Emily lay in the bed trying to come up with another plan to escape, when the door opened and Kathy appeared again. She began untying Emily frantically.
"You were right. They're planning to kill us all. I found Jessie and had her gather all the women and children. They're heading to the basement now."
Good girl Kathy! Good girl! Oh, Spencer! What about Spencer?
"Did you see Spencer … uh, the man I came with?" Emily asked as they rushed out of the room together.
"No, I didn't see him. He's probably still with Cyrus. We don't have time to go look for him though. We have to go," Kathy whispered as they ran down the stairs.
Emily followed Kathy through a maze of hallways and down a flight of stairs where they ran into a crowd of women and children. When they reached the basement, Emily nearly fell to her knees with joy when she ran into Morgan.
"Emily!" he called as he ran toward her.
It was as if all the energy in her drained at the relief of seeing him. "They wired explosives," she said breathlessly.
"Where's Reid?" Derek asked looking around the crowd.
"Somewhere on the first floor with Ben," Emily stated.
Rossi appeared next to her and placed his arms around her waist to assist her. She tried to turn around and push Rossi away, but he clutched her tightly.
"Emily, you need to get out of here," Rossi insisted.
"No! I have to get Spencer! He's in danger!" she cried as she tried to break free from him. He needs me! I need him!
"Emily, I will find him. You have to trust me. Go!" Derek ordered her.
It was no use, she had no fight left in her. She was forced to walk with Rossi out of the basement. Suddenly, Kathy began screaming as Jessie ran back into the compound. Emily, again, tried to help, but Rossi and Derek told her no. All she could do now was wait. Wait for the love of her life to survive a suicide mission with a crazy religious fanatical.
(xxxxx)
Spencer stood at the door running through his options. He wasn't sure the women and kids were safe yet. He wasn't sure Emily was safe yet. He had to do something to stall, because Ben was not going to leave here without bloodshed.
"The God I know is a loving God. A God of peace. This is not what God would want for you. He doesn't want you to die senselessly," Spencer said to a terrified Cole.
Ben looked at him from his post on the other side of the door and scowled. He walked over to face Spencer with a look of anger burning through his eyes.
"Do you think you know more about God's word than I do?" Ben asked.
"No at all. I'm just trying to point out God's love and mercy. You don't have to do this. You don't have to die. No one has to die," Spencer practically pleaded.
"Matthew 10:24, do not propose that I have come to the Earth to bring peace. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword," Ben said before taking the butt of his rifle and slamming it into Spencer's stomach.
Spencer doubled over in pain.
"The devil will not stand in the way of God's mission!" Ben snapped before slamming the gun and his elbow into Spencer's gut again.
This time Spencer felt and heard a very loud crack. He knew Ben had damaged at least one rib. Spencer slid to the ground as he tried to recover and catch his breath.
"If God didn't want this to happen, he would've stopped me," Ben growled.
With that the sound of gunshots erupted and swat appeared, shooting Cole. Right behind, Derek tore around the corner and shot Ben dead.
"He just did," Spencer spat as he grabbed Derek's hand.
"Are you hurt?" he asked as he helped Spencer off the ground.
"I'll manage. Is Emily alright? Did you find her?" Spencer said.
"She's safe," Derek said, causing Spencer to nearly cry with relief. Suddenly, Jessie appeared in the room. She looked shocked to see Ben dead on the floor.
"It's ok, you're safe now. Come with us. We'll get you out of here," Derek said as he waved his hand toward her.
Spencer could see the look of pure devotion on her face. She wasn't leaving with them. She was going to finish the mission.
"Run!" Spencer screamed as he grabbed Derek by the arm.
They pushed out the front door just as a concussive sound exploded behind them. Derek and Spencer both fell to the ground from the force of the blast. Plaster, glass, and other compound fragments rained down on top of them.
(xxxxx)
Emily stood at the base of the compound shaking as she watched the flames engulf the chapel. No. No. They got out. They had to have gotten out. She stared at the building, holding her breath. They're ok. They have to be ok.
Suddenly from out of the smoke and flames, she saw two shadows. Both were coughing and limping. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Spencer moving behind Derek. Spencer was coughing into the sleeve of his jacket as he walked toward her. Without considering protocol, she hobbled up the stairs and straight into Spencer's arms.
And for the first time that she could remember, she openly wept.
(xxxxx)
After everyone was cleared from the hospital the team boarded the jet for the flight home. Spencer settled in at the back of the plane to read, while everyone else found a place to curl up and sleep. The stress, fear, and exhaustion had caught up with them all.
Spencer was engrossed in his story, when he saw Emily stepping out from the kitchenette. She gave him a small smile before she sat down across from him. He tried to avoid looking at her because seeing her wounds was a stab to his heart.
"Hey," she said.
"Hey," he said in return, still not looking at her.
Emily caught him off guard when she reached across the table and took the book out of his hand. Spencer looked at her quizzically as she placed the book down on the table.
"I need you to listen to me. I know you think there was something you could've done to protect me from Ben, but there wasn't. He would've killed you if I hadn't spoken up. I knew that you were our only hope of escaping. I had to do it. There was no other choice," she said as she tangled her hand with his.
Spencer chewed on his bottom lip, thinking about what she was saying. He held her hand tightly, enjoying the feeling of her soft hand in his. He rubbed his thumb over her hand as he accepted what she. He nodded gently.
"We're good?" she said softly regarding their fight.
"Yeah. We're good," he said with a side smile that she returned.
She let out a yawn as her pain medicine started to kick in.
"You should go lay down," Spencer said, forgetting they were still holding hands.
"I want to, but I don't know if I can," she said frowning.
He knew that she was still reliving the past three days over and over in her mind. He knew this, because he was suffering from the same thing. It's why he wasn't asleep like everyone else.
"It's also hard to get comfortable with bruised ribs," Emily frowned as she tried to find a comfortable position.
"I know the feeling," he said as he placed his free hand on his cracked rib.
Emily nodded and pulled her hand from his, when she realized they were still holding hands. Spencer saw Emily blush and he found himself wanting to hold her. He wasn't sure what was going on, but ever since he realized Emily's love for him, he couldn't stop thinking about her. About the possibility.
"Why … why don't you … umm, come sit with me? I can read to you," he suggested shyly.
A small smile crossed Emily's lips as she stood up and moved to sit next to him. She sat down and leaned against his shoulder as he picked up his book and began reading softly to her. Within five minutes of him reading, he felt her grow heavier and her head dropped onto his shoulder.
He glanced at her and saw that she had fallen asleep. Spencer placed the book back down and adjusted himself so he could hold her in his arms, without hurting his ribs or her wounds. As he held her, he felt his heart skip a beat. Could this really be happening? A part of him was afraid to believe it. For now, he would just enjoy the feeling of her sleeping soundly in his arms.
(xxxxx)
Spencer and Emily jolted awake when the plane hit the tarmac. They looked around nervously, but everyone seemed to be waking up from their own slumber and unaware of their closeness. Emily walked off without a word to grab her bag, while Spencer opened his bag to shove his book inside. By the time he had gathered his things and stood up, he and Emily were the last two getting off the plane.
Outside it was dark, but the gentle glow of the tarmac lights lit the way. Emily was climbing down the stairs as Garcia ran to give Derek a hug and Luke a playful slap on the arm. She smiled at the budding romance between the two of them. She was glad Penelope finally seemed to find a man she deserved.
"Are you going to be alright?" Spencer asked Emily, breaking her thoughts.
She turned to face him. He was staring intently at her and it made her heart flutter. She opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by that horrible shrill voice.
"Spencer, baby! Oh my gosh, I was so worried about you!"
Spencer and Emily turned to see Lacy running towards them. Emily felt her smile drop as Lacy plowed past her and into Spencer's arms. Though, she saw him hesitate at hugging her back and winced as she pressed against his chest.
"Ouch, be careful," he said a bit sharply.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized before gently wrapping her arms around his neck again.
Spencer looked at Emily, who was watching him with sad eyes. She mouthed goodnight and walked off toward her waiting car. She couldn't wait to get out of there and get home. Spencer wanted to push Lacy aside and run after Emily, but he didn't. He just walked off in silence toward Lacy's car with his head down as she rambled about how worried she was.
(xxxxx)
Spencer unlocked the door to his apartment and stepped inside. He walked off grumpily toward his bedroom as Lacy continued to follow him and talk. She hadn't shut up the entire way home. He wasn't even sure half of what she said. All he knew was she was suddenly very annoying to him.
He tossed his go bag on the floor and sat down on the bed to take off his shoes. Lacy climbed on the bed from behind him and began rubbing his shoulders. He felt her lips on his neck.
"Not tonight," he said as he tried to shrug her off.
"But I missed you," she purred behind him.
"Lacy, I have a cracked rib, my knee is acting up, and I'm exhausted. I don't want to have sex tonight," he said standing up and walking off toward the bathroom.
He began to tug off his tie when she appeared behind him. She had a pouty face plastered on and he didn't find it sweet or attractive. It was actually pathetic and irritating.
"You could just lay there, and I'll do all the work," she said as she ran her hands up his back and down his arms.
"Wow, that sounds enticing," he said sarcastically.
"Don't you like me anymore?" she said in a pretend hurt voice.
"Lacy, don't try to manipulate me. Not after what I've been through," he sighed.
"What you've been through? How about me, Spencer? I'm left at home for three days wondering if my boyfriend is dead or alive. How do you think I feel? You are so self-centered!" she said angrily as she stormed back into the bedroom.
"I'm self-centered? Are you …" he stopped to laugh incredulously. "Are you fucking kidding me? I have been stuck in a hostage situation for three days. I was nearly blown up! I had a gun pointed at my face and was threatened to be killed! Thank God Emily risked her life, or I would be dead," he began.
"Oh, so this is about Emily? She risked her life for you, so now you want to fuck her," Lacy snapped.
"Do you even hear yourself when you speak? This isn't about Emily and this most certainly isn't about you. It's about me! It's about the traumatic event I have suffered and how I just want to come home and try to forget how I was almost killed, but have to deal with my self-absorbed girlfriend throwing a hissy fit cause she can't get what she wants!" he shouted.
Lacy stepped back in surprise. She had never seen Spencer get this angry or stand up for himself. She, suddenly, grinned and moved toward him.
"God, it's so sexy when you get riled up," she said running her hand up his chest.
"Wow, I … oh wow … ok, I need to go. I need some fresh air," he said stunned by her reaction.
He grabbed his wallet and shoved his feet back into his converse shoes.
"What? Don't go!" Lacy pleaded as he walked towards the front door.
"You can stay if you'd like, especially since it's so late, but I won't be back tonight. I'm going to go stay with Derek. Please see yourself out before I come home tomorrow. I need some time to think about this relationship," Spencer said as he opened the door and tried to walk away.
Lacy chased after him, now sobbing.
"Spencer, please I'm sorry. Just come back inside baby. I'll let you sleep. I'll leave you alone," she cried.
"It's too late. I need to cool off," he said as he went down the stairs.
Lacy stopped at the top of the stairs crying hysterically as he continued down toward the lobby.
(xxxxx)
Emily just finished getting ready for bed and sat down on the couch with Sergio.
"Alright, Serge, what should we watch tonight? A sitcom rerun? A talk show? Documentary? Cooking show?" she asked the cat purring on her lap.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door. It was too late for a visitor. She slowly got up and walked down the narrow hallway. She peered through the peephole and was stunned to see Spencer pacing in front of her door. She unlocked it quickly and swung the door open.
"Spence, are you …" she started but couldn't finish her sentence.
"I'm sorry, I just … I was going to go to Morgan's, but my mind is all over the place and I know it's late, but I just really needed to see you," he started rambling.
"Spencer, calm down. It's ok. I was just about to watch TV. Come in," she assured him.
Stepping aside, she held her arm out so he would come all the way in. He hesitated a moment, but finally crossed into her apartment, allowing her to shut the door. He nervously shoved his hands into his pockets as he followed her into the living room. She turned to face him.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Yes … no … I don't know," he said running a hand through his short messy hair.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Emily offered.
"Do you like me?" he asked suddenly, causing her jaw to drop a little. "Like more than co-workers or friends." He clarified, though she already knew that's what he meant.
She stared at him wide-eyed and hesitated. She wasn't sure how to express her feelings for him. Especially since he was with Lacy. She didn't know what to say and couldn't seem to find the words, so she reluctantly nodded her head.
"Why now? Why after all this time?" he asked, as if almost upset with her.
"I … I don't know. I can't answer that," she said softly.
"You risked your life for me," he said scrunching his face up in confusion.
"I already told you, he would have killed you if I hadn't," she replied instantly.
"He could have killed you too!" Spencer said back.
"Yes, but he didn't," she said shrugging her shoulders.
"Why would you do that for me?" he asked.
"Spencer …"
"Why, Emily? I need to know why you gave up your safety to protect me?" he said staring at her intensely.
It was like his eyes were burning through to her soul. She wanted to make up something. Something that sounded like it was just her job, but she couldn't. She couldn't lie to him about something so important. Not after what they had just been through.
"Because I'd rather die than live without you," she said barely above a whisper. "Because even if you don't reciprocate, I love you and knowing you are safe and happy is enough for me."
Spencer looked down at his feet trying to control his emotions. Emily stepped forward and tried to reach for him.
"Spence, it's ok. I know you don't feel the same way and that you're with Lacy. I'm not trying to get in the way of that, I swear," she said making his head snap up to look at her.
"Lacy and I are over," he said.
Without another word, Spencer pulled Emily into his body and kissed her. It was full of desperation and hunger. His lips moved against hers as if it were keeping him alive. Forgetting about her injuries, he got a little too rough, making her gasp in pain. He immediately stopped.
"I'm sorry, I forgot, I'm sorry," he apologized.
"It's ok, I know you didn't mean to and God knows I don't want to stop, but I think we need to," she said frowning. "We've been through something very traumatic and I don't want to do anything on impulse."
He leaned forward and gently kissed her. She was so different than Lacy. So considerate and so selfless.
"You're right," he said, though his tight pants disagreed.
He stepped back as if he was ready to leave.
"You could stay tonight … if you wanted," she said. "I know I'd sleep better."
He saw the fear of rejection in her eyes. He lifted his hand and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"There's nothing I want more," he said giving her another quick kiss.
Emily took his hand and led him to the bedroom, where they spent the night holding each other.
(xxxxx)
Spencer's eyes fluttered open when he felt someone move against him. For a moment, he thought it was Lacy, but when he breathed in, he could smell Emily. Her skin smelled like Vanilla and her hair like a luxurious shampoo. It was intoxicating. He felt himself hardening and started to panic.
"Well, good morning to you too," Emily said as she pressed her bottom into his erection.
"Emily," Spencer moaned his warning.
"I know. I'm sorry," she said moving a safe distance away and turning to face him.
They stared at one another in silence, both with a look of content and happiness written on their features.
"Did you sleep well?" Spencer said breaking the silence.
"The best I've ever slept," she said smiling at him.
"Me too," he responded with a slight blush.
"You know we have to get up for work, right?" Emily said as she linked her fingers with his.
"Yea, but I don't want to," he said pulling her hand to his lips.
He placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. His lips were so soft and warm. Emily let out a sigh.
"Neither do I," she whispered.
Spencer scooted closer and ran his fingers through Emily's messy morning hair. Their eyes holding on to each other as if this were the last moment they'd be together. Spencer slowly lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.
The kiss began to intensify as Emily tangled her hand in his hair and pulled him as close to her as possible. Their tongues battled one another in a desire to be one. Emily groaned when both of their cell phones made noise. Spencer pulled away with a smile and reached over to grab his phone.
"Looks like we are needed," he said.
"Never a day's rest with criminals. You think they could at least take one day off. Do you think we could petition to have all criminals agree not to murder on Sunday's?" Emily asked.
Spencer chuckled as he walked off to the bathroom.
"If only," he said as he closed the door.
"I thought not. Well, off to save the world," she said rolling out of bed, her sore muscles protesting.
She would definitely have to take another pain pill before heading into the office, though she knew she would most likely be placed on desk duty. She was surveying her injuries in the mirror, when Spencer walked out of the bathroom. He walked up behind her and slipped his hands around her waist, propping his chin on her shoulder. She smiled at him through their reflection.
"How are you feeling?" he said softly.
"Sore, but I'll survive," she said.
"I'm so glad that asshole got what he deserved. Just wish I could've been the one to do it," he said.
Emily spun in his arms to face him. She placed her hands on his cheeks.
"All that matters is he's gone and we're safe," she said.
He leaned forward and captured her lips in his. Kissing her tenderly as he held her close. When they broke apart, he pressed his forehead to hers.
"I need to go home and get my things. Are you … is that ok?" Spencer asked.
He didn't want her to think he was running out on her.
"Absolutely, I'll see you at the office," she said giving him another chaste kiss.
"See you in a bit," he said before he turned and walked off, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.
(xxxxx)
Spencer opened the door to his apartment and walked inside. He nearly jumped when he saw Lacy pop up from the couch. He frowned at the sight of her.
"You're not supposed to be here," he said instantly becoming angry again.
Lacy followed him to the bedroom.
"Look, I know you're mad at me, but … well we need to talk," she said as he shoved some clothes into his go-bag.
"I have a case, so it'll have to wait," he said coldly.
He walked into the bathroom and began brushing his teeth.
"It can't wait, Spencer," she replied.
Lacy watched him as he bent over to spit out the toothpaste. Then she spoke words that made his blood run cold.
"I intended on telling you much differently but since you leave me no choice. I'm pregnant."
(xxxxx)
A/N: Uh oh, what will this mean for Spencer and Emily? Is Lacy lying or telling the truth? So much more to come! Thank you for the great comments and for my followers! YOU ARE THE BEST! xoxo