Author's note:

Hello to the new week, my dear readers! So, I didn't blow up my kitchen, as you can see, and the Christmas cookies are awesome so I can't wait for the actually Christmas days to eat them!

I passed my first test last week so I'm in wonderful mood to post this chapter because I know I will brighten your beginning of the week, as well as mine and that will give me enough energy to continue studying on the other tests and exams I have in front of me.

For what I want to thank to all of you – I'm so happy you all liked the chapter and the wordplay so much! I didn't even expect it and I feel so flattered, you can't even imagine it. :)

To one of my Guest reviewers – thank you so much for the review! I'm glad you consider this story as 'hot' and trust me – the steaminess will rise... ;) Enjoy!

My dear and awesome Celine Krause – I will always respond on your review, anytime, if it's what makes you happy. :) Because you make me happy all the time with your kind words and opinions, so the least I can do is to thank you.

Bethany, if you got butterflies in stomach thanks to the last chapter, I can't imagine what you will feel during these following chapters. :D Because it's going to be hotter than before. I hope your countdown alarm on the phone alerted you on time about this update because I think you'll like it. ;) Enjoy and thank you so much for the review!

Thanks for the review also to you, hockeymom!

Debbie, thank you for the review, I'm happy you like it and enjoy this chapter because I really think it's getting very good. ;)

So, what did I promise in the last chapter? Oh, of course – a little plot twist... ;) But before that – do you think Ziva will give him the trust or not? Will she finally give in? Well, go to read the chapter, I think you will find out very soon! :) Enjoy!

Disclaimer:

I do not own NCIS or the characters.

Towel – Chapter 8

*** WHERE WE LEFT OFF ***

If he wanted her to trust him, then she was able to throw her inhibitions away and give in unconditionally and have the confidence in him he demanded. She felt loved and worshipped. so it was just natural for her that her trust in him was very strong. She couldn't believe that, but she felt that he was trying to tell her something important, something that was matter of the heart.

The tenderness of his kiss, the way he hold her body in his arms gently as if she was the most precious thing in the world, made her believe that this was about something more significant. His actions were supposed to tell her what he had in mind, because words probably weren't enough. She let herself to be captivated by it and let him swallow her with the feeling he had kept locked up deep inside his chest for years.

She was totally bewitched in the moment he released her lips, gently nipping on her bottom one and pulling away slightly. She kept her eyes firmly closed, because the kiss was so powerful that she still could feel it even though it was over already. Through the blood rushing through her head, she registered the urgent whisper by which he tried to persuade her to trust him and let him to do anything he wanted.

"Just give me your trust. Please." It was a soft whisper, barely audible, but she could sense every letter in those words since he whispered them across her lips.

*** AND NOW WE CONTINUE ***

He had to grip her body more firmly because in the moment she opened her eyes, her legs stopped holding her and she almost ended up on the floor. If the kiss was supposed to convince her to trust him and prove his pure intentions, then his face was full of the emotions and feelings he had for her. No mask anymore, just the naked truth, and it showed the only thing: he was in love with her.

Head over heels, they say. It was overwhelming to see the love shining in his eyes, radiating from every inch in his face, accompanied by the way he clutched her body in his arms, supporting her endlessly. She now saw the reason why he hadn't wanted to talk, why he had considered it as trivial. Because such great love that he apparently felt for her couldn't be described in words. She would never believe the depth of his feelings. That was why he wanted to show her instead of just telling her.

So she finally gave in and nodded, looking directly into his eyes to assure him she didn't have any misgivings and that she trusted him completely. He smiled at her and dared to raise his hand to caress her face, risking that her knees might betray her. But she seemed to be steady. He just wanted to thank her for the faith she had in him, because it was obvious she was aware of what he wanted to do and decided to go with the flow.

His heart threatened to explode when he slid his hand down, hooking his finger to the towel once more, now really having the intent to unwrap it. He sensed her heartbeat that matched his as they locked their gazes, expressing their mutual desire and feelings through their eyes. It was now or never, nothing could stop them, nothing could prevent them to take this further because it was what they really wanted.

But in the moment they both expected it the least, a knock on the room's door interrupted them and they both gasped in surprise. Ziva almost collapsed as the tension in her body eased off and Tony had a hard time to keep himself standing as well. Sudden fear shot through them because they had completely forgot about the world around them, not to mention they were in a hotel room for a wedding and were supposed to meet with the others for the rehearsal dinner in an hour or so.

Another, more urgent, knock made them to look at the door, hypnotizing it and praying for the person behind it to go away because this really wasn't the best moment to interrupt, not after they had just come to a mutual agreement. Whoever it was, he or she had to get out – immediately and at all costs. There really wasn't any time or space for some chatting.

"Ziva? Are you there?" Abby's cracked, sing-song voice, muffled by the room's door, asked into the silence of the hotel's corridor.

Ziva turned her head back to look at Tony, who just lowered his eyes on her face since the door was in his vantage point and it was evident how bewildered they both were with their friend knocking on the door. She cursed herself, since she knew this might happen. She should have expected that in the moment she finally gave in, somebody would try to take it from her.

Tony couldn't believe that somebody had really disturbed them. It was as if the fate was mocking him for whatever reason. It had taken him ages to get her where he wanted her to be and then he had been robbed of it by Abby knocking on the door. He hoped they would stay standing motionlessly and say nothing, so Abby would think Ziva was gone. She then could leave and they might continue in what they had started.

However, Ziva decided to behave responsibly. Sure, she didn't want anything else than to kiss him to death and do very nasty things with him, but she had to consider the reason why they were here in the hotel. Besides, she didn't like denying her own presence like that, not to mention that she didn't like letting her friend down. It was unfair to Abby and she probably needed something important if she was searching for her.

"Yes?" She called out loudly enough for Abby to hear, hoping she wouldn't want to chat for very long. Because, despite the fact that she had decided to confirm she had been in the room, she wanted to get this over with very soon and continue with Tony in pleasing each other. She was just too horny to let it go so easily.

Tony's eyes popped out and he stared at her as if she had gone insane or something. Why did she answer to Abby? They have unfinished business in here! She couldn't be serious with wanting to help her with whatever she needed. Maybe it was a bit selfish of him, but he really wasn't about to throw away his chance just because Abby had knocked on the door and wanted God-knew-what.

Ziva shot him a meaningful look that told him, clearly, that she had to do it and he knew it very well. They wouldn't have peace otherwise, because Abby would probably try to call her so they would be interrupted by the constant ringing, anyway. And he certainly was reasonable enough to know that he shouldn't think just about his own needs, but also consider needs of the others. And if Abby was in need of some help, then they should help her, no matter what.

He rolled his eyes and clicked with his tongue in annoyed admission that she was right and silently urged Abby to finally say what she wanted. Abby sighed in relief behind the door, glad that she was able to catch Ziva on time and continued. "Oh, wonderful! Can I come in?" She asked cheerfully, glancing around herself and being careful not to be seen by anybody (especially Breena), because she didn't want to reveal what she had in her hands.

Now, eyes of both widened in horror when they considered how it would look if Abby entered the room. Not that it actually wasn't the truth because they were doing what Abby would immediately think the moment she saw them. They really weren't able to mask what was going on in here since their lips were swollen and their rosy cheeks were reddened by the heat that was produced by the unbridled passion that was controlling their bodies.

"NO!" They both simultaneously and immediately exclaimed, completely horrified and momentarily forgetting that Abby couldn't enter, anyway, since she didn't have keys for the room.

Ziva registered that Tony had voiced his disapproval, as well, and tried to shush him down, hoping that Abby hadn't heard anything strange. He guiltily covered his mouth with his hand and silently apologized for his outburst but he couldn't help it. He really didn't have any intention to abandon his plan, regardless what kind of problem Abby had. Moreover, he had the feeling that if Abby had the slightest clue what was happening in here, she would promptly leave without looking back and even try to prevent any further disturbances.

Abby frowned on the corridor because she would swear she'd just heard a man's voice inside. It hadn't been just Ziva's, somebody was probably in the room with her. But the question was whether she wanted to have the person in there or not. Secretly, she hoped it was Tony since she was getting tired of the dance those two had practiced for years and was tempted, numerous times to intervene and do something to get them together.

"Why not? Is something wrong?" She asked curiously, knowing that if Ziva's life was threatened, she would give her some kind of secret message so she could go and get some help.

Ziva closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief, because it seemed that Abby hadn't noticed the man's voice that could have been heard few seconds ago. She really didn't want to be questioned about what was happening here since she still wasn't sure what exactly it was. Tony relaxed visibly, too, and just hold her in his arms, completely still so he wouldn't reveal his presence.

"No, nothing is wrong, Abby. You do not have to worry about me, really. I just..." She tried to calm Abby down because she really didn't want to give her any impression that something was actually going on, and looked around herself in desperation to find some clue how to explain why she didn't want to let her inside.

"I'm just naked, you know. I was about to hit a shower when you knocked." She opted for some sort of half-truth so she wouldn't be entirely lying, and it really sounded credible enough.

Tony wasn't able to suppress the laughter inside him, it bubbled in him and he chuckled it aloud as his whole body started to shake with uncontrollable laughter. He was immediately silenced by her shushing and her hand on his mouth with a rather furious gaze from her because he was giving them away like that. He wondered how she was able to be so calm about the situation they were currently in, but it only made him love her even more.

"I will kill you!" She hissed at him, repeatedly looking at the door, hoping Abby hadn't heard anything, still shooting piercing glances at him, being more annoyed when she felt the smug smile on his face through the skin of her hand.

He stuck out his tongue and licked her palm cheekily, making her eyes widen with desire as she immediately pulled her hand away, watching him with a heavy breath and biting her lip to prevent herself from moaning. He didn't have to guess twice what was running through her mind since he had very similar thoughts right now, as well. Too bad Abby was in the way, but that didn't stop him from doing something inappropriate.

"Can't wait." He replied with a smile, arching his eyebrows playfully and signing her what kind of death he was wishing for himself.

She parted her lips, letting out a sexy whimper as he ran his hand across her body, grasping her neck and they both leaned in simultaneously as their lips met in a fervent kiss neither of them could control. She kept gripping his arms, trying to stop her hands from roaming because she still needed to perceive what was going on around her, especially behind the door where Abby stood.

While they were exploring their mouths, Abby's frown deepened and she wondered whether she might be mistaken and Ziva was actually alone in the room because her explanation as to why she didn't want to let her in sounded plausible. It was natural she didn't want to be disturbed if she had wanted to take a shower just in the moment Abby had chosen to knock on her door.

"Oh, OK, then. I won't disturb you, of course. I just wanted to ask whether you've already wrapped up the gift we have for Breena. I forgot to add something in there since I had bought it just before we came here." She assured her that what she needed was important, but it could wait after the shower she was about to take.

They had three gifts in total – one only for Breena which was supposed to be given by the girls, and Ziva had it in her baggage; one only for Jimmy which was supposed to be given by the men, and Tony was entrusted with guarding it and one for both from all, which was in the possession of Abby as Jimmy's best man. They intended to give those gifts that belonged only to Breena and Jimmy on tonight's rehearsal dinner while the gift for both tomorrow at the wedding.

Since they hadn't been sure whether they would actually be able to attend the wedding because they had had a very serious case to deal with, they'd had the gifts prepared, but hadn't had enough time to wrap them up. So they had decided to do it in the hotel after their arrival. It had been done all at the last minute and Abby had just seen a very nice thing she thought Breena might like and had bought it.

Ziva heard her somewhere in the distance, paying more attention to Tony's marvellous kiss and his skilful tongue that massaged her own, allowing her body to react to his caresses, not at all minding that one of his hands stuck beneath the towel, currently working its way up her waist. The trail he made with his fingers tingled and pleasantly burnt, so it wasn't a surprise when she moaned in delight into his mouth, giving him the crystal clear sign of how much she was enjoying it.

However, she broke the kiss despite his attempts to stay glued to her lips, regretfully rubbing his arms to apologize. But she had to answer because Abby was waiting. "I haven't wrapped it up yet, Abby." She replied breathlessly, since Tony wasn't giving up easily and when he couldn't taste her mouth, he chose the pulse point on her neck as his next target, satisfied with the way she bent her head back to give him more space.

It all made her even hornier and she knew just one thing – this conversation with Abby needed to be over and very soon, otherwise she might do something very stupid. "I will bring it to you after I take the shower so you could add anything you want, OK?" She quickly blurted out, immediately accepting Tony's kiss as he finished the examination of her neck and rather shifted back to the place he so much loved – her mouth.

Abby noticed she had sounded a bit out of breath but decided not to give it too much thought. It actually didn't matter whether somebody was inside with her or not. She highly doubted those two would be bold enough to cross the line right now. They were too stubborn to admit the feelings they felt for one another to themselves, let alone to each other. It was probably just her who hoped it might happen here in the hotel. Sometimes, she had the impression that even a crowbar wouldn't be enough to pry off of them their true feelings and thoughts.

"Wonderful! So, we'll meet in an hour down at the bar?" She assured herself that she would be able to add the present she had bought to the gift before it gets all wrapped up, offering reasonable time for Ziva to get showered or whatever she was doing.

Tony released Ziva's lips with a smack, giving her the space to respond, glad that Abby was about to get lost and they had enough time to express what they felt for each other. "Yes Abby, see you in an hour." Ziva called out, opening her eyes and gazing into his sparkling ones, finding the same emotions in his face that were raging through her.

Abby mumbled something unintelligible, not that either of them cared about what exactly it was, because they both stood still, listening carefully to her retreating footsteps. They just waited for the right moment when they would be sure, she was far off so they could safely return to their making-out without being afraid of getting caught or interrupted. It had happened to them rather often that they had been interrupted in the moment they had both expected the least, so they were careful about it.

When Ziva was sure Abby was a long way away from the room, she turned her head back at Tony, who was watching her with silly smile, completely lost in her eyes. "I think she's gone." She whispered, not knowing why she was trying to be quiet when she didn't have to worry about being overheard anymore.

She shivered as she watched his tongue slowly stick out his mouth and graze his appetizing swollen lips while his eyes looked her up and down, silently appreciating her body, glad that it would belong him to him in no time. "Finally." He whispered back, looking deeply into her eyes, searching for the mutual agreement they had reached before Abby had knocked on the door. When he found it, he smiled contently.

He gave her a little push, just a gentle one, not wanting to be rough, and watched as she stumbled. But because she understood what he had in mind, she let go of his arms and let herself to fall down. She landed on the bed with a thud, checking the towel immediately, because somewhere in the back of her head, she knew it still wasn't the time to strip it off. Besides, she suspected he wanted to do it by himself since he didn't try to do it sooner – he had patiently waited for his chance.

Her hands promptly reached out to him, desiring to bring him closer. He fulfilled her wish as he bent down and caught her lips between his, devouring her again like she was the best meal in the finest restaurant in the world. He raised his leg and put his right knee next to her hip, towering above her as he swallowed her with his kiss while she was tilting her body and head to keep up with the pace he set.

He groaned into her mouth when her palms started to rub his chest, shifting on his back and sticking beneath the T-shirt, obviously craving for his heated skin. She was cheeky enough to take the rim of the black material that was covering the upper part of his body and she tugged on it, giving him the sign she wanted to move it out of her way. He let her and even helped her as he broke the kiss and pulled the T-shirt over his head, throwing it away.

Her greedy gaze was enough for him to know that their little break caused by Abby didn't change her opinion at all, and maybe even boosted her want since what they were doing now was sort of a forbidden fruit and anybody could catch them in any minute. It had the right touch of a danger which excited them both, not to mention how sweet and amazing it felt to finally give in to the temptation after all those years.

She gave him the best hint he could wish for as she moved up on the bed, inviting him to join her, which he did with pleasure as he followed her, crawling on the bed and hovering over her body in the blink of an eye. She lifted her head, seeking his lips that found hers quickly and their mouths carried on in the harmonious sync they were already used to. They tasted and tasted, just occasionally suspending the kiss to inhale some fresh air into their lungs, but that was all that was able to make them stop for a while.

Ziva didn't know why, but she caught herself gripping the towel between her fingers again, even though she didn't want anything else than to touch his bare chest. It was an unconscious action and he registered, too, when he took her hand and put it out of his way, only to find she put it back, preventing him from tearing the towel off her body. She just didn't want to give in so easily.

He tried it few times without pinning her hands above her head because he wanted her to know that it was wish of both to cross the line. He really didn't want to have any impression he was pushing her into something she didn't want. However, he didn't succeed. She stubbornly returned the hand back every time he tried to push it away even though her kisses showed her want very clearly.

He released her lips with a tired sigh and looked at her, waiting for her to open her eyes. When she did so, she shot him a questioning gaze, not really understanding why he had stopped all of a sudden. She wasn't aware of her subconscious attempts to stall him. In her mind her hands were roaming all over his back, but that clearly wasn't true since he was looking at her with a slightly disappointed face.

"You promised to trust me, Ziva." He reminded her that his sincere kiss, full of love, had convinced her about his pure intentions, slipping his eyes down on her hands to give her the signal what exactly he meant.

The End of Chapter 8

What?! A cliffhanger again?! How unfair! Seriously, I can hear you screaming... :D Anyway, don't worry – I promised that the steaminess will only rise, didn't I? I can tell you that we will get rid of the towel in the next chapter... ;)

Hope you liked the chapter and the little plot twist as well. :) I think I'm not done with it yet, because there is something I have to deal with, since it will have an impact on the future of the story. Anyway, trust me – we are just a tiny step from the chapter you want all from the very beginning. :)

I love you all eternally, thank you so much for all the reviews, follows, favourites or just stopping by to read. It's awesome to have such a group of amazing people around me and I can't express my thanks enough ever in my life. :)

Until the next week – have a wonderful time. To all those who have to study like me – good luck, and to the others – hope you'll have a nice week! Bye!