Rannigan's Redemption Part 2: Running Rogue

By Pandora Spocks

Michael Rannigan is running rogue. Since Maggie’s abrupt departure from the law firm of Murphy, Rannigan, & Metheny, he’s been in a tailspin. As he limps along in the new normal, he misses her more than he ever imagined.

Maggie misses Michael as well. But she makes the best of her new job at the District Attorney’s office. Occasionally they cross paths in court, each assessing the other. Like Michael, she finds herself making questionable personal choices.

When opportunity knocks for Michael he leaps at it, maybe as much to avoid Maggie’s absence as anything else. The fact that his decision impacts everyone else at the firm doesn’t slow him down at all.

Then comes news that shakes him to his core. Now that he’s burned all his bridges, who will be there to help him pick up the pieces?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pandora Spocks
• Release date: Feb 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311344052

Pandora Spocks

Pandora Spocks is a bratty ginger and hopeless romantic who lives her happily ever after in South Florida. Pandora has entertained herself with the stories pinballing around in her head for years. Recently she decided to try her hand at sharing those stories with others. The author of Luke & Bella: Two Streets Over and the Rannigan's Redemption series, she enjoys reading and writing literary erotic fiction. Pandora is currently busy writing her next spicy romance.

Book preview

Part 2: Running Rogue

By Pandora Spocks

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2016 Pandora Spocks

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Chapter 1

Michael Rannigan reclined on a chaise on the private deck of their over-water bungalow and watched as Vivian snorkeled a few yards away.  He reclined.  But he didn’t relax.  He had too much on his mind.  Memories of his last night in New York before he left for vacation swirled through his thoughts.  Initially he’d worked to downplay it in his own mind. 

It’s no big deal.  I fuck around all the time.  Maggie’s just another piece of ass.  Deep down, he knew better.

Vivian disrupted his thoughts as she tossed her snorkel gear onto the deck before climbing up and stretching out on the chaise beside his.  God, that water’s great! she said, smoothing back her soaked blonde hair.  You really should try it.

Michael smiled his best self-deprecating grin, grateful for the mirrored Ray-Ban aviators that shielded his eyes from view.  I will.  I’m just relaxing now, soaking up the rays.

Vivian frowned at him skeptically.  We’ve been here five days and you haven’t wanted to do anything.  Except fuck.  Which is great, don’t get me wrong.  But seriously, Michael.  What the hell?

Images from the past few days flashed through Michael’s mind.  The way her tits looked with his hard cock sliding between them.  Vivian bent over the chair in the sitting room of the bungalow.  Vivian riding him in the hot tub that was sunken into the deck overlooking the water.  Looking down on her white-blonde head as she sucked him off.  There had been a lot of fucking.  Even so, in his mind it hadn’t been Vivian at all.

He felt a flash of irritation.  It’s my vacation and I’m doing exactly what I want.  Relaxing.  We don’t have to go and do all the time, do we?

"Whatever! she snapped.  I’m going to take a shower."

Over dinner in the resort restaurant, Vivian was in better spirits.  She was chattering on about some damn thing, Michael couldn’t tell what it was. 

Why does she keep talking?  Looks like she’d run out of something to say eventually. 

Her sharp voice cut into his thoughts.  Are you even listening to me? she asked.  I said, look at that cute couple over there. 

Michael shifted in his chair to look in the direction she indicated.  He saw a young couple a few tables away.  The guy was rather plain, probably an accountant unless Michael missed his guess. 

The woman, on the other hand, was stunning. She had long blonde hair, nice sized tits, and great legs under the yellow sun dress she was wearing. 

She’s a little out of your league, isn’t she, buddy?  He grinned at the thought.

"Aren’t they just the cutest?  They’re newlyweds.  Michael spun his head back to Vivian who held up both hands, surrender style.  Don’t worry.  I don’t have any grand scheme or anything.  I just think they’re cute, that’s all."

"Yeah, cute," Michael repeated.  He dug into his steak once again.

Vivian huffed and put down her fork.  Okay, what gives?

Michael looked up at her in surprise.  What gives what?  What are you talking about?

"What I’m talking about, she began in a loud whisper, crossing her arms in front of her, is you.  You haven’t wanted to do a damn thing except fuck since we got here.  That and laze around.  You don’t talk to me, you don’t even listen to me.  It’s like I’m here by myself."

Michael set his knife and fork aside and leaned back in his chair.  What do you want me to say, Vivian?  He didn’t attempt to hide his irritation.  I’m here on my fucking vacation.  I want to relax.  Because I work fucking hard.  I’ve got a lot of things on my mind.  And I just want to chill.  Why is that such a problem for you?

"The problem for me is, I didn’t come here to be alone.  Maybe I should just leave," she challenged.

Michael stared down at his plate for a moment before raising his eyes.  Maybe you should, he replied softly.

Vivian moved out of their bungalow that night and caught a flight home the next morning.  Watching the float plane take off, Michael felt a sense of relief.  He’d be back home in a little over a week and he had no idea what he was going to do about Maggie. He spent the rest of that day enjoying the peace of the luxury bungalow he now occupied alone.

The following day, Michael left his sanctuary to relax on the beach.  He chose a chaise far down the beach and away from the other sunbathers.  Thoughts of Maggie still swirled through his mind like dry leaves in a brisk fall breeze. 

I can just go about my business like nothing out of the ordinary happened.  I’m sure she’s not spending time obsessing over it. 

He shook his head.  That wasn’t true.  He knew Maggie well enough to know that she was bound to be thinking it over, considering how best to handle the situation.  Besides, she’d been upset when she left, thanks to Gwen.  She’d been in such a hurry, she’d forgotten her bracelet on the bathroom counter. 

After Maggie left, he’d asked Gwen to leave and eventually had to threaten to call security before she would go.  She’d had some choice words for him, too. 

It was stupid to call Gwen anyway.  I’d gone through all my usual dates and couldn’t find anyone.  Better no date than Gwen.

He’d tried to call Maggie both that night and the next day but she wasn’t picking up.  He’d left messages on her voicemail and he’d texted, too. 

No, she’s still upset.  First thing is, I have to straighten things out with her.  He was surprised to find that he cared about how Maggie felt.  It occurred to him that she was really the closest thing he had to a friend.  He shook his head.

After we get the whole Gwen thing sorted out, maybe Maggie will agree to go out sometimes.  Michael pondered that idea for a moment.  There were events that she really was suited for, case in point that music charity thing they’d attended years ago. 

And the sex…  His mind drifted back to the way she’d unrolled the condom using only her mouth, and his cock immediately responded.  He nodded slowly.  Going out with Maggie now and again would be a great thing. 

Realization interrupted his reverie.  No way would Maggie agree to be just another girl in my ‘line-up.’  Michael sighed.

A new idea occurred to him.  Suppose I date Maggie exclusively?  He scratched his chin as he tried it on for size.  Maggie and I…a couple.  He considered the implications.  We’d go out together after the weekly gathering at Doc’s, for example.  Maybe sometimes we’d stay in, cook together. 

He smiled picturing the two of them in his kitchen whipping up something delicious, laughing and joking together.  His imagination shifted to her naked form, her ample tits, that irresistible tattoo on her hip.  Sex with Maggie on a regular basis… 

This is doable. Michael nodded slowly.  I could be monogamous.  We could see where this thing leads.  Maybe she could even move in. 

He frowned.  She hates my apartment, though. He shrugged.  We could find something together.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  One thing at a time.

Michael smiled to himself, pleased with his decision.  For the first time since he’d arrived in the Maldives he felt himself relax.  He gazed out across the tropical blue water and breathed out a relieved sigh. 

A bit further down the beach he noticed the male half of the honeymoon couple Vivian had pointed out in the restaurant.  The husband in his blue trunks was very pale.  Michael wondered briefly if he was using the proper amount of SPF, then immediately scowled at the idiotic thought.

Michael watched him gesture toward the water and followed the man’s gaze up the beach.  Holy shit, Michael breathed to himself.  The man’s wife, topless and wearing a tiny white thong, joined him by the edge of the water.  Even from this distance, Michael could see that the woman’s body was slamming. 

The pair began walking down the beach toward where Michael was sitting.  Once again, he was glad to have his mirrored shades.  He pointed his face straight ahead and watched them out of the corner of his eye. As they got closer, he saw that her tits were huge, probably 38DD or bigger, with pert pink nipples that made his tongue tingle in anticipation.

To his surprise, the woman spoke to him.  Hello, she said.  We saw you in the restaurant the other night.  I’m Amanda and this is Kenneth.

Michael greeted them both and gave his patent Michael Rannigan smile.  I’m Michael.

"Maybe you and your wife could have dinner with us tonight," Amanda offered.

Michael laughed ruefully.  Actually, she’s not my wife.  And actually, she had to go home.  I’ll probably dine in tonight.  But thanks for the offer.  He watched her carefully.  She had that look in her eyes.  Like the one Maggie had, the one that said she found him attractive.  He felt a bit sorry for poor Kenneth.

"Oh, well, she said, I’m sorry your friend left.  Are you sure you won’t join us?  Wouldn’t it be great for Michael to join us for dinner?" she said to Kenneth, who nodded.

He smiled.  Thanks for your kind offer.  I have some work to do anyway, he lied.

Michael did end up having dinner on the deck of the bungalow.  He didn’t miss Vivian’s incessant chatter at all.  The sound of the water was a perfect accompaniment for his meal.  Later, though, he headed over to the tiki bar on the beach for a cocktail.  Standing at the bar, he’d just ordered a bourbon when he heard someone call his name. 

Turning, he saw Amanda walking toward him, dressed this time, in a hot pink halter-topped sundress.  Her long blonde hair swirled around her tanned shoulders.  There you are, she said.

He gave an exaggerated frown.  Was I missing? he quipped.

Amanda laughed.  I was just saying to Kenneth that I hoped you’d come out and play.  She placed a well-manicured hand on his arm.

In her light blue eyes Michael saw the double entendre.  He looked around.  Where is Kenneth, anyway?

Amanda smiled slowly.  Kenneth went back to the bungalow.  He got a nasty sunburn today.

Michael grimaced.  That’s a shame.  I hope that doesn’t ruin your trip.

"I’m determined to keep a stiff…upper lip, she smiled.  What are you drinking?"

Michael hesitated.  He’d finally come to a decision about Maggie.  And Amanda was on her honeymoon, for fuck’s sake.  Ultimately, he shrugged.  Bourbon.  Would you like one?

Two bourbons later, he followed Amanda into the ladies room.  Locking the stall door, he untied her halter to release the amazing tits he’s enjoyed on the beach, groping them, pulling the nipples and stretching them to attention as he kissed her roughly.  Then he pressed her up against the stall door and lifted her skirt to discover she wasn’t wearing panties.  Her pussy was pink and smooth, and it was nicely wet. 

"I want you to fuck me," she hissed in his ear.  Michael wasted no time in unzipping his pants and plunging his hard cock into her greedy core.  She gripped the back of his neck with both hands as he pounded into her against the bathroom stall. 

"Oh, Jesus, yesssss!" she cried out.  Michael gave two more thrusts and exploded in release.  He waited a beat then pulled out, cleaned himself off a bit, then put his pants back together.  He left the restroom without a word.

Back in his bungalow, Michael went into the bathroom to start the shower.  He caught his reflection in the mirror. 

I’m a shit.  I just fucked a bride on her honeymoon.  There’s no way I could be faithful to Maggie or anyone else.  She deserves better than that.  Michael turned away from the mirror and restlessly ran his fingers through his hair in disgust.

Chapter 2

Her last day at Murphy, Rannigan was harder than Maggie had imagined.  There was a surprise going-away party that afternoon in the conference room and she’d had to fight back tears.  She knew she’d miss her colleagues on the 50th floor.  She was grateful that Michael was still away.  I don’t think I could deal with him as well. 

After the cake was cut, she slipped back to her office to pack up her personal things.  She looked lovingly at each photo as she put it into the small box she’d pilfered from the supply closet.  She had very good memories from her time here.  Mostly.  The thought of Jean-Luc LeRoi caused her to wince.  Well, no more of that kind of thing. 

***

On Friday afternoon, Michael took the elevator to the 50th floor.  He’d ended his vacation a couple of days early.  Two weeks is really too long to be gone, he reflected.  He figured he’d check up on what had happened in his absence then join the gang at Docs.  He had Maggie’s bracelet in his pocket, figuring on returning it to her.

The first person he saw when he stepped off the elevator was Stan.  Hey, good, you made it for Maggie’s party, Stan said, smiling.

Michael frowned.  Maggie’s party?  It’s not her birthday already, is it?  How did that sneak up on me?

Stan tilted his head.  Her going-away party.  You came back for her last day, right?  She’s going to the DA’s office?

Michael’s mouth fell open.  Her last…  He glanced around.  What the fuck?! 

He strode purposefully toward Maggie’s open office door.  She was behind her desk, her back to the door.  What the fuck, Mags?!

Maggie whirled around, her eyes wide.  Michael!

"Explain to me what’s going on here," he demanded.

She opened and closed her mouth, her face flushed.  I, well I, uh…  I gave Brian my two week notice.  I took a job working for Rance.

"You gave Brian your notice?!"

"You weren’t here," she said reasonably.

Michael began to stalk back and forth in front of her desk.  What the fuck possessed you to take a new job?  And you couldn’t wait for me to get back?  I would have offered you a raise.

Maggie shook her head.  It’s not about the money.  I hated what I did to win the LeRoi case.  You know that really ate away at me.  I can’t do that anymore.  I feel…dirty, like I need redemption.  I have to do something different, something good.

Michael stopped pacing and placed his hands on her desk, leaning closer and speaking in a low tone.  Is this about us?  About the fact that we slept together?

She crossed her arms and leaned against the credenza.  News flash, Michael.  Not everything in the world is about you.

He stood straight and nodded his head angrily.  So it’s like this, is it?  You’re just going to leave the firm.

"I’ve been here five years.  It’s time to move on."  She hung her bag over her shoulder and picked up her box, walking around the desk.

"Let me call security, Michael told her coolly.  They can escort you out and see that you don’t take any property belonging to the firm."

Maggie’s eyes bulged.  Are you serious?  You want to make sure I don’t steal anything?!  She walked back to the desk and put down the box.  Fuck it.  I don’t need any of this shit. 

She glared at Michael.  You worried about my purse?  She unzipped the bag and upended it, dumping a wallet, three pens, loose change, hand lotion, a lipstick, and two tampons all over the floor before dropping the bag. 

She snatched up the wallet.  If you don’t mind, I’ll need my ID and my Metro card.  She turned on her heel and stalked out into the hallway.

Michael interlaced his fingers on top of his head and sighed.  Wait, Mags, I was out of line, he said, following her.

"Out of line?  You were out of line? she shrieked.  Fuck you, Michael!"  She jabbed the elevator button and entered it as soon as the doors parted, pressing the close door button even before the car was all the way open. 

Action on the 50th floor had ground to a halt at the sound of raised voices and as Maggie disappeared, people remained frozen, staring at