The TLK Speakeasy: Part Two (complete)

I’ve been meeting with a few of the sex workers from True Love’s Kiss, sneaking what information I can from Delly’s briefcase. So far, it’s a lot of back-and-forth, but it’s more than enough for the True Love’s Kiss to work off of. Vincente, Ostivo, and Veronica have been my main contacts, and while I feel guilty for deceiving Delly, the three of them are a great comfort. 

Veronica has her arms wrapped around me while I try to drink my coffee. She snuggles up to my wool and sighs softly. “You smell so good and feel so fluffy. I wonder what you look like between those ripe thighs of yours.”

“Vern!” Vincente snaps as he looks over the notes I sent him. “We’re busy. Be seductive some other time.”

Veronica smiles at me, showing off her sharp fangs. “You don’t mind it do you, Myra?” She kisses my neck, and I shiver.

“Easy now.” I warn. “We are trying to work, after all.”

“My work is pleasure,” Veronica teases. 

Vincente is sitting with Ostivo, who is transcribing the notes to be distributed through a private network that the Father has to protect the True Love’s Kiss employees. The old church is operated as a hotel for the employees. No business takes place there, as everything else either goes underground or to the speakeasy that the Father runs from a secret location. I am not allowed to know where this speakeasy is. If I get caught, it could spell disaster for the rest of them.

During lunch, Ostivo pulls me into his lap and rests his head on my shoulder while he wraps his arms around me. He feels strong yet soft, like Delly. He holds me for comfort, and I know his eyes must be hurting him. Something about spending time with Ostivo makes me feel safe. I could spend long hours just being held by him.

“Aww,” Veronica giggles as she pours herself a glass of wine. “I think he likes you.”

“How could he not?” Vincente smirks, stealing her wine from her hand. “I think having Myra around is a comfort. Something so soft and cute is needed in these stressful times.” He takes a sip, then grimaces. “What the hell is this?”

“Mine.” Veronica snatches the glass back from him. “Have you gotten anything from the underground?”

Vincente nods, a scowl still on his face. “They’re aware of what we are doing, and they’re offering support. They’ll take care of some of us, but not all. Father is working on things, but we should have a place for everybody if we get raided.”

Ostivo lifts his head. I see tears in his eyes. I kiss his cheek, then wipe his tears away. “It’ll be OK,” I assure him. “We’ll make sure nothing bad happens.”

“If only we had the money that Mayor Arkane has,” Veronica sniffs indignantly. “Then we could own the police force ourselves.” She gestures widely with three of her arms, keeping the one holding her wine glass close to her body. “Why not make our own police force? Or better yet, our own military!”

“I’m sure if we had the money, we’d be as vindictive and ghastly as he is,” Vincente huffs.

“But at least we would not be a human man,” Veronica snickers before taking another sip of wine.

“True.” Vincente checks his watch then looks to me. “You should probably start heading home, Myra.”

I sigh as Ostivo stands and sets me on the ground. “Are you sure there is nothing else I can do?”

Vincente shakes his head. “For the time being, this is all we need from you. Keep working the way you have.”

I go back to my apartment, but when I get there I find Delly leaning on my door. It’s too early for him to be home. “Oh, hey!” I exclaim as I rush up to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. I pray that I don’t sound terrified. “What a surprise! What brings you here so early?”

Delly grabs my shoulder. “Myra, we need to talk.”

I start running every worst-case scenario through my head. “Oh? That’s never a good set of words, Delly. Do you mind rephrasing that?” I try to laugh to cover my nerves as I unlock my door and lead Delly inside. I watch as he sets his suitcase by the door, then hangs his jacket.

Delly sighs as he takes his shoes off. “This whole TLK case has gotten me worried. It’s gotten me thinking and, well…” He starts searching through his pocket. “I want to protect you always, Myra.”

He goes down on one knee and produces a ring from his pocket. The air is knocked from my lungs. I can’t even catch a breath. I go dizzy just looking at the diamond. I feel faint when I look at Delly’s face.

“What?” It is the only word that can escape my mouth without me blubbering.

“I won’t make you stop working.” He shakes his head with a soft smile. “But I want us to get married. That way, should anything bad happen, you’ll have me to always protect you.”

I stare at the diamond ring, unsure how to react. “Delly, I…” I look back at him, then down at the ring. “I really don’t know what to say!”

“Say you’ll marry me,” he chuckles.”Nothing will change but your last name.”

I look into his eyes as tears fill my own. “Delly, you could do so much better than me.” I allow the tears to flow. I’m so happy, but I am terrified. I’d never expected to get married, let alone to someone as wonderful as Delly.

Delly chuckles as he takes my hand and slips on the ring. “No one is better than you, kid.” He kisses me. “So what do you say?”

I wrap him in my arms, kissing him and pulling him down onto the floor with me. We make love right there at the door even though the floor is cold against my back. I take Delly into me, feeling him shudder all around me. He’s so nervous, and so am I. 

Delly goes to take a shower before he returns to work, and I know how long that will take. I open his briefcase, where I find a new folder and set of documents that include some photographs. I copy down what I can, even tracing the photographs, then stash the papers in an old coffee can in the cabinet. I quickly snap the briefcase shut and scurry to the kitchen just as Delly is getting out of the shower.

“Would you prefer moving in with me, or buying a new house?” Delly says with a huge grin.

“A house?” I bounce on my hooves. 

“You like that idea?” Delly kisses me, his long fur still wet. “We’ll start house-hunting now, so we can move right away when we marry. I actually have a little place in mind down Sebastian Street. You know where that is?”

I blink a few times, Sebastian Street is just outside the city, the sort of picturesque place I wanted to live in when I was growing up and being passed from family to family. “I do, but...” I swallow the lump in my throat. “Are you still sure about that? I mean, being married to an escort like me…”

Delly looks at me with a twitch of his ears. His soft fur is damp and laying flat, making his soft eyes stand out. “It’s never bothered me before. And I know you enjoy your work, so why mess with perfection?” He reaches into the cookie jar and takes a snack. “I just want to be the guy you fall asleep beside every night.” He kisses my temple, then takes a bite of the cookie. “I need to get back to work. What are your plans for the day?”

My heart is hammering so fast. “Oh, probably planning a wedding now.” I plaster on a big smile. It’s a half-truth. I’ll be planning, but not for a wedding.

Delly smiles over his shoulder at me before going back to the bedroom. “That’s my girl.” His expression is shy. “I think you’ll look beautiful in a white gown, Myra.”

My heart leaps into my throat. He’s so cute, so sweet. How am I supposed to wear white on our wedding day?

Once Delly leaves for work, I make a call to Vincente. He comes over with Veronica and they look over the notes from my phone. As I’m transferring them to Veronica, she takes hold of my hand and turns it so the diamond engagement ring is on full display. “My, my, this is new.” Veronica says, admiring the sparkling gemstone. “Hey, Vinny, come look at this thing!”

“When were you engaged?” Vincente smirks, then kisses my ring. “I take it Delly finally made the move?”

I pull my hand back. “I hate it. Going behind his back was one thing, but to have him actually propose to me…” I grimace and bite down hard on my cheek. “I feel awful. Delly loves me, and how do I repay him?”

“Hey,” Veronica scolds, “don’t beat yourself up. You’re saving countless people. I’m sure he understands that what Mayor Arkane is doing is underhanded, if he’s such a good guy.”

“If he was able, wouldn’t he try to do the same thing too?” Vincente asks.

I hang my head and sigh. “I would hope so.”

A few days later, Delly and I view  the house he was telling me about. It is the perfect little place just outside the city, close enough for Delly to commute to work, but somewhere quiet and peaceful. Sebastian Street has always been my dream location for raising a family. I love it, but still I have guilt gnawing at me. I feel less and less sure I deserve someone like him.

“Is something wrong?” Delly touches my hand as we drive back to the apartment. “I’ve seen you excited, and this is not excited.”

I shrug my shoulders up so part of my face is hidden. “There’s so much going on, I’m not sure where to settle my thoughts first.”

“You’ve been acting weird since I brought up the planned raid on True Love’s Kiss,” his voice remains gentle. “Are you worried about it?”

I seize up, waiting for the final blow.

“Is it because of this Mayor Arkane business?” He glances at me, his eyes soft and sweet. “I know you don’t like him.”

I frown and clutch my knees. “I just wish you weren’t working for guy like that. You’re too good, Delly. I don’t understand why you work in law if you have to negotiate with people like him.”

Delly sighs, and his ears flatten. “It’s my job, Myra…”

“No.” I turn and give him a harsh glare. “It is a job - a job you can quit! If the work is awful, and compromises your morals, then you should quit!”

He glances sideways at me and stiffens his jaw. His hands tighten into fists around the steering wheel. “I don’t think you understand, Myra.”

“Maybe so, but even I quit Arkane!” I hunker down in my seat again. 

I met Arkane through one of my old dates. Back then, he was simply known as Falcone Arkane, and was head of the local mob. I could have had anything with Arkane, but I grew weary of him and his business. When I tried to leave, he got angry with me. I don’t remember much - after he hit me, I blacked out. Someone dragged me out of there and got me to the hospital. After that, Delly started taking care of me.

Delly shakes his head. “I’m sorry, Myra. I can’t quit right now. It’s hard to explain, but right now, it’s just…” He breathes through his nose, nostrils flaring. “Can you trust me?”

I frown and nod. “Maybe. Do you trust me?”

“Of course I do.” He places his hand on my thigh. “Always.”

He drops me off at my apartment, then heads back to work. I sigh heavily, and instead of going inside I head for True Love’s Kiss. Veronica lets me in, and I go to the elevators where Ostivo is working. I tap his shoulder. “Are all minotaurs so stubborn, Ostivo?”

He takes out his pad of paper to write his reply. “The term ‘bull-headed’ doesn’t come from nowhere, Ms. Myra.”

“You can just call me Myra,” I smile at him. “I’m still conflicted. I love Delly, but I don’t know how much if I keep using him and lying to him.” I keep my head up so he can see my lips moving. 

Ostivo scribbles a reply “I’m sorry I can’t help you. But I can be here for you, Myra.” He offers his hand to me, and I gladly take it. My fingers lace with his, and I give him a warm squeeze as I beam up at him. “You remind me of him. You make me feel safe, and I want to protect you as well.”

Ostivo nods at me, a slight smile on his lips. He leans down, and I plant a kiss on his lips. His kiss is soft, his hands gentle. A lot of Ostivo is exactly what I love about Delly, so it’s easy for me to fall for him.

Once the elevator stops on Vincente’s floor, Ostivo pulls away from me. “I’m here if you ever need to talk, Myra,” he writes.

“Same goes to you.” I leave him, going to Vincente’s room.

That evening I expect to head home and get there before Delly arrives. But once I step out the door, Delly is leaning on his car waiting for me. My breath catches in my chest. As the conflict bubbles in my gut, I keep my eyes downcast as Delly approaches.

“It’s cold out, Myra,” he says in a low voice. “You didn’t bring a warm enough coat.”

There is a hard, painful lump growing in my throat. I keep looking at the ground. His shoes are scuffed. I should polish them when we get home. But here won’t be a home after this, will there? He’ll kick me out. I’ll never see him again.

“Get in the car, Myra.” Delly grabs my arm. 

“No!” I cry. “Delly, wait, please! You don’t understand!”

“Get in the car.” His voice has developed a hard edge. He drags me to the car and opens the door for me. I sit down, waiting in dread as he walks around to get into the driver’s seat. In silence, he starts the car and drives away.

When I can no longer take the silence, I break down. “Delly, I can explain.”

He nods “We’re going to the house.”

Tears dribble down my cheeks. “Are we…” I hiccup. “Are we not buying it any more?” I cover my face with my palms as the tears start to flow freely.

Delly reaches out and takes hold of my hand, pulling it away from my face. “I’ve been lying to you, Myra,” he confesses. 

“What?” I choke the word the same way I did when he proposed to me. “You’ve been…” As I blink, my tears fall away. “Delly, what on earth are you trying to say?”

“I’ll tell you when we get to the house.” He lets go of my hand, then hands me his handkerchief.

Once we reach the house, we go to the cellar doors around the back. Delly leads me down into the cellar. It’s been made into a proper room, warm and cozy, with several bookshelves and a large bed. To my shock, Ostivo is sitting on the bed. I can see a stack of Ostivo’s writing pads in one corner, and the desk is littered with pamphlets about sign language. 

“What’s Ostivo doing here?” I stammer.

“I already own this place,” Delly murmurs as Ostivo stands up. He looks away from Ostivo and back into my eyes. “I was letting him stay here for years in hiding. Now that we’re getting married, I figured we could also move in.”

I stare daggers into him. “You know Ostivo?” I can feel my wool turning into tight coils of steel. “Do you know where he works?”

Delly nods. “He’s my insider.”

I go cold, and my stomach drops. Have I been feeding information to Arkane this whole time? I want to throw up on one of them, but I’m not sure which. “Excuse me?!”

Delly jumps and motions to Ostivo. “He’s also my brother,” he glances away guiltily. “Half-brother, but… It doesn’t matter. It’s because of him you’re still alive, Myra. I owe him the world!”

I glance at Ostivo, then back at Delly. “What are you talking about?”

“Ostivo is a cop,” Delly explains. “Or was. He was working with the Feds and had integrated himself with Arkane. He was working undercover to try and bring Arkane down before he started his run for government.” He gives me a sorrowful look. “The night you tried to leave Arkane, he was there, and he risked his life to save yours. Arkane cut out his tongue, and beat him so badly he lost his hearing. But he’d do it a million times over, trust me. He doesn’t regret a thing.”

I look back at Ostivo as tears start to blur my vision. “I don’t… I don’t understand.”

Delly reaches out to touch me, then drops his hand back to his side. “Ostivo and I have been using you. I’m so sorry.”

“How? How have you been using me when I have been stealing information from you?” I shove him hard, but the contact makes me stumble Then it hits me. I cup my hands around my mouth. “I’m a middleman. You couldn’t give anything to Ostivo directly, so I was… But Vincente!” I bleat. “He’s the reason I even knew anything about the True Love’s Kiss. You can’t tell me you planted him, too. You… you planted Vincente, didn’t you?”

Ostivo touches my shoulder, and the look he gives me is wholly apologetic. I brush him away. “What was the point of all this, then? Was the engagement even real?”

“Extremely,” Delly says with feeling. “I’ve been so guilty all this time because I do love you. It wasn’t until Ostivo told me how you felt that I realized I needed to tell you. I’ve been working undercover for the True Love’s Kiss for years. I’ve been trying to protect them! I needed someone else to get the information to them since I was under scrutiny, and so was Ostivo. You were perfect, but I… I’m sorry, Myra.”

“And here I was thinking I was the one in the wrong. Why couldn’t you just tell me? Both of you!” I shoot  dirty looks at the two minotaurs. 

“We didn’t want you getting hurt, or worse,” Delly whispers.

Ostivo puts his hands on my shoulders and nuzzles the top of my head. I can’t remain mad when he holds me like this. I owe Ostivo the world. How could I ever be mad at him? I lean into his embrace, searching for comfort.

“That’s why I’m telling you now,” Delly says. “It’s getting dangerous. Father has already started sending some of the True Love’s Kiss employees out of the city, and hiding the rest.” He walks over to the wall and pushes it in. A door swings open, revealing a staircase that leads down. “This is the speakeasy,” Delly says plainly.

My jaw drops and my eyes open wide. This was why they never wanted me to know where the speakeasy was.

“Our home is a safe haven,” Delly continues. “We have to protect it at all costs.”

“When’s the bust?” I ask him quietly. 

He shakes his head. “I’m not sure when, but it’ll happen soon.” He closes the hidden door again.  “We’ve already prepared the speakeasy so people can hide out there.”

I nod and shakily take a breath. “I see.” I take a seat on Ostivo’s bed, and sit there with my hands gripping down upon the mattress. “This is a lot.”

“Understandable,” Delly replies. “We’re going to use the move in as a distraction, a way to sneak in people without being seen. Are you OK with that?”

I wipe tears from my eyes. “Of course I am! I love the True Love’s Kiss. I love the people there! I still want to help them.” I look up at my two minotaurs. “I’m just so relieved!”

Both of them come to my side, hugging me and kissing me. I feel Ostivo’s soft lips on my neck, and Delly’s strong hands opening my coat. I’m taken into Ostivo’s lap as Delly kisses my back and shoulders.

I am breathless, swept up in their affection and tenderness. I should be angry, but I am too relieved to be. I let them touch and kiss me, letting myself become filled by their desire. Ostivo’s fingers curl inside me and I melt when I see his lashes flutter. I hold his face so he can see my lips and read them. “You feel amazing,” I purr. Ostivo buries his face in my neck and moves me over his lap. He’s built like his brother, but the two are night and day in color. Delly watches from the foot of the bed as I take Ostivo inside me.

All through the night, I make love to my Minotaurs. I hold them and caress them, taking them tenderly as all my stress melts away. I thank Delly for being the man I knew he was, and I thank Ostivo after all this time. 

I wake in a pile, sandwiched between my lovers. The bed is small and creaky, so I have been squashed by them most of the night. I squeeze out between them at the foot of the bed, standing there and gathering my clothes off the ground. Once I’m half-dressed, the secret door swings open. I stand up in alarm and step backwards, watching as Vincente steps out. 

“Oh.” He looks at me, then at the bed. “Oh!” A grin spreads across his face. “Dammit, I missed out, didn’t I?”

I hit him with my skirt. “What are you doing here?”

“Finishing up the safe house,” he says with a smile. “We’re planning a huge party while we’re down there, so I’ve been bringing in supplies for weeks now.” His eyes fall over to the bed. “Lucky you with your two bull studs. I’m jealous.”

I hit him with my skirt again. “Don’t change the subject!”

“How can I not?” Vincente purrs. He takes me aside. “I know you must be mad, considering the situation we placed you in. But please know that, from the bottom of my heart, I always had your back.”

“I’ll be mad when all of this is over, but for now I think we have more pressing things to worry about.” I smooth down my hair. “I just want all of this to be settled and for everyone to be safe.”

“That’s my girl,” Vincente smiles. His snakes pepper kisses around my face. “You’re going to be powerful, aren’t you?”

I beam as I look up at him. “I’m going to try, that’s for certain.”

I hear a grunt from the bed, and turn to see Ostivo rising. He rubs his eyes sleepily, then turns his head to look around the room.

“Sorry. I stole her for a bit,” Vincente waves. Then he turns back to me. “I have to finish getting things set up. But I’ll see you for the move.” He kisses the top of my head.

A few days later, Delly and I move into the house. My apartment is packed although there truly isn’t much for me to bring. The moving van, however, is stuffed to overflowing with hiding residents of True Love’s Kiss.

“You OK?” Delly whispers to me that morning. “Nervous?”

I nod. “Of course I am nervous.” I smooth my hands down his sides. “But we’ll get through this. We have to.”

Delly grins at me. “You’re right. No use in going yellow, now is there?” He kisses me and we get into our car, following behind the moving van. We move things into the house, and the people in hiding get out and go down to the basement. Bit by bit, we get everything and everyone inside.

Once the moving van drives away, Delly and I hold our breaths. We stand on the threshold of our home, and I twist my wedding ring around my finger nervously. Delly places his hand on the small of my back. 

“We OK?” he whispers.

I turn and look up at him with a smile. “I think so.”

We close the door and stand there amongst the boxes, breathing and waiting for something to happen. A moment later, Ostivo appears in the living room and gives us a nod. “Everyone here?” I breathe. I stride towards him and place my hands on his chest. “Everyone is safe?”

Ostivo smiles as he bobs his head up and down. I sigh with relief, and Ostivo pulls me into a tight hug. “Thank goodness.” I feel Delly join in on the hug, and I allow myself to relax completely.