They lay in a tangle of limbs and sheets, Emily's head resting on Aaron's chest, listening as his heartbeat steadied and slowed.
He brushed her hair away from her face and dropped a chaste kiss on her head. He wrapped his arms around her, almost as if he was afraid she would slip away if he didn't hold on tightly enough.
She trailed her fingers over his scars. Foyet had never intended to kill Aaron, they'd all realized that early on. But what he'd put Aaron through was so much worse. It had killed her to have to watch the mental and emotional abuse Aaron had to endure. The image of him beating Foyet to death was forever burned into her memory.
She understood why Doyle wanted her dead. She had done the same thing to him. And as long as he was alive and free, she had to stay dead – for her friends' protection as much as for her own.
She sighed deeply, snaking her arm around his waist and snuggling closer.
"You OK?" His hand came up to rub her back.
"Aaron, you – you can't come back. You can't see me again until Doyle's caught." She said it in a rush, as if it would hurt less that way.
"Emily – "
"No. Don't 'Emily' me. It isn't safe. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you or Jack." She turned her head and kissed his neck. "Find him, lock him up, and bring me home. We've waited this long, we can wait a little longer. Besides, how would you explain multiple trips overseas? The BAU doesn't typically called for cases in Paris."
He knew she was right. As much as he hated the idea of leaving her alone, he knew she'd be all right. He would go home, take care of Doyle and bring her home, just like she said.
He echoed her earlier sigh. "Fine. I won't come back until he's caught. I will not promise that I won't call, just to hear your voice, but I won't try to see you again until we've taken care of Doyle." He kissed her head, shifting his body so that she was on her back beneath him.
She cupped his face with her hands, closing the distance between them and kissing him deeply. They made love slowly, gently, savoring the feel of their bodies moving as one. The slow passionate burn of friends-become-lovers; as if they had all the time in the world.