Kindle Alexander - Up In Arms (17 page)

He licked his lips in anticipation, getting ready to draw Reed’s cock into his mouth. Trevor wanted this for so long. This would be Trevor’s first time to give a blow job, and he desperately wanted to please Reed. Out of nowhere, the bed jerked out from underneath him. Everything around them began to change. Trevor fell with Reed grabbing for him, calling out his name. Reed now stood, struggling to keep his own balance while desperately trying to grab for Trevor. Carlos Mendez appeared at Reed’s back. Evil poured from Mendez. It was a tangible thing, snaking out, encompassing Reed like a thick fog. A sneer tore from Mendez’s lips as he lifted a knife toward Reed’s neck. Trevor couldn’t stop the attack, and Reed focused only on him, not seeing the one behind him.

A gun appeared in Trevor’s hand. Perfect! He would kill Carlos for thinking of hurting his Reed, but in a flash, his hands were gone and the weapon fell to his chest. His arms flailed. There were just stumps where his hands had been before. Trevor tried to scream for Reed to move, but Carlos reached out, grabbed the back of Reed’s head, and the knife slashed forward, slicing across Reed’s neck.

Jarring awake, fear gripped Trevor. His heart slammed wildly. His mind raced. His eyes remained out of focus. He woke ready to fight, forcing his body past the pain, gripping the material of Reed’s shirt in his right fist. The left side of his body resisted the sudden movement, shooting pain across his chest and shoulder. The sudden pain caused him to jerk his body backward, slamming his head against the headboard. Reality slowly sank in. Trevor looked all around the room, trying to gain his bearings. Finally, he wrapped Reed in his arms, pulling him to his chest.

“He had you! Damn it, I couldn’t get to you.” Trevor’s breath shuddered as parts of the dream mixed with parts of the night at the compound. Wave after wave of memory came crashing back, all overloading his mind. He pulled Reed tighter to him. His heart pounded in his chest, threatening to beat straight through. He remembered firing on Carlos. In slow motion, Trevor’s mind replayed the moment the bullet hit the dead center of Carlos Mendez’s forehead, dropping him where he stood. Thoughts of crashing through the compound window with broken glass splintering around him rushed forward. The children’s screams of fear pierced his heart. The hard blow and searing burn in his shoulder when he took the first bullet intended for the child crying under his window. The memories pummeled his body now, as if it were happening again. Trevor remembered falling, trying to brace himself while the bullets kept driving into his arm and leg.

Another shudder came racking through his body. Trevor lowered his head to Reed’s shoulder, tucking his face into his neck, just breathing him in. Reed stayed quiet, holding him. After a time, Trevor began running his hands up and down Reed’s back. Reed gave him more comfort than he remembered having throughout most of his adult life.

After several long moments, Trevor sensed the toll this whole experience took on him. He was afraid, and this fear felt more desolate than any he ever experienced before. All the memories were back, and he wasn’t sure how he lived through it all. He became helpless to the onslaught of emotion pouring through him. Without question, Trevor knew Reed remained his light in the deep, dark turbulence of this storm he couldn’t seem to break free from. And although Trevor was completely unworthy of the man, he said a prayer of thanks for being here with Reed right now. What could he have been thinking to send Reed away from him in Germany?

“After I fell, I could see it all coming down on me. I couldn’t get my body to cooperate, and didn’t have time. I hate that they beat me. I can’t believe that fucking coward insurgent beat me.”

“Babe, he didn’t beat you. You got him. He was a coward and died a coward’s death. You made sure of that. The reports of what actually went on in that compound sound horrific. Those men deserved to die for what they did to their women and children alone. Not to mention the horror and pain they caused around the world. They didn’t beat you, Trevor. Actually it’s quite the opposite.”

Trevor stayed quiet, comforted by Reed’s deep, rich, soothing voice and kind words. He kissed Reed’s neck and turned his head, laying it again on Reed’s shoulder.
“I woke up while they were taking my leg. The pain was so bad, Reed.” “I know, I heard. I can’t imagine what you must have gone through,”

Trevor pulled his face forward, looking at Reed for several long moments. He reached up, touching Reed’s cheek, trying to force a small smile, but nothing would come. His heart was just too heavy. Reed seemed to sense his struggle and leaned in to kiss his lips. Reed still kept a tight hold on him; he didn’t seem ready to let him go.

“I truly can’t imagine, and am at a loss as to what to say. I hoped you wouldn’t ever remember the pain. Rylie told us you woke when he called. It was more than I could bear for you.”

Trevor pulled completely out of Reed’s arms, needing to be done with this conversation. It was all too much. Trevor didn’t like the pity Reed held in his eyes. His stomach let out a grumble of angry protest, saving him from having to say anything more. He hadn’t eaten since the plane ride. Reed’s brows lifted. The look in his eyes changed instantly, holding an amused twinkle.

“Dinner’s ready. And just in time, I think. It sounds like you’re hungry, handsome?”
“I’m hungry, but it’s hard for me to have you doing all this.” While Trevor spoke, he started lifting his arm, doing small rotations of his left arm and shoulder. The pain wasn’t bad so he increased the circles in his range of motion, going as far as he could stand the pain while looking over at the bedside clock. “It’s eight thirty at night? Wow, I slept all day, I’m sorry.”
“You need rest, sexy. It’s critical at this stage of the game. Let’s get you to the restroom and I’ll bring dinner in. Come on, let’s get you up,” Reed said, pulling Trevor from bed.
The move to the restroom turned out a much easier process now that his arm was no longer bound to his side. It made all the difference being able to use his left hand and arm. Trevor’s left leg was still sore but not unbearable. The movement and swing of his leg only caused a mild throbbing, something he could easily live with.
The restroom matched the bedroom on the spectacular factor, with a wide sunken in bathtub and a massive open shower. Reed helped Trevor to the commode, giving him a minute, then to the sink, handing him a hand towel and showing Trevor a drawer with toothpaste, shaving supplies, and an assortment of colognes and hair gel, all in brand new bottles.
“This is what I wear,” Trevor said, surprise crossing his face. He lifted the bottle of cologne. “How did you know?”
“I love your scent. When I took you home after the bachelor party, I saw it on your dresser. I remembered it. You also wore it the first time we were together. I’ll never forget that night. And have I mentioned how I love your blush yet today? Trevor, you’ve completely stolen my heart. Now, I’m going to step outside the door and give you a few moments alone. Please use whatever you need. Call when you’re finished. Then I’ll get you back to bed.”
Reed spoke casually, saying it all with his hip perched against the granite counter top where he stood. His arms crossed casually over his broad chest, his eyes staring playfully at Trevor. The moment lasted until Trevor tugged his eyes away. Years of practice taught Trevor to hide his spastic nerves, but the blush always gave him away. Hearing those words from Reed made everything right in his heart, but the heat staining his cheeks robbed him of any reply he may want to make. A moment later, Reed stepped outside the bathroom door with that sexy grin in place.
Trevor watched Reed retreat through the mirror, not looking at himself until the door closed with a decidedly loud click. Then he turned his gaze to the decorative mirror and horror flashed through his eyes as he quickly raked his fingers through his hair. It didn’t help. His auburn hair stood in every direction, and his face was in desperate need of a close shave. Trevor’s teeth looked as fuzzy as they felt, and he was sure the breath coming from a mouth looking like his couldn’t be pleasant at all.
With a critical eye, Trevor looked himself over. Even at his best, he just couldn’t see how someone like him could capture the attention of someone like Reed. Trevor loved hearing all those sweet, easily said terms of endearment. And all those small hints of love at first sight always stole his heart. He desperately wanted Reed to be his fated soul mate, wanted all those romantically sweet fairytales to be true. But Trevor just couldn’t see how this man in the mirror was able to capture the attention, little alone the heart, of a man like Reed Kensington.
He forced himself again to stop the wayward thoughts. Even if everything Reed did and said were laced with pity, he would take it for as long as it was offered. Trevor would worry about the future tomorrow. Tonight, he needed focus on a shave and clean teeth, then food in his stomach. Making fast work of the necessities, Trevor slowly headed to the door. Reed stood ready, grabbing him by the waist, helping him back to his bed.
“I think I could handle dinner at the kitchen table. You don’t have to serve me dinner in bed,” Trevor said, leaning into Reed as he moved his leg forward step after step.
“Oh, really? I believe that’s completely against the advice of your physician, who wants you in bed, resting for tomorrow,” Reed said, halting their progress to his bed, giving Trevor a look of absurdity that caused him to laugh out loud.
“My mom use to give me that exact same look. For her, it would usually be followed with her signature line for me, ‘Trevor we have to find your brain. It just fell out of your head.’”
Reed’s laughter showed in his eyes while he started them forward again. “I’ve spent the last ten days with you, and I must admit your mother’s expression does have merit. Now, handsome, lay down. I’ll be back with dinner. No argument, please.”
Gingerly, Trevor pulled himself up against the headboard, pulling his leg up, tucking the pillows behind his back. Reed stayed close by, wanting to help judging by the look in his eyes, but allowed Trevor to do much of it on his own.
After a couple of minutes, Reed seemed satisfied Trevor was settled, and handed him the remote before leaving to retrieve their dinner. Flipping on the television, Trevor searched the channels while rotating his shoulder, carefully moving his left arm back and further. The best Trevor could tell, his left side was stiff but good and working reasonably well all things considered. Based on the little he knew, he felt like his first goal should be to get to the point of using crutches to get around.
CNN caught his attention. The anchor sat recapping his military raid and what they now knew from the Chinese authorities. Turning the volume up, Trevor listened closely. This was the first report he’d heard since the mission, and apparently China didn’t take their breeching the border too well, which really wasn’t all that unexpected. They also released statements to the United Nations that they had no knowledge the drug lord hid within their country’s borders. All the missing pieces began to fit together. He’d heard just bits of conversation in the hospital and from Anthony. Apparently, the President of the United States watched them through the helmet video during the raid. Trevor saw pictures of the situation room while the President and his cabinet sat watching the raid. He thought it was all pretty cool until it came to the report about the hurt soldier. The reporter knew an awful lot about him. They gathered quite a bit of information. They knew all his injuries, his amputation, his age, rank, marital status—pretty much everything but his name.
A panel of physicians trained in Trevor’s types of injuries split the screen, speculating about what it would take to amputate a leg while in the field. A military advisor spoke of the strain and emotional turmoil not only Trevor but his entire team as a result of the amputation. CNN reported Trevor left the German hospital early this morning and now stayed in an undisclosed location back in the states, and that his progress good. They also reported the military public relations department received thousands of inquiries, cards, and letters about his welfare.
Reed came through the bedroom door, carrying a tray of food. Two plates, napkins, silverware, and drinks were perched strategically on top. Clicking the volume down, his stomach growled at the smells coming from the plates. Trevor did love those homemade enchiladas from Reed’s mom, and his mouth began to water with anticipation.
“That smells delicious. Did she really make enough to feed an army? I seriously think I could eat that much,” Trevor said. Reed brought the tray to him, the legs of the tray fit perfect over his thighs. Reed took the minute to make sure he was situated before making his way to the other side of the bed.
“She did. And extra spicy. I need to remember my boyfriend likes it hot,” Reed said, giving him a wink while kicking off his shoes. Reed pushed himself onto the bed close to Trevor, resting his back against the headboard. They sat side by side now, mostly on his side of the bed.
“You need to eat to keep your energy up. Rehab starts tomorrow.” Reed picked up the napkin and placed it across his lap before moving the second plate from the tray onto his own lap. “What’re your thoughts on what you just heard?” he asked, pointing with his fork to the television, reaching for the remote with his other hand.
“It’s actually all pretty accurate, I think, at least from where I stood,” Trevor said, looking up as Reed turned the volume up a little.
“I started listening to part of this earlier. It’s a rebroadcast. I know what Rylie told me on the phone, but I was in the hospital with you. I haven’t heard all the details as of yet. You and your team are heroes, and no one will ever know who you are. None of the women or children were killed that night. Some were shot and injured, but so far no one has died. They show images of the men opening fire. I think that video probably came from your helmet. It looks like the angle you were in from what Rylie says.”
Trevor stayed quiet, listening to Reed and the television. Thoughts about the night surfaced. He remembered using his mirror to see the frightened children in the room, and the hate radiating from the men. Trevor just didn’t understand how things got so out of control to have grown men shooting at children. He lowered his head and bent forward a little, concentrating on his food, but he wasn’t eating. His mind couldn’t force away the image of the insurgent barreling into the room, opening fire. How did he not kill some of those children?
“Sexy, I have two thousand channels and rarely watch much TV. Let’s see what’s on. Do you have any favorite shows? You know, these are probably things I should learn about you.” Reed asked casually, effectively pulling Trevor from his thoughts. Reed’s last line was the perfect diversion. Trevor looked over at Reed, finally taking another bite. He paused. He wanted Reed to known how he truly felt about the mission and his job.
“We aren’t heroes. None of us see it that way at all. I look at guys like you and think you’re the hero. You save peoples’ lives every day. You saved mine at the expense of yourself. I just did a job I was trained and paid to do. That’s it. No man wants to see women and children hurt. Mendez kicked a pregnant woman in the stomach, he was gonna have to die because that was my job, but after I saw that, he needed to die sooner rather than later. The guy who opened fire on the room wasn’t targeting me, or Grisby in the other window. He came in to target those children. He needed to die too. It doesn’t make me a hero.”
“In my book, it does make you a hero, Trevor. In most of the world’s book it does too, but I see what you’re saying about how it should be in the world.”
Trevor turned back to the food, a frown crossing his brow. He was just so uncomfortable with the talk of heroes. He just didn’t see it that way at all.
“No, handsome, don’t pull away from me. And I want you to keep eating. You need your strength. Besides, I think that’s the most you’ve said to me at one time since the bachelor party. And oh, how I loved the bachelor party. It’s the night I knew for sure that you were the one for me,” Reed said, dropping a fork full of food in his mouth. Then he pointed his fork to Trevor’s plate, encouraging him to eat.
“That seems like so long ago. I still don’t remember the bachelor party. I should have never gotten that drunk. Care to share yet?” Trevor asked with a wince.
“Only after you start eating again,” Reed said, then waited, eyeing him with a slight grin until Trevor took a bite. “Let’s see, I’ll tell you I was greatly disappointed that you didn’t call me after meeting you at the rehearsal dinner. I kept telling myself you would all that next day. That you had to feel the pull between us. I bet I checked my phone about a hundred times to make sure it still worked. I told my assistant to put every call through, not to screen any of them in hopes it would be you. I ended up talking to an energy company trying to save me money from my current electric provider. As it turned out, they
were
my current electric provider, who knew? I also spoke to a home security company. Did you know one in four homes is burglarized every twelve minutes? I know, shocking. But none of those calls were you, Mr. West, and my heart and confidence was left in tatters. I couldn’t wait to see you that night.” Reed looked up from his plate. Trevor’s blush was back, but he was also eating again.
“I remember being in the club, winning second place in Foosball, and I remember women dancing. I was afraid they were dancing on me based on the flash backs I had when I woke. I’m embarrassed as to what I did. I never sleep in the buff, and I woke that way. I’m nervous. I don’t drink a lot.”
“Yes, I do believe those were the words you said to me, perhaps right before you threw up,” Reed said, laughing when Trevor choked on the peach flavored iced tea his mother left for them.
“Oh god, I threw up? Did I throw up on you?” Trevor did a sideways wince, looking over at Reed, not quite able to make eye contact.
“Oh no, don’t worry. I wasn’t in the line of fire. You stumbled away from me, but your pants were around your ankles, making it hard for you to move too quickly.” Reed took a bite of food, a wicked grin curling the corners of his lips. Trevor could see Reed struggling to hold his composure over the laughter he wanted to give.
“Damn, it’s worse than I thought,” Trevor groaned, dropping his head back against the headboard.
“No, no, you must eat. No more storytelling until you eat a few more bites, handsome. Besides it was the day I fell in love with you. It will always be one of the most special days in my life. Now eat, and if you’re a good boy and eat everything on your plate, I’ll tell you what happened to your bathroom in Rylie’s apartment.” Reed chuckled, reaching over to cut a bite of Trevor’s enchiladas. He lifted the fork to feed him. It took a minute for Trevor to open his mouth, but he finally did. “I do love when you blush, Trevor.”
Trevor chewed quickly. “I don’t think I can take hearing anymore. Did I say I don’t drink very much?”
“Yes, you’ve said that a few times, both now and then as well. Now, let’s get some of our relationship formalities out of the way. What’s your favorite ice cream?” Reed asked, his empty plate balanced on his lap. He reached over again, cutting another piece of enchilada. He lifted the fork to Trevor’s mouth. “Eat, handsome. Your new antibiotics are strong. You need to take them on a full stomach, babe.”
“Ice Cream? Hmm...is vanilla too boring to say? I also like praline pecan. I don’t eat it much, but your mom always has it when we visit.” Trevor took a bite, chewing. He lifted a finger, pointing at Reed, motioning for him to answer his own question.