CHAPTER 1 – Somebody that I used to know

Fuck! I can't believe it! Hank and his stubbornness. He had to come here alone to get these gun smugglers!

I cursed under my breath.

And of course who will save his ass?

Behind you. I warned one of the thugs then I jumped down right in front of him, punching him hard in the face. I took advantage of the diversion. Sorry, I lied. I added nonchalantly. Your mother never taught you not to trust the voices in your head? I asked rhetorically as he fell down, unconscious. Hank trained me well, one more precise hit was enough.

I turned my attention to the next guy when a bullet whistled away next to my ear. Shit! I ducked down instinctively searching for some cover. I found a truck then I rolled behind it still being alert. There were many of them, almost too many.

I saw Dawn taking care of the one with a gun as I jumped on another guy, kicking him unconscious. I looked around panting a bit as two more smugglers circled around me, approaching carefully. I guess they've learnt to be cautions with me. Good.

"What's wrong, boys, are you afraid of a fragile woman?" I asked them provoking, wanting them to lose their temper. It was a half-success. One of them charged me with a frustrated groan. I dodged his attack easily, using his momentum to push him hard on the wall. His head crashed onto the bricks with a loud thud. I could almost hear a crack. I smirked at the other one who now cursed my ancestors pulling out a knife on me. Then Dawn arrived disarming him from behind. I beckoned to her a silent thank you then we continued our mission. We worked fast and efficient. A few minutes later most of them was out, some maybe retreated.

"My heroes" Hank grunted in pain as he was hanging from the ceiling with his wrists chained up.

I rolled my eyes irritated, yet I knew I won't be able to stay mad at him for long. I was too much relieved that he's alright.

"You didn't wait for us" Dawn said as we walked up to him.

"You would've said not tonight."

"I don't know, Dove, I'd love to leave him hanging like this" I suggested with a half-smirk as I stopped in front of him, seriously considering the idea. He was so headstrong like a mule!

"Whatever turns you on, babe" He teased me with a hoarse voice as I couldn't help but chuckled. Even in this great pain he was able to crack a joke. Ugh, I hated how easily he could make amends.

RRR

The sun was already rising when we arrived back to the apartment and Hank locked himself in the bathroom immediately.

He was in a pretty bad shape.

"You sure you can handle the Big Guy?" Dawn asked concerned as I sent her to rest. We had a rough enough night, there was no need for her to stay up any longer.

"Don't worry, we're good"

Hank could be temperamental sometimes, but during all these years, I've got to know him like the back of my hand.

"I'll patch him up and we're going to sleep too"

I grabbed a towel for Hank and entered the bathroom. He was sitting in the tub full with hot water, groaning in agony as he tried to reach for the needle with the medicine.

"Let me" I stepped closer, taking it for him. I pinched his thigh confidently, preparing to give him the shot while I felt his piercing gaze on me. I concentrated on the task determined, intending to ignore the effect his naked figure had on me. None of us was the shy type, especially since we've seen each other worse than this, but damn, he had the hard body of a warrior, and all those scars he had just made him even sexier.

"Is that part of the anti-inflammatory diet too?" I glanced at the beer with a smirk easing the tension a bit while I injected the serum.

"Call it a victory toast" He shrugged, finally taking his eyes off of me as I handed him some painkillers now. He took them immediately with the alcohol. "Come on, it's one beer. After what we just pulled off..."

"Relax, I just want a swing" I told him grabbing the can and taking a long sip. It was good stuff for sure. "Come on" I offered him the towel so I could help him out, but he clearly wasn't ready. He clenched his teeth as his injury burned up.

I sat down on the edge of the tub, patiently.

"Little sleep and I'll be good to go" He noted explaining himself.

"Maybe we should skip it" I suggested. I knew this gun op was important for him, maybe more than his own life, but I appreciated his company too much to let him go in a suicide action.

"Ah, that's just nerves talking" He chuckled lightly, but I felt his anxiousness building up.

"I don't get nerves for nothing, Hank" I shook my head seriously.

"Look, we have a solid plan." He looked me in the eye as I felt mesmerized by his intense gaze. "We shut this operation down for good, we are taking walk-away money." He reassured me taking my hand in his.

"And we will, right?" I asked squeezing his hand back.

"As promised, Firecracker." He said softly as I smiled on his choice of nickname. It was my superhero – code which he picked for me. "We go to Wisconsin, I'll get my new hip." He added seeing me come around. "You can even nurse me back to health. I can totally see you in that cute little outfit" He noted teasing.

"You and your imagination" I laughed lightly. "Alright, let's get you out of here" I stood up holding the towel again. "You can do it" I cheered for him as he grunted painfully.

"You know there are other ways to see me naked" He enlightened me finally standing up too as I couldn't help, but admired his rippling muscles.

"Oh, really?" I raised my brows playfully while he wrapped the linen around his waist.

"Hmm" He hummed stepping out, brushing my locks aside from my neck. "More pleasurable ways" He added, husking into my ear as he stood only a few inches away from me. I could feel the radiating heat of his body, making my pulse quicken with sudden desire. He drew near, close enough to kiss if I dared.

"And I believe you already pictured it" I challenged him, trying to hide my disturbance.

"Countless times" He admitted it quickly with blunt honesty as he gently cupped my face, locking eyes with me.

My heart skipped a beat. Was he serious?

I want you, Rory. I've heard his roaring thought which snapped me out of the trans. Did he mean to share this with me?

"Okay, Casanova, time to get some good hours of sleep." I backed away, clearing my throat.

We always teased each other, it wasn't surprising nor new, but somehow now it felt different. And I had no idea just where to put these fresh-awakened emotions.

"Damn it" He swore under his breath when I turned around to open the door then he grabbed me to pull me in tight. With one arm he held me securely by my waist while he caressed my cheek with the other.

"What are you doing?" I whispered astonished. His direct gaze unsettled me, as his bold eyes raked my skin, promising all the pleasures in the world.

"What I should've done a very long time ago" He murmured, tracing my lower lip tenderly with his thumb as I fought a shiver of arousal running down on my spine. Blood throbbed in my veins in anticipation as he finally claimed my mouth with a savage kiss. A kiss at full burn, a firestorm of passion.

For a moment it was hard to keep up with him, but quickly I found the rhythm as our lips moved in sync, savoring each other. I ran my fingers through his hair, drawing him closer if it was possible while he bit my lower lip eagerly. I moaned his name barely audible, begging for more. I was like a slave to this new sensation. And I didn't have to ask twice. His large hands smoothed over my ass and with a firm squeeze he lifted me up easily. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my legs round his hip as our kiss eventually slowed down leisurely, becoming unbearably sensual.

He pushed the door open, heading to the bedroom while he never ceased to relish my obedient lips. We crossed the living room as I thanked myself for sending Dawn to sleep earlier.

He threw me onto the bed as soon as we entered his room and undressed me quite efficiently, his mouth now travelling down on my neck.

Impatient, aren't we? I teased him silently as he finally looked at me. His eyes darkened with great desire.

I've been waiting for this since day one. He answered still holding my gaze as for a moment I got lost in his keen look.

Then it would be a shame to make you wait any longer. I added biting my lip seductively. He let out a hungry groan and was atop me in an instant.

I chuckled at his enthusiasm as he pressed me down on the sheet. I felt his hard steel arousal throbbing against me as I spread my thighs to receive him.

God, you're incredibly gorgeous. He thought, stopping for a second, admiring the view. His hands wandered all over my body, discovering every inch, every curves of me, setting me hopelessly ablaze.

Flatterer. I smirked, pulling him in for another kiss. He responded to it fervently. Our tongue slicking together as his shaft teased my entrance cruelly. Emboldened by my own reckless lust I arched my hip gently, guiding him in.

I gasped and shuddered in the ultimate joy he offered as he let out a rough groan.

We moved together as one, thrust by thrust, moaning, as he filled me completely.

My body was awash with overlapping waves of pleasure as he pushed harder, deeper, dictating the pace that sent both of us closer and closer to the edge.

I pressed myself to him tightly, purring like a cat, until a scream of satisfaction tore from my lips while his voice husked my name, panting.

Friction on friction, our bodies fused in one shared hot, liberating release.

"God, this was..." I started in disbelief of what happened as Hank rolled off me, collapsing on the bed.

Our breaths was ragged and shallow.

"Pretty good?" He suggested smirking.

"Yeah, you can say that" I nodded letting out a carefree laugh. It was incredible. As sudden as it came, it set me completely free. I haven't felt this right since... Dick.

Well, it was really not the time to think about him, was it?

"Wait until they replace my hip" He said winking refocusing my attention on him.

"You're gonna kill me" I warned him grinning. "What has changed, anyway?" I cuddled to him, curling up next to his relaxed body for warmth. I rested my head on his chest, still smiling.

"Since Sir Richard and the twins got threatened seriously tonight, I decided to put them in good use, before it's too late." He implied that crazy interrogator who almost chopped off his manhood.

I chuckled at his description with a nudge.

"That would've been a real shame" I admitted it, lifting my head up to look at him. His square jaw and high cheekbone made him irresistibly handsome even in the dim light. "But honestly, next time we see him, remind me to thank him" I teased, placing a feather light kiss on his lips. "After all, better late than never" I added with fake-nonchalant, kissing him again leisurely. Then again. Then again, just because I could. Because that talented set of lips now was mine.

It was unusual, but something I could get used to pretty easily.

I felt the tingling excitement in my stomach with each touch, as now he pulled me in for a deep, passionate kiss.

"Why, if you were so eager too, you could've initiated something as well" He noted as a lusty feeling of warmth stole over me. His penetrating eyes caressed me with craving, invisible fingers as I realized, I want him again. How was it possible?

After a second of thinking I sat up, positioning myself in his lap, carefully straddling him.

"I'm initiating things" I explained reading him, placing my palms next to his head, each side as I saw his amused expression. He said nothing, but the smug grin on his face talked loud enough. "Oh, shut up" I murmured leaning in.

Make me. He challenged me as I glimpsed at his delicious lips, before sealing them with an urgent, heavy kiss.

RRR

I woke up a few hours later with pleasingly sore muscles. I nestled closer to him as his arms tightened around me instinctively while he mumbled something affectionately, pressing a kiss on my forehead.

I smiled ear to ear while a sigh of contentment escaped my mouth. I had to admit, I loved being held by him. I loved how his steady heartbeat sooth me and made me feel safe. And of course, I loved just how my body reacted to his touch.

For a few minutes I laid there, only enjoying the nearness of him then I had to realise, I'm not going to fall asleep again, might as well do something useful.

I cautiously shifted to my side, not to wake him, but his heightened senses alerted him.

Where are you going? He questioned, not being ready to speak, even refusing to open his eyes.

A fond smile crept across my face again as I gently stroked over his cheek.

Just taking a shower, go back to sleep.

I join you. His half-lidded eyes partly opened as I looked into those sleepy blue irises.

No, you need rest. I ordered him strictly. I wore him out enough already and I was sure if we bathed together there would be a lot of things but rest. After I'll make some breakfast, just relax. I added, considering the argument done as he reached out for my hand, entwining our fingers for a moment.

Thank you for putting up with me.

Same here. I said genuinely as he placed a kiss on the back of my hand then he let me go, already dozing off.

He was always there for me, he took me in when I had nowhere to go, and he was the one who took care of me when I hit rock bottom after Dick left. He's seen my worst and still decided to want me. I couldn't be any happier.

RRR

I took a shower quickly, feeling energized then I decided to make some apple-pancakes with some maple syrup. After such night we needed some nutrition.

I hummed cheerfully occupying the kitchen, preparing the ingredients when I've heard a firm knock on the door.

I frowned confused. We weren't expecting anyone.

I walked up to the door and opened it curiously. And froze right away.

Dick!

My eyes widened in shock while I tried to tame my hammering heart. What the hell?

I saw him shifting uneasy too.

We stared at each other for a good few moments, measuring each other, not really knowing what to do.

I haven't seen him in years.

"Hey" He finally broke the silence.

"Hi" I eventually managed to greet him too with a forced half-smile.

We locked eyes again as I desperately searched for some thoughts of him to catch, but there was nothing to read.

I scoffed in myself. Of course. He was always good at hiding things.

"Hi" a girl cleared her throat probably feeling awkward as well. "I'm Rachel" She held out her hand in introduction which I accepted immediately.

My mind was still racing replaying old memories without permission.

Our last night together. Dick was so eager, so passionate, so desperate… I should've known that something was wrong. In the morning I found his letter.

"Rory" We shook hands and what happened next caught me off guard completely.

Somehow I could glimpse into Rachel's mind. I saw her killing someone, sucking the life out of a man, or at least that something that lived inside her did.

And watching her face I knew she was able to look into my thoughts as well.

"You have powers!" I yelped getting overwhelmed as I yanked my hand free.

"Can we talk?" Dick asked looking around nervously.

I stood there dumbfounded. He couldn't be serious… After everything we've been through.

"Sure" I accepted eventually stepping aside to let them in.

I'd like to think I only did it because the girl was obviously in trouble, but my racing heart and throbbing pulse made me wonder.

Why are you here, Dick? I thought, but made sure not to project it.

Just when everything seemed to fall into pieces again...