The Undertaker's Embrace 22

QAYIN -- forgive me for my own literary interpretation. If you don't like it I'm sorry -- I just thought you'd get a kick out of it. You'll have to read to figure out what I'm talking about. But you'll know it when you get there! lol


“Are you sure this is what you want to do on your day off?”

I looked over at Mark sitting in the cab of the truck beside me, admiring his profile, drinking in the little details. I felt my heart catch a little, thumping hard in my chest just sitting this close to him.

“Sure, why not? Don’t you want to go?”

“Yeah, it sounds like fun—but what if you get recognized?”

I was asking for purely selfish reasons. I didn’t want to share him with anyone. It was going to be our day together and I didn’t want strangers intruding, hounding him.

Mark smiled at her tone. It would be nice to have a bodyguard like her on the road with him sometimes. Some of those female fans grabbed at parts of him that weren’t meant to be treated that roughly. Giving a vague shake of his head, he turned away from that thought, turning his attention back to her.

“If I get recognized then I’ll sign a few autographs and let you guard my body from over zealous fans. How’s that for a plan?”

Grinning, I nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

We were quiet as we pulled into the parking lot, absorbed in our own thoughts. Mark pulled carefully between a little brown car and a gray S10 pick up.

“You got plenty of room to get out, darlin’?”

“I’m fine over here. I’m sure no one will bang the door.”

Mark nodded and quickly turned the key off. Sliding out of the truck he took the time to tuck his keys in his jeans pocket before circling the truck to her side. God she looked good today. She had all of that gorgeous hair pulled up in some kind of braid, a French braid, she called it. A loose light blue cotton shirt tucked into jeans and boots completed the outfit. She looked casual, comfortable . . .and sexy as hell. All he could think about was sliding his hand under that shirt and feeling those soft curves hidden from view. Burying his face in her hair, tracing her lips with his tongue, feeling her grow hot with desire. Mark shifted uncomfortably as his jeans grew tight. Casting her a quick look he ran a hand down and made a minor adjustment before continuing around the truck to her side. This had been his idea after all. He couldn’t back out now. Besides he doubted she’d agree to spend the day in bed with him. So he was stuck with going to the county fair. It would definitely be a first for him.

Pulling open the door, he quickly reached for her waist, settling his big hands tight around her waist, sliding her easily from the high seat of his pick up. Sliding her slowly down the length of his body he heard her breath catch, felt the tightness that came over her whole body. He felt her shiver as her feet touched the ground and fought the flame of desire that instantly flared to life inside him. He’d promised her a day of fun, a time to regain some of the trust he’d ground under his boot. He wasn’t going to start the day off by devouring her in the parking lot. No matter how much his body was begging him for it.

Slowly setting her away from him he looked down into her big blue eyes, already wide with desire, passion just for him. He quickly stepped back and let her go. This was going to be harder than he’d thought. It was time for a distraction.

“You ready to see what this fair is made of, darlin’?”

Reaching out I laced my fingers through his, noting his hesitant touch. It was almost like he wanted to pull away. Looking over at him, I loosened my fingers, pulling away but he refused to let me pull my hand from his. I gave him a curious look, wondering what was going through his mind but he just met my stare blankly. Then he gave me a little half smile and leaned over to brush his lips against mine. The soft scrape of his goatee against my face caused a shiver to work its way down my spine. Desire re-ignited and spread like a wild fire in my veins. This man could make me want him with just a look.

Mark gently kissed her lips, keeping the touch light and affectionate before he backed off. Tightening his hand around hers he led her through the parking lot, heading toward the screaming rides and the overwhelming smell of popcorn.

I took a deep breath after Mark released my mouth, trying to drag air into my starved lungs. I had to skip every third step or so to keep up with his long strides until he noticed and finally slowed down. Finally I had time to study him, to try to determine what was going on. My eyes swept down his body involuntarily. He was dressed casually today. Black jeans encased his long legs, a long sleeved black cotton shirt was stretched tight across his broad shoulders. He’d rolled the sleeves back to reveal his forearms and before we’d left he’d changed into what he called his second favorite boots. He’d left his favorite boots on my back porch to dry out. He’d said they’d be as good as new after they dried. He’d said it with such a hopeful look that I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I doubted drying them out would help.

I gave him a smile and a playful tug on his hand, “So, what are you going to buy me today?”

Swinging her arm, he tugged her close, kissing her lightly on the nose and laughing. “Anything you want baby. Anything you want.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?” I tugged on his hand, leading him willingly towards the front gate. He followed with only a little reluctance. It was hardly noticeable at all. Hardly.



“Sweetheart, if you make me get on another ride I’m going to embarrass us both.”

“Oh?” I looked at him and noticed that he was beginning to look a little green around the edges.

With a little growl Mark reached out, wrapping both arms around her waist and swinging her around, crushing her gently against his body. He grinned as her laughter sparkled in the air. The day had been a success so far. They’d had cotton candy, hot dogs, and popcorn and rode more rides than his stomach wanted to think about. And more and more often she touched him. She didn’t stiffen when he casually reached out and wrapped an arm around her or dropped a casual kiss against her lips. And she was always reaching for his hand or touching his arms. He’d made more progress today than he could have hoped for. Slowly she was beginning to trust him again. Damn it was a good day.

“Dory! Sweetheart, how are you?”

Shit! It couldn’t be. Mark slowly looked around and bit back the groan he felt welling up. Dave stood a few feet away grinning idiotically. The day was going to hell in a hand basket. He felt Dory try to take a step back and he released her but quickly laced his fingers with hers. He was keeping a tight grip on his woman.

“Dave! What are you doing here?” I started forward to hug Dave but was brought up short by the tight grip Mark had on my hand. I was pulled up tight against his side. Shaking my head, I looked at Dave standing a few feet away grinning at me and wanted to laugh. He was dressed simply in a pair of blue jeans and a black T-shirt and boots. No doubt about it, the man had a good body. The funny part was his face. One of his eyes was still black but the other one had turned a nice greenish purple color. He was not looking his best. But he was still grinning at the world. That’s what I loved about Dave.

“Ah, we just thought we’d hang out for a while.”

I followed his glance to the woman at his side and took a second look. She wasn’t pretty in the classical sense. That really wouldn’t have suited Dave. She really wasn’t pretty at all the more I looked at her features but there was something about pulling all her features together that made her seem, well, gorgeous. That was the only word I could think of as I studied her. Her eyes were a little cold when they met mine but what a beautiful color though. She barely came up to Dave’s chin but her lack of height didn’t matter. They made an adorable couple.

Squeezing Mark’s hand I answered Dave. “Yeah, so did we. We’ve ridden just about everything there is and Mark said if I make him . . . ” I trailed off as Mark squeezed my fingers in warning. I looked at him and could see murder in his eyes if I told Dave the rides had been making him sick. Smothering a sigh I continued, “ . . .buy me one more thing I’d regret it.”

I could see Dave’s eyes flick between us, I knew he noticed the tight grip of Mark’s fingers but thankfully he didn’t question it.

“Are you going to introduce us to your friend?” I nodded to the other woman who continued to glare at me. Dave blushed. He actually blushed. I was amazed. And amused.

“Um, yeah. This is Qayin. I just met her recently. She started working at the bar waitressing while she goes to school to finish her degree. Um, Qayin this is my good friend Dory.”

“I’m glad to meet you.” I took a step towards the other couple, stretching out my hand to her. She never moved a muscle, just looked at me from those cold eyes. Ok, now, this was getting old. What the hell had I done to her? Suddenly her eyes flicked down to where Mark’s fingers were linked with mine, noting the possessive grip he had on my hand. When she met my eyes again, hers were considerably warmer and she quickly reached out to grab my hand, clasping it in her own.

“I’m glad to meet you too Dory. I’ve heard a lot about you.” She shot a look at Dave that I couldn’t quite read. What had Dave been saying? Sometimes men could be so stupid. I shook my head.

“Don’t believe half of it.” I grinned and looked at Dave. “He’s a good friend but, man, can he stretch the truth.”

Dave reached toward me but Mark stepped between us quickly. Squeezing his hand, I pulled him back to my side and tried to defuse the sudden tension of the moment. Qayin’s eyes were wide and kept jumping to each one of us. I bet she was wishing she was anywhere but here. I wonder if she knew Mark was the one who’d given her boyfriend the broken nose and black eyes? Shrugging, I decided I wasn’t going to enlighten her.

“Dave, you forgot to introduce someone.” I gave him a sharp glance and nodded my head at Mark.

Looking from Mark to me, I saw Dave grin and knew I should have done the introductions myself. I’d left Dave with an opening I was sure I was going to regret.

“Qayin, let me introduce you to Dory’s He-Man. He-Man, this is Qayin. Stay away from her.”

Mark growled low in his throat and took a step towards Dave and right into me. I’d seen this coming and I’d already stepped up between the two men.

Deciding it was best to ignore Dave, I turned to Qayin. “Actually Qayin, this is my friend Mark. As you can see he and Dave don’t get along very well.” Giving both men a disgusted look, I turned back to Qayin. “I personally think it’s because they’re too much alike.”

I winked at Qayin, inviting her to share the joke. She smiled, her eyes brightening with her humor. Both men made sounds of disgust and then glared at each other for having the same reaction to my comment. I just grinned. They were proving me right without any help at all.

“So you guys want to join us for dinner?” Qayin asked the question a little hesitantly, almost like she wanted us to say no. Before I could open my mouth Mark and Dave beat me to it.

“No—”

“No—”

Elbowing Mark in the ribs for his abrupt answer, I quickly stepped in. “Mark has to go back on the road tomorrow. We’ve already got plans tonight. Maybe some other time though, ok?”

Qayin nodded and I heard Dave release his held breath.

After a few minutes of general farewells, we turned to go our separate ways. Dave turned around, throwing out one last taunt.

“I’ll see you at the bar this week right Dory?”

I just looked at him and smiled. I almost laughed out loud when I saw Qayin jab him in the ribs with her elbow.

“Shut up, bouncer. She won’t be anywhere near you.”

“Come on Mark. Let’s go.” I waved at the other couple and tugged Mark away from them. I looked up at him and knew I should be mad for what he’d said, for trying to order me around but I just couldn’t. But he didn’t know that. “Just to make up for that little scene back there you owe me something.”

Mark looked down at her warily. He’d made a general jackass out of himself—again. Damn, he’d been making so much progress and then that damn bouncer had shown up. Shit, now what?

“Yeah?”

I bit my lip to keep my grin in check. Mark looked, well, almost scared. He should be. I’d been saving the best ride for last.