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OKDeanna's Passions Fan Fiction Forum > Luis & Sheridan Stories > Falling For You: Chapter One - Twelve |
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Falling For You: Chapter One - Twelve Posted By: OKDeanna - ezOP Posts: 275 Posted At: (10/19/02 7:35 am) Reply |
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Falling For You Written by: Deanna (OKDeanna) Email: asjfan@cox.net This story is intended for mature audiences. Parental discretion advised. Chapter One Either she has a death wish or she's completely insane, Luis thought as he watched Sheridan walk along the docks. Alone. At night. Again. He really didn't know what it was going to take to make her realize her life was in danger. He prayed it didn't take a bullet. As if she knew he was watching her, Sheridan raised her head. Their eyes connected and one for brief moment, Luis thought he saw something flicker to life inside her eyes. But then, just as quick as he saw it, it was gone. "Sheridan." Luis said walking toward her. "How many times do I have to tell you that you shouldn't be walking around out here alone? What is it going to take to get through to you? A bullet in the back just like Crystal?" She shuddered and Luis almost felt guilty. Almost. Someone had to scare some sense into her. Before it was too late. "Luis, please. I'm not up for another argument. Not tonight. I just want to go home and forget this night ever happened." Luis shook his head. "Sheridan, you need to take this seriously. That could have been you tonight." "But it wasn't me. I'm fine. And as far as I can see I'm in no danger." Incensed, Luis took hold of her arms. "Dammit, Sheridan, wake up! A woman was killed tonight! A woman with your hair coloring. Wearing the same coat you have on right now. Not to mention the fact that she was killed right where we're standing!" "Luis let go of me! You're hurting my arm." He released her instantly. "I'm sorry, Sheridan. I didn't mean to... It's just tonight... that could have been you and you don't seem to want to face that fact. But I'm not going to quit hounding you until you hire protection." Sheridan shook her head. "I've told you-" "I know what you told me. You don't need protection. The drug dealers are still in Paris. You're perfectly safe. Have you ever once considered the fact that you could be wrong? Or are you willing to risk your LIFE on the slim chance that I'm wrong?" Luis could see her wavering, but he knew she was too stubborn to admit he could be right. Sheridan closed her eyes. "Look, I appreciate your looking out for me. I do, but I don't need it. I can take care of myself." "Like you took care of yourself in Paris?" He asked calmly. "Luis-" "Sheridan, just get a bodyguard. If you need help finding one, I'll gladly get you one myself." "I don't need you to hire a bodyguard for me. I'm quite capable of doing it myself!" "Good!" He yelled. "Then why don't you do it? BEFORE it's too late!" Sheridan turned and began to walk away. And that's when he heard the shot. Tackling her by the waist, Luis surged forward, sending them both tumbling off the edge of the docks. They hit the water with a thud and came up seconds later, gasping for breath. "Dammit Luis-” Sheridan yelled, wiping the water out of her eyes. "Shh," he said putting his hand over her mouth. "He could still be up there." Chapter Two Sheridan froze. What was he talking about? Who was up there? The only person she saw on the docks, other than herself tonight, was Luis. Sheridan tried to pull away, but Luis wouldn't let go. He pulled her tight against his chest then slid in behind her and put his other arm around her waist. She shivered but not from the coldness of the water. No, she knew it was from Luis holding her and the fact that only layers of thin wet clothes separated them. Damn him, why couldn't he just leave her alone? "Stop, struggling." Luis whispered in her ear. "I'll let you go as soon as I know it's safe." Sheridan tried to turn and look at him, but the way he held her made that impossible. She tried to shake her head, but found that impossible too. "Dammit, Luis!" She mumbled against his hand. "Let me go!" In an instant, Luis turned her around and pinned her against the side of the dock with his body. But he never took his hand from against her mouth. "Sheridan, didn't you hear that gun shot? Someone just shot at us!" He shook his head. "If you promise not to yell at me, I'll remove my hand?" Sheridan looked at his eyes and saw the tension and fear in them. Fear for her? She nodded her head in agreement and he removed his hand. But his body still held her pinned against the dock. She raised her hands to push him away, but it was no use. He was too strong and way too stubborn to move, even an inch. "Are you crazy? You could have killed us with that stunt you just pulled!" "Would you have rather been shot?" Luis asked, his eyes never leaving her face. Their faces were just a couple of inches apart, and having him so close to her muddled her thinking. The cold water didn't help matters either. Sheridan started to speak, but then Luis placed a finger over her lips silencing her. She heard someone move above them. Did someone really shoot at them? She'd thought Luis had lost his mind, but... she heard someone up there. She raised her eyes upward, but the boards were too close together to see anyone. She was grateful for that fact too. Because that meant that whoever was up there couldn't see them down here either. God, maybe her life was in danger. If someone really had shot at her then Luis had just saved her life yet again. Another board creaked above them and Sheridan lowered her eyes to look at Luis. He was still looking up top, but a second later, he lowered his eyes to meet hers. He still had his finger over her lips and she had the insane urge to open her mouth and touch it with her tongue. Something must have showed in her eyes because Luis' eyes changed to a deep amber brown color, sparked with desire. He removed his finger from her lips and a fraction of a second later, his lips replaced it. The moment his lips touched hers a fire broke out inside her. She parted her lips and Luis slipped his tongue inside. She matched him stroke for stroke. Her left hand stole its way around his waist while her right hand found it's way into his wet hair. She moaned in pleasure as tiny explosions broke out inside her. Only Luis could make her feel this way. Only Luis could create this excitement within her. When Luis finally dragged his head away, Sheridan muttered a protest. She wanted more. No, she needed more. One look in Luis' passionate brown gaze and she knew he felt the same way. The only question is what were they going to do about it? Chapter Three Damn, Luis thought looking into Sheridan's smoldering blue gaze, why did she have to be so damn tempting? Her eyes told him she wanted more. Hell, he wanted more too. Right here. Right now. But unfortunately, he couldn't let that happen. Not with the possibility that whoever shot at them was still up there. "Sheridan," he whispered, apologizing with his eyes. "Now isn't the time to be doing this. We need to get out of here and fast. Before whoever is up there decides to come down here looking for us." Sheridan broke eye contact instantly and pulled away to wrap her arms around herself. "If he's still up there." He is, Luis thought, he’d bet his badge on it. "He hasn't left yet. That's why we have to move now. We'll have to swim further down on the docks. I know a little alcove that, if we can get to it, we should be safe." "What do you mean IF we can get to it?" Luis wondered how much to tell her. He knew she was cold. He'd seen her shivering a few times. But she wouldn't like what he was about to tell her. He only prayed she didn't argue with him about it. "The alcove is about a mile down the docks. We'll have to swim under these planks to get to it. But once we get there, we can get out of the water." "A mile!" Sheridan whispered, anger clear in her tone. "Luis, why can't we just..." "Just what? If you have a better idea I would love to hear it. Because I'm not looking forward to staying in this water and I'm certainly not looking forward to that damn alcove!" "Why?" Sheridan asked, with a raised brow, her eyes filled with suspicion. "What's wrong with the alcove?" Luis shifted in the water. He was already more than a little uncomfortable, thanks to that kiss, and once they got to that damn alcove, he'd be even more so. "It's small. It's going to be a tight fit. A lot like that damn air vent we were in." "Luis, maybe we should just swim down a little further and climb up. Surely, whoever is up there wouldn't follow us. I mean how would he know?" Luis shook his head. "We can't take that chance. We don't know who is up there. But whoever it was had a damn gun. Do you want to risk running into him? Because I sure as hell don't." "No, I don't." Sheridan said, rubbing her arms. "Okay, let’s get to this damn alcove then. Once we get there, maybe we can get out of this ice cold water, and I can get home." Luis wasn't about to tell her they wouldn't be able to get out of the alcove until morning. The only way they could get back up to the top of the docks was to swim further down and they couldn't do that tonight. The water was way too cold. He couldn't risk either one of them getting hypothermia. They had to get out of the water as fast as possible and the quickest way to do that was to get to the alcove. Luis knew they would have to use each other's body heat to keep warm tonight. He just prayed he was strong enough to resist the temptation she posed, because he'd given his word to Julian Crane to stay away from her. And he would keep his word, just as soon as she was out of danger. Chapter Four Sheridan shivered as Luis pulled her out of the water. The alcove, as Luis called it, was nothing more than a small opening between the docks and a cliff. There was a small ledge complete with a matching covering that would provide them shelter, but she didn't see any way to climb up top. "L...Luis... how are we going to get back up top? I need to get out of these wet clothes." She'd already taken her coat off, because it had weighed her down too much. Now she needed to get into some dry clothes. Luis pulled her close to him and rubbed her arms up and down. "We can't. Not tonight anyway." Sheridan searched his eyes praying this was some kind of joke. The serious look on his face and the apologetic smile in his eyes told her it was definitely not a joke. "You mean to tell me that we have to... sleep in that small space? Together?" "Sheridan, it's our only choice. We either sleep in here," he said pointing to the alcove, "…or we take our chances with hypothermia and swim down further down. It's about another mile to the clearing that will allow us to get up top." Sheridan knew there was no way she could last any longer in that water. It was too damn cold. "You should have just left me up there! If I'm going to die, I would prefer to get shot! At least it's a lot quicker!" "Don't you ever say that! There is no way I'm going to let you die. Do you hear me?" Sheridan shivered again and Luis wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry, L..Luis. I didn't mean it. I'm just so cold." "I know. I'm cold too. We're going to have to get into the alcove and out of this wind. We'll have to sleep huddled up together. It's the only way we'll stay warm." Sheridan smiled. "If I didn't see the logic in that, I would think you were trying to cop a feel." Luis just looked at her. "Cop a feel? I've never heard you use that expression before." "Yeah, well, there's a lot you haven't heard me say." And won't, she added silently. He would never know how much she cared about him. He would never know how much he had hurt her. She couldn't--wouldn't--ever tell him that. "Hmm, intriguing. We have the whole night to talk about that. Now, we should get into the alcove and out of this wind." Luis got in first because she would have to sit between his legs and lean back on him so they could both fit into the alcove. Sheridan pulled herself into the alcove and turned around so that her bottom was sitting between Luis legs. Luis wrapped his arms around her and the small space suddenly became even smaller. Why did she have to be so damn attracted to the man? He was a walking contradiction. One minute he telling someone he was using her and the next minute he was saving her life. It didn't make sense. But then nothing with Luis had ever made sense. Least of all, what they did to each other. When one of Luis arms touched the outside of her breast, Sheridan felt a surge of heat course through her body. Body heat. His body heat meeting her body heat. She knew they would have to stay wrapped up together in order to stay warm. But if Luis continued touching her, it was going to start a fire. One the water below them could never put out. *** Luis inwardly groaned as his arm accidentally rubbed against Sheridan's breast. He knew he had to get control of his emotions before Sheridan realized just how effected by her he was. Damn, why did it have to be her? Why did it have to be her that made his insides go crazy? Of all the people in the world, why did he have to be so damn attracted to Sheridan CRANE. "L..Luis?" Sheridan said in a soft voice that barely carried over the wind outside. "Yeah?" He asked whispering in her ear. He told himself it was just so he could be sure she heard him, but deep down he knew that wasn't the reason. He wanted her, badly. "How did you know about this place?" Luis sighed and it caused his breath to go right into her ear. Sheridan shivered in response and Luis felt his body give an equal response. He had to get his mind on something else, before he did something stupid. "When Hank and I were about twelve, we were playing on the docks. I guess you could say we got in a little tiff and Hank pushed me. We were a little too close to the edge and when he pushed me, I was so caught off guard that I lost my balance and started to fall. Hank reached out to grab me, but I ended up taking him over the side with me." "Oh god. Were you hurt?" Luis smiled, remembering. "No, we were both scared as hell though. We searched for a way to get back up, but we couldn't find one where we had fallen off so we chose to swim down further. We found this place a little while later. We were so tired of swimming that we rested up in here. That's how I knew it was here." "Well, I guess it's lucky for me, you did. I don't think I could have lasted much longer in that water. Not tonight." "Me either." He wasn't sure he could last much longer in this alcove either. At least not without kissing her. Sheridan must have had the same thought because she turned her head a fraction of an inch and brought her hand up to the back of his neck. Then she pulled him to her. The second their lips met, Luis knew he was lost. It was hot, passionate, and made his body temperature rise another notch. Luis moaned in pleasure and Sheridan took the opportunity to slip her tongue inside. The moment she did, tiny explosions went off inside his body. He was on fire and there was only one way to put out the flames. Then he remembered there was no way to do that tonight. The alcove wasn't big enough for what he had in mind. Luis pulled his head away and Sheridan murmured a protest. God, why did she have to be so damn tempting. Luis tried to resist kissing her again, but it was no use. Because the moment she opened her eyes and he saw the passion inside, he was kissing her all over again. His mouth covered hers hungrily. Then he forced her lips open with his tongue. He used a hand to caress her taut stomach before traveling upwards to cup her breast. She responded instantly by moaning against his lips. He pulled his mouth away from her lips and started to kiss the slender curve of her neck. She arched into him and he used his other hand to pull her bottom to him. She gasped, as she felt the evidence of how much he wanted her, then she let her body fall back against his. She moaned his name and he felt his heart turn over in his chest. God, he loved her. Whoa, he thought sobering instantly, he couldn't be in love with Sheridan. It wasn't possible. But he'd thought it. He'd felt it. Oh god, he was. He was in love with Sheridan Crane. Chapter Five Sheridan lovingly caressed the back of Luis neck with her hand as he continued to kiss a fiery path up her neck. She could feel the fire growing within her. She felt Luis arm tighten around her stomach and then he pulled her to him. She could feel how much he wanted her. "Oh, Luis." Luis' hand stilled and she felt his body tense. She turned her head to see him and found him staring at her, his eyes full of surprise and wonder. "What?" She asked. "Why did you stop?" "Sheridan, I..." Luis closed his eyes and Sheridan felt as if he were shutting her out again. But then, a fraction of a second later, he opened them and what she saw rocked her to the core. His dark eyes brimmed with tenderness and passion and something else, something she couldn't quite define. She knew she'd never seen it before. No one had ever looked at her the way Luis was looking at her now. Sheridan turned around to fully face him, as much as she could anyway, given the small space they were in. When she was situated, she looked back up at him. He was still watching her and he didn't even try to hide how much he wanted her. She was glad of that. Because she knew she couldn't hide how much she wanted him. Not anymore. Pandora's box had been opened and there was no way it could be closed again, not even if she wanted it to. "Luis, I -" He placed his right forefinger on her lips to silence her. Then never taking his eyes off her he pulled her to him, until less than an inch separated them. His eyes smoldered with fire. "I want you." Sheridan smiled. "Then have me." He didn't need to be told twice. He attacked her mouth like a drowning man needed air. Sheridan was on fire. She couldn't get enough of Luis or his mind-boggling kisses. She wanted him more than she'd ever wanted anything in her life. The depth of her emotion for him, should have scared her, but it didn't. Right now, she had never felt more safe, more secure, more loved... Loved? Luis didn't love her. Did she want him to? Yes, her heart answered, yes she wanted him to love her. She wanted him to love her, because she loved him. Oh my god, Sheridan thought, she was in love with Luis. She was so lost in her newfound discovery that she didn't even realize she had pulled away from Luis or that she said the words aloud. Chapter Six Luis froze. Did she really say what he thought she did? "Sheridan?" Her eyes flew open. "Luis... I... Oh god." Luis watched several emotions play across her face and wondered what she would say. He knew she knew he heard her. "Say it again." Sheridan closed her eyes and Luis felt empty. He knew she was trying to shut him out. Maybe that was for the best. Once they said those words, really said them, they couldn't take them back. Sheridan opened her eyes again and Luis felt his breath catch in his throat. She wasn't hiding what she felt. It was still in her eyes, even more so than before. "I... I love you." Luis sucked in a deep breath. She'd said it. She'd actually said it and he knew without a doubt, she meant it. The only question was, would he admit he felt the same way? He'd never said those words before and he knew that if he said them now there would be no turning back. * * * Sheridan could not believe she'd actually said those words to Luis. He was staring at her so intently. She wished he would say something. Say anything. This silence was killing her. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that." "Why?" Luis asked searching her eyes. "Is it not true?" Sheridan knew she could lie and say it was a momentary lapse in judgment. But she didn't want to lie about how she felt anymore. She finally knew she was in love with Luis and she didn't want to hide it anymore. "No, it's true. I just -" "Stop." Luis said placing his right forefinger over her lips. "I've heard all I needed to hear." In a lightning quick move, Luis pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. Then looking into her eyes, he whispered. "I love you too." Sheridan felt the blood course through her veins like an awakened river. Her heart was hammering against her ribs. She didn't think she had ever heard anything so beautiful in her life. Luis loved her. She didn't have time to think about anything else because Luis brought his head down to hers and kissed her like she'd never been kissed before. It was a kiss of possession and she was powerless to resist him. The air around them intensified with burning need. She tingled as he whispered her name against her lips. Pulling back, she looked into his dark eyes. "I want you." His grinned, but then as quickly as the grin appeared it was gone. "Damn!" "What?" Sheridan asked looking into his eyes. "What's wrong?" Luis gave a frustrated sigh. "Well, this place isn't exactly big enough for what I had in mind." Sheridan smiled and gave him a sly grin. "Well, I don't know about you, but I can be creative." His eyes danced as a devilish grin lit his face. "Well, then I'm all yours." She smiled as she remembered saying similar words earlier. She pulled her arms from around his neck and brought her hand to rest at the first button of his shirt. She slid the button out and placed a tiny kiss on his exposed skin. Luis shivered in response. After all the buttons were undone, she slid her hands up his chest and then looked up into smoldering heat filled eyes. Never taking her eyes off his, she slid the shirt off his shoulders. Then she started to place tiny kisses over his shoulders and down his chest. He groaned as she got toward the waistband of his pants and she wasn't at all surprised when he grabbed her and brought her mouth to his. The fire had been lit and soon it would be out of control. It was about damn time, Sheridan thought as the fire started to consume her. Chapter Seven The deafening sound of thunder woke Sheridan from her peaceful sleep. She was still wrapped up in Luis arms. Memories of the night before came to her in vivid clarity Sheridan’s smiled broadened as she remembered hearing Luis say he loved her. Getting stuck in this alcove with Luis was the best thing that ever happened to her. Because without out being trapped they may never have admitted their love. Another load clap of thunder made Luis stir behind her. "Sheridan?" "Hmm?" She said turning around slightly to face him. Their eyes met and Sheridan felt a blush creep up her cheeks. Luis gave her a roguish grin. "And what are you thinking about so early in the morning?" "Ah... the storm?" Sheridan replied trying to hide her smile. Luis laughed. "Whatever you say, sweetheart." Sweetheart. She liked that. She was just about to tell Luis when the sound of rolling water caught her attention. "Luis, do you hear that?" "Yeah." he said looking out the alcove to the angry water below them. "Damn, we’re going to need to get out of this alcove and soon. The way the water is rising, this alcove is going to flood." "But the current is so strong." Sheridan said. She shivered when memories of falling into the water in New Mexico surfaced. "Won't it be dangerous to swim it?" "Yeah, it will, but we can't stay here." Luis said already starting to get out of the alcove. "We need to move before it gets worse and from the looks of the sky, we have to move now." Luis stopped just short of entering the water and held out his hand to her. "Come on, Sher, we can do this." Sheridan took a deep breath, nodded and placed her hand in his. Then placed a small kiss on her lips right before they entered the water. The current took them backwards a little bit, but they managed to fight their way forward. Luis had to yell in order for her to hear him over the storm and the raging water. "We are going to be fighting the current the whole way. I need you to stay with me, okay?" "All right." She yelled as she continued to swim. The current was stronger than she thought, but for the most part, she managed to keep up with Luis. They were a quarter of a mile from the place where they could climb to get up top, when the current became too strong for her to swim. Sheridan tried to fight her way toward Luis, but it was no use. The current was just too strong. "LUISSSSS!" She yelled as the current started to propel her backwards. Luis turned and made a grab for her, but it was already too late. She was too far away from him to reach her. As the water continued to carry Sheridan away, she didn't stop screaming for Luis. The last thing she heard before the water swallowed her under was the faint sound of Luis yelling her name. Chapter Eight Sheridan woke to find herself laying on a bed, wrapped in a man's warm embrace. Luis, she thought, he had saved her, again. She turned only to find not Luis beside her, but Hank. She screamed. Hank woke instantly. "What? Sheridan, what's wrong?" "Luis. Where is Luis?" "Luis?" Hank asked pulling himself into a sitting position. "I haven't seen Luis since the day before yesterday." "What?!" Sheridan screamed and jumped out of the bed. "Oh my god, I have to find him." She didn't realize she wasn't wearing any clothes until she saw Hanks eyes widen in surprise. Then very politely he handed her the sheet. "You might want this?" She took it and once it was securely wrapped around her, she turned back toward him. "Where am I? How did I get here? What are you doing here with me?" "You're at Sam & Grace's house. I brought you back here last night after I pulled you out of the water. And I'm here because you asked me to stay with you and hold you. So I did, but I swear all I did was hold you. Care to tell me how the hell did you end up in that water? When I pulled you out, you were barely breathing. You - " He'd pulled her out? Where was Luis? "You didn't see Luis?" She asked interrupting him. "He was in the water with me, Hank! Oh god, he's still out there!" Hank grabbed her by the arms and told her to calm down. "I'm sure he's fine. He's a strong swimmer Sheridan. He's probably at home in bed." Sheridan shivered as Hank walked over to the phone and dialed Luis number. Something told her Luis wouldn't be there. A tear slipped down her cheek as Hank asked for Luis and she watched as his face knotted in a worried frown. "You haven't seen him? Since when? The day before yesterday. No Sheridan is here. She's fine. Okay, if he comes in have him call me at Sam's." "Oh god!" Sheridan screamed falling to her knees as tears rolled down her cheeks. Luis was still out there. Was he looking for her? Was he okay? Please god, let him be okay. "Hank, I have to go to the docks! I have to find him!" * * * Sheridan buried her head in her hands as the divers continued to look for Luis. They'd told her the current was so strong last night and the water was so cold that there was no way he could have survived. She'd told them he wasn't dead, but they thought she was crazy. Tears fell from her eyes as she watched the divers dive into the water over and over again looking for Luis' body. She knew they wouldn't find him. He wasn't there. She knew he had gotten out. She knew he had. Because if he hadn't... if he hadn't then it wouldn't matter if Roger and Pierre killed her, because without Luis, she was dead anyway. Chapter Nine Luis' head felt as if a train ran through it. He tried to raise his hand to try and stop the pain, but found he couldn't. In fact, he couldn't move at all. His eyes shot open as he realized why he couldn't move. His arms were tied behind his back and his feet were tied to the bottom of the chair he sat in. He glanced around trying to figure out where the hell he was and why he was tied up, but found no clue. The place was virtually empty except for him, the chair he was tied to, a small table and chair in the corner of the room, and a door that he assumed led to another room. Where the hell was he? A sharp pain pierced through his head and a string of curses fell from his mouth. What the hell had happened to him? The last thing he remembered was walking along the docks and arguing with... Sheridan. Oh god. The gunshot. The alcove. The storm. Oh god, he hadn't been able to save her. He remembered. He kept searching and searching the water, but he never found her. When he finally made it out of the water, someone hit him over the head. Who? He heard a noise come from the other room and then a figure appeared. Once he focused his eyes, Luis couldn't believe who he saw in the doorway. What the hell was Sheridan's Paris bodyguard doing here? And why the hell did he have him tied up? Then it hit him. The leak at the station. The reason all those witnesses in protective custody had died. It was... What was his name? Antoine? Yeah, that was it. Antoine. Oh god, he'd been right. Sheridan had been in danger and neither of them had realized just how much. Luis began to struggle with the ropes, trying to get free, but they didn't budge an inch. He was trapped. Antoine continued to watch him struggle with the ropes for a minute longer and then he stepped into the room. "Sorry, officeer, but there is no way you will escape. I've made sure of that. After all, you're my ticket to getting Miss Crane." "What the hell are you talking about you bastard? Sheridan is dead. She got caught in the current of the water." Even as he said it, Luis knew it wasn't true. He felt it. Sheridan was okay. But he'd be damned if he'd let Antoine anywhere near her. Antoine laughed. "Miss Crane isn't dead. She is with your American friend. What's his name? Hink? Hunk? Hank? He pulled her out of the water. You were down further so he didn't see you, lucky for me. I would have much preferred to get my hands on Miss Crane last night, but finding you... well, that makes things much more interesting. After all, once Sheridan learns you're alive and that I have you, nothing will keep her from coming to you... and to me." "What do you mean once Sheridan learns I'm alive?" Luis asked with barely masking his fury. He didn't like being used to force Sheridan to... "It's really very sad." Antoine said interrupting his thoughts. "You see she thinks you drowned in that water last night. She's had all kinds of people looking for you, all morning long, but we both know why they didn't find you. She's been crying her eyes out on your friend's shoulder. They seem very close." "You bastard." Luis yelled trying again to get free. If he did, he was going to kill him. "I swear I'll -" "Calm down, officer. There is nothing you can do, I assure you. You won't get free." He laughed at that. Luis thought he was going to be sick. The guy was obviously crazy. "Sheridan will come to me and then I will kill her. Of course, I plan to have a little fun first." Luis lost it. "You touch her and I swear it will be the last thing you ever do!" "That's funny, because by then you'll be dead. Once Miss Crane gets here, you will no longer be of use to me. I can't have you making a scene and interrupt us, can I?" He laughed again. The sound echoing throughout the room. Luis closed his eyes and then opened them again a second later. He knew he had to get control of the situation. "Sheridan won't come. She won't believe you." "Now we both know that isn't true. Once she hears your voice, she will have no choice, but to come. After all, a woman will do anything for the man she loves." Luis glared at him. If he wasn't tied up... but he was and there was nothing he could do. It was out of his hands. "Damn it. I'm not going to let you use me to get Sheridan." "I'm afraid you have no choice." Antoine said as he pulled out a tape recorder. Luis knew what he'd done before he even pressed the play button. When his own voice echoed through the room, Luis closed his eyes, realizing Sheridan was going to die because of him. He knew she would come. He knew because he knew she loved him and that love... that love was what was going to get her killed. Oh god, I'm sorry Sheridan. I'm so damn sorry. * * * Sheridan walked into her cottage that afternoon and felt as if her whole world had suddenly come crashing down. Which of course, it had. The search for Luis had been called off. There was no hope for his survival. That's what they said. But Sheridan knew he had survived. She could feel it. Hank had offered to stay with her, but she told him she needed to be alone. In truth, she didn't want Hank around because she didn't feel comfortable around him. She never would again not after what happened between her and Luis in that alcove. Oh god, Sheridan thought as she sunk down onto her couch and covered her face in her hands. Luis. He was out there somewhere. He could be hurt. He could be... no she wouldn't think that. Sheridan raised her head toward the ceiling and said a silent prayer. Please god, please let him be okay. I'll do anything, anything you want. Just please let him be okay. Tears rolled down her cheeks as images of them together flashed in her mind. She could see it all. Everything she and Luis had ever done together flashed through her mind. The day they first met. The tango. The Youth Center. New Mexico. New Year's Eve. The ice skating pond. Their first date. Their first kiss. And of course, the alcove where he told her he loved her. Where they had made love. Sheridan buried her face in her hands and cried. She cried for every argument they'd ever had... she cried for all the time they had lost.. and she cried for Luis. She wanted Luis. Oh god, she wanted Luis. The phone rang, she instantly jumped up to answer. "Luis?" "Sorry to disappoint you Miss Crane, but it's just me." Just me? "Who is this?" "Who I am doesn't matter. I have something I think belongs to you. If you want it back, you'd better do exactly as I say." "I don't have time for games." "I assure you this is no game. I have your cop hero." Luis? He had Luis? Luis was alive! "Luis. Oh god, let me talk to him." "He's a little tied up at the moment, but I'd be glad to play you a tape. A tape I made just moments ago, actually." Sheridan heard a click and then she heard Luis' voice. "You bastard... Sheridan won't come." Oh god. It was Luis' voice. He had Luis. "Now Miss Crane. Do exactly as I say and you're hero here will be just fine. Don't and he'll be dead. Understand?" "Yes. Yes, I understand. But how do I know Luis is still alive. You could have made that tape and then killed him." "Ah, you don't believe me. I shall prove it to you then." Sheridan could hear noises, but she couldn't make them out. Then she heard a voice yell out... "SHERIDAN DON'T COME!!!!" Luis. That was Luis voice telling her not to come. She heard him yell out and wondered what the man was doing to him... because of her. Oh god. Luis was in danger because of her. "Miss Crane. Do you believe me now?" Sheridan had to fight to keep control of her emotions. "Yes. What do you want me to do?" "I knew you would cooperate. After all, you would do anything for the man you love." Sheridan wouldn't give him the satisfaction of responding to that. "Just tell me what you want, you bastard." "Tsk. Tsk. Miss Crane. I could kill him and then you'd never see him again. Now, I'm going to give you instructions on where to meet me. You are to come alone. If I see anyone else around, I will kill your cop hero. Understand?" She was on the verge of losing control, but she knew she couldn't do that. She had to stay focused. She had to be strong. Luis' life depended on it. Luis' life depended on her. "Yes. Just tell me where and I'll be there... alone." Chapter Ten Sheridan pulled into the park and shut off her engine. She knew what she was about to do was dangerous, but she didn't have a choice. Luis' life was at stake. God, she thought leaning her head down to rest on the steering wheel, if anything happened to Luis she would never forgive herself. She recalled all the times Luis had saved her life and she realized that now it was her turn to save Luis. She knew Luis would wanted her to stay away, but how could she? Luis would die if she didn't do what the man wanted. A horn honked and she raised her head to glance in the rearview mirror. It was her cab. She still didn't know why the man wanted her to take a cab. What difference would it make. She pulled her keys out of the ignition and opened the door. She left her purse in the car because knew the man would search it anyway. Besides she didn't need it. She already had the perfect plan. She just prayed it worked as well as she thought it would. * * * Luis heard a car stop outside and prayed it wasn't Sheridan. He prayed that for once she actually didn't listen to what she was told to do. He knew she would come of course. And that's what bothered him the most. The bastard was using Sheridan's love for him to get her here so he could kill her. Damn, Luis thought struggling against the ropes again, he had to get free. Sheridan was going to need him. A knock sounded on the door and Antoine emerged from the other room. "Well, Officeer, it looks as if our guest has arrived." Luis watched as he looked out one of the windows. He assumed it was to make sure Sheridan was alone. God, Luis prayed she wasn't. He prayed she had enough since to at least call Sam. Antoine moved toward the door and as he turned the knob, Luis felt his heart start to pound. He tried the ropes again, but it was futile. They were too damn tight. He couldn't get free. As soon as Sheridan stepped into the room, Luis knew she would in big trouble, and that there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. Antoine opened the door and Luis felt a knot start to rise in his throat. A moment later, Sheridan walked into the room and Luis felt as if he were going to be sick. The bastard's plan had worked. Sheridan had come... and she was alone. His eyes met hers and a second later, she was wrapping her arms around him. "Oh Luis," she said kissing him on the lips. "Sam and I thought you were dead." He felt her slid something into his hands. He recognized it immediately. His raised his eyes to hers and gave her a look of understanding. Sheridan had come prepared and for once he was damn glad she had disobeyed an order. Antoine pulled her away from him and Luis felt the loss. But he didn't waste time dwelling on it. He had work to do. He only prayed Sheridan could handle Antoine until he could cut the ropes free. But then Antoine raised the gun toward him. "Say goodbye to your cop hero, Miss Crane. I can't have him interrupting us." Antoine started to press the trigger, but Sheridan grabbed his arm, forcing it into the air. The gun fired at the ceiling once and then Luis watched in horror as they both started struggling for control of the gun. Luis started to cut the ropes with the knife and prayed he got done in time. Just as he cut the last section of the rope, the gun went off. Sheridan and Antoine fell to the floor. Blood oozed out underneath them. Oh god, Luis thought throwing the rope off his hands and cutting the one at his feet, was that Sheridan's blood? Chapter Eleven "Sheridan!" Luis yelled running toward where her body lay. "Sheridan, can you hear me?!" She didn't move. Oh god, he thought placing his hands on her body and gently starting to turn her, please let her be all right. She was covered in blood, but then so was Antoine. God, which one of them had been shot? Luis reached down and felt Sher's hand for a pulse. He found it and found that it was strong and steady. Thank god. He raised her shirt a little and checked her stomach for an entry wound - he found none. A hand clamped on his wrist before he could raise her shirt any higher. He looked down and found himself staring into Sheridan's startled blue eyes. "Luis, w... what are you doing?" "I was looking for a bullet wound. But I haven't found one. Are you okay?" "Yes, I'm fine." She said pulling herself up to a sitting position. "Antoine is the one that was shot." Thank god, Luis thought pulling her into his arms. When he'd seen the blood he'd been afraid... he'd been afraid he'd lost her. "Thank god you're all right. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't." She pulled back to look at him then raised a hand to caress his cheek. "I'm okay, Luis. I'm okay." Luis nodded then pulled away knowing he had to check Antoine. He picked up his hand and checked for a pulse. He found none. "Damn, he's dead." Sheridan shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. He started to say something, but then someone kicked the door open. Luis threw Sheridan behind him and then glanced at the intruder. Sam. "How did you know where we were?" Sheridan stepped out from behind him before Sam could answer. "I called him for backup. I didn't want to come here alone. I knew if I did we were both as good as dead." Well I'll be damned, he thought turning toward her, she had finally learned. "You called for backup? You miss-independent-is-my-middle-name Crane called for backup?" She smiled. "Yes. I wasn't taking any chances, not with you in danger. I knew Antoine would think I had followed his rules to the letter. I asked Sam to wait outside until I could hand you the knife. I didn't think Antoine would try to shoot you before you could get free." "You realize you almost got yourself killed don't you?" For me, he thought. This time she had risked her life for him. "I only did what you've done for me countless times before." "So you admit I saved your life?" She laughed. "Yes, Luis, I admit it. Do you admit I saved yours?" He pretended to think about that for a minute. "Gee, I don't know. I mean I would have gotten myself out of here. I'm quite capable of taking -" She punched him in the arm. "Don't even think about it denying it, buster! I saved your hide today and I want to hear you admit!" He laughed and pulled her into his arms. "Yes, Ms. Crane, you saved my life today." Then right before his lips touched hers he whispered. "Thank you." They got so caught up in the moment that they didn't even realize they had company. "Excuse me," a voice asked interrupting them. "but would one of you mind filling me in on what the hell is going on?" Sam. He had almost forgotten about Sam. Luis sent Sheridan an apologetic look and mouthed the words "later." Then he laced his fingers with hers and turned around to fill Sam in on the events of the last few days. Chapter Twelve Sheridan walked into her cottage, feeling as if a lifetime had passed since she'd last seen it. She shook her head to block out the painful memories of seeing Luis tied to that chair, his lip bloody from where Antoine must have hit him. It was all because of her. He'd almost died, all because of her. She closed her eyes in silent prayer that Luis hadn't been seriously hurt. She never would have forgiven herself if he had. She wasn't entirely sure she could forgive herself anyway. She really had no idea what he had to endure while being held prisoner by Antoine. She felt him walk up behind her and wasn't at all surprised when he placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned and gave him a forced smile. "It feels different." Luis nodded and gave her a rueful smile. "Yeah, everything feels different once you've looked death in the eye." She swallowed hard realizing just how much she owed Luis. Over the past few months, she had lied to herself repeatedly about the fact that she was in danger. Luis had told her she was in danger and she refused to believe him. She'd fought with him constantly and she had given him more grief than anyone should have had to endure. He had always been there to save her even when she swore she didn't need saving and she had never once thanked him. In fact, she had yelled at him and had him arrested for kidnapping not to mention every petty argument she had ever started with him. God, she thought turning around and throwing her purse on the couch, she owed him more than she could ever repay. She turned back to face him and felt tears sting her eyes. "Luis, I -" "Shh," he said walking toward her and placing his fingers over her lips. "We don't need to get into everything tonight. I know you must be exhausted, physically and emotionally. Why don't we talk about all this tomorrow? It's late and we're both too tired to deal with this tonight." She looked at him and her heart constricted with emotion. He had been put through hell tonight and how he could even stand to look at her was totally beyond her. Didn't he blame her? If she had just listened when he said she was in danger instead of trying to pick a fight with him, tonight would have never happened. She looked into Luis' deep brown gaze and knew she didn't deserve him. She knew she would never deserve him, but she needed him. Tonight she needed him more than she had ever needed anyone before. "Will you stay with me?" Luis raised a brow at her and she wondered if he was going to turn her down. "Where else would I go? I'm not about to leave you alone tonight. Not after everything, you've gone through. Those drug dealers are still out there and I'm not going to let you out of my sight until I know you're safe." She searched his eyes trying to tell if he was staying because he loved her or because it was his job. What had happened in that alcove had been intense and they were both more than a little caught up in the moment. Had he really meant it when he said he loved her? She knew she had, but she couldn't really be certain of his feelings. She wasn't sure she could be certain of anything anymore. Antoine, her Paris bodyguard, had really been trying to kill her. She hadn't believed Luis about him, but it turned out that once again, Luis had been right all along. How could she ever trust her own judgment after finding that out? The answer was simple she couldn't. But she did know one thing for certain, she could trust Luis with her life. But could she really trust him with her heart? Not that she had a choice in the matter, anymore. He already had her heart and there was no way to take it back now. She turned away before Luis could see the tears start to roll down her cheeks. She had heard him say he was using her, yet in that alcove he had said he loved her. Which was the truth? She needed to know before things went any further than they already had. "Luis," she said turning to face him. "I need to -" The raw depth of emotion she saw in Luis eyes stopped what she was about to say. He walked toward her and she couldn't look away from him. He held her captive with his deep brown eyes. He cupped her face in his hands then wiped away her tears with his thumbs. She leaned her face into his palm, loving the feel of his rough hand against her skin. "What's with the tears, Sheridan?" She took a deep breath. "I have something I need to talk to you about. Something I need to ask you actually and I need you to tell me the truth." Luis placed a hand at the back of her neck and stared deep into her eyes. "Sheridan, I've always told you the truth. Always." Sheridan searched his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity in them. He had always told her the truth? So when he said he loved her that was the truth? "That night you kissed me at the wharf? I left and you were still there. Do you remember that?" "Yeah, I left not too long after you did. I had to head to the station to check in." Sheridan shook her head and stepped away from him. She knew that wasn't possible. "Luis I came back and saw you on the wharf. You were talking on the phone to someone. I heard you say I was a spoiled princess and that you were using me for your own ends." Luis furrowed his brows in confusion. "Using you? Sheridan, I don't know what you are talking about. The only person I called from the docks that night was you." "Luis I saw you. I heard you. Are you going to tell me I imagined it? If so, don't bother because I know I didn't." Raw hurt lit his eyes and Sheridan felt as if someone was cutting her heart with a knife. He honestly looked as if he didn't know what she was talking about. "This is why you slapped me isn't it? This is why you turned against me? Because you thought I was using you? Hell, Sheridan, I thought you knew me better than that!" "I thought I did too," she whispered sadly. "But then I heard you on that phone." "But it wasn't me dammit! I never would have said those things about you! Never!" "Then tell me who it was, Luis. Because I'd really like to know. I'd really like to know how someone who looked and sounded just like you could be walking around Harmony." Luis paled suddenly and in that moment, Sheridan knew he was telling the truth. Dear god, she thought sinking onto the couch behind her and burying her face in her hands, it really hadn't been him that night. But if it hadn't been Luis then who was it? And why did he look exactly like Luis? * * * Luis watched her fall back onto the couch and bury her face in her hands. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she knew it wasn't him she heard on the phone. An image of her walking into the youth center and slapping him flashed in his mind and he knew she hadn't imagined anything. She had been too angry to have had any doubts about what she saw. Someone had been there, but who? And why in the hell would someone be walking around Harmony impersonating him anyway? Was he still out there impersonating him? Or had it just been for Sheridan's benefit? Luis looked over at her slumped, defeated form on the couch and the ache in his heart increased ten fold. He knew it must have killed her to hear that, but why hadn't she just asked him about it? They could have cleared this up months ago if she had. Her stubborn pride, he thought shaking his head sadly. Her damn stubborn pride kept her from telling him about this. He took a deep breath then went to sit beside her on the couch. She didn't look up. In fact, she didn't move at all. He lightly touched her shoulder and after a few seconds, she finally raised her head, her once bright blue eyes now filled with a deep and heart wrenching sadness that went straight through his soul. "I'm so sorry." She whispered tears pooling in her eyes. "I'm so sorry I didn't trust you. I should have known you wouldn't use me. After Julian tried to bribe you and you didn't take it, I should have known." "Yes, you should have and I'm sorry you didn't." He dropped his hand from her shoulder then turned and placed his head in his hands. "How could you ever believe I would use you, Sheridan? After everything I've done, how could you believe that?" He heard her take a sharp in drawn breath and wondered what she would say. Hell, what could she say? It all boiled down to trust and she hadn't trusted him. But in that alcove she had said she loved him. Had she meant that? How could she have if she believed him to be using her? Unless deep down, in her heart, she knew he hadn't. "Luis -" "No," he said raising his head and looking at her. "No, It's my turn. I need to know something and I want an honest answer from you." "Okay," she said reaching up to wipe away some of the tears trickling down her cheeks. He nodded then took a deep breath. He had to know if she meant what she said. He had to. "Did you mean what you said in that alcove? Do you really love me?" Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second. Then she locked them into his. "Yes, I meant it. I do love you Luis. More than I ever thought possible." Relief came swiftly. He hadn't realized he'd been so tense until that moment. She loved him. She really loved him and to him that meant more than what she believed to have happened all those months ago. If she meant what she said in that alcove, then he knew she hadn't really believed he used her. If she had there was no way she would admit she loved him. She was way too stubborn and had way too much pride to do that. He looked over at her and realized he had something to tell her as well. But it meant breaking his word. He'd never broken his word in his life, but he knew this time he had to. Otherwise, Julian would hold it over his head forever. "Sheridan, I need to tell you something too. Something I shouldn't have done, but at the time you wanted nothing to do with me so it didn't seem like such a big deal. But now... now I know I can't go through with it." "What is it Luis? What did you do?" He got up and started pacing the room. "When you threw me in jail for kidnapping, I was so damn angry at you. I was so angry I couldn't see straight. As far as I was concerned, I didn't want to see you again. I thought you felt the same way so I agreed to something that I wish I hadn't." "Just tell me Luis. What did you agree to?" He stopped pacing and fixed his eyes on hers. "Julian came to see me and offered me a deal. He would drop the kidnapping charges against me, if I... if I agreed to stay away from you. I agreed then gave him my word I wouldn't tell you any of this. But I can't do it. I thought I could but I can't." "And what happens if you broke the deal?" "They would send me back to jail." "The hell they will!" She yelled jumping up from the couch. All traces of sadness were gone from her face, now it was just pure anger. "They can't do that. I won't let them." She walked toward the phone, picked it, and started punching in numbers. "Who are you calling?" "Someone I should have called a long time ago." She said giving him a look of fierce determination. One he wasn't sure he had seen before. "Yes, this is Sheridan Crane. Let me speak to FBI special agent, Hal Freeman." Author of over 40 fan fiction stories, some of which include:
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| Falling For You: Chapter One - Twelve | OKDeanna | 10/19/02 7:35 am |
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