“The manhunt continues for Arms dealer Derrick O' Connor who has allegedly sold arms to terrorists groups and is accused of over a hundred counts of murder. If you see this fugitive please do not approach. He is said to be armed and extremely dangerous. You are urged to call the authorities immediately.”

As you could see we were nearly out of options. Every law enforcement department in the country was after him. This was so much worse than what we both had expected. Derrick had no other choice, but to come to the last place he wanted to be. Home. There was absolutely nothing I could do, but just assure him we'll get through it. Together.

Derrick's father Lucian O’ Connor lived like a British king. Never in my life have I seen so much luxury and extravagance. His mansion was constructed like one of those palaces in England, decorated with things you would normally see on display at a museum or better yet on the black market.

Derrick stood face to face with his father in the dim theater room. Neither one said a word for long moments until Lucian grabbed his son’s chin. Derrick tensed, but didn't pull away. “My God, boy, you look just like your mother.” He moved his hand from Derrick's face to his shoulder. He turned to gaze at me and his hazel eyes flashed with something that made me wanna run like hell. Clearly, he did it on purpose. I stood my ground.

“I told you not to bring whores to my house.” His voice was low and controlled. “You will abide bymy rules as long as you are under myroof.” The greatest parenting line of all time. His grip tightened on Derrick's shoulder. Normally, I would have a sassy reply for that, but I didn't say shit. I know when to keep my mouth shut and this was one of those times. Let him think Imma whore.

“She's not a whore. She's my woman,” Derrick told him without breaking eye contact.

Lucian smiled, faintly, and then glanced at me again. “More on the curvy side,” he took note. “But pretty very pretty. I hope she is not like that last one whom you should have killed for crossing you, I would have. Now what brings you home, son?”

“I'm sure you are well aware that I’m in some trouble.” I knew how hard it was for him to come home to his father and admit he needed help.

“Come,” Lucian commanded.

We sat in Lucian's tea room. A very pretty and petite young maid brought in a platter with fine china. Luckily, she only had eyes for Derrick's father. It was so obvious he was screwing her... Well don't get me wrong Derrick's father was a very handsome man. Perfection practically ran in the family.

Lucian resembled a conquering Viking with all that long thick blonde hair and model worthy features. He was built like a man half his age.

His looks beckoned the eye even for a man of his age. There were strands of silver mixed in perfectly with the blonde ones. Hazel eyes were brilliant, showcasing years of wisdom gained.

“Thank you, Natasha.” He gave her a look that so obviously promised he was gonna hit that, later. I guess it is something about O' Connor men 'cause after that the pretty little maid became clumsy, nearly stripping over her own feet and blushing right out of the door. Lucian's eyes followed her.

That's nasty as hell- to know your daddy still got his “mojo”. I noticed Derrick was paying too much attention to the cup of tea before him. I touch his arm giving him reassurance that I'm here for him. Always. Lucian glances at my hand and raises a blonde brow before speaking. “What happened?”

Derrick shrugged and looked up. “Let’s see, where do I start…,” he began, rather sarcastically. “My bank accounts are frozen. There's a twenty-five million dollar bounty on my head. I’m one of the most wanted men in America. And Sean is missing.” Lucian went very still. He didn't lash out as you would expect. Reaching for the cream and sugar, he fixed the tea to his liking and took a sip. Pinky pointed in the air as he brought the small cup to his lips and savored the taste. Derrick and I sat waiting patiently for Lucian to respond.

He cleared his throat and says very softly, “I made a promise to my brother before he died in my arms that I will always keep his son safe. Because of your idiocy have I broken my promise to my dead brother?” I wanted to roll my eyes. They were talking about Sean as if he wasn't a grown ass man capable of taking care of himself.

“I came here seeking your help, dad, if you want to be an asshole I'll take me and my woman-

“Are you raising your voice to me, boy?” Lucian asked, softly, taking another sip of his tea and sat back, crossing his legs. You have to be a dumb ass not to catch the menace in his tone. “I'll tell you what, son. I'll help you, but you work for me now. You will do whatever I say from here on out. You will be my personal “yes man”. Did I make myself clear?”

Derrick's entire posture slumped. I didn't like the sound of this. I gave his arm a gentle squeeze. Whatever his daddy had in store for him we'll get through it.

“I hate him,” Derrick spat, pacing the floor of my borrowed room, naked. It was bigger than my entire old apartment with nineteenth century chaises and sofas. Embellished with a huge fireplace, a king sized bed, floor to ceiling windows that opened up to a balcony. Above was a beautiful crystal and gold chandelier that hung from a ceiling painted with cute baby angels blowing horns. The wallpaper of the entire chamber was blue and gold with clouds that was supposed to give the occupant peace. On the contrary, I was feeling quite the opposite.

I was supposed to respond to Derrick’s statement with, baby he's your father and you should he grateful he's helping, but instead I say, “I hate him too. Got any more options?”

“Sadly, the only other option is to run which is what we’ll be doing until someone finally comes and kills me.” I rub at my temples sitting cross legged on the king sized bed beneath the silk duvet. I can’t believe he just said that. “But my father has connections I don’t. He could fix this and for doing so, I'm in debt to him.” You would think he would do this shit for free since Derrick is his son. Yeah, no, Lucian isn’t that loving. There's gotta be more to this. It’s clear that Derrick has some serious issues with his father.

I raise a brow out of suspicion. “What are you not telling me?”

Derrick turns his back to me- which gave me a spectacular view of his muscled back and shoulders. He sighs. “The only reason why I'm here is because of you. I don't want to do any reckless shit that might get you killed. Here is the safest place.” Then he crawls upon the bed and pulled me into his arms, kissing me. I settled between his legs, laying my head back upon his chest. “Ebony, if keeping you alive and safe means suffering at the hands of my asshole father, I’ll do it a hundred times over.” I laced our fingers.

“What did I do to get your love, Derrick?” I said, smiling, but inside I was hurting for him.

The question was supposed to be rhetorical, but he answered it with, “Love is free, Ebony, or rather it shouldbe.” He kissed my temple then shifted me so I was lying on my stomach. He kissed my back, descending lower.

I shiver. “Didn't your daddy say he would kill you if he caught us “fornicating” under his roof?”

Derrick laughed, softly. “He's too busy distracted with his Russian maid Natasha, whom he brought off the black market. Plus, I'm starved for you and I know Miss Kitty misses me. Now raise your ass up.”  Did he just name my...

“Oh,” I breathed as Derrick spreads my ass and slips inside my slick heat, slowly. I’m always ready for him. I lose myself in the moment, forgetting all about our problems.

***

“Um, Mr. O’ Connor, I’m naked. May I have some privacy?” I sunk deeper underneath the covers. I woke up this morning to find Derrick gone and his father standing over the bed all composed and patient dressed in one of his Armani suits. Perfect blonde hair was gathered in a single braid at his nape with two lose tendrils hanging over his face.

“Get dressed and be in my study within the hour.” Everything this man said came out like a command. He turned in a swirl of perfection and Armani, headed for the door, but stopped and said, “Derrick is out running an “errand” for me.” He answered my unspoken question. Creepy.

Finally I let out the breath I was holding in. Waking up to Lucian standing over the bed watching me was very unsettling.

After my shower I got dressed in the business suit that was layed out for me and left the room only to run into Natasha in the hall- who was pretending to dusk a painting upon the wall. Was she even a real maid or just strictly hear for Derrick’s father extracurricular activities?  I asked where Mr. O’ Connor’s study was. She actually led me there in too much of a cheery mood to see him.

“Come in, Ms. Moore. Have a seat,” Lucian instructed me. His study was large adorned in dark and cherry wood. Ironically, it was full of law books. There were no windows. I suspected he didn’t want anyone spying on him. Above the fireplace’s mantle there was a panting of the O’ Connor family. I sat in the leather chair before his desk.

He eyed me strangely before moving to his mini bar, pouring Scotch in two short glasses. I don’t drink this early, but wasn’t going to deny what this man was offering. I smelled the glass then glanced up to find him gazing at me.

“It isn’t poisoned, my dear,” he smiled. I took a sip of the strong liquid, wincing as it went down pretty rough. I always hated to the taste of liquor.

“I bet you’re probably wondering why I have so many law books,” he said, pacing around his study. I take another sip of the Scotch. “Once upon a time, I wanted to be a defense attorney, but turns out I was never good at doing things within the boundaries of the law. The law chafes. Sadly, this country was built upon the word of a bunch of faggots in wigs and tights who had a sausage fest after they wrote the Declaration of Independence. Lies, all of it.” What the fuck is he talking about? I lost him after “boundaries of the law”. I snicker. Good thing he wasn’t paying any attention to me.

Wait a minute… Why am I feeling so… fuzzy inside? I became glassy eyed and a little too eager. For what? I don’t know. I took another sip of the Scotch. I’m not that much of a light weight. “No, it’s called truth serum, Ms. Moore. It suppresses the human impulsion to lie.”

He answered my unspoken question yet again. “I was a little worried when Derrick brought you home. You are not his usual type.”

Lucian sat on the edge of the desk before me, leaning forward. I leaned back, away from him. “What are your intentions with my son?”

I giggle. “I love him,” I announced, proudly.

He raised a brow. “Fascinating… And what do you hope to gain by being with him?”

“A mother fucking ring… on this finger,” I flip him the bird and laughed.

“You have gumption, I’ll give you that.”

“What’s that?”

“Not important. Are you a cop?”

“No, Imma stripper.” I started dancing in the leather chair. He rubbed his chin. Mind working behind those pretty upturned hazel eyes. I reached out and tugged gently on his lose tendrils. “You have great hair, Mr. Lu.”

He sighed and moved away from me. “Your stupid, but truthful answers, Ms. Moore, just saved your life,” Lucian said, placing the gun on the desk I didn’t know he had.

“Oh.” I shook my head, giggling. “Derrick wouldn’t like this at all.”

“Good thing you won’t remember anything about this encounter.”