Author Note: Riley's dress is the Halter Odessa Evening Gown from Badgley Mischka. I'll post a picture on my tumblr of it.

Let Me Be Your Hero

Chapter Ten: Hand On Heart

Working on getting information out of Maya, will call tomorrow.

Lucas shook his head as he put his phone in the pocket of his tuxedo jacket. He adjusted his collar, feeling the black bowtie tight against his neck. He was thankful he had his own tux, considering how many events he had to blend in at; he just wished someone had remembered this event was on her calendar before the dress had arrived this morning.

So now he was waiting for Riley, the first time she would be out in public since he'd arrived. He was nervous; he hadn't had adequate time to prepare for this but he would be her escort so he would be close to her all evening long.

He was at the bottom of the staircase, waiting, and the last time he'd felt this nervous was their prom night when he'd sat on her parents couch waiting for her. He could still see her in his memories, the floor length purple gown, not that much different from the dress she wore on their first date in seventh grade.

He looked up, just in time to see Riley coming down the stairs in a long black halter evening gown that fit her curves perfectly. Her brown hair in a French twist, with a few spring flowers pinned in place.

Riley stopped a few stairs from the bottom, "You okay Friar?"

"You look amazing Riley, just amazing." He reached out for her hand helping her down the steps.

"Thank you." She grabbed a shawl from the table draping it around her shoulders, "I'm so sorry we forgot about this. I just have to sing one song, and do a little mingling to raise money for the Children's Hospital."

"It's okay." Lucas brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them gently.

As they moved towards the door Riley turned to him, "Dominic will probably be there . . . just do your best to ignore him, that's what I try to do."

"Riley, what exactly did Dominic do to you? Or try to do?"

Riley grew stiff for a moment, "He just, even when I was married to Farkle, would hit on me. It got a bit more aggressive after the divorce, and he still does it all this time later."

"Well, you won't have to worry about that tonight. I'll be by your side the entire time." He kissed her forehead and led her out to the waiting limo.

At the event, Lucas was by her side except for the few minutes where she was on stage singing. As she came off stage she grabbed a glass of champagne and quickly downed it before grabbing another and rejoining Lucas at the event.

She was nervous, she was afraid that Dominic would spill her secret, or at least tease about it enough that Lucas would figure it out.

"Riley, I see you brought the guard dog with you." Dominic looked Lucas up and down, jealous of how well the man filled out his tuxedo. "Couldn't you leave him at home just one night?"

Riley picked up another champagne glass and let her eyes drill into Dominic's, "Lucas is my escort, why do you have a problem with that?"

Lucas pulled Riley tightly against his body, "Really Dominic, don't you have some young woman to be hitting on somewhere?"

Dominic smirked, "It really is a shame the two of you broke up, why was that, you sleeping with Maya?"

"Dominic, back off, or I'll let Lucas take you down to the floor again." Riley warned.

"That would be a shame Riley, you know it." He looked her up and down before grabbing a champagne flute and tipped it to them, "I'll see you later I'm sure."

Riley closed her eyes lifting her own drink to her lips and counting until ten. She felt the comforting squeeze from his hand around her waist. "I'm not sure which one of us dislikes him more."

"Just say the word and he's taken care of." Lucas gave her a small smile as he drank from his own flute.

She turned to look at him, his meadow green eyes always getting to her, making her heart race, "We have bigger fish to fry; besides it's time to mingle. Come along."

Lucas followed; still bothered by the way Riley and Dominic interacted. He knew she would tell him when she was ready, but he really hoped he was wrong about the theory he was building.

Riley joined a group of women, a few he recognized but he couldn't tell you from where. She introduced Lucas as her date, an old high school sweetheart and former Navy SEAL. The ladies were impressed and she convinced each of them to make sizable donations.

As they left the group, Riley grabbed two more champagne flutes handing one to Lucas, "One more conversation and you can take me home."

They clinked glasses, Lucas taking a slow sip, Riley a bit more enthusiastic with hers.

"Riles, how many have you had tonight?"

"That's my last one, I promise." She kissed his cheek, before she led him to talk to several of the doctors from the hospital.

"Riley?" The female voice caused her to turn her attention to the redhead in the silver dress.

"Clara, it's good to see you. Have you made your donation yet?"

"Of course, who is this gentleman, don't you normally bring Farkle?" Clara could only hope that Riley was finally moving on from her ex-husband.

Riley smiled, "This is Lucas Friar, Lucas, this is Clara Davenport, she and Farkle used to see each other."

"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you." Lucas watched the women interact.

"You should call Farkle, have lunch with him."

Clara shook her head, "No, I don't think that would be a good idea."

"Are you seeing someone new?" Riley tilted her head, she knew that Clara broke up with Farkle because of her, she couldn't let them stay apart because of it.

"I just don't think it's a good idea."

"Clara, he might be my ex-husband, but he's more like a brother to me than anything else. I can promise you that I'm not the woman he's thinking about when he lets himself daydream, it's you."

Clara blushed, "It's been far too long."

"It's never too long if the feelings are still there." Riley gave Lucas' hand a squeeze. "Just lunch, catch up with him. That's all."

"I'll think about it Riley, no promises."

"That's all I ask. Have a good evening Clara, I think we're going to head out."

"Good night." Clara waved as Lucas led Riley out.

"So that's the woman Farkle loves huh?"

"Oh he's mentioned her?"

"Just once, and he got that look in his eyes of long." Lucas kept his eyes on what was happening as they walked out to the parking lot, he'd already texted the driver to be waiting and he saw the Limo getting ready to pull up as a black sedan came racing towards them.

Lucas lifted Riley in his arms and raced up the stairs, just missing being hit by the car as it drove back into the parking lot, a cigarette being flicked out the driver's side window.

Riley clung to Lucas, her heart racing like it never had before as her life has flashed in bits and pieces before her eyes.

The limo driver snapped a picture of the sedan's license plate before calling 911.

Lucas held Riley, his eyes closed tightly, "You're okay, baby, you're okay."

Riley couldn't hold back and began sobbing as Lucas cradled her in his arms.

"You're okay, Riley, you're safe now. I'm not going to let anything happen to you." He tried to sooth her as anger boiled in him.

When the police arrived Lucas gave a statement, and Riley tried as best she could through her shock. Her body was shaking the entire time. The limo driver gave the police the picture, pointed out the cigarette the driver flicked out the window.

Riley clung to Lucas as they sat in the Limo on the drive home. She could've died. Someone almost killed her tonight.

Lucas guided her up the steps of the porch. "You're safe here Riley. I promise you."

"As long as I'm with you, I'm safe." She kissed him, desperate to feel alive right now as they leaned against the giant stone column. "Take me, right here, right now Lucas."

"Riley . . ." He looked in her eyes, trying to determine if it was the alcohol, the shock, the need to feel alive.

"I need you right this second Lucas." She kissed him, grabbing him by the lapels of his jacked as she pulled his strong hard body against her.

She felt his hand slide up her thigh as she felt him pin her against the column. The cold night air hit her skin as he pulled the skirt of her dress up.

Riley couldn't tell you how he held her up, removed her panties, undid his own pants or anything, and she didn't care how it happened, just that it did as he entered her. Filling her exactly as she needed, wanted.

Lucas was under her spell the moment she kissed him, anything she wanted, she got, including this, right now. Her body clinging to him as they moved at a furious pace before hitting the peak and he exploded inside of her as she moaned his name with a husky voice in his ear.

They were still for a moment before Lucas pulled away just enough to let her stand and redo his pants.

She kissed him again, crying, "Come to bed with my Lucas."

"Of course" He let her guide him into the house, up the stairs and down the hall to her room.

Riley locked the door behind them, turning her back to Lucas, "Could you get my zipper?"

"Of course," he gulped as he pulled it down, revealing her bare back before he pushed the dress open.

Riley turned to face him, watching as the dress fell to the ground, here she stood naked in front of him as she reached up to start undo his tie and unbutton his shirt, pushing it off his strong arms.

"Riley . . ." Lucas watched as she tugged on his pants.

She lifted a finger to his lips, "Shh, I don't want to talk, I want to feel, I need to feel, I want and need to feel you. All of you Lucas."

He watched as her body dropped down his, her fingers encircling his erection moments before he felt the warmth of her mouth around him. His fingers combed the edge of her hair as she bobbed hungrily before pulling away, kissing a trail up his body before capturing his mouth with hers.

Lucas pulled her body up, wrapping her legs around him as he moved her to the bed.

Riley arched her body as he entered her, filling her again. Everything about this felt perfect, the way they touched each other, the way they kissed, she felt more alive when with him than she had in ages.

Her body shook with pleasure as she cried out his name, feeling his body collapse on hers as he began to massage her breasts in his hands, his mouth on one nipple and then the other.

She bit her lip when she felt his hand between her legs, teasing her sensitive nub as her body rocked with mini-spurts of pleasure.

Finally they broke apart, her heart pounding, her mind racing as she looked at this man in her bed; the only man she ever loved, the only man she ever would love, the only one who would ever complete her.

"What happens next Lucas?" She grabbed his hand to keep him from moving away from her.

He smiled, "I was going to put on my pants and go get some water from the kitchen."

"I don't mean that." She searched his eyes, hoping he understood, "You and me, what happens when this is all over?"

"Oh." He took her face in his hands, "I don't really know. I know you're not ready to discuss the future, I know you don't want me to say the words, but I think you already know Riley. I spent ten years without you; do you honestly think I would risk losing you again?"

"You'll hate me when this is over." She confessed her biggest fear as her hands covered his, her eyes locked with his, her eyes glossy with tears.

"Nothing is going to make me hate you." He searched her eyes, hoping she believed him. "Now, relax. You've had an exciting night. I'm going to get us some water, then I'm going to hold you and you'll fall asleep knowing you're safe in my arms."

Riley nodded as she watched him leave the room. She tried to relax in the bed, afraid to close her eyes as they began to feel heavy.

He wasn't gone long, returning with two bottles opening one for her. "Drink up; you'll be hung over in the morning."

"Thank you, for, everything." She took a long sip from the bottle, "Do you think my stalker was at the party?"

"They at least knew you would be there." He told her, not wanting to reveal his main suspect. "Don't worry about that now. The police can trace the license plate and we'll find whoever this is."

Riley felt his arms slip around her, her head resting on his chest. She closed her eyes, starting to drift to sleep. "I love you Lucas."

He smiled, kissing the top of her head knowing she was falling asleep, he knew she loved him, but also knew she wasn't ready to really say it. "I know sweetheart. Get some sleep."

She sighed, "Don't hate me, please."

"I won't."

"You will, when I tell you Gabe is your son."

Before Lucas could say anything he heard her soft snore. Had she just said what he thought she said?

His mind raced. Was it possible?

He pulled away from her slowly, sitting up in the bed as he tried to think. He and Riley had always used protection, except when they didn't. Hell they'd been together a handful of times since he came back into her life and about half that time hadn't used condoms.

He found himself pacing, was that why she only had baby pictures of Gabe hanging? Why Farkle had been so cagey when he asked for the boy's birthday?

Why would Riley keep this from him?

Because she thought you cheated on her, she obviously found out she was pregnant after you broke up.

Was this what Dominic had been hinting at?

Was this why Farkle and Zay were so protective of her, so afraid of him breaking her heart?

Lucas needed air; he grabbed his phone and raced out of her room, out of the house, walking to the edge of the property as he had not that long before.

He didn't care what time it was, he pulled up the number knowing that if anyone was going to be straight with him, it would be Josh.

"Dude, do you know how late it is?"

"Be honest with me Josh, you're the only one who will. Is Gabe my son?"

Silence for a long moment, except for background noise as he was obviously trying not to wake someone—Maya.

"Probably, he looks like you and not Farkle." Josh chuckled a little, "Sorry, why are you asking, shouldn't you ask Riley?"

"She's sleeping, we had a run in with her stalker this evening, as she was drifting to sleep she asked that I not hate her, I said I wouldn't, and then she said I would when she tells me that Gabe is my son." Lucas could feel the sadness washing over him.

Josh sighed, "Listen, take a deep breath. Calm down before you talk to Riley about this. Just remember that you were gone, she thought you betrayed her, and that she probably thought she was doing the right thing for Gabe."

Lucas wanted to punch someone, he knew Josh was right, "Did you ever find out who was sending Maya money?"

"Dominic Monaghan, dude, she's also getting letters like Riley. She doesn't know I found them and read them, I was going to talk to her about it tomorrow she has the day off."

"Dominic was at the party tonight." He looked back to the house, "Thanks for the information Josh."

"Lucas, you love her. She loves you. Don't be mad, let her explain, it sounds like keeping it a secret is punishing her enough."

"Go back to Maya." Lucas ended the call and looked up at the stars, they weren't as bright and plentiful as back in Texas but the sky was full of them. He just wished they had answers for him.

Lucas stayed outside, his mind trying to sort out what he was feeling, what he needed to do, what the best course of action was.

The sun was starting to rise and he went back in the house, he went to his room. While showering he found himself crying as he thought about how twisted the entire situation was. How could he pretend he didn't know?

He dressed and went into Riley's room, sitting on the window seat, waiting for her to wake up.

It killed him that he knew she had her reasons for not telling him, hell he did vanish all those years ago, how could she tell him even if she'd wanted to.

He should've fought for her. If he had, he wouldn't have lost all that time with her . . . and their son.

"Lucas?" Riley was waking up, reaching for him in the bed.

He went to the side, "Hey baby." His heart filled with love as her chestnut eyes landed on him.

She reached up to touch her head, feeling the pounding alcohol induced headache, "Far too much champagne and excitement last night."

She had no idea. He smiled, "Yeah, listen, I've been thinking. I don't think it's safe here anymore. I think I need to take you to the ranch."

Riley shook her head, "Lucas, I don't want to run away."

He took her face in his hands, "Riley, I'm not going to argue with you about this. I think I know who your stalker is, and the only way to catch them is to get you as far away from here as possible. I'm going to take you, Farkle, and Zay to the ranch today. It'll be good for you to see your son."

It had only been a dream, you didn't tell him. Riley held a sigh of relief, and then felt regret swallow her up. "Who do you think it is?"

"Dominic, he has access to your schedule, he has an obsession with you, and some other things I've found out. I need you to be in Texas, to be safe. Besides, you've been apart from your son for too long." He closed his eyes every time he mentioned Gabe; it was the only way he wouldn't give it away. "Pack, I'm going to tell Farkle and Zay, and then I'm going to set a trap for Dominic."

"How?"

"I have the perfect bait, Maya."

"Maya?" She was either not awake enough, so hungover this made no sense, or just confused, maybe a mixture of all three.

Lucas stared into her eyes, "Trust me, I love you, and I will do everything I can to protect you baby."

Riley threw her arms around him, terrified of how this was going to playout, just needing the comfort of his embrace for a moment.