Part 6: Love and Marriage

Part 6 summary: : At the wedding, Jarod and Miss Parker talk about their feelings in depth.
 

Saturday
 

The Devon's apartment
New York City

She hated weddings.  More than anything in the world.  She was looking at herself in the mirror. The dress was fine.  She looked like the happy Maid of Honor, but deep inside she was more confused than ever.  She had decided to spend the night at Helen's after the party the night before.  Helen had desisted from her idea of actually sleeping.  They had stayed up talking.  It was almost like old times.

All night long, Helen had reminded her to give Jarod a chance.  Poor Helen, she was a hopeless romantic.  And she had no idea that Jarod was a pretender and that she was sent to bring him back.  Alive, preferably.  But Helen had a point about trusting your emotions.  It had been so long since Miss Parker had felt something.  Had allowed someone to touch her.

She honestly didn't have control over her urges anymore.  She was going to give Jarod a try.  She could forget, momentarily, who they were.  But, she had to know what he was up to.  It was all about tonight.

She gathered her belongings, which Mr. Devon had been so kind to bring from the Plaza this morning.  She put them aside in the guest room and headed to meet the rest of the wedding party. They were on their way to the church.

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Immaculate Conception Church
New York City

The wedding march played and the flower girls walked in.  The audience was expectant.  They were here to wish Helen and Richard a happy future.  The lovely five year old girls walked smiling, throwing petals everywhere.  Even hitting some guests with them.  The scene was heartwarming, though.

Jarod was sitting in the front rows of the church, not waiting for the bride, but for Parker.  He had stayed up all night, waiting for her to return to her hotel room.  He needed to see her.  He was disappointed when she never showed up, but Mr. Devon told him this morning that she had stayed at their apartment.  They were having a sleep over.

Jarod was dressed impeccably in a tuxedo and had caught the smiles of some of the women from last night.  They were giggling about something before the wedding started.  He was dying to know what.

After the flower girls, the four bridesmaids walked in.  Then, the parents of the groom.  The mother of the bride.  Finally, Parker walked in.  She was beautiful.  Her hair was down, with a lovely flower crown on top.  He could imagine how difficult it must have been to convince her to actually wear it.  Her long, creme colored gown shinned in the church.

She was pretending not to be looking for him, but he could tell.  When he caught her eye, she smiled.  Briefly.  His heart raced.  He needed to be near her at the reception.

She took her place at the altar.  Then Helen and her father walked in.  Helen's gown was magnificent.  Long and flowing, but Jarod only had eyes for Parker.

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The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware

Broots was a bit late.  He had spent most of the morning finding a baby-sitter for a disappointed Debbie.  They were supposed to spend Saturday together.  But due to yesterday's mishap, he had to go in to work today.

In a way this was advantageous, since no one important worked at the Centre on Saturday.  Only the lower echelons.  Plus he wanted to know who Brigitte was going to try to kill today.  He had only heard the last fragment of the conversation, but it probably had to do with Mr. Lyle's recent expansion plans.  Before you knew it, he could be running the Centre.  And that was a scary thought.

Once again, Broots found himself outside of Lyle's office.  Taking a deep breath, he opened the door slowly.  Angelo was already waiting for him there.  Fortunately, Mrs. Lyle was no where to be seen.

"Hi, Angelo," Broots said extending a cracker jack box to him, "I have something for you."

Angelo happily took the package and opened it.  Broots noticed that Angelo had almost broken into Lyle's computer.  He hadn't realized how good with computers he was until recently.  Maybe, just maybe, it was Angelo who had been helping Jarod all this time.

Broots sat next to Angelo, and they both began working using the old chip Jarod sent as a guide to Lyle's security system.

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Immaculate Conception Church
New York City

After the ceremony, Parker followed the wedding party outside.  The newlyweds were behind her, all teary and happy.  As they exited, a wave of rice hit them.  Parker noticed that Jarod was standing by the curve.  It was now or never, she told herself.

She walked towards him and noticed he too was uncomfortable.  Her conscience wanted her to stop, but she couldn't.

"You look beautiful, Marisa," he said grabbing her hand and kissing it.  She was delighted at the gesture.  He extended his arm, "I'll drive you to the reception."  She locked her arm with his and followed him to his car.

While they drove back to the Plaza, where the reception was scheduled, they didn't speak.  She looked out the window.  She wasn't sure what she wanted.  Well, she knew she wanted him.  But she wasn't sure for how long.  Or why.  Or what would happen afterwards.

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Regal Ballroom
The Plaza Hotel

Fortunately, Jarod had managed to be seated at the head table, next to Parker.  Unfortunately for Parker, so was Aunt Bertha.  All throughout the meal, they just pretended to listen to the constant gossip and chit chat around them.  But their minds and thoughts were about each other.  Each was painfully aware of the other's presence.  When they moved, when they talked, when they breathed.  Jarod was waiting for the dancing to begin so he could have her in his arms again.

He had watched her intently when she made her Maid of Honor toast.  She had told everyone how much she loved Helen.  How their friendship meant so much to her.  How she was happy Helen had found someone that loved her so much.  Jarod was amazed at how sensible Parker could be when she allowed herself.  He wanted her to be like that with him.

After that, he gently squeezed her hand and smiled.  She just stared and slightly blushed.

Now, Aunt Bertha was going on about the love of her life, again.  It was the "Titanic" plot, Parker remembered.  But Jarod was really into it.

"So, Aunt Bertha," he asked her, "When did you know you loved him?"

"Oh, Jarod, dear, it was when he held me in his arms and told me how he would never forget me.  How he knew we couldn't be together, not now.  How he understood I had to leave.  He let me go.  It broke his heart, but he let me go.  And I didn't want to go, but I had to.  That's when I knew our love was real."

"That's such a beautiful story.  But did you see him again?  How does it all end?"

"Oh, Jarod, that is an entirely different story. I'll tell it to you some other time. But now, I need to rest.  I'm on old lady, you know.  But not old enough to miss a good looking man," she said winking at him.  Jarod just blushed and hoped she was not going to pinch him again.

"Jarod, Aunt Bertha just loves that story.  She has been telling it for years," Mrs. Devon said, "But really, dear, let's go lay down for a bit.  It's been a long day for you."

Mrs. Devon led Aunt Bertha away.  The meal was over and the band was setting up.  Jarod grabbed Parker's hand and whispered, "Let's go outside, to the balcony.  As soon as they open the floor for dancing, we can dance.  But I need to talk to you."

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The Balcony by the Regal Ballroom
The Plaza Hotel
New York City

The chilly afternoon air made her shiver.  Or maybe it was Jarod.  He noticed her trembling and put his coat around her.  Surprisingly, she did not refuse.  He walked over to the edge and turned around to face her.

"Parker, we are dancing around the issue.  I don't know what is happening between us.  I know you are confused.  So am I.  Perhaps it's best if we don't see each other for a while."

"You must be kidding.  What, you think you can prance into my life and break havoc?  And last time I checked I was in charge of bringing you in."

"Stop.  Please stop," he said quickly, breathed deeply and then continued, "Let's forget about the Centre, about Daddy, about it all for today.  Please.  Let me show you what I feel.  What I think.  I want to be with you, but I know this is not the right time."

"You are not making sense.  You want to go, you want to stay.  What do you want, Jarod?  What?"

"I don't know what will happen later, but right now all I want is you."

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Mr. Lyle's office
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware

Broots couldn't believe what he was seeing.  Mr. Lyle's financial records spoke for themselves.  He had been receiving large amounts of money from different corporations in a regular basis starting from the moment he returned to the Centre.  But the cash stopped flowing after the Damon incident.  Lyle had to be leak.

Yet, he couldn't be working alone.  He did not have that much power.  He had to be using someone's security code.  Lyle's authorization code was 21860305, but most of the transactions were authorized by 21858437.  Something else was going on here.

Broots also noticed that Lyle had been playing with a lot of the Centre accounts to filter funds through several offices into his own account.  Selling of Centre information, embezzling, conspiracy; Mr. Lyle had been busy.

Angelo tapped his shoulder and drew his attention to more of Lyle's personal files.  They were encrypted, but they had been able to read some of them.  This file had to do with that assassination plot scheduled for today.

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Regal Ballroom
The Plaza Hotel
New York City

They made out for a while in the balcony.  Jarod pulling her tightly into his embrace, feeling their mouths come together.  Her taste was exhilarating.  He wanted all of her.  She too was consumed by the growing passion.  As she explored his mouth, she felt tingly all over.  She wanted to make love.  It didn't matter the consequences right now.  She needed to seduce him.  To have him yell her name in the heat of passion.

After being outside for about 20 minutes, all of which lasted only a second for them, Mrs. Devon had politely told them that they were going to cut the cake.  They separated embarrassed and walked inside.  Parker gave him back his jacket.

They witnessed the cake ceremony and the other wedding rituals from their table.  Then finally, different couples began dancing.  Jarod got up and offered his hand to her.  She took it and headed to the dance floor with him.

There, they just held each other tightly.  Slowly moving their bodies in rhythm.  Not talking for now, just feeling each other.

A while later, Helen cut in.  "Excuse me, Parker, but it's my wedding and you have been monopolizing the second most gorgeous man here.  It's my turn.  You can dance with my husband if you want."

Parker stepped aside and into Richard's arms.  Helen took off dancing with Jarod.  She wanted to talk to him.

"Jarod," she began, "I hope you don't mind, but she is my oldest friend. I am worried.  I know you want the best for her."

"Of course, I do.  Helen, I love her."

"I know.  I know you do.  She's just so confused right now.  You need to explain to her what is it you feel.  You need to show her you love her.  She needs someone to trust, someone to love.  She's so afraid of being hurt, again.  But be careful, she's so fragile.  One false move, and she will push you away.  Be careful.  If you love her, and I know you do, you will stick by her."

"Thanks, Helen.  I shall do my best."

"Good, and now, I need my husband, so let's go and trade again."

After the partner switch, Parker was back in Jarod's arms.  Being separated from him had caused her to think about what was going on.  She was fighting a battle with herself, and Daddy's girl was losing.  Actually, Daddy's girl had lost yesterday at Saks when she kissed him.  She no longer had control.  And although it was scary, it wasn't so bad.

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Mr. Lyle's office
The Centre
Blue Cove, Delaware

"Okay, Angelo, I'll do my best to stop this from happening.  Just stop shrieking!  Someone might come...  Ah, Debbie is going to be so upset!  I promised I would spend tomorrow with her.  And now I am playing James Bond.  I guess I'll be back tomorrow, if Brigitte doesn't dispose of me too," Broots said grabbing his coat and heading out.

If he played his cards right, he would get there before the hit was supposed to happen.  When did he agree to get involved?  He didn't know, but recently he had been gaining so much self-confidence and it felt good.  He couldn't wait until Miss P. found out about what was going on, and how he was trying to stop Lyle.  From what Angelo said, Broots believed this plot had something to do with Miss P.

He really didn't know why Lyle wanted this man killed, but he was going to do his best to stop it.

As he left the Centre, he didn't notice May Li sitting in a parked car in the lot.  As he pulled his car out, she did too.

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Regal Ballroom
The Plaza Hotel
New York City

More slow dancing had caused them to diminish the space between each other.  He was whispering in her ear, "Marisa.  I need for you to understand what I meant two days ago when I said I loved you."

He felt her stiff a bit.  He just held her tighter, "Don't be afraid.  I won't hurt you.  Ever.  Just listen.  Please?

"Ever since I met you, I can't get you out of my head.  You are constantly in my thoughts.  Even after they brought you in to chase me.  I couldn't stop myself from thinking about you.  I tried to stop, but your memory was always there.  Why do you think I tried to open your eyes about your father and your mother's death?  You want the truth as much as I do.

"I know my methods infuriate you at times.  I am sorry.  But you too make my life hard.  Every where I turn you are there pointing a gun at me.  I meant what I told you last Valentine's Day.  I know it was too early for you to see what I felt.  I am sorry I hadn't made any other overtures for so long.  I wanted you to be ready.  I didn't want to rush into anything."

"And now?" She asked faintly.

"Now, all I can think of is you.  I am as confused as you.  I want us to try things out.  I just don't know how, where, when.  I don't know what to ask you.  But right now, all I want is to hold you and to know what you feel for me."

"I... I don't know what I feel, Jarod. That's the truth."

"I know.  I am willing to wait for you to figure out your feelings.  But, I have to go tomorrow."

"Where?" She asked suspiciously.

"I can't tell you.  Not because I don't trust you," he corrected himself immediately.  "I.. well, I have to go to Europe for a while."

"Europe?  You have hardly left the country these past three years.  What's in Europe? Does it have to do with my mother?"  The old Parker was creeping in, he needed to do something to stop her from prying too much about his mission in Europe.

"Yes.  I has to do with the Centre and perhaps your mother.  But, I can't tell you more.  Rest assured that I will keep you posted."

"What makes you think I won't tell a sweeper team where you are?  What makes you think there isn't one waiting for you outside?"

"Because I know you.  I know that you are confused.  And I know you will not do that.  Not now.  Don't worry, I won't disappear on you.  Even if I tried, and I have, I couldn't.  I can't forget you."

Parker swallowed the information.  Yes, she couldn't turn him in, yet.  But she needed to know more about his latest findings.  He was her only reliable source of information about what happened to Catherine, her mother.

They continued dancing closely.  He said into her ear, "Well, you told me you didn't know what you felt, but you didn't tell me what you want right now."

He slowly pushed her away a bit to see her face.  She was visibly struggling for the right words.  With a sigh, she leaned into his arms and slowly kissed him.  She was doing her best to seduce him.  To make him feel the state of arousal and loss of control she was experiencing.  It was working.  As her tongue entered his mouth and she pushed her body into his, he could no longer say no to anything she asked.

Finally, she said, "I want to be with you.  For tonight only, we have a truce.  But this doesn't change things.  After you leave, I go back to Blue Cove to try to catch you.  Vacation's over tomorrow."

"All right." He said.  He knew things were never going to be the same.  Ever.  She would soon see that too.

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Miss Parker's room
The Plaza Hotel
New York City

After saying their good-byes to everyone, they headed upstairs to her suite.  As soon as she opened the door, he dragged her in and closed it slowly.

Then he took her in his arms and began kissing her.  By now, he knew every corner of her mouth.  Every detail of her face.  But, he wanted to know all of her.  His kisses were becoming deeper and her breathing harder.

She slowly pushed him off and said hoarsely, "I think I should change into something less... less..." words were failing her.

"Less..." he didn't know either.  He let her go into the bedroom.  While she was gone, he took off his jacket, sash, and bow tie.  He undid the first couple of buttons on his shirt top.  Slowly he paced up and down the room.  He was so nervous.  This was the moment he had been dreaming about since adolescence, but suddenly it did not seem like a good idea.  He heard her enter the room again; as he turned around to see her, all doubts were once again suppressed.

She was wearing a silk silver night gown.  It was tight and long, with a long slit that ran from her mid-thigh to the floor, revealing her splendid legs.  They seemed to go on forever.  The gown top had spaghetti straps that ended in a sharp v-neck that showed her cleaveage and the top of her perfect breasts.  No bra and probably no panties.  But he needed to find that out for sure.

She walked over to him, aware of his obvious desire.  She felt it too.  Tonight there was only the two of them.

Seductively, she stood next to him and teasingly ran her hands on his chest, unbuttoning his shirt and helping him take it off.  He wanted to touch her, but she moved away.  "Not yet," she whispered.

She marveled at his sculptured chest, ever muscle clearly defined.  She ran her hands on his exposed skin and felt him tremble.  She then kneeled slightly and gently rubbed her tongue on his nipples.  Withdrawing as soon as she felt him gasp.  His hands were in tight fists.  She took them in her hands and allowed him to untangle his fingers into her palms.

Then she stood up and stepped closer to allow him to embrace her.  His mouth began exploring her neck, while she wrapped one of her legs in his.

Her mouth reached up to his ear and began gently nudging it.  He felt he was going to lose all sanity.  Her heavy breathing constantly turning him on more.

He wanted things to be slow, to be gentle.  She was of a different mind.  She could feel her inner thighs getting wetter the more he kissed her.  And she could sense that he was fully erect under his clothes.

He felt her pull back and grab his arm.  He allowed her to lead him into the bedroom.  There she sat down on the bed, patting down the area next to her.  He sat there too and began kissing her mouth.  They slowly laid down.  He grabbed her waist and pulled her on top of him.  She disentangled for a second and removed his shoes and socks.  She wasn't wearing any herself.

She went back to kissing him while she saddled him.  She began rubbing her body on his.  She could tell he was as excited as she by now.  So, she rolled over and pushed in on top of her.  With her left hand, she began unbuttoning his pants.  With her other hand, she grabbed his and put it in her chest.

He began to trail her cleavage from her neck down.  Taking time in arousing her.  He was enjoying the slow caress.  She was almost done with is pants and with both hands took them off.  Now all that stood between them were his boxers and her night gown.  She knew he wanted to take things slowly.  For now, she would let him.

He continued trailing his fingers up to her breasts.  When he reached them, he gently pushed down her gown's straps with his other hand.  She was topless now.  The sight of her perfect breasts were a delight to his eyes.  Gently, he moved his head towards her nipples.  Teasingly, he carefully licked her right nipple. With his other hand, he touched her leg through the slit in her gown.  He began to caress her leg, moving up towards her vagina.  He could tell how wet she already was.   And yes, she was not wearing underwear.

Meanwhile, Parker had slipped her hand inside his boxers and had began massaging his penis.  He began sucking her breast more forcefully, as she carefully took off his boxers.  She then rolled him over and slightly raised her upper body.  He was still sucking her breast, but stopped to help her out of her gown.

They could gaze at each other's naked form now.  She almost blushed at his intent gaze.  "You're so beautiful," he said as he pulled her to him.

She began kissing his mouth with hunger and passion.  Her legs were wrapped around his.  Her wet vagina on top of his penis.  The sensation of their bodies touching was electric.

He broke away from the kiss and looked at her eyes.  He whispered, "I love you, Marisa."  She just stared at him, while a small smile lit up her face.  She then acquired a mischievous look and quickly pushed herself down along him.

She began kissing his chest, then his abdomen, finally his lower belly.  Each movement driving him mad with pleasure.  She suddenly took his penis into her mouth.  She began sucking on him rhythmically.  She could see how much this affected him.  His body was tensing up, his hands were grabbing the satin sheets on the bed as he tried not to tremble too violently.

He was calling her name.  "Marisa, Marisa, Marisa," over and over.  This is what she pictured it would be like, yet, she did not think it would affect her this much too.

She smiled to herself and continued sucking him.  Her tongue dancing along the shaft and tip.  Her mind hoping to feel him inside her body soon.

He slowly sat up and grabbed her head, separating her mouth from his body.  "Let's try this," he said as he turned horizontally.  Now he was lying under her body.  His face by her inner thigh.

"Oh, I see."  She moved up and allowed his tongue to explore her inner thigh.  She grabbed his legs and continued sucking him as she felt him kissing her body.

He was slowly making his way into her.  His tongue had found her clit and he gently began rubbing it, up and down.  He could taste her body.  It had a tantalizing aroma and taste.  He wanted more.

He was sending waves of pleasure up her body.  And with each contact, her sucking off his penis was getting more forceful.  He didn't know how much he could hold off.  He wanted to come inside her on the first time they made love.

Carefully he reached her vagina with his hand and carefully put his index finger inside her.  He could feel how wet and warm she was in there.  He began exploring her insides, while continuing to play with her clit.

Parker's breathing was becoming very agitated.  She too could no longer hold off.  She pushed her hands on the bed and allowed her orgasm to consume her.

Then, she let go of his penis and raised her body from his.  Perhaps they could continue this mutual exploration some other time.  Right now, she needed to feel him inside of her.  All of him.

She turned around and embraced him.  She kissed him, tasting her own wetness on his lips.  Her legs wrapped themselves around him.

"Take me, now," she said hoarsely.

"Your wish is my command, but don't you think I should first put on a condom?"  He asked her while he slowly got up and searched for his pants.  Somewhere on the floor was the packet he had purchased earlier that day.

Parker was startled at that comment.  He didn't know she couldn't have children!  Or maybe he did know, and was just worried about sexually transmitted diseases.  She always used protection against disease when she had sex, but with Jarod she felt it was not necessary.  Still, she did not want to argue. If he felt it was a good idea to do so, then they would.

He finally found the packet, unaware of what was going in her mind.  He carefully opened it and was about to slip it on, when she said to his ear, "Allow me."

She slipped it into him and then kissed him on the lips.  "Now, take me."  Usually she wanted to be on top, but this time it was okay if they began with him on top.

She pushed him down on to her and slowly parted her legs.  She took his hands in hers and intertwined their fingers.  She held her breath as he pushed into her.  He did so ever so slightly, that it was unbelievable.  She was not used to so much gentleness.

His tip penetrated her and began rocking into her, each push bringing more of him in.  Their hands pressed together more and she moaned slowly as he moved.  Finally, in what seemed an eternity, he was all the way in.  She felt a massive wave of pleasure.  Feeling her insides tingle and pulsate.

He then pulled out in one fluid motion and then entered her again.  He was going progressively faster.  She raised her hips and began matching his rhythm.  Anchoring their bodies in their joined hands, they began to move frantically up and down each other.

Her moans were becoming increasingly louder.  He was softly moaning too.  She was close to another orgasm, so she began saying his name over and over. The sound of his name in her lips made his heart leap.  He leaned forward and kissed her softly.

She was so close, she could feel her orgasm starting.  She began yelling loudly and wrapped her legs tightly around him.  Tears swelled in her eyes.  She had not experienced such a violent orgasm in so long.  She allowed the sensation to penetrate her consciousness and her body.

Afterwards, she smiled at him.  "Now, it's your turn," she said gasping.

She moved her legs up and rested them in his shoulders.  He knew it was possible for such a movement to happen, but he had no idea what it felt like.  Now he did.  He was close too.  Sharply, he continued rocking in and out of her.

She continued smiling and kissed him again. That sensation did it for him. He leaned into her and allowed his body to tremble with his orgasm.  She felt it too.  It was strong enough to make her come again.

They let go off their joined hands and embraced each other.  He pulled her face close to his.  "I love you," he whispered again and kissed her.

"Oh, Jarod," was all she could say.

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end of part 6

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sneak preview of part 7:  The morning after brings heartache for Jarod and Miss Parker, but both have responsibilities to attend to elsewhere.