A/N: I was glad to see in the reviews for the last chapter that readers are starting to like this Bryce Larkin. Lass selfish and even helping our favorite couple.
Now Chuck is taking Sarah to his personal fortress of solitude…
Caribbean Retreat
Chapter 7
Sarah watched as Chuck unlocked his bedroom door. It wasn't a quick process.
Before he even put his key in the lock, he slid a panel aside on the wall next to the door. That hadn't been visible before.
The retinal scanner was quite a surprise, but she immediately saw a problem. "What happens if you have a power outage?"
"It doesn't take much power, and it has a small backup power supply," he replied.
"Wow!" was all she could say.
"If anyone tries to pick the lock before disabling the alarm with the scanner, they'd get an electric shock and some serious earache from the alarms." He pointed up at two small speakers in the ceiling corners facing the hallway. "So even someone watching would suffer."
"Wouldn't that affect you inside, too?" she asked.
"Nowhere near as much," he replied. "Besides I would need to wake up to escape, while they recovered and continued to try to get in."
He unlocked the door and ushered her into his bedroom. She realized it wasn't an ordinary door or door frame. It wouldn't be possible to just kick it in..
Once inside, Sarah looked around, and could see why Bryce had commented on it. Definitely a nerd's bedroom.
Beside the bed were three hardback novels. She'd look at those later to see what he liked. There was a small pile of what looked like hardback comics on one of the surfaces. Next to that was a collection of DVDs, not huge, though. Next to that was a DVD player and a fairly large television. On another surface was a music system and a small collection of CDs.
She turned to her boyfriend. "Did you buy all of this after arriving here?"
He nodded. "I had a huge collection of CDs, DVDs, comics and graphic novels spread between my room in Stanford and the one in the apartment I shared with my sister and her boyfriend in LA. None of that came with me, to either the place I hid with dad or here."
She pointed at what she'd thought of as hardback comics. "Those are graphic novels, yes?" He looked embarrassed, so she wanted to head that off. "Can I read any of them?"
He looked at her with such adoration. "God, you're perfect!"
She giggled. "Because I want to see if I like them?" He nodded. "Chuck, they are obviously important to you, so I want to learn what you like. I can't guarantee I'll like them as much as you."
He closed the distance between them and kissed her. She smiled into the kiss, one which lasted and lasted. God, he's a great kisser!
She had to end the kiss, though, and then collect her thoughts before saying anything.
"Chuck, if you're not sure about whether moving in will work, we won't just move everything across, but I do think some of it should be there to give your brain a sense of familiarity."
He considered that before responding. "I was taken by surprise when you said moving in. I thought you just wanted a night together."
"Oh, Chuck, I want to experience everything that is part of a real relationship with you. A single night together won't do that for me." She paused and thought about how he must be hearing this. "I'm sorry. I'm pushing too hard."
He held her arms and those lovely hazel eyes locked with her blue ones. There was a hint of amusement in them that went with his crooked smile, but also deep affection. It was quite breathtaking. "I was the one pushing too hard in my last relationship. It's wonderful that you are so keen. Hard to believe I could be so lucky, but wonderful."
"So, you're not adverse to moving in, if staying over works out?" She was surprised at how tentative she was being. In the past, she'd always felt in control of any situation, but here, her emotions meant Chuck was the one in control. She had no qualms about that.
"I might have panic attacks being away from here, my safe sanctuary, but I do love the idea of permanently being with you. Let's see how things go on that first night, whenever that happens."
She nodded her agreement. It was the right way forward. However, it didn't help her plans for the night. "Chuck, is it ok if I stay here tonight?"
He smiled. "Are you sure you want to do that?"
She had no hesitation answering, "More than anything." She really did feel that. "I've never felt so strongly about anything before, other than completing a mission successfully."
He chuckled. "So, is this a mission?"
She grasped his hands. "The most important one so far."
He raised an eyebrow. "There's more?"
He was obviously teasing her, knowing there was. She stood on tiptoes to breathe into his ear. "A very important next step in our relationship."
He shivered. She wasn't sure if that was from her breath on him or what she was hinting at, but she didn't care. She kissed him again.
"I'd love for you to stay the night, Sarah," his voice was soft and yet full of emotion.
She pulled his head down as she kissed him again. "Thank you."
He snorted. "I'm going to have the most gorgeous woman in the world sleeping next to me, and she thanks me!"
She smiled. "I'm thanking you for letting me, Chuck. Allowing me to be in here with you. I think that's a big thing."
He nodded. "It is, but it's also something I want."
"I'll have to go home and gather some things, but that won't take long." She knew what she'd really like to wear, but that wasn't right for their current plans.
It was a busy evening at the café. That was pretty typical of a Friday night. Saturdays were, too, and the place was fully booked for both.
Normally, that would make Bryce happy as a busy café was a successful one. They had bills to pay after all. However, tonight, he'd have liked some time to talk to Sarah.
Her decision to stay the night was a good one. Chuck would get used to sleeping with Sarah here and so she wouldn't attribute any discomfort to being with her when they slept at her apartment.
He just wanted to make sure she allowed for any problems they might have tonight. They may not have any, but if they did, it would be Chuck's hang-ups not anything about her.
Bryce knew it was strange for him to want them to be successful together, certainly after his feelings when she arrived, but she really seemed to be good for his friend. So, he was now determined to overcome any threats to that relationship.
Sarah was sitting quietly at her usual table now. She no longer waited for him to greet and take her to it. He had no idea when she arrived. Her spy skills were strong, so she could still move stealthily, and almost invisibly, when she chose to.
He looked at her before walking over. Unlike her usual expression of happiness, she had what he used to think of as her spy mask on. He knew she wasn't on a mission, so guessed she was nervous and masking her emotions.
He arrived at her table. Before she even looked up, she said, "Yes, I'm nervous."
Her spy senses had spotted him observing her. He wasn't surprised. He sighed. "Before I saw the changes in you over the week, I never would've believed that you would ever be nervous."
She looked up at him and her lips curled slightly. "Nothing has ever mattered more to me than Chuck."
He nodded and sat. He couldn't stay long, but he needed her to be confident. "It's not my place to say anything, but I'm going to anyway. Chuck has fallen for you more than I could believe. I think there's very little you can do wrong."
She smiled properly. "Thank you, Bryce. I hope you're right."
He was tempted to say he thought Chuck had fallen in love with her already, but that was definitely not something he could share.
He reached across the table and held her wrist. "Just don't wear the mask." She frowned. "When you're uncomfortable, you mask your feelings with a neutral face. That's what I just saw. Don't let Chuck see it, or his mind might spiral off down negative pathways."
She cocked her head. "Have you seen that before?"
"When talking to Graham and definitely when you were hiding how angry or annoyed you were about missions." He grinned. "Often it was because I'd messed up in some way."
She laughed. "I remember those times." She nodded. "I want this to be as easy for Chuck as possible. Thank you for your wisdom."
He laughed and took her order for dinner.
Sarah tried her best to control her emotions, but it wasn't something she was used to. Bryce was right about how she hid her feelings. Control of her facial muscles had always been her way. Behind that mask, she could be in turmoil. Turmoil was too strong a word for her current feelings, but she was nervous.
She'd been with other men, so there were no nerves about sex. This was all about Chuck. How he felt and reacted to her being with him at night. She'd been thinking of negative thoughts that might land in his head.
Knowing how safety conscious he was, would he start to worry about her safety being with him? She would definitely have to banish such thoughts.
Would he think she was just trying to seduce him, rather than have the strong feelings she had for him? Neither of them had mentioned love yet, but she was sure that was what they both felt. Time to tell him, Sarah!
Sarah wasn't even her birth name. She hadn't used that name for over twenty years, but would that affect how he felt about her? It's definitely something to share with him.
Would he judge her for her time with her dad? She'd not told him why she joined the CIA.
She realized that she was doing exactly what Bryce had warned her that Chuck might. She was spiraling toward a pit of despair. She needed to stop this or she'd be an absolute mess when Chuck came out of the kitchen to take her upstairs. She looked at her watch. Nearly closing time. The last customers were just finishing with Bryce, so she had to calm herself and make sure she didn't put on the mask Bryce had mentioned.
She watched as Bryce locked the door and put the closed sign in place. He cleared the recently vacated table and took the crockery through to the kitchen. Her hearing was good enough that she didn't miss him saying to Chuck that he'd sort everything out. He then came back out and went to sort out the takings for the night, but he did give Sarah a brief nod. She really appreciated his help.
Then, her man exited the kitchen. He didn't walk straight to her, but went to Bryce. "Are you sure?" he muttered.
"Yeah," Bryce replied. "Sarah's been waiting patiently for you. Have a great night, my friend." He then hugged Chuck before turning away.
Chuck turned to Sarah and walked over. "Hi."
"Hi, Chuck. Are you free now?" she replied.
He nodded. "Earlier than expected, thanks to Bryce." She stood up and he pulled her into a kiss. As always, she felt loved in his embrace.
When they separated, she said, "Just give me a second to thank Bryce."
He smiled and stepped back.
She quickly walked over. Bryce was still sorting out the takings, so looking down. She placed a hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Bryce," she whispered.
"Don't make Chuck jealous," he replied with a smirk. She laughed. "You're both welcome," he added more seriously.
She walked back and grasped Chuck's hand, noting the smile on his face.
They walked up the stairs side by side, looking lovingly at each other.
Sarah had been thinking about all the security measures Chuck had taken to keep himself safe. She grabbed his hands and made him sit at the end of the bed. "Chuck, can I ask some questions?"
He nodded. "Of course."
"You've been here for five years since you installed all this security. D'you think you still need it?"
He sighed. "I've been wondering that lately, but it's a lot of effort to take it down," he replied.
"If you move in with me," she said. "You'll have the security of me in bed with you."
He nodded. "I know. But how many men can you fight?"
She swallowed but looked at him. "A lot."
"If they come in threatening you with guns? Or even shoot you through a window before entering?" He visibly shivered at the thought of that happening.
She placed her palm on his cheek. "I've been through a lot in my time as a CIA operative, Chuck. I can only promise to protect you with all the skills and abilities I possess."
He put his hand over hers. "Nothing will probably happen, but I don't want me being with you putting you at risk."
She could see where this conversation was going. "So, you want to beef up the security of my apartment to protect me as much as you?"
He nodded.
She could feel her eyes starting to well up. "Oh, god, Chuck. No one has ever cared about me that way."
"You mean the world to me," he immediately said, and then looked upset that he'd burst out with that.
She kissed him hard to wipe away that upset. When she pulled away, it was gone. "I'll find out what changes I'm allowed to make to the apartment, Chuck."
"Thank you, Sarah," he replied.
She got up, opened her backpack to take out her toiletries and what she was going to wear in bed. Then, she headed to the bathroom.
Chuck knew it was crazy, but he was incredibly nervous about sharing his bed with Sarah. It wasn't her particularly, it was anyone being with him. He'd not slept with anyone since Jill had left him. Of course, there was more than actually sleeping then, and Sarah had suggested they wouldn't do more than cuddle.
Did she think he was scared of having sex? It had been a long time, but he didn't think that scared him. Underperforming, maybe, but not the act itself. God, Sarah was so attractive, he had to stop himself thinking of making love to her. He was sure it would be a wonderful experience and hopefully she would make allowances for his prolonged abstinence and any subsequent performance problems. He thought she would.
No, it was closing his eyes and going to sleep when someone was with him. Just thinking about it, brought out his feelings of extreme vulnerability.
Well, tonight he was going to put that to the test. He just hoped he could get to sleep! Of course, having Sarah next to him added to that challenge, but maybe spending the night gazing at her asleep next to him would make this the best night ever!
Sarah had popped into the bathroom for her nighttime ablutions and to change. He'd quickly changed himself and was just waiting to use the bathroom.
He wondered whether this situation was the appropriate time to tell her that he loved her. When is the best time? He'd been holding it in, but wanted her to know. Their relationship had developed so quickly, but she seemed as keen as he was. Maybe tonight he'd tell her.
The door opened and Sarah walked in. She was wearing a long pale-blue silken robe. She carried her other clothes to the chair by the side of the bed she'd chosen. Her cosmetics bag was placed on top.
"I wore the robe in case Bryce saw me," she said as she slid it off. Underneath she just had a camisole in the same color and a pair of white panties.
She obviously sensed that he was still sitting at the end of the bed and looked over her shoulder. She smiled at his frozen expression. "Maybe I should've worn a full t-shirt and shorts. I'm not trying to overwhelm you. Besides, you've seen more of me in my bikini."
"You just look so gorgeous, Sarah. I'm sure you could make anything look sexy but that… wow!"
She chuckled, but stayed facing away from him. "Go to the bathroom. I'll be under the covers when you get back."
He couldn't help feeling disappointed, but she was right. He should go.
As she slid under the covers, Sarah felt good about the effect she had on Chuck.
She'd been trained and improved to look beautiful by the CIA. She couldn't have looked less attractive than she did when Langston Graham had 'persuaded' her to join. They'd not physically altered her body in any way, but she definitely walked taller, stood with her back straight and comported herself better. Removing her braces and sorting out the mess of her hair were the only physical changes. Consequently, she was used to catching the attention of others. She also knew how to use her looks in seduction missions, even though she hated them.
Here, she wasn't trying anything. Deliberately. She wasn't performing a role, just trying to be herself.
She was covered up more than at the beach, and he'd embraced her in the sea, so had touched her naked flesh. This wasn't going to be like that, so he shouldn't find it a problem. How she sometimes slept, in the nude, would've been a very different situation. She had to stop herself from continuing those thoughts and focus on tonight.
Chuck walked back into the room. He turned to lock and bolt the door.
"I know the bolts make it harder to get in, but the same is true of getting out," Sarah said.
He turned to her. "If they're in, having it unbolted wouldn't help."
"What if they're coming in through the window?"
"Toughened glass would make that harder and slower. Unbolting and escaping wouldn't be an issue."
'Unless they're at the door too,' she thought, but didn't mention it.
He slid into the other side of the bed and lay on his back. "I know you won't have toughened glass."
She rolled onto her side to face him. "They may let me have that if I paid for it. I have to get the security features in place anyway."
He faced her. "You really want me there, don't you?" He looked pleased.
She felt so needy but nodded. "I do."
He tenderly brushed her hair back off of her face. "Then I'll be there." He moved closer and placed his hand at the back of her neck, pulling her to him.
The kiss was just as gentle as his touch, conveying so much love. This was part of why she wanted to sleep with him, this wonderful tenderness that they shared.
They embraced fully and continued to kiss. It was just perfect. She felt loved and more comfortable in bed than she'd ever been.
When their lips parted, they stayed in each other's embrace for several minutes, occasionally kissing again. She couldn't contain a satisfied and very happy hum.
She eventually said, "I'd love to have your arms around me as I go to sleep, but I will understand if you don't want that." She wanted him to understand her wishes rather than make assumptions, but she also didn't want to push him.
"It sounds like a dream," he replied, gazing into her eyes. "But not if it gets uncomfortable for you."
It would be fine for her, but she hadn't thought of the prolonged period with him having an arm under her or squashed between them. "How do you normally sleep?" she asked.
"On my back," he replied.
"Would you be comfortable if I lay against you and had my arm across your chest?" She really hoped it would.
"The dream gets better," he murmured.
She gave him another kiss before pushing him onto his back. He chuckled. "Forceful in bed, huh?"
'God, you don't know how much I want to ravish you!' she thought.
She kissed his cheek and settled down with her head on his shoulder and her right arm across his chest. "Good night, Chuck."
"'Night, Sarah."
She could smell his scent as she drifted off. This was perfect!
Although Sarah drifted off quickly, Chuck couldn't sleep. How could he? He had the perfect woman lying upon him. Her nightwear did nothing to stop him from feeling her body against him. With her positioned as she was, his reaction to her wouldn't be obvious to her, but very much to himself.
The dreams he'd mentioned started chaste, but progressed well beyond that. He wasn't going to push her, though. However, when she was ready, he knew he would be.
The scent of her shampoo filled his nostrils. She always smelled so wonderful. If it wasn't creepy, he'd sniff her a lot. No, that would be seriously creepy!
He wished now that he'd slipped his arm under her neck before she fell asleep. Having his arm around her was so good.
This was what she wanted and he found that it was the same for him. Sleeping with this angel every night sounded fantastic.
'How have I managed to become so lucky after all my bad luck before?' he thought.
He drifted off with Sarah in his thoughts.
A/N: I know his security measures seemed odd. Over the top with some ways, but severely lacking in others. He doesn't fully understand what to do, and this is the result. Some aspects might be worth having though.
