Chapter 12

Elise slowly came awake, surrounded by warmth and comfort. There was a slight snoring in her right ear. Flexing her shoulders slightly she found herself suddenly engulfed in a bear hug with long arms and legs. Smiling to herself, she snuggled deeper into that warm embrace and sighed deeply. She couldn't remember ever feeling this content.

A low growl sounded as she felt a nibble on her ear. Her ear was her apparent trigger point and she reacted immediately with a catch in her breathing. Arching her neck she offered more of herself to that questing mouth now sucking on her earlobe. A breathless moan escaped her parted lips as fire began moving through her body, bringing it to full wakefulness.

The more awake she became, the more memories flooded back to her of the night she had just spent with John. Images of eyes and smiles, and arms and legs, appeared in her mind's eye along with memories of sensations. Sensations that made her throb and shiver at the same time. Throb with longing for the night to go on forever and shiver with the intensity of the feelings, physical and emotional, that she never knew existed.

Her head was resting on John's left arm. His hand was curled up over the top of her head, lightly stroking her hair every so often. His right arm was holding her tightly against him. Her back was pressed against his chest and her hips were pressed even tighter tohis.His legs were drawn up right under hers, almost like she was sitting in his lap.

Again a smile appeared on her face...spooning, that's what they were doing. Slowly moving her hips from side to side she was rewarded with an answering 'touch' by John. The change in his breathing let her know he was aware of her and what she was doing. Turning only her head,she rubbed against his chin, feeling the stubble. The raspy feeling of his beard was a stark contrast to the smoothness of hands as they began to move. His right hand slowly released her arm and moved down. Following the curve of her hip to her stomach, it slowly began its smooth journey upward. Finally making contact with her right breast, John slowly kneaded the fullness in his hand. With very little encouragement, her nipple sprang to attention. Feeling it come to life under his hand he used his fingers to gently roll it, bringing it to an aching point of pleasure. After her right breast was tingling with sensation, he moved his hand over to her left breast and brought it to the same state of arousal.

As John's hand woke other parts of her body, Elise began moving her hips in a more purposeful manner. Feeling John's reaction to her movements and the feel of her breast in his hand she turned her torso slightly in his arms to give him more access. Curled in the safety and security of his arms she gave into the power of her arousal. Reaching behind her she felt the light furriness of his belly and traced his happy trail to the prize. Grasping him tightly she felt him come completely awake. Opening her eyes she looked over her shoulder and saw his blue eyes deepen in color as she watched him...watching her. Moving and tilting ever so slightly, she was able to guide him from behind into her now slick entrance.

Both of them gasped at the same moment. The passion between them flared quickly to life, as if it had never died down from the night before. Holding Elise closer to him, John slowly thrust his hips until he was buried deep within her. Wrapping both arms around her completely and anchoring her close to him so that she could easily receive his thrusts, John nuzzled her neck and teased her ear. As he slowly began to move in and out he moved his right hand down her belly to the soft triangle between her legs. Gently parting her, he found her clit and began to massage it slowly, in perfect rhythm to his thrusts.

Elise gave into the magic that was John. He was everywhere around her, above her, behind her, in her. Every part of her was soaring to a fever pitch. Fire raced under her skin where ever he touched. His mouth was nipping at her neck with small bites that were followed by immediate sucking of the bitten part to inflame her even more. His right hand continued its sweet torment of her clit, bringing her almost to the edge but not quite. His left hand had moved from under her head and now was firmly massaging her left breast, rolling her nipple between his thumb and forefinger causing her to lean into his hand.

With head thrown back against his shoulder, her neck, with red marks from his nipping and sucking, Elise was completely in John's thrall. She no longer had control of her body...she had surrendered it to him...completely and totally. Holding her tightly against his chest, John could feel her heart beating strongly under his left hand. He felt the throbbing between her legs with his right hand. He began to thrust harder and deeper into the very soul of Elise. He felt he could not get close enough to her to satisfy his need.

Realizing that he could hold back no longer, John picked up the pace of both his thrusts and his manipulation of her. Finally he gave Elise what she had been seeking...release. He released both her and himself.

As their breathing came back to normal, they fell into a relaxed slumber. John's arms once again hugged her tightly, pulling her back again his chest and curling more securely around Elise. Elise snuggled deeper into his embrace. It was as if they could not get close enough to each other and they both enjoyed the feeling of completeness.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, more and more sunlight shone through the wall of windows, bringing the outside in. The brightness roused Elise. She had been cradling John's hands in front of her, hugging them close. Now she laced her fingers within his and gently squeezed his hands.

"John. John...wake-up. " She murmured. Rolling her shoulders she finally got a response from him, but not the one she expected.

He breathed her name into her ear and nibbled on her earlobe. Goose bumps immediately ran from her ear down to her toes causing her to let out a low moan. John's response was instantaneous. She felt him come to life behind her, ready, willing and eager.

"Morning Elise." Mumbled John. Using his right hand, he smoothed her hair behind her ear. That touch caused Elise to roll slightly onto her back and stop him before he continued. "John. We really need to get up and take a shower and check in on Harold and Zoe."

"Mmmmm. Soon." was the only response John gave. Continuing with his right hand, he traced every line on her face with his fingers. His eyes taking in every detail: the color of her lips, the smoothness of her cheek, the arch of her eyebrows. When he looked into her eyes he found himself falling.

Elise looked up at John, inches from her face. She saw the man she had given herself to last night with total abandon. Surrendered herself, like she never had before. She'd never believed she would become so lost in a man that she didn't know where she left off and he began. Reaching up with her left hand she found herself mimicking his actions and tracing every line of his face: the angle of his cheekbones, the shape of his mouth...and his eyes. His beautiful blue eyes that seem to see everything, while giving nothing away. Until now. It was like the doors that had kept the world out were now thrown open. The shadows she'd seen lurking in their depths was gone. He was completely open to her, was hiding nothing. This was the real John Reese and she was grateful of the trust he was placing in her.

Moving her hand until she was able to reach the back of his neck, she slowly pulled him down to her, keeping her eyes open as he neared and only closing them a second before their lips touched. Tentative at first, almost shyly, their lips brushed against each other. One light kiss was followed by another, each kiss a little more passionate than the one before it. Turning her body completely, Elise stretched out causing John to straighten his legs as she pressed herself against him from head to toe. Their tongues danced back and forth, exploring the taste and feel of each other.

Breaking the kiss, John pulled back and looked at Elise, "What about that shower?" He asked. Elise, eyes dilated with building passion pulled him back down into the kiss for her answer. Breaking the kiss one more time, John teased her, "You woke me up for a shower, so let's get to it."

Groaning loudly, Elise tried to pull him back down but he was having none of it. Sliding to the end of the bed he grasped her ankles and slowly pulled her toward him. Kicking back at him lightly she could not free her legs from his strong hands so she gave up, laughing at the look of determination on his face. When she was finally at the end of the bed he let go of her ankles and reached down to pull her up. Scrambling to her feet by herself she stood on the bed facing him. The added height of the bed made her just a little bit taller than he was. She placed her hands on both sides of his face, smiled into his eyes and gave him a kiss that curled his toes. His hands immediately grabbed her by her hips and pulled her against him. Wrapping her arms around his neck she straddled his hips and locked her ankles behind his back. Using his hands on her hips, he picked her up and headed to the bathroom, never breaking the kiss.

As he carried her to the bathroom Elise began to giggle. The giggle turned into a full throated laugh with her head thrown back. She was having fun! John looked at her joy and felt it reflect in himself. He was so at ease with this woman, this dynamo who careened into his life on a dark street and his world had not been the same since, a fact for which he was eternally grateful.

Walking into the bathroom John set Elise down on the counter and turned to the shower. Turning it on and adjusting the temperature, he shut the door and turned to look at her. Her long dark hair hung down almost to her waist. Her breasts peeked out between the wavy locks in the front, asking for attention. Walking back to her he grasped a lock of hair and wrapped it around his finger. He liked the heavy, silky feeling of it. Using his other hand he placed a lock behind her ear, knowing the immediate reaction it would cause. And it did. Elise looked up, the blue in her eyes got darker and her lips parted. Stepping up to her on the counter, he pushed between her knees. She wiggled forward until she was flush against him, the counter being the perfect height to push herself up against his growing hardness. She then pulled her knees up until her feet were on the edge of the counter. Leaning her upper body back against the mirror, her body was ready for him. With no help he slipped right into her welcoming channel. Leaning over her with his hands on the counter to support his weight, he began the dance they had perfected; in and out, ever so slowly. Almost all the way out but not quite, then slowly sliding in all the way to the hilt, over and over with a slight increase of speed.

Elise wrapped her arms around his neck and gave into the feeling that was building within her. Liquid fire coursed through her veins, tingles raced from her finger tips to her toes. Her breath came in gasps and her eyes were half closed.

John watched Elise come undone below him. He felt her muscles grab a hold of him, trying to keep him from pulling out but then tightening when he was pushing himself back in. Each stroke was almost torture in its incredible sensation. He became lost in the power of the same liquid fire that Elise was feeling. With every inward stroke he whispered her name, with every outward stroke Elise whispered his name. They came together at the same moment in an explosion of passion. Passion for each other that knew no bounds. Gasping the other's name they clung to each other, letting the waves of pleasure slowly ebb.

Holding Elise tightly, John rested his chin on top of her head and looked in the mirror and smiled. A low rumble in his chest signaled to Elise that something had amused him. Leaning back in his arms, she kept her legs locked around him and tilted her head to look at him. "What's so funny Mr. Reese?" She asked with a smile.

Looking down at her he grinned and nodded his head toward the mirror. "Apparently we generated enough heat to fog the mirror!"

Turning her head she saw the entire mirror was indeed fogged up. "Well we are HOT together don't you think?" Teased Elise. Relaxing her legs from around him, she turned toward the mirror and drew a big smiley face with her finger. Sliding off the counter, she slipped into the shower. Leaning out of the door she crooked her finger at him to follow her. Smiling a smile only for her, he was hers to command. Stepping into the shower he shut the door. Reaching out for Elise and pulling her to him, they stepped under the hot water. Luxuriating in the feeling of the hot water as flowed over them, John ran his fingers through Elise's hair, loving the feel of it, the weight of it. Elise had her arms wrapped around John's waist and stood with her eyes closed as he massaged the water into her hair, loving the feel of his touch, firm and proprietary.

That thought caught her off guard and she opened her eyes with a start to find John looking at her, watching her. Giving him a slight smile she reached for the shampoo. Taking it from her he shook his head. "This time I get to do the honors."

Pouring some shampoo into his hand he turned her around so that her back was to the water but pulled her toward him. He massaged the shampoo into her hair starting with the top of her head and working his way down. Taking his time, he enjoyed the feel of her hair between his fingers, he liked the way it clung to her body...outlining every angle of her ears, her shoulders, her breasts. By covering her up it only ignited his desire to see the skin that was hidden. Still with shampoo on his hands he slid his hand under her hair and around her neck. Kneading her neck until he could feel the tension being released, he watched her closely, wanting to know how she reacted to what he was doing. She stood there facing him, eyes closed, arms around his waist but swaying slightly with every firm movement of his hands on her neck. Using both hands he slid down her neck to her shoulders and began the same firm massage he'd used on her neck. Again, feeling the tension ease out, he moved lower. Sliding his hands down her shoulders to her back, he used his fingers to seek out the knots in her back and he felt her slowly beginning to unwind.

The more relaxed she became the less her hands were holding onto him. Growling low in his throat John whispered in her ear to hold on to him that he wasn't done yet. Barely able to open her eyes, she looked at him and nodded. Clasping her hands behind him she pulled herself a little closer, letting the shower rinse the shampoo and soap off of both of them, leaving the skin feeling slick and sensitive. As the tension flowed out of her back, John's hands began their journey to the prize he'd been seeking since her saw her sitting on the sink with her breasts peeking through her dark hair. For a woman her size she was well endowed. Each breast filled his large hands, almost to over flowing. Loving the feel of the weight of each one he slowly began to massage them. Holding one in each hand he rubbed his thumb over each nipple and enjoyed seeing how quickly they responded. There they were, begging to be suckled. He knelt down in front of her and began to gently suck on one nipple while keeping the other occupied with his fingers. Elise's legs almost buckled when his mouth took her in. Her hands, now free, ran through his hair and clasped him to her. Throwing her head back she gave into the sensation that centered on her breasts and flowed downward to her female core. She throbbed with longing and breathed out moans of pure ecstasy. Transferring his attention to her other breast, he reached his hand down and found her throbbing core. Feeling him at her entrance, she grabbed his hand and impaled herself on two of his fingers.Because of him, she was beyond caring that this was all about her. She was not aware of anything except the fire burning inside her. Holding his hand in place she used him to satisfy herself, pushing his fingers in and out of repeatedly, totally lost in the sensation.

Letting her control him was at first unsettling, but as he watched her give into the fury of her passion he found himself caught up in that same passion. The moan that escaped Elise was like nothing he had heard from her yet. It came from her very soul. Her knees began to buckle, but he caught her and stood up. She clung to him, saying his name over and over and over. As her breathing returned to normal she became aware that they were still in the shower. The water was still hot and she had an extreme feeling of languor that encompassed her entire body. It felt like John was having to hold her up.

Slowly the memory of what she had just done came back to her. She almost didn't recognize the woman she became when she was with John. He brought out feelings and sensations she'd never experienced before. The brazenness of sometimes leading the seduction was totally foreign to her. It was almost like he had tapped an unknown part of her and brought it to full bloom and she liked it.

Also returning with the memory was that even though she was satisfied, he was not. Her eyes flew open and she leaned away from him. "John, I'm so sorry...I never...I didn't...we didn't...I'm so sorry!" She said in a rush.

"It's ok Elise, I'm fine. I'm better than fine. You have no idea how much I enjoy watching you. Watching you enjoy what I am doing to you, for you. I was right there with you up to the very moment. You have nothing to be sorry for." He smiled. "But you can make it up to me next time. Right now we need to get dressed, check on Harold and I need to speak to Carter."

As they were getting dressed, Elise wondered if she could convince John to let her stay with him again tonight. Root was still out there and knew who John was. It wasn't much of a stretch to think that she might come after him in an attempt to get Harold to tell her whatever she wanted, Elise rationalized. 'Oh who am I kidding? I also want to spend the night making love with John again!' She admitted ruefully. She turned to John…

John shrugged a white shirt over his shoulders and pulled on a pair of black dress pants as he contemplated how to ask Elise if she would stay with him again tonight. He didn't want her to think that he only wanted sex from her, not that making love with her hadn't shot to the top on his list of favorite things to do. He also wanted some time to get to know her better. He developed a plan in his mind for how he could do both and decided that before he got too far, he'd better ask Elise if she'd stay with him tonight, hell for several nights if he could manage it. He didn't see himself being satisfied with an on and off thing. He turned to ask Elise…

"John, could I…."

"Elise, would you…."

Both of them started at the same time and stopped, waiting to see what the other was about to say.

"I'm sorry, Ladies first." John told her with a grin.

Elise blushed a little at what she was about to ask, "John, do you think it would be alright if I stayed with you again tonight?" His answering smile nearly blinded her.

"I was just about to ask you if you would. I want to spend some more time getting to know you and….my bed would feel empty without you in it."

Elise beamed at him and almost threw herself into his arms. At the last second, she remembered his arm and stopped alarmed that she almost might have re-injured him. He saw the look of anxiety and saw her stop in front of him despite the fact that he had his arms open and waiting for her.

"Elise? What's wrong?"

"I almost forgot about your arm John. I could have hurt you!" She said with a great deal of concern in her voice as she chastised herself.

He reached out and pulled her into his arms. "Elise I'm fine. Your expert doctoring has worked wonders. Especially your bedside manner." He smirked down at her.

Elise just rolled her eyes at him and then broke into a grin. "Well, I don't think you are FULLY healed yet. Perhaps I can manage some more 'doctoring' later."

"Mmm. I look forward to it." He said just before he captured her mouth with his. Quicker than either of them anticipated, passion flared between them and he reluctantly pulled away. "You need to check on Harold and I need to go see Carter."

"Yes, I know. I just can't seem to…." Her voice trailed off.

"Me neither." He said gulping in air. He grabbed her hand and they walked out the door. Once they were down on the street, John caressed her face. "I'd kiss you good bye but I'm not sure I'd have the fortitude to stop again. Take care of yourself, sweetheart and tell Harold and Zoe I'll be by tomorrow." He leaned over and placed a key in her hand, closing her fingers over it and whispering in her ear. "I'll see you later."

Elise shivered as his breath brushed against her skin. All she could do was nod and then watch as John walked away. Looking down at the key in her hand, she felt tears prick her eyes. By giving her the key to his place, he had given her the one thing that was the hardest for him to give, his trust. She vowed to herself that she would give him equal measure. She could do no less for him.

John texted Carter and asked if she could meet with him for a few minutes. She replied that she'd meet him in an hour at the Lyric. That left him just enough time to run a quick errand.

He arrived on time and saw Carter sitting at the counter sipping a cup of coffee.

"How are you feeling?" She acknowledged him as he approached.

He flexed his arm and smiled. "Elise did a good job fixing it. I should be back to full strength in a few days."

"Yeah, she was very attentive while you were down for the count. How did she get mixed up with you?"

"Long story and I don't have time to tell it today. But I'm sure you'll see her again and you can ask her."

Carter gave him a sharp look. "So, it's like that is it? I won't lecture you about being careful. That one can take care of herself."

"Well, that's what I wanted to meet with you about. I wanted to say thank you. First for coming to her aid when she called you for help when I was hurt and second for helping to recover Harold with her. Both of them are….important to me. I appreciate that you had all our backs. I got you a small token of thanks." He passed her over an envelope.

Carter opened it and her eyes widened. "Season tickets for basketball at the Garden? Taylor will flip!" She paused. "You didn't have to do that. You already gave me the best gift ever when you saved Taylor. I'll always be in your debt for that." She took a deep breath, trying not to remember the terror she felt when Elias had abducted her son. "Actually, I have some news for you. I've been asked to take a special assignment with the FBI. After that disaster where they lost you and were shown that HR had infiltrated their task force all in the same night, Donnelly said he'd trust no one in the NYPD except me."

Reese laughed out loud.

"Yeah, the irony of it isn't lost on me either." She chuckled.

"How is Fusco?" He asked.

"Cranky, of course. Especially as he has a wound that he has to hide rather than get the accolades for getting shot in the line of duty...so he's really, cranky actually."

"Give him these for me then and maybe he'll brighten up to his normal cheery self." Reese smirked. When Carter raised her eyebrow, he explained, "Season tickets for Rangers games." He stood up to go and said, "I'll be in touch and good luck at your new job." His attention was already turning to some things he needed to pick up for tonight. He had something special in mind for Elise.

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Elise walked into the library and her eyes immediately went to the bed where Harold was sleeping. She smiled when she noticed the color was back in his face and God bless him, he had a laptop next to him on the bed and a stick resting on the keyboard. Zoe came up to her and Elise raised an eyebrow at her and nodded towards Harold.

"He's been trying and trying to use the laptop all morning. Poor thing is so frustrated that he can't use his fingers. Keeps mumbling to himself about being out of the loop."

"Well at least he looks better today."

"Yes. He ate well and hasn't given me any trouble about taking the pain pills. Speaking of looking better, you look like the cat that ate the cream today. What gives?" Zoe asked, looking intently at her face. "And your hair is down, not under that cap!" She seemed genuinely shocked.

Elise blushed and said, "John seems to prefer it that way, so I thought I'd humor him." She watched for Zoe's reaction, hoping that her friend would be alright with the idea that she and John were…. 'what were they anyway? Sleeping together? Yes. Dating? She hoped so. In love? Hmm. She realized that she WAS in love with him but what about him with her? He'd never said so. Then again she hadn't either. Well, she'd have to rectify that.' It was suddenly very important to her that he know how she felt about him.

Zoe watched various emotions flash across Elise's face and she was astounded at the change in her friend. The once closed off woman had a glow about her now. She seemed so content… that's what it was, she was content and happy. Then Elise turned to look at her and Zoe saw the worried look she had on her face.

"Oh Elise, I'm very happy for you and John. Don't worry about me. I can see that he makes you happy and that's what's important. You have become very dear to me and I want what's best for you….obviously, John is what's best for you. Look at you! You're positively radiant this morning! Had a good night sleep did we?" Zoe teased her, trying to show Elise that she was ok with the fact that John had chosen Elise over her. Anyone with half a brain could see that the two were made for each other.

Elise once again blushed and then tried to give a little back, elated that Zoe was ok with her and John being together. "You got part of that correct. I did have a good night and a good morning and a good shower."

Zoe laughed hard and then slapped her hand over her mouth when Harold rolled over in bed. Elise quickly darted to his side and caught the laptop before it fell on the floor. Zoe nodded her head to the other room and they quietly left Harold to his nap.

As soon as they were in the other room, they both burst out laughing. Elise was amazed at how much more relaxed she felt in her relationship with Zoe. They talked girl talk and joked for the better part of an hour. 'I've really been missing out on things in my relationships with people.' She realized. 'I'm going to have to make a better effort with at least John, Zoe and Harold to start. Beginning now….'

"Zoe, I just wanted to say thank you for everything. When you offered me a job as a partner….. it's been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I don't know where I'd be right now if we hadn't teamed up, certainly not here with two of the best friends I could have and a wonderful man to boot."

Zoe's jaw practically hit the floor. She couldn't believe she was hearing this from Elise! Her relationship with John must be even deeper than Elise herself suspects if it's affecting her so much in so little time! "Um, you're welcome Elise. I'm very glad that you are happy with our arrangement and I'm even happier to call you a friend." Both women embraced, glad to have each other to rely on.

"Speaking of arrangements, Harold and I have been talking. What would you say to working with him and John for a few weeks while the two of them get back on their feet?"

Elise grinned. "You have to ask? Of course I'm fine with that. Poor Harold will be a bit longer in recovering than John has been." Zoe gave her a sideways look and they both burst out laughing again.

"Is that Elise I hear?" Harold's voice came from the other room.

"Yes Harold, it's me." Elise danced up to Harold's bed and gave him a careful hug. "John said to tell you he'd be by tomorrow. How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing well and I understand I have you to thank for that." Harold reached out his hand and gently laid it on Elise's arm. "Thank you my dear; for coming after me. I'm honored to know you and amonce more in your debt."

Elise blushed, darn she was doing that a lot these days, and tears sprang to her eyes. "Harold, you mean the world to me and the thought of you in the hands of that woman bothers me more than you know!" They both paused as their own memories of what had happened flooded their minds.
Elise was the first to shake off the feeling. "So Harold…I see you've resorted to the hunt and peck method of typing. We have to get you out of the Stone Age here before John sees this. You KNOW he'll have some kind of snappy remark for you." Elise winked at him and they both started laughing.

Elise spent several hours with Harold, trying to keep his spirits up and enjoying plotting a few surprises for John. 'To keep him on his toes, of course.' Harold had said. Neither one of them bought it for a second but they had fun passing the time and poking fun at John and some of his antics. Eventually, Harold began to show signs of fatigue and Elise took her cue and left the room so he could sleep. An hour later, Zoe came back to the library looking refreshed and more awake.

"Do you think you could stay with Harold one more night Zoe?" Elise asked. "John asked me to stay with him again tonight. I promise I'll come and relieve you tomorrow."

Zoe just smiled and said, "Elise, I already figured you'd want to spend the night with Mr. Hotness." Elise just grinned.

"Thanks Zoe, I owe you one." Elise hugged her and left. She wanted to pick up a few things from her apartment before going over to John's.