Evidence of Desire: Hero Series 3 (16 page)

She took him. Her tongue moved along the underside, just below his crown where he was most sensitive. He lost his vision for a moment from the pleasure.

He couldn’t believe this was happening. In all the time they had been together before, this was not something that Sonya ever performed for him. She’d never even kissed him beyond his pecs. Her hands had caressed and stroked him all over, but her mouth had been off limits to anything but a kiss.

What she was doing to him now, felt better than good. It was amazing. She was necessarily skilled at it, and even if she hadn’t confessed that no other man but him had the pleasure of loving her, he’d known that this was something she hadn’t performed for another guy either.

“That’s it, love…just like that.” He encouraged her as the tension in his body mounted.

She moaned and he felt the vibrations through his shaft and into his sac as it drew tighter to his body.

“Don’t stop.” He was almost at the edge of pleasure. He wasn’t sure how far she would take this, so he prepared himself for her to move away at any moment.

He continued sliding his shaft into her mouth as he guided one of her hands to his shaft, wrapping her elegant fingers around him. Showing her, he needed both her oral stimulation as well as her hand along the part of him not inside of her.

The three moved in concert, her mouth and hand and his thrusts.

All too soon, the insistence of his climax began to shove him over the brink and into paradise. He let out a roar that would have rivaled the Kind of the Jungle’s.

Sonya stayed. It surprised and honored him that she suckled him until there was no more left for him to give.

When she finally pulled away, he dragged her up his chest for a quick kiss.

“I’m not sure if I should say thank you or good morning.”

Her gaze skittered away, revealing that she’d performed the ultimate act for him, but she was still shy about it. “Good morning.”

Letting her go, he allowed her to stand.

“I guess you need to head out.”

“Unfortunately.” She smoothed a hand along the buttons of her shirt. “Do you happen to have a spar tooth brush?”

Eyeing the beautiful, professional woman before him, he wondered how things would be between them now. She seemed a little uneasy or unsure about where to look or how to act. He rolled to the side of the bed and grabbed the flat sheet as he went then pulled it into his lap. “Under the sink in a white, plastic grocery bag.”

“Okay, thanks. I’ll just brush my teeth then be out so you can get a little more sleep.” She turned to head into the bathroom.

“I’m glad you woke me before you left.” His gratitude for how she had awakened him went without saying. He located his sweats and picked them up from the floor. After he put them on, he went into the living room and waited for her to come out. 

“It’s time for me to get on the road.” She walked out of the room and made a beeline to her coat still slung over the couch.

He pulled a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. “Can I get you something to eat? I have bagels.”

“Oh, no. I’m fine. There’s too much on my mind for me to even think about eating.”

By the time he was back in the living room, she had her coat buttoned. He held out the water to her. When her lips parted as if she were prepared to turn it down, he cocked his head to the side.

“Thank you.” She took it.

Reaching out, he grabbed her coat-straps then secured them around her waist. He wanted to pull her into his arms, hug her or give her full, soft, pouty lips a parting kiss. However, it evident to him that she was only present with him physically—her mind already resided at the museum.

“I don’t feel I need to say this, but if you need me, call me or come to me.”

She scrunched her nose in discuss. “In spiderville?” Shaking her head, she went on to say, “I think I’ll be fine.”

“Remember, you don’t make any sudden moves they just mind their own business.” He smiled.

“I’m just going to keep away from them all together.”

“You do know that all places has at least one spi—”

“La-la-la-la…” Her hands smack against her ears.

He chuckled and drew her hands down to her side. “Anyway. Whatever is going on, it will work out.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you’re here.”

Her words were evidence that something between them had changed through the night. Regardless of how Sonya may be acting at the moment, she’d needed him and had come to him. He’d continue to show her that she could trust him again with her fears and her heart. In time she’d talk to him about what was going on, too.

“So, am I.”

She turned away then walked to the door and let herself out.

Following her, he paused only a moment to grab a jacket from the hook by the door and put it on. He quickly stepped into the sneakers at the door then traced her steps out to the parking lot.

By the time he stood at the curb she was at her car. The holiday lights adorning the complex twinkled around them as she started up her vehicle.

In minutes he was waving her off before he returned to his apartment. Locking the door behind him and removing his outer garments, he couldn’t help but smile to himself as he played about the evening he had with Sonya in his arms. At the moment she had a lot on her plate where her job was concerned, however, in the past he’d made the mistake of allowing her job to take precedence over their relationship. He’d done the same with his degree seeking, but not this time. No matter the outcome professionally for them both, he’d come to Charlotte to get his wife back and there wasn’t anything that was going to stand in his way of achieving that goal.

Not even Sonya.

“Hi, Ms. Watson. I’m Agent Caleb Williams from ACT, my colleague Agent Alice Hampton. With us is Mr. Gregory Chastain an investigator from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes.”

Sonya frowned as she shook hands with the two men and woman. “Welcome to you all.”

“Mr. Chastain is here because of the international nature of the artifact.”

“Oh, okay.” She went down the line and introduced everyone present starting with Mr. Kravers, all the employees that worked in her department, the security chief and the owner of the delivery service as well as the driver who grumbled under his breath about missing precious sleep time. “This is Mr. Minton my restoration specialist.” Sonya saw a movement out of the corner of her eye and glanced to her right toward the subbasement elevator.

“Coming in now should be the representative from the insurance company. They were sending a representative,” Kravers announced.

The woman glided toward them, a sharp look in her eyes as she scanned around her taking in everything. The black woman, about five three, was smartly dressed in a smoke gray pants suit. “Lacey Drummond, Räuber Underwriters based out of Zürich, Switzerland.” She held her hand out to Kravers first who approached her.

It was Sonya’s job to know the company that had agreed to back the pieces in her department, even though she didn’t handle anything on that level. Räuber took care of other international pieces in the museum as well.

Introductions went around again, and Sonya kept her eye on the woman, watching how she assessed everyone the same. The look in Ms. Drummond’s eyes placed each of them under suspicion. Sonya wasn’t sure between the FBI and Ms. Drummond who would get to the bottom of the counterfeit first.

“Before we get started with interviews, we want to see the piece.” Williams stepped to Edgar.

“How long is this going to take? I have a business to run.” Mr. Olson, the owner of the delivery service, called out halting the small group’s progression.

Everyone turned, but Agent Williams was the only one to respond to him. “We’ll do our best to have everyone on their way as soon as well can. We know all of your time is valuable.” With that, Williams gave a short wave of his hand signifying that Edgar should continue.

When they arrived at the restoration room, Agent Williams allowed his partner, Ms. Drummond and the man from the UN to enter. When Kravers attempted to enter as well, Mr. Williams place his arm up blocking the museum director.

“What is the meaning of this?” Mr. Kravers aimed a hard look at Williams.

“We’ll handle this privately. The least amount of people aware of the circumstances surrounding the crime is better for the investigation.” Williams afford and brisk nod then entered the room and shut the thick glass door.

Kravers groused, declaring the unfairness of the agents walking into his museum and treating him as if he was of no account in the process. His face was becoming splotchy, red patches showing up from his neck into his face. “This is ridiculous. I have rights. This is
my
museum.”

Sonya knew the director. He was a micromanager that had to be in control of everything that happened under the museum roof. So, this situation had to cause his boxers to twist and bunch right up into his backside.

“I know how you feel, sir. I hate being on the other side of this glass door as well.” Her comment was to try and soothe his ruffled feathers. Kravers wasn’t her favorite person but he was her boss and she gave him her respect.

“What do you know about what I am going through?” He bit out, not even giving her the decency of looking her direction when he spoke to her. His arms were tucked tight against his chest and he kept snake eyes aimed at the thick soundless pane watching every movement of the people inside. “How am I supposed to alleviate the concerns of the board members when I know nothing of the goings on? I should be on the inside.”

“You’re right.” That was the only thing she could say that was safe. Bringing her hands behind her back, she laced her fingers together and held them tight. Mr. Kravers was an egotistical man and he was currently showing his ass. Her job was enough at a risk just from the situation, so it was best to keep career at least.

He faced her, pinning her with a disenchanted glare. “I don’t have to tell you that I had my concerns about this exhibit for over a year. This proves I should have stuck with my first decision not to allow it to take place.” His nostrils flared. “I won’t make that mistake again.” He swept passed her. “If they are looking for me I will be in my office.”

Sonya stumbled back on shaky legs. If Kravers had slapped her, she wouldn’t have been more shocked. She could empathize with his anger at the situation, but to take all his vicious emotions out on her was wrong. She took three deep breaths and swallowed, feeling as if acid was streaming down her throat as she bit back her rage.

The urge to chase him down and give him a piece of her mind about his piss poor management and the difference he perpetually showed made her see red. But, feeling eyes on her she glanced at her staff and the delivery personnel. However, they were all glanced around at the ceiling and floor as if they found something of interest. Turning, she found the source, Ms. Drummond. The insurance rep had her back to the agents, no doubt still hearing everything, but was staring boldly at her through the glass.

Straightening her blouse, and feeling like she was a fish in a bowl, Sonya offered the woman a short nod and went toward the group of men attempting to keep themselves occupied. This day was going to be long. Any distraction and stress release she’d found in Parkers arms last night was gone—dissipated like smoke after a roaring fire.

~ML~

“How’s everything?” Jessie voice was calm to the mental storm raging in his mind.

“Good. Good.” He gripped the steering wheel tight in his hands as he maneuvered his car through morning traffic on I-77.

“Wow…double word. What’s really up?” Jessie read him too well even through phone.

“Nothing much. Just was driving in and hadn’t spoken to you in a while.” Nothing was really…up. In fact everything should be perfect in his world after last night, rather early morning.

“Not buying it. But, if you just called to shoot the breeze I can do that too. David’s soccer team made the championship. So all day Saturday we will be at the recreation center for the game and following banquet and awards.”

“Soccer…it will be Christmas in a few weeks.” When the car in front of him slowed down the flow of traffic in the left lane by breaking for no reason, Parker found and opening and swerved to the right.

“It is. But, they play indoors for the winter.”

“Ah.” Soccer wasn’t his sport. He actually didn’t have time for the traditional black sports of basketball and football. But, he was going to have to learn to follow soccer more since his nephew had been playing for the last three years and most likely would continue into high school and college. “How are the other two short stacks in your house?”

“Raven made the spring pee wee cheerleading team and Jennifer brought five new bugs into my house. Two of them ended up in her sister bed and Raven wasn’t too happy about that.”

He chuckled, the strong laugh tightening his core to the point of pain.

“Figured you’d like that one.”

“Jennifer always was my favorite. I knew she was going to be special the first time I let her hold a tarantula at the pet store and she didn’t go screaming away like her brother and sister.” His niece was five and full of spunk.

“Remember that when I ship her to you. When you find a box with holes in it on your doorstep don’t be shocked.”

“I’ll take her and put her to work in my lab.” He merged over to his exit taking Brookshire.

“I don’t doubt it.” A few moments went by before his sister spoke again. “Are you really okay or something else you need to talk about?”

There was something else, but it really wasn’t his business to share. Having the stress free conversation with his sister had done the trick, given him something else to think on instead of ruminating about Sonya as he’d done since he’d woke the second time.

“Nope. That’s it. I’m at work now, so I’ll let you get back to yours.”

“Alright. I’m here if you ever need to talk.”

It was the same thing he’d said to Sonya that morning before she left his house, and just like his lovers response he didn’t give his sister anything more. They exchanged quick I love yous before the call ended.

A few minutes later he pulled up into a vacant employee parking spot then got out. His first thought when he entered the museum was of Sonya. He wondered how she was fairing with whatever the situation that was happening.

The first person to land in his path was Stacey. The employee entrance was at the back of the museum and nowhere near her station as the admissions clerk. Obviously, telling him she’d been waiting for him. He’d thought he’d made himself clear yesterday, apparently not.

“The feds are here.” No warm up or pleasantries. He also noted that her face was lit up, but not in a come-hither fashion.

Oh, no, she’d understood him and was only there to unload her gossip of the day. She appeared as happy as shark in a pool filled with bloody water and a wounded person splashing around.

“Are they now?” He paused in stride for a brief moment, only so he would have to be followed by the annoying sound of her five-inch heels clicking beside him through the halls.

“Yes. Two of them have been in her office for over an hour and there’s one in Kravers. I’ve been told to hold all his calls indefinitely.” She declared with a wide smile on her thin, thickly painted lips.

“Good to know.” He craved answers. There was no way he was going tell the town crier that. He’d wait for Sonya to share with him, not amass information from someone else, especially not Stacey Ghent. Going by her, he ensured he didn’t brush against any part of her then he headed toward his department.

“Don’t you even want to know who else was on the after-hours admittance log and is being questioned?”

“No.” He called over his shoulder, but kept striding away.

There was a resounding strike from behind him that he registered in his mind as Stacey slamming one of her stilettos against the wood floor. Shaking his head he kept it moving.

It did something to him inside, placed a rock in his stomach, because Sonya hadn’t talked to him. She’d used him for physical release, as much as he enjoyed their passion he still would have like for her to trust him. Share with him what was going on and allow him to truly be there for her. He didn’t track down his ex-wife whereabouts only to be her bed sports buddy. He desired more, a real relationship with her. One where they talked and sexed and went for long drives holding hands.

Did she want that too?

If he hadn’t heard from her by lunchtime he’d seek her out. Whatever she was going through, he didn’t want her to do it alone.

~ML~

“You’ve reviewed all of my files and two hours ago you told me that U.N. investigator confirmed with his team in Johannesburg that my counterparts’ files and correspondence match. They recorded, weighed and set up a shipment of one Grooved Sphere and that same item I was expecting. Not this forgery that showed up. I’m as baffled about it as you guys are.”

Agent Williams sat behind her desk while she occupied the visitor’s chair across from him. His partner was hulled up with Kravers, giving the director the same drill she was sure. The recovery representative leaned against the wall to Sonya’s right, just observing and staring at her so strong that Sonya wouldn’t doubt the woman knew how many hairs were on her head.

“Explain to me then. How did twenty pounds of pressed opium get in your hands?”

“What?” Sonya looked from Williams to Drummond, she was sure she hadn’t heard him correctly. “I’m sorry, did I miss something here? Did you say opium?”

When Drummonds simply arched an eyebrow, Sonya glanced back to Williams.

“Yes.” Affirmation was all he gave her.

She shrugged. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.” Even though she was unclear if she and the authorities were on the same page, their odd question would explain the grim expression on Edgar’s face when they all walked out of his lab. She’d had a sinking feeling for the last three hours waiting for the ball to drop, evidently it was a two ton brick.

The agents and investigators had interviewed everyone else first and saved her and Kravers for last.

Her chair squeaked as Agent Williams leaned back clicking a pen in his hand. “That sphere was made up of one hundred percent pure processed poppy seeds.”

For a moment her vision went blurry. “I didn’t know that.”

“You ever travel to Afghanistan or any costal region of South Africa?”

Oh, hell. Was this where I put the nail in my own coffin. Innocent until proven guilty.
She repeated those words to herself. However, her mind shot a percentage to her of how many people went to jail when they were innocent, but all circumstantial evidence pointed to them. “South Africa yes. I’m an African American history buff.”

“American? Not African?”

“Well in history…they are very much one in the same when you talk origins.”
Oh, my, God, now I’m having to explain my work.
“Look, it was a couple of years ago when I went. I traveled, for pleasure, educational research and work.”