10-80: Line of Duty Series (14 page)

“Things like why you and I agreed to be apart?” He leaned his head down, so his forehead was on mine.

“Yeah, along those lines.” I smiled up at him. “But we both know and agree that it is good for both of us to be apart, right.”

He closed his eyes and sighed. His breathed rolled over my mouth and chin to my cheeks, causing my nipples to come alive. I tried to back away, but he held me tighter.

“Right, it’s good for us to be a part because we are from two different worlds and it’s easier.” He sighed. “Riiiggghhhtt.”

“Ryan,” I warned. “Friends, remember. We make good friends. I had a blast today. Shit, even the past two months. Nothing about it felt like work. Right?”

“Right,” he let me go and turned to leave the kitchen. “Friends.”

Oh boy. It was time to go back to the Bronx. We were good and this worked when we were on the same page. If either of us was getting off that page, then we needed to go our separate ways. That night I started to pack and tomorrow I would tell Zee to gather his items as well. I took his truck keys off my keychain and laid them on the living room table.

The next day when I arrived to work, my first call was from Detective Ryan McFadden himself.

“Why the fuck is truck key on the table?” he growled.

“Good morning,” I answered. “I’m doing well and yourself.”

“D’asia,” he warned.

“What?”

“Explain.”

“You’ve made a lot of progress, so I think it’s best for me and Zee to get back to our normal routine. You don’t even need the nurse as much as you used to. You’ve been cleared to do light desk work, so it might be good to get back in the saddle.”

“You making decisions for me again?” he asked.

I sighed, “No, Ryan. I’m making a decision for me.”

“No, D’asia, you’re making a decision about you that will impact me. Thus making a decision for me without my input. That’s your M.O. You do this shit anytime you get scared. We agreed to be friends, right. So, why do you have to leave? I’m not comfortable just yet. I haven’t even let go of the nurse, so clearly I do not feel like I’m back to my normal self. Sitting behind a desk won’t do that either, so let’s stop with the thinking and making decisions for me. Okay? I got shot in the stomach, not my fucking head.”

“I need to get back to my life, Ryan. If you want, I will gladly call your mom or have the nurse extend her time.”

“Sweetness, you want me to spank your ass, huh?”

I scoffed, and then laughed. “What?”

“Bring your ass home, I’m cooking dinner tonight.”

The line went dead.

No he did not.

Son of a bitch.

Literally
.

Home?

By the time I left that day, a black sedan was sitting idle outside of my office building on 142st Street. When I kept walking, the doors opened and Captain McFadden emerged from the car.

“D’asia,” she called.

I sighed. I already had a showdown with her son earlier today, I did not want to have one with her to end my work day because he and I would definitely have another one later tonight.

“Yes,” I remained facing my destination and away from her.

“Can we please talk?” Her voice was different.

Less arrogant.

“Please,” she said again.

I slowly turned around and said, “You have ten minutes.”

She nodded her head and said, “Okay, thank you. We can chat in my car.”

I followed her and after the door was closed, she asked, “How’s my boy?”

“He’s doing fine,” I answered.

“No, how is he doing?” She leveled her eyes on me, like she really needed to know.

“He’s doing better each day. The feeling is coming to his legs and it’s almost back at 100%. He’s walking with a cane and doing physical therapy every day.”

She nodded her head. “Good, good. Listen, I, uh, am woman enough to say that I prejudged and misjudged you, D’asia.” She shook her head. “I think this job has jaded me. I mean, I have been on the force for over forty years now. My late husband, my father, his father, Ryan’s uncles are all on the force. It’s like, this is all we know and sometimes, that feels good. Because not only do we have the experience, but we have the longevity to lean on and the legacy. However, when it came to you, I was totally way off base.” Her light green eyes flickered in the light from the passing car.

I was not really sure what to say, so I remained silent. The woman just admitted that she judged me, but judged me wrong.

Wow.

She continued, “I took one look at your residence, your brother’s situation and came to the worst conclusion.” She scoffed, “Shit, it’s what I’m trained to do. But that is no excuse and I’m sorry. Ryan is smart, aggressive and I swear he’s just like his father. He won’t stop until he has his prize, so you never had a chance darling.”

“We’re just friends, Captain.” I interjected.

“Not for long,” she shook her head. “Anyway, I would like to have a dinner party. Really, it’s more of a celebration for Ryan, his new house, promotion to detective and his speedy recovery. He won’t take my calls but he will listen to you.”

“Captain, you…”

“Call me Connie, please.” She asked as she shifted in the seat.

“Captain,” I repeated, “Please do not put me in the middle of your drama with your son. Okay? Your actions have consequences and as a woman of the law, you know this better than everyone.”

She looked at me, and then laughed.

“God, you sound just like me.” Her gaze was weird, and then she continued, “Well, I see why he likes you.”

I smiled. I’m not quite sure why since I was just compared to the wicked witch of the east.

“You are right, but he’s my only son. I haven’t done completely right by him and especially where you are concerned and I want to make that right. I miss him. Very much so.” Her voice started to break, when she said, “He’s all that I have.”

“I’ll talk to him, Captain.” I did not want to see that woman crying.

She was genuine. That I could tell because I learned that from my own mother. Tears could flow at the drop of a dime with her and I had to learn very quickly the difference between sorrowful and pitiful tears.

“You will?” She looked surprised. “Okay, dear. Uh, that’s great.”

“Sure.” I nodded. “What date did you want the party to be?”

“Next Saturday, but I’ll wait for Ryan’s confirmation.”

“Okay. I can only talk to him, Captain.” I leveled my eyes at her. “No guarantees.”

“You’ll do it.” She smiled. “He listens to you. I can tell.”

I shook my head and laughed because he never listened to me.

“Can I offer you a ride?” She waved towards the traffic. As I started to shake my head, she added, “I know Ryan doesn’t want you traveling on the trains at this time of night.”

“Yes, he won’t listen to me.” I nodded.

“You have to understand something about Ryan. He’s protective to a fault, always has been, but I think that was because he had to be the man of the house and fill some pretty big shoes. However, his first case was a robbery gone wrong in the train station. The woman’s purse was intertwined with her baby bag, the robber thought she was putting up a struggle and turned around and stabbed her four times.” I gasped. “Yes, this was his first case and that was five years ago. He’s had plenty more and believe me, where you live and how you go about getting there were all things that I know bothered him.”

Oh, things were starting to make more sense.

“I see.”

“So, I’ll gladly offer you a ride.”

“Isn’t that out of your way?” I asked.

“No, I live in Queens as well. All of my family does.”

“Oh, okay. Cool.”

“Sam, take us to Ryan’s.” She called, then leaned back to put on her seatbelt.

Thirty minutes later, five stories later and twenty baby to teenage pictures of Ryan later, the two of us were laughing to the point of tears. Ryan was a rambunctious child, even to the point of disguising himself and serving as a vigilante of justice for his classmates.

Oh my God.

Hilarious.

“
C
an we talk
?” I asked.

We had just finished Ryan’s superb baked chicken, homemade home fries and broccoli dinner. Zee caught us up with the goings on at school and hinted that he had a
friend
, which was apparently something between him and Ryan. I was not privy to this inside code. We discussed my day and Ryan told us that he wanted to start a police initiative that included what he and Zee had been doing on Saturdays. Zee was extremely excited about this and even told us that a lot of guys at his school were interested.

Afterward, Zee went off to do his homework. I was so grateful that he was a good student and I did not have to stay on top of his studies.

“Yeah, let’s do that.” He said, “My room.”

“Uh, Ryan, we can talk…”

He cut me off by pulling me towards the stairs to his reclaimed bedroom.

“What was that stunt you were trying to pull this morning?” He asked straight out when we arrived.

“It wasn’t a stunt, Ryan.” He guided me towards the love seat so we could both sit. “I think it’s time to go. You’re getting along just fine. So, I wanted to start that process.”

“But I need you.” He said with a straight face, causing me to look at him funny.

“What?” I was certain my eyebrows were pushed together.

“You heard me, D’asia. It’s not just physical help that I need, it is also psychological as well. The PT said so.”

Oh, I relaxed. I thought he was about to declare his love or something, then I’d have to flee in the middle or the night or better yet, jump him right here on the love seat. The sexual frustration had taken its own toll on my habits at night. The house was too quiet to use a damn vibrator, so my hand would do the trick. This put me to sleep with nothing but him on my mind.

“Right. Uh, okay, Ryan.” I nodded. “How long?”

“Do you want to leave?” He asked.

“It’s not that, but I don’t want to do a disservice to us both by overstaying our welcome. It’s not just me, but Zee as well. You’ve covered the food, traveling, and even provided a roof over our heads. I know it started with us helping, but that’s not the case anymore.”

He pushed my hair behind my ear, then said, “It’s fine. It’s the least I can do and it’s my pleasure.”

His fingers lifted my chin so I was looking into his eyes and his bore into mine.

Oh God, he was about to kiss me.

I grabbed his wrist and pulled back. “So, the other thing I was about to talk to you about is your mother.”

“D’asia, that’s not up…”

“No,” I cut him off. “She’s your one and only mother. She may be flawed, but at least she’s in the right enough mind to make good decisions. She found me and apologized. I believe she meant it and you should let her do the same to you.” He was about to say something, but I covered his mouth with two fingers. “She was woman enough to apologize to me and I’m sure she’d like to do the same to you, if you’d let her.”

His eyebrows were furrowed, so I reached up and smoothed them out.

“Don’t be so perplexed, Ryan.” I kissed him on the forehead and stood up to leave. “Think about it.”

T
he dinner party
started at six o’clock, so that meant, Ryan thought about it quickly. He even talked to his mother the next morning and the dinner party was a go. She called me at work to profusely thank me for talking with him. I could take no credit for that, but at least he was able to hit reset on his relationship with his mom. They both needed each other, despite what they said. If it was only that simple for some of us.

The evening was great, the food was delicious and there were some cute guys in there. Ryan kept me by his side the entire time and oddly enough, Zee and I were not the only black people there. Although, I wish it wasn’t true, I felt better about that.

Ryan introduced me to one hot guy, his name was Vic, which was probably short for Victor. He was tall, bulky, tanned and looked like he didn’t play around. He and Ryan seemed to be pretty close. They shared stories of being on the force together, going through the Police Academy and even high school. I think he was at the hospital, but I could not be sure. There were so many of them in and out of uniform. Ryan shared that Vic could have been a detective a long time ago, but decided against it.

“What,” I asked. “You don’t want to get out of those ugly shoes.”

Both men erupted in laughter, even as Ryan pulled me to him, so I was forced to wrap both of my arms around him.

“She’s funny,” Vic nodded at Ryan. “Might want to keep her close. There are some single men looking for cute and funny.”

Ryan wiped the smile off his face when he said, “Is that so? I’d like to see them try that shit.”

Vic smirked, then said, “Ahh, I’ll tell them to back down. I ain’t know it was like that.”

“Yeah,” He pulled me closer, “It’s like that.”

“Ryan,” I warned.

He bent down with his mouth to my ear, whispering, “Shhh.”

Oh boy.

Vic patted Ryan on the back and said, “Y’all should come by before the month is out. Nothing like a fall barbecue. You haven’t been by in a while.”

“Yeah, we can do that.” Ryan’s jovial tone returned. “You still seeing that cop?”

“Naw, she was more interested in who I knew than who I was.” Vic raised an eyebrow. “D’asia, you got any eligible friends that are interested in a guy in uniform.”

“I can ask around,” I smiled.

“Do that.” He nodded with a very serious look, like he really wanted to know.

There was a sound of glass clinging with metal. We turned around to see Ryan’s mom hitting a wine glass with a fork.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m so glad you all could make it and celebrate my son, Ryan McFadden, Junior. He’s been through a lot over the past year and has accomplished just as much. A promotion,” some guys cheered. “Bought a new home.” People cheered. “A bullet and a speedy recovery!” Her voice elevated and everyone cheered.

Once they calmed, she continued to speak, “The other thing that he’s found in that time is love. I’ll admit to being an overprotective mama bear.” Some people snickered. “So, at first I didn’t understand, but now I do. Ryan found a woman who not only challenged him, but could love him despite external factors, including injury, bad moods and even though people who were supposed to have his back, didn’t. That sort of love only comes through once in a lifetime and I’m glad that my Ryan has found that in D’asia.”

Oh my God.

I was still in Ryan’s embrace and he pulled me tighter. Looking up at him, I noticed he was looking back down at me. We stayed like that for what seemed like ages. Time, places, and events had passed through as we stared into the abyss of each other’s eyes.

A range of emotions had passed between us, but the one that I could not deny any longer was love.

I had fallen in love with Ryan McFadden and there was nothing I could do about it now.

Goddammit.

R
yan
:

The dinner party was well underway and after my mom had made that telling, team D’asia speech, I was left with the reeling thoughts that plagued my mind. Well, it really confirmed what I had felt a while ago.

D’asia excused herself to go to the restroom. She didn’t have to go, but I knew my mom’s declaration probably made her feel awkward, so I’d give her that.

“You’re looking good, man.” A voice said behind me.

I turned to see Sal holding a beer.

“Hey, man. How you been?” We did our half-hug thing.

“Hanging in there.” He nodded. “Uh, let’s get together and talk soon.”

“Yeah, I’ll be off cane duty soon, so that works.” I held up the wooden stick.

It was my grandfather’s cane, so I used it instead of the steel one the hospital gave me.

“Yeah, let’s do that sooner rather than later,” he said with a note of seriousness.

I nodded, “Alright, man. I’ll make that happen.”

“I see you got your girl back, huh?” He changed the subject.

“Well, I’m working on it.” I smiled.

“It’ll happen. She’s clearly in love and you’re a goner. Always were when it came to her.”

“What?” I shook my head. “It wasn’t that bad.”

“The fuck it wasn’t.” Sal laughed. “You were scouring the streets looking for her most of our shift and the other half trying to answer any and every call to
The Trap
.”

Damn, it was that bad.

“Man, love is love. She living here with you now?” Sal asked.

“Naw, just helping me after the shooting. She has a house over in the Bronx that she keeps hinting, she’d like to get back to.”

Sal laughed again, “Yeah, good luck with that.”

“Exactly.”

Out the corner of my eye, I saw Smith approaching D’asia. He was one of the biggest sluts on the force and there was no reason for him to be talking to my woman.

“Sal, I’ll catch up with you later.” I said as I was already headed towards D’asia.

I really didn’t hear his response, but his laughter was evident. Before I could get there, Vic was already tapping Smith on the shoulder, and then he pointed to me. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but D’asia turned towards me and she didn’t seem happy.

“Hey,” I said, moving to her with my trusty cane. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing, now,” she replied dryly.

“Kitchen,” I said in her ear.

“Yes.”

We made our way to the kitchen, but not before I pseudo-saluted Vic, who smirked back at me.

“Friends don’t block other friends.” She said, as soon as the door closed.

What?

Pulling her to me, I looked into her eyes and said, “Friends do block other friends.”

Her hands snaked up around my neck when she said, “What type of friends are you talking about?”

My hands squeezed her ass, pulling her to me, so she could feel what type of friends I wanted to be.

“What type do you want?” I asked as she stared up at me.

“I’m so proud of you Ryan McFadden?” She smiled.

“Why?” I was shocked by her words.

“Because you are a man that I admire.” She gave me a chaste kiss on the lips and pulled away.

“Wait, where are you going?” I asked.

“To mingle. I need to network.” She smiled, and then waved at me.

“Fuck.” I murmured.

I looked down at my pants, as the recent growth started to recede. It was almost nine months since I’d been with a woman. Well since I hadn’t been with the only woman I wanted. That had to change.

The event ended around midnight and everyone went their separate ways. Including D’asia, to her separate bedroom. Honestly, I’d had enough of the subtle, friendship, sexual tension between us. She could act like she did not feel it if she wanted, but anyone near us could feel it. Even my mother and Sal was pointing that shit out.

Crazy
.

The house was locked up, Zee was snoring and I made my way to her bedroom. The door was closed, so I entered and noticed the covers were tented due to her knees being bent and drawn towards her. The bed was slightly shaking and there were small moans coming from under the sheets.

Fuck, she was getting off.

I walked a little closer, so I could hear what she was saying.

“Ryan,” She moaned softly. “Right there. Yes. Harder, faster. I’m coming, baby. Fuuuccckkk.” She uttered.

“I can do that,” I said out loud.

She screamed and nearly fell out of the bed.

“What the fuck are you doing in here? You scared the shit out of me,” she yelled and whispered at the same time.

Ripping off my shirt, I did not answer her, just climbed in bed and said, “Sorry for scaring you, but I needed you, sweetness.”

“Ryan, I don’t think this is a good idea. We already…”

“Fuck that,” I kissed her neck as I pulled her on top of me. “We shouldn’t have broken up in the first place. Regretted it every day since.”

My fingers palmed the back of her head bringing her to me, “Missed you, sweetness.”

I kissed her lips, and then she deepened it. Our tongues, teeth and lips fought for control and eventually we simply enjoyed the taste of each other. Her panties were already off, so I kissed my way down and put her legs over my shoulders and begin to suck on her already taut clit.

“Oh my God.” She moaned while digging her heels in my back.

She was already close, so I just needed her wet enough to take me. I inserted one finger into her, only for her to clench at my touch.

Lifting my head, I whispered, “Relax, sweetness.” Pushing in more, she loosened and I realized how tight she was. I looked up at her and told her, “You know this is mine.”

She squirmed, so I started rubbing her nub with my thumb as my finger pushed in and out of her. Nobody had been in there, this was mine. I planned to make that a permanent situation.

“Goddamn,” she uttered.

“Mine.”

“Yes, fuck.” She finally admitted.

I inserted another finger and she let out a mew of discomfort. Easing it back out, I went to sucking on her clit more to get her ready. I tried the other finger again and she moaned this time. After loosening her a bit, I licked further down as she tried to back away.

“Ryan?” She whispered. “Not…Ohh.”

My tongue caressed her puckered hole, stopping her dead and then the moaning started with her legs widening. Running my tongue between each hole and my thumb making circular motions on her clit, her breathing became ragged, then she started to bounce up and down on the bed. I had to hold her down, so I could bring her to climax.

Her back was arched off the bed, as I kept my ministrations going.

“Ryyaaannnn,” she moaned.

Taking my index finger, I rimmed her tight asshole, while I flicked her clit with my tongue. Her body froze in mid-air, and then she started jerking as the climax took over her body. No words escaped her mouth, although it was wide open. When the quakes stopped, she started to breathe again, taking big gulps of air as she recuperated from the orgasm.

Tonight would not be about anything fancy, just good ole me and my lady. I climbed over her and slid inside bringing her head to me as I kissed her deeply. I rocked in and out of her until we were both sweating, out of breath and I was leaving my seed in her.