“With me now?” Emma asked.
“Just one more clue and I’ll be good.”
Emma laughed deeply, sounding sexy as hell. “Then I should make this one count.” She took Cain’s hand and put it between her legs.
The way Cain’s fingers slid easily along Emma’s sex proved just how turned on she was.
This little tradition had started when they were trying to conceive Hayden. They’d go to the doctor, then come home and make love. Even though Hannah had been a surprise to Cain, Emma had talked Cain into an afternoon in bed. She wanted to create lives based on the love she and Cain shared.
“Please tell me you can take it from here,” Emma said. She moaned as Cain’s fingers teased her opening and her thumb stroked her clitoris.
“I love you,” Cain whispered in her ear. “So very much.” She pushed her fingers in all the way.
Emma’s muscles clamped down on Cain’s fingers, but she didn’t move, not wanting to come right away. That was difficult when Cain pulled out, then just as quickly pushed all the way in. “So good,” Emma said.
“Then come for me,” Cain said before kissing her.
Emma did just that as she brought her hips down to meet Cain’s touch and moaned into her mouth. As the orgasm started, she pressed her legs into Cain’s sides and let her head drop onto Cain’s shoulder. Emma shuddered from the intensity as Cain rubbed her thumb over her clitoris one more time, and she grabbed Cain by the wrist again to stop any other movement.
“You’re criminally good at that.” She held Cain’s hand in place, enjoying the way her sex was still pulsating around her fingers.
“You get an automatic head start when you’re an actual criminal.”
“Tsk.” Emma clucked her tongue and pulled the hair at the base of Cain’s neck. “When I get to spend time with you like this, you make me feel absolutely adored.”
“That’s a given, Mrs. Casey, so how about cluing me in as to why today’s the day we made a baby.”
“That’s easy.” Emma finally released Cain’s hand so she could pull out. “I’ve been to the cemetery with you every year. A new baby can’t make up for the loss of Dalton, but it’s a good way to celebrate your father’s life. I know how important family is to you, and you learned how to be a wonderful parent by following his example. He’s not here, but he’s still watching over you.”
“I’d like to think he’s watching over all of us.”
“Then I’m sure he’ll give us what we most want. After all, what’s impossible for a Casey?”
“Depends on which one you ask.”
“I’m asking this one.” Emma placed her hands on the sides of Cain’s face and kissed her, moaning when Cain’s mouth opened and accepted her tongue.
“Then I’ll do what I have to in order to make it happen. All I want is you, our family, a new baby, and peace. We’ve started on the baby part, and later on I’m going to lay the groundwork for the kind of peace that’ll let us relax and enjoy the life we’ve built.”
Emma had learned that, sometimes, happiness came at a price. She closed her eyes and prayed that this time the beast called fate would simply give them what they wanted and not demand the heavy tolls it had in the past. Emma fully agreed with Cain’s wish list, but a sense of foreboding made her shiver and pull Cain forward in an effort to chase away the demons that fear sprouted.
She sensed that this time they’d have to walk a gauntlet before they received the peace and happiness they both wanted. So Emma added just one more prayer, one that Casey wives before her had recited—for the strength and perseverance to keep her partner and children free from harm, no matter the sacrifice.
*
Cain buttoned her jacket as she walked downstairs and ignored the smirk on Katlin’s face. Merrick Runyon, Cain’s longtime guard who was now assigned to Emma, was sitting close to Katlin on the antique settee in Jarvis’s foyer. Katlin and Merrick’s relationship was still new, and Cain had been holding off expressing her opinion about it until now.
“Ready to roll?” Katlin asked.
“In a minute. I need to talk with Merrick first.” Cain passed them, continuing to the sunroom and expecting Merrick to follow.
“Problem?” Merrick asked.
Cain pointed to the chair across from hers and studied Merrick as she strolled across the room. Merrick was still fit and beautiful, but something in her appearance had softened. Her clothes were different—more stylish with a hint of femininity, and her hair was longer. All these subtle signs that she was trying to keep Katlin’s attention bothered Cain.
“You look nice today,” Cain said, trying to keep her voice even.
Merrick blinked and opened and closed her mouth several times before answering. “Not our usual conversation, but thanks.”
“I’ve noticed a few things these past months.”
The disjointed tapping of Cain’s fingers filled the room for a long minute. From the way Merrick’s eyes shifted from her hand to her face, Cain knew she was searching for the right words.
“Like I asked, is there a problem?”
“I’m not going to tell you how to live your life outside your job, but I’m concerned.”
Merrick took a deep, explosive breath. “I’ve proved my loyalty. What’s changed to make you doubt me now?”
“I didn’t say doubt—I said concern.” Cain stopped tapping and let loose some of her own temper. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“Sorry. What are you concerned about?”
“When I changed your responsibilities you weren’t pleased. I’m concerned that your unhappiness, coupled with your new social life, isn’t in Emma’s best interests.”
Merrick gripped the armrests as if to keep from punching her. “First off, I know Emma didn’t tell you she had a problem, and next time talk to me before you assume anything about me.”
Their time together gave Merrick some latitude to talk like this, and Cain laughed. “Why do you think Emma didn’t say anything?”
“Because we’ve come to a truce, Emma and I. I know my job and I’m happy to do it. As for Katlin, you can approve or not, that’s up to you. I’m sorry for not bringing it up earlier, but I’d like your blessing.”
Cain stood and put her hand up to keep Merrick in her seat. “You don’t need my blessing, Merrick, but if you do, I’m happy you found someone you can confide in and be happy with.”
“Thank you.”
“Emma and I have started trying for another baby, though, and I’m trusting you to keep her safe. Don’t let me down.”
“You’re going to worry no matter what I say.” Merrick stood up and took Cain’s hand. “But you have my word. Emma’s fine with me.”
“Good, and as to Katlin, congratulations. My father always said love drives our fierceness, and Emma and our children make me realize just how right he was.” She let Merrick’s hand go and took a few steps toward the door before turning around. “I’ll have no mercy on whoever thinks to bring them harm,” Cain said, sure that Merrick didn’t need any further explanation. The statement encompassed everyone, including her, but Merrick nodded anyway.
Muriel was talking to Katlin when Cain came out. Even though they were all living in the same house, Cain hadn’t seen much of Muriel since she’d returned from Mexico. She needed to find out why and had ignored that conversation until now. She walked with Muriel and the others to the waiting car.
“Another late night?” Cain asked as soon as the car door closed and the surveillance jamming equipment was activated.
Muriel glanced up at her from the file she was reading and chuckled. “I have a parent, thank you.”
“Is it smart-off-to-Cain day and I didn’t get the announcement? It’s a simple question.”
Muriel closed the file and faced Cain. “Sorry, that was rude.”
“I’m just curious as to how things are going.”