I do not own CW's Beauty and the Beast or any of the characters.

Chapter 4 – Possession

Playlist: Kris Allen – I Need to Know

All of the guests had gone home and the apartment was eerily empty. It had started raining towards the end of the party. Catherine could hear the heavy drops beating against the window panes. She shivered and rubbed her bare arms. She couldn't wait to change into something comfortable and warm. A steaming hot shower wouldn't go amiss, either.

Catherine paused at the living room window and looked out into the dark night. Her sad face was reflected back at her. In general, it had been a good night but she had missed Vincent's smile, his presence. She wanted him by her side. Catherine sighed and stepped away from the window. There was no use wishing for things she could never have.

Heather had finally hooked up with the beat cop she had been eyeing earlier. Catherine could hear them, faintly, from Heather's room on the other side of the apartment. Heather's giggles were muffled. The beat cop's deep voice penetrated the walls occasionally. Catherine rolled her eyes. She was not looking forward to seeing the guy at work on Monday. She never handled awkward situations very well and this definitely qualified.

She tidied up some of the bottles that were scattered on every surface of the living room, bringing them to the kitchen counter. She spent a few minutes walking back and forth, her arms full of empty bottles and cans. She retrieved a large black garbage bag from the cupboard under the sink. She filled it with containers of all types and sizes. After a bit, she sighed and turned off the lights. There was time enough to finish cleaning in the morning.

Catherine went to her room and softly closed her door behind her. The only light came from the lamp on her nightstand. It cast a soft glow over her bedroom. She walked across her room and sat on the edge of the bed. She pulled off her high heels and dropped them onto the floor, one at a time. They made clunking sounds as they fell on the hard wood. She sat there in her party dress and leaned back until she was lying on the bed, her knees bent at the edge, her stocking-clad feet still on the ground.

It had been quite the night. Heather's parties were never boring, of course, but the added drama with Evan made her sad. She didn't want to lose him as a friend but she didn't know what other choice she had if he continued on his present course.

Catherine closed her eyes and tried to relax into the mattress. She was so tired. She sighed and her muscles loosened. She was asleep quickly, her soft breathing the only sound in the room.

A soft click jolted her from sleep sometime later. Catherine inhaled sharply, her right hand immediately searching for her gun out of habit. She looked up and saw Vincent slowly pulling up her window.

"Vincent, what are you doing here?" she gasped, surprised. Catherine brought her hand up to her chest and tried to still the pounding of her heart. She sat up and blinked rapidly a few times.

"Um…you asked me to come back after the party," Vincent said, crouched on the fire escape, unsure of himself. He had sat there for a while just watching her sleep. He had been waging a silent battle within himself for several long moments. He had been trying to decide whether to climb into her room and wake her up gently or to simply leave, melting into the night. He knew he should leave her to sleep but he was selfish. She had invited him back. She wanted him there. He wanted to be there.

"Oh," Catherine said, suddenly remembering the end of their rooftop conversation. She brought her hand to her head and rubbed her temples. She was a bit confused and groggy from her nap. "Oh! I am so sorry, Vincent. I forgot. It's been a long night. Come in."

"That's OK, Catherine. You're tired and it's pretty late." Vincent said. Catherine checked the electric green numbers on her alarm clock. It was well after 2 am. "I'll just go."

"Come in, Vincent," she gestured at him to come into her room. He gracefully climbed through the window frame, straightened up and pulled the window closed. He twisted his hands together in front of him and stood just inside the window, subtly shifting his weight back and forth nervously. He knew that coming inside had been a mistake.

"I-I should go," he said.

Vincent turned to leave. He got as far as sliding the window open before he felt Catherine's small hand on his arm. He turned around and looked down at her, a question in his eyes. She looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Please don't leave."

"OK," he whispered, suddenly shy.

"Vincent! You're soaked," she exclaimed, noticing his wet hair and clothes for the first time. "How long were you out there for?"

"Not too long," he lied. He was so saturated with water that he was dripping on the floor.

She took his hand and led him away from the window and into the bathroom. Silently, she slowly unbuttoned his woolen jacket. He shivered but not from the cold. She looked up at him from under her lashes as she slid the jacket down over his arms. It landed with a wet squelch on the floor. He looked down at it briefly before looking back into her eyes. Catherine's gaze never wavered from his.

Although his wool jacket was thick, it was not waterproof. His T-shirt underneath was soaked. Catherine gently reached out and grabbed the hem. Carefully, she slid his shirt up his slick chest.

"Arms up," she demanded. Vincent complied silently, raising his arms in the air. He sucked in a deep breath as she pulled his shirt higher. Catherine stood on her tiptoes and lifted the shirt up as high as she could. Vincent took over and pulled the flimsy garment the rest of the way over his head. Their glances caught and they both froze, Vincent with his shirt off and his arms stretched up in the air, Catherine pressed closely against him with her hand against his bare chest.

Catherine coughed nervously and took a step back. She looked at Vincent's chest before raising her gaze to meet his. She sucked in a deep breath of air. Vincent dropped his T-shirt to the ground and ran a hand through his damp hair.

Catherine cleared her throat. She stumbled through her words. "Uh…you should have a shower. It'll help you get warm. If you give me your…um…clothes, I can put them in the dryer. Hand them to me when you…er…take them off."

"Thanks, Catherine," he said, gruffly.

"Here are some extra towels for you," Catherine said, gesturing to some clean towels folded neatly on a high shelf. She backed her way to the door. She stood there briefly, staring at his chest, her eyes wide. Her brain seemed to be malfunctioning and her feet didn't seem to want to carry her from the room. She looked as though she was going to say something more but she shook her head. Vincent stood in the middle of her bathroom, his size making the room seem incredibly small. To Catherine, he looked uncomfortable. She tore her gaze from his nakedness and shook her head. "I'll just go."

Catherine blinked, turned and went back into the bedroom. A few seconds later, she looked up as the door to the bathroom opened quietly. Vincent's hand snaked around the corner, holding his wet clothes for her. She grabbed them and he shut the door. She tried not to imagine him in the shower. Naked. Wet. She tried not to picture herself in the shower with him, her mouth on his…. What was happening to her? He was making her crazy. Her cheeks were on fire and she was absolutely mortified. She went out into the hall and put the clothes into the dryer. Her hands were shaking as she set the timer. She took a few extra seconds and some calming breaths out in the hallway before she went back into her bedroom.

Once she was back in her room, Catherine sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clenched in her lap. She tried to still her racing heart and calm her over-stimulated body and frazzled nerves. After what seemed like the shortest shower in the history of the world, the noise of pounding water stopped suddenly. Seconds later, the door to the bathroom opened. Catherine looked up, her nostrils flaring, her pupils dilated.

Vincent stood in the doorway to the bathroom, light streaming from behind him, steam spilling out around him. His chest was bare and wet and his hips were swathed in the thick fabric of one of her towels. The towel rode low on his hips, highlighting his trim waist and the trail of hair snaking its way down from his navel and disappearing beneath the plush fabric. Catherine was sitting on the bed once more, still in her party dress. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was open. She couldn't breathe.

Vincent walked over to her and placed his big hands gently on her shoulders. He moved them slowly down her arms until he was grasping her wrists. Catherine shuddered. He pulled her to her feet. He looked down into her eyes and said, huskily, "Now it's your turn."

He turned her around and slowly unzipped her dress. His free hand followed the zipper, tracing her newly exposed skin. Vincent leaned close to her and inhaled her fresh, intoxicating scent. He closed his eyes and smiled. Once the zipper had opened as much as it could, Vincent bent over and grabbed at the hem of her dress.

"May I?" he asked, uncertain of her answer.

"Of course," she replied quickly, her voice quavering.

Vincent slowly pulled the dark fabric up and over her head. Catherine stood before him in her black bra and panties. She looked down at the floor. Vincent tipped her chin up with his hand. He whispered one word to her: "Beautiful."

Catherine looked up at him and unconsciously licked her lips. Vincent noticed her action before he leaned down and kissed her. The brief contact stirred Catherine's blood.

Vincent broke the kiss first but Catherine couldn't bear the separation. She reached up and tangled her fingers in his messy, wet hair. She pulled his head back down and kissed him hard.

Vincent groaned and opened his mouth. Catherine made a small noise at the back of her throat and opened her mouth for him. He pushed his tongue inside, tangling with hers. As he was kissing her, Vincent reached behind her and unhooked her bra. She stepped away from him and slid the straps down her arms, her eyes never leaving his. He sucked his breath in as she pulled her panties down and stepped out of them.

"May I?" Catherine repeated Vincent's question back to him, her eyes dark. She gestured towards his towel. Vincent rewarded her with a single, curt nod. Catherine hooked her fingers into the front of the plush fabric. The crisp hair there tickled the back of her fingers. Shivers travelled up and down her spine. She grasped the towel and pulled it off of him. It was her turn to inhale sharply.

Catherine leaned over and placed her hand on Vincent's chest, over his heart. She reached up and he bent down and their lips met, softly and sweetly. He placed an arm at the small of her back and pulled her against him. She could feel the length of his entire body pressed against her. She felt warm all over. She wanted this man. She pushed her tongue into his mouth, changing her sweet kisses into...something else. Vincent groaned in response.

Their pulses started to race and their simple and sweet touches quickly turned serious and needy. Open mouthed kisses occupied their thoughts. Ragged breathing, the sound of their kisses and gasps filled the air. Catherine grasped Vincent's shoulders and pressed against him. He moved his hands down to her buttocks, grasping and kneading her. Although she was standing right next to the bed, Vincent lifted her up in his arms, scooping her off of her feet. Catherine wrapped her legs around his waist, gripping him tightly. He carried her around to the side of the bed. She looked up at him, her eyes shining. Vincent set her in the centre of the bed, gently, reverently. He joined her there quickly.

Vincent covered her at once with his strong body. Catherine spread her legs for him and he settled between them. He broke their kiss and moved his head back to look at her. Catherine looked up with passion-glazed eyes. "Vincent?"

"Catherine, I..." Vincent started and paused, unsure of how to continue.

"Vincent, it's OK," Catherine soothed, her hand on his cheek.

"No, you need to hear this. Catherine, it's been a while and..." he said, suddenly looking down at the sheets.

"It's been a while for me, too," she said, smiling.

"No, it's just...I don't know if I can be gentle. I need you...badly," he ground out.

"Vincent," she whispered. "I need you, too."

Catherine moved her hands down between their bodies and grasped him with shaking fingers. He groaned once before moving his hand down to hers. He gently brushed her hands aside. He kissed her once before meeting her eyes. She looked up at him. He was hovering over her as though waiting for her answer and she nodded once, her eyes wide. Vincent didn't hesitate before he plunged inside her. She moaned deeply and arched her neck. He reached down and covered her mouth with his, silencing her noises. He had heard Heather and her companion a few doors down. He didn't want any problems for Catherine in the morning.

Vincent began an assault on Catherine's mouth, his tongue mimicking the movements his body was making below. Catherine gripped his shoulders and tossed her head, unused to sensations raging through her body. She was usually more in control of herself and her reactions. Vincent didn't allow her that.

Vincent's repeated thrusts bordered on the edge of pleasure-pain. Catherine reached back and grabbed hold of two of the decorative wooden dowels carved into her headboard. She needed an anchor. She wasn't prepared for Vincent's deep and utter possession of her. She gripped the wooden posts so hard that the veins stood out on the inside of her wrists. She moaned and pushed her hips upwards, taking more of him inside her.

Vincent thrust just as Catherine lifted up. He groaned breathily as he felt her pressed so intimately against him. There was no space between their bodies now. He was in her to the hilt. Catherine could feel him touching her deeply inside. He covered one of her hands tightly with his own, as if he needed to hold on to something as well.

Immediately, Vincent set an almost punishing rhythm. He had wanted her for so long that it was hard to control himself now. Having her beneath him, rising to his touch and whispering his name was making him come undone more quickly than he would have thought possible. The feeling of being so deep inside her was indescribable.

Catherine was covered in sweat, both hers and Vincent's. She lifted her hips up and wrapped her legs around his waist. She pulled him closer by linking her ankles behind his lower back and he moaned quietly in response, his eyes closed, his head thrown back.

The pace increased until Catherine thought her heart would stop beating. The only sounds in the room were their deep and heavy breaths. Mindful of the fact that Heather and her latest boy toy were just down the hall, they held in their noisier exclamations of joy. Catherine bit her lip to stop from calling out as Vincent swivelled his hips abruptly, changing the rhythm and hitting one of her more sensitive pleasure spots. She returned the favour by clenching her inner muscles, drawing him deeper inside. He lowered his head and sunk his teeth into her neck in order to stifle his deep groan. Catherine gasped in pleasure and reared up, her eyes rolling back.

Vincent thrust deeply several more times before Catherine arched her back in surrender. She moaned low in her throat and shook as her climax washed over her. Vincent plunged into her one last time before succumbing to his own finish. He swallowed his cries as he came in order to stay quiet. He whispered her name before collapsing on her.

Catherine's legs were still wrapped around his back. She let go of her headboard and held on to Vincent tightly, her hands idly tracing soothing circles onto his broad back. They were both breathing harshly. Catherine looked up into his eyes and saw them shimmering with gold as he looked at her. She pressed a soft kiss to his lips and smoothed a wayward lock of his hair off of his forehead.

Vincent closed his eyes and let his head fall to her chest. He enjoyed a peaceful moment of belonging. He sighed in happiness. "I love you."

"I love you, Vincent," Catherine replied, earnestly.

Vincent pulled out of her and shifted his weight off of her. He settled onto the bed next to her and gathered her against his side. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. Catherine put her head on his chest and draped one leg over his. She could hear his heart beating steadily beneath her ear. She placed a soft hand on his chest and quickly fell asleep.

He looked down at Catherine, her body relaxed in sleep. He was the luckiest man alive to have someone who accepted him unconditionally for who he was. He smiled and kissed her gently on the forehead. She smiled in her sleep and shifted even closer to him.

"Forever," he promised, whisper quiet.

"That's not long enough," she replied sleepily, unexpectedly. Vincent's resulting grin could have lit up a city block. He tightened his arms fractionally and tumbled into sleep with a smile on his lips.

A/N – Happy Monday, all. Hope this brightened your day. Don't forget to keep reading and reviewing. You are the best! xA