Page 97 of Taken By the Convicts
Melina cried, finally understanding why Zev had left the way he had and the cruel words he’d slung at her. He didn’t want her to worry, and he didn’t want her to blame herself.
Ivan’s strong arms remained around her there in the hallway, the two of them wrapped in towels. Reece came by as did Jayce, each touching her arm, her face, then leaving again, letting Ivan and her have time alone.
She was cherished and loved here. She needed to focus on that and not the past. Maybe she could find a way to get in touch with Zev, to let him know she still loved him.
Chapter Twenty-Six
MELINA
Melina practically bounced on her feet as she filled the syringes with the cure for Ivan. She couldn’t wait to tell him.
Davies poked his head into the chem lab. “Patient for you down in the isolation bay.”
She set her work aside and headed down to the isolation ward. To her surprise, she found Reece chained to a bed, waiting for her. He was frowning as she entered.
“This is breaking protocol, especially in an isolation bay, but I can’t resist a man chained to a bed,” she said as she reached forward and kissed him. His frown melted away immediately. “Now, what can I do for my handsome patient? You appear quite fit.” Her hand slid down his side to his pants. “And your blood is flowing just fine,” she said, cupping his cock.
Reece reached for her, but the chains kept his hands locked to the bed. “The last time you were in here, I didn’t realize the advantages of those chains.” She nibbled on his ear.
“Een.” He shook his head playfully like he couldn’t believe what she was doing. She was in too good of a mood to resist.
“Are you here for a quickie?” Melina asked as she picked the lock. The lock clicked open and a minute later, the second one followed.
Reece brushed her lips with his thumb, but then pointed to his back as he winced and lifted his shirt.
Red, inflamed skin covered his back. “It looks like you have the same rash as last time, although more severe. Didn’t I tell you to stay away from succula?”
He shrugged. That sheepish look of his made her melt every time. She didn’t think she could ever get mad at Reece.
“Okay, babe, I’ll get you fixed up.” Within a few minutes, she created the paste and applied it to his back. Instantly, he sighed in relief. After a few kisses that heated too quickly, Melina clicked the chains back in place and called the guard to discharge him. Second shift had ended, which meant Reece would be heading back to the bunker.
When hunters weren’t out hunting, they had a second job to fulfill. Reece moved fertilizer and other items around the greenhouse.
She’d let him go back to the bunker to relax, and she’d ask Davies to escort her to the greenhouse. She had a double shift today, and it was a good time to get a sample of the succula.
“Een?” Reece motioned that he wanted to stay with her.
“As much as I’d love to stay here kissing you all day, I need to develop an antihistamine for you, so you don’t keep breaking out.” She leaned in and he caught her mouth in another hungry kiss that left her breathless. “You’re walking me back to the bunker later tonight, right?”
He shook his head and signed the word for sleep. He looked exhausted. Too many hunting trips lately. She threaded her fingers through his hair. “Want me to join you when I return tonight?”
His mouth crooked up as he kissed the ring on her thumb and then her lips.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
Reece then signedJandI, indicating they would escort her home tonight.
“Let’s go, Callahan,” Davies said as Sedgewick unlocked Reece’s cuffs. “Out you go.”
“I’ll see you later,” she said, as the guards escorted him down the hall. Reece flashed her another warm smile that made it hard parting from him. His concern for her never failed to awe her.
A half-hour later, Davies escorted her to the greenhouse. Her thoughts wandered to Ivan, Jayce, and Reece. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have found such wonderful men. Zev too, but she didn’t want to think about him right now, or she’d grow anxious and lose her focus. She repeatedly told herself he was okay because to believe anything else was unacceptable.
“Are you staying with me, Davies?” Melina asked as she placed her tattoo against the greenhouse scanner. The door clicked open.
Rows of plants ranging from a few inches high to four or five feet high filled tables stretching the length of the greenhouse. She didn’t recognize any of the plants. Excitement rolled through her at the medicinal possibilities. She’d never get bored studying the floras here! First, she needed to find the succula that Reece was allergic to.
“I have to stay at the med-center, but you’ll be fine here. Access is restricted to guards and a few prisoners such as your unit mate, but their access only allows for first and second shifts. They’re locked out for third shift.”
