Warning: This chapter contains a hint...a drop of sexual fantasy and nudity. (I know you guys don't need the warning, but I figure its safer to put it in)

Temptation's Game

By: Liv-x-Lex4Ever & E. Scribbles

Chapter 7: For Her Love

As Simone led her the short walk to the jewelers, Alex sat thinking in the hotel suite. Casey had so much stress on her lately. So did both of them. It wasn't fair of her to make her even more stressed, even if she was upset. Especially on their holiday. She'd planned it to help her de-stress, and look what had happened. With a sigh, she wiped her eyes and moved to the bathroom to wash her face before making her way downstairs to find out where Casey had gone.

Casey walked in after Simone into a nice shop. Necklaces hung on every rack, most diamond encrusted, which she couldn't afford. Earrings? Maybe, but Casey had a near perfect match to find.

They walked up to the counter. She looked at Simone. "How's the service here? I really need help. I have no idea what kind of ring this is or stone or price range or...anything."

"Well, I can tell you it's white gold, and that is a diamond. And there is one that, to me, looks almost identical." Simone pointed one out.

Casey looked through the glass. "I-its perfect, but I-I don't have that kind of money. My guess is she saved up for it as a gift. But if I'd like it engraved, how long would that take?"

"Half an hour." The woman behind the counter offered.

Casey jumped, obviously not expecting someone being there. "Okay. H-how much?"

"$2,000."

Casey bit her lip. "Okay, that's fair, but..."

"We have cheaper version, if you like. Fake diamond."

Casey slipped hers off, considering asking her to test it, but if it wasn't she'd feel twice as bad. She slipped the ring back on her finger, looking at the woman behind the counter. "Can you maybe give us a minute?"

She nodded, walking away to another customer.

Casey looked at Simone. "I'll feel guilty if I get her the fake if this is real, but I really can't afford it. I guess I should mention, actually, if I'd said it before now... Alex is my girlfriend. This ring was a birthday gift. She was...edgy because she thought I was flirting with you, which I wasn't, so sorry if you thought that..."

"It was sort of obvious. She's a bit...protective. But I think she will appreciate the thought whatever you buy."

She slipped it off again. "Just for kicks, should I?"

"I would. But then no one has ever given me one."

Casey nodded, grabbing the attention of the woman behind the counter. "Excuse me?"

She returned to them. "Yes? Have you decided?"

"Not quite. I was wondering, would it be possible for you to test to see if this diamond is real?"

The jeweler took the ring from Casey, eyeing the inscription and looking between Casey and Simone before sitting back in her seat to assess the diamond. A few moments later, she handed it back to her, looking at them with a different expression. "Very real. High grade. Almost flawless."

Her eyes glanced towards the blonde who stood in the doorway a look of shock on her face. "Can I help you, madam?"

Alex walked up. "Oh no, just...browsing. Casey? Simone? See you two are comfy."

Casey looked back at Simone, who took a step backward. "Comfy? No, w-we were just um..." she thought quickly. "I wanted to see what kind of quality the ring you gave me had. Simone knows her way around this place. Met me in the lobby."

"Uh-huh. If you really wanted to know the price of the ring I brought you, you could have asked, but I didn't think it mattered to you. It was $10,000. And you're welcome. I hope it makers both of you happy when you sell it to do whatever you're planning."

Casey hung her head, knowing she should tell her, but... "Alex...you're nowhere near right."

"You know, I'm feeling pretty stupid right now. Believing that two people would meet here and be friends instantly. Has this whole trip been about you two meeting? All the dropping brochures in my office? Were you too scared to tell me, so you thought you'd show me instead? Was Mark in on it too?"

Casey shook her head, grabbing Alex's arm and pulling her from the shop. "You said I've always had your trust, but where is that mutual?"

"When have you earned it? The time you almost killed me?"

"Alex, you..." she sighed."Fine go back to the hotel. I'll cancel my apology - see I found a matching one. I was going to give it to you, but you're acting like such a jerk. She really was here to help me, whether you believe it or not. I don't know my way around this place. Oh, and by the way, I did tell her you were my girlfriend," she said, walking back in before Alex had a chance to reply. "Sorry about that."

The jeweler nodded. "Do you want the ring? They sell very quickly around these parts."

"Which one?"

Outside, Alex stood, a little deflated, arguing with herself. She'd heard stories like it before, people had done things like this before, hurt her so much she thought she would never recover, but Casey...

Inside, the jeweler pulled out a ring that seemed identical to Casey's. "Your friend Simone found it. Same price as other one, with inscription. Ready in half an hour."

She nodded, grabbing a pen and paper and writing an inscription. "Thank you," she said quietly to Simone. "I'll be back," she told the jeweler after writing a check and handing it to her before walking out.

Alex was sitting on a bench, looking lost and suddenly very small as people rushed past her, laughing, joking and yelling.

Casey walked over, standing behind her. She couldn't think of any other words. "I'm sorry," spilled from her lips like water. "I don't know what else to say."

"...I always lose everything. Always. I even lost myself when I went into witness. I don't know what I'm going to do when I lose you."

Casey sat beside her, gently placing her hand over hers. "Why do you think you'll lose me? Tell me."

"Because...I can't let it go. I'm terrified that I will and we keep ending up here, me thinking something bad of you. And one day you're going to be sick of it and you're going to go."

"Let what go? Honey, no matter what...Alex, look at me, please?"

Alex looked at her, fear and love shining in her eyes,

Casey pulled her into her arms. "I'm never going to be sick of you. I love you. After all these years, those little quirks you hate, I've grown to love. I want you to believe me. I'm never, ever, going to stop loving you. And you, thinking that I might, even for a second, breaks my heart. I don't want anyone else."

Alex lowered her head to Casey's shoulder, her arms still folded as her body shook, willing tears not to fall.

Casey kissed her head. "Cry my angel. I'm not going anywhere without you."

"I'm...sorry." Alex offered, though she knew it wasn't enough after all the things she'd said to her.

Casey pulled Alex into her lap. Casey's finger under her chin, she pecked her on the lips, nodding. "Please sweetie. It's going to be fine. I'm never going away. I love you too much," she said, wiping the tears from Alex's eyes that were leaking. "I love you."

She buried her head in the crook of her neck once more and sat there a moment before asking with a croaky voice. "How about I go back to the hotel...and we can try to forget this happened?"

Casey shook her head. "You'll stay here with me. How's it going to look it you go back alone with red eyes? Besides," she lifted Alex's left hand, "we need to see if it fits."

"I don't want to go back in there. They think I'm weird and possessive and...I am."

"So? I'll just say you're mine and...that I like it when you're a little possessive. Problem solved."

As Alex went to nod, she suddenly realized what Casey had said. "What? You don't have to get me one. You don't have to spend that sort of money to make me happy, Casey. I still have that 20 cent gum ball ring you gave me and I love that more than any of my other jewelry!"

Casey put a finger to her lips. "Yes, I do. Then everyone knows you're mine. Wait...you do? How come you never wear it?"

"It's too small."

She cleared her throat. "And you said mine was $10,000? You should've gotten it here... Anyway, I'm sure I can find a string or a chain to put that on, if you really want. But seriously Lex, wearing that it-it doesn't look serious. And we have been together three years..."

"Yours was...an old family ring. I got it specially made. I wanted something unique...like you. And now they seem to have them everywhere...maybe I should sue."

Casey smiled, running Alex's golden locks through her fingers. "Think you'd win?"

"Probably not. It is pretty amazing. I can see why people would want to copy it." Alex finally smiled at her.

Casey hugged her softly. "There's that smile. I knew it was hiding."

Her smile widened and she lowered her head once more to hide it in Casey's hair, mumbling an apology once more before standing, pulling Casey with her.

"And where are we off to?"

Alex didn't reply, just pulled Casey back into the shop, quietly apologizing to the two women in there

Casey smiled. "I know it's a little early, but my girlfriend and I are curious to know if that ring is finished yet."

The jeweler nodded, placing a velvet box on the counter. Alex squeezed Casey's hand.

Casey pushed it to Alex, but she pushed it back. Casey looked at her confused.

"You do it." Alex held out her hand.

Casey smiled, taking her hand gently. "Alex, will you be my girlfriend, pretty please?"

Alex smiled, bending forward to kiss her, murmuring 'yes' against her lips.

Casey opened the box with one hand, while still holding Alex's with the other and slipped it on to find it a perfect fit as she kissed her gently. "It's inscribed too," she said as she pulled back with a smile.

"What does it say?"

She smiled. "Casey's girl, always and forever."

Alex smiled, a tear dripping down.

Casey smiled, hugging her lightly, then she let go, looking at her. "You trust me, right?"

She looked at her earnestly and nodded, opening her mouth to apologize once more.

Casey took her hand. "Simone, I'm aware of your condition for taking me here, but, under the circumstances, perhaps...lunch for the three of us would be a more suitable option?" She looked at Alex. "What do you think, honestly? She helped me find this for you."

Alex looked hesitant, but felt the heaviness that now sat on her left hand and gave a nod, squeezing Casey's hand. "Sounds nice."

"Do you know any place?" Casey asked.

An hour later, they were all sat around a table eating. Alex was unusually quiet still, but every time Casey looked at her she'd smile and she was being polite, if not overly friendly, towards Simone.

Simone was asking them all sorts of questions about their work, something Alex didn't want to think about while on holiday, so she sat eating her food and playing with Casey's hand under the table.

"So," Casey said, "what do you do for work?"

"Films, mostly. Are you aware there's a gentleman over there looking at you?" Both Casey and Alex stiffened, turning to where she pointed.

"Good God," Casey squeaked, "hide me!" She snuggled into Alex's side. "I-is it...?"

Alex finally spotted who Simone was talking about and let out the breath she'd been holding. "It's not. It's one of the security guys from the hotel."

"A-Are you sure?"

"Positive. I've had to stare at his face every week day for 3 years, Case. It's not him. Much too good looking."

Casey sat up, letting out a breath. "Good. But why is he here? I thought they were just stationed at the hotel?" She looked at Simone. "Is he here for you?"

She shook her head, then added, "I think it's due your ..ah...over protective girlfriend.

She felt Alex tense up. "But I love that about her," Casey said, resting her head on her shoulder.

"I just asked if they'd follow you, at a distance, in case he showed up." She offered quietly.

Casey smiled. "Thank you!"

Alex squeezed her hand.

Simone looked at them. "Well, if you two are finished, I'll grab the check."

"No," Casey protested, "you don't need to do that!"

Simone waved her off. "After what you two are going through, it's the least I can do. I was just looking for a little company anyway."

Alex cleared her throat. "You're here alone then?

"I prefer to holiday alone. But sometimes it can get a bit lonely."

Casey fiddled with her ring under the table. "I know how that feels. Before meeting Alex, I was that way a lot. I took up tons of hobbies, but they never seemed to fill the void a friend can fill for long."

Simone smiled at her, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "Well I'm really, really glad I've met someone like you, Casey. But I don't think I'm too welcome as a third wheel, so perhaps when we both get back from holiday, we can meet up for coffee or something. As friends." She addressed the last bit to Alex, before waiving the waiter and paying the bill.

Casey stood, pulling Alex with her. "Should we go back to the hotel and try to salvage the rest of this day?"

Alex nodded, then said softly again/ "I'm sorry, Casey."

"For?"

"Today. And every other day I've done something like this."

Casey put her arm through hers. "Don't worry. By some standards...everything was logical, just not always right."

Simone turned around. "Well, I suppose I should be getting back."

Casey nodded. "Big day tomorrow?"

She nodded. "Days like this are few and far between. I have your number. I would hope that if I'm ever down your way your girlfriend wouldn't object to us have a drink...as friends?"

Alex resisted the urge to say she did mind, she really minded, she didn't want anyone going anywhere near Casey. Instead, she managed a smile.

Simone nodded. "She's very good at holding her tongue when she needs to, isn't she Casey?"

Casey nodded, leaning into her. "Oh yes, one of the best, but I have a feeling that if it makes me happy she might let me go for a bit."

"I have a feeling she'd do anything to make you happy. You're very lucky." Simone reached out a hand to shake Casey's then nodded at Alex before disappearing.

Casey smiled. "I know she's right. You really would do anything to make me happy and keep me that way."

"Including going after her...if you want to."

Casey thought a second then shook her head. "No, but that's very big of you to admit. Should we go back and relax in bed? It's still my birthday, you know!"

Alex's face suddenly paled. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I forgot. We've had so much happen today, I completely forgot!"

Casey squeezed her hand. "Alex, its okay. You can spend all week making up for it if you like, but I got what I wanted."

"But I got you something. It's in my suitcase."

Casey raised a brow. "More? I thought the ring was all? I-I really don't need more..."

"It's not really a...It's sort of...I'll show you."

Casey nodded as they made their way into the hotel lift, stopping at their floor and going into their room. "What is it?"

"Wait here," Alex said sitting Casey in a chair and she left the room.

Alex got changed quickly, her hands shaking with anticipation. When she was done, she called out, "Close your eyes!"

Casey did so. "Okay!"

Alex peeked out the door then walked out. Standing in front of Casey with her hands on her hips, she said shortly, "Open 'em, Novak."

Casey's mouth dropped. Alex was dressed in a short button-down shirt that barely covered anything, pantless, she was clad in only a black thong, she had the hat, fake badge pinned to her shirt. In short, she looked like a way sexier version of Olivia with really short, skimpy clothes.

And...Casey was drooling, aching to pop the buttons off as she shoved her back onto the bed.

"I could arrest you for assault for that, Novak."

She stepped up to her on weak legs. "O-ho!" her knees went out from under her and Alex caught her. She was already breathing heavily just from the mere sight. "What did I do?" was merely air.

Alex managed, just, to maintain her straight face. "I'm pretty sure shoving is an arrestable offence. Unless you'd like to plead your case?"

"Will you frisk me if I don't answer?"

"There would be..consequences, yes."

She smiled. "Well, what if I say I have an irresistible urge to unclothe said arresting officer..."

"Then I think..." A moment later, Alex was straddling Casey, her warm, strong thighs touching Casey's. "I'd have to handcuff you to the bed to make sure you don't."

"You know, you're really sexy with power, Officer Cabot..."

Alex finally smiled. "You think so?'

Casey nodded. "M-hmm. Perfect, Sexy. Hot. And damn, I'd give anything to dig under that thong," she said.

"Well..too bad." A moment later, Casey heard the click of the handcuffs, and saw both her hands were cuffed to the bed. Alex leant down to whisper in her ear, "Ok?"

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "I think so," she squeaked out.

"Just tell me if you want me to stop." her voice was still gentle, but as she sat back up, the stern look appeared once more. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to do a search for any weapons."

"What kind are you specifically looking for?"

"Anything you could use to render me...helpless." Alex reached into her pockets to check them before running a hand up her top.

"Hmm, I don't think I have anything on me at the moment."

"Best to just..check." Alex ran a hand up her back then leant forward. "Better just..check your mouth." She leant forward, brushing her lips against Casey's.

Casey moaned her body arching off the bed.

Alex smiled. "Do you want something?"

"Uh-huh..."

"Tell me."

"Stripped of my shirt and bra," she asked a bit timidly.

Alex did as she asked. "Anything else?"

"Skirt, boxers, God just touch me!"

Alex reached out, then shook her head. "What else?"

"Kiss me!"

"Where?"

"My chest, please suck on me!"

Alex thought for a second, then shook head once more. "I think I might just sit here for a while...and enjoy the view."

She wondered how long it would take Casey to notice the handcuffs weren't done up.

Casey laid there for a while, until she sneezed and realized she could still move her arms. "Hey, I thought you cuffed me!"

Alex grinned widely. "I cuffed the bed, I never cuffed you. Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"

Casey blushed. "No, but you could."

"You are beautiful. Exceptionally beautiful. Especially when you're lying with no top on between my thighs."

"What do you mean?"

Alex smiled, finally doing as Casey asked, leaning forward to kiss her.

Casey moaned, feeling the tight fabric of Alex's shirt pressing into her flesh as her arms ran down her backside. "What do you want?"

"Whatever you want me to do. I'm all yours. Officer Cabot at your service, Ma'am."

Casey pushed Alex off of her a bit, popping the buttons to expose her unmarred flesh and run her fingers over it. "Hold the headboard," she said nearly breathless.

Alex did as she was asked, biting her bottom lip

Casey lips latched onto her breast, sucking more in tensely the more she pressed Alex's body into her. After about half a minute, she released the one and did that to the other, hearing Alex moan. "That's it. Let me hear you..."

"C-Casey. God." Alex arched her body to be as close to her as possible.

A second later the phone in the room rang. "Damn! Alex, sweetie, you gotta move," she sighed, maneuvering out from underneath to the phone next to the bed. "Yes?"

Alex wrapped her arms around her from behind, dropping kisses to her back, pressing her body against hers. "Is this Miss Cabot? We have a security warning for you."

"One moment," Casey said, holding up the phone, "its for you."

Alex wrinkled her nose and took the phone, resting her head on Casey's naked abdomen. "Hello?" Her lazy manner lasted only a second before she tensed. "When?"

Casey ran her hands over Alex's shoulders. "What is it? What's going on?"

Alex lifted a delicate hand and put a finger to her lips, listening for what seemed like hours before sighing. "Ok. Thank you. See you soon."

Casey sighed, replacing the phone as Alex sat up. "What's wrong?"

Alex rested her face in her hands, rubbing it. She didn't want to answer.

"Alex please?" Casey wrapped her arms around her. "Whatever it is, we'll get through it."

"..It's Mark, Casey."

Casey held tighter. "What about him?"

"...I think we need to go home."

Casey sat in front of her, arms open. "Come here."

Alex wanted to tell her what security had seen, what they'd told her, but seeing how relaxed Casey still was, she couldn't. She moved into her arms.

Casey kissed her cheek over and over, feeling Alex tremble a bit. "I know it's bad...what did they say? I promise I'm not going anywhere."

"It's not that I'm worried about. He...Casey, he...we need to go home."

She nodded. "Okay, but Alex...you're shaking. Please tell me."

Alex shook her head, then stood up. "They're coming to drive us to a small airport they have. We need to get dressed."

She stood up. "What about our suitcases?"

"They'll send them on later. Please, just get dressed."

Casey nodded, digging through her suitcase and pulling on clothes in a hurry. She saw Alex was shaking badly in trying to button a blouse so she walked over and got it for her. Casey held her close. "Lex, listen to me. We're gonna be okay."

Still terrified of guns since her last ordeal, Alex was barely holding it together, but she was still composed enough to know she was not going to scare Casey by telling her.

Casey could see something in her eyes as she stroked her hair. "We're gonna be fine."

Alex nodded her head, pulling on the only warm sweater she'd brought, suddenly very cold. "He said meet them downstairs. By reception."

Casey helped her fix her collar, then grabbed her hand. "Alex?"

Alex looked nervously at her.

Casey's free hand brushed her cheek before she kissed her, long and deep, feeling Alex's hand come around her waist. "I love you."

"I love you too, Casey Novak."

"I promise, when we get home, I'll tell whoever will listen."

Alex smiled, hugging her tightly once more before leading the way from the room.

Alex and Casey were ushered into a car out the front of the hotel. No one much spoke to them, and Alex gazed out the window all the way to a small airport, one hand gripping tightly to Casey's. As they reached the airport, Casey saw a small plane waiting for them.

"So, that's going to take us home, huh?" She shrugged, seeing how rigid Alex still was. "Okay, come on Alex."

As they stepped out of the car and walked towards the plane, Alex hesitated. "Casey, maybe I should tell you..."

"Tell me what?"

"CASEY!" Her name was yelled to their left.

"What?"

"Why have you sent all these people after me? Just tell them! We are in love!" Mark yelled out to her over the noise of the engine.

Casey thought it was best she ignored him, for Alex's sake, as they boarded.

"CASEY!" This time it was more a scream than a yell, and before she knew what was happening, she heard someone yell, "HE has a gun!"

Instantly, Casey felt someone's arms come around her. Someone screamed, a woman, then a man. She opened her eyes to see Alex slumped against her. "ALEX! No, no, no, no, no! Alex! Come on," she laid her flat, seeing her left arm was bleeding heavily, Thinking quickly, she pressed down with all her weight. "Alex! Come on, please! HELP! Somebody! Please!"

Everyone else was focused on Mark, getting him to ground and handcuffing him.

Casey just kept applying pressure and calling, screaming her throat raw…

Author's Note: What do you guys think?

Many review thanks to: Trek, Blitz1030, Wigler, steple, Stussy, Butterscotch, Lexie, tummer22, JeffHardy724, Mackster, Tripperz, Tracer, Cavak, Madds21, iTrick, Nobot4life, Surfrider & LOCISVU

(-0.0-) Wow... 107 for five chapters! Thanks guys! Please keep it up!

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Liv-x-Lex4Ever & E. Scribbles