A/N: This will be a series of irregular one-shots covering the ladies who feature in the Intersecting Lines series of stories.
They have a slightly different feel than my other works, written in a different style to my usual single character viewpoint. I'm trying out other writing styles. I do hope you like them.
For the background to how Jane and Maura got together, please check out my story 'Hearts on the Shopping Block'
Intersecting Lines
Possession and Passion - The Charity Ball
"Jeez Maur, I not sure about this" Jane Rizzoli's voice was laden with an unaccustomed emotion, uncertainty. She was a respected detective, decorated multiple times for bravery and courage, give her a closed door with an armed suspect behind it, no problem, but this…
"Jane, you look both gorgeous and dashing, you will be fine" Maura Isles voice was firm but laden with quiet amusement as she looked over her escort, partner and lover.
"Maybe I shouldn't have come…"
"Jane" Jane recognised that tone, the one that meant she wasn't getting out of this, not if Maura had anything to do with it, which of course she did. Jane couldn't resist Maura, even if it meant doing something grossly uncomfortable like getting 'dolled up' for a formal function.
On the other hand Maura was always 'very' appreciative afterwards and an appreciative Maura was something Jane lived for.
Maura paused on the steps of the Hotel Commonwealth, the site of the Mayor of Boston's Children's Charity Ball, a vision in shimmering red Versace and matching Jimmy Choo's. Turning she looked over her lover's body, her eyes narrowing in appreciation once again.
The tailored tuxedo and pants that Jane was wearing made her seem both taller and more elegant than ever, the crisply starched white formal shirt a throwback to a time of old Hollywood glamour.
"Well Jane, you knew it was either this or a dress and I know how much you love evening gowns and heels…" Jane sighed, she'd got herself into this, given the Isles Foundation was one of the Ball's sponsors it meant that Maura would have to attend; ergo Jane would have to attend as well.
When the invite had simply stated 'formal' Jane just knew that meant Maura would drag her off to some incredibly high end dress shop to spend silly amounts of money on a dress and heels combo for her to wear. She'd jokingly suggested that she should wear a tux instead; only to watch in growing trepidation as Maura's eyes had opened wide, before narrowing in thought as she raked her eyes up and down Jane's athletic frame, a slow smile blossoming.
Maura had muttered something about 'Le Smoking' and before Jane knew it, she was standing in a tailor's shop being measured for a fitted tuxedo and accessories. Now, perched on a new set of five-inch Laboutine black patent leather spiked heels that Maura had been absolutely adamant that she buy for Jane, she stood tall and slender and striking, a red bow tie and cummerbund that matched Maura's dress adding a splash of colour to enliven the suit.
Now she stood there, on the steps of the hotel, looking a little unsure and concerned and, in Maura's unvoiced but utterly certain opinion, completely adorable and totally fuckable, something she looked forward with anticipation to later that night; Maura was determined to see in tomorrow's sunrise from a very dishevelled bed with an even more dishevelled Jane.
Not wanting to wait, Maura reached out her hand out, offering it to Jane, who smiled and reached for her, stepping up to stand alongside the woman Jane loved more than life itself.
They spent a moment, just looking in each other's eyes, quietly communicating their shared love, before their hands dropped and Jane offered Maura her arm, strolling inside to face the evening together.
They weren't an open couple, only their friends Alex and Olivia and Jane's family and partners know they're together, so tonight, for the next few hours they're just friends, an arrangement neither is completely happy with but they'd decided to keep it that way, at least until they had to come out publically.
The evening turned out to be both better and worse than either of them could have imagined. Better in that they had a good time, lots of interesting people to meet, brought together from a wide cross section of Boston society in the name of a good cause. Worse in Maura's opinion because Jane attracted way too much interest, it seemed everyone was drawn to the beautiful detective.
Normally Jane looked good in her usual work suit and gorgeous in a dress and heels, but in that tuxedo, lean and tall and striking, her hair straightened and gelled and pulled into a tight ponytail that emphasised her face, she was stunning, drawing the eye and far, far too much unwanted attention.
It seemed every time Maura turned around another man or, to her growing annoyance, woman, was standing close to Jane, complimenting her on her suit and expressing just a little too much interest in her partner.
To anyone watching Jane was handling the attention well, but to Maura's familiar eye it was obvious that Jane was nervous, the little nervous tells that no one else would recognise told Maura clear as day that Jane was not enjoying all the attention, let alone some of the blatant flirting, that was coming her way.
Often Maura would lean in, insinuating herself into the conversation to direct attention elsewhere, much to Jane's relief, Maura catching Jane's small but grateful nods of thanks. Several people, including a local fashion model and a senior partner in one of Boston's leading law firms were entirely too forward for Maura's tastes, requiring a more overt diversion.
Finally, to get away from a news anchor who couldn't or wouldn't conceal his interest in Jane, Maura led her lover into another group to chat to the Mayor who greeted them warmly, he well remembered them both, Maura from the work of the Isles Foundation and Jane from several award ceremonies where her bravery and success had been celebrated.
The group around them ebbed and flowed over the next hour with people coming and going, at one point Jane and Maura found themselves chatting to the Dean of Boston Cambridge who was angling for the Isles Foundation to establish a scholarship for a worthy student. Jane lifted an eyebrow at Maura's empty glass and smiled before stepping away to the bar, leaving Maura chatting to the Dean for a moment.
The Dean was mildly persistent but unfailingly polite, for which Maura was grateful, too many people saw her as an ATM for charitable causes, she didn't mind helping where she could, but some were more worthy than others.
Finally they parted as the Dean found a more promising target, as Maura turned around to find herself being appraised by an attractive, chestnut-haired woman in a gold gown, a little gaudy in Maura's opinion, but it did draw the eye to the woman's slender figure and gym-honed physique.
"Hi, Alicia Morgan, Boston Globe, wondering if I might have a bit of your time Doctor Isles" Maura held her hand out as she replied.
"Good evening Alicia, I do not believe that we have met, have you been with the Globe long?"
"Started a month ago, first time covering the society and celebrity round, I was doing property and finance in my last job"
"Ah, a pleasure to meet you" They shook hands; Alicia had a very firm handshake, stopping just short of painful. "May I ask what your question was?"
"How does it feel to be one of Boston's most influential women?" Maura smiled easily.
"I am sure you must be joking Alicia, I hardly qualify"
"I don't know, your looks, your position, your families' name and wealth, all those cases you've solved? Not to mention your regular position on Boston's top ten best-dressed women and most eligible bachelorette lists" Maura sighed.
"I cannot comment on those lists; that is the opinion of other people, but I do have a statement for you about your comment regarding all those cases I am supposed to have solved" Maura paused; wanting to make sure what she said was unmistakable.
"All of those cases were solved by the hard work, dedication and commitment of a team of people, of which I am only one part. The real people you should be praising are the police officers who put their lives on the line to protect us by taking criminals off the street" Maura watched Alicia roll her eyes, obviously that was too much like hard work for her.
"But you're the one who brings all the glamour to these cases, that's what our readers are really interested in" Maura was finding it a little hard to like Alicia; she seemed a little too hustling for Maura's taste.
"I would have thought your readers would have wanted to be informed that criminals were being arrested and justice was being served" Alicia shrugged.
"That's the crime round, not my job, my job's to focus on the glitz and glamour of Boston's celebrities and you certainly fit in there"
Maura was about to object to being classed as a celebrity, she worked damned hard in her job, she wasn't some vacuous individual with fashionable accessories like a Chihuahua, a collection of drug convictions or a sex video, when a familiar and welcome voice inserted itself into the conversation.
"Hey Maura, here you go, your wine" Both women turned to face Jane, Maura smiling in relief, Alicia in curiosity, as Jane handed the glass over. Before Maura could introduce them Alicia jumped in.
"Hello, Alicia Morgan, from the Globe" Jane flashed that dazzlingly warm smile and held out her hand.
"Hi, Detective Jane Rizzoli, Boston Homicide" Maura watched Alicia's eyes narrow in appreciation as she raked them up and down over Jane in an entirely too knowing manner. Her opinion of Alicia dropped a little further as well.
"Oh, you're the famous cop…" Jane's smile dimmed a little.
"Cop yes, famous? No, not so much"
"I've heard the stories, serial killers, rogue cops, gang bosses, you've beaten them all, sounds like one hell of a career, sounds like someone famous to me" Jane ditched the smile, all business now.
"I just do my job Miss Morgan"
"I'm sure you're just being modest, do you work for Doctor Isles?" Before Jane could reply Maura interjected, suddenly feeling the need to clarify their relationship
"Jane does not work for me, we work together as part of a team" Jane smiled, picking up on Maura's mood and unconsciously moving slightly closer into a protective position between Maura and the reporter.
"Yeah, I'm part a squad of detectives, but we couldn't do our job without Maura and her people in the Medical Examiner's office, it's a team effort" The reporter narrowed her eyes; she could tell something wasn't right; her journalist's instincts were waking up.
"So you work closely together?" Maura smiled carefully.
"Of course, we all have to work together to solve cases" Alicia nodded slowly, eyes darting between the two.
"But you and Jane particularly, you work closely together" Jane and Maura exchanged a glance before Jane answered.
"Yes, we do"
"Very closely together, obviously" Jane took a small step closer to the reporter, unconsciously moving further between Maura and the reporter in a protective move, her voice slightly lowered.
"What exactly are you getting at Alicia?"
"Are you sure you two aren't together, cause it kinda looks like it" Maura and Jane swapped glances.
Maura paused for a second, as the question hit home. 'Oh shit'. With no way to avoid the question Maura set out to answer while desperately attempting to avoid lying and the accompanying attack of hives, or worse, a vasovagal episode. She mentally crossed her fingers and dived in, trying to skirt the truth closely enough to satisfy Alicia without outright lying.
"Neither Jane nor I are an acknowledged couple, if we were I am sure you would know about it" Jane raised an eyebrow, realising what Maura was trying to do and understanding how difficult this was for her lover, she stepped in and tried to distract the reporter.
"I know, I know, you've heard all the stereotypes about female cops, we're all supposed to be gay" Jane rolled her eyes. "Well not all stereotypes are true y'know" Alicia cupped her chin with one hand, a finger tapping against her cheek as she looked between the two women in front of her.
"Are you sure you're just friends, 'cause it looks like a whole lot more" Maura and Jane swapped another look, which just made Alicia more certain she was onto something. Finally Maura spoke again.
"Jane and I are best friends, which is why I asked her to be my escort to tonight's event" Alicia smiled happily.
"So you're just friends" Jane hurriedly stepped in to deflect the question from Maura.
"Yep, just friends" At that Alicia's smile widened even further, if she was right, she had a story, if she was wrong, well Jane looked absolutely dee-lish in that tux and would look even better out of it.
"Excellent, in that case I'm sure you won't mind if I borrow Jane for the evening" Jane was fractionally faster than Maura.
"Say what?"
"Borrow Jane?" Alicia smirked gently.
"Yeah, just for the night. I promise to return her safe, sound and satisfied in the morning" She didn't miss the narrowing of the blonde's eyes or the flash of what might have been jealous rage that appeared, before the Doctor pushed it away out of sight. Jane attempted to shrug nonchalantly.
"Sorry Alicia, I'm not interested thanks" Alicia reached out and laid her hand on Jane's arm.
"C'mon Jane, you don't dress like that without expecting to attract some attention. You dressed to impress and I'm impressed. Now I think we should go do something together, somewhere a little more private" Jane frowned as she moved her arm out from under Alicia's grasp.
"No thanks, besides, what makes you think I swing that way anyway?" Alicia laughed.
"Who are you kidding, look at you; you're a lesbian's wet dream. You look butch enough to intimidate most of the guys here and half the women either want you or want to be you. You set off my gaydar the moment I saw you" Jane's jaw set a little tighter, Maura could see this not ending well, but allowed Jane to respond.
"Well I'm sorry Alicia, but you're wrong"
"That's a shame Jane, because I bet we could have a lot of fun together" Jane looked over as Maura stepped forward and spoke before Jane could reply.
"Well, it has been nice meeting you Alicia" The reporter knew something was up, the way these two shielded each other, the shared looks, the way each had moved slightly forward as if protecting the other, these two had a closeness most couples, straight or otherwise, could only hope for.
"Oh, running off so soon? And we're just getting to know each other" Maura smiled, though the smile felt like it had been pasted onto her face.
"Well, we have to circulate, that is one of the reasons for an event such as this, as I am sure you are aware" Alicia realised her story sense was tingling, there was a story here to be found, she just had to keep pushing.
She reached into her clutch and pulled out a business card, before sidling up to the stunning brunette. Inhabiting her personal space, Alicia slid the card into the tight space between Jane's tuxedo and shirt, her fingers lingering for just a few seconds too long. Ignoring Jane's shocked look and the flicker of rage that darkened the Doctor's eyes, she lifted her hand to trail the back of her hand against Jane's cheek before the detective could pull away. Alicia laughed for a moment, soft and low.
"Give me a call Jane, when your 'friend' isn't around and we can have some real fun. Trust me, I can be a lot of fun and I just bet you can be too"
Stunned, Maura took in the scene in front of her, the brazen hussy was shamelessly propositioning Jane and Maura just knew that somehow Alicia had realised that they were more than friends. She knew and she still wanted Jane. The nerve!
For a moment the normally cool, calm and serene Doctor saw red, pure anger laced with a good helping of jealousy and a trace of insecurity. In that moment her mind was made up.
Forcing a smile, Maura strolled forward and moved to stand next to Jane, who partially turned to face her. Calmly Maura slid her fingers inside Jane's jacket, her fingers lingering for a moment as they moved over her breast, before regretfully sliding out, Alicia's card deftly held between them. With her other hand Maura carefully smoothed down Jane's lapel, erasing imaginary wrinkles and just revelling in their closeness.
Turning her head momentarily, Maura smiled wickedly at the reporter as her hand flicked out, Alicia's card poised between her index and middle fingers.
"I think you lost this Alicia, you really should be more careful next time about exactly where you drop them" The reporter's eyes narrowed.
"I didn't think who I give my number to was any concern of yours Ms Isles?" Maura turned her head back to look up into Jane's dark eyes, eyes now swirling with a storm of emotions, fear, uncertainty and arousal amongst others.
Still smiling gently at Jane, her hand still resting on Jane's chest, Maura's voice was soft but clear as her fingers opened, letting Alicia's card fall discarded and forgotten, to the carpet.
"Normally no, but when you start hitting on my girlfriend, in front of me, then it becomes my concern" Maura saw Jane's eyes widen in shock, even as Alicia's words reached her.
"I thought you said you were just friends?" Maura's smile had become both predatory and loving as she realised what she was about to do. She couldn't help herself, it was what the striking detective did to her, had always done to her.
Having Jane had always been a hopeless dream, an illicit fantasy that had both filled and tormented her nights for over three years. When they had realised they both needed each other, finally acting on their desires several months ago in New York, it was the culmination of a long, deeply-held wish for both of them.
That weekend, their wishes had come true; their lives had changed so much for the better.
Since that weekend, keeping it hidden had been a constant battle as they warred with their overwhelming desire to be close, to be together, to kiss and to touch, to give in to their need for each other.
Maura didn't know when she just knew that had to change, but tonight, no more hiding, no more supressing how they really felt, tonight all that ended. Maura knew she should have spoken to Jane about it, talked it through but seeing all those men and women hitting on Jane, her Jane, it was just too much to bear.
How dare they? Jane belonged to her!
Tonight that was going to stop and she was going to enjoy every second of it.
"Oh we are, good friends, very good friends" With that Maura turned to Jane, who was standing there, struggling to keep up with Maura's sudden change of direction.
"Jane, how about we show Alicia here just how good friends we actually are" Jane's brain stuttered to a shuddering halt, suddenly realising what Maura was about to do, here in public, in front of the reporter.
"Uh, Maura…" The blonde continued to smooth her hand down Jane's chest, needing the intimate contact.
"Jane, Alicia here wants a story? Let us give her one"
With that Maura stepped forward, inhabiting Jane's personal space, pressing those wicked curves against her. Jane saw the look in Maura's eyes, sexy, determined and refusing to take no for an answer.
Maura's right hand slid off the lapel and onto Jane's hip, while the left slid up her lover's arm, over the shoulder to come to rest against Jane's cheek, as the brunette unconsciously leaned into her touch much like a kitten seeks warmth, unconsciously but necessary.
Pressing forward, Maura moulded her body to Jane's and drew her lover's mouth down to hers, their lips touching gently, before Maura deepened it, her need evident not only to Jane but to Alicia and everyone else watching.
Jane's mind was still racing over the fact that Maura was outing them, when Maura's kiss changed, from urgent to demanding, her tongue pushing forward and gaining entrance, her hand moving to the back of Jane's neck, holding her as the blonde ravaged her mouth, the sheer intensity of Maura's need dragging a moan from deep within Jane. In that moment, the rest of the world could go to hell; Maura was here, telling everyone that Jane Rizzoli was hers, staking her claim as publically as possible and making certain that the whole world knew that Jane and Maura were forever off the market; that they were together now and in the future.
If that was Maura's plan, Jane hadn't any problems with that, she wanted Maura and Maura wanted her, tonight, tomorrow and forever. Her hands slid onto Maura's hips, holding her tight, feeling those wonderful curves under her hands, revelling in Maura's closeness.
Finally, the need for air caused them to break apart, as they stood there, staring into each other's eyes, breathing quickly.
Jane couldn't help it, Maura's lips screamed to her, demanding her attention. Before she could do anything about it Maura spoke again, her voice a low, sexy growl that rocked Jane to her core and signalled the complete ruination of her panties.
"You are mine Jane, no one else's, I do not care who knows it, in fact I want them all to know it, I am yours and you belong to me"
Before Jane could speak Maura's head dived forward, snatching up Jane's lips in a kiss that sent sparks racing throughout the detective's lean frame, igniting a fire that both knew led straight to bed, as soon as humanly possible.
Jane's head swam for a moment with the intensity of Maura's need, as her fires raged, stoked by Maura's body against hers, her touch and her lips. She leaned into Maura and crushed her to her, arms around each other, for once Jane was completely unconcerned by what others might think.
When they finally broke apart, to stand there, both panting slightly from a need for oxygen and their raging desires for each other, they turned to face the reporter, arms around each other's waist. They could see people all around them stopped, standing there, staring at the two of them.
Maura smirked gently, half their audience wanted Jane, the other half wanted her, but everyone here now emphatically knew Jane was hers and she was Jane's.
She revelled in the reality that they would have to hide this no more before looking at the stunned reporter; Maura's smirk widened, poor Alicia looked like she'd been poleaxed.
"Now if you will excuse us Ms Morgan, as you can see, my girlfriend and I have things we'd rather be doing, alone"
Alicia just stood there, the realisation that she had an exclusive front page story warring with the knowledge that she would never have a chance with Jane; Maura had made that undeniably clear to everyone watching. Honestly she didn't know which meant more to her right then.
Jane laughed a trifle nervously, as her body still reverberated from the sensations Maura had sent racing through her, as Maura's fingers entwined with hers.
"Sorry Alicia, but I'm afraid you never had a chance"
