V
I want to know what love is,
I want you to show me- M. Jones
Being overcome with boredom, Martin ventured out of his room with the intention of checking out Bailey's library; having been satisfied up until now with just trips to the kitchen and back to his room to watch television and feel sorry for himself. He had carefully pulled on a sweatshirt and wandered as quietly as he could down the hall. His brows knitting as he tried to recognize the notes of a vaguely recognizable tune that increased in volume as he approached his destination. He entered the library to find Bailey smiling and sitting at a desk, absently doodling in a book that lay open in front of her. He was a little surprised that she seemed to be totally unaware of his presence and he cleared his throat to announce himself.
"Uhm... good morning."
The smile she had been wearing faded immediately and the book was slammed shut, her eyes pinning him instantaneously.
"Good morning," she said a little peevishly, clicking the stereo with a remote, being a little put out that he had managed to surprise her.
"I'm sorry to interrupt."
"It's alright. Is there something you need?"
"No, I was just bored and I thought I would look around," he said as he took in his surroundings. "Have you read all of these books?" he asked, digesting the amount of literature that graced the room.
"Yes."
"Wow," he said, impressed. "You must be a fast reader," he added, but winced internally when he glanced in her direction.
"When you're a prisoner, Mr. Satterfield, you occupy yourself with any means at your disposal."
"I don't understand."
"Do you think that when I escaped British incarceration I became any less of a prisoner? I'm alive, but that doesn't mean that I've had a life to lead." She paused surprised at herself. "Uhm… I apologize. I don't really know where that came from," she added a few seconds later.
"No need to apologize. It wasn't my intention to upset you."
"Well, it wasn't my intention to tear into you with my feelings of self pity," she said, rising to her feet. "I'm going downstairs for a little while today and I'll be out again tonight. Is there anything you need?"
"No, thank you," he replied. "Did she like the roses?" he asked impulsively, relieved when she smiled.
"Yes, she did."
"Are you going to ask her over here for dinner?"
Bailey gaped at him. "I… I haven't thought of that. Do you think I should?"
"It's sort of customary."
"What is?"
"She invited you to her home, you should invite her to yours," Martin said, thinking he had just opened up a can of worms.
"I… I don't think that would be a good idea."
"Why not? I could go into hiding for an evening so you wouldn't have to explain me."
"It's not just you. She… uhm…"
"She doesn't know the whole story does she?" Martin asked, suddenly understanding.
Bailey sighed and plopped back into her seat. "No, she doesn't."
Martin considered the matter seriously as he took a seat in one of the chairs. "Do you really like her?"
"Yes," she answered slowly.
"Are you going to tell her?"
"How can I? If I did she would…" She stopped when her throat constricted at the thought. "… She would leave me," she finished in a small voice.
"You don't know that."
"Yes, I do," she said. "She's a good person and I'm… I'm not."
"I don't think you're a bad person."
"You read my file, you know what I'm responsible for, Mr. Satterfield."
"I think the Organization would have found a way with or without you."
"That may be true, but I can't change the fact that it was me. And how do I look her in the eyes and tell her I'm responsible for the deaths of so many?" she said. "I can't even look myself in the eye," she added in a whisper.
"If she loves you, she won't question how, she'll want to know why."
"What does that mean?"
"She'll want to know why. And if she knew why, she'll know that you didn't have much of a choice."
"I could've optioned for retirement."
"I think you know better than that," he chided gently. "If you were to have died, they would have immediately eliminated your family. You know better than I do that they can't afford or allow loose ends."
Bailey closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair for several minutes. "You seem a decent person, Mr. Satterfield. Sometime you'll have to tell me how you came to be involved with the Organization at all." She stood again and walked quietly from the room.
Martin watched her go and sat silently until he noticed that the book she had been writing in was still on the desk. He debated for all of a millisecond before curiosity got the better of him and he decided to investigate, noting with slight surprise that the book was an American Heritage Dictionary. He absently flipped it open and the pages that she had been writing on displayed themselves obediently.
He studied the work in front of him and wondered sadly what it must be like for her. To be so innocent in some matters, but to be so awesomely knowledgeable in others most never imagine. It was becoming ever more apparent with each passing day in her company, that she was just a woman with the same hopes and dreams that everyone had. He suspected that if one were to look hard enough, they would discover that she possessed an easy going nature and a tender heart. Perhaps, the person with the initials P.T. already knew that. He hoped so.
He closed the book and left it exactly as he found it.
Bailey rounded the corner to her office and noted with a touch of disappointment that Piper had already moved her things. It seemed kind of silly in retrospect to have had her move things twice, but she didn't know she was going to be John's replacement until she had met her face to face. She walked into her office and around the desk before she saw the teddy bear and an envelope in the seat of her chair. Grinning like an idiot, she picked up the bear and placed him on the desk facing her, excitedly tearing open the envelope.
Heya,
I'm sorry I fell asleep on you last night. I promise I'll do better tonight. Better dust off your cowboy hat!
Piper
Smiling, she put the note on her desk and studied the bear in front of her, running her hands over the shaggy black hair. She thought it was adorable. She sat the teddy in her lap and held it with one hand while she opened a line with the other.
"Personnel, this is Marta."
"Marta, this is Bailey. Do you have a moment?"
"Sure, Miss Cameron. What can I do for you?"
"I need an executive assistant for Piper Tate. Hopefully, one with experience in corporate operations or administration. Temp to hire. Could you look into it for me?"
"Of course, when do you need one?"
"Immediately, it would be ideal if any of the agencies you deal with could send someone out today to interview. If not, early next week would suffice."
"It's kind of short notice but I'll make some calls, I could probably let you know by lunch if they can find any qualified candidates."
"That would be great, Marta. Do you have my cell number?"
"Yep."
"Alright, let me know, thanks."
She unlocked her desk and placed Piper's note in the top drawer. Her nose crinkled and she looked down at the teddy bear suspiciously, bringing him up to her face and sniffing at him curiously. She smiled when she realized that the bear was wearing the perfume she recognized as Piper's and the urge to see the woman overwhelmed her. She stood and relocked her desk on the way out the door but hesitated and, after a second of consideration, she put the bear on her desk and exited the room. Piper's new office was surrounded by staff and it would raise more than one eyebrow if she showed up carrying a teddy bear.
She gradually left the more isolated area her office was located in and quickly came into view of the executive offices and cubicles that took up most of the floor. She became aware of the paused telephone conversations and stares as she neared Piper's office. She knew it was rare for her to make an appearance but all of the attention began to make her uncomfortable. Fortunately, she spotted Piper outside her office with her back turned and talking to a salesman she recognized as Julio Martinez; a man of Hispanic descent who was short and as thin as a reed. She stopped several paces away and waited politely, since neither of them had noticed her approach.
"Julio, you know I can't sign off on that until their account is no longer in arrears. I told you this earlier. If we lose the contract, we lose the contract."
"Accounting said they received payment."
"Accounting informed me they received partial payment and until the account is up to date and no longer overdue for the work that we've already done, we won't be sending anyone else out there."
"Piper, look at the size of the contract."
"I don't care how large or profitable it is. They still haven't honored the terms of the last one. Talk to them, Julio. If they bring their account current, I'll be happy to sign off on it. You should know better, it's always been policy not to enter into renewal negotiations unless the account is current. "
"I'll take this to the Board."
"I think that your time would be better spent if you convinced your client to pay the balance of their account."
"I can't believe…" he started loudly but stopped abruptly when he noticed the figure several feet behind Piper.
Piper had been bracing herself for the man's inevitable explosion and looked at him confusedly when he cut off suddenly and began to pale.
"Please continue, Mr. Martinez," came an Irish purr from behind her and she felt her body tingle pleasantly.
"Uhm…"
"Miss Tate has the authority to act in the best interest of the company," Bailey interrupted. "That's why she's in charge, Mr. Martinez."
He didn't say anything and Bailey nonchalantly stared at him until it became apparent that he was looking for an escape. "If there isn't anything else, I'd like to speak to Piper?" she asked and he shook his head to the negative.
"Very well. Piper can I see you in your office for a moment?"
"Of course," Piper said and led Bailey into her office.
As soon as she closed the door, Piper turned to her with a smile. "Well hello there, Miss Cameron."
"Kiss me," Bailey stated simply and Piper happily closed the distance between them and complied.
"What a nice surprise. You taste good."
"Thanks, I brushed my teeth this morning."
"Good to know," Piper chuckled.
"You got a moment?"
"Sure," Piper said, withdrawing from Bailey's arms to take a seat in one of the chairs in front of her desk. "What's up?"
Bailey seated herself in the chair across from her. "I have Marta looking for an assistant for you. So you need to be prepared to interview some people this afternoon at the earliest and next week if you don't find anyone to your liking."
"Alright."
"Try to find someone you would feel comfortable handing the reigns over to in your absence."
"Will do."
"Thanks for the teddy bear, he smells like you," Bailey said shyly.
"Is it a good or bad smell?"
"I'll run him through the washer and let you know," she replied with a grin and Piper chuckled.
"I see that I've met my match in the arena of witty remarks," she laughed. "I'm sorry I passed out on you last night. Thanks for tucking me in, although I'm embarrassed you saw what a slob I am."
"Don't worry about it."
"So, you still up for tonight?"
"Sure, but I don't have a cowboy hat. In fact, I only own one hat."
"I was just kidding about the hat, goofy." Piper rolled her eyes. "Do you just want to leave from here and eat leftovers while I get ready?"
"Okay."
"I should be ready to leave around five."
"I'll be here. Oh, I almost forgot. Would you send a memo out to everyone reminding them that Joshua Anderson will be here Monday to start his evaluation?"
"Sure," Piper said and walked around to her side of the desk and sat down. "I'll do that now, anything you want me to add?" she asked as she opened her mail program.
"Just that he is to receive everyone's cooperation and is not to be interfered with."
"Alright," Piper said as she typed. "Are you really going to sell the company?"
"No," Bailey said. "But that's a secret between you and me."
"Goody, I like secrets. You wanna make out?"
"Yes."
Piper made a show of going through her calendar. "Great, I can pencil you in for fifteen minutes at 3:30. Can you come back then?" She chuckled and came around the desk when Bailey sighed dramatically.
Piper stopped in front of her and extended a hand. "Come sit on the couch with me," she said and Bailey let her lead her across the room.
Piper took off her suit jacket and threw it across the back of a chair, plopping down beside her on the couch. She looked at Bailey with a smile and leaned in until she felt lips on her own. She started out gently for several minutes and gradually increased the intensity. She was delighted to feel Bailey respond enthusiastically and was surprised to feel her hands raise from their normal position on her hips to roam tentatively over her back and into her hair. Suddenly glad she wore slacks instead of a skirt, she rose from her seat to straddle her and situate herself in her lap. She gasped a little and experienced a bright flash of desire when a hand brushed her left breast; it was short lived however because Bailey immediately broke all contact.
"Uh… I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry," Piper said a little breathlessly and Bailey looked at her confusedly.
"It's alright," she said soothingly as she pulled her blouse from her slacks. "Here," she said, taking Bailey's hand in her own and moving it under her shirt until it rested on her breast.
As soon as the hand made contact, she felt Bailey try and pull away but she held the hand firm. "It feels good when you touch me there."
Bailey looked at Piper carefully before she tentatively began to explore the flesh beneath her hand. She tried to withdraw again when she felt the nipple harden through the fabric of her bra but again, Piper held her hand firmly in place.
Piper began to place gentle kisses on Bailey's mouth, slowly releasing her grip as she felt the hand on her breast become more confident. She groaned softly when she felt fingers tenderly rub over her, gasping pleasurably when Bailey's other hand suddenly rose to knead her other breast. She halted her kisses and arched her back to give free reign to Bailey's explorations, closing her eyes and breathing heavily when she felt both hands cup her and run thumbs back and forth over her nipples. Suddenly, one hand was gone and the other stopped moving altogether. She opened her eyes and watched as Bailey clinically examined one of her own breasts and repeated the action on her with the hand still under her shirt. She found this action to be incredibly erotic but acknowledged it as an act of curiosity and she patiently waited for the experiment to conclude. Bailey abruptly dropped the hand from her own breast and looked at her.
"Touch me."
"Gladly," Piper whispered and gently brought a hand up to cup Bailey's breast as she leaned forward to again capture her mouth. She felt her tense stiffly but she slowly relaxed and Piper smiled when she felt the nipple harden. She gently kneaded her palm over the erect nipple and softly pinched it between her fingers. Bailey gasped loudly and hurriedly broke contact.
"I'm sorry, but I need to go."
"It's alright," Piper said sympathetically and slowly rose from her lap until she was standing before her.
"I'm sorry," Bailey said with a dismayed expression.
"I understand, Bailey," she said as she tucked her blouse back in. "Trust me when I say it gets easier. We can do that again whenever you want."
"Really?" Bailey asked, her eyes studying the floor.
"Really," Piper said getting her purse from behind her desk. "Come here, I got lipstick on you."
Bailey got up from the couch and quickly readjusted her own clothes before she dutifully sat in one of the chairs and let Piper clean the lipstick from her mouth with a Kleenex. When she was done, Piper produced a brush and affectionately straightened her hair for her.
"There, all set," Piper said. "You really are beautiful, you know?"
"Thank you," Bailey said, blushing.
"Now, if you're done ravishing me, I should get back to work," Piper teased, smiling when Bailey's color deepened.
Bailey stood up and took a few seconds to compose herself. "Piper… uh… I'm very glad that you've come into my life," she started slowly and finished rapidly. "I'll be back at five," she said hurriedly and fled the office as casually as she could.
Piper beamed a brilliant smile at the fleeing back and as soon the door closed behind her, she launched herself face first into the sofa and groaned, her body humming with desire for the inexperienced woman. Uninvited, the memory of another woman and another time intruded upon the happy moments of just a few seconds ago.
"You don't mean that, Piper," Lisa said condescendingly.
"Yes, I do. I deserve better than you."
"Piper…" Lisa started, the smug tones she had been using conspicuously absent from her voice. "… I made a mistake…"
"No, you made several," she interrupted and watched as the confidence that was as much a part of Lisa's appearance as the breath she took began to waver ever so slightly.
"What do I need to do to fix this?"
"There's nothing you can do, it's over."
"But I love you."
With that she got angry. "Don't you dare say that to me. I don't think you even know what those words mean."
"Do you?" Lisa shot back in challenge.
"I know they don't apply to you or to myself in regards to you."
"You're just upset, we can work this out."
"Well, you're right about one thing, I am upset," she said. "I'm upset with me for allowing myself to hope for all the things I know now I won't be sharing with you."
"Jesus Christ, Piper. I made a mistake. That doesn't mean I don't love you."
"I don't think you know what love is. Maybe I don't know either, but I do know that as long as I'm with you, I'll never find out."
"If not me, who?" Lisa demanded. "Is there someone else?"
"Yes!" she hissed. "There's someone out there right now, someone who needs me. Someone who wants me and who completes me. Someone who would give their life for me as I would them. Someone who would give me their heart, their devotion. Someone who would know that as long as I was still breathing that the gift of their love would be cherished above all other concerns, earthly or otherwise."
"My God, Piper," Lisa said, shaking her head. "What you just described is a fairy tale."
"For you maybe. But I know in my heart that person is out there right now waiting for me, and you know what, Lisa?"
Lisa flung her arms the air in exasperation. "What?"
"I'll be waiting too," she said meeting her eyes. "Without you."
"And there it is," Piper said out loud rolling over and covering her face with a sofa pillow. "She's the one, Pippy," she mumbled into the cushion.
Bailey stopped by her office to retrieve her teddy bear and proceeded quickly to the elevator. When she entered her flat, she made a beeline for the bedroom and threw herself onto the bed. She rolled over on to her side and snuggled the teddy to her chest tightly.
Please, don't let her leave me," she prayed to no one in particular.
Bob Spicher looked around the room and saw a lot of tired faces, yet the one that should be present was missing. In fact, no one had seen Terry since his explosion yesterday afternoon. He wished the situation would resolve itself, he was already tired of staying in the building and he missed his wife. Discreetly, he studied the faces around him and he surmised that he wasn't the only who felt that way. He turned in his chair at the sound of someone entering and was a little relieved to see that it was Terry, although the man looked like hammered shit.
"Good morning," Terry said as he took a seat in his chair. "Updates?"
"Cameron left the building last night at 6:45pm and after a stop at a liquor store, proceeded again to the residence of Piper Tate. She remained at that location until 1:47am before she returned home. No movement since," Bob reported.
"I see, anything else?"
"Not at this time."
"Alright, let's reconvene on Monday unless something breaks," Terry said, rising from his chair and walking silently out of the room.
As soon as he left all faces turned looks in Bob's direction.
"That was quick," Keith commented.
Bob could only shrug his shoulders. "Anyone got anything else to add at this time?"
"Robards arriving tomorrow?" Keith asked.
"Yes, early. All non-surveillance people have been told to check in with him."
"Has he been briefed?"
"Limitedly. As soon as we set up shop on Wednesday, he'll brief all of our people in the field," Bob answered and the room grew silent for several minutes. "Alright then, let's call it a day."
Bailey stirred from the light sleep she had fallen into when her cell phone rang. She twisted around on the bed until she could get the phone out of her pocket.
"Cameron."
"Miss Cameron, this is Marta. I've found five potential candidates for the position you asked about earlier."
"Great, any of them make it out here today?''
"Two can be here this afternoon the others can't make it until next week."
"That's fine. Would you get with Piper so she can fit the interviews into her schedule today?"
"Yes, I'll give her a call now."
"Thank you, Marta."
She put the phone on her nightstand and stared at the ceiling for several minutes before she again rolled over and fell asleep.
Martin had thoroughly investigated the library and was intrigued to find an enormous assortment of music on CD. Being a music aficionado himself, he was impressed beyond words at the size and selection that Bailey possessed. After perusing her collection for several happy hours, he noted with a touch of humor that she owned not one country music selection. Her tastes very much mirrored his own and he had fallen asleep with the stereo on several hours ago. He awoke to the persistent foot that was periodically nudging his leg and was slightly startled to find Bailey sitting across from him.
"Uhm… hello."
"How's your hand, Mr. Satterfield?"
"Still hurts, but seems to be healing."
"Good, I'm going out but I wanted to give you this," she said, handing him a cell phone and a charger.
"What's this for?"
"Keep it with you. If it rings, be prepared to get your things together."
"Has something happened?"
"No, and I don't expect anything to happen in the very near future, but I wanted you to be prepared just in case."
"Alright," he said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she said, standing.
"You look nice, where ya headed this evening?" he asked, grinning when she frowned slightly.
"Would you believe that I'm going country dancing?"
"That's about the last thing I thought you'd say," he chuckled.
"Me too. Have a good night, Mr. Satterfield."
Martin waited until she was out of earshot and whispered. "Be careful, Bailey."
VI
She's got a light around her,
And everywhere she goes,
A million dreams of love surround her- B. Joel
Bailey exited the elevator and repeated the route she had taken to Piper's office earlier in the day. She nodded politely to the people that she passed and was surprised to find an attractive black woman that she guessed was in her late thirties or early forties sitting at the assistant's desk in front of Piper's office. The woman saw her approach and rose from her chair.
"Miss Cameron, I'm Debra Womack," she said, extending a hand that Bailey shook.
"It's nice to meet you, Debra. Is Piper in?"
"Yes, she's expecting you. She told me to tell you to go on in."
"Thank you," Bailey said, rounding the desk to enter Piper's office.
Piper looked up from the computer when the door opened and she smiled brightly at Bailey. She was dressed in her customary black, but wore a vest with a Celtic knot pattern in silver embroidery on the front.
"Howdy, you look great."
"Thanks," Bailey said, casting her eyes to the floor.
"Give me a sec to finish this up and we can be on our way," Piper said as she returned her attention back to the computer.
"Okay," Bailey said, plopping down in a chair. "I see you already found someone to your liking."
Piper looked up confusedly for a second. "Oh, you mean Debra?"
"Yes."
"Yeah, the first one was a bit of a battleaxe. But Debra is sweet and has a lot of experience, she seems perfect. She won't let anyone push her around either."
"Great. Did you let Marta know not to bother sending out the others?"
"Yep," Piper said and stopped what she was doing to level a look at Bailey. "I know Thanksgiving isn't an Irish holiday, but it's coming up next week."
"Yes, it is," Bailey said suspiciously.
Piper took a deep breath. "Do you have any plans for it?"
"No. Why do I get the feeling that you've something up your sleeve?"
"Well, I'm supposed to go home and I'd like you to come with me."
Bailey's eyes widened and she sat quietly until Piper couldn't take it any more and came around the desk to seat herself in the chair across from her. "Please."
"Uhm… I'm not sure I'm ready for that, Piper."
"My family will love you, Bailey," Piper soothed. "I don't want you to be alone on the holiday."
Bailey thought hard, it was obviously important to Piper and she didn't want to disappoint her. "How long?"
"Leave Thursday, come back on Sunday," Piper replied quickly.
"Where do we stay?"
"At my parent's house."
"Is that okay with them?"
"I'm sure they'll be thrilled that I'm finally bringing someone home," Piper said with a touch of sarcasm. "But if you say yes, I'll call them tonight."
"I dunno, Piper. I wouldn't know how to act."
"Just be yourself."
"How do you plan on getting there?"
"I thought we'd fly," Piper said with an emphasis on the 'we'.
"Alright," Bailey said, reluctantly drawing out the word. "But I have to make the travel arrangements."
"Deal," Piper said happily, hopping from her seat. She gave Bailey a quick peck on the cheek and walked around the desk to sit back in her chair. "I'll call my Mom tonight, she'll be excited."
Bailey sat very still and wondered worriedly if she had made the right decision. Raising her eyes to look at Piper happily smiling behind her desk, she knew that she had chosen correctly.
Piper tapped the speakerphone. "Debra?"
"Yes."
"I'm leaving for the day, I'll see you on Monday."
"Alright, Piper. Have a good weekend."
"Thanks, you too."
"You ready?" Piper asked with a look at Bailey.
"Yeah."
"Let's go," Piper said, rising from her chair to put on her jacket and to collect her purse.
As they walked together toward the elevator, Bailey was keenly aware of several lingering glances shot in their direction and idly wondered if having made an appearance twice in one day would add material to the rumor mill. Not that she cared on her own behalf, but it might end up affecting Piper and that would be totally unacceptable. She decided to let the subject pass when she glanced sideways at her companion and noted that the woman seemed totally oblivious to anything out of the ordinary.
As soon as they entered the elevator Piper curled an arm under Bailey's and beamed a smile in her direction. "Nancy dropped me off this morning on her way to the airport, so my car is at home."
"Okay," Bailey said slowly noting the expectant look directed at her.
"So do I get to drive?"
"Sure," she chuckled.
The elevator opened and Piper let go of her arm, following her through the lobby to the private door that led to her garage, where she produced a keycard to gain entrance, leading her down a short hall and through another door before they descended a short flight of steps into the garage.
Piper looked around curiously, noting the presence of another car in the garage.
"Is that what I think it is?" she asked walking over for a closer examination. "My brother would try and steal you away from me just for your cars. What year is this?"
"1970."
"A GTO Judge with a 455 Super Duty," Piper drooled, running her hands down the fender. "Can we take this one?"
"If you'd like," Bailey said with a smile as Piper nodded vigorously.
"What's with you and rare black muscle cars?"
Bailey shrugged and tossed her the keys.
"Let's rumble," Piper said, hurriedly climbing in behind the wheel.
Bailey sat down in the passenger seat and hit the remote for the garage door. As soon as Piper backed out, she closed the door and put on her seat belt, smiling at Piper who was bouncing in her seat excitedly.
"Can we abstain from ludicrous speed this time?"
"Killjoy," she said with a pout. "Why don't you drive this one?"
"I do from time to time, but the Barracuda is my favorite."
"Hmmm," Piper grunted as she navigated the car through the parking garage and onto the street.
"You disagree?"
"I'd have to engage ludicrous speed to make up my mind."
"Oh, alright," Bailey sighed. "But you have to wait until we're out of traffic."
"Heh, heh, heh."
"Zack, what the fuck are you doing?" Russell asked when the car started and began to follow the GTO.
"I'm keeping our target under surveillance, scabby."
"That's not her car."
"Sure it is, didn't you read the dossier, scabby? She has several cars registered to her. One of which is a 1970 Pontiac GTO."
"Would you please stop calling me that?"
"Sure, whatever you want, scabby. If you took off the Band-Aid it would heal faster."
"Just shut up, we're in enough trouble as it is."
"True, but I think it was worth every second of the ass chewing we got this morning."
"I'm glad you think so," Russell said, tenderly probing his bandaged nose.
He yelped in pain a second later when Zack accelerated hard enough to force him to poke his wounded extremity.
"What the fuck?"
"Shit," Zack said as their target suddenly squealed away in the distance, slowing gradually when he saw the GTO coming to a stop for a red light. "Sorry, she's just fucking around."
"This is ridiculous, she could lose us anytime she wants."
"True."
"I don't see why they just don't move on her," Russell wondered aloud.
"Russell, I hope this ordeal just ends peacefully. My spirit guide tells me that a confrontation with that woman would be extraordinarily bad."
"Why do you say that?"
"Just a feeling I have."
"Hmmm," Russell grunted. "That reminds me, her and that redhead are obviously a couple, why haven't you mentioned that in your reports?"
"I dunno. It just strikes me as the wrong thing to do."
"Why?"
"It just does, you'd better call in her movement."
"Alright," Russell said, reaching for his cell phone.
Zack listened quietly as Russell called it in and waited until he got off the phone to speak. "She's headed for the girlfriend's house again."
"Cool, and its Friday night too, think we'll get to see some action?"
"You're a horny little bastard, scabby," Zack chuckled.
"Like you aren't? Night scope in the backseat?"
"Of course."
"Good, since you won last time I get first chance at it tonight."
"You know better than that," Zack said as the GTO pulled into the driveway and he pulled over to the curb to park.
"The redhead was driving," Russell said as he observed the two women get out of the car.
"Yep." Zack confirmed, watching them enter the house. "Let's wait and see if they go out before we call it in."
"Alright," Russell said. "I want four out of five this time."
"Russell, you can't break such a long standing tradition just because you suck at the game," Zack explained as if speaking to a child.
Russell sighed. "Fine, let's get it over with," he said, turning in his seat.
Less than thirty seconds later, Russell sulked while Zack chuckled merrily at his expense.
"You're so fucking predictable, scabby," Zack laughed. "Why in the hell do you always choose rock?"
"Shut up."
"Make yourself at home," Piper said as she threw her purse on the coffee table. "I'll hop in the shower."
"Alright," Bailey said."Nancy gonna be gone long?
"Four days."
"What's in the upstairs room?"
"There's a piano up there, but mostly storage."
"Can I see it?"
"Sure, do you play?"
"A little, do you mind if I go up there while you're in the shower?"
"Not at all. I'll be ready in a bit."
"Okay," Bailey said and watched as Piper padded down the hall. She puttered around in the living room until she heard the water start running and headed upstairs.
Piper got out of the shower and was drying herself off when she heard the music. She wrapped the towel around her and opened the door so she could hear better, smiling when she got an earful of the notes wafting down the stairs.
"A little, she says," she whispered, shaking her head in amusement.
She recognized the tune as Mozart but couldn't pin down the title. However, she knew enough about the piano from years of childhood practice to know it as a vastly complicated piece of music. It was apparent that Bailey could play it flawlessly. She leaned against the doorjamb and wondered just how many secrets the woman upstairs had. She stood thoughtfully in place until she heard the piece finish and another one start before she padded down the hall to her bedroom and closed the door. Still wrapped in the towel, she sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up the phone.
"Hi, Mom," she said as soon it was answered.
"Hi, sweetie. I'm glad you called. Are you coming home next week?"
"Yes, would you and Dad mind if I brought someone with me?"
"Really?" came the intrigued inquiry. "Someone important?"
"Yes," Piper said rolling her eyes.
"Well, I would be thrilled," her mother said. "I'll ask your Dad, hold on."
Piper nervously chewed on her pinky nail until her mother got back on the phone.
"Sure, bring her home," her mother said happily. "Tell me all about her."
"What would like to know, Mom?" Piper winced.
"Everything. You've never brought anyone home before," her mother chided and Piper sighed.
"She's thirty-one and Irish."
"And?"
"And she's very special to me."
"I guessed that much. Is she pretty?"
"She's beautiful," she said and heard her father's voice in the background.
"Your father wants to know if she's Catholic."
Piper ground her teeth. "I'd assume so, she's from Northern Ireland. Mom, listen. She's very shy around people and I know she's scared about staying there, so could you tell everyone to take it easy with her?"
"Don't piss me off, Piper. Everyone will be on their best behavior."
"I'm sorry, but I can tell she's more worked up about it than she's letting on."
"Don't worry, sweetheart. She'll be fine. What's she do for a living?"
"She owns the corporation I work for."
"Really? She must be loaded. Nice catch, dear," she teased and Piper flopped back on the bed in exasperation.
"Mom," Piper groaned.
"Lighten up. Listen, I have to finish dinner, why don't you call in a couple of days and let us know when we need to pick you up?"
"Alright, Mom," Piper said, relieved.
"You're not off the hook, I expect a full report later. I can't wait to meet her."
"Alright, I love you, Mom," Piper said, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I love you too, sweetie. I'll talk to you later."
"Ugh," Piper groaned as she hung up the phone.
She got up from the bed and listened to see if Bailey was still playing. She could hear a few notes through the closed door so she began to get dressed.
Bailey stopped playing when she heard the door open and turned on the bench to see Piper observing her from the doorway with a smile on her face.
"You play beautifully."
"Thank you," Bailey said, coloring slightly. "You look nice," she added quickly in an attempt to change the subject.
"Thanks," Piper said. "I decided to lose the leftovers and ordered a pizza, that okay?"
"Sure," Bailey said, noting that Piper had dressed just like her with the exception of a bright flowery vest.
"Do you sing too?"
"No, I sound like I gargle with kitty litter."
Piper laughed. "It can't be that bad."
"Take my word for it."
"Alright," Piper chuckled. "I called my Mom, she's excited to meet you."
"Great."
"It won't be that bad, I promise," Piper consoled just as the doorbell rang. "That'll be the pizza, ya hungry?"
"Yep."
"Me too, let's eat."
"Quit picking at it, scabby. You'll make it worse," Zack said.
"It better not leave a scar," Russell complained, poking at his nose.
"It won't if you leave it alone," Zack said. "They're leaving," he added as he caught sight of the women making their way to the car.
"Alright, I'll call it in," Russell said, picking up the phone.
Zack started the car and fell in at a safe distance behind the GTO, following in silence for almost a quarter of an hour.
"You know, I just had a scary thought," Russell said.
"Yes?"
"What if they head into like gay town or whatever and people see us together in the car?"
"They'll wonder what the fuck you been sticking your nose in," Zack said and laughed at his joke.
"Goddamn you're funny."
"Aren't I though?" Zack chuckled.
Another few minutes passed as Russell stewed and Zack's chuckles eventually came to a halt.
"This is so stupid, why the hell are we following her? She knows we're here and she apparently doesn't give a shit."
"I really don't know, just doing what I'm told," Zack said, having wondered the same thing himself. "I imagine it'll become clear when they get around to briefing us."
"Who are they putting in charge?"
"Mike said Dwight Robards."
"Robards, huh?"
"That's what Mike said," Zack confirmed. "They're bringing in everyone for this one."
"Robards is a scary dude."
"Yep. Looks like the ladies are going dancing," he said as the GTO pulled into a crowded club parking lot.
"We going in?" Russell asked. "That place looks huge."
"No way, we wait in the car for them to come out. I guarantee you that we don't want to have a run in with her."
"You afraid of her?"
"Damn straight, my friend. Get comfortable, we're staying in the car."
VII
Looking for love calling Heaven above,
Send me an Angel…- D. Sterry, R. Zatorski
"Piper, I dunno about this," Bailey said worriedly. "This place is crowded, look at all the people in line. I'm not sure if I can go in there."
"Why not?"
"There's too many people."
"It's just me and you. No one else matters, they'll be busy doing their own thing."
"Hmmm," Bailey grunted, unconvinced.
"I'll hold your hand and promise not let anyone get you," Piper teased.
"Okay, I'll have a lash at it," Bailey chuckled.
"It'll be fun."
"If you say so," Bailey grumbled as Piper parked the car.
Piper got out and walked around to the front of the car and waited for Bailey to join her, who seemed to be procrastinating but finally got out and reached in her jacket to activate the alarm.
"Come on, goofy," Piper said and held out a hand to Bailey who took it and let Piper lead her toward the building.
"Look at how long the line is," Bailey said in dismay, holding out hope that Piper would change her mind and not go in.
"We don't have to stand in line, it's Ladies Night," Piper said dashing her last chance. "The girls in line are just waiting with their boyfriends."
Bailey sighed and dutifully let Piper march her to the front of the line and into the building, wincing when she was immediately assaulted by the thunderous crooning of country music. She looked around and noticed with apprehension that there were so many people crammed into the building that it seemed to be standing room only. She felt Piper tug on her hand and she followed her through the crowd until she was led to an unoccupied table, which to her relief, was somewhat isolated. Piper pulled a chair out for her and she took a seat.
"I'm gonna go get drinks, what would you like?" Piper said bending down and practically yelling in her ear.
"Southern Comfort and soda, with a twist," Bailey said into Piper's hair and she nodded.
"Be right back," Piper said and disappeared into the crowd, leaving her alone at the table.
Bailey sat there helplessly, thinking the only way she could feel more uncomfortable at the moment would be to suddenly find herself naked. She was relieved when Piper returned several minutes later and sat a drink in front of her. She immediately drained the contents of her glass and smiled when Piper sat a second drink in front of her before she sat down and scooted her chair close.
"I thought you might do that," Piper said into her ear.
"Thanks."
"Poor baby," Piper said with a smile. "You ready to have a go at dancing?"
Bailey nodded reluctantly and Piper led her by the hand through the crowd until they reached a circular dance floor that took up the entire center of the cavernous building. She turned to her and took her other hand, placing it on her shoulder.
"Watch my feet, it's simple," Piper said into her ear.
She nodded slightly and let Piper walk her backwards onto the dance floor. A few awkward minutes later, she had caught on and to her surprise began to enjoy herself a little.
"See?" Piper chastised. "It's not as bad as you thought, is it?"
She nodded to agree.
"Would you like to try and lead?" Piper asked and Bailey nodded again.
They switched positions and Piper was impressed and delighted when Bailey led her around at a far quicker pace than she had originally set. The song ended and changed to a waltz so Piper switched positions again to show her the steps, shaking her head a little at how quickly her companion picked things up. They had danced for maybe fifteen minutes and Bailey already carried on as though born to it. The waltz gave way to a ballad and Piper dropped both hands to her waist and pulled her close, resting her head on her chest and smiling when arms encircled her back. She wanted very badly to tell her that she loved her, but was afraid that she wasn't really ready to hear it, so she just pulled her a little closer and sighed into her chest.
She was surprised when the ballad ended and Bailey took the lead on the next song, laughing happily when she attempted a twirl and Bailey didn't miss a beat. As soon as the song ended, she led her off the dance floor and back to their table.
"You're something else," she said into her ear as she sat down and sipped her drink.
"I'm glad you think so."
"Do you want another drink?" Piper asked spotting a waitress.
"Sure."
Piper waved the woman over and ordered them both a drink. When the waitress left, she leveled a look at Bailey and stared at her unabashedly until her eyes came up to meet hers. She looked into the circles of black intensely, hoping to find what she wanted to see. She felt her heart thump in her chest when she believed she found what she was looking for, but there was something else in the gaze that disturbed her. She scooted her chair over until it touched Bailey's and whispered in her ear.
"What are you afraid of?"
Bailey opened her mouth to speak but shut it quickly before she said anything. She took a deep breath, shook her head slightly and leaned over to place a kiss on Piper's mouth.
"I'll get over it," she said cryptically when their lips parted.
"This sucks," Russell stated unhappily.
"Give it a rest, Russell. I'm getting tired of listening to you bellyache."
"They've been in there for over four hours, I don't see why we can't go in."
"For the last time," Zack sighed. "Orders state that we are not to approach her and secondly, if we spook that bitch, we won't live to regret it."
"I can't believe you're so friggin' worked up over that chick," Russell said with a shake of his head.
"Do you remember Ed Vega?"
"Vaguely, didn't he die a few years back?"
"Yeah, took one behind the ear."
"What about him?"
"Vega was a surveillance specialist and I worked under him for a couple of months when I first came aboard," Zack started. "He told me the first story I ever heard about The Wraith. I had forgotten all about it until it came back to me this morning. Ed was one of the few that has seen The Wraith in action."
"No shit?"
"Well, he didn't see it exactly, just the aftermath. He was sitting on a small army of wiseguys in Venice and the Organization was awaiting the arrival of the Don, or whatever they call the head honcho nowadays." Zack paused and took a sip of his coffee. "Anyway, the guy showed up and I guess it was a rush job, they were afraid the mark would move so they told Vega to sit tight, The Wraith was enroute. The next thing he knows, they call him to verify the scene and pack up. He was watching a building right across the street and he wasn't even aware that it had been hit."
"What did he see?"
"The Don had eighteen soldiers in there with him, they were all dead. Vega said the bodies started at the entrance and were strewn all over two floors. Evidently, The Wraith had walked right through the front door. A bunch of them were cut up with what he assumed was a sword and the rest were shot. All of the ones that took bullets were taken out with rounds in the eyes or the heart. The Don's throat had been cut so deep his head was barely fucking on. Vega said it was the scariest thing he'd ever seen."
"Fuckin'A," Russell whispered.
"Yep. So let me tell you, Russell. If that chick in there is The Wraith, and I believe she is, we don't want to get any closer to her than we have to."
"You think Vega was telling the truth?"
"I don't doubt he was, the man went pale in the face when he told me the story."
"Damn," Russell said slowly. "This thing is going to get ugly isn't it?"
"I hope not, but I'm afraid you may be right."
"Well, I'm wiped," Piper exclaimed. "Did ya have fun?"
"Yeah, I did. Thank you for taking me," Bailey said with a smile.
"My pleasure. You ready to head out?"
"Yep," Bailey said and stood to put on her jacket.
"Okay," Piper said, standing and doing the same.
Piper shouldered her purse and put her hand in Bailey's as they made their way through the thinning crowd toward the exit. The sounds of an argument and a scuffle became audible as they approached one of the four bars that were situated in the corners of the building. Piper turned her head in concern when she heard a woman crying and was brought to an abrupt halt as Bailey stopped dead in her tracks and aimed her attention in the direction of the sound. Piper saw a huge man she estimated to be roughly the size of Wyoming, slap the crying woman viciously across the face and her hand went to her mouth in shock.
"Wait here," Bailey said tonelessly.
"Bailey, don't get involved that guy is enormous, let's go find a bouncer," Piper pleaded when Bailey's hand left hers.
"Wait here," she repeated and seemed to flow away from her through the crowd.
Piper worriedly started after her but to her bewilderment almost immediately lost sight of her, so she headed through the crowd and the spectators toward the argument that she could hear was still going on. She disgustingly pushed her way through two guys that were watching the scene just in time to see the man draw his arm back to slap the woman again.
The blow never connected as the man's wrist was seized in mid-swing and his arm was yanked back violently and twisted around. Piper was amazed to see the man cartwheel in the air, landing painfully on his face in front of Bailey who still had a grip on his wrist. She brutally twisted his arm and a loud crack could be heard over the music that caused the stunned man to scream and flop around on the floor. Piper started to shout a warning as she saw a man reach for Bailey from behind. But the sound died on her lips when she turned and powerfully slapped the man's hand away, and with a move so fast Piper wasn't even sure she saw it, she struck the man in the middle of his chest and he crumpled to the ground without a sound.
To Piper's relief the music stopped and she could see several bouncers start to make their way toward them. She stepped forward and noted that the crowd had backed up several paces to allow Bailey a wide berth. She went to the crying woman and took her by the arm.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah," the woman said trying to get herself under control.
"Do you have someone to take you home?"
"My friend went for the bouncers when he went ballistic," the woman said. "Here she comes."
Piper looked up as three bouncers pushed their way into the circle that had formed around the two fallen bodies and Bailey. She observed apprehensively as one of the bouncers took a step in Bailey's direction but stopped when she locked eyes with the man and very slightly shook her head to the negative. She went over and carefully took her hand when a woman rushed from behind one of the bouncers to comfort her crying friend.
"What the hell happened here?" the bouncer staring at Bailey asked.
"That fucking bitch broke my arm!" the still conscious man screamed from the floor at Bailey's feet, pointing at her with a finger on his good arm.
Bailey's eyes never wavered from the bouncer as her hand shot out and gripped the outstretched arm by the wrist and placed her foot on the man's neck. He ineffectually tried to break her grip as she slowly applied pressure until he lost consciousness. As soon as he was out, she released her grip on the man's arm, letting it flop bonelessly to the floor as she removed her foot from the man's throat.
Piper squeezed her hand tightly. It had only taken about twenty seconds and none of the bouncers had moved a muscle during the entire process.
"That man..." Piper pointed to the body at her feet. "…Was striking that woman..." she gestured at the woman being consoled by her friend. "…And she stopped it," she said with a nod in Bailey's direction. "Oh, and that man..." she pointed at the other body that hadn't moved. "…Tried to grab her when she intervened."
"That's right," the woman who had been struck said. "She didn't do anything but help me," she said with a gesture at Bailey. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Bailey said speaking for the first time.
The woman smiled at her and returned to her friend. When she left, Piper tugged on her hand. "Come on, let's go."
Piper led her through a crowd that parted before them like the Red Sea and she heard the bits and pieces of several comments that she knew Bailey was the subject of. She squeezed her hand tighter in an attempt to be of comfort, relieved when they emerged from the building into the cold night air. As soon as they were clear of the entrance, she turned to her and enveloped her in a forceful hug.
"I'm not going to ask where you learned to do that," she said into her chest. "But I want you to know that I think that is one of the noblest things I've ever seen anyone do."
Bailey's eyes widened in wonder and she slowly wrapped her arms around Piper, having been afraid that she had shown too much of herself. She lowered her face and kissed the top of her head.
"I need to go."
"Stay the night with me," Piper whispered.
Bailey took a deep breath. "Alright."
Piper squeezed her tightly before letting go of her and together they walked to the car.
"There they are," Russell said, spotting the women getting into their car.
Zack started the car and waited for them to pull out before he moved to follow them. They no sooner got on to the street when a police car passed them in the opposite lane, turning into the parking lot they had just exited.
"That's interesting," Russell commented.
"Yep," Zack agreed. "Call in."
Zack listened to Russell speak into the phone and after he hung up they traveled the remainder of the way in silence. Zack watched through the night scope as both women exited the car and went into the house. He looked at his watch and turned to Russell.
"Call in again, she's staying the night."
"How do you know?"
"It's late and I saw her set the alarm on her car."
"Oh," Russell said. "Looks like the day shift will finally get to see her."
"Yep," Zack said, sinking in his seat to get comfortable.
VIII
It must be your skin I'm sinkin' in,
Must be for real, Cause now I can feel- G. Rossdale
Piper had provided her with a new toothbrush and after Bailey had brushed her teeth and washed her face, she looked nervously at the garments she had been given to wear. She confusedly read the words emblazoned on the front of the shirt that said 'One in the Oven' and had a little arrow pointing toward her belly. She giggled a little when the meaning tardily dawned on her. Feeling a little stupid, and more than a little self conscious, she exited the bathroom and tentatively walked through the door into Piper's bedroom.
Piper had hurriedly picked up the dirty clothes she had strewn all over the room and was in the process of putting new sheets on the bed when Bailey came into view. She beamed an amused smile at her and laughed when she read the words on the shirt she had given her.
"You look adorable. I should have looked closer at that shirt before I gave it to you."
"Whose was this?" Bailey said pulling on the shirt.
"Would you believe I have no idea where it came from?" Piper said in amusement while she finished making the bed and carried the old the sheets to the laundry hamper she kept in her closet.
"You've never been pregnant have you?"
"Of course not," Piper chided. "Make yourself comfortable I'll be right back," she added as she collected some clothes and left the room.
Bailey chewed on her lip nervously for a few minutes before she went over and gingerly sat on the edge of the bed. She sat unmoving and closed her eyes until Piper came running back into the room and took a flying leap onto the bed. She laughed at her antics and squirmed uncomfortably when Piper wrapped her legs around her waist from behind and started to tickle her, twisting in her grip as she caved in and started laughing.
"A-ha!" Piper trumpeted. "Somebody's ticklish," she teased in a singsong voice as she stopped the tickling and wrapped arms around her.
"You're a dork."
"That sounds so funny coming from you," Piper said with a chuckle.
"It does not."
Her chuckles tapered off and Piper she gave her a squeeze. "Are you okay with staying here?"
"Yeah," Bailey said, a little surprised. "Yeah, I am."
"Good," Piper said, resting her chin on Bailey's shoulder. "Those shorts look good on you," she complimented and moved Bailey's hair out of the way so she could place a kiss on the back of her neck. "You know my parents will put us up in the same room," she added mischievously and she felt her tense.
"Really?"
"Yep."
She shook her head to stop her train of thought. "Don't tease me, I've never done anything like this before."
"I know, it'll be fine. I was right about dancing wasn't I?"
"I guess so."
"I'm glad you agreed to come," Piper mumbled sleepily. "I would've missed you terribly."
"I would've missed you too," Bailey said quietly and gently disentangled herself from the form attached to her back.
"What are you doing?"
"I was going to turn off the lights."
"Oh."
She watched Bailey walk over and turn off the lights, waiting for her to crawl into bed and make herself comfortable before she snuggled up to her back. Smiling in the dark when she felt Bailey take her hand and cuddle it to her chest. She buried her face into the ebony hair and rapidly fell asleep.
Bailey stared off into the dark for close to an hour trying to remember the last time in her life she felt so content and finally coming up empty, she slowly drifted off to sleep herself.
Bailey awoke with a start and suffered a second of disorientation before she realized where she was and smiled when she felt the body that had rather thoroughly attached itself to her during the night. She lifted her head to look at the clock and was more than a little surprised that she had slept for over eight hours. She rarely slept for more than four at a time and suspected it had something to do with the little woman who was soundly sleeping almost on top of her.
She slowly removed herself from Piper's embrace and rose from the bed, grinning slightly in amusement at how deeply the woman slept. She padded out of the room and down the hall to make use of the bathroom and emerged a few minutes later feeling hungry. She made her way to the kitchen and explored the cabinets and refrigerator, eventually finding everything she needed.
The smell of coffee and bacon gradually permeated Piper's dormant senses, grudgingly forcing her to open her eyes. A little scowl appeared on her face as she felt around for the body she expected to be there but didn't find. She threw the covers off of her grumpily and trudged out of her room and down the hall towards the smell that was making her stomach rumble.
When she entered the kitchen she found it deserted, so she proceeded to the living room where she discovered Bailey sitting cross-legged on the couch and channel surfing. As she approached, she noted that she was still dressed in the nightclothes she had given her but had tied her hair up in her usual ponytail.
Bailey turned her head at the sound of dragging feet and chuckled at the disheveled form with a cranky look on her face.
"Be quiet," Piper said grumpily as she threw herself down on the sofa next to her. Immediately snuggling up close and laying her head in her lap, trying not to be irritated by the chuckles she still heard and felt being directed at her.
"My, aren't you pretty today," Bailey said and jumped with a short giggle when Piper tickled her.
"I'm glad you stayed," Piper whispered.
"I'm glad I did too, seeing you get up in the morning was something I'm glad I didn't miss," Bailey said with a little chuckle.
"Hush," Piper said, burying her head further into Bailey's lap.
"Breakfast is in the kitchen, would you like some?" Bailey asked as she pet the mop of crimson hair.
"Hmmm," Piper purred. "What did you make?"
"French toast, bacon and eggs."
"French toast? Really?" Piper asked, becoming animated.
"I take it you like?"
"One of my favorites," Piper said and sat up. "Don't move I'll be right back," she added as she jumped off the sofa and disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.
She returned a few minutes later juggling a plate and a glass of milk, taking a seat next to Bailey on the sofa. "What would you like to do today?" she asked around a mouthful of food.
"Whatever you want."
"Really?" Piper said slowly with a lascivious look that rapidly turned to a frown when Bailey chuckled. "What's so funny?"
"You'd stand a better chance at pulling that look off if you brushed your hair and wiped the food off your chin."
Piper's eyes widened and she hurriedly put her plate on the coffee table and fled to the bathroom, trying to ignore the chuckles that followed her. She looked in horror at the reflection in the mirror. Her hair looked as if she had slept in a wind tunnel and she had an impressive patch of syrup on her chin. Reluctantly beginning to laugh at herself, she spent a few amused minutes brushing out her hair and scrubbed her face thoroughly before she ventured back into Bailey's presence.
"Better?" she asked with a little blush as she sat back down on the sofa.
"Much," Bailey said, laughing when Piper slapped her lightly on the knee.
Piper sighed dramatically as she retrieved her breakfast from the coffee table. "I'm glad I was able to provide you with such amusement at my expense."
"Me too."
"Grrrr." Piper focused her full attention on the food in front of her to try and ignore the little grin that was being directed at her.
"That was really good," Piper said a couple of minutes later.
"Would you like me to turn my head so you can lick the plate?"
Piper's eyes narrowed. "Gee, someone's feeling witty today."
"Yep."
"What's the occasion?"
"Just happy I guess."
"Is that not normal?"
"Only lately," Bailey said with a suddenly shy look at Piper who instantly cuddled up to her.
"That was a sweet thing to say," Piper said, bringing Bailey's hand to her mouth for a kiss.
"I meant it."
"I know you did and it makes me very happy to hear you say so," Piper said squeezing the hand in hers. "Because I'm crazy about you," she added in a whisper.
Bailey took a deep breath and kissed the top of Piper's head.
Piper felt the arm around her shoulders drop to her waist and she was suddenly lifted bodily into Bailey's lap. Bailey buried her face in the crook of Piper's neck and squeezed her as hard as she dared.
Once she relaxed the crushing embrace on her, Piper turned a little in her arms and stroked the top of the head that was buried in her hair. She knew that Bailey had a hard time with emotions and hadn't really expected her to say anything, but there was no denying the physical response that she had exhibited and it warmed her entire body. She understood that she was reacting in the only way she knew how and she tenderly rested her cheek on the top of her head, sighing happily.
"Bailey, do you have a middle name?" Piper asked after a moment.
"Ann."
"Bailey Ann," Piper said slowly. "How cute."
"What's yours?"
"I don't have one," Piper said quickly.
Bailey grinned. "Liar."
"I am not."
"Yes, you are," Bailey said, smiling nefariously. "I could ask your mother you know."
Caught, Piper sighed. "Promise you won't laugh?"
"Sure."
"You have to promise."
"Okay."
"No, you have to say 'I promise I won't laugh, Piper'," she clarified.
"Gimme a break."
"You have to say it," Piper stated firmly.
Bailey sighed and wiped the smile from her face. "I promise I won't laugh, Piper."
Piper studied her carefully and frowned. "You're already laughing, I can see it in your eyes."
"You can not," Bailey said with a snicker. "Just tell me."
"Alright, but you promised," Piper said with a suspicious look into the dancing black eyes.
"Well?"
Piper took a deep breath and quickly whispered several syllables under her breath.
Bailey leaned in close but didn't make it out. "I didn't quite catch that."
Piper rolled her eyes and squirmed a little in Bailey's lap. "Esmeralda," she said finally and eyed Bailey fretfully. "You promised you wouldn't laugh!"
"I didn't laugh," Bailey said with a smile.
"But you're grinning," Piper pointed out.
"You didn't make me promise not to," Bailey defended and beamed an amused smile at Piper.
"Yeah, but it's the same thing and you know it," Piper accused with a scowl.
"No it isn't… Esmeralda," Bailey said, stretching the name out painfully.
Piper huffed and started to get up but Bailey held her firmly around the waist. She put up a playful struggle but it became quickly apparent that she wasn't going to be able to go anywhere. Resorting to trickery, she let her leg fall off the sofa and hit the coffee table.
"Oh no, my drink," she said loudly and Bailey's arms fell from her waist
As soon as she was free from Bailey's embrace she hopped from her lap. "Ha!" she said triumphantly and turned to run down the hall.
Chuckling, Bailey rose from the couch and followed after her. She stood at the end of the hall for a few seconds and cocked her head before proceeding cautiously down the hallway.
Piper hid behind the door to her bedroom trying to be quiet and waiting to spring her ambush. For a quick second, she considered the wisdom of surprising a woman who could take down a man twice her size with no apparent effort, but she shook the thought off as quickly as it had occurred. She knew almost instinctually that Bailey wouldn't hurt her so she concentrated on being as still as possible and kept an ear cocked for her arrival. A few minutes later, she began to wonder if Bailey had followed her at all and she grew a little exasperated. She shuffled her feet uncomfortably and after standing behind the door for what seemed like an hour, she sighed heavily and pushed the door away from her.
"Jesus!" she yelped, jumping as she spotted Bailey patiently sitting cross-legged on the end of her bed.
"I was beginning to wonder if you were gonna spend the rest of the day behind there."
Piper shot her an annoyed look. "You scared the shit out of me, how the hell did you sneak passed me?"
"Magic," Bailey said with a bright smile.
Piper huffed at her again but rapidly melted under the intensity of the smile being directed at her. With a little grin, she walked over and sat beside her on the bed.
"You should smile like that more often. You'd have people falling at your feet."
Bailey shrugged. "You make me happy."
Piper raised a hand to Bailey's cheek and leaned forward gently to place a kiss on her mouth. She felt her respond and suddenly she couldn't get enough, her kisses became urgent and she gently prodded her on to her back. She pressed her body against Bailey's and placed kisses on her face and neck, groaning delightedly when Bailey's hands came to her breasts without prompting. The material of the nightshirt keeping her from Bailey's touch quickly became frustrating and taking a risk, she threw a leg over her waist and sat up straddling her. As soon as she was seated, she pulled her shirt over her head and threw it on the floor next to the bed.
Bailey gasped when she got a glimpse of Piper's breasts and quickly looked away. But Piper leaned over her and tenderly placed several kisses on her exposed neck, causing her to shiver slightly.
"It's alright," Piper soothed and Bailey hesitantly turned her eyes back in Piper's direction.
"Piper, I dunno…" Bailey started looking Piper in the eyes but was silenced by a kiss.
"Touch me," Piper said breaking contact and sitting up to give Bailey access.
Bailey's gaze slowly traveled from Piper's eyes to her breasts and she felt her body react strongly to the sight in front of her. "You…you're beautiful," she said in a small voice.
Piper leaned down and kissed her again. "So are you. Touch me."
Bailey slowly raised a hand to Piper's breast but as soon as she made contact she dropped her hand.
"What's wrong?" Piper said looking at her carefully and seeing how scared she was.
"Show me how," Bailey said with a powerful blush.
Piper slowly ran her hands from Bailey's shoulders to her waist and slid them under her shirt. The hands traveling at a snail's pace up her ribcage to slowly cover both of her breasts, flicking her thumbs softly over already hard nipples. Her hands lovingly circling the rapidly rising and falling chest and leaving behind a teasing trail that ended on her belly, taking a grip on the hem of her shirt and tugging gently upward in an unspoken request. Bailey sat up and allowed her to pull her shirt over her head and, suddenly shy, she wrapped her arms around Piper, embracing her tightly.
Piper returned the embrace and began a campaign of gentle kisses on her face and neck that were designed to prod her slowly backwards until she was again lying on her back. She greedily covered Bailey's mouth with her own, where she spent several lingering minutes, eventually forging a gradual path of kisses that led to her chest. She fondly circled her left breast with attentions, smiling as she felt the heart beating rapidly under her lips. She flicked her tongue over the erect nipple and was rewarded with a loud gasp. She paused teasingly before she took the nipple in her mouth, soothingly suckling the breast below her.
"God," Bailey said with a forceful expulsion of breath.
Piper lovingly released the nipple and smiled before repeating the process on its twin. Slowly alternating between the two she felt Bailey's hands begin to roam freely up and down her back as she lavished attention on her with her hands and mouth. Unexpectedly, their positions were reversed and she found herself with the pleasant pressure of Bailey's weight on top of her, moaning softly as the kisses on her neck and chest grew more confident. Her hands came up to gently cradle the back of Bailey's head in pleasure when she felt herself being drawn into her mouth and she gasped delightedly when she felt teeth tenderly descend and chew lightly on her nipple. She felt a pleasant tickling on her belly and was distantly aware that Bailey wore a necklace that was occasionally being dragged along her skin. Breathing heavily, she sighed contentedly as the attention gradually tapered off and Bailey rested her head between her breasts.
"Are you alright?" Piper asked quietly after a moment.
"Never better, actually."
"You're very beautiful," Piper said as she ran hands along the soft shoulders and arms that rested on top of her.
Bailey responded with a kiss between her breasts.
Piper smiled and marveled at the softness of the skin beneath her hands. When she moved she could feel the hardness of muscles contract below the surface and she wondered curiously just how strong Bailey was. She had selfishly focused most of her attention on the full breasts that had been presented but hadn't overlooked the fact that the woman was sculpted in a feminine yet fabulously potent way, all grace and beauty that concealed a deceptively powerful body that could flash into motion in the blink of an eye.
"Is there anything you'd like to do today?" Piper asked with a glance at the clock, a little surprised on how much of the day had already passed. "Well, tonight I mean."
"I'd like to stay here with you," Bailey mumbled.
"Sounds like a plan," Piper whispered, feeling Bailey slowly falling asleep on her chest.