The sharp green eyes that took in his every word as he spoke, flickered up and down him appraisingly. Her gaze bored into him as she deliberated, attempting to decide if she would kiss him. Oh, gosh, those eyes if hers nearly drove him mad - had succeeded on many an occasion. Abruptly, he shook his head, needing to banish the thoughts from his mind before he lost all semblance of self-control.

She arched a perfect eyebrow, inquiring. The smirk playing at her mouth only made matters worse. Emerald orbs bespoke of a history long buried. Long resurrected. He continued, his voice faltering only slightly.

She loved watching his mouth as he talked. An all too familiar warmth spread through her, building in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't get him out of her head. That same mouth that had tasted her skin, feasted on it. Icy chills shooting down her back now accompanied the increasing fire. Sharp teeth sank into her lower lip to withhold a moan at the overwhelming sensation, the desire. Even now, nearly a decade later, his touch remained burned in her memory. A touch that had had her coming apart with him, screaming his name.

It took all the self-control he possessed not to claim her right then. That stare she'd fixed him with that made him fear for his life, the passion smoldering just beneath the surface. It nearly stole his sanity. He swallowed hard, praying she hadn't noticed his body's acute reaction to her silent invitation, even though he knew full well such a hope was futile. He'd trained her better than that.

His pulse pounded through his veins and he nearly jumped when she placed a hand on his thigh. It was over the moment it started; he was sure of that much. He'd been in numerous battles in his life, but he knew this was one he had no hope of winning. Not that he ever wanted to…

"Jenny? Jenny? Are you even listening to me?" he snapped. Her response came in the form of yet another mischievous smirk.

"Of course, I'm listening, Jethro," she half-purred and placed her hand over his heart that had all but leapt from his chest. "Just not to your words."

Suddenly, she crushed her mouth to his, robbing both of them of breath. She tasted so sweet, his world spun in circles. Before Jethro had time to process, his tongue invaded her mouth, fingers gripping onto her rich red hair. His free arm wrapped itself around her waist, dragging her to her feet with him.

He'd lost.

But he'd do everything in his power to make sure Jenny got the victory spoils she deserved.s