2 months later

Ruth

I'm on the roof of Thames House, leaning against the railing and looking over the city I love. It's cold. Much colder than I thought before leaving the grid. I left my scarf and gloves inside and I'm reluctant to go back at get them. I've been on the grid for a good twelve hours, working the overnight shift which somehow slid into a normal days work. I meant to leave at nine. It's midday and I'm still here. I'm tired, but its been worse in the past. I came up to the roof to be alone, or mostly alone. I know if I'm up here long enough, Harry will follow me and his presence would be more than welcome to me. I smile at the thought of him. It's been almost jarring, having him here every day after three years dreaming of him. It's what I hoped for, for years, and now that I have it, the feeling and the freedom of it is almost dizzying.

I shiver as a brief chill of wind goes over the roof. The door closes quietly, but I hear it. I don't turn because I know who it will be. I recognise the footfalls, and as he comes closer I recognise the scent of him. Slightly spicy, the gentle aroma of his soap underneath. He's showered recently and I sigh as he wraps his arms around my waist. His touch is warm and firm, and the heat of his chest seeps through the fabric of my coat.

"I've missed you," I say. It's been a while since we've been alone together, what with JIC meetings, the Home Office, and the overnight shifts I've been doing lately and I'm missing the newly found intimacy we have.

"You didn't even turn to see if it was me," he murmurs, his voice very close to my ear, making me shiver. His voice can be so seductive when he wants it to be.

"I didn't need to," I say. "I know you."

"You do, don't you?" he whispers, before dipping his head and kissing my cheek. I sigh and close my eyes as his mouth moves across my sensitive skin, eventually sucking my earlobe gently. He knows I love that and I moan before I can stop myself. He chuckles and I smile, before turning in his arms and kissing him thoroughly. His lips are soft and feel wonderful against my own, sending desire through my body. I want to know how his beautiful lips feel against other parts of me. We've not yet slept together and I have a feeling he's waiting for me to make the first move. My fault really, as I insisted on moving slowly.

"You're thinking loudly," he says, hazel eyes staring into my own. "Talk to me, Ruth," he adds gently.

I'm not surprised that he can read me so well. He always could. "I've finished work for the day," she said. "I was just… thinking about the rest of the evening."

"What're you planning?" he asked, eyes gentle with a slight twinkle of humour in them. I could get lost in those hypnotic eyes for days.

"I'm going to go home, have a shower, sleep for a few hours," I say. "Hopefully by then, you'll have finished with the grid for the day, and you'll come over. We'll eat dinner, and then we'll make love."

He'd been smiling, but at that last comment I see his eyes widen slightly in surprise. If I didn't know him so well, I wouldn't be able to tell, but I do know him.

"Really?" he said, voice low with suppressed desire. Or at least, I hope that's what I'm hearing.

"I was trying to think of a way of subtly suggesting it," I admit. "But I'm too tired to think about it, so I did it bluntly." I smile a little, because I'm not this forward. I never have been. "I want you, Harry."

He smiles and I feel a little of the tension leave me. He kisses me again, this time seductive and passionate. God, that kiss makes me want to have him right here, on the roof of Thames House. Forget the fact it's freezing, I'm exhausted and anyone could interrupt us. He strokes my face gently before whispering, "Go home. Get some sleep. I'll be there soon." I shiver at his words, but know he's right. I need to close my eyes and rest.

"I'm just going to enjoy London a little first," I say. "I hadn't seen it for so long. It's nice to remind myself that I'm home." He smiles, understanding and squeezes my hand for a moment before leaving me alone on the roof. My fingers tingle slightly from his touch and I smile. I can't wait for tonight.

Thanks for reading this!