Note - This chapter has a little bit of reconnection (smut) so if that's not your thing then skip this chapter. If it is your thing then enjoy lol x

Henry McCord had always been a rather laid back individual. Being in the spotlight had never appealed to him and he'd managed to go through high school, college and the Marines pretty much undetected. He had mastered the art of nonchalance and the quiet life of a college professor suited him down to the ground. He had passion — he just kept it well hidden and was more than happy to just go with the flow. Let life take him where it wanted and he would adapt accordingly.

Elizabeth Adams on the other hand was a control freak. That in itself wasn't always a bad thing and it made her incredibly good at her job. But to say she could be a little inflexible at times was probably a fair interpretation. When she was focussed on something, trying to sway her from her train of thought was a dangerous undertaking and many of her colleagues had only just lived to tell the tale.

They were very different people in so many ways. Henry's laid back attitude infuriated Elizabeth and her fiery nature confused the hell out of him. In theory, they shouldn't work at all — And yet, they did!

Elizabeth wasn't quite back to her confident self, but after Henry had coaxed her grief and anger to the surface and helped her to start dealing with it, she was able to begin taking steps forward. She had a little of the gumption back that had disappeared and she was certainly starting to fire on all cylinders again.

Henry had revisited the suggestion that maybe he should interrogate Hassan Amari himself as they weren't making any progress and using a different angle could only be beneficial. And that is what had led to Henry discovering what a hard ass the woman he loved could really be and was also the cause of the look Elizabeth was currently giving him

Elizabeth was leaning back in her chair, the end of her pen stuck firmly between her teeth, glasses pushed up into her hair and her piercing blue eyes narrowed and fixed firmly on Henry. She had been staring at him like that for the past 8 minutes. He knew this because the clock was behind her head and he made sure to keep glancing at it. Scared that if he kept eye contact with her for too long, he may turn to stone.

Henry could feel the perspiration on his brow. God damn it, she was actually making him sweat. She really was good at her job and he was pretty sure she would be able to get any information out of him she wanted at that point. It wasn't just the way she was looking at him though. They had been edging closer to something happening between them. It had only been a kiss here and there, a gentle touch, a lingering look. But it was racking up the tension to new heights and the intensity in her eyes was definitely doing things to him in more ways than one.

"So tell me again Dr McCord — What are these skills you believe you possess that could possibly be more beneficial than my years of training at the CIA? She tilted her head and smirked at him "I'm curious."

"I have the religious knowledge Elizabeth. I'm not disputing your training or ability, I'm just offering a different angle, that's all."

"So let me get this straight — You want me to let a college professor who's interrogation skills end at asking a student where their paper is, into a room with a terrorist? — Seriously?" She meandered over to his desk, planting her fists down on the metal and leaned over, her face now mere inches from his. "I don't think so."

Henry couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth. Elizabeth was leaning over trying to make a point and he could see straight down her shirt, her cleavage a sight that he was quite enjoying.

He shifted his gaze back up to her face "Don't underestimate my abilities Elizabeth.. You clearly have no idea what I'm actually capable of and if it doesn't get us anywhere then what have we lost? We have to try something."

Their eyes were firmly fixed on each other's and it had become a contest of who would blink first.

Rodriguez had been watching the exchange with mild amusement "Why don't you both interrogate him? If you work together and combine your skills it might just pay off."

Elizabeth's head whipped around to look at Rodriguez "You might just be onto something there — He wouldn't be expecting it."

"I agree! I like the idea. I really think it could work." Henry smiled at Elizabeth as she turned her head back to face him "And if this doesn't work maybe you can win him over with your charm and charisma Elizabeth."

Henry's sarcastic grin made her blood boil, way too much for her liking. "Put your money where your mouth is Henry and let's just get this done shall we."

After many hours and several changes of direction, Hassan Amari caved and told them everything they needed to know. The combination of Elizabeth's tenacity and Henry's religious input turned out to be the perfect coalition. They bounced off each other flawlessly and it had been exhilarating.

"You know Henry, you were pretty impressive in there. Maybe you should think about giving up teaching and getting into clandestine services permanently. I'd sure be happy to work with you again." Elizabeth gave him a soft nudge with her shoulder "I'm sorry I doubted you."

Henry feigned shock "You're apologising to me? How can this be?" He felt her forehead and grinned "You're not even sick?"

Elizabeth quirked a brow and shook her head "Watch it Henry! The sting is still very much in my tail, and I'm not scared to use it."

He pondered her words for a moment "You're comparing yourself to a scorpion? I get more of a praying mantis vibe from you myself."

Rodriguez chuckled "Don't they eat their mate after they've got down and dirty?"

Henry smirked and nodded "Indeed they do Corporal."

"Wow! That's what you call a bad date."

Both men laughed while Elizabeth looked between them in disbelief "Seriously? I think you should both quit while you're ahead. Go and get a beer and take some down time — I think we all deserve it."

"Don't need to tell me twice ma'am. Will you join us?" Rodriguez looked at her expectantly.

"Yeah, I think I will. Thank you Corporal. Go on ahead and I'll catch you up when I'm done here."

"Sure thing Ma'am." He turned to leave and then smiled "Congratulations Ma'am, You're one kick ass chief."

"That's high praise indeed. Thank you Corporal."

Henry leaned against his desk and watched her as she scribbled notes and tidied everything away neatly. Everything she had been working so hard for had come together and yet she still wouldn't ease off. Always the consummate professional.

"You know you can give yourself credit for what you've achieved here Elizabeth — It's very impressive."

She continued what she was doing "Private Lawrence died Henry! That's not impressive in any way! That's on me."

He moved to where she was busily sorting through files and placed his hands on her shoulders, stilling her movements "No! That's on Amari. You need to forgive yourself."

She closed her eyes and swallowed thickly and then turned to face him with a smile "Let's go and get a beer shall we."

Henry lowered his voice and ran his hands up and down her arms "I was kinda hoping I would get you to myself for a bit. Just to talk or whatever."

"Or whatever hey? The night is young Henry. But be careful, you wouldn't want me to devour you now, would you?"

Laughter filled the air around Elizabeth's bed as she giggled uncontrollably. She was laying there, looking up at the ceiling with Henry precariously perched beside her, hanging on for dear life to the small metal bed frame. The few beers they'd had with everyone else had been a nice appetiser, but the bottle of Jack Daniels her and Henry were now making their way through was giving her a very welcome buzz.

Elizabeth had found it in her duffle a few nights after she'd arrived in Baghdad, accompanied by a note from Isabelle and Juliette stating it would be there for her when they couldn't be. She thought it was a nice touch but hadn't thought of it or touched it since.

However, after everything the last 12 months had thrown her way, she figured it may be the right time to partake in a few mouthfuls. It turned out, for all his saintly quotes and religious beliefs — Henry was quite a bad influence.

Henry was getting the time with Elizabeth he craved and they talked about everything. From their parents to family to relationships and they were now giggling their way through tales of younger days at UVA.

"I'm telling you Henry, Professor Quintin was definitely having an affair with —" She clicked her fingers repeatedly as if trying to jog her memory "—What was her name — The librarian?"

"Mrs Belcher."

"Yes! That was her. He was checking out more than her books." Her snigger was so childlike, Henry couldn't help but laugh too.

"He's still there you know."

"No way! Probably making his way through the entire faculty."

Without giving it much thought, Elizabeth craned her neck and brushed her lips against Henry's. The kiss was soft and languid to begin with, but as they both eased into it, a spark ignited in them both. The mix of euphoria and alcohol was a heady combination and with the tension between them already at a peak — Resistance was futile.

Henry's fingers tangled through her hair, holding her steady while he deepened the kiss. He could taste the liquor on her tongue as it moved against his and her lips felt so soft. He opened his eyes to sneak a peek at her. To make sure that it wasn't just a product of his imagination.

'What are you staring at?" Elizabeth's own eyes fluttered open as she caught her breath "Did I do something wrong?"

Henry brushed the hair away from her face and looked so deep into her eyes he thought he might drown "Everything is perfect. I'm just committing your beauty to memory so that I always have you with me."

Elizabeth sniggered again "God that was so cheesy. Do lines like that actually work for you Henry?"

Henry whispered in her ear "I know what you look like when you're turned on, remember? So yeah, I think it's working just fine."

Elizabeth blushed "Well, you have me with you right now so what on earth are you going to do with me?" The subtle chew on her bottom lip was Henry's downfall.

He smiled and shifted his body so he was hovering above her. It felt as if no time had passed at all since they were in his apartment, making love in the way she'd asked him to. That waking up with her gone had never happened and a mix of deep emotion and arousal coursed through him in waves.

"Is this really happening?"

"I do hope so or I'll have to take myself off for a cold shower." She laughed again and then her expression softened and she smiled "I've really missed you Henry."

Henry dove down and pressed his lips to her neck, nipping and sucking at the soft skin. Tasting her as his tongue left a hot trail down to her throat. He could feel her swallowing and smiled against her, thrilled by the effect he could still have on her.

His nimble fingers snapped open the buttons of her white shirt, each one getting him closer to her incredible body. A vision that had filled his dreams for months on end. He tugged the fabric free from her combats and let his eyes feast on her bronzed skin.

Her stomach was more toned than he remembered and she looked so tiny beneath him. But her breasts were as perfect as ever, held captive by the black cotton of her bra.

He raised a brow and smiled "Where's the lace gone?"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and huffed "We're in the middle of the desert Henry. I didn't bring sexy underwear. Can you muddle through?"

"Oh — I think I'll manage." Pulling her up a little, he slid the shirt down her arms and threw it off to the side. "It's coming off anyway."

The metal clasp was quickly and efficiently flicked open and the bra removed with precision, earning him a smirk from the woman beneath him. Together, they were so passionate and intense, yet they could have fun with it too and it always felt so natural.

Henry placed a chaste kiss against her lips and then travelled downwards, locking onto her left nipple and swirling his tongue across it. When he felt it harden at his touch, another wave of arousal hit him. Her body was perfect, even more so than he remembered and everything that was currently occurring felt like a dream.

He moved across to the other breast and Elizabeth's back arched in response to his touch. A soft moan escaped her and a wry smile crossed her lips.

"You okay there?" Henry loved seeing her light up, she just got more beautiful by the second.

"Oh yeah — I'm good." Her eyes slipped shut and she weaved her fingers through her hair, keeping him exactly where she wanted him.

With each kiss and caress against her skin, Henry wanted her more. She felt like home to him. She was everything love should be and with each passing second, he fell that little bit deeper.

His tongue carried on it's trail downwards and circled her belly button, making her giggle. She had always been incredibly toned, but Henry could see the ripped ab muscles twitching under her skin.

His hands settled on her belt and he had it unfastened and her khakis around her ankles before she knew what was happening and they joined the shirt and bra in a pile on the floor.

Henry kissed his way up one leg and then repeated the action with the other, finally resting his chin against the apex of her thighs. His stubble was rubbing against her skin, only adding to the stimulation, her hips wiggling in anticipation.

She could feel his hot breath through her panties and she had to close her eyes and steady herself, knowing exactly what was coming.

Henry sat up and pulled his shirt over his head, followed swiftly by his own khakis and boxers being tossed across the room.

Elizabeth let her eyes feast on the sight in front of her. She had been surrounded by marines for months on end, but nobody compared to her Henry. He was sublime and she just wanted to wrap herself around his body and never let go.

She scrabbled to her knees and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, the feel of his taut muscles under her palms a clear reminder of exactly what she'd left behind so many months before. Her lips pressed a trail of wet kisses across his clavicle and then back up to his neck, her teeth nipping at his skin as she went.

"Your lips are like a tiny piece of heaven." Henry was lost in the sensations attacking his body. It was Elizabeth — It was really her and he was almost scared to allow himself to believe it.

She moved her head so they were mere inches apart and licked her lips "Henry — As beautifully articulate as you are, for the love of god would you stop with the poetic words and just Kiss me?."

As their lips met once more, Henry's hands travelled south and gripped just below her ass. With one swift motion, he had Elizabeth on her back and right where he wanted her. His fingers hooked into her panties and slid them down her legs with ease. And there she was, the love of his life, completely naked and at his mercy.

The buzz of the alcohol combined with the excitement of what was happening had Elizabeth's head spinning. It was all happening in such a blur and she needed to focus. To enjoy every moment before it was over. Her skin was tingling and a fire was starting to build inside her. God she needed him so badly.

Without any warning, Henry's tongue swiped at her centre and Elizabeth slammed her hand over her mouth to stifle the moan. She had never experienced anything like the magic Henry could create with that tongue and nothing had changed. He was going all in and she was powerless. She tried to focus on anything other than the pressure building in her core, to slow it down somehow, but it was like a steam train that was out of control. She couldn't snap — not yet — not that quickly, surely.

"Ohhhh fuck — Henry" Her hands flailed, desperately trying to find something to hold onto "Ohhhh god." Her body went rigid and back arched as her orgasm ripped through her body.

Henry looked up at her with a huge grin "Wow — That was quick."

"Shut up."

He crawled back up her body and looked at her all flushed and satisfied "Enjoy that?"

Her nose wrinkled as she opened her eyes "It just caught me off guard, and you know it's been a while."

"Ohhhh I know." His tongue slid into her mouth and she could taste herself, like sweet honey.

His palms slid up her sides, along her arms and gripped her hands, holding them above her head as he eased inside her, gently at first but when her hips bucked to meet his, he filled her completely.

"Holy shit— You feel so good." His voice was like a deep rumble of thunderous passion "I'm sorry but I think we're in for a sprint not a marathon."

Elizabeth sniggered and wrapped her legs around his back "Go for it Captain."

Henry started with shallow thrusts, teasing her mercilessly, making her squirm underneath him, desperate for friction. She needed so much more from him. When her legs wrapped around him, her calf muscles squeezing his ass as she pulled him in deeper, he began slamming into her with everything he had. Relentlessly hitting deep inside her with every single push.

Elizabeth cried out in dismay as Henry pulled out, moving away from her quickly as he sat in the middle of the bed. Legs out in front of him. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him, his huge hands engulfing her hips as she straddled his waist, her knees resting either side of his hips as she slid down his length.

"Urghhhhhhhh…." Her deep groan resonated through their bodies.

"You are so sexy Elizabeth. I've missed you like you wouldn't believe."

Before she could even move, her breast was in his mouth, his tongue swirling around her nipple, licking and sucking — Pulling and biting, making her shudder.

Her head fell backwards, the motion tilting her hips, the slight rub of his groin against her sending a jolt of pleasure up her spine. Her hips took on a life of their own as they rolled against his — A fast rhythm soon engaged as they moved together.

Henry's pleasure was only enhanced by the sounds Elizabeth was making. The hushed moans falling from her lips as she rode him hard, her nails clawing at his back in an animalistic frenzy — The feel of her thighs squeezing against him as they began to tremble.

Henry had always been in awe of her body. The confidence she had in her sexual ability and her uninhibited way of letting him know exactly what she needed was captivating.

He gripped her ass cheeks tight, his nails grazing the soft flesh… A whimper from her the result. Her whole body was one mass erogenous zone. Her skin was on fire and it felt like every fibre of her being was ready to snap "Harder Henry —- Please."

Henry took the instruction and met her thrust for thrust, their chests pressed together so close they could feel each other's heartbeats.

Elizabeth's breathing started coming in tiny puffs of air as her grip on Henry tightened and her head fell back. There were no words or profanities this time — Just silence as her body relinquished control and she fell off the edge. Her eyes were slammed shut as her mouth hung open and her back arched.

It only took him three more thrusts before his own climax hit. His guttural cry muffled as he buried his face in her hair.

As Elizabeth's body stilled, her arms wrapped around Henry's sweaty torso, holding him as close as humanly possible, tiny spasms of pleasure still pulsing through her core.

They remained like that for some time, just holding each other. The languid kisses keeping them connected and present.

"Wow — Just wow." Henry tilted his head to look at her "You are incredible."

Elizabeth flashed him a sated smile "I serve at the pleasure." They both looked at each other and sniggered. "Looks like we've still got it! I didn't realise just how much I needed that."

"I've been needing that since I first got here. Wasn't entirely sure it was ever going to happen." Henry laid back and wrapped his arms around her as they tried to get comfortable in the tiny twin bed. "I'm so glad it did though."

"Me too." Elizabeth settled against his chest and was already dozing off "Thanks you Henry."

Henry nuzzled her bare shoulder as she slept in his arms.

"Every heart sings a song - Incomplete, until another heart whispers back"

He pulled her body a little closer and held her a little tighter "Please whisper back Elizabeth — I love you."