Nikita laughed as Carla described her new beau. As always Carla found ways to amuse her whenever she was in a funk. It had been a month and a half since she and Michael decided to pursue a relationship. They had decided that, along with other things at their picnic.

They decided to keep it a secret. The only people who knew were Monique and her Uncle Walter. They also decided to take things slow. However, this was hard for Nikita because Michael Samuelle was 100% pure man and she could barely control herself whenever they kissed.

It had been two weeks since Nikita had been with Michael alone. As a result of that she had been bitchy to everyone. She sighed as the rest of Carla's voice disappeared and she thought of Michael.

"Hey, Nikki."Carla said shaking her shoulder. "We gotta get going. We are gonna be late for work."

"Yeah. Let's go." Nikita said as they began to walk towards her car.

They drove on silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Carla glanced at Nikita wondering what was wrong with her friend. She sighed as she remembered Nikita's lost expression at the office.

"Hey, Nik, what's wrong with you? You've been acting funny for a while." Carla asked her voice held a note of concern.

Nikita sighed as Carla's voice bought her back from her thoughts. She was thinking about when her and Michael would finally be able to tell people how would they react, especially his parents. She knew his father had been pressuring Michael to get back together with Lauren. She was worried about whether or not he would accept her or make Michael choose between his family and her. She sighed again as she glanced at Carla.

"I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind is all." Nikita said smiling softly at her friend.

"Whatever you say Nikita." Carla replied. Then she tried a different tactic. "I heard from Gray that you haven't answered his question about going on a date."

"It has been busy Carla. With the shoot at One and prep for the CK ad, I haven't even had time to go to Uncle Walter's." Nikita said as she parked her car in front of the trailer that was their temporary office for the One shoot. She got out of the car without another word and went into the trailer with Carla close behind her.

*****

Nikita was ready to leave for the day when she heard someone come into the trailer. She smiled hoping it was Michael. She saw him briefly that day and was hoping to at least talk to him even if it was for a few minutes. Her smile faded slightly as she saw whom it was.

"Gray, I thought you left for the day?" She asked putting some stuff into her bag to take home.

"Yeah, I was about to but I needed to take to you." He replied as he walked towards her. He grabbed her hands and looked in her eyes. "I really like you Nikita. I wanted to tell you my offer still stands about taking you out to dinner. I want to get to know you better if you let me."

He looked into her eyes and before she knew it his lips were pressing softly against hers. She was shocked. She didn't push him away or kiss him back she just stood there in total shock. Gray jumped when he heard a throat clear behind him. He turned and Nikita saw who was in back of him. She was met with the blank green eyes of Michael.

"Hey Michael, I thought you left for the day." Gray said.

"I forgot the progress report I have to give to my father tonight. I thought the two of you had left yourselves." Michael said glancing at Gray but focused his attention on Nikita.

"Oh I was but then I noticed Nikita's car here and thought I would wait for her. Make sure she got to her car safely." Gray said.

"I see. Well I will just get the papers and leave you two alone. Sorry if I interrupted anything." He said as he got the papers looked at Gray and smiled at him and then at Nikita. His eyes flashed with hurt and then it was gone replaced with the face usually reserved for his father. "Goodnight Nikita."

He left without another word. She wanted to scream at him to come back. She quickly grabbed her bag and looked at Gray.

"Gray I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow." Nikita rushed out of the trailer without another word.

When she got outside she looked around for Michael but she didn't see him. She sighed and walked to her car. Her mind flashed back to the hurt she saw on his face. She smoothed her hair back as she got into her car. How the hell am I gonna fix this she thought as she leaned her head against the steering wheel and banged it softly before she started the car and drove off.

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

Nikita sighed as she drove around town. She had driven to all the places she could think Michael would go to but so far she had come up empty. As she drove the only thing she saw in her mind was the flash of hurt in Michael's eyes before he left.

She parked her car at the park she and Michael had their picnic at over a month ago. It was still daylight outside and the park were full of people. Nikita got out of the car and began to walk around looking for Michael.

She smiled as she saw a group of children playing football. They were laughing and giggling as they played happily. Nikita smiled as she began to look around and her smile faded as she saw a familiar auburn haired man sitting against a huge tree.

She walked towards him. She stopped a few feet away form him. He looked up at her briefly then returned his gaze to the people around the park. She sighed and sat beside him tentatively. They sat in awkward silence, both watching the activities of people around the park.

"What the hell was that?" Michael asked as looked at her again his eyes bright with anger.

"Michael-"

"Please let me talk. I went back hoping to catch you before you left and I just didn't expect to catch you kissing Gray." He said his voice quiet.

"I wasn't kissing him." She replied her anger flaring up slightly.

"Then what the hell were you doing? Giving him CPR? Nikita your lips were on his and you weren't pushing him away. Then I walk in and you didn't say anything." Michael said softly and looked down.

"It's not like I was enjoying it Michael. I was in shock." She said her voice rising slightly. She took a deep breath and looked at him.

"I didn't come here to argue. I came to say I'm sorry. I have been looking for you for the past hour to talk to you. Michael believe me when I say that I have no feelings for Gray Wellman." She said grabbing his hand and squeezing it gently.

"Are you sure?" He asked his eyes staring into hers.

She smiled as she stared back into his eyes. Her smile widened when his lips formed a little smile. She squeezed his hand again and her eyes conveyed her sincerity as she answered his question.

"Yes, I am sure. The only man I want touching me is you. The only man I want holding me and whispering in my ear is you. The only man that I want kissing me is you. You got that?" She said softly.

"I think I need some more details." He replied his anger fading as he looked at her. He was enraptured with her. How could he stay angry.

"You do huh?" she said as she moved her lips towards his slowly.

Her lips found his and she kissed him gently at first. She felt him hesitate so she wrapped her hands around his head and pressed her lips harder against his. He moaned softly as her tongue outlined his lower lip before he opened his mouth to allow her in. His hands wandered to her back and he pulled her closer to him. They broke apart and heard faint giggles around them. They looked around and saw the little group of kids who were playing football looking at them with wide smiles on their faces.

Nikita giggled as she turned back to look at Michael. She began to laugh as she saw Michael Samuelle actually blushing. He had his head down and was laughing softly but his cheeks were flushed in embarrassment.

"Is that enough detail for you?" Nikita asked as she wiped tears from her eyes.

"Yes, but I would like to finish this conversation. Tonight perhaps? We could go to dinner and then back to my place and finish this heart to heart." Michael said smiling.

"Maybe." She replied stroking his hair.

Michael looked into her eyes and sighed. His hand went to her brow and rubbed it with his thumb. He then moved his hand to her cheek and cupped it in his palm. He smiled more as she leaned into it. His eyes changed into a deep green and he felt his heart thud in his chest as he stared at her.

"I love you, Nikita." He said so softly she had to strain to hear him.

"What?" She asked, her eyes snapping open, not sure what she heard.

"I said, I love you, Nikita." he repeated as he looked into her eyes. His eyes told her he was serious and meant every word.

"Oh Michael, I love you too." She said as tears ran down her cheek and he hugged her tightly.

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

Nikita giggled as she and Michael exited the movie theater. They had just seen the movie, The Nutty Professor 2, and she couldn't stop laughing. Michael smiled at her as she laughed.

"Thank you for taking me to see that movie. I needed a good laugh. So what is on the agenda now, Monsieur Samuelle." Nikita asked clasping their hands.

"It's cold out. How about we go to my place and get some coffee... or tea." He amended as she rolled her eyes at him. "I think I still have that tea you bought me."

"Good, you know, coffee'll kill you babe." Nikita said as they walked to the car.

"I know but it tastes good." Michael said as he opened the door for her. As he got in the car and drive away they talked about the movie and their favorite scenes.

When they arrived at Michael's loft Nikita began to get a little bit nervous. She knew that she wanted Michael, after all she was a woman and Michael made her knees weak. His declaration of love at the park only made her want him more and if his reaction to their kissing was anything to go on, Michael wanted her too.

As they got into the elevator Michael smiled as he closed the grate and pushed the button that would bring them to his loft. He took her hand and noticed she was shaking. He frowned as he looked at her.

"Nikita are you cold?" He asked and hugged her to him when she nodded.

She sighed and felt his hard muscles and her cheeks flushed. She burrowed her head in his neck to hide her embarrassment. When she felt her cheeks return to normal she looked up at him and smiled. She raised her lips in request for a kiss.

He smiled as he kissed her softly. When the elevator stopped he hugged her and he opened the grate. He grabbed her hand and pulled her close as they walked to his loft.

She closed her eyes and turned her head to his neck to kiss him on the neck softly. She let him guide her to the door when all of sudden he stopped walking. She opened her eyes when she heard a woman talking.

"Michel, I have been waiting for you. I see you have company," the woman said angrily.

"Lauren, what are you doing here?" Michael asked his eyes narrowing in anger.

"I came by to talk to you. Your father said that you would be home tonight and that I should come here instead of calling. Now I see that I should have called." Lauren said getting ready to leave.

"I thought maybe you have changed your mind, at least that is the impression I gathered from your father. I'm sorry I came by. Good night Michel." Lauren said as she got onto the elevator.

"I'm sorry." Michael said as he looked at Nikita in apology.

"It's okay. So, that was Lauren." Nikita said.

"Yes. Nikita, I think I am going to take you home and go talk to my father." Michael said kissing her hand softly.

"It's okay I understand. Just don't say anything you regret." She said as he nodded. "Take me to my uncle's I wanna surprise him." Nikita said as she grabbed his hand and lead him to the elevator.

"I also have another request. Please don't fold and rekindle any old flames. Okay?" She asked.

"It'll be hard, you know, but I don't think I will." Michael said smiling while running his fingers over her eyebrow.

Michael face got serious and he touched her lips with his fingertips. "I love you, you know."

"I know." She said as she kissed his fingers.

He drove her to her uncle's and walked her to the door. He kissed her good night and went to his parents house to set his father straight.

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

Michael knocked at his parent’s door and waited for someone to open it. He looked up as his mother opened the door. She yawned and looked at him in surprise.

"Michel, what are you doing here?"

"Where is he?" He asked quietly as he walked into the house.

"He is in the study with Dominique Dubois. What's wrong Michel?" She asked concerned at the look on his face.

Michael looked at his mother. "I was out with someone. We went upstairs to my loft for some tea, when I arrived at my door Lauren was there. She spouted nonsense as usual but then said something about Papa mentioning that I was going to be home tonight. He suggested that she come over on the assumption that I wanted to start over." He said his voice like iron.

She was about to say something when her son slipped past her and towards the study. She sighed and followed him.

"Pour quoi?" He questioned not even saying hello to his father of his guest.

"Michel, I have company. At least say hello." Jacques said smiling.

"Stop playing games, I am not in the mood. Why?" He asked again his anger showing slightly.

"Michel, what are you talking about? Where is Lauren?" He asked "Why are you here instead of with her?"

"That is why I am here. How dare you tell her that I was interested in seeing her again. Not only was it cruel to me but to her because I don't want to see her again." He told his father.

"Michel, you have pre-wedding jitters, it happens to the best of men. You love Lauren-" Jacques started but was cut of by his son.

"No! You have no idea how I feel and who I feel it for. My breaking up with Lauren is more then just pre-wedding jitters, it is more then me not loving her," Michael started but then stopped. "Do not interfere in my personal life again. Stay out of it."

He was met with silence and his anger ignited briefly. Causing him to lose control for a moment.

"Do you understand!" He yelled.

"Yes, Michel, I do." Jacques said staring at his son.

"Good. We have nothing more to discuss. Bonne nuit, Papa, Monsieur." He walked out of the study kissed his shocked mother good night and walked out of the house without another word.

****

It had been almost two weeks since Michael and Nikita's night was ruined. Since then they both had been so busy with the final days of the shoot they rarely found time alone together. Michael was also hardly ever at the sight of the shoots because he was busy with GC meetings and other One business.

Needless to say both were very frustrated. Their bodies were light years ahead of their brains, and right now their bodies craved each other.

They were at the GRené t building and the last building to be photographed. The whole ad project would be done tomorrow and Nikita was trying to get in one more shot before it got dark. She sighed as she took her 'perfect' shot and welcomed the end of her day.

She walked to the trailer and reflected on the past couple of weeks. They had been hell she concluded. For one thing her favorite camera broke, which left her bitchy these past few days, her new neighbors in the floor above her were the definition of party- till- you- drop kind people, and to top it all off she had rarely seen Michael, much less talked to him. Well, at least Gray hadn't bothered her she thought smiling. Everyone had been pretty busy lately.

She walked into the trailer and sat down in one of the chairs. She still had the smile on her face when she heard a voice in back of her. The smile vanished with a slight groan. It was Gray and she wasn't in the mood for him today.

"I thought that was you," he said sitting down across from her. "We have been so busy that we haven't had the chance to talk."

"Yeah, but I am still busy so I can't talk now." She started to rise.

"I am just wondering if you'd thought about my offer?" He asked as he stood with her.

"I have. Gray I am flattered, but I am involved with someone and I don't want to hurt her." she replied as she walked towards the hallway.

"You mean-you're?" Gray stuttered." But you are gorgeous and- you're?" He asked again.

"MMhhmm," she replied taking a roll of film out of her pocket and began walking to the dark room leaving a stunned Gray in the lounge area.

She closed her eyes in order to hold in her laughter and bumped straight into something hard. She opened her eyes and was met with a red faced Michael. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into the dark room and shut the door. When he was sure they were alone he began to giggle softly.

"Hi. What is this I hear about you seeing some other woman behind my back?" He asked once he got his giggling under control. However, he lost control and began giggling again.

"You heard?" Nikita asked blushing.

"Yeah, I was coming out of the dark room looking for you and heard the whole thing." He said grabbing her hand while chuckling.

"Oh my God! I just came out with the first thing that popped in my head. I wanted him to stop bugging me." She replied smiling.

"Well, I am sure you accomplished that." Michael said laughing again with Nikita joining him.

"What brings you here Monsieur Samuelle?" She asked when she got control of her giggles.

"Well, since I have barely seen my girlfriend in two weeks, I thought I'd take some initiative and ask her out on a date." He replied.

"When and where? She has to check her calendar." She said playfully as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I was thinking dinner at my house tonight." He said looking at her lips.

"Mhm. I think I could manage that." She said before kissing softly on the lips. He groaned as he pulled her closer. When they stopped she buried her face in his neck smelling his cologne. She smiled as she felt Michael kissing her temple.

"I better go before Gray loses few brain cells pondering the fact that you are a lesbian." He said in her ear.

"Okay." Nikita giggled into his neck.

She looked up at him and kissed him again. She slipped her tongue in his mouth and moaned softly. They stood kissing passionately for a few moments until the need for oxygen forced them to separate.

"I'll see you tonight?" She asked playfully.

"Most definitely" He replied kissing her brow before walking out.

"I love you" she said to him. He turned around and smiled before disappearing. That smile stood in her mind for the rest of the day.

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

Michael was humming to himself as he got ready for Nikita to arrive. He couldn't wait to see her. He looked to the door as someone knocked on it and his heart started beating a little faster.

He opened it and smiled as he saw Nikita on the other side. She was wearing a gray knee length skirt and a baby blue blouse. Her blonde hair hung freely around her shoulders and back. She only wore a little lipstick. She is beautiful he thought his mind failing to come up with words as he stared at her.

"Nikita you look uhh- Mon Dieu." He said softly his words jumbling together.

"I guess that means I look okay. Right?" She asked shyly.

"You look more then okay, you look beautiful," he replied motioning her to come in.

"So do you." She said of his brown slacks and beige sweater that looked like they were sculpted on him. "Something smells delicious."

"Thank you. That is the Alfredo." he said as he led her to the dining area, which he had set for two with candles lit on the table.

"Great, I'm starved." She said as Michael pulled out her chair and went to get the food. Nikita poured their wine as she waited.

He sat down and began to eat. They ate in silence for a while. Nikita looked at Michael shyly and smiled. "You have no idea how much torture this past week has been." She said softly.

"I can imagine. I missed you too." He said looking at her softly.

"I can't wait until this shoot is over. Don't get me wrong. I like the work but I want to be able to hold your hand around people. I'm sick of Carla thinking up ways to get into your pants. I want to be able to tell her that your pants are mine. Is that silly?" She asked looking at him laughing.

"No. I feel the same way. However, my pants are not yours yet." He said smiling. "I think I missed this over this past weeks. Talking to you, hearing your voice, hearing your laughter, and kissing you. Yes, I think I missed it very much."

"I know he feeling." She replied drinking some wine."How did the meeting go with your father and those GC people today?"

"It went okay. It's hard being around Simone, but I am handling it. My father talked some sense into her and Jurgen today. Hopefully we can come to a compromise about things. I am keeping my fingers crossed," he replied.

The rest of the dinner was eaten in silence. When they were some Michael ushered Nikita into the living room and put on music. He then went to clean up the dining room.

Nikita sat on the couch and relaxed. She inhaled the scent of Michael, which permeated every inch of his home. She smiled as the thought of him made her heart happy.

Michael walked into the living room and saw Nikita there smiling to herself. She looked so peaceful. He quietly walked to her and sat next to her. Her eyes opened and she looked at him. He reached his hand to stroke her brow with the tips of his fingers.

"Hi," he said softly.

"Hey," she replied.

"Dance with me?" He asked holding out the hand that had touched her so gently.

She nodded and took his hand. She laid her head on his shoulder as he led them to the soft rhythm of the music. She held his left hand near his heart as her other hand played with the nape of his neck. Michael gasped softly when her fingers began to tickle him.

He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer to him. He looked in her eyes as both of her hands now began playing with his neck. His eyes moved from hers to her lips. They lingered on them for while before he focused on her eyes again. She felt his hands lightly caress her back. She felt his fingers scratch her gently thought the fabric of her shirt.

"Are you trying to seduce me, Michel Samuelle." She whispered huskily.

"Is it working?" He asked hopefully.

"I think so," she replied.

He smiled shyly. The smile vanished as he looked in her eyes and saw the desire in them. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her softly. He pulled his lips away as his hands found hers. He ran his fingernails over her palms softly. He then caressed he hands with the gently pads of his fingertips. He repeated this as he rubbed his nose lightly against her lips his hands caressing hers lovingly.

"Michael." She whispered.

He claimed her mouth again as he lifted her in his arms and carried her to his bed.

****

The sun peaked through the windows of Michael's loft. Two figures were lying in bed holding each other and sleeping peacefully.

Michael opened his eyes slowly, feeling an unfamiliar weight on his chest. He glanced down and was met with a blonde curtain of hair. He smiled as memories of last night flooded his mind. It was perfect. He found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with the moment he met Nikita. Now that they had made love he knew he would do anything to keep her in his life.

He smiled again and kissed her head softly. He could definitely get used to waking up with this woman in his arms.

Nikita sighed and stretched as Michael's gentle kisses bought her out of her slumber. She felt his arms holding her close and the steady beat of his heart under her head. She opened her eyes and looked up at him their eyes locking.

"Good morning." He said his voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?" She asked kissing his chest.

"I slept well, how about you?" He asked.

"Like a baby," she replied.

He looked at her. Her hair was messy from their lovemaking. Her eyes were bright and her lips were swollen form his kisses. She was absolutely beautiful.

"I love you, Kita." He said softly.

"I love you, too," she replied touching his face.

He lowered his head to her and kissed her gently on the mouth. His hands wandered to her sides where he tickled her playfully.

"Michael! Stop!" She yelled as he continued to tickle her.

She rolled over trying to get his hands away form his from her hands. She laughed as his ministrations intensified. She rolled on top of him and moved her lower body against his. His hands ceased their movement and he groaned.

She bent her head and kissed him passionately. her hands weaved into his hair as his tongue stroked her lips. His hands slid from her ribs to her hips where he let them linger suggestively. His kisses growing more intense.

He flipped her over and began kissing her neck softly. He glanced at her smiling briefly and then moved his head lower to her breasts. Before his lips could kiss her a knock sounded at his door. He groaned in frustration his head dropped in between her breasts.

"Michel, it's me," a female voice called to him.

"Please hold that thought and don't move." He said kissing her before getting up and slipping his pants on.

"Hurry up." She ordered him playfully.

"Yes sir." He smiled as he went to the door and opened it.

"Maman, what a surprise." He said smiling warmly at his mother.

"Michel, I just came by to see how you were." She said to her son.

"I'm okay," he said.

"Are you sure you look a little flushed. Do you have a fever," she said.

"I am fine, just getting ready for work. I am a little late." He replied touching his mother's arm reassuringly.

"Okay, I am sorry for holding you up. Michel, please come to dinner at the house tonight?" She asked her eyes pleading for him to come.

"I'll come if I can bring someone." he replied smiling.

"Okay, well I will let you get ready. Je t'aime mon petit." She said kissing him on the cheek.

"Bye, maman, see you later." He said as he watched his mother walk to the elevator.

Michael closed the door and leaned his forehead against it. He didn't notice Nikita behind him. She grabbed him from behind and wrapped her arms around him.

"Who was that?" She asked kissing his shoulder.

"My mother." He said kissing her softly. "Now where were we? Oh now I remember," he said as he lowered hr to the floor and began to tickle her again. She laughed and squirmed trying to get away from him. He stopped suddenly and kissed her.

Nora stood outside her son's door listening to the laughter on the other side. She smiled as she heard her son's laughter through the door mingling with a woman's. She turned on her heel and left giving her son much needed privacy.

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

Michael and Nikita arrived an hour late to the shoot. Since it was the last day everyone was running around in a frenzy. Michael, who throughout the whole project had been present on few occasions for brief periods of time, was on site for the whole day. It was hectic to say the least and everyone was feeling a little overwhelmed.

However, Nikita, who was sitting in the trailer, felt calm and collected. Her mind was clear and her body, well it was still tingling from this morning. She blushed as she remembered this morning and how Michael prepared her for a day at the office. Her thoughts were cut off as Carla, Gray, and Michael walked in the trailer.

"Where are we with the shoot?" Gray asked as he looked at Nikita.

"About half way done. It should be finished around four or five." Nikita replied as Carla sat next to her.

"Good." Gray replied glancing at Michael.

Before he could say anything there was a knock at the door. A young kid came in and looked at Michael a cell phone in his hand. "Mr. Samuelle, your secretary is on the phone for you."

"Thank you. Yes," he said into the phone.

"Alice, what are you talking about? He what? Now? Why didn't you tell me he had done this? Okay. I understand, I'll be there in a minute. Merde." He said as he hung up the phone. He felt his perfect day reshape into his worst nightmare. "Gray can you hold the fort? I gotta go to a meeting with my father and GC. Alice said he had an announcement."

"You gonna be okay Michael? I mean Simone-" Gray asked.

"I'll be fine." He said with a blank stare. "I'll see you guys later." He glanced at Nikita and his eyes twinkled at her before he left.

****

Michael arrived at One in record time. He rode the elevator up to his office. He walked to Alice's desk. She stared at him apologetically.

"I didn't know Mike. He came in here with a bottle of Merlot and a grin form ear to ear. He told me to call you in for a meeting with GC. I have no idea why but I 'll tell you what I don't have a good feeling about this. " Alice said softly.

"Don't worry, it's probably nothing. You know how he likes to celebrate beforehand." He looked at Alice and took her hand in his. He kissed her knuckles and smiled at her softly.

He walked into his office and saw his father, Simone, and Jurgen sitting on the couch. He shut the door and moved to join them. He smiled as his father greeted him. He took the glass of wine his father offered him. He sat down on the chair opposite the couch.

"Michael, I am glad that you are here. I understand that the shoot is to be finished today so I will not take up much of your time. I called this meeting to discuss the settlement that GC and One have come to." Jacques said as his son sipped some wine.

"We have decided to become partners by merging GC and One." Jacques said raising his glass to toast his new partners.

Michael swallowed his wine and began coughing when his father announced the merger. He looked at Jacques as he smiled widely. "Partners? Papa, when did this happen? We met last week and couldn't even compromise and now we are partners?"

"Michel, I grew tired of waiting for your resolution to the situation so I stepped in and resolved it." Jacques said looking at his son.

"I have to leave. Simone, Jurgen welcome to our family. Papa I will see you at dinner tonight." Michael said looking at his father. He stood and left the office before anyone could say a word.

"Michel, wait. That was extremely rude of you." Jacques said following Michael out the office.

"I apologize. I figured since you had everything under control you really didn't need me there." Michael relied looking at his father. "I really need to go can we finish this later?"

"Of course." Jacques said as he watched his son leave.

****

Michael arrived back at the site and proceeded to walk to the trailer. He was angry with his father. He had rejected the idea of a merger because Simone and Jurgen's proposals were ludicrous. Then his father goes and undermines his authority, which wasn't unusual. It is a wonder that I am still taken seriously in this business Michael thought ironically.

He went to the trailer and saw Nikita sleeping peacefully He quietly stepped towards her. He knelt in front of her and ran his fingertips over her brow. She moved her head towards his fingers and smiled slightly.

Her eyes opened slightly as she yawned. Her smile returned as she saw Michael smiling at her. She grabbed his hand and kiss his palm.

"Hello." He whispered.

"Hi," she replied her voice husky from sleep.

"Tired?" He asked as she sat up making room for him to sit down.

"Yeah, a little. Someone kept me up most of the night." She replied laughing lightly.

"So now I kept you up all night, like you complained. And as I recall I wasn't the only one who kept anyone up. If I remember right you were really interested in-" His voice cut off as Nikita gently covered his mouth with her hand.

"Okay, you weren't the only one, alright." She whispered huskily. She felt him smile under her hand. She removed her hand and replaced it with her lips.

Michael broke the kiss gently. He cupped her face in her hands and sighed in contentment. He smiled as he gazed into her eyes.

"How was your meeting?" She asked laying her head on his shoulder.

"It was okay. Just a little cooperate troubleshooting," he replied softly taking her hand in his.

"I wanted to ask you something." He said resting his head on hers."I was wondering if you would come dinner with me at my parent's house tonight."

"Dinner with your parent's house, huh? Sounds nice, I would love to." Nikita said.

"Good, Monique will be there with Harry. They have been seeing a lot of each other lately." Michael said laughing.

"I have to go to work. I'll see you tonight," Nikita said getting up.

"I'll pick you up at seven." Michael said and waved at her as she walked out.

****

Michael was sitting in the trailer going over some documents when he heard someone come in. He smiled as he thought of Nikita.

"I'm in the back, Kita."

"Who? " Nora said as she walked into the office.

"Mama, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?" He said as he got up to hug his mother.

"I wanted to see you and thought it best if I came here. I heard about the merger. How are you?" She asked sitting down.

"I'm okay. A little upset but okay. He does this on purpose to make me look stupid. He told me condition not to propose to Simone and Jurgen but yet he proposed those very things." Michael said sitting down and looked at his mother.

"I know that he can be difficult but he loves you." Nora said.

"I know but he has a funny way of showing it. He nags and complains to me and then pushes me to do things I have no desire to do. I believe he thinks I am still that little boy who ran around pretending to be an astronaut." Michael said.

"Did he push about Lauren?" She asked.

"When does he not?" Michael replied a tear running down his cheek." I just wish he would understand. You know? Just once I want to hear him say 'I am proud of you.' Mom, I love him, I just don't know how much of this I can take anymore."

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

Walter looked at Nikita as she watched television with her cousin Valerie and her boyfriend Birkoff. Valerie had arrived for Walter's birthday that weekend. His daughter and niece got along well together.

Nikita stood as the doorbell rang. She smiled at Valerie and went to answer the door. "Hey, babe."

Michael smiled as he stepped inside and hugged her tightly. He began tickling her sides as she giggled. He stopped and grabbed her hand as she ushered him into the living room. He smiled and shook hands with Walter. He smiled politely at Birkoff and Valerie.

"Michael, this is my cousin, Valerie and her boyfriend Birkoff. Val, Birkoff, this is Michael." Nikita said introducing them.

"Nice to meet you. Nikita has told me a lot about you." Valerie said shaking his hand.

"Pleasure meeting the both of you." Michael said.

"So Michael , you coming to my party this weekend?" Walter asked.

"Sure, wouldn't miss it for the world. " Michael said.

"Great it's gonna be a helluva of a party."

"Yeah it will Uncle, but Michael and I gotta go. I love you guys." Nikita said hugging her family. She smiled as she saw Michael doing the same.

"Bye Walter. See you two later. It was nice meeting you." He said as he and Nikita walked out the door.

****

Nikita began to get nervous as they got to his parent's house. She felt like she was going to throw up as they approached the door.

Michael looked at her and smiled. She was biting her lower lip. "You look beautiful tonight, Kita." He said taking her hand.

"Thank you. You look good yourself." She replied softly.

"Don't be nervous. It'll be fine." He said as he rang the doorbell..

"Mama." He smiled as his mother opened the door. He let go of Nikita's hand to hug his mother.

"Mama, this is Nikita. Kita, this is my mother Nora." Michael said introducing them.

"Hello, Nikita." Nora said smiling at the nervous woman in front of her.

"Hello Mrs. Samuelle." Nikita said some of her nervousness disappearing at Nora's warm welcome.

"Please call me Nora. Come on in." She said. As she moved aside to let them in she saw Michael grab Nikita's hand and in the house. She smiled as she shut the door.

"Michael." Monique said as she rose from the dining table and hugged her brother.

"Hey Monique, Harry." Michael said smiling at them.

"Hey you two. How's it hanging?" Harry asked as he shook Michael's hand and hugged Nikita.

"Good," they said in unison. They looked at each other and smiled. They all sat down at the table and began to talk while drinking some wine.

"Michel-" Jacques said coming to a halt as he came out of the kitchen. He regarded Nikita curiously. "What is the photographer doing here?"

"Her name is Nikita. I told Mama I was bringing someone, didn't she tell you?" Michael asked.

"Yes, she told me I just assumed you wouldn't." Jacques replied.

"Well I did. So what's for dinner?" Michael said. He watched as Jacques went into the kitchen.

"Nikita, I went over to see you yesterday and bumped into Gray. He said something about you being gay." Monique asked her smiling.

Michael started to laugh uncontrollably before Nikita could answer. She put her face in her hands and groaned softly. Michael’s laughter turned into giggles a his sister looked at him. Soon everyone at the table began laughing. Michael tried to cover his laughter with one hand while the other went to grab Nikita's arm.

"I am glad you find this funny Michael." She said looked at him through his hands.

"I do." He said chuckling. "Besides I told you, poor Gray was shocked. Monique probably found him shaking his head muttering 'she's gay, OhMyGod she's gay.'" His laughter coming back.

"Laugh it up funny man. You are going to pay later." She replied her face turning red holding in her laughter.

"What is so funny?" Nora asked smiling at the fresh burst of laughter that emerged from the people sitting at the table.

The doorbell rang and she got up to answer it . She heard the laughter continue and she smiled. Her smile disappeared as she opened the door and saw Lauren DuBois and her father standing outside the door. She felt this evening got to hell in a handbag before it had even begun.

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

Michael and Nikita were telling Harry and Monique the story about Gray when Jacques walked in with the food. As he was putting it on the table Nora came in with her new guests. Michael and Nikita didn't see who it was because they had their backs to the dining room entrance. However, when Monique saw who was coming towards the table her mouth hung open.

"Dominique, please come in and sit down." Jacques said smiling at his guests.

Nikita looked at Michael. She had felt him tense at his father's words. He had his blank face on and his eyes were closed as if he were wishing for something. She was trying to figure out why he was acting funny when Jacques next words made her blood stop.

"Lauren It's nice to see you again. You look beautiful."

She closed her eyes as she heard Michael's ex-fiancee's name. She heard Michael curse softly in French, his hand squeezed hers slightly. She opened her eyes and saw him looking at her apologetically. She smiled at him reassuringly.

Dominique and Lauren greeted everyone warmly. However, Lauren's eyes lingered a bit on Michael and Nikita's intertwined hands. They took their seats across from Nikita and Michael.

"Michael, it is good to see you again. You look well." Dominique said.

"Thank you. it is nice to see you again, Mr. DuBois." Michael replied quietly.

"Who is your friend?" DuBois asked.

"This is Nikita Wirth. Nikita, Lauren and Dominique DuBois." Michael said introducing them and them looked at his father anger reflecting in his eyes.

"Pleasure," Nikita replied as she smiled at Dominique and Lauren.

"Well, shall we eat?" Jacques asked oblivious to the discomfort he created for his son.

****

Nikita sat on the couch and sighed as Lauren and Dominique left. If looks could kill she would have been dead by now. Lauren DuBois had given her the evil eye all evening. As if that weren't enough Dominique and Jacques kept taking about marriage and how everyone gets wedding jitters that make them do irrational things.

Michael just sat there. He ate very little and talked only when spoken to. He held her hand and drank a lot of wine throughout dinner. She thought he was a little drunk. Harry and Monique tried to get him to talk but all he did was drink and hold her hand. Every so often Nikita saw Monique and Nora look at her with remorse.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Michael came into the living room. He sat down beside her and took her hand. He didn't say anything just looked at her hand. He sighed and kissed her palm before interlocking their fingers.

"I am so sorry." He said softly. "I had no idea he invited them."

"S'okay. I figured it was a last ditch effort to get you and Lauren back together again." She said as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Yeah, probably, but it didn't work." He said his words slurring slightly.

"Are you drunk, Michael?"She asked curiously.

"A little, I think, or maybe a lot. I'm not really paying attention." Before he could say anymore his family walked in.

Jacques was upset with his son. Michael had just sat at the dinner table not bothering to talk. All he did was sit, drink wine, and hold that girl's hand. Now his anger flared up as he saw his son cuddled up with her.

"Michel, I think you owe me an explanation."He said looking at his son and the blonde-Nikita-who was sitting next to him sit up quickly.

"Owe you an explanation. Papa, I told you that Lauren and I were over. I told Mama I was bringing someone over. I also told you to stay out of my personal life." Michael said his words slightly affected by the alcohol.

"Michael you shamed me tonight. Bringing over some woman to my home, especially after all the hard work I went through to get Lauren over here." Jacques said.

Michael glanced at Nikita as he felt her tense up. Her eyes closed slightly at his father's words and the anger buried in him flared up.

"I hope you realize that Lauren is your future, not some-" Jacques was cut off by Nora touching his arm.

"Jacques, please, stop." She pleaded sensing a serious argument about to take place.

"Dad, come on. Don't say stuff you can't ever take back." Monique chimed in after seeing the look in Michael's eyes.

"No, he wants to act like a child I will treat him like one. You will reconcile with Lauren and you will marry her. You will also cease relations with this - " Jacques stopped as Michael stood up.

"Arête," he commanded softly. His eyes bright with unshed tears.

"I came here tonight because I thought we could have a nice dinner as a family. I brought Nikita her so my family could meet someone who is very important to me. I am not going to reconcile anything with Lauren. You don't tell me what to do anymore." Michael said sadly his voice hoarse from drinking.

"You will treat Nikita with respect. I love her, Papa. If you love me in anyway you won't ask me to choose between her or Lauren. She is the one I am with, Lauren is no competition. Papa I need you to accept this, please." Michael pleaded softly.

"Get out of my house and take your whore with you." Jacques said softly his voice like steel. He heard Nora and Monique gasp at his words.

Jacques never saw the blow coming. All he knew on minute he was standing and then he was on his ass bleeding from his nose and lip.

"Fine." He said as he grabbed Nikita's hand and walked out without another word.

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

Nikita looked at Michael as they sat in the car. He hadn't started the car. He just sat there staring straight ahead his eyes and face blank. When she looked at his eyes she saw them bright with unshed tears.

"I'm sorry." She muttered softly.

"What?" He asked her voice breaking through his thoughts.

"I'm sorry. If I hadn't of come none of this would have happened." Nikita said bowing her head.

"No. It's not your fault," he replied touching her face. "This was bound to happen sooner or later."

"Yeah, but can you honestly say I wasn't the catalyst?" She asked looking at him.

"Hey. Stop it. It isn't your fault. It was mine. I should of known better. I got drunk and ignored Lauren and Dominique. That made my father angry and everyone knows that when he gets pissed everyone suffers." Michael said wiping away her tears.

"Are you okay?" She asked touching his thigh.

"I will be in time. Right now I just want go home with you." He said kissing her cheek. "Let's go."

****

"Can you believe him?" He hit me!" Jacques exclaimed.

"I could. Dad how could you be so mean? Nikita is one of the nicest people around. You were wrong to say those things about her. You were wrong to provoke Michael like you did." Monique replied tears steaming down her face." Were you so into Lauren that you missed how Michael's eyes light up whenever Nikita is in the same room? Did you miss the hope in his eyes as we were eating dinner? He loves her and he bought her here to tell you and you blew it."

"Michael has done everything you have asked of him and more. He gave up his dreams for you and still you ask for more. He lost Simone because he waited to propose to her at your request. All he wanted is for you to be happy for him and to be proud of him. Instead you threw it in his face and expected him to keep quiet like before." Monique said grabbing her jacket and began putting it on. "There is more to his break up with Lauren then you see. If you would just listen to him instead of arguing with him all the time you would see."

"Goodnight Mama. I love you." She hugged her mother as the tears streamed down her face. She looked at her father

"Goodnight Papa. I love you." With that her and Harry walked out of the house.

Jacques watched his daughter walk out of the house with her boyfriend. He turned to look at his wife who had her back to him.

"I hope that the damage you caused tonight will be reversible. What you said was unforgivable. I hope our son will be the man I know he is- the man you doubt him to be- and forgive you. However, I don't know if I can. He bought a woman here who, like Monique said, makes him very happy. Then you insult her as if she wasn't even here." She said softly. "He loves you so much and all you do is belittle him. I just hope that whatever relationship you two had is salvageable. I'm going to bed in the guest room. Good night." She walked upstairs before he could say anything.

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

Michael and Nikita drove in silence. As they were driving Nikita began to think about the night's events. Throughout the drive she would glance at her lover and felt so guilty. If she hadn't of went with him, He and his father would never have had an argument.

She still couldn't believe that Michael punched his father. She swallowed and thought that if Michael knew everything about her past he would have nothing to do with her, much less defend her to his father.

Michael shook his head slightly as he drove. Damn I am drunk, he thought to himself, I should of let Kita drive. His ears were ringing from the alcohol and his anger. He glanced at Nikita and caught her expression of worry and guilt. He sighed as he grabbed her hand and kissed her palm.

He looked at the road as he spoke, his accent thick. "It wasn't your fault. Stop beating yourself up okay, ma cherie. My father and I have not seen eye to eye for fifteen years, like I said before this was bound to happen sooner or later. He thought I would just sit there while he insulted you." Michael stopped and looked at Nikita.

"Nikita, please, talk to me. I need to know if your okay. I'm so sorry for what he said. He had no right, he-"

She cut off his rambling with a smile. Michael never rambles, he must really be drunk, Nikita thought to herself. "I'm fine, babe. No one but Uncle Walter, Valerie, and Aunt Madeleine has ever stood up for me. I'm just in shock you did." She replied softly holding his hand.

"Nikita, I love you. I would die for you. I would go to hell and back for you.” He said softly.

"I think I like it when you are drunk. By the way, I don't really think you should be driving." She said frowning.

"I'm fine, just tweaking a little. Besides we are home." He said parking the car.

They got out of the car and walked into Michael's building. When the door to the elevator closed Michael grabbed Nikita and pulled her close. He hugged her tightly and smelled her hair.

"I didn't say those things because I was drunk you know. I said them because I meant it. Oh, I don't think I told you how beautiful you look tonight.." He said.

"Thank you." Nikita said snuggling her face into his neck.

"Welcome," he said as he opened the elevator gate. Before she could step out he kissed her hungrily. Nikita moaned as he pulled her closer to him. She let her hands drift to his butt and pushed him firmly against her arching body.

"Let's go inside." Nikita whispered against his lips as she squeezed his muscular bottom eagerly.

"Okay." He chuckled grabbing her hand.

They quickly walked to the door He opened the door to let her in before he quickly stepped in and closed the door. Nikita turned into his arms before the door even shut. Her hands found their way under his shirt . She ran her hands over his muscular chest tickling his nipples softly. Then they went lower to his firm abdominal muscles and scratched them lightly. She began to unbutton his pants as he kissed her passionately.

Michael took off her blouse and was caressing her breasts through her bra. His mouth wandered to her neck where he groaned as her fingers found their way into his pants. He pulled away and looked in her eyes a smile playing over his lips. He moved in to kiss her again when a knock sounded at the door.

"Michel. Michel, it's me René . I know you are here. Let me I need to talk to you mon ami." a male voice called out.

"Damn. Nikita I gotta get that. He sounds desperate." Michael said apologetically.

"Okay, but just keep in mind what you are missing. I'm going to take a shower . You might wanna make your um- you know- less obvious." She said smiling as she looked at his arousal her eyes glinting mischievously.

"Thank you for the advice. I'll try to get rid of him and join you. I think I'm going to need help on making it less obvious." He replied kissing her softly. He moaned as the knocking sounded again. "Go, I'll be there soon."

He watched as she walked slowly to the shower swaying her hips in the way that made him crazy. She smiled at him as she threw her bra at him and shut the bathroom door.

He went to the door and opened it an annoyed expression on his face. "What is it René ?"

He paused as he looked at his friend. René was frazzled. His hair was a mess and if that bottle in his hand was anything to go by he was as drunk too. Michael glanced towards the bathroom and sighed regretfully as he let René in.

Oh boy was René going to owe him big for this one.

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

"I am so glad you are home. I really need to talk to someone." René said taking a drink out of his bottle.

"René , stop drinking and talk to me." Michael said as he sat down on the couch.

"It's Karen. She is cheating on me." René said sitting on the other side of the couch.

"Cheating on you? René she loves you. I mean for crying out loud you two have a child together. Why would she throw that away for a fling? Do you know who it is?" Michael asked.

"Brian. I saw a picture of them kissing."

"Brian? René , Brian is gay. He has been dating this guy since you've been back from Greece." Michael said looking at his friend.

"So what. People who are gay sometimes turn around and become straight again." René said pouting.

"René, you are stupid. Instead of being at home with Karen and Michel, you are here getting drunk on my couch." Michael said.

René looked at Michael for the first time since he had been there. His friend had a glazed look in his eyes. He noticed that Michael's words were a little slurred. Then he noticed the lipstick on his cheek. He sighed and tried to stand; however, his body was intoxicated and he fell back on the couch. He opened his mouth to say something but before he could say anything Nikita walked out in Michael's robe.

"Michael I thought you were going to-" Nikita stopped as she saw René and Michael sitting on the couch.

"Nikita, this is René. René this is Nikita." Michael introduced them and then looked at Nikita. "Sorry, I got held up."

"S'okay, I just thought you passed out on me." She replied going to the kitchen a smile on her face.

"I can assure you that I am awake." Michael said dryly. He turned back to René who had passed out on the couch.

"Sure René. It's okay if you stay here. It's not like I had any plans." Michael said as he stood up. He straightened René out on the couch so that his friend was laying down. He took off René 's shoes and draped a throw blanket over his friend.

He went towards his bed and began taking off his shirt. Nikita walked to the bed and sat down. She stared at Michael as he began taking off his clothes. Nikita looked at Michael and then towards the couch. Michael glanced at Nikita as she stared at him.

"What?" He asked as he slipped off his shoes and began unbuttoning his pants.

"What are you doing?" She asked her eyes lingering as he slipped off his pants.

"Getting ready for bed." Michael replied as if he were talking to a child." Are you going to sleep in that robe."

"I didn't bring anything to sleep in." Nikita said as Michael bent over and pulled the covers down.

"Who says you need anything to sleep in? Come to bed." He said as he slipped under the sheets without a stitch of clothing on.

She sighed as she undressed. She slipped under the sheets with Michael. She smiled as he moved closer to her and rubbed her legs with his, tickling her. She laughed softly as he nibbled on her ear.

"Hi." He whispered in her ear softly.

"Hello." She replied as she buried her face in his neck. "Mmm you smell good."

"So do you, like lavender." He said kissing her head. He bent his head and lowered his mouth to hers kissing her softly.

"Michael, René is here," she whispered.

"I know." He replied his voice muffled as his mouth moved to kiss her breasts.. He sighed as his head moved back up. He pulled her close and kissed the tip of her nose.

"Tomorrow René and I are going to have a talk about coming over without calling." Michael said in frustration.

"You do that baby." She replied laughing as she hugged him and felt his arousal on her thigh.

"Are you okay?" She asked as she looked into his eyes. She noticed a glint of sadness in them and kissed him softly.

"I'll be okay. Just a reminder that if you are planning to break my heart wait a few years. I am fragile right now." He whispered as he kissed her forehead. He sighed as he nestled his head in her neck.

"Don't worry. No heart breaking is forthcoming. Goodnight, Michael." She said kissing his cheek.

"Goodnight, Kita." He said already half asleep.