“And you have one on me,” he answers. I turn to look at him, not sure of what he is talking about. “Your surprise was kind of ruined,” he says, and I nod my head in agreement. I kind of forgot completely about it. It feels like a lifetime ago.
He takes his shirt off, reaches for my hand and places it just under his heart. Just under the spot that is glossy from the cream on it and shiny from the new tattoo. It’s a key, the kind that reminds you of old antique locks and the key had my name inside of it. Mine. A key over his heart, with my name. Tessa.
“A key above your heart, Max?” I question, and his smile is almost sheepish. Where is the cold man who kidnapped me?
“What about it?”
“Not a thing,” I whisper leaning up to try and kiss him. He more than meets me half way. For this moment, I concentrate on his kiss and stop worrying about what happens next.
39
Max
Marcum might not have been around when I needed him growing up, but he sure as hell has been working like a madman, to help me now. He’s called in marker after marker and put feelers out, near and far, to try and save my sorry ass. I didn’t have a lot of hope, but I underestimated the old man. Completely. I hug him and slap him hard on the shoulder.
“I owe you.”
“Fuck that. I want time with my grandkid.”
“When do we set all this in motion?”
“Tomorrow is soon enough; spend the day and night with your woman. Even with the governor’s assurance, this shit will be tricky and drawn out. It will be at least a month before you see the outside again, boy.”
“Yeah I know. I can deal,” I tell him and I can. I’m not looking forward to it. Before, it didn’t matter so much. I didn’t have a thing waiting for me on the outside. I didn’t even care if I kept breathing. Still, knowing Tess is waiting for me, I have everything.
“Then go; get your woman and give her something to keep her warm for the next month,” he orders and I flip him off. I don’t waste any time getting to my woman though. He may be an asshole, but he sure as hell isn’t wrong.
Fuck, I’m so damned eager; I’m practically running to our room. Tess is lying on the bed, reading. Gorgeous; with dark hair soft against her skin. Those long lashes of hers, highlighting her deep emerald eyes and that body. Hell, the woman’s body tears me up just looking at it. If I live to be a hundred, I don’t think I will ever get enough of her.
“Hey, you,” she smiles sleepily. She’s still sad. I’ve explained to her what Marcum is trying to work out. We both agree it’s the wisest move we have, but that doesn’t make it any easier. “Any word?” she asks.
“Yeah. Marcum heard back from the Governor an hour ago. The deal is in place.”
“He’ll pardon you?”
“He told Marcum no less than three to four weeks after I turn myself in.”
“What? No! Max that’s a month! You can’t be locked up in that hellhole for a month!”
“Kitten, are you forgetting how long I was in there before I met you.”
“No, I’m not! That’s exactly the reason you shouldn’t be going back in there, Max. I still don’t see why we can’t take off for Aruba like we planned. I know we were worried about what could happen, but I think we’re just letting fear stop us.
“He can’t just do it the day I’m arrested, Tess.”
“Why not?” I give her a look, and she frowns at me, but it stops her lecture. “I don’t like it, Max.”
“Duly noted.”
“When does all this, go down?”
“Tomorrow,” I deliver the word like the sucker punch I know it’s going to be. Tess’s hand tremors and she puts it on her stomach where our child is resting. You can’t tell she’s pregnant and besides her being tired, there are no outward signs, but I swear, sometimes I can see it all over her. It’s going to kill me to be away from her.
“That’s too soon…” she whispers.
“The sooner it happens, the sooner I can come back to you and the baby.”
“You promise this guy can be trusted?”
“Marcum says he can,” I tell her.
“Okay,” she whispers standing up. She walks to me and stops when she gets right in front of me. She gives a smile, which is meant to be naughty, but the sadness in her eyes drowns it out.
“What are you doing?” I ask when she drops down onto her knees and reaches up to undo my belt.
“Making sure you know what’s waiting for you when you get out.”
“Tess…” My hands are caressing her face. This woman is cementing herself inside of me. She’s becoming a part of me, and it’s a part I can’t do without. Her small hand circles around my cock and I watch as she pumps it slowly. I want this, but still… “Kitten, you’ve been feeling bad…”
“I need this, Max. If I’m going to have to give you up for even one day, then I need all the memories I can gather.”
What man could say no to that? Not me. Then again, I’m thinking I could never say no to Tess. Ever.
40
Tess