Chapter 3 – Simply Irresistible
"How can it be permissible, she compromised my principal, yeah yeah
That kind of love is mythical, she's anything but typical
She's a craze you'd endorse, she's a powerful force
You're obliged to conform when there's no other course
She used to look good to me, but now I find her, simply irresistible
Her loving is so powerful, huh, it's simply unavoidable
The trend is irreversible, the woman is invincible
She's a natural law, and she leaves me in awe
She deserves the applause, I surrender because
She used to look good to me, but now I find her, simply irresistible"
Simply Irresistible by Robert Palmer
The plan had been to head to the Citadel after rescuing Eve before returning to Tuchanka, but Specialist Traynor had intercepted a suspicious signal from Grissom Academy. James had been shocked and impressed when the tattooed, mohawk sporting biotic sucker-punched Shepard and even more stunned when the Commander didn't return the favor. He had to give Shepherd credit; she definitely traveled with a colorful crew.
After rescuing the students, they were finally making their way to the Citadel. James sat in the crew lounge with Garrus, Wrex and Jack drinking whiskey and playing cards. In a more relaxing atmosphere, he was able to get a better feel for the ex-convict. Jack was crass, vulgar, most definitely insane and hilarious.
"What a bunch of pansies, grow some balls and try to drink like men. Even Shepard could do better than this, "Jack growled.
"Don't start that again! Besides, I heard Dr. Chakwas say that Shepard can match any Krogan, shot for shot," Garrus replied.
"It's true; she kicked my ass quite a few times! Must be that Irish blood she is always bragging about…whatever that means," Wrex declared.
"And you definitely don't want to play poker with her. The woman never loses," Garrus grunted.
"Ain't that the damn truth. I learned that the hard way," James stated.
"Oh yeah, how much did she take you for Big Boy?" Jack asked.
"Three thousand credits and the shirt off my back," James replied.
Jack eyed his sculpted chest. "Smart girl."
"I think she cheats," Wrex grumbled.
"Now, if she could only learn to dance as well as she fights or plays cards," Garrus mused.
"Krogans have better dance moves than she does," Wrex stated.
"She can't be that bad," James said.
Everyone at the table burst out laughing. "S-shepard is lethal alright…especially if you're beside her on the dance floor," Jack stuttered between fits of laughter.
"You might not want to test that theory... Or mention her lethality when dancing beside her," Garrus advised.
"That is if you want to keep all of your limbs," Wrex warned.
"And your ass," Garrus added.
"And your teeth," Wrex stated.
"What does my ass have to do with my teeth?" Jack asked.
"Well, she will stick her foot so far up your ass she will be able to kick out your teeth," Garrus chuckled.
"I'd like to see her try," Jack grunted and they all laughed.
"Just for fun, we should ask her to do that wiggle thing of hers sometime. It's hilarious, and even worth losing your ass and your teeth over," Jack added.
"I wouldn't mind seeing her wiggle," James muttered.
Garrus cocked his head at him. "So it would seem that the FNG as a crush on the Commander."
"Hell no, hombre, but I can never say no to a woman with a great body whose shaking all that the good Lord gave her," James declared.
"Any hot blooded male would be crazy to pass that up," Garrus agreed.
"Or woman for that matter!" Jack added.
"So what's the deal with the Commander and Kaidan?" James asked, completely silencing the table. "Aaah, sooo bad question?"
"That is a long story, that not even a Krogan has enough guts to tell it! I want to live long enough to impregnate a few females, not die because of your stupid curiosity," Wrex grunted.
More shots of whiskey were poured as the banter continued and James made a silent promise to himself to address this dancing situation with Shepard; a woman as good looking as the Commander needed to know how to dance and he was just the man to school her.
xxXxx
When they had arrived on the Citadel Shepard had immediately headed for the hospital and that very thought made James need a drink so he headed straight for the bar. An hour later, he watched when she walked in, she looked tense and he wondered if it had anything to do with her visit with the Major. He studied her as she shifted her mask into place and the 'cool and collected' Commander made her way over to the VIP section.
Another round of drinks had just arrived from the marines that were in awe that he knew the great Commander Shepard. They too had seen her walk into the club and had stopped dead in their tracks as they watched her make her way over to the Asari; every movement she made conveyed power, control and confidence and they acted as if they were watching a superhero walk through the club. He honestly couldn't say he blamed them. When he had met her six months ago he too had a bad case of hero worship, but once he got to know her he realized she wasn't much more different than him…at her core she was soldier fighting passionately for what she believed in.
When she had concluded her business with the Asari she made her way over to him at the bar. "Commander, it's good to see you down here with the rest of us grunts."
Shepard cocked an eyebrow at him and grinned at him. "You think I don't like getting dirty."
James chuckled. "Aaah, we are still talking about dirt, right?"
"You tell me. What did you mean?"
"See those marines over there. None of them are officers just soldiers fighting the war."
Shepard looked over at the rowdy crew. "Yeah."
"They have been buying me drinks all night, you know why?"
Shepard shook her head. "Same reason they got all quiet and serious when you walked in," he stated.
"You don't seem intimidated by me in the least."
"Well, I've seen you in action and don't get me wrong you're good, probably one of the best."
"Probably?" Shepard said incredulously.
James laughed. "Yeah, probably…And thank the good Lord, you fill out a uniform like nobody's business, but I know you're human just like me."
"But not to them…they think I'm immune to bullets?"
"Nope. To them watching you walk in here was like watching their favorite Superhero come to life. Hell, I remember the day that they made you the first human Spectre. I watched it on the vids just like all of them, but to them you're still larger than life."
"You should know me better than that by now, James. I'm just a soldier like them."
"I know that because I know you, I've fought by your side, but if you want them to see you as something other than this legend, then by them around."
She smiled at him. "I like the way you think, James."
He grinned back at her. "Oh, if you could only read my thoughts, Shepard."
He then turned towards the marines. "Amigos, the Commander would like you to have a drink on her."
When the shots came around James lifted his glass, "So here's to us…"
"Who's like us," one of the marines grunted as he saluted.
"Damn few and they're all dead," Shepard replied as she saluted back then threw back the shot of whiskey. James had to suppress his grin as two of the marines made their way over to them.
"It's an honor meeting you, Commander," the one soldier said.
"Thanks, but we are all in this together. We all have a part to play."
"True enough, cheers!" The other marine said.
"Cheers!"
"Not bad, Shepard, you never cease to amaze me," James replied.
"Oh, so now I went from being one of the boys to amazing you," Shepard said skeptically.
Before James could stop himself his eyes roamed up and down her body then he leaned into her and whispered, "Lola, no one could ever mistake you for one of the boys."
She tilted her head toward him; her warm breath washing over him sending a tremor of desire through his body as she sighed into his ear, "Really? How so?"
He didn't know if it was his pent-up hunger for her, the pounding music or the incredible way she looked, but he grabbed her hand and led her towards the dance floor. "I'll show you. Let's dance," he growled.
He felt her hesitate and he looked over his shoulder at her. "I-I'm not that good of a dancer," she replied and there was that hint of vulnerability in her eyes that drove him mad with desire for her.
"You just haven't had the right partner," James said as he led her onto the dance floor.
The song changed, the tempo slowed down to a sultry, pounding beat. James pulled her into his arms, he rested his one hand on her lower back, and pulled her flush against his body while he clasped the other hand to hers.
"Lola, dancing is just a conversation between two people's bodies and right now I want to hear your body talk to mine," James purred in her ear as he began to sway with her in time to the slow driving beat. They were pressed close together, he could feel all the contours of her body as heat radiated off both of them as they moved together in time with the rhythm of the song.
The music grew louder, the drums pounding an erotic beat as the singer's sexy voice began to sing.
"You are my angel, come from way above, to bring me love
Her eyes, she's on the dark side, neutralize, every man in sight"
James felt her body relax against his as she surrendered to his lead, allowing him to move her around the dance floor. She felt exquisite in his arms; her supple body pressed against his sent a roaring hunger through him. He spun her out, away from him, and as he pulled her back in he twisted his arm so that she was now dancing against him with her back pressed to his chest. His big arms wrap around her tiny waist, and they sway back and forth together in time with the music. She threw her dark, long tresses over her shoulder. The scent of her inundated him as he breathed in vanilla, citrus and spices, the smell of her making him dizzy. He was playing with fire and he knew it, but like a moth drawn to the flame he couldn't stop himself.
"To love you, love you, love you ...you are my angel
Come from way above, to love you, love you, love you"
Feeling the rhythm of the beat, lost in the music, her hand reached up behind her and she slipped her fingers around his neck pulling him closer to her. She felt incredible; her ass rubbed so tantalizing against him and he was hard in an instant. He grinded his hips against her as he grit teeth to stop himself from spinning her around and kissing her; instead he held her tighter, running his hand down her side and danced against her so that he was sure she felt it…felt him and his need for her. He had never wanted a woman more than he wanted her. She was irresistible.
The song ended and the tempo of the next song picked back up breaking the spell between them. She pulled away from him and he immediately missed the warmth and comfort of her body. She turned to face him, her eyes dark with the same desire that he knew was echoed in his. James desperately wanted to pull her back into his arms, but she stepped away from him before he had the chance to do so.
She smiled up at him as she tenderly caressed his arm, "Thanks for the dance lesson, James."
His body was screaming for him not to let her go, not to let her walk away from him, but his head...the right one replied, "Anytime, Lola."
xxXxx
James stood outside her cabin door hesitant to knock, to let his presence be known. He was here uninvited, unexpected, but she was grieving and no one should grieve the loss of a friend alone. He took a deep breath and knocked.
"What?" a disgruntled voice came from the other side.
"Lola…I wanted to check on you…I brought a bottle of Patron…some lemons and salt…please Lola, you really shouldn't be…"
The door opened and she gave him a slight smile. "You had me at Patron. Where did you get a bottle of that out here?"
He grinned back at her as he walked into her cabin. "Back on Earth, I didn't have a lot of time to pack before I had to report to the Normandy, but I sure as hell wasn't leaving a bottle of my favorite tequila behind for the Reapers."
"You know Lieutenant, it's rather ballsy to come to the Commander's cabin without an invitation."
"I've been told I have a rather large pair," James said with smirk.
"I'll have to take your word on that."
Shepard walked over to a cabinet against the wall and retrieved two shot glasses. As she set them down on the table he noticed the N7 etching on them. He grinned up at her. "I heard it's harder to earn these shot glasses then it is to earn N7 status."
"You only get your reward if you're the last one standing," Shepard replied.
"So you were the last one standing twice?"
"Yep."
"How many times did it take you to earn these two?"
"Twice."
James laughed. "So should I be concerned that you are going to get me drunk, Lola and have your way with me?"
"Do I need to get you drunk to take advantage of you, James?" The way she purred his name sent fire roaring through his veins.
"Are you flirting with me, Lola?"
"If you have to ask, you haven't had enough practice," she replied as she sat down beside him and poured two shots.
James turned towards her and took a glass. "I didn't know Mordin for very long, but the Salarian was dedicated to curing an injustice that has plagued an entire race for centuries. He believed so fiercely in his cause that he willing sacrificed himself to achieve his goal. When it is my time to go that is how I want to die…fighting for something I am willing to die for. Here's to Mordin."
"Here's to Mordin," Shepard replied as she licked the spot of skin between her thumb and index finger. Sweet baby Jesus in a manager, her tongue looked so soft…so silky. He had to recite all the different types of weapons he knew to stop his mind from picturing what else she could do with her tongue and imagine her doing it to him.
He followed her lead, licked his skin, sprinkle the salt then licked the salt, drank the shot and sucked on the lemon.
"Mmmm," she moaned. "That was very good."
She reached over and poured them another. "Here's to kicking some Reaper ass."
"Amen to that, Lola" James replied as the two of them repeated the process.
She stood up and he really hoped she wasn't going to tell him to leave. "I was about to hop in the shower before you arrived. Make yourself at home while I wash this grim off. On the vid player I have an assortment of movies. See if you can find one you like."
He watched as she sauntered over to her bathroom. "Aaah, let me know if you need any help cleaning those hard to reach places."
"I think I'll be fine. I've managed on my own all these years," she said as she closed the door.
James heard the shower start running, he imaged her slipping out of her clothes, her naked body under the water, droplets hanging off of her pert breasts…Fuck! He adjusted himself and decided to distract his mind with something that wouldn't led to him pushing Shepard against the shower stall wall and having his way with her. He grabbed the vid pad, turned on the screen and began scanning through her movie selection. A huge grin spread across his lips when he realized that she had a very impressive selection of classic post-apocalyptic, disaster and war movies.
When he heard the water stop he yelled, "This is quite a selection you have here of old disaster films…someone might even say it borders on obsessive."
She opened the door and stuck her head out. "If you're going to give me shit about my taste in movies, you can leave right now, James."
He laughed, "No, I love all of these."
She pulled her head back but left the door cracked so that he could hear her. "Oh yeah, which movies do you like?" She asked skeptically.
"Well, I think I've watched Platoon at least a hundred times."
He cleared his voices so that he could give his best Junior impression. "Yeah, but don't you worry Bunny, 'cos you're a killer, man."
Shepard poked her head around the door, smiled as she said imitated the redneck Bunny, "Yeah, but I still like a piece of pussy once in awhile. Ain't nothing like a piece of pussy, except maybe the Indy 500."
James couldn't help but laugh at her easiness with the vulgar dialogue. He grinned at her as he repeated the last line. "The only way you get some pussy man, is if a bitch dies and wills it to you. And then, maybe!"
He heard her infectious laugh reverberate off of the bathroom walls. "Great line! What else do you like?" She asked.
"Well, I would like you...up against the shower stall, on the couch, pressed against the fish tank, maybe on your desk and most definitely on your bed," he thought.
What he said was, "Hmm, let's see Mad Max is good, but Thunderdome sucked."
"Agreed."
"Deep Impact, Planet of the Apes, I Am Legendwere all excellent." He scrolled down further "Oh...now here is one of my favorites."
She walked out of the bathroom, wearing a tight fitting white tee shirt and tight fitting workout pants that hugged everyone of her tantalizing curves. James swallowed hard as she strolled over to him and sat down beside him. The scent of vanilla, citrus and spices drifted over and all he wanted to do was bury his head in her neck and breathe her in deeply.
"Which one?"
"Independence Day," James replied.
She smiled at him. "That's one of my favorites too."
"One of the best speeches ever given on film was in that movie."
"I completely agree. I want to steal that line and use it right before a big fight."
Shepard stood as if she were addressing her troops. "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today is our Independance Day!"
Then she gulped down another shot of tequila.
"I think the President doing a shot of Parton ended up on the cutting room floor," James chuckled.
"Well, they should have left that one in. It would have made him seem more like one of the common people."
James loaded the movie and she sat down beside him. They didn't even make it to the part where the White House was blown up before Shepard's head was in his lap and she was completely passed out. He tenderly stroked her silky tresses before tucking a loose strain behind her ear. It had been along physically and emotionally grueling day for her, but that wasn't going to stop him from giving her a rash of shit for passing out after just three shots of tequila.
When the movie ended, he slid her head off of his thigh, stood up then scooped her into his arms and carried her over to her bed. He laid her on top and pulled the blanket at the bottom over top of her.
"James," she purred sleepily as she looked up at him through half hooded eyelids.
He knelt down beside her. "Yes."
She reached for him, gently cupping his face in the palm of her hand. His heart was thundering as he looked into her beautiful face. "Thank you…You made what would have been a very difficult night more than bearable."
James could no longer resist her, his yearning becoming more than he could take. He entwined his fingers in her hair as he leaned down with his lips only inches from hers he whispered, "It was my pleasure."
He hesitated for a moment, giving her the chance to pull away, when she didn't he closed the distance between them, his mouth delicately brushed against hers, giving her another chance to resist him. He prayed that she didn't push him away because that slight contact with her soft lips had his body trembling with need for her and it took every ounce of control he had not to shove his tongue into her mouth. When she offered no resistance his mouth fully captured hers, his tongue slid past her honeyed lips into her warm, velvety mouth. She tasted like tequila mixed with something sweet and rich like dark chocolate and he drank her in.
He leaned further into her, his chest skimming her pert breasts, she arched into him forcing guttural groan to tear from his throat. Damn he wanted her, he wanted to take her and taste every delicious inch of her, but he knew that she had an emotionally hard day. He shouldn't push her, shouldn't take advantage. However, his body, mainly his now throbbing cock, was reminding him that he was as close to being a good guy as a reaper was to winning a Humanitarian of the Year award.
Every thought of being noble went out the window when her fingers slipped around the base of his neck, pulling him down closer to her, deepening the kiss. With each foray of her tongue, she tasted and caressed him so provocatively he thought he might lose his mind.
"Commander," Edi's voice came over the intercom.
Shepard went perfectly still as James let out a moan of frustration.
"Commander Shepard," Edi repeated.
"This better be fucking really important," Shepard groaned.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Commander. I know it was a long day down on Tuchanka, but the Salarian Ambassador is on the vid con. She says it's an emergency."
"Tell her I will be with her in a few minutes," Shepard replied back.
"Yes Commander."
James looked down at her swollen lips, her flushed face and the last thing he wanted to do was let her leave this room, but he sat back on his heels giving her room to get up.
She scooted to the edge of the bed, leaned down and kissed his forehead. "Thanks again for showing a girl a good time."
"Hardly, we had barely gotten started."
"I meant earlier in the night. It was nice not being alone tonight, having someone to share the evening with," she smiled warily at him, showing just briefly that vulnerability that made his cock jump against his restraining pants.
He realized for the first time how lonely at times it must be for her. With the fate of the galaxy resting on her shoulders, she always needed to be strong, always the confident leader, but whenever she let her guard slip and she allowed him to see her doubts and fears every instinct in his body roared to life with an unexplainable need to protect her.
He took her hand in his, turned it over and pressed his lips against her tender palm. He took satisfaction as he watched a tremor pass through her. "As I said earlier, it was my pleasure and I am here anytime you need me to show you a good time."
She smiled at him and he could tell she was reluctant to leave, but she finally removed her hand from his, stood up and headed for her closet. "Duty calls…I guess I'm going to take a rain check on that then."
She quickly threw on an of Alliance jacket, zipped it up and headed for the door. He watched her walk out the door and he wondered if duty would always stand in between them.
A/N - The song that Shepard and James danced to was Angel by Massive Attack.
*FNG - Fucking new guy
*A huge thank you to the spankalicious Mistress Vo for making it seem as if I have mastered commas, colons, semicolons and spellchecker. Mawhahahaha, we have them all fooled. The fact that I haven't is our little secret. I appreciate all that you do for me, my friend.