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Chapter Sixteen

Shae

I stared at him as Drake got Tammy unfastened from her car seat and grabbed Maxie. He didn’t speak for a moment, just took everything in. He didn’t look shocked at seeing Tammy, so I knew damn well he knew exactly who she was.

Drake glanced at me questioningly and I nodded to the house, so he went in with Tammy and the puppy. I stood my ground.

For probably the first time.

You could see the abuse John Turner had wreaked on his body. Viewing him with new eyes, he wasn’t very tall. Maybe five foot eight, and I was taller. He wasn’t anywhere near Drake’s six-plus feet, and that made me happy. It was pathetic, but yeah.

He was lanky, I guessed the term was. His skin—the bit I could see under worn and tattered denim—was yellowing. Probably his liver. His eyes were dull and he was squinting. Kids would have called that look “mean,” and they had the right of it.

His clothes were the same as I was used to. Tatty, unwashed jeans, and whatever flannel he could pull on. I gazed at him in confusion, wondering what Aisha had seen in him. But then, Aisha had been drunk when she had sex with him.

Fuck, she would have to be.

“That my kid?” He nodded in the direction of the door Drake had gone through.

“You would have to ask your lawyer,” I replied and sidestepped him to the door. His hand shot out, but I had been expecting it. John Turner was all about intimidation. I put on some speed and side-stepped him.

He frowned. “Cut that out, you little shit.”

I almost smiled. He’d seen me move fast, but he had no idea of the speeds I was capable of.

Look,” he heaved a sigh. “I want you both home. I’m your dad.” I scoffed and he scowled again. “I’m her father.”

“You really think any court is going to place her with you? With your record?” I asked incredulously.

He smirked. “What about yours?”

“I don’t have one,” I said as calmly as I could.

“We’ll see,” he taunted. “Plenty of jobs you helped me on that they don’t know about. Might not get you locked up, but they would yank that kid from you faster than you could fuck pretty boy in there.”

I didn’t react. How did he know about Drake and me? But I knew he was right about the jobs. He had used me for a year before I’d even met the team.

“There isn’t anything you could say that doesn’t incriminate you,” I said confidently.

“Maybe,” he acknowledged, “but I ain’t got nothing to lose. I know how to work the system. Heard your last spell in jail didn’t go that well for you. Wonder what another fifteen would be like? Think once they got your hands on you, they’d ever let you go?”

The door opened and Drake stood there, arms crossed. I used the distraction to slip past him and inside. Drake didn’t slam the door. He closed it quietly, never giving my father so much as a look which, if anything, meant he was pissed. I knew he’d heard the threat my dad had made.

I could tell he was furious but keeping it contained for Tammy's sake.

"You okay?" he asked softly, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. The encounter with my dad had shaken me more than I wanted to admit. His threats brought back too many painful memories.

Drake seemed to sense my unease. "Never been called a pretty boy before, not even when I was one.”

I laughed because that really was ridiculous. “How’d he know?”

“Ryan saw us and we just saw him with Ryan. But he's gone. Jay's team will make sure he doesn't come back."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. "What if he tries something? What if he really does try to get custody of Tammy?"

"Not gonna happen," Drake said firmly. "We've got the best lawyers money can buy if it comes to that.”

I eyed Drake in frustration. “You’re not a millionaire and I can’t keep taking from you.”

He shrugged. “I’ve built up a lot of favors over the years, even if Rawlings hasn’t. I wouldn’t have to pay out anything, so don’t worry.” That eased some of my worry, but not all of it. My dad had always been resourceful when it came to getting what he wanted. Look at how he’d blackmailed me as a child with threats to hurt my friends. And if he thought Tammy could be useful to him somehow...

A tug on my pant leg drew my attention downward. Tammy stood there, looking up at me with those big eyes. Without a word, she raised her arms, clearly wanting to be picked up.

I obliged, lifting her onto my hip. She snuggled against my chest, one little hand fisting in my shirt. “He’s after something,” I said.

“Yep,” Drake agreed. “But he doesn’t strike me as a patient man, so I don’t doubt we’ll find out soon enough what that is.” He chuckled at Tammy. “How about we put Tammy in that play pen thing where we can see her, and you help me sort the end room? We want to make a good impression when the social worker gets here.”

“Play pen?” I said, following him, carrying Tammy and Maxie yapping at our heels.

“I think it’s meant for younger kids, but I’m hoping if she can be with us and put new toys in there for her it’ll give us a chance to clean up. I just took her to the bathroom.” He eyed me. “Is that okay? I didn’t want her to be upset again.”

“If she’s living here, I don’t see how we have any choice. I mean, I’m not her dad either.”

“Maybe we can ask the social worker when he gets here?” I could understand Drake’s worry about undertaking personal tasks with her, but Carol Benson knew there weren’t any women living here.

Drake led us through the trashed room to a clear corner where a padded mat was on the floor, and a dozen toys scattered on it. I put Tammy down and she started to investigate the plastic train. Maxie curled up at the edge.

"Okay, princess," Drake said, tickling her tummy lightly. "You hang here for a bit while we clean up.”

We spent the next hour tidying up, putting away anything that could be dangerous for a toddler, and generally trying to make the place look more child-friendly. After the first twenty minutes or so she was yawning, so I scooped her up, took her to the bathroom again, then laid her on the bed. She was asleep almost immediately.

As we worked, Drake filled me in on some of the security measures Jay's team had implemented. "They've set up a perimeter," he explained. "If anyone unauthorized tries to approach the house, we'll know instantly."

I nodded, grateful for the extra protection, but still uneasy. "Do you really think my dad will try something?"

Drake paused in his organizing to look at me. "Honestly? I don't know. But I'd rather be over prepared than caught out.”

I gazed at the paperwork he was sorting. “It’s impossible to know what the guy was after.” He sent me a frustrated but agreeing look.

I woke Tammy up and took her to the bathroom. Drake had bought a small toilet seat to fit on the other one when she was ready, but at the moment, she was using a potty. I made a game out of washing her hands like I remembered my mom had done with me when I seemed to spend most of my life covered in mud, and we went to the kitchen because I knew she would be hungry.

Drake took Maxie outside while I fastened Tammy into her small booster seat at the table and got her a drink and some blocks to build while I looked to see what to feed her.

We both got a notification from Jay to say a car was on its way up the lane and registered to Gerald Slater from child and family services.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This visit could determine whether we got to keep Tammy or not. Although, what exactly they’d do with her if they took her, I had no idea.

"It'll be fine," Drake said softly, squeezing my shoulder. "We've got this."

We went to answer the door together, Tammy still happily playing with her blocks at the table. I’d put some cheerios in a bowl with cut-up apple slices that she’d liked last time. We’d all eat the delicious-looking lasagna when he’d gone, and I blessed Miss Moira. Maybe she would give me cooking lessons?

That’s it, put your back into it.

I’d been kneading dough. Gran made her own bread, and it was fabulous. I’d always been allowed to make weird shapes with the leftovers and they’d be baked alongside her loaves. The memory of a spaceship blurred my eyes. It wasn’t fair. Gran would have adored Tammy.

Gerald Slater was a tall, thin man with graying hair and sharp eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. "Mr. Turner?" he asked, looking between Drake and me.

"That's me," I said, stepping forward to shake his hand. "This is Drake Starr."

Slater nodded at Drake before turning his attention back to me. "May I come in? I understand you are aware I was referred by Carol Benson."

We led him into the living room, where he began looking around, taking notes on a small pad. I could feel myself tensing up, wondering what he was writing. Slater saw Tammy right away, but he didn’t rush over. He noticed Maxie as well, but we didn’t hide him. This was our family. Tammy looked up as we all went back into the kitchen, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the stranger. She didn't cry or seem overly distressed, which I hoped was a good sign.

"Hello, Tamzin," Slater said, crouching down to her. She shrank back a little, then seeing me, immediately held her arms up in demand. Drake was closest, so he unclipped her and passed her to me. She tucked her head into my neck. Slater smiled at her.

“Coffee, tea, water?” Drake asked.

“Coffee would be great,” Slater said, and I relaxed a little. He glanced at me. “As I’ve never been here, I wondered if you could show me the rest of the house?” I was expecting that, so I took him around slowly.

“We didn’t get any warning,” I said in case he saw something off.

“So I understand,” he agreed. “We have a group for new foster parents. Even if technically you’re her brother, you might find it helpful. I’ll text you the details.” I looked at him and decided to be blunt.

“If I don’t frighten everyone off,” I said pointing to my face, and for the first time he grinned. We went back into the kitchen.

“I’ve already spoken to Carol Benson and got what history they have on Tamzin. I also got a call on my way here from my boss, who had just spoken to Alison Mulgrave.”

I glanced at Drake to see if he knew the name, but he shook his head. “I don’t know who she is.”

“She’s the secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Family Services.”

“But we live—” I was about to say something stupid like we lived in Georgia, when Drake laughed.

“Let me guess. She got a call from the FBI?”

“Apparently, she is well known to the enhanced unit in Tampa, and she wanted to assure my boss that both you and Mr. Starr have worked with them on many occasions. Obviously, that has no bearing on you looking after your sister, but she wanted to assuage any concerns your abilities might raise.”

I was stunned, and so damned grateful. “We’re actually going there for Thanksgiving,” I shared confidently.

Slater nodded. “Carol told me she’d given you the number of a child therapist?” He picked up the coffee Drake had made him.

“We’ve got an appointment on Tuesday.”

“Well, the only problem I foresee is Tammy’s father. I can’t see any judge giving him custody, but he can apply for visitation. Supervised, of course.”

I tensed. I didn’t want him anywhere near her. “Do we have to agree to that?”

“It’ll be up to a judge. You might want to get a family lawyer.”

“Not a problem,” Drake said.

“No,” Slater said with a wry smile. “I don’t imagine it is.” He opened his briefcase and put his tablet away. “Any problems, questions?”

“Yeah,” Drake said. “Am I okay to help Tammy? Like bathing and things. I mean Shae’s her brother, but—”

“I understand you are in a domestic partnership?” I blinked. What was that?

“Not officially, but yes, we’re partners,” Drake confirmed.

“You both passed all background checks, as you know, but you are living here as a family with a traumatized toddler.” He paused, then glanced over at Tammy. “I have no problem with your family arrangement,” he said, “and I expect that any strides toward potty training or personal care will have been set back, and she will need help in all aspects.” I saw Drake relax.

“I can’t give you legal advice,” he continued, “but I have another case I manage with an older brother that just adopted his seven-year-old twin sisters. Talk to your lawyer.”

He stood, said goodbye to Tammy, who didn’t seem as scared, then shook both our hands and made sure we had all the information he’d promised. Then he left.

Drake came back to the kitchen after locking the door and rubbed his hands. “Who’s hungry?”

It was nice when something actually went right, but I knew my dad wouldn’t just give up. He was up to something. I just didn’t know what it was.

Tammy went out like a light a couple of hours later, and we’d put her in her room with the monitor on, and then Drake had wandered down to the large room at the end of the hallway. I followed nervously because I was convinced he was still going to decide this was all too much for him.

“I’m still too old for you,” he said without turning around.

I sat on the edge of the bed because this conversation needed to happen. “What do you see your life being like in five years?” Gran had once asked me that. I’d been thirteen and forced to live with my dad after Mom had died. Not that I’d had a social worker to object. Then a year after that the scar on my face meant no one was going to argue. At least Tammy wouldn’t have to go through that.

“In an ideal world?” Drake asked quietly.

“In our world,” I said. “Because I’m here building a home with you. A life. So, if you’re gonna bail, I’d rather know now so I can sort out somewhere for us both to live. I can’t—”

Drake’s lips effectively silenced me, and I groaned into his mouth. Fuck, it felt like forever since my hands had been on him, and my body was greedy for skin on skin.

Drake pulled back slightly, his eyes intense as they searched mine. "I'm not going anywhere," he said firmly. "In five years, I see us right here. You, me, Tammy. Maybe even another kid, if that's something you want. Fuck, the Tampa guys seem to get foster-kids like it’s going out of fashion."

My heart skipped at his words. "Really?" I couldn't quite keep the hope out of my voice.

He nodded, cupping my face in his hands. "Really. I know this is all happening fast, but I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I want this—all of it—with you." He gestured behind him to the big room. “I think we turn this into our room. I also think Ellie and Jim would approve.”

I surged forward, capturing his lips in a desperate kiss. Drake responded instantly, his arms wrapping around me and pulling me closer. We fell back onto the bed, hands roaming and shirts quickly being ripped away.

"Fuck me," I breathed against his skin. Drake groaned.

“You’re not ready. You need more prep.” He shot off the bed and grabbed my hand, practically tugging me to his room. He undid his jeans and kicked them off faster than I managed, grabbed the lube from the drawer, then pulled me down. “Fuck,” he groaned, rolling me to my back, then he bent down and practically swallowed my cock.

I gasped as Drake's hot mouth enveloped me. My hands flew to his hair, gripping tightly as he worked me with his tongue and lips. The pleasure was intense, almost overwhelming after so long without his touch.

"Drake," I moaned, my hips bucking involuntarily. "I’ll shoot."

He pulled off with a wet pop, grinning up at me wickedly. "That's the idea, baby. Want you nice and relaxed for me."

Before I could respond, he dove back down, taking me deep into his throat. At the same time, I felt his slick finger circling my entrance. The dual sensations had me writhing on the bed, coherent thought rapidly slipping away. I was so hard, so quickly, and I could already feel my balls tightening. “Baby,” I whispered, because he’d said it. Pleasure licked down my spine and into my cock, like I was on fire. “I, I’m—” but then his finger hooked inside me at the same time as he hollowed out his cheeks and I came in a blistering, panting mess. I wasn’t even sure where I was for a long minute, but I realized quickly he hadn’t come.

I forced my eyes open as Drake cleaned me. “You haven’t.” I stopped awkwardly.

He bunched up the tissues he’d used and tossed them to the floor. “What makes you think I’m done? Up,” he smacked my thigh, and I groaned theatrically, but rolled over and came up on my knees. “I wanna watch,” I said suddenly ready.

“This is easier for you if it’s been a while.” He grinned. “Although for later, I’ve never been into mirrors on the ceiling, but…” He trailed off and my cock jerked at the thought of watching Drake fuck me. He got lots of lube and, kissing down my spine, he played with my ass. It wasn’t long until I was hard again and rocking back into his hand. “Gotta love your recovery time,” he panted. “Think that’s a plus for the daddy column.” I didn’t have a chance to comment as I felt his finger slide in.

Drake worked me open slowly, adding fingers as I relaxed around him. By the time he had three fingers inside me, I was practically clawing at the sheet under me.

"I’m ready," I begged. " Need you inside me." I was going out of my mind.

Drake kissed my back one last time, withdrawing his fingers. He slicked himself up quickly before positioning himself between my legs. I felt the blunt head of his cock pressing against me and took a deep breath, willing myself to relax.

“Just breathe, baby,” Drake murmured and pushed the tip in. He kept stopping and adding more lube, and by the time he was all the way in, I was ready to push him down on the bed and fucking sit on him if that was what it took for him to hurry up.

"Move," I demanded, pushing back against him.

He didn't need to be told twice, thank fuck. Drake pulled out slowly before thrusting back in, setting a steady rhythm that had me gasping with each stroke. The initial burn faded quickly, replaced by waves of pleasure as he hit my prostate again and again.

"You feel amazing," Drake groaned, his hands gripping my hips tightly.

I braced myself on my forearms, meeting his thrusts eagerly. "Harder," I panted. "Please, Drake."

He obliged, picking up the pace and slamming into me with enough force to rock the bed. I bit down on my arm to muffle my cries, not wanting to wake Tammy. Drake reached around me, and his fingers curled around my leaking cock.

“Gonna come,” he groaned, but sparks were already firing in my brain and as I felt Drake swell and pulse inside me, my world turned gloriously white.