by Jessie Jones
"Gillian's going to be okay, mate," Duff said, reading the concern and worry he saw etched in the lines of Patrick's tired face. "She's the toughest woman I have ever met, and as you know, I have met a few. Her life has been pure shit, Pat, and she's been completely alone through all of it. Instead of lying down and giving up, Gillian clawed her way to the top the same as we did. She's one of us, mate, probably even stronger than we are because, at least, we had each other."
Patrick said nothing as the Scottish man turned to make his way toward the door. Duff was right. Gillian Morgan's life mirrored theirs on so many levels. She had not only been abused and abandoned as a child, but she had been completely and utterly alone. That knowledge made Patrick want Gillian even more than he already did. Just like John, he wanted to possess her not only sexually, but emotionally. The problem was Patrick didn't know if Gillian felt the same. Fuck it, the Irishman thought as he plopped back down in the chair. He wasn't some love-sick fool who was looking for a soul mate. Gillian Morgan was John's problem and only his by association. He would help his brother and enjoy her talents, but he would leave the emotional shit to John.
Looking back at John and Gillian, Patrick let out a loud sigh. John looked so content lying beside the American. Leaning forward in his chair, Patrick lightly stroked Gillian's cheek. The woman instinctually rubbed her face against his palm in her sleep. "I'm going to have to guard my heart around you, sweetheart," he softly said with a smile. He then released her and eased back into the plush chair. It was going to be a long night.
Chapter 2
Gillian blindly ran toward the lighthouse. Glancing behind her, she screamed when she saw Galen quickly approaching her from behind. Tears streamed down her face as she frantically looked for a place to hide. Rounding the steps of the lighthouse, Gillian stopped dead in her tracks when she saw John coming up over the hill. Before she could call out to him, Gillian saw the bullet hit him directly between the eyes.
"John!" Gillian howled as his limp body fell to the ground. "John!"
The large, muscular British man jerked awake when he heard Gillian yell his name. He watched her thrashing about in the bed, crying and shaking uncontrollably. Gripping her shoulders and pulling her up, he attempted to get her attention, "Kitten, wake up!"
"Please don't die, John!" she wailed, her emerald eyes opening but still unable to clearly see her lover.
"Kitten, look at me, dammit. I'm right here," John said urgently before her eyes lifted to meet his.
"Oh my god!" Gillian cried out as she threw herself into his arms. "I thought I had lost you! I thought Galen killed you. I thought—"
The British billionaire silenced her cries as he slammed his mouth to hers in a hot, passionate kiss. The two lovers released all their fears and emotions into the kiss as Gillian quickly crawled across his lap to straddle him. Her small hands feverishly pulled at his black hair as she undulated her hips against his. John's tongue mated with hers a moment before he quickly jerked the gown she was wearing over her head.
"Fuck, I need you," John moaned into her mouth before his hands traveled up her sides to massage her breasts. He could feel his thick, hard cock pressing against the zipper of his jeans as her soaking wet pussy rubbed back and forth against his groin. When one hand made its way up her neck to jerk her head back, a painful gasp escaped Gillian's lips. Immediately coming to his senses, John tossed her off him before getting up. Running an agitated hand through his coal black hair, he growled, "What the fuck is wrong with me? I'm so sorry, kitten."
"John, I'm fine," Gillian said in a hoarse voice as she gently put her hand on her throat. "My throat is just sore. You didn't hurt me."
"Don't lie to me, kitten! You just cried out in pain!"
"Bear, please come back to bed," the beautiful American replied brokenly, tears filling her emerald eyes as she reached out and grabbed his hand. "I need you close to me right now. I just…need you to hold me."
Feeling like a complete and total bastard, John swooped Gillian up into his arms before climbing back into the bed. She buried her face in his muscular chest as he stroked her hair. "I'm sorry for yelling at you, kitten. I thought I had hurt you, after almost losing you yesterday. I was so…scared…I…"
Gillian heard the vulnerability in his voice and saw the unshed tears in his eyes as she looked at his darkly handsome face. She knew exactly how the Brit was feeling, because she felt it too. Gently stroking his bearded jaw, Gillian said, "I was scared too, Bear. I didn't think I was ever going to see you again. I thought—"
"Shh baby, you're safe now," John reassured her, carefully stroking her bruised cheek. He hated the tears that he saw falling down her beautiful face. "No one will ever put their fucking hands on you again, kitten. You have my word. I had no idea that Galen and Pandora were in France. I would have had more security. I would—"
"John, it wasn't your fault," Gillian interrupted, shaking her head. Placing a kiss on his warm lips, she wiped at the tears on her face. "Pandora came to the hospital and told me you had been shot! I only went with her because I thought you were hurt. I didn't know Galen was there until I got in the car. I…oh my god, Bear!" the American said with a panicked look on her face. "Did Galen rape me? He…choked me…I…passed out."
"He didn't rape you, sweetheart," John quickly assured her, tucking her hair gently behind her ears as he looked deeply in her emerald eyes, "I had Dutch and Bennett do a complete examination. You have bruising on your face and neck, but no other injuries."
"Is Galen…dead, Bear?" Gillian asked breathlessly, searching his molasses colored eyes for the truth.
"Yes."
"You?"
John nodded his head, his eyes never leaving hers. Unprepared for her reaction, the massive British man was knocked back when she once again threw her voluptuous body against his. He felt the tears sting his eyes as he held a sobbing Gillian in his strong arms. John stroked her hair and back as she cuddled against his hair covered chest. Why was she crying? Was she upset with him because John had killed Galen or relieved to hear that the man was dead? Either way, John had to find out.
"Kitten, look at me, sweetheart," The Brit said as she raised up and wiped at her eyes. "I'm not going to apologize for killing Galen. He would have killed you if I hadn't. You may be mad at me but—"
"Mad?" Gillian replied in surprise as she searched John's face. "Bear, I'm not mad at you for killing Galen. You saved my life! I love you, Pooh Bear."
Relief washed over John as he grabbed her shoulders and slammed his mouth down on hers, claiming her lips in a passionate kiss. Gillian was not mad at him, but more than that, she loved him! He felt his heart swell as he deepened the kiss and mated his tongue with hers. Gillian loved him! She had said it in France, but John had thought she would blame him for what had happened. He could tell by the look on her beautiful face that she was telling him the truth and he was completely at a loss for words. Hearing Gillian cry out in pain again, the billionaire came to his senses and immediately released his grip on his girl.
"Are you sure you want to push me away John?" Gillian asked as she snuggled up against her lover and began placing kisses on his neck. She could feel the large bulge between her legs and knew John wanted her too. Although she was hurt, Gillian needed to feel John inside of her. Running her hands up his chest, she massaged his male nipples. At his ears, she whispered, "I want you inside of me, Bear, and I know you want me. Let me take care of you. I'll be careful. I promise."
"Kitten, what in the fuck are you doing to me?" John growled between clenched teeth as his cock throbbed. He wanted to fuck his woman senseless, but if he hurt her again, he would never forgive himself. What he needed was space before he did something he would regret. Again, John pushed Gillian off his lap before quickly jumping off the bed. Without another word, he headed straight for the bathroom and slammed the door.
Gillian sat in the middle of the bed in shock. She also felt hurt from John's obvious rejection. Why was he suddenly pushing he
r away? John had been unable to keep his hands off her the day before. Did he think she had gone willingly with Galen? Now that she thought about it, John had not said he loved her in return. Maybe that had angered him? She had let the words slip out of her mouth without thought but had meant every word. Feeling the tears stinging her emerald eyes once again, she wrung her hands together nervously. Gillian needed to confront John. Jumping out of the bed, she was unprepared for the sudden wave of dizziness and nausea that had her falling to her knees. However, instead of hitting the floor, she was caught in a powerful pair of arms.
"Whoa, lovey. I got you," Patrick said as he steadied Gillian from falling. When her eyes met his, the Irishman leaned down and softly kissed her lips. Breaking the kiss, he swooped her up in his arms and cradled her a moment before putting her back in the bed.
"Thank you, Patrick," Gillian said, holding his hand a moment and staring into his translucent turquoise eyes. She needed the physical touch to slow her racing heart; however, touching the blond giant had the opposite effect.
Patrick's eyes roamed over Gillian's voluptuous, naked body while she rubbed his hand. His cock hardened immediately as his eyes feasted on her puffy, round breasts and large, wine-colored nipples. His cock pulsed and his mouth watered when his gaze dropped lower and he devoured the juicy, well-manicured pussy between her legs. Fuck, this woman was the most sensual creature he had ever laid eyes on! Here, Gillian was hurt, not even intentionally trying to tempt him, and he wanted to bury himself between her porcelain legs. What the fuck was wrong with him?
Jerking his hand away from hers roughly, Patrick needed to put distance between them. As he walked over to grab the breakfast tray, he gruffly asked, "What in the bloody hell were you doing out of bed? And where in the hell is Johnny?"
"John is in the bathroom," Gillian replied shakily as she quickly wiped at her wet eyes. With her head down, she quietly said, "I was trying to go get him, but I think I got up too fast. What time is it?"
"A little after ten," the Irishman said, walking over to the windows to open the curtains and allow the sunlight to filter in. Patrick then walked back over to the bed where he lifted her head up with one finger. "How are you feeling this morning, sweetheart? Are you still dizzy?"
"No, but my throat and face hurt. They feel swollen, actually. It hurts to swallow."
"Dutch will be in soon to see you. He had me put some pain medicine on your breakfast tray. I figured your throat would be sore, so I only brought you warm liquids," Patrick said, releasing her chin before sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"Thanks," Gillian replied hoarsely as she pulled a sheet up over her naked body. She suddenly was feeling uncomfortable as his eyes watched her intently. Picking up the tea from the tray, she took a small drink. "You know you don't have to be nice to me just because I got hurt. I know you don't like me, but I do appreciate you bringing me breakfast."
"Oh, I like you, lovey, very much, actually."
"I'm not talking about sex, Patrick. I know you want me sexually, but what I don't need is you to patronize me with kindness. I'm really not in the mood."
"Listen here, kitty," the Irishman began angrily, his eyes turning a darker shade of blue. "You'd better watch your tone, sweetheart. You're not too hurt to punish. I'm trying to be nice to you, but you're making it rather hard. I know you think I'm a bastard, but I don't get off on watching women in pain. If I'm being honest with you, I'm glad John brought you back. I might have even missed you a little."
Gillian was stunned by Patrick's words. Had the Irishman really missed her? Maybe he was feeling guilty for the way he'd treated her. Maybe he was just being nice so she would sleep with him again. Whatever the reason, she needed to feel as though someone gave a damn. Reaching out, Gillian picked up his scarred hand. Bringing it to her lips, she kissed the fingers. "I'm sorry, Patrick. I'm not feeling well, and I shouldn't take it out on you."
Patrick responded to her by gently cupping her jaw and kissing her lips. When his tongue began to mate with hers, Gillian melted into his touch and threw her arms around his neck. Her clit began to throb painfully with need, when she heard Patrick growl in the back of his throat and deepen the kiss.
"Pat, fuck!" John yelled as he came back into the bedroom dressed in his jeans and a grey t-shirt. On his dark head, he wore a black skull cap. "She's hurt, dammit! She doesn't need your tongue down her throat!"
Patrick broke the kiss and pulled back only to smile at John before his mouth once again found Gillian's. When he ended the kiss, the Irishman loved the look of lust he saw in her emerald eyes. Over his shoulder, he said, "You should be thanking me for coming when I did, Johnny. Our kitty was about to hit the floor."
"What?" John replied as he rushed over to Gillian. Stroking her face, he asked, "Are you okay? What happened? Do you need Dutch?"
Chewing on her bottom lip nervously, Gillian said, "I'm okay, John. I was just dizzy. I think I tried to get up to fast."
"Call Dutch, boyo. I want kitten checked out," John said to Patrick, releasing Gillian's face. "Then I need you, Luther, and Duff to meet me in my office."
Rolling his eyes at John's gruff response, Patrick cupped the American's face before kissing her passionately once more. When he pulled back, he looked into her eyes and smiled. "Make sure you eat some breakfast and take your medicine. I'll send one of the maids up to help you take a bath. I'll check on you later, lovey. Call me if you need anything."
"Thank you again, Patrick." Gillian smiled before the Irishman winked at her and got up to leave. When the door to the bedroom closed, the raven-haired beauty looked at John and said, "I don't need Dutch, John. I'm okay, really."
"Kitten, you will let Dutch examine you. End of discussion."
Gillian felt the tears spring to her eyes at John's dismissal of her. Her sadness quickly turned to anger as she watched the Brit walk around the room and gather his watch and boots. "I said I don't need Dutch, dammit," Gillian barked loudly. "In case you have forgotten, John, I'm a doctor also. If I need him, I will let you know."
The six foot six, muscular Brit immediately stopped and turned to look at his woman. The tone in her voice was going to get her curvy little ass beat if she didn't watch it. Gillian had no idea how close to the edge he was anyway. "I know exactly who you are, kitten, and I dictate what happens here, not you!" John roared, stomping toward the bed, "You will allow Dutch to examine you, or I will bend you over my knee. Which is it to be, sweetheart?"
"Why are you so angry at me, Bear?" Gillian shouted, reaching out to grab his hand in hers. "I need you right now, dammit, and you're pushing me away! I don't know what I've done to piss you off, but I think it involves Galen. I swear to you that I didn't betray you, John! Pandora told me that you had been shot. I thought you were dying! I—"
Jerking Gillian up by the hand he was holding, John crushed his lips to hers in a demanding, passionate kiss as his hands cupped her round, plush ass. He felt her tears on his bearded jaw and immediately felt like a bastard. Breaking the kiss, he breathlessly said, "Look at me, kitten." When she did, John said, "I'm not angry at you, and I know you didn't betray me, love. I know what happened in Paris, because I watched the footage from the hospital. If anyone should be mad, it should be you, kitten. I fucking let you down. I let those bastards hurt you."
"John, Paris wasn't your fault. I love you!" Gillian replied, cupping both sides of his face, "You confuse me, though, baby! You say you're not angry at me, but your actions say otherwise. Why did you push me off you and go to the bathroom if you're not mad at me?"
"Because I went to the bathroom to jack off!" John barked, embarrassed to admit his weakness for her. "I love you, dammit, but you're fucking hurt, kitten! If I had stayed with you at that moment, I was going to fuck you, and hard! I want to sit and talk to you, baby, but I can't keep my hands off you."
Touched by his words, Gillian ran her tongue across his lips. "What I need, Bear, is you. I love you."
"I love you too, kitten,
" John replied before he crushed his lips to hers. His hands spread apart her ass cheeks as his mouth and tongue devoured hers. Needing the contact, Gillian wrapped her arms around his broad back and pulled him down on top of her. She wrapped her legs around his waist before she began to undulate her hips against his. Gillian then broke the kiss to run her tongue up the pulsing vein in his thick, corded neck. Her hands tore off his skull cap and attempted to pull his t-shirt up.
"Make love to me, Pooh Bear. I need to feel you inside of me."
John wanted to make love to Gillian, and his cock was painfully throbbing in his jeans. He could feel the juices from her sensitive pussy wetting the zipper of his pants as she nibbled on his neck. John was trying to be respectful of kitten, but she was making it difficult. John gripped one large breast as he slowly and sensually ran his own tongue up her neck. When she again gasped in discomfort, John locked her hands together above her head to still her movements.
"Please don't stop, John," Gillian begged, her pussy weeping at the feel of his rock-hard dick between her legs. "I need you inside of me."
"I need you too, kitten, but not if it hurts you in any way," John growled, loving the feel of her beneath him. Slowly, John ground his hips against hers as she moaned in pleasure. "You feel me between your legs, sweetheart? That's how much I want you, but what I want more is no restrictions to our love making. I know you're frustrated, and so am I, but you have to heal first, before we have sex."
Seeing John's turbulent emotions in his molasses colored eyes, Gillian placed a kiss on his lips as she stopped her provocative undulations. "Okay, Bear, you win," she said softly with a sigh of annoyance. "Promise me, though, that you won't intentionally avoid me."
"I could never avoid you, kitten," John responded, dimples flashing as he smiled down at her. "I love you, sweetheart. You're stuck with me." The smile on Gillian's face was brilliant as he hugged her body close to him once more before kissing her lips. "Right now, I have some work to do, and you need to get something in that stomach of yours. Plus, working helps me to keep my mind off the fact that I have a very naked, aroused kitten in my bed. If you need anything, love, call me. I'll be down in my office. If I leave the manor for any reason, you will be the first to know."