“Ow…shit,” Katiya hissed.
Warwick headed around the truck at a run. He spotted Katiya leaning against the side of the truck gripping her leg. Strain clenched her face and there were tears in her light hazel eyes. Warwick lifted her up into his arms. Katiya moaned, not letting go her hold on her appendage.
“Katiya, what can I do?”
“My…leg… Take me…home. Call…Lis,” she gritted.
“Warwick, is she okay?” Calix asked, coming around from the rear of the truck.
“I’m taking Katiya to the hospital. Take care of things here.” He was glad Calix had decided to come with him.
“You got it. Let me know if I can do anything,” Calix said.
He nodded, striding away, Katiya against his torso. Katiya whimpered, turning her face into his chest. Each sound ripped through him. He skirted around the onlookers blocking his way. There were a lot of people at the auto show. He heard them talking as they realised it was Katiya he was carrying. Warwick didn’t slow heading outside and to his truck. Gently he put her on the back seat of the cab before closing the door and dashing to the driver’s door. He was on his way in moments.
“Take me home.” Her voice was strained.
“We’re going to the hospital.”
“No. They can’t do anything for me. It was the travelling and then walking on the leg. It’s seizing on me. Call Lis. She can check me out. Please don’t argue. Call Lis.” Katiya moaned.
The desperation in her voice made him not say anything further. He drove her home. He planned on calling not only Lis but also his own private doctor to make a house call. The tyres squealed as he roared into the driveway. He worked the clutch and slammed it into gear as he killed the engine. As quickly as possible he headed to the passenger side and gently lifted her out. . The sound of screeching tyres reached him. Turning with her in his arms, Warwick spotted the green Jeep he knew was Delicia’s. She hopped out, put a bag handle across her body and ran to them.
“I got calls from what seems like everyone who was at the auto show. What happened?” Delicia demanded.
Warwick strode towards the house as he replied, “I don’t know. She said it was the travelling and then walking around at the show.”
“Really? She travels all the time. Let me get the door, and you take her directly to bed. I’ll check her over.” Delicia rushed ahead and opened the door for them.
Warwick was surprised that she had keys.
“I have them in case of emergency,” Delicia answered his unspoken question.
Warwick took Katiya back to the bedroom. Delicia went around him and pulled back the covers on the bed. He put Katiya down. She still gripped her leg, moaning. Warwick stood by helplessly as Delicia tried to examine Katiya.
“Come on, Kat, let me see,” Delicia said firmly.
“It hurts, Lis!” she cried.
“Is it supposed to hurt like this?” he asked.
He’d been so careful not to push by asking her too much about her leg. Katiya came across as being without pain. He sometimes didn’t know she was overdoing it until she showed strain. He usually subtly made it so they ended up sitting down. Yet today she had seemed fine one moment and then in agony the next.
“No. I’ve never seen it this bad,” Delicia admitted.
He frowned not liking her response. “I’m going to call my doctor.”
He didn’t wait for a reply, leaving the room to make the call. Warwick placed the call in the hall. He closed the phone once he knew the Doc was on his way. The sound of the front door opening drew his attention and he headed down the hall. Spotting Katiya’s brothers, he moved out of the way as they walked rapidly past him. Warwick went into the living room and stared out the bay windows. Another car pulled up. Not the one he was looking for. A woman he didn’t recognise got out. She walked rapidly up the drive. He went towards the door.
The woman opened the door and walked in like she was familiar with the house. Her heavily lashed pale grey eyes studied him. Sienna skin flowed over sharp cheeks—a rounded chin and full lips complemented those captivating eyes. Two curls framed her face but the rest of her hair, dark brown with streaks of gold was pinned on the top of her head with similar hair sticks with coloured tips as Katiya’s had been the day before she’d left for her mysterious trip. The stones on the tips in her case were golden, which matched the power suit she wore.
“Where is Katiya?” There was the bite of command in her tone.
He recognised it well. It was the one he used in his business dealings.
“Who ar—”
“Iona? When did you get back?” Yurandol ran up the stairs from the street.
“I just arrived and heard about Katiya. What the hell happened?” Iona replied.
Warwick recognised the name. The woman was Iona McKingley. He hadn’t met her yet as she’d been out of town.
“I don’t know. I just heard she collapsed,” Yurandol said.
“Well, let’s go see,” Iona said.
The other three women who arrived with Yurandol were Katiya’s friends, whom he had already met. They nodded then looked at him expectantly.
“She’s in her bedroom with her brothers and Lis.”
The women passed him heading for the bedroom. Warwick glanced out the open door relived to see the doctor’s familiar Tahoe pull up. The whipcord thin man got out bearing his bag and strode towards Warwick. Once he was closer, Warwick studied those calm ice-blue eyes behind the rounded frames of his glasses.
“Warwick, where is my patient?” Lansing Malone, his personal physician and close friend, asked.
“This way.” Warwick led him to the bedroom.
Lansing quickly ordered everyone except Warwick and Lis out. Katiya was stretched out but shaking. Warwick sat on the bed next to her. She burrowed her face against his side, gripping his leg. Warwick stroked her sweat-soaked hair. In some distant part of his mind he heard Lis and Lansing discussing Katiya’s leg, but he couldn’t focus on anything but Katiya. He soft whimpers tore at him.
“Stop talking and just do something,” Warwick snapped.
“If you can’t be calm then you need to leave,” Lansing said.
“Fu—”
“Warwick, it’s okay.” Katiya stroked his leg.
He looked at her in disbelief. “You’re the one in pain and you’re trying to comfort me?”
“It’ll be okay. Can you go check and make sure everyone is not worrying too much?” Katiya asked.
Warwick asked suspiciously, “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“No, just give you something to do so you can stop fretting so much.”
Warwick shook his head. “Not possible. I’m staying here until we see what is wrong. As soon as these two can act like medical professionals.” He glared at Lis and Lansing.
“They will if someone will stop being such a bear and grumbling at them. Now go,” Katiya ordered.
Warwick hesitated.
“Please.” Her voice was hoarse.
Warwick kissed her forehead then reluctantly stood. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
“Thanks.”
“Do something.” He gave the Lansing and Lis another glare.
They ignored him. He left. In the living room, he went back to staring out of the window. He ignored everyone else. Witnessing Katiya in pain had him realising he cared more for her than he had initially believed.
“Warwick.” Lansing’s voice caught his attention.
Warwick strode to him and they exited out to the hall. Lis touched his shoulder and continued into the living room. He could hear the murmur of her voice but was more focused on Lansing.
“She’s fine. I gave her a muscle relaxant for the leg,” Lansing said.
Warwick breathed out then said, “So she was right—it was too much between the travelling and the walking around the auto show.”
“I’ve told you all I can.” Lansing’s face had a closed expression.
“Wha
t? I’m the one who brought you here,” Warwick said.
“And she’s my patient. Not you. She’s a good woman for you, Warwick. See you soon.” Lansing patted him on the shoulder, walked to the door and left.
Warwick frowned after him. He went into the living room and cornered Lis.
“What’s wrong with Katiya?” Warwick demanded.
“Exactly what Lasing told you,” she answered immediately.
The response was too pat and yet said nothing. Suspicion filled him. Warwick opened his mouth to question her then glanced around, realising they were not alone. Rethinking, he said nothing further. He made an about-face and went back to the living room door.
“You can see yourselves out. Katiya isn’t up for visitors. Call tomorrow and I’ll let you know if she is up to seeing you.” He went down the hall.
“Did he just kick us out?” Dimitri demanded.
“Seems as if he did.” Leo chuckled.
“Who the hell does he think he is?” Dimitri asked.
“Her man.” Female voices answered.
“Come on, big bro, you can take it up with him another day. Katiya needs rest,” Jonathon said languidly.
Warwick went into the bedroom and to Katiya’s bedside. He sat next to her, pushing her hair away from her face. She was sleeping. A noise made him glance up. Iona leaned against the doorjamb.
“Why are you still here?” he whispered, not wanting to wake Katiya.
“Checking on Kat for myself. Besides, I don’t take orders from anyone.” She strolled into the room and sat on the bed on the other side of Katiya.
Iona raised her feet, taking off her high-heeled sandals, then rested her back against the headboard. Her look dared him to make her leave. Knowing an argument would wake Katiya, he left her alone.
“Did the others leave?”
“Yep. But you should think of locking up. And getting Kat something to drink. She’ll be thirsty when she wakes. Bring me some iced tea while you’re at it,” Iona said.
She crossed her legs and smiled at him. Warwick stared at her. He stroked the side of Katiya’s face then stood before leaving the room.
Katiya listened as Iona spoke. She was surprised when the bed dipped as Warwick left.
“You can stop feigning sleep. He’s gone. Now explain this bullshit you told Lis to feed us.” Iona poked her shoulder.
“Don’t be a nag,” Katiya said tiredly.
“Then tell me what is wrong with your leg,” Iona said.
“I don’t know.” Katiya opened her eyes and looked at her friend.
Iona studied her. She slid down, her arms coming around her. Katiya gulped, not wanting to cry. One moment she’d been standing then the next an excruciating, crippling pain had gripped her leg. The tests Sarah had run wouldn’t be back for at least another week and a half. Sarah had done so many tests and had even taken a little piece of the scar tissue from her leg.
“What can I do?” Iona drew her attention.
“Don’t push about this. I want everyone to think it is just the plane ride and over-exertion.”
“Kat, wh—”
She cut her off. “Please Iona. I can’t say anything. Not yet. Just let it go.”
“I will for now. But you better explain soon,” Iona growled.
“I will,” Katiya promised.
They waited in silence. At the sound of steps, Katiya glanced at the door.
“How are you doing?” Warwick asked.
“I’m fine. Just need to know my limitations,” Katiya said.
Iona snorted.
She ignored the noise. Warwick put a glass of water on her bedside, holding the other one over her.
“Put it there. I’m too comfortable.” Iona gestured to the bedside table.
Katiya looked at her sharply. Iona winked. Warwick clomped around the bed to the other side. She heard the clink of the glass as he put it down. Then he came back into view.
“As you can see Katiya is fine. Now leave,” Warwick said.
“I’m not going anywhere except to sleep. It was a long flight,” Iona yawned.
“Then find your own bed. Katiya needs rest.” Warwick gritted his teeth.
“Then shut up so she sleep,” Iona said cheerfully.
“Help me move over, Warwick. You can lie next to me. Move over, Iona,” Katiya said.
Warwick frowned then helped shift her. Iona moved away from her back a little.
“Lay down.” Katiya patted next to her.
“She could just leave.” Warwick glared over at Iona.
“She’s not going anywhere. So you might as well lie down. I’m tired,” Katiya said.
Warwick lay down stiffly. Katiya snuggled against him. He put his arms around her.
“I don’t think I’m going to like Iona much,” he whispered.
“She grows on you.” Katiya patted his forearm.
“Like a friendly old puppy.” Iona laughed.
“Stop eavesdropping.” Katiya slapped back at her.
“I’m right next to you. I’d have to be deaf not to hear,” Iona said.
Warwick was silent for a moment. “What’s going on with your leg, Katiya?”
“Nothing,” she replied quickly.
Guilt at lying to him filled her. But it was for his own good. He didn’t need to worry about her. Warwick was stiff again. She stroked along his chest.
“I’m okay. I’ll get some rest then I’ll be fine,” Katiya said.
Warwick didn’t say anything but he relaxed. The sound of the door opening made her look up and smile.
“Kat. I came as soon as I heard… Well, hell, you must be better. Can I sleep with you too?” Mattson McKingley asked.
“I’m not sleeping with anyone else,” Warwick roared.
“Mattson is kidding, Warwick.” Katiya laughed.
“How’d he get in? I locked up,” Warwick grumbled.
“He probably picked the locks,” Katiya murmured sleepily.
“He broke into your house?” Warwick said.
“That’s Mattson. The spare room is made up, Mattson. We’ll talk in the morning.”
“Why doesn’t he go home and take his sister with him?” Warwick griped.
“Because until I can speak with Katiya and know she is really okay I’m not going anywhere. I’ll see you in the morning, Kat,” Mattson said cheerfully.
The bedroom door slammed behind him.
“There is no doubt they are related,” Warwick said dryly.
“Yep. That’s my bro. Figured he would be by and I don’t like sharing a bed with him. He is a cover hog,” Iona said.
Katiya was actually relieved that Iona and Mattson were here. If it had been her brothers, they would have prodded more. At least Iona being here would make Mattson leave it alone for now. In the morning she would use their presence to distract Warwick from asking too many probing questions. It would give her time to garner her defences to keep the truth from him.
What is going on with my leg? She prayed Sarah would be able to give her an answer, and soon. Katiya let sleep overtake her.
* * * *
“Are you ready to go home?”
“It’s not necessary for you to keep picking me up. I’m fine. The leg hasn’t given me problems.” Katiya turned towards Warwick.
Yet. The thought faded as she spotted Warwick. She moaned. His pale grey with darker grey stripe suit fit him perfectly, showing all the wonderful lines of his sexy body.
“I know. I like coming to get you. So, you ready?” Warwick kissed her gently.
Katiya thoughts scattered as she leaned against his frame. Warwick ended the kiss. She tried to recall his question.
When it came to her she cleared her throat before answering, “Yes. Just let me get my bag.”
She pulled away and got her bag. Warwick took it from her and escorted her out. He patiently waited as she checked to make sure everyone had what they needed for the night. Assured they were set, she headed out with Warwick. He helped her in h
is truck then got in pulling out and into traffic. Katiya stared out the side window.
A month had passed since the incident with her leg. Since then, Warwick had insisted on driving her to and from work. Her guilt over lying and continuing to hide the truth had let her agree to him playing chauffeur. She still hadn’t heard anything conclusive from Sarah. The tissue from the leg was fine but the unexplained weakness and pain wasn’t going away. Sarah and Lansing were consulting together to figure it out. She’d been sneaking to Lansing for appointments. Keeping it from her family was a feat in itself. She’d hidden it from Warwick so far but it was getting harder.
Something at work had him distracted. He hadn’t shared what was going on. Most nights he went home with her, she took a shower while he cooked then they ate. After dinner he locked himself in her office, which she had told him he could use. Most of her incidences of pain and weakness happened later at night just before bed. Many nights she didn’t even know when he came to bed. She’d sleep ‘till morning unless he woke her, making fierce love to her.
Katiya, once she was sure Warwick was in the office, stood and gripped her leg, straightening then limping down the hall. She held the wall as her leg became weak. Barely making it to the bed, she cursed, lying down. She didn’t even think of taking the pain pills Lansing had prescribed. She didn’t want to get hooked on them. Katiya lay stiffly, willing the pain away.
She didn’t know when she’d fallen asleep, but she awoke violently aroused.
Katiya moaned and shifted. She stiffened preparing for the pain in her leg. Thankfully, unlike usual, it didn’t come. He slid his hands along her body, setting off need deep within her.
“Katiya.” Warwick moaned.
She widened her legs. His fingers rubbed against her slit then he opened her and flicked a finger over her clit. She shivered at the sensation. Warwick played with her then plunged his fingers into her needy pussy. In and out he moved with his fingers. Katiya gripped his shoulders, moaning, rocking against them. He withdrew and his body blanketed her. In one movement of his hips, he filled her.
All the Wright Moves Page 9
