erection centers perfectly between my thighs. As we kiss, I gyrate my body over his. I lean back, supporting my body with my palms latched onto his knees while I slowly knead my crotch into his.

  He slips both his palms under the elastic of my thong. Grabbing it tightly, he pushes it aside with one hand then caresses my clit with the other. While I continue to move, I lean over, occupying his lips once more. His hands roam over my body. At times, he lovingly gropes my ass and my breasts, and then slowly, he slides my short silk slip over my head, revealing my breasts.

  Cupping my breasts in his hands, he kisses them gently. He continuously strokes me.

  I tenderly push his body back, so he relaxes into the sofa. I am eager to get to know him better—the feel of him in my mouth, the taste of him against my lips. I want to show him how I feel about him. I want to make love to every inch of his body. I slip from over him to between his muscular thighs, leaving a trail of kisses that lead to the bulge between his legs.

  I caress him then gently pull away the trunks that come between me and tasting him for the first time. I kiss his tip gently then run my tongue along his extraordinary length. I trace his head with my tongue then my lips, and finally, I take him in his entire splendor into my mouth. I’m surprised it all fits inside me. He gasps as I take him in. Thankfully, I am able to use my left hand and I hold him firmly in place as I first lick, then suck, his tip. Both his hands sink into my hair as I enclose and stroke him between my fingers and plummet him into my mouth. The deeper I throw him, the heavier his breathing gets, and I realize he’s still growing in my palms.