Chapter Seventeen

Stephen

I didn’t get much sleep last night, so when I woke up, I was surprised to find the bed empty. I sat up, scanning the room, but she wasn’t there.

I got out of bed and checked the bathroom, but she wasn’t there either. As I was walking back, I noticed her standing on the balcony.

My God, she was a sight to behold. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

I opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony. She turned to look at me, her gown falling softly off her shoulder, revealing her beautiful body.

“You’re a vision,” I said, my voice filled with awe. “Good morning, wife.”

She blushed as I walked over to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. I stood behind her, wrapping my arms around her, feeling her sigh deeply and relax into me.

We stood there, holding each other, lost in our own world.

“I missed waking up to your beautiful face this morning,” I whispered.

“Mm, I'm sorry, baby,” she murmured. “I watched you sleep for a while before I got up. You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to disturb you.”

“You could never disturb me.”

She hugged me tighter, and we continued to stand there, lost in our thoughts, but together.

I thought back to the events of yesterday, and I still couldn’t believe how lucky I was.

Today, we were heading back home. We’d grab our packed suitcases and head to the airport for three weeks of just us.

We sat on the balcony, sipping coffee. She was sitting on my lap, her arm wrapped around my neck, her fingers gently stroking the back of my head. I was running my hand up and down her gorgeous legs.

My phone started to ring on the table next to her.

“Who is it, baby?” I asked.

“Clint,” she replied, handing me the phone.

“Hey bro, what's up?” I asked, putting the call on speaker.

“Hey man, didn't expect you to be up yet,” he chuckled.

“And just because I said don’t call until after midday, I didn't expect you to ring at 12:05 PM, yet here we are.”

We both laughed, knowing this was typical Clint.

“Just wanted to let you know we’re heading off in ten minutes. I’ve packed up your other room and Mia’s packed Trinity's. You want us to take the stuff home with us so you don't have to worry about it?”

“Yeah, thanks man, that would be good,” I replied.

“Too easy, we’ll catch you back at home before you head off this afternoon. Do you need a lift to the airport?”

“Actually, that would be good, we have to be there at about 9:30 PM.”

“Alright, catch you at home. Behave, kids, bye Trin.”

“Goodbye Clint, and thank Mia for me, please!” Trinity called out.

“Got it. Catch ya later.”

“Later,” I replied, ending the call.

I handed the phone back to Trinity, and we went back to holding each other, in no hurry to move.

We had a late check out of 2:30 PM, and I intended to make the most of this time we had to ourselves.

I found myself moaning softly under her touch, her fingers in my hair were so relaxing. I was enjoying this quiet moment with her.

Hearing my soft moan, she stood up, took my hand, and led me back into the bedroom.

I looked at her, puzzled. I thought she would’ve had enough last night.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore her, but I was still a little spent.

“Go lay in bed for me, baby,” she said softly. “I’ll be over in a minute.”

“Really? Didn't get enough of daddy last night, huh, little momma?” I teased.

“Behave and do as you’re told.” She smacked me on the ass, causing me to smirk, before heading to the bathroom.

I did as I was told and waited for her in bed.

She returned quickly, carrying a bottle with her. She told me to roll over onto my stomach, and I did as I was told. I would never argue with my wife.

I felt her robe fall to the floor, and then the coolness of the cream against my skin. I tensed a little at first, but then relaxed as I felt her hands start to work the cream into my back and shoulders.

She straddled my hips and sat on my butt, her delicate hands kneading my muscles, rubbing up and down my spine.

I felt the tension in my muscles start to ease, my body relaxing under her touch.

After about ten minutes, she moved up to the middle of my back, just under my shoulder blades, and repeated the same movements.

I couldn’t help but groan in pleasure, my muscles relaxing under her touch.

“Hm, baby that feels so good. Why have I not let you do this for me before?”

She leaned forward and gently kissed my shoulder. I could feel her smile against my skin.

She moved up over my shoulder blades, working the muscles, loosening the tightened ones, before working her way up to my neck.

About an hour later, I felt completely relaxed and on the verge of falling back to sleep when I felt her lay down on my back, her fingers gently stroking my hair, her head resting between my shoulder blades.

We stayed there for as long as we could before a text alert on my phone broke the silence.

“Baby, are you awake?” I asked softly.

“No.”

I chuckled at her sleepy reply. I reached around and gave her a love tap on the butt. “We will have to get up soon, babe, and get ready to head home.”

She yawns, stretching out her arms. “Mm, soon baby. I’m comfortable right now.”

“Get your sleepy butt up before I give you something to wake you up,” I tease.

“Give me something, baby.”

“You little tease.” I roll her over, swinging her around to face me. I kiss her tenderly. “Up, beautiful.”

“Oh all right, I’m coming.”

“Not yet, you’re not.” I wink at her as she drags her gorgeous self to the shower.

We shower together, making sure we’ve gathered everything from the room before heading down to check out.

That’s when I remember the text that came through earlier. I pull out my phone to check it.

Clint

We have a situation at home mate, not sure if it is something but there is a Dodge that’s been parked across the road since before we got home.

Clint

I can see at least one occupant. No movement yet, will keep you updated.

I slip my phone back into my pocket, trying not to alert my girl to any potential issue. We still don't know if there's a problem, and there's no point in panicking over nothing.

The drive back home is peaceful. My wife holds my hand tightly the whole way. At one point, I glance over to see her sleeping peacefully next to me and can’t help but smile.

We pull up to our house and I spot the car Clint mentioned on my left as we pull into our driveway. I park in front of the garage and walk around to get our stuff out of the trunk.

I grab her beautiful dress bag and some of our luggage, carrying it over to the front porch. I return to the car and open her door as she starts to stir.

I gently undo her seat belt and go to lift her out.

“Baby, it’s okay,” she murmurs sleepily. “I can walk.”

“You sure, love?” I ask, standing up to see a man walking down our driveway.

Well, ~man~ is a loose term. He’s definitely a cop. You can spot one from a mile away.

I take my wife's hand, holding it protectively as she gets out. I don't let go and she looks at me curiously until she turns around and sees him too.

She looks up at me with questioning eyes. “Babe?”

“Stay next to me, love, and don't speak unless I give you the okay, alright?”

“Should I be worried?” she asks.

“No baby, I’ve got you.”

She grips my hand tight and stands slightly behind me as I watch him approach.

As he gets closer, I decide to speak up first. “Do I know you, mate? Any reason you’re on my property?”

“Detective Peters, Mr. Gotti,” the man says. “I believe we’ve met before, I’m sure you remember? Been away on a little trip I see? I came by yesterday also trying to catch one of you home.”

“But actually no, you can't help me right now,” he says. “I’m here to speak to Miss Reffett.”

“I'm sorry, you must be mistaken, did you mean Mrs. Gotti, my wife?”

I see the arrogance in his face start to disappear as what I just said registers and I can't help but smirk back at his now frustrated face.

“I’m sure anything you have to discuss with my wife, she has no problem with me being in attendance do you, baby?” I squeeze her hand for reassurance and to let her know it is okay.

“I have no secrets from my husband,” she says. “You can talk to me here with him present.”

“The question is though, does he have secrets from you, Mrs. Gotti?”

By this stage, Clint and Mia must have seen what was happening and head outside to us.

“All good, mate?” Clint asks.

“Yeah everything is fine, the detective here was looking for Miss Reffett.”

“Oh that's awkward,” Clint smirks. “Does he know she’s Mrs. Gotti now?”

“He does now.” Clint and I smirk at each other then back to the detective standing firm. “So, what was it you needed, Detective?”

“Nothing important,” he shrugs. “I’m sure Miss Reffett, I mean ~Mrs. Gotti~, and I can talk another day.”

“And I’m sure you already know if you want to speak to my wife you can go through our lawyer. I believe she’s not obligated to answer any of your questions Detective, would that be right, unto the law?”

“That’s correct, Mr. Gotti,” the detective nods. “Although, one would question, why so defensive?”

“One could also question why so evasive?” I retort.

He lets out a humorless laugh and starts to walk away. “Have a good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Gotti.”

“You too, Detective.”

“Oh,” he says, turning back around to face us, “and congratulations.”

I wrap my arm protectively around my wife and smile back at him, watching him like a hawk until he disappears off my property.