Promises: Part I (Bounty Hunters Book 1) (11 page)

Vaughan pressed the end button, cradling the phone to his chest. His eyes burned with tears. He hated lying, detested it. His father always told him that a real man doesn’t have to lie, cheat, or steal. Vaughan may not be a thief or a cheat but he was definitely a liar. Would Duke ever trust him once he found out the truth? He turned back to his small duffle bag and silently prayed that Duke would. It was the right thing to do. He could feel it. If Duke had any inclination that it was him, he had no doubt he’d cancel the surgery. Vaughan wouldn’t take that risk. He’d lie and break any other commandment on the list if it meant giving them a chance. He finished packing by dropping his leather toiletry bag on top of his change of clothes, along with his transplant folders.

He had to be checked in to the unit at six a.m. That meant he’d have to go to Duke’s room at 0’dark thirty and then go to his own room so he could be prepped on time. He was going to have to juggle quite a bit over the next couple weeks, but he could do. He would do it.

“You all packed and ready?”

“Yes, sir,” he answered his father. Quick’s face was a mask of uncertainty and worry. “I told you. I’m going to be fine, Dad. Have faith. This is not as complex as you may think.”

Quick waved one large hand at him. “I know. I read up on it, son. I just… well, you know. I’m a parent before I’m anything. I’m gonna worry.”

Vaughan took a deep breath and went over to face him. “Thank you for trusting me.”

“You’ve never given me a reason not to, Vaughan. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

“I’ve never been so sure of anything before.” Vaughan hugged his dad for a long time. “I love him. I love him too much not to try.”

“I just hope you don’t get hurt in all this.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“You can’t promise that, son. Never make a promise you can’t keep,” Quick told him for the millionth time in his life.

Vaughan patted his dad on the back. “I know.”

Vaughan couldn’t eat or drink anything, so they sat together on the back porch and looked out over the lush lawn, the dewdrops glistening as the moonlight hit the blades of grass. It was peaceful and quiet until his dad’s work phone rung.

“Goddamnit, not now,” Quick barked, pulling out the large phone.

“Go on. I understand.”

“I wanted to have this time with you,” his father said, pulling on his long hair. “But since Charlie’s retired and with Dana and Duke hurt we haven’t had the time to hire more guys. So it’s just me running the bail bonds and Judge running the PI office.”

“It’s okay. Duke’s gotta have a business to come back to. I’ll see you in the morning. I’ll go to see Duke first, around five, and then I’ll check in.”

“I’ll be here to drive you to the hospital. You don’t want to leave your car in the lot anyway.”

“Sure thing.” Vaughan gave him another quick hug and headed back inside. “Be safe.”

“It’s just a bond. I’ll be back in a couple hours. You go on and sleep.” 

But sleep never came.

Vaughan stifled his yawn right before he tapped on Duke’s door. He wished he would’ve gotten at least an hour of sleep, but all he did was toss and turn. His mind wouldn’t shut off. He thought of everything under sun that could and couldn’t happen. After a while, he simply concentrated on what his and Duke’s first date was going to be like. At least that made him smile. If he couldn’t sleep, he’d think happy thoughts.

Surprisingly, Duke was awake. He was sitting up for the most part—as far as he could— watching the early-morning news.

“Why are watching that crap? It’s always bad news.” Vaughan entered with a smile on his face. He was wearing a pair of tan slacks and a cream fleece pullover. Classic traveling clothes for an attorney, right? Had to play the part. The small duffle on his shoulder adding to the traveling illusion.

“I’m in the bad news business, Vaughan,” Duke answered with his own smile. Thank goodness. He was glad Duke was in relatively good spirits.

Vaughan stopped and looked at Duke. He was clean-shaven and a pleasant soap and water scent wafted off of him. He looked good. He looked fresh and ready. “You look good, babe. Ready to knock ‘em dead.” Vaughan almost rolled his eyes at his own stupid comment. Damn, Duke wasn’t getting ready to play a football game for Pete’s sake; he was having life-saving surgery. It had to be his nerves getting the best of him. Coupled with the lack of sleep. It might be best if Vaughan just sat and visited… keeping his mouth shut.

“I brushed my teeth real good,” Duke said softly, his beautiful eyes staring right at Vaughan’s mouth.

Vaughan walked close to Duke’s bed and dropped his bag off his shoulder. His own smile was wide and genuine. He’d said he’d kiss Duke before his surgery and obviously the man hadn’t forgotten. Seemed like he’d been looking forward to it because he was prepped and ready. Vaughan laughed. “That’s good to know, but it wouldn’t have mattered.” Vaughan dropped the guardrail on the left side, his eyes never leaving Duke’s. Propping his hip on the bed, careful not to sit too close, Vaughan leaned in and Duke closed his eyes right before their lips met.

Vaughan could taste the minty toothpaste along with the subtle taste that Vaughan recognized immediately as all Duke. He felt Duke’s left hand gently graze his cheek before traveling over to his mouth. Vaughan pulled back just a hair and let Duke trace his bottom lip with the pad of his thumb.

“You have the most beautiful mouth I’ve ever seen,” Duke whispered.

Vaughan leaned back in. It was the sign he’d been looking for. Duke looked at him with so much awe and wonder, Vaughan knew right then that they were going to make it. Not only through the surgery, but also as a couple. Duke was finally looking at him the same way Vaughan had looked at him since he was sixteen. Like he was head over heels in love. Vaughan pressed his lips to Duke’s cheek, his temple, his eyes, his forehead, before making his way right back to his supple mouth.

“You taste like heaven,” Vaughan murmured into Duke’s mouth. Kissing and gently licking his way inside. Light, gentle nips of his teeth against Duke’s lips had Vaughan’s cock rising rapidly. He took his time, exploring his man until he couldn’t stop the moans from escaping his parted lips.

“Oh, god. I don’t want you to… but stop. You gotta stop.” Duke’s eyes were closed tight, tiny beads of sweat popping up around his hairline.

Vaughan got worried.
Shit
. He didn’t mean to hurt Duke and his expression must’ve conveyed that because Duke quickly reassured him.

“Don’t get me wrong.” Duke rubbed Vaughan’s arm, braced by his head. “It felt so damn good. Better than anything I’ve felt in a very long time. Too good… if you get my meaning.” Duke glanced down at the small bulge in the blanket and Vaughan nodded his understanding. Duke didn’t want to get full on wood. That probably would’ve been very uncomfortable.

“I can easily get carried away with you, sweetheart.” Vaughan released a calming breath as he pulled back from their intimate position. “But, if I’m anything, I’m patient. I can wait a little while longer.” Vaughan stood and raised the rail on the bed. As soon as he did, his father came through the door with Dr. Chauncey following close behind.

“Son. You better get going; you don’t want to be late.” His father glared at him, then at his watch.

Damn. It was already six o’clock. He felt like he’d just got there. How long were he and Duke snuggling? Dr. Chauncey gave him a quick exasperated look before turning his attention to Duke.

“Everything still a go, Doc?”

Dr. Chauncey nodded once while looking over Duke’s chart. “We’re still going. Your blood pressure is a little higher than I’d like but not enough to have to postpone.”

Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief. Dr. Chauncey laughed, snapping the folder shut. “The nurse will be in to get you soon. Not much longer now. The surgery should take about three and a half to four hours since I’m going to also try to do some more repairs on your own kidney that will remain in place. The goal is to restore at least a half of its functionality.”

“Do you think everything will go okay?” Vaughan asked.

“I’m very confident it will.” Patting Duke’s shoulder one final time, Dr. Chauncey said, “I’ll see you in there, Duke,” and left the room.

Vaughan had to get to his room. He didn’t want to cause delays. And it looked like Dr. Chauncey was telling him with his eyes to move his ass. 

Quick was over by the window, giving them their last few seconds alone. Vaughan bent and kissed Duke’s forehead. He wanted so much more, but in due time. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’ll be thinking about you the entire time, even if you don’t see my face, sweetheart. Please know that I’m right there with you. I’m closer than you think, okay?”

Duke gave him a tight smile and Vaughan squeezed Duke’s good hand before he hurried out the door, not wanting Duke to decode his message. He was partway down the hall when he heard his name called. Vaughan turned just in time to collide with his father’s broad chest. He couldn’t control the silent tears that fell. He wanted to tell Duke so badly, but that was as close as he could get to the truth. He was there with him, not far away at all.

“It’s alright, son. You’re both going to be in each other’s arms in no time.” His father’s soothing voice eased his tension. He had to calm himself. He didn’t want his own blood pressure to skyrocket. Quick helped him get settled in his room while Dr. Chauncey went over a few last remarks, but Vaughan knew what was going to happen, he’d had an extensive and informative, albeit short, evaluation. He just wanted it done. He was chewing on his jaw, a nervous habit he’s had since he was a kid—when his father put his hand on shoulder. “I’m so damn proud of you, Vaughan.”

Vaughan wasn’t expecting that. Those intense eyes shone with adoration and Vaughan had to reign in his emotions again. “You have become a damn good man. Strong and confident.”

“Like you,” Vaughan interjected. “Just like I was raised to be.”

Quick smiled that crooked grin and Vaughan felt his heart lighten. He and his man were going to pull through this surgery and they were going to be a family.

“Dad. Go back to Duke. I want him to be with someone before they take him.” The nurse was putting in Vaughan’s IV while he spoke. His dad looked so unsure, but kissed him on his cheek and whispered a choked, “I love you,” before he left his room.

“Try to relax, Mr. Webb. The orderlies will be in to get you soon.” A blue paper-like, disposable surgical cap was placed over his head to complete his prep. The nurse smiled that classic reassuring nurse’s smile and left him in a semi-dark room. His lack of sleep had to be the reason he’d dozed off, because next thing he knew he was moving. Felt more like floating. He fought the sleep, prying open his heavy eyelids. The lights above him flew past as he was wheeled down a chilly hallway. His teeth clattered loudly and his hands shook beneath the scratchy hospital blanket. He was nervous, no doubt. He could use a familiar face right now but things were moving in a blur. He could hear voices but none that he recognized. A slight bang registered as doors swung open into a room marked “AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY” and bright lights and a strong antiseptic stench assaulted him. People flittered around in pastel-colored scrubs, with masks covering half of their faces, all of them with their own task to complete.

His stretcher came to an abrupt stop and Vaughan’s eyes were wide as saucers as he tried to take in everything around him. He said a quick prayer that he and Duke would both pull through. It was short and to the point. He wanted to raise his head but it felt heavy. He wanted to see everything happening around him, but the staff went on as if he wasn’t even there. He half-expected Duke to be right beside him, but he knew it didn’t work that way. Duke was in the next operating room over, or nearby, at least. His chest moved up and down rapidly and he tried desperately to calm himself. One wrong or bad alert from one of the many machines he was attached to and it could all be stopped. He felt the blood pressure cuff inflate again, squeezing his bicep. The nurse beside him called out some numbers that Vaughan didn’t understand. There was so much shit in the room, so much technical equipment that it made Vaughan dizzy. He didn’t dwell on his environment any longer when he saw a man’s face appear over his. He was older, if the crinkles next to his smoky gray eyes were any indication

“Vaughan. I’m Dr. Waynes. I’m the anesthesiologist. I’m going to place this mask over your face and I want you to take a few deep breaths and count down from one hundred. Can you do that?”