Disclaimer: Still don't own it. =(

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Chapter 2

Your subtleties, they strangle me, I can't explain myself at all.

And all the wants, and all the needs, all I don't want to need at all.

The walls start breathing, my mind's unweaving,

Maybe it's best you leave me alone.

- All American Rejects "It Ends Tonight"

By the time Thursday came around, Eliot had put his first meeting with Allyson out of his head. He truly didn't expect to see her rarely if ever, and certainly didn't see putting himself in situations where he would be spending time with her. She was Nate's…niece, so to speak, so in his mind, she would probably only be spending time with him, if even at all. If his assumption about her was correct that was.

It had been a restful couple of days since they had finished their last job four days ago and he had thoroughly enjoyed every moment, inventing new recipes to cook, tending his garden and reading. Whether the rest of the team believed it or not, he didn't just bust heads 24/7.

Today, he had planned to spend the day catching up with an old military buddy of his that was in town, until he had received a call from Parker telling him it was important that he come to Nate's as soon as possible; which was how he found himself walking through Nate's door moments later.

"And now, he's distracting him with a basket of fish so he can put the tail device on him," Parker stated excitedly.

"Parker, what's the point of having the audio description on if you're gonna do it," Hardison wondered.

"I'm much better at it that some strange person on the dvd," she argued.

It was then that he heard the third voice, and a headache began forming. "I don't mind Alec," Ally chuckled. "She does put more life into it than the prerecorded descriptions." Hardison shook his head with a smile as the thief gave him a smug expression.

"Hey man," the hacker greeted, finally taking notice of the hitter. "What are you doin' here?" he asked, turning off the dvd's AD feature.

"Parker called and said it was an emergency," he answered, catching on quickly that no meeting was taking place. 'What's she doin' here?' he mouthed at Hardison, trying to reign in his already growing irritation. The hacker looked at him in confusion, not understanding what his problem was.

"Hi Eliot," Allyson greeted, unaware of the silent conversation. "What are you making for us today?"

"What?"

"Well I was supposed to go to lunch with Uncle Nate today, but when I showed up, Parker declared movie time and said that she'd call you to come and make a late lunch."

He ran a hand through his hair trying to ignore the ache in his frontal lobe. "Where's Nate & Sophie?"

"Parker sent them to the store to get food, cause apparently coffee, orange soda and cereal don't count," Hardison chuckled.

"How's this an emergency Parker?" Eliot growled out.

Parker's eyebrows scrunched in confusion as she turned on the couch to face him. "Ally's never tasted your cooking before. And she's Nate's niece," she replied simply.

Eliot closed his eyes briefly and took a breath. "Did you ever think I had plans today?"

"Well if you did, why did you come over here?"

"Because you said it was an emergency," he ground out slowly.

"If you have other plans Eliot, please don't feel you have to stay just because I'm here," Allyson offered, trying to diffuse the situation.

"Trust me princess. That's what I'm gonna do," he answered, turning back to the door. Only to watch as it opened and Nate and Sophie came through carrying grocery bags.

"Perfect timing," Nate smirked, walking past him.

"We bought the ingredients for that lovely alfredo and zucchini pasta you make," Sophie informed him with a smile, placing the bag in his arms before heading toward the living room.

Resigned to his fate, Eliot sighed and headed to the kitchen.

"Have I done something to upset him?" Ally asked softly.

Hardison glanced in Eliot's direction before turning back to her. "Eliot? Nah girl…he's like that to everyone. Hell, if he started being nice, I'd think something was wrong," he quipped.

"It's not you sweetie. It just takes him a while to warm up to people," Sophie tried to assure her, glancing questioningly at Nate.

"What have you been doing the last few years?" Nate asked.

"Well," Allyson began with a smile. "I graduated top of the class from Trinity three years ago and received my Masters in Business and Economics a year later."

"Business?" Nate echoed in confusion. "Never saw you as the type."

"I was originally going to do arts, but daddy suggested with my…as he puts it…'gift' for numbers and organizing, that a Business degree might be better suited," she explained. "I couldn't really argue since he was footing the bill," she chuckled. "But it ended up being the best decision I've ever made," she smiled.

"How so?" Sophie inquired.

"Her daddy probably paid the damn dean off," Eliot muttered under his breath as he put the pasta in the boiling water.

"M…the school that I help out at." Nate raised an eyebrow at her slip of the tongue. "They run mostly off of grants and donations, so I help them with the money issues, making sure they can get the things needed for the school to run smoothly."

"Why don't you wanna work for your dad?" Parker asked.

Ally chuckled. "He would have me stuck in an office somewhere in front of a computer, reading screen after screen of numbers. Not exactly…enjoyable in my opinion. I do help him out a little here and there though."

"How so? "Parker wanted to know.

"Spendin' her dad's money," Eliot muttered as he stirred the sauce.

"Daddy has a lot of foreign investors. He barely speaks Irish, let alone any other language, so I communicate and translate for him occasionally," she explained.

"How many languages do you speak?" Sophie wanted to know.

"Ally's what you would call a polyglot," Nate answered, a hint of a pride in his expression.

The young woman smiled. "I know sixteen, but I'm only fluent in ten of them."

'I doubt it,' Eliot thought. He had to hold in his snort of disbelief.

"You know sixteen different languages?" Hardison repeated in astonishment, eyes wide.

Nate chuckled. "Numbers aren't the only thing Ally has a gift for."

"Now you sound like my dad."

"But that would mean that you had to start learning when you were six," Hardison commented.

"That's right. My grandmother was ashamed that my dad hadn't even tried to teach me Irish before then. She made sure I did." A sad expression crossed her face.

"Your grandmother is dead?" Sophie gently prodded.

"Three years ago," Ally nodded. "She was startled when I learned it well enough within two months to have a full conversation. When she informed my mom and dad, they were surprised. I told them that I enjoyed it and wanted to learn more. My teachers agreed that I had a talent for it."

Eliot couldn't contain the snort that escaped, causing Nate to cock an eyebrow in his direction as Sophie sent him a disapproving glare. He ignored them. It wasn't the first time he had heard the story she was telling.

'My daddy hired tutors for me, but they're so stuffy.'

'I could give you lessons sweetheart,' he told her as he kissed along her jaw.

'Lessons in French or something else?' she giggled.

'I was thinkin' of implementin' a reward system,' he grinned devilishly before leaning in for a heated kiss.

Eliot shook his head to clear away the memories so he could refocus on what he was doing.

"How do you stay in practice? If one doesn't actively use a language, it fades with time," Sophie said.

"I've made friends with a few of my dad's business partner's wives in Europe and Asia. I also talk via the internet to friends I've made in other countries. The ones I'm not fluent in, I read or watch TV to keep in practice," she explained.

"Say something foreign," Parker spouted.

"Parker, she's not here for your entertainment," Sophie admonished.

'Most likely can't,' Eliot snarked mentally, placing the shredded zucchini in the sauté pan. Deciding he'd had enough, he looked in her direction before speaking up. "Shizen no utsukushi-sa o taiken…" 'Translate that princess,' he thought with a smug expression.

Only to have it wiped away when Ally turned in his direction with a surprised smile on her face. "Sō suru koto de jibun jishin ni tsuite manabu."

Sophie fought to control the smile that lit her face upon seeing Eliot's incredulous expression.

"That just sounds like gibberish," Parker commented.

"It's Japanese," Nate told her.

"Experience the beauties of nature, and in doing so learn about yourself," Ally translated. "It's one of my favorite Japanese proverbs. Perhaps you and I can converse in Japanese sometime. I love the language, but I very rarely get an opportunity to speak with Mika." All she got in reply was a disgruntled sound form the hitter, making Hardison chuckle.

Their conversation continued, but Eliot tuned them out as he began retrieving what he needed for the salad. Allyson Hayes seemed like a nice woman, but Eliot felt that she wasn't being entirely truthful when she answered questions. Which meant that either she was hiding something or she was pretending to be someone she wasn't. Neither of which made Eliot want to get to know her better. He refused to put himself in that situation again.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" a soft voice inquired from behind him.

Eliot's whole body tensed as he turned and gave her a once over. "Sure…why not," he agreed, setting the cutting board and knife on the counter next to her. "You can cut up everything for the salad." He was aware of his teammates' eyes upon him, but he ignored them and placed her hand on the knife to show her where it was.

He disregarded the soft warmth from the contact.

While he set the table, he occasionally sent glances her way, watching her set about the task given to her. It was clear that she had some skill in the kitchen, simply by the way she handled the knife. Her movements were slow, which was understandable, but they were precise and deliberate. After confirming that she wasn't likely to cut her finger off, he finished setting the plates out and then went to finish the pasta. Once he had dished it into a large serving bowl, he turned and was surprised to see Ally wiping her hands on a dishtowel; the completed salad looking as good as any he would have done in a bowl on the counter next to her.

"I'm surprised," he remarked dryly. At her inquiring expression, he said, "That you can handle yourself so…competently in a kitchen."

He was secretly amused when her eyes hardened just the slightest. "Because I'm blind, right?" It seemed he had hit a sensitive spot. "That's one of society's biggest misconceptions. Just because a person has a disability does NOT mean that they are not capable of doing things like everyone else."

"That's not what I meant."

"Oh!" her cheeks reddened from her embarrassment. "I get a little defensive about…well…never mind. I get bored easily, so daddy found a cooking teacher for me a few years back."

'Daddy takes good care of me, but I get bored easily. Maybe you could be my new…distraction?'

'Of course he did. I imagine spending his money and pretending to work must not take up much time,' he thought snidely. "Lunch is ready!" he called out.

At his announcement, the others took their seats, conveniently leaving Eliot with the seat next to Ally. He swore he could see a gleam in Sophie eyes.

Conversation flowed effortlessly as they ate. Ally's friendly demeanor, easy smile and soft, lilting accent flowed around the table like gentle waves, drawing the others in like a magnet. But Eliot wasn't one to be fooled. He just kept to himself, made an occasional comment, and drank his beer.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Eliot and Nate were clearing the table when Ally's phone rang. "Hello? What are you doing here? Yes, I'm upstairs. You shouldn't even be here. I told you I would see you later," she whispered irritatedly.

The others looked on in slight curiosity, except for Eliot who was doing his best to ignore her.

"I'll be home later. Josh not…" she sighed. "I'll be down in a moment. Can you give me that?" she asked wearily before hanging up.

"Is everything alright?" Sophie asked worriedly.

"Everything's fine. My boyfriend is waiting for me downstairs. He's being a little…impatient. I'm afraid I have to go."

It figured that she treated her boyfriend the same as her employees, Eliot thought.

"But you didn't get to…" Parker began, only to have Hardison nudge and shake his head.

Sophie walked forward and hugged her. "We'll see you at the party on Saturday then."

"Oh I hope so. It will be nice to have a few people there I know."

"I'll walk you down," Nate offered, taking her arm.

After they left, Sophie rounded on Eliot.

"What was that all about?"

"What was what about?" Eliot retorted, placing dishes in the sink.

"Where's the hate comin' from man? I'm surprised you didn't just hit her in the head!" Hardison answered.

"Eliot's just being his usual grumpy self. It's not that he doesn't like her. Right?" Parker asked, looking at the hitter in confusion.

"I've met girls like her before. She's not who she pretends to be. I don't deal with people like that. But she's Nate's family, so I'll try to be civil."

"Maybe you should really try to get to know her. You'll have more of an opportunity at the party," the grifter tried.

There was no way he was going to that party. No way in hell.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

He would never fully understand how he had been talked into it.

But somewhere in between Sophie's soothing tone, Parker's wide eyes and Hardison's incessant persuasion, he had given in.

Yep. He had been grifted.

But now that he was here, he had to admit; albeit silently, that the party was nothing like he had expected. Instead of a garishly overdone affair, what he discovered instead was a subtle, but elegantly decorated room in hues of teals and soft oranges. Sheer material draped along the walls, surrounding the room and lending a soft, ethereal feel. Dozens of round tables lined the walls in a seemingly chaotic manner, decorated simply with white tablecloths and alternating teal and orange table runners. The center of the room was reserved for the dance floor, allowing the guests plenty of space to dance and enjoy the music that the orchestra was playing. And soft lights from wall sconces and the table centerpieces illuminated the gathering, creating an impression of intimacy. The overall effect was a comfortable and friendly atmosphere of understated elegance. Eliot was impressed.

Of course it didn't hurt that there was an open bar.

Beer in hand, he made his way over to where the rest of the team were gathered, determined to make it through the party. But if the looks the curvy blonde across the room was throwing his way were anything to go by, he'd be having a much more enjoyable evening after this affair was over and done with.

"Tell me more about this business of yours Nate. You said you're investigators?" Patrick inquired.

"Yes, we help people who have exhausted all other methods."

"Is that kind of thing profitable?"

"We do well enough."

"Good…good," Patrick nodded.

"Dad, not to be rude to your friends, but there are several people here that you should be talking…"

"Kieran, don't be rude son. Relax, enjoy yourself for once. There's plenty of time for business," his father assured him with a grin.

Kieran Hayes gave people an excellent idea of what his father had looked like at twenty seven. The dark hair, chocolate eyes and sharp jawline made him very noticeable to the women present at the party. But as Ally had mentioned, he seemed to be all business. Eliot wondered if he ever smiled with the stern expression he seemed to constantly wear. It didn't look as if the boy knew how to loosen up at all.

It was at that moment that Ally walked up, her hand on the elbow of an older woman who she was speaking German with. The soft expression that appeared on her brother's face did not go unnoticed by the group. It seemed Patrick Jr. did have a soft spot.

"Ich würde gerne zum Abendessen mit Ihnen und Ihrem Sohn haben nächste Woche," Ally said with a smile.

The older woman smiled in return. "Ich glaube, dies ist Ihre Party. Es war ein Vergnügen, Sie zu treffen Ally. Ich freue mich auf ein Wiedersehen am nächsten Dienstag."

Adorned only with a simple, diamond tennis bracelet and a pair of diamond studs, the one shouldered sequined sheath flowed over her slim form to the floor, encasing her left arm and leaving her right beautifully bare. Her red mane; pulled up in a messy, but subtlety styled braided bun, brought focus to her face. That, paired with the color of the dress, which was a lighter shade of turquoise, only served to make her eyes appear more vibrant.

"Making new friends I see," her dad said, alerting Ally to where he was standing. Reaching out, she found his arm and hooked hers around his elbow.

"Oh yes. Her name is Anna Gruenewald. Her husband runs an advertising agency. When I asked about her accent and she realized I spoke German, we hit it off immediately. They're quite impressed with the building and I believe they might be among your first tenants Daddy."

"That's my girl," Patrick praised. "Your love of languages always has a way of helping out. "

"Of course," she replied, a tinge of resignation in her voice. "I'm having lunch with her next week. I really think she's just trying to set me up with her son though," she chuckled.

"I'm happy you're enjoying yourself Angel," her dad replied, patting her hand. "My girl did an excellent job of decorating, don't you think?" The pride in his voice was evident as e addressed the group.

"I only suggested ideas to the decorator," she replied, obviously trying to downplay her part in it.

"You did a lovely job," Sophie complimented, earning a smile of gratitude from the young woman.

"So Nate, how long have you and Sophie been together?"

The grifter's eyes widened slightly as Eliot watched in silent amusement while Nate tried his best not to choke on the sip of Scotch he had just taken.

"We're not together," Sophie explained. "We've been friends for years. We met in our previous...occupations."

"And what did you do before working with this old dog," Patrick smiled.

"I was an appraiser," she lied smoothly.

"How did you put your makeup on Ally?" Parker asked suddenly, in reference to the red head's smoky eye makeup and lip gloss.

"Mama..." Hardison began.

"Very slowly and carefully," Ally smiled.

"But you can't see. How can you?"

"Parker," Eliot growled.

"I don't mind Eliot," she assured him. "Years of trial and Error," she told the thief. "I can show you sometime if you like."

Parker's eyes widened. "Really?" Hardison had to stop her from moving toward Ally.

"She didn't mean now." The thief's face fell.

A blonde man in his late twenties walked up next to the younger woman. "Hello Allyson. I've been looking for you." The tone of his voice sounded reprimanding.

"I've been here," she replied. "You were just busy with guests," she defended.

"I do have responsibilities dear. Joshua Lawrence, I work for Mr. Hayes," he stated, turning to the others. "Mr. Hayes, I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a couple that would like to meet you." The smooth tenor of his voice held an air of self-importance.

"Well it seems it's time to get back to work," he chuckled. "Maybe I'll catch you before you leave tonight," he told Nate.

"I look forward to it."

"You promised me a dance," Ally reminded Josh softly, letting go of her father's arm to try and take her boyfriend's.

"I've told you how I feel about showing...affection in public," he whisper, gently pushing her arm away. "Save me a dance for later, I have to go now."

A disappointed look adorned her face as he walked off. It seemed that he was more interested in sucking up to his boss than he was in his own girlfriend. Of course, he could have also still been upset with how she treated him on the phone the day before yesterday. Eliot didn't blame him.

"I should go with them," Kieran announced, taking Ally's elbow briefly. "Will you be alright alone?" It was obvious that the younger man took his role of older brother seriously and truly cared for his baby sister.

A tight smile formed on Ally's face. "Of course Kieran. I'll be right here. You go with Daddy and Josh."

Indecisive, he paused briefly before leaning in to kiss her temple. "All right."

"I wanna dance!" Parker exclaimed suddenly, grabbing Hardison's hand and dragging him onto the dance floor.

Nate held his hand out to Sophie in silent question.

She looked about to say yes, but became hesitant when her gaze landed on Ally. "Oh, I don't know, maybe I should…"

"Don't worry about me," Ally interjected. "Please go and dance, don't stay on my account," she assured the older woman. Eliot took note at how easily she read between the lines.

After a moment's hesitation, Sophie finally relented and took Nate's hand. "But I get next dance with him," Ally added with a smile. At which Nate chuckled and agreed.

Sophie caught Eliot's eye and nodded in Ally's direction before looking at the dance floor.

No way in hell.

Once left alone, the two stood in silence; one unsure of what to say, the other not wanting to talk at all. "Do you dance?" Ally finally asked.

"On occasion."

"You really don't talk much," she chuckled. "You and Roger would get along perfectly."

"Your driver?" She nodded. "The one that inconvenienced you a few days ago?" he asked.

"Yes, that would be him," she confirmed, smiling. She obviously hadn't caught the disgust in his voice. "Would you…like to dance?"

He didn't know if it was the tentative hopefulness in her voice, the mild glare Sophie was directing at him, or just the fact that participating a little might make the night go by faster, but he found himself agreeing.

Leading her out onto the dance floor with his hand on her lower back, he found an unoccupied space and turned her, pulling her into his arms. For a split second, he forgot that she irritated him, and enjoyed the feel of her petite frame pressed against his. He was a man after all.

"You don't like formal events do you?"

"What makes you say that?"

"You seem…tense. Like you're not comfortable in your own skin. You don't like wearing suits do you?"

"Not really," he admitted. "But I will if the occasion calls for it."

"Well I'm glad you did," she smiled at him. "Even if this isn't your idea of fun. It gives me an opportunity to get to know you better."

'Do you ever have fun?'

'I read and work out at the gym,' he answered.

'No silly, I mean something that's actually fun,' she giggled. At his blank expression she continued. 'I'm taking you out tonight. We'll have fun. I promise.'

"Why?" he asked once the memory faded.

"Why what?"

"Why do you want to get to know me?"

She looked honestly confused. "Because you work with Uncle Nate. He respects you a great deal and the way he talks with you tells me he cares about you. Why wouldn't I want to get to know you?"

He had nothing to say to that.

"Maybe we could do lunch one day. Parker and Alec introduced me to this wonderful little café on Stuart."

"You've spent time with them?" he asked disbelievingly. What was it about her that drew them in so easily.

"Of course. They're great people. Very fun to be around. I don't get to spend time with others my own age often, the school keeps me very busy. Olive tries to get me out but there always seems to be something to help with.

"Olive?" If that was a person's name, their parents had been cruel.

Ally chuckled, "Olivia Phillips, my dearest friend. Olive is my nickname for her. Without her I don't think I would have fun. Don't get me wrong, I love my work, but it seems as if I never truly have time to enjoy myself."

'It's so tiring working with all these charities. You have no idea Eliot,' she told him with a smile. 'But it's all worth it.'

"Yeah, I'm sure you have it really hard princess," he sneered in reply.

She pulled back slightly with a surprised expression on her face as realization finally hit her. "You truly don't like me do you?"

"Whatever gave you that idea," the hitter drawled sarcastically.

"Have I done something to offend you?" she was genuinely puzzled.

"Sweetheart…everything about you offends me."

She looked as if she had been slapped as she backed out of his arms. "What?"

"You play the naïve card pretty well, I'll give you that."

"I don't understand."

Eliot chuckled darkly. He was done being nice. "Oh I think you do. Livin' with your 'daddy' to keep him company? Please sweetheart, the only reason a twenty four year old lives with parents of your father's stature is because of the money."

"Are you insinuating that the only reason I live with my father is to spend his money?" her accent becoming noticeably stronger as she became more irritated.

"I'm not insinuating. Good thing you got goin' though. Have him wrapped around your little finger. Of course you seem to have a talent for doin' that with everyone you meet don't you? Well everyone but me of course." Her face took on an expression he couldn't quite read. It was most likely shock for being called out. "You spin your stories of the school you 'volunteer' at, pretendin' you do it to help those in need, when in reality, you only do it to make yourself look good to those around you." Silence fell as he finished his rant, feeling a little lighter now that he was done trying to be civil.

'Who hired you?' Eliot snarled,

Instead of caving, the dark haired man did a most unexpected thing…he laughed.

Eliot was thrown off for a moment. He had already given the man a broken nose and broken jaw, and was fixing to turn him over to his employer who was not known for being a forgiving person. What the hell could he possibly have to laugh at?

'You really are as trusting as she said,' the man finally answered with a condescending smile. 'It's been staring you in the face for a while, you were just too blind to see.'

Eliot's eyes widened just the smallest bit as the answer hit him in the gut.

But as the memory faded, he was mildly surprised however to see her eyes glisten with unshed tears before her entire demeanor shifted. "Well aren't you talented," she began, her voice shaky, but surprisingly cold. "How fortunate you are to have the ability to know everything about a person without ….."

"I don't need to get to know you," he finished.

"You're right…you don't. I don't waste my time trying to make friends with people that decide who a person is by their outward appearance." Their conversation was starting to attract attention at this point, including Nate and the team. "You obviously don't want to try and get to know me, so congratulations…you've got your wish. Please try to keep your distance from me and I will afford you the same courtesy," she finished with a forced friendly tone, before turning to meet Kieran, who had made his way to them during their argument. Giving Eliot a look that might have made him cower had he not been who he was, the younger man put his arm around Ally's waist and led her away.

"What was that about man?" Hardison wanted to know, stopping next to him.

"Told her some hard truths."

"You upset her," Parker stated, showing up out of nowhere. "She's nice…why do you have to be so grouchy all the time?"

"She wanted to know why I didn't like her…so I told her."

"Why don't you like her?" Parker wanted to know.

"She a spoiled, self-entitled socialite that leeches her daddy's money and pulls the naïve card to get her way," he growled.

"She's not like that at all," Parker snapped. "You've probably scared her away now. She's my friend and you upset her," the thief snapped before stalking off.

"She hardly knows her and she's already claimin' her as a Bff?" Eliot snarked.

"While you've been wasting your energy judgin' her, Parker and I have actually spent some time with her," Hardison defended. "She's a nice person if you take the time to get to know her," he finished before turning and walking off…most likely to search for Parker.

"I'm sure you think you have your reasons," Nate piped up, making his presence known. "But she's not like you think she is."

"I doubt that," Eliot snorted.

Nate shook his head. "I don't believe she's anything like the other woman was," the grifter stated from Nate's side.

"What other woman?" Eliot retorted defensively.

Sophie just lifted a sculpted eyebrow before walking off with Nate.

'What about you and me? I thought…'

'You thought what?' she laughed. 'That I actually loved you? I needed a scapegoat, nothing more.'

Eliot knew he wasn't wrong though. Everything he had seen and heard so far made him feel justified in his argument.

So why did the sight of her beautiful turquoise eyes glistening with unshed tears stay burned in his mind?

AN: For those of you who haven't read one of my stories, I give out chocolate, whip cream and cookies to those who review. Did I mention that a shirtless Eliot was included in that?

Seriously, I like hearing from you guys. What you liked, what you didn't…it helps me get better.

~Jen~