A/N: The song referenced is "If You Want Me" by Michael Woods feat. Imogen Bailey.
Gillian gave the bouncer of the club a smile as he let her pass through the entrance. Walking through the club doors it returned to her lips again and with a deep breath she took in the scene before her.
She'd picked out the outfit she wore carefully, making sure to dress the part. At last she'd decided on a short, strapless hot pink dress that barely hit mid-thigh- one that showed off just the right amount of cleavage without coming off as unbecoming. Ruching tapered down the right side and she kept her jewelry simple to match. It was something she'd bought spontaneously for the occasion some years back after a fight with Alec had her old college friends dragging her out to a no-frills ladies night to dance and drink away her troubles. The silver stiletto heels were new acquired. She'd seen them on display in a shop window while walking down the street and she knew they'd do the job wonderfully. That he'd like them almost, if not more, than she did.
Gillian stepped up to the bar and positioned herself on one of the stools. She waved the head bartender over and ordered a mint julep, the smile still visible on her lips. Now all she had to do was play the waiting game.
Cal paid his cab fare and swung open the door to step out. He noted the long entry line and grumbled to himself. He felt uncomfortable trading in his jeans for slacks, but the color of his attire didn't stray from its usual somber palette. As he took his place in line and stood, his mind wandered to Gillian and if she was having any success finding the suspect in question.
Gillian still sat there, already on her second drink. She'd occupied her time playing lookout for the man she was supposed to find and get information on, a certain Trevor Triviani wanted by the FBI for charges of sex trafficking underage girls.
The Lightman Group was no longer working with the FBI, having parted on ill terms, but this particular case stuck with Cal. After their presentation he had urged them to take it. She hadn't pressed him as to why, but she could figure out it that it had definitely struck a nerve. No doubt the underlying motive had something to do with his fathering instincts towards Emily and his need to make the world even the smallest bit safer for her.
She decided to try a more direct approach, and flagged the head bartender over again. "Yes, ma'am?" he waited for her order.
"I'm looking for Mr. Trevor Triviani. I have some business to discuss with him," she emphasized. "Would you happen to know where I might be able to find him?" He met her question with an odd look, and without answering pulled another bartender aside to fill his position before disappearing around the corner.
Five minutes later a well-put together man who looked to be in his mid-30s walked up to where she sat. She stood up to greet him, taking notice of his eccentric taste in fashion; a gold-toned suit complimented by a silver tie that brought out the hazel color in his eyes. She mentally noted that if he wasn't committed to such a vile business, she might have felt some attraction.
"And to what do I owe the pleasure, Ms...?"
"Amanda. Amanda Burlington," she replied as she extended her hand.
"Trevor Triviani," he said and they shook. She didn't miss his eyes raking over her body and she masked her loathing for the sake of obligation.
"So what about this business you supposedly have with me? I don't think we've ever met before; I would have remembered it," he said with a slow smirk.
"I heard you're looking for new girls," she lowered her voice. "I'm in the business and thought you might be interested. I've got security connections at the airport, so smuggling them in is relatively easy."
"How did you find out about me?" She recognized the way the tone of his voice switched and became guarded.
"Oh, I thought you were well aware of the word going around. You must have some reputation, seeing as all my contacts gave me a firsthand recommendation to go to you before anybody else."
"I see," he nodded. "Well, Ms. Burlington- Amanda... May I call you Amanda?"
"Please," she beamed up at him in a manner only Cal would ever have noticed wasn't genuine.
"I need to excuse myself for a moment, but I hope you'll stay and join me for a dance later on."
"I appreciate your time, and I'd love to."
Her eyes followed him through the crowd, and she saw him vanish into one of the VIP rooms.
She repositioned herself back in her seat, and within a minute Cal was beside her.
"Bloody hell, that took forever." He tapped the table for service and dropped his weight onto the stool rather unceremoniously.
"I was beginning to think you wouldn't show," she took a long sip.
"I'll have a gin and tonic, thanks mate," he addressed the bartender and when he was out of earshot again, then focused his attention back to Gillian.
"I couldn't stand you up looking like that, love," Cal licked his lips.
"You don't look so bad yourself," she mused back.
"Bloody uncomfortable, this is." He tugged at his shirt a little. "So how are things faring?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Fairly well. We talked some business over. Said he'll be back for a dance later," she briefly summarized.
He gave her a slow once over, "I'm sure he will be."
Gillian could feel disdain in his off-hand remark. "You know, we haven't been out together since karaoke," she began.
"Nice little dive this is," Cal let his eyes travel around the open space.
"You're deflecting, Cal."
"Can we talk about it later? This isn't the time nor the place, love," his voice gravelly.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Trevor heading towards her. Gillian pushed herself away from the counter, and went over to meet him halfway.
"How about that dance now?" she questioned and glared back at Cal.
"How could I resist?" He lead her onto the dance floor. They moved closer together, and Trevor took the opportunity to probe.
"Who was the gentleman sitting next to you?" he questioned her cautiously.
"Oh, just an old lover," she gave a chuckle. "Things weren't working out well." At least that part was somewhat true. "You know, I'd like to forget about it. Make him a little jealous." She ended by putting herself in his personal space.
Trevor took the hint, and pulled her in. They established a reasonable pace to start off with, but his hands soon began to wander and she offered up no objections.
Cal's eyes narrowed at the scene before him. Gillian, his Gillian, the epitome of innocence and class in his mind, was anything but at the moment. Trevor's hands clutched her bottom, pulling her against him, and Gillian followed his lead, momentarily looking over to flash Cal a defiant look. He knew he had no right to be upset seeing her get close to another man for the job, but he couldn't hold back the anger washing over him. That she had left his side for another man wasn't what really burned him. No, it was the fact that this was no longer just an act for her, and that her face exuded pleasure in what she was doing with that wanker. Doing to him, he added bitterly.
He forced himself to look away, nursing his drink as he sunk into his thoughts. What had she done that was so much different from what he'd done to her with countless other women? he tried to reason with himself. Nothing, came the mental reply, and yet it was everything, wasn't it?
It was so easy for him to push her way by antagonizing her, but he had never expected the same treatment in return. In the back of his mind, he considered Gillian too good to sink down to his level. That she had had enough of his bullshit to pull this stunt was a little more than he could handle, and he didn't want to consider that it was his fault the pent up hurt he caused her more often than not was the likely source.
Gillian felt a vibration against Trevor's pants, and looked up at him in confusion. He cursed and suddenly pulled away, retrieving a cell phone from his pocket. "This damn well better be good," he mouthed into the receiver. The features of his face hardened, and she could see frustration and contempt barely concealed throughout the entire exchange. She stood there somewhat awkwardly, placing a hand upon his shoulder.
"My apologies," he said and returned the phone to his pocket. "I regret having to cut things short, but unfortunately I'm needed elsewhere and I must go now." He fished a card out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Here's my number. Give me a call when you have a chance. I'm definitely interested in what you have to offer... And you." The last part he emphasized by grazing her cheek with his hand. Then he strode away, leaving her standing there. She tried to hide her disgust and spun around, and was surprised to find herself face to face with Cal her instead.
"That was some show, Foster," his words came out almost like a hiss.
Gillian jammed the card down into his palm. "Here's the information. Are you ready to go?"
"Oh, eager to leave so soon now are we? What, I think in the very a least a dance from you wouldn't be uncalled for if it's really that damn easy to get under your dress," he insulted.
"Cal..." she warned, and raised her hand to slap him for the snide remark, but she held back and let her hand drop to her side. Her actions weren't without a hint of pity and something else he couldn't quite discern in her eyes.
But before he could dwell on it further, she said to him, "OK, have it your way. I'll give you a dance; just try to keep up." The corner of her lips rose into a smirk, and he could only think about how he wanted to wipe the smugness off her face.
The opening of another song rang out from the DJ's table, and Gillian took the lead, swaying with the beat. Her look signaled a challenge, and Cal played along, matching the rhythm she set.
You burnt your bridges I can see.
You're like a river flowing free,
missing something that you never lost.
She angled herself, pushing her back up against him and continued her motions without missing a beat.
New situation, breathe new life.
Make it happen, stand and fight.
Take your chances now don't count the cost.
Cal tentatively slinked his arms around her waist, but it wasn't enough for Gillian. At the end of the verse she daringly ground her hips into him to see what his reaction would be. She could feel Cal's whole body stiffen, and caught the small groan that escaped his lips. It persuaded her to repeat the motion, albeit a little slower. Then she broke away and spun around to face him, so she would be able to read the expression on his face.
If you're standing accused and you're lost and confused,
you don't have to take the blame.
When your life's rushing by
I'll lay there beside you.
I'll help you to ease the pain.
I know I could.
I know I would.
If you want me,
if you let me in, I could.
The sudden lack of her heat next to him was almost worse than the built up tension between them only seconds ago. The line was between them was dissolving, if only for tonight, and judging by the knowing look she gave him, it was Cal's turn to decide where things would lead next.
If you want me,
if you let me in, I could.
She parted her lips and her face shone under the lighting. She looked absolutely radiant and the outward desire and arousal she made no attempts to mask lit up her features. Dangerous though it was, it was also an invitation sexy as hell. He sensed that the dress, the heels, and everything else had been planned with him in mind. But something still held him back, and he went for a slower approach instead while he contemplated the situation before him.
You're running scared, I don't know why.
You're only seen through the naked eye.
If you reach out I will take your hand.
And so he reached out his hand to her, which she accepted without any reservations. Their eyes locked, and he twirled her around. Not the typical club dance move, but she graced him with a full smile as a reward; one that went all the way up to the corners of her eyes.
Gillian knew he was trying to fight for control, and gave him a chance to regain his composure. Cal returned her look from before, and her head nodded ever so slightly in acknowledgement. He pulled her close to him and she rested her head on his shoulder, relaxing her muscles.
I know you've got your quest to bare.
I'll take the weight, I'll take my share.
Let me show you how to live again.
The melody and words enveloped them and she closed her eyes, imagining that they were the only ones standing in the room. How ironic that such a cheap club number could spell out the complicated feelings between them so perfectly. Or maybe it really was that simple, she let herself think. She promised to just be content going with the flow for limited time they had left together like this.
If you're standing accused and you're lost and confused,
you don't have to take the blame.
When your life's rushing by you
I'll lay there beside you.
I'll help you to ease the pain.
I know I could.
I know I would.
If you want me,
if you let me in, I could.
If you want me,
if you let me in, I could.
The last lines of the song repeated over and over. Cal felt Gillian's mouth close to his ear, felt her hot breath on his neck, and his heart almost stopped as she whispered along to him, "If you want me, if you let me in, I could."