Gibbs drove, Leah silent at his side. He sighed, tired of fighting with her. Trying to break the tension between them, he spoke lightly. How about chili for dinner?Chili's good. There was no emotion in the response.
Leah, give me a break here. He made sure the words were gentle.
She gave a soft snort. Why should I? You won't cut me any slack. Her voice was tired. We keep playing this same damn game, Jeth. Can we please just let it go?
He nodded, willing to give her some peace for now. But not for long; he needed the answers she was unwilling to give.
They arrived at his house in silence, and once they entered, Gibbs headed toward the kitchen. Go sit, relax, he directed the redhead.
Stressed and tired, she complied, sinking onto the sofa. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. How did she let this man get back under her skin? Jeth was dangerous to her sanity; the way he could make her forget herself and lose control. She remembered their first kiss. Remembered the way his hands on her, his lips devouring hers made her want to drag him to her bed. If it hadn't been for that phone call she knew she wouldn't have stopped with just one kiss.
Being bedded by him the other night had been so much more than she'd ever dreamed. His fingers on her skin had made her realize that she had only been half-alive since the day she ran from him. His gentle lips caressing her skin made her afraid she wouldn't have the strength to walk away from him ever again.
He saw her start as he interrupted her thoughts. She shifted on the sofa, making room for him to sit, but stayed silent.
Chili's cooking. Look, he said, taking a breath and glancing down at his hands before continuing. I know you don't want to talk about this, but don't you think it's time we finally talked about what happened that day? All of it?
She shook her head. Oh, for Christ's sake! Just let it go, Jeth! Look, there are some things that are better left buried, okay? She stood, too agitated to sit.
Do you think I don't know that? He watched her restless movements. You know, you aren't the only one with secrets about that day! Her eyes darkened as they pinned him to his seat.
You have secrets. I can't imagine. Do you know what I went through? I'm not talking about what happened at the filtration plant, I mean at the office. The words began to tumble faster from her lips, uncontrolled, hurt and anger mixing. While you were in being debriefed, I had a friend tell me exactly what was about to happen to both of us. And I had five minutes to make a decision that would affect both our careers. I did the goddamned best I could and if you don't like the way things turned out, then... fuck you! She tried to storm past him, to head for the door, but he grabbed her arm.
Don't you dare walk out on me again! His voice was low and deadly, but it did nothing to arrest her fury.
Let go of me! You lost any claim on me when you refused to back me! She pulled at him, but he held her tightly. Desperate to avoid the confrontation, she fought against his viselike grip. Instead, the pain lancing down her captive arm broke the dam on her emotions. Against her will, the vicious words flowed like a river. I had the shot! What the hell happened to my partner? You remember him? The one that used to take chances to get the job done. The one who'd do whatever it took to bring in the dirtbag. Where was he the day I needed backup? Who the fuck was the idiot on the radio telling me to stay put? Where was the man I trusted when I needed him?
He held her calmly as she struggled, knowing that she wasn't ready to hear his side of the story. His lack of response only seemed to fuel her rage, however, and he found himself being pummeled by her free hand.
Let me go, let me go! To her dismay, hot tears began to flow as the unstoppable words gushed from her lips. Dammit, I gave you your career, I gave you the career I wanted! What more do you want from me? Just leave me alone! She finally wrenched her arm free from his surprised grip, but lacked the strength to flee. She sank to the floor, silently.
Gibbs lowered himself slowly to her, wanting to understand, needing to comfort her. He reached out to her and was shocked when she shoved him away.
I said, leave me alone! She pushed harder, pounding her fists against him, feeling all the hurt and anger she'd kept buried for so long bubble up. It's always about control with you, isn't it? And I let you have it! How stupid am I? She was gratified to see the surprise in his eyes and, buoyed by the fact that she put it there, she continued. I'm tired of listening you tell me what to do, Jeth. Sick of you treating me like a disobedient schoolgirl. She growled as she gripped the front of his shirt. Just once, damn you, I'd like you to just shut up and do as you're told.
His face was inches from hers and her breath tickled his lips. The rage in her eyes was stirring the wrong emotions in him and he found himself wanting to lean into her just enough to feel her breasts brush against him.
She saw the half smile on his face and snarled. I'm so glad you're amused, you asshole. I bet you don't know how to take orders anymore.Marines always follow orders, he said softly, daring her. Try me.
She shoved him over backwards and sat straddling him. Don't you ever shut up?
He stared up at her, mutely, mischief in his eyes. His hands came up to her waist and began to walk along the top of her jeans.
No touching! she snapped. Immediately the hands fell away. This isn't about sex, you pig! This is about who's in charge. She sat atop him for another minute, exerting her newfound authority, then stood slowly. Stay there. I'll check on dinner.
He watched her turn and glide out of the room, his position on the floor giving him new appreciation for the way her rear end moved when she walked. When she came back a moment later, she carried a spoon.
Would you like a taste? At his nod, she slowly lowered herself back down on top of him and brought the spoon to his mouth. As his lips closed around the utensil, she gave a savage grin and drew the spoon out slowly, sliding herself back just as slowly along his body. She noticed his fingers curling into fists and a throaty laugh escaped as she brought the spoon to her own mouth to lick what remained of the spicy concoction on it.
He gave a growl and said in a deep voice, Instantly she snapped her fiery blue gaze at him.
No talking! she commanded sharply. You just don't get it, do you? I gave up everything, everything I wanted, for you. He bent his knees and she leaned back against his thighs, suddenly tired of the fight. Oh, there were more reasons than you; I did it for me, too. But in the end, none of that mattered. What mattered was what my official record said, what I agreed to. She drew her own leg up and rested her head on her knee. And the sick thing is, I'd do it all again, for you. How pathetic does that make me? She stood and walked back to the kitchen.
He levered himself up off the floor and followed her. She stood at the sink, her back to him. Quietly he walked up behind her, put his hands down on the counter on either side of her and spoke softly.
Let's go sit down. It really is time to talk about what happened that day. It's time I told you what I should have told you on the drive back after the shootings. He was prepared for the surprise on her face and he led her back into the living room.
FBI was determined to make that their op, he began, once they were seated. The guy in charge at the scene was a real idiot, couldn't have made a decision to go to the head if he'd had to. The guy who took over, I have no idea where he came from, and I'm convinced this guy was unstable. He told me that we were to stay out of it. Gibbs shifted position on the sofa and looked at Leah. He assured me that if we interfered in anyway he'd have us shot, and claim it was an accident, part of trying to get Trainor.And you believed him? Leah leaned back, waiting.
Hell, yes! He handed me the binoculars and showed me. There was a sniper trained on you. He watched her pale slightly at that revelation. They had a different plan to get Trainor until you radioed in with the report on the hostages. Then there was a breakdown in command. Some of them were surprised by your report, but the guy who took over looked like he knew about the hostages all along. He shook his head. I didn't know what to tell you and I wasn't about to gamble with your life.
Leah thought for a moment, drifting back to that day. Finally she spoke. Where was the sniper?There were two. One was on the hill, by the command vehicle. He was the one trained on you. The other was on the outcropping above you, just east of your position. Gibbs spoke without hesitation. We were set up, she said, nodding slowly. We were really set up. The sniper on the hill couldn't have hit Trainor from where he was, but he could have hit me, cleanly. You were right; if I had stepped out to take that shot, I'd've been killed. The other one, I don't know. I'd've had to see his angle, but it isn't likely. She shook her head. From the intel at the command table, the only window on that side of the building needed the angle I had. Any further east and... She trailed off, frowning. They looked at each other for a moment, sorting through what they now knew. Damn! I wish you'd told me this! It makes what Tom told me make sense now. I might have been able to save both our jobs instead of just one. She shook her head again and got up, heading to the refrigerator.
Gibbs started to rise, but saw her return a moment later, a bottle of cream soda in her hand. She smiled slightly and sat back down.
What do you mean, what Tom said'? Gibbs asked as she settled herself and took a long drink.
Tom was fast-tracking for administration. I'm not sure how, but he found out about a phone call from somebody high up at the FBI stating they had proof that we'd completely screwed up the Trainor bust. She smirked at the fury building in his eyes. Yeah, that was my reaction, too. Tom said this wasn't just the usual though, that there was evidence that someone was actually working with Trainor, implying it was one of us. She paused for another sip and let Gibbs vent.
That's insane! How on earth could anyone have proof of something that ridiculous? And why didn't you tell me about this? He snapped his mouth shut and waited.
First, evidence is easy enough to obtain if it exists. She held up her hand at his threatened outburst. All someone would have to do is doctor it enough so that it looked like you or I instead of the real slimeball. Second, there was no chance to tell you. You were in with the director and from what Tom told me, the decision on what to do with us was going to be made as soon as my debrief was complete. That's why they took us separately. Tom and I scrambled to come up with a story that would be believable, take the pressure off us and our agency and put it back on the Fibbies where it belonged, and try to save our jobs. In the five minutes we had, we managed two out of three. She looked down, not wanting to finish the story, yet knowing she'd have to.
Gibbs was silent for a moment. In all the years he'd known Morrow, he couldn't believe the man had never told him the real reason behind his partner's abrupt departure. Tell me what happened, Leah.
She sighed. I called the Fibbies' bluff about the evidence. Lied a little; said we'd found it and someone had swiped it. If they were claiming to have it and said it was one of us, then they must have doctored it. Then I told them I took the shot, or rather I tried to, and my pistol jammed. When that happened, FBI snipers attempted to take out Trainor, leading to the disaster. Director questioned me extensively; if my gun jammed, how was I able to take down Trainor after all? I told him I managed to clear it quickly, but by then the damage had been done. Why did you say you hadn't agreed to the shot if you had? I didn't know, but I would guess it was to protect me. And so on.
He shook his and and watched her take a long pull on her soda. All this time -- a decade and a half -- wasted because she believe it was her duty to fall on her sword for him. I don't understand. None of that was worth resigning over. We could have worked through all that. We'd faced worse.
He saw her face cloud and knew there was something she was still keeping from him.
Somebody at the FBI knew about the hostages, Jeth. All of them. What nobody told us was they were wives and children of FBI agents. We were going to pay that day, there was no stopping it. So I took the blame, and I resigned. My record read that my gun jammed and I folded under pressure, that the FBI were the ones to catch Trainor because I was incapable of making the shot once I'd cleared my weapon. If I shouldered the blame, I would be allowed to resign with the understanding that I wasn't welcome in DC anymore. It was either that or we were both going to be hung out to dry publicly. Either way, my career in DC was over. She sighed and looked away. Tom gave me the name of a friend in Denver who owed him a favor... she shrugged as the words faded out.
That doesn't explain why you left without saying anything to me. He reached out and grasped her chin, turning her face toward him. Why, Leah?
She couldn't answer him. She had never once allowed the words to form in her head during the past fifteen years. It would be impossible to allow them to fall out of her mouth now.
He leaned closer to her, releasing her chin, whispering in her ear. I find it very interesting that the code for your alarm is the date we first kissed. He grinned as she pulled back in shock.
Eyes wide, she fought the urge to wrap her arms around herself. The nakedness she felt went soul deep.
Your stalker reset your alarm. I took my one best guess. He leaned forward, expecting to meet pliable lips.
You arrogant bastard! She leapt up from the sofa. How dare you! The surprise in his eyes at her accusation only angered her further. You are an insufferable, irritating, aggravating...
He stood and dragged her to him, swallowing her invectives. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly against him as his tongue teased her lips, requesting entry to her sarcastic mouth. When she gave it, groaningly, he thanked her with gentle nibbles on her lower lip, then engaged her tongue in a teasing dance that soon had them digging their fingers into each other, desperate to hold on.
Reluctantly they broke apart, each gasping for air and he nibbled at her earlobe, whispering, I may be arrogant, but I was right. She started to push away from him until he continued, Doesn't it say anything to you that I remember that exact date, too?
Stunned, she looked into his eyes and saw something there that she'd never dreamed of finding. Something she'd always wanted, but didn't dare name. Was it possible, that despite the angry words that had once been said between them, he wanted her, not just another nameless redhead? Suddenly every cell in her body woke up, the embers of her anger flaring into flames of pure sexual hunger for him. This morning she'd convinced herself that last night was simply satisfying a long neglected physical need. The heat pooling low in her belly, stoked from the fire in his eyes now made that logic a pathetic lie. She was tired of denying herself everything. Right here, right now, at least for this one night she had almost everything she ever wanted from him. And, damn, if she wasn't going to reach out and grab it with both hands.
He saw the slow smile spread across her face as her hands slid around from his back to rest on his chest. He was about to kiss her again when she dropped her eyes to her hands, so he waited to see what her next move would be. He was unprepared for the violent jerk her hands gave as she yanked his shirt open, sending the buttons to new homes under the furniture. His body responded instantly to her savagery, pulsing its approval of her actions.
The thrill that washed through her at ripping his shirt open only made her need for him burn hotter. She yanked at his t-shirt, wishing she could shred the white cotton garment and bare his muscled chest. Frustrated, she finally slid her hands up under it, purring at the feel of his hard body under her hands. At last she pushed the shirt up, over his head, off his arms, taking the ruined dress shirt with it.
Before she could make another move, he grabbed her hand and led her to his darkened bedroom. Then he slipped his hands under her sweater and unclasped her bra, removing both items at once. She drew him close and he gladly dipped his head down for the kiss she demanded, loving the feel of her tongue darting provocatively in his mouth while her breasts pressed tight against his chest. He could feel her nipples tightening, the hard peaks teasing his flesh and he wondered how he remained upright. The sensations she caused in him were indescribable, and he was drunk with the feel of her.
She was on fire. Her lips, her breasts, her skin, everywhere; she burned. And he was the water to quench it. She tried to move closer to him, only to find she was as close as she could be. Her hands dropped to the button on his slacks, fumbling slightly, then unfastening his trousers with ease. She was gratified to hear his groan and she slid her hands in the waistband of his boxers, intending to slide the offending items off. Instead he pulled her hands away and unfastened her pants, drawing them down, teasing her along the way. He laid her on the bed and slipped off the tiny scrap of cloth that passed for underwear before sliding out of his remaining clothes and joining her.
He had every intention of lavishing attention on her, of giving her pleasure until she screamed, but he was surprised to find she had other ideas. He found himself again flat on his back with her straddling him. Her sultry whisper was almost more than he could take.
I'm in charge, remember? I want it my way, Jeth, and you'd better keep up. She reached between them and guided him home.
He gasped at the tightness of her. When she had seated herself on him, he reached up to hold her still for a moment as he regained some control. As soon as he released her she began to slide herself along the length of him, whimpers of pleasure escaping her lips.
Everything in her body was attuned to the connection she had with this man. She could feel it building inside of her slowly, feel the sweet tension growing. His hands on her body only helped feed the fire, making her hot and needy as she increased her pace.
he ground out through clenched teeth. I'm gonna...No. You. Are. Not. She was breathless, but the command was clear. Hold it.I can't.Yes, you can, mister. What the hell kinda Marine are you, anyway? Her words were interspersed with begging mews as she worked her way toward the explosive release she so desperately required.
Trying his best to obey her command, he clenched every muscle he had and a few he wasn't aware of before. He dug his fingers into the sweet, soft flesh on her ass, trying not to think of just how good it felt as she repeatedly slammed it back down on him. Her head fell forward and her silky copper hair slid along his chest as she slid along his shaft. Gritting his teeth he did his best to hang on, but her whimpered, was his undoing. He wrapped an arm around her and flipped them over.
My turn to drive, he grunted as he pounded himself into her. He felt her legs wrap around his waist and her body arch up beneath him as he slammed home one last time, his release fiery and powerful, fueling the sudden pulsating around him, her cries of completion drowning out his own.
The wave of heat that rolled over her with spasms of satisfaction made her feel lazy and sexy. She ran her fingers through his hair as he collapsed onto her and she found she simply wanted to lounge on the bed and indulge in seductive games with the man who had just given her this gift. She wanted to take up residence in his bed and never leave, making love to him as often as physically possible.
After a minute or two he slowly lifted himself up and teasingly disengaged himself from her. Then he leaned over and kissed her soundly before getting up and heading to the bathroom. When he came back in, he grinned to find her looking up at him, a curious expression on her face.
Did you forget about dinner? He laughed, her surprised gasp stating clearly that she had. He grabbed a pair of jeans from a dresser drawer and pulled them on, heated by her murmured admiration as the worn blue fabric slid over his naked backside. As he strolled out of the room he heard her soft voice.
Oh, yeah? Well, two can play that game! She slithered off the bed, her body still humming with pleasure from their powerful lovemaking and sifted through the dresser drawers. Coming up with an oversized shirt emblazoned with the letters NIS, she smiled and dragged the soft fabric over her head. Pleased with the tousled, satisfied redhead she saw in the mirror, she made her own stop in the bathroom before continuing to the kitchen.
He stood stirring the chili, certain the thick, spicy mixture had had plenty of time to simmer. He heard the water run in the bathroom and called out, Dinner's ready, but he was unprepared for the vision that entered his kitchen.
She wore his favorite shirt, sleeves pushed up. His eyes raked down her body to the slightly frayed hem, which was barely long enough to be decent. She drifted slowly past him, dragging her hand across the butt of his jeans as she did so, and opened the refrigerator door. She bent slightly from the waist, and he could see just enough to make him wish his jeans weren't suddenly so confining.
Just what do you think you're doing, woman? The growl in his voice was not anger but hunger.
Getting us some drinks, she answered innocently as she looked over her shoulder. She stood and turned holding two beers and swung the appliance door shut. This should go down well with what you're cooking up, don't you think? Her voice was sweetness but her body screamed sin.
He pulled two bowls from the cabinet and plunked them down on the counter. You better not get chili on my shirt. He forced his hands to serve dinner rather than rip the shirt off her.
She popped the tops off the beers and handed one to him as she took a bowl. You gonna punish me if I do?Eat fast, he whispered, stepping close. When she tilted her head questioningly, he leaned in and nipped her neck. You're dessert.
She smirked. Not if I have you first, she whispered in reply as she slid past him. He stared after her for a moment and she glanced back.
Hell, yes!' he thought. This was one night he never wanted to forget.