Disclaimer—See Chapter One
A/N: I am so sorry for the delayed posting of this chapter! I've had some computer problems and lost my Internet connection for four days! Argh! But I am happily back now! :) I've got 16 chapters written so far, and one more to go, so this story will be a total of 17 chapters. About half way done! I hope you continue to enjoy it! Thank you!!
Things Best Known—Chapter Nine
Shalimar lay spread out on her side, pillow stuffed under her head, feet stretching to the foot of the mattress. Brennan smiled as he studied her, laying in the opposite direction with his head propped up by his hand and his feet a few inches from her head. She was sleeping, and she was beautiful. He wasn't quite sure how they had ended up in this position, lying head to foot, but it was peaceful to him as he lay awake for hours, memorizing her every curve.
They had talked for hours, throwing burnt popcorn kernels at each other as they picked out the few edible pieces from the batch. She had finally nodded off mid-way through a story he was telling her, and he had to smile wryly as he remembered her promise to make tonight memorable. This wasn't exactly what he had had in mind. But yet, he found himself content; grateful. She was relaxed; brow smoothed and free from tension and worry. She trusted him, and that was all that mattered.
Her feet jerked slightly as she twitched in sleep, apparently dreaming. He studied the pink toes as they curled under and then relaxed again as they peeked out from the blanket that covered her. He couldn't remember ever having noticed her feet before. She rarely walked barefoot, preferring cozy slippers whenever padding around Sanctuary. The tiny, well-manicured digits fascinated him; it was hard to connect their current image with the deadly weapon he knew they could be. As he watched, the toes curled again, then disappeared back under the blanket, seeking the warmth. She spasmed again slightly in her sleep, and he wondered what dreams played out in her mind. Her eyes darted under the thin lids that covered them, and she murmured softly. He lifted his own foot, moving it forward a few inches and gently nudged her on the side of her head. The touch relaxed her again, even as her nose suddenly wrinkled in disgust. He bit back a laugh. Guess they didn't smell so great. He pulled his foot back; sighing as he found himself slightly bored. As tired as he was, he couldn't seem to sleep. Her presence was a comfort, her knowing the truth a relief. Yet, things felt helplessly complicated and confused right now. She wasn't safe here, but he'd be damned before he let anyone touch her. The hurt that had been in her eyes had stabbed him deeply, and he never wanted to see that ever again. They knew she was here. His heart slammed in his throat, and he found himself needing to connect to her again. He hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disturb her, then lifted the edge of the blanket off her feet. His finger lightly stroked down her instep and circled up to her ankle. Her skin was impossibly soft, and he swallowed hard as his eyes took in the creamy expanse of leg. He suddenly froze as a soft chuckle interrupted his thoughts.
She was awake, and she was watching him. He flushed and dropped the blanket.
She laughed even harder at his red face. "Brennan," she couldn't help but tease him, "What are you doing?"
"Nothing." He spoke too quickly.
"Brennan?" She poked her foot out from under the blanket. "Do you like my feet?" She exaggeratedly wiggled her toes.
"Stop." He laughingly protested at her antics.
She arched her foot in front of his face. "Are you…attracted to them?"
He playfully growled, latching onto her foot and pulling her closer to him. She laughed out loud as she slid down the mattress, and he began to kiss his way up her leg.
"Brenann!"She shrieked when his fingers reached the back of her knee.
"Ah!" He waggled his eyebrows. "A weak spot!"He tickled her mercilessly, until they both were flushed with laughter, and she collapsed into his arms, smiling widely.
"Are you always this way in the morning?"
"Is it morning?" He raised both hands to smooth back her hair.
Her smile faded slightly as her brow furrowed. "Didn't you sleep?"
He shrugged dismissively. "Couldn't. I was too distracted by those delectable toes."
She rolled her eyes at him. "Seriously, are you ok?" Her eyes took in his tired face.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just trying to figure everything out."
"About us?"
He hated the hesitant tone in her voice. "No, Shal," His arms tightened around her. "You're the one right thing in all this mess. Guess I'm just worrying about the case."
"You want to talk about it?"
"Nah." He shook his head. "Not right now. Besides, there is something much more important to discuss right now."
"What's that?"
"The fact that you fell asleep on me last night, right when I was in the middle of talking," He pretended an affronted face. "I didn't realize I was so boring to you."
She pursued her lips in amusement, shaking her head at him. "You're incorrigible."
"And you're beautiful." He ran his fingers through her hair and down her back, drawing her closer and capturing her lips in a gentle kiss.
"Hmm," She murmured, kissing him back, "I could get used to waking up with you every morning."
He pulled back to meet her gaze. "Every morning?"
It was her turn to blush. "I mean, if you want to."
His eyes darkened. "Oh yeah, I want to."
She laughed, leaning down and kissing him again.
She loved the feeling of being in his arms. She was so distracted, it took her a moment to register the sound of footsteps walking down the corridor. She pulled back slightly, tilting her head to better listen. Unaware, Brennan followed her lips upward, straining to reach them again, when she suddenly sat straight up. Startled, his head jerked back and slammed against the headboard.
"Ow!" Her hand over his mouth muffled his exclamation as her eyes flashed feral.
"Shal?" He mumbled in question around her fingers, rubbing his head.
"She's looking for you." Her head indicated to the door.
Brennan's eyes widened in understanding as he finally heard the click of high heels striding down the hallway towards his empty room. He sat up, keeping her in his arms as they listened silently. He pressed a tender kiss on her shoulder.
"If only Jesse were here right now." She absentmindedly tilted her head to give him better access.
"Jesse?" Brennan hissed, pulling back with an offended expression.
"Shh!" Her fingers clamped over his mouth again as her shoulders shook with silent laughter. "I only meant he could phase you through the wall and into your room if he was here right now."
"Oh." He had the grace to look embarrassed as she grinned. "Well, lucky for me, he's far, far away from this room and from this moment." He kissed her neck. "The case, and Allie, can wait for a little while longer."
"Brennan," She reached up and framed his face, stilling him, "She's not going to be happy to find you missing again. She's already suspicious."
Brennan shrugged. "She's the least of my concerns right now." He threw a dismissive look over his shoulder at the door, "I'll think of something to tell her, don't worry."
"Are you sure you should take her so lightly? She could be dangerous." She bit her lip as her footsteps could be heard angrily passing by her door.
"Don't worry about Allie," Brennan reassured, "She's basically harmless. She's not even a mutant." He suddenly flipped her over on her back, and she squealed with surprise. "Now, let's get back to more important matters at hand." His head dipped down to her lips as her arms rose to circle around his neck.
Down in the hotel lobby, Allie jerked to a stop at the base of the stairs, hand clenching the railing. She stared at a man standing in the doorway.
"You're here early." She nervously tucked a stray hair behind her ear.
The man glanced at her appraisingly. "I'm here just in time." He cocked his head to the side, concentrating for a moment as his eyes burning bright white. A slow smile grew across his lips. "Just in time. She's ripe." His eyes flickered back to a slate gray color.
Allie felt her knees go weak as she stared in awe at the man before her. He exuded power, and she worshipped him, his strength. Brennan was just a toy. This man before her was her glory. She reached her hands out to him, wanting to feel a part of him.
He tolerated her touch, barely sparing her a glance as she fawned at his feet, continuing to listen.
"You've done well," He turned to the trembling woman before him. "You've kept him distracted and allowed him to be careless. The fool led her straight here."
She beamed at his praise.
"Now get rid of him." He waved his hand. "I'm done with him." His lips curved in anticipation. His goal was upstairs, waiting for him. And he would have her; she would be his ultimate prize.