A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing as always

Chapter 6 – Tainted Love

"It has been so long… he probably will not even care about the past anymore, and I will not let him see that I do not feel the same." Linka told herself as she stepped into the elevator that would take her to her new place of work, and to Wheeler.

"We will laugh about it all and be friends again… and he will never know that I…" She couldn't finish the thought. Admitting her feelings at this point, even to herself, would be her undoing.

They were greeted at the doors by a friendly older man who introduced himself as, "Tom Sawyer, no relation." Linka smiled and shook his hand, letting Reena introduce her, only adding. "I hope you do not mind my coming in today, but I would rather get all of the preliminaries over with so that I can get down to business on Monday."

He looked surprised at her statement, "Why of course, my dear, there's no problem with your coming straight in. Though the rest of your team hasn't arrived yet, but then you know them already. I can introduce you to the British contingent though, and that young American engineer, what's his name?"

Linka could have told him but her throat had gone suddenly dry so it was left to Miss Patel to answer and it was obvious from the slightly warmer tone she used that the man found favour in her eyes. "Jason Wheeler."

"Yes, Yes, that's right." He winked at Linka, "All the young women know his name, oh, speak of the devil."

He looked over her shoulder and the lovely Russian had no doubt what, or rather who, had caught his attention because she had already heard the familiar voice addressing one of his colleagues, but for that moment she was frozen to the spot, unable to turn around.

They never bothered to dress after their lovemaking, preferring instead to snuggle down in the warmth they had created, knowing that they would wake in that same comforting embrace. It was exactly in this manner that Linka awoke the night after the dance. Her body ached a little but it was a not unpleasant reminder of a wonderful evening spent with the man she loved.

He looked peaceful in his sleep, his strong features untroubled by the many responsibilities they shared. His limbs were entwined about her protectively, but ever gentle.

He was right, she thought. This is so simple, uncomplicated, it is perfect. I wish we could stay just like this forever.

Wheeler's breathing deepened and he cuddled into her, nuzzling the top of her head and lowering one hand from her back to pull her more intimately against him.

A smile crept over her lips as she anticipated his return to consciousness. It is lucky we have no where we need to go today, I do not think we will be getting up any time soon...

"I love you." The pitch of his voice, though sleepy, was just right to send a thrill of desire coursing through her and she decided to return the favour.

"Show me." The Russian's heartfelt request brought him fully awake, a soft moan escaping his lips in anticipation.

When the young couple finally made it to the kitchen for a late breakfast there was a newspaper waiting for them on the table.

The headline read:

'NEW US/RUSSIAN ALLIANCE? :

Definite Rise In Global Temperatures Detected At Recent Ecology Event.'

.

It was accompanied by a picture of the two of them from the night before, kissing while they danced.

"Bozhe'moy! One of them got in!" cried Linka, clearly distressed, the happy mood she'd been in quickly dissipating.

Wheeler grimaced at her reaction but gave a shrug, "It was bound to happen sooner or later."

"You are not angry?" she asked cautiously.

The American had his back to her as he gathered his food together but she could hear the smile in his voice. "That I got caught kissing a beautiful woman? Can't think why I would be, especially as she was kissing me back."

Linka laughed, some of her fears receding and she looked back down at the photo, "She does look like she was enjoying it."

Grinning over his shoulder, Wheeler said, "Oh yeah, she was totally into me. And if they think that's hot they should have followed us home."

The blonde blanched, "Do not say things like that, they could not get to Hope Island, could they?"

Wheeler was at her side in a moment, pulling her into his arms and pressing his lips to her temple, "No Babe, of course not, I wouldn't have said it if it was possible." He kissed her mouth softly, "I was just trying to tell you how amazing you are."

Relaxing against her boyfriend Linka sighed, "I am sorry, it is just that I cannot help feeling that some things should remain private."

"I agree," Wheeler replied quietly against her ear, and then picked up the paper, "This isn't too bad though, right?"

Linka smiled up at him, "Nyet, that is ok."

"Do you have the original plans?" Gi asked, taking a sip from her drink as she and Linka poured over the Russian's laptop.

Wheeler sighed but carried on eating his breakfast at the table beside them. The girls didn't notice.

"Da, but it was on a CD," Linka frowned in concentration as she checked her files, "I think it is in my desk, I will get it in a minute, I want to double check these figures first."

The American smiled fondly and stood up, putting his plate in the sink as he said, "I'll get if for you Babe, I'm done anyway."

She flashed him a quick smile, "Thank you Lyubov, it should be in the top drawer, it is labelled."

He disappeared out the door and it was a few minutes later that Gi commented, "If he takes any longer he can have lunch when he gets back."

Linka laughed, "Do not be silly, even I know it has not been that long, and I miss him like crazy when he is not around."

Her Asian friend laughed, "I just meant that it's gone eleven thirty already, nearly lunchtime, but then what do you expect when you stay in bed all morning."

She'd said that last in a joking manner but the way Linka visibly paled had her apologising. "I was only teasing, I think it's great that the two of you are so wrapped up in each other. Linka?"

The Wind Planeteer had risen from her seat and fled from the room before she could finish her sentence.

I forgot about the 11:30 call…how could I forget? When Linka reached her cabin she found Wheeler sitting on the edge of her bed, his face unreadable and her presidential mobile in his hand.

She stopped dead, her face losing what little colour it had left.

"Too late." he said, his voice colder than she had ever heard it.

Linka swallowed, "It is not like you are thinking."

"Spare me." He threw her the phone and stared at her with hard, unforgiving eyes. "The president would like you to know that he is very pleased with the pictures this morning and how everything is developing. He 'suggests' a romantic weekend and promises that the photographer won't get in the way."

Tears started in her eyes, "Yankee you have to listen..."

"Listen?!" he stood up and pushed passed her, "I can't even be around you right now!"

Guilt rose within her causing her tears to spill over and preventing her from following him.

"Linka?" Gi looked horrified, she'd followed her friend but had only been in time to see Wheeler leave. "What happened?"

The lovely blond shook her head, "He will never forgive me."

Wheeler wasn't to be found until dinner time and then he picked at his food, answering questions in words of one syllable and sitting as far away from Linka as possible.

Linka too was unusually reserved and ate little, and despite her private resolution to hide her feelings when they were with the others she couldn't stop herself from sneaking glances in his direction. He didn't once look at her.

After what felt like an interminable dinner, Wheeler excused himself and headed for his room. Trying to still the panic in her heart, Linka followed.

"Yankee, please, we have to talk." she called out, catching up and placing herself in front of him, forcing him to stop.

"There's nothing to talk about." His voice was still controlled but she could see the anger in his eyes.

"I am sorry," she told him, "I know it looks bad. I made a mistake, but that does not mean we cannot get past this. Together."

He didn't say anything so she moved closer. "It works between us Jason, you know it does. Please do not give up on us, on me."

Wheeler looked down and swallowed but didn't move away so she closed the remaining distance between them and raised her lips to his, then whispered against them. "I will do whatever it takes to fix this Yankee, it will be just as you want it to be, I promise I will make it up to you. We can start again, forget it ever happened, all that matters is that we are together."

She kissed him again and this time he gathered her up in his arms and returned the embrace like a drowning man fighting for air. Linka sobbed and threw her arms up around his neck, and when they broke for air he scooped her into his arms and carried her to her cabin.