A terrific story by Kim
Author's Note: This story does contain sexual content. If you're offended by this type of material, then please don't read this story!.
In the bushes outside the cottage. A new hitman sat and watched the cottage. He was getting bored. All they ever did was this night after night. He yawned and glanced to the right as a late model sedan drove past. He only gave it a passing glance. It was a chauffeur leaving for the day. Nothing new for this place. He didn't even look twice and Luis drove out of the gate and on to their destination. He smiled to himself. Damn but he was good if he did say so himself. He kept a close eye in the rear view mirror in case someone followed. He didn''t want Sheridan up until he knew for sure they had not been followed. He knew it must be hot under that blanket and he would let her up as soon as was safe. "You ok?" he asked. "Yes fine" was her muffled reply. "Sheridan I need you to stay down just a bit longer. Is that ok." he asked. "Fine" she said sounding breathless. He knew she was hot. It was a hot day for July and they had been in the air-conditioning of the cottage all day except when she had sunbathed. Then he sat and watched her and she lay out oblivious to him there. She had quite a tan now and he must admit, so did he. He always took his shirt off and took some sun as well. More then once his eyes had wandered over to hers and he caught her watching him. He sure didn't understand her. She was a confusing woman. He reached down to turn the air up as high as it would go. He hurried to get as far from here as possible so she could sit up. After almost a half an hour he finally felt safe to allow her up. She sat up from under the blanket and he saw she was drenched with sweat. "Oh Sheridan," he soothed. "I am so sorry. I know it was hot. If it helps were almost there." She blew a puff of air out and said "Im fine. Just where is there? Where are we going?" Luis smiled over at her. She didn't complain like he worried she might. Her hair was plastered to her forehead and her clothes clung to her in a provocative way. Even sweaty and hot she made his heart skip a beat. "Sorry, it's a secret. You'll see when we get there." Sheridan sent a frown at Luis, but didn't comment on this. She just stared out the side window. Just where the heck were they. Sheridan didn't recognize anything around her. Not that there was a lot to see. They were driving on an old road surrounded by trees. It was dark and there were no street lights. At that moment, Luis turned off the road onto an old gravel and dirt road. More accurately a path. He drove on a ways into the trees and suddenly it opened up to a beautiful pond with a waterfall. It was all surrounded by trees and no one would be able to see them back here unless they came looking for them there. It was safe and perfect. "Oh Luis" she gasped. "It's beautiful." Luis looked at the light dance in her eyes. He was suddenly tempted to say the old over used line not as beautiful as you are. He bit it back feeling silly to be even thinking it. He was very glad he had brought her here. "I found this place once when I had a flat tire near here a few years ago. I come back here when I need to think and be alone. I ummm I never brought anyone else here. Do you like it?" he asked tentatively. She flashed him a million dollar grin. "I'm glad I didn't change out of my bathing suit. Can we go?" she asked eager to be outside and feel free and safe. Free was from being able to be outside, but the safe came from knowing Luis was near. Not that she would tell him that. It would only go to his head if she did. Luis hopped out and came around to open her door watching and listening for the sound of a car or someone approaching on foot. He was pretty sure they had not been followed, but he would rather be safe then sorry. He opened the door and they walked quickly down to the pond side. She threw off her sundress in record time and waded right in up to her knees. She turned back then and asked. "Are you coming? You said I had to stay at arms length. Please Luis, I want to swim." Luis stripped off his shirt and shorts leaving only his briefs on. "Sorry I don't have a suit on. I guess this will have to do." he smiled as he waded in to join her. She waded on ahead and he called out "Careful, it drops off suddenly!" His hand reached out to grasp hers and her fingers curled into his and they waded out to the point he knew it dropped off. He pulled her to a stop and said. "This is where it drops off." She let go of his hand and slid in up to her chin enjoying the chill of the cool water. She was so hot from the car ride under the blanket. Luis joined her and they swam out to the waterfall. The water was still deep there, but a small ledge stuck out and she slipped up on it and stood under the waterfall letting the water cascade down her body and she threw her head back reveling in the feeling. Luis watched in awe at her beauty. She stood with the moon glinting off of her skin letting the water fall over her and lifted her arms up to let the water fall all over her. Suddenly Luis was glad to be in deep water. Cool water at that. He swam over to her and jumped up to join her under the spray. It was cool and refreshing. Just a perfect way to end a hot humid July day. Sheridan suddenly slipped and he grabbed her pulling her to him. She grasped his rippling upper arms and found herself hauled against his strong hard chest. Her body reacted instinctively and her nipples hardened to peaks when she felt them against his chest. She was embarrassed and peeked a look at Luis from under her eyelashes. His eyes were smokey and she was shocked at the raw passion she saw reflected in his eyes. Little did she know the same emotion reflected in her eyes as well. Luis felt her response to him and his body stirred against her. He saw as she realized what had happened and she gasped out loud. He knew he should pull back and restore some sanity, but the look that sparkled in her blue eyes reflected by moonlight made him stop and he glanced at her beautiful face looking up at him with such trust and passion. His eyes fell to her full pouty mouth and he watched as her tongue flicked out to lick her lips and disappear back into her mouth. He was drawn then like a moth to a flame. He had no power to resist her then. His mind told him to stop, but his heart pulled him closer and closer until his lips hovered just inches away from hers. Her gaze never left his until he was so close she had to close her eyes. He could feel her soft sweet breath as it caressed his lips. He could almost taste her. His lips descended and touched hers in a kiss soft as a butterflies wings. A spark of fire leapt between them much the same as when he had touched her hand. He peppered her lips with soft little kisses and slowly caressed them longer and harder until his lips finally settled against hers and she put her arms up then behind his head and pulled him down to her. His hands slid down her body to her hips and he pulled her to him and settled one hand on her hip and the other on her lower back. There was no hiding the reaction for either of them. His tongue flicked out and traced a circle around her lips and she parted them to his questing tongue. His tongue slid over her soft lips and met her tongue. Their tongues met and mated tangling and touching. When his tongue slipped out, hers followed his back into his mouth where she followed his lead and let her tongue glide over his and tempt him with all the passion she felt. He took his hands and grasped her hips pulling her up and against him. She felt his attraction against her and moved against him making him groan in response.He deepened the kiss increasing the intensity. His mouth devoured hers and she in turn followed his lead. Her hands pulling his head down to her mouth and her hips moved against him. Her nipples hardened and pressed against his chest letting him know that the kiss affected her as much as it did him. Suddenly reality came crashing back to Luis. He had to stop this before it got too far out of hand. He broke the kiss and eased her back. "We have to stop" he gasped. Sheridan's face was flushed with passion and she looked shocked at his abrupt ending. "Why" she asked sounding as breathless as he felt. "I'm your bodyguard. I'm not doing my duty to you if I let my self get distracted." he stated matter of factly." No matter how tempting that distraction might be. " he added. She wanted him to ravage her right there and make love to her beneath the waterfall. She wanted his touch and his kisses, but she knew he was right. He could get in trouble or they could both end up dead. The thought of Luis hurt sent shivers down her spine. She nodded and they both slid back down into the water and swam for quite a while then. Neither one spoke. She stayed near him as she had promised, but they didn't touch. After an hour they both swam to the shore and got out. She slipped going up the back of the pond and his hand fly out to grab hers. He steadied her and when she was up, instead of letting go, he kept her hand tucked in his as they walked to a blanket they had spread out over the ground. He only let go when they reached the blanket. She sat down and he sat next to her. Once again, neither one said a word, but the companionship she felt was strong. Though they didn't speak a word, the way he looked at her when she snuck a peek at him, said enough. Unbridled passions shown in his eyes and she knew that it was killing him not to continue where they had left off. She sure didn't understand him. Here he had gone out of his way sneaking her out to this special spot because he knew that she was bored and needed a break. This did not fit the image of the man she thought was using her. In fact the only thing that didn't fit in her image of who he was, was the things she had heard and seen him say that night down on the docks. Things she knew about him like his sense of honor. How he stuck by his family through thick and thin. Taking over when his Father and brother left. He had a strong sense of morality. He expected a lot from himself and others around him. He was honest and hardworking. She had no doubt that if needed, he would lay down his life for her. He had saved her life so many times now she had lost count. He had flown at his own expense to Paris to save her. He always looked out for her and like today, made sure she was safe. Never letting her fall, making sure she was safe from those hit men. How did the image of what happened that night fit in here? It didn't. Pilar's words hit her. "Luis always does what he thinks is right. He once gave me, his own Mother a ticket for jaywalking. Hanks words. "Luis always does the right thing. It's instinct." None of this made any sense. Luis wouldn't do what she had seen. He did the right thing. No matter the consequences. Sheridan flashed back to New Year's Eve on the roof of the Sea Scape. Luis had saved her over the man he thought was his own Father. The right thing. The right thing. The words played over and over in her head. What did it mean? Why would he do what he did then to her? She could have sworn he had feelings for her. The gentle touches and soft and passionate kisses they had shared. Her heart told her to forget everything and jump into his arms. He wanted her. She could see it and feel it. Her brain could not let her jump into yet another mistake in her life. She desperately wanted Luis to be the one true love of her life. Needed it to be him in fact. But the truth remained. He was not the man she had hoped. Except he was. He was that man and had it not been for what she had seen and heard that night, she would be with him. She knew he didn't know she knew. Damn it, she didn't want to have to spell it out. She wanted him to suffer like she had. Like she was. Deep down though, she didn't want him to suffer at all. He was a good man and she was in love with him. Yes, deny it as she did, she was in love with this man. She glanced at him but he was deep in thought. She took the time to study him and memorize his face. How could he be so stupid? Kissing her as he had. He had a job to do and nothing should distract him from that. If only kissing her hadn't been so sweet. She was the one person in his life who he couldn't seem to tame and bend to his will. Instead of making him less attracted to her, it only increased his attraction. She was strong and stubborn. He had no doubt that she was attracted to him. Not after the way she responded to his kiss and being in his arms. He could have sworn she was the one. The one person you met and just knew that it was meant to be. She made him feel like no other woman in his life. One minute he wanted to throttle her and the next throw her down and make sweet passionate love to her for hours. He wanted to know her in a way that only lovers did. Beyond that, he wanted her in his life. When something good happened to him, he wanted to share it with her. That was new to him. He had not felt that before. He was in love. Sam had said it so many times and the fact just hit him. No matter what she did and how she treated him, he was head over heels in love with her. He had been fooling himself when he said he felt nothing for her. He didn't just want her body. He wanted her friendship and love too. Suddenly a noise came from the trees behind them. Luis reacted instinctively. He grabbed his gun and dove on top of her. Her startled, scared blue eyes looked up at him as he tensed and waited.
Chapter 2
The hidden Pond in the woods...... Luis heard the noise in the trees and dove on top of Sheridan. His body covered hers and his gun was drawn and at ready. She looked up at him in a frightened way. He hated that she had to be scared. His protective instincts kicked into overdrive. He would kill any man who dared hurt this woman. He would defend her life with his if need be. The thought of giving his life and leaving his family was always something that worried Luis in the past. Thinking about going on with life without Sheridan in it though, made him realize if she died, part of him would too. Nothing would ever be the same. There was no way he would let her be hurt, much less killed. He wouldn't let it happen. He looked down into her big blue eyes looking so trustingly up at him and he knew then he was gone. She had him by his heart. She didn't know it, but he would do anything for her. If she told him she wanted the moon, he might bitch about it, but he would have to find a way to give it to her in the end. He was gone! Suddenly a raccoon ran out from the trees and gave them a funny look before he scampered back into the trees. They both laughed out loud. "A raccoon!" Sheridan laughed. "Boy are you jumpy Luis!" Luis gave her a serious look. "Someone is trying to kill you Sheridan. I take that very seriously! You should to." She shook her head. Here they went again. They packed up and headed back home. When they got close to the mansion, Luis told her to duck down once again and covered her up. The man watching the house was asleep and didn't even see the car drive in. They had made it without a hitch.
Sheridan's cottage...........
The next day had been hard for both of them. The new found sexual tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. They needed to get out again but how?" I know" Sheridan suddenly shouted."There is a trunk of old masks and wigs and costumes in the basement in the Crane mansion. We could disguise ourselves and sneak out and not be recognized. Luis laughed out loud. "Are you serious?" He asked. She nodded and headed for the door. He caught up with her as she was about to go out the door. "We need to drive up OK?" he asked her. It's really not safe to go walking up there out in the open. Anyone watching and waiting would have a clear shot of you." Sheridan rolled her eyes. "Not this again Luis!" she whined. "I am so sick of being cooped up and not being able to walk anywhere or go anywhere I want to. What if I want a nice walk? Is that so bad?" Luis watched her go off on her tangent once again. It was the same thing as always. She refused to see she was in danger and refused to see that she was being careless with her life. "Look Sheridan, we have been doing so well lately. Please don't start this again." he snapped. She was right though. They did need to get out. The tension between them was becoming unbearable. He would not let up and she gave in and they drove up to the Crane mansion. They went up to the stairs intending to head straight up to the attic, but Gwen saw them come in and called for Sheridan. "Oh Sheridan!:" Gwen called. "You have to come see the bridesmaid dresses. They just got here and they are done." Sheridan smiled at Luis apologetically and went to Gwen with Luis tailing behind. Gwen took them into a room and pulled a dress out for Sheridan. "This one is yours." Gwen stated."You should probably try it on in case it needs to be taken in or something. But then with Theresa's designs and the expensive person who made them, they better fit perfect." Luis heard two things that sent his head spinning. "Whoa whoa whoa!" Luis said. "Back it up here. You can't be in the wedding Sheridan. You never said anything about this." Sheridan looked at Luis and he knew he had lost the fight already. He should just throw in the towel now. "Luis!" she yelled."Of course I am going to be in Ethan's wedding. I am his aunt. I have to be there. It's my duty and a privilege." Luis knew a losing battle when he saw one. "Ok"he said throwing up his hands in defeat. Besides something else was bugging him more at the moment. "OK then what did you mean the dresses Theresa designed?" Luis asked loudly glancing from Sheridan to Gwen. Neither woman spoke up. "Answer me!" he demanded. At that moment, Theresa walked into the room. Luis face contorted in anger. "What the hell are you doing here Theresa?" he sputtered "I told you I never wanted to find you here!" Theresa's face was filled with fear. This was the one thing she had feared most. Luis was beyond reason at the moment. "Have you been working here all along?" Luis asked in that loud angry tone he got when he was very angry. "Answer me!" he snapped. "Yes, Luis, I have been working here for almost a year now as Ivy Crane personal assistant. I have dreams of becoming a famous designer and I designed Gwen's wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses and organized and planned the whole wedding." Theresa said in a voice that wavered with fear. Luis' whole face turned a deep red. "You lied to me!" he accused. He turned on Sheridan then. "You knew about this didn't you" he asked. For the first time in the whole time that she knew him, she feared him. She wouldn't back down though. She put her chin up and answered. "Yes I did. I kept it from you too because I knew how much this meant to her and what a good job she did." Luis was so angry he felt his hands clinch at his sides. He wanted to throw something and break everything in sight. Suddenly, Gwen stuck the book of sketches Theresa had made under his nose. "I think you should look at these Officer!" Gwen said and let him take the book. Luis glanced at them expecting to feel his anger boil and instead felt his anger lessen and then snuff out. These were good. They were better then good. They were amazing. He looked up at Theresa with pride glowing in his eyes. "You drew these?" he asked in amazement. "Yes, Luis, I did. I didn't want to keep this from you, but I knew your hatred for the Cranes would keep me from possible getting my dream. I didn't like it and please don't be mad at Sheridan. She was only protecting me." Luis glanced back down to the book and then back up. "She's amazing isn't she?" Gwen asked him. He nodded in reply. His baby sister was an aspiring designer and his hatred for something that was not involving her, had almost made her lose her dreams."I had no idea Theresa" he said. "No idea." Gwen showed him some more of her work and even Luis was impressed, although he knew nothing about designs and planning a wedding. His sister had finally given up on that silly dream of having Ethan too, that was obvious to Luis as well. She had planned his wedding to another woman with as much care and detail as she would have her own. Luis was speechless. He looked from one woman to the other not knowing what to say. Theresa finally broke the tension by hugging her brother. "I love you Luis." she stated."I never wanted to lie to you. I just needed this to prove myself a worthy designer." Luis hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head. Gwen and Sheridan went off to let Sheridan try on her dress and Luis waited outside with Theresa. "I'm so sorry Theresa" he said. "I had no idea you even wanted this." Theresa smiled at him and said. "I would have tried to tell you, but the second you heard the name Crane you would have gone off on me." Luis tried to smile but it came out crooked. "I understand" was all he said. Theresa turned to leave. "I know I should probably not say this, but if you listened more to Sheridan, maybe you would hear more there too." she said turning back once before she walked away. Luis knew she was right. He did tend to jump to conclusions especially where Sheridan was concerned. She came out then and they continued to the attic to get the things they wanted. It was hot and musty up there. Old furniture and whatnots filled the attic. Sheridan made short work of finding the box that contained the costumes. It was actually a trunk and of course Luis ended up carrying it down to the next floor. He groaned with the effort. "Whats in this lead?" he asked. She laughed. "No just old clothes masks and stuff." Suddenly she snapped her fingers. "I almost forgot the spirit gum! Father always kept it in his desk. I would be willing to be Julian has some too.We will need some to stick stuff on if we decide to do that." Luis followed her into Julian's study. He wasn't there, but a half full glass of brandy on the desk indicated he would most likely return soon. Sheridan opened a drawer and when she didn't find what she needed, opened the next and the next. Suddenly her face registered shock and confusion. Her hands touched the mask. It was Luis. It was a mask of Luis' face. What would Julian be doing with a mask of Luis' face? Unless he wanted to pretend to be Luis. Julian came in just at that second. "Just what the hell do you think your doing in here?" He thundered. Sheridan looked from the mask to Julian and then back to the mask. Suddenly it all fell into place. This was why Julian and Father were so sure Luis would turn out just like all the men had in her life. A user and an abuser. It hadn't been Luis that night. It was like someone was squeezing her heart then. It hurt so bad. The betrayal from her family and the pain of knowing she had wrongly accused Luis. It too much and she crumpled to a heap on the floor in front of Luis' eyes before he couldreact.
Chapter 3
Julian's study at the Crane mansion........
Luis watched in horror as Sheridan picked something up out of the drawer and then when Julian waked in, fall into a dead faint. Luis was at her side in a second flat as was Julian. Instead of being worried about Sheridan though, he seemed more concerned about what was in her hand. Luis made sure she had not hit her head and didn't notice what it was that Julian took from her hand, only that he did take something. Sheridan stirred then and came too. She smiled up at him when she opened her eyes. "Luis," she said. "Why am I on the floor?" Luis helped her sit up, but stopped her from getting all the way up. "You fainted Sheridan. Wait a second here before you get up." It all came back to her then and she twisted around to see where Julian was. He was sitting looking very frightened in his chair at the desk. "Where is it?" she demanded. Julian feigned innocence. "What ever are you talking about sister dear." She pushed off the floor pushing off Luis' attempts to stop her. "Don't play innocent with me Julian" she snapped. "Where the hell is it?" Julian pretended to be concerned. "Sister dear. I do believe you hit your head when you fell. Perhaps you should go to the hospital?" Sheridan was steamed now. Luis watched in silence. "Cut the crap Julian. I know what I saw!" she said slamming her hands down on the desk."How could you do that to me? I'm your sister! How could you do that to me knowing how much I cared for him?" Luis was confused. What the heck was she talking about? Maybe she had hit her head. Julian was way too nervous though so he knew something was not right. Sheridan rounded the desk and pushed Julian aside. She yanked open a drawer. It wasn't there."Where did you put it?" she questioned. Julian shrugged his shoulders. "I already told you, I don't have a clue as to what your talking about." Sheridan was getting frustrated and she was scaring Julian. What ever it was that she saw, she had seen, she was not delusional from a bump on the head. "You know it was pretty clever of you two," she said to Julian. "It almost worked too. Only you didn't count on the fact that he is a good honest man. I know you don't have much experience with that kind of a man, so you don't even know that it wouldn't work. I should have known. I should have trusted. Ohhhhh I could scream." She yanked open the next drawer and Julian tried to keep her from opening it and seeing what was in it. She reached around him and pulled out a latex mask. She glared at Julian then and then stared down at the mask. Luis moved behind her and was shocked to see that the mask was of his face. "What is that?" he questioned. "This, is the reason I slapped you. The reason I went back to Europe." She sighed. "It was all a lie. A cover up." Luis glared at Julian. Tears formed and fell down Sheridan's cheeks. She turned and cupped his face in her hands. "Luis, I am so sorry for the way I have been treating you. I really thought I knew what I saw. I never thought my own Father and Brother would stoop so low." Luis looked at her in a worried way. She was crying in earnest now and he gathered her close and kissed her forehead. "Shh! Stop. It's ok. What ever it is. It's ok. We can fix it. I'll help you. It can't be that bad." It all spilled out of her then much to Julian's horror. How she had gone to see him and overheard someone saying those awful things. Luis's heart ached for her. The hurt and mistrust she had learned was a part of life was evident. Her own family had done this to her. To what? Keep them apart? Why? What did they have to hide that was so important that they would hurt someone as sweet and good as Sheridan? The words from her Father about no one ever loving her was like a knife in Luis' heart. How that must hurt her knowing her Father thought that of her. No one treated someone they loved this way. Using the person's biggest fears to get what they wanted. For her to be this upset, she must have had or have feelings for him. Now what she had said before came back. "How could you do that to me knowing how much I cared about him?" She did have feelings. It warmed him to know it. This was the reason she had left. He wanted to be mad at her. He wanted to ask how she could not have trusted him. Then it hit him. All her life, every man, including her own Father had used her. Why would she have a reason to think any man could be different? Right there and then he made a vow. He would teach her how to trust and he would never let another man or woman use her. She deserved to be loved and cherished and cared for. Not dumped on and used and told she was unloved. She was still crying when Luis stepped back. He advanced on Julian. "How could you do that to your own sister?" he snarled at Julian. "She doesn't deserve to be treated this way and I won't allow you to hurt her anymore." Julian cowered back from him. Luis wanted to slam his fist down Julian's throat and choke him with his own tongue. He felt Sheridan's hand on his arm. "Don't Luis. If you hurt him, he will have your badge. Let it be enough that we know now and he knows he lost." Luis looked at her and was lost. He glared one last time at Julian, but knowing Sheridan was right, he let it go. He led them out to the car carrying the trunk out with them. She was quiet. He knew she needed to think things through. He wanted her to know though that he didn't blame her. They drove to the cottage and went in. He took the trunk to the door and went in first. She went in without a word and went to her room. He heard her run a bath then and he knew she needed to sort out her feelings before they spoke. He got ready for bed and lay down. He heard her muffled sobs as she cried in her bed. He wanted to go to her and comfort her, but he thought she wanted to be alone. He was torn. He wanted to take the pain for her, but knew that he couldn't. He did promise then and there though, that he would do everything in his power to make her happy. He would see that she felt loved. When she got quiet, he crept in and watched over her as she slept. She slept on not knowing he was there. He wanted to kiss the tears off her cheeks and hold her and let her know it was all ok. He wanted to take her beneath him and show her his love for her. He wanted her to know how he felt and feel it as he made love to her slowly, deeply and tenderly. She was so precious to him. His Sheridan. Why couldn't the Crane men just let love be? Why did they fight it so hard? What was so bad about Sheridan being loved? She was a beautiful and caring woman who loved everyone she met. Never mean to anyone without cause and so compassionate. He couldn't help himself. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her mouth. Her mouth curved into a smile in her sleep. Luis quietly crept back out.
The church............
Luis stood waiting outside the brides room door. Weeks had passed since the incident. They had not spoken of it except once. She had come out the next morning and Luis had gathered her into a big bear hug. She accepted it, but it seemed she was holding back. He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "I don't blame you and I am sorry it had to happen to you. I understand how you believed what you did and I don't want to hear about this again. It's over. Done!" She had tried to speak, but he put a finger to her lips. "It's over!" They had not spoken about it again. Something had changed between them then. The trust, still new, was there stronger then ever. They had done a lot of rebuilding these past few weeks. They still felt the tension, stronger then ever. They had used the disguises too. One night he decided they needed to get out. He told her to get dressed and he would too. She wore a dark brown wig with short hair and funny big glasses that exaggerated her eyes. He had to laugh too at her long shapeless dress and ugly shoes. She did a double take when he came out. She turned to see an old man come out of her bedroom. Luis had long gray hair and a long gray beard. He wore old man clothes and shoes and had a cane. She broke down into fits of giggles as he walked out using the cane as if he were 90 years old. "Well, dearly" he said using a funny voice. "Are ya ready to go?" She gave him her arm and they snuck up through the trees. The poor chauffeur was in shock when they walked up. She spoke to him and they all laughed at his expression. They snuck out then to a movie. No one was none the wiser and they did it several more times then after. They had fun seeing what the other would do. One day a sexy red head for Sheridan and the next a little old lady with white hair. Luis was a funny looking professor type one day and the next a blonde with leather and an attitude. They had fun and managed to get out at the same time. Luis was always on the look out for trouble. On day they were dressed as an old couple. Luis decked out in his long gray beard and Sheridan in her white wig. They walked right past Agent Freeman and he didn't even bat an eye. Their hysterical laughter had him turning and staring. When they told him who they were, he stared and then laughed too. He scolded Luis for taking such a chance, but it was only half hearted. Now was the day Luis had been dreading. Sheridan was taking such a chance putting herself out into the open. He understood too how she needed to do this. At that moment, he watched as the door opened and she walked out. Ethan had made him a groomsman so that he could be near Sheridan if need be. Sheridan was to walk down the isle with him. She wore a lilac colored dress cut in a simple but flattering way. It seemed to hug her curves and Luis decided that she was even more beautiful then the bride who followed her out the door. Even if he were not guarding her, his eyes would have been on her through out the entire ceremony. It went well. They walked down the isle and got to the front. Something was wrong. Luis couldn't say what, but he had a very bad feeling about all this. The ceremony started, but the feeling stayed with Luis. Just as they neared the end, Luis heard the sound he had been dreading since he started guarding her. A gunshot. He threw himself at her. He hit her hard taking her down as he felt the sting of a bullet hit his arm. He watched too as Ethan threw himself at Theresa easing Luis' fears for her. But why did Ethan save Theresa. Gwen still stood in clear shot of whoever was shooting. Sam reacted fast and caught the man on his way out. The man appeared shocked that he had been caught. Luis sat up then expecting Sheridan to follow. His arm hurt like a son of a bitch, but at least he took the bullet. He glanced down just as Gwen screamed. He looked down to see blood pooled around Sheridan's blonde hair. She was deathly pale and a small red dot showed the spot where a bullet had pierced her skull. Luis screamed then. A sound that was like a wild animal. "Nooooooooooooo" He yelled!
Chapter 4
The church........
Luis looked at Sheridan's prone figure bleeding on the floor. It didn't register at first. How could it be? He took the bullet? It hit him! He dropped to his knees and took her limp hand in his. She was pale and bleeding heavily from a small dot on her temple. "Nooooooooooo" Luis scream filled the entire church. Ethan got up and came to his side. "Oh my God? How did this happen? How could you let her get shot!" Sam walked up and shot Ethan a dirty look. "The ambulance is on the way. Ethan, I need to have a word with you." Sam said and motioned Ethan away from the scene. Luis didn't need the accusations right now. He was already beating himself up as they spoke. Luis was in love with Sheridan,but knowing how stubborn he was, Sam was sure he had never told her. Ethan was angry. Sam realized that was a trait from Ivy. When things went wrong, Ivy tended to blame anyone close enough to her to yell at. Luis held her hand and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You hold on Sheridan! I can't lose you. You hang on! Do you hear me? Don't you leave me!" His voice cracked as he spoke with emotion. He felt a hand on his back and looked up to his his mother and Theresa there beside him. Pilar was pale with worry and Theresa looked very young and scared. "It's ok hija" she soothed him. "She is strong and healthy. She'll be fine. You'll see." She said the words, but didn't mean them. She was scared too. Poor Sheridan looking so small and pale bleeding there. Luis loved her. Pilar had no doubt anymore. The look on his face was one of a man desperately in love and scared for the one he loved. God help Sheridan. She had finally found that one man that would love her unconditionally and she didn't even know it. She couldn't die without knowing it. That was too cruel. Fate would not be that unkind would it? But then fate was a fickle thing. It did not play by any rules. Luis raised Sheridan's hand to his lips and kissed her hand. "Don't do it Sheridan. I need you!:" he whispered. She took one gasping breath and then stopped breathing. Luis panicked. No! God help him. He couldn't lose her! Not now. Not when they were finally finding love together. He tilted her head back and blew breaths into her mouth. His air filled her lungs and breathed life back into her body. A strange silence filled the air as Luis tried to breath life back into the lifeless body of the woman he loved. Sheridan was all he knew. He didn't hear the talk around him or the people offering advice. All he knew was that he couldn't lose her. No way. He would never let her go. After several breaths from Luis, she drew in a deep breath on her own and was breathing again. The ambulance crew came in then and assisted the situation and loaded her quickly up into the ambulance and drove off before Luis got in with them. He ran to his car, but a car driven by Ethan pulled up just as he got out the door. "Get in Luis!" Ethan called. Luis did and they flew to the hospital. Ethan drove fast, but safely. Luis got out before the car even rolled to a stop. He ran in to the desk desperate to find out if she was all right. "The Dr will be out soon to talk with you." was all the idiotic woman behind the desk would say. More people came to the hospital then, but Luis never saw them. He was in his own world. One where life was upside down. He paced back and forth across the room running a hand through his hair. How could he have let this happen? He should have been quicker to push her out of harms way. He should have been over her more. Not just his arm. He should have refused to let her participate in the wedding. He stopped and practically ran over Ethan as Dr. Eve Russell came out. She looked right at Luis when she spoke. She knew that he was the one who was the most worried. "Sheridan is going to surgery right now. We don't know the extent of the damage yet. We did a CAT scan and there is a lot of swelling on the brain. We won't know until we get in there, if we can fix this or not. I know you need to have some answers, but at the moment, I have none." Eve tried to soften it, but it was touch and go from this point forward. The truth was, the brain was a strange organ. Not much was know about it. She put a soothing hand on Luis' arm and then squeezed. "I'll keep you updated ok?" she asked and when he nodded, she walked away. Luis sat down on the chair in front of him and buried his head in his hands. This was all his fault. How could this have happened? How would he ever live without her if she didn't make it? Her face laughing and beautiful popped into his mind. His beautiful Sheridan. Hurt and possible dying. Her pretty face had looked so pale and he felt so awful. He loved her and she never knew that. He should have told her. She had only wanted to be loved her entire life and had been hurt so many times that she had given up hope. He wanted to mend her broken heart. He wanted to show her in a million different ways that she was special. He wanted to say those three simple words to her and see the smile that it made appear on her face. Now he may never get the chance. Hot tears burned at the back of his eyes and then fell unbidden down his cheeks. He cried for her. Not for him. That wonderful, sweet and loving woman might die thinking she didn't deserve to be loved. Never knowing a true abiding love that surpassed all understanding. The kind of love he felt for her. He felt a hand on his arm and looked up to see Ethan sitting next to him. "My God!" Ethan gasped. "Sam was right. I thought he was crazy to even suggest it, but it's true. You love her don't you?" Luis could only nod his head and let the tears fall. Ethan stayed with him and Sam sat down in the chair next to Ethan. No one spoke for quite a while. They let the grief they all felt out. It was hours before Eve came out with news. She came to where they all sat. "Sheridan made it through surgery. We got the bullet out and as far as we could see, there was little or no damage from the bullet. It went in with very little force." Luis looked at his arm for the first time. "It went through me!" he stated flatly. "What" Sam said jumping up? "Your hit? Why didn't you say something?" Luis shook off Eve's hands. "No I will go in a minute. I have to see her. I need to see her." he rasped. Eve looked away and then back her eyes showing apprehension. "You can see her Luis, but first I need to finish what I was saying. Sheridan is ok as far as damage from the bullet, but the swelling is another thing in and of itself. When there is anything such as an injury, the brain swells to protect itself." Luis cut in. "Just say it damn it Eve. Tell us." Eve looked grim and said. "She's in a coma. Now this is normal for a brain injury.Coma is the brains way of shutting itself down to help it repair itself. The important thing is that it doesn't go on for days and weeks. She should wake up in the next few hours or days unless the swelling causes brain damage. Then, its anybody's guess as to how this turns out. The brain is a funny organ. Not predictable." She led Luis back then to a room that was lit only by a strange soft glow. Machines beeped and wires and tubes ran out and into Sheridan. He was almost brought to his knees by the pain that swept through him seeing her like that. He wanted to gather her up into his arms and hold her. He couldn't do that so he settled for sitting next to the bed and taking her hand in his. He sat there all day. He refused to leave her side. He insisted and meant it that she was still in danger. Whoever shot her had hit her, but had not killed her. They would stop at nothing to see her dead. Luis was still her bodyguard and he intended to keep up his job even if it meant sleeping here next to her bed. He would not let anything happen to her ever again. He sat there all the rest of that day and through the night. Sleeping on the bed next to her head. His sleep was restless though as he kept a keen ear out for people coming in and out. The nurses scurried in and out not wanted to encounter his wrath if they didn't hurry and leave. He sat with her all the next day and night too. He refused to leave her side to even shower or shave. Even with Sam or Ethan or Hank or Hal. He would not leave her. He talked to her telling her what he wanted to do with her when she was better. They would take a trip to Spain and she could show him around. He told her over and over that he loved her and that he needed her. She didn't respond to anything. He fell asleep and never knew she was awake until she touched his head. She had woken up to find a very grubby looking Luis laying next to her. She had a headache and was still very tired, but she had wanted him and she woke up to call him and there he was. She looked at the man she loved with all her heart and reached up a hand to touch his head. He jerked awake at her touch and met her eyes with shock in his own. "Your awake?" he said. She smiled in response. "Luis." she managed to squeak out. She was thirsty and tired. She wanted a drink and she wanted Luis and to sleep. She had the bed and her man. "Drink?" she asked. Luis frowned. "I don't know. Let me get Eve.OK?" She smiled at his excitement. He ran out to get Eve. It wasn't more then 10 seconds and he was back with Eve in tow. She checked her over and said she was looking better. She ran a few tests to be sure, but Sheridan appeared to be fine. Luis was relieved to hear that. When Eve left, Sheridan smiled at him. After a nice cool drink, she found her voice. "Luis you look like hell!" she stated. "What the hell happened to you?" Luis smiled at her. "You got shot remember." he said. She smiled back. "Yeah but if I am the one who got shot? Why do you look worse?" Luis didn't answer right away. He looked at her in a strange way she had never seen before. "I need to tell you something" he rasped. "When I thought you might die. When I didn't know if I would ever talk to you again I made myself a promise. I love you!" He watched the surprise fill her eyes. She tried to speak, but he interrupted, "No please let me tell you this. Sheridan when I thought I lost you, I realized how much you mean to me. I can't live without you. I love you and I need you and I want you to know how much. You may not love me but..." She put up a hand to his mouth then. "Luis! How can you not know? Oh Luis, I have loved you for so long now. I wanted to tell you so many times, but I didn't have the nerve to say it." Luis leaned up then and kissed her on her lips letting his mouth and tongue speak for him.
The cottage.......
Sheridan had been home for 10 days now. She was doing much better. It sure had slowed her down. Luis was such a doting idiot too. He almost drove her nuts. "Do you need this.... how about a this." She wanted to slap him silly some days. Then there were the little gestures like drawing her a bubble bath or carrying her out to the backyard one day and it was filled with candles and flowers and he read poetry to her and they had kissed passionately. He always drew back though.She wanted him more then ever and the wait was killing her. Then today came the news that Roger and Pierre had been caught. It was almost over. They were to fly to Paris tomorrow and she would testify and then she was free of them forever. The time flew by and Luis and Sheridan flew to Paris and she testified while Luis looked on. Afterward he took her to her favorite restaurant she had not been to since leaving and they had a wonderful meal and wine. They strolled through Paris and stopped to admire things here and there or listen to music or to watch a painter. He bought her a beautiful watercolor she had admired and a rose from a street peddler. It made her feel so loved and wanted. This was the kind of love she had always dreamed of. Only they didn't have one thing. The one thing that would bond them body and soul. She wanted to make love with him. Wanted him to make love to her. She wanted him to want it too. She was still unsure he wanted it too, so she said nothing. Luis too wanted her beyond all reason. He didn't want to rush her into something she didn't want. The wait was killing him though. They wandered around for a while more holding hands and kissing. It was like a dream come true for her. This was like she had always dreamed it would be. Luis was so attentive and loving. He kissed her hand now and then just because and pulled her against him in a hug or sat close to her and put an arm around her shoulders. She wanted this to last forever. This feeling. They went back to the hotel. Luis had been sleeping on the couch since they had arrived. He went there now and lay down. She felt dejected. Maybe he didn't want her that way. She turned in feeling very alone and sad. She couldn't sleep and when she turned over for the 20th time, she decided to go to him. He was asleep as far as she could tell. She stood watching him and then slid down next to him on the sofa. His arm came up to hold her. "What are you doing?" He asked. She snuggled against him. "I wanted to be near you." she said in a small voice.She was afraid he would reject her. She couldn't bear it. He felt her stiffen. What was it? She appeared afraid and apprehensive about something. He turned so he could rest on his arm and look at her. She looked sad. "Sheridan? he asked scared. "What is it?" She reached a hand up to touch his face. "I love you!" she said. "Do you love me anymore?" Luis was shocked. How could she ask that? Didn't he show her how much all day long? Luis pulled her closer and kissed her soundly on the mouth. "I love you so much Sheridan! How can you ask that?" he asked. She looked up at him and asked. "Then why don't you want me? Why don't you want to make love with me?" Shock hit Luis like a ton of bricks. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. "Oh Sheridan. If you only knew how much I do want that!" he exclaimed. With that, his mouth took hers in a soul searing kiss. His tongue met hers and they danced. His hands roamed her body and learned it. She let her hands wander over him as well. Luis pulled her to him and she felt his need for her. She let her hand fall between them and let her fingers slide over the bulge in his pants. Luis moved against her hand and the next second they were both on the floor. Laughing they kissed passionately for several more minutes on the floor. Then Luis scooped her up and carried her to the bed. He lay her down and followed her down to the bed. His hips pressed against her soft hips. She felt him stir even more against her now. He continued his kiss of her mouth and face and let his lips fall lower to her neck. His hands made a slow easy path down her chest to gently circle her nipple. She arched her back to him and he moved his hands down lower and under her shirt to slid up under. He took her top with his hands and pulled it up and over her head. His hands slowly lifted her and slid around to undo her bra and reveal her breasts to him. His hands moved over her to cup them in his hands and test the weight. She felt her nipples harden to pebbles under his touch. Then he bent slowly to her and took one nipple slowly and gently into his mouth letting his teeth nip gently and then his tongue danced a soft circle around until she wanted to cry out from the feel of it. Her hands moved over his chest and down and up under his shirt. She wanted to feel his strong chest and muscles. He was so perfect this man of hers. He stripped off his shirt to allow her more access to him and she stroked his chest and made small circles around his nipple as well. His nipples hardened to her touch much to her surprise and delight. She liked to see the effect her touch had on him. He in turn moved his hand lower and let it drift to her pants. He opened them and slid his hand down the front. She gasped as he cupped her in his hand. Desire streaked through her body and settled between her legs. She had never had such intense feeling about anyone. He made her burn. She cried out as his finger slipped lower and he moved his hand over her. She arched her back raising her hips to his hand. She moved her hand lower and undid his pants as well and slid her hand in. He was warm and hard and she moved her hand over him and heard him groan out loud at the feeling her touch evoked. She felt him lift her hips and make short work of her pants and undergarments. He stood up then and slipped out of his pants and briefs. He stood before her like a warrior. He looked so strong and handsome. He stood over her looking at her as well. "Sheridan, you are so beautiful" he whispered in awe of her. She smiled at him and said. "You look amazing Luis." He slid his body back down on hers then letting her feel him as he slid over her and moved her knees apart. He lay down on top of her letting her feel his need for her pressed up against her.She was impatient. She wanted him now. His fingers caressed her and she in turn let her hands wander over him as well. He kissed her deeply and moved over her and as he let his tongue slip into her mouth, he entered her slowly and gently. She was taken by such desire and love. Her heart felt like it had wings and it soared up to meet his heart as he joined their bodies and hearts as one. He took her high into the stars and let her fly with him until they shattered into a million pieces and settle back onto the earth. He slipped off of her and nestled her close to his heart. "I love you! You are the love of my life" he whispered to her close to her ear. She turned up to him and kissed his lips. "I love you too Luis. I love you more then I can say. Your love has rescued me from a life of misery. Now I have you, I will never be lonely." Luis let his hand move down and cup her hip pulling her to him even closer. She smiled and slid up and onto him. He looked at her and smiled. He stirred and came to life against her leg. She loved seeing the power she had over him. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald was at her beck and call. She had the power over him and she loved it. She moved her hips and moved against him making him groan in frustration. "See what you do to me?" he asked her. She only smiled down at him and raised her hips to sheath him in her warmth. This time was not slow and easy, but fast and furious. Their need came out this time and she moved over him until they both fell into that endless abyss of space and landed together as one. She lay on him after they finished making love. She loved the feel of his muscles under her. The sheer power and strength of this man, but yet she had no fear of him. His love was like a shield over her. She feared nothing and no one anymore. Not even her Father. Perhaps he had known. That she would one day find this kind of love that left him powerless over her. He could no longer intimidate and hurt her to bend her to his will. Yes, Luis was a possessive and powerful man, but somehow that no longer mattered. What mattered was that he loved her and she loved him. Some things were just meant to be. She fell asleep on his chest feeling happy and content for the first time in her entire life. Luis curled a strong possessive hand over her back and marveled at how much love filled his heart for her at the moment. His heart felt as if it were bursting. He loved her so much. He drifted off to sleep with the knowledge that she was safe in his arms which is where she would stay.