Awakened Desires (36 page)

Levi began washing the wound, trying to clean off the old blood and whatever else had collected in the area. Gunther’s hand twitched and he moaned. Quinn reached behind her back and checked to make sure her Sig was firmly in place. She swallowed hard, knowing that his secret may be exposed and she may have to end it for him. The thought made her whole body quake.

Levi was unaware of the battle that was going on in her head. “Are you okay, or do you need to leave?”

“I…I’m…I’m fine. Just worried.”

He nodded at Quinn. “Sterilizing…” Once again, he broke out the bottle of vodka and slowly poured it over the wound. Quinn grabbed onto the hand that was still twitching, pulling it to her lips and kissing his fingers. Then Levi grabbed a small pair of scissors and began cutting out his stitches. “Jesus…,” he muttered.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Just the infection.” He shook his head. “Who stitched him up?”

“Me. It was gaping open. I cleaned and stitched it the best I could with what we had.”

“I understand.”

“I stitched his arm closed, as well.”

Levi looked up and she pointed at his forearm. “I will look at that when I’m done.” He looked back down at Gunther and continued to clip and pull out the stitches. “I think we’re getting this cleaned just in time. Any longer and there may have been a major problem, like necrotic tissue.”

Levi worked diligently. Some time had passed before he was satisfied. Quinn watched Gunther’s breathing and body movements. Levi had her check his pulse every now and then to give her something to concentrate on.

“Okay, I’m not going to stitch it back up. It’s too messy. We’ll just have to keep it covered and keep a close eye on it until it starts healing over. Let me see his arm.” He shifted on the bed and Quinn picked up his arm. “This looks good. Over an old wound?” He glanced up at her.

“Yeah. I have no idea what happened, but he sliced it open somehow.”

“I’m going to remove the stitches here, as well.” Levi busily clipped and pulled out Quinn’s handiwork. He quickly cleaned up that wound, satisfied to leave it unbandaged.

Then he scooted his way down the bed and examined his leg, unwrapped it, and cleaned it up. He rewrapped it and began picking up the items he used. “Well, we will hope that the antibiotic does its job. Everything else seems all right. If we can keep it from spreading and him becoming septic, he should be fine. The problem is the infection is so close to his brain.”

“Then why is he not waking up?”

“Well, he just may be severely fatigued along with the fever. I will keep a close eye on him.”

“Thank you so much.” Quinn stood up and gave Levi a quick hug.

He was a little taken aback by her gesture. “You’re welcome. It’s the least I can do. I’m going to grab Mitch and Reid so we can move him to allow you to sleep in the bed, as well.”

He walked out of the bedroom and Josie came in, closing the door behind her. “How is he?”

“Not really sure, but I’m not leaving his side until I know he’s all right. He would do the same for me.”

Levi, Mitch, and Reid came back in and muscled Gunther to one side of the bed. Quinn decided she was going to lay next to him and hope for the best.

I had no idea how much time passed, but when I popped my eyes open, the room was lit by the lantern. Testing myself, I shifted my big body around a little.

“Gunther?”

“Hmm…?” I moaned.

“Are you awake?” Quinn’s sleepy face appeared in front of my fuzzy vision. She looked like a mess—full of worry and fatigue. But, no matter what, she was still stunning. She would look amazing covered in mud.

“Yeah,” I rasped. “I think so.” She leaned to my face and her lips brushed across mine. I tried to reach up for her, but I was feeling so weak. I hated it. A bloke like me didn’t have time for weakness.

“I’m going to wake Levi. I will be right back.” I moaned as she left me alone. I hated that feeling. Weak and alone. Not a good combination. I felt a tremor of fear run through my body.

Before I fell apart, Levi and Quinn came back into the room. Josie sat up and rubbed her eyes, listening. “Tell me how you are feeling,” Levi asked as he lowered himself down onto the bed next to me.

“Tired, sweaty, achy.”

Levi reached over and grabbed the lantern. He checked my head. “It looks better already. We should get another round of antibiotics in him. Are you up for swallowing pills now, or do we have to crush them again?”

“Is that what that was? It was so bitter.”

“Yeah.”

“I think I can swallow a pill or two.”

“You will need to eat something to keep up your strength and cut down on any stomach issues.” I nodded. “I’m going to check your blood pressure and pulse, then I’ll get your meds.”

Levi picked up the blood pressure cuff from the nightstand and wrapped it around my arm. The pressure made me tense up. I heard him sigh. “It’s still low. Do you have a low BP?”

“Uhh…I don’t know. I don’t really go to the doctor.” Levi let out a noncommittal grunt.

He quickly checked my leg. “Looking okay for now. Eat, meds, and rest.” I nodded and thanked him.

Quinn left the room with him, coming back with a gut-knotting MRE (meal ready to eat) from the others, medicine, and more water. After she forced the so-called food, medicine, and water down my throat, I laid back and sighed, closing my eyes.

“When will you be ready for…you know?”

I raised a brow and opened my eyes. “I’m always ready for that,” I murmured as I wiggled my brows. She shook her head, and Josie let out a few sounds that reflected how grossed out she was.

“Not that, you asshole,” Quinn sighed.

I chuckled as best I could. “Soon would be nice.”

She nodded and reached over to the door, locking it. She pulled out my pack, grabbing everything for a draw. I talked her through it and she did well, as I suspected she would. She was brill and could do anything. I knocked back the vials and settled in for my high to take over. It was always amazing having Quinn by my side when I was drifting.

After being cooped up on the bedroom for a week, I was finally able to hobble out to the common area. Quinn made me sit in the chair, stacking up boxes so I could keep my leg elevated.

Levi checked me over several times and told me things were looking good. I was still in quite a bit of pain but, thankfully, everything was on the mend.

Reid had built a stunning fire. Levi’s wife, Janny, was also trying to care for me. She would watch over me while Quinn went out to help gather wood or get water from the well pump they had found not too far from the house.

Quinn walked up to me and knelt down. Jesus, what I wouldn’t give for her to be kneeling before me in other ways. I felt J.T. twitch in my shorts. “How are you feeling?”

I shrugged. “Tired, but all right. How are you?” I threw out a half-smile.

“Better seeing that you are. You ready for bed?”

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea. The good doctor says I need lots of rest.” I winked at her. She returned a smile as she stood up and helped me to my feet. Supporting me, she guided me back into bed.

Josie was leaning against the wall with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, knees to her chest, her nose in a book and a pocket flashlight in her mouth. She looked up at us as we came into the room. “Do you think it would be okay if I slept by the fire tonight? I’m freezing.”

Quinn looked at me and I shrugged. “I think that would be fine. Just keep your gun near you,” I said.

“I will.” She stood up, grabbed all of her blankets, and headed out to the common room.

Quinn closed and locked the door. When she turned, she saw the devilish glint in my eyes. “No.”

“What?” I played the innocent card. “I didn’t say anything.”

“I know that look, and you need to rest.” She pointed at me as she spoke in a harsh whisper. I stuck out my bottom lip. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and raised her brow. “Gunther…”

“Say my name again.” I grinned.

“Stop. You need to rest.”

“I need a lot of things.” I rubbed the mattress next to me. “Come on. I will let you do
all
the work.” I winked at her.

“You are insufferable.”

“I’m a lot of things, love. I suppose being difficult would be one of them.” She threw her arms down at her side and marched up to the bed. She looked so fit when she was angry. I chuckled and then murmured, “Now, take off your clothes.”

“Add demanding to that list,” she said with a smirk.

And I won.

Quinn unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans as slow as she could, teasing me every step of the way. As she carefully worked them over her curvy hips, cream lacy underthings began to appear. I was instantly hard.

“Jesus Christ,” I mumbled. She turned around, and I adjusted myself before J.T. broke through the fabric of my shorts.

She slowly bent over, swaying her amazing hips back and forth in a steady rhythm. She slid her jeans down all the way, stepping out of them and pushing them off to the side. She turned and looked over her shoulder, teeth sunk into her lush bottom lip, a devious sparkle in her eyes.

Looking forward again, she pulled her shirt over her head, exposing a matching bra, continuously shifting her hips back and forth. I groaned, knowing what was coming next. Her hands inched down her sides, scooted around to her amazing arse, and gave it a squeeze.

If I could have gotten up, I would have taken her right then. I would have torn off her lacy hindrance, taken possession of what was mine and pounded her against that wall, bringing the shack down around us. I wanted to feel and smell her all over me.

Then she inched her hands up her curves and unhooked her bra. I was panting, waiting for her to turn around and face me. She threw the bra on the floor and looked back at me again. Her eyes were dancing in the dim light. I licked my lips. She turned back around and I watched her hands slither around her hips to the front of her body.

“Good god…you tease,” I murmured as quietly as I could. She knew she was driving me batty. Then she threw her head back and moaned. “You have got to be fucking
kidding
me…” My whisper was strained and my J.T. was dying for a peek at the action. She moaned my name as she ran her hands up to her chest. “Quinn…”

“Hmmm?” Her arms were moving, working herself from her chest to her fanny.

“Quinn…,” I said in a more warning tone.

“Yes,
big boy
?” she moaned.

“Get your foxy self over here…now,” I growled.

“I’m sorry. I’m a little busy.” She stifled another moan as her hands moved over her unbelievable body.

“Oh, really? When I’m healed—you just wait.”

She looked back over her shoulder. “For?” She batted her eyelashes at me and I quirked a brow.

“Quinn…” She smirked. “Get over here right now.” She turned around, her hands covering her beautiful, luscious chest. Then she crawled up onto the bed and straddled my lap. I pushed my hips up, showing her what I had to give her.

She smirked again. “Something got you…
hard up
?” she purred.

“You have no fucking idea how much you turn me on.”

She tugged at the bottom of my t-shirt and peeled it off my body. Her warm hands ran down my chest and moved torturously slow over my abs. She was driving me to the brink. Her fingers flitted around the waist of my gym shorts.

“You’re kind of tired, Gun. You need rest.” I grabbed her by the back of the neck and pulled her to my lips.

“You do realize you are the
only
one who has ever gotten away with calling me that, right?” Our lips were so close, they brushed against each other while we spoke.

“Am I now?” I pulled her closer, crushing her lips to mine. She moaned as I took over her mouth. I grabbed onto one of her pink pretties and gave it a healthy pinch and twist. She gasped into my mouth.

I smirked through the kiss and let out a sadistic chuckle. “You are so fucking fit. I can’t even tell you how hard you make me.”

“I think I know, but why don’t you show me…
big boy
.” Her eyelashes fluttered. Christ, I loved that woman. She lifted up and I pulled my shorts down, exposing every thick inch of love for her. “Mmm…” She licked her lips and slithered off of me.

She ran her hands over my J.T. and my hips bucked up, chasing her delicate fingers as they trailed from my tip. She looked up and smirked. I grabbed her hand and shoved it back onto me. “Don’t stop,” I grumbled.

“I thought I would…” She licked her lips.

Oh, shit.
“Christ, woman…” Then she grabbed me with an aggressive hand and dropped her mouth onto me. “Fuck,” I barked. I watched her stunning face as she bobbed up and down. She was enjoying it as much as I was. I fisted her wavy brown locks that kept gathering around her face and rode it out with her, panting as quietly as I could. I laid my head back on the headboard and tipped my face to the ceiling, praying it would never end.

My silent prayers ended when I felt her release me and slither back up my wanton body. I met her eyes as she made it to my lips. She kissed me with need and desire. Her hands wrapped around my jaw and pulled my face to hers. She was so amazing. I would do anything she wanted me to. I was completely enthralled and she had me hook, line, and sinker.

“You know…you can’t fuck me with those on,” I whispered into her lips. She smiled and hopped off the bed. She started pulling her panties down as she twisted a bit, sliding the lace over her perfect arse. “Oh god, love. Let me look at you for a sec.” She stood still, smirking. “Turn around for me.” She did as I demanded. “Get that fanny over here right now.”

She strutted back over to me and crawled up onto me. “You ready?” She batted her eyelashes at me once again.

“I have been for such a long time.” I ran my hands down her sides. She rose up and leaned forward, pressing her luscious chest to mine. I grabbed my boy in my hand, thumbed the bead of fluid that was lingering on my tip, and directed him to exactly where he was craving to be.

Quinn slowly pushed down, and I wanted to come the second she enveloped me with her warmth. She pressed her face into my neck, panting in pain, trying to take all of me in. I decided to help her because she was struggling with me again. I hated that I hurt her.

I wrapped my arms around her, lifting her up. I slowly let her come back down, hoping her slick core helped. She was so tight and snug around me, and I loved every second of her. She moaned and lifted her head. I let her go and wrapped my big mitts around her face. She looked into my eyes, and I couldn’t help but to let my guard down. It was her that brought me to my proverbial knees. I needed every second of her and ounce of love she could give me.

“You are so beautiful…so amazing. You mean everything to me.”

“Gunther…,” she moaned.

“I love everything about you. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. You’ve changed me for the better.” I threw my head back as she rocked her hips. Her pie was gripping onto J.T., and she was taking my breath away.

“Gun…,” she moaned. I looked back at her and she was biting her bottom lip. She was perfect with a bead of sweat running between her swaying valley. I grabbed her and pulled her close to my body. Balancing myself with my good leg, I bucked my hips up, making her melt into me.

“Oh fuck, love.” She was clenching and I was about to die. Even in my weakened state, I was trying to hold strong and get her to the moment, but I was falling over the edge myself.

It came as a surprise to me when we exploded at the same time. It was the most erotic moment of my life. She laid with her cheek pressed into my chest, panting. I rested my chin on top of her head and wrapped my arms around her body, holding her snug to me. I was never going to let her go no matter what. I would hold her in my heart forever.

She was mine and nothing would ever change that.

The sun peered through the grime-covered windows. When I woke up, I realized I was still sitting up with Quinn’s head in my lap. I rubbed my dry, gritty eyes, and my hand wandered down to play with Quinn’s hair. She moaned and shifted around. “Good morning, beautiful,” I murmured and she moaned again. “As much as I hate to break this up, I’ve got to move around a bit.”

She peeked up at me. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s fine. I’m just a little…stiff.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her and she started laughing. “Want to see?”

Her smile was breathtaking. I grabbed her face roughly and planted a firm kiss on her lips. A groan slipped out and her hips rubbed against mine. I ran my hand down her side and grabbed onto her leg, wrapping it around my body. She moaned as my fingers flitted along her smooth, supple skin. I continued to kiss her, attacking her tongue with mine, but I broke away before not being able to stop.

“Mmm…we can’t do this right now. What we need to do is supply hunt.” Her face went from bright to pouting in a snap of a finger. I swiped my thumb across her cheek and pulled away from her, sliding off the bed and getting dressed.

When I hobbled out to the common area, everyone was hanging out, broken off into couples and doing their own thing. Josie was sitting and staring at the fireplace. I limped over to the chair and sighed in relief as I lowered myself down into it. The chair creaked, which made me worry my arse would be firmly hitting the floor at any moment.

“So…” Everyone turned and faced me. I felt like the king in a tattered throne. “I was wondering how your supplies are holding up. I know
we’re
getting low and I’ll need to head out soon to try and hunt some down.”

Levi rested his hands on his hips and shook his head. “I think you should wait until your leg is better.”

I wasn’t an invalid, nor did I want to be treated like one. “You said my leg was looking good,” I snipped.

“It is, but it’s not
healed
yet,” he warned. “There is no way in hell you would be able to outrun anything at this moment.”

Okay, maybe he was right, but I wasn’t going to show that. “We are low on supplies,” I countered. “I need to go out there and find stuff. It’s my responsibility to take care of Quinn and Josie.”

“Don’t be stupid,” Levi muttered. I glared at him. “I suggest giving it a few more days, at the very least. You still aren’t walking well on your own.”

“Our food supply is low,” I grumbled.

“We’ll share some of our MRE’s with you until you can…”

“No fucking way.” I waved my hand in the air. “I already owe you enough favors.”

Janny stood up and wrapped her arm around Levi’s. “It would be our pleasure to help you.”

I heard an unintelligible, low mutter come from Mitch. My eyes ticked over to him. I wasn’t a fan. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure as to why I disliked him yet. Maybe it was because the arse shot me. However, I suspected something sinister about him because, well…let’s be frank. I was very familiar with sinister ways. I looked over at Josie and she had a hopeful gaze. I shook my head and cursed under my breath.

“Well, I need to return the favor. What can I do for you?” Levi looked at Janny and the rest of his crew.

“If you feel it is necessary…” Levi said. I nodded. “Then can we have a moment?”

“Certainly. It has been brought to my attention that I’m not going anywhere anytime soon,” I snipped. Levi waved his clan out the front door.