Cyrus: M.E.D.I.C.S.: A Steamy Instalove Military Medical Romance

by Pandora Snow

  "Always," I state calmly, releasing the heavy carabineer fastener from my belt loop. I just need a few more words.

  "Do you want to review the additional security protocols Mike and I are implementing? We have a third man who'll verify all precautions are taken before leaving for the night."

  "Good," he says distractedly, typing a text message. His phone pings back and he slams his fist against the desk.

  "Are you fucking kidding me, half-price?" He storms out of the trailer, his Mercedes kicking up a thick cloud of dust as he speeds off the lot. I look out the trailer window, seeing Mike angrily pacing back and forth near the model home. I keep my informant nose to the grindstone. I've done my part.

  Anxiety is coursing through my veins as I arrive home. Mike retrieved his keys at lunch, nervously patrolling from task to task. Three of us visually supervised the bolting and clamping of every single lock before we left. I'm praying Detective Holden drives over tonight and gives me good news. I need to ensure Lauralynn is supported if and when an arrest warrant is issued for her father.

  The loud knock on my door startles me awake; it's midnight. I check the security camera and jump to my feet in alarm.

  "Cyrus!" she cries, throwing herself into my open waiting arms.

  "God, it's good to hold you," I whisper in her ear, feeling her chaotic body heaving up and down against me.

  "They just arrested Dad on charges of theft and embezzlement. They barged into my apartment and handcuffed him right in front of me. I called his lawyer, who's on the way to the police station. Dad would never cannibalize his own company. I'm confused and angry."

  Oh, no. Oh, fucking, no. She thinks he's innocent.

  "Oh, baby, I'm so sorry. I'm here for you, whatever you need." I sweep her into my arms and set us on the soft sofa cushions. My hand reaches down to remove her sky-high heels, and she curls up on my lap. These may be the last few precious moments I hold her. She'll never forgive me for my part in her father's arrest.

  A second startling knock on the door beckons me. The truth will tear us apart. My lips kiss her reverentially one last time before standing to answer the call. Detective Holden is standing in my doorway. Time to say goodbye to the love of my life.

  He steps inside, a surprised look crossing his face.

  "What are you doing here?" she spews with a snarl.

  I implore him with my eyes to keep his mouth shut, but he does not.

  "Maam, I need to speak to Mr. Garrison alone. Let's step outside, sir."

  The small peace offering does nothing to slow her rising anger.

  "Are you going to arrest him too, take him away like you did my father?" Her hands are firmly planted on her shaky hips, coming to my defense. I love her.

  "Maam," he begins, but I stop him with a gesture. There'll never be a good time to break this news. The honorable thing to do is be honest and forthcoming.

  "Lauralynn," I begin, trying and failing to keep three steps back from her trembling body. I take her hands gently in mine and gaze into her beautiful furious eyes.

  "Detective Holden asked me to assist the investigation into your father's company, and I agreed. I knew absolutely nothing of this until last night. I had no prior knowledge of any supposed wrong-doing by Mr. Gates."

  Her mind's wheels are ferociously turning, quickly surmising the link between the arrest and this moment. I'm caught red-handed in a sin of omission.

  "I'm sorry, Lauralynn, I genuinely am. My intentions were never to hurt you."

  "So you were using me, just like my prior jackass of a boyfriend, to get to my father? I thought you were better than that, Cyrus. I thought you were a noble, honorable man. I thought I was falling in love with you."

  She grabs her keys off the coffee table, and storms inevitably out of my life. The detective fills in the gaps of the night's events and thanks me for my civilian service. I don't know if I did the right thing. All I know is this constricting pain is so great I may never recover.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Jesus, now what. I've nursed my relentless sorrow with two beers as a third visitor raps on my door.

  "What the fuck do you want…."

  It's Snake. He's standing on my doorstep, with a case of non-alcoholic beer. He doesn't wait for me to invite him in, fastening the lock behind him.

  "What are you doing here?" I ask, wanting to yell, kick, hug, scream, and cry all at once.

  "Chance called me; we work together in engineering. He lives three doors down and witnessed the ruckus. He said you needed a friend. I brought you a brother instead."

  He sets the beer down on the coffee table, and we hug like long lost family.

  "Does she think her dad is innocent?"

  "Yes."

  "She blamed you and ran out?"

  "Yes."

  "Well, fuckers. This is a tough wound to bandage, soldier, but we've healed worse."

  I release a laugh full of stress, Snake toasting to a better tomorrow.

  We both agree there's nothing I can say or do to change Lauralynn's mind. She'll need time and space to gain a clear perspective.

  "I don't know if I still have a job," I ponder out loud, wondering if Mike is guilty or innocent.

  "Hundreds of contractors rely on daily construction work to make ends meet. They'll be looking for a leader in about six hours, demonstrating character, presence, and respect. You're that man, Cyrus. Regardless of the final result, do what you know."

  True enough. Even if tomorrow is my last day of employment with Gates Development, we don't quit a mission until the Commander orders.

  "Thanks for coming over," I say appreciatively as he heads out the door.

  "I dropped everything when I heard you were back on the market." Smartass.

  The detective returned my cell phone. I debate whether it's wise to send a simple text to Lauralynn in apology. Until the investigation is complete, I should keep my distance for her own well-being. She's falling in love with me. That's enough of a declaration to refocus my eyes on the prize and win back her valued trust.

  ***

  We've been trudging in the hot sun for three days, a corporate lawyer instructing the crew to carry on business as usual. My heart sinks every time I walk by the model home, reliving our first passionate kiss over and over. Our distance has intensified my need and desire for Lauralynn, nearing the breaking point of remaining silent.

  The media is splashing her family across the dirty tabloid pages, vilifying Mr. Gates as a selfish, calculating swindler. Their portrayal is harsh and unjust. He's almost certainly guilty of the crimes, but his actions were based on desperation. I know how that feels; every cell in my body is continually craving her touch.

  As I round the street corner for another sweltering day, I see her Audi sedan parked next to the trailer. My heart leaps out of my chest in hope and constricts in fear at the same time. I'll accept my fate with dignity. She deserves to be treated honorably by a man who'll show her the ultimate respect.

  Her sweet melodic voice is on the phone, ordering equipment, and scheduling shipments. She looks up at me as I swing open the door, her face blank. I'm unable to read an ounce of emotion. Not a good sign.

  I stand quietly as she completes her call and rises to her feet behind the desk. The air instantly leaves my lungs. Her beautifully abundant body is covered in dark denim jeans, a skin-tight white t-shirt, and old gray sneakers. My body is vibrating with electricity, but I must show restraint. I still don't know for sure where she stands.

  She sets her hands on those glorious hips and stares intensely at me. Our bodies are frozen in time, feeling into the crackling energy coursing through the ginger-scented air.

  "Are you Cyrus Garrison?" she asks in an authoritative voice, the same infectious speech that melted my resistance the first time we met.

  "Yes, Maam," I reply with courtesy, willing her to jump into my arms and never let go. I'm holding my breath.

  She sashays to within three inches of my hot twitching mouth, co
ntrol fading at an alarming pace. Please, I silently beg.

  "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Garrison. I'm Miss Lauralynn Gates, CEO of Gates Development."

  There's no time for an audible reply, our exploding bodies completing the physical bond created by our intertwined hearts. Her soft fingers brush along my cheek, appreciative, loving eyes gazing into my soul.

  "I'm sorry I didn't believe you, Cyrus. I was shocked to learn about my father's failing business and the crimes he committed, in a last-ditch attempt to save this sinking ship."

  Soft, supple breasts gently slide along my muscular chest, rendering all else irrelevant. Our open mouths dance fiercely in a symphony of sweet emotion, physically expressing our deep feelings. I'm going to take her on the desk if we don't pull back.

  "Forgive me, Lauralynn, for withholding the evidence I gathered in the investigation. My embedded integrity required involvement in this legal case. The last thing I wanted was to drag your family's name through the mud."

  "I forgive you," she whispers against my lips, touching every single heightened nerve. We need to be alone, now.

  "Have you spoken to your father?" I gingerly ask, my fingers aggressively pressing into her plump round buttocks.

  "Yes. He explained how the company came to be in financial jeopardy. I believe he's truly sorry for putting us through this embarrassing public collapse. My mom is flying to the Bahamas to escape the media spectacle. I'm excited to introduce you two. I know she'll approve."

  As desperate as I am to throw her over my shoulder and speed home, I need to know how we'll handle the crew. No doubt they're on edge about receiving this week’s paycheck.

  "What are your plans with the project, Miss Commanding CEO? Do I need to address the workers?"

  "You need to address my raging hormones," she breathes, nipping along my earlobe. Why the hell did we put windows in this damn trailer?

  "Sincerity and empathy for others, are two of the qualities I love most about you, Cyrus." We're done here. I'm on the verge of imploding.

  "I've been instructed by Dad's business lawyers to maintain status quo until the development is finished. The project assets will fetch a considerably higher price when the neighborhood is completed.”

  Dear Lord. She said she loves me.

  "May I ask you a serious question, Miss Gates?" I've positioned her on top of the desk, her long, lean legs wrapping around my waist.

  "Hmm?" she murmurs, diabolically stroking towards my straining cock with her authoritative fingers.

  "Will you do me the honor of being my date tonight? I'm a simple man. All I need is your intoxicating body and your precious heart."

  A loud catcall whistles from out front; our love affair will have to wait eight excruciating hours.

  "Let me check my schedule," she grins, one last cherishing kiss a prelude of tonight's sacred union.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Lauralynn is hell on wheels, stepping into the lofty position with a generous measure of grace and determination. She's winning the respect of every crew member by being forthright about the challenges ahead.

  I forced myself to stay busy with construction inspections, keeping my hands to myself the rest of the day. We must curtail our personal relationship on the job site to uphold the high level of esteem she's earning amongst the workers.

  Turns out Mike was an accomplice to the crime, following Mr. Gates’s orders in hopes of stealing my job. He was likely unaware the company was near bankruptcy. I’m struggling to comprehend why he’d risk jail time. No doubt the sordid details will play out in newspaper pages across the county.

  My phone pings, a text from Snake asking if she's forgiven me yet. I text back a rude symbol of Lauralynn and I's plans this evening. He feigns an appalled graphic, then sends back a similar epitaph. I'm going to need insider intel regarding his shocking turn of events.

  The equipment locks have been triply checked; the security company told to remain vigilant and take extra precaution. We're officially on a date as I follow her home. I'm not sorry she won't get dinner first.

  Lauralynn waves at the concierge as we enter the empty elevator. The anticipation in her glowing eyes lights my fuse, her back pressing against the wall. My distressed cock pins her down, her hands sliding underneath my waistband. We could have sex right here, but she deserves a slow sultry seduction.

  My hands grip her wrists and pull her arms around my neck. “You seem a bit flustered,” I whisper, memories of our first meeting lighting up my enamored eyes. I hold her steady, tasting her lips until we reach floor seventeen.

  “Get out,” she orders with a snicker as I sweep her off her feet. Tonight isn’t about sex. It’s about making love to my forever girl.

  The twinkling city lights are creating an entrancing ambiance. We're slow dancing as we emotionally reconnect, our blossoming love affair nearly torn apart.

  “Did you think you’d see me again?” she asks against my mouth, our sensual kisses laying waste to my failing patience.

  “I knew it. I’m in love with you Lauralynn. You stole my heart as soon as our eyes met. I never fail to complete a mission.”

  Tears form as she absorbs my heartfelt profession of love. We embrace tightly, the pulling and squeezing of each other’s bodies intensifying.

  "Be right back," she devilishly beams, leaving me bereft. I’m standing in the middle of her apartment in front of a wall of windows. I hope no one can see inside. The show I'm about to watch is for my eyes only.

  My erection surges as she steps into the hallway, a hypnotizing vision of beautiful pale skin. She’s wearing a skimpy Band-Aid-sized strip of ivory clothing covering her prize. Her billowy bosoms are spilling out of a second tiny fabric placeholder. I'm gawking like a stupid lovesick buffoon.

  Passion ignites as her hands cup my cheeks and kiss fire into my open, willing mouth. When my fingers reach her bare behind, I growl deep in my chest, lifting her into my arms and marching straight into her bedroom. This woman is a treasured gift I intend to pleasure every remaining day of my life.

  Her beguiling spell continues to enrapture me as she pulls my shirt from my khaki pants. The seduction in her eyes tells me she wants the experience of undressing me. I painfully oblige, keeping her warm by brushing my fingers across her hardening peaks.

  The nonsense she calls a bra is removed in a flash, both of my hands cupping her generous swelling breasts. I rest my forehead on top of her silky soft curls, feeling her body swaying against me as I gently fondle her nipples.

  My intensity is skyrocketing out of control to bury myself inside her. She lowers, sliding down my trousers and boxer briefs, intending to torture me with her hot mouth. First, I need to taste my sweet girl, the scent of her arousal beckoning for my tongue.

  Loafers fly across the room as I step out of my clothes and stand her up, then drop to my knees.

  "Cyrus," she gasps, my lips pressing against her wet pulsing flesh, lifting her right leg over my broad shoulder.

  I revel in watching her eyes lose control, her fingers pulling aggressively through my hair. I already feel her spontaneous quivering as my fingers find her entrance. Our eyes lock, a hot, slick press of my tongue enough to explode her into involuntary orgasm.

  "You're so fucking beautiful," I groan, caressing her as the waves of pleasure envelope her trembling figure. I rise to my feet and lay her gently onto the luxurious linens. An angelic glow is gracing her extraordinary expression of satisfaction.

  A condom I discretely removed from my pocket quickly covers my engorged erection. Before I fill her whole, I need a taste of hardened nipple, just a bite.

  Her back leaps off the bed as I grin with delight, smothering my cock in her juices. My thumbs move to her lips for visible confirmation she wants me inside her. We'll remember this moment the rest of our lives.

  "Let’s make love, Lauralynn," I whisper, her wild eyes begging yes.

  Sweet Jesus, the clenching of her folds against my head shoots precum, my immediate full
thrust hitting her to the root. Her erotic moans fuel my pace, her hands feverishly gripping the linen sheets. I swivel my hips in a sublime rhythm of loving blows. We lose ourselves to the act of penetrating mind-blowing sex.

  Tears roll down her cheeks as I kiss them away, her mouth and fingers spurring me to continue. Our bodies are united on all levels as we love each other until the pinnacle arrives. Her detonating climactic convulsions trigger my immediate surrendered release.

  My heaving chest lifts slightly, allowing her full breathing room. Our fingers caress each other tenderly, the unspoken words and hypnotic gazes permanently cementing this relationship.