The One

by writing24

Michelle and Tony after season 2

1. Chapter 1

Adults only. I do not own 24. Michelle and Tony after season 2. I hope you enjoy:)

Tony could not believe the last couple of days he was having. After he had left the office he had gone home and slept for just a few hours before his little sister, Jo had turned up on his doorstep hysterical because she thought she might be pregnant. She had broken up with her boyfriend Ashton just a week earlier and when she had told him that she was late getting her period and had been feeling sick and thought she could be pregnant he had completely flipped out. She was only 19 years old and had no idea what to do. She had been living with Ashton but since their break-up had been crashing on friends couches and hadn't told her family yet what was going on.

Tony couldn't believe it. It had taken him 40 minutes just to get her to finally talk to him and tell him the situation. He felt like screaming and going crazy but he could see how terrified his little sister was and the last thing he wanted to do was make her feel worse. He was happy she felt comfortable enough to confide in him and come to him when something was wrong but this was not the type of problem he knew how to handle, he didn't even know where to start. She refused to allow him to call their mom yet. They had spent the best part of the last 30 minutes sitting almost in silence as they both tried to get their head around the situation and figure out what to do. She kept looking at him, begging with her eyes to make her feel better and help her but he had never felt so lost.

He had spent the last half hour thinking about calling Michelle. He had wanted to catch her before she left the office this morning and ask her to coffee but she had slipped out before he worked up the courage. Then he talked himself out of it when he got home, sure she would reject him after the hell he had put her through during the night. He had promised himself that when he woke up he would call her, he desperately wanted to check on her and know that she was ok. He hated even the thought of her being on her own after the day they had had and wanted to be the one that looked after her, he just didn't know how she felt. He figured that if he could sit here with his sister this hysterical and still not have a minute go past that he wondered and worried about Michelle that he must have fallen for her deeper then he had even admitted to himself yet. He told Jo he was going to call Michelle and ask for her advice. Jo knew all about Michelle and instantly bomb-barded him with questions about if something had happened between them. He told her it was complicated but that he trusted her more than anyone. They needed another woman's help on this and if she was going to let him call their mom then Michelle was the only other woman he would go to about this.

He picked up his phone and went to dial and then hung up. Could he really call her now, after everything that had happened and expect her to help him with something this personal? They hadn't even been for a coffee yet and he was going to call her asking for advice on how to handle his maybe pregnant little sister? He had to talk to her though, he had to hear her voice and know how she was going. He decided he would call and see how she sounded and then take it from there.

It rang a few times before she answered.

"Dessler...I mean, hello?"

Tony smiled a little. "Michelle, its Tony."

He could hear the surprise in her voice. "Hi Tony...how are you doing?"

"Umm ok, yeah, well...alright...I just..." He couldn't even get out a bloody sentence. This woman literally got him so flustered sometimes he couldn't think straight. He felt like an idiot.

He went to try again but she got in first, "What's wrong Tony, where are you?"

"Sorry. I'm at home. I'm here with my sister."

"Jo? Is she keeping you company?"

"Not exactly. I've got a problem Michelle and I know you have just had the day from hell and I don't even know if you want to talk to me after everything that happened but..."

"Why would you say that Tony? What's wrong?"

He stuck his head out his door and looked down the corridor to make sure Jo was still in the other room and out of hearing range. He closed his door and sat on the bed. "It's just...well she rocked up here a couple hours ago hysterical because she has broken up with her boyfriend and she thinks she might be pregnant..."

"Oh my god..."

"Tell me about it! She is only 19!" He could feel his blood beginning to boil again. He couldn't believe his sister had gotten herself into this situation.

Michelle's tone was soft and caring. "You said she thinks she is pregnant, does that mean she doesn't know for sure?"

"Yeah, that's the thing. She hasn't done a test yet, or seen a doctor. She hasn't got her...ummm..she's late getting her..."

Michelle smiled and helped him out, "Her period Tony?"

"Yeah, that thing. And she's been feeling sick in the mornings and I don't know she just seems convinced she is. But she won't talk to our mom about it yet and..." He laid back and slammed his head into the pillow, "Michelle, I don't know what the hell I am doing. I want to be supportive and look after her but I barely even know what to say. I'm doing everything I can not to just lose it here but I don't know how to handle this situation. I mean, of course I can go get her a test but I wouldn't even know what type and then what if she is? What do I do? What am I supposed to be saying or doing and..."

Michelle had never heard Tony so flustered before. She thought it was adorable. She cut him off, mainly to put him out of his own misery because it sounded like he was going to just keep rambling everything thought he had at the moment. "Hey hey...slow down, it's going to be ok. Just need to take this one step at a time..."

"I'm hopeless at this Michelle, I don't want to fuck up..."

"Don't say that Tony! You are amazing with dealing with hard situations..."

"Terrorists...terrorists I can handle...NOT my 19 year old sister being pregnant!"

She could tell he was getting more and more worked up. She hated hearing him upset like this and she wanted to be able to help him, be the one that calmed him down and made him feel better. "Tony, does Jo know you have told me?"

"Yeah...God, I am so sorry to have called and just dumped all of this on you Michelle. This is the last thing I should have done, you have enough to be trying to deal with..."

"I'm glad you called me Tony."

"You are?"

"Listen, do you want me to go and pick up a test for you guys and drop it over?"

She was so amazing to him. He couldn't believe it but he was actually smiling a little. Just hearing her say she was glad he had called her and offering to help out made his heart race a little. "I can't ask you to do that Michelle. You should still be sleeping..."

"I haven't slept yet Tony and I really don't mind."

"WHAT? Why haven't you slept? You must be exhausted!"

He could tell by the tone in her voice she was struggling. "I can't sleep."

He lowered his voice. "Oh Michelle. I'm sorry, I wanted to call you before, and I was worried about you going home on your own after everything that happened. What have you been doing?"

Her voice was a little jerky as she was trying to not start crying. "I don't know, just thinking. Cleaning...I just hate closing my eyes right now..."

Tony felt sick. "I feel like an asshole. You have just been through the worst 2 days of your life and I now called and put all this crap on you. I shouldn't have called you about this Michelle, I don't want you to..."

"No, seriously Tony, I am glad you did. I want to help. Let me at least just go get a test for you guys."

There was silence for a moment as Tony thought.

"Please?"

It sounded to Tony now like she almost wanted to help to probably distract herself. "Ok but I'll come and get you, I don't want you driving when you haven't slept for this long."

"I'm ok..."

"No. Not even up for negotiation. I really appreciate you helping me out here Michelle but I don't feel comfortable that you are safe driving so this is only going to work if you let me come and get you."

"Alright."

"Do you mind if Jo is with me? I don't think I should be leaving her on her own at the moment."

"Of course not."

"Ok, thanks Michelle, I really appreciate this. We will be there shortly."

When he hung up the phone he took a moment to let the conversation sink in. He was still smiling from just hearing her voice and thinking about getting to see her. He felt horrible that she hadn't slept and he was determined to help her feel better. He had no idea how he was going to do that but he promised himself that he would do anything in the world to make Michelle happy. If he wanted a real chance with her he had to show her that he could make her happy and look after her. He grabbed his jacket and made his way out to Jo and explained what they were going to do.

Tony and Jo tried to spend the drive over to Michelle's talking about everything else but what was going on. In the end, he spent most the time answering Jo's questions about Michelle and finally admitting to her that they had kissed. He stressed to her though that he had no idea how Michelle really felt about him and that things had gotten really hard for them at work after that and he just didn't know what was going on.

"Jo, I know you are really scared about what is going on at the moment and I promise you that I will do everything I can to support you. I just need you to be aware if...if things seem a little funny with Michelle, or something...that she has had a really horrific last 2 days and I'm not sure how she is feeling about it."

"God Tony, I feel bad. She shouldn't be dealing with my crap!"

"No, it's ok, she said she was happy to help and I think maybe it is a good distraction but I am just trying to warn you that she has to be hitting like 3 days of no sleep now. Not to mention I put her through hell at work and we both lost colleagues...friends, yesterday and so if Michelle or I seem uptight or stressed or whatever it is because of all of that. Am I even making sense?"

"Yes Tony. I am sorry that it sounds like you guys have been through a lot and I am sorry I have just added to your stress..."

"You're my little sister Jo, I am always here for you no matter what else is going on, ok?"

"Thanks bro."

He smiled a little, "I'm glad Michelle is coming cause I really have to say I don't know what I am doing here."

Jo laughed. "Ya know you totally blush every time you even mention Michelle! I am actually very excited to finally meet this woman that has been driving my brother up the wall for over a year now."

"She's incredible." He said it loud enough for Jo to hear but it was almost like he was talking to himself.

When they pulled up, Michelle was already waiting outside. She went to jump in the car but Tony told Jo to wait a moment and jumped out. He ran around to Michelle and gave her a hug straight away. He felt her wrap her arms around him tightly and it felt so good he couldn't believe it.

"Hey." He whispered into her ear.

"Hey."

When he pulled back out of the hug he could see her eyes were a little watery. She had jeans and a sweatshirt on with her hair flowing all over the place. She was stunning and he loved seeing her in casual clothes. She took his breath away. "You ok?"

She nodded her head but he could tell she was close to tears. "Just good to see you Tony."

He smiled. "You have no idea how good it is to see you. Come get in, meet Jo."

Jo had climbed into the back seat and Tony opened the door for Michelle. He introduced them both as she climbed in. Within minutes of being on the road the 2 girls were already chatting and having a good laugh. Tony couldn't believe it. Michelle had a way of making anyone feel comfortable and happy in her presence.

"Thank you so much for coming and helping Michelle, I hope you don't mind that Tony called you."

"I am glad he called and it is nice to finally meet you Jo."

"You too. Do you ummm...I mean...do you know what type of test I am meant to get?"

Michelle could feel Tony's eyes trained on her. Like he was studying her reaction to the question. She knew he was wondering if she had ever had to buy one of these before. "There are a million different types to pick. My suggestion would be for us to get a couple different ones, different brands."

"I just can't believe I am having to do this. I don't know what I am going to do if it says yes. This is just the...I am in so much trouble..."

"Hey hey Jo, you have to take this one step at a time. I know you are probably feeling completely overwhelmed at the moment but you have to try and just concentrate on the things that are within your control. Tony and I are both here with you and we will make sure you are ok. Even if the tests says yes, you still need to go and see a doctor first thing tomorrow morning."

"Really?"

"Yes, they will do a blood test and make sure 100%. But let's not even worry about that bit until we know. First thing is to do the at home test. How many days late are you? If you don't mind me asking?"

Jo shook her head. "This is my 9th day late and I am never late! I've been feeling crappy and being sick in the mornings the past few days as well."

By this point Michelle was turned around in her seat talking to Jo. Jo was tearful. "I was careful...Tony I know you don't even want to be hearing about this stuff but I want you guys to know I did the right thing. I was being responsible..." She started to really sob. Michelle took her hand and squeezed it.

"Sometimes it doesn't matter how careful you are, it can still happen. But you can't give yourself a hard time about it Jo. You did everything you could to do the right thing."

Tony told Jo that he would support her no matter what. She was right, he was cringing on the inside hearing about all this. He hated the thought of any guy touching his sister. She would always be his little sister in his mind and the idea that she was even old enough now to be having sex made him feel weird. He tried to keep a straight face though, he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. As he watched Michelle hold her hand, comfort and talk to her, he fell even more in love with her. He had never known any woman that would be as caring and comforting as Michelle was being. Considering this was the first time they had met and she wasn't even his girlfriend, she was showing him and his family more respect and support than any woman in his past ever had. That blew him away and he decided on the spot she was the one. He tried to keep his eyes on the road but he couldn't help but steal as many glances at her as he could. He wanted her to be holding his hand right now and as petty as it seemed, he almost felt jealous that is wasn't him getting to hold hands with her right now. He spent the rest of the drive listening to Jo tell Michelle all about Ashton and what a dick the guy was.

They pulled up and all 3 of them piled out of the car. When they found the right section, Tony and Jo stood back and a little and let Michelle scope out the selection. When Michelle noticed what they were doing she turned to Tony and laughed a little, "Don't you want to look as well?"

"I don't know which one?"

"Umm neither do I Tony, I've never bought one before either."

She smiled inside when she saw him grin a little at hearing that. As he stepped forward she bent down and started looking, "Why don't we get 2 or 3 different brands? They all seem to promote detection at different stages and claim they are like 99% accurate."

Jo started to pick a couple different ones up. "Yeah ok."

In the end, Jo and Michelle picked out 3 different tests whilst Tony stood there looking extremely uncomfortable and stressed by the whole situation. He was just glad Michelle was there to be helping Jo with this. He hated to picture her doing this alone. Tony paid for them and before they knew it they were walking back into his apartment.

Michelle pulled out all the instructions and went through them and then explained it all to Jo. It was extremely simple but she could tell that Jo was so flustered that she was having trouble concentrating. Jo needed someone to be taking control of the situation and guiding her through it. Michelle sent her off to the bathroom armed with everything and told her that she and Tony would wait for her in the next room. Jo told them she would be a few minutes, she just wanted a moment alone to think first and then she would do it. They told her they would be ready when she was ready.

Once Jo had left the room, Tony and Michelle were left standing in his living room. Tony felt himself become a little nervous again. "I can't thank you enough, you have been amazing with Jo..."

"I haven't done anything."

"Yes, believe me, you have. We were basically sitting here in silence before because we just didn't know what the hell to do. She's talking to you and I can tell she is so relieved to have our support. And you have saved my ass because I was freaking out beyond belief."

"Are you going to be ok if it is positive Tony?"

He shook his head and half laughed in a sad way, "No! Seriously, what is this going to mean Michelle? She is only 19. A kid herself! Not to mention the father is the world's biggest loser. She has just started college."

"I don't know Tony, I just know that if you think about how freaked out you are feeling, times that by about a million and that's how Jo will be feeling. So, no matter what, we have to be calm and do everything we can do help her stay calm and supported. And from what you have said, your parents are amazing, they will be a huge help as well."

"Yeah, you are right. We will get through it."

As he stared at Michelle he could see how tired she was. Her eyes were red and dark. She had her arms wrapped around her body as though she was cold. He put his hand out and nervously slid it across her shoulder and pulled her in to his body. "Are you cold?"

"I'm ok."

"You must be exhausted."

"I'm ok."

He pulled back and looked at her. "You can tell me Michelle. I'm exhausted and I got a few hours sleep before. How are you feeling...really?"

She looked down. "Just a bit...I don't even know Tony. I don't know how to get my head around everything. I'm just so so sorry for everything."

"What? What are you sorry for?"

"Everything! I'm sorry for everything. I didn't want to let you down yesterday, or get you upset, or in trouble. I should've done things so differently and I should have been better at..."

He couldn't let her continue. He was shocked at every word coming out of her mouth. He hated that he hadn't made her feel more supported, made her feel like she should be so proud of everything she had done. "Hey...hey, stop. I can't believe you are saying any of that. You have it so wrong. Look at me Michelle."

Her head waivered a little but stayed down. He could see her eyes were becoming watery. "Hey, look at me Chelle. I am so proud of you. The country would be at war if it wasn't for you. You were amazing yesterday. Look at me Chelle..."

She lifted her eyes a little. She shook her head and started to wipe her eyes, her voice was quiet and broken. "No, I can't...I can't...I'm going to cry Tony."

He wrapped his arms around her and tried to pull her in close. "That's ok. Cry Chelle, let it out. I am here for you...you are not alone. You can't keep this in and you don't need to try and be strong."

She put her hands on his chest. She looked like she was about to completely fall apart but was fighting it so hard. He had never seen her look so vulnerable and it broke his heart. "I can't...Jo is going to be out in a minute and we need to be here for her. I'll be ok, really."

"I don't care, I am worried about you. You need to let this out..."

"No, you are the last person I should be coming to about all this..."

That stopped Tony dead in his tracks. He felt shocked and hurt. "Why? Why am I the last person?"

"Because you..."

He had so much built up frustration and fear that he couldn't help but raise his voice a little and become defensive straight away. "Because I let you down? You are angry with me!"

She looked surprised by him. "No, that's not what I meant at all..."

"Why would I be the last when I think I should be the first? I know I let you down but you have to give me a chance to show you..."

"It's not any of that. You don't get it Tony! I already fell apart in front of yesterday. Right when I should have been strong I showed you how weak I am and now when you have so much else to be worried about, you are the last person I should be burdening with how I am feeling."

He couldn't believe how little she understood how much he cared for her. That she could even think for a second she would be a burden to him. He was angry at himself for letting her feel this way. "I can't believe you think that way. Don't you know how good you made me feel that you did let me hold you yesterday? That you opened yourself up and allowed yourself to be that way with me. Don't you get how special that moment was Chelle?"

"Y..yeah but..."

"You kissed me...you let me kiss you, you let me be that person and now you are going to shut me out?"

She stared at him, unsure of what to say. She was a little caught off guard that he spoken about their kiss, that he seemed so upset and hurt. "I don't want to Tony."

"Then DON'T!"

She used her hands on his chest to push him back a little. Finally tears started to roll down her cheeks. "You don't get it. I'm scared...I nearly lost you yesterday..."

He didn't let her push him back, instead he grabbed her hands to stop them and then he wrapped his arms around her pulling her into his body so tightly. It was so intense between them and they both felt so raw and so ready to completely fall apart. He held the back of her head pushing it into his chest. "I'm here sweetheart, I'm here. We are both safe and we are going to get through this." He could feel her hands were by her side. "Hold me Chelle, let me in...please."

She wrapped her arms around him and held him so tightly. He let out a sigh of relief. They stood just holding each other for a couple of minutes. A few times one of them would latch on even harder and the other one would hold on tighter as well. There was so much to say, for both of them but it was almost so overwhelming neither one of them knew where to even start. Michelle just wished this moment would never end, this was the safest and most comfortable she had felt in days and she needed Tony's strength right now.

Tony had almost forgotten everything else that was going on he was so wrapped up in holding Michelle and being so close to her. He was still a little stunned over what had just happen with them. They way she had gone to push him away but he had caught her and she had finally allowed herself to fall into his arms had been a very intense and emotional moment and it had made him realise how much there was between them. She felt so good in his arms, she fit perfectly, she smelled amazing and he was so ready to kiss her. However the sound of Jo screaming from the next room bought them both crashing back to reality and they jumped apart.

The door flung open and Jo stood there holding up 2 tests. She wailed, "I'm pregnant!"

Tony and Michelle both ran to her. She threw herself into Tony's arms and he held her and just let her cry for a couple of minutes. Both he and Michelle soothed her and repeated that she would be ok and that they would help her get through this. Eventually she began to calm down and pulled back out of the hug. She looked exhausted and emotionally drained.

Once things had calmed down a little, Tony made them all a coffee and they sat in the living room talking. They went over and over the situation, just allowing Jo to vent and work through the million thoughts going through her head. She had a couple of moments where there was a flash of excitement of being a mother. She had always loved the idea of having children, just not this young. They agreed that they would take her to the doctors the following day and then have their parents over the following night for dinner and Tony would help her tell them then. Their parents would be good about it, they would be shocked of course but they were nothing but loving and supportive and Jo knew once they got over the initial shock they would be there for her.

By 2am Jo was all talked out and falling asleep on the couch. Tony told her to go to sleep in his spare room. Jo hugged Michelle for a long time thanking her for everything. She knew that Michelle was the main reason Tony was handling this so well and she had been so good to her all night that she figured she would forever be in debt to her. They had barely even known each other for a day and yet Jo already felt so close to Michelle.

Once the door was closed and it was just the 2 of them again, Tony stood staring in the doorway and Michelle started to get off the couch.

"I'll never be able to thank you enough for what you did for us today Michelle. You were amazing, you kept me sane and got me through it and the support you gave us both was...well you are a life saver!" He smiled.

"Any time Tony. Jo is great and I know she will be just fine. It might be rough for awhile but she will get through this ok." She took a few steps closer to him. "I'd better go and let you get some sleep and..."

"You're leaving?"

The way he was so direct made her heart flutter a little. She wasn't used to this. They had spent a year so obviously caring for each other but working so hard to keep things professional that to even be standing in his apartment at 2 in the morning was strange enough to get her head around never mind him now so clearly asking her to stay the night. Of course she wanted to stay, in fact she figured she would completely fall apart if she had to go home and be on her own without him now but she was full of hesitation and fear. Between exhaustion, fear, confusion and self confidence she really didn't understand how Tony felt about her or what he wanted with her. She knew she loved him more than she thought it possible. That was almost the scariest part of this whole thing, that for every second she was with him she fell a little harder for him and yet she kept convincing herself he wouldn't feel the same way back.

"I...I don't have anything."

"So sleep in one of my t-shirts."

"What about..."

He took the final few steps until they were standing next to each other. He was so nervous his hands were shaking. "Stay with me Chelle. I can't stand the thought of you being alone and not sleeping. I don't want to push you or make you uncomfortable but I want you to stay."

She couldn't help the little grin from spreading across her face. "I want to stay, I will stay."

He got such a rush from the cheeky little grin on her face that he surprised himself more than her when he bent down and lifted her up into his arms and started to carry her towards his bedroom. She let out a little scream in shock and they both started laughing. It felt good, really good to laugh. He kicked his bedroom door closed behind him with his foot and set her down on the bed, keeping her in his arms. His voice was deep and husky as he whispered, "I only have one spare room here so unless you're going to kick me to the couch you are just going to have to let me hold you all night."

She pretended to think about it, "Ummm...do you snore?"

He had a huge grin. "Yes, probably."

"Do you steal the blankets?"

"Yes."

"Well then, how can I refuse all that?"

He trailed his hand up to her cheek. "I don't think you can but I can promise you this..."

"What"

"You won't know I'm snoring because I'll only be asleep if I know you are sound asleep and I'm going to wrap you up so tight in my arms that I'll keep you warm all night."

Michelle stopped laughing and stared into his eyes. "You are so amazing, thank you."

He leaned in and ever so softly kissed just below her ear. "Did you know that in the middle of the whole world falling apart, you make me smile? And when I see you smile, I am so happy I can barely think straight." He could hear her let out a little gasp at his words but before she had a chance to respond he closed his lips over hers and kissed her. He was still shaking a little out of nerves until he felt her run her hands through his hair and pull him in even closer. He groaned a little in relief and lust before leaning into her a little so that he could push her body down onto the bed.

Michelle felt like she was in heaven. She had dreamed a million times about finally being in this position with Tony and now to feel his body slowly pushing down into hers was amazing. She could feel his stubble was scratching her skin a little and when he trailed his fingers from her neck down her arm she couldn't help let out a sigh. She nearly died of embarrassment when this made him hesitate a little and look at her. The embarrassment quickly faded though when she could clearly tell this had only turned him on even more and he kissed her even more passionately back.

She was about to run her hands down his back when she heard Jo crying pretty hysterically from the next room. Tony mustn't have heard it yet because he kept going but when it got even louder she pushed him back up. "Tony, that's Jo. She is crying pretty bad. We have to go to her."

He closed his eyes and groaned. He started to sit back. She jumped up ready to dash into the next room. When she could hear he wasn't right behind her she looked back at him. He was sitting on the bed, completely red. "What's wrong?"

His voice was a little shaky he was so nervous. "Ummm...I just need a minute before I can get up."

Michelle looked at his lap and could see how obvious it was at how turned on he had become that made her blush and she could see he went even more red when she realised what he was talking about. She gave him a cheeky smile. "I'll go, its ok."

"Thanks, I'll be right behind you." He lowered his head and tried to think of anything else in the world but Michelle.

Michelle found Jo in the hallway holding her phone. As soon as she saw Michelle she ran into her arms. "I phoned Mom and Dad, I couldn't help it. I just started freaking out again and I thought you guys were asleep and I didn't know what to do and I just needed to talk to my mom..."

Michelle rubbed her back. "That's ok. How was your mom? Did you tell her?"

"Yeah, they are both on their way over. They took it better than I thought but I told mom I needed to see her and both her and Dad are going to come over. Do you guys mind?"

Michelle shook her head, "No, not at all. Whatever you need right now, you have to do."

Tony was now standing behind them. He was surprised that Jo had called their mom but then he remembered just how young Jo was still and how much she depended on her parents. He was relieved that his mom knew now. The 3 of them started to make their way back into the living room.

"I'm sorry I woke you guys up."

Tony started to make a coffee for them all. "No you didn't, besides it is ok Jo. I told you, we are here for you whenever you need us."

Michelle heard her cell ringing from the next room. She looked at her watch, it was nearly 3am. Her heart sank as she knew it could only be CTU calling at this hour. She raced for it. Tony watched her run for the phone and he cursed under his breath. There was no way in hell he wanted Michelle going into work at the moment. She was beyond exhausted and she had not dealt with the last couple days at all yet. He took the drinks over to the living room.

A minute later Michelle returned and stood in doorway. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. Tony went over to her. "What is it? What did they want?"

She didn't have a chance to answer before hi door went. Jo jumped up to answer it. Their mom and Dad, Shelley and Josh didn't even make it through the doorway before Jo was hugging them. Shelley held her tight and tried to soothe her that everything was going to be ok. She looked over Jo's shoulder at Michelle and Tony who were standing behind them. She smiled and then pulled out of the hug. Tony introduced Michelle to his parents. Shelley hugged Tony and then hugged Michelle thanking her for helping her daughter out so much and then told her how nice it was to finally meet her. Josh did the same.

Michelle let them get settled inside before turning to Tony. "I don't mean to be rude and I am so sorry but I have to go to work for a little bit."

Tony was shaking his head. "No way. Who was that that called you and what do they want?"

"It was Ryan. You know that Stiller case we have been working on? Apparently the head guy, Samuel was spotted at a bar. I'm the undercover placement so they need me to go there and see if I can talk to him..."

"Fuck that. There is no way in hell you are doing that now Chelle."

"I have to Tony. Ryan said I have to be there in a few minutes."

Tony grabbed his cell phone and saw the battery was dead and it was switched off. He grabbed Jo' cell phone and called Ryan.

"Ryan what's going on?"

"I've been trying to call you Tony. We have a lead on David James. I have just spoken to Michelle and she is going to go in undercover for us with Luke and Armond."

"I don't want Michelle going in Ryan. You need to find someone else."

"What the hell are you talking about Tony? Michelle is the one that has been working this case. We have been waiting months for this."

"Ryan, Michelle has been through hell the last few days, not to mention she hasn't had a day off in weeks. She is exhausted and still hasn't slept. We need to find someone else."

"Look Tony, I just spoke to Michelle and she said she would be here. I know how you feel about her but that doesn't mean you get to choose what she does or doesn't do. She would have had a chance to sleep today and she can go straight home to bed after..."

"She didn't though Ryan, she hasn't been able to..." He stopped himself, knowing he had completely just given away that he had been with Michelle but he didn't really care at this point. His heart was racing at the thought of Michelle going undercover trying to get to Samuel. He was a very dangerous man.

"I'm really sorry Tony but this has to be the way it is. I was trying to call you because I want you in there as well. Michelle will be fine she will have plenty of back-up."

Michelle stood there stunned along with Jo, Josh and Shelley as they listened to Tony argue with Ryan. She couldn't believe how angry Tony was and how openly he was sticking up for her like this. Whilst she really appreciated what he was doing for her, she knew that Ryan wouldn't cave. His family were shocked, they had never seen Tony in 'work mode' before and they had certainly never seen him so openly emotional about a woman before.

Finally Tony slammed the phone shut. "That fucking bastard. He won't listen to a damn word. What does he think we are all fucking robots or something and can just function 24 hours a day with no sleep?" He looked at Michelle. "I don't want you to do this, you can just say No Michelle."

"How can I Tony? I'll get in so much trouble. Besides, they really don't have anyone else to do it. I'll be alright..." She thought would cry if she stood there continue to argue and so she started to make her way down the hall to get her things.

Tony stood shaking his head and swearing under his breath. Shelley put her hand on his shoulder. "What's going on Tony?"

"They want us to go in NOW undercover at a bar. They want Michelle to try and get close to this guy we have been tracking for months and see if she can get information from him."

"Will you be there with her though? She will have back up to make sure she is ok right?"

"It's not the point mum." He looked to make sure Michelle couldn't hear although he was speaking so loud the people next door would be able to hear. "Do you get what this means? They want Michelle to pretend like she likes this guy to get his attention. He is one of the sickest, violent men in the world. Do you know what he could do to her? Besides, Chelle hasn't slept for nearly 3 days. She is exhausted!"

Michelle made her way back down the hall. "Tony, I don't have my car..."

"I'll drive you. I am coming as well. They were trying to call me but my phone was dead."

She nodded her head. "Ok."

"Mom and Dad, you can stay here with Jo right? We will hopefully only be gone for a couple hours."

"Of course."

Tony grabbed his wallet and jacket. He pleaded with Michelle one last time. "Please Chelle. I'll talk to Ryan, we have to be able to sort something else out. You are too tired, you can't do this."

"I'm not going to mess it up Tony if that is what you are worried about. I know I haven't slept but I can manage this."

"That's not what I mean at all." They stared at each other for a moment before Michelle started to head towards the door. She said goodbye to Jo and Shelley and told them she would see them soon. Tony did the same and then followed her out the door.

The car trip was spent in silence at the start. Michelle nervous and trying to keep it together and Tony fuming and trying to work out how to handle the situation. He could see that she was doing everything she could to appear as though she was alright but he knew her well enough to see straight through it. Finally he couldn't help himself, "You know what this guy is going to expect from you right? If you get close to him it is because he is going to expect you to be with him."

Michelle turned her head and stared out the window. "What do you want me to say here Tony? You were one of the ones that helped put this case together. I'm just going to have to deal with whatever comes up, the same as would be expected from any other agent in this position."

"So you could handle some fucking asshole putting his hands all over you, sticking his tongue down your throat, making you..."

"Stop it Tony! Stop it! As if I want any of that. What do you want from me?"

"I want you to stop pretending that you are fine. You always think you have to be strong and handle everything that gets thrown at you."

"But I do! What kind of agent would I be if I fell apart over everything that happened? Besides I don't have anyone that understands what goes on in my life to go to..."

"You have me!"

Michelle sighed. "Yes, but all of this has only just happened with us. I don't know what you are really thinking, what you really want. God Tony tonight was the first night I have even really spent outside of work with you."

"I know." He lowered his head. He didn't really know what it was he expected from Michelle. He felt so over protective of her and he hated the thought of anything ever happening to her. It had been hard enough the past year, loving her from a distance but now that he had actually kissed her, held her he had fallen so deep that the thought of anything happening to her was almost too much to bare.

Everything happened so fast when they arrived at CTU. Tony got dragged off to another room to be run through everything that was happening. He would be in charge of the unit going in. Michelle was taken off to get changed into a suitable outfit.

Michelle had been given a tight, very short skirt and an extremely revealing to put on. She felt humiliated walking out into the office in it. She could feel everyone's on her and she hated it. The second Tony saw her she could see his eyes bulge out of his head and anger spread across his face. He crossed the bull pen and pulled his jacket off and wrapped it around Michelle. Roy the guy that had given Michelle the clothes was right behind her. "Are you fucking kidding me Roy? I am not sending Michelle into a bar full of drunken men looking like that. Everyone is going to be all over her...this is ridiculous."

"It's all we have Tony that fits Michelle. Besides, I was told to find something that would draw a lot of attention to her."

Tony went to argue again but Michelle stopped him. "Tony, please don't. Everyone is already staring at me, don't make it any worse."

Roy had walked off by this point, quick to get out of Tony's firing range.

"Sorry Chelle...I just...you can't seriously be comfortable in that and..."

"Of course I'm not, I feel like a fucking slut. I know you think I look disgusting but Roy said they didn't have anything else..."

He shook his head and leaned in a little closer. "You look far from disgusting Michelle. You are stunning, too stunning, that's my problem, I don't want everyone getting to see you like that." He couldn't help but look at her cleavage; he had never seen her like this before. It was close to impossible not to touch her. He felt jealous of other men seeing her like this. Although he knew that Michelle was not his girlfriend and he had no idea what was going on between them, in his mind, she was his and he wasn't prepared to share her with anybody.

Michelle blushed at Tony's comment. He had never said anything like that to her before and it caught her off guard. She could see him staring at her, on one hand it was a little embarrassing but on the other it felt nice to know he was clearly checking her out. "If you have something else I can wear, I will but if you don't please don't say anything else, everyone is already staring and I feel so embarrassed."

He stood in front of her and did the jacket up. He didn't care who was watching them and how obvious he was being about his feelings for her. If anything maybe it was a good thing and all the other guys in the office would get the message to back off.

20 minutes later they were pulling up to the bar. They were all briefed on the way in. Basically there were the 4 of them going in, Luke, Armond, Tony and Michelle. The men were there to keep an eye on Michelle and try their best to talk to anybody that was there with David and get whatever information they could. Luke, Armond and Tony went in first as though they were a group and then Michelle followed a few minutes later.

David was sitting with a few friends knock back drinks. Tony watched as David noticed Michelle the second she walked through the door. His heart sank. She didn't even make it over to the bar before some other random guy went over to her and started talking. This was like Tony's worst nightmare. To have to sit and watch Michelle get hit on by a pile of different men and there was nothing he could do about it. He saw Luke smile when David got straight up and stood next to Michelle at the bar, "Shit, he didn't waste any time."

Tony could feel the lump in his throat getting bigger and bigger. "Yeah, not surprised. Keep a close eye on them guys, I don't want this getting out of control."

Michelle couldn't believe David had approached her so quickly. He was about 10 years older than her and a huge guy. He was well over 6 foot and his arms were bigger then one of her thighs. She felt intimidated immediately. She took some deep breaths and told herself over and over that she would be ok, she had the other guys here to protect her. He offered to buy her a drink and she accepted. As soon as they were given their drinks he led her over to a couch on the other side of the room away from his friends.

"So what's a pretty thing like you doing here at this time of night?"

Michelle tensed up when he put his hand on her knee. "I ummm...I just finished work and needed to unwind."

"Where do you work?"

"I work at a bar across town. What about you?"

"I'm a buyer."

"Of what?"

David shook his head and leaned in a little closer to her. "Let's not talk about work. I'm more interested in getting to know you."

Michelle wanted to cringe. This guy wasn't wasting any time. She needed to get him talking though or else this would all be pointless. "What do you want to know?"

He licked his lips. "How old are you?"

"24."

"Nice. And are you here alone?"

"Yes, well I am now. A friend is going to meet me shortly."

"What kind of friend?"

Michelle forced a smile, "Just a girlfriend."

"So you are single?"

"Yes. What about you?"

"Tonight I am." He laughed and ran his hand up her leg.

Michelle put her hand on top of his to stop him. It had been a natural reflex action. He looked pissed. She tried to ease the situation. "Sorry, I don't mind...I guess I am just a little use to getting to know a little more about someone first."

He kept his hand there and squeezed her leg a little. "Alright, if that makes you feel better about yourself. What do you want to know?"

"I don't know. Just tell me a bit more about yourself. How do you send your time? Are you from here?"

It was so clear he was just answering her questions so he could get on with making his moves. "I was born and raised in LA. I travel a lot with work. Work is my life really, so when I am not working I like to be able to relax and unwind a little if you get my drift."

Michelle gave him a flirty smile. "I do. What do you mean by a buyer? Do you run your own company or something to work so much? You have a very nice suit on so I assume you must be doing well."

He laughed as she had clearly stroked his ego. "Yes I have my own company. I don't like to work for anyone else. We buy umm...stock for other companies and trade. It is very complicated to get into right now. Maybe I can explain it to you a little more in depth next time..."

"You want there to be a next time"

His hand slid a little higher and squeezed her again. "Well let's see how we go but yes, I like you. Actually I have a little client luncheon on Sunday, you can come as my date..."

"Wow...that would be nice."

His expression became serious for a moment. "As long as you understand that you are there to be seen and not heard. You may talk with the other women there but the business stays between the men. It might be nice to have a little company there, I am sick of going to these things alone."

Michelle played with his tie, "It must get a little lonely sometimes travelling and working so much."

He smiled again. "Now you are getting it. Yes, it sure can but I think you can help me out with that." He looked at his watch and seemed to become annoyed.

"What's wrong?"

"I have a fucking conference call shortly that I have to attend."

"At this time?"

"I have clients overseas." He leaned forward and kissed her on the neck. "But I would like to think you will make it up to me on Sunday..."

She wanted to vomit as he kissed the side of neck. He smelt disgusting. His hand on her thigh actually hurt he was holding her tightly. "Yes...whatever you want." She wanted to talk to Tony and find out if there was anything else she should try and ask or do before this guy left. "Umm...can you excuse me for 1 minute so that I can go to the bathroom? Do you have time, I will be very quick."

He looked angry but raised his hand and brushed her off to go. 'What a pig' she thought to herself as she got up and made her way to the bathrooms. As she past Tony she quickly motioned to him that she was heading to the bathrooms, he nodded that he understood, waited a few moments and then followed her there.

As soon as they were around the corner in privacy she wanted to throw her arms around him but she couldn't, they didn't have time, "Hey, I just have a second because he is about to leave. He has asked me to join him at a work lunch the day after next. Is there anything else you want me to do or ask before he goes?"

"Not that I can think of. Anything you can about who is, or who is going to be there. Are you ok?"

"I just want to get out of here. He is making me feel sick Tony..."

"I know, you have done amazing. It is almost over."

"OK, just wanted to check, I better get back."

He ran his arm across her shoulders, "You are doing great Chelle, and we will be out of here in a few minutes."

They both turned to start walking back when out of nowhere David rounded the corner and came face to face with the both of them. Tony still had his arm across her shoulders and he tried to drop it down as quickly as he could but it was too late, they were face to face with David and he was glaring at them.

David greased Michelle off, "Didn't take you long, you slut. Who the fuck is this?"

Michelle took a side step from Tony, "No one, just an old friend I bumped to on my way back to you."

"Don't give me that shit, he had his hand on you. You little slut..."

Tony put his hands up, "Hey hey, it's fine. She is just a friend ok buddy? I'm out of here." He pushed past them both and started to walk away. He hoped to god David would just drop it. He walked slowly, trying to keep an eye on Michelle for as long as possible.

David stared at Michelle for moment before raising his hand and slapping her across the face. Tony saw and rushed back over to them. "What the fuck did you do that for?"

David looked at him and then motioned to 2 men that we now walking up behind Tony. "What's it to you?"

"She is an old friend! Nothing happened, you didn't need to do that."

David laughed, "She's a fucking hooker you prick, she deserves everything she gets. Now fuck off."

Tony stopped for a second. He knew he was close to blowing their cover but he wasn't prepared to walk away now knowing that there was a good chance David was going to keep beating Michelle. "Just leave her alone."

David nodded his head at the 2 men behind Tony, Tony turned to see who and what he was nodding at but barely turned all the way around before getting punched in the face by one of the men. He rebounded quickly, stood straight back up and punched the guy back. Within seconds it had turned into a full on fight. Luke had come to check on Tony and Michelle, saw what was going on and jumped in to help Tony.

Michelle was doing her best to fight the tears but couldn't help a couple running down her check. When she saw Tony shoved to the ground she instinctively went to help him but David grabbed her and pushed her into the bathrooms.

Before she knew what was happening, he had pinned her up against the wall. He pushed her so hard that her back slammed into something attached to the wall and it sent pain shooting through her body.

"Why did you have to hurt that guy? He didn't do anything."

"Forget about him, he should have minded his own business." He used his body to keep her pinned and his hands to hold her cheeks. He kissed her roughly and stuck his tongue down her throat. She almost gagged. She pulled back a little, "What are you doing?"

"Don't play games slut. You know exactly what I want." He ran his hand down under her skirt and grabbed at her.

Michelle didn't want to blow the whole situation but she also couldn't handle what was happening. "But, you're hurting me..."

He eased off for a second and pulled his hand back. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a pile of $100 bills. "I'm sure you could do with a little extra cash. What is your usual rate?"

Michelle couldn't believe this guy thought she was a hooker. It caught her off guard and she fumbled a little, "I umm...ahh...usually $100 an hour."

He put his hand up her shirt and snapped her bra open. Within moments he was roughly holding her. She could feel how hard he was as he pushed himself against her. She wanted to burst into tears. "Well I'll triple it. In fact...you do this lunch with me on Sunday and then we can have a little one on one time and I'll pay you a $1000 for the afternoon."

Michelle couldn't find any words, she was afraid if she opened her mouth she would burst into tears. So she nodded her head in agreement.

He slapped her across the face and she dropped to the ground. He kicked her in the side and then knelt down over her. "Next time you can act a little more grateful." He grabbed her chin and made her look up at him. "You think you can do that?"

She was so winded it was hard to speak but she gave it everything she had. "Yes, sorry. That would be amazing, that is very generous of you."

He smiled. He was sick, he got off on having power of people like this. He kissed her again on the mouth. "Make sure you cover that eye."

She went to nod her head again but caught herself. "Yes sir. Where do I go and what time do you want me there?"

"It is at my house in the hills." He pulled out a card from his wallet, turned it over and wrote his address on the back of it. He shoved it into her hand. "Be there at 1." With that he stood and walked out of the bathroom.

Tony and Luke had managed to overpower the 2 men and after knocking one of them completely out cold, the other put his hands up and backed off. Tony and Luke stood back, Tony was frantically looking for Michelle. She had disappeared when he was on the floor and he didn't even know which direction they went in. One of the men helped the other off the floor and then they both ran off down the hall. Tony looked at Luke. "Did you see where David took Michelle?"

Luke shook his head.

Tony slammed his hand against the wall. "You go that way, I'll check in the bathrooms."

As he pulled the door to the bathrooms open, Sam was just walking out. David looked shocked as all hell to see Tony standing there like that. Knowing that Tony must have beaten his 2 men, he pushed past him and ran down the hall as quick as he could. Tony let him go, he opened the door again, this time to Michelle about to walk out. He double checked David was gone before reaching out to take her hand, "Chelle..."

She looked up at him. Immediately he saw her eye was red and swollen. "Mother fucker."

Michelle looked at Tony and could see a black eye forming and a bit of bruising on his cheek. "Are you ok Tony?"

He nodded his head. "I'm fine, don't even worry about me." His body was aching like hell but he tried to just ignore it. None of that mattered, all that mattered was knowing that she was ok. "What did he do to you Michelle?"

Michelle kept walking, she pushed past Tony. "Nothing, forget it. I want to go home NOW."

"Hey, hey, it's me Chelle, it's Tony. What's happened?"

She wouldn't stop walking. He tried to stop her by putting his arms around her waist but she almost fell to the ground and let out a sob of pain. He was horrified. "Can we go Tony? I'm begging you to get me out of here now."

He had to help steady her. "Ok, ok we are leaving now." He spoke into his mouth piece and told the other guys to meet him and Michelle out the side entrance and to have the van pulled up. "I'm so sorry Michelle."

He checked again that he couldn't see David before holding the side door open for her and letting her out. As soon as they hit the street the van pulled up and they all piled back in. They were all basically silent as they let the events that had occurred sink in. Luke asked Michelle how she was.

Michelle still had her head down. She had put one hand up to cover her eyes. "I'm fine. I just want to go home."

It was hard for Tony to console her with so many people all crowded into the van. He felt sick to his stomach that she had been hurt. He had no idea how bad she was or what had happened. He wanted to ask her a million questions but she was clearly withdrawing and not ready to talk yet. He took her other hand in his and held it. He leant over and whispered into her ear. "We will be back into the office in just a few minutes. We will get you some help there."

She shook her head. "No, just take me home please. I don't want to see anybody."

"We need to go in and debrief about what happened Chelle. I will make it as quick as possible, I promise."

She kept her head down the rest of the way. She wanted to arguer but she knew procedure and there was no chance that they would let her go home before doing her debrief. She didn't know how to feel. She was worried about Tony and how badly he was hurt. He kept saying he was fine but she could tell he was in pain. She felt angry that David had been able to get her in the bathroom like that. She was so angry at herself for letting him take her so off guard like that and assault her like that. The whole thing had happened so quickly and he was so much bigger and stronger than her. She felt like a disappointment as far as being an agent was concerned, like she should have been able to handle the situation better. She felt violated and, humiliated and was in so much pain. She wished she hadn't told Tony about the lunch on Sunday because now CTU would make her go and the thought of ever being anywhere near that man again scared the living hell out her. She had never expected the situation to turn so bad so quickly. She stole a quick glance at Tony, who looked a mess and thought about how ashamed and disappointed he must be of her and what he would think if he found out how David had touched her and kissed her.

Michelle was sure she could feel blood or something dribbling a bit on her side and back. She was covered up again by the jacket and didn't want to draw attention to it by looking but she was pretty sure she must be bleeding. She didn't know what it was that he had pushed her up against on the wall but it must have cut her. She thought about how to handle the situation. She couldn't lie but she didn't want to tell anybody anything of what had happened.

They were all taken into one of the conference rooms. The first thing Ryan did was ask for someone from medical to be bought up to check them both out.

"No...no, I am ok. It is just a black eye. I don't want to see anyone."

At the same time Tony had responded no as well. He leant in a little closer to Michelle and spoke quietly. "What about your side? You were in pain when I touched you."

She turned away from him. "It's nothing. You just caught me off guard is all. Besides if you don't have to get checked out then neither should I."

Ryan stepped forward and looked at her eye. "Even if it is just a black eye Michelle, it looks nasty and it should be checked."

"NO! I am serious. Just let me be. I just want to do this and go home."

All the men looked at each other a little surprised at how assertive and forceful she was being about not getting checked out. She was clearly very upset and exhausted. No one wanted to push her.

"Alright, do you need some water or anything then Michelle? Something for the pain?"

She nodded her head. "Yes please."

Tony sat next to Michelle as they all started the debrief. Michelle was really quiet and let Tony fill them in on everything he had seen. When it got to her turn she just blurted out as much as she could remember as quickly as possible. Ryan kept trying to go back and ask for more information or more details but she was really struggling. Every question it took her awhile to answer and she was getting more and more frustrated. Ryan put it down to exhaustion but Tony thought there was a lot more to it. She was not herself at all and even though he knew she was tired and had a big shock with had happened, he knew there was more to what she was saying.

When it came to what happened in the bathroom, Michelle tried to skip everything and just say that it came down to him offering her the money to go to this lunch. She made it very clear to them that he was paying her because he expected sex afterwards. No one knew how to respond, on one hand she had just been handed a golden opportunity. A lunch at David's house was huge! They couldn't believe they now knew where he lived and could have an agent in there under cover. On the other hand, considering what it would possibly mean for Michelle to go was terrifying. When Ryan tried for the 3rd time to get Michelle to explain how he had hit her and what had happened then, she continually stumbled on her words and closed up.

Michelle lifted her head and could see how frustrated they all were. She just couldn't do this now. "Ryan, I am so tired I can't think straight. I've told you the important things, can we please leave the rest for tomorrow?"

"Ahhh..."

Tony stood up, "Yes, I agree. Enough is enough. We have what we need for right now. Michelle needs a chance to rest and recover from all this. There is no reason we can't do this later."

Ryan nodded his head. "Ok, fair enough. Why don't you go home Michelle and get some sleep?" He looked at his watch and it was after 6am. "We will be in touch with you tonight."

"Thank you." She slowly stood up. Every time she moved pain radiated through her body. She thanked everyone and walked out the door.

Tony went to follow but Ryan pulled her back. "Tony, something is not adding up here."

"I know."

"What do you think it is?"

"I have a feeling she is a lot more hurt than she is telling. I don't know, I will check on her and let you know. I've never seen her like this before. I'm just warning you Ryan, she might not be fit to do this on Sunday and I think it is far too dangerous. You need to all start looking at a plan B."

"We will. Just work this out with Michelle and let me know how she is."

Tony led Michelle to his car. He watched as she walked and tried to climb in and he knew there was something else going on. Clearly she was in a huge amount of pain.

"Can you just drop me home Tony?"

He shook his head. "I want you to stay at my house. You were going to before..."

"But..."

"Not up for negotiation Michelle. If you want to be at home, then I will take you there but I am not leaving your side."

"You have to look after Jo..."

"Don't you worry about Jo right now. Please just come back to my place."

She nodded her head. Inside she was panicking. She had planned on going to the doctors to get checked, she knew something was wrong. She just didn't want to disappoint, upset or get Tony angry. How was she going to get around this now?

"I am so sorry he got to you in the bathrooms Michelle. I should have been in there to protect you..."

"It wasn't your fault Tony, you were attacked by 2 of his friends..."

He shook his head. "Not good enough, it should never have happened and you should never had to face him alone like that, I should have that coming." He was furious with himself for letting the situation get out of control like that. He felt like they should have been better prepared. He was also so angry that all of this went so wrong because he had placed his hand across her shoulders. He wondered if that was why she was being so quiet and guarded with him, was she angry at him for doing something so stupid?

Tony stopped and picked up some food and coffee for them and by the time they got home it was close to 7am. He expected to find his parents and sister asleep but they were sitting in the lounge room. They had been talking in the living room and both dozed off for awhile but woke when they heard Tony and Michelle coming home. They jumped up to greet them.

Shelley and Josh gasped when she saw that both of them had black eyes and were pale. "Oh my God, what has happened? Are you ok? What can I get you?"

"I'm ok, thank you though." Her voice was getting weaker and weaker.

Tony was getting more worried about Michelle with each passing minute. He wished like hell that he had told her how crazy in love with her he was, maybe then she would feel more comfortable opening up to him. He was trying to think of the best way to handle the situation. First things first, he needed to get her something comfortable to put on. He told Michelle he would go and grab her some sweats to put on. She followed him to his bedroom.

Josh watched Michelle try to turn and walk down the hall with Tony. He knew immediately that there was something seriously wrong. He caught up with her and gently used one hand on her forearm to stop her. "I'm a doctor Michelle. I can tell that there is something more than your eye wrong..."

"Really I am ok..." As she was saying the words she half stumbled and he had to catch her from falling to the ground.

He turned to Tony. "What the hell is going on? Why isn't Michelle at a hospital?"

Tony shook his head and stared at Michelle. "She won't go."

Michelle stared around the room at Tony and his whole family staring at her. This was almost worse than being at the CTU clinic. She started to panic as she tried to keep her thoughts rational and figure out what to do.

After a minute of all of them staring at each other, Josh knew that there was obviously so much more to this situation then he could see. Michelle was behaving like a million other patients he had seen that had been assaulted or beaten and Tony was clearly getting more and more worked up with each passing second.

Tony tried another tactic. "Ok, Chelle, how about we get you into something more comfortable and then will you at least let Dad look at your eye and we can take it from there?"

Michelle nodded her head slightly. Tony put his arms around her and helped her down the hall to his room. He pulled out some track pants, a t-shirt and sweatshirt for her to put on. She was standing there looking completely unsure of what to do. She had tears in her eyes she was in so much pain and she was a little hunched over. He walked over to her and reached for the bottom of the jacket to help her undo it. She caught his hands and stopped him. "No, no...It's ok I can manage."

He wondered what to do. He could completely tell this was not about taking the jacket off in front of him. "Let me just help you Chelle."

Michelle reached her hand up under the jacket and felt her stomach. Blood. Her fingers felt wet and now she couldn't even pull them back out without him seeing. She started to cry heavily. "I am so sorry."

Tony had never seen her so vulnerable and he was so confused, why the hell was she apologising? "What are you sorry for Chelle? Why are you sorry?"

"I didn't want to let you down and you got hurt for trying to stand up for me. You knew going in that I wasn't up to doing this and you were right..."

"Oh My God, you were amazing Chelle. You did everything right, it was us that let you down. It wasn't that I didn't think you were up to it, I just knew how tired you were and I thought it wasn't fair that you had to go do this when you should have been resting." He pulled her hand out, to hold it as he spoke to her. He felt he resist a little and he looked down. As he hand came out from under her jacket it was covered in blood.

"Holy Shit..."

"Sorry...I didn't know what to do..."

His heart was racing, there was a huge lump in his throat and he felt tears forming in his eyes. He couldn't believe she was this hurt and they hadn't known. That she clearly felt like she couldn't tell them. Had he let her down so much that she didn't even feel comfortable telling him she was hurt? He grabbed at the jacket and pulled down the zip. Terrified at what he was going to find. He slipped it off her shoulders.

The top she had on was black and it was hard to see anything other than the fact that it was wet with blood. He tried to speak softly and gently but he was going out of his mind and was desperate to see and know what was wrong. "Can you lift your arms up for me?"

She was so hesitant and he could tell she didn't know what to do. "What are you going to do? It's alright really. I'll just check it and..."

"Michelle, I am kicking myself for not forcing you to see the doctor at the office, even when I knew something was up. You are pale, you're bleeding, and you are unsteady on your feet. I need you to try and drop your guard and let me in so I can help you. I need to take your top off and see what has happened to you."

"What about you Tony? You were hurt as well, I saw them shoving you to the ground and kicking you..."

"I'm not the one bleeding Michelle..." He was going to continue but then decided that maybe if he removed his top and showed her that he was ok she would feel more comfortable and do the same. "Ok, I will show you that I am alright but then you need to do the same." He pulled his top off over his head.

Michelle slowly stepped around him, as though she was inspecting him. When she got to his back she saw a huge bruise, the size of a foot on his lower back. It was swollen, a nasty red and already turning a very dark black. It shocked her and she burst into tears. She knew he was only hurt because he had tried to look out for her.

Tony was shocked when he saw her burst into tears. He had no idea of the size of the bruise on his back. He tried to calm her down. "Hey, it's just a bruise, it will go away. I'm fine."

She shouted at him, "YOU'RE NOT FINE! Look at what he did to you! All because you were trying to look out for me."

He couldn't believe how upset she was over seeing this bruise on him. Considering she was clearly in a lot worse state than he was, he didn't understand why this was upsetting her so much. "It was my fault we even got in that position Michelle. If I hadn't had my arm around you then Sam wouldn't have got so pissed in the first place."

They stood there again in silence for a few moments. He was so frustrated that was every passing second she could be getting worse and worse and wasn't getting the help she might need. The tension between them was unbelievable and he knew she was vulnerable and so angry at him that he would be the last person she would want helping her but he couldn't stand it and longer. He stood in front of her, "Sweetheart, you I've shown you where I have been hurt, now I need to see where you have been hurt."

He was getting angrier and angrier that he had missed this. She was in so much pain. God knows what that asshole had done to her. He knew she was nervous for him to remove her top but right now all that mattered was making sure she was ok.

"I'll look after you sweetheart." He gently pulled the top up to her bra line. He sighed and swore. "Fucking hell. Shit, shit shit!" He stared at a huge black bruise covering her whole side and wrapping around her back. He turned her body slightly and that's where he could see on her back just near her side was a deep and wide cut a few centimetres long. It most certainly needed stitches. He felt so sick to his stomach seeing Michelle hurt. How the hell had she been putting up with the pain this must be causing her? "What happened?"

"We don't have to talk about it, I don't want you..."

"We need to talk about it and now. What did that monster do to you?"

"I'm sorry Tony."

He couldn't take his eyes off her. "STOP SAYING YOU'RE SORRY! I can't handle this..."

"See I told you, I don't want you to have to..."

"NO, I don't mean it like that. I mean I can't handle you shutting me out. I can't handle that you are so hurt and you couldn't tell me. That you must be so uncomfortable and disappointed in me that you couldn't tell me."

Michelle pulled back a little away from him. Just that move cause such pain that she let out a sob and slumped against the wall. Tony had had enough, this was going to go back and forth forever and at this moment, nothing was more important than knowing how badly she was hurt and getting her help. His voice became assertive and strong. "Either I call an ambulance right now or you let my Dad and I try and help you."

She didn't even have a chance to respond. When Tony could see she was hesitating over what to say he ended up shouting for his Dad to come in. Josh appeared at the doorway in seconds. Josh saw the blood on them and the way Michelle was hunched to the point of barely being able to stand. He kicked into doctor mode immediately. "Tony, help me get Michelle onto the bed." He turned and shouted down the hallway for Shelley to run and get his medical kit from the car.

Before she even knew what was happening Tony had lifted her up and carried her over to the bed. She tried to roll herself a little to the side to take the pressure off the wound but even that was difficult. She felt Tony's dad's hand land on the bottom of her back and support her into a more comfortable position.

The bruising went up to her bra which Tony could see was ripped. In the back of his mind he knew Michelle would be feeling completely vulnerable and exposed but there wasn't any way of avoiding that right now. He leaned over her and held her chin with his hand so she would look at him. "Sweetheart, I know you feel vulnerable and exposed but you need help immediately. If this was me, I know you would be doing everything you could to make sure I was ok. So I need you to take a chance on me, trust me to help you. Dad's a surgeon, if you are not going to let me take you to a hospital then you have to let him help you."

Whilst Tony was talking to her, Josh had grabbed a towel and pressed it against her wound making her wail in pain. Tony held the back of her head and pulled her in close. "I know it hurts, sorry, I am so sorry. Please talk to me. You have to start talking to me."

Michelle knew she had to tell Tony. "He smashed me up against the wall and pinned me against it with his body, there must have been something on the wall because I could feel something jab into me then."

He pulled his head back a little so he could look into her eyes. "I can't believe he did that, I'll fucking kill him. What about the bruise though sweetheart? You are black and blue all up your side."

She took a deep breath. "When I was on the ground he kicked me."

There was a knock on his bedroom door. Josh had Tony take over holding the towel against her wound as he went to the door and grabbed his medical kit from Shelley. As he made his way back to the bed, "We need to get Michelle's top off, I need to see exactly what I am dealing with..."

Tony could see Michelle's eye's bludge open wide. He felt so sorry for her to be in this position but he was so confused over why there was so much hesitation on her behalf to let them help her. He put it down to her feeling completely let down and disappointed in him for this happening to her. That made him feel sick to his stomach.

His Dad's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Was Michelle given anything for pain?"

"Some tablets at CTU but nothing strong."

Josh sat on the bed next to Michelle. "Ok, I am going to give you something Michelle that will help with the pain and maybe relax you a little. Is that ok?"

"Yes, thank you Mr. Almeida..."

"Josh, please call me Josh."

He gave Michelle an injection into her stomach as Tony held her still. The doctor in Josh wanted to be asking a million questions. He thought Michelle needed to be in hospital, he decided that once he had checked her properly, if this wasn't something that could be handled here he would insist that she be taken in.

Michelle turned to Tony. "This can't be happening. You should have just let me go home, now I have upset everyone and it's not even that bad..."

"Don't even go there Chelle. I am this close to carting you off to the hospital..." As he was saying it he realised that he still didn't know if she had any other injuries. Also by the look of the bruise on her side there was a good chance she had a broken or cracked rib. "Actually, maybe I should be taking you to the hospital. Or we can go back to CTU medical."

"No, I don't want to go there."

"What if your rib is broken?"

"It just looks worse than it is."

Tony hated that she was pushing him away. He would give anything to be holding her, doing anything to look after her and yet it felt like she just wouldn't drop her guard and let him, he couldn't figure out why. "What's going on here Chelle?"

"What do you mean?"

"You are totally trying to block me out! I thought something was finally happening between us and yet now I feel like I couldn't have got it more wrong."

"It's not like that..."

Josh interrupted them. He tried to speak in a soothing tone seeing as they were both getting so worked up. "Why are you so scared of getting help Michelle? Why are you pushing us away?"

A few tears ran down her cheeks. Before she had a chance to answer Tony spoke up. "Because she is angry with me for letting her down. It was my fault this happened and I didn't protect you from that prick."

"He had 2 men beat the hell out of you Tony, you couldn't do anymore than you did. I am the one to blame for what happened, not you, not anyone else."

Josh was shocked. He was so proud of Tony for what he did with his career but on the other hand he hated it. Not a day went past that he and his wife didn't worry about something happening to him. After everything that had happened with Nina, Tony had withdrawn from everyone. Michelle seemed to be the only one that had gotten him through the last year and Josh would always be grateful for that. Hearing them both go back and forth like this made him realise how little he knew of the dangerous situation they had both clearly just been in. Obviously whatever had happened had been extremely traumatic and they were struggling to know how to process it.

Tony's voice raised again. "Bullshit! That is bullshit and you know it. I blew the whole thing by putting my arm across your shoulders..."

"He would have done the same thing to me Tony whether you did that or not!"

"And what did he do Michelle?"

Michelle's voice was raised which surprised him. "I can't tell you Tony! Don't you get that? If I could, I would but I know what is going to happen if I do!"

He raised his voice to match hers, "What's going to happen?"

"You will leave! You won't want anything to do with..."

"How could you think that? How could anything that that fucker did to you make me want to leave? Try me Chelle? For once, just drop your fucking guard and give me a go..."

She felt angry now. Angry at him and even angrier at herself, so she yelled at him. "He touched me Tony! He shoved his fucking tongue down my throat. He thought I was a useless hooker, that I was absolute scum and that's how he treated me."

Tony was shocked. He felt speechless. He wanted to kill David for touching her.

"See Tony...I told you I could handle it and yet I couldn't. I am supposed to be a trained agent that can defend myself and yet I couldn't. He beat the shit out of me and I couldn't do a damn thing about it. I couldn't get him off me, I didn't know what to say or what to do. The only fucking thing I got right was not blowing my cover. I get why you wouldn't want to have anything to do with me, I can't even look at myself right now I am so disappointed with myself."

"Oh My God Chelle..."

She shook her head and tried to start moving, "No, I'm just going to go."

Josh held her down as did Tony. "You're not going anywhere." She struggled a little but he just held on tighter telling her 'no'. When she calmed down a little he spoke, "You need to listen and hear everything I say. You mean more to me then you will ever understand. I am so sorry this happened to you but it doesn't change how I feel about you, if anything I love you even more. I'm scared to death right now Chelle just thinking about what you have been through, that I might lose you. David is huge guy baby, he would kick my ass. You can't be disappointed with yourself for what he did. You are an incredible agent. And you did handle it, better than most people would. You got through it. Please God, Chelle...don't leave me, don't shut me out. I need you."

Her voice was just above a whisper. "Did you say you love me?"

He turned her around gently so he could look into her eyes. "I am so in love with you Chelle I can barely think straight. You are everything to me. I should have told you sooner. If I had, maybe you would have felt more comfortable to come to me, open up to me, let me help you...instead I have made you feel like you are alone. "

"I love you Tony. I have for a long time. That's why I can't handle you even thinking about what happened."

It took him a moment to catch his breath. Her words had made his heart flutter and stopped him dead in his tracks. He hadn't expected her to say that, especially not now, not after what she had been through. He snapped back to reality when he felt blood run down his hand that was resting on her waist. He looked at his hand and then back up into her eyes. He leant forward and kissed her very briefly on the lips before finally speaking, "You have no idea how long I have wanted to hear you say that. But sweetheart, for now, I need you to trust me...trust me to look after you. We can get through anything but what I can't handle is seeing you like this."

She didn't even have time to respond before he began to slip her top off. He didn't even ask her this time when along with his Dad's help he sat her body up just enough to pull the shirt off. He could see hesitation in her eyes. Josh used one hand to hold the towel against the wound and the other to begin checking the bruising. He could see how uncomfortable Michelle was and he did his best to try and soothe her. "I know you are nervous and uncomfortable at the moment Michelle but there is nothing more important than getting you better. All Tony and I want is to help you. I deal with this type of thing every day and for now I want you to try and forget that I am Tony's Dad and just think of me as a doctor and that Tony loves you and will do anything to see you better. Do you think we can give this a try? If not, I am not going to have a choice, I will have to call an ambulance and have you taken into the hospital."

Michelle nodded her head. She felt so exposed and uncomfortable but the pain was worse than any emotion she was feeling right now. She kept her eyes on Tony, watching his every move. She finally nodded her head. Josh sighed in relief and Tony thanked her. Things had gotten so heated Tony knew he had to try and get the situation back under control.

Josh had Tony take over holding the towel on her wound so he could sort out what he needed from his medical kit. He knew that they were going to have to remove more of her clothes and was uncertain of how to handle the situation. Michelle was already so on edge and he could appreciate how exposed and uncomfortable she must be feeling. He gave her a little more pain relief in the hope of calming her down. He watched as his son stared at her adoringly and it was a good feeling to see his son so open about his feelings for her. He hadn't seen Tony express so much emotion in years.

He tried to word it as carefully and sensitively as he could when he explained to them both that they need to remove her bra, he promised Michelle he would keep her as covered as possible. He could see tears in her eyes as soon as he said it. He started to rethink the situation. He was too close to Tony and already cared for this young woman so much that it made his job of trying to be just a doctor right now close to impossible.

He asked Tony for a quick word. Tony kissed her on the forehead and then went over to his Dad on the other side of the room. "I'm not sure about this Tony. She is in pretty bad shape and she needs a full examination. Do you have any idea of the extent of how bad this is?"

"No, only what you have seen so far. Can you maybe give me a couple minutes with her and I'll see if I can get her to calm down a bit or at least make her more comfortable?"

"Ok, but not too long, we need to stop that bleeding."

Josh slipped out of the room and Tony made his way back over to Michelle. She looked confused. "Where did your dad go? Did I do something?"

He stroked her cheek. "You didn't do anything baby, he is just very aware of how hard this must be on you. We thought that maybe at first you would be a little more comfortable for me to do a quick check of you first?"

She nodded her head. He asked if she was able to use her hand to hold the towel to her side whilst he looked her over. She did as he asked. He was gentle with her as he ran his fingers over her bruising, especially over her ribs. They were swollen and he became more convinced that they could be broken.

Michelle had closed her eyes by this point, half trying to stop the flow of tears and half so she didn't have to face the look on his face. She felt him unclip her bra from the front and she held her breath as he pushed it to the side. She heard him sigh and it made her stomach flip. For the past year she had fantasized about being intimate with Tony. What it would be like to have his hands run all over her but right now all she could think was that he would be turned off at the sight of her. She kept her eyes shut tightly and tried to block it all out.

After a few minutes of feeling his hand run down her stomach she felt him undo her buckle. It took a moment for Michelle to register what Tony was doing and she reacted too late putting her hand out as she could feel her pants being pulled down a little, "No Tony, you can't..."

He stopped at her words but not because she had spoken but because he saw why she was trying to stop him. Her underwear was torn on the side and she knew the bruising went down her hip. Tony felt like he was going to vomit. He felt rage build up inside of him to the point he was going to explode. "That's it, we are going to the emergency room."

"No, I don't want to, I don't need to."

Tony leant over Michelle. He asked her to look at him. She turned her head back from the side, opened her eyes and looked back up at him. "Chelle...sweetheart, I need you to tell me how far he got, what he did to you."

She shook her head. She could see he was on the edge of losing it. She had never felt so vulnerable in her life. Just thinking about what had happened was enough, having to speak the words out loud to Tony was more than she could face. "He didn't get anywhere Tony..."

"Your underwear is ripped. You have a deep bruise that I still can't see the end of...don't tell me he didn't get anywhere baby. I know you are in hell right now Chelle but I can't and I won't ignore this."

"But there isn't anything to tell."

Tony half stood up and went to slide his hands under her. "What are you doing Tony?" Her voice reeked of panic.

"If you won't talk to me then I have to take you to the hospital."

Michelle couldn't believe it. She struggled against him. "Why are you doing this? I don't want to go!"

He sighed and stopped. His voice was raised. "Because I am scared to death. I have no idea what he has done to you and..."

"He tried Tony, he grabbed me but that's it...I promise!"

They stared at each other for a moment as Tony thought. He took a huge breath and tried to speak as gently as possible. Did he take your underwear off or put his hands inside them?"

Tears ran heavily down her cheeks and he wiped them away. "Chelle, I love you so much. You can tell me anything. Nothing will change how I feel, I promise you. I just want you to be ok...I just want you to get the care you need."

"He grabbed me there Tony and I know he pulled at them but he didn't get them off...I swear."

They went back into a stare off as he tried to figure out if she was telling him the truth or not. She choked on her tears a little. "I can't believe...I can't believe this is how you are seeing me for the first time, I can't believe this is happening."

Her words made Tony stop for a moment. He had been so wrapped up in trying to find out what was wrong with her that he hadn't even thought about this side of things. Instinctively it made him actually stop and stare at her. He had Michelle, the woman he had been falling in love with for the last year lying on his bed half naked. He could see past the wound and bruises and she was the most stunning woman in the world. Of course this was the last way he ever imagined seeing her like this for the first time would be.

He cupped her face with his hand. "Do you know how beautiful you are?"

That just made more tears roll down her cheek. "Tony..."

"No, I mean it, you are the most stunning woman in the world. I am so sorry it is happening like this sweetheart. Trust me, this is not how I imagined it would ever be. I already look straight past the bruises and see you and how gorgeous you are. You are even more incredible than I ever dreamed. But you have to remember that they will heal."

He could tell he was getting through to her a little and so he kept going. "Remember before all this when we were about to go to bed and I was finally getting to kiss you properly?"

"Yeah..."

"I don't think I had ever been more turned on in my life Chelle and I had barely even got started with you."

That made her smile a little. "What would have happened?"

Seeing her smile a little made his heart pound so fast he thought it would burst out of his chest. They had never had a conversation like this before and it was hard to believe it was finally happening after all this time. He decided to go for it. If there was ever a time he had to try and put aside his nerves and go for it, it was now. "Well I would have continued kissing you all over, from your mouth across to your neck and ears...like this..." He ever so gently kissed her neck and nibbled on her ear for a moment. "Then I would have probably gotten too flustered trying to undo all the buttons on your shirt and just ripped it over your head." He could see her blush and smile a little and he loved it. "I would have pushed you down and crawled on top of you where I could push every part of my body into yours, so we were as close as possible as I removed your bra and began to kiss and explore every inch of you..."

"That's how I pictured it too Tony. Your hands feel amazing and..." She stopped herself. She was aware the drugs had made her drop her guard and she wasn't sure how much to say. She did know he was calming her down and making her feel a lot more comfortable.

His voice went all high pitched and his tone sounded shocked that she had thought all these things to. "Really?"

"Really..."

Aware that he probably only had about another minute before his Dad would want to come in he raised his hand and rested it just below her neck. "Look at me sweetheart."

When she was looking him in the eyes, he ever so gently ran his hand down to her breast and cupped it before lowering his head and kissing his way down her neck, over her breast and down her stomach. He could feel and see her stomach rising up and down and her body flinching to his touch a little. If he wasn't careful he wasn't going to be able to stop and he was already way too turned on. He lifted his head and rested his chin on her stomach. "As soon as you are well enough baby, you had better watch out because I won't be able to keep my hands off you."

She smiled but then at the same time he saw her wince in pain. He lifted his head. "Will you let us look after you baby so you can get better and I can finally hold you the way I have wanted to since the day we met? I know you feel exposed but you need to keep telling yourself that to me you are the most beautiful person in the world and my dad is in complete doctor mode, he wouldn't be thinking twice about any of this other than trying to make sure you are ok?"

"Thank you Tony, I'll try."

He nodded his head. "I know I already asked you but I need to know for sure because it is killing me, what did he do to you? How far did he get?"

"I swear Tony, he pulled at my underwear and grabbed me but that is it. It was only for a second before I was on the ground and he kicked me. He didn't do what you are worried about, I promise."

"Thank god. I love you. Let's get you better. Can I let my Dab back in?"

She nodded her head. "Thanks Tony, thank you."

Thanks for reading. Please review. thank you:)