Audrey was breathless when they entered her dark apartment. Their run through the rain left her heart pumping. She should have be freezing, but the memory of Smith's unabashed kiss in the downpour warmed her in places that clouded her judgment and filled her mind with fantasies that she longed to pursue. Am I really going to do this? Are we moving too fast? And, the most important question of all, Am I doing this for the right reasons?

At the sound of Smith locking the door, Audrey turned to face him and instantly knew she was in trouble. Fresh rainwater dripped down the intense lines of his face. His white dress shirt clung to his body, teasing the outline of his strong chest and hard stomach. And upon meeting his crystal gaze she knew, that he desired her passion as much as she desired his.

"Come to me." Smith's voice was low and deep, the sound of it drew her to him more so than the words themselves. Audrey hadn't seen him like this since their mission, and never before had his intensity been channeled at her in such a way. Audrey found it exciting yet intimidating at the same time. So she walked toward him, slowly, calculating what she should do when she finally reached the man that tempted her so.

Audrey's pace must have been too measured for Smith came to meet her halfway, closing the distance between them in two confident strides. He reached for her, and though the thought of letting the Agent take her was all that she wanted and more, Audrey bit her lip and braced her hands against his chest, slowing his descent upon her parted lips.

"Smith..." His name came out as a breath and she felt his muscles tighten beneath her trembling hands. "There's a... level of human intimacy that I...really want to share with you, but... I can't do this in good faith unless I know that you understand what it means."

"I have downloaded sufficient research to engage with you sexually, Audrey. With your guidance, I'm confident we can experience this together." Smith said, his fingers lightly grazing her cheek. Does he realize how tender he's being right now? she wondered. God, even when he's being an idiot, he's still so sexy. Audrey closed her eyes, shutting out the program's beautiful stare. Shaking her head, she fought desperately to give credence to the last sensible braincell she had left.

Taking his hands, Audrey lowered them from her face. Hoping to put some breathing room between them she stepped back, but Smith followed, refusing to break the circle of enticing energy that fizzled around their damp bodies. Maybe this connection really is electric in nature, Audrey thought and for a brief moment she dared to wonder what it would be like if they showered together. Stop it, Audrey! For fuck's sake, focus!

"Trust me, Smith, I have no doubt that you can deliver. What I'm trying to say is... as... incredible as the physical sensations of sex can be, there are significant emotional attachments that come with it. Some people may disagree, but when it comes to me, I can't have one without the other... I want to experience this with you, I really do but...I can't open myself up to you like that unless I know that you can give me something in return."

Audrey hated herself in that moment. Why couldn't she just give in to impulse and let them enjoy this?!... Because, that little voice whispered inside her, you know from experience what can happen when you love too recklessly. Her heart had only just recovered from those past mistakes. If it broke again, she feared it would stay broken, forever. And then there was Smith to consider. Though he'd never admit it, she was responsible for him. Smith acted tough, and he probably even believed that he was invincible. But in just their last few encounters, Audrey had seen him change, she'd witnessed the impact his sensations had on him. This was uncharted territory and they needed to be careful.

The intensity still crackled in Smith's gaze as he looked deep into her eyes, but there was a clarity there too, a controlled patience. Almost cautiously, Smith asked, "What is it that you require?"

That was a good question. What could she ask of him? An emotional commitment equal to her own? That was impossible. But maybe... his equivalent, a raw openness to his sensations, would be enough?

Wetting her lips, Audrey spoke quickly, hoping to articulate the feelings that fluttered madly within her chest before they completely scrambled her brain. "I need to know that I can trust you. That I can be vulnerable and open with you, and that you... won't think less of me afterward."

Smith's brow furrowed and he again stepped closer, his aura becoming protective. The Agent's hand traced the curve of Audrey's jaw with a gentleness that quickened her heartbeat. "There is little you could do that would lessen the extent to which I value you, Audrey. It has been... difficult for me these past few months to admit that one of your kind could become so important to me, and I have not been as forthcoming about expressing that realization as perhaps I should. I want you to know, that I hold you in high regard. I aim to protect you. If you're willing to give me your vulnerability, I promise to keep it safe."

Audrey closed her eyes, savoring his every word. "And," she dared to continue, "What about your vulnerability, Smith? Do you trust me enough to open yourself up to this level of intimacy? Everything physical that we've experienced so far is dwarfed in comparison to what's coming. And as strong as those tangible reactions are, your sensations, and my feelings that come with it, they're so much stronger. It has a way of changing things. I need to know if you're ready for that."

"How will things change?" Smith asked. His voice was hushed, and he stood so close that Audrey could feel his words rumbling through her... or was that the thunder?

Audrey's eyes went to his mouth and she couldn't look away. "I don't know." she said, echoing his quite tone. "It usually implies a commitment to one another. A promise to stick around. A willingness to try... for something more."

Smith's hand dipped into the cool tangle of Audrey's hair, the wet, nocturne tresses slipping over his fingers. He cradled her head, tipping it back slightly as he wrapped his other arm around her back, pressing her body against his. The energy that encompassed them was almost suffocating and, Audrey thought, if he didn't break the tension and kiss her soon, she knew she wouldn't survive.

"I won't leave you, Audrey." His words like the brush of wingtips against her lips. "For you, I am willing." All hesitation and uncertainty melted from her body, freeing Audrey's inhibitions like a mighty wave upon the shore. Lightning flashed as the two surrendered to each other's passions, and with every kiss and electric current that passed between them, she knew, without a doubt, that she believed him.

A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you're enjoying the story so far. Just a heads up, I'm changing the rating of this fic from T to M. The next chapter is going to get a little spicy. Nothing too graphic, my goal is still to keep it sweet and romantic. But sexy times are in store.

If you have the time, please consider leaving me a review. I'd love to know what you think. I also want to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone that's reviewed so far! It means so much to me. Reading your kind words warms my heart and inspires me to keep the story going.

The next chapter will be up very soon! Scouts honor.