It Was Only A Dream? by realstone 1999©

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Alex couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, her mind filled with the sounds around her. Creaking floors, ticking clock, and the rain outside her window. Above all were the words echoing in her mind, the words of a three hundred-year-old Asian courtesan. For the past week she and Derek had been translating the diaries of mysterious woman. The six crumbling tomes were filled with some of the most descriptive sexual content that they had come across. The work was not technically complex, but both she and Derek had required numerous breaks and the occasional cold show almost became a ritual.

Grabbing her pillows Alex tugged and pummeled the innocent items into position against the bed's headboard. With her feet propped up on the pillows and her head toward the end of the bed, Alex lay in the quiet seeking relief. Finally she acknowledge that she wasn't able to go back to sleep. Getting up she began to move aimlessly about the room. She straightened the bed covers. Hung up several items of clothing she had left on a chair. Re-shelved several books she had left on her dresser days before. In the middle of rearranging items in her closet, she signed in frustration. "What is wrong with you, Moreau?"

"I don't know."

Alex forced herself to go back to bed. She shifted about until she was comfortable. After several moments she was up and out of the bed headed for the bathroom. Opening the door, she pulled her robe off the hook, put it on and left the room.

In the middle of the hallway, she stopped, listening for her housemates. She had decided that since she couldn't sleep and she didn't want to work what she needed was some time in the pool alone without interruption. She stood on the landing listening for the others. She remembered that Kat and Rachel were at their home in the city. Nick had gone to bed early in preparation for a skiing trip with friends. That left Derek, house precept and her employer. He was usually the last to sleep and the first up in the morning. Satisfied that she would not be disturbed she headed for the pool. Downstairs she hurried along the corridor, the floor cold against her bare feet.

- - - - - - - - -

Standing on the pool's edge Alex glanced around the room, talking herself into an act totally opposite her usual behavior. Finally comfortable with what she wanted Alex dropped her robe and dived into the pool. The heated water felt pleasant against her skin. Setting a steady pace she swam lap after lap until her arms and legs began to ache. Not wanting to put herself in danger she pulled herself out of the water.

Alex spread out her towel on the pool's edge and lay face down. Resting her head on her arms she stared into the water, watching the ripples made by her swim. The restlessness she had experienced earlier drained out into the silence around her. A smile touched her lips as she enjoyed having time alone. No dangerous assignments, no reports to complete, no one to save.

She was tempted to roll back into the water but decided to wait a few minutes more. The knowledge that she was alone gave her a feeling of freedom that she hadn't allowed herself in ages. She became aware of the air blowing across her body. The water drying on her skin, the feeling of the towel beneath her. She sat up, her feet dangling in the water. Her hands moved over her, taking in the changes. On her neck were barely perceptible scars from her run-in with the vampires, Justine, Phillipe and Marcus. On her lower back was a faint wrinkled patch of skin from her time in the Devil's Lighthouse. Scooting back she pulled her feet out of the water. Her hands moved up her calves and down her thighs over numerous bumps and scars. Many were faded discolored spots others freshly healed. Her hands moved up and over her stomach and across her breast. Her mind filled with the courtesan's words.

His hands touch me, his breath warmth against my flesh

Deep with the courtesan's world, Alex was slow to realize that someone else was in the room.

"Alex?"

"Oh hell." Alex mumbled as she looked over her shoulder at the figure standing just inside the room. She reached for the towel to cover her body, she scrambled to the pool's edge and slid back into the water. She knew she looked as ridiculous as she felt, pressed into a corner trying to keep the towel secured. With a free hand she wiped water from her eyes. "How long have you been there? Is something wrong? "

"No."

"Okay." Alex moved further down into water as Derek walked closer.

"Why are you here?"

"Something woke me and I decided to get in some exercise. Seems we both had the same idea." Derek smiled and Alex became uncomfortable.

"Funny how this one room become popular all of the sudden."

"Great minds." Derek moved closer. "I am curious. When did you take up swimming in the nude?"

Alex looked away for a place where there was even less light. "Go back to bed."

"I'd rather swim." Derek began to untie his robe."

"No."

"Come on Alex we're both adults. Besides I promise to be the perfect gentlemen." Derek drew a cross over his heart with his finger, "if, you want me to."

"I want...you to go back upstairs."

"You're reading more into this situation than there is," Derek opened his robe and let it drop to the floor. "Would you be more comfortable if we were similarly dressed. I'm willing." He waited for her answer his fingers resting inside the waistband of his swimming trunks.

"Your castle." Alex looked away as Derek entered the water. Her need to keep him at a safe distance had her searching the water seconds later. She was grateful when he erupted from the water some distance from her. He seem to understand her discomfort. It was these flashes of understanding between them that enabled them to have a functional working relationship. Sometimes they were at the opposite ends of an argument, but there was a connection between them fed by time, love for the vocation they had chosen and the unique gifts given them.

Derek gave her a momentary glance before pushing away from the wall. Alex studied his body as it moved through the water. He seemed different out of his usual environment almost reachable. Derek had made several more laps and Alex found herself wanting to know if she could provide a decent competition. Letting go of the towel Alex waited for Derek. As they swam she kept her focus on keeping a competitive pace. After a time she began to lag behind, her limbs heavy. Finally she drifted to the edge of the pool where she had left her robe, resting there before pulling herself out of the water.

"We should do this more often."

Alex slid back into the water. "Next time properly attired."

"Oh, I think you're all right." Derek moved closer. "You are beautiful."

Alex blushed surprised at the compliment. "Dr. Rayne, do you need a review of the Legacy's Behavioral Policy for Legacy House Co-habitants? As you are aware student," her voice took on a nasal tone in imitation of the absent instructor, "house members cohabit and work closely together. Any, sexual conduct between members can derange the most successful team. The Legacy has therefore developed these guidelines to assist you in recognizing the true value of a productive working collaboration over a few moments of personal pleasure." They were both grinning when she finished.

"My ego is hurt." Derek's face contorted in a grimaced of pain.

"Why." Alex's voice slurred into a yawn.

"A few moments of pleasure...I do believe I can make it last much longer than a few moments." Derek wiped away several beads of water from Alex's shoulder.

Alex shivered. She wasn't sure it was because of the cool air in the room or Derek's touch. A part of her needed to believe it wasn't because of the later. Derek closeness and her growing awareness of how emotionally vulnerable she was becoming, made her eager to get out of the pool.

"How about a demonstration?"

"How about we say goodnight and go our separate ways."

"Don't run." Derek moved closer to Alex.

Alex forced herself not to back away. "I'm tired. It has been a difficult day and your teasing isn't helping."

"In need are we?" Derek's fingers brushed the hair near her ear.

Alex instinctively moved putting some space between them. "I won't be a quick roll in the hay or your usual one night stand."

Derek was quiet for a moment, his face mirrored the hurt her comment caused. "You haven't been listening. There will be nothing quick, or frivolous about our love making."

Alex eyes meet Derek's intense gaze. She felt self-conscious as his eyes moved over her face and down into the water. "I didn't mean to insult you, but why are you pushing the boundaries now?" Her voice carried tones of disappointment mirrored by the tears forming in her eyes.

Derek's hand traced the line of her face from ear to chin. "Because it is time love."

Alex continued unwilling to let the point go. "Why not last year, yesterday?"

Derek backed a few inches from Alex and pushed himself up and out of the pool. She watched him, confused that he was leaving, her anger unanswered. Her gaze remained locked on him as he picked up his robe, put it on and belted it with a slowness that irritated. Finished he picked up her robe and held out his hand to her.

He looked down at her with such compassion, Alex was unsure what she truly wanted. She searched the craggy features above her, hazel eyes that held wisdom along with years of pain. A mouth that seldom smiled, but when it did it transformed. Below that mouth was a chin strong, firm made human by a hint of dimple. All together they gave the whole an appearance of strength and trust.

Derek continued to wait. Alex understood modesty was not keeping her in the water, but her pride, reached up and took Derek's hand. She stood before him trying to maintain a calm outward appearance while inside she losing the war. Her composure was further wreaked by the fact that her nipples grew erect from the cooling the moisture left by her swim.

"You do like me."

All Alex could do was groan and cover her chest while trying to grab at her robe with her free hand. Derek held up the robe allowing her to place one arm then another into the sleeves. He waited until she had the robe belted before taking her hand in his.

- - - - - - - - -

In Derek's room Alex walked around nervously. It wasn't the first time she had been in the large room decorated in a mixture of Victorian and Rayne styles. But it was the first time she's been there with the purpose of cooperating in her own seduction. Despite her speech in the pool Alexandra Moreau wanted Derek Rayne.

"Ugh," Alex grunted into the silence.

"Who's first?"

Alex jumped slightly and turned to find Derek standing in the doorway holding a tray containing bathing accessories.

"What?" Alex hoped she didn't look as lost as she was feeling.

"Shower." Derek held the tray out to her.

"I don't have anything her to wear. I'll go to my..."

"No." Derek handed Alex the tray and walked to his dresser where he pulled out a set of pajamas neatly wrapped, carrying his cleaners mark. Pulling the set apart he hooked the shirt collar on one of Alex's free fingers. She glanced at the garment as if she had never seen one before. Grinning at the look on her face Derek placed a quick kiss on her forehead and pushed her toward the bathroom door.

- - - - - - - - -

Alex stood before the bathroom mirror, dissecting her image. She had never been ashamed of her body, but lately she had begun to feel that her years as a desirable woman, was ending. Alex moved closer to the mirror noting the changes in her face made by time and living. Tired of looking at herself, she brushed her teeth and put on the pajama shirt. Feeling a draft on her back Alex looked up at the mirror. Derek stood in the doorway, arms crossed. She stood straighter, her hand tugging at the hem of the shirt as she turned to face him.

"Finished?"

"Yes." Alex refused to look Derek in the face as she stepped passed him. She had one foot out the room when Derek tugged on a sleeve. "Nice fit."

She could feel his gaze like a caress, follow her. She stopped near his bed, but instead of sitting on it she chose to sit in a chair.

"Coward."

"I am not." Was her answer to Derek's laughter behind the closed door. Needing to do something Alex unwrapped the towel around her hair and began to rub it dry. From underneath the towel her eyes shifted between the bathroom and bedroom doors. She fluctuated between saving her pride by going to her room or staying to see what could develop. The bathroom door opened taking the decision away from her. Under Derek's gaze, her hand pulled on the bottom of the pajama shirt. Walking further into the room his face twitched with a smile.

"You seem to be doing a lot of that tonight."

Alex clasped her hands together and placed them in her lap.

"Thank you for deciding to give us a chance."

"I don't want to regret this." The words were a whispered prayer.

Derek walked closer until he stood directly in front of her. Taking her by the shoulders he pulled her upward until they stood chest to chest. He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. Alex's hands rested limply at Derek's waist as if she was unsure where to put them. Derek feeling her fear sighed.

"Alex, listen to me." Derek allowed Alex to move just enough so that he could see her eyes. "In this room there are no lies, fear, doubt or regret between us." Derek placed a kiss on her temple. "We have chosen a jealous mistress. No matter where the Legacy takes us, what we make here between us tonight will last, will be a part of us for as long as we're given." Alex's hands moved up Derek's back his skin felt warm and moist from his shower. The muscles just below the skin quavered under her fingertips.

Moving her head slightly, her lips tasted the skin underneath them. Derek's low moan froze Alex and she moved her head to look into his face. She felt his arms slide lower down her back until they rest just above her hips.

"Are we going to stay like this all night?"

Derek placed a kiss in the middle of her forehead. "I want to know you like this, warm, secure in my arms. To learn the feel and taste of your skin against my own, the smell of your hair."

His fingers moved about her face, touching, hoping to erase the doubt still hiding in the tenseness of her body. "Trust me Alex, tonight, is not a one night stand. It is not a mistake. You know, I can't promise happily ever after, but I can give you all that I am, right now." Derek waited, letting her make the decision about their next step. His breathing speeded up as Alex guided his hand to the buttons of her pajama shirt.

Alex felt more and more secure in her decision as Derek pulled her backward the few steps that took them to his bed. Sitting on the edge, he pulled her closer until she sat astride his legs.

Derek closed his eyes concentrating on the feel of her leg muscles trembling against him. Opening his eyes he took in everything about them. The warm chocolate of her skin an opposite to the cool paleness of his own. Her soft curves fitting perfectly against his angles and hardness. Differences brought together in passion and love. He watched Alex lean toward him until her lips rested against the corner of his mouth.

"There is a dimple just here when you smile."

And Derek smiled even larger as her mouth moved to his lips. Her hair still damp from her shower fell on his shoulder and he gasped at the coldness allowing her tongue to move deeper. This first kiss, the one he would remember, intensified as each learned the feel for what delighted the other.

Alex broke the kiss, wanting to taste more of Derek. Moist lips nibbled at the flesh above his racing heart. Her senses filled with the heat and smell of him and the sensation of his hands moving over her skin.

It surprised Derek at the muscular strength covered by soft skin. His fingers moved across her shoulders and down her chest, his breathing uneven as they neared her breast. His eyes searched Alex’s face when his touch drew a soft gasp from her. He waited until her eyes and the hand gripping the flesh at his waist told him it was okay to explore further.

Alex gazed back at Derek as long as she could, until the sensation of his fingers joined by his lips sent her inward.

Derek caught up in the sight of Alex's reaction to his touch was surprised as her fingers moved between their lower bodies. He let himself be lifted by the sensation. The further it carried him, the more he wanted. Releasing her breast he cupped her face in his hands, his lips covering hers once again.

Alex too wanted more. Putting her knees on the bed, she guided them until they were in middle. She stared down at Derek feeling his body respond beneath her own. Derek lifted his hips rubbing himself against her. Alex smiled at the invitation. Lifting her body she guided him so that he rested just inside the entrance of her body.

The need to be fully joined with Alex took control of Derek. He pushed himself deeper as he reversed their positions. He eased himself still deeper watching her face for any sign of discomfort. Alex smiled then laugh.

"What?" Feelings of curiosity and anxiety paused Derek in mid-stroke.

"For five years I've wanted to know how it would feel like to make love to you."

Derek smiled down at her. "What does it feel like?"

"This." Alex tightened her muscles around his flesh.

"I'm enjoying myself too."

Their bodies moved together in a steady rhythm building the pressure within each of them. Alex arched upward as the pressure became an ache that demanded more. Her senses opened, her mind floated in an endless pool of sensations. Heat where skin touched skin. Whips of cold when bodies parted. Smell of labor and arousal. Feel of warm breath and the pressure within her. She could feel a smile against her flesh.

Both fought for control, wanting to make the joining last. But the edge was too close and as Derek opened himself, all the sexual energy in the cosmos sparked their release.

- - - - - - - - -

Sitting up Alex swung her legs out of the bed. As her feet touched the floor her mind fought waking, seeking instead to grasp at the remnants of a dream. The rough textures of the rug beneath her feet, the sunlight filling her room, erased the shadowy memories. Telling her she was awake and alone. It has been a dream, just a dream. It concerned her that she could not remember the actual dream. There had never been a time since childhood when she did not have instant recall of a dream or vision. Even more frightening was the thought that Derek was somehow involved.

- - - - - - - - -

Alex relaxed a little as she entered the kitchen to find only Nick drinking a glass of his usual guess-what's-in-the-glass protein drink.

"Ride late?"

"Yep."

Alex reaching for her favorite coffee mug stopped as her body began to tingle in some interesting places. She knew Derek had entered the room.

"Morning Derek."

"Nick." Derek looked at his watch.

"Yeah, my ride is running late. Is there anything I need to know about today's briefing? I seem to have time."

"No, briefing today. I think we all could use a holiday. We've had some late nights lately."

"What do you plan to do with your time off Alex?" Nick stared at his co-worker's back. "Alex, are you all right?"

"Yes and I don't know." Alex refused to turn around and join the conversation.

"Morning Alex. Sleep well last night?" Derek's arm moved across her as he reached for a coffee cup.

"Fine." Alex was thankful that she sounded more normal that she felt. Her face grew warm under his continuing gaze. Filling her cup from the coffeepot she walked past the two men and out of the room. Derek watched her leave with a smile on his face. His glance met Nick's questioning frown and he shrug at the question there.

Alex was able to avoid Derek for most of the morning, but hunger forced her back to the kitchen. She stood at the table was fixing a sandwich when she felt her body responding to a presence. She continued to work on her sandwich. When she finally looked up Derek was standing across from her. She fought the idea of staring the conversation, but as he stood there before her looking pleased and relaxed, she couldn't help herself. "Couldn't find anything to do on your day off."

"I have some ideas." Alex looked down at the hand resting near hers and up the length of him. A hand on her shoulder guided her around the table, until they were chest to chest. His arms wrapped around her in a comfortable hug. They stayed that way for several moments before he released her. She watched in amazement as he walked to the refrigerator, pull out a bottle of water and walked out of the room.

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