Chapter 29
Valentina
Rainbows.
A sign of hope.
Of new beginnings.
I took the sign to heart since for me, beginning a new chapter with Hudson was almost all I could think about.
The attack had been unexpected yet something Hudson had mentally prepared me for, not only with his words but also his actions. He was the most caring man I’d ever known.
His tenderness over the last few days had been heartwarming. Plus, they’d allowed the horrific visions to fade.
Every so often, I thought about Bruno who’d saved my life.
I’d felt his love in the end, which was strange and mildly confusing. But he’d given me a chance to live out my life with the man I adored and my daughter, safe and sound playing upstairs in her new room.
My, how things changed in such a short period.
This was my new home and I felt safe and protected.
As I stood at the door staring out at the sky and the third rainbow I’d seen since the…
since the end of the nightmare, I felt more at peace.
It had taken a few days, especially since the news was filled with stories.
Now I had to admit I was addicted to watching a few since the masked men who’d handled justice on their own were the talk of the town.
There was so much speculation about who they were.
The photographs of where they’d painted two very specific words on buildings, cars and more were gloriously fun.
Who knew the words Justice Served could cause so much commotion.
The stories were crazy, very entertaining.
While no one knew their identities, they’d become heroes both in the press and with members of law enforcement. Of course there’d been some speculation since a judge had been involved, but the mystery remained and hopefully would stay that way.
Why?
Because the boys of Raven Intel had more work to accomplish, wrongs to right.
Somehow, Hudson’s friend and poker buddy the DEA agent had managed to keep all four of them from gaining notoriety. Soon, the interest in them would fade as those who’d been loyal to Delgado continued to be rounded up and prosecuted.
Although the press had gotten wind Hudson had been the whistleblower with the attorney general. There’d been detectives in the house, members of the prosecutor’s office, and even the judicial system. While I hadn’t been in on the conversations, I had gleaned that the evidence obtained was damning.
While Hudson had refused to admit the actions he and the Raven Intel had taken the night Jacob Jones had been killed, I’d filled in the blanks.
The mole in the prosecutor’s office had been the first to be arrested.
Attorneys had been on the take, assistants in the prosecutor’s office.
Even some powerful men who’d been active buyers of stolen girls. The implications were endless.
And horrible.
I should hate James Worthington since he’d been the reason I’d been found, stalked by the monster. But I’d decided to let it go. What good would it to do hate someone who’d spend years behind bars for betraying his oath?
What good would it do to waste more time given the future I had facing me? I could only imagine what would happen if any of the perpetrators landed inside Hudson’s courtroom.
I sensed a presence and didn’t bother turning to see who it was. The electric jolts coursing through my body were enough. When he placed his hands on my shoulders, I immediately leaned back against him.
“How’s my best girl?” he asked as he nuzzled into my neck.
“You mean your only girl.”
“Not true. I have Bella. She’s taken a liking to me.”
Laughing, I turned to face him. As I placed my hand on his face, the scruff on his skin tickled my hand. “You forgot to shave. Again.”
“What if it was on purpose? I thought a new look was a good idea.”
“You mean for the new man you’ve become, a hero in the eyes of Miami?”
“Ha. I’m no hero.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just a man.” Rising onto my tiptoes, I kissed his lips. They were soft and inviting and when he swept his arm around me, pulling me into a deep arc, I laughed. “A very handsome man.”
“You better think so, lady. The only man for you.” He jerked me up until our lips were almost touching. We remained that way for a few seconds and there was nothing more enjoyable than the closeness.
“Mmm… Maybe. If you’re a good boy.”
He swatted me on the behind and I yelped just as the news changed to a story on James Worthington and his recent arrest. His sigh was heavy when he realized I’d shifted my attention away from him.
“Will he serve time?”
“Likely,” he said, not bothering to glance at the screen. “With the recording, there’s no wiggle room for his attorney to get him off.”
“What about the women found at that warehouse? What’s going to happen to them?”
He brushed his hand down my face, commanding my attention again and I was happy to give it. “They’re lucky and home with their families. It’ll be a long road of healing, but with time, they should be fine.”
“Why hadn’t they gone reported as missing?”
“Classic situation with runaways and girls lured to Miami for the promise of modeling or a better life. That’s why they weren’t on the radar with Delgado. He’d yet to be noted as being involved in human trafficking.”
“Yeah, the prick.”
His laugh sent shivers down my spine. “Don’t worry. There’s enough evidence to keep Delgado behind bars for a long time. Unfortunately, the Colombian got away, but he’ll be back. One day. It is Miami, the land of opportunity.”
Hearing the doorbell, he groaned. “Let me see who that is. A revolving door around here. Which is why we’re leaving on a jet tonight. You better start packing.”
“A jet? Really? Where are we going?”
He zipped his lips with his thumb and forefinger. “Not telling you. You’ll just need to trust me.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“And don’t you forget it.”
I held my arms as he left the room, able to smile and feel as if everything was going to be alright.
Hearing voices, I recognized the man who walked into the room with Hudson. He was the head honcho from the prosecutor’s office I’d talked with during the trial with the Undertaker.
“Ms. Sciascia. Good to see you. Actually, very good.” He laughed as if he realized the ordeal we’d been through.
“You remember Dan Moore, the district attorney?” As usual, Hudson had a gleam in his eye.
“I do. How are you?”
“Not bad. Very sorry for the interruption. I realize you’re both dealing with a lot. However, I just wanted to stop by and personally thank you for helping bring down Luis Delgado and James Worthington. The trickle-down effect has been… overwhelming.”
“I had little to do with Delgado. But you’re welcome.”
“Uh-huh,” Dan teased, giving Hudson a curious look.
“You know, I found it interesting that whoever managed to track down the mole had an innate knowledge of the law. In addition, it was fascinating to see what was written on Steven Sloan’s house.
Justice served. It seems a little odd for a criminal to do that.
More like something someone involved with the law would do.
Maybe someone who’s been frustrated with the recent outcome of various cases. ”
“I don’t know. Just a concerned citizen. But you have to admit, the phrase is catchy.” Hudson had a ‘butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth’ smile that I knew far too well. He was a terrible liar, which would help in the future. I kept my mouth shut, trying my best not to laugh.
Dan shook his head. “I don’t think I need to tell you that vigilantes aren’t looked upon fondly. At least by most people.”
“What about you, Dan? What do you think?”
I could barely contain my laughter since Hudson was doing a good job of keeping a straight face.
“You know what, buddy? I think some vigilantes are great. But don’t tell anyone I said that.”
Now Hudson laughed. “Your secret is safe with me. Thanks for stopping by.”
“We should get together. I think your courtroom will be a busy place in the upcoming weeks.”
Hudson shook his head. “Not until I spend some quality time with someone special.”
Dan glanced at me, lifting an eyebrow. “I can’t blame you one bit, buddy.
I’ll leave you two alone.” He started to walk from the room then stopped.
“Incidentally, thank you for finding evidence on the murder of Camille Morgan’s sister and niece.
Mr. Abbott was brought in for questioning and from what I’ve been able to ascertain, he will be charged with taking a bribe, tampering with evidence, and a list of other charges that should stick.
I know she felt a sense of relief. And I’m sure you do as well. ”
“I can’t lie and tell you otherwise. I’m just glad it all worked out.”
“Yeah, I am too. You’re a good man, Hudson. You reminded me what I was supposed to be doing with my job and I appreciate that. You’re a damn great judge. And perhaps an even better vigilante. But whatever the case, I’m glad to have you on my side.”
I moved closer as Dan left us alone, slipping my arm around his waist. “A vigilante. How dark and deliciously dangerous.”
“You like dangerous men, huh?”
“Oh, I do. Very much.”
“What about dominating men? Do you like them too?”
“Uh-huh,” I purred as he swept me into his arms.
“You do know dominating men are always in control.”
I tilted my head, nodding slowly. “I can’t say I mind.”
“Including doling out punishments when necessary.”
“Yep.” I popped the p just to tease him.
“Well, I’m glad to hear you say that.” He lowered his head and I thought for certain he would kiss me. But oh, no. Instead, he sat down on the arm of the couch and dragged me over his lap.
“What are you doing?” I fought him, kicking out.
“How many times do I need to tell you, anything I want?”
As he brought his hand down several times, moving from side to side, I gritted my teeth. Even calling him a bastard for spanking me.
Yet the warmth spreading through my body was incredible, the core heat building intense. And my pussy was already throbbing from just being close to him.
He wasn’t kidding, yanking up my dress and exposing my thong and naked bottom.
He also wasn’t lenient, crashing his palm down as if I’d been a very bad girl.
I wiggled and moaned, but his hold was too strong.
Pain coursed through me, taking my breath away.
I was almost instantly lightheaded, yet it had nothing to do with the pain.
And everything to do with the raging desire.
He was enjoying himself, using a perfect rhythm to keep me in line. This was everything I’d ever wanted, more than I deserved and exactly what I needed.
A powerful man who’d always take care of me.
Wounds would slowly heal.
Our lives would return to normal.
And the world would continue to turn.
But with him, everything would be brighter and bolder, more special than anything I’d ever experienced before.
Maybe there was nothing wrong with believing in the power of rainbows.
Or heroes.
Thank God, the one holding me in his arms was everything I’d ever dreamt of.
Hudson
I’d heard more than once that everything happens for a reason. I’d laughed at the notion early in my life and career, but now I was beginning to believe it. And why? Because a tragedy from several years before had found its way into my life once again.
If I could go back and take the pain away from Camille, I would. If I could have seen the corruption then and done something about it, I would have. But my hands had been tied.
Or so I’d thought.
I knew in my heart I’d done the right thing and would do it again in a heartbeat.
For several reasons, including serving justice, but more about to protect the woman I loved and the child I was already beginning to feel was my own. I’d never be her biological father, but I hoped one day Bella might think of me as her dad.
We would see.
A day at a time.
As I read the text from Camille for a third time, I felt a sense of peace. We’d talked on the phone. We’d caught up for coffee. Would there always be difficulty between us? Maybe, but I’d felt her sense of peace and that was good enough for me.
Right now, I was ready to put the ugliness behind me and enjoy the moment.
With the most beautiful woman in the world.
“What are you looking at?” Valentina asked.
“The two most beautiful girls on the beach.” She was sitting in the sand with Bella, creating all kinds of sandcastles, which had been all Bella had been able to talk about.
I’d taken them out of the country, determined to have quality, peaceful time with them as I’d come to realize just how precious life was.
“Hmmm… If you think that’s going to win you any points, you might… Be right.” When Valentina laughed, Bella giggled and God, I did love that sound. “Be right back, baby girl.” She scampered toward me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “It’s so beautiful here.”
“I thought you might like it.”
“Cabo will always be a favorite.”
“And what about the company?”
“Eh, I don’t know.” She started to pull away and I grabbed her by the arm, yanking her against me. “Lady. If you try and run away, you know I will find you.”
“We shall see. Only if you can catch me.” She shoved me aside and raced toward the water, grabbing Bella’s hand along the way. The happy squeals were heartwarming.
I allowed them a head start before chasing after them, finally tackling Valentina to the sand. Bella stood where she was, giggling up a storm as the ocean waters lapped at our feet.
Seeing the look in her eyes meant everything to me and nothing I would take for granted.
Love was a powerful creature, fighting against the odds and all aspects of evil.
I would keep my promise to protect both my girls against every monster lurking in the shadows.
While I was no hero, I would be the man keeping her safe.
And loved with all my heart.
The End