Rocco's Atonement

CHAPTEREIGHT

ROCCO

It’s beena week of dating Guinevere and being with her. I’ve taken her around New York City, showing her sights she’s never seen, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty. We’ve gone to the zoos and museums she’s never been to. We’ve dined in more restaurants and tried more foods than I ever thought I could in a week. She craves knowledge and learning. I want to give that to her.

She had an appointment with a psychologist, who determined she is competent and has no lasting effects from the amnesia. She was referred to a counselor and has gone three times already. Those days she was not only emotionally exhausted but physically as well. I just held her.

The morning after my first night with Guinevere, Geoffrey and I had a discussion. I told him that I loved her and was not leaving her. I didn’t confirm or deny if we were sleeping together because that’s none of his business.

George has been charged with her parents’ murder. We found proof of a payoff. The judges and police officers who were dirty have also been taken care of. Carmen can’t be charged with anything because the statute of limitations on the assaults she committed against Guinevere has passed. But I know she’s helping Milton, so I spend my days trying to find anything I can on her along with trying to track Milton.

Tonight is the Police Association Ball. I’m sitting in the living room with a glass of scotch to take the edge off as I wait for my girl. I basically have moved in. Every day I bring more and more of my things from my apartment. I don’t want to be away from Guinevere and she doesn’t want me to be.

I stand and move to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Manhattan. Somewhere down there is Milton, just waiting to take my Ever from me. I know he hasn’t left the city. Damian and Linc think he has, but I’m sure he’s still here. There are times when I feel like we are being watched, but I don’t stop her from going out and about. I can’t shelter her. I have to let her spread her wings.

“I’m ready.” Her voice carries across the room in a musical tone. I see her in the reflection of the glass, but it’s not enough to prepare me for the full effect of her when I turn around.

She’s stunning. The maroon high halter-neckline dress has a deep slit up her left leg. She has on high open-toe heels. The dress nips in at her waist, showcasing how trim she is. The material flows down her body like butter in a soft wave to her ankles.

I shake my head and set down my glass.

“Ever, sweetheart, I’m going to ravish you in that dress later tonight.”

“Yes,” she sighs.

Her hair is up in a twisted updo at the back of her neck. She’s made up beautifully, as always. I stalk toward her and take her lips. One thing we haven’t lacked all week is passion. I want her more and more and she wants me. I keep pushing her to wait though, but no more.

We move through the foyer where she picks up a small clutch and wrap. We hold hands as we descend to the main floor. The doorman holds the door open as our guard detail moves in behind us. Linc and Noah keep her protected when I can’t, but tonight I need extra protection because of the ball. I can’t keep her by my side all the time.

When the limo pulls up to the event, I slide out and then help her out. We make our way inside and to the table where all the Caines are seated. It’s a huge table as Jackson, Noah’s cousin, is also being honored for his years of service with the department. Zeke is getting an award for bravery along with myself and Damian.

I watch as my girl gets to know the people I’m closest to. When I notice her glass is low, I stand and move to the bar knowing she will be safe with everyone at the table. My body is hyperaware of her right now, and I want to take her back to the penthouse and ravage her. I don’t want to be sitting here waiting for the evening to end.

“I’m proud of you.” I recognize the deep voice and turn to take in the commissioner standing there. Without him I wouldn’t still be a cop.

“Thank you, sir.” I nod my head slightly.

“She’s very beautiful and didn’t deserve what happened to her.”

“She didn’t.”

“I just wanted to stop over and say that. Have a good evening.” He moves off to be with his wife. His son, Jack, has become a friend of mine too. He’s newly married and has an infant son with his wife, who is a firefighter. The only Caine who isn’t here to celebrate is Jericho. He’s out of state, like he is every year at this time.

The night progresses and I’m now beyond sexually frustrated. It’s as if all my friends know and keep asking Guinevere to dance. I watch her out on the dance floor with Damian and think of where I was just a couple of years ago. I can’t stop the images of where I want to be two years from now.

I want her as my wife.

I want to be at one of these events thinking about going home to our infant, just like Jack and Morgan did when they cut out early because the babysitter couldn’t get their son or daughter to calm down. Noah and Kenzie have already left too, along with Linc and Rylee. I’ve had enough and move to the dance floor.

“I’m cutting in and taking my girl home.”

“Wondered how long it would take you.” Damian chuckles. He hands her off, and as he turns away, I stop him.

“Are you going to be okay tonight?”

“Yep. I got a date with my mattress. Night you two love birds.” He kisses Guinevere on the cheek and moves away. I wish he would find someone and feel this too, but he won’t talk about what made him run from Boston. I suspect it was a woman because in all the time we’ve been partners he really hasn’t dated anyone.

“Ready, sweetheart?”

“Yes, my feet are killing me.”

We make our way out after saying goodbye to those remaining. Once inside the limo I pull her into my body. “You’re not too tired, are you?” I won’t push her if she’s exhausted, but I want her.

“Not for that.” She smiles up at me.

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