Lady in Red Book 1 The Rise of the Queen Chapter 31
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"No one seems very worried about where I'm sleeping," pointed out Stephanie to the group. "From what I hear, Gwen's discovered that sleeping on top of Steve is very refreshing. Kate can have the spot next to him. I'll be relaxing on all of those muscles of his, which are said to be surprisingly comfortable."
"I really hate to rain on your parade, Kate and Stephanie, but I spoke to Clyde and he's already booked a room for Steve and Gwen for the weekend. It won't be the Honeymoon Suite, but it has a king size bed and that's about all the two of them require in any room," advised Charlotte with a big grin. "That's what we assistants do for our people. We make sure they can sleep with their hunky boyfriends in peace, or would the word be 'piece'? We also make tacky jokes at their expense."
Saturday morning found the band setting up in the hotel ballroom. In the movie, Steve was the lead singer of the band, which had a contract to perform at the hotel on a regular basis. Weddings and parties were their specialty. Jordan's movie parents owned the hotel, along with several others, along the Florida coast.
The plan was to video some live performances to use in the movie to help create the film impression that the band played at a lot of weddings. Clyde's people had actually lined up three couples that were getting married and offered them the use of the band and facilities in exchange for being in the film. They would rotate over a six hour period so that each couple had two hours, and each reception would appear to be on a different Saturday. Gwen and Jordan were also going to perform, although in the movie they would not be shown performing with the band. For them, it was more of a rehearsal for Amber O'Leary's wedding the following week.
It was a relatively simple thing to record enough footage to use for the movie. Playing in the band at the hotel was the reason Steve's character was in Florida, but it was not the focal point of the movie. His interactions with Gwen and Jordan drove the plot. The songs were interspersed throughout the film and often with no actual band seen in the background.
Gwen, Jordan, and Steve welcomed the afternoon as an opportunity to brush up on the songs they would perform at the wedding the following week. They even practiced a few older songs because Amber's grandparents were attending, causing Amber to request a few songs from their era.
They also managed to play a few numbers for Will and Diane as part of the celebration of the anticipated new baby. Diane beamed as her family made her the center of their attentions. She thanked everyone several times.
"Steve, you were right on the mark about the baby. Will is out-of-this-world happy, and Stephanie can't wait to have a little brother or sister," revealed Diane as she managed a dance with Steve. "You've come to mean a great deal to this family. If we have a boy, we'll name him William Steven, if that's okay with you."
"That would be an honor!" exclaimed Steve. "This baby's going to be smothered in love."
"Don't tell anyone, but I'm pretty excited about having you watch me nurse the baby. I don't know why that excites me so, but it does. I've got to admit that I'm glad you got to see me topless. If you ever have to do a speech to some wayward woman about what constitutes great breasts, feel free to mention mine," laughed Diane. "Or am I being too presumptuous?"
"Honestly? You're way up there on the list of women with beautiful breasts," praised Steve. "Especially now that you have that 'glow'. You're just about perfect in my estimation."
Diane stopped dancing and threw her arms around Steve and kissed him on the lips. Then she sheepishly looked around to see if anyone noticed. She saw that her entire family was watching her and laughing.
"I'm not going to ask what you two were discussing," stated Paula after the dance was done. "I could tell that you were pretty happy about something Steve told you. Are you trying to steal his cougar loving heart away from me?"
"As if I could!" retorted Diane. "That young man is amazing. He makes me feel better than any man I've ever met. When he looks at me, I just melt. Gwen had no chance. No woman does if he wants her."
"I've got to agree. I'm just glad that he's so responsible and honest. He'd absolutely destroy Gwen if he took up with someone else," replied Paula.
"That won't happen. You and I, the girls, and especially Gwen, mean far too much to him. He knows he'd lose us all if he treated Gwen poorly. He loves us all and he'll never risk losing us. We're helping Gwen keep the guy by loving him and being so good to him. We're part of the package that is 'Gwen Anderson & family'. We both know he won't ever find a better family to love, and be loved by. We've got the guy locked in."
"I wonder if that will work on Lisa's beau? Jason seems to be a really good guy. Will our family help keep him faithful to Lisa? Will he worry about alienating us, or is it just Steve that we mean so much to?"
"Right now, it's just Steve. Jason's a good guy, but none of us feel the same way about him as we do about Steve. How could we? Look what Steve's done for us, and what he's done to us. I wonder if Lisa loves Jason more than she does Steve?" responded Diane.
"That's the danger for all of us. The girls will have to find men that accept that they have a real weakness for Steve. Our husbands have to accept it, too. Ted has become Steve's biggest supporter after that graduation battle. He isn't one to share his wife in any way, but he's accepted that I love Steve, and not just in a motherly fashion."
"Will's coming around, too. Our husbands understand that we're dealing with something very unusual and very special with Steve and Gwen. The knowledge that Steve is above inappropriate behavior with any of us is the key. He's got an innate ability to draw respect from men, and love from women. Gwen is no slouch in that department, either," concluded Diane.
"I've noticed that," agreed Paula. "Normally, when a girl has the best looking, strongest, bravest guy around, every other girl she meets tries to steal him away. Look how all these beautiful girls adore Steve, but also love Gwen and accept that she owns Steve's heart. I never see any real jealousy in any of them. They love the guy, but respect his relationship with Gwen. Some university could do a study on this 'extended family unit' that's being forged around Steve and Gwen. I've never seen anything like it."
"I'm really happy that everyone accepted me being pregnant so well," admitted Diane as she changed the subject. "I was concerned that Stephanie would be embarrassed, or that Will would resent losing his free time. They've been great. Steve told me they'd be delighted."
"You told Steve that you were pregnant before you told anyone else?" questioned Paula immediately.
"Oops! I didn't plan on revealing that," admitted Diane. "I was pretty worried about how everyone would perceive my pregnancy, so I decided to speak to Steve about it. He really dispelled my fears. Does it sound pathetic that a woman my age sought advice from a kid just out of high school?"
"Normally, I'd say that it was pretty bad, but I understand why you'd talk to him. He's so level headed. I didn't even know you had any alone time with Steve. When did you talk to him?"
"The first day when Steve showed the girls how to surf. I caught Stephanie, Kate, and Becky in the hot tub with their tops off, waiting for Steve. I sent them packing and managed some alone time with him in the hot tub."
"In the hot tub? Just the two of you? I trust Steve, but it's a wonder you didn't jump in naked to impress him with those pregnancy swollen boobs of yours," mused Paula. "Wait! You're turning red! Did you finally give in and show him your pride and joy?"
"Don't ever tell anyone! I was all over the place emotionally and his speech about your 'perfect tits' really got to me. I just had to let him see mine. He approved of both Pride and Joy, by the way. The next time he has to set some big chested woman straight about beautiful breasts, I feel confidant my name will come up," grinned Diane.
"This isn't a competition," reasoned Paula. "We're old enough to be his mother, and we're married. I think it's best if he never sees either of us topless again."
"I've already promised to let him watch me breastfeed the baby. He asked me if he could watch and the idea makes me all tingly. I can't wait to have him see me feed the baby. How's that for hormonal imbalance?"
"Wow! He asked to watch? I don't care. I'm not going to get pregnant for any reason," insisted Paula. "I'll just have to think up some other way to give him another peek."
"Heck, you're old enough to be his mother. Why don't you just try breastfeeding him?" chuckled Diane. "Can you imagine if our daughters or husbands heard us talking like this? They have no idea how depraved we really are."
"So, Mom? Are you two talking about Steve? You're both all red faced and giddy acting," observed Kate with a grin as she strolled up to her mother and aunt. "When are you two going to grow up?"
Sunday was a day off. The weather was unusual in that it rained all day long. The entire gang went to watch the new 'Hunger Games' movie before going out to dinner. Paula and Diane bid their husbands goodbye since they were returning to Sparta that afternoon. That same evening, Gwen and Steve managed to sneak away early and spend some quality time in their room.
The following morning was warm and blustery. Steve was shooting scenes with Jordan. Gwen had the morning off and was sitting on the beach doing an interview with Amber Stahl. In the background, the families of the film crew were playing in the surf. Paula and Diane, along with Kate, Becky, and Stephanie, were sunbathing off to the side.
Suddenly a woman began calling frantically for her child. Gwen turned her attention to the screaming woman and recognized her as the wife of a cameraman. Then Gwen saw the reason for her frantic state. Bobbing up and down on the waves a couple hundred yards out and a short ways down the beach was a young boy. It was the woman's seven year old son!
Gwen regarded herself an excellent swimmer, although she'd had little experience swimming in the ocean. She pulled off her cover-up and raced toward the surf. Soon she was angling toward the child as she swam strongly through the waves. She was somewhat surprised that she didn't seem to get a lot closer to the boy even though she was swimming rapidly. By the time she finally managed to reach the kid, she was breathing hard from the exertion.
The boy frantically climbed all over Gwen when she reached him. His feet and hands clawed and scampered all over her upper body. At one point, his foot became entangled in her top and tore it from her body. Gwen finally managed to quiet the boy. She held him high in the water and began the swim back to shore, which was surprisingly far away.
Gwen's family watched with concern as Gwen finally caught the child and started swimming back. "Mom! She's trying to swim in against the rip tide! Steve said that even the strongest swimmers can't do that. She needs to swim sideways and get out of the current. Should I go out and help her?"
Paula quickly considered the situation. Kate was an excellent swimmer, but sending a second daughter out into the dangerous tide went against her instincts. Gwen needed expert help.
"Run and get Steve!" urged Paula as she watched Gwen struggle against the rip tide. She was holding the child and swimming strongly, but making no headway.
Kate took off in Steve's direction like a shot. The sand seemed to pull at her feet as she attempted to increase speed. She felt as if she were running in slow motion. When she thought she was close enough that Steve might hear her, she began to yell.
Steve and Jordan were in the middle of their third take on a difficult scene when Steve suddenly stopped speaking, raised his head, and began looking up the beach. He soon picked out Kate as she yelled his name and raced toward him. Without taking the time for an explanation, Steve immediately took off running toward Kate.
As he approached her, Kate stopped running. She turned and pointed to the ocean and cried out," Gwen's out there, and she's in trouble!"
Steve increased his speed as his eyes followed Kate's pointing hand. He immediately spotted Gwen swimming against a rip tide with a child in one arm. He had spent most of his life around the ocean and instantly knew that Gwen would never make it back to shore if she kept trying to buck the rip current.
As he ran, his eyes determined the location of the rip tide near shore and angled toward it. He barely noticed Paula, Diane, and the girls as he raced past them and dove into the waves. Once he surfaced, he began swimming with all his strength. The rip tide was carrying him out, so it was much like swimming downstream with the current in a river. It only took half a minute to reach Gwen and the boy, and it was none too soon.
After Gwen had calmed the child down, she had started swimming for shore. She was pulling the boy and had her back to the beach. The first time she looked over her shoulder to determine how close she was to the shore, she was stunned. Was it possible that they were farther out than they were when she caught up with the boy? Gwen fought the fear that welled up inside and began swimming harder.
Her arms and legs felt like lead when she next risked a peek over her shoulder. She had gained nothing! She was exhausted, and her limbs refused to follow her commands. For the first time, she began to consider the possibility that she would not make it back to shore. She looked at the boy watching her and knew she couldn't give up. Summoning up her last bit of energy, she again swam hard toward the beach. Once again, she failed to close the gap.
The boy clung to Gwen as she now tried to simply tread water. That task required more energy than she had left. She tried to float and rest, but the boy was frightened again and climbed on top of her. She lacked the strength to hold him, or even to keep him off her. She began to go under for longer periods of time and had increasing difficulty getting her head above water as the boy clung to her head, trying to climb up her submerged body.
Steve saw all of this as he propelled his way through the water. Gwen was submerged and the boy was barely keeping his face above water when Steve reached them. He pulled up, grabbed the boy with one hand and reached down and caught Gwen's pony tail and quickly pulled her above the surface. She immediately spit water and took great gasps of air.
Steve spoke calmly to the boy. "It's okay now. We'll just let Gwen rest a little and I'll take you in. Just climb up on me and we'll wait for Gwen."
The boy scampered up Steve's torso and practically perched on one of his broad shoulders while Steve concentrated on Gwen. He gently pulled her close and held her head above water.
"Gwen, just relax. You know I won't let anything happen to you. Just go limp and let me take you back in. Trust me."
Steve felt Gwen go limp as she stopped her weak flailing. Steve put his arm around her and started swimming parallel with the coast. Once he was satisfied that he was beyond the rip current, he angled toward the shore. He swam easily and with little effort. The boy had once again calmed down, and Gwen was allowing Steve to pull her along, offering neither help nor resistance.
About a minute after Steve had turned toward the shore, he heard a voice over his shoulder. He looked to see a darkly tanned man lying on a surf board paddling alongside him.
"I can take the boy in. I'll slide off so he can ride on the board, and I'll push him back. You can concentrate on your girl."
Steve easily placed the boy on the surfboard and the man began pushing it toward the shore. Steve started talking to Gwen as they made their way back to the beach.
"It's my fault, Gwen. I never took the time to explain the rip tides to you and it almost cost me everything. I'll never make that mistake again. Are you okay? Can you talk?"
"I thought I was going to die. What bothered me the most was that the boy would drown if I did. It was a horrible feeling! I knew if I could just hang on long enough you'd save me. I just knew it in my heart. My arms and legs feel like lead weights. I can hardly move them."
"You don't have to do a thing," assured Steve. "I'll have us back on shore in less than a minute. Just let me take care of you."
Paula and the rest of her family had watched the entire ordeal from the beach. "Steve will save her," assured Kate as she worked to regain her breath from her run. "Did you see how fast he ran to the water, and how quickly he reached Gwen? He'll never let anything bad happen to her."
"I think you're right," agreed Diane. "Look how easily he's bringing them both back. It looks effortless when he does it. They're going to be fine."
They continued to watch as the surfer helped load the boy on his board and headed toward shore and the boy's frantic mother.
"Look! Gwen's top is wrapped around the kid's foot," exclaimed Stephanie. "Gwen must be topless and there's dozens of people with cameras waiting for them to get back. What should we do?"
"We'll let Steve and Gwen worry about that," replied a relieved Paula. "As long as she's safe, I can't be worried about what people will see, or photograph."
"Look at them. Steve's stopped and they're talking. Gwen's wiping his face. Oh, wow!" exclaimed Kate.
When Steve's feet touched bottom, he took Gwen into his arms and began carrying her toward shore. He had only taken a few steps when he stopped and looked down at her.
"What is it, Steve?" asked Gwen as she looked up into his eyes. "Are you crying? You've been shot, tortured, and beaten, but I've never seen you shed a single tear. Now you know how I felt when Billy pulled you from the river, or when you lay on the gym floor, riddled by bullets with your life's blood pouring out of your body. I know how it hurts to see that. Let me wipe your eyes."
Gwen took both hands and placed them along Steve's face and used her thumbs to wipe the tears from his eyes. She brushed her thumbs over his cheeks twice. Then she pulled his face to hers and kissed him. When Steve felt her lips touch his, he pulled her body tighter to his and pressed his lips to hers even harder. His earlier fear and passion flowed through his body as he clung to the woman he loved.
You're not thinking about going to Paris without Charlie and me, are you?" asked Jordan as soon as Gwen had announced her intentions. "Oh, Jordan! I hate to ask anyone to go to funerals. This isn't going to be a fun, romantic trip," pointed out Gwen. "If you'd like to come with us, we'd be extremely glad to have you! I should've known that you'd want to help those poor kids. You're a true friend." "And don't forget it!" kidded Jordan before turning to Charlie. "We need to...
Gwen and Steve arrived at the Governor's mansion in plenty of time for the rehearsal. Steve had tried to beg off, and remain at the hotel, but Gwen wouldn't hear of it. "I know you aren't in the wedding party, but Amber and her parents will want you there. Remember how they treated you last time we saw them? Besides, we'll be going to dinner afterward and I'll need you to protect me from all of those handsome Army Rangers." Lisa and Jason met Gwen and Steve as soon as they were...
The long flight from Australia gave the travelers an opportunity to discuss issues, as well as catch some much needed rest. At the first meeting, Lisa presented Gwen with a laundry list of issues facing her in Washington. “The conflict of interest situation is really gaining traction in both Houses of Congress,” began Lisa. “While as President, you are not subject to the pertinent or perhaps impertinent statute, there is an obscure law that’s causing problems. Kate, could you explain it to...
Half an hour later, Steve and Gwen pulled into the Anderson driveway. At least they pulled into the bottom of the drive, as it was full of cars. Gwen looked the cars over and turned to Steve. "I'm so sorry, Steve. It looks like every relative and friend my family knows has decided to meet at our place. I think it may be to inspect you and maybe grill you as boyfriend material. I'm not saying you're my boyfriend or anything, but I know everyone inside will say it. I have to invite you in...
The Lady in Red group was approaching Blakely early the following afternoon when Gwen tapped Steve on the shoulder and indicated that she wanted him to pull over. She was addressing her friends as soon as they turned their bikes off. "This may be a little tense up ahead, so we need to be cautious," stated Gwen. "I don't have to tell any on you that our men are capable of handling almost anything if we stay out of their way. However, we need to be smart, not tough, when possible. We have...
"I was planning to change the oil in my car. Then I thought that I'd rearrange my sock drawer," replied Steve with a frown. "I guess I could put that off, and make the dinner, but not without a little tweaking. If Lisa's invited, then the President should be happy to invite Jason Hunter. "What do you think, Gwen? Will the White House mind if I add to the guest list of a state dinner? One other thing; Jordan Quick is practically a member of this family, so we can't leave her home...
Gwen watched Steve dive into the icy waters without any apparent hesitation. Then, as her dress pooled at her feet, she kicked off her heels and headed for the river. Ashley was calling to her, but Gwen's attention was on the scene in the river. A man in a suit had climbed out of the helicopter and was trying to swim to shore. Although it was only about a hundred yards, Gwen could tell the man would never make it. He was using only his left arm, and quite awkwardly. Gwen was surprised when...
As the TV station went to commercial, Jordan turned to Gwen to commiserate. That's when she saw how pale Gwen had become as she clutched the back of a folding chair with trembling hands. "Gwen!" cried Jordan as she rushed to her friend and gently held her in her arms. "Sit down. Charlie, get some water. Relax, Gwen. We both know how smart and tough Steve is. Don't give up hope. Never give up on him!" "I've been trying to stay positive. I really have, but they've got Steve pinned...
"Excuse me, Madam Chairman," repeated Virginia Senator Russell several times before the din abated and he could finally be clearly heard. "May I suggest a recess so that the committee can discuss this situation? We could reconvene after lunch." Once again, an aide stepped forward and spoke into the still livid chairman's ear as she slowly nodded. "Very well, Senator Russell. We'll adjourn until one o'clock this afternoon. Ms. Anderson, Lieutenant Hammer, we'll expect you in your...
At six PM, Gwen and Steve briefly met with their friends and families at Valhalla to establish the order they would arrive at the movie premier. Becky and Pete had been unable to accompany Gwen and her entourage on the world tour because they had been filming their action/adventure television series on location. They were obviously happy to be back in Asgard for the premier of The Queen’s Ransom. “We just had to be here for this,” insisted Becky. “I was in the trilogy, and that really got my...
The two men immediately froze when Steve pointed the handgun at them. Steve risked a few quick glances around to determine if the two had any companions somewhere close. He saw no one else. By this time the girls were awake. Roxie was struggling to pull her shirt on while Sam clung to her. Steve carefully stood as he studied the two men. They didn't look like cartel men. They were very poorly dressed and one was much older than the other. Both men were heavily armed, however, and Steve was...
"I remember how upset you were when you entered the hotel that day in New York," recalled Lisa. "Luckily, just about an hour before you arrived, Steve had explained to all of us exactly where the bear crapped in the woods." "It was everything I could do just to get Gwen to leave the cab," added Charlotte. "I had never seen her so depressed and upset. I was pretty worried about her mental state." "I was a mess when Charlotte finally convinced me that I had responsibilities to the...
Steve and Chip had been somewhat surprised at the delays that cropped up on their trip to Iraq. They had to switch aircraft three times and the trip wound up taking several hours more than they would have expected. "Doesn't it seem strange that they were in such a hurry for you to get to the airport, but sent you on such a round-about way to get to Iraq?" asked Chip as the two men prepared to land in Baghdad. "This whole thing seems odd. Why are they bringing you in, even if the...
Gwen knew real fear as she looked at Mort's face and heard his intentions. She threw her door open and ran into the woods. She heard Mort curse and then the engine started. Headlights lit up the forest, forcing Gwen to flee farther into the night. She remained quiet until she was certain that she heard Mort drive away. She had the presence of mind to listen carefully so that she could determine the direction of the nearest highway. Gwen had her phone, but until she could establish her...
After the broadcast, Paula asked everyone to head to Marsh's for a celebration. "It's taken seven years for Steve to pop the question and we're going to make sure he knows how pleased we all are!" Ted took the floor of the private room once family and friends were all gathered. "Steve asked me a few days back for permission to ask Gwen to marry him. I told him at the time that Paula and I couldn't be happier. I'm not fooling myself about who the head of this family is. I appreciate...
As Steve and Chip rode with Captain Neary to the airport, they discussed the current situation. They understood its gravity and dispensed with any banter. "Kate wanted to try to talk you out of going," revealed Chip. "I told her that it wouldn't change your mind, but it would make leaving more difficult. She understood. She's amazing." "Gwen wasn't happy, but she knows I've got it to do. It helped when I told her that you were going with me. You've made a very positive impression...
Because of the short flight south from Pyongyang, across the DMZ to Seoul, Gwen had little time to discuss the situation with Steve and her other advisors. It seemed as if they had barely gotten airborne when they began their descent. The decision on how to proceed was formulated as Air Force One touched down. As expected, a government official unknown to Steve and Gwen and accompanied by a very small entourage, was present to greet them on the tarmac. The man was extremely polite as he...
Steve and Gwen woke up early the next morning, but lost track of time while they showered together. Steve finally managed to dry himself while Gwen remained in the shower, singing as she washed her hair. Just as Steve pulled his shirt on, a light knock sounded on his door. Steve swung the bathroom door closed and went to see who was knocking. He immediately recognized Charlie Burns. He was the band member that had approached him about jamming with his group the night Gwen sang with Jack...
Never one to drink very much, Steve totally abstained from alcohol when the wedding party reached the old castle for the brief wedding party reception. He escorted Gwen to the various food stations while he observed his surroundings. He thought it odd that the wait staff wore heavy work shoes that were badly in need of polish. He had imagined that the wedding of the son of the Russian President would have more rigorous standards. As Gwen, with a plate in her hand, stepped up to the man...
The weekend was spent rehearsing for the Christmas show that had already been contracted for CBC. Gwen, Jordan, and Steve were up at four. They were in the van, and riding to the studio by five AM. "If people think making movies is an easy job, they should follow us around for a few days. Charlie, Ashley and Charlotte wanted to sleep in. They decided last night that if they arrived at the studio by seven, they'd be in plenty of time for everything and still get some sleep," stated Jordan...
"Look! It's the Eiffel Tower!" exclaimed Stephanie as she pointed out the window of the shuttle van. "Everybody get lots of pictures and we'll share them all when we get home. I have to thank you again, Gwen, for making me part of this great adventure. I'm lucky to be your cousin." "You're lucky to be so pretty and shapely. You're lucky to have such understanding parents. You're lucky that Steve, for whatever reason, decided to take a chance on me that day at the mall. We're all...
School was scheduled to reopen Wednesday morning, one week after the attack. Steve had managed to cut off his bandages by himself that morning and limped to the shower to prepare for the day. He was doing his best to soap up his upper body when he felt hands stroking his back! He swung around in surprise to find a naked Gwen standing behind him. Trying to remain cool, he slowly ran his gaze over Gwen's body. His eyes lingered on the Y created where her long legs came together. Then he moved...
Gwen had an uneasy feeling after finishing her conversation with Steve. She knew he wasn’t the type to overreact, and he seemed genuinely concerned about the ship sailing near the coast of Somalia. With that in mind, she made her way to the bridge. The captain greeted the beautiful young doctor warmly. “Captain, I was just speaking with my fiancé and he’s concerned about pirates along the coast of Somalia. He suggested that we sail farther out, rather than hug the coast.” “Ms. Anderson, I...
Steve stepped back and watched as the second assailant slowly dropped to the sidewalk. He landed not far from the man Steve had previously dispatched. As he wiped away drops of blood that had seeped into his eyes, Steve detected movement to his right. He turned to see a man emerge from in front of the SUV and point a hand gun at Ashley. Becky attempted to shield Ashley's body with her own! It felt to Steve as if his heart had suddenly turned to ice. He was too far from the man to prevent...
For all of her strong words, Senator Chatham was extremely worried. Her daughter, along with twenty-two other girls, including the granddaughter of Vice President Pearson and the daughter of Representative Daniels, were missing. Their bus had simply disappeared. There was no plausible, acceptable explanation. All of the girls had cell phones, as would the bus driver, the security people, and the four chaperones. The fact that not one of them had placed a call since shortly after they left...
When the man's face came into stronger light, Steve spoke in a challenging manner. "You'd better holster that gun, or use it." "I don't need a gun to take you down, Hammer," replied the man as he tucked the handgun into his waistband. "How's Kate? Is she okay? I'm ashamed to admit that I was a little slow back there. Is she hurt?" By this time Gwen was next to Kate, looking at the blood on her face and asking her questions, and listening to Kate's response. "Three men grabbed...
Gwen and Steve were up early the next morning. Gwen was going to attend school while Steve planned to take the rest of the week off to recuperate. He expected to return the following Monday. He hoped that his face would be back to normal by then. As she gently washed his back, Steve heard Gwen begin to sob. He turned and asked, "What's wrong, Gwen? Why the tears?" "Seeing these awful bruises makes me realize how bad your ordeal must have been. Look at these marks, and these stitches in...
Gwen's surprise at her friends' practical joke was total. As she stood looking at her family with her mouth open, Steve hugged her shoulders to him and whispered in her ear. "This was Lisa's idea. She had the patches waiting for her on the helicopters and passed them out when you weren't looking. Are you going to be able to laugh this off?" "Are you kidding? They got me good! I love them even more for making the effort to set me up like this. We need friends and relatives that treat...
((note: story inspired by NilioJ (Harry potter spell book of desire‘s)) (Note 3. For the purposes of this story, all students start hogwarts at the age of 18, as Hogwarts is a High School/ College. ALL students are 18+. Salazar Slytherin was a pure-blood wizard, noted for his cunning and determination. He was regarded as one of the greatest wizards of the age, respectively as a Parselmouth and as a skilled Legilimens. Slytherin was one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft...
FantasyAmber Stahl had covered a lot of speeches in Washington over the years, but had never seen or heard anything even remotely like the lambasting Gwen had just delivered to Congress. She struggled to find the appropriate words to do justice to the situation as the cameras switched from the Capitol Building back to the studio. The red light suddenly lit up and Amber was on air. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have just watched the most thorough berating of Congress by a sitting president in my memory,...
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Steve had been sitting still, eyes closed and relaxing as much as possible as Laura and Gwen worked on removing his bandages. He never realized that Amber O'Leary was in the room until he heard her speak to Gwen. His eyes popped open and he began to rise until Laura placed her hand on his chest and gently pushed him back. He saw Gwen step in front of Amber in an obvious attempt to keep her away from him. What a time and place for Gwen and Amber to meet! "You're an amazing woman, Gwen,"...
"Did the President of The United States just call you?" asked Naomi in disbelief. "That was the most frightening, amazing minute of my life! Dad said you could shoot, but I can't believe what I just saw! I have to call Dad!" The stage was filling up with concerned, and very relieved friends and relatives of the graduates. Naomi had used her long legs to vault onto the stage as soon as the handcuffs were removed from Steve. Jared strode across the now crowded stage and embraced...
Laura had Steve lie on a gurney in the ER as she pulled the curtain closed around it. She took a pair of scissors and deftly cut his pants from his body. "Gwen, please get his shoes and socks off. We need to examine him closely, as well as x-ray him. Steve, can you tell me of any pain or injuries that I can't see?" "My shoulder hurts and my leg aches, but you can see that," responded Steve. "Other than that, I just have some scratches and bruises. Can I ask how Jason's...
"Let's respond to your questions one at a time," suggested Gwen as she studied the photos. "First of all, I'm not running for office, so I certainly won't be withdrawing. I never entered the race. These photos are real, and the quality is excellent. They were taken on our July 4th Ride for American Pride five years ago. "Jared is a dear friend and yes, we were naked as we climbed into the hot tub with several others. No one had sex in the tub. I've never been intimate with any man...
On the drive home from the airport, Gwen received a call from Amber Stahl. They spoke for quite a while before Gwen placed her phone back in her purse. "Amber wants to interview us about our trip to DC. She was upset last week when we told her about our trip and her station wouldn't send her to cover it. They felt that the heavy hitters, like Bill Hardy would have the thing covered. Channel 5 is an affiliate of the CBC network. Their world and national news is anchored by Hardy. Amber...
Ted was sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee when Gwen came through the door. "Sweetheart! I'm so sorry you had to experience such tragedy yesterday. But, I'm extremely proud of the way you handled the situation. I would've come to the hospital with Paula and Lisa, but Kate was here with some of her friends. They were all pretty shook up and your mom and I felt it was important that one of us be here for them. She was very worried about you and Steve and feels terrible...
Gwen's parents had never mentioned anything about Jordan Quick, or anyone else, staying with them. If Clyde's assertion was correct, it must have been a very recent decision. They hardly had time to reach home after visiting the promotion at Macy's earlier in the day. Gwen knew that if her parents had agreed to Jordan staying with them, that she had better be as hospitable as possible. "I see that wasn't exactly the news you were looking for," smirked Jordan. "I'm supposed to be in a...
It didn't take very long on Monday morning for Steve and Gwen to realize their lives had changed dramatically. Classmates Gwen had known since first grade asked for her autograph. Girls flirted shamelessly with Steve. Jordan had been a celebrity when she first attended Sparta, but her stock had risen even higher. Ms. Walker summoned Gwen, Jordan, and Steve to her desk when they entered the homeroom. "Correct me if I'm wrong. The fact that CBC aired your benefit concert last night meant...
Lady Tether and the 3 Little Discardsby A. P. Damien28 paused to pour another cup of coffee. "I really don't think age is important. Looks are. But I think my skin is getting dry. One year, maybe two. Then she'll discard me." The brunette did look a little more mature than the other two. Her only clothes were bright red vinyl boots, gloves, and a bikini bottom. "And your life will be, too. Doesn't that matter to you?" 272 was a brand new slave and seemed fascinated by 28's upcoming death. "Yes,...
"Kate!" exclaimed a shocked Gwen as she tried to take a step toward her sister. Steve suddenly grabbed Gwen's elbows and pulled her to his chest. Then he kissed her for a very long time. "I'm still going to..." insisted Gwen before Steve once again pressed his lips to hers. "Okay, I get the hint," whispered Gwen. "I won't say anything to Kate now. At least not if you keep kissing me like that. I'm still pretty pissed at her. I'll give her a piece of my mind when we get...
Dave did a quick change from his casual garb into shorts and a casual top in his house, and was behind the bar in less than five minutes. He shifted his thinking from working with Marie Thereaux’s students, to helping out at the bar. His co-workers that evening were Nikky and Savannah working the tables, and Chelsea, Tony, and Barry behind the bar or scooting around the patio to nearby high-top tables. Before he could take an order, Kellie and Barbara waved frantically at him, indicating...
The travelers were exhausted by the time they piled into the SUV Sunday evening at the airport and headed for Sparta. As Paula drove, Steve spoke on the phone with Clyde Davis for quite some time. When he finished the call, he related his conversation to the group. "True to his word, Clyde has the completed screenplay in his possession. Now he's concerned about our schedules. I have to be in Annapolis in late June for Induction Day. Then football practice will take up any possible spare...
Paula had to smile as she hugged Steve. Lisa wasn't the only female in the family that enjoyed teasing. To his credit, Steve remained very still as her breast pressed against his hand. "Gwen, you can't begrudge everyone the opportunity to hug this fine young man. Who knew that he could play the piano and sing like he did? He's a very handy man to have around, don't you think?" "Mom! I know what you're doing and the joke you're making. Now let him go, so we can get home," insisted...
When school resumed after New Year's, Ashley Summers asked Steve to follow her into the empty hallway at the beginning of her class. "My friend that goes to the gym where I met Larry called me yesterday. She told me that she heard that he had an accident. He fell down the stairs on New Year's Eve and broke his left arm, a couple ribs, and his nose!" "Gee, that's too bad," replied Steve in a noncommittal tone. "Maybe he had too much to drink." "Steve! You know damn well that jerk...
It was after eleven when the Andersons pulled into their driveway. Laura had been dropped off at her car in the hospital parking lot, and Steve had agreed to spend another night in Gwen's bed, without the pleasure of Gwen's presence. Steve had just nicely crawled into bed when he felt someone sit on the mattress near his head. "Gwen? Is something wrong? Your dad wouldn't like you being in here. What is it?" asked Steve with concern. "You're my boyfriend and I don't know anything...
Jared's scheme to rid trophy-wife Tabitha of her step-daughter's blackmailing influence is reaching its raunchy naked climax...At least Sorrel did not have to bend too far to access the head of the towering phallus, Tabitha thought. She stared in bizarre fascination as her step-daughter gobbled Jared into her mouth and guzzled busily on him, hamstrings stretched tautly and bum thrusting behind. Tabitha had never considered herself a malicious person, but a unique sense of triumph welled up...
CheatingKatherine stepped into her elegant living room and took a book from the shelf. She sat in a plush lounge chair, specifically selecting a chair in the back corner of the room next to an old dumbwaiter that was once used to ferry delicious meals from the downstairs kitchen to the dining room table. She planned to read the book for a short while, but she already knew her attention would soon be diverted. Tonight the dumbwaiter would once again be placed into service, except this time it would be...
"Holy cow!" yelled Amber Stahl as she watched in awe. "Tell me you've got that on video, Stan! Keep recording. We're looking at high drama here. I'm going on air in thirty seconds. I want the camera on me until something happens in the river." "Hello, Keith," began Amber as she spoke to the station anchor sitting in the studio, as well as thousands of viewers. "What was supposed to be a celebration and send off for the Sparta football team has suddenly turned into a struggle for...
"Gwen, your sister has some valid points," stated Ted as Lisa fled the room. "This family has been so affected by Steve that I doubt we can have an objective opinion on him, but you've been talking about this Fallen guy nonstop. You deserve praise and accolades for your actions of the past few days and weeks. However, that doesn't mean that you can lord it over your family and friends. "Maybe you're bored with Steve, or you've outgrown him. That happens in relationships. When it...
“And don’t you guys forget to keep up on all your assignments. No slacking now. This is university we are talking about now, not just grade school.” Jared Reznik issued that one last exhortation just as the last of Vanessa Benson’s new friends were leaving the house. All five of them laughed and agreed to do this as they piled into Tracey’s car and drove off into the night leaving Vanessa, Gloria and Jared alone at last in their own home. “Well, I’m pooped” said Gloria as she started...
Hi friends, indru tamil kama kathaiyil en sontha thangaiyai epadi oothen endra kudumba tamil kama kathaiyai ungal idam pagirugiren. Vaarungal tamil kama kathaikul selalam, en peyar prathap vayathu 28 aagugirathu. Enaku oru thangi irukiraal aval peyar mala vayathu 26 aagugirathu, avaluku innum thirumanam seiya vilai Avaluku thirumanam seithu vaikum alavirku engal idam ipozhuthu panam ilai, loan apply seithu atharkaaga kathukondu irukirom. Naan oru kama veriyan eppozhuthu pen kidaikum avargalai...
Graell's Quest - The Rise of Mordred Blink and move. Something as simple as a blink and a move; how long had it been? Frank flexed a bicep. He chuckled, immensely pleased by the sudden renewed simplicity of moving. The laugh echoed, there was something eerily disquieting about the sound of that chuckle, a low and evil, vaguely maniacal undertone, completely missed by Frank, because chuckling was a regained capability too. He was quite pleased by the way it sounded. What else...
Hi friends, indru kathaiyil en nanbanai kathal seithu emathiriya pennai ootha kathaiyai ungal idam pagirugiren. En tamil kathaiyai inaiya thalathil pathivu seithatharku nandri, en peyar pradeep vayathu 21 aagugirathu. En nanbanai oru pen kathal seithu matter mudinthathum kayati vitu vitaal, athanaal naan avalai usar seithu hardcore seiyanum endru mudithu seithen. En nanban enaku nanban endru kanbithukolamal aval idam muthal muthalil pesi pazhaga aarambithen. Aval pathini pola en idam nadika...
Hi friends, indru tamil kama kathaiyil en kanavanuku theriyamal ilamaiyaana kaal kathalanai eppadi love seithen endra kathaiyai ungal idam pagirugiren. Vaarungal tamil kama kathaikul selalam, enathu peyar jaya vayathu 36 agugirathu. Enaku thirumanam aagi oru paiyan irukiraan pinbu en kanavanuku vayathu 42 agugirathu. Naan santhoshamaaga thaan vaazhnthu vanthukondu irunthen, naan oru teacheraaga velai paarthu varugiren. Naan velai seiyum classku arugil oru veedu irukirathu, antha veetil oru...
Hi friends, indru sex kathaiyil auntyai usar seithu eppadi matter adithen enbathai ungalidam pagirugiren. En peyar Seenu. Vayathu 21 aagugirathu. Naan ithu naal varai entha penaiyum sex seithathu kidaiyaathu. Naan engineering padithu varugiren, enathu nanbargal oru naal theaterku ennai azhaithaargal. Naangal neraga bar seithu saraku adithom, appozhuthu bagubali padam oodi kondu irunthathu. Naangal oru gramathil irukum theaterku sendru irunthom. Angu pothuvaga pengal athigam vara matargal,...
Gwen Hammer was outwardly calm as her incredible husband knelt before her, even as all the others in the Great Kremlin Palace struggled to regain their composure. Though there were very few journalists in the hall for such an auspicious occasion and fewer cameras, such was the power of the internet for spreading news that the entire world had just born witness to Steve Hammer killing three men, all of them senior Russian military officers, on live television! So many unbelievable things had...
After leaving the room and making a quick call to her mother, Gwen returned to tell Steve, "Mom said to bring you home for some of her good home cooking. It feels like we've been in this hospital for days, but it's only five o'clock in the afternoon. I don't know about you, but swimming in icy water and making a spectacle of myself on live TV has given me quite an appetite." "You don't have to feed me. I can stop somewhere and get something quick. Besides, your dad may not be too...