Disclaimer: All characters of StarGate and StarGate Atlantis belong to their respective writers and MGM. This is a work of fan fiction. I just want to play with them for awhile.
Retribution
copyright 2009 awakethepassion
“Elizabeth, can I talk to you for a second?”
She looked up at him and a slight smile crossed her pretty features. “Absolutely, Colonel.” She waved a hand at the chair in front of her desk. “Please, have a seat.”
She was still smiling as he sat down then she got up and walked to the door. She closed it and when she turned back around her expression had turned serious. “Actually, Colonel...I've been hoping that you'd show up this morning.”
“Really?” John asked, feigning surprise. “Why?”
“I had a rather interesting visitor this morning.” Her fingers trailed over the file on the desk in front of her. She raised an eyebrow slightly. “I take it that you're familiar with a Doctor Sharon Arnold?”
He glanced at the file and then tensed when he saw the name written on it. He clasped his hands, lacing his fingers together to keep from digging his nails into his palms. That god damn bitch!
Elizabeth sighed. “I can see from your expression that you do.” She slid the file across the desk. “I was hoping that you might enlighten me on just what the hell is going on.”
He looked at the file like it was some kind of dangerous animal. “There's nothing going on. At least not what you might think.”
“John, listen...” She leaned forward slightly, resting her hands in front of her. “We're friends...aren't we?”
He scowled. “You know we are.”
“And you know that I have never have and never will interfere with your personal life...”
“Then don't start now.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
Her eyes widened in surprise. “John!”
He rubbed a hand across his face. “Listen, Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. You didn't deserve that.”
“Then what she says is true?” Elizabeth relaxed a bit but not by much. He was tense, on edge...coiled like a snake ready to strike. His body practically vibrated with emotion.
“Depends on what she said.” He leaned back in the chair and crossed his legs. He gave her an intense look and she shifted slightly in her chair. He knew he was making her even more uncomfortable than she was already was but right at the moment he really didn't care. “And I'm hoping that you'll tell me.”
She looked down at the file again and then up at him. “John...” She sighed and he could tell that she was trying to think of the right words to say. She chewed on her lip and then finally looked up at him.
“If you're having a problem...”
“I'm not having a problem.” He gave her a level look. “Elizabeth, I can tell from your face that you know all about what happened on movie night. ”
“I don't think that there's anyone in the city that doesn't. But I don't listen to gossip.” She smirked slightly and then her expression turned completely serious. “I know that you can handle things pretty well yourself, but if you are having a problem...John, I would hope that we're friends enough that you would confide in me.”
“I told you, I'm not having a problem.” He tapped a finger against the file. “And especially not with this, lady. I can assure you that what people saw or what they think they saw, is not necessarily what happened.”
“According to Doctor Arnold, you are and it was.”
“Then Doctor Arnold is mistaken.” His scowl deepened. “If anything, she is the one I'm having the problem with.” His eyes darkened with anger. “But I can handle her.”
“Then Doctor Walker...this thing with her...” His gaze flickered slightly and she saw the rush of heat that reddened his face at just the mention of her name. “Is it...” She laughed shakily. “Are the two of you...serious?”
“Yes.” He said it simply and without hesitation. “At least I am.”
A knowing smile crossed her face and suddenly she understood the look in his eyes. Reaching out she picked up the file, opened a drawer in her desk and dropped it inside. “Then I'll leave you to take care of it.”
Smiling at him, she crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair.
“Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”
~~
“Colonel Sheppard...John!”
He tensed when he heard that reedy voice behind him and he picked up his pace. He could hear her foot steps behind him, hurrying to catch up. He was so angry that all he wanted to do was get away, maybe grab Susan, haul her onto the first Puddle Jumper he saw and just get out of the city for awhile.
After his talk with Elizabeth the last thing he wanted to do was look at the barracuda barreling down on him.
“John!” She called out again, closer this time. “I need to talk to you. It's about Doctor Walker!”
This time he did stop. Shit. He shook his head slightly. Dammit, he should have known better than to show that woman even a seconds worth of his attention. All he'd meant to do was tease Susan, make her nuts and even a little bit jealous.
Now it was all coming back to bite him hard on the ass.
Plastering what he hoped was a neutral smile on his face, he turned around and had to take a step back. God damn, the woman was fast! She was nearly on top of him.
“Sharon...” He nodded slightly.
“Good morning, Colonel.” She laid her hand on his arm and smiled. “I was hoping to catch you this morning, maybe invite you to have breakfast with me so that we could discuss our...mutual problem. I hope you don't mind but I've already arranged a meeting with Doctor Weir to discuss Susan's behavior.” She smiled like a simpering school girl and stroked her fingers over his arm. “I was hoping that you would join me.”
“I'm getting ready to go on duty.” He stiffened at the way she said her name, as if Susan were some nasty thing she'd picked up on the bottom of her shoe.
“But you've still got time don't you?”
His eyes narrowed slightly and his hand curled into a fist. He took a deep breath. It was now or never and he knew that he might as well get it over with. If he waited any longer he wasn't sure what he might do. “No, I don't and there's not going to be a meeting, Sharon. It's been called off.”
He turned to go but she grabbed his arm and pulled him back around to face her.
“Then you agree with me...” She smiled. “I'm so glad, John-”
“I had a little talk of my own with, Elizabeth.” Something dark flashed in her eyes and her fake smile faltered when he removed her hand from his arm. “I thought it was time to set a few things straight.”
“What things?”
He leaned forward slightly. “Stop it.”
“What?” She tried to act surprised.
“Drop the act.”
“What act?” She tried to touch him again but he moved out of her reach.
“You're not innocent, Sharon.” He smiled cruelly. “You went to Elizabeth...deliberately behind my back.”
“I-”
“Shut up.” He raised a warning hand. “Don't take this any further.” He shook his head. “You know, I hoped that I could do this easy, tell you the truth and let you down without too much hurt but damn it...I think you knew the whole fricking time.”
“Truth? Knew what? John, what are you talking about?”
“Don't play stupid, Sharon.” He took a deep breath and plowed on ahead. “You know you were never Susan Walker's competition. You knew I was just trying to make her jealous by flirting with you. And you thought if you threatened her you'd scare her off and pave the way for you to slide right into my bed.”
“How did you-”
“Do you remember when you went to her office? Do you remember when you threatened her? When you promised her you'd do whatever you could to get her kicked out of Atlantis so you could have me?”
Her face went white.
“I heard the entire conversation.” He loomed over her, pushing her back.
“You couldn't have...how-” She was spluttering now.
“Because I was under the desk the whole time.” He stared down at her. “Did you really think it was you making her squirm?”
The realization of what he meant hit her and her eyes went wide and she struck at him like a snake. Her hand whipped up and his head rocked back when she slapped him hard across the face.
“You son of a bitch. You used me.” She was shaking with fury.
“Yes.” He admitted, his jaw stung where she'd struck him but he ignored the pain. “I did and I'm sorry...but not about all of it.”
She snurled her nose and gave him an icy look. “Like you could ever use me to make that...that cow...jealous!”
“Shut your mouth.” His palm itched and it was all he could do to not slap that arrogant smile off her face. He took a menacing step toward her and her face paled. “I'm not going to lie about using you to make her jealous and yes, I am sorry if I hurt you.” He pointed a finger at her. “I let you slap me because I deserved it.. But I won't hear you talk about her that way.”
She moved away and pointed a shaking at him. “You are going to regret this, Sheppard.”
“I already do.” He whispered back.
He watched her back as she walked away. Ram rod stiff and taunt with anger. God, but he had the feeling that events had just taken a hard and very nasty turn.
And it was all his fault.
Sharon was seething. How dare he? That lying two faced son of a bitch! Angrily, she stalked toward her quarters.
~~
“Doctor Walker?”
At the sound of the voice behind her, Susan felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Slowly, she turned around to face the man...boy...standing behind her.
Her hands clenched into fists at her side. “What do you want, Jake?”
She was tired and sore after her night with Sheppard. All she really wanted to do was finish up and get back to her quarters and maybe get some sleep before she shared her bed with Sheppard again.
She didn't need this shit.
“I...” He cleared his throat. “I just wanted to...”
“Apology accepted.” Susan answered roughly and pointed at the door. “Now please leave.”
His head snapped up and a dark expression crossed his face. Slowly he took a step toward her.
“Don't be stupid, Jake.” She took a step back. “I meant what I said last time.”
“All I wanted to do was apologize.” His voice was low. Dangerous. “I know things got a little heated between us.”
“There is no thing between us, Jake.” She shook her head. “There never was and there never will be.”
“Why?” He sneered as he moved closer. “Because you're Sheppard's whore?”
She gave him a cold look. “Get out.”
“What's the matter, Doc?” He moved closer. “Are you so wrapped up in that pretty boy that you can't handle a real man?” His lips twisted into a nasty smile, his fingers reaching to undo the buckle on his belt.
“Jake...”
“I heard that you like it hard and rough.” His fingers were on his zipper. “Smart mouth, whore.” He licked his tongue over his lips. His eyes were shining with lust, the smell of his animal like arousal hanging heavy in the air. “I'm really going to enjoy hearing you scream.”
He lunged forward but before he could touch her his face went red and he dropped to the floor. He was on his knees, bent forward, his arm twisted up behind his back. Sheppard was behind him, his face dark with fury, his mouth set in a grim line.
Lightly, he moved his hand over Jake's wrist and the younger man howled with pain.
“You lay one hand on her and I will rip your god damn arm off.”
He said it quietly but Susan heard the dangerous tone in his voice. Jake squirmed trying to break Sheppard's hold on his arm. John barely moved, his fingers skimmed over the younger man's wrist and Jake screamed like a girl.
“John, don't!” Hearing booted feet heading their way down the hallway, she stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm. “He's not worth it.”
But he wasn't hearing her. His eyes narrowed angrily and he tightened his hold, wrenching Jake's arm up a little higher. Jake's face went white and he looked like he was about to pass out.
“John...”
“He touched you.” His gaze went to her arm and then he looked at her, an accusing look in his dark eyes and then he turned his attention back to Jake. He tightened his grip and Jake howled and went to his knees. John leaned over him, a grim smile on his face. “I ought to break it off and shove it down your damn throat.”
Susan tightened her grip on his arm. John was so angry. He looked mad enough to kill and she knew that if she couldn't get him to listen, if she couldn't get him to stop then they both might regret it.
“John, please...listen to me. Let him go. Let your men handle him.”
He turned on her angrily, his lips twisted in a nasty snarl. “You're defending this little shit? After what he-”
“No., I'm not defending him.” She said softly. “I'm trying to stop you from making a mistake.”
Something cold touched his eyes. He let go of Jake's arm and shoved him roughly against the wall. Breathing hard, he turned to her. He started to say something and then stopped as Lorne practically skidded into the room. He halted, his gaze going from Sheppard to the figure leaning against the wall, groaning and whimpering in pain.
He stepped forward slightly and gave Sheppard a questioning look. “Sir?”
“Get him out of here.” He barked and gave a curt nod toward Jake. “Take him to the infirmary. Get Beckett to check his arm out, make sure its not broken, lock him up for a few hours so he can cool down and then let him go.”
“But, sir...” Lorne looked at her and then at Sheppard. He hesitated and from the look in his eyes he knew what was going on. “Are you sure...?”
“Just do it, Major.” He snapped angrily then he took a deep breath and gave her look so full of hurt that her breath caught in her throat.. “Doctor Walker seems to think I've made a mistake.”
“John, please...don't be like this-” She reached out a hand but he only stepped back out of her reach.
Then he turned, pushed past Lorne and strode angrily from the room.
Sadly Susan watched him go, feeling like her heart was going to break. She looked down at her hand and felt the tears well up in her eyes.
Jesus, what had she done?
~~
Quietly, John walked into what served as Atlantis's brig. The boy was sitting in the corner with his head down. He was apparently so lost in his own little world that he hadn't seen John come in.
“You son of a bitch.”
Jake started and looked up. John leaned against the wall, his head back, one foot propped up and his arms crossed across his chest. His face was calm but there was a cold fury in his eyes.
“Colonel...” Jake's lips curled into a nasty smile. “I knew you'd show up before Lorne let me out of here.”
“Shut up.” Sheppard scowled. He took a deep breath, bit his lip and just stared.
“Did you come here to threathen me? Beat me up?” Jake smirked and leaned back against the metal bars, copying Sheppard's pose. “Defend your whore?”
“I said, shut up.” His eyes flared angrily. He watched the boy. Slowly, he straightened his leg and moved away from the wall. His arms still crossed over his chest, he circled around the holding cell. Jake watched him, following him with his eyes.
God, but he wanted to put his fist right through the smug bastard's mouth. Slowly, he kept walking, his eyes never leaving Jake's face. He told himself that he just wanted to scare him, put the fear of God into him, but John knew that wasn't the truth. He wanted to kill the little bastard.
Finally, he stopped and uncrossed his arms. He leaned forward, pressing his hands to the bars. Jake stood his ground but his tongue flicked out to nervously lick his lips.
“You know...” Slowly, John began to tap his fingers against the cold metal. “I've really been thinking about what I should do with you. No...” He shook his head and his voice dropped an octave. “No, what I want to do to you.”
Jake didn't say anything, he just stood there and stared, smiling that arrogant smile. John seethed, he was getting madder and madder than he already was.His lips curled into a bitter smile and disgust flared in his eyes.
His fingers kept tapping against the bars then he reached down and pulled his knife from it's sheath. Slowly, he twisted it in his hand, his fingers playing over the hilt. Jake's eyes flickered from his eyes to the razor sharp blade. A cruel smile twisted John's lips when he saw that damned smile falter and a look of fear flash in the boy's eyes.
“Don't piss on yourself, boy. I'm not gonna gut you.” He leaned closer and tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing into slits. “Although I should.”
“I'm not afraid of you, Sheppard.”
John pounded his fist against the bar in front of him. Jake jerked back like a snake had struck at him. Breathing hard, John pointed a finger at him.
“If you open your mouth and say one more god damn word I will do worse than just gut you.” His lips twisted into a grimace as he pushed the button to open the cell door and when it opened he stepped inside.
Jake lunged at him but John was ready for him. He pulled back his arm and planted his fist squarely on the younger man's nose. Jake grunted and staggered back. John hit him again and again until he fell to the floor and lay there whimpering and moaning.
John wasn't in the mood to be merciful.
With slow measured steps, he moved toward the younger man until he was looming over him. His fingers still wrapped around the hilt of the blade, he kicked Jake over on his back and stood over him, looking down. Blood poured out of Jake's nose and over his mouth. He reached up, trying to wipe his hand over his face but John kicked his hand out of the way and pressed his boot down hard on his chest.
“I want you to know this before the Daedalus comes to haul your sorry ass out of here.” Jake wheezed and tried to push him off only to grunt in pain when John kicked him hard in the ribs. His eyes darkened. “If you ever lay a hand on Susan Walker again, I will gladly take this knife and cut every inch of you until there is nothing left of you for this blade to kiss.”
Jake met his gaze, hate burning clear in his eyes. “Go to hell, Sheppard. The bitch came on to me.”
“So it was you. You didn't even try and deny it.” John's laugh was bitter and cold. “Not only are you stupid but you're fucking pathetic too. If you think I'm going to believe that she would even want to touch a stupid little shit like you-” Jake hissed when he kicked him again but John was beyond caring.
Kneeling down he wrapped his fingers around Jake's throat. Digging his fingers in, he lifted his head up and then slammed him back down against the floor. “And you'd better be glad that she didn't tell me it was you to began with or you'd be dead already.”
“You're not scaring me.” Jake managed to wheeze out.
“Good.” John let go of his hair and slowly stood up. “Then I won't feel any guilt when I kill you.”
~~
For the rest of the day she threw herself into her work. She was hurting. Hurting so much that all she wanted to do was go back to her quarters, curl up on her bed and cry herself silly for being such a fool. But she couldn't do it. That angry part of her refused to back down, refused to take all the blame. Refused to let her make an idiot of herself.
But she knew deep down that she had made a serious mistake. Not only where Sheppard was concerned but with Jake too. It had pleased her to see him on his knees, groveling and sniveling in pain but it hurt her even worse to think of what could have happened. And she couldn't let that happen to John. Not because of her stupidity.
“We need to talk.”
She started when a shadow fell across her desk and a strong hand touched the back of her lab coat. Shit! She looked up, Sheppard was standing over her. His face was grim and dark with anger, his lips set in a thin hard line. Every line of his body was tense.
She tensed and turned back to her computer. “I'm busy.”
“Then get un-busy.” He snapped.
“Sheppard, I don't...”
“Not here.” He pushed the top of the lap top down, nearly catching her hands on the key board. “Now get up.”
“Sheppard! What the hell do you think you're doing?” She jerked back. The room had stilled and she knew that people were watching and listening but she really didn't care.
“I told you...not here.” He slipped his hand under her elbow and practically dragged her out of her chair. He didn't wait for a protest and from the furious look on his face, he wouldn't have cared or listened to one. He just pulled her along with him and expected her to keep up.
“Where do you think you're hauling me off to?”
“Some place a little more private.” He led her down the hallway, taking twists and turns until a door opened and she found herself standing on the steps leading down to the East Pier.
“What the hell are we doing out here?”
“I told you. We need to talk.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Now shut up and sit down.”
She pushed his hand away. “I think you'd better tell me what's going on, Sheppard. Now.”
“And I think you'd better shut up and sit down.”
Her eyes narrowed angrily. “I put up with a lot from you, Sheppard. But I'll be damned if I'll put up with this.”
She turned around and started to walk away but his next words stopped her.
“Why didn't you tell me it was Jake?”
She turned back slowly. “What?”
“Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.” A shadow crossed his face. His voice sounded thin and strained. “And don't try to lie either. You're better than that.”
“Maybe I didn't tell you because it was none of your business.”
“None of my business? God damn it!” He shouted, his hands gripped the railing until they turned white. “I could have killed that little son of a bitch for touching you...for hurting you! But you stopped me!” His face was livid. “Why? Why did you do that?”
“Because I didn't want you to make a mistake.” She shouted back at him. “John...” She took a step toward him and he tensed. “I didn't want you to do something stupid...lose everything...because of me. You're an important part of this city. Atlantis needs you. I'm not that important.”
“The hell you're not! God damn it, you're important to me!”
She blinked and then a small smile touched her lips. “Well, John Sheppard...you sound like you almost actually care.”
“Don't make fun of me.” He'd put his shades on the minute they'd stepped outside but now he yanked them off and tucked them into his pocket.
“I'm not making fun of you.”
“Then stop being a damn fool.” He moved toward her until he was looming over her. “I do care about you. Or do you think I just want you for the sex?”
“Don't you?” God, please don't let him say yes...
He touched her face. “Yes, I want your body.”
Her heart fell to her feet and she had to blink to fight back the tears but he surprised her when he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her mouth.
“Don't you know how you make me feel? The smell of your skin...the way you taste. Woman, you feel so good under me and when I'm inside you...” His body trembled with desire.”You're so tight...no matter how many times I take you, you're so incredibily tight that all I want to do is ride you until you're screaming my name.” His breath caught in his throat. “But honey, I want more than just that.”
“How much more?” She had to know. His words sent fire flaming through her belly but still, she had to know.
“All of it. All of you.” He shook his head.
“Does that include controlling me too? I'm not some little wilting flower that needs a big strong man to...”
“Yes, you do.” He dropped his hand. His fingers trailed over her breast, brushing across her nipples. He turned his hand, sliding his fingers over her, making her gasp when he roughly pinched a hard nub. “You need me, Susan. You need me between your thighs...giving you what you want...what you need.”
“I don't need you.” She tried to push him away but he refused to budge.
“Yes, you do need me.” Grabbing her arms, he shoved her against the wall behind her and pressed his length against her. “As much as I need you.” His mouth came down on hers in a rough searing kiss, his tongue pressed into her mouth, licking her...tasting her. Then just as quickly he let her go and stepped back.
“Susan, I would never hurt you and I don't want to fight with you like this ever again.” She was trembling. He put his hands on her shoulders and pulled her to him. “Do you understand me?”
She rubbed her hands over his arms. His muscles were hard under her hands and she realized that he was trembling just as hard as she was. He shook her gently. “I said...do you understand me?”
“Yes.” She raised her head and looked at him. “But I'll be damned if I'll ever call you Sir again.”
“Then I suppose that is something we'll just have to work on, isn't it?” He laughed and then he sighed and rested his cheek against the top of her head. “Do you really think I'd be acting like a crazy man if I didn't care?”
“You are a crazy man.” She smiled and felt some of the tension drain out of her. She rested against him, wishing that she could just melt into him. “You're nuts Sheppard. Absolutely nuts. Sometimes you scare me.”
“Good. Maybe you'll start listening to me a little more.”
“Don't bet on it.”
He laughed again and touched her arm. “You are my woman and no one touches you but me.” His fingers brushed lightly over the spot were the bruise was hidden under her shirt. “I could have helped you the first time, Susan. All you had to do was tell me. I would have put a stop to it. I would have made sure that bastard never touched you again.”
She pushed his hand away but he caught it and pressed it to his chest. “I don't need a white knight coming to my rescue, Sheppard. I can take care of myself.”
He smiled slightly. “I'm no White Knight.”
“I'm not some damsel in distress...” Her heart was thudding in her chest, her blood racing through her veins.
“And you're not a virgin either.” He stepped closer, his hand lightly caressing over the curve of her hip.”And the part of you that still is...” He gave her a teasing pinch. “Won't be for long.”
“Try and I'll kick your ass.”
His lips tilted into a smile. “When hell freezes over...”
“Get a coat.”
He laughed and kissed her. “You are the most irritating woman I never met, Suzie Q. You really do drive me crazy...so crazy that sometimes I can't think of anything else.”
“Just sometimes?” She smirked slightly.
“Well, there are those silly Wraith that I have to take care of now and then...” His hand trailed up, softly stroking her neck and Susan's breath caught in her throat at the sensation of his fingers caressing over her skin. His fingers caught in the back of her hair, pulling her closer until she was against his chest.
“Second to the Wraith. I'm not too sure that I like that position.”
“I know one you'll like a lot better” She looked up at him and her knees went weak. He was giving her that sultry look that was suddenly making it hard for her to breathe.
“Touch me.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to feel your hands on me.”
She hesitated and he frowned slightly. “That wasn't a request.” His fingers tightened in her hair and he leaned down until his mouth was inches from hers. “That was an order.”
His breath was a whisper against her mouth, his words so soft and sensual that she had no choice but to obey. She slid her hands over him, feeling the taunt muscles under the black uniform shirt he wore. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his warmth. She rested her head against his chest and breathed in the warm spicy scent of him. Unable to resist, she undid the top buttons of his shirt and pressed her mouth to his skin, her tongue darting out to taste him.
He chuckled and she felt the vibrations all the way down to her toes.
“Be careful, Suzie Q.” He ran his hands over her back, sliding down to cup her ass and pull her even closer. “You know I won't think twice about shoving you back and taking you right here and now.” He slipped his hands up and dug his fingers into the waistband of her pants. “You can barely walk now. Do you want me to make you crawl? You know how much I want to get you on your knees.”
“Dream on, big boy.” She unbuttoned his shirt some more, leaning close to tickle her teeth over a nipple.” He shivered when she blew a breath across his skin. “And you'd better be careful yourself, Sheppard.” She slipped her arms around his waist and nestled against him, the outline of his erection pressed hard against his pants and she rubbed against him, making him moan. “Someone might see us.”
“I don't care.” He leaned down and kissed her, sliding his mouth over her lips. He pressed his forehead against hers and looked directly into her eyes. “I don't care if the whole god damn city sees us.”
“Including Sharon?”
“Especially, Sharon. I took care of that problem. I promise you, that one won't bother us again. And neither will Jake.” He raised his hands and cupped her face between his palms.
She touched her fingers to the back of his hand and he winced slightly. She wrapped her fingers around his wrist and turned his hand toward her. His hand was bruised, the knuckles slightly swollen. “Sheppard, what did you do?”
“Nothing for you to worry about. And nothing I'm going to discuss. Ever.”
He raised his head and when she saw the look in his eyes, Susan's heartbeat tripled in rate. He looked so dangerous that she knew she should be afraid of him, but she couldn't.
She wouldn't. Not now. Not ever.
He smiled slightly, as if he were reading her thoughts and then he kissed her again, harder and more insistent. “You're mine, Suzie Q. No bleach blond ice princess is gonna take you away from me and neither is some horny little boy. But if he touches you again...I swear to you, God and everybody else, I will kill that son of a bitch.”
She pressed a hand against his chest. His heart was beating almost as fast as hers and his body heat had kicked up a notch.
He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up so that she had to look at him. “Don't you know that you are the only woman in Atlantis that can tie me into knots?” He pressed his lips to her forehead in a gentle kiss. “Or the only woman that I'll ever let tie me down?”
“Is that another invitation?”
“I don't know...I'll have to think about it.” When their eyes met, she had to swallow hard. How could a man...a man that had been so savagely angry just minutes before make her want to drop her panties and hoist herself on his pole?
“Sheppard...” She licked her suddenly dry lips and looked up at him. He knew what she wanted and from the look on his face he wanted the same thing.
“No.” He pressed a finger against her lips. “Not yet. I've got something I want to say to you first.”
Her belly fluttered and she felt a rush of warmth between her thighs. His nostrils flared slightly and she knew that he could smell her arousal. He moved closer, his body hot enough to set her on fire.
She took a deep breath and looked directly into his eyes. “Then say it.”
“I love you.” There was no hesitation in his voice and there was nothing but truth in his devilishly sexy green eyes.
Oh, God! He really meant it!
He smiled and brushed his fingers over her cheek. “Now, what about you?”
She didn't hesitate either and the words she'd been longing to tell him spilled out of her mouth. “I love you, too.”
“Mmm...” He purred and brushed his lips across hers. “Me or the way I make you scream?”
“All of it, Sheppard. I love it all. Especially the way you make me scream.” She laughed softly, slipped her arms around his waist, slid back into his arms and pressed her cheek against his chest. “Why do I have the feeling that this relationship just took a very serious turn?”
“Because it did.” He ran his hands over her back, then reached down to tilt her face up to his so that he could kiss her again. “It changed the minute you had the balls to kiss me in front of everyone.” He touched her face, his fingers gentle and warm. “I knew you would have to fight back sooner or later. And I'm so glad it was so much sooner than later.” He grinned and tapped a finger on the end of her nose. “Although trying to knock me senseless so you could tie me to the bed was a dirty trick. I still owe you for that one.”
“I think you already got your payback for that one.” She grinned and then reached up to wrap her fingers around his wrist.
“Baby, I haven't even gotten started making you pay yet.” He laughed softly. “And I'm going to enjoy every minute of making you do it.”
Her eyes sparkled with laughter. “I won't stop fighting you.”
“I'd be pissed if you did.” He brushed his thumb over her lips. “And I don't want you to ever lie to me either.”
“I never lied to you.” She kept her gaze steady with his. “About anything.”
He smirked. “Not tell me the whole truth then.” His expression darkened slightly. He ran his hand over her arm. He slid his hands under the lab coat, rubbing lightly over her nipples until they hardened. Then he eased the coat off her shoulders and down her arms. “When I think about what he did-what he could have done if I hadn't stopped him this time...”
The bruise had begun to fade but the shape of where Jake's fingers had gripped her were still visible. He ran his fingers over the bruise and his voice was calm and deep.
“I mean what I say, Susan. You are mine and I love you. I know you can take care of yourself but it doesn't mean I won't try and protect you if I think you need me.”
“John...”
“Don't argue with me.” He pressed a finger against her lips and shook his head, his expression saying that he wasn't going to listen to her protest. “No one will touch you. No one will hurt you.” He gave her a wicked smile. “That's my job.”
“And you're really great at it.” She laughed and raised up on tiptoe to kiss him again.
“I'm glad that you agree.” He gave her a naughty grin.
She narrowed her eyes. “There's that look again.”
“What look?”
“That sneaky 'I've got something up my sleeve' look.”
“Oh, I am up to something.” He smiled slyly, taking her hand, he pressed her fingers over the front of his pants. “But my sleeve doesn't have a damn thing to do with it.”
“Is it something big?” She squeezed slightly and he gasped against her mouth.
“Naughty, naughty girl.” He took hold of her hand and pulled it back up to his chest. “What am I gonna do with you?”
“Want me to show you?” She gave him a wily grin.
“Why don't I show you?” He leaned down and kissed her again then he let her go and stepped back. Gently, he ran his hand down her arm to tightly grip her hand. “How do you feel about another surprise?”
~~
From the shadows a pair of bright blue eyes turned dark with fury, watched them. Sharon's lips thinned into a grim line as Sheppard ran his hands over the woman, pulling her to him in a possessive kiss. She could hear their moans of pleasure and a flash of cold fury gripped her at the way his hands moved over her hated rival.
Sheppard's words still echoed in her mind and all she could think of was how badly she wanted to make him pay. White hot anger ripped through her as she watched them walk away, waiting until they disappeared back up the steps before she turned and looked at the young man standing beside her. “Why didn't you get rid of her?”
“That son of a bitch Sheppard.” He rolled his shoulder. His arm still felt numb and the pain in his wrist and nose was a low agonizing throb.
“Bullshit.” She snarled. “You're just not working hard enough, Jakie.” She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a baleful stare. “I gave you a job to do and I expect you to do it.”
How?” He sneered back at her. “I can't get her alone. The bastard is always following around her like a dog in heat.”
She stepped closer to him and cocking her head slightly, stared at him with cold, angry eyes. “Then I suggest you had better find a way to make sure that Susan Walker disappears.”
“Why don't you do it then?” He hissed back at her. “You want her gone so badly do the job yourself.”
She turned on him angrily. “I don't know which one of you is the bigger fool. You for sniffing after that cow or Sheppard for letting her talk him into letting you go.” She snurled her nose at him. “As stupid as you are, he should have shoved you head first through the nearest space 'Gate.”
His face turned beet red and his hands clenched into fists. “Go to hell.”
“What's the matter, Jakie? Did I hit a sore spot?” She poked him in the shoulder, making him wince. “You're the puppy that's been sniffing after her. You want a taste of what Sheppard's getting so badly that you can't see straight.” She goaded him. “But you don't have the balls to go and get it.”
“Just like you're so desperate to have that pretty boy between your thighs.” He snarled. “Don't think I haven't been watching you. I've seen the way you look at him. The way you lick your lips. You want him in your mouth so bad that you can't stand it.”
She pulled back her hand and slapped him hard, making his head snap back against the wall. Pressing her hand against his chest, she shoved him back. “I want that bitch gone, Jake...and I don't give a damn how. But you had better do it.”
Her scowl darkened, transforming her face from that of a cool beauty to an ugly demon out for revenge.
“Tonight.”
~~
“Well?” John stood back and waited for her to step into the room. “What do you think?”
“You're kidding, right?” She moved toward the glass door leading out onto the balcony. She opened it and stepped out. The breeze blowing off the ocean was warm but not as warm as the pair of arms that wrapped around her from behind.
“I'm not kidding.” His lips brushed against her temple. “It's ours.”
“But Doctor Weir-”
“Knows.” He laughed and she felt the rumble in his chest against her back. “I had to tell her why I was suddenly so interested in a bigger set of quarters.” He shifted slightly and rested his chin on the top of her head. “And since I am the man responsible for assigning living quarters...I don't think she minded my abusing my authority just a little.”
“Am I going to get a choice in this?” She leaned back against him and reached up to run her hand over his arm.
“No.” He turned her around so that she was facing him. “I meant it when I told you that I wouldn't leave you alone again, Suzie Q. And I'm getting a bit tired at having to travel so far just to enjoy your...affections.”
“You're one hall over.”
“Still too far.” He nuzzled her neck. His hands slid over the front of her shirt, his fingers quickly undoing the buttons and then slipping under the edge of her bra. He pulled and her breasts slid warm and heavy into the hot comfort of his hands. “Why come back to an empty cold bed when I can have you warming up my sheets?”
“Ulterior motives too...you are such a sneaky sneaky man.”
“And you love it.” She whimpered when he touched his tongue to a nipple. He sucked at her gently, his tongue swirling over her in soft strokes that nearly pushed her over the edge. Then with one last flick of his tongue, he raised his head and looked at her. “As much as I want to bend you over this rail and have my way with you, there is one thing I have to show you before we get completely moved in.”
Taking her hand, he pulled her after him, leading her back in and down a short hallway. He stopped in front of a door and pulled her in front of him. Reaching down he grasped her wrists and pulled her hands up to her face. “Cover your eyes.”
“What are you-”
“Do it or I won't show you.”
Reluctantly, she raised her hands. She felt his arm brush against her and she heard the soft sound of the door sliding open. He gently put his hand on her back and pushed her inside. She felt his hands slide over her as he reached up to grasp her wrists and pulled her hands away from her face.
“Surprise!” He whispered against her ear. His hands slid back under the coat and pulled it off of her. The shirt was next and the bra quickly followed it. He put his hands on her hips, turned her around, picked her up and tossed her down on the huge brass bed.
She bounced and he laughed as he pounced on top of her. The springs groaned under their weight and for a few seconds she thought the thing was going to collapse. She wrapped her hands in the front of his shirt and held on just in case.
“Well?” He nuzzled his face between her breasts, rubbing his stubbled cheeks over her roughly before he looked up at her and grinned.
“How did you get this up here?”
“I didn't.” He slid his tongue over the curve of her neck and up to tickle the soft spot behind her ear. “I just have a very good friend on the Daedalus. He...ah...beamed it down here for me. All I had to do was put it together. This is a brand new bed and I can guarantee you that you are definitely gonna be busy helping me break it in.”
He straddled her and bounced slightly making the springs squeak. He leaned forward and pressed his hands down on either side of her head. Lightly, he scraped his fingers over the soft cotton then lightly stroked his fingers over her shoulders. “These sheets are brand new too.” He pressed a light kiss to the corner of her mouth. “And tonight I'm going to roll you over every single inch of them.”
“What about your secret place?”
“Don't worry...” he licked at the hollow of her throat. “We'll use that for the special occasions.”