/N: Wow! I never dreamed it would take this long to finish this fic. It grew beyond my imagination then stayed half finished for an age. Motivation would come and go but I finally finished it. This is a gift fic for AlyssAlenko. I hope you like it. ? I'd also like to thank Eris Jade for beta'ing this for me.

Don't Let Them See you Sweat

"James."

He turned toward the sound of his name with a grin on his face. When he laid eyes on her, all the spit in his mouth suddenly dried up and his cock hardened pressing snugly against the light fabric of his pants. Just the sight of her took his breath away. She was an absolute sexy goddess in a black deep v-neck backless halter dress and strappy high heel shoes. The deep v neckline, dipped between her breasts and showcased her ample cleavage. The skirt of the dress came down mid-thigh but the slit at the side came up dangerously high on her hip. To round it out, the dress seems to cling perfectly to all her curves.

When he asked Shepard to attend the New Year's Eve party with him at Purgatory, he'd been pleasantly surprised when she agreed. While they'd been discretely dating for a few months, they hadn't even told their friends yet. Going out together, to a large party on the Citadel, would be announcing it to the universe and he hadn't been sure they were at that point in their relationship yet. But she had agreed...and showed up in that dress. Any doubts evaporated at the vision before him.

"Like what you see?" Shepard grinned as she twirled around.

He had to swallow hard before he could answer. "Damn Lola," he grinned sexily, "You're hot."

"Thanks," she answered as she stepped in front of him and looked him up and down hungrily. "Not so bad yourself," she finished.

He was wearing a black button up shirt, the top few buttons were undone and his shirtsleeves were cuffed and rolled up to his elbows. He paired it with a pair of soft gray slacks and black dress shoes.

Shepard couldn't take her eyes off of him. It seemed his muscled form stretched the fabric of the outfit in all the right places. She didn't miss the way his hard length was standing up proudly. She licked her lips and blushed when she heard him chuckle.

"Eyes are up here Lola," he smirked at her.

"Just enjoying everything on offer," she shot back as she stepped closer to him and allowed her fingertips to drag across his pant covered bulge.

"I can appreciate that," his voice husky with desire as he reached out and dragged a finger along the edge of her breast, not covered by her dress. "But if we keep this up we won't make the party."

"And that would be so bad?" she asked as she wrapped her hand around his cock and stroked it.

With a sexy growl, he backed Shepard up and pinned her against the wall of the airlock, just outside of the Normandy. He leaned in and in and crashed their lips together in a heated kiss.

With a lusty moan, Shepard parted her lips and let his tongue plunder and explore her mouth. As she pressed her body against him, she hooked one long leg around his waist.

He groaned into the kiss, the press of her body against his, pushing him closer to the edge. He grinded against her, while one hand he caressed the leg wrapped around him, slowly working up until he cupped her thong covered ass under her dress.

The need for air finally forced them to break the kiss. James rested his forehead against hers, trying to catch his breath. "It wouldn't be a bad thing," he agreed, "but I want to take you out, have a great time," he took a breath and stepped back a bit, putting space between them, "And show you off."

She started to protest but he cut her off with a finger to her lips, "After everything you deserve it Lola," his grin turned lopsided as he finished, "And damn you're hot in that dress and I want everyone to see me with you in it."

She tipped her head back against the wall and laughed. She couldn't help it, his complete honesty tickled her. After a few moments, she took a breath and gathered herself, her hands straightening imaginary wrinkles in her dress. "Shall we then?"

"Yes," James agreed, offering her his arm. She took it and they started down the airlock toward the Citadel.

They joked and made small talk as they made their way through the crowds on the Citadel. Neither seemed to notice or care about the people who stopped and openly stared as

they passed. Finally, they were finally standing outside the entrance to the bar.

"Ready?" James asked her.

"As I'll ever be," Shepard answered as she held on to his hand.

He opened the door and they stepped inside. They were immediately hit by a wall of noise. The place was packed. . It looked like all of the known races were represented in the large crowd. The dance floor was crowded, it was shoulder to shoulder at the bar, and all the tables were full. Aria was holding court with a large group surrounding her. Shepard was surprised when a bar employee approached them.

"Right this way," the small human male, dressed in a tux said, motioning for them to follow him, "The table you requested is this way."

"James?"

He held on to her hand as he followed the other man across the bar. "When you agreed to be my date, I may have contacted the bar owner and reserved a table for the evening."

Shepard looked at the tables they passed. None of them had reserved signs on them. "How did you manage that?" she asked, curious. "I didn't think they reserved tables on a night like this."

James grinned sheepishly as he looked at her. "I may have thrown your name down," he shrugged, "after that they'd do anything to have the "Commander Shepard" here this evening."

She just shook her head and rolled her eyes. She hated using the fame that came with saving the galaxy and fighting the Reapers, but even she could admit, if it got them a table on one of the busy club nights of the year, she wasn't above using it.

As they passed people in the crowd, James could feel the eyes of the other patrons on them. He couldn't miss the pointing or hushed whispers between the other customers. It was unnerving and made him uncomfortable. He almost wanted to turn around and walk right back out of the club. He was stopped by Lola pressing closer to him and holding tighter to his hand. He marveled at her ability to ignore it all, her ability to walk into the room as if she commanded it. She was absolutely stunning, with her head held high, shoulders back and a hint of sway in her hips.

"Don't let them see you sweat," she whispered to him through a smile.

He skeptically glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes.

"You got this," she reassured him.

Taking a breath, he let it out slowly, trying to calm his nerves. If she could put up with the attention then he could too. James gave her a sharp nod of understanding. He pulled himself up to his full height and squared his shoulders. He strode after the bar employee, trying to look cool and confident.

"Exactly," Shepard said, as she walked with him, happy and proud to be on this man's arm.

They finally made it to a booth in a somewhat secluded corner. It's position allowed them both to put their backs to a wall. She gracefully slid into the booth and sat next to James, their legs touching under the table.

"Thank you amigo," James slipped a few credits to the other man, who quickly pocketed them.

"You're most welcome," the employee smiled, "It's a pleasure to have you with us this evening. Your server will be here shortly."

"Thank you," Shepard said to the man's departing back before turning to James. "And thank you for bringing me tonight. I didn't realize I needed a night on the town to relax until we were here."

"You're welcome," James's hand rested on her thigh, storking it gently, "I wanted to take you out and show you a good time. I was just happy you agreed."

At that moment a young Asari woman, wearing a tight, low cut blue dress, approached the table. "I'll be your server this evening," she said, "What can I start you off with?"

"I'll have a Jack and Coke," James ordered, "And a tequila shot for both of us," he grinned at Shepard as he finished, "With the salt and lime of course."

"Trying to get me drunk," she asked James with playful huff before turning her attention to the server, "I'll have a Long Island Iced Tea."

He leaned in close and nuzzled her ear, "And take advantage of you," he purred.

Shepard felt a flash of heat course through her body and settle in her tummy. A wicked thought occurred to her and she turned the tables on him. "Make those shots a double."

The Asari nodded her understanding and walked away.

Shepard rested her own hand on James's pant covered thigh and leaned closer to him. "Maybe I'll be the one taking advantage of you."

James sucked in a breath as his cock jumped and took notice of her words, making him squirm in his seat and adjust his pants. "Damn Shepard," he nearly groaned, "might like that."

"I'm sure you would," she winked at him, just as the Asari returned with their drinks and put them on the table.

"Just start us a tab and keep them coming," James said, picking up his Jack and Coke and taking a drink.

"Will do," the Asari answered. As she turned away she added, "I'll be back in a bit with some more."

"Now Lola," James asked, picking up the salt shaker, "Do you know the best way to drink tequila shooters?"

"Like this," Shepard answered. She scooted closer to him in the booth and took the salt shaker from him. She turned his head and pulled aside the neck of his shirt, so the skin of his neck was exposed. Moving closer to him, she slowly dragged her tongue along the sensitive skin of his neck, just behind his ear. She could feel the shiver course through his body, making her grin before she knocked back the tequila, finishing it in one swallow. She picked up the lime wedge, put it in her mouth and sucked on it.

"Damn Lola," he groaned as he reached down and adjusted himself.

"Best way to enjoy a tequila shot," she winked at him.

"You're right," he said, his voice low and husky, "And now it's my turn."

The breath caught in the back of Shepard's throat as he smirked wickedly at her and scooted so close she could feel the heat of his body through her thin dress. He picked up the salt shaker and pushed her hair back over her shoulder. His grin grew larger, as he sprinkled a bit at the point where her shoulder met her neck. He didn't take his eyes off her as he picked up the shot glass. He winked at her and then nestled the small glass between her breasts.

She sucked in a breath and bit her lower lip in anticipation of what would come next.

"Now don't move," he warned teasingly. With a wink, he sucked and licked the salt from her pulsepoint making her moan. "Now the best part," he whispered against her skin.

Shepard could feel his breath against her flesh, causing goosebumps, as he slowly moved down to take the shot glass from between her breasts. She closed her eyes and didn't breath, just enjoying the moment.

James shifted until he could take shot glass in his mouth without using his hands. Dragging out the moment, he lingered, his head tantalizingly near her breasts, ratcheting up the anticipation. Finally he put his mouth around the rim of the glass and pulled it out from her breasts. He straightened up, knocked back the shot and slammed the empty glass on the table. He picked up the lime, put it in his mouth and grinned at her.

"Damn James," Shepard whispered in a husky voice filled with undisguised desire. "Is it hot in here?" She picked up her drink and took a swallow, trying to cool herself off.

After he dropped the lime on the table, he leaned into her and nipped her ear, "Not yet," he breathed out, "But it will be."

She couldn't stop the soft moan that escaped as a shiver of pleasure coursed through her body. "Tease," she managed.

"Not teasing," he grinned and placed a kiss on her neck, "A promise."

Finishing off her Long Island Iced Tea, Shepard left the empty glass on the table. She looked over at the crowded dance floor, "Dance with me," she asked.

James looked from Shepard to the couples on the dance floor and back again, a doubtful look clear on his face. "Sure that's a good idea Lola?" He remembered watching her dance once and it wasn't a pretty sight.

"I can dance," she scowled at him.

"Oookkay," he drew out the word, doubt clearly written on his face.

"James," she said in an exasperated tone, arms crossed over her chest. "I can dance," she enunciated each word carefully.

He really didn't want to argue with her and he definitely didn't want to offend her. Shepard did a lot of things extremely well but dancing just wasn't one of them. He was always amazed that someone who was so bodily aware during combat, who seemed to innately sense the rhythm of battle, who would twist, turn and dance through enemy fire, just didn't have that same awareness on the dance floor.

"Why don't I show you how I dance?" he asked. He could see her getting to protest and decided to hook her competitive nature. "Let's see if you can keep up."

Shepard met his eyes and raised a suspicious eyebrow with her arms crossed over her chest. She glared at him for a long second before she softened and smiled at him. She knew exactly what he was up to but decided she'd let it go. Tonight was about celebrating, having a good time, forgetting about what was out and what they still have to face, even if it was just for the evening. She wouldn't ruin that. Motioning toward the dance floor, "show me how you dance."

Standing up from the table, James offered her his hand and helped her up. He kept a hold of her hand as he led her to the crowded dance floor. As they stepped on to the floor, the crowd seemed to part and make a space for them, before closing around them. "Ok Lola," he said, as he gently moved them until she was standing in front of him. He rested both hands on her hips and pulled her closer until their bodies were touching. "Just follow my lead."

Bodies touching from chest to hips, Shepard could feel all of him; the heat of his body against her skin, the play of his muscles against hers, and the evidence of his growing need pressed against her tummy. She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up, meeting his eyes, "Ok," she answered breathily.

"Don't worry Lola," he grinned at her, his hands still on her hips as he began to move to the beat, his hips swayed and his hands gently guided her in the movement. "I got you."

And she knew he did, be it here on the dance floor or on the battlefield. He was always there for her, protecting her back and taking care of her. "I know," she smiled at him.

With a nod and a wink, he wrapped a muscled arm around her waist and pulled her impossibly closer, his large hand splayed across her back. He started slowly, hips swaying to the beat as he spun them around, moving across the crowded floor with practiced ease.

Shepard tried, honestly she did, but it was hard letting go, and following his direction. She wasn't used to being the one doing the following. She instinctively led and her body didn't know any other way to be, so slowly the tension creeped into her body and she couldn't stop herself from looking down at her feet, just to make sure she didn't step on his toes. "Sorry," she mumbled, when she took a misstep.

"Lola," James said, softly as he kept moving. He chucked a finger under her chin and lifted her head, "eyes up here."

"But James," she huffed out a breath as she stepped on his toes, her frustration mounting.

"No," he said, tone firm, "Trust me, we can do this," he spun her around again.

"Fine," she relented, the doubt in her words obvious.

"Now close your eyes."

"What?" she asked, "Why?"

"Lola," he looked into her eyes, "Trust me and close 'em."

It was easy for her to see the love shining in his eyes, "Fine," she huffed out with a small smile before closing her eyes, "Better?"

"Yes," he answered as he seemed to pull her closer, his leg slipping between both of hers. "Listen to the music," he directed her as he took a small step into her, making her step back, "Feel the music," he leaned in and breathed into her ear.

She inhaled sharply and a small moan slipped out but she kept her eyes shut as they danced, slowly losing herself in the music and the man holding her.

"Find the beat," he nipped her pulse point, "And let it course through your body."

Another moan slipped past her lips as the music took control of her body as they swayed and moved to the beat. It seemed, her hips moved of their own accord, grinding her heated womanhood against his pant clad leg.

"Fuck Lola," he nearly growled, feeling the heat of her against his pant clad leg as they danced, their bodies instinctively following the beat.

When the music finally died, Shepard was flushed and seriously aroused. James was aching and rock hard, his cock tenting his pants.

"Drink," he said, putting some space between them, "Need a drink." Without waiting for her agreement, he grabbed her hand and led her from the dance floor. If they didn't stop, he'd take her right there in the middle of the dance floor. "Damn," he growled as pushed through the crowd, the image filling his head making him impossibly even harder.

"What?" Shepard tried to ask innocently. She was well aware of the effect she was having on him.

"Nothing Lola," he said as she slid into the booth, "Don't worry about it.

"Ok," she grinned, picking up her refilled glass and taking a sip of the tea.

"Only you Lola," he muttered as he picked up his own glass and swallowed the liquid, trying to cool himself off.

They spent most of the evening drinking, talking and celebrating. It was more fun than either of them had in a long time. Just for that evening they tried to forget everything and enjoy the moment. The war would be back soon enough.

The Asari was true to her word, making sure their glasses were never empty for long. One drink became two…three..four. Soon enough they both lost count and it didn't matter anymore as a drunken haze pleasantly covered their minds.

"What are these?" Shepard slurred out, as the Asari waitress put two shots and another round of drinks on the table. "The group over there," she motioned to some young Alliance soldiers a short distance away, "sent these over for you."

Glancing in the indicated direction, Shepard saw the soldiers with their glasses raised in salute to them. Picking up the shot, Shepard returned the salute and called out, words slurred, "Here's to us. Who's like us?" not really expecting the other table to hear her over the din of the club.

"Damn few and they're all dead!" was the shouted reply from the other soldiers before they slugged back their drinks.

"Too true," James muttered a bit sadly before he followed suit, finishing off the shot. He chased it with a large swallow of Jack and Coke. He looked at Shepard as he put the glass back down on the table. He could see the darkness start clouding her beautiful features as her thoughts drifted to the war and all they had lost. Reaching a quick decision, he stood up suddenly and swayed in place as he offered Shepard his hand, "dance with me again."

"You sure," she asked even as she took his hand and he helped her stand up.

"Yes," he said as he turned toward the dance floor.

"Ok," Shepard nearly giggled, a sound rarely heard from her lips.

The sound drew James's attention and he stopped and looked back at her quizzically. "Fuck," he moaned, seeing her mussed hair and flushed face. He adjusted himself with his free hand and turned without another word and pushed his way onto the dance floor. The bodies were pressing them from all sides and it was almost a miracle when he found a small empty spot in the middle of the large space.

James spun her around so her back was pressed hard against his front. He wrapped an arm around her waist and held her in place as he leaned in and whispered into her ear. "Follow my lead," he said before nipping her ear lobe and pulling a moan from her.

Having him pressed so close, feeling his hard cock pressed against her ass was overwhelming her senses. The alcohol and lust were fogging her brain but she managed to nod her understanding.

"Good," he slurred out as his hands wrapped around her small waist. He grinned wickedly as he thrust his hips into her, grinding his length into her ass.

She inhaled sharply at the feel of him pressed against her and her body reacted of its own accord, pushing back against him as he moved away. "James," she moaned. He was overwhelming all of her senses. The feel of him behind her, pressed against her ass. The scent of him surrounding her and the touch of his hands on her hips, sending shots of lightning straight to her womanhood.

Unable to stop himself, arousal and alcohol clouding his brain and lowering his inhibitions, James pulled her harder against him, his cock pressed firmly to her ass as they grinded and danced. He kept time with the beat, thrusting against her, as the rest of the crowd fell away. The only thing that mattered was Lola and the feelings that were coursing through his body. Leaning down, he rained kisses down her neck and nipped her ear lobe. "God Lola," he panted into her ear, "Need you bad."

"Yes," she managed with a lusty moan. She turned her head, giving him easier access to her neck, his words making her heated blood pool in her womanhood, ruining her panties. "Please," she panted as she rocked her hips back against him, "Need it now." She pressed back against his rock hard cock. No one else in the room mattered, in this intensely passionate moment, it was just the two of them.

He inhaled sharply at the feeling of her wet panties pressed against his pants, his body automatically pressing into her ass. Lust and alcohol overwhelmed his self control and it snapped as he ran a hand down her ass. He pulled her dress up, exposing her rounded butt cheeks and the floss of fabric of her thong.

When the cool air hit her overheated pussy, Shepard couldn't stop the noises of wanton need that slipped out, nor could she stop her body from bucking against him as they danced, grinding harder and faster. "Please James."

Not giving a second's thought, he didn't hesitate as he reached between them unbuckled his pants, unbuttoned his pants and lowered his zipper, letting his cock spring free from the confining fabric and press against her ass.

"Mmmm," she moaned out as she grinned her ass against him as they moved to the beat.

He leaned down and whispered into her ear, "Gonna take ya Lola," he traced the edge of her ear lobe, making her whimper. "Where anyone could see," he breathed into her ear, "And watch," he added before he pressed his lips against her pulse point, sucked in a bit of flesh and bit down, marking her.

She cried out her pleasure as her hips bucked against him. Words were passed her, all she could do was nod her understanding, her body aching to feel him inside of her.

His hand slipped them again, caressing her ass as he reached for her thong. Instead of pushing it aside, he ripped it from her body. "In the way," he mumbled as he stuffed them into his pants pocket before his hand dragged across her skin and down to his manhood pressed between them. He lined the tip of his cock with her wet, heated opening, teasing her folds and making her moan loudly. He wrapped his large hands around her waist as he leaned in and said, "Ready Lola?"

She was breathing hard, her body overheated and aching with her need. She nodded her agreement, words impossible.

Without saying anything else, he held tight to her waist as he slowly thrust his hips forward, pressing his cock into her body, inch by inch until he was fully hilted inside of her body. "Fuck Lola," he panted out as he tried to adjust to the feeling of her wrapped tightly around his cock, "Feels so damned good."

"James," Shepard said as he stretched and filled her, inch by inch until he was fully seated inside of her.

He kept a firm grip on her waist as he slowly pulled out and drove himself back into her body, rocking her forward on his cock. "Keep dancing," he said, as he set a steady pace, thrusting, grinding, and rocking in time to the music.

Shepard shakily nodded her understanding as she closed her eyes and bit her lower lip hard. It was hard to find the beat when James was doing such wonderful things to her body…in public. She opened one eye and surreptitiously glanced around. No one was paying any attention to them, dancing and enjoying themselves. She closed it again as a small moan slipped out. She took a breath and let it, before she started to move to the music.

He held on to her waist with both hands, pulling her back hard as he thrusted into her. As the pleasure built in his body, James' pace grew harder and faster, filling her over and over. Each powerful stroke pushed him closer to the edge and the awaiting abyss of pleasure. "Gods Lola," he mumbled as he ran a hand up her side to her breast. He cupped it before glancing around, making sure no one was watching them before he pushed the fabric down and pulled her breast from the deep V of the fabric. He used the pad of one thumb to circle her nipple.

So lost in the wanton need filling her body, Shepard didn't even notice as he exposed her breast. She jumped in surprise as he teased her nipple. "James," she moaned loudly as her nipple hardened. "Please."

He wrapped a hand in her hair and pulled her back, making her body arch until her back was pressed against his front. He licked and sucked her pulse point before he asked, "Please what Lola?" He grinded hard against her, rocking her body against him.

"Want it," she panted out as her body kept time with the beat, rocking into him, "Want it all."

"Fuck Lola," he said. He let go of her hair and wrapped both hands around her waist. For a moment, he watched her grind against him before he pulled back and thrusted into her heat again, rocking her body. Over and over, he drove them closer to the abyss of pleasure. The crowd around them disappeared and all other thoughts fled. The only thing that mattered was sating the fire burning deep inside of their bodies.

"James!" she cried out as she flew apart, her orgasm slamming into her with wave after wave of pleasure as her walls convulsed hard around his cock.

"God." he panted as he was overwhelmed by the sight of her coming undone on his cock. He followed her into the blissful abyss of pleasure as he orgasmed inside of her.

The heat of his seed filled her and spread deep inside of her body, pushing her to even higher heights of pleasure as her walls milked for every last drop.

Finally spent, James carefully pulled out of her and they quickly righted their clothes and put everything back to rights, though nothing could be done for her ripped panties in his pocket. After they finished, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against him. He rested his head on her shoulder and kissed her neck. "That was," he started but was interrupted.

"Hot," said another voice, "That was fucking hot."

Shocked, they turned toward the voice and saw one of the soldiers from earlier. He grinned at them unrepentantly, not at all bothered to be caught watching them. "We'll, it was," the guy said before he turned back to his dance partner and lost himself to the beat.

James huffed out a laugh as he stood up, "He was right Lola," he said, "that was hot."

Before she could reply, the countdown to the New Year started over the speakers, "5…4…3…2…1…"

"Happy New Years," the crowd shouted and toasted.

Turning Shepard turned to face James as he wrapped her arms around him, "Happy New Year," she smiled up at him.

He grinned down at her as he ran his fingers through her silky tresses. He leaned in and pressed their lips together in a sweet kiss. "Happy New Years Lola."

The End