A/N - Thanks again for the reviews etc. Always appreciated.

Disclaimer in Chapter 1

And now, the mission begins - and the fun...

Enjoy.

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Chapter 10

The hotel room Hetty had booked for them was nice and spacious. King size bed, balcony, nice big bath - big enough for two. Both of them had a slightly difficult time when they'd checked in and found out it was one of the 'honeymoon' suites. But they had managed to keep themselves in character. Actually, it had probably helped add to their performance.

"Does Hetty have a thing about shopping?" Kim asked Callen as she pulled clothes out of the suitcase and put them away.

"Why?" Callen asked, glancing over at her.

Kim smiled at him. "She certainly seems to have had fun getting into the spirit of the holiday."

She turned away from him to the drawers.

Callen moved closer to look over her shoulder at her things as she put them away.

"Anything interesting?" Callen asked.

Kim turned and slapped him gently on the arm.

"You started it," Callen grinned. "What exactly are you complaining about?" Callen hadn't seen anything that should cause a problem, at least not in his stuff or the small amount he'd seen of hers. He moved back to his suitcase and continued his unpacking.

"Any chance she packed you pyjamas?" Kim asked him.

Callen raised his eyebrows and smiled to himself. "You wanna swap?" He turned around to look at her.

"Tempting," Kim replied, her back to him.

Curiosity seriously piqued, Callen agreed, "All right."

Kim turned and faced him. She frowned. That was too easy. "What don't I know?" she asked.

Callen grinned and held up his pyjamas. "She only packed the bottom half."

Kim blushed slightly but followed it up with a mischievous smile, which caused Callen to frown.

"Could almost be worth it to see you in this." Kim threw something at him. He held it up looked at it. Soft, silky and very definitely revealing. He shook his head and looked at her. It didn't take much to imagine her in it.

"Not worth it from my angle."

Kim bit the inside of her lip, her heart racing at his response. She took a breath and a moment to decide how to respond to that. Somehow she had to keep this professional. "You know, maybe we should talk about ground rules," she finally said.

"Like?" Callen asked.

"What happens when we aren't playing the roles."

Callen nodded slightly. "So what happens when we're alone," he clarified.

"Yeah. No crossing the line."

"Wasn't my idea last time," Callen replied. Put your foot in it, why don't you? Might not have been your idea, but you didn't stop it and you enjoyed it just as much as she.

Kim closed her eyes briefly and managed to ignore his comment. Hard as that was. It had hurt and her instincts screamed at her to hurt him back. Though she doubted she could since he didn't care.

Her restraint impressed Callen. He felt sure that he was in trouble. Enough trouble that he didn't even think an apology would get him out of it, so he had remained silent, leaving the ball in her court.

"Same deal. Uncomfortable or there's a problem," Kim said, continuing as if he hadn't said anything, "Code word stays as black. Work it into the conversation and let the other know why." She turned back to finish her unpacking as she continued. "We're more experienced now, I'm sure we can make the conversations seem innocent to anyone listening in."

Callen noticed her tone wasn't quite as warm as it had been. He really wished his brain would start filtering his comments a little better around her.

"Agreed," Callen said. "What do we do next, Mrs Cartwright?" he asked, attempting to move them away from that tense moment.

Kim pulled her swimmers out of the suitcase and held them up. "Well, it is a beautiful afternoon. Perhaps a late lunch by the pool and a swim."

"I can hope that Hetty's choice in swim wear for you is as good as sleepwear," Callen teased, hoping to bring a little lightness back.

"Black Callen," Kim responded good-naturedly, rolling her eyes.

"Joseph," Callen corrected, smiling to himself that his ploy had actually worked. Her tone held a little bit of laughter in it now.

"Mr Cartwright," Kim followed up with, rather formal.

"Jo?" Callen asked with raised eyebrows.

Kim smiled. "Jo," she agreed.

Kim finished unpacking and slipped into the bathroom. When she came out, Callen couldn't help but think he had been right. Hetty's taste was good. He did manage to hold his tongue though, settling for an appreciative look at her.

Kim threw a towel at him, taking advantage of his momentary blindness when the towel hit his face, to return the look unobserved. He certainly hadn't let himself go. She grabbed a small bag, placing her key and a bottle of sunscreen in it. With a slight grimace of discomfort, she removed the ear piece Hetty had supplied them with and refitted it more comfortably, slightly disappointed that Hetty had already assured them that they were indeed waterproof. She didn't really enjoy having them in, it was one of those necessary evils of her work.

"Are you ready?" Kim asked as she wrapped her towel around her waist.

"Are you?" Callen replied. He watched the smile spread slowly across her face. She was ready, that was another one of her smiles that he still knew.

"Let's the games begin," she said. This is what she lived for. The chase, the game, getting the bad guys without them knowing they were even coming. Protecting those who were innocent, as Casey was. She was pleased that she had finally found her way to that place this time, slightly easier than she thought it would be considering who her partner was in this mission.

The moment they were out in the hall they slipped into their respective roles easily - arms around each other, flirtatious looks, gentle touches. It was as if nothing had changed from the previous mission. It was all so easy.

After they had eaten, they moved over by the pool, finding two chairs that were free. Sitting down, Kim pulled out the sunscreen from the bag. Before she had even taken the lid off, Callen smiled and took the bottle out of her hand. He looked down at her from where he was standing next to her chair, an expectant and mischievous look on his face.

"What are you doing?" Kim asked cautiously.

Callen grinned. "Being the dutiful husband, making sure you are completely covered. Can't having you getting burnt on the first day of our holiday can I?"

Let's see how well she can play the game when it's for real.

You're challenging me aren't you? Oh, you have no idea what you are in for.

Kim smiled and laid back down on the chair, surprising him that she had accepted his suggestion without a hint of argument.

"That could cause a slight problem," she replied, suggestively.

Starting at her feet, Callen worked his way slowly up her smooth legs. He wondered whether she would stop him as he got to the top of her thighs, but she didn't. The only sign was that she seemed to hold her breath.

Breathe Kim. It's not personal remember.

The muscles in her stomach twitched when he reached there, especially when his fingers brushed over her scar. At least it was only one, Callen thought. Could have been a whole lot worse.

Kim's breathing changed as he moved to above her bikini top, and he smiled at her. She returned it, just as you would expect, though he was sure she wanted to stop him, but she didn't. When Callen finished her front, she turned over, no questions and he worked on her back.

Kim let out a silent sigh as she turned over. Survived the front, back will be a lot easier. Then it's payback. The only thing that had kept her from stopping his hands, had been that she'd get the chance to do the same to him. Get the chance to find out if he was having the same trouble as her. It had taken a lot of concentration to keep her breathing relatively normal as he'd moved his hands over her. She was reacting as if she was twenty two again. Her body was being a traitor, craving his touch just as it used to.

When Callen had finally finished, she was sure he had taken a whole lot longer than was actually necessary, he moved over to his chair. Kim stood up, took the cream from his hand and looked at him.

"My turn," she said, giving him a wicked smile.

Callen laid down on his stomach to give her access to his back.

Chicken … Get out my head Sam.

Kim squeezed the cream out directly onto his back, enjoying the little jump as the cold cream hit his warm back. As Kim rubbed it in, Callen enjoyed the feel of her hands on him. He wondered if she'd ask about the scars from his shooting when they were alone.

Kim's hands ran over his back, she felt the scars and her hands slowed. She narrowly suppressed a shudder as she made the connection. The scars were the same. Same age. Same size. What happened to you G? What did you do?

Slowly she finished his back and moved so he could turn over, giving him a gentle tap on the shoulder to let him know it was time.

Callen turned over. He didn't expect what she did next. She straddled him, sitting low on his hips and leaned down to kiss him, his hands automatically going to her hips to keep her safe.

When Kim pulled back slightly, her hair had fallen like a curtain blocking them from the view of others. Kim looked in his eyes and whispered, "You know we're being watched already."

Callen knew. "One of the guys at the bar." He'd noticed when he'd had his head tilted that way whilst she was doing his back.

"Yeah." She kept her head close to his, a couple of inches at most. So close that anyone would think she was stilling kissing him, especially with her hair shielding them. He wished she was. "Maybe there's more than one contact here," Kim continued.

"Someone in reception maybe," Callen said as he slid his hands up her back, adding to the intimacy of the situation.

Kim smiled down at him, "We did play it up on check in."

That they had. They'd made sure that those at the reception desk, knew exactly why they were here. Shameless, Hetty would probably have called them. He'd disagree. He was just playing the 'crazy about his wife' husband that he had told Kim he would. And she'd matched up beautifully, as she always had.

"Guess we'll have to go for a swim and get a drink once you're done with me," Callen replied as one of his hands slid into her hair.

They heard footsteps walking toward them and he pulled her down and kissed her.

Callen held her close, enjoying the familiar sensations she was creating. When she started to pull away, he reluctantly let her sit up. But she didn't get up, just started putting sunscreen on his chest whilst she was still sitting on him. He had a difficult time keeping his mind off the alternative possibilities of their position. He caught her smile twitch on her face, like she was trying not to laugh, and he was sure she knew just how hard a time he was having. Not like he could hide his body's reaction, given their position.

Professional G … Tell me Sam, if you were watching a couple in this position and she moved off, wouldn't you expect a reaction? …. G … Go away Sam, I'm working … Working my -

Somehow, even if it was just in his head, Callen managed to cut Sam's words off.

Callen smiled back at her, as he put his hands on Kim's knees and ran gentle circles with his thumbs over the inside of them. He saw Kim swallow nervously, could even see her pulse race.

So that still works then. Wonder what other things still turn her on.

Kim stayed until she was finished. When she was done, she pulled him up.

"Think we're ready for a swim or should we wait?" Kim asked, as he slipped his arms around her, running his fingers done her spine, causing her to shiver with the sensations his touch created in her.

He wants to play, you can do this too. You know what he likes, or at least used it.

Callen turned his eyes briefly to the bar, then back to her and said softly, "No customers at the bar. Could be a good time to get well and truly noticed." He picked her up and walked over to edge of the pool.

"You had better not drop me in," Kim warned him, her arms slipping around his neck, fingers playing with the hair at the back of his neck. She had to admit, she liked his hair short like this.

Callen looked at her, an attempt at an innocent look on his face. "What if I jump in with you?"

"Prefer you put me down and let me get in myself," she replied as she tightened her hold on his neck. She knew exactly what he was about to do and nothing she said would make a scrap of difference to his plans.

"Sorry," Callen shook his head, "that'll take too long. You're a wimp when it comes to getting in the water." With that, he jumped.

They came up and Kim pulled away, deliberately splashing him. The ensuing water fight, thankfully the pool was fairly empty, ended with an intense make-out session on a step in the pool close to the bar, in full view of the bartenders.

"So, I'm thinking we should do this more often," Kim said as she pulled back from him. Callen could see the flush on her cheeks, the slightly swollen lips. If their performance didn't convince those around that they were very 'into' one another, he didn't know what would. That, or the audience had to be blind.

"Make out in the pool?" Callen grinned. "I'm all for it." He kissed her again.

Kim eventually pulled back and put a finger on his lips, a look in her eyes telling him to behave. She obviously had something in mind.

Seriously, couldn't I get a break. Did he have to get better at that too?

"Leave Vicki with the grandparents," Kim said, the fingers of her other hand running gently over the back of his neck. "I mean she's fourteen and is pretty self sufficient. The occasional parent getaway I'm sure would do wonders for the family stress levels." She removed her fingers from his lips once she had finished talking.

They hadn't planned their conversation. They'd never needed to. They knew each others background, who they were and roughly what they were aiming for. That was all they had ever needed for their conversations to flow smoothly.

"Things have been a bit tense lately with work," Callen replied easily. He cupped her face with one hand, stroking her cheek with his thumb, as his other hand rested on her back holding her securely as she sat on his lap, legs either side of him again. It wasn't easy to keep his mind focused on the conversation, but he managed. Just enough.

"Doesn't help that she picks up on it." Kim briefly closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of his hand on her cheek, before she opened them and continued. "Plus, she's not far off dating,"

Callen raised his eyebrows, not quite sure where she was going with this but he worked with it. "And us going away for a weekend wouldn't put ideas in her head?"

Kim laughed softly and smiled. "We'll have to take those ideas out and give her a good explanation. What better one than her father just wants to spoil her mother."

"Not the other way around?" Callen asked with a suggestive tone.

"That," Kim grinned, "she doesn't need to know about yet." She slowly kissed him, one hand running gently down his chest between them. As her hand went lower, he pulled her closer, stopping her as her hand was trapped between them, low on his stomach. He wasn't quite sure if he was ready to find out just how far she was willing to go. She smiled to herself at his reactions to her touch. She pulled back and continued on with the conversation, leaving him slightly confused. "But making sure she looks for someone like her father would be good."

"Why's that?" he asked as he let her go slightly so she could move her hand out from between them. She held his face gently in between her two hands as she continued softly.

"You're one of a kind. That way she won't start dating for ages." Kim was leaning in to kiss him again when they got interrupted. She pulled back, a slight smile of satisfaction on her face. He wasn't entirely sure if it was because of his reaction, the disappointment he was sure was on his face, or that they'd managed to get one of the bartender's attention already.

"Can I get you two anything?" came a voice from above them.

Callen dropped his head back and glanced up, read the name badge. Gavin. Just who they were looking for. "Beer and white wine, thanks. Can you put it over at our chairs? There -"

"Know where you two are sitting," Gavin replied with a smile. "It's part of the job."

I'll be it is, Kim thought as she fought back a scowl at the overly friendly tone.

"Thanks," Callen replied. He pulled Kim close after Gavin had left and kissed her again. He'd felt her tense up when she'd realised exactly whose attention they had attracted.

"Nicely done," Callen complimented her on getting Gavin's attention so quickly.

"Maybe we should return to our chairs for our drinks," Kim suggest

"Not yet, he's still watching. Perhaps we should stay here for a bit."

Kim smiled. "And do what?" she asked. She was enjoying being in the water with him again. Kim … Oh just leave me alone for a little bit. Great, now I'm telling myself off for telling myself off.

Callen turned her around, moving her to sit between his legs and started a gentle massage on her shoulders. He whispered in her ear, "Apparently I'm supposed to be spoiling you."

"I can handle that," she replied, relaxing back against him.

After a few minutes, they swam back towards their seats. Callen pulled himself out first, before helping Kim out. He pulled her into his arms, just as Gavin came up with their drinks. He deliberately ignored his approach and kissed her again, letting his hands slide down her back to rest low on her hips, holding her close. Kim's made their way slowly up and twined around his neck. Gavin cleared his throat and Callen pulled back and turned to look at him, whilst he kept Kim close.

"Yes?" Callen said, an impatient tone in his voice suggesting he wasn't impressed with the interruption. It wasn't entirely an act. He felt Kim shake a little as she held back a laugh.

"Sorry Sir, I need your room number," Gavin said with a most apologetic tone, "unless you'd like to pay cash."

"Room 342," Callen replied.

"Sorry. Gavin is it?" Kim turned at little in his arms, though didn't move out of them. She smiled. "It's been a while since we've been away just the two of us. Get a little bit distracted," she continued with a warm smile for Callen when she briefly glanced back at him.

"No problem," Gavin replied easily. "You have kids?"

You slimey b-. Kim felt Callen give her gentle squeeze and stopped her thoughts there.

"Yes, one daughter," Kim replied, her tone friendly, showing no hint of the way she felt about him. "She's fourteen, so old enough to leave with the grandparents now."

Gavin nodded. "Enjoy your stay. Let me know if I can do anything to help."

"Thanks," Callen said. Gavin turned and walked away.

Callen steered Kim to her chair and passed the wine after she sat down. "Looks like we have his attention," he said softly as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips before he sat on his chair.

"You bet you do," came Eric's reply through their ear pieces. Neither responded, just listened, as Callen lent back in his chair appearing to enjoy his drink. They knew Eric had orders not to bother them unless it was important. It would be too distracting if he did.

Eric continued, "Within seconds of you telling him your room number, there was a search done to find out your names and there is currently a background check being done. Pretty deep too."

"You two need to be careful," came Sam's warning. "A search that quick, the pool area's bugged or the bartender is."

"Be vigilant. In your room also. Eric is monitoring the camera feeds from the hotel in case someone decides to add a little extra to your room. We'll let you know if they do," Hetty added her advice.

Both Callen and Kim fought back the frown at Hetty's concern. Surely they wouldn't go that far, putting a camera in the room.

"This is nice," said Callen, glancing over at Kim.

"Relaxing," Kim agreed with a smile.

Callen saw Gavin watching them, the bar not being too far from them, he could probably also hear normal conversation, so Callen turned back to look at her, letting his gaze wander slowly over her body and smiled again. "Shall we go back to our room?"

Kim smiled back and raised her eyebrows questioningly, "Don't want to finish your drink first?" she asked, wondering just where he was going with this.

"Take them with us," Callen replied, his gaze running suggestively over her body again as he continued. "Have things in mind to do with you that might get us kicked out."

"That would probably be a good idea."

Both Callen and Kim almost spat out the mouthful of their drinks they had just taken, at Hetty's comment and timing. Hetty continued, after a momentary pause at the sounds they had made. Eric included. "Just in case the bartender decides to test them for finger prints," added Hetty. Callen was sure that she was smiling. "I would like Eric to go deeper on a fingerprint check, just to ensure we haven't missed anything. Eric will inform you when it is done."

"Sounds... interesting. Let's go," Kim said as she stood up.

Callen grabbed their things and slipped an arm around her and they left, giving a nod to the bartenders as they did.

Back in their room, Eric informed them that they were secure, no one had been in.

"I'm going for a shower," Kim told Callen, turned and started walking away.

"Want company?" he asked.

Kim turned and looked at him.

"Venturing into black territory?" Callen asked at her look.

Yes, but not like I'm going to admit that to you.

"Not exactly," she replied instead. "Just wondering how much you are willing to have Eric and Hetty listen in on."

"I assure you that it wouldn't be anything I haven't heard before. However, I cannot speak for Eric," Hetty replied, sending Kim into a silent fit of laughter at Eric's squeak and the look on Callen's face.

Callen rolled his eyes, not only at Kim, but at Hetty as well. Even if she couldn't see it. "Are we going to get any privacy whilst we are here Hetty?" Callen asked.

"Do you need some Mr Callen?" came Hetty's innocent sounding question.

"It might be nice not to have to remember that you are listening all the time," he replied.

Kim raised her eyebrows, still laughing at him. He took a step toward her and her eyes went wide and she stopped at the look in his eyes.

No way could he possibly be suggesting what I think that look meant.

"Fine," Hetty agreed after a moment. "You may remove your ear pieces whilst in your room. Remember to put them in and turn them on whenever you leave, if someone comes to the door or those wonderful instincts you both apparently possess, tell you to."

"Thank you Hetty," Callen replied as he took another step toward Kim. They both took them out and put them safely on the top of the drawers where they could get to them easily.

"Now, what were we discussing?" Callen asked as he pulled her into his arms as he said softly, "It's been a while, thought perhaps you might need some practice."

Kim fought it but she knew he saw it, the flash of pain across her face. She saw his expression change from teasing to serious.

"Not something easy to forget," she replied as she pulled away and walked into the bathroom.

Callen watched her go. This was going to be hard. He'd slipped back so easily into the role, forgetting that it wasn't like it used to be.