"Olive, are you ready?" Lauren stood outside the apartment door, waiting for her so they could head to school.

"Ready, mommy!" Olive walked up, backpack on, her hair tied back in a high ponytail.

Lauren checked her over, and Olive twirled around with her arms spread out. "See ready."

"Perfect." Lauren slid a cell phone into Olive's pocket. "Remember, sweetie, that phone is for emergencies only. If you feel sick or if something happens you call me immediately. I talked to your teacher she knows you have it so you won't get in trouble." She lightly tapped the tip of Olive's nose. "But only for emergencies."

Olive adjusted the straps of her bag. "I'm a big girl, mommy, I know." She hugged Lauren tight, then asked. "Do you think Bo will come over tonight for dinner?"

Lauren gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I don't think so."

"Why not?" Olive protested as Lauren took her hand and walked her from the apartment. "Bo loves food. She said she loves food, and we love food."

Lauren chuckled. "Ok, I'll ask her later." She peered down at Olive, feeling guilty about getting Olive's hopes up about Bo. When they returned to HANE Olive would lose Bo forever. She would be devastated.

"Ok." Olive started skipping next to Lauren and a big grin crossed her face when they walked by Bo's apartment door. "I like Bo a lot. She's brave, beautiful, friendly, and funny. Do you like her, too?"

"Of course," Lauren replied, but she sensed it was time to steer the conversation away from Bo before her questions got more inquisitive. The fact that Olive was very precocious delighted her, but she didn't want to get her hopes up about Bo. Gently, Lauren directed Olive's attention away from Bo by asking her questions about school.

After dropping Olive off at school, Lauren began tidying up after the jubilant chaos of her daughter. She smiled when she picked up a drawing of Bo, herself, and Olive. For a moment, she stood silently in the middle of the apartment, just thinking. Her child was in danger, and she didn't have a clear path to save her. The guilt was overwhelming. She'd been fighting against the truth of having to return to HANE, but it was clear now that was the only option she had.

It felt like the last six years had passed in a joyful blink. It was hard to believe her little girl was growing up so fast. But all that could vanish if she didn't come up with a clear plan to help her. But all the worrying and thinking was wearing her down. Her brain was muddled, sinking further into despair every second.

She forced those thoughts to the side as she hung up the drawing on the fridge. She stared at the picture for a moment and decided to go see Bo. She could carve out a few minutes this morning to see her. The really nice thing about Bo was her ability to soothe Lauren's mind and make her forget her worries for a time.

XXXXX

Bo paced the small dimensions of her living room, desperate to get to the Dal to talk to Trick about the Oracles. Determined to take control of the situation with Rainer, Bo called Trick.

Kenzi answered. "Trick isn't here right now," she said with a weary edge to her voice. "I think he'll be here tonight."

"Are you okay?" Bo asked after noting her tone.

"Oh, yeah. Things are crazy here. Really busy cleaning before we open." Kenzi answered, apparently distracted by her work.

Bo waited a few beats and debated asking Kenzi about the tattoo on her arm, the one matching Rainer's.

But before she could Kenzi rushed off the phone to get back to work.

For a moment, Bo stared warily around her apartment, her attention turned to the front door when she heard a soft knock.

Quickly, Bo opened the door and stood smiling at Lauren. The smile that always seemed to melt Lauren and her eyes swept down Bo's body, she wore nothing but a red kimono, looking impossibly sexy. Lauren had a sudden urge to kiss Bo right then, but she held her body firm and bit the inside of her cheek, instead.

Bo's eyebrows rose, her eyes flashed knowingly when she followed Lauren's gaze down her body. "Lauren, I'm glad you're here. I wanted to talk to you about something."

Lauren forced her eyes up, but as soon as she saw Bo's darkened eyes, she blurted out. "I want to sleep with you, Bo."

Bo's eyes bulged in shock. Sure she'd heard her wrong. "Right now?" She gasped out, her mind spinning quickly, lust rushing through her. Her eyes traveled down Lauren's body, as she pondered ripping her clothes off and taking her into the bedroom.

Lauren stared squarely at Bo, with confidence and half closed eyes. "Yes. Right now. I don't want to wait." She moved closer to Bo. "I want you, right now." Her eyes burned with interest, and she gazed directly into Bo's eyes. Her interest in Bo had grown day by day and now with everything that was happening she felt an urgency overtake her, she wanted to throw caution to the wind for a moment. She feared it was now or never. Frankly, she was surprised she waited so long.

Bo had a realization that she would never be able to deny a request from Lauren. She would give her anything, and everything she ever wanted. Her heart gave in right then, and she was gone.

An unfamiliar nervousness pushed through Bo's skin. She looped Lauren in her arms and pulled her into the apartment. She took a breath and a flash of desire pierced through all her nervousness. She wanted her, right then.

When Bo met Lauren's eyes, her gaze was dark and hot, the same spark as always jumped between them. They allowed the power of the moment to float over them, their bodies tingling with anticipation. Not another word passed between them while they stood looking at each other.

Bo's mouth curved into a sexy grin, and Lauren watched as she slid her fingers deeply between hers and guided her to the bedroom.

XXXX

When they crossed the threshold of Bo's bedroom, Lauren swept Bo into her arms. Before Bo could think or say anything, Lauren dipped her head and pressed their lips together, sliding in for a wet, deep kiss. Bo was caught off guard, which was strange considering Lauren had just propositioned her seconds ago.

When her shock diminished, Bo finally responded. Slowly, she parted her lips more, touching Lauren's bottom lip briefly. Lauren was an excellent kisser, even more so now that she seemed losing control.

The sense of urgency that this was the only time they would have together pushed Lauren's need to a frantic intensity.

Impatient, Lauren pulled on the string of Bo's kimono, and it slid down off her shoulders. Their bodies were only separated by a few inches. Lauren's throat closed up as her eyes traveled down, devouring the sight of her. Bo's body was taut and very womanly, with rounded hips, and full breasts, her glossy brown hair curved over her shoulders. She was absolutely breathtaking, like a work of art. "Wow, Bo…" She swallowed. "You're very well proportioned." Her fingers trailed slowly down the path of Bo's neckline. She held her breath as her fingers spread over Bo's shoulder, feeling her warm, soft skin.

"Thanks," Bo whispered, Lauren's eyes on her body tightened her stomach and nipples. She could see the appreciation in Lauren's eyes, and revealed in the lust in her gaze.

She tugged at Lauren's jeans and unzipped them slowly. The jeans dropped while Lauren reached for the bottom of her shirt and whipped it over her head.

Bo caught her lip between her teeth and stared at the white lace panties, and white lace bra cupping her breasts. Bo's fingertips followed the line down Lauren's naked stomach agonizing slow, all the way to her waist. She tried to breathe past the building desire and pulled at the soft fabric.

Lauren felt her touch against the sensitive skin along the edge of her underwear. She shuddered and watched as Bo's fingertips crept under the silk, sliding down. She caressed her once, twice, before easing her fingers back up her body.

They kissed, it wasn't tentative exploration, their tongues met hard as Lauren ran her hands down Bo's hips to get a feel of her generous curves and softness.

Based on the fact of how Lauren carried herself and kissed Bo knew she would be an excellent lover, and it sent a shiver through her body. She didn't want a succubus feeding from Lauren, she wanted to make love to her, for hours, slowly, gently and with great care. She never felt that before, the desire to just enjoy connecting with another without her biological need for it.

But a small voice inside Bo begged her to use caution, to slow down. But her desire for Lauren hit her like a freight train. Bo was the succubus but when Lauren looked at her with hooded eyes, she was sex incarnate. Her attraction was intense knotting her stomach. Alarms bells were ringing, but a part of her was far from afraid, it felt too good, too right, too perfect.

Bo circled her hand around Lauren's body, and slipped beneath her underwear, her fingers curved over Lauren's firm, round backside. She spread her fingers and drew Lauren hard against her.

Lauren traced her mouth over Bo's jawline and dragged her wet mouth to her shoulder while her thumb squeezed and circled Bo's nipples.

Bo's head fell back, and she closed her eyes and savored the feeling of Lauren exploring her with her mouth and fingers. Her breathing grew increasingly rapid, and Lauren's breathing matched her.

"You are incredibly sexy," Lauren murmured. The tip of her tongue touched Bo's pulse, and Bo shivered with sparks of pleasure. Though Bo wanted to push her on the bed right then, she let Lauren continue her slow exploration. Every cell in her body was attuned to Lauren's warm lips and hot tongue. Bo's entire body was tingling everywhere that Lauren touched her.

Lauren glanced up with darkened eyes and settled her lips on Bo's. Bo put her hands on Lauren's shoulders and gently pushed her to the bed.

Lauren's hands fell back on the mattress, and her stomach sucked in as she took a deep breath, waiting. Bo's hands caught the edge of her underwear and slipped them off in one smooth motion.

Lauren's heart beat hard, as she stayed there exposed in front of her. She braced herself when Bo finally unhooked her bra and tossed it aside.

Bo's gaze dipped down, assessing and she stopped breathing for a second.

Lauren closed her eyes, waiting for Bo to take her. This was what she wanted, needed. Bo.

Bo moved forward and put a hand on Lauren's shoulder, easing her back on the bed. She traced her finger around Lauren's nipple, making Lauren's lips part and her breathing increase.

Bo loomed over her, and her hands tightened on her hips, she guided her further back on the bed. Lauren turned her head to the side, and Bo ducked down to seal her mouth over her nipple, sucking and licking the skin.

Gasping, Lauren threw her head back and arched forward, thoughts seemed to fail her, as Bo rolled her nipple with her tongue. Bo licked gently, loving the way Lauren's breathing responded to her every stroke.

Lauren tangled her fingers in Bo's hair. It felt so good she wanted to cry out, but she pursed her lips together tight, her chest moving up and down fast.

Bo traveled kisses down Lauren's stomach and settled right below her belly button. She licked and kissed, and brushed her fingers over Lauren's nipples. Lauren inhaled sharply, her breasts jumped from the quick motion.

Bo's hands caught Lauren's knees and opened her wide. She gripped Lauren's hips pinning her so she could take her with her mouth. She ran her lips and tongue over Lauren's thigh before leaning closer and pressing a small, wet kiss at her opening.

The muscles of Lauren's stomach flinched when Bo pressed another small kiss to her.

Bo closed her eyes and sighed against Lauren's skin, loving the rich scent of her.

Lauren wrapped her fingers in the bed sheets, her stomach and center felt painfully tight with anticipation, craving Bo's attention and touch.

Bo hovered just over Lauren, her gaze locked on her, she could feel the heat of her sex as tilted her head forward. She took it slow, building up, teasing, pressing small wet kisses at first, then longer ones, letting Lauren feel the softness of her opened lips.

With one long leisurely stroke of her tongue, Bo parted her, licked her, slowly. Bo made her mission to tease and arouse clear before she drew back as Lauren's taste settled into her. She wanted to take her time to taste her, to touch her, to feel her.

Bo's tongue extended, pressing flat against her. She held Lauren's hips as she rolled slowly, her tongue rubbed back and forth over the tender spot. Bo allowed Lauren to set the pace and responded accordingly.

Lauren's eyes fluttered shut with pleasure, and she let herself feel everything, the building tension, Bo's tongue, the wetness. She lost herself in every stroke of Bo inside her.

Bo worked up a steady rhythm with her tongue and Lauren's back bowed, thrusting her breast up. Bo lost herself in the breathy sounds of pleasure from Lauren. She tucked her hands behind her to grip the curve of Lauren's backside and pushed deeper inside. She looked up to find Lauren's mouth open, gasping for air, her face flushed.

Lauren worked herself against Bo, concentrating on Bo's strokes as she worked her magic. She angled her hips up, urging Bo deeper. Nothing had ever felt as good as Bo's mouth on her.

Time seemed to slip away when Lauren finally came, it was the most intense orgasm of her life, it surged over and over through her body. But she didn't scream or cry out. Instead, she sighed Bo's name softly, and Bo barely heard it.

Lauren's body relaxed, and she breathed slowly until her vision cleared, and all her senses returned.

Bo moved up and watched Lauren. She looked gorgeous and wild with her body stretched out, her eyes closed, sweat glistening on her brow, a hint of a smile on her face.

Bo bent down and pressed a small kiss to her moist forehead. "You okay?"

"Yes." In an instant, Lauren flipped Bo onto her back. Bo let her knees fall open. Lauren watched Bo's face as the edge of her fingertips slid over her sex, and her thumb brushed her clit.

Lauren stroked her, building tension into Bo's stomach. When Lauren pressed a finger slowly inside her, Bo's moan was muffled by a hot, open-mouthed kiss from Lauren.

Lauren moved slowly, her thrusts alternated circles and long, precise strokes. Bo braced her hands on Lauren shoulders, her breathing heavy. Her mouth opened, and a small sound escaped her when Lauren rubbed against her clit and eased another finger inside.

Lauren pulled back a fraction before sinking deeper, and Bo rolled her hips to set the rhythm.

Lauren watched Bo carefully, face serious and focused. Lauren's fingers slid, curled, and pressed with a skill and control that made Bo's breath caught. She arched her back, pushed her hips forward against Lauren's hand. Lauren seemed to know how to take her, how deep, how much to tease, every touch measured and perfect.

Bo closed her eyes, her head spinning, intoxicated by feeling Lauren's desire for her, her leisurely strokes, her total control. Bo clung to Lauren, her lips parted and she nuzzled into Lauren's neck, her warm breath against her skin. Her hips rose and fell working toward that blinding release of pressure. Sweat built up between them, sealing their warm bodies together.

"Lauren," She whispered, slipping her hand down to grab Lauren's wrist, holding her tight, pushing into Lauren's fingers as she stroked her, and her thumb circled her clit.

Lauren licked her bottom lip and felt Bo's muscles tighten around her. Bo's hips bucked against Lauren as it all crashed into her, and she came. The rush of release was so powerful she could hardly breathe.

Lauren waited until Bo's breathing evened out before she slipped out of her. Lauren rolled onto her back, and Bo clasped their hands together.

"Oh, Lauren…that was…" Words seemed to escape her, and she turned to face Lauren.

Lauren's gaze flickered over her face, and her expression grew penetrating. "More?" She whispered, running her fingertips over the curve of Bo's hip.

Bo raised her eyebrows and smirked. "Why the hell not?" She'd do whatever Lauren wanted, anytime, anywhere.

Lauren began to laugh and collapsed back on top of Bo, sealing their lips together.

XXXX

Hours later, they laid facing each other as if it all wasn't quite real; they felt tranquil, almost drugged, their bodies tingled with relaxation.

Bo feathered her fingers over Lauren's cheek. "Lauren, I want you to know this wasn't just about sex for me." She swallowed back her nerves. She didn't want to reveal too much about her feelings and ruin the moment. "I care a lot about you."

"I care about you, also," Lauren said, her words whispered over Bo's shoulder before she brushed a kiss against her skin.

Bo lifted Lauren's chin to look at her with earnest eyes. "I'm working on something…I think I can get a meeting with the oracles. Maybe they can give you some answers about this upcoming war. So, please don't leave yet. Give me a few days, please."

Lauren sighed and realized all her relaxation had vanished. Tension crept back into all her muscles. "I don't know if I can. Every day that passes…" She didn't really want to talk about any of that, at that moment.

"I know." Bo ran her fingers through Lauren's hair, smoothing out the messy waves. "Three days, give me three days to get you a meeting."

Lauren eased up and balanced herself on her elbow so she could look directly at Bo. "Okay," She said at last.

They watched each other for a moment. It seemed easy to let their feelings show without using words; vulnerability washed over them. Bo made Lauren feel warm, relaxed, nervous, sad, blissful and so many other things all at once.

"I…" Bo started but couldn't get the words out, "I like you a lot." She finished softly. She was too scared to say the phrase she desperately wanted to.

A small smile tugged Lauren's lips. "Well, I better go." She leaned over and gave Bo a small, sweet kiss, then as an afterthought, added. "Thank you, this was amazing."

Bo pushed in for another kiss. "Three days," She whispered against Lauren's lips. "Please don't leave," She added with a hint of pleading in her voice.

Lauren nodded and slowly slipped off the bed and started searching for her clothes.

Bo propped her head on her hand and watched her, her forehead creased in concentration. Just the thought of touching Lauren again had her tight all over. She wanted to kiss her, taste her, smell her, all over again. But she forced herself not to give into the impulse and only watched her with a small smile. She let herself pretend for a moment that Lauren was hers. Truly and completely hers. It was silly, but she didn't care, she could pretend just for the time being.

After Lauren was fully dressed, she paused at the door. "I almost forgot. Olive wanted me to invite you to dinner. Would you like to have dinner with us?"

Bo's smile stretched wide. "I would love to."

"Great." Lauren rested her hand on the doorknob and hesitated. It was a strange sensation to be leaving Bo when all she wanted to do was cuddle up next to her and enjoy the afterglow. But she had real world responsibilities waiting for her on the other side of the door. "See you in a few hours." Without looking at Bo again, she left the room with a grin that couldn't leave her face.

XXXXX

Bo and Lauren were waiting outside when Olive got out of school. She waved and ran up to hug Lauren. Bo loved watching them hug, both their faces bright with large radiant smiles. It was a beautiful moment to witness.

"Bo," Olive exclaimed, joyfully. "You're here picking me up again!" She turned and smiled at Lauren. "With mommy this time."

Bo nodded. "I walked with your mommy. I'm happy to see you, as always."

"I'm happy to see you." Olive rushed forward and hugged Bo.

Lauren frowned at the ground, realizing how close the two of them were becoming. It made her happy but sad at the same time. She knew Olive would be crushed when they returned to HANE. She couldn't help but feel guilty for allowing Olive to become so attached to Bo when there was a strong possibly they would have to disappear from her life, forever.

Lauren put an arm around Olive and gave her a gentle squeezed and guided her forward.

"How about we go for ice cream?" Olive suggested, jumping up and down.

"Ice cream sounds great." Bo agreed, partly because she couldn't resist making Olive happy, but also ice cream did sound good.

Lauren shook her head. "No ice cream. You need dinner first."

Instead of arguing back Olive huffed and kicked a rock, and Bo noticed her reaction and patted her shoulder.

Bo smiled down at Olive and thought about how to a stranger they must look like a happy little family. She liked that idea; it felt right, and she longed for it. Her heart never felt so full as it did when she was with Olive and Lauren.

Later, Olive sat on the counter across from Bo and moved her lips, making fish faces at her.

"What are you doing?" Bo asked with a laugh as she sliced the tomatoes for the salad for dinner.

"Try it, it's fun." Olive swung her legs back and forth and continued the fish faces.

Bo flashed a quick fish face at Olive before grabbing the lettuce to wash it.

Olive's giggle echoed through the kitchen, and she popped a grape into her mouth. "I don't like salad." She wrinkled her nose.

"You'll like my salad." Bo winked, ruffled Olive's hair and grabbed the salad dressing from the fridge.

"I'm a kid; veggies are yucky."

Lauren turned around at the stove. "Olive, you love vegetables. It's healthy." She interrupted, giving Olive a serious expression with her hands on her hips. "Proper nutrition is vital for your growing body."

Olive made a disgusted face at the salad bowl.

Lauren bumped the tip of Olive's nose with her finger. "Don't make faces."

Olive rubbed at her nose, wiping away the tickle that Lauren left from the contact. "Okay, mommy, I'll try Bo's salad."

When they were finished eating, Olive left the kitchen to play with her toys, leaving Bo and Lauren alone.

Bo pulled her eyes away from Olive and glanced at Lauren as she handed her a glass of wine.

Bo held on to the glass with both hands, hoping to steady herself for the question she was preparing to ask. "I noticed that Rainer and Kenzi have the same tattoo. What does it mean?"

Lauren looked puzzled and sat her glass down. "That's strange. I have no idea."

Bo's confusion increased, and she took a small sip. "It's not something she got at HANE?"

Lauren shook her head. "No. Kenzi arrived at HANE as a teenager. I don't know much about her life before that. Many of the homeless teenagers that HANE takes in don't like to talk about their lives on the streets."

Bo tapped her fingers on the glass, thinking. "Maybe we should ask her about it. I don't believe it's a coincidence."

Lauren nodded in agreement, taking small sips of her wine, considering this new information.

They drifted into silence and Bo watched Lauren, aware of the tension growing between them. Just a few hours before they'd had great sex, not just great mind-blowing, and now she wanted nothing more than to do it again, and again.

"So, do you want me to stay over…or…" Bo asked, her eyebrows rose, hopefully.

Lauren frowned, and couldn't help a ghost of a smile. "Tonight?" She glanced at Olive, and swallowed, clearing her dry throat and urge to say yes, please stay. "Probably, not a good idea."

"Oh." Bo dropped her eyes to the table.

"It's just…" Lauren started.

Bo got up and smoothed out her pants. "No, it's okay. I understand." She leaned down and pressed a warm, lingering kiss to the side of Lauren's mouth.

After saying goodbye to Olive, Bo rushed off to track down Trick about the Oracles.

XXXXX

"Well?" Bo demanded before she even made it all the way into Trick's office. "How about that meeting with the oracles?"

Trick raised his head from his reading. "How about a hello, first?"

Bo's boots clicked down the stairs. "No, Trick. I need a meeting, and you need to make it happen."

Trick slid his book to the side and clasped his fingers together. "To break the bond to Rainer, you mean?"

"Yes. I want to be rid of Rainer, right now." Bo dropped into a chair and eyed him carefully.

"You know you must prove your heart belongs to another." Trick reminded her.

Bo crossed her arms and stared him down.

Trick leaned back and smiled. "Are you in love, Bo?"

Bo frowned, she didn't want to give Trick any information about Lauren. "You agreed to help me end this marriage. Now, I'm here asking for a meeting."

"Evony came to see me."

Bo grimaced she never liked Evony. "So? I don't care about Rainer's family."

"Frankly, she was very concerned about your marriage. She could cause some trouble for you." A flash of worry crossed his face, but Bo ignored it.

Bo scoffed and rolled her eyes. "I don't care."

Trick sighed and propped his chin on his hands, but he yielded. "It may take a few days to track them down. They don't stay in one place very long."

Bo held up her hands and looked him up and down. "No, it needs to happen soon. I need to see them as quickly as possible."

Trick hesitated before reaching for his phone. "I'll start making some calls."

Bo crossed her legs and watched him, deciding not to leave until she had a firm date and time for the meeting she urgently needed.

XXXX

AN

Up next, the oracles give Bo shocking news about Lauren.

Thanks for reading.

Thanks for the patience with the updates.