Three hours of speeches and awards gave Ella too much time to think. As an Admiral droned on about service to the alliance, she mulled over her conversation with Hackett, again. By the time she had returned to the apartment last night, he had been called away for an emergency meeting. This morning they had been too rushed to have an actual conversation.

So she sat and listened to speeches while Steven's words echoed in her head and a note delivered while she was away burned in her pocket. It was hand written and had been nestled between packages that couldn't be delivered while she was on the mission. The letter was short and Ella already had it memorized.

Little One,

It was a surprise to see you on Lixia.

You were so adamant you weren't one of us.

I hope you'll be in contact soon.

We're willing to welcome you back with open arms.

~V

Vido's letter warred with Steven's words. Ella had been fighting her past from the moment she entered Steven's office nearly two years before. Every time she thought she had escaped, something pulled her back towards the gangs of her past. Even Anderson's recruitment had happened because of her previous gang connections.

A light cuff on the shoulder brought her back to the present. She scowled at the newly promoted 2nd Lieutenant Lincoln Marshall "What the hell was that for Linc?" Her tone was only slightly irritated.

"Ceremony's over doll and you're sitting here scowling at empty chairs. What's going on?"

"Can't a girl sit and scowl in peace? Maybe I'm dreading pouring myself into that dress later today."

"Later today? Oh, no. You're getting ready now darling."

"Oh, please never call me that again."

"Yeah, it really doesn't work." He pulled Ella to her feet and tucked her arm through his. "Come on now, you have a gala to prepare for."

"I really hate you Linc."

"No you don't."

"Yes I do. Who's going to quench my need for chocolate ration bars now that you've been promoted?"

"You'll just have to woo the new requisitions officer like you did me. Or go to the store. I know you're going to be stationed on Arcturus next."

She waved a hand dismissively at him as the piled into a waiting transport. "Details."

"Details are important doll. Like where you plan on living."

She shrugged. "Temporary housing, like usual."

"Not this time. This time you will split the cost of an apartment with me."

"Why would I sign up for such torture? And isn't it frowned upon seeing as you're an officer?"

"I see your mouth moving, but hear nothing but agreements coming from it."

"Asshole."

"You love it. I'll send you the info before you get there."

"I didn't say yes!"

"But you will."

Ella turned down his help getting ready and promised to meet him at 1800 hours since Hackett was busy with preparations. Pushing her troubled thoughts aside, she bathed and wrestled her hair into a side swept curls. It had been years since she had done anything other than a simple bun or ponytail, but Ella was pleased to see she still had the skills to accomplish it. A careful swipe of makeup and she wiggled into the royal blue sheath and heels. With a last glance in a mirror, she headed to the gala.

A low whistle caught her attention as she approached the door. Linc grinned at her wolfishly. "God damn you look good."

"You better think so, you picked it out."

He captured her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Well then I did a damn fine job. I'm sure you'll have plenty of company tonight."

"Flattery will get you nowhere. Not that you'd want too. And you know my feeling on dating in the ranks."

"Who said anything about dating? I'm talking about finding someone to warm the sheets with."

She swatted his arm as they entered the ballroom. "I don't discuss my sex life with you."

"Pity."

She and Lincoln parted when Steven finally joined them. As Ella let him guide her around the room, she watched and listened as conversed with other officials. Warmth and pride seemed to radiate from him when he spoke to, and about, her. After nearly an hour, she pulled him out onto a balcony for a moment of privacy.

"So . . . what changes?" she asked.

"Excuse me?"

"With me listed as family, what changes?"

"Not much. If I pass away, you receive my military benefits. I can't directly supervise you on missions and promotions can't be initiated or approved by me. You don't have to hide the fact you sleep in the spare bedroom when you come to London. "

She bumped his shoulder with hers. "I wish you would have asked first, but I get why."

Steven wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "So you're okay with it?"

"Yeah I am." His hand squeezed her shoulder gently before letting go. "I'm proud of you Ella. You've done well these past two years."

She smiled. "Thank you Steven."

Ella declined to return to the gala with him. The balcony, while cool and a bit damp, was at least quiet. She, politely, refused the company of a few lower ranked officers who wandered out for fresh air. Eventually the cold seeped through the thin material of her dress. Ella was about to return to the ballroom when a rather well-cut suit jacket settled across her shoulders. Only the faint scent of gun oil and cigars kept her from shrugging it off.

"Why the hell are you standing out here freezing your ass off?"

Her response died on her tongue when she turned to face him. Even without the jacket, the charcoal grey tux fit perfectly. Ella fought the urge to run a hand down his chest.

"See something you like sweetheart?"

Her smile was pure sin. "And if I do?"

Zaeed crowded her against the railing, his fingers twisting a curl of her hair. "Then come upstairs with me."

"I need to let Steven know I'm leaving."

"Make it goddamn quick sweetheart. I've been waiting nearly a bloody year."

"But who's counting? Right?"

"Mouthy woman."

"Wait until you see what it can do." With a wink Ella shrugged his jacket off and handed it back to him. Zaeed's hand settled on her lower back as they reentered the ballroom. The subtle claim kept most of the younger officers out of their way. His scowl deterred the rest as they made their way through the ballroom. Steven's gaze settled on the hand resting on Ella's back. The two men stared at each other until she cleared her throat. "Are we planning on staring at each other all night? Because I can think of better things we can all do with our time."

Zaeed snorted and Hackett sighed. They separated with a promise to meet for lunch and a warning glare from Steven. Zaeed pointedly ignored his friend as he and Ella made their way to the elevators in the lobby. Linc caught her eye and sent her an approving smirk that had her eyes rolling.

The elevator doors had hardly closed before Zaeed had her pressed against the elevator wall. His hands trailed down the bodice of her dress before bunching the soft skirt in his hands. Ella grasped the lapels of his jacket and pulled him towards her for a desperate kiss. He nipped her lower lip, demanding entrance. Hers parted on a moan as she slid her hands up his chest and settled behind his neck.

The ding of the elevator pulled them from their daze. Without speaking, Zaeed entwined his hands with hers and led her towards his rooms. Ella gave the small suite a cursory glance as she kicked off her heels and headed towards the bedroom. She barely crossed the threshold when he pulled her back against him. "I've waited a long goddamn time for this sweetheart," he growled against her neck, hands trailing along her sides.

His fingers sought out the zipper of her dress. Ella let out a breath as it pooled around her feet, leaving her clad only in a lacy set of underwear. She leaned back against him as calloused palms drug across her abdomen, down towards the thin band of her panties. She twisted in his arms so she faced him. "Someone's overdressed. I didn't get to see you last time." Clever fingers worked the buttons on his jacket and pushed it down his arms.

"Let's remedy that sweetheart." They quickly divested each other of their remaining clothes. Ella traced his tattoos while he urged her towards the bed. She pulled away with a wink and grin as she dropped to her knees. She palmed his cock, tracing her thumb from tip to base. Her hand encircled him and he thrust up into her hand. After a few firm strokes, she paused and lowered her lips, slipping the head into the warmth of her mouth. Her tongue teased the slit, collecting the salty liquid before she sucked down on him. Her tongue traced patterns along his length until he growled and grasped her hair, holding her still as he began thrusting into her mouth. She trailed her nails up and down his thighs before she reached between them to tease his balls. Zaeed's thrusts became erratic before he pulled out her mouth completely.

He pulled Ella to her feet, both out of breath. "Not this goddamn time sweetheart." He placed a bruising kiss on her lips and pushed her back onto the bed. She couldn't help but fidget as his gaze raked across her body. "So goddamn beautiful Ella. I can't wait to make you scream my name."

His words were like match to tinder. Zaeed settled over her and began exploring. Hands traveled along her body, lips and nipping kisses following after. His stubble rubbed across a sensitive nipple, pulling a low moan from her. He chuckled and repeated it on the other one. So lost in sensation, she missed his hands sliding down her body.

He parted her wet folds, searching out the places that made her whimper. A firm pinch to her clit had Ella arching off the bed. Two fingers slid easily into her pussy, setting a hard, demanding pace. Zaeed abandoned her breasts to whisper filthy words of encouragement into her ear. A third digit slid into her as his thumb began circling her clit.

Her nails raked down his back as she came with a low moan, her body tight around his fingers. He waited until her tremors settled before he pulled his hand away. Zaeed swallowed her moans with his lips as he slid into her. He paused as her body adjusted around him, then began moving in her with short, controlled thrusts. Ella bucked her hips towards him, urging him to move faster. Her teeth settled on the curve of his neck, dragging along his skin. He growled into her hair and began fucking her harder. Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper as she moaned against his skin. Her body shuddered as she came a second time. His hips stuttered as she tightened around his cock. He came with a muttered curse, dropping his head against her neck.

Zaeed collapsed onto his back, pulling Ella to rest on top of him. She sprawled against his chest, listening as his breathing evened out. His hand rubbed nonsensical patterns over her skin as her eyes drifted shut. "Stay with me?" she murmured, half asleep.

"Of course I'll stay. It's my bloody hotel room." His grip tightened as she shifted to find a comfortable spot. "Hey sweetheart?"

"Yeah?"

"You're gonna have one helluva shore leave."