36. Chapter 36

I can't believe the response to the last chapter! I am amazed and honoured. It is definitely motivating me to write. I have to say I feel a little famous as my fic was discussed on instagram. Thankfully, it was positive and it definitely made me smile (and it also inspired me to finish off this chapter as I wasn't planning on posting this until tomorrow)LOL!

I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as I enjoyed writing it. I was kinda disappointed by the lack of Linstead in the crossover (and I'm not getting my hopes up for next week's undercover mission either) so I thought I had to create my own Linstead. As always, please read and review. I really appreciate it. Thanks!

Chapter 35 – Rated M

Erin stood beside the bar, a champagne flute in her hand, her eyes focused on Jay as he talked to a group of the society wives, including Maria Dupont, the lady who blanked her at the luncheon. Erin watched in amazement as the ladies giggled and fawned over Jay, taking in every word of the story he was telling them.

She took a gulp of champagne, finishing off whatever was left in her flute. She turned around to the bartender. "Can you give me one of those girly looking cocktails...whatever has the most alcohol." She requested. The bartender nodded and began mixing.

Erin inwardly sighed. They had been at the ball for a few hours now and she knew it was time to hit the hard stuff; but she also knew a society wife could not be seen drinking her usual tipple of beer or scotch at these events.

The bartender handed her something pink. She thanked him and took a sip; practically purring as the alcohol hit the spot. Yep, this was what she needed if she was going to survive the night; her mind not being able to shift Jay's response to her 'maybe one day' comment earlier.

She turned her attention back to the gaggle of ladies surrounding Jay. She had to hand it to him; for someone whose wardrobe consisted of black t-shirts, black hoodies, leather jackets and jeans, he fitted into these society events perfectly.

During the meal, he had charmed their whole table; she could see the look in all the other wives' eyes; they envied her. For once, someone actually envied her and she enjoyed the feeling; until she remembered none of it was real.

After the meal; he worked the room with her; networking with the other guests until Erin couldn't stand the fussing over him and had to excuse herself to head towards the bar; and that is where she had been for the last 10 minutes.

She had to admit; the ball was actually fun; Amy had done a great job organising it; and on the plus side; as organiser, Amy was too busy to seek out Erin's company. Erin was relieved; since Ben's case of 'mistaken identity', she couldn't shake the feeling in her gut. She didn't know how to act around Amy until Ben's 'mistake' was confirmed by Burgess.

She realised Jay was looking over at her; she smiled and raised her drink before taking a sip of the cocktail. She knew Jay was looking for an escape but he was doing such a good job raising her profile; she thought he could hold on for another 5 minutes at least.

She watched as he nodded towards her and began apologising to the ladies. She groaned as she realised what he was doing; he was using her as an excuse to back away from the ladies. She watched as he walked towards her; Maria Dupont and another middle aged woman accompanying him; both of them laughing.

"Erin, sweetie, you didn't tell me your darling husband was such a delight." Maria sweetly stated, placing her hand on Jay's arm as they approached Erin.

"Well we all need our little secrets Mrs Dupont." Erin replied, just as sweetly as Jay edged away from Maria and the other woman; wrapping his arm around Erin's waist; pulling her close.

"Maria please." Maria replied, her eyes gazing at on Jay's hand on Erin's waist before returning to Erin's eye line. "You must join my husband and me at the club for a game of tennis."

"Sounds great." Erin replied, forcing a smile.

"Yes well..."Maria said, shifting uncomfortably. She returned her focus to Jay. "Remember Jay, you owe me a dance."

"Of course Maria but I owe my little lady here some of my attention first." Jay replied; tugging Erin into him again. Maria gave a small laugh before walking off with the other woman. Jay sighed with relief, turning to face the bartender. Erin turned with him; still in Jay's hold.

"Little lady?" She questioned through gritted teeth. "This little lady has kicked your ass plenty of times."

"It got rid of her, didn't it?" Jay replied. "Scotch neat please." He ordered from the bartender before returning his attention to Erin. "How the hell do you survive these things?"

"With a lot of alcohol." Erin replied. "You however, seem to be a natural. You got us an invite to the country club within a few hours...it's just a pity it's with someone who is not in the manor."

Jay thanked the bartender for his scotch and turned around again to observe the group with Erin. "Maybe they are part of the manor." Jay suggested.

Erin scoffed. "Please! Her hubby doesn't need it...he's banging his secretary." Erin retorted; causing Jay to choke on his scotch at Erin's bluntness.

"I understand now why the alcohol is needed." Jay replied. "This place is more cutthroat than the boardroom." He took another gulp of scotch.

Erin sat at their table, her finger tracing the rim of her cocktail glass; her eyes occasionally glancing over at Jay as he danced with various women. She had to smile at the sight of him bopping along to 'Build Me Up Buttercup'. She never had him down as a dancer and by the shape of his dance moves he wasn't; but he didn't seem to care.

Occasionally, she would throw her opinion into the conversation that was being shared at the table; unfortunately, the subject was now about the best way to avoid taxes and the less she heard the better; if she wanted to maintain her cover.

She focused her attention on Jay; who was still the centre of attention. He locked eyes with her and he waved at her to join him. She shook her head 'no' and smiled as she watched him excuse himself from his fan club; before heading towards her.

"Your dance card empty already?" She teased as he plopped himself down on the chair beside her.

"Dancing is a workout!" He replied; trying to gather his breath. Erin offered the remainder of her cocktail, which he happily took. He took a sip and choked as the alcohol hit the back of his throat; taking him by surprise. "Bloody hell...that's pure alcohol!"

"Why do you think I'm drinking it?" Erin shot back, a smile on her lips. She had to admit; she had expected tonight to be awkward between her and Jay after last night but everything seemed to be okay; as long as she didn't allow herself to dwell on their earlier conversation. "So, have you swept all the society wives off their feet?"

"All but one." Jay replied.

"And who's the one?" Erin asked, her eyes scanning the crowd. Jay held out his hand.

"You." He simply replied. 'Thinking Out Loud' by Ed Sheeran began to play.

When your legs don't work like they used to beforeAnd I can't sweep you off of your feetWill your mouth still remember the taste of my love?Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks?

Erin's eyes focused on his hand, lying on the table, palm up; just like her hand the time she dragged him to her high school reunion. She looked up at him; he had his trademark grin on his lips. She shook her head. "I don't dance." She protested.

"And you think I do?" He shot back, still smiling. "C'mon Erin...dance with your husband."

She softly chewed on her lower lip; her eyes resting on the palm of his hand. She looked up at him and slipped her hand in his; their fingers entwining. "Alright." She simply replied. "But only because it's my duty as your wife."

Jay's smile grew wider as he pulled her up out of her seat and led her towards the dance floor; not letting go of her hand.

And, darling, I will be loving you 'til we're 70And, baby, my heart could still fall as hard at 23And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious waysMaybe just the touch of a handWell, me—I fall in love with you every single dayAnd I just wanna tell you I am

Erin momentarily lost her breath as Jay slipped one arm around her waist as the other hand took hold of her hand. He pulled her close and curled up their hands they were still holding so they were resting gently between their chests.

They began to sway slowly to the music; Erin readily aware of Jay's breath on the nape of her neck as she rested her head on his shoulder. She could feel his racing heart; confirming for her that he could probably feel her racing heart too.

So honey nowTake me into your loving armsKiss me under the light of a thousand starsPlace your head on my beating heartI'm thinking out loudThat maybe we found love right where we are

Erin felt a familiar stirring between her thighs as they continued to sway. She lifted her head to look at Jay; his eyes never leaving hers. She pressed herself even closer to him; surprised at his resistance; until she felt his hardened member pressing against her and then she understood.

When my hair's all but gone and my memory fadesAnd the crowds don't remember my nameWhen my hands don't play the strings the same wayI know you will still love me the same

"Jay..." She softly said.

"Um huh?" He muttered.

She wondered if he was afraid to speak in case a moan escaped his lips because God knows she was struggling. "I have a suggestion and I want you to hear me out." She simply suggested.

"Okay." He replied, confused.

'Cause honey your soul could never grow old, it's evergreenAnd, baby, your smile's forever in my mind and memoryI'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious waysMaybe it's all part of a planWell, I'll just keep on making the same mistakesHoping that you'll understand

"I know last night at the manor, I took things too far and you were right to stop it before we went too far." Erin began. "It wasn't us."

"Erin, not this again..." He began to protest but Erin continued.

"The thing is Jay; we're not in the manor tonight." Erin stated. "And when we go back to the apartment we're not Mr and Mrs Kingston, we're us, Erin and Jay...just like we always have been."

"I'm confused about what you're getting at Erin." Jay stated; his breaths getting deeper as the heat increased between them.

"I want us to go back to the apartment and I want you to have me...all of me." She simply stated.

But, baby, nowTake me into your loving armsKiss me under the light of a thousand starsPlace your head on my beating heartThinking out loudThat maybe we found love right where we are

Jay looked at her; she was so cool and in control; knowing exactly what she wanted. He raised his hand and stroked her cheek, his thumb grazing her lips; Erin following his touch. He could feel the heat between them as he looked her in the eyes. He knew they had both been drinking but she looked completely sober.

He dropped his hand and softly stroked her arms; Erin's eyes never leaving his; waiting for his answer. Finally, he slipped his hand in hers; entwining their fingers. "Let's get out of here." He practically groaned; already leading her off the dance floor.

So, baby, nowTake me into your loving armsKiss me under the light of a thousand starsOh, darling, place your head on my beating heartI'm thinking out loudThat maybe we found love right where we areOh, baby, we found love right where we areAnd we found love right where we are

The ride to the apartment in the town car was the longest ride either of them had ever experienced. Erin's legs were draped over him as her lips hungrily kissed his neck and jaw line; her hands freely roaming his chest as he held her waist, keeping her close.

Occasionally she would pull away for air; their noses rubbing; their lips hovering each other; barely grazing; almost kissing. A nervous laugh escaping both their lips; neither one believing this was actually happening.

They both managed to stumble out of the town car, across the building lobby and towards the elevator; struggling to keep their hands or mouths to themselves; fully aware of the CCTV in the lobby and the elevators.

As they stepped into the elevator, they took their place on opposite ends of the elevator; occasionally glancing over at each other and giggling. As soon as they reached their floor, they raced out of the elevator and headed straight for their door.

Jay wrapped his arms around Erin as she struggled to locate the key. He began to nibble her ear. "I hope you still have those handcuffs because I'm feeling very very bad." He whispered in her ear.

After successfully opening the door; Erin spun around and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Well we're going to have to do something about that, aren't we?" She teased; her lips hovering over his; barely grazing; her hands pulling off his tux jacket as they stumbled into the apartment.

"Watch, that's a rental!" He warned, causing Erin to giggle; her lips returning to his neck as her hands feverishly tried to open the buttons of his shirt but she was having no success.

They reluctantly pulled apart, realising that as both their outfits were rentals they couldn't exactly rip them off. Jay pulled off his shoes before setting to work on his shirt buttons. Erin kicked off her heels and then searched for the zip of her skirt. The skirt fell to the ground, revealing her white stockings, white suspenders and her white lace panties.

She watched as Jay took in the sight before him; catching his breath before he scooped her up. Erin giggled and wrapped her legs around his waist as Jay began kissing her neck; carrying her towards the bedroom.

Erin giggled as he tossed her onto the bed. She pulled herself up, resting her weight on her arms; her eyes meeting Jay's. He paused. "Are you sure about this?" He asked, the reality of what they were about to do finally sinking in.

Erin manoeuvred herself onto all fours and crawled towards him at the edge of the bed. "Let me show you how sure I am." She purred; before her lips began to kiss Jay's torso; her fingers opening his belt and removing it.

Jay gave a long hard groan as her lips began to move south; he could tell she was smiling as her lips continued their trail. He felt his knees weaken as she began to open his zip. Suddenly his cell phone began to ring; vibrating in his pocket.

Erin glanced up at him momentarily. "Ignore it." She muttered between kisses.

Jay wished he could but he had to look. He pulled out the phone. 'Alex' flashed up, Olinski's cover. "I'm sorry but I have to." Jay stated. Erin groaned and sat back down on the bed as Jay moved away from the bed; trying to control his breathing before he answered. "Hey Al." There was silence. "What? When?" Erin climbed off the bed; she recognised Jay's tone; it wasn't good. "Okay Al, thanks for letting us know."

"What is it?" Erin asked, crossing her arms as Jay ended his call.

"They just found two more victims." Jay replied. "Only this time the killer slipped up...one of the victims is still alive. It looks like we just got a lead."

To be continued...