Pipe Dreams by Destiny Allison Read Free Book Online Page A

Fallen. Ms. Kovalic, you ’re under investigation and, if you do not comply with my request, I’ll be forced to note that in my report.”
    Vanessa buzzed open the door and Ramirez climbed the stairs to the third floor. She met him on a small landing and bade him follow her into the cozy apartment. His heart skipped as she bent to turn on another lamp. She wore regulation pajamas. Thin and loose, the fabric barely concealed the curves of her body.
    He was open mouthed as she offered him a chair and sat on the couch. Nervously twisting her thick hair into a bun, she waited for him to speak. He swallowed hard, avoiding the intense, intelligent eyes that burned in her soft, oval face.
    “Ms. Kovalic, I ’m sorry to violate the sanctity of your home. It’s true they’ve opened an investigation on you and I’ve been assigned to complete the necessary reports, but I’m not sure why they feel compelled to look into your life. From what I’ve seen, the only thing you’re guilty of is a small bit of compassion.
    I met last night with your friend, Mr. Cohen. He shared some of your history with me and informed me you ’ve been a model citizen. This morning, I questioned the two workers to whom you had extended rations without reassignment. It’s my belief that your decisions were reasonable and of great benefit to the NSO. The recording of your supposed interaction with the Fallen revealed only your good judgment and sympathy. To tell you the truth, I’m here because I’ve been told my report was unsatisfactory and you are to be more thoroughly evaluated. Please forgive my intrusion. I didn’t know what else to do except talk with you personally,” Ramirez said.
    Vanessa picked up a pillow and held it across her stomach, squeezing it hard. Then she looked directly at him.
    “Detective, I am too tired tonight to play games.”
    “I ’m not playing games.”
    “No? I ’m supposed to believe you came all the way out here because you’re concerned for my well being?  Please, don’t condescend to me.”
    “I gave you my reason. You ’re under investigation. That should be enough.” Under her gaze, he stiffened, thrusting his chin defiantly.
    “It ’s enough,” she mumbled. Standing, she began to pull off her thin top. Startled, Ramirez shook his head and motioned for her to sit.
    “Vanessa, I mean Ms. Kovalic, don ’t!  You misunderstand me,” he said. She ignored his protest and removed the garment. In the soft light, her bare breasts were golden and smooth. Their fullness contrasted with the thinness of her body. She reached up to loosen the knot in her hair. The length of it fell like a river over her shoulders. Then she untied her pants. They dropped to the floor. Ramirez couldn’t help himself. His eyes reveled in her raw beauty. When his gaze eventually settled on her thighs, he hurriedly looked away from the raised, red welts that lined them. Vanessa had been recently whipped.
    “Detective Ramirez, what do I need to do?” she whispered. The hurt behind her pleading eyes went on forever. Part of him wanted to take her in his arms and hold her. Part of him couldn ’t ignore the desire her nakedness had inflamed. She took a step toward him and the sight of her swaying breasts snapped him out of his indecision. Mumbling an apology he rose from the couch and ran out the door, leaving her alone in the small room.
    On the landing, Ramirez took a deep, ragged breath. Vanessa had stirred something powerful in him. Already moved by the compassion she had demonstrated, he had found himself at her apartment looking for the kind of human connection he had missed for too long. Seeing her vulnerable, and so gloriously naked, made him feel like a man for the first time in years. Couldn ’t he take her away, lavish her with affection and keep her safe?  Wasn’t that what people did, care for each other, love each other, and share their lives?
    If he left now, he would not talk privately with her again. If he