midnitenyx@aol.com

They were headed east on the bike, streaking their way towards the promise of night. Erin looked back to her right, where light from the setting sun still lingered. Purple mountains stood along the edge of the valley; tall, brooding, serrated, cutting into the lighter colored sky.

She didn’t know where they were headed and all she could do was hang on tight and allow Elizabeth Adams to captain their voyage. The constant vibration of the large bike numbed her legs and crotch, causing her to hold tighter to the strong woman seated in front of her. She tried not to notice the feel of the rippled muscles of the dark woman’s abdomen moving beneath her hands. Instead, she tried to allow the exuberance of the ride itself to penetrate through her entire body. She had never ridden a motorcycle before and the rush of the wind against her was exhilarating, giving her a sense of incredible freedom that held no boundaries.

They continued east, carving through the mountains that bordered Valle Luna. As they slowed in speed, she noted that the mountains no longer appeared purple, but different shades of brown, spotted with large magma boulders.

Taking in her immediate environment, it was clear that they weren’t headed to a restaurant after all. She knew they had to be headed to Adams home. The dark haired woman steered the loud machine onto a narrow, yet paved road that wove up one of the mountains. Erin held fast to her and looked up at the large house nestled into the side of the mountain. The house was large, close in size to Erin’s and Marks, with the modern look of a newer desert home. Different shades of beige colored it’s stucco walls, while dark gray tiles covered the roof, blending it nicely into it’s surroundings.

The bike came to a slow crawl as the ground leveled. A vast electronic gate halted their continuance and Adams stopped the bike to dig in her front pocket. She retrieved a set of keys and pushed a button on a tiny remote. The gate slowly swung open, allowing them entry to the long paved drive.

Adams brought the bike to rest in the center of the circular drive in front of an enormous front door. She then killed the engine and allowed Erin to carefully climb off the back.

"This doesn’t look like a restaurant." She placed her hands on her hips, trying to sound stern. "This your house?" She smoothed down the legs of her jeans and stomped slightly, trying to get rid of the tingling sensation. She hoped J.R. could still hear her so the team would know where they were. She didn’t think Adams would harm her, but she didn’t want to let her guard down, no matter how disarming her subject may be.

"Yep, come on in." Adams swung with ease off the bike and removed the bandanna from her head.

"I thought we were supposed to have dinner." Erin followed her up to the front door, reminding herself to act unimpressed.

"We are." She unlocked the door and walked in, motioning for Erin to wait on the landing. "I thought we could eat here, in privacy."

"This isn’t what I had in mind." She crossed her arms over her chest, acting displeased with the wool Adams was trying to pull over her eyes. A distant beeping was sounding from inside the door and Erin waited and listened as Adams punched in an alarm code and then spoke to someone.

She came back into view wearing a grin and Erin had to remind herself to stay annoyed at the strikingly beautiful woman.

"Can you blame me if I wanted your attention all to myself?" She raised her eyebrow and motioned for Erin to walk into the house.

Erin did as requested and walked into the spacious home with her arms still crossed defiantly over her chest. Adams closed the door behind them and Erin began looking around, taking in the expensively decorated home. A growl got her attention and she looked down as two massive, black Doberman’s trotted into the room to stand in front of her. They were both eyeing her, their heads lowered, their teeth showing.

Erin immediately stood very still, glad that she had arms crossed over her chest.

"No boys." Adams stood next to Erin, her voice deep and commanding. "Friend." Immediately the dogs began wagging their tails and trotting excitingly around Erin.

"It’s ok, they won’t hurt you."

Adams was scratching them on their heads and Erin took a breath and let her hands fall to her sides. The dogs licked her hands and tried to nuzzle them, urging her to scratch their short, sleek fur. Her fear fading fast, she gave in to her love for animals and began affectionately petting the dogs.

"What’re their names?" They walked deeper into the house, the dogs close on their heels. Adams turned and pointed to the larger of the two dogs.

"That’s Zeus." The dog ran up to her in response to its name. "And that one’s Aries."

Adams patted both dogs firmly on their backsides. "On watch." She commanded and pointed back to the front door. The dogs halted their play and ran off to guard the front door.

"You’re into Greek mythology then?" Erin questioned as she looked around. Adams fondness for the Greeks was evident in more than just the names she had chosen for her dogs. The house was decorated in whites and light earth tones with various statues and busts of Greek gods and goddesses. Large tapestries depicted a thriving Athens, while expensive silk drapes hung in layered form, framing huge picture windows which allowed for a breathtaking view of the valley below.

"You might say that. How about a drink?" She led them into the kitchen where she retrieved two glasses without waiting for Erin to answer. She plucked ice from the stainless steel freezer and looked at Erin, awaiting her permission before continuing.

"Sure." Erin returned her wandering gaze back to Adams. She was in awe of the house and completely confused as to where dinner was going to appear from. As if reading her thoughts, Adams poured their drinks and answered Erin’s questions.

"Dinner should be here any minute now. I hope you like what I ordered." She filled their glasses with sloe gin and orange juice, topping them off with a splash of grenadine. "Here you go, a sloe screw."

Erin took the drink and sipped at it, enjoying its flavor. "Very funny."

Adams grinned her heart stopping grin. "I thought you might like that." She walked around the kitchen counter and took Erin’s hand. "Come on, I’ll show you the backyard." They walked out through large French doors and into the darkness of the mountainside backyard. Adams grabbed a remote control from just outside the door and pushed several buttons, bringing the back yard to life.

Accent lights came on, casting the queen palms and other vegetation in a warm glow. A large pool sat in the center of the spacious yard, its water brewing in alternating colors of purple, blue and green against its stony sides. A waterfall began running down the slabs of stone between the pool and its adjoining spa. The entire yard had the look and feel of a desert oasis, snuggled against the mountainside.

An elaborate chime sounded and Erin heard the dogs barking from inside the house.

"That must be dinner." Adams handed Erin the remote. "Feel free to find us some music." She trotted off back inside the house, leaving Erin alone and confused as to how to use the contraption in her hand. She walked over to the edge of the pool and sat down in one of the deck chairs. She heard a loud flapping noise and was soon greeted by the two Doberman’s as they ran towards her from their dog door. Both greeted her with kisses and settled at her sides.

"How do you work this thing guys?" She looked at the heavy box in her hand and began pushing one button at a time. The first few buttons were wired to the lighting system in the yard and in the pool. She played around with the lights in the pool before returning to the alternating colors of lights. The next button she tried brought the spa to life with a loud whooshing of the jets.

"Oh no." The noise from the jets was loud, the jets shooting out with maximum force, causing the water to boil in giant waves. One of the dogs jumped up and ran over to spa where he tried to attack the water by biting through it. "Shit!" She cursed at herself while fumbling with the buttons. Finally, she was able to set the jets on low and she relaxed and eased back in her seat. The dog sneezed and pawed at his snout, trying to get rid of the water that he had no doubt inhaled.

She eyed the remote and looked back at the house, unsure if she should try any more buttons. Adams stood in the kitchen, directing two men dressed in white. Erin looked back down at the remote and shrugged her shoulders. She pushed another button. A noise sounded from the stones surrounding the pool and spa. Small speakers were rising up out of the fixtures.

"Whoa." She pushed another button and music began softly playing. "Finally, I found the right God damned button." She breathed a sigh of relief, thankful she hadn’t broken anything. "This place is one big sex pad." She whispered to herself as she looked around the romantic setting. She looked back down at the remote, wondering if there was a button for a pink rotating bed with leopard skin pillows.

"Ready to eat?" Adams called to her from behind and she about jumped out of her skin. Erin met her at the door and returned the remote control. Adams took it and held the door open for Erin to enter. Erin swallowed hard at the smoldering look she was getting from Adams. The look was definitely one of hunger, and Erin quickly surmised that she was the main course.

One of the gentlemen in white greeted Erin as she walked in. He then led the way to the dining room with both women in two. The room sat overlooking the twinkling lights of the valley below, itself dimly lit by candles on the table as well as some thick candles on some of the surrounding Greek pillars.

"Madam." The man pulled out a chair for Erin and Adams eyed him, silently requesting that he leave. She then sat across from Erin and poured them both a glass of white wine.

"Do you like lobster?" Adams handed Erin her flute filled with the wine.

"Yes." Erin sipped at the wine, savoring its exquisite flavor.

"Good, then we’ll start with that."

"We’re going to start with lobster?" She nearly choked on her wine.

Adams merely smiled. "Relax, it’s just a salad."

Erin felt her cheeks redden at her outburst and she sipped more wine nervously. The gentleman in white reappeared and Adams gave him some orders, sending him back into the kitchen.

"So, Katherine, what do you do for a living?" A flicker of mischief hinted in her blue eyes and Erin knew she already had her name checked out.

Erin smiled and toyed with the notion of lying, just to see what the brunette would do. "I’m self employed." She looked away from the piercing eyes and fingered the wine glass.

A different, taller man in white walked briskly into the room carrying a tray with two plates. His chef hat sat proudly atop his head and he gave Erin a warm but nervous smile. He placed each plate carefully in front of the women, careful to serve Erin first.

"Ladies, this is my chilled lobster salad with basil-lime salsa. It’s served atop fresh Romaine lettuce, spicy watercress, and fresh corn. Enjoy." He eyed Adams nervously before walking away quickly back to the kitchen to prepare the main course.

Erin took a bite of the salad and chewed gratefully at the burst of flavor in her mouth.

"How is it?" Adams was watching her chew.

"Wonderful." She replied a little too excited. She scorned herself, remembering that she had to play it cool.

Adams smiled at her, very much pleased with herself and began to eat her salad. "Self employed huh? You’re not going to tell me what you do for a living?"

Erin continued to eat, wishing they could momentarily nix the small talk so she would be free to enjoy the meal with her guard down. "Why should I tell you, you already know."

Adams stopped eating and stared at her, completely shocked. "What do you mean?" Her tone had changed, her voice almost a ragged whisper.

Erin sipped her wine and tried her best to remain calm. The intense stare from Adams weighed her down like an invisible wall and it made the air thick and hard to breathe. "Please, give me some credit, Liz. You are obviously a very wealthy and powerful woman. And you said it your self last night when you called me. My number wasn’t hard for you to get. Nor was my address for that matter." She took another slow, deliberate sip of her wine. "So I’m assuming you took the liberty to find out everything you could about me. Including my occupation." It was a risk for her to approach the woman this way and she wasn’t sure if she made the right decision.

Adams continued to stare, but she did sit back a little in her chair. She moved her mouth to speak but then changed her mind. She was at a loss for words and Erin decided to let her off the hook.

"I’m a writer." She let the words penetrate the darker woman’s force field as she refilled their glasses.

Adams cleared her throat and placed her palms on the table. "I’m sorry if I offended you by finding out your phone number." The words were said softly but strongly and Erin saw the brewing storm clouds in her eyes. Not too many people called Adams on things, and it was a very real possibility that those who did wound up dead.

"And my address." Erin decided to push her just a tad bit further.

"Excuse me?" Adams was confused, or pretending to be. Or maybe she herself was testing to see if Erin would push her.

"You not only found out my phone number, but my address as well." She held her gaze on Adams and watched as the clouds vanished from her eyes replaced by ice.

Silence prevailed before Adams spoke. "I’m sorry for all of it." The apology was obviously difficult for the woman to voice and Erin wondered if this was the first time she had ever done so.

Erin lowered her eyes, the gaze too intense. Had she pushed her too hard? One of the men returned, the one without the hat, and took their salad plates. The silence was unbearable and Erin knew she needed to do something, anything.

"Apology accepted." The ice held firm, uncracking in the blue eyes. "Am I to assume then, that you are more than a little interested in me? After all, you went to so much trouble to find me, and now all of this." She motioned with her hands at the elaborate dinner setting.

"I’m very interested in you." Her gaze was still intense, her voice raspy. The ice in her eyes was finally starting to fade.

"Do you always go to such lengths with women you are interested in?" Erin asked, resting her elbows on the table, allowing her chin to rest in her hands.

"I usually don’t have to." The woman sat motionless, her confidence unwavering.

"You’re implying that I’ve been less than cooperative?"

"Something like that." A twitch of a playful grin tugged at the corner of Adams mouth.

Erin breathed deep, thankful that she hadn’t pissed Adams off. But just to be on the safe side, she decided that she should try to explain.

"I’m a very private person, Liz." She was speaking softly but the tone held firm. "And one that’s not easily impressed with material gain."

Adams shifted a bit in her chair." Lesson well learned."

The man in the chef’s hat returned with the main course in his proud possession.

"Smells delicious." Erin smiled at the plate put before her.

He smiled at Erin, still nervous, but very proud of his creation. "This is my Hawaiian Chicken. It’s a boneless chicken breast, thoroughly marinated in my own secret recipe, grilled and topped with a lively pineapple and sweet red pepper mixture."

"Wow." Erin cut a piece and took a bite. "Mmm."

"Ladies, enjoy." He bowed slightly and walked from the room.

"I’m glad you like the food." Adams had seemed to relax once again.

"Like it? Are you kidding? It’s the best I’ve eaten in a long while." She knew she sounded more than impressed, but she also knew it would take some work to warm Adams back up.

They ate in comfortable silence for awhile, Erin eating more than Adams, who ate slowly and quietly. She did take the time to refill their wine, and Erin gave her grateful smile.

"You’re spoiling me." She needed to get the elusive woman talking again.

"It’s my pleasure."

"So why so interested in me?"

Adams put her fork down and looked at Erin with the flicker of life returning to her eyes.

"Honestly?"

Erin shook her head in encouragement.

"Well at first it was your looks. You’re very easy on the eyes." The latter remark was said in a deeper, more seductive tone.

Erin felt the heat returning to her cheeks in response to the intense attention. The flattery was affecting her, causing involuntary responses in her body.

"But then, after I spoke to you, it became more."

"More?" She took another sip of wine, willing it to release the hot blood in her cheeks.

"You aren’t like most women." Adams sat back in her chair, her eyes focused on Erin. "You want more than a meaningless fling or the flare of money and power." She sat forward in her chair once again. "You demand more."

Erin looked away and continued to sip her wine. Adams was nailing Katherine Chandler on the head. She had her pegged already. Henderson had been right. Chandler’s elusiveness was the driving force behind Adams intrigue. Henderson was turning out to be right about a lot of things.

"I hope I wasn’t too frank." Adams handed her plate to the young man who had walked in to retrieve them.

"No, not at all. You were fine." She hoped she sounded cool, relaxed and unperturbed.

"Would you like dessert?" Adams asked her.

"Oh my gosh, I don’t know."

"Maybe just a bite?"

Erin sighed and laughed. "You twisted my arm."

"We’ll share dessert." Adams informed the man in white. She rose and walked over to Erin, pulling her chair to sit closer to her. "I thought maybe after we ate we could go for a swim." The suggestion was put out in the air lightly, as if she were treading very carefully with Erin.

"I don’t have a suit."

Adams raised her eyebrow in her classic manner of mischief.

"Oh, no! No you don’t! Don’t even think about it!"

Adams laughed heartily and clasped her hands over Erin’s in an effort to calm her. "I’m kidding. I have dozens of suits. Several of them brand new, never worn."

Erin thought about fanning herself in an effort to cool the hot blood that had returned like a flash flood to her face. The thought of skinny dipping with Adams had sent her heart racing and her blood pumping. Images of a nude Adams diving into the tropical paradise in the back yard excited her, as well as aroused her. Two things she definitely should not be feeling.

This was not good. She was finding that she was way too attracted to the beautiful suspect. But she couldn’t tell her no, not after she pushed her so far at dinner.

"I promise I’ll behave. And I’ve kept my hands off promise so far. Well, up until now." Adams reluctantly held up their hands from the table.

"Yes, I suppose you have."

"So what do you say?" Adams grinned at her, her playfulness returning.

"Sure, a swim sounds nice." Erin knew the boys back at the station were probably getting a real kick out of listening to this. Right about now she knew they were wishing they had hidden cameras in the back yard. She hoped that J.R. wasn’t broadcasting her for all to hear.

The chef walked back in the room, carrying a single plate and huge smile. He was obviously pleased that his food had been received so well. Adams had probably threatened to make his life hell if it didn’t.

"Dessert is served. This is my apple crisp with macadamia nuts. It’s made with rich Rome apples and topped with macadamia nut streusel."

He left them alone and Adams took one of the two spoons and scooped up a sizable steaming bite. She maneuvered the spoon towards Erin, wanting to feed her. "Careful, it’s hot."

Their eyes were locked, Erin’s chest was rising and falling quickly and she was certain that Adams could see right through her. She blew on the apple crisp and took a slow bite, careful to wrap her lips snug around the spoon as Adams pulled it back out.

"Mmmm." She kept her green eyes locked on the blue ones, knowing the sight of her eating was turning Adams on. "Now, your turn." Erin picked up the other spoon and dug out a bite for Adams. She held the spoon up in front the dark woman and leaned in. "Careful, it’s hot." Erin said as she blew on the hot streusel for Adams.

The blue eyed woman placed her hand over Erin’s and leaned in to take a bite. The scene was erotic and captivating, causing excited butterflies to fly madly in Erin’s stomach, regardless of the food she had just eaten.

"How is the apple crisp, ladies?" The man without the hat was standing in the entrance of the room with his hands clasped politely in front of him.

A low sounding growl escaped from Adams as she tore her eyes from Erin’s. "Fine. Thank you." She was more than annoyed at the interruption and anger laced her words, their edginess not unnoticed by the server. He quickly removed himself from their presence and Adams turned to once again look at Erin.

"Now, where were we?" She picked up her spoon to scoop out another bite, but Erin stopped her by placing her hand over the stronger woman’s.

"I can’t eat another bite, Liz. I’m stuffed." She gave the other woman a reluctant smile. "But it was very good, it was wonderful." She saw the disappointed look on Adams face and Erin was suddenly glad that she wasn’t the young man who had interrupted them.

Adams rose and kissed Erin’s hand with soft, warm lingering lips. "I’m glad you enjoyed it. Please allow me to wrap things up with our chefs for the evening. Make yourself at home."

Erin shook her head in agreement and Adams walked off back towards the kitchen to handle the food servers. Erin sat and waited, physically cringing, preparing her body for the screaming she was sure she would hear. But Adams didn’t yell, she didn’t seem to be raising her voice at all. Erin relaxed and rose to wander about the house.

She made her way into a sunken living room which held an enormous gas fire place and several large, goose feather stuffed sofas. She noticed that there were no photos of family or friends on the walls, none on the tables. A beautiful oil painting hung on the wall of a woman lounging in the nude. The woman was pale, her skin like cream. Her features were classic and her body curvaceous.

"Do you like it?" Adams had returned in stealth like silence and she now stood to Erin’s side.

"It’s beautiful. She’s beautiful."

"Yes she is. Too bad she doesn’t exist."

"She doesn’t?"

"Theoretically no. That’s Aphrodite."

Erin heard clanking in the kitchen and she knew the two men would soon be gone and she would be left alone with Elizabeth Adams. The thought made her nervous, but not because she physically feared for her safety.

"Are you Greek?" She was curious and trying her best to sound at ease.

"I’m not sure." Adams had paused before answering and she continued to stare at the painting, lost in her own world.

Erin knew that Adams had been raised by her aunt and uncle, the paternity of her father unknown as were the whereabouts of her mother.

"You look like you could be."

"Think so?"

Erin looked at her, captivated by her beauty. "Yes." Their eyes met once again and Erin forced herself to look away.

The two men walked down the tiled pathway leading throughout the house. They carried large canvas bags with them out the front door.

Adams excused herself and trotted over to the front door to see them out. One of the men lingered behind and Adams fished in her jean pocket for a neatly folded stack of bills. She counted out several hundred dollars and Erin turned away, trying not to listen. The young man thanked Adams profusely before he walked away and Erin guessed that she must’ve given them a sizable tip.

"Ready for that swim?" She closed the front door and looked at Erin with an excited grin.

"Sure." Erin shrugged, praying that the pool water was cold enough to cool her blood down.

Adams held up a finger, motioning for Erin to wait. "I’ll go get you a suit."

Erin waited patiently, walking around the house slowly. She noted how neat every inch of the house seemed to be. Not a single thing seemed to be out of place. She thought about looking in some drawers, but she didn’t want to risk that with Adams in the house. Not to mention the fact that Adams most likely had the house wired with cameras, just as she did at her club.

"Here we go."

Erin turned at the sound of the voice to find Adams wearing nothing but a black string bikini. She almost covered her eyes to end the sensual assault of the nearly nude, incredibly fit woman. But she couldn’t look away, not when Adams was standing so proudly in front of her and offering her a bikini of her own.

Erin looked away from sculpted muscles before her and focused on the two very small pieces of material Adams handed her. "It’s so small." Erin held it up to examine, a frown spreading across her face.

"It’ll have to do, it’s all I’ve got." Adams shrugged her shoulders, trying to sound as disappointed as Erin obviously was.

"But I thought you said you had dozens." Erin searched her face, desperate for Adams to go and find her another swimsuit. Preferably one that had a little more meat to it.

"I know, I’m sorry. That’s all could find." Adams was watching her intently, waiting to see if Erin would refuse.

Erin toyed with the tags on the tiny white suit, debating whether or not she should swim. She could almost hear the guys at the station cheering her on, wanting so badly for her to swim along side Elizabeth Adams scantily clad in the swimsuit.

"You can change in here." Adams took her hand, not wanting to give her any more time to refuse. Erin followed her, noticing her strong, tanned legs and perfectly shaped buttocks.

How could anyone that eats have an ass like that? Erin thought to herself.

Adams led her down the hall and pointed her towards a guest bathroom. "Come on out to the pool when you’re ready."

She flashed her a perfect smile and Erin watched her walk away, completely in awe of her incredible body. She closed the door to the bathroom and locked it. She made a quick but proficient sweep of the bathroom, checking and double checking for hidden cameras. Her previous narcotics assignments had left her well trained in the art of planting and retrieving hidden devices and she knew the ample locations to house them. The only place she couldn’t check for sure was the mirror.

Uncertain what may be in lie behind the mirror, she walked over to the toilet, out of the mirrors range and took off her clothes. She then stood motionless in her bra and panties, unsure of where to hide the wire that was hidden in her bra. Staring at the toilet, she then decided.

"I’m going to put you someplace where I’ll know you’ll feel right at home, J.R." She whispered as she carefully lifted the lid to the tank and taped the small black piece to its wall. She was grateful that she had been required to use the beige colored tape earlier in the day, to help hide the black piece under her white shirt and bra.

After replacing the lid to the tank, she then stripped off her remaining clothes and went about covering herself with the band aids and string Adams had so happily provided for her to wear. She stood before the mirror and examined herself in the tiny white bikini. Thank God she managed her bikini line on a regular basis. Feeling unbelievably self conscious, she gave herself the one over from every angle possible. She didn’t look half bad, her body being fit and toned, although nothing like Adams. That woman didn’t have an ounce of fat on her. She was all sleek, lean muscle, and beautifully bronzed by the sun.

Erin faced front and placed her hands on her hips. She took a deep breath. "Well, here goes."

She walked back down the hallway and out towards the French doors. She could hear music playing from the back yard. She stopped and stood, looking out the windows of the door. The yard was now completely dark, the accent lights turned off. The pool brewed with purple light and Erin breathed a little easier, knowing that she herself would be harder to see.

She walked outside and hugged herself as if she were cold. The dogs ran up to her, happy to see her once again. Erin looked around for Adams, but couldn’t see her. George Michael sang from the speakers.

"There you are." Adams had come up from under the water quietly, resting her hands and forearms on the cool deck. The water changed color, casting a brighter glow on Erin. Adams grinned at her like a wet devil. "I see the bikini I gave you fits. Barely." Her eyes burned trails up and down Erin’s body. "Are you really cold or are you just embarrassed?" She hoisted herself up out of the pool and slinked her way up to stand in front of Erin. She was standing so close Erin could see the water dripping from her hands, her black mane, the dark lashes that framed her eyes.

Erin breathed the warm night air, it shook in her nervous lungs and she had to cough to clear them. "I’m fine." She tried to reason, but then realized she was still hugging herself like a scared fool. She let her hands fall to her sides.

For a moment, Erin was afraid Adams was going to touch her, but the woman walked past her and retrieved two glasses off a nearby table.

"I took the liberty of making you another sloe screw."

Erin took the drink from her and thanked her. She sipped at it carefully, afraid to have much more, already feeling the affects from all the wine she had had at dinner.

"So you coming in?" Adams walked past her back to pool where she deposited her drink on the cool deck, before gracefully diving back into the pool.

Erin walked over to the steps of the pool and set down her drink. The water was warmer than she had hoped for, feeling more like a luke warm, dark purple bath. Because the water was once again dark, Erin couldn’t make out where Adams had surfaced. She stood on the last step, up to her waist in water and looked around anxiously for the dark woman. She suddenly felt very vulnerable, like swimming in water full of hungry sharks.

Adams emerged from under the water directly in front of Erin, startling her, causing her to lose her balance and fall from the step.

Adams moved with her, steadying her with arms. "You ok?" They were both standing, a mere inch apart in shoulder high water. The glowing water played in dancing white lines across the taller woman’s strong jaw line. Her eyes were alive and bright blue, piercing into Erin.

"I’m fine." The words sputtered out like a car that couldn’t quite start. Adams advanced on her and Erin tried to back up but she couldn’t move quick enough.

"Do you like George Michael?" Adams was pressed against her with Erin’s back to the pool wall.

Completely thrown by the question, Erin shook her head. "Huh?"

"George Michael. Do you like his music?" The question was like a soft purr, pouring out of Adams inviting lips.

"Sure, I guess. I haven’t really listened to him in awhile." She was nervous and rambling, her body screaming for Adams.

"His music gets me hot." She leaned in and nibbled on Erin’s lobe.

Blood pounded up to her cheeks and she felt her skin come alive. Adams pressed further and Erin had no choice but to wrap her legs around the woman and cling to her in order to stay afloat.

"I..I thought you promised to keep your hands to yourself." She was quickly losing control of her body, but she was too turned on to be angry.

"I am." Adams moved away from the wall with Erin still wrapped around her. "I haven’t touched you with my hands." She leaned in again and began kissing Erin’s neck with soft lingering kisses. "Sshhh, just relax and listen to the music."

Erin breathed deep and tried to control her senses. The soft kisses, the feel of the strong, sinewy body beneath her, sent her mind reeling along with her body. Adams moved her mouth back up to Erin’s ear where she began singing.

"I gotta get inside…of you…now let me love you." The words were like velvet, softly playing to her libido.

Erin gripped Adams harder as the feel of the hot breath in her ear became too much to bear. Adams took advantage of the reaction and wrapped her hands around Erin’s buttocks, holding her tight against her. She rocked her body against Erin as she continued to sing the suggestion lyrics of the song.

The pool, the desert night, even the words to the song soon became distant and foggy to Erin, as her blood pumped wildly and heavily throughout her body. Adams purred in her ear like a sex kitten and Erin couldn’t help but move in rhythm with her, trying desperately to ignite the spark that was pulsing between her legs. Adams moved her mouth away from Erin’s ear and lightly bit her neck, causing Erin to buck her hips and nearly orgasm. A raspy groan escaped her tight throat, smacking reality back in her face. She pushed herself away and Adams reluctantly released her grip.

"What’s wrong?" She was moving back into Erin, slinking in the water.

"Uh, nothing." Erin had to think fast. "Restroom. I need to go." Brilliant Erin, and so tactfully said.

"I’ll be right here….waiting." The words floated up to Erin as she climbed out of the pool.

"Katherine?" Erin turned to her as the water lightened a shade. Adams stood grinning in the pool, looking her up and down like a ravenous predator. "You remember where the bathroom is?" The question was a stall, a tactic for Adams to examine her in the white bikini, dripping like a wet dog.

"Yes." She turned just as the warm wind blew, puckering her nipples. She looked around for a towel but saw none and she headed into the house, walking carefully across the cool tile floor. She was freezing and she found the bathroom and switched on the light.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror and knew right away why Adams had wanted her to turn around in the wet swimsuit. The suit was white and when wet, it was virtually see through. The wet fabric molded to her dark honey nipples and fleshy breasts like a second skin. She glanced down at the bottoms and saw that nether region was equally as exposed.

"God damn it." She clenched her jaw as looked into the mirror. Whoever said going after a woman would be easier outta be shot. She was angry and she felt incredibly exposed. Frustrated and cold, she sat on the toilet to urinate but found that she couldn’t go. She wasn’t worried about J.R. hearing her, she knew that he couldn’t from inside the tank. At most it would sound like an echo and he deserved to hear people piss. His mind was always in the toilet anyhow.

She felt pressure like she needed to pee, yet nothing was happening. Unraveling some toilet paper she reached down to wipe out of habit. The paper slid across her and she brought it back up to examine.

"What the hell?" She was wet. Not wet from the water, but wet with slick juices. She dropped the tissue paper back in the toilet and touched herself with her bare hand. "Oh my god." She was whispering to herself as she discovered the abundance of warm silk. Never before had her body reacted this way, so strongly, spinning such an elaborate web of silk. Is this what it’s like to be truly turned on?

A scratching came from the door and she jerked her hand away like a teenager caught masturbating. "Uh..just a minute!" She jerked up the cold swimsuit bottoms and began washing her hands in the sink. The scratching came again, along with a snort from the bottom of the door.

She dried her hands and yanked open the door. One of the Doberman’s stood staring up at her, wagging its stubby tail. "Hi there, puppy." She patted his head and walked out of the bathroom. Looking down the hall, she saw it was empty and tiptoed to its end. Slowly opening the door, she looked into the dimly lit master bedroom. A massive bed sat to one side of the large room, accompanied by lightly stained furniture with dark marbled tops. She knew the room was Adams because she could smell her cologne.

Not wanting to get caught by spying cameras or eyes, she pulled the door carefully closed, knowing that she should return to the pool.

She was just about to turn around when a deep growl came from behind. Turning slowly, she came face to face with the larger of the two Dobermans. He was showing his teeth at her, just as he had done when she had first arrived. His head was held low, his tail unmoving.

She held up her hands in mock defeat. "Uh, nice puppy. Good boy, Apollo, or whatever your name is."

"Actually that’s Zeus." Adams stepped into the hallway, her hands held at her side. "And Aries is in the other room."

"Oh, well they look so much alike." She tried to laugh but it came out in weird squeaks. "Where’s that bathroom again?"

"It’s down the hall on your left." Her voice was low and her curiosity high. She looked Erin up and down again, thoroughly enjoying the see through swimsuit.

Erin trotted off past her, cursing herself mentally for almost getting caught. Thank God she hadn’t walked into the room. What did she think she would find anyhow? The smoking gun?

She shut herself in the bathroom and stripped off the suit. She had to get out of there and clear her mind. She retrieved the wire and placed it in her jean pocket, not caring if J.R. could hear or not. She ran her hands through her hair and exited the bathroom, convinced that Adams would be just as willing to get rid of her nosy new friend.

She walked back down the hall to where flickering light was coming from the master bedroom. Adams lay on the bed, wrapped in a towel with the remote box in her hand. Erin approached and noticed that the foot board of the bed housed a massive flat screen TV. that apparently rose up at the touch of a button.

"I thought maybe you could take me back to club now. I’m feeling a little exposed." Her voice was back under control, as well as her firm tone.

Adams was watching two women kiss on the TV. She pushed a button and the TV. shut off and descended back into the footboard. "I was hoping you would watch my new movie with me and tell me what you thought. It’s not everyday that I meet a writer, you know."

She was trying to flatter once again, but Erin was too keyed up to let it affect her. "Some other time, maybe." She shoved her hands in her back pockets.

Adams rose and stripped off the towel, the black bikini apparently gone and not caring if Erin saw. "Ok, then. I’ll take you back." Erin looked away from the gorgeous body and stared at the floor.

"I had a really nice time tonight…thank you." She didn’t want to end things badly, yet she needed to keep her intrigued and coming back for more.

"I’m glad." Adams approached her from behind. "I hope we can do it again, then?" She lightly stroked Erin’s bare arms.

"I’m not sure. Things got a little…"

"Exciting?"

"You broke your promise, Liz." She was trying hard not to shiver from the heated touch.

"I thought you wanted me to. You reacted to me. I felt it."

Erin turned to face her, glad to see that she was once again dressed in the jeans and black shirt. "I am attracted to you, Liz. Physically. But I’m not attracted to your charades, your manipulations."

Erin brushed past her, hoping the words would do the trick.

The ride back to the club was uneventful. The only difference from the ride before being the pulse of excitement and wetness that was now beating between her legs. She clung to Adams, having no choice in the matter, which fueled her physical flame of desire. Resting her cheek against the stronger woman’s back, Erin closed her eyes and enjoyed the freedom of the ride.

It didn’t take long before Erin felt the bike slow and she opened her eyes as they pulled into the parking lot of La Femme. Adams drove out towards the edge where Erin’s white Honda sat patiently awaiting her return. A few lonely cars dotted the scarce parking lot, leaving them virtually alone in the darkness.

They came to a full stop next to Erin’s car and Adams killed the powerful engine. Erin released her grip and Adams quickly stood and turned on the bike, facing the blonde.

Erin was expecting her to speak, to attempt to slather on some more charm, but instead, she tilted Erin’s chin gently with her hand. And looking deep into her eyes, she then lowered her dark head, planting a warm, lingering kiss on Erin’s sensitive lips.

The kiss was soft and gentle, yet completely demanding of Erin’s nerve endings. Erin knew she should pull away, the kiss too warm, too tender, too much for her to handle. But she remained locked, frozen in a world where she herself was melting.

Adams pulled away slowly and stroked Erin’s jaw with her hand. "Can I call you?"

Erin stared into the blue abyss of her eyes and shook her head reluctantly, yet all too easily. Then, willing herself to move, she crawled from the bike and walked over to her car. The roar of the bike came to life behind her and she turned and watched as the woman with the midnight mane drove her black stallion off into the night.

next part

Return to t he Academy