Saturday

Saturday followed its familiar pattern; Danny woke first and then spent a pleasurable and ultimately rewarding 15 minutes gradually waking Gabi with soft kisses and gentle caresses that brushed lightly across her body. He suspected that she woke far sooner than she let on but wasn't about to say anything; feeling her sleepy responses to his mouth and hands was one of his favourite parts of the weekend.

Their first few weekends together, those not interrupted by Danny having to work anyway, had been spent in bed. Neither of them had felt a need for clothes or company beyond each others. Saturday mornings were still spent in bed, but now they did get up in time to go out for a late lunch.

When they were in Boston, they always went to the New England Diner, a 20 minute walk from Gabi's apartment. It was run by an Italian couple, Giovanni and Angelica Pelosi and Gabi had been a regular there at weekends since she had moved to Boston. They arrived at 2pm as the lunchtime crowd was starting to thin out and were greeted with a hug from Giovanni followed by a stream of Italian that bought Angelica from the kitchen. After she had embraced them both and had told Danny that he needed to eat more, they were given the end booth with a view across the park and were soon tucking into a huge plate of food each

Danny enjoyed this time with Gabi as much as he loved the sex; it was when they started talking about their lives, the people that they knew, funny little things that had happened at work. They finished eating and Gabi excused herself to use the bathroom; Danny sat back in his seat, staring across the park knowing he felt happier now than he could ever remember feeling in his life.

He let his mind wander, thinking back to the weekend they had spent together 4 weeks after Mexico. He had been working on a case of a missing 5 year old girl and he and Martin had found her body on the Friday afternoon, only a few hours before Gabi had arrived, and the image of her broken abused body had refused to be banished. He hadn't been able to sleep that night and Gabi had sat with him, holding him for hours not saying anything, not pushing him to talk, content to let him deal with it in his own way.

It had been a turning point for Danny; over the rest of the weekend and the weekends that followed he found himself opening up to Gabi, telling her things about his childhood, his time in foster care, his family, that he had never told anyone before. She never pushed him to tell her more than he was comfortable with and a few weekends later he had asked her why.

He remembered the apprehensive look on her face as she had finally answered;

'I always knew that something must have happened to you when you were younger and I guessed that whatever happened was probably what started you drinking………and you never spoke about your family, you never went home for the holidays……but……that's your business and I knew you'd tell me if you wanted to. Even if you never had it wouldn't change how I feel about you………'

He remembered the heady rush of happiness as he heard her words, which was another new experience for him. Previously any time a girlfriend had even hinted that their feelings were becoming more serious he had felt himself shut down inside and then gently back away from the relationship. Now all he felt was intense happiness mixed with a feeling of relief.

He had cut her off before she could finish, determined that he should be the one who said it first

'I love you'

He smiled as he remembered the happiness that had blazed across her face when she had heard those words. She had thrown her arms around his neck as he had kissed her fiercely and then she had said the words he had desperately wanted to hear;

'I love you too'

And now here they were, nearly 6 months since Mexico and he could barely remember what life had been like without her, but he also knew he wanted more and that meant that some decisions needed to be made.

When Gabi returned to the table Danny paid the bill and they headed out through the park back to Gabi's apartment. The sky was clear blue and the first hint of spring was in the air as they walked with their arms wrapped around each other lost on their own little world. They talked as they walked, making plans for the following weekend and suddenly Danny couldn't wait any longer; he pulled her toward an empty bench.

Gabi looked more amused than surprised at their abrupt change of direction; 'You're about to say 'we need to talk' aren't you?'

Danny pulled a face at her. He knew that she found it incredibly funny that the man she had known at Law School, with, as she had put it, 'a revolving door fitted to his bedroom', was the one who had started every 'serious' conversation they had had about their relationship.

'We do need to talk' he frowned as she tried not to giggle and failed dismally

Seeing his face she struggled hard and managed to stop, swallowing hard in her effort to be serious as she waited for him to speak

For a moment Danny wasn't sure how to start the conversation, how to ask the question. The expression on her face changed and he saw a faint hint of concern starting to form in her eyes as she sensed that he was nervous about something. He took a deep breath

'I think we should think about moving in together'; the words spilled from his mouth in a rush as he watched her closely to see her reaction

Her face froze for a moment and he saw a strange, unreadable expression in her eyes as her mouth seemed to quiver in an attempt not to laugh

'What? Don't you think we should?'

She started to laugh and kissed him before she answered; 'Oh I definitely think we should' she was still laughing.

Danny looked at her thoughtfully about to ask her why she found this so funny but decided instead to tackle the rather more pressing issue of which one of them was going to move.'I've spoken to a couple of people I know, there isn't anything going in the Boston office at the moment unless I want to go back to being a field agent again but they have promised me that they'll keep their eyes open for me.'

He looked at her and saw she had a thoughtful look on her face; as she realized he was looking at her she smiled and shook her head; 'you've really thought about this haven't you?

He dropped a kiss onto the top of her head, feeling that an answer was unnecessary. She settled herself comfortably in his arms; 'Well, we have a New York office and they are always wanting litigators………and I have a license to practice in New York…….' She moved her head so she could look at him, 'I could ask about a transfer'

Danny grinned and kissed her; 'look, I don't expect you to be the one who moves, I know you have a life here as much as I have one in New York……….' He stopped as he saw her start to laugh again

'Danny, you know you'd hate to leave New York';

He grinned ruefully and kissed her again; she smiled 'well, we don't need to decide this minute do we……….why don't we both have a think about it and we can talk again tomorrow'

He stared at her, sure that there was something he was missing but he could feel that she was starting to shiver slightly and he was suddenly aware that it was very cold sitting on the bench. Danny stood up and pulled her to her feet, deliberately pulling her so hard that she ended up in his arms making them both laugh.

'Gabrielle?'

A man and woman in their mid 50's had stopped and both were smiling at Gabi. Gabi straightened up;

'Roger, Caroline….this is a surprise' she shot him a quick, almost apologetic look as she introduced him to them

'Let me introduce you to Danny Taylor; Danny this is Roger and Caroline Trenton'

Danny managed not to show his surprise as he was introduced to the two managing partners of the firm of lawyers that Gabi worked for

Caroline Trenton smiled at him; 'It's nice to meet you Danny; are you a local or just here for a visit?'

Danny had to admire anyone who could cut to the chase as effectively and as charmingly as that; 'No, I live in New York; I'm just here for the weekend'

He saw Roger and Caroline exchange glances and then both smiled at him; 'and are you a lawyer too?'

Danny hid a smile as he replied; 'no sir, I have a law degree and I have my New York bar exam but I'm an agent with the FBI'

Roger Fenton nodded; 'Really, that sounds very interesting…' Caroline Fenton pulled at her husbands sleeve and he glanced at his watch before continuing; 'so sorry to rush off but we are having people over for drinks tonight….' He paused again and glanced at his wife who smiled and nodded; he continued

'Why don't the two of you come over? There's someone I would like you to meet Gabrielle and we have a friend of ours attending; he works for the FBI too. It's very casual…' he smiled at Danny, 'Gabrielle has come along to a few of these she'll be able to put your mind at ease. 7:30pm suit you?'

They didn't wait for an answer before they both smiled and headed off across the park

Danny stared at Gabi; 'you were quiet'

She shrugged; 'they were interested in you not me'

Danny remembered the invitation; 'so are we going to this thing then' he knew he didn't sound overly enthusiastic

She sighed; 'can't see how we can avoid it now, can you? We don't have to stay late; we'll just say hello to the appropriate people and then head back for an early night'

He grinned at the suggestive look she shot him and pulled her to him as they started to walk back to the apartment; 'Sounds good……..mind you, I could do with a lie down when we get back'

He heard her sigh happily; 'you read my mind

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Predictably, they arrived late. They had fallen into bed as soon as they got back from the park; and then both had fallen asleep afterwards, which in itself hadn't caused them to be late, but Danny's insistence that they showered together before they came out, had done.

They arrived at the Trenton's house, although Danny decided that calling it a mansion wouldn't be stretching a point, nearly half an hour late. Danny had expected Gabi to be cross but she didn't seem to be, in fact she still had the same 'post sex' smile on her face that she'd been wearing for that last 45 minutes. He grinned

'Are they going to mind?'

She shrugged, the smile still on her face as she rang the bell; 'if anyone asks I'll just tell them I'm sorry we're late but my rather gorgeous boyfriend was giving me my 5th orgasm of the day…' she broke off as the door was opened. Danny was surprised to see that Caroline Trenton had opened it herself; he had assumed that they would have someone to do that for them

He couldn't be sure but he thought that she had possibly overheard some or all of their conversation; if she had she didn't say anything to him, just smiled, took their coats and directed them through to the back of the house where the party was taking place.

'Do you think she overheard' Danny bent close to Gabi's ear as he hissed the question

Gabi had a smile firmly fixed in place as she watched Roger approach them but she turned slightly and murmured quietly

'Oh, yes; when she kissed me she said 'lucky, lucky girl' so I'm guessing she overheard...….hello Roger'

Roger kissed Gabi and shook Danny's hand; 'just in time, we have the senior partner from the Paris Office here and he would very much like to meet you Gabrielle' he gestured toward a man who smoothly detached himself from the people he was talking to.

Danny took an instant and irrational dislike to him. He was tall, in his late 40's, and very good looking. He noticed the way he was looking at Gabi and his dislike increased

Roger introduced them; 'Pierre DuBois, allow me to introduce Gabrielle Johnson and Danny Taylor'

Pierre shook Danny's hand warmly but Danny noticed that the smile didn't reach his eyes; then he turned to Gabi and Danny's dislike blossomed into full grown hatred

'Ahh, mademoiselle Gabrielle, enchanter' he murmured as he took Gabi's offered hand and kissed it. Danny's one comfort was that Gabi didn't look impressed and removed her hand from his as soon as she could without being rude.

Roger smiled at them; 'well I know you want to speak to Gabrielle about the matter we discussed' he turned to Danny, 'I have someone over here I think you will like to meet'

Danny found himself borne away to another room to meet a friend of Roger Trenton's who was high up the FBI food chain in Washington and, most disturbingly as far as Danny was concerned, was a 'personal friend' of Victor Fitzgerald's. He made polite conversation for nearly 30 minutes before he was able to excuse himself and go in search of Gabi.

He wandered into the room they had been in and saw her standing with Pierre DuBois and Roger Trenton deep in discussion; they looked as if they were trying to convince her of something. It didn't look to Danny as if Gabi was being convinced. Not wanting to intrude, he headed for the buffet table and helped himself to some food

'Hello Danny'

He swung around and stared in disbelief; Pete Reynolds, his old room mate at Law School, and, of greater relevance, Gabi's ex-husband, was standing in front of him.

He stared speechlessly at him for a minute. Pete had always been a bit more serious than most of the people Danny had socialized with at Law School but he had still been a good laugh. Danny had always thought that that Pete and Gabi made a slightly odd pair, but then as he admitted to himself that was partly because he had always fancied Gabi and she would have none of it. Of course he hadn't known then about her alcoholism…………but the Pete standing in front of him now bore little resemblance to the student that Danny remembered; now he had the smooth, polished look of a high flying corporate lawyer.

'Pete' Danny nodded, taking in the well turned out, clearly pregnant blonde woman next to him. Pete slipped his arm around her shoulders

'Honey, this is Danny Taylor, we went to Law School together. Danny this is my wife, Mindy'

Danny shook her hand reflecting that of course, she would be called Mindy. She was very pretty in a Stepford Wives kind of way but definitely not to Danny's taste………….talking of which

'Gabi didn't mention you would be here' Danny decided that he had better mention her name now in case they didn't know she was here. He saw a sly smile appear in Pete's face;

'Yes, I heard the two of you had started dating'

Danny stared back at him and had the satisfaction of seeing Pete drop his eyes first. He kept his voice even as he replied; 'yes, we bumped into each other a few months ago in Mexico and we've been together ever since'

The smile Pete gave to him didn't reach his eyes; 'well the two of you were always very close weren't you? I mean, you had a lot in common...'

Danny felt an anger grip him. There was no missing the double meaning in Pete's words; what Danny couldn't understand was why Pete was acting like this. It had been nearly four years since he and Gabi had split up. He knew Pete still worked for the same firm as Gabi but he had stayed in the Chicago Office when she transferred to Boston so he doubted it could be work related. He gritted his teeth and turned to Mindy

'So when is the baby due?'

Mindy began telling him about due dates and birthing methods. He listened with half an ear whilst he watched Pete and noticed how he kept glancing over to where Gabi was standing with Pierre DuBois and Roger Trenton.

At the end of some description of which method of pain relief she would use, Danny smiled at Mindy and then turned back to Pete; 'so what brings you here?'

'They need someone to run one of the corporate teams; we're moving to Boston' he sounded smug and Danny was aware he was waiting for a reaction. Danny glanced over to where Gabi appeared to be trying to extricate herself from the conversation with Roger Trenton and Pierre DuBois; she hadn't mentioned that Pete was moving to Boston so he assumed that she didn't know. Danny was ashamed to realize that the only thought that was running through his head at this piece of news was that Pete moving to Boston was likely to make Gabi keen to move away…………..

He looked back at Pete, trying to form an appropriate response but before he could reply he saw a flicker in Pete's eyes and turned to see Gabi move away from Pierre and Roger and look around for him. Their eyes met and he saw relief closely followed by horror flicker across her face as she realized who he was standing with, however she headed towards them

Danny kissed her, hoping she could see the apology in his eyes; he noticed that she made sure she kept him between Pete and Mindy and herself

'Hello Gabi' Pete made the words almost sound like a threat

'Pete, Mindy' Danny noticed that she didn't say anything about it being nice to see them; she turned abruptly to him speaking quietly, 'I need to talk to you'

Danny nodded, seeing something in her eyes that had nothing to do with Pete being there; before they could move Pete spoke again

'I never did thank you for signing the divorce papers so quickly………I thought if I offered you the opportunity to avoid being sued on the grounds of adultery that you would be grateful' the anger that had been building within Danny for the last few minutes boiled to the surface

He stepped so that he was between Pete and Gabi and thrust his face close to Pete's; 'what did you say?' he kept his voice low and made sure the expression on his face remained frozen in a polite expression but he could see that Pete knew that he wasn't making polite conversation.

Pete sneered; 'didn't she tell you? She got drunk and picked up some guy in a bar. Didn't even know his name but it didn't stop her sleeping with him……….'

Danny knew his eyes must be showing just how close he was to taking Pete outside and beating him to a pulp because Pete's expression suddenly lost it's look of superiority and instead Danny saw a flicker of fear; 'she told me………she also told me what a bastard you were. You know as well as I do that she wouldn't have done it if you hadn't driven her to it'

Pete hesitated then glanced at Gabi before he looked back at Danny, a look of contempt on his face; 'still doesn't change anything; she's the one who committed adultery and I have the evidence. It doesn't play well in a firm like this……..'

Danny stared in disbelief as he realized that Pete was threatening Gabi. He took a firm grip on his temper, knowing how much harm it would do to Gabi's career if he started a fight at a drinks party;

'If I hear that you have so much as hinted that Gabi was unfaithful to you I'll make you regret you ever set eyes on either of us'

His voice was low, menacing and he saw Pete step back, shocked, but he recovered quickly

'Oh yeah, and how are you going to do that then?'

Danny smiled at him and saw Pete start to look worried as he remembered…………..

'I wasn't so drunk through Law School that I've forgotten about your book……'

Pete took a step back, his eyes showing a flash of fear. Danny decided to force the issue home;

'You know and I know that what you did was illegal and that the statute of limitations has another five years to run; keep your mouth shut and I'll do the same. I hear that you have so much looked at her in the wrong way and I'll be making a call' he spoke softly but Danny knew the Pete had heard the warning…………….

Gabi pulled his arm; 'come on, let's go'

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They traveled back in silence; by the time they reached her apartment Danny was worried that he had really upset her. The door closed and he stood and watched as she took her time shooting the locks into place and then slowly turned to face him

'Look I'm sorry if…..'

'Shut up'

Danny stopped, stunned then looked at her closely; she didn't seem to be upset…..he watched as she threw her coat onto the chair and then undid the buttons of her shirt as she walked toward him, a strange look in her eyes

'Do you have any idea how incredibly…….hot that was, what an absolute turn it was when you threatened him? Her shirt was off, so were her shoes. She undid the button on her pants, let them fall to the floor and stepped out of them so she was just in her bra and panties

Danny felt his body respond even as she grabbed his shirt front and pulled him in for a kiss. He let his hands slide down over her hips and then grab her, pulling her up so that her legs were wrapped around his waist as she kissed him. He began to carry her toward the bedroom

'You can have whatever you want for that……' she nuzzled his ear as she murmured 'whatever you want. They had reached the bed and Danny dropped her on it as he started to remove his shirt. She knelt up to help him but he backed away slightly so she couldn't reach

'You're wearing too much, take them off'

He watched as she unfastened her bra and slowly took it off; she ran her hands slowly, teasingly over her breasts, down over stomach until they reached her panties. She slipped her fingers under the lace and then slid them slowly over her hips, letting them fall so that she was naked. She held his eye as she reclined back on the bed, and smiled invitingly.

'You are a wanton woman, you know that?'

'Hmmm, and you love it' she sounded completely confident and Danny grinned as he shed the last of his clothes and joined her on the bed

'I love you' he was on all fours above her, nearly but not quite touching her, knowing that it drove her crazy

'I love you too, now please, please………'

The rest of her words were cut off by his kiss; he felt her legs wrap themselves around his waist and then all conscious thought was gone as he lost himself in the feel of her skin against his, of her mouth leaving a trail of fire wherever she kissed him, of hearing her calling his name as he drove into her, of feeling her come apart in his arms and of feeling the white heat explode inside of him.

They lay in each others arms as they drifted off to sleep. Danny thought that he heard her say something about 'talking tomorrow' but the pull of sleep was too strong……….