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. I hope you enjoy the next instalment.


Chapter 46

After being greeted by Jackie at the Nurses' Station, Emily strolled towards Jillian's room. She was greatly encouraged when she saw the lights were on and Jillian was sitting up reading a novel. "Hey you," she cheerfully remarked while entering the suite and removing her overcoat.

Looking up, Jillian beamed and gingerly placed the book aside on the bedside table, "This is a nice and unexpected surprise."

Placing her coat on the nearest chair, Emily approached the bed, "I decided I missed you too much and called "bullshit" on you telling your mother you'd be having an early night."

Jillian had well and truly been caught out, so coyly replied in an attempt to redeem herself, "You know me too well babe, and I knew you'd be tired, so I lied."

Stretching for Jillian's right hand, Emily leaned in and kissed her thoroughly for a good seven minutes before breaking contact, "I've missed your lips and I applaud you for thinking of my welfare, but seriously, don't fib again."

Slightly out of breath, Jillian swore, "I promise not to be untruthful." Inhaling, she added, "Shit, my lips have absolutely longed for you."

Taking a seat, a smug Emily cocked her head to the side, "Of course they have and let's wade through the crap and discuss what is actually going on with you."

There was no protest from the patient, "All right, but first, I'm really happy to see you Em."

"Back at you honey, now spill."

A huge grin graced Jillian's mouth, "And hello Agent Bossy."

Emily stopped herself from groaning, and more importantly, laughing, "No deflection tactics thank you very much."

Squeezing Emily's hand, Jillian began, "I gather you have figured out I'm having nightmares again."

"I have and on that note, Chelsea will be here at eight in the morning for a two hour session."

Tears pricked the back of Jillian's eyeballs, "Thank you for organising that."

"You could have done it yourself Jill," returned Emily without a hint chastisement; happy that her partner was open to the discussion.

With her head dipping slightly, Jillian confessed, "I'm not too proud to admit I'm more than a little lost Em."

Emily's heart tightened as she listened to the confession, "Is that due to the nightmares?"

"In part, but I've been worried that you and I have not seen the last of McCall."

Although stunned by the words, Emily nevertheless remained logical, "Honey, the man is locked up in solitary confinement and has no one left on the outside to help him. He is under constant surveillance and only a handful of Officers have contact with him. There is no interaction with other inmates, so your concern is unfounded."

Jillian shook her head and remade eye contact, "I am aware of all that, but a niggling doubt remains."

Pleased that her wife continued to be upfront, Emily asked, "Okay, do you have any other concerns?"

"I'm afraid I'll never be fully fit."

"Is this because of your fall last week?"

"Oh, you know about that?"

"Of course I do and why the hell didn't you tell me and your mother?"

Jillian's reply was a mere whisper, "I didn't want to appear weak or whiny."

Raising her free hand, Emily protested, "You have got to be shitting me? Jill, you are one of the strongest people I know. You nearly died after suffering horrific injuries and haven't complained once. You've had every right to purchase a ticket for the "Pity Train" but you haven't. You lie in this bed and God only knows the pain you experience daily then converse with our son so kindly in explaining he is not to blame for your current state. You care more for his wellbeing than you own, so I call "bullshit" on this you being weak crap."

A lazy smile floated across Jillian's lips, "Wow, I really have missed Feisty Emily."

Emily's attempt to remain stern failed miserably, "Don't try to derail the reprimand of my stubborn wife."

"I wouldn't dare, but crap babe; you are so beautiful right now."

"As opposed to other times?" queried Emily, tongue in cheek.

"No you nitwit. You are always beautiful, but get extra attractive when laying down the law."

Giggling, Emily kissed the knuckles of her spouse's hand, "I truly do love you, even though you are a smartass."

"Yeah, I'm adorable."

"Yes you are and you have succeeded in steering this conversation off target."

"It's a gift I've perfected over the course of our marriage."

Determinedly, Emily pressed on, "Grrr, is there anything else worrying you?"

"No Em, just the nightmares and my gut feeling about McCall."

"Well, Chelsea can assist with the first problem and I'll check in with Aaron tomorrow morning in regards to McCall."

Jillian's grin widened, "And this is one of the million reasons why I love you."

"Flattery is good," joked Emily, happy with the outcome of the chat.

"Expect more and now it is my turn to quiz you."

"Me, why?"

A scowl suddenly appeared, "It has been brought to my attention that you have been keeping information from me?'

Brown orbs took a tumble backwards, as did Emily, "Oh crap, I forgot because of this last case. In my defence, I was going to tell you Monday night."

A soft guffaw escaped from Jillian, "So now it's my fault?"

Laughing along with her wife, Emily countered, "You could say that."

"I'm not going to. Seriously, congratulations Unit Chief Prentiss."

"Thank you honey."

"I'm very proud of you Em and once I'm on my feet I'm taking you out to dinner then dancing to celebrate."

"I look forward to our date."

"Speaking of dates, I believe we have three weddings to attend."

"Three, how did you find out?"

"Dave called from Rome to check on me Tuesday and he assumed you'd told me that he had proposed to Erin. Aaron, Beth and Jack dropped by afterwards and shared their news."

"Oh shit, I've been a terrible wife."

"You can make up for it once I'm out of here and fully functional."

Emily's libido kicked in at the thought, "Oh, I can do that and I suppose the "All Seeing and Knowing Goddess" has been in contact with you."

"She has," replied Jillian behind a lengthy yawn.

"I should go and let you sleep."

"Please don't babe; I'm enjoying your presence."

"It is nice being face to face and being able to touch you."

Jillian's shoulders slumped, "I miss our "after sex" discussions."

"Mmm, I miss them too and the sex."

Letting out a chuckle, Jillian admitted, "I tend to be horny in the morning and have to have a cold shower before breakfast."

"Oh Lord, I have the same problem."

Blonde eyebrows arched, "You know what you help?"

"I'm almost too scared to ask," countered Emily with a slight nod of her head.

"Don't be babe."

"What is on your mind?"

"If you lie down with me, we could kiss."

"We could, but I could also hurt you honey. I'm not willing to take that risk."

Emily was expecting some kind of protest, but was pleasantly surprised when Jillian remarked, "I understand and I did have ulterior motives."

"I was onto your plan from the start."

"I love you so much Em."

"I love you too and I want you to call me after you talk with Chelsea."

"I will and can you stay until I fall asleep?"

"I'd like nothing more and our "Terrible Two" seem to have settled down."

"Ah, don't commit to that idea babe."

Realising something had occurred that she was unaware of, Emily enquired, "Why not, what happened?"

"When mom ducked out to buy some juice yesterday, Samantha pinched Jarrod on the arm for no reason. The next thing, there was a full on brawl happening on the play rug."

"Shit."

"Oh and that word made several appearances while mom was absent. I berated them both and they stopped."

"I was really hoping they'd moved on."

"Sorry, they are just sneakier with it."

"Mom will be home soon and I'll be reminding her not to swear around them."

"No need babe; I've already had that conversation with her."

"When?"

"She phoned Tuesday."

"Okay, but I'll still broach the matter with her."

"Fully expected and she was most apologetic."

Emily rolled her eyes and changed the subject, "How has therapy been?"

"Exhausting and I'm still struggling."

"When is your next session?"

"Seven in the morning then again at two after mom and the kids leave, why?"

"I'm not promising anything, but if I can, I will be here early in the afternoon."

"That would be great."

Emily noted the aura of confidence being to glow around Jillian, "You're great and your hair is longer."

Running her free hand over the one inch stubble, Jillian smirked back at her partner, "I'll be wearing it up in a ponytail before you know it."

"I have no doubt about that honey,"

The pair continued to chat about their children's antics until Jillian succumbed to her tiredness and closed her eyes. Emily waited a further ten minutes before standing and pecking the patient's lips. Making her way home, Emily relayed the conversation to Maureen while sharing a late night cup of tea. Needless to say, Maureen was appalled by her grandchildren's behaviour, but uplifted by her daughter's willingness to voice her apprehensions.

-o-

Friday 23rd November

Placing the last sheet of paperwork into the "out" tray on her desk, Emily leaned back in her chair and sighed heavily. Getting to her feet moments later, she collected her briefcase and headed for the door. Walking down to the bullpen, she neared Derek's workstation, "Once Reid, Blake and J.J. return, you are all stood down until Monday."

Checking his wristwatch, Morgan grinned, "Sounds good to me Chief."

"You are not going to stop calling me that, are you?"

"Not a chance," admitted Derek while standing. "I suggest you suck it up Prentiss and go see your wife."

"That's my plan, see you later."

-o-

It was five minutes to two when Emily waltzed into Jillian's room, "Hey you, I made it."

A grinning Jillian closed her laptop, "Hi babe and a little birdie told me you were on the way."

Kissing welcoming lips, Emily lingered before pulling back, "Garcia is hopeless with surprises. How are you feeling?"

"I'm better now that you are here, and I see you are wearing my favourite suit."

Glancing down at her navy blue with white pinstriped attire, Emily explained, "I just happen to be thinking of you while dressing this morning."

A gasp absconded from Jillian, "That's hot."

Pressing her lips against the shell of Jillian's ear, Emily dropped the tone of her voice, "I had to change my underpants before finishing."

Gulping, Jillian closed her eyes, "Now I need a fresh pair."

"I can help with that," offered a trembling Emily.

Jillian's words were laced with regret and a touch of frustration, "I'd love you to, but Andrea will be here any second now."

"There's always later," promised Emily with more sass than expected.

"Oh crap," mumbled Jillian as Emily discarded her overcoat and bag to the nearby armchair.

Apparently the woman wasn't done teasing, "It's been six weeks since I had you quivering underneath me and yelling out your orgasm."

Jillian's jaw dropped and her boxers dampened, "Em, I love you babe, but really, you need to grab me a clan pair of boxers and briefs."

Ambling over to the door, Emily locked it before collecting black shorts and grey cotton underpants from the cupboard next to Jillian's bed. With a look akin to a lioness stalking prey, she picked up two towels and neared her wife, "Let me freshen you up darling."

"You better do better than that Em; I'm about to explode."

"It would be my pleasure." With that said, Emily pulled back the covers and reached for Jillian, "I'm taking you into the bathroom for a shower and some adult time." Encouraged by Jillian's positive response to her suggestions, butterflies took flight in Emily's lower stomach and relief spread throughout her body. The horror of McCall's actions was forgotten about for the moment and tears threatened to fall as the brunette succumbed to Jillian's eagerness.

"But Andrea will be in soon," protested Jillian while draping an arm around her wife's shoulder.

"She is running half an hour late, so relax honey."

Letting out a breath, Jillian giggled, "Yay for us."

Looking onto glistening pools of blue, Emily pointed out, "You sound like Jarrod."

"Babe, when attempting to seduce me, please refrain from mentioning one of our kids."

Laughing out loud, Emily remonstrated, "You idiot." She cautiously ushered Jillian to the ensuite and once clothes were stripped off, she turned her attention to the multi-mix tap. Turning it on, she enquired, "How was therapy with Chelsea?"

"Productive," replied Jillian while running a hand over the curve of Emily's backside. "Damn, you feel so good Em."

Rotating, Emily swathed her arms around Jillian's neck and brought their lips together in a blistering kiss.

Jillian's legs automatically began to wobble. Without letting go, Emily carefully inched towards the plastic chair situated in the shower cubicle. Bending her knees, Emily lowered Jillian into a comfortable sitting position.

As the warm jets of water spread across her body, Jillian moaned deeply and Emily broke the kiss. Kneeling, between shaking thighs, she gave instruction, "If I hurt you, stop me okay?"

"I will and Jesus, you look incredible."

"As do you honey," returned Emily while adjusting her body and casting aside all foreplay and going straight to Jillian's vulva. Capturing the swollen outer lips, she suckled.

In response, Jillian inhaled sharply and gripped her lover's head, "Yes my sweetheart, I've missed you so much."

Emily was too busy swirling her tongue around the base of Jillian's clitoris to reply.

Jillian's head lolled backwards moments later as the first wave of release washed over her. She had barely recovered before the next one hit as Emily sucked her blood infused clitoris into her mouth.

Emily's own liberty engulfed her as her wife held on firmly and chanted, "I love you, I love you."

With tremors of euphoria tingling through all her senses, Emily brought her right hand up and caressed Jillian's left breast gently. Jillian fell apart for a third time when her nipple was tugged ever so tenderly.

"I need to touch you Emily," she pleaded once she regained the power of speech and the use of her legs.

Getting up, Emily presented herself to a grinning Jillian, "I'm all yours honey."

Taking a second to admire the puffy folds of her wife, Jillian reached out and slowly prised the drenched lips apart. Groaning, she slipped her left index finger along the silken perineum then back up to the tip of Emily's clitoris.

"You feel really amazing," panted out Emily while resting hands upon Jillian's shoulders. "Make me come darling."

Placing her free hand on Emily's left hip, Jillian pulled her closer, "I've missed your smell." With measured strokes, she had Emily convulsing within minutes then entered her with two digits.

"Oh God yes," screamed Emily as Jillian increased the paced of her penetrations. "I'm coming my darling."

Unable to touch her lover's core orally, Jillian latched onto her stomach instead and suckled in between affectionate kisses, "Love you Em."

With a gush of secretion, Emily bore down on the fingers buried deep within and rode them to another climax before falling to her knees and devouring Jillian once more.

It was another five minutes before both women were fully sated then Emily commenced washing the near delirious patient.

-o-

Jillian held the right side of her ribs and laughed once she settled onto her bed after twenty minutes of therapy with Andrea.

"What's tickled your funny bone?" enquired Emily while pulling the sheet and blanket over Jillian's legs.

"I'm going to recommend shower sex prior to physio from now on; that's the best session so far."

Pressing her lips to Jillian's forehead, Emily recommended, "Unless I am in the shower with you, I'm going to have to veto your idea."

Reaching for her wife, Jillian gently caressed her left shoulder, "Of course babe, but really, physically, it much easier."

Straightening up, Emily preened, "I must have loosened you up."

"Oh, you sure did, so thank you," returned Jillian with a chuckle.

"Totally selfish reasons on my behalf," admitted Emily while taking a seat and gripping Jillian's hand.

The grin on Jillian's face said it all, "I am not complaining Em; I feel wonderful."

"So do I and plan on visiting you every day if I can."

"There will be no argument from me."

There was a rap on the door and a forlorn Aaron passed through the threshold.

"What's happened?" asked Emily before Jillian had the chance to.

Approaching the couple, the Section Chief explained, "I'm really sorry about this, but there's been a verbal threat made on Jill's life."

"What the fuck?" questioned the aforementioned woman as Emily stared at her boss with an expression of total shock firmly plastered on her features.

-o-

DUN DUN DUN!