Epilogue

"Oh god, oh yesssss." She sunk her toes into the hot sand, slid on her shades and arched back in the deckchair. "God."

Jon dumped the over-sized beach bag beside them and shaded his view as he looked out to the deserted beach. "Told you it was good."

"Good is not the word for this, orgasmic might do it justice. Is that your phone in your pocket?" She lifted her glasses and raised her brow, biting back the grin. They had a deal.

He patted his board shorts. "No it's my iPod thank you. Phone is in the box."

She smirked, slid her shades back on and flipped her book open. "Good." One of the presents she had bought them for their wedding was a time-lock portable safe. They both were addicted to their phones like crack so she made sure every once and awhile they went in the box on a timed release. She hated it as much as he did but it proved to be a handy tool and made sure within their busy schedules they had time for each other.

To be honest since they'd put the gang incident behind them, this was the first time that they'd had to stop. That was Jon, and she knew him well enough to know that a busy Jon was better than a bored Jon.

Her skin soaked up the sunshine and she wasn't about to move anytime soon. They were finally alone on a private beach in St Bart’s on yes, their honeymoon. Months had gone by since Wes joined the team and had proved to be every bit the star player that his brother had attested to. The Soul had gone on to win their first championship which had made Jon a very happy man. Between the games, the election of President Obama, and Jon's musical commitments life had been busy but it had been the best. They were married in a small ceremony in New Jersey before escaping to the secluded island of St Bart’s for their honeymoon.

Jon groaned as dropped into his chair. "This is perfect." He reached for the well-stocked chiller between them, dragged out a couple of beers and handed her one.

"You right there old man?" He popped the cap for her and leaned back. She took a pull of ice-cold beer and sighed.

"Who are you calling old? I can nearly beat you on the eight-mile."

She tipped her beer at him. "Nearly." They worked out well together, the trash talk between them always pushed them to beat each other so it had become a lot of fun. They'd slotted into married life with ease and it wasn't surprising given the fact that their lives had been so chaotic in the beginning of their relationship.

MacKenzie was happy, she was truly happy and old wounds from the loss of Brian had finally healed. She'd never been to as many ball games in her entire life in the last few months and didn't realize how much she'd missed the game. Jon had given her that back and she'd slotted back well into being chief advisor to the co-owner of the team. Of course her opinions weren't always welcome but that's what made them fun, they both weren't afraid to give their own opinions and challenge each other in any aspect of their lives. Their augments often got heated, but their make-up sex was worth every punch.

"You up for a swim? The water looks great?"

She smiled, her husband had been in his deck chair all of five minutes and was restless, so typical. "It looks fantastic but I'm not moving." She closed her eyes and melted into a cocktail of sunshine and ocean spray.

"Aw, c'mon. Race you in."

The competitive MacKenzie was on lock-down. "You go in, my beer will get warm." She licked her lips and settled back but a shadow lingered over her. "I'd move if I were you." She bit back her grin, she knew damn well Jon was trying to get a rise out of her.

"Or what?" He stood with his arms folded in his faded orange board-shorts.

"World of pain, that's all I'm sayin. This girl needs her Vitamin D." Sand flicked up her calves as she frowned again. "You did not just do that."

"Do what?" He swayed innocently in front of her.

"I'm gonna count to three and if you're not out of my sunlight, you're in trouble mister." She was going in the ocean, she already knew her husband wouldn't move anytime soon.

"Try me baby."

She rolled her lip under her teeth. "One..." He didn't budge and her fingers curled around her beer bottle. "Two..." She lurched forward without counting in three but he'd read her and was already tearing up sand into the ocean ahead. Her beer went flying and her feet pounded the sand every bit as fast as his. He slowed as he plunged into the water and her fast on his tail. He was laughing as he desperately trudged deeper into the sea for a getaway but it was too late. She flung herself on his back, wrapped her legs around his waist and tipped them both under.

They spluttered as they came up for air, salt stung her eyes but she buoyed herself around to face him straight on. She cupped the back of his head and dragged him in for a kiss. Salt and Jon sizzled on her tongue as she tasted each corner of his mouth. His hands cupped her ass and kept her steady as their teeth clicked as the kiss spun out of control. "You're a pain in the ass."

The shit eating grin spread wide across his face. "And you're bikini top has come undone."

Her head tipped back as his mouth drew down the long line of her neck as he peeled the cotton down. His teeth scraped across her collar bone and his mouth found her breast. Water lapped around their waists as he walked slowly into the surf. She gasped as his tongue curled around her nipple and her nails dug into his shoulders. She couldn't protest. Forget weapons, forget fancy moves, her husband’s mouth was her kryptonite.

"Shit," she muttered. She arched back and his clever mouth moved to the other breast. Senses overloaded as his hand slid between her thighs and his fingers into her bikini bottom. Her legs clamped around him as he teased her sweet spot, his mouth sliding back up her neck. She threaded her fingers through his hair and held him, nose to nose as he pushed her further. God she was going to come.

Breathing had become optional as she fought for control against the pleasure assault on her body.

"Do it," he whispered against her lips. "I know you're close. I can feel it."

The growl bubbled from her belly and ripped through her throat. "Oh god!" He held her as she shuddered through the orgasm. "Yes, god oh yes."

His hand drifted through her water-logged ropes of hair and he kissed her gently. "Told you."

"I hate you," she panted.

He grinned and kissed her again. "And I hate you too." They may have been in the middle of the ocean but this was a rare intimate moment, well overdue from weeks of the outside world taking over.

She reached for his shorts but the squeal on the beach stopped them. Mackenzie squinted. "Paps?" There seemed to be an awful lot of them if they were.

Jon groaned. "Nope, fans. Shit. C'mon let's get you decent." He tied her bikini top back up and dropped her down onto the sand. He grabbed her hand and they made their way inland back to their stuff. "Grab what you need only, the rest can wait."

She scooped up the beach bag over her shoulder with her glasses and book as they took off down the beach. She glanced over her shoulder. "Hell, how many are there?"

"I'm not looking long enough to find out. I haven't had them here for a long time."

"Why don't we just stop and do the picture thing with them? They'll probably leave us alone after that?" She was trying not to laugh at how serious Jon was it wasn't like this had never happened to them before. Ok, not on vacation but they always bumped into fans out and about.

His hand gripped hers as they curved around the rocks on the edge of the beach. "Because, this is my honeymoon and I was about to get laid."

She snickered as they carefully climbed up some rocks. "Jesus Jon, where are we going, isn't that a path up out of the beach?"

"Yes but that's not the plan but we have to hurry." He weaved them through razor rocks, scattered driftwood and around the back of the small rock-face. "Quick-down here!" He jumped down a hole, no bigger than the two of them and she followed, surprised it turned out to be a pocket under the rocks with a bed of sand and shells. "Shhh."

They huddled down as the excited chatter of the girls came around the corner.

"Where do you think they've gone?"

"Up here! Look. Oh my god--did you see his body in those shorts? Fuck me!"

MacKenzie rolled her eyes and Jon shrugged innocently. Sure enough, the footsteps and chatter petered out as the girls must have climbed up the path. She cocked a brow. "I'm impressed."

"Well you know we've been working out a lot, my abs are pretty good."

She elbowed him and hissed. "Not that, that you knew this was here and you were so quick. Have you been learning a few moves on me?" It was no secret MacKenzie's stealth abilities had been very useful for them to avoid media and fans over the last few months when they needed to so she was impressed he'd thought this quick.

"Well, what can I say...I am smart, creative, sexy... and have a good body."

She pushed him down into the sand and crawled up on him, her breasts pressed against his chest. "Shut up if you want this to go any further." She didn't disagree, he had a rocking body but the less she agreed with him on that, the more entertaining it became.

His eyes softened and he smiled. "This is a place Romeo and Jakey found one day exploring when I bought the band and their kids out here--when the tide is in, it fills with water so no one knows it exists." His fingertips traced down her spine. "So by my calculations that gives us roughly...two hours."

She kissed down his jaw and met his mouth. "Gee, whatever will we do for two hours?"

He smiled against skin. "I'm sure we will think of something."

They made love, where no one would ever find them. That's what MacKenzie loved the most about being with Jon, their days and their relationship was always full of surprises and unexpected turns but they dealt with them together, each step of the way. Through sickness and in health, for the rest of their lives.

The End.

Author's note: Thank you again for taking the time to read and enjoying being part of MacKenzie and Jon's story! It means a great deal to me :)

Chapter Sixty-Three

"You heard me Jerry, get hold of the kid and get him in for a tryout."

"You sure? The team is doing pretty well if that's what you're worried about."

"It's been bugging me since we talked about it, turning Wes down." So it was more something had been bugging him but the less anyone knew about this the better. He glanced over at MacKenzie who was tapping away on her Blackberry. They were headed back to the Soho apartment in a cab and the building super had left a message that the window would be repaired today. It felt weird going back but since they knew no one would be waiting pointing a sniper at them, they were safe.

"Ok, you're the boss. I'll get it done."

"Tonight--can you make sure it happens tonight, the call and arrange the try-out for tomorrow?"

"Sure Jon. I don't understand what the rush is but I'll get it done."

"Thanks Jerry. I just want to make sure he's not snapped up by someone else." Some quick thinking bought the conversation back to logic rather than the ravings of a lunatic. "Call me when it's done or if you have any problems getting hold of him or something."

"Ok Jon will do."

Jon disconnected the call and blew out his breath. "It's done, I didn't sound like a desperate idiot did I?" He wiped his palms on his jeans, they were out of danger but MacKenzie's partner still wasn't home and wouldn't be until this deal was set in motion. He covered his face with his hands, god he hoped David would return in once piece and ironically it was now all up to him. The roles were reversed and it was him that was putting this whole thing right when he always had expected she would. That was OK since it was his fault they were in this mess in the first place.

Her gaze met his and she smiled. "No, not too bad."

He managed a half-laugh. "Gee that's reassuring." He took her hand and linked his fingers through hers. "Are you ok?" It was the lamest thing he probably could have asked. Good one Jon, of course she's not.

"I'll be better when I see David." She snuggled in and rested her chin on his shoulder. "What about you? You did pretty well out there you know."

He lifted his brow. "You think so? I don't think I've ever felt more unprepared for something in my life."

"You did fine. We got what we needed to out of it."

"Yup, just a brother protecting his brother." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I still feel responsible, he was right you know."
Her chin lifted and she let her hand slide out of his and frowned. "Come on Jon. That guy is a thug and you can't blame yourself for this."

"Even if it's not this, you know he's right. I walk around throwing my cash at these charities promising better lives for all but how can I expect others to do that and follow by example when I can't even get my own principles to match what I preach." He was responsible for this and he'd take it as a learning curve, there wasn't much he could do about what had happened but he'd make sure it never happened again.

Her hand cupped his knee. "Jon, you're a wonderful wonderful man. Don't make me get all mushy and girly about this but you know how I feel about you and there's a reason I love you."

He rested his hand on top of hers. "Not just for my good looks and amazing talent in the bedroom?"

She snorted, "so sure of yourself huh?" She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. "No all of those things are just a big bonus to who you are. You're caring, you're headstrong and passionate about what you love. Including me. And you have a big heart to make a difference in this world. Many people in your position don't do half of what you do, so stop beating yourself up. I mean it or I'll have to kick your ass, and you know I can."

He winced. "Don't remind me. It still busts my balls that I'm with a woman that could kick my own ass if she chose to." Truth was, it turned him on. The strength this woman possessed was a huge turn-on to him, physically and mentally. He rolled his head back against the seat and closed his eyes. Was this really over? It didn't feel like it was, he felt flat but at the same time stunned. Could he really move on with this woman and have his old life back? It seemed too good to be true. True or not he opened his eyes and cupped the back of her neck and dragged her in, pressing his forehead against hers.

"MacKenzie. I've never met a woman like you. You're amazing and you've put up with my shit for the last few months and believe me, I know I'm not an easy guy to live with but I can't imagine living without you and I don't want to have to." His thumb swiped her strong jawline as she smiled.

"Jon, you know I love-"

"Shh--let me finish. Call it having a second chance, I feel like that's what I've been given here and I'm not going to blow it. MacKenzie, I've already been there and done that enough to write the book on it. So, marry me." He searched her eyes and his heart pounded in his chest. It was the right thing to do and he knew it.

Her eyes widened and then the lines around her face softened as she grinned. "Yes."

He sealed it with a kiss, his hands shot up into her hair as he dragged her in. His tongue swiped across her bottom lip and into her mouth where he tasted her and let the kiss simmer between them. Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck. When he went into this he had never expected that they would come out of it like this, destined to be together. But what more could he possibly as for in a woman, she was the perfect training partner, she didn't take any of his shit and she loved him unconditionally. She was beautiful, graceful and had more strength than he ever could imagine.

~

By the time they had arrived back at Mercer Street MacKenzie was happy. She had no hesitation when Jon asked her to marry him, she never could explain it to anyone better than they just fit together perfectly. They understood each other and they knew how to live together with it. Jerry had text Jon back to confirm Wes had been successfully contacted for a try-out tomorrow. They'd fulfilled their part of the deal, now they had to wait for David to be released.

The whole thing was crazy looking back, never in a million years would she have picked this as the motivation of launching an attack on Jon, in her findings in the case it was never listed anywhere that Wes was related to Blackwatch. She had to guess that Wes had a fake identity courtesy of his brother, to be protected from the life his brother led as often with gang’s revenge killings easily targeted family members. It was a smart move from the kid, she'd give him that but the whole way this went about was just fucked up. She was sick of blaming herself, sick of Jon blaming himself. They needed to move on and providing she watched David walk through the door completely unscathed that's precisely what she intended to do. God, she missed her office, her people and just doing mindless investigation such as cheating marriages. Bring on the affairs! She'd never complain again about that as long as she lived.

The glass fitter had put in temporary Perspex to keep the apartment weather-safe. Everything else was just as they had left it-in a hurried mess. They both cleaned up the apartment and all the time she kept her Blackberry on her but still no messages had come through from David to indicate his release. She was restless so she snuck out to the balcony that overlooked downtown Manhattan and paced. She looked at her cracked screen for the billionth time that hour but still nothing. She just wanted to even out for good after this but she couldn't without knowing the fate of her partner.

"Kenz, you OK?" Jon walked out onto the balcony with a bottle of wine and two glasses but rested them on the table when he saw her.

She nodded but who was she kidding. It was Jon. "I just want him home."

He took her hands. "Still nothing yet?"

She shook her head. It was a deal and it was done so why the hell hadn't she heard from him.

"I'm going to get you a whiskey." He squeezed her hands and left her.

"Dammit just ring!" She screamed when it vibrated in her palm back.

"Hello?" She gripped the railing of the balcony, it was his number but she held her breath.

"Mac-hey."

She closed her eyes and blew out her breath. "David. Thank god where are you?"

"I'm home. I would have come to you but I just had to see my fiancée', you understand right?"

Her hand landed on her heart. "Yes, god yes-of course I do. Are you OK? How is your gunshot?"

"It's fine, clean through the shoulder. Hurt like hell but turns out gangs are readily equipped with medical supplies, it's sore but it's fine. What happened? What the hell did they want?"

"But you're OK David, just tell me you're OK and they didn't hurt you any more than that?"

"I'm fine Mac, honestly, I won't be playing tennis this season but they didn't hurt me anymore than the shot. Are you guys all OK?"

"We're fine--all fine. I think it's over." She explained the meeting with Blackwatch and the connection with Wes.

"Wow--the things we do for family huh? Jesus Christ. Are you sure Jon's doing the right thing letting the kid into the team?"

She nodded. "Yeah I do. This kid's amazing. We're going to watch him tomorrow try-out."

"You're going to watch football?"

She paused and laughed. "Why yes, yes I am. And then we're going to see Jon's kids, he's only mildly excited. It's time to move on, all of us. So much so that Jon's asked me to marry him and I accepted."

"Way to go Jon! That's great Mac congratulations, I mean it. You deserve it. I better have an invite to the wedding."

"Invite? You'll be my best man thank you very much."

"Glad to be of service." As per usual, she didn't know what she would have done without David throughout the years. She really didn't, she was blessed with such a good confidant.

"Are you sure you're OK? I went out of my mind David."

"I'm fine, seriously Mac. I have some explaining to do to my wife and she's probably not going to be happy with me."

"It's my fault, I dragged you into this, tell her that. She can yell at me if she wants to."

"Will do. I better go and do that, but I just wanted to let you know I'm OK."

"God, thank you David. I'll pop around tomorrow after the try-out and make sure with my own eyes you're OK."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from you Mac."

"Take care and thank you again for everything you did for us." She sighed as she disconnected the call and her shoulders eased. She smiled as Jon's arms snaked around her from behind and he pressed his body into her. He may have complimented her for having all the strength in the world but she loved the weight of him, behind her, it gave her strength.

"He's home then?"

She rested her hands on his at her belly. "He's home, he's safe. It's over." She moaned as his lips brushed the side of her neck.

"I beg to differ MacKenzie Cooper. It's not over, it's just begun."

The End.


There will be an epilogue to follow :) But thank you so much for following the story of MacKenzie and Jon, I've appreciated all the support throughout the story more than you'll ever know :)

Chapter Sixty-Two

Never in all his years of being on this earth had he expected to be walking into a situation like the one that they were about to. They parked in Camden and headed down to the Riverside that was lined with stripped trees and a chilly breeze, signalling winter was well on its way. Talking with MacKenzie on the plane about being prepared and her run down in the basics of self defence was much like the briefing he'd had going into the Young Guns project, never in a million years did he expect to be reliving this for real.

He checked his watch, the big hand a minute away from ten am - Showtime. His heart beat drummed in his ears and he wished he'd snagged a hip-flask of Jack before they'd left. He swallowed, a loan figure sat at one of the coffee tables close to the waters edge. He had wrap around shades on with a low slung ball-cap, denim jacket and jeans and his hand was curled around a cup of coffee. Hell it could be just a kid but he was guessing by the recognition in Mackenzie’s eyes that was not the case.

"That's our guy. Are you ready for this?"

"No, but I don't think I ever will be." He looked around and noted it was still a very public place so nothing sinister surely could happen. He couldn't see anyone else that could be with the guy, but then again he wasn't a stealth agent to know where they might be hiding watching.

The kid stretched out his legs as they approached and nodded to the chairs opposite him. Jon rested his hand on his hip where the gun he'd accepted in the end sat under his woollen coat. He took a deep breath and remembered his last-minute demonstration; flip the safety off, point, and fire. Simple? Yeah really simple, lets not forget the ten thousand tonnes of pressure that went with that to get it right in a spilt second.

"Miz Cooper and Mr Bon Jovi, you came alone it seems as I requested. I'm impressed."

Jon slid gingerly into the chair after MacKenzie nodded and did the same. He rubbed his palms on his jeans and doubted if he really did need to use the gun it would probably slide out of his hands like butter. "Hi." Hell, what else could possibly he say? Hey fucker thanks for ruining my life? Thankfully MacKenzie took the lead as they had discussed.

"Black watch, I presume?"

He pulled put a packet of cigarettes and lit one. "You would be correct Miz Cooper."

"Where's my partner?" She had eyes of steel and held her posture strong and dominant in her chair.

"Patience. He's my insurance if you two try any funny business."

MacKenzie placed her hands flat on the table. "What do you want from us? We're here now."

He flicked his ash and leaned forward. "Tell me Mr Bongiovi, how is your football team doing? Practice all going well?"
What in the world? "Uh yes, yes its fine. Admittedly I haven't been involved as much lately." Due to you making my life a living hell. "But I'm confident that I have a strong team, yes." The kid remained shaded by his glasses and cap and he suspected he'd stay that way the whole meeting. They were like sitting ducks but they had little choice at this point.

"Blackwatch, what do you want from us? I'm sure it's not a merry chit-chat in the least."

He chuckled and took a drag of his cigarette. "She always so feisty? Guess that's why you hired her as your bodyguard huh?"

Jon didn't answer, let alone tell him it was MacKenzie declared herself his bodyguard without giving him that much choice at the start. Looking back it seemed absurd, just like the whole damn thing had been.

He continued. "Not much use now as I could snap of my fingers and your heads would be blown off. It's really that simple. You're a brave man coming here Mr Bon Jovi. I gotta give you props for that in the very least of your semi-charmed life."

Is that what this was? He was being targeted because he was rich and he had pretty much everything he wanted in life? Seemed a bit lame. MacKenzie was doing a good job at keeping it straight, keeping it not personal. That was her job, but each time she did he'd close off and they were going around in circles. He knew what he had to do.

"Look Blackwatch, with all due respect I'm completely confused what you wanted to get out of this terrorizing. Was it just to get your kicks?"

He laughed and stabbed his smoke out. "Don't give yourself too much credit there rock-star. I thought you were smarter than that. It was fun at first, but now its becoming a drag and thanks to the little airport scene, the police are all up in our business again. I don't need that shit so I want it to stop."

MacKenzie smiled sarcastically. "Well that’s what happens when you shoot at people in a public place, FYI."

"I'm aware. Bon Jovi, do you remember a kid called Wes?"
Jon frowned and then lifted his brow. Oh shit. "Yeah he had a helluva throw on him, I didn't commit him to the team. I don't sign gang affiliates, it’s a general rule." He rubbed his neck and let out a deep breath, this is what this was about. He met Kenz's gaze and nodded as she pieced the same puzzle together. They were pissed because he didn't allow one of their guys to play in the team? Seriously?

"He's my little brother. You crushed his dreams Mr Bon Jovi. That kid deserves to be out on the field and all it took was you and your high class personal investigator here to draw one fucking conclusion that he was in a gang and you chopped his head off." His hand curled into a fist. "You are what is wrong with this country, you go around with your many charities shitting money all over the place preaching about a better life for all but the reality is you have no fucking idea what the hell it's like out there. You hear the word gang and run a fucking mile. Let me tell you something about Wes, he's got nothing to do with what I do. He's a good kid, stayed in school, studied hard and trained hard. I wanted nothing but to give him a normal life away from this shit and this was his chance. And you fucked that up for all the wrong reasons, so I fucked up your life." He slammed his hands on the table.

MacKenzie shifted as the kid's anger boiled over and Jon's heart lodged in his throat. Wes had talent, there was no denying that and Jon remember how disappointed that he'd been he couldn't sign Wes, he had a boatload of potential but rules were rules. He'd kept the Philly team so clean from conception and thought he was doing the right thing.

He hated to admit that the kid did have a point about the judgment factor in all of this. He should have talked to Wes about it, found out what was going on and then make a decision. At the time the risk of having any gang around games and putting the other players at risk, it just wasn't an option but damn. Damn if the inconsistency of his message to his charitable work was staring him in the face. "You're right. I didn't realize that at all." Christ, he hated to admit he was wrong, he was never wrong but hell in this case...he just might be.

All those nights worrying about his family, worrying about MacKenzie - it was his entire damn fault from the start. You couldn't blame him for being pissed off.

"You couldn't think of emailing him or settling this in a less violent way?" MacKenzie kept her hand on her hip under the table.

"You're partner being shot was a mistake. A bullet was meant to go through the stairwell--not the living room window, and you were not meant to be chased to the fucking airport."

Jon didn't have time to blink as MacKenzie whipped out her gun and stuck it in the side of Blackwatch's leg under the table. She leaned in, calm and poised. "A pretty fucking sloppy mistake don't you think? You could have killed him!"

His heart hammered in his chest, if people really were watching them it would just take Blackwatch's signal and they'd be dead.

"Miz Cooper." He growled but didn't move as he leaned in towards her. "I told you that it was a mistake. I didn't want your partner as my baggage but I had no choice. I took care of the problem. It just turned out I could use him to get you here so we could sort this clusterfuck."

Jon assumed "took care of it" didn't mean the rogue got a stern talking to and sent to his room without any dessert.

"He could have been killed. Now tell me why I shouldn't shoot you in the god damn balls for it."

"Because you're smarter than that Miz Cooper, you know I'd blow your head off before you got past the second trigger."

She snarled but held her ground. He couldn't believe this, talk about surreal. He rubbed the back of his neck, "so where does this leave us?"

Blackwatch leaned back and tugged his cap down hard. "It leaves us in a predicament. I want Wes to have a shot in the team but you have this "rule"."

"I can let him try out again. I have to at least make him try out to make sure he's worth the cut."

Blackwatch's long fingers drew circles on his chin. "I wouldn't expect anything else. He'll be there because he's good. You can't tell him I have anything to do with this."

"What? Doesn’t he know his brother’s a thug?"

"Not this. He stays clean of the gang. I told you that. He has no idea we're involved in this."

Well shit. In a funny and fucked up way they were just like him and Richie. Looking out for each other without the other knowing. He'd many a time made sure Richie's mom turned up at shows when he knew Richie needed some family, or stopped the bar tab when Richie was rollicking drunk. He knew also Richie had told people to leave him the fuck alone when he just couldn't deal with people, they looked out for one another so in a weird way this was the same thing. "I understand."

"When does my partner go free?"

"I'll make sure he returns home after Wes gets the call from the coach. Do we have a deal?"

Jon met Kenzie's gaze and nodded, it was easy for him. He had the easy part of the deal. She had to walk away without what they ultimately came for. "We have a deal."

"Any funny business and he's dead. I mean it. He tries out and we walk away from each other and Miz Cooper you drop all police involvement from this case and delete anything relating to it."

She nodded but Jon held out his hand. "I have a couple of conditions of my own."

"Mr Bon Jovi I don't think you're really-"

He didn't let him continue. "If he does make the team, your gang is not to come to the games or any practices. I don't want any gang colours to be at my Soul games. And that's not negotiable."

Blackwatch nodded. "Fine. You have until eight-pm." He slid out his chair and walked away.

Jon blew out his breath and his shoulders relaxed. "That's it? That's all he wanted?"

MacKenzie put her hand on his. "Mis-understood kids. Christ what a mess. If I'd put this connection at the very--"

He took her other hand and shushed her. "Kenz. It's not your fault. None of this is. He's right you know, for all I do I'm a hypocrite."

"Jon, he's thug. Don't listen to him."

He half-laughed. "No he's right. I preach about new starts and building new futures for these kids and families we build homes for but I never bothered to look at the bigger picture. Where these kids have come from and the challenges that they face getting there. The judgement from people like me who doesn't even know what it's like coming from that sort of life. Wes was outstanding when we trialled him. None of this ever should have mattered. I failed Kenzie, I failed and its something I will have to look at inside myself and turn it around."

Her eyes warmed and she smiled as she leaned in and kissed him. "I know you think you've failed Jon but hell, you've done more than a lot of people in your position would even care to."

"It's ok. I'm fine with it." He tugged her up out of her seat as they stood. He drew her in, that elusive scent of ginger teasing him. He dropped a light kiss on her lips. "Now I need to put it right."

Chapter Sixty-One

MacKenzie had showered before Jon had even stirred. It had been a wonderful night in the face of their greatest challenge yet. Not only were they putting themselves in danger today but also her partners Davids. While the water beads drizzled down her she couldn't help but feel guilty for the mess that the two closest people in her life were now tangled up in. Jon had kids, David had a pregnant fiancée who MacKenzie had been informed that thought David was away on work. She figured it was the best thing to keep it that way until she had an outcome as it wasn't unusual for David to go on assignment for days in their household.

Their flight back to Jersey left within the hour and they'd have just under an hour to make the ten am appointment to meet Blackwatch in Camden. She dressed, tied her hair up and walked back into the bedroom where Jon lay face down asleep into a pillow. She perched herself on the edge of the bed and lazily stroked his hair. It was game-day, no matter how you looked at it, Brian would have looked at it this way and Jon almost certainly did. She'd avoided the football field for so long but now she drew on the philosophy of it, you trained hard to win and at the end of the day there could only be one winner and this time it was going to be her. She'd win it all for them, the rights for Jon to see his children again, the rights for David to walk free and the rights to their freedom to live a long and happy life together. There was no other choice.

The odds were stacked against them but the payoff was worth the risk.

"What's the time?" The voice from the pillow mumbled.

"A little after five, we've got to get going." They'd barely been asleep all that long but MacKenzie felt more relaxed and more rested than she had in the past few weeks. She picked out a pair of jeans and long-sleeved top for Jon from her bag."

He rolled over onto his back and draped his arm across his eyes. "I still can't get over that you had a go-bag packed for us."

She chuckled as she unearthed two guns from the extra clothes in the bag. "I'm always prepared, weren't you ever a boy-scout?"

He groaned as he stretched and rubbed his face. "Yes but I didn't think I'd ever have to make a quick get away from bad-guys, I'm Jon Bongiovi not John Wayne."

"Well there's enough swagger in your voice for a start." She paused. "Would you object to carrying a gun today?"

Jon sat up immediately in the bed and stared at her, a lock of his hair sticking up on end. "Do you think that's even a good idea?"

She bit her lip and nodded. "They'll be expecting me to carry one and I'm going to as he never said I couldn't but I'd like to know I have back up if they take it off me."

"Gee Kenz. I don't know, won't they just check me for one as well? And the last time I even operated one of those things was in a movie decades ago if you don't count the toy ones Jakey and Romeo have."

The scenarios blasted through her head, one after the other. They'd grab her, thinking he'd be helpless...or they'd grab him and make her decide who she'd take over Jon or David. "OK, if it's uncomfortable I don't want to put you in that position and you're right it will be too dangerous if you had to actually use it." Damn it, she needed back up.

The lines of his face deepened with worry. "Do you think we'll have to use one?"

"I honestly don't know. I don't understand what he's meeting us for, he hasn't asked for money and he hasn't alluded to a swap of any sort. He's been very unpredictable. I just want to be prepared for any scenario which we'll discuss on the plane." She patted his thigh and took a deep breath. "Sorry, I'm thinking out-loud. You need to get ready babe."

The reassurance wasn't great on her end but Jon took it as a cue to get moving and it gave her a little more time to think things through. The ironically stupid thing was she usually had David to talk this out with or he'd offer her a back-up solution but because this was so not by the book no one else in her firm knew what they were doing. So it's just you kiddo.

They arrived at the airport without a fuss and boarded the jet. She slouched into the plush over-sized airplane chair next to him and slid on her shades as the rising winter sun was like a beacon through the windows. Blackwatch may have been prepared to come un-armed but she had to be wary about the possibility of a sniper crew watching over them so if any attempt was made on his life, they'd be dead in seconds. She knew how to move fast in those situations but the problem was Jon didn't.

"You're freaking me out."

"Huh?" She turned to Jon as he buckled his belt.

"You've been lost in MacKenzie-land all morning. I thought I was the only one that did that."

She blew out her breath and reached for the coffee they'd picked up on-route to the airport. "I know, I'm sorry. I'm just trying to come up with ways in my head how this is going to work and if anything goes wrong." The kick of hazelnut in the creamer was a good as a hard shot of whiskey.

"Are you regretting not telling the police?"

She flipped the lid off, licked it and nudged her sunglasses up her nose. "God no, we can't. That would be the worse thing we could do. Sorry babes, this is probably very un-nerving for you when I'm not saying much but I'm about to so settle in."

"Good. I trust you Kenz. I feel like I'm about to throw up but I do trust you so know that."

His confidence in her was complimenting, if not strengthening. It's what she needed and if this was even remotely going to have a chance of success, they had to be in this together. Boots and all. She reached for the complementary notepad and pen and slid out the tray table. "I know, and that's why it's time for your training." She wiggled her eyebrows and began drawing diagrams. It wasn't the silliest idea she'd had in the world, definitely not as silly as meeting the leader of a gang unprepared.

He leaned forward and bit his thumb nail. "Do I need to sign some release saying I won't expose these secrets?"

She nudged her elbow into his side. "Careful mister." He was trying to keep it light but the nervousness in his laugh wasn't convincing though.

"Listen up...hey!" She dropped the pen as his fingers cupped her chin and he dragged her in for a kiss. It was slow and sweet, a little like their ascent into the day waiting outside.

"Last one, I promise. I'm just nervous, I'll stop being an idiot now."

She sighed and palmed his cheek, took a moment and swiped her tongue along his bottom lip. "I know, just relax but that is the last one. I've got to go back to being kick-ass Kenz now."

They snuck in one more kiss before she started her basic training, if only they could see her now trying to give Jon a lesson in self defense, gun-play and negotiation in less than two hours. She'd never be able to live with herself if he got into a situation she could have easily given him a better chance of getting out of with a little knowledge. Granted he had to remember this and with anything packed into two hours she doubt he'd retain most of it, but it was still more than worth the shot.

As they landed into Jersey, she covered his hand with hers and linked her fingers through his.

"Ready?"

He nodded, "you know if this works out we could go into business. Jon and MacKenzie's ass-kicking service." It was one last joke but she needed the smile to dissolve her nerves. He was being amazing so it was all the more reason to slap her game-face on and go and save his family, her family.

Chapter Sixty

The moonlight dripped through the window and up along the bed. He'd been awake for a couple of hours now, he was sure of it. He'd been listening to the sound of her steady breathing, the gentle rise and fall against his body. It comforted him as well as scared the crap out of him. He'd grown used to having her around and although they'd cemented that they meant so much to each now there was still a strong possibility that he could lose her if tomorrow didn't go quite as planned. His belly churned as that reality rolled through him and he knew he wouldn't be prepared for that kind of loss.

On the other had Freedom could be just hours away for him and MacKenzie but unlike other situations in his life, he didn't have the certainty that he almost always did. The certainty that this would be the best show he could make it, or the best day with the kids he could provide, none of this was any kind of certain at all. He wiggled restlessly and she stirred under him, the warmth of her cheek pressed against his back. She was wrapped around him from behind and her hands were clasped low at his belly. There was something to be said about having a strong woman behind you, figuratively and physically.

"Can't sleep huh?" His brow winged as the voice vibrated gently against his back.

"Nope." He chuckled and patted her hands. "Sorry, did my restlessness wake you?"

MacKenzie yawned and settled in closer to his back. "No, I've been drifting in and out but have noticed each time I've come to, you've been awake."

"I'm fine, just can't shut off my brain. It's an old habit from years back with the band."

"It's pk Jon. I'm just as tightly wound up like you are."

"Yeah? You feel relaxed."

He felt her smile against his skin. "It's an old habit I learned from way back."

Looks like they weren't going back to sleep anytime soon so he rolled her slowly in her grasp until she faced him. Through the moonlight her eyes glittered and her grin was sleepy and sexy. She lifted her hands to his face and leaned in, letting the heat between them simmer with a slow kiss. "You trying to seduce me?" He brushed back her hair and stroked it softly as it fanned out onto the pillows.

She ran the pad of her finger over his lips and flicked her gaze to his. "I'm kinda hungry actually."

"Now why doesn't that surprise me? I don't know where you put it all." He teased and then regretted it as she shifted her leg between his. "Hey! I'm just sayin. Nothing wrong with a healthy appetite."

"I used to eat more than Brian as a matter of fact and he played football."

Jon paused and ran his hand down her arm. "You've really missed him haven't you?" She hid it well, but now that he knew her every-time she mentioned his name he could see the emptiness in her eyes she tried to hide.

She nodded and her gaze fell way from his. "Yeah I do. More than I thought after I found you." She shrugged. "Maybe I really just miss that someone that understands me so well, and I can just be myself around." Her fingers curled around his arms. "I haven't really given relationships since then an honest go. I've always been busy, there have been men but they've come and go none have really stuck but again if I'm honest maybe I didn't try hard enough."

Jon sighed, "I know all about that Kenz. I had a very wonderful wife, just took me a long time to see it and when I did it was too late. We'd grown apart." And that was the truth, he was to blame for a lot of it but both Dot and him had fallen into the routine of being apart easily over the years.

"Well the upside of that though is you have four very wonderful children."

The bands around his chest tightened as he realized just how much he missed them. "That I do, I don't regret any of that at all. Are you seriously ok with all of that? I mean after this is all over, I'm gonna be all over those kids. You OK with that? I want them staying over, hell I want to take them everything and anywhere."

MacKenzie smiled. "Of course dummy. I wouldn't expect anything less, as long as you can handle your ass getting kicked in football by us again, I'm good with that."

He raised his brow. "You're a little sure of yourself there babes. I wouldn't be so sure on that one." He wondered what MacKenzie's thoughts on having her own children were. Nowadays it wasn't so uncommon for woman in their early forties to have babies and it wasn't as if she wasn't fit and healthy. "Did you ever want your own children? I mean I only ask because you seem to fit in with them so well."

She chuckled and rolled back a little. "Wow, we're pulling out the big questions tonight aren't we?"

"I didn't mean--"

"Relax, I'm just teasing and it's a valid question if we're going to do this whole being together thing." She tucked her hair behind her ear. "I've never had a desire to be a mom, if it had happened sure, I'd deal with it and I'd probably have ended up loving it but it didn't happen." She shrugged. "It just wasn't meant to be. Would you even want to go through all that baby stuff again? Sleepless nights, dirty nappies...come on I know that had to be balls of fun four times over."

He sat up and scratched his head, "It wasn't fun but it's something I'd go through again for us if I had to."

"Well you won't, I don't want children now I just want to enjoy my life preferably with you." Her hair fanned out on the pillow and her brown gaze fell soft.

He flopped back down against the pillows. "Thank god!"

She slapped him lightly. "I knew it."

He hauled her in and dragged her up on top of him. Her breasts pressed into his chest and she wound her legs through his. "I would have for you, that's what I'm saying."

The corners of her mouth curled into a smile. "Thank you, but you're safe and I've already got an instant family in yours of they allow me to be a part of it." She sifted her fingers through his chest hair. "I'd really like that."

He squeezed her ass and grinned. "They'd like that too, I know that they would." His lips met hers, rubbing them in a soft rhythm. He kept it gentle and sucked her lower lip into his mouth, his tongue gliding in and tasting each corner of her mouth. He pulled her closer, twisted his tongue around hers letting the kiss flow from innocent to lethal. The need for possession took over as he warred with the fact he couldn't lose her tomorrow, not now. Not when he had a woman that completely understood and fit him the way she did. His fingers traced a line down her spine as she shifted on top of him, her soft moans breaking the stillness of the night.

Her fingers threaded through his hair and he growled as her lips left his mouth and slid down his throat. The tips of her nipples brushed against his, the friction causing his cock to flex. She was hot against his skin, like fire as she inched slower down his chest. Kicking down the blanket he tucked his hands behind his head and arched as her destructive mouth slid down and over his belly. Her tongue swirled around his navel and then her fingers outlined the v down his hips as she went lower.

"Kenzie." His head tipped back and the raw sensation of pleasure washed over him as her delicious mouth found the top of his shaft. She licked the crown and his fingers dug into the feather pillows. His eyes clamped closed as she wrapped her lips around him and began taking him slowly but tightly. Dear god, he knew her strength and knew damn well she could practically pin him and do what the hell she wanted with him so the force of her mouth didn't surprise him at all.

The under vein throbbed as her tongue glided across it. He twisted his toes, stretched as she sucked, licked him to breaking point. He felt her lick from top to bottom while the other hand sought to tease his balls. She tickled them lightly; the tips of her fingers pulling the fine hair that covered them.

"You're evil." But it was so fucking good. He moaned as she slid his cock all the way into his mouth and out again. His head rolled back into the pillow and his throat vibrated with guttural groans as he his body arched. His balls were tight and his cock throbbed as let himself go, spilling deep into her mouth. His eyes focused, his brain was foggy and his breathing was shallow. "Shit."

The sheets shuffled and she shifted. He sat up and scooped her onto his lap, straddling her across him so his cock bumped against her heat. The blankets all slipped away they sat tangled around one another in the dim light of the moon. His hand splayed on her lower back keeping her close, their bodies pressed together. He sipped down the lovely column of her neck, across her shoulder and over the water soft curve of her breast. She sighed as his tongue flicked over nipple and arched back in his arms as he laid slow deliberate kisses back up the centre of her.

Her arms coiled around his neck as she kissed him ever so gently. "Now who's evil?"

He slid easily into her cuppingthe back of her head holding as he pressed his forehead against hers as he moved inside her. "No matter what happens tomorrow...." His breathing fell short. "I love you Kenzie Cooper."

Her eyes glassed over and she smiled, her lips parted as she moaned. "No fair with the sweet talk while you've got your cock inside me." She dragged him down, leaving him on top and wrapped her legs tight around his hips. "I love you Jon. Always. So you better get used to it, because none of us are going anywhere. You hear me?"

He swallowed, the lump dissolving in his throat. "You got it." He let himself go, in the last moments that they could. They made love until the sun started to rise, knowing that the fate of everything just lay hours away.

Chapter Fifty-Nine

It was endless. The cop's barrage of questions from the minute they stepped off the plane. He let her do all the talking; she had it down straight what she needed to say. He popped his knuckles as he sat with her in the backseat of the cop car. MacKenzie wasn't flat out lying to the cops as she retold the story, she just didn't mention the fact that the gang leader had called her and that he had convinced her it was a good idea to meet him. Idiot.

He had to be fucking crazy. Jon didn't operate on gut feels all that much - but this one was overwhelming and was probably out of desperation the more he tried to make sense of it. He needed his life back and whatever the gang guy wanted, maybe it was money now. Maybe he'd changed his mind but Jon was certain that he would pretty much give him anything to get his life back and he'd made this decision to do it, so he'd be held responsible for the consequences.

They checked into the Four Seasons in Miami and he flipped open his wallet as the receptionist typed in his name, the fake one he often used while travelling. It used to be Frank Sinatra but it became more apparent to fans to ask for the musical influences he so often talked about in interviews so it had led him to be more creative.

"So is that one night Mr McLane?"

MacKenzie raised her eyebrow. "John McLane?"

Jon nodded as the corner of his mouth twitched. "That's right. Just the one night."

She smiled sweetly and tapped on her keyboard and handed the card over. "Is there anything else I can do for you and Mrs McLane?"

He laughed as MacKenzie snorted. "No, thank you. This is all."

"You know if anyone was John McLane it would be me." She whispered in his ear as they reached the elevators.

He pressed the button as she hooked his arm through his. "And what the hell does that make me?"

"My trusty side kick of course."

"Pfffffff. A little full of yourself there aren't you Mr McLane?"

Down to years of swivelling his hips on stage he avoided her elbow jab as they entered the elevator. Thankfully the police escort left them at their floor once they were satisfied that they were safe. He swiped his key card and had never been more relieved to see the little green light flash as he turned the handle to safety. MacKenzie dumped the go-bag on the bed and he walked to the window. He was used to different hotel rooms but still felt the push-pull to wanting to be in here versus feeling like he was trapped.

He jammed his hands in his pocket and took a deep breath. “Do you think the kids will be ok?”

Mackenzie stood behind him as her arms slid around his waist and under his sweater against his skin. Her chin rested on his shoulder. “Yes, I do. I think they will be silent now until we meet them.”

He closed his eyes as her fingers brushed through his belly hair. He cupped his hand over hers and squeezed it. “Good.”

Her lips ran across the side of his neck. “We’ll talk about how that’s going to go down. We need to have a very solid plan and understanding between each other for this meeting ok?”

He nodded. “I’m completely at your mercy.” He twisted in her grip and relaxed his arms around her waist and leaned forward. “Maybe in more ways than one.” Their lips met and the heat flooded his mouth. He closed his eyes as he took the kiss deeper, the fear of losing everything that he’d found in her came pouring out of him and into her.

If anything happened to her, well it was unimaginable to even think about that. He lifted her chin, his tongue slid into her mouth and tasted her. He tasted the heart of her, and the heart of him and everything that they stood for.

His hand slid down to the small of her back and he drew her in, her belly pressed against his stirring groin. He broke the kiss but let his lips slide up her cheek. “I love you.” He hadn’t said that nearly enough to Dot when he was in love with her and hell, he wrote the songs that dictated love and freedom but didn’t even live it in his heart of hearts.

She curled her arm up around his neck and buried her face into the side of his neck. “I love you.” His fingers dipped down under the waistband of her jeans and down over the perfect curve of her ass. She moaned and her breath tickled his ear. “Make me feel safe Jon.”

He took the moment and he wanted to make her feel safe. It was all part of being a man, no matter how strong and capable she was. She tilted her head back as took his time kissing down the lovely line of her neck. His hand cupped her breast and his thumb drew out her nipple through her sweater eliciting a groan from her.

He walked them towards the bed, his heart threatened to bust through his chest. A storm of adrenaline and longing was swirling inside his gut. He peeled her sweater up and over her head, his hands cupped her cheeks and he kissed her as they fell back onto the bed. His nose ran along the scalloped satin of her bra as she arched under him.

She tugged his sweater and he lifted his arms as she pulled it off him. He hovered over her and gently kissed her on the lips. His hissed as her fingers raked through his chest hair and groaned as her thumbs circled his nipples. She could drive him insane point blank and he just hoped he would get more of a chance to explore this once this thing was over.

He unhooked the clasp and dragged down the lace to free her breast straight into his mouth. His tongue swirled around the tip and she moaned under him. Her fingers sifted through his hair as he tasted her. His gut unclenched that had been full of worry and the bands in his chest eased as he lost himself in her.

There was a world out there just in reach that was full of love and full of hope and he wanted that back. He wanted that back more than he wanted to breathe right now.

His mouth moved down her centre over her flat belly and over the curves of her hips. Her skin was still scented with that spicy ginger that he’d been tormented by when he'd fought so hard to ignore her. For how long he didn't know but one thing was clear, he was going to make the most of it and make sure she knew just how much she'd come to mean to him over the weeks.

She arched under him as he dragged down her pants over her legs and off. His mouth followed devouring any skin it could reach. He parted her legs and took the heart of her with a slow strong lick. She quivered and lifted her leg up over his shoulder. She was wet, she was his and he was taking her. His tongue swirled around inside of her thighs became slick as he parted her folds to rub her clit.

She groaned throwing her head back into the pillows. His cock was rock hard and he let the arousal wash over him like a summer rainstorm. His hands slid under her, lifting her as he cupped her ass and released more pressure against her pussy.

~

MacKenzie's fingers curled up around the top of the bed-head as she let Jon ravage her. Her nipples puckered and she was so tense that every flick of his tongue threatened to shatter her in half as she neared release. Her nails ate into wood above her as she rode the wave of pleasure. She wanted more than anything to let go and let her body scream with him. Her protector, her need to always have one eye on the ball was holding her back. They were safe for now, she could do this, she could just let go. God she wanted to let go, his tongue after-all was incredible.

She gasped for breath and met his intense stare, the stare that said he was taking and he wasn't going to ask first. His eyes focused on hers, his fingers now curled around her thigh as he stroked her. "God Jon." She breathed it like a benediction as she twisted underneath him. It was a delicious sensation, she was warm all over and the need to be broken boiled inside her.

She closed her eyes as he tipped her over the edge and nothing but pleasure rolled through her. Good god. Her heart raced madly as she slumped back down into the bed. Jon crawled back up her body kissing her as he went. His lips slid up her neck and his body pressed against his he lay flat on top of her. His hand cupped her breast as his mouth fused to hers in a long hot kiss. Her hands shot up into his hair as his thumb rolled across her nipple. She locked her legs around his waist as she deepened the kiss, her tongue found his and slowly she tasted his dark flavour.

He groaned as she let her hands glide over his shoulders and down his pecks, brushing over his nipples as she went. She always had an appreciation for a tight body and Jon's was ridiculous for a guy his age. Her nails raked through his belly fur as the kiss grew stronger and he ground his cock against her already sensitive skin.

He smirked into the kiss as the weight of him became stronger. "Think I can make you cum this way?" The length of his cock slid down her centre teasing the holy hell out of her sending goosebumps over her skin.

Their teeth clicked. "You were always a smartass."

He kissed her and ground against her until she moaned. "Takes one to know one."

Her fingers dug into his shoulders. "I don't think you can." She laughed as his eyes popped open and then narrowed.

"Oh really? That sounds like a challenge."

"Possibly one you'll lose." It was her turn to smirk, his forehead pressed against hers and his lips hovered over hers.

"Oh I know your game Ms Cooper. You think you know me so well don't you? That I have to be the best--and I am." The glint in his eyes darkened.

His knee shifted between her thighs and she gasped as the pressure against her already sensitive skin zinged. "That's cheating."

His palms covered hers and he linked his fingers through hers pinning her hands at each side of her shoulder on the bed. His lips curved into a smile. "I always win." His eyes locked with hers and she swallowed the lump in her throat as how true those words applied to everything right now, not just sex.

She nipped his chin as he teased her more by lifting his head, staying out of reach from her the full impact of the kiss she was fighting for. Only he had this impact on her, only he could make her want to lose control at his mercy and feel safe. Only Jon.

She made the move while his victorious smirk beamed down at her. She lifted her knee between his legs and shifted her weight pinning him on his back. It was self-defence 101. She held his hands down just like he had hers and grinned. "You forget who you're dealing with here buddy." She shifted her body weight so she had him pinned and slid herself onto his cock. She groaned and watched his lips part as she moved enough to ignite a small amount of friction.

He watched her through hooded eyes as she slowly moved above him, stretching as she accommodated him. She tipped her head back and released her hands, smoothing them down his chest sifting through his downy fur. Jon's hands drifted down her body and toyed with her breasts. She hissed as his touch was light and teasing on her sensitive tips but it heightened the friction more. "More, harder...please...” Her hair tumbled around her shoulders, the ends brushing against his hands. His thumbs rolled over her nipples and his thumb found her clit rubbing it from side to side as she rode him.

She jolted back and came hard around his cock, gasping for breath as it punched through her. He rolled her quickly and reversed the move, as her head hit the pillows. He lifted her leg up over his shoulder and grunted as he drove in deep. Skin slapped against skin as she felt herself breaking. "Oh god."

"Kenz..." He gasped and he released exploding inside of her. His head drew back, eyes closed in a state of ecstasy which was enough to send her right over the edge again.

She gripped his arms as she curled her toes and the orgasm ripped through her. He slumped down beside her curling her into him. Her hand slide up over his chest and rested on his shoulder as she laid her cheek against his chest. His heartbeat raced under her as their breathing steadied. She hooked her leg through his and closed her eyes, relishing the moment, relishing the calm before the possible storm.

Update---Where I'm at.

Hi all.

Well I never thought I'd be here again but I am. If you hadn't heard my city was hit with a 6.3 magnitude earthquake on the 22nd Feb---this time it was just 10km from the city center and where I live and only 5km deep which meant destruction and loss of life was inevitable.

I was at home that day but I work right where the CBD crumbled to the ground---and possibly over 200 people lost their lives. The CBD is completely "munted" as we say here in New Zealand and they think at least a third of it will be demolished and have to be rebuilt.

It was a very very day for our city, and our country.

It's been with no doubt, the worst week of my life that I remember. I am grateful to be alive and still a little stunned as to what happened and it's only just sinking in. Many people in Christchurch, their homes were destroyed. Mine is still standing but I have some significant damage in the infrastructure around it---particularly water systems and right now I am without power so it's frustrating.

I have been working on the next chapter of DT though, so there is some good news. I find it helps take my mind off things around here when I do have a moment to relax :)

Anyway I am safe, all my friends and family are as well and that is the best news of all. Things are going to take months to get back to normal here.

Here is an idea of the devastation that's occured, it's just heart-breaking. The city I knew has definitely gone. But we'll move on, rebuild etc---it'll just take time.

Before and After Shots

So I'll be in touch--promise. This story is definitely still in me :)

Kiwi
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