Title: In the Blood, ch 21
Author: Whytewytch/Whytewytch4
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Characters/Pairings: Evan Lorne/OFC
Word count: 4,629
Rating: NC-17
Spoilers/Warnings: Sexual situations
Summary: Trouble shows up in the form of a very handsome British fiancé.
A/N: Thanks to jagnikjen for all her help!
Disclaimer: Any characters or things you recognize from TV, I don't own. I'm not making a red nickel off of this, much to my sadness. I write this only for fun.
Justinia and Evan exited the corridor and walked out onto the pier. The sun was setting, splashing the beautiful silver hull of the Daedelus with color. Red and orange vied with blue and purple. The clouds were pink and tinged with silver.
An ocean breeze ruffled Justinia's hair, sending a small shiver over her body as the strands tickled her skin. The breeze made her realize how her nerves were still heightened from Evan's kiss. Her hard nipples rubbed painfully against the lace of her bra, her hips were loose, and there was a damp warmth between her legs. The fact that Evan was walking only inches away in his gym clothes made it even worse.
The salty smell of the ocean reminded her of the salty smell of sweat, which brought her to thinking of what might have happened if Colonel Carter had not called. She could hear Evan take a deep breath next to her, making her very aware of the rise and fall of his muscular chest. She swallowed hard, trying to focus on the group of people gathered by the Daedelus. No one appeared to be injured.
Justinia fought for and achieved some measure of control just as Colonel Carter turned around and greeted her.
"Dr. Morgan. There you are. And Major Lorne? I don't remember calling you here." The colonel was looking quizzically at Evan.
"Colonel," Justinia responded.
Evan smiled. "No ma'am, you didn't call me. The Doc and I were on our way to the gym when you radioed her. Since she hasn't been to this pier yet, I thought I'd best escort her."
Carter grinned. "You may have a good point there, Major."
"Colonel? Not to be rude, but I don't understand why I'm needed. Is someone injured inside?"
Carter's smile disappeared and her lips compressed in obvious displeasure. Oh no. I shouldn't have asked her that, Justinia thought.
"Doctor, you have a…guest." Carter turned back toward the Daedelus, where Colonel Caldwell was speaking with some of his crew and Sheppard's team. "Colonel?"
Caldwell approached, his lips tight. He stopped before Justinia. "Miss Morgan—"
"Doctor Morgan," Evan cut in, adding a belated, "Sir."
"Doctor Morgan," Caldwell corrected. His gaze shifted, pinning Evan like a hawk swooping down on a rabbit.
Justinia glanced at Evan, who appeared completely unfazed by either the act of correcting a superior officer or that officer's subsequent displeasure.
"Doctor, it is not our policy, being a military vessel, to transport civilians. However, since this particular civilian's family is dumping billions of dollars into the construction of new Aurora-class vessels, my superiors felt that we should oblige him. He claims that you and he will be returning with us together. We leave in one week unless Colonel Carter requires our presence for longer."
Justinia's stomach had protested more and more as the Daedelus' commander spoke. As he moved aside and the passenger stepped from the hatchway, she could feel the bile rise in the back of her throat. Niall O'Connor smiled warmly and stepped forward. Justinia's head swam and the world went black.
Voices. A female voice giving commands, male voices passing them on. One soft, deep voice close to her ear.
"Doc? Doc? Wake up, Doc."
Justinia's eyelashes fluttered. Slowly her vision came into focus. Evan was holding her head in his lap and staring anxiously at her. A hesitant smile touched his lips and the tension cleared from his brows.
"Wh…what happened?" Her voice sounded raspy and she swallowed, licking her lips.
Evan's smile warmed his face now. "You fainted."
"No I didn't. I already told you once, I do not faint." Fainting would be showing weakness and that could not happen. Not in front of Colonel Carter, Colonel Sheppard and his team, and Colonel Caldwell. The reason for her fainting—if indeed she had fainted—was suddenly clear. Niall O'Connor had bullied his way into a ride to the Pegasus Galaxy. He was here in Atlantis, her nightmare made flesh.
"You're right, Doc, you didn't faint." Evan's voice was tinged with amusement. "You must be suffering from sudden-onset, short-term narcolepsy, then. In which case, we should get Dr. Keller to check you out. You okay to get up?"
Justinia glared at him as he grinned at her. She nodded and Evan helped her to her feet. Behind her, she heard O'Connor's deep voice. "Is she all right?"
Evan studied her face for just a moment and then shifted his gaze up and over her left shoulder. "Why don't you ask her?" Justinia shivered. Evan's eyes glittered dangerously and his jaw clamped around the words, spoken softly but with a hard edge.
"Justinia…" Was it her imagination or had O'Connor's voice also gone dangerously quiet? "Are you quite all right?"
She could hear McKay off to her left. "Who is that guy?" he asked in a stage whisper.
"Says he's her fiancé," Sheppard replied, sotto voce.
"Fiancé? I thought she was with Lorne."
"Zip it, McKay."
Justinia turned, ignoring the exchange, making sure to keep one hand in Evan's, the other resting on his arm as though for support. She looked up at the man who stood before her, the man her parents wanted her to marry.
"Mr. O'Connor. You may address me as Dr. Morgan. I do not share my parents' vision of our future. You have wasted your time and influence coming here." With every word, Justinia felt her resolve growing. Evan's quiet strength, lending her unspoken support, was certainly a help.
O'Connor's face opened in surprise as Justinia turned away from him to speak to the commanders of Atlantis and the Daedelus. "Colonel Caldwell, you need not inconvenience yourself by creating a berth for an extra passenger. Unless I am ordered home by Stargate Command?" She glanced at Colonel Carter, who shook her head, "In that case, I will be remaining at my post. Colonel Carter?"
Carter dipped her head, dismissing Justinia. She turned and allowed Evan to help her leave the pier. Behind her, she heard a man say, "I like her."
"Lock it up, Lieutenant. Kemp, is it? You've only just arrived. Don't go borrowing trouble. It'll find you soon enough." Sheppard's voice was tinged with amusement.
Justinia kept walking, Evan's presence giving her comfort as the beginnings of fear began to gnaw at her stomach.
Justinia let Evan lead her, only looking up when they came to a stop. She stared dumbly at the infirmary.
"What are we doing here?" she asked.
"I thought it might really be a good idea for Keller to check you over, Doc." He caught her cheek and rubbed it with his thumb.
"I…I'm perfectly fine." His thumb was gentle as it stroked her skin. Her nerves were suddenly on fire.
"Well, then, we're here for the bruise I got on my arm from catching you before your head could hit the deck." The amused grin that lit his face drew out his dimples and made his eyes crinkle. "C'mon, Doc. You know you should get checked out. It's been quiet lately, which only means that something big and bad is ready to pounce. We all count on our medical staff to be in top form. You wouldn't want to pass out while you were operating on someone, would you?"
Justinia shook her head. "I would never…"
"Of course not. Not on purpose. But you're only human." He closed the distance between them, his lips a breath away. "And I worry about you." His lips were warm and tender, asking not commanding. By the time he pulled away, Justinia could barely breathe.
"I guess I could. I mean I probably should…"
Evan's grin lit his eyes. "If you insist, Doc."
Justinia swallowed and nodded, allowing Evan to lead her to a bed. Later, as she drifted off to sleep, she was grateful to hear him request that she have no visitors.
"She's my fiancé. I have a right to see her." Justinia looked up from the desk, startled. Dr. Keller had released her for duty early in the morning, finding no reason to keep her as a patient. After changing to her uniform, she had returned to begin her shift.
There was no question about who was causing the disturbance. Niall O'Connor was here. If she did not speak with him now, he'd likely cause more problems. With a sigh, she rose and steeled herself. As a teen, she'd seen a film documenting the destructive force of a tornado. She'd watched in horror as trees and signs were uprooted and thrown into solid buildings, tearing them apart. It felt like that tornado had taken up residence in her stomach now. She'd never been good with confrontation. She edged to the door frame and peered out. O'Connor was glaring at the burly orderly, trying to force his way by.
"It's all right, Johnston," she called. She returned to stand behind her desk to wait for O'Connor. He stopped as he entered her office, raising an elegant eyebrow at her. She stood with the desk between them, an obvious barrier. "Please. Sit." She gestured to one of the chairs in front of the desk.
O'Connor sat, folding himself into the chair with innate grace. He crossed one long leg over the other and adjusted his jacket. Justinia sat, running her hand down her jacket to smooth it out and patting her hair to be sure it was in place. She looked down at her tablet and deliberately pushed a button before moving it to one side. She noted with satisfaction the way his eyes followed her movements. Good. He got her "I'm a busy woman—be brief" message.
"Justinia," he began. She cleared her throat and glanced at her name plate on the desk. His eyes followed where hers were looking to and he smiled lightly, one side of his mouth turning up. He locked his gaze with hers again. "I've been worried about you. No one would tell me anything and they wouldn't allow me to see you."
Justinia laced her fingers together as she sat back in her chair. "And yet you slept in? It's nearly noon."
O'Connor dipped his head, as close as he was coming to an apology, Justinia supposed. "I have been in meetings all morning with Colonels Carter and Caldwell. Caldwell does not like me and so is uncooperative. Carter seems to think you are an asset to this mission. They are being obstinate, but I will get you released and sent back to Earth with me."
"No." Her simple answer hung in the air, a gauntlet thrown to the ground between them.
His eyes widened and he arched an eyebrow. "What?"
Justinia took a deep breath. She knew her dealings with this man were like walking along a crumbling cliff—one false move and… Now or never, she thought, jumping off the edge. "I said, no. I do not want to return to Earth yet. And when I do, I do not want to be with you."
A grin spread across his face, transforming the hard edges to the visage of a handsome man. "You are a little spit-fire, aren't you? Your parents never mentioned that."
Justinia stayed where she was, her level gaze meeting his. "I've changed."
"You've only been gone a couple of months."
"People can change that quickly when they are given the freedom to do so."
O'Connor rose and stalked around the desk, his body moving with fluid grace. He reached down and pulled her hair from its bun, running his fingers through the strands. "Have lunch with me, darling," he purred.
Justinia swallowed, her mouth going dry. This man was handsome, rich, powerful—and wanted her. But he didn't even know her. He wanted her because her parents had brokered a deal with her as the prize—or as one of the things he had to deal with to get whatever prize her parents had offered. Angrily, she shook her head, pulling away from his touch and glaring up at him. "I have plans already."
O'Connor smiled charmingly. "Break them. We need to discuss our future." He rose before Justinia could respond. At the door, he stopped and looked over his shoulder at her. "I'll expect you at my quarters at one o'clock sharp." He turned back and strode out the door, leaving her in an emotional mess.
Justinia stood and went to the mirror on the wall of her office. She pulled her hair back, carefully rearranging it into the professional bun she always wore. Strands hung down, refusing to be tamed without a brush. With an oath, she tore the bun out and started again.
O'Connor was arrogant and demanding. Anger boiled in her veins at how he assumed she would just fall into line and do as she was told. But then, haven't you done that all of your life, Justinia?
I have. And it's time for a change. She dropped her arms, leaving her hair in a loose ponytail. She looked into the blue eyes staring back at her from the mirror. Those eyes looked sad, tired, beaten. It was no way to live a life, living for someone else's pleasure. She smiled at her reflection, watching her expression soften. She thought of Evan and how happy she was whenever she was around him—even when he was driving her crazy.
What would Kate say? Kate would tell her to listen to her heart. Kate would ask who she wanted to be with and what was keeping her from being with him. In fact, Kate had already told Justinia as much. During their session, Justinia had felt like a real connection and trust was forming with the psychologist. She had never spoken so openly with anyone in her life. A jaded part of her whispered that Kate was just doing her job, but the budding person who wanted to form friendships said that there was potential for more there. But only if you don't stay under your parents' thumbs.
It's time you stood up for yourself, Justinia. And she would start by making sure that Niall O'Connor knew exactly how she felt about him. But first, she'd make him wait.
Niall O'Connor glanced down at his watch. One-fifteen. He frowned, wondering what could be keeping his fiancé. He'd sent two of Atlantis' Marines to fetch her, having been warned by her parents that she got lost quite easily. He heard the door slide open and rose to greet her, a warm smile coming easily to his lips.
"Ah, Justinia. There you are. I was just…" The words died in his throat as he looked up and noticed that the Marines had entered the room without Justinia. "Where is she?" he asked steadily, his brows drawing down.
The older of the two, a lieutenant, spoke up. "Sir, Dr. Morgan informed us you should dine without her. She said she is busy and will speak with you later. If her schedule allows."
O'Connor raised one eyebrow. Marines were very stoic, but he could've sworn he saw the ghost of a smile touch the man's mouth. So that's how she wants to play it, he thought. Her parents never mentioned a stubborn streak. Interesting.
Justinia was in her room, freshening up, when the signal chimed, announcing a visitor at her door. "Come in," she called.
She heard the door open, then shoosh closed. A low whistle made her whirl around and blush. Evan stood in her room, his gaze licking her body like flames, scorching her wherever they touched. Her breath hitched in her throat. He looked hungry. For her.
"Evan." She licked her lips and swallowed as his gaze returned lazily to her face.
"You look amazing, Justinia." There was no denying the admiration in his voice.
Justinia flushed. "I'm in my uniform."
"No you're not." His statement was matter-of-fact.
"What do mean, I'm not?" Justinia lowered her brows, confused by his statement.
"Your jacket's on the back of the chair." Justinia rolled her eyes at his military correctness, which would not consider her in uniform until every article of her uniform was on properly and no hair was out of place.
"You know what I mean. You've seen me in this unif—outfit—since the day I arrived." Justinia turned back to the mirror and continued working on her hair. She put it up in her most severe bun, wanting to be sure she looked every inch the professional doctor; the implacable, immovable, unyielding Dr. Morgan. She hadn't seen him move, but Evan's hands were suddenly on her waist, his mouth grazing her neck as he nuzzled her flesh.
"And it's been driving me crazy since the day you arrived." His voice, so close to her ear, was rough-edged.
She grabbed his hands and ran her thumb along his knuckle. "Then you should've done something about it weeks ago," she admonished, nudging her head lightly against his.
"Well, why don't we do something about it now?" he whispered.
She turned in his arms and crossed her wrists behind his neck. "Because Kate told me over lunch that I should talk to O'Connor and I think she's right. I'm going to see him now and I don't want him to think that you're the reason I am turning him down. Again."
He brushed his lips over hers, the lightest of touches. "I told you, I don't care what the man thinks."
Justinia turned her head to kiss along his jaw. "And I told you…" Justinia nibbled at his chin, "…that I care too much about you to let O'Connor or my parents harm you. Once he's gone, we can let everyone know about our relationship."
Evan groaned. "That's too long. Tell him, then come back to me." His voice was commanding, low, seductive.
"You've been putting me off for weeks, telling me you want me to be sure. Now he's here and you're in a hurry? What's going on, Evan?" She had only been teasing, but his face closed immediately, telling her something was wrong.
He licked his lips, dropping his gaze. "I just think the time is right, that's all."
Justinia pulled back. "Look at me, Evan." He complied and just for a moment, she saw it. A glimmer of misery hidden behind his normal easy-going façade. She knew that look, had worn it herself too often to not recognize it. "What are you afraid of?"
"I'm not…" He sighed and pulled away, stalking across the room. She watched his arm rise and pull at his hair as he dipped his head forward. He turned and looked over at her, seeming to come to a conclusion as he sat on the bottom corner of her bed. "Back on Earth, there was a woman."
Justinia felt the air leave her body at the pain in his voice when he mentioned another woman. She was no fool—Evan Lorne was gorgeous. To imagine that he was a virgin was sheer idiocy. But to hear him actually speak of it made her stomach churn. She swallowed and waited for him to go on.
"Her name was Sarah. We were engaged."
Justinia bit her bottom lip as he paused again. His gaze held her, kept her from running when she didn't want to hear any more.
"I thought we were in love, but I was wrong. I came home one day, about a month before the wedding, and found her in bed. With two of my squad-mates. She said I wasn't man enough for her. Soon after that, I was approached to join the SGC. I didn't hesitate."
His gaze dropped to his hands where they were fisted on his knees. The silence stretched between them, a desert, devoid of life.
"Evan." He looked up at the sound of her voice. Justinia knew she had to cross this desert in order to revive him. He'd been hiding this whole time, running; the relaxed manner a mirage. She stepped up to the edge of the bed and knelt before him, placing her hands on his. She bent her head back a bit to look up at him. "That woman was a fool. I don't know if I'm good enough for you, but I'll never treat you with disrespect like that."
"I know you won't. You're too good for me. And with O'Connor here now…"
"You thought I would change my mind, since he's handsome and rich and powerful and charming…"
Evan nodded, the movement slight, a sardonic smile tugging at his lips. "You didn't have to put it quite like that, but yeah." Evan searched her face, his thumbs reaching up to graze along her knuckles. "Justinia, you've been raised to obey your parents without question. I thought…" His tongue slid over his lips and he frowned. "I thought that…now that he's here…I mean, I wouldn't blame you if you…" He pulled his right hand out from under hers and placed it on her cheek, thumb stroking the cheekbone. "Don't get me wrong, Justinia. I'll fight for you but only if that's what you want. More than anything, I want you to be happy."
Justinia smiled and gently nuzzled his hand. "You are what makes me happy. O'Connor is trying to take me by force. Until I came to Atlantis, I didn't know that choices existed. That relationships could be so wonderful. But then I met you and Reed and Coughlin and Sheff. And now Kate. You've become very dear to me, all of you, in such a short time. O'Connor is just an arrogant, pushy, snob."
Justinia parted her lips and bent up toward Evan, who mirrored her movements. Their lips brushed and heat began to sweep through her body.
The door indicator chimed and Justinia shared an ironic grin with Evan. She stood up and crossed the room to slip her jacket on. "Come in," she called, allowing the door to open at the same time. Evan stood behind her, facing the opening with her.
Niall O'Connor stood framed in the light from the hallway. As he entered the room, the smile on O'Connor's face faltered for just a moment.
"Justinia," he began, "I thought you had gotten lost on your way to see me. Although I must admit, Atlantis is far larger than I imagined. Major…Lorne, is it? How interesting to see you again. What brings you to my fiancé's room?"
A frisson of fear wrapped around Justinia's guts. "Major Lorne is my team leader."
"Do all team leaders visit their doctors' quarters off duty?" O'Connor's voice was dark and dangerous. Justinia saw Evan step forward and quickly moved in to block him, putting herself nearly in O'Connor's face.
"Mr. O'Connor, I do not see where that is any of your business. The major was just leaving." Justinia turned to Evan. "Please tell the team that I'm sorry I can't be there and I will see them at tomorrow's PT. Good night, Major." Evan was good at hiding his emotions, but Justinia could still see the anger and disappointment in his eyes. It was obvious that a part of him still didn't trust that she would not fling herself into her fiancé's arms. She softened her voice just a tad. "Please, Major. Mr. O'Connor and I are just going to talk. I'll be fine."
Evan nodded and made for the door, pausing in the doorway. "If you need me, Doc, I'm just a call away." He tapped the side of his face, just in front of his ear bud in demonstration.
Justinia nodded. The door closed and she was alone with O'Connor. He smiled and started toward her.
"Now, then, darling. I think it's time we got to know one another, don't you?"
Justinia crossed her arms, glaring at the handsome Brit. "Don't touch me."
O'Connor stopped, his eyes widening in surprise.
"I am not your darling, your dear or your luv. I am not Justinia to you, but Doctor Morgan. I am not returning to Earth with you. I am not marrying you. You will have to find someone else to share your bed."
His brows furrowed. "I can assure you, the last part has never been a problem, nor will it be in the future. When I take you to my bed, you will not be disappointed. I understand you may be frightened. I promise to be as gentle as I can for your first time."
Justinia opened her mouth to speak and he cut her off.
"Yes, I know you're a virgin. That's some of the appeal. Uncharted territory and all." He reached out and pulled her roughly to him. She could feel his excitement as he bent to claim her lips. His tongue entered her mouth and she bit down on it.
O'Connor jumped back with an oath, holding his hand to his mouth.
"I told you I am not going to be with you and I meant it. You need to leave. Now."
He glared down at her, wiping his lips. "You will be mine, Justinia. We have a duty to our families."
O'Connor took a deep breath and moved toward her again. He reached out and grabbed her by the waist, yanking her close once more. Her hands pushed ineffectually at his chest.
"When I'm inside of you and you're calling out my name, you'll thank me for ignoring your refusals." His left hand caught at her hair clip, once more releasing her bun. This time, he wrapped his hand in her hair and pulled on it, causing her to bend her head backwards, exposing her neck. His lips trailed along her soft flesh, his teeth caught her earlobe and he bit down hard enough to make her yelp.
"That's for biting my tongue. Give me a chance and you'll find that I'm an extraordinary lover." His hand moved from her hair to her breast, massaging her flesh through the shirt and jacket. She pushed his arm away and tried to kick his groin. He blocked her easily, chuckling. He nuzzled her ear once more, this time kissing it gently.
"Get off of me, O'Connor. I swear, I'll—"
"I have more money than God and the power that goes with that. You'll never want for anything. And once you're my wife, we'll have even more." He pulled back to capture her gaze. "My family has promised it, as has yours. Think of it, Justinia. Billions of dollars and all we have to do is produce children together. I promise you, the trying will not be a chore." He waggled his brows at her, grinning a grin that in any other circumstances would have been charming.
"Our children will have the gene from both of us, and with all that money and power behind them, nothing will stand in their way. And all you have to do…" He pushed her to arm's length, his gaze raking her body before returning to her face. "…is open your legs for me."
Justinia stared at him, her eyes wide, her mouth slack. No one had ever spoken to her in such a disrespectful way. Evan had said things to her, but they had been whispered and intimate, a promise rather than a threat. She slapped his face and raised her chin defiantly.
"Get out. Now. Before I call security."
He put his hand to his cheek, chuckling as he turned back to hold her gaze. "You say that now, but soon you'll be begging for me to get in." He stroked his fingers lightly along his cheek. "And I, for one, can't wait." He turned on his heel and walked out the door as Justinia stood there, hands fisted by her sides, nostrils pinched in anger.