Thanks for the reviews Angie! I appreciate it so much.

Holding On

Chapter 4

That night when everyone had left except for Shelby, Rita and Dwayne. Shelby asked Dwayne to come to her office. She wanted to talk about what happened between them earlier that day. Dwayne knocked on the door. Come in….

Hey Shelby...hey King. We need to talk about what happened earlier. Rita is downstairs. I know that Dwayne.

What is the deal, Dwayne? Shelby can we talk about this later? I have to get back to Rita. Rita? Yeah...do what you need to do, Dwayne.

Dwayne left and Shelby felt deflated. She started to cry. I guess he didn't like it as much as I thought he did. She was so confused. All of the sudden she heard an argument downstairs. She made her way down the stairs. She stopped when she heard Dwayne and Rita arguing in the kitchen. She had to know what about so she just stayed quiet and listened.

Why are you and her always together, Dwayne? Rita, Shelby works for me. I work the cases with her. Is that the only reason, Dwayne? What do you mean Rita? I mean I notice how she looks at you Dwayne. How's that? Like she wants you. I'm starting to think you want her too Dwayne. Rita, you're overthinking this. Am I Dwayne? It's getting late. Time to go home. I'll call you in the morning. Dwayne kissed Rita on the cheek and said goodnight.

Shelby hurried back to her office. Dwayne was not to far behind her. Shelby? Dwayne called her. Yeah? He stepped in her office and sat down. Shelby, I want you to know how deeply I care about you. I get it Dwayne. I was just an itch you needed to scratch. Shelby, no I get it. I really do Dwayne. Hell you probably didn't even like it. No Shelby that's not true. It was amazing to me. It was? Yes and honestly I don't regret it. Shelby smiled when he said that.

It's just it can never happen again. Shelby was confused. Shelby listen, I have always done what I wanted and you know first hand how much trouble I have been in because of that. Well what I did today was cross another line I shouldn't have crossed. Please believe me when I say I care about you deeply and we will always be more than friends but I can't cross that line again. Plus, your in love with Rita. Shelby I didn't...sshh...I get it. So we will just pretend it didn't happen, Dwayne.I don't want to complicate your life.

Shelby you're not a comp, but Shelby cut him off. Yes I am. You don't need me in your life. Shelby now wait a minute.

No, Dwayne. It's fine. Just let it go. Dwayne said her name but she didn't want to hear it. We'll just forget about all of this. Everything is fine. We need to talk Shelby. No we don't Dwayne. Just please leave. Dwayne didn't want to but he nodded his head and left.

When Dwayne left, Shelby cried even more. She's in love with him and he just rejected her. She couldn't deal with all of this. She needed to go home.

When Shelby came home she saw a familiar face sitting on her porch. She froze immediately. She was afraid. She saw Marcus and he was smiling. Shelby wanted to call Dwayne but she couldn't. She realized she couldn't complicate his life with hers. Just then Marcus started to walk to her and she said, "Stop" He did and she asked him what he was doing here?

"Shelby, is that anyway to greet your husband"? Your my ex-husband Marcus, remember? I know, but I came to make peace Shelby. You ruined that along time ago Marcus. Are you sure? Yes, Marcus. Is there a new man in your life Shelby? That's none of your business. I work for the Feds now Marcus. One call and they come in a matter of minutes. Marcus didn't look happy. Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you, unless you give me reason too. Just leave and leave me alone. Okay Shelby. I'll go, but we ain't done by a long shot.

After he left, Shelby ran inside and locked the door. She wanted to run to Dwayne but she couldn't. She couldn't tell him about Marcus either.

The next morning Dwayne waited for Shelby to come in but she never came. He was upset about what was happening with them. He cared about her to no end. He wanted her and he took her but he had hurt her and it was killing him. She was an hour late and hadn't called. He was worried now. He told the team he would be back.

Shelby heard a knock at the door just as she was stepping out of the shower. She threw on some loose clothes and made her way to the door. She looked out the window and saw Marcus. Marcus go away. Come on Shelby..let me in woman. No Marcus. Just then, Dwayne pulled up and saw a truck he didn't recognize. He also saw a man standing on the porch he didn't recognize either. Shelby looked out the window and saw Dwayne and she was relieved. Dwayne walked up and said, "Can I help you?" Marcus said who are you and Dwayne countered with the same question. Shelby opened the door and they both looked at her.

Hey Dwayne...what are you doing here? You didn't show up for work and I was worried. Just then Marcus chimed in and asked Shelby who Dwayne was. This is my boss. Special Agent Dwayne Pride, NCIS. Dwayne this is my ex husband, Marcus Raines.

Dwayne went into defensive mode. I would say nice to meet you usually, but not this time.

I think you should leave Mr. Raines.

That is Shelby's decision don't you think, Agent Pride?

Shelby do you want him here?

No, I don't. That is your cue to go.

I can talk to Shelby anytime I want, Agent Pride. You got that?

Dwayne smirked. Now you listen to me Mr. Raines. You need to leave and never come back and leave her alone.

What if I don't? Just then Dwayne grabbed his gun from his holster. Then I promise you, it will be the last thing you ever do? DO YOU GOT THAT?

Marcus backed off and told Shelby he would be in touch and Dwayne replied, No you won't! Marcus slowly walked back to his truck. He got in and left.

Dwayne asked Shelby if he could come in? She said yes. As soon as he walked in the door, Shelby turned to him and hugged him hard and told Dwayne thank you. She was trembling. He hugged her back and held her.

Are you okay honey? Just then Shelby broke the hug, real quick and pulled away. Yes, I'm fine Dwayne. She was fighting what she felt.

How long was he here Shelby? He came last night Dwayne but he left and came back today.

He came last night? Yes, Dwayne. How come you didn't call me Shelby? I didn't want to complicate your life with mine, Dwayne. Shelby...please don't start Dwayne. Please just leave.

No Shelby. I'm staying and I'm spending the night. Why? Because that lunatic will probably come back and if he does I wanna be here to protect you and take care of him.

Dwayne that is not necessary. I can take care of myself. Dwayne grabbed Shelby's face with both of his hands and looked in her dark blue eyes. Shelby was melting. She loved him so much.

Shelby I want to help you. I want to protect you. Shelby pulled away. Well I don't want you to Dwayne. Shelby was lying of course. She wanted him there more than anything. He was making it hard for her to pretend not to care.

Well tough..I'm staying and that's that. Shelby gave in and told Dwayne she was making lunch.

Dwayne knew that Shelby was trying to push him away. He also knew that he had hurt her and this was the reason why. Dwayne was confused over his feelings for her and Rita. He was torn. His heart laid with one of them, and even though he didn't realize it yet, it was Shelby.