by Sable Hunter
“You have her trained well.” Angelina noted, knowing Hattie had left them alone on purpose.
“Not hardly, I’d say it was the other way around.” He held the bouquet out in front of him. “Will you accept my apology?”
Angelina took the flowers, an assortment of old-fashioned roses picked from the bushes in Palo Gaucho’s expansive yard. “They’re beautiful. I’m not sure what you’re apologizing for?”
“I didn’t mean to upset you last night.”
“You didn’t, you just surprised me.”
“Does that mean…” His buzzer went off. “Damn, I’ve got to go.”
Drew began buttoning his shirt. “I’ve got an emergency at the clinic.”
“Get some breakfast on the way out,” she encouraged him, following him from the kitchen through the dining room.
Grabbing a blueberry muffin, he gave her a hesitant smile. “We’ll continue our conversation tonight. If you want to use my computer, be my guest, it’s not password protected.”
“Okay. Thank you.” She found herself following him to the door, then standing there to wave at him as he left.
After indulging in some of Hattie’s homemade granola, Angelina retired to Drew’s office. She spent a few hours on the computer, running down leads and reading the latest articles on sexual enhancement drugs. Not seeing what she needed, she decided to study her blood a little more. To Angelina’s surprise, Drew’s lab was well equipped. Not only was there a world-class microscope, but there was also chemical analysis equipment. Her hope was that she could put in a minute sample of her blood and there would be enough of the drug remaining so she could get a breakdown of the components. From that information, she could check databases for other research that had been done and hopefully obtain a match.
Meanwhile…at the clinic, Drew was elbow deep in an influenza breakout. He’d seen eleven patients and they just kept coming. When he got a break, he called the school and gave his recommendation that they probably needed to shut down for a couple of days to keep the disease from sweeping every grade.
Between patients, Drew checked his messages. “Good, Virginia called.” He sent her a text message about Angelina. When he saw one from Rafe, he bit out a curse. “Patsy, I thought I told you to put Rafe Alejandro straight through if he called!”
Within seconds, he could hear the tip-tap of high heels. Patsy stepped through the door with a tissue held to her face. Sobs were wracking her body.
“What’s wrong? Did someone expire in the waiting room?”
“He’s dead! I can’t believe it, I just can’t believe it!”
Drew went to her and patted her on the shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Patsy. Who passed? Someone in your family? Do you need time off?”
“Manolito! I just saw him perform a few weeks ago!”
“Oh, the singer.” Drew didn’t speak of what he knew, the revelations concerning Manolito’s dual identity as Saldado would hit the news when the authorities were ready. “Some kind of accident?” He wondered how Rafe had handled their involvement and he assumed the drug lord’s body had been found and his death verified.
“They said he died in some terrorist attack in the Middle East! He was probably doing volunteer work. He was so brave!” Another wave of sobs began.
“Good grief.” He gave her a box of tissues, then picked up his cell to call Rafe. “Go blow your nose and wash your face. We have patients. I’ll be right back.” He steered the mourning woman toward the restroom.
After three rings, Rafe answered, “Drew, how is Angelina?”
“She’s improving, I think. We’ve continued the saline flushes and I think we’re making headway into identifying the drug. I don’t think we’re going to be able to eradicate it, but we can possibly pin down how long it will be an issue.” How clinical he sounded when his heart was more involved than he ever thought possible. “I can tell you she’s not suffering like she was before. I attribute that improvement to time, the flushes, and to her doing things to get her mind off the situation. Don’t get me wrong, I do not downplay what she is going through. It is as real as a gunshot wound. Unfortunately, there’s not a pill for her to take that will undo the damage that’s been done. Time will be the greatest medicine.”
“Dammit. I would give anything if this hadn’t happened to her.”
“Me too. Angelina is a very special person.”
“Are you two coexisting fairly well?”
Drew’s mind went to the near-kiss in the barn. “I think so. This has been hard on her. I wish I could do more to help.”
“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but things are winding up here. We did find Manolito’s body and the state department is providing us a cover story. I’ve also been successful in rounding up any others who were involved.”
“Yes, the news has hit television. One of my staff heard about it and just fell apart. I can’t say I’m sorry he’s dead. I would have loved to kill him myself.”
“One reason I called was to tell you that the danger to Angelina has passed as far as I can tell. When she gets ready and you approve, I see nothing to hold her back.”
A sinking feeling hit Drew. He wasn’t ready for Angelina to leave. He enjoyed having her around. He wanted… “Have you talked to her?”
“No, I wanted to speak to you first. Does she have a cell phone, yet?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’ll get her one on the way home. I’ll be honest and tell you that I plan to recommend to her that she stay until we run a few more tests and we make sure she has someone to take over her care.”
“Fine with me, I just wanted to let you know. You can tell her the good news and let her know that I do plan on seeing her within a week, if not at your place, then in San Antonio. Drew, I want to thank you for all you did for Angelina. I appreciate it very much.”
“No thanks are necessary. I…I like your sister. I wish we’d met under different circumstances. As it stands, I’d do anything to help her get better.”
Rafe laughed. “Ah, I knew it. I could read between the lines. I would just ask that you are careful with my sister. She is inexperienced, which has made this whole situation even more difficult.”
“Don’t get ahead of me, Alejandro. I don’t think Angelina is going to give me the time of day. The damn drug they gave her has confused things. At the moment, Angelina doesn’t trust her feelings.”
Rafe sighed. “I see. Well, I won’t get involved. Angelina is an adult. Just know that I will forever be in your debt for what you’ve done.”
…At Palo Gaucho, Angelina sat on the edge of her seat. “So, that’s what you are.” After running a drop of her blood through the analyzer, she was able to get a breakdown of the chemical that had been injected into her bloodstream. Once she had the information, she began putting the pieces of the puzzle together. “Extase.”
After she found a label, Angelina began combing through medical journals and research databases to see what she could find. What she discovered wasn’t heartening. Extase manipulated the parts of the brain that controlled attraction and drive. A derivative of the drug was Trazadone, which inhibited the contraction of smooth muscles. What she read made her uncomfortable, mainly because she was experiencing it firsthand.
Subjects tested report arousal levels four and five times what they normally experience and there is much less self-control as to when that arousal occurs.
As she kept scanning, she did find a bit of solace. Arousal occurred naturally, in other words she was only turned on by someone who would turn her on anyway. “Well, that explains why I didn’t jump the guards. Or any other man.” Covering her eyes, she admitted the truth. “Only Drew turns me on. He’s the only man I want.” Returning to the article, she read more.
Intercourse can produce powerful, even frantic reactions. All sensations are magnified and orgasm, if achieved, can be much more intense than normal. The stages of human sexual response seem to be disrupted with Extase. Resolution is hard to achieve, the climax c
an drive the need to a higher plateau, leaving the subject feeling out of control. Extase attaches to the pleasure receptors of the brain and detoxification is a prolonged process. More study is necessary.
In other words - - if she had sex, she’d not only be a virgin, she’d be a freak show.
Great.
* * *
Needing a break, Angelina made her way to the kitchen. She found Hattie elbow deep in dough. “What are you making?”
“Chicken and dumplings. Do you want to help?”
Angelina brightened at the prospect. “Sure.”
When Drew came home an hour or so later, it was to find Angelina and Hattie working side by side at the kitchen bar. The aroma of home cooked chicken and dumplings almost distracted him from the tantalizing sight of Angelina bedecked in an apron tied over blue jeans and a dark maroon tee. What drew his eye was the small handprint on her left breast and one on her right butt cheek. Drew was hit hard by a wave of attraction and the rightness of seeing her in his home. When Hattie stepped outside to throw some old salad greens in the compost pile, he couldn’t resist whispering, “Hey, I’m glad you come with an instruction manual.”
“What?” Angelina asked, then blushed furiously when he pointed to the handprints. “Gee, I made a mess.”
“Smells like you made something amazing.” She turned and proudly presented the savory chicken stew and a big pan of chocolate bread pudding. “Hattie gave me a cooking lesson.” Angelina realized she hadn’t thought about her own problems or spent time weighing every thought or impulse. She was living outside of herself for the first time in weeks.
“I can’t wait to taste it.” He locked gazes with her, feeling an erotic pull between them. “I brought you something.” Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a cell phone. “Activated and ready to go.”
“Oh, thank you!” Angelina threw caution to the wind and came close enough to hug him. “I’ve missed having a phone.”
Drew closed his eyes and reveled at the feel of her in his arms. “If the gift of electronics earns me a hug, I’m buying stock in Radio Shack.”
Angelina backed away, hoping he hadn’t felt how hard her nipples became at his nearness. At least after her research, she knew what she felt for him was real, not some artificial induced reaction. With that revelation, it seemed her desire for him only grew. “I guess I got a little excited.”
“Not a problem.” He touched her cheek, rubbing off a speck of flour. “I’m good at hugs. Ask Bailey.” When she blushed, he smiled. Somehow, he felt like they’d turned a corner. The only problem was – if she left now, they might have reached this point too late. Bottom line, he wasn’t ready for her to go. Nevertheless, he was honor bound to pass on the message. “Your brother wants you to call him. He told me I could share his good news. He thinks the danger to you is past. I’m not sure if you’ve watched any television, but Manolito’s death has been confirmed.”
Instead of bringing joy, his words brought disappointment. “So, there’s no reason for me to stay.”
Drew couldn’t have held back if he tried. “Oh, there’s every reason for you to stay.”
“Of course, she’s going to stay. We’re about to eat supper!”
Angelina searched his face. Hattie’s return and the older woman’s firm edict kept her from asking what he meant. “I certainly don’t want to miss supper, I worked too hard on it.”
“We’ll talk later,” Drew promised softly.
“Yes, I have something to tell you too.”
At dinner, Hattie’s presence kept them from having to say too much to one another. The older woman held up her end of the conversation and then some. Tonight, she was on a tirade about being overcharged at the mechanic’s. “Just because I’m a little old lady doesn’t mean that I’ve got ‘sucker’ printed across my forehead.”
“I’ll take your car in, Hattie. He won’t cheat me,” Drew assured her as he enjoyed his food.
She huffed. “He’s new in town, he won’t last long if he’s going to treat people like this.”
“Mr. Heigel?” Drew asked, passing a green salad to Angelina.
“Yes, you know him?”
“He’s coming in for a physical tomorrow for his insurance coverage. I’ll handle it.”
Angelina watched their exchange with a certain amount of longing. Rafe had always been there for her, but she stood on her own two feet most of the time. To have someone fight her battles like Drew was willing to fight Hattie’s was a heady prospect.
“Thanks, Drew. I was worrying so much, I wouldn’t have enjoyed my Bingo game tonight.”
“Where do you play Bingo, Hattie?” Angelina asked.
“In the fellowship hall of the Baptist church,” Hattie said, then laughed. “Aren’t we bad, gambling in the Lord’s house?” Her eyes widened. “Do you want to go? We can both get ten cards and you can help me watch my numbers. I’ve got my eye on this massaging recliner that will be a prize tonight.”
Drew snorted. “Stop trying to steal Angelina. She and I have a date with a cup of hot chocolate and some bread pudding in front of the fireplace later.”
Hattie waggled her eyebrows at Angelina. “Get him to play the guitar for you.”
“Guitar?” Angelina gaped at Drew. “You play the guitar too? I’m impressed.”
“Don’t be.” Drew shook his head. “I’m not that good.”
“Nonsense, he’s great, he sings like a dream. Get him to play some George Strait.”
“I will,” Angelina promised, surprised that she was looking forward to being alone with Drew. Was she crazy? She hadn’t felt this much hope since the day she was abducted.
Once the dishes were dealt with and Hattie was gone, Drew dished up bread pudding while she poured some hot chocolate. Helping him place it all on a tray, she followed him to the den, wondering what the evening would hold.
“Thanks again for the phone,” she said as she picked up the warm mug of cocoa. “I finally feel like I’m getting my feet back on the ground. I called about a new driver’s license, credit cards, and the bank sent me some money this morning so I can pay you for the phone.”
“You’re welcome and I don’t want to be paid. I enjoy doing things for you. Now, what did you want to tell me?”
Angelina took a deep breath, staring into the depths of the flames. “I used your equipment today to do some further analysis on my blood.”
“Good. I’m supposed to be testing some of that equipment for the lab, but some of it is over my head, I’m afraid.” He studied her beautiful face. “You know, if I was a weaker man, a smart woman like you might intimidate me.”
“Yea, like you’re not smart.” She wrinkled her nose at him. “Anyway, I was able to isolate the name of the last drug they gave me.”
He leaned forward, listening. “Tell me.”
“You were right, it’s a synthetic called Extase.” She told him the details, not meeting his gaze as she did so. “The drug magnifies my arousal and my response, we knew that. What it doesn’t do is make me…crave indiscriminately.” She felt her cheeks go red. “The pain lessens with time, thank goodness. I can vouch for that, the last day or two has been much more bearable.” Drew didn’t interrupt her and for that she was grateful. “We were right about it attaching itself to the pleasure receptors in my brain. It will dissipate over time. As we suspected, there are cocktails of other drugs that might make coming off this easier, but to tell you the truth, I don’t think I need them. I’m just grateful Moshe only gave me one dose. The reason the enhanced flibanserin hurt me so much was the sheer amount I was given.”
Drew shook his head. “It’s a wonder you didn’t die from an overdose. I’m sure your heart rate went crazy.” For a second, he imagined what a loss it would’ve been if she’d died. “I can’t imagine missing you. I am so sorry for what you’ve gone through, but I am so grateful you came into my life.”
Angelina felt overwhelmed. What was he saying? “But you…” She wasn’t really sure w
hat she was about to say. She’d come into his life and turned it upside down.
“But nothing.” He bent forward and placed a hand on her knee. “I really need for you to understand something, I didn’t turn you down because I didn’t want you. I turned you down…”
“Stop. You don’t have to explain. I understand, better than you know. You’re a doctor. You’re a stranger. And I’m…” She stopped mid-sentence.
“You’re a woman that I’d give the world for a chance to get to know.”
She trembled at his touch. “But you wanted to find another doctor for me. Virginia, you said.”
Unable to stay away from her, he went to his knees at her feet. “I spoke to Virginia today, she wants to meet you. She thinks she can help you. There’s a non-addictive implant that she’s been reading about that she could insert in your upper arm in about ten or fifteen minutes. Virginia also is schooled in acupuncture and herbal medicines. After I talked to her today, I felt so much better for you.”
“Couldn’t you…?”
Drew shook his head. “You don’t understand, do you?” When she didn’t respond, he inhaled sharply. “I am desperately trying to foist you off on Virginia.” He saw Angelina’s eyes widen. “I’m not trying to get rid of you, I want to be able to do this with a clear conscience.” With no further warning, he stood and pulled her to her feet, framing her face and covering her mouth with his, seeking and finding her parted lips.
Angelina almost passed out. She was aware of nothing in the universe other than the burning sweetness of his kiss. Clinging to his shoulders, she almost swooned with the pleasure as he deepened the kiss to a stark intimacy that Angelina had never experienced.
Drew moaned, drawing her closer, claiming her mouth with a soft, slow thrust of his tongue. He’d known he wanted her, but nothing in his imagination prepared him for this. Aching with need, he shuddered, his body exploding with hunger.
They kissed and kissed as if neither could get enough, but when her nails dug into his shoulders and her body began to shake, Drew knew he needed to slow down. “Easy, baby, easy.” He slid his lips back and forth across hers, bringing her down, privileged to be breathing the same air as she did. “Oh, Spanish Eyes, you are far more addictive than any drug. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”