Okay, I'm NOT one for songfic, but I have to admit that after Chapter 6 I was a little unsure of how to proceed. While driving to work one day, I had my Ipod on shuffle and Antigone Rising's cover of the PushStars song "Sofkuri's Room" came on. It was enough to inspire this chapter. If you're unfamiliar with this song, I highly suggest looking it up – it's worth it. And I'm borrowing a few lines from the lyrics, so don't sue me. Lastly, thank you for the reviews. I can't believe how many of you are following this little story. Thanks & Merry Christmas!


I become bashful when we arrive in my bedroom, and swallow audibly as I drop Jane's hand. "Jane," I begin, uncertain if this will be conducive to her healing process. I realize this is just a ruse on my behalf; as I am certain I will be able to make love to Jane without hurting her. It has been proven time and time again that sex can release endorphins which will benefit the healing process. In fact, Chinese Taoist followers believe sex can heal by setting up an exchange of subtle nurturing energy, which occurs naturally between the polar opposites of yin and yang.

I sigh and shake my head sadly. I'm doing it again. I'm desperate to explain myself to Jane, but before I can speak a word I feel her arms on my shoulders, spinning me around to face her.

"Maur." She practically growls, and I feel my stomach flutter involuntarily. I'm too lost in the beautiful depths of her eyes to explain the physical process my body is going through at this time. I swallow audibly, my eyes wide.

"I know you're getting lost inside of your head." Jane tells me softly, her eyes luminous in the low light. "But I need you present with me." She tightens her grip on my shoulders. "Listen, I've never done this before, okay? So I can't make any promises. But I want you in the worst way right now." Her last sentence is spoken so low, so gravelly, that I shudder despite myself. "Can you stop spinning your wheels and be here with me?"

"Yes." I whisper. I cannot resist her, could never say no to her, and will give her anything she wants.

Giving me an almost feral grin, she looks wolfish in the oncoming dusk. I feel that despite her warnings that this is new territory for her, I will enjoy her attention very much.

Silently, I pull the curtains closed, leaving the room bathed in darkness except for the blue light shining in from the top of the half-moon window. Combined with the soft filtered light from the hall, I can easily see the desire on Jane's face while her hands are hidden in shadows.

Normally, to heighten a romantic interlude, I would put on music, light candles, and change into something lacy. However, I don't need to do that with Jane. I don't have to "set the mood". Put her and I into a room together and the mood sets itself.

Her eyes, part coal and part diamonds, watch my every move. Ever the detective, she studies me. Normally, this type of attention would leave me feeling unsettled. However, Jane never makes me feel judged, and I have quickly become dependent on the calm acceptance she grants me on a daily basis. She sits quietly on the corner of my bed waiting for me; asking nothing yet asking everything.

Crossing to her, I press her head into my chest and wrap my arms around her shoulders.

"Why is your heart beating so fast?" She asks softly.

"Because I'm excited." I respond, leaning down to place a kiss to her ear. "You excite me."

"I do?" Jane questions, her voice suddenly hesitant. She buries her head into my chest further. Mumbling, she continues. "I don't know what to do. I've never done this before."

I surprise the both of us, and give her a low throaty laugh. "Ah, but I have. Just follow my lead."

Leaning down to kiss her, she sighs with happiness into my mouth. I instantly feel weak in the knees as our kiss deepens and I tangle my hands in her long hair.

Kissing Jane results in my body reacting in a way that even the most diligent scientist inside my brain could never quite decipher. She is warm and wet and soft and hard, all at once. And her tongue, God, her tongue. Jane has the ability to make me lose track of all rational thought. I am not familiar with this and although I would like to continue and allow myself to get lost in her, I can't seem to get over the last lingering notion that I must maintain control over my feelings.

"Maura." She growls, breaking away from my mouth for a second. I whimper and reach for her with my lips. "Stay present with me." She orders, and I numbly nod my head.

"How did you know?" I whisper, startled at the intensity of her gaze in the low light.

She smiles sweetly; softly, and looks decidedly more feminine than I've ever seen her. The tough detective I see at work is gone, no trace of her in the glittering eyes of my lover sitting on my bed. "I know you." She reaches up to touch my face and I turn to gently kiss her fingertips.

"I love you."

Her smile in response to my statement is brilliant. Winding her hands behind my back, she demandingly pulls me down to sit on her lap. "You fit." She responds, as she runs her strong hands over my entire body. "I never imagined you'd fit against me so well." I keep quiet, lost in the beauty of her eyes as she more confidently explores my body. She seems fascinated by the way my reacts to her touch and her glittering eyes follow the movement of her hands.

"Will you lie down for me?" She husks, and I gently remove myself from her embrace and comply with her wish. "I just need to look at you."

I could not feel more vulnerable as her eyes roam my body, followed by exploring hands. She strokes the length of my arm, teases the side of my breast, lingers on the curve of my waist, and draws circles on my hip. She repeats the process over and over, as if she is in a trance. Even though I am still fully clothed, I feel as exposed as I ever have been. Obviously, from Jane's statements, she's never been with a woman before. She may find that lesbian sex is not as enjoyable for her as intercourse with a man. Although I have had a few female partners that I have enjoyed, I cannot predict what Jane's comfort level with the female body will be.

"Beautiful." She husks, her eyes drawing up to meet mine. The sheer amount of desire found in her gaze is overwhelming, and I have the instant feeling that I am about to be consumed.

Jane gently lies herself on top of me and initiates the most passionate kiss I've ever experienced. "My side is fine, Maura. And you are the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on." She groans into my mouth, and for a split second, I being to analyze how it's possible Jane can suddenly read my mind.

Then I feel her long fingers tease the inside of my thigh and all further thought is overcome by desire.

"Yes." I whisper into her mouth as she slides her lips down my neck, nipping and gently biting. She tentatively strokes my breast while her other hand tangles itself in my hair. I arch my back to push myself more firmly into her and wrap my hands boldly around her biceps.

I love to feel her slender strength. Her athletic body is the combination of hard work and good genes, and I can't believe that she is mine.

She lets out a hiss in my ear as she feels my nipple on her palm. "God, Maur." She groans, grinding herself into me. "You feel amazing."

Her hair, raven black and blue in the moonlight, falls onto my chest and neck. Her eyes glitter like the most perfect cut of diamond as they bore into mine. Her hand becomes bolder, alternating with squeezing my breast to teasing my nipple and her hips seek out contact with my thigh as she starts a lazy rhythm.

"Off." I tug at her shirt. I am reduced to one syllable words now, but could care less.

Jane carefully sits up and trying to hide her grimace, takes off her shirt. She is porcelain bathed in moonlight and as she shakes her hair into place she looks like a lioness, regal and calm.

The stark white of her bandage is a contrast to the dark room. My fingers trace it lightly, and she reaches down to clasp my hand in hers.

"I'm fine." She says firmly, her gravelly voice strong. "We'll be careful."

I nod. I've seen her body before, we always change in the locker room before and after Yoga, but have never had the experience of tracing her sculpted abdominal muscles. My breathing hitches and I can feel my eyes hooded in desire as I gaze at her impressive torso. Sitting up, I trace her lightly with my fingers, enjoying seeing her muscles jump under my touch. I can't ignore Jane's hiss of pain, however, when I find a particular sensitive spot and she tenses in response.

I stop my caress, my eyes wide. "I'm sorry."

Jane grabs my hand decisively. "I'm." She leans down to kiss me so deeply I swear I feel my head start to spin. "Fine." She states gruffly. "Your turn."

My expensive blouse is off before I try to remove it. Jane tosses is across the room and her gaze feast on my chest. "Oh, this is going to be fun." She says, licking her lips and grinning at me.

I am in over my head, drowning in Jane, and completely out of control. I don't care. My last bit of resolve breaks when I see the fire in her eyes and I crash into her, my hands roaming exposed skin.

We duel for control, and I finally give into Jane as she claims my neck with her mouth and teeth. This is not at all what I imagined; I had just assumed Jane had never been with another woman and would need slow and gentle guidance in order to feel assured. Instead, she has taken full control and her confidence is so very sexy. Fucking sexy, to be exact.

'Language, Maura.' I tell myself, wondering how Jane would react if I told her just exactly how sexy I thought she was. Hmm, this may be a fun experiment that I may have to try sometime.

Her tongue slides down my neck, over my chest, and to my ample cleavage. Jane pulls back and bIows lightly on my damp skin, causing a shiver thermogenesis in response on my skin. I rumble in her ear and the pressure on my neck from her teeth increases. Her hands rest on the waistband of my skirt and she struggles with the side zipper. After a few unsuccessful attempts to get it off, she growls in frustration and pulls it up over my hips.

I grab her hands and place them on my breasts, enjoying her hum of approval. They keep her entertained enough for me to slide my panties and hose off, and I resume my place of kneeling in front of her. Jane effortlessly pulls her bra off and gently reaches behind me to unclasp mine.

We melt together, our lips meeting in another crashing kiss, breasts pressed firmly together, and Jane's bandage scratching into my side.

"You fit." She pants in my ear, her fingers rolling my nipples in between. I've always admired her hands, those of a classical pianist, strong hands with long fingers. I shudder when I imagine how those fingers will feel inside of me, and Jane uses that opportunity to claim the other side of my neck.

She still has her jeans on, and my fingers deftly undo each button. Knowing it will pain her to shimmy them down her hips, I grab each side of the denim and give one firm yank, moaning my approval when they slide easily down her slim hips followed quickly by her adorable boy shorts. My mouth ventures down to take a firm nipple in my mouth as she runs long, teasing fingers up and down my thigh.

"Please." I whisper around her breast, open my legs and am instantly rewarded with her fingers on me. Jane hisses with approval as she feels my wetness and wraps her other arm firmly around my waist.

"Maur." She speaks my name reverently, pleadingly, gracefully, and I know what she wants. I gently explore her, feeling even more excited when I feel her wetness pool on my hand.

We share an inexplicable moment, where our fingers stop gliding through each other and stall, content to be anchored in a calm sea. Her eyes meet mine, and although she opens her mouth to speak, nothing comes out.

Something passes between us then, my chest heaves as I pant open-mouthed. She is calm, serene even, her olive skin lit from behind and her hair cascading down her shoulders. Her small breasts sit proudly high, small nipples pert, and she looks like a goddess. Too beautiful to be true, and too perfect to be mine.

"Maura." Her voice is guttural and I shiver. Her fingers twitch involuntarily and I shudder with anticipation. Her mouth opens and closes again, and I am desperate for her to say what she needs to say.

"What is it?" I pant, hoping to convey my desperation for her to continue touching me.

She shakes her head from side to side, as if she's unsure what to say. My fingers start to rub her again, and I am met with a low groan. She pushes herself into my hand and my two fingers disappear inside of her. She is velvet. She mirrors my actions and grunts with satisfaction as her fingers slip inside of me. Her head lolls onto my shoulder and her free hand pulls me closer.

We start an easy rhythm, neither of us fighting for control, but content to work together. Jane lifts her head to meet my eyes and I can only imagine the picture we are making. Both of us kneeling on my bed, face to face, our eyes locked. We are so close, I can hear her heartbeat loud in my ears.

Her lips are parted and she pants faster, Jane's chocolate eyes never break from mine. Her top lip quivers, and I ache to kiss it, but can't bring myself to stop gazing at her.

We move together, in sync, without any words. There is nothing to be said, Jane's eyes tell me everything I need to know. She is not claiming me, nor I her. For the first time in my life, I understand the term "making love." I've scoffed at it so many times before, understanding and believing that sexual encounters are a means to an end and a natural way to express desire.

Stop being so clinical. I chastise internally, asking myself instead how I feel. The answer surprises me.

I feel like Jane's soul has climbed into mine.

We move faster, clinging to each other desperately. Her skin sticks to mine like the salt from the sea. I toss and turn like a boat ashore, but am grounded by the light and dark of her eyes.

She is ready. Moving my thumb deftly, I apply pressure where she needs it the most. She doesn't make a sound, but I can tell from how her face tenses that this is what she needs.

"Maurrrrraa…" Jane drawls out as she pulls me impossibly closer to her. "Please." Her last request comes out as a choked sob. I increase the pressure with my hand and murmur when she mimics my actions. She is so strong and I can't hold back any longer when she increases her thrusts inside of me. My orgasm builds quickly and is so strong it takes me by surprise.

I gasp in disbelief from the sensation of her and lose my balance, falling back onto my bed. Jane gracefully follows me, never breaking our contact. Balancing on her arm, she moves her hand faster inside of me and peppers my neck with kisses.

"Promise me you won't ever leave me." I cry out to her, feeling foolish but unable to control myself.

"Never." She grunts, her hair swaying above me from her exertions. Jane maintains her pace as I writhe under her, forcing my hand deeper inside of her. This is the last straw for her, and I feel her clench and tremor around me.

Gritting her teeth, her head drops to my shoulder as we race to the edge and crawl back together. Lying in each other's arms, our hands finally still and we cling to each other desperately.

I don't move for the longest time, unable to meet her gaze. I'm mortified by my orgasm-induced confession. My resolve to prohibit clinical thoughts swiftly crumbles and I frantically think of what I can say to fix the situation.

"Does your brain have an off switch?" Jane mumbles, her face pressed against my shoulder. She slowly raises her head, her mahogany locks adorably tousled and intense molten eyes.

My face flushes and I feel more exposed than fifteen minutes prior when Jane was exploring every inch of my body.

"Seriously, Maur. And you say I can't relax?" She smiles to show me that she is only teasing. "We're okay." Growing serious, she leans down to place a soft kiss on my nose.

My eyes move back and forth, searching hers for any sign of anxiety or worry about my request for undying devotion. I find none, just an honest and quiet calm on my detective's face.

I give her a tentative smile and am rewarded by an even bigger one from her. She gently leans forward to nuzzle my nose from side to side.

I've never been eskimo kissed before. I wonder if Jane is aware the action is based on a traditional Inuit greeting called a kunik which is used to express affection, usually between family members and loved ones. I'm sure it's of no interest to her.

Her twinkling eyes tell me she knows what I am thinking. I'm glad she seems to find my quirks amusing.

The silence is comfortable, as if we have done this many times before. My skirt is rumpled up high on my waist and probably wrinkled beyond recognition, but it doesn't matter. I gently trace the lines of Jane's face with my hand as she takes a possessive hold around my waist. She is so beautiful.

"So, wait till I tell me mother what a lousy hostess you are." Jane states seriously, breaking the comfortable silence as we lie entwined, our heart rates slowly returning to normal. She carefully rolls off of me and onto her back and I can tell by the languid position of her body that she is feeling little pain due to her injury.

I furrow my brow and tilt my head, unsure as to what she is insinuating.

"You invited me to stay here, and then whisk me off to bed to take advantage of me without even feeding me supper." She reaches a long arm down to rest on her stomach. Patting it sympathetically, she glances at me out of the corner of her eyes.

I realize that we abandoned our dinner.

"Well, I didn't hear you complaining a few minutes ago." I tease back, slowly sitting up in bed and rolling my neck from side to side in order to align everything. I can feel Jane's gaze burning through my back and I give her a fleeting look from over my shoulder. The burning in her dark eyes causes me to flush and become excited all over again.

Like a cat batting at a string, Jane paws at me and attempts to pull me back down to her. "Oh no you don't." I avoid her hands and stand up, giving her a full view. "You need dinner, remember?"

"Maur." She purrs, low and rumbling in her chest, "Get back here."

I remove my crumpled skirt and shoulder on a short robe, tying it decisively across my chest. I give her a wide smile – she is all lioness, long and lean while sprawled across my bed. She is everything – beauty and power in one, with a delicious femininity that cannot be denied. I am quite a lucky woman.

"C'mon, tiger." I extend a hand to her, bracing myself in case she tries to pull me back down to her. Predictably she does, but I hold my ground. "Dinner, and then bed."

"Dinner in bed?" Jane asks, her dark eyes hopeful.

I nod, always up for a good compromise. "Anything you'd like."

She gets to her feet carefully and shrugs on her clothes. "I like the sound of that." She pulls me down for a long and lingering kiss that speaks of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.