Page 66 of Then and Now
Chapter twenty-two
Leo
Adrenaline is still coursing through my veins as Serena and I walk over to my patrol car. The text I sent to my cousins has them en route to put up plywood over the window, and another message sent to the chief has given me clearance to leave. Thank fuck for small towns.
“I can’t believe you just walked out on your shift.”
I lean into the car where I’ve just settled Serena in the passenger seat and lift her hand to my mouth so I can press my lips to it. ”What is it going to take for you to believe that I would do anything for you?” I ask quietly. Then, closing the door, I give a quick nod to my coworkers before jogging around to the driver’s side.
“But what about Violet?”
I take Serena’s face in my hands and stare straight into her eyes. “I already texted Aunt Claire and asked her to keep Vi away from the house tomorrow morning. You need me, and I need to be here for you. Solet mebe here for you.”
Her eyes brim with tears, but they don’t spill over. Instead, she gives me a shaky nod, and I make myself turn my attention to the road to get us the fuck home.
The drive back to my house is silent. I’m white-knuckling the steering wheel as I try to sort out the mess in my head. When my partner and I pulled up to the studio and I saw the smashed window, my heart stopped. It was like I was reliving the memories of losing my dad all over again. Only this time, it wasn’t just a story I was being told by his partner. It was real time, real life, and it was the woman I love more than just about anything who could have been hurt — or worse.
When I pull into my driveway and kill the engine, I turn to Serena, only to see her tucked up against the door, her eyes closed.
“Tippy, we’re here.”
She stirs, blinking at me with tired eyes, and I’m hit with a tsunami-sized wave of love. Making my way around the car I open the door to help Serena out of the car. Quickly grabbing her bags from the back seat, I take her hand, and we walk up to my front door. I don’t let go of her as I juggle the bags to get my key in the lock and open the door.
Once we’re inside, I lead her straight up the stairs and into my bedroom. It’s the first time she’s been in here, and some other time I’ll take the opportunity to see her reaction, how she fits in my space. But right now, I need to care for my girl.
I help her undress, then pull back the blanket so she can climb into bed. Then, as quickly as I can, I lock up my firearm and duty belt and dump my uniform in a pile beside the bed before crawling in and pulling her into my arms.
“Sleep. You’re safe.”
The exhale of relief I hear from her as she snuggles in underneath my arms soothes a part of me that has been on edge ever since we pulled up to the studio.
She is mine, and I will protect her.
I have no clue what time it is when I feel Serena climb on top of me, but it’s just barely light out, so it’s early. Not too early for my dick to take notice of her sliding down my body and taking me in her mouth.
“Serena? Wha-What?” I say groggily as she sucks me in deep. “Oh, shit. Baby.”
Her tongue laps up my length and swirls around the tip of me. I’m still not sure if I’m awake or just dreaming as I haul her up and flip us over so her hair spreads out over my pillow.
Fuck, that’s a beautiful sight.
My hand grazes the side of her body before I grab her thigh and lift it around my waist. Our kiss is sloppy, both of us drowsy enough to not have complete control of our movements. But when I slide into her heat, she welcomes me, her body clenching around my cock almost instantly.
In the dim light of whatever ungodly hour it is, we come together, seeking that undeniable connection and comfort. I’ll happily give this to her whenever she needs it.
“Leo,” she whispers against my skin. “Where are your handcuffs?”
My entire body contracts at her words. “My handcuffs?” My brain is a mess, an overwhelming combination of tired, aroused, and now… curious.
She pushes against my chest, flipping our positions again so she's back on top. Her pelvis starts to move, grinding down onto my cock. It's distracting, but not as much as the words she says next.
“Yeah. I want you to use them on me.”
I grip her ass to still her motion, locking my eyes on hers. “Tippy, are you sure? I thought after last time you didn’t— ”
She stops me with a finger to my lips.
“You chose me above anything else tonight. I want to show you that I will always choose you. Love you.Trustyou.”
