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Chapter 10
xoxoxoxoxo
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"Are you sure they're not really married?" Julia asked Dave Sheppard an hour later as they moved slowly on the dance floor.
They'd been keeping their eyes on John and Teyla for the better part of an hour. Dave knew that Julia was chomping at the bit to go and talk to John but he kept holding her off, telling her John needed to work and it would look suspicious if they spent too much time with him. According to their story, he and John had done business on a few occasions but as John and Teyla had supposedly been living out of the country for quite a while, they weren't close friends.
But Dave had to agree with what Julia was suggesting. John and the beautiful woman he'd spent most of the past hour dancing with definitely looked like they were very enamored with each other. And while Dave had to admit that John was great at hiding his emotions, he had always been terrible at trying to fake them. He could never get away with pretending he was sick or really sad about something. He just couldn't fake the emotion thing.
And that's why Dave had to wonder exactly what the real relationship was between these two.
"John never actually said they weren't, he just told me what their cover was. I will say that they look awfully cozy. But I suppose that's part of their story. He did say we could get together before you and I left for home. Maybe it will be someplace less crowded and we can get a better answer out of him."
Dave looked over and John was again playing with the necklace around Teyla's throat. He'd seen him do that a few times tonight. He wondered if John had given it to her or if he just liked touching her skin in that location. She was very attractive but he also knew John was never the public display of affection type. He'd either changed drastically or it was part of his cover.
Dave guided Julia off the dance floor when the song ended and noticed John escorting Teyla away as well. He saw Traynor head toward the bar and then John tilted his head to Teyla and she waited a few seconds then trailed behind to order a drink herself. He watched his little brother as John's eyes followed the slight lilt of her hips and he saw a tiny grin cross his brother's face. His expression was one of pure desire; there was no other word for it. Dave felt his own grin start to grow. John had it bad for this woman; there was no doubt in his mind.
Dave looked over and saw Traynor talking to someone near the bar once he'd gotten his drink and Teyla turned to leave once she got hers. But Dave noticed that she left her purse on the counter as she walked away.
He started to walk closer to tell her but then noticed that John had also seen what she had done and wasn't doing anything about it. That's when he began to wonder if she had done it on purpose. It certainly seemed as if she had. Luckily it didn't appear that Traynor had noticed.
When Teyla reached John she tipped her chin up expectantly and John leaned slightly to press his lips to hers. He thought it odd that instead of stepping back after the kiss, the couple remained close, their foreheads touching. It seemed a very intimate gesture to Dave even though it was hardly sexual in nature. He didn't know why. Perhaps how the two had closed their eyes briefly with the contact.
Dave touched Julia's arm and indicated they should move toward John and Teyla and he kept his eyes on Traynor at the same time. He didn't want the man noticing him in contact too much. But before he could reach them, John excused himself and began to leave the room.
Dave reached Teyla and gave a quick introduction. "Teyla, I'd like you to meet my wife, Julia. Julia, this is Teyla Sherman. I believe you met her husband on a business trip a few years ago, John Sherman."
Dave looked around and asked, "Where did John get to? I thought I just saw him here?"
Teyla greeted Julia then answered, "He just went to the men's room."
Dave nodded and said, "You know I should probably head there myself. Teyla, do you mind keeping Julia company while I go?"
"Not at all. I would be happy to."
"Thanks," Dave whispered then moved quickly through the crowd.
Julia hooked her hand through Teyla's arm and steered her away from the music but made sure they could still see Traynor. She knew that was the woman's primary objective.
"So, I'd love to know more about you and John. David says John invited us to get together before we head back home," Julia started the conversation.
Teyla smiled sweetly knowing this was John's sister-in-law and she had every right to know what was going on between them. But as Teyla was still unsure what was going on between them, other than the obvious, she didn't feel right in saying anything. So she changed the subject.
"We would love to see you again. And I hear you have a young boy. What is his name?"
Julia perked up at the topic as any mother would, and Teyla knew this. "Yes, we do. He's named after his grandfather, Patrick."
Julia then began to answer all the questions Teyla threw at her regarding her son. Teyla was a mother herself and knew what kind of things to say to get Julia talking about herself and steering away from any conversation about herself and John.
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John finished washing his hands as he heard the men's room door open and he looked up. He wasn't expecting his brother to be standing there.
"I learned how to wash my hands by myself years ago, Dave," John quipped as Dave bent slightly to check for legs under the stall doors.
"Nobody in there," John told him. "I checked when I came in. I'm surprised Julia hasn't come running over yet. I saw her staring a few times but luckily she hasn't been too obvious."
"Ooh, sorry, John," Dave apologized. "I've tried to keep a short leash on her so you can do your work but she's dying to see you again. I promised her we'd get together before we head back so you better keep your word on that score."
John rolled his eyes. "We'll do our best."
Dave paused and looked around again just to make sure no one was around. John snorted since they were standing between the sinks and the door and nobody had walked in since Dave had a few seconds ago.
"So, I'm wondering, John," Dave said his mouth pursing, "either you've become a really great actor, which is doubtful since you sucked at pretending as a kid, or you are totally in love with your wife."
John glanced away quickly and took another paper towel to wipe his already dry hands then gave a not very convincing shrug.
"How long have you been in love with her?" Dave questioned as he stabbed John with a demanding look. "Don't deny it, John, you're a terrible liar, always have been. It's why you used to get in trouble with Dad so often. You never could fool anyone. I think it's one of the reasons you honed your expressionless face so well."
John snorted. "Oh, like I didn't get that from Dad and you?"
Dave glared at him and accused, "You're evading the question, John. That you were good at. How long have you been head over heels?"
John gave a big sigh then shrugged again. "Years," he replied vaguely.
Dave knew he could push but felt John had given him more than he thought he'd get. "You know she looks at you the same way you look at her. Does she feel the same way?"
"We're … getting there. This assignment is … allowing us to … explore … what we've maybe known for a while, or at least dreamed of for a while. I honestly wasn't sure how she felt. We've been best friends forever."
"Maybe you've been more than that and didn't know it," Dave suggested.
John looked away almost shyly though Dave knew his brother was hardly shy. He had never been completely comfortable with women and relationships though and he certainly had never liked talking about things like that. But Dave figured he'd probably gotten enough information out of him for now.
"I, uh, left Julia with Teyla when I followed you in here. I guess I should get back there. Oh, and Teyla left her purse on the bar. You should probably collect it on the way back. Hopefully no one took it."
It was John's turn to stare at the door. "Ronon's got his eye on it and he'll get it if anyone decides to snatch it. But let's face it, David, most of the people here have no reason to grab a purse except maybe the waitstaff. And it had a … purpose in being where it was. Thanks for noticing though. Appreciate it."
Dave nodded and moved toward the stall. "I'll be out in a minute. Might as well use the place while I'm here. Can you let Julia know I'll be back in a few?"
John nodded and left the room wondering how his brother had managed to get the information out of him that he had. But then he and Dave had shared a lot of things when they were younger and Dave had looked actually concerned and curious but not in an overbearing way tonight. It brought back memories of when they had been kids and had told each other everything. That had been a long time ago.
John arrived back in the ballroom and his eyes immediately shot to the bar to see that Traynor was no longer with his former companion. John had made sure that he and Teyla had gotten her necklace pointed in the direction of anyone Traynor had spoken with tonight. He figured Greg was running them through channels right now.
John looked around for Ronon and saw the big man on the edge of the crowd his eyes like a hawk glancing around in all directions. When he spotted John he moved his head and tilted his chin slightly. John followed the hint and found Traynor again with someone new.
John started walking back to Teyla and saw Agent Colburn passing around drinks in her role as waitress tonight. He snagged a glass and gave her a wink. "Thank you. Uh, my wife lost her purse somewhere in the ballroom and she can't remember where she left it. Would there be a place it would be returned if someone found it?"
"I'll ask around, sir and let you know if anyone's seen it," Gina Colburn replied and headed right to the bar where she knew it had been placed. She'd kept her eyes on it as well. They both were hoping Traynor's conversation had been helpful but knew it could have been just golf talk.
John walked back and approached the women, Julia keeping her eyes focused on Teyla even though John knew she must be dying to give him a big hug. Julia had always been the huggy type and even though John had liked her very much, he always felt uncomfortable with the physical closeness.
He slid in behind Teyla and slipped his hand around her waist and planted a kiss to her exposed neck. "Hey sweetie, miss me?"
Teyla gave a dainty chuckle and shook her head. "You have hardly been gone long enough for me to miss you but if you require me to tell you so, I will. I missed you terribly, honey."
"So fresh!" John scolded and gave her a tiny pinch on her hip. He then looked up at Julia and said, "Julia, it's lovely to see you again. I just ran into David in the men's room and he'll be right out."
John took a step forward and gave Julia a quick peck on the cheek then looked back at Teyla. "So what have you two been talking about?"
Teyla gave a dramatic sigh and replied, "No, it was not you, John. Julia was telling me about her son, Patrick. He is five years old and staying with her sister while she and her husband are here on a combined business trip and small vacation."
"And Teyla was telling me you have a one year old son," Julia's voice rose in question though she knew John couldn't really give her true answers here.
"You have a son?" Dave's voice also had a big questioning tone as he walked up behind the group.
John's eyes widened as he answered, "Yes, he's a year old and Elise Traynor has been so wonderful getting him into the same play group as her daughter. Teyla brought him there twice this week."
Julia nodded understanding the purpose of the child. "Where is he tonight?" Julia queried.
"We have a live-in nanny," Teyla said and John almost laughed at the way she said it, like it was expected. She was beginning to sound just like the rest of the spoiled women they had met recently. John hoped it was all just good acting on her part. He'd hate to have created a monster with this assignment.
Dave nodded then tipped his head toward Teyla. "John, would you mind if I asked your beautiful wife to dance?"
John was almost afraid to say yes but knew that would just be petty. Many of the couples here tonight were mingling and socializing with all the others.
"Sure," John responded and tried to keep the sarcasm from his voice. "Try to bring her back the same way you got her."
Dave did roll his eyes at that comment but held his hand out and escorted Teyla to the dance floor. John watched them walk away then held out his elbow and said, "Want to trip the lights? I'm not as good on the dance floor as your husband but I get by okay."
"I thought you'd never ask," Julia rushed out then slipped her hand through his elbow until they too were holding each other properly and gliding to the music.
"It's great to see you again, John," Julia whispered in his ear as they settled into a rhythm. "I know you can't really say much right now but you have to know that David and I are dying to find out all about Teyla and this child you have."
John knew he owed these two quite an explanation and felt bad he hadn't contacted them since they'd come back to Earth. "When all this … stuff … is over with, it'd be great to come by and see Patrick. I was there for such a short time at Dad's funeral I didn't get a chance to get to know him."
Julia nodded smiling. "We'd love to have you, John. And maybe you could bring Teyla and your son."
John smirked at Julia's comment. She sure was trying to get information out of him as to who the child really belonged to. He'd have to let her know soon enough but for now John liked pretending the boy truly was his.
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"You dance beautifully, Teyla," Dave stated as they glided around the floor. "Do you and John get to do this often?"
Teyla tried to hide her grin. "I must confess that John only taught me these steps yesterday. We practiced for quite a while." Teyla turned her head and glanced across the room to find John and Julia laughing. His handsome face and genuine smile brought back memories of what they'd done after they had danced last night and she blushed.
Dave saw her face color and her look of embarrassment and for some reason he seemed to think it wasn't because she had only just learned to dance this way. The glance she had thrown at John was similar to the look of longing John had followed her with earlier. He had a feeling things between these two were heated or they soon would be. He was glad. John deserved some happiness. He knew Nancy had done a number on him and he hadn't had any real relationships since then. Until now.
"So, John says you two have been great friends for a while," Dave eased into the conversation. "I'd love to hear how you two met, though I know now isn't exactly the time."
Teyla looked around quickly then softly said, "We work together. That is all I can say for now."
Dave swung her around a few more times and saw her gaze dart back to John again. "You know he's completely in love with you, don't you?"
Teyla's eyes flicked up to his with surprise but also hope. "Did he tell you this?"
Dave's eyes rose in memory as he answered, "In a roundabout way. He didn't actually say the words."
Teyla smiled a secret smile. "No, that is not John's way. He is very uncomfortable discussing … feelings."
"But I've known him for a long time and I can gauge his emotions pretty well. So the question is do you feel the same way. He didn't seem to know the answer to that."
Teyla once more turned her face toward her pretend husband. Dave saw her do this and added, "I'm hoping you do because John has been treated poorly before by women who think he's one thing and then realize he's completely different."
Teyla nodded her head and said softly. "I am very aware of who John is. I know of his quirks and insecurities. I know he likes to make fun of himself instead of taking credit for what he has done well. I know he hides behind a mask of indifference but I also know he is very passionate about many things and will fight to the death or give his life for a cause if he believes strongly enough in it. I know he is extremely loyal to those who prove worthy. I know that he does not give trust easily but when he does it is a gift to be cherished. I know that he is incredibly intelligent but does not like others to see this. But he will use this knowledge to find peaceful solutions if at all possible before he uses physical force. And I also know he is brave and will do what is needed to protect those he has sworn to keep safe."
Dave widened his eyes as Teyla gave her tribute. She then took a deep breath and finished, "And I know that is the person I fell in love with so many years ago."
Dave's sigh was audible and he pulled Teyla in closer for an embrace even though it wasn't something he was all that comfortable with either. But he found that this woman was perfect for John and it made him grateful.
"Thank you, Teyla," he whispered in her ear. "Just don't ever give up on him. Like you said, he'll be loyal to you forever ... but walk away and he'll just curl up and accept that he isn't wanted. I don't want to see that happen again."
"John and I still have many things to discuss and far to go in establishing our relationship but now that I am aware of his feelings toward me, I will do all I can to keep John by my side forever."
Dave just smiled and heard the song end. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Thanks for the dance."
They walked back toward where Julia and John had gone once they left the dance floor and Teyla said, "Thank you, David, for the dance as well as the conversation. I do appreciate it."
John pulled Teyla to his side then took a card from his jacket. "David, here's my business card. It has my cell number on it. Give me a call in a day or two and I can better let you know what the next few days look like."
Dave took the card and handed one of his to John as well. John looked down at Teyla and asked, "Do you think maybe we should just have them over the house? I can stoke up that grill and have a little barbeque."
Teyla laughed. "As long as you do the cooking, honey. You know I am no good in that area."
"Is that okay?" John asked his brother and Julia. "Or would you rather go out to a restaurant?"
"I'd love to come to the house," Julia piped in. "When we go away we spend way too much time in restaurants. It'll be nice to get a home cooked meal."
Dave and John shook hands and Dave observed, "It looks like the party's starting to wind down. We'll talk to you soon. It was good seeing you again, John. And it was very nice meeting you, Teyla."
Goodbyes were said and John and Teyla made their way through the crowd to try and find the Traynors. As they were looking around, Gina Colburn came up to them with Teyla's purse in her hand.
"Is this the purse your wife had lost, sir?"
John gave a tiny smile at the perfect timing. Teyla reached out and acted surprised. "Oh, yes, that is mine. Thank you so much. I could not imagine where I had put it. Luckily it does not have much in it except some makeup but I do so like this design, I would have been upset to have lost it."
"Not a problem, ma'am," Gina replied her demeanor serious. "Glad I could help."
Colburn walked off and they saw Elise and Philip moving toward them. "Did you enjoy yourselves," Elise gushed as they came closer.
"We had a lovely time," Teyla answered. "I believe John met and got acquainted with many people who will likely help him with his business. And I enjoyed myself as well."
John reached out and took Traynor's hand. "Thanks for all the introductions tonight, Philip. Appreciate it. It's a good start. We're going to head home. I'm sure we'll see you sometime soon. Have a good night."
Goodbyes were said all around and Ronon appeared just as they were stepping outside looking for their car. Lorne pulled up and got out to open their doors and within minutes they were cruising down the road toward their temporary home.
"Did you get anything tonight, Sir?" Lorne asked from up front next to Ronon.
John leaned back in his seat and allowed Teyla to rest her head on his shoulder. "Not sure yet, Lorne. I hope Greg will have a report for us by tomorrow on all the people Traynor had any contact with. Ronon, did you see anything suspicious?"
"Hard to say," Ronon grumbled. "Is Traynor pinching some ladies' butts suspicious because then yeah? Otherwise he just looked like anyone else talking and drinking too much all night."
"Well, Camillia told me that she thinks Traynor's a pig. Apparently he's put the moves on her but since she's usually holding a large carving knife he hasn't pushed it. She told me a bit about the running of the household and she hinted that the Traynors may be going away for a night next week. All of them."
"Hmmm," John thought out loud. "Maybe we can get inside and take a peek while they're not there. Rodney's got a few gadgets that he said can locate things like safes and false walls. Be interesting to see if he's got anything like that. That also might be a good time to see if I can get inside that lock box in his locker at the club. That'll be a little harder though since it'll have to be a time when very few people use the locker room. Hmmm?"
John began thinking of different scenarios and options he might have and he almost laughed when he thought about perhaps using Dave to help with his little locker room heist. Wouldn't his brother love that?
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xoxoxoxoxoxo
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"I am not sure my feet will recover after tonight," Teyla whined as she threw the shoes unceremoniously in the closet. She walked toward the dresser and removed her earrings and then reached for her necklace.
"Need a hand with that, sweetie?" John asked from behind her. He had already removed his tux and was only wearing his shorts.
Teyla looked in the mirror appreciatively although she knew the appreciation was for John's attractive physique and not necessarily because he was removing her necklace. He handed her the piece of jewelry and Teyla hung it on the hook on the door of the large jewelry box.
Before she could close the door, John began nibbling on her neck and Teyla completely forgot what she had been doing. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back to allow him better access. John skimmed his mouth over the silken skin and poked his tongue out to taste it as well.
Teyla shuddered as his tongue now licked its way along her shoulder to her ear then along the back of her neck to the other side for a repeat performance.
"Maybe we should get you off those feet if they hurt so much," John suggested with a passionate smirk.
He bent to pick her up but Teyla balked. "My dress. We should hang it up first."
"I can help with that," John said and reached for the zipper. As he lowered it he bent down and let his lips press tiny kisses along the path as it opened.
John stood up again when he was done and slid the straps off her shoulders so the dress slithered to the floor leaving Teyla standing there in a strapless bra and lacy panties. John now shuddered. Those lacy panties would be the death of him.
Teyla stepped out of the dress and gave John a saucy look. "That needs to be hung up, honey."
John gave a twisted grin and picked up the fluid fabric. As he did as he was told, Teyla took a few steps away and moved toward the bed but John caught up with her before she reached it. He took her hand and pulled her to him and they immediately came together in an embrace, lips on each other.
Teyla slid her hands to explore John's hair roughened chest and John cupped Teyla's behind pulling her even closer to his growing desire. Teyla's eyes opened wider as she felt how aroused he already was and raised one eyebrow.
"John?"
John gave her a sly look. "It's been halfway there all night, sweetie. You don't even realize how incredible you looked in that dress. And most of the night I was trying to keep myself from picturing you without the dress. When it just came off a few seconds ago, that just made it even worse."
Teyla took a step back and reached for the hook at her back. "I wonder what it will do if I remove this."
John inhaled deeply as her bra dropped to the floor and he knew he was even harder than before. He wasn't sure how much bigger he could get. He was almost ready to explode just thinking about what they had done last night and the fact that they were very likely to do it again tonight.
John stared at Teyla's amazing curves and curled his hands into fists to keep from just grabbing her and throwing her on the bed. But when he looked around the room he knew there were actually many surfaces that might be even more fun.
He took a few steps to the bedside table and pulled out the box he had purchased this afternoon and tossed it on the bureau behind Teyla. Then he moved closer and began to kiss her again. Teyla's arms lifted to encircle his neck and hold him close as her mouth also cherished his.
Hands began to wander and lips left their original goals and moved to more interesting places. The last bits of fabric were removed and soon Teyla found herself lifted onto the bureau with John between her outstretched legs. As his encased member found its way to her moist and ready center, Teyla's short nails dug into John's back and she thrust her tongue in his mouth. Both mimicked the same actions as the other and soon groans and moans and cries of fulfillment rang through the room. Arms surrounded glistening bodies and held tightly as heartbeats and breath tried to strive for normalcy in rhythm. But it was a while before that actually happened.
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xoxoxoxox
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Rodney finished typing in the codes to finish tonight's assignment. He looked around the room and noticed both Aaron and Greg had gone. Hmmm, he wondered when they had left. But glancing at the clock he realized it was fairly late. The big fundraising bash had ended well over an hour ago.
He clicked the save button one more time and hoped that some of the information they'd gotten tonight would be useful in bringing down this gun running operation. This commuting back and forth from Atlantis was not his thing. And he didn't have Jennifer when he was here in this hotel room.
He clicked through the programs he had used tonight and made sure they were all shut down. Ronon's button, yep, off. John's watch, yep off. Teyla hadn't used the spy cam earrings tonight so they had never been turned on so he skipped past that program. The compact in Teyla's purse had gotten some interesting conversation but Greg had taken a copy of the tape so he could listen and see if he could pick up anything they might have missed.
Rodney clicked onto the program that ran the listening device in John's cufflinks and was about to shut it off when he heard something that sounded like someone in pain. He lifted the headphones to his ears and there it was again. Like someone moaning in pain.
He quickly flipped over to the necklace view and zoomed in to see two figures possibly engaged in a struggle. The lights were dim in the room but still light enough to see once he adjusted the brightness. He zoomed in and then froze as he realized exactly what kind of a struggle he was seeing.
John and Teyla were across the room and he could see their hands and mouths moving in a frenzied motion across the other one's naked body. His face scrunched up when he realized what he was seeing and he knew he should quickly shut this program down too but he didn't. He wasn't sure why.
He continued to watch as Teyla knelt in front of John and caressed him intimately. John reached for a small box on the bureau behind them and handed something small to Teyla who after moistening him with her tongue rolled what Rodney figured was a condom on him.
John then pulled Teyla to stand in front of him and kissed her again quite passionately. He wrapped his hands around Teyla's ass and lifted her to sit on the bureau then licked his way down her body until she was squirming and whimpering with delight.
Once John had paid Teyla back for the oral treat he'd gotten earlier, he stood and pressed his distended arousal into her. Teyla gasped and John shuddered and pretty soon they were embroiled in a rhythm older than time.
Rodney knew what he was doing was wrong; he really shouldn't be watching his friends this way but it was so damned sensual and he hadn't been with Jennifer that way in over a week. He could feel his frustration grow along with his own erection at seeing the two on his computer screen going at it.
Once they'd both reached their peaks and collapsed into each other's arms, Rodney shut down the program and the computer. But he was still a bit frustrated so he shut the lights off and climbed in bed and thought of Jennifer. Unfortunately her part tonight would have to be played by a proxy. Rodney sighed as his hand got moving.
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xoxoxoxooxxo
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