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Romantic Executions: Continued	By : PrettySin Category: Anita Blake > Het Views: 3495 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Anita Blake series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 32
- 33
- 34
Alright… this site is fucking up the spelling and grammar of this story every time I post. Rest assured that when I put the document in the ‘type box’ that it’s as perfect as I can get it. *Sigh* Hope you can understand what was meant.

Oh yeah… Property of Laurell K. Hamilton… not us. Bluh.
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Michele shifted in her bed, frowning as her leg met something cold... and sticky? Slowly, she blinked open an eye. Mm.... that's why she smelled Alex... she'd been snuggled up to him... She smiled, then looked down to see what she'd touched. Oh!

Alex arms tightened around her waist as she moved, and he made an inarticulate sound, clearly still asleep.

She blushed, looking at his face. It was amazing... she still couldn't believe she'd... Michele glanced at her alarm. Well... not all that long ago... but still. It was incredible... and he'd... he'd made her... She shifted, smoothing a hand over Alex's chest. He was amazing... and hers.

He shivered, slowly blinking open his eyes, looking down at her. A small, lazy smile curled his lips. "Morning."

She blushed slightly, her lips quirking. "Morning... sleep well?"

"Mm... yeah." His eyes were half closed and he brushed his lips over hers. "You?"

She shivered. "Yes... I just... my leg touched..." She shifted, lying more fully against him. Oh boy. Alex in the morning was... sexy. And... Alex in the morning was now on her favorite things list... forget the raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens... Alex was it now... and when he was... touching her or she was touching him or-

He let her settle against him, feeling warm and better than he had in weeks. He suppressed a yawn, "Oh."

"Mm." She smiled, resting her chin on his shoulder. "I like you in the morning..."

His lips quirked, "I thought you liked me all the time..."

She blinked. "Oh! Of course I do... I just... you're..." She blushed, closed her eyes, and shook her head.

He chuckled softly, shifting to kiss her temple. "I was teasing, M'chele..." He yawned, resting his head back against the pillow. "Sorry."

She smiled, blinking at him. "I'm thinking I'm insulted... I realize you're in my bed and I'm wide awake... you seem to be going back to sleep..."

He blinked his eyes open, which had drifted shut. "Hm? Not sleeping... yet..."

She pouted. "Yet?" Lord, she just wanted to snuggle with him... the other stuff would be great... but snuggling... very appealing at the moment.

He shifted, feeling more awake by the second. "Mm... do we have to move anytime soon?"

"Mm.... no." She rested her cheek on his chest. "It's cold..." They'd kicked the blankets to the side sometime after going to sleep. Perhaps they'd been hot then, but...?

He nodded, pulling her on top of him. "Yeah..."

She blinked at the sudden movement, shifting so her chest rested comfortably against his. "Hm?"

He shook his head slightly, eyes closing, though he knew there was no chance of catching any more sleep. "Nothing..."

She raised a hand, tracing a finger along his brow, then along his cheekbone.

Alex shivered, eyes opening to look up at her.

She tilted her head, dragging the finger over his lips without a word.

He swallowed, catching the tip of her finger gently between his teeth.

Michele inhaled sharply, shivering. "A...Alex..."

"Mm?" He quirked a brow.

"Don't know..." She bit her lip.

He smiled slightly, teasing her fingertip for a moment before letting it go.

She pulled her hand back, pressing it to the base of her neck.

"Something wrong?" He blinked, brow furrowing.

"No..." She blushed. "Just..."

"Just...?"

She took his hand, pulling it to her mouth and repeating his gesture on him, eyes a bit shy.

Alex shivered, biting his lip. God... did she know what she was doing to him? He swallowed, "Michele..."

She pulled back. "Yes?"

He licked his lips, "That's..." He shook his head, trying not to shift on the bed. Damn.

"Do you get it now?" She bit her lip.

"Definitely." He nodded.

She offered him a small smile. "Alright."

He swallowed, brushing his lips over hers, "Any plans for today?"

"Um. I'm going to have to try and wash my blanket in the tub-"

He shook his head, "I'll take you to my apartment... we can do laundry there."

She blinked. "You... you have a washer?"

"Yeah. It's just a matter of getting it from Randy."

Michele smiled, kissing him. "Thank you."

Alex smiled back, "You're welcome." His lips brushed over hers.

Michele smiled. "I need a shower first..."

"Me too." He kissed the corner of her mouth. "You can go first."

She bit her lip, "Alright..."

"Are you going to get in now?" He blinked. She looked... disappointed?

"Well... I don't have to..." Her brow furrowed.

He frowned, "Are you okay, Michele?"

She nodded, shifting against him. "I... yes."

He bit the inside of his cheek, trying to ignore the friction she was creating. "Okay."

She swallowed. "Why?"

"You just..." He shook his head, "Never mind."

"Alright..." She blinked, shifting so she could rest her head on his chest.

He kissed the top of her head, shutting his eyes. Arg. He didn't need to make a big deal out of everything...

Michele moved again, shifting her legs so that she was straddling him, a position more comfortable for herself as she nuzzled his shoulder with her cheek.

Alex's breath caught as she unintentionally pressed against his semi-hard member. Oh hell... He shivered, shifting underneath her. Damn.

She stilled, a whimper rising in her throat. "A...Alex?"

He swallowed, "Yes?"

"Should... do you want me to move?" She raised herself, sitting up over him.

He bit his lip, looking up at her. "I... if you want to."

"If... if I don't?"

"Then don't." He bit the inside of his cheek again.

"You're... all..." She pushed her hair back from her face. "Are you sure you don't want me to move? You... don't seem to want me like this... I'll just... move..."

His hands moved to her hips, holding her still. "No... I do want you like this... I just don't want you to do something you don't want to do."

She blinked, tilting her head. "Huh?"

He shook his head, letting her go. "Never mind." His eyes dropped down to the bed, and he mentally kicked himself. Idiot.

"Alex..." She took his hands, placing them on her hips again. "Tell me... please?"

He looked reluctantly back up at her. "It's... I do want you like this. And any other way I can get you, but... This is..." He swallowed, and shook his head again, "It's stupid."

Michele bit her lip, struggling not to just move in to the bathroom. "No... it's not. Just... please... tell me?"

Alex felt a blush creep up his neck as he gave in, explaining the rather... vivid sex fantasy he'd had about the position.

She shivered. "O...oh. We'll... have to... to... do that... at some point..." Soon. Very soon. Considering how much just hearing him describe it made her want him.

He nodded slowly, "Okay..." He swallowed. God... that would have been more embarrassing if she hadn't taken it so well.

She shifted back, more over his thighs now so she could take his hard member into her hand.

His breath caught in his throat, "Michele?"

She jerked her hand away. "I... sorry. I should have asked-"

He shook his head, pushing himself up and catching her hand with his. "I'm not complaining... if you want to touch me, go ahead."

"Oh." She bit her lip. "Can... can I have my hand back so I can?"

He let her hand go, swallowing. Lord... he'd need to think of something else to do to pleasure her, without sex... What had that magazine said? Oh... oral. He nearly blushed, but lay back on the bed instead.

She bit her lip, tracing the hard head of him with her thumb.

He failed in completely suppressing a moan, and his hands fisted in the sheets.

She shivered, shifting against him as her hand began to stroke him.

He bit his lip, hips moving slightly with her hand, pinned by her weight on his thighs.

She looked up the line of his body, her eyes memorizing so she could draw this later.

Alex's eyes shut, and he let his lip go, a moan welling in his throat.

Michele shifted against him again, biting her own lip as she tried to imagine him inside of her. Tried to imagine that her hand was something else entirely.

He shook his head slightly, opening his eyes and trying to think. "Michele... can I touch you?" He swallowed, his hands uncurling in the sheets.

She blinked, slowing a bit. "I... of course..."

He moved his hands, one resting on her hip and the other moving down to brush against her folds. "Thank you..."

She shook, her hand tightening. "Alex..."

He let out a strangled moan, his fingers slipping past her folds. "Yes..?"

"You... I..." She shook her head, pressing against his fingers as her hand regained its rhythm.

Alex's fingers slid back, and he slid one of them into her. "Mm..." His hips rocked with her hand, their movements restricted.

She moaned his name, her back arching. Lord.... he felt good.

He bit his lip, holding his finger still. "Love... that sound..."

She blinked at him, eyes dazed with lust. "Hm?"

He moved his finger, parting his legs and hers to give himself more room. "I love that sound..."

She bit her lip again, shaking her head as she rocked her hips.

He brushed his thumb over her clitoris, shifting his hips against her hand.

She whimpered, her hips jerking as she stroked him, the rhythm much the same as his fingers.

His hips moved with her hand, his finger thrusting steadily, thumb teasing her sensitive nub.

"Alex... please..." She moaned his name, swallowing.

He swallowed back groan, pressing his thumb against her. "I... please what...?"

"I... don't..." She shook her head. "More?"

He nodded, slipping another finger into her as his hand moved.

She moaned again, starting to tighten around his fingers already.

He moaned her name as she squeezed him, her thumb brushing over his tip. "Michele..." God...

The rhythm of her stroking sped up as the feelings seemed to multiply, to become more intense.

His hand matched hers in its rhythm, and it wasn't long before he felt his climax approaching. "I'm..."

She whimpered, nodding as her back arched.

He pressed up hard into her hand, unwilling to let himself go before she came. His fingers crooked with the movement, and his thumb pressed hard to keep his hand in place.

Michele let out a small scream as she came, starting to fall forward against him. She blinked, somehow stopping herself by placing a hand on his shoulder.

Alex saved her arm the trouble by letting go, his hips jerking as he came.

She whimpered, letting herself ease down on him as he stopped shaking. "Mm..."

He pulled his hands free, wrapping his arms around her. "Mmhmm..."

She shivered. "I..."

"You...?" He blinked, pressing his face into her neck.

She licked her lips. "I can't move..."

"Why not?"

"Mmm..." She sighed. "Jell-O..."

"Oh." His lips quirked, and he pressed a kiss to her neck.

She shivered. "Mm." He was laughing... she could hear the smirk in his voice. "Your fault..."

"Mm... good." He nuzzled her neck gently, eyes sliding shut.

"Sticky..." She licked her lips, shifting against him.

"Sorry." He swallowed, opening his eyes slowly.

"Mm. It's okay." Slowly, Michele sat up.

"We need to shower..." Alex pushed himself up on his elbows.

"Yeah." She swallowed. "You can go first... I don't have a lot of hot water..."

He shook his head, "You can take yours first... besides, I'll probably need a cold shower in a few minutes."

She blinked, then frowned. "No..."

He sighed, "The only other option is taking one together, and I don't know if you want to do that."

She bit her lip. "Well... it's... we've seen each other nude..."

He nodded, "Yeah..."

"Is... is that okay?" She pushed her hair back.

"As long as it's okay with you, it's okay for me." He offered her a small smile.

She smiled, brushing her lips over his. "Thank you..."

He kissed the corner of her mouth, "Anytime."

"Alright... shower awaits..." She sighed. "I have to move, huh?"

"Mm... yeah." He stretched underneath her.

She shivered. "Alex..." Don't do that... you'll... excite me? Michele blushed.

Alex blinked, pausing, "Yeah?"

"I..." She shook her head. "Never mind..."

"No... Michele, what?" He frowned.

"Um..." She blinked, struggling to come up with a reply. "Could... could you hold that position later? For me to draw?" Lord... it was so obvious she was lying!

He raised a brow and shrugged. "I could try."

She blushed. "I lied. It's just... it presses against things..."

"Ah..." His lips quirked, "Sorry."

She shrugged. "You didn't do it on purpose..."

"Still." He shifted underneath her. "We should probably get moving..."

She blushed again, standing on shaky legs. "Sorry."

"It's not your fault." He sat up, slipping out of bed.

She shrugged, moving to her dresser to pull out something to wear. She had... a pair of jeans and a shirt with a large hole over her breast.

He watched as her shoulders sagged. Oh boy... He stretched again before moving over to her.

Michele sighed, placing the shirt in the trash. She couldn't wear that... and the jeans would have to work even though they hung from her.

Alex frowned, glancing at the shirt. Well... "Do you need a shirt?" He had one in his car... oh. His car was at the club.

She shook her head, offering him a small smile. "I'll find something..."

"Alright..." He ran a hand through his hair. "I have another shirt in my car, but... It's at the club." He sighed.

"I'll wear your hoodie... alright?" Please, Lord... let her have clean under things...

"Okay." He bit his lip. Stupid car.

Michele swallowed. "Alex... it's no big deal..."

"I know... I just feel like I can't help."

"You don't have to..."

Alex shrugged, "I want to, though."

She gave him a look. "I'll be fine Alex!"

"Alright. I'm sorry." He looked down at the floor. Dammit. So what if he was used to being beaten by girls? After all, he'd had years of practice to losing to his sisters, but...

Michele stilled. "Sorry... I just... I've been having a hard time... affording things... but... I don't want to take your stuff. You work hard for it..."

He shrugged again, "It's okay."

"No... no it's not..." She set down the pants, moving to hug him.

Alex wrapped his arms around her waist. "It is... I'm just... touchy." He looked back up at her, offering a small smile.

She kissed his jaw. "I hate borrowing... anything. I feel like a moocher..."

He brushed his lips over hers, "You aren't mooching if I give it to you."

"But it... it isn't mine... I didn't earn it..."

He sighed, "That's not necessarily true."

She frowned. Was he saying because she'd-

His brow furrowed when she didn't respond. God, he was destined to screw up everything.

"How... how did I earn it?"

"By being yourself."

Her brow furrowed. "Alex... I'm not something important like that..."

"You are to me." He bit his lip, not quite meeting her gaze.

Her eyes teared up slightly. She was important to him? The idea seemed unreal, but the honesty was there on his face.

He swallowed, frowning as his eyes met hers. "Michele?" Shit... if she cried, he would, and then... arg.

She brushed her lips across his. "Let's shower..."

He kissed the corner of her mouth. "Okay."

Over an hour later, Alex was showing Michele into his apartment, both weighed down with dirty laundry. "Alex, are you sure... your friends won't mind? I don't want to intrude..."

Alex nodded, setting his load down on the couch. "They should be at work... Randy might be home in an hour or so, but..." He shrugged.

She set her basket on the floor next to it as she looked around. "Wow... Alex, this place is nice..." A bit messy, but nice.

Alex glanced around the apartment, a smile quirking his lips. "It's mostly held up by James' job. Mine hardly pays a third of the rent."

Michele faced him, snuggling into his hoodie. "Well... I... should start my laundry..."

"Alright. The washer and dryer are over there..." He nodded in the direction of the bathroom door. "I'm going to go check something, okay?"

"Alright." She brushed a kiss over his lips before lifting her basket of white clothes. "Thanks."

"Anytime." He smiled, moving towards a door that opened into his bedroom.

Michele entered the bathroom, blinking at the pile of clothes just thrown in the corner. No. Do your own... maybe wash theirs later...

Alex turned his computer on, straightening his room idly as it booted up. Come on... He frowned, pulling his wallet out of his pocket. He flipped it open and glanced at the Lotto ticket in one of the pockets. Time to check...

Several minutes later, Michele was closing the washer and starting it when she heard a large thump from the room Alex had gone into, then nothing. "Alex?" She called. When she received no response, She headed towards the room. Ah... his bedroom... "ALEX!"

Alex had fallen onto the floor, eyes shut and clearly unconscious.

Michele paled, grabbing the phone as she kneeled next to him, "Alex? Can you hear me?" She shook his shoulder gently as her fingers found his pulse. Strong and steady, if a bit fast... as was his breathing. Quickly, she dialed 911 on the phone.

Alex groaned softly, pressing a hand to his forehead as she came into view. "Wha'... ow..." His eyes opened, and he blinked up at Michele, who was still unaware of his wakefulness. "Why 'm I on the floor?"

"I... he's... awake... just a second..." Michele set the phone down. "Alex? Are you okay? You must have passed out..."

Alex blinked, trying to remember what had happened. He'd... turned on his computer, and... checked the lotto numbers... then. The numbers matched. He'd fallen out of his chair and hit his head, and... "Ow."

"Alex? What hurts... talk to me? Please? You worried the hell out of me..."

He sat up slowly, ignoring the slight swim to his thoughts. "I... sorry. Just fell out of my chair..." He blinked at her, "Do need to show you something, though." His voice came from a distance, and he felt at the back of his head for a lump. Wow.

"You're sure? I can hang up with 911 then?" Michele placed a steadying hand on his back.

"Yeah." He smiled shakily at her.

"Are you really sure? You don't look so great..."

"Just... haven't eaten or anything..." He swallowed, suddenly realizing he was hungry.

"Oh..." She kissed his temple. "I'll make you something..." She picked up the phone. "Hello?"

Alex bit his lip, listening with half an ear as she hung up the phone. He stood slowly, using his chair as leverage.

She scrambled to her feet, helping him. "Come on... lay down. I'm going to find you something with a bit of protein..."

He brushed his lips over hers, sitting on the bed. "Sorry... I didn't mean to pass out..."

"I know... you should have told me you got hypoglycemic…” She swallowed. "I'll be right back..."

"Mmkay..." He rubbed his eyes, glancing at the computer screen.

Michele hurried into the kitchen, digging through the fridge. Darn it, didn't they have any protein?!

Alex stood, moving to check the numbers again. No... they were still the same.

Michele hurried back into the room, a leftover burger in her hand. "Alex! Sit back down before you fall!"

"Sorry." Alex smiled sheepishly before sitting back on the bed. Oops.

"For goodness’ sake... do you want to pass out again?" She thrust the burger at him. "Eat that. I'll go cook you another."

He took it, "I'll be fine... I just had to -"

"Had to do nothing but sit on your butt until you're better. Now stay there!" Michele scowled at him, hurrying into the kitchen.

Randy opened the door to the apartment and stepped inside, blinking as the smell of cooking burgers hit him. What the hell? He turned to look at the kitchen, his eyebrows raising as he caught sight of Michele. He inspected her, the frowned. So. Who was this?

"Alex?" Michele sighed. "You'd better not be up again! I'll beat you!" She leaned out of the kitchen, then blushed. "Oh. Oops."

"You Alex's girl, then?" Randy pocketed his keys, shutting the door.

"I'm... I'm Michele..." She bit her lip. "I'm guessing... you're Randy?"

He nodded, "Where's Alex?" What was she doing here? At least she was clothed... though it seemed to be a pity she was. Ah hell. She was wearing Alex's shirt!

"Laying down." She frowned. "Idiot didn't eat and passed out on me..."

Randy smirked knowingly. "Ah. I'll have to talk to him about his manners in bed..."

She blinked. "Huh?"

He rolled his eyes, "Never mind."

Michele froze. "That's... you... I'll have you know that Alex is the perfect gentleman in bed. Now if you'll excuse me." She turned, going into the kitchen.

Alex moved slowly out into the room, frowning. "What're you doing home?"

"My shift's over, Ally." Randy frowned. "Touchy chick you got there..."

Alex scowled, but didn't comment, "What time is James supposed to be home?" He ran a hand through his hair, wincing as he brushed the bump.

"Later..." Randy shrugged. "He's got a date though..."

"Alex, so help me, if I look out there and you're not in your bed I will hit you!" Michele's voice rang from the kitchen.

"Fuck." Alex muttered, lips quirking. "I'd best retreat."

"Regular mother hen you've got there..." Randy smirked.

"I'm counting to five, Alex..."

Alex stuck out his tongue at Randy before escaping back to his room. He poked his head out of the door. "Randy!" He said in a loud stage whisper. "I never left my room!"

"Chele! Alex left his room!"

Michele left the kitchen, carrying a plate with two burgers, a bottle of ketchup, and a bottle of mustard. "Hush up. Alex, get your butt in bed."

Randy frowned. "Jesus..."

"Don't use the Lord's name in vain. It's not a curse..."

Alex blinked. Had he ever heard her use that tone before? No, he decided. He hadn't. Saluting with two fingers, Alex disappeared into his room about. Wow.

Michele sighed. "Stupid man... worried me half to death..." She muttered, entering the room.

Alex was sitting meekly on the bed, all signs of the first burger gone. Oh boy. Was she mad?

"Eat up..." She sighed, setting the food on the nightstand. "I'm going to apologize to Randy."

"No need..." Randy smiled from the door. "So, why'd you pass out, Ally?"

Alex gestured towards his computer, his wallet sitting open next to it. He picked up the plate and started adding ketchup and mustard to the burgers.

Michele wrinkled her nose at the mustard as Randy snorted. "You're shittin' me..." He moved over and sat down hard on the floor thirty seconds later. "Holy fuck..."

Michele sighed. "Please... watch you language?"

Alex's lips quirked as he set the ketchup and mustard down. "He's got a point though. You should go check, Michele."

"Alex..." She sighed. "What are you two looking at?" She moved over and Randy thrust a lottery ticket into her hands. "Hey... that's my birthday..." She blinked, looked at the computer, and blinked again. "And... holy Schnitzel frits!"

Alex nearly choked on his first bite of burger, and barely managed to swallow it down. His voice was dancing with suppressed laughter at her reaction. "Yeah."

Randy laughed. "We're.... you're... you're RICH ALLY!"

Michele blinked. "Birthday?" Alex had... $149,000,000... One hundred forty nine Million... A one hundred forty nine followed by... by six zeros...

"Uh... Ally... I think she's gonna pass out..."

Alex set down his food, pushing it away from himself. "I think so too." He stood, wrapping his arms around her waist as she continued to blink at the computer. "Michele?"

"Birthday?" She turned her head, looking beyond confused.

Randy quirked a brow. "So... you played her birthday and won? Cool."

"I didn't know it was her birthday." Alex blinked, kissing her temple.

Michele shook her head. "You... won the... the..."

"I'm gonna duck out, Alex... have fun." Randy smirked. "And share the wealth!"

Alex rolled his eyes as Randy left the room before turning back to Michele. "Are you going to be able stand if I let you go?" His head felt light, as if he'd stood too quickly.

"I... yes?" Michele felt him let her go, then grabbed at him. "Oops... guess... guess not..."

He smiled slightly, wrapping his arms around her again. "Okay." If they held each other up, maybe they'd be okay...

"You seriously won?" Michele swallowed.

"Seriously." He bit his lip, resting his head against hers. Ow. Why did his head have to hurt now?

"Wow." She smiled, leaning up to brush her lips over his. "Congratulations..."

"Hey... half of it's yours." He smiled slightly, "After all... it was your birthday that won."

"Alex... I wasn't so out of it that I didn't hear you." She smiled. "But it's sweet of you to offer."

"I'm not offering." He frowned down at her, "Half of it's yours."

She furrowed her brow. "Why?"

"Because... I-" He bit back the words, "Think you deserve it." He finished lamely.

"Not really..." She swallowed. "I haven't done anything..."

He sighed, "Michele... is it so hard to believe that you're a good person that deserves something?" He kissed the corner of her mouth.

She shivered. "I haven't done anything overtly good though!"

"You have too!" He rolled his eyes, "You called 911 when I passed out and made sure I didn't die, you made sure I was alright when Bonnie bit me, you let Jason use your bathroom at three o'clock in the morning, despite the fact that he's an idiotic twit-"

Michele shook her head. "That's just being a decent person..."

Alex rested his forehead on hers, "Michele... you deserve this... trust me."

She swallowed. She wanted to protest further, but couldn't seem to speak other than to say, "Thank you..."

He smiled slightly in relief that she wasn't continuing the discussion. "You're welcome."

She kissed him, cupping his face. "You're too nice to me..."

"Am not..." He brushed his lips over hers.

"Are too..." She shifted closer to him.

"Am not..." His arms tightened to compensate for her movement. Not to pull her closer at all... really.

Michele shivered. "Alex..." Alright. So he didn't know she wasn't wearing a bra. But darn... her breasts were tightening against his chest.

"Yeah?" Alex blinked, meeting her gaze.

"I... nothing..."

He swallowed as she shifted against him. Was there something in his shirt? He had the distinct impression of being poked... in two places... Wait... oh.

She blushed, pulling back as far as she could from him with his arms around her so. "Sorry..." She looked down.

He shook his head, pulling her gently back up against him. "Relax. It's okay..." He brushed a kiss comfortingly over her temple.

"I'm... I didn't have a clean..." She bit her lip.

"I figured." He offered her a smile, "Relax, okay?"

"Okay..." She offered a small smile in return.

"Thank you." He brushed his lips over hers.

She blinked. "Huh? Why thank me?"

"Because I can." He smiled slightly.

"Oh..." Michele bit her lip. "Did you finish your food?"

He had the grace to blush, "Not yet."

She smiled. "You're blushing... why?"

"Because... you told me to do something and I didn't do it." And you're poking my chest and I want to poke you back... somewhere else.

Michele blushed. "Alex... no... you don't have to... to eat because... I was just... worried. Cause... yeah..."

Alex brushed his lips over hers. "Still."

"I should have asked... you..." She ducked her head.

He shook his head, "Michele... please stop blaming yourself? It's not your fault I don't eat when I should, and if telling me to is the only way to make me do something, then do it. Okay?"

She nodded slowly. "Alright... but It feels... weird. I'm not your mom..."

No... you're - "It's probably a good thing you're not my mom."

She smiled. "Probably a very good thing..."

He smiled back, "Definitely."

She brushed her lips over his. "I...mm..."

"Mm?" He kissed the corner of her mouth.

"Nothing..." She pressed closer to him.

His arms tightened around her, and he swallowed. They were as close as they could get with clothes. "Oh..."

Michele brushed her lips back over his. "How... how do you do this to me...?"

"I don't know..." Alex shivered, nipping gently at her lower lip. "Could ask you the same question..."

"I... touch you..." She shivered, sucking his lower lip into her mouth in a bold move.

He felt a noise well in his throat, and he was suddenly very glad that Randy had shut the bedroom door behind himself.

She whimpered as she felt him harden against her tummy. "Alex..."

He bit his lip, swallowing. "Yeah?"

"You're... you're..."

"I know..." He pulled back slightly.

She licked her lips. "I love the feel of you..."

He blinked, "But..."

"But?" She tilted her head.

"It's..." He shook his head, "Never mind."

Michele frowned. "Please tell me?"

Alex shook his head, smiling slightly. "I would, but I'm not sure myself..."

She poked him. "Tease."

He let go of her with one arm, catching her finger. "Well... if you insist..."

She shivered. "Alex..."

"Yes?"

"You're making me want you to touch me but..." She blushed.

He nodded, "Yeah... sorry." He let her finger go, pulling back reluctantly.

Michele bit her lip. "Don't be..."

"Right. So-" Alex cut himself off, brushing a kiss over her lips.

"So..." She stepped a bit closer to him.

He didn't move, though he watched her with anticipation. "So?"

"You're the one who didn't finish the sentence, Alex..." She placed a soft hand on his chest.

He felt his chest tighten, "Not allowed to say it..."

Michele frowned, lowering her hand. "W...what?"

Alex blinked, "Say sorry."

"Oh." She bit her lip.

He nodded, "Yeah... so..." What had he done wrong?

Michele frowned, then covered his mouth with hers.

Alex made a surprised noise in his throat before he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and responding to the kiss.

She shivered, swallowing as she pressed against him.

He struggled back a moan, his lips parting hers slowly.

She whimpered, letting him deepen the kiss.

He slipped his tongue into her mouth, exploring the now familiar territory.

She rubbed against him sliding a hand into his hair.

The moan slipped past his control, and he hardly winced as her fingers danced around the bump on the back of his head.

She slid her hand to his shoulder, massaging gently.

He broke the kiss, nipping gently at her lower lip.

She made another noise in her throat. "Alex... you..."

"Mm?" He moved his mouth down to her jaw, nibbling teasingly.

She gripped his shoulders. "Feels..."

He nipped teasingly at her earlobe. "Feels...?"

She whimpered. "Ama...mazing..."

He smiled, moving his mouth down to her neck.

She pressed against him, biting her lip.

He muffled a soft moan in her neck, "Michele..." He shifted against her, nipping at the smooth column of her throat.

She cried out, her knees weakening.

His lips quirked into a smirk, and he soothed the faint red marks with his tongue.

"Gonna... gonna fall..."

Alex swallowed, and he pulled his mouth back, glancing around the room. The bed still had the burgers on it, the computer desk would probably tip over with anymore weight, a shelf occupied one wall, and... The door was still shut and unadorned. Now... how to suggest it to her?

"Alex?" She swallowed. "Is... is something wrong?"

He shook his head, "No... just... the bed's got food on it, and the door's the only thing that can hold you up without any pain..."

"The door?" She blinked, tilting her head. "How?"

"It's... um..." He bit his lip. Maybe this wasn't the best idea...

She furrowed her brow. "Show me?"

He nodded slowly, "Okay." Swallowing, he moved, picking her up so that her legs wrapped around his waist. He tried hard to keep himself from pressing into her center, and he was suddenly very glad she'd been forced to wear jeans.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, making a noise low in her throat.

He moved them over to the door, pressing her back against it. "See?"

She whimpered. "Oh... I... yes..."

He swallowed, brushing his lips over hers before trailing them back down her jaw. Damn... this was giving him ideas he really didn't need...

She rocked her hips slightly, biting her lip. "Alex..."

He bit back a moan, fighting to keep his hips still. Dammit! "Y...yes?"

She kissed his temple. "A...add this to... list of things... we need to try..."

He shivered, nodding. "Yeah..." God, yes.

Michele shifted against him. "Can... can I touch you? Please?"

Alex was fast loosing control on any restraints he'd had that morning. He nodded, swallowing. "You didn't have to ask..."

"I can't reach what I want to touch..." She blushed.

He pressed a kiss to her lips, "I'd have to let you down for that..."

"Floor...?" She kissed him back, hands running along his shoulders.

He bit his lip, trying hard to ignore the implications of that question. "We... we can move the food on the bed..."

"Al... alright..." She nodded. "Your bed..."

Oh Lord. That promised more... He let her drop back down to the floor, moving over to the bed to move the plate.

Michele leaned against the door for the moment, biting her lip. "Alex?"

"Yeah?" Alex swallowed, looking over his shoulder at her as he set the plate on top of his computer.

"Do... do you have..." She swallowed. "C...condoms?"

His eyes widened slightly, and he knew he would squeak when he spoke. "Yes."

"Can..." She swallowed. "I want to... to make love with you..." Her voice was timid at the proposal, and she bit her lip.

Alex would have dropped the plate if he had still been holding it. He cleared his throat, and nodded. "I... God, yes." He smiled, moving back over to her. Thank the fucking lord... he didn't know how long he would have lasted...

Michele licked her lips, nodding. "Can... can we take it slow at first there? I... don't know... well... I sort of do... I just..."

He brushed his lips over hers. "I'll take care of it, okay? Don't worry."

"Alright..." She took a deep breath. "One last... stupid question..."

"Shoot." He smiled softly, "Though I don't think any of your questions could be stupid."

"Will... will it hurt? A lot?"

He bit his lip, "Not a lot..." Hopefully.

She bit her lip, nodding. "Alright. I trust you."

"Alright." He kissed the corner of her mouth before moving to his wallet. His mind was racing. She was... going to... with him? Yes! He pulled the condom out of the small pocket in the wallet and turned back to her. Oh boy.

"You look nervous..." Michele tilted her head at him.

"Not necessarily nervous..." How long had it been since he'd done this? God. Years... he'd still been in High School... Shit. What if he wasn't any good anymore? Or-

"Alex? We... we don't have to..."

He shook his head, moving over to her again. "No... it's not that... I just haven't done... this in years..." He bit his lip, tempted to look at the floor.

"Oh." She bit her lip. "Well... we can always try again if this doesn't work, right?"

He smiled slightly, "Yeah." Now... getting back over to the bed...

She brushed her mouth over his. "Let's... lay down..."

"I was just getting to that..." He kissed the corner of her mouth before picking her up again, stepping towards the bed.

Michele wrapped her arms around him, biting her lip. "I can walk..."

"I know, but I rather like carrying you." Alex grinned, stopping in front of the bed. "Promise to let you walk later, but now..."

"Now what?" Her brow furrowed.

He tossed her gently onto the bed, crawling after her. "You'll see."

She shivered against the blanket, feeling the bed dip with him.

Alex set the condom on the pillow, in easy reach for later use. He paused over her, leaning down to catch her lips with his.

She cupped his face, kissing him back.

He let his lips move over hers, then ran his tongue over her lower lip, pleading entrance.

She parted her lips for him, feeling his tongue slide along hers.

He rested a hand on her waist, the other bracing his weight as they kissed.

She shifted beneath him, her breasts aching for his touch.

His hand moved slowly, slipping inside the loose sweatshirt to rest against her skin for a moment.

She whimpered into his mouth, pressing against his hand.

He slipped his hand up, cupping one of her breasts. He broke the kiss, his mouth following the trail it had made before... Hell. Foreplay was all well and good, but when they got down to it, would he be able to last?

She cried out as his fingers found her nipple, and she shook against him.

He kissed down her jaw, his fingers stroking. He forced himself to stop thinking, to get lost in the moment. The moment was good. Thinking, bad. Thinking led to worry, and worry wasn't what he needed at the moment.

Michele pulled at his shirt, clearly wanting to touch his skin.

Alex pulled back reluctantly, looking down at her. His hand moved, curling in the hem of her shirt. "May I?"

She nodded. "If I can take yours off too..."

He smiled slightly, pulling the shirt off of her before sitting up. "Go ahead."

She sat up, tugging it over his head, smiling as it mussed his hair.

He tossed the sweatshirt towards the end of the bed, his lips quirking back at her. "Something funny?"

"Your hair's all mussed." She bit her lip, tracing his brown nipple with a finger.

His breath caught and he swallowed, "Oh..." He shivered, raising his hand to cup her again.

She whimpered, arching her back. "Alex..."

He brushed his lips over hers, "Yes?" His thumb teased her nipple into a hard peak, his other hand sliding down her side.

She shook her head, swallowing as her hands slid over his chest.

His muscles tightened, and he moved, lowering his head to her other breast.

She cried out, grabbing at him. Lord... she wanted this... she didn't know what it'd feel like, but something within her wanted him deep inside.

He felt her hands grip his shoulders and swallowed, sucking gently at her nipple. His hand moved to the button on her pants, though he didn't unbutton it just yet.

"Alex... oh..." She pressed into his mouth, her head tossing.

"Mm?" His fingers stroked her other nipple into tautness, the hand at her pants tracing the waistline idly.

She whimpered, unable to answer. Lord...

He increased the pressure of his caresses, his hand stopping at the button again.

She moaned, her back arching. "A...Alex..." She slid a hand down is back, trying to think.

His muscles tightened and he shivered, though his mouth didn't waver at her breast. His fingers traced the button before opening it slowly.

She shook beneath him, her body growing tight. "I... mmm..."

He scraped his teeth over her, his fingers pulling down the zipper on her jeans.

She cried out, her body clenching down on nothingness as she came.

He let her nipple go, pressing a kiss to it as his hand paused. "Mm..."

She panted, sliding a hand down his chest. He... he should come too... but... but...

He shivered, brushing his lips over hers.

"Fair..." She mumbled, blinking at him with dark eyes.

"What?" He blinked, his hand sliding into her pants.

Michele shivered. "Not fair..."

Alex smiled slightly, a soft chuckle bursting from his lips. "Mm... pity." His fingers found the line of her underwear, and he slid them along it.

Her hips shifted and she bit her lip. "Pity?"

He shook his head, smiling. "I'm teasing, Michele..." He traced the top of her panties, pausing when his fingers moved back to the front.

"Don't... get it..." She swallowed, pressing into his hand as her hand slid down his stomach.

He felt his muscles tighten, and his hand moved down to cup her center through her panties. "I'll explain later..."

She shifted against his hand, biting her lip as she tucked a finger into the waistband of his pants.

He swallowed, his fingers finding the edge of her panties. Damn... he'd have to get them off her soon...

Michele whimpered, shifting again. "Pl..."

Alex bit his lip, pulling his hand from her pants. "Can you lift your hips, please?"

She swallowed. "I... yes..." She lifted them, watching as he moved.

He pulled her shoes off, tossing them off the end of the bed before freeing her of pants and underwear in one go. "Thank you..."

She blinked, lying there nude. "You're dressed..."

"Yeah..." He moved again, his hand returning to its place at her center.

"Alex... wh...why?"

"Just trust me, Michele..." He shifted, brushing his lips over hers as his fingers parted her folds.

She swallowed, nodding slowly. She tried to say alright, but a low moan replaced the word.

He smiled slightly, kissing the corner of her mouth as his fingers caressed her aroused flesh.

Her back arched, her thighs spreading farther for him.

Alex licked his lips, moving down on the bed. He might as well try... besides, he'd heard great things about it, so... why not? He swallowed, his fingers brushing over her clitoris as he moved.

"Ale...Alex..." She propped herself up on her forearms.

"Mm?" He settled his torso between her thighs, biting his lip.

"What are you... are you... going to..." She bit her lip, eyes dark.

"I'm... trying something. Do you... mind?"

"Um." Michele swallowed. "No? I mean... no. I don't."

"Okay." He shot her a smile before lowering his head, tentatively taking his first taste of her.

Michele jerked, fisting her hands in the blanket. "O...oh..."

Alex swallowed, moving his hand away as first his lips, then his tongue explored her. Hm...

Michele fell back against the bed, shaking. He... he was... She whimpered, drawing the sound out into a moan.

His tongue brushed over her clitoris before stroking it slowly, his touch almost shy. She didn't taste bad, but it wasn't good, either... The taste would probably grow on him, but for now...

She cried out, tossing her head. "A...Alex... please..."

He moved his mouth back, seeking her entrance. His tongue traced it teasingly, and he swallowed.

She moaned, her hips jerking.

His tongue dipped in, and his hand moved to hold her hips down to the bed.

She murmured his name, her body beginning to draw together in a tight knot.

He made a questioning sound in his throat, moving his tongue inside her.

"I... I'm going to... to..." She came then, screaming his name.

He swallowed the juices that made it into his mouth, pulling back slowly as her orgasm faded to wipe the rest away. One more trick left, and she'd be as ready as he could make her.

She panted, laying there, her eyes closing as she tried to breathe.

Alex licked his lips, pressing a kiss to the small tattoo on her hip. He'd wait for her to catch her breath, then they'd start.

A moment later, she looked at him. "Mm."

He smiled slightly at her, the hand on her hip sliding down to her thigh.

"You..." She licked her lips.

"I?" He blinked, hand pausing.

She shook her head. "You just... mouth..."

"Mm... yeah." His lips quirked, and his hand hovered over the apex of her thighs.

Michele swallowed. "You're still dressed..."

Alex nodded, "One more thing to do, and then you can have your way with me."

She blushed slightly. "One more? What...?"

His hand moved to cup her again, "I just want to make sure you're completely ready..."

"Alex... I don't think... think I could get... any readier..." She bit her lip.

"Are you sure?"

Michele swallowed, shifting on the quilt. "I... think so... but..."

Alex nodded slowly, his fingers parting her folds again. "I'm going to check..."

She blushed. "Al...alright."

He moved his fingers immediately to her entrance, though his thumb stayed suspiciously close to her clitoris.

She whimpered, shaking again. "Alex..."

"Yes?" He slid a finger into her, his thumb brushing against her sensitive nub with the movement.

"Chec...checking?"

"Mm." He smiled slightly at her expression, his finger searching for her barrier.

She moaned, arching her back, biting her lip.

He moved his finger in a thrusting movement, adding another finger, probing a little deeper until he found it. He bit his lip, his fingers testing the give gently.

She shifted, swallowing. "Alex..."

"Yeah?" He met her gaze, his fingers pausing.

"Am... am I ready?" She blushed. "I... want you..."

He swallowed, nodding slowly. "I think you are..."

Michele felt him pull his hand away, then bit her lip. "Can I touch you first?"

Alex shook his head, "Um... no."

She frowned, seeming to shrink back a bit though she didn't move. "Oh. A...alright, I guess..."

He winced at his bad phrasing and shifted closer to her, "It's not that... I just... if you touch me, I think I might lose it."

"Lose it?" She blinked at him, tilting her head.

He nodded, "Lose it. Come, ejaculate, explode-"

She blushed. "Oh. I... oh."

He ran a hand through his hair, lips quirking. "Yeah."

Michele bit her lip. "Later, then?"

Alex nodded, "Definitely..." He moved, standing from the bed and opening the button of his pants.

She swallowed, watching his hands.

He pulled the zipper down, glancing up at her as he eased the pants down his hips.

Michele watched as he was exposed, his length hard and jutting out from his body.

He pushed the pants the rest of the way down, stepping out of them slowly. Damn. He might just lose it from the way she was looking at him...

"Alex?"

He blinked, "Yeah?"

"How do you... put on a condom?"

He blinked again before the question processed. "I'll show you..." He reached over, picking up the condom from the pillow.

She blushed. "I just... never took health..."

He shook his head, "It's okay..." He ripped open the package with some difficulty, glancing at her as he threw the top of the wrapper away.

She sat up, shifting closer to him. "Your hands are shaking..."

He frowned, looking down at them. "Oh... I didn't realize..."

Michele brushed her lips over his. "It's alright. It'll be perfect no matter what because it's you."

Alex smiled slightly, brushing his lips back over hers. "I'll do my best, but I doubt I'll reach perfection..." He pulled the condom out slowly, trying to convince his hands that they really didn't need to be shaking.

Her brow furrowed. "I'm serious." She bit her lip. "But... I have to tell you something first."

"What?" He blinked down at her, the condom still in his hand.

She wrung her hands. "It's... sort of important... but I didn't think... I thought it too soon... and... now I think you should know..."

He frowned, sitting on the bed next to her. "What is it?"

"Promise not to run away screaming?"

"Would I do that?"

"I... don't think so." Michele swallowed, took a deep breath... and spoke, her voice unsure. "I... I love you."

Alex's eyes widened, and a smile spread slowly over his features. "Really? You're not joking, or being put up to this? You weren't paid, or bribed, or blackmailed, or-"

She blinked at him. "I wouldn't do that, Alex."

"Oh. Good." He grinned, "I love you too."

Her lips parted in shock, and she stared at him.

He raised a brow, still grinning.

"Oh... I... good." She blushed. "I didn't think... I... it's really soon..."

He nodded, "Yeah... but... when you feel like this, time doesn't matter."

Michele kneeled next to him, brushing her lips over his. "I know."

Alex kissed the corner of her mouth, "So... back to this impromptu health class..."

She blushed. "Alright, Professor. Teach me."

He shifted the condom in his hand, holding the edges with his fingers. "It's like putting on a sock, but... harder." He shook his head, smiling slightly. "I'd make a bad professor..."

Michele smiled. "Continue..."

He pulled on the condom slowly, trying hard not to shiver with anticipation. "See?"

She nodded. "Now... how are we..."

He licked his lips, "However you want to..."

"I... can you be on top?" She bit her lip.

He nodded, swallowing. "Yes."

Michele shifted until she laid in the middle of the bed, spreading her hair out over the pillow lest she pull it by laying on it.

Alex turned, moving to join her in the middle of the bed. It was almost like a bad porno, but... It was Michele, she was real, and if she ever starred in a bad porno, he'd kill everyone who bought it.

She took a deep breath. "Kiss me first?"

He swallowed, nodding as he slipped a knee between hers, nudging her legs open. His lips brushed over hers as he moved, and he braced his weight on his arms.

She parted her legs wide for him, pressing her mouth to his.

He settled between her thighs, feeling himself press against her entrance as they kissed.

She whimpered as she felt him press against her, the kiss deepening as his hand moved, rising to cup her breast.

His fingers teased her nipple, his mouth mating with hers. God... if he pressed he'd be in...

Michele shifted, moaning as the tiniest bit of him entered her.

Alex nearly moaned himself, shifting his hips slightly deepen the contact. There. He was in her by a half inch.

She broke the kiss, staring at him. "Alex... please..."

He bit his lip, pressing in slowly. He sank in another half inch. "I don't... want to hurt you..." He swallowed. God. It'd been so long, and she was tight...

Michele swallowed. "You're... so b...big..." She shifted again, unused to the intrusion.

He moaned. God... not even two inches in and she could get anything she wanted from him. He rocked his hips gently, feeling himself slide in until he met resistance.

She blinked at him sliding her hands over his shoulders. "Go ahead..."

Alex took a deep breath, brushing his lips over hers as he pulled out slightly only to push all the way back in.

Michele cried out, her back bowing as he broke through her virginity. A stunning, sharp pain, then a feeling of discomfort.

He froze, biting his lip harshly. "I'm sorry..." His breathing was shaky, and he swallowed hard. God... that hadn't sounded pleasant.

She closed her eyes for a moment, then looked at him. "It... it's okay..."

He kissed the corner of her mouth, shifting his hips slightly. "I love you..."

She swallowed. "I love you too... just... a second." She bit her lip. "You're... huge..."

"It probably just feels like that..." He rested his forehead against hers, trying to keep himself still.

"Mm." A few moment later, she shifted her hips. The resulting moan was full of anything but pain.

Alex's eyes widened, and his groan joined hers. "Michele..."

"Alex..." She pressed up, another noise breaking free of her throat.

He moaned softly, pulling almost completely out of her with anguishing slowness. "Mm?" Jesus fucking Christ...

The ache was rapidly disappearing, replaced once again by desire. "Mm..."

He pushed back in as slowly as he could, biting his lip harshly to keep the pace gentle. He didn't want to hurt her again.

She pressed up against him, a whimper escaping her.

Alex moaned her name, his eyes shutting.

They established a slow, easy rhythm, and Michele bit her lip. "I... Alex..."

"Yes...?" Alex swallowed, blinking his eyes open.

She ran a hand down his chest, teasing his nipples. "You feel good..."

His breath caught in his throat, and his hips pressed harder into hers as a result. "You're... better..." God. If he wasn't careful, he'd hurt her...

She cried out, her back arching into him. "Oh... I... again... please..."

He blinked. Okay. Maybe he wouldn't. His hips repeated the pressure on the next thrust, and he found himself crying out with her.

She grabbed at his shoulders, moving with him in an ancient dance. He was touching something deep within her, and she was getting closer to her peak with his every move.

He thrust again, feeling her tighten around him with every movement. It was getting harder to hold back his release, but he'd keep it at bay until she came... he had to...

Michele felt it as he finally lost control, pushing into her hard, his hips jerking enough that he brushed her clitoris, pushing her over the cliff as well, and she screamed his name.

Alex struggled not to collapse onto her, his breathing ragged. Dammit. He'd come before she had and... Fucking hell. Was he completely without manners? Ladies first. It'd always been that way. Always!

"Mm..." She smiled, brushing a hand along his jaw. "L..." Michele let the word trail off at the dark look on his face.

He could have kicked himself, and he would, if he'd been as double jointed as Nathaniel was. First, he'd screwed up her first time, and now she was unhappy with him about it. Stupid, stupid, stupid... "I'm sorry..."

She blinked at him. "Alex...?"

"I'm sorry... I screwed up again... it..." He bit back a curse, looking down at the bed. Dammit. He knew he'd suck at this.

She cupped his face, making him look at her. "Screwed what up? That was perfect, Alex..."

"It wasn't..." He looked miserably down at her, "I should've held back..."

She took a deep breath. "And here I was happy that I could make you lose control." She dropped her hand from his face, blinking rapidly. Damn it.

"Michele... It's not..." He sighed, brushing his lips over hers, "You do make me lose control... every time you get closer than six feet to me... It... it just goes against everything I've been taught, and..." He sighed again, dropping his head to rest it on her shoulder. "Dammit, I love you. I wanted it to be perfect."

Michele smoothed her hand down his back. "It was though.... It would have been even if I hadn't because it was with you and I love you..."

He pressed a kiss to her neck, "Still... I should've held back... but, like you said... we can always try again, though it won't be the same."

"Alex..." She sighed. "Just... we're beating a dead horse..." She swallowed. "And remind me not to make so much noise... my throat's sore..."

He lifted his head, pressing a kiss to the corner of her mouth. "Hey... I happen to like your noises... and I think we have some cough drops in the kitchen."

She furrowed her brow. "You like me screaming in your ear?"

"Well, when you're screaming about me in this situation? Yes."

Michele blushed. "Oh."

Alex smiled, brushing his lips over hers before pulling out of her reluctantly. "I'll go and get you a cough drop in a minute... and switch your laundry around."

She frowned. "I can do my own laundry..."

"I know." He sat on the edge of the bed, glancing at her as he pulled off the condom. "If you don't want me to, I won't, but I don't mind, Michele."

"Mm." She blinked as she glimpsed the condom, seeing the blood on it. "I bled?"

He frowned, looking down at it. "Apparently... It's not that unusual, though..." He'd hear Janet talking about it with Gia when he still lived at home. Gia had threatened to kick any man who made her bleed so hard that his balls would come out his mouth.

Michele shook her head. "Oh well..." She stretched lazily, licking her lips.

Alex stood slowly from the bed, throwing away the spent condom. He turned, watching her for a moment.

She smiled at him, her lips barely quirking. "Alex?"

"Yeah?" He smiled slightly back.

"Love you..."

His smile widened, "I love you too." He moved to the dresser, opening a drawer and pulling out a pair of boxers. He tugged them on, "I'll be right back."

"Mm. Alright." She sat up a bit. "I should get the laundry-" He cut her off.

"I'll get it." He left the room before she could argue.

Randy sipped his coffee as he began flipping through TV channels. "What's with the grin, besides the money?" He smirked at his friend, expecting an obvious answer.

Alex opened a cabinet, looking for the bag of cough drops. "She loves me."

Randy snorted, setting down his coffee and standing. "Of course she does... You just hit the lotto, man."

The stripper's brow furrowed, "But..."

"But what? She's already using you ass... the washer? Now it's obvious. She told you this when? After she was dating a rich man..." Randy shook his head.

Alex found the cough drops and shut the cabinet with more force than was needed. "I don't... I can't believe you. I can't."

"Why?"

"Because..." Alex tried to ignore the hurt blooming in his chest. "I love her."

Randy sighed. "I'm sorry man... I just call it like I see it. If she'd said it before... fine... but she didn't. And then she fucks you right after too... after playing nurse..."

Alex's eyes stung, and he shook his head. No, no, no, NO. He couldn't believe that... He couldn't.

Randy patted his shoulder. "I'd cool it off a bit... see what she does."

Alex moved, shifting out of Randy's reach. "Right... I've got to... switch some laundry around."

"If those are her pretty things..." Randy sighed, shaking his head. "Never mind."

Alex bit his lip, moving towards the bathroom. What if Randy was right? What if she didn't love him? But... she'd looked so sincere... and... He leaned against the bathroom door when it was safely shut behind him. "Michele..." Her name was on his lips before he'd thought about it. He loved her. Completely. And... his throat constricted, and he swallowed hard, busying himself with the laundry.

Michele sighed, standing as she began to gather her clothes. She couldn't just lay there and let him wait on her. It was wrong!

Alex frowned as he came back into the room, the bag of cough drops still in his hand. "Are you leaving?"

She jumped, having been about to pull on his shirt. "No. Why? I was going to help you."

"Oh." He shook his head, dropping the bag on the bed and moving back over to the dresser. "You don't need to. Your laundry's in the dryer."

She blinked. His voice sounded... cold... Michele swallowed. "Oh. Thank you..."

Alex bit his lip again, pulling out a pair of pants. Either Randy was wrong, or she was a very good actress... He ran a hand through his hair before tugging on the pants. He knew she was a good actress. That day in the park... she'd convinced him about the engagement rings, and...

Her hands shook a bit as she pulled on the hoodie. She glanced at the bed, seeing the small spot of blood and bit her lip, sitting in front of the computer instead. That was it? He couldn't hold her or... Her eyes welled up with tears.

He stilled as he heard her stifle a sniff. Oh hell. He zipped up his jeans. He couldn't let her cry... he couldn't.

She pulled her knees to her chest, swallowing as she bit her lip hard. Her nails dug into her skin a bit as her hands tightened on her arms.

He turned to her, the top button of his pants still undone. Crying was too far. No one could fake cry like this. "Michele?"

She shook, lowering her face to her knees. She couldn't... She wanted to crawl away.

He moved over to her, resting a hand gently on her shoulder. "Please don't cry..." He'd throttle Randy. How could he make him believe something like that? She wasn't that kind of person, and he'd... God.

She tensed, struggling not to pull away. What had she done? That deserved that... that tone? To... a sob wracked her shoulders, making her already sore throat ache.

He pulled his hand back, rubbing hard at his eyes. No... he wouldn't cry. He wouldn't. He lowered his hand, crouching in front of the chair. "Michele?"

"W...hat?" She didn't lift her head, sobbing again.

"Please look at me? I can explain..." Explain what? He was guessing at what was wrong... he wasn't sure...

She raised her face slowly, sniffing. "Explain w...what?"

He bit his lip, hardly managing to meet her gaze. "I... don't know. What's wrong?"

Michele closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Don't you think you should?"

Alex rested a hand tentatively on her leg. "I have an idea, but..."

"Alex... I gave you something... something precious... and then you treat me like I'm a leper?" She scooted her leg slightly away from him. "Did... did you lie?"

"What?" He blinked, "No! I've never lied to you!"

"You... you treat people who you love like that?"

"No..." He shut his eyes, running a hand through his hair. "It's not... I'm sorry..." Dammit.

Michele stood. "I... I need to go to the bathroom."

He stood as well, opening his eyes. "No. I need to explain, please."

"Alex... please... Just..." She stared at him, hurt.

He sighed, "Randy... said something that made sense, and it shouldn't have made sense, but it did." He bit his lip, explaining the conversation haltingly, afraid that if he stopped for too long, she'd leave him.

"So... you honestly thought I'd do...do that? Whore myself out for your money?" Michele paled, shaking her head. "I'm... I'm getting my things. I'll... I'll leave you alone." Tears began rolling down her face again, and she turned to the door.

He followed her, reaching out to catch her elbow in a gentle but firm grip. "Michele... don't go. Please. I love you."

"How... how could you think that...?" Her eyes pleaded for an answer... something she could accept.

He swallowed, "I... It made sense... just the way he put it. I'm so sorry... I shouldn't have doubted you..." He blinked back the tears that threatened to escape. He didn't have the reassurance she was looking for. At least... he thought he didn't... He bit his lip, meeting her gaze. Only one way to know.

"Al...Alex..." Her face crumpled, and she shook her head.

Randy stilled as he heard the voices. Oh shit... she'd... she'd actually... He stood, moving towards them.

Alex felt his heart drop, and he slowly let her arm fall. "I'm sorry." He whispered, looking away from her. He was going to kill Randy... this sucked royally.

Randy bit his lip. "He's... he loves you."

Michele glanced at him, and he shrunk back at the pain in her eyes. Damn. "He does! I just... I'm cynical... and-"

"And what? You thought Alex couldn't be loved without someone being paid?" Her tone clearly said he was wrong.

Alex bit his lip. He didn't want to hear this. He knew what'd happen. She'd leave and not come back. He'd be left alone, and... He blinked at Michele. He didn't want to be alone. He had to fight to keep her here. He had to do something!

"No..." Randy sighed. "I just..."

"Had no business!" Michele shook, another wave of tears leaving her.

"He's... my friend..."

"And... and my..." She shook her head. "Maybe it'll make you feel better... he's going to try and pay me half. I won't take it. Before this... maybe. But I already feel like enough of a whore." Michele stared at this stranger before her, seeing the shock on his face. "Yeah... a whore. I thought I'd give him a gift and... hell." She sighed, leaning against the wall.

"Michele..." Alex swallowed, watching her, trying to fight the urge to hold her. "I want you to take it. Not... not for the sex, but for... being there before. For everything. I understand if you don't want to deal with me, ever, but please take it." He bit his lip again. She was really upset... she never used words like whore and hell, and now... "Please?"

"No!" Her shoulders hunched, and Randy stared as she slid down the wall a bit. "I... didn't... there was no before..." Michele slid down the wall until she was sitting on the floor.

"I... I'm sorry..." Randy tried.

Alex flinched like she'd hit him and he moved, sitting down hard on the bed. Was she right? Were they nothing but physical attraction? Was... He swallowed, dropping his head into his hands. What... what about when they'd first met? With the dogs and the coffee...? Or the mistake with the phone! Or... or... God. She was right...

Michele shifted, curling into a ball on the floor. "I... sorry."

Randy swallowed. "Guys... no... just... forget it! Forget I said something. Smile! Be... be happy again!"

Alex raised his head, glaring at Randy. "It doesn't work that way, you've had enough break ups, you should know that by now."

Wait... what about in the office? At the club? While they were picking up her things? There. That was three... He knew he loved her. There had to be a before. The soup! When she was sick... and... the drawings... Five. Five moments. Was that enough to base a relationship on? Or end it on?

Randy winced. "Michele..." He offered her a hand.

"Please... just... leave us alone." She sat up, standing.

Us. She'd said "us". A shard of hope split through him. Alex watched Randy, feeling guilt rise in his chest. "Randy... sorry. Just... now's not good, you know?"

The dark haired man nodded slowly. "Nah... I'm sorry." He turned, grabbed his wallet and keys, and headed out the front door.

Michele pushed her hair back, looking at her lover.

Alex swallowed, meeting her gaze silently.

"What... what are we going to... I..." Michele swallowed. "I don't... I don't want..."

"Don't want what?" He bit the inside of his cheek.

"This to end... but... you... you..." She bit her lip.

"I don't want this to end either..." He swallowed, "I... Randy's got this way of talking... he can convince me of anything, and I'm so sorry..."

"I wouldn't... I wouldn't do that Alex..."

"I know... You're not like that..." He bit his lip.

"But... you..." She sighed.

"I know." Alex dropped his head back into his hands, threading his fingers through his hair.

“I... I don't understand this, Alex... I..." Michele swallowed, moving back into his room. "I just... don't."

Alex spoke down to his knees, "I was stupid, Michele... I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have believed something like that, especially if I love you like I know I do."

She sniffed, wiping at her eyes. "May I have a cough drop, please?"

He lifted his head, blinking. "Yeah..." Picking up the bag, he opened it and pulled a cough drop out. "Here." He held it out to her, biting his lip.

"Thank you." She took it, their hands brushing. Her throat was aching from screaming and crying.

He swallowed, "You're welcome."

She put the cough drop in her mouth, tucking the wrapper into the pouch on the hoodie. "How do we fix this?"

He shrugged miserably. "I don't know."

Michele looked down. "Me either." She was quiet for a moment before saying quietly, "You should claim your money."

"It's yours too."

She squeezed her eyes shut. "Alex..."

He sighed, "Michele, it is. Just take it."

"Fine. I can't fight you anymore right now." She rubbed her temples. "I need to check my laundry."

He nodded, feeling the beginnings of a headache, "Yeah... I'll meet you at the door... or something..."

Oh. So now he wanted her to leave... She bit her lip, nodding. "Fine." She turned, heading into the bathroom.

He pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes. Lord. He was so stupid...

Michele didn't bother folding the clothing, tossing the underwear into the basket. The darks and the bedspread would have to wait. She wasn't hanging around when he'd made it clear...

He stood from the bed, moving out of the room. He needed to think. He needed to talk to her, to figure this out... He stepped up to the closed bathroom door, knocking softly. "Michele?"

She jumped. "Yeah?"

Alex swallowed, resting his forehead against the cool door. "I made a mistake. A big one. I know you wouldn't lie for money, I know that... but something in me wondered... and I didn't want to wonder. I tried not to, but I couldn't help it. I love you, and I'm sorry."

She was quiet for a moment. "I know."

"And?"

"And... I don't want to give up on this... I just.. it hurt... and we... we rushed into this. I think we'd being lying to say otherwise..." A brief pause, then, "But I do love you."

"I love you too." He bit his lip, eyes shutting. "Do you want to take it back a step? Take it slower?"

"I don't know."

"We can..." He paused, blinking open his eyes, "I'd do anything for you."

"I know." Michele sighed. "Are you leaning on the door?"

"Yes."

"I... want to open it..."

He stepped back, nodding. "Okay."

She opened the door, meeting his gaze.

He took a shaky breath. "So..."

She hugged herself. "So..."

He shook his head, "I can't take this, Michele. I can't." He swallowed, "Can I please hold you?"

Michele nodded slowly. "Please..."

Alex smiled shakily, stepping forward and pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry..."

She buried her face into his chest. "I know. I am too."

He kissed the top of her head, sighing, "I feel like an idiot."

"You should."

He chuckled humorlessly, "I know."

She swallowed, then choked, shocked to realize she'd just swallowed her cough drop.

He frowned as she choked, "Michele? Are you okay?"

"I... cough drop..." She blinked.

He rubbed her back, "Oh..." She could talk... and breathe... she'd be fine, physically, anyway.

"I swallowed my cough drop." She looked stunned. "I didn't think that was possible..."

"Apparently it is." He looked down at her, brow creased in concern.

"I do hope it's not like gum..." She blushed.

His lips quirked slightly. "Me too."

"That takes what? Seven years? I think I might have just gotten rid of the last piece..." She bit her lip.

"Yeah..." He sighed, "I need to finish getting dressed..."

"Alright. Um. I'm just going to... put on a bra.... now that I have a clean one..." She blushed again, turning to go into the bathroom.

"Okay." He bit his lip, turning her back around to brush a tentative kiss over her lips before pulling back. "I love you."

She blinked before offering him a small smile. "I love you too."
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Romantic Executions: Continued