Oh, how they inspire me. This kept me occupied during Merchandising class. Heh.

- - -

"You want to see them don't you?"

His ears perked up, ignited in attention and groin. An offer?

"You'd show them to me sooner or later." He smirked, keeping his eyes on her face because trailing any lower would confirm his serious and ever-growing interest in seeing Melanie Brown's bare, ample, smooth. . .

"Those aren't the magic words, Maksim!" She smiled from under her lashes and through full lips. Her head was on his right thigh, wavy tresses sprawled here and there, while his fingers itched at his side in secret.

Maks casually swallowed at her challenge.

"Mel." He said simply, closing his eyes as his head fell back to the wall behind them.

She had more energy than usual tonight and as she bounded in full of giggles and flirty words, he hadn't dared entertained the thought of outlasting her. Not that he ever could. In the studio, anyway.

He straightened up and blinked down at her, "You want me."

He watched as she watched his lips move, while her own broke into an amused smile.

"No more than you've been wantin' me, Good Lookin'."

And so it begins.

- - -

When it happened finally, she stayed on top the whole time. She was aggressive and vocal, hungry and vulgar. Just like he imagined, which he had many, many times.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck." She gripped him firmly from within with every obscenity, setting him on fire. From ultra-sensitive tip to throbbing base. He clutched at her waist, looking down to where they connected just to make sure IT was still connected to him. Shit. . .

"Ya like that?" she asked, watching his expressions change with every dip in her rhythm. Quick, quick, roll left and grind.

He was never one for dirty talk during sex, really. Didn't quite know how to respond so she'd be pleased. And he was surprised she'd let him get a word in at all.

His head jerked more than nodded. Any verbal response would have been choked on and that would have been embarrassing. The last thing he wanted right now was to have that sexy ass look on her face replaced with knitted brows and worry. The very last thing he could handle was stopping and withdrawing from this intoxicating attack on his senses and body. And his better judgment.

But she felt too good, wet all over and he grew harder against right and reason.

- -

She's late.

He danced half-heartedly, one eye fixed on the studio door. The rehearsal room was chilly but Maks could feel an irritating heat rising behind his ears and spreading down the back of his neck. His face creased with annoyance, nostrils flared as he turned and stepped to the fast beat.

She better show.

Not just because they really needed to get in as much practice as possible, but because his pride demanded that she see the resolve on his face. Having woken up alone and disappointed, he decided it was best that it never happened again. Not if it left him feeling this way. Affected, longing, and incomplete. He resented the fact that she could slip out of his bed without a word, so casually and easily. Quiet and quick like a thief in the dark. He was sure something was stolen from him last night, from within. Why else would he feel so… used?

She knocks before entering, not sure if he was still in the studio or if he had decided to call it a day.

"Still hard at work!" Mel teased, striding across the dance floor to put her bags down as the music was silenced.

He ignored her rap on the door, the clacking of her shoes on the floor, and the sound of her voice. Reaching for his bottled water, Maks grasped for composure.

"Maksie, you're not that upset that I'm late, are you?" she started, approaching him from behind.

Maksim sidestepped her advance and mumbled a quick 'No'.

She watched him move into position on the floor and toss his empty bottle aside, not blinking at the audible clank it caused. His eyes were focused on her through the mirror, unwavering and expectant.

Mel threw up her hands in mock defeat, making her way to his side. "You're an odd one sometimes, Maks."

At her comment, his eyes narrowed into slits. Her nonchalance was crushing him; heart and soul. How could she be so cool and calm, like nothing had happened. Like last night was like any other night.

"And you're oblivious." He practically spat at her. His face became heavy with frustration.

"Maks…" Her tone softened suddenly, understanding but still reluctant.

"No."

She reached for him and was rejected once more. He recoiled from her completely, holding himself a step back and tense.

Disheartened by his reaction, Mel met his hard eyes. "I know you must feel…"

"Why did you leave?" he interrupted, not as defiant. He didn't need her sympathy, just an explanation. She owed him that much. In just a few minutes, he had become exhausted. Vulnerable and sore.

"You don't say anything before leaving, you just go." He interjected, not waiting for her reply. His Russian accent thickening as his voice escalated a touch.

Melanie winced, watching him release. Her throat dried, void of words.

"Don't act like we did nothing, Mel." He said, half-pleading. "It makes me feel like…" he searches for the right words, hands fidgeting as he keeps in her eyes. "… like you regret it."

"I don't." she managed quickly, saddened by his confession.

His body loosened a bit with relief.

She cared for him, thoroughly and genuinely. Their exchange the night before was as much as her doing as his. She wanted him too, no denying. The fire and desire she harbored for him inside was only growing. One night of liberating sex had not only failed to snuff out the flames but also left her craving. Not just for the heat his body would bring, but for the fulfillment from the love in his heart. Because of that, she was petrified. Things were already complicated as it was. She had so much to lose if they pursued this. But she was also very aware of and deeply troubled by the prospect of losing Maks.

"I don't, Maks." She repeated with resignation, still at a loss for better words. Mel tried for him again and was granted his hand.

His grip was loose around her smaller one, his eyes still searching for a more satisfying response. Maks realized now that deciding to push Mel away was only right and easy when she wasn't near.

With her close and in his hand, nothing else felt truer or meant to be.

… tbc