TALES FROM THE CITADEL CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
THE COMMISSIONERS DAUGHTER
CHAPTER SIX
Warning: Parts of this chapter will be M rated.
Rick laughed, scooped Erin up in his arms and carried her, bridal style to the bedroom. He set her down and kissed her, soft, at first, but when her tongue slipped into his mouth, the heat began to build. He thrust back, tongues entwining, exploring, raiding, conquering and being conquered. After a couple of minutes of almost frantic kissing, Rick moved to Erin's neck, placing soft kisses up and down that slender column and a very sensitive place just beneath her ear. She gasped and thrust her pelvis hard, against him, then turned.
"Please unzip my dress." That done, she slipped out of it and laid it across a chair. Standing in just her pretty lingerie and heels, she said;
"My turn." She slowly unbuttoned his shirt, taking her time, savoring the view as the shirt parted. She laid his shirt on top of her dress and then pulled his t-shirt over his head. He wasn't chiseled, like a body-builder, but Erin had always thought those bulging muscles and prominent veins a little grotesque, anyway. Ricks muscles were well defined and hard, but a normal man's body.
She thought how warm, safe and yes, protected, with those massive arms wrapped around her. She felt all of those things, but at the moment, that all faded behind her arousal. He stepped out of his shoes and toed off his socks. She unbuckled his belt, popped the waist button and unzipped his trousers. She slid them off and laid them atop the other clothes.
She smiled and decided to put on a little show for him. She sat on the bed and slowly slipped one stocking down her long, slim, elegant leg, then repeated it, just as slowly down the other. She reached behind, unclasped her bra and let it drop. Rick stared at her, almost ready to drool. She might be closer to forty than thirty, but her breasts, while not overly large, were still firm and perky. She quirked a forefinger at him and he joined her on the bed, where the kissing resumed.
Mouths, necks, pulse points. Both giving and taking in equal measure. Rick took one already peaked nipple into his mouth, teasing it swirling his tongue around it, tweaking the other, gently between his fingers, then reversed the process. Her moans and mewls, testified how aroused she was and could feel herself getting wet.
"Rick, she gasped, get my panties off me, now." She didn't want to stain these expensive new panties. He complied, then removed his boxers. He kissed her stomach; she grabbed his head.
"Plenty of time for that later, I need you inside me. She spread her legs as wide as she could. Rick entered her slowly, giving her time to adjust. He was a bit larger than most and it had been a long time without sex for her. When he was fully sheathed, he began a slow pace, gradually increasing the tempo. It had been a long time for him, too, but he wasn't a boy and had superb control She lifted her legs, wrapping them around him, urging him into her, as deep as he could go. He could feel her start to tremble and clench her inner muscles, so he thrust, fast and hard. She chanted; "Rick, Rick, Rick and finally came like a wild thing. Her orgasm completely overwhelmed her senses. She was just starting to come down, when she felt him spill into her and that triggered a second orgasm.
Before, after Mike came, he would pull out of her, whether she orgasmed or not. Roll over and go to sleep, more often than not, leaving her frustrated and she had to finish herself off.
Rick did not pull out of her. He rolled them over, holding her on top of him, stroking her back, until her breathing slowed. (and his)
A few moments later, she lifted her head and gave him the happiest smile he'd ever seen
"My God, Rick, that was the most amazing thing ever. I never knew it could be this good. And our first time, too." He started to lift her. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to clean up." She tightened her arms around him.
"Why bother, as soon as I've recovered, we're going to get messy again." He blushed. "I need to use the bathroom." She chuckled.
"Go ahead but get right back here."
"So bossy."
"I have to be, to get what I want. As much as I can." After the third round, Rick ran a bath in the indoor pool. Otherwise known as a bathtub." As they lay there, in the fragrant water, she softly crooned a melody.
"What's that?" Rick asked.
"Just an old melody that my mother used to sing" (it was actually my own true love from gone with the wind)
Getting out of the bath, they took large fluffy towels from the rack and dried each other. Rick got out a fresh pair of boxers and a t-shirt and put them on. He handed Erin a t-shirt to sleep in. She put her panties back on, donned the t- shirt and got under the covers, snuggling up to Rick. She was asleep in moments. She awoke first, yawned and stretched, then looked at Rick and grinned. I'm awake, but I don't want to get up. Whoa! Get up? I think I'll get Rick up! She laughed, softly then stripped off the t-shirt and her panties. Then her head went under the covers. It took only seconds to achieve her goal.
Rick awoke to an almost painful erection. "What?"
"It's just me, Baby, lay back and enjoy it."
"Erin, if you don't stop that, I' going to come way too fast."
"Well, I wouldn't want to waste that." She pulled the covers back, rose straddled Rick and slid down on him, enjoying a delicious impalement. He thrust into her." She crooned;
"Let it go, Baby, let it all go. Give it all to me." He came after only a couple of thrusts.
"I'm sorry Erin, you didn't get off."
She lay on him. "After five orgasms, last night, I'm not sure I could handle another one, this morning. But you feel so good, in me, I don't care. But now, we should shower and get ready for the day. "
"But your fresh clothes and make-up are in your room."
"So? It's only two doors down the hall. I'll just borrow your robe. And if someone sees me, I don't care. Everyone here is family."
Looking at her watch, Erin realized that it wasn't as late as she thought it was. She shouldn't feel this good, alert and energized after only four hours of sleep. True, the best sleep she'd had, in a very long time, but still, only four hours.
She walked into the kitchen and found herself surrounded by the other ladies, each doing something to prepare breakfast. Linda Reagan raised an eyebrow.
"It's about time you got here to help us, lazybones, something keep you up late?" Erin couldn't resist the innuendo. "It wasn't me that was up." Nikki covered her ears.
"TMI, Mom, TMI," Fortunately, Alexis didn't t hear either comment. As it was, yesterday, breakfast was a feast. Finishing breakfast, Erin said; Would the rest of you mind cleaning up? Rick, Dad, Alexis, Nikki and I need to have a discussion, an important one."
Linda smiled." Go right ahead we've got it handled. If Danny and Jamie don't help, there will be consequences."
They went into the study and closed the door. When everyone had seats, Rick said;
"Frank, what you said to me, Friday night was right on the money. Erin and I have loved each other for years. You knew that, long before I realized that it is as true now as it was when we were teens.
We have decided that we want to be together, forever, that's not even a question. but it can't happen, immediately, not fully It will be soon, but before that can be accomplished, I need to do a few things. Frank, you know what happened with the 12th, Beckett and me. You know in detail. So does Erin. Alexis, Nikki, you don't need to know the details, just that it was bad, for all concerned. And it shook me up. I have severed my ties to the 12th precinct, completely. Especially with Detective Beckett, in or out of the precinct. Due to that, I am ending the Nikki Heat series with one more book. To do that and clear my head of all the bad emotion, I am going to go away from New York, for at least two, maybe three months. I am also going to sever my ties with Black Pawn and take my writing in a new direction. He paused, Erin, will you take it from here, please?" To emphasize how serious they were, Erin leaned over and kissed Rick.
"Rick and I had a long discussion and this is what we concluded. Rick has to get away, but he was worried about you, Alexis, leaving you with Martha. Taking you with him is not a reasonable option. I volunteered to take care of you, that is, Nikki and I, if you are okay with it. What we have come up with, is this. Nikki and I will move into the loft, while Rick is gone, so that you won't have to disrupt your life. Rick will skype with you, at least every morning and every night.
It will be great for Nikki and I. She will be closer to school, and I'll be closer to work. You girls will have somebody right there in the lot, to study and talk with. You can think about it, you don't have to decide, right this minute."
"There will be some other changes too, which I think you will like." Rick said.
"Since I'm leaving Black Pawn, that will get Gina off my back. I can ditch that playboy persona, they wanted to promote the books, that was never who I was and I know that it always bothered you, Alexis. I want to get back to my roots. I don't need to be a clothes horse anymore. How many suits and sports coats does one man need? Five tuxedo's, and five white dinner Jackets and more than twenty sports coats. Ridiculous. Tuesday, after work, Erin will you help me thin them out? I'll donate the rejects to a charity that helps clothe young professional just starting out."
Erin grinned. "I'd love to. That way, I can pick some of my favorites on you. My own living Ken Doll to dress." Rick huffed.
"I'm going for a total image change. I'm going to sell the Ferrari, the Mercedes sport coupe and the Land Rover. The Ferrari's in the shop for tune-ups all too often. It's not designed for city driving. I'm an American. I should support my country's industries. I'm also going to sell that 42- foot boat. I love being on the water, but I don't need that big and I have to pay marina fees.
"I want to leave by next Friday. If we're going to do it, Erin I'd like you to start moving Your and Nikki's things in, Tuesday afternoon. I'll make arrangements to sell the vehicles, Tuesday morning."
Frank said; "I think that things are moving awfully fast, but my gut tells me that it's the way to go. He smiled at Alexis. When this does become permanent, I'll be your grandfather. I hope that sweetens the deal." Erin said; "And I'll be your mom."
Alexis beamed. "I don't need any time to think about it, it's a bit of a shock, but a wonderful one. I'm all for it. Do we really have to wait?"
"Yes, Pumpkin, we do. Rick said. This has to be right."
"Frank, I'll give you the power of attorney to sell the Ferrari, the Range Rover and the boat. Erin will need something to drive, so Wednesday, we'll go to the Cadillac dealer and get a sedan. I'll trade in the Mercedes. I'll put Erin on the insurance." Erin tried to slip one in.
"If you're changing lifestyles, why not sell your airplanes?"
Rick laughed. "Nice try, Erin. You've been after about flying since I got my license. It didn't work then; it won't work now." She sighed.
"It's dangerous, Rick."
'It's less dangerous than any other mode of travel, Erin, less fatalities per mile, less accidents per mile. It's just when something bad does happen, it's more newsworthy. And most light aircraft accidents are the fault of poor maintenance, or a fatigued pilot, causing pilot error. I have my aircraft thoroughly checked out often. I never fly if I haven't had sufficient sleep, either."
"I'm not really that worried about your civilian aircraft, it's that damned old warbird."
"Erin, that Cessna was a low hour airframe when I got it Then I had the entire airframe inspected for stress or corrosion. I replaced the engines with more modern, brand new engines and new, modern avionics. It's a very safe airplane. After all, the type started out as a trainer."
Frank spoke; "Let it go Erin, you're not going to win this one." She sighed.
"I know, but I had to try. Shall we tell the rest of the family?" Frank laughed.
"We might as well, it's not that you can keep aa secret from them, anyway."
"Will you tell them, for us, Dad, please? No one is going to interrupt you." Erin said.
"I will if it's okay with Rick."
"Please do, Frank."
They went back into the living room and Frank said;
"Linda, will you make some coffee, please?"
"It's already made. Do you think I didn't know how much of the stuff you guys drink?"
"Everybody, get your coffee and take a seat. We, have some important things to tell you. Not to discuss, because the decisions have already been made. You can make what comments you like, after I'm finished, but although this is a family matter, the principals are mature adults and don't need your permission, although they'd like your approval. He then laid out the whole situation. then Erin said;
Danny, Jamie, you both remember that Rick and I dated in high school. Despite all the things that happened, I never. Deep down, stopped loving him. I loved Mike, did fall in love with him, but it didn't take long for me to fall out of love and you all know why. I only stayed with him as long as I did, for Nikki. And he never gave Nikki as much attention as she deserved and needed. After the divorce, I started falling in love with Rick, all over again, but he was shadowing and distracted by that badge bunny. Thank God, that's over. Rick is mine. Not officially till he gets back, but mine, nonetheless."
Rick said; Friday night frank pointed out to me, a very good possibility for the reasons that all my relationships failed. Under it all, I was just as in love with Erin as she was with me. This weekend opened my eyes and proved it true. She is mine. Danny, as predicted, grumbled but not too much. Jamie grinned and said; "It's about damn time."
"Speaking of time, Rick said, the start of the Memorial Day ceremonies is in an hour." Knowing that there would be a ceremony, Henry, Frank, Danny and Jaime had brought their police dress blues and talked Rick into bringing his Army Dress Blues. The men changed into their uniforms and the ladies into conservative blue dresses.
The ceremony was held in the largest park in the Hamptons. A stage was set up. The mayor started the festivities.
"Too many people have forgotten the meaning of this day. They use it as an excuse for a picnic, or going to the beach, they've lost the true meaning, honoring those who gave their lives protecting our country. Not just the armed forces, but law enforcement and fire fighters as well. There is no greater sacrifice than to give one's life in your country's or community's service. At this time, I would like all of the veterans present to join me, on the stage. About two dozen men and three women came forward. "Please state your names and service." Several were read off before the list came to the family.
"Henry Reagan, United States Marine Corps and New York Police Department, retired. Francis Reagan, United States Marine Corps. Daniel Reagan, United States Marine Corps. Richard Rodgers, United States Army. Several more and finally, Jan Van Walbeeck, United States Army." Jan was also in uniform.
The mayor said; "Thank you for your service, ladies and gentlemen. Now, please rise for a memorial prayer, the firing of the salute and the playing of taps. May I introduce Chaplain Malcolm Lawrence United States Navy.' While the mayor had been speaking, a color guard, a firing party, a trumpeter and a bagpiper had marched into place. The chaplain said a prayer, the firing party fired three volleys and the trumpeter sounded taps. The bagpiper concluded the service by playing Flowers of the Forest and amazing Grace.
The city provided picnic lunches for the veterans and their families, while vendors were available for the other attendees. After lunch, everyone changed into casual clothes, relaxed for the afternoon, had another amazing supper, then Rick had a super-stretch limousine take them back to the city. He'd had a few beers in the afternoon, and wine with dinner. He wasn't about to risk flying back. He said as much, to Erin.
"I'll have the local flying service bring the airplane back. In the morning." Erin grinned.
"Good, that way I can snuggle with you, all the way home."
Kate Beckett, left the precinct, furious. Furious with the chief of detectives, the captain, Demming and especially that bastard of a writer. She had too much hubris to accept her own culpability. She had to blame it on someone else. That bastard Castle! If he hadn't barged into my life, none of this would have happened. I should have shot him, like I threatened to. The worst part is that stupid series. If he'd never written Nikki Heat, Dunn wouldn't have blown up my apartment. My beautiful, cozy apartment, I had it fixed just the way I liked it. Then that bastard got to play the hero. I hate him! Then that other bastard, Demming. Tried to be a hero and messed up the case. Hero, hell, he's a zero. I swear to God, I never want to see either of those assholes again! Beckett reached her apartment. Locking the door, angry and feeling sorry for herself, she got out an unopened bottle of Patron tequila. Ironically, one that Rick had given her. By nightfall, forgetting the life-lessons provided by her alcoholic father, she finished the tequila and was working her way through a bottle of vodka. She ate neither lunch nor dinner.
She woke up, late Saturday morning with a nasty hangover, that she decided to treat with another bottle of vodka. Luckily her favorite liquor store delivered. If Lanie hadn't of intervened, Beckett might well have got alcohol poisoning. When Beckett hadn't answered her phone by Sunday morning Lanie took the key she'd been given. For emergencies and entered Beckett's apartment. She found Beckett asleep on the couch. Lanie woke her up, got four ibuprofen and two bottles of water into her and ordered her to take a shower. While Beckett was showering, Lanie cleaned up the mess.
After showering, Beckett dressed in a loose op and yoga pants. She sat down on the couch. Now, mostly sober, she complained;
"God, Lanie I don't have the mother of all hangovers, I've got the mother, the father, the aunts, the uncles and all the cousins too." Then she began her rant. "My career's in limbo0 right now and it's all that bastard writer's fault. Him and Demming! I ought to." Crack! Lanie slapped her.
"Stop that crap right now! If you don't, I'm going to smack you again! Richard Castle didn't do this to you, you did it to yourself! Okay, I admit with some help from that third- rate bag snatch detective, but none of it is Castle4's fault. It's a result of your own pride, your "walls" and your anger. You were Montgomery's pet and the whole precinct knew it. No one held it against you because you were so good at your job and they knew how hard your life had been. Castle might have been an arrogant smart-ass at first, just wanting to get in your pants. But he changed. Not only helping solve a lot of cases, but bringing you coffee, every morning. Trying to show you how much you meant to him. Not only you. He quietly helped several other officers, not asking anything in return. He changed, but you didn't. At least, if you did, you didn't show him.
Right now, except for Ryan, I don't think you have any friends left at the precinct. You even earned the captain a rip in his file for not supervising you, properly. You know what I heard Karpowski say?" "Beckett's career is in the trash can, right now, but she can restore it by sleeping with the brass. That's what badge bunnies do."
"I'd never do that!"
"Three days ago, I would have taken that statement to the bank, but now, I'm not so sure." "You've earned the reputation of a badge bunny. Every guy you've ever slept with was a cop. Royce, Sorenson, Lytle, Esposito, yeah, I knew about that. You both should have been suspended, but Montgomery protected you. Demming was only the latest!
Beckett wailed: "Lanie, I thought you were my friend!"
"I am your friend, Kate, I love you like a sister, but right now, you need some tough love. If you don't wise up, things are not going to end well for you. Richard Castle was the best thing to happen to you. But he's gone. You didn't just lose him; you threw him away. And I guarantee some other woman is going to grab him before he hits the ground."
Beckett began to sob. "Am I really that bad, Lanie?"
"Right now, Kate you are. But you're not beyond redemption. You will need professional help.
"A psychiatrist?"
"Maybe, but most probably a psychologist, beyond the department mandated one. You've blamed your anger on your mother's death, and of course that's a lot of it. But the anger was there, before her death. Remember Rebel Becks? A rebel without a reason. You've told me that you were never abused by your parents, they were very loving. You went to the best schools, had everything you needed and most things you wanted. So why rebel?"
"I don't know, Lanie."
"Well, you'd better find out. Oh, and now for the icing on the cake. That dumbass Demming got arrested for assaulting your suspect, got released on OR, got drunk at Mallory's went to the old haunt and tried to attack Castle with a switch blade, right in front of the Reagan brothers
It didn't work. Castle put him in the jail ward with a broken jaw. You do remember that his given name is Richard Alexander Rodgers.
"Yeah I remember."
"You should have done more research, I have, a lot since Friday. Rodgers, Richard A First Lieutenant, airborne ranger, Purple heart, bronze star. Just as big a bad ass as Esposito, maybe more so. He doesn't boast like Espo does. You had better hope that Castle isn't vindictive."
"Why, what if he is?"
"You know how he always said I know a guy? Well one of them he knows is Commissioner Frank Reagan. He's known the Reagans since he was a kid. I was told that they consider him part of the family. You've got a lot to think about, and you don't think well without food. As usual, your refrigerator is empty, except for the science experiment growing in there. Go change into street clothes and I'm taking you out to eat."
.