yes you're seeing right, i'm FINALLY back with an update. i dont know how i feel about this chapter, tbh.

but i also realise i can't keep doubting myself. i do it quite often. there are few people on twitter who've been

so damn supportive and encouraged me to continue even when i felt like giving up. so i owe and dedicate this

chapter to them, they know who they are. without further ado, here's ch5. and again, i would much appreciate

your thoughts and reviews so pls leave them for me xx - belle

"I guess Will really understated just how well you actually cook," I comment as I take another bite of the creamy mushroom chicken that Jay cooked.

Jay shrugs. "His ego won't let him admit I'm the better cook."

I raise an eyebrow. "Your ego needs some taming, apparently."

"And yet you can't seem to stay away from me," Jay smirks.

I hit him in the chest playfully. I hope my eyes show how serious I am when I say, "maybe being stuck here with your ass won't be so bad if you cook like this."

"Well since you seem very interested in my ass, it clearly won't be," Jay teases with a knowing glint in his eyes and a smirk on his devilishly handsome face.

I let out a groan as my cheeks turn bright red. "You won't let me live that down, will you?"

"Never," Jay grins.

I stand up, moving so that I'm now standing right next to him. His arms snake around my waist, pulling me into his lap swiftly and effortlessly. I'm pressed against his muscular body, and I can feel the strength and power in every damn muscle of his. I feel like I'm pressed up against a damn rock, that's how firm and fit his body is.

"Thank you for dinner," I state, glad that I manage to keep my voice from turning all hoarse because of the way my body is reacting to being pressed against him.

"Anything for you," Jay smiles brightly. His smile warms my heart to the core. It's so beautiful and genuine and heartfelt, and the love in his smile also reaches his eyes.

"If I have to be in protective custody, I'm glad it's with you," I admit softly, slowly running my fingers in his hair.

"We seemed to have established how much you love my ass, so -."

I hit his shoulder playfully, sending him a mock glare. "You're insufferable, Halstead."

"Only for you," he sasses back, with a lopsided smirk.

"Fuck you."

"Well, the bedroom's that way. I could gladly oblige your wishes."

I press my lips together to try to stop myself from laughing, but I fail miserably. The laugh that leaves me is full of genuine happiness. I see Jay's warm smile and realise he did it on purpose. He obviously caught on quite easily that I was purposely talking a lot to hide what I really feel about this whole Booth situation.

I'm nervous as hell. Knowing Booth is out for revenge doesn't help the current state I'm in. I know him too well. He wants his revenge to be seen by all of Chicago, if not all of the United States or even the entire world. And he knows me well enough to know I won't care if he does anything to me. But now that I stand to lose a lot more and I can bet my life that he knows that. If he hurts Jay, it will hurt me. But I silently promise myself, and Jay, that I will not let that sadistic son of a bitch come anywhere near my man, or even attempt to hurt him. I will die trying to keep that promise.

"You're good at this," I remark to Jay.

"What? Inviting you to bed?" Jay raises an eyebrow looking amused.

I chuckle softly, my hands resting on either side of his neck now. "That. What you just did. Making me laugh because you know how worried I really am deep down."

"You're my partner, Hailey. In more ways than just professionally, now. And I'll always look out for you," Jay promises tenderly.

I tilt my head at him innocently. "In more ways than just professionally huh?"

"I-uh, yes...I mean...if you want -."

I laugh at his expense. He looks so flustered, worried he's said something wrong and it's so cute. So damn cute.

He narrows his eyes at me teasingly. "Screw you, Upton."

"Yes, I do believe you told me the bedroom's in that direction. I'd be more than happy to satisfy your manly needs," I sass back with a triumphant smirk.

Hailey: one, Jay: zero.

"Okay, you've won this round, Upton," Jay concedes. "But I'll get you back."

"Challenge accepted, Detective Halstead," I grin devilishly.

He captures my lips with his own, and I wrap my arms around his neck, digging my fingers into his hair as I cup the back of his head. His warm hands snake beneath my plaid blouse, his fingers tracing soft circles on my sides. Somehow, he manages to stand, with me still in his arms. Damn, this man is strong.

I don't open my eyes but I feel him lay me on the sofa, his arms keeping him upright, as he hovers over me, his lips now sucking on my neck. I arch my neck to grant him more access to my skin as I wrap my legs around his midsection. I can feel him against me.

Slowly, he unbuttons my blouse, kissing my skin each time he undoes a button. I'm aching for him, needing him in ways I've never realised before. Each kiss sets me on fire, burning through my very core, and making me desire him desperately.

"Jay," I moan and his eyes flick up to meet mine. I see my own desires and emotions alight in his eyes. And it relieves me to know he wants me the way I want him. Needs me the way I need him.

"You don't know what you do to me, Hailey," he breathes, his voice husky.

"Then, show me," I whisper as I rid him off his t-shirt. I let my hands travel along the muscled panes of his chest and stomach, and then up his muscular, taut back. Beneath the pads of my fingers, I feel the ridges of scars, of various different sizes and textures.

My voice doesn't work when I want to ask him about them. As if realising my dilemma, he kisses my stomach, as his hand works to unzip my jeans.

I'm yearning for him. For his touch. For the feeling of his skin against mine. It's unlike anything I have ever felt before.

When I'm out of my jeans, I feel his eyes back on me. Asking me if I really want this.

"I'm all yours," I murmur into his ear, even as I gently close my lips down on his shoulder.

"We don't have to rush," he assures me, his eyes dead serious, even though I can see the desire for me swirling in them.

I grab his belt, pulling him closer to me, so that his chest is pressed against mine. And I kiss him. The warmth of his body radiates onto me, instantly warming me.

But he stops. It happens all of a sudden.

"Jay -."

"Shut up," he whispers, pressing his hand against my mouth.

I'm momentarily taken aback by this sudden change in behaviour. Before I can even reach for his hand to pull it off my mouth, I hear the lock of the front door being picked. I'm immediately buttoning my blouse and Jay's grabbing his gun. I reach for mine too, which I had, thankfully, placed on the coffee table.

I lock eyes with Jay. The muscles in his jaw tick as he nods once, and we both make our way to the door. Standing on either side.

The door creaks open, and the moment the man steps in, Jay's onto him. Even though Jay's the one with a gun, the man still fights back. I see a something glint in his hand and realise immediately it's a blade. One that Jay doesn't see yet.

"Drop it now," I order, aiming my gun at the man's head. "Or I'll make you eat this bullet."

The man has the good sense to take my threat seriously. He lets go of the knife, and it clatters to the floor. I see recognition cross Jay's features but he schools them to remain passive. But the moment he raises his eyes to meet mine, I see gratitude shining in them.

As he handcuffs the intruder, I call Voight. The man is left on the floor as I finally lower my gun, now sure that he can't hurt me or Jay.

He's glaring daggers at me, probably pissed that I stopped him from knifing Jay.

Jay's at my side instantly. He's just standing next to me, but his arms are crossed over his chest, still bare, making his muscles bulge. And the man suddenly cowers, intimidated by Jay's size.

"Who the hell are you?" Voight's voice booms, momentarily startling me. He's suddenly in front of the man, angry as hell.

I would almost feel sorry for the man if I didn't remember that he'd just tried to injure, or worse kill, Jay. He's just lucky I'm not the one in front of him at the moment.

"I won't tell you," the man replies foolishly.

I grit my teeth in anger, making to move forward, but Jay's arm stops me. He spins me so that I'm facing him, his hands holding my upper arms.

"Don't," he whispers. "Voight will figure this out."

"Jay, he had a knife. He would've stabbed you," I reply back heatedly.

Voight turns his head at my words. And then he punches the man in the face.

"You're under arrest for breaking in and entering, and the attempted murder of a police officer," Voight tells the man before hauling him to his feet roughly and dragging him off.

I'm still seething with anger. The minute Voight leaves, I slam the door behind him and turn back to Jay.

"A knife, Jay. He had a knife and he would've killed you!" I say through my clenched teeth.

"But he didn't, alright? Because you're my partner and you've got my back," he responds gently.

My shoulders slump as Jay comes forward, wrapping me in his arms. Because I'm shorter than him, my body fits into his perfectly. Like a puzzle piece.

And I realise, that's exactly what we are. Two puzzle pieces waiting to be joined. To be connected.

And if I ever lost him, the puzzle will never be completed ever again. It will remain broken, just like my heart.

"I love you so damn much, Jay. I can't lose you," I confess, breathing heavily as my heart thumps wildly.

"I love you too, Hailey," he replies quietly.

I know he can't promise me that I won't lose him. Because the nature of our job is such that we could lose each other anytime, any day, all of a sudden. But those five words hold a promise only I can hear.

His promise to love me even if he's not around anymore, or if I'm not.