Mhuahahaha: 2 chapters in one day!! 22 is one of my lucky numbers, I was born on the 22nd. Its a short chapter with a cliffhanger-esque ending. Mostly because I'm not sure which was I should go and want your opinions. So please leave a review to let me know what you want to read.

Chapter 22

They had been in Abby's lab for over an hour going over every little detail for the set up. They were going to be staying at another hotel and making sure Paul was aware of it. Nothing too noticeable or else he would know he was being set up. They knew it would take him a bit of time to figure out a plan. The hope was that he would make whatever attempts tomorrow night. Natalie would be staying in the room from tonight until then. Gibbs would be in and out with her as well as his team. They would make everything appear normal with agents stationed outside for watch duty.

Nat was getting a headache from looking at all the floorplans and exit strategies. McGee was making sure she had a tracker on her in case Paul got the drop on them so they could follow. She was now sporting a simple looking bracelet with a GPS tracker in it. It was waterproof so she could shower and not worry. She had gotten 2 phone calls while they were going over everything. One from her grandfather confirming agents were set and he would be in MTAC or his office until everything was settled. The other was from her trainer. Ephraim wanted to make sure she was still okay as he hadn't heard any updates.

Truth was, she was far from okay. She missed her own place. She hated the constant vigilance and fear that plagued her for over a week now. She just wanted to feel safe and secure. The only way she felt that now was in Gibbs' arms. Not that she could request a hug right now. Maybe later, she thought.

"Everyone knows what to do and where they are set up. Remember I want staggered arrivals in disguise in case he knows what you guys look like. McGee, I want you and Abby to run coms and video from MTAC and here." Gibbs was in full protection and boss mode. Natalie thought it was vaguely hot how he barked orders. She pictured him in the Marines barking orders and following commands. He was always in such control. Except with that terrorist that shot Gerald. He was very different and nearly unhinged trying to find him. Her problem with Paul helped distract him a bit but she imagined he would be just as focused again trying to find that particular bastard. Gibbs liked to get his man.

Natalie and Gibbs entered the hotel together. Visible but not too visible. An agent handed over their room key in the lobby and headed out to their partner in the car stationed somewhere outside. It was one of the ones who had practiced with her today. She smiled in thanks. They went up to the 5th floor. 1st floor was the lobby, fitness center and restaurants. 2nd floor was mostly conference and business centers. 3rd had the spa and pool as well rooms. 4th floor was under renovation. If they had a room any higher up and they risked any number of exit strategies that they couldn't cover. Tony and Kate had a room on the 6th floor from which they were going to be monitoring. It was also where anyone could crash between their "protection" duty with Natalie. Mostly it was just going to be waiting around.

Natalie was starving and exhausted. She needed a hot bath for her sore muscles and a snack. Gibbs left her to run her bath to grab ice down on 3. He had called for some room service to be delivered in 20 minutes. Turkey sandwich and chamomile tea for Nat and ham and coffee for him. Natalie was comfortably in her bath with epsom salts when she heard Gibbs come back with the ice. She needed an icepack for her one knee which was beginning to bruise.

Gibbs said, "I'm back, food should be up soon, but don't rush." The door was left ajar, per his request. She told him okay and continued to enjoy her comfort. She couldn't get rid of the pit in her stomach or the anxious feeling coursing through her body. She knew that wouldn't end until Paul was behind bars, but at least the hot water was soothing her muscles.

Room service came and went and the water had begun to chill before Natalie came out. She must have been too quiet because Gibbs had asked if she fell asleep in there at one point. She said no rather petulantly.

GIBBS POV

He worried at one point because it was so quiet in there. But he was also hyper aware of every move she made in that water so he was happy they were few and far between. Each move brought a visual of a naked Nat with water caressing her the way he wanted to be. He would remember the feel of her naked wet body and his hard on was getting unbearably painful. She emerged in a soft yellow tank top and boxer shorts. He could slightly see through the material and could see she wasn't wearing underwear and her nipples were hard. He quickly averted his gaze and admonished himself for some very dirty thoughts going through his head. He thought his imagination had gone wild when he heard her moan. His head snapped in her direction to see her chewing her sandwich.

"So good," she moaned around another bite. "So hungry."

I'm going to die of blue balls.

Gibbs sat down and continued sipping his coffee having already eaten his sandwich. "Have a seat and put some ice on that knee," he told her. She followed his instructions taking her tea with her. When she got settled on the bed Gibbs was surprised by a view from the mirror. It was showing her slightly splayed legs with the shorts gaping slightly. He could see her. Slight red curls still damp from her bath. Puffy lips. He cleared his throat and re-adjusted his sitting position trying desperately to make himself less hard. He thought of Paul and it helped a little. Sadly, seeing her shapely legs, wet hair and hard nipples kept distracting him.

Natalie got up to get rid of her ice and tea cup about a half hour later. They had news playing in the background but neither really paying attention. Just happily sitting in silence. She went over to her bag and bent over. Gibbs couldn't take it any more. They were likely safe for tonight. Extra agents undercover watching the lobby, ones outside, even a couple of them in different rooms. He got up and walked up behind her while she was digging in her bag. She slowly stood and he pulled her back into him. He kissed her neck and shoulder.

Question to my readers: who's POV would you rather for a sexy time scene? Gibbs or Nat? I'll wait to post for feedback but will keep writing. I'll write out both just in case. (Not gonna lie, I'm definitely writing Gibbs POV first as he's the one talking in my head, but I'm curious about Natalie's view, just feels like a bit of a struggle at the moment)