TITLE: Criminal Minds – "Darkest Days" (A sequel to Behind the Mask)
AUTHOR: D M Harper
SUMMARY: Agent Prentiss is forced to face her secretive past when it threatens the safety of her BAU colleagues and her beloved family.
RATING: For Mature Readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story was conjured up for reading entertainment only. No money has exchanged hands or bank accounts. There is no profit gained, just fancy flights of imagination. There is no intention to infringe on the copyright of CBS Television Studios or creator Jeff Davis. This writing does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will; hence you have no one to whine to except yourself or a parent if you are caught, so bugger off!
A/N: Please find them time to review and feed the Muse. A big thank you to the readers who comment regularly.
Chapter 27
Wednesday 12th October, 2011.
Rousing from slumber, Jillian removed her arm from around Emily's hip and rolled over to view the bedside clock. It was 05:04 and the alarm was set for 06:30. Climbing out of bed, she went into the bathroom, used the toilet and brushed her teeth before showering.
Pulling on a robe several minutes later, Jillian crept out of the room and ran down to the study. Opening her duffle bag, she retrieved a brightly wrapped box and a purple envelope. Returning upstairs, she checked on the children then made her way back to bed.
Emily was lying on her stomach and Jillian placed the gift on the side table prior to getting under the covers. With soft kisses, she made the journey from Emily's left shoulder blade down to the dip of her spine. Delicate touches to perfectly curved buttocks followed and Emily stirred into wakefulness.
"Are you having fun?" she enquired huskily.
"Why yes I am."
Emily lifted her hips as Jillian's tongue crazed over her left cheek, "Oh honey that feels so nice, but nature calls."
"Grrr, okay but hurry up," prompted Jillian as she lifted back the doona.
Springing out of bed, Emily ran to the shower and quickly washed away evidence of the previous night's love making.
Jillian was still in the same position when Emily eased back onto the mattress.
"Lay on your tummy again," instructed Jillian.
Emily did and she moaned when her wife kissed along the crease of her bottom. Moisture gathered between the folds of her labia and she gripped the sheets with both hands. It increased when Jillian's hands separated the swells and exposed her.
Jillian growled from deep within when she saw the glistening vulva and in response, ran the flat of her tongue down the length of Emily's perineum.
"Oh good god Jill," whispered Emily as she reared up to meet the contact.
Repositioning herself between Emily's legs, Jillian knelt and placed a hand on the top of her wife's buttocks. With deft movements, she pressed her left thumb against the stiff clitoris and slowly rotated.
"Mmm honey, that's really nice," declared Emily while moving her hips in time to the caresses.
"You like that baby?"
"Yes Jill."
"I love you Em," replied Jillian as she slid her other thumb between firm cheeks.
Emily's breathing hitched as her lover gently encircled the tight, puckered opening.
"That's it baby, let me love you," coaxed a near delirious Jillian.
"Yes honey, always."
Jillian continued to rim her wife as she lowered her left hand and gradually entered the warm, damp canal with two fingers. Vaginal muscles clamped down on her and Jillian groaned, "How's that sweetheart?"
"Really good and I like this pace. How are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm doing great back here," answered Jillian as Emily pushed back.
Setting a steady tempo, the blonde introduced a third digit and Emily cried out, "Honey I love you."
"I love how you feel under my touch and I want you to control the thrusts."
"Okay," agreed Emily while rocking back and forth to meet Jillian's fingers. Slowing down, she drew out the digits then moved back along them. "Oh Jill," she whimpered while Jillian held steady. "I don't want to come yet."
"Then don't my sweet Em."
"Mmm, fill me more honey."
Jillian eased in her pinkie and Emily shuddered as she grabbed harder internally. "You are so beautiful baby," husked the blonde.
Time moved leisurely and moments later, Emily announced, "I'm coming … oh damn honey … so good … love you."
Jillian held on as her wife's body convulsed and released a gush of fluid. "I want to taste you," she declared when Emily fell forward.
Moving onto her back, the brunette looked up into shining eyes and held out her hands. Jillian turned around and lowered herself onto Emily's mouth then brought her own lips to the wetness below.
-o-
Jillian ran a hand over the curve of Emily's left breast and gently squeezed the plump nipple. "Happy Birthday," she said as she entered her with long fingers.
Smiling brightly, Emily pushed two digits into her wife, "Thank you and I love how tight you are."
"I'm all yours baby and I enjoy shower time with you."
Cupping a firm right breast, Emily replied, "Me too and I want you to come with me."
"That will be in about two minutes," noted Jillian while rocking against the strong digits inside her.
Laughing, Emily ground down and closed her eyes, "You better hurry then, I'm just about there." She pulled on her lover's nipple and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.
Jillian surrendered to the overpowering need to climax and her frame jolted with tiny spasms. Emily swiftly followed and their kiss became more affectionate. Soft caresses danced along Emily's back and she reluctantly ended the oral contact.
"I really do hate to finish this time with you, but we need to get ready for when the twins wake."
"Okay and you look sensational this morning Birthday Girl."
"Thank you and you my darling are wonderful."
Stepping out of the cubicle, Jillian closed the door, "I'll meet you in the bedroom and hand over your present."
"Oh, I thought all that spectacular sex was my gift."
Picking up a towel, Jillian leered at her wife and grinned, "No that was just me reminding myself how lucky I am to be loved by you."
Sliding back the screen door, Emily tilted her head to the side and huskily responded, "Aww that was sweet and it's fortunate that I have such a forgiving wife who makes adorable babies."
"Merci and close the door before I devour those tempting boobs of yours again."
Giggling, Emily did while Jillian dried her hair then brushed her teeth.
"Honey."
"Yes Em?"
"What time are we expected at the restaurant?"
Rolling her eyes, Jillian answered, "Crap! You weren't supposed to know and seven thirty."
"The others aren't really experts at concealing secrets when it comes to team members, besides I caught Garcia yabbering on the phone to Kevin yesterday about cake frosting."
"I've always said you never wasted that Yale education of yours, so please act surprised when Penelope jumps out from behind the door and tosses streamers at you."
"I will and where are we going?"
"Bistro L'Hermitage."
"Aww my favourite French cuisine."
"We'll have the place to ourselves."
"How did you manage that?"
"I booked all the tables so everyone can relax and have a good time."
"Thank you honey and I'm looking forward to tonight."
"Me too and it helps that both teams are working a case locally."
"It does and I'm glad you have your appetite back," Emily gleefully and somewhat cheekily declared.
A soft chuckle emitted from the other side of the shower door as Jillian departed for the bedroom.
-o-
A naked Emily emerged from the ensuite and Jillian whistled at her. "You are good for the soul honey," remarked Emily as she opened the underwear drawer.
"I just have a fine appreciation for a gorgeous woman," replied Jillian while buckling up her belt.
"Do you have a session with Chelsea today?" enquired Emily while dressing in black high cut briefs, matching bra and black socks."
"Yes baby, at twelve thirty."
Walking into the wardrobe, Emily selected a pair of black trousers and pulled them on.
Jillian stood in the doorway and watched her choose a navy blue shirt. Stepping inside, she moved in front of Emily and commenced doing up the buttons, "I love you Em."
Placing her left hand against Jillian's right cheek, Emily enounced, "I'm deeply in love with you." She turned her head and asked, "Is that someone knocking at the door?"
"Grace must be up earlier than expected," answered Jillian as she went to the entrance.
Opening the door, she wasn't prepared for the sight of a nude Jarrod and Samantha standing on the other side, "What are you two rascals up to?"
Without looking up, Jarrod ambled past her and went to the walk-in robe, "Ma-ma."
Emily picked him up and kissed his brow, "Hello cutie and I see you are ready for a bath."
"Pooh done," responded Jarrod before Samantha clapped.
"Good job Little Man and I better get you into the tub before I need a fresh shirt."
Jarrod chuckled and nuzzled into the side of her neck.
Samantha folded her tiny arms across her chest and glared up at Jillian, "Up."
"You are so like your mama Little Miss."
"Up," repeated the toddler impatiently.
"Not if you have a smelly bottom like your brother," protested Jillian with a frown.
Pivoting, the youngster headed for the bathroom.
Emily laughed and walked past a stunned Jillian, "I take that to mean she does."
"These two will be packing their own lunches and going off to school by next year," joshed Jillian as she followed her wife down the passageway.
Emily entered the room and commented, "I sent mom a copy of them on the potty and she accused me of photo shopping the picture."
"Send her a video then she'll be convinced of their intellect."
"Good idea and Grace is dating Roger the butcher," intoned Emily while trailing her fingers through the fair hair of her daughter who was sitting on the bath mat and pouting.
"When did that start?"
"Two weeks ago and she seems to be enjoying herself," answered Emily.
"Crap, I've never thought about her having a social life. Is that selfish of me?"
"It is and I'm happy for her."
"Maybe we should discuss her living arrangements and work hours," suggested Jillian while picking up Samantha.
"Honey, she has only been seeing Roger for a short time. I think it's a little too early to be planning a wedding."
"Baby, I'm sure Grace would appreciate some privacy for doing the wild thing."
Emily added bubble bath to the water and turned off the facets. Both women placed a child into the tub and Jillian added plastic boats and a selection of farm animals.
"Grace could always move into the pool house," suggested Emily.
"That's a brilliant idea and we can speak with her at breakfast about work hours."
-o-
Emily strolled into the bullpen and was immediately greeted by a beaming Jennifer, "Happy Birthday Em."
"Thanks and where is everyone?"
"They're with Strauss in the conference room."
"Please tell me we don't have a new case."
"We don't, but there is some sort of announcement."
"We better move then."
Jennifer hugged her friend as they approached the staircase, "You look great."
"Life is wonderful and I have an extraordinary family along with spectacular friends."
"I see Jillian gave you a present."
Emily looked at her left wrist and grinned at the gold Cartier watch, "Yes she did."
"You may want to do up an extra shirt button sweetie."
Tittering, Emily climbed the stairs and took on board the suggestion, "Jillian has been particularly attentive the past few weeks."
"I'm glad you two are back on track."
"I couldn't be happier with how Jill has forgiven me."
The two Agents walked into the room and Erin spoke first, "Happy Birthday Emily."
"Thank you ma'am."
"Right everyone, let's get down to business. As of Friday, I'll be taking four weeks' vacation and Aaron will be stepping up into my position. Derek, you will be taking over for him and before the rumours begin, I'll be busy in court with divorce hearings."
"I'm sorry to hear that ma'am," commented Aaron sincerely.
"Thank you Aaron and now that I've aired my dirty laundry, get to work." Erin grinned at the team before leaving.
"Well I didn't see that coming," admitted Derek. "Strauss certainly seems to be happy about the situation."
"She is relieved to be ditching her loser husband and moving on," explained Emily matter-of-factly.
Dave's right brow rose, "How come you know so much about our illustrious leader? Oh wait, Jill told you."
"She did, so are you making a play for Strauss now she is on the market?"
"Well, she is a good looking woman," posed Dave before adding, "By the way, Happy Birthday kid."
"Thanks and I'll have Jill put in a good word to Strauss for you."
Everyone found humour in the offer and Emily received more celebratory hugs and wishes. After grabbing a mug of tea, Emily settled at her desk to attend to a stack of consults.
-o-
A relaxed Jillian took a seat in the leather bound chair and Chelsea began, "How has the last week been for you?"
"On a work front I've been busy and on a personal level, my relationship with Emily is blossoming."
"I'm glad to hear that. Has Emily begun counselling yet?"
"No. Doctor Merrill is on vacation until next week."
"All right then."
"I've managed to keep the negativity out of my thoughts and I'm content."
"So you trust Emily again?"
"One hundred percent and we are communicating really well."
"Good. Have you told her about Doyle's death yet?"
"No, but I do intent on telling her when we have a spare moment alone."
"Will you be informing her of the truth or giving her the version in your report and those of the State Department Agents?"
With a sly grin, Jillian answered, "The truth; I can't lie to her."
"I'm not here to judge your actions Jill and I fully believe you did not go to Ireland to purposely kill Doyle. By him baiting and stabbing you, he forced your hand."
"I shouldn't have allowed his taunts to rile me and when he arrogantly told me the knife wound was a reminder, all I thought about was the torture he had inflicted on Emily and all those other people he killed."
"None of this will be in my final evaluation because I think Doyle would have continued to be a threat to you and your family if not stopped permanently."
"For a split second that's all I could think about. I needed to protect Emily, our children, the members of the team and our families."
"I completely understand your rationale."
"Thank you and I'm at peace with my decision."
"You've come a long way Jill, and rebuilding your marriage has been a significant achievement."
"I'm ready to help Emily now."
"I believe you are, but from what you have told me during our sessions, it sounds like she has adjusted well."
"Since arriving home, she basically hasn't had time to catch her breath and I'm afraid she'll fall apart when she does."
"Maybe your support and love have held her together."
Nodding, Jillian replied, "I guess that is another subject for me to discuss with her."
"That's a very good idea. Now tell me about how you feel about being with another team?"
-o-
Opening the door of the restaurant, Jillian stepped to the side and allowed Emily to enter. A wide grin was firmly planted on her face as her wife walked into a room filled with friends, Jillian's family and Elizabeth.
Spinning around, Emily asked, "When did you have time to organise all these people?"
"Garcia helped weeks ago," replied Jillian as Emily was swamped by the others.
"I love you."
Tears welled in Jillian's eyes as she watched her spouse's happiness glow from her face. Moments later, Erin joined her and handed her a glass of champagne.
"You managed to overwhelm Emily with your surprise."
"Yeah, she was only expecting a few people. So how are you doing?"
"I'm holding up and the children are very supportive. Steven has partitioned the court for half of my property holdings and finances. The first litigation meeting is on Monday."
"He's got to be kidding asking for all that?"
"His attorney is a shyster, so they are going all out."
"By your calm demeanour I gather you are well prepared."
"I've had a private investigator tailing Steve for the past six months and have sufficient evidence of his philandering. I actually filed for divorce eight months ago and tossed Steve out of the house four months back. He has been renting an apartment ever since."
"Why didn't you tell me before?"
"You were on assignment and had enough to deal with."
"You're excused and here comes Dave."
"Ladies, it's good to see you Partner and may I say you both look radiant this evening."
"I really do miss your charm Dave; excuse me while I go speak with my parents."
-o-
"Shush now, don't wake Grace or the kids," advised Jillian as a giggling Josie and Emily walked past her while she held the front door open for Adrian.
The two intoxicated women ignored the guidance as they laughed loudly when Emily switched on the living room light.
Adrian rolled his eyes at his grinning sister and noted, "Our wives are a bad influence on each other."
"They are and if you look up to the top of the stairs you'll notice your niece and nephew are awake and watching proceedings."
Tilting his head, Adrian spotted two fair haired toddlers peeking through the railings of the stair barrier. Both were smiling and waving at their uncle. "Well I'll be. Mom told me they'd been getting out of their room for some time."
"They usually knock on the main bedroom door if they are up before Emily and me."
"I better go up and say hello before they start complaining."
"I'll put your bags in your room."
"Honey!" called out Emily.
"Hold on Em; Sam and Jarrod are up."
Emily entered the hallway and glanced upwards, "Hey my little angels."
"Ad," they chorused when Adrian stepped over the wooden frame and knelt down.
"Hey you two," he said while hugging them both.
"Book," responded Samantha with a giggle.
"Okay you two scallywags, let's get organised."
Jillian climbed the stairs and strolled down the corridor and the children followed along with Adrian. When she placed the travel bags and suitcase down on the guestroom floor, Adrian picked up the toddlers and put them on the bed.
"They've grown again Jill."
"Yes, another two inches and two pounds. I'll grab their current book for you."
The twins scrambled along the mattress and got into position. Adrian jumped onto the bed and tickled them both before settling in between them.
After returning with the picture book, Jillian kissed her children on the head then went downstairs. She found Emily and Josie deep in conversation on the couch, so she walked into the kitchen and grabbed three bottles of water.
Joining the duo, she handed over two drinks and said, "Adrian is reading to the kids."
Josie got up, "I'll go up and watch. See you in the morning."
"Goodnight," replied Jillian.
Emily stood and hugged her sister in-law, "Sweet dreams."
"You ready to turn in baby?" asked Jillian as she jumped up.
"We better considering we have work in the morning."
Taking hold of Emily's right hand, Jillian pressed into her chest, "You go up and I'll turn off the lights."
"Okay and thank you again for an amazing evening."
"You are welcome and I wanted to make it special."
"Well you achieved that honey."
Jillian was about to respond with a kiss when her phone rang. "Excuse me Em," she said while gathering the phone from her jacket pocket. "It's Coop," she announced while reading the lit screen.
"Orr shit," mumbled Emily while heading for the staircase.
"Rolston speaking."
"Hi Jill, sorry to disturb your night, but we have a case in Portland."
"Understood Sir, see you in twenty."
-o-
