Bone

by Ainsley Cole

  Swahili spewed forth from them as the engine continued to run, and the men came toward him. Bones turned, keeping his head low. The men stepped up to him, one of them shoving his shoulder. “Move!”

  A gun came to his head, and Bones stopped his jittery movements.

  “I said move, old man!”

  Bones reared to his full height. A foot taller than the men on either side of him. Before they had time to react, he had spun and slashed one of their throats. The other man yelled, dropping his gun, a knife coming out. Bones had to spin again, taking a slice across the top of his left pectoral muscle. White-hot pain invaded his senses, and he growled, turning and shoved the knife into the man’s throat.

  The jeep’s engine revved and Bones turned, running to the side of the car. He grabbed the side of the vehicle, bringing the pistol out of his holster and pressed it against the kid’s head. “Don’t.”

  The yellowed whites of the kid’s eyes were bright in the car’s lights, and he shook under the threat of Bones’ blade.

  “Out.”

  He nodded, climbing out of the vehicle.

  Bones stepped back, taking the kid’s gun from him. “Turn around.”

  He did, and Bones brought the hilt of the pistol down onto the back of his neck.

  * * *

  It had been close to half an hour, and Abigail was starting to get worried. Had he abandoned her? Was he lying in an alley dead?

  Tears threatened with the last idea and she sniffed, pursing her lips. No, he couldn’t be. He was too strong for that.

  She hadn’t seen or heard a car in all that time, so when one sounded in the distance, coming closer, she feared the worst. Ducking down behind the barrels used as bins, Abigail closed her eyes. The scent of rotten food and human feces invading her nostrils.

  The vehicle slowed, the engine running as it came to stop. She was going to—

  “Abigail?” Bones’ voice was firm, unsure and tinged with pain.

  She leapt to her feet, looking out of the end of the alley, seeing him standing in the militia’s jeep. She grinned, as he returned it, relief rushing to his features.

  “Hear you need a ride?”

  Abigail ran down the alley, jumping into the vehicle as Bones sat down. She leaned over, kissing his mouth, her lips against his hot ones. She pulled away, looking up at him and he smiled. “You’re late.”

  He chuckled as he put the vehicle into gear and they started to drive through the streets. “I was busy. I got you some clothes and managed to nick some bread.”

  She investigated the back of the car, seeing the supplies. A bloodied shirt lay on the floor, and she frowned. Turning back to him, she noticed he’d changed, and there was a lump under his shirt, on the left-hand side.

  “What happened?” she asked, reaching out, trying to lift his shirt.

  Bones gripped her hand, holding it away from his chest. “It’s nothing, honey. A scratch. That's all.”

  “A scratch? There’s a lot of blood on that shirt back there, Bones.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “I can have a look.”

  He turned his head, a smirk hitting his lips. “You can play nurse all you want as soon as we get the fuck out of here. Promise.”

  Her face heated, and she turned her head away but kept hold of his hand. His fingers entwined with hers as they left the town limits. Heading out into the night—and she hoped, to safety.

  Chapter Six

  Bones couldn’t drive any longer. He was aching. The slice across his chest throbbed with every beat his heart made. He turned his head, looking over to Abigail. Curled up in the passenger seat, her legs tucked under that magnificent ass. He smiled, lifting his hand, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

  She stirred, her eyes opening, and she looked over at him. “Hey.”

  “Hi,” he replied, turning his attention back to the road. They’d left the town behind and had been driving for close to an hour. They'd shaken the militia. He hoped.

  “Are you okay?”

  He looked at her for a moment, before looking back to the road. “We have to stop soon. I can’t go much longer.”

  She moved in her seat, lifting herself and leaned across, pulling up the side of his shirt. The feeling of her hands on him… His cock started to harden as she pulled away the fabric he’d used to stem the flow of blood. “You’ll get an infection if it's not cleaned.”

  Frowning, he knew that. The only material he’d been able to find was a dirty rag in the back of the jeep. “A little further. Have to make sure you’re safe.”

  She gripped his head, making him turn his attention to her for a moment. “Find somewhere to stop. Now.”

  He looked back to the track, a smirk hitting his lips. He’d come to love her bossiness.

  Eyeing a ridge on the horizon, he turned the jeep in that direction. There had to be some sort of cave or trees they could hide the jeep. Then she’d be able to see to the wound.

  As they got closer, the shine of windows caught his attention, and he slowed, shutting off the lights.

  “What is it?”

  “A house.” Almost stopping the car, he squinted at the building. It wasn’t very well maintained. The roof was collapsing, most of the windows broken. “Looks abandoned. But you never know around here.”

  He stopped the jeep and shut off the engine. Turning to Abigail, he reached behind him. Wincing as his pec flexed, he pulled one of the pistols from his holsters. He lifted the gun, holding it out, grip first. “Know how to use this?”

  She looked at the weapon and took it from him. Checking the mag, she cocked it and flicked the safety off, then on again. “I did weapons training with my uncle.”

  Bones smiled, leaning forward, his mouth close to hers. “That was fucking hot.”

  Her breath hitched, and he turned, climbing from the jeep.

  “If anyone other than me comes out, shoot them and take off. The border is that way,” he said, pointing to the east. “Don’t wait for me. Okay?”

  He could see the concern in her eyes as she nodded, and he turned. Leaving her sitting in the car as he walked toward the building was a hard decision. He didn't know what was waiting for him.

  His hearing amplified, his eyes trained on the ramshackle house.

  It may have once been a farm, but nothing now showed him that former glory. Its wooden stairs were rotten, the beams on the verandah following suit. He lifted himself onto the verandah, bringing his other pistol up. With careful footsteps, he walked the length of the building. Looking into the broken windows, he searched for signs of habitation.

  No furniture. No signs of anyone living there.

  Nothing.

  Bones sighed, turning back to the jeep. They’d stay here for the night.

  * * *

  “It’s all clear.” Bones stepped up to the side of the jeep, grabbing things out of the back.

  Abigail nodded, pushing the gun into the back of her jeans as she got out and helped him.

  They emptied the jeep and took the supplies up to the house. It reminded her of Chernobyl. Derelict, not a place you wanted to stay. But for them right now, it was a palace.

  They forced their way in, finding the least destroyed room at the back of the house and Bones went about setting up a small light in the corner.

  He turned to her. “I’m going to move the jeep to cover. I saw a barn out back.”

  “Okay.”

  He left her alone and soon she heard the jeep start, moving around the property. Abigail made herself busy. Going from room to room, she found a few things lying about. Some old cloth, which was still clean, to a point. Some pots which would hold water. An old first-aid kit shoved behind the vanity cupboard. Everything she would need to look at the wound on Bones’ chest.

  Taking them back to the room, she put them down, examining the first-aid kit. There were still sterile patches and needles, some cotton and some tape.

  “Playing nurse, are we?” She looked up, seeing
Bones standing at the door, a large blanket in his hands. “It’s not in very good condition, but it’s usable.”

  He placed it down beside the lamp and turned to her.

  Abigail picked up two pots, holding them out to him. “Think you can find some water?”

  He rose an eyebrow.

  “Oh, come on. How long in the marines? You know how to—”

  He chuckled, taking the pots from her. “There are water drums in the barn. I’ll grab some.”

  He left, and she smiled, turning back to the supplies Bones had managed to steal. While she didn’t condone theft, this was a life or death situation.

  He’d managed to find some clothes which would be enough for her and him until they got back to civilization. There was bread, some vegetables, and a bottle of liquor. She picked up the spirits and looked at it, eyebrows furrowing.

  “That’s for when you’re butchering me.”

  Bones brought her the pots of water, and she rolled her eyes at him. “You’re more likely to die from this than me.”

  He took it from her and popped off the cap, swigging on it. “I’ll take my chances.”

  “Thanks,” she muttered, frowning.

  “I’m kidding.” He chuckled, putting the cap back on and he placed it to the side. “So, where are we going to start?”

  Abigail turned to him, hesitating. “Take your shirt off.”

  A smirk hit his lips again and her face heated as his hands went to the hem of his shirt. He lifted it, and she heard him wince as his pec flexed. He managed to get it over his head and dropped it to the ground. Giving her the first proper look at the body of the man who had been her savior.

  He was well built. With hard abs and full muscles. His chest and stomach lined with coarse, wiry hair, giving him the appearance of a bear. Her attention must have lingered on his chest for too long because Bones stepped forward. His fingers tilted under her chin, making her look up at him. “Doc, I’m bleeding out over here, while you swoon.”

  Her face heated, and he chuckled. Abigail turned, picking up the first-aid kit, one of the pots and rags and took them to a small bench attached to the wall. “Over here.”

  Bones came over to her, and she turned to him. His eyes were darker in the shadow of the small lamp, but the way they stared at her…

  “This is going to hurt.”

  “I can deal with it,” he muttered as she lifted her hand.

  Abigail peeled away the cloth he had used as gauze, and he hissed as it caught. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine.”

  She dropped the fabric to the floor and lifted her hands, touching his skin. It wasn’t as deep as she had thought it would be, but it still looked nasty and sore. “It’s going to need stitches.”

  “Damn it,” he muttered, and she looked up at him. “Be gentle with me.”

  She smirked. “And to think I took you for someone who liked it rough…”

  The change in his gaze had her breath hitching. “I love it rough, honey. But on my terms.” His voice was thick, and it sent a spike of longing straight into the pit of her stomach.

  “Then I’ll try to be gentle,” she murmured, turning back to the bench. Cleaning the wound with some water, she plucked a needle out of the kit and threaded it. Turning back to him, she leaned closer, her eyesight hampered in the light, and started to sew.

  * * *

  The pinch and sting of the needle in his flesh didn’t worry him. It wasn’t the last time he’d get stitched up. He was certain of that. What truly got to him was the woman in front of him.

  He couldn’t remain professional any longer.

  Bones wanted her. Needed her.

  His body ached and he longed to bury himself deep within the tiny woman. He wanted to feel her against him, taste her on his lips.

  Her fingers moved against his chest, sewing up the wound the militia had left. Tying every stitch in such a way even Apollo would be proud. She leaned forward, biting the cotton, her lips touching his skin and he almost came undone on the spot.

  “There. Done.” She stepped back, and he looked down at her handiwork, nodding.

  “Not bad for a blood doctor.” He lifted his arm, rotating his shoulder. There was still a little pain, but it didn’t seem to catch like it had before. “Thanks, honey.”

  Abigail nodded and turned away, cleaning up the mess she had made. Her hands moved, her hair falling over her eyes as she cleaned away the medical kit. She lifted a hand, shoving the lock behind her ear, exposing her neck.

  Bones stepped forward, his hand going to the small of her back. She stilled as he leaned forward, his lips going to a spot below her ear. Her breath hitched as he kissed it, her scent enveloping his senses. She shuddered against his chest, her heartbeat becoming faster as he moved his lips to the vein in her throat.

  He could sense how excited she was, how turned on she was becoming, as her arms shook. His other hand moved, touching her stomach, and her whole body shuddered under his touch.

  She was his.

  His hand moved from her back. Gliding up until it was at the base of her neck, he gripped her hair gently, turning her head to him. Bones’ gaze was on hers. She was almost panting at his touch, her mouth open, gaze hooded with lust.

  “Do you have any idea what I want to do with you right now?” He could hear the thickness to his own voice, the need, coming through clear as day.

  “Tell me,” she murmured, her voice soft and as thick as his was.

  He licked his lips, staring down at her. “I want to be rough. I want to own you. Body, mind, soul. I want you screaming my name and asking for more. I want to consume you. Until I don’t know where you end and I begin.”

  Abigail stared up at him, her eyes wide, breathing labored.

  He leaned forward, giving her enough time to object if she wanted to.

  Gripping her bottom lip with his teeth, he pulled it. She moaned, and he let go, kissing her. The urge to rip her clothes off and bury himself inside her almost drowned him.

  She turned in his grasp, her body pressing against his. Her hands moved to his hips as she tiptoed, her mouth harder against his own. He could feel the urgency in her kiss. Letting go of her hair, he reached down, cupping her buttocks in his huge hands, and lifted her to him.

  Abigail’s legs wrapped around his waist, arms around his neck. Her mouth opened, allowing his tongue to invade. His body ached with need, cock straining against his fatigues, yearning to sink into her soft body.

  Bones turned, sweeping his arm along the bench on the wall. Scattering the medical equipment, sending the pot of water flying. He dumped her on the surface, his hands going to her blouse. He gripped the front of it, ripping it open, sending the buttons flying in all directions. Sliding her blouse off, he fumbled with the back of her bra.

  Christ, he hadn’t done this for a while. They were usually naked already.

  She pulled away, giggling, and lifted her arms. Undoing her bra, she released her heavy mounds into his waiting hands.

  Soft. Warm.

  Bones dipped his head, latching hold of her left nipple, suckling it.

  Abigail moaned, threading her hands through his hair. Her back arched as he moved to the other nipple. Giving it as much attention as the other, bringing them to hard peaks with a wet pop. Her fingernails scraped down his abs, heading for his belt.

  Shifting to allow more room between them, his breathing became harsh.

  Bones’ mouth travelled up her neck, nipping as his hands went to her pants. Undoing them, he lifted her enough to slide them down her butt and off her legs. Her hands dug into his pants, wrapping around his shaft. His eyes closed, a low moan coming from him as she ran her hand up and down its hard length. “Fuck.”

  He let her go for a moment, fumbling in his back jeans pocket. His wallet wasn’t there, and he stopped, hands leaving her.

  “What?”

  “Wait right there, don’t move.” He pointed to her as he turned, spying the discarded medical kit. H
e walked over to it, crouching down and sifted through it. “Come on. It’s Africa, for fuck sake.”

  “Bones, what are you—?”

  He turned, lifting the foil packet from the kit and showing it to her.

  “Oh, smart thinking.” She giggled as he walked back to her, tearing the condom wrapper open.

  Pushing his pants down to his thighs, he slipped the condom over his length, before gripping her buttocks. Bringing her to the edge of the bench with desperation. Abigail wrapped her arms around his neck as he gripped himself and pushed into her.

  She was hot and tight, and as his hips met hers he shuddered, stopping.

  Bones knew, if he moved, even an inch, it’d be all over. He had never been so turned on by one woman in his life. Lifting his head, he stared into her doe brown eyes, his heart pounding with the look she sent right back to him.

  Gripping her hips, he moved, shoving his hips forward, pulling them back. Her hands went to his biceps, her head tipping back as she moaned with his movements. Bones moved his arms, hooking them under her knees, bringing her legs up and her moan changed.

  He was not far off. He could feel the tingle starting in the base of his spine, his legs shaking as his pace increased.

  Abigail’s back arched, and he leaned over. Capturing her nipple again as his hips continued to move, he speared in and out of her. “Oh, God.”

  Her hands went to his hair again, scraping over his scalp as she moaned. His body tingled and he moaned in response, his hips thudding against her. Bones lifted his head, seeking her open mouth, her panting driving him crazy. He moved one arm, allowing her leg to fall and he lifted his hand, gripping her hands, lifting them above her head.

  Abigail’s eyes opened, her brown orbs meeting his and he stared into her eyes, his body plundering hers. His grip on her wrists tightened.

  She didn't complain, and he leaned forward, crushing his mouth against hers. Tongues dueling, his thrusting became harder, his grip stronger. Her body shuddered against him, and her mouth ripped away from his. “Braedon!”