Duncan (The Protectors #3)(43)

“No, I don’t,” Pam argued then frowned. “Do I?”

He grinned, wrapping her in his arms. “You do.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

“What did I say?” She put her head on his chest liking the feel of his hands rubbing her aching back.

“Well, it was kind of hard to make out because some of it was mumbled, but I did hear my name a few times.” He liked her soft sighs when he rubbed her back. “Does that feel good?”

“Yes, it does,” Pam replied nodding into his chest. “Do you think it will always be like this?”

“Like what?” Duncan had closed his eyes, resting his chin on the top of her head.

“Nice, like this,” Pam whispered. “Not fighting or hating each other.”

Duncan pulled away, forcing her to look at him. “We’re going to fight, Pam, but never would I hate you.”

Before Pam could answer, someone knocked on the door. With a long sigh, Duncan let her go to answer it.

Slade stood on the other side. “Hope I’m not interrupting, but I wanted to see how Pam was doing before the meeting.”

“Come on in.” Duncan opened the door wide. “Is it five already?”

“Almost,” Slade replied looking at Pam. “You look much better today.”

Pam smiled. “I feel much better, thanks.”

“No pain?” Slade’s turn from Warrior to doctor was instant.

“None.” Pam rubbed her stomach with a motherly smile; she absolutely glowed. Both men stared at her. “What?” Pam laughed nervously.

Slade cleared his throat. “You’re beautiful.” Slade slid a glance at Duncan. “Sorry.”

Duncan glared at Slade.

“I’m just saying she makes a very beautiful pregnant woman.” Slade tried to explain, but when Duncan continued to glare, Slade chuckled. “Listen, I don’t want your woman. Just a compliment. I swear it.”

Pam walked up to Duncan wrapping her arm around his. “Thank you…Dr. Buchanan.” She grinned when Duncan’s frown slipped into a half smile.

“He’s right. You are gorgeous.” Duncan looked down at her, his true feelings there for everyone to see.

“So I’m not a dead man for complimenting your beautiful lady?” Slade teased heading for the door.

“Guess I need to get used to that, or I’m going to have to take out most of the male population.” Duncan winked at Pam. “So today, you live.”

“Much appreciated.” Slade laughed. “See you at the meeting.”

As soon as the door shut, Duncan kissed Pam, pulling her close. “I have to go.”

“You sure you have to?” Pam nuzzled his neck.

“Yes,” he whispered in her ear, making her shiver. “Or you will probably be witness to one of Sloan’s temper freak outs.”

“Then go, because I don’t think I want to see that.” Pam pushed him toward the door.

“It’s pretty ugly. Scared the shit out of me the first time I saw him having one,” he teased. Leaning down, he kissed her goodbye. “As soon as I’m done, we’ll take off to my place.”

“Can’t wait,” Pam replied, feeling excited to actually be looking forward to something. It felt great for a change. “Duncan, thank you.”

“For what?” He stopped right outside the door.

“Everything.” Pam smiled, feeling radiant by the look he gave her. With a nod and wink, he was gone. Walking to the mirror, Pam looked at her reflection. She hardly recognized her happy face. “Welcome back.” She grinned into her own reflection.

******

Duncan walked into Sloan’s office, and by the look on Sloan’s face, Duncan was ready to walk back out. “Happy you decided to join us,” Sloan growled tossing him a look.

Knowing that keeping his mouth shut was the best thing to do, Duncan took an empty place against the wall.

“Good, now that we’re all here…” He glared at Duncan who just stared without any facial expression at all. “I’ll just start this little meeting with these.” He slammed pictures on his desk, spreading them out with his hand. Everyone’s eyes fell on the pictures.

“Oh snap!” Sid grabbed one of Nicole and Damon at the front door of the compound, Nicole’s hand clearly cupping Damon. “Shit, I can’t even think of anything to stay,” Sid snorted, shaking his head and practically wheezing with laughter.

“Well how about this one?” Sloan grabbed one of Sid throwing the reporter off the property onto the street. “You got anything to say about this?”

“Photoshop.” Sid tossed Sloan an innocent look.

“Then I’m sure this one is also Photoshop?” Sloan picked up one from last night with Sid flipping off the camera.

“Damn, that was fast.” Sid glanced from the picture to Sloan’s angry scowl. “Isn’t it amazing what they can do now with computers?”

“That’s actually a good picture of you.” Jared observed tilting his head. “You should get that one framed.”

“Thank you.” Sid grabbed it looking it over. “I think I may just do that.”

“Dammit!” Sloan shouted. “Do you take anything seriously?”