A big, giant THANK YOU to all of you who reviewed the last chapter and to those who are reading. Hope you continue to enjoy. Here's the next chapter.

Chapter 7

They both began talking at once. She was ranting about his alpha male tendencies, how she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and she would not give up her life for anyone or anything. He was rambling on about how ill she had been, how she needed to rest, and how hiding would give them more time and more information. But it was his last defense that caught her by surprise as he grabbed her shoulders and forced her to face him.

"And I can't learn to live without you!" he shouted over her own ranting.

Her mouth stopped; hanging partially open. The tears that had threatened her eyes earlier returned.

"You'll never be without me," she ran her thumb across his lips.

He closed his eyes for a brief second and then readjusted them onto her.

"But I thought I'd lost you yesterday," he continued, "Pulling onto the Lake Road, I knew it was bad by the amount of FBI agents that were swarming the area. All I could think about was you. I didn't care about the concise details. I wasn't Special Agent Booth. I was yours, and you were mine."

She wrapped her arms around him and whispered into his ear.

"I am yours."

Finally pulling away from their embrace, Booth cupped her face in his hands.

"It's not that I want to take you away from your life, and I know you are capable of taking care of yourself," he explained.

Her heart sank when she realized that he had listened to every rant, every reason she had given. It sank even further when she realized that all of his reasons were to protect her and never once did she consider him.

Booth continued on with his explanation, "I know you want this all to be over with, and I do too. I want it over for so many reasons, but I don't want to make a hasty decision that could require a higher price than I'm willing to pay. There has to be a compromise somewhere in all of this."

For the first time in a long time she felt loved. He was going to do all it took to protect her and never leave her side. She had never experienced this kind of love. Gazing into his eyes as though she had never seen him before, she allowed a smile to form in the corners of her mouth. He traced her smile with his finger and returned one of his own.

"What's that all about?" he asked.

"You," she replied.

"Me?" he questioned.

"Don't let it go to your head, Agent Booth," she teased.

He let out a chuckle and then brushed a strand of hair away from her face. 'She has no idea how much I love her,' he said to himself, 'Just one more reason to get this problem resolved.'

Once regaining their composure, they set out on the task of finding a compromise. She accepted the fact that he wasn't letting her out of his sight and he wanted her 100 precent before throwing her out as bait. He accepted the fact that the only way to catch this guy was to offer him what he wanted…her.

After hours of fussing, making up, holding, giving, and taking, they finally reached a decision. One to two more weeks of hiding with the sole purposes to gather information, allow Brennan to recover properly, and set up a foolproof plan. Then she would reenter her life and in hopes that O'Riley would take the bait.

Informing Davidson of their decision, he was surprised they had actually reached one and so soon. He and Booth discussed the particulars of the assignment and where they needed to begin. In no time, they had ironed out a plan in which to begin implementing. Davidson was thankful for the extra week or so, this would give the FBI time to make necessary fail proof measures and time to handle any unexpected situations.

"Well since you two are going to be here for a little while longer, I guess we need to get some suitable food in this place," Davidson pointed out.

"I'll send one of the agents out this evening for groceries if you two can come up with a list, but how does take out sound for a late lunch?" he continued.

Booth and Brennan nodded in agreement. Davidson instructed a rookie on the specifics of their order and once again headed out the door to work on the beginning phases of this new assignment.

Brennan decided that it was time she got dressed although Booth assured her that she looked just fine in royal blue silk. She emerged from the bedroom wearing jeans and a coral colored, form fitting, long sleeved tee shirt. She caught his stare as she walked across the room and resumed her position on the couch.

"You make it very difficult for me to keep my hands off of you. Did you know that?" he asked as he inched closer to her.

"Don't blame me," she stated, "All Ange's doing,"

"Remind me to thank Angela when we get back," he smiled as he wrapped his arms around her.

She relished in the comfort and contentment of his arms. Being content was once a meaningless word for her, now not only did she know the meaning; she understood it too.

That's exactly how Davidson found them upon delivering their take out. Seeing no need to interrupt the last somewhat restful day, he promptly placed the bags on the coffee table and retraced his steps to the font door. Brennan excused herself to the kitchen as Booth quickened his pace to catch up with Davidson.

"I was thinking…" Booth tried to say.

"Don't think. Not today. Just enjoy the rest of the day," Davidson interrupted as he stepped out the door.

Brennan returned with two bottles of water. Placing them down, she returned to her spot on the couch. Booth moved across the living room keeping her in his gaze.

"So what did Davidson say?" she inquired.

"New rule," he replied, "No discussing Davidson or the plans for the upcoming week."

She threw him a look, but decided to see just how long he could up hold his 'new rule', especially if it was anything like his 'lines'.

As they ate, each one would attempt to start conservation, but soon realized there wasn't much to talk about. Booth racked his brain for topics, but came up empty handed.

After eating in silence, he came up with the perfect idea. Great entertainment, no need for talking: a movie. Walking to the entertainment center, Booth opened the cabinet doors and looked at the vast selection of DVD's.

"Any requests?" he asked.

"Surprise me," she stated flirtatiously as she gathered up the empty boxes and carried them to the kitchen

'Oh, I could surprise her alright,' he thought to himself, 'just one more reason to get this problem resolved.' Rummaging through the selections, he finally decided on 300. Strolling back to the couch with the remote in hand, he stretched out. Upon returning, Brennan found Booth occupying the couch end to end. Pressing himself into the back of the couch, he patted for her join him. She knew that the days to come would not be spent so lazily so she gave into his request. Laying along side him, he placed a protective around her middle and placed kiss on the back of her neck. They enjoyed the rest of the movie and tried to keep their minds from wondering to the days ahead or all the situations this moment could lead to.

When the movie ended, Booth looked at the clock: 7:30 pm. He pushed himself up, resting on his elbow. She readjusted her position so she was lying on her back. Brushing a strand of hair away, he gave her a smile.

"You are absolutely beautiful," he stated, "I don't know what…."

"No, no," she joked, "Remember your rule."

"I don't know what I want for supper," he finished.

"That's not what you were going to say," she accused.

"It was too"

"Was not"

"Was too"

"Was not"

He finally decided to end the argument. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to hers.

That little button has the power to pour happiness onto my fingers. All you have to do is press the button. LOL :)