Madeline was tired. The last few weeks had proven to be particularly draining, as Section One was once again called upon to destroy another of humanities rejects. Ian Drummond was a world-class arms dealer with a sideline into drug dealing and child prostitution. Not that his dealings were any worse than so many others, but he had supplied the means to destroy too many innocents. And he had needed to be stopped.

The mission had taken all of Section's resources to prepare, Drummond almost impossible to get to. His security team had provided an impregnable force and he was also extremely elusive. Almost impossible to locate, but Madeline had found a weakness. Though it had taken nearly three weeks of careful observations, analysis and constant Sims, she had finally discovered Drummond's whereabouts and fully prepared a mission. Section's best operatives Michael and Nikita were sent and under Paul's guidance, End Game achieved earlier that evening.

Madeline was just finishing up the last debriefs, mission reports and follow-ups when she realised just how tired she was. And hungry. But apart from these feelings, she was also strangely restless. As if she wanted something, but couldn't quite define what it was. 'I must be suffering from hunger pangs,' she thought, 'God I have to get some sleep!'

Leaning back in her chair, Madeline stretched her arms over her head, yawning deeply as she did. Paul's voice over the com-link momentarily startled her. "Madeline, have you finished with your debriefs?"

"Yes", she replied, "Michael finished a few moments ago. Was there something you needed?"

"No." answered Paul. "That will be all for tonight. Why don't you go home and get some rest. There are no missions that need prepping at this time. I'll speak to you again tomorrow. Goodnight." The com-link was severed after Madeline bade Paul a goodnight.

She rose from her chair, the restless feeling returning as she prepared to leave. 'What is wrong with me? What is it I want?' , she thought. She walked towards her plants, stopping to gaze at their perfection. Turning her mind inward she searched for the source of her discontent. An image of Paul invaded her subconscious. Paul. 'Damn' . The foreplay between them was becoming a distraction once again and that was unacceptable. Why was it that no matter how hard she tried, or how often, she was never able to completely erase him from her thoughts?

She shook her head, trying to stop the wayward images of Paul from intruding. Paul in the Perch standing in front of the glass, one hand in his pants pocket; the other bringing another of his endless cigarettes to his lips as he watched over his domain. Paul sitting on the end of her desk, a mischievous look in his eyes and one of those secret little smirks on his face as he handed her another piece of jewellery. Paul in the Tower, a twinkle in those gorgeous blue eyes as he took her hand in his and pulled her closer; their bodies swaying slightly in time to the soft music playing. Paul lying back against her pillows, the passion and desire for her evident upon his face as her lips claimed his in a ferocious embrace...

'No!' she thought, I cannot allow these emotional distractions to exist.' Madeline continued to stare at her plants hoping that their order and serenity would provide a measure of peace to her troubled mind. Concentrating on her plants usually enabled her to focus on the matters at hand; ignoring and then disregarding all unnecessary emotional obstacles in her path; providing accurate and concise solutions to any problem. But the peace she sought tonight was elusive. Tonight, thoughts of Paul continued to intrude upon her subconscious, no matter how much she tried to banish them completely. Sighing deeply, she surrendered her struggle.

The game they played was repeated so many times, in so many different ways and always with the same result. And it seemed that this time would be no different. Why fight the inevitable? Her eyes twinkled as a thought suddenly struck her. ' I wonder what Paul is doing this evening?' A smile played on her lips as she made her way to the Perch.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Madeline entered the Perch to find Paul in his usual position as she had earlier envisioned. He was standing in front of the large glass window peering out over Section, one hand in his pant pocket the other bringing a cigarette to his lips. A cloud of smoke surrounded him as he turned towards her.

" I thought you had left for the evening. Is anything the matter?" he asked.

Looking at him, Madeline could feel her pulse start to race and a tingling spreading throughout her body. The thought struck her, 'God, he's wearing that black turtleneck again. I wonder if he has any idea how good he looks in that. Or how it affects me.' She smiled as she moved closer to him, the thoughts hidden from her face.

"Nothing's the matter, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner?" She stopped as she reached him, slowly raising her right hand to brush some imaginary lint off his shoulder. Madeline let her hand drift down to rest against his chest as she continued, "I know that you haven't eaten for almost as long as me. I've taken the liberty of ordering something with Christopher and it will be ready in an hour. Interested?"

Paul turned and hit a switch, causing the glass to go black. He then turned back towards Madeline, a smile lighting his face and his blue eyes sparkled. "Dinner would be lovely, thank you. I have a few things to tidy up here and then I'll meet you. The Tower?"

Madeline ran her hand across his chest as she replied "No, I'm having dinner in my quarters tonight. I'll expect you in 45 minutes." With one last caress of her hand, she turned to leave. Acting on an impulse, Madeline suddenly turned back to Paul. She reached out and threw her arms around his neck, pulling his head down towards her. She fastened her lips upon his, moving her body closer as her tongue entered his mouth to stroke against his. Before he could respond, Madeline released him and walked away. As she got to the door she stopped. Half turning her body she threw Paul a look filled with promise. "And Paul, don't be late!" With a slight laugh, she left leaving him standing in the Perch completely bewildered.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Exactly 42 minutes later, Madeline opened her door to find Paul standing there. "Good to see that you're not late," she teased.

"Well with a summons like the one you gave me, how could I possibly be anything but early?" Paul replied, his tone equally teasing.

She gave him a slight smile as she moved, allowing him to enter her quarters, catching the scent of his aftershave as he passed her. Her pulse increased and a slight trembling started throughout her body. Madeline closed her eyes and swallowed convulsively as she realised that her mouth had suddenly gone dry. She took a steadying breath before facing him, hoping that none of these emotions showed. She turned and froze as the thought struck her, 'God I want him!'

Paul stood in front of Madeline, a smile on his face as she advanced towards him. Reaching him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, her hands caressing his nape as she breathed against his lips "I think dinner can wait a while, don't you?"

Paul answered by wrapping his arms around her waist pulling her body closer, his lips descending upon hers. Madeline moaned deep in her throat as his tongue thrust into her mouth. She bought her own into play to wrestle with his, as she tightened her embrace. Deepening the kiss, Madeline tangled her fingers in his hair to hold him closer as she explored every inch of his mouth. She was amazed once again at how with just the touch of his lips on hers, desire raged throughout her body. It happened every time. No matter how many times she tried to fight it, one touch from Paul and her body betrayed her.

Pulling her lips from his, she gazed deep into his eyes as she struggled to regain her breath. Paul's hands slowly moved down her waist, reaching behind to lightly caress her buttocks through her clothes. She sighed softly as her head fell upon his shoulder, her body trembling in reaction. "Paul," she breathed, "I want you to ..." Her voice trailed off as his hands cupped her buttocks and drew her hard against him. Another moan escaped at the sensation of her groin rubbing against his erection. She wiggled her hips to increase her pleasure, causing an anguished gasp from Paul. Tangling his fingers in her hair, he pulled slightly causing her head to fall back. He lowered his mouth to hers for another passionate kiss.

A knock at the door caused them both to jump apart, each panting with passion. Clearing her throat slightly, Madeline's voice was a breathy whisper as she said "I trust that will be Christopher with our meal. Excuse me, I won't be a moment." Turning her back on him, she walked towards the door and opened it to admit Christopher.

"Miss Madeline, I have the meal that you requested. Would you like me to set it up?" Walking towards her table, he placed the large tray upon it and waited for her instructions.

"No thank you, that will not be necessary. That will be all. Goodnight Christopher."

"Goodnight, Miss Madeline. I trust you have a pleasant evening." Madeline watched as he let himself out of her quarters, a slight smile escaping at his parting comment. Turning back, she was surprised to discover that Paul was nowhere to be seen. Realising the only place he could be she made her way to her bedroom.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Reaching her doorway, she paused as she took in the scene before her. Paul was reclining upon her bed, his arms folded behind his head as he leaned back against her pillows. Asleep. Madeline was not surprised at how quickly he had nodded off; Paul had worked just as hard as she had the previous weeks, and was just as tired. A smile crossed her lips as she silently made her way towards him. Carefully seating herself down on the edge of the bed, she was content to just sit and watch him for the moment as he slept. Despite the passing years, he was still an extremely handsome man. But his appearance alone wasn't what held her interest. It was his presence, his smile, his leadership qualities; the light in his eyes when he looked at her.... it was just him. She was far more attracted to him than she would've liked, and cared for him far more than she was willing to admit. To either herself or, god forbid, to him.

Madeline mentally shook herself from the direction her thoughts were taking. Asleep was not how she wanted Paul tonight. Who knew when they would get the opportunity to spend time together again? Raising her hand, she gently ran her fingers through his hair. Leaning in closer, she nuzzled his lips with hers as she brought her other hand up to lightly caress his chest. Madeline's hands stilled as Paul slowly responded to her kiss. A soft moan echoed deep in his throat and his lips moved to deepen the kiss.

She was unable to stop herself from crying out in surprise as Paul suddenly grabbed her around the waist and dragged her across his body, flipping her over so that he was now leaning above her and she was on her back upon the bed. His blue eyes twinkled with laughter as he gazed down at her, and he smiled as he stated, "Is that your way of telling me that dinner is now served?" Without waiting for her reply, he lowered his head to reclaim her lips once again. Paul's tongue lazily explored the recesses of her mouth and Madeline moaned huskily at the sensations he was causing. Raising her hands from his shoulders, she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer as she brought her own tongue into play, deepening their kiss.

Desire was raging through her body once more and she slowly ran her fingers down Paul's spine, stopping at his buttocks to pull his groin closer to her own. Dragging her lips from his, she pulled back slightly to look at him. Paul was surprised at the naked passion he could see reflected in her eyes; it was so rare for her to show even a glimpse of her emotions. He smiled widely once again as she breathlessly panted, "Dinner can wait, unless of course, you would prefer to eat now." She moved so that he was now the one lying on his back. Leaning over him, her hands lowered to raise the end of his sweater and her lips kissed a path back up as she removed it.

Nuzzling his neck, she ran her palms gently across his chest.
Her palms were tingling from the sensations created by her gentle rubbing on his chest hairs, and the tingling was spreading throughout her body. Impatient for more contact, she threw her leg over one of his, climbing half atop his body as she once again captured his lips in a ferocious kiss. Paul moved his hands to lightly caress up and down her back as he in turn deepened their embrace.

He murmured against her lips "Turn about is fair play my sweet," as he deftly lowered the zip of her dress, his fingertips against her flesh tantalisingly erotic. They continued a series of deep, open-mouthed kisses as Paul slowly lowered the dress from her body. Madeline moaned deeply in her throat as he brought one of his hands forward to caress her breast through her bra, lightly pinching her erect nipple. The sensation he was creating with his hands was almost too much for her to bear, and she wanted more. Now. Making long, slow love with Paul was exquisite, but right here and right now Madeline wanted it hard and fast.

Pushing herself away from his body, she raised herself until she was sitting on the bed in front of him. Feasting her eyes on his robust form, her hands moved to his belt. Swallowing over the unexpected dryness in her throat, Madeline found that her hands were uncharacteristically unsteady and she fumbled slightly. Chuckling softly, Paul's hands rested atop hers as he said, "Here, why don't you let me do that". Leaning back upon her heels once again she watched as he removed his pants and she quickly removed her own clothes, throwing them on the floor.

Paul reached out and dragged her naked body back towards him, wrapping his arms tightly around her as he brought his head down to kiss her again, teasing and nibbling at her lips until her breath was a shudder. She strained against him, moaning softly when his lips continued to brush feather light over hers. Impatient, she breathed a plea against his lips, "Paul, kiss me."

"I am", he replied, as he continued to tease. His lips cruised over her face, skimming here, lingering there. Madeline moved restlessly as the desire for him raged throughout her body. She couldn't stand it any longer groaning through clenched teeth, "Paul, touch me!" "I will", he whispered as he brought his hands up to softly caress her skin. It was never what she expected. He had her teetering on the edge with only a stroke of his hands. It always amazed her that the need for him continued to sharpen and grow, no matter how many times they made love.

Moaning deep in her throat, she clamped down on her wayward thoughts again. Now was not the time for them to intrude. Finally reaching the end of her patience, Madeline pushed him slightly so that he was lying back on the bed. Throwing her leg over his waist, she straddled him, her warm sex brushing against his groin. She slowly reached down with her hand to gently caress his erection, her fingers holding him steady as she lowered herself upon his length. A sigh of deep satisfaction escaped her lips, and she threw back her head as she took a moment to savour the exquisite sensation of him being deep within her.

She continued to quiver as Paul raised his hands to fondle her breasts, his fingers circling and then rubbing her erect nipples. Madeline placed her hands upon his chest for balance as she slowly started to move her hips, biting her lip to keep her groans of satisfaction from escaping. She was unprepared for the climax that suddenly hit her, the waves of agonizing bliss that coursed throughout her body. Moaning deeply in her throat she collapsed face down upon Paul, burying her face into the crook of his neck as tremors of pleasure continued. Wrapping his arms around her, Paul lightly caressed up and down her spine until her trembling subsided.

She moaned once again as he rolled them over, still joined. The movement caused him to plunge even deeper within her, awakening her tremors of desire, and she was unable to stop a small gasp from escaping. He lightly nuzzled her lips before drawing back slightly to look into her eyes. A smile crossed his mouth, one that she found herself returning as they continued to gaze at each other. Madeline was fascinated by the emotions Paul revealed, and knew that the same emotions were being reflected back at him. "My turn", he whispered, as he lowered his head to reclaim her lips in a ferocious kiss.

She angled her head to deepen their embrace as he started moving his hips, quickly finding a rhythm that turned her tremors of desire into fierce flames of passion. Arching her back, she clamped her legs as high above his waist as she possibly could, allowing him to penetrate even further. Wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders, she hugged him even closer as his thrusts increased. She knew that he was close to fulfilment by the gentle gasp of air in her ear that he expelled with each movement. Paul brought one of his hands down to gently massage her bud in time with his thrusts, and she groaned deeply. Almost mindless with the ecstasy he was creating, Madeline was unaware of the plea that she uttered in his ear. "Love me Paul.... please love me!"

Her body once again stiffened and then convulsed as the next climax shook her, this one even more powerful than the first. Paul thrust twice more before his own release came and he cried out with satisfaction as he collapsed upon her, completely spent. They lay like that for a few minutes, neither willing to be the first to break contact. Eventually, Paul recovered enough strength to push himself up and plant a soft kiss upon her lips. Rolling off her, he gazed at her for a few moments then gathered her close to his side once again. He had just enough time to brush his lips upon her forehead in a gentle caress before exhaustion claimed them both and they fell into a light slumber.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Madeline awoke slowly, glancing at the clock on her bedside table. She had slept for only an hour, but felt completely refreshed. The man whose arms she was lying in at the moment had something to do with that, she was sure. She smiled at that thought. Shifting herself slightly, she snuggled deeper against Paul. Though she tried to be careful, her movements had awakened him as well and he tightened his embrace, his hands caressing her back. She moved her hand to absently rub against his chest as she savoured the sense of safety and love she found in his arms. It was an illusion of course, but she was content nonetheless.

"Well, that was a completely unexpected and satisfying diversion", Paul joked as he took her hand entwining his fingers in hers. "So tell me, are you ever going to feed me or shall I just lie here until I starve to death. Although, I can certainly think of worse fates than dying in your bed."

Laughing softly, she pushed back marginally to look at his face. 'Such a handsome face' , she thought as she raised herself up to lightly kiss his lips. "It seems that my charms are no longer enough to keep you satisfied." Madeline was unable to hide the amusement in her voice as she continued, "Food it is. Do you think that you are strong enough to get up or are you so weak that you need me to bring it to you here?" Paul was also unable to stop himself from laughing as he responded, " Oh, I'm sure that I can drag my weary body up, especially for food! Do I still have a robe in your closet?"

Disentangling her fingers from his, Madeline answered "Yes", as she moved to rise from the bed. Sitting up himself, Paul stopped her momentarily by grasping her arm with one hand as he gently caressed her face with the other. He ran his fingers in a line from her forehead to her chin, softly kissing her lips as he whispered, "By the way, I do you know." She looked at him quizzically as she asked, "Do? Do what?" Then she was completely dumbstruck as he explained, "Love you. You asked me to love you, and I do."

She continued to stare at him in stunned disbelief as he rose, walking towards her closet and removing his robe. Pulling it on, he turned back to face her and laughed softly as he observed her expression. "Oh come on, it can't be a shock to you after all this time," he stated. Tying his robe's sash securely he turned back to the closet and removing her robe, walked towards her on the bed. Madeline watched him approach warily and tried to hide her thoughts from showing. She was unable to stop her mind from trying to replay just what she had said. 'Oh god, what did I say? What did I say?' And she was completely horrified that she had allowed herself to lose such control of her emotions. ' How the hell had that happened?'

Some uneasiness must have shown in her eyes. Placing her robe before her on the bed, Paul reached down with his hand and gently caressed her face as he added, " But don't worry, you didn't say anything else. Your emotional control is still quite formidable." He placed a soft kiss upon her forehead as he continued wistfully, " I have loved you for years, but relax, I am quite aware that the feeling is not mutual. So don't give it another thought." Planting another quick kiss upon her lips he picked up her robe and held it out for her to put on. "Come on, let's eat. I'm starving and I'm pretty sure that you are too."

Madeline remained silent as she rose from the bed and put on the robe that he so gallantly held for her. As she tied her sash, she felt his hands briefly rub her shoulders, and she turned to face him. She raised her hand to gently caress his cheek, as she looked deep into his eyes. Her breath caught in her throat at the emotions she saw there; the love for her that he normally kept hidden, along with a touch of sadness and despair. 'How can he love me so much when I give him so little?' She thought, as she brought her other hand up to the side of his face holding him steady.

"Paul, you know that I can't commit to anything. A relationship between us is just too dangerous. It leaves us far too vulnerable, and I won't allow it. We've had this conversation before. Let's not open things up again." With another brief caress on his face, she moved to turn away from him. She gasped with surprise when Paul suddenly grabbed her wrists, preventing her from moving any further.

"Madeline, " he replied, " we have a relationship. Though I will admit that it's a strange one. What do you call all the times we spend together? You can try and deny it all you want, but it's there. I love you... nothing will change that. Accept it, just as I have accepted that this is all we will ever have. I'm also not going to deny that I would like us to have more; our circumstances just don't allow that to happen. Maybe if we were both willing to work on it things would change, and maybe one day things will. Until then I'll have to be happy with the small moments that we do have. I seem to recall, my love that it was you yourself who so aptly said 'This is who we are.' And we have had this conversation before, or some form of it. No doubt we will again." Eyes sparkling in the dim light he laughingly continued, "Now let's eat before we both collapse", as he released her wrists.

They both stood there staring at each other for a few moments and Madeline was at a loss as to what to say. Paul had stated it so well; they'd had this conversation too many times. And every time that they had, she experienced the unfairness of it all. If only she could forget it all and be with him, damn the consequences! But it was impossible. Paul gave her another slight smile as he turned and walked towards her dining area. She felt the familiar pang as he walked away from her and was unable to stop herself from calling his name. "Paul..." He stopped and turn his head slightly back to listen as she continued, "...I do care for you."

"I know," he replied as he continued into the other room. She sighed softly at his retreating back and tying her sash a bit tighter slowly followed him.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Both Paul and Madeline were amazed at the empty plates before them. Christopher had once again prepared a sumptuous feast of chicken, cheeses, bread, a small cob salad, and several different exotic fruits, all washed down with nice Chianti. And now all that remained were six plump juicy strawberries coated in luscious milk chocolate. As they sat across the table from each other conversation had at first been slightly stilted, but had quickly warmed. They now sat quietly talking with the easy camaraderie of old, each sipping the last of the wine from their glasses. Watching him across the table, Madeline was once again reminded of just how much she enjoyed his company. Content to just sit and listen as he talked.

She also found that she was reluctant for the evening to end. 'Maybe it didn't have to end' . She smiled softly to herself as that thought intruded. 'So why fight it?' She thought as she came to a decision. "Paul, " she started, "Stay here tonight. We haven't had dessert yet and it would be a shame to waste it." He smiled deeply in reply, reaching across the table to hold her hand and rubbing his thumb across the back. "Perhaps that's best. I find that I am quite...tired. Maybe I should retire back to the bedroom."

Entwining her fingers in his, she answered, "Yes, perhaps that would be wise. And maybe we should finish the wine there and the strawberries. After all, fruit contains all the vitamins and minerals needed to keep a body healthy." She arose from her chair and walked towards him, keeping her fingers entwined. Reaching out with her other hand, she gently caressed his face. "After all..." she added, leaning down to kiss his lips, "...I want you revived and healthy. For the next few hours at least."

He laughed at that comment, rising from his own chair. Gathering the strawberries and glasses of wine he looked down at her, his blue eyes alight with merriment as he asked, "shall we?" Her own voice shook with laughter as she replied, "we shall." And with the both of them smiling broadly they made their way back to her bedroom.

End.

Send comments to Debbie Biv, by clicking HERE!