Chapter 75

Morning came, and I awoke to a sleeping Blutbad in my bed. Seven in the morning. It was really early… for me at least. Why was Monroe still here? The clock in his brain should've gone off an hour ago.

I did a mental checklist in my head. No trainings today. I could work from home, thank goodness. Crap, I still needed to go to the police station this morning. Adalind's party was this evening. Canceling at the last minute would look bad, but I wasn't much in a party mood. No, I'd just go and fake a smile. I needed to call the florist. Oh, and the letter. I needed to find time to talk to Nick about that, too. I drew out a sigh. If I stayed in bed, then perhaps I could just forget about the last twenty-four hours for a bit longer. No, I couldn't bury my head in the sand. It wouldn't go away that easily.

"You're up early," said Monroe as his eyes blinked open.

"And you're up late," I replied while I leaning against him. "There's a Pilates machine with your name on it."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll get there," he yawned, curling his arm around me.

"You can't get off your routine," I scolded, removing his arm as I shrugged off the covers and stood up.

"One day won't hurt," he assured me. It was actually two days, but I bit my tongue and didn't comment. "Come back here," he motioned. "Don't get up yet."

I crawled back into bed and he pulled me close to him. He kissed me hard, and I succumbed to his kisses. Oh, he felt so nice. I snuggled into the crook of his arm.

Monroe hummed a bit. 'Waiting For a Girl Like You.' I caught on in the first few bars.

"Humming Foreigner?" I asked with a smirk.

"You'd do well on Name That Tune,"he said.

"Yeah. Too bad that show was canned a long time ago."

"Too bad," he replied with a chuckle. "I really oughta catch up with what's on TV nowadays, huh?"

I bit back a grin. "Yeah, you're just a little behind the times."

We stayed in bed a while longer, but I couldn't keep ignoring everything I had to do. I finally rolled back over and stretched my spine as I sat on the edge of the bed. The Foreigner song was in my head, and so I hummed it as I got up to face the day.

"Don't go yet," Monroe whined lightly.

"You need exercise," I reprimanded him as I glanced over my shoulder.

"We could do some exercise right here," Monroe grinned, tracing a circle on the mattress with his finger.

"Pilates, Mister."

Monroe sat up in bed. "A guy has a near death experience, and he can't get a reprieve?"

I pointed to the bedroom door. "Pilates. Go."

"Fine," he huffed as he rose from the bed.

I stifled a grin. "Good boy."

Monroe crossed his arms. "Now if you start saying things like that, you won't be leaving this bed until well in the afternoon."

"As much as I would enjoy that, I have things to do today," I replied, arranging the pillows as I made the bed.

Monroe helped me with the sheets. "Are you going into the office this morning?"

"No, I'm working from home today."

A sly grin passed his lips. "Then what's your rush?"

"I have errands to run."

He smoothed down the bed spread. "What errands?"

"I have to go see the police about an intruder."

"Oh." Monroe rested his hand against the headboard. "Those errands."

I sighed. "Yeah." I'd much rather be here with him instead.

While Monroe straightened the edges of bed, I went to the bathroom for a shower. The water was cool and soothing. I'd stay in here forever if I could. But I couldn't. I had to finish what I'd started. And that meant going to the cops to drop charges on Jack.

"Can I get a shower, too? Monroe asked as he poked his head past my shower curtain.

"You aren't going to exercise, are you?"

"I didn't bring any spare clothes to work out in," he said. Such a poor excuse. "I'll do Pilates today at home sometime, okay?"

"Come on in." I refrained from chiding him. "Always room for one more."

Monroe entered the shower, embracing me. He was back to humming Foreigner. The words were more telling than anything I'd ever hum. But I liked the words. I loved the words. I loved… Oh, dammit.

"You keep humming that same song," I noted as I massaged his back with my soapy hands. "Any reason?"

"What do you think it means?" he turned his head and asked. Oh, sly wolf. Put the ball in my court, why don't ya?

"It means you really like Foreigner?" I grinned up at him as he pivoted so I could work on his chest.

"Maybe it means something more?"

"Then tell me."

"You're good at puzzles and games." He smirked at me. "Tell me what you think it means."

I gave him a coy grin. "You've been waiting for a girl like me?"

"Try more of the lyrics."

"Uh, it's too early for games," I said. "Why don't you just tell me?"

"Come on… keep going."

"Hmm… It's more than a touch or a word can say?"

Monroe shook his head. "Is that some of the lyrics?"

"You're quizzing me and you don't know the words?"

"Well, I know the part I'm humming." Monroe flashed me his trademark grin. "So wanna try again?"

I kissed him, so he'd just shut up. I didn't want to play games with the crazy 'L' word. After my brain overload last night, maybe it needed to wait. Whatever these people had planned for me didn't sound good. It might be best to find out what those plans were and what I was up against before those words were said. I couldn't risk losing Monroe again. God, but I did love him, words or not.

My mouth traced over his neck as I bit gently up toward his ear.

"Hey, biting is bad," he taunted.

"I know." I nibbled his lobe. "Sometimes I enjoy being a little bad." The sexy lilt in my voice teased his ear.

"Oh man…"

My kisses trailed downward again to his neck, grazing my teeth against his skin as he grunted.

"So, umm, back to the song… What do you…? Ooh…" Monroe moaned instead of playing guessing games. That ought to shut him up. "God… that mouth of yours." he rasped while I lingered on his nipple, biting just as gently. My fingers raked through his wet chest hair and I rested my palm against his chest, his heart beat increasing with every motion. My mouth dipped further, tongue gliding down to his navel, lips brushing over the edge of his hips. His hands rested on my shoulders, gripping them as I moved along. "You make… having a conversation… aah… difficult."

"My mouth is too busy to talk right now," I replied between kisses.

I sunk down to my knees while my busy mouth descended toward his inner thigh. I paused, as my fingers skimmed along his leg. The bite from the Blutbad was gone. His skin was as flawless as mine was. What other crazy abilities did I have? I nixed my thoughts and concentrated on Monroe's pleasure, dragging my tongue gradually closer toward him, teasing him. He was ready for me as I adeptly slid my mouth over his sex, wrapping my lips around him.

"Damn, Renée," he groaned out as the water ran down his chest.

I moved my mouth back and forth over his length, circling my tongue in all the right places. He thrust himself into my mouth. I grasped his hips, pressing him in deeper.

Monroe leaned against my blue, tiled walls as I continued. "God, right there," he growled. I kept moving my mouth, massaging his other parts with my hand.

Monroe reached for my head, taking a fistful of my wet locks and gripping tightly as I moved my tongue lower down to the rest of his sex. He shuddered under my tongue. His fingers tangled in my hair and slowly tilted my head up. Our eyes met as the desire in his held me firm. Keeping my gaze, I slid my mouth back on him, my tongue adding long, languid, strokes that sent him growling for more.

Monroe fisted his hand tighter as I drew out his pleasure. Moving faster, I reached for his chest, teasing his nipples. He was so close. The red in his eyes burned brightly as he growled. My tongue concentrated on the tip as I kept going.

"Fuck," he yelled out as he threw his head back.

My hands anchored on his hips as I took him in deep, keeping my pace. Monroe's body tightened as he came. The growls rumbled inside my bathroom. I never wavered, taking in every drop.

He collapsed against my shower tiles. "Oh man… the things you can do with that talented tongue," he panted.

I trailed my lips up to his heaving chest. "So, you enjoyed my hummers, Mr. Humming Man?"

He managed to laugh. "Is that all I have to do to get a hummer?"

"No, but it helps," I replied. I moved back up to his mouth, and he took hold of me.

"About those lyrics…" he said as the water poured over us. Apparently the distraction wasn't enough.

"It's a great song," I idly responded and moved away while pouring body wash in my hands to lather up. Oh, how I wanted him to say it, but then again…

Monroe's hands moved across my slippery shoulders, halting my thoughts. "Can I reciprocate?"

"Nah," I replied. "I've got to get to the precinct."

"Well, if you must."

"I must."

After our shower, he took a towel to my body, rubbing me vigorously. Oh, that felt amazing. I leaned into him, tilting my head back.

"That vanilla smells so good." Monroe kissed my neck, sending a shiver down to my toes. He traced his fingers where he had bitten me. "Is it…?"

I nodded into his chest. The wound was completely gone.

"I'm so sorry about that and…"

I turned and put a finger to his lips as I looked into his soulful, brown eyes. "It's gone, and that's in the past."

Monroe nodded and kissed my finger. His eyes traveled down my body, slipping off my towel. "Sure I can't offer a friendly hand… or tongue?"

"Maybe later," I replied, biting my lip. I wanted to agree, but there were too many things to do.

We got dressed and went to the living room. It was quiet. Chloe and Pete must have still been asleep.

"I'm going to go finalize everything at the precinct. Will you be okay here?"

"Yeah, I'll make some breakfast." He looked at me. "I'll save you some."

"Good. I'll be back soon."

It was still raining, so I quickly dodged raindrops as I headed to my car and got inside. Once I buckled up, I pulled out my phone and called the local florist to send flowers to the funeral home. Freddy Calvert was going to be buried today. Although I'd only just met Rosalee, I felt a need to be there and comfort her. But I couldn't make myself go. I'd dealt with enough death this year already. Flowers would just have to do today. The florist asked for the name on the card.

"Uh, Renée Davenport. No, instead put Renée and Monroe… Or, umm, Monroe and Renée? Umm…" How should I word it? Maybe putting both names was too weird. Ugh…

The florist sighed into the phone at my indecisiveness. "We'll take care of it, don't worry," he replied. Good. He could just figure it out for me. If only everything else was that easy.

The drive to the precinct seemed to take forever. I hummed Foreigner along the way. Crap. Whatever these Royal people wanted, I needed to know Monroe was safe before I pushed that 'L' word. Whether he said it or not, I knew Monroe loved me. I switched over my MP3 player and hummed along with Jewel instead as she strummed her guitar.

"Please don't say I love you,
Those words touch me much too deeply
And they make my core tremble.
Don't think you realize the effect you have over me…"

"Your hands are in my hair, but my heart is in your teeth
And it makes me want to make you near me always…"

Hopefully I could keep Monroe safe. I wanted him near me always and forever. No one was going to take him away.

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

I walked slowly up the familiar steps to the Robbery and Homicide division of the Portland police department. Nick and his partner were sitting at their desks when I arrived. Nick looked up, but Detective Swagger seemed preoccupied with his computer screen.

"Good morning," Nick said with a toothy grin. How could he smile so big after everything that had happened? Regardless, I flashed a smile back.

"I need to finalize an intruder report," I said as professionally as I could. "Would you be able to assist?"

"Yes, we can help," Nick replied. He looked toward Detective Swagger, but he was still in a daze, focused on his screen. Nick elbowed him and he glanced up.

"Huh? What?" he asked.

"She needs to finalize a report," Nick told him.

Detective Swagger looked up at me.

"Her again?" he said and I tried to keep my face smooth. "Davenport, right?"

I nodded, as I forced myself not to rock on my heels.

"What brings you in… this time?" His tone was speculative, regarding me with a puzzled look.

"She had a break in last night," Nick answered for me.

Detective Swagger turned toward Nick. "How do you know that?"

"An officer laid the report on my desk this morning. Said she was gonna come in to finish her statement," Nick replied coolly.

"Oh. Well, okay. Come and sit down."

I sat opposite them as Nick pulled the file.

"So, did the intruder take anything?" Nick asked.

"No, he tossed my house, but nothing was taken."

"Did you see the guy?"

"No, but I passed out while he was there."

"Any description of the intruder?"

"Not really. I blacked out and my friend called 911."

"Did she see anything?"

"She said she didn't get a good look at him. The guy ran out while we were there."

"So, you don't have any description and he didn't take anything?"

"No, Sir." I added the sir, which brought a grin to Nick's face.

"Well, since he didn't take anything and there's no description. There's not much we can really do, Miss Davenport. We'll keep the report on file in case the perpetrator returns."

I nodded slowly. "Well, if I see anything else, I'll be in touch."

"Yeah, that's for the best."

Detective Swagger was back to staring at his computer screen and had ignored us during the conversation. Nick looked to his partner, giving him another sharp elbow.

"What, huh?"

"I was just telling Miss Davenport that without a description of her intruder or any loss, then there isn't much we can do."

"Uh, yeah. What he said. Sorry." He turned back to his screen. Nick shrugged.

"Is there anything else I need to do?" I asked.

"No, we'll put the rest into the report and file it away. Just be safe," Nick replied. He gave me a heartfelt look like he actually meant that last part.

"Thank you for your time then."

I walked out and headed back to my car. Well, that was quick and easy. So perhaps Jack was out of my life for good. I breathed a sigh of relief. I still needed to talk to Nick about my dad's letter. Crap. That was still a lot to deal with. While sitting in the parking lot of the police station, I reached for my cell and texted Nick.

I have more things to talk to you about. Trailer this afternoon?

I waited for a reply.

Juliette and I are going to the gun range for shooting practice. Meet me at the trailer at 10:30p.m.

Good, so I could go over the rest tonight. Wait a minute. Shooting practice? I could use some shooting practice. I texted Nick again.

Can I join U in shooting practice?

I received a quick reply.

No.

I scowled as I typed.

Why not?

A moment later Dire Straits played on my phone.

"You can't go," said Nick in a hushed tone.

"But I need to be able to protect myself. Don't you think that's important?"

"It is," he said, "but, how would I explain to Juliette why you were there?"

"She and I were both beaten and kidnapped, Nick. She knows you associate with Monroe now. So just tell her the truth; I want to be able to defend myself."

Nick sighed. "Fine. But you can't talk to her. I don't need you and her conversing."

"Okay, I'll refrain from talking to her. But that's gonna seem rude."

"Well, you can talk to her, but only if she says something first, and try not to say too much even then."

"I can keep it light."

"Do you have a gun?"

"No."

Nick sighed a second time. "I'll bring you a handgun you can use. Have you ever used one before?"

"No, but there's a first time for everything."

"Great," he groaned.

He gave me the address to the Multnomah Gun Club. It seemed my schedule was going to be jam-packed today.

A/N: So Monroe tries to play guess-the-lyrics to encourage the 'L' word. (Look up the song and you'll figure out the lyrics he was humming) Renée gives him a nice distraction. The half dozen love scenes I've written have all been about Monroe doing all the work. I figured it was time Monroe get a little loving in return for all his damsel-saving he's done recently. LOL!

Hank is already in a daze. One too many cookies, huh?

So that's all for now... We've got shooting with Nickette, Adalind's party, and going over daddy's letter with Nick just to name a few things coming up.

Thanks as always for reading, commenting, and Stay Tuned... (: