· · · · ·
Rome felt the weight of everything on his shoulders. This was getting too old, too fast. They couldn’t figure the killer out, and now this. He could still smell the blood of the five-year-old they found today, and that of his mother who had lain dead beside him. They had been butchered by someone who was supposed to love them.
He had always felt there was good in the world, but today was one of those days that he found it hard to keep it straight. To remember that while there was evil, there was also good.
He unfolded himself from the car and shut the door. He knew Maria was there, that they would have to discuss the case, but he wasn’t in the mood. He just wanted to take a shower, drink a beer, and then pass out. He trudged up the steps, his weariness increasing.
He opened the door and smelled food cooking.
“Hey, Rome. I hope you don’t mind, but I thawed some chicken. I thought we could grill them.”
He said nothing as he walked to the fridge to grab a beer.
“Hey, I’m checking out Elias St John. Do you know him?”
He made a noise that even to him sounded like a grunt. It was rude. He knew that. But he didn’t have the energy to do any more than that.
“He called me. I’m having Masters look him up.”
“What?”
“Elias St John.”
“What about him?”
She frowned at him. “I talked to him last night.”
“What do you mean?”
“Haven’t you been listening?”
He knew there was a fight brewing, and he knew he couldn’t control himself.
“Sorry, bad day. I’m going to take a shower.”
He wandered off to the bathroom and knew again that he was being rude, but he couldn’t seem to force himself to do anything but walk away. After setting his beer on the counter, he stripped down, dropping his clothes on the floor. He turned on the water as he took another long swig of beer. When he saw the steam gathering, he stepped into the shower, shutting the door behind him. A long soak would have been good, but he needed something pounding on his back.
The water was almost too hot, but Rome didn’t care. He just let it slide over his skin as he took another long swig of beer. The shower door opened.
“I’m not good to be around right now.”
She stepped in behind him and slipped her arms around his waist. She was completely naked, of course.
“I’m serious, Maria, don’t mess with me now.”
She rested her cheek against his back. “You can tell me about it or you don’t have to. But don’t shut me out.”
He set his beer on the ledge and turned around to face her. Her hair was starting to curl as it did when it was really humid.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to mess with me tonight.”
She smiled and pressed against him. “I think your body disagrees.”
“Maria,” he started, but he didn’t finish. It was entirely her fault. She dropped to her knees in front of him. Without saying anything, she wrapped her hand around his cock and pumped him twice before taking him into her mouth. He knew he should stop her, but he didn’t seem to have the ability. She continued to pump him with her hand as she worked him in and out of her mouth.
Soon, he couldn’t seem to hold himself back. She stroked him with her tongue, taking him deeper into her wet, hot mouth. He felt himself grow harder and with each thrust into her mouth, he grew closer to his orgasm. Then she took him so deep, he bumped the back of her throat.
He lost himself and came, thrusting deep into her mouth. He reached down to help her up and noticed that his hands were shaking. He pulled her into his arms and leaned his forehead against hers as he tried to catch his breath.
“You didn’t have to do that. Shouldn’t have without permission.”
She gave him a cocky smile. “I’m sure you can figure out some punishment for me.”
He laughed, feeling lighter and definitely in a better mood. “After dinner.”
· · · · ·
Maria’s phone woke her up. She opened her eyes and saw that it was only four a.m.
“Yours?” Rome asked.
“Yeah.” She noticed it was Masters’ number. “Please tell me this is important.”
“Oh, sorry. I forgot the time difference.” But he didn’t sound very sorry. “I found something on St John.”
She pulled herself up to a sitting position.
“What did you find?”
“Not much. He did some time as a jackaroo.”
“A what?”
“The Aussies call their cowboys jackaroos. He worked several ranches there and then he dropped off the map for several years.”