carla5

As You Wish

"Come on, Pez. Tell me you're at least gonna get a tree." Jake prodded as she followed him to the airport terminal.

"I told you, I am not doing the holiday's this year." She was getting annoyed with him. He had been like a five year old on a sugar buzz since she got to work this morning. She couldn't wait to put his jolly ass on the plane to LA.

Flight 283 to LAX now boarding, came over the intercom.

"That's me!" He grinned and hugged her.

"Better go Rookie." She grinned back albeit half hearted.

"I know you said no gifts but its not much, don't open it till Christmas." He tossed a brightly wrapped box at her as he handed the attendant his ticket and boarded the plane.

"Thanks Jake," she said shaking her head as she walked to the window to watch the planes for a while before she left. She noticed a private jet readying for takeoff. A man rushed up to the window beside her.

"Damn, there he goes."

"Miss your flight?" She asked only half interested.

"No, my interview with Kenneth Irons." The dejected reporter walked away.

Sara smiled to herself, the holiday may be looking up. No little surprises from Irons or Nottingham.

She had told Jake no presents but she had bought two. She wandered the slurry streets of New York to the cemetery. She brushed the pile of snow off Danny's headstone. "I miss you partner. Wish you were here to enjoy this." She placed a ceramic coffee mug on granite and poured a steaming latte in it. Beside it she placed a small box filled with hot wheels with a card, From: Aunt Sara To: Mikey. She had gotten him several cars including a police cruiser. Maybe Danny's wife would let him have them. She doubted it but she was going to at least try. Hoping Danny would appear she glanced around. He's probably with his family. "I love you partner." As she left the cemetery snow began to softly fall.

Sara made her was back to her apartment, stopping a few places. First the video store. "Hey Sid."

"Sara. Whatya in the mood for?"

"Anything that hasn't got any holiday stuff in it. Maybe Scifi or horror flick."

He picked several videos off the shelf, "here you go, on the house. Enjoy."

"Sid."

"Due back in 3 days." With a wave of his hand he dismissed her.

"Thanks."

She stopped at the corner grocery and picked up a couple of frozen pizza's and a gallon of egg nog. Last stop was the liqueur store, can't have egg nog without bourbon, she thought. She spotted her neighbor Penny on the steps as she came up the sidewalk.

"Hello, Sara, dear." Grey hair peeked out from under her brightly colored knit cap and her eyes crinkled.

"Hey, Penny. Waiting on Randy to pick you up?"

"Yes, dear. He should be here any minute. I didn't want him to have to park and come in to get me. I left some cookies in a basket in your apartment."

Sara smiled at Penny, she was the perfect picture of a grandmother in her opinion. She had given her a key a few years back to let delivery men in if she wasn't home. Sara often came home to baked bread and cookies in her foyer. "Thank you, Pen." She kissed the older woman on the cheek. "You know you really shouldn't be out here alone."

"Oh, I'll be alright. You worry to much. Oh, a very handsome polite young man came by today and left a card for you. He asked me to make sure you got it. I put it in with the cookies. Such a sweetheart, he carried my grocery bags down the block for me."

Handsome and polite? Nottingham would have just come through the window. Gabe had left a couple of days ago. Jake? Hmm? "What did he look like?"

"Tall, dark, and handsome, oh, there's Randy. Merry Christmas Sara." She grabbed several sacks at her feet and hurried towards her son.

Sara headed up to her apartment. She found the envelope on top of the cookies. Munching on an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, she opened it.

Sara,

I wanted to let you know Irons would be gone for
several days so he will be of no bother to you. If
you wish for company over the holidays, feel free
to call me.

Ian

Nottingham hadn't gone with Irons? Weird. Sara glanced around her apartment. She dumped the movies on the couch and popped a pizza in the oven. She poured herself a big glass of egg nog, added a liberal amount of bourbon to it, and wandered around the empty apartment. She picked up the phone. She really shouldn't do this, encouraging a stalker. She stared at it a while. Loneliness took over, she dialed the number.

"Hello."

"Hey. What'cha doing?"

"Reading."

"What?"

"Edgar Allen Poe's collected short stories."

"Your not throwing a party at the manor since the boss is gone?" She could feel his smile through the phone.

"No, Lady Sara."

"Look, I've rented some movies and got some egg nog if you want to join me."

He hesitated for a minute. "If you wish."

"I'd like the company."

"Would you like me to pick up anything on the way?"

"No."

"See you in a few minutes."

"Hey Nottingham?"

"Hey Sara?"

"Use the front door."

"I will."

Debating the wisdom of her decision to ask Nottingham over she straightened the living room up a little and threw on some leggings and a dark green sweater. She was taking the pizza out of the oven when she heard a knock at the door. Despite her misgivings she was pleased he showed up. She popped down the stairs and opened the door. "Hey." She smiled at her guest. "Come on in, I just took a pizza out of the oven."

"Hello, Sara. Thank you for inviting me over."

"Sure. Come on up."

She trotted up the stairs, Ian behind her. He took one look around the apartment. "As I thought. I'll be right back."

She watched curiously as he went back down the stairs and into the hallway. "Close your eyes and go into the kitchen please, Sara."

"Why?"

"It is a surprise."

Hearing the playful quality to his voice, she complied. "Ok. Eyes closed, and I'm in the kitchen."

Ian easily carried a five foot fir up the stairs. He had put a wealth of white lights on the tree before he knocked on her door. He plugged the tree in and walked over to her and stood before her blocking the tree from her sight.

She sensed him near, it unnerved her that she never heard him approach. "Can I look now."

"Open your eyes." She did and he stepped away. She gasped at the beautiful tree awash in lights. Her chin dropped. "Do you like it? I wasn't sure if you would. I realize this is not an easy time right now and perhaps you would not like any holiday reminders."

"It's beautiful. Thank you." Smiling broadly she hugged him impulsively. He stiffened before returning her embrace. "I wish I had something for you."

"Seeing a genuine smile on your face is the best gift you could give me." He had only seen it a few times and had hoped but never believed that it would ever be directed at him.

She pulled away a little unnerved at the tender look on the dark assassin's face. "You want some pizza?"

"No, I ate earlier. But I will take a glass of egg nog."

"Have a seat on the couch and I'll fix it for you. Why don't you pick a movie." She watched as he shed his coat and draped it over a chair and sat down. He rummaged through the sack Sid gave her. He had popped in a tape when she handed him his glass.

"Pizza and egg nog?" He stared at her for a moment.

"Its an acquired taste."

"You are going to have a stomach ache."

"Nah....So what movie did you pick?"

"Pitch Black."

"What's it about?"

He frowned, "you picked it out didn't you?"

"Nah, I just tell Sid what I am in the mood for and he usually picks out movies for me. Otherwise I stand and stare at them for hours."

He grinned, she certainly had her quirks. "You obviously were not in the holiday mood when you walked in that store." All the movies were science fiction/horror flicks.

"So, what's it about?"

Ian read off the back of the video box, "It's Evil vs. Evil in and electrifying showdown. The daylight can burn you but the darkness can kill you. Experience the psychological terror when a group of marooned passengers must face a pack of terrifying creature whose only weakness is the light."

She giggled at the movie phone voice Ian used, "Ok, ok I get it." She glanced over at her companion, "you do like this genre don't you?"

"I do." Smiling he sipped his egg nog and promptly coughed.

"Did you not want bourbon in that?"

"No, it is alright, I smelled it, I just didn't expect it to be this strong."

"Oh, God, you don't drink do you? I can fix you another glass without the alcohol." Way to go Pezzini.

"No, its fine. I usually don't drink hard liquor. But this is a special occasion."

They watched the movie in relative silence, commenting on cool special effects and the interplay between the characters. She was surprised how at ease she was with this man. He had dropped his bad assassin persona for the evening and was just being, Sara supposed, himself. He hadn't even dressed in his usual black on black attire. He was wearing faded blue jeans and a deep burgundy turtleneck sweater. His black hair fell in curls around his face. He really was an exceptionally handsome man when he wasn't playing creepy Goth guy.

He noticed her gaze, "what?" Was that admiration?

"I like you better like this," she blurted out before she realized.

"Like what?"

"Normal. Not creeping around doing Irons's bidding. I feel like you are being you and not acting."

"We all have a role we must play Sara, whether we like it or not. I do not care for the things Irons makes me do but it is my job to serve him. Surely there are things in your line of work you do not like doing."

"True but you act like he owns you."

"He does, Sara." His whiskey colored gaze held hers for a moment and she could see the sadness and pain in those deep eyes. She wouldn't press him any further.

"What's say I dig out my old ornaments and we decorate that tree before the next flick?"

"Ok." He smiled relieved that she had dropped the earlier conversation. Irons was gone for now and he had a few days to himself. He did not wish to be reminded nor discuss his relationship with his master.

Sara dragged several boxes from the closet before finding the one marked X-MAS. She made a face as she opened it.

"What is wrong."

"These are too tattered and cheesy to put on that elegant tree." They were her parents ornaments they had sentimental value and weren't necessarily pretty, some she had made during school. She never had enough money to buy new ones so she reused the old and familiar ones. Up until now they had always fit on the Charlie Brown tree's she bought every year.

"Nonsense." Ian took the box from her and strode over to the tree. "Before we decorate would you like me to place it somewhere else?"

"We could put it by the window but it would block your usual entrance." She laughed at the snide look he gave her.

"I haven't used the window since I fixed the lock on it for you. For a police officer, you are certainly lax on security."

"You fixed my lock?" She went over to inspect. "Until you came along, I never had to worry about anyone crawling up my fire escape. Thank you for fixing this, I just never seem to get around to doing things like that."

"It is my duty to see that you are protected." He rummaged around the box taking out various ornaments. "Is there a specific protocol for tree decoration?"

Sara laughed at his formality but saw the hurt flash in his eyes and then quickly realized he had probably never done this before. "Sorry, I've just never heard it put that way. Lights first, then tinsel, then ornaments, the topper, and finally my favorite, icicles."

"Icicles?"

She waved a package in front of him, "these."
Ian obediently held the silver tattered tinsel that should have been thrown out 2 seasons ago in Sara's opinion. He followed her as she circled the tree tucking the tinsel here and there. He sat on the floor placing hangers on ornaments and ceremoniously held each one up for her to place on the tree. She did not miss the look of fascination and wonderment on his face as she told him about each ornament that had any sort of meaning. He was most intrigued by the ones she had made in elementary school. She had gone behind the tree to hang the last few ornaments and when she glanced back down at him she saw him carefully studying the contents of a small shoebox. "What did you find?"

"This is the sweetest thing I have ever seen." He carefully laid out ten plaster tiles with small hand prints in them.

Sara knelt beside him, "oh my God, I had forgotten about these. Where did you find them?"

"Beneath these old cards. Look they are dated on the back." He lightly fingered several of the tiles. "Your hands were so tiny."

"I remember doing these. Every Thanksgiving we would make these imprints so they would be dry for Christmas, mom would place them in the kitchen window to dry. It is one of the only memories I have of her." A tear escaped and slid down her cheek. It did not go unnoticed by the dark man seated beside her. He leaned over and kissed the tear away. Blushing Sara placed her fingers on the tingling spot his lips touched.

Ian was slightly shocked by his impulsive instinctive action. "I am sorry I upset you."

"No, Ian, this is wonderful. I had forgotten about them. Let me get some string and we'll hang them on the tree like we used to." She dashed off to the junk drawer in the kitchen and came back with a roll of twine. She began tying the string to the tiles. "Here you hang these."

"No, I couldn't."

"Sure you can, I hung all the others." At first she thought he would refuse entirely but he carefully chose a place for each one. He surveyed his work, "is that alright? You will not hurt my feelings if you wish to move any of them."

It was amusing to Sara to see this highly dangerous deadly man concerned over hanging ornaments. He could probably kill a man a thousand different ways but was unsure over how to decorate a Christmas tree. "It's almost perfect."

Pleased that she approved Ian was ready to continue, "what next?"

Sara went to her jewelry box and took out her dad's badge. "Would you place this on top of the tree for me? I used to have a star but this makes me feel like Dad is still a part of the holiday."

Ian hooked the badge reverently on the top stem. "Perfect. Now for the fun part, icicles." She handed him a package of them. "You take that side I'll get this one." He carefully placed one strand on one a branch, then another, then another." Sara watched for a moment then burst out laughing. Ian looked hurt. "I'm sorry. Here, let me show you." She grabbed a handful of icicles and tossed them in the air above the tree. They landed haphazardly on the branches. "See."

"I was wondering why you considered it fun the way I was doing it." He tossed a handful on the tree.

Sara laughed, "there you've just about got the hang of it. Arch your wrist a little more, like this." She demonstrated.

Ian got a wicked grin across his face, "Oh, like this?" He tossed a fistful of icicles on Sara's head. He smiled widely at her astonished expression.

"Oh, you're gonna pay for that, mister." Sara lunged at him. He quickly dashed around the tree and into the living room. Knowing there was no way she could catch him playing fair she decided on slightly less ethical approach. "Oh, damn, ouch." She held her knee hopping convincingly.

Ian stopped beside the couch, "Sara, are you alright. I am sorry."

She pounced when he took a step forward, knocking him back across the arm of the couch. She straddled him on the couch tossing the rest of her icicles on top of him. "Gotcha."

"You little sneak. That was a dirty trick." They both laughed until they ran out of breath. Sara reached down and brushed icicles off Ian's face. There were several caught in his silky beard, she gently ran her fingers across his high cheek bones. Caught up in the moment and those glowing amber eyes she leaned down tentatively touching her lips to his. He pulled back a bit then slid one hand behind her head, one around her waist pulling her flush against his body, and slowly giving her time to refuse brought her lips to his again. He was hesitant at first then pressed his lips fully to hers. If he hadn't been what 29 or 30 she would have thought it was his first kiss. She traced his full lips with her tongue encouraged by his sharp intake of breath. Roughly she kissed him slipping her tongue in his mouth tasting the eggnog and bourbon and something that was uniquely Ian. They both groaned when he took the tip of his tongue and touched it to hers. Then the phone rang loudly. Both jumped apart breathing heavy. Eyes wide at their impulsive behavior.

‘Pezzini, go.' Her answering machine broke the silence of the room. "Hey Sara its Jake, pick up. I know you're there. Pez? Come on. I'm gonna sing carols until you pick up." Jake broke into a decidedly off key rendition of ‘Oh, Christmas Tree'. She laughed at the sour look Ian was giving the answering machine. She reached over and picked up the phone. "Ok, knock it off. I see you made it to LA, great. Now take your holiday cheer and shove it." She hung up before he could get a word in edgewise.

"Sounds like he's had too much of your egg nog." Ian grinned.

"He's driven me nuts today. Don't get me wrong I like the guy but he's worked a nerve today and I'm happy he's on the other side of the country." She glanced at the couch then to Ian. She had no idea how to handle the kiss that took place moments earlier. Chalk it up to lack of companionship. "Want to pretend that never happened?"

"Something happened?" Ian smiled as his heart sank. He knew that kiss was too good to be true that she hadn't really meant it. He couldn't help but be disappointed but he was adept at hiding his feelings. It had been ingrained in him.

"Ready for another movie?"

"Can we turn out all the lights and look at the tree first?" She smiled at his child like question.

"Yep." She quickly turned out all the lights. "Wow. It doesn't look so bad after all. Thank you Ian."

"It is beautiful and you are welcome but it is I who should do the thanking. I am pleased to share this evening with you."

She reached out and squeezed his hand. "Why don't we both say we needed the company and leave it at that." They were content to stand there hand in hand for a while staring silently at the sparkling tree.

"I think I'd like that movie now." He spoke so softly she barely heard him.

"Ok."

"You choose this time." He pulled her over to the couch and held up the bag. She searched the titles while Ian fixed another round of egg nog. Ian chuckled as he approach, "the fate of the universe does not rest on your next video choice."

"Smart ass. I told you I was bad at this." Truth be told she usually just got one movie so she wouldn't have to agonize like this. "How about Bram Stoker's Dracula? Sounds like something you would like." She meant it as a mild insult but Ian excitedly took it from her and turned the tv back on and began the movie.

He plopped down on the couch, "I was hoping you'd choose that one. Its one of my favorites. The soundtrack is remarkable."

Sara rolled her eyes, typical. "Does it follow the novel well? I read it in high school."

"For the most part it does." He paused muted the sound. "Before it begins, do you consider it a horror story or love story?"

"Why?" Bizarre question coming from him. "Both from what I remember about the book."

"Ok." Satisfied he turned back towards the TV and turned up the sound.

She took the remote from him and paused the tape. "What do you consider it?"

"It has an element of horror to it but ultimately it is a love story. Vlad reacted harshly the loss of his love and his betrayal by the god he fought so fiercely for. His anguish could be seen as justified, yet he was cursed for his actions despite his years of service to as knight of the Drac. He fought for the church, killed in the name of god yet. His actions however unsavory after the renouncement of the church and god were as comparable to the things he did in the name of god but were all done out of passion for his true love. This movie shows that."

She started at him for a moment processing everything he had said. At times he reminded her of Danny, he had the same skewed off beat interpretations of things. But what shocked her most was the realization that this deeply romantic man. "You're a romantic Nottingham, who'd of thought it." Ian blushed slightly and took the remote from her hand hitting the pause button. A romantic assassin, a small giggle escaped her. Irons had called Ian his poet warrior at one point hadn't he? She didn't really understand what he meant at the time. Now she did. She spared a glance towards Ian who was trying his best to ignore her. "I'm sorry. Look at it from my point of view, you are a major ass kicking tough guy, never would I have expected you to be a sucker for a love story. I never meant to hurt your feelings, forgive me?"

"You are forgiven, my lady." He bowed his head slightly. "Now be quiet and watch the movie.

Sara sipped her egg nog, he had but a liberal amount of whiskey in the glass just like she liked it. "Excellent."

"I fixed it half and half, I hope that is how you like it."

"Perfect." They settled in and watched the movie. He was right the soundtrack was stunning. Between the music, the bourbon, and the lull of Gary Oldman's voice, Sara drifted off to sleep just before the movie ended. Ian took the empty glass from her hand and placed it on the coffee table. The apartment was getting chilly and she snuggled against him for warmth. Ian pulled an Afghan from the back of the couch and tucked it around her. He knew he should not be holding a Wielder like this. Such contact was forbidden but he couldn't pull himself away. He had never taken such comfort from another human being, nor another taken it from him. He turned off the tv leaving the apartment in darkness except for the glowing of the tree. He had been seven when his first and until tonight last attempt at decoration had been destroyed by Kenneth Irons in a rage.

Young Ian had searched the grounds for tiny tree , small pine cones, berries, and had sat in a corner in the kitchen for hours stringing popcorn and dried cranberries provided happily by the cook. Cook had been so pleased that the serious youngster was interested in something other than training or studies. Ian carefully placed his gathered items on the tree, looked to cook for approval. He gushed. Proudly Ian had carried the small token into his master. "Here Sir, I brought something to adorn your desk during the holidays."

Irons spared a disgusted glance at his small charge. "What is this foolishness?"

"A tree, Sir, for your desk. I read how trees were decorated centuries ago." Ian had foolishly thought that Irons would like his attempt at an antique.

"Let me see it boy." Irons took the tree from the boy pretending to examine it with great interest. "Should you not be working on your studies?"

"I have finished all my assignments, Sir."

"Then I will assign you more. This is foolishness, you are a warrior." He handed the tree back to the disappointed boy.

"Toss that fodder into the fire and go fetch War and Peace. That should keep you occupied for a while. When you have finished it return and I will have a reading list for you."

"Yes, Sir." Ian held the tree in front of him. "May I keep the tree in my room? You would not have to see it."

"You have no time for such foolish sentiment, Young Nottingham, toss it in the fire."

Ian slowly approached the large fireplace and threw the tree in. He turned quickly to go but Irons held him in a steely grip forcing him to watch the flames eat away at his creation. "What have you learned from this Ian?"

Ian thought very carefully realizing he would be punished for speaking his mind, "that you are a cruel unmerciful man, Sir."

Irons grasped a handful of curling locks. "You are correct in that Ian, I am not a merciful man, think upon that the next time a ridiculous notion takes you. Go now. Leave me."

He looked over at the clock on the wall, 12:01. "Merry Christmas, Sara." He pulled her sleeping form a bit closer to him resting his chin on her head soon he slept as well.
Sara to the sensation of floating. She roused up a bit and realized Nottingham was carrying her. He placed her gently on the bed. It was weird she thought, no one had carried her to bed since she was a child. "What time is it? Why is it so cold?" She looked around for her alarm clock but didn't see it.

"It has been sleeting for quite sometime, I awoke to a loud pop, then electricity went out. I suppose the lines became to heavy with all the ice. If you tell me where some extra blankets are, I will hang them over the windows to help keep out the cold." She started to get up put a gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her. "I do not want you getting chilled."

"But you will get cold."

"I have my overcoat on."

"Top of the closet where the box of ornaments were." He pulled the covers up to her chin. She curled up in a ball trying to conserve body heat and watched him pad softly about her apartment with an armload of quilts Penny had made her over the years. When he was satisfied that the windows were insulated he brought the remainder of the quilts over to the bed and laid them on top of her as well. "Thanks, Nottingham, its been a long time since anyone tried to take care of me."

"I warrant it has been a long time since you allowed anyone to." He smiled but she could not see it in the darkness. I will take care of you for the rest of my life if you would only let me, Sara, he thought. Instead he sat on the edge of the bed, "I am but a phone call away whenever you are in need."

"Thanks. You know you are not as tough as you would like people to think."

"The same could be said of you, Milady."

"Yeah, well how about we keep that our little secret, huh?"

"Deal." He sat quietly on the edge of the bed they listened to the sleet against the glass for a while.

Sara felt a shiver run through him and tossed back the covers. "Come on, take off that coat and lie down."

"I could not." If falling asleep with her on the couch had been wrong, curling beside her in her bed was a unimaginable sin.

"Look, I'm still cold despite all the blankets." She began to shiver from the cold that permeated the apartment. "Listen, since I don't have board to place between us, you can get under the top two covers if that will ease your puritanical repugnance to sleeping beside me. I have no designs on your body, just your body heat." She glared at him in the darkness shivering. It seemed like an eternity passed before she heard his heavy boots hit the floor, first one then the other. She smiled and scooted over to make room for him. Slowly, as if giving her a chance to change her mind and stiffly laid down beside her. She tossed the covers over him and snuggled next to him sharing her heat with him. "See, its not that bad is it?"

"No, its not. Thank you, Sara. I did not relish the idea of digging my car out of the ice and snow to drive home tonight."

Sara sat up in bed, "you aren't going anywhere till the weather gets better. The department will have enough problems with the electricity being out, they don't need a wreck to add to it. Man, am I glad I don't work Vice anymore. Blackouts are hell."

"There were no lights as far as I could see. It will be hard for the homeless as well. Shelters are overrun this time of year and most of the buildings are not set up to deal with this type of weather."

"Yeah. To bad old Kenny won't use some of his billions to help the shelters out."

Ian chuckled, "want to keep another secret?"

"Sure." This should be interesting.

"He does, he just doesn't know it. Since he won't be back from Europe until after New Years, I took all the food in the house to a shelter as well as a healthy sum of money from petty cash to donate."

"And I'm the sneak? That would be considering embezzling in the eyes of the law."

"He will never miss it and no one could ever prove it."

"Guess not." She snuggled close to him putting her head on his chest. "Relax, I swear I wont take advantage of you."

Sighing at the sweet scent of her hair, he gave in to temptation and pulled her close to him, "good night, Sara."

"Night, Ian." Both quickly drifted into a deep sleep.

Sunlight filtered throughout the bedroom as Sara woke slowly. She was sprawled across the chest of Ian Nottingham. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes she remembered the events of the night before. She untangled herself from him and propped up on an elbow to watch him sleep. He looked very boyish and innocent in slumber. Long thick black lashes rested upon high cheekbones waves of dark curls fell across his face. His full lips were parted slightly in sleep. She fought the desire to brush her fingertips across those lips and smooth back those unruly locks that partially hid his face from her intense scrutiny. What a contradiction in terms was this man. A killer by trade that cares enough to risk the ire of his employer to give money and food to area shelters. A man who vehemently believed that a century old horror novel was first and foremost a love story. She would never forget the look of wonderment and tenderness as he looked over each one of the tiles that held her hand prints as a child or his contentment to simply hold her hand and stare at the Christmas tree they decorated. He had spoken in riddles and creeped her out the first few times she met him. Now, Sara was amazed at the sense of security and peace she felt with him at this moment.

Kenneth Irons had some sort of hold over this man, one that she didn't understand or like for that matter. Irons treated this man like a possession. Granted, Nottingham let him treat him as such, he did not seem motivated by money or a need for power it was more like a misplaced sense of duty or honor that kept him tied so closely to Irons. It was rumored that he was Irons's son but Sara could see nothing of the cold arrogant cruel man in the person that slept so soundly beside her. Ian's exotic dark good looks bore no resemblance to the slick Aryan looks of Kenneth Irons. Ian shifted slightly in his sleep searching for the lost warmth that her body had provided. No sense in getting out of a warm bed, Sara yawned and curled back up beside him placing a hand across his chest hooking a leg over his and fell back to sleep.

Green eyes opened looking into light hazel ones. Ian smiled sleepily and Sara felt a pang in her abdomen. Sexy, very very sexy when he's sleepy. "Merry Christmas, Sara."

"Merry Christmas to you too." She glanced from his mesmerizing eyes, not trusting herself to continue the bold contact, to the tree. "Looks like the electricity is back on."

"It came on about ten minutes ago."

"How long have you been awake?" Had he studied her like she had him?

"Not long. I would have gotten up to make some coffee but I did not wish to disturb you while you slept so peacefully." Waking up with her draped across him was an experience he would savor for the remainder of his existence.

Sara stretched against him, "you know that was the best nights sleep I've had since I got this crazy bracelet."

"No dreams?"

Had any dreams lately, Sara? Echoed in her mind and she shivered. "No dreams. You?"

"I can honestly say I have not had a better nights sleep."

"Good, I've gotta get out of this bed."

Ian smiled as she dashed into the bathroom, "I'll make coffee."

"If you do, I'll love you forever," she said without thinking. It was a bit with her and her dad.

She was brushing her teeth when Danny popped in. "Hey, Pez. Did you really just tell the Goth Stalker guy that you'd love him forever?" Danny tsked several times. "You feed um and they won't go away."

Sara glared at him for a moment, "he's not a stray dog Danny. He's really a sweet guy, little odd but then so were you."

"Yeah, but I was weird and cute." Sara shot him a look. "Oh, Pez, say it ain't so, you think he's hot don't you?" She arched an eyebrow at him refusing to answer. "You do? Oh, man is he Tommy Lee hot?"

"Danny! Knock it off."

"You do!!!! Pez and Goth guy sitting in a tree....." He was interrupted by her hairbrush flying through him. It rattled as it fell in the tub.

"Sara, are you ok?" Ian called from the kitchen.

"Yeah, just dropped my brush."

"K-I-s-s-I-n-g..."

"Danny!"

"Ok, ok, I'll quit. I just wanted to thank you for the coffee mug and Mikey's gift."

"Coffee smell good?"

"A bum drank it before I could smell it." Sara laughed at that. "Thought that counts, Pez. I appreciate you getting those cars for Mikey."

"She let him have them?"

"He saw the box before she did and opened it. He loved the police cruiser."

"You know I have never been much for kids but I really miss seeing that little bugger. I bet he's grown a lot."

"A little more each day. He amazes me every time I see him. Listen, I know I've been ragging you about your guest but, I'm glad he's here. You didn't need to be alone and he does seem like nice guy. He's no Ricky Martin, though." With that he was gone.
Ian was sitting in the chair beside one of the windows when she emerged from the bathroom. A steaming mug of coffee waiting for her on the counter. Sara walked up behind him to see what he was so intently doing. He had a toothpick and was etching a drawing out in the fine layer of frost that had gathered on her window during the frigid night. It was a dragon holding an ornate sword. "Wow."

He looked up at her sheepishly, "sorry. I came to see how much snow had fallen. When I saw the ice I remembered doing this as a child."

"Its beautiful, I wish you had put it on paper so it would last.".

He smiled, "then it would not do this." He moved so that she could sit in the chair. When she did she saw the true artistry of his work. He had sliced through the ice so finely that the blade of the sword gleamed sending a halo of prisms around it.

"That is one of the most remarkable things I have ever seen. Where did you learn to do that?"
Ian shrugged slightly not wanting her to know he had perfected the technique when he had been locked in his room for some transgression. Irons learned early on that sending the boy to his room was not suitable punishment for it was filled with books, pens, and paper. Ian would sketch for hours once he received a severe beating when Irons found him asleep on top of a pile of drawings, when he was supposed to be focusing on an infraction. Immediately afterwards everything had been removed from his quarters, a frosty window his only palette. "Just practice."

A large drip of water ran down the windows and threatened the dragon. Sara stopped it with her hand, ‘Oh no you don't." She turned to Ian, "it's melting."

Ian gave her an odd questioning glance, "it was never meant to last, Sara. Like a bloom, it only lasts for a short while and then it is gone."

She sighed as they watched water mar the stunning etching. She glanced down at the snowy street for the first time. "It really came down last night." Car shaped lumps could be seen beneath mounds of snow. "So which of those cars is yours?"

"Across the street third mound from the light pole."

Sara laughed, "looks like your stuck with me for a while. Must be at least 4 feet of snow and the plow hasn't been through yet. That'll be another 2 afterwards."

"I could not impose...." he stopped as Sara held up her hand.

"Don't want to hear it. You are here until it thaws. I will not turn you out in the cold on Christmas." She grabbed him by the sleeve, "come on lets see what we can scrounge up to eat."

She spied Jake's present on the table as Ian boiled water for pasta. Ian was startled by her sudden burst of laughter, "Sara?"

She held up Jake's present, it was a compilation of his surfing competitions. "I hope he meant this as a joke."

Ian looked at the tape and tried his best to keep from laughing a loud. "I think he's trying to impress you." He chuckled at the disgusted look on Sara's face, "I take it this does not endear him to you?" It was a bit arrogant in Ian's estimation.

"Depends on whether he was being funny or trying to impress me." She wasn't sure of McCartey's motives, they had joked about surfing but she had never shown any real interest in it. There were a couple of CD's inside, Tom Petty Anthology and an Heavy Metal mix of ballads.

"We aren't watching that video are we?" Ian eyed the tape.

"Depends on how drunk the last of the bourbon can get us."

"You could use that as blackmail you know."

"I may just keep that in mind." She winked mischievously at him.

A knock at the door startled them. Sara dashed down the stairs as Ian watched the pots of pasta and sauce. Sara opened the door to reveal Penny, arms loaded with gifts. "Here you are dear. You didn't think those cookies were the only thing you'd get this year."

Sara hugged the elderly woman, "Penny your cookies are more than enough. How did you get through all this snow and sludge?"

"Well, Randy had to be back at base so he brought me by on his way."

"Ian and I just began fixing lunch, please join us."

"Ian? Is that the handsome young man from the other day?"

"Yes, he took pity on me and came over last night and got snowed in." Sara took the packages Penny offered her.

"I will, I have something in there for him as well. He was so polite and nice helping me carry in my groceries the other day, I thought I'd make him a little something as well. You don't see too many men these days that will take time to help a little old lady."

"He will like that." She couldn't imagine the look on Ian's face when Penny gave him a gift. Both women trudged up the stairs. Ian rushed over to help. Together he and Sara placed packages on the coffee table. "Ian, this is my neighbor Penny, Penny, Ian Nottingham."

Penny held out her hand to Ian who took it and gallantly placed a kiss upon its liver-spot covered back. "It is a pleasure to formally meet you, milady."

Penny's eyes glowed looking at the sincere young man. "Oh, Sara, if you don't marry this one I will."

Ian blushed as Sara and Penny laughed. Penny patted Ian on the arm, "I do believe I've embarrassed him, Sara." Penny shooed them over to the couch, no you two open your gifts and I will take over in the kitchen. Sara pulled several brightly wrapped packages out of the bags. She quickly opened the first one revealing a beautiful olive green hand knit sweater. "Penny thank you."

"It will be perfect with your eyes." Ian smiled quietly watching Sara.

"Sara Pezzini, you dig in that bag and find Ian's gifts." Ian glanced up at Penny quizzically the to Sara.

Grinning Sara handed him three boxes with tags that said , ‘to Sara's friend'. "For me?" Ian was shocked, no one had ever given him a gift before, certainly a lady he had only met once.

"You were so polite to help me carry in groceries, I made a few little things for you."

"Thank you so much. " Ian fingered the ribbon on the first package, not wanting to rip the paper. Sara saw his dilemma and rescued him by ripping a corner off.

"There, it's no longer perfect, now open it." He tore off the remainder of the paper and opened the box, he pulled out a long grey knit scarf, "it is lovely, thank you." In the next box was a pair of matching grey gloves and a knit cap. His final gift was a tin of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. "My favorite."

"You didn't think I noticed you looking at those nuts while you were carrying that sack, did you?"

"No ma'am." Ian sat staring at the gifts. He was amazed at the woman's generosity and thoughtfulness.

Sara watched Ian enchanted by his reaction. And then the realization hit her, no one had ever given him anything. A flood of tears threatened her so she returned to her presents. More cookies, an Afghan, and the best of all, a ziplock container full of chocolate chip cookie dough. "Thank you, Pen." Sara got up and hugged the woman.

Ian stood and embraced her as well, "thank you, I do not quite know what to say."

"The look on your face is thanks enough. Now dears, that pasta smells ready."
Ian poured wine as Sara fixed plates for them. Penny chatted on about her family visit. She told Sara that Randy was being moved to a different army base.

"Will you be going with them?"

"No, dear, I spent my marriage falling Pete from base to base, I won't do the same with my son. I am happy with my little apartment and set in my ways. It happens when you live alone to long." She shook a finger at her young companions, "let that be a lesson to you."

"What don't marry a soldier?" Ian asked with a sly grin.

Penny never missed a beat, "that too, don't get used to being alone, makes you hard to live with when you're old." She looked at Sara, trying to bait Ian, "actually I would recommend a soldier, they are used to taking orders," she winked, "and they look nice in dress fatigues."

Sara arched an eyebrow at Ian wondering if she should tell Penny he had been in the military, but he beat her to it. "Actually, I am retired from the Army Special Forces."

"You are too young."

"I led a special operations unit. After we reached our quota of assignments we were given the option to retire on inactive reserve."

"Well, well. What do you do now?" Penny had discovered her newest project.

Ian looked at Sara, who was greatly interested in how he would explain his job to Penny. "I take care of security for Vorschlag Industries and am Kenneth Irons bodyguard."

"My, my. I wager keeping Kenneth Irons nose clean takes up a large amount of your time. What do you do when you aren't protecting him?"

Sara and Ian both laughed at Penny's candor. "Yes, Ian, what do you do in your spare time?" Sara teased.

"I read, fix locks for detectives that don't take their personal safety into consideration."

"Ok, ok." Sara could tell she was about to ganged up on. "Anyone want another helping?"

"Not me, dear, I really must meander on down stairs, I have plans to nap the remainder of the day away." Penny gave Sara her plate. "Thank you for lunch and the company. Merry Christmas."

"You to, Pen."

"And you young man. You do not be a stranger. Drop by everyone in a while when you visit Sara."

"I will. Thank you again for the presents. Shall I escort you downstairs?"

"Oh, I think you shall. I haven't had an escort in years." Arm in arm he walked Penny down to her apartment.

Sara was washing dishes when he returned. "You just made her day, you know."

"She made mine as well." He stepped behind Sara and wrapped his arms around her waist. "As did you. Thank you for last night and today." She dried her hands on a towel and turned in his arms.

"You're fixing to ruin my day by telling me you have to leave aren't you?" He looked down at the floor. "And don't look at the floor while your with me, I thought we were passed that."

"Habit. I really do need to leave. Make sure everything is alright at the mansion before he returns."

"Cover your tracks?" She reached up and touched his beard.

"Something like that." He smiled that endearing half smile, "Penny said I should hold this over my head." Sara looked at the sprig of mistletoe in his palm.

"She did?"

"Ummm hmmm. Is it good luck?"

Sara warmed to his game, "could be. Maybe you should try it out and see."

"I have a feeling you'll laugh at me standing here holding a bit of greenery over my head."

"You'll never know unless you try."

Smoldering amber eyes held a hint that he actually knew what mistletoe was and what would happen when he held it over his head. His eyes never left hers as he raised his hand slowly above his head. An eternity seemed to pass before wove her fingers into his silky hair and pull his head down to meet her kiss. This was going to be a Christmas for him to remember, she was intent on that. She brushed her lips lightly across his forcing his to part slightly then nibbled his bottom lip. He pressed her against the sink as her tongue slid into his mouth and teased his. Sara was pleasantly surprised when he deepened the kiss by exploring her mouth a little more. He traced her teeth then touched the tip of his tongue to the extra sensitive spot on the roof of her mouth sending a tremor down to her toes. She moaned and he pulled away. He pressed the mistletoe into her hand, "perhaps you will make use of this the next time I see you." He smiled, "Merry Christmas, Sara."

"Merry Christmas, Nottingham." She watched him put on his overcoat. "Hey don't forget these." She looped Penny's homemade scarf around his neck and handed him the gloves and knit cap.

"Cookies."

"What? Oh," she laughed handing him the tin of cookies. "Your favorites?"

"My favorite." His eyes held hers for a moment then he was gone. Before she could catch him she heard the door close. If her lips weren't still tingling from that kiss they'd shared she wouldn't even know he had been there.

*****
Later that evening Ian stepped forward and opened the limo door. "Welcome home, Sir.

"Ian." Kenneth Irons barely regarded his servant.

"I trust your trip was successful?" He asked not really caring one way or another.

"What is the status of our Wielder, how did she spend her holiday."

"Alone, in quiet reflection and a few movies." Ian said quietly following Irons to his den and coming to stand in his customary position.

"Perhaps her solitude will make her consider my next invitation more graciously. Have her here at 3:00 tomorrow, I plan on having her join me on my trip to Munich. Make sure the jet is serviced and ready to leave on the 29th."

"Another trip so soon?"

"Sarcee's is throwing a soiree, Boris will be attending, I have a business deal that will come to fruition before the end of the year." He spared a glance towards the dark figure. "And how was your holiday, Ian? How did you spend the time not watching Sara Pezzini?"

"I read the collected works of Edgar Allen Poe."

"Where is the staff?"

"I had not anticipated your arrival so soon. Before the weather turned vile, I sent them home. I did not wish to have them underfoot. I have personally prepared the Blue Room for you this evening. Unless you would prefer another."

"No, the Blue Room is fine." He poured himself a glass of brandy and sat in the Louis XVI chair before the fireplace. "You may retire." Ian turned on his heel to go. "Ian."

"Sir?"

"Make sure the staff is back within the hour. I do not pay them to spend time with their families, nor did I create you to do their jobs for them."

"Yes, Sir."

*****

Sara sat at her desk sipping coffee going over old case files and filling out paperwork. She liked being in the station this early though she rarely made it in at this time of the day. NO one to bother her. Her stack of files dwindled quickly without any interruptions. Jake wasn't due back until 10 or 11 so she still had plenty of time to work with out his interference and constant chatter. Her thoughts turned to her Christmas guest. He understood the quality of being alone, together, it was a nice quality in a man. She sat staring at her coffee when the object of her desire appeared at her office door, "May I enter detective?"

"Detective now, huh?" She asked a bit disappointed in his cool demeanor.

"Unfortunately I am here in an official capacity. Mr. Irons requests your presecense at the mansion at 3:00."

"He does does he? Tell him thanks but no thanks."

"Please Sara, he will force me to bring you there if you do not come willingly. I do not wish to do that."

No telling what he would do to take it out on Ian. "Alright, I'll be there. Any idea what he wants?"

"To invite you on a trip to Munich for New Years."

"No way am I going on a date with him much less a trip out of the country." She saw the apprehension and pleading in his eyes. "I will however come to meet him and refuse him in purpose."

"Thank you, Sara." He turned to leave then as an afterthought her pulled a gift bag from his overcoat. "This is for you." She barely got out the words thank you before he was gone.

"Petzini, was that Kenneth Irons personal security guard I just saw leaving?" Dante sneered at the door.

It's way to early to deal with you, jerk. "Where?"

"Out the damn door, he had to pass your office, are you blind?" Irons had called and demanded that he allow her to leave at 2:00. What was with Irons and this bitch?

"No, just busy."

"I had to switch the schedule around, you're off at 2:00 today. 8:00 to 8:00 tomorrow."

"Fine, what about McCarty he should be in by noon."

"You let me worry about the kid."

"Yes, Sir."

"Go right in, Detective," Irons receptionist was all smiles as Sara entered but watched her walk towards his office in distaste. Well, at least she hadn't left her helmet hanging on the coat rack this time.

"Sara, so good to see you. I hope that your holiday was as fulfilling as mine." Kenneth Irons was his usual slick slimy self. Sara's skin crawled.

"It was fine. Your lap dog summoned me here?" She decided it would be best to keep up the facade of animosity towards Ian with Irons.

"It worked didn't it? Ian's power of persuasion are legendary. Though I doubt he used some of his more creative techniques on you."

"What do you want, I have things to do."

"I would like you to accompany me to a New Year's Eve party in Munich. It will be a lovely affair. The King and Queen of Spain will be in attendance."

"Sorry, I have tea with the Queen of Sheba that evening."

"Sara, why do you refuse me, there is so much I can teach you, so much you need to know. Let me take you away from this mundane existence you call a life. Let me show you how a stunning creature such as yourself should live." He slipped up beside her and before she could pull away ran the back of his hand across her cheek. "Sara, be reasonable."

She jerked out of his embrace, "I am not going anywhere with you. When will you get it through your head that I can't be bought like everyone else. Was that all?"

"No, here, I picked this up while I was away. I thought it suited you." He handed her a small box.

Hesitantly Sara took the elegant gold wrapped box from him. She undid the paper carefully and opened the velvet box in it was a golden armband encrusted with emeralds. "It belonged to Septima Zenobia, one of the early Wielders, reportedly it was given to her by Claudius the Second."

"Thanks, its lovely but wouldn't you rather have it for your collection?"

"No, I have so much and you have so little regarding the Witchblade. You should surround yourself with the finest things in life. I could do that for you."

"Look thanks for this, I appreciate it but honestly if it is what you say, it should be in a museum."

"Take it, Sara. Now I have call to attend." He picked up his phone and waved her away.

Son of a bitch, she thought. She stomped down the corridor. There was a tall red head talking to the receptionist. "My father brought some horses for Nottingham to look over, I'd like to be escorted to the courtyard, please. And don't just give me directions, I hate wandering around this creepy place."

"I'll call security and have an escort sent up."

"Never mind, I'll take her." Sara piped up. She wouldn't mind seeing Ian if only for a second. She wanted to thank him for her presents. He had gotten her a small box of plaster of paris, to make hand prints and a desktop Zen garden. She held her hand out to the red head, "Sara."

"Celia." They headed down the long hall out the back way. Irons had given her a tour of the mansion once. The courtyard was the only part of the property she actually liked. "You don't really look like Irons type? No offense."

"None taken. Did I hear you say Nottingham was buying some horses?"

"Yes, we bring our finest here every year for him to choose from. Irons has an unbelievable stable. Nottingham is a fantastic judge of horseflesh. Dad has been trying to get him to leave Irons and come work with us for years, which, I wouldn't mind in the least. The man is certainly easy on the eyes."

"Celia, you made it." An older man with red hair a shade lighter than his daughters smiled then returned his gaze to the man on horseback.

"So, he like the selection?"

"You know Ian, always the consummate professional. He likes the Andalusian, the two Arabian mares, and both the Barb's."

"You tell him only I could handle the other black Barb?"

"I did. That's why he left it for last."

Ian was riding a tan colored horse, Sara was dumbfounded at the sight. Magnificent didn't begin to describe it. He eased the horse into a trot then a walk and rode over to them. "Hello, Sara. Celia."

Celia stepped in front of Sara, "Hey, Ian, long time no see."

"Yes, it has been a while." He dismounted, "now that you are here, could you please take out the black Barb. Your father says he only responds to you."

"He's a handful, you probably don't want him."

"Bring him out, and we will see." Ian came to stand beside Sara. "Sara this is Bracken Orst, he is one of the finest horse breeders I've met. Bracken, this is Sara Pezzini."

"Hello, ma'am."

"Hi."

"Never took Irons for a horseman."

"He's not, it just looks good." Ian gave her a sly glance eyes twinkling. "Rich people seem to like getting expensive horseflesh as presents." She whistled lowly as Celia brought out the black horse. "Perhaps he should have gotten you a horse instead of that armband." Sara rolled her eyes.

The horse reared up pawing at Celia. "See what we mean about being difficult?" Bracken glanced at Ian. "He wasn't handled much as a youngster, just left out to pasture until we realized who sired him. So he's barely been socialized." She finally led the horse to the center of the courtyard. It began to paw and started to rear again, she took a whip and smacked it across the nose.

Sara felt rage and tension emanate from Ian as he strode out to the girl and the horse. He yanked the whip from her hand as she drew back to strike the horse again. It landed somewhere in the bushes about thirty feet away. What ever he said to the girl caused her to hand the lead rope to him and scurry away. Sara snuck a look at Bracken expecting a reaction but there was none. After a few minutes of soft words and gentle hand gestures the horse nudged Ian with his nose. Ian led the stunning horse around for a while, then loaded him back in the trailer with the other horses.

"Sara, I had no idea you were still here." She cringed as Kenneth Irons came to stand beside her.
"Orst."

"Mr. Irons, good to see you."

"I showed Celia the way to the courtyard and was enjoying these fine animals. But I need to be going."

Ian strode towards them and nodded at Kenneth. "As usual Mr. Orst has brought us the finest stock."

"Very well, I'll leave the choice to you." He turned on his heel to leave and then turned back, "Ian, nothing over 25 this year."

"Of course."

"Sara will you walk out with me?"

"Sure. I didn't know you liked horses."

"They are an investment. Ian takes care of those matters. Personally I don't like the fact that they were even on the grounds." They disgusted him.

"Then why have them."

"Ian does not allow our horses to be exposed to new ones until he has a vet check them. He is strict about that. Since you will not accompany me abroad, I will bid you a Happy New Year today. Goodbye, Sara."

"Yeah, enjoy the party. Thanks for the invite and the gift." She walked out the door.

Sara tossed the armband in her jewelry box and stared at her apartment. It needed a good cleaning. She set about it in a frenzy of activity. Danny had always said if she put as much effort in keeping her place clean as she did in her workouts you could eat off the floor. She carried a bag of trash downstairs to the bin then knocked on Penny's door on the way back. Penny smiled and hugged her, "come see what Ian left at my door this morning." She led Sara to a gorgeous orchid. "He saw my calender and asked if I liked them when he walked me home the other night. Oh, Sara isn't it pretty. He also brought a book on orchids. He's a dear dear man, don't let him get away."

"He has his moments." He was having them more often. "I came to take out the trash for you."

"You know you don't have to do that."

"You don't have to feed me and knit stuff for me...."

Sara returned to her clean (not spotless) but clean apartment. She tossed a pizza in the oven and hit the shower. She came out refreshed and hungry. She sat down on the couch, ten more minutes till pizza. Just as she got comfortable she heard a soft rap on her window. She glanced over the back of the couch. Ian waved. She hopped up to let him in. "So we are back to the window again?"

"There were several people milling around out front. This just seemed easier."

"Which horses did you buy?"

"All of them, the trailer and the truck."

"Let me guess, that 20 he was talking about was not thousand."

"No."

"One of those horses is worth more than I will make in a lifetime." She answered his sheepish grin, "hey, been thinking, there is always a huge fireworks display out at Central Park, and since Irons is out of town I thought maybe you would like to go with me?"

His heart dropped, Sara asked him out and he couldn't go. "I am sorry, Sara. I already made plans."

"That's ok, it was a stupid idea, its going to be too damn cold to stand around watching that stuff."

"It is rather mundane but perhaps you would like to accompany me. I promised our stable master I would take care of the horses for him. He and his wife are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary."

The oven timer went off. "I don't know, sleeping in a stable..."

"I actually have a small cottage out there. We can't do fireworks because of the horses but I do have a rather impressive telescope." He gave her a tentative longing smile.

How could she resist that smile? "I'd like that. Dante only gives his favorites the privilege of holiday time and a half so I have New Year's Eve and day off."

"Do you ride?"

"My Buell."

"I meant horses."

"I know, once when I was little I went to a birthday party and they had a pony. And I fell off of one of the mounted patrol horses." She decided not to mention the fact that she was extremely drunk at the time.

"I could teach you if you wish. The arena is covered and climate controlled."

"We'll see about that part." Could be fun. "Pizza?"

"Sure." She handed him a plate. "What time will you get off work tomorrow?"

"8:00."

"Could you be ready to leave by 10:00?"

"Sure, how far away is the stable?"

"About 75 miles outside the city."

"Ok, what do I need to bring?"

Ian shrugged, he had never had a female guest, never had a guest at all. "Clothes, a sturdy pair of boots."

"I meant anything extra, food, wine?"

"No, the cottage is fully stocked, just bring whatever you need."

"I'll be waiting." She took his plate when he was done and noticed the package on the counter. "Thank you for the gifts that was sweet. And Penny is ecstatic over her orchid."

"I am glad."

"Will you help me set up the Zen garden?"

"That is something you must do on your own, no one can do it for you. I should be leaving, I must make sure the jet is secure once more before he leaves." He stood and kissed her on the cheek, "until tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow, I'll be ready."

~~~
"Hey Pez."

"Jake, you are entirely to happy this early in the morning." She had been up since dawn packing for her little trip with Ian.

"What you doing, New Year's Eve? Thought you might want to hit a club or something."

"Sorry, Jake, got plans."

"With who?"

"A friend. Don't start with the interogation, Rookie, its none of your business. I don't pry into your personal life, stay out of mine. Deal."

"Fine. I'm just your partner, would hate to actually get to know you and be your friend." He stomped out.

"Jake." She just let him go, he'd get over it. He came back in and flopped down in his chair staring at files. "Look, Jake, it's just hard to see you at Danny's desk in his chair and then quizzing me about my personal life like he did, I just can't handle it ok?"

"Guess that's as close to an apology as get, huh?"

She just grunted at him and grabbed some more files. The day dragged on, they were both restricted to desk duty until the bulk of their paperwork was done. She was becoming more and more excited about her trip with Ian. She wanted out of here.

"Pez, if you don't stop tapping that foot I'm gonna nail it to the floor." McCarty was testy as well. "I am not listening to that for another hour."

7:55 rolled around and she took a large stack of files and dumped them on Dante's desk with a loud thump. "You want to sign off on any of these?" She asked sweetly. He glared at her. Bitch. It was standard procedure for a higher ranking officer to sign off on another officers cases after a partners death. She still had 2 months of review left. Usually she griped but this sweet routine was just plain annoying. "You may leave now." In a flash she was gone.

She knocked on Penny's door. Five raps just to let her know she was home. Penny knew she was going out of town with Ian and was thrilled. There was a laundry basket filled with tupperware bowls of food in her foyer. With a note that said, You kids have fun. Sara shook her head. She hopped in the shower. She had and hour until Ian got here. Her bags were by the door. She was a bundle of nerves, her entire body was tingling at the thought of having his full, Irons free attention for two whole days. She wasn't 16 and this wasn't a first date, she berated herself. She still had 45 minutes to go so she decided to set up her Zen garden. She poured the sand in the box and read the instructions, they were extremely unclear. So she looked at the picture on the box and tried to get hers to like it unsuccessfully.

Danny blinked in, "Hey Pez. You know whatever you do is not wrong. Let your instincts guide the rake. Don't look at the box."

"I don't see how this is relaxing."

Danny shook his head, she was digging in the sand with the rake like a cat in a litter box. "I have never seen you relaxed. Maybe Nottingham can teach you a few things about Zen that I never could." He disappeared when Ian knocked on the door.

Ian grinned as she opened the door. "Are you ready?"

"Yep. Look at all the food Penny made us."

"That was nice of her."

He picked up the basket of food and Sara's two bags. "Shall we?"

"We shall."

"You know I can get some of that."

"You have to get the doors." He said quietly.

Neither of them spoke much on during the drive, in fact, Sara dozed off. She woke up to Ian gently brushing her cheek with his hand, "we are here sweet. I've already unloaded the car."

She got out of the car and stretched. "Sorry I fell asleep on you."

"It's ok, I'm sure you've had a long day. How about we get settled in and both get some rest."

The oriental style cottage was beautiful. There was very little furniture in the house, very stylized. "I like it. It is very peaceful." He showed her the kitchen, the bedroom, bath, and an office area filled with electronics.

"Thank you. I will sleep on the futon and you can have the bedroom."

"Don't start that, we've shared a bed before and your virtue is still intact. And I am asking you to join me so your honor is safe as well."

"As you wish."

"Have you got to check on the horses?"

"Not until the morning. I will have to get up about 4:00 to feed them."

"Yikes."

"Axel keeps them on a strict schedule." He grinned.

"The stable hands will be in about six or so to clean stalls and exercise some of the horses. Axel does not trust anyone but me to oversee their care. I am going to shower, if you would like there are quite a few DVD's and videos in the office or if you want to go to bed. You have run of the place."

"That include showering with you?" She couldn't resist. She loved making this man blush. Predictably he turned red and retreated from the room. Giggling to herself she changed into her sleep clothes and wandered around the house before climbing into bed. She was almost asleep when she saw him turn out the bathroom light and enter the room. He set the alarm on the beside table and slipped into bed beside her. She snuggled to his side wrapping her arms around him.

"I am glad you came with me, Sara," he whispered softly.

"Me too." He smiled into her hair and pulled her closer to him.

The alarm went off far too early. Ian groaned as he hit the snooze and reveled in the warmth of Sara wrapped around him. "Mmmmm. You really don't have to get up this early do you?" She mumbled in his chest.

"I have to." The last thing he wanted to do was leave this bed and her to brave the frigid weather. At least the stables were heated.

"Do you need help?" She asked but hoped he didn't she had a rule about getting out of bed and going outside before the sun came up.

"Yes, actually I do. You have an extremely important job. You must stay here and keep the bed warm for me. I will be cold when I return."

"That I can do. How long will it take you."

"About an hour or so." He kissed her forehead as the snooze went off. "Sleep well." He tucked the covers around her. When he emerged from the bathroom the light fell across the bed, and a wave of pure male satisfaction came over him seeing that she had scooted over to the warm spot he had occupied in the bed and wrapped her arms around his pillow.

Ian went about the barn enjoying the soft nickers of greeting the horses gave him. He went about measuring grain per Axel's orders speaking softly to each horse as he entered the stalls. The water buckets into he stalls were automatic filling whenever the water lever dropped to a certain point. For that he was greatful. Next he filled the grates with slips of hay and braved the cold to crack the ice in the water troughs outside and dump a large amount of feed for the little burro's keep on the property. They made excellent watch dogs for any canines that decided to go after the horses. Satisfied everyone was fine he went out to the arena and turned on the heat. Hopefully he could coax Sara into riding with him later. Smiling at the thought he walked back to the cottage. He welcomed the warmth of the small cottage as he entered he took off his overcoat, gloves, and hat placing them on the coat rack. Quietly as a cat he crept down the hall into the bedroom and to the bath determined not to wake Sara. He slipped out of his barn clothes and back into warm ups and a t-shirt. He was still chilled to the bone when he pulled the covers back on the bed. Light was just peeking through the blinds and he saw sleepy green eyes watching him. "You going to stand there and freeze or get back in this bed with me?"

He slipped into the bed and wrapped himself around her stealing her heat. "Ssssss., "she hissed, "you are freezing." He hid his face in the hollow of her neck nuzzling her with his nose. "Damn your nose is cold."

"It's getting warmer," he mumbled below her ear. He shivered a bit and she pulled him closer enjoying him placing the majority of his weight on her. She tried placing her feet on his but her legs weren't quite long enough. "You did an excellent job keeping this bed warm." He nuzzled her neck causing her to shiver. "I'll have to find some way to repay you." His lips brushed against a sensitive spot on her neck as he spoke and she gasped. She began to wonder if he had any idea what he was doing to her. She had a feeling he didn't. "You could do that again."

"What?" She groaned when he did it again inadvertently. He began to realize and nuzzled her neck again.

"That." She gasped as he lightly kissed her neck just below her ear his beard brushing softly against her skin was only adding to the pleasure. "Ummmmm, yes." He continued his exploration of her neck and went to her ear softly nipping her ear lobe, she gripped his shoulders tightly and arched against him as he did. She turned her head and met his lip with hers tongues entwined and search one anothers mouths trading dominance back and forth. She shifted beneath him until he was settled between her legs. She wrapped her strong legs around him pulling his hips more fully into the cradle of hers. She pulled at his shirt. "I want you, Ian. Make love to me."

He looked at her incredulously, "you want me? I am not worthy of such...."

She took his face in her hands forcing him to look into her eyes. "I would not be here if I didn't. I would not feel like this," she took his hand and slid it under her flannel night pants and to the juncture of her thighs. "You still think I don't want you? I have spent months in tormented dreams making love to you throughout eternity. It is you, it has always been you."

Ian was shocked, in his wildest dreams he never would have thought she would want him. A friend to spend time with, perhaps, but as a lover. When had she realized it was him in those dreams? When had she decided to admit it? He slid a finger between her slick wet folds watching her rub up against him. He shifted his weight off her enough to slide his shirt off as well as hers. He gazed down at her firm breasts, ruched nipples begged for his touch. He lowered his head for a taste. He placed a gentle kiss on the very tip of her nipple which made it only harder. She arched her back and he took the not so subtle hint and took her deeply in his mouth and drew sharply on her. She inhaled deeply and threaded her fingers into his dark curling hair keeping him firmly in place. He bit her then and she yanked his hair, he looked up at her with a devilish grin. He leaned up kissing her deeply. She ground her hips against his muscular thigh trying to relieve some of the ache that was welling inside her. "Ian please." She spoke against his lips. He tossed back the covers and slid down her body, pulling her flannel pants and underwear down her long legs. He threw them to the floor and knelt on his knees between her legs, he spread them running his hands on the inside of them stopping just as he got to her thighs then pulling back and beginning the caress again. Sara was dying. She was on the verge of throwing him down on the bed and taking him. "Ian, I never expected you to be such a damn tease."

"Patience is a virtue my sweet." He smiled pleased at her response.

"I am not a patient woman, Ian, and I am not feeling virtuous at the moment."

Ian slid his hands all the way up her thighs to her delight. She parted her legs wider in a silent plea for him to continue his exploration. He parted her slick folds with both hands and explored the rose that he unfolded. He touched his tongue to her velvet center tasting her. "Ian."

"Do you like this, Sara?" He glanced up at heat flushed face.

She could hardly believe the total look of innocence on the face of the man that was evoking such erotic sensations from her. "Yes, don't stop."

"I don't plan to." He laughed seductively before he slid his tongue around the hard knot of her clitoris. He alternately licked and scraped his teeth against her, he finally had to pin her hips down with his hands to keep her from thrashing about. She couldn't stop the scream that welled up inside her when her began to suck at the little throbbing nub. Her body was wracked with waves of pleasure before either of them realized her orgasm was upon her. She keened his name and clutched at his shoulders.

She was trying to catch her breath when he slipped off the bed and removed his pants and socks. The sight of him fully nude did nothing to aid her breathing. He was breathtaking. His body was pure sculpted muscle, not one ounce of fat on him. Sinewy muscles as far as the eye could see. He followed her gaze down his body noting how she bit her bottom lip when she made her way to his waist. "Like what you see?"

"You'll do." He would more than do. She had expected him to be endowed but not this well endowed. "Join me?" She held out her hand to him.

He lay down beside her skimming her breasts with a stray hand. "You got to play, Ian, now it's my turn." She pushed him to his back and began exploring the myriad of planes and angles that made up his incredible body. She straddled him and scraped her nails across his chest causing him to shiver. She continued her journey kissing the trail her nails made. Sara nipped at his nipples and slid her way down his body rubbing her moist heat against his straining shaft. She tongued his bellybutton, an innie then moved lower. He tensed noticeably at her husky laugh. She pushed her way down until she sat on his knees. She leaned over and placed a light kiss on his straining shaft. Ian gripped the bedclothes tightly and clenched his teeth, he wasn't sure he could stand this pleasure. She licked around the head of his phallus circling the tip several times before taking him as deep in her mouth as she could. His hips rose off the bed as she began to suck lightly. "Sara, I won't last long if you continue this," he spoke through grated teeth. She scraped her teeth along him as she took him out of her mouth. They were both shaking with need when she crawled back up to kiss him. He flipped her to her back and took one hand to guide himself to her entrance, "Sara are you sure?"

"Yes, I want you." More than anyone she had ever wanted in her life.

He hesitated, "precautions?"

"I've got it covered." She arched her hips to make it easier for him to enter her and kissed him harshly. He thrust deeply. Her body tensed at the intrusion, even wet it took a moment for her to get used to his size.

"Are you all right? Have I hurt you?" He started to pull out of her. She wrapped her legs around his hips preventing him from doing so.

"Just be still for a minute." He searched her eyes with a questioning gaze. She really didn't want to discuss this but she had the feeling he wouldn't continue if she didn't. "It's just you are a bit larger than anyone I've been with and it has been a while for me."

"Oh." He stilled staring deeply into her eyes for a moment. He began nuzzling her neck again then worked his way down to her breasts, he suckled one then the other and returned to her neck. She moaned at the sensation and moved her hips experimentally. He smiled at her moan and slowly moved out of her and then entered again.

"Oh, Ian." She arched to meet him. God that felt good.

He pressed deeper and thrust a bit harder, her moans driving him faster and faster until her nails dug into his back and she arched her back and gasped out his name. Her body shook and clenched him he stilled until her shudders passed.

Her head lolled against the pillow. "Ian, that was amazing."

"You think I am done with you yet?" He began to thrust again slowly sensually. They both watched his body slide in and out of her. She felt the pressure build again and gripped his hips with her hands he thrust harder when she dug her nails into his cheeks. She met him thrust for thrust arching her hips up so he could push deeper. The last time it felt like he was in her womb. Her orgasm over took them and his answered hers. She passed out as Ian slumped across her.

When Sara came to Ian had her cuddled against his side. Kissing her temple. "Welcome back."

"That's never happened before."

"What?"

"The passing out thing." No one had ever effected her like this.

"Le petite morte."

"The little death? Always thought it was a myth." Sara smiled and wrapped her arms around him kissing his chest.

Sara downed a cup of coffee and a piece of Penny's coffee cake as she read Ian's note telling her he would be in the arena and giving directions. She pulled on warm clothes and her red cowboy boots bought years ago for a costume party. She couldn't wait to hear Ian's comment on them. Snow covered the ground and she picked up her pace following the well salted path to the arena. She slipped in and quietly took a seat watching Ian work with a beautiful dark grey dappled horse. He had it on a long lead line running it in a circle. He changed the horses paces several times. He slowed the horse down to a walk and noticed Sara. Ian waved. She waved back. He led the horse over to her and kissed her as she leaned over the rail. "Ready for your lesson?"

"Ready as I will ever be."

"Shive is very gentle and has an easy stride, one that will be perfect for you to learn on."

She climbed over the railing and rubbed Shive's powerful neck. "What kind is, " she bent down to look underneath the horse, "he?"

Ian made a sound closely to a snort and tried not to laugh, " he is an Andalusian. Now take this rope and follow me," he handed her the lead rope and walked away.

She pulled lightly on the rope and was pleased when the horse willingly followed. Shive nudged her shoulder as they followed Ian to an area filled with tack. He patiently showed her how to tie a slip knot then how to saddle and place the hackamore on Shive. "What about a bit? Don't we need one of those?"

"No, none of these horses are trained on a bit. I dislike them. The hack puts pressure here and here," he pointed out sensitive places on Shive's muzzle, "doing the same basic job as a bit without tearing up their mouths." Sara nodded loving this side of him. "Now, mount up."

"Oh, so soon?"

"No time like the present. Put your foot here." He held out the stirrup. Sara took a deep breath and placed a bright red boot in it. Ian stifled a laugh as he helped her into the saddle. Once she was settled he quietly said, "nice boots."

"I was Annie Oakley at a costume party several years ago." She tried to remain calm as Ian unclenched her hands from the saddle horn.

"Well, Annie, time you learned to ride. Take your hands and place them on your legs."

"Huh? Shouldn't I be holding onto the reins?" She was extremely unsure about this endeavor.

"Don't you trust me?"

"I do. But..."

"Sara, you have the blood of some of the finest horsewomen running through your veins, Cathain, Joan, and Septima, just to name a few. It will come back to you if you only allow it."

How could she resist those earnest amber eyes. "OK." She placed her hands on her legs.

"Sit up straight in the saddle. I am going to lead Shive in a circle. Just let your body move with his. Don't fight it." Shive took a few steps and she reached for the saddlehorn, "no, Sara. Trust me, I would never let you fall."

He led Shive around at a slow pace until Sara relaxed a little. "Better, now?"

"Yeah, this is kinda fun." She beamed down at him.

"Now, take the reins. When you want him to go, squeeze your legs but remember the tighter you squeeze the faster he will go." He unhooked the lead rope and nodded to her. She squeezed lightly and he began to walk. "Ian, look." She felt like a kid.

"I see. You are doing great." He could feel her happiness as he took a seat across the arena. "Whenever you feel ready, move up to a trot.."

She circled the arena several times before trying to speed up. "Back straight, Sara."

"I think you just want to watch my breasts bounce." She said as they trotted past him.

"That's just an added bonus." He watched her pleased that she was now at ease in the saddle. It was as he thought, her mind didn't yet remember but her body did. "You think you are up to a trail ride? It will be cold but I promise I'll warm you up afterwards."

"Sounds nice."

"Let me saddle Anasazi and get you a heavy coat and we will be ready."

She watched as he easily placed an exotic Middle Eastern looking saddle across a raven black horse. Ian led him out of the holding stall. "Wow, that is one more incredible animal."

"He's an Egyptian Arabian. I've had him for years." He handed her a thick duster and helped her place it over her legs . Then he mounted Anasazi. "Shall we."

The riders wove their way through the snow covered trees. It was beautiful, Sara had never been an outdoorsy type other than running in the park, she was throughly enjoying this. Ian was so at ease here, so much his own man. Ian pointed out various animal tracks beside the trail. The only thing that broke the silence was the crunch of the horses hooves until Anasazi nickered. Ian pulled him to a stop. Sara stopped beside him. He pointed in the distance. There were several deer milling around, pawing for grass in the snow. "Beautiful aren't they?" Sara nodded not wanting to speak, savoring the peace of the moment. The deer finally moved on, Ian grinned at her, "ready to speed it up a bit?"

Her competitive nature took over and she urged Shive down the straight path. Ian let them lead for a while then flew past them on Anasazi. Something clicked in Sara's brain and she leaned over Shive's neck, "we can catch them," she whispered to him. They took off after Ian and his steed. Ian glanced over his shoulder and was stunned to see Sara hanging onto Shive, neck or nothing. He knew the memory was there it just had to be recovered. He slowed Ana to a stop and turned him to watch Sara race by them. Grinning he caught up with them, they rode side by side until they reached the creek.

Sara was laughing so hard her eyes teared. "That was so much fun."

"Better than the Buell?"

"Yeah, I think so. You were right, it just clicked, one minute I was wondering how to keep up with you then bam, I was flying past you. It was incredible."

"So this has made you happy?" She looked beautiful even though her hair was tangled and her nose was red from the cold, she was the most stunning thing he had ever seen in his life.

"I haven't been this happy in a very long time. I love this. I love you."

"What? What did you say?" He gaped at her.

"The part being happy in a long time?" She asked teasing him.

"No, the part about you loving me. Do you?" Surely she couldn't possibly love him?

"Sure do." Honestly she was as shocked as he was that she had said it, even more so that she meant it totally and completely. She loved this man, he had the ability to make her forget everything bad that happened over the past few years. He took her mood swings in stride, understood the quality of being alone, and he didn't resent her job.

They rode back towards the stables in silence. Ian cast sidelong glances at Sara, still not believing what she had admitted to. He led her through the back way so they could hand the horses off to the stable boys. Twenty or so highly blooded horses covered in brightly colored blankets dotted the pasture they rode beside. Sara spotted the burro's and burst out laughing. "What?"

"What's with the little donkey's?" Those little bitty fuzzy creatures mixed in with millions of dollars worth of horseflesh was hilarious.

"They are burro's. They will run off or stomp any caninds that get near them. The mares are extremely vulnerable when they give birth, we lost several foals to a pack of feral dogs before we got a couple of them. The burro's will let anyone near know something is going on, predator, colic, anything amiss disturbs them and they dislike being disturbed."

"Good idea." Ian Nottingham, assassin, farm boy?

"When I was in Venezuela they had them mixed in with the milk goats for protection, they worked so well, I found some in the states and had them sent here. We haven't lost a foal to dogs since."

Two teenagers met them as they rode up to the barn. "Patrick, Jacob, Hello."

"Hey, Ian. Have a good ride?" Ian dismounted, patted Anasazi affectionately. The big horse nuzzled Ian as he gave the reins to Jacob

"Yes we did. Sara, this is Patrick and Jacob."

Both boys waved sheepishly. Ian smiled, "take care to cool these two down carefully, we had a bit of a race." He helped Sara off Shive. She was a bit shaky after suck a long first ride. She hugged Shive's neck impulsively and scratched under his long mane.

"Ok." Patrick piped up.

"Thanks, Shive." Sara whispered in his ear before she and Ian walked away.

"Hey, Ian? Who won?"

Ian grinned over his shoulder at them then put his arm around Sara, "we both did."

He pulled his coat around her. "Cold?"

"Freezing."

"I bet I can warm you up." He had a sly look to him.

"You could try." She grinned at the possibilities as they made their way up the walk to the cottage.

"Sounds like a challenge to me." She arched an eyebrow at him. "You know I love a challenge, Sara." He grabbed her and pressed her against the front door. Just as he bent his head to kiss her she turned the door knob. She ducked under his arm and into the house and he stumbled in the doorway. "Challenge met." She took off running. He regained his footing and took off after her. They tore through the small house, Sara was now at a distinct disadvantage, she had the element of surprise on her side but Ian had designed this house. She started to worry when he disappeared.

"Ian?" She listened trying to disceren footsteps. Instinct told her to stay put but her sense of adventure urged her to search out her quarry.

He watched her creep slowly throughout the house from his vantage point on the cross beam of the living room. She spotted his duster laying across the futon. She was directly under him he toyed with the idea of dropping down on top of her but decided against it. He dug in his overcoat and found a small piece of grain he took it out and tossed it in the harmony bowl on the table behind her. The bowl tinged and she wheeled around. "You may have won this round, but I'll win the next one. I'll be in the shower if you're up for round two." She dropped her duster to the floor and sauntered down the hall to the bathroom shedding clothes as she went.

You could see the interior of each room from that beam except for the bathroom. He had designed it in case someone ever tried to come after him. The ceiling and beams were black so he was a virtual shadow. He expected her to sneak back out of the bathroom to try and catch him and she didn't disappoint. Nude she walked to the bedroom door, hands on her hips she looked towards him, "would you rather play Batman than join me in the shower?" He was trapped if he stayed where he was he won but lost, if he hopped down he lost but won. Decisions decisions. Staring at her lithe naked form it didn't take him long to decide. He gracefully dropped from the beam. He crossed the distance between them in record time. Steam billowed from the bathroom beckoning them. She helped him get out of his clothes and pulled him into the shower.

She had planned on a teasing punishment for his little trick but his slick wet body sliding against hers was distracting her. He pushed her beneath the flow of water his lips followed the rivulets that streamed down her body. She groaned as he licked the droplets that fell from her nipples. God, the sight of his dark hair plastered across her chest. He suckled her deeply eliciting a wild groan from her. "Ian." She clutched at his shoulders. "I need you, now."

He gazed up at her, "now?" He drew upon her harder wrapping an arm around her hips bringing them closer to his. She pulled his head up to kiss her. Tongues sparred, entwined and sparred again. The water began to cool. Ian turned it off and carried Sara over to the counter, his lips never leaving hers. He placed her just on the edge, she wrapped her long legs around him and slid her hand between them to guide him into her wet heat. He slammed into her again and again, she bit at his shoulder and neck digging her hands into his back. He caught a glimpse of them in the mirror behind her and stopped. She slapped at his chest in protest. "Why."

He picked up a hand towel and wiped the fog from the mirror and pulled out of her tight body. "Turn around, I want you to see this." She did as he asked a bit uneasy. She barely recognized the panting woman in the mirror with bruised lips and nipples red from his attention. She met his reflected gaze and the heat was palatable. Her eyes never left his as she leaned across the counter and simultaneously arched her hips toward his in a silent invitation. He ran his hand down her spine, her firm buttocks and back up again.

She couldn't stand this any longer. "Ian, I want you hard, fast, and now."

He slid deep inside her. And leaned over her, "I can do that." She knew she had lost any semblance of control over this situation and for once she didn't care. She wanted him to dominate her. He wrapped an arm around her waist and slammed into her several times, "like that?"

"Yesssss. Harder." Every nerve ending was on fire. She rested her forehead on the counter top.

"If you wish." He smiled at the erotic picture they created. He looked like some dark angel descending upon an angel. A fallen angel he decided when she raised her head and met his stare. He slowed his thrusts for a moment and ran his other hand up her back to her neck. She turned her head and bit his hand hard like a lioness would her mate. He thrust harder and harder until her orgasm ripped his name from her throat. She clenched down so tightly on him it was almost painful for him and he growled. She watched his face during that final thrust, she had not thought it possible for him to enter her any further than he was at this moment. He bent over her and bit her neck as he came causing her to climax again. They remained like that for a while. Him slumped over her teeth still in her neck both enjoying the small after shocks. Still joined, he slowly raised her to stand against him, cupping her breasts with his large hands. "The things you do to me," he whispered against her skin.

She stared at the couple in the mirror, "you were right about one thing?"

"What?"

"We both won."

Cross-legged she sat on the bed and watched him sleep. She had never had anyone effect her like he did. One minute they were friend having good time the next it was white hot passion. It was a little unsettling but not in a bad way. He was beautiful, the dark curling hair falling across his face and shoulders. He wasn't thickly muscled like some of the barbell junkies she saw in the gym, pure muscle honed into fine form, absolute perfection. She slowly got off the bed her body ached in places she didn't know she had. After horseback riding combined with what had taken place in the bathroom she felt the need to stretch. She pulled on warm ups and Ian's heavy sweater and walked into the kitchen. She stretched her aching muscles then fixed a sandwich and went to sit in the baywindow off the dining area. Outside was a large 12x12 Zen garden. The pure white snow covering it gave it an even more serene quality. She felt rather than heard Ian come to stand behind her. "Ian it is so beautiful."

"I am pleased you like it. The snow gives it such purity."

"It does."

"I love you, Sara." The words hung heavy in the air.

"Why do I suspect a but to follow that?" She turned to face him.

"Do you want to go with me to the barn to check the horses one final time? I am going to let the boys go early so they can celebrate New Year's Eve." He pulled her into the circle of his arms, "we have much to discuss, I want to get this chore over with so we will not be disturbed."

"Honeymoon's over huh?" She smiled at him sadly knowing this wouldn't last

"Not yet, we have until 3:00 New Years. His jet lands at 6:57, I must be there."

"Yeah, I want to go with you." They had less than a day together now, she didn't want to be apart from him.

Ian sent the two astounded boys home a few hours early. It was apparent to Sara that Axel was quite a piece of work from their stunned expressions. "Everything looks good, boys, you may go for the day."

"What? Your kidding? Axel would never..."

"Axel is not here, I am. You both work very hard and deserve an evening off. No go before I change my mind." In an instant they were gone. Ian showed her the different sections of the barn, the breeders, the colts and fillies that were being separated and evaluated from their mother's, and then the new arrivals. The barns were amazing, large stalls every surface was spotless. He led her to a gigantic stall set apart from the others and grinned, "Aside from Anazazi, he is my favorite." He opened the stall door, "come on boy, why don't you go play in the snow." The big horse rubbed against him affectionately, it pawed and snorted upon seeing her.

"Isn't that the horse Celia hit?" That animal made her nervous.

"Yes, it will take some time for me to erase that damage done to him but he is intelligent and very willing to please." He opened the door to let him out in an empty pasture. "Look at him run."

She watched the horse for a while but it was Ian that held her interest, it was obvious that he loved these animals, this place. She put her arm around him, "thank you for sharing this with me." He didn't say anything just held her close. Together they watched the Barb cavort freely in the snow. After a while , Ian whistled and he ran back to him and into the stall. "Good boy." They did another walk through, everyone was doing fine, so Ian shut off the lights and they walked back to the cottage.

Both were ravenous by the time they got back. Ian heated up the soup Penny had sent while Sara made them roastbeef sandwiches. The ate in silence. It was nice to be able to sit with someone and not have to make small talk. It was why Sara didn't go out a lot. Hell it was why most people didn't like her. She saw no point is asking how someone's day was if you really didn't care. Again in silence they washed the dishes when they were done Ian took her hand and sat down on the futon pulling her into his lap. She leaned against him for a few minutes loving the closeness and the feel of his breath in her hair. They slept for several hours. When Sara awoke the house was dark and she sat up quickly, "what time is it?"

He started at her sudden movement, "why?"

"It's New Year's Eve. Remember? We have to watch the clock and kiss at midnight. Its tradition, one I haven't taken part in several years, I plan to tonight."

He sighed and took his cell phone out of his pocket, "Sara it is 6:30, we've got plenty of time." He winked at her, "you did bring the mistletoe didn't you?"

"No."

"How can you be certain that I'll kiss you then?"

She liked his mischievousness, "oh, you'll kiss me, and you'll like."

"It's cute that you are this confident."

"Just cute? Not sexy? I'm losing my edge."

"Could be?" he mused snickering and she playfully slapped his chest.

"You remind me of Danny sometimes."

"How?"

"I can't ever tell what kind of response I'll get from you."

"Is that good?"

"I'm still here, so it must be."

"I have something I want to show you," he leaned closer to her.

"Really? Have I seen it before?" She nuzzled his neck.

"No. Stand up and follow me."

Curiously she followed behind him as he opened a hidden door that led to spiral staircase.
"Where are we going?" She stopped at the base of the stairs.

He peered at her over the railing, "where's your sense of adventure?" When he got no response he continued upwards. He disappeared from her view. "You don't want to risk losing me before 11:59 do you?"

Damn the man, she thought. She dashed up the tight steps to catch him. "There you are, " he said when she ran into him at the top of the stairs.

"What was it you were going to show me?"

"This," he opened a large metal door revealing a small observatory. "Mother Nature's fireworks."

"When you said you had a telescope I wasn't expecting anything like this. This is amazing."

He pressed a button and the roof pulled back revealing a clear starlight night. She gaped at the sky while he moved around turning on heaters and getting the telescope ready. "So you approve?"

"It is so dark."

"The tree's block out any unwanted light from any unnatural sources. Look, do you see those stars there, that band makes up Orion's belt. The bright bluish one is Orion's nebula. Here, look."

He knew the name of every star, galaxy and planet she pointed to or found by mishap when she was scanning through the telescope. He told her stories about the constellations and gazed at the night sky with the wonderment of a child. "You are an amazing man, Ian Nottingham. Where did you learn all of this?"

"I hide books and a little light in my overcoat when I am watching over you from your fire escape."

She wasn't sure whether to believe him or not. A beeping from his pocket distracted her from her musings. "What is that?"

"It's 11:58."

"Oh, my God, we could have missed it!"

"I set it earlier. You have 1 minute and 15 seconds to convince me to kiss you."

"Convince you?"

"Ummm hmmm?"

"How can I do that?"

"Up to you, you've got 45 seconds."

She stalked over to him pinning him to the wall. She unbuttoned her blouse and unhooked her bra, "incentive enough?"

He let out a husky groan, "more than enough." His watch beeped, "ready? 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 , 1. " The counted together. Ian placed his hand over her breasts and leaned down to take her lips in a gently kiss. She pressed closer to him, "Happy New Year, Ian."

"Happy New Year, Sara. You want to continue this celebration downstairs? I have a bottle of champagne chilled in the freezer."

"I think we shall." He closed up the observatory turning off the heaters. He led her downstairs and to the bedroom. "Stay here, I will be right back." He returned with champagne, two flutes, and a box of strawberries. He was more than pleased to see her waiting on the bed unclothed. Grinning he shook the champagne bottle lightly the popped the cork, spraying her nude body. He was quickly beside her licking the droplets of the bubbly off her lithe form. When she was dry, well, mostly. He filled the flutes, "to the new year and the hope that it can bring." He took a ripe strawberry and dipped it in the champagne then teased it across her lips until she took a bite. "Ummmm I've ever had strawberries and bubbly. It is refreshing." He soaked another in the flute allowing the strawberry to absorb the liquid. "Open." She took the berry halfway in her mouth and her covered her mouth with his biting the berry in half. Juice and champagne filled their mouths. He licked the juice that fell from her lips eliciting a deep groan from her. He took the flute and dribbled bubbly all over her nude body, lapping it up from the places it pooled.
"Ian," she called his name her entire body burned with the sensations he was eliciting from her. "Make love to me, now." She tried to pull him closer but he slipped from her grasp.

"Sara, I plan on making love to you in every possible way all night long."

A thrill shot through her very core at his husky words. This was going to be one Hell of a way to ring in the new year.

"Ian, Ian, wake up." She shook his arm. "It's 4:30 you've got to feed the horses."

"No, Axel planned on being back in time to feed this morning. He honked the horn when they came in around 2:20 or so."

"I didn't hear him guess I was busy."

"I am surprised I heard it over your cries," he said with a smug grin.

"My cries? I don't know what your talking about." She turned red and pushed at him. "You lie." He had driven her wild earlier. The entire thing with the champagne had been an erotic experience, they made love slowly tenderly. After a short recovery she woke him by playing with his hair which turned out to be a major turn on for both of them and the sudden burst of aggressive sex had been spectacular.

"I do not. Shall I remind you of a few?" He leaned over and whispered in her ear, "harder, faster, Ian now."

"Ok, ok that's enough."

"You never said that."

"You like embarrassing me? Don't you?"

"As much you like doing the same to me."

She nuzzled his neck pressing close to him. "What are we going to do, Ian? Do I go back and spend my down time alone in an empty apartment? Do you go back to perching on my fire escape in the cold?"

"I do not know, Sara. I wish things were different."

"What will," refused to say the ever hated name, "he, do if he finds out about us?"

"He assuredly already knows you have taken a lover. I doubt he will know it is me. Unless you or I tell him."

"How would he know I have taken a lover?"

"The Witchblade connects you, he feels the same things you do only to a lesser extent."

"Yuck. You mean he knows when we...." Her skin crawled.

"If it makes you feel any better, he was embarrassed at several functions when you were with Concobar."

She laughed in spite of herself. Then thought about everything she and Ian had done over the past 24 hours, especially the episode in the bathroom. "Do you think the distance makes any difference?"

"I do not know if it lessens the sensations or not."

"I hate the thought of him taking pleasure in what we do."

"I promise you, Sara, it is not pleasurable for him. It is a living hell, physically and mentally. It infuriates him that he has not control over you and can not have you for himself."

"Good. You said you wished that things could be different. Why not leave his service?" She knew what his answer would be, unfortunately.

"I can not. I can protect you if I know what his plans are."

"What does he have on you Ian? I mean it is not as if you do not have the skill to do something else. Why stay?"

"He is all I know. I owe my existence to the man."

"What exactly do you mean by that, owe your existence to him?"

"He created me, Sara, or rather his geneticist did. I do not know all the details but he used some of Elizabeth Bronte's stem cells so that I might be the first man to wield the Witchblade."

"Tell me we are not related." The thought disgusted her.

"No, we are not. The cells were not introduced into my system until I was four or five. He wanted to make sure I was worthy before he wasted any of her DNA on me."

"So have you worn this thing?" She held up her wrist.

"Yes."

"What happened? It did not mark you?" She should know she had left no inch of his body unexplored.

"It showed me its history, gave me speed, agility, visions, and a sort of esp. But I could not control the weapon. He became furious when it neither accepted or rejected me and ripped it from my arm. I was sent away to Japan to train a few months afterwards. I nor he knows why it did not mark me with the interlocking circles."

"I guess we just play it by ear?" Couldn't plan for something you couldn't anticipate. The Blade was telling no tales. In fact it had been strangely silent the entire time she had been with Ian, other then the gasps it elicited while they were making love.

"I can think of more interesting things to discuss." He did not want their last few hours together to be rife with what if's.

"Like what?"

"Like this," he kissed her deeply.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ian stood on the tarmac beside the limo, head bowed waiting for his master to disembark from his private jet. He had dropped Sara off at her apartment 3 hours earlier and as he had walked away from her he felt like half a man. A sense of dread and disgust filled him as he heard Kenneth Irons approach. He opened the limo door and bowed as Kenneth got in.

"Ian."

"How was your trip, Sir?"

"Boris is agreeable to the terms I dictated." He carefully regarded his servant. "Sara has taken a lover, but I suppose you already know that."

"Yes, Sir."

"Tell me, Ian, what did you do to have her scream your name over and over? I had no idea you had such skill when it comes to women." Ian remained silent. "What is it made her choose you over me? You have no money, no class, you are a servant, a slave. Tell me Ian."

"I do not know what you are talking about, Sir." Ian could not tell if he knew or was just fishing, Irons was particularly hard to read today.

He struck Ian across the face with the butt of his cane. "Do not play games with me, boy. Answer me!" Ian's silence enraged him further, he struck him again and again. The final blow caught Ian on the temple and rendered him unconcious. When the driver reached the mansion, Irons got out leaving Ian in the backseat. He sat before the roaring fireplace. Perhaps he could use their relationship to his advantage.

Kenneth Irons contemplated for the longest time just what road to take to turn this situation around. Sara's weakness was her anger and certainly seeing her lover beaten would invoke that. Smiling he summoned a servant, "Go and see if Nottingham has regained consciousness, he is in the limo. If he has not, send the limo to Sara Pezzini's apartment, the driver will know the way."

"Yes, Sir, Mr. Irons." The boy ran to the garage. Finding Ian bleeding and still out he woke the driver and gave him the orders. He dashed back up to Irons's study. "It is done, Sir."

Kenneth never turned just waved a hand and sent the boy away. He picked up his phone. He cringed hearing the abrupt, ‘Pezzini, Go,' order from her machine. "Sara, if you are there, which I suspect you are, my limo will be downstairs in a few minutes. It is carrying something of yours that used to be mine. It is now damaged, I no longer want it."

Sara heard the answering machine click as she came in her door. She dashed up the stairs hoping it was Ian. She was worried about him. He had promised he would call and let her know how things went. Figures, I go to Pen's for five minutes and he calls. She bounded up the stairs to play the message. Bile rose in her throat as she listened to the message. "Oh, no, Ian." She ran downstairs pacing the steps till the limo pulled up.

The driver got out opened the door for her to get in they both gasped when they saw Ian slumped in the floor. "Ian, what has he done to you?" Sara tried to pull him up on her own but couldn't. The driver helped her carry him to her apartment and they placed him on the bed. "What the hell happened?" She looked at the driver angrily.

"Ma'am I do not know. I didn't even know he was still in the car. I saw Mr. Irons leave but Ian, I mean Mr. Nottingham is so quick I rarely see him. I...he was fine when we picked Mr. Irons up at the airport." He looked down at Ian, he remembered when he had been just a boy. All the newer servants were frightened of the dark mysterious man but those who knew him growing up cared a great deal for him. He always took care of things for them. "You want to take him to a Doctor?"

Sara was surveying Ian's wounds and forgot the driver was even there. "No. I think he'll be ok. I've got a friend who's a doctor, she can come over and check him out. Thank you."

He got to the steps and turned, "he's a good man, he's always good to us. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries, makes sure we receive the best care if we are ill."

Sara nodded and he left. "Ian, sweetie, wake up." She ran her hands over his face, wincing at the knot on his temple and the swelling indent on his right cheekbone. It didn't feel broken. She called Vicky Po. "Hey Vic."

"Pez, hey girl. Have a good New Year?"

"Yeah, Vic can you come over to my place and bring some medical supplies. A buddy of mine has been beaten up pretty bad. I can't take him to a hospital."

"On my way, Pez."

Sara took Ian's coat, sweater, shirt, and gloves off. There were fresh bruises but none seemed to bad and no broken ribs. There was a puncture wound on his neck and a gash on his forehead. She laid down beside him placing pressure on the wounds, hoping Vicky would arrive soon.

Vicky knocked on the door 3 times then opened it, "Pez its me."

"Lock the door and come on up."

Vicky gave Ian a once over, "bar fight?"

"No, I'll explain later. He's out cold and I can't stop his bleeding."

Vicky went to work on Ian sewing up his neck first then his forehead. "Pez he really needs to be in the hospital."

"Can't take him there."

"Why?"

"This is Ian Nottingham, Kenneth Irons security guard. Irons did this to him. Irons owns the hospitals around here, I can't trust what they would do to Ian..."

"Wow." What was Pez doing mixed up with an assassin and a billionaire. "I don't see any defensive wounds, doesn't look like he fought back at all."

"He wouldn't." He just sat there and took the punishment doled out to him.

Vicky surveyed the old wounds on his chest. "Looks like this isn't the first time."

"No."

"So you gonna give me the story or not."

"I worked a few cases involving Irons, he decided he wanted me, and sent Ian to watch over me. It used to creep me out until I got to know Ian and he spend Christmas with me while Irons was out of the country. Irons invited me to go to Munich or somewhere for New Year's and I refused. I ended up spending it with Ian, we became lovers, somehow Irons found out and did this to retaliate." She carefully left out the Witchblade.

"So you chose a security guard of questionable criminal activities over a billionaire?"

"Obviously." She brushed a curly lock of black hair back over Ian's head. "You just have to know him, Vic. He's a good man who hasn't had a lot of room for good choices in his life."

"Just hard to believe a rich guy like Irons would do something like this to his personal bodyguard."

Sara leaned over and punched the answering machine replaying the message.

"Damn. Sounds like a real bastard."

"Vic, you have no idea."

Vicky's pager went off, "morgue, gotta go. Look, if he doesn't wake up in a few hours, he really needs to go to the hospital, even if you gotta take him out of state."

"Thanks Vic."

"Sure, not often I get to work on live ones." She locked the door from he inside and left.

Sara laid her head on Ians chest listening to his heartbeat. It was strong. The Witchblade flared to life and showed her what had happened in the limo. Furious and the Blade demanding blood, she called Penny. "Can you do me a favor? Ian has been hurt and is unconscious can you watch over him for a while? I've had a Doctor check him out, she says he just needs rest. I have something I have to take care of."

Sara kissed Ian and told Penny to bar the door until she got back. She also gave the older woman a gun and told her to use it if necessary.

Ice and snow be damned, the Buell roared to life and Sara headed towards the mansion.
Sara stood at the entranceway to the mansion, she knew the Witchblade would give her access to the security system. As she raised her wrist, Danny appeared in front of her. "Don't do it, Pez. You can't do this. You will turn into him, become what he wants you to be."

"Danny, I don't want to listen to this dark side crap. He will pay for what he did to Ian." The Blade hummed begging for blood.

"Pez, would Ian want you to do this? What will he say when he finds out? How will he feel? Are you really doing this for him or for yourself?"

The door swung open and a voice over the intercom quietly asked, "Sara, aren't you coming in?"

Danny shook his head before he vanished. Gauntlet raised she entered the mansion searching out Irons. She found him in his study before the fire. "Sherry?" He asked going to a crystal decanter. He glanced at her, she was beautiful in her fury. "Why refuse me then go to my servant? First you go to that Irishman, then a servant? What is it about your line that draws you to inferior males?"

She knew just how to get him, "I would hardly consider Ian inferior. Surely you felt my responses to him, we are connected you and I." Smiling she threw his words in his face.

"Ahhhh, the pleasures of forbidden love. Yes, Sara, we are connected, as are you and your new lover, in more ways than one."

"What are you trying to pull this time?"

"Through the miracle of genetics, dear Sara, I was able to freeze several of Elizabeth's eggs after she died. Using a surrogate and my sperm, Ian was born. So your lover, my dear, is your uncle and my son."

"I don't believe you." She was sick to her stomach. It couldn't be. She recovered quickly, "why would you treat your heir like a servant? Someone like you would groom his son for greatness."

"Fatherhood was not in the picture, I was looking to create a male Wielder, not an heir. When he did not pan out I kept him as a servant, he has been useful up until now. Keep him if you like, I don't want to see him again. But I doubt it would be good for your image if anyone in the department were to find out you are fucking an assassin who happens to be your Uncle."

Furious she advanced on Kenneth blade drawn, she held it at his neck. She could hear Ian's voice in the back of her head, ‘bloodlust is a powerful thing'. She transformed the blade to a gauntlet and struck him against the side of his head knocking him out. She then took the cane he used on Ian and tossed it in the fire. Sara made her way to the garage searching out the driver. He was cleaning the blood from the limo. "I need some information."

He jumped, "sorry, ma'am, I didn't hear you. How is Ian?"

"What is your name?"

"Baker, Stephen Baker ma'am."

"Mr. Baker, Ian is unconscious but should be fine in a few days. I need to know about his childhood. How old was he when you first saw him?"

"He was three when I picked him up from the orphanage for Mr. Irons. Sweet child, so quiet. Was a ward of the state. Mother was on drugs, abandoned the poor thing. He was raised by the state until Irons took him. In fact I was witness when he signed papers making himself the boys legal guardian."

"Thank you, Baker.

"Yes, Ma'am."

More confused than ever Sara pulled out her cell phone as she got to her bike. "Penny, pickup."

"Hello, dear."

"How is he?"

"He's trying to come out of it."

"I'll be home soon."

Sara hugged Penny and went to lie down beside Ian, who was muttering her name. "Thanks, Penny."

"Call if you need me." She gazed down at the young couple. Poor things, so much pain.

"I will."

"Ian, wake up, sweetie."

"Sara," he said in a whisper.

"Yes, sweet. You are safe. I won't let him hurt you again."

He squeezed her hand tightly and slipped back into oblivion. The phone rang, "Pez its Vicki."

"Hey Vic."

"How's my patient?"

"Better, he woke up for a bit was really groggy, sluggish."

"Understandable. Just wanted to check. Call me if there's any change, ok."

"Sure, thanks. Hey, Vic, can you do a DNA test for me?"

"Yeah, I'm on who?"

"Me and Ian."

"Why?"

"We are both adopted. I just want to make sure."

"Paranoid, Pez?"

"Something like that."

"On my way."

With a questioning glance Vicki swabbed the inside of Sara's cheek, then Ian's. "I need his consent, Pez."

"Vic, he's got enough to worry about I don't want this to jeopordize his recovery."

"You realize we're even after this one?" Sara had gotten her into rehab on the sly so she had not lost her job.

"Yeah, I do. Thanks Vic. How long will it take?"

"A few days, I'll put a rush on it but with the holiday backload it may take a few days maybe a week." She looked at Ian, "he's gorgeous, you ever decide you don't want him, he can come play at my house...."

"Goodbye Vicki."

"Thought so, bye, Pez."

Sara barred the door pulled out all the weapons she had and laid them on the bedside table. She pulled back the covers and snuggled up to Ian. "I love you, Ian, no matter what." For the first time she let the tears flow. Irons had to be lying. She could not lose this man, he was her heart and soul. Surely the Blade would never have allowed such a union to take place. If Ian had any doubts he would have never made love to her. But he had been resistant to touch her at first saying it was forbidden to touch a Wielder....a Wielder, not a niece. Pezzini, you've got to stop this, you'll make yourself sick. What about the stem cell infusions, would that show similar DNA? If it did then they would never truly know. Sara fled from his side and vomited in the bathroom. She was laying on the cool tile floor waiting for the waves of nausea to pass when a throat clearing startled her. She looked up to see Elizabeth Bronte standing before her.
"Elizabeth."

"He is not my son, Sara. Kenneth was lying to you. He adopted the boy to experiment on him with my cells. I have no idea what the results will tell you but by blood you are not related. He is not your uncle."

"How do you know for certain?"

"I had a difficult birth with Karen's mother, Emily. There was severe bleeding and trauma to my uterus, I had to have a hysterectomy to save my life. He could not possible have any of my ova. You and Ian are linked throughout time he has been your guardian for centuries, do not turn away from him. You need him as much as he needs you. Kenneth had no idea who he was adopting when he chose Ian. Ian is as linked to the blade as you are, he is the male counterpart to it." A groan from the bed caught both their attention. "Go to him, he needs you."

Sara pulled herself off the floor and wiped her face with a rag and swished out her mouth with some Scope. She turned to thank Elizabeth but she was gone. She returned to Ian's side, holding him close.

"Hey, sweetie, it's ok I'm here."

"Sara? What happened? Did I fall from my horse?"

He didn't remember what happened, "no, baby, you didn't. Irons found out about us."

He tried to sit up but she held him back, "did he hurt you?"

"No, just you. He sent you back to me in the limo, you were unconscious."

"I remember, now." He leaned heavily against her. "I have never seen him so vicious." In all the years of service to him, all the beatings and cruelty Irons had never struck his face. Never wanting anyone to know of the abuse he doled out to his ward. "I must go back before he sends for me."

"No, Ian, you are not going back to him."

"I must."

"The only thing you must do is rest." She brushed his unruly hair from his forehead and laid down beside him, mindful of his bruised body. "No matter what happens, remember I love you."

"As I do you."

Kenneth Irons rose slowly from the floor before the great fireplace. His jaw ached. He called immediately for Ian before remembering just what had taken place. Damn his plans were ruined. Damn the boy he had raised. He never should have allowed him to stop taking those drugs, they had kept him loyal, although entirely too aggressive. Foolishly he had thought that the spirit had been taken from the boy, but the boy was now a man. Sara Pezzini had given him back the spirit that had been wrenched from him. Plans must be rethought. He stood slowly and began his way up the stairs. He gasped in shock to see his beloved Elizabeth before him. "Elizabeth."

"This time you have gone to far Kenneth. We will not stand by and allow you to destroy the Wielder and her Knight. You killed me but that was of my own folly and weakness, the blade took from you what little soul you were born with. Now it is time for you to pay for your sins."
She vanished, in vain he tried to reach her before she was gone. Now in her place stood Lazar, who smiled, "watch your step Kenneth."

At the moment Kenneth reached Lazar his foot slipped on the fine marble staircase and he struck his head hard on the edge of the step and slid to the bottom of the staircase. Lazar nodded, "it is over for this life but as always your evil will carry through to the next."

The servants found Irons's body the next morning. Dr. Immo was summoned but it was far to late. Lawyers were called arrangements made.

Ian's cellphone woke him. He reached for it automatically, "hello."

"Ian, it is Dr. Immo, I am afraid I have some terrible news."

"What is it?"

"Kenneth was found dead this morning at the base of the stairs, he apparently struck his head, he died instantly. Ian, I am sorry."

"Thank you Doctor." Stunned Ian flipped the phone closed.

Sara found him sitting on the side of the bed head hung low, shoulders slumped. "Baby, what's wrong. Ian?"

"He's dead, Sara. Kenneth is dead."

"What? How?" She had not struck him that hard.

"Dr. Immo says he fell down the stairs and hit his head. He died instantly."

Truly she did not know whether to laugh or cry. Irons was gone that thrilled her but one look into Ian's expressive eyes broke her heart. The man was all Ian had ever known, despite the evils done to him, deep down she knew Ian loved him. "Ian, I'm sorry." He nodded.

"I must go make arrangements, Sara." He stood weakly and she had to steady him.

"You aren't going anywhere, let his lawyers do it."

Ian's cell rang again. "Yes." He was quiet for a moment. "I understand. I will be there. Has everything been taken care of? No, I , thank you." He gazed down at Sara who knelt at his feet. "Everything has been taken care of by Immo and the lawyers. As soon as I get there, they are going to read the will. I can not believe he is gone, Sara."

"You want me to go with you?"

"No, I will go alone." He the protest on her face. "I must do this, Sara. On my own, besides you have to go to work. Can't have Dante all over you." He smiled weakly.

"Yeah, ok. Is there anything I can do?"

"Call me a cab while I'm in the shower?" His hand brushed her cheek.

"Ok."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking into the lavish office Ian recognized several of the lawyers, they all rushed to shake his hand and offer condolences. He politely answered them. It was all a blur for him. The main one, he couldn't remember his name led him to a large mahogany desk. "Everything has been taken care of per Kenneth's wishes, Ian. We followed them to the letter."

"Thank you. I did not even know he had made plans."

"Yes, well he always liked to be prepared. I suppose it should come to no surprise to you that he left everything to you."

Ian jerked his head up, "What?"

"Apparently it does." The lawyer was taken aback for a moment at the shock on the young man's face. "Yes, the business, mansion, all his holding are now in your name. I just need you to sign the papers. Mr. Nottingham, are you alright?"

"I don't want it."

"I understand this has all come as a shock to you. Kenneth was never one for emotions, I know he thought of you as a son, this is his way of showing you how he truly felt, I suppose. I knew him long enough to know he always threw money to those he cared for instead of offering any sort of affection." He patted Ian on the back.

"I would like to read over the papers before signing anything."

"Sure. I will give you a few minutes."

~~~~~~~

"Hey, Pez. You will never believe what I just heard on the radio."

"What Jake?"

"Kenneth Irons was found dead this morning. Apparently he fell down the stairs and cracked his skull or something. Betcha a ten spot that Nottingham had something to do with it."

Rage filled her but she calmed herself, "Ian was with me last night, he didn't do it. Ask Vicki if you don't believe me."

"WHAT???!!!! What was that freak doing at your place. Sara, not him." Jake jumped up and shut the door to their office. "You joking right?"

"No, I'm not. I spent the holiday's with him, he's not a bad person Jake." She decided not to elaborate.

"Sara. Do you realize what this will do to your career? Are you ready to throw it all away on an assassin? I knew you liked bad boys, but this takes the prize, Pez."

A knock at the door stopped any retort she was planning on making. Jake opened it to reveal Ian standing there. "Detective McCarty, might I speak with Sara, alone?" Jake was shocked. Nottingham looked like he had been run over by a truck. He felt sorry for him until Sara crossed the room and put her arms around him.

Ian buried his face in her hair and held her tightly. Seeing the dark man's shoulders shaking, Jake left the office, rethinking his opinion of the constant thorn in his side.

"Baby, it's gonna be ok." Sara held him as tight as she could.

"He left me everything, Sara."

She pulled back a bit to look at him, "he what?"

"Everything, it's mine now. What do I do with it?"

"It is yours, do whatever you want. Give it away if you don't want it. Do some good with his ill gotten gains." He nodded, he had not thought about that. She raised up on tiptoe and kissed him, "just please keep the stables, I've never seen you happier."

He kissed her back gently. "Do you mind if I hide out at your place, I went back to the mansion but it is crawling with reporters."

"Me casa....be sure you stop by Penny's and tell her you are ok."

"I will." He turned to leave, "I love you."

"You too."

Jake returned as soon as Ian left. "Man he looked rough."

"Irons was like a father to him, what can you expect."

"Hey, Pez, McCarty."

"Hey Vic."

Jake grinned at the quirky coroner, "what drives you from the crypt?"

"Pez, that DNA analysis you wanted came in, no relation."

"Thanks, Vic. How did you get it back so quick.?"

"Called in some favors. How's Ian doing?"

"He's handling it as best he can."

"What coroner got called out on the case, Vicki?" Jake asked.

"Rousch, wasn't much to do, surveillance video showed the death, he got to the top of the stairs and busted it. They didn't even do an autopsy. Better run, gotta a backlog after the ice storm."

Sara finally made it home at 8:00 she and Jake had a late roll out, easy case just a pain to come up at the end of a shift. She unlocked her door and quietly crept up the stairs in case Ian was sleeping. He and Penny were both in the kitchen chatting making supper. She watched them for a few minutes smiling. "Hey you two."

"Sara."

"Hello, my love." Ian smiled.

"How are you?"

"Better, Penny and I have had a long..." he trailed off looking at Penny.

"Heart to heart, " she supplied his answer for him. "Well, I'll be going home now you two enjoy supper."

"You aren't staying?"

"Old ladies can't eat this late at night, Sara." She kissed Ian then Sara on the cheek and left.

Sara and Ian gazed at each other for a long time before either spoke. Ian was first to break the silence, "I saw the tape of his death, there will be no inquiry's."

"I'm glad, I didn't want you to have to try and cover up his secrets. You make any decisions during that heart to heart?"

"A few. Some depend upon you."

"Me? Why?"

"Because you are a part of my life and I love you, I need your consul and opinion." He stopped his heart caught in his throat. "You do still want to pursue this relationship don't you?"

She smiled slowly taking his face in her hands and bringing his lisp down to hers she spoke very quietly before their lips touched, "as you wish."

The End
Epilogue: Several years later

Sara slipped into the arena and took a seat, smiling at the sight before her. Ian had his hands in his coat pockets, a wistful smile across his face. His amber eyes never left his precious little charge. "Alright Nicholas, take Anasazi around the arena at a slow walk four times."

"Yes, Daddy," chirped out a miniature version of Ian.

Sensing his wife's presence, Ian turned to join her, he kissed her on the cheek as he sat beside her. "Hey, sweetheart."

"Hey, Baby." She reached out and scratched his beard. "Why the mournful expression?"

Ian sighed deeply and laid his head on her shoulder. "Growing pains, I guess. I was turning on the arena lights and when I turned to help Nicholas mount Ana, he was already in the saddle waiting patiently for me to open the gate. Sara, I've always lifted him up on that horse and today he led him to the mounting block and got on all by himself. It's silly, I know but I feel like he's growing up so fast, like he doesn't need me anymore."

Sara laughed softly, "oh, Ian, he's four years old. Trust me, he will need you for a long time to come."

"See, I told you it was silly. I guess today was the first day that his achievement sent him on his way to independence away from me instead of to me."

"Look Mama!"

"You are doing great, Sweetie."

"Ok, Nicholas, he's warmed up, why don't you show your Mama how you can take him through his paces."

"Kay, Daddy. Watch close."

"I will, Buddy."

Ian leaned over the railing observing their son put the gigantic Arabian through intricate dressage movements. Sara rubbed his back sympathetically marveling at what an incredible father Ian was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They had been married about three years when she finally got up her courage to attempt parenthood. Ian had been ready sooner than she was but never pressed the issue. She would never forget the look on his face when he opened the small package.

"What's this?"

"A little, just because gift. Open it."

Ian quickly tore the paper off the box and opened it revealing Sara's empty pack of birth control pills. "Is this a funny way of asking me to get this refilled?"

"No, you know for a man with a genius IQ, you can be pretty dense. I thought you might want to throw that out, along with my refill prescription."

He stared at her for a full 2 minutes in confusion before it hit him, "do you mean?!!!!"

"I thought we could try for a baby."

Five months later they were expecting Nicholas. Ian was remarkable, the day after they found out officially, he went out and bought several books on pregnancy as well as dozens of childrens books for various ages. Each night they would curl up in bed and read several chapters since neither had any hands on experience and Sara didn't have any female friends with babies to get advice from. When they began the books she realized just how ill prepared they were for this challenge but the night they read aloud how in-utero the baby could respond and flourish from being read to and having music played for it, she discovered everything would be just fine. As soon as they finished, Ian vaulted from the bed and returned quickly with Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Suess. He stretched out across the bed propping the book on her side and read it to the baby. It was one of the most precious moments in her life. Ian never ceased to amaze her this man that grew up in such extreme violence and cruelty was one of the most gentle and tender people she had ever met. He had been fascinated with the changes that took place in her body and despite his distrust and dislike for doctors, he went to every appointment. Ian had cried when they found out they were having a son. Of course she did as well but it was more in response to Ian.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sara was startled out of her memories when Ian jumped up clapping loudly as Nicholas finished the dressage movement. "That was perfect, son! I am so proud of you." The diminutive Nottingham rode Anasazi over to his parents.

"I did good?" His grin was the mirror image of his dad's.

"You were great!" Sara followed Ian out onto the arena and hugged her little boy. "I bet you are hungry after that performance."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Why don't you cool Ana down by taking him around the ring at a slow walk, then I will help you unsaddle him and we will have lunch."

"Kay, Daddy."

Ian wrapped his arms around her as they watched him ride away. It was Sara's turn to sigh, "he is getting big isn't he?"

"Getting maudlin my love?"

"No, not really. Hey, what would you say if I told you we were going to have another one of those in about six months or so?"

Ian went very still behind her. "Really? Sara are you sure?"

"Yep, took 3 tests and I am showing all the signs. I figure I'll be yakking by the middle of next week."

Ian grabbed her and swung her around laughing. "I'm going to be a Daddy again?"

"You sure are, and put me down before the yakking begins today." He put her down in front of him. "Do you think we should tell Nicholas at lunch?"

"How about we tell him tomorrow? I want to have you both all to myself tonight and he will be glued to you when we tell him. He wants a sibling so bad."

"You're gonna read us Horton Hears a Who aren't you?"

"I started him on it and he turned out pretty good."

Sara watched Nicholas riding towards them, "he sure has. Ok, we'll tell him tomorrow."

Patrick popped his head in the door, "you want me to cool down Anasazi for you, Ian?"

"That will be fine, we need to get this boy fed." Ian held out his arms, "ok, kiddo, Patrick is going to take care of Ana for us, but I want you to tell me and Mama what you should do to your mount after a ride."

"Kay, Daddy. First, check their feet for clods and rocks, take off the tack, then make sure they don't drink too much water while they are still warm cause they can get sick. Oh and make sure the stall or gate is closed good."

"That is right."

"Daddy," Nicholas said in a loud whisper, "Ask her."

Ian grinned at Sara then their son. "You ask her."

"Mama, after lunch could we all please go riding and pick out our Christmas tree? Pleeeease?"

Sara looked at her boys, two identical pairs of amber puppy dog eyes beseeched her. "Oh, I suppose we could, but it is waaaaay too early to put up a tree."

"Okay!" Nicholas clapped his hands and ran ahead of his parents to the house. "Hurry, Mama! Hurry, Daddy!"

Ian slipped an arm around his wife, "you ready for another one of those, My Love?"

"Oh, yeah! I can't wait. I never thought I'd say it but I miss baby things, even the yucky stuff."

"Me too, the sweet cooing and gurgling over the moniter first thing in the morning."

"Ummhmmm."

"Doesn't beat the superhero attack at 5:30 in the morning though," Ian grinned remembering the ambush the morning they left to come to the ranch.

"Ohhh, yes it does. That was not cute at all. He certainly enherited your cheery morning personality."

"Hey, he didn't land on top of you and narrowly miss important merchandise."

"Yeah, I noticed you tossed him off pretty quickly there Nottingham. Glad he didn't damage the merchandise though, it will come in handy. Remember how..."

"Insatiable you were while you carried him?"

Sara colored slightly, "I wouldn't use the term insatiable."

Ian raised his eyebrows and smirked, "there were some mornings I could barely walk..."

"Ian Christian Nottingham!"

"Oooohhh Daddy's in trouble." Nicholas giggled as his parents approached. "Mama used all three of your names. Is Daddy gonna have to take a time out, Mama?"

"He just might."

Nicholas fell out in gales of laughter and ran circles around his father singing, "Daddy's in time out, Daddy's in time out."

"Nicholas James Nottingham, that is not funny," Ian said sternly trying not to laugh at his obviously pleased offspring.

"The three names only work for Mama, Daddy."

Ian just nodded and shared an amused look with Sara. "It doesn't work Nicholas?"

"Nope, just sounds funny when you say it."

Ian called out his name several more times trying to sound angry but it only sent Nicholas into giggles. Ian gave up and took off at full speed after his son. "I'm gonna get you."

Sara shook her head as Ian chased a shrieking Nicholas across the yard. She rubbed her abdomen, "baby, you need to be a girl, I'm getting outnumbered here I need some female backup." By the time Ian caught him, Nicholas was gasping for breath in between giggles. "I'll leave you two to your silliness and go fix lunch."

Sara was fixing sandwiches when the terrible twosome entered the kitehen. Ian had Nick by one foot. "Daddy put me down, put me down. Don't drop me on my head like Unca Jake."

Ian placed the boy on the floor, "Uncle Jake dropped you on your head?"

"No, Mama said Unca Jake was dropped on his head when he was a kid and that's why he acts the way he does."

"Nicholas, why don't you go wash your hands," Sara suggested.

"Kay, Mama."

The both burst out laughing when he was gone. "So that's what happened to Jake, huh?"

"Out of the mouths of babes," Sara shrugged

"Comes the repeated words of Mama."

"Yeah, yeah. It was the shortest answer I could come up with before Jake came back. Nicholas asked why Jake talks to him like he does. Rather than go into how advanced he is for his age and how most people don't understand I just told him that. It also explains the hair. We had a long talk on the way home about how other adults see kids his age and that a lot of people would treat him differently than you and I do. You know that kid sure got your smarts in spades."

"School should be interesting, we are going to have to keep a close watch on him so he doesn't get bored easily."

"I know. I want him to go to school so he can have friends his own age, you have done such a remarkable job teaching him, he's going to know the curriculumn already."

"It will be difficult for him but I want him in school as well. I don't want him to have the isolation and socialization issues I did." He wrappped his arms around Sara and patted her middle, "this one will benefit from Nick's trail blazing, we will have a better understanding of this whole parenthood thing by the time this little one makes its debut."

"What does Penny always say, ‘the first kid is to practice on'."

"Poor kid."

"Yeah, he's really hurting for love, attention, and affection," Sara said sarcastically as Nicholas ran into the room and launched himself into his father's arms.

"Where you been kiddo?"

"Its snowing, I was watching out the window. I can't wait to go look for a Christmas tree in the snow."

"Have you decided what you want to ask Santa for this year?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I want a brother or a sister and a saddle for Anasazi."

Ian leaned down and whispered in Sara's ear, "guess our shopping is done."

"Guess so." Sara turned to kiss her husband.

"Yuck, do you have to do that all the time?"

The End