He Follows You, page 18
Alessandra attempted to move away from him. Instead Dylan pinned her to the wall again, leaving a series of small kisses on her skin. He started with her mouth and worked his way down to her pert breasts and then her navel.
Alessandra closed her eyes as her breath hitched, feeling the effects of her arousal again as he moved his warm mouth over her. He stopped and Alessandra made a sound of protest.
"I knew I wouldn't be able to get enough of you," he murmured. He took her hand and led her over to the bed. "Are you hungry?"
"For dinner?" she asked still flustered.
"Yes." Dylan answered with a laugh.
No. Deciding she better build up her energy she replied, "Sure, what are we having?"
"It's a surprise."
* * *
"Thank you." Alessandra said as she ate the last bit of chocolate cake. "That was wonderful."
"Glad to hear it," He declared as he moved over her. "Does that mean I can have my dessert now?"
Alessandra felt the heat pool between her legs as she watched Dylan's eyes rake over her. "You're so beautiful Alessandra," he said as he tenderly kissed her lips.
She took both of her hands and placed them over his. "You're the only one that makes me truly feel that way."
Dylan's lips on her collarbone made her shiver as she pulled him close. His hands slipped inside her robe, caressing her breasts and then molding her ribcage before they moved languidly down to her navel.
His large, warm hands covered her and his fingers were full of heat. With one move, goose bumps appeared on her skin as her belly quivered. Alessandra felt both excited and anxious. She wanted him so much.
His mouth moved to a nipple taking it into his mouth as a loud cry spilled from her lips. Dylan bit the top of her breast lightly now which made her arch her back.
Alessandra's fingers tangled in his hair as his mouth moved against her skin. Her body begged him to move lower. He looked up at her and the lust in his eyes made her whimper.
His warm breath tickled the sensitive skin of her inner thigh as she opened her legs to him. Dylan cupped the smooth skin, breathing her in. Then his tongue circled her clit before it traveled down and slipped deep inside her wet opening.
Alessandra arched her hips into him as he wrapped his hands around her thighs. The smell of her, the taste of her, he wanted to savor every last drop. Alessandra rocked into him now as he continued his agonizingly slow exploration.
Her hands dug into Dylan's shoulders and made their way up to his hair as his tongue circled around and around inside her before moving back up to flick against her clit. He doubted he'd ever get over the way she reacted with him. She tasted so sweet and he would come back for seconds and thirds if she'd let him.
"Ahhh, that feels..." Alessandra gasped, unable to form a coherent word as she trembled around him.
She got up then, still in a daze as she reached for him. Dylan pulled her on his lap and then pushed inside of her slowly, so slowly, hissing as his thighs met her full rear. He lifted his hips and Alessandra gasped against his neck. She gyrated her hips around slowly at first until Dylan started saying things to her.
"I love looking into your eyes when I take you."
Alessandra nodded as she gripped his shoulders digging her nails into his back. Dylan groaned at the pleasurable, sharp sting.
"I love the way you feel around me."
"Yes." Alessandra moaned moving faster as he took her mouth again. Again he left her breathless and craving him. His kisses were sinful and even more delicious than the best chocolate cake.
"And the way you move Alessandra," Dylan began as she squeezed herself around him bringing him in deeper.
His fingers found her clit again and Alessandra groaned as she became limp in his arms. Dylan took control, pushing into her over and over, each thrust increased her pleasure. It started from deep in her belly and spiraled down lower between her legs.
"Don't you dare stop."
Alessandra placed her head on his shoulder, nipping his neck as he pulled her hair, just enough that she felt the delightful pull on her scalp that sent more tiny jolts all throughout her body.
One final flick of his thumb brought her over. She gasped his name as her body shook. Dylan gripped her ass firmly, lifting her up, then watched as he slid in and out of her. A moan sounded low in his throat as he reached his peak a few minutes later.
Alessandra collapsed against him as her eyes closed and her body relaxed. Dylan's hands caressed her lower back before moving up to her shoulders. Finally Dylan lifted her face up and tilted her chin as his mouth covered hers.
His lips were warm and his tongue moved against hers soft and slow. Neither was sure how much time had passed when Alessandra needed to catch her breath, breaking the kiss as her head felt fuzzy.
"I love you," she told him with a smile, feeling the exquisite sensation that could only come from giving herself fully to the man she loved knowing that he loved her as well.
"I love you," Dylan said as he slid out and wrapped an arm around her waist and lay them down in the bed.
Alessandra fell asleep feeling his hand move lazily along her thigh as she listened to the sound of his heartbeat.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Days turned into months as yet again on a hot day in July, Alessandra found herself in a courtroom about to hear a verdict.
"All rise."
Everyone stood up until the judge entered. Alessandra looked around the room and caught Dylan's eye. He smiled again at her. Alessandra sat and watched the proceedings quietly as the verdict was handed to the judge.
"Miss Maloney, as the jury foreperson I ask that you please read the verdict."
"In the case of the State of Illinois v Mitchell McDonnell, we the jury find the defendant guilty on all ten counts of murder in the first degree."
Shouts and cries could be heard over the low hum in the courtroom. Alessandra turned as she saw various families hugging, crying and smiling. She walked outside through the private entrance only to catch McDonnell leaving the building.
"Mr. McDonnell what do you have to say about the possibility of receiving the death penalty?"
"What do you have to say to the families?"
"Why did you do it?"
"How does it feel going to sleep every night knowing you killed so many innocent women?"
The questions came at Mitch and his attorneys as he was led into the waiting police car. As he did for the past five months he was on his way to Southampton the closest maximum security prison.
He'd had the past five months to contemplate his actions. To this day he couldn't come up with any conclusion that would help the families.
It had started as a compulsion he'd been unable to stop. He suspected his true motive was to get rid of his parents. When he couldn't do that he'd done the next best thing.
At the time it filled a large void he had in his life. As time wore on, he didn't feel normal unless he had someone tied up or burning in the flames.
He'd finally gotten to them but to what end? He felt even worse now than he did when they were alive, especially his mother. He'd talked to the psychologist and she felt he could be helped. Still he had no documented mental illness and he was unable to come up with a plausible explanation.
Could he have stopped? Neither he, nor anyone else for that matter, would ever truly know. The families would have to be satisfied with the fact that he would be put to death once he exhausted his appeals, assuming he chose to go that route.
Looking at him now, it seemed he had neither the energy nor the fight left to waste time and the taxpayers' money. He remained on suicide watch.
"A conviction and a published paper all on the same day! How does it feel?"
"I can definitely get used to it," Alessandra answered as she turned to face Dylan.
"I have to get back to the office. I'll see you tonight?"
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it," Alessandra replied as her phone rang. "I'll see you later."
"Hello?"
"It's about time I reached you!" Lyssa's indignant voice came over the line.
"Sorry Lys, I've been so busy."
"Yeah I bet I can figure out the one reason why?" she said in a teasing tone.
"It's not what you're thinking. Dylan's been out of town for the past week."
"I can just imagine how you've handled it," Lyssa added, "I only hope that your showerhead is still intact."
"Lyssa!" Alessandra replied as her face flushed. "Actually we've been dealing with that in a different way."
"Ali! You didn't!" she exclaimed. "I never thought I'd see the day when my straight arrow best friend would spend her nights having phone—"
"Don't say it out loud!" Alessandra said quickly. She couldn't believe she was having this conversation. "Are we still on for dinner tonight?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's going to be great to see you."
"You too. It's been too long. I have to go."
"Bye."
* * *
Dylan paced around in his office. He had his files packed and ready to go. But right now he was more occupied with business of a more personal nature.
He took out the velvet box and looked at the ring inside. He had been in contact with Alex and was ready to get her a traditional diamond engagement ring but Alex set him straight almost immediately. He could still remember the conversation clearly.
* * *
"Back when she was an intern, she had to travel to Sierra Leone, Africa and identify remains of young children. She remembers it as being the most harrowing month of her life and when she learned it was a result of mining diamonds she got rid of anything that had the stone." Dylan sat on his phone open-mouthed as he listened. "You could try to see if she'll wear conflict free diamonds but I doubt she'd go for it. If you really want to impress her you should get amethyst. It's Mom's birthstone and she loves purple."
"It also goes great with her eyes," Dylan added.
"I'm telling you, that's the way to go. You know Ales. She's not your typical woman."
He was right about that. Even if she didn't feel confident she didn't show it to anyone except those closest to her. She was stubborn and selfless and sometimes it was hard to get her to show her emotions.
When she did you knew exactly how she was feeling and she got you totally lost in her. Or maybe it was just him. "Thanks for the advice. I only wish you could tell me her ring size."
"Actually Cara and I just got her one earlier this year. She's a size seven."
"How can I ever thank you?" Dylan asked sincerely.
"Just be good to my sister, man. That's all I ever ask. She deserves it."
Dylan nodded as he said good-bye and hung up the phone.
* * *
That had been two months ago. Dylan had been so nervous then but it was nothing compared to now. She had voiced her concern about marriage but hoped with everything he had that she wouldn't say no.
Even if she did he had no intention of leaving. He would wait right by her side until she was ready. If she never was, that was fine too. His parents had been together for forty years, even now as his mother sat in a rehab facility. Dylan wanted to reassure her that it wasn't as bad as she might believe.
Everything had been arranged. He had asked that her brother, sister-in-law and best friend be there. He also had his friends and father coming. He wanted to keep everything a surprise.
Dylan knew doing it might backfire on him and blow up in his face but he wanted to show her all the people who supported this next step. He also knew exactly what to do to get back in her good graces, should it become necessary. As far as Dylan was concerned, it seemed logical since they'd loved each other for so long.
"This has to work," he said to himself before he walked out of his office.
* * *
Everyone now gathered at a table at Bernard's Bar. The place held a special meaning for Dylan and Alessandra. Sitting here had led to their first night together so Dylan felt it was the perfect place to begin the next stage of their relationship.
It was during times like this that Dylan wished he could calm his nerves with some alcohol. After seeing how it affected so many people around him he chose to stay away from it.
"You have nothing to worry about," Alex said reassuringly from behind him. "If I know my sister, and I do, she's gonna love it."
"Nice to finally meet you," Dylan said as he clasped the man's hand in a firm grasp. "I also wanted to thank you."
"It's my pleasure. All I want is to see my little sister happy."
"We want the same thing," Dylan said with a smile.
"I'm not too late to join this party, am I?"
"Lys," Alex greeted the woman with a hug.
"Lyssa. I'm Dylan."
"So we finally meet. I had to see the man who made my best friend do things I never imagined she would."
"Don't worry it wasn't anything she didn't want to do, I promise," Dylan said quickly as he saw the look on Alex's face.
"Calm down Alex," Lyssa chimed in. "It's nothing like you're thinking, he's an FBI agent for goodness sakes. I think doing anything bad is against his personal code. Besides they're both adults."
"Relax guys. I know how it goes. How is being on the job?" Alex asked with a smile.
Dylan breathed a sigh of relief as he answered. "It definitely keeps me on my toes."
"I was going to say the same thing about Ales," he responded as they all shared a laugh.
Dylan looked down at his watch. "It's getting close. I better go out and meet Alessandra."
"We'll see you in a bit."
* * *
Alessandra smiled as she got out of her car at the Waldorf Astoria. She had just handed her keys to the valet and entered the building when she saw Dylan's handsome face greet her. They made it a point to get out to Bernard's once a month.
"Hey." He gave her a light kiss on the lips.
"Hey yourself," Alessandra replied as Dylan took her hand.
She walked in expecting to see Lyssa and was surprised to see her brother, Cara and other people gathered around the table.
"What's going on?" Alessandra asked hesitantly as she waved.
"I knew you hadn't seen everyone for some time and so I arranged to have them meet us."
Lyssa looked at Alessandra as she moved over to Dylan and whispered. "I don't know what your plans were but you might want to get this out of the way. She won't be able to enjoy herself until then."
"Actually I planned on doing it at the beginning." He nodded back.
"Doing what?" Alessandra asked.
Here goes. Quick as lightning, Dylan was down on his knees holding a velvet box in his hands. 'It's now or never,' he told himself.
What the hell? Alessandra asked herself as she watched him.
"Alessandra, I spent two years of my life loving you and not knowing how you felt when all the while you felt the same way I did. I've always told you that when we're working together we make a great team. You bring out the best in me and you're there to help me when I don't even know how to help myself. I'm a headstrong, rigid perfectionist who makes mistakes because I can't see the forest for the trees."
"Dylan are you...?"
Dylan pressed on. He knew he was rambling but he was too nervous to stop now. "But you Alessandra? You are an easy-going, flexible, go with the flow kind of person who pays attention to the little things. There's a reason they say opposites attract and I hope that you'll want to still work together to be a great team outside of work. I can't guarantee that it will be easy. But I can promise this much," He stopped as he watched Alessandra's face.
I can't believe this. There's no way he's...
"I will always love you no matter what. Alessandra Robillard will you marry me and do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Alessandra stood there in disbelief for a split second in a panic and then Lyssa's words came back to her. Much like that first night. Don't think about it. Take action. Alessandra went with her heart as she answered.
"Yes! Yes Dylan, I'll marry you!"
She could see the happiness wash over his face as he stood up and pulled her to him, giving her a kiss that was chaste yet promised so much more. As he pulled away she found herself unconsciously following him.
"Fantastic!" Lyssa clapped her hands.
"Well looks like you'll be getting another new client." Alessandra turned to her and smiled.
"You know I have a special beaudoir package just for newlyweds."
Alessandra rolled her eyes. "He's seen everything already."
"You should do it," Dylan said as he rubbed her shoulders. "Then we can blow it up and hang it over the bed."
"You're crazy." Alessandra said quickly but she looked at Lyssa and mouthed the words, "Call me."
Dylan placed an arm around her shoulder as he made introductions. The next two hours were spent with telling old, embarrassing stories and a lot of laughter. Dylan and Alessandra were never more than a step away from each other the whole time.
* * *
One month later, the sentencing hearing for Mitchell McDonnell was coming to a close. One month earlier he had been found guilty and convicted on the murders of ten women.
There would have been more counts, but these were the only ones they actually had. Mitch had been slowly leading them to more bodies and just this morning they had found number twelve.
According to him there were only four more to go. Strangely enough sixteen had been the exact number of years he'd been taking care of his mother.
"All rise."
Alessandra stood with the rest of the courtroom as the judge entered. Turning around she searched until she found Dylan. She smiled at him as he gave her a small wave. He had been away in DC for the past two weeks and this was the first time she'd seen him. She smiled as the courtroom took their seats.
"I hear the jury has reached a decision."
"That's correct Your Honor."
"Was there anyone who reached a different decision?"
"No it was unanimous," the juror replied.
The bailiff walked over to the man then and took the piece of paper he held. His footsteps tapped slowly as he walked it over to the judge. There was a low hum in the courtroom as the judge opened the paper.
Alessandra closed her eyes as her breath hitched, feeling the effects of her arousal again as he moved his warm mouth over her. He stopped and Alessandra made a sound of protest.
"I knew I wouldn't be able to get enough of you," he murmured. He took her hand and led her over to the bed. "Are you hungry?"
"For dinner?" she asked still flustered.
"Yes." Dylan answered with a laugh.
No. Deciding she better build up her energy she replied, "Sure, what are we having?"
"It's a surprise."
* * *
"Thank you." Alessandra said as she ate the last bit of chocolate cake. "That was wonderful."
"Glad to hear it," He declared as he moved over her. "Does that mean I can have my dessert now?"
Alessandra felt the heat pool between her legs as she watched Dylan's eyes rake over her. "You're so beautiful Alessandra," he said as he tenderly kissed her lips.
She took both of her hands and placed them over his. "You're the only one that makes me truly feel that way."
Dylan's lips on her collarbone made her shiver as she pulled him close. His hands slipped inside her robe, caressing her breasts and then molding her ribcage before they moved languidly down to her navel.
His large, warm hands covered her and his fingers were full of heat. With one move, goose bumps appeared on her skin as her belly quivered. Alessandra felt both excited and anxious. She wanted him so much.
His mouth moved to a nipple taking it into his mouth as a loud cry spilled from her lips. Dylan bit the top of her breast lightly now which made her arch her back.
Alessandra's fingers tangled in his hair as his mouth moved against her skin. Her body begged him to move lower. He looked up at her and the lust in his eyes made her whimper.
His warm breath tickled the sensitive skin of her inner thigh as she opened her legs to him. Dylan cupped the smooth skin, breathing her in. Then his tongue circled her clit before it traveled down and slipped deep inside her wet opening.
Alessandra arched her hips into him as he wrapped his hands around her thighs. The smell of her, the taste of her, he wanted to savor every last drop. Alessandra rocked into him now as he continued his agonizingly slow exploration.
Her hands dug into Dylan's shoulders and made their way up to his hair as his tongue circled around and around inside her before moving back up to flick against her clit. He doubted he'd ever get over the way she reacted with him. She tasted so sweet and he would come back for seconds and thirds if she'd let him.
"Ahhh, that feels..." Alessandra gasped, unable to form a coherent word as she trembled around him.
She got up then, still in a daze as she reached for him. Dylan pulled her on his lap and then pushed inside of her slowly, so slowly, hissing as his thighs met her full rear. He lifted his hips and Alessandra gasped against his neck. She gyrated her hips around slowly at first until Dylan started saying things to her.
"I love looking into your eyes when I take you."
Alessandra nodded as she gripped his shoulders digging her nails into his back. Dylan groaned at the pleasurable, sharp sting.
"I love the way you feel around me."
"Yes." Alessandra moaned moving faster as he took her mouth again. Again he left her breathless and craving him. His kisses were sinful and even more delicious than the best chocolate cake.
"And the way you move Alessandra," Dylan began as she squeezed herself around him bringing him in deeper.
His fingers found her clit again and Alessandra groaned as she became limp in his arms. Dylan took control, pushing into her over and over, each thrust increased her pleasure. It started from deep in her belly and spiraled down lower between her legs.
"Don't you dare stop."
Alessandra placed her head on his shoulder, nipping his neck as he pulled her hair, just enough that she felt the delightful pull on her scalp that sent more tiny jolts all throughout her body.
One final flick of his thumb brought her over. She gasped his name as her body shook. Dylan gripped her ass firmly, lifting her up, then watched as he slid in and out of her. A moan sounded low in his throat as he reached his peak a few minutes later.
Alessandra collapsed against him as her eyes closed and her body relaxed. Dylan's hands caressed her lower back before moving up to her shoulders. Finally Dylan lifted her face up and tilted her chin as his mouth covered hers.
His lips were warm and his tongue moved against hers soft and slow. Neither was sure how much time had passed when Alessandra needed to catch her breath, breaking the kiss as her head felt fuzzy.
"I love you," she told him with a smile, feeling the exquisite sensation that could only come from giving herself fully to the man she loved knowing that he loved her as well.
"I love you," Dylan said as he slid out and wrapped an arm around her waist and lay them down in the bed.
Alessandra fell asleep feeling his hand move lazily along her thigh as she listened to the sound of his heartbeat.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Days turned into months as yet again on a hot day in July, Alessandra found herself in a courtroom about to hear a verdict.
"All rise."
Everyone stood up until the judge entered. Alessandra looked around the room and caught Dylan's eye. He smiled again at her. Alessandra sat and watched the proceedings quietly as the verdict was handed to the judge.
"Miss Maloney, as the jury foreperson I ask that you please read the verdict."
"In the case of the State of Illinois v Mitchell McDonnell, we the jury find the defendant guilty on all ten counts of murder in the first degree."
Shouts and cries could be heard over the low hum in the courtroom. Alessandra turned as she saw various families hugging, crying and smiling. She walked outside through the private entrance only to catch McDonnell leaving the building.
"Mr. McDonnell what do you have to say about the possibility of receiving the death penalty?"
"What do you have to say to the families?"
"Why did you do it?"
"How does it feel going to sleep every night knowing you killed so many innocent women?"
The questions came at Mitch and his attorneys as he was led into the waiting police car. As he did for the past five months he was on his way to Southampton the closest maximum security prison.
He'd had the past five months to contemplate his actions. To this day he couldn't come up with any conclusion that would help the families.
It had started as a compulsion he'd been unable to stop. He suspected his true motive was to get rid of his parents. When he couldn't do that he'd done the next best thing.
At the time it filled a large void he had in his life. As time wore on, he didn't feel normal unless he had someone tied up or burning in the flames.
He'd finally gotten to them but to what end? He felt even worse now than he did when they were alive, especially his mother. He'd talked to the psychologist and she felt he could be helped. Still he had no documented mental illness and he was unable to come up with a plausible explanation.
Could he have stopped? Neither he, nor anyone else for that matter, would ever truly know. The families would have to be satisfied with the fact that he would be put to death once he exhausted his appeals, assuming he chose to go that route.
Looking at him now, it seemed he had neither the energy nor the fight left to waste time and the taxpayers' money. He remained on suicide watch.
"A conviction and a published paper all on the same day! How does it feel?"
"I can definitely get used to it," Alessandra answered as she turned to face Dylan.
"I have to get back to the office. I'll see you tonight?"
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it," Alessandra replied as her phone rang. "I'll see you later."
"Hello?"
"It's about time I reached you!" Lyssa's indignant voice came over the line.
"Sorry Lys, I've been so busy."
"Yeah I bet I can figure out the one reason why?" she said in a teasing tone.
"It's not what you're thinking. Dylan's been out of town for the past week."
"I can just imagine how you've handled it," Lyssa added, "I only hope that your showerhead is still intact."
"Lyssa!" Alessandra replied as her face flushed. "Actually we've been dealing with that in a different way."
"Ali! You didn't!" she exclaimed. "I never thought I'd see the day when my straight arrow best friend would spend her nights having phone—"
"Don't say it out loud!" Alessandra said quickly. She couldn't believe she was having this conversation. "Are we still on for dinner tonight?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. It's going to be great to see you."
"You too. It's been too long. I have to go."
"Bye."
* * *
Dylan paced around in his office. He had his files packed and ready to go. But right now he was more occupied with business of a more personal nature.
He took out the velvet box and looked at the ring inside. He had been in contact with Alex and was ready to get her a traditional diamond engagement ring but Alex set him straight almost immediately. He could still remember the conversation clearly.
* * *
"Back when she was an intern, she had to travel to Sierra Leone, Africa and identify remains of young children. She remembers it as being the most harrowing month of her life and when she learned it was a result of mining diamonds she got rid of anything that had the stone." Dylan sat on his phone open-mouthed as he listened. "You could try to see if she'll wear conflict free diamonds but I doubt she'd go for it. If you really want to impress her you should get amethyst. It's Mom's birthstone and she loves purple."
"It also goes great with her eyes," Dylan added.
"I'm telling you, that's the way to go. You know Ales. She's not your typical woman."
He was right about that. Even if she didn't feel confident she didn't show it to anyone except those closest to her. She was stubborn and selfless and sometimes it was hard to get her to show her emotions.
When she did you knew exactly how she was feeling and she got you totally lost in her. Or maybe it was just him. "Thanks for the advice. I only wish you could tell me her ring size."
"Actually Cara and I just got her one earlier this year. She's a size seven."
"How can I ever thank you?" Dylan asked sincerely.
"Just be good to my sister, man. That's all I ever ask. She deserves it."
Dylan nodded as he said good-bye and hung up the phone.
* * *
That had been two months ago. Dylan had been so nervous then but it was nothing compared to now. She had voiced her concern about marriage but hoped with everything he had that she wouldn't say no.
Even if she did he had no intention of leaving. He would wait right by her side until she was ready. If she never was, that was fine too. His parents had been together for forty years, even now as his mother sat in a rehab facility. Dylan wanted to reassure her that it wasn't as bad as she might believe.
Everything had been arranged. He had asked that her brother, sister-in-law and best friend be there. He also had his friends and father coming. He wanted to keep everything a surprise.
Dylan knew doing it might backfire on him and blow up in his face but he wanted to show her all the people who supported this next step. He also knew exactly what to do to get back in her good graces, should it become necessary. As far as Dylan was concerned, it seemed logical since they'd loved each other for so long.
"This has to work," he said to himself before he walked out of his office.
* * *
Everyone now gathered at a table at Bernard's Bar. The place held a special meaning for Dylan and Alessandra. Sitting here had led to their first night together so Dylan felt it was the perfect place to begin the next stage of their relationship.
It was during times like this that Dylan wished he could calm his nerves with some alcohol. After seeing how it affected so many people around him he chose to stay away from it.
"You have nothing to worry about," Alex said reassuringly from behind him. "If I know my sister, and I do, she's gonna love it."
"Nice to finally meet you," Dylan said as he clasped the man's hand in a firm grasp. "I also wanted to thank you."
"It's my pleasure. All I want is to see my little sister happy."
"We want the same thing," Dylan said with a smile.
"I'm not too late to join this party, am I?"
"Lys," Alex greeted the woman with a hug.
"Lyssa. I'm Dylan."
"So we finally meet. I had to see the man who made my best friend do things I never imagined she would."
"Don't worry it wasn't anything she didn't want to do, I promise," Dylan said quickly as he saw the look on Alex's face.
"Calm down Alex," Lyssa chimed in. "It's nothing like you're thinking, he's an FBI agent for goodness sakes. I think doing anything bad is against his personal code. Besides they're both adults."
"Relax guys. I know how it goes. How is being on the job?" Alex asked with a smile.
Dylan breathed a sigh of relief as he answered. "It definitely keeps me on my toes."
"I was going to say the same thing about Ales," he responded as they all shared a laugh.
Dylan looked down at his watch. "It's getting close. I better go out and meet Alessandra."
"We'll see you in a bit."
* * *
Alessandra smiled as she got out of her car at the Waldorf Astoria. She had just handed her keys to the valet and entered the building when she saw Dylan's handsome face greet her. They made it a point to get out to Bernard's once a month.
"Hey." He gave her a light kiss on the lips.
"Hey yourself," Alessandra replied as Dylan took her hand.
She walked in expecting to see Lyssa and was surprised to see her brother, Cara and other people gathered around the table.
"What's going on?" Alessandra asked hesitantly as she waved.
"I knew you hadn't seen everyone for some time and so I arranged to have them meet us."
Lyssa looked at Alessandra as she moved over to Dylan and whispered. "I don't know what your plans were but you might want to get this out of the way. She won't be able to enjoy herself until then."
"Actually I planned on doing it at the beginning." He nodded back.
"Doing what?" Alessandra asked.
Here goes. Quick as lightning, Dylan was down on his knees holding a velvet box in his hands. 'It's now or never,' he told himself.
What the hell? Alessandra asked herself as she watched him.
"Alessandra, I spent two years of my life loving you and not knowing how you felt when all the while you felt the same way I did. I've always told you that when we're working together we make a great team. You bring out the best in me and you're there to help me when I don't even know how to help myself. I'm a headstrong, rigid perfectionist who makes mistakes because I can't see the forest for the trees."
"Dylan are you...?"
Dylan pressed on. He knew he was rambling but he was too nervous to stop now. "But you Alessandra? You are an easy-going, flexible, go with the flow kind of person who pays attention to the little things. There's a reason they say opposites attract and I hope that you'll want to still work together to be a great team outside of work. I can't guarantee that it will be easy. But I can promise this much," He stopped as he watched Alessandra's face.
I can't believe this. There's no way he's...
"I will always love you no matter what. Alessandra Robillard will you marry me and do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Alessandra stood there in disbelief for a split second in a panic and then Lyssa's words came back to her. Much like that first night. Don't think about it. Take action. Alessandra went with her heart as she answered.
"Yes! Yes Dylan, I'll marry you!"
She could see the happiness wash over his face as he stood up and pulled her to him, giving her a kiss that was chaste yet promised so much more. As he pulled away she found herself unconsciously following him.
"Fantastic!" Lyssa clapped her hands.
"Well looks like you'll be getting another new client." Alessandra turned to her and smiled.
"You know I have a special beaudoir package just for newlyweds."
Alessandra rolled her eyes. "He's seen everything already."
"You should do it," Dylan said as he rubbed her shoulders. "Then we can blow it up and hang it over the bed."
"You're crazy." Alessandra said quickly but she looked at Lyssa and mouthed the words, "Call me."
Dylan placed an arm around her shoulder as he made introductions. The next two hours were spent with telling old, embarrassing stories and a lot of laughter. Dylan and Alessandra were never more than a step away from each other the whole time.
* * *
One month later, the sentencing hearing for Mitchell McDonnell was coming to a close. One month earlier he had been found guilty and convicted on the murders of ten women.
There would have been more counts, but these were the only ones they actually had. Mitch had been slowly leading them to more bodies and just this morning they had found number twelve.
According to him there were only four more to go. Strangely enough sixteen had been the exact number of years he'd been taking care of his mother.
"All rise."
Alessandra stood with the rest of the courtroom as the judge entered. Turning around she searched until she found Dylan. She smiled at him as he gave her a small wave. He had been away in DC for the past two weeks and this was the first time she'd seen him. She smiled as the courtroom took their seats.
"I hear the jury has reached a decision."
"That's correct Your Honor."
"Was there anyone who reached a different decision?"
"No it was unanimous," the juror replied.
The bailiff walked over to the man then and took the piece of paper he held. His footsteps tapped slowly as he walked it over to the judge. There was a low hum in the courtroom as the judge opened the paper.
