Within the next few days, all the guys were sick. Tim was more than stressed out because of it. He was irritated that the men were not being given time to get well before continuing with their missions. He even had a hard time talking to me.
"They need to fucking rest," he sighed. "Godfather just doesn't get what it's like out here."
"Just relax," I said, trying to be comforting. "These guys are tough, they'll be alright. And we're stopped now. Maybe they can have some time."
"Doc," came the voice of Rudy. He looked exhausted. "Can you come check on my team? They've all got the shits bad."
Tim heaved a sigh. "Yeah, no problem."
We walked over, and everyone but Rudy was down. Tim got to work, and then the gunnery sergeant that they called Casey Kasem walked over and began talking about a tank that was on the perimeter. He said that Nate had ordered them to check it out.
"These men can't walk," Tim said irritably.
Casey Kasem insisted that Tim go with them, and I glared at him while he yelled at Rudy. Even I could see that no one on this team could take a mission right now. Luckily, Lovell walked over and offered his team for the mission. Tim stood to leave.
"Watch them," he said.
I nodded and watched as Tim and his team went out toward the tank. Rudy turned to me.
"You don't have to stick around here, Princess," he said. "I can take care of the guys."
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yeah," he replied. "Besides, we don't want you to get sick."
"Well, I dunno, Doc told me to stay," I said.
"Don't worry about Doc," he continued. "Really, go get some rest. There's not a lot you can do here anyway."
"If you insist," I said.
I gave him a comforting pat on the arm before leaving. Rudy had been a little down without Pappy, and this illness was not helping. I walked around and check on the others, offering to get them anything they needed, which they all politely refused, before heading back over to Rudy's for one last look. When I got there, Tim and the others were back. Holsey was vomiting outside the Humvee.
"Yo, Holsey," said Chaffin. "That's my front yard you're puking in."
"Sorry," Holsey muttered, as Lovell picked him up.
Tim locked eyes with me, and jerked his head in the direction of our Humvee. I followed them there. Holsey puked again, and Baptista said something about how it was fine as long as it wasn't inside the vehicle. I couldn't even laugh. I felt so sorry for everyone. I watched as Tim put his weapons away in the vehicle. Then he grabbed my hand and led me away from the Humvee, ignoring the questioning looks from his team members.
"Tim," I said once we were out of earshot. "We should probably be more disc –"
He cut me off by kissing me hard. Part of me wanted to stop him, to make him relax, but damn it was sexy. My arms coiled around his neck and we kissed until we couldn't breathe.
"I need you," he said.
"So take me," I replied.
He didn't hesitate after that. For the first time, we didn't make love – we fucked. It was so good, I had to bite my lip to keep from screaming. When I hit my climax, I bit so hard, it started to bleed. My legs began to tremble and Tim kissed me as he followed behind. He collapsed next to me and pulled me close to him. He held me until I stopped shaking.
"Your lip is bleeding," he pointed out.
I licked my lip to catch it. "Yeah, it is," I said. "I had to keep quiet somehow."
He nodded and said nothing more, and we lay there for just a few more minutes. I noticed that his whole body was less tense now. His expression was no longer hard, but neutral. His body was relaxed and his breathing was even. I snuggled closer and pressed my lips to his chest. He ran his fingers through my hair. After a couple minutes, he broke the silence.
"We should get back," he said.
I agreed, and we stood up and looked each other over. This was our routine to ensure that no one suspected us. However, due to the manner in which we left, I didn't think it mattered this time. When we got back, I was proven right.
"So," said Baptista expectantly. He looked at me. "Where have you two been? We've been worried sick!"
"The parent bit is cute, Baptista," said Tim. "But we're fucking adults."
I found it difficult to keep from blushing. The guys weren't stupid, and Tim was not denying anything. I was confused, and I wasn't sure where Tim was okay with going, so I just stayed quiet.
"Fucking adults, huh?" Baptista quipped. "Emphasis on the fucking?"
"Christ, Baptista, yes," Tim replied.
My eyes went wide and I stared at him. I felt my face get warm with embarrassment as Baptista smirked knowingly.
"We fucked," Tim continued. "But it's none of your business, so leave it alone."
"I knew it!" Baptista laughed. "I knew you two had something! Ray and Brad owe me twenty bucks now!"
"You bet on it?" I asked, finally able to speak.
"Don't be mad, bela," he said. "We are only joking. But the money is serious."
"Oh, I'm not mad," I assured. "I guess you just should have bet more."
He really laughed now, causing Holsey to wake up with a groan.
"What the fuck, Baptista?" he said. "I'm sick as fuck, why are you yelling?"
"Dude, Doc and Holly are a thing," Baptista told him. "I'm happy because I can go collect my winnings from the ones who doubted."
Holsey sighed. "Congratulations." He rolled over and closed his eyes again. I smiled and locked eyes with Tim. He nodded. It was assurance that everything was going to be okay. I returned it to show him that I had faith.