What Remains: Untainted Read online

  Colby tsked. “You really need to curb that wicked side of you, sweetheart. Your body can’t take another round.”

  She wiggled her eyebrows. “Says who?”

  Barrett laughed, placing a quick kiss on her mouth. “And here we thought zombies were our greatest threat. But they’ve got nothing on you, love.” He gave her a wink. “But what a way to go.”

  Colby tapped her butt. “Okay, all clean. Now upstairs with you, and no more sex until you’ve had a chance to regain some of your strength. We need to gather our stuff together…I want to be able to leave at a moment’s notice, so we don’t miss what might be the one moment when their numbers are manageable. Darcy, Barrett and I will go through what’s left of your weapons—take what we think will be the most useful back at the compound. Maybe you can sort through the remains of your medical supplies.”

  Abby nodded, her eyes still glassy from her climaxes. “How much can I pack?”

  “We’ll have to carry everything as far as the Hummer, and knowing the route you’ll make us go, it’ll involve climbing ropes and rappelling, so we’ll have to limit our choices.” Colby gave her a smile. “We trust your judgment. If you think all of the medication should go, we’ll find a way to make it work.”

  “Thanks. But I was getting fairly low, so it shouldn’t be a problem.” She stood, catching her balance on Darcy’s shoulder when she swayed slightly. “Wow. Guess I came harder than I’d thought.”

  Colby growled. “I think we can all attest to that one.”

  She took a few tentative steps then looked back at them, wiggling her ass. “I’ll head upstairs. Anyone else coming?”

  Darcy jumped up. “Coming? That’s what you’ll be doing if I catch you before you hit the main level.”

  Abby laughed and took off running. Darcy shook his head, winking at the men before chasing after her.

  Barrett sighed, moving over to collect his clothes. “That girl is something else.”

  Colby nodded, pulling on the pants Barrett tossed to him, glad the man had thought ahead enough to bring him some. He straightened, only to catch his balance on the boxes when his equilibrium seemed to waver. He shook the sensation away, wondering what in the hell was wrong with him when he realized Barrett was staring at him.

  He clenched his jaw, doing the zipper up. “That she is.”

  Barrett walked over to him, giving his body the once over. “Are you okay?”

  He met the man’s concerned gaze. “Of course. Why the hell wouldn’t I be?”

  Barrett shrugged. “No idea, mate, but you seem…”

  “What?”

  “Off kilter.”

  “We just made love to Abby for more than a few hours, and we’ve been running on limited sleep. I’m just tired.”

  Barrett furrowed his brow, his face clearly showing his disbelief. “Whatever you say, but…you’d tell us if something was wrong, right?”

  “I’m not infected, Barrett. I’ve just spent the better part of several hours naked around you three. I think one of you would have noticed the bite mark, not to mention the fact it’s been days since we’ve come close to any of the fuckers. I’d have turned by now.”

  “I didn’t say you were infected, but it’s like Abby said earlier. There’s more that can kill a man than just turning.”

  “I’m fine. Now I suggest we head upstairs before Darcy has the poor girl pinned beneath his tongue.”

  Barrett grinned and nodded, though Colby could tell the man still didn’t buy his answer. He waited until Barrett had rounded the steps before starting for them, tripping halfway when his vision blurred, pain spreading across his temples. He slammed into a wall, blinking in an effort to clear his eyes only to feel a rush of heat infuse his body. He placed his hand on his forehead, cursing the hot press of skin that greeted the back of his hand. He was burning up, and not just a little.

  A thought surfaced in the back of his mind, mocking him with the solution to his problem, but he ignored it. The doctor had already treated him when he’d returned from Afghanistan. He couldn’t be sick like that again. Besides, the chances of Abby having the right medicine was a long shot. And he knew all too well the kind of extremes she’d go to if she discovered he was ill. His best shot was to get them all the hell out of there and pray the doctor still had some meds left once they reached the compound.

  “Colby? Are you coming, or what?”

  Barrett’s voice echoed down the stairs, shaking the fuzzy feeling from his head.

  “On my way.” He took a deep breath and headed for the steps. He’d grab some pills to get rid of his headache and drink more water. Then he’d get some rest and eat something other than canned beans. With any luck, he’d be fine, and they could concentrate on finally getting Abby somewhere safe.

  Chapter Eight

  Abby stared out the window, watching the sun dip toward the distant horizon. Orange streaks stained the western sky, the first true sunset she’d witnessed in months. The horde had continued to thin, leaving the usual roaming bands ambling around the tarmac and across the fields. But the pathway back toward where the boys had parked the Hummer was still heavily populated, as was the area around the warehouses on the other side of the tower.

  She sighed, staring at the building on the far side of the airstrip. There were boxes of medical supplies packed inside a refrigerated railcar in one of the warehouses close to the main terminal, not that the unit was still working. But the isolated space had maintained a relatively stable environment, allowing her to pilfer supplies whenever she’d gotten low. Supplies that would have proven invaluable in a compound full of eighty people. But with their limited firepower, it simply wasn’t worth the risk. She might be able to convince Colby to return with more men later, but she knew he’d never agree to make a run with just the four of them.

  Four.

  Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she’d fall for three men at the same time. Yet there was no denying that each of them held a special place in her heart. All uniquely different, yet with the same sense of honor. Though she’d joked about them being knights in shining armor, she knew in her heart it was true.

  Heat singed her cheeks as she recalled the previous twelve hours. Though she’d known they’d eventually want to make love as a group, she hadn’t anticipated on begging Colby to fuck her ass that first time, not with Darcy already claiming her sex. But something inside had shifted, and she’d known the moment he’d touched her she’d never be able to say no. Then she’d repeated the performance with Barrett downstairs, only this time dangling between the men.

  She scrubbed a hand down her face. If she thought too hard about pleasuring three men at once, she just might lose what little sanity she had left. The world was different and extreme measures called for extreme solutions. If that meant spending the rest of her life with three gorgeous, compassionate men whose honor matched their ability to love, then there were far worse fates she could think of. In fact, she felt pretty damn lucky, especially if it meant more mornings like today.

  “I’m such a goner.”

  She pushed off the counter and made her way down the hall. The boys had been going through what remained of the weapons for more than a few hours, and they all needed to eat something if they were going to be ready to move before dusk if Colby deemed it safe, though she doubted the numbers were low enough to make a run tonight.

  Thoughts tumbled around her head, when a soft rustling sound drifted through the door off to her left. She stopped, glancing over at the sliver of space as the door sat slightly ajar, a tendril of fear curling down her spine. If the boys were downstairs…

  Abby drew her gun, holding it out in front of her as she inched over to the opening, mentally preparing herself for what might be inside, when the obvious thought hit her. If a Gray had somehow gotten in, wouldn’t it have walked past the men to get upstairs? There’s no reason it would have bypassed them just to attack her, unless…

  Fear dropped her stomach to the floor, and
for a moment, it took all her strength just to breathe. She couldn’t think of them dead. Couldn’t imagine fighting to survive without them as a reason to keep going. She’d lost too much. Battled too hard to live this long just to lose it all now. Hadn’t she suffered enough?

  She pushed the memories away—memories she had yet to share with the boys—and took a deep breath. Then she counted to three and eased the door open, praying the damn thing didn’t creak. The room unfolded a triangle at a time as the door swung inward, revealing a wedge of space. A man huddled over one of the boxes, holding a couple of the bottles of pills, seemingly lost in thought.

  Abby released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, holstering her gun as she leaned against the doorframe. “Colby?”

  The man jumped, dropping the bottles and spinning to face her faster than she thought possible. Dots of sweat beaded his forehead, and he was covered in dirt and dust. He snorted as he stood, resting against a low table she’d used to hold more supplies.

  He nodded at her. “While I love having you surprise me, sweetheart, it’s best not to do that under these kinds of circumstances. I damn near drew my gun.”

  “You startled me first. I didn’t expect to find you in here. I thought…” She motioned to the three boxes she’d packed. “Can I help you find something specific?” She took a step inside the room. “Do you need something?”

  His jaw clenched as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Just taking stock of what you’d packed. So I’d know how much room we had for the weapons.”

  She frowned. “I know it looks like a lot, but once I take it out of the boxes and stuff it in a duffle bag I have in the other room, I’ll be able to carry all of it. It’s not that heavy.”

  He nodded, though he didn’t look as if he’d heard a word she’d said. “Then I guess I got what I came for.” He levered off the table. “I’d best let Barrett and Darcy know we’ve got a bit of room to spare.” He paused. “If you’re sure you can carry all of it.”

  “I’m sure.” She stepped in front of him when he tried to walk past her. “Are you okay? You look flushed.”

  She reached for his forehead, but he ducked to the side, easily slipping past her.

  He flashed his usual stunning smile. “I’ve been unloading boxes and sorting through weapons for hours. I’m a bit on the sweaty side. Darcy and Barrett are cleaning up as we speak. I’ll go take another quick shower before I come back up.”

  “Colby…”

  She allowed her words to trail off as he darted out, his footsteps disappearing down the stairs. The inklings of fear built along her nape, though she wasn’t quite sure what was wrong. It was during times like this that she was reminded her specialty rested in animals, not humans, and she hadn’t been treating people long enough to recognize the difference between something to worry about and simple fatigue. Hell, she rarely looked or felt a hundred percent herself. Maybe he just needed some food and a good night’s rest.

  A near hysterical giggle bubbled free. Dead people threatened their every moment. It’d be a damn miracle if they ever got a ‘good night’s rest’ before this epidemic ended. If it ever did.

  The thought sobered her, and she headed out, determined to corner Colby, when she collided with a wall of hard male flesh. The guy grunted, the sound sending her instincts into overdrive. She reached for her gun when strong arms closed around her, preventing her from drawing her weapon. She pushed against the steel-like grip, kicking at the man’s shins, when he lifted her up, his gaze finding hers.

  “Jesus, Abby. It’s just me.”

  Her breath came in raspy pants as she stared into Darcy’s face, his lips drawn tight, his brows pulled into a deep vee. She closed her eyes, trying to calm the fear pulsing through her veins when he set her on her feet, curling her tight against his chest. One hand held her waist as the other smoothed over her hair, soothing the sudden trembling shaking through her.

  “Easy, darling. You’re safe.”

  She nodded, surprised by the hushed sob that broke free. Darcy cursed and picked her up, carrying her into the main room and placing her on the counter. He wedged himself between her legs, tugging her close, stroking her hair again. She relaxed into him, not sure why she felt so raw, when his lips caressed the side of her neck. She arched into the soft touch, drinking in the scent of freshly washed man before sighing out his name with a long exhalation of breath.

  He smiled against her skin, drawing back so she could look him in the eyes. “Better?”

  She nodded, not sure what to say to him.

  He sighed, brushing her hair back from her face. “Hey. It’s okay to let it get to you every once in a while. I’d be worried if you didn’t. Burying all those emotions, all the fear, it’ll eat you up inside.” He tucked the strands behind her ear. “I get the feeling there’s something you need to tell us. The reason you woke up shooting last night. Don’t suppose you’re ready to share that? Might help get rid of some of those demons you’re hiding inside.”

  Dread settled in her stomach, making it churn. “Soon.”

  His lips quirked, but he nodded, looking as if he was going to back away when his jaw clenched and he leaned in, claiming her lips in a desperate kiss. She opened willingly, allowing him to dispel some of the tension bunching his muscles. When he finally released her, he rested his head on hers, his breath heavy in the still air. She held on, not sure what he needed but knowing she’d gladly give him anything just to ease the pounding of his heart against hers. He swallowed noisily, eventually easing away slightly, watching her from beneath a veil of lashes.

  She reached up, smoothing her hand down his face, wishing she had the strength to answer his question. “Darcy—”

  He placed his finger over her lips. “It’s okay. You’ll tell us when you’re ready.”

  “It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just…” How did she say it hurt too much to admit how she’d failed the only person who’d ever relied on her to do the right thing? That she’d been weak. Selfish.

  Darcy leaned in, kissing her lips. “I understand. It just means I need to think of another way we can spend the next twenty minutes.”

  She chuckled. “Don’t you guys ever get tired?”

  “Have you seen yourself naked, darling? You’re stunning. But I’m sure we’ll get used to having you around in a decade or ten.” He gave her a playful smile, adding a hint of dimples to his cheeks, making him completely irresistible. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to fuck you. I just want to taste you. Damn, smelling your heat down in the shower room this morning, wanting to lick every drop of cream from your cleft but having to wait practically killed me. Just let me make you come, and we’ll call it a day.”

  She moaned at his words, lifting her ass as he tugged at her pants, easing them over her hips and down her legs. “You know when I come like that it only makes the need stronger.”

  “Then we’ll give you whatever you want. Just name it.” Darcy palmed his hands on the counter, trapping her body between them. “Besides, I’m the only one who hasn’t had a chance to taste your release. You wouldn’t want to make me feel rejected, would you?”

  “Rejected. Right. How foolish of me not to think of it first.” She glanced over his shoulder, staring at the adjoining hallway. “Just one thing before I lose all capacity for rational thought. Was Colby okay downstairs?”

  Darcy furrowed his brow. “Yeah. He seemed a bit distracted, but then we did just spend the last twelve hours with the woman of our dreams so…we’re all a little distracted. That, with the reality of trying to get you out of here…” He tilted his head, studying her. “Why?”

  “I’m sure it’s nothing. He just seemed a bit off to me.”

  “He’s worried about your safety. All of our safety for that matter. It’s not easy being the leader. He feels genuinely responsible for all of us. I’m sure he’s just trying to get it all straight in his head. Make this extraction as quick and clean as possible.” He inched back sligh
tly. “How about I make you a deal. You come fast and hard for me like a good girl, and I’ll personally get the goods on Colby.”

  She grinned at him, shrugging one shoulder. “How fast I come depends on your prowess, baby, not mine.”

  The muscle in his jaw flexed as he moved closer, his gaze dropping to her panties then up again. “Is that a challenge? ‘Cause it sounds like one. One that might have you squirming beneath me for the better part of the day.”

  She scooted forward, pressing her crotch against his, rubbing her clit along his erection. “If you’re trying to threaten me, I suggest you use something that I’d actually be opposed to. Spending the day making love to you guys doesn’t fit the bill.” She placed one hand on his cock, squeezing it through his pants. “I’m more than content to spend another week here, wearing nothing but the three of you.”

  He growled, tilting his head back when she unbuttoned his pants and released the zipper. The harsh hiss of metal echoed through the room, and she loved how his muscles tensed as she shoved his pants and underwear over his hips before palming his cock.

  “Damn. You’re so large. I’m not even sure you’ll fit in my mouth.”

  His hips punched forward as she fisted his shaft, dragging her hand up and down his length, making the tip weep fluid. She hummed, shifting rearward as she bent forward to lick away the precious prize, loving the spicy taste of him. When one hand settled in her hair, she placed her mouth at the head and slowly spread her lips, taking him inch by glorious inch inside her, pausing with him deep to the back of her throat before slowly easing him out.

  “Abby. God, no wonder Barrett pumped his load down your throat. You’re fucking amazing as this.”

  She laughed, allowing the tiny vibrations to skirt along his shaft, enjoying the way he groaned and pressed his hips forward, sinking his cock in her mouth again. She took him all the way in, swallowing once to increase the pressure then bobbing back up, swirling her tongue around the bulbous head, licking away every drop of fluid. His breathing sounded heavy in the silent room, the ragged noise pooling moisture along her slit and soaking her panties. At this rate, she’d have to go commando if they left anytime soon.