“You’re lucky you got her here just in time,” he said. “In fact, if you’d waited a few more minutes more, she would’ve died of blood loss.”
I flinched at those words.
Thankfully, Meryl had contacted the hospital that was part of our group. That way, we could talk about who did this without having to worry about the cops getting involved.
I let the doctor continue looking after Laney. The sight of her lying there surrounded by a flurry of medical personnel sent shivers down my spine. She looked so helpless, almost deathlike; the color of her skin as white as our surroundings. I almost cried out in pain when they wheeled Laney to the operating theater.
Meryl showed up shortly after Laney was brought in for surgery. When she got there, her chest was heaving, and she looked at me with widened eyes.
“How is she?”
I shrugged. “They’re operating on her now.”
Meryl looked at the door to the operating theater and scowled. “She’ll be okay. She is as strong as they come.”
Somehow hearing the usually taciturn Meryl utter those words of comfort made me feel hopeful
“Who did it?” she asked, immediately reverting back to her habitual manner.
“Audra. I was a goddamn fool. I told her to go after Audra because I thought she could handle herself but … I guess not.”
She reached out, touching my shoulder and holding her hand there.
“It was not your fault.” She inhaled deeply. “I looked into what you gave me. And it matches the information we have. But this isn’t the only group. There’s a whole trafficking ring with human specimens that we’re trying to bust. I feel we might have a case. But still … this is troublesome.”
“Yeah, especially since we have to work under the radar.”
“The easiest solution for this is for you to confront Daniel yourself. But that is risky of course,” Meryl admitted.
I nodded.
“I’m not doing it alone either. I’m waiting till Laney recovers.”
“But isn’t she going to be cooped up in here for a while?”
I shook my head.
“I don’t think so. And plus … the issue with Audra and her is hers and hers alone. We can’t keep hiding, Meryl. That’s not what he wants. I know what I must do. I know that I must face the ghosts of my past and Robert’s killer before he tries to hurt more people. I know that that isn’t the only facility. I read into it and I don’t think this is just one instance either,” I explained.
She nodded solemnly. “I see. Well, I guess waiting till she wakes up might be the best option. But are you sure? It sounds like the doctors might have her for a long time.”
I nodded. “I do. I want to wait until she’s recovered before we move any further. I don’t want to leave her out of this.”
It wasn’t even because of my own desire for revenge. I could tell already that if I didn’t talk to her about that, she’d be upset. Still, I knew that I couldn’t just wait on her.
Meryl touched my arm, and I looked at her. She smiled at me. “You just have to try and relax. She’ll be fine. I believe in her. She’s tough.”
“I believe she’ll pull through. It’s just how she deals with the realization of everything. And that Audra almost killed her,” I said.
“I think she’ll understand what she needs to do better than any of us. Come on. You want her to be happy as well, right?”
“Yeah. Sure, I do. I just am still shocked that they’re testing drugs like that on humans. I want to put him away. And the rest of those damn Tigers.”
“You will. We’re a gang sure, but we also don’t tolerate people doing that. I caught wind from Nikoli that they’ve been aiming to attack the bar on the east side of town, but they’re planning on putting up a barricade against the Tigers beforehand. I do think that finding Daniel and stopping him is our best option.”
“I think so too. Otherwise, this shit is just going to continue,” I muttered.
“Anyways, I better be going. I have to meet with the chairmen and all.”
“Right. I’ll see you around.”
She smiled, quickly heading on out of there. And I just hoped that Laney would be okay. I promised myself that I’d get my revenge, even if it was the last goddamn thing I did.
When Laney came out of surgery, I managed to argue my way into her room. I even went as far as claiming that I was her husband. The moment we were alone, I sat down in the only chair in the room and watched her, a warm smile materializing on my face as it truly sunk in that she was safe.
“No matter what happens, I’ll be here for you. No matter what.”
I smiled once more, nodding off in the hope that she’d be awake when I woke up.
Chapter6: Laney
Chapter 6—Laney
I don’t know when I woke up. But when I did, I noticed there was an IV inside me and my body felt heavy. My eyes fluttered open as I looked around, trying to focus on where I was.
“Where…am I?”
I looked around some more until I noticed Stephan. His white hair was mopped around his face. He was in a deep sleep. I smiled. He looked so cute. I somehow just wanted to get out of bed and wrap my arms around him.
A small groan came from his mouth as he started to stir, moving slightly. Then his eyes fluttered open, taking a while to focus. When they did, he looked at me dead in the eye. And then he too smiled.
“You’re up! Awesome,” he said.
“What do you mean? How long’s it been?”
“About three days. You lost a lot of blood when you were stabbed. Naturally, you blacked out. I’ve been here ever since.”
I smiled, looking at him with a relieved grin.
“Thanks for sticking by my side, Stephan. I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m here for you. I’m just glad you’re back among the living. There are a couple of things I’d like to talk to you about. But first, I’d like for the nurse to come and check to make sure everything’s okay.”
“Sure.”
However, I was burning inside. I wanted to know everything that had happened. My recollection of events was blurred at best.
He called the nurse and soon a busty brunette came in. She checked my vitals and then turned to me with a serious expression on her face.
“Are you doing better?” she asked.
“Yeah. I’m as good a can be. What happened exactly? I remember being stabbed and then I blacked out and woke up here.”
“Christ. This man saved your life. You were literally a few minutes away from death. You needed a blood transfusion. We’re really glad that we got to you in time. The doctor even needed to fix up some of your organs. Apparently, the knife was dangerously close to your kidney. Luckily the puncture wound missed your intestines. So, you’ll be okay. But you might be sore for a bit,” she explained.
I moved slightly, feeling a dull ache in my abdomen. It wasn’t anything too bad though.
“Thank you. I should be okay. I’m not in as much pain as I should be,” I said.
“Good. But you should take it easy. I know the Tigers are causing a whole bunch of trouble but that doesn’t mean you have to get involved in all that,” the nurse admonished.
What did she know about the Tigers? I thought about asking but decided against it. I turned to Stephan, his green eyes fixating on me. I folded my arms around my chest, looking at him with an intense gaze. I wanted to know what the hell happened.
“Did Audra really stab me?”
“Yes. She did, babe. And I got you here in the nick of time.”
Shit. I didn’t expect that it was that close. If Stephan had not got to me so fast, I would not be lying here but in the morgue.
“Thank you,” I said, meekly.
“You’re welcome. But there is something else that I want to talk to you about. It’s about what’s next. The thing is we’re going to have to fight. Once you’re better, I’m going to finish this once and for all. I have to take care of Daniel.�
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I thought about that. I knew it was coming, but still, I was slightly worried about what this might lead to.
“So you’re going to leave and fight him?”
“Yes. I need to settle gang matters quickly. They plan to destroy certain sectors of the city. I learned that they have an attack planned for the mayor’s office and I’d like to make sure nothing bad happens,” he explained.
I see. So he was planning on stopping him.
“How long do you think we have?” I asked.
“Till the end of the month. I know that’s about three weeks away. You don’t have to make a choice right away, but I’m going to take back what’s mine. I need to avenge Robert’s death.”
I agreed with him on that. It’s not like we could continue like this. After all, if it did happen like this again and again, people were going to get hurt. I looked up at the TV screen. The news was on. The anchorman was going on about a couple of people who were mysteriously killed in a bombing. And as if he could read my mind, Stephan spoke.
“It’s exactly who you think it is. The Tigers are starting to mess things up in society and they’re only going to make shit worse if we don’t do something about it. Which is why I’m going to do what I have to do. To take responsibility for everything.”
“I see. And I can help, right?”
“That depends. Are you ready to put your life on the line yet again?” he asked.
I thought about that for a moment. I realized that if I wasn’t ready to do just that, that I would not have come to this point at Stephan’s side? However, I realized that I still needed to convince Stephan of my commitment.
“I am ready. The truth is, Stephan, I want to help you. I know you’re worried about my well-being and I totally get why. But I’m going to be honest with you. I’m not a child. I think I have proven to you that I know how to fight and that I am not afraid to do what is necessary. You know that you have someone by your side on whom you can count. Plus, Audra and I have a score to settle. Some of the things she said to me upset the hell out of me and I’m not going to just sit here and take it.”
He smiled. “That’s the spirit,” he teased.
“No seriously, I’m tired of this shit. I’m going to fight. I’m here with you, Stephan. I’m going to fight by your side,” I insisted.
“Are you sure?”
I nodded.
“I’m not going to let this continue. The thing is, I don’t want to lose you. I really don’t. I feel like if I let you go alone that you are going to get yourself into trouble. You need me. I’m here for you no matter what. And I’m going to stick around.”
He looked at me with a serious mien, the surprise obvious in his eyes. It took a few seconds and then he nodded. “Okay.”
I nodded. “There is one thing I want to ask you once this is over.”
My heart pounded in my ribcage. Stephan looked at me closely, his curiosity obvious.
“What is it?”
This was it, the moment of truth for both of us. The moment where, if he did agree, that would change my whole goddamn life. It would give me something to look forward to.
“When we finally get rid of the Tigers, can we be a normal couple? You know, go on dates and shit?”
Stephan sat back, chuckling.
“It’s not that funny you know,” I pouted.
“It kind of is. It’s funny that you think I only see you as someone I want to have sex with when the truth is … well, sure I do but…”
I chuckled. I loved seeing him so lost for words for once. It just felt great that my question was having this effect on him. It proved to me that he did care.
“I love you, Lacey. And, yeah, I do want to be your boyfriend and take you out on dates and shit. And maybe one day we can be even more than just boyfriend and girlfriend.”
I flushed. Even more than just boyfriend and girlfriend. That’s a nice idea, I thought.
“Yeah. I want that too.”
He looked around, making sure nobody was there. He then moved to the bed, climbing on top of me, taking extra care not too hurt me. He soon hovered right over me. Our faces were mere inches apart. He smiled down on me and I never felt so safe in my life as I felt than in the safe cage of his strong physique.
“Tonight, let me take care of you.”
The rawness of his voice oozed passion, revealing his carnal desire for me. A flurry of goosebumps immediately covered my skin. Despite the fact that I was in a hospital bed and had just been stitched up after being stabbed, I never felt sexier in my life.
I nodded, reveling in the thrill of the moment. The excitement bubbled within me, awakening a pulsating throb between my legs. It was as if my very core was about to melt. When our lips locked, I felt a rush of energy course through me. I wanted him so much and I knew that I needed to feel all of him then and there.
Chapter7: Stephan
Chapter 7—Stephan
As I kissed Laney, I realized that I didn’t want to lose her. With everything that was going on, I knew that I wanted to keep her here, safe with me, but most importantly I wanted her to be happy.
We continued to kiss, letting our need for each other overwhelm us. I then placed my hands on either side of her, reaching in and touching her face. She let out a small moan as I kissed her more forcefully. That alone almost made me smile. But my need for her was so great that I surpassed it, not wanting to break our embrace.
My tongue became more urgent as I plundered her mouth like a man possessed. We made out for what seemed like an eternity and, with a mind of their own, my hands started skirting her curvaceous body with gentle caresses. I didn’t want to hurt her. I was going to be as gentle as my passion would allow.
“Ahh,” she said, as I moved my hands slightly higher.
“Sorry.”
“No, it’s fine just. Just please be gentle with me.”
Her breathing was heavy, but I instinctively knew that it was not because of the pain. This notion gave me the confidence to gradually move my hands towards her face, caressing her chin and diving in for another deep, sensual kiss.
We stayed like that for a bit, until I started to move my lips downwards, giving her soft kisses against her flesh. She let out the smallest of moans, turning me on even more as I progressed. I soon began to plant my lips against the vein on her neck. I needed her so badly but at the same time I wanted to take things slow for fear of hurting her.
But I also wanted to make the moment special. The truth is, I thought about telling her the truth, that I wanted to marry her once all this was over. But I was scared. I didn’t want her to withdraw or feel like I was just saying it to make her feel better.
I continued to plant more and more kisses on her sweet flesh. My tongue had a mind of its own as it circled and licked her skin, me drinking her in like she was the elixir to life itself. She tensed against my eager ministrations, letting out small gasps of pleasure.
I smiled as I heard those delicious sounds.
My hands quickly moved towards her hospital gown, beginning to tug it off her body. I reveled in the way her eyes widened as I started to expose her nakedness.
“What if somebody comes in?” she hissed.
I did not answer. I pulled on the garment, fully exposing her naked body. The little tuft of hair on her pussy lured me in like a magnet, making me harder still. I could see her perky breasts and I couldn’t resist taking one of her nipples in my mouth and sucking on it. She let out a small moan of pleasure. My swirling tongue then coaxed a string of delicious little sounds from her mouth.
She was like a drug. I couldn’t get enough. I continued to tease and touch the very edges of the nipple, flicking my tongue against it and letting my other hand move towards her other nipple teasing it slightly. She let out a series of whimpers, trying her hardest to hold the hell back as I continued to watch her with widened eyes and a smile.
“You look so damn cute right now,” I said to her.
She flushed.
“R-really?’
“Yeah. Really.”
But there was something else I wanted to eat up instead. I moved my lips down her stomach, touching and teasing her flesh with my kisses. I watched as she reddened with delight. Soon, I was right over the little tuft of hair above her pussy.
I exhaled, marveling in the way her skin reacted to the heat of my breath. I repeated the process a few times until I felt her hands dig into the back of my head.
I smiled, moving my face lower still until my lips were right over her pussy. I stuck my tongue out, flicking it against her pussy, delighting in the way she started to let out a series of cries. My cock was as hard as steel as she gripped the sheets, trying her best to hold back her cries.
Watching her squirm like this was a true delight. I knew she was trying her hardest to hold back, but here she was, becoming a total mess underneath me. I began to push the very tip of my tongue against her clit, flicking it as I pushed two fingers inside her. I began to move my fingers rhythmically and I took my sweet time about it, watching as she whimpered, holding the sheets, trying her hardest not to cry out, and enjoying the moment.
I continued to tease her with my fingers, moving up so that I could watch her face as the throes of passion engulfed her. The need, the desire, the excitement that I saw in her beautiful eyes made my cock throb with need. I continued to move, adding a third finger, pushing it all the way in and watching as she tensed up, letting out a small cry, and then tightening against my hand.
She then relaxed, wincing slightly in response. I pulled back, looking at her with slight concern.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yeah. Sorry. I’m in a little bit of pain. That’s all.”
“Sorry, I didn’t want to hurt you.”
“No, it’s totally fine. I’m sorry, I just moved the wrong way.”
I nodded, understanding. I then shifted my weight, pulling my fingers out, watching as she let out a small cry of shock and surprise.
“Are you sure you’re good?”
Inked MC Boxset: Books 1-6 Page 15