Wind and Rain the Beginning

Title: Truth & Consequences

Series: Wind & Rain - part IX

Pairing: Ezra/OFC Universe: ATF

Archive: http://het_oasis.tripod.com/hot4het.html (adult pages)

Summary: no summary this time

Open fandom: Yes (Please ask if you wish to play.)

Rating: R

Disclaimer: The M7 characters are owned by Trilogy, MGM and Mirisch, No copyright infringement was intended. For sheer entertainment

Dedications: LV thank you so much for giving these stories a home and creating such a wonderful background. TJ you ROCK! Thank you so much for going over this with a fine-toothed comb. Thank you for your continued support in my efforts to create and write.

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TRUTH & CONSEQUENCES

Adrian took a deep breath and opened the doors to Team 7’s office. She had been dreading coming in here all morning. Knowing that she had reacted badly to finding out about being manipulated, she was trying to figure out how to apologize for her behavior.

Standing in the doorway, she looked around the office. Five of the seven were present, though Adrian surmised that Larabee was in because his door was closed and the blinds drawn. She had left the team’s seventh fast asleep at the condo.

Feeling someone watching him, Vin looked up to see Adrian standing in the front of their door. He smiled and stood to greet her. Approaching cautiously, he waited to see how the brunette would react to his presence.

"Morning, Vin," Adrian smiled as she took in his tentative approach, "did you have a good weekend?"

"Truthfully? No. Spent most of it worrying about you and Ez," was Tanner’s quiet reply. He had reached out a hand to touch her forearm where a bruise lay hidden under her jacket.

Adrian shook her head at the sharpshooter and gently removed her arm from his touch. Instead, she drew the man into a gentle embrace and whispered in his ear, "I’m fine, Vin. Ezra’s fine. We’re both fine." She released the blushing tracker and chuckled at his embarrassment.

Josiah, witnessing Vin’s reaction came to his rescue by joining them. "How are you, my girl?" the big profiler engulfed the woman in a gentle bear hug. He was thrilled when she embraced him back.

Adrian looked at the ex preacher and patted him on the chest. "As I told Vin, I’m fine. I have to go to Admin soon and get all the paperwork squared away. Oh! Before I forget, would you have lunch with me? I have to ask you something?"

"I would love to," Josiah quickly agreed, curious as to what she could possible want to ask him. He wanted to get to know Ezra’s lady better, and was pleased when Adrian seemed to want that as well.

"Good, one o’clock all right with you?" Delaney asked and smiled when Josiah nodded in return. She then turned towards Wilmington. "I’ve returned your truck, Buck. I left it in the parkade, next to the Jag. Ezra and I made sure that the ignition wasn’t harmed and the garage re-keyed it. Here are the new keys."

Buck had spent the weekend being angry one moment, and chuckling at the audacity of Standish and Delaney for taking his truck the next. By Monday he had come to the conclusion that the ‘loss’ of his truck was only just payback, and that he wouldn’t hold it against the lovers. "Have I paid for my sins?" he asked with a grin.

"I wouldn’t push your luck," Adrian answered, smiling, but her eyes were still hard. "It will take some time."

The brunette turned from Wilmington and faced Dunne next. He still had that puppy dog look on his face. She couldn’t help herself and reached out and ruffled his hair. "It will take some time, JD, but I don’t despise you."

Dunne nodded, " as long as you don’t hate us, I can take what’s coming to me."

Adrian couldn’t help but laugh at that statement. He was closer than he knew. Thoughts of revenge were already swirling through her mind. It was only a matter of time when the perfect opportunity would arise.

Adrian headed towards Larabee’s office and was about to knock when Kate walked into the bullpen. Adrian wasn’t sure she was ready to talk to the blonde assistant. Ezra had told her about the competent woman and spoke with some affection. He liked the ex army sergeant and admired the way she handled his boss’ moods. She ran the office with military efficiency.

Inwardly sighing, Adrian changed her direction and walked towards Kate. She waited patiently for Chris’ assistant to get herself situated and for the petit woman to acknowledge the Canadian’s presence. Finally, Lansky looked up at Adrian, "what can I do for you this morning, Ms. Delaney?"

Adrian cringed inside at the formality, though she kept her face impassive. "Agent Standish asked that I deliver a copy of his report to Mr. Larabee," she passed the bound report over. "I have another copy for Mr. Travis. If Chris needs any clarification he can call Agent Standish at home."

Kate took the report, "it shouldn’t be necessary. Ezra’s reports are always clear and concise." With that the team leader’s assistant sat down and started to log in to her computer, thus ending the interaction between the two women.

The brunette turned to leave. ‘Damn it! That went well, Delaney!’ She thought. ‘Suck it up and get it over with!’ "Ms. Lansky… Kate? I wanted to apologize for the way I behaved on Friday," Adrian finished and turned towards the door, leaving the assistant to look at the Canadian in astonishment. Her surprise turned to speculation and a small smile soon formed on the blonde’s lips. She had initially thought that Ezra’s girlfriend was still angry with her, considering the ways she stood there this morning. Now the blue-eyed woman realized that maybe Adrian was feeling the same way she was. The brunette may not have been in the Army, but Kate could recognize someone with the same strengths that she had. That the Canadian apologized first, when she really didn’t have to, did a lot to raise her in Lansky’s estimation. Deciding she didn’t want to lose a potential friend, Kate took a chance and called out, "Delaney? Lunch tomorrow?"

The hazel-eyed woman spun about, and with an open smile, replied, "sounds like a plan. One o’clock all right with you?"

The ex sergeant nodded and threw her a salute, causing the brunette to respond with Ezra’s characteristic two fingered gesture in return.

As the door closed behind Adrian, Josiah was hard pressed not to chuckle, "be afraid, brothers, be very afraid."

Startled at the profiler’s comment, JD couldn’t help but ask, "why’d you say that, Josiah?"

The ex preacher just shook his head and refused to say anymore.

Kate had over heard Sanchez’ comment and started laughing. Understanding what he meant, she was hard pressed to disagree. Adrian may look like a lady and act the part but she sensed that there was a wicked side to her that only a few knew of, ‘this is going to be fun’ was the last thought she had before settling down and getting to work.

~~~~

Deciding to walk downstairs to the 3rd floor administration office, Adrian thought about what all occurred this morning. She was back on steady ground with Vin, Buck and JD, had made a truce with Kate, and a lunch date with Josiah. Thinking on what she wanted to discuss with ex preacher dampened her spirits a little but she quickly shrugged it off. It didn’t pay to look for trouble.

Arriving at administration, she walked up to the main reception area and waited to be noticed. A pretty blonde looked up from her desk and sauntered over to Adrian. "Can I help you?"

"My name is Adrian Delaney and I’m to be AD Travis’ new secretary. He mentioned on Friday that I was to meet with Debbie this morning to fill out the requisite paperwork and get my ID and security codes for the computers," the brunette answered, smiling at the woman.

"Well, I’m Debbie and Mr. Travis did contact me this morning saying that you would be by. Why don’t you come in and we’ll get you up and running in no time. I told the AD that you would be finished here around 10:30," with that she ushered Adrian into a small room where a stack of documents waited for her.

"Travis had us start the security search on Friday, which came back clean. You’ll be happy to know that you’re not wanted in any of the 50 States. Interpol has no record of you either. We were surprised to find that you have security clearance with the Canadian government though. How’d you get that?" Debbie asked while Adrian could only stare in bemusement.

The hazel-eyed woman was amused by the Texan accent; it was quite different from Vin’s and suited the tall woman nicely. She wondered how she sounded to the people around her. Did she have a Canadian accent? Was there such a thing in the west? If she were from the East coast then she would have a maritime accent or even a French Canadian one. Bringing her attention back to Debbie, Adrian answered, "I used to work for the Provincial and Federal Government in the Court System. I was a court reporter and thus needed to have security clearance for some of the trials I sat in on."

Debbie responded with a ‘cool’ and soon she left her alone to fill out the paperwork.

Adrian completed the forms quickly and efficiently and was finished in no time. She stretched to ease the muscles in her shoulders and left the small office in search of the blonde Texan.

"Here you go. I’ve answered everything but the permanent address. Once I know where I’m living I’ll let you know," the Canadian commented, handing the forms to Debbie.

The blue-eyed woman didn’t say anything but was surprised to hear that the AD’s new assistant didn’t have a permanent address. From what Buck had told her last night, she was sure that Adrian would be living with Agent Standish. Wanting to ask, but thinking better of it, Debbie restrained herself. She would wait; confident that Wilmington would tell her what he knew, later. "That’s fine, Ms. Delaney. When you get settled just let me know."

The Canadian smiled at the blonde, she could tell that the Texan was curious and was grateful that the administrator hadn’t questioned her. "I appreciate that, Debbie. Oh, and call me Adrian."

The blonde nodded pleased, "You bet, now about those computers…"

It took the two women another 20 minutes to go over the system, and once satisfied that Mr. Travis’ new assistant knew what she was doing, the administrator released her to go upstairs and get to work.

~~~~

Adrian quickly got herself organized and settled into a routine. Before she knew it, 1:00 p.m. had rolled around and she activated the answering machine so that she could go for lunch. Running down the stairs, she headed to Team 7’s office to meet Josiah.

Upon entering the bullpen, she found the profiler waiting for her, "ready to go?" Sanchez asked, grabbing his coat.

"Yes, I’m starving," was the brunette’s response.

As the two made their way to the elevator, the profiler asked, "where would you like to go for lunch?"

"Anyplace where I can get a salad and maybe a cup of soup," the Canadian replied.

Josiah offered his arm to the brunette and the two headed out the door. The ex preacher directed them towards a small diner that was only about a block away from the office. The little eatery was warm and cozy and guaranteed privacy.

Once settled in a corner booth and after placing their orders, Josiah got down to voicing his concern. "Is everything all right?"

Adrian looked down at the table and contemplated what to say next. Finally, gathering enough courage, she opened her mouth to speak, "I want to come and live with you," she blurted out.

Stunned would be an understatement as the profiler tried to wrap his mind around what he was just told. Josiah looked at the mortified woman, "what did you just say?"

"So much for tact," Adrian sighed. "I was hoping that I could rent your basement suite."

"Why? What's going on with you and Ezra?" Josiah asked concerned. "Adrian, look at me. Talk to me," the ex preacher asked. He reached over and gently clasped her hands. "I can't help you if I don't know what's going on."

Looking at the big man, Adrian nodded, "this probably won’t make any sense but I need to move out of Ezra's for a bit. It's too soon for me to live with him. I've just arrived in Denver, got a new job, everything. I don’t want to be dependent on him. It's not right. This isn't making any sense, is it?" she shrugged her shoulders in frustration.

At that moment, the waitress appeared with their food, and both diner's took a welcomed opportunity to gather their thoughts, eating a little before continuing their conversation.

Putting down his fork, Josiah took a breath and turned his attention to the problem at hand, "Okay, let's go through this slowly. Are you happy with Ezra?" the psychologist was coming to the fore. He was determined to help in any way he could.

"Yes. I love him," Adrian's smile was breathtaking, "that's not the problem."

The big man nodded, inwardly please to hear that, "I know that he loves you as well."

"He's told me so, and I believe it," the hazel-eyed woman agreed.

"So, the way I see it, the problem seems to be the fact that you will be living together," the big man looked carefully at his lunch companion, "what’s worrying you?"

"I’ve never been in a relationship with someone that’s meant this much to me," Adrian confessed, "I don’t want to make the mistake of moving too fast. Josiah, I used to work in a law firm that specialized in Family Law. I’ve seen the blunders, I don’t want to live them!"

"Adrian, sweetheart, calm down," Sanchez was concerned that the woman was working herself into a panic.

She nodded and took some deep breaths. "Then there’s Ezra. His last serious relationship ended so badly that I shudder to think about it. If Li Pong ever comes to Denver I’m in big trouble. You better know the name of a good criminal lawyer," Adrian’s eyes hardened as she remembered the conversations she and Ezra had concerning his former love. As the problems and accusations increased in Atlanta, the Chinese woman ripped him apart when she believed the rumors and wouldn’t stand by the man she was supposed to have loved.

Josiah held the same opinions as Adrian did, but didn’t voice them. Delaney was a staunch defender of Ezra and didn’t need any more ammunition at the moment.

"I just don’t think that either of us are ready to live together yet. We’ve known each other for three months, but we’ve only spent, maybe two weeks together, tops." Adrian was on a roll and Josiah thought it would be best if he jumped in and tried to reason with the brunette who was fast stealing into his heart. Looking at her, he realized that, had Hannah had a chance at a normal childhood, she would be much like the woman before him. This only strengthened his resolve. He may not be able to help his sister, but he would try his damnedest to help Adrian. "Yes, but Ezra told me that you had emailed and instant messengered each other, daily."

"You’re right, but it’s not the same. We know each other but, well… I’m not ready. I need to get my feet under me. I’m in a new town, new job. My life isn’t the same. I want to make sure that I won’t be completely reliant on Ezra. Damn it! Am I making any sense, or am I just hysterical?" Adrian finished and slumped down in her chair. She picked at her salad, not really feeling that hungry anymore, she pushed it away.

"How long have you been thinking about this?" the profiler asked. Reaching over, he placed the salad back in front of his lunch companion, giving a look that said ‘eat’.

"For a while… most of the weekend actually," came the reluctant answer as she picked up her fork again in acknowledgement of his unspoken request.

"Was it the events of Friday that started your doubts?" Josiah delicately asked, taking a moment to eat some of his meal. Once again he cursed the events that left the two lovers angry and upset.

"NO! Honestly, that has nothing to do with my decision. I’m not afraid of Ezra." came the adamant response, "I can’t explain it any better. I just know that if we rush this and move in together, we won't last the year," the hazel-eyed woman was convinced of this. "Ezra and I have the chance at a forever relationship, I just want to ensure that it’s going to occur."

"And moving in with me, of all people, will bring this about?" Josiah asked, he was skeptical, but curious, as to her reasoning behind asking to live with him.

"If I don’t lease an apartment then the only other option is to rent your basement suite," Adrian explained

"But, why me? Why not ask one of the others?" Josiah was still confused. Delaney’s answer didn’t explain anything.

Adrian looked at the man before her and for the first time since sitting down, she smiled. "Josiah, we trust you. Ezra will never admit it but he trusts you and considers you a good friend. Like the father he never really had while growing up. And as for me? I have good instincts and they tell me that I can trust you as well. You remind me of my favorite uncle. I know that I can tell you anything and you will listen with an open mind."

Sanchez was stunned for the second time today. He couldn’t believe the incredible gift that he had just received. He sat there with a large grin on his face.

Adrian couldn’t take it. She started giggling and couldn’t stop. The expression on the ex preacher’s face was priceless. It took a bit but finally she regained control and asked again, "So, can I move in with you?"

Josiah sobered as well, "of course you can. When are you going to tell Ezra?"

"Tonight, I can’t let this molder or I’ll chicken out,’ was the equally serious reply.

Glancing at his watch the profiler indicated that it was time to go, "come on, we don’t want you late on your first day."

With that they headed back to the federal building. Each one wrapped up in their own thoughts.

~~~~

Adrian settled back in to work and was grateful for the distraction it afforded. She felt tightly strung and wasn’t looking forward to talking to Ezra tonight.

Around 3:30 p.m. AD Travis came out of his office and stopped at Adrian’s desk. "Ms. Delaney, how are you making out? Any problems?"

"Everything is fine so far, sir. I was hoping that you could call me Adrian? Ms. Delaney is my mother," the brunette smiled at her boss, trusting that he would agree to the informality, " I keep expecting her to sneak up behind me."

Orin chuckled thinking that he was extremely lucky to have ‘found’ his new secretary, "alright, Adrian it is. I’ve read the transcript of my meeting with Agent Standish, I was pleased."

Adrian blushed with the praise, "well, that’s what you pay me for," she replied, trying to brush off the complement.

Travis was about to comment when an older woman walked through the door. His attention was immediately and completely redirected. "Evie, my dear, what a lovely surprise."

The woman smiled, "I don’t know why you're surprised, Orin, I told you I had a meeting with the charity committee today." Evelyn Travis walked up to her husband and kissed his cheek.

Adrian watched the interaction between her boss and his wife. Secretly, she hoped that she and Ezra could be like that in the future, secure and comfortable with each other.

"Orin, aren’t you forgetting something?" Mrs. Travis asked.

The AD looked at his wife confused. He didn’t think he had forgotten anything. Before he could ask, Evie spoke again.

"Aren’t you going to introduce me to your new assistant?" she playfully slapped her husband on the arm and rolled her eyes at him.

"Oh! I’m sorry, dear. Evie, this is my secretary Adrian Delaney. Adrian, my wife, Evelyn Travis." The AD gallantly made the introductions, bowing to both ladies.

Adrian stood and held out her hand, "pleased to meet you, ma’am."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Orin mentioned that he had finally found a new assistant," Evie told the brunette, noting her firm handshake. She smiled at the young lady, ‘so this is the woman who has captured the enigmatic Southerner’, she approved and wished both of them all the luck in the world. She had always liked Ezra Standish, didn’t always understand the young man, but instinctively liked him. The older woman even thought of him as family, of course all of Team 7 had become family over the years, but the green-eyed man had become something of a favorite to her.

Delaney instantly liked Mrs. Travis. Graceful and sophistication personified; yet underneath down to earth.

Interrupting their musing, Travis turned towards his wife, "what does bring you here, Evie?"

"Well, I was meeting with the Charity Committee," she glanced at Adrian, "and I wanted to know if Miss. Delaney would help organize this years benefit?" she said, gauging the reaction she saw.

"I’m flattered, Mrs. Travis, but… why me?" the Canadian looked a little startled. "You understand that I don’t know anyone in Denver?"

"This will be a great way to meet people. Not to mention the fact that you won’t be affected by the pettiness that can occur while organizing the event, since you are as new to the city as you are to the people on the committee," was the calm reply.

Adrian considered the request as she excused herself to answer the phone and sign for a delivery. Besides being a great opportunity to meet people; the brunette couldn’t resist the thought of helping a charitable organization. Turning to the couple quietly talking beside her desk, Delaney came to a decision; "I’ll join up under one condition."

"And that would be?" Evie asked.

"That you call me Adrian," the brunette replied, smiling at the older woman.

"I can handle that as long as you call me Evie," Mrs. Travis laughed. Glancing at her husband, she gave him the look that meant she approved of something, or in this case, someone.

Travis returned 'the look' with one of his own that said ‘I’m glad you approve, but I would have kept her anyway’.

Evie chuckled again and thought that sometimes he acted like a foolish child, though she would never tell him that.

Seeing Orin walk his wife to the door, Adrian settled in to do some paperwork.

The rest of the day sped by and soon the tired assistant was on the bus heading towards Ezra’s. The brunette was strung tight and dreaded the upcoming confrontation. Slowly walking to the entrance, she wanted nothing more than to turn, and run away.

With a hand raised to knock, the door opened and Delaney was enveloped in a pair of warm, strong arms. It was all she could not to break down and cry.

"How was your first day at work?" Ezra asked, helping his lover with her coat.

Trying to regain her composure, Adrian answered slowly, mesmerized by the southerner's distracting body. "It was fine. I was busy learning the system. Oh, and I met Mrs. Travis today, as well. She asked me to join the charity committee that's organizing a ball for the local hospital."

"Are you going to accept?" Standish asked, ushering his love into the living room. "Why don’t you get changed into something more comfortable, while I see to our evening meal."

Adrian could only nod; she was quite overwhelmed. Once in the bedroom, she couldn’t help but smile. Ezra had laid out her favorite pair of jeans and a fisherman’s sweater that she knitted last year. The soft wool never failed to comfort and relax her. It didn’t hurt that the soft cream color highlighted her brown hair and made her hazel eyes stand out… always a good thing.

"Do I have time for a quick shower before dinner?" she called out.

"The evening repast will not be ready for another hour, if that’s alright with you?" came the reply from the kitchen.

"Perfect! I’ll be really quick." Wanting to put off the talk for as long as possible, the Canadian stripped down to her underwear, walked into the en suite, and started the shower.

Since making her decision, she had felt nothing but cold and she quickly slipped off her panties and stepped into the shower stall. Standing under the hot stream, she finally felt some of the ice melt. Adrian started to reach for the soap when a hand got to it first. Startled, the naked woman spun around only to be confronted by an equally nude vision. "What are you doing?"

"Ah believe Ah’m taking a shower with you," his gold canine glinted in the light as the Southerner slowly and languidly soaped up his chest.

Involuntarily, Adrian’s eyes followed the path of her lover’s hands as they roamed his torso and shoulders then lowered to thoroughly cleanse his private parts. Swallowing hard, she came to the realization that she was in trouble. She shouldn’t let this go on.

Ezra smiled inside and continued to wash his body. He hadn’t made any move to touch his lover but he carefully gauged her reaction to his presence and the way he was touching himself. ‘I’ve got her’ he thought. Of course, he couldn’t help but wish that it were her hands touching him.

"Why the shower?" she asked, trying to put some distance between them. Her ability to keep her hands off of the sudsy chest was becoming increasingly difficult. "You want to make love in the shower?" Adrian knew it was a stupid question the moment she opened her mouth.

He took a step towards the hazel-eyed woman, effectively pinning her to the shower wall, yet, still leaving space between them, "In the shower, the kitchen, the dining room, the Jag, the stairwell at the Federal Building, the elevator, my office, Larabee’s office, even Travis’ office. Everywhere, anywhere," he breathed, ending his list with a wicked grin. He was so turned on watching the effect of his words on the woman who'd captured his heart.

Adrian was trying to think and reason. Both tasks becoming more and more difficult as her lover’s damp scent enveloped her. The play of water running down his chest and shoulders weakened what resolve she had. Involuntarily, the brunette’s hand moved to stroke him.

Ezra clasped her hand before she was able to connect, "Ah ah ahh, I’m all clean and you’re not. No touching until you’re thoroughly washed."

Delaney growled low in her throat and made a move to wrestle the soap from her tormentor.

"Sorry, but I’m not sure you’re able to do the job properly in your present frame of mind. You seem to be a tad impatient. Ah’ll have to ensure that the task is accomplished adequately." The Southerner brought the soap up and started to lather first one arm and then the other, slowly moving to the shoulders. Adrian started to vibrate as the hands she loved, washed and caressed her. She tried to arch into his touch so that her torso would finally come into contact with his.

Ezra simply turned her around and started to wash the frustrated woman’s back. Long languid strokes soon had her quivering and breathing heavily. Sliding one arm around Adrian's ribcage, he pulled her against him, the hand moving to explore her breasts while his other limb held her tightly about the waist.

He efficiently maneuvered her until she was leaning against his body with her head resting on his shoulder. The Southerner placed kisses and tiny nips on her neck and shoulder causing Adrian to mewl and shudder. Once convinced that she wasn’t going to fall, he continued to stroke and fondle her breasts with his left hand while his right went on an exploration mission. Ezra’s fingers ran from her waist to her ribs noting the silky texture of his love’s skin.

He whispered Gaelic endearments in Adrian’s ear and watched as she flushed from both his words and touches. His right palm moved again until he was rubbing gentle circles on the brunette’s stomach, teasing her belly button, causing her to wiggle against him. He gasped as her behind came in contact with his erection and he had to concentrate on giving pleasure as opposed to receiving it.

This was about bringing Adrian as much ecstasy as possible, before he was able to attain heaven. With that in mind, he lowered his right hand, cupped her mound, and just held her as she started panting. With exquisite patience, Ezra inserted a finger between her folds and smiled as he felt the evidence of her arousal. Another finger joined the first and began to stroke the velvet walls, his thumb finding the little nub that would ensure his love’s gratification. A gentle, yet insistent rhythm began as the Southerner continued his manipulation of his nymph’s breasts. Tweaking first one nipple, and then the other, all the while keeping steady movement against the pearl nestled between her legs.

Adrian was on fire. All thought was gone and the only thing registering in her brain was the exquisite torture being perpetrated on her person. The combination of the hot water, and Ezra’s ministrations were sending her senses soaring. She could only lean helpless in his arms, as he created the most amazing sensations on her body. She was close to attaining the release she desperately needed, all the stress and tension of her day would soon be no more…

Ezra sensed her condition, the moisture and heat between her legs was intoxicating. She was ready for him and he hoped that they would attain their completion at the same time. He was about to lean her forward again so that he could finally enter her depths when he felt the water start to change. If they stayed much longer the shower would be frigid and ruin everything that he had accomplished.

Standish made sure that Adrian’s feet were securely planted and moved away from her, Adrian whimpering at the loss. Quickly turning off the water, Ezra gathered her in his arms again, whispering that everything was alright. He opened the shower door and grabbed the fluffy towels he had draped over the claw foot tub. He made short work of drying them off, making sure that the towel continued to stimulate his lover, keeping her aroused and off balance.

He picked her up, thankful that his shoulder didn’t give him any problems and, while kissing her deeply, carried Adrian into the bedroom. Gently, he laid her down on the bed and arranged himself on top of her. Seeing that some of the fire had dimmed from her incredible hazel-eyes, he began his sensual assault all over again. He started slowly, wanting to bring her to the peak before joining them together in order to plummet over the precipice.

Adrian had been startled when all of a sudden Ezra had stopped his sweet torture. Some form of higher thought registered that the water was getting colder and she calmed down. She allowed her man to quickly dry them off and she gasped when he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. A little voice in the back of her mind telling her that she was mated to a caveman. She agreed with the voice, and reveled in the raw power that he exhibited. As Ezra recommenced his actions, the brunette again started to writhe under his hands. Her lover's hand seemed to be everywhere all at once, trailing fire in their wake. Now! Now! Now! She thought to herself, not realizing she actually spoke the words aloud.

Now! Now! Now! Three of the sweetest words the Southerner had ever heard. He positioned himself self between Adrian’s legs and slowly entered her, reveling in the warmth, the tightness, the feeling of coming home. Once completely sheathed he gathered his lady in his arms and started to move.

With her legs wrapped around his back, Delaney's hands were free to roam and caress the southerner's body. Tracing the curve of his spine, Adrian wove taut fingers into soft curls, unconsciously massaging the scalp and causing him to moan. She reacted in kind, tugging at the sandy locks, drawing supple lips to hers, and sealing their passion as Ezra's motions increased. She had no clue how, but Standish was sending his lady on an exquisite journey, soaring her to great heights in a haze of lust, ecstasy and love.

With eyes wide open, Ezra watched intently as he moved, gradually harder and faster, until he was completely lost in her depths. A familiar tingling signaled his approaching release and, wanting to ensure that they reached their climax together, he slipped a hand between their bodies, searching out her clit.

Her whole body was on fire now; she could feel the tremors start. They would travel from her toes and shoot on up to her brain indicating that she was about to reach nirvana. She wrapped her legs firmer around him and continued to caress and stroke his back, shoulders and neck. Only this man made her feel this way. That was the last cognizant thought in Adrian’s mind as her orgasm hit. Stars exploded before her eyes, followed by the black haze that inevitably signaled her completion. Her whole body clenched.

Ezra was so close. The combination of his movements, Adrian's touch, and the feel of his loves release allowed his body to follow. He gasped as he felt her body clench around his. His orgasm came hard and fast, his body jerking uncontrollably.

Replete, Ezra collapsed upon Adrian and snuggled in close, still joined. The brunette adjusting until she was comfortable with his weight upon her. Soon sleep beckoned.

~~~

Ezra never really slumbered but lay quietly atop his love, waiting for her to join him in the land of the living. Standish ran through the events of the day: waking up with Adrian tucked safe in his arms; the tedium of catching up on bills and correspondence after being undercover for a couple of weeks; the surprise of his mother calling out of the blue. Of course, Maude wanted the southerner to drop everything and join her in whatever scheme she was hatching, but that was per usual. Finally, he'd spent the rest of the day planning the seduction of his heart and soul. All this and more came rushing back to him.

Ezra grinned. Inwardly, he felt quite smug that his plans had come to fruition, for here the green-eyed man was still on top of his nymph after the most amazing session of loving. Blushing when he realized that, not only was he still on top of Adrian, he was still semi hard and buried deep within her.

Gently, so as not to hurt or disturb her if she was still sleeping, he moved his arms to support himself, and slowly withdrew

The southerner's withdrawal instantly woke the brunette up. Adrian opened her eyes and the torment she was experiencing was readily visible. ‘Oh God! What have I done?’ was a running litany in her mind. How was she supposed to tell Ezra that she was going to move out after making love with the man? Without realizing it, she tightened her hold around him and held the southerner close preventing him from rolling off her.

The southerner looked into his love's eyes and for a split second he thought that there was a flash of anguish reflected in her hazel orbs. Just as quickly, it was gone, leaving him unsure that he really saw it.

"Hi there," Ezra said swooping in for a gentle kiss.

"Hi there, yourself," Adrian breathlessly replied once they separated.

"Ah love you," the green-eyed man never got over the feeling that filled him each time he said those three words. Not only did his heart warm every time he made this declaration; but he loved the reaction that he received in return.

Looking into his eyes, Adrian could not deny the truth of those words. She couldn’t help but melt each time Ezra told her that he loved her. "I love you as well."

Standish was torn between staying in bed and getting up to finish supper. The rumble of Adrian’s stomach made his decision for him. Huffing out a laugh at the blush creeping up Delaney’s face, he again attempted to get out of bed.

"Where are you going?" the brunette asked as she tried to prevent the southerner from leaving.

"Darlin, Ah’m just going to finish our evening repast," came his gentle reply, placing a kiss on his love’s forehead.

Adrian nodded and released her hold. She admired the view as the southerner attired himself once more. The play of muscles under skin was mesmerizing and she again marveled that this man loved her.

Ezra dressed quickly, fully aware of that the hazel-eyed woman was watching his every move. In the past, having someone watch him dress would have caused him much embarrassment. He distinctly remembered his last relationship; Li Pong had seemed to be his perfect match, yet still, he felt nervous disrobing before her. Maybe it was because he never really could read her that well, she was very inscrutable. Unlike Adrian, who he thought he could read fairly well. Thinking back on his last relationship, he realized that he had never truly known love, nor been as comfortable as he was with his nymph.

After Ezra left to see to dinner, Adrian lay there for a while and contemplated what was to happen next. She couldn’t tell him about moving out tonight. There was no way, he looked so happy. She couldn’t do it. The longer she waited the worse it would get. Of that she was certain. "Tomorrow… I’ll tell him tomorrow." The brunette groaned as she left the warm bed to get dressed.

The rest of the evening was uneventful. Dinner was wonderful and the two lovers spent the night in each other’s arms, before the fireplace and later, in bed.

~~~

The next day saw Delaney falling into a satisfactory work routine. The job was shaping up and the new assistant was settling in nicely.

Adrian had resolved that tonight she would talk to Ezra. The brunette wasn’t going to let the situation carry on, nor was she going to allow Standish to distract her, like last evening.

One o’clock arrived quickly and, letting Travis know that she was heading for lunch, Delaney ran down the six flights of stairs to meet Kate.

Upon arriving at Team 7’s office, she found Nathan frustrated and glaring at his phone.

"Hello, Nathan. What’s wrong? What did your poor phone do to you today?" Adrian teased the team medic.

"Nate’s been trying to get some info from New York but keeps getting stonewalled," Buck answered for the medic.

Adrian nodded a hello to Buck, JD and Josiah, the only others in the room. She could tell the three men were enjoying Nathan’s attempts.

"I’ve been trying for two hours now and still nothing!" Jackson fumed.

"Why don’t you let me try?" Kate offered, she had just returned from a meeting and overheard Nathan’s comment.

Buck, choked on his coffee, and once recovered, he looked at Lanksy, "Sorry, Darlin, but to put it bluntly, ole Nate needs someone who could charm the files out of them, not someone who would shoot them the minute they got frustrated."

Kate’s feral grin indicated that Buck would pay for the ‘Darlin’ crack but that, in essence, he was right. The ex Army sergeant hated trying to sweet talk anyone. It wasn’t in her to use such tactics. Blunt and straightforward, that’s what she was and what she would always be.

Adrian smiled at the exchange. "Maybe I could give it a try?" the Canadian volunteered.

Nathan looked at Delaney, "I dunno, you probably won’t get any farther than I did, but if you want to have at it, be my guest."

The brunette nodded and held out her hand, "where’s the number, and what information do you need?"

Nathan grinned at the hazel-eyed woman’s willingness to help and quickly told her what he needed and then handed her the phone number. She thanked the medic and motioned for him to let her sit down. As she dialed the number, she threw a wink at JD, who had pulled his chair closer so that he could hear better. Adrian waited for the phone to ring, smiling to herself, she mentally went through what she was going to say.

By this time, the others had gathered around Nathan’s desk ready to witness Adrian’s triumph or failure. If Ezra had been in the room, no doubt some not-so-subtle bets would have been made.

Just before the phone was answered, the AD Assistant’s demeanor changed. A feral grin of her own formed and she leaned back in the chair looking far too casual. Adrian’s voice lowered an octave as she began to speak. The woman’s normally sultry voice become even more so.

Buck’s jaw dropped and he stared open mouthed at the woman. JD went beet red and he kept shifting in his seat. Josiah tried to keep from laughing at his teammates’ reactions to Adrian’s easy manipulation of her voice. Catching Delaney’s eye, he grinned while she rolled her own and gave him a wicked smile in return.

Kate started chuckling at the spectacle. She couldn't deny the results of Adrian's tactics. "Men were so easy" she mumbled, "one penis and one brain and not enough blood to operate them both at the same time..."

Josiah started choking on his coffee as he overheard Kate. He couldn't deny it.

Adrian spoke to the man on the other end for a few minutes. As she hung up, she smiled at Nathan and told him that the information he sought would be faxed to him momentarily.

Nathan could only shake his head in amazement. He had been beating himself against a bureaucratic wall for hours and in less than five minutes, Adrian had all but got the man on the other end of the line begging to give her the information he had all but pleaded for.

Buck, looking far too serious, even though his blue eyes were twinkling mischievously, stood before Adrian and held out his hand. Adrian, suspicious, but willing to see what the surveillance man had up his sleeve, put her palm in his. He leaned over it and placed a chaste kiss in the back. "I bow before a master."

The brunette only raised an eyebrow, "don’t you mean mistress?" she purred, deliberately lowering her voice even more.

To everyone’s amazement, Wilmington blushed a fierce red and dropped Adrian’s hand like it was on fire.

Kate couldn’t resist teasing the mustached man, "this is a day for the history books. Buck Wilmington flustered by a woman. Come on, Delaney, your job is done. Let’s grab some lunch."

The two women left, leaving the remaining three men to continue teasing the ladies’ man.

~~~

Walking to a small Italian restaurant a few blocks away, the two of them started chatting, trying to gain a feel for the other.

After ordering, they continued to discuss the job and other inconsequential matters. Neither woman was comfortable discussing their pasts and would have been surprised to find that while growing up completely differently they were remarkably similar in their views and outlook to life.

Service was quick and soon lunch was arrived. Adrian watched, amazed at Kate’s single-minded way of ‘attacking’ her meal. Never messy or without manners, the blonde approached her food as if she were on maneuvers. Quick and concise, no wasteful movements. It was the military efficiency that mesmerized the brunette, and she couldn’t help wonder if Lanksy enjoyed the meal at all.

For her part, the lithe blonde was doing some observing of her own. She had been impressed despite herself, at the way Delaney had handled the idiots in New York. Kate wouldn’t have handled the situation in quite the same way but they both ended up with desired result... information acquired.

Wondering how far Kate could push the woman, and how much of a sense of humor she had, Lansky let fly a question guaranteed to either piss Adrian off or make her laugh. "So… how good is Standish in bed?"

Without blinking or even thinking about it, Delaney answered, "very, and how good is Larabee?"

The blonde looked at the brunette and started laughing. "Very!" This caused both women to dissolve into giggles.

As lunch continued both women came to the realization that they were going to be good friends.

~~~

Adrian arrived at Standish’ condo determined to discuss with the green-eyed man her concerns and desire to move out for the time being. The brunette told herself to be strong and not allow herself to be distracted.

Ezra again answered the door before she could knock. "Hello, nymph, how are you?" the southerner asked while enveloping Adrian in an embrace.

Delaney was lost as Standish’ scent surrounded her. When the green-eyed man released her, she noted that he was dressed too formally for relaxing at home.

Ezra had dressed with care. A pair of charcoal wool dress slack adorned his strong legs and fitted snugly over his perfect behind. The midnight black shirt was of the softest silk and molded itself to his broad shoulders. He was elegant, sexy and dangerous. Adrian felt herself respond.

The brunette found it difficult to concentrate before the seductive sight, "Ezra? What are you up to?"

‘Ah thought that we would go out to dinner and maybe dancing afterwards," Standish replied as he gently steered the flustered woman to the bedroom.

"I don’t have anything to wear, besides I have to work tomorrow," Adrian tried to talk reason with the man. She knew she had lost the battle when she walked into the bedroom and found a box on the bed, "what’s this?"

"Ah…this, mah deah, is your ‘anything’ to wear. I hope it’s the right size and color. Ah’ll wait outside while you change."

Before Adrian could say anything, Ezra disappeared. Sighing as her resolve popped like bubbles in the bath, the young woman opened the box, "oh my!" Wrapped in tissue paper was a gorgeous mohair sweater in a soft rust color, underneath it was a black fully lined skirt in cashmere. The simple straight cut would end at her knees when she put it on. Combined, the outfit was casual, elegant and extremely sexy. Not only from a visual standpoint but from a textural one as well. Knowing how much Ezra loved to touch, this outfit would ensure that his hands would be all over her before the night was through. That thought caused a shiver to run down Adrian’s spine.

Efficiently stripping and hanging up her suit, Delaney had a quick shower, making sure to lock the door before hopping into the stall. After drying off, she went to her dresser and found a bra and panty set that matched the sweater as well as a garter and stockings that she hadn’t had the opportunity to wear yet.

Once properly clad in her under things, she moved towards the bed and the waiting clothes. Zipping up the skirt, the hazel-eyed woman marveled at the feel, weight and perfect fit. Slipping the sweater on, the brunette quickly adjusted it and looked in the mirror. The mohair molded itself to her shape, and came to the top of her hips. The neckline scooped down to just show a hint of her cleavage, exposing her smooth neck and pale creamy skin. Adrian smiled at her reflection.

Turning to the closet, the brunette hunted for the appropriate footwear. That posed a problem; she hadn’t packed any heels, at least none suitable for dancing. The only shoe that had the right sort of heel was a pair of knee high black leather boots. ‘They’ll just have to do,’ Adrian thought to herself. Slipping them on, she zipped them up and went back to the full-length mirror to see how it looked together.

"Not bad! I look like a 50’s rocker chic," the brunette snickered to herself. A quick application of some lipstick and she was ready to go. One more glance at her reflection, ‘chicken, at this rate you’ll be sixty before you talk to the man.’ Adrian stuck her tongue out at herself and left the bedroom.

Ezra had been patiently waiting for his lover to ready herself. Instinctively, he knew she had wanted to talk. That worried him so he was in full avoidance mode. He wanted a few days of bliss before Real Life reared its ugly head. The best way to accomplish that was to keep his nymph off guard. If he was nothing else, he was a master at keeping people off guard.

Distracted by these thoughts, Standish missed Adrian’s entrance into the room. A flash of color caught his eye and he turned, his breath hitching as he took in the woman. "Good Lord, you look better than Betty Grable ever did in that sweater." Enjoying the blush that crept up Adrian’s face, he took her into his arms. He loved the feel of the mohair sweater against his fingers and as his lips met hers, he couldn’t help but let his hands and fingers roam free.

Separating, he looked at the mussed woman and smiled, "we better be going or we’ll never leave the condo."

"And that’s a bad thing, how?" Adrian asked as she went to grab her coat.

Laughing Ezra grabbed his leather jacket and escorted his lady out the door. It was a short drive the their destination and they spent the time enjoying each others company in silence.

Standish had chosen a small jazz club that served an exquisite meal as well as exceptional live music for dancing. When the two had finished their dinner they relaxed with a fine brandy. "Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?" The southerner took Adrian’s hand and placed a searing kiss on her pulse point.

Not trusting her voice, Delaney nodded and allowed herself to be led to the dance floor.

Ezra marveled at how well the nymph fit in his arms and the two quickly found the rhythm of the music. The smoky jazz enveloped the lovers until there was nothing else but them and the music. They stayed on the dance floor until well into the night. Only stopping when the manager discretely informed them that it was midnight and they were closing for the evening. Arriving back at the condo, they two continued their dance of love.

~~~

The next two nights were a blur of activity. Adrian had the first charity committee meeting to attend and didn’t arrive home until late in the evening. The brunette just couldn’t muster the energy needed to discuss the issue of moving. She knew it was a cop out but she couldn’t find it in herself to care.

The following night was Team 7 poker night. Ezra was going to decline the invitation to play, but Adrian wouldn’t hear of it and demanded he go and enjoy himself. She didn’t have the heart to deny him his fun, so off Standish went to the CDC grumbling that he would need to be fumigated upon his return, though secretly pleased to be joining his brothers.

Delaney had a slight moment of panic as soon as Ezra left and made a quick phone call to Josiah to extract his promise not to say anything to Standish about moving out. She explained that she hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to the southerner yet and assured the profiler the talk would occur tomorrow.

~~~

Finally, it was Friday and Adrian couldn’t put off their discussion any longer.

Delaney had decided to cook dinner that night and then have the dreaded conversation. She had run scenarios in her mind all day and each and every one ended badly. It left her jumpy and anxious. The sooner she dealt with this, the better.

Arriving at the condo, the brunette was surprised to find Ezra not home. A note on the counter told her that he had an afternoon appointment with his doctor in order to clear him for duty on Monday. No sooner had she changed than the phone rang. It was Standish saying that he was caught in traffic and should be home within the next 15 or 20 minutes. That left Adrian enough time to get dinner started. She wanted something quick and easy and had decided to make a chicken stir-fry. Starting the rice, she quickly chopped the vegetables. The final cooking would be done when the Southerner got home.

Standish arrived precisely 20 minutes after he had called. Adrian greeted him by the door and helped off with his jacket. He was pleased to announce that he was fit for duty and that he could go back to the office on Monday.

The brunette congratulated him and asked if he could set the dining room table. As Ezra placed the knives and forks just so, Delaney put the finishing touches to the stir-fry and served the meal.

Ezra watched as his nymph toyed with her food. He had tried several times to start a conversation but it was hard when all you got in return were one-word answers. The undercover man sensed that Adrian’s thoughts were miles away. Figuring that she had something she wanted to discuss with him, the southerner was convinced that he wouldn’t like what she had to say.

It was now or never, Adrian had decided that she had to say something or go insane from the anxiety of putting off this conversation. Looking at her love, she began, "Ezra, I have to tell you something," she held up her hand to stop the southerner from replying, "please, just hear me out, then you can tell me what you think. Please."

Ezra could read the fear and trepidation in her words and nodded. He steeled himself for what was to come.

"I want you to know that this isn’t easy for me to say. I’ve thought about it and I know that this is something that I have to do. In the long run, it’s what is right for the both of us. Do you understand?" Adrian was babbling, knew she was, but couldn’t help herself.

"Honestly, no, darlin. What are you trying to say?" Ezra was confused. He ran through her words but didn’t understand what she meant.

"I want to move out," the hazel-eyed woman blurted. Her eyes widening in shock as she stared at the man across from her.

Standish sat there motionless. ‘She wants to move out.’ Five words that meant the same in every language he knew. Five words that meant the end. "Ah see. How long have you felt this way?" his poker face was in full effect. No emotion was seeping through. Inside he was screaming. ‘My fault! It was all my fault!’ his inner voice keening.

"For a while. I love you, I really do. That isn’t an issue. It’s me. I’m not ready, we barely know each other. I mean, we know each other. I can’t explain it." The frustration was clearly evident, as Adrian tried to make herself understood.

"How long were you going to wait before you told me you wanted to break up?" Ezra asked coldly. Had it all been a ruse? He wasn’t sure what he could believe anymore. Was Adrian like the others in his past? Was he to be used then thrown away… again?

The brunette quickly got up from her chair and knelt before the green-eyed man, "no, you don’t understand. I don’t want to break up with you. I never want that. Please, you have to believe me. I just need some time to get used to Denver and being with you all the time, a new job. Everything has changed so rapidly. I want us to get used to each other, who we really are; you don’t really know me. I mean, what if you can’t stand to be with me, but I live here, I don’t want you to grow to hate me," Adrian beseeched Ezra. She reached out a hand to touch him but he shied away from her, got up from the dining room table, and headed into the living room to pace

Delaney continued to kneel on the floor. She didn’t have the energy to get up. All she wanted to do was curl up in a ball and cry.

"Where are you going to live?" Standish asked. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.

"Josiah’s," was all Adrian could say. Her head bowed, she waited for the explosion, but it didn’t come.

"I see. You’ve discussed this with him?" Ezra felt the brick tower around his heart thicken.

"Yes, but you have to understand, it’s not forever. Ezra, please understand, I’m doing this for us, so that we don’t make a mistake and move too fast," Delaney knew she wasn’t explaining this well, but seeing him standing so straight and expressionless hurt. The brunette felt like she was made of glass and someone had taken a chisel and chipping her apart.

The southerner couldn’t stay in the room any longer. If he did he would be down on his knees in front of Adrian begging for her not to leave. That would never do. He was not going to beg. If she didn’t want to live with him, he wouldn’t try to force her. Decision made, the southerner headed for the office/work-out room.

"Ezra? Where are you going?" Adrian asked.

"I have to do some work," with that he continued on, closing the door behind him. He sat on the bench press and put his head in his hands. All the emotions that he had kept hidden came to the fore and his shoulders started shaking as silent tears ran down his face.

She couldn’t tell how long she knelt on the floor. She only got up when her knees started to ache. Adrian felt like an old woman as she cleared the table and cleaned up the kitchen. When she finished, she moved to the living room and sat on the couch and waited. By eleven o’clock Ezra still hadn’t left the other room. Delaney sighed and headed to the bedroom to ready herself for bed.

She had just finished putting on her nightgown when Standish walked into the room. He ignored her as he went into the bathroom. When he emerged he was dressed for bed as well. He walked over to his side of the bed and, turning down the covers, he picked up his pillow, and headed towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Adrian whispered.

"The couch," was the southerner’s clipped reply.

Delaney shook her head, "you don’t have to, Ezra. This is your place, your bed."

He didn’t reply, just walked through the door closing it behind him, leaving the shattered woman alone.

Gathering up some blankets from the linen closet, he slowly made up the couch. Lying down, he tried to calm himself in order to sleep. His mind had other ideas and all he could do was replay the argument, was it even an argument? They hadn’t yelled or screamed, but still it felt like they were tearing each other apart. Sleep was going to be a rare commodity tonight.

Adrian lay curled up in a little ball. She couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t crying. She felt like she should be, but nothing. She was cold and achy. Sleep crept up unannounced and soon the brunette was in a light slumber, her body tried to rest while her mind kept tossing up nightmare images of her life without her lover.

~~~

Ezra woke early. Hell, he barely slept all night. Gathering up his jogging clothes, he quickly dressed. As he headed to the door, he stopped, turned and crept into the bedroom. His heart ached as he watched Adrian sleep. The blankets were twisted around her, a testimony to her restless night. Her hand resting on Standish’ side of the bed in the exact position of where his heart would normally be.

He reached out to touch her, but quickly snatched his hand back as he remembered the words she had spoken the night before.

As quietly as he entered, he backed out of the room and crossed the living room, where he leaned against the front door. Suddenly he heard a noise from the bedroom and realizes that Adrian had awoken. Not wanting to be trapped into a discussion he couldn’t handle, he quickly opens the door and left.

Adrian thought she had heard Ezra moving around and entered the living room. The only sound she heard was the clicking of the lock at the front door. He was gone.

The brunette didn't know how long she stood in the room not moving, not thinking. Her body was numb. Her heart fragmenting, "oh God, what have I done?"

It took some time for the hazel-eyed woman to move. Disconsolately, she went into the bathroom to take a shower. Standing under the stream of water, she tried to stop the movie in her mind from playing the same clip over and over again. All she could see was the look in Ezra’s eyes as she told him she was moving out. She had never harmed anyone, ever, but in one night she felt as if she had damaged her lover beyond repair.

Still going through the motions, she dressed and then moved to the storage closet to get her suitcases. Adrian quietly packed her bags, a lone tear running down her cheek. She carried her luggage to the front door and turned to take a final look at the condo. Visions of Ezra assailed her and she shuddered as she turned and closed the door behind her, knowing that she wouldn't be back for a while... if ever.

~~~

Ezra was running.

He wasn't sure for how long, but was surprised to find himself in the park, five miles from his home, not having even realized that he'd headed in that direction. This was a favorite place to come when there were problems to resolve… a place where one could see all the good things around them. Watching the children on the playground, Standish found a bench to sit on and thought about where everything had gone wrong. What had he done to drive Adrian away?

No answers came as the southerner pondered the question. Watching the children play, he ran last night's conversation through his mind… over and over the same the scene enacted in his memory, yet no answers ever came. Overcome with devastation, Standish stood and slowly made him way home.

Hopefully, it wasn't too late…

TBC

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