8 comments/ 18684 views/ 9 favorites The Treachery of the Heart By: TwistedMisery Riley lifted his spine from the sofa as his frame curled in an all over stretch. Placing his thick arm behind his head, he gazed up towards the ceiling. His chest was bare, and the thin blanket that covered his legs had slipped to the side while he slept, and was now buried in the creases of the cushions. The only thing that covered him was a pair of worn blue jeans that he had been wearing the day before. The sun was just peeking through the window. It was early, and the house was quiet as he lay there. He was just contemplating pulling himself up to use the bathroom when the sound of movement from above caught his attention. He wasn't sure if the footsteps belonged to his brother Mark, or his wife Leah, but someone was up and about, and he could clearly hear them walking around. When the muffled sound of footsteps padding down the staircase reached his ears, he peered over the top of the sofa to see who it was. Leah. Dropping his head back down, he took a deep breath. "Good morning," he said quietly. Pausing at the sound of his voice, a moment passed before she continued down the stairs until she was standing behind the sofa. Her large blue eyes met his grey ones as she looked at him. "Morning," she returned softly. "How did you sleep?" "Alright," he told her. "It was a lot more comfortable than the cots at the base." Leah nodded slowly in response. "I was going to go make some coffee. Would you like some?" she inquired. "Sure," he responded in a hushed tone. "Is Mark up?" Leah shook her head. "Not yet." Turning away, she slipped past the couch, and entered the kitchen. Riley watched her slight frame disappear from his sight, and he took another deep breath. Lifting himself up from the sofa, he rubbed his eyes for a moment before heading in the direction of the bathroom. Once he was inside, he closed the door, and ran a hand through his short, russet hair before glancing in the mirror. He needed a shave. Sliding his fingers over the lower portion of his face, he grimaced before turning away to unbutton his jeans so that he could relieve himself. It wasn't any easier as he assumed it would be. Two years hadn't done anything to diminish the yearning he felt, and that fact had been brought home to him the moment she had opened the door, and found him standing there with his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He still wanted her. Still felt the electric pulse that shot through his body simply from being near her, and with a sinking heart he had acknowledged the fact as he'd stepped into the house to allow his brother to hug him. It was agony. Wanting to touch her, hold her, kiss her mouth when he couldn't. She was completely off limits to him, far from his reach, and the knowledge was what had sent him fleeing from his home two years ago. Enlisting into the army had given him something else to focus on. Something else to put his energy, and passion into. He thought he was over this. He was a grown man now. No longer the hesitant, unsure youth he had once been, and he wasn't quite sure how to deal with the rush of emotions that were stirring within him knowing full well he had to keep them at bay. She was still his brother's wife, and she was still off limits. Closing his jeans, he flushed the toilet, and left the bathroom. His bare feet carried him across the living room until he reached the kitchen. As he passed through the doorway, he paused when he spotted her standing at the counter with her back to him. The pink, silk robe that she wore was short, and barely reached the middle of her thighs. Riley's eyes focused on the back of her shapely legs for a moment before sliding up her body. When she turned around to face him, his grey eyes were heated. Hers became instantly wary as she took in his expression. "The coffee will be ready in a few minutes," she said hesitantly. Without giving any inclination that he had heard her, his long legs carried him forward until he was standing directly in front of her. His intense grey eyes peered down at her, and Leah had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. When she saw the desire blazing from his eyes, her mouth parted with a gasp. "Don't," she breathed softly. He seemed to be endlessly searching her wide blue eyes, and then his restraint crumbled, and he dropped his head in one swift movement as he took her mouth with his own. Lifting his fingers, he slid them along her cheek until they were buried in her dark hair, and then his thumb brushed along her jaw in a caress as he urged her lips to part. When she opened to him, his tongue lashed out in search of hers, and a harsh breath escaped his nostrils once he found it. Sliding them together, a soft sound of pleasure escaped his throat as he began tasting her. Their lips meshed together in a hot, wet exploration that lasted several seconds, and then Leah lifted her hands to his chest before turning her head to pull away from him. "Riley," she gasped. "I can't." His body was tense, and inflamed, and he completely ignored the rebuke as his other hand lifted to quickly pull the tie to her robe. Slipping his large fingers inside, he circled her waist with his strong arm, and pulled her against him. With another gasp she peered up at him in surprise, and then his head descended to take her mouth again. He became urgent. His fingers slipped further into her hair until he was cradling the back of her head, and he used his hold on her to pull her mouth to his as he widened his lips to taste her more deeply. He began to lose all sense of control as a low groan of need escaped his throat. When he pressed her against the counter, and his hips frantically came into contact with hers, she fought once again to pull away. Wrenching her head to the side, her breath came out in stilted gasps as he panted above her. "We can't do this," she said in agony. "Please stop," she begged. As she looked up at him, his grey eyes were fierce while he struggled to gain control. He was still holding her in a death grip when they finally closed, and he dropped his forehead to hers. Taking a few jagged breaths, he opened them to look at her. "I couldn't help it," he told her softly. Leah's eyes frantically darted around before she lifted them to his once more. "It's okay," she said quickly. "No one saw. You can't do it again though. You can't look at me like that. Especially around Mark. He'll notice." Nodding in understanding, Riley continued to look into her eyes. "I won't," he promised her. "I'll behave. No one will ever know how much I want to touch you," he said thickly. "How much I want to taste you every time that I look at you. They'll never suspect how badly I want to be inside of you," he admitted darkly. His words made her gasp again as she gazed up at him helplessly. His name left her lips in a gently spoken plea. Closing her eyes to escape the heat of his eyes, she took an unsteady breath as her hands fisted against his bare chest. A rough exclamation of need escaped Riley, and then his lips claimed hers again. She met the onslaught of his lips with her own, and a soft mewl of unmistakable desire entered his mouth as he continued to lose himself against her. Once he pulled away, he released his hold on her so that he could run his fingers through his hair in agitation. When he looked up at her, his cloudy eyes held a warning. "I want you," he said harshly. "Badly." His chest lifted abruptly, and then fell as he tried to keep himself from reaching for her again. "Coming here was a mistake," he whispered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He was sixteen years old the first time that she had kissed him. He remembered it vividly because it was the first time that anyone had kissed him. He had been laying on his bed watching a baseball game, and was thoroughly disgusted at his team's inability to score a run. When his favorite player whacked his third foul ball, Riley slipped from his mattress, and shook his head in disbelief. Crossing his room on bare feet, he left it to step across the hall to use the bathroom. Reaching for the handle, he pushed the door open wide, and became startled to see that his brother's girlfriend Leah was already inside. A rushed apology left his lips before he quickly pulled the door closed. He stood there for a moment as a frown passed over his young features, and then he slowly opened the door again. Peering inside, he spotted her sitting on top of the toilet with her face pressed into her hands. She was crying. He was immediately struck with concern as he stepped back into the room. "Are you alright?" he asked hesitantly. Lowering her head, she quickly wiped at her eyes before nodding. Her voice wavered when she responded. "Yes. I'm fine," she assured him. "Did you need to use the bathroom?" Riley ignored the question. "Why are you crying?" he wondered in confusion. Her large, blue eyes darted to meet his for a moment, and then she looked away. "It's nothing. I'm just worried about something. I'm sure it will be fine." She attempted to force a reassuring smile, but her mouth trembled making it unconvincing. Riley felt helpless as he looked at her. His grey eyes widened as they darted about the room. His mind raced for something to say. "Do you want me to go get Mark?" he finally asked her. "No! Please don't," she pleaded. "I don't want him to know that I'm upset," she insisted. Riley nodded as another frown passed over his face. "Is there anything I can do?" Leah shook her head. Her slight frame trembled as she dragged in an unsteady breath. "There's nothing anyone can do. I don't know how this could have happened." Lifting herself to her feet, her fingers rose to her forehead as a pained grimace passed over her features. Then her tremulous gaze met his. "I'm really scared, Riley," she whispered. Her words brought him further into the room until he was standing beside her. His young face was apprehensive, and etched with perplexity. "Tell me what's wrong. I want to help you, Leah." When she began to cry once more, his heart sunk. Lifting her arms, she wrapped them around his neck, then pressed her face against his chest as she sobbed quietly. Riley's mouth parted in surprise, but then he reached his arms up to hold her. "It's going to be alright," he said to her gently. Sliding his palm up and down her spine, he attempted to soothe her while she clutched onto him. When she finally began to quiet against him, she took in a deep, shuddering breath. "I'm pregnant," she whispered in horror. Riley had not been expecting that. He asked the first thing that came to his mind. "Does Mark know?" Leah's head shook against him. "No one knows. You're the first person I've told," she said weakly. Riley smiled as he peered down at her. "That's not the end of the world," he said trying to brighten her outlook. "I'm going to be an uncle. How cool is that?" His words had the desired effect. Leah's lips tilted begrudgingly where her cheek was pressed against him. "You're not alone, Leah. You have Mark. You have your family. You have me. I'll help out in any way that I can." Leah took another deep breath before pulling back to look up at him. "I'm only eighteen, Riley. I'm not ready for this," she admitted. Riley nodded in understanding before lifting his fingers to push through her dark hair at her temple in a comforting gesture. "I know," he told her. "Sometimes life just throws you a curve ball," he said with a smile. Leah looked up at him with gratitude. "I only hope your brother responds this positively to the situation," she said with worry. "He will," Riley assured her. "If he doesn't I'll punch him in the face." He grinned after he said it making Leah laugh. Gripping his shirt in her hands, she leaned onto her tip toes, and pressed her mouth to his to kiss him in gratitude. When she pulled back her blue eyes gazed up into his surprised face as she smiled again. "You're the best, Riley," she said in appreciation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ His back was stiff as he turned away from her. His hands clenched at his sides while he fought for control. After a moment, his frame sagged, and his head dropped low. "I wasn't planning to do this," he said quietly. "I need you to believe me." "I don't think that," she whispered. When her fingers reached out to touch his bare back, a shudder tore through him. "I love you, Leah," he confessed. "I always have. Denying it anymore is pointless." "Don't say that," she gasped. Riley shook his head before turning back to face her. "Why not?" he demanded thickly. "It's true." Capturing her wide, blue eyes within his intense gaze, he drew closer so that their bodies nearly touched. Looking down at her, the heat in his grey eyes kept her prisoner while he kept his mouth a breath from hers. "Tell me that you don't feel anything," he whispered harshly. "Tell me that you don't want me." Leah closed her eyes for a moment to escape the overpowering lure he possessed. Swallowing slowly, she opened them once again, and stared helplessly at him. "I can't tell you that," she breathed in agony. When he swayed towards her, Leah lifted her hand to his chest to keep him in place. "I'm thinking of Abbie, Riley." It was enough. His entire frame deflated, and his expression grew pained. "I love Abbie too," he said fiercely. "I would take care of you. Both of you. I'm not a child anymore, Leah." The statement was apparent as she looked at him. He was every bit a grown man as he loomed above her. When she hesitated too long in answering, he took the opportunity to sway her in other ways. His head descended abruptly, and he captured her lips. Then his hands were cupping her face to hold her still so that he could taste her. When she whimpered beneath him, he was lost. His large frame pressed her into the counter, and one hand slipped to the back of her neck to hold her tightly as his other skimmed down her side to grip her backside in his hold. Pulling her up against him, he rubbed his hips into hers aggressively. When she moaned into his mouth, a soft grunt escaped him, and he did it again. Her fingers dug into the skin of his chest in reaction to the raw need that filled her. When his fingers clamped roughly around her thigh, and lifted it to press against his waist, she eagerly latched onto his side with it while he continued to rub against her. Then her arms were around his neck while their bodies and mouths strained against one another's. "Mommy, there was a birdie outside my window. He sang to wake me up." Riley released Leah immediately, and turned apprehensively to look at his four year old niece. Both of their breathing was heavy as they stared at the unexpected interruption. Stepping forward, Leah closed the front of her robe, and tied the belt as she approached her daughter. Her voice wavered slightly as she looked down at her. "A birdie came to visit you?" Abbie nodded her dark head. "He was singing to me," she told her mother. "That sounds pretty amazing," Leah said with indulgent enthusiasm. "Why don't you show me where you saw him?" Leading her from the kitchen, Leah glanced back at Riley with a stricken expression. Her eyes were apprehensive before she disappeared from his sight. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Riley had just returned from hockey practice when he dropped all of his gear near the front door, and took the stairs two at a time. He needed a hot shower, and he was eager to get his damp clothes off of his body. He had just walked the length of the hallway, and was about to enter his bedroom when a soft voice called his name. Turning back, he peered into his brother Mark's room, and spotted Leah laying on his bed. "Come here for a minute. I want you to feel something." Hesitating for a moment, he gazed down the empty hallway before turning back to her. When he finally entered the room, and approached the bed where she rested, his palms slid down his sides nervously. When he stood a foot away, he paused, and gazed down at her curiously. Leah smiled. "Closer. You can't feel it from there," she told him. Riley scratched the side of his head, and looked at her sheepishly. "I'm kind of grungy from practice. I should probably shower first," he informed her. Leah scrunched her nose before waving his excuse aside. "That will take way too long, and she might stop by then. Just come here." Reluctantly, Riley obeyed by approaching the bed, and sitting on the edge. When she reached for his hand, and placed it on top of her swollen stomach, his grey eyes widened. Resting her hands on top of his they waited in silence, and then he felt it. A tiny bump pressed upward into his palm making his mouth part in surprise. "She's kicking," Leah said with a grin. "That feels so weird," Riley said with a smile. "Will she do it again?" he wondered. In response, the bump pushed upward again making a laugh escape him. "She's a tough little thing," he said in amazement. "That's a pretty good kick." Leah smiled happily, and then moved his palm until it pressed to her side. After a moment he felt a larger bump press outward. His eyes widened again as his gaze lifted to hers. "What was that?" he asked in confusion. "I think it was her head," Leah said with a laugh. "She's been rolling around in there all day." "Maybe she's dancing to celebrate the fact that the team is going to state this year," he said with a smirk. "That could be," she said with another laugh. "How was practice?" Riley's expression grew pained as he pursed his lips. "Brutal. One of our defensive players took me down hard. I was almost positive he had dislocated my shoulder until I got back up, and moved it around a little." Leah winced as she looked at him. "That sounds really painful." "It was," he admitted with a chuckle. "Still hurts like a son of a bitch." "Would it help if I rubbed it?" Leah asked. "It will probably heal faster, and it's the least I can do after how great you've been with all of this." Riley paused for a moment as he looked at her. His brow furrowed, and then he nodded. "Sure. That sounds kind of great actually. Do you mind if I take a shower first?" Leah smiled. "Sure. Mark is working tonight so, I'm not going anywhere." Pulling his hand from her, he lifted his large frame from the bed, and walked towards the door. When he reached it, he turned back to her tentatively. "I'll just be a few minutes." Nodding, Leah waved him off before he slipped out the door. After his shower, Riley ran a hand through his damp hair as he contemplated whether or not to put on a shirt. Knowing that she would more than likely ask him to take it off, he decided to forgo it altogether, and stepped from his bedroom to walk down the hall. When he reached his brother's bedroom door, he took a deep breath, and stepped forward to gaze into the room. She was still lying in the middle of the bed. Her head was turned, and she was gazing out the window. Her fingers were absentmindedly roaming over the large mound of her stomach, but she turned to look at him the moment she sensed his arrival. When he hesitated at the threshold, she beckoned him forward with her hand. Pulling herself to a sitting position, Leah dropped one of her feet to the floor, and urged him to sit in the open spot that was available between her legs. When he carefully sat his weight down on the edge of the bed again, and turned to look at her, Leah smiled at him reassuringly. "Where does it hurt?"she asked him. Lifting his palm to grip onto the top of his shoulder, his eyes darted to hers. "In this whole general area," he told her. The Treachery of the Heart When he dropped his hand back to the side of the bed, she lifted hers to place them over the spot he had shown her. She began to rub the spot tentatively to gauge how much pressure to use. Her fingers pushed into the muscle in an undulating manner, and after a moment he closed his eyes as a soft breath escaped him. Several minutes passed as she worked through the knot that had formed beneath his skin, and once she had covered every inch several times, her fingers trailed further until her fingers were rubbing the back of his neck. When they dug into the muscle there, Riley's mouth parted, and a low groan left his lips. The sound was loud in the silence of the room, and Leah's fingers stilled upon him. When he tilted his head slightly to look at her she seemed stunned. Their eyes held for a moment, and then Riley lifted a hand to the side of her face as he leaned in to press his mouth against hers. Her lips were pliant beneath his, and he quickly pressed them open to slip his tongue inside. When it stroked along hers, and he leaned into her further, she broke away from him with gasp. Her hands reached up to grip his strong arms to keep him in place. "What are you doing?" she breathed. Riley's eyes were wide and frantic as he looked at her. "I'm sorry," he said in a stumble. "I've just wanted to do that for a really long time," he admitted. His grey eyes delved into her stricken blue ones for an endless moment, and then he leaned in again. When his lips touched hers, she surprised him by immediately parting hers. Her tongue came out to lash against his, and then her hands lifted to hold his head in place so that she could kiss him back. Her acquiesce to his touch made him frantic. Pressing her down to the mattress, he slid his body alongside hers so that he could take her mouth more fully. His fingers reverently touched the side of her face, then slid down her neck, and over her body until he was gripping her breast in his palm. Squeezing it urgently, his mouth moved hungrily on top of hers. Leah broke away again, and turned her head to the side as she panted. "Riley, stop." Complying immediately, he removed his hand from her, and gazed down at her with his brows furrowed. "I'm sorry," he said again. "I don't know what's wrong with me." When she turned her head back to him she looked overwhelmed. "I wanted to do it too," she whispered guiltily. Hers eyes closed, and tightened. She bit her lip to fight the overwhelming desire to cry. Riley became panicked when he looked at her face. "No. No," he said quickly. "I won't do it again. I promise. Don't cry." His hand slipped to the side of her face once again, and his thumb brushed along her cheek. His grey eyes darted over her in concern. "It's alright, Leah. You didn't do anything wrong. It was me. All me. Don't cry." When her eyes opened again they were filled with agony. "Don't tell Mark, okay?" she whispered. "I won't," he promised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The cold spray of the water did nothing to ease his aching body, nor the turmoil that raged through his mind. Bending his head beneath the blast, he allowed the water to pelt over his hair, and cascade down his back. He stayed in that position for several minutes, staring down at the bottom of the tub while he contemplated the cruelty of life itself. When the sound of the bathroom door opening, then swiftly closing reached his ears, he didn't even bother to lift his head. The shower curtain was roughly snatched open, and Leah stood glaring at him as her chest rose, and fell erratically. Tilting his head slightly, he met her blue eyes impassively. "Are you crazy?" she hissed at him. "My husband is upstairs. My child is in the next room! What the hell were you thinking!?" Straightening slowly, Riley ran a hand over his face to wipe the water away before turning to her. His grey eyes held storm clouds as he scowled. "What do you want me to say?" he growled. "That I'm sorry? I'm not." His jaw clenched before he continued. "Would it make you feel better to hear me say that I'm selfish? That even though you are married, and to my brother no less, that I don't care? Do you think I have no idea how wrong that is? I have tried, Leah. I've been doing it since I was sixteen years old. I can't do it anymore." She glared up at him. "Keep your voice down," she whispered harshly. Her blue eyes lowered momentarily, and she suddenly seemed to become aware that he was naked. Once her gaze reached the center of him, her mouth parted, and she found herself staring at his large appendage. When he began to harden before her very eyes, a blush crept up her cheeks as she raised her eyes to meet his once more. "That is what you do to me," he said harshly. "Every single time that I come near you." Reaching for her suddenly, he snatched up her hand, and pressed it between his legs where he had partially thickened. When her eyes widened, and a surprised gasp escaped her, his other large hand reached out to grip onto the back of her neck to pull her roughly to his mouth. He kissed her with anger, frustration, and raw need. His lips were brutal and demanding as they pressed against hers. When a small, helpless mewl escaped her, he quickly released her to look down into her large eyes. "What do you want from me?" he asked with a scowl. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She tapped on his door erratically. She was about to push it open in a rush when it suddenly opened in front of her, and he stood standing there looking at her curiously. "I need you to take me to the hospital. I think the baby is coming." His eyes widened dramatically, and he opened the door further as he looked down at her. "I'll call Mark," he told her in a panic. Leah shook her head. "There isn't time." Doubling over, she gripped onto her stomach. Pain shot across her features as she fought for breath. "I need you to do it. You're the only one here." Nodding in understanding, Riley ran a hand through his hair in agitation. "Everything is going to be okay," he said reassuringly. Slipping his arm around her back, he led her away from his room to step down the hall slowly. His grey eyes passed over her in concern when halfway down it she grimaced once more, and bit her lip. "Try to breathe," he said softly. Her blue eyes lifted to his. They were etched with discomfort, and fear. Her fingers shook as they lifted to his chest, and then they dug into him as pain shot through her once more. "Riley, she's coming. I can't do this," she cried out. His large hand lifted to the side of her face, and he tilted her head back so that she was forced to look at him. His grey eyes were clear and confident. "You can," he told her sternly. "You're not alone," he reminded her. Nodding quickly, she swallowed, and allowed him to lead her to the top of the staircase. When they reached it, he eyed the steps warily before turning to look down at her. Her gaze was a model of concentration, and each breath that left her seemed to struggle from her slight frame. With his heart beating rapidly in his chest, Riley made a decision. Swooping down, he lifted her in his arms, and cradled her against him before making his way down the staircase. Once they reached the front door he had her open it, and then he was rushing down the steps until they reached his car. Setting her down beside it, he opened the door. "It's going to be alright," he told her. "I'm here. I'm going to take care of you." Helping her into the passenger seat, he quickly closed the door, and rounded the vehicle to get inside. He had to force himself to calm slightly before starting the car. The three mile drive to the hospital was almost as torturous for him as it was for her. Every few minutes she would cry out in agony while clutching at her rounded stomach, and Riley had difficulty focusing on the road as he fought the desire to reach for her. "We're almost there," he tried to soothe her. "Just keep breathing." When they finally arrived outside of the emergency doors, he was frantic. Pulling up to the curb, he quickly parked the car, and exited the vehicle. His lithe frame leapt the entire hood of the car, and he slid across it quickly to reach the other side. He had her door open within seconds, and then he was lifting her back into his arms. Turning towards the doors, he strode inside when they parted in front of him. He didn't stop until he reached the front counter where a receptionist eyed him in surprise. "I need a doctor," he told her in a rush. "She's in labor." As if by some miraculous feat, several people arrived all at once, and then he was lowering her into a wheel chair so that they could take her through a set of double doors. He quickly followed as a string of questions were tossed in his direction. When her chair was wheeled into a small room, his passageway was quickly barred as a nurse urged him to follow her. He was handed a set of surgical scrubs, and was urged to put them on. Staring down at them, he nodded dumbly before looking up at the nurse. She pointed out a nearby room for him to change, and then smiled at his overwhelmed expression. "Excited to be a father?" she asked him pleasantly. Unsure of how to respond, Riley nodded again, and headed off in the direction of the room to don the scrubs. Once he had them on, he made his way to Leah's room, and nearly faltered when he heard her cry of excruciating pain. "Where's Riley?" she cried out. "I want Riley!" Slipping past another nurse, he quickly rushed to her side. He took her hand in his, and gazed down into her terrified eyes. "I'm here," he said softly. A tremulous smile lifted her lips when she looked at him. "I can't do this by myself," she told him. "You won't have to," he assured her. Brushing her hair back, he gazed down into her blue eyes with adoration. When her fingers gripped his mercilessly, and she cried out once more, he turned his head to look at the nurse. "Someone call my brother Mark!" he demanded. Turning back to her, he stroked her head again in a soothing gesture. "Just breathe, Leah." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She was panting as she looked up at him. Her blue eyes were wide as she took in his volatile expression. "You're asking me to destroy my family," she whispered. Riley's jaw tensed, and then he closed his eyes. When he opened them again they were pained. "I'm asking you to just be honest. I've always done the right thing. Even at the sacrifice of my own happiness. It hit me when I looked at you. Living a lie isn't the right thing. For either of us. I want it to end." With a shaky breath, Leah lowered her eyes before dropping her face into her hands. Turning off the water, Riley stepped from the tub, and reached for a towel to wrap around his waist. When he was covered, he turned to her, and placed his hands gently on her upper arms. "Leah, look at me." he entreated. Lowering her hands to her sides, she continued to stare at the floor for a moment before tilting her head back. Her expression was guilt ridden as she met his gaze. He searched the deep pools of her eyes endlessly, and then a harsh breath escaped him. "I love you," he breathed. "If you tell me to go, I will." His thumb lifted to brush along her cheek. "I'll do it if that is what you want." Then his grey eyes clouded as they delved into hers. "But if you tell me to go, I'm not coming back." Leaning down, he lightly brushed his lips against hers. He did it gently, reverently, as if she were delicate. Then his hands fell away from her as he turned to leave the bathroom. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Riley opened his bedroom door, and stepped out into the hallway. When he spotted Leah slumped near the bathroom door, he smiled. "What are you doing?" he said with a chuckle. Lifting her hand, she erratically waved it before shushing him. Her tired eyes scowled at him before her head slumped back against the wall. "I finally got her to go to sleep," she said in exhaustion. "She was up every two hours last night, and Mark slept through it all." Gazing at her in sympathy, Riley nodded in understanding. "You look exhausted. Why don't you get some sleep yourself?" Leah smiled as she looked at him. "I don't want to risk waking her up by going back in there," she told him. Riley's brows knitted at her response. Turning his body, he inclined his head in the direction of his room. "That's ridiculous. Just come take a nap in here. I'm leaving anyways. You can crawl into my bed, and keep the monitor with you in case she wakes up." Leah bit her lip in indecision. His offer was extremely tempting. "Are you sure you wouldn't mind?" she finally asked. Riley smiled. "Of course not. I want you to." Stepping forward, he reached for her hand to take the decision out of her hands. Pulling her behind him, he led her into his bedroom until he reached the side of his bed. Once they reached it, he pulled the blanket back, and turned to her expectantly. She needed no further urging, and crawled into it. When her head touched his pillow, a soft sigh escaped her, and she closed her eyes. Riley smiled as he looked down at her. Reaching for the edge of the blanket, he quickly covered her with it, and stood gazing down at her. She was already asleep. Stepping from the room, he quickly made his way downstairs, and entered the kitchen. When he spotted the baby monitor resting on the table, he picked it up, and turned around to make his way back up to his bedroom. Leah hadn't moved an inch in the time it took him to retrieve it. Setting it down on his night stand, he looked down at her sleeping form. Her cheek was pressed into his pillow, and her slight frame was tucked neatly beneath his blankets. He knew that the next time that he got into his bed that he would be able to smell her light, airy scent on everything, and the thought almost made him groan. Reaching out a hand, he gently brushed his fingers through her hair. "God, you're beautiful," he uttered softly. With one last lingering look, he turned, and left his bedroom. As he passed through the doorway, and disappeared down the hallway, Leah's eyes slowly opened. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Riley rummaged around in his duffel bag until he found a pair of blue jeans. Dropping the towel, he slipped them up his long legs, and closed them. Next, he pulled out a standard issue, green army t-shirt, and pulled it over his head. When he was dressed, he ran a hand through his hair, took a deep breath, and left his brother's small study where he had escaped to. Crossing the living room, he entered the kitchen, and lifted his brows when he spotted his brother sitting at the table. "Morning," he said gruffly. He had a cup of coffee sitting before him, and was already perusing the morning paper when he lifted his eyes to look at Riley. "Good morning, little brother," he said with a smile. Entering the room, Riley took a seat across the table from him. "I'm not going to be staying long," he told him. "I was thinking I'd get a room at the motel until I figure out what I'm going to do next." Glancing up from his paper, Mark's brows furrowed. "Don't be ridiculous. We have plenty of room right here. You're not staying in a motel," he said with a shake of his head. Riley glanced down at the table top before looking up at his brother. He cleared his throat with some difficulty. "I don't want to intrude." Mark let out a derisive snort without looking away from his paper. "You're family," he said absently. "Don't be stupid." Riley nodded. "Do you mind if I grab some coffee?" When Mark shook his head, Riley began to rise from his seat, but Leah brusquely entered the room at that moment, and approached the counter. "I'll get it," she said quietly. Riley's eyes were drawn to her as he sat back down. Opening a cabinet, she pulled out a cup, and turned towards the coffee maker to fill it. She added in a table spoon of sugar from a small jar, then stirred it for a moment before bringing it to him, and setting it down on the table. Their eyes met momentarily before hers skittered away. "Thank you," Riley said as he looked at her. When she nodded and turned back towards the counter he faced his brother again. "I was thinking I might head to Arizona. Try my luck out there." Mark's head lifted as he frowned. "Why so far away?" Riley shrugged. "I guess I feel like I just need to get away. Arizona seems like a good place to make a fresh start." Mark sighed. "You know I support you no matter what." Riley's chest tightened as he nodded. Pushing his chair back, Mark rose from the table. "We can talk about this more tonight. I need to start getting ready for work." Stepping through the kitchen, Mark left the room, and after a moment his footsteps could be heard ascending the staircase. The quiet that remained in the kitchen stretched out for an endless amount of time. "Arizona?" Leah asked. Riley pushed his chair back. "It's just a thought," he said quietly. "I'm not sure where I'll go." Leah's face fell. "Your family needs you." "I need you," Riley whispered fiercely. "I cannot sit here anymore, and watch you be with him. It's killing me." Leah bit her lip before lowering her gaze. She blinked several times in an effort to control her desire to break. Running his fingers through his hair, Riley sighed. "I'm not trying to hurt you, Leah. I'm just being honest. I can't pretend anymore." She didn't dare raise her eyes to his. If she had to look at him in that moment she knew that the walls inside of her would crumble, and whatever control she had left would evaporate. "You can't leave," she whispered. "Why not?" he asked dejectedly. "Because I need you." Riley took a halting breath as he looked at her. "Then give me a reason to stay." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The movie came to an end, and the credits began to roll. Riley shifted in his seat at the end of the sofa, and gazed down to where Leah's head rested beside his thigh. She had been fast asleep for the better part of half an hour, and his grey eyes swept over her face as a small smile tilted his lips. His fingers hesitantly reached out, and he brushed them through the hair at her temple. She didn't stir at his touch, and for several moments he caressed the spot as he looked down at her. When her eyes finally slid open, he paused with his hand upon her, but something inside of him became stubbornly defiant, and he continued the stroking motion. As she looked up at him, his smile was still in place. "The movie is over," he told her quietly. "Oh," was all she said. She lifted her gaze to the empty chair near the end of the sofa. Her brows knitted, and then her gaze returned to his face. "Mark went to bed," he replied to the unasked question. His fingers continued to slide through her hair, and for a moment she lay still allowing him the freedom. When the movie credits came to an end, and silence filled the room, she pulled away to sit up. "We should probably do the same," she said sleepily. Pulling her slight frame from the sofa, she stepped towards the lamp in the corner of the room as Riley stood to turn off the television. The room became shrouded in darkness when she pulled it's switch. Turning to cross the living room, she paused when Riley's large frame blocked her path. He made no effort to move from the spot, and Leah tilted her head back as she looked up at him quizzically. He leaned towards her so that his lips brushed her ear. "I want to kiss you," he said thickly. The Treachery of the Heart Stunned by the admission, Leah could only stand with mouth parted as he waited for her to respond. "If you don't want me to, I won't," he assured her quickly. "I just really want to." Leah could see the faint glimmer of his grey eyes with the moonlight streaming in through the window to aide her. He was looking down at her intently, and Leah felt lost as she looked up at him. Taking a deep breath, she swallowed. "Alright," she said softly. Riley's head lowered the moment she acquiesced. His lips brushed against hers tentatively in a gentle greeting. Pausing, he inched closer, and swayed on his feet slightly before his mouth touched hers again. His lips coaxed hers into parting, and when she opened to him, his tongue slipped in slowly in a sensual exploration. His breath escaped him in a rush, and then he delved deeper. His mouth was hot, and wet as he took his time in a languorous fashion. When her arms lifted to wrap themselves around his neck to pull him closer, his fingers slipped around her waist, and a soft sound of pleasure left his throat. Her lips pushed against his in a desperate need for more. When the meeting of their mouths suddenly became urgent, Riley began walking her backwards until they reached the sofa. Keeping his mouth firmly on top of hers, he lowered her onto it, and pressed his weight down on top of her. Instead of pushing him away, she pulled him closer, and began writhing beneath him as he hungrily devoured her mouth. Their bodies strained against one another's wanting a more intimate contact, and Leah moaned beneath him as he surged the length of his frame against hers. When he finally pulled his head back, his breathing was labored. "Why aren't you stopping me?" he gasped. Leah shook her head frantically. "I don't know." Reaching for the back of his head, she pulled him down to her once more. Their mouths became greedy as they took from one another. Riley's hands slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, and then he was clutching both of her supple breasts in his palms. He squeezed them roughly making another moan explode from her throat. When his fingers pinched both of her nipples, she arched beneath him then bent her knees to cradle his hips. His voice came out anguished against her mouth. "Fuck, Leah. Stop me, or I'm going to be inside of you in another minute." When her response was to lunge her hips upward into his, Riley's mouth parted on a groan. Retaliating in kind, he thrust his pelvis into hers, and rubbed his aching hardness between her legs through his jeans. It made her fingers fist in his hair as she moaned yet again into his mouth. Rolling to his side, Riley pulled her with him. His fingers slipped between them, and furiously worked to pull open the button to her jeans. When he had them unzipped, his palm slid from her stomach down into the waistband of her panties until his fingers were pressed between her legs. Sliding his middle finger along her folds, he sought out her entrance, and thrust into her hard while his mouth aggressively pushed against hers. The abrupt penetration made her break away from him when her body arched with pleasure. Her eyes closed, and she bit down on her lip to still the cry that wanted to break free. When he began to vigorously move his finger from side to side, she gripped his arm tightly, and buried her face against his neck while a soft mewl escaped her. "Oh God," she whispered. "Riley, please." Refusing to relent for even a moment, he pressed deeper. "I've wanted this for so long," he breathed. "I need you, Leah." Her hands lifted to his face as she kissed him. When her tongue pushed against his, and her hips undulated against his invading fingers, Riley let out a long, deep groan. They both froze the moment they heard a cry from above. Breaking away from her mouth, Riley's head turned to gaze towards the staircase. "Abbie is awake," Leah panted apprehensively. Releasing him, she waited for him to remove his fingers from the inside of her jeans, then quickly reached down to close them. Her slender frame slipped from the sofa, and Riley groaned again, but this time it was with frustration. "I love that little girl, but she has the worst timing," he whispered in amusement. Still apprehensive, Leah nodded. "Story of my life," she whispered back. Then she left him to ascend the stairs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I can't give you what you want," she said in a barely audible tone. "I have a daughter who wouldn't understand. No one would understand. Your brother would be destroyed by this." Riley pressed his lips together as he met her gaze. For an endless moment they looked at one another, and then his eyes fell as he nodded. His feet carried him the few steps it took to reach her, and then he lifted his hand to rest it on the back of her head. His mouth lowered until it pressed against her forehead, and he closed his eyes. Then he tucked her against him before resting his chin on the top of her head. "I'm leaving, Leah. I understand, but I cannot stay here." Her head nodded vigorously, and her lips pinched tight to keep the storm at bay. She wanted so badly to cry. To fall into his arms, and beg him to stay. Only she didn't. She couldn't, and the knowledge that he would soon be gone once again stole her ability to breathe. When he released her, and turned to walk from the kitchen, Leah felt as if her knees would collapse beneath her. Everything inside of her ached to call him back to her side. By sheer force of will alone she kept silent. The moisture that had been building in her eyes for the past several minutes finally fell, and with an angry swipe of her fingers, she brushed it away. "Mommy, are you sad?" Abbie asked where she appeared in the doorway. Forcing a smile, Leah looked at her daughter. "No, honey. Mommy is fine. Did you see any more birdies?" Shaking her dark head, her large grey eyes grew wide. "He flew away." "That's alright, honey. I'm sure he'll be back tomorrow. Are you hungry?" When Abbie nodded, Leah turned towards the cabinet to pull down a box of cereal. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Opening his lips, Riley tilted his head, and allowed Abbie to feed him the single cheerio that she was holding in her chubby fist. When he began to chew it noisily, she giggled, and reached for another. There were two dozen scattered across the tray of her high chair, and she seemed to be a lot more interested in feeding him than herself. When her small hand reached out, and smacked into his nose, Riley winced before letting out a chuckle. Parting his lips wider, he chased her small fingers until she nudged another piece of cereal inside. Chewing it slowly, he looked down at her with a smile. "Does this mean you don't want any breakfast?" Leah asked with a smirk. Riley's voice was pleasantly filled with elation as he continued to grin at his niece. "That's alright. I was just going to have coffee. I forgot how much I hate cereal," he said with a laugh. Leah tried to hide her smile behind her hand as she looked at him. "Then why do you keep eating it?" she wondered. Glancing away from his two year old niece to look at her mother, he shrugged. "It's making her happy." Picking up a cheerio, he held it in front of Abbie, and watched as she swooped down to take it from his fingers by opening her small mouth. Once she had it, her tiny teeth gnashed at it exaggeratedly making Riley chuckle again. "You're always so good with her," Leah remarked wistfully. "You're going to be a good father someday." Pausing with another cheerio held between his fingertips, Riley lifted his gaze. For an endless moment he looked at her before a frown passed over his features. "In order to be a father I would have to be someone's husband first," he pointed out. Offering Abbie the cheerio, he watched as she tightened her lips, and shook her dark head. Accepting her refusal graciously, he set the piece of cereal back onto the tray before dropping his hand to his thigh. His grey eyes lifted once more to look at Leah. His gaze was filled with unhindered heat as he delved directly into the blue of her eyes. The power behind that simple look was enough to make Leah falter as she turned towards the counter to escape it. "You'll meet the right person someday," she uttered breathlessly. Reaching for the coffee pot, she lifted it from it's holder, and turned to fill it with water from the kitchen sink. His voice was like velvet when it reached her ears. "What if I already have?" Leah stilled as his words washed over her. "What makes you think they're the right one?" she responded shakily. "The way that I feel when I'm around her. The way that I feel when I'm not. Sometimes you just know." The water had filled the coffee carafe to overflowing, and was spilling over into the sink when Leah's attention was brought back to it. Turning off the sink, she dumped some of the liquid out before returning to the coffee maker. "Have you told her yet?" she inquired innocently. Riley took a deep breath as he pondered the question. "No," he admitted. "I believe she already knows, but if it takes saying the words to make her mine, then I'll say them." The chair scraped along the kitchen floor as he rose to his feet. Closing the distance between them Riley stepped towards her until his chest brushed her back. Closing her eyes in agony, Leah set the pot down upon the counter just as his fingers reached out to wrap around her arms. The heat of him surrounded her, and then he was urging her to face him. She couldn't seem to look at him, and her head hung low while she peered at the kitchen floor. When his hands lifted to cup her face to coax her into meeting his eyes, a soft shudder escaped her. It was all there when she finally looked at him. The desperate need, the yearning, the complete and utter adoration. They were all things that she felt every single time that she looked at him, and she could see each of them reflected in his stormy grey gaze. "You mean everything to me," he whispered. His eyes roamed over her face as if he was intensely studying every single detail. "We belong together, Leah. You were meant for me. I can feel it with every fiber of my being. I'm never going to want anyone else the way that I want you." When she gazed up at him in astonishment he went on. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I want this. I want you to be mine." Leah cringed as pain sluiced through her. Her fingers lifted to wrap loosely around his arms. Closing her eyes, she tried to shake her head. "Riley..." she pleaded. "I know you feel it too, Leah. I know you do. I can see it in your eyes when you look at me. I can feel it on your lips every time that I kiss you. It's like you're already mine." He was adamant in his conviction, and her lack of denial only fueled him on. "Be with me, Leah. I need you." When she shook her head again, it made Riley's grip on her tighten. "I can't," she gasped. Her words struck him like a knife. "Why can't you?" he demanded. A deep breath escaped her, and then her blue eyes lifted to meet his tortured gaze. "Mark asked me to marry him," she whispered. Every part of him stilled with those few words. His expression became stunned, and then his hands fell away from her as he took a step back. A moment passed, and then his face darkened. "Tell me you didn't say yes, Leah." Her breath hitched in her chest, and her voice broke. "He's Abbie's father, Riley. I have to think of what's best for her." Turning away from her, he stalked across the length of the kitchen. Both of his hands lifted to push through his hair in agitation, and then they dropped to his sides before he whirled to face her. His gaze held violent storm clouds as his jaw tightened. For a moment he said nothing, and then a strangled sound escaped him. Walking swiftly to the back door, he left the house. The sound of it slamming behind him was the only outward sign of his anger. It made the entire kitchen shake, and Leah jumped in startled dismay while her heart raced within her chest. He didn't return until late in the evening. Leah had been lying in bed for the better part of an hour listening for any sounds that would signal to her that he had come home. She was beginning to worry when she heard the faint, but familiar creak of footsteps upon the stairs. Slipping from the bed carefully to avoid waking her daughter's father, she quickly slipped on her robe, before quietly making her way from the room. There was light streaming from the bathroom where the door had been left ajar, and it drew her like a beacon as she made her way down the hall. When she reached it, she hesitantly pushed the door open to peer inside. The sight that greeted her made her pause in surprise. He was perched on the side of the tub wearing nothing, but his blue jeans. His arms were resting on his thighs, and his bare back was arched as he stared at the tiled floor. The soft sound of her gasp reached his ears, and he peered up from where he sat to look at her. He looked tired, and slightly defeated. "You're home," she acknowledged softly. A moment passed, and then he nodded slowly. "I was beginning to worry. I wasn't sure if you were okay." A short, humorless breath of laughter left his throat. "I'm not sure that I am. This has been one of the worst days of my life." His gaze dropped back to the floor, and a grimace passed over his features. When he said nothing further, Leah stood hesitantly in the doorway feeling completely at a loss. "I don't know what to do, Riley," she finally admitted softly. His grey eyes darted back, and forth as he fought for something to say. When he finally lifted his head, his expression was bleak. "You don't have to do anything, Leah. You've already made your decision. It doesn't matter anymore." Leah frowned before stepping further into the room. "Of course it matters," she told him. "Why would you say such a thing?" His jaw tightened, and his eyes drew closed for a moment before he opened them to look at her. "I'm leaving for basic training in the morning. You won't have to worry anymore. I won't be here." Leah's blue eyes widened in surprise as her mouth parted. "Leaving? You can't leave." Her words brought a scowl to his face. Digging his fingers into the side of the bath tub, his knuckles whitened. "I can't stay," he told her pointedly. Leah's expression filled with panic, and her next words came out of her in a rush. "This is crazy," she cried. "The army? Why would you do that? Your life is here with your family. You can't go. You can't leave!" Her hands lifted to cover her face, and a sob escaped her. It brought Riley quickly to his feet as he reached out to pull her into his arms. When he was finally able to drag a lungful of air into his tight chest, it escaped him raggedly, and then he was crushing her to him. "Don't cry," he choked out. "I'm not going to be able to do this if you cry." He pressed his lips hard against her temple as his eyes drifted closed. A soft mewl erupted from her throat making his insides clench. Leaning back, his large hand lifted to the side of her face, and he tilted her chin up until she was forced to look at him. When his cloudy colored eyes met her light blue ones a groan escaped him, and he leaned down to take her mouth. His lips urged hers to part beneath him, and his fingers slipped into her dark hair to cradle her head as he pulled her harder against his frame. Holding her in place with a hand at the small of her back, he ravaged her mouth. His knee slipped brashly between her legs, and he drew her forward until she was riding the top of it as his hands clasped onto her hips. He couldn't get close enough, and as he held her a rough sound of pleasure escaped his throat. When he slid his knee higher, Leah let out a small whimper, and broke away from his mouth to place her hands in the middle of his broad chest. "Riley," she gasped. Her eyes were wide, and tremulous as she looked at him, and she weakly tried to push him back to gain her release. His hold on her didn't loosen whatsoever. His grey eyes were filled with need and pain as he focused on her soft mouth. When he lifted them to capture her gaze, a harsh breath left his chest. "I need you," he moaned. "Don't make me wait any longer. I can't take it." Lifting his hand to cup the side of her face, his thumb brushed over her cheek lightly before he leaned in once more to press his lips to hers. They parted easily beneath his, and Riley swept his tongue along the bottom part of her lip before delving further. When her fingers finally slipped up his chest to wrap around his neck, a feeling of elation filled him as he dragged her back against him. Her mouth was eager beneath his now, and Riley began to lose control as he took several steps forward, and pushed her up against the bathroom wall. He began touching, and caressing every part of her that he could reach. When her fingers slipped into his hair, and her lips pressed to the side of his neck, he was lost. "Please, Leah," he groaned. "I need to be inside of you." His mouth blindly sought hers out while his hand slipped beneath her short nightgown to press between her thighs. When his large fingers slid against the warmth of her folds, he could feel that she was more than ready for him. He practically ripped the button from his jeans in his urgency to free himself, and then he was guiding his thick member between her legs. When the blunt head found her opening, he lifted her thigh against his side, and buried himself deep into her wet warmth. The intense feel of him barreling inside of her made Leah cry out against his mouth, and then he began to move. His first few strokes were tentative, but he quickly grew bolder until his body was surging into hers. Gripping onto her hips, he buried his face against her neck as a harsh cry escaped him. Leah's fingernails dug into his back, while her other hand fisted in his hair. He began rocketing into her, and the sensations began to consume her as she moaned beneath him. The soft little sounds of pleasure she was making finally undid him, and his entire body tensed after he slammed between her legs a final time. Pouring himself into her body, he collapsed against her as he tried to catch his breath. "I think you just killed me," he gasped in amazement. Still unable to speak, Leah nodded in agreement, and clutched onto him harder. When he finally pulled back to look down at her face, his grey eyes were filled with reverence. "I don't want you to think of this once I'm gone," he whispered. "I want you to be happy, Leah. Promise me that you will be happy." Her lip trembled as she nodded again, and then his hands lifted to clasp onto her face before he pressed his hard mouth to hers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "There's a few things I need to take care of before I leave town. A few friends I'd like to see." Lifting his duffel bag over his shoulder, Riley smiled weakly at his brother. "I'll call you when I get settled." Mark seemed baffled as he took in the words. "Alright, little brother. It was good to see you." Stepping forward, he took Riley into a swift hug, and patted him on the back. When they parted, Riley's grey gaze quickly darted to Leah where she stood near the kitchen door. Her face was stricken, but he quickly looked away to peer down at his niece who was playing quietly on the floor beside them. Dropping down to his haunches, he smiled when she looked up at him. "Any chance I can get a hug goodbye, munchkin?" he wondered.