“You survived.”
Sasha laughed as Luke walked into the bathroom. “You know, they were actually pretty cool. I really like them, especially your mother. She really surprised me.”
Luke was stripping out of his clothes as she talked. He was sure she did not realize how excited she sounded.
“Of course, no worries. I set them straight on the status of us.”
“Did you?” Luke asked as he stepped into the tub. “What did you tell them?”
“That you and I are enjoying each other’s bodies, but we are not a couple. I think once they grasped that fact everyone relaxed.”
He sat in the tub placing her legs over his.
“Luke you would not believe some of the things they asked me. You know what, I did not hold back. I answered their questions honestly. I can tell you this, they love you. It’s hard to imagine so many children in one family and all of them being loved with the same intensity. How does one mother instill so much love into so many? I understand what you said before about your mother. Sally is an amazing woman. Man, could my mother learn some lessons from her.”
Inside Luke was all smiles. His sisters had worked their magic on Sasha.
“I could have hung out with them all day,” Sasha continued as she sponged her body down. “I was kind of sorry to see them go.”
“You can see them anytime you like. All you have to do is invite them back.”
“I can’t do that,” she glanced at him. “I mean this is your house. I wouldn’t take that kind of liberty with your home.”
Luke heard the statement, but it seemed more like a question or at the very least an eagerness for him to give her permission.
“Whenever you want to hang out with any of them all you have to do is call. They can always stay here and so can you.”
That statement caught her attention. She sat there staring at him with those big brown eyes. Luke rubbed the bottom of her foot as he waited. He wanted the statement to fill the air.
She sat up, then straddled him. Wrapping her arms around his neck she stared into his eyes. “I’m not good at relationships, Luke. They don’t last for me.”
Luke nodded, as his hands massaged her behind. “I understand your position. Let me ask you this. Did you ever consider the reason the relationships you were in did not work was because of the other person involved?”
“The common denominator is me,” she hung her head. “The relationship I have with my mother is nothing like the one your sisters have with your mother. My last serious relationship with a man taught me how self-centered I am. I like you too much to subject you to any of that.”
“Hmm, self-centered, I don’t get that.” Luke kissed her nose. “I see a beautiful, independent woman who is not afraid to say what she feels or what she wants out of life.” He adjusted her body over him as he talked. “I have never had a woman who could take me the way you do.”
She gasped as he eased into her. “I so enjoy my Luke-A-Thon.”
Luke sucked her nipple as her walls contracted around his penis. The tighter she squeezed, the harder he sucked. Her head fell backwards as they moved in a slow sensual rhythm. It was the first time their concentration was on pleasing the other. This wasn’t sex. They were making love.
Luke kissed her neck, then moved his lips to hers. He ran his tongue over the outline of her lips. They parted, allowing his tongue to glide with hers, touching every crevice of her mouth. Tangling with her tongue, spilling all the emotions he was feeling inside. He grew harder inside of her when he realized she was returning the same emotions. He cupped her face between his hands to intensify the kiss, praying that she was getting the message.
An hour later, Luke was lying face down on the bed, Sasha straddled his back. Her fingers were tracing the outline of his tattoo. “I’m beginning to realize family isn’t a bad thing to have. All my life it was important for me to function without being dependent financially, or emotionally on others. If I did not expect anything from other people, I would never be disappointed.” Her finger traced the letters to Sally’s name. “Because of your mother’s love, each of you are entwined with the other, as if you are all one. It’s as if your blood flows from one to the other. When one hurts, you all feel it. It’s an amazing world to be a part of.” A tear dropped from her eye onto his back. “How blessed you are to have such a family. This is why you are determined to protect them. Thank you for allowing me to see your world. I don’t know if I could ever be a part of the clan of Lassiters, but I will do everything in my power to help you protect them.” Then she proceeded to kiss each name, searing her promise to him into his skin.
Luke turned over and pulled her down to his chest. She didn’t realize it but Sasha Coles was now a part of the clan called Lassiter in his heart. As soon as possible, he was going to make it known to her.
A few miles away Joshua was paying Al a visit on behalf of the President. Neither of them went in with the intention of discussing Luke, however, the topic of fatherhood sent them in that direction.
While sitting in Al’s situation room, their meeting consisted of the two of them and baby Ryan, who was sleeping on his father’s shoulder.
“The President is serious about The Administration having full access to every governmental agency. However, as we learned during the last election many of the people involved in the plot were not employees of the federal government. His concern is invading the privacy of private citizens.”
“The Administration will not be connected to the government. The system we design will be serviced from a private satellite. Placing full responsibility on our organization if we are detected.”
“The Administration is going to have unprecedented power. He wants to ensure every person connected is committed to its purpose.”
“The process to initiate every member is unique. Phire did not leave any chance for infiltration from the outside.” Al exhaled. “How are you dealing with the concept of reporting to your little sister?”
Joshua smiled. “I accepted the fact long ago that Adam and Phire had exceptional minds. I’m proud as hell to still be here to see them both step into their destiny. This is what they were meant to do.”
Al nodded. “They have amazing minds. Be happy they are on our side.”
Joshua laughed. “I know I would not be able to go up against them, or Luke.”
“Ah yes, Luke. We have to give him his due. His work with CUTS is a huge part of Phire’s plan for The Administration.”
“He’s thinking of leaving the NFL. I think he wants to work full-time with CUTS.” Joshua sat up. “You know he came to the hospital with your daughter when Shelly was born.”
“So I was told.”
“Your thoughts on that?” Joshua asked.
“The combination of a Day and a Lassiter is going to be dangerous.”
Joshua nodded. “More like deadly.”
“With that said. He’s a Lassiter so I know he is a good man. He may be what Sasha needs in her life. She’s experiencing some anxiety with all the changes in her life.”
“Luke is planning on talking with you. He is serious about her. His concern is Sasha’s mother.”
“He should be concerned,” Al patted the baby’s back. “Stephanie is a manipulator. He needs to be careful in his dealing with her.”
“Will you object to a little interference from us?”
“Only if you do not involve me,” Al stated. “Sasha needs her family. I have to correct what she has been through. If I have to eliminate Stephanie to ensure Sasha’s happiness, I will.”
“Understood,” Joshua nodded.
Twenty-four hours later Al answered his front door to find Luke Lassiter standing on his porch. The scene reminded him of the day he went to Morgan’s father to get permission to marry her. Things had come full circle, he thought as he looked at the man.
“Al Day?” Luke asked the man who answered the door.
“Luke Lassiter,” Al responded.
Luke nodded. “Mr. Day, I am in love with your daughter. I would like your permission to marry her.”
Al tilted his head. The man did not mince words. “Come inside, Mr. Lassiter.”
Luke wiped his feet before stepping inside. “Please, call me Luke.”
Al closed the door then stared up at the man. “All right Luke. Does she want to marry you?”
“I doubt it,” Luke replied.
Al laughed. “You are honest.”
“I would say she doesn’t know she wants to marry me, yet. But I’m working on her.”
Al smiled. “Let’s talk. I may be able to help you in your quest to win the hand of Lady Sasha.”