Ziva was barely breathing evenly when her eyes opened to find him watching her. She fought hard not to look away, working hard to hide the shame she felt at the way her body had reacted to his intimate suggestions. "I feel like I have done something wrong Jethro."
Gibbs kissed her mouth gently. "Not even close Ziva. There are so many things I want to do with you, limits I want to push, and things I want to ask of you. If anything I'm pushing too hard far too fast. Yet I find I cannot stop."
Ziva took in a deep breathe deciding to trust everything she knew about the man beside her; rely on the trust he inspired. "I would do anything for you Jethro. That is what scares me. I can think of very few things I would deny you and even then I'm not so certain." She blushed glancing away quickly before focusing back on him. "Only the hard limits we discussed." Despite how naïve she sometimes felt in his presence Ziva was no innocent and she could discuss what was important. The limits they had agreed had been few and mainly focused on health and safety. Gibbs hadn't even hesitated.
"That scares you doesn't it Ziva?"
She nodded but clarified. "You do not scare me Jethro, what you ask of me could not scare me because I trust you. The fact I feel this way does. Because, I have never known this with anyone."
Gibbs kissed her again letting it linger deep and slow. "I can't imagine hurting you Ziva, I could never willingly do it. And I would brave hell to keep from doing it even unintentionally. And I see in your eyes that you would do anything I ask. It's a gift knowing that, far more precious than you can know. However you need to remember your safe word is yours and yours alone. If I ever I press you too far you say it without fear. I cannot imagine losing you."
It was her turn to smile. "Nothing you have suggested would cause me to say it. I just need to be assured that no matter what we do how I react you know without a doubt that you are the only man I want here. The only man that matters above all else." She took his hand pressing it to her the skin and bone covering her heart.
"Not a doubt Ziva, not even one. I see it there in your eyes in the way you look at me. Had I been paying attention or known it for what it is I would have seen it years ago." He pushed up off the bed hearing the faint rumble of her stomach. A quick kiss and he was moving away from her. "In the dresser in the left hand top drawer is a variety of things I purchased for you. You will wear any of them you like and come downstairs."
Ziva felt the shift, recognized the voice that was so new to her and yet instantly both calming and arousing. "Yes sir." He pulled her to standing and she instantly moved into position.
"Later we will discuss the fact you disobeyed me. I asked you to keep your hands above your head and you did not." It was a minor infraction due to her inexperience but it was also a proving ground to start with. She didn't look up or object but he was able to sense her surprise. "Ten minutes Ziva and I expect you downstairs."
It wasn't until he'd left and Ziva had opened the drawer that she understood why he'd given her a time limit. He wasn't expecting her to walk around naked but the silk and satin in the drawer wouldn't cover much. With the minutes ticking away she pushed away any doubt and slipped into a jade green nightgown that was peekaboo lace. Nearly sheer, backless and short enough to almost make her blush it would test her limits but was still the most covering item in the drawer. She brushed her hair and teeth, threw on a quick bit of makeup before making rapid time down the stairs.
Entering the kitchen she saw both men talking while fixing various bits of food. Her gaze went to Gibbs waiting for whatever he wanted from her. A brief look from Nico had her trembling, not of fear but from the unknown. He'd seen her and the look of attraction in his eyes hadn't been tempered. He'd let her see it before returning to seasoning the steaks he was handling.
"You're such a good girl Ziva. You weren't late by even a moment." Gibbs approached her slowly. She wasn't moving but she wasn't entirely steady either. She'd seen the way Nico had looked at her, instantly her gaze had gone to him before letting that attraction settle into her. It dawned on him that what he was so frequently seeing in her was uncertainty. She wanted to please him, do as he asked but she didn't always know what that was. At work she was so certain so self-assured he never had to wonder. But this was different he'd asked her to obey and gave her few commands. Nico would have had fun with that one. "Ziva you will have something to drink, and sit on one of the barstools while we cook. Any question we ask you will answer without hesitation. If you need something you may ask for it. If you have a question you must ask permission to ask it first. Do you understand?"
Ziva felt the sharp pulse of satisfaction in her solar plexus, the uncertainty she'd felt faded away and it was easy to follow his instructions. She moved toward the beer Gibbs kept in his fridge before pausing and instead choosing a glass of orange juice. She wanted a clear head for whatever might happen. A glance at Gibbs told her he was pleased.
Sitting on a stool she watched them work around the kitchen. It was clear despite the fact Gibbs had been surprised to see Nico they had spent time together and knew each other well. She would have guessed from the military from the way Nico carried himself. She almost wanted to ask but instead allowed the knowledge that Gibbs would tell her in his own time take place instead. She remained quiet simply watching even when it became hard to do so.
"For being new at this Gibbs she is very disciplined." Nico saw her fight past the annoyance he had expected and instead continue to watch him grill the steaks on the stove's grill feature.
"Ziva is strong in many ways Nico this is no different." Gibbs watched Ziva's chin raise ever so slightly, pride straightening her spine.
Suddenly felt the full weight of Nico's green eyes on her. "Have you ever been with a man while someone else watched Ziva." Nico almost wished he hadn't asked when for just half a second something painful flickered in her eyes. It almost wasn't there and had he not been the man he was he might not have seen it. That quickly it was erased and her mouth was parting slightly, nothing but shock and the ever so slight hint of arousal was in her gaze. She hesitated looked to Gibbs biting at her lip as though she couldn't answer. It took along moment before those dark eyes met his again. "No I have not."
Ziva had needed just a moment to remember that this man could be trusted. She trusted Gibbs and he said she could trust this man. But his question had not been a simple one to answer. A nightmare from her past had almost surfaced; instead she had fought it as she did everything evil and ugly. She'd instead focused on the intent of his question. It was only then that she'd been able to answer in a way that allowed her to feel honest. This lifestyle Gibbs had let her become a part of was all about being safe and about consent. Nothing else belonged in the life she had now.
"And if I wanted to watch you and Gibbs together, if he gave permission for that how would you feel?" This time her look towards Gibbs was unmistakable. He almost smiled because her answer was equally readable even if she didn't know it. But, she would need the reassurance from Gibbs before she could give her verbal answer.
Ziva looked down at her hands crossed in her lap then to Gibbs. He was watching her closely.
"Answer him honestly Ziva, always honestly."
Ziva met Nico's gaze forcing strength into her shoulders and spine. "I would do anything Jethro asked." Gibbs looked at her with equal parts pride and grin.
Nico shook his head. "That's not what I asked Ziva. I asked how it would make you feel?" The faintest flash of her stubborn nature showed before it was tempered by the damn sexy need to please the man standing next to him.
Ziva's voice was far less forceful than she would have liked. It came out breathy and soft not at all like her. "It would arouse me, surprise me and likely make me feel slightly embarrassed."
Nico pushed harder having spoken to Gibbs in the few moments before she come down stairs and knowing it was permitted "Why embarrass you Ziva?" He and Gibbs had nearly finished serving up the meal already walking it to the table. She was forced to follow them with her eyes. "You're a beautiful woman, physically fit and strong."
Gibbs saw the way her brow furrowed and Nico noticed as well. "I feel beautiful when I am with Jethro, but I have scars that only he has seen; only he can understand. Being with him is intimate something only one other person knows about and I am afraid if it turns me on he will be have doubts." Being so brutally honest was more than difficult she had to force the words out. The only refuge left to her was to look down at her hands waiting for whatever they would ask of her next. She understood what Gibbs was doing. He read her far better than anyone else. She couldn't handle drawn out waiting or indecision she needed at all times to be very certain of where she stood. In the times she wasn't she never felt right or settled. He was pushing her hard and fast because it was what she needed. No different than how their relationship had progressed. That didn't mean it didn't catch her off guard.
Nico nodded and then sat at the table. Gibbs joined him but to his surprise Ziva remained as she was watching them.
Ziva had in her reading learned that a true submissive did nothing without specific permission from her Dom. That above all had been stressed. Again and again it had been stated that this could be the hardest part for any new submissive learning what the boundaries were. For her though it was as easy as breathing. She had been truly hungry too many times to count. Food had been an incentive to avoid beatings, give information or worse. Yet sitting here waiting for Gibbs' command was nothing like that. Not a moment of fear threatened her. He cared for her and if he thought for a minute she was in distress she feared it would hurt him more than her. So she simply waited knowing it pleased him. The satisfaction that came with that knowledge caused something soft and warm in her to unfurl.
Gibbs waited only the briefest of moments just seeing how Ziva would react. When he looked over she had the softest smile on her face. "Ziva you will come sit beside me and eat." She rose quickly and did exactly what he asked. He caught her staring at her silverware for along moment not eating and he started to ask why only to have Nico interrupt him.
"Ziva you are far smarter than I could have guessed. Gibbs does not find any pleasure in what is commonly referred to as humiliation play. " He saw Gibbs startled glance reach him. "He will never ask something of that nature of you. He enjoys a woman who will submit to his will, his command in ways that cause him pleasure that test both his and your limits. But I've never known him to dabble in anything that a woman like you would consider truly demeaning."
Gibbs thanked whatever fate had brought Nico to his door now of all times. Of course Ziva would have done her own research and thorough at that. They had spoken about a lot of things but he hadn't clarified what he wasn't interested in specifically. Taking her hand he kissed her palm. "Not like that Ziva, never. You are a fine beautiful woman and though I love you at my feet I don't want you that way. For now while we're at this table speak freely."
"I would not think less of you Jethro even if that were something you chose to enjoy. I am yours in all ways." Ziva let her statement hang in the air as she ate. She was quite hungry and a bit of time passed before she finally felt sated enough to focus on anything but food. "You have known Jethro for some time Nico, yes?"
Nico nodded. "Since he was quite young actually."
"He is still plenty young." She took a swallow of her juice finally feeling full. "Given that you cannot be much older than him that holds true for you as well."
Nico grinned and shook his head. "I would disagree but I doubt it would matter."
Gibbs saw Ziva's comfort level rise with Nico, it seemed she'd forgotten that the gown she was wearing was so revealing. He hadn't his hands itched to strip it from her lay her across the table and taste her. His hands clenched as he fought the urge. He was trying hard to remind himself this was new to her and still his mind refused to listen. He listened to them chat for a few minutes waiting for anything even close to jealousy to kick in and it never did. It was exactly as Ziva had said she belonged to him and no other. Everything else that happened between them was just part of their sexual nature. She looked at him them biting her lip, her cue that she had a question she was reluctant to ask.
"Ask your question Ziva, whatever it is." Gibbs watched a flush of color hit her skin and the faint puckering of her nipples under the lace.
Ziva looked at him and finally found the courage. "How many women have you and Nico shared?"
Gibbs heard Nico's sharply indrawn breath heard his own as well. It took a moment before he could cool his body and clear his mind enough to answer. "Never Ziva. We discussed it years ago but things happened and the time was never right."
Nico cleared his throat glancing this time at Gibbs. "Tell her all of it Jethro."
Ziva looked from Nico to Gibbs. "Jethro?"
Gibbs took her hand in his. "It was discussed when I was with Shannon, then she died. After that there was no one I trusted enough to put in Nico's hands." There was a huge amount of trust involved in asking a partner to be with someone else in any capacity, even just to be watched. They could find the attraction to the other person strong enough to sway them to leave. He couldn't find a way to put that into words yet she understood. Her eyes watching him so closely knew everything he couldn't say.
All this time Ziva had worried Gibbs would worry that any reaction she had would mean she would want to leave and he was firmly telling her he trusted her far too much to worry about that. "You are really amazing Jethro. The most complex man I have ever known, just exactly what I needed."
She looked at Gibbs one more time. "I have one more question?" she watched them both focus on her. "Did you plan this?"
Gibbs chuckled. "No Ziva, I was surprised to see Nico here. I spoke to him a few months ago but not recently enough to have him come here with this purpose."
"And I can leave if it makes either of you uncomfortable." Nico saw the softest most genuine smile cross her face.
"Jethro would like you to stay and so you will." She stood carefully "I need to excuse myself for a minute, where would you like me to wait for you after Jethro."
Gibbs stood as well. "In the living room Ziva."
Ziva nodded "Yes sir" she walked out of the kitchen quietly without looking back.
Gibbs took in a deep breath clearing dishes as he moved around the kitchen.
"She knows about Shannon?" it surprised Nico but only slightly.
"For a while she was the only one who knew." Gibbs dumped everything in the sink and left it in favor of drinking some water.
"How long you been in love with her." Nico felt peace for Gibbs when he saw the smile.
"Don't know when it happened just is and has been even when I couldn't admit it." Gibbs heard Ziva move toward the living room.
"What's her safeword?" Nico looked for any hesitation when he asked.
"There's the usual colors but ultimate word is Oatmeal. She hates it would never ask for it even for breakfast so it works."
"And your safe word Jethro." Had Ziva been in the room he might have had to explain why he was asking. It had nothing to do with intimacy between the two men. It was a word that told Nico when he'd stepped too far into Gibbs' relationship comfort zone. He already knew that at least for now Gibbs wouldn't want to push Ziva too far if they in fact did anything at all. But the word was equally important under these circumstances.
"Caviar." He chuckled remembering the one time he'd eaten the stuff. Damn near died. Allergic was an understatement.
"I'm going to clean up in here see how it goes." He paused reaching into his wallet and pulling out a thin laminated card. "I almost forgot this, more of a habit any more than anything else."
Gibbs nodded and despite his possessive nature found he was comfortable the way things were. Had it been anyone else in this moment he might not have been so certain. He wasn't even entirely certain he wouldn't reschedule with John. For now though he was comfortable. Stepping into the living room he found Ziva still draped in green lace, positioned in way guaranteed to make him hard waiting patiently. Stripping off his shirt he tossed it in a corner. He took her hand pressing it the thick rise of an old scar on his chest. "I have scars too Ziva. Yours only make you more beautiful to me. They're a monument to your strength. And you're beautiful whether I'm touching you or not. Touching you is addictive, precious and I want to know every way there is to arouse you, turn you on and make you come. I want you in every way I can have you. If it turns you on it will turn me on because watching you experience pleasure is a gift. Knowing you trust me enough to do anything I ask of you it takes my breath away."
He'd lifted her chin so she was watching him and she saw all the truth and certainty she needed. Other men had wanted all of her in a way that bound without the requirement of submission. It had been far more restraining than anything Gibbs could ask of her. They had wanted to temper who they thought she was. Gibbs saw past the façade, down deep to the woman she was and what she truly wanted to be.
"I don't know what will happen tonight Ziva I have no plan, I just need more than most men. Or perhaps it's just I need differently. But aside from all this first and foremost I want you to read this."
Ziva took the thin card from his hand and recognized it. The whole team would recognize it if you asked. It was a card handed out by the health department showing a clean bill of health in all areas. Usually required by sex workers she knew they were important in this lifestyle as well. The name of the clinic was one of the most reputable and that answered the last of her most urgent questions. "Thank you Jethro for remembering the things that matter."
"I have one too though as you know mine is issued by NCIS for work purposes." He grinned when she gave him a silly look.
"As do I Jethro. Now what can I do to please you."
Gibbs felt her readiness then. "Take off my belt Ziva, set it on the shelf beside the fireplace and then come back to me." She did exactly as he asked. Out of his pocket he pulled one of her simple black hair ties. "Braid your hair back."
Ziva did as he asked ignoring the vulnerability it left. Her hair was long enough loose to somewhat hide behind. Gibbs was having none of that. When she was done she again waited. A shift in the air told her they were no longer alone but she didn't look in that direction.
"Take your nightgown off Ziva." Gibbs watched her lashes flutter briefly before her hands reached up pulling the straps off her shoulders letting the fabric hit the ground. "Beautiful Ziva, always so beautiful. Now I just want to look at you."
Ziva watched as Gibbs moved from standing in front of her to circling slowly around her. His movement meant nothing obscured her vision of Nico. He stood at the entrance to Living room. His hands rested casually in his pockets his gaze was far more intense. Her confidence waivered slightly before her eyes hit the floor. As he walked behind her Gibbs let his finger brush hers resting at the small of her back. "Nico's going to step closer Ziva."
Ziva had to work to keep her gaze where it was as she felt the other man just step into her space. His voice drifted toward her. "What's your word Ziva say it so we know you remember."
Ziva allowed his hand to lift her face upward till she was looking at him. "Oatmeal."
"Good girl" Gibbs stepped just out of the room walking toward a hall closet and he watched as every part of her honed in on his exact position. She showed no fear just a careful awareness of where Gibbs had moved to. "I see why you and Gibbs work. You are so much like him. Watchful, cautious, always on alert. I would easily bet money that you are equally as deadly if not more so. For men like us you have no idea how reassuring that is. To meet a woman who is our equal. And you have this, this amazing trust that comes to some only after years. Yet I bet he would have put his life in your hands only moments after meeting you." Nico wasn't sure what he said but her eyes widened, a sound catching in her throat as she looked for Gibbs. He stepped back afraid he'd scared her but what he saw in her eyes was nothing like fear, it was a connection a realization that had only just hit her.
Turning slightly he saw Gibbs watching them both. Something in the way their eyes met told him Ziva had already taken a life to save Gibbs and it had been more than the job. He worried he'd broken the mood. But when Gibbs laid a thick comforter on the ground around them her eyes were again watching him. While she watched him he stripped off his shirt letting it land in a corner of the room.
Ziva almost felt foolish having mentioned her scars. Somewhere in time someone had worked a large wicked knife into this man's skin. Thick curving scars took up most of his chest down into his abdomen. They shouted the pain he must have endured, the agony and suffering he had to have withstood. She felt the sharp bite of tears in her eyes and almost reached out to touch him.
Gibbs watched her hand stop only inches from Nico's skin. Using his own he took her hand and let it meet the skin of a man he'd nearly died for. Her eyes flicked quickly from him back to Nico.
"You have survived your own hell I see. For that I am sorry no man should know such pain." Ziva felt Nico's hand cover hers. It was the first time he'd touched her and it was brief just the skim of his fingers over hers.
"We all have our Demons Ziva." This time Nico took a clear step back allowing Gibbs to take his place.
"Lie down Ziva." That quickly he watched a blush travel her skin. She did as he asked yet still the blush worked its way across her skin.
"That's beautiful Gibbs does she blush like that from a spanking." He heard Gibbs chuckle.
"Haven't had the opportunity yet. As I said this is new. Only put this on her yesterday." Gibbs touched the collar around Ziva's neck waiting for her to say anything that might stall his hand.
Nico lifted a brow and looked at Ziva. "You are brave." He watched as Gibbs kneeled down beside her. He remained where he was Gibbs reached into a drawer in one of the end tables before turning back to a still silent Ziva.
"Just a massage to start with Ziva. Time for you to get use to this." Her eyes locked with his and still there was no fear. Every moment with her had him falling deeper and deeper into her. He took the bottle he'd grabbed and poured some of the almond oil in his hand . "Flip over Ziva."
Ziva turned and felt his hands slick and warm on her shoulders. He kneaded her skin with both strength and gentleness. Skin sliding across skin he lost himself in the way her body rose to meet each stroke. It wasn't long until she was whimpering softly beneath his touch. As he'd expected when he looked up Nico had left the room dousing the lights as he had. Faster than he would have thought possible Gibbs shed his clothing and turned Ziva in his arms.
"Jethro…." Ziva felt his bare skin against hers, the slide of his cock along her thigh and couldn't stop the rough sound that echoed his own. She also knew somehow that they were alone. It didn't matter as his body entered hers. All that mattered was his hands ghosting along her spine and pulling her so close they shared a breath.
"I love you Ziva and you will always be mine."
As their bodies moved together finding ecstasy she whispered against the beat of his heart. "Always."