Chapter 19 #2
Sighing, I checked the rearview mirror before trying to figure out a safe location to pull over.
This wasn’t the best situation. Why? Because this wasn’t my vehicle and technically, I’d stolen it.
Well, maybe not in the eyes of the law, but I had no proof I was anything to Christian.
Even if I’d had my contract with me, which we’d discussed would be ridiculous since we were trying to pretend that we were madly in love, I wasn’t certain that would do it.
Maybe I could use my charm.
First, I had to figure out how to roll down the window. The mechanism wasn’t where I’d thought it would be and by the time the officer was on the driver’s side, I was close to being frantic, slapping my hand on every mechanism.
I sensed the man in uniform was hovering by the window. I gave him a smile, throwing out my hands like I was confused. The scowl was clear to see under his mirrored sunglasses. I thought people only wore those in the movies.
He finally rapped on the window.
“I don’t know how to put the window down.” I was forced to yell the words.
I tried again and he looked away before shaking his head. “Open the door, miss.”
When I did, he reached around the glass, pressing a button that was right in front of my face. Great. Now I looked like an idiot. He had the decency to close the door, which hopefully meant I wasn’t going to be arrested.
“I’m sorry about that, Officer. It’s my first time driving my fiancé’s car and I admit I’m a little flustered.” I certainly wasn’t lying about that. I was certain my face was beet red at this point.
“License and registration.” With his shades still covering his eyes, I had no clue what he was looking at, but I could tell he wasn’t amused.
“Um, well, let me see if I can find the registration.” This was why I shouldn’t go around stealing cars out of spite.
I had no clue if he even kept his registration in the car.
Not in the very tiny glovebox. Not under the seat.
When I removed my seatbelt so I could twist to try to see if there was anything behind the seat, I’ll be damned if the officer didn’t reach for his weapon.
I held out my hands, very slowly pulling down the visor. When a piece of paper floated down, my cheeks immediately puffed up before I blew out hot air. “Here you go. I’ll just get my license.”
After handing it to him, I tried not to fidget. He barely glanced at the thin plastic, lifting his sunglasses for the first time and sighing. “I’ll be right back, miss.”
When he walked away, I gripped the steering wheel, groaning as I dropped my head. Nothing was going well. Not one thing. I still had no idea how to convince my brother that what he’d call robbing him of his freedom for eighteen months would help him get his life back.
At least we could sit down and talk. If he agreed, then we could pack a bag. I’d also need to get rid of his apartment, putting his furniture and other personal items in storage.
Unless I just trashed everything and he could start fresh. A clean start.
Maybe that was the best thing to do. Hell, I’d be able to afford getting him a nicer place to live, new furniture. Clothes. Maybe that would make up for the evil of being married.
A snort turned into close to hysterical laughter. I glanced into the rearview mirror. What in God’s name was taking the officer so long?
Exhaling, I turned on the radio and instantly, metal music blasted at a volume I couldn’t imagine anyone listening to. I also had to fumble to try to find the stereo system. I could only imagine the heavy thrum of the bass outside the car. The cop must be annoyed.
Finally, I turned it down, now curious about Christian’s choice of music. He certainly had several interesting sides.
Several of which I’d seen. And touched.
And kissed.
And licked.
And… What was I doing? I fanned my face, shoving the lurid images from my mind. Although I had to admit he was damn good in bed. Out of bed.
In the kitchen.
In the shower.
“Yuck.” We certainly had enjoyed ourselves the night before, almost wrecking the kitchen in the process. Nope. I was done with playing friends with benefits.
When at least five additional minutes had passed, I was just about to climb out and see what the holdup was, realizing he hadn’t even questioned me on the fact I wasn’t listed on the registration.
Something was wrong.
With my fingers wrapped around the handle, I started to open the door when I noticed the officer had climbed out and was sauntering in my direction, taking his sweet time to do so. I had a very bad feeling about this.
“Ms. Blair,” he said curtly.
“Yes?”
“There seems to be an issue with the situation.”
The situation. “As I told you, this is my fiancé’s car and we haven’t added me to the title yet.”
“Yes, well, your story needs to be confirmed. That shouldn’t take much longer. Just remain inside the vehicle.”
“Am I getting a ticket?”
“We’ll see.”
We’ll see. Did he just say that to me?
Oh, dear God. What was he doing, getting a supervisor? Great. With my luck, Christian had buddies on the police force. I did not need to deal with this.
But I had no other choice.
I thought about calling Donovan again, but the last thing I needed to do was to get into another argument. Which was exactly what would happen.
Still, after another three or four minutes, my nerves were getting the best of me. What was going on?
Now I was becoming angry, enough that I had a terrible feeling I wasn’t going to be able to keep my mouth shut. After closing my eyes, I did what I could to control my breathing and the rage. Breathe. Just breathe.
I fanned my face, glancing at my phone. Maybe I should call Christian. At least he could tell them I was allowed to drive the car. Oh, right. Now I really was out of my mind. He’d laugh then likely tell the officer to allow me to spend a little while behind bars.
Just to cool off.
No, thank you.
I certainly wasn’t going to play into that. Easing back, I closed my eyes but only briefly as images of his naked body flowed into the forefront of my brain. I was obviously intoxicated from passion.
Another three minutes and my patience was toast. Without thinking about the consequences, I stepped out, thankful I hadn’t been on the highway, able to pull off on to a side street.
I pressed my hands down the front of my jeans and headed for the cop, who was sequestered in his vehicle not paying any attention. At least until I was a few feet away. Suddenly, he jerked from the vehicle, throwing his arm out, his jaw clenched.
“I told you to remain in your vehicle.”
“It’s been almost twenty minutes. If you’re going to give me a ticket, then please go ahead and do so.
I have a meeting with my brother I can’t miss.
” I don’t know why I was bothering. The officer didn’t care as he was simply doing his job, but that didn’t mean I shouldn’t be told what in the hell was going on.
“Get back in your vehicle.”
I opened my mouth to retort when a car swung around the corner at a fast rate of speed, slowing down as it neared where we were parked.
As soon as it was close, I planted both hands on my hips. “Really? You called Christian Elliot?”
Now the officer decided to grin like this was some big joke.
“Let me guess. You’re friends.”
He didn’t answer, but he didn’t need to. As Christian climbed out, looking as suave as I’d remembered, even taking the time to button his suit jacket, I backed away to the Ferrari, easing against the back with my legs crossed. This should be good.
The two of them chatted, laughing together like they were the dearest of friends, continuing their banter as they walked closer to me.
Suddenly, the officer stopped smiling, developing the hard-ass expression he’d worn before.
“Mr. Elliot, this woman, Ms. Blair insists she’s your fiancée. Is that true?”
Very slowly Christian turned his head, taking his sweet time to lift his sunglasses. My lord, he had a wicked smile on his face, loving every minute of this.
I yanked hair behind my ear, shaking my head as I tried to keep from showing him how annoyed I was.
He sauntered closer, giving me a hard onceover. “Yes, she is. And I’m a very lucky man.”
“So she’s allowed to drive your prized Ferrari,” the officer chided.
“Well, I admit that I’m shocked she made the selection she did and well, technically I didn’t give her permission.”
Permission. As if I was the sixteen-year-old who’d just gotten her license begging Daddy to let her take the car out with her friends.
“Cut the crap, Christian. I preferred the sports car to the boring, bland old Mercedes. I didn’t think you’d mind since I am the love of your life.
Or so you told me when you were… fucking me last night. ”
The officer coughed, even having the decency to turn a shade of blush rose for a few seconds.
Christian cocked his head, his combination of amusement and annoyance evident. Maybe I did like this game after all.
He one-upped me by walking closer, pressing his fingers against my face, caressing my skin before tugging hair behind my ear. Just like I did when I was nervous. Damn him for noticing.
“Yes, well, two entirely different things. I didn’t think you could handle the… power.”
“Mmmm… Oh, I think you know I can handle just about anything.”
“What’s the verdict, Mr. Elliot? Should I arrest her? Maybe a little time in the slammer will teach her a lesson.”
I snapped my head in the officer’s direction. “I’d be careful if I were you, Officer…” I glanced at his nametag and badge number. “Officer Bailey. Christian will tell you that I’m a wildcat, which means I do bite.”
“Mmm… I can attest to that,” Christian admitted. “Don’t worry about disciplining her, Greg. I’ll take it from here.”
“Alright, sir. If you say so. We on for the usual poker next Friday?”
“I’ll have to see if the lady of the house objects.” Christian was grinning from ear to ear.
“Just let me know. Drive more carefully, Ms. Blair. Watch your speed. Good luck with her, buddy. You have your hands full.”
“Tell me about it.” Christian shoved his hands into his pockets and we remained quiet until his buddy left. “You just had to defy me. Didn’t you?”
“I don’t like being told what to do. That’s something you’ll become very accustomed to.”
“Then I guess punishments will be something you’ll get very used to.” He inched even closer, enjoying himself to the point I was exhausted from bantering.
My phone rang and I was reminded playing with Mr. Arrogance hadn’t been on my agenda today.
“Look, I shouldn’t have taken the Ferrari without asking you.
I was miffed with what you said this morning.
However, I don’t have time to argue about this.
Donovan is waffling about rehab and that just can’t happen. ” Thank God, the phone stopped ringing.
He sighed. “I know you will find it hard to believe, but I really am sorry you’re dealing with this.”
“Not so sorry you didn’t use his arrest to con me into marrying you.”
He took a deep breath. “I deserved that.”
“Yeah, you did.” My phone rang again. “I need to see who this is.”
“Go ahead.”
Backing away, I hated the fact I was still so attracted to him. He was far too good looking to ignore. Reaching inside, I noticed Amelia’s name and number. Something was wrong.
“Amelia. What’s up? I’m not coming into the office today.” I heard a loud noise. “Is someone screaming?”
“You need to come in,” she implored. “Your brother is here and he’s about to tear up the place.”
Fuck. This was the worst scenario possible.
“I’ll be right there.” I was already shaking.
As soon as I hung up the phone, Christian was right behind me.
“Don’t say anything right now. Nothing. I know this is all just one big ruse to you that you can use against me, but Donovan is in real trouble and I’m the only who can help him. Please, just leave me alone right now.”
I wasn’t expecting him to place his hand on my arm with such tenderness, I automatically shifted toward him.
“What’s wrong, Wildcat? Talk to me.”
“He must be high. He’s at my office threatening to tear up the place. I need to go.” As soon as I tried to pull away, he tightened his grip.
“I’m going with you. Whether you like it or not, your family is now my family, and I’ll do everything I can to protect you and your brother. If you allow me in. Can you do that?”
As I looked into his eyes, I saw sincerity for the first time. I had no one to lean on other than my friends and they weren’t equipped to handle this. There was no other choice, no one I could turn to.
So I had to make a judgment call. “Yes.”