Chapter Sixty-Seven: Two Men and a Little Lady

Josh escorted them into the restaurant that night, it felt a little ridiculous but Devon understood it was necessary. Jon was used to having people around him but she would take a little time to get used to being accompanied places. She clutched Jon’s hand as they entered the restaurant and were shown to the table where her father was waiting.

He smiled and the soft lines of his face deepened as they sat down. It would also take some time for her to get used to seeing her father again. She couldn't have been more pleased to have him back in her life and hoped somehow she could make all this up to him.

“It’s good to see you both again.” Richard shifted in his seat as Jon signalled the waiter to bring in some wine.

She cocked her eyebrow as Jon winced and rubbed his back.

“You right there son?”

Jon shot Devon a look and then nodded. “Yeah I’m fine. I pulled my back running this afternoon I think. I’ll have to get my guy to look at it.”

Devon snorted as she took a sip of water and was swiftly kicked under the table. “So, Dad I need to show you this.” She dug into her bag and tugged out the phone and showed him the message.

Richard stared at it and stroked his chin. “Mmm yes. Just as I suspected. What I have found out is Jared has left the country. He hasn’t tracked any activity in New Zealand for a few months so I guess this cements he’s here.”

“I’ve got a security guy following us around and I’ve moved Devon into my place until further notice.” Jon explained.

“That’s very wise Jon, thank you.”

“So, what do we do Dad? Do we wait for him to contact us, ask us for a boat load of money and then what?”

Richard closed his menu. “In my experience, people like Jared don’t just want the money. He wants revenge.”

Devon swallowed, it wasn’t news. And in a way she couldn’t blame Jared for wanting that as their lives turned out very different. “What will that mean?”

“Well quite honestly Devon, even though what he did was wrong he’ll see it as he got something taken away from him and you didn’t.”

She looked at Jon. “He would have seen Jon and me together and I am sure that’s why he approached Jon and not me. He wants Jon. Doesn't he?” She swallowed that hard reality as her father nodded.

“Well it's likely he wants to destroy what you have with him so it really just depends on how he thinks he’s going to do it.”

Jon laid down the menu and crossed his arms. “So what do we do? We can’t exactly go after him can we?”

“No, I wouldn’t advise that either. He’s breaking the law by being here though and under a false name. But the risk we take in turning him into immigration. He could do the same with you Devon.

“He could?” She wondered why he hadn’t before as that would have been an easy way out for him. But knowing Jared he wanted to settle things personally and make sure she paid. “I could get deported?”

Jon shook his head. “I’d marry you before that happened. Don’t worry about that. You’re not leaving the country. Not over my dead body.” His hand shifted to her knee and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Jared wanted the money she took from him and he’d want the freedom she also took from him. Millions of dollars guaranteed freedom. Her belly squirmed with uncertainty and Jon took her hand.

“It’ll be ok baby. What can we do?”

“One thing came to mind, but I don’t think it will solve anything and I definitely don’t think it will deter Jared.” Richard explained.

“And that is?” Jon prompted as he looked at her. She sat still and silent as this sank in.

“You could break up for a period of time. If he thinks you are not together it would take the heat off you and anyone in your family Jon. I just don’t-”

“No, that’s not an option. We’re not trying to solve this apart. It would drive me crazy not knowing what was happening to her.” Jon reaffirmed. “We’re not doing that.”

“Well you’d still be able to contact each other you’d just have to be careful about it.”
“No, it’s not an option. Right?” Jon asked her. She felt like she was standing still in the middle of the room that was spinning. They were trying to help her but she felt helpless as they argued over the solution. It was all her fault and she wanted to fight, she needed to fight for this but the reality was becoming too much for her.

“I need to go to the bathroom.” She pushed her chair back and slid her hand out from Jon’s. “I’ll be right back.” She heard Jon call after her but she just needed a minute to pull herself together.

She washed up and steadied her hand as she reapplied her lip gloss. She took a deep breath and glided it on. She could do this, she had to do this. She owed it to the faith Jon had installed in her and the sacrifice that her father had made for her. She had let people down in the past and she wasn’t going to back out of this now. She wasn’t that person anymore. She had two good people in that restaurant willing to protect and help her. So, why did she still feel so afraid she was about to lose it all?

~

Jon sat back down as Devon excused herself and rested the napkin back on his lap. “This is all way over my head, I’m trying to do what's best. Am I doing ok?” Fucked if he knew if he was or not but he thought it was no harm to ask her father what he really thought while Devon was away from the table. He needed a reality check here. Devon was overwhelmed by it all and he couldn't blame her.

“Jon you’re doing fine. I’m really impressed how committed you are to Devon even after you know what she’s been through.”

Jon relaxed a little. “Our pasts are what make us. Devon did something stupid but she’s not that woman anymore. I can assure you if you knew her the way I’ve gotten to know her in the last couple of months...” He paused and grinned as he remembered when he chased her in her salon. How innocent everything had been in that honeymoon period of their relationship. He would make damn sure they’d get that back.

“I can see she’s changed. In a roundabout way I understand why she ran. It doesn't make any of it right but I understand.” His New Zealand accent was thicker than Devon’s and his words drawled more than hers did. British mashed with Australian.

“She had to start over and she couldn’t see the way out.” Jon noted as he kept flicking his gaze to the direction Devon had gone in.

The waiter came and poured them some wine. “If she had been caught I would have made sure she got off lightly. I wouldn’t have been able to help myself. Jared was poison. He pretended to love her and she fell for it. I often wonder if she fell under his spell because we were always too busy for her. And here he was giving her attention.”

He thought about his own daughter and how busy both him and Dorothea were and could make some sense from what Richard was saying. “I don’t think Devon would ever think that. She knows what she did and she’s made sure she’s never been that girl again. I couldn’t even imagine her like that - she’s a wonderful woman.”

Richard drank from his wine and raised a brow. “You sound like a man that cares.”

Jon chuckled but then winced as his back nerve pinched. Only Devon would make him pull out his back during sex. She did slam him into the ground of course. “I’ve made my intentions clear. I intend to stick around.”

“Well from what I have seen in this short space of time. I wouldn’t object to that. You’re good for her.”

“She’s good for me Richard. In ways I didn’t think I needed.”

He grinned and nodded. “Well then we’re just going to have to think of a way to make sure that happens and you both can stay safe.” The dark look in his eyes suggested something Jon was afraid of seeing.

“You don’t mean-”

Richard leaned forward and clasped his hands together on the table. “There are only two ways out of this. One is that we can have him arrested and he’ll be deported and once the New Zealand law learns of this he’ll be more than likely on a flight risk list and less likely to ever get back over here after her. “

“And the other one?” Jon asked swallowing hard. He knew what that answer was and god if he hoped to hell that wasn’t their way out of this one.

“Jared dies.”

“You’re not suggesting that we get a hit man on him or something are you?”

Richard’s eyes hardened. “No. That’s dangerous territory. And you don’t seem like the kind of person that plays in that world. Please tell me you’re not.”

Jon blew out his breath. “No, of course I’m not. I’m relieved you weren’t headed there. I know the guy is a badass but I don’t want to kill anyone.”

Richard patted Jon’s shoulder. “Relax. That’s not what I want to do. I was thinking more of a trap. But I need to think about this a bit more and then discuss it with you and Devon. I have to be careful but I can try and tip off that Jared is in the US and involved in something sinister like money-laundering. The yanks hate that.”

“You really think that would work?” Jon asked. He was impressed. He’d thought this through and he had a plan. Just that notion put Jon slightly at ease.

“I think so. Jared is after money as well as revenge so we just have to think of a way that he thinks he’s going to get both and have him caught in the act. I will talk to someone I know for some advice.”

“And none of us hurt. Especially Devon or my family.” Jon confirmed.

Richard frowned. “Of course not. I didn’t mean we throw her out as bait but we will have to use her to get the set-up sorted since he contacted her.”

“So blindside him somehow?”

“Exactly.”

Jon blew out his breath and raked his hand through his hair. “You really thought this through?”

“Jon, you’re a good guy. I know you didn't expect to be wound up in all of this but you’re going to have to trust me on this. I’ve been around people like Jared most of my career. You just have to trust me.”

Trust. It was a hard thing for Jon when he’d known the guy five minutes but he was his girlfriend’s father and had already proved he had Devon’s best interests still at heart. Still, it was no easy thing.

“Ok. I do. Man, you’re one hell of a father.”

Richard shook his head. “I should have done more for her. I knew that man was trouble but I only drove her away instead of accepted it and I could have prevented the whole thing.”

Jon shook his head. “Devon doesn’t see it that way and neither should you. She knows she screwed up and she learnt a hard life lesson by it. I believe that. Hell, we’ve all done stupid things. I could count you on my hand how many times I did stupid things on tour.”

Richard leaned back. “Oh? Indulge in the rock star lifestyle a bit too much son?”

Jon chuckled. “It was pretty tame but I did things a married man shouldn’t do--in my younger years.” He quickly corrected. “But I knew I wasn’t happy overall. I’m in a different place now and I am happy with your daughter. And she is in a different place from when you knew her.”

“I’m beginning to see that. She’s certainly become the daughter I had hoped she’d be.”

“And more.” Jon added. “She has this ridiculously addictive smile and laugh. She makes you feel at ease and she is a good person. I have trust issues and I felt like I could trust Devon with my life... which is a little ironic given her secret but I know now that Devon is not who I fell in love with.”

Richard beamed. “Thank you. I needed to hear that. I think I knew it but hearing that makes me proud. I’m proud of her that she came to you and told you about all this. It tells me she wanted to make things right. The way that they were meant to be in the first place.”

“I love her Richard.” Jon wriggled in his chair and placed his hands on the table. “And if it’s ok by you once this is all over. I would very much like to ask your daughter to marry me. So, I’m asking you for your permission.” It felt good. To actually ask Richard and Jon was pretty sure Richard appreciated the gesture as much as he did.

“Thank you for asking Jon. Will you take good care of her?”

Jon looked up and half-smiled when Richard was smiling back at him. “Of course.”

“Then yes, yes you can ask her.”

“Thank you. Speaking of which, here she comes.” His eyes trailed up her long legs and he grinned as he was mesmerized by the sway of her hips. The simplicity of the black dress cinched with a thin white belt took nothing away from how lovely she was. Her hair was all loose and fell just around her shoulders. When her gaze met his she smiled warmly and he felt safe. He forgot about the situation they were in and remembered only that he loved her. That had to be enough. It was enough.

Chapter Sixty-Six: Colour Me

“Is that the last of it?” Jon asked her as Josh bought in another bag and carried it up the stairs.

“Yea, I only bought three bags in the end. That should be enough for now.” She smiled and sat down on the edge of the couch. He slipped Josh a note as he left and he nodded.

“Thanks boss, see you at eight.”

Jon had re-employed Josh who was a bodyguard from touring with the band to stand in as security part-time while they worked out what was happening with Jared. He had accompanied Devon to her apartment and collected some of her things so she could stay in the shorter term but in all honesty Jon didn’t care if it was permanent. He would prefer it actually.

“I should unpack.”

“Come on up to the bedroom I’ll show you where you can hang your clothes.” Jon waited for her to stand up and took her hand.

“My casa is your casa now.” He pressed his lips to hers as they went up to the bedroom. He pushed open the door to the walk in closet. “Anywhere in here is fine.”

“It’s a little insane. This is probably the size of my bedroom.” She quipped as she took a stroll through the wardrobe which was equipped with dressing room mirrors and lights. Dorothea had always wanted them but with the amount of public appearances he did it was handy for him.

“And you know the bathroom is just through there so feel free to spread out.” He scratched his neck as she hung some of her dresses. He was still in two minds about telling her father about Jared’s text message to Devon. He saw her point about keeping it under wraps until they knew what he wanted but then they weren’t qualified to play these games. They weren’t cops and they certainly weren’t equipped to do this. What if he came after them? Wanted her? He didn’t have a gun and he wasn't about to get one. Or should he? He wanted to be able to protect them if it came to that but hell...he wasn’t ready for this.

Jon picked up one of her bags and unzipped it. He grinned as he pulled out a bright blue lacy bra. “Well, I picked the right bag.”

Devon rolled her eyes and tugged a drawer open. “They can go in there since you’re so keen to look at them.” He glanced as she bent over and her curvy ass poked out.

“Look at them, rip them off with my teeth. Same difference I guess.” He joked as he laid them into the drawer. The satin and lace was smooth under his fingertips. “So, what colour are you wearing now?”

She cocked a brow as she hung her last dress up, slid the slider shut and tied back her hair. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“I would actually.” He came up behind her and wrapped his hands around her and smoothed them over her flat stomach as they faced the full length mirror. His cock rubbed against her perky ass and he murmured against the side of head.

“Red?”

She bit on her lip as his hand slid down over the short black skirt she had on. “Nope.” She had amazing legs and again was wearing cute blue heels that matched her top.

His finger traced up her inner thigh and she trembled in his grasp. “Blue?”

“Wrong again.”

He closed his eyes and breathed in her sweet scent as he nosed into her hair and his fingers slid up under the skirt. “Do I get a hint?”

“Oh god.” His other hand slid up over the water soft curve of her breast. The nipple puckered instantly against his hand and her head fell back against his shoulder. Silk brushed against his fingertips under her skirt and she groaned.

“Pink? Like those pretty pink lips of yours that I love around my cock.” He accentuated into her ear and grinned as her body vibrated against his. The glint of her ring caught in the light as she lifted her arm up and draped it up behind his neck.

“Not pink.” She breathed as his fingers moved into the soft folds of her sweet spot. She was warm and inviting and his fingers coated in her sex. He hardened instantly.

“Hmmmm.” His teeth scraped along her neck. “Can’t be virginal white. We know that’s not you at all. Is it?”

“Nope, I’m a bad girl.”

He chuckled at how fast it escaped her lips. “Yes you are my love. Yes you are. Open your eyes. I want to see you in the mirror.”

She opened her eyes and their gaze met as he tweaked her nipple. Her lips parted as his finger sank deeper inside her.

“Purple? Like the sex goddess you are?”

His blood pumped hard into his cock. His fingers wound into his hair and as she shuddered.

“No, I’m close.”

He tugged her skirt up and the flash of black silk and lace unravelled him, right in the gut.

“Black huh? I should have known. But the question is...” His hand slid up her top, revealing her perfect skin as hit the perfect round curves of her bra. He smirked. “Matching.” He lifted the top up over her head and rested his eyes back at her breasts, snug and full in her silky bra. Sliding down further he took her skirt down leaving the just lace and skin staring back at him.

He groaned dipped down and kissed the dip where her neck met her shoulder. “You're beautiful.”

Her eyes met his again in the mirror and burned with the same desire that coursed through his veins. “Hands out against the mirror.” He instructed.
She leaned forward so her ass dug into his crotch and steadied herself against the mirror. He had a full view of her body and her breasts. He undid his jeans and pushed down her panties for access from behind. He watched her mouth open and heard the soft gasp leave it as he pushed his cock into her.

He gripped her hips as he drove into her and her breasts bounced in her reflection. It was the hottest thing he’d seen and the angle in the mirror showed it all. He watched as her fingers curled tighter around the edge of the mirror as he slid in and out of her. His cock was slick with her juice and he slapped against her each time he thrusted.

“Oh yes, Oh god!” Her shouts echoed in the tiny space of the closet as he only drove harder inside her.

She bowed and shook as she screamed through an orgasm, her knuckles white from gripping the mirror. He grunted as he was close and as their gazes locked she caught her breath. He was tight and he was ready to explode inside her but came to a screaming halt as she spoke.

“Come on me.”

“Wh-What?” He asked. She stood up and his cock slid out from her as she kneeled in front of him and let her bra straps fall down her arms.

“Come on me. “

Fuck me.

His chest screamed and his cock pulsed as she took in in her hands and pumped him. “You know you want to.”

He hadn’t come all over a girl since he was young. And fuck if it wasn’t the hottest thing for a guy to do. She was giving him unlimited rights.

“Bra off.” He demanded as he grabbed his cock and pumped it and the light blinded him. He spilled all over her breasts as she tipped her head back and let him release. His throat was hoarse from shouting as every last drop poured out.

“Oh shit.” He panted as she dragged him down to the floor. She slammed him flat on his back and he groaned in pain but not for long as she slid back onto his cock. She leaned over him, slick with his cum and kissed him on the lips.

“Need you again.” She breathed into his mouth as she rocked above him. His cock swelled inside her as his fingers dug into her hips as she rode him.

He peaked early, unable to even think as the next orgasm rolled through them both. “Devon, oh shit Devon.” He panted as he exploded inside her, skin slapped against skin, sweat mashed against sweat as she came on top of him, arched back and called his name.

They lay stunned, her against his chest as he struggled to breathe. His head screamed and his throat could kill for a bottle of water.

He rolled her onto her side and brushed back her hair. “I’ve either broken my back or cock.” He whispered.

“Hottest thing...ever.” She whispered as they lay like wounded soldiers on the floor.

His fingers ran softly along her lips before he kissed them. “Remind me to help you unpack more.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck as he rolled them, this time she was flat on her back and he was on top of her, kissing her. Her soft mouth, down the majestic curve of her neck and down salty skin to the centre of her breast bone. He was spent, his back was going to be fucked but he didn’t care. Right at this moment he didn’t care because he had her and he was willing to do almost anything to make sure that stayed exactly the same. Deranged ex-boyfriend or not. He had to keep her, she knew things about him and his desires no one else did.

“You’re amazing.” He said between kisses. “I can’t lose you Devon.” His lips edged over her forehead and along her hairline as she sighed. She cupped his face and kissed him back, barely a space between them as their bodies were moulded into each other’s. Her eyelashes fluttered and her lips curved.

“You won’t lose me. We’ll do this. I promise.”

“Do you think I should hire a hitman?” He asked seriously. It wasn’t something he’d ever considered but it could make the problem go away.”

Devon pushed her hands up against his chest. “God, no! No way. We can’t-how can you even-”

He rubbed his hands over her shoulders as they sat up. “Ok shhh. I just don’t know what to do. You realize even if he asks us for money it’s going to be as much as he can get - or it’s never going to stop.”

“We’ll tell Dad.” She said quietly. “We’ll tell him. I don’t want to fix this the same way I got into this Jon. I know that seems stupid but-”

He took her hands and kissed them. “No, it’s not stupid I understand. I just hate feeling out of control in a situation I haven’t had to ever be in. Sorry.”

She smiled and rubbed her thumb along his cheek. “You’ve been pretty good so far, considering the circumstances so don’t beat yourself up.”

He nodded. “Telling your father is the right thing to do.”

She shrugged. “Or we could just stay in this closest forever. I like that idea.”

His eyes narrowed and he pulled her in. “I wish. I need a shower though.”

She giggled. “Oh, you need a shower? You don’t have a money shot all over your breasts.”

“I’ll be more than happy to rinse it off.” He wiggled his eyebrows as she stood up and pulled him up with her.

“Come on then trouble.” As she tugged him into the bathroom he smiled. God love her. And God help Jared if he ever even tried to touch her.

Chapter Sixty-Five: No More Lies

Devon’s hands brushed down the curved edge of polished wood in her salon and breathed a sigh of relief as Jonathan locked the doors. It had been a hectic day which thankfully had taken her mind off her father's impending dinner that night. She was happy to see her father, there was no doubt in that but she was nervous about what information he’d bring with him to dinner. If he’d found Jared or any information that would indicate if he was around. It was surreal to see him and everything was happening so fast that sometimes it was hard to breathe.

“And the day is done. I don’t know about you but I need a coffee before I hit the subway.” Jonathan said as he rounded the counter and flicked on the coffee grinder.

“That would be lovely.” She said as she gnawed on her lip and clasped her hands on the counter top.

“That sounded convincing Dev.” He joked as he lined up two coffee mugs. “You ok?”

“I’m just nervous. I should feel on top of the world knowing my father saved my ass.” She would be forever grateful but how would she ever pay that back to him? She was a good person and right now she had everything she’d always wanted. A successful business, a loving man and it looked like she would be free from her misdemeanours. She should have been over the moon but she wasn’t.

“But...” Jonathan prompted raising his eyebrow.

She sighed. “Do I deserve to get off like this? When Jared had to pay for what we did.” If he was in the states, boy he was going to be pissed if he ever found her. He’d want his money back with interest and there was no telling what he would do to her.

“Devon, Listen to me. No it wasn’t fair what happened but you got out and you changed your life.” He covered her hands with his.

“You are a good person and you’ve done wonderful things here. You deserve a second chance. You didn’t kill or hurt anybody. So this can be undone.”

She half-smiled. “Thanks. I’m not convinced but thanks.”

“And if I have to even remind you of the Jersey hottie you are dating...he’s a good person and he is still here. Still standing by you.”

“He is a good person, an amazing man.” She agreed with him.

“So what is the problem? If you are throwing a pity party, I’m not buying it.”

She chuckled. “No, it’s not that, it’s more I need to do something to make this right in my own way.”

“Like?” Jonathan asked.

“Redemption I guess. For myself, for no one else. I need to find a way that some good comes out of this and not just for me.”

Jonathan grinned and went back to pouring them coffee. “So give back some way. Like your boyfriend does.”

“I’ll have to think about that but it’s on the right track.” She needed to think about this, when this was all over and done with she needed to celebrate it but in the right way.

Jonathan slid the coffee over to her and then put his hand up. “Be right back I just need to check that I haven't left the straightening irons on.”

She needed to get the hell over herself. She had Jon and her father in her corner and she needed to be strong for the amount of support they’d installed in her. She had so much, her salon and Jon she felt like her life was just starting over again and maybe it was that that was scaring her.

Her phone beeped and she stood up with her coffee in one hand and her phone as she opened the text message. The cup smashed to the floor, her heart lodged in her throat and jack hammered as she stared at her phone. The scream wouldn’t come it was strangled within her gut.

Staring back at her was a picture of Jon and Jared, Jon was smiling clearly oblivious who he was standing next to and the text message blared.

If you want to see your boyfriend's smile again, shut your trap and wait for my next move. I’m not joking. Love Jared.

The Love Jared dripped in sarcasm and she knew that’s what he intended. Oh god. He was here. He was here.

“You ok?” Jonathan asked as he rushed for her armed with a broom and a cloth.

She shoved her phone back in her pocket. “It slipped. I’m so sorry I guess-” she stammered and caught her composure. “I guess I just haven’t had my mind on the ball.”

“Well I don’t blame you darlin’.” Jonathan bent down and dabbed the floor before sweeping up the cup. “I’ll clean this up and close the door behind as I leave. Why don’t you go and find that fabulous boyfriend of yours.”

“Thanks, I will.” That’s exactly what she needed to do. Call Jon and see where he was and make sure he was safe. She hurdled the stairs to her loft, her heart pounding hard against her chest and adrenaline coursed through her like lightning. She slammed the door behind and dialled Jon’s number. It rang and rang again as she paced down her living room.

“Dammit.” She cursed as it clicked to voicemail. She kicked off her heels and rummaged for her boots. At least there were perks living down the same street as your boyfriend. She grabbed her coat and wrapped it around her and disappeared into the street.

The click of her boots against the cobblestones and the chilly late afternoon wind gusts followed her to Jon’s penthouse. She waved to the doorman as she carried on to the elevator and up to the penthouse floor.

Please be there, please be there.

She knocked and nobody answered so she banged her fists on the door. “Jon?” She called as she called him again and cursed as it clicked to voicemail. Why didn’t she have Richie’s number? Least she could have checked in with him in case they were off doing some business around writing.

“Dammit.” She left the penthouse and walked out onto Mercer Street. What if Jared wanted to play some twisted game? Could she really keep this to herself? But if she told them would their lives become in danger? Even more than they already were.

“Devon?” A voice called behind her and she froze. She turned to see Jon stepping out of a town car outside his building and her stomach fluttered with relief.

“Thank god.” She breathed as she took one step and then ran towards him.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and he lifted her up and hugged her tight. “Hey you...are you ok?”

Tears shone in her eyes as she smiled at him. His smile was warm and his blue eyes sparkled against the dark charcoal coat he had on. “I’m fine.”

He kissed her squarely on the lips and set her down. “I’ve just been across town. Come on up.”

“You look shaken. Are you sure you are ok?”

She tugged her scarf free from around her neck as he took her hand and led her inside the building. “So much is happening, I just wanted to see you.” She tugged at the lapels of his coat before the elevator doors slid open. It clawed at her gut lying to him again - after everything. Did she tell him it was Jared who stopped him on the street? Or did she wait to see if she could deal with Jared and make him go away.

Because of course that had worked so well in the past Devon.

He tugged in close in the elevator, the scent of spicy cologne rushed over her as his stubble scraped over her cheek. “Can’t keep away from me huh?” His hands slid into her coat and along her body. “Why is it I can never keep my hands off you?” He whispered as the ding came and the doors opened.

“Jon-I...” She melted into his kiss as he stepped her back against the door to the penthouse. Her head tipped back and his teeth scraped down the centre of her throat. “Oh god.”

He pressed himself against her, her curves moulding with his. “I have something for you.”

Her eyes opened as his honed in on her. “Oh?” She asked now completely distracted.

“I bought you a little something.” He reached inside his coat and produced a box.

“What-you didn’t have to do that Jon.”

She took the box and opened it. The silver band twisted around at the front to a solid heart. It was like nothing she’d ever seen, it was chunky but elegant. “Why?”

He chuckled as he slid it onto her right ring finger. “Why not?”

“It’s gorgeous.” The metal was rich and bold. “It’s not silver.” She whispered.

He chuckled again. “No it’s not.”

She smiled and shook her head. It was a gorgeous gift and undoubtedly an expensive gift.

“I could tell you something cheesy like you’re wearing my heart on your finger...”

She laughed as he wiggled his eyebrows.

“But I just want it to show you that I am in this for the long haul. Heart and Soul.”

He was a lovely lovely man. Thank god he was in her life. Albeit ten years late but she doubted ten years ago they would have clicked like they did now. “I can’t do this. I can’t lie to you.” She shook her head as she pulled out the phone and handed it to him.

He frowned as he opened the message and his eyes popped. “Oh fuck. That was him?” He stepped away and unlocked the door and paced inside leaving her in his wake. “I knew there was something off about this guy. He told me his name was Judas and when I repeated it he just corrected me.”

“Judas?” She asked. “Like the biblical traitor?” Oh god. Jared thought she was a traitor. She clutched her gut and watched as Jon paced up and down and raked a hand through his hair.

She was right to tell him but he was angry and if she knew him well, angry that he didn’t even think about that it was Jared.

“Idiot. I signed something for him - would he use my signature for anything?” He asked as he stood facing her. “Did he know how to forge signatures, can you?”

She stood stunned as he was ranting and tried not to take the snark personally. “No, I don’t and I don’t think he does - I don’t know what he would want with your signature. Not like he can draw money out of your accounts. Your bank knows who you are, any given person would know who you are.”

He rubbed his chin. “Good point. I’m going to ring them just in case, just to be on the lookout for anyone impersonating me and we need to tell your father about this.”

She stepped back. “But we can’t what if he does something stupid? I was warned not to even tell you but of course I had to.”

He came to her and rubbed his arms down hers. “You did the right thing, thank you for trusting me. But we can’t take on a madman like this on by ourselves. We’d be crazy too. How much money is he going to want? I assume that’s what he’ll want.”

She nodded. “My guess too but we can we just wait until he contacts me again and see what he says before telling my father. I don’t want to risk his life if Jared somehow finds out we told him and something happens to him. I could never-“ She swallowed as he nodded.

Jon paused and the concern etched on his face. His eyes locked on hers. “Ok but from now on you live in this apartment. I can’t have you there by yourself at night.”

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek into his chest as he embraced her. “Deal.” The warmth was comforting but she couldn’t shake the cold fear that was nipping at her heels.

“We wait and then we decide how to deal with this bastard’s demands and then we decide what to do next. Together.” He squeezed her tighter. “He will not touch us Devon, I won’t allow him to. Not now, not ever.”

She closed her eyes as the comfort started to outweigh the doubt and she knew that she’d done the right thing in telling him. She only hoped they could make Jared go away without something terrible happening. Because if something did to Jon, her father, or anyone else he knew. She would never forgive herself.

Chapter Sixty-Four: Platinum and Orgasms

It had been all too much. The visit from her father was wonderful but overwhelming and now as the pieces fell into place she realized that Jared may not have let her off as lightly has she’d hoped. He would be angry with her and if he turned up on her doorstep and wanted his money she’d gladly give it to him to steer him away from Jon or anyone else they both were in contact with.

But would that even be enough? As she dragged Jon into her bedroom she did what she always did and decided to lose herself in the man that loved her. His touch and his weight always took her away from reality, just for a moment.

“Are you sure you are ok?” He asked between punctuated kisses as they stumbled back into the bed. His hands smoothed up her arms as she straddled him. “Not that I’m complaining but you do use sex as a weapon to distract me.”

She grinned and pushed up his top, nosed into the soft chest hair. “You are one to talk mister. How do you think I got here in the first place?”

Jon folded his arms behind his head and cocked a brow. “Oh do tell me, since you seem to have a theory.”

She pulled off her shirt and smirked as his gaze trailed down to her breasts. “You were persistent and never took no for an answer.”

His eyes widened. “I merely came into the salon looking to improve my skin and you talked me into all these treatments just to have me there under your hot little hands. Admit it.” The lopsided grin was as cute as the innocent act he was trying on her.

She laughed. “Oh that is complete bull-” she cleared her throat. “Lies. You wouldn’t have the treatments unless I agreed to a date.” She smoothed her hands down his chest, over tight skin around his abdomen and down to his jeans buckle.
“Oh you wanted me.” He teased. “You know it.” He groaned and nodded towards her. “You are going to take that lacy thing off?”

She let the crimson bra strap slide down her shoulder exposing her breast a little more. “You mean this old thing?”

“Yes, see. Manipulating me just like you did when we met.”

She snorted and leant down making sure the dip between her breasts was in full view to him. Her lips hovered over his. “You are such a liar.” Her tongue grazed his upper lip before she sat up again and shifted her weight onto the hardness in his jeans.
“I have self-control.” He announced. “So I didn’t do anything.”

Her eyes narrowed and a wicked smile spread on her lips. “Self-control huh?” She slid off her bra and flung it across the room. She leaned forward the tip of her breast dangling within his mouths reach. He licked his lips and his eyes flicked back to hers.

“You forget who you are dealing with here baby. I have self-control like a steel wall.”

Her fingers drifted down over his nipples and she playfully rubbed one as she trailed across his belly. “We’ll see just how steely you are Superman.” She cupped her breast and her thumb caught her nipple as she let out a breathy sigh.

“Oh that feels so good.” She breathed as she shifted against his cock.

“You play a dangerous game little girl.” He warned her through slitted eyes.

She fisted a hand into her hair and pleasured her breast with her fingers. “I bet I’m so wet.”

His body tensed under her and bit her lip. It would be a matter of time but being the determined man he was she knew he’d give it a good shot. He shifted his head and the back of his hands dug into the pillow.

Her eyes fluttered as she slid her hand down to the band of lace around the crimson lace over her hips. “Shall we see if I am?”

He groaned but it was more like a growl as his gaze cemented on her hand at her panties. She slid a finger inside and her fingertips tickled over her sweet spot. She lifted her finger to her lips and licked it as he cursed. "Oh, I am."

She wanted nothing more than him to be pleasuring her but she had to admit this was hot, watching him suffer while she pleased herself on top of him. And he was rock hard under her.

“I’m not moving. You can come on your own.” He said stubbornly but his voice broke. “And it would be a waste.” But he wasn’t convincing so she slid her hand back down her panties.

She gyrated against his cock and he moaned. “I can make you come without being inside of me.” She issued the challenge. He’d done it to her. “And hands free.” She winked. His chest shuddered as he fought her challenge. She dry humped him as she slipped a finger inside herself.

“Oh god. Yes.” She whispered as she fell over him. Her lips clumsily on his cheek and her moan vibrated against his skin.

His neck was clenched, he was fighting but she was winning. “You gonna come for me?” She asked him in between pants of her own doing.

“No.” He bit back fighting the control he was losing. “Shit.” He stammered as she thrusted hard against him.

She closed her eyes as she built her orgasm. “Sometimes late at night...” She panted against his ear. “When you’re not here…I touch myself like this.”

“Fuck.” He swore as he became restless underneath her.

“I imagine your mouth all over me and your cock inside me.” She groaned. “Oh god. Ripping me apart.”

“Devon.” The words were forced and his jaw clenched.

“The way you fill me…” Her thumb brushed along her clit and her senses were alive. “The way you stretch me…” Sweat trickled down her temples and splashed onto his face. His hands hadn’t moved from behind his head but the veins in his biceps were bursting. He was losing control and she was winning.

She shuddered as the orgasm rattled, ready to burst. Her teeth teased his earlobe. “Come with me.” The white light exploded and she jolted as it pulsed through her. His hands cupped her hips and his shouts equalled hers as his body jerked and bowed beneath her.

A few breaths later she regained her composure and lifted herself up off him. Jon had sweat swiped across his cheeks and chest heaved under her as he caught his breath. “I win.”

“Shit.” He muttered as she victoriously grinned down at him.

“Maybe I do use sex as a weapon.”

He rolled her and pinned her into the bed with his weight. “You are deliciously evil and that is why I love you.” She closed her eyes as he swept the hair away from her face and kissed her gently.

With everything that had been happening and the rate the world was spinning around them she took the moment she so desperately needed to ground herself. “I learn from the best. I love you too. And I’m ok.” She chuckled as locked her legs around his waist. “But we so need to get these jeans off you.”

“Amen to that.”

~

Jon left Devon in the shower and headed back to his apartment with a broad grin on his face. Well shit. He hadn’t expected that but he loved that about them. Especially in the bedroom. He couldn’t remember a time when him and Dorothea were so playful in the bedroom, at least not in the later years. Devon kept him fresh and alive.

As he walked down the cobblestoned street back to his apartment he stopped at the jewellery store near the base of his building and stared in the window. There was a chunky silver ring with a twisted heart that caught his eye. He’d noticed Devon often wore rings in the salon and this would be perfect, a token of his commitment to her as they worked through this next phase of her life. He took a step back and checked his watch. He needed to get back and run a few errands before his dinner with Devon and her father but he had a few minutes.

He walked down into the shop, he hadn’t been there in a few months and but had always loved their jewellery. He even had a few skull pieces from there.

“Jon! Long time no see.” Mario the owner came out from behind the counter to greet him.

“Hey Mario. Good to see you. I’m interested in that ring in the window with the twisted heart.”

“Sure, that’s a new platinum piece we’ve just had brought in. Very nice.” Mario went up to collect it from the display case in the window while Jon hovered around the counter. Mario’s jewellery was always unique and had a rock and roll flare to it with skulls, hearts and barbed inspired crosses. He also did traditional cut stone jewellery with a flare different than anyone in town.

Jon held it up and slid it onto his pinkie. It was perfect. It looked heavy but the lightweight of the platinum made it comfortable. “I’ll take it.”

Mario’s eyebrow lifted. “Just like that? You were always a man who knew what he wanted.”

Jon snickered in light of the conversation with Devon a couple of hours ago. “I guess I am. It’s for someone very special and she will love it.”

Mario boxed it up and Jon handed over his Platinum Amex card. “How much?”

“Ninety five-hundred.”

Jon nodded and signed the slip. “Perfectly Perfect.” He smiled again. She may have come with some flaws but who didn’t. He wasn’t perfect and he didn’t proclaim to be but the one thing that was perfectly perfect was how much he loved her.

“In a couple of weeks I might come back and talk to you about designing a ring.”
“Sure, for a special occasion?”

Jon tucked his wallet into his back pocket. “You could say that.”

“Well we’d love to help you Jon, do you have any specific yet?”

“No, not yet but something with a pink diamond is all I know. I’ll come in for a chat maybe late next week?”

“You got it.”

Jon tucked the parcel into his inner coat pocket and headed back out into the street to his apartment. He was two feet away when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

“Jon, sorry to bother you but I’m just wondering if you could sign this for my wife. She’d kill me if she knew I saw you and didn’t ask for it.”

Jon looked up at the man in front of him bundled up in a puffer jacket and scarf. “Ah, sure man. What is her name?” He couldn’t pick what type of American accent he had but it was a little off.

“Judas.”

Jon raised his brow. “Sorry, Judas is her name?”

“No, Jude.”

“Oh sorry.” Jon scrawled the name and signed his name quickly. “There you go.”

The man patted Jon’s arm. “Thanks man. You’re the best. She’ll love this. I better get a quick picture as well.”

“Sure.” Jon winced and forced a smile as the guy pointed the camera at them both and then tucked it away.

“Thanks Jon. Have a good one!”

And then he was gone. It wasn’t that unusual getting stopped in New York but Jon frowned. He was sure he said Judas. How odd. He shook it off and walked into his apartment building dialling Richie’s number. They needed to press on with getting more writing down and then he had dinner with his possible new father-in-law. Hopefully he would have some more information on Jared and his whereabouts and if they needed to beef up their security.

He made a quick note in his phone to call Matt later and talk to him since he had all the contacts from the tour. He might know a good reliable source if they needed some personal security. It was no where near his preference in this whole situation but he wasn't willing to risk anyone's safety until they knew Jared was ten thousand miles away from them.

Chapter Sixty-Three: Pear-Shaped

Jon stood back from her satisfied she was ok from Jonathan’s panicked call earlier that had him barrelling out of a meeting and across town. He leant forward to shake Devon’s father’s hand.

“Hi, I’m Jon. It’s really good to see you.”

“Likewise Jon, you can call me Richard.”

“Everything ok?” Jon asked not sure really what to expect or why Devon’s father was here. She must have had quite the shock with him showing up as well.

“You better sit down.” Devon said as they both sat on the couch before she popped up again. “I’ll get you a coffee.” He smiled and his phone beeped. He chuckled as Stephanie’s text gushed how much she was enjoying her placement at Devon’s friends fashion shop.

It was always something else to meet your girlfriend's father and Jon couldn't’ help but feel a little on edge. This was completely different as far as circumstances went though.

“Thank you for looking after her.”

Jon raised his brow and leaned forward clasping his hands. “Well I haven’t really done that. She’s pretty good at doing that herself. I just well for a lack of any better words, fell for her.”

“Do you regret that?” Richard's eyes were steely and like any father he was scoping him out, like the true cop he was as well.

He swallowed and looked over in the direction of the kitchen. “No, I couldn’t regret finding her. She means a lot to me. Was this whole thing a complete surprise? I won’t lie and say yes, it was.”

“Understandable.”

His fingers wiggled inside his hands. “So is she likely to get into any major trouble over this?”

Richard folded his arms. “What were you planning on doing if she went to jail over this?”

Jon shifted uncomfortably. “We hadn't discussed that in detail but I told her I would stand by her any way I could. Even if I had to fly to New Zealand to visit her. I would.” He said firmly. He didn’t like to feel intimidated but he couldn’t help it.

“So you do love her that much huh?” Richard eased up a little and leant back.
“Of course I do. She’s a wonderful woman. You’d be proud of the woman she is now.”

Jon saw the sadness briefly flash over her father’s face and then he nodded. “So I hear.” Devon came back into the room and handed Jon a coffee and sat down next to him.

“Did he tell you?”

Jon sipped his coffee, again wishing it was something stronger. Richard had unnerved him. “Told me what?”

“No I didn’t Devon, I had to see if he was being truthful about his commitment to you.”

“Dad!”

“Guess I’m not the only overprotective father in the room after all.” Jon muttered quietly.

“That wasn’t nice Dad. I told you he was a lovely man, Christ he’s still here isn’t he?”

“Yes he is but I wanted to make sure you weren't a pity case or - something. Like some of these rock stars do.”

“I know I’ve made some seriously wrong decisions but this one... is a right one. I promise.” She took Jon’s hand and squeezed it. “Dad knew I was here the whole time and he prevented anyone following me... well until now.”

“As in the police?” Jon asked furrowing his brow.

“He lost his job, because of me. He covered my tracks when I left New Zealand and he made Jared a deal not to come after me.”

Jon blinked and stared at Richard but the shock soon melted away. He understood. She was his daughter. Would he do the same for Stephanie if it was her? Undoubtedly. “You risked everything to make sure she was safe?” But Richard didn’t reply.

“I am relieved but at the same time I feel awful.” Devon admitted.

“So they can’t arrest you? At all?” Jon asked. In the beginning he wanted her to do what was right. And she should have but the one thing he was most afraid of was losing her. Now that he knew she wasn’t a criminal on the run, well officially. Maybe it changed things. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it.

“All the evidence is circumstantial.” Richard said.
“And Jared?” Jon asked and Devon looked down. “What?” The sinking feeling in the bottom of his stomach started.

“I had been keeping an eye on the boy for a while, after he was released from jail. But now he’s vanished.”

Jon placed his cup on the table and closed his eyes. “The robbery at the salon Devon.”

“What robbery?” Richard asked.

“Oh god. It couldn’t have been. He would have taken more.”

“What robbery?” Richard demanded again.

“Devon’s salon was broken into a week or so ago. They took five thousand dollars.”

Shit.

“And they never found who did it?”

“No, they didn’t.” Devon said defeated. “A while ago someone was outside the salon peering in and I didn’t think anything of it.”

“What?” Jon snapped but he didn’t mean to. “And you didn't think to tell me?”

“I’m sorry I just thought-”

“Fuck. This is bad, isn’t it?” Jon asked Richard.

“Well just calm down son, we don’t know for sure but what I’m hearing...does make some sense. But it still could be random.”

“Just brilliant.” Jon hissed. He couldn’t even look at her. It wasn’t her fault but this wasn’t on the agenda. He could have dealt with the media, he could have dealt with her being in jail for Christ’s sake. But the idea of having Jared anywhere near them or his family wasn’t good.

“I’ll make some calls tonight ok. Find out if there is any new information and I’ll get someone to scan the customs entries to the US.”

Devon sighed. “I’m so sorry Dad.” She looked at him but Jon refused to meet her eyes.

“Look. How about I go back to my hotel for a bit. Make some calls. It’s just down the road. And leave you two to talk. But please, be vigilant.”

Jon nodded. “You’ll let us know?”

Richard handed Devon a card. “This is where I’m staying. Call me in a couple of hours.”

They embraced and Jon watched as he hugged her tight. Thank god for him. At least she would be ok from the system somehow. He needed to talk that through more to understand what it meant but for now he needed to process the idea that an ex-crim was possibly after them.

The door clicked closed and Devon came back in. “You’re mad with me aren’t you?”

He sighed. “I’m not mad with you. I’m mad that this is happening. Why didn’t you tell me about the guy looking in?”

“I didn’t think anything of it. You knew I didn’t think Jared would be able to get over here. I had no reason to think otherwise until now.”

He rubbed his forehead. “This isn’t good. What is he going to want? Money? What if he wants revenge?” Jon asked as the strands of patience began to snap. One by one.

“I don’t know Jon.”

“We need to get security. God!” He covered his face with his hands. “I feel like this is some twisted soap opera. This shit doesn’t happen to me!”

“It’s because I happened to you isn’t it?”

He spun around as she stood with her arms hugging herself. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I’ve ruined my father’s life and I’m about to ruin yours maybe you need to get out while you can then.”

He was angry but he wasn’t angry that she was right. He was angry because she was so wrong. “Is that what you think? That I want out? If I wanted out I would have gone. But I don’t walk away from problems Devon. I deal with them.” It came out harsh and not the way he intended.

“As opposed to me who runs right?” She snapped.

He raked his hand through his hair and sighed. “No that’s not what I meant.”
“It’s what you think though isn’t it?”

“Stop it.” He tugged her in and brushed back her hair. “Stop it.” He said softly as her eyes brimmed with tears. “I’m angry because you don’t have any faith in me that I meant that I said I would stick by you.”

“I don’t deserve it-”

“Hush. If you say that again. I really will leave. Now let’s just calm down, you’ve had a huge shock with your father coming over. And now we have to figure out if we have a lunatic after us.”

She took a deep breath and pressed her forehead against his. “I can’t believe he did what he did Jon. I should be overjoyed. But I feel so guilty for it.”

Jon smoothed his hands down her sides. “It is what happens when you become a parent. You take this silent oath that you will protect your children. Even if they hurt you.” He breathed in her scent for a couple of moments and then whispered. “They really should put that on condom packets.”

She chuckled and he smiled as he pressed his lips against her forehead. “You’re lucky you have a very good father Devon. He was only doing what any father would do. Trust me.”

“I am lucky. To have him and you. And Jonathan.”

“You told him huh?”

“He was great. He knew I’d come from somewhere I didn’t want to go back to. He figured I’d been in trouble but none of it mattered. I don’t deserve you guys.”

“If you say that again I really will have to hurt you.” He teased. “What happened to the Devon that was going to fight for me? Where is she now?” He knew this wasn’t her. She was scared and overwhelmed and he couldn’t really be angry at that.

“I know. “Her lips brushed against his. “I won’t let you down. And I won’t let him touch you. I swear to god if he comes near you or your family.”

The bitterness in her voice was strength. That’s what he needed to hear. That they would face this head on. He was used to leading, being the man in charge but this was different. He needed her for this. They needed each other. It scared him that he needed her in his life but at the same time it was wonderful.

“We’ll be ok. We don’t even know it’s him.”

“God. I hope it’s not. He might have just disappeared. That’s what Dad told him to do after he was released from prison but he had some people watching him to make sure he didn’t do anything. He didn’t for a year and now he’s just gone.”

He steadied them and pulled her in for a tight hug. He’d protect her. If he could throw money at the problem to make it go away he would be prepared to do it but he had a feeling that if it was Jared. He wasn’t going to ask for his two hundred and fifty thousand dollars back. He was going to ask for it with interest and then some.

“There’s one thing I am a little afraid of though.” Jon said clearly his throat as she stepped back.

“Oh?”

He grinned. “Your father.”

She laughed. “He’s always been like that. Once a cop always a cop. It was kind of touching to see him still do it now.”

“He still loves you Devon. He wouldn’t be here otherwise.” Jon checked his watch. “Why don’t you call him and I’ll arrange for us all to have dinner tonight?”

“That would be lovely. I think he’d like that and it would give you a chance to get to know him.”

Jon rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah. I am sure the trivial pursuit version of getting to know Jon will be fun.”

She tugged his arm and laughed. “He’s not that bad and c’mon I’m hardly dating an idiot.”

“Well-that is up for discussion.” He teased as their noses bumped.

“Do you have to go again quickly?” She asked as she pushed him back gently.

Jon narrowed his eyes. “No, why?” He’d seen that look before. The one that usually ended up with clothes flung over lamps and rails.

She tugged on his belt buckle in between steps backwards. “I need a break from reality for a few minutes.” She kicked off her shoes as they reached the stairs. She reached up on her tip-toes, with her fingers curled around the lapels of his coat and kissed him squarely. The anxiety briefly melted and he groaned as her hand slid south and cupped him.

“I could be persuaded.” He lied as his cock hardened instantly at her touch.

“You’re in luck. That’s what I’m good at.” She whispered as she nipped his chin.
He chuckled and his eyes narrowed as she stepped him up the stairs. She was sure something. Sometime together wouldn’t hurt and it would give him a chance to settle his nerves and then they could talk to her father tonight about what next.

Chapter Sixty-Two: A Father's Love

She blinked and open her eyes as a hand stroked her forehead. “Hey there.” Sunlight inched into the room and Jonathan’s frowned face stared back at her.

“Hi.” She quietly said as she blinked while she slowly remembered why she was here. She shot up on her bed but Jonathan braced her. “Dad.” Her head spun and she winced.

“Hey, easy Devon. You fainted downstairs so just take it easy.”

She stretched as her body reminded her of being slammed into the ground. “I’m fine.”

“Not dizzy? I’d still like to get you checked out and so does Jon. He’s sending his doctor over shortly.”

“He is? How did you get hold of him?”

Jonathan held her cell phone up. “Duh. He’s coming over once he gets back from uptown. I assured him you were ok.”

“Did you tell him why I fainted?”

“Yeah I did.” Jonathan nodded towards her living space. “Your father is in there. I hope it was ok to bring him up.”

Devon swung her legs off the side of the bed. “Of course. I just-” She pressed her hand on her forehead. “I just don’t know what to say to him.”

“Say sorry. That’s all you can do Devon. He’s here isn’t he? He wouldn’t be unless he cared.”

She blew out her breath. “I guess you’re right. Man.” She felt like she wanted to throw up again. Between that and crying this week she was in the running for the most emotionally unstable woman ever at this point.

“I’m going to go downstairs ok? You just call me if you want me back up here ok? I’ll let Jon up as soon as he arrives.”

“Thank you Jonathan.”

She waited a few minutes as Jonathan left and then crept down the stairs to the living area. She stood quietly at the foot of the stairs as she laid her eyes on her father. He still looked the same, just a little older. His hair had turned more salt and pepper than the light sprinkling of grey she remembered. His sturdy frame was still lean which would be due to her father’s love for working out. It came naturally in the police force but her father used to love it anyway and she used to love running on the beach with him. Even if he beat her each time.

He was staring out the windows to the city. She had a nice view, it was lower and smaller than Jon’s but it still was a view.

Her heart was in her throat but it was now or never. “Dad?”

He turned and managed a half smile, the green eyes weren’t full of love like they usually were. It was the hard cop stare she was used to especially in the last times that she saw her father. “Devon.”

She twisted her hands in her own. “Did you want some tea? If you still drink it that is?” She asked nervously.

He nodded then stared right through her. “Please. White with one sugar.”

She walked across the living room to the kitchen and made some tea. Her father stood in the doorway while she did. “You look good.”

She didn’t look at him. “I don’t feel good but thank you.”

“You always did like the big city dream didn’t you?”

She met his gaze and knew he meant it. “Yeah I did. It’s been fun-well amazing.” She replied.

“I can’t do this.”

She dropped her teaspoon felt her heart fall into her stomach. “Wh-What?” She didn’t blame him if that’s how he really felt.

“I am so angry with you Devon.” He raked a hand in her hair. “So angry but all I can think about is hugging the stuffing out of you.”

The tears spilled freely down her cheeks as she whispered. “Daddy.” His arms as thick as tree trunks wrapped hard around her and held her tight. Her fists balled up against the wool of his sweater and she closed her eyes. The strength of his embrace was something she’d never thought she’d get again.

He stroked her hair and then released her. “You look good Dad. Older but good.”

He smiled and this time it reached his eyes. “Gee thanks.”

“I’m so sorry.”

His eyes left hers. “I know you are. You better make us the tea and then we can talk.”

She nodded. A few minutes later they were sitting in the living room. “I can’t believe you are actually here. Why did you come?” She couldn’t believe that within days her father was sitting here in the middle of New York City with her. It was both humbling and petrifying. “I thought you’d hate me for what I did.”

Her father took a sip of the tea. “Well I did go through that, I won’t lie to you Devon. Your betrayal did run deep. You did a silly foolish thing.”

She sighed. “I know. I wished I had the guts to come to you before I ran. I really do.” If that was the one thing she could have done better in this whole mess that was it. “I was so afraid of you and what you would think of me that I couldn’t face it.”

“Well at least one of you was locked up for what you did.” He took another sip. “The right one of you in my opinion.”

The words hurt but he was right. “Am I going to jail Dad?” She felt like she was sixteen asking if she was about to be grounded. The irony was completely weird. It was what she wanted to know. She could handle anything, losing the money--losing her salon knowing that she had Jon behind her. But the one thing she didn’t know how she would handle was going to prison.

He stared at his tea and then set it down. “You should be. But I think that’s unlikely.”

“Wh-Why?”

He clasped his hands on his knees. “Because they have no evidence you did it with Jared.”

“But I was there? It will be on camera?” She frowned not understanding what he meant.

“No, it won’t. You were covered anyway remember? I doctored the files and covered it up Devon.”

It was like an arrow in her belly. “What? Why? How the hell did you get away with it?”

He shook his head, his face as flat as stone. “I didn’t. I lost my job over it. They know it’s you Devon they just have no hard evidence that will put you behind bars.”

“God--Dad. Wow...you lost your job? But you love your job? God-I’m so sorry.” Instead of relief she felt guilt. And bucket loads of it.
“How did you get away without facing charges Dad, isn’t that illegal?” She felt that urge to be sick again. Her father risked his career and lost it for her. She did not deserve that.

“Your case would have been thousands of police dollars to chase. Honestly Devon the whole thing was a mess. By the time I had things swept under the carpet the police force just wanted it over.”

“But Jared-he knows I was there?”

“Yes he does. I did a deal with the prosecution and I got him out early and it was only on the provision he didn’t pursue you.”

“I doubt Jared would go for that? How in the hell did you convince him?”

“Let’s just say if he didn’t accept my offer - I would have made his prison years very hard to deal with. He got a nice cell, quiet prison with all the privileges.”

“He’s out now though?”

“Yes he got out over a year ago but that’s why I came here.”

“Why?” Oh god.

“My mate-Reg, you remember Reg, well he is still in the force and every once and awhile I get him to track Jared. Well he called me just two weeks ago and said Jared was off his radar.”

“What does that mean?” She asked scared of what the answer could end up being. Jared was here?

“Well it means nothing - he could be flying under the radar but...” Her father trailed off. “He may have seen you with your new boyfriend in the media. Honestly I thought until I saw a picture of you and Jon that he was coming here to meet you.”

“Oh god--you don’t think he’s here?”

Her father shook his head. “Honestly I don’t know. I didn’t know what to think. It wasn’t till you called me I realized, you have changed.”

She sighed. “I have changed Dad. Honestly. I did such a stupid thing. A really stupid thing and you lost your job! I don’t even know how to accept that. If I gave myself up-would that make it better?”

“No, giving yourself up would make it worse. They wouldn’t find the evidence. Just the self-confession and this whole mess would be dragged up. What I’m saying Devon is that if you stay in the US--you won’t ever have any problems.”

He may have handed it to her on a silver platter but she shook her head and stood up. “But I ruined your career, your life...”

“I won’t lie but yes, but look at it this way it’s an early retirement. Plus I’ve been doing some consultancy work for security firms. It’s nice. Honestly. Your mother loves me out of there.”

“She did always worry about you. How is she?”

He smiled. “She’s good. I haven’t told her about this. I am not sure how she’s going to take it.”

“So where does she think you are?”

“LA with this security company on a conference. Devon, I’ll sort her out but I need to know you’re ok here. Jared hasn’t contacted you at all?”

She wrapped her arms around herself. “God, no.” The little whisper of him crawled up her spine. Just his name was enough to keep her on edge. The thought of coming face to face with him now was horrifying. “Do you think he will?”

“I think he’d be stupid to but he was a stupid man.”

She sat back down on the couch and covered her eyes. “I was just as stupid believing him about everything. I just thought he loved me. Boy, how wrong I was.”

“Does Jon love you?”

She dropped her hands and smiled. “He does. Dad you would love him. He’s a good man who has done so much and gosh, he’s so humble about it.”

“I know who he is, I was surprised at first and I had wondered what the hell you had yourself mixed up with now. Drugs? Sex? But then I read about him and realized he wasn’t your stereotypical rock star at all.”

“We’ve really only dated for two months now but it’s been amazing. Even through all this.” She added.

“You told him, or did he find out? I got to tell you for someone that was on the run I was surprised when I saw a picture of you and him in a magazine.”

“It just happened and yes I told him, I couldn’t stand him not knowing when he’d given me everything. Did many people notice who I was?”

“Not really. Your hair well it's cut now and you looked so-well glamorous.” He half smiled at her and she knew it was a compliment.

“Well I am certainly not glamorous but I’ve learned to look after myself. Mum would be proud of the place here...” She trailed off. Would she even see her mother again? If what her Dad was suggesting was going to happen, that she would stay here indefinitely. What about her Mother? Maybe she would never forgive her for what she had done.

“How can you even look at me?” She asked abruptly. “I stuffed things up and you still looked after me?”

“You’re my daughter Devon. My only daughter. You made a horrendous mistake but after visiting Jared a few times in prison when I cut him a deal, I can see you were wound up with the wrong crowd. I should have done more to get you away from him. I knew he was bad news.”

She moved herself over to the couch her Dad was sitting on and took his hand. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. I wasn’t a child.” She clasped her hands tight over his. “You were right about him Dad. I was so stupid and if I could change it, any of it I would. I still can.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek. “We can’t change the past now Devon.”

“Is there any way you or mum will ever forgive me?” She asked in a voice like a five year old kid asking for an extra helping of dessert.

The tears shone in her Dad’s eyes. “I just want my daughter back.”

She choked on her words and embraced him hard. She closed her eyes as his arms wrapped tight across her back. If she could take it all back and make things right for her father, she would in a heartbeat.

She pulled away and her Dad nodded over her shoulder. Jon was standing there wrapped up in a leather jacket and scarf.

“Hey--I came as quickly as I could.”

She smiled and stood up to reach into his kiss. “I’m ok, just a shock and I fainted.”

“Jonathan told me.” His face was full of worry as swept his hand over her forehead.

“Jon, I want you to meet my father.”

Chapter Sixty-One: The Ties That Bind

It had been two days since he’d called. She’d checked her voicemail so often it was close to the point of over-compulsion. Maybe he’d changed his mind? Maybe he didn’t want anything to do with the daughter that had betrayed him and made a mockery of his fine police career? God only knew but she was holding onto hope with both hands.

Jon had been writing with Richie most days and into the early evenings so she’d been pulling some extra time in her salon, more so to keep herself busy more than anything. The other thing that had been on her mind was how and when she would talk to Jonathan. There was a good chance that this whole thing could blow up in her face and she was going to need Jonathan to know about it if and when it did.

He’d been so good to her and given her his loyalty right off the bat when he’d come to work with her. There was no doubt that the success of her salon was also partly because of him. He shared the same vision as her and believed in the same high standard of care. Plus he brought in some of the very first customers the customers with his connections right at the start and they’d only grown from there.

The morning in the city was awful; the rain hammered the pavements as she slid the open sign out to the curb. Two figures came scurrying across the road waving at her with rain coats dragged over their heads and followed her back inside.

“Hey guys!” She said as Jon and Stephanie revealed themselves.

“Hey yourself.” Jon leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Any news?”

“No. None.” She replied softly forcing the smile to stay on her face for Steph. He tipped her chin and kissed her quick on the lips.

“You two are so cute.” Steph laughed.

Devon blushed but stood back. “How is Antonio’s going?” Devon had sorted out some work experience as promised with Antonio who owned a boutique about a block away while she was on school holidays.

“I love him. He’s so sweet and he’s showing me so much stuff. He even said I can wear this cute designer dress out on my date Saturday night.” She gushed as she grabbed Devon’s arms. “It’s gorgeous you have to see it.”

Devon raised her brow. “A date huh?” She winked at Jon. “Is this the college boyfriend I’ve been hearing so much about?”

“You mean the one Dad hates without even meeting him?” Steph rolled her eyes. “That’s the one! Gosh he’s so awesome. You’ll have to meet him.”

“I’d love to. Do you want me to do your hair on Saturday before the date? Maybe your Dad and I can stay at his place in Redbank so we’re close and you can pop in before the big date and show me the dress.”

“Oh my god-can we Dad?”

Jon rolled his eyes. “Sure why not, it’s like I’m not here anyway.”

Steph rubbed his arm. “We still love you Dad. I gotta go.” She pressed a kiss into her Dad’s cheek and left them.

Devon burst out laughing at his face and went to slide behind the coffee bar. “Your usual?”

His arms wound around her waist before she could escape and he pressed into her from behind. She sighed as his warmth moulded into her and his breath tickled down her neck. “I haven’t had my proper morning kiss yet.” His nose nuzzled along her neckline, the scent of dark cinnamon and pine behind her.

“Mmm.” She replied as his hands slid along her belly. The stress melted away in an instant as he whispered in her ear how much he loved her.

“I missed you last night.”

“Me too. Did you at least get some good writing done?” She asked rubbing her hands over his as he held her suspended in the moment.

“We did. Thank god. I owed it to Richie as I’d been so scattered this week.”

She turned in his embrace and drew up on her tip toes. “Me too.” The kiss popped and warmth flooded into her bones as her hands slid up around his neck. He lifted her up onto the coffee counter and dragged in her. Their teeth clicked and she giggled as his hand slid up her leg.

“Careful.” She giggled. “We’re in public.”

His lips crushed hers. “I can’t control myself Devon--”

They both jumped as the door slammed and she pulled away from Jon but no one was standing in the salon.

“Oh god.” She pressed her hand against chest. “Holy crap.”

“Must have been the wind. Steph can’t have closed it properly when she left.” He went to drag her back in but her eyes wandered back to the doors for a brief second before she gave in.

“Your heart is racing baby. You got a fright huh?”

Her eyes flicked up to his and she stroked his cheek. “I did but I’m fine now. It spooked me, Damn weather.”

He gently dropped her back down to the ground and she straightened herself up. “Coffee before you go?”
She rounded the counter and set to work on their coffees. She still was spooked by the door, the slam almost sounded like a gunshot. She was only on edge because she was waiting for the call from her father, the one where he would tell her what to do. She hated that in the last years she’d gained so much independence and confidence in her life and now she had to rely on someone else to steer her back in the right direction of what to do next.

“He’ll call you back Devon.”

She sighed and jerked the knob to froth the milk. “I want to believe that but I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t honestly.”

“He will. He will be processing all this and who knows maybe he’s getting some advice on what to do as well.” He encouraged.

She shrugged. “Maybe.” She lost herself in the motion of making a latte for a moment.

“Do I need to take you out to dinner tonight? Get our minds off this thing for a few hours?”

She smiled at him. God love him. He was sitting at her counter with his arms folded; the grey thermal hugged his upper body in all the right places. They grey made his blue eyes pop with colour and the smile on his face was adorable.

“I’d love to but I am not sure how fun I’ll be.” She wished she could shake this feeling of dread but it came with the territory. This was never going to be easy owning up to her deeds but the unease grew in her belly.

“We’ll do it. I can be very distracting.” His wiggle of the eyebrows made her chuckle.

“Ok we’ll do it.”

“Good. I have just the spot.” He grinned as he accepted her latte and they dissolved into small talk until he left. She laid out the beauty rooms all ready for the day and by the time Jonathan and the Stylists arrived the phone had started off the hook. Many people cancelled due to the weather coming in from over the bridge so she was juggling reschedules. She flopped down in her office around ten-am and Jonathan joined her.

Her palms flattened on her dress as she steadied her nerves. She had made the decision it was time to tell Jonathan. Whether it was a good idea or not but she needed to be honest and if everything went pear shaped he’d not at least know why. And he deserved it.

“Jonathan, sit down I need to talk to you.”

He sat down in the seat opposite her desk and rolled up his shirt sleeves. The dark cashmere vest against white was a clean cut typical Jonathan look that went well with his thick black rimmed frames he had on. His chocolate brown hair was swept over to the side and he looked like he’d stepped straight out of the pages of GQ magazine.

“This sounds serious.” He teased as he crossed his legs.

“Jonathan. I should have told you this a long time ago.”

“You’re in love with me? And you’re dumping the rock star for me?” He winked and she rolled her eyes.

“I’m serious. This is serious.”

He leaned forward, his eyes went wide. “You’re getting married! No-you’re pregnant!”

“No! God. No and listen to me for a minute.” Typical fun loving Jonathan. He was her first real friend over here. Hell, if she was honest her first real friend in a decade. Where was he when she needed someone to confide in before she made the biggest mistake of her life with Jared?

“You certainly haven’t been yourself of late, I know that much.” Of course he’d know, he seemed to always know what she needed. She just hoped he didn’t walk out after she told him.

She sighed. “Jonathan, darling. I just want you to know I’ve valued your friendship and loyalty to me all these years. Sometimes I don’t know how this place got off the ground without you.”

“Sure-Devon what’s going on? You sound like you’re about to break up with me or fire me.”

It was the first time she’d seen worry in his eyes and it would kill her if she ended up losing this place and he lost his job. “No, god none of the above. I’ve just-” She braced herself. Would this ever get any easier she wondered? “I’ve been lying to you about who I was and how I got here.”

“Oh?” He asked as he leaned back again and his shoulders eased.

She blurted out the entire story including how she revealed herself to Jon. She blew out her breath and let her stomach settle for a moment. “So, if you want to leave I fully understand as I can’t guarantee what is going to happen in the end.”

He clasped his hands together and it was killing her that he hadn’t said a word. “I’m really disappointed in you Devon.”

Her heart sank as she felt tears form under her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

He didn’t take his eyes off her. “No, I’m disappointed that you’d think I’d just leave you to deal with all this.”

“What?” She asked as she reached for her box of tissues. That was her Jonathan. Loyal.

“Devon. I’ve known you for close to three years now and you’re one of my dear friends. We discuss everything but the only thing you never discussed was your life back home. I had to figure something bad had happened. Ok, I’ll admit I didn’t think you’d robbed a bank but I knew you’d runaway from somewhere.”

She was overwhelmed that he had a hunch she had a bad past and he was still what he was to her, all this time. “I don’t deserve you.”

He snatched a tissue. “God, woman please stop crying and come here.” He stood up and stretched out his arms. She hugged him hard and smiled into his shoulder. He was one in a million.

“So what now?”

“I wait to see if my father calls me back. Honestly I don’t know what to expect with him. The disappointment in his voice was awful Jonathan. I wish I could reverse it all just to never have heard that.”

“If he knew you were here, why didn’t he contact you?”

“Jon asked me the same thing and I don’t know. I don’t know anything until he wants to talk to me.”

“Well if there is anything I can do to help, you’ll tell me right?”

She wiped away her tears. “You’ve already done so much but if you could just keep this place running if anything happens. Jon will tell you what to do in my absence if it comes to that.”

He nodded. “You got it. And he’s really ok with this?”

“He wasn’t at first-I broke his heart but he’s willing to fight for me. I probably don’t deserve that-”

“Oh hush, stop talking like that. Yes you made a mistake but look at you. You’re such a different person than you were. And you want to make it right. That counts for everything. You’re a good person Devon and I know that, we all know that.”

“Are you sure you’re really ok with this?”

He grinned. “As I said, I knew something was there. I am glad you told me and you can trust me k?”

She nodded. “You’re the best friend a girl could ask for.”

“You’re welcome. “ He checked his watch. “We’ll talk more later. I want to know more about Jared but right now I have to bleach Mrs Caruth.”

“Promise. We will talk as much as you want.”

The knock on the door broke the conversation off as Emma popped her head into the room. “Devon, there’s someone asking for you at reception.”

“Sure I’ll be right there.”

Jonathan squeezed her hand as they both walked out. “We’ll get through this.”

“Thank you.” She dusted herself off and made sure she was presentable as she walked back out to the reception desk where a man waited with a cap tugged over his head. She was relieved that everything had gone well with Jonathan; she couldn’t have handled it otherwise.

“Hi, you were waiting for me?” She cleared her throat and plastered a smile on her face as she shelved the whirlwind going on in her life to serve her customer.

When he looked up she looked deep into the eyes of her past. Her childhood flashed before her eyes like an old movie reel and her heart leapt into her throat as she attempted to speak. Her belly dropped to her knees and the blood rushed from her head.

“Daddy.” She whispered before her knees gave way and the world went black.

Chapter Sixty: Daddy's Girl

She sat cross-legged on the patio, her legs peeking out under the tails of one of his shirts. She was up before him watching the sunrise across Manhattan with a cup of coffee and bagels that she prepared. Sunrises were so simplistic but beautiful and easy to take for granted. She couldn’t imagine not seeing the clusters of buildings that shaped Manhattan but it was one reality she may have to be prepared for.

Jon had lawyers but what good would lawyers do in a case like this? Unless they were crooked and could twist the story somehow and she knew she didn’t want that. The whole thing kept coming back to one thing...her father. She knew if she had any hope in surviving this she would have to contact him and find out realistically what she’d be in for. He knew New Zealand Law and Statute of Limitations like the back of his hand.

But what would she even say? And then there was no going back for real. She’d start something she couldn’t back out of.

“Morning beautiful.” She looked up and Jon had stepped out onto the deck in a pair of low navy riding pyjama pants and lit a cigarette.

“Hey you.”

“Now I know why you’re up so early. That sunrise is a killer.”

She sighed and took in his profile against the morning. “Isn’t it? I made coffee and bagels. It’s the best you’re gonna get.”

“I am starving.”

“I’ll get one for you then shall I, while have your post-coital cig.”

He snorted. “Hey-it’s a compliment.”

The night had been nothing short of amazing and they had reconnected and she was relieved. Something inside her had been worried that they wouldn’t and that this thing would become a bigger thing between them. And the reality was it still could.

She smeared a bagel half with cream cheese and poured him a cup of coffee. “You slept well?”

He leaned back against the railing and faced her stretching out his arms. “I did. Like a baby, you?”

She shrugged. “Not really if I’m honest but I felt safe with you.” She doubted she would ever be able to sleep properly until this was over but just being near him was strength in itself.

“I think I need to ring my father Jon.” She blurted it all out and dropped the knife on the table.

He took one more drag and flicked his ash over the balcony. “How do you feel about that?” He sat down opposite her and picked up the bagel half and took a bite. His hair was still mussed from sleep and the five o’clock shadow crept up his neck.

“Petrified. I miss him so much but I’m not sure he’s going to be happy to hear from me.” Her belly was like squirmy liquid. She’d rather have been able to walk up to him and tell him she was sorry than to do it over a phone. The time factor was another thing, she had waited so long to call him she doubted he’d wanna know her.

“I think it’s a right first step. We can deal with the rest as it comes.”

She nodded and cupped her coffee mug. “I know he’s going to be angry with me but I deserve it.”

“I don’t think you deserve it Dev, but you know why he’s going to be angry and he has that right. You're still his daughter.”

“If Steph did this to you, what would you do when she rang you years later? Honestly?”

“Whew. Well I don’t know how I’d feel. I’d be hurt. She’s my daughter and she would have done a very stupid thing but then if I listened.” He chuckled. “And that would probably take me awhile. I’d realize she’s changed and she’s truly sorry for what happened.”

“The problem is - and I am but things are so different now they can never be the same unless-”
She drew in her breath.

“Unless you’re accountable for your crime?” Jon asked.

“Yeah something like that.”

“Hey.” He reached out his hand onto her arm. “Maybe there is a way around this. I’ll help you any way I can. Even if it means helping you financially. I’ll pay your bail if it comes to that.”

“You would?” She asked astounded.

“Of course. I’m hoping your father knows a way we can settle this discreetly out of a courtroom though.”

“Because of the media attention it would draw?”

“Somewhat, yes. If I’m honest.”

“I get it and that's natural I don’t want to be dragged through the courts as well but that’s the problem isn’t it. I don't know what I am dealing with until I ring him.” The last thing she wanted for Jon was to drag his name through any of this and he wasn't being selfish he had a career and a family that relied heavily on his good name. His kids especially didn’t deserve to be dragged into this mess either.

His finger brushed over her wrist. “I’m going to be here. We’ll sort something out and we’ll get married and live happily ever after once it’s over--if that's what you want.” He quickly added.

Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. “What? I mean-” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I mean don’t-just not yet. I need to know this is over before I could even consider that and I don’t want you to think you have to.”

“I don’t. It’s the next natural progression isn't it. If we can get through this-we can get through anything, right?”

“You really think that?” She wasn’t surprised more humbled that is how he was still thinking even after what she’d done. He still wanted to marry her.

“I do.” He smiled.

“Ok, but just do me a favour.”

“Oh?”

“This sounds crazy but the proposal is the most important part. I want to be floored, I want it to be unexpected. Not in the middle of all this, when it’s over and when we come out on the other side.” If we come out on the other side.

“You want the romantic grand gesture huh?” He asked with a wicked grin.

“I do-I know that sounds silly but after all I’ve managed to screw up I kind of still believe in that part of romance. But when it counts and when it's real.”

He nodded and brought his coffee to his lips. “Got it. I can do that.”

She smiled and while her heart swelled it sank at the same time. She couldn’t see them on the other side of this together, she hoped like mad she was wrong but it just seemed too good to be true at this point.

“So, your father? You going to call him today?”

“God, yes. I feel sick just thinking about it but I have to do it.”

“Did you want me there?” Jon asked.

She shook her head. “Thank you but no. I think I need to talk to him alone, that’s if he’ll talk to me.”

“He will. No father can stay mad at his daughter forever. Trust me.”

~

It was later that morning she sat upstairs in her loft with her phone resting in her lap. She’d been there almost thirty minutes. She knew she had to do it soon as she had another client in thirty minutes. That is how confident that this conversation would be a short one.

Her throat was dry and her heart pounded with dread. The snakes in her belly coiled tight as she lifted the receiver and dialled her home. What if they had moved? Their father’s number had always been unlisted for his job and it wouldn’t be easy to find by herself. The last thing she wanted was to tell more people who she was in order to get it.

It rang once, twice, three times and her head spun with anticipation.

“Hello?”

Her father’s voice sucker punched her right in the chest. It was still the same. Confident no-nonsense like it always was. Her lungs squeezed tight and she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t say a word.

“Hello? Anyone there?”

Tears swelled to her eyes as the guilt and pain all flooded back to her.

“Daddy?”

The line fell silent and the seconds felt like hours, no lifetimes.

He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, who did you want?”

“Dad, it’s Devon.”

The sharp intake of breath down the line followed by a cluttered noise confused her. She heard a door click shut and then he spoke.

“Is this some kind of joke?”

God. Had he really forgotten what her voice sounded like? “No Dad, its Devon.” She swallowed hard. “Your runaway daughter.”

The sound she heard next she doubted she’d never forget for as long as she lived. The short sob down the line resounded through her like an electrical shock. “Dad?”

“What do you want? Do you need money?” The cop instinct took over just as it did any other time with him and the emotion was gone.

“No. Dad, I’m so sorry.” She blurted it out but she had wanted to say it for the last five years.

“Are you in some kind of trouble?” His answer was more like an accusation. That she was only ringing because she wanted something. Even though it was true it wasn’t anything he could give her.

“No, Dad I’m fine. I’m not in any trouble. I’m in New York.”

The silence was deafening. “I know you are.”

Her heart stopped and she snapped up her head. “You do?” He knew where she was, all this time?

“How-how did you know?”

“I had a suspicion you were in the States but a photo with your boyfriend confirmed it.”

Oh god. He knew she was seeing Jon? “I-I” She stuttered. Why hadn’t anyone come and got her? Arrested her?

“You’re not ripping him off are you?”

The question hurt like a knife in the chest but he had a right to ask it given the history.

“No, god-no. No!”

“I had to ask. And you haven’t had any kind of trouble?”

She frowned. “No.” That was the second time he’d asked it. He must have thought it was the only thing she had rung him for. He knew where she was and who she was dating? She couldn’t believe it but why had he stayed so silent?

“Ok good. I just-never mind.”

The genuine concern laced his voice sliced and she hiccupped as the tears came. “I don’t know what to do. I made a life here but it’s so incomplete with this lie.”

“Oh Devon.”

“Dad. I’m so sorry. I want to fix this but I don’t know how.”

He blew out his breath. “What you did Devon...” he trailed off. The disappointment in his voice was terminal and she couldn’t blame him one bit.

“Unforgivable. I know.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to break this to your Mother Devon. She was pretty devastated when you left. You tore this family apart.”

She needed to hear it but it didn’t make it any easier. “I know, if I could take it back. I want to make something right. I do Dad, god I do.” She bit her lip.

“Listen, I’m in the middle of something at the moment. Is there a way I can reach you? I want to call you on a secure line maybe tomorrow.”

“Sure.” She gave her father the number and waited.

“Don’t call back here Devon, it’s important. I’ll call you.”

“Ok Dad. I won’t. What am I going to do?”

“I don’t know Devon. I don’t even know what to think at the moment. It’s been years. You went years without calling me.” The pain cracked his voice and her Dad never lost his resolve and she was the reason.

She covered her eyes as she sobbed. “I know. I’d give anything to take this back but I can’t. I have no right asking you this, not after what I’ve done. But I need your help Daddy. I’m scared.”

He took a deep breath. “I’ll call you.”

And then the line was dead. Her hand shook as she replaced the receiver. What if he didn’t call back? What if he didn’t want to deal with this? She couldn’t expect him to if he really didn’t want to. It was the first step if there was any hope or way to fix this and she’d done it. She’d taken the responsibility and she just hoped her father knew she meant it.

God she hoped he knew that.