Author's note: Thanks again MM and Coyote-holy for your continued support, as always very grateful for taking the time to encourage me.

This one's a little spicy people... probably rated M for adult themes... or attempt at adult themes anyway! Trying to evolve in my writing, be kind... :-)

/denotes internal thoughts/

''Denotes conversation via radio''

Chapter 59: Consumed

Prime P.O.V

Millions of years practicing and almost perfecting self control and, for the second time in a matter of months when it came to the woman sitting opposite me, I acted without thought. I allowed my feelings to consume me, to rule me and I surged forward, grabbing her face in my hands.

My lips claimed hers fiercely as I gave into this strange, intoxicating hold Orianna had over me. I did not want to dwell on why I felt this way about her, or why I wanted this so desperately with her - a human woman. I didn't want to think about it or speak at all. After millennia of trying to disconnect from and contain my emotions, I simply wanted to feel. As my lips tasted hers and she moaned lustfully against my mouth, her hands desperately trying to pull us closer together, I showed her what I was unable to give voice to.

Her tongue darted out and licked my lower lip, teasing it, as she arched her body up against mine. My hands moved to entwine in her jet black and red locks, and my groan rumbled against her lips as I felt a nailed finger run lightly down my neck and onto my chest. Her hand tentatively slipped beneath my buttoned black shirt, and ran lightly over my pectoral muscles and down along my abdomen before skimming back up and resting firmly on my chest above my spark. I hissed in tortured delight at the feel of her soft, smooth skin against mine as those fingers of hers sent my spark thrumming wildly at her touch.

Emboldened by my reaction, Orianna chuckled against my lips as she tried to shove me forcefully back against the seat. Growling into her kiss, I wrapped my arms around her waist, and pulled her bodily with me, so she sat straddling my lap. Orianna's lips continued to move against mine even as she deftly removed her black jacket, discarding it unceremoniously somewhere on the floor of the cab. Hands clawed desperately at each other, seeking to feel, to touch, to explore.

As her legs settled against my thighs, my hands released the tangled locks of hair and they tumbled down over her shoulders like an obsidian waterfall. I slid my hands down her body, resting them in the small of her back under her shirt. Orianna groaned loudly and thrust her tongue in my mouth, tasting me as she rolled her body against mine. The feel of her soft, supple body against mine in such an intimate embrace sent waves of long forgotten pleasure coursing through me. It was as though my body was slowly awakening to these sensations, remembering how desperately it craved to feel this way with another soul and how it longed to find a measure of release. I growled Orianna's name out loud as my hands moved eagerly down to her hips, pulling her firmly against the aching need that burned within me.

Orianna gasped out loud and broke free from the kiss, flinging her head back as her hands clenched tightly at my shoulders. ''Optimussss... Yesssss''. Her voice was thick with desire and need as her fingers dug into me. The line of her exposed neck, the smooth, tanned expanse of skin that disappeared provocatively beneath her shirt. /Primus but she was beautiful!/.

The ferocity that burned within me moment's ago was eclipsed by a tenderness and a humility that this woman, this beautiful, intelligent, kind, amazing soul sought to share herself so openly and utterly with me. She was placing her utmost trust in me and after all I had done to her, all I had put her through, I wasn't entirely sure I deserved this honour. I reached out and reverently, gently placed my hand on the side of her jaw as I smiled fondly up at her. ''I missed you Orianna,'' my voice rumbled in its deepest register as my thumb brushed her cheek affectionately.

Orianna hissed out loud at both my voice and my declaration, turning her face into my palm, she placed a soft kiss upon it. ''Missed you too Optimus. So damn much..'' her voice whispered desperately before she arched herself into my touch and placed her hand over mine. ''Touch me... please!'' She moaned breathlessly as she placed her hand over mine and began to direct me. As my hand glided over her body, the heat that had subsided momentarily, now flared to life once more.

I felt my eyes narrow as they intently followed the path of our hands along the contours of her body, running down her neck, across her collarbone and slowly down over the curve of her breast. My fingers brushed lightly over her nipple through the fabric of her shirt, eliciting a sharp gasp from us both at the sensation. Orianna's other hand grabbed my shoulder tightly, her fingers digging into my ''skin'' as she bit her lower lip and whimpered. It was arousing to see her so unguarded and passionate. My hand came to rest upon on her hip and my fingers dug possessively into her flesh, drawing a further moan of pleasure from her lips.

I was vaguely aware that I should not want this, want her in this way, but slag it to the pits! In this moment, with this woman, there was nothing, no one, I wanted more! I growled in frustrated, feral need as I clamped my hands around her hips in vice-like grip, pulling her firmly down against me so she could feel my need for her. Orianna's eyes widened in shock before narrowing lasciviously as she groaned loudly and made some sort of nonsensical noise. Leaning down, she eagerly claimed my mouth with her own, seeking to possess me in turn.

The sight of her above me, the sound of her breathless voice, the heat and the aching need that seemed to be a living, all-consuming thing between us, rendered me speechless. I tried desperately to process and rationalise everything - every feeling, every thought, every sensation that flooded my being. But as Orianna slowly released my lips, grasped my face in her hands and rested her forehead against mine, her breath as ragged and erratic as mine, I abandoned that course of action and simply gave myself over to this moment.

/The last time I fought against my feelings, my emotions towards her - I lost her/. I involuntarily held her tighter against me at the painful recollection. As I stared up into her face, her full lips parted slightly as her chest rose and fell, and a strange smile graced her face, as if she knew what thoughts were racing through my processor. ''Optimus...'' her voice was low and sultry as she slowly leaned towards me, her eyes rapidly flicking over my face, as if seeing me for the first time.

I stared back at her, mapping every contour of her beloved face. ''Orianna...'' I whispered her name for fear of shattering this moment between us. I was captivated by her. Her eyes. They were alight, burning with a hunger and a passion that awakened something that had long since been buried deep within me. Something I had thought I would never want to feel or would have the opportunity to feel again with another. /Lust, desire!/. I wanted to feel her, taste her, touch her - claim her!

Orianna leaned towards me, her breath warm on my face as she closed the distance between us. Her fingers caressing the side of my face, sending fire and ice dancing across my ''skin'' at her touch. She was unknowingly consuming me - burning me alive - and I didn't care. I wanted to be lost to these flames.

I held my ''breath'' as her face loomed before mine, umber-like galaxies gazing at me fiercely, and uncertainly at the same time. ''I thought you didn't want this from me?'' Her voice held a teasing tone as she leaned down, pressing her body against mine. She captured my lips in a soft, slow kiss that once more drew a low, guttural moan from me.

''I...'' I could not seem to form a coherent thought as her lips burned a trail across my cheek up to my right ear, her breath like molten lava as she challenged me again. ''I thought you said a Transformer and a human woman should not seek to form any sort of romantic attachment?'' Her voice held censure, hurt and mirth all at once. Her lips began to gently kiss a path towards my forehead as she murmured against my skin. ''What would you call this then Optimus?'' I closed my eyes as her words, her accusation fell upon me. I could not speak. In what was fast becoming a common occurrence in the presence of this woman - I did not know what to say.

My spark pulsed erratically within me as I felt the exhalation of her breath as she placed a kiss lightly upon my forehead and her hands cradled my face. My hands slid up her body, desperate to feel as much of her as possible, coming to rest upon her wrists and forearms. My large hands wrapping easily around them. She began to trail a path of kisses slowly against my left temple. ''Optimus Prime...'' the sound of my name upon her lips in this moment sent an aching desire radiating out from deep within me and I clung tightly to her. Once again, I felt the heat of her breath this time against my left ear. Orianna's voice quivered with unshed tears and desperation as she whispered her final question. ''Why can't you just love me?''

Reflexively, I tightened my grip on her wrists, pulling her hands away from my face. I closed my eyes, recalling that night on our beach that seemed a lifetime ago. I could not bear to see the painful expression that would surely be etched on her features. Her desperate plea echoed in my ear, in my processor and my spark and I silently screamed in frustration and anger at myself.

I needed her, I wanted her. She knew that now too. What the slag was stopping me from loving this woman. This precious soul before me. For above all others, bar one, she was the most deserving of my spark. /You know she claims it already/, the mocking, unbidden voice snaked through my processor, my spark pulsed strongly at the thought, yet it was soon followed by another, /but such a coupling has never been heard of among my kind before... especially with a Prime!/.

I sighed out loud trying to calm my wildly pulsing spark, turbulent emotions and conflicting thoughts. I shook my head slowly, a self-depreciating smile on my face as I placed my fingers under her chin. ''Orianna,'' my voice rumbled slowly as I opened my eyes, forcing myself to look at her as she deserved. ''I do not understand how you can continue to love a spark like mine after all I have done to you,'' I grunted as I shook my head, ''and continue to do to you...''

She bit her lip and snorted softly as a tear silently rolled down her cheek. 'Slow learner I guess Prime..''

I chuckled softly as I brushed her tear away with my thumb. /We were both as self-deprecating as the other/. Orianna brought a hand up to place it on my wrist. I shook my head in wonder at this woman before me. ''A spark that is so underserving of your love...''

Her head snapped up, and her mouth flew open in seeming indignation. ''That's not true Optimus!'' A thunderous look formed on her face, ''You of all people, bots -'' she growled as she threw her hands in the air in frustration, ''...or whatever...'' I smiled fondly at her. She fixed me with a very serious stare as she spoke once more. ''You deserve to be loved.''

I drew a sharp intake of breath at her impassioned words and pulled her soundlessly towards me, kissing her deeply. Orianna reluctantly pulled away from me and my hands fell aimlessly to my lap. Her eyes misted up again as she gazed down at me and her voice dropped to a strangled whisper as she looked expectantly into my eyes. A knowing, sad smile tugged at the corners of her lips, ''Not just desired, needed but truly loved… utterly and completely..'' I closed my eyes tightly at her words. They had found their mark. I heard her exhale shakily, ''And I've come to realise these past few months...'' my eyes flew open as she moved to extricate herself from my lap, ''so do I...''

My hand shot out to grab at her arm and hold her in place. ''Optimus! Please…'' She began to plead as she hung her head, her voice lacking its usual ferocity. In its place a tired, battered resignation that broke my spark.

''Yes. You do Orianna.'' My voice rumbled softly, yet firmly in reply. ''Very much so.''

Orianna froze.

A deafening silence seemed to fill the cabin around us before she slowly turned to face me, the corner of her lips quivering as if she were fighting back tears. Orianna placed her hands softly on my chest. ''Wh… what did you just say…?''

I opened my mouth to reply to her question..

''Prime come in!'' Ironhide's gravelly voice crackled through the radio in the cabin, causing us both to start at the unexpected and untimely interruption.

I swore out loud harshly in Cybertronian at my weapon's specialists horrendous timing and, as I became aware of my Decepticon energon signature readings, how distracted I had allowed myself to become once more on account of Orianna. /Very un-Prime like!/.

At my reaction, Orianna sharply withdrew her hands from my body and scrambled off my lap, retreating to the far side of the cabin. It was all I could do not to growl out loud in anger and frustration as I was suddenly bereft of her warmth and her presence. She drew her sculpted brows together in confusion and concern. ''What is it Prime? 'Cons?''

I nodded my head as I reluctantly slid to the opposing side of the cabin, exhaling roughly. A new kind of heat burned through me now, an angry, frustrated rage that threatened to boil over and erupt explosively. That familiar ache in my spark flared to life as we separated, and I looked apologetically at her. ''Affirmative Orianna.'' Orianna sighed out loud and stooped to collect her wayward jacket from the floor of the cabin, putting it on before she wrapped her arms about her knees as she drew them up under her chin.

''Prime, do you acknowledge?'' Ironhide demanded once more, urgency and concern in his tone.

''Prime here!'' I barked back harshly. Orianna flinched at the tone in my voice and sat upright in her seat, rocking slightly as she listened to our exchange.

There was a moment's pause as Ironhide registered my hostile tone. After a beat, he continued unperturbed, choosing to ignore my uncharacteristic outburst. ''Are you reading Decepticon energon signatures in your area?''

Though he couldn't see me, I nodded as I replied. ''Affirmative Ironhide. We are about to move out in search of them. Relay any co-ordinates if you get a visual or can pinpoint a reading. Do not engage them alone.'' Orianna was looking at me with an unreadable expression.

''Will do Prime. Same goes for you.'' Ironhide warned and I allowed a small smile to briefly tug at the corners of my lips.

''Understood. Prime out.'' I sighed out loud in bitter frustration as the communication ended and pinched the bridge of my nose. /So close!/. We had been so slagging close moments ago and now - once more - a gaping distance hung between us. I wanted to smash my fist into my own dashboard.

''Time to go save the world again hey Optimus?'' Orianna smiled weakly at me as her shoulders seemed to slump.

''Something like that Orianna.'' I tried to return her smile. I wanted to say more to her. I wanted to apologise for my actions yet again, for the interruption. I wanted to keep talking to her to find a way where she could stay with me, be with me. I wanted to finish our important conversation….I wanted to hold her again, kiss her... I wanted... /Her!/. I exhaled slowly to try and expel my frustration and centre myself for what lay ahead. ''Orianna…''

She held a hand up at me as she shook her head and moved to clip her seatbelt on. A soft, wry smile on her lips. ''It's okay Prime. I understand.'' Her seatbelt clicked into place. ''There'll be time finish our - conversation - later, I'm sure. I'm not going anywhere...'' Her smile broadened. ''.. this time.''

I nodded and moved to reach out to her, but I thought better of it and withdrew my hand, placing it on my leg. I smiled warmly at her in reply, drinking in the sight of her once more. Suddenly, an image of her above me, my fingers digging into her hips, her lips on mine, flashed through my processor and I sighed out loud in relief. ''I'm so very glad to hear that Orianna.''

I was just about to deactivate my holoform when her hand shot out to grab my arm. I looked down at her hand and up into her beautiful face. ''Optimus,'' her voice was tremulous as her eyes searched my face. I saw within them the faintest trace of fear as she squeezed my forearm tightly. ''Please. Be careful.''

My engine rumbled to life as I placed my hand over hers and squeezed it firmly in reply, delighting in the feel of her warm skin as I smiled fondly down at her. ''Always.''