The Cain Casey Series

Chapter Four

New Orleans, Louisiana

“Good God, Casey, you look like shit,” Cain told Dr. Sam Casey when she stepped into the exam room.

“Wait until you’re only getting an hour of sleep a night. Then we’ll see how great you look.”

“Don’t listen to this comedian.” Emma squeezed Cain’s fingers as a sign for her to behave. “I’m sorry we weren’t here for the blessed event, but we wanted to pass along our congratulations.” She handed Sam a gift for the birth of Sam and Ellie Eschete’s baby. “How are Ellie and the baby doing?”

“Thanks, Emma, they’re wonderful. I’d give up sleep for the rest of my life in exchange for holding that little angel when I get home.” Sam put the gift down and rubbed her hands together. “Let’s see what we can do about you losing some sleep,” she teased Cain.

Emma smiled and said, “Today’s the day, from the chart I’ve been keeping, so whenever you’re ready, Sam.”

Sam excused herself, and Cain helped Emma undress. “What are you thinking about, lass?” Cain rubbed her thumb just above Emma’s nose.

“How much better my ring will look when we add a stone to it.” She lifted her arms so Cain could slip the gown on for her and tie it. “If you’re having any second thoughts, it’s now or never, because I think I’ve proven how fertile we are.”

“I haven’t had many second thoughts from the day you came into my life. You, lass, and moments like this, balance out the bad I’ve done. You’re my salvation.”

Emma heard the rawness in Cain’s voice, and her perception of herself pained Emma. She placed her hand over Cain’s heart and pressed hard against her chest. “Do you think I’m a bad person?” Cain shook her head. “You love me enough to forgive me my mistakes—you love your children, and you’re the most honorable person I’ve ever known. Don’t say that about yourself again. I realize evil people exist. You, my love, are far from evil.”

“Aren’t you a wee bit biased?”

“You bet, but you’ll never convince me you’ve got a bad side. A mischievous streak as wide and long as the Mississippi, but not bad.” Emma kissed her and scratched the back of her head. “So tell me, mobster, are you feeling lucky?”

“Lucky enough to try for another girl, only blond this time, like her mama.”

“I’m not sure how specific an order we can place, but I’ll give it a shot.” She kept her arms around Cain’s neck as Cain lifted her up on the exam table. “I love you.”

“When you say that, you make me think I’ve done something right in my life.” Cain pressed her forehead against Emma’s and kissed her.

When Sam came in, their lips were still locked together. “Should I come back?” she asked.

Cain sat at the head of the exam table to get out of the way while Sam set up. After a quick exam, she handed Cain a syringe so she could push the plunger. Then she left them in peace.

Cain wiped away Emma’s tears. “You okay?”

“Just happy. These past months with you have been even more than I wished for when I was stuck in Wisconsin alone. Now I realize what an idiot I am.”

“You’re not an idiot.”

Emma put her hand on the side of Cain’s face. “I am, and I’m not just talking about the time apart I forced on us.”

Cain kissed her palm before kissing her lips, knowing how much Emma loved the sensation. “I’m sorry you feel that way.” She had moved back enough to see Emma’s face and outlined her lips with her finger. “Since I’m not really sure what you’re talking about.”

“I’ve been with you for so long because I love you,” Emma said, pausing as if to gather her thoughts. “But I never wanted to mess up the perfect picture of you in my head.”

“Oh, lass, I’m far from perfect.”

“My head might know that, but my heart doesn’t. I could’ve tried harder and a lot sooner for the kind of relationship we have now. You and our children are the most important people in my life, and I’m looking forward to bringing this little guy home in nine months.”

“Just remember what Sam said about having to try more than once.”

“Just once is all it’ll take.” Emma accepted Cain’s hand and sat up.

“How do you know?” Cain dressed Emma and glanced up from putting her shoes on when she didn’t answer. “Well?”

Still no answer as Emma took her hand and led her out of the office to the waiting car. No one on the house staff bothered them when they got home and headed for their room. When the door closed and Cain locked it, Emma stripped for her.

The way Emma walked toward her made any curiosity about her answer fly from her thoughts. When Emma pushed her forward, the bed bounced under her as she gave in to her wishes and sat down. She was rewarded by a naked Emma straddling her lap.

“Tell me you remember the last step in this process,” Emma said.

“Maybe.”

Emma lifted Cain’s hand to her mouth. “Then perhaps you need a refresher course.” She took Cain’s middle and index fingers into her mouth to the knuckle and sucked on them softly. Even though Cain closed her eyes and her breathing deepened, Emma had her full attention.

Emma opened her mouth and licked the length of her fingers, then just as quickly took them in again. “Is it coming back to you at all?” she asked before biting just the tips.

“Vaguely.” Cain opened her eyes and wanted to keep them on Emma’s face, but when she leaned back and spread her legs she couldn’t help but admire the length of her.

“Need more hints, huh?”

“Just a couple.”

Emma grasped Cain’s wrist and dragged her hand down her stomach, then back up to her left nipple. “Pinch,” Emma ordered, and Cain happily complied. She got only a brief touch before Emma moved her hand to her other nipple.

“With me now?” Emma asked.

“Just one more clue and I’ll be good.”

Emma laughed deeply, sounding sexy as hell. “Then I should make this one count.” She took Cain’s hand and put it between her legs.

The way Cain’s fingers slid easily along Emma’s sex proved just how turned on she was.

This little tradition had started when they were trying to conceive Hayden. They’d go to the doctor, then come home and make love. Even though Hannah had been a surprise to Cain, Emma had talked Cain into an afternoon in bed. She wanted to create lives based on the love she and Cain shared.

“Please tell me you can take it from here,” Emma said. She moaned as Cain’s fingers teased her opening and her thumb stroked her clitoris.

“I love you,” Cain whispered in her ear. “So very much.” She pushed her fingers in all the way.

Emma’s muscles clamped down on Cain’s fingers, but she didn’t move, not wanting to come right away. That was difficult when Cain pulled out, then just as quickly pushed all the way in. “So good,” Emma said.

“Then come for me,” Cain said before kissing her.

Emma did just that as she brought her hips down to meet Cain’s touch and moaned into her mouth. As the orgasm started, she pressed her legs into Cain’s sides and let her head drop onto Cain’s shoulder. Emma shuddered from the intensity as Cain rubbed her thumb over her clitoris one more time, and she grabbed Cain by the wrist again to stop any other movement.

“You’re criminally good at that.” She held Cain’s hand in place, enjoying the way her sex was still pulsating around her fingers.

“You get an automatic head start when you’re an actual criminal.”

“Tsk.” Emma clucked her tongue and pulled the hair at the base of Cain’s neck. “When I get to spend time with you like this, you make me feel absolutely adored.”

“That’s a given, Mrs. Casey, so how about cluing me in as to why today’s the day we made a baby.”

“That’s easy.” Emma finally released Cain’s hand so she could pull out. “I’ve been to the cemetery with you every year. A new baby can’t make up for the loss of Dalton, but it’s a good way to celebrate your father’s life. I know how important family is to you, and you learned how to be a wonderful parent by following his example. He’s not here, but he’s still watching over you.”

“I’d like to think he’s watching over all of us.”

“Then I’m sure he’ll give us what we most want. After all, what’s impossible for a Casey?”

“Depends on which one you ask.”

“I’m asking this one.” Emma placed her hands on the sides of Cain’s face and kissed her, moaning when Cain’s mouth opened and accepted her tongue.

“Then I’ll do what I have to in order to make it happen. All I want is you, our family, a new baby, and peace. We’ve started on the baby part, and later on I’m going to lay the groundwork for the kind of peace that’ll let us relax and enjoy the life we’ve built.”

Emma had learned that, sometimes, happiness came at a price. She closed her eyes and prayed that this time the beast called fate would simply give them what they wanted and not demand the heavy tolls it had in the past. Emma fully agreed with Cain’s wish list, but a sense of foreboding made her shiver and pull Cain forward in an effort to chase away the demons that fear sprouted.

She sensed that this time they’d have to walk a gauntlet before they received the peace and happiness they both wanted. So Emma added just one more prayer, one that Casey wives before her had recited—for the strength and perseverance to keep her partner and children free from harm, no matter the sacrifice.

*

Cain buttoned her jacket as she walked downstairs and ignored the smirk on Katlin’s face. Merrick Runyon, Cain’s longtime guard who was now assigned to Emma, was sitting close to Katlin on the antique settee in Jarvis’s foyer. Katlin and Merrick’s relationship was still new, and Cain had been holding off expressing her opinion about it until now.

“Ready to roll?” Katlin asked.

“In a minute. I need to talk with Merrick first.” Cain passed them, continuing to the sunroom and expecting Merrick to follow.

“Problem?” Merrick asked.

Cain pointed to the chair across from hers and studied Merrick as she strolled across the room. Merrick was still fit and beautiful, but something in her appearance had softened. Her clothes were different—more stylish with a hint of femininity, and her hair was longer. All these subtle signs that she was trying to keep Katlin’s attention bothered Cain.

“You look nice today,” Cain said, trying to keep her voice even.

Merrick blinked and opened and closed her mouth several times before answering. “Not our usual conversation, but thanks.”

“I’ve noticed a few things these past months.”

The disjointed tapping of Cain’s fingers filled the room for a long minute. From the way Merrick’s eyes shifted from her hand to her face, Cain knew she was searching for the right words.

“Like I asked, is there a problem?”

“I’m not going to tell you how to live your life outside your job, but I’m concerned.”

Merrick took a deep, explosive breath. “I’ve proved my loyalty. What’s changed to make you doubt me now?”

“I didn’t say doubt—I said concern.” Cain stopped tapping and let loose some of her own temper. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”

“Sorry. What are you concerned about?”

“When I changed your responsibilities you weren’t pleased. I’m concerned that your unhappiness, coupled with your new social life, isn’t in Emma’s best interests.”

Merrick gripped the armrests as if to keep from punching her. “First off, I know Emma didn’t tell you she had a problem, and next time talk to me before you assume anything about me.”

Their time together gave Merrick some latitude to talk like this, and Cain laughed. “Why do you think Emma didn’t say anything?”

“Because we’ve come to a truce, Emma and I. I know my job and I’m happy to do it. As for Katlin, you can approve or not, that’s up to you. I’m sorry for not bringing it up earlier, but I’d like your blessing.”

Cain stood and put her hand up to keep Merrick in her seat. “You don’t need my blessing, Merrick, but if you do, I’m happy you found someone you can confide in and be happy with.”

“Thank you.”

“Emma and I have started trying for another baby, though, and I’m trusting you to keep her safe. Don’t let me down.”

“You’re going to worry no matter what I say.” Merrick stood up and took Cain’s hand. “But you have my word. Emma’s fine with me.”

“Good, and as to Katlin, congratulations. My father always said love drives our fierceness, and Emma and our children make me realize just how right he was.” She let Merrick’s hand go and took a few steps toward the door before turning around. “I’ll have no mercy on whoever thinks to bring them harm,” Cain said, sure that Merrick didn’t need any further explanation. The statement encompassed everyone, including her, but Merrick nodded anyway.

Muriel was talking to Katlin when Cain came out. Even though they were all living in the same house, Cain hadn’t seen much of Muriel since she’d returned from Mexico. She needed to find out why and had ignored that conversation until now. She walked with Muriel and the others to the waiting car.

“Another late night?” Cain asked as soon as the car door closed and the surveillance jamming equipment was activated.

Muriel glanced up at her from the file she was reading and chuckled. “I have a parent, thank you.”

“Is it smart-off-to-Cain day and I didn’t get the announcement? It’s a simple question.”

Muriel closed the file and faced Cain. “Sorry, that was rude.”

“I’m just curious as to how things are going.”

Muriel laughed. “Don’t you mean you’re worried about how things are going?”

“I trust you.” Cain stared out the window. “So how’s it going?” She didn’t have to look to know that Muriel’s new social interest wasn’t too far behind them. Agent Shelby Philips was beautiful, smart, and outgoing—all the desirable characteristics in a woman. But Shelby’s employer, the FBI, wasn’t exactly a friend of the Casey family.

“We’re just friends.” Muriel put her hands up. “Before you give me any shit, I have been out late, but I’ve been working with Mano to get this contract done.” She waved the file at Cain. “We had to make sure your name and the Jatibon name don’t appear anywhere on this, but it still protects your interests.”

“Fucking feds.”

“True, but the Mississippi Gaming Authority won’t push this through with the name Casey or Jatibon on the deed. Not that you’ve been convicted, but…hell, you don’t need me to elaborate.”

“No, you don’t.” Cain did turn around then, curling her fingers into a fist when the ever-present van came into view. “These guys need to either shit or get off the pot. This constant sitting on top of us is getting old.”

“I’d get used to it, for awhile at least. They aren’t going anywhere after you caught them with their pants down again.”

If anyone but Muriel had said those exact words, Cain would’ve missed the meeting they were headed to and opted for a more private place to finish the talk. Of course the one-sided, short conversation would’ve ended badly for the person who sounded like they knew a little too much about the feds and their operations. But this was her cousin Muriel, and Cain trusted her wholeheartedly.

“Just a hunch or pillow talk?” Cain asked as they turned onto Ramon’s property.

“More like observation.” Muriel put her hand on the door to prevent Lou from opening it once they stopped. “This is no time to start questioning my place in your life and in this family. You do and they’ll win.” She tilted her head in the direction of the van parked on the street.

“I’ve just got a lot on my mind, so maybe that didn’t come out right. But you have to admit things are different now. The people I count on have new priorities it seems.”

Muriel nodded. “You can’t blame us for wanting what you have, but just because that’s true, we haven’t forgotten what’s important.” She let go of the door and placed her hand on Cain’s knee. “I’m a Casey. Don’t think anything or anyone’s blinded me to that fact and what it means.”