Captured Innocence (CSA Case Files) (23 page)

“Yes, Sir,” Lauren murmured, keeping her eyes closed.

“I think it’s safe to say we’re making progress and having fun doing so, wouldn’t you say?” Connor asked, his lips brushing against her neck.

Lauren heard something in his voice that she couldn’t put a finger on, but sleep was pulling her under.  His warmth only added to her comfort and she snuggled in closer to him. 
The only thought she had as she drifted to sleep was that he’d wrapped his fingers around her wrists and she hadn’t panicked.  She knew it was due to the fact that he’d strung her arousal to the point where nothing else mattered except that elusive orgasm he’d so willingly gave her.  Regardless of how, it had been done.

Could he take it further by actually using wrist cuffs?  Lauren wasn’t so sure, but then again, she never would have imagined herself coming this far.  The lifestyle, if this was a taste of it,
had exceeded her wildest dreams.  If this happened to be as far as he could take her, Lauren was satisfied.

Chapter Twenty
-Three

Connor looked at the clock on the nightstand, seeing that it read four thirty-seven in the morning — Monday morning.  He turned his head to see that Lauren was still sound asleep.  Last night’s flogging scene had been rather intense, although he’d yet to truly bind her wrists.  She’d taken to the role of submissive like a queen bee to honey, although she still maintained her feisty attitude outside of the bedroom.  Their second battle with the children had been fun.  Unfortunately, the snow had been falling at too fast a rate to make a good snowman.  They’d opted for a snowball fight.  The weekend had passed by faster than he’d intended and a part of him didn’t want it to end.  The other couldn’t wait until sunrise.

Knowing he wouldn’t be able to get back to sleep, Connor removed himself from under the sheet and padded across the hardwood floor.  Entering the bathroom, he closed the door before switching on the lights.  He looked at his reflection and saw the same man who
’d arrived here Friday afternoon.  He didn’t feel like it though.  Something wasn’t sitting right and he couldn’t put a name on it…or refused to.  It didn’t matter either way.

His six o’clock shadow had turned into more than that and he ran a hand down his jawline.  Connor figured he’d take a shower here and then stop by his place on the way to the office to make himself presentable.  The last thing he needed was to have the team up in his grill about where he spent the snowstorm.  At least the worst part had passed last night, allowing the transportation crew to do their job. 

Turning, Connor reached into the shower and spun the handle.  Waiting for the water to warm, his thoughts turned to how he was going to handle this morning.  Did he want to just walk away now?  Hell, no.  That answer was easy to come by.  He still had a vast amount to teach Lauren that he felt she should experience, but at what cost?  She’d placed her trust in him and the more they traveled her journey together, the more intimate the scenes became.  Could she still maintain a casual relationship?

Steam started to rise up into the air, indicating that he’d
been standing outside the shower for way too long.  Connor stepped inside the stall and closed the door.  He leaned his hands up against the tile and hung his head, allowing the hot water to soak into his muscles.  It had been a couple of months since he’d worked his wrist and shoulder with a flogger, and though the scene was light he could feel it.  Those were definitely different muscles than most people used.

Connor heard the click of the bathroom door way before he felt the draft
of air waft across the one-foot opening above the shower door.  He smirked when he heard her discreetly use the toilet.  His own question reverberated through his mind regarding Lauren having issues with this being casual.  He’d see to it, because he wasn’t ready to let this go.  Not by a long shot.

He turned his head, ignoring that water now running down his cheek.  There she was, her red curls taken out of the tie and now draped across her shoulders.  It didn’t quite reach her nipples, which were now pointing in his direction. 
He still couldn’t get enough of her and his cock hardened.  Looking up into Lauren’s face, he saw that her emerald eyes were darkening as she took in the sight of him.  Connor was glad to see that the feeling was mutual.  Maybe this morning wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“If you don’t close that shower door in two seconds, your ass is going to feel the sting of my palm,” Connor said, making sure his promise was stressed through his tone.  It worked, for she quickly complied.
  He turned to face her.  “On your knees.”

Surprise flashed through Lauren’s eyes and he knew he’d startled her with his request.  Connor had pretty much kept every scene focused on her.  As he said to himself earlier, this was her journey.  He was just the teacher.  Right now, the student needed to see to the instructor’s needs. 

Lauren slowly lowered herself and without hesitation reached for him.  Connor didn’t dissuade her, for the feel of her fingers felt exceedingly pleasing on his sac.  The hot water had nothing on her mouth in terms of temperature.  When her lips closed around his cock, Connor had to grab her hair for something to hold on to.  Damn, she had perfect suction.

She took him back to her throat and then let her tongue glide back on the underside.  Lauren’s fingers fondled his testicles, causing them to rise with pleasure.  When she drew him back into her mouth, her lips pressed into his tip, triggering his involuntary forward motion.  Shit.  He was going to blow his load before this even got started.  Over and over, she fucked him with her mouth until his sac
clinched his balls.

Connor tightened his fingers in her curls and looked down at the sight in front of him.  She was fucking beautiful.  To hell with it.  He let out a shout and threw his head back when his cum shot out of his cock and down her throat.  He felt her swallowing and
her actions elicited more jizz.  Feeling Lauren rest her cheek against his leg, Connor figured the office could wait for a couple more hours. 

* * * *

“Well, look who it is,” Jax said, stepping inside Connor’s kitchen.  “I was heading into the office when I saw your Jeep outside.  You’re lucky the plows came through before you got home.  Glad to know you survived the weekend.  Did Lauren?”

Connor had just finished shaving and changing into jeans and a black pullover shirt when he’d detoured to make himself some coffee.  The Victorian house that they had converted into a duplex suited both of their needs.  They each came and went from each other’s residence, especially
since Jax never bought any food. 

“She’s just fine, thank you,” Connor said, not about to discuss his weekend with Lauren.
  He glanced at the clock above his stove and saw that they weren’t expected in the office for another half hour.  He opened the cabinet above the coffee machine and grabbed the filters.  “It was nice to take a break from the case.  It gave me a new perspective.  I have some new thoughts regarding Joel, Gerry and this private party shit they’ve been having.”

“
Don’t schedule anything this evening,” Jax said, shrugging out of his jacket and slinging it over one of the kitchen chairs.  “You need a session at the gym.  I’ll call and request a ring.”

Connor was about to tell him to fuck off when he thought better of it.  It probably was a good idea to let o
ff some steam.  These past few weeks, they’d been so caught up in the case that they hadn’t had time to hit the gym together.  Finally hitting the brew button, he turned around and leaned against the counter.  It was the first time that he’d gotten a good look at Jax.

“You look like shit.”

“I’ll still be able to kick your ass,” Jax replied, running a hand through his blonde hair.  It was longer than he usually wore it and looked a mess.  His eyes were bloodshot and he yawned, not bothering to cover his mouth.  “Have you seen my skullcap?”

“On the front table,” Connor replied with a smile.  “I borrowed it.”

“Fucker.  Seriously, what’s going on with Lauren?  You’re usually not so tight-lipped.”

“It’s a casual thing,” Connor answered, knowing that Jax just wanted to make sure his head was screwed on straight.
  With the way his friend looked this morning, maybe it was Connor that needed to find out what was eating Jax. “I made sure of that going in.  She wants a taste of the lifestyle, so I’m providing that.  We’re benefiting each other for now.”

Jax studied him and Connor met his stare
head-on.  He had things under control.  Lauren was satisfied and content when he’d left.  She was well aware that he was working a case, so she wouldn’t expect to hear from him for a few days.  He’d call her mid-week; see if she wanted to get together.  Next weekend would be shot, since he and Jax would be hitting the clubs.

“You usually don’t play
at home,” Jax said, leaning back in his chair.  “If you’re playing with her, is she going to be able to keep things separate?”

“I said I have it covered,” Connor replied.  He pushed himself off of the counter and
grabbed the to-go cups that he kept on hand.  He turned back, catching Jax checking his cell phone.  He was acting strange.  “Something going on with you that I should be aware of?”

Jax didn’t reply right away.  Instead, he leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees.  Connor remained silent, knowing that his friend would talk when he was ready.  He’d sensed a change in Jax before their last combat tour, but couldn’t put his finger on it.  That was a long time ago,
but his mannerisms now matched how Jax was back then.  He just seemed distant.

Both of their phones beeped at the same time, indicating a text.  Connor dug his cell out of his pocket and looked at the screen.  Crest was asking the team to meet him at Terry’s residence.  He’d been shot. 

“Fuck.”

* * * *

The suburb of Maplewood was still digging out from the storm.  Connor drove and Jax rode shotgun.  They never did finish their conversation and he made a mental note to pick it up later today at the gym.  Maneuvering around and sometimes going over the mounds of snow the plows had left behind, he pulled up to Terry’s residence.  Police cars were still parked out front, but no bystanders were out in this cold.

“This can’t be good,” Jax said, looking straight ahead and seeing Crest walk out the front door.
  Connor knew by the way he was walking that he wasn’t happy.  “Isn’t that Detective Morrison?”

“Yep,” Connor said
. He pulled in behind one of the squad cars and shoved the gear into park.  “Five bucks says Crest gave enough pressure to the higher ups that they’re forcing Morrison to use us as consultants.”

“You’re on,” Jax said,
tugging his skullcap in place and then pulling on his gloves.  He reached for the door handle.  “Morrison doesn’t look that pissed, although for how far back his hair receded, I’d be fucking annoyed too.”

They both got out of the Jeep and
walked up the man-made path that the police must have created.  Crest had already taken out his phone and held it to his ear.  When he asked to speak with the governor, Connor thought Morrison would pull his piece.  Seeing movement behind him, two detectives were walking out of Terry’s front door.  They stood on the front porch.  It was the detective that had been in Lauren’s store the first time he’d met her.  What was his name again?  Hagen - that was it.

Crest stepped
back a few steps and had a brief conversation with whoever was on the phone.  Connor had no doubt he’d get his way and held out his hand for his take of the pie.  Jax shook his head.

“We’re even.  It technically hadn’t happened before you made the bet.”

“Technicalities?  Really?”  Connor shook his head in mock disgust. Morrison closed the remaining distance between them.  He was able to shoot off one more question to Jax.  “You realize that we’re about to go full force with this investigation?  No more undercover bullshit.”

“Yeah,” Jax said in a low voice, “which will be hell on my social life.”

“Morrison,” Connor said, taking his aviator sunglasses off.  He squinted as the morning sun glared off of the snow, but still offered his hand.

“
This isn’t Crest’s case or that of CSA’s,” Morrison said, his words clipped.  “You’re not even fucking law enforcement.”

“That’s a little harsh,” Jax said, seemingly happier than he was this morning.  He was back in his element of pissing people off.  “Wasn’t it Kevin who busted that drug dealer in your jurisdiction when one of your narcs was too busy powdering his nose?”

“Look, you son of a —”

“All case files are to be handed over,” Crest said, cutting
Morrison off.  He slipped his phone inside of his dress coat.  “Officially, as of now, we’re hired consultants by the city to aid you in this investigation.  You’ll be getting a call from one of your superiors.” 

Morrison
didn’t immediately reply, but instead stood in front of them with his hands on his hips, staring at the ground.  Connor appreciated his restraint.  They gave him the time he needed not to have that aneurysm that was about ready to pop in his brain.  Connor noticed Hagen staring in his direction and knew what was coming before the man even closed the distance and opened his mouth.

“You were that guy at Incandesce when I was interviewing Lauren Bailey,” Hagen said, walking up to stand next to his
supervisor. 

“Was I?” Connor replied, feigning innocence. 

“Hagen, head back to the office and have Cathy make copies of everything related to Sweeney’s murder.  See that it gets to CSA by the end of the day.”

“You’re with CSA?” Hagen asked, looking from Connor to Crest.  “Have you been working this case all along?”

“Hagen, do as I say,” Morrison commanded.  He looked at Crest, not bothering to confirm that Hagen and his partner followed his order.  “I want anything you find.”

“And I want you to drop the arrest.”  Crest stood there, hands in his coat and not looking like it was only thirty-three degrees.  The
man was made of steel.  “Terry Sweeney didn’t murder his wife and you know it.  Your detectives made an early arrest and fucked up.  Even the prosecution is grasping at straws, figuring out how to get this to stick.  You and I both know that Lou Moser will have this in front of a judge by noon today, getting the charges dropped.  He’ll claim his client is fighting for his life because you and your detectives were too lazy to do their job.  If you hold a press conference beforehand, you and your department can save face.”