Destiny Revealed (There's Always Tomorrow Book 2) (14 page)

Val shoves his hands into the front pockets of his khakis and stares at the floor where he stands only a couple of feet away from Vance. “Are you alright, Van?” he asks softly, raising his blue eyes up to meet Vance's matching ones.

Vance nods. “I'm fine,” he says quietly, glad that his voice sounds even and normal.

His dad makes his way over to the couch and sits down next to Vance. He puts his arm around Vance's shoulders. “You know your mother is upset with you. It’s going to take her a little bit of time to see why you did what you did, but I want to tell you that I'm proud of you. What you did...” He shakes his head, almost in disbelief. “I don't think that I could ever be that brave. You're an amazing man and I'm honored to be able to call you my son.”

“Dammit, Dad. I just stopped crying and you're gonna start me up again,” Vance croaks, covering his eyes with his hand.

His dad chuckles and gives his shoulders a squeeze. “Sorry...” Val then gives Vance a kiss on his temple and stands. “I think Melina could use some comfort from you right about now.”

Vance shakes his head. “I'm so furious with her right now that I don't even want to look at her,” Vance grumbles, rubbing the back of his neck.

His father sighs. “I understand that, but she needs you. She thought he was going to kill you and couldn't let that happen. You have to put yourself in her shoes, Van. Wouldn’t you have done the same thing?” he asks, giving Vance a pointed look. He knows that Vance most definitely would have.

Vance groans. “But I'm trained; she knows that I can handle myself.”

Val shakes his head. “Doesn’t matter. She thought that you were in danger and was trying to do anything possible to save you.”

“It was a stupid thing to do,” Vance snaps.

“I think she was brave to have put herself out there to try to save you. She cares a lot about you and doesn't want to live her life without you. Now stop being an ass and go give her the comfort she needs, before you find yourself without her,” his dad says firmly. 

Vance takes a deep breath and stands. “Fine, but I'm still pissed,” he murmurs and starts for the door with his father in tow.

“Jesus Christ, you're stubborn. There’s no way you got that from me,” Val mutters.

As Melina is giving her statement to the police, she watches as Vance's mother slaps him, and then him walking away without even a backward glance at her. Now, she’s standing out in the backyard on the stone patio. She wraps her arms around herself and stares aimlessly out into the beautiful yard.

Vance acted as if she wasn't even there. She called after him, but it was as though he hadn't heard her. Then he disappears for...Melina looks at her phone...almost 45 minutes now. Why didn't he want to be with her? She is dying to be in his arms. She really needs him right now.

The back door opens a moment later. Melina spins around to see Vance step out onto the patio. His body looks tense, his mouth is set in a grim line, and his eyes are bloodshot. Has he been crying? Melina rushes over to him, the tears already falling. She slams into him hard enough to make him have to catch himself by taking a step back. She wraps her arms around his waist, buries her face in his chest, and just sobs. He seems to hesitate before wrapping his arms around her shoulders and dropping his face to the top of her head.

“I am so fucking mad at you right now,” Vance mutters into her hair.

Of all the things he could have said, she wasn’t expecting that. Melina pushes away from him and stares up at him, completely dumbfounded. “Excuse me?” she chokes, trying to cut off her tears.

“What were you thinking running out of the house like that?” Vance asks, his tone angry, his face hard.

Melina opens and closes her mouth a few times, completely taken off guard by this line of questioning. “I could ask you the same thing!” Melina counters heatedly.

“I'm a cop! I've been trained to handle people like that! I had a clear shot! This could’ve been over!” Vance shouts at her, his eyes flashing furiously, showing just how livid he actually is. “He would have shot you if I didn’t tackle him when I did!”

Melina stares at him. He’s mad because he was afraid for her, just like she was afraid for him. “I thought he was going to kill you,” she whispers.

Vance steps into her, crowding her with his height and muscle, trying to intimidate her. “And next time, you fucking let him try. If it means that you are out of harm’s way, you fucking let him shoot me,” he growls, his mouth only a hair away from hers, his eyes smoldering.

Melina shakes her head, her eyes lock on his. “No, I won't let him hurt you if I have a chance to stop him.”

Vance grabs her upper arms almost to the point that it hurts. His nostrils flare from his heavy breathing. She can see that he’s struggling for control. His anger is rolling off him in waves, but it isn't just anger, it’s fear, too. Fear of something happening to her. He really cares about her, maybe even loves her. The thought makes Melina's heart pound with excitement.

They stare at each other, neither willing to back down or take back what they said. Vance then crushes her mouth with his. His hands leave her arms to tangle into her hair. He then slides his tongue between her parted lips trying to kiss her deeper. Melina grabs his t-shirt to hold herself upright. The passion with which he kisses her leaves her knees weak.

Vance presses his body against hers, one hand skimming down her back to cup her ass. The other stays laced in her hair, cupping her head, keeping her in place while he ravages her mouth. Melina can't do anything but melt against him. He pretty much demands it with his body. Between all of the stress and injuries, sex had taken a back seat. Now, with his large erection prodding her lower belly, it is completely obvious what Vance needs; not just wants, but needs.

“Van...our first time...should not be...in your parents’...backyard,” Melina murmurs between kisses.

Vance drags his mouth down to her neck, drawing a soft moan from her. The hand on her backside tucks her in tighter against him. “I don't know...if I can wait,” he breathes. His lips brush her neck as he speaks, sending shivers of pleasure down her spine.

“Vance,” Melina moans then leans her forehead against his shoulder. Vance's hand finds its way under her shirt to cup her breast through her bra, his thumb brushing over her nipple. This is such a bad idea. “What if someone comes out?” Melina asks, not really sounding as if she cares either.

Vance grumbles something she can't understand just as the backdoor opens. Vance quickly yanks his hand out of her shirt and straightens up. Melina leans to the side to see around him while Vance looks back over his shoulder. There will be no turning completely around until his boner goes away. It’s Xander, looking as if he hates interrupting them.

“Sorry guys, but Lt. Jones wants to talk to Vance again before he leaves.” Xander grimaces.

Vance curses and reaches down the front of his jeans to adjust himself so he isn't sporting a tent. He then pulls his t-shirt down as much as he can in hopes of hiding his monster of a hard-on. He turns to Xander.

“Noticeable?” Vance asks.

Xander bites back a smirk and shakes his head. “You're good.”

Vance nods and looks back at Melina. “When I get back we'll leave,” he says then starts for the door.

Xander moves aside and lets Vance enter the house. He then turns to Melina. “You okay? Do you want me to stay with you until he gets back?” Xander asks. Damn he’s so sweet. He’s going to make some guy really happy one day.

Melina smiles. “Sure, you can stay.”

Xander smiles and shuts the back door. He walks over to the wicker couch and sits down, patting the spot next to him. Melina walks over and sits next to him. He’s such a cutie, Melina just wants to pinch his cheeks. She’s pretty sure that he would hate that, though.

“How's your mom doing?” Melina asks quietly.

Xander frowns. “She's calming down with the help of my dad, but shit, I've never seen her go off on Vance like that. Sure, being a boy, he's gotten into trouble growing up, and she's yelled at him, but I've never seen her so infuriated.”

“He knowingly put himself in danger. I know how she feels.” Melina shakes her head in disbelief.

Xander scoffs. “You're one to talk. I still can’t believe you did what you did. Vance had it completely under control...”

“Damien was pointing a gun at his chest,” Melina interjects.

“Vance was aiming at his head. Listen to me, Vance knows what he's doing, you have to trust that he can take care of himself. You’re only going to screw up his concentration if you do shit like what you did today...” Xander shakes his head and rakes his hand through his hair in frustration. “One slip up because he's worried about you can cost him his life, Melina. Please promise me you won't jump to his aid like that again,” Xander pleads, grabbing her hand and squeezing it for emphasis.

Melina lets his words sink in. Xander is right, she never really thought about it like that until he explained it. Even Vance wasn’t able to tell it to her like that. Melina nods slowly. “I promise.”

Xander sags and kisses the back of her hand. “Thank you, Melina.”

They sit in comfortable silence for a moment before Melina speaks, changing the subject, “So are you dating anyone?”

Xander raises an eyebrow. “Seriously? You wanna know?”

“Uh, yeah. I wouldn't ask if I didn't want to know.” She smiles softly.

Xander shakes his head as if to clear it.  “I was just surprised. None of Vance's other girlfriends ever bothered to have a conversation with me.”

“Well then, they must have been losers. Who wouldn't want to chat with you, Xander? You're awesome.” Melina smiles wider.

Xander blushes and nudges her with his shoulder. “You’re pretty awesome yourself, Wonder Woman.”

Melina laughs. “So? Boyfriend?”

Xander shakes his head. “No, no boyfriend at the moment.”

“Anyone you’re interested in?” Melina asks.

Xander bites his lip. Melina can tell that he’s debating on telling her or not.

“Come on, I'm a good secret keeper,” Melina urges.

“Alright but this is completely confidential, top secret. You can’t tell a soul, stays between you and...”

“I get it Xander, now spill it.” Melina laughs.

Xander smiles. “Alright, well I'm kinda crushing someone, have been for a very long time.”

Melina squeals. “That's great! Who’s the lucky guy?”

“See, that's the problem, he isn’t exactly gay.” Xander sighs.

“What do you mean ‘exactly’?” Melina asks, confused.

“I think he's gay; he just hasn't realized it yet,” Xander mutters.

Melina gapes at him for a moment. “How...what...I don't understand,” she stutters.

“Let’s just say that I know a gay guy when I see one, and he's giving off all of the vibes, but I don't think he's even realized it himself yet,” Xander says.

Melina nods slowly, grasping onto what he’s saying. “You said you've been crushing on him for a long time. Can you tell me who?”

Xander looks at her. “Swear you won't say anything?”

Melina holds out her pinky. “Pinky swear.”

Xander smirks and links his pinky with hers. “It's Ryder.”

Chapter 11

Vance is sitting behind the wheel of Melina's Range Rover, stuck at a red light. Melina is sitting in the passenger seat, staring out the window. After his chat with Lt. Jones, Vance went out back to get Melina so they can leave. He found her and Xander laughing as if they were the best of friends. It made Vance happy that she was getting along with his brother. His family is important to him, so it is essential that she gets along with them.

He's never brought any other girls to meet his parents. Yeah, his brother has met a few whenever he'd come hang out with him at the house, but Melina is the first to meet his parents. And what does that mean? Well obviously, she is special to him. They get along great, even though their relationship has been plagued with attempts on their lives. He doesn't want to be without her. For the second time in his life, he can imagine being with her...well...forever. So is he in love with her…again? Or still, as it may be?

“I'm sorry,” Melina murmurs into the silence, breaking his chain of thoughts. “I’m sorry for running out of the house like that. I thought I was helping, but Xander made me realize that I only hindered you. I swear it won't happen again,” Melina says solemnly, her bright green eyes meeting his to show her sincerity.

Vance gives her a gentle smile and brushes the backs of his fingers over her face. “Okay. Thank you,” he whispers.

He is going to kiss his brother on the mouth for whatever he said to Melina to make her realize the mistake that she made today. He’s going to buy Xander a new fucking car - or whatever he wants - to show his gratitude.

A beep sounds behind them, making Vance realize that the light is green. He hits the gas and heads toward his house, which is only a few more blocks away. And once they get there, he is going to take Melina up to his room, lock the door, and make love to her until the sun comes up.

Vance pulls into the garage and shuts the car off. They both get out and head for the door that leads to the kitchen. As they walk into the kitchen, they find Ryder, Tripp, Mike, and Dayne all sitting around the table with worried expressions on their handsome faces. All heads turn their way as they walk in.

“Jesus Christ, are you two okay?” Mike exclaims, shooting up from his seat and limping over to them in his walking cast.

“We're fine.” Vance sighs. He wants to get Melina upstairs. He knows that his friends need reassurances, but he hopes it won't take too long.

Mike grabs Melina's upper arms and gives her a little shake. “Are you out of your fucking mind woman?” he snaps. Apparently, he has already heard about what she did.

Melina sighs. “I know, Mike. I won't do it again, I promise,” she says, placating him.

“You're damn right you won't! You could’ve been shot!” He admonishes.

Vance pats Mike on the shoulder. “She knows man, believe me.”

Mike grits his teeth. Vance knows that he wants to say more, and he is grateful for his friend's concern, but Melina doesn't need ten million people giving her the same lecture. No need to beat a dead horse. Mike loosens his grip on her arms, rubbing them up and down a few times before he pulls her into a hug.

He gives her a kiss on the cheek before releasing her. “Don't scare me like that again,” he murmurs.

Melina smirks. “Yes, Dad.”

The corner of Mike's mouth curls and he gives her a playful pinch on her upper arm. “Smart ass.”

Vance smiles at their exchange. He loves that Melina gets along with all of his friends and that they care about her the way they do. They are like four - five with Xander - more big brothers to add on to the two she already has. Just like his family is important to him, so are these guys; they are his brothers, and for Melina to be a part of his life, they have to accept her as well; otherwise, it probably wouldn’t work out between them.

Mike turns to Vance as Melina moves to Ryder, who gives her a one-armed hug because of his broken elbow. “And you, you're fucking crazy, too,” Mike says, giving his cheek a pat. “I’m glad you're okay, partner.”

Vance gives him a small smile. “Thanks, man.”

Ten minutes later, Vance finally gets Melina alone upstairs and in his bedroom. Melina is walking lazily toward the bed, so Vance just rushes up behind her, grabs her around the waist, and tosses her on the bed. Melina squeals and giggles as she lands on her back and bounces. Vance smiles wickedly as he crawls up onto the bed toward her.

Vance knees her legs apart so that he can crawl between them then sets his body down on top of hers. Melina immediately cups his face and pulls him down into a heated kiss. He groans then grinds his hips against hers, pulling a sweet little gasp from her. Vance skims his hand over her ribs to cup one of her made-for-his-hand breasts. God, they are so perfect, but he needs to feel her skin. Vance leans back just enough to tug her shirt over her head. But it’s not enough. He needs to see all of her.

Sitting back on his heels, Vance admires her beauty. Her skin is flawless and silky smooth, he wants to lick every inch of it. A pink lace bra restrains her ample breasts. Pretty, but it has to go. Vance reaches a hand behind her back and unhooks the clasp with ease. Then he slowly peels the bra away, leaving her on display below him. She’s gorgeous, just as he remembers.

Vance hisses out a breath. “Shit, you’re beautiful.”

Melina smiles softly, her hands slipping under the front of his t-shirt to graze across his abs. Vance lets his head drop back as he closes his eyes. God, how he has longed for Melina to touch him like this…again. Vance yanks his shirt over his head and tosses it aside. Melina's hands roam over his shoulders and down his arms. When she gets to his hands, she guides them to her breasts. Vance complies and cups both breasts with his big hands.

Leaning down, he pulls one of her nipples into his mouth. Melina moans and arches off the bed to get closer to his mouth. Vance licks, sucks, and nips her nipples until she’s panting. He removes her jeans and panties in one shot. He then kisses his way down her body, stopping to torture her ticklish hips.

Vance settles between her legs, using his hands on the inside of her thighs to push them farther apart. Melina squirms under his hands, moaning with impatience, but Vance can't help but just look at her for a moment. She is bare and smooth, and he likes it. A lot. She is absolutely perfect.

Melina gasps at the first swipe of his tongue. Vance goes a little crazy after that, unable to help himself.  She tastes so good and is so responsive - moaning and gasping and panting. Vance has to grip her hips to hold her steady when she starts to buck under him.

Melina lets out a strangled cry and grabs fists full of his hair, as her body starts to tremble. Vance knows that she’s on the brink and wants to send her flying over. He slips a finger inside of her and that is it; her pussy grips tightly onto his finger as she screams her release, clutching his hair so tightly that it actually hurts.

Vance rides out her aftershocks then slides off the end of the bed. Melina lays limply as Vance strips off his jeans and briefs. She looks him over with her heavy-lidded gaze, a slow lazy smile creeping across her face. She crooks her finger at him, beckoning him to her. Vance smiles and shakes his head.

“I need a replay on that blow job I can't remember,” he murmurs, taking himself in his hand and stroking slowly.

Melina laughs but gets onto her hands and knees then crawls to the edge of the bed. She bats his hand away and takes hold of him. Melina doesn't play games; she just takes him into her mouth and goes to town. She’s still on her hands and knees, giving Vance an amazing view of her flawless backside. Vance gasps when she takes him deep, but can’t take his eyes off her perfect ass. He lets out a low moan and laces his fingers into her hair.

Vance can feel his orgasm building but he doesn't want to come yet. He wants to be inside of her when he does that. So he pushes Melina back onto the bed, her mouth coming off of him with a pop.

“Hey!” she exclaims.

Vance ignores her and grabs a condom from the drawer of his bedside table. He rolls it on as he gets onto the bed and situates himself between her legs. Vance leans over her, one hand holding him up. He uses his other hand to rub himself through her wet folds. Melina groans impatiently and squirms. Vance smirks. He likes this side of Melina. She knows what she wants and gladly lets him know.

Vance positions himself and enters her in one powerful thrust. A strangled cry bubbles up his throat while Melina cries out and grips his ass. Vance drops to his forearms, his mouth meeting hers. He pulls back slowly and pushes back in with Melina's hands pulling him deeper. Vance groans into her mouth.

She feels so incredible, hot and wet. He swears that she’s made just for him, as he fits so perfectly inside of her. Melina hooks her heels onto the backs of his thighs, trying to keep him as close as possible. Yes, Vance wants to make love to her, but right now, he’s feeling a bit frantic.  He needs to go faster, harder.

“I promise to take my time next time, but I just fucking need to take you right now,” he grits out, barely holding on.

Melina nods emphatically.  That’s all the permission he needs to fuck her to death.

Vance straightens up and pushes her legs up and apart, holding her behind the knees. This also gives him an amazing view of himself entering her. Melina moans and lets her arms fall haphazardly above her head.

Vance stares down at his gorgeous supermodel girlfriend and can't believe how lucky he is. He grits his teeth and tries to hold out a little longer, wanting her to come again. Melina's tits bounce with each thrust, making it impossible for him to take his eyes off them. She then reaches for him, rubs her hands over his chest, and rakes her nails down his abs, which pulls a deep moan from him. Switching his grip to hook her legs over his forearms, Vance picks up the pace. Melina gasps and clutches his biceps, her nails digging in sharply. Vance growls, feeling Melina clench around him.

“Come on, baby, come for me,” Vance breathes, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down his back.

Melina whimpers. Her eyes are locked onto his and he can see the desperation in them to be pushed over the edge. Vance pulls one arm out from under her leg and uses his thumb to add pressure to her clit. Melina cries out and her eyes squeeze shut as she digs her head back into the pillow she is resting on. Vance silently wills her to come because he isn't going to hold out much longer.

Finally, Melina screams and her whole body convulses. She arches up off the bed as he slams into her. Vance loses his battle with holding on when he feels her body squeezing his dick like a tight fist. He lets out a guttural shout and power strokes into her once more, remaining seated to the hilt while he pulses inside of her.

“Fuck,” Vance breathes and collapses on top of Melina.

Melina hums in agreement and wraps her arms around him. She skims her hands down his back then gives his ass a squeeze. Vance chuckles and tucks his face into her neck.

“That was amazing,” Vance murmurs, kissing her neck.

Melina sighs contently. “Yeah, it was.”

Vance rolls off Melina and disposes of the condom. He then slips back into bed, pulling her into his arms. Melina snuggles against him, her face on his chest. Vance breathes deeply, pulling in Melina's after-sex scent. Shit, she’s amazing. He’s actually shocked by her strength; with everything that has gone on, most women would have had a nervous breakdown by now. Vance's emotions swell and crash over him in waves. The things that he’s feeling for her, are like nothing he's ever felt before for any other woman. Just her. Only her. Always Melina.

**Damien**

Damien bites down on a rag as he uses a pair of needle nose pliers to yank the bullet out of his shoulder. He screams against the rag and almost passes out from the pain. He cannot believe that motherfucking Vance is still alive. And his family, too. How could no one have gotten shot or killed? With all of the bullets he pumped into that house, they got fucking lucky. Damien rips the bullet free and tosses it into the sink along with the pliers.

Damien grabs the bottle of rubbing alcohol, leans over the sink, takes a deep breath, and pours it over the wound. He screams again and stomps his foot, trying to distract from the pain. He also cannot believe that he got shot. Fucking Vance got lucky with that, too. After the burn of the alcohol starts to wear off, Damien stitches himself up with a sterilized needle and thread kit that he ordered off the Internet from a medical supply outlet. He never thought that he would ever need it, but here he is, sewing up his own shoulder.