A/N: Here's next chapter! I hope everyone likes it! I have to say that I never expected to get this kind of response to this story and I can't thank you all enough.

Special thanks to Sophia0665 (Thank you for the awesome review!), Westie80 (I know I suck. I hope this chapter makes up for it), jenny crum (Thank you for your ongoing support!), tannerose05 (I hope you're still not sorry about reading this), BabyGirl'98xox (Thank you for your review! That was amazing to read!), Bea (You're welcome!) and Twilightangell (Thanks for all of your reviews)!

And a very special thanks to CriminalCrazy for being so amazing and helping me out when I get stuck!

I don't own criminal minds!

Chapter 29: Betrayal

She never took time to answer his question. Instead she closed the gap and claimed his lips for the most passionate kiss she ever had. And just like all their other kisses this one was wonderful and overwhelming. Their fight for dominance quickly turned into the shedding of clothes as Hotch tried to wrap his mind around the fact what was happening. He expected JJ to pull back but he didn't notice a hint of hesitation. She didn't seem scared or even unwilling. So after he asked if she was sure and she replied with the positive answer, he knew it was happening. And just like all those years ago their joining was magical. But this time there were many different parts as well. It had become an act of reassurance, overwhelming love and the lust and desire was replaced by passion. It wasn't about the sex anymore. For Hotch it was knowing that JJ still loved him and she showed him that. His excitement was taking the best of him and they were pulling away from one another rather quickly. Hotch wished it could have been slower but it was still perfect.

He pulled his pants up and started to buckle his belt. He looked at JJ who was smiling a little. ''Are you alright, JJ? I didn't mean for this to happen.'' he said, hoping she didn't regret any of it.

''I'm fine, Aaron.'' she reassured. ''But we really need to talk about this. I never thought this would happen again. Let alone so shortly after my return.''

''Yeah, you're right. I'm so sorry, JJ.'' he apologized quickly. ''I should've controlled my actions. This was inappropriate. I didn't hurt you, did I?'' he asked with concern filling his voice.

''Aaron, I'm fine. I already told you.'' she assured again.

Hotch had his shirt in his hands and he threw it back on the ground. ''I just love you too much to hurt you in any way, JJ.'' he began. ''As amazing as it was I risked your wellbeing due to my loss of control.''

JJ stepped forward and took his hands in hers. She could see guilt on his face and she didn't want him to feel like that. It wasn't necessary. She was doing fine. ''It was amazing! And I wanted this to happen.'' she started. ''I am the one who initiated the kiss. You shouldn't blame yourself. I wanted this as much as you.''

Hotch put his hands on JJ's waist and he suddenly realized she got dressed really quickly. She was already wearing her bra and jeans. ''God, I hate when I freak out like this.'' he sighed out. ''You shouldn't have to comfort me. It should be the other way around because you've already been through way too much.''

''Aaron, it's fine.''

''Good.''

''You know I care about you, right?'' she asked, knowing she wouldn't be able to say that she loved him too soon. She was still afraid to open up to the full extent.

''I know, JJ. I know.'' he whispered.

He waited for them to get fully dressed before he opened the door. ''Do you want to see the team?''

''Of course.'' she said excitedly, feeling a part of herself returning. She never expected that to happen so quickly. It seemed like a fairytale.

Hotch closed the door once they were both standing outside. He kept his hand on the small of JJ's back as they moved forward towards the bullpen. He saw the nervousness on JJ's face but he knew this could be good for her. It was like she was already turning around in a matter of a second and it felt absolutely wonderful.

Emily and Garcia were in a deep conversation when Emily's mouth suddenly fell open. She ran from the chair and ran towards the bullpen doors. She waited for JJ to come inside the bullpen before she wrapped her arms around the blonde. ''JJ! You're back.''

''Hey, Em.'' JJ said as she returned the hug by putting her arms around the brunette. She looked into the eyes of Hotch and she saw the emotions taking him over. And in that moment she felt a tear rolling down her face. It felt extremely good to be back and it was right.

The next person to join in was Garcia. ''Don't do that without me!'' she called out as she wrapped her arms around both of the girls. '''Boys! Join in!'' she ordered.

In a matter of seconds everyone was involved in the group hug. Only Hotch was standing away from them as he reminded himself to never forget that particular moment. He knew that this was family and by the look on JJ's face she realized it too.

''Spence!'' JJ whispered as she looked at the tall genius. Her eyes flew over to Derek who was standing behind Garcia. ''Hey Derek!''

JJ finally pulled away in order to get a descent breath of air. She noticed Rossi walking on the catwalk as he made his way towards them. ''It's really good to see all of you again.'' she began. ''I hope everyone can forgive me for my choice to go back to East Allegheny.'' she said, looking at Hotch.

''Baby girl, you should never apologize about that. It has been a very difficult situation.'' Derek pointed out. ''It's not your fault.''

''I do think we should celebrate this, JJ.'' Emily suggested.

''We could have dinner at Rossi's mansion!'' Garcia exclaimed happily. ''It's a very pretty house, JJ.''

''I can believe that.'' JJ replied. ''But it's up to Rossi.'' she said when she noticed he was finally standing next to the group.

''There's a ninety-five percent change he will say yes as long as he's allowed to drink and if Garcia promises to not turn his Italian dishes into vegetarian ones.'' Reid rambled on. He stopped for a moment and turned to JJ. ''It's good to have you back.''

''Thanks, Spence.'' JJ said softly.

''Why don't you all start the arrangements?'' Hotch asked. ''We have no new cases and the consults can wait another day. So everyone can go home and have the day off.'' he said happily as all their faces lit up.

''I guess that's a yes.'' JJ said when everyone immediately said their goodbyes. JJ turned to Hotch and she noticed the happiness in his eyes. ''You didn't tell me that Derek was back as well.''

''Well, he isn't working here officially because he claims that the New-York field office doesn't need him so he wanted to help out here.'' Hotch began. ''But I already offered him a job since Blake is leaving us soon. Her husband is moving and she decided to go with him.''

''It's like the old days.'' JJ added as she suddenly noticed a case file with the name of Steven Hicks on it. ''Looks like you got quite a file on him. How close are you to arresting him?''

Hotch took JJ's hand and he pulled her with him to his office. He sat down on the couch next to JJ. ''JJ, I'll let you know when we have something on Hicks. I promise you.'' he said, knowing they were getting closer to arresting him. But he didn't want to put JJ on edge because everything was falling into place. ''We have nothing on him right now. The file is just filled with his history. There isn't anything else.''

JJ immediately believed him and she decided to let it rest. She crawled against Hotch's side as she looked around his office. Even there nothing had changed. Everything was in the same place. ''It's still the same.''

Hotch was about to speak when his cell started ringing. He looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Haley. ''I need to take this, JJ. It's probably about Jack.'' he explained.

''Of course. Go ahead.'' she said. She watched as he disappeared into the bullpen. She told herself to stay on the couch but she suddenly noticed the case file she had seen earlier and her curiosity got the best of her. She immediately felt chills going down her spine when she noticed the name ''Steven Hicks''. It was the name that haunted her day and night no matter what she did. He was the one person who took everything away from her. He ripped away her life and everything in it. JJ carefully opened the file to a page with personal details about him. She skipped to the next page where she saw a list of all the properties he owned. He could see that they were no good leads because someone scratched out the addresses. When she skipped to another page, she felt her heart sink. There was one name that she instantly recognized. It was a name that Hicks had mentioned multiple times and she suddenly realized she might know where he was. That thought caused her to storm out of the office. She ran through the bullpen as quickly as she could. Luckily, she didn't see Hotch before she ran out. She didn't want an explanation from him. He had obviously been lying about Hicks. They had tons of information on him and he just lied to her about it. She wasn't going to tell Hotch where she was going. This was what she needed to do. And in that moment revenge was the only thing that kept her going.