A/N: So there hasn't been an update on this story since July so I thought it was maybe time. I've been using my spare time to write my other HT story...which isn't finished either.

Thank you Niagaraweasel for being so generous with your time and ideas.

Thank you Cedricsowner for your great suggestions and your never ending support.

Eseldie, thank you! Your advice is wise beyond your years.

Chapter Eight

Ten minutes later Allyson emerged from the bathroom dressed in a barely there black bikini. Chance was on the couch talking on the room phone with Winston.

"So everything is in place….." he trailed off as Allyson walked into his line of vision. His eyes traveled over her body from top to bottom. He tried to stay focused. "Has anyone checked on Ilsa?" he asked willing his eyes away from Allyson.

Upon hearing Ilsa's name Allyson inwardly rolled her eyes, walked over to the bar and started making herself another drink.

Once her back was to him, Chance allowed his eyes to return to her as he spoke. She was wearing heels with her bikini, was that for his benefit? They looked great, but out of place in the hotel room.

At the other end of the phone line Winston explained to Chance they had not checked on Ilsa and asked if he wanted them to.

"Um, yah, it might be better if you do, I don't think she is too thrilled with me right now. And hey, listen, it's what, almost 2:00 am here? I know it's about only 5 back home, but we should try to get some sleep or rest to adjust to the time here." Chance tried to sound all business. "Tomorrow is going to be a pretty full day."

Chance hung up, walked up behind Allyson and began to make himself another drink.

She turned and leaned against the bar with her drink in her hand. "You really should join me out there Chance," she said in a flirtatious tone.

Someone was trying to kill her yet she felt safe and secure, actually excited. The attempt on her life was the furthest thing from her mind. The one thing she did have on her mind though was getting Chance in the Jacuzzi with her.

She could tell Chance was about to reject her so she jumped in before he could reply. "It's been a long flight but it's early for us, the warmth of the water help relax us and make us sleepy. It'll be perfect to help us adjust to the new time zone." She began to walk to the balcony, "besides, you can't leave my side, remember."

Chance watched her strut away slowly, man was she working it and he knew it. He definitely didn't have this view when she had removed her clothes in the back seat of the car the first time he saved her life. But now he had all the time in the world to take in her perfect figure. Come on get in the game, he told himself, why are you stalling? Just join her already. The water and heat would feel good and could promote sleep. He finished making his drink and followed.

He stepped out onto the balcony just in time to see Allyson remove her heels and slowly step into the Jacuzzi. "Hmmm, this feels great." She leaned back as the water and bubbles dances around her breast.

"I didn't pack with swimming in mind, usually, we don't have time for such luxuries on a case," Chance took a sip of his drink as he took a relaxed position by the railing overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

"Who says you need anything, I'll close my eyes," Allyson teased.

Chance just broke out into a grin and turned his head towards the salty sea.

Then he added, "Allyson, this is serious, I'm trying to save your life, I can't be distracted." Chance raised his eyebrows in an almost pleading manner as he looked back at her.

"You did a pretty good job saving me last time when you were distracted," Allyson reasoned. "I had my clothes off then too." Her eye had a mischievous flicker in them as her fingers played with the bubbles in the water.

"Ahh, but I asked you to put them back on because it was distracting, remember?" He took a sip of his drink and met her mischievous eyes with a tinge of mischief of his own. He was leaning on the railing with one arm and pulled his eyes away to glance down at the activities below.

Feeling somewhat rejected Allyson decided to try another angle. "So what's the deal with you and your partner?" She stressed the word partner somewhat mockingly.

Surprised by the questions, Chance turned back towards her. "What?"

"Elsa, what's the deal?" She tried to act nonchalant.

"Ilsa," Chance corrected her. "What do you mean?"

"Any fool can tell there is more going on between the two of you than just 'partners'." Allyson sounded like a jealous child on a play ground taunting the little boy.

Chance's eye widened in shock and denial. He was a bit caught off guard. "There isn't anything going on, you're seeing things." Shaking his head he completely turned his back to her and leaned on the railing with both arms. He took a deep breath of the salty air coming from the sea and let out an exaggerated sigh. Was he trying to convince Allyson of this or himself? He swirled the ice-cubes in his drink and took a big swig.

Allyson sat there and stewed, contemplating her next move. Then she promptly got up and marched up behind Chance.

Of course he heard her get out and walk up behind him but he wasn't expecting what came next. He turned around to say something to Allyson but instead found her lips on his and her wet body pressed up against his.

She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling her body up and closer. He found himself kissing back, placing a strong hand on her neck directing her into him more, increasing the intensity and passion.

Then he pulled back but only slightly but it was enough to make her stop.

Allyson moaned in frustration. "What is it, why are you holding back?" She tried to reach his lips again, but this time he turned away. "You said yourself there was nothing between you and Ilsa, was that a lie? Or is there someone else?" She questioned him angrily.

Chance thought about his relationship with Ilsa, the frustration that always seemed present between the two of them. The constant up and down, like the world's worst roller-coaster. He never quite knew which Ilsa he was going to see, the sweet tender one, or the angry stab-you-with-a-knife one. One minute they seemed to be getting closer and then the next they would be fighting like cats and dogs. Honestly, he had no idea what their relationship was. Ilsa herself stressed to Allyson is was strictly business.

He also thought about the danger he'd cause her by loving her, loving her? Where did that come from? Those words scared him; why did they pop into his head just now?

"No," he finally replied. His response was an attempt to actually convince himself that he was doing Ilsa a favor by turning to Allyson; that he was acting in her best interests. A relationship with her would only cause her pain.

With Allyson it seemed safe and fun because there was nothing emotionally invested. Neither was expecting anything from each other afterwards. It was not complicated, it was just two people, attracted to each other, turning to each other for pure pleasure. And why not?

She was still wet and her incredible curves were glistening. She took the drink from his hand, locked her eyes on his and seductively took a sip of his drink, never removing her gaze from him while she sipped. Then she put the glass down.

As she pressed against him her wet skin made his shirt damp.

She reached her hands under Chance's shirt and began pulling it up while running her hands up his stomach and chest until she completely pulled it off.

She stopped him as he leaned in for another kiss. He looked at her confused. She just wanted to take in his body for a few moments before the contact with his lips blocked her view. She smiled approvingly and he met her eager lips.

They most certainly had unfinished business. And Chance reminded himself he was a free man, no strings or commitments to anyone. His hands ran up and down her back. Chance pulled his lips away and grabbed a handful of her hair and gently tugged her head to the side as he continued his kisses up and down her neck. Her earlier moans of frustration were now moans of pleasure.

As they kissed Allyson slowly drew him back toward the Jacuzzi, tugging at his belt. She almost had him where she wanted him.

His mind was completely blank, the only thing in it was the here and now, and nothing was getting in his way.

Nothing?

You don't have to face it alone. His own words echoed in his head.