::  Forbidden ::

Chapter 1

Category: Threesome, AJ/Mac/Webb, Angst, Slash

Disclaimers: Parody. Not mine

Summary: A dark little piece out of time and with no real spoilers

Warning: This ain’t Around the World, kids.

The atmosphere in the helicopter was as cold and bleak as the early winter mountains below. AJ Chegwidden stared straight ahead, boring a hole in the back of the seat – or the back of the head of the man – in front of him. He refused to look at Mac seating next to him. He didn’t need to see her fury. Even a week after the fact, she sat there next to him rigid with embarrassment and anger. He wondered if she too was watching the man sitting next to the pilot. Damn them both. How dare she? How dare Webb? It should have been funny, or at least fitting in some strange way. AJ knew he had no right to feel betrayed. After all, they were both adults and Rabb had, finally, made it perfectly clear that he couldn’t commit to her. She had a right to move on, but why did she have to move on with Webb?

AJ leaned back, forcing himself to relax. Not that he ever let himself completely relax. For thirty years he held himself in check, giving into his emotions only in circumstances that HE controlled. The Teams had honed his appetites. As a young cocky SEAL, he took his pleasure where he wanted with whomever he desired, man or woman. More often than not, particularly after a violent mission, he had sought relief in rough male-male release. But as he advanced in his career, he controlled those urges. When he went into JAG he made the conscious decision to pursue only female companionship. But the lure of dangerous liaisons was always there.

Maybe that was why he was drawn to Sarah MacKenzie. Of course, she was alluring and beautiful in her own right. But more to the point, she was off limits. Forbidden. Dangerous. He wanted her. And he denied himself. Like some medieval monk flagellating himself in horsehair, he kept her close to him instead of doing the intelligent thing and transferring her out of his command. He endured her disastrous infatuations with Lowne, Brumby and her partner. Some part of him even reveled in her pain at Rabb’s stupid remarks, to and about her, as well as the many flirtations with other women, unworthy women. Rabb was an idiot. Oh, a bona fide hero with a hero’s perception of the world. He was as pretty as Mac in his manly way. AJ never desired his top gun.

Why the hell he felt the pull of sexual attraction to Clayton Webb was completely beyond him. Maybe it was that cocky mouth. Even in his jealous anger, AJ felt a stirring, imagining what that mouth would feel like wrapped around his cock.

What a mess. And, it was a mess that he didn’t think he could control. They would be stuck together in a safe house until the trial. Hell, after the trial they would still be in danger of retribution from Hadeem’s followers. He was used to personal peril. He was no stranger to risk. He would do his best to protect them even if this wasn’t his show. Damn you, Webb.

Webb sat next to the pilot wondering just what the hell he had done to deserve this strange twist of karma. It was supposed to have been a simple consultation. A typical Navy demand for assistance. He had been surprised to find that Mac would be his partner on this instead of Rabb, but they had worked together fairly well. They hunted for the connection between Navy personnel and one Faroud Hadeem from Okinawa to San Diego discovering links that reached the Army and eventually the Air Force. They were doing good work and tracked their man to Denver of all places.

Somewhere along the way, he couldn’t remember what base it had been on, after a particularly frustrating day, Mac had invited him to the base’s gym to work out. She was the one who challenged him to spar with her. "Come on Webb, you outweigh me, you even have a couple of inches on me, I won’t hurt you too much." And they duked it out. But even as they dodged and danced and landed blows, they maintained eye contact. It was sexy foreplay and halfway through they both knew it. Their gloves hampered their first kiss, but they ripped them off each other and the aftermath was explosive. Their sweaty gym clothes littered a path to the showers and he took her right there against the tile; the spraying water enhanced their coupling.

Afterwards, they stared in shock at each other. They dressed as quickly as possible and parted without a word at the door of the gym. The next morning, Webb considered not meeting her for breakfast as they usually did. He expected her fury or embarrassment. He expected her to at least insist that they could never have a repeat. Instead, she met his gaze with a wicked grin. "Clay, it was incredible. Thank you."

During the day they tracked the connection between military personnel and the terrorist group. By night they explored every erogenous zone and fantasy that she had never admitted to before. And, she had opened up to him in other ways. He wasn’t sure he liked it. By the time they had arrived in Denver, he knew the details of Rabb’s final betrayal. Unfortunately, she had also blurted out the one thing that they had in common. He could still kick himself for his stumble. Of all the things you had to share – you had to share that. You’re as stupid as that partner of hers.

As much as he regretted his slip it was not without benefit. He groaned at the memory of taking her anal cherry that night. "Is it different, Clay? Do you wish he was here? Which of you would fuck the other? Oh, to see you two sixty-nine!" He came so hard that night – thinking about the man who once broke his nose – even as he shouted her name.

And like some pagan summoning charm, the next morning she opened the door at dawn to find AJ Chegwidden standing there, glaring into her small BOQ room.

For a week Sarah MacKenzie’s emotions had fluctuated from shame at being discovered with Clayton Webb in her bed, to anger at the Admiral’s disapproval, to pure unrelieved lust. She missed the incredible sex with Webb. He was talented and exactly what she needed. He was a most inventive lover, varying the positions and places. In fact, the only position they hadn’t made love in was Webb on top, missionary style. They had fucked in the shower at the gyms of several military bases. He had inducted her into the mile high club and not in the usual, mundane fashion on a commercial flight, but in the cabin of the CIA Learjet. One night, after the files had been neatly put away, he took her against the wall in the base commandant’s office. But only after they agreed that they were through with the case for the night.

Control. That’s what Webb was all about. And, unlike her partner, Harmon Rabb, Webb didn’t try to control her. He never made any demands on her other than pleasure. She knew from the first that he wasn’t sharing himself with her. He allowed her to open up and talk about the things in her life that drove her to distraction. She had waxed poetic on the myriad of sins that Rabb committed, even knowing that Clay didn’t like it.

Webb never tried to solve her problems, never suggested anything other than comic retribution. "Lock him and Singer in a small room together, only one of them would walk out. No wait. They would probably just fuck like bunnies and reproduce. Bad idea."

He listened and never once told her what, if anything bothered him. So, when he admitted his sexual orientation, it surprised her. The way he had done it stirred in her feelings that until now had never entered her conscious thought. That he also found AJ Chegwidden sexually attractive just heightened her sexual response.

They had been entwined in post coital stupor. She was leisurely stroking his cock, ignoring his grunts of mild displeasure. But, as tender as he professed to be, diligence on her part might garner her one more fuck and, with Webb, she craved every orgasm. She remembered the conversation clearly.

His response floored her and at the same time sent a wave of lust through her that made her lightheaded. She could see the fear behind his cocky admission and she knew he waiting for her to run away. But she surprised him again by insisting that he take her further still.

And he had. Slowly he stretched her, carefully adding fingers until she was ready. They had no lube but Vaseline had been an acceptable, if messy substitute. He smeared it over his condom-clad cock.

It did hurt at first, but he urged her to relax and soon she was egging him on, thrusting back against him. Never before had she felt so full, so darkly wanton and so erotically nasty.

Her eyes flickered to the man next to her. The bright sun reflected off the snow of the mountains and the furiously rotating blades of the helicopter taking them to the safe house where they would spend their pre-trial exile. The thought of her CO having sex with Webb was almost as overwhelming as taking AJ to bed herself. Not that it would ever happen. That morning, the look on AJ’s face when he realized who was in her bed might have been funny under any other circumstances. But, perhaps because he had played a part in her last orgasm, she had felt like a slut and worse.

Anyone else would have allowed her the dignity of meeting him outside her bedroom. In fact, now that she thought about it, she could probably press charges against him. While fornication wasn’t encouraged within the service, Webb wasn’t a superior or a subordinate.

He stomped into the room, forcing Webb to cover himself with the sheet and retreat to her small bathroom. "What the hell do you think you’re doing, Colonel. I sent you out here to track terrorists, not sleep with Clayton Webb!"

As it turned out, Chuck Robertson was an old friend of Chegwidden’s and because the implications of treason reached so high, the SecNav had dispatched his JAG to personally handle it. At first, AJ tried to order Mac back to DC, but she knew too much and Webb protested loudly enough to the right people that she stayed. Not that they had a moment alone to talk, let alone bed each other. She felt like some Victorian maid, the Admiral’s stony glare an effective chastity belt.

Robertson had been stunned, refusing to believe that the quiet professor who professed to love his sister could be Al-Queda. He insisted upon going with them. And, unfortunately, a reporter doing a story for ZNN saw them leave. The shoot out was on the evening news. For once, "I was never here," wasn’t viable for Webb, though he tried. Unfortunately, Stuart Dunstan was at ZNN headquarters and reviewed the tape before the broadcast. That night the entire country heard the story.

Three days later, the three of them appeared at the arraignment of Hadeem and followed the US Marshals escorting him from the building afterwards. The attack was straight out of a Bruce Willis movie. Three marshals, two Denver police officers and four of the attackers, all Americans of Iranian or Iraqi descent, died in the rescue attempt. Webb tackled Hadeem, preventing two of the attackers from dragging him away from his dying guards. Webb would have died if AJ hadn’t picked up a gun and shot the man ready to blow Webb away. That made the news too. Faroud Hadeem was not happy. He sent a video to ZNN, promising to kill the Deputy Director, the JAG and the whore who dared to defy his will.

She gazed out the window of the helicopter, wondering just where the hell they were heading. The Secretary for Homeland Security allowed the CIA to handle security. Frankly, she was beginning to wish that they had been separated.

Webb suddenly sat forward and shouted over the radio. "There!"

She looked out the window and gasped. "There!"

Webb laughed. "What’s the matter, Colonel? I thought Marines were used to roughing it."

"Stand down," AJ snapped. "It looks awfully small to me."

"It is. But this time of year, it’s inaccessible by anything but a chopper. You’d be surprised who we’ve protected here in the past." Webb turned to the pilot. "The supplies in back?"

"Yep. The radio down there should work, but there’s a backup packed in the second box. Last fall, Callahan and I took the Range Rover up here. We restocked and checked the systems and toys. Everything was working."

"Toys?" Mac asked.

"Yes, ma’am. There are a couple of snowmobiles, ATVs, a snow blower – not that that will do you much good this time of year. The snow is probably a good two feet deep or deeper. There are skis but you can’t use them – no way to get back up the mountain."

"What’s there to do down there?" AJ demanded.

Webb nudged the pilot who answered. "Well, it’s pretty primitive. There’s a gas-powered generator. It runs the water heater and pump. The barn has solar panels that power the radio, heater and a few lights to read by. But, there’s not enough power to run a television or VCR - sorry. There’s a regular little library and I took the liberty of picking up the top twenty best sellers on the New York Times’ list and all the latest magazines. There are cards and a couple of box games. I wouldn’t suggest playing Monopoly with Webb, he cheats." His attempt at humor fell flat. "You ready?"

"Are you going to set down?" Mac said.

"Sorry. I can hover at five feet above the snow. You’ll have to push the two crates out. Get them as close to the cabin as you can, try not to actually hit the cabin though. I’ll hold it as steady as I can, but you are going to have to jump."

AJ had a bad feeling about this. They were completely at the mercy of the CIA. No one knew where they were except Webb’s people. Webb swore Sheffield been advised of the location of the safe house. Webb assured him that the location was under satellite and radar surveillance. He still didn’t like depending on Webb.

They struggled through the snow to reach the cabin. One capsule-shaped crate was fairly close to the cabin. Both looked like they had survived the drop intact. "We can get the other one tomorrow. Mac, get inside, start a fire." Webb punched a number in on the keypad before he and AJ turned to retrieve the closest box.

Mac surveyed the great room finished in rough-hewn knotty pine on the walls and floors. One wall held a stone fireplace. The overstuffed chairs and matching sofa looked comfortable. They would need to dust the dining room table and other surfaces though. THEY would. By God I will not play maid to either of them.

She was thankful that a large pile of wood filled the round holder next to the fireplace. She checked the flue and built the fire.

Once it caught, she turned her attention to the rest of the room. Against the opposite wall was an old fashioned open base cabinet with a sink. Pots and pans were stacked on the single shelf under it. "We’ll have to wash those before we can use them. God I hope there aren’t creatures." She shuddered at that thought. Walking over to the small refrigerator she found it empty and off. She wondered what they had brought that would necessitate refrigeration.

A wood-burning stove took up one corner. She started a fire on this end of the cabin before continuing her search. The shelves on the walls held a variety of can goods – also covered in a fine layer of dust. Soups, canned vegetables, potted meats, peanut butter. She found a case of bottled water. Brooms, mops, feather dusters and a dustpan hung from the walls. There was a small metal trashcan next to the sink.

Finally, she found the thermostat for the baseboard heat set to 45. She turned it to 68. Looking under the sink she noticed the pipes were wrapped with some kind of material and small wires ran to the heater.

Standing, she started toward the doors against the far wall, but before she reached them the front door swung open. "Hey, Mac. Come help. The box won’t fit inside the door. We’re going to have to unload it out here." Webb’s face was a bright red and his nose was running.

"Why don’t you come in and I’ll go out." She reached for her coat.

"Nah. Once I get inside, I’m not leaving until the spring thaw." He turned back to the outside.

When everything was inside, AJ closed the now light case and pushed it against the side of the house. Webb stepped inside and started for the fire, without bothering to even shake off his boots.

"Hey!" Mac scolded. "You want not track in the snow!"

Webb sighed and began to unlace his boots. "Yes, darling."

AJ chose that moment to come in. He glared from one to the other, stamped his feet and demanded. "What have we got?"

Webb waved his hand, pointing out each small feature. "Living area. The library is against the wall next to the fireplace. There’s a bathroom and two bedrooms, twin beds in one, a full-size in the other."

Mac reached down and picked up a suitcase that had her name penciled in on a strip of masking tape. She faced her CO and lifted one eyebrow in question.

"Webb and I will take the twin bedroom. You can have the other one, Colonel."

"Yes sir." Oh this will be fun - a month of sirs and admirals and colonels. She made no effort to hide her anger and stomped off to the doors to find her hiding place.

Whoever packed her suitcase had done well. There were jeans in her size. Heavy socks and serviceable underwear. The trial was scheduled for thirty days away, but she was sure that there would be delays. Of course, if they found Hadeem, then they could take a chance. From the way the Admiral was taking their enforced confinement she planned to start praying every night that the FBI and Rabb would find them. She knew that Rabb would be working on it. It was one of the few comforting things about their relationship. He would do everything in his power to protect her.

She pulled off her snow pants and the sweat soaked jeans underneath them. "I wonder what they expect us to do for clean clothes. I really doubt that they have a washer and dryer."

She explored the room that would be her refuge from the two men. She was really missing Webb and the incredible sex they experienced. Poor guy. Stuck staring a room with the object of his desire. Of course, Chegwidden would beat him to a pulp if Webb even looked at him funny.

She was pleased to see thermal underwear as well as another package of underwear. A man had definitely packed this. She had enough underpants for two weeks. There were only five bras, but she could wash those out and hang them up. Tee-shirts and sweatshirts rounded out the rest of the contents that she stored in the simple four drawer chest. She pulled simple plaid slippers over her heavy socks and then closed up the suitcase and stored it in the otherwise empty closet. Squaring her shoulders she approached the door leading to the front room and the two men.

It was empty, as was the small bathroom. She looked toward the door leading to the other bedroom. "They’re in there – together? Oh man."

Webb was already beginning to wonder if the couch would be an acceptable place to sleep. AJ hadn’t said a word as he followed the spy into their room, picking the bed he wanted without even asking if Webb had a preference; not that he did.

This was definitely worse than his first semester at Harvard. His mother had insisted that he stay on campus for at least the first year. He had been quiet and introspective then. And he had been lucky. Eddie Byrnes was an equally quiet older student who turned out to be the best roommate Webb ever endured. But then, Eddie had been the one who showed Webb how foolish it was to limit your sexual experimentation to just one sex. They were still friends.

Webb refused to consider that now. There was no way that he was going to be doing anything but jacking off in the shower. He was just thankful that there were two chests of drawers. The one closet was empty, save for the radio packed in its nylon case on the shelf. Turning he was taken aback by the intense look AJ was giving him. "What?"

"I hope to hell you don’t snore."

But for some reason Webb didn’t think that AJ really gave a damn about his snoring. In fact, he suspected that AJ would take great delight in waking him, if snoring kept him awake. "I’ve had no complaints." He grinned. "But then, if I do, it would be your fault."

A cocked eyebrow was AJ’s only response and Webb turned away to hide the embarrassed look on his face. Oh this was going to be very bad. He quickly walked outside to check out the couch only to find Mac standing in the middle of the room. A wave of tenderness swept over him. He brutally beat it down. There was no way. Nope. Never gonna happen. He stopped abruptly, unsure of what to say.

"What’s the matter?" AJ snapped as he pushed him out of the way.

"Hey!" Webb glared at him over his shoulder.

"Please don’t." Mac sighed. "We are going to be stuck here together for the next month unless they find Hadeem."

"He’s the one who pushed me," Webb insisted.

"You’re the one blocking the door," AJ said.

"You got a bus to catch?"

"Stop it!" Mac fisted her hands at her side.

"Watch it, Colonel."

"Oh! You’re going to pull rank on her, Chegwidden?" Webb turned to face his adversary. "You’re pissed at me so you’re going to take it out on the only person here you outrank?"

"Clay!"

"Stay out of this." Both men snapped. Webb knew he didn’t have a chance against AJ. The man outweighed and towered over him. And damn him, he could feel the pull even now.

"No! I won’t stay out of it." She stepped between them. "I meant it. We are stuck here – together. WE can do this easy or hard. You want to sulk the entire time? That’ll be pleasant. We need to come up with a plan. OH! And while we’re at it." She turned her attention to Chegwidden. "Sir, you can bring me up on charges when we get back, but I refuse to spend the next thirty days or so calling you Admiral and standing on protocol. What would you prefer?"

What he preferred was to walk out into the snow and find his way down the hill. That way the two of them could be together and he wouldn’t have to watch. But, if he did that then they would be unprotected and that wasn’t acceptable. However, as so often was the case, Mac was right. They couldn’t coldly ignore each other only to break their silence in petulant bickering.

Webb looked slightly dazed and not a little surprised by her outburst – as well he should. How dare she decided she wasn’t going to stand on protocol. Of course, he really didn’t want to hear ‘Sir, this,’ or ‘Admiral, that’ constantly for the duration of their stay. And he could see that she was ready to start playing dirty. The next month was fraught with peril that had little to do with a terrorist assassination attempt.

Fisting his hands at his hips he stalked over to the table before turning to face them. Webb had moved in a protective stance between the two of them, but before AJ could call him on it, Mac stepped around Webb and went and sat down at one of the chairs. Webb sighed and pulled out a chair, but waited until AJ did the same. "Sit down both of you. We need to set some ground rules."

"First," Mac interrupted, "I’ll make coffee. There is coffee somewhere, isn’t there?"

They turned to the sacks, bags and small boxes scattered on the floor. Sighing, Webb went over and began to search through them.

"Oh for goodness sakes lets just put this stuff away." Sarah reached out for a sack and, after looking inside handed it back to Webb. "This stuff goes in the bathroom."

AJ thought Webb was going to argue or even put the bag back down. Instead he turned and left them alone. Mac crossed her arms on her chest and met his steady gaze. "Now. You want to say something to me in private…AJ?"

"One." He held up a finger. "I will accept a more casual form of address from you for the duration of this mission."

"Mission?" Her lip quirked.

"Don’t interrupt, Colonel…Mac." He held up another finger. "Two. Whatever you and Webb have between you is on hold. If you wish to ruin…"

"Red light, AJ." The sparkle that had been in her eyes turned to ice crystals. "You have no right. We are not on duty. I am a woman full grown and I know how to behave." Her smile was bitter. "Remember? I know what’s right." The ice crystals seemed to melt and he could swear she was on the verge of tears.

He had no idea why he even thought it, let alone released it out loud. "Three. When this is over, you will ask for a reassignment." Even as he said it, he felt shattered. Her gasp was painful to his ears and heart. Her look of shock was nearly his undoing. But he felt the icy grip of control choke back any soothing explanation.

"You’re probably right…sir." She turned away from him and reached down for a bag. Picking it up she found a load of books. "Do you prefer to stock the library, or do you plan to sit on your ass and invoke Admiral’s privilege?"

He stepped close and took the bag from her. "Keep it up, Mac. You are damned close to disciplinary action."

They were so close they could smell each other’s sweat. But Mac didn’t back down. "You do what you have to do, AJ. Like I said, bring me up on charges when we get back. If you dare." He knew that they were both on shaky ground; knew that both could ruin the other’s career.

She turned away and searched through the other bags. Finally, finding something for the kitchen she kept her back straight and walked away from him. The disgust he felt for his childish handling of the entire situation warred with his rising anger with her attitude. Unfortunately, his ego won. "Sarah." his purr was low and dangerous and she froze, though she didn’t turn to face him again. He had never called her by her given name before – at least not in her hearing. "If I decide you need discipline, I will administer it, when, where and how I see fit."

His words went straight to her core and images of just how he could discipline her played across her mind. Naked, tied to the bed, he behind her, also naked, his hand slapping her ass. Webb would be standing there, his erection so near and yet unattainable, watching it all. "If you dare," she whispered so softly she knew he couldn’t hear her.

His eyes widened. Had he just heard what he thought? If I dare? She’s deliberately provoking me. But what the hell did that mean? It sounded like she wanted me too. How. He could see her – and Webb – bent over the couch, naked. He was standing behind them, ready to administer…

He shoved the image from his mind and turned to find Webb just behind him. He steeled himself for the spy’s angry questions. But Webb pushed past him, not even meeting his eye.

"Can I help?" he asked Mac softy.

"Sure." She sniffed back the angry tears threatening to fall. "Grab another sack and lets see what we have."

By the time they were done, Webb found the switch for the small fridge and placed the milk and liquefied eggs inside. "Beats powdered, but it’s hell making over-easy." She appreciated Webb’s feeble attempt at humor and rewarded him with a smile far too sunny. But it died on her lips when she saw AJ standing by the fire, staring at them. Suddenly, with all her heart, she wished it was just she and Webb stuck here. Maybe AJ and his lousy attitude will be called back to DC. After all, he’s the JAG. He’s important. Why the hell is he making this so hard? Damn the man!

Webb wanted to reach out and embrace her. Hell, he wanted to take her over the table and for a moment the daredevil that he kept firmly buried offered up the scenario. What would AJ do? Watch? Leave? Participate? Can you goad him into playing too? It’s been a while but it would be worth it. Fortunately, the survivalist in him quickly spoke up. There’s no one to mend a broken nose up here - if that’s all he would break. From the way he’s acting he would probably beat you to a pulp and, even as dirty as you fight, he would still mop the floor with you.

"So." He mentally shook the images from his head. "How about that coffee now? You want me to make it?"

"No. That’s okay. I’ll make it. There’s regular and decaf."

"Regular," AJ growled from where he was shelving the last of the books that would be their only form of entertainment.

"Decaf." Webb glared back at AJ. "It’s getting late and if I’m going to snore, caffeine will do it." Actually, he had no idea how caffeine effected snoring. He just knew he was going to have a hard enough time falling asleep tonight anyway.

Mac sighed. "Well, I’m the swing vote." She glared at both men then reached for the regular. "I’ll make a half a pot of regular then some decaf, okay?"

"Don’t bother. Make the regular."

"No. If he’s going to snore make the decaf."

"Look. Don’t worry about it." Webb walked over to the case of water and grabbed a bottle. "I’m good." He walked into the living area, passed AJ and took a rigid stance in front of the books, glaring at the titles.

"Clay?" Her voice trembled, causing both men to feel like heels.

"Yes?"

"Is the water from the tap okay to use for coffee?"

"It’s from a mountain stream, nothing to pollute it." He turned and gave her a wry smile. "We’ll probably all get sick as dogs."

"Is soup okay for dinner? There’s bread."

"You made the coffee. I’ll manage dinner. Go on. Get done and come and sit down. You aren’t going to play maid during our exile."

She stood and watched the coffee percolate trying hard to get her emotions under control as she went over the terrible things AJ had said to her. He didn’t mean it. Why did he say that? Does he think I’m a tramp? He should have waited outside. He has no right to treat me like this. Why is he doing this? He made it perfectly clear that he didn’t want me five years ago. He can’t be this petty. She reached for a cup and a potholder. Pouring the coffee, she turned to AJ. "Here." She forced herself to appear calm.

Two strides brought him to her side. He reached for the cup and their fingers touched. He made the mistake of looking into her eyes and knew he was fair and truly busted. He saw her eyes widen in recognition of the emotion that had sparked between them. But then they narrowed and the anger returned with a vengeance. Coward! She might as well have shouted it out.

"Excuse me." She pushed passed him and he swore she bushed her breasts against his arm on purpose. Her hand was on the door to her bedroom before she spoke. "Clay, you said something about making the soup?"

Webb had watched the exchange from his position. The discordant symphony of emotions had been swift but he caught every one of them. Well, well. Of course. That explains that. He wants her. This is going to be one of those alpha male battles – he thinks. Interesting. He walked to the kitchen and began to study his options. "You just going to stand there glaring, AJ?"

AJ didn’t say a word. But, he didn’t move either. He refused to consider the tiny but disastrous interplay that had just occurred. Instead, he watched the economical flow of the muscles on Webb’s back as the man reached and stooped, pulling out cans and pots and pans. Going to the fridge Webb bent from the waist and AJ studied the ass encased in the tight jeans. He should look away; go away, far, far, away. But, instead, he tortured himself. He was made of stern stuff and he would manage this. And he would figure out a way to take back his demand that Sarah transfer out. That would be his one loss of control this mission.

"I’m surprised there were no firearms in the case." He kept his voice neutral, without a hint of accusation in it.

"I’m sure there will be plenty of firepower in the other case. I just hope it doesn’t snow tonight."

"I didn’t see any clouds." There. They could always fall back on the weather and survival. They were professionals. They could do this.

Webb reached for plates stacked on one of the shelves. He placed them in the sink and opened the small tap. "They’re just dusty. Cold water will do for this. The water heater is a quick heat, but I’m sure we all want showers later." Keep it professional.

AJ walked up to the sink, pushing up the sleeves of his sweatshirt. "You’re cooking, I’ll do KP. I’m not going to pull rank while we’re here, Webb."

Webb lifted his eyes to AJ. "I’m not the one I’m worried about. You can beat me to a pulp if you want. You can break more than my nose. I know that. But, you can’t pull rank with me. I won’t let you. You want to play fair? Cut her some goddamn slack." He turned his back to AJ to fiddle with the mixture on the stove.

"She is an officer under my command."

"Yeah? From what I overheard not for long."

"Still the spying spook."

"I am what I am. But keep this in mind. This place is maybe 700 square feet. Even with the doors closed you can hear a sigh in the next room. You honestly think we would start fucking with you in the next room?"

"Goddamn straight you won’t."

Well he had crossed the line with this man before. Turning, Webb gave him a cocky grin. "But if you’re in the same room?" He lifted an eyebrow and waited for the explosion.

This was nothing more than a game of chicken. And, AJ had grown up and survived rural Texas where they perfected the game. He had played Russian roulette in Saigon and walked away from the lure of Sarah MacKenzie five years ago. He took a step that closed the distance, but he didn’t strike out, not with his fists. "You think she wouldn’t come to me, if I called her, Webb? You think that you could win?" That should shut that smirking mouth.

Instead the smile grew. "I have no idea, AJ, but damn, wouldn’t it be a fun contest?"

Sarah’s gasp did little to break the tension between the two men. However, it did return them both to their tasks.

They ate dinner in strained silence. When they were finished, Sarah gave Webb a small smile. "That was really good. I can only imagine what you could do with fresh ingredients."

"Thanks." He started to take the dishes, but AJ jerked them out of his hand.

"I told you. You cooked; I’ll KP. Tomorrow I’ll fix dinner."

"Whatever." Webb stood and walked over to the fire. Crouching down he added several logs before settling in one of the chairs.

Sarah stood there for a minute, trying to find a safe subject. Stick to the mission. Her eyes tracked around the room and she had decided to just grab a book and go hide.

It didn’t take AJ long to wash the dishes. While he did he tried once again to chastise himself for his behavior. Too many days, one of us will crack. It’s up to me to take charge.

He walked over to the empty chair. "Sit down…Mac."

Hesitantly, she joined them. She lowered herself to the couch but didn’t relax. "Yes…AJ?"

"We will get through this. We are all on edge and I accept that I spoke out of turn before." He dropped his eyes; he couldn’t look at her. Even in the baggy sweatshirt and slippers, she was still the sexiest woman he knew. But he couldn’t relinquish control. "We have books to read and chores to do around the cabin."

"Oh and don’t forget Monopoly," Webb said.

"I don’t do board games." AJ continued quickly. "This barn on the property. I don’t suppose there’s an open space where we can get some exercise?"

"You mean outside of the weights, punching bag and other workout equipment?" Webb gave them both a grin. "I was saving it for later. We did put some thought into this. We’ve had people hidden up here for months on end. We’ve made improvements over the past five years, taken the disasters into consideration."

"Good," AJ said. "That will help keep us in shape. I’m still concerned about security though. I think we should stand watch."

"I told you, we’re safe here. We’re under satellite monitoring and camera feeds."

AJ glowered and began looking for the security cameras, even as he felt relief. There would be no sexual escapades if they were being monitored. "Where are they?"

Webb could almost see the wheels in AJ’s head working. He couldn’t keep the smirk from his face; he really didn’t try. "They’re all outside." The flash of anger in AJ’s eye’s only spurred him on. "Oh, come on. That’s the joy of this place. No one is getting within a hundred miles of this place. But, there are no guards, no nursemaids." He crossed his arms behind his head. "What we do here, stays here."

AJ felt the control he had worked on throughout dinner begin to slip again. Their eyes locked and AJ willed the smirk on Webb’s face to fade. You know you can’t take me in a physical contest, so you think you can push my buttons. Have you decided the game? You think I will play by your rules? He plopped down in the chair to continue the staring contest.

"Well, I for one am going to grab a book and read in my room." Sarah stood and walked between them to the wall of books. "I’ve been wanting to read this for a long time." She turned and spared each man a long look. "Goodnight gentlemen."

She was going to get testosterone poisoning. Goddamn men. Playing her like that. What the hell am I? A fucking prize in their pissing contest? I can’t believe Clay said that to him. She couldn’t believe how turned on she was by the thought of two men competing sexually for her. She spared a thought to the two of them having to sleep together. Would Webb confess his attraction? Had she really seen the look of desire flash across AJ’s face as he checked out the spy’s ass. Of course, she might have been wrong, she only caught the look from profile. Someone was going to get hurt and she suspected that it might very well be all of them.

She was tired and even though it was only 2130 hours, she pulled off her jeans. Shivering in the cold she found the thermostat. "55! I don’t think so." She dialed it up to 65 and considered going higher. She should go out and ask Webb if doing so would put a strain on the electrical storage. She lifted up the comforter and felt its weight. "We’ll see," she muttered. Pulling on the heavy flannel pajamas she stepped out into the living room for just a moment. She didn’t pause on her way to the bathroom, but she saw Webb was still sitting there, hands behind his head, his attention still focused on AJ who was glaring right back at him. Goddamn men. She went to the bathroom and found three wrapped toothbrushes and other sundries. Taking first choice she brushed her teeth, washed her face and, as she returned to her room, ignored both men.

She fluffed the pillows and opened the book. She allowed the author to weave the story and didn’t even realize when she fell asleep.

"I’ll take my shower tonight." Webb stood and stretched. The smirk never left his face, but it was beginning to be a chore to hold it there. "We can kick the heat up a notch or two to take the chill off, but the comforters are down and I don’t want to stress the system."

"Fine. I shower in the mornings." AJ remained in his chair.

The water cascaded over his body. He tried hard to ignore the feelings coursing through him. She was so close and so untouchable. Lack of cameras or not, he wouldn’t make the first move. He would do his best to push AJ into making it, but it was dangerous and he really didn’t want to be beaten, for several reasons beyond the obvious. Mac would never forgive AJ if he lost control and lashed out. But then, she would be right to blame me, if I goaded AJ into an attack. And, perhaps the most disturbing thought of all was that AJ didn’t need the guilt of losing control – not like that anyway. A wicked plan began to form. But then, wicked plans were his forte. Not tonight. He would wait for an opening. This might be fun.

He dried off and, donning just his underwear, stepped out into the main room of the cabin. AJ was staring into the fire. "If you close the glass doors and turn on the small fan it will draw the heat into the cabin until the temperature drops. Then the fan will kick off."

"Yeah. Got it." AJ didn’t look up.

Webb thought to call to him, make him look over. But, he padded to the bedroom. He normally slept in the nude - when he felt safe. But as secure at this location was, safe wasn’t the word that immediately came to mind. Whoever had packed the supplies for them not only knew their sizes but also what was needed to wear for warmth at night. The cotton jersey material kissed his skin. He was covered from ankle and wrist to neck. He considered wearing socks but he heard a thud outside the door and decided that he wanted to be under the covers when his roomie entered.

AJ purposefully made noise to announce his arrival. He rather hoped that Webb was in bed, covered, facing away from him. Though he had to admit he wondered what the spy would look like sprawled on the bed naked. Would Webb’s cock be thin and shapely like his hands? Or would he go against type and be thick? One thing was for certain; AJ knew he would dream tonight. He just wondered which one of them would star.

Webb was already in bed, covered, though he had resumed his earlier position. His hands were locked behind his head. Their eyes met but then flickered away. AJ stripped down to his underwear leaving his briefs and tee shirt on. Did Webb’s breath hitch? Was he going to say something about dressing warmer? For fifty years AJ had dressed himself; let the little bastard try.

He turned off the light and stood still; letting the cold seep into his bones, shrivel whatever arousal he might feel, before walking to the bed. He willed Webb to roll over but the man never moved. Gritting his teeth he walked between the two beds, his back to Webb. Pulling down the comforter, he turned and sat down. He was thankful that the room was dark and that no moonlight invaded the thermo curtain covered window. The décor left much to be desired, but it was serving him well tonight.

His head hit the pillow and he discovered just how tired the jump and subsequent exercise had made him. Even has he felt sleep overtake him he vowed to use the exercise equipment in the barn to tire himself out tomorrow.

A noise woke him. Sitting up in bed he was surprised that he could clearly see the empty bed next to him. Fear overtook him. What had happened? Were they being attacked? There. He heard the thud again. The dining table outside the door was scraping against the pine flooring. He recognized the noise because he had purposefully moved it last night to let Webb know he was coming to bed.

He heard a pain-filled groan and without thinking, stood and strode to the door, ignoring the chill to his bare feet and legs. Yanking open the door all thought of warm or cold left him. White-hot rage boiled his blood. A growl escaped his lips.

Sarah was prone, over the table, her ass in the air, naked. Behind her, Webb, also naked was poised, his long thick cock just nudging her entrance. "About time you joined us, AJ. Sarah wants your cock, don’t you, darling?"

"Please, sir." She arched up and her breasts dangled, brushing the table. AJ’s cock was already searching to escape the confining boxers. His groan hung between them for only a moment before he too was naked, standing before her. God! Her mouth felt so good on his cock. Her tongue lapped, teased, and caressed it. Her eyes beckoned him and he smiled down at her as his hands fisted in her hairs, pulling her closer. "That’s it baby, just like that."

"Isn’t she incredible, AJ?" His eyes flew to Webb, who, with each thrust, pushed her deeper onto his cock. There was a twinkle in the man’s eye. "I told you I would win."

"Ha!" Grabbing her head more firmly, AJ pulled away.

She released him with a pop and a groan. "Why?" As he moved away, she reached for him, but he was already half way around the table.

Webb never dropped his eyes from his. Even as he thrust into the woman they both wanted, Webb reached out to caress his fingers through the thick hair on AJ’s chest. For a moment, AJ thought to get behind him, take his ass even as Webb was pounding into Mac, but instead, he fisted his hand in Webb’s hair jerking him painfully away.

Mac howled at her abandonment but the men ignored her. Their lips met in a rough brief kiss, but even as Webb’s arms were trying to embrace him, AJ was already forcing the spy to his knees. "You’ll do, boy." There was no affection, only passion. And from the look on Webb’s face, he didn’t mind one bit.

AJ had been right all along. That smart mouth was good for something. Damn! What a talented tongue. And, Webb knew how to swallow a cock. Hot and wet, tighter than any woman’s passage, the throat worked him to a frenzy. AJ held Webb’s head and he began to pump harder, deeper. "Oh yeah!"

"AJ" Webb groaned and AJ immediately woke up.

Staring up into the cold dark room he listened carefully. Sweat poured off his brow and his cock ached for release. Goddamn wet dream.

"Just like that," came the whispered plea.

I’ll be damned if I lie here and listen to him having a wet dream about me. He threw off the covers at the next moan and stalked to the door. Jerking it open, he walked to the bathroom.

Webb lifted his head and listened carefully to the water running in the bathroom.

He was a light sleeper; he had to be. At the first low growl from AJ’s bed, he’d immediately woken. What he heard was interesting. Very interesting. At first he thought to allow AJ to finish his dream. Instead, he decided to push the envelope a little. He groaned a few times himself, finally calling out AJ’s name. That worked. He knew the moment AJ woke; could hear the change in breathing. He added just a little more and waited. He didn’t expect AJ to jump up and declare his desire. But at least now, Webb knew they were all reading from the same book. They weren’t on the same page, not yet.

Webb rolled over and pulled the comforter over his head. Only then did he allow an evil, grin appear on his face. This would be no hearts and flowers affair. No declarations of undying love. No, there would be danger. But then, that’s what had always attracted Webb to men. Women were soft and held their own attraction, but he was definitely looking forward to seeing if he could break through AJ’s barriers. It definitely beat sitting and staring at the snow.

He waited for a long time, but he knew AJ would have to return. Not even a former SEAL would subject himself to the bitter cold of the cabin. Sure enough, he heard the door close and the bedsprings creak. I hope to hell he goes back to sleep. If he doesn’t then he will be like an enraged bear tomorrow.

The strange noises of the cabin kept waking her up. Each time the heater cycled, each time the wind picked up, each time the building groaned she would come out of her light sleep. She tried to ignore the faint murmurings coming from the room right next to hers. When she heard the door of the other bedroom open she went so far as to sit up in bed. Was Webb coming to her? Did he dare? What would she do if he did? But she could tell by the weight of the step that it wasn’t Webb. She held her breath as AJ stopped at her door. Would he? Had something happened? She pulled the comforter up to her chin in preparation but then he moved off and the door to the bathroom opened and closed. Just the nighttime call of nature.

She fell back against the pillows. This is not good. I have to get some sleep. She expected to hear a stream of piss. While the outside walls of the cabin were fairly well insulated, the interior walls were thinner than a 4-hour nap hotel. So thin that she could hear the increasing labored breathing. She realized he was stroking himself. What brought this on? Did Webb say something to him? Which one of them was he thinking of as he jacked off?

She was unbelievably turned on and couldn’t help it. She pushed her hand underneath the waistband of the flannel pajamas and found her pussy was soaking wet. She began to circle her clit, which was already hardened and ready. Biting her lip to keep him from hearing her, she listened intently as a growl escaped his lips. Oh God! So close. Her hips began to rotate and she applied just the right pressure. She was good at this. Before Webb entered her life, this was all she had for such a long time.

At his gasp of completion – did she really hear his ejaculate hit the water – she began to thrust up into her hand letting small gasps of pleasure join his. So close, so very, very, "Oh yes!" It was just a whisper; surely he couldn’t hear her. No. The flush of the toilet covered her release. She stilled and listened as he made his way back to his room. This time he didn’t pause at her door. Now, with some of the tension abated, she finally drifted off into a deeper sleep.

Webb woke first. At least he thought AJ was still asleep, but the Admiral was curled away from him and he couldn’t really tell. He grabbed his clothes and went to the bathroom where he quickly shaved, dressed and brushed his hair. Entering the living area he found Mac was staring at the coffee can. "Regular’s good all around I would imagine."

"Whatever." She yawned and turned away only to curse. "Damn it."

He heard the bathroom door close and grinned ruefully. "Sorry."

"Not your fault. I can hold it."

"You better go tell him to give you a chance before he takes his shower."

"Yeah right."

"Mac, you can’t let him cow you like this."

"Look, Webb." It hurt that she was using his last name again. "I’ll handle my own problems with him. I don’t need you running interference."

He held his hands between them, as if to ward her off. "Okay, okay. Fight your own damn battles. God, you’re a real bitch in the morning aren’t you?"

"Yeah! And you damn well better remember it." She stalked away from him and up to the door of the bathroom. "Sir! Before you get in the shower, I would appreciate a chance at the toilet."

She almost expected to hear the shower start. However, a moment later the toilet flushed, the water in the sink ran and he opened the door. He wore his tee shirt and jeans. His feet were bare. "Fair enough. If you want, go ahead and use the shower first."

Great! He’s trying for cheerful. Doesn’t cut it this early in the morning. "Thanks. I will."

AJ wasn’t sure what he expected from either of them this morning. He just hoped that Mac hadn’t woke to hear him relieving his aching need. It had been a long time since he had been with a woman. If he denied himself the company of men, he also refused the allure of easy sex with hookers. That wasn’t an option – not yet anyway. He suspected he would end up as one of those dried out old salts with nothing but bitter memories. He didn’t plan on letting it go that long. However, he was at least twenty years away from considering drastic measures.

He studied the man already preparing to cook breakfast. "I’m surprised that you can find your way around a kitchen, Webb. Don’t you usually order out?"

"That gets old." Webb didn’t bother to turn around. "After a mission of being forced to eat whatever passes as local haute cuisine, when I’m home, I prefer my own culinary disasters. Mother drags me to enough functions to cure my craving for dining out." He started the fire in the stove then began to rummage. Sighing, he held up a canister of Tang ™. "Worst thing to come out of the space program if you ask me."

"Nothing frozen?"

"Not in the first box. But I doubt they would put both. We can only hope. You want me to bother?"

"The vitamins. Go ahead." AJ pulled down the plates he had washed last night and began to set the table. Then he prepared the coffee pot. "Fire ready?"

"For the coffee? Sure. I’ll wait a bit before I start the bacon. You want scrambled or omelets?"

AJ wasn’t sure he could handle Helpful/Polite Webb but he wasn’t going to be the one to step over the line. "Plain omelets?" he grimaced.

Upon waking, Webb had decided to push AJ’s buttons. No more petulant spy. He would be the consummate roommate – for now. He needed to determine AJ’s weaknesses. Just because he has wet dreams about men doesn’t mean they are about me. ‘You’ll do boy,’ isn’t a lot to go on. Who? No me I’ll bet. Rabb? Is that why he is so pissed? But it was definitely a wet dream about another man. I’ll bet my Harvard ring on it. He walked over to the refrigerator, careful to brush against AJ. "Sorry. Let’s see what we have." He made a show of bending over just like he had yesterday. "We’ve got a bag of shredded cheese, a couple of packages of deli ham. There’s a bag of onions under the sink. No green peppers that we found last night."

"I’ll chop the meat if you make the omelets."

"Détente, AJ?"

"Like I said last night, we’re going to be cooped up here." He took the ham and crouched down for the onions. He didn’t realize until it was too late just how close that brought his face to Webb’s crotch. THAT was definitely not an option. Forget his damn wet dream. He didn’t suck cock. Other men sucked his cock.

Webb was aware of the proximity of AJ’s mouth. He quickly turned away to hide the surge in his cock, but not before he saw the sneer on AJ’s lips. Not good. Not a good start.

Mac came out of the bathroom and Webb took the opportunity to get AJ out of the way. "Go on. I can handle this. We need to get the last capsule inside. It looks like it is going to snow."

AJ spared him a glare, but stopped chopping up the onions. Mac replaced him by Webb’s side. "Coffee?"

"Damn, you are single-minded in the morning. Yes. Just. Grab a cup."

She watched him as she sipped her coffee. Once she was sure that Chegwidden was in the shower she asked. "So how was it last night?"

"Interesting." She saw the smirk.

"Must have been."

He turned at that. "Why? He woke you?"

"Everything woke me, but yeah, him too. What the hell happened in there?"

"Not a thing, darling, but you know that fantasy of yours?"

"Don’t go there, Webb. Do not go there. All I want is to get out of this with my oak leaves intact. I want to leave on my own terms."

He studied her for a moment wondering if she was serious about leaving and her real reasons for doing so. "I’ll protect you. You know that."

"How? He’s my CO."

"And he can’t do or say a damn thing without you bringing him up on countercharges."

"Damn it, Clay! That’s not who I am. I didn’t think it was who he was either."

He turned back to the bacon, his back a little stiffer. "But you have no qualms about thinking that I’m that way all the time?"

She reached out and rubbed her hand over his tense shoulder muscles. "No. No, I have no qualms about you doing whatever it would take to protect the people you care about. You do care about me don’t you, Clay?"

"Don’t wheedle. It’s unbecoming. We’ve already had this discussion. By the time we get the hell out of here, you’ll be glad to see the last of me."

"Ouch." She turned away but didn’t hide as she did last night. Unlike AJ, she knew exactly where she stood with Webb. He might listen to her litany of woes, but he didn’t lie to her. Didn’t tell her what she wanted to hear. Didn’t tell her what she didn’t want to hear either. He was refreshingly frank. But she suspected that, deep down; he would miss her when this was over. If it wasn’t over already.

"So there’s nothing for me to do?" she said.

"Nope. Fire’s made. Of course, if you’re bored, you can dust."

"I’ll save that for later. May I have another cup of coffee?"

"Grab a hot pad and put it on the table. I need the room."

AJ joined them just as Webb was dishing up the last omelet. After eating in silence, AJ finally asked the question that had been niggling at him. "How much food do we have here?"

"Food? Gosh between the can goods already here and the supplies they sent we’re good for more than the two weeks before Jenkins returns. He’ll toss down a rope and we’ll send up our dirty clothes, we’ll get another supply capsule. You can make of list of stuff you can’t live without." He almost mentioned some things like more K-Y and condoms, but he was rather enjoying the truce between them. Besides, he had seen a supply from the last guests to stay here. "We’ll check in by radio this afternoon."

"Where is the radio, by the way?" Mac sat back and sipped the last of her coffee.

"The closet in our room." Webb stood to take the dishes, but this time, Mac waved him back down. "I’ll do my part."

AJ stood and took his own dishes to the sink. "Shall we go drag that other capsule to the door?"

Mac took her time cleaning up. After running a duster over every flat surface and all the cans, she glanced at the door expectantly. She knew that the other capsule had missed the mark by a good fifty feet but she really expected to see them before now. Sighing, she went and opened the door. Even from where they were working on the crate she could clearly hear them.

"Damn it Webb, it’s jammed into the snow."

"Well, it’s not my fault! We’re going to have to dig it out."

"Perfect, just perfect."

"Well, it’s not like we have anything else pressing!"

"Men!" she muttered as she went to find her snowsuit.

What little détente they had established earlier deteriorated exponentially with each failure to free the capsule from the snow. Webb had just reached the shovels hanging on the wall when Mac, fully suited up, opened the door again. He spared her a growl. "Oh, you so don’t want to be out here right now. He is such a bastard when things don’t go his way."

She grabbed a shovel and gave him a bright smile. "Aren’t we all? Come on."

"The Marines think they can do better?" AJ stood there, nearly ass-deep in snow, trying to scoop a path away from the crate.

"This Marine will help." Mac was determined to keep the high ground. "Now let’s get this dug out."

There just wasn’t enough room and they were elbowing each other getting angrier at each touch. AJ was the first to break. "For God’s sake, Mac. Go clear the path to the cabin."

"Fine."

"Now we have room to work," Webb said.

"She has to be involved in everything. We should have just let her do it." AJ, now free to stretch, began to toss piles of snow away from the crate.

"Isn’t this how people have heart attacks?" Webb was taking small shovels full.

"You do what you can, sonny." It was AJ’s turn to smirk.

"Terrific. A contest." Webb gritted his teeth but started lifting more snow each time. "Can you get the skids down yet?" He pointed to the built-in runners that had allowed them to move the other crate through the packed snow last night.

"No. They froze up. We may need to wait for the sun to thaw them."

"Or we could just open it here and schlep the stuff back to the cabin."

"Schlep? They teach you that at Harvard?"

"Nah, I learned it from a jet jockey."

AJ rested and turned to face Webb. "Rabb?"

Webb paused and looked at AJ. "Yeah, why? You think there’s something sexual between us? Why else would I help him? Brother," Webb finished disgustedly.

AJ bristled. "I don’t believe …"

"Why? You and Rabb have something going you shouldn’t?" Webb waited for the blow. It came, but from an unexpected source. Even as AJ was grabbing his suit front, the snowball hit Webb in the back of the head. "Hey!"

AJ turned just in time to take a hit full to the chest. "What the hell?"

Mac didn’t say a word. Instead, she picked up another one of the snowballs she had stockpiled and let loose. Webb ducked, but all it served to do was put his head directly in the line of fire.

AJ roared again, but didn’t bother to dodge her missile. Instead he fisted a handful of snow himself and let fly.

Mac had planned well though. She was behind the small wall of snow that they had created while digging a path to the first capsule yesterday.

"She’s using our work as her defense!" Webb was incensed. "She cheated!"

"You would know." AJ let loose with another snowball. It struck Mac in the forehead, driving her back; the snow dripped down onto her face. However, AJ was unable to press his advantage because just then, a snowball hit him from much closer. "You son-of-a-bitch!"

Webb just grinned. He was already making another snowball, moving away from AJ. If he could get to Mac, they could gang up on the former SEAL. That plan was dashed when the next snowball from Mac hit him on the side of the head. He tripped and fell over. Deciding that discretion was the best plan, he stayed where he was, buried in the snow, out of the line of fire for now.

AJ and Mac traded a few more snowballs before they realized that Webb hadn’t moved in a while. They stopped, looked at each other and then approached the indention in the snow.

"Clay?" Mac called.

"Webb! Are you hurt?"

AJ reached out and took Mac’s elbow to help her over the pile of snow. She didn’t jerk away, in fact she rewarded him the first smile he had seen on her face since before she had left on the mission with Webb. He almost managed one of his own when two snowballs flew out from Webb’s hiding place, striking them both on the face. One look passed between them and together they lunged for the spy.

Both took handfuls of snow and rubbed them in his face.

"You sneaky bastard!"

"No fair!"

"Hey stop. Please. I give up!"

Finally, AJ and Mac tired of the game and collapsed back into the snow. Webb tentatively rose up to glare at them.

"You two get that out of your system?" Mac panted.

"Us!" Webb yelped. "You started it!"

"No. I stopped you two from coming to blows instead of just figuring out a way to get the damn thing unstuck."

"Oh?" AJ’s voice was low and dangerous. "I suppose you could do it better?"

"I think I could figure out a plan, but, no, I have no illusions that I could do it ‘BETTER’." Mac glared back at him, daring him to continue.

"Jesus." Webb flopped back down into the snow. "This isn’t going to work. We’re going to kill each other."

"Perhaps." AJ stood and held out a hand to Mac and the other one to Webb. "But after this morning, we will definitely sleep tonight."

Mac gave him a sunny smile. "Oh, I figured out just how to get to sleep last night." She leaned closer. "And so did you." With that she walked over to where the capsule was sinking ever so slowly into the snow.

Webb looked after her, the shocked look on his face almost comical. "Subtle, Mac. Real subtle."

"What the hell is she talking about?" AJ tried.

Webb gave him a disgusted look and followed the Marine. "Well?" he demanded.

"Well, I wonder how deep the snow is here. The opening is pointing up. Shall we just unload it here?"

"Fine." Each of them struggled with the catch, but it was AJ who finally worked it open. The men lifted Mac up on the snow so she could reach in for the supplies.

"We’ll pile them up over there, then form a chain back to the cabin?" Webb suggested.

"Works for me." AJ reached up and took the first offering. "Guns?" He laid the heavy case to one side.

"Probably." Webb took a suitcase with ‘MacKenzie’ scrawled on it and flung it as close to the cabin as he could manage.

They repeated the throws with the other two suitcases, as well as a couple of the sealed packages. However, most of the contents were either too heavy or the packaging too fragile looking to do more than just set aside. Mac was just reaching in for a particularly heavy nylon bag when suddenly the entire capsule seemed to be swallowed up by the snow. Mac screamed and started to tumble after it, but Webb and AJ reached out and grabbed her.

"What the hell!" AJ tried to pull her back. Webb transferred his hold from a handful of Mac’s snowsuit to wrapping his arms around AJ’s waist in an effort to anchor them both.

"Take the radio!" Mac yelled.

"Just drop it."

"Hell no! Clay! Please. Take it!"

Cursing, Webb released AJ, feeling the man teeter as he did. Reaching out, he looked down and gasped. "Shit. Where the hell did that come from?" He grabbed the bag that she swung to him. Freed from the added weight, AJ stumbled back with Mac firmly in his embrace. Webb stepped away from the precipice. "That shouldn’t be there!"

Gently, AJ released Mac. Leaving her resting against a snow bank, he edged over to where Webb was standing. The crack in the earth wasn’t large, and it seemed to narrow as it got deeper. They could just make out the top of the crate at least a hundred feet below them.

"Some security!" AJ raged. "Mac could have died."

"I know," Webb whispered. "Come on. Let’s get Mac back to the cabin. I’ll call it in."

But when they turned away from the fissure in the earth, Mac was already dragging supplies toward the cabin as if nearly plunging to her death was an everyday occurrence. "She’s incredible."

"Yeah, and too good for you." AJ’s fury tried to reassert itself.

"Don’t I know it," Webb tiredly agreed even as he picked up several boxes.

AJ stood there for a moment before he too began to get their supplies inside. Could they stay here now?

He dumped the first load inside the door. Mac was standing there, enveloped in Webb’s embrace. His fury returned full force as he watched the spy soothe and comfort her.

"It will be okay. You were a trooper."

"Oh, Clay. I was so scared but you and AJ saved me."

"AJ saved you, I just stood there."

AJ struggled to control his anger and jealousy. Lashing out would make him look the fool.

"Mac?" AJ said.

She stepped away from Webb and fearfully met his gaze. "Thank you both for saving my life. You mind if I stay inside?"

"Hell no. Go lie down," AJ managed.

"No. I’ll be fine. I’m just so cold."

"Sarah, why don’t you make us some soup?" Webb said.

"Yeah. I can do that. You guys be careful."

"Sure." Both men walked back outside. By the time they finished dragging the rest of the supplies into the cabin, she was washing some bowls. A loaf of bread sat on the table and the smell of tomato soup filled the air.

:: :: :: ::

AJ punctuated each word with his spoon. "You have to find out how bad it is. Is the fissure going to grow?"

"I know, AJ, I know. You mind if I finish my soup before calling in?"

AJ glared, but Mac reached out and took both of their hands in hers. "Please? Could you please not fight?"

When neither man answered her, she sighed and stood up. "I think I’ll go lie down for a bit."

"I’ll call the base." Webb walked into the bedroom, AJ right behind him. "You don’t trust me to report."

"Shut up and call them."

Webb whirled around. "Look. I didn’t know about it! As far as I know, THEY didn’t know about it. Just go away and…" They were so close he had to look up to see AJ’s face.

It was too close. AJ reached out and grabbed Webb’s shirtfront, pulling him in until Webb could feel the hot angry breath, could smell the mix of tomato soup and coffee. "You don’t get it do you, boy. I’m not playing games here. I don’t trust you and I never have."

"No," Webb choked out. "But you use me, don’t you AJ. All I am to you is a source of information – when you’re not using me as a punching bag." He wisely decided to not mention the dream of last night.

"Keep that in mind, Webb." AJ released him, pushing him against the bed.

Webb sprawled there, panting up at him. Try as he might he couldn’t keep the arousal tenting his shorts hidden. The grin on AJ’s face was predatory and knowing. But he said nothing further. Shame flooded Webb’s face and shriveled his erection. He struggled to sit. Finally standing, he walked to the closet and pulled down the radio.

Turning around, he waited for AJ to move out of the way. At first both of them thought Webb would have to either set up the radio on his bed or push AJ out of the way. But, finally, with a vicious smile, AJ turned on his heel and left Webb to gather what little composure he could.

"What the hell do you mean, you didn’t think it was that big a deal!" Webb yelled into the radio.

"The damn thing has been there since the earthquakes last year. We’ve been monitoring it with the USGS. Turns out, there was mining up there about 100 years ago. That’s all you’re seeing is a mine that opened up in the last quake. Jeeze, Webb, give us some credit."

"MacKenzie almost died today. Why the hell didn’t you tell us to watch for it when we dropped the box?"

"Well, why would you drop the box so far from the cabin?"

AJ leaned over Webb’s shoulder and snatched the microphone from his hand. "This is Admiral Chegwidden, I want an extraction tomorrow morning. It’s bad enough that…"

"AJ." A new, very familiar voice came over the radio.

"Mr. Secretary?"

"I’m here in Denver, AJ. Checking on the mess myself. The President is not pleased."

"Why is he upset? What does he think Webb and MacKenzie…"

"Colonel MacKenzie and Webb aren’t under investigation, neither are you. However, Commander Rabb…"

"What?"

Webb stifled a laugh. Mac’s door opened and she walked out. It was obvious that she had been listening.

"He’s fine. Or will be until he gets out of the hospital and I get my hands on him."

"What did he do?" Mac whispered, the fear evident in her face.

"What was that?"

"Just Colonel MacKenzie asking the question for all of us."

"It will be in the official report, but let us just say that I am not Alexander Nelson and I do not appreciate it when Commander Rabb takes authority upon himself – particularly when it fails as spectacularly as it did this time. He damn near got himself and Lieutenant Roberts killed."

"Oh my God!" Mac stepped forward and AJ held up the microphone for her. He was unable to put words to his anger. Anger now directed where it normally was – at Rabb. "Is Bud okay, Mr. Secretary?"

"He’s fine. Commander Rabb is in intensive care, but the prognosis is good. Unfortunately, he allowed files to fall into Hadeem’s hands. We cannot remove you now. Too many people were compromised. In fact, we aren’t even sure…well…perhaps you should start washing things by hand and don’t read too fast. We’ll let you know if it’s safe to make the drop in two weeks."

"Sir." Webb took the microphone from AJ. "Are you sure our position isn’t compromised?"

"The coordinates weren’t in the paperwork that Rabb lost. I don’t think he even knew where you are. But we will find out more once he wakes up. AJ?"

"Yes, Mr. Secretary."

"You’re safe and that mine shaft isn’t going anywhere. It hasn’t budged since it opened a year ago, but we’ll monitor it. You’re just safer there. Your testimony is critical – at least Colonel MacKenzie’s is."

Webb signed off. Mac stood at the table just staring off into space.

"Mac, go back to bed," AJ said.

"No, sir. I’m fine." She walked over to the fireplace, threw another log on the fire and flopped down onto the couch.

AJ and Webb shared a glance and, for the moment at least, didn’t read anything into it but concern for Mac.

Both walked over to where she sat in the middle of the couch. After another glance, AJ sat on one side, Webb on the other. It was a tight fit, but Mac didn’t seem to mind. "I can’t believe Harm. There’ll be hell to pay this time."

AJ grunted but took her free hand in his. "I don’t know what’s going to happen, Mac. It’s out of my hands. I have no way of protecting him this time."

"Well, you can rebuild from scratch now. I’m sure he’ll get some kind of disciplinary reassignment."

"Don’t talk about it now," AJ demanded gruffly.

Mac looked over at him. Her eyes were black diamonds. "No. I think it might be time for me to move on. You want me gone, maybe I need to find my own way, out of the Marines."

Webb inhaled sharply but didn’t say anything.

"Nonsense," AJ began. "Of course you’ll stay in. I…"

Mac pulled her hands free and stood to face him. "Don’t. Don’t tell me that what I think is nonsense."

"Then stopping talking…"

"Jesus, AJ."

"You stay out of this, Webb. Just get the hell out of here and let us handle this."

Webb waited for some sign from Mac and was rather surprised when she nodded. "If you don’t mind, Clay."

Webb made a face. "Why would I mind? It’s not like I won’t hear everything anyway. What do you want me to do? Sit there on the bed, cover my ears and sing ‘La-La-La?"

AJ sighed. "He’s right. We’ll talk about it later."

"No, damn you, we’ll talk about it now. Or rather, I’ll talk; you’ll listen. Why have you acted like such a jerk all week? What did I do that was so wrong that you can’t have me under your command?"

"Your behavior…"

"What behavior? Webb and I had sex! So what! You don’t have sex?"

AJ stood and angrily retorted, "When I date a woman, it’s not to get back at anyone."

"Get back? At who? Harm? Harm made his choice. I’m a free to make my own decisions and you have no right to judge me. I refuse to become your frigid Madonna. There at your beck and call, but too good – or is it not good enough – to touch."

"Watch it Colonel. Nothing has changed."

"Yeah, something has changed." Her lips twisted into a vicious grin. She was far too angry to hold her tongue. "I heard you last night jacking off in the bathroom."

"Oh jeeze." Webb cradled his forehead in one hand.

"You really have no idea how thin the walls are in this place? I heard every word, every groan. Was it a dream? About which one of us, me or…" But she couldn’t finish. AJ gripped her arm so tightly she gasped at the pain. "Let me go."

"Shut up."

"Let me go."

"I warned you, Mac. You are still under my command and I will discipline you."

"How? You gonna spank me, AJ? Or something even kinkier?" Suddenly, she wanted to flee from him. Hide from the shame of knowing that the idea turned her on

AJ released her but didn’t step back. Instead his hand came up toward her cheek. She tried not to flinch and Webb tensed, but AJ didn’t strike her. Instead his hand caressed her cheek. "Is that what you want, Mac?" He too spared a glance at Webb. "Rough sex? Is that what he gave you?"

She took a step back – just enough so he would have to drop his hand. He grabbed her by the back of the neck. She shuddered but managed a firm, "Clay gives me what I want with no strings attached."

"Does he now?" AJ pulled her closer. "There are always strings." His free hand traced the line of her lips. "Always hurt feelings. Always a price to pay."

"Not with him." She was scared. Scared that he was going to kiss her, terrified that he would throw her into Webb’s lap and walk away. She could see Webb was watching closely, ready to step in. Not that he could protect her. Not that she wanted to be protected.

"And if I say, ‘choose.’" His voice was dark and seductive.

The seconds ticked inside her head. She had to stay in control. He was so close to losing it. She took a deep breath and forced a calm that she didn’t really feel. "I choose you both." She stepped further back forcing him to hurt or release her. She settled in the chair, even managing to drape one leg over the other. "Admit it. It’s not just me that you want. I know that. He knows that too. For God’s sake, can’t you just give in for once? Can’t ‘What’s Right.’ be for back there?" When he didn’t answer she sighed. "I choose US together, in any combination, in any position – as kinky as you can make it. Bring it on."

Webb coughed and wiped the sweat from his face. From the moment AJ grabbed her, he had been prepared to step in and do what little he could to protect her. He was beginning to suspect that the three of them were a disaster waiting to explode. Idly, he wondered if a body would end up in that open mine shaft before Hadeem was caught or the trial began.

The smile that twisted AJ’s lips reminded her of a wolf snarling. "Your rules, Mac?"

"Rules?" She shrugged. "How about ‘What happens here, stays here?’ This has nothing to do with true love or happily ever after. This is desire, lust, and yes, raw, rough sex. You want me. You want him. Admit it, damn you."

"You think you know me that well?"

"I don’t know you at all."

"But you know Webb?"

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "No. We didn’t care about that. Besides, I really didn’t want to hear ‘That’s classified.’" She spared a smile for the very nervous spy. "But it was definitely interesting. Thank you for that, lover."

AJ didn’t like this turn in the conversation at all. He was losing control and he couldn’t allow that to happen. "Interesting!" He snorted.

Clay knew they all needed a breather. "Listen, last night you threatened to make dinner. I’m going to take my shower. You two talk it over – or not." He stalked into the bathroom. It wasn’t until the water was cascading down on his body that he finally fell against the wall and sank to the tile floor. "What the hell just happened?"

In the living room Mac and AJ stood there staring at each. Neither made a move toward the kitchen. Both tried to come up with something that would make it bearable – to make a decision possible. Mac decided first. Standing, she reached up and caressed his cheek. "Whatever else happens, I need to do this."

Her lips met his tentatively, softly and he almost imploded. We should have done this five years ago. But even as he thought it, even as he was enveloping her into his arms he knew he was wrong. He knew they were going to go up in flames. His hands fisted in her hair and without preamble or seeking permission his tongue invaded her mouth. Arching her back, he deepened the kiss not caring that he was hurting her. She should jerk away from him; cold cock him. But her fingers dug into his shoulders holding him tightly, painfully. A groan declared her acceptance; her grinding into him sealed the deal.

When he abruptly released her, she didn’t complain. She just purred contentedly. "Now that’s what I’ve wanted to know."

"Indeed and you think that kiss told you everything you need to know about me?"

"Told me that I want more."

"My rules, Mac. I don’t play nice."

"We’ve already gone over that. No rules. No hearts and flowers, but it will be nice. It will be very, very nice."

"And…Clay? You will accept him?"

"I promise not to break his nose." AJ’s grin was harsh. "But that’s all I promise. He understands what ‘No holds barred’ means. You may find this not to your liking, Mac."

"I may. But I’ll make my own decision about that too. Neither of you are to shield me."

"Oh we won’t shield you, darlin’, but you may find yourself hiding in your bedroom."

"Perhaps. Which begs the question." She looked expectantly around the small cabin.

"Where? We’ll have to move the twin beds together. They look sturdy enough."

She looked at the fireplace and the furniture around it. "Or we could just move the mattresses out here."

"We’ll see. But, I have dinner to make."

"Can I help?"

"No." He turned away, leaving her with her own dark thoughts.

He scanned the supplies and began taking down cans of tomatoes, sauce already spiced with onions and peppers. Small round containers of dried spices would have to substitute for his preferred fresh basil, oregano and garlic. He tried to focus on the sauce, but all he could think about was the coming apocalypse. He knew he and Webb were now competitors for Sarah, even if both knew it would never continued once they left here.

Sharing wasn’t his strong suit. He would have to control them both. By God, I will find out what his mouth feels like – and hers. I will make her beg for release. It’s been a long time since I haven’t had to hold back. Webb will run screaming into the snow. What kind of experience has he had? Brideshead Revisited? A little polite mutual jerk off? Does he honestly think I would allow anything more? But one part of him wondered. It had been a very long time since he had allowed a man to take his ass.

He heard the door to the bathroom finally open and close. He didn’t turn away from stirring the sauce.

"Smells good," Webb said softly.

"Well, there’s nothing fresh, but it will do."

"Yeah." The door to their bedroom opened and closed.

Sarah sat crossed legged on her bed, her fingers running over her lips. They were already bruised and swollen from his kisses. It felt so good. But the old insecurities that had plagued her all her life began to intrude on her determination. What am I thinking? This is wrong. We shouldn’t do this. What I want is dirty and Harm would…Harm would what? Harm had his chance and he blew it. I waited for him. And, what did it get me? I have let what he thinks about me, hell I have allowed what AJ thinks about me, rule my every decision and not just at work. I want this. I’ve wanted him for so long but it was wrong. Well, no one will know but us. And I want this. Her stomach clinched at the thought of the coming sex. Visions of the two of them pleasuring her flooded her mind and pooled in her panties. She looked down at her heavy sweatshirt and jeans. "So alluring." She snorted. "Why would either of them want me?"

"Because you’re the most sexual woman we’ve ever known?" Clay’s voice called from the other room. She jumped but shook off her surprise.

"Good thing you don’t snore, spook."

"You okay?"

She thought about it for a long moment and allowed herself a smile. "Yeah. You?"

"Sure. Never better. Ready?"

"Yes. Yes, I think I am." She stood and went to the door.

Mac and Webb complimented AJ on the spaghetti dinner. They talked a little about the upcoming trial and Hadeem. They assured each other that they weren’t concerned about the open fissure fifty feet from their door. But the tension arced between them. Dark thoughts and dark glances had them trailing off mid-sentence. Finally, they were done and they sat there unable to move.

Mac took control. "If you two will move back the furniture and bring your mattresses in to the front room, I’ll wash up in here." She stood and started to clear the dirty dishes.

AJ stood and took her by the shoulders, forcing her eyes to his. "Last chance, Colonel. You’re sure?"

"Yes. About this, I’m absolutely sure." Together they looked at Webb, still sitting there, studying them both with cool hazel eyes. "You?"

"Sure! I’m in. Safe word?"

And for the first time, they were all on the same page. Three grins met and three voices rang out – "Rabb!"

AJ and Webb pushed the couch back against the table and the overstuffed chairs against the walls. They carried the mattresses out and pushed them together in front of the fireplace. As they were bringing out the pillows, Mac finished and leaned against the sink, watching them. Now what? Get jiggy wid it? Oh God? How does one start an orgy? What is the proper protocol? The utter absurdity of the three of them – oh were there ever a more disparate ménage a trois – had giggles bubbling up.

Both men stopped and turned to stare at her. Their looks of concern only made it worse. "Is there a problem?" AJ growled.

"Mac?"

She shook her head. Finally, regaining some semblance of control, she took a deep breath. "I just…I mean…well? What do we do?"

AJ and Webb exchanged a look. Webb bowed his head slightly to indicate that AJ had the ball. "You have a specific request?"

"Not that! How do we start?"

AJ took immediate control. "Take off your clothes…Sarah."

Sarah licked her lips and looked at Webb, who stood there, watching, waiting to see how she would handle AJ ordering her around. The giggles were a dim memory. That first night at the gym, they had been so anxious to touch and taste each other that they paid little attention to the details. There had been no planning – it just happened. This seemed so cold-blooded. But there was nothing cold in either man’s eyes.

AJ’s posture was dominating. He’s taking control. He’s declaring that he is the alpha. Of course he is, but Clay will fight him. I’m going to have to do what I can. When have I ever been able to control a situation with the men in my life? Chris? John? Poor Dalton. I couldn’t even keep Mic from walking out on me. AJ’s going to explode. I wonder if he has ever just let anyone take control. But, perhaps he needs to be in control – for a little while anyway.

Taking a steadying breath she pushed away from the sink. Keeping the table and couch between her and the men, she crossed her arms and pulled the sweatshirt over her head. There would be no sexy strip tease like she had given Webb once. What was the point? Her bra, a simple Playtex Cross Your Heart™ came next. She toed off her shoes, reached down and pulled off her socks.

She stood there for a moment, allowing them to look at her. She wasn’t ashamed, though she suspected AJ expected it of her. Webb always appreciated her breasts. He made sure he knew every inch of them even in their short time together. She was gratified to see a hungry look in AJ’s eyes though. "Well?"

"Very nice, now finish." AJ’s voice was ragged and she reveled in the effect she had on him. Feeling emboldened, she stepped around the table but stayed even with the couch. Making it as sexy as she could, she popped the snap and lowered the zipper. Bending forward, she shimmied out of the denim, kicking it away. Now only her panties remained. Simple, white, and so wet she could feel her juices trying to escape.

"Am I the only one…"

"Finish, Sarah!" AJ snapped.

Webb jumped at AJ’s harsh tone, but he said nothing. He was content to watch for a moment, prepared to be next. He thought he knew what was coming, but then he had been wrong so often this past week. She’s so beautiful. A tough, sexy, wanton playmate. Oh AJ, you think you know her, but you haven’t a real clue.

"Now, come here." AJ reached out to her, beckoning her closer. She moved passed Webb to stand before him. AJ traced a route from her temple, over cheek, down her long graceful neck. She arched at his touch.

"Uhmmmmm." She sighed. Then he reached her breast. Lazily, he traced her aureole, and then, when she was straining for more, he gave it to her. Taking the tip between his thumb and forefinger he began to apply pressure, slowly at first, but he wasn’t letting up and her eyes shot open to meet his intent stare. She gasped at the pain, arching away only to have him to reach out with his other hand and begin the same torture to her other nipple.

"You said you like it rough. How rough?"

For a moment she was scared. Is this a test? Do I really want this? She threw back her head and closed her eyes, giving into him. He twisted roughly and she felt her knees weaken. "Oh yessssss," she shouted as a tiny orgasm rippled through her body. She collapsed against him, breathing heavily. But, when her breath steadied, she lifted her head and gave him a pert smile. "Did I pass?"

He pulled her head back by her hair. "Oh darlin’, that was just the pop quiz. You haven’t even had the midterm yet." His lips found hers and he bit and pulled at her lower lip. All the while, his eyes were open, watching not her reaction, but Webb’s.

The spy stood there with a dazed look on his face. His eyes were dilated, his breathing harsh, and this erection evident. Pulling away from Mac, AJ demanded. "Are you sure you’re man enough, Webb?"

"I’m man enough. You?" The cocky grin was back and the tee shirt was off and flung across the room. Within moments he too was naked. Only he didn’t wait for a command. Instead he reached out and pulled Mac out of AJ’s light grasp. "My turn."

His lips had just found hers when intense pain coursed through his head down his spine. It was his turn to be pulled back by his hair. "Ouch, damn it." But he didn’t fight AJ. Instead he waited, wondering what would be demanded of him.

"When I say it’s your turn."

"You’re the dom?" The smirk returned to his face.

"You have any doubts about that?"

"Just didn’t know that’s how you wanted to play it."

AJ lips were so close that a movement by either would bring them together. "Sure you did." He threw down the gauntlet. "Yes or no."

Webb twisted away, his breathing a little ragged but now from anger more than desire, though you couldn’t tell it by his cock. "Oh we’ve already decided that, AJ. Rough and ready, but sub and dom? We’ll see."

"Yes or no, Webb?"

Dignity – or sheer stubbornness demanded it. "Then no."

Mac gasped as he turned away, but once again AJ stopped him. This time, however, with fingers biting into Webb’s shoulder. "Wrong answer." He pulled Webb back until Webb’s back was against his chest and AJ’s arm was wrapped around the spy’s neck. AJ forced Webb’s head to the side and bit down on his ear lobe all the while grinding his denim-clad erection into Webb’s bare ass. "Well, boy?"

Webb groaned. He wanted this, badly. He knew what AJ wanted to hear. Or did he? He could just see Mac’s face. Fear and desire reddened her skin and she telegraphed her lust straight to his already aching loins. But, again, he shook his head.

AJ’s mouth moved down his neck even as his hands played over his chest. His fingers abused Webb’s nipples the same as they had Mac’s. Webb shuddered and groaned. "Yes or no." Webb was gasping for breath even as he arched into the tight vise fisted around his cock. "Yes or no."

AJ would have been disappointed if Webb gave in – too soon. He bit down hard on Webb’s shoulder, even as he began to roughly stroke the throbbing cock in his hand. "I own you, Webb. You’ll do what I say and like it." Webb whimpered. It would do for now. "Sarah, get over here."

She obeyed him but he could see the questions in her eyes. Right now she was unsure if she like this or not. But she came to him and he was almost humbled by the trust she was giving him; trust he hadn’t earned. He pointed to the space in front of Webb. "Kneel down and suck him."

She smiled and started to kneel down, but paused to lean in to finish the kiss Webb had been denied. He tried to participate, move his lips over hers, but AJ was holding him so tightly around the neck and the cock that all he could do was inhale her scent and lick the taste of her from his lips. He knew he wouldn’t last long. He felt like a toy to be shared by the two of them. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it; but, damn, it felt so good.

AJ held Webb’s dick out to her as if it were an offering. Her tongue took a tentative swipe across the purpled head.

"Oh God." Webb arched back against AJ’s chest. He wanted her mouth. He wanted AJ’s cock. He knew before they left here he would beg for it. But even now, in the haze of an almost animal lust, he craved something else. He wanted AJ to beg him too. Mac worked her tongue over his cock; her hands caressed and squeezed his balls. AJ released him and he started to reach out for Mac’s head, but AJ gripped his wrists and pulled them behind his back.

"I don’t think so, boy." Holding him captive in one hand, steadying his hips with the other, AJ began an obscene litany in his ear. "Should I let her finish you? Or should I tell her to back away? You’re going to watch me fuck her, Webb. You’ll listen and do nothing else as I make her scream my name.

Webb didn’t care right now. He was so close and so afraid that AJ wouldn’t let him come. Mac inched closer, taking more and more of him in until his cock entered her throat. Then she pulled all the way back until only his head rested between her lips. "Oh baby, so good. Please, just once more. So close."

Her eyes lifted to AJ for ask permission. "Go ahead, sweetheart. I don’t want to listen to him whine when I take you."

Just as she swallowed him again, AJ twisted his arms higher and, wetting his finger, thrust it into Webb’s anus. "Oh God! Yes!" Webb cried as he flooded her throat with the most intense release he could remember. His knees gave out and he expected to feel even more pain in his arms, but a firm arm wrapped around his chest and his ass once again rested against AJ’s crotch.

Mac fell back against the mattress. Webb tried to sink down but AJ pushed him toward the couch. "I told you, you could watch." Webb sprawled there, unable to move to a more comfortable position. His chest heaving, his ass tingling from the intrusion, his cock completely flaccid, he watched through hooded eyes as AJ began to disrobe. Even as sated as he was, Webb felt the desire for AJ and for Mac already building in him again.

"I’ve wanted this for a long time Mac. It’s still wrong, but you came to me. Remember that," AJ said to her as if she were a naughty child or an errant pet.

Mac took a deep breath and ran her tongue over her teeth. She could taste Webb. She could smell him. Even over the fire she could smell the sex: her arousal, Webb’s completion and AJ’s desire. "I know I came to you, but you want it as much as I do." She crawled forward and waited in supplication before him. Her lips were close to his cock, now straining against his boxers. "May I?" She asked softly.

He ran his fingers through her hair. "Good girl."

She groaned and she thought she heard Webb groan too. But she spared him little thought for the moment. She knelt there with her eyes locked with AJ’s and slowly lowered the cotton over the hard penis before her. She longed to taste him, but she waited.

AJ gazed down at her. "So beautiful. So curious. So very smart. Except for this. Why do you want this?" He really didn’t expect an answer. He was floored when she gave it to him.

"Because I want to feel. I’m tired of being the good little Marine. I’m tired of following after…him. I’m tired of you treating me like a fragile figurine or worse, ignoring me."

He knelt down in front of her. "I’ve never ignored you." He pulled her closer so that his chest hair scratched against her painfully hard nipples. "There were times when it was almost impossible to be in the same room with you. There were times when I wanted to hold you and comfort you. But, there were times when I wanted to throw you over my lap and whip you raw."

"Now?" Her eyes were wide with passion and fear and he lost the last shred of control for which he had striven these past five years.

"Now, you’re mine." His mouth covered hers as he lowered them to the mattress.

Webb struggled to take in enough air to properly breath. Finally, he could move enough so that his back wasn’t so uncomfortable. He stretched out on the sofa and watched as the Navy began its assault on the beachhead of Sarah MacKenzie.

For a long time all they did was embrace and kiss. AJ’s cock was captured between their bodies; Webb caught a tantalizing glimpse here and there. Mac, bless her, threw her leg over AJ’s thigh and Webb was rewarded with the sight of her pulsing sex. It stirred his cock, but he was going nowhere for a while. Even if he managed to get it up again so soon, he knew better than to join them right now. He rubbed the spot where AJ had bit him. AJ hadn’t broken the skin, but there would be a bruise there.

Mac felt like she was burning up from the inside. Her breasts still tingled but now in anticipation, her clit was aching for attention and her mouth didn’t want him to ever let her breathe. Then his lips moved to her neck and she arched in to deepen the wonderful pressure. She groaned his name and held him against her breast. He suckled and pulled and bruised her tender flesh and she goaded him on. "Harder. Please. More." She tried to keep him there, but he reared up and took her arms and held them over her head before continuing. His cock thumped against her belly. "Please, AJ. I want to taste it. Please."

"In time, Sarah. In my time, when I say so."

"Yes, AJ. Oh yes." Dark whispers of darker passion flitted through her memory: Domination, subs, bondage, master, slave. But she wanted Webb with them. Knew that she had to bring them together. Not just for her, but for AJ too. She would give him what he wanted. She would allow him to call the shots to fulfill all their darkest desires. She cried out and arched up even as he bit and pulled on her nipples. All thoughts of what had come before now faded until every nerve in her body was attuned to his mouth on her flesh. She strained to lift her head to follow his progress. "Harder, AJ. More. Oh, so much more." Even as he released her nipple, letting it bounce back against her chest, another orgasm ripped through her.

AJ couldn’t remember the last time he had found such a willing partner. She was bucking so hard he had to release her hands to hold her still so he could continue. As soon as she was free she was holding his head, trying to direct his movements, trying to take control. He couldn’t allow that. "Sarah!"

"Please AJ! Please, please, please. I need…I need."

"You need to obey me. You need to put your hands over your head and leave them. Or, I’ll stop."

She panted and struggled to sit up. "I want you inside me now."

Webb watched the battle before him. He had never seen anything so erotic or hot in his life. He couldn’t believe that his cock was already stirring again. Stretching up, he tested the muscles in his legs. He was rather surprised that he could stand without much trouble. "Sarah, honey. Lie back. Do what he says."

"Claaaaaay." She whined and reached out for him. "Come here. He won’t fuck me. I want you to fuck me then."

Webb knew how that would go over and he was surprised that AJ did nothing but sit back on his haunches to watch him. It couldn’t be called a smile, more like a baring of teeth. But the two men came to a silent understanding. "He’ll fuck you, baby. And I’ll watch. And if you are very good, maybe I’ll fuck you afterwards." He knelt down behind her head and reached for her hands. "Now, let him finish what he started."

She leaned back against his thighs. "Please touch me too."

AJ resumed his mapping of her body. Now free to use both hands, he manipulated her breasts, squeezing them, watching her reaction only to see her looking up at Webb. "Sarah!"

Mac tore her eyes away from Webb and met his angry gaze. "Feels so good, AJ. Please don’t stop." She pouted prettily.

And he knew. He almost roared his approval. She had played him. Gotten what she wanted all along. "Oh darlin’, I’m going to punish you for that."

"Yes, AJ. Punish me. Fuck me hard…when you’re ready, of course."

Webb looked down at her in awe. You minx. Oh this is a dangerous game you’re playing. I hope you’re good at field dressings.

AJ resumed kissing her body. His love bites were harder, leaving purple bruises. He spread her legs opening her wide to him. "I’m going to make you beg, scream, and beg some more. You want this?" He stroked his cock over her slit. "You want me to fuck you?"

"Yes AJ. Oh yes. Please."

"Maybe." His cock bobbed between them but he reached out and began to trace her with his finger. Slow circles around her clit followed by a feather light exploration of her outer lips. "You’re so wet. Such a mess!" Using two fingers, he scooped up the cum oozing from her. "Smells heavenly." He looked at her first but didn’t bring his fingers to his mouth until he saw Webb’s reaction. "Tastes incredible."

Digging deeper, bringing more of her essence out he held it out toward Webb. "Clean my fingers."

Webb managed a coherent thought. I want to taste her, but I want to taste her on him. I want him to like it. Releasing her hands, he reached for the offered fingers. Grasping AJ’s wrist he leaned forward. His erection, already restored, slapped against Mac’s head. But now all he wanted was the fingers before him. Dragging his tongue over the roughened skin he twirled his tongue over each digits as if it was a miniature cock. He kept his eyes lowered but he could feel AJ’s pulse racing to match his own. Then he was rewarded with a masculine groan. Oh it was soft but it was enough. He pulled both fingers into his mouth and began to suck in earnest.

"I knew you would be a good cocksucker, boy. But stop now." AJ pulled his hand away, unwilling to admit how good Webb’s mouth felt. In fact, he was torn in his desire. But, Mac bracing her heels on the mattress arched up, offering herself to him.

"Please AJ."

He lowered his head to between her thighs. "Sorry, baby. He distracted me."

"Don’t distract him, Clay." To make sure, she reached back and found Webb’s cock and began to stroke it.

The taste from his fingers hadn’t really prepared him for the source. AJ’s tongue dug into her passage seeking more of her nectar. His fingers pinched and twisted her clit. He raised his eyes to watch her and he was pleased that even as she pumped Webb, even as Webb began to caress her breasts, her eyes never left his. They were clouded with passion and her chest was heaving but she still watched him. Finally, it was too much. Rearing up he hooked her legs over his arms. "Rough, Mac?"

"Hard, fast, and rough!"

She thought she would pass out with his filling of her. He was bigger than Webb, thicker. He hit her cervix and she cringed, but she angled her hips and waited until the assault began in earnest.

Even in his passion, AJ held his breath for a moment afraid that he had hurt her. But she just watched him, awaited the Admiral’s pleasure. Pulling out until just his head rested at her entrance, he waited a beat, then plunged home again and again with increasing speed.

Webb bit his lip trying hard not to cry out. Each time AJ thrust into her, Mac squeezed his cock and Webb knew he wouldn’t be able to hold out to fuck her. It was like they were hardwired. AJ thrust, Mac squeezed his cock and he pinched and pulled on her nipples. Mac came so hard that she arched back until the top of her head rested against the mattress, her lips at his balls. Webb cried out and came all over her breasts.

The smell, sight and feel of it was too much for AJ. She was rigid in his hold, spread wantonly before him. Grinding into her, rubbing her clit with his pubic hair, he pulsed deep inside her.

Webb carefully moved her hands from his cock before collapsing across the mattresses. She finally relaxed, though AJ was still kneeling between her thighs, buried deep inside her. When he lowered her hips to the mattress, falling from her, she moaned at the loss. "So was that the mid term?"

He lifted her foot and bit the instep. "Just checking to see what you already knew, Sarah. We’ll get to the proper education later."

"Good. I like learning new things." She yawned and looked out the window. "It’s snowing."

AJ had been the last one to fall asleep the night before. He had been the one to stumble to the bathroom to find washcloth and towel. Once they were reasonably clean he had settled to one side of Mac, directing Webb to move his sorry ass to the other side. Some dom he was. He was beginning to feel more like a den mother for naughty scouts. But she cuddled into his chest and he forgot everything. And when Webb threw his arm over Mac’s hip and his hand came to rest on AJ’s thigh, AJ didn’t bother to move it. He fell asleep wondering when he had lost control.

His dream was jumbled, images of Mac spread before him, of Mac sucking Webb’s cock, of Webb staring hungrily at him. But he slept well and near morning when the fire almost died he woke to find Webb stoking it, adding more logs. He watched and appreciated the ripple of muscles across Webb’s back. He didn’t know why he was surprised to find defined muscles there. Webb needed to be in shape to survive in the field. As the man crouched before the fire, back turned, unaware of the silent scrutiny, AJ caught a tantalizing glimpse of Webb’s puckered opening.

Maybe he moved wrong, maybe Webb noticed the change in breathing, maybe he was just guessing. "Like what you see, AJ?" He didn’t turn but he moved enough so that AJ could see his balls and cock, already growing between his legs. AJ didn’t answer, but he didn’t turn away. Finally Webb pivoted, still crouched low, to meet AJ’s stare.

Unlike AJ, Webb had little hair on his chest. A fine line of hair stretched from navel to groin where it appeared to be neatly trimmed. Perfect for sucking. AJ was taken aback by that thought. He didn’t suck cock, damn it. But even as he thought it, his cock stirred.

Still without a word he pushed off the mattress. Webb’s eyes followed him as he went into the bathroom. When AJ returned, Webb was sitting on the couch, his head thrown back. Mac was curled up in a ball in front of the fire. AJ started to return to the mattress when Webb’s whisper stopped him. "No." He lifted his head from the couch and glared at AJ. "Please, come here."

Lifting one eyebrow, AJ waited. Finally, he sneered. "Why?"

"Because, if you’re going to fuck my ass, the least you can do is kiss me."

AJ snorted. "Hearts and flowers, Webb?"

"Damn you."

AJ took the two steps that brought him to Webb. Reaching down he fisted his fingers into the spy’s hair. It was soft and thick and felt surprisingly like Mac’s. Pulling, until Webb’s chin was inches from AJ’s cock. "I’m going to fuck your ass, and you’re going to beg me to do it, boy." And then Webb surprised him. Instead of struggling, Webb leaned the rest of the way in until his lips surrounded AJ’s cock. Already half-erect, AJ surged to full hardness. "Good God, man," AJ gasped as Webb began to work his cock. His fingers loosened but Webb still didn’t move away. Instead he began to rub his hands over AJ’s thighs.

Now, combing the hair away from Webb’s forehead, AJ allowed the sensations to overtake him. Most of the women he dated found his cock too big to suck. They might lick it and kiss it, but few enjoyed stretching their mouths around it. Webb bobbed up and down, running his tongue against the thick vein running the length of AJ’s shaft. One hand massaged the heavy ball sac. AJ’s penis bumped against the entrance to Webb’s throat, straining to go deeper. Pulling back, Webb released him with a pop and met his gaze with one AJ couldn’t begin to read. Satisfaction, longing, even a bit of stubbornness were just behind his eyes as he waited.

Behind them Mac murmured but didn’t wake. AJ pulled Webb to stand before him. "She needs the sleep." Webb waited. AJ sighed and turned towards Mac’s bedroom. He didn’t bother to see if Webb followed him.

Webb took a detour into the bathroom and from under the sink pulled out a box of condoms and lube. Returning to the living room he paused and set them down so he could cover Mac with another blanket. "Forgive me, darling, but we had better do this in private – the first time."

AJ was on Mac’s bed, his back against the headboard. "You want me to get you a pillow?" Webb offered.

"I won’t need it."

Webb tossed the box and lube on the nightstand and stood before AJ. There was fear in his eyes and something else that AJ couldn’t read. Well he should be afraid. "Come here."

"Not yet."

"Then get out."

Webb shook his head. And then in a move that took AJ completely by surprise, Webb grabbed him by the ears. Before AJ could protest, Webb straddled his hips and settled on his lap. Their cocks bumped and were caught between them. "Damn you, this can be good. It doesn’t have to turn into a blood sport." And then he leaned down and roughly kissed him. There was no tenderness. It was raw and AJ found himself responding to the pressure against his groin and the feel of Webb’s tongue probing against his lips.

Seizing Webb’s hips he ground their cocks together and both men groaned. Now their tongues sparred back and forth. Webb released his death grip and ran his hands over the stubble covering AJ’s head. AJ, for his part, began to explore, tracing a path from the nape of Webb’s neck to the beginning of his cleft. Webb squirmed closer and AJ enjoyed their cocks rubbing against each other. Pulling back he released Webb’s lips. His tongue played over the bruise he had given him earlier. He was rewarded with a low moan from the spy.

"Please AJ. You want me to beg? I’ll beg you."

"What do you want? Say it. Tell me."

"Fuck me. God! I want to feel that monster inside me."

"You think you can take it?"

"Yes, damn you."

AJ sat forward, forcing Webb back. He kept going, leaning, until Webb teetered and then fell back on the bed. AJ followed him, kissing and biting the tender skin. He sucked on Webb’s nipples, biting down, just like he had with Mac, only harder and Webb begged for more. "Please AJ. Hard, please I need you to touch me."

"Not yet." AJ fought for control. He had an almost irresistible urge to taste Webb, but he wanted to control Webb’s release, not just because he could but also because he knew how good he could make it. "I want to prepare you. Roll over."

A gasp from the doorway momentarily stopped them. They both looked up at Mac standing there, a surprised, angry look on her face. "Why did you leave me?"

"Didn’t want to wake you, baby." Webb felt another surge of lust, glad that she was standing there.

"Why not? Clay, you know how much I wanted to watch." Her look changed to a sad frown. "Unless you don’t want me here."

AJ took a deep breath. "Come here. Sit and watch."

Carefully she moved to the bed, but instead of joining them, she leaned against the wall and folded her hands under her breasts. Webb rolled over onto his stomach, carefully positioning his aching cock, not that anything would help except release. He rested his head on his crossed arms, looking back with one eye at AJ. "Please."

This was what AJ had wanted – Webb begging him to fuck him. By rights he should slap on a condom, lube it up and give it to him hard and fast. But, no matter how active Webb was, such an act would tear him. He could see that as much as Webb wanted this he was tense. Reaching out AJ traced the muscles that had fascinated him earlier. Leaning forward, he ran his tongue over the back before him, tracing the line that his hands had mapped earlier. He could taste Webb’s desire in his sweat. When he reached Webb’s hip, AJ bit down, leaving yet another mark of ownership.

Webb groaned and spread his legs, inviting AJ to do more.

"Hand me the lube, Sarah." AJ demanded softly.

She gulped but managed to open the tube and squeeze some on AJ’s finger. She watched enthralled as AJ brought it to Webb’s opening. "Does it hurt?" she whispered.

"Does it, Webb?" AJ demanded more sternly.

"A little, feels so good. Remember, Sarah? I tried so hard not to hurt you."

AJ growled low. He understood that Webb had taken Mac’s ass before AJ. Jealousy surged; however, he suspected that Mac would never be able to handle his cock that way. He wasn’t sure Webb could, but he was begging for it. And, if he went slowly and, if Webb had done this before, then it could be incredible. Webb at least knew what to do. Never freezing or clinching, he strove to relaxe, regulating his breathing, rocking back with each added finger. AJ released his anger to ask, "How’s that feel?"

"So good. Go deeper. You know what I want."

And AJ did. Long buried memories of a long cock hitting his prostate just right came to the surface. The sound of foil tearing pulled his attention back to Mac. She held out a condom to him. "Put it on me," he growled roughly.

She was so incredibly turned on. She wanted to watch, she wanted to be part of this. The sight of AJ working Clay was so erotic. "So hot." She rolled the latex over AJ’s length taking care to squeeze and caress as she did. "I want that again." She captured AJ’s lips in hers and welcomed his tongue deep inside her mouth.

AJ pulled back. "Go sit at the end of the bed. Give him something to take his mind off the pain."

Settling before Webb, she spread her legs. He pushed off the bed to kiss her. "Let me taste you, Sarah."

She shuddered at the sheer perversity of it. Then Webb dipped his head between her thighs, his nose against her already swollen clit. His tongue roughly parted her labia. "Oh yes." She didn’t know where to look. Her hands caressed Webb’s hair, urging him on, but her eyes kept straying to where AJ was stretching Webb’s anus. "Oh damn," she whispered. AJ removed his hand and Webb’s disappointed sigh puffed into her, causing a shudder to ripple through her body. She played with her own nipples and was rewarded with an approving look from AJ even as he coated his cock with a generous glob of the lube.

"Ready…Clay?"

The use of his first name wasn’t lost on Webb but he just nodded, sending shock waves through Mac as she arched, increasing the pressure against her clit. The thick helmet of AJ’s cock nudged at Webb’s tight opening. A spike of pain skittered along his spine but he took deep breaths of Mac’s arousal, drinking in her juices, which were now flowing freely. He wasn’t sure what AJ would do. He tried to prepare himself for a brutal invasion, this time by a fat cock instead of a single finger. But, once the head had breached his outer muscles, AJ paused, running his hands roughly over Webb’s ass.

Webb arched up, dragging his tongue over the length of Mac’s sex. He nudged her hand away from her breast and kissed it reverently. "So good. He feels so good, Sarah. So big. God it hurts so good."

Mac bent down to kiss him. "Looks so hot. I’m ready. Are you?"

In answer he gently thrust back, pushing AJ a bit deeper. In answer, AJ gripped Webb’s hips, digging his fingers into the firm flesh. "I own you, boy." He pulled back to prove the point and Webb whimpered. AJ’s next thrust drove deeper but still he held back. Webb squirmed and it was AJ’s turn to groan. "Damn you, I’m not going to last if you keep that up."

"Then take me. I can handle it. Do it!"

Mac gasped at the intensity between the two men. Webb wanted this. The way AJ’s cock was stretching his anus she knew it had to hurt like nothing she could stand. Webb had what she considered to be a fairly normal cock, perhaps a little longer than most but Mic had been thicker, but Mic had never even suggested that they have anal sex. And AJ? She could still feel the way AJ had stretched her vagina last night. She wanted that again, but she wasn’t sure she could take AJ up her ass. "Oh, Clay."

His only response was a growl that reminded her of wolves. He kissed her hard, bringing his hands to grip her waist. He was on his knees now, pushing back against AJ, driving the cock deeper into him.

AJ was sweating from the exertion and the incredibly tight passage. Pulling back again until his head was held by Webb’s outer ring, he reached for the lube and applied even more to his cock. It was throbbing and his balls were tightening to the danger point. He thought of Sheffield and what his boss would do to him and Mac if he walked in on them right now. It helped a little but he knew he had to finish this soon. "Ready?" He didn’t give Webb a chance to answer. Instead he thrust all the way until his balls slapped against Webb’s.

Webb arched back in response. "Damn! Right there!" he cried as AJ found his prostate. "Oh yeah."

The plan formed in Mac’s head in an instant. Webb had released her waist; his hands were resting on either side of her. She scooted down, offering him her breasts, but by now he was too far-gone. She wasn’t even sure that he knew she was still under him. His face was scrunched up in ecstasy, his eyes closed. Her thigh met AJ’s but he too was concentrating on the man before him. She’d never see such a look on her CO’s face.

Webb was dimly aware of what Mac was doing and the thought nearly drove him over the edge. Just a little farther. Her downward track dragged his cock along the smooth skin of her inner thigh. AJ, fortunately was resting deep inside him and hadn’t started what he knew would be a brutal assault. At least he hoped it would be brutal. He craved the pain that would bring him so much pleasure. He had never done what he knew Mac was trying to accomplish. A little bit more. Oh yeah! His cock bumped against her pubic bone and he arched up a little more, driving AJ deeper still, allowing his cock to settle between Mac’s outer lips.

AJ grinned wolfishly, finally acknowledging Mac’s plan. "Good girl." He felt Webb try and position himself. He locked eyes with Mac, waiting for her signal.

"Oh yes!" She arched up at the same time that AJ forced Webb inside of her. It was too much for both Mac and Webb. Both instantly cried out their release. Only AJ’s firm grasp on Webb’s hips kept the spy from collapsing on top of Mac. But, AJ wasn’t ready for that yet. He had held out, stayed in control. Now it was his turn. No holds barred, boy. He pulled out all the way this time, but Webb’s anus gaped open before him and he plunged back in deep.

The sensations coursing through Webb danced along his nerve endings in a discordance of lights, smells and shrieking electrical shocks. Even as the last of his cum filled Mac, he felt himself harden again, or perhaps he never lost any of his rigidity. He opened his eyes and found himself drowning in dark pools of chocolate passion. Mac sought his lips and all he could do was give into her. Her tongue seemed to thrust in perfect time with AJ’s cock.

Twenty years AJ had denied himself this. Twenty years, he had lived by the rules of the Navy, refusing all invitations from his former SEAL friends for reunions that he knew would have included this. No hearts and flowers, but damn this felt good. He had forced himself to forget just how good this could be. Webb was fighting to do his part. He wasn’t a meek vessel, though AJ suspected that the spy was operating on sheer animal instinct. Mac was still moving below them, though how she managed impressed AJ. Finally, one last back thrust from Webb and AJ allowed his balls to release their load. As his cum surged through his cock he threw back his head and roared with pleasure.

Mac shuddered through another intense orgasm as she felt Webb finally collapse against her. She kissed the sweat from his temple. Even though her vision was blurred she witnessed the beauty of AJ Chegwidden finally losing control completely, gloriously. I want to see that again and again. I will be part of that again.

The adrenaline drained from AJ even as his cum filled the condom. Webb still held him tight inside and AJ had to slap his ass cheek hard to get his attention. "Relax, damn it," he gasped.

"Sorry," Webb mumbled and fought to release the flaccid cock imbedded in him. He didn’t have the strength to moan at the loss. He knew he too heavy for Mac but he couldn’t have moved to save his soul. He was vaguely glad that AJ hadn’t collapsed upon them both. In fact, he wasn’t even sure where AJ was at the moment.

AJ called upon the last of his strength to pull the condom off and tie it. Looking around, he found the small wastebasket. He wasn’t sure if he hit it or not. He would worry about it later. Now he wondered if the bed would hold them all.

Mac gently pushed Clay off her. She was near the edge but she held him. "Come and lie down, AJ."

He didn’t argue, even with the fact that now Webb rested between the two of them. The queen bed forced the intimacy he told himself. There was no emotion involved in embracing Webb. I just don’t want to fall off the bed.

Even as she was falling asleep, Mac knew something had changed. But, they would all fight it. It’s up to me to hold it together.

The blare of a horn jarred AJ awake. Glaring out the window at the traffic, he, not for the first time, cursed his transfer, even though it had meant he finally made his third star. Even at this hour, the commute from the Pentagon to McLean was horrendous. Thank God he had a driver so that he could wade through the piles of memos and reports that he never seemed to have time for during the day. Of course, tonight he hadn’t bothered with reports. He knew that he would be haunted by the memories. After all, he didn’t need Mac’s gift of time to know that it was the one-year anniversary of leaving the mountaintop. One year since he had engaged in the most intense and futile relationship in his life. Relationship! Bullshit, old man, you’re getting maudlin in your advanced age. Relationship implies a connection, conversations, a meeting of the minds.

One month they had spent in that mountain pasture covered with snow. Living together in a three-room cabin, and a barn, which most of the time they couldn’t get to because of the snow. It was a month of introducing Mac and yes, even Webb, to the pleasures of submissive sex. Images of Mac stretched out over the kitchen table, sucking Webb as AJ pounded into her, of Webb tied by his hands, suspended from a rafter in the ceiling begging for release after an hour of the two of them torturing him with their hands, mouths not to mention strategically placed melting snow and ice. And yes, even the memory of finally tasting Webb, bringing him to completion, swallowing his cum as Mac teased AJ’s cock and anus. But that was all it had been, damn it. Just sex. Nothing more. It could never be anything more.

Even now, a year later, AJ wondered if he should have given in and allowed Webb to take him. But he hadn’t. It would have gone against his image of himself and would have loosened his control over the two of them. Yeah, like you were really in control, you old fool. Mac had bullied them both, even going so far as to treat them like small children declaring time outs when things skittered to the edge of true violence. God, Webb might have submitted to AJ’s sexual direction, but he had fought him the entire time. Little shit can spar too. AJ ran his hand over his five o’clock stubble, remembering one of their outings to the barn.

Mac had declared that they all needed some air and they should check on the barn. "Make sure the solar panels are clear. Besides, we’re running out of firewood."

The workout room had everything AJ could have wanted: free weights, a bench, a punching bag. There was even a small area with a solid square of padding, with boxing gloves and sparring helmets. Mac challenged Webb to a match, but the two men had looked at each other and she had immediately backed down. "Just promise me that you will stop when I say so." It had been the only time any of them had used the safe word. It still surprised him that neither of them sustained a serious injury. In fact, except for two cut lips, neither of them bled. But the sex afterwards! AJ shuddered at the memory and his cock stirred. It was as equal a moment the two men had shared as they sucked each other off in a classic 69 position, each probing the other’s anus, searching for that perfect high. AJ suspected that Mac had been jealous, but if she was she never mentioned it. But then, they never really talked. When they weren’t fucking, they had retreated to their favorite chair (Mac claimed the couch) and read one of the many books in the library.

It had been glorious, and all too short as it turned out. Four weeks into their exile, Webb had been reporting in, when Sheffield once again interrupted. He seemed almost boyish as he broke the news that Rabb, Roberts and he had tracked down Hadeem. Webb and AJ had shared a wry glance, but it was Mac who had whispered, "Harm’s corrupted the Secretary of the Navy." And, Rabb left Denver, his career and his reputation firmly intact. Last month he made captain. However, AJ didn’t think he was enjoying his permanent assignment to the bench. But then, AJ had no say over Rabb’s career any longer. AJ had new duties as Vice-Chief of Naval Operations. It was as plum a career move as he could ever have hoped for and more than he had ever expected while Alexander Nelson was SecNav.

He grew sad as he remembered Mac’s last day at JAG. They had agreed to say their goodbyes to AJ, Clay and Sarah, on the mountaintop. As soon as they stepped on board the helicopter, it was Webb, Admiral and Colonel and no one meeting the helicopter at Fort Carson suspected that the pervious month had been anything but pure hell.

They returned to JAG and neither one of them mentioned her transfer. He didn’t want her to go. Not just because he wanted to keep her by his side, which he did. However, he truly believed that the Marine Corps was the best thing for her. Things went back to normal – for all of a week.

He called them in and given them the news of his promotion. She seemed truly happy for him. "That’s wonderful, sir. It’s about time they recognized your contribution." She waited until Admiral Morris assumed the role of JAG before tendering her resignation to accept a position with the Department of Justice. He tried to call her, to find out why, but got her voice mail. She answered, the same way. The timestamp on the message was 1130 hours and he knew she’d waited until he was sure to be at the office. "It’s time to move on, sir." Nothing more. He’d seen her with Webb a couple of times. But, more often with a stranger on her arm, never the same man twice. They seldom spoke. And the three of them had only been together once - at Rabb’s wedding. He’d kept it civilized, stayed in control; danced one dance with Mac, then returned to his date.

Save for those few times, Webb might as well have dropped off the face of the earth. According to Morris, Webb wasn’t even asking Rabb for assistance. But then, being on the bench, Rabb wasn’t in much a position to help – or get into trouble – anymore. Jealousy coursed through him as he once again pondered the spy’s relationship with Rabb. During a rest period at the cabin, AJ had snidely suggested that the real reason why Webb spent so much time at JAG ops was the flier. Webb had gazed at him for an uncomfortably long moment before snorting. "Please, I may like men as much as women, but I do have some taste."

"Sir?" His driver’s voice floated back over the intercom.

"I see, Collins." They were pulling into his drive. He picked up his cover and briefcase and waited for the Petty Officer to come and open his door for him. Damn fool needs something to do. Makes Tiner look competent.

He trudged up to his front door. He always left the porch light on. He couldn’t remember the last time he came home from work in the daylight. But it kept him busy. He had a full life. He didn’t miss either one of them. They had nothing in common. It was better this way. The retreating car illuminated the darkened house and AJ sighed before unlocking his door.

Thirty years hadn’t erased his SEAL training. A year hadn’t erased her scent from his memory. He just made out her shadow against the high-backed chair. "Hello… Sarah." He was scared and inordinately pleased that she was there. "Is something wrong?"

Sarah wasn’t surprised that he had spotted her immediately. She wasn’t even upset by it. She might very well be angry with him, but she hadn’t wanted to give him a heart attack. "Wrong? Why would anything be wrong?"

"Why are you here, darlin’? Justice beginning to bore you?"

She snorted in disdain but didn’t move. She waited for him to set down his brief case, place his cover on the table by the door and hang up his heavy wool coat.

"It’s cold – cold for Washington anyway." He decided to make small talk. See if she would follow his lead. But, he doubted it.

"Not as cold as it was in Colorado, warmer than your heart though, you bastard."

"Indeed. And what have I done to you that warrants this visit?" He moved to the lamp but decided that the darkness suited this conversation more. "You’ll forgive me if I get a little more comfortable?"

She remained silent and he shed his uniform jacket and flung it over the back of the couch. Next, he loosened his tie and pulled it from his collar. Finally, opening several buttons at his neck he went into the kitchen. "You want something?" he asked as he opened the refrigerator door. The light effectively blinded him and when he closed it, after taking out a beer, he could see dark spots in front of his eyes and little else. He certainly didn’t see her standing next to him. He hadn’t even heard her move.

"I want you to acknowledge that it meant something."

"After all these months? Why now?" He tried for the lie. Tried to make her think that the anniversary meant nothing to him, that he didn’t even realize the day.

"Damn you. You are a cold-hearted bastard."

"But you knew that. No hearts and flowers, remember. It stayed there." He regained enough night vision to move past her into the living room. It took him a moment to realize she had drawn the drapes at the front window and not even the porch light reached here. But he knew this room. This was his life away from the Navy. Pathetic perhaps, but it was his. He walked unerringly to the fireplace.

He was set in his ways and every morning after his run, he would tidy the house before leaving for work. In the winter that routine included cleaning the fireplace and setting the logs up for the night. All he needed to do was turn on the gas starter and strike a match. It was done before she returned to her seat. He gathered his emotions and turned to face her. "Why are you here? You want an anniversary fuck?"

She stared into the fire until the flames danced up and caught. She could just make out his form as he crouched to turn off the gas. The light caught the raw emotion on his face. You’re not in as much control as you would like. Good. "I wouldn’t mind it. If the conditions were right."

"Conditions? What conditions this time, Sarah?" He sighed as he settled into the couch, not quite facing her. He too stared into the fire.

"Same as before. Oh we don’t have to fly to the mountain. Here would work – or at Clay’s."

"Ah. Does Webb even know you’re here?"

"No."

"You honestly think he would welcome it?"

Sarah closed her eyes; the pain was beginning to reach headache proportions. Welcome it? Craves it, is more like it. How very strange. "He talks about you often."

"Really." The old jealousy reared up again. He felt the need to take control, but somehow, he understood that she wouldn’t allow it this time. "I didn’t realize that you two saw each other that much."

"We did at first, then we stopped. He went away." She shrugged and he finally made out what she was wearing.

He was reminded of a time, so long ago. Josh Pendry had been kidnapped and he, Mac, Rabb and even Webb (though they didn’t know at first) had gone after him. Mac was dressed as she had been then in black jeans and black turtleneck. She’s on a mission this time too, but why? "And now?" He demanded.

She twisted to face him and he saw the fire spark in her eyes and he wasn’t quiet sure that the flames from the fireplace were what he saw there. "Now? I’ve decided that I’m going to marry him."

It slipped out before he could stop himself. "Why? You after his money?"

Flames crackled in the fireplace and in her eyes. But that was the only hint of emotion. "That was unworthy, even of you, AJ."

"Your opinion of me seems to have plummeted since last we met." He wanted to apologize but he couldn’t find the words. He didn’t want her to marry Webb.

"Yes." She pulled her knees up and rested her stocking (also black) clad feet on the chair and hugged her calves tight against her body. "The month we had together was intense and exhausting." She took a deep breath before continuing. "But, at the time, I thought it was wonderful. It wasn’t until we returned to our lives, escaped from that whole Enchanted Cottage syndrome that I understood how cruel you were."

"I told you from the beginning."

"Oh, bullshit, AJ. You took control and you gave nothing of yourself. You really did fuck us over and not just physically. You enjoyed it and yet you never said so. Hearts and flowers? Shit! You didn’t give us anything."

"So? Why are you here?"

"You enjoyed it." She insisted.

"Okay. Fine. I enjoyed it. So what?"

"So tell him that. Tell him…"

"Sure. Just let me pick up the phone – a year later and…and what?"

She stood up then and crossed over to stand before him. "Whatever it takes. You don’t get it, do you? You meant something to him. Why he holds on to it is beyond me. I’m sure that a psychiatrist would have a field day with it, but lets just say that he walked away from that experience more scarred than even you could have wanted."

He tried to escape the intensity of her stare, the fury that she had never before shown him. "When we returned, we started seeing each other. He was just like he had been before you HAD TO COME OUT and butt into our investigation. You know, both of us went into that for comfort sex and perhaps if we had been left alone, it could have blossomed into something neither one of us were expecting. Isn’t that the best kind of friendship and sex? But he kept asking about you and how you were and…" she threw up her arms and turned away to stare at the fire. "You know, before you moved on, I was considering staying."

"Why?"

"Because, just like Clay, I thought that month had meant something to us all. But then I remembered; you’re the master of control. You’re the master of fucking with other people’s heads. You really put us through our paces. You gave good orgasm, AJ. You took us to the edge, held us there and then told us we couldn’t come until you said so. I hate to think what you could have done to Rabb if he had been part of the mix."

"I would have ended up killing him." There was no humor in AJ voice and she knew he meant it.

"So I guess that means you have less respect for Clay than even I thought? Of course you do. I know it. Clay knows it. And Clay has now decided that he isn’t good enough for me."

"He isn’t."

"Fuck you! Fuck you straight to hell for what you did to him."

AJ finally stood and gripped her by the shoulders, forcing her to turn and look at him. He pulled her to him and kissed her roughly, claiming her mouth with his. His arms wrapped around her and his hands found her ass. Grinding against her, he waited for her moan. Waited for her to submit like he had taught her at the cabin. But she was limp in his arms, not moving, not breathing and her own hands hung lifeless by her side. Pushing her back he gripped her shoulders and stared into her eyes. There were tears there and he had never felt so low, so worthless. "Mac?"

"All either one of us wanted was to share ourselves with you. You really need to spend some time with Bud and Harriet’s kids, watching Sesame Street, AJ. Sharing means more than just giving us pleasure or sharing your cum. You never opened up to us. Never talked, forget thanking either of us for giving you pleasure. Oh and while we’re on the subject - every time I hear the phrase Good Girl, I cringe in shame. You were right AJ, I should have run to my room and hid there. I should have kept us apart. Of course, the two of you were destined."

"That’s bullshit." He pushed her away and she nearly stumbled into the fire. But she straightened and met his angry glance. "I told you…"

"You wanted it too! You enjoyed it too! You couldn’t have said something? Anything besides that dominance crap!"

He had to know. Why was she really here? "Why the hell do you want him? I’m free now and you’re not under my command. You want a relationship? Fine. We’ll date. He can’t give you good sex? Is that all you want? Then come on, my bedroom is right over there – oh wait, you know where my bedroom is don’t you?"

She studied him for so long that the very proper shame for his behavior was being to eat away at him. Finally, he ran his hands over his face. "What do you want from me, Sarah?"

"Nothing, I guess. I thought you could make it right. But you can’t. You obviously didn’t feel anything that entire month, nothing but anger. Why are you so damn angry, AJ?" But she didn’t give him a chance to tell her. She picked up her black leather jacket and walked to the door. She opened it and looked back at him. "He admires you so much. He told me once that you were the only man in this town that he trusted, always believed. I knew you were always angry with him. Always blamed him for whatever mess Rabb fell into, even when, most of the time, it was Rabb’s fault. All he wanted from you was respect and acknowledgement that what the three of us – oh hell fuck that – what the two of you had – meant something to you too. You treated him worse than you would have treated a whore, AJ. You treated me better, not much, but better. Sweet dreams, lover."

Webb stood at the window overlooking the street in front of his townhouse. The scotch burned his throat as he sipped from the fine crystal rock glass. Mac should be here any minute. She usually comes by. But then, perhaps she had tired of his morose attitude. For the life of him he couldn’t understand why AJ’s rejection hurt so much. It wasn’t like he had lied to them. They had both gone into the sex (he couldn’t call it by any other name) with their eyes open – hadn’t they? He really didn’t understand why Mac had come back to him.

When they first returned, they had to work through the reports. He had been shy around her. He knew that AJ was a better lover. Knew that she had to work through her issues with her CO before she would ever want to resume any kind of dating, casual sex, whatever the heck it was that they had shared before AJ had shown up. At first the sex was wonderful, if bittersweet. He knew she had to miss AJ. Hell he could admit it; he missed AJ. She couldn’t understand how different it was for two men to have sex. Even after a month of watching, she couldn’t really understand. And he had come to admit that sex with AJ was better than sex with just any man. At least it was for him. He sighed deeply and turned back to refill his glass. He mustn’t get drunk. He knew that would anger Mac and that led to nothing but fights and storming out into the night.

She should find someone else. She couldn’t love him. He wasn’t even sure that he loved her, that he could love anyone. He wondered what AJ was doing. He could think about AJ now and not cringe in embarrassment. It wasn’t like they hadn’t gone into it with open eyes. Both of them wanted it and AJ must have decided that it was easier to give in than to sit and watch them sulk. He lifted his glass. "No hearts or flowers. No sirree. Hot, sweaty, rough sex and buh-bye." He took a gulp of the ridiculously expensive scotch. Why the hell would Sarah want me? If it were anyone else I would accuse her of wanting my money. But I know better. Hell, it’s probably pity. Or worse, she wants a good bloodline for her kids. She wants kids. She has no idea how terrible that would be. Me as a father? Pulease!

He was just lifting the glass back to his lips when he heard the heavy knock on his door. He knew it wasn’t Sarah; she had a key. "Fuck. Now what do those bastards at work want?" He slapped the glass down and went to the door, pausing only to peer through the keyhole. He fell against the door, resting his cheek against the cool metal. Oh, he couldn’t take this right now. No. He couldn’t do this. Maybe if he stood here very quietly, AJ would go away. The pounding felt like they were back at the barn and sparring away at each other, Mac standing there screaming "Rabb! Rabb! I said the safe word you have to stop it!" Poor Mac. She never understood. Still didn’t.

"I know you’re in there, Webb."

Sighing he stepped back, opening the door as he did. "Admiral! How can the CIA help the Navy?" There, that was nice and polite.

"Cut the crap." AJ stalked past him into his living room.

"Please, make yourself at home. Drink?"

"Sure. Scotch."

Webb let his eyebrow crawl northward but finally just shrugged and walked over to the sideboard he used as a bar. "Glenmorangie?" he asked.

"It’ll do."

"Of course." He had been a fool to try and impress AJ Chegwidden with expensive scotch. He poured a generous amount and walked to where AJ sat in one of his overstuff chairs. "Now. Again. What can I do for you?"

"You know what day it is?"

Webb stood there and considered the man who had pretty much consumed his thoughts this past year. He knew that his obsession was ruining what little chance he had with Sarah. But, he couldn’t seem to help it. Funny, the entire month that AJ had controlled him Webb fought and gave as good as they would let him. But AJ didn’t want him. He was just a warm vessel for AJ to use and toss away. The only thing that really made him angry was the way that AJ had treated Mac. At least that’s what he told himself now.

Finally, he took a deep breath. "I know what day it is. The day they came and took us off the mountain. The day you were finally rid of us."

"That’s the day."

"And?"

AJ took a deep breath. He knew he had to play this just right. He figured he owed it to Mac if nothing else. But, he also knew he owed it to the man before him. What Mac said had hurt AJ more than he care to examine too deeply at this point. "And, I thought we might go out to dinner. The three of us."

Webb stared at him for a long time, finished his scotch and walked back to the bar. Instead of pouring another three fingers though, he stood there with his back turned to the room.

AJ didn’t fidget. If there was one thing about the man you could say, it was he waited better than anyone Webb had ever met. "You came up with this by yourself, did you?"

In that instant AJ understood that no matter what Mac thought, the man before him deserved his respect. "No, actually, Mac came by earlier."

"Indeed. Well, I’m afraid, it’s kind of late for dinner. Is she outside? Waiting in your car?"

"No. I thought she would be here?"

"Why?"

"She told me."

"Told you what?"

Webb finally turned around and AJ wondered if Mac had even let Webb in on her ultimate plans. Well, darlin’ you came to me.

"Told me she had your futures all planned out. Decided to come and see for myself."

Webb considered himself to be good at this kind of dissimilation - this fine art of pretense. He could play it in South America and he could play it in the Middle East. Hell, he had played it in Colorado. He was suddenly tired of the game. "And?" Throw it back into AJ’s court. Make him say it. Hell, he was good at it.

"So? Do you want her?"

Webb laughed bitterly. "What’s not to want? She’s smart, she’s beautiful, she can whip my ass. What more could I want in a lover and wife."

"That what you want…Clay? Someone to whip your ass."

The anger returned, covering all the other emotions Webb was fighting. "Don’t go there! Don’t you dare pull this crap in my own house! Who the hell do you think you are?"

AJ stood and faced him. Once again, the anger faded to the background. Webb wanted him so badly he could taste it and he hated himself for the feelings coursing through him. In an almost perfect replay of the first time with Mac, AJ reached out and gripped Webb by the back of the neck. "I’m the man who made you beg." He tugged gently but insistently, drawing the smaller man in. He really is so much like Mac. Their height, the touch of their hair, even the smell is so similar. They will be one of those couples who grow to look like each other. If they live that long.

Webb shuddered and couldn’t keep from stepping closer even though he knew it was wrong, knew that AJ wanted only to humiliate him one more time. Would Mac burst in and see them? Is that what AJ wanted? "Why?" He was surprised at how firm his voice sounded in his own ears. "Why are you doing this?" he demanded and began to fight the draw.

AJ released him, secretly pleased. But, instead of stepping back he pressed forward, pushing Webb to step back also or meet his force. "I’ve been thinking about you both this past week."

"Yeah? This past week? Or when Mac stopped by and complained what a pathetic jerk I had turned into?"

"Of the two people in this room, which one of us has the best track record for telling the truth?" Not that my record is that much better than yours, Webb.

"Okay, fine. So what? You can’t find anyone on your staff to play sub? I hear that the new Mrs. Rabb has pretty much whipped Rabb into shape. You always accused me of wanting Rabb, I’m beginning to think…" AJ’s lips on his shut him up. But only his lips. AJ made no move to hold him or touch him more intimately. In fact, AJ didn’t even open his mouth to Webb. It was almost chaste and over all too soon.

"This isn’t about Rabb, or my sexual preferences. Actually, though neither of you would know it, I’m dating a very nice woman. She’s quite beautiful and rather adventurous for a woman of advanced years. She’s six months older than I am," he said, the pride evident in his voice.

"You’re cheating on…" In his shock and sudden rage, Webb almost finished the sentence. But, of course, AJ wasn’t cheating on anyone, not Mac, certainly not him. AJ had been the one who had warned them. "There are always strings. Always hurt feelings. Always a price to pay."

AJ had been the one who had stayed in control. It wasn’t AJ’s fault. Damn the man. "Go back to your girlfriend, AJ."

"No. She’s out of town this weekend and she’s probably sleeping with an old boyfriend back home."

"And that doesn’t bother you?"

"Not yet. It will eventually. Then it will be fish or cut bait. But right now, it’s all rather open."

"Jesus, and Mac accused me of being overly civilized."

"There are a lot of things Mac doesn’t understand." AJ turned and picked up his glass from the coffee table and brought it to his lips. "Tell me, something."

Webb decided that he definitely needed another drink. "What?" he said as he poured just a drop more into the bottom of the glass.

"You like what you and I had together?"

"I liked the sex while it lasted but…"

"But you didn’t like the way I treated you?"

"I thought I made that perfectly clear at the time."

"But you still accepted it."

"Yes, damn you! Is that what you wanted to hear? But not now; not in my own house. You can’t do that to me here."

"I see. And if you marry Mac? If you give her the kids that she so desperately wants, no, needs. Are you still going to search out men to have sex with?"

"AJ, I didn’t search out men to have sex with before I started up with Mac. I never said no to sex just because it was a man. But you might as well ask me if I’m going to cheat on her with a woman. It’s the same thing to me. Sarah is all I need."

"Except…" AJ let the question hang between them.

"Why?" Webb whispered softly. "Why did it have to be that way with us? Why couldn’t you have just enjoyed it like we did?"

"Did it ever occur to you that it was the only way I could be sure of walking away afterwards?" AJ responded in an equally soft tone.

Webb stood there. He refused to see the lie in AJ’s eyes. "Balls," he finally managed.

"And cocks and breasts and her sweet honey pot. It’s all off-limits. Your cock, her sweet snatch. I broke every rule I had sworn to uphold. I did it and hated myself for the loss of control in doing so. But that doesn’t mean it meant nothing to me. I just had to stay in control so I could walk away afterward. Do you know how many times over the last eight years I had to leave the room because she was standing there smelling so good giving those long meaningful glances to that idiot Rabb?"

"Tell me about it. There were times I wanted to kill him or spank her." Webb realized that they had said all this before. But now he was actually listening. "But what about me?"

"You? You know that broken nose I gave you? I wanted to punish you in an entirely different way. Punish you for not trusting me, for playing me. And when we went after Tim? You know how close I came to going to your room that night?"

"You’re lying." Webb could barely breath. He wasn’t hearing this. AJ wasn’t even here. It was an alcohol-induced dream. He really didn’t feel the roughened hand caressing his face.

"Look at me." AJ forced Webb to raise his head until their eyes met. "I had no choice in Colorado; at least no choice that I could see. You’re still off-limits."

"She’s not. Not any more."

"I know. I asked her to stay with me tonight. Told her you weren’t good enough for her."

Webb couldn’t even pull away. He felt like prey, mesmerized by the certain death awaiting him. "Wha…" He couldn’t even get the question out.

"Oh she reamed me a new one. She must find you something really special." Webb gulped, unsure as to what to say or where this was leading. The serious look on AJ’s face turned to a feral smile. "So?"

"So?"

"Are you? You going to show me why she chose you over me?" He leaned in but didn’t close the space between them entirely. He was waiting for Webb to make the next move.

I’m losing my mind. I’m in a pysch ward somewhere, hallucinating. Most intense dream I’ve had in a while and I’ve had my share these past twelve months. Can he really be here, asking what I think he’s asking? No. Webb gathered the last of his self-esteem and courage and demanded. "Say it."

"You want me to beg you Webb?"

"No. Just say it. Lay it on the line. I’m not even sure you’re really here right now."

"Fuck me."

After she left AJ, Mac drove out of town. Had it been just a little warmer she would have put the top down on the car and let the night air clear her head. What the hell had she been thinking? Why had she blown up at AJ like that? True, he had been an arrogant ass during that month, or tried hard to maintain the personae. And, perhaps, that was what made Mac truly angry. He had it within himself to be giving. But, he had held back, been cruel. Had it been good? Hell yes! Fantastic and hot. But just below the surface, just out of reach he had kept his true emotions hidden. She had accepted it at the time. Her hedonistic side had been hidden for so long, that she had completely submerged herself into the sweaty, dirty, nasty sex. She had thought Clay had too.

Only Clay hadn’t been able to let it go. And, he had become colder, more withdrawn, than before. Where once he had been cocky, upon their return, more often than not, he was surly and mean. And she had given up on him, growing sick of the constant discussion of where he had gone wrong and what he should have done and how good it had felt and maybe someday they could get together and do it right.

When he called and announced that he had to go out of the country and had no idea when he would be back, she had taken it as a sign. She dated other men while he was gone. But none of them worked out, there was something indescribably wrong with each. When she realized just what that something was (they weren’t Clay) she had raged at herself. But to no effect. When Webb returned he had made the first move and for a while everything seemed almost back to normal. She should have known better.

It wasn’t until Rabb’s wedding two months ago that they actually ran into AJ. He was with a stunning blond who seemed to cling to his every word. And while everything was civil and polite, that night was the first time she ever saw Webb drunk. But not the last.

Somewhere past Fairfax she made up her mind. She stopped in a diner and ordered a cup of coffee and a piece of apple pie. She sat there and went over all the arguments in her head. Before that month in the mountains, she had been determined to live her life by her own rules, take her pleasure as it came and the world be damned. After the amazing month, she had fallen into the old trap again. Well no more. She would go back, look Clay right in the eye and say, ‘When you’ve grown up, give me a call. If I haven’t found anyone else, we’ll talk.’

She paid her check, stood and turned to the door. Just as she reached it, it opened and a family of four came in. A small boy, no older than three, was excitedly pulling his mother inside. The father was following, carrying a bundled squirming baby. A typical family, only the little boy looked just like a little boy that she and Clay might produce; thin, serious, dark haired with hazel eyes that seemed to sparkle. Tears formed and she fled into the night. Oh yeah, she made a decision and Clayton Webb wasn’t going to like it one bit. By God, they would come to blows tonight. She would fight his demons, she would kick butt and take names and God help AJ Chegwidden the next time she saw him.

It was 0104 hours when she pulled up in front of his townhouse. The lights in the living room still blazed out into the night. "He’s up waiting for me. Good. We can start right now. No more of this ‘I’m not good enough for you’ bullshit." She ran up the steps, her key already in her hand.

The living room was empty. The only evidence that anyone had been down here was two dirty glasses on the bar. She stood there for a moment then went to the window and spotted the Escalade parked down the street. "Oh God. How could I have missed it?" she whispered, the tears already forming in her eyes. She could just make out the telltale sounds coming from somewhere above her. She knew where. "You bastard. You had to come over and fuck with him some more. Is this revenge for me turning you down?" A heart-felt moan floated down the stairs. Why the hell did I have to go over there tonight and confront AJ?

For a moment she almost left them to it. But she wanted to face AJ, wanted to spit in his eye. Carefully, silently, she climbed the staircase. As she rounded the first floor landing she heard the sounds of lovemaking grow. She was halfway down the hallway before she realized just what she was hearing.

"Am I hurting you?" Clay asked harshly.

"So long, been so damn long." AJ’s reply went straight to Mac’s stomach. She knew what he was doing and didn’t know how she felt about it.

The door was ajar and she carefully pushed it open so she could see the huge four-poster bed; the bed where she and Clay had been making love off and on for the past year. Of all the things she had witnessed and participated in that month on the mountain, this was one that she could have made book on never seeing: brutal, dominating AJ Chegwidden spread before Clayton Webb, his ass in the air, begging for Clay’s cock to enter him. She swallowed her gasp and moved closer. She didn’t want them to know she was here yet. But then she doubted that either of them was aware of anything except the other. Clay wore a look of intense concentration, just the hint of a smile on his lips. She could barely see AJ’s face, only a sliver in the moonlight that kissed the bed.

Even as she shed her coat, and eased off her shoes, Clay didn’t notice her. He was completely absorbed by the man before him. Three fingers were gently preparing AJ. Sarah felt a sob form in her throat and tasted jealousy, bitter and vile.

AJ arched back. "Now, Clay, do it now."

Webb chuckled and slapped AJ’s ass. "Patience. All in good time. Enjoy it, damn it."

"Damn you! Do you want me to beg? Never going to happen!"

"Beg? Nah. That was your thing. All I want you to do is feel just how good it can be."

Tears stung Mac’s eyes. I’m losing him. He’s never going to be happy with just me. Oh God! Did I ever truly want this? She stood rigid as Webb stroked his cock with lube. Tried to shut her eyes as he slowly breached AJ’s anus. This is who he is. You have to accept it or walk away. She almost did. She couldn’t watch anymore, and her eyes strayed one last time to the man who had the power to ruin her life. And their eyes met. Almost glazed over with passion, finally enjoying himself completely, AJ stared into her shocked eyes. She tried to read some kindness there, but she realized that she had misread everything during that month. She had no stomach for this. Did she? Could she accept this? Could she fight for Clay? Could she ever bear the touch of the man lying there, so close to orgasm?

Her eyes shot back to Clay. He still didn’t realize that she was standing just behind him. His fingers gripped AJ’s hips, pulling him back against him. AJ’s cock, which had given her so much pleasure and release, hung down, brushing the sheets.

"Oh God, so tight. So damn good." Webb moaned. She brought her gaze back to his face. His eyes were scrunched tight and his teeth were biting into his lower lip as he thrust deep inside AJ’s passage. She almost left. Would have if she hadn’t been watching his face as he murmured softer still. "I wish Sarah were here. I wish she could see this. She should be here."

Her eyes darted back to AJ, who, it seemed, had never stopped looking at her. So be it. I’ll fight you for him, AJ. I’ll continue this, though I can see no good coming from it. But, I won’t give up without a fight. As if he could read her mind, he gave a brief nod and a briefer smile before turning away and thrusting back against Clay’s invading cock.

"I’m right here, Clay." She flung off her turtleneck and pulled off her slacks. Stepping up to the bed, she pulled his head toward her. The kiss was everything she could want, long wet and deep. The bargain was sealed. Whatever they would have together would somehow include the man Clay seemed to need as much as he needed her. She didn’t know how it would end, but she wasn’t going to give him up without a fight.

She shed the rest of her clothes. But instead of going to the head of the bed, she reached down and began to stroke the massive cock straining for release. Her eyes were locked on Clay’s and never moved as AJ grunted his release, flooding her hand with semen. Clay’s eyes were now focused on her and she hoped her presence added to his pleasure. She had to believe that if she was going to win this battle.

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