These are not my characters, nor do I intend to profit from this story in anyway.

Please read this in the context of Castle and Beckett's season 2 relationship.

AN EXQUISITE HELL

Lady Brenlis-Bren Williams

It was exquisite torment, waking up to find Katherine Beckett's body pressed up against him, all five feet nine inches of her. Without thinking, he nuzzled the back of her neck, brushing his lips against the newly revealed hollow on the back. The faint scent of cherries teased his senses, he wanted to groan as he remembered his self-imposed restriction. No unnecessary body contact, no flirting, unless she initiated it. Surely spending the night spooning her on her own couch counted... A year ago, it would have been all the excuse he needed.

He resisted the temptation to nuzzle her again. If only she didn't smell so delectable, exercising self-control would be a bit easier. Self-control. Since when did Richard Castle bother with self-control? His lips twisted into a wry grin. Since Detective Kate Beckett brought excitement back into his complacent existence. Working with her had required self-discipline-something he'd given up on decades ago-back into his life. Kate Beckett would not tolerate a loose cannon in work or play. He briefly wondered if the same would be true in the bedroom.

The gray light was just outlining the windows of Beckett's apartment, golden wispy clouds were visible between the neighboring buildings. Castle sighed. He was surprised he'd gotten as much sleep as he had, considering this extraordinary woman who's exceedingly well-defined (and often admired) ass was nestled against his erection. The angle of the couch pushed her against him in such a way that there was no escaping the contact.

Fate must be punishing him for all the womanizing of his younger years. To have given him this delectable hell of lying with this long desired-woman in his arms after making a regrettable promise, the night before, to be a perfect gentleman.

Still, she trusted him enough to have him stay with her. He propped himself up on an elbow, trying not to jostle her. He leaned over, brushing the hair away from her sleeping face to admire the curve of her cheek, softened in sleep. What would it be like to wake up to that face every morning? A smile flirted with his mouth. He wanted to find out.

"Mmm…" Kate shifted, waking up. Her ass rubbed against him.

Castle sucked in a breath. He couldn't be expected to not respond. After all, he'd minded his manners all night...

He rubbed back.

Beckett was instantly wide awake. There was no mistaking her tone. He'd heard it too many times before. "Castle!"

He swore feelingly, throwing his head back against the sofa, and covering his face. "I'm in the special hell," he groaned.

Constructive Criticism and Reviews are welcome.