Chapter Seventy-Seven: Love's the Only Rule

“Daddy.” She sighed as she wrapped her arms around her father in the doorway. He was finally here. Finally free and where he belonged. “This has all been a mess. I’m so sorry.” She whispered as she let her Dad’s burly arms wrap her up.

“It’s ok love. It’s over. We’re ok.” He stood back and held her at arm’s length. “Are you ok?”

She nodded. “I’m a little stunned.” She looked out the penthouse windows to the sunny day that was emerging over Manhattan. “I’m not so keen to re-join the real world yet but I know I’ll have to eventually. I kind of like being locked up here.”

Her father reached and tucked a loose end of hair away from her face. “Don’t let this turn you into Rapunzel. You deserve to be out there. You have a life here.”

She closed the door behind him as they walked through and out to the deck. “I miss home but this is my home now.”

“Of course it is. Doesn’t mean we can’t get you out to come and visit. I’m sure your boyfriend can sort out how to get you there.” He teased. “Perhaps not Economy.”

She chuckled. “Things feel weird. I feel so guilty Jared is dead.” She sat on the edge of a lounger as he sat opposite her.

“I know. It’s something I used to struggle with in the police force. Sometimes the bad guy has to die. It doesn’t make what happened right but it was the only choice I had. I couldn’t let him hurt you or Jon.”

She took his hand. “I know, and thank god you were here. Through his whole thing because I don’t know how we would have got on without you.”

“You’re welcome but you would have managed. Look how you’ve managed in the last five years without anyone telling or guiding you. You’ve done brilliantly girl.”

“By default-I had to but thank you. In some ways it was something I had to do as well as the only choice. I had to prove to myself I wasn’t a bad person which is ironic considering I left the country with the money. Does that sound weird?”

“No, it makes sense to me. I never hated you for you what you did Devon. I didn’t understand it completely but I think now I have the hindsight to.”

“It doesn’t made what happened right though?” She asked with a small smile using her father’s same advice.

“No, it doesn’t but it’s done and I’m ready to move on and now you can. Here.”

She twisted her hands. “I miss Mum.” She’d never been super close with her Mum but now that her father was back in her life her memories of her mother were instantly there as they were always so close with each other.

“I know you do sweetie. She’s going to flame my ass for what I’ve done-but she’ll understand and she’ll want to talk to you once I tell her.”

“I hope so. I want a chance to tell her how sorry I am-and how much I’ve missed her.”

“Maybe I’ll just have to bring her back to see your salon.”

She perked up at the thought. “She would love that. I’d be more than happy to pay for you guys to come over and hell, you could stay here or Jon has connections I know he does.”

“I have a feeling we’ll be over for a wedding anyway.” Her father hinted.

She laughed. “Well maybe but I wouldn’t count on that for a while. I’ve given Jon more than enough excitement to last him and he’s got the tour next year.” She knew that would be tough as he’d be gone and she’d just got so used to depending on having him around and in her current state she couldn’t bear the thought.

“Yes, so I’ve heard. If he comes down under I’m sure we can get you through customs somehow.”

“Really?” She asked. She understood the position she was in and her father had done everything he could to conceal what had happened with her so it would be a risk even with her new passport.

He winked. “I’ll work on it.”

She hugged her father again. “I don’t deserve you but god, thank you. I love you Dad. I didn’t say it enough so I’m going to say it now.”

He tucked her head under his chin and stroked her hair. “I love you too Dev. I’m going to head home the day after tomorrow.”

She stood back and looked up. “I understand but please let us pay for you and put you up in Business Class. I won’t have it any other way.”

He shrugged. “Ok. I thought tomorrow we could spend the day together though.”

She beamed. “That would be amazing.”

“You could take me around New York if you felt up to it or we could hang out here.”

“I would love that. I’ll let you know tomorrow how I’m feeling.” Could she do it? Leave the apartment with her father? She felt safe with him so why was it niggling at her heels? “I’m going to miss you.”

“I won’t be far away-you kids with all your technology we can keep in contact regularly. I’ll get to worry about you again, as a real father.”

She laughed as they sat down again. “I feel like I need something else.” It came out of her so naturally but she didn’t understand it.

“Like?”

“I don’t know. I mean not Jon-this life is great. I love him and where we are but I feel like I need to do something. I’ve been so lucky.”

“Maybe you need to talk to Jon about that. I hear he’s a bit of a do-gooder.” Her father teased. “Least that is what Google tells me.”

“He is. He’s amazing and has so many projects he’s across with not only his name like a lot of celebrities do-he gets out there and gets involved.” She thought a little more. Maybe she needed to help others somehow as she was helped immensely by Jon and her father and she’d been so lucky in such an unorthodox situation.

“You’ll figure it out. You always do. Now, how about a cup of coffee for your old man? It’s been a rough night.” He grinned.

“Sure thing Daddy come on in. I’ll make you some lunch.” They walked back in arm and arm and spent the next few hours chatting. Like a father and daughter did.

~

Jon arrived home after the sun had set armed with Chinese and a bottle of chilled Pinot Grigio. It had been a long unexpected afternoon but he’d felt relieved when Devon had texted her father was there and would stay until he got home.

“Honey, I’m home.” He joked as he dropped his keys and off-loaded his coat and wallet. There was no reply so he headed upstairs to the rooftop and smiled as he walked out. Devon was sitting snuggled up in a chair and her father opposite her looking like they have been talking at length. His chest eased when she smiled.

“Hey. I bought Chinese I didn’t know what else we had.”

“Sounds good.”

“Hey Richard.”

Richard got up. “I should get home. It’s been a long day.”

“Are you sure? You don’t have to leave because I got home...” Jon frowned. “There is plenty here to eat.”

Richard patted his arm. “No, you both need to relax. I’m spending the day with Devon tomorrow again before I fly back home the next day.”

“Can we sort you out for the flights at least?” Jon asked.

“Devon has already offered and that would be lovely if it’s not too much trouble.”

“Hell-no--is there anything else you need?” He eyed Devon. “Can I walk you out?” He asked Richard quietly.

“Sure son.” Richard nodded and gave his daughter a hug.

“I’ll see your dad out and get some wine glasses. Dig in and I’ll be back ok babes?” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“Sure. I’m very comfortable here.”

Jon laughed. “Good. I’ll come back out in a few.”

Jon grabbed his organizer from the table as he walked Richard to the door. “Was she ok today?”

“She’s a bit shaken up--she’s feeling some guilt and apprehension for going out but that is pretty normal from what she went through. We had some good long chats.”

“Are you sure? She called a few times today when she was waiting for you and I felt awful.”

“You’re doing fine son. Seriously just be there for her. If it gets worse - get her to see someone but I have a feeling she’ll bounce back.”

Jon blew out his breath and raked his hand through his hair. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay longer? I can put you up-you could stay here?”

“I’d love to but I need to get home. Devon’s mother has no idea about all this and I need to tell her. She’s going to kill me for it but at least I can now say it’s over and Devon is safe.”

“Will she want to see Devon?”

“She might. Once she calms down. Devon is keen on coming home but honestly I need to check out a few things to make sure it’s not risky for her to come in.”

“Of course. Just say the word if you both want to come back I’ll cover the expense. Seriously.”

“That’s very generous Jon. You’re a good man.” They both shook hands.

Jon opened his organizer and slid out his cheque book. “I want to pay for this now though. And I’m not taking no for an answer. You’ve done so much for us.”

“Devon already offered the Business class flights. It’s more than enough.”

Jon scrawled a cheque and ripped it off and handed it to him. “Please take it. I know how much money travel costs and this is to just get you back safely and take your wife on a holiday.”

Richard’s gaze dropped to the cheque and back to his. “Jon - this is twenty thousand dollars.”

“Take it. Please. I won’t accept no, you saved our lives for Christ sake. I’m through his unscathed, my family is safe and the woman I love is safe and she has her father back. It’s the very least I can do Richard.” He knew Richard was like him in some ways, stoic and proud and didn’t easily accept help.

Richard took it and shook his head. “You still didn’t need to but I’ll take it as I’m going to have to take my wife on one hell of a cruise after I tell her this.”

Jon laughed. “When Devon wants to go outside, I’ll be taking her to St Barth’s. I can’t wait to get her there.”

“I just bet. Don’t push her. She will come around. Patience is the hardest thing with women but trust me if you have it - it will pay off and is worth it in the end. Of course it sucks. But it’s worth it.”

“Amen to that.” Jon replied feeling his shoulders relax.

“Ok talk to you later. Look after my daughter.” He said sternly with a wink and rested his hand on his shoulder.

Jon sighed and closed the door behind him and jumped as Devon stood there with her arms crossed.

“Jesus Devon.” He said rubbing his chest.

“Relax. I wasn’t spying. I just wanted to see how long you’d be as it’s getting cold.” She smiled as he tugged her in, breathing in the sweetness of her scent once more.

“You heard it huh?”

“Thank you for looking after him. He deserved it.” She fingered his collar and kissed him gently on the lips.

“Something we agree on then.”

“Uh huh.” She kissed him again and he groaned as his worries melted away. Well almost.

“Are you ok?”

“Not really.” She punctuated his kiss as she walked him back into the living room.

“Oh?” He asked as her hands found his belt buckle. “What about the food that was getting cold?” As her clever little hands delved into his pants and he groaned as her fingertips grazed the top of his cock.

“No underwear, again?”

His lips grazed across her cheek bone as his hand slid down to her breast. “Nope. Got a problem with that?” His thumb found her nipple as it popped through the cotton. He lifted her with his hand under her ass and her legs wrapped around his waist as he walked her towards the den.

She peeled her top off as he slid her onto his desk at the edge. Her breasts spilled from a lacy red bra that he couldn’t take his eyes off.

“God. Hot.” He complained as he enunciated the t deliberately.

“I like lace. What can I say?” She asked as unbuttoned his shirt and slid her hands in against his chest.

“So do I.” He nosed against her breast and his mouth sucked the tip through the lace until she gasped. Pleased with her reaction he caught her nipple in his teeth and bit down gently, she quivered in his arms.

Her leg clamped over his hip and his cock hardened as he kissed up the long line of her neck. He whispered against her skin as her hands slid over his ass and cupped it. She jumped as his ass pocket vibrated and they both giggled as he ignored it and kicked his pants off.

“Don’t want to answer it?” She murmured as he held her close and kissed her fingers as they ran over his lips.

“Nope. The only person I care if they call is right here, right now.” His mouth found the sweet spot below her ear and she purred as he dragged her in and hiked up her skirt. He thumbed along the panty line and sneaked a peek down. “I should have known they’d match.”

His cock bumped against her entrance but her hand stalled him as it pressed into his chest. His heart pounded against her hand as they stared at each other, appreciating the moment for what it was. Pure intimacy. She needed him and he sensed it. And he would never stop needing her.

He cupped her jaw and kissed her swiftly as he entered her. She cried out and gripped his shoulders as moved inside her. The desk banged against the wall as he grunted, keeping her close. His hand slid down over her flat belly and his thumb rubbed against the tiny little knot of nerves.

“Oh god.” She tipped her head back and he became mesmerized watching her breasts bounce with each thrust he took. Her tight little body, so perfect, so sexy and he wanted it all. Pens and folders tumbled as their love-making turned up a notch.

He rolled out of her and watched himself slide back into her fully. His eyes crossed and his butt muscles clenched. He lifted his thumb to his lips and licked it garnering the warm salty taste of her. “I love the taste of you.”

“I need more of you.” She pleaded.

He lifted her from the desk and crash dived them both onto the leather couch with him settling on top. He lifted her foot onto his shoulder, kissed her calve and slid deeper inside her. She clamped around him and he drove through the spikes of pleasure and whispered her name.

“More?” He asked against her ear as his hand slid down her leg and up the side of her body.

“More.” She requested as her hand clawed into his shoulder blade.

“Devon!” He grunted but was willing to keep going.

Her fingers brushed through his chest hair and over his nipples giving them a gentle tug as he gasped. Sweat poured down his temples, skin slid between skin as the moment built.
She screamed and reached her hand up around his neck and arched into him as she came around him. “Oh god, oh god.” And her body shook under him.

“Yes!” He spilled deep inside her as his senses popped and the wave of contented pleasure swept over him. He slumped down over her and his fingers linked in hers. His thumb traced around the faded angry red band on her wrist. He smiled as he caught his breath. “They’re going away.”

She snuggled into him and sighed. “Slowly.”

“Hey, if that’s all ya got. That’s what I’ll take. Slowly, k?” He asked as he pressed his lips against hers.

“Ok.” She agreed as she fingered the chain around his neck. “I want to be normal again Jon.”

He chuckled. “You are normal. I’d be worried if you weren’t affected.”

“I want to get past this. I do. I want to go back to living our lives.”

“Good-because I have big plans for our lives.” He rolled onto his side so she was cradled into him.

“Beginning with re-heated Chinese?” She asked as she grinned up at him.

He tapped her on the nose. “You got it.” Maybe it was time to make a bigger move. She needed to move on and she wanted to so who would he be if he couldn’t help her? He’d have to give that one some thought.