CHAPTER 8

Sunlight was streaming into the bedroom when Monica’s eyes opened suddenly, her heart racing and a tiny sob caught in her throat. Immediately, her eyes flew to Andrew’s sleeping face, her heart only then starting to return to a normal rhythm and she felt her body relax. Dreams of losing him were a new breed of fear that the rape had caused and she wondered if there would ever really be a day when her dreams would again be nothing but happy ones.

Deep in her heart, she knew he was right-that she would be able to survive without him. What was the truth was that she didn’t want to. Whatever strength she had deep inside of her, had nothing to do with her ability to ever lose him. Even back when they had simply been friends, she had come to depend on him and to love him and she had always dreaded their separations. Somehow, she had always felt that she needed him more than he had ever needed her. After all, she was the one who so often found herself in need of his help, of his reassurance, his unconditional love.

It was one of those mornings when her soul allowed her heart to know he loved her, even if not allowing the knowledge that he needed her. She simply couldn’t fathom what she could possibly offer that he would need. Wasn’t loving someone about needing them as well and she had no doubts about the countless ways that she needed him and surely he had to see that too. But for months, she had been too messed up from the rape for him to be able to lean on her if he needed to. He gave of himself to her constantly and she had needed him so desperately, that she had accepted all he had to offer.

Now, looking up at him, she could see how tired he looked, how much she was taking from him constantly. Monica tried to tell herself that he didn’t mind, that he wanted to do it, and maybe that was true, but he was getting so little in return. Yes, she just needed to start dealing with her own troublesome thoughts better, so he wouldn’t feel the need to do so much. Surely that wasn’t the same as pushing him away.

Moving carefully and with pain staking slowness, she inched her way out of his embrace and burrowed her way down under the comforter, until she was positioned much lower. Being careful not to wake him, she reached into his boxers and touched the tip of him, feeling the instant response she had grown accustomed to. It still amazed her how quickly he responded to her touch, even now when he wasn’t really aware of it. As he hardened beneath her light movement, she lowered her head and took him into her mouth, sucking him gently.

Andrew’s eyes flew open upon realizing he had just been surrounded by the heat of his wife’s mouth and a sleepy groan escaped his lips. Realizing he couldn’t see her, he flung back the comforter and prepared to pull her up to kiss her, but she stopped him.

"I want to love my husband," Monica replied softly to his unspoken question before immediately returning to his pleasure. She drew him into her mouth once more, her hand moving in rhythm with her as she stroked and sucked him, her free hand moving lightly along his thigh. Having no other option but to enjoy the things she was doing to him, Andrew watched her with a combination of fire, passion and complete love in his green eyes.

She teased, and stroked, running her tongue along him, until he was all but begging for mercy. He longed to pull her up and sink himself into her depths, usually preferring to fall off the edge with her, but she had already pushed him past the point of argument and when she finally took the length of him into her warm mouth, he knew he was unable to hold back. Her name was a mantra on his lips as he spilt into her, nearly beyond comprehension as his wife drank him in completely.

"Good morning," Monica smiled at him as he pulled her back up and into his arms before he kissed her heatedly.

"I think you are still far too dressed," Andrew informed her, giving an impatient tug on her nightgown.

But she shook her head, smile still in place, "This morning was just for you, because I love you," She explained, kissing him once more.

He hesitated, unsure of what to think. She seemed perfectly content, but he wasn’t at all sure if all the pain she had been going through lately was stopping her from allowing him to love her. He elected not to push, but to wait things out and see what developed. Reaching out, he outlined her face tenderly with his fingertips, "I love you too, baby."

Monica searched his eyes briefly, before lowering her own, "I’m going to get a shower and make you breakfast….and Alex and Paul too if they are awake or haven’t already eaten."

"I’ll be in to help you, angel," He began but she looked up at him hopefully.

"Please, let me do this for you. At least let me try."

Knowing she wasn’t all that brilliant in the kitchen, but not wanting to do anything to squelch her confidence, he relented, "Will you let me know if you need anything?"

"I promise," Monica replied, kissing him quickly once more, before scurrying out of bed, grabbing her robe and heading to the shower.

Andrew watched her go, trying to ignore the feeling in his heart that this was just one more tactic he didn’t understand for her to try to cope with the things that were still tormenting her heart.

*****

"You’re letting her cook?" Paul looked more than slightly worried. He and Alex had gotten up to find one angel in the kitchen and one in the living room.

"Yes. She asked to do it," Andrew replied, trying to sound as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Turning to his wife, Paul asked, "Have our fire extinguishers been updated recently?"

"I think so…about six months ago," She replied, trying not to giggle at the situation. The fact that they were all so concerned was striking her as very funny.

"Come on, Paul. She only set off the fire alarm that one time," Andrew insisted, wincing at the clamor that was coming from the kitchen.

"Yes and then added a pot of coffee to pizza one other time-."

"You told her you liked it…you asked for seconds," He pointed out.

"Yeah, well, the love she made it with overpowered the mocha flavoring by a hair."

"This is important to her for some reason and we’re not going to interfere," Alex stated firmly, giving each one of them a hard look, "Unless we smell smoke, we’re leaving her to go to it."

"You’re right, Alex. It is important to her for some reason. I just wish I knew what that reason was," Andrew sighed and ran a hand through his still slightly damp hair. She was changing gears faster than he could keep up these days and he knew the wide array of emotions had to be confusing her as well.

"Why do you say that?" Alex frowned, not liking the sudden look of distress she could now see in the angel’s eyes.

"Just a hunch," After all, he was not about to tell Alex his wife had given him a blow job this morning and then refused to let him make love to her. Alex didn’t need any ammunition against him after the whole car ordeal the other night.

"Well all I can say is that I managed to keep coffee pizza down, but if she adds it to eggs I may not be so lucky," Paul muttered.

Alex was at his side a second later and staring up into his face sternly. "I don’t care if she left the shells on them, you’re going to eat every bite and say it’s delicious."

Andrew’s lips twitched as he struggled to hold back a laugh. Alex had taken her role of big sister to heart, and whether it was the motherly instincts kicking in or not, she was absolutely adorable.

"Yes ma’am. Cleaning my plate, ma’am," Paul replied, but when Alex nodded her satisfaction and turned away he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Just remember who owes who when we get to the bedroom tonight."

She was extremely thankful that Andrew had his eye on the kitchen doorway and didn’t see the deep red blush that rose from her neck right up to the roots of her hair. She was tempted to turn around and give him one of her patented looks, but she had a feeling that he was going to be wearing one of his own, and that if she saw it she’d be dragging him back to bed and they’d miss breakfast altogether. Instead she sat down on the sofa and quickly picked up the paper. It was suddenly quite absorbing, despite the fact that it was several weeks old.

It was actually only a few minutes, but it seemed longer, before Monica called out from the kitchen, "Come on in! Breakfast is served!"

Andrew was on his feet less than a second later and Paul and Alex followed him in. The first thing that caught their eyes was the fact that the little angel had lit a dozen candles as a centerpiece for the table, and their soft, flickering light was warm and inviting. The table was set with placemats and napkins and silverware, and plates sat waiting at each place along with glasses of water and juice and mugs of coffee. A large bowl filled with what appeared to be scrambled eggs sat at one end of the table, with plates of toast and bacon at the other end, and in between were smaller bowls of fresh fruit and yogurt. Frankly, it was a sight that none of them had expected.

Paul and Alex took their places at the table and Andrew insisted on pulling out his wife’s chair. "It looks wonderful," he whispered as he kissed her cheek.

Looking, however, was far different than tasting, and Paul was slightly leery as he took a large helping of eggs, trying to determine if the darker specs were coffee grounds or seasoned pepper. He decided to wait until everyone was served before finding out. Monica was smiling so happily and some of the worried lines had faded from Andrew’s face. Paul hoped their optimism was warranted.

After everything had been passed around, and they all had full plates, Alex and Paul shared a quick glance as they raised their forks. As his mouth closed around it, the agent’s eyes opened wider. It was good. Actually, not good, but very good. He was about to say just that when Monica spoke.

"I hope everything is all right. The eggs actually started out being fried, but they all broke so I decided maybe this was a safer idea." Her eyes held a slight hint of anxiety as she watched them all carefully.

"Monica, this is wonderful!" Paul exclaimed. "Who knew you could actually cook after all?" His mouth snapped shut at the look Alex gave him. "I mean, of course you can… obviously we should have given you more of a chance…" he rapidly backpedaled, but Monica’s little laugh eased the tension.

"It’s all right. I think we all know that cooking has never been one of my talents…. But this morning… I guess I was inspired. I wanted everything to be just perfect," she said, looking across at Andrew.

"And it is, baby. You’ve definitely out-done yourself. No more salad for you. I think breakfast is your new specialty."

Monica was practically glowing from the compliments by the time they finished eating, and Andrew couldn’t have been happier. He still wasn’t exactly sure why she had elected to make it in the first place, when she knew that cooking was somewhat of a challenge for her, but clearly it had helped put a sparkle back in her eye. He could only guess that with so much else out of her control, this was something she had decided she could overcome. He was just thankful that it had been such a success.

"Ugh, I can’t believe I ate so much," Paul groaned as he pushed himself back from the table.

"Me neither," Alex agreed. "I’m just about ready for my nap now."

Andrew chuckled at them and reached across the table for Monica’s hand. "Well you two can nap away. I plan on taking my wife for a long ride through this winter wonderland we have outside."

"Have at it," Paul stated. "I’m going to build us a nice fire in here and plant myself in front of it."

Alex’s eyes had lit up a bit at the mention of a ride and Paul raised one eyebrow as she opened her mouth. "Paul…"

"Alex, honey, no. We already talked about this."

"But I’m just barely three months."

"And we agreed that three months was when you’d stop riding."

"Oh fine," She said with a pout as she crossed her arms. "I guess I’m stuck inside with you then."

Andrew burst into laughter at the aggrieved expression on Paul’s face. "Oh, stuck, is it?" the agent said. "I’ll remember that."

Alex broke her pout and gave a little sigh as she stood up and moved to his side. "Oh you! I guess I can think of worse places to be stuck," she amended. She leaned down to kiss him on the temple and let out a little squeak as he moved away before her lips landed.

"No. Now I’m hurt."

"Get that fire built and I’ll make it up to you," she grinned, not even caring that Andrew and Monica were watching them with grins on their faces.

"Okay, well, have fun you two," Paul said quickly as he stood up.

Andrew laughed again and Monica’s giggle rang through the kitchen.

"Shouldn’t we clean up first?" Monica asked as her husband quickly stepped around the table and took her hand in his again.

"We’ll take care of it," Alex insisted. "You made it, we’ll clean up after it," she said with a wink.

"You heard her," Andrew said as he grabbed her coat from its peg on the wall. "Now c’mon. I think I can hear Scout calling for you."

Monica helped Andrew saddle up Scout and Moonglow, then accepted his leg up into her saddle. She was still smiling contentedly when they urged the horses forward and started off across the fields. The day was cold, but the sunshine was beautiful though Andrew was thankful he had made his wife bundle up especially warm today. He was also on the lookout for any rabbits, foxes or any other small animal that might alarm Scout. Experience had taught him well.

He was still unable to settle the uneasiness in his heart over her actions this morning, but decided not to push it. She seemed happy, at least on the outside and he allowed that to be enough right now.

"Can we go a different way?" Monica asked, glancing over at him.

"Of course we can, angel. We can go anyplace you’d like," Andrew replied and he immediately turned Moonglow to the right to follow her lead. She had also chosen to pick up the pace a bit, but not enough to endanger the horses in the snow and he smiled at watching her. One of his earliest memories of her was of her riding and the image had always captivated him. Before it had seemed to be the physical part of her free spirit, and even now served as a reminder that someplace, maybe buried deeply, that same carefree angel existed. He hoped with all his heart that eventually he would see that part of her reemerge, but he knew that time was the only answer there. She hadn’t had enough of that yet, but even now, in the last few days, he had seen glimpses of the playfulness of her heart. After all, he was still chuckling at her playing the naïve angel about Paul’s car and then calling his bluff that she really knew the truth.

They rode in silence, Andrew riding just behind her, enjoying the view of her petite form and the wind in her hair. It had been close to an hour and his cheeks were stinging from the cold and he knew Monica had to be chilly as well. He was just considering suggesting that they turn back, when he saw her slow down. Bringing Moonglow up next to her, he saw what had now stopped her completely.

The cabin was small, but had been kept up in appearance and he was shocked to see Monica dismount and start towards it, "Angel, hang on," He called to her as he swung down off his horse. He had no idea who might be in there or who it might belong to, and he was not about to allow her to approach it first. Catching up with her, Monica turned to face him and grinned happily as his eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Wait a minute. What do you know about this?"

She giggled at his expression and took his hand, leading him to the door, which opened easily as she turned the knob. Stepping inside, she pulled him along with her and Andrew took a good look around, his protective instincts still on overdrive. It was small but cozy, with a living room, kitchenette, bedroom and full bathroom, decorated in country accents. There was even wood in the fireplace just waiting to be lit.

Turning to her husband, Monica wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up into his face, "Alex pulled me aside before we left and told me it was here. It belongs to them and they keep everything fully stocked in the event they ever need to use it," She stood up on tiptoe and kissed his lips softly, "Right now, it belongs to us. I wanted to spend a little one on one time with you…if that’s all right."

His eyes softened as he laid his hands against her cold face, "All right? Sweetheart, I can think of nothing I’d rather do than to be with you."

"Will you start a fire?" She asked hopefully, feeling the chill setting in with her body.

Kissing her forehead, he immediately moved to the box of matches on the wooden mantle and lit the paper that had already been stuffed in amongst the logs. A moment later and the flame had taken hold of the newspaper and would soon be igniting the wood as well. Grinning, he turned back to her expectedly, "Now what?" He was not about to assume anything, "Your wish is my command."

Her dark eyes sparkled and she appeared thoughtful for a moment, "Will you check and see if there is anything to drink."

"Of course," Andrew replied as he turned to walk to the little kitchen area, finding a thermostat on the way and turning it up to warm up the cabin. He then opened the fridge, nearly chuckling at some of the things that were on the shelf. Champagne, whipped cream, even strawberries, "In case they need it, my ass," He muttered to himself with a small laugh. This cabin had been used, and recently, and he was sure it had nothing to do Paul and Alex needing a nap after a long ride.

Knowing Monica’s dislike for alcohol, he rummaged through and found some orange juice and then a few champagne glasses. As an afterthought, he added a little bubbly to the juice, thinking it would not be very strong and there was the chance that Monica would enjoy it more that way. Turning around, he didn’t see her, but he heard water running in the bathroom. She had left the door open, so he approached and a sweet smile crossed his face at the sight of her lighting candles around the garden tub. She had already shed her clothing, and he was already fighting an erection at the sight of her.

Sensing his gaze, Monica turned around and approached him, lips twitching into a grin at the way he was looking at her so hungrily, "Is my wish still your command?"

"Always, angel," He replied huskily, handing her a glass before kissing her.

"Then will you warm up in the bath with me?" She murmured against his lips.

"Then what, baby?"

"Then will you love me?" The words were whispered, her mouth brushing against his and he nearly groaned at the simple but so meaningful words.

"I’ll always love you, my little angel, any way you want me to," He met her lips once more and her lips parted to grant him access, the kiss leaving her breathless.

"You’re the one overdressed this time," Monica pointed out with a giggle, but when he started to unbutton his shirt, she stopped him, "Allow me." She took the task from him, slowly unbuttoning the deep green heavy shirt he was wearing, her lips brushing over each inch of his chest as it was exposed. When she undid the last button, she pushed the shirt back over his shoulders, her palms running over them as the shirt fell to the floor. Kissing her way down his chest once more, her nimble fingers moved to unbutton his jeans, pulling them slowly down his hips, along with his boxers to the floor. He had already done away with his boots and socks and now stepped out of the rest of his clothing. His entire body was already on fire, despite the fact that the heat in the cabin was taking its time in warming up.

"You’re shivering, angel," He noticed, coming to his senses briefly. He took her glass from her and set them both on the side of the tub, "Let’s get you warmed up," As he helped her step into the bath, his lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, "And then I’ll set you on fire."

A pleasant shiver went up her spine at his words and his warm breath against her ear as they sank into the bubble filled tub together. They took their time, Monica relaxing in his arms as the hot water warmed her before she turned around to face him, legs tangled around each other as she laid bubbles against his face, giggling at the image of him with a white beard. Every laugh and every sparkle in her eyes went straight to Andrew’s heart and it wasn’t long before his questing mouth had covered hers once more. They kissed and teased, his hands cupping and stroking her breasts, brushing over the sensitive nipples until the water had begun to cool and when Monica reached beneath the water to stroke him gently, he knew it was time to move onto other things.

"What do you say we move this into the other room, baby?" He whispered, his mouth tracing along her jaw and down her ivory throat.

"I was thinking the same thing," Monica agreed as he stood up and extended his hand to her. She took it, still slippery from the bubbles, but warm and strong as she followed him from the tub. Andrew stopped her from grabbing a towel and he took it instead, taking his time with thoroughly drying her body. He was already aching for her and was surprised when she gave him a tiny shove towards the door, "Go on in. I’ll be right there."

He raised his eyebrows curiously, but did as she asked, unable to resist one more kiss. The cabin had warmed up significantly as he walked to the bedroom and turned down the comforter, occupying himself as he waited for her and wondering what she was up to. He didn’t have to wait long. His wife appeared in the doorway, clad in a thin white nightgown that was unlike anything he had ever seen her wear to bed before and his breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. The material was very thin, and he could see every curve and the outline of her full breasts and he was sure his mouth was hanging open, though he had not taken the time to think about it.

Monica’s expression was slightly uncertain, "Alex insisted we go shopping before our flight," She explained, "I wasn’t sure, but she said-."

He didn’t give her time to finish. He had crossed the room and had taken her into his arms, his mouth devouring her hungrily until they were both gasping for breath, "You look beautiful, but please be warned that anytime you are wearing this, I will be unable to keep my hands off of you."

She laughed softly, completely reassured and gave a small squeak of surprise when he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed, carefully lying her down. He stood above her, his eyes feasting on the incredible creature who was his wife, before he joined and they picked up where they had left off. Their tongues dueled hungrily as Andrew’s hands stroked her body, causing soft moans and little sighs to come from her between kisses. Though he loved the nightie, it wasn’t long before it had been discarded and she was bare once more beneath him, her hands massaging his shoulders as she urged him on desperately.

Kissing down to her breasts, he lapped and nibbled at her nipples, causing small cries of delight and passion to fill the room. Her fingers were intertwined in his hair, pressing him closer, her need to be joined with him growing steadily. When his hand reached down to stroke her most treasured place, Monica’s hips moved to meet his exploring fingers and he smiled against her breast, stroking her slowly, building up her fire. The dampness there had nothing to do with the bath and he was already hard against her thigh. Monica could feel it as well and she let out a soft whimper of need as she reached down and grabbed him, guiding him to her entrance.

"Please, Andrew…Please…I need you now…"

Kissing back up her body, he met her lips once more as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "I need you every moment of every day, angel," He whispered hoarsely, "I love you, all of you. From everything I can see and feel all the way down to those things you keep in your heart. I will always love you…" On the last word, he thrust into her heat and his wife’s cry of passion filled the room. He stroked her slowly, letting her need for release build, before increasing his thrusts, nearly sending her to the edge and then slowing back down once more. She met each stroke with her hips, grinding herself against him, desperate now, soft pleas and words of love a constant flow from her lips.

Knowing he had teased her enough, and also knowing he would not be able to hold back much longer himself, Andrew picked up the pace once more, thrusting hard and strongly into her, feeling the way they fit together, loving the way they always moved together, whether it be in love making or in the world and he felt moisture in his eyes. A moment later, and with his name a cry on her tongue, she climaxed against him, her breaths coming short as shudders overcame her body. As she tightened against him, he was completed with a shout and only his elbows held him up from falling on top of her from the intensity of it.

Still embedded within her warmth, able to still feel the spasms of her orgasm against him, Andrew reached up and touched her face, the gesture holding such love and tenderness that she opened her eyes, "You’re everything to me," He whispered and the tears glistening in his eyes went straight to her heart as she held him close.

"I love you," Monica uttered, kissing his cheek, her hands running over his back, "I want to always belong to you."

"You will, angel. Everyday for the rest of eternity."

*****

Paul was nearly finished with the fire, and he poked at the crackling newspaper as the flames caught and flickered around the dry wood. He sat back on his heels and looked over his shoulder, expecting to see Alex curled up on the sofa. Instead she was just walking into the room, the comforter from their bed almost tripping her as she carried it in. Chuckling lightly he moved to help her and spread it out on the floor.

"You know," he said with a grin, "I would have been happy just to snuggle."

She stared up at him for a moment and raised one eyebrow. "Snuggle my ass! I’m surprised you took the time to light the fire!"

Paul’s eyes narrowed but an instant later he had picked her up in his arms and was lying her down on the comforter. "Well this isn’t exactly how I had imagined this, but I’m willing to improvise," he whispered into her ear.

"Improvise?" A shiver ran up her spine at the tone of his voice.

"Yes… I seem to recall that you owe me a little something from last night."

Alex smirked up at him and let her hands trail down his chest to his waist. "Oh, I do, do I?" she said as she unbuttoned his pants.

"Why yes you do, but that’s not what I had in mind." He gently pulled her hands away and leaned down to kiss her deeply.

The sensations he managed do draw from her with merely a kiss had her shifting pleasantly beneath him even as he pulled her sweater up and off, and unsnapped the clasp of her bra. Her jeans were the next to go, followed immediately by her panties, and when she lay naked before him he leaned back and gazed down at her, feeling his own breath quicken at the sight.

Lying there, looking up at him crouched down next to her, still fully clothed, Alex couldn’t help but feel that there was something slightly perverse and yet undeniably erotic about the scene, and particularly about the way he was raking his eyes up and down her body. "Someone still looks awfully overdressed," she said as she reached for him."

"No, I don’t think so," he said with a sly smile. "I think I’m a whole lot safer with my clothes on. I need to keep my wits about me."

"No you don’t," she purred. "Really… I prefer you witless…" she reached for him again, but he caught her hand in his and chuckled.

"I know you do!" He kissed the palm of her hand and then reached for the other and did the same to it. "Now these little beauties are what got you in trouble last night but I think I have something that will keep them busy."

Alex looked like she had a few ideas about that as well, but her expression turned to surprise as he gently placed them over her own breasts. "Paul?"

"Go ahead," his breath was hot against her ear. "Don’t tell me you’ve never touched them before." His tongue traced along her earlobe and she let out a long moan before doing what he asked.

Her reward was another breathtaking kiss, and by the time he let her come up for air she was expertly kneading the soft mounds and toying with the already erect tips.

"Looks like you’re quite good at that," he said as he pulled back long enough to watch her for a moment.

"It helps to be intimately familiar with the equipment," she murmured. Her legs were already beginning to move restlessly against the comforter and as a jolt of feeling shot from her nipple to her throbbing center she let out another, higher moan.

Paul’s hand slid down her side, loving the soft feel of her skin as he skimmed along her waist and over her hip. Her legs fell open and she was urging him on with her words as well, but he took his time, stroking down her thighs, tickling at the back of her knees, and kissing the little silky smooth dimples just below her hips.

"Please… Please… Paul… touch me…" she whispered over and over as his fingers moved closer to their goal.

When he finally stroked his fingers up and down the length of her she let out a keening sigh and immediately arched to meet his hand. Her own were still desperately working at her breasts, and Paul’s eyes widened as he saw that she was pinching her nipples and squeezing much harder than he would ever dare. He eased his way up her body, still keeping one hand between her legs, moving through her wet folds, and delving into her core just enough to make her beg for more. He kissed her deeply and then left a series of open mouthed kisses down her neck, along her collarbone and down to her breasts. Her hands stopped their frantic motion as he kissed and licked his way from one breast to the next, gently lapping at the already reddened tips, soothing and enflaming them at the same time. Her breathing was just beginning to even out as he kissed the center of her breastbone and then thrust two fingers straight into her pulsing center. She bit back a scream and he caught her eye and motioned to her hands.

"As you were," he said with a lusty grin, waiting until she was back to driving herself mad before moving down to position his mouth above her gyrating hips.

With incredible gentleness he placed his forearm across her lower abdomen, pinning her in place. His name was already pouring from her lips and when he fastened his mouth around her she simply increased the volume of her cries. He was driving her higher and higher, relentlessly, but each time she was sure he was going to push her over the edge he backed off, just enough to keep her hanging there. It was a sweet torment as he drank her in, running his tongue along her folds, plunging deeply into her only to drag himself back to her sensitive button each time, flicking it rapidly sometimes, and lazily feasting on it others. She was certain that if she didn’t go insane her heart would surely give out if he didn’t allow her to fall. He could sense the tension that ran through her body, and he pressed his fingers into her again, this time adding a third, just enough to pleasantly stretch her silken walls. When she felt this new intrusion she was sure that this was the time, and her body surged forward, rushing towards completion. With his tongue pressed against her and his fingers gently stroking her from the inside he felt her upcoming climax and smiled, then quickly pulled his hand away and sat up, leaving her gasping and throbbing, just an instant shy of satisfaction.

"Paul! Paul, what… Paul, please!" Alex eyes snapped open and fastened onto his.

"Remember, baby, all of our little actions have consequences. This is the consequence for last night," he grinned as he watched her fingers tighten around her breasts and her hips still moving against nothing, desperate for contact.

"Paul…" her voice was more like a sigh and he leaned over and kissed her before slowly beginning to undress. She closed her eyes for a second, feeling the unbelievable arousal that was thrumming through her body. If this was the consequence, she was going to have to remember to repeat that little action.

The man who at times had been so eager to make love to her that he had literally ripped his clothes off, now spent an inordinate amount of time unbuttoning each button and lazily removing his shirt. He smiled at her when one of her hands began to snake lower to give herself relief and then met her gaze.

"Uh,uh,uh… I don’t remember telling you to move those," he said, indicating her hands, and she moaned and went back to teasing her nipples as he slid one finger through her slick folds, making her jump. "Yep, still ready," he chuckled.

"Oh, I’m way more than ready," she replied throatily, and something about the tone of her voice and the look in her eye, or maybe it was the way she spread her legs slightly wider and held her breasts up in offering, but suddenly his erection, which was already present, grew to painful proportions.

He tried to be casual as he unbuttoned his jeans and slid them down, along with his boxers, but when he sprang free, long and hard, Alex couldn’t keep the smug grin off her face. Yes, he was quickly approaching not just ready, but needy. He moved between her legs and quickly wiped the grin off her face as he captured her lips in his and slid the length of himself up and down her dripping center.

"Paul… please… I need to touch you… please?" she gasped out as he left her mouth and trailed kisses down her jaw.

He raised himself up and looked at her with complete love and adoration, then picked up one of her hands, kissed it and placed it over his heart. "Whatever you want, baby. I think you know this has all been for you."

She nodded shortly as she quickly placed her other hand on his chest as well, a quick tear coming to her eye at the love she could practically feel radiating from him. And then most of her senses were stolen again as he plunged into her fully, dragging a cry from her lips as she kneaded his shoulders and thrust up against him. She had been kept on the razor’s edge for so long that it hardly seemed fair to tease her any more, and yet he did, bringing her as high as he could and then slowing his pace. Her hands roamed over his chest, tweaking at his flat nipples, and feeling each hardened muscle as she pleaded with him to finish her off.

It wasn’t her words, so much as the way she quickly tightened her lower muscles around him, which made his decision for him. A guttural moan sprang from between his lips and he moved within her harder and faster, pushing them both towards the inevitable. The words of encouragement streaming from her mouth had turned to words of love, and as he finally exploded into her, she screamed out her release as his own shout echoed through the room. She continued to pulse and throb around him, seeming to climax again and again as she gasped for air and wrapped her arms around his neck. His face was buried against her shoulder and as she finally began to come down her hands fell away to clutch weakly at the comforter.

Still moving within her to draw out every last sensation, Paul kissed her shoulder and then raised his head. "That… was incredible," he muttered as he kissed her cheek and then each closed eyelid. She made no move to answer and his half closed eyes widened. "Babe? Alex?" Her eyes remained stubbornly shut although a beatific smile graced her features. She was unconscious and Paul was instantly kneeling astride her, patting her cheeks, and calling her name. "Alex! Wake up, Alex… this isn’t funny!" His heart was racing again, but this time not pleasantly, and he was just about to run and call ‘911’ when her eyes lazily slid open.

"Mmmmm…. Paul…" her smile broadened and she let out a little squeak as he gathered her into his arms and hugged her tight.

"Thank God! Thank GOD!" he exclaimed roughly.

She looked up into his face and her expression changed. "What? What is it?"

"Alex, you passed out," he told her as his heart finally began to calm.

Given that she was still feeling a pleasant throb deep in her core, she was a bit surprised, but then again, that would explain the flash of light as the third… or was it the fourth? climax hit.

"Ooohh… well it was incredible," she purred. "When can we do it again?" She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his chest.

Paul rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. "Let’s wait until my heart dislodges from my throat and then we’ll talk about it."

"Sounds good… I’ve got all weekend."