Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen

Lorraine Parry gave a mischievous smile as she took a stool at the counter.

“Coffee?” Maggie eyed her curiously, already pouring her drink.

Lorraine nodded as Maggie placed the coffee in front of her. She stared at Maggie’s bruise and winced, horrified. “Robert did that?”

Maggie nodded. “It’s not the first time,” she shared.

Lorraine bit her beautifully painted lip. “I thought he was gonna hit me the other day,” she confided. “I had no idea he was capable of anything like that, though.”

“He’s capable of a lot more, believe me,” Maggie replied.

Lorraine swallowed hard.

“Is it a good idea for you to be seen with me?” Maggie suddenly realized that Lorraine might be putting herself in danger by being here.

“It’s okay. He’s over at Springvale. I’ve just had confirmation from his hotel that he’s arrived and found the bar, so he won’t be bothering anyone for a while.”

“Sounds about right.” Maggie nodded.

“She knows he stole your money,” Aiden explained to Maggie as he locked the door and pulled the blind down.

Maggie frowned.

“It didn’t take Miss Marple,” Lorraine told them, raising her eyebrows. “You know what Robert’s like with a few drinks in him. He was singing like a canary—boasting, actually.” She sniggered. “Luckily, I’d had the house wired up with cameras as soon as I realized I’d have to hire help to look after Mom. You hear such awful things these days. I couldn’t risk anything happening to her.”

“Is she okay?” Maggie asked softly.

“She’s got dementia. I didn’t know until I got back for Daddy’s funeral. I’ve got her the best help, though, and they really are looking after her.” Lorraine nodded.

“So you’ve actually recorded Rossington admitting to stealing Maggie’s cash?” Aiden smirked.

“Oh yeah. I’ve got the tape with the proof, but that’s just part of it.” Lorraine grinned conspiratorially. “I knew he’d still try to lie his way out of it,” Lorraine continued as they all sat around the counter. “So I had a good nosey around his computer and found some rather interesting emails that took place between Robert and Cam Taylor over at Almondine.”

Maggie frowned. “That’s the guy from the sheriff’s office. He was supposed to have investigated the theft of my money.”

“That’s him.” Lorraine nodded. “Seems he and Robert were as thick as…well, thieves.”

“So you can prove they stole my money?” Maggie felt hope well in her for the first time in ages. “Have you been to the sheriff?”

Lorraine sighed. “I spoke to Dyson Shearer about it, but he thinks it could be construed as circumstantial. There’s conversations about them both meeting up and dates when you’d be out of town, but the sheriff said that with a good lawyer, Robert could still get around it.”

“Then there’s no hope.” Maggie put her elbows on the counter and covered her face with her hands. “I should have known.”

“Not necessarily.” Lorraine smirked. “I’ve also got proof that Robert stole from me. It’s all on camera. And guess who’s investigating that theft?”

Maggie moved her hands from her face and stared at Lorraine incredulously. “Not Cam Taylor?”

“The very same,” Lorraine told her with a giggle. “And now that Deputy Taylor knows that I’d be so grateful for the return of my jewelry—and the size of the reward involved—I’d be very surprised if it doesn’t somehow materialize real soon.”

“So, with all that, as well as the evidence about my money, they’ve got to accept it’s the truth.” Maggie felt ready to explode with relief.

“I’d best get back to my mom,” Lorraine said. “You take care, Maggie.”

“I will, and thanks for stopping by.” Maggie couldn’t resist going over and giving her a hug. Although Lorraine Parry was stick-thin, she sure gave good hugs, and Maggie relished her warmth.

Maggie quickly stacked the washer and wiped down the counter while Aiden saw Lorraine out. She was already putting her coat on when he came back inside.

“Lorraine offered us a ride as I haven’t brought my car, but I said we’d enjoy a stroll home. Is that okay with you?” he asked as he slung an arm around her and led her to the door. “I thought we could pick up a carry-out on the way?”

His words were music to her ears. “Home as in my home?” She tried to keep the tremble of excitement from her voice. “You want to come back to my place?”

He chuckled as they began to walk. “If that’s all right with you? I mean, we could grab a cab and go back to mine if you’d prefer?”

“No, no, it’s fine,” she assured him.

She was thrilled that he had referred to her tiny apartment as ‘home’. The last time he had been there, she had been convinced that he would be horrified with where she lived, and after throwing him out, she really didn’t think he’d want to return.

“As that bastard’s out for the night, I thought we may as well make hay while the sun shines—or, rather, the moon, in our case.” He was smiling wickedly down at her.

She smiled. “I like that idea.”

Not only did they fetch a Chinese carry-out, but they also popped into the supermarket for a large tub of Ben and Jerry’s.

“I fancy dessert tonight,” he said, giving her a salacious wink.

Maggie felt her face flush as her heart beat a little faster.

She quickly locked the door behind them once they got back to her apartment. She turned around to see he had already put the food down before swooping her into his warm arms. She had missed him more than she’d realized, and Maggie clung onto him tightly as his heady scent surrounded her.

“How long’s Robert out of town for?” she asked, hopefully, when he finally freed her mouth.

“Just tonight, Lorraine reckons. We think he’s gone to meet up with Cam Taylor.”

Maggie felt a jolt in her stomach. “Why?”

Aiden sighed, leading her into the kitchen where he snagged a couple of forks and spoons from a china utensil jar on the counter. “Lorraine told you how she went to see Taylor today to tell him she was prepared to give a hefty reward for the safe return of her necklace?”

Maggie nodded as she curled up next to him on the old sofa and tucked into her chicken chow mein.

“She reckons Rossington’s still got it. He was probably planning to get rid of it today. It’s worth quite a bit. Trouble is, now Taylor wants it, so it’s a whole new ball game.”

Maggie popped some chicken into her mouth, then moaned.

Aiden chuckled.

“Do you think Robert will give it to him?” she asked thoughtfully.

“Maybe. For a price.”

“But they could claim the reward if Taylor gives it back to Lorraine. Surely that’s a win-win?”

Aiden shook his head as he ate his meal. “Not gonna happen. Rossington doesn’t know about the reward. When Taylor returns the necklace to Lorraine, he’ll claim it for himself.”

Maggie thought for a while as they ate. “But won’t Robert know when Lorraine hands over the money?” she asked at last.

“She won’t tell him, and Taylor knows it. As far as Cam Taylor knows, the necklace was bought for her by someone special—a fact that Rossington doesn’t realize. She couldn’t explain away her need to get it back without admitting that it’s got sentimental value. And don’t forget, Rossington thinks they’re going to marry. He won’t be too pleased with the thought of her hanging on to something from some ex-lover.”

Maggie gasped. Lorraine really seemed to have this all worked out. Maggie stacked up the empty plates then snuggled back into Aiden’s side when he opened the Ben and Jerry’s.

“There’s no honor among thieves,” Aiden pointed out, feeding her a scoop of ice cream.

“So what will happen?” Maggie frowned, staring up at him.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it led to a fight.”

Despite the ice cream, she felt herself go hot.

“If Lorraine’s got proof that Robert took her jewelry, why doesn’t she just show Dyson the tape? He can’t deny it if it’s right there in front of him, surely?” Maggie waved her spoon around as she figured it all out.

“But all that will prove is that Rossington took the necklace. It won’t help get your money back, and, with a good lawyer, he’ll be able to get a lighter sentence. I dunno, claim forgetfulness or a moment of madness or whatever. You know how these things work. And besides, Cam Taylor will get off scot-free.” Aiden teased her with another spoonful of ice cream. He put the spoon to her lips, then pulled it away a couple of times, making her giggle, before she finally grabbed his hand and devoured the dessert. After savoring the taste, she thought for a moment.

“I don’t really understand why she wants to help get my money back, anyhow,” Maggie admitted. “I mean, it’s real nice of her and all, but I don’t get why she’s bothering.”

Aiden snickered. “She’s a woman scorned,” he said to her. “She told me all about it. Her last boyfriend stole from her, and she was danged if it was going to happen again. Seems she was taken in by Rossington at first, though it didn’t last long. When she realized what his game was, the same as her previous guy, she was furious—not to mention hurt. No one likes to be made to look a fool, and that’s exactly what the fucker had done to her and what Rossington was planning to do. The same as he’d done to you.” He kissed her lightly on the forehead. “She was checking one of those tapes to see that her mother had been looked after properly while she’d been out, when she caught Rossington boasting about how he’d swindled you out of your money. He’d gone off into the front room with some of the guys after dinner, obviously not realizing she’d had the house wired. He’d also made some comment on there about how stupid she was. Her first instinct was to confront him, but then she decided to play the long game—expose him for the thieving bastard he is. That’s when she started digging.”

Maggie chewed her cheek. “So why bother with the necklace?”

Aiden popped the last spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. “I think she just wanted proof that he would actually steal from her, as well as you. When Rossington insisted on going to Taylor to investigate it instead of calling Dyson Shearer, she went along with it.”

“So now she’s going to pit them against each other.” The thought, coupled with the amount of ice cream she had just consumed, made Maggie feel sick.

“I don’t think that was her intention, but it sure will be interesting.” Aiden raised his eyebrows as he leaned forward and put the empty tub on the coffee table in front of them. “You don’t have to worry.”

“He’ll be mad as hell. You don’t know what he’s capable of,” she said, shaking her head.

“Why don’t you just relax? At least he’s finally given us the chance to spend some time together.” Aiden smiled sensually as he leaned in and took her lips in a lingering kiss that sent shivers down her back.

Maggie sighed when he put his arms around her, and she snuggled in closer as his kiss deepened.

He teased the seam of her lips with his soft tongue until she opened her mouth to welcome him in and she threaded her fingers in his hair, moaning when she felt herself getting warmer when his hot body pressed tightly to hers.

Something about his reassuring manner and confident moves soothed her, and her stress eased while his competent hands roamed her body. She gasped as he explored her mouth with his tongue before sucking at her neck and nibbling her ears, sending delicious shivers through her whole body.

For the first time in years, Maggie felt her pussy ache when the handsome cowboy leaned over her panting body, sending new sensations through her, awakening feelings she thought were long dead.

His frame was hard against her softness, and she relished the feel of his muscles as he held her assuredly. After carefully leaning her back on the sofa, he lay over her, surrounding her with his warmth, his scent. Aiden traced her cheek with his finger and she pressed her face into his hand, staring into his deep, blue eyes that gazed back at her dreamily.

Her nipples had tightened, and she was sure he could feel how large and proud they had become. Her pussy throbbed, and she was surprised to find herself willing him to touch it.

Aiden raised his eyebrow questioningly, and she wondered if he could read her mind. The smile on his face suggested that he knew exactly what she was thinking, and the thought made her flush.

“You okay?” he murmured, taking her hand and kissing her fingertips.

When she didn’t reply, he nipped the top of her middle finger, and she jolted in surprise. His questioning gaze returned to her face, and she nodded.

He threw her a dazzling smile and chuckled deep in his chest, sending delectable vibrations through her trembling body.

A cold shudder ran down her when he slowly eased his weight from her, studying her face intently.

“It’s a little warmer in the bedroom,” she murmured, noticing his concern.

He beamed and let out a low chuckle while he lifted himself off her. He put out his hand to help her up and she took it, relishing its warmth.

Butterflies danced a two-step in her stomach as she led him into her little room. The drapes were still back, allowing a sliver of moonlight to cast a welcoming glow on her bed. The carpet wasn’t quite as threadbare here as in the major parts of the apartment, and she had put a fluffy rug right next to the bed, adding another layer of heat and a soft, coziness underfoot.

Aiden didn’t seem to notice her décor, however. His gaze was fixed on her face. Slowly he pushed her back onto the firm bed, watching her expression.

Maggie felt hot and excited when she toed off her boots and kicked them onto the floor. He kicked his off, too, still not taking his eyes from her. His intense stare unnerved her a little, and she took a deep breath to try to steady her thoughts.

“You sure you’re up to this?” His voice was low and soft, while his eyes were wide and cautious.

At first she felt confused, then she remembered her face was still covered in bruises. She was touched that he was considerate enough to ask the question, but she really hoped that her injuries wouldn’t put him off.

“I’m fine, honestly.” She smiled, desperate to reassure him.

It seemed to work as he beamed back at her, gently laying his body over her. His lips encased hers once again, and she sighed into his mouth. His affection soothed her once more.

She was glad that she had dispensed with her sweater earlier. His nimble fingers made short work of her buttons before slowly opening her blouse, exposing her. Maggie watched his eyes widen even more and his lips turned up into a broad smile when he gazed down at her heaving bosom. She had never seen anyone react so favorably to her body before, and she immediately relaxed.

“You are so beautiful, Maggie,” he whispered.

She felt herself flush and she gazed into his gorgeous face. Everything about him was sincere, and she felt empowered by his approval. Very deliberately he began to unfasten his own shirt, until her hands covered his and she took over from him. He grinned down at her patiently as her trembling fingers fumbled a little with his buttons, but she soon managed to peel the cotton from his heated body, and he pulled his arms through the sleeves, flinging the garment onto the rug.

Maggie drew in a sharp breath at the sight of his ripped chest. Without his clothes, Aiden looked even bigger somehow, and she loved the way his deep, steady breaths made his torso swell even more. A few fair hairs were scattered over his rib cage and his six-pack was a delight. His muscular shoulders bulged. Aiden caressed her breasts through the lace, and she glanced down to see her dark nipples standing to attention beneath his hands. He pulled down the fabric from her left breast and lavished affection on her swollen nipple before he took it into his mouth.

Maggie groaned at the sensation and had to clench her pussy hard as her juices began to escape.

He continued his delicious torment on the other breast, and she felt a moment’s trepidation when his hand came around her back and unfastened her bra, leaving her heavy breasts to bounce free. Aiden’s eyes were like two large lagoons as they took in the sight of her body, and she smiled, relieved at his approval. She had always felt that her body was too large in all aspects, and Robert had done nothing to quell her fears. Aiden made her feel beautiful, though, and he couldn’t hide his enjoyment at looking at her.

Aiden ground his body on hers while he licked and sucked at her soft breasts, and she relished the feel of his skin touching her. His erection was apparent through his denims, and she gasped when his massive cock rubbed against her throbbing pussy.

As if reading her thoughts, he trailed his hand down to her zipper and carefully tugged at the metal pull. Maggie went red hot with excitement as he sat back on his haunches and his capable fingers slid the jeans from her legs. His look of delight gave her even more confidence, and she reached over for his fly. He chuckled, leaning closer so she could easily pull the zipper down, and he worked the thick material down his legs.

Maggie gasped, noticing that he went commando, and she balked at the monstrous size of his manhood as it sprang to attention as soon as it was free.

A gush of juice escaped her, reminding her that she was just lying there staring at the guy’s cock. She flushed and quickly looked away, hoping he hadn’t noticed. His chuckle told her that he had noticed all right. Damn!

His eyes twinkled while he lay over her once more, and she smiled. It was great to be with a guy who had a sense of humor as well as the sensitivity she needed.

He danced his fingers across her stomach and she felt it dip as she gasped. His touch was so light that it tickled her, sending delightful shivers through her body.

“I think these will have to go.” His hand drifted down to the waistband of her panties that were plastered to her skin because they had become so wet.

She was relieved when he’d removed them and glad that they hadn’t switched on the light. The moonlight was enough for her to make out Aiden’s silhouette and to see his expression when he lay back over her, but it was not bright enough to make her feel entirely exposed.

He crashed his mouth down on hers again as he covered her naked body with his own. His scent mingled with sweat and passion while he surrounded her in his affection.

Maggie stroked his firm flesh, loving the feel of skin on skin as he rubbed against her, lighting sparks through her over-sensitized form.

“I want you, Maggie.” His voice was rasping—desperate, almost—when he stared down at her.

She felt her pussy gush once more and knew there was no going back. She wanted this, needed it. Needed him.

“Yes,” she gasped, unable to say much else.

He reached beside her and grabbed a foil packet that he must have dropped there when he’d removed his jeans, and he quickly tore it between his teeth. His eyes never left hers as he sheathed himself and tenderly fondled her dripping folds before plunging into her depths.

Maggie let out a cry when his enormous manhood filled her to the hilt. Concern was etched in his face as he stopped to take a breath, but he needn’t have worried. Once her body adjusted around his massive girth, she clenched him tightly, trying to suck him even tighter into her body. She never wanted him to leave. This was where she wanted him to be, forever. Wrapping her legs around his butt, she pulled him even closer, wanting to get underneath his skin. The feelings he bestowed on her were out of this world, and she knew she could never feel like this with anyone else.

As though reading her mind, Aiden continued to bombard her with delectable sensations while he hammered harder and harder into her. Sweat poured from him, and his breath was ragged. He drove deeper and deeper into her willing body.

Maggie found it hard to catch her breath as she was swamped with feelings she had never imagined. It was as though Aiden’s body knew every inch of hers—knew how to tease, how to coax, how to take her to the edge and—

“Aah!” She screamed into the darkness when her orgasm exploded around her and she screwed her eyes tight. Tiny stars burst all around her head.

Aiden roared his release, and she started at how feral he sounded, nothing like the gentle, considerate lover he was.

Finally spent, he sank onto the bed next to her, allowing the air to waft over her heated body. Her eyes closed as she turned to lay her head gently on his chest, needing his nearness, but favoring her space while she slowly descended back to Earth.

Maggie listened to the pounding of his heart while the heaving of his chest gradually eased and his breathing returned to normal. She loved the smell of him, the salty taste of his skin and the sound of his voice when he murmured to her how lovely she was and how wonderful it had been to make love to her. She had never felt more content in her life—or more wanted.