Hello everyone, I recently came across a story from Tumblr and I can say that I did enjoy the story and as much as I would love to leave a comment I couldn't, 1- I don't have a Tumblr account and 2-embarrassing as it is to admit it I am not familiar with Tumblr so my apologies to miissnoname. So if any of you lovely reader has an account can you do me a huge favour of thanking her for posting a cute story on my behalf?

A while back somebody asked me, I think it was sand1128 (please correct me if I'm wrong) if I have any social media account and unfortunately I do not but if any of you has one like Tumblr I don't mind you guys pulling any of my stories and posting it there. The more people can enjoy the RUCAS story then the better.

I love writing stories and don't mind posting it here for people who are interested to read it but I'm not that great at creating social media accounts and I probably, no scratch that I would definitely be horrible at updating anyways...heck I don't even remember the last time I updated my facebook account...yeah, yeah, I'm one of those old school geeks who loves to scribble on paper then painstakingly transfer on word document (don't judge) there's something about pens and papers...anyways, if you want to share my stories in other places go for it, and if it's not too much to ask just leave a comment saying you did so...who ever you are 😊👌 👌

Lastly, (I promise) it is nice to read comments and reviews from readers but I won't force you guys to do so. Hey don't get me wrong I do feel frustrated and jealous (uh-huh) when I see some stories with hundreds of reviews and I see a story I wrote with let say 10 reviews, but then again, a reader once reminded me that I write because I love it and not because you ask me to. It is nice though to know that the people who reads your stories appreciate it. The other writers here are right when they say that their stories are gifts, they're sharing their thoughts and feelings with you so if it's not so much to ask, a simple "thank you" will suffice. Extra effort goes a long way...

PART 20

Riley just got out of the shower when she saw Lucas sitting on the chair across her bed. He must have been back for some time since she can tell that he'd already showered and changed.

"I thought that you and I have an understanding that you won't take off without telling me first."

Riley used her usual crisp, no-nonsense tone when she responded, "We discussed about me going out with Thor. I wasn't going with Thor so I didn't tell you."

Irritation spiked inside him. "Don't be a smart ass. You had me and Thor worried."

"He was over reacting. I don't know what got into him. He knows better that anyone that I can take care of myself."

There was something dark and disquieting in his expression, something new. "I don't want to talk about Thor or anyone else right now. You and I are going to talk about us."

"Are you going to enforce a new rule now?" she asked sarcastically. "What's gotten into you?"

He hesitated, looking grim. Then he stood and stalked closer. "I'm glad you asked." WHOA. He reminded her of a lion on the hunt. "There are a couple of things we need to talk about."

"Like?"

"I already told you before; leaving me a note is not acceptable. Secondly, you are not going to see Fudo Miyagi again."

Riley saw red. No one, as in no one dictates how she does her job. She didn't like backing down from anyone, least of all an arrogant, egotistical man. Furious, Riley went and grabbed her phone.

"Here, go ahead and call Jack. Tell him you quit because there is no way I will agree to your demand."

A silent battle of wills ensued, neither prepared to back down. She'd just begun to wonder if they were going to stand there all night when he released his breath in a frustrated sigh.

"Fine. Don't listen to me. Explain something else instead. What possible excuse can you have for what you've done? For the lengths you've gone to?"

She wouldn't prevaricate over that question. He wanted the truth? She'd give it to him. "I don't know why you or Thor is so upset. I'm doing my job. I'm doing what I'm supposed to do and meeting up with Fudo Miyagi is an important part of my assignment."

His gaze, so warm a minute ago chilled by several degrees. "So putting your life in danger is part of your assignment as well?"

She straightened her spine and stared him dead in the eye, "I wasn't in any danger." She was proud of how dignified and calm she sounded.

"Are you sure about that?"

She lifted her head a fraction higher and hoped he didn't miss the chill in her tone. "I'm certain."

Suddenly Riley felt weary. "This conversation is not going anywhere. Let's agree to disagree."

Lucas' hawkish gaze felt like a hard caress.

"What now?" she asked.

"How can I be sure that you won't sneak out once I've gone to bed?" his voice was clipped.

"You'll just have to take my word for it. Besides, if I need to go, there's nothing you can do about it whether you're awake or asleep."

"Okay then." Before he could stop himself, he lowered his head and took her lips. Her lips were as soft as they looked the inside of her mouth even softer. It was a mind blowing kiss. He pulled away and for a few seconds he didn't move a muscle, only to try to catch his breath and shift his thinking.

"I'll sleep here with you."

"What? You are not going to sleep here with me. I don't think so!"

"I got your message." Loud and clear. "Since you can't give your word that you won't be sneaking out, want or not, like or not, I will join you in that bed."

"Fine! Just don't blame me if you don't get any sleep."

…..

How long could a man pretend to be asleep before he lost his mind? Lucas forced himself to lie still until Riley's slow; soft breathing told him she was sleeping. Then he rolled off the bed and damned near staggered out the door.

Was she crazy?

Being defiant was one thing, but a woman who bent over a sleeping man so that her hair fell around him like a silk curtain, who came so near that he could draw the feminine scent of her deep into his lungs, wasn't just defiant, she was out of her mind.

Lucas groaned, sank down in a chair and buried his head in his hands.

She'd touched his face. His chest. He'd figured his heart would leap out right then, but he'd hung on until she began tracing his mouth with her finger, and he'd imagined what it would be like to part his lips, draw that finger into his mouth... He sat up and stared blindly at the ceiling.

He was in trouble. Deep trouble. He went to the kitchen, took out a bottle of brandy and poured himself a drink. Lucas went back in Riley's room and sat on a chair that was too short, too narrow, too much like the rack in a dungeon he deserved, and did his best to get some sleep.

…..

Riley slept at last, exhausted by the weary treadmill of her thoughts.

When she woke up, she lay for a moment, feeling disoriented. Lucas. He cocooned her with his body, arm draped around her waist keeping her tucked firmly against him, legs tangled with her so she couldn't get away if she'd wanted. She didn't. Her body curled perfectly within his, fitting everywhere as if they'd been designed exclusively for each other.

Riley lay utterly still, refused to do anything that might bring an end to this moment, to the hot weight of this man wrapped all around her. She only wanted to memorize the steady rise and fall of his chest, listen to the slight whisper of his breath against her ear.

She'd never slept with anyone like this before. And, as if on some silent cue, Lucas stirred. "Good morning."

"Good morning," she replied shyly.

In one fluid motion, she maneuvered out of Lucas' grip and slid off the side of the bed.

"Riley—"

"My phone," she whispered. "I left it on vibrate. I wouldn't hear it if the team contacted me."

She was halfway out the door when he asked, "Did you sleep well?"

Riley was gone.

"Good morning ma'am."

Riley frowned. "Good morning Nina. Why are you here so early?"

"Ma'am it's already 10:00 am."

Embarrassed Riley went to use the powder room to freshen herself up. She couldn't bear to go back to her room knowing that Lucas is still lying down on her bed.