Page 62 of One of Six

I burst out laughing and decide I better get us on the right track. "So, you two know each other. How come you're friendlier than Richard was?" I ask David.

"I was raised by Judge, who is a bad man. Richard is just like him. I tried to fit in, but after your mother,” he swallows hard, “I couldn't do it anymore.

"I was angry and upset when I saw her. I hate Richard. Hence the fight. Judge came and gave me his usual orders to clean up one of Richard's messes.

"What they don't know is that I made contact with Ed." He offers a weary smile. "After you did. You can't tell anyone, Bea. None of you can. I'm trying to make Mount Sterling and Den Hollows a better place."

"So what? You mean you're working with the FBI to shut down all the bad stuff?" Essex asks.

"That's what he says," Ed confirms. "I lied to you about something, Bea... I was in touch with your mom. Thanks to David, we never lost touch like your father wanted."

"Why didn't she leave him?"

He winces, and David gives me a sharp look.

"Oh!" I mutter, tears filling my eyes. "She stayed because of me."

"There was no way she could get away with you." Ed smiles softly. "She also knew that if she did, she'd be on the run until Richard stopped looking for her. In the end, she helped David gather information against Richard."

I settle into Essex and turn my face into the curve of his neck. I concentrate on breathing, trying to understand my mother. “If she wanted us to be free, why did she push me towards Jason? Say those things to him before our date?"

Looking out at the rest of the room, I notice David flinch as he looks down at his phone. "Judge and Richard have been calling me for a while. I have to get it." He walks out of the room, his shoulders slumped.

"He's not a bad man, Bea... He's given up his life so far because of his father and brother. He knows it would be bad to bring a woman into it. So please don't be too hard on him." Ed moans.

I nod. "Can we talk more tomorrow?"

"Yeah. I'll be here."

"Actually," Essex says with a quick glance at Galen. “You should come with us. We're five minutes away and we have a guest room. It will be safer."

Ed shakes his head. "I don't want your family to get hurt because of me."

Galen laughs and Essex says, "It's Mom and the six of us. We'll be fine."

Galen gets up. "I'll go and bring the truck around. Make it easier for you," he says to Ed, who winces.

"I'll go with you." Violet jumps to her feet.

"No teasing, Jailbait."

Violet huffs. "My name is Violet. Use it!"

I wince at the irritation on Galen's face.

"I'll text you when we get outside."

"Wait! Can't David drop Ed off?"

"If his cruiser is being watched, no." Ed gingerly gets to his feet. "What a fucking mess."

The boat bobs gentlyon the moonlit water. A breeze blows in and feels good on my warm skin.

Being alone with Essex gives me butterflies in my stomach. I lick my lips with desire as he takes off his shoes and socks, then his t-shirt. His jeans hang lovingly as he loses the belt. I swallow hard and, holding his gaze, take off my shoes and pull my dress up and over my head. I stand before him in nothing but my underwear, which leaves little to the imagination as the red lace is transparent. I wore them especially for him. He comes closer, his eyes burning with desire.

"Gorgeous!" In two steps, Essex has his hands on my face, and then his lips crush mine. I groan as our tongues slide together. I feel my body heat and I melt into his touch.

I run a hand down his chest, feeling the heat of his skin under my fingertips as I reach the edge of his jeans. Now it's his turn to moan into my mouth. I make quick work of the button and zipper, and then his penis springs free. I wrap my hand around it, enjoying the feel of its hardness in my grasp. I break the kiss and look down to see how excited he is. He pulsates in my hand; the mushroom-shaped head oozing with pre-cum, which excites me.

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