Fever

by Carnal, MJ

  “You make them sound horrible.” I said, shaking my head, laughing.

  “Nah, just Italian.”

  “Don’t wake him. Just tell him I stopped by and have him text me in the morning. I’m going to try and get some rest while the ER is slow.”

  “Okay, doc. I hope to see you again soon.” The sides of his eyes crinkled as he smiled at me.

  I nodded and walked away, leaving Michael to sleep. I wanted to catch a few minutes’ rest in the doctor’s lounge while I still could. I thought about the Gallo boys as I made my way down the corridors. They were all handsome, but Michael was heart-stopping.

  I flipped off the light in the lounge before I collapsed on the couch. My head began to spin from exhaustion when I closed my eyes. Lying on the lumpy couch, I covered my face with my arm and thought about Michael.

  “What?” I asked as someone touched my shoulder. “My eyes were closed for only two seconds. Jesus,” I mumbled.

  “It’s been an hour, doctor, and someone is at the desk asking for you.”

  “I’m coming,” I said, rubbing my eyes, waiting for them to adjust to the harsh fluorescent lighting. I grabbed the Visine from my pocket, dropping the liquid in the hope of alleviate the stinging.

  I prayed I didn’t look like the walking dead. I sure as hell felt like it.

  Walking like a zombie, my mind clouded, eyes blurry, I made my way to the reception area. Michael stood there looking exactly how I felt. Fidgeting with his hands, he leaned against the desk and looked around.

  I touched his back lightly, trying not to startle him. “Michael, everything all right?”

  He rubbed his hands across his face as he turned to me. “Yeah, Anth told me you came by while I was asleep. Thought I’d find you down here.”

  “I decided to sleep a bit too,” I said, a yawn breaking free as I quickly covered it.

  “Shit, I’m sorry I woke you.” He frowned. The lack of sleep and stress had dulled his eyes’ luster.

  “I’m fine. I needed to wake up anyway,” I said, wiping my eyes. “How’s your brother?”

  The huge smile on his face said it all. “He woke up for a bit and mumbled some nonsense,” he said, laughing.

  “Anesthesia can do funny things to a person’s brain.”

  “I thought about messing with his head, but my ma would’ve beat me. He seems okay, but he’s pretty fucked up. The surgeon said it’s going to be a long recovery. They had to put a metal rod in his leg and there’s pins sticking out and shit. His hand is in a cast and his fingers are swollen. Yeah, he’s fucked for now.” He shrugged. “At least he’s alive.”

  Touching his hand, I caressed the rough skin on his palm near his fingers. “It’s going to be tough on him, but your family will help him through it. How are your parents holding up?” Stepping closer, I leaned against him.

  He stared at my fingers as I stroked them. “They’re doing okay. Worried, naturally, but better now that he’s out of the woods. They need sleep. I keep telling them to go home and rest, but they’re hardheaded.”

  He wrapped his arm around me and feathered a kiss against my forehead.

  “Seems to be a family trait,” I said, laughing and gripping his shirt. I closed my eyes, inhaling his musky cologne.

  “Code blue, room two,” a voice blared through the hallway.

  Damn. I wanted more than a minute against his warm, hard body.

  “I have to go.” I frowned, resting my head against his chest. “Go home and rest, Mikey, and I’ll see you tomorrow or today…whatever it is,” I said, pushing off him and starting to walk away.

  Grabbing me around the waist, he brought his lips to my ear and whispered, “It’s Michael, doc. I don’t remember hearing you moan Mikey as you came on my cock.”

  The vibration of his voice and his breath in my ear made me shiver.

  “I have to go. You’re a naughty boy, Mikey,” I said as I pushed away from his body, freeing myself from his grip.

  I could hear his deep laughter as I ran toward room two and the patient in cardiac arrest.

  Chapter 14

  I kept a vigil at my brother’s bedside with the rest of my family throughout the night. On the verge of collapse, I found a quiet spot to close my eyes. Pulling up a chair, I stretched my legs out, and rested my head against the wall. I wanted to wait for Mia to finish her shift.

  I tried to quiet my mind, but all I could think about was Tammy. I didn’t believe for a moment that she was pregnant, let alone with my child.

  I knew sure as shit we weren’t engaged, so why would I even remotely believe her bullshit? The woman was clearly delusional, and I needed to find a way to set her ass straight, and quick, before it blew up in my face.

  Using the front of one shoe, I pried the other one off my foot before repeating the process with my toes. I grabbed my shirt, brought it to my nose, and sniffed. Didn’t smell as bad as I thought it would after being at the hospital so long.

  Rubbing my face, I yawned and crossed my arms, resting them on my chest.

  What the fuck was I going to do about Tammy?

  Batshit crazy Tammy.

  A pregnancy test would show her for the bullshitter she was and put her lies to rest in a hurry, but how?

  We didn’t have sex more than a couple times in the last six weeks, and I always wore a condom.

  I didn’t want a baby—at least not yet, and certainly not with a woman like her.

  Could someone even know that they were pregnant in that time? I had a dick, and the female reproductive system mystified me.

  I tried to force Tammy out of my mind. Just the thought of her pissed me off, making my blood pressure rise.

  I thought of Mia, trying to calm my nerves. There was something different about her, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. There was a natural ease I felt when she was at my side.

  What if they knew each other? Fuck, I never thought of that.

  My heart pounded as my eyes flew open. My palms grew sweaty as I thought about the possibility of my worlds colliding in one giant clusterfuck.

  I couldn’t make myself crazy.

  I pushed the thought of Tammy out of my mind and thought of Mia—the feel of her skin, her brilliant smile, and her infectious laugh.

  My head fell to the side, scaring the living shit out of myself. I needed my bed, solid sleep, and a good ass-kicking in the gym to set my body and mind right. I felt stiff after sleeping for three hours in an unnatural position.

  I cracked my neck, gaining my bearings as I walked back to Joe’s room. I needed to check on him.

  My parents, Izzy, and Anthony had disappeared while I was gone. Suzy had crawled in bed and carefully placed her body around him. He watched her as she slept in his arms.

  I cleared my throat to get his attention.

  Holding his finger to his lips, he motioned for me to sit.

  “You scared the shit out of us, Joe.” I grabbed the chair, setting it down on the opposite side of the bed that Suzy lay on.

  “I wouldn’t go out like that, brother. I have too much to live for to leave this world,” he whispered, looking down at Suzy. “I feel like shit, though.”

  “You look like shit too.” I smiled.

  I would’ve never been the same without him in my life.

  He laughed, wincing as his body shook. “Everything fucking hurts. I’m going to be out of commission for a while—a long while.”

  “Doesn’t matter. Just get better, man.”

  “At least I didn’t fuck up my tattooing hand, but I’m not going to be walking anytime soon.” He flexed his good hand, balling it into a fist.

  “I’ll wheel your ass in every day if I have to. Maybe you can get one of those scooters all the old bastards use.” I smirked.

  Fucking old people drove him nuts.

  “Shut the fuck up, asshole,” he whispered, glaring at me.

  “Well, at least the accident didn’t ruin your ability to use such eloquent language.” I laughed. The joy I fel
t with the simple conversation was unexplainable.

  “Since when does your ass say eloquent?”

  “You aren’t the only one with a college education, Joe. Listen, man, some shit went down in the last twelve hours—more shit than just your accident. I need your advice, but I’ll wait until your mind is clear.”

  “My mind’s clear as a whistle.”

  I shook my head. “Nah, your shit got scrambled, and I need it at its best to help me figure out the shit storm that’s about to rain down on me.” I rubbed my eyes and raked my hands down my face.

  “No, fuck? I gotta know now.”

  “Why me?” I laid my head on his bed, wishing it all away.

  The bed moved slightly as the sound of his laughter rang in my ears.

  It was the best damn sound in the world.

  “You’re going to laugh your ass off when you hear about the clusterfuck,” I said, sitting up to face him.

  Suzy stirred as her eyes opened, a small smile on her lips. “Mikey,” she said, her voice sounding sleepy.

  “Hey, Suz. I didn’t mean to wake you. Sorry, sweetheart,” I said, watching her body melt against him.

  “Don’t worry. I want to be up. You need anything, babe?” she asked, staring up at Joe.

  She looked relieved. Yesterday I thought she was going to have a meltdown and lose it completely.

  They had a love that I hoped to find someday. I wanted someone to be my world.

  Fuck, I sounded like a pussy.

  I needed to sleep and get my head right.

  “Nah, sugar. I’m fine just how we are right now.” He pulled her tighter against his body and kissed her head.

  I watched them with a dumb, jealous grin on my face. I touched my dick to make sure it was still there.

  “Did the doctor come in while I slept?” she asked, nuzzling her face into his chest.

  “Not yet. The nurse said he’d be in this morning before they move me to a regular room.”

  “I can’t wait to get you home, baby,” she said, closing her eyes.

  “You just want me in bed and immobile,” he teased as he smelled her hair.

  “I’d prefer you unable to talk, but being stuck in bed won’t be the worst thing in the world.” She giggled softly, trying not to jostle him.

  Holding my hands up in mock surrender, I said, “All right, love birds. This is my cue to get out of here. Call me if you need anything.” I stood and touched my brother’s uninjured arm. “I’m happy you’re all right, brother. I love you even though you’re an asshole sometimes.” I squeezed his forearm, looking at the both of them with their mushy grins.

  “Love ya too, man.” He smiled.

  “Bye, Mikey,” Suzy said, without moving.

  As I walked out of Joe’s room, I sent Mia a text.

  Me: You done yet with work?

  I’d had as much hospital as I could take. The smell of antiseptic and pine made my stomach turn. I worried it would be permanently part of my sense of smell if I stayed any longer.

  Mia: I’ll be done in thirty.

  Me: I’ll be in my car waiting or do you want to meet at my place?

  Mia: Meet you at your place.

  Me: Hungry?

  Mia: Famished.

  Me: I’ll have food, cock, and a comfy bed waiting for you.

  Mia: What if I don’t want it in that order?

  Me: I offer—you choose.

  I laughed, shaking my head. I really liked her.

  Mia: I’ll be there in one hour.

  Me: Don’t keep me waiting.

  I approached my car with a giant smile on my face, and tucked the phone in my pocket. A white piece of paper flapped under my wiper, catching my eye. I ripped it off the windshield and glanced at it before crumpling it in my fist. Slowly, I peeled the crushed paper apart and stared at it.

  Mikey,

  You can’t just leave us like this. How can you deny your own son? I’ll never let you go. You’re mine and we’re yours.

  I’ll fight for you until my last breath.

  I sighed, wanting to vomit, and crumpled the paper before throwing it on the ground. I’d deal with her shit soon and end her games.

  Crazy and me did not fucking mix.

  Chapter 15

  I snuggled against Michael and relished the stark contrast of his warm skin and the cool sheets against my body.

  The soothing of his hand as he rubbed the back of my arm made me melt into him. I slowly moved my fingers over the scruff lining his jawbone; each hair tickled my fingertips. The coarseness on my skin felt like tiny shock waves moving through my hand. Listening to the beat of his heart, I drifted to sleep.

  “Mia,” Michael whispered in my ear, waking me.

  “Mm.” I was too tired to speak.

  “I need you.” His lips brushed against my ear as his hand caressed the skin just above my underwear.

  “Yeah,” I whispered, pushing my ass against his hardness, still feeling half asleep.

  He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me closer, and his fingers dipped inside my panties. His breath felt hot and sounded heavy against my ear. Raking his fingers through my wetness, he moaned as he found my clit.

  His damp fingers moved rhythmically against my tender flesh. I squirmed, a small moan escaping my lips. Arching my back, I pushed my ass against his erection. Moisture pooled between my legs; I needed more than his hand to dull the ache.

  Moving away from my body, he placed me on my back without speaking. I didn’t have to wait as I heard the crinkle of the wrapping before the bed dipped as he crawled between my legs.

  I blinked through blurry eyes and watched his dark figure kneeling before me as he slid on the condom.

  Leaning over my body, he whispered against my lips, “You okay, Mia?”

  “Yes,” I said in a sleepy voice, still not fully awake.

  When he stroked the head of his cock against my opening, my eyes flew open. He thrust himself inside, waking me.

  Warm hands pressed against my ribs before holding my arms above my head.

  I relaxed my arms under his grip, enjoying the small grunts that filled the room and the feel of him inside me.

  He pumped into me slowly, caressing my insides. Moaning, I felt the orgasm hovering just out of reach. I need more friction, more power to push me over the edge. I wrapped my ankles around his legs, as the pressure from the piercings hit me deep and in just the right way, sending a shock wave through my system.

  The force of his thrust increased as he fucked me relentlessly. My fingers curled around his as he held my arms against the pillow. Wet warmth against my nipple made my body jerk. The sensations were overwhelming in my sleepy state.

  As he bit down, I cried out, pleasure radiating throughout my body.

  I pushed my head against the pillow; my arms grew rigid under his hold and my breathing halted. In the darkness, my eyes filled with vivid colors as the orgasm tore through me. Feeling like someone had knocked the wind out of me, I grew limp under him as he chased his release. Ramming his cock inside me over and over again, Michael cried out, body shaking until he collapsed on top of me.

  Rolling away, he snapped the condom, pulling it off. The bed moved as he rolled over, wrapping his arms around me. Michael Gallo spooned.

  “Sleep, Mia,” he whispered in my ear, planting a soft kiss against my hair.

  I closed my eyes, shuffling my ass back, leaving no space between us.

  The peace I knew only when in his arms returned as I drifted back to sleep.

  Michael seemed on edge when we woke. We both needed the gym to relax and unwind.

  I touched his arm as he drove, seemingly lost in his thoughts. “He’s going to be okay, you know that, right?” I asked, hoping to make him feel better.

  He nodded his head. “Yeah, I know.”

  I studied his profile. His forehead was crinkled and his eyes seemed vacant. His sparkle and dirty humor had evaporated somewhere between falling asleep and our drive to the gym.
>
  “What’s wrong, then?”

  “Just some stuff on my mind. It has nothing to do with us, Mia. Just some bullshit going on.”

  “I’m a good listener, Michael.” I rubbed his arm, wanting him to share his worries with me.

  Looking over at me, he exhaled and frowned. “I imagine you are, but some things are for me to deal with.”

  I pulled my hand back, placing it in my lap. “Okay,” I said, looking out the window. I didn’t have anything else to say.

  We pulled into the gym parking lot after riding in silence. He could say whatever was on his mind had nothing to do with us, but I knew bullshit when I heard it.

  He reached for my hand, giving it a small squeeze, as we walked into the gym.

  “I’m going to run on the treadmill, want to come?” I asked.

  “Nah, I need to lift some weights.” Bending down, he kissed my cheek. “I’ll catch you in a bit.”

  It felt platonic and impersonal, unlike the sex we’d had during the night.

  “Don’t forget me, handsome.” I started to walk away and looked back at him with a smile. That just sounded needy and totally not me.

  He had scrambled my brains.

  He grabbed my arm, drawing me to his body. “I could never forget about you, Mia. You need to stop that thought right there. There’s no other woman I think about.” He swatted my ass and whispered, “Off you go. No checking out anyone but me. Got it?”

  Yes, the playful Michael was back!

  As I walked away, I looked over my shoulder. “I can’t help if someone is in my line of vision. What are you going to do about it, big boy?” I smirked.

  His mouth broke out in a drop-dead sinful grin. “I have my ways of making you pay.” He winked, and I wanted to jump in his arms and capture his mouth in a kiss.

  Whatever had been on his mind in the truck had vanished.

  Butterflies filled my stomach as I walked a little bit faster before he sidetracked us both.

  “You know where to find me.” Using my thumb, I pointed to the treadmills over my shoulder. I turned around, relieved to have a few minutes to myself.

  The man had seemed simple to read until today.

  I jogged on the treadmill, catching up with my emails. I’d been trying to finish reading a book for a week with no luck, and I used the time to read while I ran. After each page, I watched Michael for a moment before continuing to read.