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daydreamgoddess14 · 2 months ago

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The Escape Artist - Chapter 10 - The Finale

Masterlist

CH 1 | CH 2 | CH 3 | CH 4 | CH 5 | CH 6 | CH 7 | CH 8 | CH 9

Tag list: @moonmaiden1996 @theskytraveler @acrackintheteacup @succulentthief

Here she is, the very last chapter 🥲

When I first had the idea for this fic, I knew it had potential to be something really great as long as I had the guts to stick with it. It's my longest fic by a long way - like 20k words longer - and it's also my most comprehensive. I've tried to let everything breathe rather than rushing through it. I've challenged myself in so many ways and I've honestly loved every second of it.

I can't thank you enough for your patience, support, comments, reblogs... all of it. It's been the most rewarding experience to hear from you all and I've made so many new feral pals.

I love you - I really, really do 💜

Now... shall we wrap this shit up?

Twelve months. For Ella Cole twelve long months had passed since she'd been moved from the Park to Slough House.

Six months spent living hand to mouth in dirty, dangerous accommodation.

Six months of realising the life she could have. The life she and Clover should have.

Always moving one step forward and two steps back.

She realised she'd never lived alone. Never been solely responsible for herself, or for Clover.

Eddie had kept her in a gilded cage. Materially wanting for nothing, yet emotionally starved and physically scared.

Six months ago, she was surviving, going through the motions each day.

Now, she was thriving.

She had a job that she loved, friends who cared for her, and a man who was slowly working his way into her heart.

The dogs had been recalled, the house too, but Ella chose to move forward, not back.

She attended Eddie's funeral, intending to go alone, but JK and River had pulled up outside the bus stop and stood either side of her in the back row of the crematorium.

She cried.

A surprise to herself, but not to them.

As the curtains closed, she mourned fifteen years of her life. She mourned Clover's father.

She didn't mourn the man himself.

As she cried, she was cleansed.

Emerging from her prison not a new woman, but a changed one.

Stronger, safer, happier.

She threw herself into creating a stable future for Clover.

Access to her own healthy bank accounts.

A small house just for them.

Ella felt no shame in spending the money in hers and Eddie's joint accounts.

Hefty anonymous donations to women's shelters across London.

The fight over properties, the businesses, the life insurance was still to be had, but the accounts were hers.

River read her mind.

There when she needed him, absent when he sensed she needed to retreat into herself.

Quietly championing her, and Clover, at every turn.

For the most part, Ella felt peace.

But the dark spectre of Diana Taverner hung over her like a cloud.

The knowledge that she was only ever one phone call away from prison still held her back.

It prevented her from reaching out to her family after so long.

It stopped her from opening herself up to, and fully trusting, River.

It held her back from openly, vocally and voraciously loving him.

Ella sank into River’s sofa with a happy sigh.

“At this rate, I’ll be co-parenting both kids with Lucy’s parents,” she smiled. “We’re gonna have some shared custody agreement going on.”

“It’s good that she’s got a proper friend.”

“It is.”

“Did you know Coe has volunteered to help on the school trip to the Houses of Parliament?”

“Probably planning his own Guy Fawkes event.” Ella said with a giggle. “Or that side hustle in school security actually happened.”

River agreed distractedly.

“You ok?” She asked.

"I need to tell you something," he said suddenly. Her face paled, a flicker of worry crossing her face.

"Alright," she said slowly, bracing herself for what was to come.

She assumed that he wanted to cool off whatever was going on between them.

“It’s all fun and games til someone nearly gets arrested for murder, eh?” She smiled weakly.

"When you first came to the hospital, and Clo was getting snacks?" Her eyes widened, realising where he was going instead.

"No," she whispered.

"I wanted to tell you sooner -"

"You were awake?" she guessed, her face flushed with embarrassment

River grimaced, knowing that the next part would be difficult.

"Yeah, I was. I woke up just before you...you -" he trailed off, struggling to find the right words.

"Oh my god," she panicked. "I was so stressed and so scared -"

"Did you mean it?" He interrupted.

"Mean what?" she asked, but the fear in her eyes told him she knew exactly what he was referring to.

"Ella," he said, his voice hoarse. "You said... you said you loved me," he implored

Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.

"I... I -" she stammered, unable to form a coherent response.

The room fell silent, the weight of her confession hanging in the air between them.

"I did say that..." she said hesitantly. "You had just been shot saving my daughter.”

"I remember." He gently reached for her hand, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I was just wondering if you really meant it. Or was it just the adrenaline speaking?”

"River, I... did you hear the rest? It’s been so long, why are you only telling me now? Did you hear me say that I’m a total fuck up? That I'm no good for you?" she pleaded.

River loosened his grip on her hand, noticing her visible nerves.

"I heard everything," he assured her gently. "But I don't believe for a second that you're not good enough for me.”

She looked at her hands and rubbed them distractedly.

"I've got blood on my hands, River. I'm a murderer. You can't possibly think that this is a good idea?”

His heart ached at the pain in her voice, but he was determined to make her see her worth.

"It was self-defence, El. He was about to…" he gritted his teeth in anger, "he was about to rape you. I couldn't get to you, I tried -"

"I know you did, I know." She said tearfully.

"He deserved it. You did what you had to do," he said softly, his voice filled with regret for not being able to prevent what had happened. "It wasn't your fault.”

"So why can't I wash the blood off?" She whispered fearfully.

River sighed at her question. He gently took her hands in his and rubbed his thumbs soothingly over her knuckles.

"It's not about washing it off, Ella. You need to forgive yourself," he said tenderly. "You're not a monster.”

"You don't want me," she told him as she tried to remove her hands from his. "No one ever has, not really.”

River's grip on her hands tightened reflexively. "That's not true," he said, his voice firm. "I want you.” He said fiercely, his voice shaking with conviction. "I'm still here, aren't I? I've been here the whole time?”

She looked doubtful.

“River, I was nearly arrested. For murder.” She shook her head. “I was fucking stupid to think I could escape this shitshow. How did I think killing Eddie would be the end?”

“They’ve released you without charge. You are free.”

Her stomach turned. She knew she couldn’t keep it from him any longer.

“Because of Taverner,” she said, shamefully.

“What do you mean because of Taverner? What did she do?”

“She arranged to have me released without charge. Told them that the Park was taking over the investigation and that I was still her employee.”

“She fucking owes you anyway, using you to get to Eddie -”

“She sees it the other way around. I’m very much indebted to her. She’s going to want something in return, she always does. It’s a never ending cycle of owing someone something. I don’t want you involved in that.” She sighed.

“No, fuck that, we can fix this,” he snapped.

“I don’t think we can. She threatened to hand me over to the police. She wanted me back at the Park but I refused,” Ella put her head in her hands. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Ella, we will fix this. Did you mean what you said?" River's gaze softened as he went back to their original conversation, his voice gentle yet filled with hope.

She sighed, knowing that she was unable to lie to him.

"Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

River's heart leapt at her quiet admission, a rush of emotions flooding through him. For a moment, all he could do was stare at her in disbelief.

"Really?" he asked, his voice hoarse from the surge of joy and relief coursing through him.

Ella nodded, a small smile pulling at the corner of her mouth.

“But -”

“No, no buts, you’ve said it now,” he smiled.

“River, stop! This isn’t over, Taverner is bound to come knocking again?” The smile faded.

“So we’ll burn that bridge when we get to it,” he told her firmly. “Besides,” he pulled her rigid body into his lap, “there’s something to be said about falling in love with a woman capable of murder,” he kissed a path up her neck to the spot that made her knees buckle. Her knees sank into the sofa either side of his thighs.

She looked at him again, her eyes searching his, silently questioning his turn of phrase.

“I'm serious. You should break things off.” Ella told him, shifting back to put some space between them.

“I should do what?” He asked, incredulously. “Why the fuck would I do that?”

“You should. You have to be the one to do it. End it right now. Please.”

‘I can't. I won't do that, El. I love you, and I love Clover… And before you argue with me, I know that that comes with responsibilities. Clover is not going to be the thing that scares me off. Nothing is going to change how I feel about both of you.” He paused, making sure his words were sinking in. Making sure Ella was really listening. “Don't be a coward, Ella. If you want this to end, then you can do it. This is something more. Something real, and if you don't want that, that's fine, but don't expect me to break it off for you. We will fix this.”

Ella sat, stunned into silence by River's confession. The sincerity in his voice and the certainty in his statement had caught her off guard. She felt her heart skip a beat, her mind struggling to catch up with the reality of his words.

"You... you love me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah, Ella, I do. And Clover too, even the bloody dog.”

Ella's eyes widened at his admission. It was almost too much to wrap her head around. She let out a disbelieving laugh, a mixture of emotions coursing through her.

"The dog?" she repeated, her voice tinged with incredulity.

"Maybe the dog goes above Clo -" Ella interrupted him with an ineffectual slap on his arm. "Alright, alright, maybe they're both above you," he continued teasing.

Ella rolled her eyes playfully at his teasing remark.

"You're impossible," she said, shaking her head, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"It has been mentioned before," he acknowledged with a wry smile. "I'm also not going anywhere," he told her, his fingers lacing through her hair and trying to draw her closer.

Ella's breath hitched as River's fingers tangled in her hair, the gentle tug pulling her closer to him. She tried to resist the pull, her mind still wrestling with her fears, but he was making it so difficult to fight against the powerful connection between them.

"You shouldn't be so stubborn," she whispered, her voice tinged with both irritation and affection. “I'm trying to stop you from fucking up your life.”

He shrugged. "That's already my own doing, you really think telling me to bloody break it off is what we both want?" There was a note of frustration in his voice that she'd even ask such a thing of him.

Ella felt a pang of guilt in her chest.

“Can you blame me for trying to protect you?”

"I don't need protecting, Ella. Least of all from Diana Taverner. You're the one who's been through hell, give yourself a chance.”

Ella's eyes flashed with a mix of stubborn pride and vulnerability at his words. She wanted to argue, to protest at his assertion, but there was a part of her that knew he was right. She had been through so much, and perhaps she was the one who needed the protection more than him.

"Speechless for once?" He teased lightly. Ella's cheeks flushed pink, a mixture of defensiveness and embarrassment. She had been caught off guard by his assertiveness.

"Shut up," she muttered, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Open goal there," he whispered, pulling her closer and grazing his lips against hers, "means I get to say ‘make me’," he smirked.

Ella's heart skipped a beat as he pulled her closer, the whisper of his words and the brush of his lips against hers sending a rush of desire through her. Her eyes narrowed at his challenge, a spark of defiance igniting in her gaze.

"Oh, you want me to make you shut up?" she asked in a low voice, a hint of daring in her tone. "Let me guess," she said, her nose brushing against his, "you were thinking something like this?" Her tongue traced over his lower lip as he pulled her in deeply. “I'm a dangerous woman, don't forget,” she murmured against his lips.

River's breath hitched, the sensation sent a jolt of electricity through him. He leaned into her, his arms tightening around her in response to her playful challenge.

"Mm," he murmured in response, his voice a mixture of pleasure and amusement, "a dangerous woman? I don't think so. How do you think shutting me up is going?”

"I think you're still talking far too much, actually" she said, her eyes twinkling.

River chuckled, his fingers traced along her back, pulling her flush against his chest.

"Is that so? I take it this little disagreement about how you’re stuck with me is over?" her lips captured his in a gentle yet passionate kiss, effectively silencing his words for the moment.

Ella trembled against him, the kiss sending heat and longing straight to her core.

She felt herself melting into his embrace, the heat and desire within her growing with every second they were together.

She pressed herself closer against him, her hands grasping at the fabric of his shirt, her body responding to his touch.

River deepened the kiss, his hands roaming over her body, possessive yet tender in their touch.

River's lips trailed down her throat, exploring every inch of her skin.

When he reached her collarbone, he couldn't resist the desire to graze his teeth against her sensitive flesh, eliciting a hiss of pleasure from her.

He could feel the way her body responded, the way she slid deeper into his lap.

"Bed, River, please," she gasped as his hands skimmed over her hips.

The sound of her pleading sent a thrilling jolt through River.

He pressed a possessive hand to her hip, his fingers digging into her flesh.

"Bed," he agreed, his voice hoarse with his own desire. "Now.”

River led her through the flat, the anticipation practically crackling in the air between them.

His hands tingled with the memory of her body, the way her skin burned beneath his touch.

He could hardly wait to explore every inch of her once more, to feel the heat between them flaring to life with a simple graze of his fingers across her flesh.

Ella found the bottom edge of his t-shirt, her fingertips running across his stomach.

She brushed the pad of her thumb lightly over his scar out of habit, and went to pull the t-shirt over his head

River gasped slightly as her fingertips brushed across his stomach, his muscles twitching involuntarily beneath her touch. He lifted his arms to make it easier for her to remove his shirt, the fabric falling away and baring his chest to her.

Her eyes raked over his chest, unable to hide her hunger for him.

She reached for the button of his jeans but he stopped her.

"Not yet," he rasped, running a finger down the row of buttons on her shirt.

Ella's hand paused in mid-air as he gently restrained her, his fingers wrapping around her wrist and stilling her movement.

The raw rasp of his voice as he spoke sent a shiver down her spine.

With a possessive gleam in his eyes, he took her shirt between his fingers, slowly undoing the buttons one by one with a slow, deliberate pace.

Ella stifled a moan as his mouth followed his fingers, leaving hot, wet kisses down her body tracing a path down the skin he’d unveiled. River lifted his head just enough to speak against her skin, his voice a low rumble that sent tingles down her spine. "I want to hear you," he whispered, his lips brushing against her flesh as he teased her. "Let me hear the sounds you make for me.”

He pulled her closer to the bed. Discarding her shirt, he popped the button on her jeans.

"How come you get to -" her protest died on her tongue as his large hands slid them down her thighs, taking her underwear with them. As the material pooled at her feet, he gazed at her hungrily, his expression full of desire and admiration.

"You were saying?" he teased, his eyes roaming over her body, taking in every inch of her curves.

He urged her onto the bed and stood in front of her.

"My turn," she looked up at him, her much smaller hand brushing over the front of his jeans.

“I'm starting to think you don't want me to break it off after all."

“You always have to be right don’t you?” She rolled her eyes.

Ella's fingers worked the button on his jeans, slipping them down his thighs. As she did, her hands brush his taut muscles, the feel of his skin and strength under her touch making her cunt ache for him.

She knew at that moment what she needed more than anything.

River's eyes locked on her as her tongue traced over her lips. He took a step closer, closing the distance between them, his body practically thrumming with need.

Ella's voice was just as soft as her gaze raked over his body, taking in every inch of him. She couldn't hide the desire in her eyes even if she wanted to.

"Maybe," River replied, his lips pulling into a smirk as he stalked her up the bed. She moved back up the bed, he followed. "But it’s only because I know you don't really want to end this.”

He was confident enough that she'd only suggested it because she thought it was the right thing to do, not because it was what she wanted.

River positioned himself over her, his strong frame caging her beneath him. The feel of his weight pressing her into the bed only made her need him more, her body instinctively arching towards him.

"Please," she breathed, "please." His hand dragged over her thigh and around to cup her ass, pressing her core to him.

"Please, what?" he murmured, his voice thick with desire. "Tell me what you need.”

She whined, frustrated, her hips moving of their own accord, searching for friction

River watched her, his eyes darkened with desire as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You need this? Is this what you're aching for?"

He rocked his hips, his body pressed impossibly close to hers.

Her lips brushed against his earlobe pleadingly, her voice a desperate, trembling whisper.

"River," she begged, her body arching against his as much as she could in her current position.

River let out a low moan, the sound somewhere between a sigh and a growl.

She gasped out her words, "I need more. I need all of you," her voice was desperate and needy, her body restless beneath him. “I don't want this to end. I’m all in if you are.”

River's body tensed at her words, his own need for her burning like a wildfire in his veins. His last bit of control shattered at her words.

The feel of his body so close to hers made everything inside her clench with need. He could hear her breathing, fast and harsh, her chest rising and falling in time with his.

“Will you trust me?” He asked, his voice raw with need. Ella nodded hesitantly.

He propped himself up on his side, his hand tracing a soft path down her arm. "Turn over," he instructed, his voice gentle yet firm. She wavered, close to protesting, but did as he requested. "On your hands and knees," he instructed, his voice low and rough.

Ella rose onto her knees, the change in position making her feel more exposed. She took a moment to steady herself, bracing her hands on the bed in front of her.

River moved behind her, his hands trailing over her hips, possessive and firm. "That's it, El," he praised, his voice a low rumble. "I’m going to undo every bad memory you have.”

He groaned softly as she arched her back, her body practically begging for his touch. His fingers gripping her flesh as he watched her respond to him.

Ella's voice was pleading, her words a ragged whisper as she begged for him. "River," she sighed, her body trembling with desire.

His own body was taut with need. Hearing her beg for him only fueled the fire that was burning inside him.

He shifted his position slightly, pressing himself against her. "I want you only to remember the good," he murmured, his voice rough.

Ella's voice was a soft, ragged whisper, her breathing coming in ragged gasps. "Only you," she interpreted, her body trembling at the feel of him against her.

River's grip on her hips tightened, his control slipping a little at her words. Her devotion to him, only him, was almost too much to bear after everything she’d been through.

His own voice was rough with desire, his breath coming in shallow pants as he spoke. "I want to make you feel so good," he repeated, his mouth moving over her neck and shoulder, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses in its wake.

His hands slid up her sides, trying to map out every inch of her body with his hands.

Ella's skin burned where he touched her, practically craving his touch. She arched her back, pressing herself further into him, needing more of his touch, of his presence.

Her voice was a desperate plea, her words tumbling out in a ragged gasp. "Need you, Riv, need you now, please, please," she begged.

River groaned softly against her skin, his own need for her almost overwhelming. He knew he couldn't hold back much longer, not with her begging and pleading so beautifully.

River's voice was a low, deep growl, his breath hot against her ear. "You've got me, love," he murmured. "I'm here." He held his hard cock in his fist, running the weeping head through her folds.

His other hand gripped her hips a little tighter, pulling her closer to him, his body molding against hers. She could feel the tense, coiled energy in his frame and cried out as he pushed into her. Her body arching against his as the pleasure washed over her, her senses completely overwhelmed by the feel of him inside.

"God, Ella," River groaned, his arms shaking as he held himself above her.

She sought out his hand, gripping it tightly, her trepidation still clear.

His other hand moved across her chest, pulling her upright, her back pressing against his chest. She could feel the heat of his body radiating against hers, the hard planes of his muscles against her soft flesh.

Her knees spread wider and she sank further down onto him, her body quaking.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered into her ear.

The grip on his hand loosened and he let go, holding her against his chest with a hand cupping her breast. She gasped at the unexpected depth, at the way he brushed her g-spot with every thrust as he fucked up into her.

“God, River -” her voice broke.

Ella felt his body wrap around hers, holding her up.

She felt safe.

He moved slowly inside her, burying his face in the crook of her neck, his breath hot against her skin.

Her breath came in snatched gasps as she met his every move, rising and falling on his pulsing cock.

River picked up the pace, pinching her pebbled nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

A low moan tore from his throat as she reached behind herself to run her fingers through his hair.

His teeth grazed over her shoulder before biting down softly.

Her head fell back against his shoulder, her body melting into his, completely trusting and submissive. From this angle, he had a perfect view down her body, his eyes roaming over her breasts and the place where their bodies met.

River's breathing became ragged and heavy, the sight of her body against his own almost too much to bear. He pressed his body even closer to hers, the heat between them almost unbearable.

Ella leaned on him, her body moving in a slow, fluid roll of her hips, a silent plea for more. Her hands gripped his arms, using his strength to keep herself upright, her body completely surrendered to him.

River groaned at the feel of her moving against him, his body responding instantly to her touch. He held her tighter, his arms anchoring her to him.

He moved the hand that wasn’t holding her up and brought it around to her clit.

The thrust of her hips faltered and she looked down at his hand before covering it with her own, guiding him to where she really needed him.

The arm across her breasts held her tighter as her legs began to shake. The first tremors of her climax starting to build as he split her open.

"Jesus, River," she gasped, her body arching.

His response was a low, rough whisper against her neck. "I know," he agreed, his lips and teeth continuing their assault on her sensitive skin. He wanted to mark her, to make sure she would remember this moment, remember him.

Ella felt the pressure low in her belly, the intensity of their connection making her legs tremble and her breath come in ragged gasps.

River could feel the tension in her body, the way she was holding on by a thread. "Let go, baby," he murmured against her neck, his voice rough.

Her cry was lost in her throat, her mouth open but no sound escaping. Waves of pleasure coursed through her body, almost too much to bear.

The rhythmic tempo of her hips stuttered again as her whole body trembled.

“Let me hear you, El,” he pleaded.

“River,” she whimpered, “fuck, River -”

His grip on her hips tightened at her words, his own control hanging by a thread. "You have no idea how good you feel, baby," he growled, his breath hot against her skin.

Her hand found his thigh, her fingers digging into his flesh, a desperate attempt to anchor herself as her body trembled with ecstasy.

She cried out his name, the words a ragged gasp of pleasure and need. "Riverr," she moaned, her voice breaking on a high, keening note.

With her release, River held her tighter, his grip unyielding as he followed right behind her, the walls of her cunt tightening around him as he spilled into her.

He groaned loudly, his body shuddering against hers, his arms holding her tightly, his face buried in the curve of her shoulder.

Ella crumpled against him, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her skin flushed and glowing with sweat. Her hand found its way to his hair, her fingers running through the damp locks, a soothing, affectionate motion.

River held her close, his chest heaving as he tried to regain his breath, his arms wrapped around her like a lifeline.

Her voice was a soft whisper, a touch of amazement in her tone as she spoke. "Oh my god," she repeated quietly, her body still trembling with aftershocks.

River chuckled softly in response, his hold on her tightening just a little. "You all right?" he asked, his voice low and rough.

“Told you to trust me,” he said quietly into her ear. He pulled away from her, he moved slowly, giving her a moment to catch her breath, continuing to tease her with light kisses along her neck and collarbone.

Her voice was soft, filled with wonder, as she mumbled her question. "Where've you been all this time?"

River chuckled softly, his arms tightening around her as he pulled her closer, her back pressing against his chest. "Waiting for you," he teased, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear.

“As if,” she scoffed, rolling her hips against him. “You’re too cute to wait for anyone.”

River groaned softly at the feeling of her wriggling against him, the heat between them reigniting. Her words sent a wave of desire through him.

His voice was a low, possessive growl, his words a challenge and a promise all in one. "Not you, time to show you everything you've missed out on," he said, his hands roaming her body, caressing and claiming.

River nuzzled at the sensitive spot behind her ear, his lips warm against her skin. Ella couldn't prevent the low, guttural sound that escaped her. Her body was not used to being treated this way, being adored and pleasured so completely.

River pressed his lips to her skin, his hands roaming over her curves, taking his time to memorize every inch of her. "You have no idea how good it feels to make you feel good, Ella," he murmured against her neck.

Her need was undeniable, a fierce, aching thing that burned through every inch of her. Despite the tender ache in her thighs and core, she found herself wanting more, needing more.

River's lips continued to roam over her neck, his hands still exploring her body, his touch firm yet gentle. He could feel her need, the way she was arching into him, and it only fueled his own desire.

"You ready for more?" he asked, his voice a low growl against her skin.

Ella’s voice was soft, almost vulnerable, as she spoke. "I didn’t know it could be like this,” she said softly, her body relaxing against him.

River chuckled softly, his lips still against her skin. River could hear her small whine as he moved away, her body missing the contact with him. The thought of her craving his touch set something ablaze inside of him. He pulled her to lay with him but she sat up on his thighs.

“My favourite view,” he told her. Her eagerness, her new found confidence, only fueled his own desire.

His gaze was fixed on her hand as it slowly traced down her body, her movements deliberate and teasing. River's eyes darkened with growing desire as he watched, his body tensing with anticipation. "Show me how to touch you," he asked quietly. Her breath hitched, her body still sensitive from his previous attentions, his cum still coating her thighs.

His eyes roved over her body, watching as she worked her clit with her other hand at her breast, his own need growing at the sight.

River's breathing became ragged as he watched, his hands resting on her thighs, desperate to touch her. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with admiration.

“I thought of you,” she whispered, blushing. The admission sent a bolt of desire through him.

He rose up onto his elbows for a better view, his voice a low, possessive growl, "You think about me when you touch yourself?" he asked, his eyes burning into hers. She nodded

Her back arched as she crept closer to release, the hand at her breast kneading and pinching. Her eyes didn't leave River's, wanting him to see her come undone.

River's eyes darkened further, the possessive edge becoming even more pronounced as he watched her writhing above him. "Don't look away," he instructed.

She held his gaze as she reached her peak, crying out for him.

She slumped, boneless, and moved to lay next to him.

River took hold of her wrist, bringing her hand up to his mouth. He wrapped his tongue around her fingers, tasting her.

“Best thing I’ve ever watched,” he told her once he’d released her fingers with a pop. She felt her cheeks heat up, a blush creeping onto her face.

“I can’t believe I did that,” she confessed, still breathless.

He pressed against her, the evidence of his arousal clear, she felt a shiver of desire run down her spine.

“I’m glad you did,” he murmured, “it was beautiful.”

“Don’t be daft,” she said, brushing off the compliment.

He pressed against her again, his body still taut with wanting, “I mean it.” He insisted.

He rolled her onto her back, lining himself up against her core. “I’m not going to let you forget it, El. If it takes a lifetime, I’ll replace every single bad memory with a new one.”

He sank into her, swallowing her moans, helping her forge a new path.

Taverner tapped her nails impatiently, unused to being the one summoned.

“How fortuitous that I'm here.” She declared.

“Why's that then?” Ella asked from the doorway.

“Well, seems a good time to request you back at the Park. I have you some grace by letting you stay here a little longer. Time's up now.” Ella hesitated, looking to Lamb and Standish for support.

River sensed Ella's discomfort.

"What do you want with her?" River demanded, his voice firm but controlled. “Why do you need her at the Park?”

"I want her service, she owes me, Cartwright, and it's time she comes back where I can keep a closer eye on her.”

Taverner's words hung in the air like a dark cloud. River bristled at her words, his jaw clenching with suppressed anger. "She's not your puppet," he said, his voice low and angry. "She doesn't owe you anything.”

"I think you'll find she does," Taverner turned to Ella, "You didn't tell your little friends? The only reason she's not rotting in prison is because I got hold of the investigation. All I need to do is hand her over to the police."

"For what possible reason? You know her ex-husband was a bully, you know he nearly killed her. Just let it go," River said angrily.

Taverner turned her attention to River, a hint of a sneer tugging at the corner of her mouth. "The reason is simple," she said coolly. "She killed him and got away with it."

River's anger was barely contained now. "And you think that gives you the right to use her like a pawn? You're out of your mind, Taverner.”

"I know you love to bend everyone to your will, Diana," Lamb interrupted, "but really? Is this the hill you want to die on? Sending a battered woman down for a murder which was quite obviously self defence? No jury would convict her and you damn well know it.”

Lamb's interruption caused a slight fissure in Taverner's composure. She shot him a venomous glare before turning her attention back to Ella.

"I suppose you think you're above the law, is that it?" Taverner snapped. "Just because you were a victim doesn't give you the right. And Cartwright," she shot a sharp glance at him, "I wouldn't expect you to understand. You've always assumed yourself above your station.”

"Above the law? Diana, pull the other one. I'd run out of fingers and toes counting your indiscretions." Lamb laughed mockingly.

Despite her attempts to maintain control of the situation, Taverner seemed to realize that she didn't have a strong case against Ella. Her expression was a mix of frustration and anger, but there was no denying that Lamb's words had hit their mark.

"We'll see about that," she snarled, but her voice lacked its usual certainty.

"You have authorised worse and you know it. Give up Di, there are better ways to exert control." Lamb warned.

Taverner's eyes flashed with anger. "Don't tell me how to do my job," she snapped, her voice laced with bitterness.

But despite her harsh words, there was a hint of uncertainty in her gaze. She knew Lamb was right; she had authorised far worse without a second thought.

"Heaven forbid," he raised his hands. "Drop it, Di. Pick a better battle.”

Despite Lamb's mocking tone, his words seemed to penetrate Taverner's defenses. There was a moment of silence as she considered her options. Finally, she let out a frustrated sigh, "Fine. I'll let it go... for now. But don't think you're going to get off scot-free.” She pointed directly at Lamb.

"Never," he mocked. "Always in your pocket, Diana.”

Lamb's words dripped with sarcasm, the corner of his mouth lifting in a slight smirk. “Always at your beck and call.”

“You’ll continue to use me,” Ella said aloud, recalling her conversation with River.

“Nonsense, this draws a line under the whole thing.” Taverner sighed defeatedly.

“Do I have to go back, then?” Ella looked from Taverner to Lamb. “Do you not want me here?” Ella asked him desperately.

“She can stay. If she wants to. I don’t give a shit either way to be honest, as long as she doesn’t forget the jaffa cakes.” Lamb said to Taverner.

“Jesus christ, Lamb. I’m honestly astounded as to why these idiots choose to stay here over literally any other job in the world.”

“You and me both, Di. Must be my winning charm.”

“Hmm. If you say so,” she looked him up and down disdainfully. She turned back to Ella, “I can hardly complain, can I?”

Ella stood, her hands balled into fists. River moved directly in front of her, blocking Taverner from her eyeline.

“Let it go, El.” She opened her mouth to argue but relented at the insistence in his eyes. “It’s over now,” he said firmly.

She didn’t trust herself to speak without directing her anger at Taverner, so she kept quiet.

No one saw Taverner out.

“Put the kettle on then, if you’re sticking around.” Lamb instructed halfway up the stairs to his office. “And I expect daily jaffa cakes now, since you’re Miss Moneybags.”

“Where'd you think you're going?” Catherine called up to him. “Get your coat, Jackson, we've got to get to the school.”

“Why on earth am I going to a school, Standish?”

Ella reached for her coat, but River got there first and held it open for her.

“Clo wants you to come and see her gymnastics show, remember?”

Lamb reappeared, looking annoyed, but carrying his coat regardless.

“The kid's got a father figure, she don't need another,” he looked over at River.

“A grandfather wouldn't go amiss though,” Ella told him with a straight face. Behind him, Standish was having less luck, a giggle bubbling behind the hand she'd clamped over her mouth.

“I can still send you back, Cole,” he muttered, taking the stairs. Halfway down, Louisa, Shirley and Coe were all waiting. “The fuck is this?”

“Family outing. Who kicked out the wicked stepmother?” Shirley asked.

“Boss man did.” Ella told her with a grin.

“Will you lot get a move on? We're going to miss her group routine,” Ho shouted up the stairs.

“Sorry, sorry, we're coming,” Catherine appeased him on the way past, “two cars - Roddy and River, yours?” River held up his keys.

“Yep, got mine.” he waited while Ella let the others head down the stairs before her.

“She's going to go mad that we're all turning up,” Ella smiled up at him.

“She'll love it,” he insisted, pulling her into a deep kiss once Louisa had rounded the landing out of sight. “And I love you, in case I haven't said it enough yet.”

FIN

If you think I'm ditching you now this is finished, then think again!

I have a few lovely prompts to get through for River x Sid which I'm so looking forward to, and I've had some glorious Ficmas requests - get in on the action if you haven't already - it's my gift to you! 🎄

And then of course, once the festive season is over.... we get to meet The Thief 👀

#river cartwright #slow horses #jack lowden #slowhorsesfanfiction #river cartwright fanfic #river cartwright smut #river cartwright fic #rivercartwright/ofc #river cartwright/reader #the escape artist #the thief x river #a thief's gamble

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