Without Brakes

A/N: This was inspired by James and Ashley flirting at the party in the Citadel DLC. I know that technically Ash shouldn't be at the party if she left to work with Hackett, but I took a little liberty here – because it's much more interesting this way ;).

Chapter 1 – Sparks

"You've got plans for me, Vega?" Williams' voice dropped to a deep, seductive purr, and suddenly James' throat felt far too tight.

The way she was looking at him, eyes narrowed, her teeth worrying ever so slightly at those full lips, was enough to give him positively indecent ideas. But, in all honesty, James had been star struck the moment she'd walked into the apartment. Which was strange, considering he was used to the company of Commander Shepard, first human Spectre, and Saviour of the Galaxy.

If he was quite honest, he was a little disillusioned with Shepard nowadays. True, watching him in a fight would never get old. And, doubtlessly, the man got things done. Still, if he'd only be a little less… abrasive! During the past few months, Liam Shepard had managed to alienate almost every known species, seriously pissing off the Council and making his own crew constantly question why in the universe they had decided to follow him around.

She was different; not necessarily more genial or less of a tough badass. Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams had worked her way up through the ranks because she was so very obviously officer material. She had defied the taint attached to her family name to become the second human Spectre, pride of the Alliance Navy. She had stood at Shepard's side against Saren and gone to Ilos with him, she had survived near-fatal injuries, and she had shot the traitorous Councilor Udina in cold blood. She had been Shepard's lover, if the tales were true, before he'd discovered his attraction to Miranda Lawson.

She was also, without doubt, one of the hottest babes he'd ever seen. And the skin-tight blue dress she'd chosen for the party showed off her assets to perfection.

He cleared his throat. "Look, I-"

"Oh, I'm looking. Believe me." Had she just giggled? "But, I might need to come a little closer to be sure."

For a moment he was at a loss for words. Was she really flirting with him, James Vega? Sure, they'd all had a little more to drink than they should have. And who could blame them? For all his faults, Shepard had managed to throw a hell of a party. Williams had matched the guys drink for drink and, with every one of them, the way she was looking at James had become less appraising and more appreciative.

Licking his lips nervously, he leaned back against the wall and glanced around. They were alone in one of the upstairs bedrooms, though he could hear Traynor and Liara giggling right next door. He'd be damned if he could recall how they'd got up here, just the two of them. But, here she stood, right in front of him, and he was drowning in her fresh, flowery scent, transfixed by the look in her pretty brown eyes, and utterly unable to string a sentence together without embarrassing himself.

"Well?" She stepped a little closer, her lips curving up in an ironic smile.

Dios, but her body was amazing! Shepard had said more than once that Williams was one hell of a soldier. Right now, James was willing to personally attest to the fact that she was in peak physical condition.

"Tu con tantas curvas," he muttered under his breath, recalling the cheesy pickup line he'd used on dozens of girls, back before he'd signed up.

"What?" Williams raised an amused eyebrow. "Say it again."

He blushed. "Nothing."

"Come on!" Her lips settled in a determined line. "That was Spanish, wasn't it?" She moved in even closer, running a teasing finger along his biceps. "Sounds… hot."

He swallowed. "Tu con tantas curvas," he repeated, and when he saw her shiver, he added the rest for good measure. "Y yo sin frenos."

"What does it mean?" The purr was back, and Madre, she was so close to him, he could feel the heat of her skin.

"Nothing in particular." James bit his lip. Just that you're so hot you make me lose control.

"Say it again." Her lips were forming the words, but all he could think of was how it would feel to kiss them, to touch her smooth skin, to feel her tremble under his hands, and-

"Vega? Ash?" Shepard was standing in the doorway, a frown on his scarred face. "What-"

"We're fine, thanks, Shepard." Williams didn't even bother to turn around.

Shepard's expression darkened even further but, before he could reply, Miranda appeared behind him, placing a calming hand on his sleeve. "Shepard. Sorry to interrupt, but Grunt-"

"What did he do now?" Shepard sighed wearily, but he followed her out of the room without another word.

"Cerberus bitch." It was a mere whisper, but James couldn't help hearing the words.

For a moment, he wondered. Was Williams truly over Shepard? He had no idea what had happened between them, really. She had refused the Commander's offer to come back to the Normandy after Udina's coup, opting to work with Admiral Hackett instead. And yet, Shepard had invited her to the party. Why? He must have realized she'd be upset by seeing him with Miranda. What was this about? Was Williams' flirting just a ploy to get back at her former lover?

But, when she looked up at him again, the interest in her eyes seemed genuine. "Vega. No brakes, eh?"

Shit. Obviously her Spanish was quite good enough to understand him.

"Look, it's just a line." He shifted on his feet, but he'd underestimated the effect of his last drink and had to grab her arm to regain his balance.

Touching her bare skin was like an electric shock. For the first time in his life, he understood what people meant by "sparks flying". But, had she-

"Shit, Vega!" Yup. She'd felt it, too. "Shut up and kiss me."

Suddenly, she was in his arms, warm and soft, no barriers left between them, and she felt so incredibly good. Her lips opened willingly under his and he kissed her, deep and hard and hungry. She moaned into his mouth, swaying on her feet, but he wasn't sure whether it was from the alcohol or from his touch and, damn it, he wanted to be sure, he needed to be sure!

Breaking the kiss, he pushed her back a little, breathing hard. "Look, Williams, I-" He took a few deep breaths, trying to force his addled brain to clear up. "Let's take this slow, okay?"

She stared at him blankly. "What?"

James cursed under his breath. "What I'm saying is… We both have had a little too much to drink and-"

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Incomprehension turned into anger with frightening speed. "You're saying you only kissed me because you're drunk?"

"Shit, no!" He shook his head, trying to find the right words. "That's not what I-" Her contemptuous snort made him flinch. Great job, pendejo! Real smooth. She turned to go and desperation made him bold. "I think you're special," he blurted out.

She stopped in her tracks, turning back and tilting her head to listen.

"You're gorgeous and hot and I'd really, really like to kiss you again." He felt the blush rise again, but he forced himself to go on. "Only, next time, I'd like to make sure we both know what we're doing."

Williams took a moment to consider his words, then she nodded slowly. "Whatever. But, Vega…" As she made for the door, she flashed him a smile that was almost predatory. "I always know what I'm doing."

James' lips were hot on her throat, his massive frame looming over her as he kissed his way downward, muttering endearments in Spanish, his voice husky and breathless. His hands explored her body, mapping every inch of skin, his touch setting her on fire, making her burn. They were both naked, though she couldn't recall when she'd lost her clothes... But, Ashley didn't care, because it felt so good. If only that stupid blinding light would stop shining right into her face! She wrinkled her nose, trying to squeeze her eyes even more firmly shut, but to no avail.

James' face became blurry, the pleasant weight of his body disappeared, and the dream drifted away, making room for a murderous, pounding headache.

The light wasn't all that bright, she realized, just a sliver of it through the half open door, but her poor battered head made it seem like a searchlight. She sat up, wincing at the pain when her bra strap cut into her skin. Next to her, the bed was empty, and she was fully dressed. More's the pity. Dimly she recalled kissing James last night, practically throwing herself at him. She made a face. He'd been all gentlemanly about it, and she probably ought to be grateful. Or, maybe he just wasn't really into her? She was a few years older than him, after all, and his superior in rank to boot. A lot of men wouldn't appreciate that...

No. She pushed her doubts firmly aside. Whatever had made him hesitate last night hadn't been lack of interest. Not with a kiss like that.

She stretched, working the kinks out of her back, then got to her feet and headed to the bathroom to make herself at least a little more presentable. Fortunately, her bag was right where she'd left it last night and, yes, the bottle of pain killers was right where it ought to be. Good. Ashley peeled herself out of the dress, then splashed her face liberally with cold water, scrubbing off the remnants of her make-up, before slipping into a comfortable track suit. Much better. Quickly, she tied her hair into a ponytail, then made for the stairs.

A tempting smell wafted up from the kitchen: bacon and eggs, and freshly made coffee. She couldn't see Shepard or his Cerberus chick, but Joker was already up, lounging on the sofa and chatting with Cortez. Liara was there, too, typing on her pad with a frown of concentration on her face, looking fresh and rested despite last night's exertions. Ashley snorted softly to herself. Asari! Looking perfect no matter what. It wasn't fair.

Vega stood at the counter, fiddling around with a pan. Whatever he was doing there smelled amazing, and she mentally added that to the list of points in his favour. Can cook, will make breakfast.

As she skipped down the last step, he turned to face her, smiling contentedly. "Williams. Looking good. Want some huevos?"

If he was surprised at the change in her appearance, he didn't let on. His gaze wandered all the way down her body, then up to her face again, so smoothly it felt like a caress, and his smile widened. To her surprise, her heart sped up a little.

Forcing herself to look cool and unfazed, she nodded. "Sure."

She settled down at the counter island with a mug of coffee, watching his broad back as he continued cooking, whistling softly to himself. He wore fatigues and a grey T-shirt that clung tightly to his body. Idly, she watched the play of his muscles under the fabric, mentally tracing the lines of his tattoos up to the point where they disappeared under the shirt, hinting tantalizingly at more. When she looked up, she met Joker's gaze. The pilot's broad grin left no doubt he knew what she'd been thinking but, to her surprise, he kept quiet.

"Here you go." Vega placed a large plate heaped with food right in front of her. "Hope you like it."

He watched as she took the first bite, smiling happily when she made a small noise of contentment.

"Goodness, Vega, that is delicious." She sighed, licking her lips and closing her eyes in bliss.

"Oh yes, it is." He had spoken under his breath, but he was staring at her mouth, and his voice had gone hoarse again.

Ashley felt a blush rising to her cheeks, grateful none of the others had heard his words. "Where did you learn to cook like this?" It seemed a safe topic of conversation.

"My abuela taught me." He winked at her. "She used to say the way to a woman's heart was through her stomach."

She felt a giggle rise to her lips and just about managed to suppress it. "You're making this up."

"Maybe I am." He took the empty plate from her with a flourish. "Anything else I can do for you?"

You have no idea. She glanced at her omni-tool and shook her head. "I need to be off. I have a vid con with Admiral Hackett at noon. Say thank you to Shepard from me, will you?"

Just as well. She'd rather not meet Shepard and his blue-eyed bitch this early in the morning. Severing all ties with Cerberus my foot! Though, to be fair, it seemed Lawson was on the run from the Illusive Man herself, which didn't make Ashley like her any more.

James nodded, but there was no missing the disappointment in his eyes. They followed her as she dashed up the stairs to get her bag, then as she said her goodbyes to the old crew and headed for the door.

On the doorstep, she turned around, following a sudden impulse. "Hey, Vega! Any shore leave left?"

His head snapped up. "One more day. We leave tomorrow, at noon. Why?"

She grinned, suddenly feeling as light as a feather. "Meet me at the Arena in the afternoon. Let's see whether you're really N7 material." When he didn't answer straight away, she tilted her head. "Well? You up for it?"

A slow smile spread over his face. "Sure. When?"

"I'll send you a message." She indicated her omni-tool with a quick gesture. "See you."