Cuffed

August.

You know what the summer brings? Fucking trouble that’s what. Two months ago, I almost burned my career because of woman spewing too much heat. Ugh. That damn woman, initially, drove me absolutely insane. In more ways than one. I just couldn’t focus. My domineering, ‘can’t get enough’ side wanted her tied up across my bed…or hanging from the ceiling…or…whatever my kinky sex drive could conjure…until her true colors surfaced. Even though I have been able to regain the trust of my superiors now, I still regret forgoing the assignment and letting my anger lead me into torture.

The assignment.

Jennifer Little. She was the beginning of a well-laid plan and I was supposed to monitor her. Something that started off as a short undercover operation, turned into three months of a cat and mouse game that got out of hand. But there’s no one to blame for this colossal fuck up but me- me and my constant, overwhelming need to explore my sexual deviancies.

It’s also what brings me here, sitting in front of this small coffee shop. I scan my surroundings, keeping my eyes open for anything suspicious. If my intel is correct, my suspect will be here soon and this whole thing will be over. It’s time to keep my head in the game. Which is difficult to do when, once again, I’ve crossed the line. The line I continue to blur with someone special that entered my life at the worst possible moment. I inadvertently ran across a melody that sang a different tune, then my usual lady of the month. Not only have I found my carnal release with her, but she’s found a way to break a barrier that no one has ever been able to. A part of me that has been buried for so long that I’ve learned to accept the loneliness. Now, I see a future filled with the love of a woman I don’t deserve. But nothing will stop me from proving my desire to be her everything. Nothing.

I didn’t see this happening, however. Lurking from my undercover car window, anger passes through me as betrayal saunters down the block toward the coffee shop.

I guess you really don’t know anyone.

_______

The Case I:

Jennifer Little

June. Sixty days earlier…

As I sit at my desk, the events of last night’s lascivious activities replay in my head. Conquering the curvy body of the latest mistress of the month, calms my nerves as I await my first assignment as detective. Even though I’ve proven myself enough to make it this far at such a young age, it doesn’t change the fact that this will all be new to me.

I don’t do well with new.

I don’t do well with anything that is out of my control. Why I became a police officer, an occupation that always changes with each day, is something I still can’t answer. It could be because I am always in a position of authority, and that never changes.

My authority.

Being an orphan, moving from house to house as a child, having no stability is what forced me into a secret life of control. Relationships cause a weakness that I don’t ever need in my life. That weakness is for suckers in my opinion. I can fulfill my needs without the emotions attached to it. That’s easier for me. I live by my own set of rules, and I refuse to deviate from them. Not under any circumstances. The first, and most important, is to only deal with one woman for thirty days. I’ve tried longer, but for some reason women grow attached, even though I explicitly express that I am not looking for an exclusive relationship. Sex is all I’m willing to offer…and it will be thirty days of a dominant lifestyle. I’ve went so far as to make each sub sign a contract.

Submissive. Hmmm…the word just rolls from my tongue like a seductive longing to assail their vulnerability.

Last night, thirty days ended on my last contract. I’m not going to lie, I quite enjoyed this one because she pretty much let me do whatever I wanted to her. Even strapping her hands and legs to my bed and letting me have my way with her. Hmmmm. There’s nothing like torturing a woman’s pussy with my tongue and there’s nothing she can do about it.

But that’s all the control I get. Outside of my bedroom, I live by the normal rules of society.

***

“Lyndsey! Get yo’ ass in here!” Captain Richards shouts from his office.

I jump from my desk as the captain’s voice seems to pulsate through me, causing me to abruptly scatter toward his office. I timidly knock on the slightly ajar glass door, and wait for him to tell me to come in. Instead, he continues to stifle through a mound of papers on his desk, with an overwhelming look on his face. He finally glances up at me, apparently annoyed that I’m still standing outside his door, and drops the papers in his hands. He stares at me angrily until I hurriedly take one of the seats in front of his desk.

“Can I help you, sir?” I ask not sure why I’m being summoned.

He gathers the papers directly in front of him, and shoves them messily into a manila folder, before sliding it across the desk in front of me. I slowly lean forward to reach for the dossier as if the folder is about to burn me. I open it up to Dominic Little, the head of the most elusive crime family in the city. No one has ever been able to infiltrate their powerful domain, and anyone who dares to stand against them has ended up in the bottom of Lake Michigan.

Why is the captain even showing me this?

“You’ve been making a mark in the department, Lyndsey. I think it’s time to really get those rookie feet wet.” His intimidating stare begins to irritate me, as he stands and walks in front of his desk.

I hate that I have to pretend that he intimidates me.

I begin going through the massive folder full of each member of the crime syndicate, and their rap sheet. Then, I get to that last list: a memorial of all the victims who were once witnesses. All nineteen of them.

Will I be lucky number twenty?

I stare at the captain baffled as to why he believes I can help in any way. I don’t know shit about undercover work. I’m lucky I’ve made it to detective at thirty. And by shear dumb luck, too.

“Captain, I’m not ready for this,” I say slightly, holding up the overloaded folder.

He chuckles. “Of course you’re not.” He grabs the other folder, sits in the chair beside me and crosses his long legs. “This is why.” He slings the folder at my lap and I barely catch it as the papers slightly spew from it.

I open it up to a beautiful woman, with tanned skin, long brown hair, captivating hazel eyes and a smile that would stop me dead in my tracks. But then, I glance at her name…Jennifer Little. Little?

Why don’t I know her?

“Where has she been hiding?” I ask, looking through her folder, but unable to get her beauty, and the image of a ball gag in her mouth, out of my mind.

“They’ve kept her away from their dirty business.”

“I see. I still don’t understand what that has to do with me.” I close the file and place it back on his desk.

The captain stands. “Well…it seems you’re her type.”

Her type?

What the fuck? Am I seriously being used for my looks right now? There’s no way I’ll be taken seriously if I do this.

“You’re kidding me, right?” I lean forward, placing my elbows on my knees.

“Nope. Apparently, it is possible for you to make it on your good looks,” he jokes.

However, this is no laughing matter. I may be able to get my foot in the door, but I may not leave with my life.

“How do you even know she will like me?” I ask.

“Ummm…we’ve had people scoping her out and she seems to go for the young, tall, muscular type…and there’s no one in this department that fits the bill…that’s already a detective.” He stands to retrieve yet another folder and hands it over. “These are the men she’s dated in the past. None of them lasted long, considering her brother is Dominic Little, but you need to find a way to get close. Close to her…then her brother.”

“And how exactly do you expect me to do that?” I ask.

He chuckles. “You’re young and striving hard to be promoted…you’ll figure it out.” He grabs the two folders I’ve seen, plus the other four I haven’t, and hands them all to me. “Take all of this home, study hard, and come back here in the morning with a plan. And it better be a good one, Lyndsey.” He walks away from me and sits back at his desk. He reaches for another set of folders and begins perusing through those as if I’m not still sitting here dumbfounded. “What are you still doing here?!” he shouts, finally realizing I haven’t moved from the seat.

I finally find my legs, and run from his office toward my desk. My heart is racing, as the large folders begin to slip from my grasp. I make it to my desk just in time to let them fall on top of it. A page from one of the folders falls to the floor. As I bend down, I see it’s the page all about Jennifer. I sit at my desk to study who will potentially be my new girlfriend.

Girlfriend. Ha!

I’ve been alone basically all my life and, at this point, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sex is one thing, but letting someone in that can handle my…questionable tastes, is another. That sexual part of my life doesn’t matter anyway. I can’t cross that line with Ms. Little. I need to keep her interested, not scare her away by mentioning my need to tie her up to my bed.

I stare at the information provided to me about her life. What’s striking is her education and the fact that she has an actual career. Unlike the rest of her family, she works with the law…not against it. However, because she’s a paralegal, she may be secretly helping the family. I need to find out about that. I also see that she has an interest in fitness and runs an Aerobics class that I won’t be caught dead in. But that could be our chance meeting. Considering I work out quite often, there’s no reason why I can’t change gyms momentarily.

Now for the men she’s attracted to. It’s like looking at myself in the mirror. Beyond their appearance, however, they are all blue collar workers. I glance at my manicured fingers knowing there’s no way she will believe I work with my hands. I’ll have to find another way in because, me being physically in shape, won’t cut it. She obviously goes for hardworking men for a reason, and I’m sure that reason is the criminality attached to her family’s name.

Opening another folder, I see the primary members of the Little Family.

Father:

John Little –

Born: January 19, 1946

Deceased: August 13, 2017

Wife also deceased

Three Children

Eldest Son:

Dominic Little –

Current Leader

Born: August 21, 1974

No Children, Unmarried

Youngest Son:

Nicolai Little –

Never Been Arrested/Clean?

Born: February 17, 1979

Married to Monica Little September 14, 2016

One Daughter born March 13, 2018

Daughter:

Jennifer Little

Occupation: Paralegal/Clean?

Born: August 15, 1988

No Children, Unmarried

I’ll definitely need to dig more into Nicolai. I just don’t believe his hands are as clean as the Littles try to portray.

After studying her life for hours, I finally lift my head up from the papers that are now spread across my desk. I hadn’t even noticed that everyone has gone and it’s now dark out. I yawn, stretching my arms back and suddenly feel the hunger rumble in my stomach. Even though I’ve been trying to come up with a way in for hours, there’s no use in prolonging things. I’m hungry, tired and really just need to go home. I gather the folders and place them in my workbag before leaving the precinct.

On the way home, during this warm summer’s night, I decide to make a stop at Jennifer’s gym to join it. It’s no better time than now, and I’d probably be able to get some information about her while I’m there. I park in front, noticing there are still quite a few people working out. Leaving my badge in the car, I walk in, noticing that it is much smaller than the gyms I’m used to. However, the weight lifting section is rather large, which is my forte. Walking toward the welcome desk, I see someone handing his Driver’s License to the employee which makes me remember I left mine in the car. I may not be able to flash my badge, but I do need some sort of ID to present.

As I run out, I absentmindedly swing the door open right into a woman’s face, knocking her to the ground.

“Dammit!” she says, rubbing her forehead as she sits on the ground. “What are you fucking bl-.” She stops her tirade before it even begins as she stares up at me embarrassed.

Fuck! It’s her. Real smooth, Tristan Lyndsey.

I extend my hand to help Jennifer to her feet. “Excuse me miss…my fault.” I smile, watching her wipe imaginary debris from her rear. I try my best not to stare at what looks to be a delectable ass from the side. My other brain pulsates in my pants as I think of bending her over on my bed…maybe even tying those thick legs into a spreader bar. Hmmmm.

“I should have been paying attention. My name is Jen,” she raises her hand, “and you are?”

Shit! What’s my name?

“Ummm…Kent…. great to meet you.” I smile, trying to distract her from my name stumble. She seems like the stuck-up type, maybe she will mistake it for nerves.

“You forgot your name?” She giggles.

She clearly thinks I’m into her, and she’s right. I would love to fuck her right now, but that’s clearly off the table. I do need to keep this going, however. “What can I say? Standing in front of someone as beautiful as you are, may cause a man to forget.” I smile wide as she blushes. Checkmate. I should get out of here now that I have the upper hand. “Well, I have to go. Hope to see you again soon.”

“Oh…okay,” she stammers as I run back to my black, Chrysler 300. Thank goodness I decided to drive my personal car today.

Damn, that was close.

I’m not sure what my next move will be, but at least I know she’s attracted to me. Beyond that, I know exactly where she will be tomorrow. I’ll have to make my move then…as Kent.

Why couldn’t I come up with a better name than that?

Once I get home and make a quick bowl of cereal for dinner, I pull the folders out to reexamine them as I eat. There can’t be anything different in here that the other detectives didn’t catch…and they still failed. The answer to getting close to Dominic is not in these papers. I’ll have to just wing it and hope my inexperience won’t get me killed. First thing’s, first. I have to tell the Captain I fucked up and literally bumped into the target. He’s going to have my ass, considering I went in blind.

I don’t like being the one punished. I like to be the punisher in all ways.

****

“What! You goddamn idiot!” the captain shouts as I stand in front of his desk. He jumps to his feet, and closes the door.

I’m sure his rumbling voice will still carry through the precinct. “Sir, it wasn’t planned…I-I just thought I’d scope out the place,” I stutter.

This is humiliating.

“And how did that work out for you, rookie?”

“In a way it did.”

He stares me down angrily. “Are you sure about that, Kent?” He chuckles.

Okay…maybe not that part.

“I meant, I’m pretty sure she’d go out with me if I asked.”

“Well, you better hope so, you clumsy fuck! Get out!” he shouts and I quickly pace toward the door. “Oh, Lyndsey,” he picks up a sealed folder from his desk before walking over to me, and presses it hard against my chest, “remember, she is your mark, not your girlfriend.” He raises his eyebrow, telepathically reminding me to keep my hands off. But the look he gives me, is more of a father telling some jerkoff to keep their hands off of his innocent daughter. Strange.

I shake my head in agreement and leave the office. I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep that promise.

At my desk, I unseal the new folder the Captain handed to me. It turns out the department already had my cover prepared. The name they were giving me was to be William Tomlin who is the foreman for McCollum Contractors. Beneath my new identity is an address I don’t recognize, with an entry code, and what looks to be a description of my life. Tomlin has never been married, no children, all family is deceased, no pets, works out during spare time, loves sports and many outdoor activities.

Well, that shit is boring as fuck.

What’s worse is, this is the real me. Tristan Lyndsey…a nobody. A grown, ‘fucked up in the head’ man who’s lucky to be alive, and a detective with nothing to show for it. Let’s hope I’m not dead before having the chance to make some changes.

In the middle of the day, a small sealed envelope is thrown in front of me. I pick it up and see it’s me with my new name, Kent Tomlin with the same address I didn’t recognize in my dossier.

“You’re lucky they were able to change your cover so fast! Did you open the other sealed address?” the captain inquires at almost a whisper.

“I did,” I respond simply.

He stands there staring as if he expected me to elaborate. However, it was sealed for a reason. If the superiors wanted to know, he would. “The superiors did let me choose your cover and contact…and he’s expecting you.” He turns to walk away. “I’ll see you in a week, idiot!”

I’m not going to take too much more of being called an idiot.

Things are definitely not off to a good start. My captain already has very little confidence that I will assist in the Little takedown…I don’t have much in myself either, for that matter. I stare at the new me, now thoroughly spelled out on paper, hoping I can pull this off. After all, my life depends on my accuracy.

I look through my dossier to see who my contact is at McCollum Contractors before gathering my things to leave for my new identity. I walk out into the scorching heat, toward my car as the nerves begin to flutter through me. Because I’ve never done anything like this, there’s no way to know what to expect. What I need to do now is, learn a lot about the construction industry…fast.

It doesn’t take long before getting to my new place of employment. I thought I would be arriving at some construction site, however, I’m standing in front of a small office building. I walk in, heading straight for the reception desk, where a petite woman - that I barely see behind the high structure - with ivory skin and long brunette hair sits calmly answering the phone. I stand there patiently, waiting for her to acknowledge my presence. She finally glances up at me, almost in a relative slow motion as time seems to stand still. My breathing becomes heavy as I hear nothing but the echoes of my shallow gasps for air.

She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

Her small, glossed lips begin to move but all I can hear is my heart beating through my chest. Her big brown eyes pierce through me as if she can see all the pain and anguish I hold deep within myself and I’m left here, standing naked and exposed. I cower as the need to protect my inner most unbearable thoughts becomes overwhelming.

“Uhm…Sir?” she says quietly, staring.

Say something, you nitwit!

“Sorry…I-I ummm…my name is Kent Tomlin. I’m here-“

“Oh, yes. You’re here for Mr. McCollum. Follow me.” She stands and walks out of her crescent-like, large cubby and waits for me to join her before continuing down the long, marble hall.

I follow her captivating perfume and curvy hips as they sway toward the offices of the first floor. Her tiny stature powerfully takes control of my thoughts as I try to figure out how I can get to know this woman better. And not as my usual, ‘tie her up-fuck her-kick her out’ routine…I’d like to really get to know the woman who has captivated my empty shell. And with just one dominating look.

But I can’t.

I’m here to do a job. However, I will explore this nameless woman as soon as I can at least tell her my real name.

Finally, at the very end of the hall, lined with many empty offices, we reach a large glass door with Trevor McCollum CEO etched on the right side of it.

I wonder where all the other employees are.

My mystery woman knocks on the door, and then enters holding the door open for me to go in. The tall grey-haired man sits behind the desk on the phone as she walks over to the chairs in front of his large desk, and gestures for me to take a seat. The man, I assume is Mr. McCollum, smiles and then rushes the person he’s talking to off the phone.

“Mr. Tomlin for you, sir,” she says.

“Thank you, Melody.” He responds as she disappears from the office.

I fight the urge to watch the woman I now know as Melody leave. I have to keep my head in the game.

“I’m not too thrilled about having a cop working for me,” Mr. McCollum says, getting up to walk around his desk to stand in front of me. “I’m in the construction business…you can’t let it get out.”

Straight to the point, I see.

“Mr. McCollum, you don’t have to worry about that. Letting something like that get out won’t be good for either of us.”

“I’m glad we understand each other.” He takes a deep breath and sits beside me in the other empty chair.

“I’m sure you’re aware I know nothing about construction.”

He laughs. “You won’t need to. You will have an office here but this is a total front. When the Littles call, Melody knows what to say. You just make sure you have your story together.”

Does she know who I really am?

“Mr. McCollum, why are you helping?” I’m curious to know where everyone stands.

He clears his throat and relaxes in the chair. “It’s time for me to get from under them…the Littles.”

Interesting. Just how corrupt is McCollum?

“Listen,” he stands to face me, “Captain Richards knows all about my involvement…we have to help each other to take down such an immense empire. We have to trust each other.” He extends his hand as if we need to shake on sticking together.

But I don’t know who he is? How can I trust him when I don’t know how deeply involved he is with the Little family? However, I have to accept that I can’t do this alone. If the Captain feels this is the way to go, then I have to follow his direction…for now. I stand and firmly shake his hand, intentionally holding eye contact. “I will trust you, until you give me a reason not to, McCollum.”

“Agreed. I’ll show you to your office.”

I follow him through the doors of his office and back toward the front of the building. Just before the elevators, he goes into a small office with two windows, and blueprints laying across the desk. There is also a blank name plate, empty picture frames and a few decorative building models on the glass table beside a long white couch against the wall.

“I guess, this is where I’ll be spending my days for now,” I say, spanning the room with my arms.

“Hopefully not. If things go well, you’ll find a way to infiltrate the Family and will hardly be here. That should be your plan.”

I chuckle. “Of course, that’s my plan. It’s not going to be easy.”

“Right. But there’s a reason things seem to be moving so fast. I’ve heard Dominic is trying to expand his reach. The last thing that asshole needs is more power.”

“Expand how?”

“If we knew that, you wouldn’t be here. Get close to Jennifer…the minute they find out she’s seeing someone, you will be introduced to Dominic. Trust me.” His devious smile makes me think her brother isn’t too fond of men going after his sister.

Great.

“Here.” McCollum reaches in his pocket and hands me a key fob with a Chrysler logo on it. “The Captain says you’ll need a company car similar to your personal.”

I take the fob remembering, Jennifer has already seen my car. We don’t need her being suspicious about anything. I’ve already had trouble remembering my name for fuck sake.

“Thanks.”

“You should get a move on. Get acquainted with wherever your new place is, and bring personal things here. We need to make things look real. Car’s in the garage.”

“What about my car?” I ask, remembering I parked it out front.

“It’s been moved,” he says simply and disappears down the hall.

I’m not sure how anyone expects me to make either places personable. I don’t have any family so there is nothing to put into frames. I guess, I can just leave it how it is mostly. I do have to get a name on the door and for my desk.

I head for the elevator, glad that I don’t have to pass Melody’s desk to get to the garage. I’m not sure I would be able to restrain myself from talking to her more. Fighting the urge to learn more about a woman that has already captivated my thoughts is surprising for a heartless man such as myself.

Once in the garage, I walk in a little before pressing the unlock button on the key fob to see which car mine is. The black Chrysler 300’s, located in the second reserved spot to the right of the elevator, headlights flicker.

Well, they have certainly done their research.

Before going to my temporary hideout, I head to my home to gather enough clothes to last a few months. Although, I’m hoping this won’t take much longer than a month. I’d like to get to normalcy sooner than later, especially because I haven’t gone without sex for longer than a couple of weeks. It’s the only thing that tames me. If I don’t find a way in before then, there’s no way I’ll keep my hands off of Jennifer.

The Case II:

Sub in Training

At my new apartment, I put in the code supplied to me. The door opens to a large, living room with three windows, a large black leather couch, a glass coffee table placed in front of the couch, and two matching end tables. I place my bags just inside the door before closing it. I explore further, walking through the living room and to the right where there is a substantially large galley kitchen with all new appliances. I search the cabinets and drawers to become acquainted with where everything is. Last, I open the fridge and see I need to go food shopping, unfortunately. At least they have all the utensils, cookware and dishes I’ll need.

I can’t expect them to do everything for me.

Gathering my bags at the door, I walk across the living room to the other door on the left. Glad to see the bedroom is also furnished, I throw my things on the bed and unpack. It doesn’t take me long and good thing, because my stomach begins to rush me. I throw the last of my things into the bathroom and grab all of the folders for one last perusal before placing them in the kitchen sink, lighting them on fire and rinsing away the evidence.

It’s now or never.

I drive my somewhat new car to the gym I hadn’t joined first. In a way, hoping to run into Jennifer once again to establish a next meeting pronto. I park, basically in the same spot I was last night, and then enter the busy establishment to join. I wait on the longest line ever, impatiently waiting to get out of here so I can get some damn food.

What is this? Join a mediocre gym night?

“You stalking me?” a small, but sassy voice says behind me.

I turn to see a glistening Jennifer, smiling and breathing heavily as if she’s just finished working out. It couldn’t have been her aerobics class because it’s later in the evening. Of course, I’ll have to play things cool.

“Jennifer, is it?” I ask, knowing damn well who she is.

She doesn’t let my fake forgetfulness phase her one bit. “You might want to remember that.” She swipes the sweat from her neck.

I’m not sure what turns me on about a freshly worked out, sweaty woman, but all I want to do is make her drench more. “Is that so?”

“Yes, ‘cause I’m quite the catch. You might wanna do a better job reeling me in,” she says before smiling and walking away.

I watch as she walks away in her tight stretch pants and sports bra. Okay, so she might have my attention now. So much so, that I don’t hear the guy behind the desk trying to get my attention.

There might be a chance I’ll be fucking her.

After I give up my falsified life for a year to the gym, I decide to wait outside for Jennifer, leaning against my car parked in front. It doesn’t take long before she’s walking out, looking down at her phone. She’s wearing a tight long dress that shows the shit out of her curves. Her hair is up in a bun and still soaked from the shower.

“So, you’re just gonna walk past me?” I say to grab her attention.

She looks up and smiles before walking over to me, slowly. “Finally getting the hint,” she blushes.

“Something like that. Where are you off to?”

“Home to cook dinner.” She grabs her tiny belly.

“You’re welcome to cook at my house,” I insinuate.

Her mouth opens in shock at my audacity. “I do believe you’re a complete stranger.”

“Not true. I’ve already knocked you to the ground, forgotten your name and stood out here waiting for you…I’d say we’re getting pretty well acquainted.” I chuckle.

“Well, since you put it like that.” She tilts her head as if she’s thinking about it, and then laughs.

“Then it’s settled. Did you drive?”

“I didn’t…I was about to get a car,” she says, holding up her cell phone.

“Not necessary,” I say, holding open the passenger door for her and wait for her to get in before closing it back. I cross the front of my car to get in. “We’ll have to shop first.”

She laughs out loud. “I have to shop for you, too? What am I, your woman?”

“Not yet,” I say, then run my thumb across her cheek.

She blushes, then fastens her seatbelt.

We ride in silence on the way to the grocery store which is only a few blocks down the road. She jumps from the car as I put it in park and I follow her as she gets a shopping cart, before entering the building. As she makes her way down the fruit and vegetable aisle, I pull the cart from her.

“I’ll take this, beautiful.”

She blushes. “You should…considering you got me shopping and cooking for you on the first date.”

“Oh, is this a date?” I ask sarcastically.

“It better be,” she responds, and then turns her back to me and continues to shop.

I follow her around the store, throwing shit in the basket as we come across things I like. Of course, I stock up on my go to items – Cereal, TV dinners and lots of Gatorade and water.

“For you to be so fit, you eat a lot of junk.”

“Hey! I don’t have a woman keeping me in check.” I laugh.

“Ummhmm…excuses.” She giggles.

Once she has everything she needs, we make our way to the cashier. Luckily, it’s not busy and we’re in and out of check out. I carry the bags to the car, and load the trunk as she sits patiently in my car. When I get in, I see she’s nervously fidgeting, balling her hands within each other.

What’s she nervous about?

“What’s going on? Changed your mind?” I ask, fastening my seatbelt. “I can take you home.”

“It’s not that…it’s just that…my last name…is…Little,” she stammers.

Okay, so we’re going there right now.

“Okay. Mine is Tomlin…and?” I say, placing her jaw in the palm of my hand to turn her head to face me. “What’s the big deal?”

She looks confused. “Are you not from around here?”

“No…I’m not. Frankly, I’m too hungry to concern myself with whatever you’re trying to tell me,” I say, hoping that’s enough to dissuade her questioning.

She smiles. “Okay, then.”

I take that as my queue to drive home. Eventually we will have to discuss the fact that Dominic is her brother, but I don’t see that happening right away. Clearly, she is uncomfortable about it, but it hasn’t kept her from dating. There were so many men in her dating file, but now I see it may be because of her brother. Maybe he scared them away. Honestly, if she were my sister, gangster or not, I would be doing the same. I would need to protect her from charming assholes like me.

We arrive at my new place and my first memory test is putting the code into the keypad at my front door. Luckily for me, having a good memory is the least of my worries. As we enter my apartment, I head straight for the kitchen to put away the groceries, with the exception of the things she bought to cook. She looks around my apartment admiring the décor that was one for me.

“When you’re done snooping, I’ll tell you where everything is,” I say, walking into the living room.

She laughs. “I think I can find everything.”

“You sure…if so, I’ll just go shower.”

She walks over to me, stopping beside me. “I’m sure I can handle it.” She looks me up and down and makes her way into the kitchen.

She has no idea what she’s getting herself into.

I watch her briefly as she opens the cabinets, familiarizing herself before starting to open the package of chicken thighs I bought. Seeing she’s fine alone, I go into my bedroom to shower. I’m not at all concerned that she’ll find time to look around more in depth while I’m occupied. After all, the only thing she’ll find is the handcuffs I placed in my bedroom nightstand next to the condoms. There’s no way I can keep that side of me from coming out. So, I decided to bring one of my toys that’s less obvious. If I can’t fuck Jennifer, I will be handcuffing someone if this isn’t done in a few weeks. On that note, I decide to rub one out to relieve all this built up tension, since that’s all I can do for the time being.

Once I’m out of the shower, I lotion up and spray on some cologne before throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a tight t-shirt. In the kitchen, I see she’s already preparing two plates of food and placing them on the opposite side of the counter in front of the two bar stools. She then pours the wine we bought at the store into two glasses.

“You need wine glasses,” she says, placing the drinks beside the plates.

“I’m not much of a wine drinker.” I decide to sit in front of the plate with the most food.

“Well…they’ll be for me then.” She joins me.

I chuckle. “Already moving in?”

She winks at me instead of answering and starts to eat the baked chicken and rice pilaf she made. I do the same, devouring the first home cooked meal I’ve had in years. Immediately, I realize she’s a decent cook, but I know I can’t get used to this. Beyond that, I’m not really sure I want to. It wouldn’t be fair to her, because even though she’s my target for now, had we met in another circumstance, I’m sure I’m not ready for what she is. She seems like a great woman, but there’s only been one that I’ve been the least bit captivated by and it isn’t Jennifer.

Why am I thinking about Melody right now?

The woman is completely off limits. But there’s something about her that is different. Something in her eyes that tells me not to let this one get away. Not like the other woman I’ve dealt with over the years and who I’ve thought might be the woman to handle me. I’ve let those women go without a second thought. Melody, on the other hand, makes me think I can bare my soul to her and even that won’t make her run.

“Earth to Kent,” Jennifer reminds me I’m not alone.

Shit! I’ve been ignoring her. Never a good thing. “Sorry, it’s just been a while since I’ve had a home cooked meal,” I admit, taking a forkful of rice. Well…that’s still the truth.

“Maybe they’ll be many more to come. She smiles, standing to clear her plate and begins to clean up the kitchen.

I decide to quit while I’m ahead and just finish eating. She seems to have taken that lame excuse for not paying attention to my company.

After I’m done, I get up to bring my plate and glass to the sink just as Jennifer is finishing up. “Cooking and cleaning. I may have to keep you around,” I joke.

She takes a deep breath. “I guess, time will tell.”

I take the sigh to mean she thinks I’ll run once her brother interrogates me. Little does she know, I look forward to that day. It actually couldn’t come fast enough.

“Keep cooking like that, and you won’t have a choice,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.

She laughs as she dries her hands, finally finished with the dishes. She stands there stationary, staring up at me as if she’s waiting for me to pounce. I’m not going to lie, she looks sexy as hell, right now. Her plump breasts are spilling over the top of her fitted dress. If she was anyone else standing there, she would already be naked and ready to obey my every command. However, I have to remind myself that the captain expects me to keep my hands off of her.

Is that really realistic, though?

Fed up with my incompetence, she saunters over to me, leaning her weight against me. She lets her thigh slither up and down my inner thigh, getting me slightly aroused. But there’s one thing she doesn’t know about me.

“I think I’m ready for dessert,” she whispers.

Now, not only do I have a problem with her willingness to fuck me already, but the fact that she needs to be in control will not get her into my bed any faster. I grab both of her wrists and wrap them behind her, trapping them there as I back her against my counter. She stares up at me nervously, as my dominant, blank stare begins to overwhelm her.

“You’re gonna have to learn to be more submissive if you want in my bed,” I tease, then forcibly shove my tongue in her mouth, kissing her lewdly.

She groans into my mouth accepting my tenacity as I harshly bite on her bottom lip.

“Until then, I’ll have to take you home.” I walk away from her quickly, grab my key fob and wait at the front door for her to collect herself. A few seconds later, she appears from the kitchen with her head down and quickly walks to the door as I hold it open for her.

Now, that’s what I like to see.

The Case III:

Dom to Dominic

The next morning, I am awakened by someone pounding on the door. I jump out of bed, grabbing my firearm from between the mattress. I don’t know who the fuck that is, but not many know I’m here. I walk over to the front door and peer through the peephole. All I can make out is two very large men in suits. There’s only one person that can be.

Dominic.

I run back to my room to put my gun back in it’s hiding place. Then I grab my cell phone and put the recorder app on in the background, before placing the phone on the coffee table. Have to be prepared just in case. Before I could return, they begin pounding again, but harder this time. I take a deep breath before calmly opening the door. I don’t open it much before the two large men are barging in, pushing me back. They walk right around me and begin searching the room. Not sure for what, but once they are through, they frisk me for weapons.

“What the fuck! Who are you?!” I shout appalled as if I’m unaware.

Just then another large man enters, with a much slender man, in a grey custom suit, dark hair, goatee and shades follows closely behind. Once he removes his glasses, I recognize him immediately, but I have to play it off. I’m sure Jennifer told him I know nothing about them. He stands directly in front of me, but I am sure not to cower in his presence.

“Do I know you?” I ask annoyed.

“Apparently, you don’t.” He walks past me and sits on my black leather couch as if he’s home.

“By all means take a seat,” I say sarcastically, eyeing my phone and hoping he doesn’t decide to pick it up and notice the recorder on in the background.

“Nice place you got here, Kent,” Dominic says as his goons leave the apartment, to wait outside.

“How do you know my name? What the hell do you want?” I ask, standing across from him.

“I guess, you can say I’m a concerned brother.”

I think I’d call you more than that asshole.

“I don’t understand,” I respond.

“My name is Dominic Little. I understand you had my sister here last night?” he asks, watching my reaction.

I fake shock and worry to let him think he has the upper hand. “Okay…well, can I ask why you are here, Mr. Little?”

“My sister and I are close, and she claims to have met someone. Of course, I had to meet this someone.”

“Okay…well, Jennifer seems like a great woman. But we are just getting to know each other.”

“Yes, but I just want to make sure I know enough about you. Kent Tomlin, who just moved here from Jersey, works for a good friend of mine – who is also a friend to you apparently, since he offered you a damn good job. No family…ummm, and of course, that Chrysler 300 you have parked in your garage. Leave anything out?” He smiles as if he’s just conquered my fear, but I was already expecting for him to look into me.

“Ummm…that seems much more than…concern,” I stutter.

“What can I say? I’m thorough.” He chuckles.

“Well…you’ve got the gist.” I sit on the other end of the couch.

He eyes me suspiciously. “There’s something about you that I can’t quite understand. I’m not sure if it’s because you don’t know who I am, or the fact that you were able to turn my sister down…but I like you.”

What? I can’t believe she told him that. I put my head in my hands in shame. That’s just too damn much information.

“Don’t worry about it. Listen, you’re new here. If you want to move up in the world, it would help if you had me backing you. I’m not going to lie, for what I have going on…I need someone as level headed, and inconspicuous as you.” He stands, putting his shades back on. “Here’s the thing…you can’t fuck with my sister. If you’re in business with me, the two can’t comingle. You got me?”

“What makes you think I want to be in business with you?”

He laughs out almost with a villainous echo. “I like you, man. Listen, talk to Trevor, your boss…he’ll tell you.” He heads for the door. “If my sister tells me you left her alone, I’ll know you’re down.” And just like that, he’s gone.

What the hell just happened?

It takes a minute for me to realize I’ve got my in with Dominic. Who knew that being a dom would lead me to Dominic? Turns out, the captain was right. Jennifer was who we needed. But she’s not going to be happy about this. From the few conversations we’ve had, I know she won’t take rejection well…and I’m sure she’ll be even more pissed once she figures out it was her brother’s doing.

I guess, my first step is to get ready for work. I need to talk to McCollum and let him know what’s going on. I’m sure he’ll be pleased that I was able to handle that so quickly. Honestly, I’m shocked myself. Besides, I really didn’t do anything but be myself.

***

Pulling into the garage, I see Melody making her way to the elevator. She looks even better than yesterday, somehow. She’s wearing a flowy type light blue, short dress, with her hair down. I waste no time parking the car to jump out and try to nonchalantly catch her as she waits for the elevator. As the doors to the elevator open, she walks in and sees me coming. Thankfully, she holds it open for me.

“Mr. Tomlin, good morning,” she says, smiling.

“Call me Kent.” Beautiful. I can’t call her that out loud…yet.

Just then I see the mass of folders she’s gripping in her arms begin to slide from her grasp and hit the floor. We simultaneously drop down to the floor to pick them up and bump our heads together on the way down. We grab at our foreheads as we release a robust, childlike laughter. I haven’t laughed this hard at myself for over a decade. I’ll never forget being able to laugh with the one family that kept me over six months…eight years to be exact. Until they all died in a car crash.

I help pick up her papers. We carry them to her hiding cubby, which is really a reception area, in the front of the building. She smiles as we begin neatly placing the fallen papers on her desk.

“I don’t think I can help sort these,” I say somberly, wishing I could maintain that reason to hang around her longer.

“No, I don’t think so either.” Her eyes glance up at me, and for some reason I feel she doesn’t want me to leave either.

I knew it couldn’t just be me.

“Excuse me. Am I interrupting something?”

My head jolts up recognizing her voice immediately. I stand upright, feeling like she has just caught me cheating. I smile at her trying to play it off as she stares daggers through Melody. I’m not sure why that pisses me off, but I don’t like Jennifer trying to intimidate Melody like that.

“I was helping her to her desk, Jennifer. What are you doing here?” I ask, diverting her attention away from Melody.

“Is there some place we can talk?” she asks.

“Sure, outside is as good a place as any.” I escort her out annoyed that she thinks she already has a claim over me.

I’m glad we won’t be taking this any further.

She taunts Melody with one last look before I place my hand on her lower back and guide her from the building. I smile at Melody who doesn’t look as if she’s phased one bit by Jennifer’s display of ownership.

Once we’re out of the building, I step in front of her abruptly, making her stumble back. “What are you doing here?” I ask firmly, being sure to stand over her dominantly.

She cowers. “My brother told me he came to your house this morning.”

“He sure did. What the fuck, Jennifer?” I shout as if I’m really upset about Dominic’s impromptu visit.

“I tried to tell you last night-.“

“The hell you did! I had no idea what you were talking about, and you should’ve just told me!”

“You’re right…I’m sorry.” She glances up at me through her lashes, and I can see that she knows I’m about to dismiss her…but I just don’t want to hurt her feelings. Not right now anyway…in public.

What’s happening to me?

I’m falling for a woman I don’t know…ready to bare my soul to her and shit…what the fuck?! And now, I don’t want to hurt a chick’s feelings. This isn’t me.

“Listen, I’ll talk to you later,” I say before kissing her on the forehead and walking away. I don’t turn back.

Why did I kiss her? That’s some misleading shit.

As I walk back in, I see Melody purposefully keeping her head down, as if she’s avoiding eye contact. I’m not sure if it’s because of that whole Jennifer scene or because of that ‘kiss me right now’ look she gave me before we were so rudely interrupted. I decide to give her some breathing space momentarily, but only to speak to McCollum about my morning visitor. Giving a woman too much space gives her time to think, and I don’t need her reflecting and making decisions before she even gives me a chance.

Like I really deserve one.

I stroll down the hall to his office quickly, anxious to move on to the next stage of this case. Through the glass doors, I can see McCollum sitting at his desk on the phone with his feet up. Seems like a casual conversation, so I knock and wait for him to wave me in. He sits up quickly and rushes off the phone as I stand in front of his desk. I notice he’s much more dressed down today, in blue jeans and a nice white and blue striped shirt, with matching tie.

“Lyndsey, how’s it going?” he asks with a smile, extending his hand.

I shake his hand and take a seat in one of the chairs facing his desk, as he walks around to sit in the other. He casually crosses his leg, and faces me in sort of a thinking man’s pose. “Anything to report?”

“Yes, actually. Dominic showed up at my house this morning,” I gloat, excited that this investigation may progress much further than anticipated.

He sits up at attention. “Seriously…already?” He chuckles. “You must’ve made quite the impression on his sister. He’s very protective over her…just as her father was. Too much so in my opinion.”

“Yeah, I got that when he recited everything about me written in that dossier. I’m glad the captain made sure my info was legit.” I laugh nervously.

Shit! What if something wouldn’t have checked out? I could be dead right now! I’m not sure why that’s just hitting me.

“Oh, there’s no way Richards would have let you do this if he wasn’t confident about that. I was just talking to him actually. He was checking in.”

“Should we call him back?”

“No!” he almost shouts. “Nah…you check in soon, but I’ll let him know what you tell me.” He sits back in his chair waiting for me to recount my morning.

There’s something going on with them two. I still have to trust McCollum for now, however. Instead of telling him, I just pull out my phone and play the recording.

“Be careful with that...you got away with it this time, but maybe not next time,” he adds before hearing Dominic’s voice on the recording.

I watch him as he listens. Turns out recording him, even though dangerous, was a good idea because McCollum wouldn’t miss a word that was said. Maybe he’ll pick up on something that I missed. I do want to know just how far he’s in it with Dominic since I was told to ask McCollum about Dominic. Maybe Dominic helped him start this business somehow? They always say, for some reason, corruption and construction is one in the same. However, I don’t get that from McCollum. Even though, he himself admitted to being in bed with Dominic somehow, I just don’t see it being by his own free will.

“Okay, so you have to let Jennifer loose,” he says.

I drop my head. “I’m not sure that’s going to be as easy as it sounds.”

McCollum stands. “Do what you have to. Dominic is the objective here.”

“I know. I just know there will be a consequence for this…she seems possessive.”

He laughs. “You got all that from last night?”

“This morning.”

He tilts his head curiously, “I don’t even want to know. Just deal with it.”

He’s right. I’m not sure why I feel the urge to coddle her, but I have a task and she’s no longer a part of it.

“I’ll take care of it,” I affirm. Then, stand to leave and head straight for Melody’s desk. She isn’t there. That would just be too easy. Besides, I have enough to think about than the added confusion of my captivator, Melody.

I’m not sure how I will handle this, but I’m definitely ending things with Jennifer tonight, so I can move up with Dominic. I just need to figure out what he’s got planned and get in close enough for him to share his operations with me. Something tells me I need to get him to trust me further, and sooner rather than later. I have a hunch he’s ready to move on to the next phase of whatever his plan is.

The rest of the day, I sit in my office to further research the Little family. I make my way back through the generations until now, to see what their criminalities were. One thing that caught my attention, was something Dominic’s father said in a prison interview after his Embezzlement conviction. He had every intention of getting into politics. But he meant, he himself, not corrupting a sucker that he can control in the government. I almost fell out of my seat laughing.

John Little for Governor. Was he fucking serious?

I hope that’s not what Dominic’s planning, that would be just craziness. There’s no way he could run because, from what we know but can’t prove, he’s committed nineteen murders by his hands alone. Doesn’t seem like someone that can handle conflict resolution well.

His sister on the other hand…that would make perfect sense. However, I get the feeling she doesn’t want anything to do with her family business. She seemed totally embarrassed by it.

That leaves their brother, Nicolai. There’s no corruption that can be pinned on him. However, I know he’s does whatever Dominic requests. They are always together and quite honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t show up at my apartment with his brother. With that said, I begin to research Nicolai. With him being married and starting a family, he seems like the most likely candidate. I need to get ahead of this.

Just then, someone knocks on my slightly ajar door.

“Yeah?” I say, staring at the computer.

“I brought you lunch. It’s already almost three,” Melody says, standing in my doorway and holding a bag of food.

I stand abruptly as if she just caught me watching porn. “Hey! Ummm…come in.” I stammer over to her, almost tripping over my feet.

What the fuck, man? Get it together, Lyndsey.

“I thought I’d join you.” She places the bag on my desk, and then begins to pull out what looks to be sandwiches. “They’re Chicken Caesar Wraps from the deli up the street.”

“Thanks for thinking of me.” I tower over her a tad too close.

She looks up smiling with a glimmer of innocence in her eyes. Her lips are slightly parted and look appetizingly soft. But I fight my urge to shove her against the wall. Although, I can’t escape the feeling that she would like me to do that.

“Shall we?” She sits in one of my chairs and unravels the wrap.

I sit and do the same, but sneak a peak of her taking small birdlike bites. The way she eats is even cute. She’s going to have to get out of my office. I try to eat the sandwich quickly without looking like a total slob. “That was pretty good.”

“I’m glad you liked it. You don’t seem like the type to eat healthy.” She giggles.

That has to be the sweetest sound ever. “You’d be right about that,” I say, getting up to gather our trash.

“Oh, I’ll do that.” She tries to take the garbage from me, but ends up letting her hand fall on mine. Her touch resonates through me, as if she’s touching me everywhere.

I look down at her as she smirks at me. With that look, I know she’s teasing me. “Why are you fucking with me?” I ask.

She removes her hand from mine quickly, as her smile slowly dissipates.

Did I just scare her?

“I’m not…I-I…ummm.” She stares at my desk.

Oh no you don’t. I lift her head up by placing my pointer finger under her chin. “Stand up straight.”

She looks up to my intimidating eyes and does as I say. I lean forward, so that I’m right at her lips. I’m so close that I feel her warm breath hitting my lips. She’s unable to hide the same need for us to touch that I’ve felt since the day I laid eyes on her. It’s radiating between us so forcefully it’s hard to ignore.

“You’re not ready for me,” I say.

“What’s there to be ready for?” she asks.

Is she challenging me?

Thankful she has a dress on, I decide it’s best to show her than to explain it. “I’m going to taste you now…” I trail my finger from her lips and down her chest, to her stomach as she closes her eyes and begins to squirm at my touch. I let my finger continue to glide further down, past her belly button and her eyes jolt open, surprised that I’m going further. I lean my body against her, trapping her at my desk in case she decides she wants to run. I let my hand slide under her loose dress, to let my finger tickle at the apex of her thighs. “… Here.”

With that, she tries to get up. “Kent…ummmm…we shouldn’t-“

I smother her lips with mine, keeping my body against her. Her lips are like the sweetest, unfamiliar candy that I can’t resist. I just want to devour her right now, but I know I have to take it easy. My hunger for more is becoming overwhelming as my dominance begs to take over. The fervor between us, with just our lips touching is profound, but I don’t want to scare her off.

For some reason, as I’m kissing her, I feel like there’s no need for me to ever want to touch another woman. But my greed is longing to taste more of her. Right now. She must begin to feel the same as she finally finds the courage to reach around my waist, pushing me into her more. I’m sure she feels my dick thumping against her, but that’s not what I want right now. I loosen my tie and pull it from around my neck, and then abruptly separate our lips.

“Go sit in my chair,” I demand.

She nervously does as I ask, as I lock my office door. I saunter over to her, as she peers up through me, anxiously awaiting my tongue. Before she could think, I begin tying her right hand to the corresponding arm of my office chair. As I pull it tight, she winces at the sting of the material cutting through her skin slightly.

“What are you doing?” she asks.

“Don’t ask me questions.”

She peers up at me fearful, but curious to experience what I feel she’s not ready for. Curiosity always lures them in. But when she sees me pull my belt from my waist, her eyes grow awkwardly wide. The shock on her face turns my perversion on. I place her left hand on the other arm of my chair, and loop my belt at her wrist and buckle her arm in tight as she winces once again. I lean down to face her eye to eye.

“If you move too much, it will hurt more.” I kiss her hard, shoving my tongue in her mouth as I turn the chair around to push it against the desk. I don’t need her rolling away from me. “When you’re asked a question, your response will be, ‘yes, sir’.” I watch her nerves pulsate through her heavy breathing as she nods her head in acceptance. “Do you understand?” I raise my eyebrow expecting her to follow my instruction.

“Uhh…yes, sir,” she whispers through labored breathing.

I smile, pleased with her obedience, which she reciprocates. I get on my knees, pulling her waist down to the edge of the chair, and then pull her underwear off.

“You are to be quiet. Do you understand?”

She smiles. “Yes, sir.”

I smell her underwear slightly, as she watches me embarrassed, before balling them up and shoving them in her mouth just in case. Spreading her legs open, and placing them on my shoulders, I begin biting my way up both of her inner thighs. She begins to squirm quietly, but I need to nip that in the bud now. We’re not alone, after all.

“Quiet,” I seethe.

She settles back in the chair, but I can tell this display of my empowerment is turning her on. She nods since she can’t speak. I stick my tongue in between her pussy lips, feeling her juices stick to my mouth. Ummm, she tastes better than imagined. I press my tongue harder against her clit. Her body gyrates against me as she pulls against her restraints. The pain of being tied doesn’t keep her from moving her pelvis against my face as I stick my tongue inside of her. I dig my fingers into her thighs, as I loop my arms around them to get a better grip on her, keeping her from losing control.

So soon?

I decide against my normal torture of keeping her from orgasm and continue assailing her pussy with my tongue. She lifts her pelvis again, and keeps it up, as she moves against my face. The strength of this woman is making my dick get harder and harder, making me want to fuck her raw, but one thing at a time. As she cums, her body begins to settle back in the chair. I kiss her thighs before removing the underwear from her mouth and kissing her slowly and softly. She follows my motions, not wavering from my attack, or the taste of her own juices.

“Are you okay?” I ask, as I finally begin to remove her restraints.

Did I really just ask her that? How is she beginning to strip away at my dominance, already?

“Yes, sir,” she whispers.

I smile looking down at her. “As much as I like to hear those words, you don’t have to say them right now.”

She blushes as I stand her up, and bend down to help her put back on her now wet underwear.

“I guess that’s what you meant by me not being ready,” she whispers as I stand back up.

I run my fingers through her hair as I stare down at her. I don’t think I’ve ever laid eyes on someone like her. Someone so beautifully pure. I can tell by the wanting in her eyes that she’s going to break me…and I will love it.

“Yes, but I’d like to see where this goes. It’s up to you.”

She gazes at me with a blank stare. “I have to think about it.”

Dammit. She’s out of here.

I don’t blame her…it was too much. “You know how to find me.” I kiss her fervently as if I’ll never get the chance to again, and she follows my longing.

I finally let her pull away from me, and she’s out the door. I haven’t been so scared to lose someone since the first time I was rejected by a foster family. I went this long keeping that feeling far away, and it’s found its way back. I fall against my desk as the weight of my heart dropping in my stomach overwhelms me. I don’t think I can handle such rejection again. It’s strange not having control of a relationship that I suddenly yearn for. Letting my feelings for someone else show is hard for me, especially since it happened immediately. But I have to let her make that choice. All I can do is go home and hope for the best.

***

Once I walk in my apartment, I smell that someone has been in here. I reach for my gun, but realize I’m not a cop right now. I walk slowly in, and notice there is a trail of women’s clothing heading toward my bedroom

Fuck! That sneaky woman.

Jennifer must have watched me put my code in the door. I follow the red shoes, then the black dress, then last her underwear and bra at the door. When I look up, I see her laid across my bed, completely naked, with her arms trapped behind the bars of my bed.

Wait, are those my handcuffs?

Normally that shit would turn me on immediately, but I suddenly feel like I want more in my life than sex. And I only want that from Melody.

She smiles happily once she sees me in the door way. “You like?”

I’m not sure how to answer that. I feel like it’s a trap. Besides, did she not understand what I said last night? Or maybe she thinks putting the handcuffs on will present as being submissive. I walk over to her silently and pull the drawer open from my night stand to retrieve the key to the cuffs. I lean over her and unlock her hands from my barred headboard, and then grab her dress from the living room.

“Put this back on,” I say, and toss the dress on her naked body before going back into the living room. I sit on the couch and wait for her to come out.

“What the fuck is your problem? You can’t treat me like this!” she shouts, now standing in front of me.

“Why? Because of your name?”

“Is this what this is about? Dominic?”

“Well, he did give me a choice. He’d help me make it big in this town but I’d have to leave you alone.” I lean back against my couch and look up at her.

She tilts her head angrily at first, but it’s quickly replaced with denial. “No! My brother wouldn’t do that…no way.”

“According to him, he has plans and needs a level-headed partner…and that’s me, apparently.”

“Plans! His fucking plans!” She paces the floor in front of me, completely losing control. “He’s an idiot, if he thinks he can finish what my father started,” she unintentionally admits.

Oh my God! He’s an ignorant, asshole if he thinks he’ll be governor.

“Listen. I’ve made my decision.”

“Fuck you, you arrogant prick!” she shouts.

Boy, did I dodge a bullet.

“I’m fine with being that, Jennifer. Just go.”

She stands stationary, staring at me as if she’s challenging my reasoning again. No, this is about that bitch at your job. I saw the way you were looking at her,” she interrogates.

She’s certainly not the bitch of you two.

I stand now thoroughly pissed that she has the audacity to insult Melody. I grab her underwear, shoes and purse - that I’m just noticing on my kitchen counter - and stand at the front door.

“Time to go,” I say, opening the door and waiting for her to walk over to me and leave my house. This is why I don’t deal with women longer than a month. But it only took her two days. However, I feel this is the first time she’s had to work so hard to get and keep a man’s attention. That’s the only thing that’s bothering her, I know it.

She finally stalks over to me, snatching her things from my grasp. She stares me down with the evilest, ‘I’ll get you back for humiliating me like this’ glare. But that shit doesn’t scare me at all. I slam the door behind her as soon as she’s far enough out.

So, glad that’s over.

I don’t waste another thought on Jennifer, but rather think about how sweet Melody’s pussy tasted as I lick my lips. I hope she allows me to get more of her. As I’m about to get undressed to shower, I hear a knock at my door. That sound has become a problem and I’ve only been her a few days. I look around my bedroom and living room to see if Jennifer left anything, but she hasn’t.

“What!” I shout, swinging the door open, making Melody jump back. “Melody?” I say peering my head out to see if the coast is clear.

“Expecting someone else?” she asks, as she stands in front of me looking sexy as hell.

She’s wearing knee high boots, a very short dress that conforms to her thick body with her hair hanging at her shoulders. I’m practically drooling as she patiently waits for me to let her in. I step back unable to speak, giving her room to walk into my place.

“You must want to get tied and fucked this time,” I say directly behind her, as she stands staring at my décor. I feel her tense as I let my hands roam her body, before spinning her to face me.

She looks up at me through her lashes. “Yes, sir.”

And that’s all I needed to hear.

The Case IV:

Best-laid Plans

July. Thirty days later.

I’ve been getting close to Dominic. So much so, that I’ve already learned the ends and outs of his business. I know all of his laundering contacts, who he gets kickbacks from, the officers on his payroll, and most important, I’ve confirmed that Nicolai is in fact his future governor. What is surprising, however, is Dominic has made sure to keep his brother’s hands clean. Besides the fact that Nicolai hates my guts - because he can’t understand why Dominic has let me get so close - he’s actually a decent guy. Too bad his future will be fucked once I take the Little family down.

But does his hands being clean really matter?

He still carries the Little name, which brings fear and the possibility of corruption with it. I doubt he’ll get very far with that. Which is why I think he’s buying his seat in the senate. After all, he needs to get his foot in the door. Therefore, he has to get rid of one of the senators in Michigan. The question is, which one? My plan is to figure that out which of the two senators they are going to target and set up a sort of sting to trap the Littles.

“Thinking about something?” Melody rolls over, laying her thigh across my midsection.

Somehow, she’s not only pushed her way into my heart, but she managed to sleep in my bed every night since I tied her up for the first time.

“Nothing I can talk about.” I’ve been enjoying our undefined relationship, at the wrong time. A time when my life is full of secrets. Not just things I’ve kept from any and every one, but also anything to do with this whole Little conspiracy.

It’s like I can’t tell her anything…about my past or present. But I actually can divulge my past, she hasn’t run from her submissive role, maybe she won’t be dissuaded by my baggage.

She sits up suddenly, swinging her legs off the bed with her back to me. “Is there anything you can tell me?”

Oh no.

The sadness in her tone makes me feel like it’s now or never. Throughout this past month, I’ve had to remind myself that she means more to me than some monthly romp. I have to actually treat her respectfully, and most importantly, disclose my inner most dark thoughts. I swing my legs off the bed and stand to walk over to her side. She keeps her head down, as I sit beside her, placing my hand on hers.

“You sure you want to know?” I ask.

She finally looks up at me. “Unless you don’t want me to.”

Her words pull at me, realizing the wrong answer will send her packing. “I want you to.” I squeeze her hand and begin my detailed story of being born addicted to heroin because my selfish mother decided her habit was more important than the health of her first child. You would think that once I was born, the doctor’s calling Social Services would be a good thing.

But it just wasn’t.

Turns out no matter how desperate some people want to parent and help an orphan, one being born addicted to such a harsh drug, became overwhelming for them to conquer. It was just too much care and responsibility involved.

That became my life until I turned six, and believe it or not, my birth mother finally got clean and wanted me back. She came to visit me often, and I finally got to experience what life could be like with a real family…and a sober mother who loved and cherished her son. Unfortunately, she tried changing her life too late, and her heart gave.

But my story didn’t end there.

Two years later, a large family came to my rescue. A great couple took in foster children, but treated us all as their own. I’ve never felt so much love and devotion in my young life. So, of course I grew to love them immensely, over the eight years I was there. One night, I got so sick while they were out on a date. My foster brother called to tell them, so they left the restaurant early to get me some medicine from the pharmacy. As they were sitting at a light, a truck lost control and they were hit head on. They both died instantly.

Who’s going to want a fifteen-year-old orphan? Nobody.

So, I remained on my own until I was let free at eighteen. It was rough for me at first. I was homeless…I robbed people…but managed to not get caught. Eventually, I got my act together, put myself through school…and here I am. A controlling, sex crazed dominant who only deals with women for a month at a time, because I don’t want to be confronted with any more feelings of loss.

I sit in silence, hoping she doesn’t begin to feel sorry for me. You can’t pity the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. That’s just not cute.

But she doesn’t say anything.

She stands, pushing her way between my legs, and lifting my head up in the palms of her hands. Her eyes devour me in an ‘I want you now’ sort of way. She kisses me softly and I follow her slow rhythm, wrapping my arms at her waist. She puts her weight against me and I fall back on the bed, as she follows on top of me. The hunger in our touch is impassioned by my willingness to let her in. The need for us to connect with more than words is overwhelming as she melts into me.

Melody has brought more than lust to my life, but the possibility of love. And that’s what this feels like. Making love, for the first time in my life.

****

I watch her as she gathers her things to leave for work. I hate it when we part, but I know we have work to do. Her job is clearly less risky than mine. So much so, that I sometimes want to tell her what’s going on in case something happens, but I can’t. I’ve already began a relationship while I’m supposed to be working undercover.

I can’t do everything wrong.

“You gonna walk me out handsome?” she says, leaning over me as I lay in the bed.

“Of course.” I kiss her quickly, before getting up and sliding on the shorts beside my bed.

We walk hand in hand to my door. As I open it, she begins to leave, but I’m not quite ready for that. I pull her back to me, and push her against the wall just outside of my open door, in the hall. I kiss her hard, pressing my erection against her. She giggles through our kiss as she hooks her free arm at my neck.

“You’re making me late, handsome.”

“I know.” I kiss her once more and watch her walk down the hall before going back into my apartment.

I just don’t see myself getting tired of her for some reason. She’s what has put a smile on my face every morning, as she graciously allows me to wake up to her this past month. I just wish we met sooner, then I may not be as sexually out of control as I am now.

I’m clearly a deviant disaster.

However, I think she’s grown to love that part of me…of our relationship. I finally go in the bedroom to take a shower, first texting Melody, and then placing the phone on my nightstand.

It doesn’t take me long to get ready, because I’ve made myself late for my meeting with Nicolai this morning. Dominic wanted him to go over a few things with me, concerning his senate seat. I’m hoping he’s going to tell me the name of the senator they’re going after. This isn’t something I should be late for. Nicolai already hates me. I rush out of the house so fast, I forget my phone. I run back to the nightstand in my bedroom, but it isn’t there. It’s on the bed.

Strange. I could have sworn I left it on the nightstand. Thinking it was just me rushing around, I leave for my meeting at their warehouse downtown.

As I pull in, I see Nicolai’s car outside. Great, he’s already here. I hope he hasn’t been waiting too long or I’ll never hear the end of it. Opening the door, I see Nicolai sitting in a chair, with another empty chair directly in front of him.

Does he plan on interrogating me?

Suddenly, someone comes at me from the side, punching me in the face, and catching me off guard. Before I could react, I’m hit again and everything goes black.

When I come to, I blink in the harsh lighting slowly. Nicolai eventually comes into focus, as he sits across from me. I look around the room, to see if we’re still in the same place, and we are.

“Finally.”

I recognize Jennifer’s voice, but don’t see her. I hear her heels clicking the floor as she stands beside her brother.

“What the fuck is going on?!” I shout as I try to stand from the chair, now realizing they have me tied.

I’m never the one that’s supposed to be tied.

“You lied to me…I knew you were seeing that bitch!”

I look at her confused. We tried to hide our relationship all month, and I thought I was doing well keeping it a secret. Apparently, I wasn’t.

“I saw you two this morning…in the hallway,” she adds.

Shit. Was she in my house, also?

I think, remembering my phone was moved. Then I remember that damn recording was in it. But there’s no way she could have found it, and listened that fast.

“You fighting your sister’s battles like you’re in high school…pretty messy if you ask me,” I say to Nicolai.

“No one asked you. But you and I know, I’ve been waiting to have the reason to beat your ass.”

He stands to remove his suit jacket and rolls up his sleeves. Jennifer backs up, but her eyes focus on me as she smiles deviously.

She’s truly a bitch.

“Well, I guess you better get this shit over with, before Dominic gets here,” I say, appearing unphased by the ass-kicking I’m about to receive.

However, my statement comes across as if Dominic will choose me, over his family. The anger visibly builds in Nicolai’s face, and before you know it, I’m getting pounded.

***

August. Three Weeks Later.

So, here I am, sitting in front of this coffee shop, fully healed from Nicolai’s assault. Honestly, had Dominic not gotten to the warehouse when he did, I would be dead right now. It was like Nicolai took all his frustration of being kept in the background, instead of beside his brother, was taken out on me. As if, when I showed up, I took his place beside Dominic at the top of the proverbial throne.

Because it took three weeks for my body to heal from the assault, I missed a lot of Little business. Something my superiors blamed on me, because I mishandled Jennifer. Instead of me caressing the situation, they found out I began sleeping with Melody. Boy was I in the shitter because of it. Captain Richards knew I failed, and seemed pleased about it, for some reason. The only good thing that came out of that whole situation was me being able to tell Melody the whole truth. She was upset at first, considering I could have died, but she never left my side, and nursed me back to health.

However, this morning I got a text from an anonymous number.

Unknown Sender: Be in front of your usual coffee shop at 12 p.m.

Initially, I was nervous, but I realized the text had to be from someone I knew, because who else would know where my usual coffee shop is.

It’s exactly that time when I see the reason for me being here. Captain Richards is nervously pacing down the block and enters the building right beside the coffee shop. As I get out of my car and cross the street, my arm is pulled, forcing me to turn around. I see it’s Jennifer, and snatch my arm away immediately.

“I don’t care what you say, you deserved it. Asshole!” she says.

Her words anger me instantly, but I know now it was her that texted me. It must be for a good reason, or she wouldn’t be caught dead seen with me. Still, the fact that I still need her for information annoys the shit out of me. She almost got me killed because she’s a fucking nut. “What do you know?”

“Follow me.” She doesn’t wait for me to respond. She walks away, and turns down an alley.

I have no choice but to follow her. As I turn down the alley, I see her standing beside a familiar face.

“McCollum?” I whisper now in front of them.

He smiles. “Actually, it’s Collin Baum…F.B.I.”

What the fuck? I knew something was going on.

“What’s going on?” I ask confused.

“Well, I told you to be careful with that recording…she found it in your phone.”

“I knew you got to my phone. Why didn’t you tell your brother?” She could have taken care of me right then and there.

“Listen, as pissed as I was…I want to get out from under the Little name. It’s holding me back.”

And she’d be right. She’s worth way more than that.

“Where do you come in?” I ask the man I now know as Collin.

“We’ve gotten close in the time I’ve been under cover. She came to me with the recording, thinking it was an opportunity to be free of them. I told her she was right, but because you and I are both under cover. She agreed to help me, but she will not testify.”

I wouldn’t think so. They’re too close of a family.

“That all sounds legit, but why is Richards here? I get the feeling he can’t be trusted.”

“You’d be right. He can’t. Jennifer found out about a big meeting going down today. We need to get in there and bust this up now. Maybe we can get them in the act.” He smiles excitedly.

“I guess, you should get out of here then,” I say to Jennifer.

She doesn’t say anything else, just smiles and leaves. I’m sure hoping that she will lead a normal life after today. But, I suddenly get nervous realizing it is at least three of them and their henchmen…and just two of us.

“Will we have help?” I ask, trying to mask my jitters.

“I’ve already got backup surrounding the place,” Colin says.

“Let’s do this, then.” I pull my gun out and so does he, as he paces quickly through a side entrance of the building that Richards also went into.

As we get closer, I hear loud voices, as well as someone getting brutalized with what sounds like a fist. A sound I now know all too well.

“You’re gonna step down…or I will kill your family and make you watch.” Then I hear a face being punched. I immediately recognize Dominic’s voice.

“Dominic, you can’t do this. I can’t keep covering this shit up. You already dodged a bullet with Lyndsey.” And that’s Captain Richards.

Did they know I was a cop the whole time? No way!

“You should have told us about him immediately,” Nicolai responds. “I told you not to trust him.”

I wonder why Captain didn’t say anything. Could he have grown a conscious?

“Enough with this! You’re done if you don’t do as I say!” Dominic shouts.

Just then, Colin picks up his walkie-talkie. “Go now.”

Before you know it, agents are busting in every entrance possible. I follow Colin in, once the agents have everyone arrested, and the hostage is safe. As we walk in, Dominic, Nicolai and Richards are on their knees, in cuffs, and with their heads down. Defeat is exuding from them and I’m especially enjoying that sight from Nicolai.

Fucking bastard! “Karma is a bitch, ain’t it?” I say gloating, standing over them.

The three of them look up at me with looks of shock on their faces. I walk in front of Captain Richards as he stares up at me in shame.

“You’re a disgrace to the badge. I can’t believe I actually looked up to you.”

His head falls in shame, and a solitary tear falls from his cheek. In a way, and only because he didn’t rat me out sooner, I know he probably tried desperately to get out from under the Littles. But once your hands are stained with the much dirt, it becomes embedded within them. He didn’t stand a chance.

I shake Colin’s hand and walk out of the warehouse, now satisfied with the outcome of my first case as detective. Not only did I help take down the largest crime family in the city, but also a well-known captain of the department. So, I’m able to peacefully walk away from the drama of the past three months that almost took my life…but also has given me new life…Melody.

And that’s good enough for me.