Disclaimer: The scenes and characters in this story are owned by Chuck Norris and Norris Productions.  The rest are mine.

RATED: R-sexual content
 

Chapter Eight
 
 

"Trent!" Carlos felt sick when he saw his best friend on the ground,unconscious. He gently turned Trent over and saw that a bullet had grazed his forehead. He was bleeding, but he had a good strong pulse. Carlos knew that he was going to be all right. He was too stubborn to die and he had too much to live for now

"Come on buddy," Carlos said "Don't go out! Christina will be angry."

Trent made no response as Carlos continued to talk to him. An ambulance arrived within ten minutes and Trent was taken to the hospital. Carlos waited anxiously outside, pacing the halls

"Mr. Malloy will be fine," the doctor said as he came out to Carlos. He was extremely lucky. An inch lower and he may not have made it."

Carlos let out the breath he had been holding "Can I see him?" He asked

"Yes, he needs rest though," the doctor said as he led him to Trent's room at the end of the hall

"He won't stay here," Carlos said. "His fiance is home waiting and probably worried sick."

"I somehow sensed as much," the doctor said. "He has a concussion and will need to rest for a few days."

"Thank you doctor," Carlos said as he went to Trent's side

"I am so sorry buddy," Carlos said. "This is all my fault."

"Carlos, we are partners," Trent said

"I know," he said. "How do you feel?"

"Like a truck has hit me," Trent said grinning

"That good, huh?" Carlos said smiling

"Get me out of here," Trent said. "Christina is home all alone."

"The doctor said you could go, but you'll have to rest," Carlos said as he helped Trent sit up

"I will," Trent agreed

********************

Twenty minutes later they pull up in front of the dojo

"I will have the vette brought by in the morning," Carlos said

"Thanks Carlos," Trent said

Christina had been waiting all night and she was starting to worry. She ran downstairs when she heard the door open, then she stopped suddenly when she saw Trent. "Trent!" She cried as she ran into his arms, terrified beyond words. "What happened?"

Trent decided to tell her everything, since he had promised himself that he would never lie to her. "I met Carlos at the address," he explained.  "And . . . there was some gunfire . . . "

"You were shot?" She asked, barely above a whisper

"Yes," he said calmly. "But it's just a graze. I'm fine."

"You could have been killed Trent!" She cried. "And you are standing there saying your fine."

She was becoming angry. The thought of losing him was unbearable

"Christina, I am sorry that I worried you," Trent said as he reached for her."

"You're sorry!" She gasped

"Chris..."

He went to pull her into his arms but she jerked away. "No! Don't touch me!"  She cried and went to the door, wanting to be away from him, but he blocked her way

"Christina, I am a PI," Trent said. "I am sorry you can't understand that."

"You are going to be a father, Trent," she said shakily. "That is the only thing I understand. If I lose you . . . "

"That will never happen," Trent said

"How do I know that?" She cried. "Am I going to have to go through this every time you walk out that door?"

"It's what I do, Christina," he said. "Why can't you accept it?"

She framed his face in her hands, needing to touch him. To feel his closeness. "Trent, I do accept it," she said. "But, the very thought of losing you hurts too much. "You have me and this baby to think of now. That should be all that matter."

Trent grasps her hands and pulls her against him, locking her in an  embrace.  "It is Christina," he whispered. "You and this child are my life now. Without that I have nothing. If my work upsets you, then I will . . . "

Christina felt her heart constrict. "No Trent!" She cried. "You cannot change who you are. If you did, then who would I be in love with? I am sorry. I had no right reacting that way..."

"You have every right, Christina," He said as he kissed the palm of her hand. "You are going to be my wife. And I promised you that I would  never hurt you...."

"And you never will," she said "I know that as sure as I know there is  a precious life growing inside of me. Our life, Trent."

"Yes.... Our life," he whispered as he bent down and kissed her  stomach.

"Now, let us not speak of it any longer," he whispered as he lifted her  up in his arms and carried her upstairs. Christina had kept the fire going and he eased her down on the softness of the blankets

"Promise me that we will never fight like that again," she whispered

"I promise you with every fiber of my being that we will never fight  like that again-not ever," he said as his tongue seared a path down her throat.  She closed her eyes and shivered with anticipation at his touch. The he slipped his hand inside her robe.

"Trent, you can..." she couldn't find her voice, his hands were  silencing her as they parted her thighs. "Trent!" She gasped as his hands found  her softness, grazing it with his thumb.

"Tell me you want me," Trent breathed as he pushed her robe off of her shoulders in an ever so slow gesture, never taking his eyes off her

"I do want you Trent," she gasped. "But you are hurt."

"I hurt when you are not in my arms," he whispered. "Making love to you will erase any pain I feel. Please, say you want me."

"I want you," she said shakily. "I need you."

He undressed and then she was trembling as he placed his hands upon her breasts. Then she closed her eyes, as his tongue found one nipple, going from one to the other.

She opened to him fully, when she felt the heat of his passion probing between her thighs. She arched upward and received him, crying out as he began to love her. Then he lay his cheek against hers.

"Trent!" She cried out

"I love you so much, Christina," Trent said, continuing to rest his cheek against hers. He wanted so much to make love to her, but he was feeling the effects of the concussion and he was weak. Christina placed her hands on his face so he would look up. He was so pale.

"Trent, we have to stop," She said as she tried to ease out of his embrace, very concerned for him.

"No, Christina. I am fine," he said nearly in tears. "I need to make love to you. Please, love me!"

"I do love you, Trent," she said shakily. "That is why we are going to stop. We have the rest of our lives to love one another."

She was able to ease out of his embrace and push him down on the blankets. Then she slipped her robe back on and covered him.

"Close your eyes and rest," she said as she got up and went to get him a warm cloth. He felt her absence like a breeze flying through the room, empty and barren. He felt like he had let her down. Like he couldn't be the man she needed and it hurt so much.

"Christina!" He called out to her. "Come back!" He closed her eyes against the pain. She was at his side instantly.

"I'm right here, Trent," she said and he eased his head across her lap and she rested the cloth on his forehead. She ran her fingers through his hair as the tears fell freely. He was in so much pain. "What could she do?" Her favorite song by Celine Dion came to her and her beautiful voice suddenly touched the room....

"For all those times you've stood by me"

"For all the truths that you made me see"

"For all the joy you've brought to my life"

"For all the wrong's you've mad right"

"For every dream you've made come true"

"For all the love I've found in you"

"That was so beautiful, Christina," Trent said, his heart swelling at the sound of her voice. He struggled to stay awake.

"Please, sing some more," he asked, as his eyes grew heavy. She sang her heart out as she held him to her. Eventually they both drifted off; Christina never let go of him, the entire night.

********************

Early the next morning, Christina awakened to find him still sleeping. She moved gently out from underneath where his head lay on her lap and made him more comfortably. He didn't even stir as she placed the covers over him and started the fire again. She watched it for a time, then went to fix him something to eat

A few minutes later she turned to find him staring at her. The color was back on his face.

"Good morning," she said as she leaned down to kiss him

"Good morning to you," he said as he kissed her back, then he took her hand in his. "I was really out of it last night, wasn't I?" He asked

"Yes, but you look like you are feeling better," she said

"I am," he said "Thank you for understanding," he added, knowing it had been rough on them, having their first argument.

"We are together in this and everything else," she said. "There is nothing more to understand," she said as she caressed his cheek with the back of her hand. She had a light in her eyes that were always so inviting and he wanted her-at this moment. He reached for her, but she gently pushed him back down. "No, Malloy!" She said. "Rest."

"I'm fine, sweetheart," he said as he watched her go in the kitchen. He smiled to himself as he moved toward her, and wrapped his arms around her, causing her to gasp as he brushed aside her hair and trailed his mouth down the curve of her neck. She dropped the spoon she had been holding and leaned back into him as his free hand untied her robe and pushed it down off her, pooling it at her feet. He then glided his hand across her stomach and breasts and then gently pushed her back so he could reach what he craved. She felt her knees buckling beneath her at his loving assault.

"Trent!" She cried out as he slowly turned her around and pulled her against him and lifted her up and plunged into her, then he kissed her long and deep. First moving upward, slowly, deliberately dragging ragged moans from her lips.

"Oh.... Trent.... P...please!" She cried out, breathless with building passion as he whispered her name over and over. He could feel the passion growing, but he wanted to prolong it so he turned with her legs wrapped around him and lowered her down, with gentile ease on the kitchen table, shoving plates aside, breakfast long forgotten.

He kissed her again, her gasp becoming long, soft whimpers when his hips thrust hard and he pressed endlessly deeper. And then, Trent paused as he leaned over her, with burning eyes. His palms moving soothingly and seductively over her.

He held her close and took her mouth by storm, a savagery in his kiss that she had never felt before and she took in a breath, trembling with readiness as he drove into her, giving and taking with sweet torment.

"Trent! Please!" She cried out as it consumed her. Her senses were spinning as she gave herself up to the total rapture. Then the flames seared Trent and he could hold back no more and he melted into her. The release was filling him with great bursts of energy. His very soul lightened to no end.

"Oh Christina!" Trent breathed against her mouth, then rested his head on her stomach as she softly caressed his back with the most loving, soothing touches he had ever felt. Slowly he recovered his breathing and lifted up ever so gently, looking deeply into her eyes

"I love you more and more every moment," he said, his voice full of emotion and longing.

"My love for you grows stronger with each passing moment too;" she said back, her level of emotion on the same as Trent's. They kissed deeply and thoroughly. Then Trent got up to take a shower and Christina pulled her robe back on before cleaning up the fireplace, folding the blankets and putting the fire out. There was a knock at the door a few moments later.

"Carlos!" She smiled as she held the door open for him. He kissed her on the cheek, then followed her inside

"How is Trent?" He asked concerned

"He had a rough night, but he is doing better this morning," she said turning slightly so he wouldn't see her blush

"That is good to hear," Carlos said, " I drove the vette over," He added tossing the keys on the kitchen counter

"Thanks Carlos, She said, then she went to the bathroom door

"Trent, Carlos is here," she said through the door

"I'll be right out," he said

"He will be just a minute;" she said and finished cleaning up the front room some more.

Trent greeted Carlos with a healthy handshake. Carlos was relieved beyond words when he saw his best friend looking so much better than he had the night before.

"It's great to see you looking so good, buddy," Carlos said

"Thanks, I feel better," Trent said exchanging a heated glance with Christina, remembering the love that had transpired between them only moments ago.

"Did you save me any water" Christina asked as she came up and kissed Trent on the cheek

"Yes," he said smiling down at her. "Take your time."

Christina smiled and then went in to shower. Trent tried to steer Carlos away from the kitchen, since it hadn't been cleaned up.

"Uh...did you guys have a fight?" Carlos asked, when he saw the dishes scattered on the floor.

"She was pretty upset last night," Trent admitted as he quickly picked up the dishes and towels off the floor. "But we worked it out."

"I see," Carlos said with a wide smile on his face, looking at the dishes Trent had picked up. They were obviously pushed aside for a matter that was a little more important. He tried not to laugh, but Trent caught on and turned a shade of red like Carlos had never seen before.

"Watch it!" Trent warned

"What did I say?" Carlos asked

"More like what you are thinking," Trent said, tossing a towel at Carlos. "We made up, all right?" He asked in defense of himself and the love he had made with the woman who stole his heart.

"I can see that," Carlos said grinning from ear to ear. "I am really happy for you buddy. You know that? Carlos said. I have never seen you so happy. And that is all I have ever wanted for you."

Christina finished showering and as she was coming out she noticed Trent had cleaned up the kitchen. She glanced from Trent to Carlos and knew they were caught. The memories of those precious moments with him came flooding back.

She heard someone whistle and smiled at Carlos

"Someone is looking beautiful," Carlos said

"Thank you Carlos," she said, hugging him

Trent took in the sight of Christina dressed in a pair of cotton pants, that zipped at the side and a matching black summer top with thin straps and a floral print. It touched just above her waist, showing a small portion of her stomach, which was still flat.

"He is right, you look beautiful," he said as he ran his hand across he stomach and around her waist.

"Well, I won't be fitting into these much longer," she said

"You will only grow more beautiful with each passing day," he said as he touched his lips to hers. Then there was another knock at the door and Christina pulled away from Trent and answered it.

"Alex, it's good to see you," Christina said hugging her new friend

"It's a beautiful day outside and so I thought you and I could get started on those wedding plans?" Christina hesitated, not wanting to leave Trent "We can go shopping," Alex said. "It will be fun."

Christina looked away from Alex nervously, "I can't," she said shyly

"Why not?" Alex asked, seeing worry in face

"I don't have any money," Christina said quietly, not wanting Trent to hear

Alex smiled, "Don't worry about it that," Alex said

Trent knew Christina was upset about not having a way to buy things she needed and he smiled at Carlos before going over and pulling his wallet out of his desk. "Here," he said handing her some money.

Christina had never felt more ashamed, "No, Trent. I can't!" She cried

"Then take my credit card," he offered, holding it up to her

"Trent, please," she said lowering her head in shame

"Christina, look at me," he pleaded with his voice. She raised her eyes to his. "I promised you that I would take care of you."

"Yes. I know..."

He placed a finger to her lips and then he opened her hand and placed the money as well as the credit card there, closing it with a kiss.

"This is your money Trent," she said. "You earned it and you should spend it on what you want."

"I am spending it on what I want," he said softly with a voice so full of emotion that it moved her to tears.

"I love you," she said. "And, we will take care of each other."

"Always," he whispered as he kissed her gently

"Come on Christina," Alex said. "Lets leave these two and go have some fun."

Christina smiled at Trent before she finished getting ready, then she followed Alex out the door.

"Christina is madly in love with you buddy," Carlos said

"Yeah. I am the luckiest man alive right now," Trent said smiling proudly

"I am surprised, with her singing and all, that she isn't loaded," Carlos said

"I'm sure Brody so to it that she didn't have a dime," Trent said

Carlos nodded and they became lost in thought for a few moments

"So how does it feel, knowing you are going to be a father?" He asked Trent

"It is the greatest feeling in the world Carlos," he said. "Knowing there is another life coming into this world that Christina and I created."

"What about names?" Carlos asked

"We haven't talked about it," Trent said surprising him

"Don't you think you should?" Carlos asked

"We have plenty of time," Trent assured him

They talked about the case Carlos was wrapping up. The one that got Trent shot and the new cases that they were coming up. Trent would be back to work soon so Carlos was trying to catch him up

******************

Meanwhile Alex and Christina were busy enjoying themselves. Going in one shop after another. Christina had forgotten what it felt like to go shopping. Buying clothes, sampling perfumes and sitting down to a nice lunch having a heart to heart with a true friend.

"Have you thought about what kind of dress you will wear?" Alex asked as they passed a bridal shop. "Once you do it's all downhill from there."

Christina just shook her head. "No. He only proposed yesterday Alex."

"Well, the first thing you have to do is set a date," Alex said. "Then you will have a better idea of how to plan it."

"Have you and Walker set a date?" Christina asked as she walked towards a woman's clothing store.

"If I could get him to take a day off then we would have time;" she said laughing as she followed Christina inside, "Is there a reason we are in here?"

"I want to get something for Trent," Christina said giving Alex a look before walking over and letting her fingers glide over one she knew Trent would not be able to resist. It was a sensual baby blue satin gown that spoke pure seduction with lattice ties up the side and a V-neckline, and slim adjustable straps and a high side slits.

"Oh...I think Trent will need a stretcher after seeing you in that," Alex said

"That's the idea," Christina said, wanting to please Trent beyond reason. "Besides, I won't fit in it for long."

"You are beautiful Christina," Alex said. "Motherhood suites you."

"Thank you Alex," she said as she draped the gown over her arm

"Well, I am going to get a few things for myself;" Alex said smiling as she browsed the store.

Christina could hardly contain herself as she picked out a couple pairs of second skin satin high-cut brief panties. Then she went for a set of Cami and Boy-short pyjamas. With slim adjustable straps and an elastic waist bottom.

"Do you think Trent will like this as well?" She asked

Alex looked up from the fragrance collections she had been sampling. "Yes," she said smiling at the joy across Christina's face. "He will be happy because you are buying for yourself."

"And him," Christina reminded her

"Yes. Definitely," Alex agreed

Alex talked her in to going all out and by the time they were through Christina practically had a new wardrobe with a pair of London and button fly jeans. Both a size up so she could ease into them through the next month or so. Then she picked a couple of Thermal tees with a scoop neck and a classic turtleneck sweater with a ribbed fit. Then she went for a pair of
Cuff pants with flex wool. It had an extended tab waist with belt loops and
a front a zip.

Alex bought herself a slim jersey sweater dress with faux suede trim. V-neck with collar, waist tie and three-quarter sleeves.

Christina's final selection was a classic pea coat in Melton wool. Double breasted notch collar and side pockets. "It will be getting cold out;" she said when Alex gave her a questioning look

"Yes, but I am sure Trent will insist on something warmer," Alex said

"It will be all right for now," she said setting the coat down with the rest of her selections.

"Well, it looks as though someone is pampering himself or herself today," The saleswoman said, smiling at Christina

"A little," Christina said smiling

"She deserves it," Alex said. "Christina gives her Trent's card.

Christina hesitated; "He may need this..."

"What did he tell you?" Alex asked

"I know, but..."

"No," Alex said taking it from her and handing it to the saleswoman. "Don't tell her the total. Just keep adding."

The saleswoman nodded and finished with Christina's order, "I'll need your signature," she told Christina

"Alex, should I?" She asked. "Maybe Trent should have come."

"No, he gave it to you," Alex said. "Just sign his name. He'll take care of it."

"Do you need to verify?" Christina asked as she signed Trent's name and handed it to her.

"No. I know Alex," she assured Christina

*************************

It was late afternoon by the time Christina and Alex returned to the dojo. Trent couldn't help but laugh when he saw their arms weighed down with packages.

"I see we had fun," Trent said as he helped her unload her arms. Christina was still feeling a little guilty.

"I guess I went a little overboard," she said softly

"She had fun," Alex told Trent handing him the receipts from the store with a knowing look. He quickly put them in his pocket and hugged Christina.

"You look tired," he said as he gently eased a strand of hair off her cheek. "Why don't you lie down?"

"All right," she agreed, knowing that she wouldn't be resting. She wanted to put on the lingerie for him. They needed this evening together.

"Thank you, Alex," she said hugging her friend before going into the bedroom.

"We will be going," Alex said, tugging Carlos out the door.

"Alex, I could use a lift," Carlos said and went on to explain everything that had happened the night before.

"Trent, are you all right?" Alex asked concerned

"Yes. Luckily I have a hard head," he said

"Well, you get some rest too," Alex said, then followed Carlos out the door.

Trent shut the door behind them and turned toward the bedroom. His heart nearly stopped when he saw her.

"Chris...." His voice faded, "You...look...Oh god!"

She slowly walked up and took his hands in hers and slowly backed them into the bedroom. "I have something for you," she whispered

"I....I can see that," he moaned before yanking her against him and taking her mouth to his. She wrapped her arms around him, needing to be closer.

"Chris.... You look so beautiful," He whispered as his mouth moved over her ear and down the slope of her neck. She leaned back, giving him better access to what he craved. His hands went to the straps of her gown, gliding them down her arms. Then he ever so slowly eased them down on the bed. "This is beautiful," He said, touching the delicate material of her gown, "but it has to come off." He leaned up and slowly guided it down her curves. His eyes took in her beauty. She trembled at his touch. His hand going up her calves and to her inner thighs. His tongue seared a path over her stomach, kissing his precious gift before going up to her breasts. She arched into his mouth, moaning as she helped him undress. Then they slowly became one. Trent eased into her warmth, slowly at first, then when passion took over, he gripped her tighter.

"Oh, Trent! Please!" She begged

"I'm here baby" He moaned, grinding his hips closer, bringing them to that special heaven only they knew of.

Trent slowly eased off her and pulled her against him. She glided her hand through his hair, caressing his cheek. "I love you Malloy," She whispered.

He responded by slowly touching his lips to hers. It was sensual, yet at the same time gentle. He loved this, tasting her sweetness, gliding his tongue with hers and then swallowing her moans with his hot breath.

"I love you, too," He said, tenderly caressing her cheek. She closed her eyes at his touch.

"I think I'll shower before we go to sleep," She said getting a pouty look from him. "It will help me unwind."

"All right," He said leaning up to kiss her once more

Once she was in the shower Trent slowly got up and eased into a pair of sweats and a loose shirt. He was just arranging the covers when she came out a few minutes later.

"What?" She asked when he wouldn't stop staring.

"You are beautiful," He said, taking the brush out of her hand and gliding it through her dark tresses.

"Don't you get tired of telling me that?"

"Never!" He said seriously. She just shook her head and headed toward the bed when suddenly the room started spinning. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, hoping it would pass.

"Chris, what is it?" He asked, concerned as he wrapped his arms around her from behind

"Nothing," she said. "I...just felt dizzy there for a second."

"Lie down!" He ordered, pulling the covers further back.

"Trent, I'm fine. You cannot worry...oh!" She cried out as a searing pain radiated through her stomach

"Chris!" Trent cried holding her up. "What is it?"

"I.... Don't....know," She cried, the pain too intense. "My stomach...Trent!"

Suddenly everything around her went black and she collapsed in his arms.

"Christina!" Hr cried, slowly easing her back.
 

To be continued......