The marriage

Chapter 5: The Sheffield/Fine clause

Maxwell Sheffield and Fran Fine were present on Niles and CC's married life since the beginning – and for beginning, CC meant the day she had announced her intention to marry Niles, because that was, in her opinion, the point where all of this started. Their ideal relationship had the privilege of not involving feelings, so what mattered were the moments where logical choices were made. The main thing to be considered was her logical decision to marry the most suitable man around; thus, her announcement and his acceptance marked a new beginning, different from everything that existed before.

However, there were some bad feelings that would appear when one certain Sheffield and one annoying Fine were concerned. Once CC admitted those feelings were present before her proposal, it was with surprise she realized that her rational approach didn't make them disappear.

Of course, Maxwell Sheffield was the person who was more confused with all of this. He always have made clear that watch the bickering couple before they were a real couple was strange, and now it was just plain disturbing. He was not a man of changes, and their new situation was a huge change. CC found that his behavior was not exactly a problem, just something to be dealt with.

On the other side, Fran Fine was the person who enjoyed most of their new arrangement. To her, the couple represented the sensate thing people could do with their lives. She was more than prepared to face the almost creepy occurrence of a warmer CC Babcock if it showed to Maxwell Sheffield how things could work out for everybody.

The blonde producer had it all very clear on her head, and acted accordingly: she would try to make things easier for Maxwell (of course, it was impossible to preserve him from Niles, sometimes, and it was too funny to do so), and be friendly with Fran (because it felt surprisingly good), but the fact was that there was always an underlying tension among the four of them, and it worried her, because she couldn't initially understand it.

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The first sign, the one that should have set all the alarms off, was the day CC had 'the overreaction'.

Niles had just finished the cleaning of the kitchen after breakfast, it was a beautiful Saturday and CC had gone to the mansion because… well, because she felt like it.

They were just chatting, and she pointed at the paper leaves on his hands, 'What are those?'

'Some recipes I have chosen for Miss Fine's party', he saw her crunching her nose, 'Don't forget, Witch, that the big event will be next Friday night. Don't you dare create any diversions'.

'Do I really have to go?', CC whined, inclined on the island, her best painful face on.

He grinned boyishly at her, 'Of course you have. You are my date'.

'Oh, please!', she scoffed, 'It's the Nanny's secret Birthday party, that she had been planning for a month…', CC stopped and went to her full height, 'Is it any special date? Like… she is turning 40?'

'I don't think so', Niles smiled at that, looking at the recipes again, 'She said she wants something special because she is finally turning 30… then, I would say 35 is a possibility'.

'Uhm', CC said, looking him speculatively and remembering he was very easy to extract information when he had a domestic task, 'You don't really know how old she is?'

'No, I don't. And God only knows how she can preserve this secret, once Val does'.

'I see…', she started, a certain mellifluous quality in her voice, 'She says she is your friend, but she doesn't tell important things to you'.

He stopped and looked at her, 'What do you mean?'

'You support her in any crazy thing she does – and God only knows why –, I've seen you all involved in her party…', she pointed at the papers on his hands, 'you are catering for the big event with that sister of hers… but you don't even know her age'.

He shrugged and shuffling through the recipes, 'Why would I want to know her real age? It is not like it is such a big deal, anyway'.

'I am not an expert, but I think friends share everything', she saw no reaction and tried a different tactic, 'You are the nosiest person I know, her family aside. It must be a big deal to you'.

'Excuse me, but I have newer and bigger priorities in my life', he made a small happy face and put one of the recipes aside. 'Besides, she is worth my support. She has made wonders for this family'.

'Oh, please. She is a tramp'.

Niles looked at her, deadly serious, 'Please, don't say that. She is my friend'.

CC insisted. 'She is a tramp that uses her looks to get what she wants'.

'She uses her looks, but she doesn't get all she wants because of it. She has a good heart, too. That is why I like her, for example'.

'As if I haven't seen you ogling her'.

He was looking at the recipes again, but now he was frowning, 'Yes, I did it a lot, but I know she is a wonderful person and is serious about Mister Sheffield. I would never…'

'They are not in a relationship', she interrupted him.

He made a disgusted face and just kept looking at her for a while. When he talked, it was in a clipped tone. 'It is a matter of time'.

'You don't know that', she quickly answered, her eyes challenging him.

Niles was starting to get really annoyed. It was like an old argument, one they had had millions of times, when CC would reinforce her opinion that Maxwell was not into the nanny because he was into her. 'He has to be very stupid to let her go', he grumbled.

'Oh, really?!', that made her livid, 'I don't understand why you defend her that much. It is like she has some power over you. What is it? It's her body? It's something she knows about you? I know she is the queen of guilt. Maybe the tramp can tell you on Maxwell over something you both did?'

Now he frowned at her, 'What are you trying to say?'

'Hey, what's happening?', Fran entered the kitchen with Grace, and both saw the distressed faces of the couple.

Niles resumed his task, fumbling with the leaves, 'Nothing', he threw a glare at CC, indicating the subject was closed for the time being.

CC, to general surprise, had a trembling lower lip, 'I know you are supposed to be best friends, but… this is ridiculous!', and she stormed out of the kitchen.

Niles huffed, supported himself on the sink and looked into space, frowning in concentration.

'My Gosh, what was that, Niles?', Fran asked, 'Was it about me? I thought I had heard 'tramp' when we were reaching the stairs'.

'Yes, it was. I don't know what happened. We were just talking about your party, and then she was being bitter about you, and then it was all my fault because we are friends'.

'You'll try to understand it by yourself first or you already want a hint?', Grace asked, sitting at the table.

'Oh, God, I need all the hints I can have!'

'I thought so'. The girl smiled. 'The category is…feelings'.

Fran, by Niles' side at the counter, jumped in anticipation, 'Oh, I love these games! Can I play, too?'

Niles frowned, 'Feelings? I thought we were going to talk about Babcock'.

'Shush!', Fran urged him, 'Go on, Grace!'

'Eight letters. What a woman feels when she thinks her man is closer to another woman than he is to her'.

Niles frowned and started counting on his fingers. 'C-o-n-f-u-s-i-o-n? No, it is nine'.

'The category is feelings', Fran interjected. 'I know, I know!'

'Let's give him a bit more time'.

Niles concentrated. 'Anger? No, five letters. Annoyance? Nine again. God, I am usually good at it!'

'Your turn, Fran'.

The Nanny made a little dance, 'It is j-e-a-l-o-u-s-y! Jealousy!'

'This is preposterous!', Niles yelled, and both girls looked at him like he was crazy. He made an effort to calm down, 'Oh, well, explain that to me, because I am at a loss'.

'She is jealous of the relationship you have with Fran, Niles', Grace pondered.

'Why would she be jealous? She is a successful business woman, sophisticated, intelligent and beautiful, and Miss Fine is… the nanny. No offense'.

'None taken, sweetie', she waved a hand, 'I know we have different roles in your life'.

'See? Even Miss Fine gets that'. He was smirking, but the Nanny slapped his arm all the same.

'Can't you see, Niles? This is how you think of her, but you spent almost fifteen years saying otherwise'.

'I never really meant the things I said. It was our way to communicate. It is so effective that we still do it, even after the marriage'.

'You never communicated with Fran like this'.

'Fran is my friend'.

'And Miss Babcock is…?', Fran asked, eyeing him as if she was able to see his soul.

'She is my wife', he felt strangely cornered.

'And before?', Fran insisted, 'How was it any different, if you still act all the same around her now?'

Niles blinked a few times, confused. 'She was… well… I…'

Grace got up from the table and went to Niles, to save him from Fran's pressure. 'Tell her how you see her now. She is insecure, but I think it will be enough if she hears something clear from you'.

He was relieved by the way she had put things. 'Thank you, Miss Grace. I am going after her'. He went to the kitchen door and turned back to them, 'Don't come with me – it may get ugly', and he winked.

The girls chuckled.

When he disappeared from view, Fran turned to Gracie, 'Shouldn't we have told him he just thinks she is that wonderful because he really likes her?'

'Not yet', Gracie answered, 'He is too much in denial'.

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Niles went to the place he knew CC preferred, when she wanted to hide – the powder room.

He knocked softly and called her. 'Babcock, may I come in?'. When he had no answer, he added. 'I can hear you sniffing'.

'Go away!'

'Oh, no! Do I really have to go back to the kitchen? Miss Fine is there whining over something. She can be so annoying, sometimes…'

The door half opened slowly and a disheveled CC appeared, trying to maintain her dignity even with a red nose and kind of hiding behind a door. 'If you are able to block her voice you can enjoy the view'.

Niles decided to exaggerate and said, making a disgusted face, 'Which view? There is so much flesh exposed there is not much more to see, there. To a domestic like me, it is almost as if going to the supermarket to choose meat', he saw CC roll her eyes and lowered his tone, 'I prefer women who can maintain some mystery in a daily basis, who can dress with elegance… and can use throaty laughs to make me shiver'.

Now she smiled, 'You're saying that just to flatter me'.

'Of course I am', he smirked at her shocked expression, 'But that's how I really feel. I'm getting out of my comfort zone to tell you this now because I think you're worth all the flattering I can manage'. He leaned on the doorframe and reached out to touch the wood just below her hand, on the edge of the door, with his fingertips. Sometimes he had to act as if she was a frightened animal he had to convince of his good intentions, getting closer slowly. 'I don't understand why you think I like her better. There is no comparison', his hand went up to touch her fingers with his, 'That is why she is the perfect match for him, and you are the perfect match for me. We are so above them…'

'You're a mean man', she grinned, relaxing and intertwining their fingers.

'As I said, I am the perfect match for you…'

They locked stares. He could see she was almost where he wanted her to be.

'And you must know I'm all yours, Witch'.

She pulled him to the powder room and closed the door.

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Then there was that other benefit, where the four of them went, and CC got a bit crazy about all the women standing around their table and finding excuses to get closer to their escorts.

When the boys went to the serving table and the women seemed to follow them, she had to ask for help. 'Nanny Fine, what is happening? Why are those vultures throwing looks and following Maxwell and Niles around?'

'Isn't it obvious?'

'What?'

'You really don't get it, do you?', Fran patted her hand, 'They are two kinds of dreamy for women. See', and Fran pointed at them, 'Mister Sheffield is all tall and dark and handsome, rich and a widower', Fran noticed that CC was not exactly interested in this (the glare she was directing to the other side of the room was definitively not directed at the women next to her business partner), and went on, 'Niles is blond, has beautiful blue eyes, can wear a tuxedo as no one else and is all sweet and attentive, with this air of competence on him'.

'But he is married!'

'You said it, honey. Vultures. They will take whatever they can. To some of them, a married guy can be a real turn on. I mean, he already has a woman, and she seems happy. He must be nice and dependable, and if you don't care for exclusivity, why not…'

'Well, I care!', CC exclaimed, getting up from the table. She noticed Fran's knowing look and felt the need to explain herself, 'For exclusivity. I'm a Babcock'.

The men were back with their plates, and Niles noticed his wife standing there all bothered, looking at him like he had something she wanted badly.

Well, it was their second help, but even with his jokes about her appetite, he knew she was not that crazy about food. 'What happened? The hunters recognized you and now we have to go?'

'I want to dance', she blurted out.

'Of course!', he extended his hand and she took it. 'Miss Fine can have this plate. I'll take another for you later'.

Fran didn't know what was more amusing about the situation: that she had gained an extra plate; that CC Babcock was clinging to Niles while they danced, clearly satisfied to mark her territory while he grinned goofily; that Mister Sheffield was so confused by his partner's behavior all he wanted to do was to stay besides Fran chatting.

Niles was, surely, having a great time on the dance floor. 'You know, Babs, when you feel like dancing, you just have to ask me'.

'Why are you stating the obvious? I just did it'.

'No, you demanded, as if I could be against it'.

'You know better than be against any of my wishes'.

'Yes, Witch, I know better. However, it is not the point'.

'Not all the conversations must have a point, Mother Goose'.

He chuckled and just enjoyed the dancing for a while. The band was very good, some old jazz was playing, and there was a good chance that, if he started a neutral conversation in some minutes, the woman in his arms would talk to him nicely.

He would probably not discover what made her so grumpy and, at the same time, crazy about dancing with him, but it really didn't matter when she seemed as relaxed as she was now.

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The night was amazing, CC and Maxwell made a lot of wonderful contacts, and the two couples had real fun chatting and joking at their table, when they were not dancing.

It was obvious to any one who observed them that they were old friends, happy married to the right partners. Even to them, the sense of something that could be named as perfection was very strong.

When the business partners were doing their last round of conversation with some of the patrons, the only disturbing incident of the night happened: Chandler approached CC and Maxwell.

He said he wanted to talk about his theater, but it was obvious by the meaningful glance he threw at her that he still had hope he could be back into her life. They had dated twice, and she could recognize that sweet smile of his as the one he used to let know his 'good' intentions.

CC found herself crossing her arms over her chest, a bit perturbed by his attentions. She was never very good at dealing with man's praising (she still remembered the night this same man went to the mansion and started talking about thinking of smooth skin, and she really thought he could just be babbling about Maxwell), and Chandler was specifically good at making sweet eyes at her.

She was shocked when he broke up with her, not because she thought he really loved her, but because he was such a proper man, and breaking up before an important event was very improper.

It seemed her gesture of protection made him stop the smile and let a slight frown take over his face. He was dividing his attention between looking at her confusedly and nod distractedly at Maxwell, who kept talking.

The situation was kind of diverted when Niles appeared suddenly by her side, his arm around her waist and a challenging look threw at Chandler, who was startled for a moment, and then turned to Maxwell and resumed the conversation about the theater as if nothing had happened.

'If you excuse us, we will go back to our table', CC announced, and both dark haired men nodded at her.

She turned to Niles and, noticing his hesitation, added loudly, 'We are in no need of a theater, right now. I'll let Maxwell deal with it'.

He nodded and they walked away together. 'In fact', CC said, after some steps in silence. 'I think it's time to go home'.

Niles looked at her, and his expression was as unreadable as hers. 'Are you sure?'

'Yes. We dined, we danced, I talked to a lot of people. Maxwell and I had already decided to call it a night'.

They informed Fran of their decision, said their good-byes and went to find a taxi.

In the way home, the couple was strangely silent. CC didn't know what to say, because Niles seemed a bit subdued; he had her hand in his, caressing it slightly, but there was a sense of insecurity coming from him. She had a suspicion that it was about Chandler, but even she couldn't understand her reaction to her ex, and some of the expressions she saw on his face.

When they reached the penthouse she started talking about whatever came to her mind, just to make sure they were not having an awkward moment.

Niles sit on the bed, taking off his shoes, while she walked by, taking off her clothes and preparing to take a shower, and commenting the party non-stop.

He listened to her in silence, while she went on and on about the contacts Sheffield/Babcock had made tonight, about the way Maxwell had charmed some possible future backers, about the ridiculous way some women had tried to get closer to Maxwell without noticing the way Nanny Fine was guarding him, about the way Maxwell had reacted when one of the patrons joked about their last show…

CC excused herself and entered the bathroom, throwing a look at him, and he managed to smile weakly at her, nodding that she could go first.

Niles needed time to think. He had mixed feelings.

He didn't know what was more disturbing: the way CC talked about Maxwell or the way she didn't talk about Chandler.

Niles sighed and just stayed there, his expression showing defeat while he thought about all of this.

He really believed in Babcock when she proposed, and he still believes they are good together, but the suspicion of her being disappointed on him was making his heart hurt.

He put his hands on his face: what was happening? There was no point in denying he admired her, he wanted her attention – he had spent years around her throwing zingers because of that! – and that marrying her had been kind of a dream coming true, besides the fact he had never exactly dreamed about marrying her, just fantasized about sleeping and waking up with her, about being able to touch her whenever he wanted, about being able to live with her and be by her side and attract her eyes at any place…

Oh, dear God!

He was more than cursed. He was royally screwed.

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When CC got out of the bathroom, she was surprised she was not the only one full of anguish, around here.

She had entered the bathroom feeling confused, and dedicated the time alone to understand what had happened when she met Chandler.

The first mystery was what he had seen on her that made him frown in confusion.

The ring on her finger, shining under the bathroom light while she toweled herself, answered that question.

The second mystery was deeper, and was shaking her.

She felt something really strange when she was there, among Maxwell, Chandler and Niles.

She had the opportunity to have around her, at the same time and all focused on her, three men that represented very important things in her life.

Maxwell looked at her as the business partner and friend he was: he had learned to listen to her, he respected her ideas and was interested in her opinions. The fact he was tall and dark and handsome (Nanny Fine's words) didn't hurt, but she knew he was not the kind of man that could make her all excited. Once you notice how proper he is, he looses some of his appeal.

Without mentioning he is all interested in Nanny Fine. The woman was not a tramp, ok, but she was not an example of finesse, either.

Now, Chandler: he was there looking at her and making her remember how it was to be desired by a typical wealthy man.

Booooring…

Of course, she felt valued the way a woman her class was taught to be valued: with longing glances at fancy parties, cultured subjects of conversation and traditional praises related to her icy blonde beauty.

Booooooooooooring…

She could still remember how Chandler would chuckle, surprised, when she said something he considered funny. Sometimes she was not even being funny – she was just being herself – and her view on things were out of the ordinary, and his reaction was to treat it as a joke.

That man didn't know how she was when really joking.

And this line of thought took her to Niles.

When he came to her side, she didn't feel just protected or admired or ogled.

She felt all of these, and supported.

She knew he would be there to stand for her in any decision she would take. If she stayed to talk business, even showing a bit of discomfort, he could be there to guarantee no one would look at her with any thing less than utter respect and attention; if she told him everything was all right, he would leave.

He was just like that: he usually knew what she needed, because he paid attention; when he didn't know, he trusted her to decide and tell him.

Any way, he was there for her.

And there was more.

He was the poorer one; he was the older one in the circle.

And there was no one else she wanted by her side, because no one else could give her that feeling of…

What was it? Safety? Reliance? Belonging?

She felt better when she got out of the bathroom, but still confused and, again, surprised by his lost expression.

'Are you all right?', she asked, putting aside the towel she was using to dry her hair and standing in front of him.

Niles got up, and for the first time she could really see how thorn he was. 'Do you regret marrying me?'

CC was taken aback by that. 'Why should I?'

He seemed surprised by her quick answer, and made an effort to talk, even without knowing exactly what to say, 'You met Chandler, tonight, and I just thought that… well… You have dated him… He is rich and younger and influent in the theater world… You could have felt something…'

'Yes, I felt'.

'Oh?'

'Relief', CC sighed, 'That man is just so plain'.

'And… what about Mister Sheffield?'

'What about Maxwell?', she smirked, 'I didn't know he had dated Chandler, too'.

He blinked, 'No… I mean… Don't you wish you could still… make an attempt…?'

CC looked at him, shocked. So, that is what was gnawing him? He was insecure about it?

She made an effort to not grin because, even if it was amazing to know your husband is afraid of loosing you to other men, she didn't want to make Niles suffer like this. When she was successful on settling for a smile, she put her hands on his shoulders, 'You shouldn't worry, Niles. I bet neither of them can cook a decent meal to save their lives. Much less the delicious meals only you can arrange'.

For some moments it was obvious he was not able to react to what she had said, but then he all of a sudden hugged her tightly, and CC could feel the strong emotions he was trying to hide in the gesture.

His voice was thick in her ear when he was able to talk, 'Sometimes I wonder why you picked me. I never say enough how proud of you I am, or how much amazing I think you are'.

CC bit her lower lip to suppress some strange tears, 'I know', she murmured back, 'You don't have to say it'. She smiled, 'And I picked you because you are the one who makes me happy'.

Niles slowly drew back and looked her in the eye. All thoughts of her looking down at him and getting a divorce, so she could be back to pursuing Maxwell or millionaires like Chandler, seemed incredibly stupid, now.

It was clear for both of them that she had talked about Maxwell because they work well together, and she didn't talk about Chandler because she doesn't care for him anymore.

Their lips touched softly, and the electrical feeling was there, as always. Maybe coated in a warm fuzzy feeling they didn't want to name yet.

CC looked at Niles and caressed his hair, 'I think you have to wash away the world outside'. She was very serious.

He nodded, kissing the palm of her hand, 'Only you can help me with it'.

'I want to', she answered, 'In fact, I've started it already'.

'Sorry for being slow, sometimes'.

'I like it slow, too', she winked at him, and then was serious again, 'But I don't want to hurt you'. Some light kisses, 'Promise me you will warn me if I'm doing it'.

'You could never…'

'Promise me'.

'I promise'.

'And promise me you will always remember that I could never?'

He smiled, 'Yes, I do promise'.

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And then, as if the signs were not enough, they had that unfortunate incident in the office.

It was a beautiful afternoon, and Niles went to dust the office, once he had not seen his witch for a couple of hours.

The lack of a logical link between these two occurrences was not missed by Niles, but he had lived so many years going to that office to dust and see his witch that he didn't care about it anymore.

To his surprise, she was alone, sitting on her partner's chair, some contracts on the desk.

'Where is Mister Sheffield?', he asked once he entered.

'Close the door'.

'All right', he obeyed and turned to her, 'Something happened?'

She just made a gesture for him to circle the desk and come closer to her.

He obeyed again. It should be the gossip of the century, if she was being that mysterious.

He kissed her lightly, their usual greeting, when they were close enough, and noticed she seemed in a haze.

'What?', he asked, starting to worry.

She took the contracts and put them aside, making a place at the desk, in front of her.

She patted the place, looking hotly at him.

'You want me to…?'

She licked her lips and he felt engulfed by the wave of heat she was emanating.

'But… what if someone…?'

'No one will. Please…'

He was not used to say no to her, so he nodded.

While he sit there and she started opening his trousers, it crossed his mind he should made some calculations, and then he proceeded to it: the children were at school – checked; Miss Fine had gone out with her mother – checked; Mister Sheffield…

He felt her mouth on him and he couldn't concentrate anymore.

She knew how to make him forget himself, and she could do it very quickly.

That seemed to be the goal, now: she was doing all of the things she knew would be too much for him.

Niles thought about looking behind and making sure the door was closed; in fact, the best idea was stop this and make sure it was locked, too; but then she made that thing with her tongue and put her hand on his balls and he decided that giving it to her really quick was the better choice.

People had said that Maxwell Sheffield had a horrible timing. This was the occasion to prove it.

Maxwell's voice sounded, calling Niles (probably from the living room), the exact moment Niles came.

The butler could barely breathe – he was surprised, spent, satisfied, confused and panicked, all at the same time.

Before he could do anything, CC closed his trousers and got up, run to the door, opened it, exited the office and closed it behind her.

Niles got down from the desk, listening to the muffled voices that reached him through the wall, while finishing his own arrangements.

'What is it, Maxwell?'

'Oh, CC, have you seen Niles? He is not in the kitchen, and I could really have some tea, now'.

'No, I haven't. Maybe he is out for groceries?'

'He wouldn't go without telling us'.

Niles exited the office by the outer door, going straight to the kitchen.

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Fran entered the house by the backdoor, at the end of the afternoon, and was surprised to see Niles battering some dough furiously, 'Hey, Mister. Problem in paradise?'

He stopped, surprise and annoyance mixed on his face, 'How did you know?'

'What else could have you so out of yourself?', she took his arm, 'Let this poor thing in peace and come to tell me what happened'.

'It's the third carrot cake this afternoon'.

'I am not Ma, you cannot convince me to let things go that easily with food'.

'Chocolate cover on all of them'.

'Ok, you win, keep the batter, who am I to stop you. Maybe this cake has a karma to pay, anyway'. She went to his side, letting just enough distance, so he could keep his activities without hitting her, 'So, what did the Ice Princess do?'

Niles stopped and looked at her, very upset, 'I think she may be into Mister Sheffield, yet'.

Fran's hands went to her hips, 'What an idea! She is crazy for you!'

'Then why she wants to get caught?'

'I know I should not ask, but: what do you exactly mean?', she pointed at the dough, 'And focus, there'.

Niles shook his head, 'It's ready', and prepared it to be put in the oven.

Noticing his reluctance, Fran called, 'Niles! Focus here, now!'

He closed the oven, sighed and turned to her, 'You must know that sometimes we… get a bit ahead of ourselves… in the house'.

'Yes, sweetie, it is hard not to notice when you two keep disappearing and I must distract Mister Sheffield so he will not throw a fit about it'.

'Well, today she… we did it, and he almost caught us'.

'And how is it any different from daily business?'

'You were not here, Miss Fine!'

'I'm flattered, Niles, but I don't think… Oh, you mean to distract Mister Sheffield…', her arms went crazy in panic, 'Oh my God! Oh my God! Did he see you two at it?! Are you fired?'

'No, no, but it was very close'.

Fran calmed down, 'Thank God! He would be traumatized forever!', when Niles didn't comment, she made a face at him, 'You are traumatized forever, aren't you?'

'I wouldn't say forever, but it was scary, and I know she knows it was not a clever move'.

'How?'

'She went home soon after, without saying good-bye to me'.

Fran pretended she understood exactly why it was so telling, and went on. 'So, you think she is into Mister Sheffield because she wants him to see you two… at it?'

'I don't know! Why would that be?'

'I shouldn't tell you this, but once I was talking to Grace about this marriage of yours, and she mentioned that not making a big announcement could be Miss Babcock's way of paying back to the people who tormented her for not being married'.

'What does it mean? And why were you discussing it with a girl?!'

'It means she is cherishing the feeling of people discovering about you two, over and over again. Every time you are almost caught, she can feel the thrill of being the socialite who doesn't care about society, and that is lucky to have found a guy who cares even less than her', Fran took the bowl and started cleaning it with her finger, 'And I talked about it with her because Maggie was not home, and the other option was Brighton'.

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When he arrives at the penthouse, a bit earlier than usual (Screw the dishes! I'm going home!), she is there, looking adequately quiet and demure, sitting on the sofa in the living room, some contracts on her lap.

He doesn't believe in it for a second.

He closes the door, puts his keys aside, takes off his coat and stands in the middle of the room, his arms crossed on his chest. 'Just tell me: what the bloody hell did you think you were doing?!'

She had the merit of not pretending she didn't understand. She puts the contracts aside and licks her lips nervously, 'I don't know… I just felt like having you there'.

'But we could have been caught!'

'I know! I just… Maxwell got out of the office, and I was thinking about you, and then you appeared as if you had heard me, and the idea popped on my mind…'

Niles sighed, his anger gone. 'Do you want to get caught. Is it?'

She seemed confused, 'I don't know… Maybe I want', she shrugged, 'I thought you liked the thrill of it'.

'I do! You know I do, but…', Niles went to the big window on the opposite wall, 'Why is it you want him to see us together? Why do you need to show him…?'

CC frowned. Did he mean who she thought he meant?

'Miss Babcock… maybe we should rethink our situation'.

'What do you mean?', she got up, frightened.

Niles turned to her, and he was miserable, 'I have never been so happy in all of my life. I have never had such a connection with anyone else as this one I have with you… But I can't stand it that you're using me to try to reach Mister Sheffield'.

'I thought we were over that'.

'Maybe you can't feel the same about me… and you are settling for second best…'

'What?'

'It happens, I understand… You sincerely tried… I won't force myself into you…'

She was sure he was not listening to her, so she went to him and put her hands on his cheeks, making his eyes lock with hers, 'But that's what I want! That's what I need! Come on, Niles, I never feel more fulfilled than when you have your way with me… Through words, through gestures, through zingers, through sex… When I have the upper hand, I feel good because I know it is temporary – soon you'll come again, stronger and cleverer… I need what you bring into my life, not what he has to offer… That is why I'm here with you, and not there with him!', she released him, 'You have forced yourself in me a long time ago, and now it is too late to take it back!'

Niles stood there, open mouthed, his throat dry, still looking at her.

CC faced him, waiting for his answer. She couldn't believe how much it mattered to her.

He lifted his hand in the air, slowly, and said with decision, 'I owe you. Big'.

'Uhm?'

'I came here prepared to the most horrible heartbreak of the century. I was sure you would give me some vague explanation because you couldn't really say why you… did that', he breathed deeply, 'But you amazed me, again. You made me feel… unique', he approached her, 'And I'm baffled because I never thought I would have this…', he gestured between the both of them, 'reciprocated'.

CC groaned and came over him, her hands slapping his chest, 'I can't believe you! We have already talked about it! What do you take me for?!'

He took her wrists in his hands to stop her, 'You were wrong! You shouldn't have done it when you knew he was around!'

'I don't care about him!'

'Now I got it!'

She stopped fighting, took her wrists from his hands and reversed the situation – now his wrists were in her hands, 'You owe me big'.

Niles' eyes were already dark with desire, 'Yes, I do'.

'I will try to refrain from harassing you when things are too risky'.

'That would be good'.

'However, I won't stop harassing you any opportunity I get'.

'That would be acceptable'.

'And nothing is going to stop me from taking you', she said, her face very close to his.

He couldn't find his voice to answer to that, so he just gulped and nodded.

'And you are my slave'.

'For tonight?'

'Forever'.

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Some time later the phone rang, Niles stopped what he was doing and almost reached for it.

'Please, don't!', CC implored, took the phone, yelled 'Not now!', and slammed it down again, 'I don't care who it is. Just don't stop!'

No one would say CC Babcock was not a woman of word.

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Next day, Fran entered the kitchen to see Niles seated at the table and CC doing the shiatsu on his shoulders.

The interesting detail was that he had no tie, and his shirt had the up buttons undone, so it was open enough for her to reach the skin of his shoulders with her hands.

Things were barely under control, if the flustered faces they had when she entered were any signal.

CC took her hands off him hurriedly, patted his back and turned to the Nanny, 'I'll go to the office. I can't be around this old body all day', she noticed how it must have sounded to the woman who was currently taking a yogurt from the fridge. 'I'm going', she hastily said, gave Niles a quick kiss on the cheek and exited.

Niles started buttoning his shirt, got up and went to the sink. He had a strange face – a mix of awe, joy and – uncertainty.

Fran closed the fridge and took the spoon he was already offering to her. 'Thanks, sweetie. And sorry for interrupting you'.

'Oh, no, Miss Fine, you didn't… Well, you did, but there is no problem. It is working time, after all. Mister Sheffield would call her soon, anyway', he finished adjusting his tie.

The brunette noticed the longing glance he directed at the door, looked at a bowl with some fruits in it that was on the island, and said, knowingly, 'You know, Niles, I think you should pick a fruit'.

He seemed a little surprised, 'Oh, I will, once the family picks what they want'.

'Why wait?'

'That is how things always go. I will have something after… them'.

'Why? Because you think Mister Sheffield is picky?'

'Yes, I think he is'. Now he was intrigued, 'Do you have a point, in this?'

She smiled, 'Oh, yes, I do have', she made a gesture to the bowl, 'All of the fruit are great. Some are apples, some are pears, and I am sure that he doesn't even like the same one you would choose'. She looked pointedly at him, 'Sometimes, the cleverest person must pick first, so he or she can decide what is good for anyone'.

It was easy to see that Niles was following her, because he had a very serious expression on his face, 'I am used to wait before I make my move'.

'Not always. There were situations when you have made people listen to you, look at you... And you did it well, and were successful. What is the problem, now?'

Niles gulped. There was no answer to that, besides his own insecurity, and both knew that. He looked at the woman in front of him and was sincerely impressed by her perceptions, 'Thank you, Miss Fine. You gave me a lot to think'.

'You are welcome, Niles'. She smiled at him and started walking to the backstairs, stopping besides him for a moment, 'I know you try to use this kind of metaphor with me and Mister Sheffield, and I know that at most of times we don't get it, but you are different from us', she looked at him pointedly, 'At least someone in this house knows what he is doing'.

And with that she got out of the kitchen, letting a grinning butler behind.