Here's chapter 24! Thank you all for your reviews! I'm always really really really happy to read your feedback! I try whenever it's possible to answer all in private message.
Anyway attention, this chapter contains an explicit scene! I think of you SamuraiJack, this chapter is not to read at work! :)
And for the people who don't like Skye (I know there are some of you!), don't worry, there's no Skye in this chapter ! :)
Happy Birthday
Today was a special day. Alexandra had a secret mission and she was very thrilled about it. Lucas was already gone and she was having her breakfast when a knock at the door stopped her.
"Dr Shannon?"
"Good morning Alex."
"Good morning Alex!" Zoe screamed happily.
"Hey hello Zoe!"
"Alex, I know it's your day off and you probably have plenty of plans for the day..."
"But?" Alexandra smiled, knowing exactly what Dr Shannon was about to say.
"But I have to go to work, Jim is already gone with Taylor, Maddy is teaching class with some teens and Josh is somewhere in the colony with Skye. Zoe's teacher broke her arm this morning so she's off for the day. Zoe doesn't have school today and..."
"It's okay," Alexandra said, gesturing with her hands for Dr Shannon to stop her talking.
"It's okay?"
"She can stay with me. Actually I have no plans for the day," she lied.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Go back to work. We are fine here."
"Thank you Alex, I'll be back around 5."
"Bye mummy," Zoe waved before entering in Alexandra's house. Alexandra smiled at the sight of Zoe so eager to come in.
"Ok Zoe, what would you like to do?"
"Hmmm..."
"Do you want to watch a movie?"
"Not really," she shrugged.
"I know what we are going to do! I've wanted to do it for a long time! You are my excuse to try!"
"What is it?" Zoe asked, overexcited.
"We are going to cook! I know a recipe for a cake."
"A cake?"
"Don't you know what it is?"
"I'm not sure..."
"Perfect, I'll show you then! Come on, we need to go to the market. We need ingredients."
Alexandra grabbed a bag and they both walked outside. Damon was patrolling in the market when he saw Alexandra looking for something on the stands.
"Hi Alex!"
"Hi Damon!"
"Hey Zoe!" Damon added when he saw the little girl standing next to her.
"How do you my name?" Zoe asked, folding her arms, suspicious.
"I work with your dad. Don't you remember?"
"Maybe," she answered, not sure. It made Alexandra laugh.
"See, I told you, you are not that memorable!" She mocked.
"I know I am. She's just too young!"
"Yeah right!"
"Is he your lover?" Zoe asked suddenly, yet innocently.
"No!" Damon and Alexandra both replied at the same time.
'Why are you asking that anyway?" Alexandra asked, eyes narrowed.
"You are always with him. I remember now. I see you every day with him when I go to school!"
"Well that's because we are partners at work." Damon explained.
"We are also friends," Alexandra added. "But he is not my boyfriend. Lucas is. You'll probably meet him at lunch."
"So girls, what are you doing?" Damon changed the subject.
"Alex and I are going to cook!" Zoe beamed.
"Oh really?" Damon looked at Alexandra, smirking. Damon already knew she was not a good cook. Their last meal together had been epic.
"It's only a cake. It's not rocket science! Even I can handle it." Alexandra said, reassuring herself.
"Well good luck with that," he laughed.
"Why are you laughing?" Zoe asked, half smiling, wondering if she had missed a private joke. Josh and Skye, Maddy and Mark, they always laughed in front of her and used to say she was too young to understand. She hated that.
"Don't worry sweetheart, Damon is just jealous."
"Yeah exactly. I'm huuuuugely jealous. You're so lucky Zoe!" Damon mocked.
"Maybe you can come with us?"
"Ah I'm afraid I'm working right now. I would have loved to though. Maybe another time. Have fun!"
"Come on Zoe, let Damon get back to work. He doesn't know what he is going to miss."
"I'm sure I know pretty well," he mocked. She scowled at him and left. She was sure she heard him chuckle behind. Alexandra and Zoe finished their shopping and went back home. The girls began to cook when they returned home. Alexandra did not find all the ingredients that she needed. So, she bought what looked most like it, hoping it would do. Zoe and she had a lot of fun though. Alexandra put the cake in the oven and she played with Zoe until it was cooked. After an hour, she went to see where it was. A muffled sound filled the room when she opened the oven door. The cake just exploded. She was covered with a sticky and slimy paste. Her hair, her face and clothes were covered with the mixture.
"Oh my god!" Zoe burst into laughter.
"Wow," was the only word Alexandra managed to say before bursting into laughter too. "I think we're not going to eat a cake today," she chuckled. "Zoe, I'm going to have a quick shower, ok? Can you stay alone for a minute?"
"Of course, I'm not a baby," she sighed, rolling her eyes, annoyed.
"Sorry, I know that." Alexandra left her in the living room, leading to the bathroom. She had left for only five minutes when Lucas arrived for lunch.
"Alex?" Lucas called her, entering into the house. He didn't pay attention and bumped into Zoe. "Wow! What the f...," he avoided to finish his word. "Who the hell are you?" He asked her, eyes narrowing.
"Who are you, you?" She asked, mimicking him, eyes narrowed, arms folded.
"I am Lucas," he answered, suppressing a smile at the sight of this brave little girl. "And I am in my house. So who are you?"
"I'm Zoe." His smile faded.
"Oh yeah right, the mini Shannon. There are so many of you everywhere."
"There are only 5 of us!"
"That's what I mean, you're everywhere. Where's Alex?"
"She's in her bedroom, changing her clothes."
"Why are you here?"
"My mum brought me here so I could stay with Alex for the day."
"Great," he said ironically.
"We made a cake!" Zoe said proudly.
"Yeah, I can see that," he said, looking at the mess in the kitchen and the little girl covered with what looked like flour.
"Are you Alex's boyfriend?"
"That would be me."
"You're a lot different from her other friend."
"Her other friend?"
"Damon?" When Lucas heard this name, he was suddenly more inclined to talk to Zoe.
"How do you know him?"
"We met him this morning."
"Oh really? Where?" He inquired.
"We were at the market and he came to talk to us. Is he your friend too?"
"I would not say that."
"He is funny."
"No, I can assure you he's not," he stated.
"Alex thinks he is."
"What make you think that?"
"She laughed and smiled a lot when she was with him."
"Who laughed a lot?" Alexandra asked as she came into the living room, drying her hair with a towel.
"You, obviously," Lucas replied with a suspicious gaze.
"You seemed surprised?" She said, putting casually her arms around his neck and kissing him. "Isn't it what defines me the most?" She smiled.
"Eurk!" Zoe grimaced.
"What?" Alexandra asked, arching her eyebrows.
"You two kissed," Zoe said with disgust.
Lucas and Alexandra both laughed.
"It's what couples do sweetheart."
"I know. It's just I don't understand why."
"You'll understand soon enough," Lucas mocked. "What happened in here?" He asked Alexandra, gesturing in the direction of the kitchen.
"I think I succeeded creating a bomb! I mixed some ingredients which looked like the real ones from the recipe I know but… You can see the disaster!"
"I thought French people were the best cooks in the world?" Lucas chuckled.
"I know, I'm such a shame for my country," Alexandra smiled. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes but I'm not sure I want to try whatever you tried to cook."
"Piss off," she smacked his arm. "I don't want you to starve though. I'll invite you to Boylan's instead."
"Cool!" Zoe jumped of excitement.
"You're not coming," Lucas mocked her, his eyes challenging her. Zoe seemed to deliberate and a mischievous smile spread on her face.
"I'm sure Damon would have invited me." Lucas' eyes narrowed and he leaned his head inches from hers.
"Clever girl. I guess I have no other choice than to take you with us then."
"Lucas! Of course she's coming! Come on Zoe, put your shoes on."
On their way to Boylan's, Zoe was walking between them and she suddenly took their hands in hers, balancing them casually. It was really foreign for Lucas and he didn't look comfortable. It made Alexandra smiled.
"What?"
"Nothing. It suits you," she replied truthfully. Lucas smirked to her. Actually, he thought it was quite nice. Yet, this situation reminded him it could have been real if he had not lost his baby. Alexandra must have noticed it because she reached his face with her free hand and pull him close to her so she could kiss him.
"Could you stop doing that?" Zoe reminded them of her presence. They both suppressed a laugh.
"Ok Zoe, I promise," Alexandra swore, her hand on her heart.
They arrived at Boylan's and ordered their lunch. They had a nice time together. Lucas never thought it could be so easy for him. Zoe was a great girl, she was smart and funny. Lucas thought it was probably thanks to her mother, not from her father for sure. He was looking at her with a grin on his face as she was explaining a typical day at school, mimicking her teacher and the others children of her class.
"Hey Zoe!" A voice from behind brought him back to reality. He turned his head to see that Damon was there. Zoe smiled to him. Lucas didn't bother to say hello to him. Alexandra stared at Lucas, waiting for him to be polite.
"Lucas," Damon nodded.
"Damon," Lucas replied without looking at him.
"So Zoe, how was the cake?"
"Was delicious," she lied. She was not sure if she wanted to tell him what had happened earlier. She didn't want him to laugh at them. Both Lucas and Alexandra looked at her as she lied to him.
"Was it?" Damon asked, arching his eyebrows.
"Actually, it was delicious," Alexandra smiled, helping Zoe in her lie.
"Delicious," Lucas emphasized. He chuckled lightly, liking this private joke between the three of them, even more so because Damon was out of it.
"Well, I'm glad to know that," Damon replied, yet he gave a suspicious glance at Alexandra who grinned at him widely, suppressing a chuckle. "I have to confess I was a bit worried about Alex's cooking skills but I'm happy to see I was wrong. Enjoy your lunch. See you!"
"Zoe, what was that?" Alexandra asked her once Damon was away.
"Once I heard my dad saying that sometimes it's better not to tell the truth if it can hurt someone you care about."
"Sweetheart, you didn't have to."
"I didn't want him to mock us," she confessed with a concern look.
"I like this little girl!" Lucas smiled.
"Yeah I bet you do!"
They finished their lunch and went outside. They were walking when they met Jim.
"Hey Jim!" Alexandra called him.
"Daddy!" Zoe screamed, running to him.
"Alex? Why is Zoe with you? Is everything alright?" He glanced at Lucas, worried.
"Yeah don't worry. Zoe's teacher broke her arm this morning so I am babysitting for the day!"
"We made a cake," she beamed at her father.
"Oh, really? Fantastic!" He smiled at her. "Ok well, I will release you from your babysitting duty. I have time for Zoe."
"As you wish."
"My school bag is at Alex's house!"
"I don't really have the time to take you there. I'm sure it can wait for tomorrow."
"No, I have some homework to do!"
"I'll do it," Lucas said, surprising everyone. "I'll bring it to you."
"Really?" Zoe asked hopefully.
"Yes."
"Oh thank you!" She jumped in his arms. Lucas stiffened at the beginning but quickly hugged her. It was the first time in his entire life he had a little girl in his arms. Though, he liked it.
"That's nice of you. Thanks. I'll take care of her from now." Jim managed to say, still surprised by Lucas' reaction.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, it's ok. I'll tell Elisabeth."
"Ok. Bye then!"
"Goodbye Alex! Goodbye Lucas!" She waved at them, grinning.
They both looked at her as she left with her father. Alexandra felt strangely sad to see her leave. It was quite fun to play the little family for a time. They went back home, hand in hand, both lost in their thoughts. Alexandra was wondering how it could be to have children with Lucas. She was sure he would be a good dad, they would be a happy family. Yet, something was bothering her. He still didn't have said the words. Once arrived, Lucas grabbed Zoe's bag.
"I have to go back to work," Lucas finally said.
"Ok, don't be late tonight. There is something I want to show you."
"What is it?"
"I'll show you tonight. Just don't be late please, ok?"
"Ok."
"I have a kitchen to clean," she smiled, giving him a quick kiss.
Lucas came back around 7 that night. When he entered the house, he saw that Alexandra had cleaned the kitchen. He walked to the living room, looking for her.
"Alex?"
"In here," he heard her called from the bedroom. He walked to their bedroom and stopped at the door. The room was in the dark, only lighten by few candles. Alexandra was wearing her uniform. She came to him and kissed him passionately.
"Happy birthday Lucas," Alexandra whispered to his ear. She didn't give him the opportunity to speak. "Come on," she said in a seductive tone. She pulled him with her and pushed him on the bed. "Stay put," she commanded him. She stayed standing in front of him and pressed a button on her plex. A music started to fill the room.
It's a cold and crazy world that's ragin' outside. Well baby me and all my girls are bringin' on the fire. Show a little leg, gotta shimmy your chest. It's a life, it's a style, it's a need, it's Burlesque. E-X-P-R-E-S-S, love, sex. Ladies no regrets…
Alexandra took a deep breath and started a striptease in front of an aroused Lucas. She started detaching her hair, gently shaking her head to let them fall back in disorder on her shoulders. While keeping her eyes fixed on him, she began to unbutton her blouse, button by button. She moved her body to the rhythm of music. Lucas was at the top of excitement. She threw her blouse on him, biting her lips, her hands sliding softly behind her back to loosen her bra. She threw it to him too. She placed her hands on her belt, untying it slowly.
"Did I ever tell you how much that uniform suits you?" Lucas said in a husky voice, his eyes running from head to toe with excitement. He stood up to come closer to her but she pushed him against the wall.
"I haven't finished yet," she murmured. Alexandra stood in front of him, unbuttoned his shirt and slid her hands over his muscled chest, feeling him stiffen under her touch. She tilted her head back to look at him. She smirked softly as she hooked her thumbs into the hem of his trousers. She watched his breath hitch as she started to unbuttoned them and inch them down his thighs until she was kneeling in front of him. Alexandra moaned as she reached out to touch his hard length. She kissed it and smiled in appreciation as her touch made it grow longer. Lucas moaned heavily and bent over, hooking his hands under her shoulders, lifting her up.
"I would not suggest doing that yet, or I will be finished before we have even begun." Lucas turned them so she was stuck between him and the wall. He was in charge now. He moved his hands to her legs, sliding them up her thighs, delighted to see the way her breath hitched in anticipation. He let a moan escape as he realized she was not wearing any underwear. He looked at her face, her expression was very suggestive, she was well aware of the effect that she had on him. It made him hornier than ever. He quickly took off her pants, then lifted her to take her to the bed where he placed her gently. He looked at her intently, his breathing rapid because of the excitement. He stood above her, leaning on his arms, looking at her, while her eyes urged him to come closer. He admired her naked body one last time, then gently leaned toward her and kissed her neck, her throat, her breast... His lips were like fire on her skin. His skilled hands moved between them, going down her hips, caressing between her legs gently, earning him a soft sigh of pleasure. She pulled his face up and they kissed languorously, their breathing was erratic, the excitement had reached its climax, they desired each other too much. "Alex…" His voice was low, slightly trembling.
"Lucas… I want you now," she whispered in response. His strong warm hands were everywhere, grasping, kneading, stroking her tender flesh. Normally she enjoyed him taking his time, but she needed him now. Lucas didn't wait and entered into her, letting out a moan of pleasure. Alexandra dug her nails into his back, pulling him as close as possible to her. She folded her legs around him, bringing him closer to her. Then, she remembered it was supposed to be her gift to him and she suddenly flipped them over. Now was not a time for slow and tender. She needed him, she wanted him. She moved faster, harder, bringing him all the way into her. Lucas' breath became frantic. Alexandra moaned loudly as she reached her climax. His hands tightly gripped her hips when he finally found his own release. She collapsed onto his chest, breathless, yet smiling. They stayed lying on the bed, still naked, trying to catch their breath.
"How did you know it was my birthday?" Lucas asked suddenly, breaking the silence that had filled the room.
"You're not the only one who knows how to make calculations." She said, tapping her index finger on her temple.
"That's my clever girl!" He smiled. She sat on the bed, serious.
"I have a gift for you."
"I thought I already had it," he chuckled, caressing her thighs.
"It was only a bonus," she smiled.
"Really? I'm looking forward for next then!" She grabbed his shirt and slipped into it, before standing up.
"Close your eyes." She waited for him to obey before gently putting a thick envelope in his hands. "You can open your eyes." Lucas looked at her, surprised. Her eyes were bright, yet she looked worried.
"What is it?" He asked, eyes narrowing.
"Open it, you'll see." Lucas opened slowly the envelope and froze when he realized what it was. "Lucas Taylor speechless, that was worth it!" She tried to lighten the mood.
"How?" He asked her, incredulously.
"I had help from your father," she confessed. She didn't know what his reaction meant. "Don't you like it?" She asked, concerned.
"It's the best present I ever had," he whispered, before leaning close to her, his lips reaching hers, giving her a searing kiss. "Thank you, it's perfect. You're perfect." Alexandra smiled at him, happy he liked his present. She saw his eyes were wet, yet he didn't cry. Lucas could express extreme feelings so easily and at the same time, the simplest ones were the hardest one for him. Lucas had been surprised Alexandra remembered his birthday, but he was stunned by the present she had offered him. It was a frame with a photo of him and his mother in it. He was around 10 and his mother was embracing him, laughing as he was trying to pull away, smiling. It was exactly how he remembered his mother. A lively, funny and beautiful woman. Lucas had no photo of his mother and Alexandra had thought he'd like one. He was so glad to have her in his life. She was such a good person to him. He didn't know how his life would be without her in it. He couldn't even think about living without her. He didn't know how to be grateful enough. He wanted to say something but he couldn't find the right words. Instead he took her in his arms and wrapped her tightly, pulling her with him on the bed, kissing the top of her head. They spent the night in each other's arms. Yet, Alexandra didn't feel as comfortable as she used to. She still felt this knot in her stomach. Something was missing between them. She wanted to know why he didn't say to her that he loved her like she did in the past. But at the same time, she was afraid of what the answer might be. She didn't sleep at all that night, her minds too preoccupied, questions filling her head.
