What Remains_Reckoning (11 page)

Her gaze dropped to the shirt again before she held out her hand, obviously waiting to see if he’d return it to her.

He inched closer. “You’re going to pull on that wound if you try to put this thing on by yourself. Can Wolfe and I help?” At her continued silence he cocked his head. “We’ll just ease this along your arms and over your head. So you don’t have to lift them. Promise.”

Her chin quivered before she visibly clenched her jaw then nodded. Hamilton motioned to Wolfe across his shoulder, going to one side while the other man stepped up to the other. Together, they drew the cotton along her arms. Ham held back a moan as her skin brushed his knuckles, sending a jolt of pure desire straight to his dick. Damn, one touch, one stray thought, and his body responded. He’d been picturing damn zombies for the past twenty minutes while Gunner had tended her wound, using the horrifying images to keep his cock in check. But being so close to her weakened his resolve until all his thoughts became shaded in the tones of her skin and how it’d look next to theirs.

Theirs
.

Christ, ever since his buddies had confessed their mutual attraction, he hadn’t been able to keep the visions of all four of them entwined together from playing in his head. How damn sexy she’d look trapped between them, three sets of hands and lips bringing her to orgasm over and over. He could already imagine the sweet essence of her desire and how it’d mix with their spicy scents. And after spending a decade living with Wolfe and Gunner, watching their backs and anticipating their every move, he knew the three of them would fall into step with nothing more than a look and a nod.

Ham forced himself to breathe, widening the neck so he and Wolfe could slip the damn tee over her head without hurting her side. Her beautiful face disappeared behind a flash of blue before reappearing out the top, her eyes filled with disbelief. Ham wanted to lean forward and kiss the cute lines creasing the bridge of her nose, but he held firm, tugging the shirt the rest of the way down her body.

Her shoulders relaxed as the fabric fell to her hips, their hands leaving her side. Unspoken questions swirled in her eyes, and he couldn’t resist tucking a curl of hair behind her ear. The silky feel jackhammered his heart against his ribs, and he knew he’d spend the rest of the day wondering what it’d be like to hold the thick mass in his hands as she kissed every inch of his skin, finally taking his straining cock inside her mouth. He could practically feel the wet heat of her tongue, the sweet pressure of her touch. Then he pictured her doing the same to Wolfe and Gunner and damn near creamed his pants.

Ham pushed the images out of his head, taking a moment to look at her—really look. In all the commotion, he realized he hadn’t taken the time to commit every feature to memory. Sure, he’d noticed the brilliant green of her eyes and the way her hair hung in a long mass halfway down her back. How her button nose and high cheekbones highlighted the easy symmetry of her face or the way her lips glistened when she swiped her tongue across them, accentuating the delicate shade of pink that matched the light blush of her cheeks.

But when he gazed deeper, he saw so much more than just a stunning smile and passionate eyes. He saw strength that equaled that beauty. Saw the pain she’d suffered fighting to survive. How the battle against unknown forces had left scars, the worst of which she’d hidden inside, shielding them from view. But they were still there—in the dark smudges beneath her eyes and the oppressive tension straining her shoulders and back. No amount of bravado and avoidance could bury her fears from anyone who cared enough to look. And Ham swore that he’d fight his way in—slay whatever demons still lurked inside her, threatening to kill her from within.

Morgan twitched under his perusal, and he realized he’d spent the last minute just staring at her. Drinking in the simple pleasure of being close to her.

He chuckled and took a step back. “Sorry, baby. You’re just so damn beautiful it makes my eyes hurt.”

A genuine smile lit up her face, her cheeks staining a delightful pink color. He waved at the couch, and the smile faded. Fear replaced the pleasure that had momentarily gleamed in her eyes as she glanced at the old sofa then at each of them.

Ham sighed, reclaiming the lost distance between them. “It’s okay. Like I said before. We’ve got all day… The night, too, if you need it. No matter how long, we’ll wait. Do you know why?”

She shook her head but didn’t speak.

“Because we know the kind of men we are. That we’d rather die than break a promise. That there isn’t a force on this Earth that could ever make us hurt you. If it takes you a day, a week—hell, a year—to see that then that’s how long we’ll keep trying. Keep proving that your trust in us will never be misplaced. That it’s not going to change from day-to-day. So take your time. We’ll still be here.”

With that he turned, silently telling Wolfe and Gunner to return to their seats. Gunner pressed his lips tight then headed for the chair by the table, kicking the seat back enough to slide in. Wolfe claimed the other chair, his gaze scanning the front yard again. Hamilton smiled and collapsed on the couch, leaving enough room for Morgan should she decide to sit. He relaxed his head against the back of the sofa, closing his eyes as he released a slow breath, praying she didn’t take the opportunity to dart out the door. Not that they couldn’t catch her. But somehow chasing her across the hard ground didn’t seem like the way to build their trust.

The room grew quiet, nothing but the steady whisper of their combined breathing sounding in the small space. Ham remained still, wanting to open his eyes but knowing the decision had to be hers. Time crawled by until the floor next to the sofa creaked a moment before the cushion beside him dipped from her light weight.

He didn’t smile, didn’t do anything that might be taken as a sign of arrogance. Instead, he actually relaxed, content in the knowledge that she was safe. That if he needed, he could reach out and touch her. That anything threatening her life would have to go through Wolfe, Gunner and him in order to reach her.

Morgan sighed, the gentle brush of her hand on his catching him by surprise. His eyelids flew open, and he straightened, scanning the room before gazing at her. She pursed her lips together, following suit as she surveyed the space before focusing back on him. Her expression clearly suggested that she thought he wasn’t quite sane, but it didn’t matter. All he saw were those green eyes looking at him.

He leaned a bit closer. “You okay?”

She nodded, glancing at Wolfe and Gunner. Indecision furrowed her brow before she sighed, finally easing back in the cushion. She seemed to have come to a decision, and he held his breath, praying he’d like whatever she was about to tell them.

She interlaced her fingers in her lap, staring at them for what felt like forever before raising her gaze. “Ten months.”

Hamilton frowned, quickly looking at Wolfe and Gunner. They shrugged, scraping their chairs over until they formed a semi-circle around her.

Ham reached for her hand, damn near moaning when she placed her delicate fingers in his. God, it was like holding his dreams in one small caress. “I’m afraid we’re not following you. What’s been ten months?”

Her lips twitched. “That’s how long I’ve been alone.”

“Christ, Morgan. That’s a lifetime in this fucked up world.”

She shrugged. “You get used to it. But I guess I’ve forgotten how to be around other people without assuming the worst. The few I’ve run into…”

She shuddered and Ham heard Gunner and Wolfe’s low growls. Hell yeah. He whole-heartedly agreed. Nothing and no one would ever threaten her again. Period.

She stared at them, looking as if she’d never had anyone care about her. Choose to put their life on the line for her. “I assume those growls mean you get how the story ended. It wasn’t pretty. Thankfully, I’d learned how to fight well enough to hold my own before the damn world ended. Got me out of situations alive.”

Gunner chuckled. “Honey, the way you downed Bobby was more than just ‘well enough’. The man’ll be singing soprano for a week. And Hamilton told us about that first night—taking on two guys with your hands bound.” He tilted his head. “Don’t suppose you’ll tell us what you used to do?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” She motioned to the cabin. “Forest ranger. And trust me. Creepy guys are nothing compared to a pissed off elk.”

Wolfe snorted. “Damn, I didn’t see that coming. Figured you for a state cop or something. But I like the surprise. So how did you end up at Beau’s camp?”

The lines around her eyes deepened and for a moment, Ham thought she’d shut down again. Instead, she took a deep breath, playing with the end of the blanket half-pooled on the floor.

“I needed to do a supply run. Despite my best efforts, it’s next to impossible to avoid any excursions into the towns. I thought I’d be safe, sticking to the more remote ones. But Beau and a couple of his men cornered me inside a store. Said they’d give me food, medical supplies, bottled water, if I came back to the camp. I’ve known Beau for twenty years. Worked with him on a few wild animal cases in town. Never thought the man was capable of…” Her voice faded off and she seemed to swallow with some difficulty. “Anyway, it was just a lie to get me there. Outnumbered. Alone.”

Gunner reached forward, gently taking her other hand. “Not everyone still breathing is like Beau. Our compound… The people there are decent. Respectful. It’s far from perfect, and we’ve all had to make concessions—”

“Like what?”

There was no mistaking the panic in her voice.

Gunner glanced at him, silently asking him how much Ham thought he should tell her. Ham sighed, aware that if they withheld anything—were anything less than completely honest—she’d run. Maybe not now, but she’d run, and they’d never find her again. He gave Gunner a nod, praying the truth didn’t send her screaming from the cabin.

Gunner gave her hand a squeeze. “First, folks have agreed to remain inside the barriers unless they go out with a suitable team. It’s a bit restricting, but it keeps everyone alive. Wolfe, Ham and I are one of a few reconnaissance teams there. It’s been our job to search for survivors. Bring those that are willing back to the complex.”

Her eyes narrowed. “So when you said you’d been casing Beau’s camp, you meant you were trying to determine if they were a good fit?”

“Pretty much.” He huffed. “There’re damn few humans left, honey. We have to give any possibility a fair chance.” He scowled. “I’m sure it isn’t a surprise that the bastard failed the test.”

“That’s comforting.” She snagged her bottom lip, looking incredibly sexy as she worried it between her teeth. “Anything else?”

Gunner’s mouth pulled tight. “Besides the obvious rationing and shit, there is one other issue we had to compromise on.”

“And that would be…”

“Couplings.”

She frowned. “You mean you control who has sex?”

“No. Nothing like that.” He scrubbed his hand down his face. “It sounded reasonable when we all first discussed it. But having to say it out loud, yeah, it’s not quite as sane.” He took a deep breath. “Because of the limited number of women, the men agreed to court prospective lovers as a group. To avoid physical confrontations.”

She snorted. “As a group? What the hell does that mean?”

“It means multi-partner relationships. Three men for every woman.”

Morgan’s eyes widened, and she stared at them as if seeing them for the first time.

Wolfe moved forward, clasping his hand over both of hers, seemingly indifferent to the fact Ham and Gunner still had a hold beneath him. “It’s not what you think. The groups already established… They make it work. And not because they have to. Fuck. This is going to sound crazy, and we don’t want you to think we’re trying to get in your pants—”

“Aren’t you?”

Wolfe chuckled. “Damn, you’re feisty. And whether we want in your pants or not isn’t our call to make. It’s yours. It’ll always be yours. But you’re missing the point. What I’m trying to say is that these groups are more than just a way to keep peace. It’s a connection. A common goal if you will.”

Gunner huffed. “What Wolfe is trying to say is…we finally get why it works. How three guys can put their pride aside to ensure the woman they care about is safe. Loved.” He eased back. “We just thought you should know. So there aren’t any surprises if you agree to come back with us. To the compound, I mean.”

She nodded, glancing at where they still held her hands, but surprising them by not pulling away. “Is this a requirement?”

Gunner frowned. “That you pair up? Hell no. We’ve been there since the start and never considered it…at least not before…”

That lovely blush stained her cheeks again. “I think I understand. It’s just…”

Ham gave her fingers a squeeze. “You’re not sure whether to believe us or not. It’s cool. Trust takes time. It has to be earned. Proven. We get it. All we’re asking for is a chance.”

The indecision returned to her gaze as she stared at them.

Hamilton gave one last plea. “Please. Just a chance.”

Her shoulders drooped as if she’d allowed herself to relax slightly. “Fine. A chance. But I’m not making any promises.”

“Wouldn’t expect you to.”

Gunner and Wolfe grinned, finally releasing their hold. Hamilton held on for a few moments more, not wanting to lose the contact, however innocent. He stared at her hand in his, wondering how she fought so hard when her hands seemed so small before she cleared her throat. He glanced up, pinned by the stunning smile gracing her lips. God, she was breath-taking.

She nodded at her hand. “You okay?”

“Fine. I just…” How did he say he didn’t want to let go without it coming across as a line?

“I guess I don’t need that hand right now. But it doesn’t mean—”

“Anything more than what it is.”

She nodded, taking one last look around before letting her head fall back against the cushion as she closed her eyes. He watched her give herself over to exhaustion, humbled by the fact she’d allowed him to keep ahold of her hand. Though it seemed a simple gesture, he knew it meant more.