"Does he smell like sunscreen or coconut?" I glanced between them and Billie nodded first.
"She tackled him. Did you know she's a fast runner who loves throwing her weight around? She's legendary." Caroline smirked and Billie rolled her eyes.
"Maybe a little." I chuckled and Walsh grunted per usual.
"Well done job here, Bryant," his raspy voice announced. "We're about to send Olsen in to tear him up with Stiles. They're both tickled about it."
"Oh yeah." Ben wagged his brows. "Ready to knock out some teeth."
"Easy there, big man." Walsh clapped him on the back. "We need him in one piece."
"Well, I'm glad he can't hurt anyone else," I said as I turned my attention back to the ordinary looking man who had terrorized hundreds of women. Stifled parts of me bubbled with anger, and I hoped Stiles got in at least one good punch.
"Have you ever seen a suspect before?" asked Caroline when she held the door open for me on our way out.
"Not like that." I glanced at her and we walked side-by-side down the hall.
"How'd it feel?"
"Glad he was caught, but I still wanted him to get hurt a little."
"Sounds about right."
"What are you two doing down here?" a woman called from behind us. I turned around to see Detective Garrett heading our way. Her thick boots clapped on the tile almost boredly as she strolled over.
"Rosie got to see the suspect her data helped catch," announced Caroline. "What are you doing down here, nosey?"
"Springing my favorite trick from lockup and now heading to dinner with my biffle." She smirked and crossed her arms over her middle. "How are you, Rose?"
"Good, how about you?" I didn't know Garrett very well as she usually kept to herself. She and Rebecca were friendly so our paths crossed often.
"Same ol'."
"When are you going to stop bailing out the people you arrest?" Caroline cocked a brow at her and she just laughed.
"When they do away with criminalizing the female body," she tossed back.
"What the fuck is a biffle, by the way?" asked Caroline.
"Best friend forever in life." She laughed and wagged her brows at me.
"Ridiculous." Caroline rolled her eyes and I laughed at her.
"Okay, boomer." Garrett shrugged and tossed me a grin.
"She called you old." I snickered as I turned to Caroline. "In case you're wondering."
"You both suck." She flipped us both off just before Billie called her name from down the hall. "Guess this party is over."
"Guess so. Later." Garrett pretended to tip a hat to Caroline who smirked as she turned to head off at a casual, almost bored pace.
"Bye, ladies."
"Bye," I said, returning my attention to the woman in the hall with me. "I better go too, Molly. I'm meeting my girlfriend now."
"I'll walk you out," she said, nodding toward the secured entrance to the lockup area. "Daria's picking me up."
"I always liked her name. Like that old nineties cartoon."
"Don't tell her that. She'll frown at you." She pulled the door open after swiping her card then waved me through. "I mean, it's Daria so it'll be a mild frown, probably coupled with a caring gesture anyway, but you know."
I chuckled as we stopped in the hall by the front desk area. "Not really. I've only met her a few times when she has intakes here."
"Ah, you're missing out." She grinned as she tucked her hands into her back pockets. "Later, Bryant. Awesome work catching psychos."
"Thanks." I laughed as I waved to her and headed back to my office.
The prospect of Walsh's offer of a promotion once Sadie retired returned to me and, for that moment, I could imagine myself in her shoes and being in charge of something. A few months ago, I wouldn't have believed that I could handle it. Now, however, my capabilities appeared clearer to me.
While packing up for the day, I thought about my sister. Just the word struck a chord of unusualness that I couldn't yet process. I hadn't told anyone about it and neither had Alex, as evidenced by the fact that Ainsley hadn't stalked me today. I would tell them eventually, but first I wanted to get to know Juni better, then introduce her to everyone I knew.
"Honey," I heard Sam's voice call the moment my heels hit the pavement. I swung around to see her approaching, a broad smile on her lips.
"Hi." My heart skipped a beat when she rushed in to hug me. "You surprised me. I was about to head to your place."
"I wanted to surprise you," she said, catching me in a kiss that brought me to my toes. "And have you to myself for a few minutes before we go to Ainsley's."
"Oh yeah?" I grinned while lacing my fingers behind her neck. "Why?"
Her hands fell to my waist and she held me against her. "Because I love you."
"I love you, too. And I love that you tell me you love me now."
"It's my first favorite thing to do," she said, her bottom lip finding its way between her teeth.
I laughed hard while toying with her hair. "I recognize that horny lip bite, baby. What's your second favorite thing?"
Sam grinned and brushed her lips over mine. "Turning your rump varied shades of pink."
"Well, good. Because that's my second favorite thing too."
"C'mon." She took my hand, kissing it before we headed off to her car together that sat parked in a visitor space in the parking lot. I laced my fingers with hers while we walked and leaned my head on her shoulder.
"Are you ready for two days of parties in a row?" I asked.
"I am. Are you?"
"A little. Rebecca's I can handle, but Ainsley's big shindigs make me anxious sometimes."
"I know, but I'll keep you safe. Stella really wanted us to go…"
"We haven't seen them in awhile," I said while Sam opened the passenger door for me. "Thank you, honey."
She winked at me before hurrying around the car to hop in.
We drove off while continuing our chatter about our friends, until I offered, "I'm going to get promoted at work."
"You are?" Her expression lifted with her smile as she glanced at me.
"The senior analyst is retiring at the end of the year and Walsh wants me to take her position. First though, he wants me to work with a private investigator who has a lead on some cases. I think it's a pressure test."
"That's amazing, babe. I'm happy for you." She reached over and stroked my cheek. "So many changes."
"So many… Juni and I have been texting a little."
"What's that like?"
"Surreal. How's your mom? Did you see her today?"
She nodded, though her expression dimmed slightly. "She's good."
"Was your uncle there?" I pressed and she nodded again. "Are you okay, Sami?" Again, she nodded and I watched her happiness fade. "Tell me what he said to you."
"I don't want to, honey. I would rather have a good night with you and forget it."
"Sam." I turned in my seat a bit. "Forgetting never works. I've seen the toll it takes on you. And I want a new rule."
"What rule?" Her brow furrowed.
"That I go with you to visit your mom."
"No, Rosie. You have to work…"
"I can flex my hours or we can go after work for dinner instead of lunch."
She grew quiet for a little then said, "Mom threw a biscuit at him this time at least."
"Did she?" I smirked as I imagined it. "That's new."
"It is. I don't wear hijab anymore and he thinks it's disrespectful and told me I deserved what I got." She glanced at me, the light in her eyes fading. "As if he knew."
"Does he?" I stroked her arm and she shook her head.
"No. I guess he meant to say I deserved whatever consequences came from not wearing it. Old beliefs…"
"Understood. You know you didn't deserve what happened to you, Sam, right?"
"I know it. Sometimes I don't feel it though. Like when he says things."
"I'm punching him in the face next time I see him." I frowned
and let out a huff. "It's settled."
Sam laughed a bit. "I'd love to see you punch a seventy-year-old man."
"It'll probably be poorly timed since he doesn't speak English around me on purpose…"
"True, but worth it."
"Totally."
We arrived at Ainsley's only to be greeted by both her and Jordan right away. Stella and Alice showed up five minutes behind us, kidless and smiling. Hugs and kisses found their way through pleasantries and greetings before the six of us headed for the living room. Sam pulled me into her lap before I made to sit on the sofa beside her. I grinned and tucked myself up close to her as she hugged me.
"So tiny," she said while nipping at my cheek.
"She is," agreed Stella as she headed back to us with a glass of wine in each hand.
"Hey, don't pick on Rosie. Maybe she doesn't like being called tiny," defended Alice, her gaze on me.
"It's okay. I like being small," I said, and tucked my knees up to my chest. Sam wrapped her arm around them without skipping a beat.
"Why?" asked Alice, accepting the glass of wine that Stella offered her.
"Because Sam can lift me up easily." I grinned at her and she chuckled.
"You do love that, don't you?"
"I do."
My response brought an immediate smile to Alice's face and she sipped her wine. "Ah. No more breastfeeding inebriation commences."
"Hoorah." Stella clinked her glass with her wife's.
"Wild sex to follow." Alice raised her glass in salute and Jordan grinned on her way into the living room.
"Let's have an orgy," she said, a proud smile on her face.
"No!" called back literally everyone while Ainsley added a swat upside the head.
Jordan cracked up and hugged her. "Fine. We'll wait until everyone gets here."
Alice rolled her eyes and it made Jordan snicker even more. "Shut your face up, Allie."
"Oh my God." Sam whispered against my ear. "They put on a show constantly."
"They do."
All of our friends began arriving one after the other, with Vee and Scarlett first. They greeted us with cheek kisses and hugs, before Scarlett settled Vee in one of the comfy armchairs. I watched as she doted on her, and fixed a pillow behind her back. Vee's endless smile at her wife's caretaking brought me a stroke of happiness, even if it didn't belong to me in that moment.
Stella crouched beside Vee's seat, her hand on her knee while the two of them spoke about something.
Ainsley's bouncing arrival on the sofa drew my attention away. "Hello, lovelies."
"Hi. What's happened to Vee?" I asked, glancing back over for a second.
"She had a small procedure on her back again, but she's doing really good. It's the last surgery she's supposed to need," answered Ainsley.
"Really? I'm glad. She looks like she's in pain though."
"A little stiff, she says, but no pain." Ainsley patted my knee. "She had some good doctors at her side." Her gaze flickered over my shoulder to Sam. I followed her focus and Sam smiled.
"You were her doctor?"
"I cannot confirm or deny," she said, though smiled along with it.
"Vee," called Ainsley to get her attention. "Can Sam tell Rosie that she was your anesthesiologist this week?"
Everyone laughed and Sam swatted Ainsley's arm.
"Yes. Of course." Vee grinned and met Sam's gaze.
"Doing good?" she asked and Vee nodded.
"I am. Thank you. Stella checked my tiny incision three times. After Scarlett checked it thirty.” Scarlett gave her arm a pinch and Vee laughed.
"Sounds like you needed it." Sam grinned and leaned her chin on my shoulder when everyone's attention returned to the people in front of them.
"Wow, Sami. I wish you could've told me. That must've been hard, treating a friend," I said, biting my lip after.
"It was. I don't schedule my own surgeries so I don't know until I get the patient files a day before. Veronica isn't a name I've ever known Vee by, so I walked into the room and there we were," she explained while stroking my hair.
"It sounds scary to have their life in your hands…"
"It is, baby." She kissed my cheek. "But it reminds me that everyone on my table is someone's loved one. I welcome the reminder."
"I never want a friend or family member on my table," said Ainsley, in an usual shift toward darkness.
"You've been lucky to have escaped that so far." Sam slipped her arms around my middle and gave me a firm squeeze. I stroked her arms and she relaxed under me again.
"I agree." Ainsley patted my knee and her expression lifted again when she asked, "I hear you're getting promoted, Rosie."
"Who told you that?"
"Walsh can't keep his mouth shut. Are you excited?"
"I am. But nervous about working with some P.I. he's teaming me up with."
"You met her already. She was the one who barged into your office a few months ago. Remember?" Ainsley smirked while shaking her head. "A pint-sized nightmare."
"No way. Walsh is going to make me work with Sali James?" I groaned while leaning back against Sam. "She's aggressive."
"Maybe your kind little heart will soften her up." Ainsley poked my belly and I swatted her hand.
"Rosie, Rosie, Rosie!" Alex bounced over to us the moment she appeared through the back door. She grabbed me in a hug and nearly smashed Sam into the couch. Our laughter rang out while Sam forcibly joined the hug.
"I haven't seen you in a few days. Where've you been?" I asked when Alex butted her way to sit in the space in front of Ainsley. She hugged her from behind in almost a headlock and Alex laughed.
"At Sara's. I figured you needed some time…" She glanced to Ainsley. "With everything."
"Thank you. I'm okay."
"With what everything?" asked Ainsley.
"Rosie will tell you when she's ready." Alex patted Ainsley's arms. "Don't pressure her about it."
"Yes, boss." Ainsley chuckled until Jordan made her way back over.
"What's going on over here with this quieter crew?" Jordan ran her fingers through my hair. "You need a trim on those bangs, Rosie."
"Is that part of this party, too?" I asked and she grinned.
"Maybe. If you can keep me sober long enough. Come to the salon this week and I'll take care of you," she said, then looked to Sam. "How about you, Sami? Let me get my hands on those lusciously thick locks."
"You just want to get your hands on everyone, Jordy. We know your motives," retorted Sam, though with a smile.
"You're right. You're all so pretty." She caressed our faces one after the other before smooching Ainsley’s forehead. "C'mon, babe. We need to replace the sternos."
"There's like three hundred people here in ten minutes." Ainsley hopped up and wrapped her arms around Jordan's shoulders as they stole a minute for a deeply affectionate kiss. Jordan stroked her cheeks and Ainsley leaned into it. It wasn't often that I'd seen them in a tender moment, though it was as fleeting as their feet when they headed over to the buffet table they set up in the dining room.
"Where's your girl, Al?" asked Sam when the three of us now occupied the couch by ourselves.
"She'll be here soon. Just getting off work. It looks like everyone is here tonight." Alex nodded to Eve and Ciara who entered ahead of Billie, Mira, Dax, and Willa from the back door.
Sam tensed under me for a moment and I followed her gaze to the waists of Eve, Billie, and Dax each clad with their weapons still holstered to their gear belts. Dax and Billie stood facing each other while Dax reached for her gun. Sam started, but Dax only rested her hand on it in an idle stance.
"Hey." I turned to whisper against Sam's lips. "Look at me." She met my gaze and the playful light in her eyes dimmed a fraction. "They protect us. Detective, Special Agent, and a U.S. Marshal. They're not their weapons, baby. Eve, Billie, and Dax keep us safe. And Vee and Alice before them. Right?"
"Yes." Sam tucked my hair behind my ears then continued to stroke
it after.
"I love you," I told her and that made her smile.
"I love you, too."
Alex watched us, the weight in her expression mirroring the situation. She patted my foot that pressed into the cushion beside her and I held my hand to her.
"I saw Juni today," said Alex, purposefully changing the subject as evidenced by her deliberate tone.
"Did you?"
She nodded. "At the coffee shop. She was so happy to see me like I was an old friend. She resembles some of you, Rosie. You're a lot alike."
"Well, we are sisters. She's coming to dinner tomorrow at Rebecca's," I said, hugging Sam's arm to my chest. She settled down, and kissed the curve of my shoulder when her focus left the plethora of weapons in the room. And the few additions to follow.
"I'm looking forward to it." Alex glanced around the room. "I'm getting a drink. You two want some? Wine? Beer?"
"Wine," Sam and I said together.
"No surprise." She hopped up and headed off toward the dining room.
"There's a lot of people here," I said as I turned slightly to meet Sam's gaze.
"There is. You doing okay with that?" she asked, her lips pressed against my neck.
"So far. It's easier with you." I turned slightly to stroke her cheek. "Everything is."
"Funny. I was thinking something similar." Her smile, laden with the light that it often carried when we lingered in each other's space, brought a lurch of excitement to my belly. I loved watching her, and the way she looked at me turned my insides upside-down.
"I have something for you," she said, reaching into the pocket of her jacket. "I want you to have it now."
"Right now?" I scooted backward so that my rear hit the sofa against the arm and my legs draped over her lap.
"Right now." She revealed a rectangle-shaped turquoise box from her pocket. The red silk ribbon tied in a bow around it set off a wave of arousal as I remembered its last use. An immediate smile found its way to Sam's lips as she must've noticed my reaction. "I see you recognize the bindings."
"Yes, baby." I bit my lip and she held the box up between us.
"Give it a pull."
I tugged the corner of the bow and it tumbled away to pile in my lap. Sam lifted it by the end, and dragged it slowly over my wrist until it wrapped around. My thighs squeezed together as she set alight an ache of desire that brought heat to my face. In public, surrounded by two dozen of our friends, and she was the only person that existed to me.
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