Acts of Redemption by Eleanor Aldrick
“Hold on a sec, let me head into my office.” Turning toward the twins, I see their platinum blond hair and piercing blue eyes staring back at me expectantly. We don’t have much time together and our weekends are sacred, so the fact that I’m willing to take a work call right now has the boys at full attention.
Weekends are dedicated to my boys. And as much as I love my job, I’ll never let it take over my duties as a father ever again. But that doesn’t change the fact that Charlotte needs me, and I made a promise to do whatever I could to help her through this situation.
I give the twins a warning as I step away. “I’ll be right back. Listen to what Nanny Sylvie tells you and when I come back, I’ll join in on the conquest of Black Beard’s treasure.”
The boys nod in understanding before resuming their imaginary sword fight, forgetting all about my call and remaining blissfully ignorant of the secrets it may hold.
Closing the door to my study, I lift my phone, pressing the button for a video chat as I sit behind my desk. Needing to see their facial expressions as I ask my questions is extremely vital. I’m trained to detect lies and their facial cues can tell me whether they’re full of shit or the real deal.
“Marcus, it’s been a long time.” I smile into the phone, keeping my tone casual.
“Yes, definitely too long. We should remedy that. Beer with the boys soon, yea?”
“Sounds good. I don't normally work on Sundays, but I have a pressing matter that needs addressing.”
“Of course, shoot. What’s going on?” His eyes show no signs of fear, nothing but genuine concern behind the grey orbs.
“I’m on an assignment for the Rutherford family.” His face contorts into one of disgust. Okay, not exactly what I was expecting as his reaction. “It’s my understanding that your team was the last to provide a protective detail before we stepped in.”
“That’s right. And I don’t envy your position one bit. Let’s just say the senator is a special case and working for him has been my least favorite job. Ever.”
That’s very telling. The man has been in actual combat with enemy insurgents who aren’t shy about torture and whose tactics in battle are anything but fair.
I run my hand over my face, “You know I’m going to need more than that, friend. I suspect you know how the senator treats his wife and what he’s accused you of.”
Marcus scoffs into the phone, “Between you and me, that sick bastard is possessive of his wife beyond all reason. His obsession with her has twisted into his dark corrupt soul and made him see things that aren’t there.”
His words have me releasing a breath I didn’t know I was holding. “So you never touched her in an unprofessional manner?” I know it’s pushing, but I need him to thoroughly spell it out for me.
A look of pain flashes across his face as if my words have physically wounded him, “Brother, I thought you would know me better than that. I would never be so unprofessional on a job, and I most definitely would never even entertain the thought of being intimate with a married woman.”
It’s my turn to be wounded. Though his words aren’t intended to do so, they remind me of the illicit thoughts running wild in my head. Despite how much I try to shove them out, visions of a very naked and very flushed Charlotte writhing beneath me are all I can see.
“Right. I know, but I had to ask because...”
Marcus’ eyes narrow. “What? Is the bastard accusing one of your men of having intimate relations with his wife too? That’s rich. Your men would never do that. Your reputation isn’t what it is for nothing.”
His blind faith in my team fills me with a source of pride, although if he knew the thoughts running through my head, I’m pretty sure he’d feel differently.
“That’s right. Our team would never step out of line like that. But I was more concerned with how he physically treats her. Did you notice anything alarming when you were in charge?”
His whole upper body stiffens and a look of discomfort flashes across his face. “To be honest, we did notice that he was very handsy with her, and not in a fun way. His grip was almost bruising in our presence, but it was never more than that.” His jaw clenches and his eyes glaze over. “Had it been, we definitely would have intervened. Have things progressed beyond a firm hold?”
Not wanting to give too much away, I school my features. “There’s concern, but we lack sufficient evidence to be able to do anything about it. As you know, taking down a man of his social stature requires a little more finesse than our typical Joe. Not saying that it can’t be done, we just need to be smart about it.”
Marcus nods in agreement. “Have the surveillance cameras caught anything or the staff come forward with corroborating statements?”
“No to either. The man is smart, going so far as to create a dead spot in his home where he can do anything without eyes. And the fear he’s instilled into his staff... well, I’m sure you noticed.”
“Yes, we did. Although the cook looks like she has a soft spot for Charlotte. She might be of some assistance.” He offers me a half-hearted smile, knowing that it would be extremely unlikely for someone to openly wrong the senator.
“Right. I tried talking to her but was stopped by a ghost from my past.”
Marcus raises a brow, a smirk playing across his thin lips. “Is there something I’m missing?”
“A tale for another time. Maybe over drinks. Lots and lots of drinks.”
We both chuckle before I thank him for his help and once again agreeing to a night out soon.
Well, that was enlightening.
I quickly shoot Titus a message informing him of what I’ve just learned. He’s currently at the Rutherford residence, making sure the senator is keeping his hands to himself.
Running my hands through my hair, I tilt my head back in supplication. For what, I don’t know.
Peace? Patience? Understanding?
Even though Marcus confirmed that nothing went on between himself and Charlotte, I can’t help but feel tied up inside about her being a possible cheater. No, she didn’t do anything with Marcus or his men, but she was more than willing to kiss me last night.
That must mean something, right?
But then again, I’m vehemently against cheaters and there I was, almost willing to break my own damn rules just for a taste of those lips... Those deliciously juicy and forbidden lips which I’ve pictured wrapped around my throbbing cock on multiple occasions.
Fuuuuuuck. I’m in deep.
Palming my stiffening erection, I mentally slap myself. If I don’t watch myself, I’m bound to become the very thing I hate, and that’s not something I’m willing to accept.
