His True Love
Disclaimer: I deny any ownership of any adult or adolescent transformed shadow warrior chelonian.
Chapter Thirty Three – A little Romance
RAPHAEL:
Red's court case went right ahead on schedule I was rather surprised his lawyers didn't try to press for more time, course maybe they had asked for it and it was denied due to the fact that Red had been busy trying to take Sara's life.
Whatever the situation was Red had his day in court and Sara missed school to testify. Personally I wouldn't have minded sitting in on the case and watching Red and his pals squirm like the worms they were, but I didn't fancy being in a stuffy courtroom where there were too many observant people around.
Not to mention the fact of all the security and having to give up my weapons before entering the courtroom, which could cause a bit of a stir in itself. It just wasn't going to happen.
While the court case went on I had time to consider Karena's advice about offering Sara a bit of romance.
Okay I admit I still wasn't all that sure about the whole romance bit and I absolutely refused to get all mushy about it. I absolutely detested all that mush and lovey-dovey crap. Even a little romance wasn't going be that easy for me to do.
However I did feel that Karena had the right of it that it might be all I needed to convince her to stay and at this point of the game I was willing to try anything, even if I did have to look a fool to do it.
Meanwhile I had things to arrange in preparation of our little romantic evening.
~*~
SARA:
The sentencing was always the best part of any court case because that was when the judge let the creep have it and you found out if all the trouble and hassle was worth it. Of course with schooling I had to miss that part.
However the officer's who had been investigating the case called to let me know the verdict and the lengthy charges that Red was now convicted of and serving time for. A lot of his underlings were also charged on lesser counts but they still wouldn't be out of jail for about two years minimum.
I think the judge was making an example of Red and his men sending a loud and clear message to the streets that selling minors for sex was a bad idea all the way around because it brought too much unwanted attention your way and a loss of money that was overwhelming.
Course I fully realized that it wouldn't stop some of the pimps from handling children or dealing them to clients but it might slow a number of them down if nothing else.
I was satisfied with the verdict and pleased that I had been able to shut Red down at least. I was even happier with the fact that in about month I could say goodbye to my hooker life forever.
It would be a welcome relief to be done with it. I wasn't ashamed of the choices I had made but the whole thing was getting to be a chore and a hassle especially with the boys watching over me. I was glad that I didn't have to make it the mainstay of my life the way some girls did.
It would be nice to be rid of the whole damned thing, truthfully I had rather enjoyed the break from working the streets it gave me time to realize that I was tired of it. Course I wasn't about to let Raph know that or he'd be telling me not to bother.
His family had all ready done enough for me; I didn't need him earning my keep even if he did get plenty of enjoyment out of busting up drug deals.
Raph as usual was waiting at the usual spot when I got out of the school.
" Get the verdict today?" he asked me.
" Red has been put away on conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, exploitation of minors, numerous child abuse and sexual assault charges and drug trafficking" I informed him unable to hide the glee in my voice " It is going be a long time before he even gets parole never mind getting out of jail a free man."
" Good he's much safer behind bars cause if he sets up shop in New York again I will get him," Raph announced flashing his sinister look.
I knew that he meant it.
I felt very safe and protected when I was around him, which seemed a little weird when one considered the threatening way Raphael acted.
I liked hat powerful intensity, that slight hint of danger that seemed to be so much a part of who he was. I suddenly had a brief thought, not for the first time, of what he might be like in bed that mere thought was enough to send a warm almost electric tingle through my body.
That was something that surprised me cause personally I hadn't felt any thing like that before not even when I was dating in my teens.
You could bet that none of my clients ever caused that sort of reaction in me, in spite of the many ways I had learned to satisfy a man and to do the deed as a hooker. I had yet to find a guy that would cater a bit to my needs.
When I first started turning tricks plain vanilla was all I knew but I learned fast to expand it was the only way to make it. I had a feeling Raph wasn't a vanilla man himself but that was all right I could deal with that aspect.
At least in my lust filled thoughts he never went for the plain and simple but he did make it enjoyable and fun. Sure we hadn't tried any thing that way yet, so I wasn't sure if my hunch on his needs was right or not, but one thing being a hooker did for you, you could almost look at a guy and figure out what his favour was. Some girls on the street placed bets on such things.
Raph chuckled slightly as he looked at me " Yeah I love you to hon."
" I didn't say any thing" I retorted.
" You didn't hafta" he leered, " I uh can pretty much pick up on what your thinking."
Realizing where my thoughts were I suddenly felt my face grow warm and flushed embarrassed that he would know that I was so hot for him.
Raph turned " No it's all right Sara I don't mind" Raph hastened to assure me " You might have had every Tom, Dick and Harry…"
I couldn't help but smirk as I recalled his line from before and shot it back at him " And every Tom's hairy dick too."
" That too, but it is me you are thinking of and want" Raph replied simply he slipped his arms around me kissing me, deep and long. I wrapped my arms about his neck and pressed my body close to his.
I suddenly felt those lustful thoughts grow within me becoming stronger, and more demanding with his attention. I felt my heart hammering hard against my ribcage as he released me and gave me a coy wink.
" Tonight we are going celebrate Red's incarceration," he stated.
I sniffed a bit I had a feeling that after picking up on my thoughts that his version of celebrating was to take me to his bed for the night. I didn't care if I did want him like that and that his kiss could practically send me off the deep end. I wasn't cheap and I was anything but easy.
I wanted far more in life then to put out. He would have to work harder to get me.
~*~
Later that night well after dark Raph suited up in his coat and hat slung his backpack over his carapace. " Come on Sara let's go for a walk."
" Where are we going?" I asked curiously.
" Just wait till we get there" Raph replied not even willing to drop a simple hint.
He lead me through Central Park and over to one of the taller buildings in the area and then up the long fire escape stopping every once in a while to let me catch my breath and offering me a water bottle.
" Why are we climbing up mount New York?"
" Cause it is here" He answered.
I groaned.
" You want me to carry ya?"
" No I can do this" I grumbled I didn't know why I want to but I was going do
it. No stairs were going get the better of me.
After long minutes we reached the top of the building and I stared at stunned amazement someone had created an entire rooftop garden up here, long boxes full of vegetables containers and planters full of flowers. There were a few benches sat near a long rectangle table possibly for picnics at, and a lawn swing set up to look over the flowers two sturdy wooden tables set at either end of the swing.
The different heady scents of the flowers filled the air I collapsed on the swing relaxing at what little of the garden I could see in the dim light of the solar lights that lit the pathways.
" We learned ages ago that the owner of the building set this garden area up for his tenants but he locks the entrance to the garden overnight. So we won't be bugged." Raph explained as he hauled off his backpack and started to rummage through it.
He hauled out some candles and candleholders setting them up on the tables by the long swing and lighting them.
" There is a fountain and a bit of a pond over in the far corner with goldfish in it" He said jerking his thumb back in the direction he was speaking of.
As I listened I could hear the faint sound of running water. " You will have to give me the guided tour later."
" Oh I will but first a little snack after our climb up here I figured we might want something." Raph muttered reaching into his pack again he brought out a large plastic container he lifted the lid to reveal strawberries, some dipped in dark chocolate others in white and some without any dip.
I raised my eyebrows, wondering if Raph was aware of these foods being touted as aphrodisiacs. I had a feeling Mike probably had more to do with it being as Mike was the main cook in the family.
Another container held a thick slice of cake drizzled with berry and chocolate sauce, a third smaller container held chocolates. Someone was definitely sending a message here I just didn't know who it was and how much a part Raph had to play in this. But I didn't dare ask him.
He then pulled out two plastic wine glasses and a bottle of wine.
All right even if Mike had prepared the food, it was clear to me that the big strong tough guy was trying to appeal to my senses and be a little romantic with his garden picnic. I was impressed and stunned I wouldn't have believed that Raph knew any thing about such romantic endeavors.
He sat down beside me and pulled me into his embrace, I used my leg to gently push the swing lazily swaying back and forth as we talked and shared mouthfuls of dessert and sips of the wine.
Watching the stars slowly come out above us, most places in New York you couldn't see the stars the city lights hid them from view, but we were high enough up that some stars were actually noticeable.
After we had relaxed for a while Raph stood up and took my right hand in his " C'mon it's time for the tour."
" In the dark?" I muttered hesitating slightly. I was afraid that Io would stumble and end up falling flat on my face not exactly something I was in a hurry to do.
" I won't let you fall or get hurt. There are enough lights and here" Raph dug in his pack again bringing out a flashlight.
We strolled the gardens hand in hand admiring the view from high up and the many flowers that grew there. Raph paused by a rose bush and plucked some of the roses for me.
My first impulse was to ream him out for damaging private property but I couldn't help but feel touched by his gesture and I had a feeling if I yelled at him he might never offer me a flower again so I swallowed my rebuke and quietly thanked him instead.
Finally we reached the fishpond a fake waterfall tumbled down a built up rock garden area, down to the pond where the fish swam, small creeping plants filled the small garden.
I sat down on the brick wall that contained the pond area turned my body a bit so I could look down into the water at the gold and white fish that swam there.
Raph sat beside me his hands reaching up and gently beginning to knead my shoulders and the back of my neck easing knots and tension I hadn't even been aware of.
I felt him press his body close to my back as he leaned forward to whisper in my ear " I love you."
I reached up grasping his hand in mine and giving it a squeeze in silent reply before turning to face him.
In the dim light of the garden lights I could just see a flicker of a smile play about his face. He took a deep breath as if in preparation and then began to speak.
" When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes.
I all alone beweep my outcast state.
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries.
And look upon myself and curse my fate.
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope.
Featured like him, like him with friends posses'd
Desiring this mans art and that man's scope.
With what I most enjoy contented least.
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising.
Haply I think on thee and then my state
Like to the lark at the break of day arising
From sullen Earth, sings hymns at Heaven's gate.
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with Kings." (A/N this is Shakespeare's sonnet 29. I don't own it just in case you didn't know. I just felt it suited Raph perfectly.)
I sat utterly stunned Raphael could quote Shakespeare? And do it with such depth and feeling?
I knew in my heart no guy had ever gone to these sorts of limits for me. Under his gruff, churlish, bitter hard exterior was gentleness, caring, warmth compassion and so much more. For once the walls had come down and he was letting me in.
I couldn't help but feel honoured and overwhelmed by the insight he was permitting me. He had in all essence borne his soul and made himself totally vulnerable. I felt hot tears burning at my eyes and blinked them back.
Raph got down on one knee in front of me.
" Sara will you marry me?"
I considered his question, we had only known each other a short time, and yet so much had happened in that time. He had saved my life more then once, he had given me all of this, me nothing more then a hooker working her way to a better life.
He was watching me a little nervously and anxiously in anticipation of my answer.
I knew that if he could treat me so special now there was no doubt in my mind that he would continue to do so. There was but one answer to give and I gave it.
" Yes Raph."
Next thing I knew he was on his feet and had me in his powerful arms and his lips were locked on mine.
TBC