Chapter Twenty-six

 

 

 

As soon as they got home, Alec jumped in the shower while Lucy had a quick bath. He'd taken the opportunity to trim his hair and get a decent shave, so there wasn't much to do except lather up and rinse.

              Wrapping a towel around his narrow hips, he headed over to the sink to towel-dry his hair. He also had a clear view of his wife who'd piled her new 'do onto her head and was busy scrubbing her face. She was still too pale for his peace of mind. The final confrontation with Reese had taken its toll; there were nights when he would wake up alone to find her in the living room, watching TV in the dark.

              “Better hurry up, love,” he said, grabbing a towel and helping her out of the tub. “We've got an eight o'clock dinner reservation and I don't want to be late!”

              “What's the rush, English?' she grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed the scar over his eye. “How'd you get this anyway?”

              “Gavin threw a bowl of porridge at me when I six,” he explained with a rueful sigh. “I wasn't smart enough to duck!” He bent and dropped a kiss on her adorable little nose.

              “Hmm, “ she pressed her lips against his. “What did your mum say?”

              Between kisses he managed to answer: “She yelled at me for messing the floor.”

              “Poor baby,” Lucy murmured, kissing his freshly shaved cheeks. “She should have given him a good hiding,” she gasped when his hands slid to her bottom and pressed her up against his erection. “Oh, my love,” she breathed, her head falling back. He spread warm kisses down the slender column of her throat. “Um...maybe we should stay here.”

              He chuckled wickedly and slipped his tongue into her mouth. Their tongues embraced and stroked softly, then he dragged himself away. “Later, wife,” he said gruffly, glancing down at himself. “We'll eat first. Then I'll ravish you.”

              “Ravish...?” she said hopefully. “Promise?”

              “Hurry up, wife!” he growled and nearly tripped on the bath rug when he flung open the door. “Or we'll never get out of here!”

              She laughed at her husband and swept past him to the spare bedroom to dress. Lucy flung off the towel and rubbed some perfumed lotion into her damp skin. Then came the underwear. She'd never been fond of black, since Vivian had laid claim to that particular color long ago. But she supposed one had to make allowances somewhere, especially since now she was a married woman.

              Lucy was reminded again of the knife attack as she pulled on the underwire bra. It was the first time since leaving the hospital that she dared wear something a little more supportive. She'd chosen the bra for functionality more than anything else, but it didn't hurt that it was also pretty to look at with delicate lace and embroidery. The matching lace boy shorts were a little different than what she was used to but were surprisingly comfortable.

              Then came the dress. Two thousand dollars! What had she been thinking, or drinking for that matter? She cut off the price tag, wondering why she was feeling so guilty. It wasn't as if she was going to wear it once. A dress that cost that much would surely serve as the go-to little black dress! Lucy had to admit, it was gorgeous. It was knee length with cap sleeves, a wrap style bodice, scalloped v-neckline, and a wide ribbon belt that tied at the front. It would serve to hide the scars on her chest, while still maintaining feminine elegance. Sequins were scattered about and shimmered in the lamplight.

              She put it on and some of the guilt at her purchase was diminished by the way the dress draped her slender figure. Lucy hummed to herself and put on the thigh-high stockings she'd bought to match. They were held up by a lace-trimmed elastic band, then for the shoes. Having spent most of her adult life running around in sneakers, she wasn't prepared her for this momentous occasion. She'd bought the lowest heel she could find and that happened to be a three-inch pair of Jimmy Choos. Lucy fastened the straps and stood up, wondering if she should call for help. She tottered dangerously on the platforms and wondered how the hell did Vivian ever manage to walk straight?

              She walked around tentatively and made it to the dresser without falling on her face. Lucy hurried to fix her hair. She ran a comb through it, pinning the freshly dyed locks up with a few jeweled hairpins. For makeup, she applied a tinted moisturizer and a little cream blusher to add some color to her pale cheeks. The pale pink color spread itself dangerously and for a frightening moment, she was afraid she'd end up looking like a rodeo clown, but the color evened out and complimented her fair skin perfectly. Lucy never thought she'd find a use for those makeup lessons that Vivian had foisted on her, but she found she remembered how to expertly apply mascara and smoky eye shadow without resembling a raccoon. She dusted her face with a light application of powder and added mauve lip liner and a matching lip-gloss.

              Surveying her reflection, she decided that makeup wasn't the evil war paint she'd made it out to be. It could be useful at times, especially when you didn't want to go on a date with your husband looking like a cast member of The Walking Dead! Rose scented perfume was added sparingly to her wrists, neck, and what the heck, between her breasts as well. Lucy stood back and made a face at herself in the mirror. She'd never win first prize in a beauty contest, but she supposed she wouldn't crack any mirrors either.

              The one thing she regretted was the loss of her mother's jewelry. Her mother had had quite a collection, but her father had given most of the diamonds and gold rings to Vivian. The remaining pieces had been sold to pay off the mounds of medical bills her mother incurred during her many illnesses and suicide attempts. The only pieces of real jewelry that Lucy owned were the diamond and pearl earrings Rudy had given her.

              She put them on and heard Alec calling her from the living room. “Are you ready yet, woman?”

              “I'll be ready in a minute, dear!” she called back, laughing. Lucy took one last look in the mirror before deciding the dress needed something. She headed to their bedroom and rifled through the dresser for a black Pashmina silk shawl that Vivian had thrown out during her annual closet-cleaning ritual. Lucy had been instructed to take the items to a local resale shop, but she'd liked the shawl so much, she'd kept it for herself. What Vivian hadn't known, hadn't hurt her.

              Now she was ready.

              Alec fumbled with his cufflinks and wondered why the hell would anyone invent a shirt that needed the bloody things. Then he was suddenly assailed by the scent of roses. He looked up and saw her and for a moment could not breathe, nor form a coherent thought. The most beautiful creature he'd ever seen in his whole sorry life was standing before him and she was... his.

              She was wearing some black lacy thing and she'd pinned the dark chocolate locks up; wispy strands framed her lovely face on which she had applied a light layer of cosmetics. He had always been of the mind that Lucy was perfect as is, but seeing her all dolled up like that sent his heart into overdrive. She was so damn beautiful it hurt just to look at her.

              “Alec, why are you staring at me like that?” she asked, frowning at him. Maybe the blush had been a little too much. “It's the blush, I put on too much didn't I?” He went to her and caught her hand. Her breath caught as he raised it to his lips.

              “You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in me life,” he breathed at last.

              “Oh,” she said shyly and blushed some more. Lucy took a good look at Alec who was looking rather smashing himself. He was dressed for the occasion and she would swear he'd just walked off a magazine cover. He'd bought a new suit and the navy striped wool accented his tall athletic form nicely. The dark teal shirt and matching silk tie brought out his eyes, and her heart did a quick giddy-up in response to this hunk that just happened to be her husband. “You are very handsome,” Lucy whispered in awe.

              It was his turn to blush. “You're prettier.”

              “It's the dress.” She smoothed the lace awkwardly. “I've never worn anything so fine.”

              Alec kissed her hand again and offered his arm. “No, it's you, “ he said huskily. “It's always you, love.”

              “Well, if I'm pretty then you must be handsome!”

              “Me?” he laughed and escorted her out to the car. “I think you rub off well.”

              Lucy threw him a kiss and slid into her seat. He opened his door and climbed in. “Shall we?'

              “Let's shall!” she leaned across to kiss his cheek and sat back as he started the car. “Where are we going?”

              “Too many questions, wife!” he scolded and pulled out of the driveway. “Sit and be quiet like a good girl and the secret shall be revealed.”

              “Oh, you!” she chided lightly “Well, I hope you made a reservation.”

              “Reservation?” he repeated blankly.

              “Alec, you didn't!”

              “Maybe I did and maybe I didn't,” he said oddly. “I guess you'll just have to find out, won't you?”

              “Oh, for heaven's sake!” she grumbled and tried not to laugh along with her husband. She supposed she would find out soon enough.

 

              They pulled up in front of the Montage Beverly Hills and found a long line of cars winding from the garage and into the street.  Alec swore as a black Mercedes nearly sideswiped him and he jerked the wheel to evade it. “What the hell? Everyone and their mother are here!”

              “They must be having some sort of party for one of the award shows,” Lucy surmised. “Try the private entrance.”

              “There's a private entrance?”

              “Sure, Viv bragged about it all the time. But I don't know how we'll get in seeing as how we're not VIPs or anything.”

              “Want to make a bet?” he muttered under his breath. Party be damned! He'd been planning this night for weeks and he wasn't going to let anything get in his way. He stopped the car along a darkened side street and yanked out his phone.

              “Alec, what---?”

              He got out and Lucy wondered what so important about this hotel. They didn't have to eat here. She'd be perfectly happy at a McDonald's, but it seemed Alec had his heart set on eating here for whatever reason she could not guess. He appeared to be arguing with someone on the phone, while raking his hand nervously through his hair. He came back five minutes later with a silly grin over his face. “They said there'd be no problem.”

              “How did y---?”

              “Wouldn't you like to know, wife?” he chuckled knowingly and started the car.

              Lucy didn't know how he managed to finagle an invitation through the underground entrance, but Alec looked mighty pleased with himself as they were escorted through the hotel by a valet who kept peering uneasily over his shoulder. “What did you say to them?” she hissed low.

              He put a finger to his lips and smiled. It was an “I have a secret smile,” and she found it extremely unsettling. “I'm not telling.”

              He'd been acting peculiar all week, and Lucy wasn't quite sure what to do about it. Her normally forthright husband was behaving as if he had a dead body buried in the backyard, and she began to wonder if Reese hadn't hit him a little too hard on the noggin. “Alec, are you feeling all right?” she asked, concerned.

              Alec loosened his tie a bit, suddenly feeling like he was wearing a noose. “Me?” he gulped. “I'm perfectly well, wife!”

              Lucy wasn't convinced but she'd let it slide... for now.

              They were finally escorted into Scarpetta and ushered quickly to a private table on the balcony. “Is this table acceptable, sir?” the hostess inquired anxiously. “Perhaps a table on the patio would be more to your liking.”

              “That won't be necessary,” Alec replied haughtily. “This is satisfactory.”

              A waiter appeared shortly with their menus. “Would you care for anything to drink? Might I suggest a Torino to start with?”

              “That's fine,” Alec replied and watched the little man scurry off. “What do you think, love?” he asked his wife who was looking at him as if he'd suddenly grown another head.

              “When my husband shows up, I'll let you know,” she quipped, peering at the scrumptious offerings on the menu. “I wonder where he got to?”

              “You'll thank me later,” he grinned, studying his own menu. “Nice place don't you think?”

              “It's gorgeous. I haven't been to a place this nice in years!”

              He looked up. “Didn't he take you nice places?”

              “Who?” Lucy frowned, and tried not to fall on the floor at the prices.

              “You-know-who,” Alec said, with an edge to his voice. “He had to have proposed somewhere!”

              The waiter brought their cocktails and Lucy snatched up the glass and took a fortifying gulp. She'd promised herself she would never imbibe again after what happened in Vegas. But since Alec was determined to dredge up the worst mistake of her life, well she needed something to take the edge off. “You're bringing this up, now?”

              “I'm just curious, love.” He frowned slightly. “Where did he propose exactly?”

              She took another sip of the sweet and refreshing drink. “He took me to the Griffith Observatory! Happy now?”

              “You don't sound like it was a happy experience.”

              “How could it? I've never been so embarrassed in my life!”

              Alec shifted uneasily in his seat. “E-Embarrassed?” he stammered.

              Another sip. “There we were watching Light of the Valkyries and he gets up in the middle of the whole thing to go to the bathroom and leaves me sitting there all by myself!”

              “Didn't he come back?” Alec took a huge gulp of his cocktail, wishing he'd kept his cakehole shut.

              “He did.”

              “And…?”

              “And in the middle of the aurora borealis, the screen goes black and then in huge letters are the words. 'Lucy will you marry me?'”

              “He didn't!” Another gulp, he was fast losing his nerve.

              Lucy nodded and took a final sip before deciding she'd had enough. “Everyone stood up clapping their hands, hooting and hollering. I wanted to crawl under the seat.”

              “You didn't think it was...romantic?”

              “I appreciated the sentiment,” she sighed and toyed with her napkin. “It's just that he stood there basking in his glory, grinning like an idiot. It was so surreal. I don't know why he wanted me there when all he really wanted was to marry himself!”

              Alec choked and sputtered on his cocktail. He set the glass down. “Then why did you say yes?” he demanded once he could breathe again. “Why plan to spend your life with the twat?”

              Her lovely brows drew together in surprise. “I told you why.” Lucy frowned again. She thought she'd made it perfectly clear that she loved him, not Dean. “Alec, you know I love you.”

              He reached across and took her hand. His finger stroked her ring finger. “I know. It's just sometimes I think what would have happened had you married him.”

              “But I didn't.”

              “You could have!” Alec blurted and took another sip of his drink. “We wouldn't have met and I...” his voice broke and he couldn't speak.

              “That's all in the past,” she said softly and raised his hand to her cheek. “I married you and I've never been so happy!”

              “Lucia,” he breathed and stroked her cheek.

              “You haven't called me that since that night at the cottage,” she smiled.

              “Well, I was saving it for a special occasion!”

              “Maybe I should call you Alejandro.”

              “I'd like that,” he said, grinning boyishly.

              Their food arrived and they found it had been worth the wait. Lucy had ordered the fennel dusted black cod, while Alec had tried his hand at some mushroom and mascarpone ravioli. Since Alec was driving, he'd elected to have sparkling water with his meal. Lucy had the same.

              “How's the ravioli?”

              “It's a little rich.”

              She laughed. “I think it's supposed to be.”

              “And how's the fish?”

              “Yummy! Want a taste?” She cut a piece and put it on his plate.

              “Blimey!” he exclaimed, smacking his lips. “It tastes sort of like licorice.”

              “It's the fennel.” She sipped her water. “Rudy hates it.”

              “Why?”

              “I don't know.” She shrugged. “I guess Tia spoils him with all that Mexican food. He doesn't care for anything else.” She broke off a piece of bread and popped it into her mouth. “Did you run into any trees today?” she asked after a swallow.

              “Nope, the guard wouldn't even let me through the gate.” Alec finished his pasta and leaned back, adjusting the napkin on his lap. “I guess I've been put on one of those 'Do Not Enter' lists.”

              “I'm sorry.”

              “Don't be, I've done all I could. He's on his own now.” He smiled lazily. “How 'bout some dessert?”

              “I was hoping you'd ask!”

              They finished their meal with a dessert to end all desserts. Alec had opted for a vanilla caramel budino, while Lucy indulged her love of chocolate with a warm chocolate tart with sweet potato “butter” and coconut sorbet.

              Then they sat for a long while after, talking about Alec's mother and his stepfather. “What will you tell them about Gavin?”

              Alec sighed heavily. “I don't rightly know. At this point, Pat will probably rip my head off and fling it into the garden.”

              “He can't be that bad!”

              “You don't know him. He used to be SAS. He's tough.”

              “Well, maybe he had to be. A widow needs help with two strapping young boys to look after.”

              “That's true,” he said, and reached for something in his pocket. He gripped the small box tightly in his hand before placing it on the table. He shoved it gently towards her. “Here love,” Alec murmured. “I got you something.”

              “Oh, darling,” she whispered, deeply touched by the gesture, “you didn't have to get me anything.”

              “Sure, I did.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Open it.”

              Lucy glanced up at him. The ambient lighting had softened his features, giving him a dreamlike quality. There was an odd look in his eyes. Something....

              She carefully removed the white satin ribbon and unwrapped the silvery paper. Inside there was a velvet box. Lucy held her breath and opened it. It was a diamond ring. Her eyes flew to his face and his eyes glistened. “A ring?”

              He stood up and went to her and knelt down on one knee. “Lucy love, I love you very much, will you be my wife?”

              “B-But, Alec, “ she stammered. “We're already married!”

              He hung his head, laughing at her simple logic. “I know that, love.” He reached for the box and removed the ring. “But when you were lying in that hospital bed, I got to thinking. I thought to myself that if I had the chance to do it over, I'd do it right and ask you properly.”

              Lucy was overcome with emotion and began to cry. “You're the silliest man I've ever met!”

              “Is that a yes?”

              “Oh yes!” she cried happily, swiping at her eyes. She must look a mess. “I'll marry you if that will make you happy!”

              Alec found himself a little teary eyed as well. “Hold out your hand, love.”

              Lucy held out her hand and felt the cold slip of metal on her finger. Just like Alec had promised, a new ring, an engagement ring. She couldn't stop crying and held out her hand to admire the simple white gold band with a heart-shaped diamond. It was even lovelier than the one Dean had given her and twice as sweet. “It's beautiful,” she croaked.

              “I wasn't sure what you would like,” he said, kissing the ring. “But the salesman assured me it was perfect once I described you to him.”

              “What did you say?”

              “Oh, I said 'she's small, lovely, and I adore her' and he said, 'well, better get something that matches that.'”

              “It's perfect!” she said, and hugged him. “You're perfect!”

              He whipped out his handkerchief. “I've made you all red again.”

              “I'm a mess!” Lucy laughed as he blotted the tears. “Aren't I?”

              “Never!” He kissed her and drew her to her feet. “But you could leave off the mascara.”

              She fell against him, laughing and crying at the same time. “Okay!” Then she whispered, “Take me home?”

              “Let's go,” he caught her hand and wouldn't stop kissing it.

              They drove home and Alec swept her up in his arms and carried her across the threshold and into their bedroom. He set her down gently and doffed his jacket.

              Lucy reached up slowly and pulled the pins out one by one. Her hair fell about her shoulders in a glorious mass of soft waves, and Alec went to her and threaded his fingers through the silken strands. She sighed into his mouth and touched her tongue to his, relishing the masculine taste of him. He spread warm kisses across her cheek and ear, his lips trailing hotly down her throat, murmuring his love for her. “Sweetness,” he muttered hoarsely.

              He fell to his knees before her and hugged her tightly to him, burying his face against her belly. Alec could feel her fingers stroking his hair, and he inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet fragrance that was Lucy. He raised his head to look up at her and the lovely bow of her mouth was curved in a gentle smile. His eyes never wavered from hers and his hands slipped under the hem of her dress, gliding ever so softly over silk stockings until he met the soft skin of her inner thighs. Her mouth opened on a gasp as he cupped her buttocks and yanked her to him, burying his face against her softness.

              Alec stood back up and took her mouth with his own, her hands slid up into his hair and he groaned, bending a little and urging her thighs apart with his knee. Lucy clung to him and pressed herself hard against him, flattening her aching breasts against his chest.

              “Alec,” she panted, reaching for his tie. Suddenly there were too many layers between them and they began tugging and pulling at buttons and zippers, all in a desperate attempt to feel the other's flesh against their own.

              She reached up to push his shirt from his broad shoulders and he closed his eyes as her small hands slid down his chest and lightly brushed his nipples. “Wife,” he gasped. “Love me.”

              “I do,” she cried, pressing soft kisses against his face and throat. “I've missed you, husband.”

              “Lucy!” he muttered fiercely and urged her down on the bed. She sat on the edge while he removed her sandals and giggled when he tossed them aside, swearing when one hit the TV. Then his hands slid up her legs to her thighs where he urged them apart. He reached under her dress and peeled them off gently, his dark head dipping low to kiss the inside of her knee. “You're so soft, “ he breathed in awe, pressing hot kisses along the sensitive flesh of her inner thigh.

              “Oooh,” she sighed in agony, the ache between her thighs suddenly an unbearable torment. “Alec, what are you.... doing?”

              “Hush, sweet,” he soothed. “Let me love you.”

              “Um...” Lucy couldn't think clearly at the moment. She had a slight inkling of what he intended, but wasn't sure if she wanted him to. She wanted all of him, not just some desperate half measure. Then before she could think of telling him what she wanted, he'd pulled off the boy shorts and pulled her toward him, spreading her wide as he did so. “Alec, I--” she cried out as he swirled his roughened tongue over the taut bundle of sensation. Lucy bit down on her lip and clasped his head to her, undulating her hips in the familiar rhythm. She shrieked when he slipped the tip of his tongue into her and she fell back, sobbing his name. It was all too much for her and her body arched off the bed, her hips thrusting greedily against his mouth. The pleasure was sudden, sweet, and utterly exhausting. Aftershocks rippled through her and then he was moving over her, his mouth swooping down hotly to claim her own, and she could taste herself on his tongue.

              She was hardly aware of him removing the rest of their clothing; all she knew was that his skin was hot and smooth against her own. A strangled cry emerged from her throat, her hands clutching his head to her as he devoured the ripe flesh of her breasts. His tongue darted about the aching peak, drawing it gently between his teeth, and suckled her until she was begging him for his body. “Soon, wife,” he breathed, kissing the scars on her chest. “Touch me, love,” he pleaded softly.

              Lucy allowed her hands to glide shyly over him, over his shoulders, and down his back. He stiffened slightly, and it was her turn to comfort him. His mouth took hers again, his tongue soothing the swelling from his kisses.

              “Oh!” she cried out, startled when he slid his hand between her thighs and explored the damp folds, his fingers gentle and coaxing. He groaned and parted the sopping lips, stroking gently. “Alec!” she whimpered, feeling his thumb circling wetly over her clit with excruciating leisure, and she clung to him moaning at the sweet torture, arching her hips greedily against his hand.

              Alec's sucked on her sweet little tongue and moaned at her shy response to his caresses. “Ready for me, love?” he breathed against her mouth.

              She nodded and he lowered his hips between her slender thighs, groaning as her nails bit into his shoulders. “Lucy!” he cried hoarsely, easing his cock into her aching warmth.

              She whimpered in pain. It had been weeks since he'd made love to her, not since the cottage, and she was tight. “Alec!” she gasped. “It hurts.” Alec swore and tried to withdraw, but she held onto him. “Slowly,” she pleaded and loosened her grip. He stared down into her face looking for any sign of discomfort. He eased back and kissed her softly, begging her forgiveness, and tried again, filling her gradually inch-by-inch---until he was sheathed in her delectable heat.

              “Better?” he rasped, bracing himself on his forearms, afraid to move lest he hurt her again.

              Lucy breathed a sigh of relief. The pain had eased and she felt the familiar stretching discomfort slowly evolving into a throbbing ache, deep inside. “It's better now,” she smiled tremulously.

              Alec was shaking; he hadn't meant to hurt her. But it was probably his fault since he'd been reluctant to touch her since Reese. He'd wanted to give her as much time as she needed until she felt ready for him again. “I'm sorry,” he muttered, nuzzling her cheek.

              “Shh,” she soothed, pressing kisses against his hair and stroking his back. “None of that now. “

              “Are you okay?”

              “I'm fine, darling.”

              “I don't think I---”

              “Then don't,” she whispered fiercely and drew his head to hers. Her tongue darted into his mouth in a blazing kiss of welcome. “Take me,” she urged softly and arched her hips against his.

              He groaned and took her slowly, easing in and out, taking her in long, loving strokes, and gasped at the incredible pleasure her hot, sweet flesh gave to him. Alec felt her hands sliding down his back and he let out a tortured cry when she slid them lower to press him deeper. He obliged her, slipping his hands beneath her to cup her sweet little ass and urging her to absorb his thrusts. Her tight flesh was clenching around him, squeezing his aching cock in little exquisite pulls, and he quickened his pace knowing she was close. Lucy mewled into his mouth, clinging to his damp body, and arched her hips frantically until finally she felt the unfurling deep inside; the quickening pulsating agony, and she sobbed with the sheer force of it. She fell back, panting, and hugged him close as he cried out her name, shuddering violently in her arms.

              They lay in the storm's aftermath; skin damp and bodies exhausted, and slept---each entwined with the other.

 

             

             

 

 

             

               

             

             

             

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twenty-seven

 

 

 

“Alec,” she said one night as they strolled arm and arm across the beach. “Were there others...before...me?”

              He peered down at her in surprise. “Where did that come from?”

              Lucy shrugged. “You know all about my skeletons, I haven't seen yours.”

              Alec laughed and plopped down onto the sand, pulling her with him. “You don't really want to hear all that!” He squinted into the distance, trying to make out a shape of a passing trawler. “It's a long story and one I don't care to revisit,” he sighed at last.

              He wasn't going to tell her. Lucy sighed in frustration and lay back, folding her arms beneath her head. “That's all right, you don't have to tell me. I just wondered.”

              “Don't, love,” he said and leaned over her, brushing her hair away from her face. “If you want to know, I'll tell you.”

              She reached up and smoothed his roughened cheek. He hadn't shaved that morning. “Are you trying to grow a beard? Because if you are, I think I should know about it, my skin being sensitive and all.”

              “Don't change the subject, wife!” he scolded gently and dropped a kiss on her nose. “I was eighteen and her name was Emma.”

              “Was she pretty?'

              “She was adequate.”

              “Alec! Be serious!”

              “I am being serious.”

              “Did you...love...her?” she gulped, not knowing if she wanted to hear this.

              “I thought I did at the time.” His voice took on a strained quality as if he'd suddenly ingested something disagreeable. “She left me.”

              “Left you...?”

              Alec moved away and stretched out beside her. “I'd just joined the army and left for training. When they shipped me off to Afghanistan, she wrote and we emailed everyday. I thought I had everything a bloke could want.”
              “And you didn't?” She rose on an elbow and peered down at him. “You don't have to tell me if it's too painful.”

              He smiled up at her, sliding his hand behind her nape, and caressed the velvety skin gently. “No,” he said at last, “I need to get it out.”

              “What happened?”

              Alec sighed heavily. “They happened.”

              “Don't--!”

              “Hush, woman and let me tell this. It's been rotting away in me for years.”

              “But...”

              “We went out on patrol one night, the winds blowing all that sand into our eyes and faces. We couldn't see our hands in front of us, so we hunkered down in this little shell of a bombed out village.” He paused and took a deep breath before continuing. “There wasn't much to do except sit and wait it out, the wind howling like a banshee. None of us could get any sleep and if we did, we'd be startled awake by the slightest noise. A crumbling stone, a boot shifting in the dirt, anything.”

              Lucy pressed her lips against his brow, offering solace the only way a wife could. “How many were there?”

              “Five of us altogether. We got separated from the others during the storm. Corporal Banks was assistant patrol leader for a couple of hours until Leland got his head blown off. Then Banks was in charge and he didn't know what to do. We all stared at him and he stared back at us like a deer in headlights like he wanted us to tell him we'd get him out of there.”

              “Alec,” she began, not wanting him to do this and feeling guilty that she'd brought it up. “Please, don't.”

              “Don't what? I've got to tell it while it's still fresh in my mind. I don't think I'll be able to tell it again, so you've got to listen now or not at all.”

              “Go on.”

              He sighed again, closing his eyes, and tried not to hear the deafening screams of his mates as they were picked off one by one. “They killed the rest of them. Davy got his leg shot off and he bled to death in front of my eyes and Ollie turned his head and when I looked back at him he didn't have one anymore.” Alec gulped back tears and clasped the hand Lucy offered. “Then they came at me and Banks stood there and let it happen. He was frozen in fear. I guess he must have realized what was happening because he snapped out of it real quick and took out one of them, but there were too many. They hit him in the face with a rifle; broke his nose. And they must have talked it out amongst themselves, 'cause they didn't kill me. They could have, but I guess they decided they could barter for something if they had the two of us.” He brushed the tears away and felt some of the pain easing from his chest. “They dragged us back to this place that reeked of shit and beat Corporal Banks to death! He was only nineteen-years-old. They came for me the next morning and strung me up. They took it in turns beating and dousing their ciggies on me.” Alec bit back a sob. “I can still smell the fuckers!”

              “Shh, darling,” she soothed, kissing his tears. “They can't hurt you anymore.”

              He nodded. “ And when they ran out of ciggies, they used the oil in their lamps. I must have passed out from the pain. They left me there for I don't know how long, because the next thing I know, there were these two Yanks peering down at me. I'd never been so happy to see anyone in me whole life! They were marines and found me by accident, I guess.”

              “I'm glad they did,” she whispered, laying her head on his chest. “What happened with Emma?”

              “Well,” he said, threading his fingers through her hair, “she wrote me one of those letters when I was in hospital.”

              “She didn't!”

              “She did, saying how she would always think of me as a friend, but she couldn't handle being with someone who was apt to be scarred for life.”

              Her head shot up in outrage. “That bitch!”

              “Easy, wife,” he chuckled. “I was relieved, actually.”

              “How so?”

              “I don't think she would have handled the surgeries too well. There were plenty of them trying to repair the damage.”

              “That must have been painful.”

              “Yeah,” he nodded. “Pat and mum would visit and she'd leave the room sobbing. It got to a point where I figured I was better off alone.”

              “Was there no one else?”

              “Well,” he added thoughtfully, “there was this mate who said a friend of his liked me and we--” he stopped, smiling guiltily.” Well, you know.”

              “And then?” Lucy traced her finger along his lips. “Details!”

              “I didn't enjoy it much if that makes you feel any better and I don't think she did either, but I was naïve about women.”

              “And....?”

              “And the next day, I overheard her and the mate arguing. He'd paid her to sleep with me!”

              “What--?”

              “I guess he felt sorry for me,” he sighed wearily. “He shouldn't have bothered. I left for university the next day and hadn't been with a woman since. You were the first woman I'd slept with when I deflowered you on our wedding night.”

              “You're joking!” she cried in disbelief.

              “Oh no,” he smiled up at her and drew a lock of hair over her lips. “That's probably why I hurt you so much. I don't think I knew what I was doing.”

              Tears filled her eyes. “You didn't hurt me!” she wept. “Alec, you didn't have to be alone. The scars aren't that bad!”

              He pressed his finger against her trembling mouth. “Years of surgeries, love. You should have seen what they looked like before.”

              “It wouldn't have mattered!” she insisted and brushed her lips against his hand. “You're beautiful!”

              “Don't weep for me, wife. Sleeping with you was the best thing I've ever done in my miserable life!”

              She laughed a little. “But you did know what you were doing. How's that?”

              Alec lay silent for a long while before answering: “Porn can be very educational in the right context. Oh, and stacks of Mills & Boon novels.”

              He burst out laughing then, feeling the horrible weight he'd carried so long being lifted, and Alec rolled suddenly, pinning his wife beneath him. He couldn't stop laughing and Lucy mussed his hair, giggling along with her silly husband.

              They lay together for a long time, feeling the salty ocean breeze teasing their hair and staring up at the sky. Later, he carried her to bed and they watched TV huddled under the comforter until they got sleepy, and he fell asleep...cradled in her arms.

              Alec pulled up in front of Rudy's house and killed the engine. “Are you sure you want to do this, love?”

              “Yes and no,” she said, her lips trembling a little. “But I want to see Tia.”

              “Rudy sent her off to New York for a while.”

              “But she's better now.”

              “I hope so, love,” he made a face and helped her out of the car. “At least you don't have to worry about making dinner!”

              “I don't mind,” she smiled, and toyed with the collar of his blue plaid shirt. “I want to show you off. You're very handsome, you know.
              “Is that right?”

              Lucy nodded and peered down at the pale mint dress she had on. “Do I look all right?” she asked worriedly.

              He surveyed his petite wife and decided she looked more than “all right.” Damned beautiful in fact. Her dark brown hair was tied back in a light green scarf, her new fringe framed the lovely visage, and made her look about five-years younger. She wore a lemon yellow cardigan and matching mint ballet flats. She was adorable.

              “You look smashing, love,” he reassured her, kissing her hand. “You always do.”

              Relieved, she took her husband's arm and they walked up the cobbled drive to the familiar scrolled door. She felt funny being here after everything that had happened, Lucy only hoped she wouldn't run shrieking from them all. They knocked and the door flew open. Tia was there.

              Alec had been a little apprehensive about bringing Lucy back to the place where she almost lost her life, and the little woman's hysterical wails in the emergency room hadn't helped matters any. They'd had to sedate her and wheel her off to another room, while Alec had had to deal with seeing his wife lying on a gurney like a broken China doll.

              But he needn't have worried. Tia held Lucy at arm's length for inspection while her mother's eye took in the results of Alec's loving care. Lucy had gained weight, filling out her face, and there was a happy gleam in her dark eyes that Tia hadn't seen before. She peered up at the young man standing nervously beside the girl she considered a daughter and decided he wasn't the villain she'd made him out to be. It was obvious he adored Lucy from the way he was looking at her and Lucy seemed just as wild about him. She nodded at Alec and gave Lucy a warm hug. “Lucita!”

              Lucy returned the embrace and patted the woman's back consolingly. “You haven't called me that since I was five-years old!”

              Tia pulled away, swiping at her eyes. “I'm sorry I didn't visit in the hospital,” she began.

              “Oh, stop!” Lucy admonished lightly and held out her hand. “Look!” she said, glancing shyly at her husband. “We're engaged!”

              The woman squealed with delight, admiring the heart-shaped diamond. “It's about time!” she said, tossing an accusing glance at Alec.

              Alec shifted awkwardly in his new shoes. They were pinching his feet something dreadful. “Well,” he said finally, “I had a lot of convincing to do!” He grinned down at his wife who was giggling at his discomfort. “She's very stubborn!”

              “Si,” Tia agreed, clicking her tongue and shaking her finger at Lucy. “Listen to him, he knows things!”

              “He does,” Lucy sighed happily, staring up at Alec with something akin to hero worship.

              Tia nodded her head in approval. Yes, this one would do nicely. She hadn't cared for the other one. He'd been too in love with himself to ever love Lucy the way she deserved. She was about to say something in that regard when she heard Rudy coming down the hall, swearing up a storm. “Are they here, yet? I'm starving!”

              “Mister Rudy!” she called to him. “We have guests!”

              Rudy rounded the corner to find them looking at him as if he'd lost his ever loving mind. “Oh, there you are!” he said, adjusting his tie with some embarrassment. “Tia, why didn't you say something?”

              “I did,” she said dryly, rolling her eyes and gesturing towards Lucy. “Want to help me in the kitchen?”

              Lucy hesitated at first and Alec's hand on her arm tightened, but she braved a smile and nodded. She had to do this. To prove once and for all, that Reese hadn't broken her completely. “It's all right,” she said to him and allowed Tia to steer her towards the kitchen. She stood in the doorway for a moment, staring numbly at the floor. The Spanish tiles were gone, as well as the table Reese had flung her across. Rudy had replaced everything. It looked like an entirely different room. “Everything's gone!” she muttered in dismay.

              Tia nodded and placed a pot on the new electric stove. “He tore out everything,” she gestured towards the floor. “They were the first to go.” She paused and her voice broke a little. “They couldn't remove---” she turned away and began smashing the potatoes vigorously.

              “Tia...”

              “Si?”

              “Let me do that.”

              Lucy took the masher from the woman's trembling hand and took up where she left off. “It's okay,” she patted Tia's fragile shoulder. “I'm better now.”

              “Si,” Tia smiled gratefully and donned a pair of oven mitts to check on the turkey.

              “I thought we were having your world famous tacos,” Lucy frowned as Tia basted the bird.

              “Mister Rudy wanted to have Thanksgiving early.”

              “Why?”

              “He's afraid he won't see you anymore when you leave.”

              Lucy rolled her eyes and added some cream and butter to the potato mixture. “Oh, for heaven's sakes!” she grumbled. “We don't know when we're leaving. Alec said he wants to hold off for another month at least. He thinks I'm going to fall apart if he handles me too much.”

              “He loves you.”

              “I know,” Lucy said, blushing a little. “But I'm not going anywhere. I made it this far!”

              Tia chortled to herself and closed the oven door. “He's right, you are stubborn!”

              “I am not!”

              “Where in London do you think you'll live?”

              “I have no idea.”

              “He doesn't know?”

              “Oh, he knows!” Lucy said, stirring the potatoes and taking a spoonful to taste. “He's just not talking!”

              Tia took the spoon from her and urged Lucy to sit at the new table. “Here,” she said, handing her a bowl of salad to mix. “See if I put too much dressing.”

              Lucy took a small radish. “It's perfect.” She added a small pinch of salt and covered the bowl with plastic wrap. “Tia, where's Moe?” she asked suddenly, wondering what had happened to Rudy's cat. She'd been afraid Reese had done something terrible to him.

              “He ran off that day.”

              “You haven't found him, yet?”

              “Oh, we found him,” Tia said, wiping her hands on a towel and sitting down across from her. “Mister Rudy found him down the street at Mrs. Zavala's house.”

              “Was he all right?”

              “She spoils him rotten with raw fish,” Tia rolled her eyes in disgust. “Mister Rudy went to get him and he wouldn't leave.”

              “What do you mean he wouldn't leave? He's a cat!”

              “He's a backstabbing, mangy varmint, and I never want to see him again!” Rudy said from the doorway. “She can have him!” he swore and marched off muttering to himself. “I'm getting a dog! At least they don't leave you for sushi!”

              The two women exchanged glances and burst into a fit of giggles.

 

              Tia served up a splendid feast. They sat in the formal dining room and gorged themselves on turkey and all the trimmings. Alec was certain he wouldn't be able to eat for a month. “How's the turkey?” Lucy whispered to him as she passed him the potatoes.

              “Blimey good!” he grinned and took a heaping spoonful. “These potatoes are just as good as me mum's.”

              “That's good,” she said. “Because I made them.”

              “See?” he grinned and took another forkful. “I said you were a good cook!”

              “Save some room for dessert, English,” she retorted. “I don't want to have to roll you back to the house!”

              He chewed happily and tipped her a wink. His mum was going to adore his wife.

              After dinner, they had slices of Tia's pumpkin and sweet potato pie. Later, she and Lucy retired to the living room to chat and Alec was left minding Rudy.

              They sat at the table sipping coffee. “How is she?” Rudy asked first.

              “As well as can be expected,” Alec sighed, sipping his coffee. “She hasn't been sleeping well.

              “Oh?”

              “She wakes up in the middle of the night and I find her in the living room sitting in the dark watching reruns. The doctor gave her something but she refuses to take them.”

              “It takes time, especially since with the baby and everything.” Rudy set his cup down. “Have you seen Gavin, yet?”
              Alec nearly spewed his coffee onto Tia's white damask tablecloth. “He wouldn't see me and I've washed me hands of the little twat!”

              “That bad, eh?”

              “Don't start! I've had enough of being thrown out doors and shoved down stairs! He can take a flying leap off The Hollywood Sign for all I care.”

              “Well,” Rudy said, changing the subject, “have you at least spoken to your mother then?”

              “Nah,” Alec admitted guiltily. “I emailed her a month ago, but I haven't been able to bring myself to tell her about the bugger. It would break her heart if she knew what he's become.”

              “It's hard to get out once you've been in it so long.”

              “How would you know?” Alec peered at the man intently. “Something I should know?”

              “No!” Rudy said, insulted by the suggestion. “I just happen to be friends with someone who does!”

              “Down, boy!” Alec laughed. “I was just winding you up, mate!”

              “Sure, you were,” Rudy didn't sound convinced. “So how's the beach house?”

              “Fine,” Alec said, scratching his nose. “We've been going out lots, though. I don't think it's healthy for her to be cooped up, no matter how nice the place is.”

              “Well, I'm sure it's in good hands,” Rudy said with a smile. “Think she'll like your place in London?”

              He shrugged. “Don't know. I'm maybe thinking about the place in Yorkshire.”

              Rudy's heavy brows drew together in surprise. “I thought that place was condemned!”

              “It's not that bad,” Alec bristled.  “It just needs a bit of work.”

              “It needs to be razed and blessed by a priest!”

              “It's a family heirloom!”

              “It's a blight on humanity and should be put out of its misery!”

              “Rudy,” Alec said pointedly, “Have you found out about the snitch?”

              Caught off guard by the question, Rudy's hand jerked and his coffee cup shot out and crashed to the floor. The fine China exploded into several jagged pieces so loudly that it could be heard in the other room.

              “What happened?” Lucy and Tia cried in unison as they came running.

              Alec glanced at the older man who had paled considerably and was visibly shaken. He raised a questioning brow, but Rudy didn't notice. He was too busy trying to gather the remains of the shattered cup with his napkin. Tia shooed him away and got a broom and dustpan, clucking to herself over the mess.

              Lucy cast a curious glance at her husband who merely shrugged and stood up. “Well, I guess we'd better get going,” he said, brushing breadcrumbs off his dress slacks. “Rudy, see us out will you?”

              “Huh?” the man replied blankly and then frowned at them. “Oh, sure.” He rose and escorted them through the house, and Alec was completely floored by Rudy's reaction. He'd never seen him so discomposed.

              Rudy called for Tia to tell her they were leaving. She hurried to the door and handed Lucy a basket full of leftovers. “For you and what's-his-face,” she said, smiling up at Alec who scowled and gave her a wink. “I'll visit soon,” she promised with a peck on Lucy's cheek.

              “Don't wait too long,” Lucy said, getting misty-eyed herself. “I'll call.”

              Tia dabbed at her eyes with hem of her apron. ”Take care of her!” she told Alec and gave him a little hug.
              Alec hugged her back. “I'll guard her with my life!”

              Tia and Rudy stood in the doorway waving at them, and watched them drive off.

              “I don't think we have to worry about her anymore, Mister Rudy,” she said, still dabbing at her eyes. “She looked muy bonita, didn't she?” She turned towards her employer who had an unreadable expression upon his ragged face. “Mister Rudy...?”

              He glanced at her before heading upstairs. “Take tomorrow off, Tia,” he said as he climbed. “I have a few things I have to do.”

              She stared up at him in wonder and went into the kitchen. As she rinsed the dishes and loaded the dishwasher, she couldn't help but think that the poor man needed a vacation.

              He could certainly use one.

 

             

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twenty-eight

 

 

 

Lucy stirred from a pleasant slumber feeling Alec moving gently inside her, and she moaned, arching her hips into his deep thrusts. Her eyes fluttered open to find his heated blue gaze on her.

              “Good morning, love,” he breathed, kissing her deeply.

              “What...are... you...doing?” she gasped, kissing him back.

              Alec groaned and devoured her creamy throat. “I couldn't wait,” he slowed his hips and eased out. She cried out in protest, gripping his shoulders. He groaned, shifting himself onto his forearms and knees, and slid back into her with aching tenderness. “Do... you mind, love?”

              “No!” she gasped again, pulling his head down to hers. Her tongue darted into his mouth, licking and catching his soft moans while his hips began a leisured stroking. He slid his lips down her throat to savor the sweetness of her breasts and drew a nipple into his mouth, sucking and teasing until it stiffened on his tongue. Lucy's hands slid into his hair and she clasped his head to her, sobbing in delight. “Alec!”

              He cried out and took her mouth again, unable to get enough of that honeyed nectar, and he drank deeply, his tongue plunging in and caressing hers. Then Alec gasped as she slid her tongue across his cheek and into his ear and licked and nibbled his lobe. “Darling wife!” he groaned, throwing his head back to provide her better access. She spread hot, sweet kisses over his face and neck, trailing down to his shoulder, and he let out a tortured sob as her small teeth bit down...gently.

              She arched her back, moaning into his mouth, and utterly breathless with her excitement. His cock was moving hotly within, massaging the inner walls, and the pain that had plagued her the first few times they were together emerged faintly, becoming a glorious stretching ache that made her sob with pleasure. Her hands slid down to his flexing ass and he groaned, quickening his pace, thrusting hard and fast, deepening the exquisite torture. They gasped into each other's mouths, kissing and devouring the other in a frantic race to the finish.

              Lucy's head fell back, her mouth opening on a gasping cry, and she bit down on his shoulder, stifling a scream. The orgasm tore through her wildly, and she dug her nails into his back, whimpering with the sweet agony. Alec pushed furiously into her tight heat, wincing all the while his cock swelled painfully, and he came shouting his release. He groaned, collapsing onto her damp body, and panted as delicious aftershocks wracked him.

              He remained nestled in her sweet cunt as their breathing returned to normal. Alec was a little shocked at how good it was. Each time they came together, he was astounded at how quickly their tender lovemaking evolved into a furious passion. He hoped he hadn't hurt her. He could never tell. Worried he might have, he raised his head. Her eyes were closed, the long lashes resting on flushed cheeks. “Lucy?” he murmured. He touched his lips to her brow and brushed away damp locks of her hair. “Are you all right?”

              She stirred and wiggled her hips, relishing the thickness of him deep inside. “Hmm?”

              “Did I hurt you, love?” he whispered against her cheek.

              “I'm fine, dear,” she sighed dreamily and opened her eyes. He was gazing down at her with concern. “I think the bed moved to Nebraska,” she quipped. “Again!”

              Alec laughed softly, relieved. “I'll move it back.” His mouth brushed against hers tenderly. “Or we could just use a sleeping bag.”

              She kissed his scruffy cheek and slid her arms around his neck. “Where would the fun be in that?”

              “Oh, I don't know,” he grinned wickedly and circled his hips, grinding slowly into her soft flesh. Her lovely mouth opened and her teeth caught her bottom lip. “We could go camping and you could let me chase you around the tent.” He began to ease in and out of her slick heat again, groaning with pleasure as taut muscles massaged his stiffening cock. “What... do... you think?”

              “Oh!” her breath trembled from between parted lips. “Oh, Alec,” she moaned, her head arching back beneath his hot kisses. “You...wouldn't...have...to chase...me,” she gasped.

              He groaned against her breasts, his teeth nipping and tugging the succulent nipples. “No?” Alec gasped, moving over her and pressing his brow against hers. “I thought...you could...play...hard to...get.” His thrusts quickened.

              She whimpered as frissons of delight pierced her cunt and lifted her thighs over his hips, gasping in shock as he drove deeper into the tender flesh. “Never!” she panted, drawing his head down to hers. “I-I want you always!”

              “God, love,” he moaned, pushing slow and deep, whilst spreading passionate kisses over her face and mouth, “you feel so good.”

              “So,” she gasped, arching her hips eagerly off the bed, “do you!”

              “My wife!” he muttered hoarsely, riding her hard and fast. She shrieked, bucking beneath him and he sobbed his pleasure, emptying himself into her sweet body, and finally burying his face into her fragrant hair. He felt her small hands stroking down his back and sighed contentedly, grateful tears springing to his eyes at her gentle love.

* * *

 

              “Stop that!” she giggled as he nuzzled her throat. “That tickles!”

              “Where does it tickle?”

              “I thought we were supposed to be taking a bath!” she scolded and dabbed a few bubbles onto his nose. “Behave!”

              Alec chuckled, wiping off the perfumed suds. “I thought I was,” he reached around and cupped a small breast.

              “Oh!” she gasped and stared down at his fingers gently stroking over the sensitive peak. “Aren't you...um...tired?” Her breath caught as he trailed kisses over her nape and across her shoulders.

              He slid his hand down further and cupped her gently. “Making up for lost time, love,” he breathed. “Do you want me to stop?”

              Lucy's head fell back against him. “I think... you should. I'm a bit sore.”

              “Good sore or bad...sore?” He caressed her lightly before withdrawing his hand.

              “Good sore,” she sighed happily, nestling against him. “And you?”

              “Pleasantly content.”

              “Good.” Her head turned to find him grinning from ear to ear. “Wash my back, will you?” She leaned forward.

              “You're so bossy!” he chuckled, and lathered her slender shoulders frowning at the scars.

              “What's wrong?' He had stiffened behind her.

              “Nothing.”

              “Alec...”

              “The scars are healing nicely, love.” He forced himself to say. “In a year or so you won't be able to tell.” He swallowed hard and continued to soap her back.

              “Yours are prettier,” she said, turning around a little to kiss him.

              Alec shook his head in a denial and urged her to rest against him in the water. His arms enfolded her waist and he touched his lips to her ear. “What do you want to do today?”

              She sighed and stretched languidly. “Anything you want.”

              “But you already said 'no', love.”

              “Besides that!”

              “I don't know. But I think we should see the sights while we can. We'll be leaving next month.”

              “Uh-huh.”

              “Are you falling asleep wife?”

              Another sigh: “No.”

              With a last kiss, he climbed out, grabbing a towel and drying himself off. “Think about it.” He leaned down to drop a kiss onto her mouth and went to dress.

              “Okay.”

              He didn't realize he was whistling as he combed and dried his hair. He pulled on a T-shirt and jeans, and was about to head into the kitchen to grab a snack, when he heard an unholy pounding on the door. “What the hell?” he muttered to himself.

              The clock on the mantle read eleven o'clock, and he was sure Rudy wouldn't be pummeling the door down this hour of the morning. “Who's there?” he called.

              “Open up, you little shite!”

              “P-P-Pat...?” Alec stammered in disbelief. How'd he find him?  “I-Is that you?”

              “Well it ain't yer Aunt Mary!”

              Gulping back a cold lump of fear, Alec turned the knob and opened the door. There on the front porch, stood the hulking figure of his enraged stepfather. Alec quickly slammed it shut and leaned against it, trying to think how far he and Lucy would get before he tracked them down. His wife of course, chose that inauspicious moment to stroll in wearing his bathrobe. “Who's that?”

              “W-Who?” he stammered innocently. “I don't see anyone.”

              “At the door. I heard someone knocking.” She frowned at the look on her husband's face. “Alec, what's wrong?”

              Alec didn't answer, but peered fearfully through the peephole. Yeah, he was still there. “He's found me,” he whispered back and locked the door.

              “Who?” Lucy asked and flinched when the whole door shook. Whoever was on the other end wasn't in the most pleasant of moods. “Alec?” she whispered, thinking her husband had the right idea. “Who is that?”

              “I can hear you in there, you little shite! Open the door before I knock it down!”

              “Wait, here,” he told his wife, who stood wondering who the enraged beast was.

              Alec steeled himself, unlocked the door, and flung it open. “Hi, Pat!” he said, striving for a casual nonchalance and failing miserably. “How's every little thing?”

              Pat stormed past his stepson and immediately zeroed in on Lucy who made quite the impression in her state of dishabille with her hair piled on her head, soft tendrils framing her face, and wearing nothing but her husband's bathrobe. “Is this why you haven't answered my calls?”

              “Sort of. If you'll let me exp---” Alec scratched his nose.

              “So, yer mum is crying her eyes out wondering what the bloody hell happened to you and here you are fucking this slag!” He stalked towards her.

              An involuntary squeak of fear escaped Lucy's throat, and she ran to cower behind her husband.

              “That's enough, Pat!” Alec shouted in outrage. “She's my wife!”

              Pat stopped in his tracks. “W-What did you say?”

              “You heard me!” Alec replied stiffly; he wasn't going to forgive him for that. “She's my wife!”

              “Your...wife?” Pat repeated stupidly and stared at his stepson who was glaring at him like he'd like to wring his rotten neck. The poor girl was in tears, the doe-eyes peering at him fearfully from behind her husband's shoulder. The nurse. “Hello, miss,” Pat managed through a dry throat. She hid her face behind Alec and refused to acknowledge him. He'd gone and done it now. What a balls-up this turned out to be!

              “Fuck off, Pat,” Alec said coldly, trying to console his wife.

              “But---!”

              “Later!” Alec insisted.

              Pat skulked off feeling like a prick and left.

              Alec sent Lucy to the bedroom and chased after him. “Tomorrow!” he called out, not waiting for an answer.

              She lay staring up at the ceiling. Over the years, Lucy had been called a great many things, most of them unrepeatable by Vivian, but she'd have to give the award for the worst insult in the world to Alec's stepfather. She didn't need to know British slang to realize he'd called her a whore. She swiped at her eyes, not knowing why it hurt so much.

              Alec opened the door and shut it. “That was Pat,” he said glumly. “And he'll be back tomorrow.” He went to her and lay down, taking her in his arms. “I'm sorry for that.”

              She sniffed a little. “I guess he called me a whore.”

              “I'll kill him for that.”

              “No need,” she sighed, stroking his hair. “You were right, though.”

              “Right about what?” He rested his head on her chest.

              “He is tough.”

              “He means well, I guess. He just doesn't know when to quit.”

              “Are we still going out?'

              “Do you still want to?”

              “I need some fresh air.”

              He raised his head and peered down into her reddened eyes. “What did you have in mind?”

             

              The trip to Catalina Island was just what the doctor ordered. They packed a picnic lunch and drove down the coast, listening to Alec's extensive ABBA collection.

              “I didn't know you liked ABBA,” she said and changed the CD.

              “Well, mum listened to them enough when she was carrying me. They were bound to rub off somehow.”

              “Well, at least they can sing. Have you heard the warbling that passes for music these days?”

              He laughed and waited for a truck to pass. “Pat just loves The Bee Gees.”

              “Does he?” she said, popping a cracker into her mouth. “What's up with him anyway?”

              “He had a rough childhood. His parents abandoned him when he was two and he had to go live with an aunt who didn't like children.”

              “That's awful!”

              “Yeah, he's had a rough go of it. I suppose we shouldn't be too hard on him. Though he probably needs a good hiding now and then if you ask me.” He glanced at her and smiled. “You could do it for me!”

              “Please!” she made a face, rolling her eyes. “I only reserve that for the ones I love or those that have been acting like an arse!”

              Alec chuckled at the memory and was glad he could do so. For a long while, he thought he'd lost her. “It wasn't all bad.”

              “No....?”

              “Nope. I know what you're capable of next time we have a fight. I can better defend myself!”

              “And how would you do that?”

              “I don't know yet,” he grinned and slowed at a tollbooth. “But I'm making plans!”

              Lucy took out the CD and turned the radio to a '80s station. REO Speedwagon was droning on about how they couldn't fight this feeling anymore, and Alec's eyes widened in mock horror. “Perhaps I should expect the element of surprise?”

              “I think that's a wonderful idea!” Their eyes met and they both burst out laughing. “Drive on, English... there are sights to see!”

              “Yes, ma'am!”

 

              They drove to Long Beach and caught the ferry to Avalon. Once they disembarked, they traveled on foot. They strolled through the brick-lined streets, peering into various souvenir shops, and laughing at the inhabitants who zipped around on their golf carts. It was unseasonably warm this time of year, with the sun a bright glaring disc in the azure sky, and palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze. It was so good to get out and enjoy life, to hear the loud din of conversations and laughter, and know that she could finally take a deep breath and leave all the previous grief behind. 

              They went into a nearby ice cream shop and indulged in scoops of vanilla and green tea. Then Alec decided he wanted to preserve their trip for posterity. He whipped out his phone and began snapping pictures like a little boy with his first camera. “Mum will love these!”

              A strong breeze caught Lucy's straw hat and blew it onto the beach. She raced to retrieve it, but Alec told her to leave it. “Leave it!” he shouted at her. “You need some sun!”

              “But Alec!” she protested, taking off a sandal and shaking the sand out. “I burn easily! What will you do with a lobster for a wife?”

              He grinned and held up his phone. “Smile for the camera, love.”

              “Oh no, you don't!” Lucy tried to evade the lens. “I take awful pictures!” The breeze was wrecking havoc with her hair, blowing it into her eyes, and generally being disagreeable. “I'm a mess!”

              “You're gorgeous with your hair blowing like that.” He snapped a pic, grinning as his wife crossed her eyes at him and made silly faces. Her dress was flapping about her slender pins, revealing a glimpse of creamy skin, and he laughed when she tried to hold it down. “I hope you're wearing knickers under that thing!”

              “That's none of your beeswax!” she retorted and tried to grab the phone. “Let me take a picture of you for a change!”

              Alec struggled playfully with her before relenting and allowing her to take several shots of him taking his shoes and socks off, burying his toes into the hot sand, and nearly tripping over his feet when he realized what a horrible mistake it was to take one's shoes off when the sun has been baking sand all day. “Ouch!” he yelled, and Lucy caught the moment when he stood on one foot and fell onto the sand, swearing profusely.

              “Didn't anyone ever tell you it's not wise to walk on sand in ninety-degree weather, English?” she teased lightly

              “Very funny!” he grumbled and stood up, shaking the sand off. “Here,” he said, grabbing the phone, “let's take one together.”

              He stood next to his wife and held the phone out and took a pic. After putting his shoes and socks back on, they inspected the photo and smiled at the two of them laughing into the camera. Alec took another one of Lucy kissing his cheek and him grinning like an idiot. “Want to stay and have dinner, wife?” he asked as he put the phone into his jean pocket.

              “Can we?”

              “I don't see why not.”

              “Isn't your stepdad supposed to drop by tomorrow?”

              “So?” Alec shrugged and took her hand. “It'll serve him right if we have a lie-in.”

              She checked her watch. “It's not even four. What'll we do till then?”

              He steered her toward a shady area and they sat down on a bench. “What do you want to do?”

              Lucy reached up to smooth his hair. Being married certainly agreed with him. His eyes glowed and the fine lines around his mouth had faded. He'd already garnered several appreciative glances from the local women and a few men as well. “It's too bad we can't go on the glass bottom boat tour.”

              He smiled at her and touched the tip of her nose. “Who says we can't?”

              “I think we have to have a reservation.”

              Alec eyed her mischievously. “Is that so, wife?”

              She nodded and kissed his mouth lightly. “I've always wanted to go.”

              “Why didn't you?”

              “Dad was always busy and mama...” she trailed off, but managed a smile for her husband, “well, there just wasn't time, I guess.”

              “Wait here,” he instructed and strolled off to speak to someone on his phone.

              Lucy sat wondering what her handsome husband was up to now. He always seemed to have something up his sleeve, first the restaurant and now this. He came back looking very satisfied with himself. “They said to come on down.”

              “What---!” she cried and peered up at him suspiciously. “How did you do that?”

              He put a finger to his lips and whispered, “It's a secret!”

              She rolled her eyes, protesting vigorously as he caught her hand and tugged her along with him. “Alec! What sort of secret gets you into underground tunnels and popular tourist attractions?”

              “Stop tarrying, wife! What would it be if I couldn't have fun with a secret?”

              “Some secret,” she huffed, struggling to keep up with his long strides. “I thought we agreed we wouldn't keep secrets from each other!”

              Alec grinned back at her. “It's not that kind of a secret, love!”

              “Oh? What kind is it then? Because I'd really like to know.”

              “All in due time, wife!” he roared with laughter, tugging her along, and feeling like he could take on the whole world right at this moment. “It won't be any fun if I tell you right away.”

              “Oh, for goodness' sake!” she grumbled under her breath and allowed her husband to cart her off to the Green Pier.

              They were the last ones onto the boat, and were crammed in like sardines in a tin. But Lucy couldn't be happier. The captain gave them all tubes of fish food to entice the fish to swarm around the boat, and children squealed with glee as they pointed out the bright array of creatures to their confused parents. Alec was too busy watching his wife to take much notice of the schools of marine life bustling through the kelp. Her face was lit up, and her eyes sparkled with girlish excitement. She looked healthy, happy, and he was proud to have had a hand in that. She caught him looking at her and blushed, pointing to several orange fish that gathered for a feeding. He nodded and pointed out a fat sea bass that had its mouth open as if in contemplative horror at ending up on someone's dinner table.

              Lucy giggled and peered into the glass once more as the boat made its way to Lover's Cove where they saw a few sea lions sunbathing on rocks and bald eagles screeching at them while they vied for the same fish. Forty-five minutes later, the boat pulled up to the pier and Alec took her to dinner.

              They had lobster tacos and seafood pasta and talked about the upcoming move to London. Later they purchased a few items in a souvenir shop that Alec thought his mum would like. Then they reluctantly caught the ferry back to Long Beach with Alec promising her that they would come again before they left. They drove back just as the sun was streaking its passing across the sky. Brilliant shades of amethyst and scarlet lit their way, and Lucy turned on the radio for a little driving music. She stopped on an oldie from the '70s and turned it up. The mellow strains of England Dan & John Ford Coley filled the car with their hit “I'd Really Love to See You Tonight.”

              Alec laughed at her choice and sang along with her.

 

              “Thank you,” she said, kissing him on the cheek while they were getting ready for bed.

              “What for?”

              “For the perfect day. It was just what I needed.”

              He grinned through a mouthful of toothpaste. “I aim to please.”

              She laughed as some foam dribbled onto his chin. “Hurry, up English! We're going to miss the beginning!”

              “What?” he said as he rinsed his teeth.

              “They're playing Top Hat on channel four,” she said, brushing her hair. “Don't you want to see the part where Edward Everett Horton gets a black eye?”

              Alec came out wiping his face on a towel. “I don't think I want to be reminded at how far a woman will go when she's been scorned.” He slid into bed beside her. “I think I prefer it when Fred's dancing with Ginger.” He kissed her cheek and urged her down into his arms. “Maybe I should take you dancing.”

              Lucy yawned. “I can't dance.”

              “Neither can I.”

              She ran a slender finger down his nose. “Then we'll do nicely”

              Fred was twirling Ginger around in her feathered dress. “Will you be here tomorrow?”

              “I think I'll ask Tia if she wants to go shopping.”

              “I guess I'll have to throttle Pat all by myself.”

              She giggled and snuggled closer. “You'll be fine, sweetie,” she sighed and drifted off.

              Alec lay awake long after the movie ended. He wasn't so sure.

              Pat could be difficult to deal with and twice as shrewd. He'd been a strict taskmaster growing up and partly the reason why Gavin ran away. Alec grew sleepy and turned the TV off. He drew closer to his wife and slept, dreaming of Lucy in her wedding gown.

 

              She was the first out of bed. She showered and changed into jeans and a light sweater as the first of the fall rains had begun its descent. Alec slept in and she let him, heading into the kitchen for a light breakfast, and prepared a batch of cookies for him and Pat to snack on while she was gone.

              While the cookies baked, she unrolled puff pastry for some sausage rolls. She'd never made them before, so she wasn't certain how they were going to turn out. If she were lucky, they'd send Pat screaming back to London. Lucy laughed to herself over her little joke and called Tia to confirm their shopping date.

              With that settled, she turned on the TV for a little company while she waited for Alec to rouse himself from his bed. She didn't have long to wait; he strolled in yawning and glancing at the clock. He kissed her cheek and flopped down beside her.              

              “Why didn't you wake me, love?” he grumbled sleepily. “You let me oversleep.”

              “You deserved a rest,” she said, kissing his nose. “Tia will be here soon. What are you going to do with yourself while I'm gone?”

              He rested his head in her lap. “I don't know. Pat will show up and I'll have to hide in the bathroom.”

              Giggling, she stroked his hair consolingly. “Poor baby.”  Lucy reached for the remote. “I think there's a soccer game today. You 'll enjoy that.”

              “Who's playing?”

              “Manchester United against West Ham, I think,” she said. “I made some sausage rolls for you to nibble on.”

              He nuzzled his face into her lap.  “You didn't have to do that.”

              “Well, since I never made them before, what better way to send your dad packing?”

              Alec's shoulders shook with laughter. “They can't be that bad.”

              “I don't know,” she said doubtfully, “they might put him in the hospital. It was a very trying recipe!”

              “I have every faith in your cooking abilities, love.”

              “Serve him right if they did,” she sniffed. The doorbell rang. “That'll be Tia,” she disentangled her limbs from her husband and flung open the door.

              Tia stood in the chilly drizzle with a plastic rain scarf protecting her freshly permed 'do. “Ready, nina?”

              “Come in, Tia. Give me two minutes.” Lucy ushered her in to where Alec was sprawled on the sofa. “Alec will keep you company while I get my jacket.”

              “Hola, Mister Alec,” Tia smiled shyly.

              “Hola,” he smiled back warmly. “And where are you young ladies headed off to today?”

              “Shopping and lunch at the mall.” Tia explained, inspecting her purse. “I decide to do my Christmas shopping.”

              “It's a little early isn't it?”

              “It's never early enough,” Lucy said dryly as she emerged from their bedroom wearing a fleece jacket and ankle boots. “You should have seen the crowds last year. Many didn't make it out alive!”

              Alec laughed heartily at this. “That's why I shop online.”

              “You just don't want to leave that sofa!” she scolded lightly and kissed his tousled hair. “When's Pat getting here?”

              “He said he'd be here around twelve.”

              Lucy tugged on a knitted hat and grabbed her purse. “I want you two to behave. No brawling now.”

              “Who says we're gonna brawl?”

              “You heard me!” She leaned down over him. “Want me to bring dinner?”

              “If I'm still alive,” Alec grimaced, waving at Tia who stood near the door. “Whatever you want, love.”

              Lucy opened the door for Tia and he called out, ”Be careful on those roads!”

              “I will! Love you!” she called back and threw him a kiss.

              “Love you, too!” he called, catching the kiss in mid-air, and patting it onto his cheek.

              His wife rolled her eyes laughing and then she was gone.

              Then Alec was all by his lonesome and he found he didn't care for it much. He checked the TV schedule for the football game and turned it on. He busied himself for an hour and nibbled on a sausage roll, which were delicious by the way, and didn't know why Lucy second-guessed herself, she was a damn fine cook.

              He dozed on the sofa for about half an hour before the doorbell woke him up.

              Alec peered through the peephole. Pat's balding head gleamed wetly at him. He looked so miserable that Alec almost felt sorry for him. He unlocked the door and Pat stomped his boots onto the welcome mat, swearing at the weather. “Rain's bloody awful! If I wanted rain I would've stayed in London!”

              “Why didn't you?” his stepson drawled, taking his coat. “We're leaving in a few weeks anyway.”

              “Because yer mum's worried herself sick that's why!”

              “What's wrong with mum?” Alec said, alarmed. “It's not the cancer is it?”

              “Nah, nothing like that,” Pat grunted, looking around the house. “Nice place.”

              “What's wrong with mum?” his stepson demanded again, having paled considerably since opening the door.

              “Keep yer knickers on, lad.” Pat gave him a reassuring tap on the shoulder. “Yer mum's full of beans. She's just worried about yer brother that’s all.”

              Alec heaved a sigh of relief. “Aren't we all?” He urged Pat to sit down and offered him a drink. “I think there's some beer in the fridge.” Alec came back with a cold bottle. “We don't drink much,” he said ruefully. “Lucy bought that to make bread.”

              Pat took a grateful draught before setting the bottle down on the coffee table. “So where's the missus? I wanted to apologize.”

              “She went out with a friend.” He sat down in a chair across from his stepdad. “You hurt her pretty bad, old boy.”

              The man winced and flushed in embarrassment. “I'm sorry lad. I didn't mean to hurt the lass.”

              Alec nodded stiffly. “She made some sausage rolls and biscuits for us.” He headed into the kitchen and put them on a plate. He handed it to Pat who took a roll with an expression of mild amusement on his weathered face. His expression soon changed to one of delightful bewilderment. “Blimey! She can cook!”

              Alec took a cookie for himself, double chocolate mint. “Lucy's great.”

              Pat smiled. “I assume she's the nurse.”

              “What makes you say that?” Alec replied, flushing under the man's steady gaze.

              “Because you happened to mention she had big, brown eyes that time we spoke on the phone.”

              “Oh.”

              Pat chuckled to himself and turned toward the football game. “How's Rooney holding up?”

              “He's making a brave go of it,” Alec replied without much feeling. He hadn't been paying much attention to the game anyway. “So what brings you all the way out here?'

              “I spoke to Rudy,” Pat said, and cheered as Rooney guided the ball past the confused goalkeeper who stood dumbfounded over what just happened. He turned his head slightly to find Alec with a thoughtful expression on his face. At that moment he looked just like Maggie. “He told me everything.”

              “He did?” Alec didn't sound the least bit surprised. “And what did you say?”

              Pat took another sausage roll and made a good show of chewing and swallowing before answering: “He said you killed that man.”

              “He was no man!” Alec scowled. “He was an animal who deserved to die like one for trying to murder my wife!”

              “I wasn't judging lad,” Pat soothed. “I was about to congratulate you.”

              “Y--You were?”

              “Rudy said his neck was broken.”

              Alec shifted uneasily on his chair cushion. “Yeah? S-So?”

              “That's my boy!” Pat reached across and gave Alec’s knee a fatherly slap.             

              Alec laughed in relief and tossed the chair cushion at him. “Why don't you stay to supper? Lucy will probably bring home a feast fit for king!”

              “You know what, laddie?” Pat smiled broadly. “I just may do that!”

 

              Lucy pulled up to the beach house after dropping Tia off. The rain had stopped but had left a foggy haze on the windshield. She took a cloth and wiped the condensation off and winced. There was a car in the driveway. Pat! She'd been dreading this. She'd half hoped she wouldn't have to see him. Muttering to herself, she got out and grabbed her bags. While Tia had gone wild with the bonus Rudy had given her, Lucy had bought only the bare necessities. She'd bought a new pair of pajamas and some underwear for her husband who seemed content to wear them down to the elastic. A few other items included some towels and the like, but nothing compared to Tia's eventual haul of clothes and toys for her grandchildren.

              As she approached the door, she fumbled for her keys. But there was no need to as Pat flung open the door. Great. He called for his stepson who quickly took her bags and helped her inside.

              Lucy threw a wary glance at the hulking menace and took dinner into the kitchen. She busied herself with removing the various cartons and plastic ware. Alec came in and rifled through the cabinets for plates and napkins. “He's staying for dinner.”

              “That's fine,” she murmured, holding out a container of fish and chips. “I went to The Blue Boar Pub. I didn't know what he would like, so I guessed.” She peered up at him with a worried frown. “I got a little bit of everything and some beers too.”

              “What kind?” he said, rummaging around in the bag.

              'They're in the other bag,” she said.

              He pulled them out and grinned from ear to ear. “Newcastle?”

              She nodded. “I had to go to three different stores until I finally found it. I didn't know what he would like, so I asked the man to give me a little of everything.”

              Alec pulled out several cans of Old Speckled Hen as well. “These will do nicely.” He gave her a kiss and frowned as she headed for the bedroom. “Where are you going, love? Aren't you hungry?”

              “Tia and I had a huge lunch. I'm knackered.” She rose on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the mouth. “I need to lie down for a bit. I bought that stuff for you guys anyway.”

              He felt her brow. She was a tad warm. “Are you feeling all right?”

              “I'm fine,” she sighed and left him. Lucy wet a washcloth and placed it over her eyes and rested on the bed. Of course she wasn't fine! She'd started her period. Again! She'd hoped she was pregnant and was heartbroken to find out she wasn't in the shower that morning. Outside in the kitchen she could hear Pat's uproarious peals of laughter. Alec was having a good time as well. Lucy sighed. At least someone was happy.

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twenty-nine

 

 

 

Pat stayed with them for a week once Alec found out he was crashing at a hotel. Lucy didn't mind. She was far too sick to mind much of anything and stayed in bed most of the time. Alec was a doll about it, bringing her boxes of chocolates, and hooking up her TV on the nightstand so she wouldn't have to squint at the screen. Pat had even brought her some flowers, apologizing profusely. She tried not to let on how much his insult had hurt her and thanked him graciously, but she couldn't hide the fact that she was depressed.

              Understandably, Alec was worried and fretted to Pat as he walked him to his car. “I thought she was getting better. But she seems to be falling right back in!”

He raked a frustrated hand through his pitch-black hair. Pat thought he spied a few errant grays. Worry, no doubt.

              “It takes time, laddie,” he told his stepson consolingly. “Yer mum was the same way after we lost Rosie.”

              “Rosie...?”

              “Yeah,” Pat said, “yer mum and I tried for the damnedest time trying to get pregnant.” He sighed, shaking his head at the painful memory. “I was off training and they called me out during the firing drills and told me she'd lost her.”

              “God, dad,” Alec gulped back tears grieving for a sister he had never known. “I didn't know. Why didn't you or mum ever say anything?”

              “It's not something you boast about laddie,” Pat said sadly. “You and yer brother were barely out of nappies. We tried again but we couldn't have more. Yer mum cried herself to sleep for months.” He threw his duffle into the rental car. “I think it hits a woman more, though a man grieves just as much in his own way.”

              Alec nodded. There were times when he couldn't even look at a picture of a baby without wanting to curl up into a hole somewhere and weep. “Does it get any better?”

              Pat shrugged. “You get over it a little. But the pain is always there for her,” he laid his huge paw on Alec's chest, “waiting to grab at you when you least expect it. So have a care for the lassie and never ask why she's sad. You know why. Just be there for her. She'll thank you for it.”

              Alec was overcome with emotion and threw his arms around Pat. “I will, dad.”

              “There, now laddie.” Pat hugged his stepson awkwardly. He'd never been one for cuddles, but he supposed the poor boy needed his dad more than ever. He patted his back soothingly. “It'll get better, I promise.” He pulled away and held Alec away from him. “I want you to pick yerself up, laddie and go do what you came here to do.”

              “B-But he won't see me, dad!” Alec protested and blurted out: “H-He's into those porno movies.”

              “He's what---!”

              “I found him on one of those websites.”

              “How long has he been into---” Pat couldn't bring himself to utter the word. “It'll kill yer mum.”

              “I know,” his stepson sighed and shoved his hands into his pockets. It was beginning to drizzle. Pat bent his six-foot four-inch frame into the small hatchback and grunted.               “Hell, the bloody Japanese keep shrinking these cars year by year!”

              “Why didn't you rent a truck?” Alec said, laughing at Pat's discomfort.

              “I don't like driving something that's bigger than me!”

              “So, where you headed? Back to London?”

              Pat peered up into Alec's eyes and was again reminded of how very much he looked like his mother. He thought all things considered, that he and Maggie had done a good job of raising him to be a fine young man. “I thought I'd head up to check on me house.”

              “San Francisco?” Alec frowned in confusion. “We didn't break anything.”

              “I know that, laddie!” Pat chuckled. “But I might decide to sell the place. I've got to see if there's anything worth salvaging.”

              “Well, you could start with the bathroom. I hit my head on the ceiling trying to take a shower in that rust bucket!”

              Pat roared with laughter and Alec's lips twitched a little at his stepdad's good humor. “If you decide to stay, give us a ring, and we can fly out together. It won't be much longer. Till the end of the month at least.”

              “I will, laddie.” Pat started the car and tipped a wink at the young man and drove off. He whistled to himself as the rain drummed lightly onto the windshield. Of course, he was going to check out his house. But that didn't mean he couldn't do a little reconnaissance on the side and check out the cottage as well. From what Rudy had told him, there was much to investigate, and he didn't want to involve his stepson who would have his hands full with his brother.

              This was something he would do on his own; he only hoped the cold ball of dread in his belly wasn't a portent of things to come.

 

* * *

              “Do you see him?” Lucy whispered to her husband who peered through a pair of night vision binoculars. After Pat left, Alec had decided that he was going to find Gavin and drag him kicking and screaming back to London--in chains if he had to. Lucy wanted to help, so they'd gone to a military surplus store and stocked up on various items that only belonged in the “how to abduct wayward siblings and get away with it” manual.

              They parked their car in a darkened alley adjacent to the building where Gavin was said to be staying. For nearly two hours, they'd sat patiently munching on pistachios and swigging Cokes out of shared bottles. The only people Lucy had seen emerging from the apartment building were various occupants that included a ballerina still wearing her tutu, a transvestite, and some guy carrying a naked mannequin. “Well?” she hissed.

              “Shh,” Alec hissed back and peered through the lenses. At first he was afraid he'd have to call it a night, but then he saw him getting out of a black SUV with two other men. Gavin had sheared off his hair into a neat buzz cut, but Alec knew that jaunty stride anywhere. He handed the binoculars to Lucy. “That's him, the tall one.”

              She peered through the lenses and saw a tall young man with close-cropped hair accompanied by a black giant and a short, stocky fellow. “Who's the toady?” she whispered.

              “That's his manager, Harvey. The Tree is the bodyguard.”

              She watched as the men climbed the stairs and disappeared into the condominium. “Now what?”

              Alec sat contemplating his next move before starting the car. “Let's eat,” he said a bit harshly. “I need to think.”

              Lucy nodded and kept her mouth shut. Sometimes it was better to be seen and not heard.

              They sat sipping coffee in a diner, with Alec unusually quiet and withdrawn. He'd barely touched his burger and Lucy pulled his plate towards her and polished off his fries. She didn't know what to say to comfort him and was afraid that Alec would shut her out. “Hey, English,” she said softly, waving her hand in front of his unseeing eyes. “Remember me?”

              He reached out and caught her hand and caressed her engagement ring. “How could I forget? You're going to marry me.”

              “I am?” she said brightly and reached for his burger. “Should I channel my inner bridezilla or shall we elope?'

              Alec managed a faint smile. He knew she was trying to cheer him up, but he just felt as if the whole world had fallen away from him. “I'll let you know.” He sighed and peered out the window. “I'm sorry, love,” he apologized. “I'm not much fun to be with right now.”

              “Oh, stop!” she admonished lightly. “I think you're entitled to a pity party. I didn't expect to be invited. I didn't invite you to mine.”

              He eyed her closely. “When did you have yours?”

              Lucy drained her root beer float and pushed the glass aside. She looked up at him sadly. “When I found out I was pregnant.”

              Alec felt like kicking himself.  “I'm sorry, love,” he whispered regretfully. “I didn't make it easy for you, did I?”

              “It wasn't your fault.”

              “Don't let me off the hook, love. I was an absolute bastard to you.”

              She shook her head, but he silenced her and held her hand to his cheek. “Forgive me.”

              A lump settled in her throat. He'd never really apologized, and Lucy held no grudges, but it was touching nonetheless. “There's nothing to forgive, English,” she sniffed and swiped the tears away. “You didn't know.”

              His own eyes glistened. “It's no excuse, love.” The pain in his voice was palpable. “I'll never forgive myself.”

              “Stop!” she pleaded. “You're going to make me cry! What's done is done. All that's in the past and we shouldn't dwell on it.”

              Alec kissed her hand again and tried to smile. “It's too late. You're as red as that ketchup bottle.”

              “Am I?” she tried to laugh, but it came out as a hoarse croak. “Well, it's your own fault!”

              His eyes caressed her gently. “I'm glad you are here with me.”

              “Me too.”

              “Let's go home, love.” He helped her up. “It's been a long night.”

              They drove home in absolute silence, each engrossed in their own thoughts. Alec tucked his wife into bed but couldn't sleep. He rose and prepared a cup of tea and went into the living room.

              This time it was his turn to watch TV in the dark.

 

              Alec leaned his head back against the tub and allowed the steaming water to soothe his weary body. He hadn't had a moment to himself since deciding to bring Gavin home. He'd been neglecting Lucy something awful, but being the sweetheart that she was, she'd done everything she could to make life easier for him. She cooked, she cleaned, and she tucked him into bed after a long and tiring day staking out Gavin's studio and apartment, and even accompanied him on his nocturnal spying missions even though she was suffering from a dreadful cold.

              He couldn't ask for more in a wife and would have to make it up to her. 

              “Want me to wash your back?” she asked, her voice sounding oddly muffled. He opened his eyes to find her smiling down at him, clad in a flannel nightgown, and holding a sponge. She looked adorable with her flushed cheeks and reddened nose.

              “You're supposed to be in bed, wife!” he scolded lightly, but sat up and leaned forward nonetheless. Alec sighed at her gentle ministrations. “After this I want you back in bed.”

              Lucy sniffed and rubbed her nose on her sleeve. Drat this cold! “Only if you come with me.” She dipped the sponge into the water and rinsed his back. “I can't sleep unless you're there.”

              He took a wet finger and tapped her lightly on the end of her nose. “Wait for me?”

              She nodded and let out an explosive sneeze. “How did I get this horrible cold, anyway?”             

              “You're doing too much, love,” he chided and stroked her cheek. “I'll fix you some tea and we'll watch a movie. How's that sound?”

              “Perfect,” she sighed happily and stood up. On her way out, she snatched a handful of toilet paper, honking loudly as she blew her nose.

              Alec could hear her muttering to herself as she made her way to bed. His shoulders shook with suppressed laughter while he finished his bath. He rose, drained the tub, toweled himself off, and dressed in the new pair of pajamas she'd bought for him as he made her a cup of green tea.

              His wife was busy blowing her nose and tossed the crumpled tissue into the waste bin next to the bed. She missed. Alec bent, retrieved the tissue, and put it in its proper place. He handed her the cup of tea. “I put honey in it for your throat, love.
              “Thanks,” she sighed, blowing into the cup, and taking a small sip.

              Alec turned on the TV and popped in a DVD. He climbed in beside her and felt her brow. “Want some aspirin?”

              “I already took some,” she finished her tea and set the cup on the nightstand. Lucy slid down into bed and snuggled against him. “What did you put in?” she asked as the movie began to play.

              “It Happened One Night,” he said and held her close. “One of these days we'll take a road trip, stay in a motel, and I'll blow a horn to bring down your walls of Jericho.”

              “You wouldn't have to blow the horn, I'd let you in.”

              “You would, huh?”

              She nodded sleepily and kissed his neck. “I love you.”

              “I love you, too,” he whispered, dropping a kiss onto her feverish brow. He continued to watch the movie until he drifted off, safe in her arms.

 

              Pat pulled up to the cottage just before dawn and unfolded his hulking frame from the hatchback. It had been a long drive, so he wanted to get this over with and get back to San Francisco before everyone and his mother knew he was here.

              The place was deserted and unsettling. Shredded remnants of yellow police tape littered the gravel drive and flapped eerily in the wind. A chill slithered along his spine, and he took out his camera and documented everything. The sun was fast arriving on the horizon and he hurried to finish.

              Rudy had told him that very few people save for himself and Alec had known the location of the cottage, so Pat was confused as he wandered down the road. The turnoff wasn't visible from the main road at night, and someone would have had to have gotten mighty good directions to keep from missing the gate. He walked on, heavy boots crunching on dried mud and rocks and halting abruptly when he heard something cracking beneath his foot. He lifted his boot and there, winking at him knowingly in the first faint glimmer of day, laid a pair of women's spectacles. Pat bent down and took a handkerchief from his coat pocket. He lifted them gingerly off the ground and placed them in a small plastic bag, Birds were beginning their morning routine and several of them began singing to each other. Pat lingered for a moment, listening, and returned to his car.

* * *

              “Are you done, yet?” Lucy called to her husband who was taking an awfully long time in the shower. “You've been in there since Tuesday!”

              “Keep your knickers on, woman,” he called back, laughing. “I'm almost done.”

              Lucy crossed her arms over her chest and fumed. He'd promised to take her out to dinner and a movie now that her cold had passed. She'd been looking forward to this night for weeks. Alec hadn't been spending as much time with her as she would've liked, but she was apt to be a sympathetic wife, and didn't make a fuss about it. He'd been gallivanting about the city looking for an opportunity to speak to Gavin without his manager's goons hovering about.

              Sighing, she began to wonder if they would ever get out of here. Lucy knocked on the door and opened it slightly to find her handsome hubby shaving. She lingered in the doorway for a long moment, taking the time to indulge her appreciation for Alec's fine body. A towel was wrapped loosely around the lean hips and his delectable bum was fully outlined beneath the fabric. Her heart beat that much faster at his presence. He reached up to shave his chin and caught her eyeing him in the mirror.

              “Spying on me, wife?” he grinned, taking in her petite form. She had put on a few stone and his bathrobe clung to her new curves in the most alluring way. His wife scrunched her lovely face up into an impish smile and hopped up onto the sink.

              “You missed a spot,” she said, taking a washcloth and wiping the shaving foam away from his cheek. Lucy giggled as he nuzzled her neck. “Husband, behave! You're supposed to take me out to dinner!

              He leered at her. “Can I have you for dessert?”

              Lucy giggled as he parted the robe and slid his arms around her waist. “You have a one-track mind!” She sighed when he pulled her to him and gasped as the hair on his chest teased her nipples. He urged her head back as his lips caressed her throat.

              “You're so sweet, wife,” he sighed and reached up to cup a small breast. Alec's eyes burned into hers, his thumb stroking softly over a sensitive peak. He watched as her eyes closed, and her breath came in halting breaths. She was so responsive to his touch. All he had to do was look at her and she blushed; it was incredibly empowering and he was more than a little awed. “Lucy,” he breathed and lowered his head.

              Her mouth parted beneath his and her arms slid up to encircle his neck. She met his tongue shyly with her own, not quite certain if she was doing it right. But she must have, for he groaned and pulled her tighter against him, his knee sliding between her own and parting her thighs. His kisses became hard and demanding, craving her surrender, and she sighed and gave it.

              Alec groaned, sliding his hands beneath her, and lifted her off the sink. He'd meant to carry her to bed, but he knew they'd never make it that far. He sank down onto the floor and pulled her on top of him. Her slight weight pressed into his body, and he could feel every curve. Suddenly he was ravenous for her and he slipped the robe from her shoulders and caressed her in loving possession, allowing his hands the privilege of touching that silky skin. Lucy's head arched back, her skin flushed and wet from his kisses. “My love,” she sighed and bent her head.

              He gasped as she pressed sweetly heated kisses against his throat and chest. Her small teeth nipped the flesh gently, and his hands slid into her hair, clasping her to him as she slid her hot little mouth over his nipple. “Wife!” he choked hoarsely. “What are you doing to me?”

              “Loving you,” she breathed and flicked out her tongue, tasting soap and Alec. Her small hands went to his towel. “Take this off.”

              Alec moaned and raised his hips so she could remove the towel. She sat up with her hands on his chest. “Now what?” he grinned up at her.

              Lucy wiggled her entrance into position over his cock. She closed her eyes, relishing the feel of his heated flesh pressing intimately into her. “You're asking me?” she gasped, and peered down into his beautiful face as his eyes raked lustfully over her body. “This is the first time we've...done it this way. I don't know what I'm doing.”

              He groaned at the feel of her, hot and wet against his cock, and moved his hips, tantalizing her sensitive folds with the tip of his penis. Lucy gasped in surprise as he slipped inside, making her shiver with erotic delight with that first little bit. Her eyes widened as his hands glided up the slender thighs, over her flat belly, and up to cup her breasts. He massaged the swollen peaks, reveling in her soft sobs of pleasure, and slid his hands possessively over her shoulders and neck. “I think it's supposed...to come...naturally,” he breathed and gripped her hips. He eased her down gently. Alec's breath caught in his chest, watching as his cock slowly disappeared into her sweet flesh.

              Lucy held her breath and sobbed softly as he lowered her onto his turgid sex. He impaled her, stretching and filling, and then the warm pull of excitement was ruined by the familiar pinching ache. “Ouch!” she winced and whimpered in pain. “Alec!”

              Alec swore and sat up quickly. He'd been afraid of this. She was so damn little, he was always afraid her body would reject him. Unlike most men, he hated the size of his cock. It wasn't extraordinarily large by any means, but he supposed the working term would be “well -endowed.”  He pulled out slightly and spread soothing kisses over her face and neck. “I'm sorry.”

              Lucy kissed him back, hating herself. He was halfway out of her, and she wanted all of him. “Don't be sorry,” she whispered, smoothing his face and hair with trembling fingers. “It's not your fault.”

              He kissed her softly, his tongue caressing hers lovingly. His cock ached in protest at having been so rudely interrupted, and he glanced down to where it was half in and half out of her glistening folds. “What do we do about the fellow?” he breathed against her mouth. “He's still hungry.”

              She grinned against his lips. “There's always the true and tried method of you on top. It doesn't hurt as much.” Lucy wiggled her hips and he groaned into her mouth.

              “Hold on to me,” he muttered, and she held on tight as he moved and in one quick movement, pinned her beneath him. “Better?” he whispered. She nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. Alec could feel the tension easing from her body. He slid out and she whimpered a protest, but he shushed her and eased back in. He braced himself above her on knees and forearms and began to move.

              She moaned with pleasure. The pain had ceased, and the only discomfort she felt was his cock stretching her full with each deep plunge. Her breath came in little hitches and his mouth drank greedily from hers. Lucy kissed him back eagerly, grabbing onto his body, and relishing the feel of him stroking hotly within. She raised her knees and they both cried out at the sensation of him surging upward within her. Delicious heat unfurled within her belly and she arched her hips desperately against his, savoring the sensation of his harsh breaths against her throat. Lucy's hands wandered possessively over him and slipped between his ass cheeks to press him deeper. He cried out and increased his pace.

              Her head fell back beneath his crushing mouth and pleasure mounted within their sweaty bodies. Alec was the first the feel it. His cock was ravenous for it and swelled painfully before that first torturous shattering. And he groaned, thrusting into her with frenzied strokes, his body suddenly swamped with excruciating rapture, and gasped at the bittersweet agony of it. His cock kept stroking within her until he could feel her clenching around him, and her eyes flew open in shock, staring up into her husband's scorching blue ones as she came.

              It was the most loving and sensual moment of her life. 

              Lucy's body quivered with rippling aftershocks and Alec stilled above her, his body pressing its loving weight into hers. She lay panting, feeling the soft brush of his lips against her hair and ear, and her hands stroked lovingly down his damp body, lingering over his back. She allowed her fingers to trace over scars and was relieved when he didn't flinch from her touch. “My wife,” he sighed happily, settling deeper within her.

              “Husband,” she sighed back, kissing his shoulder.

              Alec finally raised his head to peer down into sated brown eyes. A soft smile curved the swollen mouth. “Are we still going out?” she asked innocently.

              He put his brow to hers and laughed. “If you can peel me off the floor, wife,” he whispered against her lips, “then you've got a date.” She giggled and kissed him back.

              “I'll give you thirty minutes to put yourself back together.”

              “Is that all?” he grumbled, lightly nipping her chin. “I'm going to need a few weeks at least.”

              Lucy shushed him, giggling at her silly man, and closed her eyes.

 

              She was in the kitchen, struggling with the food processor Alec had bought for her. Apparently one needed an engineering degree to figure it out. Lucy finally gave up and hauled the ball of dough out, slammed it onto the floured counter, and began to pummel the thing into submission. “Alec?' she called to him in the living room. “Are you in there?”

              His dark head popped up from the sofa where he'd been lounging. “Of course, my love,” he laughed. “Where else would I be?”

              “Very funny!” she said, wiping her hands on a towel and dropping a kiss onto his brow. “Dinner is going to be late. I have to throttle the living daylights out of the dough the old-fashioned way.”

              “I thought the processor was supposed to do that for you,” he said, sitting up.

              “It's made in China, so it decided not to be agreeable.” Lucy slid her arms around him and kissed his ear. “What are you watching?”

              “Alien,” he muttered. “I couldn't sleep for a week the first time I saw it.”

              “I used to check under the bed and closets!”

              “No!”

              “Uh-huh. But after a while, you figure out it's just some guy in a rubber suit.”
              He grinned up at her. “I'm going to the store, need anything?”

              “A loaf of French bread and some wine.”

              Alec stood up and gave her a look. “I thought we agreed not to drink.”

              “Non-alcoholic, silly!” She put her hands on her hips. “What's fresh pasta without red wine?”

              He fetched his keys and gave her a kiss as he headed out the door. “Don't do too much, I'm not picky about my pasta.”

              “So I've noticed!” Lucy giggled and launched a pillow at his head. “Be careful!”

              He ducked, laughing at his wife, and strolled out to the car. Alec settled into his seat and started the engine for the twenty-minute trip.

              At the store, he picked out a crusty loaf of bread, some fresh Parmesan cheese, and a bottle of non-alcoholic Chardonnay. The cashier stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. But then Californians were sensitive about their wines. Alec left with his purchases and hurried home.

              Traffic was picking up and he turned on the radio while he waited for the light to change. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, he eased forward through the intersection and didn't notice the young man on a motorcycle following a car behind him, his camera flashing brightly in quick succession. The car was honking angrily at the man and swerved evasively, speeding up, and barreling past Alec and slamming into a pickup truck two cars ahead of him in the opposite lane. The drivers slammed on their brakes, and Alec had no time to react as the sedan smashed into the rear bumper of an SUV. His body whipped back viciously from the impact.

              The airbag deployed and he knew no more.

 

             

 

 

 

 

Chapter Thirty

 

 

 

Lucy was getting worried. Alec should have been back by now. She dialed his phone and panicked when it went to voicemail. Then she called Rudy, who said he probably got caught in traffic. That didn't do much to ease her mind, but she thought he was probably right. Glancing at the clock, it was nearly seven. Lucy chewed her nails nervously and sat down, she was a wife and wives always knew if something was wrong.

              And something was terribly wrong! She just didn't know what.

              She turned on the TV and tried not to give in to her irrational fears. But if he wasn't back by seven-thirty, she was going out to look for him---on foot if she had to. “Alec, where are you?” she muttered to herself.

              There was a sudden knock at the door and she jumped. Hesitating a little, she opened it slowly and found a police officer on her doorstep. It was something no wife ever wanted to see. “Mrs. Barrington...?” the officer began in a booming voice. “There's been an accident.”

              Her heart fell into a black pit and her legs seemed incapable of bearing her weight. “Where's my husband?” she whispered in a voice papery with mounting dread. The police officer tipped his hat and called out to his partner who got out and went to the passenger side of the patrol car. The officer was escorting someone wearing a neck brace and had his arm in a sling. Lucy's mind was simply unable to comprehend that it was her husband.

              Alec stood before her with two black eyes, a broken nose, sprained wrist, and severe whiplash. “Hello, wife,” he said ruefully, trying to smile through the pain. “I'm a little late for dinner.”

              Lucy burst into tears and flung her arms around him, weeping hysterically. Alec put his good arm around her and tried to console her. “There, now.” His own voice was thick with unshed tears at how close he'd come. “You're not getting rid of me so easily. We're supposed to grow old together, remember?”

              The two officers cleared their throats awkwardly.

              She pulled away slightly and tried to compose herself. “What happened?”

              “A car ran through the intersection, miss.”

              “What?”

              “A pap on motorcycle was chasing Stephan DeHaven and didn't care who got killed,” the officer grunted in disgust. “Your husband was lucky he was wearing his seatbelt. He would have gone clear through the windshield....” the man stopped at the look of horror on Lucy's face and mumbled an apology.

              “Was anyone else hurt?”

              “A woman and her newborn baby weren't so lucky,” Alec said mournfully. “They didn't know what hit them.”

              “My God, Alec!” she wept and turned to thank the officers. “Thank you for bringing him home to me.”

              They flushed red. “The hospital wanted to keep him for observation, but he wouldn't hear of it since he said he was married to a nurse.”

              Lucy peered up at her husband and held three fingers up. “How many fingers am I holding?”

              “Six!” he said, squinting. She paled and he rushed to reassure his wife that nothing was scrambled permanently. “Three!” he chuckled. “I'm teasing. It's just whiplash,” he winced, and decided he really was worse for wear. “I had to come home. I knew you'd be worried sick.”

              “Why didn't you call?” she demanded.

              Alec showed her what was left of his cell phone. “It took the brunt of the airbag.”

              “I'm glad it did.”

              “Well,” the officers cleared their throats, “your wife will take care of you, Mr. Barrington. And if you remember anything else about the accident give us a call.”

              Alec shook their hands. “I will. Thank you!”

              They left and Lucy snapped into nurse mode, tears forgotten. “But I want to eat first,” he pouted. “I'm starving!”

              “I'll bring it to you!” She pointed to the bed. “Get in there, right now!'

              “You're so bossy, wife!” he grinned. She removed his trainers and positioned a pillow for him to rest his arm on. “The car is totaled and so is the wine,” he quipped.

              “Never mind that!” She went to fetch his dinner and came back with it on a tray. She placed a napkin over his chest and proceeded to cut his pasta into bite-size pieces. “Open,” she commanded none too gently and forked some into his mouth.

              “I'm not a baby!” he grumbled after a swallow. “I can feed meself!”

              Lucy glared at him. “You'll do as I say! Now open your mouth and eat this pasta like a good little boy!”

              Alec wasn't quite sure he liked his wife when she was channeling her inner Nurse Ratched, but he figured he kind of deserved it since he almost made her a widow. He ate the pasta and sipped Coke through a straw. When he was finished, she cleaned him up and gave him a Valium. “No! I'm not taking that!” he protested to no avail.

              “There, now,” she soothed and kissed his brow as he drifted off. “Go to sleep, my love.”

 

              “I'm tired of this bed!” Alec called to his wife. “Let me up!”

              She came in with flour dusting her nose and cheeks and her hair up in a brightly flowered scarf.
              “I don't care! The doctor said one more week!”

              “But I can't stay here forever,” he protested, shifting around to ease the ache in his back. “I've got stuff to do!”

              “All that can wait,” Lucy reassured her husband. “Gavin isn't going anywhere.”

              “How would you know? Have you seen him lately?”

              Lucy went to him and felt his brow. “Maybe I have and maybe I haven't,” she answered cryptically.

              Alec's eyes grew round. “What's that supposed to mean?”

              She smiled down at him and wiped his face with a damp cloth. “Hush, darling.” Lucy turned on the TV and flounced out of the room. “You'll strain yourself!”

              “Come back here, woman!” he yelled. “You can't get away with this! I have rights!”

              Her soft mocking laughter floated in from the kitchen. And Alec finally gave up trying to reason with her. He changed the channel and watched RoboCop wreck havoc on those who'd tried to snuff him out.

              At least he would be entertained while he was feeling sorry for himself.

 

* * *

              Gavin's tongue slid in and out of her wet cunt with rapacious hunger. She squealed with delight, arching her slender hips eagerly, and gripped the sheets in a desperate attempt to stave off her orgasm. He grinned against the smooth flesh and swirled his roughened tongue around her engorged clitoris, back and forth, sucking hard on the nub, and drawing it between his teeth. She sobbed in agony, her head thrashing back and forth on the pillow. Just when she thought she couldn't take anymore, he moved over her damp body and rammed her hard and deep with his massive cock. She gasped in pained pleasure and raised her knees, clutching his broad shoulders as he rode her to the brink. Gavin groaned and winced as her vagina gripped his penis like a vise. She was tighter than the others, and she felt amazing. He pounded on, devouring the massive globes of her tits, and assaulting her tongue with savage strokes. She bucked beneath him, whimpering her pleasure, and screamed as she came. Gavin shouted as he climaxed, shuddering and moaning into her neck as he squirted hotly into her.

              They lay panting in the aftermath until the director yelled: “CUT!”

              Gavin raised his head to peer into Cindy's sated green eyes. “Did I hurt you, babe?”

              She laughed softly and kissed him lightly on the nose. “You're sweet.” She disentangled her lithe limbs from his and walked off the set where an assistant handed her a robe.

              He sighed and folded his arms beneath his head. While it had been a nice ride, he was getting too old for this sort of thing. Harvey had promised him only one more movie and he was out. But that was going on three years ago, and he was fast losing his patience.

              “Hey, Jimmy!” a man called from the craft service table. “There's some guy to see you.”

              “What does he want?”

              “He says he's your brother.”

              Gavin winced. He didn't need this today. Ole Alec didn't know when to quit. He didn't want to see him. Hadn't seen him in ten years. And he was going to keep it that way. “Tell him I'm busy!”

              Sammy came onto the set munching a donut. “I tried to. He won't take ‘no’ for an answer.”

              Gavin rose from the bed, snatching his robe, and brushed past the gaffer who looked on in bemusement. His brother stood near the exit with his arm in a sling. Faint concern filled him and was about to stop when he decided against it. He'd left that part of his life behind the moment he'd turned his first trick. Alec was part of his past, not his future. Why couldn't he understand that? Gavin did an about-face and went the other way, signaling to Beau that his brother wasn't welcome.

              Alec's face fell when Gavin didn't stop and turned around. The Tree approached him and ordered him out in a deeply gruff voice: “Get out!”

              “B-But he's my brother! I have a right to see him!”

              Tree moved closer and shoved his face into Alec's who got a lungful of stale nachos and cigarettes. “He don't want to see you, all right? Don't make me hurt you like last time.”

              Alec pulled away, straightening what was left of his spine. “Yeah, yeah. I understand. Tell the little wanker his mother says 'hi'!” With that Alec stormed out, flinging his sling aside into the parking lot and uttering every filthy word he could think of. He opened the car door and sat for a few minutes, fuming. Then he buckled his seat belt and went to retrieve his wife.

              Lucy stood on the curb, clutching her haul of books, and waited for her husband. She had warned Alec that Gavin might not want to see him, but he wouldn't listen. Now, she fretted over what Alec might have said or done. The Tree wasn't to be taken lightly as she herself had found out a few weeks ago. She'd been stupid enough to drive all that way, only for the Tree to make a lascivious suggestion and slam the door in her face when she refused. She'd hoped a nasty fall would rectify the situation.

              The replacement car Alec had rented pulled up. It wasn't as nice as the sedan, but the red Volkswagen Beetle was better suited for zipping along the congested streets of Los Angeles. The door opened and Lucy peered in to find her husband gripping the steering wheel and his jaw working a piece of gum to death. She threw her bags into the backseat and slid in.

              Lucy buckled her seatbelt and glanced at her husband. She decided it was better for him to stew in his own juices for a while. A frustrated husband didn't need his wife scolding him like a child. He probably found out the hard way.

              They drove home in silence. Alec stopped the car and Lucy hopped out. She grabbed her bags and followed him into the house. A storm was brewing, and she wondered if she shouldn't hide in the bedroom until it blew over. Deciding against it, she went into the kitchen to make lunch. Lucy gathered stuff for sandwiches and opened some cans of potato soup. Just as she was pouring the thick concoction into the pot, the storm reared its ugly head.

              “THAT SON OF A BITCH!” Alec roared, making her flinch. “HE THINKS HE CAN DO THIS TO ME? HIS OWN BROTHER? THAT GOOD FOR NOTHING PRICK! I'LL MAKE HIM SORRY HE WAS EVER BORN!”

              Lucy cringed in the kitchen, suddenly frightened. She'd never seen him this angry. She didn't even think he could get this angry. But there it was. Just for good measure, she thought she heard him break a few of Rudy's knickknacks as well. She peered fearfully into the living room to find her husband sitting down with his head in his hands. She went to him and sat down, quiet but offering her strength should he need it.

              He peered up at last with reddened eyes and looked at his wife. “I can't do this anymore.
              Lucy slid off the sofa and knelt before him. “Then don't.”

              “I... don't...know what...to do.”

              “I'll help you.”

              He reached out and smoothed her hair. “Let's elope.”

              “N-Now?”

              Alec laughed in spite of himself. “Sure, we'll leave everything. Gavin can go fuck himself since that's what he's good at.”

              “Where will we go?” She kissed his hand.

              “How'd you like to get married in New York?”

              She smiled up at him. “I'd love to.”

 

              They hopped the red-eye two days later and took a taxi to The Plaza Hotel where they checked in under separate names. Lucy didn't understand at first, until Alec said he wanted to do this right. “It's only for a few days,” he assured her.

              “B-But I don't see the need for two rooms,” she sputtered. “It'll cost a fortune!”

              “Yes, I know.” He tossed her suitcase onto her bed and kissed her brow. “But you're technically my fiancée and I promised Fontainebleau that I'd do this right.”

              She frowned. “What's he got to do with this?”

              Alec chuckled and parted the curtains, revealing a spectacular view of Central Park. “The first thing he did after you left was to give me a bath.” Her eyes widened. “And the second thing he did was lecture me on how to treat a lady. He said since I was madly in love with you, that I should at least make an effort, and do it the old-fashioned way.”

              “And that is...?”

              He went to her and mussed her hair. “He said I should woo you.”

              “Woo me?”

              “Certainly, wife!” he grinned boyishly and turned to leave. “Now be a good girl and behave yourself. I'll fetch you for dinner.”