Fever Page 17

  “Just great.” He reached for the book.

  I batted his hand away. “I’m not done,” I said as I turned the page.

  “Knock yourself out. It gets more bizarre the deeper you go.” He leaned back and relaxed.

  The engagement photo she had showed me was next, followed by a series of wedding shots. When I came to a page filled with children, I stopped and the laughter I had fought so hard to stop bubbled to the surface.

  “Madelyn Gallo,” I said, still laughing as tears formed in my eyes.

  “Don’t forget about Mason,” he said, sitting up. “She picked out all the names.” He smiled.

  “She’s seriously a wack job.” I shook my head, still stunned by her audacity. “Didn’t you know she was this nuts before you slept with her?”

  “We were never a couple. I didn’t figure it out until I found the book. I walked out of her house that day and never looked back.” He rubbed my arm and grabbed my chin. “Mia, I never lied to you. Not about Tammy or anything.”

  I searched his eyes. With all the information and the sincerity on his face, I knew he spoke the truth. “I believe you, Michael.”

  “About damn time,” he said, moving to kiss me.

  “I’m still mad at you,” I mumbled against his lips.

  Pulling away, he rested his forehead against mine. “Take it out on me in the bed, Mia. I can’t wait another minute to feel you under me.”

  “Wait,” I said, pushing him away.

  His smile evaporated. “What?”

  “I said I believed you, not that I’d have sex with you.” I shook my head and tried to make the statement believable. All I wanted to do was make love to the man and fall asleep in his arms. I missed his body against mine as I slept.

  He gave me a cocky grin, the one that I loved. “Are you mine, Mia?” he asked, the corner of his mouth twitching.

  “I haven’t decided,” I lied. There was nothing that I wanted more than to be his.

  “Let me help you with that decision,” he laughed, as he picked me up and hoisted me over his shoulder.

  I laughed, swatting his ass so hard my hand stung.

  “That’s it baby, I like it rough,” he said, chuckling, as he walked toward my bedroom.

  I bounced on his back, biting his shoulder blade, smacking him again.

  “Damn,” he said as he spanked my ass twice, making me yelp. “I’d say we both have some emotions that need to come out. I’m going to fuck every bit of pissed-off out of you and show you who you belong to.”

  “I wanna see you try,” I said, giggling.

  He threw me on the bed, and all the air left my lungs as I hit the firm mattress with a bounce. He looked large and imposing standing at the foot of my bed. His shoulders were broad and the muscles in his neck were corded tightly. The t-shirt stretched across his torso looked like it would rip with the slightest movement. His brown hair lay across his forehead in a mess. He looked delicious and more handsome than ever.

  “I’m up for a challenge,” he said with a smile, as he removed his t-shirt.

  Fuck, he really was beautiful. I sat up on my elbows and watched him undress. Every movement made his muscles stretched and contracted. He wasn’t wasting a moment or doing a seductive striptease. I needed to feel him.

  This wouldn’t be lovemaking or rekindling—this was anger banging.

  He pushed me back against the bed, opening the tie of my robe. He pushed it open, exposing my nightie. “Still mad?” he asked, his hands gliding across the cool silk on my abdomen.

  “Yes.” Damn, my voice wasn’t strong. I knew he didn’t hear the conviction behind my words.

  He sat on his knees, grabbing the material with both hands. His palms slid effortlessly against the smooth nightie. His hands stopped just under my breasts before making the journey back down to my bare thighs. He grabbed the bottom of the nightie, pulling it from the middle, and tore it in half.

  “Michael,” I yelled. The air conditioning caressed my skin and goose bumps covered my flesh.

  He laughed. “Quicker this way.”

  “I could’ve just taken it off, for fuck's sake.”

  “That was for fuck's sake, Mia. I’m sick of waiting. It’s been days since I’ve been inside you.”

  I hit him square in the chest as he leaned over my body. Why did men have to destroy shit in the name of passion?

  “Oh, yeah. Just like that. I like a little fight in you.” His eyes turned dark.

  “I hate you.” I glared at him.

  “No you don’t,” he said as his mouth clamped down on my nipple.

  I arched my back, crying out in ecstasy.

  He moaned against my trapped breast, causing a vibration to skate across my skin and my core to pulsate as I pushed him. “Don’t fight it; you know you want it, doc.”

  I sighed, lying back to enjoy the feel of his lips on my skin, because I did want it. I ran my fingers through his hair before gripping it tightly in my fists. I held his mouth in place as tiny shocks shot through my body. The familiar ache between my legs became almost unbearable. I dug my heels into his ass and ground myself against him.

  He tried to lift his head, but I pushed it harder against my chest, almost smothering him. I could feel his laughter against my torso as his body shook in my grasp.

  “Put your cock in me,” I said, releasing my heels, to give him the ability to move his lower half. I felt powerful, even if it was a lie. He could overpower me in a minute, but he let me play the game.

  His lips popped off my skin and he looked into my eyes. “Don’t you want to kiss a little first?”

  “This isn’t lovemaking, Michael. You’re fucking me. Put it in or get the fuck out.” I sounded harsh and strong, and it sent a thrill through me.

  His eyebrows shot up, a small smirk on his lips. “That’s fuckin’ hot, doc.”

  “Shut the fuck up and do it.” I kicked him in the ass.

  “I love when you talk dirty to me. It makes me rock fuckin’ hard,” he said as he reached down and fisted his cock before rubbing it against me.

  “Stop!” I yelled, frozen in place. “Get a condom from my nightstand.”

  “‘Put it in. Stop. Any other commands?” he asked, as he reached for the drawer.

  “You forgot, ‘shut the fuck up.’” I laughed. I didn’t know what had gotten into me, but I liked it.

  “Kinda rough on me, aren’t you?” he asked, as he unrolled the condom, paying careful attention to his piercings.

  “I’m just getting started, big boy.”

  “You just made my balls tingle,” he said as he nestled between my legs. Hooking his arms under my thighs, he pulled my body to his. “Let’s get one thing straight, doc, I’m in charge here,” he said as he stroked the tip of his shaft against me. “This is my pussy.” He smacked my clit with the head.

  “I don’t see your name on it,” I said, winded from the sting.

  “It will be, but for now, possession is nine-tenths of the law,” he said as he rammed his cock into me in one quick thrust.

  My back arched as he pulled out and pushed back in with greater force. I wouldn’t have described him as gentle the other times we’d been together, but this was rough and raw.

  With the next thrust, I smacked him in the face. He flinched, stopping to stare at me through slitted eyes. “What the fuck was that for?”

  “What you put me through.”

  His eyes searched mine for a moment before he pounded into me again.

  I smacked him harder, but this time he didn’t flinch. “For not being straight with me,” I said quickly, before he could ask.

  His eyes grew dark as his mouth set in a firm line. He pummeled me and I swung again, but he captured my hand. “You got two free shots, no more.” Leaning forward with my wrists in his grasp, he held them above my head.

  I fought to free myself, bucking against him. His muscles contracted with each thrust, and the sight of him alone could have me on edge. I bit my lip to quiet t
he moans that I wasn’t ready to give to him.

  Beads of sweat formed across his skin as he pounded into me.

  He released my hands and I grabbed his biceps, curling my fingers around the thick muscles. Using my grip to push myself against him, I met his thrusts, our bodies slamming against each other. My body bounced off him, and the pressure of his cock hitting my depths drove me closer to the brink.

  Our bodies collided, the impact hard enough to cause the headboard to hit the wall with a loud thud. I planted my feet into the mattress, using them to steady myself as I continued to push into him. It only took a few more thrusts before my body tightened and I spiraled into the most glorious orgasm of my life.

  It wasn’t the body-tingling orgasm that I’d experienced before. This was earth shattering—life changing, no one else would ever compare. Colors burst behind my eyelids as I rode the wave of ecstasy until I gasped for air through blurry eyes.

  Michael wrapped his arms around me, cradling me against his chest as he cried out in his own rapture. He twitched, and his body shook in waves.

  Releasing my body from his arms, he held himself above me. “Jesus Christ,” he huffed out before shaking his head. “That was amazing. Fuck, I’ve never felt anything like that before.”

  I didn’t reply. My mind was muddled from the bliss it had just experienced. He rested his forehead against mine; his harsh breath skidded across my skin. “Getting you pissed off has its advantages.”

  Not in a million years did I think we’d be in this situation when I sat there staring out the window sipping my coffee. I figured I was through with Michael Gallo, but after a kiss and mind-blowing sex, the craving was back worse than ever.

  My vision blurred as I thought about all we’d been through the last couple of days. I didn’t think the Tammy situation was over, but Michael said he’d handle her. I had no doubt in his abilities, but her craziness couldn’t be planned for. She was the most dangerous form of opponent.

  “What are you thinking?” he asked as he turned over, stretching out across the bed. He slid his hand under my body, pulling me to him.

  “I don’t know what to think.” I snuggled into him and let the tears flow.

  “Hey, hey. Don’t cry. I know it was good, but I’ve never brought a girl to tears before.”

  “You ass,” I said, smacking his chest. “I’m scared, Michael.”

  “Of what?”

  “You, Tammy, this,” I said, waving my hand over his body.

  “Don’t worry about Tammy. She’s being dealt with. Don’t be scared of me or us. We got off track, thrown off by a person nuttier than a Snickers bar.”

  I bit my lip to stifle a laugh. “You have such a way with words.” I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I laughed and buried my face in his side.

  “Well, how would you describe her?”

  I looked up at him, and the tears of worry turned to those of uncontrollable laughter. “You hit the nail right on the head.”

  “That’s enough about her. Let me just enjoy the feel of you in my arms. No more talking, doc.”

  I snuggled into his side and closed my eyes. I’d never slept so contently as I had when I was in his arms. Closing my eyes, I let his warmth and steady breathing lull me to sleep.

  Chapter 24

  I stroked her arm until her breathing deepened and soft snores fell from her lips. I didn’t know if I should be proud or a little disturbed at how easily she slept in my arms. I’d do anything to keep Mia in my life and make her happy. I wasn’t anywhere near ready to get down on one knee and propose, or to whisper the words “I love you” in her ear, but I cared for Mia and didn’t want to be without her.

  I slept for a short time and watched her sleep after I woke. She had small, faint freckles on her sun-kissed cheeks. Her eyebrows were thick and dark, but neatly groomed. Her nose fit her face and had a delicate, narrow shape. Her lips were luscious and thick and were made for kissing. The filthy things she said to me this morning had almost made my heart stop. All blood in my body went to my dick as she smacked me around a little.

  “Hey,” she said in a drowsy voice.

  “Sleep well?”

  “Like a rock.” She yawned and nuzzled her cheek against my pec.

  “What do you want to do today, Mia? I want to spend the day with you.” I brushed the hair from her eyes.

  “I’m going to the clinic for a couple hours this afternoon.”

  “Can I come?”

  She looked at me and smiled. “Yes, but it won’t be a happy day. Have you ever noticed the real poor people in this area?”

  “I have seen the homeless people on the corners.”

  “They’re the tip of the iceberg, Michael. It’s the ones that you don’t see that are the most heartbreaking. The little kids that come in dirty and in need of basic medical care.”

  “If it’s that sad, why do you do it? Why not just stick to the ER?”

  “It’s rewarding, and I feel I’m making a difference. The ER has its own type of rewards, but mostly it’s filled with sadness.” She sighed as she rolled out of my arms. She sat up, pulling her knees against her chest.

  I sat up, running my fingers across her damp cheeks. “Why don’t you find a way to work at the clinic, then?”

  “There’s no money; it’s all volunteers. We get some money from the state and county, but it’s minimal, laughable actually.”

  “Maybe my family could help. What would you guys need to fund the clinic?” I pulled her in my lap and wrapped my arms around her.

  “I don’t even know. I haven’t looked at the books.” She sagged against me, resting her head on my shoulder.

  I kissed her shoulder. “You give me a figure and I’ll see what I can do to make it happen.”

  “What is it exactly that your family does to have all this money, Michael? I’m all for charity, but if it came by criminal means then I’d have to decline.”

  “You mean like the mob?” I laughed. Stereotyping at its finest.

  She turned her head, looking me in the eyes without smiling. “Ah, yeah. I couldn’t take dirty money.” She shook her head.

  “You just made my day.” I laughed, squeezing her tightly. “Totally stereotyping, but funny as hell, Mia.” I held her chin in my grasp and kissed her on the lips. “We own a vineyard in Italy. It’s been in our family for generations.”

  “Why do you work at the tattoo shop and fight, then? You could just sit at home all day.”

  “My parents didn’t raise us to be lazy. We were taught to work and be appreciative of what we have. I fight for the fun and challenge. The shop feels more like a hobby than a real job.”

  “I get it. I couldn’t sit on my ass all day either.”

  She turned in my lap and the friction against my dick made it start to harden. She held my cheeks in her small hands and stared in my eyes. All the craziness of the past week had vanished.

  All that mattered in this moment was us.

  “You have a big heart under that Superman exterior, Michael. You’re a big softy.” Her fingertips rubbed against the five o’clock shadow on my face, and I could feel every hair move under her touch.

  “Don’t tell anyone. You’ll ruin my reputation.” I laughed. “What’s pressing against your ass isn’t soft.”

  She giggled as she rested her forehead against mine. “It’ll have to wait until we get done at the clinic. There are needy people waiting for me.”

  “I’m needy,” I said as my dick twitched against her ass. “Real needy.”

  “You’re horny, there’s a difference.” She smacked my shoulder.

  Her smile made my heart ache. I’d do whatever I could to help her make her dream of working at the clinic full-time a reality. She deserved to have that smile every day.

  “Tell that to my cock.” I took the opportunity to kiss her neck as she tipped it back, laughing. Her heartbeat thundered against my lips as I inhaled the sweet vanilla scent.

  God, I wanted to eat her.
r />   “Remember, I have a needle for that problem.”

  “You and the fuckin’ needle, woman.” I pushed her off me. “Get up, let’s go, or I’m not letting you out of this bed all day.”

  She snickered as she climbed off the bed and walked into the bathroom.

  It felt like we hadn’t missed a day together. The air between us had been cleared, and Tammy was an inconsequential part of the past. I climbed off the bed and threw on my t-shirt and shorts, and went into the kitchen to wait for her.

  I helped myself to a cup of coffee, since I knew she’d take more than a few minutes to get ready. Her cheeks had been tearstained and her hair had that “I just got fucked” look. I called the one person I knew who would be interested in helping me make Mia’s dream a reality.

  “Hey, Ma,” I said, and sipped the black, velvety liquid.

  “Hey, baby. How are you?”

  “I’m great, actually. I’m over at Mia’s and I think we patched things up.”

  “Hmm,” she said with a small laugh. “You’re a big boy.”

  “That’s what she said, Ma.” I chuckled at my wittiness.

  Her laughter grew loud until there was silence and static. She must have covered the phone so I wouldn’t hear her giggling. “Son, there are things a mother doesn’t need to hear, and I changed your diapers so, I know. That poor girl.”

  “All right, enough about that. I know we’re pals, Ma, but I called you for a reason.” I sat down, placing my cup on the table, and stared at Mia’s neatly manicured yard.

  “What is it, baby?”

  I explained to my mother the work that Mia did at the clinic. I shared all the information I knew and told her about Mia’s dream to work there full-time and help the people in the area.

  “What do they need?” she asked without hesitation.

  “Money.”

  “I know that.” She laughed. “How much?”

  “I don’t know. They get some funding from the government, but not enough. The doctors that volunteer help pay the rent, and they get some medicines for free.”

  “Find out all the details and come see your father and me. I’m sure we can work something out. I’d love to help any way I can.”