It was a fitting, if somewhat ironic, position for her to hold. Though it would take longer than a thousand lifetimes, she would atone for the atrocities perpetuated by her armies and by her. The many centuries had provided her with opportunities to find redemption. She had taken as many of them as she could, fighting the evil so prevalent in the world with her soul and her heart.
With all the wonders of technology she had witnessed as they were invented, this was the age to live in. This computer driven world contained an anonymity that she needed. It was easy enough to forge the documents necessary to avoid questions about her past. Questions that she could not allow to be asked, let alone answered. Easier still to get them to the right people so that she could take her place amongst those on the front lines of corruption.
Like all civilized societies, this one had injustices to be fought, murders to be avenged and innocence to be protected. Technology claimed to bring the world together but it also held people apart. Human contact from strangers was dreaded. Neighbors no longer knew one another.
Good Samaritans were hard to find in the depths of the city - never mind a hero.
Xena walked the street confidently, thick black heels clicking along the sidewalk. Her silk dress clung to a strong body, its revealing slit etching halfway up a muscled thigh. Dark hair hung carelessly over her shoulders, falling to the middle of her back. A light, matching silk jacket covered strong arms and hid a lethal marble dagger strapped to the inside of her left biceps. Security would be tight and there shouldn’t be an x-ray machine to walk through but she never took chances. Wearing a gun would be just that.
Many admiring eyes turned to watch as she passed and not all were male.
It was a lonely existence. She fought evil as best she could and for a change, she was doing it from within the system. For the most part Xena worked alone, something her superiors allowed only due to her high arrest record. On this particular mission, however, there was a partner. One who had protested violently about not going in with more protection. He was a good man but this was her show and would be run her way. Even a Federal agent with the weight and power of the US government backed down when pierced by her ice blue eyes.
So Xena arrived in front of the very expensive hotel where the event was being held alone and without the safety net of a wire. Many people were being ushered in by limousine and all were decked out in fashionable array. She handed the invitation to the doorman who immediately opened the door for her. She gave the young man a smile for his courtesy and he looked back at her, dumbstruck. That widened her smile and she sailed past, moving easily through the metal detectors. Someone offered to take her coat and she declined, moving through the breezeway to the ballroom on the right where music drifted out.
All manner of men and women were in attendance - the wealthy and powerful of many different fields represented. This is what made the operation a difficult one. Their prey was slippery, swamped with legitimate businessmen and women from many nations. He was also an evil one that dealt in slavery and drugs, two things that always seemed to go together. She spotted him at the other end of the room, talking with two couples and moved into his line of sight but not towards him.
Turning her back to him, Xena moved casually towards the bar. He had spotted her, she could feel his black eyes lingering on her. She exactly his type: exotic, strong and beautiful. Xena didn’t go for false modesty and used her beauty like every other weapon in her arsenal. In an age where beauty was the standard, this man surrounded himself with the best of everything; especially his women.
"Rum and coke please," she murmured to the bartender.
"Um, sure, right away," he stammered moving away to fill the order.
Before he returned, her prey walked up beside her and introduced himself. "Jeremy Stafford."
Xena turned to face him, eyeing him through lowered lashes. A handsome man, Jeremy Stafford had golden hair and black eyes that combined for a stunning effect. She hadn’t been certain if he wore colored contacts or not but now suspected not. "Elena Sims. It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Stafford."
"Jeremy, please. May I call you Elena?" he returned, capturing her palm and kissing it lightly.
Giving a sultry smile Xena purred, "Of course, Jeremy."
"I haven’t seen you before," he commented, placing a twenty dollar bill on the bar when the drink was served.
She picked up the drink and sipped. "No. I’m a friend of Carla’s." Xena knew that he dealt with more than one Carla. Of course he wouldn’t inquire as to which Carla she was talking about, he wouldn’t want to show weakness in any form. Having dealt with so many like him in the past, Xena could almost predict what would happen next.
"Would you care to dance, Elena?" he asked, gazing into her eyes.
She took another, longer sip of the drink and felt its warmth race down her throat. "I would love to, Jeremy."
He led her onto the floor with expertise. They made a striking couple, gliding over the floor with ease and moving effortlessly together. The music was soft and slow, perfect for getting to know someone. "I understand you’re in the stock market?" she asked politely.
He smiled, a rakish look bestowed. "Among other things. My true love is art and beauty, though. I must say you are both personified."
Smooth, Xena thought, returning the smile. She pressed a bit closer as though in thanks for the compliment and moved her hand down from his shoulder to his waist, resting it there lightly. This was supposed to be a reconnaissance mission to get him interested enough in her to bring her back to his highly guarded home outside the city. Not that she expected any trouble in those regards.
Stafford maintained a bit of distance between them where most men would have pressed her close. He talked softly of inane but witty things to keep her mind occupied. They left the dance floor to eat and drink but always returned to enjoy the music. At least he was an intelligent villain, someone who might present a challenge. To keep things interesting, at one point in the evening she even said, "I’m taking up all your time, I’m sorry. I know these things are to mingle and meet people for business."
He recaptured her hand and said, "Don’t go anywhere. These people can be hanged for all I care. You are what I’m interested in at the moment."
It was then Xena spotted the woman and her mind went numb with shock. Brilliant green eyes searched the crowd. Dark, reddish brown hair was cropped short in a stylish fashion, tendrils curling up becomingly around the ears. Petite with a strong body so unlike the alarming waif trend in young women these days. She even moved the same way, hips swaying as though to an inner music only she could hear. It had been decades since Xena had seen anyone resembling Gabrielle and never anyone so exactly like her.
"Elena? Are you all right? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost," Jeremy asked with concern, trying to follow her gaze.
Xena looked back at him having completely forgotten where she was and why - a dangerous thing to do in her present situation. She glanced quickly back to the dance-floor but the woman had vanished. "I’m fine, thank you." Laughed a bit self-consciously and said, "I think perhaps I’ve had too much to drink. Would you mind if I freshened up?"
He stood as she did and smiled. "Of course not. I’ll wait here for you."
She lightly touched his hand. "I’ll be back."
"I can’t wait."
Xena walked carefully through the crowds of people who, even though she no longer wore battle armor or wielded a sword, parted as though sensing danger in crossing her path. It had gotten late without her realizing it and she knew she’d have to leave soon or her "partner" Will would get worried and do something foolish. Her eyes constantly scanned the area for that woman, needing to find and talk to her.
She knew it was an impossibility that this woman would be anything like Gabrielle except physically. There had been plenty of look-a-likes over the centuries but none had ever come close to measuring up to her sweet soul-mate. Xena had thought about the privilege and curse of being immortal millions of times and always, the only true regret she’d ever had was in losing Gabrielle.
Gazing into the mirror, Xena’s thoughts drifted back to that happiest of times. She and Gabrielle had traveled together for many years. So many years that their names became linked together. Gabrielle had been her rock, her love and life. They had gone through everything together, even been to hell and back.
The looming shadow of being Ares’ daughter had been a constant worry in the back of Xena’s mind. She knew that one day Gabrielle would grow old and die where she would not. She had wondered how it had happened, her death on the cross with Gabrielle. To this day the only thing she could think up was that she had willed herself to die with Gabrielle in order not to be left behind.
When they had been together for almost twenty years, Xena knew people were starting to question her ageless appearance. She hadn’t been certain at first but then her mother had died. Lila grew up and got married and had children. Gabrielle’s parents died. When it had come time for her to leave, Xena almost hadn’t been able to do it. It had been a simple comment from Gabrielle that had strengthened her resolve. Something she had never forgotten in all these many centuries.
"You look as perfect and beautiful as the day we met," had been the soft words whispered in her ear. Gabrielle had been lying in their bed, legs entwined with her own and her hand tracing patterns across Xena’s breasts, making her dizzy. Gabrielle’s golden hair had grown back in for the hundredth time and tickled Xena’s shoulders. "I love you so much."
Inside, Xena had died a little knowing it was time to leave. It would hurt Gabrielle deeply, Xena knew that because it was like the life had been sucked out of her. She had spent the rest of the day making love to Gabrielle, memorizing every curve and every crevice of that sweet body. In the dark of the following night, Xena had crept out of their home and disappeared.
Leaving Greece altogether, Xena headed for Africa knowing that Gabrielle would search for her and so not daring to stay. She had ridden Argo’s daughter away from their home sobbing bitterly, feeling her heart break apart with every step. It was to protect Gabrielle that she left, was the refrain that she forced to repeat in her mind. Xena knew that Gabrielle would start aging and become, perhaps not fragile but certainly unable to keep up with an immortal lover who battled almost every other day. It would only take one time for Gabrielle to lose her strength for a sword to plunge into her heart.
After almost thirty years, Xena had returned to Greece and found Hercules, the only one whom she knew would understand. He had told her almost immediately that she’d been wrong to do what she had. That Gabrielle had been heartbroken, worse, her soul had been torn apart. For years Gabrielle had searched for Xena, always returning to their home to see if Xena had come back. Over time she had just faded away and remained in their home, waiting for Xena’s return. Hercules and Iolus had stayed with her as often as they could and been there for her funeral.
Xena had cried that night in Hercules’ arms and felt the rest of her heart die with this news. He had comforted her and then told her that Gabrielle’s last thoughts had been of her, that she had died whispering Xena’s name.
"Are you all right, Miss?" someone asked.
Xena snapped back to the present and realized that she was crying, tears slipping quietly from her eyes. Swallowing against a hot throat, she replied, "I’m fine, thank you."
The motherly looking woman nodded and moved on.
Splashing her face with cold water, careful not to get any on her dress, Xena dried her face and returned to her prey. She wanted to get this over with and go home. All the energy of the hunt had been taken from her with that one glance at the woman who’d resembled Gabrielle. Across the ballroom one last time she found him in exactly the same place except talking with two men, bodyguards from the bulges in their jackets. Conversation stopped immediately and the men faded into the background.
"I’m terribly sorry," Xena apologized, taking Jeremy’s hand. "I’m not feeling well all of a sudden. Would you mind if I left the party?"
"I would absolutely mind. However, if you promise me a date for tomorrow evening, I will forgive you," he flirted.
Xena smiled and replied, "That would be lovely."
"I’ll have my driver pick you up around seven," he offered. "Where do you live?"
"That’s not necessary," Xena refused easily. "I’ll come back here to meet you. How about seven thirty?"
He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "I shall be walking on air until then. Good night my sweet goddess."
Xena allowed the smile to reach her lips though she couldn’t force it into her eyes and left. It was about three blocks away from the hotel that a van pulled up beside her and she saw Will’s impatient face in the passenger’s window. "Well?" he demanded.
Just before stepping into the van, Xena felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up and she looked around for whoever was watching. Finding no one after a tense search, she climbed in and strapped on the seatbelt. "We have a date for tomorrow night. I won’t have any trouble getting this stuff from him. He was practically drooling over me the whole night. Ick. I feel like I need a bath."
The drive back to her apartment was quiet. The van pulled up in front of an apartment building in the Beacon Hill district of Boston. "Are you all right?"
"I’m fine," Xena repeated. "Just a little tired is all."
"See you tomorrow for the briefing at three p.m. sharp. Be on time please," Will ordered pointedly.
Xena grinned. Everyone knew her penchant for strolling in whenever she liked. It was a running gag around the precinct. Every Christmas and birthday she was given a watch from at least one person. "Maybe. If you’re lucky."
Unexpectedly, he grinned back. "That’s better. I was starting to worry that something had really happened in there."
He drove away and Xena sighed, and thought, ‘If you only knew.’ But no one did. That was part of her penance in being alone. Oh there had been a few sexual encounters over the centuries but no one to love. She didn’t deserve it for the heartache she’d caused Gabrielle. It was a form of self-imposed exile that she normally didn’t have much trouble with.
Until tonight and that vision of Gabrielle.
On the fourth floor, Xena unlocked her door and shut off the silent alarm automatically resetting it for the night. It was a loft apartment and she paid through the nose for it, both for its location and its spacious interior. More than once she’d been questioned about how she could afford such a place. There was a premium on good housing in Boston and Xena knew she’d been lucky to get this place when she had, five years ago. Not that she couldn’t afford better but any better and there would probably be an I.A. investigation. So far her "inheritance" had been enough of an explanation.
Hardwood floors in the main room, which was twenty feet by twenty-five feet. Her large, iron-post bed rested in the corner to the left, capturing the morning sun each day from the large windows. Directly before her was a large, overstuffed leather chair, a glass coffee table and run-down but very comfortable pull out couch. To the side of that was a television and computer set-up in a wooden entertainment center.
Beyond the living-room furniture and further to the right was a small kitchen that she seldom cooked in. Beyond the furniture to the left was her prized room: the bathroom. And it was, literally, a bath room. There was a shower stall, sink and toilet like any other normal bathroom. But also located in the ten by ten enclosure was a hot tub big enough for four people. It was a kind of tribute to the loving times she and Gabrielle had spent washing each other’s backs - and everything else.
Tossing her keys on the coffee table, Xena stripped as she went through the apartment, leaving her clothes where they fell and going to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, Xena found some okay cheese, half a loaf of bread and leftover soup. Shrugging, she reheated the soup and threw the bread and cheese on a plate.
After bringing everything over to the coffee table, Xena grabbed her short silk robe and turned on the television for an hour of mind numbing but nothing would erase the image of Gabrielle. Trying to shake off the funk, Xena grabbed the remainder of a bottle of red wine and drank straight from the bottle. Almost choking as some of the too-sweet liquid hit the wrong pipe, Xena left the empty bottle on the floor.
Green eyes, open and loving, echoed in her mind as she lay back in the chair. Sighing heavily, Xena crossed the room and threw herself on the bed. Creamy netting was tucked up along the overhead poles, waiting to be let down. Xena had bought the bed immediately upon seeing it. It had reminded her of the bed she and Gabrielle had shared all those years together. Now it was an aggravation tearing at the wound in her heart and she flipped onto her stomach to avoid looking at it.
"It’s really her," Gabrielle whispered, mind reeling with shock. She stood rooted where she was, watching as a van pulled up to Xena. Panic forced her back into the anonymity of darkness when the other woman turned to search the area, and Gabrielle’s heart beat erratically. The centuries apart hadn’t changed Xena one bit. Desire and need shot through Gabrielle’s loins and she clenched her teeth together.
When she looked again, the van and Xena were gone. Cursing herself, Gabrielle spun on a delicate heel and strode back to the hotel. It hadn’t been chance that brought Gabrielle to Boston. After eons of searching for her lover, it had been Hercules to come across Xena a few weeks ago and immediately told Gabrielle. She had reminded him, forcefully, of his promise not to tell Xena that she was alive. He had assured her that he hadn’t said a word but only because he hadn’t trusted himself to see Xena and not tell her.
Now here she was and Gabrielle was shaking like a leaf at the prospect of coming face to face with Xena. The doorman flashed a concerned look to her for which she smiled gratefully as she walked by. He was a nice young man who had taken a fancy to her on one of her previous visits. Gabrielle still couldn’t believe that she’d been in Boston over a dozen times and never once run into Xena by sheer chance.
Sliding her electronic key in the slot, the door opened silently and Gabrielle stepped into her luxurious suite. Plush carpets, soft and expensive decorations on the walls, a huge bed and incredible bathroom. She pulled off her dress and hung it in the closet then kicked her shoes off there as well. Pulling on a large t-shirt, Gabrielle hopped onto the bed and turned on the television, trying to escape the vibrant image of Xena.
Completely unsuccessful, Gabrielle turned it and the lights off and tried to sleep.
Things couldn’t be worse. Her night had been filled with torturous dreams of Gabrielle and their time together. She’d woken up wet and hot more than once. She’d woken up crying more than once. Many times she had simply woken up. So she walked into the precinct that afternoon red-eyed and feeling hung-over though there had been no benefit of alcohol.
"You look like hell," Will commented.
"Thanks," Xena said sarcastically.
"You’re welcome. Rough night?"
"None of your damned business," she snapped.
"I see. Are you up for tonight?"
Xena sighed and answered, "I’m fine for tonight. And I’m sorry for that. Trouble with an old flame. I hardly got any sleep."
Will nodded in understanding. "I’ve had that sort of trouble recently myself. Plays havoc with your nightlife. Or the lack of it in our case."
Xena’s mouth twisted. "It sure as tar- as hell does. But don’t worry, I’ll be ready for tonight."
"Good. Look, if you aren’t doing anything after all this is over, ah, would you like to get some dinner? Maybe take in a movie?" Will asked casually.
Or rather it would have been casual if the grip he was using on the coffee mug wasn’t turning his knuckles white. She gave him a gentle smile. "I would love to but I’m not quite over my last break-up yet. Maybe in time…" she let the sentence drift off.
He coughed and nodded. "Of course. Sure. I’m a jerk. Here you just got through talking about your old flame and I jump in like a barracuda."
Xena touched his hand. "It was sweet. Thank you."
"If high school is over, I’d like to start this briefing," the captain’s voice interrupted.
Xena gave him a mild look and a flying kiss. He scowled but Xena ignored it, pouring herself coffee and lounging on her desk. Will sat on the chair beside her. There were five other men in the room and one woman. There followed another boring synopsis of the case so far. About how they needed certain documents they believed to be held in Stafford’s estate office. They had received an anonymous but (somehow) reliable tip and needed to follow up every avenue available.
Not that every person in the room didn’t already know all of that, Xena thought sourly. The captain just liked to blow steam when there was a situation he couldn’t control. And her going in alone was something he couldn’t control. They couldn’t wire her in this case because it would be an intimate setting and if she wore one it would be immediately apparent. It didn’t matter how small those transmitters were getting these days, a third nipple would be fairly obvious any place on her body.
"Hey! Ares! Are you paying attention?" the captain barked.
Xena’s head snapped over to him at the use of her current last name. With infinite amusement at her own cleverness, Xena had taken Ares’ name as her own. It would, and had already, become a beacon to law and order in this time. The name was whispered in fear and awe from those of the illegal persuasion and she just loved the irony. She was sure it pissed Ares off though he had as yet to call her on it. "Of course, Captain. Heard every word you said."
He scowled at her trying to determine the amount of sarcasm then gave up. "Good luck tonight and don’t get yourself killed."
Xena nodded and stood up. "Time to go make myself beautiful. See you all later."
"Like you need any help in that department," a female voice commented as everyone broke up.
Xena looked up at Sasha’s voice with a grin. "Everyone needs help in that department."
Sasha snorted, brown eyes glinting with mischief. "Yeah right, Ares. You know, I’ve got someone that I really want you to meet."
Xena groaned. "Not another blind date!"
"Just listen to me," and her enthusiastic voice dropped so that no one else would hear it. "She’s gorgeous, funny and intelligent. She’s an artist and a friend of a friend that’s in the area for a month or so. C’mon, tell me you’ll just meet her? We’ll do a double date with me and Ron playing chaperone. Xena, you really need to get laid, even if you don’t want a relationship!"
A picture of Gabrielle flashed through her mind and Xena felt herself flush. Ignoring the now curious glance from her friend, she said, "Sorry, Sasha, I really can’t."
Sasha gave her a concerned look. "Are you all right?"
Xena shrugged. "Had a rough night last night. Look, if it will make you feel better, then I’ll meet her for lunch sometime but not this week. I really am too busy."
Grinning triumphantly, Sasha exclaimed, "Great! Her name’s Jocelyn."
Xena watched Sasha leave with a shake of her head. Sasha was the only person at work who knew her real preference and was very discreet about it. Of course, the fact that Xena didn’t date anyone caused a lot of talk in and of itself. She had heard the half-whispered dyke insults many times over the years but had ignored them. Grabbing a couple of files off her desk, she was met there by Will.
"Pick you up at 6:45?" he asked.
Nodding, Xena replied, "Sounds good."
"What are you doing between now and then?" Will asked.
"I’m going to go home and try to catch up on some paperwork," she answered, waving the files in front of him before putting them in her briefcase.
"Oh. All right. Well, I’ll see you tonight then," Will said.
Xena sighed. Another one in love with her, just great. Her mind flashed back to a memory of Gabrielle talking about her wardrobe being the cause of most of that sort of trouble. Grinning, Xena hefted her briefcase and began the walk out to her car. It was nice to think of Gabrielle, something she normally tried to avoid at all costs. Last night’s dreaming had brought out all sorts of memories, laughter and love dominating the images.
"Excuse me but can you tell me where to find Det. Ares?"
Sasha looked up to find a young woman standing uncertainly before her. Green eyes and dark red hair combined for a stunning effect. "Det. Ares isn’t here right now. Is there something I can help you with?"
Disappointment etched in the pretty face and the woman shook her head. Her eyes scanned the name plate and she answered, "No, thank you, Det. Moskovitz. It’s a personal matter."
Intensely curious, Sasha stood and exclaimed, before the woman could turn away, "I’m her friend if you want to give me a message for her?"
The woman looked at her a long moment then smiled faintly. "That’s all right. I’ll try her at home."
Sasha watched her go, curiosity eating her up inside. Who was she and what did she want with Xena?
From the police station, Gabrielle caught a cab and directed him to Xena’s address. She was determined to find Xena and have this over with. All night the only thing she could do was dream of Xena, imaging their bodies moving together in heat and need. It had been so forceful, so real that Gabrielle had even come just picturing it in her mind. She had to touch Xena, make sure that she was real and alive.
The years after Xena had first left her had been devastating for Gabrielle. Xena had vanished off the face of the earth and no matter where Gabrielle looked, she was nowhere to be found. Lila had been great, Gabrielle remembered with a wistful smile. Her sister had watched over Gabrielle fiercely during that time, helping her shredded heart mend if only a little.
After it became apparent that Xena was not going to return, Gabrielle had continued to search for her. She had strayed into increasingly dangerous territory in the hopes that if she couldn’t find Xena, maybe her life would end in some heroic fashion. Much of that time was a blur to Gabrielle for which she was grateful. All she really remembered was the darkness eating at her soul, betrayal and pain mixing together for brutal effect. The short-lived joys she’d found with Lila’s family had been tiny oasis’ in an ocean of suffering.
The cab jerked to a stop, bringing her back to the present. Gabrielle paid the man and got out of the cab. She walked to the entrance and found Xena’s name, listed ‘X. Ares’ and pressed the buzzer. When there was no response, she pressed it again. Knowing how quick, Xena was, Gabrielle knew that she wasn’t at home. Glancing at her watch, she saw that it was 6:51pm and sighed. She should have gone over to the precinct earlier in the day, maybe then she would have connected with Xena.
But after a night of little to no sleep, Gabrielle had finally succumbed to the darkness after dawn and slept until well after lunch. Once awake and realizing how late it was, Gabrielle had cursed her way through the shower and yanked on clothes as fast as she could. By the time she’d gotten ready and eaten, it was almost three p.m. Then there had been a conference call from her London office that had taken almost two hours, no matter how much she tried to speed it up. Finally grabbing a cab, which originally brought her to the wrong precinct, had brought her to roughly 5:45pm. Where, of course, she’d missed Xena.
Pulling out her cell phone, Gabrielle first called information then Xena’s precinct, praying that detective was still there and would help her out.
The phone was picked up on the third ring and a breathless voice answered, "Det. Moskovitz."
"Hi, my name is Gabrielle, I was there earlier looking for Det. Ares. Has she checked in yet this evening?" Gabrielle asked.
"Det. Ares is on assignment tonight, is there something I can help you with?" Det. Moskovitz replied.
Gabrielle sighed. "I know this is a complete breach of protocol but it’s imperative that I get ahold of her. Please, can you help me?"
There was a long pause then, with a lowered voice, Det. Moskovitz said, "I can put you in touch with her partner but she definitely won’t be able to talk to you right now."
"Thank you!" Gabrielle exclaimed.
"His number is 617-555-3654. Good luck, I hope you can reach her," Det. Moskovitz said sincerely.
"Thank you," Gabrielle repeated and hung up. She dialed the number and found that it was busy. "Perfect!"
Hanging up, she dialed her Boston office.
"Warrior Enterprises, Christine speaking."
"Hi Christine, it’s Ms. Amphipoulos," Gabrielle greeted.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Amphipoulos, what can I do for you?"
"I need you to have Rob do a cell phone location and then tail this number, 617-555-3654," Gabrielle ordered. "Call me back at my hotel when the tail is in place. Tell him to use stealth mode because it’s an FBI agent."
"Right away, Ms. Amphipoulos," Christine said.
Gabrielle hung up and started looking for a cab, pulse racing. This was going to be an interesting evening.
Dinner was in the most expensive restaurant in the city. Conversation was light and probing at the same time. He asked her everything conceivable from her favorite color to her favorite food. From there they went dancing at an exclusive club and things got more intimate. The music was loud and fast, a combination that drove Xena wild. Dancing with a handsome man who lusted on her every movement, wound her up even further. It had been a long time since she’d taken her satisfaction.
Maybe she’d do so with him before getting the incriminating documents and arresting him. Dismissing the thought right away, Xena continued to be outwardly attentive to her date. It was almost midnight before she returned with him to his estate outside the city. The limousine ride was smooth and Xena had all she could do to keep his hands off her body. By the time they had reached the mansion, Xena knew it was a good thing she hadn’t worn a wire
"This is a beautiful place you have," she commented as they walked inside.
"Thank you," he replied. "I have something I especially want to show you Elena."
They walked down a long, marble laid hall and into a study. His body guards were there and then she spied another man sitting on a leather couch, reading a book. Dark hair and eyes looked up at her from a handsome face made ugly by hate and fury.
"Hello. Detective Ares I believe is the name you’re using these days, isn’t it?" Ares demanded standing up.
The two guards leveled automatic weapons at her and Jeremy grabbed her arms from behind. "Mr. Smith here was kind enough to let me know who you really are, Detective Ares. I’m afraid that as clever a diversion you are, this is one situation from which you are not going to escape. Take her upstairs and chain her, we don’t want her to escape now, do we?"
Xena was furious but had no choice except to comply. If she didn’t and were shot, she would be playing into Ares hands because she wouldn’t die. On the other hand, she definitely didn’t like the idea of being chained up, either. They walked down the hall and into another room where she sat in a straight-backed chair and was chained. She’d have to wait until they tried to transport her. Will would be waiting for something like that. He may have already gotten a warrant to try and rescue her.
She hated being rescued.
It was a few hours later, her head drooping with sleep, that she heard the door whisper open. She tensed but didn’t raise her head, keeping her breathing even and steady as though she slept. Almost silent footsteps moved across the floor and black clad legs moved into her sight. Black clad legs that looked very familiar. Slowly, heart thumping, her gaze moved up the legs to a narrow waist and ample breasts coming to lock with green eyes that glared at her.
"Gabrielle?" she whispered.
"Who else would be saving your butt at this particular moment? That moron Will who let you walk into a trap without even thinking to check his sources?" Gabrielle exclaimed. Now that she was in Xena’s presence, she felt unable to move, entranced by the blue eyes she had dreamed about so often during their separation.
"What-how did you find me?" Xena asked, eyes drinking in the sight before her.
"The wonders of modern technology," Gabrielle answered dryly, moving to the back of the chair to unlock the chains. Hands stopping before the lock-pick could finish its job, Gabrielle returned to face Xena, fists on her hips. "No. I think that while I’ve got you nice and strapped into one place I’m going to get some answers."
Xena swallowed at the deceptively soft tone; Gabrielle was furious.
Gabrielle forced herself to stop shaking, this was something that she needed to know first and foremost, even in the precarious situation they were in. "What in Tartarus did you think you were doing? Why did you leave like that? One second we were perfectly happy and then you vanished without a trace! I looked all over Greece, all over Chin, all over creation for you! On top of that, I had to fake my own death and put Lila and her family through grief at least ten years early! Not to mention Iolus and Hercules and everyone else we were friends with. Why did you leave me?"
The suffering in Gabrielle’s voice sent the tears that had welled in Xena’s eyes cascading down her cheeks. Guilt flooded her being and she barely held back a sob. "Gabrielle," Xena’s voice choked and she cleared it. "I’m sorry, Gabrielle, I was trying to protect you. I knew that you would grow older, our friends would grow older and I wouldn’t. I didn’t want you to resent me for being immortal while you…I didn’t want you to have to always be on the move with me, fighting every day while your strength left you as age took over."
"You can be such an idiot sometimes," Gabrielle whispered. Kneeling, Gabrielle buried her face in Xena’s lap, inhaling her rich aroma more precious than the most expensive perfume. The black dress stopped well above Xena’s knees and she wasn’t wearing stockings. The soft skin beckoned and Gabrielle couldn’t resist pressing her lips against Xena’s thigh. Xena’s moan was music to her ears.
"Gabrielle, we have to get out of here," Xena finally managed to say, the heat from Gabrielle’s mouth almost banishing thought.
Gabrielle knelt up and touched the side of her face whispering, "I know. I’m glad that I finally caught up with you even if it is here."
"You’ve been looking for me?" The words were barely a whisper. "After everything I put you through?"
Gabrielle leaned forward and after an impossibly long moment, their lips touched. Only a split second after meeting, lips crushed together with bruising force, conveying the loss and need each felt. It was when Gabrielle wanted Xena’s arms around her that she realized Xena was still chained. Pulling reluctantly away, she answered the disbelieving question with words. "Always and forever, warrior. I will never give up on you."
"How touching!"
Gabrielle’s head snapped around and she got quickly to her feet. Voice filled with menace, she spat, "What do you want?"
He walked closer, eyeing Xena’s bound form with a leer. "Let’s see. One shout and the two of you are discovered trying to escape. Shot on sight I would expect. Now, I know that neither of you would really die but Detective Ares would and that’s what I want. How dare you take my name and use it like some…some…some flag of honor!"
Gabrielle rushed around to unlock Xena’s chains as Ares let out a shout for help. Moving as fast as she could, Gabrielle picked the lock while Ares watched on with a grin. Finally the handcuffs came free and Gabrielle pulled them off. The door slammed open and five men rushed inside.
Xena screamed her battle cry and leaped forward to kick the weapons out of the front men. Gabrielle grabbed a metal lamp brandishing it like a staff, knocking the weapons from the other men. While Xena’s arms and legs flashed out in punishing form to drop first one then another man, Gabrielle clobbered the man immediately in front of her over the head and he dropped unconscious to the floor.
The fourth man managed to grab ahold of her unlikely staff and threw her against the wall. Her head spun for a moment after connecting with the stone wall but her leg kicked up between the man’s legs and slammed into his groin. He fell, clutching himself and moaning in pain. Looking for someone else to fight, adrenaline pumping furiously through her blood, Gabrielle found there was no one left. Even Ares had disappeared. Xena was standing over the last man, blood dripping from her nose onto the expensive dress.
"Are you all right?" Gabrielle asked in concern, rushing over to her.
Grinning, Xena wiped her nose and walked to the large bay window across the room. "Fine, he got in a lucky punch is all."
Footsteps pounded down the hall and Gabrielle saw at least ten more men running towards them, automatic weapons in hand. She shut the door and pulled over a heavy chair to bar it. Joining Xena at the open window, she swallowed upon seeing the fifteen-foot drop. "Xena, I don’t think…"
"Come on, Gabrielle, let’s get out of here!"
Xena clasped Gabrielle’s hand in her own and pulled her out the window, landing in the bushes below. Hand in hand, they ran across the yard to the gatehouse where the alarm was just being raised. Sneaking inside, Xena knocked out the guard before he could radio to see what was going on. Looking around the area, she said, "We need a car!"
"There isn’t one!" Gabrielle exclaimed looking back. There were men streaming out of the house to search for them. She should have told Rob to stick around after dropping her off. But no, of course she’d assured him that she wouldn’t need anything else. "We’re going to have to run for it."
"I was afraid you were going to say that," Xena sighed. She opened the gate and they ran for it. Surrounding the estate were acres of tame woods and they plunged into its concealment immediately outside the gates. Running swiftly through the trees in an easterly direction, branches slapped at them and roots tripped them. Pausing for a short break, Xena leaned against a tree and exclaimed, "This is ridiculous. I was never this clumsy when we ran through forests in Greece."
Moving closer, Gabrielle trailed her fingers up Xena’s arm, enjoying the hissing intake of breath. A wicked grin and the comment, "Well you are getting old after all."
Xena arched an eyebrow at her and grabbed her, pulling her into an embrace. Looking down into the dark green eyes illuminated by the moon, she murmured, "Oh really? You’re not exactly a spring chicken yourself, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle looked up breathlessly into Xena’s eyes, waiting for her lips to descend, willing for it to happen. It was then they both heard sirens wailing in the distance. Sighing in relief, Gabrielle said, "It’s about damned time they showed up! I called Will to tell him you were in trouble over two hours ago! I bet he waiting for the paperwork to finish before even getting in the car!"
Xena eyed her speculatively. "Really. You and I need to have a serious talk."
Lips twitching nervously, Gabrielle said, "We do. How about a ride back to your apartment first, though?"
Letting the issue slide temporarily, Xena nodded and they began the walk back to the main road. She took Gabrielle’s smaller hand in hers, delighting in the way it fit as perfectly as she remembered. After a few minutes, Xena pulled Gabrielle against her side, slinging her arm around the smaller woman’s shoulders.
When they reached the road almost fifteen minutes later, Xena said, "Stay here and I’ll get a car."
Gabrielle nodded and stayed among the trees alongside the road.
Walking down the road, Xena was greeted by several of her fellow officers and ignored by the FBI agents. It didn’t take long to find Will and his face lit up upon seeing her.
"What happened?" he asked, reaching for her hand. "I got a call that you were in trouble from some woman who wouldn’t identify herself."
Xena avoided his grasp and moved back slightly. "I was made by someone named Smith though I doubt that’s his real name. They were going to kill me, yada, yada, yada. Listen, I want you to take care of things for me, is that all right?"
Surprised, Will frowned. "What’s wrong?"
"Nothing. It’s just that something’s come up and I’m not going to be at the precinct - at least for a couple weeks. I don’t want to worry about being interrupted. If you take care of the paperwork and follow up with the D.A., I’m sure things’ll go fine."
"But Xena, you’ve worked like a dog on this for months!" Will protested.
"You’ll be doing me a huge favor by taking over. Please, Will?" Xena asked quietly.
Taken aback by her words, Will nodded.
"Great. Now I just need a car. I’m wiped with the run into the woods to escape and everything," Xena said.
"Take the van," Will offered, holding out the keys.
"Thanks! See you in a couple of weeks!" Xena said. She walked jauntily towards the van, which was seriously out of place among all the sleek FBI and cop cars. After a couple of tries, the engine turned over and Xena drove the short distance to pick up Gabrielle.
"What took so long?" Gabrielle asked, strapping on the seat belt.
"I found Will and explained what happened," Xena reported. She glanced over at Gabrielle and found herself drowning in the green depths of her eyes. Controlling herself with great will, Xena looked back at the road and started driving.
Seated on the couch, Xena looked wordlessly at Gabrielle. Now that they were in her apartment with no more obstacles, both felt awkward and uncertain where to start. "Do you want something to eat or drink?" Xena asked suddenly.
"I’m not thirsty," Gabrielle refused, although that was not entirely true. She was thirsty except her thirst had nothing to do with drink, she wanted to feed on Xena’s body, worship her until the warrior couldn’t remember her own name. Coming to a decision, Gabrielle stood and said, "I’ll tell you what I do want, though. I’d like a bath."
Blinking in surprise, a slow smile spread over Xena’s face. "Whatever you want, Gabrielle. Follow me."
Taking the offered hand, Gabrielle walked across the open space into the bathroom. She was pleased to find a large hot tub there and waited as Xena turned the faucets on. Closing the door behind her with finality, Gabrielle leaned back against it, watching Xena leaning over the tub, playing with the controls.
Xena turned back to face her and Gabrielle pulled off her shirt revealing that she wore no bra. Then the jeans were peeled off to reveal no underpants. She shivered at the smoldering desire in Xena’s eyes, impaled and whimpering with only a look. "Xena, I need you."
Xena pressed against her, joining their lips gently. Her tongue slipped between Gabrielle’s lips to invade their moist depths. Teeth knocked against teeth as she strove to capture all of Gabrielle’s mouth in her own. Gabrielle’s moan pushed her to go further and her hands landed on the cool skin of Gabrielle’s hips.
Brushing her fingertips ever so lightly up and down Gabrielle’s sides, Xena felt Gabrielle shudder against her. Pausing momentarily in her explorations, Xena unzipped her own dress and let it slide to the floor in a whisper of silk. Finally her bare skin lay against Gabrielle’s and their bodies molded together as they always had and returned to gently ravaging Gabrielle’s mouth. Gabrielle’s arms went around her neck and Xena’s arms around the bard’s waist while their legs twined together.
"So long," Gabrielle groaned against Xena’s mouth as Xena’s hands massaged her buttocks, kneading them with her strong hands. Her sex throbbed, wetness seeped out of her and Xena’s hands gripped her hard against the warrior’s hard body. Xena thrust her leg against Gabrielle who cried out at the contact.
Needing to reciprocate, Gabrielle blindly reached down and entered her finger into Xena’s sex. She was startled to find the opening so tight that Xena gasped at the intrusion. "You were waiting for me?" the question soft but insistent as Gabrielle pulled back. She had to see those sapphire eyes for the answer.
Gazing deep into Gabrielle’s eyes, Xena whispered, "I hoped, eternally hoped, that maybe you would be reincarnated and find me. There have been others but – not many and only when I couldn’t bear to be alone a second longer."
Moved by the confession, Gabrielle wordlessly slid her fingers deeper, rubbing back and forth against Xena’s clit. Breathing heavy, Xena’s head rolled forward to rest against Gabrielle’s shoulder, hair streaming over Gabrielle like a blanket. She tried to move closer, wrapping her arms around Gabrielle’s shoulder to hold tight while Gabrielle’s fingers worked their magic.
Harder and faster they went, stabbing as deep as Gabrielle could go. Xena’s hips ground down onto the hand, moving in a rhythm Gabrielle remembered extremely well. Holding Xena helpless against her sent Gabrielle over the edge at almost the same moment Xena screamed out her name. Carefully withdrawing her fingers, Gabrielle put her arms around Xena’s waist, locking her fingers together on the curve of Xena’s behind.
Crying softly, Xena kissed Gabrielle’s throat then trailed kisses up to her soft mouth. "I love you, Gabrielle."
Tears of her own wet upon her cheeks, Gabrielle murmured, "I love you, Xena."
They stood there a long moment, relaxed in each other’s arms and leaning against the wall. After awhile, Xena said, "I think the tub is ready."
Grinning, Gabrielle reluctantly unclasped her hands from around Xena’s waist so the warrior could move away. Xena gave her another quick kiss on the lips then backed away and stepped towards the tub. Gabrielle suddenly realized that the scent of gardenias had mingled with that of their sex and looked questioning to Xena.
Eyes lit, Xena said, "Bath oil, your favorite kind of flower. It’s automatic when I turn on the tub."
Gabrielle breathed in appreciatively then flashed Xena a smile. "It’s wonderful!"
Smiling shyly, Xena took her hand and led her into the tub. "You’re wonderful."
The heat enveloped Gabrielle exquisitely as she descended into the tub and she turned to sit with her back against Xena. It wasn’t long before she felt a sponge rubbing against her back and sighed. "Artemis but I’d almost forgotten how good it felt for you to wash my back."
Xena kissed the back of her neck. "Me, too."
Running her hands over Gabrielle’s muscled back, Xena followed every touch with a kiss. "Tell me why you aren’t dead, Gabrielle. Not that I’m complaining but it’s been killing me not to know how this happened. Now that I can think that is."
Gabrielle turned around and raised a leg over and around Xena’s hips. Placing arms around her neck, Gabrielle began kissing Xena’s throat. She sucked and licked at it then gently pierced the skin in such a way that Xena instantly remembered, though the first time had happened centuries ago. Gabrielle’s mouth sucked at her neck while her hand traced its way lightly down Xena’s stomach to the fold of skin between her legs.
Caught between the two sensations, Xena moaned with pleasure and wrapped her arms around Gabrielle’s waist, pulling her even closer. Fingers moved with increasing pressure and speed, competing with the erotic sucking on her neck until Xena couldn’t stand it any more. "Gabrielle! Oh, Gabrielle!" she shouted, coming in a blinding orgasm and collapsing against her lover.
As her breath slowed and life returned to her limbs, Xena looked up into green eyes tinged with red. Two small fangs showed themselves through Gabrielle’s open mouth before retreating to a normal length. A wicked smile on her lips, Xena purred, "Time for me to return the favor, bard."
Before Gabrielle could respond, Xena turned them around so Gabrielle’s back was to the hot tub wall and she was positioned between Gabrielle’s legs. She held Gabrielle’s arms to the side while she suckled on the hardened nipples. She devoted her tongue and mouth to each nipple in turn, reveling in the beautiful skin beneath her mouth. Gabrielle moaned immediately.
Xena turned her attention to the sweet mouth open and waiting to be plundered. She kissed and kissed until both sets of lips were swollen with pleasure. Xena thought she could go on forever just drinking of Gabrielle’s mouth. Tongues entwined in a passionate dance, in turn hard and needy then soft and pliant. After a timeless interlude, Xena released Gabrielle’s arms and moved down the muscled stomach with her lips, nipping here and there with her teeth. Her hands were never still, moving over and around Gabrielle’s body the whole time, touching and grasping the sweet flesh that she had needed for so long.
"Oh Xena," Gabrielle breathed.
At that Xena stood, lifting Gabrielle into her arms and carrying her to the bed, water dripping from both of them. She placed Gabrielle carefully onto the bed then crawled towards the juncture of Gabrielle’s legs. The sweet taste that lay enticingly before her had been an intense craving of Xena’s for centuries and now, at last, it was all hers again.
She kissed the mound gently at first then her tongue darted inside the soft sex. Gabrielle’s hips moved, giving Xena better access. Her tongue moved in the dripping, satiny flesh, finding the hard nub and sucking on it. Clutching her hands to Gabrielle’s waist so that she wouldn’t be dislodged with the other woman’s passion, Xena kept up the pressure until Gabrielle screamed in pleasure and her seed spurted out like a waterfall.
Xena moved up her bard’s body to lie on top, snuggling her face into Gabrielle’s shoulder and wrapping her arms around Gabrielle’s neck, breathing in the heady scent of Gabrielle now mixed with Gardenia. "I’ve missed you so much, Gabrielle. You are my life."
Gabrielle’s chuckle was warming as the bard’s arms moved to clasp Xena tightly around her back, enjoying the weight of her lover’s body heavy upon her. "I’ve missed you too, Xena. I will never let you go again, believe me."