The Broken Tides

“A drink would be great. Thank you.”

“Well, I have a bottle of white wine here, or water, or I can call room service to get you a scotch?”

“White wine is fine, no need to fuss.” Benny got up from his chair and came over to her smiling warmly. He took the bottle in one hand and placed the other on the small of her back, nudging her toward the seating area. She couldn’t help but replicate his smile, his small gesture was so familiar – commanding and gentle – completely Benny Colon.

They both sat in the chairs and Benny poured them each a glass of wine. A moment of comfortable silence fell over the room as they sipped their drinks.

“So, what did you find? Benny asked putting his glass down and imperceptivity shifting into business Benny mode, his expression serious.

“After you’d left this afternoon, I managed to collate and package up those semen samples. I ran a whole barrage of tests – potency, virility, DNA markers, age verification …”

Benny grimaced “You can run a test for that?”

Liv nodded and took a gulp of her wine. “Well, yeah, every man’s sperm is like a signature to them. One of a kind if you like. It’s kind of an off shoot from the DNA markers. It’s also how we check for any present illnesses that may show up in a sperm count.”

Benny nodded and gestured for her to continue.

“Anyway, the vast majority of it belongs to Brandon – as we expected. But, there’s sperm there that doesn’t fit his DNA markers.”

“So that means … he wasn’t just having sex with women on that boat …”

“Exactly. And according to my test results we’re looking for an older man. Cable sent me a few hits, I just need to go through them and pinpoint before we put the cat among the pigeons.”

Benny furrowed his brow in confusion. “But I thought it was all individual?”

Liv nodded, “It is. But it’s easier to pull correct 99.9% accurate results when you have a ‘living’ sample to compare it to. This sample is a mere smidgen and faded on material, it’s harder to pull a correct reading straight off. Comparisons are harder.”

“I’m sure this will help us, somehow. Thank you.”

Liv shrugged, “It’s all part of my job.” She yawned and stretched her arms above her head. Benny’s eyes instantly fell to the strip of flesh that peeked out with the movement. “Sorry to call you out in the dead of night, now that I say it out loud, it could have waited.” She bit her lip bashfully, and played with the frayed hem of her shorts.

“Don’t be sorry! I’m finding spending my evenings with you is a pleasure. I’m glad you tore me away actually, ten more minutes and Bull would have forced me into some night time trial prep.”

“I saw you were in the office, don’t you have a home to go to Mr Colon?” she joked not caring if she sounded openly flirty. The wine had gone straight to her head from the adrenaline rush.

Benny laughed, relaxing now that the business talk was over and done with. “I do. A nice modern apartment about ten minutes from the office. I do get to go home and relax sometimes.” He looked thoughtful for a second. “It gets a bit quiet though.”

“Nothing at all to come home to?” Liv could have kicked herself for asking the question. She desperately wanted to hear the answer, but she didn’t at the same time. It was like her subconscious needed to know if she was wasting her time, or if she was going to be heart broken by this Latin demi god.

He chuckled lightly and fixed her with that intense gaze. “Nothing. Not even a pet.”

“That’s a little sad. I don’t know what I’d do without my puppy.” She handed him her phone, proudly showing off her pride and joy. “His name is Chico. He’s my fur baby.”

“He looks friendly.” Benny handed her back her phone “Who’s looking after him while you’re here?”

“My best friend. Eliza basically moved into my flat to make sure he won’t wreck it.”

Benny nodded and glanced at his watch “I should really be getting home.” He got up and made his way to the door. Liv followed him and paused while he opened the door chewing her bottom lip.

“Thanks for the drink Liv.” He was stood close enough that she could hear his lowered voice.

How does he still smell amazing after working out?

“No, thank you for coming. You really didn’t have to.”

“A beautiful girl tells me she needs me, wearing nothing but a towel? I’d have no brain if I said no.” He tucked a stray piece of hair back behind her ear and pulled her into a hug. She enjoyed the gesture, wrapping her arms around his neck, and breathing in the masculine, musky scent of his hair.

Benny pulled away far too early for her liking, leaving her feeling suddenly cold without his body heat.

“I’ll see you in the morning. Sleep well.” He winked at her and started to walk down the corridor towards the elevator.

“Good night Benny!” she called after him.

“Good night Liv.”

 ****

“So why wasn’t I invited to this pyjama party?” Bull asked accusingly, looking at Benny and Olivia over the top of his glasses as they talked in his office the next morning.

“It was late and I didn’t want to disturb you …” Liv uncomfortably pushed an imaginary crease out of her skirt in agitation. Benny just rolled his eyes.

“Give it up Bull, you’re not invited to everything.” The lawyer pointed to the files Liv had placed on Bull’s desk. “What is important, is that Liv here, found an anomaly in the semen.”

“An anomaly?” Bull started looking through the paperwork.

“I’ve not been able to get an exact match yet, but there’s more than just Brandon’s semen on his jeans from that night.”

“He was with another man.”

Bull nodded, flicking through each sheet.

“My tests say it’s an older man. I’ve got to do a bit of DNA profile matching today before I can give you a precise who.”

“Good work. This might just be the ace we’re looking for.”

 ****

“So I missed a hell a day, clearly.” Liv said as she sat down next to Benny at the communal table.

Cable nodded emphatically. “Gun play and everything.”

“Pete Peters is in the hospital with a GSW. And Clyde is pushing for a second degree manslaughter deal at the DA’s office.” Benny said pouring water into Liv’s glass.

“He’s just sore because that brat Taylor Bensimon threw the ipad at his face.” Danny added as she and Chunk unloaded the group’s Chinese order out onto the table, separating it off for each person.

“Bensimon … where have I heard that name?” Liv pondered, tapping her nails on the table and furrowing her brow in thought.

“They’re everywhere in this case.” Benny said, accepting his order from Danny.

“The families are tightly linked. Like Taylor and Brandon were paired off as kids, without even a say.”

“Speak of the devil. “ Marissa said under her breath, but loud enough for the whole table to hear as Bull came through the door, leading Brandon over to their table.

“Have a seat Brandon.” The psychologist put pressure on his shoulders and he sat awkwardly next to Liberty. The kid’s eyes were red rimmed.

“Here you go momma.” Chunk handed Liv her lemon chicken and rice, sitting down next to her with his own food.

“Ugh Chunk, Have I told you lately that I love you?” Liv asked, opening the box and inhaling the sweet scent from inside.

“No, but you have now.”

“To business.” Bull said as he paced around the table. “Brandon here, is going to testify. We need to give him some advice. Go.”

“Speak up.” Marissa nodded at the young boy, trying to be as kind as she possibly could be.

“Answer directly.” Benny said, putting a dumpling in his mouth.

“Keep your hands still.”

“Don’t slouch.” Benny said through a full mouth.

“Only answer questions, not statements.”

“Don’t fill silences.”

“Don’t smoke on breaks.”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, jeez Benny, I thought you were a gentleman?” Liv laughed, slapping Benny’s bicep. His eyes went wide and he swallowed quickly.

“I was hungry.” He shrugged and winked at her. Liv shook his head wondering how he could be charming, even after such a revolting move.

“What did I tell you Liv, like a rabid animal when he’s hungry.” Cable joked.

He pouted and offered her a dumpling from his box, which Liv gladly accepted, with a friendly nudge of the elbow.

Everyone around the table that knew Benny watched the interaction open mouthed.

Benjamin Colon never willingly shared food.

For those of you interested, this is Liv’s puppy Chico.

Bella strained her ears, to see if she could pick up what he was saying.

“You can’t do this to my daughter, it’s her party in two days … I’ll uh … I’ll pay it off in instalments.” His head was drooped low in defeat. The pay cut down from administrator had really been doing a number on him, he could barely afford his rent and child payments to Lydia, he mostly ate at Bella’s house because she knew he couldn’t really afford to shop, but was too proud to mention it.

“Please, I’m begging you!”

Bella quickly left the nurse’s station and made her way over to Ragosa as he hung up and angrily slammed his fist into the wall, an angry, dejected look on his face.

“Michael” She said smoothly as she came up behind him. She put her hand on his shoulder, and he looked at her with sad eyes.

Jordan, who was still watching the display raised her eyebrows, and he raised his hands up to her “I’m sorry Jordan.”

“That’s ok” the dark haired doctor said with a soft smile. “Take 5?”

Ragosa nodded and leaned back against the wall with his eyes closed. He let out a painfully shaky breath.

It hurt Bella to see him hurting so much. Michael was doing so well, living his life the way he wanted. He was supposed to be happy. She trailed her hand down from his shoulder and took his hand in hers. She gave him a little reassuring squeeze. “You wanna grab a coffee? You look like you didn’t sleep much?” she asked gently, her words only loud enough for the pair of them to hear.

He opened his beautiful dark eyes, that were full of worry and gave her a weak smile.

“You know what I’d really like?” he was slightly hoarse. He rubbed his thumb over hers where their hands joined. “I’d like a hug.” He looked up at her through his thick dark eyelashes. He looked like a defeated little boy, and it broke Bella’s heart.

“How about a hug and a coffee?” she posed, grinning at him, opening her arms wide for him.

“Deal.”

 ***

“So” Bella blew on her latte, hoping to cool it down. They were sat on the roof, with their feet dangling over the edge. A place you would never have found him a few months ago when he was administrator. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

Michael shuffled uncomfortably and knocked his head against the railing, he opened one beautiful brown eye and gazed up at her sadly. “I just lost the venue for Naomi’s birthday”

Now Bella understood. “Her Quinceanera?”

He rubbed a hand over his eyes, frustrated. “Mmmhmm, just with the pay cut and everything, it adds up. I maxed out all my cards. I have no money Bel.” He sniffed and rubbed at his eyes. “I’ve got two days Bel. I can’t fix this …” He looked down at his hands. “I can’t fix it.”

Bella’s heart hurt, watching the strong, wonderful man crumple like a wet tissue. She didn’t know what she could do to take his hurt away. She laid her hand on his knee and gave it a squeeze.

“She’ll be crushed Bel. She’ll never want to talk to me again. Lydia will kill me.”

“Heh. I never liked her.” Normally he’d have smiled, or come back with a quip about the feeling being mutual, but he just stared at the ground, pained. “I’m sorry sugar. I love you, and your kids.” She reached into her bag and took out her purse. Without a second thought, she handed him her credit card. “I don’t know how much is on here Mikey …”

He cut her off, pushing her card back to her, the look in his eyes was grateful.

“I can’t take that Bel. You do enough for me. I know how much you’ve scraped together on that card. You need that to live. Not bail me out of my problems.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, his lips lingering on her skin longer than was probably appropriate for a kiss between best friends. “Thank you though. Your offer means the world to me. But I got myself into this mess, I’ll get myself out too.”

She blinked, trying not to feel hurt that he was taking on all the burden himself. “I’m here if you need me though. Don’t freeze me out, alright? You know I’ve always got your back.”

He gave her hand a little squeeze and offered her the most confident smile he could muster.

A wail of sirens broke them moment as three ambulances can screeching into the bay below them.

“Duty calls.” He said, standing and offering her his hand for balance,

Bella grumbled good naturedly and accepted. “And I haven’t even finished my coffee.”

 ***

A flash of orange and obnoxious clicking of high heels caught Bella’s eye, as the angry woman and teen stopped in the hallway where Ragosa was stood talking to a few colleagues. Bella and Jordan were going through and entering patient data onto the system not even a couple of feet away.

“Dad, is it true we’re not having my birthday party?”

“Ouch.” Jordan whispered, looking at Bella whose eyes were glued to the scene in front of her.

“Of course she’s here, she’d do anything to hurt and humiliate Michael.”

Jordan chuckled. “You really don’t like her, do you?”

Bella narrowed her eyes. “I never have.” She clenched a fist and struggled against her urge to storm over there. “She accused us of having an affair. Dumb bitch.”

Jordan raised her eyebrows, “Really? Well I guess you and Ragosa are close. And I could see it. I think you’d be cute actually.”

Bella didn’t say anything, but watched with gritted teeth as Michael tried to fight his corner against his angry ex wife and distraught daughter.

“I’m not taking crap for this Michael, you call and tell everyone it’s cancelled.” Lydia stormed out of the emergency room, not even glancing in Bella’s direction.

“I can’t believe this.” Naomi followed her mother, with her head down.

“Naomi! Honey!” Ragosa tried, but they flat out ignored him. He looked tired, unhappy and defeated. Bella’s heart hurt for him again.

He left the waiting room they had been fighting in and trudged over to Bella. His dark eyes brimmed with tears as he looked at her. “I fucked it up Bel.” He leaned into her like a small child seeking comfort. She wrapped her arms around him and stroked his hair soothingly, breathing in the fresh scent of his aftershave. “She’s going to hate me forever. I promised her everything. I’m such a bad father, I chose to follow my dream, but its going to alienate her.”

Bella pulled him away from her and held him at arm’s length, insisting he hold her dark gaze with his.

“You, Michael Ragosa, are not a bad father. You’re anything but.” He opened his mouth to protest, but she shushed him quickly. “Who are the people you think most about in your day? Every day?”

He shuffled his feet uncomfortably, but still maintained her eye contact, “My kids, you, my mother.”

She wanted to blush and cheer that she was in that list, and that she was always on his mind, but she pushed it down. “Exactly, your kids. They mean the world to you Mikey, and you try, you’ve been through so much, but no matter what you do, you fight for them. And that makes you an amazing father.”

“But the money”

“Money isn’t everything Mikey. You’ve always put everything on hold, for the whole fifteen years I’ve known you. Now it’s time for you. You get to explore who you are, and all the things you missed out on.”

Ragosa nodded, and wiped his eyes. “You’re right. I put off getting my eye surgery. I dropped out of med school – if I’d have carried on I wouldn’t be training in my 40s. I married the wrong girl.” His dark eyes flicked up to hers on the last item on his list.

Bella swallowed hard. He had married the wrong girl. During their days at med school they’d had so many near breakthrough moments where they should have thrown caution to the wind, kissed and confessed their love for each other, but they didn’t because he knew Lydia was safe and familiar. He didn’t want to risk his heart being broken.

“And you’re fixing it all, right?” she held her breath, unsure how he’d answer. She knew she’d never fallen out of love with Michael Ragosa over the years, even when she was engaged to her ex, which is why he was ex.

He looked at her with determination on his handsome face. “I’m trying.”

Bella nodded and gave him a soft smile. “How about you leave it to me? Let me talk to Naomi, you know we get on like a house on fire.”

He cupped her cheek in his hand, smoothing his thumb over her skin, and looked into her eyes. “love you.” His eyes were glassy and tears threatened to spill out of them.

“Love you too.” And she really did, he was her best friend, and she meant it wholeheartedly. “Leave it with me.”

He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek and grabbed a stack of files from the nurses’ station. “Check in at 3 for coffee?” he asked, walking backwards and still smiling at her.

“Of course, go on, go … before Topher has your ass for dawdling.”

“You know, I kind of see why she thought you were having an affair.” Jordan’s whispering voice cut through Bella’s reverie, she’d completely forgotten the dark haired doctor was stood there, watching the whole exchange.

“Jesus Jordan, I forgot you were there.”

“Yeah you were far too wrapped up in the Michael and Bella show.” She grinned good naturedly, letting Bella know she was only playfully teasing. “Seriously though, you two have so much chemistry, what happened? Why aren’t you together?”

“There was just never a right time, and then he married Lydia, and now it’s too late.”

“Says who, you never got married, you’re both single now …”

Bella sighed and rubbed her forehead. “It’s complicated. When you’ve been in unrequited love for what, eighteen years, it’s a hard pattern to break. But I’m still here for when he needs me. I always will be.” She thought for a second, tapping her fingernails on the desk, “Jordan, I know Michael and TC have had their differences in the past, but would you two help me?”

Jordan smiled at her widely and slammed a folder shut. “Of course, leave the venue to me. I’ve got a few contacts.”

Bella felt her heart swell. “Thank you Jordan, I really appreciate it.”

Jordan shrugged “What are friends for? And right now, Michael needs his friends.”

“That he does.” Bella confirmed, digging her phone out of her pocket and dialling Naomi’s phone number. After a few rings the teen picked up.

“Hola Bella.”

“Hey Naomi-bean.”

“What’s up?”

“I’m looking at a birthday gift for you honey, what’s your dress and shoe size?”

***

When the clock ticked round to 7 am Bella found Michael standing at reception, he looked tired and worn, with black bags under his eyes.

“Hey you, you ok?” she wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tight, her chin resting on his shoulder.

“Mmhmm I got one thing right tonight, I found the pacemaker Kristin needed.” He shrugged, half hearted.

“That’s a great job, don’t undermine yourself.” She gave him a squeeze and he turned in her embrace, so he could slide his arms around her.

“She’s right, enough of a pity party out of you.” Jordan said as she came up to stand beside the pair of them. “Everyone is going out to dinner tonight, why don’t you come?”

“Are you going?” Ragosa asked Bella, he turned his face to look at her. They were so close their noses touched and their breath mingled.

“Of course I’m going, dummy, and so are you. You need it.”

Michael smiled and rubbed the tip of his nose against hers in a sweet gesture before diverting his attention back to Jordan.

“I’m buying!” she said, in a sing song voice, hoping it would convince him more.

“Well if you’re buying, then I’m in.” Jordan grinned triumphantly. “I do have to go home and get some rest though.”

“I think that’s a good idea Sugar. You look exhausted.” Bella ran her fingers through his dark hair, and he closed his eyes enjoying the gesture.

“Are you heading home now?” he asked her.

“No, I’ve got a few last minute rounds and care plans to go through with Jordan, then I’ll head home.”

He nodded and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, too tired to argue. “Ring me later?”

“Of course, now get out of here, Mikey, before you get roped into the day shift too.”

“Ok Ok, bye.” He headed towards the door, waving at them as he left, shoulders heavy and head slouched.

Bella and Jordan waited a minute, to make sure that he was actually gone before rounding up the remaining nightshift members.

“Ok guys! First, I want to thank you all for your help. I know Michael will really appreciate it and be grateful that we’re treating him as family.” Bella started, there was a murmur of agreement that rippled around the gathered doctors and nurses.

“So you’ve all got your assignments from either myself, Bella or Kenny.” There was nodding all round. “We don’t have very long to pull this off, So let’s work together and make this amazing!”

There was a cheer in response.

“I think we can do better than that!” Jordan heckled and held her hand behind her ear. The staff obliged and cheered louder.

Bella felt a warm fuzzy feeling of happiness and excitement building in her belly. She had a long day ahead, but every moment was going to be worth it.

 *** 17:00 ***

“You won’t let me go in?” Michael asked Bella, as he looked past her to the double doors of the Dew Drop Inn, that had been blacked out. “What’s going on?”

Krista and Drew came through the doors carrying pale pink balloon displays and placed them on either side of the entry way.

“I told you to leave it to me, didn’t I?” Bella laughed, her smile warm, as she held Michael’s face in her hands, keeping his attention on her. “Well me, and a few friends.”

The doors opened and almost the whole of the night shift spilled out into the entry way, dressed in party wear.

“What did you …” Ragosa breathed, his eyes widened, but he was cut off by the roar of motorbikes.

Bella dropped her hands to hold his and indicated the swarm of motorbikes coming towards them.

“Why don’t you see for yourself?” Bella was smiling like a maniac as the realisation dawned across Ragosa’s handsome face.

In the middle of the parade of Bikes was TC, with Naomi clinging onto his jacket, but grinning and having the time of her life. Everyone around the whooped and cheered as the entourage came to a halt in front of them.

Michael opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, speechless.

“You did this?” When he found his voice, Michael was astounded, his tone showing how impressed he was. He linked his fingers with Bella’s and squeezed.

“We all did, Mikey. You’re part of the family now. We look out for each other. And you know I’d never have let you go through this alone.” She squeezed his hand back and indicated Naomi who was getting off the back of TC’s bike. “I think your attention is supposed to be over there.” He walked towards his daughter, but looked at her again over his shoulder, dark eyes sparkling.

“Thank you. All of you!” He raised his voice loud enough for everyone to hear, they all whooped and hollered again in response.

TC lead Naomi over to Michael and he wrapped his arms around her in a big hug. “Happy birthday sweetheart.” He kissed the top of her head.

“This isn’t what I’d planned, but it’s still pretty cool!” the teen shrugged happily. “I got to ride on a motorcycle!”

“I see, I see” Michael said, eyeing TC with mock reproach. “Well I hope you enjoyed it, because it’s the last time you will!” he kissed his daughter on the forehead lovingly.

“But Bella used to have one, when you were in med school … You said she looked hot on it …”

“Oh-kay! Enough of that.” He cut her off with a wink and wide eyes. Bella, blushed and laughed.

Lydia cut her way through the crowd, glancing at Bella who fidgeted uncomfortably. “I’m not going to say I’m not still mad at you Michael, but you have some pretty amazing friends.”

Michael nodded at her, but didn’t say a word. He was determined to not spoil his princess’ special day.

“Ok everybody, let’s go inside!” Jordan shouted ushering everyone through the doors.

Bella stopped Michael and Naomi at the door, “You two have a wardrobe change. They’re hanging up in the bathrooms.”

Naomi made a squealing noise and pushed through the crowd desperate to get to her new dress.

Bella turned to go inside, but Michael grabbed her hand, holding her back so they were alone in the courtyard. “You never cease to amaze me. Do you know that?” He uttered, smoothing a loose piece of hair behind her ear.

“Everyone deserves to be happy Michael.” She took the palm of his hand in hers and placed a kiss in the centre of it. “Even you.” Breaking the moment with a bright smile, she pulled him towards the doors. “Come on, we’ve got a party to attend.”

He shook his head and followed after her into the building, chuckling to himself.

 ***

Bella had also changed, once the party had gotten underway. She wore a intricate gold 50s style swing dress, with matching shoes, which splayed out nicely on her bar stool as she watched Michael and Naomi perform their father daughter dance.

“They look happy.” Jordan said, claiming the seat next to Bella, and grabbing a drink from the bar top.

“They do, we really did an amazing job. Thank you for all your help. I don’t know how we’ll ever repay you for all of this.” Bella waved her hands around at the bustling room where everyone was chatting and dancing happily, Michael and Naomi in the centre.

“There’s no need. We’re a family. It’s what we do. Though you could do one thing?”

Bella drained the last of the champagne from her glass and placed it back on the bar. “What’s that?”

“The next song, you can get up and dance with him. Tell him how you feel.”

“I … can’t … I” Bella stumbled, shaking her head. Jordan reached out and took her hand kindly.

“You keep saying that Michael deserves to be happy. So do you. And I think nothing would make either of you happier, than if you realised how much you love each other.  Even an idiot could look at the two of you and realise you’re meant to be together.”

“She’s right. I’ve never seen two people I think should be together more.” TC agreed, coming over and stealing a mouthful of Jordan’s drink.

“I completely agree!” said Krista popping up from behind the bar and giving Bella a wink.

“Are we talking about Bella and Ragosa’s obvious chemistry?” Topher asked, joining the little group.

Bella laughed uncomfortably. “Where did you all come from?”

 The end beats of the song Michael had picked for their father daughter dance came to an end, and Naomi gave her father a hug, splitting off to mingle with her friends, who were ooing and ahhing over her pink silk and taffeta dress. Michael looked over the little group of his friends by the bar and grinned happily. He walked over to the DJ, talking to him quietly.

 “Never mind that. We think you should.” Drew agreed, passing new drinks out to everyone.

“You make it sound so easy. We’ve both been through so much.”

“And that’s why you need eachother.” Jordan countered with a knowing smile.

The opening beats of the next song started to play, and Bella felt her heart swell, and tears form in her eyes. Michael smiled at her from by the DJ, starting to cut his way through the crowd towards her.

“What?” asked Krista, seeing the dewey look in Bella’s eyes.

“He remembered.” Bella laughed, sniffing slightly. “’When you say nothing at all’ by Ronan Keating, I told Michael once I loved this song, and it would be my perfect first dance …”

“Do you need more of a sign?” Topher asked jokingly, dodging out the way when Bella swatted at him, laughing.

“May I steal her away?” Michael’s voice commanded her attention as he stood in front of her. their friends all nodded avidly. “Dance with me?” This time his question was aimed directly at Bella. His beautiful dark eyes searching for hers and his hand outstretched for her to take.

She took it without a word and let him draw her body into his. He wrapped one arm around the small of her back and held her and in his. Their faces were so close they could feel one another’s breath on their cheeks.

“You remembered.”

“Of course I did Bel, I remember everything you’ve ever said to me. You’re so special to me, you know. Whenever I need you, you’re there. You’re my shelter in any storm.”

They moved gently around the dance floor.

“You know when I tell you I love you, I mean it. Not in the platonic, you’re my best friend love, even though, I do and you are. I love you. I always have.”

She stopped them from moving, and leaned against him, looking up into his eyes.

“I’ve always loved you too. You are my person, you know that Mikey.”

Michael, smiled, and leaned down pressing his lips against hers, in a tentative kiss. Bella grabbed his lapels and pulled him to her, deepening his kiss. He wound his fingers into her hair, as he slid his tongue over her bottom lip, begging for entrance.

Cheering erupted from the night shift staff, and Bell and Michael pulled apart, looking at each other sheepishly.

“It’s about bloody time!” Naomi called from across the room with a big grin on her face.

“Yeah, sorry, spaced out there for a second.” She turned her hand over in his, so they were palm to palm. He smiled and nodded at her, but his eyes still held a little worry.

“What can I get you Miss?” the waiter asked.

Liv pulled her attention away from Benny and smiled at him. “The spaghetti Alfredo, please. Nothing else. Thank you.”

The waiter wrote down her order and nodded, collecting up their menus.

“You sure you’re ok? You left me there for a minute.” Benny asked again, his eyes holding hers with intensity.

“Not intentionally, sorry.” It was her turn to fiddle with her cutlery uncomfortably. “My thoughts got away from me for a second. I’m back now, I promise, I wont disappear on you again.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I like having you here with me.”

‘There he goes again … that’s flirting right?’

“So tell me more about you Olivia Byrne” Benny took a sip of his drink and leaned back in his chair watching her.

“You really want me to bore you with my life story?” she joked.

“I don’t think you could ever bore me, Liv.”

 ****

“Thank you again for lunch Benny, you really didn’t have to pay for me too.” You said, as the pair of you reached your little lab.

“It was a pleasure to spend the time with you.” Benny leaned against the door jamb as you unlocked the glass panel. “The first of many, I hope?” the relaxed Benjamin Colon that Liv had had lunch with was gone, he was back to being the perfect pristine lawyer, without even so much as a wrinkle in his jacket. His eyes though, his eyes were the same, somehow a captivating mixture of soft and intense all mixed into one.

Liv tried to hide the blush that peeked onto her cheeks. “I’d like that.”

“Really?” He smiled wide, dimples in his cheeks and showing off his perfect pearly whites.

“Aha” Liv laughed and let them into her office, dropping her bag down onto her desk. “I’m surprised I didn’t bore you to death with my life story.”

The TAC fairies had been in again and the makeshift morgue had returning to being a regular lab again. Liv shook her head in disbelief, how long had they been at lunch? She swore they’d only been in the restaurant an hour and a half tops.

“Never.” Benny said seating himself on the edge of her desk. “Someone loves you, you’ve got a parcel here.” He nudged the large yellow padded bag.

Live rolled her eyes and sat down, quickly opening the package. She pulled out a little note card, two vacuum sealed bags filled with clothing and a wrapped pair of test tubes. She studied the note, and laughed out loud. Benny peered over her shoulder, also scanning the writing.

 You asked for semen! Have fun! But not too much fun!

                   Marissa x

 He chuckled and shook his head. “The body fluid work never stops for you, does it?”

“What can I say?” She countered, grinning, “Who doesn’t like getting a little messy?”

“I completely agree.” His eyes held that fiery look again, the one that flooded Liv’s skin with goose bumps and made her jig her thighs together to create a bit of friction.

‘Do you now?’ Liv asked seductively her voice, thick as honey. She licked her lips, and pushed all the items from her desk, not caring about the bangs and crashes. She kicked her chair back and climbed up onto the table, kneeling beside Benny, who was still watching her intently, with a cocky smirk on his handsome face.

“Want me to show you how much?” his voice was husky and low as he deliberately looked her up and down, as if she was something edible.

She didn’t give him an answer. She just grabbed him by his lapels and pulled him flush against her, their lips slamming together in a heated, passionate kiss. One hand kept him pulled to her, while the other ran through his silky black hair. He ran a warm hand under the hem of her black blouse, the contact a burning tease.

 “Liv, you’ve gone again.” Benny roused her from her trance with an knowing grin plastered on his handsome face. “What are you thinking about?” his voice had dropped an octave and was oozing anticipation.

Liv swallowed hard, well aware that her face was probably as red as a phone box. She looked him in the eye and laughed – there was no point playing coy – “Messy things.”

She picked up the packages of clothes and stood up from her desk, walking with purpose over to her work bench. She could still feel his eyes on her, drifting down her back and pausing briefly on her backside. She grinned in victory. She didn’t know what it was with this man that made her feel like a naughty twenty something again, but she was enjoying every minute of it.

He made a noise in his throat that she wasn’t sure whether it was a sigh or him clearing it.

“I should get going Liv, before Bull comes looking for me.” He stood up and straightened his jacket.

“Mmm I’m sure you have boring legal work to do, you can’t stay and play mad scientist all day.”

He smirked and raised and eyebrow, watching her as she put on her lab coat and gloves. “Is that what you do in here really? Pretend you’re helping us, but really you’re plotting to take over the world with chemical warfare?”

Liv laughed and waved the material she had just taken out of the bag at him. “That’s right, you caught me. And I’m starting this experiment with these … lovely semen stained jeans … mmm” they both pulled a face and laughed.

“Well, it’s a starting point.” He made his way towards the door, but stopped in the doorway. “You know where to find me if you need anything … or a sidekick … if you can steal me away from Bull.”

“I do. See you later Benny. Go, before I get you or I in trouble.”

He nodded and left the lab, but ducked his head back in a couple of seconds later.

“Oh and Liv …”

Liv looked up from her task, and smiled as she saw him grinning at her.

“You look good in a white coat.” And with that he was gone, not even leaving her time to reply.

She swore her face was going to split in half with how wide she was smiling.

 ****

“Good god, what are those?” Liv asked Cable, her mouth hanging open a little as she took in the black and white photograph on the cyber whizz’s screen.

“I know, they’re racy, right?” Cable agreed. Flipping through the files to show the rest of the set to Liv, who’s eyebrows were climbing ever higher into her hairline. “I found them in the snapchat ether.”

“I’m guessing they’re Brandon’s right? They’re pretty severe.”

“Yup, see his monogram, here?” cable pointed to the little embroidery on all the pillows.

Liv rolled her eyes and made a noise of disgust, “ugh rich kids.” She studied the photo closer and furrowed her brow in confusion. “That’s not Alyssa Yang. The bone structure is incorrect, and those are definitely not Alyssa’s nails, she bites. Any idea who it is?”

Cable shrugged “I think Bull has an idea. Brandon says they’re not even sexual. Boss is convinced he’s lying about something.”

“Well, he can’t deny he had sex, and a lot of it. There’s enough semen on his clothes I swear I could fill a pint glass.”

Cable wrinkled her nose “That’s gross.”

Liv nodded, “Mhmm, I never said my job was glamourous.” She handed Cable a USB drive that she’s plotted all the DNA strands from the clothing and samples onto, as well as the skin and blood samples from Alyssa’s body. “Could you do me a favour when you have a minute? I know you’ll do it ten times faster than I will.”

Cable shrugged and popped the USB into her pocket “Sure, what can I do for you?”

“Can you match these DNA markers to any records or files or strands available on the internet? I’ve only got access to the police and medical databases.”

“Sure, no problem Liv, I’ll get on it for you later.”

“Thanks honey.” Liv squeezed her shoulder and looked towards the glass wall that was the front of Benny’s office. It was empty, and the lights were off. Her brow furrowed, he hadn’t even stopped into the lab to say good night.

 Cable caught Liv’s gaze and smirked knowingly. “You looking for Benny?”

“oh, uh, no, not especially.” Liv felt the skin of her cheeks burn in a hot blush as she tried to cover her disappointment. ‘is it really that obvious.’

“He and Bull got pulled out to have a late meeting with Rutledge and Peters. They’ll be out pretty late. They kind of left in a hurry.”

Liv hummed an acknowledgment and looked at her phone. the happy face of her puppy on her background told her it was 6 30 pm. “there’s nothing much else I can do with my day, so I’m going to go back to my hotel, have a glass of wine and read a book in the bath I think. Will you tell them I said bye when they get back.

Cable nodded and turned back to her screen. “Sure thing. Sounds like a solid plan, enjoy it.”

Liv gave her shoulders a little squeeze. “Night Cable. Thank you. And that you for running those for me.”

The younger woman smiled warmly. “No problem, good night.”

Liv made sure her bag was on her shoulder and left TAC, heading into the elevator and out into the buzzing New York night.

 ****

 Liv had decided she was going to have a relaxing evening. She’d ordered some fancy chicken dish for dinner and a bottle of white wine, along with the chilled chocolate mousse for dessert. It was an evening for decadence. The only thing she was missing, she thought to herself, as she lowered into a hot bubble bath with the bathroom lights dimmed to a warm golden glow, was having someone there to share it with her.

She eased into the water and shut her eyes, imagining that she was not alone. That her back was pressed against Benny’s hard chest and her head rested on his shoulder. In her mind he was drawing delicate little circles on the flesh of her arms with his fingertips, and murmuring things in her ear, occasionally pressing kisses into her hair, and soothing her into a relaxing sleep.

 Liv woke with a bit of a start as her email tone chimed loudly from the other room. She grumbled and pulled herself out of the tub. She’d been enjoying that little fantasy. She wrapped a towel around herself and sat cross legged on her bed, pulling her laptop to her.

She opened the email from Cable.

‘Hi Liv, Sorry it’s taken a little bit of time for me to search them up for you.’

Liv glanced at the clock in the corner of her screen. 21:44. It hadn’t taken her long at all. It would have taken Liv easily a day to search the information Cable had in a couple of hours.

‘I’ve managed to match up the semen from the trousers and tests. I’ve packaged the results up for you. I’m still running the matches from Alyssa’s body. Hope this helps a bit! C 😊’

Liv opened the attached documents and scanned her eyes through the matching results. As she thought, the majority of the DNA strands found in the semen from the tubes, Alyssa’s body and the clothing matched Brandon Peter’s DNA profile. But one set of DNA stood out massively, and Liv’s jaw dropped. The matching profile could be a huge break in the case.

The revelation completely made Liv forget her state of undress, the towel being the only thing covering her naked body, as she dialled the first number she thought to call in a video call.

The phone rang for a few seconds, and Liv bit her lip while she waited for Benny to answer.

After a couple of rings he answered the video call. He looked exhausted, but still well turned out. His hair was messy, and he’s swapped his three piece suit for a deep blue work out t shirt that clung to his muscles. Beads of sweat lined his forehead and black gloves covered his hands as he waved at her. She’d clearly caught him in the middle of a work out.

“Benny, I’m so sorry, am I disturbing you?”

He smirked at her and took a seat on a near by chair. She caught a glimpse of the surrounds around him and realised he was still at the office.

“Dressed like that? Not at all.”

Liv’s eyes widened in horror as she realised she was still only in a towel.

“Holy fuck. I’m sorry I should have put clothes on. I can do that and call you back?”

“And spoil my fun?” He was grinning at her, enjoying the situation. “What’s up Liv? You look frazzled.”

“Benny, I need you to come here, I’ve had an unexpected breakthrough.”

Michael grinned, mischief glinting in his eyes. He looked like was up to something.

“You know what I want done my way, right now?” with gentle movements he backed you up, so the back of your knees collided with the seat of a chair.

You bit your lip, giving a great show of pretending not to think, while your fingernails scratched lightly at the hair at the nape of Michael’s neck, a spot you knew drove him crazy. “No, tell me?” your voice was husky and thick.

“You. Right now, right …” he lightly pushed you, so you sat back in the chair, he crouched and leaned over you, arms trapping you in between the chair and his body, and your faces so close together you could feel your breath mingling on your cheeks. “Here”

You had never seen Michael so reckless. He was a stickler for the rules on the shift. He was bubblier and lighter hearted outside of the hospital, but technical he was still on staff for another seven hours.

“Here?” you squeaked, breathless as he began to kiss the exposed skin of your neck, lightly tracing your pressure points and speeding up your pulse.

Michael chuckled huskily against your throat. “Right here. And now.”

You felt your skin flush and a heat starting to burn deliciously between your legs, as you pulled him up to kiss you. His soft lips were demanding, prying yours open so he could run his tongue against yours. He tasted like hazelnut coffee, his favourite.

He fumbled with your scrub top, sliding his fingers under it and delicately smoothing the skin of your torso. He found your bra and pushed the fabric up, revealing your breasts to the chill air. You gasped. Michael knelt between your legs and nuzzled at your bare skin. He took one nipple in his mouth, swirling the tip of his tongue over the raised bud and you sighed in pleasure, arching into him and knotting your fingers into his hair. He palmed the other breast with a strong hand.

“Michael” you moaned, your hands grasping as much of him as you could, desperate to get your body as close to him as you could. He growled against your skin in response. “Michael please …” you begged, moving his hand down to the waistband of your scrub bottoms.

“Behave Y/N. we’re doing this my way, remember.” He scolded, pulling away from your nipple and glancing up at you through his lashes, eyes dark and heavy with lust. His fingers teased at the fabric, skimming across your belly button.

He tugged gently at the trousers, telling you without words to lift up your backside so he could pull them down. You willingly obliged and lifted your hips, and he pulled both them and your underwear down in a swift precise movement. His fingers indented the soft flesh of your thighs as he bent and kissed the sensitive skin there. His breath ghosted over the red hot flesh of your sex that had become sensitive in his teasing, already damp and waiting for his attention.

“Do you know how long I’ve wanted to do this? Lock us in my office and make you cum til your knees are weak and you can’t concentrate for the rest of the night?” his voice was whisper against your thigh.

The darkly dirty words made you clench and long for his contact more.

“I couldn’t do it before. I can do what I want now.” He sat up straight and looked at you, flustered and red cheeked, your freed breasts heaving with every staggered breath. Slipping a hand into the juncture between your legs he ran a finger between your folds, deliberately slowly. You gasped at the contact and tipped your head back, and he gently flicked against your nub.

Pleased by your reaction, Michael smiled one of his trademark smiles displaying the dimples you loved so much. Leaning forward he captured your lips in an intense, passionate kiss, and expertly slid a finger inside you. You moaned against his lips and gripped his shoulders as sparks flew behind your eyes. He began to move his finger, pumping a steady rhythm into your body.

“Michael.” You gasped, pulling away from him for a second, he looked please with himself and the way your body responded and tightened around his finger. Biting your lip, you looked down at where your bodies connected.

“Look at me, Y/N.” he commanded softly, enjoying the little cry that erupted from your throat when he entered a second finger. You did look at him. You looked deep into those brown eyes that were so dark with lust they were almost black. You could feel the familiar heat and tension starting to form in the pit of your stomach. That white hot coil, that brought with it the promise of a release.

“I love you.” He murmured, looking deep into your eyes. He loved watching as your body succumbed to the pleasure he was doling out to you; he admired your wild look and the beads of sweat appearing on your skin, and consumed every little whimper you made as if it was his life force.

“I … Love… you too.” You managed to pant out as you bucked your hips to meet his hand movements, you could feel the coil spiralling as your walls tightened around his fingers.

You tried not to cry out too loud as your wave of orgasm hit you, hard, but it was difficult seeing the happy and triumphant look on Michael’s face. “Ohhh my god, Michael! Fuck!” you cursed as your weakened body collapsed back into the chair.

He chuckled a little and withdrew his hand, wrapping his arms around you and resting his head on your sweat slicked chest. He looked happy and contented, a wide, killer smile present on his cheeks.

You tried to calm your breath, and ran your fingers lovingly through his perfectly styled hair. The pair of you sat in silence for a moment, just enjoying being so close with each other.

“Michael Ragosa, I have never loved you so much as I do today. I’m so proud of you.” Your words were still a little shaky, but you meant every one on them, as you took his face in your hands and smoothed your thumbs over his jaw. He turned his face and lightly kissed your palm.

The two of you slowly made your way to your feet, and Michael helped you redress, placing little opportune kisses where he could on your body before covering it with the red fabric.

“You have no idea how good it feels to finally do what you want to do.” He murmured into your hair, pulling you in close and leaning his head against yours.

“The world is your oyster now Mikey,” you said breathing in the scent of his aftershave.

He nodded “A whole, new world.”

“Never underestimate TAC … or Marissa.” Chunk chuckled.

Danny started to usher the crowd of people away, reminding them that they had work to do before everyone gets back. She toughed a switch on a panel beside the door and the glass instantly frosted, giving the lab the illusion of privacy.

“So where is everyone, other than you guys, obviously?”

They entered the lab and closed the door behind them. Chunk and Danny lingered by her desk while Liv checked through the paperwork and ID tags attached to the box.

“It’s Voire Dire day, they’re at the courthouse. They should be back in an hour or so, they left at 8.”

Liv’s dark eyes flicked up the clock on the wall, the hands pointed out that it was 9:40, clear as day. Shit! I didn’t realise it was that late. Bull is going to fire me before I’ve even started to help, and I was just beginning to like it here.

Her face obviously betrayed her thoughts, Chunk laughed a little under his breath and smiled at her warmly. “It’s ok, we all get it. You’ve come a long way, you’ve barely been here 2 days, and we kept you out pretty late.”

“Bull’s going to kill me isn’t he?” the awful feeling in the pit of her stomach clenched.

The stylist grinned mischievously “No, don’t worry, Benny covered for you expertly.” His eyes sparkled. “Our boy seems to have a bit of a soft spot for you. Did he get you home safe?”

Danny rolled her eyes, but smiled at the banter. “I’ll go get us all coffee.”

“Thank you!” Liv welcomed the distraction, but Chunk was having none of it, installing himself in her desk chair.

“I’m waiting.”

“Hmm?” Liv had hoped it’d be the end of the conversation, as she started to wash her hands and gather her protective gear.

“Benny. He got you back ok? You were a little light headed when the pair of you fell into the cab.”

She looked up at him, eyes wide. “How much of a tit did I make of myself? Go on, I can take it.”

Chunk laughed heartily and shook his head, “You didn’t mama, You were just dog tired.”

“Mmm everything was a bit of a blur.” It wasn’t. She remembered everything.

 In the cab they’d talked about their families in hushed tones, their heads bowed together, little fingers linked on the seat between them. When they had pulled up to the hotel, he’d told the driver to hold and left everything in the back seat. They’d waited for the lift, but got bored quickly and had ended up racing each other up the four flights of stairs both collapsing at the top, out of breath and laughing uncontrollably. The normally immaculate Benny was showing signs of wear and tear, the longer pieces of his hair had started to move from their perfectly coiffed position, a few sections dangling in his eyes. When they finally made it to her door, he’d given her a hug, his smell of sandalwood and leather engulfing her, an kissed her on the cheek bidding her good night. And then she had the dream.

Her cheeks fought a flare of heat as she remembered her dream about him.

“He was very sweet though.”

Chunk nodded. “He’s the king of chivalry.”

Danny re-entered the room clutching three cups of coffee. All talk of Benny’s charming traits died off. Liv had begun to feel a kinship with Chunk, like he was becoming her unofficial work brother, but she knew Danny preferred to keep personal life stuff just that, personal.

“Coffee. We’ve gotta clear out of here, we’re under instructions from boss man. Good luck Liv. You’ve got until 1, and then the body has to go the prosecution.”

“Thanks Danny.” Live gave them a last smile before strapping her mask on. “That’s plenty of time.”

They left her alone in the room, Chunk shooting her a wink on his way out the door.

Fully dressed in protective wear, Liv lifted the lid and sides off the box, exposing Alyssa’s battered body. She ran a finger long the mottled skin of her arm. “I’ll try and be as gentle as I can honey, you’ve seen enough pain.”

 ***

 “You must have spent a fortune on these nails.” Liv said as she slid a swab under the long, finally manicured nails. “They are very pretty, I used to make sure my nails were always nice too, before I started doing my job.” She placed the swab in a tube, and noted the number in her log. “They tend to frown on you having painted nails when you work in a crime lab.” She repeated the same process on Alyssa’s other hand.

“I think it’s got something to do with possible evidence contamination.”

Liv smiled hearing Benny’s voice, and looked up from Alyssa’s body, he was looking Dapper in a steel grey three piece suit with a white shirt and cobalt blue tie. His olive skin was perfect and showed absolutely no signs of their late night. He shot her a dazzling smile, his dark brown eyes alight.

“That’s exactly right,” Liv looked back down at the body. She’d finally examined all she could without performing a full autopsy, which would have been deemed unnecessary, she was trying to find evidence that Brandon Peters couldn’t have been her murderer, not checking underlying conditions. “Although I don’t think you’d have needed to think about that in your line of work, would you. I’d have chosen another career path if I was you though, drugs are dangerous.”

“You know, I think I used to watch a tv show where the medical examiner talked to their ….” He trailed off, not wanting to be insensitive, but waved his hand in the direction of her body.

“I think I know the one. It’s a common thing, I think it keeps us sane. And gives us a bit of purpose.”

He nodded, still keeping his distance from her and the table. She laughed lightly.

“She’s not going to bite you Benny, and neither will I, unless you ask nicely.”

Benny’s eyes widened and his eyebrows leapt into his hairline for a few seconds while he processed what she’s just said. He grinned, and took a step closer to them. “Oh, I’ll be sure to.”

Liv was so glad the mask covered all but her eyes, as she flushed a hot pink and her belly twisted, she bit her lip, hidden under the fabric. A little snippet of him, gliding his tongue across her collar bone from her dream the night before exploded into her head. Luckily she wasn’t holding anything in her hands, or she’d have dropped it. She closed her eyes briefly and took a steadying breath, when she opened them again he was smirking.

She tried desperately to clear the cloud of her mind.

“How was voire dire?”

Benny cleared his throat and rubbed a hand over his eyes. “Stressful. Rutledge is an asshole that thinks he knows best. We’ve got a good jury though. Should be sympathise with our client. Can’t ask for much more really.” He stretched his legs out in front of him, leaning on her desk and crossed his ankles. He watched Liv as she busied herself washing down Alyssa’s body, and closing the silver transport case. “We’ve got a good mirror jury too. Hopefully it’ll help.”

“You know,” Live said as she fiddled with the clasps on the case, looking up at him briefly through her eyelashes. “Until I started working closer with court cases, I had no idea voire dire was a thing. I’ve never seen it done. I don’t know what I’d say, if I was doing it.”

“It’s all word play really. Structure the questions so they seem benign but get what you want from the underlying answers. Bull is very good at crafting the right questions.”

Liv nodded and started peeling away her protective clothing, revealing her flattering dark blue jeans and black blouse with its matching camisole. She’d picked the outfit deliberately. It showed off just the right amount of flesh and curve to be enticing, but not too exposing that nothing would be left to the imagination. She grinned internally as Benny subtly looked her up and down with praising eyes.

“What kind of questions?”

“Why do you catch a cold?” He took a deep breath, but the words of his next question almost ran together “Do you want to come for lunch with me.”

Liv looked at him over her shoulder while she washed and dried her hands.

“That’s a strange question. The cold one … not the lunch one.”

Benny shrugged. “It worked though. And would you? The lunch. Not the cold.” He gave her a winning smile.

She felt like a teenager, being asked to the prom by the boy she fancied. “Lunch would be good.” She was impressed with herself. Her babbling was under control, and her confidence with him was soaring.

“Perfect. Are you ready now? There’s a really nice Italian place just down the block.”

Liv moved the box of tubes into the fridge, and grabbed her handbag.

“Italian sounds great. We’ll just need to leave the keys with Marissa so the prosecution can collect her at one.”

They left the lab and Liv locked the door behind her. Benny leaned against the glass wall next to her, their arms touching, the proximity welcomed by both of them. He watched her with those intense eyes, a playful smile on his lips.

“So tell me, why would you catch a cold?” his voice was hushed, so only the two of them would hear it.

She felt that unfamiliar wave of confidence crash into her again, and liv chose to embrace it. She looked back at him, her eyes shining with mischief.

“Me? I’d catch a cold from kissing in the rain.” She shrugged it off as if the answer was the most obvious thing in the world, and started to walk down the corridor, leaving Benny, who was frozen in his place, eyes wide.

Cable fiddled with the hem of her darker dress. "They say marriage doesn't really keep those things anyway."

I shrugged. "I don't think I ever did. But he's safe. And he loves me. So much."

"But" Cable eyed me seriously "not as much as you love Benny?"

Even hearing his name made my blood flare with heat and my tummy squirm. 

"Benny is . . . Special." I blinked back the tears I felt burning in my eyes. "What happened with you two?" Cable asked. 

"Our paths never lined up like they should have. We always reconnected but we managed to constantly slip away from eachother. And then he met Grace, and I took a backseat in his life. So I met Sean, and here we are."

"He still checks in about you though. He makes sure he's part of every conversation about you. He makes sure Bull sends every interesting case your way."

I looked at Cable, I could feel a tear running down my cheek. "Is she still in the picture?" She knew she shouldn't ask, but her heart was dying to know. 

Cable didn't answer me, but took a sip from her champagne. "What are you going to do"

I took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Benny was happy with Grace. I couldn’t ask him to walking away from being happy.

“I’m going to let him be happy. And I’m not going to walk away. I have been happy with Sean, I still can be. But I’ll always love Benny. I Don’t think I could ever get that piece of my heart back from him. But he’s happy, and I can’t walk away from a chance at being happy. Every girl has a fantasy life. It’ll just have to stay as that.” I wrung my hands and sniffed back my tears, stiffening my resolve.

Cable just looked at me, unconvinced.

  I stood in the doorway of the old church, with its crumbling flag stones and lines of melting candles. The unusually warm British wind blew my veil around and washed comfortingly over my cheeks. I had one had clutching my bouquet of orange roses and white lilies, and the other clinging on the crook of my dad’s arm for dear life.  He was smiling at me proudly, with adoration in his eyes.

“Are you ready poppet?” He whispered as she shuffled into the little lobby.

I battled the nausea that raged in my stomach and offered him the best mile I could muster.

I could see the whole of the church from where I was standing. The priest flicking through his prayer book, Sean in a jet black tux, stood at the front talking to his best man. I couldn’t deny he looked handsome. He always did. Sean was a doctor and was always well put together. His blond hair was neat, and stood tall and straight, the embodiment of confidence.

I could see the congregation, my friends and family, all sat chatting between themselves in hushed tones. I could see Chunk, sat with Jason and Isabelle. Izzy. Benny’s sister. My heart hurt just looking at her. And next to her was an empty space.

I shouldn’t have been surprised, He had pretty much told me categorically that although he was happy for me (through gritted teeth and the most forced smile I had ever seen), he couldn’t be there. I felt a pang of anger and despair seeing the empty seat. Let him be happy. Give yourself a chance to be loved and maybe love someone else as much.

It was now or never. I looked at my dad and nodded. “I’m ready.”

The organ started to play the wedding march and the verger signalled for me to start my walk down the aisle.

   “And so friends and family gathered here today …” I looked up at Sean, his blue eyes sparkled like the ocean as he gazed down at me lovingly. He was holding my hands as if I were made of crystal.

You can do this. You’re half way through! I told myself, and smiled back at my husband to be, hoping the expression did not look too fake.

The priest had commanded the congregation’s attention and they were all watching the three of us avidly. I wanted to run. To kick off these ridiculous high heels Chunk had picked, and get the hell out of the church into the air.

I wanted to see him; I wanted to see Benny. I wanted to feel the strong, stable warmth of his hugs, enveloping me in his arms, wanted to feel him press kisses to my cheeks, neck and hair. I wanted to hear him say my name in every possible tone. I wanted to hear him whisper that he loved me into my ear while we sit in the bay window of his apartment reading books by moonlight again.

And most of all, I wanted it to be his hands holding mine, his smile radiating down on me, and his heated gaze full of love watching my every move as we proclaim our love to everyone we know.

I glanced once again at the empty seat, and held in a pained sob. He really wasn’t there.

“If anyone knows any just cause or impediment, for why these two should not be wedded in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace …”

I held my breath. I this was a movie, this would be where he’d bust in and sweep me off my feet. I thought to myself. The silence was deafening. It crushed any small sliver of hope that I’d had.

Well that’s it then.

“Very well then” the priest began, opening his prayer book to find the recital of vows.

 “WAIT!”

I knew that voice. I, and the whole of the church turned back towards the doors.

The love of my life, Benny Colon was, stood at the end of the aisle, arms crossed over his chest and staring determinedly.

I could feel my heart beating in my chest, faster and faster.

He looked so good, dressed in a black three piece suit with a dark blue shirt. His hair was perfect.

“Do you have something to say, sir?” the priest asked, looking shocked.

Sean dropped my hands and rounded on Benny, his tall frame towing over him. Benny stood his ground and didn’t falter, other than his dark eyes quickly meeting mine.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Sean basically screamed.

“Well,” Benny shrugged and put his hands in his pockets, turning on the charm that he so frequently used with juries. “I thought I was ok with Y/N marrying you, after all, I was in a relationship myself, as you well know. But do you know what I couldn’t get out of my head? That I was letting you marry the love of my life. That it should have been me.”

He looked a me over Sean’s shoulder, a passion filled glint in his eye. “It always should have been me. I knew it from the day I met you. I knew one day it’d be me meeting you at the end of the aisle, I knew it would be me lounging on a beach with you for our honeymoon. Me holding your hand and loving you when we have a baby.”

I felt my cheeks heat and tears poured out of my eyes, I left the alter, running my way to him. Sean moved out of my way as I came passed, looking beyond hurt and deflated.

“I love you” Benny said to me as he caught my face between his hands, smoothing his thumbs over my cheekbones. “I love you too much to let you go.”

I smiled, looking into his beautiful eyes, and sniffed back the happy tears, clinging on to his lapels. I wanted to be close to him, to breathe in every little detail of his scent. “I love you too. My heart was breaking, I was barely keeping it together. It’s always been you Benjamin Colon, always.”

Benny smiled at me, showing off his pearly white teeth, and placed his soft lips against mine, in what started off as a chaste kiss, but quickly deepened to something more passionate.

 Sean who was watching us in disbelief made a strangled noise. Benny and I pulled apart and looked at him, both of us feeling guilty for his side of the outcome.

“I’m sorry, I can’t let you have my life.” Benny offered, wrapping his arms around my waist.

Sean looked at me in desperation “Really, Y/N, is this what you want? I thought we were happy?!”

I felt terrible for him, I did, but I also felt immense relief.

“it really is. I’m sorry Sean I really am. I would have been happy with you, and you would have loved me, but my heart …” I leaned my head against Benny’s and let me fingers glide softly across his jaw line. “Has always belonged to Benny. I would have always been happy, but never complete. I’m sorry. Please try and understand.”

“No!” Sean spat and stormed out of the church following after him, throwing Benny and I dirty looks, and chorusing his name. The heavy wooden doors banged shut behind him.

Silence filled the church as Benny and I took a second to regroup and hugged each other.

“Who doesn’t love a wedding right?!” Snickered the voice of Jason Bull, breaking the tension.

“Ugh fine.” She’s said with a playful grin and lightly smacked his chest.

“You know they’ve always wanted to meet you.” Benny had shrugged.

“I’ve no idea why.”

“You’re important to me.” He looked at her deadly seriously. He put his hand out, seeking hers. They were alone in his office at Tac, and it was late. They sat on the floor, their backs against the leather sofa and their legs outstretched. Benny has shed his jacket, waistcoat and tie. He’d undone the top two buttons of his shirt and rolled his sleeves up, taking the time to relax after a long and stressful day.

Lilly took a sip of the expensive scotch he had poured her, not wanting to look at him in that moment. She’d loved Benny since the moment she met him, the day Bull had introduced her to the team as his new PA and his gorgeous dark eyes had locked with hers. Over the last two years they had grown closer and closer, helping each other through tough family times and break ups and celebrating successes and events. There had been a few close moments where they’d nearly become more than friends, where they’d nearly kissed, and Lilly had wished desperately that they had.

“Come with me. Please?” He scooted closer and took her hand giving it a little squeeze. “Plus you’ve never lived until you’ve had my grandmother’s pasteles.” His eyes lit up like a child and his stomach unconsciously rumbled.

“The way to your heart really is through your stomach isn’t it?” She laughed, and he shrugged with a contented look on his face.

“What can I say? I love as woman who can cook.” He started ticking them off on his fingers, “My Gramma, My mother, My aunt Louise, hell, even you aren’t too bad?”

She reeled back and looked at him with a mock shocked face, her hand on her heart, “Not bad? Remember that triple chocolate and caramel lava cake I made you for your birthday last year?”

He closed his eyes dreamily, and grinned, showing off his perfect white teeth and dimples, “Ohhh yeah, that was good, you’re lucky I didn’t propose to you, right there on the spot.”

Lilly felt a heat rush over her body and burn up her cheeks. She felt hot on the inside. Biting her lip, she gazed into the amber liquid in her glass, “Mmm, it is a pity, What would you have done if I’d said yes?”

He took a long, steady sip from his glass, looking at her over the rim with intensity deep in his eyes.

“I’d have been happy.”

 “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are sorry to announce a delay on American Airlines flight DA4461 to Dallas due to weather conditions. The flight will now depart at 20:30. Thank you.”

Lilly rolled her eyes and leaned on the handle of her carry on bag. Benny shrugged at her, the soft suede of his jacket stretching over his arm muscles as he did do.

How does he even look this good on flights? I look like I’ve just rolled out of a hedge somewhere. He looked impeccable as ever, tight jeans and a form fitting dark blue polo shirt.

“Looks like we’ll have to wait a while, wont we?” he got himself settled in a seat, and patted the empty spot next to him, encouraging her to sit down.

She yawned and plonked herself down on the uncomfortable leather chair.

“I wish I’d have known, I could have taken that nap.” Lilly sighed wistfully, she hadn’t slept well the night before – Bull had her fielding phone calls until 5 am.

“Come here” he lifted his arm up and tapped his chest, encouraging her to lay her head on him. She welcomed the gesture, breathing in his unique scent – cinnamon, leather and something spicy she couldn’t put her finger on. “We’ve got hours to go, try and get some sleep.” He wrapped his arm around her back and traced soothing patterns on her bare arms with his finger tips.

“I can’t sleep here. There are other people around.” But the steady beat of his heart and the warmth of his body, were already comfortably lulling her, and her eye lids drooped.

“Ignore everyone else, it’s just you and me.” The last thing Lilly felt as sleep took over was Benny placing a kiss into her hair, and she smiled. She wished it was. Just him and her.

 Lilly must have dozed for an hour or so before she began to stir. Her head was still cradled in the crook of Benny’s neck and he was still holding onto her tightly, she blearily tried opening her eyes the whole way, but shut them again, unappreciative of the naked airport lights.

She was acutely aware that Benny was humming contentedly, the action giving his body a pleasurable vibration. He was staring at his phone. As Lilly’s eyes slowly came into focus, she realised what he was looking at.

There, on his home screen was a photo of them, on his birthday last year. They were both laughing into the camera, with chocolate cake smeared across their faces. He has swiped a finger full of frosting from the cake and dolloped it onto her nose. They both looked so happy.

She grinned to herself. “Am I your lock screen?” She asked him, voice still loaded with sleep.

“Uh …” He looked down at her coyly, his cheeks tinging a little pink “Yes, but you weren’t supposed to see that.”

“We look happy.” She sat up straighter, so they were on the same level again, but she kept herself clutched tightly at his side.

He swallowed audibly, his eyes switching between her mouth and her eyes. The tension between them was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“I’m always happy when I’m with you.” He breathed lowly, his voice inaudible to anyone but her.

She felt the familiar heat and butterflies of being happy with him bubbling up in her belly as she looked at him. They were so close their noses were almost touching, their breath mingling on eachother’s cheeks.

“You make me happy too.” She reached a hand up to his jaw line and stroked her fingers over his flawless olive skin.

Benny seemed to pause for a beat, his dark chocolate eyes looked like they were hiding a raging inner battle, and then he leaned forward, softly placing his lips on hers. She smiled into the kiss, and worked her hand from his face into his hair, deepening their contact.

He pulled away and rested his forehead against hers as they both caught their breath.

“Here’s to being happy.”

“Benny” she cooed, letting him assault her skin. She tangled her fingers into his perfectly styled dark hair, pulling gently on the longer sections.

“Mmm?” He hummed, pulling away from her for a second, but still long enough for Olivia to whine at the loss, her body felt cold without him pressed up against her. He switched the water on, and after a split second the waterfall shower above her head started to cascade down. The feel of the splashing added a whole new sensation to her already hyper stimulated body and she let out a little cry, plastering her hands flat on the wall behind her to ground herself.

Hearing the noise, Benny came back to her and cupped her face in his strong hands, tilting her head up. He took a beat to just look at her, eyes full of intensity and want. She did the same to him, trying to keep her composure as the water washed over his dark hair, moving some of the longer strands forward, they threatened to get in his eyes but he refused to stop looking at her, as if he was a starving man and she was a feast.

The droplets rippled over his smooth olive skin and bulging muscle. She bit her lip, admiring the strong physique that was usually covered by the impeccable three piece suits. ‘such a waste’ She mused to herself, as she dug her nails into the soft sinew of his back, her long fingernails leaving long, angry red streaks across the perfect surface.

He hissed in a mix of pleasure and pain, and closed his eyes.

“Kiss me” She begged, trying not to sound to needy, but she wanted his contact now, more than anything.

“I’m sorry, what?” He smirked, teasing her. He grinned devilishly.

“Kiss me. Please Benny” She begged again. Her dark eyes wide and pleading with lust.

He did just that, without missing a beat. His soft lips crashed onto hers in a heated kiss. She softened into the kiss and indulged in the heavenly feeling of his skilled tongue swirling against hers.

He broke away from her lips and began to trail kisses down her body, dropping to his knees before her. He gripped her hips tightly and she weaved her fingers through his hair and worked his way down her collar bone to her chest.

He looked up at her cheekily, and flicked his tongue over her nipple. She shuddered at the feeling moaned. He took the bud between his lips and sucked.

“Holy fuck, Benny” She half breathed, half cried in pleasure. “Benny!”

“What’s up Liv?” She swore she heard it. It was Benny’s voice, but he was still on his knees before her, mouth too occupied to be forming the words she could hear. But it was definitely his voice.

“Liv are you ok?” There it was again …

 Olivia Byrne woke up with a start, her skin flushed a deep pink and beaded with sweat. The loose hotel sheets were tangled around her legs and the pillows were askew, as if she had been involved in the passionate encounter she had dreamed of. Her breathing was shallow and her knees were still jelly like.

It had felt so real. So intimate. Like he had really been there, hands and tongue all over her body. Her sex throbbed at the memory.

“Liv? Speak to me …” Benny’s deep tones brought her back to reality, and she snatched her phone off the night stand.

“Benny” even his name felt like honey dripping off her tongue. “I’m ok.”

He chuckled lowly, the rumble stirring something deep in her loins. “You sure there, sweetheart?”

“Mmhmm” apparently she’d forgotten how to use words, which was a stark contrast to her usual babbling.

“So did you call me for anything specific? Or did you just want to talk to me?” He laughed, back to being flirty. She must have called out his name in her dream and her phone took the liberty of calling him. ‘damn technology’ she thought to herself.

Olivia wondered if he was this flirty with a lot of women, he didn’t exactly give off the player vibe. But it’d been an instant connection with her.  

“I was just going to say I was going to be late in. Someone kept me awake last night.” She flirted, a smile on her face, she relaxed into the pillows, enjoying hearing his voice. She’d deal with her insecurities later.

“Who? Must have been some company,”

‘It certainly was,’ She thought to herself, playing over bits of her dream in her head, ‘more than you know.’

“the best.”

“Glad you enjoyed it.” He paused for a minute and she could her the bustle of the office and Bull’s rambling tones in the background. “Liv, I gotta go. Bull and the clients are here. Come by and see me when you’re in?” He sounded hopeful, almost like he was asking her on a date, but he wasn’t.

“Of course. Go do your thing Mr hot shot lawyer.”

“Ah, you know I’m just a background guy, right? I’ve not been Mr Hot Shot lawyer in a while now.”

“Just go Benny. I’ll see you when I get in.” she smiled to herself. She’d seen him work  - or sort of at least, he was a good lawyer. It took a humble man to be so self-depreciating.

“I look forward to it. See you soon.”

She couldn’t hold in the big smile that plastered across her cheeks. “See you soon. Go, before Bull blows a gasket.”

“Bye Liv.”

She leaned back and studied the ceiling, butterflies bubbling in her stomach. She’d only been there a day, and the dark haired, dark eyed man had already stolen all her senses.

@reelovesbennycolon​

“The Lion King?” he cut her off with a smirk before she could finish her sentence.

The expression on his face made her mouth dry. Olivia had never been one to get all giggly and shy around men. Even the ones she found attractive. That was her friend Dawn, she normally stayed cool and collected, but there was something about Benny that had struck a cord from the moment the pair of them had made eye contact. It had been completely solidified when Cable and Danny had dropped in to introduce themselves and encouraged her to join them in peeking down into mock court. He oozed confidence while he paced back and forth in front of the jury. He was confident, but not arrogant. His voice full of heat, passion and strength. Olivia was sure she’d never seen someone put so much heart and soul into something that was essentially just an act. He had looked up towards the end of his closing argument and caught her eye. Without missing a beat he’d shot her a dashing smile and a subtle wink.

And in that moment Olivia knew she’d have to keep her wits about her around the lawyer, or she’d become one of those giggly girls she never thought she’d be.

“Sorry?” she said, furrowing her brow in confusion.

“Your headphones, I distinctly heard the opening beats to ‘I just can’t wait to be king’”

Olivia fought the blush that threatened to spider it’s way up her cheeks. She let out a slightly strained laugh instead. “You caught me.” She joked good naturedly “Everywhere I look in my job there’s doom and gloom. Its nice to listen to something light hearted, you know.” She wasn’t sure why she was explaining herself to him, the words just bubbled out of her throat. “So much death, and it’s always blood readings this, urinalysis that, I’m normally up to my elbows is some form of body fluid – and at home, if I’m in the morgue the people I’m working on don’t mind because you know, they’re dead …”

Benny said nothing, but listened to her talk with big smile on his face, showcasing his perfectly straight pearly whites and showing off his boyish dimples. His eyes were alight with amusement, but with no malice.

“I should really shut up, shouldn’t I? Because now I’m babbling at you, and you obviously came in here to ask me something, before I started waffling at you about the merits of Disney soundtracks.” She sighed and bit her lip. She put her pen down and flattened her hands out on the table to mentally and physically ground herself.  “I’ll try again. What can I do for you, Benny?”

The lawyer shook his head and laughed. It was a deep, smooth sound that Olivia had instantly come to adore, and she hadn’t spent that long in his company so far. ‘this man is going to be the death of me … but I think I could live with it.’ He gently placed a reassuring hand on top of hers, his fingers curling under her palms and giving the appendage a gentle squeeze.

“If I didn’t already like Disney, you’d have made me a convert.” His deep velvety tones were laced with humour.

“You’re a Disney fan?” the words and their surprised tone had slipped from Olivia’s mouth before she realised they had left her brain.

Benny snorted, “Of course.”

“You’re a dark horse aren’t you? Is the brooding, serious lawyer mask hiding more guilty pleasures?” and now she was flirting. Olivia could barely believe herself. But Benny didn’t seem to have a problem with it, although an intensity took over his dark eyes as he regarded her.

“There’s so much more to me than that, Miss Byrne. I’ll be happy to show you sometime.”

She was sure her ears weren’t deceiving her … was he … flirting back?

She bit her lip again and felt the blush course up her cheeks, unhindered this time. She swore he shifted his weight towards her, closing the gap between them a little more.

The temporary lab door swung open and Marissa wandered in, her head buried in a manilla TAC folder, as usual. Olivia was beginning to realise that was Marissa’s default during the planning stages of a case. Benny almost jumped, as if coming to his senses, and shuffled back to put a bit more space between them. Liv lamented the loss of his warmth by her side.

“Any luck with the blood and hair Liv?” Marissa asked looking up from her folder with a warm smile. She looked at Benny a little shocked. “Oh Benny …”

“I came to ask Olivia here if she’d like to join us at the bar for drinks tonight. Sort of a welcome thing.” He explained deftly. Olivia noted he’d left out any mention of Disney, or what they were really discussing when Marissa had interrupted.

Marissa nodded emphatically, “You should, it’ll be good to get to know you, and you us, a little better.”

Olivia chewed on her bottom lip. It had been a long day, and she’d not yet managed to return to her hotel and unpack her things, but she supposed one drink wouldn’t hurt. She did want to get to know them all, after all. “I really shouldn’t, as I’ve not even unpacked yet. But I want to keep that jet lag at bay. Gotta get myself properly in your time zone. I’ll come for one.”

Marissa grinned happily, and Benny nodded at her, still regarding her with that hot, intense gaze.

“One it is! There will be plenty more times. We’re only just getting started.” The blonde said. “But back to why I’m here. Any luck with the blood and hair?”

Olivia opened her own file and pointed to her results with her pen as she spoke, both Benny and Marissa looking over her shoulders.

“Not much more than you already had. I’ve got the tox and alcohol levels all rated and labelled for you. Is there any way I can get access to the body? I know an autopsy has already been performed, but I’d like to see a few things for myself.”

Marissa nodded, making some notes in her own file. “I will do my best, is there anything else I can do for you?”

Olivia busied herself closing up her notes and packing up her desk. “Yes, I need some semen.”

Benny made an audible choking noise. She glanced at him out the corner of her eye. It was her turn to smirk.

“Semen?” Marissa repeated, checking she was clear.

“Yep, a sample from the girl’s body and a living sample from Brandon so I can compare counts and check for abnormalities … ooh and if you can, a sample of what was on Brandon’s clothing for the night in question. In my experience, teenage boys aren’t exactly brilliantly skilled with their target practice, so it shouldn’t be too hard.”

She could see Benny’s shoulders moving as he chuckled under his breath.

“ok … I’m not sure how I’ll broach that subject, but I’ll do what I can. This could get awkward.”

“Yeah, sorry, I’ve got the easy bit this end.” Olivia shrugged apologetically.

“No problem, I’ll get this logged. See you at the bar.”

Benny gave Marissa a minute to exit before he turned to her with a devilish grin. “In your experience, huh?”

She laughed and lightly slapped his arm. She was very pleased to feel the hard sinew of bulging muscle beneath the finely tailored cloth he wore.

“Get your head out the gutter, I’m probably old enough to be his mum.”

“Probably more like a disapproving aunt.” He held his arm out to her like a gentleman when she threw her handbag over her shoulder. “Shall we?”

She willingly accepted his crooked elbow, and let him lead her from the room. “I used to work in a all boys boarding school while I was putting myself through uni. Trust me, there are a few things I wish I could unsee.”

 ***

“… And a passionfruit daquiri for our newest member of the family. We’re glad you’re here.” Chunk placed the glass of frosted cocktail down in front of her.

Olivia found herself seated around a large round table, sandwiched between Chunk and Cable, with Marissa and Danny opposite them. They were all laughing, joking and learning things about each other, but she always found her eyes straying to the pool table nearby, where Benny and Bull were in the middle of a heated game.

Benny was currently leaning against the bar, with his pool cue tucked safely behind one leg. He had discarded his suit jacket, waistcoat and tie. The collar of his light blue shirt open by a few buttons and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The fabric did a wonderful job of showing off his muscles. He was laughing and baiting Bull, nursing what was left of his scotch. Occasionally his eyes would flicker up and meet hers, and he would smile, a soft smile.

“So where did you say you trained in medicine?” Danny asked jovially, catching Olivia’s attention.

“Oh, Southampton, it’s not a big city or a prestigious university, but it was homely.”

“Southampton …” Chunk tapped his fingers on the table in thought, “Where the Titanic sailed from?”

Olivia nodded, taking a mouthful of her drink and sighing, it was just what she needed, “That’s the place.”

“I’ve only ever seen London, I’d like to go back and travel around, see Cornwall and places like that, I hear they’re beautiful.” Marissa said dreamily.

“Cornwall is gorgeous, have you ever had a proper British cream tea?”

“Shhhh, don’t mention food, Benny has the hearing of a bat when it comes to food.” Danny laughed. Olivia too giggled and watched the subject of their conversation through her eyelashes. He was leaning over the pool table, lining his cue up to take a shot. She tried not to openly ogle his ass too much, she’d barely been in their company a day, she didn’t want a reputation, but she had to admit, it was hard.

“Seriously, I’ve never seen someone eat like he does. I’m surprised he’s not fat.” Chunk held his hands up.

“And he’s like a child if he gets hungry, so if he is, I’d make a break for it Liv, save yourself!!” Cable laughed and made a dramatic hand gesture.

“I’m sure I can handle him.” She laughed too. “I’ll bring you all some if I get a chance to make some scones.”

There was a loud pop as the final ball of the pool game was potted, and Bull whooped in victory. “And that my friend is why you need to keep your head in the game.” He sounded smug, and Benny slumped onto his bar stool in defeat, rubbing the back of his neck.

“How about you, new girl, play pool much?” Bull asked her, looking at her over the top of his glasses.

Liv shook her head. “Not really, a couple of times at uni, and when I was young.”

“Come play the next game with me, I promise I wont clean out your wallet unlike Benny here.”

Everyone was watching her to gauge her reaction, it was Bull’s way of testing her mettle in a friendly manner, to see if she fit in with his little ‘family’.

“I don’t play much, I might need a few pointers.” She excused herself from the group and joined the two men at the pool table, she was determined to show Bull that she could hold her own.

“I’ll help you.” Benny said smoothly, finishing his drink and letting his eyes linger on her with that burning intensity.

“Thank you, Benny.” She said sweetly, taking the cue from his outstretched hand. Their fingers brushed against each other and Liv felt her tummy jingle with butterflies.

“My pleasure.” It was almost a hungry growl, gravelly, low and almost erotic.

“And I will enjoy beating you both.” Bull said loudly destroying the moment between them.

“Take him down a peg, Liv!” cheered Chunk and Cable.

Olivia grinned and gave them a thumbs up.

“Your break” Bull said lining up the balls in their starter positions.

“Ok, so if you line up your cue here …” Benny placed one hand on the table where he was indicating and used his other to guide her to the table, his touch warm and secure on the bottom of her back.

She lined the cue up against his hand and looked down the shaft of wood. “Like this?”

“Mhmm, but a little closer, and lower … like this …” Benny encircled her body with his arms, his chin resting on her shoulder, so he could see. He was warm against her back, and Olivia couldn’t help the big, goofy grin on her face at the contact.

Across the other side of the table Bull smirked, satisfied with himself as he watched the pair of them. He looked at Marissa, who shook her head with a resigned smile.

“Thank you, Dr Bull.”

“Bull or Jason” Bull cut her off waving his hand. Liv nodded and started again.

“Thank you, Jason.”

“You’re honoured to be given the choice, you must be good.” A deep, almost lyrical voice said from the other side of the room. Olivia turned to look at it’s owner and her heart skipped a little beat. He had perfect dark hair, olive skin that looked incredibly smooth and the darkest, most intense eyes she had ever seen. He sat in a large leather arm chair, his hands resting casually on his thighs. The expensive looking three piece suit just added to his suave charm.

Bull sighed and gestured toward the other man “Benny Colon, our in house council.”

Liv swallowed down her nerves and offered him her hand, acutely aware that she wished she’d repainted her nails. “Hello, lovely to meet you.”

He took her hand in both of his and gave her a firm handshake, his fingers giving her a reassuring squeeze. “The pleasure is mine.”

Liv couldn’t fight the dusky pink flush that threatened to burn her cheeks, and turned her face away quickly.

“So,” Bull started, regaining her attention. His eyes flicked momentarily between her and Benny, Olivia could almost see the cogs turning in his head as the corner of his mouth lifted almost imperceptibly. “How much do you know about our current case? I gather it’s not reached the news in good ol’ England?”

“It hasn’t, but I sent Liv a file on the case to look over on her flight. It laid out all the details we have for her.” Marissa said, offering her one of the spare chairs in the room.

Olivia shook her head, deciding to remain standing after such a long flight. Between plane seats and the three cabs she’d had to take since she left home yesterday, she had begun to lose the feeling in her backside. “Thank you, but I feel like I’ve been sitting for a lifetime, I need to get my blood flowing again.” She did however, place her work back on the ground and crouched next to it, retrieving out the folder she had been sent. “Let’s see … rich boy turns 18, uses daddy’s money to host a big bash on board his, or daddy’s yacht. Does what teenage boys do, and has sex with a pretty girl, only problem is, the pretty girl is found strangled and washed up on the beach …”

Benny nodded his head appreciatively, and smiled at her “Well, that was concise.” Olivia couldn’t help but smile back, his dimples were one of the most attractive things she thought she’d ever seen.

“Thank you, Mr Colon”

He held his hands up and continued to smile at her reassuringly, his chocolate eyes sparkling with mirth. “Benny, please.”

“Benny” she repeated, nodding and smiling back. She held his gaze for a couple of seconds before directing her attention back to her temporary boss. “So what would you like me to do? If you have a lab I can probably run all manner of tests, I could even pull a tox screen if you feel it’s needed, my inhouse results might not be as clear cut as a designated tox lab, but I can do my best. I can test for outside or internal factors as well, judge whether anything triggered her body to shut down prior to the strangulation …” Bull just sat back, watching her with an amused look on his face, twirling his glasses around in one hand. Olivia looked back to Marissa, “I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” Marissa laughed gently and nodded, reaching out to pat her hand.

“You tend to over think when in unfamiliar situations. You speak whatever is going through your head in those moments, like you can’t control it. It’s a nervous tick. And here you are, in a new building, in a different country, surrounded by people you don’t know. Your brain is going into overdrive.” Bull analysed, looking smug.

“In other words.” Benny soothed, standing up from his chair, “You’re nervous and that’s ok. We’ll have you settled in before you know it.” He came to stand beside her and placed a large, warm hand on her shoulder blade. “I need to get down to mock court to go over the opening statement, let me show you to your lab, you can get some peace in there.” He smelled amazing, and with every subtle movement a waft of expensive came her way. Sandalwood, leather and citrus assaulted her nose.

“A good plan.” Bull also got his feet, nodding at her. “We’ve manged to secure some blood and hair samples if you could look them over for any abnormalities or anomalies.”

“Sure” Olivia smiled reassuringly, and nodded, blood and hair follicle analysis were easy, her bread and butter back home. She went to pick up her work bag, but as her fingers closed around the handle warm, soft fingers collided with hers. Benny, being the gentleman Liv could already tell he was, picked up her bag for her and gestured for her to leave the room, him following closely behind her.

Marissa watched the pair go, a contented look on her face. With a little sigh she turned to her boss who was also watching his old friend and new employee leave.

“She seems sweet. If a little nervous.”

Bull nodded and put his glasses on to look through some paperwork on his desk.

“She’ll warm up. Benny will look after her.”

“But Benny can be a bit … aloof … sometimes …”

“When have I ever given you cause not to trust me, Marissa? Believe me, she’ll have him eating from her palms in no time.” Marissa scrunched her nose up and looked at Bull. “Figuratively speaking.”

@lets-love-little-me​ @reelovesbennycolon​