I do not own any of these characters and I don't make money from this.

A heatwave in Genovia. Love, romance and lust... I hope you enjoy.

Heat wave

Bloody heat. Damn, annoying, despicable heat. Joseph heaved a big sigh and turned around onto his back, desperately trying to find at least one inch of cool sheet in his sticky bed. But it was useless, the warmth took possession over him and could no longer be ignored; he wiped away a drop of sweat that slowly found its way down his neck and he moistened his dry lips with his tongue. The fan that kept on turning above his head didn't seem to cool him off one bit; all he felt was a stream of warm air dancing around him and he sighed once more; putting his hands behind his head. It was of no use, it was too hot and he was far too awake to hope for a good night sleep. Covering his eyes with one hand he shook his head, whom was he kidding here.

Warm temperatures actually never bothered him that much; if they had he would have installed an air conditioner years ago. But he never really appreciated 'false air' as he called it. The cool temperature in the palace was maybe pleasant and easy but in the midst of summer the warmth bothered him even more when he stepped outside, catching a cold was inevitable that way. So he preferred his own cottage to be just like his surroundings in the Palace Garden, to live and sleep in the same temperature as the weather outside, not willing to get used to luxury and comfort. As a result he could function in intense heat and staggering cold, his senses were always sharp and alert and nothing could get him off balance.

Until six months ago.

He turned to his side again, shaking his head fiercely and closing his eyes firmly in a failed attempt to erase the familiar images in his head. He had tried God knew how many times to forget what had happened but it kept popping up in his head at the most awkward moments. She kept popping up in his head. His Queen, his friend, his…desire.

It wasn't something he had been planning or even hoping; he had never expected it to happen but yet as it did, it never even surprised him. If only he had been strong enough to stop it. But for one night he couldn't be strong.

It had taken him days, weeks, to be able to act like nothing ever happened and his façade seemed to work…but in reality it was more alive and more real than ever before. Every day that passed, every week that went by only made him relive the past events more often and he could still picture every second in his head. He could recall what she was wearing when she unexpectedly let go of all her reservations and pressed her soft lips against his. He could still feel the soft fabric of her woollen cardigan against his skin. The way she sounded as she moaned softly in his mouth, her hands gently stroking the back of his head to pull him closer. He remembered to the detail how soft her skin was as he let his fingertips trail the contours of her face, caressing that creamy peachy skin with the countless freckles that only accentuated her beauty. He could still taste her on the tip of his tongue, a sweet and mind staggering taste unlike any other. Sometimes, late at night, he could picture her blue sparkling eyes so vividly that it was a disappointment to open his own. Oh how he remembered how moved and warm here eyes looked at him when he reluctantly released her from their embrace.

Christ, he shouldn't have done it, he had known all along and yet he wasn't sorry for one bit. And no matter the panic and the hint of embarrassment that shone through in her eyes, he had never seen regret in them either. Was it inevitable? Perhaps. Would it ever happen again? Not likely. They had never even talked about it after she had asked him to go, her burning cheeks hidden behind her hands. After the door fell shut the topic seemed to be closed and he had never forced her to think or talk about it. He knew far too well that all this would cause was more distance between them. And now he was lying here, re-thinking things over again and the heat didn't seem to get his mind off it either. He opened his eyes; this wasn't going to work. With a deep sigh he swung his legs over the edge of his bed and he got up, leaving his bed for what it was; a mess of loose sheets and pillows.

------

Air. Finally she could inhale some fresh air. After hours of tossing and turning in her bed she had given up and all she could think of was taking a stroll outside. Every once in a while she allowed herself to do that, to taste the rare sensation of undisturbed privacy with everybody sound asleep. No matter how sweet and considerate her staff was; there was always someone around and she had to remind them to leave her alone from time to time. In times like this, late at night, she didn't have to remind anyone of anything. She looked aside as she turned a corner, smiling when her best friend decided no longer to run away from her but to stay close to protect her in the darker area of the Palace Grounds.

"Good boy Maurice," she whispered, petting her white dog lovingly.

The temperature outside was warmer than she expected; a warm wind blew around her and whispered through the trees and the soft rushing sound had a calming affect on her. A pinecone broke under her feet and she almost tripped, she frowned and scolded herself to stay alert. If something would happen to her right here, right now, nobody would be able to hear her. Oh she shouldn't think these glum thoughts, she had to remind herself that she was very able to take care of herself and shouldn't rely on anyone to provide her safety. Unconsciously her pace fastened and she breathed in deeply, trying to ignore the thoughts that were running around in her head but it was useless. Safety, the magic word. Why was everything connected to him?

This night had been another fine example in how he seemed to live in her head constantly.

There they were, like any other night, sitting together at her kitchen table and drinking one last cup of tea. She had talked about responsibilities and tasks and God knew what else – just to ignore the tension that hung in the air like the damp, heavy air she felt right now. He never gave her a reason to be scared or nervous but yet at that moment, her kitchen was full of reasons to run away and never go back. But she stayed put and then suddenly, out of nowhere, they didn't talk at all, they just looked at each other. Every word they uttered seemed totally useless because everything seemed to be said without words.

She shook her head as her feet kept on moving forward, there was some kind of mystery about her Head of Security, an unknown unexplored area spread out behind those kind dark eyes and it intrigued her like nothing else. When she allowed herself to get lost in those eyes, a sudden rush of butterflies appeared out of nowhere, a hint of passion tingled in the deepest, lowest hidden corners of her body and an uncontrollable curiosity to everything that was Joseph seemed to get stronger by the day. Just by looking at her, he seemed to blow new life in a long lost forgotten place. Every time they were alone, and it seemed like they were getting more and more inventive to find reasons for that, the air seemed to sparkle around them and she couldn't stand that she wasn't strong enough to ignore it. He would never take the first step but the truth, the sweet bliss of knowing came through every time they were alone. His confidence appealed to her and he was right; attraction had sparked between them from the very start. Pretending she wanted nothing to do with him had been harder than surrendering to desire, even if it only existed in her dreams.

And last night he seemed to share her feelings, for one long moment in time he seemed to realize the exact same thing, seemed to think the same thoughts. It sparkled in his eyes and she couldn't find it in herself to break their stare. Just when she was about to mutter something she would regret later, he'd gotten up from his chair and he'd wished her a good night sleep and that was that. But now she couldn't sleep and she kept on walking, feeling how the warm temperature slowly took its toll on her. Her skin was damp and a drop of sweat rolled down her back, tickling her in an annoying way but she didn't bother to wipe it away.

The soft, sweltering wind was slowly changing in a strong breeze and it blew her hair back as she slowed down her pace. The pine trees that surrounded her now swayed in the wind, releasing a clean, fresh smell and she inhaled it deeply, stopping in her tracks. And she sighed as she stared at the place she shouldn't be. The cottage of her Head of Security, her friend, her confident, her…desire.

Four times. That was how often she had been here in the past three weeks. Four times of just standing there, staring at his dark windows and the life that was going on inside. The need to talk and just be with him was unbearable at times but without exception, she had turned around and found her lonely way back. The last time she went back she had scolded herself, she was acting like a schoolgirl in love. In love…at her age. The thought had knocked her off balance but there simply was no way to deny it.

Yes she knew she was in love, she had recognized the signs ages ago. She knew what the odd tremble in her voice meant when she spoke directly to him. She understood why she had that nervous tingle in her stomach when he looked at her like only he could do; as if she was the only one that mattered. Her dreams were haunted by the image of him, fantasies about them and yet … she would never tell him.

But here she was. For one long moment she actually considered knocking on his door to get things out in the open, to see where it would take them too, to take a chance in life. But she knew all too well how it must look if she barged into his house at 1 am. He wouldn't understand it, heck she didn't even understand it… and maybe he would; which would be even worse. A small smile tugged her lips as she tried to imagine the surprised look on his face but her smile faded a second later.

"Maurice, no!" she hissed at her dog who was barking so loud at a squirrel that it had to be well heard in the Castle. She sighed, frowning annoyed and grabbing him by the collar. "Get over here, Maurice don't…you're waking everybody up!" she scolded in a soft tone, relieved when he finally obeyed her.

"Clarisse?"

She closed her eyes in desperation when she heard the low, concerned voice not far away from her and finally she looked up, blinking confused at the sight.

"Hello," she simply said, coughing to hide her surprise. He was standing in the doorpost, his brows raised, his face confused and worried. If she could find a spot to sink away in the earth she would have done it.

"Is everything all right?" he asked, taking a few steps forward and looking around him, studying the surroundings. Now she saw he was walking on bare feet, wearing simple black shorts and a t-shirt that seemed at least 10 years old.

Her cheeks flushed as he approached her. "Yes there's nothing wrong. I was just…" she hesitated when he tilted his head, "…taking a walk."

"Alone?" he asked, once again checking if nobody was in sight. He frowned as he looked at her again. "What were you thinking at this hour? It's not safe for you out here."

"I'm not exactly alone," she attempted a joke but he didn't smile, "Maurice is with me."

They turned their heads simultaneously to look at the white poodle that was staring back at them with an innocent expression, sitting down when he felt the angry looks of his owner.

"He's not enough and you know it," Joseph said, his blank expression started to make her feel a little uncomfortable now.

She raised a brow, shaking her head slightly. "Come on Joseph, this is the best guarded building in the country." She smiled when he shook his head. "Don't tell me you haven't done this, I know you have."

His little smile threw her off guard and she bit her lip, wishing she could take back the words. It was stating the obvious because quite frequently, she had accompanied him on his little strolls late at night. Those were the nights she cherished mostly, private times she thought back on when she felt alone and desperately needed something to smile about.

He cleared his throat, choosing to ignore the topic that seemed to make her feel uncomfortable. "Yes but you eh." he said, rubbing his nose and she heard the suspicious tremble in his voice when he continued, "…you are…" He inhaled deeply to finish his sentence but she beat him to it, her eyes widening from disbelief.

"One comment about me being a woman and you being a man and I swear…"

Finally he laughed, shaking his head at her sharp retort.

She couldn't begin to imagine what went on behind his tough exterior; she had no idea what her presence did to him. With the way she was standing there, dressed in a simple white summer dress; her hair slightly moving in the luke warm wind and her cheeks burning; she was quite a sight. He simply couldn't believe his own ears when he heard the familiar bark of the white poodle and he was convinced he was dreaming when he opened the door. Her presence knocked him off balance and somehow everything he would say would be wrong. Catching her inquiring glare, he became very aware of his own physical appearance and he cleared his throat, smiling briefly at her.

"So…" he started but he swallowed his sentence when a sudden flash of lightning startled them both.

Her face snapped upwards at the dark sky above them; feeling how the wind increased bit by bit.

"I better head back," she said, "Come here Maurice!"

"Not alone you're not," Joseph frowned and she looked up as she grabbed her dog's collar. "Give me a moment to get dressed and I'll escort you back to the Palace."

She shook her head, struggling with Maurice who clearly wasn't in the mood to be held back. "Joseph, there's no need to - "

"Two minutes," he said, frowning when a low rumble sounded not too far away from them. "We'll probably get soaked but it's worth a shot."

"I told you there's no need to…" Slowly her expression changed when the first drop fell on her head, slowly making its way through her hair to her neck. She rolled her eyes; someone up there had a weird sense of humour and impeccable bad timing.

He cleared his throat when her gaze met his again. No matter how used they were to spending time together, it still was an odd realization to have this much privacy quite unexpectedly and they both knew what the natural thing would be to do, yet neither of them dared to say it. The silence lengthened, until Maurice solved the problem by escaping out of Clarisse's firm grip and making a run for it when more drops started to fall down in a faster pace. He had found the front door even before they noticed what he was doing and a second later they turned as well, searching for shelter inside.

As Joseph moved in front of her, she closed the door quietly behind her. Even so, the lock clicked loudly into place, at least to her ears. She stayed a moment, still, listening to the rushing sound of the increasing wind in the trees outside. It had cooled her off immensely and now she wished that it hadn't. The temperature inside took her by surprise and her body reacted right away, her dress uncomfortably sticking to her legs as she forced herself to move.

She had been in his house before but years ago; in fact she had given the direct orders to build this place. It had been there since day one, the quarters of the staff were just as important to her like her own private chambers and she never considered costs nor effort to aim for perfection. And perfection was what her eyes encountered as he led the way into the living room. It had only two bookcases, one holding books and the other mostly CDs. There was a paperback book splayed open face down on the coffee table — a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt. A pair of glasses was lying on top of it, clearly he had been reading. A big, creamy coloured couch caught most attention, standing in the centre of the room. Two lazy chairs separated the seating area from the rest of the living room. Copies of The Genovian Gazette and TV Guide sat atop a television set that looked brand new. The wooden floor was shiny and clean, the creamy rug that covered almost the entire seating area created a cosy atmosphere. A staircase in the corner made a turn out of sight, leading to the second floor where the bed – and bathroom was located. She inhaled deeply, oh maybe it wasn't perfect because it was just as any other house really; but this place smelled like Joseph.

He was looking at her from aside, studying her expression, gauging her reaction to his personal surroundings. He couldn't remember how many times he'd wanted to invite her in yet it had felt inappropriate every single time. And now she was just standing here, breathing his air, studying something very private.

She seemed to sense his thoughts and she smiled apologetically at him. Suddenly her being there felt like she was invading his privacy, so many times she'd wanted to visit him but she never dared to. She didn't belong in his world, he only belonged in hers. "I'm sorry to bother you," she said, suddenly very aware of how her dress clung to her body like a thin wet towel. Annoyed she wiped her forehead. "Joseph, you know that you can have

air-conditioning here tomorrow. Goodness!"

"And you know I don't want that," he said, ignoring her earlier apology and moving into the kitchen. "Here boy." He patted on his leg to get the dog's attention and to her surprise Maurice followed suit. "Can I get you something to drink?" Joseph called from the kitchen.

She smiled; he was acting like this was the most natural situation in the world to have someone over for a drink at one in the morning. Her smile faded when she realized that it could very well be normal for him; she had no idea of his whereabouts when he wasn't working.

"Water would be fine, thank you," she said, listening to the unmistakable sound of pouring rain outside. Slowly she made her way over to the windows, peaking through the heavy creamy curtains to see how the dusty path she had been walking on slowly changed into a mud pool.

"Water?" She hadn't heard him come in and she turned, raising a brow at the sight. He was holding two glasses and a bottle of white wine, an amused smile on his face. "This doesn't happen every day, we might as well enjoy ourselves," he said, placing it all down on the coffee table before him. His book and glasses ended up on the side table next to one of the lazy chairs.

"Alcohol tends to raise the body temperature, you should know that," she stated with a small smile, taking a few slow steps forward until she reached the couch. He was already sitting down, opening the bottle with a smooth movement.

"True, but it also helps to fall asleep," he answered, pouring the wine without waiting for her approval. She hesitated just a second before she sat down next to him, accepting her glass with a shy smile. He was sitting back, relaxed and seemingly comfortable with his arm placed on the back of the couch, one leg crossing the other. She couldn't find it in herself to sit back so she stayed where she was, stiffened on the edge of the soft cushions, her knees pressed together. She rolled the glass between her hands, ticking with her nails against it.

Outside the thunder was rolling louder but the sound didn't startle her, if anything it was comforting not to listen to her own heartbeat for once. Strange, when she stepped outside this evening she was longing for a bit of privacy but this was infinitively better. Later she would have to ponder if she'd made the right choice but for now she installed those thoughts in the back of her head, raising her glass briefly at the man next to her before taking a first careful sip. His eyes burnt in her neck.

The wine exploded on her tongue, the light yet spicy taste tingled in her mouth and she hummed approvingly at his choice as she swallowed the delicate fluid.

"You have a good memory," she said, tilting her head so she could meet his gaze.

"Is it still your favourite?" he asked, taking a sip as well.

She nodded. "I can't believe you remembered," she said softly, diverting her face from his intense stare. He was so calm that it made her feel uncomfortable, as if she were the only one who felt this strange tension filling the air, building as steadily as the thunderstorm outside.

"I remember a lot of things," he said in a sudden serious tone, gauging her reaction.

She inhaled deeply as a sudden shot of nerves shot through her body and quickly she took another sip, hoping she could blame the alcohol for the red colour on her cheeks. Her entire body felt clammy, sticky, and her heart was pounding just as intensely as the rain beat down on the roof. She sighed.

"Joseph-,"

She closed her eyes when his hand touched her shoulder, gently adding more pressure to make her sit back against the soft pillows. She allowed him unwillingly but opened her eyes when his hand slid over her shoulder to the back of her neck, squeezing her ever so slightly.

"Joseph, don't," she repeated, shifting in her seat.

He instantly released her. She faltered slightly, as if she had not expected him to free her quite so abruptly. He instinctively reached out to catch her, but this time his hold was gentle and polite. She glanced at him over her shoulder, surprised and confused.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly, his hand slowly released her completely and he sat back, taking another sip of his wine.

"You know what's wrong," she said, "I shouldn't be here."

"And yet you are," he said, not even moving a single muscle.

Her smile was shy, timid. "I came to realize something," she said softy, holding on to his gaze.

"What's that?" he asked.

She heaved a big sigh, swallowing with difficulty before she was ready to answer him. "That I seem to know everything about everyone. And that when it comes down to it, I don't know that much about you."

"Excuse me? You…" He wanted to say so much but she continued before he could.

Her voice was flat, cynical. "You seem to know so much about me. You know my favourite wine, you know my fears, my dreams. I've confided so many times in you, so many times in which I…" She gestured with her hands, frustrated, impatient. "…Let go…"

"Clarisse…" His voice changed, much as his expression but she didn't see it.

"I shouldn't have done it," she suddenly said, straightening her back once again and doing so, enlarging the distance between them. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't sit back and relax. Too much was at stake, too many things were left unsaid. "We shouldn't have done it."

Silence fell upon the room and the rain slammed against the window now, creating a powerful and intense rhythm with the thunder that seemed to increase by the minute. She breathed out through her mouth as she stared into her glass; thoughtlessly moistening her dry lips with her tongue. The salty taste of her lips blended with the wine and she swallowed, finally diverting her face.

"Clarisse…," he whispered and she didn't respond, taking one more sip just so her mouth had something to do. He shifted in his seat but he was careful not to touch her; yet his mouth almost brushed against the back of her ear when he spoke again. His tone was gentle and she closed her eyes, feeling that familiar tingle in her stomach as he spoke. "Something's happening between us. You can deny it all you want but it won't go away just because it's inconvenient for you."

He heard her breath quicken, a broken gasp. "I don't want to complicate my life," she said, sounding lost. "I'm trying so hard Joseph…"

"I don't want to complicate it either," he said. He reached out and pushed her back against the back of the couch again, taking her glass away from her in a quick movement. His hands framed her face. "What are you doing here Clarisse?"

She stared into his smouldering gaze and felt her insides melt. Licking her lips, she lowered her gaze to his mouth. Oh how long she had longed to feel those sensual lips again.

"I don't know. I have to go," she said instead and reached out to remove his warm hands from her cheeks. Before he could do anything else she jumped up and she found her way to the kitchen, her legs oddly trembling underneath her. She knew she wasn't making any sense with the violent rain outside but she simply had to move. She would have stormed outside without reconsidering it but before she could raise her voice to call her dog she lost her will to do anything. All that was around her was darkness and she closed her eyes in desperation. His hoarse sounding voice came from a close distance, his tone pleading.

"Stay."

She gasped as his arms circled her waist from behind, his fingers slowly entwining on her stomach.

"Joseph, don't," she whispered once again, shaking her head almost unnoticeable. His grasp tightened.

She smelled his masculine scent as he bent his head to place his lips on the soft skin of her neck, slowly licking the salty moist from her skin. Her heart pounded in her chest and the nerves tickled in her stomach, exploding inside her like the lightning outside.

"Stay," he murmured against her skin.

She shook her head, gasping as his hands slowly untangled themselves and climbed up, his mouth now covering the soft place between her shoulder and her neck.

"I can't do this, you know I can't," she breathed, placing her hand on top of his in an attempt to stop him. Yet her hand moved along with his, steady, determined, finding their way upwards. His touch was soft at first, gentle, careful… until his thumb found the round curve of her breast. She was breathing deeply now.

He moved his lips from her neck to the back of her ear, gracing her earlobe and making her shiver. "Stay," he urged once more, his breath tingling against her skin.

Her fingers squeezed into his, the pressure building, either trying to stop him or begging him to continue, she wasn't sure. She exhaled a shuddering breath and faltered her head backwards, leaning into his touch. He let his hands slide over her round hips, a touch so possessive that it moved her and he kissed her throat, gracing the delicate skin with his teeth. He glanced at her profile, her eyes were closed, her chest rising and falling quickly and he lowered his head, whispering words that made her open her eyes.

"All you have to do…" he moved his lips to her ear, "…is turn."

TBC...