Author's Note: A few ''f'' bombs... some heavy flirting... here we go...

Chapter 25: Upping the Ante

Orianna P.O.V

''This isn't going to work Lennox!'' I bit at him as he came to stand beside me. ''Prime doesn't seem to be adversely affected by our overt displays of physical affection.'' I huffed in frustration. ''I am beginning to think ''Operation Green Eyed Monster'' is a waste of time and I should just tell him. Ya know, rip the band aid off.''

Lennox placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. ''It's only been a few weeks OC, but trust me, he's noticed.''

''Oh yeah? What makes you say that?'' I challenged him.

''Jazz does.'' Lennox patted my shoulder before he reached down and grabbed a new magazine for my sig sauer from the case at our feet.

I scoffed at him. ''Fine! What does Jazz say then Lennox? Enlighten me.'' I know I sounded somewhat petulant, but I was starting to feel rather despondent over the whole ordeal.

Lennox handed me the magazine and pursed his lips in annoyance. ''Look OC, we haven't got time to go into right now because Jazz and Prime should be along in five minutes or so and we have to be, ya know, in character by then.'' At my stony expression Lennox sighed and placed his hands on his hips. '' Fine! Suffice it to say Jazz has commented to me on several occasions that Prime has asked him several times if my behaviour seems odd. Jazz has also noted Prime watching our interactions very keenly. Something he would not do if he didn't have some sort of interest.'' He sighed in exasperation as he pinched the bridge of his nose. ''Ya happy now?''

I tilted my head as I considered his comments. ''Mmhmm. It'll do for now.'' I loaded the new magazine in my gun and winked at Lennox as I placed the earmuffs around my beck, ready to put on. I raised the weapon to aim at the targets. ''Now, get over here fake lover boy and make me look like I'm the only woman in your world so Prime will realise I'm the only woman in his!''

Lennox snorted as he looked away and shook his head. ''Seriously, OC? You have so many issues, I don't even know where to begin.'' Regardless of his jibe, Lennox dutifully stepped towards me, positioning himself so he was standing just off to my right, his firm body brushing against mine.

I fought the almost spontaneous shiver as I felt the heat of his muscular frame against me. I closed my eyes briefly before I turned my head to look up at him, a teasing smile on my lips. ''Given this is all a show to win the affections of a giant metal robot from another planet, I would say that point is not in contestation Lennox.''

He leaned down towards me and I tensed, tightening my grip on my gun as his lips brushed against my ear and his warm breath caressed my neck as he gave a low chuckle. ''OC NOT contesting she has issues? Christmas has come early!''

I was about to growl a terse response when I heard it. The unmistakable sound of Prime's engine rumbling towards us and the high-pitched whine of Jazz's Pontiac Solstice engine as it raced alongside.

I felt the familiar rush of excitement tear through me knowing I was about to see Prime, and I moved to turn around only to feel Lennox's hands on my shoulder and arm. ''NO!'' he commanded. ''Focus on your end goal OC. Remember what it is you are trying to achieve. We'll acknowledge them – in a minute.'' His lips brushed the side of my face as he pulled back, and I felt a warmth pool in my belly as goosebumps formed along my arms. I placed the earmuffs over my ears and exhaled deeply, trying to focus.

''That's it OC. Good, feet slightly apart,'' Lennox's voice spoke out loud as he took a step back and the familiar sound of transforming erupted behind us. Prime and Jazz stood watching in silence so as not to distract me as I prepared to fire my weapon. /Not like I am already fucking distracted beyond belief!/.

''Raise your weapon, cradle your hand, aim, and fire when ready. Keep your eye on the target!'' Lennox barked as he stood back.

I tried not to think of Prime's voice speaking those exact words on this very spot not that long ago as I nodded ever so slightly to indicate I had heard his instructions. Exhaling once more, I let lose, firing a volley of shots into the fresh target we had set up. As soon as the clip was emptied, I removed my earmuffs and scrunched my face up in disappointment. I had only landed a handful of shots.

''Not too bad OC, but,'' Lennox sauntered over and placed his hand on my shoulder giving it a squeeze as he leaned down close to me. ''I think you were distracted.'' A small, knowing smile played at the corners of his lips.

I stared at those lips for a moment before I grunted and shook my head. ''Whatever Lennox!'' I turned about to face Jazz and Prime for the first time, waving at them in greeting and smiling. ''Hey Prime! Hey Jazz! Sorry you had to see that.'' /I was referring to my woeful shooting but if Prime wanted to interpret otherwise…/.

Jazz laughed out loud. ''That was kinda damn awful OC. I've seen 'Cons on better form!''

I laughed out loud at the cheeky 2IC. ''Normally I'd give you a verbal lashing Jazz for any comparison to a 'Con, but I have to agree with you there!'' I smiled up at Prime who had remained silent throughout the entire exchange, his azure optics flicking between Lennox and I intently. ''What do you reckon Prime?''

''I would tend to agree with both Jazz and Major Lennox in equal measure Orianna. You did indeed seem distracted by Major Lennox's – instructions - which led to your results.'' I hung my head to hide both my look of disappointment and the feeling of hope that flared to life at his words. His delicious voice rumbled once again, issuing a challenge. ''I know you can do better than that.'' His optics shuttered and he folded his arms across his chest. ''Perhaps you need to try again?''

''Absolutely Prime!'' Lennox clapped his hands together eagerly, reaching down to grab a new magazine. He smiled warmly at me as he came to stand beside me again. ''I'll be happy to instruct you again OC.''

I nodded mutely as I took the magazine, his fingers grazing mine and I smiled quickly at him and then glanced back at Prime sending him a smile too. He simply stared intently at us both, his face expressionless. I loaded my weapon and slipped the earmuffs down. Rolling my shoulders to try and expel some tension and nerves, I moved to get into position.

A second later, I felt something warm and solid, move to stand to my right. Lennox's body was pressed up against mine again. His hand pulled the earmuffs back slightly. ''So, you can hear what I am saying to you OC.'' I nodded curtly, licking my lips quickly. ''Now, raise your arms.'' I brought them up before me, cradling my right hand with my left hand and grasping the back strap tightly. My right index finger rested lightly on the trigger.

Lennox placed his right hand on my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze before he ran his hand slowly down the length of my arm, moving to support my right hand as well. I stifled a gasp at the intimate contact. /He really is stepping up the charade several notches today!/. He leaned down towards me, his lips once again brushing against my ear, the light stubble on his jawline tickling my skin. ''That's it OC. Firm grasp.'' I felt his left knee prod into the back of my right thigh. ''Legs slightly apart.'' I felt him smile against my ear. ''Remember, not too far apart, you're a good girl''.

I gasped out loud and growled at him, as a blush rapidly spread across my cheeks. ''You're pushing it Lennox! Watch it!'' I muttered angrily under my breath.

''Just remember why we are doing this.'' Lennox whispered back as his left hand slid down and lightly rested in the small of my back. ''Consider this, upping the ante.''

I rolled my shoulders once again and snorted dismissively as I whispered aggressively to him. ''Yeah well, your ''ante'' can kindly remove itself from above my arse. We're trying to arouse Prime's jealousy, not suspicion Lennox.''

''Just shut up and shoot for Christ's sake OC!'' Lennox shot back. ''My cover should be contacting me any minute now.'' I could hear the exacerbation in his voice.

''Fine!'' I snapped.

''That's good OC! Just like that,'' Lennox's voice rang out clearly for our audience. ''Now, when you are ready, line up your shot and fire away!''

I closed my eyes for a moment as I tried to ignore the feel of his hand on the small of my back and on my right arm, the heat of his body against mine. I exhaled deeply and fired, emptying the magazine in a matter of moments. As the last bullet found its mark, I released the breath I had been holding. /Damn it! You gotta breathe!/.

Lennox gave a low whistle. ''Not too bad OC. Some improvement.'' Before I could say anything, he leaned down before me, his chocolate brown eyes shining brightly with mirth as his left hand travelled lower and patted my bottom. ''Just remember to breathe.'' He winked at me as he stepped back.

My mouth hung open in shock for a moment, processing his audacity before I snapped it shut. I closed my eyes and counted to three. /Fucking Lennox! If he fucks this up…/. ''Thanks for the tip.'' I ground out.

Behind me I heard Jazz chuckle. ''You are one brave man Lennox. Though ya might like ta keep ya tips, or should I say ''mits,'' ta yaself if YOU intend ta keep on breathin'!

Lennox held his hands up in the air as he laughed out loud and smiled at me. ''Yeah. But what a way to go hey Jazz.''

I shook my head and, despite myself and perhaps better judgement, laughed at Lennox's impish and flirty behaviour. /He was kinda hot and who knew he had such game. Plus, he was doing me a solid by teaming up with me to try and win Prime's spark. Lighten up OC!/.

I turned to face Prime and some of the laughter died on my lips. He stood with his arms folded across his chest, his dermas in a thin line, his optics narrowed and focused, and he was silent. /Oh shit! Perhaps we just crossed some imaginary line?/.

''Come on OC, let's have another shot at it,'' Lennox waved me over towards him. ''You gotta get a bullseye before you're finished here today.'' He laughed as he threw a sideways glance to Prime and Jazz. ''I promise I'll keep my ''tips'' to myself.''

I was just about to walk over towards him when Lennox's phone went off. ''Lennox here.'' He nodded his head and made small grunting noises before he sighed out loud. ''Understood on my way. Lennox out.''

''Major Lennox what is it?'' Prime's baritone voice rang out breaking his silence as he unfolded his arms and took a small step forward. ''Is everything alright?''

Lennox nodded. ''Yeah Prime. Nothing major, just some last-minute requisition paperwork I need to look over and sign off on and Epps needs me to look over transport logistics following our last sortie with the 'Cons.''

''Do you need me to accompany you Major Lennox?'' Prime raised an optic ridge at Lennox.

''Nah Prime! All good. You deal with enough paperwork and crap as it is. Take a load off for a minute.'' Lennox looked over to Jazz. ''Hey Jazz? Mind giving me a lift back to base? I hitched a ride here with OC in..'' At my warning glance Lennox coughed and continued, ''her delightful car Relda.''

I smiled sweetly at him. Lennox had taken great delight in teasing me about my beloved green Series 1 Landrover Discovery,''Relda'', referring to her as the ''rolling green turd'' when we first arrived on the island. ''No worries, Lennox. Hop in.'' Jazz grinned as he transformed into his alt mode and revved his engine.

Lennox strode towards Jazz, waving back at me. ''Sorry for the untimely interruption OC, Prime. I would have loved to stay and help you work on your aim OC, but duty calls.'' Jazz's door popped open, and he slid in. ''Hey!'' He called out the open window. ''Perhaps Prime can give you a few pointers in my stead? He's handy with a gun himself.'' Lennox smiled broadly at us both as he tapped Jazz's roof. ''Later guys!''

A cloud of dust and dirt was flicked up as Jazz swung around and tore off towards base, leaving Prime and I standing silently in their wake.