Page 105 of Rules

"Promises, promises," she smiled a small cringing smile.

I bent and kissed her lightly on the lips then whispered into her ear, "Roo, you know I'm a man of my word."

She whispered into my ear, "now that's a goal to look forward to."

From the doorway came a theatrical sigh. We both looked up to see Irene standing there, arms crossed but expression softened.

"I should bend you both over my knee,” she said.

“Irene!” Ruth turned red. I stood not sure what to say.

“Well, I should, you’ve both been a couple of jack asses. Anyway, it's time for Joey and your medications."

"I need to go to work," I said, kissing Ruth again. "Text me later, I have the late shift tonight."

As I left Ruth's room to give her time to rest, I felt lighter than I had in months. The road ahead wouldn't be easy. Michael was still out there, the danger still real. But being honest about our feelings at last, I didn't feel alone. I felt like I personally had a stake in the battle. I had something worth fighting for. And that's one hell of a motivator.

Chapter 36

Ruth

Three weeks later, and we haven't had another break-in. Tobias says he's starting to think Michael moved to another area to set up a new trafficking ring. But Tobias is convinced Law doesn't agree, he believes Michael is moving just out of sight, waiting to strike. All I know is Michael is scary in a whole other level sort of way. I guess after what I went through, I just want everyone to be safe.

My phone buzzed with a text from Tobias.

Tobias: Hey sexy, how was your appointment?

Me: Great, Doc gave me a clean bill of health. He said all the bruising's gone.

Tobias: That's wonderful! I have good news too: the trial for the two sitting in my cells starts next week.

Me: I'm so glad. I'm ready to testify.

Tobias: So, since you're better... you owe me a punishment.

I laughed, shaking my head at the screen. Since he brought Joey and confessed his feelings, Tobias and I have seen eachother every day. Mainly it's for a meal since he gave his deputies time off before he took any. But tonight and tomorrow he's off and he's all mine.

Me: Aww, man. I misspoke, the Dr said I needed rest. Lot's of rest.

Tobias: Nice try, but too late. I'll pick you up at six.

Me: See you then.

I knew as soon as I sent the text about being cleared by the doctor that he would bring up my punishment. I swear it's what's gotten him through these weeks of recovery. The tension between us had been building to a breaking point. He'd been so careful with me during my recovery, never pushing beyond gentle kisses and tender touches. But I'd seen the hunger in his eyes, felt it in the way his hands lingered. Tonight, that restraint would finally break and after what he did to me against the shop wall. I was ready for tonight, more than ready.

To Tobias's surprise, our public appearances had generated far less gossip than he'd feared. People smiled and asked about my healing injuries and the break-in, but that was it. I didn't think people would care but I'm grateful it's worked out this way.

After work, I dropped Joey off at my aunt's house. His recovery had been slower than mine. I can blame that on the squirrel being eager to pick back up on their feuding. The day after Joey had gotten home the squirrel must have been waiting for him. Joey ran a little too much when he saw the squirrel and it took me a bit to get to him. He's fine but he's still moving carefully.

Aunt Irene felt bad she wasn't there to stop him. She became his favorite person in the world, spoiling him with treats whenever she saw him.

"He's looking better every day," she commented as she scooped him up.

"The vet says if we keep him away from the squirrel he'll be fine." I replied. "Thanks for taking him."

"We're happy to have him. He'll just watch TV with your Uncle. Are you up to having a good time?" she asked with a knowing smile.

"More than ready." I couldn't help but smile back. Kissing her then Joey I rushed home to change, pulling out the lingerie I'd ordered after one of our late-night conversations about what we liked. The bright pink lace bra was sheer enough to reveal my nipples, matching perfectly with the boyshort bottoms. I added my black boots, his favorites, and stood back to admire the effect in the mirror.

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