Everyone had decided to take a break before giving the profile. JJ had gone to try and call Reid. Riley had disappeared into the bathroom awhile ago. Strange she wasn't back yet. Emily was just thinking she should go check on her when she caught sight of her bubbly girl… or not so bubbly girl, as the case was.
It was like Penelope Garcia's evil twin. She was sorrowful, angry, and downright bitter. Emily could see her being upset for awhile, but this was getting out of hand. It was almost like she was jealous that she was with Morgan. That certainly could not be the case because Garcia was madly in love with her husband.
With the finished profile, Garcia started running searches of possible suspects, including people in the Las Vegas area and across the border in Utah. Not an easy task and it seemed the frustration was growing on her already irritated mind. With the lack of a criminal record, it was hard to even begin to think were to look for suspects, let alone find them.
"Hey," Emily said kindly as she took the empty seat beside her.
"Hello," Garica mumbled, focused intently on her laptop screen.
She wasn't going to give up easily, though. Honestly, out of everyone in the group, she assumed Garcia would be the most understanding. After all, she'd been in the same situation with Kevin. Not to mention, she was so determined to have Morgan and Emily makeup when they were fighting. This almost broke her heart.
"Garcia, please talk to me." She begged. "Why are you so upset? Is it because Morgan and I are dating?"
"No," She murmured. "That has nothing to do with it… I'm happy for you."
"You sound it," Emily grumbled sarcastically. "I'm sorry, I know this could jeopardize our team… but you don't know the whole story."
"That's right, I don't!" Garcia exclaimed, at last looking to her. "I didn't know anything about this; you kept me in the dark like I'm Hotch or Strauss. That hurts, Emily, that you don't trust me!"
That was a little clearer. She had no idea how badly Emily had wanted to talk to her friends about this, and for some time. "So that's what this is about? That I didn't tell you about it?"
"I would understand if nobody knew." Garcia explained turning away. "But why tell Riley and not me? Or JJ? I get you two are good friends, Riley's great, we love her… but I've known you a hell of a lot longer than she has. Why her and not me?"
"I didn't tell Riley, I never intended for anyone to find out." Emily explained, inching her chair closer, managing to keep her voice low. "Reid accidentally saw us kissing and… Riley was with him at the time, we had to tell them the truth. The less who knew about it the better, and we weren't even that serious then."
Garcia still wasn't convinced and so, Emily moved even closer. "Please try to understand. Derek and I-"
"Oh, so he's Derek now." She mentioned sullenly.
"Derek and I… are trying to make this work. You guys are our friends and we trust you with our lives… but we don't trust ourselves. The less involved, the less complicated this would be… and the less likely we would get caught, we're not exactly making a smart decision here."
It seemed to soften her attitude. "I suppose you're right… I didn't tell anyone about me and my huggy bear until Rossi caught us in our steamy afterglow shower."
"That's… kind of what happened to us." Emily laughed. "We were on a case and Reid caught me leaving Morgan's hotel room one morning with my shoes in one hand and my panties in the other."
She smirked with humility and expected Garcia to find that funny. But she didn't laugh… in fact, she looked confused. "Wait… you said when Reid caught you Riley was there… and Riley hasn't worked that many cases with us. When exactly did they find out?"
She hesitated a moment, then answered grudgingly. "They found out in London."
"Lon-" She went to yell, catching herself and looking around. No one was listening, thankfully. "London!" She hissed, her eyes bulging. "I would have thought, the earliest it started, was that Valentine's Day we made you spend together… I always knew how much Morgan liked you, I figured it would only be a matter of time. But to find out it was before that… before even London… holy bananas, Emily, how long have you two been together?"
Her angry was flowing back and Emily hung her head a moment. "Awhile… we first slept together the night of Reid's funeral… and then, it was right after we solved the Nathan Harris case it became a regular thing."
"Oh my God!" Garcia cried, standing up. "You two fought for over a year! You put us through hell worrying about you guys, desperate to have our team back to normal! You're telling me this whole time it was a lie!"
"We were trying to keep this secret!" Emily explained, getting to her feet as well. "We were new at this, we couldn't risk anyone finding out, please understand!"
As Garcia opened her mouth to reply, she noticed a group of officers watching them. "Would you like to pull up some chairs? Maybe make some popcorn? That way you could really enjoy this oh so obvious show we're putting on for you!"
The wrath of the women sent them scurrying, and Garcia turned back to Emily with narrowed eyes. "All this time, two of my closest friends are doing the horizontal monster mash and they don't even bother to tell me once! You've been lying to me… not just for a few months… but for years. Obviously, you don't trust me. Or JJ. I don't know if I can ever forgive you, Emily."
"Garcia… please!" She called, but she wouldn't respond. The fuming lady headed to the break room, never looking back.
She was about to run after her when JJ hurried over to her. "Hey, have you seen Riley? Reid's looking for her."
At least Reid was back, that was one less worry on her mind. "I think she's still in the restroom."
She was about to hurry away when Emily grabbed her arm. "Hey… Garcia's pretty mad at me about… you know."
"No, I don't know." She muttered.
That sounded odd, like she were lying. "About… me and Morgan. About how I didn't tell you guys. What do you think I should do?"
"You know, Emily," JJ whined, a little disappointed by her priorities at the moment. "Don't you think there are more important things to worry about right now than your little relationship? I mean, obviously, it wasn't important enough before today to talk about it with me. Why start now?"
She wasn't angry, like Garcia… just sad. Hurt that she hadn't been brought into the loop. It was different when she was with Will, since everyone already figured that out in the meantime. Garcia was exactly right. She and Riley were close, but she'd known these two for so much longer. If she had found out, after all this time, that they'd kept a major part of their lives a secret, especially involving another person she was so close to… she'd be angry and hurt, too… thinking they didn't care enough about her to want to share it with her.
Emily hated herself. She knew one day this could tear her team apart, but she never thought she'd lose her friends because of this. She always thought, once they did know, they'd be really happy for them. She'd brought this on herself, though, and had to make this up to them… somehow.
Right now, there were more important things to figure out and hurried after JJ to help her find Riley.
Morgan and Reid were leaving the office, heading down the corridor to rejoin the others. "No way," Morgan cried, skeptical. The kid was making that up.
"I'm telling you," Reid insured. "The girls tell each other everything. How else could JJ know about a… particular fantasy I did for Riley a few months ago?"
"Oh, yeah, the Indiana Jones one?" Morgan questioned, unable to stop from laughing.
Shocked, "How the hell…"
"Prentiss told me." Morgan explained. "You must love her, Pretty Boy. Emily couldn't pay me to dress up like that. Though I probably can't pull it off. Besides, Prentiss's fantasies are… a little more strenuous, if you know what I mean."
"I don't want to know." Reid moaned with a cringe.
Come on, Reid, it's not that much of a shock. You're telling me Riley's never told you stuff Emily's told her about me?"
His memory, as usual, didn't fail to enlighten him. "No… but in all honesty, I don't really want to know. That's not the issue, anyway, I don't want all my friends knowing about the intimate stuff I do with my wife."
They turned the corner, heading down past the restrooms to the other end of the hall. Turning again, they headed for the squad room, only a few feet away.
Morgan let out a heavy grunt, his hand pressing into his abdomen. His face was contorted in a bit of pain. Reid was immediately concerned.
"Are you alright?" He asked with worry.
He answered with another grunt, his way of brushing his friend off. If he thought that would convince him, he was surely mistaken.
"You look like you're in a lot of pain." He urged them both to a stop by grabbing Morgan's arm. "This can't be just the flu."
"Oh, God, you sound like Prentiss," Morgan rolled his eyes. "It's nothing, okay, so you need to drop it."
"No, you need to go to a doctor." Reid insisted. He may not be a doctor, and he had never experienced it himself, but the symptoms seemed to fit. "I think… maybe… you might need your appendix taken out."
He rolled his eyes and groaned. The pain was starting to slip away. "Oh come on, kid, I do not need my appendix out. This is nothing, so let it go. You've got your own problems to worry about, anyway."
Reid wasn't aware what – or who – he was referring to. Watching his friend in that pain without any immediate explanation bothered him. Morgan ignoring it wasn't just stupid, it was dangerous.
"I've got to tell you, Morgan, the symptoms do fit appendicitis. Nausea, stomach pain that grew gradually over time."
"I've had this stomach pain for about a month kid." Morgan waved off.
"That's not uncommon. Chronic Appendicitis can last for years. I think you need to see someone. If it's getting worse, you might need surgery."
"I don't need surgery!" Morgan cried. "I'm asking you now, Reid, drop it. I don't need surgery and I don't need help. I am fine, got it?"
Fine. He couldn't push him to get help if he didn't want it. "Are you sure you don't want to see someone right now?"
"It's just the flu, or maybe some chronic indigestion. Appendicitis… no. It's nothing like that." Morgan shook his head. "Do not mention this to Prentiss, she'd just worry and… I don't want to do that to her, so I'd appreciate it if you just… let it go."
"Yeah, the woman you love looking out for you. You poor, poor man." Reid teased. It seemed the pain was dispersing and Morgan was looking like himself again. A sheen of perspiration appeared on his forehead from intensity of it. "Alright, I'll let it go for now… but promise me, if it gets worse, you'll tell me so I can take you to the emergency room."
He at least owed him that. "Fine."
They turned to find they were not alone anymore in the corridor. JJ and Emily were walking towards them. Reid looked curiously, wondering why his wife wasn't with them. Isn't that were JJ went, after all?
"I'm still looking for Riley," She explained, shaking her head. "She got sick again a little while ago, she might still be in the restroom."
"I don't think so, we just passed there and didn't hear anyone throwing up." Morgan said. "Maybe she stepped outside. She does smoke when she gets stressed, doesn't she?"
The girls gasped, glancing at each other. They knew she was on the fence about this, but she wouldn't be so selfish as to smoke when she knew she was pregnant. After he said it, Morgan realized that was in fact serious and became a bit nervous himself.
Reid however, gave a roll of his eyes. If she wasn't inside, that was the mostly likely place she could be. Well, he could use the fresh air anyway, and maybe remind her she'd just taken away six minutes for him to love her.
Before he'd even taken a step in the direction of the entrance, his ears picked up a strange noise. There wasn't another soul in sight, on either end of the hall… but there was something besides their footsteps and talking.
"Guys," He held up his hand to keep everyone quiet. It was a funny squeaking noise… almost like a child was weeping. "Do you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Morgan asked, trying to listen.
"That squeaking sound," Reid said, looking around. "Where's it coming from?"
JJ was the first one to confirm it. "What is that? It's like… pressure leaking out of a tire or something."
All four paused, remaining in a motionless silence. It was difficult to tell with the human ear where such a soft sound was coming from, but none of them could leave it alone until they found it. There was something about it that was unnatural. Reid strained to follow the sound… but the echo was making it difficult.
"I think…" Reid said, turning. One finger went down the corridor, an area he'd never walked down before. "I think it's back this way."
The four headed in the indicated direction, trying to follow the sound. It was becoming erratic and then Reid heard it… a male voice uttering for whoever was crying to shut up. It was quiet, but distinct. Was that just his imagination?
Looking back at the others, he could see it wasn't. Someone was in danger. Trying not to fear the worst, they searched around for where that could be coming from. Reid's first thought was their first draft of a profile was wrong. Perhaps the unsub had come back for Penny and he was trying to sneak out with her. Morgan and JJ checked down near the restrooms while Emily and Reid went in another direction.
It was difficult to see at first, but the hall broke off into a separate alcove. The two rushed over there, at last finding the source of the sound. What happened next would be blur to Spencer Reid for a long time. As he turned the corner, he saw the horrific scene.
There was John with his body pressed against his wife, who was crying and struggling to break free. His hand was pushing up her shirt, his hands caressing over her soft stomach, his other placed firmly over her mouth.
The very sight before him made him see red. His entire brain shut off and he acted on instinct.
The young genius moved like a flash of lightening, all reasoning gone. Without a word of warning, he flew to John, grabbing him by his t-shirt, his hidden strength easily pulling him away from Riley. Without missing a beat, Reid held him up, punching him smack on the jaw. It cracked loudly through the hall, sounding as sharp as gunfire.
Riley almost collapsed as the weight of the man finally released her. She gasped for a full breath, clinging to the wall to keep from falling over. Emily hurried to the poor girl, supporting her fragile form.
"Are you alright?" Emily asked, looking her over.
Riley couldn't answer, just gasped at the shock at what had happened to her, a bit in disbelief it was happening.
John cried out in pain as he buckled from the force of the punch, stumbling over. The others must have heard the commotion because Morgan and JJ soon appeared around the corner, confused.
"What happened?" JJ asked.
"Get some help." Emily ordered, sticking close to Riley as she tried to remain on her feet. She looked like she was about to pass out..
Reid didn't even notice the arrival of the others. Without missing a beat, he lunged forward. It was as if Morgan's own spirit had taken control of his body. He grabbed John off the floor without the slightest bit of struggle. He was the one being dragged this time, taken into the main corridor and slammed against the wall, making him gasp from the impact even worse than Riley.
A few cops as well as Hotch, Rossi, and Garcia ran out at JJ's command within a thirty seconds, confused. It increased into surprise as the witnessed the scene.
"You son of a bitch!" Reid yelled harshly. "How dare you, you think you can put your hands on my wife!"
John couldn't say anything but wheeze for breath, he waited for one of his friends to come to his aide, but they never did. He was all alone, with no one but Reid's biggest supporters to help.
Riley was slowly gaining her composure back, coming back into the hall with Emily. Morgan wanted to help Reid, but wasn't exactly sure what that would entail. He knew that kid always had an alpha male inside him, but was afraid he was taking it a bit too far, especially in front of their boss.
John had never been so terrified in his life. He was used to this boy being so afraid of everything… he'd never seen that look in a man's eyes ever… He thought might actually die tonight.
"Reid," Hotch called, forcefully. "Let him go."
Reid wouldn't listen. He stared daggers at this man who made his life so horrible. None of that mattered right now. He didn't care about himself. These people could do whatever they wanted to him, but when it came to her… no one was allowed to touch her. No one.
"Reid," Hotch pressed even harder. "That's enough, put him down."
John must have had trouble breathing, because he was panting pretty hard. Indeed, his feet were just shy of the floor, held over Reid just as he'd towered over him for so many years… yet this time, John was the one staring at him in pure terror.
Another voice finally came out of the silence, always reaching him in the darkest of places. "Spencer," Riley urged, her voice trembling. A gentle hand rested on his arm. "Put him down, it's alright."
"It is not alright," Reid snarled, and his grip tightened, causing John to whimper a bit… like a cowardly little puppy.
"He's not worth the effort." Riley assured. "Please, Sweetheart, I'm alright, you saved me. Just let him go now."
There was a long expectant pause before Reid complied, slowly lowering him to the ground. Before he released him, however, he leaned in closer, his hot breath blowing on John's face.
"Do not go near her again. You don't touch her, you don't talk to her… you don't even look at her… or I will kill you."
There wasn't a soul in that room who believed that a bluff. He didn't agree, but let out a grumble that said he understood. Reid released him, allowing his sneakered feet to support his weight again.
"What do you think you were doing to her?" Emily demanded, stepping forward.
"We were just talking." He said, with a shrug.
"Kind of hard to talk when you have your hand over her mouth." Emily informed with anger. "You were going to rape her."
There was a pause. John met Riley's eyes, giving a small smirk. "She can't prove anything."
Reid made another move to knock his lights out, but Morgan was there this time. He grabbed him by his arm to keep him back.
"Maybe not, but Riley can certainly press charges for assault." Hotch said, stepping forward.
"Uh…" Riley couldn't think straight right now. She was lightheaded and confused and thought she might be sick yet again, both from her condition and the shock of what happened. "I… I don't… know."
Rossi turned to one of the officers, "Put him in lock up until we know otherwise."
"You can't-" He began to argue, but stopped short as Morgan walked over, he fell silent. The officers stepped over, forcefully handling him while pulling out a set of handcuffs.
"Ow, you're hurting me." He moaned.
"That's a bummer, I know." Morgan muttered, all of them watching as the two officers lead them off.
The adrenaline had just about worn off. Reid breathed deeply, feeling his heart slow down. He was shaking almost as badly as Riley was, unable to look at anyone.
Riley wanted him to take her in his arms, but he wouldn't even come near her. "Are you alright?" He asked, staring at the floor.
She nodded. "Yes," She said, starting to cry. "Thank you."
"Mm hmm," He mumbled, and quickly stepped away. Riley watched in panic as he got further and further from her. She'd just been through this ordeal and he wouldn't even meet her gaze. It couldn't be just because she brought him here… why was he so mad at her?
Reid suddenly looked scared himself. Riley started crying again, turning hysterical.
"I ran out of there as quick as I could. I left my purse, my keys, my glasses, everything. I ran the whole way here, I was so scared." she sobbed. "And, I know you're angry and I know you hate me, I just… I didn't know who else to turn to! I'm sorry!"
Reid shushed her again, pulling her into his arms to quiet her. He rocked her soothingly, letting her cry into his sweater. "That's not true. I could never hate you." He said. That made her sob harder, holding him closer. "You can stay here, I'll keep you safe."
She pulled back slightly to see his face. "Are you sure?" she asked.
"Yeah," he said. "You can take my bed; I'll sleep on the couch."
"You don't have to do that," she moaned. "You're so good to me. I don't deserve you."
She sobbed harder and Reid couldn't help but smile. "Okay, stop crying." He said gently, stroking her back. "You're safe now. I'm here. Shh, I'm here."
He let her cry for a long time, her tears soaking through his shirt, moistening his skin. She was so warm and soft; it felt so good to have her in his arms again. He wasn't thrilled at the circumstances that came of it. But she was here now, where he could protect her. Everything was going to be fine… maybe then she'd realize he was the man for her, that no man could ever love her as much as he.
It took awhile, but her sobs began to quiet. Riley lifted up her head. Her gorgeous brown eyes glowed bright from all the tears. If he didn't know better… he'd swear she was looking at him with love… but that couldn't be so.
Reid reached up to brush the tears from her cheeks, getting a small smile from her. "I know you're scared, but I'm sure it's not as bad as you think. I'm going to go get you something to wear to bed and I'll make up the couch for myself. You can take my bed." He assured with a smile.
"You don't have to sleep on the couch." Riley cried, her hands resting on his chest. "I don't want you to."
"I want you to be comfortable, though." Reid said, trying to ignore the electricity her hands sent into his chest, even through his shirt. He felt so selfish, wanting her so badly when the only reason she was here was because someone was after her. Still, though… he couldn't help but want to feel her touch on his skin again, to kiss and taste her whole body. Even if it were just one more time.
"Please…" She said, a new wave of tears about to take over again. "I don't want to be alone. Stay with me."
He had the sudden urge to reach forward and kiss her. "I can… I can stay with you…"
It suddenly occurred to him he should call Hotch, despite however much he loathed the man right now. He still needed to be informed on this. But maybe it was a good thing. Riley had come to Reid, not Hotch… didn't that mean something?
Before he could say any of this, there was a knock on Reid's door. Riley grasp, her hand clutching the fabric of his shirt, looking at the door in panic. She turned to Reid in fear, silently begging him not to open the door. Both of them knew who was on the other side.
He had to answer it, though. Without a second thought, he brushed Riley's cheek and went to answer the door. He opened it, thinking in the last second he should have gone back and grabbed his gun.
The light from his apartment flowed into the hall, illuminating their guest. Reid was stunned to see… Sam Andrews… Riley's colleague.
Riley saw him, never expecting this unexpected guest to be him. There was no need for explanation; Reid knew exactly why he was here… and he knew what he had to do.
A scream from Riley erupted as a fight instantly broke out. She wanted to run, but she was too scared… she couldn't abandon Spencer, either. She didn't know what to do, frozen with fear as she watched the sight before her.
Reid held his own. Andrews was strong, but he couldn't easily overpower the young genius. He fought with more strength that before today had never been possible. Something about Riley brought a great force out of him. He was not about to let this monster near her.
He cried out as a sharp force pierced his stomach. Almost instantly, he could feel blood flowing over his shirt. He wished for Riley to run and if he wasn't in so much pain he'd order her to get out. To get somewhere and call Aaron Hotchner… don't worry about him, just go!
But he couldn't. Reid collapsed onto the floor, the pain was so great. He moaned twice more as two more stabs went into his stomach. Riley was screaming his name… run, Riley… please, get out of here while you still can…
Everything was going black. Riley's screams were stopped a moment as a loud crack was heard… a hand striking against skin… he must have slapped her. She kept screaming for his name. Reid was fading rapidly, his eyes rolling into his head. He wanted to call out to Riley, to tell her he was sorry… but it was too much for him… and Reid slipped away from the world.
Reid needed some fresh air. The sun was gone… but it was never night in Las Vegas. He stood on the terrace, staring out at the vast glow of the city. It was his home. He usually felt very comfortable here, yet tonight he felt like he was climbing out of his own flesh… so completely lost. He couldn't shut his brain off right now… it had taken a long time for that full memory to resurface, but it was there. The first time he had saved Riley… or at least, tried to.
The squeak of the door sounded just before he heard his name. "Reid?" Hotch called. "Reid, are you out here."
"Over here," Reid called, away from the soft light coming out from the lobby.
Hotch heard him, quickly hurrying over. He found the younger man standing at the ledge, his hands gripped so tightly on the metal railing, his knuckles glowed as brightly as the lights of the city.
He didn't want to lecture him, but he couldn't just let this go. In truth, he fully supported what he'd done. He'd have done the same thing for Hayley or… someone else, if there were ever a someone else. Really, what could he tell Reid that didn't make him sound like a hypocrite? And what could he say to make him feel better? He looked ready to fly off the handle at anyone around him and even Hotch hoped he'd never find himself on the business end of Spencer Reid's anger.
"Are you okay?" He asked carefully.
Letting out a low grumble, he mumbled, "Yeah."
"You want to tell me what that was back there?" Hotch asked, trying not to sound too harsh. It didn't work very well.
"He was touching her," Reid explained. "I've seen that look in so many eyes of so many sadistic unsubs… men who dump women in the woods like they mean nothing at all. He wanted to rape my wife… he was… he had his hand…"
"Reid," Hotch said again, stepping forward. "You need to calm down. I'm sorry that happened. I know you were defending Riley, I don't overlook that, but… you really may have turned this against you."
That was true. Despite what had happened or what he thought was going to happen, he did attack and threatened the life of a civilian. One phone call to Strauss could result in a termination from the FBI, all because he was trying to defend his wife. Of course, at this point and time, he didn't care… he couldn't get that image out of his head. He knew he wouldn't for a long time.
"I don't want to talk about this." Insisted Reid, gripping the rail even tighter.
Another squeak of the doors sounded as Hotch pressed on. "Don't misconstrue my concern Reid. Right now, it's not focused on the unit or the Bureau, it's for you-"
"Yeah, well I don't want it!" Reid yelled, looking back at him. "I can take care of myself, believe it or not. You just saw that… stop treating me like a baby! I'm in my thirties, for crying out loud!"
"Alright, Dr. Reid." Hotch practically yelled, his hands going onto his hips in his usual attack position. "I get you're upset right now, but that's no excuse to completely lose your temper. You're in a delicate situation, the last thing you need is to appear out of control!"
"Aaron," Another voice called out. Soft and timid, quivering slightly.
Hotch stopped suddenly. Reid didn't look back, sensing him moving away. He spoke in whispers for a moment before his footsteps walked off, fading away. Reid stared at the bushes next to the ledge of the terrace, refusing to turn around.
He didn't have to, though. After a moment, he sensed another soul smelling of fresh roses come closer. Two warm arms wrapped around his middle, soon followed by her lips pressing on the back of his neck.
"Hi," She said in a soft whisper.
"Hi," He moaned. His tone was hollow and miserable, his stomach churning with resentment and anger. Riley being so close was the only thing easing that sourness away.
She pulled away, though. Reid was despondent until she maneuvered so she was in front of him. Gently, she picked up his right hand, holding it delicately in her hold. He let out a grunt of pain as she began to massage it with her soft, delicate fingers. The pain eased a bit, soothed away by her touch.
"Hmm," Reid sighed, his head falling back as he savored it. "Thank you."
"I thought you could use it." She said, with a small smile. "You hit him pretty hard."
"I didn't even feel it," He shook his head, giving a half smile. He finally met her eyes, for the first time devoid of any hurt or fear or anger. Just love. "Did he… I mean…"
"Ugh," Riley cringed, shuddering again. Phantom fingers were still lingering on her body, and they weren't going to go away for a long time. "He barely touched me… I'd say you got there just in time."
"I can't believe he did that to you." Reid assured. "I know he hates me, that he wants to make my life miserable, but… I never believed it would be during something like this."
Riley brought his sore hand to her lips to press a kiss on his knuckles. "What about you… are you okay?"
"Oh," Reid brushed it off, not even caring about himself. "It doesn't even hurt that bad. What you're doing feels so good."
"I don't mean you're hand." Riley explained. "Spencer… you scared me back there."
The warmth in his eyes began to fade as he stated, "I was defending you."
"I know," She said gently, "But Sweetheart… I've never seen you like that. I've seen you fight off unsubs, but never have I seen you so… reckless and dangerous. You've always used some kind of logic or reasoning when you square off with an enemy. Even against Engles, you were nothing like this. This time was just chaos. I really thought you were going to kill him … where did that come from?"
She was absolutely right. For once, Reid didn't let his rational mind have control. This, though, was not just about another man crossing the line… it was more than that. He lowered his head, feeling a little ashamed of himself. He wasn't sure how to say this, struggling to find the right words.
"Did you know that… Alexa was the first girl I ever loved." Reid said. He stared at the concrete, breathing in her familiar perfume with every breath. Normally it comforted him, but right now he felt like he was betraying her. "I never… told her or… kissed her or anything, but… from a distance, I loved her. I worshipped her from afar, and that was enough for me."
Riley, however, wasn't offended. In fact, she let out a chuckle. "Everybody has puppy love at twelve-years-old. I did… but what does that have to do with anything?"
It took a few minutes to answer. His heart was beating so fast, he thought it was going to split in two. "I was practically obsessed with her," He said slowly. "And… she was with John. That made me hate him. I hated him because he got to kiss her and put his hands on her and hold her… and he always held her just a little too tight, just so she and everyone would know that she was his property."
He choked a bit as he continued. "And now, there's you…" He looked up, meeting her eyes for a moment, filled with sadness. "And I love you more than anything in the world." He broke her gaze again, trying to keep calm. "Just seeing him touch you like that… knowing what he wanted to do to you… He hurt you… you were crying and struggling… I would have defended you no matter what, but knowing he thought he could do that you… I just couldn't take it. I felt like… Riley, I couldn't breathe… I was so… so angry."
Riley sensed he was about to have some kind of break down. Without a second thought, she pulled him into her arms. She understood. "Hey," She whispered right against his ear, her fingers slipping into his soft hair. "Spencer… listen to me. No one is ever going to take me away from you. Remember what I said to you… on our honeymoon? I'm yours. I'm yours and I always will be."
At that, he let out a heavy breath and pulled her into his embrace. He buried his face into her shoulder, moaning with content as her fingers now massaged his scalp. He loved it when she did that. She pressed a kiss against his neck again, burying her nose in the crook of his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," he finally said. "I shouldn't have lost my temper like that, that was very unprofessional… and I know you hate it when I get jealous."
"Jealous." She explained, pulling away in order to see his face. She was shocked. "No… jealous is how you act when the kid at the check out counter flirts with me. John Hillman was not flirting with me… he… he was touching me. He wanted to violate me… and you saved me. Again. Maybe you didn't need to intimidate him like that, but… you defended me. Do you have any idea how safe that makes me feel? Not to mention loved?"
He smiled. "I'll always be there to save you."
Tears were forming in her eyes again, resting her head on his shoulder. "Good to know."
They remained like that for a long time, just soothing each others woes and lost in the feel of their embrace. Despite how it came about, they were together now, always happy to be together.
As they parted, Riley stroked down his hair, looking deeply into his eyes. "I'm not going to press charges, by the way. I know I should but… I really just want to let it go. When we leave here, I want to leave it behind."
"No, he shouldn't get away with this. What if he tries it again?" Riley asked.
"After what you just did to him, I know he won't." She was certain. "And I must say, taking the unpleasantness out of it, when everything's said and done, it is very romantic. You, standing up for my honor like that… like you always do."
"Really?" He asked with a smile.
"Mm, hmm," She hummed with a nod. "Very sexy, Dr. Reid."
She pressed a kiss right below his ear and Reid let out a sigh. "You always make me feel like the luckiest man in the world."
"Hey," She stood up straight to meet his eyes, pushing back the hair on his temple. "I am sorry about before… I didn't mean to act like that, it wasn't about you, I'm just… I'm dealing with something."
"Oh, Riley, I'm sorry." Reid said, leaning his brow on hers. "I didn't mean what I said, I am here for you. Whatever's bothering you has to be something serious."
"Yeah…" She uttered, letting out a shaky breath. In all the commotion, she'd just about forgotten about everything. All those terrors that had plagued her… why she had been so concerned when John was threatening her… a lot of unanswered questions were up in the air, even more than before. She really needed him now.
Reid studied her face for a long time. She was not herself. Absolutely petrified, and it wasn't from the incident in the hall. She looked anxious and tired, like she hadn't rested in weeks. This flu was getting worse, he was certain… or maybe it wasn't the flu at all. "What's going on?" He asked, determined. "You can tell me."
"I'm not so sure I can," Riley answered. "Spencer… if I tell you this… we can never go back to the way things were. Our lives will be completely changed… forever."
"Why?" He asked, terrified. "What… what's going on with you? Do you… do you know why you're sick?"
"I haven't been to a doctor." She moaned, fidgeting a bit. "But… yes, I know why I'm so sick."
Tears were pouring from her eyes, almost as bad as a few moments ago. They couldn't be stopped. Reid had never been so frightened. He had no idea what was wrong, yet he could already feel some invisible force pulling his wife away from him. Was she really sick? Terminally so… was he going to lose her? He couldn't even bear the idea of that.
He, however, knew he had to be strong. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it. I'm here for you, I will support you… and I love you. More than anything. But you have to tell me first."
She was just going to have to say it, avoiding it and putting it off were just going to make things worse. She stifled back a few sobs as she struggled to speak.
"Please," He begged, his hands gripping to her upper arms for support. "Just tell me."
Riley took a deep breath, crying out before she could stop herself. "I'm not sick, Spencer," She whimpered, meeting his comforting hazel eyes, looking for the strength she always found there. "I'm pregnant."