We would like to thank ALL our loyal readers for your support while we have been away. In the next few weeks, you will see our stories being reposted here for all of you to read along with several NEW stories we've written while we've been away.

We appreciate all the kind messages we've received for our readers...we didn't realize how many of you were reading our stories, lol. It has brought HUGE smiles to us and we hope you'll continue to stick with us as we re-post some old favorites and hopefully new favorites. Thanks again!

CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05

Now for the good stuff!

**WARNING: STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE! You Are Warned**

"It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence."

From "The Masque Of The Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe

Adjusting the few bags of groceries she's picked up, Taylor slipped the key into the door lock, opening the door to her house and going in. Since leaving out early that morning to take care of a few things, she'd stayed gone a little longer then she'd wanted and hoped he was still there. Walking to the kitchen with bags in hand, she stopped suddenly at the door and smiled.

As he moved from the counter to the stove with just his pants on, she took in his form, her eyes moving over his body. For the most part it was flawless save for the scar to his left side. When another thought came to her, she smirked, wondering if her package had been delivered and had the needed effect.

Catching his eyes as he turned around, Taylor moved further into the kitchen and set the bags onto the counter, "It still amazes me that you know your way around a kitchen so well."

Horatio smiled and shook his head, "You don't live as long as I do and not learn how to cook. Besides, it helps me. I love to cook." Taking a quick glance, he moved to the bags, "When I woke up, you were gone. Had some things to do?"

Placing her purse down as well, she began to pull out some of the groceries, "Yeah. I had a few bills that I had to get paid this morning and then I thought I'd grab some things from the store. You were sleeping so peacefully I didn't want to wake you."

Helping her with the groceries, Horatio arched a brow and chuckled, "Yeah, I slept well, but considering the night we had, I was surprised that you got up." He pulled her hand to his and shook his head, "As great as this is, Taylor, I've got to go. I don't have anything here, and I've been in this suit for a day and a half. I've got to change."

"Oh…uh…okay. I can uh…I can take you once I get these put up." Giving him a small smile, she bit the inside of her lip and then looked down, "I've got a few other errands I can go on and get done then also."

Horatio pulled her to him and embraced her, "I was thinking…if you didn't mind company for tonight, we…could have a repeat of last night." He kissed her and smiled, "I rather liked what we did last night."

Gazing up into his eyes, a smile formed and Taylor whispered, "I'd liked it also, Horatio…and I'd love to have you here tonight…or any night you want to stay."

"And we could…do something's." Leaning to kiss her, he sighed and let her go, silently going back to his task. Listening for her, he glanced back at her, "I just want to grab a few things."

Nodding, Taylor reached for a package of noodles and smiled, "Then consider yourself having a date then." Giving him a wink, she went over, placing the noodles in there cabinet and started on the other items. Before long they were done and she nodded to him, "Hey, if you have anything that needs to be washed, you're more then welcome to wash them here."

"That sounds good- thanks," he answered back lightly. With him still displaced, it made the thought of staying with her, appealing. He looked to her and smiled, "You can kick me out when I get boring."

Finishing up, Taylor went over to him, her hands going to his sides and resting there, "I don't think I could get bored with you, Horatio."

"Well, I'd try my very best to make it exciting." Arching his eye brow, he smiled, "Do you have anything you have to get done?"

"Nothing that can't wait. I got the main stuff done this morning," she replied as she moved closer to him. "Why?"

Making sure to turn off the stove, he pulled her closer, "I think we can find something to do to fill up the morning." Caressing her face, he gazed into her eyes and smiled, leaning to capture her lips. Losing himself in the kiss, his hands began to roam lightly and he could feel her starting to respond, a small cry erupting from her lips. Pulling away, he gasped and smiled, "I say you deserve a reward for your initiative."

"A reward, huh?" Taylor asked as she took his hands into hers and began to walk backwards towards the kitchen door, wanting him to follow. "And just what type of reward are we talking about?"

"Well, it's a reward for both of us, I think," Horatio said cunningly. He arched his brow and smiled more, following her. "Are you up for a reward?"

"From you…yes," she smiled more as she began to lead him down the hallway towards her room. "What about your things though? I thought you wanted to go get them."

"They'll be there," he responded in a low growl, "I can get them later- there's something more…ah…pressing at the moment." He eyed her hungrily and then shook his head, the disbelief of what was going on fueling him. The pain from losing Calleigh was slowly dwindling, and the more he stayed in Taylor's presence, the more he was beginning to like it. A devious smile inched over his face and he sighed lightly, "Right now, I want to see every stitch of your clothing on the floor."

Smirking, Taylor let go of his hand and lifted her shirt up and off, dropping it at the door of the room. Going for the front latch of her bra, she teased, "So this is how you're wanting me to look?"

"Yes, but with a lot more clothing on the floor." His eyes steadied on the front latch and he licked his lips in anticipation, "You won't tease me for long will you?"

"No…not for too long." Getting an idea, Taylor smirked and moved to him, taking his hands again. Pulling him along, she went over to the chair she had in her room and moved the few book's off it. Moving it out some, she turned him, "Sit down, Horatio."

Sitting down, Horatio smirked and watched her intently, "What do you have in mind, Taylor?"

Bending to him, she placed her finger to his lips, "Shh, Horatio. Just sit there, relax and enjoy the show, baby."

Standing back up, Taylor went over to the radio, turning it onto a CD she had in there. As the music started, she began to move with the music. Turning back to him, she slowly danced her way back over to him, making sure she kept eye contact with him.

Transfixed with the movement of her body, Horatio's gaze was riveted to her, his heart beginning to hammer in his chest. The arousal that had been building since her return was now raging and he adjusted himself minutely as he ran a hand over his face roughly. He wanted to reach out to her, take her into his arms but he held back and watched, a slow, knowing smile growing over his lips. No one had ever offered themselves to him like this and he found it very alluring.

Moving her hips with the beat of the music, Taylor came to rest in front of him and then slowly turned her back to Horatio. Looking back over her shoulder at him, she undid the clasp of her bra and opened it out, keeping her breasts out of his view. Slipping the bra off completely, she tossed it back to him and then wrapped her arms over her chest, covering herself. Rolling her hips, she turned back to him, a seductive smile riding her features and then removed her arms, placing them over her head and closing her eyes as she moved.

At the sight of her, the blood flow increased in his groin, showing his arousal more. Now, more than anything, he ached to cup her bountiful breasts in hand and suckle her, her pebbling nipples straining tantalizingly towards him. He licked his lips generously and leaned forward, completely captivated at her seductive dance.

A devious smile made berth over his lips and he nodded, watching as she slowly opened her eyes and caught his gaze, "I hope that's not the extent of this dance, Taylor."

"Patience, Horatio…" was all she said as she dipped down and came back up. Reaching for the button of her shorts, she slipped it through the hole and then pulled down her zipper. Pushing them then from the waist, she let them fall to her ankles and stepped out of them, kicking the material to the side. With nothing else but her sandals on, she tuned her back to him, spreading her legs and bending over in front of him, giving him an open view of her womanhood.

His erection strained against the material of his pants and he cleared his throat as he leaned forward more, practically tasting her. He was hungry for her, for the feel of her body as he slipped inside of her, for the sound of her voice as it carried in absolute bliss- he needed to immerse himself within her. Fighting the urge to stand and take her in that position, he palmed his aching cock and arched his brow, "I like what I see…"

Slowly coming back up, she turned back to him and walked seductively towards him, her hands kneading her breasts. Circling him, she took her time, her right hand reaching out to him and slipping across his shoulders as she moved. Coming back in front of him, she turned and then moved back, taking a seat onto his lap. Swaying her hips and grinding her ass into him, she leaned back against him and whispered, "Tell me what you want, Horatio."

Horatio's hands slipped over her breasts and he palmed them possessively, the sound of lust in her voice making him almost drunk. His eyes slid close and he groaned as her ass rubbed against his erection, the sensation sending sparks of electricity coursing through his body. Answering in a whisper, he tweaked her nipples, "You…you like this."

Arching her back and moaning, Taylor lifted an arm, reaching back and caressing the nape of his neck. Rolling her hips, Taylor smiled and whispered as she felt his erection pressing into her ass, "I feel that someone is enjoying this greatly."

"You're right," he said as he rotated his hips slightly. A light cry escaped her lips and he reached to caress her face and then traced her lips with his finger. Smirking, he asked coyly, "You're telling me you're not enjoying it?"

Slowly opening her eyes and turning her head to him, she whispered, "I'm loving this, Horatio."

"Glad to hear it," he said as he took her lips forcibly. His tongue brushed by her lips and prodded, almost demanding entrance. When she opened her lips, he thrust his tongue in and challenged her boldly, the grip on her breasts increasing. A cry died in his mouth and he smiled, tweaking the nipples hard again.

Moving her hands to his, Taylor moaned loudly as he continued to plunder her mouth. When the need for air became too great, she pulled back, gasping for air and crying out again as he pinched and pulled at both nipples hard.

The sexual energy was high and Horatio allowed his control to slip as he released one of her breasts to tickle his way down to her sex. Parting her lips, he chuckled softly in her ear, feeling the presence of her moisture, "Let's see if we can get you wetter than this."

"Umm," she moaned, arching her hips up slightly to his hand more. Closing her eyes as his fingers made contact with her clit, Taylor let out a quick breath and her body shook. Taking in long deep breaths, she continued to move her body on him, and breathed out, "I...I need you…"

In response to her breathless plea, Horatio lifted her and slipped his hands from her body. He could hear her whine at the absence of his touch and he quickly divested himself of his trousers, kicking them off ferociously and then grabbing her by her waist. Wasting no time, he pulled her back, taking his throbbing cock in hand, guiding it steadily into the heat of her sex. Once she was seated on him, Horatio's eyes slid shut in bliss and he groaned as he held her still.

Parting her lips again, he sought her hardened nub and began to circle slowly as he moved minutely, "Patience, Taylor."

Laying her head back against his shoulder, Taylor moaned and moved her hips with him. Reaching for her breasts, she kneaded them and then tweaked her nipples hard, causing a small cry to fall from her lips. Slowly, she opened her eyes and turned her head to him, "Horatio…more…please more…"

Horatio smirked and gave a hard thrust, chuckling deviously, "Patience is a virtue, and will be rewarded. Just…relax." Moving more, Horatio set a smooth rhythm, relishing the sensual sounds that escaped her lips. Lost in her, he moaned and then bit out a curse as he picked up the pace, unable to maintain control.

Moving with him, there bodies seemed to becoming one. Gasping and then crying out as he thrusted up harder, she began to meet each one, impaling herself downwards on his cock. Crying out with each thrust, Taylor could feel her body preparing for orgasm, the tingling of it moving like waves through her body.

Horatio could feel her body changing and set into her relentlessly. Circling harder, he slapped her ass hard and cringed as she shuddered, the sensation coursing through him completely. He was near release when she gained control and clutched his cock, the action caused his arousal to claw at him.

Sitting up more on him, Taylor began to move her body up and down on his cock, riding him with everything in her. Contracting her inner muscles, she cried out as he slammed up into her, her head lulling back and her long dark hair cascading over him.

The tickling of her hair brought a smile on his face and he thrust hard into her, pounding into her deeply. Her body moved unlike anything he knew and as he assaulted her tightening nub more, he was treated to her scream. Releasing her sex, he gripped her waist and shoved into her deeper, demanding, "Scream for me, Taylor."

Doing as he requested, Taylor screamed out his name as he thrusted into her again. The sensations were becoming overwhelming and her body began to tremble as her orgasm hit. Screaming out again, she began to buck wildly, the force taking her to another level of pleasure.

Unable to hold on his control, Horatio slammed hard against her and bellowed out as his release began to stream out of him, his body stiffening with the force of his coming. He gripped her hips hard as he began to thrust slowly, feeling her body come down from their sexual high.

Riding out her orgasm, Taylor slowly leaned back on Horatio again, her breathing causing her chest to rise and fall quickly. Swallowing, she tried to gain control of her body as her tremors continued. "H-Horatio…oh my god…that was incredible."

Lightly caressing her body, Horatio chuckled as he nuzzled her neck, the energy coursing through him like lightening. The way she responded to him made him feel more alive than he'd ever been and he admonished her with soft kisses as he spoke lowly, "It was amazing…Taylor…" Losing himself within his thoughts he exhaled lightly and wrapped his arms around her, cocooning her within his embrace. He continued to kiss her lightly, whispering, "I don't want to leave this…This feels…right."

Closing her eyes as she rested against him, Taylor smiled, "Horatio...I don't want any of this to end." Opening her eyes and looking at him, she kissed his cheek and whispered, "I think I might be falling for you."

Trailing his fingers down her arm, he took her hand into his and interlaced their fingers and looked at them. As much as he had thought he was prolonging the inevitable, he finally allowed himself to look deeper. Calleigh had been there all this time, but now that she'd turn her back on him, he had no choice than to be truthful with himself. A small smile erupted and he chuckled, "I know I'm falling for you. You're….amazing."

Nuzzling closer to him, Taylor's eyes suddenly shot open and she sat up, "Oh shit…we didn't use protection. I…I'm not on the pill…"

Despite the cold that crept up on him, Horatio pulled her back to his chest and held her, his voice calm and smooth, "Taylor, it's okay, really. I know this isn't planned, but if it were to happen, there'd be nothing to worry about. I honor my responsibilities and this wouldn't be any different." He could tell that she was hesitant and he wrapped his arms around her, "I'm here for you, Taylor. For you."

Slowly, Taylor relaxed back against him again, her brow knit, "I just…I don't want you to think I'm trying to trap you into something…"

"I don't think that, Taylor. We were just lost in the moment." Caressing her arm, he smiled, "It was just too good to pass up."

Looking at him, she reached up, caressing his cheek, "Horatio…you…you said you don't have a place to go…you can stay here with me as long as you want."

Horatio smiled and nodded, "I think I'll take you up on that. Being in that hotel room has been one lonely day after the other. To be around someone….to be around you will be nice."

"If you want…just bring all your things here. Save your money." Giving his cheek another kiss, she smiled, "I'll share me bed with you any night."

"Well, I guess instead of going to get some things, I'll go and check out." Reaching for her, he asked, "Do you want to come with?"

Smiling more, she nodded her head, "Yeah, I'd love too. Maybe while were out we can just grab a bite to eat and bring it back here…maybe eat it in bed."

"I like the idea of that. Perhaps we can then work off what we ate." Squeezing her tightly, he added, "I never thought I'd be thankful to be drunk, but without it, I wouldn't have never found you."

"I'm glad I saw you sitting at that bar alone. Something about you just called to me…even before I saw your face." Closing her eyes, she sighed contently, "These past two days have been the best."

"Better than anything else in my life." Horatio let the moment ease between them and he sighed, staring at the ceiling, "I can honestly say that this is the happiest I've been in a long time."

Lifting her head and looking to him more, she raised her brow, "Really?"

"Yes, really." He chuckled and shook his head, "The past few years have seen nothing for me other than death and despair. And then…I gave my heart to someone only for her to break it. This has been so…freeing."

Leaning to him, Taylor gave him a soft kiss and whispered against his lips, "I won't break your heart, Horatio…I know how it feels."

"And in turn, I'll love and protect you." He brushed his lips against hers and then allowed the kiss to continue, holding on to her.