Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 35

"Shouldn't have been messing with a lady!" a familiar voice said from inside. "Is it safe to come out now?"

Colby jerked away from the hands holding him and rushed to the apartment. On the way, he took a second to slug the man with his pants down, right in the junk.

"Police brutality! I want to press charges," he groaned.

"That's my mother, you bastard!"

"Colby!" Adele rushed out of the apartment. She looked somewhat the worse for wear. Hairy dick cringed when he saw her.

"Crazy bitch! She did this to me!"

Adele looked proud of herself. "That's what you get for coming at me uninvited! I mean, look at that, ladies! Would you want that in you?" She shuddered delicately.

Colby held his mother, shaking and sobbing. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you I moved. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Shh, no. Shh.... It's all right. That was kind of exhilarating. New experience and all that. Hush, now."

Avery joined them, hugging Adele tightly. "Colby and I are dating. And he moved in with me. It's my fault he forgot."

"Oh, children! I'm so happy. Hold that thought," she said when the police approached Tamika and Buck in an aggressive manner. Stepping between them, she put her hand on the detective's chest. "They were very helpful. I would consider it a great personal favor if you wouldn't press any charges. They are friends of my son, and have three small children. Please?" She batted her eyelashes at him, smiling. Though she was in her late forties, she was still a very pretty woman, very smartly dressed in an outfit that was somewhat reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy.

The detective stepped back. "That was very dangerous," he said to Tamika and Buck. "But I thank you for taking care of it before it escalated." He held out his hand to Tamika and then to Buck. They all shook hands.

Avery hugged Tamika and kissed Buck on both cheeks. "Thank you. You're the best friends ever!"

Tamika held her, hugging her tightly. "This is what friends do."

"Anytime you need a babysitter, you call me. I'll work free!"

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

"Which one of you glued the guy's dick?" the detective asked quietly.

"That would be me," Adele said. "He thought he'd have fun with me. I told him I'd prefer not to have his gnarly gonads anywhere near me, and he threatened to glue my mouth shut so I couldn't scream. I got the tube away from him as the other two came in. While he was trying to pull up his pants, I hit him with it. That's really good glue," she said in an impressed tone.

"Then Tamika and I didn't have cuffs, so she glued the other guy up," Buck said proudly. "Third one was too stoned to give us any trouble. He promised to leave quietly. And as far as we can tell, he didn't do anything to Adele."

"He wasn't in the room," Adele said. "He was in the bedroom smoking." She made a gesture by her lips, inhaling loudly.

Colby blushed, ducking his head. "Geesh, Mom!"

"Oh stop." She took his chin in her hand. "I wasn't always your mother, you know."

"We'll need to get your statements," the detective told them. "Do you want to come to the station?"

"Could we go to our place?" Buck pointed. "It's cold and my balls are going blue."

"Of course." The detective followed them to their apartment.

It took some time, but the police detective, whose name was Frank Tan, got things sorted out and had statements from all of them.

"It was a beauty of a mission," he said to Tamika after he'd closed the official log. "I'm impressed. Your idea?"

"It was mutual. Buck and I have some unique skills."

Tan chuckled, nodding. "So does my wife. Me, I'm just a cop." He shrugged. "As a concerned citizen, I'd like to thank you for your help. As a police detective, I have to caution you not to make a habit of doing that."

Tamika and Buck smiled at him, and at one another.

"It was special circumstances," Tamika said. "When Avery called, I could hear the fear in her voice, and that Mom Gene kicked in."

"I understand," Tan said. "My wife and I just had our first. She was always maternal and protective, but now—wow. Kind of scary. And I'll deny it till death, that I ever said such a thing." He chuckled, winking at Tamika.

Soon after, Detective Tan left. Tamika offered to cook dinner, but Colby, Avery and Adele felt it was an imposition. Instead, Adele offered to take everyone, including Tamika's mother and the children, out for a meal.

"We'll go somewhere kid friendly. What do you say?"

"I think it sounds great," Buck said. "Honey?"

"Wonderful. Thank you."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

The story is an intriguing spin on fallen angels and demons ~ His Soul to Hold (Dark Knights of Heaven Book 2) by TW Knight

     

 

Soulless and exiled from Heaven the Dark Knights have not abandoned their duty. For millennia they’ve battled demons, protecting human kind from Lucifer’s servants. Less than a year ago hundreds of demons escaped Hell world-wide, stretching the Knights resources to their limits. Now they face the greatest challenge of all—discovering love.

Breanna Thorn spent the last ten years fighting demons with her twin brother Sam, and she’s damn good at it. But at twenty three all she really wants is a normal life with dating, college and quiet. To balance the life she wants and the life she has, Bree studies demons and other supernatural creatures in hopes of better understanding the enemy. When she meets fallen angel Bass, Bree encounters a complication she never saw coming—love.

Bass’ persona of hedonism begins to crumble when he meets Breanna. She’s beautiful, intelligent, a kick ass fighter and the vessel for his immortal soul. He knows he’s no good for her but no matter how hard he tries to make Bree hate him; she keeps finding a way into his heart. He’ll do anything to keep her safe even if it means giving up everything he is.

After their parents are killed by monsters, demons, Sam Thorn focuses his life on protecting his sister and hunting the creatures that changed their lives. Now he finds himself swept up in a world where he’s surrounded by monsters and at risk of losing his sister—something he cannot, will not allow. When the rage burning inside him breaks free Sam finds he is a greater danger than the monsters he fears.

Hogart once walked the halls of Heaven, now he battles with voices in his head driving him further and further into madness. Being taken in by his fellow fallen angels, The Dark Knights, is both a blessing and a curse. Their energy quiets the demon within him but now he is permanently housed with the twins Sam and Breanna. The voices insist he kill them; his heart says otherwise. 

To Buy His Soul to Hold

I am an avid reader of paranormal and I would certainly recommend this book. The story is an intriguing spin on fallen angels and demons. I can’t wait to see where the author takes these fallen angels and their soul-keepers. Along with Bass' soul-keeper Bree we are introduced to Bree's brother Sam and a new fallen angel, Hogart. The character development is handled well and a little more complicated in this book as the charactors are faced with self doubt, PTSD and questions about their own future. More secrets and complications are revealed creating more questions and another mystery.

5 Star Review

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 34

"Colby David Thatcher, don't you dare!" her voice came out higher than usual, but he couldn't miss the tone of command.

Turning, Colby saw her and ran to her side. Taking her in his arms, he damn near killed her with a hug and kiss.

"Oh, God, Avery! He was just at the door with a gun at her head...." Trembling, he wavered slightly, going weak in the knees.

Avery held him close. "It's okay. She'll be okay."

"I should have told her. Stupid! Stupid! I didn't think. I should have told her."

"Your mom is going to be all right," Avery said. "If the cops can't take care of it, you can bet Tamika can."

Avery didn't say anything, but she saw Tamika cross the breezeway upstairs, on the back of the building. Avery had no idea what the other woman had planned, but she had a look of determination on her face. She paused, nodding slowly at Avery. Raising her chin, Avery gave a slight nod of her own. Buck trailed after his wife, moving just as silently. They ducked out of sight and Avery wondered where they were going. Did the cops know where they were? Should she tell anyone?

No. Tell no one, she decided.

Avery held Colby, doing her best to distract him from the situation. She knew his mother was all right. They wouldn't hurt her, they needed her too much. She also knew that Adele Thatcher was no slack, and would give the bastards as good as they tried to give her.

About that time, the SWAT team arrived. Their commander swaggered around looking important. Though he seemed competent, he was more for the frontal approach. The officer in charge, a tall, Asian detective, was having a hard time talking the man down. Determined not to let the situation escalate, Avery marched over and yanked on the SWAT leader's sleeve. He turned around, looking for someone his height. It took a second to realize that Avery was there, and ten inches shorter.

"You can't go in there balls to the wall," Avery said without even introducing herself. "This isn't Call of Duty. Chill, baboo."

"Excuse me? You are?"

"The future daughter-in-law of the woman who's the hostage in there. I know you guys talk about acceptable losses and shit, but that woman in the most important thing in the world, to her son. If you go in there, guns blazing, and his mom gets hurt. Well, I'd hate to be you."

"Who the f—" The curse died on his lips when the detective stepped between him and Avery.

"Avery Justice," she said, holding out her hand. "My fiancé, the man who's ready to run in there and kill anything that gets in his way, is the only real family I have—except for that lady in there. And I would really hate for one of them to die, before she even knows we're engaged. He just proposed last night," she continued. "We were on the way to choose a ring when the douchebag drug dealer in there grabbed his mother."

The detective was having a little trouble following her, as was the SWAT commander. Fortunately, Colby's cop buddy, Carl, had joined them.

"Sir, we may have a situation."

"More than this?"

"Two people, a man and a woman, were seen circling the back and attempting to enter the back of the apartment."

"What? Who?"

Carl shrugged, though Avery could see that he had a pretty good idea. "Best I can figure is they are a couple of neighbors."

"Why would neighbors be going in? This is the weirdest hostage negotiation I've ever had. What does this fucktard even want?" he asked Carl.

"According to him, he wants to deal his drugs in peace. He figured, for whatever reason, that jacking this kid's mama was the way to go." He looked around with a wry smile. "I'm here to say, it's not."

The door jerked open and a man stumbled through, his hands on top of his head. He fell face first on the pavement, not even putting his arms out to break his fall. It took a second to realize that his hands were stuck on top of his head. A second man followed. This one had his pants open, his dick hanging out and his hands were stuck to his thighs. He was howling. A third came out, hands clasped on his head, but not glued.

"We're coming out!" Tamika yelled. "We're not armed." She stepped into the doorway, but no one drew a bead on her.

Buck followed. Both had their hands on their heads and they were smiling.

"Someone wanna cuff those wankers?" the detective yelled. "But not those two! I wanna talk to them."

SWAT and his men surrounded the criminals, cuffing the third one and strong arming the other two. The one with his pants open yelled and screamed as the movement tugged at his hairy thighs and more private parts.

"Bitch glued me!" he bellowed. "I got Super Glue on my balls, man! My balls!" his voice rose to a whimpering cry.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 33

"I have some great news," he said after he kissed her.

"Yeah? What's that?"

"I just got Twila's job as head of IT."

"No kidding? Oh, my God, Colby! That's so cool! Dr. Tucker's office manager asked me if I'd like to take a job in the office, making appointments and scheduling tests. It would mean a pay increase, too. Like almost double what I'm making. I can still do the scribe stuff, until they find someone else. The other would only be part time to begin with."

"That's great! I hope you said yes."

"I did! I start Monday. Meanwhile, I have a shit ton of files to go through, but it won't take long."

"Not as fast as you type."

He told her about the apartments opening up in Jonas' complex and that idea pleased her. Though she liked her place, a newer one in a nicer neighborhood would please her more.

"They open for show on Saturday. I thought we'd go have a look. Jonas said he'd meet us there and put in a good word."

Avery burst into tears. Colby dropped his fork, springing up to hold her in his arms. "What's wrong, babe?"

"I'm so happy! Everything is falling into place—it's so great!"

It really was great, he couldn't deny. He held her while she cried, kissing her hair and patting her back. They ate a hurried lunch so they could have some bedroom time, but Colby's phone rang as he was taking off his pants.

"It's Mom. Shit! Hi, Mom! What's up?"

"Where are you, Colby? I'm knocking on your door and no one's home."

"Oh, hell. I forgot to call you. I moved—in with Avery."

"What? Why?"

"Come on over and I'll explain."

"Okay. On my way. Excuse me?" she said to someone, not Colby. "Who are you and what—!" there was a muffled cry.

"Mom? Mom!" He put the phone on speaker, struggling with his pants.

"You want Mommy back, you get the cops off my back. Got it?"

"Colby?" he heard at a distance. "Who are these people?"

"You hurt my mother, I will end you."

"Yeah. Tough guy. Do it."

"Call the cops," he whispered to Avery. "My place. Druggies. Mom."

She didn't need more than that. She could hear what was happening. Going in the bathroom, she made the call. Afterward, though Colby hadn't said to, she called Buck's cell number. His wife, Tamika, answered.

"Hello?"

"This is Avery, I'm Colby's girlfriend. Are you home?"

"Upstairs at Mom's. Why?"

"The drug dealer, he grabbed Colby's mom!"

"What the fuck? Don't worry. Mama, watch the kids. I gotta run a mission. I'll get some help. You don't worry, Avery. You tell Colby, I'm on this like flies on shit."

"Thank you."

Colby was dressed and ready to go when she came back out.

"I talked to Tamika. She said she's on it like flies on shit."

He laughed almost hysterically. "And the cops?"

"On the way."

"I gotta go."

"I'll call your boss. Go. Be safe!"

He raced out and she called his boss and told him what had happened.

"Whoa, what the fuck? What's that guy got, a death wish?"

"Apparently. Go figure."

"Yeah. Listen, you stick tight. I'm on the way over to Colby's. Someone's going to have to hold him back while they get his mama out, or he's gonna go kamikaze."

"Be careful, Jonas. And tell him.... Tell him to behave."

"I will. Bye, kiddo."

Avery was terrified. She knew she'd be in the way if she went over. Every part of her wanted to go and be with Colby. Finally unable to stop herself, she got dressed warmly and followed him. She had to park some distance away because they had cordoned off the complex and were evacuating surrounding apartments. Small and quick, she wormed and wiggled her way in. She spotted Jonas a few feet away, with Colby. He was pale, his mouth and nostrils pinched, ears and throat red. He was ready to blow. If he went off, he could get himself hurt. He was brave and completely oblivious to his own vulnerability, when someone he loved was threatened. There was no one in his life more important than his mother, except Avery. He yanked his arm away from Jonas and the cop holding him and was ready to dash forward, when she caught up to him.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 32

"Only one thing puts that goofy, happy assed look on a man's face—true love and good sex."

"Wasn't just good," Colby began. "And Avery would kill me if I said another word."

"Man's gotta brag a bit. You're way too proud of yourself, dude." He leaned close, whispering. "Did you make her scream?"

"Couple times. More than a couple...."

Jonas gave him his fist to bump, grinning at him.

"Oh, I need to change my address on the books. I moved in with Avery."

"Big changes this weekend!"

"We talked about doing it soon, but there were problems at my place, so decided to do it right away." He explained about the probable drug dealer.

"Man, that sucks, Colby. They are opening some places in my complex. One bedroom, new, very nice...."

"I can't afford that place, Jonas. Even with both Avery and me paying for it."

"Yearly reviews are coming up, Colby. I just got Twila's resignation letter effective almost immediately."

"No kidding, why?"

Twila was head of IT. It was Colby's area too, but she had seniority of a couple months on Colby. He worked as her assistant most of the time, though he did other jobs as well.

"Got herself knocked up and her soon-to-be hubby is taking a job in Orlando. She's got to pack up, plan a wedding, and move in less than a month. You want her job? You're doing it half the time anyway."

"Seriously?"

The new job came with a huge pay bump.

"No one else I'd rather put there, Colby. And with the new job, you could afford that new place...."

"Shit, Jonas, you talked me into it."

"Yes! Thank you. Effective immediately. She has Friday as her last day, so we'll give you the week to get acclimated." He smirked, snorting. "Like you need that long. I wish I had a dozen more just like you."

"I appreciate this, Jonas. Thanks." They were shaking hands as the first employee walked in.

When they had all gathered, including Twila, who was nearly 45 minutes late, Jonas made the announcement. Each of his co-workers congratulated him.

"That's not the only reason you look so happy," Twila said as he helped her pack up her office. "Someone had a really great weekend."

"I had the best weekend of my life." He told her briefly about him and Avery.

Twila gave him a hug and a kiss. "You special, precious man! You'll take such good care of that girl. I'm so happy for you!" she burst into tears.

Colby dug around until he found her tissues, handing her the box. She gave him another kiss. "Sorry. My hormones are so out of whack, I can't stand it. I cry a hundred times a day. Or I'm so damn horny.... Oh, I'm sorry, Colby! Way too much information!"

"No worries, Twila. I'm not upset by that kind of thing. Unless it's about me and how well, or badly, I performed. Then I might get upset."

"I can't imagine Avery having anything to say that wasn't complimentary."

"Thanks. Congratulations on the wedding, and the baby. Wayne is a hell of a lucky man to have you."

"Thank you, Colby! I like to hope so."

They worked longer on her office, nearly done by the time lunch rolled around.

"Colby, how would you feel about starting this job early?"

"How early?"

"Wednesday. I could use the extra time. I'm getting married Sunday. I told Jonas Friday because I thought he might farm out the job. Since you already know it, I don't have to train you. That would give me tomorrow to say goodbye and then you could take over as of Wednesday."

"If it's okay with Jonas, yeah."

"I'll talk to him. I don't think it will be a problem." She gave him another hug.

Colby's phone rang. It was Avery.

"You still coming home for lunch?"

"If you want me to."

"I have a magnificent feast laid out."

"Yeah? Does it include whipped cream?"

She snorted derisively. "No, it does not. However, it's delicious, and will make you very happy."

"Got the beer on ice?"

"Of course!"

"I'll be there in ten."

He took slightly longer, but still managed to hit mostly green lights. Avery wasn't in the living room when he walked in, but she was in the kitchen. She'd outdone herself with the meal, having prepared a lasagna, salad and garlic bread—with root beer.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Though she's reluctant to use Jason's skills, Agent Driscole realizes that sometimes, It Takes a Thief to catch a murderer. ~ by Dellani Oakes

 

Jason Banes is a thief, he readily admits that, but he's quick to deny that he's also a murderer. Accused of multiple homicides, and theft, he agrees to help a multi-national task force find the real killer. When he's assigned to an FBI team for protection, he meets Agent Taylor Driscole. It's a race to find Orchid before she kills again. Though she's reluctant to use Jason's skills, Agent Driscole realizes that sometimes, It Takes a Thief to catch a murderer.

https://www.amazon.com/It-Takes-a-Thief/dp/B094W6CYRN/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Excerpt from It Takes a Thief

The man on the left looked puzzled, the man on the right and the driver chuckled. Driscole stared straight ahead. Jason shrugged. He wiggled around trying to get comfortable, but his companions took up most of the seat. He was more of a wiry build himself, but he had very broad shoulders. Feeling slightly claustrophobic, he wiggled some more.

Mr. Left gave him an evil eye. Mr. Right eased slightly toward the door, angling his shoulders so the each had a little more room.

"Thanks," Jason murmured, smiling a little.

The man said nothing, but nodded and a smile flickered for a second and was gone.

"May I ask where we're going?" Jason directed at the group.

No one said anything. Driscole shifted in her seat, ignoring him.

"Oi," Jason said rather more loudly. "I know I'm a criminal, but I think I've got a right to know if I'm going to be safe. Might I point out, that you need me—rather a lot?"

Driscole glared at him over her shoulder. Firming her lips, she inhaled slowly. "Look, Mr. Banes. I'm not here to be your friend. I'm here to protect you. The less you know about our destination the better."

"What? Am I going to yell out the windows and give it away? Who am I gonna tell, Special Agent in Charge Taylor Driscole? Eh? And while we're having this lively repartee, perhaps you could ask one of the kind gentlemen to undo the handcuffs? I assure you, I'm not inclined to go anywhere. Besides, they'd break me in two before I even got to a door or disabled the driver—not that I know how to do that in any case. I'm a thief, not an assassin."

Agent Driscole nodded to the man on Jason's right. He took a key out of his pocket and undid the cuffs, putting them back on his belt.

"Thanks, mate. Jason Banes, thief." He extended his hand.

Somewhat surprised, the man took it. His grip threatened to crush Jason's hand. Instead of giving in, he met the other man's bone crushing grasp with his own. He knew how to move his hand to make the bones and sinews grind together. He didn't quite do it, but Mr. Right got the idea and eased up.

"Greg Kisler," he replied politely.

"Pleased to meet you." Jason turned to the man on his left and went through the same process.

"Alex Graves. The driver is Tim Stuart. We've been assigned as your primary team. We'll be seeing a lot of one another."

"Really?"

"We'll be living with you—at least until the rest of the team members are assembled. Taylor's in charge."

"Is she?" Jason couldn't help being happy about that.

"Enough socializing," Taylor snapped. "He's our primary, not our best friend."

"Being polite, Taylor. We're going to be under the same roof. We might as well be friendly."

"I didn't come to this point in my career to be chummy with a petty criminal," she replied.

"Hardly petty, love," Jason corrected.

"I am not your love," she snarled.

"Expression only, I assure you. And I'm not asking to be your best chum. A little courteous conversation, maybe knock back the odd beer.... And I haven't been a petty criminal since I was sixteen." His feelings hurt, he sat back in the seat with his arms crossed petulantly.

Driscole stared straight ahead, eyes fixed on the road, her back ramrod straight. The men watched their environment, never taking their eyes off their surroundings. After they'd driven about half an hour, the neighborhood became increasingly upscale and familiar. Jason looked around him taking in the details. It was hard to see from the back seat, but he was sure he knew this area. When they slowed down, making a sharp left turn into a driveway, he grinned. The security gate stopped them, but the driver leaned out toward the monitor, taking down his dark glasses.

"Agent Timothy Stuart. Package has arrived."

Jason smiled happily, dark eyes glittering excitedly.

"By corky," he said with a chuckle.

"What?" Alex asked him.

"Home Sweet Home," he announced, holding out his hands toward the Spanish style three story mansion. "Gentlemen, Agent Driscole, welcome to Casa Blanca."

Three of them gave him a questioning look. Agent Driscole gave him what could only be described as a withering glare.

"You're kidding, right?" she said with a sniff of disdain.

"Seriously. This is my house. I call it Casa Blanca. Not because of the movie. You see, Banes means white and it's a Spanish style house, or casa.... Well, it seemed a good idea at the time."

"Cool house, JB," Kisler, the youngest of the men, said. "Got a pool?"

"Indoors. And a hot tub, gymnasium, sweet home theatre. Just finished putting it in."

"And you paid for all of this by stealing things from other people?" Driscole was disgusted.

"Actually, love, this is built with investment money that I made by removing rather expensive objects d'art from unsuspecting, disreputable people who thoroughly deserved to be robbed."

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 31

"I don't mean it in a bad way." He paused unsure what kind of analogy would work that wouldn't get him in trouble.

"Kind of like whipped cream and a wire whisk. The whisk does all the moving around, but the cream takes the beating."

Colby chuckled. "Yeah." He closed his eyes, giving her a little kiss. "Oooh, whipped cream. I could have fun with that."

"I'm not licking it off your dangling bits, Thatcher."

"I was thinking more of licking it off yours." Winking, he walked to the shower, starting the hot water.

They had a quick shower, set their alarms and went to bed, snuggled together with her head on his chest. Colby found he quite liked having Avery use him as a pillow. It was comforting, emotionally healing. He hadn't the hurt in his life that she did, but he had his own demons. Having Avery made his insecurities and fears recede. With a smile on his lips, he fell asleep.

His alarm went off first. He had a longer drive from Avery's apartment to his job. Not that he minded, because there was less traffic in this area of town. He regretted the fact that he didn't have time to make love to her before starting his day, but he wasn't entirely sure how she'd feel about morning sex when she had to get ready for work. He'd broach it with her later. For now, he needed a quick shower, some coffee. His boss could be counted on to have donuts or pastries, so he wouldn't starve. Coffee was tantamount.

He showered quickly, leaving his hair dry. He'd washed it the night before and didn't want to go out in the cold with it wet. Towel around his waist, he wandered into the bedroom. Avery's alarm went off and she woke, stretching. The towel tented over his groin and he sighed softly, watching her breasts move under her nightshirt.

"Holster the lethal weapon, Thatcher. I can't even look at a dick today."

"Do my best, ma'am," he said, saluting. His groin refused to cooperate.

Avery stumbled to the bathroom and he heard the shower start. "Oh, fuck socks," she cursed. "Well, we won't be celebrating later today," she called from the shower. "What's the date?"

"Twenty-second."

The happy dance in his pants stopped suddenly. Avery's period started on the twenty-second. Regular as clockwork. He didn't know about other women, but she never missed a beat.

"I hear it helps with cramps," he called back.

"No shit, really? It's messy...."

"I don't care about messy. If it will help you, we'll try it later. I know how it gets, babe."

She lived on Midol and heating pads for the first day or two.

"At least I just have to go pick stuff up, I don't have to stay."

"I'll come home for lunch," Colby offered.

"For real?" Her head popped around the door. "You'd do that for me?"

"I would do anything for you."

"Even potentially yucky, bloody sex?"

Colby inhaled sharply, not particularly liking the prospect when voiced that way. "Even that."

"I love you, Colby!"

"I love you too, Ave."

"How much time do you have before you'll be late?"

He glanced at the wall clock. "I can leave in forty minutes if I take coffee to go."

She pushed the door open. He stripped quickly.

"Won't be as messy in the shower," she said with an arched eyebrow.

Colby hadn't ever had sex in the shower before, but he figured it out. Avery seemed to enjoy it. She had a point, it wasn't messy at all, in the shower. Running horribly late, he dashed out of the apartment without his coffee, because he didn't have time for it to brew. Fortunately, he hit all green lights and was only a couple minutes late. His boss, Jonas, was setting up the pot. No one else was there. Colby dashed in, worried he'd be in trouble.

"You okay, Colbster?" Jonas asked.

"Yeah. I thought I'd be late. Where's everyone else?"

Jonas laughed, glancing at the clock. "Late. You're fine. How often have you been late, in the last four years?"

"Twice, counting today."

Jonas shrugged, saluting Colby with the empty carafe before he started the pot. "You look extra peppy today. Good weekend?"

"The best." Colby couldn't control the happy grin that spread across his face. He didn't want to say too much, because Jonas knew Avery, but he was too happy to control himself completely.

"Has this anything to do with that hot, little redhead?" Jonas was just over 30, and happily married. He called Avery the hot redhead, because he couldn't remember her name.

"Yep! Absolutely everything!"

"You finally admitted you love her madly, and made passionate love all weekend," Jonas declared.

"How'd you know?"

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 30

CONTENT WARNING!

He scoffed, taking a swig of his root beer. "They're the ones you should feel sorry for. My wife, Tamika, she's desert trained, too. Those guys threaten the safety of her babies?" He drew a line across his throat with his index finger. "And I do not exaggerate."

Colby knew he wasn't. Tamika was an amazing woman – beautiful and deadly. She was sweet and loved her children, but he'd seen her lose her cool with another tenant, when he made inappropriate advances on a neighbor's 13 year old daughter.

Everyone made themselves scarce after dinner, leaving Colby and Avery alone. Colby looked around at the pieces of his furniture, pleased to see that they fit into Avery's home—their home—well. They'd replaced her TV with his, as it was slightly bigger, and put hers in their bedroom.

"Though I doubt we'll be watching much TV," Colby teased when they did so.

His dresser was from the same IKEA kit as hers, so they simply moved it into the bedroom next to hers. The TV shared the top of both. Avery moved her few cloths around in the closet, giving him half. He didn't need it all, but she insisted. It pleased her to have enough room, in her small place, for him.

"What would you like to do now, Mr. Thatcher?" Avery asked, arms crossed, smirking at him.

"I think you know the answer to that, Miss Justice. If I have to spell it out for you, you haven't been paying attention."

She walked to the kitchen cabinet, taking out a box of popcorn. Colby watched as she set up the popcorn to go in the microwave, shocked. He'd thought about going to bed and having some amazing sex. Here she was, fixing popcorn?

"What are you doing, Ave?"

"I thought surely the first thing you'd want to do would be watch a movie, Colb. With popcorn and beer." She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

"I couldn't give a shit about a movie, Avery." He followed her around the kitchen, holding her close.

"No shit, Sherlock? Sometimes you are so duh...." she teased, tapping his forehead with her finger.

Colby's kiss quieted her, until he pulled her clothing off and set her on the counter. She yelped at the cool surface, squirming to get down as he undressed.

"What are you doing, Colby Thatcher?"

"Christening the kitchen, Avery Justice. Sometimes you are so duh...." He didn't tap her forehead, he his his fingers do the talking.

Avery gasped as he touched her. His lips closed over hers and he moved with great determination. Finally, she pushed him away enough to speak.

"We make food here."

"I'll clean it."

"This is crazy."

"This is fun."

Her protests ceased when he thrust into her, rocking his hips as he kissed her.

"Oh, God, Colby!" she breathed, biting his ear.

Because she had her eyes closed, he allowed himself a smirk before licking her breasts. "Still want popcorn and a movie?"

"Fuuuuck.... no...."

"Didn't think so."

Avery greatly appreciated his performance, voicing her enthusiasm loudly. To quiet her, Colby kissed her as she came, drowning out his own roar of pleasure.

As promised, he cleaned the counter per her instructions, while she put the popcorn away. Leaving their clothing in the kitchen, they went to the living room. Colby had in mind to make love in every room of the apartment, thankful that Avery didn't seem to mind. Once over her initial fears, she relished the attention and the closeness their love making provided. She had never shared so much with another person, as she had Colby, and he knew what it meant to her—and to him.

"Bare ass on the leather?" she teased as he sat down, dragging her onto his lap.

"I'll clean it, too," he promised, lunging into her. "Oh, God, Avery!"

It felt so good to be inside her, he couldn't stand it. She was hot, wet, tight and fit him just right. Her breasts bounced in his face, making him crazy with desire. He couldn't remember what sex with his other girlfriends had been like. He'd always compared the other women to one another, who did what best, but they all paled next to Avery. She outshone them all with her enthusiastic acceptance of him.

"Avery. I love you. So much!"

"Colby!" she couldn't say anything more. Her climax hit and all she could do was make a sound like a boiling tea kettle.

This time, he cleaned the couch while she gathered their clothing. She moved somewhat awkwardly as she wandered to the bedroom. Colby took the clothing from her, giving her a kiss.

"We should get some sleep, babe. We have time to do this every night. Don't have to do all our celebrating now."

Avery leaned against him, her head on his chest. "It feels so good, but my tender lady parts are protesting."

"One advantage a man has, his parts don't take quite the same abuse."

"Abuse?" Her head snapped up, her eyes squinting.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 28

 

In the morning, they woke late, spent some quality time in bed and got up to fix brunch. Colby knew he needed to go by his apartment and get some clothing for work. He worked at a small computer repair and sales company during the week. Avery was a scribe for a doctor's office. They both had to work Monday morning, but they had the rest of Sunday to spend together.

Around 2:00, he braved the gathering cold and headed to his apartment. Avery had laundry to do, so she stayed at her place. Her washer and drier were somewhat unpredictable, so she couldn't leave a load while she went out. Besides, they needed a short break from each other. They'd been in one another's company longer than this before, but not as a couple. Neither of them was entirely sure how to act and it was tiring. At least they both acknowledged the fact and realized they needed a little time apart.

Colby drove to his apartment. Snowflakes fluttered down, not quite sticking. When he got to his apartment, his spot and his guest spot were both occupied. It was unwritten law in the complex that the guest spot was flexible, as long as someone asked. The fact that both spots, clearly marked, were taken, he was angry. He parked behind both cars and went into his apartment, slamming the door. A few minutes later, angry voices rose outside. He heard a thump followed by cursing. Figuring that at least one of the people in his spot had come out, he got his jacket and went outside.

A big man with lots of tattoos and body piercings, was kicking Colby's car. There was a dent in the driver's side door. He held a tire iron and was taking a swing when Colby caught him.

"What the fuck!" Colby yelled. "That's my car, dude!"

"You've got me parked in, you cock sucker!"

"You're in my spot, you fucktard. Park in my spot, I'll park you in. All you had to do was come ask me to move."

"You could have asked me to move."

Colby stood with his hands on his hips. "Right. And I knew exactly where you were?"

The man glared at Colby. "I was right next door, man."

"Don't give a fuck where you were. Don't park in my spot. Do you know who's in the my other place?"

The man shrugged.

"Move your car and don't park there again, or I'll call the cops. It's got my number on it."

"Just dropping by my buddy's place. I wasn't there long."

"I don't care, dude. My spot is my spot."

"Don't get an attitude, you douchebag. I can park where I want." He turned aggressive, coming at Colby with the tire iron.

Having anticipated this, Colby blocked the ill timed swing, knocking the tire iron from the man's hand. He grabbed the guy's wrist, wrenching his arm behind him. Nose and eyebrow rings clacked against the aggressive man's hood, as Colby flattened his face on the cold metal. He jerked up on the man's arm, making him howl. Other doors opened. The new tenants watched warily. Three doors down, his neighbor Buck, who was former Army, came over.

"Sup, Colby?"

"Dude's fucking crazy," the tattooed man screamed. "Tried to break my fucking arm."

"What I see is a dent in his door, a tire iron at your feet and you face down on a car hood." Buck pulled out his phone and called the police. "That's assault, cabrón." He made his call and put his phone away. "You gonna let that douchebag up, Colb?"

"I don't want him to run."

"He's not running, cause he knows I'll catch him. If I catch him, this scenario changes." He glowered at the tattooed man. "So, we're gonna stand here nicely while we wait for the cops. Then you're going to jail."

The door down the way slammed shut. Colby eased his grip on the angry man, allowing him to rise. Buck moved closer, standing with his burly arms crossed over his muscular chest. He was dressed in a black T-shirt and desert camouflage pants.

"Your buddy isn't as stupid as you," Buck said. "Smart is good, considering what he's doing in there. You think I don't see. I see everything, puta. I make mental notes. I don't like drug dealers down the way from my kids. You can tell your buddy to watch his back."

"What's one spic gonna do to me?"

Buck took another step closer, still more than three feet away, but less than four. He smiled, arms still folded.

"I'll make it my personal business to make you regret your attitude."

Buck smiled again. It was the most predatory look Colby had ever seen. A cop car drove up, lights flashing. Another followed. Two officers, both of whom were nearly as big as Buck, hopped out. Colby and Buck explained what had happened. One officer examined the damage while the other cuffed the tattooed man.

"We pressing assault charges?" the cop with the cuffs asked.

"I'm pressing charges! He almost pulled my arm out," the tattooed man blustered.

"My friend is smaller and unarmed. He was attacked without provocation," Buck told the cop.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 27

CONTENT WARNING!

Colby couldn't answer. Lost in the moment, he kissed Avery, his hips beating a steady tattoo against hers. He gasped her name as he climaxed.

Avery felt a glow start deep inside. Each thrust of their hips stoked the heat until it built to an almost unbelievable height. Just as she reached the top, it broke in a wave of pleasure so absolute, she had no description for it. Wave after luscious wave hammered at her from the inside, making her gasp and cry out.

"Colby! Oh, God!" She wanted it to last forever, but it was over soon after it began. Spent and tingling from head to foot, she lay still.

Colby's weight felt comforting on her body. He rolled to the side, taking her with him, as they gasped for breath.

"That's what I've been missing all this time?"

Looking rather pleased, he grinned. "Yup."

"I'm an idiot! We could have been doing that for years! God, that felt great!"

Colby laughed, smoothing her hair out of her face. "I guess we did it right, then."

"There's a wrong way?"

"You'd be surprised. But it's a thousand times better—with someone you love." He kissed her tenderly. "I love you so much, Avery. Thank you for letting me show you."

"Forever and ever," she whispered, kissing him. She wrapped her leg around his, kissing him deeply. "Let's do it again," she mumbled against his lips.

"Yeah, give it a few minutes. Things have to—recirculate. It's a process," he tried to explain without going into great detail. "Be patient a few more minutes."

"What am I supposed to do while you recirculate?" she pouted.

"Lie there, looking beautiful, while I go pee." He really wanted to get a condom. He didn't know if Avery was on any kind of birth control and didn't want to spoil the mood by asking.

When he got back to bed, she went to the bathroom. Colby opened the box of condoms and put one packet under his pillow. By the time Avery came back, he was ready for round two. This time, he let her roll the condom on as part of their foreplay.

"Why didn't we use this the first time?" she demanded, not letting go of him until he explained to her satisfaction.

"You got me too hot, Ave. I didn't want to spoil the moment by leaping from the bed, naked."

"Good point." She stroked him, starting the process anew.

This time was even better. Over her fears now, Avery participated much more energetically. Colby enjoyed the increased level of activity, voicing his appreciation so loudly, he was afraid he'd wake her neighbors. If the neighbors woke, it wouldn't be entirely his fault. Avery screamed as she came, laughing at her own loss of control.

"Does that happen often?" she asked as they lay side by side once more.

"I dunno. I never made a woman scream before."

She smacked his chest. "You're so proud of yourself, you can't stand it."

"A man takes pride in his ability to make his partner scream during sex. Means I did something right."

"You did everything right. Thank you."

"Thank you," he whispered, holding her face. "For letting me be your one and only." He kissed her, pouring his love into it. "I love you, Avery Louise Justice. And one day, whenever you're ready, I want to marry you. Will you?"

"Will I what?" she was too stunned by his proposal to formulate a reply.

"Will you marry me? Sometime—tomorrow," he joked.

"That's a big step, Colby."

"I know. And I'm jumping the gun here. But I want you to know how much you mean to me. This is what I want for us. This is where I see this heading. So will you, Avery Louise Justice, at some unspecified point in time, agree to be my wife. No pressure—well, maybe a little."

"Colby David Thatcher, at some unspecified point in time, on a day much like today, I will marry you. But you're not to call me your fiancée yet."

"How come?"

"Because I've been your girlfriend roughly thirty-six hours. Even if I've known you forever, don't you think that progression is a little fast?"

He laughed, kissing her. "Yes, my soon to be fiancée."

"Soon to be, huh?"

"Yeah, I figure by this time next week, we'll be engaged and by next month we'll be married."

Avery laughed, tossing back her head. "I figure we'll be engaged sometime next year and married six months or so after that."

"Or we could try it—your way. I guess." Colby sighed contentedly.

"In the meantime, do we get to keep having this amazing sex?"

"I guarantee it gets even better."

"Yeah? Prove it."

And he did. It was late when they finished, decidedly risking an irate phone call because of the noise. Fortunately, her neighbors were deaf or gone, because no reprimand came. Colby suggested a quick shower together. Afterward, they cuddled up and went to sleep.

©2021 Dellani Oakes