Chapter 17

"Jim" Jack said as he watched the wrinkled man staring out the window. Heller turned around.

"Will she come?" he asked, fearing the answer. Jack nodded his head, "What will you do Jack?"

Jack hesitated, and glimpsed behind him to make sure that Audrey was out of earshot. "I'm going to stay here and see what Zhao wants. I'll contact you in about a month or so, when I know it's safe for Audrey." he paused, "But Jim, you need to make sure that Audrey doesn't contact me within that month 'cause the Chinese will probably be monitoring the house."

Heller sadly nodded his head. "She'll hate me for it"

"I know, but this is the only way to keep her safe. Jim, if you don't hear from me within in six months, assume the worst. You should probably leave tonight."

Heller was shocked but nonetheless agreed. "I was wrong about you Jack, you're a good man."

"Yeah." Jack replied and then left, heading into their bedroom.

He stopped in the doorway, drinking in the sight of Audrey. She was currently throwing her clothes into a small travel bag, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Jack walked up behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist, pulling her body against his.

"Hey" Jack purred as he kiss the nape of her neck,

Audrey leant her head back against his shoulder, relishing in feeling of having Jack so close. "Jack…" she whimpered.

"shh" Jack cooed, turning Audrey in his arms, pressing her head into the crook of his neck, "You'll be safe baby, I promise."

Audrey raised her head from his shoulder, locking her eyes with his, "Yeah, but I'll be without you."

Jack smiled sweetly at her, "Audrey you'll be safer with your father than you will with me. I'm not saying we can't be together, I'm just begging you now to go with your father, I'll sort things out with the Chinese and then we can be together again Okay?"

Audrey wearily nodded her head. "Where is Dad going to take me?" she asked.

"He has a small condo in San Diego, he'll take you there." Jack answered.

"Do you know where it is?"

"Yeah I do sweetheart."

A silence passed between them, they both knew that this was the last time they would have together in a long while. Jack tenderly wiped away the tears that stained her face, he gently rubbed her cheek with his thumb, he gazed into her beautiful sea-green eyes that made him fall in love with her all over again.

"I love you…so much." he whispered.

Audrey stared at him, not wanting to believe that this was their last time together. She knew that Jack loved her, and now she knew the depth of his love, he would give his life to save her and that is what scared her the most.

"I love you Jack Bauer… God I love you so much."

Jack smiled briefly, before leaning forward and kissing her hungrily. Audrey kissed him back, her tongue eagerly seeking his, they dwelled together in an endless dance that neither wanted to end.

Jack pulled apart, gently biting her flesh, remembering what she tasted like. Audrey quivered, as she too memorized the feel of having him so close to her. Jack leant his forehead on hers, looking deep into her eyes.

"You need to go." he whispered to her.

Audrey nodded, fresh tears sliding down her face. Jack cupped her face, wiping away the tears, he kissed her forehead lovingly "don't cry" he whispered, "we will be together soon, I promise you Audrey."

Audrey glanced at him once more, before walking out of the room.

"Are you ready?" Her father said.

Audrey simply nodded her head. Jack followed them outside the house, Heller turned around to face him.

"Jack…" he started, "I don't know how to thank you."

Jack shook his head, "Just make sure she's safe"

Heller nodded his head and began to pack the car. Audrey currently had her back turned to Jack. She couldn't bear to leave him again, not after everything they had been through together. Her head twisted around, her eyes seeking Jacks'.

"Audrey we need to go." Heller called.

"Wait a minute." she replied as Heller entered the car. He saw Audrey run over into Jack's arms.

Jack held onto her tightly, "Be safe" she whispered to him, "Please Jack, just be careful."

He nodded, leaning his face to her for their last kiss. Jack meant for the kiss to be brief, however once she opened her mouth to him, the love he had for her overwhelmed him, he didn't want to leave her, especially when she was still recovering. They both parted and Jack kissed her jaw line and stopped at her ear, nibbling it, he whispered "I'll be with you soon. I promise."

Audrey meakly nodded her head, not knowing what to say to him.

Jack smiled at her "You need to go. I love you" he said kissing her cheek.

She shook her head, "I know, I love you Jack." and then she parted from him, holding on to his hand until she had to let go.

"Are you okay?" Heller asked when she entered the car.

Audrey simply nodded, and as they drove off she watched Jack, standing on the sidewalk with his hands stuffed into his pockets staring at her, he began to get smaller and smaller in the distance until he could no longer be seen.

TBC