by Christy Poff
"What have you learned about higher sexual rushes coming from a reduction of air to the brain? I hear near strangulation causes a sexual high equal to an adrenaline rush with monumental orgasms."
Sheridan shook, watching him place his body between her legs as he leaned into her, tracing her body with his fingertips. She tried to pull away from his touch but he held her exactly where he wanted her.
"Do you see this?” he asked, showing her a small black box with a little light on it. “It's a detonator. I flick the switch, the little light comes on and the explosives will be armed giving me enough time to leave before this place and you turn into ashes. One device is hidden underneath you,” he taunted her.
Tears streamed from her eyes, pleasing Seamus Melvin. He ripped the tape from her mouth, Sheridan screaming before sobbing. Melvin's hand went to her throat, applying enough pressure to send her near the edge of arousal but not to kill her—yet.
Sheridan fell into his trap, struggling to stop him while he overpowered her. The sexual rush going through her body caused her body to react while she neared the edge of climax. He held her down with one hand while he fumbled with his zipper with the other.
"I am as you said—a habitual sexual predator and offender. I swore to make you pay for those words!"
"Don't do this,” she croaked, though her body wanted to go over the edge, the involuntary rush amazing.
"I'd do as the lady says and get the fuck away from her,” a voice warned. Sheridan froze, though the sound of Ross Beckham's voice sent heat coursing through her.
Melvin reached for the detonator but fell short when Ross rammed a knife into his hand, holding Melvin in place. Ross grabbed the little box, sliding it into his shirt pocket. While holding Melvin at gunpoint, Ross used another knife to cut the cording on Sheridan's hands. He handed it to her so she could free her ankles while he continued to hold Melvin at bay.
As Sheridan moved out of the way, Melvin surprised them by kicking at Ross while grabbing for Sheridan. She screamed, Melvin pulling her tight against him.
"You won't shoot me—not with her as my shield. Pull the knife out now, Doctor,” he snarled, applying more pressure to her neck.
"No!” she screamed, trying to pry his hand from her neck, though unsuccessful.
"Put it down or I strangle her."
"And if you do, I'll shoot you anyway,” Ross calmly stated, praying Sheridan's training would take over and reassure her. “It's seems we've got a standoff here."
"You won't leave here alive,” Melvin hissed.
"We will, you won't,” Ross assured him. “Let her go and I might let you live."
"Fuck you!” Melvin yelled.
Ross pressed his gun against Melvin's temple causing Melvin to ease his grip on Sheridan's throat enough for her to get away from him.
"Sheridan, get out of here,” Ross ordered.
"He said the place is set to explode. You've got to..."
"I know, Doc. I'll be right with you,” he said in the voice he used when he first began training her to obey his commands without question. Please, Sheridan, obey me...
She slowly walked out of the office, pulling her robe tight around her. Sheridan stopped, waiting in the hallway, the door to the reception area still open. She saw Ross and the Irish bastard, then gasped.
"Ross, no..."
* * * *
Ross quietly let himself into the office, creeping across the reception area to the slightly ajar door leading into Sheridan's professional world. He saw the destroyed computer and desk lamps, plus the other things littering the floor, Sheridan bound to her desk.
He watched Melvin slide the small transmitting device he planned to use to set off the explosives across the desk. Melvin made sure she could see it clearly while keeping it out of her way if she somehow found a way to free herself.
Listening to Melvin emotionally torture his captive tore at Ross’ heart. He watched each and every move the man made while silently snaking into the room, making his way behind Melvin.
"Don't do this,” Sheridan croaked.
"I'd do as the lady says and get the fuck away from her,” Ross said, holding the Beretta on the man holding Sheridan down. A man of action, Ross didn't like the war of words but if it kept Melvin from harming Sheridan any more, then he'd be patient.
He saw Melvin reach for the detonator, quickly stopping him by stabbing his hand to the desk. Ross slid the tiny but dangerous box into his shirt pocket, then held Melvin at gunpoint while he used a second knife to free Sheridan's hands.
Melvin waited until Sheridan slowly moved out of the way, then kicked at Ross. Sheridan screamed as Melvin grabbed her again, pulling her close in order to use her as a shield against Ross. Melvin's order to Sheridan to pull the knife out of his hand met with refusal, Ross inwardly pleased and relieved. What he didn't like was Melvin's increased stranglehold on Sheridan's neck.
"Put it down or I strangle her."
"And if you do, I'll shoot you anyway,” Ross calmly stated. “It seems we have a standoff here."
"You won't leave here alive,” Melvin snarled.
"We will, you won't,” Ross calmly assured him. “Let her go and I might let you live."
"Fuck you!” Melvin screamed.
Pressing the Beretta against Melvin's temple caused his captor's grip to ease enough for her to get away from him.
"Sheridan, get out of here!"
"No, I won't leave you. Besides, he's got the place set to blow up."
"I know, Doc,” Ross stated firmly. “I'll be right behind you."
He watched her leave the office, then turned back to Seamus Melvin.
"You sick son of a bitch."
"Don't worry about me. I'll get out of here and she'll be dead, only this time, you'll die with her."
"I don't think so,” Ross said, tying Melvin's free hand to the desk. He pulled the detonator from his pocket, then pressed the button arming the explosives. He set it on the shelf behind them and walked to the door.
"You idiot, you've armed the explosives."
"And I'm out of here."
"You can't leave me here to die!"
"Why not? You planned to leave her here just like you killed the others."
"I'll make it worth your while. I've got money."
"So do I,” Ross said, leaving the office and taking Sheridan with him. They made it out to the street, running into the police chief.
"Chief, don't go in there. It's about to explode,” Ross warned.
"Is everyone out of there?"
"As far as we know."
The chief ordered every one back, setting up a new perimeter around the building. He turned to speak to Ross who'd pulled Sheridan tight against him, protecting her.
"I need to ask you some questions."
"After I get my lady to the hospital. Your man held her captive for over eight hours. She needs to be checked out."
Ross could tell the chief noticed the bruising around Sheridan's neck and her fragile state, signaling the paramedic who escorted them to a waiting ambulance. When they got to Saint Luke's Wood River Medical Center, the medic made sure they saw a doctor.
"I'll be right in, Doc."
He watched the medical team take Sheridan into a treatment room, then called Stasia.
"Ross, are you all right?"
"We're fine but Sheridan's in with the doctors. I need you to get her some clothes and come get us. Have Ridge pick up the Mercedes. I parked it a block down from her office, keys in the console."
"You want the limo?"
"No, get a rental listed under Phelps in case the police run the plates. Use the address in Spokane. I don't want you implicated in this."
A loud noise rumbled from the center of Sun Valley, the surrounding area—including the hospital several miles away in Ketchum—shaking. Ross smiled inwardly, not wanting his true emotions seen. Melvin would never hurt anyone again.
He went to see Sheridan, a nurse with a clipboard stopping him.
> "We need some information."
"First off, how's my wife?"
"I'll let the doctor speak with you."
Ross impatience showed.
"What do you need to know?"
"Your wife's name?"
"Amanda Phelps."
"And your address?"
Ross gave her his office address in Spokane, Washington. He rarely used it but it served its purpose when necessary. He'd call his secretary and tell her to watch for the bills and pay them.
"Insurance?"
"Bill me. I want to do it this way to keep her presence here quiet."
"Judging by your Rolex, I'd say you're good for it."
"I am, darlin', I am,” he assured her, flashing a sexy smile before looking toward the treatment room. “Here,” he said, handing her five one hundred dollar bills.
She looked at him and smiled.
"Now, about my wife?"
"This way, Mister Phelps."
"Thank you,” he said, following her into Treatment Three. He found Sheridan, the robe she'd worn replaced by a hospital gown.
"Baby, are you all right?"
She looked at him, tears in her eyes. He saw gauze around her neck where Melvin tried to strangle her, ruing the fact he had not been able to stop the monster from touching her.
"Sir, may I speak with you?"
"What is it? What's wrong?” Ross asked.
"She's in shock right now. Do you know if she lost consciousness at any time?"
"No, I don't. The man who abducted her pistol-whipped me. If she..."
"Let a nurse look at you."
"No, I'm fine. What about my wife?” he asked, finding it very easy to fall into the lie he hoped would become truth.
"Mister..."
"Phelps."
"Mister Phelps, she murmured something about being pregnant. It's too soon to tell from what I can gather. Keep an eye on her and make sure she sees her doctor once you return to..."
"Spokane."
Ross watched him write everything down on her chart.
"I'm warning you—she could lose the baby. If she doesn't, it could be born with and suffer handicaps as a result of the strangulation attempt."
Ross paled. Looking toward Sheridan, his heart slammed against his chest. What if she pushes me out of her life?
* * * *
Sheridan grabbed onto Ross, needing his strength as they fled her office. Their meeting with the police chief scared her, but Ross handled him, putting her needs before anything else.
What happened inside her office terrified her. Seeing Ross tie Melvin to her desk before leaving the monster to die, professionally went against her medical training and the oath she'd taken to heal. Personally, she felt relief Melvin had finally been stopped. She fell silent, letting her master take control over her and her life, his arm around her comforting.
The medic riding with them in the ambulance to the hospital checked her neck, the bruising obvious along with an open knife wound Sheridan didn't remember receiving. The sting of the solution he used to clean the wound startled her, her grip in Ross’ hand tighter.
She felt the heat of his touch when he lightly kissed her forehead. She leaned her head against his shoulder, wishing they could be anywhere but here.
Once they arrived at the hospital, a medical team rushed her inside, separating her from Ross. Trembling, she felt she couldn't get warm. She heard him assure her he'd be right in, calming some.
In the treatment room, a male nurse touched her robe and she cringed, pulling it tighter around her.
"Ma'am, we..."
"No, please..."
"Joe, go take a break."
"But..."
"She's been through enough. I'll take care of her."
The man left, Sheridan wanting Ross.
"Ma'am, my name is Alyce. I'm sorry about that. He's in his first year here. We need you in a hospital gown so we can examine you."
Slowly, Sheridan allowed Alyce to help her change. As soon as a sheet went over her, she pulled it around her, feeling cold.
"Did he do anything other than try to strangle you or cut you?” Sheridan shook her head. “Are you positive?” Sheridan nodded. Alyce notated her chart, stopping when she felt Sheridan's tentative touch.
"I may be pregnant,” she whispered.
"How far along?"
"A day, maybe..."
"It's too early to tell but I'll make a note of it on your chart."
Alyce noticed Sheridan's hand disappear under the sheet. She promised her patient she'd be right back, Sheridan unresponsive again as if she'd gone somewhere inside herself—a common reaction. Alyce left the room, meeting Doctor Webber, the attending-on-call. She explained Sheridan's case to him, stressing her reaction to men.
"She needs her husband."
"Thanks. Go find him and get her information, then bring him to her."
Alyce nodded, spotting who she took to be her patient's husband. A few moments later, she had what she needed and led the distraught man to his wife's side.
Doctor Webber joined them after he spoke with Ross. He asked Alyce to leave and make sure no one disturbed them.
"I don't know what's going on but I do know she is not Amanda Phelps. I've known Doctor Greenlaw from the various times she's come her to see patients. I don't care about anything at this moment but her condition and since you've become my patients, I can't say anything anyway."
"Thank you,” Ross said. “We appreciate this."
"Thank you, Ben,” she whispered, momentarily lucid. Ross took her hand and looked at Webber.
"What's wrong with her voice?'
"Strangulation will do that because the throat swells. It is not permanent, I assure you. I'll get you some ice chips."
"Good,” she said softly.
Once Webber left them, Ross went to her side taking her hand.
"Are you all right?"
"I want to go home."
"Home?” he asked, unsure of what answer she might give him.
"I want to go to the ranch. I never want to see Sun Valley again."
Ross pulled her to him, holding her.
"Thank God, I was afraid you had..."
"No, Master, never. I want to be your slave forever."
"Do you still want to be my wife?"
"Yes, Ross, I do. In fact, I thought of wedding plans to block out what was going on around me."
"And?"
"I want you in black."
"I like the away you think, Doc,” he said, kissing her. “Stasia's on her way over with your things. We'll go back to her place, then head for the ranch."
"Tell Stasia she can have the house. I don't want to ever go back there."
"Are you sure?"
"The only tie I want to Sun Valley is Stasia. Please, Ross,” she begged.
"You know I can't refuse you."
* * * *
Stasia entered St. Luke's asking for Mrs. Phelps, then went to Treatment Three finding Ross and Sheridan together.
"My pet, are you all right?” she asked, giving her a quick kiss on her forehead.
"Yes, Mistress. Master's taking me home."
"To the house?"
"No, the ranch, Mistress. I want to give you the house."
"But..."
"I never want to return here unless I come to your club."
"I don't know what to say."
"Take it with my love, Mistress.” The two women hugged. “I love you, Mistress. If we get married, will you stand for me?"
"Of course. I love you, slave."
Ross went outside in the hall while Stasia helped Sheridan dress. Once all the necessary papers had been signed, they left and headed back to Stasia's. Ross went up to get his things together finding Ridge had already taken care of it.
He rejoined them, Stasia and Sheridan deep in conversation.
"I will always have a place for you to stay when you come down,” Stasia assured her.
"You have the same with us."
&
nbsp; They hugged but before Stasia let her go, she framed Sheridan's face, gazing at her. Her mouth covered her slave's, their kiss deep. Tears flowed between them.
"Sheridan, do you need anything from here?"
"Only you."
"Then let's go. Stasia, take my cell phone and change the number but don't use it again."
"I'll send it to you when it's been taken care of."
"Good."
She saw them to the door and watched them get into Ross’ sleek Mercedes and speed off.
Stasia felt loss twofold, losing both her master and her slave.
* * * *
"What do you mean they're gone?"
"He took her home. I didn't feel the need to admit her and he had no injuries needing treatment."
"Where do they live?"
"You know I can't tell you that."
"Just give me a name and city."
"No."
"Tell me this—is her name Sheridan Greenlaw?"
"I can't say."
"Damn it, Ben."
"What's wrong?"
"The blast centered in her office. A man called my lieutenant stating she'd been abducted and then I got a call from the FBI, who got their call from London. The man called them direct stating some Irish escapee had kidnapped her."
"And..."
"I need to talk to the couple who came in here. He stated to me that our man had held her for eight hours or more. That's why I need to know who they are."
"I know Doctor Greenlaw and she hasn't been here. Maybe she had an appointment?"
"The guy could have abducted both women. The Feds said he was a sex offender."
"My patient showed the signs of an attack. Her husband's taking her home."
"Did you do a rape kit?"
"She said she had not been raped. I had no cause to force the issue or doubt her."
"Damn it! What am I going to tell the Feds?"
"Tell them what we just discussed. Two female victims, one unaccounted for and one on her way home to her doctor's care and a specialist. She's with her husband, who at this point, is the only one getting through to her."
"And the mysterious Mister Beckham?"
"May never have been here. He might have been the other man you met."
"What kind of car did he drive?"
"I don't remember—a Lincoln Navigator maybe..."
"Do you know what make the Doctor drives?"
