Monday, October 27th, 2003
7:34 pm
"Whoa!" Greg says as he collides with Grissom in the hallway.
"Sorry Greg. I was . . . elsewhere," the scientist replies, distracted.
Following his gaze, Greg's eyes widen.
A woman stands at the information counter facing away from them, talking to an officer. Some of the curly locks of her hair are swept up onto the crown of her head, held in place with an intricate asian butterfly pin, the rest tumbling over her bare shoulders. She's dressed in a short vest and ankle length skirt made of rich burgundy brocade, the long side slits and strappy stiletto heels accenting her shapely legs. A black leather jacket is draped over her arm, the strap of a small burgundy and black purse looped over her shoulder and a navy blue garment bag is clutched in her hand.
"God, I hope that's why I got paged to the front desk," Greg breathes.
She leans over the desk as she laughs at something the officer says and a hint of the soft skin of her lower back briefly comes into view.
Greg lets out a low whistle of appreciation and upon hearing the noise, the woman turns around. Familiar, soft blue eyes with long eyelashes and a sensual mouth come into view.
"Damn," he gasps, mouth hanging open in shock at the sight before him.
Not bothering to hide a smile, Dani walks over to meet them halfway. Hey guys.
You look lovely, Grissom offers sincerely.
Thank you, she replies. Greg. I see you got my page.
He swallows hard.
I need a favor. Can you take this to Warrick? Dani offers the lab technician the garment bag. He was supposed to be home a couple of hours ago, but he got held up with some work here. We're running late for dinner.
No problem.
He turns to leave.
And Greg?
He looks over his shoulder.
Don't give him any hints to what I'm wearing, okay?
Greg grins.
Big plans? Grissom asks as the lab technician hurries down the hall. Warrick mentioned that you passed weapon recertification the other day. Congratulations.
Thanks. And yes, it is a big night. As of last Friday, I'm finally finished with physiotherapy. No more shrinks or bouts of anxiety, and better yet, no more pills. Life is beginning to resemble something approaching normal. A genuine smile lights up her face, making her eyes sparkle. It's all good.
It shows.
Sara says, staring openly as she walks into the reception area.
It doesn't go unnoticed that the brunette CSI's eyes are darting between her and Grissom. Dani surpresses the urge to smile at her reaction. Oh yeah, definitely something going on there.
I wasn't expecting to see you here today.
Warrick's running late, Dani explains. Thought I'd help him along.
Not quite the little black dress, Sara says, scanning Dani from head to toe.
Dani laughs. I was feeling the need for something exotic and colorful.
Well, you look amazing, Sara adds.
Dani beams with flushed cheeks of embarrassment. Thanks. Let's hope Warrick thinks so, too.
Oh, he mentioned something about dinner at Top of the World,' Sara says. Said he's really looking forward to it.
Sorry I had to call him in, Grissom apologizes. I really needed him.
It's okay. It gave me a chance to get ready without an audience. Makes for a better entrance.
Well, I have to see Archie about some video footage. I'll see you around? Sara asks her.
Count on it.
Oh wait. I'm off on Thursday. Maybe we could have lunch?
Absolutely! Call me.
Waving, Sara disappears down the hall and Grissom's eyes follow her.
So, what are you going to do, work wise? he asks Dani as he turns to face her again.
Dwayne put the word out to some colleagues of his that I was looking for something farther west, Dani tells him. I've had a couple of phone calls from Atlanta and New Orleans expressing some interest, but that's not where I want to be.
You want something in Las Vegas.
Dani shrugs. It's my home. It has been since the day I moved here from L.A.
Doc told me you put in for the opening in the coroner's office, Grissom reveals.
Pursing her lips, Dani swallows. He said he'd keep it quiet.
You didn't think I'd find out?
Look, nightshift is full and even if there was an opening in dayshift, I wouldn't take it. Ecklie and I can't work together. He hates me and I feel the same way. You know that better than anyone, Dani points out. Besides, back in 95 I started off in the coroner's office in L.A. I did some good there, I can do the same here.
You're a CSI. You belong in the field, not in the M.E.'s office.
Well, you're biased.
So how are you feeling? he asks gently, changing the subject. Energy level back to normal?
Yeah. Funny how not being stalked makes such a difference, she jokes dryly.
He arches an eyebrow and gives her a pointed look.
Okay, seriously. I feel good, she says. Better than I have in a very long time.
He obviously makes you very happy.
Tilting her head to one side, Dani smiles. More than I ever thought possible.
He's better, now that you're back in his life, Grissom comments.
I know things aren't perfect between us, but that's what happens when you break the vacuum seal and let people into your life, she says. I won't lie. I'm in unfamiliar territory and sometimes it scares the hell out of me.
She pauses to take a breath, her eyes glistening with emotion.
You can pick through a million lives, but if you're not careful, you never have one of your own. You never know what you need until you find it, and the next thing you find just might be the thing that changes everything. That's what Warrick is to me. It's something I work on every single day.
It must be difficult, Grissom replies quietly.
Nothing worthwhile is easy. Things happen when they're supposed to, but only if you let them.
"Damn," Warrick says from the doorway, eyes dark with desire and Dani looks over at the sound of his voice.
You're late, she says pointedly.
You're stunning, he breathes.
She grins. You're forgiven.
Pulling her close, he lowers his head to kiss her lips, but at the last moment she turns her head and he gets her cheek instead.
You're looking pretty fine yourself, she says, stepping back glance down at the crisp white dress shirt and burgundy tie that matches her dress perfectly. Smoothing out the collar of his black suit jacket, she smiles. Ready to go?
Limo is waiting outside.
But I drove in, Warrick says, pulling his keys of his pocket.
If we run back to the house we'll be late for our reservation, Dani points out.
I leave it here and take a cab tomorrow, Warrick says with a nod. Nothing is going to spoil tonight.
Dani smiles. C'mon. Let's go.
You two have fun, Grissom calls as the couple hurries out the front door and into the waiting limousine.
The neon lights of The Strip twinkle merrily in the distance below while candlelight dances over Dani's bare shoulders. Unobtrusively as possible, the waiter removes their appetizer plates and hurries away.
You're staring, she says with a sly smile.
I'm not the only one.
Warrick's fingers trail along the mandarin collar of her top, lightly caressing her neck and cheek.
So we finally made it to the Top of the World, she says softly, settling back in her chair and out of his reach.
It seemed appropriate for a celebration. Nothing but best, Warrick replies before taking a sip of his wine.
Yes, it's not everyday that I pass weapons recertification and get clearance to resume my life as it was before. Dani pauses, watching his eyes closely. But there is another reason tonight is special.
October 27th, 1998. Give or take a few hours, she continues. Five years ago tonight, we met.
Suddenly he breaks out into a wide grin. I wasn't sure you remembered. Reaching into his inside jacket pocket, he removes a long, narrow jewelry box and sets it on the table in front of her. Happy Anniversary.
I didn't get you anything, Dani says, eyes wide with surprise.
Oh yes you did. You're here. With me, he says, eyes roaming slowly over her curves. In that incredible dress.
Opening the box, she gasps. Oh Wip.
On the soft bed of velvet, two bracelets lay side by side. One metallic, one wood.
They're Tibetan, Warrick begins.
I know, she interrupts softly, cradling the cool metal bracelet in her hands. This is a Winds of Fortune bracelet. The characters signify luck and blessings.
Is there anything you don't know? Warrick asks, shaking his head in wonder at the knowledge she possesses.
Dani smiles, sliding the silver bracelet onto her left wrist and up to wrap snugly around her forearm. I'm sure there are lots of things I don't know. I just have an advantage when it comes to this sort of stuff.
So why don't you tell me about the other one, Warrick suggests.
It's peach wood, she says, her fingers tracing the intricate Buddha pattern. It's a Fuo Charm bracelet. Believed to prevent misfortune. She frowns. Are you trying to tell me something?
I'm not taking any chances, Warrick deadpans. You need all the luck you can get.
Where did you find a hand carved Tibetan bracelet in this town? she asks incredulously.
I have my ways.
Dani slides the wooden bracelet onto her other wrist. They're beautiful. Thank you. She leans forward to kiss him. Expecting her lips, Warrick is surprised when he gets her cheek for the second time.
Just then, the waiter approaches with their dinner plates and Dani withdraws again, smiling warmly.
Perfect timing, I'm starving, she says.
The next few minutes pass with light conversation, until Warrick finally speaks.
How's the lobster?
Picking up a small piece with her manicured fingers, Dani offers it to him. Try it, she says in a low and seductive voice.
Arching an eyebrow, Warrick leans closer and takes the proffered piece, his tongue caressing her fingertips.
Mmm. Good, he manages to say, reluctantly releasing her fingers.
Smiling coyly, Dani leans back, picks up her fork and casually resumes eating her dinner. She looks incredible, and smells even better. The smokey look in her eyes is making every nerve in Warrick's body hum with electricity. The way she eats is highly sensual and it's taking everything in him not to jump over the table and ravish her right there.
Finally, the dinner plates are cleared and Warrick thinks he has a reprieve at last, but the worst is yet to come. The waiter returns with a long, narrow slice of moist, dark chocolate drizzled in a thick, deep red sauce.
What is that? Warrick asks tightly, swallowing hard when Dani licks her lips and moans softly. It's the same sound she used to make when he'd kiss the inside of her-
Raspberry chocolate cheesecake, the waiter tells him, pulling Warrick back to the present.
It looks positively sinful. His heart hammers in his chest just looking at it, knowing how good it would taste on her lips. On other parts of her body.
Feigning ignorance on the affect she is having on him, Dani picks up her fork and takes a bite of the decadent dessert. Ever so slowly she wraps her lips around the fork and sucks off every morsel. By the third bite, Warrick is gripping the arms of his chair in order to stay still.
Did you mean it when you said we could do anything I wanted? Dani asks lightly, tilting her head to one side.
Good. There's somewhere I want to go, she announces, laying down her fork.
Dani smiles mysteriously. It's a surprise.
Okay. I'll play along, Warrick replies with a smile.
I need to run to the little girls room first. I'll be right back.
He nods as she rises and walks across the restaurant, oblivious to the effect she is having on the other patrons. Once out of sight, Dani digs into her purse and pulls out her cell phone. Hitting the speed dial, she holds it to her ear and waits for the person on the one end of the line to pick up.
Cath. Help.
What's going on?
We just finished dinner.
Is it working? Catherine asks.
He's looking at me like I'm on the menu, Dani replies. So, yes.
That's what you wanted, right?
But I don't know how I can keep doing this. I feel like I'm about to come out of my skin. He keeps looking at me with those eyes and-
Just stick to the plan, Catherine suggests. Go to the club.
Dani exhales a nervous breath. Right. I can do this.
Yes, you can.
I have another call to make.
Okay. Have fun.
Immediately, Dani dials another number and holds the phone to her ear.
Hi. It's Chandani Bennett.
The voice on the other end of the line makes her smile.
We'll be there in about twenty minutes, maybe a little less. Thanks.
Hanging up, Dani heads back to the table.
Warrick watches her walk back to the table, glimpsing a flash of leg and stiletto heel through the long side slit of her skirt and he smiles. Her eyes sparkle, a genuine smile gracing her lips.
Let's go. 9:19 pm
Warrick frowns, wondering why Dani is practically huddled against the car door, as far away from him as possible, save for her hand clasped in his.
Any hints to where we're going? he asks, thumb brushing over the back of her hand.
You won't need your tie or your coat. I suggest you take them off, Dani replies as she releases his hand to remove the asian butterfly clip from her hair. With a shake of her head, all of Dani's auburn curls tumble loosely over her shoulders.
Needing no further prompting, Warrick shrugs off his jacket and loosens the burgundy noose around his neck. Both are tossed onto the smooth leather seat in front of them, her purse and black leather jacket quickly following as he undoes the top three buttons of his shirt. When Dani spots the silver chain and St. Jude medallion that she'd given him, hanging around his neck, she smiles.
Glancing out the window, Dani shifts in her seat. Almost there.
Warrick leans over to kiss her, but just then the car pulls to a stop. Not waiting for the driver, Dani opens the door and takes his hand.
Let's go.
When they step out of the limousine and onto the sidewalk, Warrick's jaw drops.
The Utopian? he says incredulously.
To his further surprise, Dani bypasses the long line of people waiting to get in and walks straight to the entrance. Recognizing her, the brawny bouncer pulls back the velvet rope and waves the two of them through. Nodding her thanks, Dani pulls Warrick inside amid the cries of protest behind them.
As they make their way through the sea of bodies, Warrick can't help but notice the way heads whip around to watch Dani - men and women. Then suddenly she pauses and raises her hand, waving to someone on the balcony. Warrick looks up in time to see Victor Nolasco wave back. A moment later he turns and disappears from sight.
What are we doing here? Warrick asks over the music.
I want to dance with you, she says huskily in his ear, pulling him firmly against her body. Like we used to.
What do you mean? he asks tightly, his body tightening as her hands run suggestively across his back and down to his hips.
I'll show you. Dani's mouth lingers long enough for her tongue to tickle his earlobe for a fraction of a moment and then withdraws.
Taking his hands in hers, Dani pulls him onto the dance floor, hips swaying from side to side as she gyrates to the beat of the music. There is a wildness in her eyes that captivates Warrick and he is unable to take his eyes off her seductive movements for even a second.
Releasing his hands, Dani moves further onto the dance floor, her long hair tumbling over her bare shoulders, seeming to flow like an ocean wave at the beginning of a storm. Her mouth curls into a sly grin and she motions with her finger for him to come closer, her dress hugging her body like a fine leather glove, accentuating every curve.
Playfully, she turns around and places his hands on her waist when he draws near, her backside rubbing against his hips in a nakedly seductive gesture. Entranced by her sensual movements, he leans forward and kisses a bare shoulder before she slips out of his grasp and spins away, further into the crowd.
Again, Dani beckons him closer with a curved finger, running her tongue along her lower lip, taunting him. Hands trailing up to her neck, she opens the clasp holding the fabric together, creating a deep v' and revealing the tantalizing skin beneath. And again Warrick follows her, his body a maze of aches and needs.
Dani feels him before she sees him; Warrick comes up behind her and presses his body firmly against hers. She doesn't stop dancing, but allows him to guide her into his arms. When she turns around to face him, he immediately tries to capture her mouth, but she ducks her head and tries to slip out of his arms yet again.
Are we gonna play tag or dance? he growls in her ear as his hands clamp down on her hips and drag their bodies together, face to face.
In response, Dani slides her body down his and back up again. When her eager fingers dance lower and lower on his hips, Warrick feels his eyes slowly roll to the back of his head. Smiling, she presses her herself firmly against him and gives her hips a suggestive little grind.
What do you think? Dani asks seductively.
Transfixed, he watches her as she writhes to the beat of the music and feels a familiar stirring low in his belly; the one that he's been holding back for several months. Her hands move lingeringly over her body as a lovers would, a sensuous act that fans the flames of desire even higher.
Her arms wind around his shoulders, her mouth a hot, silky sweet temptation on his neck. Then suddenly the heat of her breath is gone as she tips her head back to give him a wicked grin. Her body is open to him, to his ravenous mouth and questing hands.
Already desperate, he buries his face in her neck, one hand sliding down to cup her backside, the other lost in the sexy mass of her hair. Hand sliding over her hip, Warrick pulls back slightly to smile seductively, flirting with his intense green eyes. Both of their bodies begin to shake with excitement and desire. The hard rhythm pulses through Dani's body, making her vibrate. She feels it everywhere, from her toes to the tips of her fingers. Moving with Warrick, Dani's body naturally matches his perfectly, riding the beat together.
The bass of the sexually charged music pounds out through the large speakers around them, and it feels like hundreds of hot, sweaty bodies are pressed against theirs. They rub against Dani's sensitized skin, titillating her senses, but that is nothing in comparison to the way Warrick is touching her. When his hands find the bare skin of her waist, blood rushes to her head, making her dizzy.
Warrick's needy fingers glide across her stomach, feeling her warm, silky skin and moving up her ribcage as far as the snug fitting material will allow. Trapping a hand between their bodies, Warrick cups her breast over the fabric, running his thumb over her nipple, causing her to gasp and thrust against him, wanting more. Ducking his head, he kisses her neck before roaming lower to taste her collarbone. With one hand he strokes her cheek gently, while the other pulls her hips snugly to his, nudging a knee between her thighs.
The desire fanning out from her belly is so strong all Dani wants to do is crawl up Warrick's body and let him take her right here in the middle of the club. In a desperate bid for control, she grabs a hold of his shirt sleeves with both hands to keep herself from touching him, need making her completely reckless. Her skin is flushed and hot. She's spinning in a mad world of exquisite sensations, and every touch, every taste, adds more.
Wanting more of the wonderful pulsing ache racing through his body, Warrick grips Dani's waist and holds her against his body, firmly rotating and thrusting his hips against hers. She notices distantly that the music has changed, the beat slower, and that Warrick has altered his movements accordingly. He's pushing against her to the rhythm of the song and it feels as though he's inside of her, he's so close. His fingers move down her body, finding the side slit of her skirt and sliding his hand under the fabric to caress the flesh beneath, his hips still moving against hers.
He surprises her by yanking Dani close and raining kisses up her neck before mouthing words in her ear. I want you, right now.
Holding Dani firmly against his body, Warrick lowers his head, finally claiming her mouth in front of the entire crowd. Their mouths meet in a deep, shuddering kiss that has his heart flipping over inside his chest. Her lips are plump and soft, hot and wet. In response to his kiss, Dani wraps her arms around his body and moans into his mouth. She wants to feel his muscles quiver again, to feel the heat pumping out of his pores. And to know, deep down, that she has caused it.
Then take me, she says against his lips when he finally lets her up for air. With a laugh, she nips at his jaw before melting into another kiss. His lips are no less demanding and probing, his tongue deep in her mouth. They pause long enough to gasp for breath before his mouth finds hers for a third time.
People swarm around them, but neither of them notice. Warrick's hands are roaming endlessly over her body, caressing. They move together so perfectly that Dani doesn't know where her body ends and his begins. They're so close, no one can see air between them. Parting her lips so he can taste her again, Warrick slides his tongue in to find hers. They move together, kisses growing more intense by the second.
Dani gives herself over to the pleasure, the sheer bliss of being savored and explored as the kiss deepens, stealing her breath.
somebody shouts, Get a room!
Warrick pulls his head back, his hips rotating against hers again. Couldn't have said it better myself.
Together the couple stumbles out a side door of the club, holding onto each other for support. Plowing Dani up against the wall, Warrick covers her lush mouth and kisses her again, hands firmly cupping her face. He worships her with his lips to the chorus of her ecstasy; every gasp, every whimper, every sob a reward. It's almost like an addiction, kissing her. He can't do without her for more than a few seconds, and those seem like an eternity.
While he braces himself against the wall on either side of her body with his hands she clutches at him desperately -- as if she is drowning; as if he is drowning. The kisses don't end, they don't stop, they implode. Her hands dig at his clothes, their bodies crushing against each other.
Warrick finally pulls back, his eyes wild and Dani brings her fingers up to her swollen lips as she stares back at him with equal need. When he finally speaks, his voice gruff and low, and she can tell it takes a great deal of effort to force the words out of his mouth.
Let's go home. 9:43 pm
The neon lights of the strip roll past as the limo makes it's way back to Warrick's house, but the couple fails to notice. They never look away from each other, never stop touching, adding to the raw lust building between them. It's taking every ounce of self-control Warrick has not to not give into his most primal instincts and rip Dani's clothes off so he can touch her bare skin. But somehow, what he is doing instead is more intense, more powerful. She forces him to focus on her eyes, forces him to focus on what she's doing to his body and what affect his touch has on her.
Pulling Dani into his lap, Warrick pushes her skirt out of the way and starts to slide his hand up the inside of her velvety thigh and past the top of her stockings, but her hand moves quicker and stops him. Her control breathes new life, wanting to hold him back just a little bit longer, wanting to be sure that he won't withdraw at the last moment.
No hands, she pants, threading their fingers together. Just lips.
With a groan of frustration, he complies. 10:03 pm
The front door closes behind the couple and before Dani can catch her breath Warrick has her in his arms again; swinging her around so she is trapped between the door and his body. Forgotten, her jacket and purse tumble to the floor, joining his jacket and tie.
With aching slowness, Warrick lowers his head and sucks on the tender skin at the nape of her neck while his hands slide over her shoulders and down to her waist. Her breath catching in her throat, inner thighs damp with her own arousal, she craves more. Always more. She wants it all.
You know the limo driver thinks that we-
Shut up and kiss me, Dani demands breathlessly.
With his hands on her hips, Warrick jerks her up on her tiptoes, catching the light of triumph on her face for an instant before his mouth crushes hers. It's like holding a lit fuse, all sizzle and spark; a dangerous woman who knows all too well her power over him.
In seconds his pants are open and pushed to the floor, but he struggles with her vest, the need making his hands tremble. Unable to hold back any longer, Warrick tears Dani's vest open with one hand, hands seeking the warm skin beneath. When the fabric gives way, he slides his tongue over the hollow of her throat, where her pulse hammers, before moving lower so he can taste the salty skin between her breasts.
I've missed you so much, he murmurs hoarsely. Dani's burgundy top hangs precariously off her shoulders, her skirt pushed high on her hips. She's still wearing her stiletto heels, though neither one of them notices or cares.
Though he has wild, erotic visions of taking her against the door, the pleasure will surely end too soon that way. Instead he kicks away his shoes and pants before taking her hand and pulling her down the hall.
he tells her.
Too far away, she replies, reaching out to grab the door casing of the entrance to the living room. Tightening her grip on his hand, Dani tugs him insistently towards her. Surprised by her strength, Warrick stumbles, his body weight trapping her between the wall and him. She's suddenly breathless, not sure if it's the result of the impact or the feel of him, all of him, against her.
Her eyes issue a challenge and before she can even blink, Warrick's lips are on hers again. His warm hands coast up her long legs, pushing the burgundy material of her skirt higher to reveal the black garters holding up her sheer stockings and the black silk bikini briefs decorated with small silver roses that cover her intimate places.
Oh honey, Warrick says hoarsely. You're going to kill me.
The sound of fabric tearing fills the air, and the brocade barrier between them is dropped to the floor.
Dani erupts, a throaty cry from her lips, a bite of fingernails across his back, a lightening surge of hips. Then she's tearing open his shirt, dragging it off his shoulders before he drops to his knees to remove her stiletto heels.
Fingers slip over the straps of the garters, quickly releasing the catches before gently sliding the silk off one leg and then the other. Nuzzling his cheek into the warm, bare flesh of her inner thighs, Warrick hears Dani whimper at the feel of his hot breath so near her center. He kisses and nips at the delicate skin and she gently thrusts her hips in invitation. His green eyes are so dark now, and they never stop watching her as he finishes removing the last of her clothing. At her breathless request, Warrick rises, only to place his hands on her waist, waltzing her farther into the living room.
As they tumble onto the couch, Dani finally surrenders. 11:47 pm
Firelight dances over Dani's bare skin as Warrick watches her chest rise and fall, his hand resting comfortably on her belly, just below the long scar at the bottom of her ribcage. He's quiet and still inside, like the peace in the early morning after a violent storm.
You can touch it, you know, she says softly, drowsy from sleep. It doesn't hurt.
Surprised by the sound of her voice in the silence, he wonders how long she's been watching him from under her long eyelashes. The expression on her face is tender and vulnerable in the low light, her hand gently taking his and guiding his fingers over the thin pink line.
It fades a little more everyday, she adds.
I know, he replies, lowering his head to brush his lips over the permanent reminder of what nearly took her away from him for good. I've been watching it heal.
I didn't know that.
The hair, the dress, the perfume. Driving me nuts all damn night. You did that on purpose, Warrick accuses, wrapping his arms around Dani, cradling her against his chest. Naked but for a lightweight black and white blanket draped over them, they are stretched out on the carpet with a small mountain of pillows surrounding them, watching the fire crackle merrily in the stone fireplace.
Yes, I did, she replies matter of factly before giggling lightly and nuzzling his neck. She's missed the feel of his bare skin against hers, the tremble though his body in the afterglow of lovemaking.
Because for ninety-six very long days you've been treating me like I'm made of filigree glass. Lovely to look at, but don't come too close or it'll break.
You were injured, he protests.
I've been fine for a while now. Just admit it. You've been afraid to touch me.
So you decided to-
Seduce you, Dani finishes with a flourish. Quite effectively if I do say so myself. I was going to take you to the Sinner's Den for a walk down memory lane, but I didn't want to ruin my dress with the foam.
In unison, the lovers look over at the tattered remains of her skirt and vest laying next to his shirt in the middle of the hallway.
Warrick comments dryly.
Yeah, there was a flaw in my logic, Dani admits with a grin.
I'll buy you a new one, he promises. Or five.
She laughs. If you insist.
The firelight leaves half of Warrick's face in shadow, making him warm and mysterious all at the same time. Moving his hands lower, they slip across the small of Dani's back as he finds her lips again.
You are an amazing person, he murmurs. His mouth brushes hers, then retreats. Brushes again, shifting angles. Then his lips cover hers, heating and parting hers. Soft and deep and welcoming, the kiss shimmers through her, the muscles in her thighs going lax, her knees weak. When he finally draws back, stars dazzle in her eyes. It's stunning to watch her, the flickers of pleasure and tension and release that plays over her face. Arousal has blood rising in her cheeks, causing her eyes to darken with passion and need.
Resting her forehead against his and meeting his gaze unwaveringly, Dani's hands slide up to cup his face, her thumbs tracing along his cheekbones.
It takes one to know one, she replies.
It's like being in the presence of a statue; smooth, nude perfection, but warm and loving. A mouth made to kiss, arms meant to embrace and hold. With feather light touches, Dani trails her fingertips along the muscled curve of his shoulder and down his taut arm. At the same time, her tongue slides along the shallow groove of his collar bone, tasting his skin until he's altogether consumed.
Without warning, Warrick rolls Dani onto her back so he can freely gaze upon her nude form. It amuses him greatly that she can't force herself to walk around completely unclothed under any circumstances, something he does as easily and naturally as the day he was born despite having spent his adolescent years with his grandmother. Not having what he considers a misplaced sense of modesty, Warrick snuggles closer to her, hip to hip.
Dani's gaze drops, heavy-lidded, simultaneously aroused and suddenly shy. Ducking her head, she tries to cover herself, but Warrick holds her hands to prevent it.
You're adorable when you blush, he teases.
She looks up at Warrick through long lashes, and if anything that look, the shyness, need and dark-eyed arousal only makes him want her more.
Oh careful baby, those eyes are dangerous, he warns suggestively.
To his surprise, Dani wraps her arms around his shoulders and rolls them over so she is sprawled over him. Moving her knees to either side of his hips, she pushes herself up into a sitting position. Jerking her chin, the long waterfall of auburn hair flows down her back, leaving her breasts exposed to his gaze.
Strong, broad shoulders, hair a glorious gold at the tips, the dimples in his cheeks when he smiles; she loves all of it. The long, rippled torso that she aches to touch and caress. She luxuriates in the feel of his smooth hands gliding over her skin; lingering here, pressing there, skillfully building the pleasure that pours through her system like melted chocolate.
His hands slide over the long scar and up the ladder of her ribs to her breasts; full, firm and warm in his palms.
You are insatiable, you know that? he asks huskily. I can't believe what we almost did right there on the dance floor. And on the way home!
And whose fault is that? she fires back teasingly. I seem to recall that it was you who introduced me to some rather adventurous vehicular sex on a very hot and rainy summer night.
Okay, you've got me there, he admits. But you know that driver is never going to believe that we didn't have sex in the back of his limo.
She scrapes her nails down his belly and when she feels him grow hard beneath her, she smiles seductively. Again? What are you, a machine?
I think it's perfectly clear that Ive missed you. Now move this damn blanket.
She quickly complies and settles over his hips once again, skin to skin. Enjoying the view, she runs her hands down his chest, across his smooth muscles, and then back up again. Unable to stop herself, Dani pauses once or twice to allow her fingers to play over his sculpted body.
She loves looking at him. The long, muscled arms that are strong enough to lift her, gentle enough to hold her as if she was a delicate flower, easily crushed. His hands that know so cleverly just where to touch and stroke. Then there is his broad shoulders, the long, lovely, lean back and narrow hips leading down to hard thighs and firm calves. The miracle that something so masculine and strong can be covered with smooth, soft skin.
Warrick groans when Dani pulls back, leaving him aching and hard.
Where are you going? he demands hoarsely.
Not answering him, Dani's fingers trail down the taut lines of Warrick's chest to where his ribs end and even lower to the soft, dark trail of hair she knows so intimately. She rubs her cheek into the smooth skin over his navel, dipping her tongue into the hollow there, making Warrick shiver with a sudden burst of ticklishness.
You know, this isn't what I had in mind, he murmurs. But two can play at this game.
In the blink of an eye, Warrick is on his knees and Dani straddling his thighs as he cradles her against his chest. He tips her back over his arm, making her breasts more accessible to him. As he nibbles and licks at the lush curves she writhes against him, her hands clutching the muscles of his back, bunching and releasing as he caresses her. It isn't enough for him, and finally with a growl of frustration he wraps his hands around her ribcage and lifts her up to draw one pert nipple between his teeth.
Sliding her arms around Warrick's broad shoulders, Dani clings to him as he lovingly suckles one nipple, then the other, his tongue a silken rasp on tender flesh. The look in his eyes is like a slow hot stroke of his hand between her thighs and it leaves her trembling. She cries out at the electricity that shoots through her body from Warrick's needful touch, clutching his shoulders to keep him in place, craving more.
For a moment it feels like she's falling, and then she is on the bed of pillows. He sways above her, weight on his palms, pressing kisses to jaw line and down to the nape of her neck. Meeting her eyes, he smiles, sloe-eyed.
Why are you looking at me like that? she asks breathlessly.
Not answering her, he drops his head, leaving a line of moist kisses between her full breasts, down over her ribcage to her waist. Hot breath on her belly causes goose bumps to form on her skin as he licks the sweetness from her smooth, sated flesh. Briefly his tongue dips into her navel, and he smiles when he feels her quiver.
Dani's impatient sometimes, but Warrick likes to make it last, likes to kiss and touch her until she's begging. Sometimes he likes to pull back and look at her, because she's so lovely. With her pale skin that flushes pink so easily, the lightly defined abdominal muscles and the gentle swell between her hipbones, angling toward the tops of her thighs.
He likes to taste her skin, salty at the collarbone, sweet along the curve of her belly. Warrick loves the smooth, pale undersides of Dani's arms, the swell of her breasts and the arch of her ribs. He loves the way she flings her head back when he's inside her, eyes closing, then opening again, burning a stormy blue.
He's taking his sweet time and Dani has to fist her hands in the blanket to hold onto the last of her control. The quick, catchy gasps that escape her lips slices through him like tiny knives as she grows erotically damp beneath him.
Soon his lips are trailing well below her belly button, green eyes smoldering with intensity. Despite her pleas for release, he continues to move with impossibly slow movements, making her moan with his delicate finesse. Mercilessly he takes her higher and higher; nibbling, kissing, nuzzling, tasting.
Dani cries out breathlessly, incapable of articulating anything else. Before long she's trembling violently, hands gripping Warrick's shoulders as she wordlessly begs for release. Finally he quickens his pace and immediately it feels like he's stroking every inch of her at the same time. The fierce pleasure washes over her in unrelenting, undulating waves. It builds and builds until she wonders if she will explode just from the pressure of his touch.
As the clock strikes midnight, she falls over the edge with a hoarse scream of pleasure, welcoming the darkness that envelops her.
