Page 47 of Sunshine
Domestic abuse, drugs, bribes, they all happen. As much as it’s inconvenient, I’m glad this guy is taking the time to check me out.
He has the nerve to smile wider.
“Says you’re retired.” He points at his computer.“What are you doing here on the island?”
“I did inform you I was former RCMP,” I say as he examines me through the rearview mirror.
“Guys say lots of things when they’re back there.”
“I’m also your new LT, although not for a few more months.I’m taking over for Crestmore in January when he retires.” I point out the window at the shell of my house. “Building the dream right there.”
“I heard the new LT was coming from Ontario.” He turns his head to look at my house. “So just a neighborly dispute?” There’s a crooked smile on his face that irks me.
I look away. “Something like that,” I mumble.
After a minute of silence, he gets out of the car and opens my door. I use my booted foot to open it wider, and he steps back, his hand moving nearer to his sidearm. I roll my eyes again and rise, passing him his cuffs. He looks at them then me but says nothing about it.
“Looked pretty bad as I was driving by, but your lady explained that you two were just roleplaying and that she’s trying out the dominatrix stuff.”
My brows rise and I stop rubbing the bite out of my wrists.
“What?” I ask, my eyes flying to Tessa who’s smirking at me. The cop elbows me as if we’re buds. “I had a girlfriend who was into the kinky stuff. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.” My jaw clenches, my brows lower in what I hope is a menacing look. Tessa’s bent forward clutching her gut in silent hysterics again.
“Brat,” I mumble.
“That’s exactly what she called you.” He laughs.
I don’t.
“Maybe hold back a little in resisting, Case, you’re a helluva lot bigger than her and she won’t really be able to restrain you.” He chuckles. “And heads up, she says she plans to punish you for drawing attention.”
“Punish me?” For fuck’s sake. I run my hand over the back of my neck.
The officer waves me off, shaking his head. “You’re used to being in charge, I get it. And being in Satan’s Ransom for five years, that was one hell of an undercover assignment and the takedown of the decade, but that’s the point isn’t it? Letting go of your tough guy, letting her take control?”
I close my eyes, letting my head fall back.Jesus fucking christ.
“Hope you don’t hold this against me when you take over as LT.”
I can’t tell if there’s a threat of exposure in his words or not, so I wave off them off. “Have a good day, officer,” I say, effectively dismissing him. And I stay that way, looking skyward, praying for patience, until I hear the car drive off.
When I open my eyes again, Tessa’s about to go inside. I close the distance between us thumping up the porch steps two at a time and grab her arm before she can cross the threshold.
“Oh, honey, I thought you were going to punish me?” I rumble the words gruffly into her ear. I’m close enough to hear her suck in a breath.
“Um, maybe later, little boy.” Her response is shaky at best. “Now leave me be. I’ve got work to do. You can lick my boots clean later.”
“I say we discuss this punishment thing now. One of us has definitely been a brat and needs discipline, don’t you think?” I look down the road where Officer Noob’s taillights are barely visible. And then look again for the guy with the cell. He’s still nowhere in sight so I push thoughts of him aside to deal with later. But as soon as I leave Tessa’s, I’ll be looking into security cameras and better locks for her. I’ll also be searching those damn bushes and maybe leveling them so no one can hide in them.
“Um, no, no. I forgive you this time.” She tries to remove her arm from my grip, but I hold it tighter.
“Actually, this scenario gave me an idea.” I look down the road again, this time it’s empty. “Those handcuffs were interesting. It’s only fair I return the favor. I promise I won’t be tossing you in a cruiser after you’re handcuffed though.” I smile. “I’ll just toss you over my knee. Spank you until I’m damn good and satisfied you won’t be pulling any more stunts to sabotage me.”
She spins then, turning a heated glare on me. “It’s not going to happen.” She smiles smugly but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Oh no, her eyes are molten. “You just lost your leverage. You would’ve told the cop about the situation if you actually planned to. And if you lay one finger on me now…” She holds up the officer’s card between two fingers, her gaze cooling as if herwords both temper her arousal and help her regain self-control. She’s damn good at that.
“Release me so I can get the keys to unlock your gate. I have work to do.”
I let her go. My eyes, holding hers firmly, letting her know this isn’t over. I reach into my pocket and set the lock on her railing. She swallows hard, her eyes losing their chill. And as I turn on my booted foot to leave, her arm flies out to grab me.
