Duncan

by Teresa Gabelman

  “No, it won’t, and no, it isn’t.” Slade called her out on her lie. He glanced to Duncan. “I’m going to need your help.”

  “Why?” Jill was really getting nervous, her breathing coming in short gasps. “What is he going to do?”

  “Jill.” Slade tried to calm her down. He leaned down into her line of vision cutting off Duncan walking toward them. “Jill!”

  “What?” she whispered.

  “It will only take a second,” Slade assured her.

  “A second of pain is a second too long.” She hated acting like a pussy, but when it came to pain, she wasn’t acting…she was a pussy.

  Slade nodded to Duncan who had stepped behind Jill. Slade placed Duncan’s hands where he wanted them. “Just hold her still. Don’t move.” He didn’t continue until Duncan nodded his understanding.

  Jill started to shake. “Can’t you knock me out or something for this?”

  “No.” Slade put his hands on her shoulder and arm. “Okay, on the count of three….”

  “Wait!” Jill’s eyes bugged out. “I have to throw my gum away. I might choke on it.”

  Slade sighed holding his hand out. Jill leaned her head over spitting her gum into his hand. “Thanks.” She watched him toss it into the garbage can across the room. “Nice shot.”

  “Okay, on the count of three I am going to set your shoulder back in place,” Slade told her, then looked at Duncan. “Hold her tight.”

  Jill brought her head up nodding. She couldn’t think of anything else to get her out of this so she might as well take it.

  “One…”

  Squeezing her eyes tight, she waited for three, but three never came.

  “Two…” Slade’s hands tightened as he jerked her shoulder back into its socket.

  “Son. Of. A. Bitch!” Jill screamed then kicked him hard. “What the hell happened to three?”

  Duncan and Slade held her still. Slade ignored the pain in his shin and her cursing as he looked over his handiwork. The shoulder seemed in place. “Move your arm.” He demanded.

  Slowly, Jill brought her arm up and down, rolling her shoulder.

  “How does it feel?” He and Duncan let her go.

  “Sore and stiff, but better.” Jill frowned. “Seriously, what happened to three?”

  “I couldn’t have you stiffening up, and I knew once you heard three, you would,” Slade explained with a grin.

  “Well, that was a mean trick.” She wrinkled her nose at him.

  “But it works every time.” Slade put his scissors back in his bag. “Take it easy for a day or two, then slowly get back to your normal activities. You’re healing time will be a lot faster, and you should be good as new in a few days.”

  “When can she start training again?” Duncan asked.

  “That depends, training for what?” Slade picked up his bag slinging it over his shoulder.

  “Warrior training,” Jill replied walking out the door first.

  Slade just shook his head with a laugh passing her. “No sooner than a week.” He glanced at her and laughed again.

  “What’s so funny?” Jill frowned.

  “You can’t even get your shoulder set without having a panic attack,” Slade replied shaking his head. “And you’re going to train to be a Warrior.”

  Once he turned away, Jill flipped him off quickly before he could turn back around to see her. Glancing at Duncan, she shrugged her uninjured shoulder before walking away. She’d show the asshole she could be a Warrior. She trained harder than any of them and maybe she didn’t like pain, but that just made her train even harder so she didn’t experience pain often. Yeah, she’d show him.

  *****

  Duncan followed Slade and Jill out to the workout area. It was pretty funny seeing small quiet Jill flipping off the huge Warrior in front of her. Of course, Slade hadn’t seen her. His eyes instantly found Pam sitting while talking with Nicole and Tessa. Sid was leading the half-breeds in training while Sloan, Damon and Jared stood next to the women talking.

  “Slade.” Duncan stood next to Pam. “This is Pam Braxton.”

  “Nice to meet you, Pam.” Slade set his gear down to shake her hand.

  “You’re the doctor?” Pam asked, surprised as she looked him up and down.

  “Think I’m feeling a little sick.” Nicole grinned also giving him a once over.

  Tessa covered her mouth giving a fake cough. “I haven’t felt very well myself.”

  “He’s not a human doctor,” Jared growled. “And you were feeling fine just a few seconds ago.”

  “Where’s your office.” Nicole ignored Jared. “And how do I make an appointment?”

  Damon growled eyeing Slade as did Jared.

  “Ladies, even though I would love to examine each and every one of you…” Slade grinned when the growls got louder. “I think it would be in my best interest if I referred you elsewhere.”

  “You better fucking believe it would be in your best interest, Doc,” Jared sneered putting his arm around Tessa.

  Slade gave him a nod, then snuck a wink at Tessa. He turned toward Duncan. “Do you have any problems with me being Pam’s doctor?”

  “No, because if you so much as harm one hair on her head or do anything to upset her, I will kill you.” Duncan’s tone was threatening, but calm and to the point.

  Slade cocked his eyebrow. “Fair enough.” He tried to step out of the way when Jared walked by with Tessa on the other side, but he wasn’t fast enough and got shoulder checked. Yeah, he got the message loud and clear. The little human was off limits.

  Sloan came over at that moment shaking his head at Jared. He handed Slade a set of keys. “Everything you asked for should be in the office. Anything else you might need just let me know.”

  Pocketing the keys Slade nodded. “Thanks, but I’m sure it will be fine.”

  “Since Jill is down, she can help you get set up.” Sloan volunteered Jill’s services. “Won’t you, Jill?”

  The look on her face said she would rather have her shoulder set again, but she nodded. “Yes, sir, what time?”

  “How about ten?” Slade replied not really needing the help, but didn’t want to start out on the wrong foot with Sloan.

  “If you need any extra help, I’m sure me and Tessa can assist,” Nicole added sweetly.

  “You have to work,” Damon reminded her. “I doubt Mitch will let you have a day off.”

  Sloan slapped Slade on the shoulder. “Come on. I’m sure you want to get settled.”

  “It was nice meeting you all.” Jared and Damon growled a goodbye, Tessa and Nicole waved with large smiles. He looked at Pam and Duncan. “Give me a few days to get everything ready, then stop by, unless you have any problems before then.”

  “Thank you.” Pam waved as Duncan shook his hand.

  “What an asshole.” Jared frowned as soon as Slade and Sloan walked out.

  “He is not…he’s nice.” Tessa smiled, then patted Jared’s cheek. “You’re just jealous.”

  Jared frowned down at her looking offended. “The hell I am.”

  “We just don’t like our women slobbering over someone,” Damon grunted.

  “We were not slobbering,” Nicole defended. “And like you guys don’t check out hot women.”

  “No, we don’t,” Jared answered looking down at Tessa. “The only woman I want is right here.”

  Tessa leaned her body into Jared’s whispering something in his ear. His eyes darkened as he grabbed her hand heading for the door. “See you guys.”

  Nicole and Damon also had their heads together talking softly to each other.

  Duncan glanced at Pam who wore a sad expression on her face. “Hey.” He tilted her face to his. “What are you so deep in thought about?”

  Pam gave him a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Nothing really,” she lied, but how could she tell him that she may never be able to have a close relationship with him like Damon and Jared had with Nicole and Tessa. She had also seen h
im watching the couples with a wanting expression. “Just tired I guess.”

  Duncan helped her off the stool she was sitting on. “Come on. Let’s go so you can get some rest.”

  They both said goodbye to Damon and Nicole who halfheartedly said goodbye. They were too into each other to notice anything else.

  Chapter 12

  Pam woke with a start. Her head snapped to the chair finding it empty. Relief and panic hit her. Relief that Duncan wasn’t sitting there watching her sleep, but panic that she was alone. She woke many times during the night having to go to the bathroom and he had sat with his head leaned back, but his eyes would search hers making sure she was okay. Night also seemed to be the favorite time for the baby to move around. Sleeping, eating, and peeing seemed to be what her life revolved around now.

  Coming out of the bathroom, her stomach growled. She was hungry. Biting her lip, she glanced at the door wondering if she could just run and get a light snack. Slipping on a pair of her new maternity pants and shirt, she snuck out of her room barefoot.

  Seeing a light on in the kitchen and dining area, Pam thought about going back to her room, but her stomach growled again making her decision for her. Walking in, she saw Tessa sitting at the table eating a bowl of cereal, reading.

  “Hey,” Pam said quietly not wanting to startle her.

  Tessa looked up and smiled putting her book down. “The baby demanding food?”

  “Yeah. Care if I join you?” Pam walked further into the room.

  “Not at all.” Tessa smiled. “I’m bored out of my mind. Jared is helping Duncan with something, so I decided to come in and eat, which is a big no-no for me this late at night.”

  Grabbing a box of cereal, Pam poured herself a bowl then sat across from Tessa. “What are you reading?”

  Tessa snorted. “My Vampire Lover.” She waggled her eyebrows. “I’ll let you borrow it when I’m finished.”

  Pam glanced at the book then into her bowl. “Does Jared know you read that stuff?”

  “Yes.” Tessa giggled. “He thinks it’s funny, but let me tell you, he proves to me that the vampires in my books are ‘big pussies who wouldn’t know how to make a woman scream in pleasure if they tried.’” Tessa’s voice lowered copying Jared’s tone.

  “Good impression,” Pam smiled.

  “Thanks.” Tessa grinned back, and then her eyes turned serious. “How are you doing?”

  Now wasn’t that a loaded question. “Fine…I think,” Pam replied honestly. “One minute I’m fine, and then the next I’m…hell, I don’t know what I am.” Her appetite gone, she pushed her half-eaten bowl away.

  “It takes time, Pam.” Tessa’s eyes were full of understanding. “Give yourself a break. I honestly think you’re doing great, but you’re going to have moments.”

  Pam nodded, having had a few moments already. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Anything.” Tessa leaned up, ready to listen and help anyway she could.

  “Were you able to have…you know?”

  Tessa sat for a minute staring at her, trying to understand. “Sex?”

  Again, Pam nodded. “Yeah.”

  “I wasn’t sexually abused.” Tessa frowned.

  “Oh.” Feeling uncomfortable, Pam pushed away from the table. “Well, thanks for the cereal. Guess I’ll be getting back. I’m feeling really tired.”

  “Don’t go.” Tessa reached across the table. “And please don’t be embarrassed. I know you don’t really have anyone to talk to about this, and I want to help you. Even though I wasn’t sexually abused, I was abused. I know the feelings. Being around these Warriors has been a true test for me at times. Their tempers soar and they get so loud that I have to remind myself they would never hurt me. Jared has seen me react sometimes, but he understands that it’s something I still have to deal with and probably will for the rest of my life.”

  “What if I can’t do this?” Pam looked toward the door. “What if I can’t be woman enough for him?”

  Tessa crossed her arms leaning back in her chair. “Have you tried to do anything with Duncan yet?”

  “No, not really. I mean we kissed…” Pam frowned, “kind of. It wasn’t anything crazy.”

  “And?” Tessa urged.

  “It was nice.”

  “You didn’t freak out?”

  “No.” Pam smiled. “I didn’t freak out.”

  “Do you find the thought of having sex with Duncan disgusting, terrifying, a total turnoff?” Tessa grinned when Pam’s cheeks reddened.

  “No.” Pam grinned. “I’m very attracted to him.” The old Pam would have said she wanted to jump his bones, but the old Pam wouldn’t be having this conversation with anyone. She would be going for what she wanted, which would be jumping his sexy ass bones.

  “Listen.” Tessa got up, and walked around the table and sat beside Pam, taking her hands in hers. “Duncan is totally in love with you. He was walking death while you were missing. Just take things slowly, and one step at a time. Duncan will wait for you. He already has.”

  “That’s not really fair to him.” Pam felt her eyes well up at her words.

  “What happened to you isn’t fair, period, but it happened. Now you have to work through it and don’t let that bastard run your life anymore. Take it back.” Tessa hugged her. “I did. I’m not saying it was easy, but I was surrounded by people who loved me and helped me through the dark times. Duncan will be by your side. If you’re ever in doubt, just look into that Warrior’s eyes, because honey, that man would go through hell fire for you.”

  “Thank you.” Pam hugged her tightly.

  “Hey now what’s this?” Jared and Duncan walked into the kitchen as both women wiped their eyes.

  “Just girl talk.” Tessa grinned when Jared moaned.

  “Oh hell. The last time there was girl talk in the kitchen, you and Nicole ended up in jail.” He grabbed Tessa’s hand. “Time to leave.”

  “That was so not our fault,” Tessa argued.

  Jared rolled his eyes as he bent over to place a kiss on the top of Pam’s head. “See ya, fatty.”

  “Bye.” Pam smiled watching them leave before her eyes found Duncan’s.

  “I can kick his ass for calling you that.” Duncan’s tone was serious, but his eyes held a smile.

  “He’s not far off the mark.” Pam rubbed her stomach not taking her eyes off him.

  “You are absolutely beautiful.” Duncan’s eyes roamed from her face down her body then back to her eyes.

  A sudden urge to test herself came over her, not to mention how handsome he looked as he leaned casually against the table staring down at her. His stare burned her, but in a good way. Standing, she stepped up to him, both hands going to his t-shirt-covered chest. Her eyes didn’t leave his. She didn’t want to blink, afraid of losing his image and it being replaced with another that would terrify her. With slow movement, her fingers spread out feeling the power radiating off him; her hands made their way to his shoulders. Going up on her toes, she leaned forward placing a kiss on his neck. The only movement he made was to tilt his head slightly. Feeling braver, she kissed her way up his jawline as her one hand cupped his cheek. Stopping just a breath away from his lips, she moistened hers with her tongue. His groan was what she needed to hear, gave her courage to keep going.

  Their lips met slow and sweet, tongues dancing at a slow tempo. Duncan finally moved, wrapping one strong arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him, her belly pressed against him. Feeling excited that she wasn’t terrified, Pam grabbed his neck pulling his mouth closer to hers. She couldn’t get enough of him. She felt a weird sort of freedom at not being terrified of this man’s hands on her, their mouths mashed together. Breaking away for a slight second, she breathed in deeply with a moan before going back for more.

  ******

  Duncan fought to keep his control. All he wanted to do was lay this woman on the table and fuck her, but he wouldn’t do that. Not now. If he lost control and did what he wanted to do
, he would lose her. She was too raw; it was too soon. Right now, she was testing the waters. He knew what she was doing and respected her for it. He needed to make sure she could trust him to stop if she’d had enough. It was the hardest thing he had ever done. Her sweet mouth played havoc with his as her body rubbed against him. He couldn’t hide the hardness between his legs that was totally out of his control.

  He felt her hand going south, and as soon as it hit the waistband of his jeans, he caught it bringing it back to his face where he left her lips to kiss her palm then placed it on his shoulder before his lips went back to hers. He could feel her control slipping; to prove that point, her hand traveled the same path, and with a discipline he didn’t know he possessed, he stopped her hand again before she grabbed onto his rock hard cock.

  Pulling his lips from her, he kissed her cheek his lips close to her ear. “Honey, we need to slow down.” He nuzzled her hair.

  “No,” Pam moaned trying to take his lips again.

  “Pam. Honey.” He tried to put distance between them, but she held on for dear life.

  “You too!” Sid walked in just as Duncan pulled Pam off him. “Did you not read Sid’s Kitchen Law? I swear there is more screwing around in this kitchen than there is eating. Maybe I need to start charging by the hour. I can make serious cash flow off you guys.”

  Duncan completely ignored Sid. His focus was on the different emotions playing across Pam’s face. The one of horror was the one he didn’t want to see, but it was there, chasing her from the room. “Pam!” he called out to her, but she didn’t stop. “Fuck!”

  Sid stopped his grumbling. “What did I do now?”

  “Nothing,” Duncan replied staring at the door wondering what to do. Should he go after her, or give her a minute. Dammit, he was in over his head. He, Duncan Roark, leader of the VC Warriors, was at a loss of what to do. Rubbing his hand down his face, he headed out the door. Even though he didn’t know what to do, he wasn’t a coward. He was going to face this head on.

  ******

  Whore. The evil voice from her past whispered through her head as she hurried down the hallway looking for her room. No one is going to love you after I’m done with you.