Read Online ExtremeCircumstances by Chandra Ryan - Free Book Online Page B

no way for me to purge it from your system.”
    “We could always try leeches.” Prescott chuckled and the
movement made another wave of nausea rush through Gates.
    “Let’s save the comedy act until after we’ve set up camp,
okay?” Gates’ throat felt tight as he said the words and swallowing had
becoming difficult but he refused to say anything about the possible swelling.
If he did, Homer would insist they stop so he could examine Gates again. But
Gates could hear an internal clock of disaster ticking off each second in his
head. His men only had so much time to get away from the scene. He had to put
their safety first.
    By the time they’d reached a usable clearing, though, every
breath felt as if it were being pulled through a pillow. His head throbbed
unbearably and whenever he opened his eyes the vibrant colors surrounding him
actually hurt, so he kept them closed as much as possible.
    “The commander doesn’t sound so good.” Prescott’s voice
boomed around him, adding to the pain coursing through his brain. It had
reached the point where his teeth hurt with it.
    “Here, put him down on this tarp.” Homer’s voice was easy
enough to recognize that Gates didn’t even bother to open his eyes.
    The tarp was cool and smooth under him as he allowed himself
to be laid on it. His shirt tugged on his skin briefly as they repositioned it
and the excess water from a day of sweat made him shiver with each brush. Then
the cold metal touch of medical instruments tickled him around his sternum. He
wanted to push the annoying things away but he couldn’t seem to lift his hand.
    “He’s going into respiratory failure.”
    Homer’s voice seemed garbled and far away. It was much too
distant for Gates to actually worry about. He should probably be issuing orders
right now. Only he didn’t want to do anything but nap.
    A sudden punch to his chest woke him and added to his
confusion and the aches of his body. He’d ask who the hell was hitting him if
it wasn’t for the warm, firm lips pressed to his. At the recognition, his mind
filled with images of Julian, and Gates wrapped an arm around broad shoulders
and ran his tongue along the other man’s top lip. Immediately Julian had
disappeared but so had the pummeling.
    “I do believe he’s conscious again.”
    Gates cursed to himself as he recognized Homer’s voice. “I
thought you were someone else.”
    His medic snorted. “Obviously.”
    Gates opened his eyes to find he was now inside a tent. The
orange light of a campfire that bled through one of the thin walls told him
that it must be late. But other than that, he couldn’t find any reference for
how much time had passed. “I came to confused and—”
    “Don’t sweat it, Commander. It’s an understandable reaction
for someone who’s been through a drug overdose.”
    Gates was relieved by how nonchalant Homer was being about
the whole thing. “Thanks.”
    “Is that gratitude for not pressing sexual harassment
charges or saving your sorry ass?”
    He smiled weakly at Homer’s attempt at a joke. “Saving my
ass. I’m still not convinced you won’t drag me in front of a tribunal when we
get home.”
    “Please. I’m too happy to have you back with us to drag you
anywhere. You’ve had the men on edge most of the night. It’s downright rude to
make them worry like that.”
    “Yes, Mother.” Gates drew out the words to sound like a
petulant child.
    Homer laughed and shook his head. “I do believe the worst of
it should be past. Thankfully since it was just a drug and not a poison you
should rebound from any remaining effects quickly.”
    “I should be thankful? Is that what you’re telling me?”
Gates might feel a little better than before but his body still ached as if
he’d been dragged behind a shuttle. He couldn’t find it in himself to be overly
thankful for anything right now.
    “Yes. You should be very thankful. You’ll be up and about by
tomorrow.”
    Gates groaned at the