I revised a few things and edited it to make more sense, sorry for trouble…enjoy.

Chapter 3 and 4 now

Her eyes opened slowly, unfocused as she tried to sit up, her head aching making her sit back down. Grabbing at her throbbing temple, she gasped at the way her stomach rolled, hot bile rising in her throat as she quickly made her way to the corner. Her stomach muscles heaved in agony as she lost what little she had left in her stomach. Rolling onto her back, she stared up at the dark stone above her a moment before she realized there were bars to her right. Slowly rolling to sit, she groaned at the pain that radiated her body, gripping her side as fire laced through her veins.

Clenching her teeth, she managed to stand slowly. Tilting her head down, she swore as she took in the various cuts and bruises that covered her arms. Licking her lips brought the taste of blood and suddenly it occurred to her mind that she couldn't remember how she had gotten here.

She practically hopped from one stand to the next her eyes taking in all the different items the merchants displayed. She could feel him come up behind her ignoring him as she continued to look.

"You gonna be alright here?"

She snorted. "Seriously?" She heard him chuckle behind her. "You knew I wouldn't stay on the ship. And…you won't let me go with you." She shrugged in annoyance, her eyes once again turning from his.

"Be back, stay close." He growled out before he moved past her.

She nodded as she felt him walk away into the crowd.

She was brought to attention as someone banged on the bars startling her.

"Wakey wakey, my beauty." Thalius stated harshly.

She glared at the man that stood before her, his dirty appearance only adding to the displeasure her eyes had to endure along with her nose. "Bathe much?"

"That an invitation?"

She didn't answer him as she continued to meet his gaze. "Where am I?"

"Don't remember?" He grinned. "Shame." He watched her look around her surroundings. "Don't bother, there's no way out."

"There is always a way out." Her voice was smooth and solid though she didn't feel the same way.

He smiled. "Not this time." He leaned against the bars. "You can't get out of here…and this time there's no Riddick to save you."

"He'll come."

"Kinda hard to do when he's no longer able."

"Meaning?" Her eyes narrowed.

He snorted. "He's gone girly."

'He left?'

He seemed to read her expression. "Can't come save you if he's dead." He waited for her response.

She clenched her fists as he drew closer. "Liar."

He grinned, grabbing the bars, as he stared down at her. "He's not coming. We got him good this time." Without another word he threw something down in front of her.

It took her eyes a moment to adjust in the dim cell. She felt her body trembling slightly when she gazed upon a bloody pair of goggles. She could hear his laughter as he left the room, her blood boiling as she stood carefully.

Her body moved without her knowledge as she took down the two behind her, feeling an intense pain radiate throughout her stomach as another kicked her. Her arms were grabbed from behind as she lowered to flip them over her head. Diving away from them, she could feel the sharp sting from the loose gravel hitting her everywhere but she didn't care.

Snapping out of it, she shook her head as she pulled the blade out of her mouth, grinning slightly when she realized they never checked for it. Reaching out for a piece of loose metal, she ground down the edge to a fine point as she rushed over to the bars. With a sigh of relief she noticed that the cell was an older version. It was possible she was the first to be kept here in centuries; the metal bars were old and rusted toward the bottom. It took her less than a second to pry out the pins holding the lower half of the cell.

Gripping the blade in her hand, she slid through, feeling the metal tear at the tender skin at her shoulder. She barely felt the warm blood trailing down her back as she hurried out of there only to find herself in thicker trouble than before.

Thalius grinned harshly before he backhanded her sending her into the nearest wall, her head smacking against the hard surface. "Did you think we would make it that easy for you?" He stepped forward, a sharp blade flashing in the dim hall. Grabbing her hair, he brought her back against his body, breathing her in. "Delectable, I plan on having a taste." He ripped the shirt from her body as she pushed away from him tripping over her own feet.

Crawling backwards, she fought to find the blade that had disappeared.

"Riddick's little whore." He grinned. "You'll forget him soon." His head snapped back with the impact of her boot and with a roar of rage, he brought down the knife as she rolled from him, the blade carving across soft flesh.

Biting her lip, she forced herself to stand as she ran from them, the burning in her thigh causing her to stumble against the wall as her eyes focused on a small garbage shoot.

She hesitated for a moment before diving down the shoot landing on her feet as she rolled across the floor, groaning out at the pain in her body from the impact, blood flowing around her making her dizzy.

The sounds of equipment falling to the floor echoed around the room. Jack backed up, her body hitting the wall behind her as the four men approached her. She darted to the side, feeling an around wrap around her to throw her against the wall, the jagged stones cutting into the skin at her arms. Her adrenaline was pumping as she pushed her way around them, her elbow reaching back to break the nose of someone standing behind her. A hard object fell over her head, making her crumble to the dirty floor. Her vision was clouding and shaking her head, she felt them pull her backwards, and two men holding her arms above her head as a third spread her legs. "Bastards."

They laughed as they held her down, their dirty hands pawing at her aching side. She cried out as she kicked the man below her, sending him flying across the room. A knife slashed her across her arm and bringing her legs up over her head, she kicked another. Rolling onto her wounded side, she ignored the pain as she headed for the door, only to feel her legs buck out from under her.

Her nails dug at the floor as she was dragged backwards, kicking up her heel to hear a grunt behind her.

"Little bitch!" Hard hands grabbed her, flipping her onto her back before splitting pain spread through her face.

Reaching up she wiped the blood from her lips, fire returning to her green eyes as she spit it up at him before receiving another blow causing her head to fall back hard against the floor. Her vision blurred as she felt a body settling over her, her ears picking up muffled screams as the lights went out, everything fading before a familiar feeling filled her senses. Her body calmed instantly as she found herself reaching out for the arms she hoped would never leave her.

***

The hot water fell around her body, the air around her full of steam and she could see the dark flush on her skin from the temperature but she shivered despite the heat. There was a chill so deep inside she couldn't get warm and as her eyes started at the wall in front of her, she was unable to see it. Her palms rose to press against the wall, her head tilting up toward the water, loving the feel of it running over her scalp, down her back, the cuts and scraps stinging with the spray, all in the distance.

A soft knock sounded at the door, her eyes opening to glance toward it. With a sigh she turned the water off, lowering her body to the floor, her arms wrapping around the knees pushed against her chest. The wound in her thigh making her hiss out in pain, the gash in her shoulder all but forgotten.

Another knock sounded but she found it hard to move from the floor. What was wrong with her? Hearing the door open caused her to open her eyes as she raised her head a fraction to peer through the glass. Seeing Riddick peering cautiously around the door, his eyes to the floor caused her to smirk. "I'm okay." Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

He grabbed a towel, his eyes glancing to her slowly, and the look in her eyes scaring him slightly. "What is it?" This woman who he thought was hard as nails was cowered on the floor and he had no idea why. When she shook her head slowly and gave a shrug, he grabbed a large fluffy towel, heading toward the shower.

Her tired green eyes met his before reaching up to grab the wall, rising slowly. Her fingers running over his cheek as if to convince herself he was really there. His eyes remained on her face, her eyes, refusing to lower. He reached out to wrap the towel around her shivering form, pulling her into his arms as he walked out, careful of her injuries. Heading down the hall, he kicked open the door to his room to lay her down on the soft bedding, pulling another blanket over her. Straightening, he turned to move, but felt a hand close around his wrist.

"Stay."

Without a word, he moved to the other side of the bed, to slide in behind her. Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her to him, hearing her breath even out. Feeling the tension leave her body, he buried his face in her wet hair, taking in her scent as his eyes closed.

***

The flowers with the purple petals caught her eyes as she made her way toward the grassy area beside the fountain. A sparkle off to her right caught her attention, a small metal object sticking out of the ground. Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, she reached down to pull out the half circled blade. It was stuck into another rougher piece of metal and both were junk, but what caught her eyes was the small delicate design etched into the outer blade…

She woke to something running over the side of her neck and opening her eyes, she drew her brows together at the unfamiliar surroundings around her. Feeling the warmth pressed against her back she started to remember the events of the night before. With a small lazy smile, she realized it was him who was running a finger over the tattoo on her neck. "The Ruffians."

"Hmm?"

"The symbol. An Alanaee from the Outcasts, the Ruffians. Means outsider and the one below is courage, strength."

"When?"

"Two months after you left." She reached up toward her neck, grabbing at the piece of metal that hung from a chain. It was a circular blade piece that had been smoothed flat at the edges and wrapped in a protective coating.

His thumb ran over the etched mark quietly.

"I didn't know where I belonged. Needed something to hold onto."

"I'm sorry."
She gave a soft smile. "You did what you thought you had to do. I understand that now. You came back when it mattered. You saved me…again." The intensity of her gaze disturbed him, making him roll away from the warmth of her body. Standing, he tucked the blanket around her and headed toward the bathroom, feeling her eyes on his back.

When he returned she was no where to be seen, the room cold without her presence and as he turned to leave the room his eyes noticed something sticking out of the bottom of the mattress. Reaching out he grabbed the book and flipped it open his eyes taking in the words, the writing familiar…

When she was younger, she stood staring at the door .Waiting for the day, that she knew would surely come. Tied bows in her hair. Dressed as she thought you'd like. But as time ticked away, Promises fade one by one.

And now she's all grown. Made it through on her own. Now strong enough to see, you've been where you want to be.

No longer dying inside, I will not let you define, Everything that I am, By the one thing I don't have, Because I'm more than that. I will not be made to hide,
these tears wont fall for you this time. I will not be ashamed of my name, Anymore.

Sometimes she wonders. Imagines what you're like. The emptiness inside, that made you miss her life. The oceans widen, with all your silence. Leaves her day dreams behind. Childish fantasies unwind.

And now she knows, you're not coming home. Takes the bows from her hair, Cause she's been waiting seven years.

No longer dying inside, I will not let you define, Everything that I am, By the one thing I don't have, Because I'm more than that. I will not be made to hide, these tears wont fall for you this time. I will not be ashamed of my name, Anymore.

Jacqueline

He stiffened, the journal almost dropping from his hands, feeling her presence behind him

"They told me you were dead."

He was silent for a moment as his eyes closed. "I know." He turned to her but she had already gone.

***

'The sounds of equipment falling to the floor echoed around the room. Jack backed up, her body hitting the wall behind her as the four men approached her. She darted to the side, feeling an around wrap around her to throw her against the wall, the jagged stones cutting into the skin at her arms. Her adrenaline was pumping as she pushed her way around them, her elbow reaching back to break the nose of someone standing behind her. A hard object fell over her head, making her crumble to the dirty floor. Her vision was clouding and shaking her head, she felt them pull her backwards, and two men holding her arms above her head as a third spread her legs. "Bastards."

They laughed as they held her down, their dirty hands pawing at her aching side. She cried out as she kicked the man below her, sending him flying across the room. A knife slashed her across her thigh and bringing her legs up over her head, she kicked another. Rolling onto her wounded side, she ignored the pain as she headed for the door, only to feel her legs buck out from under her...

A soft cry fell from her mouth as she leapt out of bed, her back smashing against the desk that sat next to her bed. As it fell over, so did she, a terrible ache spreading across her already throbbing side. Rolling off the desk, she braced herself on her elbows and pushed up from the floor, the pain causing her to silence a yelp, her teeth clenched tightly. Without a thought her eyes flicked to the door, wondering if he heard the noise. His room was down the hall but since Lanorian, he spent his time in the control room and she didn't want to disturb him anymore than she already had.

After a moment, she let out a breath. If he wasn't here now he wouldn't be. "Lights thirty percent." Turning her attention back to getting back to the bed, she finally managed to roll onto her back. Her fingers absently ran over her side, feeling the skin and bones, letting out a breath of relief when the bones didn't appear broken. 'Three bruised ribs was enough, don't need a broken one.' Kicking at the table, she managed to get the small drawer open; her feet pushing the wrap roll toward her. Gripping it, she threw it onto the bed and bit her tongue as she pushed and pulled her way onto the mattress.

Pulling the shirt over her head, she looked down; the dark signs of a bruise visible even in the dim lights. "Shit." With a sigh, she began to wrap her ribs, the tight pull making her cry out softly. Knowing it was a lost cause, she threw the wrap across the room.

Closing her eyes she remembered another time and wrapping. A time when she thought she could pretend. Pretend to be something she wasn't and the person who noticed was the only one who could.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, she carefully rolled out of bed and headed to get something to eat, throwing the shirt back over her head as she left. Heading out into the corridor she found it to be quiet and empty, her bare feet padding softly down the hall.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted him heading down ladder, toward the belly of the ship. Her feet followed without her control and dropping down, she managed to barely erase the look of pain from her face as he turned to her.

"What?"

"Aren't we in a good mood?"

He sighed. "Jack." A warning that his mood was far from friendly.

"Can't I say good morning without you getting your panties in a bunch?" She grinned softly.

"What do you want?" His voice was softer, yet still had a touch of irritation. After a moment. "You should be resting."

"I've slept for three days already." She moved to the right, forgetting her side and visibly wincing, hoping he didn't notice.

He did. "Go to bed Jack."

"I'm fine." She mistakenly rubbed at her aching side, wrong side that she was hurt last time and he noticed, again. She flinched when he pulled up her shirt swiftly, his eyes taking in the bruising. She refused to meet his eyes as she looked around the small room.

"What happened?"

She shrugged. "Same as before."
"Bullshit, that was the left side, Jack." He pushed her gently back against the railing, his fingers pressing against her ribs. "Anything broken?"

"No." She grabbed the edge of her shirt and pulled away only to find he had her trapped.

"What happened?" He asked gently this time.

"I fell…" She stopped, her eyes started to sting and she hated herself for her weakness.

"When?"

"Just now."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want a lecture."

"You wouldn't have gotten one but you sure as hell will. How?"

She found her breath getting short as she felt his fingertips running over her side softly, almost caressing and she was sure he wasn't even aware of it. "I had…a dream."
He nodded and took a step back, his fingertips tingling at the feel of her. "And?"

"I woke up…fell on my nightstand."

"Shit, Jack."

"I know."

He swore softly as he let out a breath, turning away from her, wanting to hit something. "Okay." He stopped moving, still not turning. "Go rest."

"I'm not tired." Her eyes lowered to the floor.

"Please Jack." His normally booming voice was so low.

Her head whipped up at his soft reply.

---

"No not yours….. "Hers."

---

"How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"About me. On T2."

"Just did. Now go."

"But how?"

"I'm busy."

She turned, grabbing the ladder, only to turn, leaning against the metal rail. "How Riddick?"

He moved forward, inches from her back, his mouth near her neck. "I could smell it."

"The blood?"

"No."

She was confused. "Tell me."

"Not that hard, Jack. You didn't smell like a boy."

Her heart threatened to beat out of her chest as she closed her eyes, feeling his warm breath caress her tender neck. "You're…" She stopped.

His instincts screamed at him as he pressed his body against her form, feeling her heat against his skin. "You fooled the eyes Jack, but there are other senses."

She swallowed, fighting the urge to lean back against him. Something was wrong here, her body started to shake. "How long did you know?"

He grinned. "Since I saw you." He inhaled her unique scent, it was the same as it was then, only stronger. It was getting harder and harder to resist her, to control those animal instincts that were such a strong part of him. "Go rest, Jack." 'The longer you stay here, the more I want to devour you."

She turned her head slightly to look back at him, the expression in his face causing her heart to beat faster. Nodding she headed up the ladder, her body rubbing against his, her teeth biting down on her lip to silence the groan before it was heard. As she headed toward her room, one thing kept running through her mind. Something had changed.

***

She could hear him grumbling the next day as he moved from one area of the room to another. "Problems?" She scooped another spoon full of her food, her eyes watching him in amusement.

"No."

"What are you looking for?" She saw him throw a look over his shoulder. "Don't look at me like that I was just helping." She grinned as she spooned up a large portion of her food and flung it at him, never expecting it to actually hit him but as it smacked into the back of his neck, she couldn't contain the howl of laughter.

It was seconds before she saw him heading her way and bolted over the table heading toward the door, feeling the flash of pain in her side, only to be caught up in his arms pulled back toward him but not touching him. His warm breath at her neck caused her to hold back a shiver.

"Not a smart thing to do."

"Oh yeah." She bit her lip to keep from laughing only to grunt as he wiped the sticky food over her cheek, down her neck. "Real nice, Riddick." She pushed herself out of his grip and whirled around to hit him in the face only to have her hand caught mid strike.

"Stop." His voice was firm but she refused to hear the warning underneath.

"Or what?" She tried it again with the same results and now both of her wrists were caught up in his grasp.

He pulled her to him, internally groaning as her body met his. 'Down boy, this is Jack. Remember the twelve year old in goggles.' Try as he might, his mind refused to allow him to relax and feeling himself respond to her nearness, he pushed her away to grab a glass. Dipping it under the sprayer, he downed it in on gulp and laid the glass down. 'I need a real drink. ' It was too close a call on the planet and he couldn't shake the feelings it stirred within him. She was more fragile than he thought. 'Maybe I should find somewhere safe and stay away from her.'

"You need a shave." Her voice penetrated his thoughts.

"No kidding."

She stepped up to his back and pulled out the knife, watching his body stiffen at the sound. Bringing it into view she held it out for him. "Still sharp."

"Later." He brushed past her and headed out.

She followed as he headed toward his room, pausing to grab a bowl with water and soap. Stopped at the door as he entered, she leaned against the frame, watching him. Fingering the sharp edge in her hand, she waited till he was ready to notice her.

"What?"

She pointed to his head. "Shave."

"Now?"

"Got something better to do?" She walked in, pushing him to sit at the edge of the bed as she climbed on behind him, rising to her knees as she set down the bowl and readied the foamy soap, rubbing it over the top of his head, surprised he was letting her do this in the first place. Bringing the blade up, she could feel him tense and moved closer to his body, telling herself it was to get a better view. Lowering his goggles, she pulled them up and over his head. "Lights are low."

"I know." He tensed as he felt the cold blade touch his skin, closing his eyes as it moved along the top, sides, back.

It took her only a few minutes to remove the hair and when she did, she rubbed it clean with her hand, bending forward to place a soft kiss there. Feeling him tense she lowered to move beside him, one leg on the floor, one bent knee on the bed. "Why are you afraid to be touched Riddick?"

His eyes met hers. "Thanks for the shave." He ran his hands over the smooth skin, feeling much better.

"Answer me."

Her eyes were serious as he met her gaze, her green eyes probed into his. "I'm not. Trust me."

"So it's just me then?" Her gaze lowered to the knife, cleaning off the foam with the leg of her pants.

He reached out to tilt her head up. "I'm not afraid of you."

"But you won't let me near you. Why?"

"I have my reasons."

"I want my friend back. The way things were before."

"Things change."

"No kidding." She sighed as her eyes moved around the darkened room. "You don't trust me." Once again her face was pulled to his gaze.

"There are only two people I trust."

"Not me."

"You're looking at one and the other is someone that…." His gaze softened. "...got to me."

She sat silent and intent as he continued.

"I trust you kid, but I don't trust myself when I'm around you." There he said it.

"Why?"

'Because I want to fucking ravish you.' Her eyes were so open, the old pain shining through so clear, calming the beast. Reaching out he hooked a finger under her chin, leaning forward to brush his lips against hers so softly before pulling back. "That's why." He stood and walked out of the room.

She ran a finger over her trembling lips, feeling them tingling softly before rising to follow him. Meeting him at the door to the cockpit, she moved forward, quickly sliding in front of him stopping his progress. She placed a hand on his chest as she met his gaze, the goggles now in place. "Take them off, please." Surprised when he did, she stood higher to slide a hand up around his shoulder to the back of his neck. Bringing her lips to his, she was taken back when his closed over hers hungrily, soon feeling his arms wrap around her back as her body was held against his. Her breathing hitched as she opened her mouth to him, her tongue meeting his as they both fought for control.

Suddenly she was pushed away and through her heated gaze, she could see him taking a seat at the control station, not looking at her. She gave half a thought to leaving him alone but knew what would happen if she did, he would just shut her out again. Shaking her head, she moved to the chair, grabbing the papers out of his hands and tossing them behind her as she climbed up onto his lap wrapping her arms around him as her head lowered to his chest. "Hold me Riddick."

He battled within himself knowing he should never have tasted her knowing there would be no going back. 'Shit, now what.' Wrapping his arms around her, he gave in to this moment; he would do something about it later.

***
It took a while for the familiar ache to spread through her body, the cuts still tender, the bruises fading slowly day by day. It was unfortunate that her mind had begun to wake, thoughts already making it difficult to fall back to sleep. One particular standing out above the rest. 'I kissed Riddick.' Sitting up at the thought, her dark curls falling across her forehead and cheek. Her green eyes peered toward the door as a weird feeling came over her. 'What will he do?' Sliding her bare legs out of the bed, she threw a long shirt over that fell to mid thigh, slowly making her way to the door, stopping to place a palm on it.

Jack wasn't scared of anything; the dark planet had made sure of it. Anyone who could survive that could handle anything. Even in the hell hole place those pigs held her in didn't scare her, she knew he would come for her. She trusted him with her life. Then why was it so hard to open the door? 'He kissed you back.' Her voice screamed at her, but it didn't mean that she wasn't apprehensive about how he would react.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, scanning the hall to find it empty. The door to the cockpit was open, the lights from the console shining bright in the dark room. He wouldn't still be sleeping, he never slept.

Bypassing his room she continued down the hall, nearing the gym and hearing noises. Stopping outside, she could see him going through a series of drills, his muscles flexing with a light sheen of sweat covering his exposed chest. The room was a dark shadow of light, his goggles off. After a moment he turned to meet her eyes before returning to his workout.

Leaning against the doorframe, she watched him, her pulse thudding through her veins and she was sure he could hear how hard her heart was pounding. His movements were a blur as he moved through the motions, ending with a killing blow to his invisible opponent. She remained quiet through the whole thing, coming back to reality when he was done and began to head her way.

There was no expression on his face and he didn't appear to be out of breath as he walked past her. Reaching out, her fingers grazed down his arm to trail down his palm, making him pause.

Her eyes couldn't meet his, instead staring at the floor.

He sighed as her soft green eyes finally met his briefly before she had turned away once more. 'What are you doing to me, Jack?' Her thighs were bare; his eyes eating them up hungrily making him close his eyes, his control slipping.

"Been busy?" She finally got out. 'Go ahead lie to me.'

"No."

Removing her hand, she stepped away moving down the hall, a part of her upset when she didn't hear him follow and another relieved. When she reached the kitchen, she stopped to turn quickly, gasping when she ran into a hard body. Looking up she rolled her eyes. "Stop that." She turned to enter the room but was pulled around and into his arms as he wrapped them around her, her body going limp as she laid her head on his chest.

"You were sleeping." He was finding it hard to stay away from holding her, a part of him raging against the thought of such emotion.

She felt light headed as she tried to break out of his hold but found it was too strong. "Let me go."

"That's the problem." He loosened his hold a bit, letting her look up at him. "Haven't since that nightmare."

She shivered in memory of that dark place turning away to stare into the shadows. Feeling her chin tilted up, she couldn't meet his eyes, and as if sensing the conflicting emotions running through her, he let her go, giving her space.

Her breathing bordered on panic as she took a few steps back, to lean against the doorway. "You know I never did let you go."

"Makes two of us." He remained where he was.

She glanced toward the doorway behind her. "I'm gonna…" She pointed toward the kitchen. "Uh..."

"Lunch?" He grinned slowly, almost cautiously as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Yeah." With a shrug she headed off.

He watched her walk away, giving her a head start as his mind worked through her reactions.

She sensed rather than heard him come in behind her, and somehow she found it hard to breath. Closing her eyes, her fingers gripped the edge of the counter before she felt warm hands cover her own. She shivered as even warmer breath fell across her neck before soft lips created a burning trail down to her shoulder.

"You're afraid." It wasn't a question but rather a statement.

She didn't deny it as she let out a breath.

"Why?"

She turned in his arms slowly, her green eyes serious as she met his. "Because I know it's only a matter of time before you leave again…and this time I won't survive." Her green stung but she refused to give into the pain, not in front of him.

He took a step back, distancing himself from the tension that radiated off her body in waves. No one had ever affected him the way she did. Even at eleven she had him wrapped around her finger. He was fused to her so close it scared him. A thousand things to tell her came to mind but for some reason he couldn't lie to her. "I can't promise what I have no control over."

"Riddick." It was in that one word that he could hear the pain that laced every letter, threatening to unravel the strongest part of him.

He wrapped his fingers over one of her hands and brought it up to his chest, flattening the palm against his heart. "Feel that?" At her silence he continued. "This beats because of you."

She blinked. 'Did he just…' Her eyes met his in confusion.

"I love you Jack."

Her breath came out in a rush and there was no holding back the tears as they rolled down her cheeks. She somehow found the power to meet his gaze once more and what she saw dropped the last layer of her fear. His expression was warm, tender, and completely open. She never thought she would ever see him look so vulnerable but that was exactly what was happening. "I've always loved you. Riddick."

Pulling her into his arms, he held her as her body started to shake.

***

The sounds were all around her, she could feel them above her, around her, beside her. The only thing keeping her from them was the small lights that were wrapped around her body. She knew the others were scared and as they ran she tried to shut off her mind, closing her eyes as she focused on moving faster. Her feet flew out from under as she fell over a rock, her arms braced out as she took in ragged breaths. The hair at the back of her neck rose as she felt something behind her, felt the invisible eyes at her back as she reached down inside to pull out everything she had. Gaining feeling in her legs, she jolted up and toward them, the lights brighter, keeping the creatures at bay…for awhile.

Her body shot upwards, her hand reaching out for something that was no longer there. Green, wide eyes darted around the room, brows drawn together in confusion, trying to peer through the darkness. Pushing back sweaty, tangled locks from her face, feeling her heart rate slow, she tried to regulate her breathing but felt it was a losing battle as the fear refused to leave her consciousness. Throwing the blanket from her body, she swung her legs out of the bed and padded toward the door. Her mind refused to erase the pictures from her dream and only one thing would help.

Stopping at his door, she braced her sweaty palms against the panel and pushed it open, her ears picking up the light sound of his breathing. Heading toward the left side of the bed, she stopped to reach out toward him, when a hand darted out to grab her wrist, pulling her down as a warm body was rolled over her own. Her breath was rushed out in a huff as her back hit the mattress.

His eyes glowed in the darkness as he glared down at her, his mind still asleep. It took him less than a second to realize who he had pinned beneath him. "Jack?" He released the hold he held on her wrists, bracing his weight on his elbows. "You okay?"

"Yeah…I just..." She paused, her mind suddenly wide awake as she focused on the feel of him above her. The feeling of his form and the heat his body generated against her own caused her head to spin.

He mistook her hesitation for something else as he began to pull away. "What is it?"

"I can still hear them, feel them all around me. They are waiting, waiting for the light to go out…just a few more minutes."

He didn't have to ask because he could see it; remember their cries as they followed them on that dark night so long ago. Brought back to reality as he felt her palm against his cheek, his eyes met hers.
"It's like it happened yesterday. It'll never go away will it?"

"No." He wouldn't lie. "..it won't." He still saw them in his own dreams.

"I was waiting, waiting for that light to go out, knew you weren't coming back. I was ready to give up."

"I…" A finger across his lips silenced him.

"I know…" She paused. "I know you had no intention of coming back and I don't hate you for it. We were nothing to you why should you risk your life for ours…for hers."

"I didn't know you then…I was a different person then."

"I know."

Her eyes were so full of sorrow, of regret that it hurt to look at her. Lowering, he brought his lips to hers softly, almost gently, as if he was afraid she would break. Feeling her hand caressing the back of his neck, he gave in, opening his mouth against hers. Her body molded to his perfectly as if she were made for him.

Her knee bent and rose to rub against his side, her hips pushing up against his as his mouth trailed down her neck. He gave into the feel of her body as it moved against his, his hand grazing her waist to lie against her side, fingers running over the sensitive skin on her hip. He would make the monsters go away; make her never fear the dark again as long as he was there.

She sucked in a breath as his hand trailed up under her tank, palm covering her breast, her body instantly reacting to him. His mouth never stopped as he nipped and sucked at her neck, moving down to her collar bone even as his hand continued to drive her crazy. "Riddick," she breathed out breathlessly.

He could hear everything in that one word and he knew then that he would never leave her side.

She cried out as his mouth lowered to her breast, his lips and teeth pulling at her hardened nipple even through the fabric. "Yes." She arched up against him, her body on fire as he made her forget. Her shirt was raised, his mouth relentless as he switched from one breast to the other, her eyes closed as her head was thrown back.

His hand lowered to reach down under the band of her shorts, groaning at the liquid head that met his fingers. As her hips bucked against his hand, he shivered against her mouth.

"Please."

Pulling the fabric down her legs, he lowered his body to hers, their hips meshed together as they gave way to the feeling. Feeling her hands at his shorts, he helped her lower them to the floor, pulling the shirt over her head as her legs wrapped around his waist.

"Please."

"Jack." He was suddenly afraid, the reality of the situation hitting him like a wall, and hitting him hard. This would change everything.

"Please."

He could never deny her anything and as he carefully slid into her heat, watching her eyes close, he knew he would do anything for her, give up anything, even his life. As they joined, they both sighed, their bodies moving against each other, arms wrapped around each other, their hearts both beating frantically and in the same rhythm.

***

The darkness met her as she opened her eyes, her body shivering from the cold, and reaching back, she grabbed for the blanket, only to touch a warm body beneath her. Her mind snapped to panic as she sat up and turned to him. As her eyes adjusted somewhat, she took a deep breath. When he stirred, she bolted from the bed, grabbing a blanket as she did to wrap it around herself.

"Jack, what are you doing?"

"Riddick?"

"Yeah." He sat up, reaching out to pull her toward the bed, only to pull harder when she resisted. When he had her back beside him, he wrapped an arm around her to keep her from running. "Tell me."

"I panicked."

"Why?"

She shook her head, closing her eyes to feel a single tear run down her cheek. Wiping it away angrily, she tried to get up but his grip wouldn't allow it. "Let me go."

"No."

"Please."
"No."
"Riddick."

He could sense the panic threatening to consume her and let her up, smirking as she threw on her clothes before hurrying out the door.

Giving her a moment to get a head start, he threw on a pair of pants and followed. Heading straight for the gym, his ears picked up the loud music from the hall and paused as he heard the equipment pounding together.

Opening the door, he leaned against the wall, watching as she tried to wear herself out.

Spotting him, she met his gaze, her body flaming with heat as she remembered the night before, his hands, his mouth. Closing her eyes she shook it off and continued her attention on the bag. It was all in vain as she felt him right behind her, his mouth at her ear, his warm breath falling on her neck causing her to shudder.

"What are you doing?"

She didn't answer as she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist to pull her back against him.

"Stop." He breathed in her scent loving the fact that his was all over her. She was his and he'd be patient and wait for her to realize it too.

But she knew, had always known. Part of her would always be his. "It just…hit me fast."
"Yeah." His mouth found her ear his tongue tracing her lobe.

She sucked in a quick breath as fire filled her blood.

"Don't fight it." He turned her around to push her against the nearest wall, pulling her arms over her head, holding her wrists in his hand as his other tilted her head up to his, his mouth finding her sweet lips.

Her head swam as his scent filled her head, his hand caressing the skin at her lower back.

"You want me?"

Silence.

He grinned as he nibbled along her bottom lip, his hand lowering to grab a hold of her ass to push her hips against his. Hearing her moan into his mouth made him clench his jaw with the sensations having her close caused. "Tell me." At more silence, he changed tactics and ripped the shirt from her body giving her no time to adjust as his mouth covered her aching breast, hearing her gasp above him, her body bowing against him.

"Please."

He paused. "Hmm."
She growled when he bit at the edge of her jaw and he found he liked that, making her do it again. "Tell me." He stopped all movement and pulled away watching her slump against the wall.

"Bastard."

"Yes." He waited.

She ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Yes," she yelled only to close her eyes. "I want you Riddick." His body was against hers once more. "Oh how I want you."

"Good." His mouth covered hers once more silencing her cries.

Her leg rose to wrap around him, pulling him closer as his hips rammed against hers. The feel of him caused made her light headed, his mouth everywhere at once. Feeling her wrists released, she pulled his mouth to hers.

He lifted her body to his as he turned and lowered them to the matted floor, his body hovering over hers for an instance before he was pulled down against her.

Her fingers trailed over his back, around his waist, to slide into the front of his pants, wrapping around his hard length and pumping slowly. Hearing him growl above her she rolled them over, straddling his waist. She gasped as her shorts were torn from her body, her hands unbuckling him. When he pushed his pants out of the way, she surprised him by raising her body only to slide down onto him, hearing a groan from deep in his throat as she started to ride him.

His hands gripped her waist, moving with her, his eyes closed at the feel of her. "God Jack." He knew it wouldn't be long, the tight, hot feeling of her was too much for his senses and he felt himself nearing the edge. Throwing his head back he slowed the rhythm wanting it to last. Her muscles clenched him deep within her, making it hard to stay in control.

Her head fell back as her body filled with liquid fire, every nerve tingling. Feeling him slamming into her harder caused her to explode again, her hands lowering to his chest as she shuddered with each movement he made. Her body fell on top of his, their breathing ragged and harsh as they tried to get back control. "Mmm, that was what I was missing." Tilting her hips again, she heard him hiss below her, his hips pushing against her.

"Witch."

She laughed contentedly, feeling his arms rise to wrap around her bare back, pulling her against him.