24

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR Gin gasped as she heard Kin's words. She registered the ashen look on Lin's face. Did Kin have to be so harsh? Why didn't he give her a final warning? Before she knew what was happening security was escorting the weeping Lin out and Kin was leading Gin into his office, without a backward glance at his ex-secretary. 'that was punitive," Gin cautiously voiced her opinion, noting the severe expression on Kin's face. "she tried to play god with my life!" Kin's face looked murderous. "My secretary's function is to run the office of the chief of staff, not my private life," he growled in a sinister tone. Gin was almost afraid to utter another word. She would never dare to cross swords with Kin Arvis. He would run circles around those who foolishly attempted to do battle with him. "Come here," Kin uttered softly, when she remained quiet. His arms crushed her in a tight embrace. "I'm not letting you go, ever. Do you understand?" She was beautiful, graceful, elegant, intelligent and all … his. A shiver passed over her. Kin received a nod, before Gin could stop her affirmative response. She allowed her hands to rest lightly on his hips, could feel Kin's body tremor, his heart pounding against her chest, his breathing erratic as his warm breath brushed against her neck. So he was not all steel, after all. "shall we leave?" He whispered, reaching for his keys on his table. "Yes," she nodded, pleased that his angry mood had subsided so quickly. "Kin!" Vin exclaimed excitedly, his eye zoned in on his mum's and Kin's hands laced together. "I'm glad you came," Vin rushed to Kin. "I was going to ask mum, if I can call you." "Hi Vin," Kin smiled broadly, opening his arms to offer Vin a hug, which he spontaneously accepted. "Hi Vin," Remember me? Gin patiently waited behind Kin, for her son to recognize that she was also in the room. "Hi mum," Vin beamed happily. He allowed his mum to kiss his cheek. "Why did you want to call me?" Kin ruffled his son's hair. 'themba, my friend , is bring his father to school for show and tell. His father is a pilot. So I want you to come to my show and tell," Vin demanded. Kin was numbed to silence. His eyes met Gin's. She was just as surprised. Gin had thought Vin was not yet ready to publicly bestow that honour upon his father. Just as speechless as Kin was, she just stared at him. ""show and tell?"" Kin exclaimed in a measured tone. "Yeah, Themba's father is going to tell the class about being a pilot, so I want you to do the same." "But, I don't know anything about being a pilot!" Kin exclaimed in alarm. Vin shook his head and laughed. "You have to speak about being a cardiologist." "Oh," Kin smiled sheepishly. "You must bring your heart and explain how it works to the class." Kin grinned, "Contrary to popular belief, I don't detach my heart you know," his eyes met Gin's. No kidding! Gin laughed softly. "I think he means, you need to take a model of the organ." "Yes," Vin nodded. 'so can you come, please?" "When is it?" Kin enquired. "Next Tuesday." "I think, I can make a plan," Kin, smiled, mentally diarising the date. 'thank you," Vin hopped about enthusiastically. "Mum, will you come too please? I want you to be there." She would have to clear it with Dr. Jenkins, but she was sure it would be okay. Gin would love to see Kin, participating in Vin's school activities. "I'm sure it would be okay." Gin nodded. Even though she was going to be marrying the chief of staff, Gin respected the reporting channels. Dr Jenkins was her superior. Dinner was over. Vin had got to stay up a little longer even though it was a school night, and resistingly went bed. He'd wanted to stay and talk with Kin. Gin had to get real stern, before Vin sulkily dragged himself off after he got his chocolate treat from Kin. That had bought an adorable smile to his face. Shin had discreetly retired to bed. Gin was now relaxing with Kin, in the lounge. He reached out, sliding his fingers through hers. Dark eyes locked with grey ones. Kin smiled, she responded likewise. They seemed to enjoy the quietness, looking … touching … feeding of each other's desire. Gin looked down, "Kin ___ don't you think you were too harsh with Lin? Shouldn't a person get at least get a ___ final warning, before they"re dismissed?" The smile disappeared from Kin's face. Gin sure knew how to be a mood spoiler! "Last Thursday after Vin's visit, Lin walked into my office, guns blazing She insinuated that you were lying to me, that I was not Vin's dad, apparently the whole clinic is aware that you are in a long term relationship with Dr. Alice Stuart." "What!" Gin's cheeks coloured profusely. "she's mad. I have not even kissed Alice. You know you are the only man I ever been to bed with," she whispered uncomfortably. Kin chuckled at her discomfort. He believed Gin. "Now you see why I had to get rid of the vindictive woman? And my son was accurate about Lin as well." Gin remained quiet, no wanting to respond. "Hey," Kin leaned closer. "I don't want to talk about Lin," he captured her lips in a slow kiss. Gin breathed softly, leaning into Kin, her one arm curved around his neck. She returned his kiss, the other palm cupping his face. Gin enjoyed the lingering kiss, but stopped, before she lost control, but Kin had other ideas. His mouth worried at the buttons of her shirt. He didn't stop until the nub of her breast was between his teeth, grazing erotically. More buttons were released, until he was able to slide the sleeve of one shoulder. Kin lowered her onto the settee, her shirt completely unbuttoned, her bra unclasped. Gin groaned. Her fingers caressed the indentation at the nape of his neck. It pulsed wildly. Kin's lips shifted away from her mouth. It feathered soft kisses at the milky flesh at her throat. Her eyes were shut. Every nerve in her body yielded to his caressing ministrations. The tips of her fingers hummed in anticipation. Kin's tongue circled her aroused nipples ardently. She clung to him tightly, savouring the sensual havoc he was wreaking all over her body, moaning resistingly when Kin's head shifted away from her body. Her eyes opened to find Kin studying her tattoo again. Not again … Oh God! Why had I been so stupid! Uncomfortable at his scrutiny, Gin pulled her shirt together, trying to re-button it. Kin's hands closed over hers, preventing her from hiding the tattoo, his eyes focused studiously on the artwork. 'stop staring Kin," she whispered. He smiled, "why won't you tell me about it?" he murmured softly. "It's ___ nothing," her eyes would not meet his. Kin laughed. "You're sexy and beautiful, but a lair," his mouth closed over hers in an erotic kiss. Gin responded, her arms wrapping around him, all thoughts of the tattoo, momentarily forgotten. Her hands explored Kin's body, slipping through his shirt. Fingers raked erotically over his hair roughened chest. Their tongues were locked in an intimate kiss. When Kin's fingers delved inside her trousers, Gin stilled. He sensed her withdrawal, his head lifted questioning. "I'm sorry___ ," she whispered. She felt guilty seeing the flaming desire in his eyes. "I'm not ___ comfortable." Kin exhaled. He rested his forehead on her chest. "How about a date night tomorrow?" She faintly heard his voice. ""Date night?"" Kin lifted his head again. He was smiling. "Yes," his mouth captured hers again. His tongue teasing her upper lip, until her tongue reached out and trapped his. Kin laughed softly, tearing away. "At my home. I will cook you dinner." "You cook?" "Had to take care of myself in Sudan," he smiled. "I can grill chicken and steaks and I make a mean beef stew too," he boasted. Gin smiled. "Really?" Her fingers caressed the sexy square cut planes of his jawline. "Why don't you say "yes" and find out," he grinned. "Yes," she laughed softly. Guess, I'll say good night then," he re-buttoned her shirt and lifted her to her feet. "Good night," she replied, silently disappointed, that she had to bank her desire and wait until the next evening for them to give vent to their explosive need. The following morning, Gin could not wait to indulge her date night" with Kin. She smiled happily, feeling like a teenager. Before she went to Kin's tonight, Gin planned on going out and investing in some sexy lingerie. She wondered what Kin thought last night, she had been wearing a drab, unattractive natural toned bra. How boring and unattractive! But Kin did not seem deterred. She saw the desire in his charcoal eyes, felt his hard arousal, pressed against her midriff. After work, she would rush home, shower, get into her sexy getup and drive to Kin? He had wanted her to have lunch in his office, but Gin planned out going to a certain boutique at lunch time, so just before lunch, Gin went up to his office. She would not tell Kin the reason she was going out only … that she would have lunch with him the following day. Gin heaved a sigh of relief she did not need to contend with Lin anymore, although, she thought Kin had been a bit too harsh in firing her. On second thoughts, Gin did not know whether she was pleased that Lin was gone when she saw the beautiful, young blonde sitting in Lin's chair. She looked like she just left high school. "Morning," Gin smiled. "I'm Dr. Mikhayla." "Good morning, Dr. Mikhayla," the temp secretary smiled brightly. "I'm Robyn Lynn." "Is Dr. Arvis in?" Gin asked. She did not know if he was back from his morning round. "No ma"am," she shook her head apologetically, "and his brother is also waiting for him in his office." "Ethan?" Gin was surprised. "Ethan Arvis," Robyn nodded. 'that's what he said his name was." "I'm just going to say "hi'," Gin smiled. 'sure go right in." What a welcome breath of fresh air, Gin thought to herself, as she strolled into Kin's office. "Ethan?" Gin smiled at the tall figure looking out the window. He turned around, his eyes raking over Gin. 'the sexiest doctor I know and she's taken now, I believe," his eyes rested on his grandmother's ring on Gin's finger. Gin shrugged. She had known an encounter with Ethan again may prove testing. "You have a child with my brother and you fail to mention that significant fact," he accused woodenly. "I'm sorry. It was awkward to talk about." "I was hitting on you. We could have ended up in bed!" "No Ethan! There was no chance ever, of you and I ending up in bed." Ethan just stared speechless, as if she had just slapped him across his face. Gin looked away. What she could not explain to him was, she would never have slept with Ethan, knowing his brother was the father of her child, neither could she reveal that her deep feelings for Kin, would never allow her to betray what she had with Kin. 'sorry ___ that came out wrong," Gin murmured. 'so what are you doing here?" Gin tried changing the subject, forced a smile." 'screening your fiancés visitors?" Ethan challenged testily. "Ethan ___ I don't deserve your sarcasm." He raked his fingers through his hair in that familiar Arvis manner. Ethan smiled, nodded. "I'm sorry." Now the elder Arvis brother would not be apologetic or so contrite. 'so where's Lin?" Ethan asked curiously. "Fired," Kin's voice rasped through the air from the doorway. Gin and Ethan spun around. Kin's eyes pierced through Gin's. Why she was feeling guilty, she had no idea. She looked away as Kin walked towards her, his eyes unsmilingly trained on her. His arm curved around her waist. In a show of possession, his mouth closed over hers, forcing her lips apart, she could do nothing but respond. Just as quickly Kin drew his lips away, though his hand still held her tightly. "What do I owe the pleasure, Ethan?" Kin smiled at his younger brother. "Got a week's leave," Ethan replied, 'thought I could clock some time here at the clinic." "I won't say no," Kin smiled again. "Come in first thing tomorrow morning." 'thanks," Ethan winked, slapping a high five with his brother. 'see you when the sun comes up." He knew his big brother would have him slaving till sunset. Kin winked, as Ethan departed. "What was that?" Gin drew herself out of Kin's arms, "publically branding your possession?" She challenged. Kin was unfazed. "Was that what it looked like? I was merely greeting my fiancée." "Your fiancée," Gin hissed, "came to inform you she's going out at lunchtime and found your brother here." Perhaps he did not deserve sexy lingerie. Perhaps she should go to him in her old, lacklustre cotton undies. Perhaps she should not go to him tonight. No, she wanted him … needed his possession. Even as he stood there now so arrogantly smug, she wanted him and he caught the unmistakable glint in her eyes. Kin reached for her, pulling her up against his lean, hard body. He smelt good, musk and anti-bacterial hand wash. She should be desensitised to the clinic's standard issue hand wash, but on Kin, it heightened her senses, her desire for him. Her arms closed around him tightly, savouring every indulgence. "Where you going at lunchtime?" "shopping," she murmured, against his lips. 'take me with," he demanded. "No," she smiled, pushing him away. "Guess I'll have to wait till tonight," he sighed disappointedly. Gin laughed softly, "I've got to get back to my patients." 'so I have to eat lunch alone?" He pouted, walking with her to the door. Gin laughed. "For a second there, I thought I was dealing with Vin." Kin's phone rang, preventing his rebuttal. 'see you tonight darling. Seven. Don't be late," Kin kissed her goodbye and spoke into his mobile. "Yeah, okay." she nodded, before Kin walked back into his office. Gin almost forgot about Kin's new secretary at Lin's desk, well not Lin's desk anymore. The curious and astonished look on her face, made Gin smile inwardly. Robyn stood up, a big grin on her face. "You're engaged to Dr. Arvis?" "Yes," Gin smiled. Wow, Robyn mouthed the word. "You're so lucky," she whispered, absently lifting the back of her hand to her mouth and biting on it. Gin laughed. "I'm going back to my unit." "Kin ___,"her groan was a half whisper … half plea for him to take her to bed. She could feel the heat of his blazing stare raking over her body. "Yes," he answered. With an equal groan, his mouth drove overs hers. His hands reaching down, stroking over her bottom, shaping it to his hips, his guttural moan undid her, making her pulse beat wildly at her throat. Whilst her mouth was busy kissing him, her fingers unhurriedly unbuttoning his shirt. "I thought we're having dinner first," he murmured huskily. "I thought so too," she ripped his shirt over his head. "But we can adjust the program, can't we? Her tongue stroked his chest, tearing away at any defence he may have. She had arrived at his home fifteen minutes ago, had declined any refreshments. She could smell the aroma of his impressive beef stew, but it was his body she craved more than sustenance. Heat radiated within her. She needed him now. Kin groaned softly. "Are you sure?" He asked as a mere formality, for the evidence of his own hard arousal was piercing into her. She nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. She could not wait, she was too far gone. Waves of excitement ripped through her, awareness exploded all through her body, like ferocious high tide waves coming to its end at the shore. Kin's fingers pushed the straps of her dress off her shoulders. He unzipped it, let it fall to the floor. "God you look beautiful," he admired the silk lingerie in a soft pink. His lips touched everywhere, his tongue explored everywhere. Gin could not keep her eyes opened. His tongue dipped into her mouth again, her nipples tightened. Her heart was pounding, he could feel it hammering against his chest. Kin carried her to his bed. She shivered on the crisp whites sheets as he gently dropped her back onto the bed. He saw something flash in her eyes, but she veiled it too quickly. She didn't want him to see her naked vulnerability. "Gin?" his voice rusty, enquiring if she was ready. "Yes ___ yes." His blood surged uncontrollably as he thrust into her … His heart beat wildly against hers. Hard, fast, her hands smoothing down his spine, cupping his buttocks, urging him deeper. The first orgasm rocked her body … she clung to him. Wide eyes mocked her … . A victorious smile on his face as his lips captured hers. Her body clenched, he shuddered over her rapturous tremors, quivering and satiated. Kin lifted her onto his chest. Her shapely beautiful length quietly resting atop him, consumed and content. She was warm and soft. Afterwards her sweat sheened skin glistened, her hair tousled over his chest, her grey eyes huge,her body soft pliant, her eyelids drooped, desire induced, she was resting, but responded to him, felt her awareness of him, she roused, snuggling closer, her arm curling around his neck. She returned his probing kiss. Kin smiled, his fingers brushed downwards over her bare back. He could not get enough of her. Her supple body atop him was intoxicating. Her body so lithe, so soft, so responsive to his every touch. She was a perfect fit for him. He wanted her again but she was panting so heavily. He would have to wait a little while and decided general conversation could cool down his libido. 'so we're on for our bungee jump tomorrow, darling?" Gin's head lifted. She stared down into Kin's eyes. "Can't you take you son fishing or something," she urged. Kin laughed. "I promise you, it's safe," he vowed. "I don't know," she sighed, resting her head on his chest. It was not long before he was unable to resist. Neither could she it seemed, They turned to each other more frequently … not talking much … the passion overwhelming, undeniable … and never enough. "No Vin ___please I don't want you to." "Come on mum, don't be a sissy," he laughed teasingly. "It's so high Vin ___." Gin stared up into the air to gaze at the top of the Orlando Cooling Tower. She knew Kin was watching her intently, but she did not care. This was her baby for heaven's sake. She can't allow anything to happen to her precious boy. "Are you sure nine year olds are allowed to attempt this?" "With parental consent yes," Kin smiled. He saw her vacillating. "It is very safe Gin," his fingers touched her elbow with casual encouragement. She felt the electric sensation even with his touch so light. She looked up at Kin. This is your son for heaven's sake! I ___ don't know. It's too high, "she pleaded. "Come on mum. That is the fun part," he urged. "How about I go up first?" Kin offered, then if you're convinced it's still unsafe, then we"ll leave. No! ___ I don't want anything to happen to you either. "You're a doctor mum," he laughed. "If I get hurt you can fix me up." Gin's eyes fell on Vin. He would not understand a mother's fear. The Orlando Towers were thirty three stories high! She reached out and cupped his face and smiled. "Okay," she yielded. "Let's watch ___ Kin do the jump first then ___." She refused to meet Kin's eyes. She could tell he was amused about something. "Mum please ___. I want to ___." "Vin," Kin spoke. "Let me convince mum it is safe, hmm." Her eyes lifted to his then. There was mockery as if he understood, if she had a choice on who to sacrifice, it was not going to be her son. Gin looked away uncomfortably., her cheeks turning crimson. "Let's go watch from the viewing platform," Vin mumbled, reaching for his mum's hand. Gin hesitated as she watched Kin get harnessed. He winked trying to assure her all was well. She was unconvinced, not returning his smile. Kin nodded at the attendant who completed his safety check and turned to go up the lift to complete his jump. "Kin ___!" He turned around hearing the anxiety in her voice. Her eyes were filled with concern. "Be careful," she flung her arms around him tightly. Kin was astonished. She was literally trembling. He could feel her tension as he held her upper arms lightly. "I will," he murmured gruffly. He winked at Vin, not trusting his voice. 'see you just now," Vin reached out to smack a high five wit Kin. Gin looked on helplessly as Kin prepared to jump. He waved once before slipping on the helmet. Gin clutched her arms nervously, praying Kin would be okay. This was torture. If all went well, she had to go through that rigmarole again when Kin took Vin up there. This was so not her idea of a fun day. Gin had her eyes shut as Kin jumped. She refused to watch him. Only when she heard Vin's loud applause that she slowly opened her eyes to see, Kin being helped out of the harness. 'see mum. What did I tell you? It's perfectly safe." Just three more minutes and we're getting the hell out of here. Gin sunk with relief onto the bench when Vin and Kin landed safely after their combined jump. She slowly exhaled and stood up as the two most important men in her life rushed to tell her about their jump. "You should try it mum. It was awesome, when you free fall ___." "Let's get out of here," Gin instructed Kin. "Please mum ___ just one more." Gin stopped. Her nerves were shot. She was about to get stuck into Vin when Kin wisely intervened. "Vin ___ how about we may a trip here another day," he smoothed the atmosphere?" "Okay Kin," Vin answered disappointedly. "Ice cream?" Gin offered her son, reaching out her hand to his. "Yay!" Vin was easily pacified, eagerly anticipating his treat. Gin removed a note from her purse to pay for Vin's ice cream, but Kin would not allow it. "My treat," he murmured, 'since you were so brave up there," he grinned. 'thanks Kin," Vin bit into his ice cream. "Pleasure," he winked at Vin. "a cool drink perhaps?" Kin offered Gin. "I'm fine thanks," she declined, her stomach still in recovery mode. "Were you afraid, I won't come back to you?" Kin teased. "You wish," she lied