As promised, didn't leave you hanging too long...
Chapter Twenty-one
Have Faith
Meredith found Derek staring out the windows into the darkness, his posture stiff, arms crossed over his chest. She touched his shoulder lightly, and he turned to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Every nerve fired as he kissed her with a raging need, mouth open and demanding. He shook, his body hard against hers, his cock pushing against her. Meredith realized she should have felt some fear, but all that ran through her was arousal and heat.
Somehow her sweater disappeared, followed by his t-shirt, their hands moving with an urgency she never felt before. All of his emotions and anger came pouring out of him, fused into the raw desire that burst into flame. Meredith whimpered softly, backing away slightly, not in fear, but to get away from the windows. She backed into the edge of the sofa, helping him pull her bra away, needing to feel his skin against her. She was caught up in the need to be with him, just as much as he was. As he kissed her again, his hands found the zipper on her jeans, inching it down, and easing the denim away from her hips. When his fingers brushed against her, he found the silk covering her already wet, and he growled against her mouth.
His other hand moved along her spine, and Meredith found herself being turned towards the arm of the sofa. For a split second, she stiffened, the ghost of Jack's actions flashing through her. "Derek..." she started to protest, but his hands were soft then, easing her legs wider, as he leaned over her.
"I need you so damn much..." he muttered, releasing her long enough to toss his own jeans out of the way. His cock brushed against her, hot and dangerous, and Meredith hoped he wasn't so drunk to realize she felt far too vulnerable in this position. His hand caressed her skin, sliding along her waist and around to her stomach. Pressing soft kisses along her shoulders, as his other hand cupped her breast, taking his time in spite of his obvious need for her.
Her breath caught, as his fingers eased along her dampness, seeking the spot that made her quiver. Opening her slowly, working his fingers to where she suddenly ached for more. She relaxed further against him, her hips moving, allowing his questing fingers to find more of her. His mouth was at her neck, tongue stroking her, as he continued to take his time. Any fear she might have been feeling seemed to disappear, lost to the sensations he was causing in her.
"So good, Meredith...you feel so good..." he encouraged her, feeling her body clench from the start of a climax. "Let me take you now..."
"Yes, Derek...god yes..." she sighed, trusting him completely.
He thrust forward, and she nearly came undone from the pleasure. Holding her firmly with one hand, while his other moved to her clit, stroking with each thrust. They sank to the floor, and she braced herself over his thighs, lifting her arm around to his neck. One of his hands was low between her legs, his thumb playing over her clit, while his other hand splayed over her chest. Her head fell back against him, as he guided her up and down along his length, both of them shaking from the pleasure. Meredith began a long slow slide to ecstasy, her mouth finding his somehow, kissing hotly until she was limp and panting.
Derek rested his head against her shoulder, his chest heaving, his thoughts chaotic. "God, Mer..." he muttered, turning her around to face him, searching her face for any sign of tears. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have..."
"Shhh..." she murmured, touching his face. "I'm okay..."
"Thank god..." He swept her up into his arms, and managed to carry her into the bedroom. He knelt between her legs then, letting his hungry gaze rake over her, his hand caressing the tiny butterfly on her hip. "Let me make it up to you," he said, feeling the wetness seeping out of her, his finger dipping inside to stroke her clit. "You're so very wet...and so beautiful, Meredith..."
She moaned, as he teased her clit and used two fingers on her, then three, until she writhed and shuddered. Then his tongue stroked her, matching the rhythm of his fingers, sucking her clit as his fingers explored her tight heat. She rocked back and forth, faster and faster, until the white-hot pleasure radiated from her core to every part of her body. "Don't stop…" she begged him, finding her breasts with her hands, thrusting up against his hand.
His fingers slipped away from her, and he filled her in a delicious thrust, as she wrapped her leg around him. This time his pace was slower, each thrust and tease taking her into new heights of pleasure. Meredith could only moan, her gaze locked onto Derek's expressive eyes, seeing only the love for her there. Yes, he was dominating and possessive, but it was for both their enjoyment, not only his, making sure she was part of this.
This time her climax built and crested, shattering her into pieces of pure delight. He eased her down, kissing her deeply as he lost himself into her, groaning in his release. Whatever anger or self-doubt that tormented him was gone, washed away in the pleasure they shared. He held onto her, kissing her more gently, wordlessly, as they caught their breath.
"That was not what I meant to happen earlier - after your experience with Jack. You should have stopped me, I was out of line..." Derek whispered, holding her tightly, as she nestled into the crook of his arm. "Can you forgive me?" He cringed inwardly, thinking he may have pushed her too far.
"There's nothing to forgive," Meredith said simply. "We made love together - it wasn't forced, I was a willing participant, you know..." Her body still quivered, flushed with the orgasms. "That's the difference, always will be between us, Derek." She reached up to pull his head closer, kissing him gently. "I love you, only you. And if you want to ditch the acting and become a used car salesman, or a carpenter...that's fine with me. Just be happy - life's too short to dwell on the missed opportunities, or to let Jack's nasty attitude affect you."
Derek cupped her cheek gently. "I love you, Meredith. And I will apologize again, for being an ass, and getting drunk...you're the best thing that ever happened to me. Thank you for your faith in me - I hope I can live up to it."
"You will."
He held her against him, feeling her relax further, and for awhile they both drifted into a light sleep. When Meredith woke, she felt the warmth of Derek's hands roaming over her body, his lips at her shoulder. With a soft sigh, she moved over him, straddling him. She ran her fingers over his chest, capturing his cock. His breath hissed in pleasure, as she slowly lifted over him, and took him inside of her. She played with the rhythm, loving the response he gave her, all masculine surrender to her feminine seduction. He groaned softly, arching to meet her, catching her head and drawing her into kiss her. A hot, deep kiss that left no doubt of how much he loved her. He came in a great shuddering rush, feeling her own climax weave around him, slow and sensuous, as they rocked together. Finally falling asleep again, tangled together, content and comforted.
Light was filtering through the blinds, when Meredith woke up the next morning. She stretched luxuriously, feeling her body tingling with the aftermath of their vigorous lovemaking. A small smile was on her lips as she reached out her arm, looking for Derek, but coming up with only the empty sheets. Sheets that were still slightly warm from his body, and she rolled over, cuddling up with his pillow, inhaling his scent.
"Hey sleepy," Derek said as he walked back into the bedroom, carrying a tray in with him. Meredith sat up, and yawned, eyeing the tray in his hands.
"You brought me breakfast, you wonderful man. This is why I love you," she giggled, as he set the tray across her legs.
"That's not what you told me last night," he grinned, taking a cup of coffee for himself and propping himself beside her. He leaned over to kiss her cheek, managing to move to catch her mouth briefly, before backing away.
"Well, last night you were giving me screaming orgasms...I was influenced by other of your talents, honey..." she teased him back, lifting the coffee cup and smiling happily.
"No regrets?"
"Never with you..." She reached for a piece of buttered toast, nibbling on it thoughtfully.
"What are you thinking?"
"Well, I was thinking that maybe you could move in with me..." she said, a little smile on her lips. "I mean...if you want to...it seems right, though. We're here together most of the time, anyway."
"Are you sure...?"
"I can't think of a better way to celebrate our first Christmas, can you?" Meredith's heart was pounding, even though her voice was steady. She never wanted to take this step before, never felt like giving up her independence, but she realized she felt right with him. Maybe there were no such things as soulmates, or Prince Charming, but maybe sometimes the right person came along to balance out what was missing, and make it right.
Derek gave her a slow grin, before enveloping her in a hug that threatened to topple the breakfast tray over. "I think...yes, it's time for that step. Was it my cooking or my lovemaking that convinced you?" He nibbled her throat, feeling her body quiver.
"Oh...the cooking..." she giggled infectiously, as he removed the tray from her lap, and returned to her with a devilish smile. His hands slid up along her body, sending her senses spinning. His mouth covered her nipples, tongue circling and teeth tugging at her, until she moaned throatily. "Definitely...oh..." His sure fingers kneaded her, and traced whisper faint patterns along the dampened flesh, as she arched up to meet his touch. "Oh...god..." Her voice left her, as he placed an open mouth kiss on her hip, tongue lapping the edges of the tattoo lovingly.
"Well, then I need to work on the lovemaking, sweetheart..." he murmured, meeting her eyes again, his warm gaze melting her bones. "I'd hate to only have the one talent going for me..."
"I'm all for that.." she sighed happily, losing herself in the way he made her feel all over again.
Derek taped the last box on the kitchen counter, before looking over at Meredith, who was making sure he hadn't forgotten anything in the cupboards. Everything else he needed was ready to go, stacked in the living room. Mark was coming by with a rental truck to help them take it all over to Meredith's.
He eased behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her back against him. His mouth touched her temple, as she giggled at him. "Derek...isn't your friend going to show up soon?"
"He's perpetually late...time means nothing to that man," Derek murmured, sliding his hands up her soft t-shirt. "I can't tell you how many times I've waited for him to show up." He punctuated his words with little kisses along her cheek, and her neck, making her sigh happily. "So we can fool around, what do you say?"
Meredith twisted around to look at him. "You think so, huh?"
"I'm addicted to you, honey, don't you know that?" he teased her, lowering his head to claim her mouth again, slow and erotic, melting into her. The kiss tugged at the heat in her core, down to her toes. It was deep and full of promise, and she lost herself in it. It inflamed her like always, and she reached for him to pull him in for more. She could feel him growing hard, pressed against her intimately.
"I think I have the same addiction problem," she murmured, as his mouth traveled down her throat. One touch from him, and she forgot everything else but how good it felt to be with him. She molded herself tightly to him, opening her mouth to his kiss again, as the sweet anticipation rose in her. His tongue teased her bottom lip, teeth nipping just a little. She moaned softly, meeting his tongue then, feeling exquisite ripples of delight run down her spine.
His fingers slid beneath her t-shirt, skimming the waist of her jeans. He teased her just enough to make her moan, dipping lower with a little wicked smile. But before he could do any further tormenting, the front door opened and they heard footsteps echoing in the empty living room.
"Hey, you ready to go?" Mark shouted, before appearing at the kitchen doorway. A knowing smile crossed his mouth as he found them together. Derek eased Meredith's shirt down quickly, kissing her before turning to look at Mark.
"I can't believe you're actually on time," he laughed.
Mark shrugged. "Must have screwed up." He studied Meredith carefully, before offering his hand. "Mark Sloan, nice to finally meet you, Meredith."
"You too, Mark." Meredith took his hand, shaking it firmly. He was dressed in worn designer jeans, with a simple white t-shirt that hugged his muscular chest like a second skin, and a pair of Versace sunglasses was perched on his head. "I've heard so much about you." She could certainly see his appeal to women, and she recognized him from the ads he'd been featured in. The latest one in Vogue had him surrounded by several scantily clad female models, all cleverly placed to cover his groin so you couldn't tell if he was naked, or it was just an illusion. Meredith couldn't recall what the ad had been for, but it certainly oozed sex.
He winked at her. "Don't listen to anything Derek tells you. He's just jealous."
Meredith slipped her arm around Derek's waist, and leaned in against him. "I'll make up my own mind, but you certainly are well known. I think all the women in L.A. have seen your posters."
"Seen more than that, if you believe him," Derek murmured in her ear, making her giggle.
"Well, thank god your relationship worked out – he pined for you from the first time he saw you," Mark countered. "That party…"
Meredith turned to Derek. "You did say you saw me…"
"He was completely smitten," Mark smirked.
"I think we have work to do," Derek said hastily, glaring at Mark.
"He was in love with you right from then. Hopeless romantic."
"Seriously?" Meredith asked, winking at Derek.
"Honey, you know you had me from 'hello'," Derek sighed, quoting from Jerry Maguire.
Mark groaned, and Meredith giggled again. "You really need to tell me about this later."
"Come on, we have boxes to lift and places to be."
They were just finishing moving boxes into the house, when Meredith's cell phone rang. "Alex?" she asked, breathless from running down the stairs.
"D'you have the TV on?"
"Um, no…we're just finishing moving Derek's stuff…"
"Watch KTLA news," Alex informed her. "Jack's been arrested."
"What?!?"
"Just check it out…"
Meredith clicked the phone shut, and picked up the remote, pointing it at the TV. "Derek!"
She found the news, and Derek joined her, his eyes questioning. The screen showed the outside of Moonglow, with the serious face of the on scene reporter there. "We're here, outside Moonglow, the trendy eatery owned by Jack Archer. He was arrested earlier this evening, as part of a business deal gone bad. Police reports allege his involvement with the Marelli crime family, whose questionable money deals have come under scrutiny. Mr. Archer was recently fined for violating a restraining order against his former fiancée, Meredith Grey, owner of Salon Dolce. So his trouble are just multiplying. Several others were named in conjunction…"
Meredith stared at Derek. "Oh my god…this is incredible."
Derek ran a hand through his hair. "I had no idea. There was never any indication…"
"What's up?" Mark asked, joining them.
"My brother… in jail."
They all exchanged incredulous looks. It was the evening of December 23, and with the holiday, Jack was likely stuck there until at least the 27th.
"He's screwed."
"Totally."
Meredith started to laugh, unable to stop. "I know…it's not funny, but…"
"Poetic justice. He had it all, and now it's gone," Derek shook his head. "What was he thinking?"
"He was too ambitious and greedy, obviously," Mark offered. "Sorry, he's your brother and all…"
"Well, I'm sure as hell not going to run down there and try to bail him out," Derek pointed out. He put his arm around Meredith's shoulders. "I'm sorry they had to bring up that bit about you, though."
"It's okay. I can deal with it. I just hope things don't get dragged out in court."
"I think we need a drink," Derek suggested.
"I'll get the wine – we need to toast our new living arrangements anyway," Meredith said, moving towards the kitchen. Derek followed her with his eyes, until she was out of sight before dropping down to the sofa.
"She's really beautiful," Mark commented, wandering around the room. "And she loves you, man. You're a lucky bastard, you know that."
Derek laced his hands behind his head. "I'm well aware of that."
"So now you have the holidays to settle into domestic bliss, and all that."
"This is it for me, Mark. She's the one."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
"Then I'm happy for you. Just remember me when it's time for the wedding. I make a great best man – and I can come up with a wicked speech at the dinner."
Derek threw a pillow at him. "Just don't even go there, Sloan."
Mark ducked, chuckling for a moment, before his face turned serious. "Hey, Derek...you remember that girl I went out...Nikki?"
"You've gotta be kidding me, Mark. I do not keep track of every girl you went out with, trust me."
"No...but you met her at some party I brought her to."
"Still not ringing any bells..."
"Well, whatever...she's been texting me...telling me she's pregnant with my kid." Mark frowned.
"No shit!? Is it true?"
"NO! God, I broke up with her before we got intimate. She was a little too flaky, even for me."
"So, what's the problem? Just take a paternity test."
"I'm involved with Izzie right now...I don't want to mess that up with a blast from the past."
"Hmm...you are actually involved with this woman? When do I meet her? I want to see what kind of female holds your interest for more than one date." Derek grinned at his friend.
"You will soon enough, but what do I do about Nikki?"
"Refer to my answer before - take the paternity test, and it's done. If Izzie likes you as much as you say, she'll see that you're not lying. Simple solution, right?"
"You're right, I'm getting worried about nothing," Mark sighed, "it's gonna turn out."
"Either that, or it's Daddy Mark..." Derek laughed, and dodged the pillow Mark hurled back his direction.