Hotline

by SamiWammy

Hello : ) This is a series of one-shots based around Carol and Daryl. I am taking requests so content will vary from smut to emotional romance, horror, humor, you name it! If you want to see it happen, just send a PM. I'm a Caryl shipper through and through and I can't wait to see all the ideas you guys have for our favorite couple. Enjoy! 1st chapter is smut!

13. Housewarming

Hello all! This request comes from the lovely RipleyZero who thought it might be fun if things got heated in Alexandria. She thought our couple could have a little argument which would lead to more. In this scenario, Daryl and Carol have not had any previous, romantic involvement. All that changes when tempers flare during a late night argument. Warning you now: If you can't stand the heat, stay out of this kitchen ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead…womp womp

Chapter 13: Housewarming

Daryl didn't know what time it was, and he didn't care. What did it matter? He'd never been one for sleeping through the night, and the world ending hadn't helped. He'd grown used to getting by on less and less. If he managed to snag three or four hours at a time, he was grateful.

Things had been alright at the prison. He trusted Rick, his people. It was easier to rest when he knew who was on watch and what they were capable of. They'd had fences, watch-towers, guns, regular rotations so that everyone had a turn walking the perimeter at night. He'd even had his own space on the perch, as meager as it was. If he had to guess, Daryl Dixon would say that the rest he'd gotten at the prison was probably the best he'd had since the turn.

But those walls…those fences…that sense of security disappeared the day the governor showed up with his goddamn tanks. Since then, it had been nothing but running, fighting, and struggling. At least until they found Alexandria.

As he sat near one of the large living room windows, glancing out at the darkened world that was visible through a gap in the blinds, the hunter sighed. It didn't feel right. They'd been there a week, and he still couldn't seem to let his guard down. The residents…the neighborhood, everything about the damn place was strange. It was too clean…untouched. The place didn't even seem real. It was difficult for Daryl to accept the fact that he was inside a house and not holed up in some musty corner of an abandoned barn.

The spaciousness of the house unnerved him. The white walls…gleaming floors and light fixtures. It was all too pristine. It wasn't just the structure itself that made the hunter suspicious, it was the fact that it had been given to them…immediately.

Why?

All they'd done was take turns sitting in Deanna's living room...answering bullshit questions in front of a video camera. He couldn't imagine why the woman would offer up houses on a silver platter after knowing them for mere hours…

It didn't sit well with the hunter. Every instinct lead him to believe it was all part of some elaborate trap. Sighing through his nose, Daryl wondered if he was letting paranoia and bitterness get the best of him.

So what if I am?

He figured those instincts had kept him alive so far. It probably wouldn't do much good to start ignoring them now. He couldn't relax, and he refused to let his guard down. Even when the other members of Rick's group began to arrange rooms for themselves, pick out new clothes…Daryl refused to follow suit. He didn't trust Deanna, or her so-called community. The hunter had done just fine with his own damn clothes, and didn't see any reason to trade them in for starched button-downs and khakis. The thought was enough to make him snort.

"Ain't playin' pretend here." he muttered to himself as he held two of thin slats open on the blind.

With narrowed blue eyes, he continued to stare out at the yard, and the deserted street beyond the sidewalk. It was all so maddeningly quiet. Movement caught his eyes and he scanned the surroundings, almost hoping to see a walker…but it was just one of the neighbors. Some older man in a robe walking a small dog.

"Jus takin' him out for a late night piss." Daryl growled softly, watching the man and the dog. His eyes followed the pair until the animal relived itself in the grass. Once the man shuffled back to his own doorstep, with the dog in tow, the hunter shook his head.

That's what these assholes are worried about…takin' their damn dogs out at night so they don't piss on the carpet…

Daryl didn't understand how they'd survived so long. As far as he was concerned, the residents of Alexandria weren't much better than livestock. They were content to hide in their pen, so long as someone kept feeding them and leading them when they needed to be lead. The fact that he, and his people, were surrounded by weaklings who wouldn't know how to handle walkers if their lives depended on it, made the hunter anxious.

The others seemed to be adjusting, or at least making the effort. Rick was playing the part of constable, with Michonne as his back-up. Glenn had been charged with teaching the more able-bodied residents how to plan runs. A few of the others were helping with the construction crew that was responsible for maintaining and reinforcing the walls. Hell, even Carol seemed to fit right in.

A muscle in Daryl's jaw twitched as he thought of her. From the minute they set foot in the neighborhood, Carol had donned a mask. He guessed it was safer that way, keeping her true self hidden. But the whole thing still managed to irritate him, and he wasn't entirely sure why. Maybe it was because she made it look so easy.

She wasn't crass, backwards…brutish like him. She wasn't silent and sullen like Michonne, or haunted like Sasha. No. While the others took their time, exploring their new surroundings with caution and suspicion, Carol seemed to blend effortlessly into the existing community. She was the first to ditch her filthy clothes and sport the clean, crisp, Stepford-wife uniforms that the other Alexandrian women wore. He remembered the first morning that she'd come downstairs and stepped onto the porch in her blue cardigan. Daryl snorted at the memory.

A fuckin' cardigan…

He'd told her she looked ridiculous, and he'd meant it. He still did. But Carol seemed determined to convince the Alexandrian's that she was one of them, and Daryl couldn't stop her. He liked to think that she was just playing a role, but as the days passed, he wasn't so sure. She didn't waste any time in establishing herself as a go-to for babysitting, cooking, cleaning… and the hunter just marveled at it all, wondering when she would end the charade.

Carol was dangerous. She wasn't afraid to kill when she had to, and she understood the need for drastic measures. She was a fighter, a survivor…not just another one of these damn sheep. She'd taken out Terminus for Christ's sake. He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that she was suddenly content to play the part of a housewife. The more he thought about it, the more his skin began to itch. He didn't care how comfortable the others were starting to get. He wasn't going to let a few little luxuries like electricity and clean carpets make him soft. Getting soft, meant getting weak…and he had no intentions of allowing himself to become weak.

"Ain't like them." he muttered to himself, unsure if he was referring to the Alexandrians, or the rest of his own people. It didn't matter. He meant it either way.

Sighing, he let his head lean back to rest against the wall. He was still staring lazily out the window. But he began losing interest in the sleepy world outside. Letting the blinds fall back into place, he reached up to rub his tired eyes. He couldn't help but wonder what time it was.

Gotta be after 1 in the mornin'….like that shit matters.

The hunter sighed again, his hand dropping down to his lap. He sat alone, near the window, and listened to the stillness of the house. It was eerie. He couldn't seem to grasp the fact that the others could sleep so soundly in a new place, a strange place…and none of them had guns. His hand reached instinctively for the large knife that usually hung from his belt, but it wasn't there. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he tried to keep his mounting frustrations contained.

Just a bunch of helpless sheep.

The thought left a bad taste in Daryl's mouth. As the seconds ticked by, stretching themselves into minutes, he considered abandoning his silent vigil and retreating to the guest room that he'd been given. In the week that they'd been staying in Alexandria, the hunter hadn't spent a single night in that room. The twin bed, with its perfectly folded sheets and throw pillows, seemed ridiculous. Daryl couldn't bring himself to sleep in that little cage of a room. Instead, he'd alternated between resting on the living room sofa, and stretching out in a secluded corner near the stairwell where his sleeping bag was currently hidden. Neither option seemed appealing at the moment.

Mentally drained, but physically restless, Daryl tried to decide how best to bide his time. He glanced around the large room, his eyes falling on one of the book shelves. Grunting, he forced himself to stand before moving across the room on stiff legs. He bent down, squinting to make out the book titles, but he couldn't see much through the gloom. Knowing that he risked waking half the house up if he turned on a light, Daryl fished in his pocket until he found his lighter. The moment he flicked it, producing a small flame, something made him freeze.

Snapping the lighter shut and pivoting on his heel, the hunter turned, his keen eyes seeking the source of the sound he'd heard. He was anxious, his hand hovering over the place where his knife should've been, but the tension left him once he recognized the intruder. Sighing, he resumed his task, striking a new flame and studying the books.

Carol's hand slid smoothly along the banister as she made her way down the stairs. Her practiced footsteps were nearly silent, but she'd forgotten that the third step from the top always creaked. It was the only thing to give her away. She'd stopped short when she saw Daryl in the living room below, his eyes cutting through the dark and finding her.

Of course he's up.

She sighed to herself and continued on her path, making sure to tread lightly on her way down the stairs. Daryl didn't like Alexandria…he didn't trust it, not yet…that much was clear. Carol had to nag him for two days before he finally agreed to shower. That was how deep his paranoia ran. He didn't want to let himself become vulnerable, even for a single second.

Carol understood, to an extent. She didn't trust their new hosts either. She was just better at keeping her suspicions hidden. And she certainly wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to sleep in a real bed. So she'd scrubbed the wilderness off of her skin, donned new clothes, and taken on the role of a mild-mannered caregiver. The change seemed to irritate Daryl, and he'd hardly spoken two words to her since their first night in the house.

As she reached the last step, Carol wondered why it bothered the hunter so much. All she was doing was blending in. It was a survival technique; nothing more. She hadn't changed, not really. She was just presenting a more acceptable version of herself so that the Alexandrian's would take her into the fold. She wanted to learn everything she could about them. Carol often questioned why Daryl hadn't done the same. The man was a glaring contradiction to everything around him. He was sullen, cagey, and he refused to wear anything other than his own ragged clothes. He made himself stand out, and Carol didn't think that was safe…or wise.

Having reached the living room, she decided to ignore the hunter and head straight for the kitchen. The only reason she'd woken up was to get a bite to eat. She didn't feel like forcing small talk with Daryl, or listening to him pout. It was late, she was tired, and all she needed was a snack. Even in the dark, Carol was sure of her surroundings…her footing. She didn't stub her toes or stumble as she crossed the gloomy living room. She didn't acknowledge Daryl.

The hunter watched, annoyed, as Carol paused to turn on a small lamp that sat on an end table near the sofa. The soft glow helped her see as she walked into the kitchen. He stared at her, waiting for a nod…a greeting…anything. But it never came. He felt a little foolish for not thinking of the lamp, but he didn't want to disturb anyone…and he figured turning on lights was an easy way to do that. With a huff, he reminded himself that he'd been doing something before Carol came downstairs. He wanted something to read. Doing his best to ignore her and focus on the books, Daryl kept his frustrations to himself.

Fine. Jus come down here in the middle of the night…turnin' on lamps…'n don't say shit to me.

He could feel anger bubbling beneath his skin, but he just sighed and tried to pick a book.

Carol could sense his presence, but she was working to ignore it. She didn't feel the need to ask why he was up.

He's always up.

The tile floor in the kitchen was cool beneath her bare feet as she stood in front of the fridge. When she pulled the door open, white light spilled into the room. Her pupils shrank against the sudden brightness. Blinking, she held the door open with one hand while the other reached in, searching for something small to stave off her hunger pangs.

Daryl's anger continued to build. It was getting harder to pretend she wasn't there. He marveled at the fact that she wasn't even being quick about whatever it was that she was doing. No. She was content to leave the lamp on, and hold the fridge open, filling the kitchen with a strange glow.

Never mind that folks are sleepin'….

Refocusing, he finally grabbed a book from the shelf. It was a flimsy paperback and he flicked through the pages with his thumb. Gnawing his bottom lip, Daryl rocked on his heels and slapped the worn book into his palm a few times. He didn't know why he was lingering. He'd made his selection. There was no reason for him to hang around the living room.

As is she could read his thoughts, Carol squeezed her eyes shut and released a heavy sigh.

Might as well see what he wants…since he's not leaving.

When her eyes fluttered open, she was still staring into the fridge. Deciding on an apple, she reached in and grabbed one from one of the clear drawers.

"Need something?" she asked flatly, without looking at him. She nudged the door closed with her hip.

Daryl felt himself bristling as he stood in the living room. He smacked the book into his hand one more time, his fingers curling around it…kneading it. When he finally turned to face her, he saw that she was standing near the kitchen counter. He watched as she pulled a small cutting board from a drawer. The fact that she seemed to know exactly where everything was, despite the poor lighting, wasn't lost on the hunter.

She's got this place down already. Like the back of her hand…she's memorizin' it.

Something about that irritated him. He couldn't understand why everything was so easy for her. Living in a house…in a neighborhood full of strangers. It didn't seem to rattle her at all.

"Guessing that's a no." she said as she reached for the wooden knife block and grabbed the tool she needed.

Daryl blinked before taking a hesitant step towards the kitchen. The book was still clutched tightly in his hands. "I'm fine." he muttered.

"If you say so." Carol answered. She moved towards the sink, turning the knob and holding her apple under a weak stream of water. After several seconds, she turned the water off and set the apple on the cutting board.

He took another step in her direction, unsure of why he was engaging her. He knew he should've just retreated to the safety and isolation of his guestroom. But her very presence seemed to agitate him, and he couldn't let well enough alone. He watched her hands as she used a large knife to begin cutting the apple. He saw how careful she was, how controlled her movements were. After each cut, the blade bit into the wood of the cutting board with a soft thunk. Her face was a mask of concentration as she sliced the fruit into thick wedges.

Daryl's brows knit together. She seemed so at home there…standing in someone else's kitchen, preparing a snack as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It was hard to believe that he was looking at the same woman who'd fought alongside him for the last year. The one who wouldn't hesitate to put down a threat…the one he thought he knew.

Carol used one hand to hold the apple in place while she cut it. As much as she wanted to ignore the hunter, she couldn't. He was staring at her…and she found that she didn't like being watched.

"You sure you don't need anything?" she asked, glancing at him. There was a slight edge to her voice as irritation crept in.

It was then that he noticed her clothes. She was wearing pajamas…an honest to god, matching top and bottom. The light blue material looked crisp, freshly washed…ironed even. There was nothing sloppy about it. No stains or wrinkles that he could see. The seemingly perfect, almost picturesque bedtime attire only added to the absurdity of her appearance. The pants were just the right length, hitting just above her ankles. The soft looking, long-sleeve top looked to be just her size…not loose or baggy on her frame. Daryl snorted.

Ain't enough ya gotta dress like all them other sheep during the day….gotta make sure your damn pj's are perfect too?

"Naw," he finally answered in a low growl. "I'm good." He moved to lean back against the fridge, his arms folding across his chest as he continued to watch her. He was staring at her back, his eyes burning a hole in the fabric of her pajama top.

Sighing, Carol stopped cutting. Her fingers were still curled tightly around the knife-handle, but she found that she couldn't concentrate when she knew that Daryl was staring at her. Drawing on her patience, she turned around slowly and mimicked his pose, leaning back against the counter. Her blue eyes were trained on his face, her brows knitting together as she waited for him to speak.

Standing across from one another, the survivors tried to decide what to say…and when to say it. Neither of them wanted to break the silence, but they knew it had to be done. Carol glanced down at the knife she held before letting her eyes flick back to his face. "Well…?" she said, her head tilting slightly to one side.

Daryl's lips parted in confusion. "Well what?"

She sighed, folding her arms across her chest. "Why are you here?"

The hunter bristled. He wanted to lash out, but the truth was…he didn't have an answer for her. He scuffed his boot on the floor and shrugged.

Carol nodded slowly, trying not to let him get under her skin. "You planning on getting any sleep tonight?"

Again, he shrugged.

She snorted and the sound seemed to strike a nerve.

"And you?" he growled, his eyes narrowing.

"What about me?"

"You're just up in the middle of the night…turnin' on lights, makin' noise…" he huffed.

Carol blinked, taken aback by the undeserved hostility. "Sorry. Was I disturbing you?" she asked, a sarcastic edge to her voice.

"You're gonna wake the whole damn house up." he snapped, gesturing outwards with one hand.

The crease deepened in her brow as she stared at him. "First of all; I was hungry. Second…I'd like to think I have the freedom to get up in the middle of the night, in my own home…"

Daryl snorted.

"And lastly…" she bit out. "You're the only one who sleeps down here. Doesn't look like I woke you."

Her tone was making him angry. He slipped the book into his back pocket, he needed to have his hands free. "This ain't your damn home." he growled under his breath, one hand gesturing at the space around them.

"It is for now." she countered.

Daryl was tempted to shake her. He literally wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her…he wanted to yell…tell her to wake up, but he kept himself in check. "Them assholes got ya snowed." he said.

Carol's eyes narrowed to blue slits as she studied him. "Daryl…no one has me snowed. I'm just making the best of our current situation. We both know this place isn't gonna last…not forever. So I'm going to enjoy hot showers, clean clothes and beds while they're available. If you wanna pass all that up…I can't stop you." She held up her hands, one still gripping the knife.

"Ya seem awful comfortable here. Fit right on in." The words were bitter on his tongue, and he said them with an accusing tone.

"I'm failing to understand why that bothers you." she said, glaring at him.

Restless, Daryl pushed himself away from the stainless steel fridge and began to pace.

"Why not fit in?" Carol asked. "Why not make the effort?"

His cold, blue-grey eyes flicked to her face as he moved from one end of the kitchen to the other. "Because we ain't them." he snapped.

"I know that."

"Do ya?" he growled, his pace increasing as the excess energy coursed through him.

Carol had to bite back the arguments burning on her tongue. "How can you ask me that?" Her arms folded across her chest again as she watched him.

"Ever since we been here…all ya done is make nice with these assholes. Dress like 'em…talk like 'em. Thinkin' maybe ya forgot who ya are."

Carol had to blink, she was so angry. Her body was starting to tremble with trapped rage and she blew out a warm breath, hoping to release some of the tension. "I know who I am." she said, her voice low. "I'm just trying to keep them from finding out." She gestured at the living room windows.

"So ya just gonna keep on with this bullshit then?" he stopped pacing long enough to look her up and down. His eyes lingering on her clothes.

"This bullshit," she snapped. "Is going to keep me alive. It's going to keep these people from figuring out who…what I am. You think if they had even the slightest idea what we're actually capable of…they they would've let any of us set foot in this place? If they knew what we've done?"

Daryl's hands were on his hips as he stood in the kitchen. His breathing had picked up. "So this is it then. This is who ya are now?"

It was her turn to bristle. She gripped the knife a little tighter, each of her fingers curling around the black handle. "This is who I need to be."

"Susie home-maker. Just gonna sit around, makin' casseroles 'n lookin' after all the brats in this place?" he growled at her.

Carol had to fight the urge to hurl that knife at him. Playing a role was taxing enough; she didn't need Daryl bitching at her for it. "Is that what you think I'm doing?" she asked, incredulous.

Daryl leaned against the opposite counter. He brought his thumb to his mouth and began chewing the nail out of habit. "That's what it looks like."

She felt the blood growing hot beneath her skin. "I'm watching." she hissed. "I'm studying these people…this place. I want to know their weaknesses…what they're hiding…how to hurt them. I want to know names, faces, houses…streets…escape routes. I want to know what to do…where to go if this place gets overrun…if we have to take it."

The venom in her words unnerved him. She was openly glaring at him, and the anger began to roll off of her in waves. He realized that he'd struck a nerve…and Carol's seemingly endless reserves of patience seemed be running dry…but he didn't care. Daryl knew her…he wasn't afraid of her.

"Think you're gettin' too comfortable here. Keep sayin' you're pretendin'…but ya keep wearin' them clothes, playin' that part…you're gonna wake up one day 'n figure out ya ain't playin' no more. Ain't gonna be you no more." He jabbed an accusing finger in her direction.

Not trusting herself to hold the weapon, Carol set it down on the counter behind her. The metal made a soft clank noise. Working to control her rage, she gripped the edge of the counter…her fingers curling until the knuckles turned white. "I know who I am." she said, her voice low, menacing.

Daryl snorted. "You're the one wearin' the mask."

"Something you might consider trying." she bit out.

His eyes narrowed. "Come again?"

"Look at you!" she hissed, one hand gesturing to his clothes.

The hunter glanced down at himself before his eyes flicked back to her face.

"We've been here a week and you still look the way you did when they first took us in…like they scraped you off the side of the road."

Daryl's upper lip curled back in the makings of a snarl, and he took a step in her direction. "Ain't nothin' wrong with lookin' like I been on the road. Just lets folks know I been out there…ain't been hiding in some damn kitchen…worryin' about fixin' dinner 'fore the kids get home."

Carol's hands went to her temples and she stared at him as if he was delusional. "That's what you're not getting." Her words slid through clenched teeth. "These people…they're never going to let us in…they're never going to trust us…let their guards down, unless we convince them that we belong here."

Daryl's arms folded across his chest again and he kicked at the floor. "Couple cardigans gonna do that?" he growled under his breath.

She continued to glare at him from beneath her lashes. "At least I'm trying. More than I can say about you. Jesus Daryl…" she gestured at his clothes again. "It's like you're purposely trying to isolate yourself. In a place like this…different…is bad. Different….draws attention."

Daryl's arms eased down to his sides…his hands forming tight fists. He could feel his insides knotting with tension, and the hair at the base of his neck stood on end. "Ain't a damn sheep. 'N I ain't playin' pretend for nobody."

"I think you've made that clear…" she said, the words dripping with sarcasm. "It's stupid. Standing out." her cold eyes were fixed on him, her mouth a tight line.

The hunter bit his bottom lip as Carol's insult hit him. "Naw," he growled, taking another step in her direction, pointing at her. "What's stupid is your scrawny ass thinkin' we can stay here. Thinkin' some damn cardigans 'n casseroles are gonna change anything…"

"If it weren't for me you'd be dead!" she hissed, flinging the words at him through the dimly lit kitchen. The subtle glow from the lamp made the survivors look sinister, dangerous.

Daryl froze, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. A few shocks of dark hair had fallen In his face and he was clenching and unclenching his fists.

"I knew what I was doing then, and I know what I'm doing now. So instead of wasting your time picking fights with me…you should think about how you can get these people to trust you." she said, her tone daring him to say the wrong thing.

Daryl couldn't believe what he was hearing…the way she was talking to him. Part of him knew she was right. The only reason he hadn't had his throat slit over that trough, like a damn animal, was that she'd intervened. She infiltrated Terminus…alone. She risked her life to get them out. He was grateful; they all were. But the more Daryl thought about it, the angrier he became. Carol might've saved him…but he saved her first.

As the survivors stood their ground, both of them seething quietly in the stillness of the kitchen, the hunter stared at her. Not just at the woman in front of him…but the person she used to be…the person he knew was still buried deep down under all those hard edges. Her blue eyes were clear, cold…defiant.

He glanced at her hands and noticed the way they were gripping the edge of the counter behind her. His eyes narrowed, and he could see that her knuckles were turning white. He looked even closer. She seemed to be trembling. The motion was subtle, but he caught it. It struck him then; she wasn't afraid. She was shaking with anger. The hunter could tell, by the way she held herself…that he was looking at an equal. Even in pale, blue cotton pajamas, Carol was a force to be reckoned with. Somewhere between the farm and the prison, she'd become a different person.

For a moment, memories flashed hot and vivid behind Daryl's eyes. Carol…kneeling in the red dirt…her broken screams ringing in his ears as he held her. She'd been trembling then too…but grief had caused that. He could've sworn that he felt her heart break as he kept his arms around her to stop her from running to the thing that wasn't her daughter anymore. Hope, life…everything seemed to leave her in that moment…it was as if the bullet from Rick's pistol had been buried in Carol's brain…not Sophia's. She'd cried out, pale arms reaching for a child she would never hold again, and it had taken every ounce of Daryl's strength to keep Carol with him, on the ground…their knees digging into the rust colored dirt.

He swallowed hard and wondered if she was still there…if that frail, terrified woman was still lying in the dirt…tears drying on her cheeks. The more Daryl thought about it, the more convinced he became that she'd been left behind. The person Carol used to be…he hadn't seen her since that terrible day. She was just another wasted frame left in the dirt with all the others… From the very instant that bullet lodged itself in Sophia's brain…the softness, the weakness in Carol seemed to die. When she'd finally ripped free of his grasp and stumbled away from the awful scene, she'd already begun to transform…she'd taken those first shaky footsteps down the path that would lead her to the person she was now. A killer, a fighter, a survivor.

It was difficult to accept the change. He didn't know why. She'd only done the things that were necessary to survive. He knew he should be glad that she'd adapted to the world they lived in. She needed thick skin. As he stared at Carol, and watched the way she stared boldly back at him, the hunter realized that he missed her. He missed the way she used to need protecting. She'd grown strong, independent…she didn't need a guardian anymore…and something about that bothered him. He'd never admitted to it, but looking out for her had always given him a sense of purpose…worth. When he saved her on the farm, hauling her onto the back of the bike…when he found her in the tombs, carrying her fragile body back to the cellblock…he felt as though he'd accomplished something. But that was all over. She didn't need him anymore. She didn't need anyone.

The realization made anger bubble hot beneath his skin. He didn't want to miss her. Within the safety of his own burning mind, the hunter scolded himself for caring.

She ain't your problem…never has been.

He began pacing again, unable to stand still. He swore he could feel the room, the whole house shrinking around him. It was making him restless. The hunter could feel Carol's eyes on him, but he tried desperately to ignore the prickling sensation in his spine. All he needed was to move…but the damn kitchen wasn't big enough for him. The house wasn't big enough… Stopping at the far end of the kitchen, he glanced at the living room windows.

Ain't nobody out there.

The thought was tempting. He could slip out. Duck down some side-street, climb onto someone's roof…anything to get away from her. He could steal an hour to think…to unwind in blissful isolation. As he continued to stare, Daryl could almost feel the cool, evening air on his brow. He needed to get out…and there was nothing and no one to stop him. His eyes flicked to Carol. As ruthless as she was, she didn't possess the physical strength that it would take to keep him in the house. With his hands on his hips, he refocused on those windows and began moving back across the kitchen, towards the living room. When he stalked past Carol, her hand shot out, grabbing his arm.

Outraged, he jerked violently away from her, more dark hair hanging in his eyes. "Get your hands off me." he snarled.

Carol's chest was heaving, but she managed to lift her arms… open palms facing him…as if she could ward him off…keep him from getting any closer. Her tongue darted over her lips and she held his gaze. She wasn't afraid, but her blood was up…sending bursts of adrenaline from her heart, all the way down to her toes. Keeping her arms up, Carol stared hard at him…like he was a dangerous animal that she couldn't afford to take her eyes off of…

Daryl could feel himself bristling as he glared at her. His fingers were twitching, ready to curl into fists at any moment. He moved to step around her, but she held her ground, shoving him lightly in the chest.

With a low growl coming from deep inside him, the hunter let his fists clench so tight that his nails were biting in to the meat of his palms. It took every fiber of his being not to scream at her…not to fight back when she pushed him. He was clinging desperately to his very last shreds of self-control…but they were tearing fast…like bits of frayed rope.

"The hell you think you're doin'?" he asked, his voice like gravel, his eyes cutting through the gloom.

Sensing that she could keep him put, at least for the next few minutes, Carol slowly, stiffly lowered her arms. Her breathing hadn't slowed, and her eyes never left him. She purposely stood in his path. As she stared at her friend…her ally, Carol noticed the sweat that had broken out on his skin…creating a light sheen on his arms…his neck. His long hair was growing damp. She could practically feel him bristling, and she knew he was dangerously close to losing the battle he was fighting with his temper. With tension and testosterone radiating from every pore, Daryl really was that wild animal she'd made him out to be. Carol could see it in his stance…his clenched fists.

He's not cut out for this…for captivity.

"Carol!" he snapped, breaking her trance.

She blinked, but didn't look away.

"Best tell me what the hell ya think you're doin'."

She took a calming breath but continued to stand her ground. "I'm keeping you from doing something stupid." she bit out.

He snorted, another uncomfortable chill ran up the length of his spine.

"You have no business being out there at night. All you're going to do is scare people…draw attention." she hissed.

Daryl took an angry step in her direction forcing her to back up. He looked her up and down, his lip curling back in a snarl. "Ya ain't got a say in how I spend my goddamn time." the hunter growled under his breath. He was trying to intimidate her…with his height, his voice…his teeth clenched when he realized that she was still blocking his path to the living room.

"There's a curfew for newcomers Daryl." a muscle in her jaw tightened as she glared at him.

He moved further into her space. She could feel the heat and anger rolling off his skin. Standing up just a little straighter, Carol refused to move. She kept her eyes on his, knowing that the connection was one of the only things holding him in place.

"I don't give a shit about the damn curfew. Or any other rules these assholes got." He jabbed one finger angrily in the direction of the windows and tried to step past her again. But her hand shot out, hitting him right in the chest…catching him off guard.

Losing himself, he shoved her hand away roughly. Carol's arms fell to her sides, her own fists suddenly tightening while she trembled. "Stop it." she breathed, the words sliding through clenched teeth.

He was still looming, tall and dark in front of her, but she wasn't about to run. "Ain't lettin' these pricks control me. I ain't one of 'em."

Carol's blue eyes were smoldering beneath her lashes and she felt a drop of sweat slide down her spine as he towered over her. She wasn't afraid…she was livid. "You can't go out there." she warned him, the words coming out as low growls.

Daryl leaned in closer, his eyes were two, cold, blue slits. "Ya can't stop me."

The proximity unnerved her, but she wouldn't let it show.

The hell I can't…

When she didn't respond, the hunter thought he'd won. He moved past Carol, his shoulder colliding roughly with hers, but he didn't care. He was past caring. Unable to contain the rage that was simmering inside her, Carol turned suddenly, gripping his arm hard…her nails digging in. With all the strength she could muster, she jerked, pulling him back…her nails pricked at the skin until she finally released him…ragged breaths passing her lips.

Momentarily stunned, Daryl tore his eyes from his attacker and glanced down at his bicep…it was bleeding. He stared hard at the stinging lines she'd left on his skin…they burned. He couldn't believe what she'd done…how she'd handled him. His chest rose and fell with every strained breath and he slowly lifted his chin to stare at her in amazement. He expected to find contrition in her face…fear…regret…but all he saw was anger. She wasn't sorry…the thought caused something to snap inside him.

Snarling, he grabbed her by the shoulders, his strong fingers pressing in hard enough to bruise her. In shock, Carol felt the air leave her lungs for half a second. Her eyes went wide and she blinked, unsure of what was happening. Her entire body went rigid, and a sharp gasp escaped her as he shoved her back against the counter she'd been leaning on before. The crushing pressure of his fingers on her shoulders seemed to pull Carol from her temporary haze. Her lips parted, but Daryl didn't give her a chance to speak.

"Think ya can fuckin' control me? That it?" he squeezed her shoulders harder, forcing her to look at him.

Carol's lower back hurt…she was trapped against the counter, with Daryl's body looming like a wall in front of her. Unwilling to give up the fight, she ignored her own pain and reached up, gripping his wrists. Her fingers curled tightly around his damp skin and she gripped him so hard that her hands ached. "Let go." she hissed.

But her defiance only seemed to add fuel to the fire that was burning inside him. He squeezed her harder, making her swear.

"Naw." he growled, glaring at her like she was the source of every problem he'd ever had. "Your ass is gonna hear me…right now. Ya ain't my damn keeper…ya need to leave me fuckin' be. Ain't one of your damn sheep." The words were low, vicious growls…laced with all the menace of someone who'd been pushed too far.

Carol clawed his wrists. Her knuckles were turning white and she could feel his skin breaking…she was cutting into him. "Is that really what you think? That I'm a sheep?" she was breathing harder.

He leaned in to her space, his head tilting to one side as he studied her. "That's what it fuckin' looks like." he snarled, eyeing her clothes again.

Carol's tongue darted quickly over her lips and she dug her nails in harder, making him wince. "If that's really what you think…then you don't know me." her skin was hot; she felt feverish as she stared at him, daring him to say the wrong thing…

Daryl shook some of the dark hair out of his eyes and continued to focus on her. His broad hands were squeezing her harder, and he heard a growl slip from between her teeth. He realized that the heat had grown oppressive…the dampness making his shirt cling to his back. The vest suddenly felt so heavy on his shoulders…and the room was shrinking again. He could feel his toes curling in his boots.

The hunter slowly shook his head as he stared at her. "You're one of 'em."

"I'm not." she spat, still trying to pry his hands away from her body.

"Ya are." he hissed. Daryl took a moment to ease back…just enough to glance down at her pajamas. "This fuckin' shit ya got on…" he shook his head again.

Carol was grunting, using all of her strength to try and push his hands from her shoulders. "I'm not one of them…and you need to let me go. Right now."

Wild-eyed, restless, the hunter snorted. "Why? So your sorry ass can go runnin' to Rick 'n them…tell 'em I'm losin' my shit…'n they need to fuckin' watch me? That what you're thinkin'?" Spittle shone on his lower lip as he snarled at her in the dimly lit room. He could feel her muscles trembling and tensing where he held her.

All she could do was glare at him and struggle. She was tempted to kick him between the legs…bring her knee up hard and fast. She wasn't even sure why she hadn't already done it. She guessed it was some final shred of self control…something in the back of her burning mind…reminding her that the man gripping her shoulders was family. But her legs still twitched with nervous energy. Carol worried that if he held her against her will much longer, she'd either end up screaming at him…waking the whole fucking house, or she really would kick him…

"Get your hands off of me." she growled.

Mastering himself, Daryl sucked in a sharp breath and finally began to relax his grip. Carol gasped when his stiff fingers uncurled. She released his wrists, feeling the soreness in her own fingers. As the survivors let their aching arms ease down to their sides, they studied one another. Panting, filled with more energy than they were prepared to handle, they wondered what had come over them. Whatever it was…it hadn't relinquished its grip on the two broken people. The air was warm between them…filled with some strange electrical charge that made the hair stand up on their arms.

The longer Carol stared at him, the angrier she became. The dull ache in her shoulders was nothing compared to the pounding in her skull as she tried to determine what on earth had possessed him to grab her. He had no right… In desperate need of space, and a moment to collect her thoughts, Carol tore her eyes from his and turned to leave the kitchen. But the hunter wasn't done talking.

The instant she turned her back on him, Daryl snapped. He couldn't handle it. He wasn't about to let her go. His temper flared, blinding…hot behind his eyes…excess energy rushing to the surface of his skin, like a power surge, making his arm shoot out to grab her. He heard her gasp, felt her jerk, but he held on tight. Before the hunter could stop himself…a fist was forming. He was clutching the soft fabric of her shirt in his sweaty palm and he tugged hard, wanting to pull her back to face him. But Carol was stronger than he'd anticipated. She didn't give in. She growled and wrenched herself away from him, nearly stumbling, but she reached out, bracing a shaking hand on the counter.

With a few feet of space between them, the survivors worked to slow their breathing. Daryl didn't know what had come over him. His hands went to his hair, tugging weakly at the damp locks as he struggled to understand. He was pacing slowly, his chest still heaving.

Carol's entire body was trembling. It was all she could do to stand up straight and let her fingers splay on the smooth, cool counter top. Once the blood stopped rushing in her ears, and sweat began to dry on her skin, Carol swallowed hard and glanced down…her brow furrowing. She was staring at her own bare shoulder. When he'd clutched at the back of her shirt, twisting…jerking the fabric…he'd managed to tug it down, just enough to reveal the curve of her shoulder. She could already feel the ache where his fingers had pressed in before…

"Stay away from me." she breathed without looking back at him.

Daryl stopped, his brows knitting together. His broad hands moved to his hips and he nodded in her direction. "I see how it is." His eyes flicked briefly to the stinging scratch marks on his right bicep. "Think your ass can have at me…But I ain't fit to lay hands on ya?"

"Stop it." she warned.

"Pissed cuz them fancy clothes of yours ain't perfect no more?" he pointed to her shoulder…the rumpled, stretched fabric that had been pulled down.

"You need to shut up about my clothes." Her free hand was forming a fist again.

Her words only served to irritate him and he crossed the small space quickly. She turned around suddenly, her lower back pressed to the counter again as she faced him. Swallowing hard, she lifted her chin and met his gaze.

"Naw. I'll say what I want. Your ass looks ridiculous. This ain't you." he snapped, tugging angrily at one of her sleeves…causing it to slide down her shoulder a little more. His eyes caught the movement as the fabric slipped, revealing more skin. With the soft cotton still clutched tightly in his sweaty palm, the hunter froze. Even in the low light, he could make out the thin strap of her bra…the way it curved up and over her shoulder. His breathing picked up and another chill licked its way up his spine.

"It ain't…" he growled, his tongue darting out over his chapped lips. "It ain't you."

Carol followed his gaze and realized he was staring at her strap. Suddenly, she felt vulnerable, and wanted nothing more than to cover the exposed skin of her shoulder. Hoping to distract him…both of them, Carol cleared her throat.

"It's who I need to be right now. I will blend in…I will get these people to trust me. If that means dressing like one of them…so be it."

Daryl could hardly understand what she was saying. The pounding in his skull seemed to drown everything out. Warm air was pressing in around him, making fresh sweat break out his brow…above his upper lip. He could feel droplets rolling down his back, plastering his thin shirt to his body. He wanted so badly to take the vest off, but he knew he couldn't. His mouth had gone dry at some point, and he couldn't stop staring at Carol's shoulder.

She could feel his eyes on her body, like a physical touch, and it was making her restless. Needing air…separation, Carol reached for his arm, trying to pry him away. She just needed him to let go. He was still clutching the fabric of her shirt in his hand. His grip seemed to tighten when he felt her fingers curling around his wrist.

"It ain't you." he repeated in a hushed growl, his blue eyes flicking to her face.

They stared at each other, holding the connection for several heartbeats. Licking his lips, he tore his eyes from hers and refocused on her clothes. He hated them. Hated that they made her look like one of them. The longer he stared, the angrier he became. Without thinking, he moved into her space, trapping her against the counter. He grabbed her shirt in two trembling hands…clutching it so tightly that his palms hurt. His knuckles turned white and his chest was heaving.

Daryl seemed to have lost control at some point. Between the bitter words they'd flung at each other, and the way her nails had dug into his arm…breaking the skin. The boldness of her stare was grating on his last nerve and he couldn't take it. He wasn't used to the resistance…the defiance that was surfacing in her. His heartbeat was a steady pound in his chest, the strained muscle sending hot blood rushing through his body. With her shirt clutched so tightly in his sweating palms, the hunter let a low, menacing snarl slip from between clenched teeth. The heat in the kitchen was stifling and it all became too much.

All he wanted was to lash out…to hurt someone. He wanted to release the rage that was twisting and burning inside him, making his skin hot. It was more than he could control. He could feel it in the way his hands were shaking. Every muscle seemed to grow painfully tense as he struggled against the force that had caught hold of him. The sirens in his skull were making him wince…he needed it to stop…he needed to let it go…

Carol's keen eyes could see the changes that were taking place in her companion. His entire body seemed to be vibrating with anger…excess energy, she couldn't be sure. His grip on her clothes continued to tighten and something close to fear flickered inside her. She knew that if he really wanted to…he could hurt her. She swallowed hard, refusing to let a single trace of fear register on her face. Her pupils were black pin-pricks in her icy, blue irises and she couldn't make herself look away. He seemed to surround her. The hunter was a strong, dark force looming large in front of her…blocking out everything else. Her mind was racing and she briefly wondered if the heat between them was coming from him…his skin…

He was breathing harder…struggling against something she couldn't see. Those long, damp, shocks of dark hair were framing his face…hanging in his eyes. His body was tensing. She could see the muscles in his arms trembling as he continued to hold her captive. Carol studied him, and her own chest began to heave. While she couldn't claim to know what dark thoughts were spinning in the hunter's skull, she felt as though she was witnessing a silent battle…one that he was fighting with himself, and he seemed to be losing.…she watched the way his teeth sank into his bottom lip.

The air around them was humming with energy…making them warm and restless. His gaze was intense and Carol had to look away in order to breathe. Swallowing hard, she glanced down at the strong hands that were holding the fabric of her shirt. Even in the low light, she could make out the familiar knuckles…fingers…every little detail seemed to stand out in startling clarity. The creases that formed when his fists tightened…she saw small cuts, thin lines and scrapes...and then her eyes were roaming, from those hands to his wrists…further, to his forearms…the tanned skin… Higher. When she noticed his bicep, the one that she'd scratched in a moment of blind rage, a small gasp escaped her. It wasn't just the blood that held her attention…it was the hard curve of muscle underneath. She let her gaze wander to his shoulders, and couldn't help but to imagine what they might feel like beneath her hands. A bead of sweat slid down her neck, dipping into the well of her throat.

Daryl's eyes seemed to catch the movement. Exhaling through his nose, the hunter tried to remember why he was holding her…how they'd gotten to that point. Blood continued to pound in his ears. As he stood in front of Carol, keeping her trapped against the counter, he tried to remember the last time he'd been that close to her.

Let go….walk away.

The hollow words echoed in his skull, but he couldn't hear them…or he didn't want to, Daryl wasn't sure. All he knew was that he was caught in the jaws of his own anger. It was more than he could handle. Seething in the gloom, sweating, and snarling under his breath, the hunter stared at his prey. She was glaring at him…her eyes burning with blue-flame heat that he swore he could feel. As the animal inside him continued to claw its way to the surface…the unpredictable force threatening to break free at any moment, Daryl realized that she'd become his target.

It wasn't fair…it wasn't right, but that didn't matter. The hunter needed to unleash his aggression on someone, or something, and she was there…in front of him…He held fiercely to her clothes and kept his eyes on hers…hoping to scare her…weaken her. He wanted to see her eyes go wide and her lips part…he wanted to know that she was afraid. But the fear never came. She wasn't cowering, or pleading with him. Carol was standing up straight, holding his gaze…as if she was ready for anything he might say or do…

As they stared at one another, Daryl and Carol's breathing continued to pick up. Their rage kept them warm and each seemed to be waiting for the other to speak…but neither did. Carol studied his face…his narrowed eyes, the line of his jaw…the scruff near his mouth. As she took in the details, a startling change began to take place. The anger that had been burning inside her seemed to transform into something else. Her desire to retaliate…to break free…disappeared. She looked down, glancing quickly at his hands again, and found that there was something intriguing about the way he was clutching her shirt. Realizing that she'd finally made up her mind not to kick him between the legs, Carol refocused on Daryl's face. Her breathing slowed slightly as an eerie calm settled over her.

Daryl didn't understand what was happening, at least not at first… Her expression changed, and she was staring at him like she knew something he didn't…Like she'd gained the upper hand somehow. The hunter grew uneasy, but he wouldn't let his nervousness show. He kept his mask on, still hoping to intimidate her. A muscle in his jaw twitched when he realized that there wasn't a single trace of fear on her face. A low growl slid from between his teeth.

The sound seemed to stir something in Carol…some primal part of her responded to it. With her heart beating just a little faster, she studied the hunter and realized that there was more to him than filthy clothes and a bad temper. He was strong, ruthless, loyal…and his closeness became maddening. She caught the sharp tang of his sweat on the air…his scent made her feel feverish…hungry. Sensing that Daryl might be good for more than pointless arguments, she pushed herself away from the counter and moved into his space.

Daryl swallowed hard and held tightly to her shirt, as if he was afraid to release her. A crease formed in his brow, and he opened his mouth to speak, but Carol didn't give him the chance. Closing the gap between them, she kissed him. With her eyes closed, she pressed into him, holding her lips against his for several seconds. Daryl's body went rigid…he froze. Carol's warm, soft lips were applying gentle pressure, and he didn't know what to do…what to think. His grip on her shirt seemed to weaken for a moment, and Carol pulled back, her chest rising and falling with every breath.

Terrified, confused, Daryl stared at her. She didn't look apologetic. She simply stared back at him, through the low light, and waited for him to say something. Despite all the instincts urging him to run…the hunter found himself rooted to the spot. His eyes were trained on her mouth…her lips. The longer he stared, the less sense it all seemed to make. Blood began rushing away from his brain. He could feel it moving lower, with every beat of his heart…the rich liquid pouring into his groin, making it tighten. The instant he felt himself stiffen, Daryl gasped.

The fuck is happening?

He hadn't experienced arousal in so long…he'd all but forgotten what it felt like. His heart skipped a beat and fresh sweat broke out on his brow when he realized what was happening to his body.

Naw.

It didn't make sense. It was Carol. They'd been allies…family…since the quarry. He'd never allowed himself to think of her as anything other than a fellow survivor. But now she was in front of him, staring at him... All it took was one, quick kiss to redirect the flow of blood to his brain. His eyes flicked to her exposed shoulder…the strap of her bra…and it suddenly occurred to Daryl that she was a woman. He wasn't sure how long he'd been staring at that strap when Carol finally pulled him from the trance.

She cleared her throat, startling him, and they stared hard at one another. "I get it," she said under her breath. "You're pissed."

His fists were clutching her shirt tighter.

"I am too. But that doesn't mean we have to fight…" she said.

Daryl was breathing harder, his muscles trembling with trapped energy, and he didn't understand.

As her sudden desires grew stronger, Carol glanced down at his groin. She knew the hunter was guarded…socially backwards…hostile…but underneath it all, he was still just a man. She was sure he hadn't had any physical release since the turn…and the evidence below his waist was hard to ignore. Carol didn't know if it was due to the anger that was already simmering inside him…their physical proximity to one another…or the kiss, but Daryl's body was reacting to something. Seeing the reality of his arousal for herself only served to convince Carol that she wanted him.

When she refocused on his face, she could see how conflicted he was. The familiar anger was still there…but there was a hint of doubt etched into his features. "We don't have to fight…" she repeated.

Daryl's mouth had gone dry. When she'd stared at his groin, more blood had poured into it, making it tight. Parts of him that had lain dormant since the turn were suddenly coming to life. He hissed as his cock began to stiffen. Struggling with indecision, the hunter stood in the gloomy kitchen and refused to let go of Carol's shirt.

Carol cocked her head to the side as she studied him. Her icy, blue eyes were narrowed…trained on his face. "You're scared." she said. It was a statement, not a question.

The hunter clenched his teeth, nearly shaking her. "I fuckin' ain't." he snarled.

Carol's heart sped up and a bead of sweat slid down from her temple. "You are." she insisted.

Growling, he moved even further into her space, pinning her body against the counter. He swore when he felt his hips pressing into hers…his need smothered between them. Carol gasped. His scent was surrounding her…she could feel the oppressive heat coming from his skin, and the hardness below his waist. Standing so close together, the survivors pulled strained breaths into their lungs and tried to control everything that was rioting inside them. Their hearts were beating so hard, they swore the sound filled up the room.

With his eyes locked on hers, Daryl felt the hair at the base of his neck stand up. "I ain't afraid." he breathed. The sound was low…dangerous. His eyes were mean slits, cutting through the gloom.

Carol ignored the pounding in her chest and let her tongue dart quickly over her lips. Wanting nothing more than to collide with the man in front of her, she held his gaze and drew on her courage. "Then show me." she whispered.

The hunter bristled at the statement. His teeth were clenched so hard that his jaw ached and his long hair was growing damp with sweat. As months of trapped anger suddenly rushed to the surface…breaking free, Daryl snarled and ripped open Carol's shirt. The sound of the fabric tearing echoed throughout the kitchen, masking Carol's sharp gasp. His strong, calloused hands had torn her blouse open, sending buttons flying in every direction. The tiny bits of plastic clattered as they hit the floor…but none of that mattered. All Daryl cared about was her chest…the exposed skin that was glowing in the low light of the kitchen.

His hungry eyes devoured everything he could see. Sweat shining in the valley between her breasts…a dark bra… He felt himself get harder as he stared at the cups…they were full…barely containing the tender flesh…his cock began to throb behind his zipper. He wanted more. Not caring how roughly he handled her, Daryl worked franticly to push the damn shirt off her shoulders.

Carol's excitement had risen a hundred-fold and she fumbled to help him get her shirt off. When she felt the fabric slide off her arms and drop to the floor, her eyes flicked to his face. She hardly recognized the person she saw. Dark hair was hanging in the hunter's eyes and his lips were parted to make way for ragged breaths. In an instant, everything had changed. Arguments, reasons…consequences…none of it mattered. Everything had been stripped away the moment he ripped her shirt open. All that remained was lust. Her chest was heaving as she fought to breathe, and she could feel his eyes on her breasts.

Without waiting for permission, Daryl reached up, grabbing the tender flesh. His broad hands gripped her breasts, squeezing hard, and he felt his cock drip. Carol swore, her back arching into the touch. The hunter was panting, massaging her breasts, his hips still pinning her against the counter…his need growing stronger between them.

Wanting to feel more of him, Carol reached back and began fumbling with the clasp of her bra. As she struggled to rid herself of the garment, Daryl ducked down, catching her mouth with his. He kissed her hard, pressing his lips into hers until she opened up. The moment her lips parted, he slid his tongue into her mouth, tasting her. She moaned at the sensation and kissed him back, letting her own tongue meet his. He squeezed her breasts harder as the kiss deepened.

He was bringing her body to life…his kisses were wet and hungry…his tongue probing and exploring every part of her mouth. When his tongue caressed hers roughly, sliding past it, underneath it, Carol felt a rush of heat between her legs. Her shaking fingers continued to fumble with the clasp until she finally felt the ends spring apart.

The survivors didn't need to think…they didn't question what was happening between them. All that mattered was skin…closeness. Daryl's hands immediately went to her shoulders and his fingers curled around the thin straps, yanking them down her arms. He threw the bra on the ground and grabbed her breasts, growling at the way the felt in his palms. She was so soft, warm, and he couldn't stop himself from squeezing her. He loved the way her flesh filled up his palms and he let his thumbs brush her nipples. Daryl hadn't enjoyed a woman's body in so long and the feel of her skin was overwhelming. Just holding her breasts made him want to come.

Wanting more of her, the hunter forced himself to let go…just long enough to move his hands to her thighs. The kissing stopped, and Carol gasped when she felt him grip her legs, hoisting her up. He was forceful, lifting her suddenly until she was sitting on the counter. Her hands curled anxiously around the edge. Her chest continued to heave. He stood between her parted legs and glanced down at her waist. When their eyes met again, Carol understood.

He reached for her pants and Carol pushed herself up, lifting her ass so he could tug the fabric down. He slid the cotton down her legs in one fast move. She felt it slipping off the ends of her feet. Automatically, she parted her legs, and Daryl moved back into her space. She reached up, winding her arms around his neck as he grabbed her hips. She scooted forward and he tugged at her, both of them working towards the same goal. When their hips met, they both growled.

Daryl let his sweaty forehead rest in the crook of her neck. Her groin was pressed to his, and he held her hips, keeping her body flush with his. His fingers were pressing in hard as his arousal continued to build.

As she sat on the very edge of the counter…the granite felt cool beneath her bare thighs. Sweat was breaking out all over her body, and Carol could hardly process the fact that she was nearly naked. Daryl wasn't giving her time to adjust. He bucked his hips between her legs, letting her feel his erection. She shuddered and brought her legs up quickly, wrapping them around his waist. She could feel his need, straining beneath his clothes. The action brought them closer and they both swore quietly in the gloom. They were two warm bodies who needed one another.

Daryl groaned into her shoulder as his hips bucked again. He was pressing into that heat and softness between her legs. The knowledge that he had her in her panties made him drip…but he needed more. He loved the way her long legs were wrapped around his body, clinging to him…and then she rocked her hips, pressing herself against his hardness. He wasn't prepared for that feeling and his member jerked. Daryl couldn't help but buck, countering her movements. He heard her gasp and the sound was so satisfying that he thrust his hips forward again. She dug her nails into the back of his neck and seemed to scoot even closer to the edge..keeping her pelvis flush with his.

The restless survivors were panting, writhing against one another, seeking the friction they both needed…but it wasn't enough. Carol had to feel him, and she knew he wanted to feel her. She pushed her hips into his one last time before allowing her legs to ease down. Daryl didn't need any urging. His fingers curled around her panties and he began clumsily pulling at them. He hated to separate himself from her, but he needed to put a little space between their bodies. His eyes drank their fill of her chest as he yanked the skimpy bit of fabric down her parted legs. She gasped…the counter was cold, a stark contrast to the heat of her core. Hungry for Daryl, she kept her legs parted, giving him a clear view of her sex. Her hands were gripping the edge of the counter again. Her chest was still heaving.

Daryl nearly let go when he saw her pussy. His shaft got harder, and he felt liquid beading at the tip. The erection was straining fiercely behind his zipper, and he knew he couldn't hold back forever. But as badly as he wanted to come, the hunter was determined to wait. If he was really going to hit his peak…right there in the kitchen with her…he wanted to do it inside her. His hand went to his crotch and he tried to keep himself in check as he stared at her. He could feel his member throbbing, and his mouth was so dry…

Carol didn't care that she was naked…or that it was the middle of the damn night. All that mattered was Daryl…his body. She wanted it. More than she'd wanted anything in a long time. She wanted release…and she knew that he could give it to her. Carol kept a moan locked in her chest. The way he was staring at her core made her tremble. She could feel her walls opening. As she sat on the edge of the counter, struggling with the emptiness between her thighs, Carol's eyes flicked to his groin. His erection seemed bigger than it had a moment ago.

As she stared, she knew that she'd never been more physically attracted to anyone. She'd never craved sex…penetration…so badly. Carol felt a strong flush spreading over her entire body, but she couldn't make herself look away. She wanted to touch him…to stroke him and see him. Unable to wait any longer, Carol refocused on his face. Her blue eyes were dark with arousal.

"Show me." she breathed.

Just hearing the words make his cock jerk. Her voice was so low…so demanding, and he just wanted to give her what she asked for. Without taking his eyes from hers, Daryl began working to unfasten his belt. His fingers seemed to get in the way as he fumbled with the buckle.

Carol watched his hands, her chest rising and falling in anticipation.

He hissed when he finally managed to pull the leather from the buckle…the two ends hanging slack. He made himself look at her while he reached for the tab on his zipper. If she wanted to see, he was going to show her. Daryl felt more blood rushing into his manhood. The thought that Carol wanted to see him made him harder. The hunter worked to tug his zipper down carefully.

Carol could feel the pain in her center growing worse. Her eyes found his and they stared at one another. The expression he wore…Carol had never seen it before. He was completely focused on her. Thy shyness and awkwardness that he usually fell victim to, when interacting with other people, had disappeared. He didn't seem backwards or scared… The only things Carol could see in his face were determination and hunger. She swallowed hard and waited for him.

Daryl felt the muscles in his lower belly tense when he finally pulled the zipper down. He wasn't afraid, but he couldn't help his body's reaction. The hunter never made a habit of letting his partners get a good look at him. He'd always preferred darkness and anonymity when it came to sex. All that mattered was friction and release…a willing participant. But this was different. He couldn't hide from Carol, and he didn't want to. He knew her. They'd spilled blood together, stared down death together…more than once… He knew who she was and what she was capable of.

With those thoughts spinning in his skull, Daryl let his fingers curl around his waistband. He bit into his bottom lip as he carefully pulled the black boxers away from his body, freeing his erection. He didn't let himself stop. The hunter pushed the dark fabric down until it was resting low on his hips. Not knowing what to do with his hands, he moved back into her space and braced them on the counter, on either side of her bare thighs. His head hung low as he tried to control his ragged breathing.

The second his arousal became visible, Carol felt her core tighten. Wetness was forming between her legs and her breath caught in her throat. In awe of the man in front of her…Carol couldn't stop herself from reaching for him. When her soft hand gripped the base of his cock, they both shuddered.

Daryl couldn't handle the sudden contact, and he lunged for the base of her neck, biting her. His hips bucked into her hand and he felt his member jerk. Blood seemed to jolt into it, stiffening it even more. He took his frustration out on her body, capturing her flesh between his teeth…sucking and nipping hungrily. His blunt nails were clawing at the smooth, granite counter top.

Carol was at a loss. She'd never felt anything like him. He was thick, warm, heavy in her hand. Her fingers curled around the base and squeezed, making him snarl against the side of her neck. She knew then, as she held his manhood in her hand, that she'd never be able to rest until she knew what he felt like inside her. One of her hands flew to his dark hair and formed a tight fist while the other continued to grip his cock.

The feeling of her long fingers in his hair made him want to come. She was holding him…squeezing, applying just enough pressure to make him drip. Daryl couldn't stop himself from muttering curses into her skin and bucking his hips. He'd forgotten what it felt like to have a woman touch him…and he was sure no one had ever handled him the way she was….like she wanted him as badly as he wanted her.

Carol felt drugged as she touched him. With his mouth on her neck, and his member in her hand…he seemed to be everywhere at once…surrounding her. His scent hung heavy in the air and she pulled it deep into her lungs, shuddering each time she took a breath. She continued to massage the base, afraid to move her hand along his length. She worried that the contact would prove too much for him and she didn't want him to hit his peak until he was buried inside her. He felt swollen, and Carol wondered how much longer he would last.

As they stood in the gloomy kitchen, the survivors seemed to forget everything else. The low light from the small lamp made their bodies glow. Carol sat on the edge of the counter, still tugging at Daryl's hair. The hunter's broad hands were gripping the counter. He stood between Carol's parted legs, his hips bucking every few seconds. He seemed desperate to devour her as he continued his assault on the base of her neck.

Locked together in a moment of pure heat, they let the rest of the world dissolve behind their eyes. It didn't matter that they were in the middle of the kitchen…with nothing to conceal them. It didn't matter that the sound of their panting filled up the room, along with soft curses that slipped from between their teeth. Each of them needed what the other had, and they weren't about to stop what they'd started.

Lust was beginning to drive Carol crazy, and suddenly…holding him in her hand wasn't enough. Moaning, she gave him one last squeeze before letting go. Daryl grunted against her skin…he immediately missed the pressure of her grip.

"Keep goin'…" he growled before biting her.

But Carol tugged sharply at his hair, forcing him to look at her. He was breathing hard…fresh sweat shining at his temples…on his arms. He paused to lick his lips while his feral eyes cut into her. Unable to control herself, Carol used her free hand to clutch at his shirt and pull him into her space. The instant their bodies touched, she brought her legs up, locking them securely around his waist…fusing the two of them together.

"Sonofabitch!" he snarled, his eyes slamming shut. His sweaty hands went to her hips, tugging at her, keeping her warm body against his. Her sex was pressed to his arousal, smothering it…and the feeling was incredible. The way her legs were wrapped so tightly around his waist made him growl. He kept his hands on her body and bucked his hips.

Carol moaned, both of her hands flying to his hair so that she could pull him down to her lips. Their kisses were hungry, unrestrained. He immediately pushed his tongue into her mouth, loving the way her body trembled against his. Carol let him in, and they tasted one another, their hips rocking together as they sought to create friction. She clawed at his hair while his tongue slid under hers. The heat from his body was overwhelming, and she pushed her hips into his, feeling his hardness. With her heels pressing into his ass, Carol forced him to buck between her legs.

Daryl kissed her harder, sucking at her tongue, making her whine. He explored her mouth, tasting every part…letting her tongue flick against his as they teased one another. He tightened his grip on her body, his fingertips pressing hard into her hips. The hunter caught her bottom lip between his teeth and tugged. When he heard her gasp, he forced his tongue back inside and it slid easily past hers. The warmth…the wetness…it was making his mind wander. He found himself thinking about her core…and wondering if it would be as sweet and wet as her mouth. He had to know…he had to get inside. But the hunter couldn't bring himself to stop kissing her. She tasted too good, felt too good…

Feeling his cock jerk between their bodies seemed to remind Carol that they both needed more. She kissed him with urgency, caressing his tongue with her own…but it wasn't enough. She rocked her hips against his, making him swear, and she took the opportunity to pull her mouth from his. They both gasped, hating the separation.

Carol stared at him through the gloom and continued to rake her nails through his long hair. He stared right back at her, both of their chests heaving, and he knew what she wanted. As the reality of what they were about to do set in, Daryl seemed to notice the heat for the first time. The temperature in the room was rising with each passing second, and the hunter couldn't take it. With a grunt, he pried his hands away from her hips and worked frantically to shrug the vest off his shoulders. Carol was still clutching at his hair, and they held each other's gazes as the leather hit the kitchen floor.

Something seemed to flutter inside her and she moved her hands to the buttons on his shirt, fumbling to undo them as quickly as she could. Daryl was gripping the counter again, willing himself to wait her out. He licked his lips and stared down at her chest…at the delicious curves of her breasts and the shadowed dip in her cleavage.

Carol could feel his eyes on her skin and it made her heart thrum, but she had to keep going. When she finally managed to push the last button through the hole, she immediately ran her soft hands, up from his stomach to his chest…higher…to his shoulders…the ones she'd been wanting to touch since before she kissed him.

His damp skin felt amazing under her palms. As she touched him, Carol was tempted to push the sleeveless shirt off his shoulders…but she stopped herself. As much as she wanted to feel all of him…to see all of him…Carol knew that he wasn't ready. She knew what he hid under his clothes, and figured he'd be more comfortable keeping the shirt. With a groan locked behind her lips, she let her hands travel back down to his chest where she clawed him lightly. He hissed but didn't stop her. As the desire continued to build inside her, Carol slid her hands down lower, to his flat stomach, before sliding them around to his lower back…under his shirt.

The hunter tensed at the contact. Carol leaned in, kissing his chest while her fingertips caressed his back. She was gentle as she touched him…mapping out the skin under her hands. His body heat was making her sweat and she couldn't stop herself from clawing him lightly and rocking her hips. She could feel his hardness pressing against her sex and it made her growl.

His member jerked and leaked…clear liquid beading at the tip. Daryl was done waiting. He reached down, grabbing her hands and pulling them away from his lower back. Carol followed his lead and eased back slightly, her palms resting on top of the smooth counter. The hunter was holding her hips again, his blue eyes trained on hers. He bucked between her legs, just to see her reaction. A small gasp escaped her and the flush grew stronger on her cheeks. The survivors were panting as they stared at one another.

Suddenly, it occurred to Carol that they were exposed. That their positioning would leave little to the imagination should someone wake up and stumble down the stairs. Daryl was looming over her, standing between her legs, which were wrapped around his waist. His open shirt revealed a toned chest slick with sweat, a flat stomach, and a trail of dark hair that lead to his cock. His pants and boxers sat low on his hips. Carol was completely naked…wrapped around him, her chest heaving, lifting her breasts. Nervousness flickered in the back of her mind. She knew they couldn't stop, but they had to do something…take some small precaution. Her eyes flicked to the right…to the small lamp that sat on the end table near the couch.

"The lamp…" she breathed.

Daryl's eyes narrowed. He didn't understand.

Carol refocused on her partner. "Turn it off."

The hunter tightened his grip on her hips and bucked again, just to hear the soft sound that burst from her lips. His eyes lingered on hers for half a heartbeat and then she was unlocking her legs, easing them down to release him. Trying hard to ignore the pain below his waist, Daryl made his way back towards the living room until he reached the end table. He quickly turned the lamp off and headed back to the woman that he knew was waiting for him.

Cloaked in darkness, the survivors seemed to get a little braver. Daryl didn't hesitate to move back into her space. He grabbed her thighs, hitching her legs up roughly around his waist. The instant their bodies were pressed together again, he lunged for her mouth and kissed her hard. She let him in, loving the forceful way he kissed her. His tongue explored her mouth and she moaned into the kiss, her body rocking against his. They held the connection for several heated seconds before they broke apart panting.

Carol stared up at him, her eyes cutting through the dark. "Still angry?" she breathed.

Daryl growled, digging his nails into her hips and bucking. He thought about the argument that lead them there…the venomous words they'd flung at one another without thinking. The hairs at the base of his neck stood on end and his blood pressure seemed to rise.

"Yeah." he growled, glaring at her…his cock was beginning to throb.

She licked her lips and eased back a little, her fingers still splaying on the counter. "Good. Show me."

Daryl felt his member swell. He had no idea what had come over the two of them, but he was powerless to stand against it. Growling, he used one hand to reach back behind Carol. He fumbled in the dark until he found the cutting board and shoved it off to the side, out of the way.

Carol didn't need any urging. The second she knew the cutting board was gone, she reclined, resting on the counter…the granite was startlingly cool against her spine. Daryl's hands went to her thighs. He grabbed her legs and brought them up to rest on his shoulders.

Carol's eyes were slammed shut and she was tugging at her own hair. "Show me!" she hissed through clenched teeth.

The hunter reached down and gripped his cock. He guided himself to the heat between her thighs and froze when he felt the tip hit her. A ripple of pleasure and excitement rushed through him. He'd nearly reached his goal. As ragged breaths passed his lips, Daryl maintained his grip and rubbed the head of his cock along her slit, up and down, feeling the wetness that was seeping from her.

Carol rocked her hips, inviting him to penetrate her. When she felt the blunt tip teasing her entrance, she tugged sharply at her hair. Her body was on fire.

Daryl shuddered but didn't stop. He wanted to drive her crazy…to make her beg for it. He continued teasing, moving the tip along her slit…back and forth, occasionally applying just enough pressure to make her swear. She was so wonderfully wet, and her legs felt so good draped over his shoulders. Despite the gloom, Carol's body seemed to glow in the dark...sweat glistening on her breasts…her stomach… It was enough to make him leak. He stared down at his captive, wishing he could see more of her. A growl escaped him as he realized it might be difficult to breach her entrance in the dark. With limited visibility, the hunter had to rely on what he could feel.

The head of his cock was gliding smoothly, slowly along her sex as he searched for the right spot. He felt himself dip down, between her lips and then her body jerked.

That's it…

With his heart beating heavy in his chest, Daryl shook the strands of dark hair out of his eyes and stared down at her body. "That's it, ain't it?" he growled. "That where ya want it?"

Carol's mouth had gone dry and her walls were opening in anticipation. "Right there." she hissed, her eyes still closed.

Daryl gripped his member tightly and moved his hips a little, just enough to press against that spot. He knew, as he applied pressure, that their union was going to be difficult. Despite the slick evidence of her arousal that was leaking from between her legs, Daryl could tell that she was going to be tight. The fact that his cock hadn't immediately slipped into her heat lead him to believe that there was resistance.

"Fuckin' hell…" he breathed as he continued to press against that weak spot.

Carol was writhing underneath him…her thighs were trembling. "Just show me!" she demanded. "Show me how fucking angry you are."

"Get that pussy open woman." he snarled as he began pressing harder.

She hissed and arched her back urging him to push in.

Daryl's dick was so stiff that it hurt. The shaft was throbbing…veins straining with an unfulfilled need. He bucked again, but only managed to slide along her slit.

"Fuck me." she breathed.

"Godammitt!" he growled, his hands moving suddenly to grip her hips. With his fingers digging in hard, he secured his hold on his mate and repositioned himself near her entrance.

"Fuck me!" she hissed. She couldn't handle the emptiness in her core…not when he was so close.

"Shut your damn mouth." he snarled before bucking hard between her legs. It was a strong thrust, and he forced the tip of his cock inside her, taking the air from their lungs. His hand flew to her mouth just in time to muffle a sharp scream. He kept his hand clamped over her lips as he waited for her sounds to die down. He could feel her body tensing all over…trembling…her muscles constricting so tightly around the head of his member.

Carol's walls slammed shut, resisting the invasion. She didn't even realize that she was screaming. All she knew was that he was finally inside, and his sweaty hand was clamped over her mouth.

"Christ!" he growled. The hunter kept his hand in place while he thrust.

Her body arched automatically, letting him slip into her. When his hips jerked, Daryl forced his hard-on into her narrow core. He bucked again, and again, pushing his cock into her heat until his pelvis was flush with hers. Once every inch of rigid flesh was buried inside her, the hunter let himself enjoy the pressure.

He could feel wetness…her quivering walls all around him. He still had one hand on her hip, and he held her tight as he thrust into the welcoming heat between her thighs. Her walls rubbed his aching shaft and he groaned at the sensation.

Carol couldn't speak…she couldn't think…at least not about anything but Daryl's cock. It was already pressing in deep, and she'd never been so full. She felt as though she was going to break…split in half. His member was stretching her, forcing her walls open. Inhaling the scent from his hand that covered her lips, Carol felt her insides constricting. She wasn't sure when her screams turned into moans, but the sound seemed to encourage her partner.

Gripping her hip, he bucked against her…the blunt tip teasing her cervix. Having pushed in as far as he could go, Daryl began to pull back slowly…sliding through her sex.

"God…damn…" he growled under his breath, feeling those slick walls press in around him. The hunter withdrew fully, his member slipping from between her legs.

Carol jerked again, a painful sound bursting from her lips. She began arching, writhing as she lay on the counter. She needed him to fill her.

Breathing hard, Daryl stared down at his cock. It shone in the dark…he was already covered in her wetness and the thick shaft was pulsing. He had no intention of stopping, but he wanted to push in again. He wanted to savor the feeling of penetrating her all over again. With a grunt, he jerked his hips forward, and the swollen tip breached her tight ring.

"Christ!" he snarled, loving the tension inside her. The way she grew so tight around him…her pussy squeezing the tip…it made him believe that her body needed him…that she craved him. He let himself linger, just inside her sex, and relished her body's reaction.

Carol was suffering. She rocked her hips, trying to coax him back in, but he stood still…refusing to thrust. She could feel her resolve crumbling with each passing second. Her walls opened and closed and the muscles in her thighs quivered. On her back, battling a need that seemed to be driving her crazy, Carol moaned desperately, the sound muffled beneath his hand.

It was taking every last ounce of Daryl's willpower not to thrust, but the tightness of her entrance was so addictive…and he wanted her to keep clenching around the tip. Hoping to keep her from moving too much, the hunter pulled his hand away from her mouth and grabbed her hips instead.

Carol couldn't take it. She needed motion between her legs. "Fuck…" she groaned, her body arching. "Put it in."

"Tellin' me ya need it?" Daryl asked in a low growl.

"God!" she was writhing again. "I fucking need it. I need it inside me."

Daryl pushed in just a bit further, the first inch of his cock resting inside her slit.

More wetness leaked from her and she bucked her hips, seeking penetration.

The hunter was panting as he pushed again, sending another inch into her sex. He knew the slowness was torturing her… "Ya want this dick in your pussy woman?" he breathed. He was throbbing painfully, but he kept himself in check.

Carol's frustration got the best of her and she growled, rocking her hips. "Stop talking and fuck me…"

Daryl grabbed her hips and thrust hard, forcing his thick cock into her sex. He sank in suddenly, his pelvis colliding with hers. Carol's body jerked and she bit her bottom lip to keep from screaming. He felt amazing…his hardness was filling her up, making her weak. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been with a man…but she knew it was nothing compared to what she was experiencing in that kitchen with Daryl.

After pushing himself into her, the hunter froze. She was so slick and warm all around him…he just wanted to savor the heat of her sex and enjoy the tightness…But Carol was restless beneath him. She immediately began rocking her hips, urging him to move with her. Daryl knew that whatever was happening between them wouldn't last long, so he gave into his need and jerked his hips.

"Like that!" Carol groaned.

Daryl was moving back and forth, setting the pace…his hips creating a strong rhythm inside her. He pushed and pulled, slipping and sinking through her pussy, hitting the top and making her swear. The smooth walls hugged his shaft with every thrust, and the survivors marveled at the friction they'd created.

Carol's body was so responsive…reacting to every little thing he did. Her back arched as he took her, and small gasps burst from her lips each time he forced his length inside. As Daryl bucked steadily between her legs, he swore he could feel her core getting tighter. The pressure was almost painful, but it only made him want to thrust harder.

But it wasn't just Carol's core that fascinated him…it was her entire body. As he stood in that kitchen, driving himself into her, Daryl couldn't believe that he'd never noticed her legs. They were long, slender, toned…her thighs were slim…pale, and he loved the way they quivered when he thrust. Even in the dark, he could see the way she was struggling…grabbing fistfuls of her own hair…he liked that he was having such an intense effect on her.

He bucked hard, watching as she twisted like an animal caught in a trap. Her body was lithe, and he wanted to possess it. He maintained his grip on her hips, keeping her pelvis flush with his. The hunter liked having her pussy close…pressed against him. He was quickly becoming addicted to the heat of it. As his momentum began to build…his strong hips colliding with hers over and over…Carol's entire body seemed to shake.

"Oh…" she groaned, her core clenching. "Oh fuck…"

"Ya like that?" he growled, thrusting into her sex.

Instead of answering, Carol pulled one hand from her hair and let it trail down her slick stomach until she reached her clit.

Daryl felt himself get harder as he watched.

Fighting for every breath, she used two fingers to tease her clit…circling the aching nub again and again. The added sensation made her body jerk.

"God!" she moaned, her eyes still slammed shut. Daryl was working her body, his member moving in and out.

The hunter couldn't feel his own legs anymore…all that mattered was the feeling of her pussy wrapped around him. He kept sliding his hard-on into it, going deeper with each stroke.

Carol let him fuck her, knowing they both needed it. It was everything her body had been craving. Her back began to ache, the cold, hard granite of the counter bruising the ridges in her spine as she writhed. But she didn't care. All she wanted was for her partner to keep going.

Daryl was taking her like an animal. There was no restraint…no fear. His nails bit into her hips as he held tight to her frame…making sure to keep her lower half at the edge of the counter where he had easy access. His own hips were bucking faster, harder… The hunter was lost in lust and didn't know whether he was thrusting to break Carol…or to reach his own end. He just knew he had to move.

He forced himself into her pussy, his stiff cock rubbing her walls, and pressing into her softest, weakest places. Her body felt so good, and his needs grew stronger. He began thrusting wildly, making her shake…his hips creating a merciless recoil each time they rammed against her pelvis. Some small part of him worried that he might be hurting her, but she made no moves to stop him. She groaned and swore, moving right along with him.

Carol wanted to give in. She wanted to give her entire body over to the sensations that were coursing through her. She didn't care if Daryl was just using her as a vessel…she was using him. They were angry…restless, and they needed outlets. The survivors needed to feel free…if only for a few frantic minutes…and release the tension that had been building inside them for weeks. They were satisfying a natural hunger, and they'd both gone without the friction for too long. Carol's eyes were slammed shut, and she rubbed her clit a little harder…her core tightened around Daryl's dick, and she swore she could feel it growing inside her.

"Fuck!" Daryl snarled, feeling the pressure increase between her legs. She was making him so hard, and he wasn't sure how much longer he'd last. "This what ya want?" he slammed his hips into hers. A bead of sweat slid down his jaw line.

She arched her back and rocked her hips, taking him all the way into her pussy. "God!" she moaned. "Yes!" The muscles in her stomach tightened.

The hunter never slowed his pace. He was fucking right into her center…straining to reach the spot that held all her tension. He was bucking so hard that Carol's legs slid from his shoulders, until they draped over the crooks in his elbows. She was spread apart, at his mercy, and he continued his assault on her sex. He refused to let go of her hips. As he stood between her legs, claiming her with his cock, Daryl realized that nothing could come between them. There wasn't a force strong enough to pull him away from her. She was his, if only for the moment, and he was going to have his way with her.

He let out a staggered breath as he continued to thrust. Her insides were swallowing him, sucking him in…and he could feel her smooth, slickness gliding all around him as he moved. She felt incredible against him, and part of him didn't want it to end…but he knew they couldn't stop. They were too hungry. Their bodies were too desperate for release. Daryl's hips began jerking faster, his cock slipping into her heat over and over. He couldn't stop. With parted lips, and a deep crease forming in his brow, he stared down at her. He saw the way she was touching herself…rubbing her clit, and it made him leak inside her.

"Fuck Carol…." he growled, forcing his manhood deeper into her core and letting it throb.

She cried out, her hips rocking to take him in.

"Keep playin' with that pussy." Shocks of hair hung in his eyes as his hips continued to thrust.

She clenched around him…her body relishing the hardness of his cock. "God…so….good…" she groaned.

Daryl grunted, his hands moving from her hips to her thighs. He used his grip to push her legs even further apart. He needed more room in her core. The second he pushed, the hunter felt the added space in her sex, and he thrust into it quickly, his entire shaft disappearing between her thighs. His eyes slammed shut and he growled through clenched teeth. Her body engulfed him…surrounding his aching member…every solid inch.

As the hunter took his mate, he couldn't help but to feel as though he'd been let off a leash. He didn't have to hold back, or keep himself in check. He wasn't worried about consequences…where his actions might leave him in the morning… His brain stopped functioning the instant he slid himself into Carol's heat…maybe even before then…when their lips met… All he wanted to was to take out every last bit of his frustration on the woman he was connected to. Daryl was so lost…so entranced by the feeling of her sex wrapped around him, that he didn't even care how much noise she was making.

Groans and gasps were escaping her each time their pelvises collided. When he pushed in deep, she would cuss and moan, and the sounds would spur him on. As he moved back and forth through her wetness, the hunter knew he couldn't leave her. She had him…her body refusing to let him go. So he bucked hard, giving her everything she needed. Nothing else mattered.

If the noise happened to wake someone…and one of the survivors made their way down the stairs into the kitchen, they'd be able to see what was taking place between Carol and Daryl. The hunter was too busy savoring the pressure on his dick to give a second thought to the house's other occupants. And he knew, that even if someone saw what he was doing, he wouldn't stop…he couldn't. The motion between their hips was demanding all of his attention. Their rhythm was incredible.

Carol's breathing had grown shallow, and fresh sweat was beading on her skin as Daryl pleasured her. She was lying on the cold countertop, feeling more alive than she ever had. Her thighs were shaking, and with each thrust, Daryl was pushing her closer and closer to her breaking point.

"God!" she moaned. "Don't stop…"

The hunter growled, digging his fingertips into the tender flesh of her thighs. "I ain't stoppin' till ya fuckin' come." He bucked his hips, sending his manhood deep into her core.

The two survivors were too lost to realize the significance of Daryl's words. Somewhere, between groans and thrusts, their union became more than a maddening, selfish fit of lust. The hunter didn't just want to fuck her, he wanted to make her come. He wanted to satisfy her. But the slick heat inside her was hard to ignore. Carol's walls pressed in around his member, hugging it, caressing it, and he knew his own orgasm was already brewing. Daryl wasn't sure he'd last long enough to finish her, but he desperately wanted to try. The tightness of her pussy was overwhelming, making his cock throb.

Carol could feel him pulsing deep inside her, she whined and angled her hips, letting him slide in to her very center. She teased her clit and clenched around him, making them both swear. The sheen of sweat was getting thicker on her body, and she could barely breathe. The feelings were too intense and she gasped, her eyes flying open. There was a slight flutter in her core when her eyes found Daryl's.

He was staring at her through the gloom, while his hips continued to jerk between her legs. She stared back, her lips parting to make way for shallow breaths. Every inch of exposed skin seemed to fascinate her. His chest…his flat stomach…she could see the way the muscles tensed each time he thrust. He was covered in sweat, the moisture glistening in the dark. The shocks of hair framing his face made him look wild. He kept his eyes on hers as he pushed and pulled inside her. While their momentum continued to build, Carol knew she'd never experienced physical attraction like this…and that she never would again…he was the only one who could create such incredible feelings inside her.

Carol was caught in the grip of a powerful fever, and it was making her weak. Hungry for Daryl's cock, she pushed herself closer to the edge, taking him in. He was so stiff, filling her core…and she couldn't take it.

"Just fuck me…" she begged, her body rocking in time with his thrusts…their pace never slowing.

The hunter felt himself jerk between her legs. She was getting narrow, and he needed to break her. "I ain't stoppin' woman." he breathed.

"God!" she arched her back, feeling his length slip in. "Just put it in…"

Daryl growled, his hands moving suddenly from her thighs to her hips where he gripped her hard. "Fuckin' take it." he gave her a strong thrust, making her gasp again.

Carol was close to tears. Her body had never been so desperate for release. Nothing mattered but the friction between them. He'd created such a crippling need in her, that all she could do was twist and struggle while he took her. As he pushed into her sex, Carol let the solid flesh fill her. She bucked against him, taking him in, loving the way he felt. With their eyes locked on one another, the survivors felt their pleasure building.

Daryl was in awe of the woman underneath him. It didn't seem to matter how hard he bucked…how rough he was.. She kept herself open for him, tilting her pelvis to make it easier for him. She was panting as she stared up at his face, and the hunter liked being watched. It turned him on and he could feel his erection straining within her walls.

"Faster…" she groaned, her fingertips still circling her clit while her chest heaved.

He snarled, gripping her hips tighter. Daryl gave her what she wanted, his hips colliding with hers as he thrust rapidly into her heat. He felt her wet walls rubbing his long shaft, squeezing him, making him drip…he knew he was going to come…and the knowledge that he was going to do it inside her made his cock harder.

"Fuck," he growled, moving quickly, back and forth through her core. The hunter glanced down and saw the way his member was slipping in and out of her pussy. He was driving himself into her heat at a relentless pace, relishing the slickness of her insides wrapped around him.

Each time his hard-on slid in, Carol hissed. "Like that….fuck….like that." she moaned, her body arching. She never wanted him to stop.

Every muscle in Daryl's body seemed to tense as he fucked her. His cock was aching and he needed to let go. He wanted to fill her pussy. "God…dammitt Carol…." he growled, slamming his hips into hers, burying himself to the hilt.

"I need it," she gasped. "Harder…deeper…." One of her hands was still tangled in her own hair. She was trying to keep her eyes on his…to hold the connection…but the pleasure between her thighs was so intense that she had to close her eyes. She could feel him sinking in…his warm, heavy flesh keeping her open.

Daryl swore as he held onto her hips…keeping her body flush with his while he thrust as hard as he could. Her wetness was gliding all around his dick, helping him to slip and slide down into her center. Losing himself in the repetitive motion between their hips, the hunter groaned. Her core sucked him in, again and again, and he wondered how much more her body could take. He was giving her everything…his pelvis crashing mercilessly against hers.

As she savored the hardness pressing into her sex, Carol began to lose control. Her lungs burned as she fought to take shallow breaths. Daryl was attacking her pussy and she'd never felt anything so good. She rocked her hips for him, letting him take her, and the muscles in her thighs were quivering.

"Oh…fuck…Daryl….jesus….yes…like that….oh….god…mhmm….harder…fuck me….yeah…yeah…yeah…" The feeling of his long, stiff cock between her legs was driving her crazy. She clenched around him, wanting to keep him inside her.

But Daryl just kept thrusting. Each time he slipped into her pussy, going deep, hitting the top….he could feel her tight ring of muscles constricting around the base of his cock. Her sounds were ringing in his ears, building his desire…fueling his need. He jerked his hips and felt his manhood swell. The pressure was too much, he was stretching her walls, rubbing against her insides…over and over.

Growling and whining, the hunter forced himself into her heat. "Aw….Christ…fuckin'…." the next few words seemed to die on his tongue as his hips began moving faster. It wasn't enough…he needed more pressure, more heat, more friction…he needed to go deeper…to tear her apart.

Carol's mind was going numb with pleasure. The incredible force of his hips between her legs was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. He was so hard, so thick…and she could've sworn that he was controlling her with his cock. She was working to keep up with him…to maintain their frantic rhythm. But every thrust made her weaker…and she could feel herself nearing the brink…her pussy was wrapped around him, squeezing him…

Daryl felt her clenching deep inside and knew she was enjoying herself…the way her body gripped his cock…it was enough to make him whine and cuss. "Lord…" he groaned, pumping his hips, "That pussy's fuckin' tight…." It didn't matter how narrow she was; the hunter's pace never slowed. He stood his ground and pushed himself into her depths.

"Harder," Carol urged him, her walls clinging to the rigid shaft that filled her. Every inch of her body was tingling as Daryl pleasured her…his strong, steady thrusts sending his length all the way in. He was too long, too big for Carol…it was almost painful…his size making her ache…but she wanted it more than anything.

The hunter could feel the wetness building between her thighs, making it easier for him to move. He was drilling her pussy, loving the way her tight little body felt all around his manhood. The delicious friction of her walls moving against his cock was too much, and he began to leak again. Beads of sweat were forming on his chest, then sliding down his stomach. The muscles were still clenching each time he thrust, and his breathing was ragged. He was getting close…it would be over soon.

"Aw…Car….fuck….I'm gonna come…" he growled, his pelvis crashing into hers. Daryl felt as though every ounce of blood in his body was pouring into his groin.

Carol's eyes flew open while her body continued to rock against his. She swallowed hard…her mouth was so dry, but she needed to speak. "I…need you….to keep….going…" she gasped, feeling his cock sink into her core. "God!" she whined. Her expression was pained as she stared up into his face.

Daryl tightened his grip on her hips and then glanced down at the place where their bodies were joined. It was mesmerizing to watch his member disappear inside her as he thrust quickly, in and out of her pussy. He was moving faster, racing towards his own release.

"Too…tight…" he muttered between thrusts. "Goddamn!" he slammed his eyes shut for a moment, relishing the pressure in her core.

She could feel him throbbing deep inside…his cock swelling each time he pushed it in. Carol couldn't handle the thought of losing that hardness…she needed it. She needed him to get her there. "Fuck…." she moaned, "Please…don't stop….stay….with….me…" she begged, her body twisting in ecstasy.

When Daryl opened his eyes, he found himself staring at her. They held each other's gazes while their bodies continued to move and jerk. The two restless people were losing themselves in the back and forth…in that moment, as they pleasured each other…both of them sweating and swearing…with their bodies connected in such a powerful way…it was impossible to determine where one of them ended and the other began. The heat and pressure were building…becoming overwhelming…and the hunter couldn't stop thrusting into her softness.

His lips parted in awe and his brows knit together. Being able to watch her was incredible. He saw her breasts move every time he bucked hard, and sharp gasps escaped her when he slid his hard-on into her depths. Her blue eyes were wide…her face was flushed. She still had one hand between her legs…those slender fingers circling her clit…it was fascinating. Her other hand gripped her hair, and Daryl loved every last one of her reactions…her expressions. As badly as he wanted to come, the hunter wanted to keep her body wrapped around his…he wanted to stay buried in the heat that he'd already grown addicted to. But the muscles in his stomach were tensing…and he knew they didn't have much time.

As her core swallowed his length, sucking him in, Daryl growled. "Your ass….better come…"

Carol bucked into him, taking his cock. "Just fuck me…" she groaned.

He held tight to her hips and thrust hard, wanting to break her. His teeth were clenched as he took her…working her body. "Ya like that?" he snarled. "Like gettin' fucked hard? On the goddamn counter?" He was glaring down at his captive while he moved in and out of her core.

Carol kept her eyes on his. It felt so good to be connected to him. "Yes!" she gasped, feeling him slide into her center, his cock stretching her.

She was moaning and clenching…her insides squeezing him. Being able to look up into his face, while his cock was in her pussy, gave Carol the most amazing thrill. It was surreal…the heat, the pressure…the force of his hips between her legs…the friction they'd created… Her body was savoring every minute…every second. His pelvis collided with her ass and she swore.

"Aw…fuck…" Daryl growled. He was rigid inside her. "Go on 'n take it…"

She whined when he forced himself into her sex. Her skin was damp…she felt feverish, delirious with pleasure as he took her. All she wanted was to keep him inside…to trap him in her walls and let her core massage his shaft. Carol was writhing, struggling on the cold countertop. She fought to breathe and continued to tease her clit, amplifying the pleasure in her sex.

Daryl never stopped moving. He was grunting, sweating, taking what he wanted from his prisoner…making her legs shake. She muttered in time with his thrusts…her vision was getting blurry.

"Yeah…yeah…yeah…oh…yes…yes…mhmm…god…oh….oh…oh…fuck…" Carol could feel herself losing control…getting dizzy, but that didn't matter. She had everything she wanted…everything she needed. She forced herself to keep staring…to focus on his face.

The hunter stared back at her as he slipped his hard-on in, moving it back and forth through her heat. He loved feeling her pussy pressed against him…bucking into it over and over as he held her in place. But the pleasure was too great. His member was swollen inside her, and he could feel her slickness pressing in all around him. She seemed as hungry for his body as he was for hers.

He was pushing harder, fucking her, wondering which one of them would give in first. As close as he was to the edge, Daryl knew his partner couldn't be far behind. She was arching, bucking into him…relishing every stroke. He didn't need to urge her; Carol took his cock like she needed it. The hunter felt powerful as he gripped her hips and attacked her core. She was so wet…all around him, and he knew he could break her. His heart was pounding furiously within his chest, sending more hot blood down to his groin.

"Aw…" he groaned, throbbing inside her. "Aw…c'mon…"

The frustration that she could hear in his voice made Carol weak. She squeezed him deep inside and watched his face change.

He clenched his teeth, growling at the pressure on his dick. "Fuckin' hell…ya got a tight…fuckin'…snatch." He was thrusting angrily between her legs, his body colliding with hers.

Carol swallowed hard. Her lungs were burning as she continued to rock with him. She could feel the intensity building, his cock seemed to be growing inside her…pushing her to her limits. She'd never felt so free…so wanted. Carol was caught in the grip of indescribable pleasure. She couldn't remember sex ever feeling like that, but that's what it was….freedom. Complete freedom on that countertop with Daryl.

She could swear, and twist, and open herself up to everything he was offering. She could let him in and savor the feeling of his manhood within her walls, without shame or restraint. Carol stared up into his eyes and knew that they were both satisfying some primal hunger that they'd been struggling with for too long. It was natural, heated, passionate, good…it was so good that she began to feel as though she was losing her mind.

The hunter seemed to know exactly what her body needed. He kept his eyes on hers and bucked faster, slipping easily in and out of her sex. He loved the way he could dip inside her, and sink all the way in…making her back arch. Her walls opened, welcoming his cock whenever he thrust. He pushed in hard and strong, letting her feel his length..

Carol hissed as her pussy tightened.

"Ya like that?" he growled. A bead of sweat slipped quickly down his spine.

She stared up at him, her eyes burning into his as they neared their peaks.

"This what ya want?" He slammed his hips into hers.

"Yeah…" she groaned.

Daryl snarled and thrust even harder.

"Oh god…" Carol whined, the flush spreading on her cheeks.

He kept their rhythm strong, working hard to pleasure her with his cock…forcing it in and then pulling it back.

Carol let him take her. They stared at one another, both of them fighting to breathe. As he moved inside her, Carol knew that something was changing between them. It was more than sex. The connection they shared…it ran deeper than the need for release. She cared about Daryl…she trusted him, and there wasn't another living soul that she could imagine sharing her body with. Maybe the lust was clouding her judgment, but in that delicious, heated moment, Carol wanted to give herself over to him…she was his, not just her core, but her entire being. It all belonged to him, if only for a few frantic moments. Her eyes grew wide as she realized she'd never felt that way about anyone.

His incredible manhood was throbbing deep between her walls…his hips pounding relentlessly into hers. She could feel him in her center, thick, warm…the rigid flesh making her feel things she never thought were possible. The tight, blunt tip was teasing her cervix each time Daryl thrust.

"Don't stop…" she pleaded desperately, sweat breaking out on her brow.

Daryl squeezed her hips and grunted while his pelvis jerked. "I wanna feel ya come." He licked his lips, his eyes flicking to her breasts. The friction on his cock was driving him crazy.

"Just fuck me." Carol moaned, her body writhing as she enjoyed his hardness.

The hunter's cold blue eye were feral slits as he screwed her against the counter. He was losing patience. All he wanted was to find her spot…to slide into her heat and feel her whole body shiver. "Play with that pussy woman…'n keep it open." The words came out as rasping growls.

Carol could hardly breathe. She held his gaze while her fingertips passed over her clit, again and again. He wanted her to keep her walls open, but she couldn't. Her insides were soft and warm, molding around his cock like wax. The suction between their bodies intensified.

"God….damn….woman…." he shoved his cock all the way into her heat, savoring the slickness of her walls as they moved against him. He loved being buried between her pale thighs…the way her hips bucked to give him all the room he needed. Daryl couldn't remember the last time anything felt so good. He was breathing harder, working to satisfy her…sweat made the thin shirt cling to his back.

"Aw….fuck….yeah….yeah….christ….jus…like….that…" he snarled, thrusting quickly between her legs. She was squeezing him…massaging his aching cock, sending him closer to the edge. He could feel every vein on his shaft straining inside her. The hunter bucked hard, sliding back and forth through Carol's sex. He was covered in the shining evidence of her arousal…from the base to the tip, and the knowledge made him shiver. Hair hung in his eyes as he moved.

"That…fuckin'…pussy…." he knew he couldn't take much more.

His strong member was stretching her. She could feel him pressing into her center…so thick…warm… Carol lost control as he pleasured her. The muscles in her stomach clenched and her lungs burned. Her walls gripped every solid inch of his shaft.

"Its….yours….." she moaned. She still held his gaze.

Daryl's dick jerked when he heard those words fall from her lips. He stared down at his captive while her body sucked him in. He grunted when he felt her pussy clench around him. Lust was coursing through his frame, making him push harder. He wanted to dominate her in every way that he could.

"Fuck….its…yours…" she whined, her body twisting.

The hunter growled before ramming his hips against her ass. She was so tight and wet all around him. "Damn…right….it is…" he hissed. Her ring of muscles was constricting around the base of his manhood, but he couldn't stop moving. Daryl was thrusting with urgency, fucking her as hard as he could, their bodies creating the most addictive friction.

"God…like that…" Carol moaned. Her lids were so heavy but she wanted to keep watching him.

Hungry for her body, the hunter's sweaty hands moved roughly from her hips to the backs of her thighs. With a grunt, he pried her pale legs further apart and gave her a strong thrust, sending his shaft deep inside her. "Get them fuckin' legs open… and take my cock woman." He bucked with his length still buried in her heat, their pelvises colliding.

Carol rocked her hips, letting him fill her passage. The sensations in her core were too powerful…she wanted to slam her eyes shut, but the instant she did, Daryl growled at her.

"Look at me." he demanded.

She whined, her insides gripping him hard.

"Want ya to watch me." His words came out as low, menacing growls. Drops of sweat slipped from the ends of his hair as he took her.

Carol couldn't speak…she could hardly breathe. All she knew was how his cock felt between her legs.

Daryl's fingertips were pressing into the tender flesh of her thighs as he thrust. He pushed his hips into hers, over and over, enjoying her sex. "Yeah…" he groaned, feeling her walls rub him.

"Oh…" she moaned, her skin pulsing and damp with sweat. "So good….fuck….Daryl….you feel….so good." The wetness was building inside her.

The hunter nearly came when her heard his name fall from her lips. His member jerked and leaked within her walls, but he gritted his teeth and held back. Needing another distraction, he tore his eyes from hers for a moment…just long enough to look down at her core, and watch the way his dick slipped in and out.

Shit…

"So good…" she moaned again, her sex hugging him tight.

"Fuck…" he hissed. Knowing that the woman underneath him was taking such pleasure from his cock gave the hunter a strong high. His narrowed eyes flicked back to her face, and he saw the way she was struggling. His hips never slowed.

"Oh…" Carol whined; she was nearing the edge.

"Ya like it?" Daryl growled, his tongue darting quickly over his chapped lips as he thrust.

"Yeah…" she gasped and arched, taking him all the way into her heat.

"Like takin' this cock?" He squeezed her thighs and drove himself into her sex.

Carol's blue eyes were wide and a deep crease was forming in her brow.

Daryl wasn't satisfied. He needed an answer. He growled and bucked faster.

The added friction was too much and Carol let honest words fly from her lips. "Yes…" she moaned. "Yes….I need it…"

"Tell me what ya need."

"Your cock…" her pussy was wrapped around every solid inch of his flesh.

"God….dammitt…" Daryl snarled as he ruthlessly attacked her core.

Carol could feel tears welling in the corners of her eyes as she fought to breathe. The forceful way he moved inside her…it was too much. "Don't…stop…"

Daryl kept pushing. "Fuckin' come…" he sent his cock straight into her center, wanting to break her. His shirt was plastered to his back…the fabric clinging to the muscle. His pants were slipping lower on his hips as he took his mate.

The hunter stared down at her, and she stared up at him. They could hardly handle everything that was taking place between them. The push and pull…groaning and growling…the slickness of her core pressed to his pelvis… Carol wondered if it could possibly be real. But she could hear Daryl swearing…muttering curses as he fought to keep his orgasm at bay. She could smell the sharp tang of his sweat on the air…the scent made her core hurt.

"Let….go….woman…" He bit his bottom lip hard and thrust his engorged member into her pussy.

Carol's hips rose instinctively to meet him and she whimpered. "I'm….trying…"

Daryl was driving his dick in at a frenzied pace, and loving the traction inside her. The way her smooth walls felt against his shaft…rubbing it, squeezing… "Aw…Car…jus….jus…quit fightin'…I wanna feel that fuckin' pussy come." His fingers were digging into her thighs.

A sharp cry burst from her lips while she writhed underneath him. As she struggled, the hunter could sense a change taking place deep inside her. The heat was building…and she was getting tighter…constricting around him.

Her ass is almost there…

With clenched teeth, Daryl held onto her thighs and gave her everything. He stood in the gloomy kitchen and thrust without restraint…sinking into her. Sweat broke out on his brow as he worked to finish her. She was close…he was sure…but the tension in her sex made him leak. The muscles in his arms trembled with the effort of holding her legs open.

"Go on…" he snarled. "Take it!"

Carol's chest was heaving, and her core ached with the effort of containing him, but she didn't want it to end. She was his. He could do what he wanted with her body, and she had no way to stop him. The incredible power he had…when he rammed his hips into hers, caused a hot tear to slip from the corner of Carol's eye. She gasped, her insides wrapping around his hard-on. He was jerking between her legs…bucking harder…deeper. She felt the long shaft moving through her core, and then the head of his cock seemed to press into the source of all her tension.

Her wide, blue eyes grew glassy….fresh tears forming at the corners. Her lips parted and there was stifling warmth spreading across her face. She could feel her toes curling as her sex began to tingle. Before the first spasm could strike, time seemed to slow to a drag. She stared, fascinated, at the man who was pleasuring her, and tried to accept the fact their bodies were connected. He was still moving…forcing himself into her, and Carol could feel every last vein on his swollen shaft. He pushed in…then slid back through her wetness…in a continuous, amazing pattern.

As the pounding of her own heart drowned out every other sound, Carol lifted her hips, tilting her pelvis for her partner. He slipped all the way in like he belonged there, and she could feel herself giving in. Every muscle in her body began to tense…from her calves, up to her thighs…her stomach… When the feeling hit her core, she clenched around him. It hurt…being so full, but Carol's body was acting on its own. Somewhere between thrusts, she'd lost control.

Daryl's eyes were locked on her face. He drove his erection into her and saw her expression change. She was breathless, and looked as though she might cry…but the hunter knew. She wasn't in pain…and she didn't want him to stop. He could feel the tension in her thighs where his fingers were pressing in…and he watched the way her perfect breasts rose and fell as she gasped.

Holy shit…

She was finally coming. Daryl growled when her walls clenched him. It felt so fucking good. "That's it…." he breathed, the words were low and rasping. "That's where ya want it…"

"Yeah…" she moaned, another tear slipping from the corner of her eye. She was still teasing her clit.

Her core was getting tighter with each passing second, but Daryl didn't care. He'd found her spot… The hunter's cock was aching for release…his body was covered in sweat, and his lungs were burning, but he couldn't stop. He had to give her what she needed. Shaking the dark hair out of his eyes, Daryl let the raw lust course through him…he could feel it in his groin, the animalistic need making his member throb.

Carol was twisting, whimpering. "P…please…Daryl…"

The restless hunter growled through clenched teeth as he screwed her. "Go on….dammit…take it….take it till ya fuckin' come."

She cried out in pain and pleasure, letting her partner penetrate her. She could feel his pelvis colliding with her ass as he pushed himself in. She loved the way his stiffness filled her up. He was pressing into her weak spot…over and over…bringing her body to life with every stroke. With his thick cock buried deep between her thighs, Carol felt herself falling over the edge. She wanted to keep her eyes open, but she couldn't take it… The sensations in her core were too intense and she threw her head back…her body arching into his as she let him take what he wanted.

"Da….Daryl….oh….oh fuck….I can't….god Daryl…just…just…" but she couldn't finish the thought. Her mouth had gone dry. As the orgasm she'd been waiting for finally struck, Carol rocked her hips and rode his cock.

This is….this isn't…happening…too….good….

A blinding light flashed behind her eyes and her entire body locked up around his hardness…her insides gripping him so tightly that he swore. But he was still fucking her…he thrust in fast and deep, amplifying the vibrations in her core. Carol's eyes slammed shut as he pushed into her center. The blunt tip of his manhood seemed to break the dam inside her, and she let herself come hard and wet all around him.

The release gushed hot from deep inside her, coating Daryl's shaft. Carol could only writhe and moan as incredible waves of pleasure rushed through her frame. She was too far gone to know if she was screaming….swearing…all she knew was that he'd given her the most intense climax of her life. Carol let the ecstasy cripple her. Her wet walls were quivering…clasping and unclasping the hardness of Daryl's cock. As the slickness continued to build inside her, the hunter's manhood slipped in even further.

"Daryl!" she cried; her core began to spasm.

"Aw fuck…." he groaned.

He felt her body seizing him…tightening…when the wetness hit his dick, a violent shudder moved through him. Her pussy was flooding with him inside. Slipping and sliding between her legs, Daryl savored her climax. She was too wet….too narrow. He couldn't handle the friction on his shaft. The muscles in her core were fluttering along his length, and he knew she was still coming.

He growled and whined as he let himself swell in her passage. "Good….lord…"

Carol was still arching her back in ecstasy. "Please…" she moaned, the sound heavy with longing.

The hunter was aching, throbbing, leaking with every thrust. "Aw fuck….aw shit….Car….i'm…"

"Please!" she begged, pushing her weak hips into his.

A deep crease formed in Daryl's brow and he was forced to slam his eyes shut. All that mattered was the feeling of her sex wrapped around him. He squeezed her tender thighs and bucked hard. He could feel her ring of muscles constricting…her orgasm washing out around him…and he knew he couldn't take it.

"Fuckin' Christ…" he whined.

His cock slid in smoothly through her trembling core. The feeling of her gliding against the underside of his shaft was too much. The muscles in his lower belly tensed. Every last drop of blood poured into his groin and the tip of his member tightened. The hunter wasn't sure he was ready…but it didn't matter. He couldn't hold back anymore… She felt too good. Her body was warm, wet, welcoming him in…and he wanted to fill her.

Breathing hard, Daryl used the last of his strength to send his manhood straight into her center. A broken sound burst from her lips and he froze. There was a startling rush as the climax sped down the length of his cock, spilling inside her. The hunters nails were biting into her thighs as he let himself come. He was buried to the hilt, his rigid shaft spurting. Wanting to savor his release, Daryl groaned and forced his hips to move.

He gave her strong thrusts, hitting the top each time. Carol moaned and rocked with him, her insides milking his cock. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip so hard that she felt the skin break. As her slick walls caressed every inch of his length, semen shot from the tip of Daryl's member. He kept himself inside, sending his seed deep into her core in hot, gushing, bursts. The hunter was numb with pleasure as he bucked. He'd never experienced release like that… His brows knit together as he whined.

"Good lord Carol…shit…"

Daryl was used to coming into a condom. He'd never had his bare flesh buried inside the heat of a woman's sex. Being with Carol was so different… He could feel her walls pressing in against him, urging him to come. She was intoxicatingly warm. He continued to buck, filling her pussy with his seed. She kept her back arched, taking everything he had to offer. She clenched around him, coaxing every last ounce of pleasure from his dick.

Daryl shuddered each time he slid into her sex. Her body sucked him in and he emptied himself between her legs. His heart was beating itself against his ribs, and he couldn't feel the floor under his boots.

"Awww," he let out a long groan of satisfaction as his hips finally began to lose their momentum.

Carol was gasping for air as two hot tears slipped from the corners of her eyes. Her cheeks were flushed with color and there was a pained expression on her face as she tried to come to grips with what had just taken place… She could still feel the pressure of Daryl's manhood filling her sex….she knew their bodies were connected…but she couldn't seem to remember where they were…what time it was…

The hunter was still thrusting weakly, letting himself dip in and out of her…but his motions had lost their urgency. Carol's walls clenched and released in a delicious pattern. Without even realizing it, she was stroking his sensitive member with her insides…over and over…loving it…loving him.

Daryl's lungs were on fire and he gasped, just as his partner had. He couldn't handle the way her pussy was gripping him. Pushing himself into her heat one last time, The hunter groaned at the ceiling. Buried inside his mate, Daryl savored the incredible high. The warmth…the wetness…everything about her made him weak. He shuddered when he felt the last of his seed spurting between her legs.

"Aw….fuck…." he whined, his head tipped back…his hands were still on her thighs.

Carol was lost in her own bliss. The orgasm sapped her strength and she finally gave in. Her exhausted hips stopped rocking, and she let herself lie back on the cool counter. As she lay there, waiting for the sweat to dry on her skin, Carol felt used, filthy….satisfied. Her core continued to spasm…the walls hugging Daryl's cock. She squeezed him tenderly, massaging his shaft until she felt him going soft. She missed his hardness, but liked knowing that he was still inside her.

"Oh…." she groaned weakly. One hand was resting over her lower belly, the other was tangled in her mussed hair. The frantic pounding of her heart was beginning to slow. Relishing the lingering surges of pleasure deep in her sex, Carol felt as though her fever had just broken…

She was caught in the heavy haze of satisfaction, and she wasn't sure she'd be able to move anytime soon. "Fuck…" she whined softly.

Daryl's mind was reeling. Still groaning, he eased his eyes open…just barely. With heavy lids, and parted lips, he stared up at the ceiling. The hunter's sensitive member pulsed and throbbed within Carol's walls as his erection slowly died. He couldn't accept the fact that they'd just had sex…that he'd come inside her… He wasn't even sure how he'd gotten to that point…standing in the dark kitchen with his pants low on his hips, his shirt open and his cock between Carol's legs. He squeezed her thighs to convince himself that she was real.

She whimpered and the sound echoed in his ears. Despite the soft, pathetic noises she was making…Daryl knew she wasn't in any pain. Those were sounds of sexual pleasure… Satisfaction. Knowing that he'd done that for her was amazing. From the moment he slid his hard-on into her heat, the hunter never actually thought he'd be able to hold his erection long enough to finish her…but by some miracle, he had. As he enjoyed the feeling of her warmth surrounding him, Daryl tried to recall if he'd ever felt a woman climax. It was a thrilling sensation and he wanted to experience it again. He'd gone soft inside her, but he was already wondering how long he'd have to wait before his cock was ready for another round.

Seconds ticked by, turning into minutes, and the lovers continued to breathe…sigh, mutter curses, and savor the connection they still shared. As they waited for their aching bodies to recover, the two exhausted people slowly came down from their highs. Blood seemed to return to Daryl's brain, and the haze was beginning to clear. He knew that they needed to separate…but he wasn't ready to leave her. He didn't want to be free of the warm wetness he'd found inside her. The hunter growled softly and began massaging her thighs.

The wonderful feeling of his hands on her body made Carol sigh. She let her pussy clench around him.

Daryl shuddered. "Fuck…"

A soft chuckle escaped her. "Fuck is right." Her eyes were still closed in ecstasy.

He grunted in response, running his hands up and down the backs of her thighs. His pelvis was still pressed against hers.

"God Daryl…."

The sound of his own name caught the hunter's attention. He lost interest in the ceiling and glanced down at his partner. He liked the way her chest rose and fell as she tried to slow her breathing. He drank her in, memorizing every inch of exposed skin…the way sweat glistened between her perfect breasts…

Her eyes had eased open and she was staring at him from beneath heavy lids. "What…happened…?" she asked, chuckling weakly and feeling a little drunk.

Daryl stared down at the place where their bodies were still fused together before letting his eyes flick back to her face. "I'm still tryin' to figure that out." he growled softly.

Carol blew out a breath and ran both hands over her face, pushing them back into her hair. The motion lifted her breasts and Daryl stared at them hungrily. "God…" she groaned. "That was…."

"Yeah it was." he finished the thought for her.

Carol felt a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. With a small grunt, she managed to prop herself up on her elbows. Her eyes found Daryl's and they stared at one another. They held each other's gazes…their bodies still pulsing in the aftermath of two powerful orgasms. Lightheaded, and a little dizzy, the hunter tried to convince himself that he wasn't dreaming.

Carol admired her partner. With his manhood filling her core, and his calloused hands gripping her thighs, he seemed to surround her. She felt like she was at his mercy. If he wanted to push her back down onto the counter, and go again, she knew she wouldn't have the strength to stop him. Despite the evidence coating her walls, it was difficult for Carol to believe that Daryl Dixon had just given her an orgasm.

"Did that really happen?" she asked.

Daryl growled. He was still enjoying the heat and pressure on his dick. "I think so."

"I don't think I've ever felt this good," she admitted.

The hunter swallowed hard. "Same here."

Carol's lips parted, her brows kitting together. "Really?"

He answered with a slow nod, his blue eyes trained on her face.

She felt another flush creep up her body and had to look away.

The climax was still taking its toll on Daryl. Waves of pleasure were still radiating outwards from his groin, making rational thought difficult, and the next few words fell from his lips before he could think to stop them.

"Ya got a tight fuckin' pussy."

Carol gasped, a strong blush coloring her cheeks. "Daryl!"

But the hunter wasn't fazed by the forced anger he could hear in her voice. His eyes were blue slits as he stared openly at her chest and rubbed her thighs a little harder. "Ain't never had my dick in nothin' that tight."

Carol swallowed hard while her breathing picked up. "You…you like it?" she asked. Her entire body was getting warm all over again.

Daryl nodded slowly, silently wishing that he was still hard.

Something occurred to her and she let herself smirk at him through the dark. Instincts took over and the survivors knew what to do without speaking. He carefully released her thighs as she forced herself to sit up. Her legs wrapped securely around his waist and he reached for her hips. The motion kept them fused together…his cock still deep inside, and a shudder moved through her as she locked her ankles just above his ass.

Daryl instantly ducked down to nip at her shoulder while she wound her arms around his neck. Sitting on the edge of the counter, with her body pressed against his, Carol whispered to him.

"Saying you wanna go again?"

He responded by squeezing her hips and sucking at the crook of her neck. Her legs were so weak, and she was struggling to keep them wrapped around her partner's body, but she couldn't bring herself to ease them down. She needed to keep him inside. Her fingers were clawing at the ends of his hair, and suddenly, he pulled away from the warmth of her neck.

Breathless, they stared at each other. In that moment, they didn't need words. Carol tightened her grip on his neck and he leaned into her space, catching her mouth with his. A crease formed in her brow and she moaned into the kiss, letting him know how much she wanted it. His tongue sank into her mouth and she felt more wetness leaking from between her legs.

"Oh…" she groaned. His warm, rough tongue was caressing hers.

Daryl growled against her lips, wanting to consume her.

The survivors enjoyed one another, without fear and without restraint. They dipped their tongues into each other's mouths and let their hips rock weakly. It didn't matter that her walls were still sore and aching from their union, or that his cock had gone soft. He wanted her; she wanted him…and they gave in to their needs…indulging in the heated deliciousness between them.

Daryl whined when he felt her sucking his tongue. Her soft breasts were pushing against his chest…her scent was everywhere, clouding his judgment, and she still felt so good wrapped around him. All he wanted was to fuck her again.

Alone in the dark, the restless people expressed themselves with grunts and moans. They licked, stroked, nipped, teased and played…building each other's desire. The deep, suctioning kisses were making them both dizzy…but something managed to break through the haze.

Carol was holding his face in her hands, pressing her lips into his when her blue eyes suddenly flew open. The lovers broke the connection, both of them panting. They could see fear reflected in each other's eyes as a familiar sound reached their ears.

Footsteps…

Daryl swallowed hard as an uncomfortable chill sped up the length of his spine, making the hairs at the base of his neck stand up. There was no mistaking the sound of footsteps at the top of the stairs. The muffled creaking…

Every muscle in his body seemed to tense. In the next instant, he and Carol both stared down at their bodies and had the same thought.

Fuck…

She was naked, sweating, wrapped around him…and he was standing between her legs with his prick buried in her center. They lifted their chins, refocusing on one another. The sound on the stairs was getting louder. Their lips were parted, and their eyes were wide with fear. Knowing that they had to act, the lovers held each other's gazes for a second longer, both of them nodding.

Carol's hands fell away from his face and she gripped the edge of the counter instead. With her teeth sinking into her bottom lip, she finally unlocked her legs, letting them ease down. Daryl slammed his eyes shut and braced himself as he jerked his hips back, pulling himself from her core.

Carol covered her mouth to keep from screaming and clamped her legs shut. She could feel semen dripping down the inside of her thighs.

Daryl wanted so badly to cuss, but there was no time. Mastering himself, he opened his eyes and motioned for Carol to hop down from the counter. She slid off the edge with a soft whimper and the two of them quickly sank down to the floor. With their backs pressed to the counter, they sat in silence. The only sound came from the beating of their strained hearts.

Side by side, the survivors waited. Carol closed her eyes, her hand still clamped over her mouth. She was battling so many things at once…the sudden emptiness in her core, the fact that her legs were still mostly numb and felt like jelly…her own nudity, and the realization that whoever was headed downstairs might see her…

Daryl was doing his best to breathe through his nose. His clammy palms were splaying on the floor, on either side of his hips. His fly was still undone but he was too afraid to try and right himself. The idea of making even the slightest sound and drawing unwanted attention made his stomach churn.

The footsteps became even louder. Each one made the lovers flinch a little. They pressed their backs hard against the cabinets below the counter, trying to make themselves disappear. They knew it was useless…but what else could they do?

Daryl cast a nervous glance to his right and saw how scared Carol looked. He couldn't blame her…she was completely naked. She'd drawn her knees up to her chest and had one trembling arm curled around them. As he stared, a sudden realization hit him… He didn't want anyone else to see her…not like that…not with all of her damp skin on display. The discovery was a surprising one. In that moment, the hunter made a decision.

If the intruder headed towards the kitchen…he'd conceal his mate. He didn't care if he had to shove her behind him, or pull her into his chest. Daryl was going to hide her, one way or another. Even if it meant that someone would see him…his manhood…that was better than someone seeing Carol. It wasn't just a sudden sense of possession…it was the desire to help her…to spare her from any unnecessary embarrassment.

She must've felt him watching her because she turned to face him. Their fearful eyes locked and they both swallowed hard. Slowly, stiffly, she pulled her hand away from her mouth and lowered it to the floor. Working to keep herself from crying out, Carol let her hand rest over his.

Daryl didn't tense. He simply fumbled until he was gripping her hand, holding it tight. Their hearts were thrumming, and beads of sweat were breaking out all over their bodies, but all they could do was wait.

Carol found that looking at him was her best distraction. She held his gaze, never allowing herself to look away, even as the footsteps grew louder…closer. Blood was rushing in her ears and she could hardly breathe. The muscles in her belly were tensing, but she kept her eyes on his.

Their pupils dilated in fear as they listened to the intruder reach the bottom step. Whoever it was began making their way across the living room. Daryl was relying on every last ounce of self control to keep his breathing even. He couldn't fall apart…not in front of Carol. Giving her a stiff nod, and squeezing her hand, he tried to let her know that it would be alright.

The intruder was walking towards the counter…they heard the footsteps stop on the opposite side. Their hearts leapt into their throats and blood froze in their veins. Then they could hear a familiar voice…and soft cooing.

Carl hefted the weight of his sister. He was carrying her on his hip, doing his best to keep her calm and quiet. "It's okay." he whispered. "I'm gonna find it."

Carol and Daryl's lips parted, their eyes going wide.

Carl…

He was the absolute last one that they needed stumbling across them in their current state. Daryl sighed through his nose.

Not the kid…

On the other side of the counter, Judith was starting to cry.

And he's got ass kicker with him…that's fuckin' perfect.

Daryl's grip was tightening on his partner's hand as his anxiety continued to climb. Carol swallowed hard and forced herself to remain calm.

"Hey now, quit." Carl said gently, bouncing his sister on his hip. "I'm gonna find it."

Carol and Daryl could hear the boy rummaging for something. It sounded like he was moving things around…looking for something on top of the counter. A bead of sweat dipped into the well of Carol's throat.

"Knew I left it here. See? Better now?" He gave the little girl her pacifier.

She cooed and giggled. The survivors heard the soft sucking noises. Carol was tempted to breathe a sigh of relief.

The pacifier…that's what he was looking for.

She made a mental note to keep that damn thing upstairs from then on. Her and Daryl continued to stare at one another; they were both afraid to break the connection. She saw a muscle in the hunter's jaw twitch.

In the next instant, Carl was rubbing the sleep from his eyes and walking back across the living room. He carried Judith all the way up the steps. Daryl and Carol didn't allow themselves to relax until they heard the footsteps fade away entirely. The survivors slammed their eyes shut and exhaled in the same instant.

"Oh my god…" Carol groaned softly. Her heart was still pounding.

Daryl let his head fall back to rest against the cabinet. "Lord," he growled under his breath.

As they sat together, waiting with agonizing patience for their heart rates to slow, Daryl and Carol failed to realize that they were still gripping each other's hands. His fingers were still tangled with hers, squeezing involuntarily every few seconds…as if he was afraid to let go.

A bead of sweat slid down the hunter's jaw line as he tried to get his breathing under control. He cast a quick glance to the right, studying his partner. With her knees drawn up, and her toes curling, she still looked so rattled. Something seemed to flicker inside him as he watched her. He knew Carol. She was one of the strongest people he'd ever met. She was fiercely protective of her friends, her family…she didn't cower from threats and she'd proven, on countless occasions, that she possessed the capacity for violence when it was needed. Blood and gore didn't scare her…pain didn't either…but as Daryl continued to stare, he realized how shaken she looked. There was something reassuring about knowing that she could still experience fear…that she was human enough to feel afraid.

He hadn't seen her like that in so long. He knew it wouldn't last. Her heart beat would slow and she'd pick herself up off the floor, donning the mask she always wore like armor. But for those few strained minutes in the kitchen, he saw her walls come down. He saw the woman he used to know. His stomach flipped at the realization that she still needed help…not often, but she did. Knowing that he had the power to help her…to shield her naked body from any intruders who might wander into the kitchen, gave him a sense of worth that he'd been missing for so many months. He missed being able to help her.

Carol could feel his eyes on her face. Blowing out another warm breath, she turned to look at him. "God…" she sighed again, one hand tangling in her mussed hair.

Daryl held her gaze. "Ya alright?"

She saw the genuine concern etched on his face, and that's when the absurdity of their situation finally seemed to strike her. A flush spread across her cheeks and she couldn't stop the laugh that burst from her lips. Her body shook with the effort of containing it.

The hunter's expression softened, and he could feel a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "What're ya laughin' at?"

Carol leaned forward, resting her head on her raised knees as she continued to chuckle. "Everything…this…us…"

He looked away, snorting.

She sighed into her knees before turning to glance at him. "Carl almost saw us…"

"Ya know that woulda been it right? His ass woulda run right back up them stairs…baby woulda been hollerin'…next thing ya know the whole damn house woulda been up…"

Carol's eyes slammed shut as more laughter bubbled up from her chest. "Maybe this wasn't the smartest choice we ever made…"

The hunter snorted again and ran a hand through his hair. "No shit."

She sat up a little, a smile on her lips. "Even if it was stupid…reckless…you've gotta admit that it was fun."

He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

Carol kept staring at him, waiting for a response…a rebuttal…anything.

After several seconds of silence, Daryl cracked. He blushed and let himself smirk at her.

Satisfied, Carol tore her eyes from his and smiled smugly out at the surrounding darkness.

"Fine." he grudgingly admitted. "Shit was fun. Alright?"

She chuckled again. "Just wanted to hear you say it."

The hunter just grunted and rolled his eyes. "You done?"

She sighed wistfully before glancing at him. Her teeth caught her bottom lip for half a heartbeat, and she kept her narrowed blue eyes trained on his face. "Are you?" she asked, her voice low. The words hung heavy in the air.

Daryl felt the hairs at the base of his neck stand up. He wasn't sure how to answer her. His cock was soft, but he still wanted her. He just needed time. The hunter studied his partner…the sweat shining on her skin…those amazing legs, the flush on her face…

"Naw." he finally said, the word coming out as a low growl.

The survivors smirked at each other. She leaned in to kiss him, but he placed a warm hand on the center of her chest, stopping her.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

He sighed, hating that he wasn't ready. "Just need a couple minutes…that's all."

It was her turn to blush. "Oh…sorry."

He snorted. "Don't be. Gives us a chance to get up off this floor…get this mess cleaned up."

Carol took a moment to stare down at the floor. With narrowed eyes, she was finally able to make out the buttons that were scattered all around them. She massaged her temple and shook her head. "You couldn't just undo them, could you?"

Daryl smirked. "I only did what your ass wanted me to do."

A flush crept up her body as she remembered the way it felt to have Daryl rip her blouse open. "Fine." she huffed.

The hunter chuckled as he forced himself to stand. Once he was on his feet, he leaned down and offered Carol his hand. She took it, and he hauled her up. They stood, on numb legs, and stared dreamily at one another.

Daryl kept his eyes on hers as he reached down to tug the boxers and pants back up his hips. Carol seemed frustrated by the fact that she couldn't see his manhood anymore, but he just smirked at her.

"A few minutes." he growled softly, "that's all I'm askin' for." He buckled his belt as the feeling slowly returned to his legs.

She blew out a breath and looked around the kitchen; it suddenly occurred to Carol that she was still naked. "Okay if we move this into your room?" she asked, looking past him, at the door to the guest room in the distance.

Daryl thought about it for half a second. As much as he hated the idea of being confined to any sort of cage…he had to admit that the guestroom was probably the right call. They couldn't just take each other on the kitchen floor and hope no one else came downstairs. He figured if there was ever a good reason for staying behind a locked door, this was it.

"That's fine." he answered, his eyes going to her breasts. "Might be somethin' in there for ya to wear."

Carol liked the way he was looking at her. She'd all but forgotten about the fact that he'd ruined her top. His shirt was still open and she ran her hand up, from his belly button, over the planes of his stomach, higher until her fingertips were brushing his collarbone.

"Guess I can't really clean all this up naked, can I?" she whispered, teasing him.

Daryl hadn't considered that, but the idea was intriguing. He liked having her naked…being able to admire all of her exposed skin…but the thought of someone else seeing it made him growl.

"Naw…best cover that ass up while you're out here."

She clawed his chest a little and held his gaze. "You telling me what to do now?"

The hunter's lids were heavy. "Maybe."

Something about that thrilled her and she leaned in, kissing the corner of his mouth. "Maybe I like that." she whispered.

Daryl couldn't help himself. He reached around, gripping her ass hard, pressing her body into his. His breathing picked up and he continued to massage her firm flesh. "Get your ass in that room woman." he growled at her.

Carol clawed his slick chest a little harder. "Fine." she breathed.

The hunter purposefully moved both hands to her ass and kept her warm body pressed against his. He gave her another good squeeze before finally letting go. Carol shuddered a little but tried to keep a level head as she separated herself from him.

Even as Daryl began to button his shirt, his eyes continually flicked to her naked form. She stepped around him, making her way towards the guest room. She could feel him staring at her ass, but she kept moving. Each step made her core ache, but she didn't care. She was silently counting down the seconds until she could have him inside her again.

---

When she finally pulled the door to the guestroom shut behind her, Carol moved towards the bedside table and turned on a small lamp. On the left-hand side of the room was a plain dresser. She pulled open several drawers before finally stumbling on a stack of neatly folded white shirts.

Reaching for the one on top of the stack, Carol realized it must be a man's undershirt. It was too big, but that didn't matter. She smirked to herself thinking she wouldn't be wearing it for very long anyhow. Feeling almost giddy, Carol pulled the shirt over her head. The soft cotton felt good against her bare breasts. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror above the dresser, she combed her fingers through her hair, trying to set it to rights.

The sound of a doorknob turning nearly made her jump out of her skin, and a small gasp escaped her. Glancing quickly to her left, she saw Daryl holding the door open. He smirked at the oversized shirt. The hem stopped at the tops of her thighs.

"Need something?" she asked.

He grinned at her and shook his head. "Naw; but you do." before she could respond, he tossed her pajama pants, bra and panties at her.

Startled, Carol barely managed to catch the clothes as they hit her in the chest. She felt ridiculous for forgetting them. "Thanks. I'll be out there in a minute."

He closed the door, leaving her to her privacy.

As she stood in front of the mirror, shimmying into her pants, Carol wondered if they were making a mistake…if they hadn't already made one.

We can't undo it.

A slight crease formed in her brow.

We can't take it back.

"No." she muttered softly to herself. "But we can keep ourselves from making it worse."

Even as the words left her lips, Carol knew they weren't true. She finished pulling the pants up to her hips and then took a moment to smooth the fabric of the shirt. She'd had a taste of what true pleasure was…how incredible sex could really be, and she wasn't ready to give it up. She didn't think her partner was either.

Maybe it's a good thing.

She was trying to convince herself as she gripped the edge of the dresser. "Stopped us from arguing." she mused, smirking at the woman in the mirror. She drummed her fingers on the wood.

What's it going to hurt?

Carol shrugged and blew out a breath.

The relationship you already have…his opinion of you…your ability to maintain any kind of focus when he's around?

She frowned, dismissing each of the reasons her brain had just produced. "We're equals," she said, speaking softly. "Nothing's going to change that. Why would he think less of me? He gave in just like I did. It takes two."

As she argued with herself, Carol realized that there was only one true cause for concern. The way he'd spoken to her just before she left the kitchen…the way he gripped her ass and gave her orders… As sexy as it was, Carol didn't want to establish a dangerous precedent. She might've been desperate for release and willing to submit to him on the counter…but she was still a fiercely independent creature. They could tease, play…he could tell her what to do…up to a point, and only in bed. She couldn't have him thinking that he had any real control over her. Determined to reassert her dominance, Carol smoothed the fabric of her shirt one last time before heading back out to join her partner in the kitchen.

---

"Wow…" she pulled the door shut behind her and leaned against it, her arms folded across her chest.

Daryl stopped what he was doing and glanced at her. He'd turned on the small lamp near the couch to get a little light in the kitchen. "What?" he asked, smirking at her.

She shook her head, chuckling lightly. "Nothing. Just…never I thought I'd see you cleaning the kitchen." The hunter was wiping down the counter with a damp paper towel.

He blushed a little and huffed. "Well…never thought I'd have to get my own come off the counter."

She couldn't help the laugh that burst from her lips.

"Ya wanna quit laughin' 'n help me?" he growled playfully.

"You wanna get your vest up off the floor?" she quipped.

"Fine." he huffed.

She smiled as she moved towards the pantry. She pulled the narrow door open and reached in until her hand closed around the broom handle. Daryl stooped to retrieve his vest before tossing it onto the couch. Carol focused on her work as she began sweeping all the stray buttons from her blouse into a small pile.

They worked in comfortable silence. Daryl continued to wipe down the counter until he was satisfied that it bore no signs of their union. Carol swept the bits of plastic into a dustpan. They bumped into one another every so often, and chuckled softly at their own ridiculous behavior. The hunter eventually wound up on his hands and knees, cleaning the last traces of their time together off the floor. Carol was just about to empty her dustpan, into a trashcan under the sink, when an unwelcome sound reached their ears. They had another intruder…

Whoever it was seemed to be moving quickly…the footsteps were hurried. Carol and Daryl stiffened. It wasn't as if they were doing anything wrong…or obscene. They weren't naked, their bodies weren't connected…they weren't even touching…but the guilt they'd created in their own minds made them wince at the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Don't nobody in this goddamn house sleep?" Daryl huffed. He was still wiping at a slick spot on the floor.

Carol sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Doesn't look like it."

Doing their best to appear normal, the two survivors continued with their tasks. Carol pulled open the cabinet door beneath the sink and tipped her dustpan out over the trashcan. The buttons dropped in with soft plink noises.

Rick stopped short, his eyes narrowing when he crossed the living room and reached the kitchen.

"Daryl? Carol?" he asked, his voice betraying his exhaustion.

Carol closed the cabinet door and stood up straight, meeting the deputy's gaze. She tried not to think about the fact that her shirt was white…thin, and that she didn't have a bra on underneath.

"Everything okay Rick?" she asked.

He stared at her before glancing down at Daryl. When he refocused on Carol, his gaze was skeptical. A deep crease had formed in his brow.

"Fine." he mumbled. "Just came down to get a glass of water. Judith's been keepin' me 'n Carl up for a while."

Carol quickly donned a mask, her expression that of motherly concern. "I'm sorry to hear…Did you want me to take her?"

Rick rubbed his tired eyes and shook his head. "No. Thank you. Think Carl's doin' alright. He's tryin' to get her down now."

Carol gave him a soft smile before turning away to place the broom back in the nearby pantry. "Well that's good. He seems like he gets better and better with her every day." she said.

The deputy's hands went to his hips as he answered with a slow nod. "Yeah. He does."

Daryl cleaned up the last of the mess and finally pushed himself up off the floor. He gave Rick a stiff nod before moving towards the sink and pulling open the cabinet underneath. As he tossed the damp paper towel into the trash, his eyes flicked to Carol's face. They held the connection for half a heartbeat, and a silent understanding seemed to pass between them.

"What are you two doin' up?" Rick asked, eyeing his companions.

"Just cleaning." Carol said casually.

"Somebody spill somethin?" the deputy asked, glancing down at the part of the floor that Daryl had just wiped down.

The hunter's heart rate sped up, but he couldn't seem to produce an answer.

"Dropped a glass." Carol said. She was leaning back against the counter, her arms folded across her chest. "Just swept up the shards. Nothing to worry about."

Rick nodded. "Guessin' you two couldn't sleep either?"

Daryl mimicked Carol's pose, and leaned against the fridge. He scuffed his boot on the floor and shrugged. "Just ain't there yet."

Carol cocked her head to the side and studied him, a small smile appearing on her face. She was impressed with his ability to maintain his composure.

"I get it." said Rick. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Strange place. Strange people. Takes some getting used to."

"It does." Carol added. "But we'll get there. Think everybody needs a chance to let it all sink in…walls…running water…it's a lot."

The deputy released another heavy sigh before stepping past his companions. He reached for one of the higher cabinets and pulled the door open to search for a water glass. Daryl and Carol took the opportunity to glance at one another. With the slightest nod, Carol let her partner know that they were doing fine.

"Keep wakin' up…wonderin' where I am. Always takes a few seconds for things to fall back into place. Almost like my mind can't accept I'm in a house…with a roof and walls." said Rick.

He let the cabinet door ease shut and turned to face Carol. She stepped aside, letting him have access to the sink. The deputy reached out, turning the faucet, a cool stream of water rushed out, filling the glass.

"You'll get used to it." Carol promised, a soft smile on her face.

Rick eyed her over the edge of his glass as he brought it to his lips. "If you say so."

"I do." She added, driving the point home.

A sudden silence filled the kitchen and it was making Daryl itch. He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck, wishing someone would say something.

The deputy looked at Daryl and Carol in turn. "You two gonna be up for a while?"

Carol had to fight to keep the stupid grin off her face. She bit the inside of her cheek and gathered her thoughts before speaking. "Probably. Think Daryl had the right idea…found him down here looking for a book."

Rick turned towards the hunter. "Find anything good?"

Daryl cleared his throat again. "Maybe." he pulled the small paperback from his back pocket and smacked it weakly into an open palm. "Shelf in there was pretty full." he glanced back at the living room. "Figure if it ain't good…maybe it'll at least put my ass to sleep."

Rick snorted, shaking his head. "Think I might give that a try."

"Good way to unwind." said Carol. The instant the words left her lips, her eyes flicked to Daryl's face and they smirked at each other. Both of them knowing that they'd found a much better way to relieve their stress.

"Well; I'm gonna head back up. Check on Carl and Judith. Might come back 'n make a selection from the library later." said Rick, one hand on his hip.

"We'll probably still be up." said Carol. "Just let us know if you need anything."

"Thank you." the deputy nodded to both of them before walking away.

They nodded back and watched him go. When they heard him reach the top of the staircase, the survivors allowed themselves to breathe. Daryl was kneading the small book, bending it an attempt to release some of the tension in his muscles.

Carol gave him a half-smile. "That was pretty slick."

He brought his thumb to his mouth and began gnawing the nail. He answered her with a shrug.

"It was." she insisted.

Daryl glanced at her from beneath his lashes. "You were the one pullin' stories outta thin air…dropped a glass." He shook his head, smirking a little.

It was her turn to shrug. "It made sense. That's all." The smile was spreading on her face.

The hunter let his thumb fall away from his mouth. "You always been that good at passin' off bullshit?"

She snorted. "I've been honing those skills for a while."

He shook his head again, still in awe of the fact that she'd kept her cool while Rick was in the kitchen.

Suddenly remembering the argument that lead them to where they were standing, Carol cleared her throat and rubbed the back of her neck. "You know that's all I'm doing here; right?"

"Hm?" His brows were knitting together.

Carol was still leaning back against the counter, her fingers curling around the edge. "The cardigans…the casseroles…all of it…I'm just bullshitting these people."

Daryl let the words sink in. Unleashing his frustration on her body seemed to have cleared his head, and he was finally able to acknowledge that what she was saying made sense. He glanced down at his boot and scuffed it on the floor again.

"You're real good at it." he growled softly.

Carol sighed, knowing that it was hard for him to accept her new role…the person she had to be inside the walls of Alexandria. It was going to take some getting used to, and she could sympathize. Wanting to lighten the mood, she kicked gently at his leg to get his attention.

"What?" he asked, his eyes trained on her.

She bit her lip. "Nothing. It's just…"

"Go on." he urged. The hunter slipped the book back into his pocket, his arms folding across his chest.

A faint blush was spreading on her face as she held his gaze. "I'm good at a lot of things."

Daryl felt the hairs at the base of his neck stand up. He stared hard at his partner and stood up a little straighter. "That right?"

"What?" she asked, a crease forming in her brow. "You don't believe me?"

"I didn't say that…"

"No?" she teased.

He smirked at her. "Naw."

"But you're questioning me…"

His blue eyes flicked to her face. "Maybe I just wanna see ya prove it."

Carol tried not to laugh. "Yeah?"

Daryl nodded slowly. "All this shit ya say you're so good at…I'm thinkin' ya oughta show me."

"I can do that." she said, smiling at him. Without another word, she pushed herself away from the counter and began walking towards the guestroom.

Daryl didn't even have to think about it. He followed her automatically, as if he didn't have a choice.

---

The instant the hunter pulled the door shut behind them, he found himself face-to-face with Carol. Her hands went to his chest and she pushed him back against the door. Her expression unnerved him. She was staring at Daryl like she wanted to eat him.

Their breathing picked up as they held each other's gazes. The temperature in the small room seemed to be rising drastically with each passing second, and their hearts began to thrum. Giving in to their need for one another, Carol and Daryl collided.

She pressed her lips into his and their eyes closed. He could feel her warm body against his, and it was making him restless. The hunter wasn't sure if his manhood was ready for more intimacy, but that didn't matter. Carol didn't seem interested in waiting. She kissed him hard, forcing him to part his lips. When she slipped into his mouth he shuddered.

Her taste sparked something in him and his broad hands moved to her ass, clutching at it through the thin fabric of her pajama pants. She kissed him like she wanted him, caressing his tongue and exploring his mouth, while he massaged a rough rhythm into her ass. He loved the way she felt in his hands…the way she tasted…her scent…but it wasn't enough. He was still soft. Frustrated, the hunter kept his eyes closed and tried to savor everything she was doing to him.

Carol was moaning into their kisses and pushing her hips into his. Needing more, Daryl gave her ass a good squeeze before grabbing the hem of her shirt. Growling against her lips, he pulled the fabric up forcefully and the two of them broke apart panting. He threw the shirt on the ground and let himself stare at her chest.

Breathless, she glanced down at her partner's groin, and couldn't seem to find any trace of his arousal. Working hard to keep her impatience hidden, she took a few steps back, separating herself from him. His gaze was fixed on her breasts.

"Daryl." she said, rousing him from his trance.

He lifted his chin.

"You want more?" she asked, her hands going to her waistband.

He braced his palms against the door at his back and managed a nod. His breathing had grown ragged.

With her eyes locked on his, she slowly pushed the pants down her hips, exposing her core. When she stepped out of the pajamas, kicking them aside, she stood completely naked…waiting for him to act.

Daryl felt his mouth go dry. The room was dark, but he could still make out the details of her body. The curves of her breasts…her tight stomach…the slight hips he loved holding on to… As his eyes drank their fill, blood finally began to pour back into his groin. He groaned in relief.

Intrigued by the sound, Carol moved back into his space. Her eyes flicked to his face before she moved one hand to his crotch and cupped him. Daryl whined, his eyes slamming shut.

"Easy." she breathed. "I'm just trying to help."

The hunter swallowed hard and tried to control his breathing, but it was proving difficult with her so close.

Carol stared down at his groin while she rubbed him gently, experimentally. He wasn't fully erect, but she could feel him growing rigid. Her body was humming with need.

"That's it…" she whispered, the words hitting his skin…just below his collar bone. "Easy." Carol kept her touch light as she rubbed him up and down, following the outline of his manhood.

Daryl's hips began bucking weakly into her hand.

Eager for more contact. Carol stopped stroking him and reached for his belt buckle instead. The hunter was powerless to stop her. All he could do was look into her eyes and try to keep himself in check.

"Take your shirt off." she whispered as her nimble fingers made quick work of his belt.

With every heartbeat sending more blood to his groin, Daryl's insecurities disappeared. He forgot his scars and his need for privacy. A slave to his physical hunger, he followed Carol's instructions and quickly undid the buttons on his faded, sleeveless shirt.

As he rid himself of the garment, he stared at Carol's hands. She was tugging his zipper down. He tossed his shirt aside and watched Carol grip his jeans, along with the waistband of his boxers. Carefully, she pulled the material away from his body before yanking it down, freeing his cock. The hunter wasn't as hard as he needed to be, and something close to fear flickered inside him. But Carol didn't seem to mind…or if she did, she wasn't letting on.

She continued her task and worked the pants all the way down his legs until he was forced to step out of them. When she stood back up, they locked eyes. There was something incredibly thrilling about being naked together…exposing everything. Daryl felt wide awake…alive, and every last hair seemed to be standing on end…

He just wanted to stare at her, but her voice managed to break through the haze clouding his mind.

"Touch me." she whispered.

With a grunt, the hunter reached out with both hands and grabbed her breasts. The way the softness filled up his palms made him whine. "Lord."

"Just keep touching me." she said, as one of her hands moved down to grip his cock.

His hips bucked, and a curse slipped from between his teeth.

"It's okay; let me do this for you." She enjoyed the way his hands felt on her body while she tenderly stroked his length.

Daryl couldn't help it. He shuddered each time her hand slid along his member. Her grip was secure….warm, perfect. Her fingers curled around the base so carefully, and she applied just the right amount of pressure. It wasn't long before his hips resumed bucking. Whenever she reached the end of his cock, her thumb would brush the hole at the tip, and he squeezed her breasts in response.

"Is it helping?" she asked.

His eyes were still closed but he nodded.

"Good." she smiled and kissed the corner of his mouth.

As she stroked him, Carol could feel him growing. She massaged the shaft, making it swell with an unfulfilled need. She loved the way he tightened. When she rubbed her palm against the blunt head, she felt a sudden slickness. Using it to her advantage, she began sliding her hand up and down his cock faster…his own moisture making it easier. The tension was building…but she couldn't stop touching him. He felt so good…so big.

Daryl was panting while he clutched desperately at her breasts. Needing more pressure, he lunged for her mouth and kissed her hard. Carol gasped into the kiss, but the motion of her hand didn't stop. She felt his warm tongue slide under hers and was tempted to come right then and there.

Carol tugged at his cock, making him harder…longer. He seemed to be pulsing in her hand, and she knew that he was fully erect. As he explored her mouth, she longed to feel his manhood between her legs. It was happening all over again…

The same rush of heat that took hold of them in the kitchen…it was consuming the two restless people. Daryl let his partner's taste flood his senses. Being with her was hypnotic…the motion of her soft hand as she ran it along the length of his engorged member, making him throb…the friction was incredible and all he wanted was for her to go faster.

His heart was pounding against his ribs and he could feel himself leaking. He was going to let go…his sudden fear outweighed the pleasure in his loins and he reached down, gripping her wrist. The lovers broke the kiss, both of them gasping for air.

"What's wrong?" Carol asked, her tongue flicking out over her swollen lips.

"I'm gettin' close…" he admitted, his hand squeezing her breast involuntarily.

She stared into his eyes and felt his manhood pulsing in her grasp. "Already?" she asked, slightly amused.

He swallowed hard and glanced down at his cock. The blunt tip was swollen…moisture leaking from it every few seconds. Being able to see her pale hand wrapped around his shaft just seemed to make things worse. A shiver ran through him.

Carol felt it in his groin and forced herself to release him. "Fine," she breathed. "We can go slower."

Daryl growled as he tugged at her nipples.

"Jesus…" she groaned.

They held each other's gazes, momentarily entranced by what they saw. Their eyes held the same hunger…the same unspoken wants and needs. It was then that they knew…they might be able to slow down…but they couldn't stop.

With her eyes locked on his, Carol took a shaky step backwards. Daryl didn't want to let go of her breasts; he moved with her. They kept staring, panting…Carol took another step back, and then another. A small gasp escaped her when she felt the end of the bed pressing against the backs of her legs.

She didn't even think about it. Carol simply eased back onto the bed, bringing Daryl down with her. Whining and growling, the lovers shifted so that their legs weren't hanging off the edge. With the soft, clean comforter underneath her, and the hunter's hard body above, Carol parted her legs.

Daryl immediately bucked his hips down into hers…his weight pinning her to the mattress. When his cock brushed her sex, he let himself swear. She felt so warm…so good underneath him….she was already writhing.

"Fuck…Car…" he growled before ducking his head to bite down on her shoulder.

Carol hissed, her legs coming up…locking around him as the two of them rocked together. With his strong hips grinding into her, and his flat stomach sliding against hers, Carol felt more like a hormone-crazed seventeen-year-old than a hardened killer. She just wanted him to keep touching her. His swollen cock was brushing her clit.

The hunter sucked at the base of her neck, making her body arch. He could feel her breasts pushing up against his chest. She was panting in his ear, moaning and whining every time his hips bucked. She reached up and around to his back, clutching at his shoulder blades..her nails pricking his skin.

"Go on…" he urged, muttering into the crook of her neck.

Carol clawed him harder, dragging her nails down from his shoulders until she reached the base of his spine. The pain made his cock twitch, but he liked it. Daryl picked up the pace, grinding his hips down into hers in a continuous, urgent pattern. His manhood was sore but he didn't care.

Daryl was propped on his elbows, his broad hands splaying on the comforter as he and his mate toyed with one another. All of their focus was on the motion of their hips. He sucked at her neck one last time before letting his forehead rest against hers. They stared at each other from beneath their lashes while warm breaths passed their lips.

"Ya alright?" he panted.

She pushed her hips up into his and groaned.

He felt a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." she breathed.

He bucked down against her with a grunt. "You wet?"

Carol kept her eyes on his as she reached for one of his wrists. Once her grip was secure, she tugged…guiding him all the way down to her heat. He lifted his hips, following her lead until he could feel the warmth of her sex against his fingertips. She released him then, her hand moving into his dark hair where it formed a fist.

Daryl didn't need any urging. He cupped her…shuddering when he felt the slickness between her legs. "Shit…" he breathed. The hunter circled her clit with his thumb.

"God…" Carol moaned.

He kept teasing her…circling the aching nub of her sex…

After several seconds, Carol knew she couldn't take any more. Hungry for her partner, she used one hand to push fiercely against his chest. Daryl wasn't prepared for the sudden movement and he didn't have the strength to fight her. Nearly growling with the effort, Carol forced the hunter onto his back.

Acting on instinct, Daryl reached for her hips and she straddled his waist. Leaning down, bending over him, Carol caught his mouth with hers and they both moaned. As his tongue slid underneath hers, she clawed at his slick chest. Her pussy was resting over his cock and he could feel her wetness beginning to coat him. Their bodies seemed to move on their own…his hips bucking up while she pressed down, countering. The heat grew stifling between them as they kissed.

Lost in the heavy haze of friction and sheer need, the lovers continued to touch, savor, explore… They were breathing into one another, unwilling to separate. Daryl's hands ran up her body, from her hips…along her sides. He pressed his fingertips in, feeling each of her ribs. She rocked on top of him…her wet core sliding along his hard shaft. As she moved back and forth, Daryl knew he had to say something.

He broke the kiss and fought to catch his breath. "I'm gonna come…" he warned her.

But she ground her hips into him, sliding along his erection with slow purpose.

"Fuck!" he hissed, his eyes slamming shut.

She leaned over him, her nails still clawing at his chest…his sweat was covering her fingertips. She stared at her partner with heavy lids and whispered to him. "Not yet…"

The hunter's eyes eased open, his hands moving back down to her hips.

"I want you to come inside me." she breathed.

Daryl's hands moved even lower and he dug his fingers into the firm flesh of her ass. He leaned up and kissed the center of her chest before easing back to meet her gaze. "Best go on 'n show me what you're good at then."

Carol smirked and bucked against him.

He snarled, clawing at her ass. "Go on."

She was staring at him through the dark as she lifted her hips and reached down to grab his cock.

Daryl's glanced down between them for half a heartbeat. When he refocused on her face, he was smirking back at her. Sweat shone at his temples, on his chest…and shocks of dark, tangled hair were plastered to his brow.

"Show me what that pussy can do." he growled.

A rush of heat moved through her frame, but she couldn't stop. She squeezed the base of his cock tenderly and positioned him at her entrance.

"Go on…" he urged again…the tip of his member leaking. He could feel her heat, and wanted so badly to be buried in it.

Carol's chest was heaving, her muscles trembling… She maintained her grip and rubbed the head of Daryl's cock along her slit, preparing herself…her walls began to open in anticipation.

"Fuckin' christ…c'mon.." he growled, the sound heavy with need.

She held her partner's gaze and moved the blunt tip to the right spot. The moisture leaking from her slit was already covering him.

Unable to wait even one more second, the hunter snarled and gripped Carol's hips, forcing her body down onto his dick. When the swollen head breached her tight ring, they both cried out, but he didn't stop pushing. She was so wet and he bucked up hard, sliding himself in to the hilt. He felt her incredible body sinking down around him, engulfing him, and it was almost too much. The muscles in his stomach were already tensing.

When her pelvis was finally flush with his, Carol braced her palms on his chest and sat up. The new angle gave him all the room he needed and every inch of his cock was surrounded by her heat. Lost between her thighs, the hunter groaned. His head went back into the cool pillows while her insides continued to mold around his shaft.

With his thick cock stretching her, Carol needed a moment to breathe. Her eyes were closed as she groaned up at the ceiling. In all her years, she'd never experienced such pleasure…she'd never even come close. On the few occasions that she'd mustered the nerve to use a vibrator…all she'd managed to do was ease the ache between her legs with weak, fleeting orgasms. The euphoria always faded quickly. Carol was constantly in fear of being discovered by her husband, and the paranoia left little room for true satisfaction.

But this was different. The intoxicating blend of pain and pleasure in her core wasn't the result of self manipulation…no batteries…no plastic. It was all because of Daryl. Even as she sat, straddling his hips, enjoying the way his member pulsed inside her, it was difficult for Carol to accept that a man was the source of all the amazing sensations coursing through her body. He was real…living, breathing, flesh, blood, bone, muscle…and he was connected to her.

Still moaning, Carol rocked her hips a little. The movement was slight, but it sent a powerful shiver up her spine and made her gasp. He seemed to be pushing up into her center…the deepest part of her sex. The head of his cock nearly reached her cervix, and he was so hard. She couldn't believe how good he felt. Even though her body was still sore…aching from their time in the kitchen, she relished the thickness of his shaft inside her.

The lovers were still adjusting to one another. As ragged breaths passed their lips, and fresh sweat broke out on their skin, they tried to process everything that was taking place between them. Daryl's mind was reeling. With Carol's weight resting over his pelvis, the hunter enjoyed the heat of her sex and let himself throb. He couldn't understand how he'd gone so long without pussy. That slick, inviting, warm, tight, perfection between her legs was everything he didn't realize he'd been missing. They hadn't even begun to move and her walls were already hugging his shaft. He growled as his broad hands massaged her hips.

Carol drug her nails from his chest, down to his stomach, and hissed as she rocked weakly on top of him. He was stiff inside her, his erection pressing up into her softness. She could feel herself getting high. The tingling sensation was spreading from her core…outwards, to every part of her body. She realized, as her walls opened around him, letting him fill her, that it wasn't just his cock giving her a rush…it was their positioning.

She loved every heated second of being taken on the kitchen counter…her pelvis pressed to his…his strong hips thrusting fast and deep between her legs…being at his mercy while he unleashed the aggression that had been building inside him for so long.. She loved it. She'd come hard around him…but Carol had grown used to being in control. She was intrigued by the idea of submitting to Daryl, but only to a point.

For the first time in her life, she had a sexual partner who could offer her true satisfaction, and she was determined to make herself heard. So she'd pushed Daryl onto his back, straddled his waist and let her nails prick at his skin. She had him right where she wanted him…hard, ready…underneath her. She'd given him his freedom, letting him take what he needed from her. But it was Carol's turn, and she was going to make it count.

Groaning softly, she rocked her hips again, making sure to take every inch of his cock. Daryl couldn't help it…he had to move. He grabbed her hips, holding her body down against him as he bucked up into her core.

"God…" she moaned.

Intrigued by the sound, Daryl shifted, propping himself up against the pillows a bit. He wanted to be able to look at her. She was slowly beginning to ride him…her hips rising, then sinking…her heat wrapped around him…the wetness already coating his hard-on. A deep crease formed in the hunter's brow as he watched his mate.

He could see sweat glistening on her breasts and he wanted to taste it. But as she moved her body up and down his shaft he grew distracted…his eyes flicking down to the place where their hips met. He liked watching as her pussy engulfed his manhood. Every time…she forced herself to sink down around him…and his member disappeared. She kept her hips flush with his for several seconds and the base of his cock wasn't even visible anymore. He was in awe of the fact that he could fit…that her pussy could take him in.

Carol felt a flush spreading on her face as she watched him watching her. With their eyes locked and their hips grinding against each other, they silently wondered what was taking place between them. She kept one hand braced on his flat stomach while she brought the other up to wipe sweat from her brow.

Daryl was twitching and leaking inside her. She rolled her hips, and he arched up into her, helping to set the pace. "We…really….doin' this?" he grunted as he fought off the orgasm that was already brewing inside him.

Carol leaned down, bending over him, her hands moving back to his chest. With her lips hovering just millimeters from his, she smirked at him. "Feels like we are."

The hunter's blue eyes narrowed to predatory slits before he closed the gap between them, kissing her hard. When she felt his tongue in her mouth, Carol's hips seemed to gain enthusiasm and she began bucking faster. As she moved, Daryl's grip tightened on her body. He was trying to hold on, but the friction of her walls rubbing against his cock was incredibly distracting. He flicked his tongue against hers before pulling away, gasping.

"You okay?" she asked, her body still moving up and down his length.

Daryl growled, his eyes slamming shut for several seconds as he tried desperately to keep himself from coming. He couldn't stop his hips from reacting…countering her movements every time she bucked down. The muscles in his stomach tensed and flexed with every thrust.

"Fuck…." he snarled, his eyes finally easing open as he stared at his partner. "That goddamn pussy."

"Thought you liked it." she breathed.

"Aw…" he whined. "It's jus fuckin' tight…lord…"

She smirked at him while her hips rocked.

As their pleasure continued to build, the hunter seemed to forget himself. His sweaty hands moved from her hips, to her ass, where he clutched at her flesh as she rode him.

Daryl's lids were heavy, his cock was throbbing inside her, and he was hungry for her body. "I'm bettin' every part of ya is tight." he growled under his breath. His tongue slid quickly across his bottom lip as he worked to keep their rhythm strong.

Carol stared at him through the gloom. She could see his blue eyes burning beneath his lashes, and there was a smirk on his mouth. His expression made her want to come. Her walls opened in response, allowing his erection to slip in deep.

"You wanna know how tight I am?" she whispered.

Daryl clawed at her ass, his eyes never leaving hers.

She shuddered as her body took him in again. A small gasp escaped her when she thought about what it might feel like to have his cock buried in other parts of her body…

The hunter was pushing a little harder, thrusting up into her pussy over, and over…his nails were leaving red lines on her ass.

"You wanna get inside?" she breathed against his lips.

Daryl growled as his member continued to swell within her walls.

"You stay hard…you make me come…" she grunted as she sank back down his dick. "And we'll see."

A sudden rush of adrenaline sped through his bloodstream, shocking his heart. He had to move…had to have more of her…taste her. Just the thought of exploring…penetrating other parts of her body made his cock harder. He felt it leaking deep inside her. Daryl lunged forward, biting the side of her breast, making her cuss.

"Oh fuck," she moaned, riding him harder…faster.

The hunter lapped at the purple mark on her skin before letting his tongue travel over her nipple. As he played between her breasts and squeezed her ass, Daryl let his partner have her way. He made no attempts to slow her down, or change their positioning. She was panting, whining, sliding up and down his cock like she needed it…and the building wetness around his member told him she was enjoying herself. He just wanted to satisfy her…to be everything she needed.

If Carol wanted to ride his dick, then he wouldn't stop her. He'd made up his mind. He would do whatever she asked. If she wanted him hard, he would hold his erection for as long as she needed it. Daryl didn't know where any of it would leave them in the morning, but he didn't care. She was on top of him, she was wet, and her walls were massaging his shaft from the base to the tip.

With her body wrapped around his hard-on, Carol cried out…swearing and panting in time with his thrusts. The hunter maintained his grip on her ass while she bucked. He liked to feel the way her body tensed as she moved. The guestroom was filled with the sounds of their pleasure, and neither of them wanted it to end. As badly as they craved release, the lovers still wanted to savor the luscious motion between their hips. Daryl was getting addicted to the feeling of her pussy and he wanted to stay inside her for as long as she'd let him…all that moisture surrounding his manhood…it was the best thing he'd ever felt…

His engorged member was filling her up and she could hardly handle it. He felt so good between her thighs…she never wanted to let him go. But she was nearing the edge…she could feel it. Abandoning herself to sheer ecstasy coursing through her frame, Carol drug her nails down his chest again and called out his name in the dark.

---

An hour later…at least, Carol thought it was an hour…she couldn't be sure…the lovers were lying in bed, thoroughly exhausted. Their skin was pulsing…glistening with clear beads of sweat and water. Carol was on her side, facing her partner. The pillow felt refreshingly cool against her cheek.

As their heart rates finally began to slow, the survivors let themselves breathe. Daryl was on his back, staring up at the ceiling with heavy lids. He let one broad hand rest on his stomach while the other formed a weak fist in his hair.

"Fuck…" he groaned softly. The pain in his goin made him wince a little. He was spent…sore, but he couldn't remember a time when he'd felt more satisfied.

Carol smiled at him through the gloom. "Sure you're okay?"

The hunter snorted, but there was a dazed look on his face. "I'm fine…jus fuckin' tired."

She laughed lightly. "You should be."

He turned, glancing at her. "And you ain't?"

"I didn't say that."

Daryl huffed. "Jesus…couldn't just wash up…ya had to get them hands on me."

Carol chuckled. "You could've stopped me."

He sighed, turning away from her. She was right. He shifted slightly, replaying their time together in his mind's eye.

She'd ridden him hard until she finally hit her peak…her insides locking up around him, clenching so tightly that the feeling left him breathless. He remembered the way it felt when the wetness flooded her core…the sound she made….

He'd been so tempted to fall over the edge with her, but he fought the urge. Instead, the hunter watched his mate as she rode the waves of her orgasm. Her hips rocked weakly while the wetness leaked from her core. He savored every moment…memorizing the look on her face…the way her nails raked down his chest… Daryl waited with agonizing patience for her body to stop moving.

When she finally seemed to be sapped of her energy, he'd massaged her hips and sat up, kissing her breasts. He worked his way from her chest, to her neck, and finally to her mouth. When their lips met, she groaned. He kissed her until they both felt drunk. Once they eased apart, just enough to meet each other's gazes, Daryl gnawed his bottom lip and silently asked permission.

She'd smirked at him, blushing, and words seemed unnecessary after that. They'd separated, carefully, still wincing in the process, but Carol didn't waste any time. She wanted to please her partner. With the muscles in her stomach trembling out of nervousness, she ignored the powerful ache in her core and turned away from Daryl.

He'd watched, fascinated, as she got on her hands and knees. After several seconds, she glanced at him over her shoulder. He saw the smirk on her mouth, and it was the only invitation he needed. With a growl locked in his chest, the hunter forced himself to sit up and move towards her. He felt her tremble when his hands moved to her hips…goosebumps rose wherever he touched her.

Their hearts were beating hard…but they were too far gone. Carol was weak with the pleasure he'd already given her, and she was genuinely curious. So she stared down at her hands that were splaying on the bed, and braced herself for whatever was coming.

Daryl kept himself in check. His strong hands massaged her hips while he worked to mentally prepare himself. When he felt that they were both ready, the hunter moved slowly, carefully. He wasn't rough or forceful. Knowing that his partner trusted him enough to give him access to her entire body made Daryl a little dizzy.

"God," carol sighed wistfully. Her voice pulled him back into the present.

He tugged at his hair as he remembered the way her body felt…how tight and warm she'd been.

"I just…" she chuckled and reached up to rub the back of her neck. "I can't believe we did that…"

There was a smug smirk on Daryl's face as he continued to stare at the ceiling. "Me neither.."

Carol could feel another blush on her cheeks. "I've never…"

"Me neither." he chuckled.

She propped herself up on one elbow and stared at him. "Really?"

Daryl glanced at her. "Really."

"Just seemed like you knew what you were doing."

He refocused on the ceiling, a look of amusement on his face.

"I mean…the way you…"

The hunter chuckled again. "Just wanted ya to like it…that's all."

Carol shook her head slowly and stared at him in awe. She remembered how it felt to have his hand between her legs…his fingertips circling her clit while he moved behind her. She hadn't expected to come a third time…but the sensations were too strong. He was inside her…she'd heard him panting and growling, and his calloused fingertips were teasing her clit…over and over…it all became too much and she couldn't stop her body from convulsing around him. He'd held onto her hip with one hand, but the pressure of her orgasm sent him over the edge seconds later…

They stayed connected for several minutes, enjoying the aftershocks. By that point, the lovers were weak…delirious with pleasure, and rational thought seemed to disappear altogether. They separated, collapsing on the bed together, laughing and groaning…trying to wrap their heads around what they'd just done…

Daryl and Carol knew they needed to clean themselves up..splash some cold water on their faces. Without a second thought, they'd decided on a shower. He eased off the bed and found his boxers, pulling them up his legs. All Carol did was grab the same white undershirt she'd been wearing before and pull it on over her head. She didn't bother looking for her panties, and Daryl didn't seem interested in putting on a shirt. On weak legs, the lovers slowly eased the bedroom door open and stared out at the gloomy kitchen, their blue eyes scanning the area for intruders.

When the coast seemed clear, they padded out into the hall, stumbling a little in the dark. Trying to contain the nervous laughter bubbling in their chests, Daryl and Carol hurried towards the downstairs bathroom. Once they were safe, behind closed doors, they quickly stripped and stepped into the small shower together. They both groaned, their eyes closing when the spray of warm water burst from the shower head.

It was supposed to be a respite…all they'd planned on was cleaning up…washing the sex off their skin and the sweat from their hair. But when Carol ran her hands over her face, and eased her eyes open, the sight of Daryl's naked body, covered in water, sent a jolt of electricity straight down to her core. She'd blinked the droplets away from her lashes and moved into his space without so much as a word.

Daryl had snorted, shaking his hair. He rubbed at his eyes while the warm water rolled down his back. It felt so good to be clean…and he was already thinking about collapsing on the bed in the guestroom, but a sudden pressure on his chest startled him. When he opened his eyes, he saw the way Carol was staring at him…and he knew it wasn't over.

She was moving towards him, a small smirk on her face. He retreated, trying not to slip, but Carol managed to back him into the far wall of the shower. Her eyes flicked to his face for half a heartbeat, but then she was looking down, focusing on his groin. Daryl was nervous. His cock was aching, sore…sensitive in the aftermath of his orgasms, but Carol reached for it just the same. She didn't care that he was soft. Her nimble fingers curled around it, and the thing seemed to stiffen almost instantly in her hand. Daryl swore when he felt blood pouring into it.

With warm water cascading over their bodies, Carol and Daryl stood close together, panting and moaning in the shower. His manhood wasn't ready for more contact, but Carol wouldn't stop toying with him. So he let himself get hard, and his hands went to her breasts. He'd squeezed the two soft swells, loving how slick they were, and Carol tugged at his cock.

It hadn't taken much. All she had to do was rub him…pull…whisper how much she liked having him inside…His hips bucked weakly into her hand, forcing her to keep touching him. She stared at his face, watching his eyes glaze over as more blood rushed to his groin. She tightened her grip on his member, enjoying the length and the thickness. He kept growing…the friction was stimulating him…he couldn't think straight…but that didn't matter.

Carol kept tugging, playing with him…she stroked his erection so tenderly that it made Daryl whine. He'd grown swollen, rigid to a painful point, but he couldn't make her stop. Her hand slid back and forth, up and down…she'd whispered to him, urging him to come, and he had no choice but to give in. With his forehead resting against hers, Daryl savored the feeling of her hand on his cock, and let all the pleasure rush through him. It was so sudden…the feeling so strong that his knees nearly buckled. His hard shaft twitched in her gasp as semen shot from the tip.

Carol lessened her grip, but kept stroking…milking him until his member finally stopped spurting. As his seed washed down the drain, the hunter closed his eyes and growled softly. He'd massaged her breasts, memorizing the slick softness. Somehow, they felt even more supple after his climax…being able to touch Carol's naked body after his orgasm was better than a cigarette. She finally released him, her arms going up to wind around his neck. They stood on weak legs and listened to the spray of water falling all around them.

The lovers stumbled out of the shower, feeling drained, but happy. They'd shared a towel, helping to dry each other off before shimmying into their meager clothes. Despite all the things they'd had to do since the turn…all the risks they'd taken…Carol was sure she'd never been more nervous than when she crept out of that bathroom, in nothing but an oversized shirt…her hair dripping wet, following close behind the hunter as he lead her back to their room.

By some miracle, Daryl and Carol made it all the way down the hall without drawing any attention. They left a faint trail of small puddles in their wake…half-formed footsteps. Carol nearly slipped at one point, but she reached out, clinging to her partner. Daryl smirked at her over his shoulder while he helped to steady her. Trying to keep their laughter down, they finally reached the guestroom door and pulled it open, hurrying inside. They'd shrugged their clothes off the second the door closed.

Neither of them knew how long they'd been lying on the bed, recovering from their time together. But that wasn't important. They had all the time in the world. If Carol had to guess, she'd say it was around 3 am…maybe later. Something about that amused her and she eased back down onto her pillow, sighing.

Daryl smiled at the sound and turned to look at her. "That good huh?"

Carol blushed and closed her eyes refusing to face him.

The hunter rolled onto his side. There was a foot or two of space between them. "You done talkin' then? Jus gonna lie there makin' them noises?"

She huffed and finally accepted the fact that he wasn't going to let it go. Slowly opening her eyes, she met his gaze. "It was good," Carol admitted.

He let the words sink in while he drummed his fingers on the comforter. "All three times?"

Carol reached out and combed her fingers lightly through his hair while they stared at one another. "All three times." she whispered.

Daryl grabbed her wrist and tugged it towards his mouth before nipping at it softly. Carol nearly groaned. "What are we doing?" she asked.

The hunter bit her wrist again, his eyes locked on hers. "Whatever we want."

Carol felt the smile spreading on her lips. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

She watched as he kissed the small bruise that was forming on the inside of her wrist. She was sure no one had ever kissed her there before… Carol wondered how on earth she'd wound up in bed, lying next to someone she cared for so deeply. No one could frustrate her quite like Daryl, but no one else had the power to make her that happy either.

Happy…

The word sounded strange as it echoed in her head, especially since they'd been snarling at each other two hours ago. She wondered if it was just sex…if the sudden release of tension was giving her the illusion of happiness where there was none. But the longer she stared at him, the more convinced Carol became. She wasn't just riding a high that he'd given her…she was content. As she laid there, her naked body mere inches from his, she realized that she felt safe. An incredible sense of peace had settled over her and she never wanted it to go away.

"Whatever we want, huh?" Carol echoed.

Daryl answered with a nod.

A genuine feeling of excitement rushed through her frame, making her giggle.

The hunter was amused. "What?" he asked.

"It's just…I've been waiting my whole life for that…to do what I want."

He understood then. Inching closer, Daryl released her wrist and let his hand rest on her hip. "Ya oughta try it."

She smiled, reaching for his hair again and pulling him towards her. "Think I will." she whispered before pressing her lips to his.

Daryl nearly whimpered when she kissed him. Her fingers were still lost in his hair, and his hand roamed from her hip to her thigh, back and forth as he memorized the softness of her skin. The kissing became addictive and he grunted against her lips. Needing more, the hunter shifted, moving so that his body was on top of hers…his weight pinning her to the bed.

The feeling of his skin against hers was maddeningly perfect. They continued to taste each other…their stomachs brushing. Carol kept him trapped between her legs while the kiss deepened. She found that she was getting used to him…his scent…his sounds…all of it. They'd only just let their walls come down, but Carol couldn't imagine going back…back to a world where they couldn't touch… She tugged at his locks and wondered if he felt the same.

The lovers were forced to break for air after several seconds. Panting in the dark, they studied one another. As if he could hear her thoughts, Daryl cocked his head to the side and let his fingertips trace her collarbone. "Somethin' on your mind?"

Carol rubbed the back of his neck as she tried to get the words out. "You said I should do what I want."

"That's right." he growled softly, one hand moving to cup her breast.

Nerves were making her throat constrict, but she needed to say her peace. "Well…I'm thinking…" she glanced at his lips for a moment. "…That I want this."

"This?" Daryl asked.

She nodded as she brought one leg up to curl around his waist, driving her point home.

The hunter smirked at her. "Ya got it."

Carol kept her eyes on his. "Not just tonight…"

That's when it hit him. The blood had rushed to his groin so many times that night, he hadn't been thinking that far ahead…all that mattered was friction and closeness…instant gratification. But now that the storm wasn't raging inside him, his head was beginning to clear. He was in bed…with Carol.

He swallowed hard, trying to assess the reality of their situation. He guessed that the time for weighing pros and cons had come and gone. If there were drawbacks, he hadn't been thinking about them when he took her in the kitchen…or on the bed…or when he let her touch him in the shower.

Drawbacks…

It might've been the exhaustion, or the post-orgasm euphoria, but the hunter still couldn't manage to think of one. He trusted Carol…he respected her, and he thought of her as an equal. Sleeping with her hadn't changed any of that…at least he didn't think so. If anything, it gave Daryl a whole new appreciation for her, her incredible body, and all the things she could do with it. That ruthlessness that made her who she was…it translated into passion…aggression that made the hunter's manhood sore. Carol was a force to be reckoned with, in bed and in battle. He liked that.

As Daryl turned her words over and over in his mind, and massaged her breast absently with one hand, he seemed to realize how good it felt to have her lithe body trapped underneath him. He didn't want to let her up.

"You sayin'…you wanna do this again?" he finally asked in a low growl.

She tried to keep her expression neutral. "That's what I was thinking."

Daryl snorted and shook some of the hair out of his face before finally refocusing on her. "Tomorrow. Same time…same place?"

Carol let herself smile again. "And the night after that?"

Daryl gave her breast another squeeze. "Jus tell me when 'n where."

She wasn't sure she believed him. "You're sure?"

"I ain't in the habit of sayin' shit I don't mean."

Carol was still skeptical.

The hunter ground his hips down into hers. "Quit lookin' at me like that." he chided.

"Just trying to make sure we're on the same page. That's all."

Daryl ducked his head to suck at her neck.

"Mmmm," she moaned, her body arching up into his.

The hunter loved the sound and he growled against her skin. "I'm thinkin' you're right."

"About what?" she asked, feeling a little lightheaded.

"Doin' this again."

She could hear the smile in his voice. "As long as you're up for it." she chuckled.

"I am." he said, his broad hand still cupping her breast.

Carol couldn't believe the conversation they were having. She wasn't sure what it all meant, but at the very least…they seemed to both be in agreement that the sex would continue. Overwhelmed by the orgasms, and the fact that she and Daryl were lying naked in his bed, Carol sighed. She ran her fingers through his sweaty hair, loving the way it felt.

The hunter groaned before letting his cheek rest over her heart. Her damp skin was warm, soft…

Something in Carol's chest tightened when he eased down to lie against her. She seemed to realize that there was more to Daryl than his amazing body. He wasn't just a tool she could use for her own gratification. This was someone who mattered to her…maybe more than anyone else. She stroked the ends of his hair, knowing that it would be incredibly difficult to leave the bed…to leave him. But Daryl didn't seem to be in any hurry to end their time together. His breathing had evened out…his grip on her breast loosened, and Carol couldn't recall ever having seen him so content. She wondered if he was falling asleep.

As much as she would've like to, Carol knew that she couldn't spend the entire night trapped underneath him. Moving slowly, carefully, she did her best to push him back and separate their bodies. There was a low rumble in Daryl's chest as he gave in and rolled onto his side, freeing her. He continued to mutter while he shifted, getting comfortable again.

Carol held her breath as she slid quietly off the bed, but the mattress creaked, catching the hunter's attention. He reached up to rub his eyes and seemed to notice that Carol wasn't next to him anymore. Propping himself up on one elbow, he squinted through the gloom. His mate was standing beside the bed.

"What're ya doin'?" he asked.

She clasped her hands behind her head and tried to think of an appropriate answer, but it was proving difficult. Truth be told, she didn't exactly know why she got up. She was independent, and so was Daryl. Carol simply assumed he'd want his space…since their bodies seemed to be spent for the evening. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd slept next to someone.

"It's getting late." she said with a shrug, her arms easing down to her sides.

The hunter snorted. "Woman…it's been late."

"You're half asleep." she gave him a weak smile.

His brow furrowed. He still wasn't following.

"Get some rest. I'll see you in the morning." With that, she turned away and bent down, trying to retrieve her pajama pants from the floor.

Staring at her ass only served to convince Daryl that he wasn't ready for her to leave. He blinked in an attempt to refocus. "You're leavin'?"

Her body stiffened. She stood up slowly, the pants clutched in her hands. In that moment, Carol had to silently ask herself what she wanted. When she finally turned to look at him, her expression was full of doubt.

"Just thought I'd get out of your hair." she said with a half-smile.

Daryl tore his eyes from hers and stared down at the bed spread. His blunt nails were clawing at the fabric as he tried to determine how to respond to her. Swallowing hard, he made himself speak.

"Ya ain't gotta."

Carol wasn't prepared for that. Her lips parted and she nearly dropped the pants. His head was bowed…as if he was afraid to look at her, and she knew what those words must've cost him. A sudden warmth was rushing from her toes, all the way up her frame, into her cheeks, making her smile. Working to keep her true feelings concealed, she decided to get dressed. Carol turned away again and began pulling the pants up her legs.

Feeling defeated, Daryl eased back down onto his side. He clawed the bedspread a little harder, hating how much the rejection stung. He wondered if it was just his pride taking a hit… He'd been inside Carol on three separate occasions that night…he'd given her pleasure…or at least he thought he had. Part of him figured she'd want to stay…maybe it wasn't enough.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room. The only sound came from the rustling of Carol's clothes as she got dressed. Wounded pride quickly transformed into irritation and the hunter seemed to remember why it was better to be alone. Rolling onto his other side, he turned away from her.

Carol heard him shift on the bed. She glanced over her shoulder, only to find herself staring at his back. Her partner had disappeared, leaving the brooding, sullen hunter she'd always known in his place. Forcing herself to ignore him, she finished pulling the white shirt over her head. Without another word, she padded across the room, pulled the door open, and left Daryl to his sulking.

---

As she stood on her toes, reaching up into one of the higher cabinets, Carol marveled at the fact that something as simple as leaving a room could be so difficult. She grabbed a small bowl and eased the cabinet door shut.

Moving back towards the counter, Carol grabbed the cutting board that had been all but forgotten the instant she and Daryl began arguing. She found the knife that she'd been sorely tempted to hurl in his direction, and picked up right where she left off. As she felt the smooth blade cutting down into the soft flesh of the apple, she replayed the night's events in her mind.

It wasn't just the sex that stood out in her memory…it was the way they'd lain in bed, talking and laughing afterwards…being able to see Daryl smile…the way they'd hurried like fugitives down the hall, nearly slipping in their haste after the shower… Each time the edge of the blade bit into the wooden cutting board, Carol became more convinced that she was doing the right thing.

What could it hurt?

"Nothing." she said, speaking softly to herself. "It's not going to hurt anything."

Satisfied with her reasoning, and her decision, she gathered the thick apple wedges and placed them in the bowl.

---

Daryl just wanted to close his eyes…to finally go to sleep and put everything out of his mind, at least for the time being. But his anger was keeping him awake. He stared at the wall with narrowed eyes and cursed himself for uttering those poorly chosen words.

Ya ain't gotta…

He growled at the darkness.

Ya'll weren't doin' nothin' more than gettin' off. It was just a goddamn fuck…

But that wasn't sitting right with him. What happened between him and Carol was more than that.

First off…it was three goddamn fucks…

Daryl clung fiercely to that fact, hoping it would help restore the damage to his ego.

Coulda stopped after the counter…she coulda walked away. But her ass stayed down here. That fuckin' counts for somethin'…and it was her ass that said we oughta keep doin' it…

The hunter could feel a headache forming behind his eyes.

This right here…this is why ya gotta keep your damn mouth shut…'n don't go lettin' your damn prick make decisions for ya. Ain't nothin' good gonna come from it.

Despite the harshness of the voice in his head, Daryl knew he wouldn't be able to say no if Carol sought him out again. If she was offering a purely physical relationship, he'd be foolish to pass it up. As frustrated as he was, he couldn't deny how good it felt to be with her…inside her…next to her, on top of her…

Christ.

Even after their climaxes…when their bodies separated, and they lay sweating and panting on the bed together, Daryl enjoyed being with her. He wouldn't say the words…he hadn't reached that point yet, but there was something refreshing about finally letting someone in. He secretly enjoyed being able to carry on a conversation, even if it was just pillow talk, with someone other than the angry, judgmental voice in his skull. It was amazing to actually laugh…and to hear someone else laugh. Some part of him had hoped to hang on to that feeling for as long as possible. But Carol didn't want to stay…

As he lay seething on the bed, the hunter wondered if he'd ever get to sleep...or if he was cursed to spend the entire night wondering what he could've done differently…what he could've said to get her to stay with him. He was mad at himself for even wanting her to stay…He could feel his gut twisting.

Since when does your sorry ass need company in bed? Ya done just fine without it. Ain't never had a piece of tail spend the night anyhow…

But Carol wasn't a piece of tail. She was his friend. Or…she had been before the two of them crossed the line in that kitchen. He hoped she still was. They were teammates…they worked well, fought well together. Daryl couldn't stomach the thought that he might've shot all that to hell by sleeping with her.

Terrible thoughts were pouring into his skull, one after the other, making him wince. He briefly considered getting up, getting dressed, and heading outside…just as he'd planned to do before he and Carol started fighting. The scratches she'd left on his bicep suddenly began to sting again.

Godammitt.

Desperate to escape the room that was starting to feel more like a cell than an oasis, the hunter propped himself up again. Before he could swing his leg over the side of the bed, a soft sound made him stop. He turned, glancing over his shoulder, only to see Carol easing the door open. She stepped inside and pulled it shut behind her.

There was a deep crease in his brow as he struggled to understand why she was there. "What're ya doin'?" he asked in a rough growl.

Carol licked her lips out of nervousness…she could tell he was angry. "Nothing. It's just been a long night, and I thought you could use something to eat."

Daryl eyed the bowl that she held in one hand. He was still confused.

She moved towards the bed and set her offering down on a small night stand. The instant her hands were free, Carol reached for the hem of her shirt and pulled it up over her head. She then pushed the pajama pants down her legs until she was standing before him in nothing more than her own skin.

The hunter's anger vanished. He rolled over and gestured at her body. "What's all this?"

She smiled before grabbing the bowl and easing down onto the bed with him. "What's it look like?"

He couldn't keep himself from inching closer to her. "Like good fuckin' room service." he growled playfully.

Carol laughed and kicked at his leg. "Try again."

As the laughter died down, Daryl's expression grew thoughtful. "Like you're stayin?" The words were soft, hopeful as they left his lips.

She blushed and stared down at the apple wedges. "You didn't really think I was gonna pass up that offer…did you?"

Daryl didn't know what to say. "Possibility crossed my mind."

Carol's chest tightened again and she reached for his hair, tugging at it so he would look at her. "So…you thought I would rather spend the rest of my night, upstairs…alone, when I could be here with you? Someone who's company I actually enjoy, and who managed to give me three back-to-back orgasms in one night? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?" she chuckled.

It was Daryl's turn to blush. "Well…when ya say it like that…"

She laughed and let her hand fall away from his hair. "Here. Eat something." Carol pulled an apple wedge from the bowl and offered it to him.

The hunter's eyes roamed her naked body before settling on the small piece of fruit she held. Slowly, he reached for her wrist, holding her in place as he ducked down to catch the bit of apple between his teeth…taking it from her hand. His blue eyes were focused on hers.

Carol felt her walls tighten. She didn't understand how everything he did could be so sexy.

Jesus…

He chewed quietly while his thumb rubbed the inside of her wrist. When he'd finished, he brought her hand to his mouth and began sucking the faint traces of juice from each of her fingertips…one by one.

"Fuck," she breathed…unable to stop the word from tripping off the end of her tongue.

Daryl smirked when he'd finished with her fingers. Without speaking, he took a wedge from the bowl and held it just inches from her lips. Carol looked at him, her eyes questioning.

"Go on," he growled softly, urging her.

She tried to keep her breathing even as she mimicked her partner's actions, and ate the offering from his hand. The look on her face, as she bit into the apple…the tiny moan that escaped her…it was turning him on. She was trembling a little as she held his hand in place and tentatively sucked his fingertips. The instant the hunter felt her soft lips wrap around him…he realized that he was still hungry, but he wasn't interested in eating apples…and he wanted Carol to taste more than his fingertips.

They held each other's gazes…neither spoke. The trembling stopped as nervousness gave way to desire. Carol seemed to take a little longer on each finger…sucking, tasting, enjoying him…letting her tongue flick against him. Pain shot through Daryl's body as his cock came to life.

"Fuck…quit." he was forced to say.

Carol pulled him gently from her mouth. "Something wrong?" she asked.

"Naw…that shit just felt too goddamn good."

She smirked at him. "And we're stopping because…?"

Daryl's eyes flicked to her breasts and he groaned. "Because I ain't a damn machine…"

Carol pushed some of the dark hair back from his brow. "Coulda fooled me." she said.

The hunter snorted and shook his head.

"Fine." she chuckled. "We could both use a breather. How about…we actually finish this apple, give ourselves a little downtime, and see how we feel in say…twenty…"

But Daryl was shaking his head again.

"Thirty minutes?" she corrected herself.

He considered that as he cast a quick glance down at his cock. He was tired…spent…his groin was sore…but he couldn't get past the way she'd sucked his fingertips. The thought of her mouth on his cock was impossible to ignore. But it was more than that…he wanted to taste her too. The mental images weren't helping and he winced again. He wondered if he was too sensitive for anymore horseplay that night. Daryl supposed it couldn't hurt to reassess in half an hour.

"Fine." he finally answered with a huff.

Carol was tempted to laugh at the way he was pouting. "You know it's not a big deal, right?"

He stared at her.

"If it turns out you really are done for the night."

Daryl bowed his head.

"Hey." she reached out, lightly gripping his shoulder. "It's fine. We can always pick up where we left off in the morning."

He lifted his chin, meeting her gaze. "Sayin'…you're still gonna be here in the mornin'?"

She smiled at him. "Where would I go?"

Daryl couldn't keep the smirk off his face as he leaned in and kissed her. She tasted like apples and he found himself smiling against her lips. When they eased apart, they were grinning at each other.

Accepting the fact that he couldn't get much further without a little rest and relaxation, Daryl gave in and grabbed another apple wedge. He nodded to Carol as he chewed.

"How 'bout ya go on 'n tell me all the shit ya learned about these asshole's already?"

She chuckled. "You really wanna know?"

"I'm askin' ain't I?" he reached for another piece of fruit.

Carol smiled at him.

As thirty minutes turned into fifty, and apple wedges disappeared from the bowl, Daryl lay on his side, facing his partner and listening to every word she said. As the information poured out of her, the hunter realized just how hard she'd been working over the past week. He kept his eyes on hers, absorbing every key detail she chose to share.

He interjected from time to time, offering another perspective, and the survivors enjoyed the natural chemistry that existed between them. They argued a little, but the disagreements were never bad enough to make either of them leave the bed. They stayed close…talking, occasionally laughing, until they ran out of words and their lids grew heavy.

Neither was sure what time it was when sleep finally claimed them, but they eventually gave in to exhaustion. They lay tangled together, warm skin, mussed hair…naked…and they were happy.

---

Sorry it's long - Hope you had fun RipleyZero! and happy holidays to all my Carylers out there! If you like this, please tell me why 3