Pawned Virtue - #wattys2015 BK4 TPBS - Completed 1st draft

-43-

Not edited. Love you all! xxx

Lucas grinned as an almost hyperactive Tara squealed each time the waves washed over her feet.

The dinner they had together was pretty damn amazing. The cafe was one of the best places he knew of to have fish and chips and the fact that he'd made sure the meal was kept sinple meant that Tara had opened up and started to laugh. There was even times of her teasing him.

While he could tell there was still some reservations in her she was almost carefree with him and he loved it. The whole meal had been a success and she looked absolutely gorgeous. The whole thing had been an experience that he wouldn't forget in a hurry.

He'd thought the night was coming to an end when suddenly just before they got back into the limo she asked if they could come down to the beach. She didn't have to convince him at all.

"It's so cold Lucas!"

"Well get out then!"

She turned to look at him with her hands on her hips.

"What's the fun in that?"

"You wouldn't be cold" he pointed out.

"Awww are you an old man already Lucas?"

He stood up straight and did his best to look indignant.

"Excuse me? I'm not old..."

"Of course not... you're ancient!"

Tara felt her heart pounding as she teased the man who looked so very mysterious in the light of the moon. Standing about ten feet away from her wearing a white long sleeved shirt and dark trousers he made her feel nervous... but in a good way. She honestly never thought she'd ever get past thinking of him as a heartless monster.

In some ways he still scared her with the dark looks he got on his face when he thought she wasn't looking but then when he looked at her again it was like he was looking at a prized jewel.

"Tara! I am not ancient either!" He wagged a stern finger at her "Be careful young lady or you'll be grounded."

"Hahahahaha... go ahead and try old man!"

"Come out of the water and say that Tara" his voice was goading and full of amusement.

"Nah. I'm good." She froze up again as a larger wave washed over her feet and when it swirled back past she couldn't help but shiver at the cool air hit her dampened feet.

"If you don't come out..." he tried to warn without laughing.

"What? You'll come in?" It wasn't a question. It was a dare.

Lucas stood for a few moments. before lifting his foot and throwing off his shoe and sock and starting on the other when Tara gulped.

Yep she'd dared him.

She started moving away from him using the waters edge as a guide to know when she was walking.

He'd rolled up the bottoms of his trousers when he realised that his wife was making a getaway ploy.

"Oh baby...." he called in an almost melodic way.

"Yes Lucas?" She started to move a little faster as Lucas vegan to follow her.

"Wait for me baby"

"Catch up old man."

"If you insist."

He started to jog towards her and Tara squealed, turned and ran... hard... away from him.

"You won't get away from me baby"

"Not trying to."

"So why are you running?"

She looked back over her shoulder and saw that he was easily catching up and squealed again.

Arms wrapped around her and lifted her up in bridal fashion before swinging her around and his mouth finding hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, allowing him to deepen the kiss... an allowance he readily accepted as he tasted every minute area of her mouth.

Time stood still. Tara truly believed that those romantic writers were onto something in that description. Kissing Lucas like this was amazing. He was so gentle while in complete control as he allowed her to experience their kiss the way that she wanted it.

Slowly he reluctantly lowered her back to her feet and together they walked back to their shoes hand in hand before returning to the limo. The ride home was spent quietly with her head on his chest and his arm tucked around her shoulders.

Lucas walked her to the door and pulled her back into his arms as the door opened and Keiran stood there with his right hand pointing to his left wrist. They were much later than he'd planned. At least it was only Keiran and not Peter.

"It's one o'clock Lucas. Tara has school in the morning."

And there he was.

"Sorry sir. We lost track of the time."

Peter fought to hide the smile that threatened his overbearing fatherly nature.

"Say goodnight Lucas"

"Yes sir."

He lowered his head and pecked her mouth.

"Thank you for a wonderful night. I'll call you in the morning baby."

Tara wished Lucas goodnight and as he walked down the path Keiran rushed out and started to drag her inside while demanding details. Detailed details!

Lucas couldn't believe this feeling. This was... heaven.

His phone was ringing as he got into the car.

"Lucas."

"Boss. I'm sorry to break into your date..."

"It's fine Simeon. I just dropped Tara home. What's up?"

There was silence on the other end before he heard a loud sigh.

"Boss... Ellie's back."