by Lee Rose
They all headed out of the station. Tony rode with Noah to his place to collect Alicia. He wanted her with him or he would never be able to rest. Matt was heading to the hospital to update Holly. Tony knew he would sit and wait for Holly’s shift to end.
The Blake house was filled with people. Alicia was feeding her nephew. He stopped at the doorway and just observed her. She was making funny little noises at the boy who would grin and open his mouth. It looked like a messy process.
He’d never thought about having a wife and children. A year ago, he would have said, “Hell no, that is too much responsibility.” Now that he knew he was in love with Alicia, he could picture her round with their child. He didn’t feel trapped. He felt warm and humble inside. He would tell her he loved her as soon as he got her alone. He walked up to her, putting his hand on her dark hair.
Drake and Ray sat at the table. Noah pulled up a chair and was talking to them about John. He saw Alana and Jasmine in the kitchen. For the first time in so many years, he felt like he had a family besides just Matt. They’d never seen their father again and he had no desire to. He had been fine with just Matt in his life, but now his life felt more enriched as these people became important to him. Alicia’s family might not like him, but he was here to stay and he would protect them whether they liked it or not.
“Did you eat?” Alicia looked at him. “Alana and Jasmine cooked enough food to feed an army.”
“We did,” Jasmine agreed with a chuckle. She had a plate of food in her hand and placed it on the table. She ordered Tony to sit and eat.
“You sure you want to marry Jazz?” he asked Drake playfully. “She’s kind of bossy.”
Jasmine punched him in the arm and Drake chuckled, blowing a kiss to his fiancée.
“I like her bossy ways.” Drake winked at Jasmine. She nodded with satisfaction and went back into the kitchen.
Alicia let Noah clean up his son and pick him up. He went off into the living room, talking to Carlos. Alicia patted his arm. “I’m glad you’re back. I was worried.”
It touched Tony’s heart, knowing he had someone who cared about him. It had been a long time since he felt so emotional. “I was more worried about John. I knew Noah and Matt wouldn’t let me kill him, but I was hoping for a few good kicks in the ass.”
Ray laughed. “I would have distracted them so you could do that.”
It was the first time he felt like Ray was not brimming with hatred toward him. Tony ate in silence and listened to the rest of them talk. After he took his plate to the kitchen, he dragged Alicia out to the porch.
“Will you come home with me tonight?” he asked her, holding her tightly. She felt soft and warm. The cool breeze was doing nothing to curb his desire for the woman he was holding.
She nodded and kissed his chin. “I was hoping you would ask. I’ve missed you.”
“Not as much as I have,” he assured her. “I want you with me always. This might be the wrong time, but you need to know I love you, Alicia. I may not be romantic and know flowery speeches, but when I love, I put my all into it. Maybe that is why I was so reluctant to admit it aloud. I will be bossy, protective, and never politically correct when it comes to your safety. I will be insanely jealous and domineering. All the things women hate.”
Alicia giggled and tightened her hold on him. She looked up at him with such a tender, soft smile he wanted to shed a tear. “I love you, too, Tony, with everything I have inside of me to give. I will also be insanely jealous. I will tear the hair off any woman you try to kiss besides me. I will glare at Dee for years for getting to kiss you before me.”
He groaned and looked upward as if praying for patience. She giggled.
“I will worry about you and I will take care of you. I will never willingly leave you.”
He leaned down and kissed her. It felt deeper and more intimate now that their feelings were out in the open. Neither of them held back. He was surprised they had not melted into a puddle of liquid, it was so hot.
“Now comes the hard part.” Alicia smiled.
He was still in a daze and his brain had short-circuited. He sure was hard, but that was a good thing. “Yeah?”
“We have to tell Ray and my parents we are in a serious relationship. My sister knows I love you and she approves.”
“Well, shit. That is a downer.” He blinked, feeling like cold water had just been poured on his head.
Chapter Nineteen
Alicia was still laughing once they had reached his house. They had gone inside her sister’s house and Tony had told all of them he was in love with Alicia and taking her to his house. He had stood so tense and still, as if waiting for Ray, and possibly Noah, to kick his ass. Noah had shaken his hand first and Drake had slapped him on the back.
“I knew you were a goner when she was missing,” Drake admitted. “You tore through town like a crazy man looking for her.”
“I knew it, too.” Alana hugged him. “You better treat my baby sister like glass or else, mister.”
Tony had solemnly promised. Jasmine had blinked back tears and hugged him, too.
Ray looked upset, but then he sighed and gave in. “Hell. I wanted to kick your ass, but now Alicia will never forgive me if I do. Be tough with her. She is stubborn and wants her own way. Put your foot down or she will wrap you around her finger.”
“I can be more stubborn,” Tony assured Ray, and she had playfully swatted his arm but she looked overjoyed with happiness. He wanted her to always look that way. She was tough and strong. He didn’t know why she didn’t see how amazing she was. He would make sure to show her.
Ray shook his hand, looking sincere. “Treat her right, man. That is all I ask from you. She is precious to me. She gives me gray hair but she is also cherished in this family.”
Alicia had cried all over her brother until Tony pulled her away and into his truck. He had driven off as quickly as possible.
“What’s so funny?” he asked as they walked up the stairs to his house. He wanted to get rid of their clothes and make love to her. He dealt better with physical things than emotional stuff.
“You drove us away from Alana’s house like we were runaway criminals. I even saw you looking in the rearview mirror a few times,” she explained with a happy giggle. He loved that sound coming from her.
He reached his bedroom and opened the door. “You have to admit Ray can be a badass when he wants. Then with Noah and Drake acting like your brothers, I felt the tension. All I could think of was making love to you, but I was trying not to look like it.”
The moon of the night shone inside his room. His curtains were open. The house was still and quiet. He saw her expression turn soft. He helped her remove her shirt and unclipped her bra, and her generous breasts spilled out of the silky material. She kept her eyes on him and he could see her love shining through. He cupped the mounds in his hands. His thumbs swiped over the tips of her breasts and they hardened into beads. She closed her eyes.
“I like stripping you.”
She opened her eyes. “Next time, I get to strip you.”
“Deal.” He felt happy in the knowledge they had many years to enjoy each other.
He removed her jeans and she stood nude in front of him. He loved her belly ring shining in the light. He touched the small gold heart with a crystal in it. Her skin was a golden tan color and felt so soft and smooth. She smelled like wildflowers. “I love your curves, baby girl. Don’t ever lose them. “
She nodded as he stripped out of his own clothes. He laid her gently on the bed over the covers. Her smile was so genuine. She was as excited as he was, and that made him feel confident yet nervous, too. He wanted to please her. She put her hands on his shoulders. “I love you, Tony Smith.”
“I love you, Alicia Smith,” he whispered back automatically. She belonged to him in his heart and soul.
Her eyes widened. “I am not a Smith.”
“We can take care of that by going to the courthouse.” He nibbled on her sk
in happily. He liked when things worked out easily. He would have her married and tied to him legally. Piece of cake. He congratulated himself.
She slapped his shoulder. “If that is a proposal, it is sadly lacking in the memorable department.”
He looked at her pout and thought it was so cute. He touched her lips with his and she would not allow him access. He pulled her close to his body and soon she was opening up to him. He explored her mouth with his tongue until she was moaning and caressing his back. He loved the feel of her hands on his body. She was so eager to experience everything with him.
He looked at her and caressed her cheek. “Alicia, we know we love each other. We confessed it on your sister’s porch. That was my proposal. I want you forever. I want to fall asleep with you next to me and wake up with you next to me. I want it all. Children. Fights with make-up sex. A life together. I want an eternity with you.”
Her eyes filled with tears and she sniffed. “You are good with flowery speeches.”
“They’re not speeches, amor, they are just my feelings.” He smiled proudly, glad he remembered Drake calling Jasmine that several times. He knew it meant love. He would learn her language, especially all the romantic words. He wanted to please her and show her how deeply his feelings went. She was his treasure.
Soon, all thoughts were forgotten as emotions and desire took over. Her lips were nibbling at his neck. Her hands were down at his hardness and his thoughts flew out the window. All he could do was concentrate on how good it felt with her hands playing with him. He was overwhelmed with desire and love.
He pushed her legs open and felt her wetness at the juncture of her legs. She was ready for him. He loved how receptive she always was with him. It boosted his self-confidence.
She guided him toward her, letting him know what she wanted. Him, inside of her. He slid inside and felt his cock rub against her vaginal walls. They both inhaled a deep breath and he felt her grip on his shoulders tighten up. He liked knowing she was as anxious as he was to make love, and that was what this was, an expression of their love. Now he realized how amazing it felt when there was an emotion behind it and not just a goal to have physical release. He closed his eyes and thrust harder until he couldn’t go further.
“You always amaze me, Alicia. You are so receptive to my touch.”
“Because I love you, Tony. I have for months now,” was her simple answer, but he felt it deep in his soul.
“I’m sorry I hurt you.” He felt guilty about that but he planned on making it up to her. “I never meant for it to get so fucked-up between us.”
She caressed his cheek and smiled. “Well, you got your act together now.”
He thrust faster and harder, grabbing her generous and soft ass. He pulled her as close as possible. He wanted it to last, but it always went too quick. She got him so worked up, rocking her hips to match his tempo. The little noises of excitement she made excited him. He fucked her so hard the headboard and the wall met, causing loud knocks. Thank god his brother wasn’t home. He needed to get her a place of her own. That was his last thought before his brain went blank. His climax hit him hard and left him feeling as weak as a newborn kitten. Shit, he was sure his legs were too shaky to stand up.
“You’re a firecracker, babe.”
He heard her small laugh and yawn. He pulled the covers over them without letting her go. He liked having her in his arms. He closed his eyes with the intent to just relax and instead fell right to sleep.
Chapter Twenty
Tony and Alicia sat at breakfast with Matt and Holly the next morning. Tony was in a good mood. He announced their marriage plans before they even started eating.
“You’re going to the courthouse to get married? Soon?” Holly looked at them with amusement, and then she looked at her husband. “Is this a family tradition? Matt and I got married in the backyard. Before I knew it, I had a ring on my finger. It was so fast my head was spinning.”
Matt chuckled and nodded. He kissed her hand. “Why wait? We loved each other and I wanted you to be mine forever.”
Tony looked at Alicia, and she smiled and reached for his hand. Her family might not like the quick, no-frill way, but she wanted to cement it legally without all the months of planning. “Yes, we have to let my family know, then fill out papers. When John is caught, and Tony gets his vacation, he promised me a week on any beach I want. That works for me.”
Tony gave her a heated look. “Let’s find a private beach.”
“Deal.” She laughed. She helped Holly clean up while Tony and his brother talked.
“Tony wants to tell my parents right away. I’m nervous,” she admitted to Holly as they loaded the dishwasher.
“It will be okay. It is obvious Tony loves you very much. Your parents will see that,” Holly replied. “You have all of us and Alana on your side, too. I am so happy things worked out for you two. I felt like slapping him upside the head a few times.”
“Me too.” Alicia laughed. She was so happy she found it easy to let go of the past. It was over and her future looked bright. That was all that mattered.
“Hate to break up the fun, but we have your parents to see.” Tony stuck his head in the doorway.
Alicia nodded when Tony’s cell buzzed. He answered and his facial expression went from relaxed to angry in three seconds flat. “What the hell? When did this happen?”
“Okay, we’ll be right down.” He hung up and grabbed Alicia by the arms. That scared her.
“What is it?” she whispered.
“Someone threw a rock through your family’s restaurant window. The alarm sent Noah and Drake down there,” he explained, looking furious. He didn’t have to say who they thought it was. John was still on everyone’s mind.
She looked at the clock on the kitchen wall and breathed a sigh of relief. “It’s only nine-thirty, so no one was there yet.”
His lips thinned in anger. “Noah wants us to go down there, but he wants you to stay here until we know for sure it’s not a trap to get you out in the open. By now, John knows you remembered and that we are all looking for him.”
“But I should be there, Tony. My dad—”
“Ray and Drake have already told your dad and he took the news well. He told Noah to find John and throw him in the lake.” Tony smiled as if relishing that thought. “Your dad agreed you should stay here where you are safe. He thinks it is a trap.”
Alicia sighed. She didn’t like the idea, but she didn’t want to upset her dad. She looked at Holly. “Do you have to work today?”
Holly immediately hugged her. She gave her a reassuring look. “No. We have a great alarm, or so I am told. I will stay with you, Alicia. Once the alarm is set, we will be safe inside.”
“If anything even comes close, my phone will beep. Holly knows the code to the panic room, too, just in case,” Tony assured both of them.
Matt looked grim and agreed with his brother. “Not that I think anything will happen. John must be in town.”
Each man kissed his woman and left.
Alicia put a hand on her stomach. She felt like her breakfast might come back up. Just moments ago, she had felt like she was floating on air. Now she felt like she came to earth with a thump. What was John thinking sticking around Red Hook? She was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that he was dangerous. She didn’t want to see him.
She felt Holly touch her arm to get her attention. “Don’t worry, Alicia. With all the men looking for John, he will be caught. I know it.”
Alicia nodded, looking out the window and seeing nothing but green trees and sunshine. “I know, Holly. I just want this to be all over once and for all. Knowing he is lurking around out there makes me nervous.”
They walked into the living room.
“I understand completely.” Holly sat on the couch. “I can’t believe he was involved in all of this. He belongs in jail with Novak.”
Alicia chose the loveseat and leaned back against the cushions. “Text Alana or Jaz
z and see if we can get an update. I really need to replace my phone.”
Holly pulled her phone out and started texting. “Your sister says everything is under control. Your parents are angry but glad no one was there at the time. She says John will be found. Even Adam and Liam are joining the search and the whole town knows what is going on.”
“Great. Now the gossip will go on and on for weeks.” Alicia groaned. She felt slightly better. Wherever John was, he would be found. She had faith in the men of Red Hook. They were too stubborn to give up.
Holly set her phone down on the coffee table. She leaned back against the cushions and put her feet up on the couch.
“Are you nervous about telling your family the news of your courthouse marriage?” Holly wanted to know.
“Somewhat. Alana knows how I feel about Tony so she won’t be surprised. Ray will be suspicious. My parents will approve of Tony, but not the quick wedding. They are going to think I am pregnant.” She sighed. “I want John out of the way. I am still so shocked by my memories. I would never have believed in a million years he would be involved in this. That is why I must have blocked his image from my mind. I did not want to accept his guilt. I never thought of him as a criminal. A jerk, sure, but …”
“I know. I worked for the man while I was in nursing school. He was a jerk when it came to women, but a drug-dealing killer? That blows my mind,” Holly agreed, looking bewildered. “I never saw him do anything illegal like that. I am so glad I quit that job.”
“Technically he didn’t kill Janice, but he knew and kept silent. That is just as bad,” Alicia said sadly. “I can’t help but wonder if I had not gotten away, would he have let Novak kill me, too?”
Holly stayed silent. She didn’t have an answer and neither did Alicia.
* * * *
Tony was frustrated. “I want this over and done with. How did he slip away so quickly? Drake was here right away.”
Matt slapped him on the back. “I know, bro. We all want to find this asshole once and for all. People are angry he was involved with this mess. If someone sees him, they will call the station.”
