by Haven Rose
I’ve also noticed the new guy, Daniels, is barely keeping himself together today. I wonder if he has anger issues. Something about him doesn’t seem right, I just haven’t been able to figure out what it is.
I need to call my partner in crime, my brother, the only person that understands the darkness that lives inside me, because he has it too. It’s something we discovered by accident while we were in college. A classmate had turned me down when I asked for a date, and I overheard her laughing to her friends, saying I creeped her out. My brother saw how pissed I was, and after a few drinks, we decided she couldn’t get away with treating me like that. She needed to be taught a lesson, and she was. Then again, I doubt she shared it with anyone, considering we threatened her with worse if she ever talked. Ahh, those were some good times. Not that we’ve stopped our hobby, we’ve just had to be more selective in our choices, and over the years have perfected our techniques.
I lean closer as I hear Ruby’s name, wondering what Daniels and Shepherd are saying about her. Within minutes Daniels’ need to control his anger makes sense. It seems he and Ruby are a couple, though I have no idea how considering he just moved here. It’s possible they could’ve already known each other, but I don’t think that’s it. Which leaves one other option and makes me even more eager to get a shot at Ruby. I’ve always thought she was hot, but kept my distance, not wanting to call attention to myself due to my past deeds, but with the all clear from my brother, allowing the nasty thoughts I’ve had about what I want to do to her free rein, I no longer need to. She will be mine, whether she wants to or not. It doesn’t matter anyway, considering she’s going to be joining her mom once I’ve had my fun.
I smirk, unable to contain it as I picture Ruby trying to deny me. She won’t stand a chance, and once my brother is here her fate will be sealed. Hell, who am I kidding? It is already, she just doesn’t know it yet.
“What’s so funny?” It takes me a moment to realize they’re now talking to me, their secret talk over.
“Nothing, Daniels. Just thinking about some upcoming fun my brother and I have planned. It’ll be life changing for all involved.”
“Okay, if you say so. It must be big if it’ll have that much of an impact on more than you two.”
“It is, but it’s a surprise, so I can’t say any more. I don’t want them to know what’s in store. What would be the fun in that?”
I can see they want to ask more. It’s the cop in them, we’re all inquisitive by nature, unable to leave a puzzle unsolved. Too bad for them, out of the three of us, I’ll be the only one to know how it ends.
Maybe I need to visit my brother before he comes here, just to release a little of this evil rising in me. I’m sure he could use a game or two as well, this whole situation with Ruby creating tension neither of us need to be dealing with. We don’t have time for it. There are more important things that need our attention.
He did say his company has a new intern, and she keeps resisting his offer to show her a good time, even threatening to turn him in if he doesn’t stop. I think, and I’m sure he’ll agree, that will be the last mistake she makes.
I’m unable to contain the urge overtaking me now, and once that happens I know there’s only one way to satisfy it. I call my brother after my shift from the safety of my car, telling him what I want to do, and, just as I suspected, he can’t agree fast enough. The thought of taming the bitch too much to resist, we start making a list of the tools we’ll need. She’ll never see it coming, wait, on second thought, yes, she will. That’s what makes it even more fun.
**Ryan**
I’ve just gotten off the phone with Ruby. I breathe a sigh of relief that she and her dad arrived safely at the big chain store in the next town. However, the worry won’t completely leave me until she’s in my arms again. I don’t like her out of my sight, but I know, even though I’d be more than happy if she only ever walked around our house naked, she needs clothes, shoes, lingerie – and yes, I asked her to send me pictures of those, and beauty items such as shampoo, makeup, etc.
We packed more of her belongings, such as things she needed for work, her files, sketchpads, and so on, and her book collection. My girl obviously loves to read. When I asked if she had enough, which is apparently not the question to ask a bookworm, the look she gave me should not have turned me on, but it did. It was sass, mixed with a look of disdain, like how dare I question her books, along with the hip she jutted out as she said, “I’d rather be overbooked, than under.” I couldn’t take it. That did me in. I closed the door to the library/family room, bent her over the couch’s arm, and, knowing she was ready since I made her show me how wet she was, proceeded to slam my hard cock into her. My jewel has no problem vocalizing her pleasure, and what she wants me to do to her, though I am in control, and not only does she know that, but she loves it just as much as I do. This time, just barely remembering we weren’t alone in the house, I slapped my hand over her mouth, muffling her scream of release just in time. However, I wanted my hands free to do other things to her, so I grabbed one of the small throw pillows on the couch and put it in front of her, then fisted my hand in her hair and had her muffle herself with it. I heard her moan right before burying her face in it, so I knew she wanted this just as much as I did. My dominance, something I never knew I was capable of, turns her the fuck on. Damn, I’m a lucky man.
I then moved my left hand to circle her neck, allowing me to pull her into my thrusts using her shoulders, and my right began rubbing against the only place on her body I haven’t yet breeched. We had talked about it as we were lying in bed, recuperating from our second round of lovemaking, and she was all for trying it, had in fact whimpered just from the thought of feeling me back there. I knew, even as completely unexperienced as I had been before her, that it was an act we’d have to work our way up to, hence the light caressing there now, as I slowly worked the tip of my pinkie in a circle, barely pushing inside before removing it. As I did it fully though, that’s what set her off. I felt her whole body shaking from the orgasm, which in turn caused mine.
Damn, I really shouldn’t be thinking about that while I’m on shift, sitting in my car by myself. Now I’m hard and it’ll be hours before I can be inside my Ruby delight again. Knowing I need to get my mind out of the gutter, though it yearns to stay there, I decide to call my parents and check on them. I want to tell them about Ruby so badly, but I also worry if they were to come here, and if my mom knows I’ve met my one dad won’t be able to stop her, they could be in danger simply because of proximity. But then again, if I don’t and they find out later, I won’t hear the end of it. My mom can lay on the guilt like it’s her job. But, and this is the deciding factor, I’d like to have my grandma’s ring to propose with. The history of it, and being a family heirloom, will mean more to her than anything else. Plus, with the stones surrounding the diamond, I know it’s perfect for her. I dial the number, the knowledge it’ll make Ruby happy and tie her to me forever at the same time too much to resist.
I’m beginning to think I’ll have to leave a message when my mom answers, sounding out of breath. I shudder, really hoping I haven’t interrupted anything.
“Ryan! Sorry, sweetie, I was in the backyard and left my cell in the house, and your dad is in the garage tinkering, so he probably didn’t hear it either. How are you? How’s the new job? Have you talked to Deacon lately? Do you think you can talk him into moving there too? Did I tell you your dad and I have thought about doing that ourselves? Have you met anyone?” She finally takes a breath, so I quickly begin answering the questions she’s already thrown at me, knowing she’ll have no problem coming up with fourteen more if I don’t stop her now.
“Hey, mom. I’m great, the new job is going well, not since the day I got here, I’m working on that, and I’d love it if you guys would and hoped to talk you into it.” Then I just wait, knowing she’ll catch on that I answered everything except the last one
Five…four…three…two… “Martinnnnnn.
Get in here now. Your son has something to say to both of us.” I just laugh, loving my mom and anticipating the day she and Ruby meet. My mom is going to latch onto her, giving her all the motherly warmth my jewel has missed for too many years. No, Evelyn Martin will never replace Ruby’s mom, but the love that only a mother can give will be Ruby’s to bask in.
“Hi, son. Your mom bellowed, so it must be important.”
I shake my head, my parents once again showing me what love is supposed to be like and knowing I’m on the path toward it with Ruby. “Mom, what was that last question you asked again?”
“Ryan Martin Daniels. Stop teasing and tell me the good news.”
“Can you send me Gram’s ring? The one Pop gave her when he proposed the day after he returned from his first deployment?” And then I hold the phone away from my ear, hearing a sense I’d like to retain.
Over and over, like a mantra, I hear my mom saying “We have a daughter. Martin, we have a little girl. Our son is in love and we’ve gained a daughter.”
“Her name is Ruby. She’s beautiful with red hair and these ice blue eyes that can see into my soul. I saw her the day I was here for my interview, and I knew then, but didn’t want to say anything until I’d met her. Her dad, Hal, owns the family hardware store, Harry’s, and I’d called yesterday to ask a question and she answered. I knew it was her, the woman I’d seen through the store window, my precious jewel, but we got disconnected when the power went out.”
My dad, ever the cop, knows I’m leaving something out and asks about it. So, I tell them everything, including the danger still surrounding her, and that I moved her in with me, and basically proposed today and she accepted. I just need the engagement ring.
Mom, the romantic, sniffed and I knew it was taking every ounce of her willpower to not start packing now. She wanted to meet Ruby, ready to welcome her to the family, and it was hurting her to not be able to do so right away.
“I know you want to visit and meet her, Mom, but we need to wait. I don’t want to risk putting you two in danger as well. My focus right now is on Ruby and keeping her safe. Until this is resolved, I need you guys to stay in New Haven, please.”
“Okay, Ryan, we’ll stay here, but your time is limited before we load the car and make our way to you. I’ll FedEx Gram’s ring to you, the quickest delivery possible, and text you the tracking number.”
“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it. I’ll let you guys know when it’s okay to visit.”
I realize my dad has been quiet for a while and make sure he’s still there. “Dad?”
“I’m here, Ryan, just waiting for your mom to wind down.” I laugh as I hear a noise followed by “what was that for?”
“Mom, give you a love tap, Dad?” I ask while trying to contain myself. They will never change and I’m so thankful for that.
“She did, but I enjoyed it.”
“Gross, Dad. You’ve got to learn the difference between talking in your head and aloud. You may have just scarred me for life.”
My dad laughs, and I hear my mom asking what she did to deserve such troublemakers.
“Ryan, she sounds like a lovely woman, and I can’t wait to meet her. I know you’ll figure this out soon so she’s safe and finds some peace with what happened to her mom. It’ll never lessen the pain, but it will assure Ruby and Hal know their loved one’s death wasn’t in vain, that someone will pay for their crimes. You hug her for us and let her know we can’t wait to meet her. We’ll get the ring out of our safe, well, your mom is already doing that, then package it securely and send it out tomorrow.”
I thank them again, making sure I let them know what they mean to me, before ending the call. I need to make some rounds before my shift is over.
Chapter Thirteen
Ruby
Two days later…
I’m working an early shift at the hardware store, thankful to have clothes again. While I love wearing Ryan’s, and he enjoys seeing me in, and out of them, I’m happy to have my own again. Dad and I had a good time shopping, and I was able to get everything I needed, and some surprises for Ryan. Those I had to purchase when Dad had picked up a few things of his own while we were there.
Ryan dropped me off earlier, checking the shop before bestowing a hard and intense kiss on my lips as he left, and I swear I still feel them tingling two hours later.
Business is slow today, so I’m using the time to do some school work and a few of my projects for clients. I sent Bobby a text earlier to see how things are going at home but haven’t gotten a reply yet. I think he’s in class right now though, so I’m sure he’ll answer when he can.
Ryan has called, making sure I’m okay. I know he probably wishes he could put me in his pocket and keep me with him all day, but that isn’t feasible. He says I’m small enough though. Granted everyone is tiny to the man. I’m tempted to tease him about his height and ask if he could show me his beanstalk, especially as I know it’ll lead to my ass getting spanked. Considering I’m wearing a bright red thong today with garters and a matching bra that barely covers my nipples, I’m going to tease him, unable to resist what I know will happen because of it.
The bell over the door rings, pulling me from my thoughts, and I see the Sheriff walking in. I haven’t seen him since that day at my dad’s, which it isn’t unusual to go days or weeks without seeing him, even in a town this small, but I can’t help but wonder if he had something to do with my mom. Not to mention curious as to what’s going on with him and Mrs. Parker.
“Hey, Ruby. How’re you doing today?”
“I’m good, Sheriff. And you?”
He tells me things are slow at the station, which is always good, but his wife hasn’t been feeling well lately. I let him know I’m sorry to hear that and if there’s anything I can do to let me know.
He looks around the store a little, almost like he’s nervous for some reason, before turning to me again and asking if I’ve thought of anything else regarding my case.
I tell him I haven’t received any more phone calls or surprises, so maybe it was just a random act and the call wasn’t related at all. Though I know that isn’t the case, Ryan and I agreed to keep our digging to ourselves.
But the Sheriff talks as if he already knows what I’m not telling him and it’s making me uncomfortable, wishing someone would call or stop in so we aren’t alone in the store. Unfortunately, Alex isn’t due in until after school, which is still at least four hours from now.
“Ruby, you know you can tell me anything, right? You and my son have been best friends for years. You’re like a daughter to me and my wife. I can’t help if you’re holding something back.”
“I’ve told you everything I know, Sheriff. I don’t know why someone is doing this to me.”
“You haven’t been asking questions, looking in to something you shouldn’t? Maybe a situation that’s better off remaining closed?”
My heart stops for a second, and though his questions could be construed as completely routine if anyone were to overhear them, I can’t help but search for a deeper meaning behind them. Could he possibly know what my dad and I both suspect? And Ryan now too? Bobby said the handwriting on my mom’s report didn’t look like his dad’s, but Ryan also pointed out that it was obviously doctored, which could only be done by someone within the department.
I don’t want it to be the sheriff, for numerous reasons, one of which being the impact it would have on Bobby. Neither do I want it to be Will, because regardless of how much Ryan trusts him, the chance he could be hiding his true self from Ryan is always a possibility. That worries me. I don’t want Ryan’s affection and trust for the man to be misplaced, nor Mr. Daniels’ long friendship with the man to be destroyed. However, if it is Will, would that come between Ryan and me? I’d like to say no, and that is my immediate response, coming from my heart, but I must be realistic, knowing it’s not too far out of the realm of options.
I realize the Sheriff is talking again, so I push my thoughts away for ano
ther time, and tune back into him. “I think, as is the case for most people, they know more than they believe they do. When something like this happens, yes, it may be nothing personal in regard to their focus, but oftentimes it’s because they’re doing something they shouldn’t. If the latter is the case, I’d recommend for that person to stop immediately, especially if they’re sticking their nose where it shouldn’t be, because a lot of times the consequences could be fatal if they don’t.”
I’m silent, trying to process whether the Sheriff, my best friend’s dad, just threatened me. He wouldn’t, would he? But then again, if he did play a part in my mom’s death, he wouldn’t hesitate to do whatever he felt necessary to protect himself, right? Even knowing me since I was a little girl wouldn’t deter him from his chosen path.
“Think about what I said, Ruby. I’d hate to see something happen to you.” And with that last ominous sentence hanging between us, the words almost visibly floating in the air due to the darkness I’m associating with them, he walks out, whistling as he goes like he doesn’t have a care in the world. And maybe, if I don’t heed his words, he soon won’t.
**Ruby**
I’m waiting for Ryan to get home. He was going to pick me up from the store during his lunch break but ended up having to work over because someone didn’t show for their shift. As the new guy, he was, of course, the one chosen to do it. He called to tell me, asking if my dad could take me home.
Dad was happy to, and even stayed a while to visit and play with Boots, Lucy, and Princess. I have a feeling Dad will be getting a dog soon. I can tell he misses Boots, and with both of us out of the house now, I think it would be a good idea. He needs the companionship, and I know the only kind he’ll take is in the form of a pet to cherish.
