The sexy saga continues...
Misconceptions pt. 20
Natalie slowly opened her eyes, and stared at the faint water stain that marked the wall across from her. The comfortable warmth of her dream was slipping away, allowing her to remember where she was and why? Her heart was heavy, but she forced herself off the cushion. Pretending that she wasn't in this mess wouldn't help anything.
Her hand absently brushed the jacket from her shoulder, and she smiled, spotting a cup of coffee on the nearby table. Rex was taking care of her. A slight frown furrowed her brow at that thought. It was supposed to be the other way around. Instead, he was here because he couldn't go home. She stood and grabbed the cup, sipping slowly. The flavour made her wince. It was strong and it was cold. Well, it's the thought that counts.
She returned the cup to the table and glanced at her watch. 9:24pm. Nearly three hours since being back here. The door turned with her wrist, and the familiar sounds of the crew reached her ears. Only there was something else too?
Natalie stopped in the doorway, blinking once, and then again. She wasn't seeing things that weren't really there, because he was there. John McBain stood across the wide space with his back toward her. He leaned on the counter, peering down at Jennifer, who was openly enjoying the attention. A myriad of questions flooded her mind. How did he find me? When did he get here? She spun suddenly, finding the crumpled jacket on the couch. His jacket, not Rex's.
"Welcome back, beautiful," Jack greeted, as he came down the staircase. "I knew you'd look sexy when you wake." He stopped and handed her a hot cup of coffee. Then he blatantly scanned her with his eyes, before continuing over to his station.
She knew that John knew she was in the room, but he wasn't acknowleding her. Instead, he was focussed on Jennifer and her computer. Natalie walked closer. She saw Rex look away, avoiding her stare. An image of her return replayed in her head - of her placing the paper with the cell number on the table. She continued to watch her brother.
Rex shifted restlessly. Her eyes were boring into his skull, and he took a deep breath. There was no avoiding this fight. Slowly, he turned and walked up to her. He waited.
"Since when do you work with law enforcement?" She nodded in John's direction. "With him? You've been spouting how he'll spell my doom from the moment you saw us at my office." She was frustrated. It had taken everything in her to do the right thing and walk away from McBain, and now here he was because her assinine brother was deciding things for her. She was sick of feeling out of the loop in her own life. "Answer me, Rex!"
He took a breath and stood straight, staring back with equal force. "If I had my way, you wouldn't be anywhere near that guy."
She was floored. "You're the one that called him!" she shouted, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Yes, damn it, because you wouldn't!" She was about to offer another colourful opinion, but he held up his hand. "You didn't want him involved, great! Well I'm looking out for you, Nat. I don't give a damn about McBain, but he can help us. He wants to help us, so he's here, and I could care less that you're upset or uncomfortable. All I care about is getting to the truth and keeping you out of prison. I won't apologize for that." He was breathing hard, getting more and more riled up as his rant went on.
She stared, processing his logic. He was taking care of her, and it was hard to be too angry. The gesture was a grand one, but now she was stuck with a man who shouldn't be anywhere near her. She didn't say anything more. Instead, she moved away from her brother and walked up to the good agent.
John tilted his head slightly, very aware of her presence, and of her anger. He ignored her. "This here?" he asked, pointing to the screen.
"Uh-huh." Jennifer was almost afraid to talk out loud. She was no wallflower, but the tension between these two was smothering. She typed some more commands on her keyboard.
Natalie was pissed. She stalked forward and turned off the flat screen with a push of a button.
John sighed, slowly standing to his full height. He met her blazing glare with a steady one of his own. "We're trying to work here."
She bit her lip. "What the hell are you doing here? I told you to mind your own business and to stay out of mine!"
"I know what you told me." He turned the screen back on.
She was furious. Without thinking, she bent for the plug, about to yank the cord from the wall, but she never got the chance. A tight, unyielding grip on her arm put an end to her rash intentions, and tugged her away from the group of wide-eyed spectators.
John forced the words from his throat slowly. "Don't be an idiot! Unplugging that machine only hurts you, Natalie." His breathing was shallow, partially due to his annoyance. Mostly, due to their newfound proximity. He released his hold on her, but didn't move away.
Her eyes narrowed, and her arms crossed imposingly over her frame. She lowered her voice. "I don't want you here, John."
He nodded. "That's perfectly clear Natalie, but I'm not going anywhere." It was a natural movement, but the space between them was disappearing quickly. He continued to loom, focussing on the thin line of her mouth. "I'm here, and that's that. You need to deal with it." Then he looked into her eyes.
She shook her head in disbelief. "You're an arrogant bastard, you know that? This is my life. I don't want your help." Her pulse was racing. "I don't want anything from you."
He grinned, nodding slowly while they stared at one another. "You love me."
She chuckled. "Oh please! That was nothing more than a reflex after a night of hot sex. Get over it, McBain. Men aren't the only one's who say things they don't mean after a one night stand."
He licked his lips, dropping his gaze to her mouth again. "Right. That's all it was." His hand stretched out and his fingers wrapped gently around her slim wrist. He focussed on the soft skin in his grasp, and touched the smooth, cool metal of a set of handcuffs. He could feel her eyes and breath on his face.
Natalie was losing her mind. She was mesmerized by a simple touch on her skin. She watched helplessly as he stared at his hands, and took his time with the unwanted accessory attached to her arm. A swift heat travelled her body, staining her white skin with a clear pink hue. She swallowed, continuing to pretend not to notice that his hands were on her.
John kept a firm grip on her, wanting to keep her close. He took one hand and slipped it into his pants pocket, pulling out a small key. Then he placed it in the lock and unfastened the metal, finally letting her go. He met her watchful eyes for an agonizing second, before turning back to the computer console and Jennifer.
She blinked, fighting the tumultuous emotions that were consuming her. He always got to her. How did he do that? She needed air, to be able to breathe, so she walked away and shut herself into the small breakroom. The mustard sofa was a welcome relief to her shaky legs. This was not who she was, someone who needed others. Who depended on others? Her hands covered her face, and then she sank into the couch and its familiar cushions. When will this all be over?
Rex walked over to the agent and watched him work with the blonde. He was focussed and observant. He was putting everything he had into the computer. "McBain," he interupted, staring at an intense set of blue eyes. He walked further away and then waited. The man followed. "Go check on her."
He frowned. "You go check on her. I need to get this case solved, and right now the case is this damn computer."
This was hard, possibly the hardest thing he's ever had to say. "I'm not the one she needs right now."
John was instantly uncomfortable, and it was obvious that Balsom was feeling the same way. He shifted, wanting to be doing anything other than talking with this kid. "She'll be fine."
"If you really believe that, then you don't know her at all." His eyes dropped to his feet and he took in a sharp breath. "Look, this is painful for both of us but just shut up and listen." There was silence, so he pushed forward with the conversation. "Natalie needs to be in control of things, and she hasn't been. She isn't." He winced slightly. "...and it's obvious that you're important to her..."
John shook his head in amusement. "Really? Was it that warm reception that brought you to such an obvious conclusion?"
Rex frowned, wondering if this guy was going to be as much of an asset as he first thought? "No, I think it was when she left the safety of this place to track you down, and almost got herself tossed into the slammer." He felt an acute satisfaction when the Fed visibly squirmed in front of him. "Your hovering over the geek squad isn't helping, but she needs you." Then he left him to think about what he would do, and went over to Jack.
John rubbed his eyes. He wanted to go in there more than anything, but he also wanted to avoid her. There was entirely too much emotion with this case. He waited another second, before finally forcing his legs to move. The very least he could do was check on her. He went to the door and opened it, finding her eyes instantly. She sat straight when he entered, and he automatically scanned her length. The exposed legs that were stretched out in front of her, and the slinky black dress that he loved so much. He shut the door, giving them a little bit of privacy.
Natalie had begun to compose herself, and then just like that, he came into her life and disrupted it. Her heart ached at the sight of him. She wanted to speak, to say something, but the silence between them had a life of its own. Her temperature began a slow climb under his scrutiny.
John stared into her wide eyes and lost what little restraint he had. He has been fooling himself for awhile now, and there was no point in continuing to live in denial. When she looked at him, he felt alive and whole. He felt like he belonged, and that was something that has never really existed for him until now. So he wasn't going to keep lying. He walked toward her, and inwardly cheered when she met him halfway, closing the space between them. He slid his fingers in her soft hair and touched their mouths together, kissing her firmly. His heart pounded as they moved closer. Her tongue glided slowly against his, teasing him and making him remember every second of their night together.
"John," she whispered into his mouth. He continued to kiss her slowly, yet urgently, awakening her body with every caress.
He ended their contact reluctantly and stared into her curious gaze. Her lips were swollen and warm, and his stomach clenched at the sight. He felt lighter, and chuckled, feathering her lips with a quick touch. "It hasn't even been a full day since you left my apartment, but it sure feels like it."
She smiled, sliding her hands over his shirt and clutching the buttons. She knew exactly what she wanted, and grew serious as she met his stare. They needed to talk. He was having none of it though. With a shake of his head and the touch of a finger over her lips, she let reality fall away for the time being. He kissed her again with greater urgency, and a small sigh slipped into the air.
John ran his flat palms over her back, remembering the first time he saw her in this dress - at The Palace with that pretty boy. He wrapped an arm around her waist and hoisted her from the floor, nipping her lip aggressively. He felt her smile and it made his blood boil, causing a distinct ache in his groin. His tongue tasted her thoroughly before travelling her jaw and wetting her skin as he moved. He was having a hard time catching his breath, drowning in the wanton desire than she envoked.
With an insistant tug, Natalie guided him to the sofa and pushed, falling and blanketing his strong body with her own. She rubbed him where they touched, and forced her tongue deep inside the warm recesses of his mouth. God, the way he moved against her! The way he tasted! His hands clutched her ass and pressed her flush against his erection. She breathed, refusing to stop kissing him.
He pushed her hair back so that he could see her, but she was unyielding with her kisses, so he went with it. His grip in her hair tightened. A small part of his brain was yelling at him, telling him that now wasn't the time for this and he had urgent work to do, but the fire within was the only urgency he was willing to acknowledge. He pulled her locks and forced her high and away, granting him access to her bare chest and shoulder.
Natalie bit her lip against the branding mark of his tongue as it explored her body. She placed her palms on his shoulders, and then sank lower, kissing him long and hard. The frustration she was feeling now was entirely sexual, and her impatience was getting the best of her. She yanked the material of her skirt until the cloth rose over her ass. With John's help, the dress slid up her curves and then disappeared altogether.
He rolled until she was flush against the cushion, and he was hovering over her naked length. Jesus! Her hands were desperate and shaky as they forced his shirt apart, and he had to remind himself to breathe as he stripped it over his shoulders and down his arms. She touched his chest eagerly, feeling every contour, every muscle, and he closed his eyes for a second. They were both reaching for his zipper, and an electric current shot up his spine. He grabbed her head and kissed her hard, needing to lose himself in her body.
She finally felt the control that has been absent in her life. Here was where she was meant to be. Every heartbeat and shiver, every ache and goosebump. He made her sing from the inside out, and she felt like a woman. She felt loved and hopeful. Natalie cried softly when his tongue flattened over her straining nipple. He sucked and licked, causing a greater wetness between her legs. "Don't stop, John," she instructed, clutching his scalp with force.
"Not a chance, sweetheart," he answered against her sensitive skin. His hand pressed over her belly, before gliding lower and removing her tiny panties. He touched her curls and groaned aloud. She was so wet, so warm. Her thighs spread, granting him access and he wasn't about to ignore the less than subtle urging. John found her mouth again, kissing her over and over.
She pushed at his belt with her hands and legs, circling his hips with all her strength. He kissed her until there was no breath in the entire world, and she fully expected death to claim her. And she was close, because he ground his penis against her folds, almost causing heart failure. "...aaaah..." A soft whine escaped her throat.
He grabbed a fistful of hair and placed his mouth at her ear, moaning as he finally entered her heat. He moved slowly, aching while her molten muscle pulsed around him, tightening like a glove. "Oh yeah," he managed, opening his eyes so that he could see her face. She was a glorious sight. He pulled from her intimate hold and pushed again, harder, enjoying the light in her glazed eyes as he shifted. She was biting her lip and it was incredibly sexy. He found himself copying her, dying a little as she continued to clench his hard flesh. He rocked his hips for a third time and nearly burst from the pleasure.
Natalie touched his face reverently. A single tear slid away, and her heart expanded when he licked it with the tip of his tongue. She tucked her face into the crook of his neck, sucking the skin forcefully. His tiny gasp ignited something deep inside the core of her being. She pushed against him, rotating her hips smoothly. She wanted what he could give her, and she didn't want to wait any longer, so her hands shoved with all her strength.
He fell and they twisted together in a big tangle, laying side by side on the sofa. He swallowed and grinned, inhaling sharply when she grabbed his hips and moved. He was so deep, so far inside her and it was the best moment of his life. "Gawwd.." He was sweating.
She wrapped her fingers in his hair and climbed on top of him, rubbing her tongue with his in slow, smooth circles. "Uh..John." Her eyes closed tightly, squeezing in time with the muscles of her humming body. His fingers were crushing her breasts in their strong grip. She felt a coil of heat between her legs, and the breath in her lungs was thinning. Her hips rocked over him, keeping him trapped in her wetness. Forcing her higher and higher with every sweet pump.
John's eyes watered, but they remained fixated on the redhead who was straddling him securely. He was hanging on by a thread. He saw her expression change to one of determination, as she rode him harder, faster. Grinding until they were practically one person. He breathed deeply, realizing that he still needed more air. Her fingers pinched his chest, and the soft quivering meat of her thighs held him like a vice. He was trapped and he couldn't be happier about that.
Natalie threw her head back and smiled toward the heavens. She felt an overwhelming shake that grew out, expanding like an earthquake. It ripped through her until there was an explosion of sensation, one that took over completely. It started in her core and painted her with every new stroke until she was solid colour, solid heat. Her mouth opened to scream, but no sound came out, so she convulsed violently as he continued to move and stir her desires. "God, I love you!" she blurted again, meaning every unwanted word. His hands tugged and forced her down, and then he circled her tightly within his arms.
John grabbed her hair and pulled with surprising strength as he erupted deep into her womb. He couldn't think or move. His pulse raced, and the fire in his blood made him ache and swell. Jesus! He was hard and firm, but could still feel his cock grow within her tight walls. He heard the pounding of his heart, and the catch in his throat. Then he was cumming and that was the only thing he knew. The feel of how she held him while he lost himself.
His chest was heavy, and he struggled to maintain some semblance of self while falling back to earth, but it was useless. She was laying over him, draping his hard length with her soft, supple skin, and he felt it. He felt love. He blew out a sharp breath. She continued to clutch his chest as it heaved, heating his rib with her laboured puffs of air. He heard a small chuckle, and it caught his attention. This was a first. Having a lover laugh in the post-coital bliss of a heated union? "Something funny?" he asked, pushing the words out through a dry throat. His palm rested on her silky hair.
She lifted her head and smiled widely at him. "There's absolutely nothing funny about what just happened here?" she teased, wiping away a stray, damp strand of dark hair from his cheek. Her heart was still pumping wildly. "I missed you, McBain."
He nodded, touching his mouth lightly to hers. "I could tell." Then his tongue slipped easily past her lips, taking its time.
Natalie ignored the instant heat that flared up and threatened to consume her. She stared into his eyes, wondering what to expect from him? She confessed her love for the second time now, which was beginning to become a real problem. Her fingers absently played with the light hair on his broad chest. "So..?"
He blinked, petting the slick skin of her lower back with his fingers. She was so damn beautiful at the best of times, but how was he supposed to cope now? While her naked body was pressed against him on this tiny couch, and her skin was still flushed from their lovemaking. He needed to focus on something other than her, and he needed to do it immediately. Otherwise, they were never going to be able to leave this room ever again. His traitorous hand grabbed her wrist and lifted it to his lips. He kissed the red mark that was left by the handcuff. "So are you going to tell me?" He wanted to know how she got her new bracelet?
She wasn't really able to read him at the moment, which bothered her more than she cared to admit, but at least he wasn't running away. Instead he was here, and his soulful eyes were watching her. She felt her nipples harden in reaction. "Tell you what?" she asked innocently. She knew what he was asking, but didn't particularly want to talk about it. She didn't particularly want to talk about anything. Her hand slid over his muscles with ease, descending between them until she found what she was looking for. His mouth opened a little, and his eyes remained transfixed while she pulled and stretched.
John bit down on his lip again, holding in the cry that wanted out with each new caress of her nimble fingers. He took a breath. "Natalie, we can't stay locked away in this room."
She nodded slowly, as a sense of dread washed over her. "So," she began, releasing her hold, "we should probably leave?" Her heart was racing. Using her last ounce of will, she slid off of him and rose to her feet. His words had cut. They were true and logical, and were meant to keep them tethered in reality, but they hurt none-the-less. She stared at the table, and could feel him sit up behind her.
"Natalie.." He sensed the change in her instantly, regretting his damn level-headedness. It was his nature to be in control, and she made him spin out of control. "Nat," he repeated, reaching out and grasping her wrist. The tug forced her to look at him. He brought her closer, stopping only when she was standing directly in front of him. His palms rested on her perfect legs. "I just want this to be over for you." He was never very good at words, but wanted her to get it, to get him. "That's all," he offered weakly.
His sincerity touched her. She ran her fingers over his silky hair. "I know, John." She knelt to the floor, holding his steady gaze. There was a mischievious light in her wide eyes. "I know what you want?" Her lips touched his thigh, before she looked at him again.
He was amazed at her uncanny ability to make his heart stop in his chest. He saw the truth in her blue eyes. "I was supposed to come in here to check on you." Her mouth travelled his skin slowly, leaving a wet trail as she moved, and his stomach summer-saulted. He clamped down on his lip yet again when she touched his penis briefly. He felt a swell between his strong legs. "I don't..don't think your brother had this in mind when he asked me to talk to you?"
She slid her hands higher up his torso, exploring his heated body. Her tongue flattened against his hard length, and she tasted him. "Rex?" she asked quietly, breathing on his sensitive skin. Her mind was too busy to focus on his words. She took him into her mouth, swallowing him completely, while his fingers clutched her hair. That's it! her mind screamed, triumphantly.
"..uh..mmmmm..." His eyes focussed on the ceilling above. "Jesus, Natalie!" The coil in his stomach was tightening and the one in his crotch was excrutiating, but the one in his heart was the real winner. His arms stretched out and lifted her away. He could see the confusion and fear on her beautiful face. He placed her in his lap and saw the moment understanding dawned. He needed to watch her. She sank down, taking him inside her warmth, and he nearly orgasmed from the deed. His hands clutched her hips and made her move, and still he watched her. How her eyes grew even bigger as she adjusted to his length? There was a connection between them and it was hotter than their bodies combined. It made his cock thicken against her walls, and he had to concentrate so that he could remember to breathe.
Natalie couldn't look away. She rocked over him, holding him hostage between her wide thighs. She was feeling all the familiar things while they made love, but this time was somehow different? He was looking past the surface and burning her with his intensity. Her hands rose to his head, holding the sides of his face while they continued to move together in unison. She licked her lips, and felt his fingers dig into her flesh, pushing her for more. Natalie increased her efforts, breathing over his mouth and melting.
John struggled to keep his eyes open. His lids dropped slightly, wanting to shut away the overwhelming passion that was building higher and higher. He saw her emotions very plainly in her reflective gaze, and it made him acutely aware of how hard he has become. She squeezed and he nearly lost it. "uuu..Nattt..Natalie.." His body was striving for a release, and he wanted it. He needed it. The torment was becoming too much to take.
His hands found her breasts. The orgasm he was seeking began to take control. John felt an ocean of pleasure rush him as the tide rolled in. He rested his head on the back of the sofa, unable to support the weight on his neck, and finally closed his eyes. He had to do it. Her tiny hands were still on his face as she rode him, sliding up and down his erection with increasing power. His soul was yearning for her to send him crashing head-first into the waves. The ones that were pounding him as aggressively as her hot, wet flesh. He tried so hard to hang on, but was no match for the unbridled passion that gripped them both, binding them together. He felt her take his bottom lip and suck, and it caused him to sink below the surface of his own personal ocean. It caused him to drown in her.
Natalie circled his head with her arms and pressed their mouths together with force. The kiss was hard and violent, and was meant to keep their sounds from escaping their little refuge. She pumped him evenly, again and again and again. It was a welcome sensation. It was the stuff of dreams. His fingers were marking her, sending signals of pain from her hips to her overworked brain. It made her burn hotter. She knew what she wanted, and she was going to take it. If this brief interlude was all they had, then it was theirs and she would make the most of it. She would cherish it and take it with her everywhere. "...ohhh.." she cooed into his mouth, as her legs tightened their grip.
There was a pressure. It was pulsing deep inside, turning her torment into something beautiful. He made her beautiful. Her hands clutched tighter, holding onto him for dear life, and then her body finally released, setting her free. Her movements became instinctual, because there was no clear thought processes to be had, only ecstasy. Her teeth unwittingly clamped down on something soft, and she felt him join her in her pleasure. They shook together, riding out the stimulants that overtook them. "..mmm, Jo.." She lost her voice.
Natalie stuck her tongue into his mouth. Her fingers sank to his biceps, needing a solid base to keep her in the room with him. She rejoiced in the warmth that flooded her body as he erupted, melting her and making her tremble. "..uuGH!" she cried, still riding through the feelings. She felt dizzy, and sighed over his lips as he began to slow. There was a heat, a honey-like fire in her center, and it made the wetness between her legs spill again. Eventually, the flame was doused, leaving behind a tiny, haunting ember. She waited patiently, meeting his drugged eyes when they sought her out at long last.
He opened his mouth, but couldn't speak. What could he say? There was nothing that would be stronger than what they just experienced, so he sat up and hugged her tightly. His face was tucked against the smooth skin of her delicious neck, and his heart was pumping at a slower, more natural rhythm. He loosened his grip, and felt her pull back and lift from his lap, releasing him from his glorious prison. She stood, holding his hand in hers, and he followed, rising from the cushion slowly. His legs held, proving to be as big of a surprise as their encounter had been.
Natalie didn't want to be the one to break the silence. She needed him to do that, so she busied herself in distraction. Her dress was over by the fridge, and she went to it, desperate to cover her eager flesh. Even now, after what just transpired, she still wanted him all over again. It was terrifying. He stood where she left him, and she took the opportunity to breathe a needed, steady breath. The distance made her feel more secure, but it was merely an illusion because his arms were circling her waist and pulling her to his strong chest. She closed her eyes, feeling his heartbeat spread through her.
John needed to touch her. He enjoyed the softness of her belly beneath his wide palm for a moment, and then he turned her. Her eyes were cautious, failing in their attempt to conceil her insecurities. He licked his lips and bent to her mouth, tasting her gently, briefly. Just one more taste. He grinned, and searched for his missing pants. He slipped them on quickly enough, noting how she was frozen where he had last touched her. He stared at her openly, taking his time while his eyes roamed over her naked length. She was pink and delicious, and the dark buds of her pointed nipples made his pants feel a little bit tighter.
She was frowning, clearly uncomfortable now, but the silence was the biggest force in the room. He didn't know how to break it? With two determined steps, he stood before her and took her hand, leading her back to the couch with him. His fingers freed the black material from her grip and he carefully helped her to get dressed.
Natalie saw his intentions and automatically raised her arms, allowing him to slide the cool threads over her head. She watched him watching her as the dress descended her curvy body, and she wanted to jump him. She wanted to kiss him and love him, and she really wanted to hit him. His power, which made her weak in the knees, was entirely too disconcerting. Why the hell won't he open his damn mouth and say something? She blew out a frustrated breath.
John cleared his throat. He could see her losing patience with him, and for some reason it made him want to do all kinds of time-consuming things to her, but time was the one thing they didn't have, not yet anyway. He knew he had to speak. "Natalie.."
"Hey, we found someth..." Rex stopped cold, taking in the sight of a shirtless federal agent standing with his hands on his sister's waist. "Oh, come on!" he shouted, not quite able to believe his own eyes? "You're kidding, right?"
John turned to Balsom, frowning now too. He dropped his gaze to the floor and found his shirt, slipping it on over his shoulders and doing up the buttons. "What do you want, kid?" he asked pointedly, refusing to feel awkward about his time with Natalie. They were adults, and they were in l... He froze, ending that thought in its track. He focussed on the boy.
"I said check on her, not seduce her!"
"Rex!" Natalie snapped, needing a reprieve from both men. "Answer him. What is it?"
He stared at her for a long moment. "We found something?"
John snapped to attention. "What?" he demanded, ignoring the angry stare as he did up his belt.
"I'll show you." He watched the cop step forward eagerly, but stopped him short, shaking his head firmly. "Hold up Romeo. You two look like..." His sentence trailed off for a moment. "...like two people who just had sex in a freakin' underground bunker!" Rex blinked, worried that he was going to get a smack for a second. McBain was not happy with him. "For the sake of everyone's comfort, especially mine, I suggest you pull yourselves together." He went to the open door and stepped through it, anxious to get away from the both of them.
John stared hard at the empty doorway for several minutes, before stalking forward and closing it. He looked at the wide-eyed redhead, and she didn't look angry. In fact, she was trying not to laugh. "It's not funny!"
She placed a hand over her mouth and nodded in agreement, even as the laughter squeaked out into the room.
He grinned. "Stop laughing, damn it!" She didn't. He walked up to her and touched her hair. He loved to touch her hair. "So?" he teased, spinning. "How do I look?" Her eyes scanned him, assessing his appearance. He wasn't blind to the lust that was reflecting back at him either.
Natalie smiled, fighting her attraction. She reached out and helped him with the last two buttons on his shirt, and then slid her hands up his hard chest. "You should tuck your shirt in," she suggested, rising onto her tippy-toes and kissing him chastely.
He pulled away for a second, and grabbed the back of her head to kiss her more intimately. His tongue invaded, coaxing an elicit sigh from her throat that made him straighten. He felt the vibration in his groin. Then he stepped away, putting several feet between them. He smiled shyly, feeling the rapid beat in his chest. The shimmer in her bright stare was hypnotizing. "What do you say we finish this?"
She grinned, suppressing the butterflies in her stomach, and nodded slowly. She left the room.
He blinked, trying to wrap his head around everything that has happened? He thought of Natalie, and he thought of her future. He thought of his family, and the LPD, and Cameron. His hands worked diligently to straighten his appearance, while his mind swirled with the facts of this case. He glanced at the crappy sofa, and then blew out a quick breath, joining the others.
"I thought you said you had something?" Natalie snapped at the blonde, irritated by her already. She didn't like the way her eyes found and followed John around the room.
Jennifer stood from her swivel chair. "Back off princess, and let the professionals do their work!"
John wanted to grin. Instead, he stepped between the two, watching the redhead closely. He refocussed on the other woman. "Just tell us what you found?" She stared back with resistance, so he softened his tone. "Please?"
Her muscles relaxed at the sound of his smooth voice, and she reclaimed her seat. "Alright, look," she said, pointing to the screen. She shifted closer when he leaned on the counter, following her direction. "Here, this shouldn't be here."
He shrugged. "It looks like an address to me."
"Yeah," Jack joined in, "but it doesn't belong to the babe." Both the cop and the hotty shot him a warning glance that made him pause. "What?"
Jenn clicked her mouse. "Agent." John turned his beautiful eyes her way. "Someone hacked this computer."
"Who?"
"Yeah, who?" Natalie asked, walking to the other side of the screen.
"I don't know yet. I mean, whoever it was knows their stuff. I've been trailing code since you got here, and I'm still bouncing."
"We're still bouncing," Kevin said, quietly.
Jenn smiled. "We," she corrected, facing the woman at her side. "It's gonna take more time to trace this thing."
Nat nodded, hugging her arms. "How much time?"
"Ah, hell!" John shouted, standing straight.
"What?" Rex asked, following his line of sight. "Ah, hell!" he repeated, staring at the security camera in the corner of the room.
Natalie felt her ticking clock stop completely. Time was up. She watched helplessly as Detectives Cameron and McBain strolled through the front door of the bait shop. She turned to John, who slowly met her eyes. She swallowed. "Now what?" Her heart was thudding in her breast.
"Now I make an arrest."