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
John turned on his side and watched her as she slept. Damn it, but she was beautiful.
Her dark hair lay in sweaty ringlets across her forehead. The air in the room had become warmer, the heat of their love making having kicked the temperature up a notch. The sheet lay bunched around her waist exposing her round firm breasts to him. He reached out, his fingers itching to stroke over those rosy tips until they turned hard under his hand. Gently, he eased toward her until he was close enough to feel the heat of her body.
She didn't move. Slowly, he lowered his head and touched his hand to her side, resting just below the curve of her breast. She sighed and turned toward him slightly. One arm curved up behind her head, but she didn't wake up. He brushed his thumb against the soft swell of her skin and felt her shiver. Gently, he cupped her in his hand. She felt so warm and heavy against his fingers, the swelling tip so inviting that all conscious thought left his mind.
There was nothing left but the urge to touch her, taste her...take her into his mouth.
He lowered his head and she shifted, murmuring softly when his hair brushed along the side of her arm. Slowly, he slid his tongue over her, dropping hot nipping kisses along her soft skin until his mouth settled over her. She moaned and arched her back when he suckled her. His tongue lapped at her, sliding firm and rough over the hard tip, his teeth tugging and sucking until she cried out.
Her eyes fluttered open and he saw the desire rising deep and hot in her amber eyes. She reached out to touch him and he grabbed her hand, wrapping his fingers around her wrist and forcing it back up over her head. He kept his eyes on hers as he rose up and reached out to grasp her other hand.
She shivered under him, making him tense when she pressed her mouth against his chest, sliding her tongue over him until he almost forgot what he was trying to do. He shook his head, trying for the moment to not think about the way her tongue was swirling over him as he locked first one then the other handcuff around her wrist's.
“John...”
“Shh.” He eased back down over her and used his knee to nudge her legs apart. He settled snugly between her thighs. The tip of him pressed into her and a quiet whimper slipped out of her mouth. “We've only got a couple of hours before the sun comes up. I don't want to waste time.” He scratched his cheek across the soft skin of her neck. “Do you?”
“Would you stop if I told you 'no'?” She moved under him, her head twisting against the pillow she uttered a soft cry when he slid into her.
“No.” His laugh was soft and all male. His hands tightened around hers when she tilted her hips and took the length of him into her silky warmth.
He groaned when she wrapped her legs around him and began to move her hips in tune with his slow even thrusts.
“Then don't stop.”
~~
John was in a good mood as he made his way down the hall toward Elizabeth's office. Even without that much sleep he still felt pretty damn good. He smiled slightly as he knocked and stuck his head inside the door.
“Elizabeth, can I talk to you for a second? I need to ask you something.” He grinned and his handsome face lit up with humor. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels slightly. “A favor actually. Maybe a couple if I'm lucky.”
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.”
“Actually, John...” 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. “I've been hoping that you'd show up this morning.”
“Really?” John asked, a surprised look on his face. “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. His expression darkened. Well, he had been in a good mood. 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. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
“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. The smile had disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. He was suddenly tense, on edge...coiled like a snake ready to strike. He was trying to hide it but 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 with Doctor Walker...”
“Her name is Susan. And no. I'm not having a problem with her..” 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 uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. He tapped a finger against the file. “And especially not with Susan Walker. 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...Susan...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 kind of favor's are you going to try and sweet talk me into doing for you?”
~~
“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. Even if Elizabeth had agreed to grant both his favors, 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. He was supposed to be meeting her for breakfast but just the thought of food right now left a sour taste in his mouth.
And after his talk with Elizabeth the last thing he wanted to do was look at the woman 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 even give that woman the time of day. 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 have an appointment this morning.” He stiffened at the way Sharon 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?” She smiled, showing even white teeth and all John could think was that she looked like a hungry shark.
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-”
“Keep it because I don't want to hear it.” He raised a warning hand and 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-” Her eyes widened in alarm.
“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? And don't deny it because I know it's what you meant.”
Her face went white. “I didn't...”
“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 wrinkled her nose as if she smelled something rotten 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.
Damn! Could this day get any worse?
~~
Sharon was seething. That son of a bitch! Her hands curled into fists. How dare he use her like that? Angrily, she stalked down the hall toward her office. On her way she had to pass by the Mess Hall and as she went by she saw a familiar blond head. She stopped, staring at him and then a cold smile touched her lips.
She walked up the steps and toward the table where he sat. He looked up, his eyes widening slightly when she pulled out the chair across from him and sat down.
“You're Jake, right?”
“Yeah.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “Do I know you?”
“You might.” She folded her arms in front of her and leaned forward slightly on the table. “We met...briefly on movie night.” She tilted her head, her lips curling into a nasty smile. “I believe you were with Doctor Walker...Susan Walker?”
His eyes darkened and he pushed his chair back from the table. “I've got to go Ma'am.”
“Not so fast.” She reached out and grabbed his hand before he could get up. “I believe you and I have a little something in common, Jake.”
“What?” He looked at her hand and then up at her but he didn't try to pull away.
“Colonel Sheppard and Susan Walker.” She replied coldly and her eyes flared with anger. “How do you feel about a little payback?”
~~
Susan hummed to herself as she sat at her computer, reading over the letter she'd just written. The lab was quiet at this time of the morning and she delighted in the time she had the place to herself. It gave her a chance to think and calm her nerves before the day started. She leaned back in the chair and smiled slightly to herself.
She loved her job in the lab. Loved working with the plants and herbs as they tried to find a better way for the city to support itself, without having to rely on trade with other worlds all the time. She'd even been off world a few times with some of the survey teams but as far as she was concerned it hadn't been enough.
Sometimes a girl just wanted more. And lately, this girl wanted to get out from behind a desk and stretch her legs.
She bent forward slightly re-reading the letter when she heard a noise behind her. She turned her head, the smile on her face fading when she realized it wasn't Sheppard standing behind her.
Her hands clenched into fists at her side. “What do you want, Jake?”
“Doctor Walker?”
She was trying to get finished before Sheppard showed up for their breakfast rendezvous. She didn't need this shit. Slowly, she got up from her chair and stepped behind it, moving so that she wasn't trapped behind the desk.
“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 keeping the chair between them. “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. I was just hoping we could...you know...be friends. Maybe we could start over.”
“There is no thing between us, Jake.” She shook her head. “There never was and there never will be. If you leave now, I'll pretend that you were never here.”
“Why?” He sneered as he moved closer. “Afraid your boyfriend might find out about us? That you were coming on to me?”
“I never came on to you.” She gave him a cold look and pointed toward the door again. “Get out.”
“What's the matter, Doc?” He moved closer. His lips twisted into a nasty smile, his fingers reaching to undo the buckle on his belt. “Too scared to finish what you started?”
“Jake...”
“I heard that you like it when Sheppard gives it to you 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...”
Too furious to listen, 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 just-”
“No., I'm not defending him.” She said sharply. “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.” John 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. I'll decide what to do with later since Doctor Walker seems to think that I'm making a mistake.”
Lorne looked at her and then at Sheppard. He hesitated and from the look in his eyes he knew what was going on.
“I gave you an order, Major. Now do it.” He snapped angrily then he took a deep breath and gave her a look so full of scorn that her breath caught in her throat.
“John, please...don't be like this. Will you please listen to me?” She reached out a hand but he only stepped back out of her reach.
“When you've got something I want to hear, I will.” Then he turned, pushed past Lorne and strode angrily from the room.
Fury raced through her as she watched him go. Damn him!
She started to go after him then stopped. She turned around and saw Lorne standing there giving her a questioning look as he hauled Jake to his feet.
“Ma'am...are you okay?”
“I'm fine, Major.” Her gaze shifted to Jake. “Just please...just please get him out of here.”
Lorne gave her a look then he nodded and hoisted Jake up by the back of his jacket and practically shoved him out of the lab. When he had gone, she sat back down at her desk and turned back to her computer.
She wanted to go after John and try to make him listen to reason but she knew that with the mood he was in he wouldn't listen to her anyway.
She scowled angrily as she stared at the screen. If Sheppard wanted to be an ass she'd be damned if she'd go running after him.
~~
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 sooner or later.”
“Shut up.” Sheppard scowled. His lips thinned angrily and he just stood there and stared.
“Did you come here to threaten 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 smug smile fade and a look of fear flash in the boy's eyes.
“Don't piss on yourself, kid. 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.
Just like he knew he would Jake lunged at him and 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 prick 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 morning Susan threw herself into her work even though she was so mad that she could have chewed nails. She was mad at herself but she was even angrier at Sheppard.
She'd known that Sheppard had a dark side. A side that he kept hidden and closed off from even his closest friends.
She just hadn't thought that he would turn it on her.
She rubbed a hand across her aching forehead. Damn it. How could she have been so damned stupid?
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. She should have known that it would all back fire and blow up in her face because the dumb ass couldn't see that she was really only trying to help him.
“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 have time...”
“Make time.” 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.
“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.”
She took a deep breath. “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. Not me. 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.”
“This isn't a game, Susan.” He'd put his shades on the minute they'd stepped outside but now he yanked them off and tucked them into his pocket.
“It's not?” She shot back at him. “I thought that was all I was to you. Some plaything that you could use anytime you wanted.”
Slowly, he moved toward her until he was looming over her. “Do you think that's all you are to me? That I just want you for the sex? That you're just another piece of ass to me?”
“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 sudden tears. Angrily, she pushed his hand away. “Somehow I knew that you were going to say that. You really had me going there, Sheppard. I almost believed you.”
She turned around and started to walk away but he grabbed her wrist and made her turn back around.
“You didn't let me finish.” He pulled her close.
“What else is there?” She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing angrily. “Let me guess. You want to control me too.” She pushed at him. “Well guess what, Sheppard. I'm not your play toy and I am not some little wilting flower that needs a big strong man to...”
“No, I don't want to control you.” A slight smile touched his mouth and he dropped his hand. His fingers trailed over her breast, brushing across her nipple. He turned his hand, sliding his fingers over her, making her gasp when he roughly pinched a hard nub. “You fight me too much for that to ever happen. But you do need me, Susan. You need me between your thighs...giving you what you want...what you need.”
“Don't touch me.” She slapped at his hand and tried to push him away but he refused to budge. “I don't need you.”
“Really? I think you're lying.” Grabbing her arms, he shoved her against the wall behind her and pressed his length against her.
“Stop it, Sheppard.” She tried to pull away from him but he refused to let go.
“No. Not until you tell me that you need me.” His mouth came down on hers in a rough searing kiss, his tongue pressed into her mouth, licking her...tasting her. He sighed against her mouth. “As damn much as I need you.”
“Why?” She was dying to give in to his kiss but she forced herself not to do it. She shook her head and looked up at him. “Why do you need me?”
“Why not you?” He tilted his head slightly. His dark eyes watching her closely.
“You could have your pick of any woman in Atlantis, John. So why me? Why do you feel like you need me?”
“Because I do.” He stroked a hand over her arm, his fingers warm against her skin. A flash of longing and pain crossed his face.“I told you last night that I'd never leave you again...and I meant it.”
“That's not an answer.” She resisted the urge to throw her arms around his neck.
“You want more?” A shadow came over his eyes and he let her go and stepped back. “What else do you want me to tell you?” He spread his hands in a questioning gesture. “What do you want me to say, Susan?”
“I want you to tell me the truth.”
A grim smile touched his lips. “I'm not sure that you can handle the truth.”
“I thought that you said this wasn't a game.”
“It's not.” He put his hands on her hips and roughly pulled her toward him. “I'm not sure that I can handle the truth.” He took a deep breath. “Susan, I...”
Her fingers brushed against the back of his hand and he winced slightly. “What is it?”
“Nothing.”
The look in her eyes told him that she didn't believe him. She wrapped her fingers around his wrist and turned his hand toward her. His hand was bruised, the knuckles slightly swollen. She looked at him and her eyes narrowed slightly. “Sheppard, what did you do?”
He stopped, whatever he had been about to say dying on his lips. “I told you, it's nothing.” He tried to pull his hand away but she held on tight.
“Doesn't look like nothing.”
He stiffened and his eyes went dark. Unreadable. “It's nothing for you to worry about. And nothing I'm going to discuss. Ever.”
“There you go again.” She jerked away from him and stepped back.
“What?” His eyes widened slightly. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“You're shutting off again.” She watched his face, trying to read his expression. He was getting angry. She could tell from the slight way his lips twitched and the tips of his ears had started to turn red. “Locking yourself up in Sheppard's World.”
“Why are you pushing this?” He grimaced and shook his head.
“Why are you closing off?” She crossed her arms over her belly. “I just asked you a simple question. Can't you give me a simple answer?”
“I told you.” His back stiffened. “It's nothing. Just let it go, Susan. Just let it go.”
“If it's nothing then tell me what you did.” She stood her ground.
“God damn but you are one aggravating woman!” He raised his hand and her eyes went wide. The look in her eyes when she backed away from him made his stomach twist into a sour knot.
Quickly, he dropped his hand. “Susan...honey...I-”
“Hit me and I will knock your ass straight off this pier.” Her voice was cold and ugly.
“Susan, I would never hit you. God...” He shook his head and turned away from her. He pressed a hand to his forehead. “I'm sorry. But damn it, I never meant for this to happen.”
For a minute she didn't say anything then a small, painfully sad smile touched her lips. “Yeah, Sheppard. Neither did I. Looks like we both made a mistake, doesn't it?”
He whirled around when he heard the catch in her voice. His eyes widened when his brain made him realize what he'd just said. She had turned her back on him and was practically running back up the steps.
“Wait!” He took off after her and caught her before she could reach the door's.
“Let me go, John!” She twisted in his grasp but he refused to let her go.
“Please...” He was pleading now. “Please, Susan...just listen. You owe me that much.”
“No. I don't.” She tried to wriggle out of his hold but he wasn't about to let her go. When he tightened his hold, she stopped and glared up at him angrily. “You already made it perfectly clear how you feel about me, Sheppard. Now, get your hands off me.”
“No.” He gave her a little shake. “Not until you shut up and let me finish what I was going to say.”
His nostrils flared slightly and he moved closer, standing so close that his body felt hot enough to set her on fire. The look in his eyes was soft and pleading, begging her to listen to him. Her belly fluttered and Susan felt a shiver run up her spine.
She took a deep breath and looked directly into his eyes. “Then say it.”
He raised a hand and brushed his fingers lightly over her cheek and she suddenly saw the truth full and unhidden in his eyes.
“I love you.”
His words sent fire flaming through her belly. “Don't play with me, John.”
“I'm not.” He pulled her to him, wrapping her trembling body tightly in his arms. “I don't know how it happened or when it happened but somehow...you did it.” He brushed his lips lightly across hers. “You made me fall in love with you.”
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?”
She couldn't resist a teasing smile. “Is that another invitation?”
“I don't know...I'll have to think about it.” He teased back. When their eyes met, she had to swallow hard. How could a man...a man so proud and dominant turn so gentle that he could flip her world upside down with just three little words.
“Sheppard...” She licked her suddenly dry lips and looked up at him. “I...”
He pressed his forehead against hers. His mouth just inches from her own. “Just tell me that you need me. That's all I need to hear.”
“But it's not all I want to say.” She kissed him lightly and then pulled back so that she could see his eyes. She reached up and pressed her hands against his cheeks, her fingers brushing over the stubble on his handsome face. “You are a crazy man.” She smiled and felt some of the tension drain out of him. She rested against him, wishing that she could just melt into him. “You're nuts, Sheppard. Absolutely nuts and sometimes you scare me.”
He started to say something but she pressed her finger over his mouth to stop him. “Now. It's your turn to let me finish.” She took a deep breath and tried not to think about the way her heart was pounding in her chest. “But no matter how much you scare me or how much you make me crazy...you're right. I do need you. And I love you too.”
“Thank you.” She felt the last of the tension drain out of him as he grabbed her and held her tight against his chest. She felt his hands on her hair, cupping the back of her head as she leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder.
“Susan, I would never hurt you and I don't want to fight with you like this ever again.” She was trembling. He pushed her back and out his hands on her shoulders. “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, a hint of his dominance returning. “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.
Don't bet on it.”
He laughed again and touched her arm. 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.”
“And I'm not some damsel in distress...” Her heart was thudding in her chest, her blood racing through her veins.
“You're not a Snow White 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. “And you say that I make you nuts? You are the most frustrating woman I ever 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.” He whispered softly.
“Why?”
“Because I want to feel your hands on me.” His fingers trailed over the back of her neck in a light teasing touch.
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.
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.”
“I know.” She sighed 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.” 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.”
“As long as you don't lie to me either. And 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.”
“You hit him didn't you?” She touched her fingers lightly to his bruised hand.
“Yes.” He sighed and looked away from her. “He touched you...hurt you.” He brought his eyes back to hers and the look in them was strong and unrelenting. “It made me furious to think that he'd laid a hand on you. I made sure he knew that he'd made a mistake.”
“John...”
“You are mine and I don't ever want to talk about this again.” 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.”
“You're an awful man, John Sheppard.” She laughed and raised up on tiptoe to kiss him again. “But I'm glad that you're so good at it.” And she was. To think that this man...this gorgeous man would stop at nothing to protect her, made her body melt and she knew that she could never be truly mad at him for it.
“Does that mean you forgive me?”
“Yes.”
He laughed and then gave her a naughty grin. “Good. Maybe we can get to something better now.”
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. “About ten inches actually.”
“And me without my ruler.” 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. And since I snuck out of the infirmary...”
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.
“And it had better be tonight. Because if you fail...I'll do worse things to you than John Sheppard can even think of.”