The next morning, she woke up alone. Erin's spot was cool to the touch, and she looked around the room groggily. "Here are your glasses," Erin said, suddenly appearing at her side. "I was hanging up the clothes from your go bag in our closet. By the by, what happened to all of Christopher's things?"
"Karen moved them into one of the spare bedrooms yesterday. We should probably start going through them tonight when we get home."
"But I thought we'd go to our apartment tonight. After six months away, this place feels cavernous."
Penelope smiled. "All right, apartment today, manse tomorrow." She stretched and slid out of bed, going over to the dressers. "I suppose one of these is mine and one is yours?" Erin nodded. "Are you going to make me guess which is which?" She nodded again, a smile spreading across her face. "Okay, let me think." She tried to think back to that day she'd been here, six months ago. "That's it, I know!" she exclaimed, looking at the tops of the dressers. "You, my dove, are standing in front of my dresser."
She stepped closer to Erin and leaned in close to her. Erin leaned forward as well and quickly kissed Penelope's cheek. "Right you are, my dear. Now hurry and get dressed. Breakfast is in ten minutes." Erin left the room and Penelope opened drawers until she'd found underwear and a bra for the day. Then she opened the closet and found a brand new dress hanging there, along with the clothes from her go bag. Smiling, she pulled out the Alice blue dress and hurriedly put it on, not failing to notice the Joyce label sewn inside. She twirled around a few times, giggling as the skirt belled out around her.
Slipping her feet into shoes, she fairly ran down the stairs, brushing her hair as she went. She burst into the dining room and found Paul there, sullenly eating. She smiled radiantly at him, ignoring his scowl in return. Karen turned from the sideboard to look at her and smiled in return. "I see my mother's been to the boutique again. I love that color on you."
"Thanks." She took a seat in the same place as yesterday and sipped at the orange juice in front of her.
"Aren't you going to eat anything, Penelope?" Karen asked, sitting next to her. Penelope looked over at the sideboard and found she was sort of hungry. She stood and put some bacon and fruit on her plate, then sat down once again. Erin bustled in and set their travel mugs in front of their places.
"It's not our coffee shop, but we don't have time to go across town this morning and see Kelly," she said as she sat at the head of the table. "Do you like your dress?"
"I love it! It's the perfect housewarming gift," she replied as she speared a slice of banana. She quickly ate and then they were out the door. When they got close to their building, they noticed that the area surrounding the front of the building was swarming with reporters. "It's going to be like this until Monday, isn't it?"
"Probably longer than that, Penny. Those vultures will be out there until they get their story, and they'll stick with it until the bitter end. I checked Amazon yesterday, and sales of Rossi's books are going up," Erin said as she pulled into the parking garage, swiping her credentials to get the gate are to lift.
"That is so awful, and yet I believe you. Ten years of doing this job has taught me that the public devour this type of thing. His name was trending on Twitter for a few hours, and, like I feared, a lot of people out there in the country support him. His relative fame may just get him off." They walked into the building and Mike personally escorted them through the security checkpoint.
"Someone leaked the start date of Rossi's trial last night. The vultures started arriving about three hours ago. My security team is busy making sure they don't bother the people who are legitimately supposed to be here. Stay safe today, ladies. While I have men patrolling the parking garage, there are still opportunities to sneak in there before they're caught."
"Thanks, Mike."
"Anything for my ladies." He pressed the elevator button for them and they got in. The rest of the elevator riders gave them wide berth, whispering to each other as they gave them pointed looks. Penelope was never more glad to get off the elevator and into her own office. Tapping in the code, she let herself in and booted her system up.
"I take it you heard the news already," Hotch said as he entered her office. She jumped and looked at him, clutching her chest.
"Don't sneak up on me like that, Hotch! You'll give me a heart attack." She calmed her racing heart and then nodded. "But why would his legal team do that? What advantage does that give him?"
"I haven't figured that out, yet. I did notice the increased media presence outside, though. Director Shepperd is on the warpath this morning as a result. If you and Erin haven't told him yet, don't. This is not the time and I don't want to lose you. I wouldn't put it past him to fire you both on the spot."
"We haven't yet, and now, well, what happens when we do tell him?"
"I would expect a suspension, possibly for a month."
"And if it comes out during the trial? That will upset him as well, won't it?"
"It probably will. You should have gone to him first thing, Penelope. Then, he might have been willing to transfer Erin to a different section. Six months is a long time to keep something from your boss."
Penelope blushed under his intense gaze. "You would have tried to talk me out of it, I know you would have. And I might have listened to you."
"No, you wouldn't have. There's no way, with how in love you are, that you would have broken things off. And you do make a handsome couple. I've never seen her as carefree as when she's with you. I'm glad, after everything you've been through, that you've found someone who makes you happy."
"Karen likes you," she suddenly said, the words bursting forth before she could stop herself.
"That's sweet. She's how old?"
"Twenty one. I told her you were too old for her, but she'd hear nothing of that. She's like her mother in that regard – incredibly stubborn and hard to say no to. I have the feeling she'll pursue you to the ends of the earth." She looked at him, noticing the corner of his mouth turn up. "Oh, my god, no."
"What?"
"You like the thought of her liking you. No, focus on the trial and after that you can pursue her if you want. This is going to be the strangest of bedfellows, you realize."
"It's not like I want to marry her, Penelope. It just might be nice to have dinner with someone once in a while." He smiled fully at her then, and she found herself smiling back. "Besides, I could call you 'Mother' if we were to get married."
She found herself laughing in pure pleasure. "I can only imagine Erin's face if you were to call her 'Mother', Hotch."
"Enjoy that bright thought, Penelope. We're probably going to need it over the coming weeks." He turned to leave. "Oh, and here, give Karen my card next time you see her." She just shook her head in exasperation, putting the card in her purse.
The day dragged on, and Penelope found her inbox filling with mail again, more and more in support of her actions. Finally, she was able to shut her systems down and she went out to the car. She met up with Mike and Erin, who were quietly talking. "What happened?" she asked as she saw Erin's pale face and red-rimmed eyes.
"Some reporter from the Times was harassing her. I had my people deal with him, but not before he'd gotten to her. Again, I am sorry."
"Like to told you, Mike, you did all you could. You're only one person looking out for all of us. Don't be so hard on yourself. We'll see you tomorrow, and then, you know, the trial begins Monday, so we'll be out of the office until it concludes."
"I'm praying that everything works out in your favor."
"Thanks, Mike," Penelope replied, reaching out to shake his hand. Then she and Erin got in the car and drove home. "So, Hotch likes Karen," she said, not looking over at Erin.
"Well, that ought to prove interesting, then. Aaron Hotchner as my son-in-law."
"What?" Penelope cried out incredulously.
Erin started laughing, a throaty sound Penelope hadn't heard in far too long. "Oh, my peacock, if you had seen your face just now. The only way to go about this is through encouraging it along. If we seem to disapprove, it will make them want it even more. I learned this quite well with Annie. If it's meant to be, it will happen."
"I suppose you're right. Oh, and Hotch said we shouldn't go to Shepperd right now. This new media blitz has him royally pissed off."
"That's good to know, though it makes it worse when he does find out." She pulled in to their spot and sat there. "We may have made the wrong decision in not going to him right away."
"At the time, it seemed like the best idea," Penelope said, opening her door. She stepped out and looked across the street. "Don't get out. We were followed home."
"Excuse me?"
"Hey, don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger. Dark sedan across the street there, I saw it when we left the parking garage. What should we do?"
"I don't know, Penelope. You would think, with all I've been through in the FBI, I would know. And there's no way to distract them, really. Do not flip them off, my love. That will only make the situation worse, despite how Agent Prentiss feels about it." She sighed and looked up at Penelope. "All right, go over there and knock on the window, talk to them for a few minutes and then come up to the apartment. I'll try to sneak up while you do that."
Penelope nodded and sauntered over to the car, knocking three times on the window. She didn't have to wait long and the glass rolled down. "May I help you? You seem to know me, but I've never met you," she said sweetly, grabbing ahold of her can of mace.
"I'm looking for Erin Strauss. I thought I saw her drive you home."
"You thought wrong, sir. Now, you have five minutes to leave before I call my friends at the FBI. They don't like it when strange men follow me home." She pulled out her cell phone and stared at him, still fingering her mace.
"That won't be necessary, Penelope. I'll just head out." He rolled up the window and put his car in drive. As he drove away, Penelope hurriedly memorized his license plate number, then she went up to the apartment.
"Is he gone?" Erin asked as she set her purse on the table. Penelope nodded as she went to the window and closed the blinds, shutting out the world from their safe haven. "What did he say to freak you out so badly?"
Penelope turned and looked at her lover, biting her lip. "He knew our names," she whispered, stepping close to Erin. "I've never seen him before in my life and he called me by name. What is going on?"
"I don't know. Did you get his plate number by chance?" She nodded. "Well, then, hack the DMV database and look it up."
"I don't need to go that far," she replied, turning her laptop on. She logged on to her work system and accessed her databases. She ran the digits through the DMV and soon, a name was spit back at her. Quickly, she typed the name into the search bar and waited for the information to come up. "Let's make supper while we wait," she said, looking up at Erin.
"I'm already on that, dear."
"Well then, how else can we occupy the next few minutes?" Penelope asked with a smile.
"I can certainly think of a few things," Erin responded as she straddled Penelope on the sofa. Leaning forward, she kissed Penelope, burying her hands in Penelope's hair. Penelope reached up and unclipped Erin's hair, letting it fall around her shoulders.
"I wish you would wear your hair down more often," Penelope said as she broke the kiss.
"It looks unprofessional."
"No, it makes you utterly desirable in the way it frames your face, veiling your eyes. The feel of your hair, brushing my skin, is one of the most sensuous experiences I've ever had. Promise me we can talk about it if you ever decide to cut your hair. I know I change my own up so very often, but don't change this, please? I know it's a selfish thing to ask of you."
Erin stilled her words with a kiss. "If I can keep you this deliriously happy with something as simple as my hair, I won't change a strand of it, I promise." She kissed her again and Penelope buried her hands in Erin's hair, holding her close. She shivered as she felt Erin slowly drag her fingers along the neckline of her dress.
Breathlessly, Penelope broke the kiss. "If we continue like this, supper will burn." Erin nodded and slid off her onto the couch. After she'd caught her breath, Erin stood and went into the kitchen while Penelope looked at the results her computer had turned up. "Fuck," she said lowly, standing up. "We have a problem. His name is Rick Miller, and he's a private detective."
"You're right, that is a problem. Obviously Rossi's legal team hired him, but why? And are they watching our apartment, our house, or both? Call Hotch and see what he has to say." She shivered in fear and Penelope nodded, then hugged her close. "I don't want to live in fear."
"We won't. They can't get in without being buzzed in and they can't see in our windows with the shades drawn. What we do behind our door is ours. They can't take this sweetness from us, no matter how they try. I love you and think I always will."
"I love you, too, Penelope, Now call Hotch."
Penelope pulled out her cell phone and dialed Hotch. "Hello?"
"Hey, sorry to bother you at suppertime, Hotch, but we might have a problem."
"Work problem or trial problem?"
"Perhaps both? I don't really know. We had a private detective follow us home today. His name's Rick Miller and he know both of us by name." She turned from Erin and lowered her voice. "I'm trying to be strong, but this is terrifying me and Erin. I almost feel like we're trapped in here, Hotch."
"Try to stay calm. I'll be by in about thirty minutes with Jack, and we'll figure something out. You'll know it's me because I'll buzz three long times."
"Thanks, Hotch, we'll see you in a little bit." She hung up and turned to Erin. "He's coming over with Jack. He sounded just as spooked out as us about this. I'll set two extra places at the table." Erin nodded absently and pulled out two more cups.
As they waited, Erin and she picked out some more clothes and things to take over to the house. "You know, I would never have picked this color out for myself, but I love it."
"Good. I thought it would complement your skin tone, which is why I picked the fabric out in the first place."
"So, you had this dress made for me?"
"Of course, both of your dresses from Joyce were custom orders. You are a one of a kind person who deserves one of kind things. Now is there anything else you want to take over tomorrow?"
"Not really. We can bring more later on." She heard the buzzer go off and listened to the pattern. Running over to the box, she asked, "Yes?"
"Penelope, it's me. Would you let us up?"
"And is your little man working the case with you tonight?"
"Of course I am, Aunt Penelope. Now let us in, I'm hungry."
Penelope laughed and let them in. Minutes later, she heard Jack tapping on their door. Still, she peeked through the peephole to make sure it was Aaron out there before she opened the door. "Thanks for getting here so quickly," she said as she took his rain coat and hung it on a hook.
"Was it a dark sedan that followed you home?' he asked as he took Jack's coat and hung it up.
"Yes, how did you know?"
"It was sitting in front of your building in line to see your window, that is, until I pulled up behind him. When he noticed me getting out, he took right off."
Penelope shivered and saw Erin do the same as she stepped out to join them. She held out her arm and Erin stepped right into it, drawing close to her. "Hello Jack."
"Hello Mrs. Strauss," he replied. "Are you staying here with Aunt Penelope?"
"Yes, I am. Did I hear you say you were hungry?" He nodded. "Good, because supper is ready, all we have to do is take it out of the oven." He grinned and followed her into the kitchen. Penelope sat on Erin's left, while Aaron and Jack sat across from them. Jack chattered on about his day, Erin asking him questions to keep him talking. Penelope watched her lover interact with Jack and found herself smiling. For the first time, she felt a pang of longing, a desire for a child, something she and Erin could never have.
Aaron smiled at her. "Children can be a blessing, can't they?"
She nodded. "I wish, well, it doesn't matter. What should we do, Aaron? I hate feeling like a trapped animal."
"Technically, he has the right to surveil you. Do not engage him unless absolutely necessary. Try not to call attention to yourselves. Above all, let the head of security know about him, so that they can keep him off government property. The only change I would suggest you make is to not do any public displays of affection. Just act like two friends when out and about until the trial is over."
He helped her clean up while Erin took Jack into the living room, finding something on television to watch. They joined the other moments later, Penelope sitting next to Erin, who snuggled close to her. "What are we watching?"
"Phineas and Ferb. Aunt Erin said we could have ice cream before we went home," Jack said, smiling up at his father.
"Oh, did she? And is she planning on having you stay the night with you all wound up from sugar?"
"Daddy, sugar doesn't make you hyper. Dr. Reid told me that was a common fallacy espoused by parents who don't want to give their children treats before bed." Penelope struggled not to laugh at the seriousness of his tone.
"I have got to stop leaving you alone with him. Fine, we can have ice cream. Penelope?"
"Ice cream's in the freezer, bowls are about the sink. Do you want some help?"
"No, that's fine. Let me get it for us." He went back into the kitchen and they listened to him putter around. Jack surprised them by crawling up between them on the couch, snuggling into Erin.
"Are you two dating?" he asked suddenly, grabbing onto Erin's hand.
"That we are, Jack. How'd you figure us out?"
"You two look at each other like Daddy and Mommy used to look at each other. My friend Kacey has two mommies, and they're really nice. She always brings the best treats to our class parties."
Penelope smiled at Erin over Jack's head, biting her lip. "So, this doesn't weird you out at all?"
"Nope." He closed his eyes and hummed under his breath, falling quickly asleep against Erin, who instinctively wrapped her arm around him.
"Looks like you won't need that fourth bowl, Hotch. Jack is out like a light here," Penelope said quietly as he reentered the room.
"And his forehead feels a bit warm. He might be coming down with something," Erin said as she took a bowl from Hotch's hands.
"I wondered if he was getting sick. He went to bed early last night, too." He ate his ice cream, looking pensively at his son.
"Why don't you let him stay the night, Aaron? He's already sleeping and we can watch over him. If he's feeling worse in the morning, I'll call in sick and take care of him."
"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose."
"Aaron, I raised three children, this would be old hat to me. And I promise we won't corrupt him."
He looked at her, cocking his head to one side. "You have been with Penelope for a long time now. All right, I'll take you up on the offer. I'm usually up by six, call me one way or the other." He settled back in the chair and watched the end of the program with them. As the credits rolled, he stood and took their bowls, putting them in the kitchen. "If things get really bad, call me at once."
They nodded and Penelope show Aaron to the door. When she turned back, Erin was covering Jack with a blanket. As she watched, her lover bent and kissed his forehead. Once more, her heart clenched, grieving for something she would never have. Clearing her throat softly, she said, "Looks like no happy fun time tonight, my dove."
"A cuddle night would be nice for a change," she replied, coming up to her side and wrapping her arm around her waist. "When the trial's over, we'll talk about it."
"Talk about what?"
"You know. Now, I'm going to go change in the bathroom. You could join me."
Penelope smiled sunnily and held her hand out to Erin. Quickly, they went into the bathroom, stealing kisses as they changed. Penelope climbed into bed first, holding up the covers for Erin. They snuggled close and Penelope set her chin on Erin's shoulder. She was right, it was nice just to be with her. "I love you, you know that, right?"
"Yes, just as I love you. What were your hopes for the future when you were young?"
"I always wanted to be in law enforcement in some capacity, much to the horror of my parents. Old hippies die hard, I guess, though they'd have found it hilarious that I was recruited to the FBI through my mad hacker skills. How about you? What was the secret desire of your heart?"
"You'll laugh."
"No, I won't, I promise."
"Fine. In my heart of hearts, I wanted to be a classical musician. I always had a crush on Jacqueline du Pré, wanted to have that sort of talent. There's just something about the cello that is really sexy."
"How come you never went for it?"
"Mother said I needed to get my head out of the clouds and focus on an achievable dream. That never stopped me from listening and dreaming, though. I always said I'd take it up in college, but life got in the way and I never got around to it. Now, it's too late."
Penelope kissed her cheek gently. "I don't think it's ever too late to pursue your dream," she whispered before yawning. "Sorry, looks like I'm more tired than I thought I was. Guess I'll be heading off to sleep now, too. Sweetest dreams, my dove." As she drifted off, she felt Erin reach out and set their alarm, then snuggle closer to her, pulling her arms around her waist.
Sometime in the night, she was roused from her slumber by a small hand on her shoulder. Opening her eyes, she saw Jack standing there, his face stained with tears. "I threw up, Aunt Penny. Can I crawl in here with you and Aunt Erin?"
"Of course, sweetie," she replied, holding up the covers. He got in bed and squeezed between the two of them. Erin blinked open her eyes and looked at them, smiling gently. She held up her arm and Jack snuggled in close to her, resting his head on her chest. As Penelope watched, both of their eyes fluttered closed and their breathing evened out. She threaded her fingers through Erin's and drifted back to sleep.
Their alarm rang a few hours later and Penelope sat up, reaching over them to shut it off. She looked at them and found an easy smile come to her face. Jack was curled up into Erin, who had a protective arm wrapped around him. She got up and softly stepped into the living room. Grabbing her cell phone, she went into the bathroom and dialed Hotch.
"Good morning, Penelope. How's Jack?"
"Still sleeping. I'm calling Erin in sick, and I'll probably be a little late today. You should probably call his school and let them know he won't be in today. I think he probably felt better after he threw up, but it would be best not to take any chances."
"Of course. I'll see you about eleven today?"
"Sounds great, Hotch." She hung up and went back into the bedroom. They were still sleeping, so she went into the kitchen and began to make breakfast. She whipped up scrambled eggs and cheese and fried a pan of bacon. While that was going, she set the table for the three of them. Hearing voices behind her, she turned and smiled. "Good morning."
"Good morning, Aunt Penny."
"Are you feeling better this morning?" she asked as she plated their food.
"A little. Do I have to go to school today?"
"No. You and Aunt Erin are going to have a lazy day here today. Sound good?" He nodded somewhat enthusiastically and Penelope knew he wasn't feeling at all better, no matter what he said. "Just try to eat some of this, okay? I know you might not be hungry, but you need to keep food in you."
Erin poured them all orange juice and then sat down. "Are you going in today?"
"Yeah, at eleven. Until then, I'm free to stay with you." They ate quickly, and Jack helped them with the dishes before Penelope could tell him no. When that was finished, they all went into the living room and Erin flipped on the television, handing Jack the remote. He listlessly went through the channels, stopping on a show about dogs. He pulled his legs up to his chest and leaned against Erin, grabbing ahold of her shirt and rubbing it between his fingers in an attempt to self soothe.
Penelope sat with them until quarter to ten, then went and changed. She grabbed her purse and phone, stopping by Erin's side before she left. "I don't know what time we'll be by, most likely after five. I have grown very accustomed to that schedule." She leaned down and kissed Erin softly.
"I'll see you tonight. Tell Aaron to bring his appetite," Erin said, smiling up at her.
"I will."
It felt odd to drive to work alone for the first time in six months. She'd grown accustomed to her lover's presence next to her. She saw Rick following her to work and waved out the window to him, letting him know she'd spotted him. There were two security guards in the parking garage booth that morning, and Penelope's smile grew when she saw him turned away. "Good morning, Mike," she said as she stepped up to him.
"Morning? It's almost afternoon. Is that vulture Miller still bothering you?"
"I see Hotch told you about our new problem. He followed me in today, but your team turned him away at the entrance to the parking garage. You really do good work, Mike."
"Thanks. And tell Chief Strauss how grateful I am for her arranging my raise. It was just approved at the best possible time. Amy was accepted to Cal Tech."
"That's wonderful! I'm sure she'll love it out there." She went up to the BAU office and settled in for the day. At five, Aaron knocked on her door and she let him in, a smile on her face. "Sorry to make you conform to my schedule, Hotch."
"It's nice to have banker's hours every once in a while. I just chalk it up to getting ready for the trial on Monday."
"How long do you think it will last, honestly?"
"Jury selection will probably take two or three days. Then the trial itself will take about three weeks. Rossi has a lot of charges against him to go through, and it's my job to see him pay for those crimes. I've been working on what I can prove – everything about last Friday night can be verified by witnesses. The only thing I worry about is the charge of the rape done against you. May I have complete access to all the emails Lynch sent you? I'm going to submit them as evidence."
"Of course. Let me print them off a second before we leave." She clicked on the folder and chose to print them all, handing the thick stack over to him.
"He sent you this many?" She nodded. "Are they all like the one we read in the ready room?"
"For the most part. I stopped reading them after the third month. It just wasn't worth my time, and I had Erin to focus on. A lot of the later letters deal with my rape and what he'd like to see happen to me, if he got permission from David." She winced as she thought about the content of some of the letters. "Um, Hotch, when you read those, try to think of me as I am now. Don't pity me, or think of me as a victim."
He put his hand on her shoulder. "Penelope, I will do my best, I promise you. Is Erin feeding us tonight?"
"Yes. She said to bring your appetite, so I'm sure it will be something amazing. Now, let's get going." She stood and powered down her system, then followed him out. As they walked, she said, "So, Rick followed me here today. He's a bit creepy; are all private eyes like that?"
"The ones I've met are. Just do your best to ignore him."
"I'll try." She got into Esther and drove home, Aaron following closely behind. She noticed Rick's car further back and sped up, knowing she couldn't lose him, but wanting to get in before he could take pictures of them. She let Aaron into the little parking lot and led him up to the apartment. She could smell dinner in the hall and smiled. "Veal picatta," she said lowly.
"Italian?"
"Uh-huh. She's a keeper, Aaron, and she's all mine." Penelope opened the door and found Jack laying on the couch, watching television. "Hey Jackers. Are you feeling better?"
"A little. Aunt Erin let me have ice cream for lunch, since I didn't have any last night. And I really like Karen. She brought me a coloring book and a puzzle book and a new shirt."
"Oh, Karen was by?" Penelope asked.
"Yes. I asked her to bring by the things I'd need for supper, so I could stay here with Jack. She had plans with some friends of hers, otherwise she would have stayed," Erin said, wiping her hands on a towel. "Ships passing in the night and all."
Penelope went up to Erin and hugged her close. "Do you need us to do anything?"
"Set the table while I get drinks poured. Are you up to a glass of red wine, Aaron?"
"Always."
"Good." They all pitched in and soon the table was set. Erin poured milk for Jack and then called him to the table. Jack chattered on about his day with Erin. It was obvious they had formed a real rapport over the course of the day, from the way he talked about her. When the meal was finished, Jack helped load the dishwasher with Erin.
"So, can we watch him sometimes? It seems like they really like each other," Penelope said as she and Aaron went into the living room, glasses in hand.
"I'm sure that would be fine." They sat on the couch and Penelope put her feet up on the coffee table. "I'll most likely call this weekend with questions that come up as a result of the letters."
"That's fine, just call my cell. I'm not sure where we'll be, Erin and I want to go to the manse and spend time there as well."
"The manse?"
"That's what she calls our house. It just happens to be a bit larger than most houses. I'd get him to bed early again, Aaron. The more rest he gets, the better. Thank you for letting us take care of him."
"Any time. I'll see you both on Monday. Be to the courthouse at about quarter to nine, selection begins at nine sharp." He stood and picked up his son, who rested his head on Aaron's shoulder. "Try to relax this weekend. The next few weeks are going to be hell."
"We'll try." Aaron left and Erin joined Penelope on the couch. "So, Annie called me today, shortly after you left for work."
"Isn't that kind of late in Ireland?"
"Yes, but she was still up. My baby girl got married and is having a baby of her own, Penny. That's why she couldn't fly home for the funeral. We're going to be grandparents."
Penelope smiled at her instant inclusion. "And here I am, not even a parent yet. So, Hotch has all the letters that Kevin sent me. I used an entire ream of paper to print them out. If, if he uses them as evidence, does that mean Rossi's legal team has access to them as well?" she asked softly, not looking at Erin.
"Unfortunately, yes, they will. That's how the legal system works, both sides have complete access to all the evidence. The only way the other side might not see it first is if it comes to light during the course of the trial."
"I was afraid of that. Even if Hotch doesn't treat me like a victim, they're going to make me out to be a whore who was asking for it, aren't they?" Bitterness crept into her voice and she bit her lip to keep from crying.
"Penelope, I never want you to describe yourself like that again. You are my lover. You are a beautiful, kind, loving, strong woman who means the world to me, and I don't want you thinking of yourself any other way than that." Erin pulled her close, kissing her forehead. Penelope snuggled close to Erin, laying her head on her chest and listening to her heartbeat. Erin ran her fingers through Penelope's hair, twirling it around her fingers.
Penelope heard herself begin to purr in pleasure as Erin massaged her scalp. Slowly, the tension drained from her body and she sighed. "Can we go to bed now?" she asked lowly, sitting up as best she could.
"I thought you'd never ask." Erin stood and held out her hand and Penelope took it, following Erin to the bedroom.
"Wait one moment," Penelope said as Erin sat on the bed. Hurrying over to her jewelry box, she pulled out her pendant. "I never got to wear this for you," she whispered. "Will you fasten it for me?" Erin nodded and Penelope held up her hair while she did the clasp. Letting her hair fall back around her shoulders, she slowly undid the buttons on her blouse. After the last one was undone, she unzipped her skirt. Penelope let both garments tumble to the floor, never taking her eyes off Erin. Reaching behind her back, she unhooked her bra, then crossed her arms over her chest as she took off the straps arm by arm. She watched Erin suck in a breath and let the bra fall to the floor. Just as she'd though, the gem lay between her breasts, her pale skin off-setting the rich color of it.
Erin leaned forward as Penelope took a step towards her. Willingly, Penelope stepped into her open arms and let herself be pulled onto the bed. Erin straddled her hips and bent to kiss her gently. The silky material of Erin's blouse teased her nipples, stiffening them instantly. She reached up and fumbled with the hem of Erin's blouse, tugging it up her body. Erin helped her take it off, then took off her bra. Both garments ended up on the floor, while Erin positioned herself flush against Penelope's body, kissing her once more.
Penelope wrapped her arms around Erin's waist and flipped her onto her back. She sucked on the pulse point of Erin's neck, careful not to leave a mark they'd have to cover for court. Then she trailed kisses down Erin's body. She gently kissed one nipple and then the second. Erin whimpered, arching up into Penelope. Smiling, she bent her head and licked at the nipple, stiffening the point further as Erin moaned lightly under the ministrations, urging Penelope on. She obliged her, sucking the nipple into her mouth and gently nipping at it.
She felt Erin's hips move under her restlessly and ran her hands down her body, blindly unzipping her skirt and tugging it off her body. Leaving Erin's breasts, she kissed down her body, swirling her tongue around Erin's navel, loving the shudder that movement elicited from her. "Penelope, please," she panted, opening her legs in invitation. Penelope pulled her legs over her shoulders, then bent and teased Erin's center with her tongue. Her hips moved under Penelope's hands, bucking wildly the closer she came to orgasm.
Penelope rested on her side next to Erin, trying to catch her breath. Erin rolled over and played with Penelope's nipples. Penelope purred in pleasure stretching beneath Erin's touch like a cat. Erin slipped her fingers between Penelope's folds, teasing her into a quick climax. She sighed into Erin's mouth as she kissed her once more. "Do we have to leave here?" Penelope asked. "The outside world is much less appealing than being here in your arms."
"If wishes were horses, Penny. We have obligations out there to keep, and one of them is seeing David Rossi put behind bars for a very long time." Penelope nodded, curling up close to Erin. She yawned and relaxed into her lover, falling quickly to sleep.