Arrested Love (6 page)

Susan mopped her face and straightened. “I’m going to make some coffee and buttered toast. We need it and I need to be doing something.”

Clinton motioned to Duncan to go outside. Once settled, Clinton said, “On the phone, you told me what happened, but were light on the telling. First of all, I want to say, I appreciate your protecting my daughter no matter how you did it. Billy wasn’t too informative.”

“I just pounded him with my fist—got carried away and thank God, Harvey stopped me before I killed him. I’m sick about what I did.”

“Should’ve killed him.”

“Did worse. Kicked his manhood up to his throat. Expect he’s damaged for life.” He leaned forward trying to see who drove toward them. “It’s the sheriff.” The minute Billy crawled from the car and Duncan saw his expression, he knew what would happen. Heart racing with an impulse to run, his eyes darted around, looking for an escape.

Before he could move, Sheriff Blackburn clutched his arm. “Duncan, do not run!”

“I can’t be arrested. I will not be screwed over by the law again.”

Clinton’s eyes darted from one man to the other. “What’s going on?”

Billy stepped in front of him and moved his face within inches of Duncan’s. “How about Goldie? You really want to run away from her?”

Duncan covered his face with his hands. “Oh, God help me.”

“Son, I knew about your past within a half-hour of getting your name. You have nothing to fear. I must take you to jail, now, or you’ll have more troubles than you can imagine.”

“Billy Blackburn! You are going to arrest this man for defending my daughter? It’s ridiculous.

“Once he’s arrested and the papers are processed,” Billy said to Clint, “I promise he’ll be back here within hours.”

Duncan dropped his hands, and stared into Billy’s face, looking for deceit. Nothing showed except a fatherly concern. “Why didn’t you tell the Stantons? Goldie?”

“After getting all the facts, I figured you needed the chance for a fresh start, and I really hated to break Goldie’s heart. Been a long time since seeing that girl happy, and you’ve definitely made her happy.”

Clinton jumped from his chair, red-faced, his fists by his side. “What the hell are you talking about. Tell me, I’m going crazy here.”

“I have to tell them I’m an ex-con now, don’t I?” His voice broke and rasped as he struggled to speak. “It’s coming out anyway. Marty’s attorney will use that against me.”

“Damn it, Billy, stop ignoring me. Ex-con? He’s an ex-convict? God almighty.”

Ignoring Clinton’s outburst, he faced Duncan. “You’re being arrested in the face of massive proof you defended yourself and everyone else at the farm. If it wasn’t for the senator’s pushing, this wouldn’t happen. I have two of my detectives coming to take you in cuffs. I’ll stay and tell the Stanton’s your story. It’ll give them time to absorb it before you see them again.”

Duncan remained in jail for two days, uncertain what his future held. Billy came back to see him on occasion making an effort to lift his spirits. At night he dreamed Goldie called for him and, even awake, he thought he heard her voice.

Bail had been set soon after the arrest—organized by the sheriff. But Duncan was told his release had been held up because Senator Reed brought pressure on the district attorney to convict him to the extreme degree the law allowed and fought against the bail.

Angry voices and thudding feet brought him to the edge of his bunk. The voices disappeared but the feet continued toward his cell. He stood as the sheriff unlocked his cell and Mr. Stanton walked inside, his face a mask of fury.

Billy said, “A couple of my men will be back in a few to escort the two of you out through the back.” He left the door open.

Watching Mr. Stanton’s face, Duncan backed away. “I’m sorry, sir.”

Clinton took a deep breath. “That damn Charlie drives me nuts ever since he became an important man in D.C. His lawyer and I were just arguing down the hall.” He held out his hand and when Duncan took it, he pulled him into his arms. “Thank you for saving my daughter. There’s lots for us to talk about, but that can wait. Just know, as far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing for you to be sorry for.”

Two detectives arrived and the four men quickly left the building and entered a squad car. One looked over his shoulder and said, “Where to, Mr. Stanton?”

“The farm, please. Goldie is probably going crazy.”

As the car moved, Duncan sighed so deeply, Clinton grinned. “Is Goldie alright? How’s she taking all this?”

“All she cares about is seeing you. Susan and I were shocked at first when Billy told us your story, but Goldie didn’t blink an eye. She knew you couldn’t commit a crime like that. She may suffer a little confusion about what happened with Marty for a while, but she has none when it comes to you.”

“Did he—I mean what—”

Clinton’s big hand clutched Duncan’s knee. “He didn’t manage to finish what he started—no rape happened.”

“Thank God. Not for my sake—it wouldn’t change my feelings for her—but for her sake.” He took a deep shuddering breath. This explained how she could take him in her bed so soon.

The squad car pulled to a stop, and Goldie rose from the porch rocker, a kitten tucked under her chin. Duncan ran to catch her before she stepped down and swung her up into his arms. He settled into the rocker and cradled her in his arms like a small child, and she snuggled into him. She clutched his shirt and rained tears down his chest. His face dropped into her hair to hide his own tears.

Mr. Stanton squeezed his shoulder and went inside.

Finally, her sobbing stopped, and with a final snuggle into his arms, Goldie fell asleep. The drugs she took insured a deep sleep. Duncan stood and holding the screen door open with his knee eased into the kitchen. Goldie’s mother motioned for him to follow her. She held back the covers while he placed her daughter on the bed. Susan removed Goldie’s clinched fists from Duncan’s shirt and picked up the kitten. He didn’t want to leave the bedside, but Susan took his hand and led him from the room.

Outside the room, Mrs. Stanton said, “Take the time to have a cup of coffee and talk with us. Goldie never sleeps long before she calls for you. I’m taking kitty to her mama.”

His eyes burned and fatigue took over his body as he dropped into a kitchen chair to wait for the Stantons. Mrs. Stanton returned and poured coffee. Mrs. Stanton joined Duncan and her husband at the table. Clinton clasped his wrist. “Duncan, we have to discuss a lot of legal stuff, especially things from your past.”

Susan grasped her husband’s arm. “Can’t you see how tired he is—can’t this wait.”

Duncan sipped his coffee, set the cup down, and braced himself. This is it. This is the end.

Clinton frowned at his wife and turned back to Duncan. “Yes, I know you’re tired, and I expect you’re worried to death about what we, as Goldie’s parents, think about you and wonder what we’ll do. I’m convinced you’re a fine man and that Goldie truly loves you. Her mom and I will be proud to have you as a son-in-law, if you so choose.”

“I am innocent of that crime, and my innocence has been proven. I’ve never hurt anyone in my life except Marty.” He stared at the couple. Both were smiling and he knew they believed him. A tight knot released in his chest. With a sobbing sigh, he took a swallow of coffee. “Tell me how Marty and his dad are doing.”

“Health wise?” Duncan nodded and Clinton continued. “Marty’s face has more damage than Goldie’s—broken nose and jaw. His cheek bone had to be reconstructed and teeth replaced, but he’ll be okay in time.” He glanced at Duncan’s raw knuckles. “At no time will he produce a off-spring. Basically, he has been emasculated. Charlie is raging, blaming everyone except his son.”

“What do they intend to do?”

“I know you can’t help but worry, however, I hired a lawyer for you, and he’ll be out here in the morning. Right now, you look like you might fall over. Go to bed.”

Duncan’s mouth trembled as he struggled to speak. “My own parents wouldn’t do this when the cops arrested me five years ago. I feel–I feel—”

“As if you have a family that cares for you? Well, you do.” Susan’s face turned a bright red. “Would you be comfortable if I made you a pallet beside Goldie’s bed? It’s the only way she’ll rest.”

Duncan realized what a big concession this was coming from this righteous woman. “Yes, ma’am. That’s a good idea. I’ll shower and shave and be ready to sleep on anything.” He smiled and stood. “Thanks to both of you. We’ll talk more later.”

Goldie buried her head under the covers when her mother and Duncan came in the room. She grinned as Susan fussed over him while making the pallet, worrying if he’d be comfortable. Boy, Duncan has really gained their trust to let him sleep in the room with her. It’s a shame he’ll never experience sleeping on the floor beside her like a faithful dog.

The door closed behind Susan and Duncan grunted as he dropped to the floor.

“Lock the door, Sir Sexalot.”

He chuckled. “You really believe I’m getting in that bed with your parents sleeping next door? First time you moan or scream, Mrs. Stanton will come flying through that door with pain medicine.”

“Hah, I can moan and scream with you on the floor.”

“You wouldn’t?”

She giggled. “Going to test me?”

Feet shuffled over the floor and the lock clicked. “You don’t realize how hard it is for me not to kiss you or hold you tight. It takes painful self-control.” The bed bounced as he dropped to its side.

“You didn’t enjoy it when I did everything so you wouldn’t hurt me?”

“I have this thermometer that informs you about my enjoyment—can’t be faked.”

“Ohh, get under the covers and let me check.”

He did so, very carefully.

She checked. “Oh, my goodness. Your temperature is rising.”

Duncan growled and lay ridged.

“While you vacationed at the county jail, my body healed a lot. My face is still a little tender, but is anxious for some soft, wet kisses.”

Without warning, he rolled on top of her, his rock-hard cock pressing against her legs. Cupping her face in his palms, he kissed every inch of her face and rediscovered the inside of her mouth. So very gentle. Her pussy throbbed with need. He dropped his face to her neck and continued kissing, taking extreme care around the choke bruises.

She squirmed against him and muttered endearments until he reached her breasts. When he suckled, it hurt and she froze in place. “I’m so sorry.” But, he continued to give them gentle attention by licking and kissing and she gradually relaxed. But his cock softened against her leg and she felt like crying.

He put his finger on her lips. “Shhh.” Without hugging her, he moved his mouth down her body until fastening his mouth on her clit. At first he simply twirled his tongue around the protrusion, and her pussy began pulsing. But then he began sucking. She moaned and beat the bed with her fists. As he continued, it became too intense. Rocking her hips side-to-side, she tried to escape his mouth. He wouldn’t stop. The discomfort turned into heat that traversed from the top of her head and settled in her weeping cunt. She bucked, opened her mouth to scream, but managed to pull a pillow over her face to cover the sound.

Recovering, she became aware Duncan had his head on her thigh, and lay motionless. “What is it—are you alright?”

“It kills me to hurt you.”

“Oh, Duncan, you didn’t hurt me that much. I really thought it would be okay. It’s my fault.” She turned the bedside lamp on to low, reached down and ran her hands through his hair. “Would you please stand on the floor by my side of the bed?”

“What is it?” He crawled across the bed and stood. “Do you need something to drink, a pain pill, what?”

Goldie swung her legs off the bed, grabbed his hips and pulled him to her. She slipped her hand between his legs and cradled his balls. “Please, you don’t need to do this.” Duncan’s voice cracked, but his cock responded anyway. She dropped her head and wrapped her mouth around his almost flaccid dick. In seconds, her mouth filled, and she began slurping and sucking. His legs trembled as he locked his knees against the need to pump deep and hard. His fingers arched into rakes reaching for her head. She looked up and realized his need. Without warning, she released him and rolled over to her knees and presented her ass. “You cannot hurt me this way.”

His cock, now a pulsing steel rod, strained toward her. He could see no bruises. With trembling fingers, he separated the lips of her dripping pussy. A guttural cry poured up from his chest and he thrust inside her until the full length of his cock was buried. Holding still for a moment to control the urge to flood her with his cum, he caressed her beautiful ass. She began rocking back over his rod. He bit his lip and held still. Faster and faster she rammed her cunt over him. Without moving his hips, she pulsed and sucked him dry. Holding on to her hips to keep from collapsing; he watched his cock slide out and drip their fluids down his thigh. Her tunnel of heat continued to open and close with nothing to grab. As he observed, his cock began swelling.

Goldie peered over her shoulder, her face feral. “More?”

Oh, hell yeah. He grasped the bend between her legs and hips, letting go of all caution and control. He slammed into her so hard and so deep, his cock struck her cervix. She grunted and arched her spine. Sweating and panting, his hips jack-hammered against her ass. Each time the thrust hit bottom, he jerked up, lifting Goldie from her knees. His heart banged against his chest, but he continued until his sweaty hands slipped from her wet hips. Clutching her body with his arms encircling her, he yanked their bodies together in one desperate move. From weakness, they both collapsed—she, face down on the bed—he, on top of her. His cock’s pulsations meshed with her stronger ones, and he emptied into her.

They lay that way until he had the strength to move. Staggering into the bathroom he grabbed a damp cloth. Goldie hadn’t moved and didn’t stir as he wiped her dry, lifted her onto the bed properly, and tucked the cover under her chin. He needed a shower, but was too weak, so he crawled in bed after a brief wipe-down.