by Toby Neal
His soldiers had brought him to a Great Nation America hospital facility in Utah for treatment. He’d suffered a fever from an infection in his leg, but it had finally broken. Now, propped up in bed, Dwight scowled at his bandaged thigh, elevated and with a drain protruding that dripped foul-smelling fluids into an attached bag.
“You’re lucky to still have that leg.” The doctor consulted his clipboard before hanging it on the wall. He was an Asian man of slight build—not pure, but the best the brothers could kidnap to work in this hospital dedicated to serving the people of their cause.
They’d get rid of that Chink as soon as they could recruit a doctor with the proper bloodline. Dwight would see to it personally.
“We’ll keep you on the IV antibiotics for another day or so, but it looks like the infection is backing off.” The man set down his clipboard and gestured for a nurse. “Let’s change those dressings and take a look.”
The nurse, auburn hair in braids, wearing a modest white gown with a sterile apron, glanced at Dwight flirtatiously. At least his nurse had pure blood. “I’m sorry, sir. This will hurt a bit.” She tugged at the bandage. “We have to remove the infected tissue from your wound.”
Dwight endured the removal of the bandage and a process the doctor called ‘debriding’ which almost made him scream. Instead, he used the pain to focus his hate, closing his eyes and imagining ways to punish Jolene and Cash when he captured them.
He knew where they were. He had spies everywhere.
They would pay. They would all pay.
Chapter Thirty-One
Cash
Tiny barreled through the woods, a huge wooly missile. “Tiny! Come back!”
But the big Akita scented major game and refused to retreat. Cash chased her, digging deep for what remained of his physical reserves.
He heard the creature up ahead, a crunching in the leaves—not only large, but moving carelessly. He paused to nock an arrow and draw, bringing the weapon up as Tiny bolted forward to flush the game.
“Tiny! Oh my God!” Jolene’s voice rang, high with surprised fright.
Cash’s hand dropped, the shock too great for his reflexes. The arrow buried itself, quivering, close to a nearby tree. His heart thundered with terror. He could have shot Sunshine! And if he’d been hunting with a gun, he might have.
Cash ran forward through a stand of brush to find Jolene on the ground, laughing, fending off the massive dog as Tiny licked every bit of skin she could reach. The darkness cloaking Cash lifted like night passing into day. Pressure on his shoulder blades pushed Cash forward, as Nando’s voice rang in his ears,“man up, bro!”
Cash grabbed Tiny’s thick collar and pulled her back from Jolene. “You’d think she was happy to see you or something. What’re you doing out here?” He gestured to the glen where they stood, a pocket of sunlight surrounded by trees and heavy brush, the ground soft with grass.
“I came to look for you.” She reached up a hand and he took it, helping her to stand.
“I thought you wanted to be alone.” The words just popped out, pressured by hurt.
“I’m sorry. I felt terrible, just sick about what happened, so I pushed you away.” She chewed on her lip, staring up at him with those big eyes beneath raised eyebrows. “I lied. I’m very sorry for that.” She looked down at her feet. Cash wanted to say something, to wrap her in his arms, but he was mesmerized by the light hitting her blonde hair, and by her smell as it mixed with the scents of forest. “Remember when I jumped into the river and saved Tiny?”
Cash felt his own brows rise. “Of course.” His voice came out low and hoarse.
“Remember how you said you owed me one?”
A smile pulled at his lips. “Yeah…”
“I was hoping…” She reached out and placed her hand on his chest, her touch light and familiar. Cash ached for her. He needed Jolene like the earth needed the sun. “To collect.”
“Collect?” He was grinning now and his own hand came up to cover hers. “How’s that?”
She broke eye contact, looking at his collarbones, eyes shimmering with emotion. “I understand if you can’t forgive me, but no matter what happens between us, I need to get to the Haven and the scientists working on a cure. This is bigger than us.” She looked back up at him. Her eyes were huge and clear, the color of Caribbean waters, and he could swim in them all day.
“I know it is. I’d never leave you. I just took a little time alone in the woods to sort things out.” Exhaling, Cash released her hands and rubbed the back of his neck. “I do that. I go to the woods when I need to clear my head.”
Sunshine’s hand slid up his neck and her thumb caressed the rough stubble on his jaw, igniting heat. “I know you do.”
Cash captured her hand in his, drawing her up against his body. “Sunshine.” His moment had arrived, and fear fought with hope in his veins. “Will you marry me?”
Jolene’s face paled and he worried she was going to faint, those huge eyes getting even bigger. He wrapped his arms around her, speaking into the tiny soft hairs beside her ear. “This is nothing to do with Hank, or your brother, or that whole shit show at the Compound. I wanted to ask you before the raid. This is me, loving you, and wanting to be with you for the rest of our lives.”
“But, I’m already married.” Her words were breathy and low against his chest. Her knees sagged, and Cash felt hopelessness fall over her.
“Bullshit on that fake wedding. That coerced sham wasn’t legal, let alone binding.” Cash tipped her face up so he could gaze into her eyes. “You did what you had to do to survive your brother and his crazy abusive shit, and you made the best of a bad situation to save the lives of all the people who need the vaccine. I get that. I’m glad you did that. Do you hear me? Glad!” His voice rang out, forceful and loud in the quiet of the forest. “I’m glad, because it shows the kind of person you are, and I love you for it. You’re generous, kind and self-sacrificing. I don’t deserve you. I’m a killer and an irresponsible, selfish jerk. But I have to ask, even beg. Will you marry me? Life isn’t worth living without my Sunshine.”
She tucked her head down and trembled in his arms, not answering.
Fear swept over Cash, a douse of ice water chilling him to the bone. He’d been so hopeful that she would accept after coming all this way to find him in the forest.
But he’d killed her brother.
And maybe she really wanted to be married to Hank.
Gently, Cash grasped Sunshine by the shoulders and lifted her away, moving back to get some distance but unable to take his hands off of her.
Sunshine’s downcast lashes were spiked with tears that trickled over her cheeks. She snuffled, pressing against him.
“Aw, no, Princess. No crying, please. I’m sorry I killed your brother. I’m not sorry I did it, but I’m sorry it hurts you that I did.”
She trembled and sucked in her lip, still not looking at him. His heart ached watching her. Jolene deserved true happiness. Cash forced himself to speak. “If you want to be with Hank, I’ll go get him for you. I’ll make him live here in Grimesville and be a decent human being. But please don’t cry. I can’t handle it when you cry.”
Sunshine raised her hands and fisted them into his shirt, pulling him toward her. “Yes! I want to be your wife more than anything. I just can’t believe you’re asking me!” She lifted her face to his, her aqua eyes streaming and fierce. “Yes, Cash, yes!”
Their mouths met in a clashing kiss filled with the salty taste of tears. Cash tilted her head against his shoulder so he could explore her, drink her, and fill himself with her essence. She felt so good in his arms, sturdy and strong, tender and tough, full and nourishing. Sunshine was exactly what he needed and wanted for the rest of his life.
She was the cure.
They walked through the forest with their hands laced together and as much of their bodies touching as humanly possible. Cash blurted out, “I want to get married today. I hope you don’t mind. Because I need
to…” He blew out a shuddering breath. “I need to put that whole thing at the Compound a long way behind us, if it’s okay with you, and really be together every minute that we have. Life is too damn short, you know?”
“Oh, I know. Maud said that very thing to me this morning and it got me out into the forest to find you.” Sunshine wrapped her arms around Cash’s waist, snuggling her head against his shoulder as they emerged from the woods onto the road, Tiny plastered against her other side. “I just want to get to the honeymoon part.”
Cash snorted a laugh even as his body thrummed with anticipation. It had certainly crossed his mind just to take her right there in the glen, but he wanted their next time together to be tender, and deep, and filled with the healing bond he knew they both needed, in a safe and sheltered place like Maud’s inn. “I hope they can pull a ceremony for us together in a hurry.”
The people of Grimesville insisted on putting together a real party that night, to celebrate their victory and the wedding of the town’s hero.
The bandstand, strung with lights, made a lovely wedding site. The suit that Jeb loaned Cash, while a little too tight across the shoulders, fit well enough. Billy, resplendent in a black suit with his beard trimmed and a huge grin on his face, officiated. Maud’s twelve-year-old niece played the wedding march on a small harp as Sunshine walked up an aisle lined with townspeople holding candles. Tiny led the way as ring bearer.
All Cash saw was Sunshine, radiant in a calf-length aqua dress that hugged at the bodice, exposing the pink blush of happiness on her chest. The soft material flared at her waist and swayed beautifully as she walked toward him. Golden chandeliers sparkling with crystals dangled from her ears.
The dress was perfect, and so her, so different from the frilly, high-necked gown Jolene’s brother had forced her to wear when she wedded Hank. Cash swallowed, marveling at how sexy she looked, how luscious—and that she had agreed to be his wife.
Joy lifted him as Sunshine took her place next to him, her hand grasping his. Their fingers wove together, and the bond felt unbreakable.
This was his partner forever, come what may.
Surrounded by a town that loved them, Sunshine’s fingers intertwined with his, Cash’s chest felt tight and his eyes stung. Only a tiny regret nagged at him: I wish my family could be here, too. Mama would love nothing more than to see her most wayward son commit his heart to someone so worthy, and he missed his sister and brothers sharing this incredible moment.
But he couldn’t wait to marry Sunshine, not for anything or anyone.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of two souls in love and matrimony…” Billy began.
The short, sweet service passed in a blur. Cash was hardly aware of anything but Sunshine beside him. She seemed to glow with happiness, emitting heat and light like the name he’d given her.
Their rings had been gifted to them by the townspeople. Billy donated his husband’s wedding band to Cash, and Jeb’s wife’s ring decorated Sunshine’s finger. The two of them turned to face the people of Grimesville, raising their clasped hands to a cheer. Then Cash swept Sunshine into a deep kiss that made Tiny bark with excitement as the night filled with the music of laughter.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Jolene
As a child, Jolene had fantasized about marrying a prince, like in a Disney movie. Tall, dark and handsome, riding a white steed, the prince slew the dragon and saved her. Then he whisked her away to a beautiful new life as his princess.
Years passed, reality set in, and Jolene had just hoped for a nice man who wouldn’t hurt her. Maybe he’d even love her. That “nice guy” would marry her, and keep her safe and happy enough.
But this floating on air, perfect feeling of joy and union with the man of her dreams—even in her most inspired imaginings, Jolene had never dreamed it could be this good.
She’d wanted the prince to save her from her abusive, hate-filled family. But as Cash twirled her around the dance floor at their reception, she realized that they’d saved each other. The cure in her veins felt like a gift tonight, an honor. One that, with Cash’s help, she had the strength to carry.
They were better together.
With the help of Grimesville, the Luciano family, and all the other good people left, they would overcome the evil that had released Scorch Flu.
Cash held her close as they danced, his eyes on hers, his sensual mouth spread in a wide grin mirroring the joy she felt. Everything happened for a reason. Every moment of her life had led to this: Cash and her, celebrating their union in Grimesville, sparking a movement against evil.
Cash dipped his head and kissed her. Even as their feet continued to move, their tongues touched and heat bloomed between them, lighting Jolene on fire.
She needed him. Now.
She broke the kiss. “Let’s get out of here.” Cash nodded. She felt his need for her pressing against her. And she wanted him just as much.
Hands linked, Mr. and Mrs. Luciano fled the dance floor, giggling like kids sneaking off during a holiday party. They hurried through the deserted streets and up the steps of the inn, bursting through the door. Cash wrapped Sunshine in his arms, kissing her as they moved up the stairs.
The first time they’d experienced the rapture of their bodies together, Sunshine had thought it was for just one night. She’d tried to convince herself that would be enough.
What a joke!
She’d never get enough of Cash. Even a lifetime seemed too short.
They reached the room Maud had set aside for them. A plaque on the door named it “the honeymoon suite.” The biggest room in the old Victorian, it held a king-size bed and even had a small sitting area. To Jolene, it was fit for royalty.
They moved into the room, twined and kissing, but Jolene finally pushed Cash away.
She had plans.
Her husband tried to grab her again, but she held him at bay, a smile curling her lips. “Just a minute. I need to get ready.” She kissed him on the nose as his hands reached for her. “Patience, my Prince.”
“Anything for you, Princess,” he laughed. “Especially if it involves something skimpy.” Glancing at the bed, he grinned.
She followed his gaze. The white bedspread was strewn with rose petals.
Jolene’s heart swelled. So much love. So much appreciation. So much community.
She hurried into the bathroom, where she’d stored the lingerie Maud had helped her select from a local shop whose owner had passed from Scorch Flu. The townspeople now used the store as a community resource.
She slid out of her dress and donned the lingerie, relishing the soft texture against her skin. The silk camisole and lacy panties fit Jolene’s curves perfectly, the pale blue bringing out the lightest tones in her eyes. Her nipples hardened in anticipation of Cash’s hungry gaze, eager hands, and skillful mouth.
She picked up the silk ties that she’d added to the box. Jolene held them behind her back as she stepped into the bedroom.
Cash lay on his side on top of the petals, wearing just black boxer briefs, the low lights casting a golden glow across his sculpted chest and bare legs. He patted the space beside him in invitation, smiling.
Jolene’s breath stopped. His beauty overwhelmed her. His dark blue eyes shimmered, filled with love and anticipation. His gaze traveled down her body, and his lips parted. “You’re so beautiful,” he breathed.
She brought her hands from behind her back, showing him the silk ties: one red, one black. “It’s my turn to tie you up.”
Cash sucked in a breath and the bulge in his briefs twitched at her bold words. “You can do whatever you to want to me, Princess Sunshine. I’m yours.”
His words brought fresh heat to her center.
He was hers. Forever.
Jolene crossed the room and crawled onto the bed, kissing his thigh, laving her tongue along his ribs, pulling one of his taut nipples into her mouth and using her teeth just a little bit. He gasped and goose bump
s rippled over his skin as he touched her shoulders, her back, and slid his hands around to cup her breasts.
He groaned. “So good. All mine.”
She moaned in response, rising to her knees to straddle him. “Hands above your head.” She held up the red tie. He did as she asked, his biceps bulging, forearms tensing as he brought his wrists together. She leaned over, and with her breasts near his face, bound him.
Cash took the opportunity to nibble on her through the silk. She wriggled against him so that he groaned again. She got his hands tied and then brought the black silk down to cover his eyes.
“I want to see you,” he protested.
“Don’t worry, you will. First, I want you to feel me.”
Cash’s gaze ignited with fire. It almost hurt to cover his eyes, to take that beautiful sight from herself as much as from him, but she covered them, securing the tie behind his head, kissing him as she did so.
Cash trusted her. He trusted her to tie him up, blindfold him, and do to his body as she wished.
Power and desire coursed through her veins. This was so hot! She moved back down his body, peppering him with kisses, following the light trail of hair to his boxers, sliding them down over his legs.
Jolene tasted him and he jumped and moaned.
She hovered above Cash, her hands on either side of his hips so that he didn’t know where the next touch would land. She teased him, licking and nibbling all around, stroking and touching and tasting until he was writhing.
And then she grabbed him hard, and took him deeply into her mouth.
“Jolene,” he moaned. It was the first time he’d used her given name in bed. It turned her on and she made hungry sounds as she delighted in him.
“Stop before it’s too late!” Cash’s voice was strangled, his words tight and not making total sense. She laughed as she crawled back up his body and removed the blindfold.