Drake Forever (Unrestrained 7)

"She saved the day," I said, remembering when Lara played the recording of what Kate said about me.

"She did," Kate said. "I remember thinking she wanted us to break up. Instead, she was forcing both our hands. When I saw you across the street from the deli, I only knew I wanted you more than anything."

"When I saw you sitting in the window seat in the deli, I only knew I had to have you as my own. More than anything."

We smiled at each other, leaning our heads together, forehead to forehead.

"I love you, Mrs. Morgan."

"I love you, Dr. Morgan."

We kissed tenderly. On the floor, Sophie bashed her Tiny Town characters into the toy car, her pacifier clamped tightly between her teeth.

Kate

We dressed and went to Central Park as we planned, walking along the pathways with Sophie in her stroller, which thankfully, Drake thought to put in the back of the car on our way over the previous night. Sophie was wearing her kitten hat and heart sunglasses and looked so cute sitting forward in her stroller, eager to see the world. We passed an old man and woman sitting on a bench. The two of them smiled and waved at Sophie. She smiled and waved back, delighting the old couple. Ahead of us a few paces walked John, who scanned the pathways for any sign of a threat. I wasn't afraid any longer, now that Monroe was in police custody, and Lisa had been put away, but there had been enough publicity about Drake's lifestyle and his face had been plastered enough in the news that someone might recognize him. John didn't think anyone would actually want to harm Drake, but they might harass him.

Drake didn't need it, so John walked ahead of us and one of the other guards from the agency walked behind us.

"Will this ever end? This constant entourage of ours? Will we ever be able to go out again without protection?"

Drake took my hand and squeezed. "It will. I promise you in a year, it will all be forgotten. Some other lucky person will become the press's darling and the tabloids will ruin their lives and forget about ours." He raised my hand up to his lips and kissed my knuckles. "I promise."

I forced a smile I didn't really feel. "I hope so."

We spent about an hour walking through the park, then stopped and watched while Sophie ran through piles of leaves. The vibrant colors reminded me of the year we were married. So much had happened since that day, and my life had changed irrevocably and for the better. As we walked back to the Ritz, I wondered how much our lives would change again in another year, or ten. Where would we be? Would we still be in Manhattan or would we be living elsewhere?

I loved Manhattan, but given recent events, I felt a little sour on it. I hoped Drake was right and it would all change once the trial was forgotten but until Drake got his surgical privileges back, he would be at loose ends.

Of course, then I thought about Southampton and how great the job would be for him. If only the job was here instead, everything would be perfect.

I sighed and pushed the thought out of my mind. Drake seemed happy enough and that was all I cared about.

* * *

We arrived back at the hotel and had a nice quiet dinner in the suite, room service providing a delicious prime rib roast and all the trimmings. After dinner, after Sophie had a bath and Drake read half a dozen of her books, we put Sophie down for the night. I felt a little thrill in my belly at the thought that we were finally – finally – going to make love. I had no idea what to expect, but Drake said he had plans for me. Whatever plans he ha

d, I knew I'd enjoy them. Already, my flesh was swollen and wet at the thought of the evening to come.

When I came out of the bedroom, Drake was already seated on the sofa, his arm on the armrest, his fingers rubbing his chin. "Come here, Katherine," he said, his voice low and sexy.

I couldn't stop smiling, but then caught myself and forced my expression blank. "Yes, Sir." I stood in front of him, waiting.

"You have far too much clothing on," he said, his gaze moving over my body from my feet to my face and back.

"But it's cold outside, Sir," I said it with a bit too much playfulness in my tone. "If I didn't have clothes on, I'd be very uncomfortable."

He made a mock face of affront. "That's a very saucy mouth you have." He stood up abruptly and faced me, his eyes locked with mine. He touched the scar on my bottom lip. "I might have to silence that mouth."

"Sir doesn't like this one's mouth?" I said with a pout.

"I happen to love that mouth, but it would do better for you, Katherine, if you used that mouth for better purposes than to test your Master. Now, about that excess of clothing..."

He quirked one eyebrow expectantly.

"Would Sir like this one to remove her excess clothing?"

He sat back down again. "I just might. But first, climb onto my lap. I'll think of ways to put that mouth to good use, fill it full so you can't be so insolent."