DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters or tv show. This has been prepared under the fair use doctrine of copyright law and is a work of fiction not meant for publication for profit.

CHAPTER ONE: THE PRELUDE

She wakes with a smile on her face and an ache between her legs. Another erotic dream starring Castle has her restless and frustrated, pondering her life. The dreams come almost every night now and haunt her during the day. Her imagination is overtaken with images of the two of them, entwined, making love. She can't look at his hands or lips without imagining how they would feel on her body. Their connection is so strong that the dreams feel real, even though they've never taken that step. It's everything she wants but is afraid to reach for. She's gotten used to the perpetual state of arousal she finds herself in. Long baths, quick fingers and her imagination can only relieve so much tension. It's not enough. She's in love with him. And paralyzed with fear.

Taking a deep breath, Beckett rolls out of bed, knowing she has to get ready for work. They've been working long hours lately and the combination of too much work and not enough sleep, combined with her perpetually aroused state have her on edge.

Kate walks into the bathroom and turns on the water. After adjusting the temperature, she steps into the shower and begins her morning ritual. As the water cascades down her breasts, Kate gets a flash back to her dream and imagines what it might be like to have Castle there to help her. She closes her eyes and leans back against the wall, letting her loofah linger over her nipples. The rough surface catches on the tip of her nipple, creating a delicious friction. She imagines Castle drawing it over her skin, taking his time. First he toys with the friction created by the loofah, before replacing it with his hands, cupping her breasts, feeling their weight, exploring the soft skin. Then his fingers, tracing circles around her areolae, caressing and pinching them firmly. She drops the loofah and lets her hands follow the path she imagines him taking, squeezing and plucking at her tightly drawn nipples. She feels the corresponding ache in her center and imagines Castle's mouth following his hands. His tongue circles her nipple, pulling it in and swirling around and around. She can imagine the heat of his mouth on her breast, laving and sucking it, before switching to her other breast and giving it the same attention, all while his hands continue to roam her body. The image is so vivid it's almost real, and the moisture between her legs increases. She lets out a soft moan, letting her hand drift lower, softly parting her folds, circling her clit with her index finger. She thinks about Castle, and how she'd like to have his hands replace hers. Her index finger slowly begins circling her nub slowly, as she imagines Castle dropping to his knees before her, his erection brushing her body as he moves. She grabs the detachable showerhead with one hand and brings it to her center. Exposing her clit, she takes the showerhead and directs the hot spray lower, feeling her legs grow weak as her body responds. The pulsing motion of the showerhead on her clit mimics the action of Castle's tongue, as she imagines him lapping and nipping at her center. With her thumb she begins making hard little circles on her clit, as the showerhead continues to pulse against her. She slips two fingers from her other hand into her channel, thumb circling, fingers pumping in and out of her as she imagines Castle's thick fingers inside her, while his mouth continues to work her furiously. The images coalesce and sharpen in her mind while her body continues to tighten in response. She continues to move and feel, imagining him stretching her body as his mouth works her, sucking and twirling around her clit as he brings her to her peak. When her orgasm hits, it is fast and sharp. Her knees buckle and her hips undulate, pumping and twisting, letting the spasms take over and provide her with momentary relief. She lets out a low moan, sliding down the wall, knowing her relief is only temporary. As her body recovers, Kate reaches up, replaces the showerhead in its holder and rests against the wall, momentarily spent. She straightens her spine and steps out of the shower, grabbing her towel. Every nerve ending is on fire, as her overly sensitive body responds to the rasp of the cloth against her nipples. She can smell the slight musk of her arousal, and the moisture continues to gather between her legs, knowing that the temporary satisfaction she has received has only heightened her arousal. It seems that pleasuring herself simply isn't enough any more. There's only one form of relief she wants and she's simply been too afraid of what will happen to reach for it.

After a stern lecture to herself, Kate continues to get ready for work. She carefully puts her hair up into a tight bun, leaving a few wisps free here and there. She applies her make-up, making sure to emphasize her eyes. A slightly shinier lipgloss than usual has her breaking into a smile. She feels pretty. Looking critically at her appearance, she likes what she sees - a slightly softer look, a little more approachable. Her face retains a slight flush from her earlier activities, and her eyes sparkle. Satisfied with her make-up, she looks over her body. Even though she hasn't had much time to work out lately, she thinks her firm breasts, flat stomach and long legs look good. She's never worried too much about her body, but Castle's constant attention has made her more aware of how she looks and feels.

Crossing to her dresser, she begins selecting her clothing. After a moment's hesitation, she selects a dark blue demi-bra. Part of her favorite set, it has lace cups and pushes her breasts up just a little, causing them to spill over the top of her bra, exposing a hint of the slightly darker shade of her nipples. Just enough to be titillating. The lace gives a peek-a-boo effect as well, hiding everything while revealing enough to make you look twice. Paired with the matching panties, the look is provocative – and on her, stunning. She doesn't realize it, but she looks like a Victoria's secret model – and a very naughty, sexy one at that. All she knows is they make her feel sexy and confident. A little secret just for her - to boost her confidence throughout the day.

She looks longingly at her skinny jeans, but it's a court day, meaning she has to put aside her normal work uniform for something a little more formal. She chooses her favorite dark blue A-line skirt, with a matching jacket. The skirt shows off her long legs and toned body perfectly, while still maintaining a professional look. She doesn't wear skirts often, as they don't mix well with police work. But she knows that Castle can't keep his eyes off her whenever her legs are showing. And he hasn't seen this particular suit, which has been tailored to fit her proportions perfectly. The white button down shirt she chooses is conservative when buttoned for court and covered by the jacket. But the button placement gives it a particularly deep neckline when the top few buttons are undone. And the material is thinner than most of the shirts she wears, so just a hint of her dark blue demi bra can be seen through the material when the jacket is open. Since she doesn't have to be in court until later, she decides to leave a few buttons undone for now. Stepping into her sky-high heels, she takes a final look in the mirror before heading to work. She looks professional, with a hint of sexy. She feels invincible, confident. She can do this.