Tuesday, July 22nd, 2003

7:46 am

It's been hours, and the strain is beginning to show on the faces of the tired and frustrated crew.

It's creepy. Everything is so orderly, Warrick says. Just like before.

Aside from the bed, everything is placed precisely, Dani adds. He likes order, but on his terms.

Warrick watches Dani carefully, as Grissom finishes his phone call to Catherine.

Doc has finished the post. Catherine says the victim lost over half her blood volume. No sodium amytal found in her system.

How the hell does this sick s.o.b. do that kind of damage and not leave a spot of blood or any evidence, anywhere? Nick growls in irritation. Needing to work off some of the frustration rushing through his veins, he begins pacing.

The simple fact of the matter is, he knows what he's doing, Warrick admits. There's nothing here.

Flesh and bone meet drywall in a hollow thud as Nick punches the wall just outside the bedroom.

Grissom cries out as he puts his cell phone back in his pocket.

I'm sorry. I'm just-

Everybody stop, Dani instructs firmly.

What's wrong? Warrick asks.

Nicky, where are your sketches of the exterior of the house? she asks, walking over to him.

Flipping through the clipboard, he finds the correct sheet and hands it to her.

What's wrong? Grissom asks.

It doesn't sound right.



Dani pushes her kit back on the kitchen counter to give her some room to work. Laying Nick's exterior sketch and her interior sketch side by side, she points at the wall Nick just punched.

They don't match, Dani explains. That should be a solid, exterior wall, but the outside sketch shows that something is there. Eight feet wide, six feet long.

Walking over to the spot where Nick's fist has dented the drywall, she knocks and Grissom's ears perk up.

You're right, he says. The sound is off.

Moving into the bedroom, Dani examines a large mirror hung on the wall and the area around it.

Warrick, come here, she requests.

Immediately, he is at her side. What do you need?

Can you reach those clips at the top? she asks, pointing to the metal guards holding the mirror in place.

Reaching up, he opens them and helps Dani move the mirror away from the wall.

Dani knocks on the wall, listening closely. Looking over her shoulder, she gives Nick a small smile. Thanks Nicky.

Confused, he smiles back. You're welcome, I guess.

Dani walks over to the window, searching for something. Then she spots it. A small decal from a security company. Turning around, she looks at Warrick. Are you still friends with Jack Leland at Nevada Home Security Network?

Yeah, sure. Why?

Call him.

For what? Warrick asks, taking his phone off his belt.

Walking back across the room, Dani turns and scans the room, thinking. They'll have floor plans.

Where are you going with this?

Turning to face the wall, she runs her gloved hand over the surface. I think there's a panic room behind this wall.

Nick's jaw drops. How would you-

After the stabbing in LA I was moved to a secure location, Dani interrupts. My bedroom had a panic room. That's where I slept. It was the only place I could relax enough to sleep. The only place I felt safe.

Nick and Grissom stare at her in stunned silence as Warrick dials. He turns away to hide his face, unable to hide the flurry of emotions racing across his face. The fear she must've felt. And she'd been alone.

Dani continues to examine the wall as Warrick quickly explains the situation to the person on the other end of the line. Finally, he taps Dani on the shoulder and offers her the phone.

He wants to talk to you.

Nodding, she takes the small silver phone from him.

Hi Jack.

She pauses to listen.

Yeah. I'm betting it's empty. I need to know where the button is so we can see what's inside.

Turning around, she walks over to a bookshelf and drops to her knees.

Second shelf?

Removing several large books, a black button painted the same as the shelves comes into view.

Got it. Thanks.

Handing the phone back to Warrick, Dani pulls out her flashlight and looks closer at the button.

I think we might have a fingerprint.

Could be the vic's, Nick says.

Grissom leans down to examine the button with his flashlight. Or it could be our killer's.

I need the Red Devil powder from my kit, Dani decides. Can somebody get it for me?

I'm on it, Warrick says.

It's on the right hand side, she calls after him.

Red Devil? Grissom asks, eyebrow arched.

My own concoction. It's good for lifting prints on dark surfaces.

I call mine Red Creeper.

Dani smiles.



Warrick returns, container of powder in one hand, brush in the other.

The room falls silent as Dani delicately swirls the bright red powder over the button, silently hoping that a fingerprint will appear.

Once. Twice. Three times she spins the feather light brush over the spot.

Taking a deep breath, she pulls back and a perfect, bright red index fingerprint comes into view.

Grissom whispers, staring in awe.

Forcing her hands to remain steady, Dani lifts the fingerprint and slides the cover over it. Rising to her feet, she hands the small piece of evidence to Nick.

Guard it with your life.

I will, he vows.

Here we go. Swallowing hard, Dani reaches over and presses the button. Slowly the panel where the large mirror had previously hung swings open and the steel door behind it slides back.

Immediately, the air is filled with the thick, coppery smell of blood and death. It's difficult to tell what color the walls are, there is so much blood. The sight and smell is overwhelming and Dani looks away, desperately trying to keep ahold of herself.

Oh my god, Nick whispers hoarsely.

Forcing herself to look back, Dani steps closer and realizes a piece of paper is pinned to the wall. It's a handwritten note.

Strawberry,

No matter where you go, I'll find you. Don't worry, I'll find you.

See you soon


Separating herself from the brutality, Dani turns around.

Nicky, get back to the lab and-

Run the fingerprint through AFIS, he finishes for her. I'll get Jacqui right on it.

Stay with the print, Dani requests. Don't let it out of your sight.

I won't.

Turning on his heel, Nick leaves.

Warrick, bag the letter and take the swabs from the bathroom walls.

Test the letter for evidence, prints and traces of your blood, like the others, he adds without skipping a beat. Put the swabs through the GCMS.

Dani's eyes flash wide. How did you know? About the blood, I mean.

I had a hunch and Greg wanted to help.



I'll call if we get something.



Carefully taking the letter off the wall, Warrick slides it into a plastic evidence envelope and exits.

Are you okay? Grissom asks softly.

The day I'm okay looking at something like this, is the day I quit, Dani replies.

That makes two of us.

10:30 am

Judging from the arterial spray, she was standing, facing the south wall, Grissom notes from behind his camera as he snaps more photos.

Dani looks up from lifting fingerprints on the edges the small table shoved into the corner. And from the blood on the table, I'd say she was tied down here, raped, and then he carved up her back.

Grissom frowns. Why cut her throat? Cyanosis tells us he used percussive control. Why not finish it that way?

The same reason he didn't use sodium amytal this time, Dani replies darkly. He wanted her to fight, beg for mercy.

I'm more than ready to get out of here. How about you? he asks.

Dani replies, lifting three small fingerprints and sliding the cover over them. I think we've got everything. Walls, floor, knife, table, hair dye, and the sink, she says counting off the list on her gloved fingers.

That's it.

Stepping outside of the panic room Dani shivers. I need a shower.

As soon as Greg has this evidence I'll be doing the same, Grissom replies.

Let's just hope there is good news when we get back to the lab.

12:15 pm

After searching the building for over half an hour, Warrick finally tracks Dani down in the fingerprint lab, her eyes focused on the monitor in front of her.

Where's Nick? he asks from the doorway.





Coffee break. She's been looking at the print for hours. I told her I'd take over for a while.

You should get some sleep, Warrick comments as he walks into the room and stands next to Dani. She doesn't look at him, completely absorbed by the computer before her.

I'm fine.

You've been up for over 24 hours, he protests.

Dani finally looks away from the monitor to shoot him an icy glare. I said, I'm fine.

Warrick quickly looks around before leaning in closer and whispering, What's wrong with you? Did I do something?

No, I did.

Confused, Warrick arches an eyebrow. What are you talking about?

Dani tenses visibly. Don't you get it? she hisses. Another woman is dead because I got sidetracked. I got caught up in things I had no business doing, and I can't let that happen again.



Instead of working the case, I was rolling around on a beach, Dani explains, her words enveloped in self damnation. When she died, I was with you.

Anger and hurt flare in Warrick's eyes. Don't you dare feel guilty for allowing yourself to be a woman for five minutes, he fires back.

It can't happen again, she repeats before turning back to the monitor.

Frustrated, Warrick spins on his heel and leaves the room, brushing by Catherine at the doorway.

Catherine starts to say, but he waves her off. She turns toward Dani and their eyes lock. After a long moment, Dani turns back to the monitor, swallowing the apology screaming in her throat.

2:06 pm

Silently willing the ache in her lower back to dissipate, Dani rolls her shoulders in an effort to release the tension trapped there. Stifling a yawn, she lays her head down on her arms and closes her eyes as Jacqui continues to search the AFIS database for a match.

a male voice says softly.

She looks up at the sound of her name.

Greg. Isn't this your day off?

Noncommittally, the lab technician shrugs. I heard about last night. Figured you could use some help.

Touched at his gesture, Dani smiles gently.

I've got the swabs from the bathroom wall back from the GCMS, he reports. Same combination as before. Also matched the blood samples from the panic room to your victim. Letter came back with your blood and the victims, as expected.

You've been busy.

I wanted to-

Whoa, got something here, Jacqui interrupts.

Immediately reenergized, Dani turns back towards the monitor.

A ten point match, she breathes, scarcely able to believe it. Who is it?

Thomas Letelier Grampling. Age 36. Served two and a half years for aggravated assault. Released on parole February of 2002. Skipped a meeting with his parole officer in May 2002 and dropped out of sight.

Flipping open her phone, Dani quickly dials and holds it to her ear. Hey Brass. Is Grissom with you? Good. We got a hit on the fingerprint. She quickly repeats all the info she's just received and then hangs up.

Thank you, Jacqui, she says sincerely, hugging the female lab technician. Thank you.

You're welcome.

Opening her phone again, Dani dials a longer series of numbers. she begins, voice trembling. We have a fingerprint and a name.

Oh my God.



What can I do? he asks. You want anything, just name it.

I'll let you know.

2:30 pm

Poking her head around the corner and into Grissom's office, Dani waves.

You paged me?

Nodding, the scientist rises from his seat as Dani walks over to the desk.

Brass pulled out all the stops and found a local address on your suspect. A dive motel off strip.

A rush of emotions cross her face in a matter of a few seconds; the last as though she is too afraid that it can be true. That the nightmare is almost over. Our suspect, Dani corrects firmly. We're a team.

Grissom smiles gently, not surprised at her words.

A team will be heading out shortly and I figured you would probably want to be there, he adds.



Brass and Brad are in his office, waiting for you.

Dani calls out as she hurries out of Grissom's office.

Dani, wait!

Dani pauses.

Please be careful, he requests.

She smiles gently in return.

3:09 pm

A drop of sweat rolls down Dani's back, soaking the black t-shirt beneath her kevlar vest. The temperature gauge in the car had read 118 degrees as she and Brad silently followed the convoy of cars to the low-budget, rundown motel. Now she's roasting in the bright sun as she presses flat against the wall and waits for the team to break through the door. Wiping her sweaty palms on her jeans, Dani takes her 9 mm out of it's holster and takes a calming breath as her thumb twitches over the safety. A noise in front of her causes her to look up, directly into Warrick's intense gaze.

Be careful,' he mouths silently.

Nodding, she mouths back, You too.'

Adjusting the black ball cap on her head to shield her eyes from the sun, Dani focuses on her breathing and the police activity thirty feet up the corridor as they prepare to break down the door.

Suddenly, the sound of splintering wood is heard, and shouts as heavily armed officers pour into the motel room, identifying themselves and searching the small, contained area. No shots are fired.

Brad calls out from inside the room.

Brass enters the room, then reappears a few moments later and beckons for Dani to come forward. Confused, she does so, still clutching her gun at her side. A stream of eight officers spill out onto the concrete walkway before she can enter the room and finally see why the concern has passed.

A dark haired male sits slumped in a chair by the window, a large splatter of red covering the wall and closed curtains behind him. A small handgun lays on the carpet, just out of reach of his lifeless arm.

Gun shot wound to the head. Blood and gray matter all over the place. Brass reports dryly. Looks like he knew we had him.

God dammit son of a bitch.

Warrick enters the room and stops short.

Sliding her gun back into it's holster, Dani walks over to the body and crouches before him, staring at his face. It's then she notices a hand written letter clutched in his slack hand. Sliding on a pair of vinyl gloves from her vest, Dani extracts the crumpled piece of paper and smoothes it out.

Strawberry,

I guess this is where our story ends. I'm very disappointed in you. I tried so hard, but you never understood what I could do for you. What we could've shared.

I have no doubt that one day we will meet again. Another time, another place, and it will be paradise.

I'll be waiting for you.

You fucking bastard, she mutters under her breath.

I'm going to call this in, Brass says, ducking out of the room to give Dani a moment.

You okay? Warrick asks softly.

Tilting her head to one side, Dani continues to stare ahead blankly. I thought I'd feel different.

What do you mean?

I wanted to look him in the eye. Watch as his freedom was taken away. To be there when he realized that he wasn't above it all.

You feel cheated, don't you? Warrick asks.

Part of me does. Finally, Dani looks up at him. Part me is pissed off because I wanted him to fight back; to be trapped like an animal. If he'd made one wrong move I would've shot and killed him and not felt a moment of remorse.

It's understandable. I considered it myself.

The bastard took away my chance to ask why, Dani adds, oddly detached considering she's less than two feet from her attacker. Why me? Why these women? What was the grand plan? What was he trying to achieve?

Brass returns, phone held against his chest. Do you want to process this scene, or get dayshift to cover it?

Warrick opens his mouth to answer, but Dani beats him to it.

I want it, she says firmly, rising to her feet.

Wait just a second, Warrick protests. You're exhausted. Hand it off. Dayshift can take care of it.

No! This is my case. It's been my case since July 23rd, 2002, Dani fires back. I'm not going to hand it off like a football on the two yard line in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl.

Wide eyes darting back and forth between the quarreling CSI's, Brass backs out of the room.

Can you even remember the last time you slept? Warrick presses. This case has taken everything out of you. You're dead on your feet.

Whose side are you on? she asks, voice getting louder.

What the hell are you trying to prove? he fires back. Look at him. He's dead. It's over.

I've been working this case, twenty-four seven, for three hundred and sixty four days. Looking over his dead body is all I've thought about, Dani chokes out, eyes filling with tears. You don't know what it's like, wondering if today is the day he's going to get you. Wondering if you'll see the next morning.

You're alive. He's not, Warrick replies, softer now. Why do you want to give him one more minute?

Their eyes lock for a long moment, taking the place of words they dare not say out loud. Finally, Dani blinks and steps back.

she calls out.

he says, ducking his head inside the door.

Dayshift can take it.

Nodding, Brass steps back outside and begins dialing his cell phone.

Dropping the note on the table in front of the body, Dani turns on her heel and walks out the door.


5:12 pm


Ignoring the bright lights and residual flashing bulbs, Dani lets the glass door close behind her before walking down the hall to the break room. Her high heels click rhythmically on the polished floor as she approaches the room, the black knee length pinstriped skirt brushing against her bare legs.

Taking a seat at the table, she opens a file folder and removes a blank form. Before she can lose her nerve, she fills it out and signs her name at the bottom with a flourish.

What are you still doing here? Greg asks, entering the room with an empty coffee cup in hand.

Looking up, Dani smiles. Paperwork. It never ends.

When she stands up, Greg gives her an appreciative once over. Wow. I like.

Glancing down at her perfectly pressed white blouse and skirt, Dani shrugs. Can't exactly go on television in jeans and a t-shirt.

he agrees. But something tells me you were turning some heads out there.

Ignoring Greg's last comment, Dani decides to change the subject. What are you still doing here?

Just finished handing things off to Ecklie and company. They're the ones processing the motel room, Greg replies awkwardly.

A lock of auburn hair slips free of Dani's sleek french twist to brush against her cheek. Wrinkling her nose, she smoothes it back into place as Greg washes out his cup and places it on the drying rack.

So are you all done now? he asks.

As soon as I fax this to D.C., Dani replies, picking up the form she's just finished filling out.

I'm outta here. Gonna go home and crawl into my bed to sleep the sleep of the totally exhausted. Stifling a yawn, Greg smiles.

Suppressing a laugh, Dani shakes her head ruefully. You do realize that you just destroyed my theory that there is no rest for the wicked, don't you?

5:47 pm

Lightning shoots across the sky as Dani pulls her rental car to the curb in front of Warrick's house. Thunder rolls and heavy rain pelts down, dampening her sleeveless, white blouse and slim fitting skirt as she arrives at the front door. Her long, wavy hair is still bound up in the french twist, but a few tendrils have escaped and cling to the slender column of her damp neck. By the time she rings the bell, she's soaked, her shirt sticking to her back and her black Kate Swan handbag is covered in wet spots.

After a long pause the door finally opens and a barefoot Warrick looks out. The snug fitting white wifebeater hugs his frame and Dani has to look away, her body unconsciously reacting to him. Wordlessly, Warrick steps back and gestures for her to enter.

Saw you on tv. Nice press conference, he comments as his gaze travels her body from head to toe. In the back of his mind he wonders if she realizes that her blouse is nearly transparent from the rain.

Unable to meet his intense gaze, Dani shrugs noncommittally as she removes her sunglasses from the top of her head and hooks them in the front of her damp blouse. Dwayne asked me to do it. He wanted a representative from the Washington Forensics office.

C'mon in. Have a seat, he says as they walk down the wide hall to the cozy living room, but Dani pauses. Want something to drink?

Actually, I just came by to drop this off.

Forcing her fingers to relax, Dani offers him the freshly laundered folded t-shirt clutched in her hand. The shirt she's been sleeping in for the last three years.

Surprised, Warrick smiles. I thought I'd lost this.

You left it at my place and it accidentally got packed in my things when I moved, she offers as an excuse.

Shifting from one foot to the other, Warrick finally breaks the silence. Look, about earlier, in the lab . . .

Let's just forget about it, Dani suggests dismissively. We were both tired.

Were you planning on ever seeing me again? Warrick asks sharply, frustrated by her attitude.

Dani frowns.

Nothing, never mind.

Well, goodbye then.

Turning on the heel of her two inch black shoe, Dani makes it all the way to the door before Warrick catches up to her, a small blue towel clutched in his hand.

Do you drive your coworkers in D.C. crazy, too? Warrick asks, pulling her away from the door. With one hand on her hip to hold her close, he draws the towel across her neck and down her left arm, catching the droplets of rain lingering on her skin. Or do you just save it for me?

I save it for you, she replies tentatively, slowly backing away from him.

Unhurried, he matches her movements, stopping when Dani finds herself against the wall. I see. And is it something you practice? He presses closer, brushing his lips over her cheekbone and along her jaw line while his hand slides the towel over her right arm.

Fighting to control herself, Dani shakes her head. Just comes naturally, I guess.

You're very talented, he whispers against her mouth. He kisses her lightly and then deepens the kiss slowly. Knees weakening, she wraps her arms around him, fingers clutching at his white wifebeater. You're talented at other things, too.

You're not being fair, she murmurs dreamily, kissing his lips again.

I know, Baby, Warrick groans, dropping the towel to the floor, hands sweeping over her bare arms. But I can't help myself.

I have to go, she protests weakly.



I have dinner plans, she declares unconvincingly. I'm already late.

Warrick isn't fooled for a second.

Fine. I have to go because it's been a crazy week and things between us got out of control, Nodding firmly, Dani silently wills her knees to stop shaking. I think we need to step back and look at things objectively.

I don't agree, Warrick replies flatly.

Wordlessly, Warrick runs his hands down her arms, all the way from shoulder to fingertip. "I've missed these hands," he says softly, seductively, his low voice caressing her skin like warm water. Off her fingers, his hand finds a curvy hip. "I've missed this body, but more importantly I've missed the person within. You."

He moves closer and kisses her shoulder. Long, firm kisses in a trail towards her smooth, inviting neck. Traveling at glacial speed - it will take him a week to get there. Surpressing a groan, Dani is sure the wait will kill her.

"Warrick," she moans breathlessly.

The hand on her right hip slides over the curve of her ass and under her thigh, nudging it a little. Up, and out.

He moves even closer and she feels him press against her, fully aroused. She knows that she's caught. Caught in that wicked place between exquisite anticipation and demanding, urgent need.

Halfheartedly trying to find a way to escape, the hand she has around his shoulder moves to his neck, while the other heads south to his waist, gently trying to push him away. Without warning, he grabs both her hands and holds them firmly at her sides.

"What the-"

Tell me what I need to do to make you stay.

The look in Warrick's eyes causes her composure to shatter and Dani can't hold back anymore. Put your hands on me, she whispers, eyes locking with his, filled with aching need.

He cups her face with one hand, his thumb caressing her flushed cheek. He searches her eyes, pausing for a long moment, giving her one final chance to escape.

Warrick, I- He cuts her words off with his mouth, and she instinctively opens her lips beneath him, inviting the warmth of his mouth, the pressure from his tongue. He pulls her against his body, into his strong embrace and Dani doesn't resist, her hands clutching his bare shoulders. His hands fist in her hair, pulling the curls free of the sleek twist and sends it tumbling over her shoulders.

Nuzzling Dani's neck, Warrick slides a hand down the center of her chest and begins removing her blouse, slowly and deliberately. It isn't hurried or rushed in any way. As sections of her bare skin are exposed, he hungrily lavishes it with attention; kissing and tasting her like a starving man and she his first meal in months.

Just when she feels like she can't take it anymore, Warrick begins whispering against her skin. It's the same low, intimate tone he has when they're laying in bed, naked and sated. His voice is like chocolate; dark and rich. She arches her back, pushing her body against his, her knees threatening to collapse beneath her as he slowly reacquaints himself with her skin.

Sliding the straps of her handbag off her shoulder, it tumbles to the floor, forgotten. Next he finishes unbuttoning her blouse, causing her sunglasses to fall and pulls the hem out from the waistband of her skirt. Pushing the material off Dani's shoulders, the silky material flutters to the floor as Warrick's hands close on her waist.

You don't need this, he says, removing her gun and holster from her hip and leaning over to set it on the floor. Pausing at her feet, he removes her high heels and tosses them aside, thankful that she's not wearing stockings.

she moans breathlessly when Warrick moves back up her body, hands caressing every curve. Dani watches him with hooded eyes, sighing with satisfaction when his hands sweep over her ribs to settle just under her breasts.

With a flick of his thumb, the front snap of Dani's satin white bra pops open and his hands are cradling the soft mounds. Nibbling on her neck, he smiles when she gasps with pleasure. Capturing her mouth with his, Warrick kisses her with the same sweet softness as before while removing her bra. Grabbing the hem of Warrick's shirt, Dani tugs it over his head before his arms wrap around her waist, pulling their half-naked bodies together.

Threading his fingers in hers, Warrick resumes kissing her and as before, his movements are slow and deliberate. The pace he has set is driving her absolutely mad with desire. The overwhelming fire of his touch wraps around her body like a flame, licking at her with a searing heat until she is whimpering. He stops before she can get too excited, and moves on to other parts of her body.

Suddenly Dani feels a ring of cold metal encircle her right wrist and her eyes fly open. She gasps in protest as the handcuff clicks shut around her hand.

What are you doing?

Warrick smiles seductively and snaps the other bracelet around his wrist, binding them together.

Making sure you can't get away.

Reaching behind her with his free hand, Warrick lowers the zipper on her skirt and nudges it to the floor, leaving her in silky white bikini briefs. Matching his actions, Dani unbuckles his belt and unzips his blue jeans, sending the denim to the floor.

You still wear matching tops and bottoms, he says with a grin, fingers caressing the small piece of satin covering the curve of her belly.

I knew you liked it.

Stepping out of the material at his feet, Warrick slides his hands over Dani's backside and pulls her towards him, lifting her up. Automatically, her legs wrap around his waist, breasts crushing against his muscular chest when he pushes her against the wall, his arousal pressing against her center.

Trailing her fingertips over his taut muscles, Dani buries her head in Warrick's neck, kissing and tasting his skin.

You're driving me crazy, she pants in his ear. I want you inside me.

he promises, thumb swirling over a pert nipple before guiding her hand to his chest. Caressing his pecs and abs, Dani slides a hand between their bodies, her fingers finding his arousal. Intimately, she cups him, stroking him through the fabric of his underwear.

she asks.

Warrick drops his head and kisses her neck, moving lower to her bared breasts. He nibbles and sucks her nipples until she cries out, the heat fanning through her body.

Dani writhes sensuously against him, desperate for more contact and Warrick finally relents. Cradling her against his chest, he walks slowly down the hall to the bedroom.

Kneeling on the king sized bed, Warrick lowers Dani to the soft material so she is laying directly in the muted, late afternoon light. Pulling back a little, he takes a long moment to take a good look at her in the lowering sun, to see every curve and mound clearly. He considers what they have done and what they are about to do, even as she starts to move against him, begging for him to continue. Grabbing Dani's wrists, Warrick holds them above her head with one hand, and then begins a slow, gentle exploration of her upper-body with his fingertips.

He traces the edge of her ear down to the lobe, over her hairline and down the gentle slope of her eyebrows. Running his fingers lightly down the bridge of her nose and around her beautiful blue eyes, he brushes his lips across the honey softness of her mouth. Caressing her cheekbones, he runs his fingers over her chin and then continues the journey down her neck. Smiling softly, he rests his fingers against her pulse, and as he feels the hammering of her heart against his hand, he leans forward and kisses her gently.

Moving lower, Warrick covers Dani's neck and breasts in nips and kisses, reddening her smooth, pale skin with the force of his passion. She doesn't protest, and instead arches her back, nearly lifting her body off of the bed. Wrenching one arm free, she winds the slender limb around his neck, holding him against her so he can't move away, can't stop. Wrapping a leg around his waist, she thrusts her hips and rotates hard against him, building on the tension and friction. Without warning, Warrick wraps his lips around a tight nipple and sucks it into his mouth, causing Dani to cry out with pleasure.

Wip . . . His name rushes out of her like a sigh.

Releasing the rosy bud, he moves over her chest, leaving soft, moist kisses everywhere, sucking on her skin gently. He begins rocking against her, increasing the friction between their bodies. Blood rushes to Dani's lower body, fire in her flesh and chills on her skin. All because of what Warrick is doing to her.

Attaching his lips to the hollow of her throat, Warrick begins to gently suck and kiss the tender flesh he slides his hand inside the cloth between her legs. Smoothing over the coarse curls, he slips a finger past her outer lips and against her wet heat. Breath catches in Dani's throat as she cries out, writhing against him. Exploring further, he caresses her aching clit with the tip of his finger, barely touching her.

She moans loudly, but doesn't protest. It's too difficult to form words when she's lost in a haze of passion. Almost too hard to believe that this is even real, that he's really stretched out on the bed next to her, moving his finger in maddeningly slow circles, making her heart pound as the pleasure builds and builds.

Dani kisses him frantically, stealing his breath, desperately trying to communicate, trying to make him understand what he is doing to her. But he already knows. When he senses that she can't take anymore, he increases the pressure on her firm bundle of nerves, massaging the soft heat until it is radiating through her whole body.

Trembling violently, Dani stiffens against Warrick, holding him tightly. He shifts their restrained hands lower, the cool metal of the handcuffs making contact with her inner thigh as he slides his fingers home. Moving his free arm beneath her back, he supports her as best he can, keeping her from thrashing around too much. She gasps hard, breath caught in her throat, and she can't do anything but hold onto him and shake as her body convulses.

Her toes curl, and a soft, lusty sigh escapes her lips. The orgasm overtakes her slowly, and it feels like warm honey is being poured over her bare flesh.

Dani sinks limply into the bed, breasts heaving and her thighs clamped tightly around his hand. Smiling gently, he traces her face and her lips, fingers barely touching her, yet it sends chills down her spine. When he finally kisses her, she expects it to be as gentle as his voice, as his fingers. But it isn't. It's passionate and hungry, and it takes her breath away.

Finally, Warrick slides Dani's damp bikini briefs off her body and tosses them over his shoulder. Their eyes meet as he slips between her thighs. Bending his head down, his soft lips press against hers as he guides himself into her wet heat. Her inner muscles tighten involuntarily, and he pauses, waiting until he feels her ease around him.

Dani has to concentrate, relaxing her inner muscles so she can take him in. She holds her breath, then lets it out with a gasp. He's moving. She can feel him inside her, can hear herself breathing, but her eyes never leave his, and his face is absolute stillness.

Muscles rippling, Warrick grips the headboard above her and Dani feels him push in just a little bit deeper. Then he eases back, but their bodies fit so tightly together, the pulling sensation is no less intense. And so he moves, deliberate, never quickening the pace. In fact, each thrust gets longer.

"I'd almost forgotten what this feels like," he marvels as he sheaths himself in Dani's soft, tight warmth; familiar, but new.

"Me too," she whispers, curling her pelvis up to meet his gentle, exploratory thrusts.

Are you okay? he asks gently and Dani nods.

she whispers, and Warrick pushes himself a little deeper into her, hesitating again when he feels her body tense. It's been a while, she says softly.

He responds by kissing her nose.

I'm not in a hurry.

Smiling gently, she hums and nods. He moved his hips again until she takes all of him in. Dani gasps into his mouth as his entire fullness stretches her, filling the void inside her completely. Eyes fluttering open, she gazes up at Warrick wondrously. The dream quality of the moment hasn't left her yet and she wonders if she'll wake up to find herself alone with only a pillow in her arms.

Tilting her head to look down at their union, Dani is even more aroused by the sight of Warrick's naked body pressed up against hers. Dark and light, intimately locked. He waits until she nods again to move, withdrawing almost completely, and then sliding back in, with less resistance this time. Warrick pistons his hips forward, slowly, deliberately, staring into Dani's eyes the whole time. He doesn't look away from her, and she doesn't dare glance away from him.

she manages to say. Warrick doesn't even seem capable of speech, instead just repeating his action, keeping his movements soft and slow. Her body is easily responding to him now, her wetness growing and her muscles relaxing with each gentle thrust. Matching Warrick's pace, Dani lifts her hips to meet his body, wanting more. Instead Warrick pumps his hips into her slowly and calmly, and somehow, that is more intense than if he was pounding madly into her.

It's taking everything in Warrick to move as slowly as possible. He wants to prolong the whole experience. Wants to be buried inside of Dani for an eternity, to feel her hot, strong muscles clenching him until he's weak. He wants to slide in and out of her a hundred, a thousand times. Wants to kiss every square inch of her, commit the memory of her skin to his mouth. He wants to run his fingers through her auburn hair and tangle it in his fists. Wants to cup her heaving breasts and hold them in the palms of his hands like precious treasures.

He doesn't want to let her go.

Despite the urgency of their desire, their lovemaking remains slow. Wanting to look at each other and savor the feeling of that first moment of union. They move together as Warrick thrusts into her deeply and then teases her by barely penetrating her at all. Hand roaming over his well-muscled back, Dani runs her fingers up to his hair, bucking and shuddering as he brings her closer to the precipice.

Their breathing becomes more rapid and erratic as their bodies move in a slow and steady rhythm. Her hand reaches up and grabs the headboard as his shackled hand finds her clit, rubbing it in slow circles in time with his thrusts. The stimulation is too much. Her eyes drop closed and she lets loose a strangled cry, which causes him to stop his ministrations.

No, it's good. Don't stop, she begs breathlessly.

He does as she asks, pressing soft kisses to her cheeks, her nose, her eyes, her forehead, and then her lips. Lifting her legs, Dani locks them around his waist. He increases the pressure on her clit, and she feels the flush of sensation flow through her chest and down her body, toes curling up and her muscles clenching around him. She hears her voice, although it doesn't quite sound like her own. It is deeper, more primal.

With their fevered intensity escalating, making love is becoming something more, something carnal and feral. Sensitive movements become powerful. Delicate thrusts and caresses become reckless bucking and fingernails scraping over skin. Soothing cooings became passion-filled pants and moans.

Warrick grips the headboard firmly and Dani's eyes squeeze shut, willing herself not to make a sound.

"Open your eyes," he says gently.

She tightens her inner muscles as he thrusts deeply, stealing her breath.

"Open your eyes. Look at me," he repeats. I need to know you're okay.

Finally, she does, opening them wide. Stunned by the passion reflected in Warrick's soulful eyes, Dani's breathing hitches and from the inside out, she feels like a metal coil pushed all the way down. The enormous pressure that is building . . .

"Oh, God." She closes her eyes again.

Releasing the headboard, Warrick caresses her face. "That's it, baby." His movements intensify and the bed begins to shake.

Her lips part and her breathing grows louder. He places his finger on her mouth and holds it there. "Not yet."

He pushes deeper still, feels her tighten around him, watches as she struggles to hold on.

"Baby, I want you to look at me."

She opens her eyes and meets his smoldering gaze. It's all too much and she begins bucking wildly beneath him and babbling, "Oh God, oh God."

The coil is sprung and she fights a losing battle to keep her body under control, her eyes on his. "Wip!" And then she can't stop shaking. Feeling like she's falling off the edge of the world with only Warrick to hold onto, Dani wraps her free arm around his body and hangs on.

And he holds her because he knows the feeling all too well.

Warrick watches Dani's face as she comes closer and closer, eyes dark with passion as the intensity of strained and rigid bodies emptying into each other begins to explode. What had been painfully withheld for three long, lonely years. Dani's orgasm is almost violent in intensity and shudders through her entire body as she screams her release.

Warrick quickly follows her climax with his own, and he thrusts deeply into her one last time, fingers digging painfully into tender, heated flesh, slick with sensual sweat, the liquor of their love. As he empties into her, Warrick breathes Dani's name like a caress. Dani comes dangerously close to screaming again as the rippling aftereffects course through her, and then finally, she collapses, completely and utterly spent.

Despite his exhaustion, Warrick doesn't move off or out of her, stroking her supple skin, watching the subtle movements of her muscles beneath her skin. Marveling at her beauty.

Rolling to one side, he collapses beside her and counts each breath and each heartbeat until Dani stops trembling, and then he counts more as he waits for the tremors in his own body to subside.

You don't do anything halfway, do you? Dani asks several minutes later, nuzzling into his neck.

Body shaking with laughter, Warrick sweeps a hand over her bare back and sighs.

I was inspired, he replies.

It stopped raining, she comments after glancing over at the sheer curtains covering the large window overlooking the backyard.

Yeah. Cooled things off a little in the meantime.

Not in here, Dani retorts dryly.

Warrick chuckles. Very true.

So, can we lose these now? Dani asks, gesturing to her shackled wrist. I admit it was kinda fun, but I'm starting to bruise and frankly I'd rather have two hands to play with.

Sure. Where's the key?

Dani eyes widen.

The key. Where is it? Warrick asks. In your purse?

You took these cuffs off my-

They were clipped on the back of your skirt.

Dani bursts out laughing, unable to stop herself. She rolls onto her back, shaking uncontrollably as the giggles bubble up from her throat and fill the air.

What's so funny?

Taking a couple of deep breaths to calm herself, Dani looks over at Warrick.

Brad loaned me these cuffs after my attack. I don't have a key.





Okay. This is a problem.

Smiling suggestively, Dani throws a leg over Warrick's hips and looks into his eyes. Yes, because eventually, we'll need to be wearing clothing.

Warrick leans back and thinks for a moment. Didn't you have some kind of pin in your hair when you got here? You're hair was up, wasn't it?

Yeah. Had a couple of bobby pins. Reaching up into her curly, auburn waves, Dani feels around to see if one is still there. Ah! Got one. Are you going to do what I think you're going to do?

Shrugging, he takes the bent wire from her fingers. It's a trick I picked up as a kid.

Dani giggles and offers her wrist. Lock picking 101. Teach me.