NOTE: Sorry for the wait, classes are brutal and I wanted this chapter to be perfect. It's a long one so hopefully, that will make up for it!

The pace is building up now folks and the rating is changing to M for sexual content! This is my first time writing lemons so be kind, please. For those of you here for the casefic, worry not, we'll see a lot of that soon.

The door opened with a cheerful jingle, causing the tall man at the counter to jump a little. The rental car shop was empty except for him; he clearly hadn't been expecting anyone so close to closing. His head whipped towards Benson and Amaro who entered with a purpose, a piece of paper in Nick's hand. The man's surprise was quickly replaced with a decidedly curious smile as he recognized the brunette.

"Detectives!" He pointed at Olivia, "Benson right?"

"That's right," Olivia jerked her head towards Nick, "This is my partner, Detective Amaro."

The man stuck his hand out to Nick who shook it quickly, "Albert Jones. I'm guessing you're not here for a rental?" the man asked jokingly.

"Nope," Amaro said a little impatiently, "We actually need you to tell us everything you remember about the man you described to my partner a few weeks back and take a look at this sketch."

The sketch they'd gotten from the bartender didn't look very useful to Olivia—a white, bearded man with brown hair wasn't exactly unique by anyone's standards—but hopefully this wouldn't be another dead end.

"I don't know how much that's going to help," Albert said, stretching his hand out to grab the paper, his eyebrows crinkling as he examined the sketch with narrowed eyes.

"Still. It might help jog your memory," Amaro reasoned, "He might've said something to you that could help us get him. Anything could help."

He tore his eyes from the sketch. "Look detectives, I get a lot of people in here," Albert complained, "You're lucky I remembered what I did in the first place."

"Humor us," Olivia said with slight annoyance, "Tell us anything you got."

Albert's face tightened before he sighed heavily. "It's like I told you last time. The guy was average, he paid with cash. I don't remember anything else," he crossed his arms, "I just don't have what you need."

"You have to take some information from your customers," Olivia argued, getting a little heated, "If we could get a copy of your records we could—!"

Albert immediately cut her off, "Don't think so," he said, shaking his head, "Nice try detectives. I can't just hand over my client's information just because you say so. This company respects our customer's privacy."

Olivia frowned deeply while her partner scowled. "Last time I checked, there's no 'car owner–client' privilege," Nick countered irritably.

Albert's face became stony. "My customers expect a certain level of privacy, detectives," he repeated. "I won't violate their confidence. If you want my records, you'll just have to come back with a warrant."

Benson opened her mouth to argue before thinking better of it. The hard set of the man's jaw screamed of stubbornness. She settled on an irate scoff as she turned towards the door, dismissing the man altogether.

"We'll do that," Amaro stated, setting aside his annoyance at the sight of his partner's retreat. "Until then, hold onto that sketch. Think on it."

"Don't hold your breath," Albert said stiffly.

Before he left, Amaro glanced back to see the man staring intensely at the sketch in his hand. A flicker of hope undercut his frustration; maybe the unpleasant man would be just the break they'd been looking for.

It became obvious very quickly that Nick's optimism was not shared by his partner.

Olivia was pacing back and forth in front of Munch, Amaro, and the captain, her anger getting the better of her despite all the warning signs jangling in her mind. Maybe it was the most recent crime scene photos littering the screens or rather all five (five!) license photos of their victims but behind her furious glare, Olivia's stomach was churning. Amaro's voice came unbidden again. You two could've been sisters, Liv, that's how similar you look. That doesn't freak you out a little? She ignored the stab of worry she felt and turned to Cragen with a fiery expression, "This guy is hiding something captain, I can feel it."

His face was impossible to read as Cragen studied her face. After a beat, he turned to her partner, "Amaro?"

Nick avoided Benson's gaze, "I don't know… He did get irritable with us."

Olivia let out a huff of air, "Seriously Amaro?! He barely looked at the sketch before he was spewing that crap about privacy. He didn't want us anywhere near his records and I want to know why!" When no one spoke, Amaro's eyes trained on the ground, her temper flared again and her voice grew louder, "I know he's hiding something!"

"Or," Munch was quick to interject, "he's a businessman protecting the Fourth Amendment."

She rolled her eyes, her filter all but gone as her eyes landed on a side-by-side comparison of their victims' four-fingered hands, "That's bullshit."

"Olivia!" Cragen snapped, his eyes flashing.

She froze, mouth slightly agape as her words sunk in. "I—!"

Her captain cut her off with a thunderous growl. "My office. Now."

Olivia simply nodded, her dread growing with every step towards his office; she couldn't see her partner's concerned gaze as she stepped into the office for the second time that day.

As the door closed shut behind her, Benson immediately rounded on Cragen, her face twisted with guilt.

"I swear, I didn't—!"

"You're off the case." The captain's displeased voice held a note of finality that caused her stomach to drop.

"Wh-What?" Olivia's eyes widened.

"You're off this case detective," he repeated, just as firmly. "I warned you, Olivia. You're too emotional, you aren't thinking straight."

She tripped over her words, hating that she was proving his point, "I-I'm fine captain, it won't happen again." He didn't even have to give her a look to realize how her words sounded. She quickly changed tactics. "No, no you're right. I just—Just give me a night. You're right. I need to take a step back but don't pull me from the case," his eyebrows rose. "I can work it from here if necessary, we need all hands on deck for this one cap, you know that!"

He surveyed her, weighing her words in his mind. Cragen exhaled slowly from his nose, his eyes falling shut. "Fine. But you will take the night off," his voice grew concerned, "I'm worried about you Olivia. This isn't like you."

"I know. I just—These victims…" her voice trailed off as she brought her hands up to rub under her eyes.

Cragen simply nodded at her, looking contemplative. He sighed again, "I don't like pulling you in here detective," Olivia nodded in understanding. "Go. Workout, sleep, read, whatever will help," his face grew stern once more, "I don't want to see you in here again."

Benson nodded gratefully before she turned to leave, "Yes, captain. You won't. I promise."

Olivia was nursing a glass of red wine, her TV playing in the background as her leg bounced erratically. She had tried to relax, even drawing up a bath and soaking for a while but the case pulled at her, a constant itch at the back of her mind. She hadn't even been away from the precinct 2 hours before she'd given in to the feeling, pouring over the files with a fevered intensity that blocked out everything.

The unexpected sound of her phone ringing pulled Olivia back to the present causing her to jump, swearing softly as she struggled to pull her phone out of her deep sweatpants pocket.

She caught the call on the last ring, answering with a curt "Benson." She couldn't help but smile as she recognized his voice immediately.

"Olivia, it's Barba. My meeting ended early, I'm at the precinct, where are you?" His voice had the brisk quality she associated with those moments between arraignments where he shot question after question at the detectives and took that to mean he was either in a hurry or impatient to see her. She hoped it was the later.

Olivia paused at his question, unsure of how she would put this. No matter what she said, he'd want to know more, "I'm at my apartment."

"Oh?" The curiosity in his voice was undercut by his genuine concern.

"Yep," she said, effectively shutting his gentile probing down.

There was a pause, "So are we not going to talk—?"

"Nope." Her 'p' popped.

"Okay."

An awkward silence fell, Olivia grappling with the idea of inviting him over before she gave in, "What are you—?"

"I'm not doing anything tonight," it came out in a rush. Rafael paused awkwardly, "If that's what you were going to ask," he let out an uncharacteristically nervous laugh, surprising her, "That was a bit presumptuous of me."

"No, no you were right," she reassured him quickly, the corners of her lips twitching upwards.

She could hear the smile in his voice, "A drink then?"

Her nose crinkled at the thought of going out tonight, "Fuck that, I'm already in sweats, just come over."

"Are you sure?" he asked, his surprise obvious.

Her voice became husky, "I'm positive, Rafael."

"Mm okay Liv," he drawled. If she knew Barba, he was smirking hard. "I'll be there in 40 tops."

"Don't take too long," she warned with a grin.

His voice darkened, "Oh I wouldn't dare. See you soon, detective."

"I look forward to it, counselor."

"Bye Liv."

"Bye Rafael."

Olivia opened the door 34 minutes later to find Rafael waiting for her with a smirk, "Fast enough for you, Olivia?"

She exaggeratedly checked her watch, pursing her lips. "It will have to do, I suppose."

He ran his eyes down the length of her body, admiring the way her sweatpants clung to her hips and how her thin tank top hugged her breasts. Olivia flushed under his intense gaze, "I'm sure I can make up for it tonight," he murmured to her.

She sucked in a breath, her eyes dilating. "This is happening then?"

"You tell me, hermosa," he smirked as he leaned against the doorframe, "As I recall it was you who insisted on your place."

"'Insist' is a strong word, Rafael," she countered, her excitement growing as well as her impatience, "You didn't seem too keen to argue otherwise after all."

"Hmm, I suppose that's true," he said with a crooked grin, that had the corners of her lips twitching upwards, "But then again, how on earth could I refuse you?" his voice lowered as his eyes wandered down her body once more, lingering at the swell of her breasts. "Temptress."

The word had barely fallen from his lips before Olivia positively growled, pitching forward to grab him by those fucking suspenders. Their lips were eager and wanting, the pent up tension fueling their harried exploration. Rafael, luckily having the presence of mind to actually move out of the doorway, let out a low groan as he propelled them forward, one hand falling to grip her hip as the other fumbled for the doorknob, effectively pulling the door shut. He relished in the taste of her, the smell of her hair wafting over him as he managed to spin an eager Olivia around to pin her to the door, immediately grinding his hips against hers.

She gasped sharply at the feeling of his cock pressed firmly against her thigh, her lips parting to give him the access he wanted as Rafael deepened the kiss. She brought one hand up to the back of his neck desperate for more of him as their tongues clashed, barely aware of how his hands ran down her sides until her core clenched as he firmly gripped her ass.

A small chuckle rose from the back of Rafael's throat at the way she arched into him eagerly and responded in kind as his hands made their way upwards and to her front, his fingers dancing along the edge of her tank top. She shivered as his fingers slid under the fabric momentarily, pushing it up a bit as his hands splayed out across the smooth skin of her stomach. As quickly as they'd come, his hands disappeared. Olivia fisted the material of his suit jacket as she grumbled in annoyance against his lips.

Her annoyance was immediately forgotten as his hands cupped her breasts through the thin material of her tank top, his thumbs purposefully brushing over her already sensitive nipples. Olivia bit back a strangled moan that caused Rafael's cock to throb. He pulled back from her only to press his lips against the sensitive skin of her neck before he started to gently suck. He grinned against her skin as she positively melted into him. His lips moved down her neck at a torturously slow pace that had her biting back pleas for him to keep going, to—Oh god, lower, please. Rafael brought his head up to lock eyes with her, the hunger in his eyes reflected in hers, lips parted and swollen while her chest heaved. The sight was almost his undoing.

"Oh, Liv…" was all he could manage before she was driving him backward, hands already pushing his suit jacket off. He kicked off his shoes, allowing her to rip his shirt out from where it was tucked in his pants. "Liv, Liv where—?"

"Shut up. Just move."

"Okay."

Her hands explored his body, wandering down to grip his erection at one point—she groaned in pleasure when he swore loudly in Spanish—as she led him towards her bedroom, pausing when they reached the door to allow him to press the length of his body against hers. She grinned mischievously as she twisted the doorknob behind him and stumbled forwards causing him to pitch backward suddenly, laughing as he let out a surprised yelp.

As he righted himself, he surveyed her amused face with playful indignation before his eyes darkened in a way that had her pressing her legs together to attempt to relieve tension, already wet. He smirked slowly, dragging his eyes down her body while he methodically removed his cufflinks, leaving them on her dresser. She reached to pull her shirt off, freezing when his eyes narrowed.

"Stop. I want to do that."

Olivia bit her lip with pleasure at the thought, shrugging with feigned nonchalance to show him she was fine with that, deciding to enjoy the sight of him undressing while she waited. He did not disappoint.

His long fingers worked at the knot of his tie quickly and efficiently before he pulled it off, his eyes not leaving hers for a second. Rafael deftly unbuttoned his shirt revealing a toned chest and abdomen, not necessarily muscular but definitely not pudgy. Olivia couldn't help but admire his body, her breath catching in her throat as she felt a rush of heat that had everything to do with the scattering of curls starting at his navel that traveled downwards.

As he discarded his shirt, she expected him to unbutton his pants, buzzing with anticipation but Rafael clearly had a different idea when he pushed towards her. Olivia startled some as he crowded her without touching her. With their shoes off, he was only slightly taller than her; she cocked her head to the side questioningly at his intense gaze.

"Are you sure you want this Olivia?" Rafael asked, his voice low and rough.

She swallowed heavily, her face serious, "Yes. All of it."

His face broke into a wide grin that had her blushing, warmth rising in her chest. His hands caressed her hips as he kissed her softly this time; her knees weakened as his tongue ran along her bottom lip. Olivia let out a little whimper of relief as he drew her closer and she finally touched his warm skin. She was barely conscious of the way her fingers trailed up his back before she tangled one hand in his hair, the other on her lower back, pressing him ever closer. Her small moan combined with the feeling of her hands on his bare skin was too much for Rafael; he needed his skin on hers. Now.

He broke the kiss off only to step back, gripping the bottom of her tank top and slowly peeling it off of her. Olivia raised her arms to help him before her vision was obscured by the material, her hair becoming entangled around the material. Rafael grimaced as he gently untangled her, not wanting to pull her hair (at least not yet). When he finally got it off, they were both laughing, Rafael's face flushed with mild embarrassment.

His embarrassment was quickly forgotten at the sight of her shirtless, her hair mussed up, eyes bright. Rafael's hands scrambled to unbutton and unzip his pants as Olivia moved back towards the bed, her eyes watching him with an intensity that caused his fingers to fumble and his breath to catch in his throat.

He stepped out of his pants and approached her slowly before invading her personal space, smirking at her as Olivia fell back onto the bed with a small "Oof!" Rafael climbed on top of her, hovering over her body as he kissed her softly, her back arching upwards in a desperate effort to feel his skin on hers. When she nipped at his bottom lip, trying to get him to deepen the kiss, Rafael pulled back with a grin at her impatient scowl.

Her eyes were fiery, "Jesus fucking Christ Barba, I swear to god if you don't—Oh!"

Her eyes popped open in surprise as his mouth covered her nipple and began to expertly suck at her, his other hand gently teasing her with soft pinches. Her legs instinctually pressed together at the sudden rush of wet heat and she couldn't help the way she cried out, her voice husky and so very needy.

"Oh—f-fuck, Rafael!"

Her head fell back in pleasure as he bared his teeth to lightly bite at her before he diverted his attention to her other nipple, repeating his ministrations until she was panting and pushing her breasts upwards, craving more of the pleasure his mouth was giving her.

She didn't bother hiding her frustration as he abandoned her breasts, his kisses trailing lower down her abdomen. His cock was uncomfortably hard as his fingers danced along the edge of her sweats before he gave in, hooking them and pulling them down her long legs to discard them on the floor. She looked like sin, laying there in nothing but her underwear, her hair splayed out behind her, bare chest rising and falling rapidly as Olivia took in the sight of him kneeling between her legs, pure lust written on his face.

"Dios mío, estás matándome, Liv, matándome." My god, you're killing me, Liv, killing me.

She opened her mouth to speak only for her voice to cut off in a strangled groan as his fingers dipped into her underwear. He let out a moan of his own, followed by a string of Spanish expletives at the way his cock twitched knowing how wet she was already. The pad of his thumb brushed against her clit causing her body to jolt and she gasped sharply. His touch was light and teasing and Olivia nearly cried as the sensation of his fingers disappeared. Olivia brought her head up to plead with him, her body wound up before he finally dragged the last of her clothing down her legs.

The sight of her wet and spread for him was intoxicating and he had to restrain himself as he kissed her inner thigh, teasing her as her licked her softly, a promise of what was to come. The corners of his lips twitched upwards as she cursed him and he drew away.

Her face was twisted with need, her hand coming down to try and touch herself before he grabbed her wrist, stopping her. "Please, Rafael! Please I—!"

She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood with a whine as his tongue finally dipped between her legs. Her head fell back with a loud moan as he moved to suck on her clit, her hands gripping the sheets beneath her. He stopped only to bring his eyes up to watch her pleasure before her hand tangled into his hair pulling him back to where she desperately wanted him. He gave a soft laugh and continued to lazily draw her closer and closer to her climax with his tongue, applying more pressure as her legs began to tremble.

As she approached her climax, Olivia could no longer censor her thoughts, words spilling out of her until every muscle in her body tensed, her hands starting to tingle before her vision blacked out, Olivia finally crying out as her body burst with pleasure. Rafael continued to pleasure her, prolonging her high as long as he could before her body stilled.

When he went to pull away, she gripped his wrist. "No. Rafael, I want you. All of you."

His eyes darkened as he nodded and she pulled herself up onto her elbow to lean over and grab a condom from the side table next to her bed. He pushed his boxers down, his cock springing free, and took it from her. She only had eyes for him as he kneeled on the bed and ripped it open before he rolled it down his impressive length. Rafael leaned forward, capturing her lips in a chaste kiss before he hovered over her again, positioning himself at her entrance. He let out a deep groan as he slowly pushed himself in her, burying himself. Olivia's hands gripped his shoulders hard as he pulled out slowly before he sank into her again. Her body tightened around him as Rafael began to talk, telling her how good she felt, how incredible she looked when she came, how he'd dreamed of this all the while his pace increased until he was slamming into her hard. They were both gasping, so close, and his pace became hurried and desperate, his breaths coming out in rough pants until her body shuddered against his and he broke, finally spilling into her as they collapsed into a tangle of limbs, spent.

When they finally slept that night, it was together, her leg thrown over his, his hand against the small of her back.