Thank you everyone for the great response to the story so far! I loved reading everyone's reviews!
Currently wondering, would you rather have a long chapter every few days or a shorter chapter everyday? I'm going to try to put out a chapter everyday but I'm currently in final season at college so I might not be able to but I sure will try!
Keep leaving the great comments! I love you all!
After hanging up with Kate, Rick made his way back to the main room sporting a huge smile on his face. Even after almost two and a half years, he still couldn't believe he was able to call Kate Beckett, well Kate Castle, his wife. Rick was still a little disappointed that he couldn't shout his love from the rooftops, but he understood Kate's need to keep their relationship a secret.
With her job, Kate needed to be one hundred percent focused at all times. She didn't need the paparazzi following her to crime scenes or any other place her investigation would take her. Being in a male dominated field was already hard enough. Having her love life thrown all over page six definitely wouldn't help either.
Not only was she afraid of the press and her coworkers, excluding Ryan and Esposito, she was afraid of how a perp would treat her. She didn't need a murderer targeting her emotions in the box. The thought of someone coming after her family as well, had her on edge almost constantly.
Shaking the thoughts from his head, Rick made his way over to the bar, sitting quickly and ordering a scotch. Surveying the room, hoping to spot Kate soon, he cringed when he noticed the woman striding his way.
"There you are Ricky! What the hell are you doing back here? You need to get back out there and mingle with your fans. No one is going to buy your book if they don't like you," Gina quickly chastised. "It's bad enough you killed off your best character, don't make them hate you more."
Rick sighed. "Gina, I'm on my way back out, so you can just leave me alone." Rick stood from the bar stool attempting to walk back outside but Gina quickly grabbed his bicep, turning Rick back towards her, halting his movements.
"I can't leave you alone Ricky, especially since you owe me an idea for your next series." Looking up at Rick through hooded eyes, Gina gave him a saucy smile. She quickly stood on the tips of her toes and whispered in Rick's ear, "You know, if you need any inspiration, I am more than happy to help."
Quickly wrenching his arm from her grasp and stepping away from her, trying to avoid any physical contact. "I've got more than enough inspiration at home Gina."
Scowling, Gina huffed a laugh, "What are you talking about, you probably haven't written a word in months." Trying again, Gina stepped closer to Rick, giving him a smile, "Come on Ricky, we would be good for your image. It's just a little fun."
With an edge to his voice, Rick growled at Gina, "I already said no. And for the record my next manuscript is almost finished." With that, Rick turned around to walk away from Gina, quickly stopping his movement when he saw the badge directly in front of his face.
"Mr. Castle, Detective Kate Beckett NYPD. We need to ask you a few questions about a murder that took place earlier tonight."
A huge smile growing on his face, Rick opened his mouth to respond but Gina beat him to it, "Who the hell do you think you are? You do realize he is at the launch for his latest book, right? This can definitely wait until a later time." Turning to Rick, she grabbed his arm, trying to pull him away, "Come on Ricky, let's go."
Quickly halting Gina's movements, Kate responded, "People are dead Ms. Cowan, Rick needs to come with me now."
Trying to grab Rick's hand in an attempt to pull him away from Gina, Kate felt a lite slap to the top of her hand.
"He is staying here," Gina snarled. "And don't try touching my boyfriend again."
Rick watched the entire altercation nervously, constantly switching his gaze to both the women in front of him. Rick stayed unusually quiet, knowing Kate could handle the situation with Gina. That was until Rick heard Gina refer to him as her 'boyfriend'. Upon hearing that Rick quickly shot Kate a pleading look, trying to convey to her that that was not the case. He could see the fire in her eyes, the rage building, and he knew she was about to explode.
Without hesitation, Rick turned to Gina, trying to defuse the inevitable wrath of one Kate Beckett. "Gina, I've already told you I'm not interested. I'm going with Detective Beckett; I'll see you at the next meeting."
With that Rick quickly grabbed Kate's bicep and turned her around, leading her to the elevator. Once inside Rick turned to Kate.
"Kate, honey?" Rick questioned hesitantly.
Kate remained quiet, staring straight ahead at the doors of the elevator. Her face seemed calm but he could see the lingering anger in her green eyes.
"Kate, you know I wouldn't do that to you, right?"
Quickly, the anger morphed to sadness, which caused a bought of fresh tears to well in her eyes. A tear rolled down her check when Rick gently grabbed her chin and turned her towards him.
Rick hated seeing that look in his wife's eyes. He knew she had problems accepting his previous playboy life style when they first got together. He knew she trusted him, but after learning about Gina's constant come-ons, she was very weary of the woman.
Rick quickly pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. One hand cradled the back of her head gently, while the other rubbed her back soothingly. Kate quickly returned the hug, wrapping her arms around his waist and turning her head into the crook of his neck.
After a few moments, Kate pulled away slightly, enough to see his face while still being held in his arms. Rick ran the hand from the back of her head around to cup her right cheek, gently using his thumb to swipe away at the stray tear, while his other head settled on her waist.
"I trust you Rick. I know you wouldn't do that to me. I just hate that she thinks you're available," Kate sighed quietly.
Kate pulled away fully, realizing they had arrived at the ground floor. Walking out with Rick trailing behind her, they made their way to Kate's police issued cruiser. Sliding into their seats, they buckled their seatbelts and Kate started the car.
Before pulling away from the curb, Kate reached across the console to grab Rick's hand. She turned to him, giving him a small smile. "I love you Rick. I'm fine, really."
Rick pulled Kate's hand, tugging her closer to him. They both leaned across the console and met for a long, slow kiss. Pulling away, the couple smiled brightly at each other.
Kate turned back to the wheel; momentarily slipping her hand from Rick's to pull the car onto the road.
Rick glanced back over to Kate, thinking about what she'd said about Gina. He agreed with Kate, he hated Gina thought he was available too. A thought briefly came to his mind but he shook it away quickly. He'd have to discuss it with Kate at a later time.
Arriving to the homicide floor of the precinct, Rick watched his wife's quick transformation from Kate Castle to Detective Kate Beckett. She confidently strode to her desk, located in the middle of the bullpen. Hearing the confident clack of her heels, Ryan and Esposito looked up from their desks' at the same time.
"Hey Boss, I see you've found writerboy," Espo teased, a small smirk donned on his face.
Ryan laughed next to him, leaning over to pound their knuckles together.
Rolling her eyes, Beckett questioned the pair. "Espo did you get 's file? And Ryan, did Lanie call back with her autopsy report?"
Rather than verbally responding, the boys each handed her a file.
"Thank you." Turning back to Rick, who was standing there watching the scene unfold, she directed him with a hand saying, "Right this way Mr. Castle."
Lowering his voice, Castle seductively inquired with a quirked eyebrow, "Mr. Castle?"
Beckett rolled her eyes as she opened the door to the interrogation room, "Just sit down so we can get this over with."
Castle strolled over to the chair, sitting down, and prepared himself for what was to come.
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