Derek: Hel's Ink # 4, page 17
“Mint chocolate chip is the best ice cream flavor. You just don’t have good taste.” She pops the spoonful into her mouth and goddamn, those plush pink lips. “I bet I can make you like it.” I blink, snapping out of my X-rated thoughts about what her lips can do.
“Oh? I doubt it.” I chuckle as we round the corner toward the empty parking lot. Indy stops and raises a brow as she puts another spoonful in her mouth. It all happens so fast; her hand on the back of my neck, her lips crashing into mine. I feel her slip her mint chocolate-flavored tongue into my mouth, and holy shit.
“Mmm…” I moan against her mouth as my tongue twists around hers. I grip the back of her neck as I pull her to me. Her small body molds against mine as I suck the flavor right off her sweet tongue. I feel her knees buckle and smirk against the kiss as I hold her steady to me. Indy pulls back, capturing my lower lip between hers as she licks and sucks on it.
“Fuck,” I whisper, almost in pain. She’s too good at this. I’m addicted to her lips, her tongue, her smell. I want to be consumed by it always. I nearly cry out as she breaks the kiss. She looks up at me with hazy eyes that make my dick harden further. “Okay,” I breathe, trying to regain my composure. “I might be okay with mint chocolate chip.” She giggles as she grabs my forgotten ice cream and throws it and hers away.
“Come here,” she whispers while grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the truck. I quietly follow, helping her climb in. She slides across the bench seat to let me into the driver’s side. As soon as the door shuts, Indy captures my lips again. My heart is pounding out of my chest as I feel her hand lowering towards my jeans.
“Indy,” I pant softly. “Darlin’ I-I’m trying to be a good man here.” I gasp as her oddly strong hand cups my crotch.
“Well,” she whispers, her hot breath tickling my neck. “Stop it and help me.” I’m on autopilot as I unbuckle my belt and make short work of my jeans’ button and zipper.
Indy’s eyes widen as she pulls my cock out, and before I can even attempt to make some smart-ass remark, she reduces me to a shuddering mess as she swirls her tongue around the head of my cock.
“I-Indy!” I gasp as I death grip the steering wheel. “You… I… Oh my god.” I roll my head back against the seat as she runs her tongue down the length of my shaft.
“Do me a favor,” she says, looking up at me. At this moment, with her playing my cock like an instrument, I will do anything for her. Anything. I will kill for her, buy her a house. Fuck, I’ll buy her a fucking penguin. I do not care. “I know you are going to let the doubt weasel back in. I know that after this, you’ll find a reason to hide from me again, like after the lake. But just let me have this moment, okay? Hold my hair and let me make you feel good and after we get out of this truck, we’ll never speak of this again.”
A nervous laugh escapes me as I stare at her in shock. “W-what… holy fuck!” I hiss as Indy inserts my cock into her sweet mouth. I do as she asks, grip her hair with my hand, and watch in absolute awe as she moves up and down my length.
“Baby girl,” I pant as she forces me down her throat. “Darlin’, you are too good at this, god fucking damn it.” I bite out as I try my best to hold still. I’m too large, and Indy is eager, but I know this isn’t something she’s experienced in, and I don’t want to scare her by thrusting and coming down her throat.
She moans, and the vibrations send a wave of pleasure through me. “Don’t be scared,” she murmurs before licking the underside of my shaft and then swirling her tongue around my head.
“You… you gotta stop. I’m going to lose my shit and come, and then you’ll freak out.” I feel her body shaking, and as she stares up at me, I see the amusement on her pretty face.
“I know how a blow job ends, Derek. Relax, you’re not going to break me.” She leans up and kisses me. I feel her pause and look into my eyes. “Oh my god,” she whispers. “You’re really nervous.”
“Yeah,” I whisper, feeling like a fucking moron. “I don’t want to say or do the wrong thing, not with you, Indy.” I watch the soft smile appear on her face as she nuzzles her nose against mine. The act is completely foreign while simultaneously being the fucking sweetest gesture ever.
“What do you want?” She asks sweetly, and I pull her into my lap, her legs out on the bench seat. I nuzzle into her neck.
“If I only get you like this, right here, right now,” I whisper while running my lips along her jaw. “I don’t want to spend it coming down your throat. I want to spend it like this.” I don’t know what made me feel the need to open up to her this way, but I did, and it’s out in the open. I feel her still for a moment, and just when I am about to have a panic attack and apologize for making things weird, Indy slides her hand under my shirt and places it in between my pecs before nuzzling against my chest.
And we sit here in the most comfortable silence. Both holding onto each other like this will all disappear because it will. We will return to the ranch, and this moment will become a memory neither of us dares to speak of, like the lake. But until then, I’m going to soak up every second of having this perfect person so close to me.
Chapter 21
Indy
“Alright,” Dorothy says as she points to the pan on the stove. “You’re going to want to cover that for ten minutes so it can absorb the flavors.” I nod and put the lid over the meat mixture. I am learning to make tacos for the guys for lunch.
“Thank you for teaching me,” I say sheepishly. “I always wanted to learn, but my mom was always at work, and my brother just kind of threw tv dinners or peanut butter sandwiches at me. I get nervous making sure the meat is done and everything.” Dorothy waves me off.
“Honey, you got me out of that room and back into my kitchen. This is heaven. Besides, it’s nice to have someone to teach to cook. Derek and Jackson were the last two I taught. Theo is determined to live off that damn fast food, and my younger boys will probably starve if they don’t marry someone who can cook.” She sighs while shaking her head. “If they get married. Sometimes I think my poor Derek scared them all, which breaks my heart. Those boys deserve a partner, and I need at least one grandbaby to teach to ride a horse.”
I smile softly. “I’m sure they will find their matches someday. Derek meets lots of people at the tattoo shop every day. One of them is bound to catch his eye.”
“I think one already has.” She mutters, and I’m about to ask what she is talking about when I hear the front door slam open, and Jackson and Jensen rush in. My heart drops when I see them carrying an unconscious and bleeding Derek.
“Oh my god,” I gasp and see Carter rushing in behind his brothers.
“What’s happening?” Dorothy sobs as I go to my room and grab my medic bag.
“Tractor rolled on D. The paramedics are on their way.” Carter’s voice sounds so far away. My heart is pounding as I rush back to the brothers. Derek sits, slumping over the kitchen table while Jackson tries to help hold a blood-soaked rag on Derek’s thigh.
I squeeze between the men and try to assess the situation. “How long for the medics?” I ask, trying to feel for his pulse. It’s weak, but it’s there.
Jensen looks like he’s about to cry. “I-I don’t know. Thirty minutes at least. Oh my god, that’s… Indy, that’s a lot of blood.”
“If you’re going to freak, you need to tap out,” I state firmly as I look at the blood dripping from the rag. “I can’t have emotions right now. Also, one of you, give me your belt. The medics are too far out, and this wound is bleeding too much. I need to cut off the blood flow.” Jensen rips his belt off and hands it to me. I wrap it around Derek’s thigh and look at Carter. “Carter, I’m going to need your help. I need to get this tighter than I have the strength for.”
“In..dy…” I hear Derek’s weak voice, and I force myself to stand up and cup his cheek.
“Hey you,” I give him what I hope is a reassuring smile. “Listen, I got to wrap your leg in a tourniquet, okay? It’s not going to feel great.” I watch his eyes roll, and I slap his cheek. “Hey, hey, hey! Don’t you do that! Stay with me, okay. Come on, baby. Look at me.” Derek growls out in pain as Carter tightens the belt.
“In…dy…” He whispers as he tries to cup my face. I watch him trying to lift his shirt, and I furrow my brows while moving to lift his shirt for him. Oh god… my lip wobbles at the glass sticking out of his side.
“How did we miss that?” Jackson gasps while Carter reaches for the shard. I hold my hands out to stop him.
“Nobody fucking touches it! You hear me?” I snap, my eyes feeling prickly, and I hear the waiver in my voice. I pull my eyes from the glass shard and look at his ashen face.
“You’re so… beautiful.” He whispers and starts to nod off. “Don’t… leave me… alone.”
“Derek!” I cry out, standing up. “Help me get him to the ground, watch his side.” The guys help me lay him down, and I wedge a pillow to keep his side propped. I look at his arm and grab some gauze to wrap his arm up.
“Indy…” Derek whispers.
“Yeah, baby,” my voice shakes as I look from my blood-covered hands to his face. I see his soft smile and thank god when I hear the sirens coming down the drive. Derek runs his thumb over my cheek, and I realize I’ve started crying.
“Just wanna… look at you… last time.”
“No, no, no, no!” I scream as I watch his eyes roll back. I feel his weakened pulse becoming nonexistent, and I look up and shout at the guys, “Watch that glass! One of you go get them in here now!” I scream out as I begin compressions. “You aren’t leaving me, Rowe!” I yell before breathing into his mouth. My body screams with every compression, but I don’t care. My body will have to force me to the ground before I give up on him.
“You don’t get to leave me.” I sob between compressions and lean over to breathe into his mouth again. I hear a small intake of air and nearly collapse on him with relief just as the medics rush in.
The medics come in, and they’ve taken him to the ambulance within seconds. I follow, barely making it down the steps. My brain is mush right now, and my body is screaming, but all I can think is that I need to get into that ambulance.
“Ma’am,” The paramedic stops me. “You can’t–”
“I would think twice about finishing that sentence,” I warn through gritted teeth as I shove past him and try my damndest to get up in the back of the ambulance. My body shakes and screams, and I am so thankful when I feel Jensen heave me into the back. I thank him as I walk in and sit by his head while they hook him up to the monitors.
“I’m right here,” I whisper as I kiss his head. “I won’t leave you.”
Chapter 22
Indy
“I’ll have my boys bring you a change of clothes,” Dorothy tells me over the hospital phone. I haven’t left since we got here two days ago. All I can do is sit in the chair beside his bed, staring at him and willing him to wake up. I called back home to let everyone know what happened, and they said they would take care of everything. Ren was able to talk to the nursing agency, and a temporary nurse is coming out to help until Ozzy can get there since I can’t help anymore. How could I? I can’t leave him. Even though everyone tells me there is nothing I can do, I can’t move from my seat.
“Don’t… leave me… alone.”
My lip wobbles, and a small, treacherous sob sneaks out as his words play in my head again.
“Indy?” Dorothy’s voice on the phone startles me. How long have I been out of it? “What about your medication?”
“Sorry,” I whisper. “I uhh…I don’t need clothes; they offered me some scrubs. I’ll let you know if anything changes.” Dorothy says something, but I don’t hear it as I hang up the phone and stare at Derek’s pale, sleeping face. He had surgery to stop the internal bleeding, and it felt like the bags of donor blood were never-ending. He looks so weak, so frail. Nothing like the powerful, dominating man I’ve been crushing on for so long.
“Wake up.” My wavy voice grits out as I glare at him. “I haven’t left you. Don’t you dare leave me. Wake. Up.” Hot tears stream down my face as I hear it in my head.
You know, my darkness whispers, rearing its ugly head for the first time in a while. He’s only in this position because of you.
I feel my jaw pop as I continue to stare at the unconscious man.
Little Indy, always needing help. He refused to be far from the house because you might need him. Had you stayed home, he would be fine right now.
“Shut up,” I whisper as I close my eyes.
Open your eyes! They scream. Look what you did! What you always do! Indy, always trying to be the hero and prove how capable you are ever since you were little. You were a disaster then, and you sure are one now.
A whimper leaves my throat as I rest my head on the bed and hold Derek’s hand. “I’m sorry,” I whisper as my tears drench the blanket.
If you were sorry, you would let everyone live their lives without having to pretend like they want to deal with you. Everyone would be better off if you were–
I jump as the door to Derek’s hospital room flies open.
“Janie!” I cry out as she and Fox walk in. Janie runs over and wraps me in a hug as I sob into her chest. The voice temporarily silenced.
“Shhhh…” she whispers. “Come on,” she pulls back, wincing as she looks at me. “Oh babe, Let’s go, I’ll help you get a shower, and Fox can watch Derek.” I shake my head.
“No,” I say through a sob. “No, Derek said…” I squeeze my eyes, and a loud cry tries to escape. “He said not to leave him. I can’t… I can–”
“Shhhhh…” I cry against her chest as it all hits me again. “Indy, we will be right in there. Fox will get us if anything happens, okay?”
“Yeah, Indy,” Fox places a large hand on my back. “Go get cleaned up. I got this.” I look at Derek’s sleeping form, then at his monitors, and finally, his bags of medication and fluids, and everything looks fine. I nod slowly before walking over to the head of his bed and leaning over to kiss his head.
“Fox and Janie are here,” I whisper shakingly. “I’m going to get cleaned up, and I’ll be right back…” Pressing my lips to his head, I take a shaky breath before following Janie into the bathroom. I see the black scrubs sitting on the sink where the nurse put them two days ago. Looking in the mirror, I can’t help but flinch. I’m covered in dried blood, my hair is a rat’s nest, and I look exhausted.
“We are going to get you cleaned up,” Janie says while helping me undress. “Then I’m ordering you some food, and finally, I’m going to the ranch with Fox. We’ll get your charger and medication that I’m sure you haven’t been taking.” She turns the shower on as I stand completely naked.
No. I haven’t taken my medication, brushed my teeth, or eaten. I haven’t done anything besides listen to doctors and stare at Derek for the last two days.
I step into the shower and watch the white tile go red. The water is washing off the blood, his blood. I feel a panic course through me at the sight of it.
“Oh no,” I whisper. “No, that’s his!” I look at Janie helplessly. “That’s all I have! What if he needs it? That’s…”
“Indiana,” Janie states firmly as she grabs my cheeks. “Derek Rowe is not dying. He will wake up and be the same dickhole he has always been. You will shower, eat, and get your shit together because you have to.” I let out a squeaky sob.
“I don’t think I can get my shit together anymore.”
“Yes, you fucking can! Because he needs you to.” I hang my head, but she jerks it back up, and I stare into her sapphire eyes. “He needs you, Indy. You get a handle on your shit and break down after he wakes up. Those massive, tattooed, thick-headed men act tough, but you and I both know who the real pillars of strength are. Now, I’m going to wash your hair. Then we will get you changed and get him better.” My lip wobbles, but I close my eyes and take a breath before giving her a tight nod.
Janie helps me wash my hair and the rest of me before getting me dressed and helping me squeeze the water out of my hair. I brush my teeth with the hospital’s disposable toothbrush and walk back into the room to see Derek still asleep.
“Alright.” Janie clasps her hands together. “We will be back with your stuff and some food.” Janie smiles, and I hug her and Fox before looking back at Derek. Letting out a breath, I glance over at the chair I’ve called home for the last two days, and I can’t sit there again. It’s not close enough to him. I look at the bed and decide to crawl in with him. Resting my head against his shoulder, I listen to the beep of his heart monitor and the air flowing through his nasal cannula.
“Remember when we were in New Orleans, and we got the same fortune?” I smile softly while running my fingers through his beard to smooth it down, loving his stray grey pieces. He also has them through his hair, mostly at his temples. “Purple is one of my colors. It’s saved for my best of the best days, or it would be. I’ve never actually worn my purple bracelet. But when I saw that we both got the same fortune, it felt like fate or something.”
Pressing my lips to his shoulder, I close my eyes. I don’t want to cry anymore. My head hurts, and my eyes feel like sandpaper. But I can’t stop them. I can’t stop them because despite knowing he has something against being with me, and I know better than to start anything with him, I do have feelings for him and don’t know what to do about it.
“I think you might be my purple bracelet,” I whisper, not opening my eyes as I allow the heart monitor to lull me to sleep.
Chapter 23
Derek
What in the fuck is that annoying ass beeping?
I can feel air blowing up my nostrils, and I try to wave it away, only to hiss at a shooting pain from my arm and side. What happened? I remember Jensen getting the tractor stuck, and I tried to get it out, and then the slope… Fuck, I rolled the tractor.
