Special Thanks: To Mary for her proofreading prowess, friendship and excellent advice during the creation of the story. To Stoley, for her unwavering friendship and support. To my beautiful Peruvian Princess Monica, thanks for all of your love and support for my writing obsession.

Comments are happily accepted at Cruise1313@aol.com.

Part XVII

"Give me one good reason!" Rayne angrily shouted.

"I'm a fellow agent assigned here." He desperately replied. "If you don't believe me, check my back pocket, my badge is there." He informed her and motioned towards his back with his head hoping she would find it. "You better hope there is!" Rayne angrily replied, driving her knee against the back of his neck and arm to keep him pinned down as she reached into his pocket and pulled out the wallet. She flipped it open and saw his badge. "You're a very lucky man." She replied, removing her knee from his back. Rayne's head snapped up when she heard someone shout out as they approached.

"Wait, he's an agent!" The man shouted breathless as he ran up to her.

She stood up and helped the agent off the ground. She looked at the agent that approached and sarcastically replied, "We've established that. Where were you a few minutes ago Sherlock?" She holstered her gun and looked at the agent she attacked who was brushing the sand off his face. "Sorry dude. Why didn't you motion to me?" She asked with a smirk watching him clean off the sand.

"I was caught off guard and I wasn't sure which one of you was the agent." He nervously replied as Rayne rolled her eyes exasperated by the incompetence of the agent.

"You mean to tell me you don't know what Agent Donovan looks like?" The other agent replied surprised. "She's only our most decorated agent."

He brushed off his pants and looked up at him then back to Rayne. "No, I'm sorry. I just got transferred here from the Midwest and I didn't get a chance to look over everything contained in my paperwork for this case." He admitted embarrassed by his incompetence.

"Fucking great! How is it that I get dumb asses like this assigned to protect my family?" Rayne angrily spat and ran a frustrated hand through her hair.

"I'm sorry agent Donovan." He nervously replied. "I promise to do a better job and I can assure you that your family will be very well protected."

"You better and you can guarantee that if anything happens to my family I'll hold you personally responsible." Rayne threatened and moved closer to him, eye to eye. "Trust me, you don't want that from me." She angrily added and turned to walk away. The bumbling agent blew out a sigh of relief that she didn't rip his head off and glanced at his partner who shrugged his shoulders. Rayne turned back and replied, "That goes for you too." She threatened pointing to the other agent who gulped the huge lump that formed in his throat. Rayne trudged through the sand and quickly scaled the steps to the walkway. "Why did they even bother assigning anyone to protect the house when they send idiots over here like that?" Rayne asked, mumbling to herself, quickly crossing the long walkway from the beach. "As much shit as I've gone through for the Service, you'd think I'd rate some seasoned veterans to protect my family." She continued to mumble and reached for the sliding glass door handle. "Fucking unbelievable," she fumed and opened the door to find Lark standing in the doorway waiting for her with her hands resting on her hips.

"What's fucking unbelievable?" Lark asked, with an impatient look on her face.

Rayne looked up flustered as she was lost in her thoughts and didn't expect to see Lark standing there. "Oh, aah…I was just mumbling about how stupid it was for me to leave my gun in the car." Rayne lamely answered and gave a nervous smile to Lark hoping she would buy it.

"That's not like you. Are you okay?" Lark worriedly asked.

"Oh, yeah. I just had a lot on my mind. Oh, aah…you had a bone to pick with me right?" Rayne asked smiling, trying to change the subject. She hoped Lark wouldn't ask why she went out the back door to reach the car rather than use the front door.

"Yes, I do. Follow me my dear." Lark replied and grabbed Rayne's hand, leading her down the hallway.

"Am I in big trouble?" Rayne teasingly asked and began to feel her anxiety from earlier begin to calm.

"Hell yes!" Lark retorted and opened the door to the nursery. She stepped into the room and brought Lark with her. "Do you see anything wrong in here?" Lark asked looking around the room.

Rayne looked around the room and wasn't sure as to what Lark was referring to, but figured she should take a stab at it. "Aah…did I paint it the wrong color?" She asked, guessing referring to the fact that they had painted and redecorated one of the spare rooms adjacent to theirs for the nursery.

"Rayne!" Lark replied frustrated. "Honey, I have dealt with your paranoia and constant health cast updates for pregnant women that have driven me up the wall. What is up with this section of the room? It looks like a hospital!" Lark asked, pointing to the table with various medical supplies on it.

"Lark, babe. I can't help it if I worry about you and the baby. I think it's important for you to know these things so you don't come into contact with them and put the both of you at risk. Besides, you never know when someone will get hurt and need some medical supplies." Rayne attempted to explain, stepping closer to Lark in an attempt to calm her.

"Rayne, that is all fine and dandy honey, but the warning about the fingernail polish was the straw that broke the camel's back. By the way, where are all of my bottles of fingernail polish? What have you done with them?" Lark asked, accusatorily and crossed her arms over her chest, defiantly facing Rayne.

"Honey, come on. I promise to buy you a new supply of every nail polish your little heart desires when the baby is born. I just worry about you both and they did say that nail polish could cause birth defects in children." She replied with a smile, pulling Lark closer to her.

"I believe you my dear, even though I don't agree with it and I respect your wishes. Your offer sounds very tempting and I'll take you up on it when the baby is born." Lark smiled and kissed Rayne.

"Lark I'm sorry I'm so paranoid, but these things that I hear makes me nervous. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to either of you baby." She sincerely replied, lightly stroking Lark's cheek with her thumb.

"I know and I do appreciate you worrying about us, but please don't do it so much. We are perfectly healthy and we will continue to be. You're going to make yourself sick worrying so much." Lark lovingly smiled and smoothed out the scrunched skin between Rayne's dark eyebrows, lightly kissing her lips.

"Is what I was in trouble about?" Rayne asked smiling.

"Oh, no. That was only part of it my sweet. Rayne darling, I'm taking your VISA and American Express cards away. You've snapped and you're out of control with it." Lark explained, patting Rayne's hand with a smile.

"Huh? Why?" Rayne asked, confused.

"My dear. The presents for the baby are very sweet, but the motorized car has taken the cake!"

Rayne chuckled realizing what must have arrived. "Well, I have to teach our child how to drive at a very early age honey."

"Rayne, our child will not be able to drive anything until they are a toddler actually, I would prefer it if they didn't drive until they were a teenager! We don't have any more room for all of these presents that can wait until the baby gets older. This place is crowded with all of these boxes and the baby will be here soon. We live in a mansion and there is no room in here because of your purchases. When are you going to move all of these to prepare the room for the baby's arrival?"

"I promise honey. I'll do it right away and I promise not to buy any more presents until after the baby is born. By the way, where is the car?" Rayne asked looking around the room for the said box.

"It's in the garage." Lark informed her with a mischievous smile and poked Rayne in the chest.

"What? You had it put in the garage?" Rayne asked with a surprised look on her face.

"That's right my dear. Do you have a problem with that?" Lark asked, narrowing her eyes at Rayne.

"Oh, no not at all. No problem." Rayne conceded, realizing she wasn't going to win this fight. She hated anything to be put in the garage, her ultimate domain, as she had specific places in there for everything.

"Good, I thought you would have it my way. Now, come with me and rub my back. It's killing me and I want a good back rub this time." Lark chuckled, leading Rayne out of the room.

"Do you think we should have your back checked out by the doctor honey? Is it worse than the other day?" Rayne worriedly asked and looked at Lark confused when she stopped before her. "What?"

"Rayne, I'm pregnant. My stomach is sticking way out and it makes me 0lean forward. I have gained extra weight which makes my back hurt. I don't need a doctor to tell me that." She sarcastically replied rolling her eyes, exasperated by her nagging Nellie lover.

Rayne laughed at her worry and leaned her forehead against Lark's. "I'm sorry honey. I did it again. I'll try not to drive you so crazy with my nervousness. I'm a worry wart, what can I say?" She grinned and kissed Lark.

"Tell me you love me and all is forgiven." Lark mischievously replied with a smile.

"I love you." Rayne whispered and pressed her lips against Lark's, slipping her tongue past her parted lips.

"Hmmm…I like this." Lark moaned through her kiss as she put her arms around Rayne's neck, deepening the kiss.

They broke the kiss breathless and chuckled. Rayne took Lark's hand and lead her to their bedroom, "Let me make your back feel better my love."

"Oooh, please do and feel free to make any other body part of mine feel so much better as well." Lark seductively replied, grinning as she stopped next to the bed. Rayne lifted her shirt up and over her head. She smiled and kissed her blonde lover when her face was uncovered once her shirt was removed.

"Did you miss me?" Rayne mischievously grinned, reaching around behind Lark to unhook her bra.

"Of course, you know that I miss you even when you're just in the next room." Lark smiled and wrapped her arms around Rayne, lightly kissing her neck.

"Good, because I missed you too." Rayne smiled breaking the hug and removed Lark's bra. She mischievously grinned as she gazed upon the perky, larger than usual, naked breasts before her. "Oh, how I missed you." She chuckled, seductively wiggling her eyebrows and lightly kissed each breast. Lark gasped from the contact and smiled as she watched Rayne lightly nibble on her creamy breasts. She lovingly watched as Rayne's kiss moved down to her expanded abdomen. Rayne knelt before her and lovingly placed her hands on Lark's stomach. "And I've missed you as well." She softly replied smiling and glanced up at Lark as she lightly kissed her stomach. Lark felt a catch in her heart and reveled in Rayne's tenderness. She adored how much Rayne loved her and the baby. She was so gently, caring and loving with the both of them that it continually surprised her with every day that passed. Rayne had always been very loving towards her and her nephews, but throughout her pregnancy she was so different. She was more attentive towards all of her needs and towards the baby. She never missed an opportunity to kiss, talk to or touch Lark's stomach to make a connection with the baby. It amazed Lark how the baby responded to Rayne's voice and touch and it touched Rayne to the deepest part of her heart. She showed it through her smile and her loving blue eyes.

Lark adoringly ran her hand through Rayne's hair and thought about how much she loved her. She smiled as Rayne did when she asked the baby if they had missed her and felt the baby move. Lark was still in disbelief that Rayne, a Secret Service agent, who's capable of killing someone in an instant could be so caring and tender. "I've got to rub mommy's back now because of all your wiggling around, but I'll read you a story later." Rayne replied, smiling and kissed Lark's stomach before standing up. Lark chuckled when she felt the baby kick and move.

"You know that you have created a monster by reading stories to our child every night. You won't have a moment's peace once the baby is born. Actually, the baby gets very cranky now when you aren't home to read a bedtime story. Fortunately, I'm a good substitute reader." Lark smiled, rubbing her belly and lay on the bed.

Rayne moved in behind her and helped her slip of her shorts. Lark rolled onto her side as Rayne began the back massage. "That's perfectly fine by me. I intend to read our child a bedtime story every night." Rayne smiled and leaned down to kiss Lark's cheek.

"I hope I can be included in story time as well." Lark asked, looking back at Rayne.

"If you behave yourself we'll allow you to join us." Rayne laughed and stopped to work out a hard trigger point in Lark's muscle.

"Owww! Yes, that's the spot." Lark moaned and winced, feeling pain when Rayne began to massage the spot, then relief when she felt the muscle relaxing.

"Is the pressure too much?" Rayne worriedly asked.

"No, it's perfect. It hurts, but feels good at the same time. I know it's strange, but it's helping. You're so sweet, thanks honey." Lark appreciatively replied, closing her eyes to enjoy the massage.

"Anything for you babe. Oh, I almost forgot. Tom is going to bring his dog over to stay with us for a little while." Rayne informed her as she continued to massage Lark's tight back and tried to figure out a good enough excuse for the dog being there that Lark would buy other than telling her the truth, that the dog was there for protection from some insane sicko who had threatened them.

"His dog?" Lark asked, surprised as she turned back to look at Rayne.

"Yeah, aah…he wants me to work with him as we might use him for work. Besides, it will give us a chance to see how it would be to have a dog around the house." Rayne replied, feeling uneasy about her answer as she could see the confusion in Lark's eyes.

Lark smiled and rolled onto her back. "Oh, baby. Does that mean you're going to buy me a dog?" She enthusiastically hoped, as her smile grew in intensity.

Rayne chuckled, relieved that she didn't ask anything more. "Well, sure as long as we think it will work out having a dog around here and providing you don't want some yapping ankle biter type of dog." Rayne laughed and laid next to Lark who shared the laugh.

"No ankle biters here babe. I want a Golden Retriever and I hear that they are very good around children." Lark smiled and put her arms around Rayne's neck. She was extremely happy that her lover was home for a change and in her arms. "Come here. Show me how much you love me." Lark whispered, as she pulled Rayne down, passionately kissing her.

"My pleasure," Rayne's throaty reply resonated through her kiss and deepened it. Rayne's hand slowly traveled from Lark's thigh up and over her swollen abdomen, stopping at her perky breasts. Lark gasped when Rayne caressed her breast and lovingly rubbed her hands on Rayne's back. Rayne gently kneaded the soft, enlarged breasts as her kiss moved down Lark's cheek to her ear. Lark threw her head back when she felt Rayne's tongue softly trace the contours of her ear and clenched her fingers in Rayne's back when she whispered, "I want you so much," before sinking her teeth into Lark's neck.

"Oh, Rayne. You've got me anyway you want me baby." Lark breathlessly replied, moving her hands up to Rayne's hair and ran them through her long locks. Rayne delicately kissed Lark's neck and moved down to her breasts. She lightly circled her tongue around Lark's hardened nipple and suckled her breast. "Yes, baby. That feels so good." Rayne replied, her heartbeat quickened and her breathing became labored. Rayne moved to her other breast attentively suckling it as her hand slowly moved down between Lark's legs.

"Hmmm…you are so wet my sweet." Rayne softly replied, glancing up at her with a sexy grin and moved her kiss down through Lark's cleavage. Rayne's kiss lightly traveled the length of Lark's body with an extended stay at her stomach to lavish attention on their child before settling between Lark's legs. Rayne inhaled Lark's sweet scent and pressed her lips against Lark's hot, wet mound.

Lark's head flew back and her hips arched in response to Rayne's lips against her sex as she clutched the sheets in her hands. She inhaled deeply and exhaled, breathless. Her heart raced with excitement and anticipation of having Rayne taste her. "Take me baby. Please." She pleadingly whispered.

Rayne rested her hands on top of Lark's stomach and parted Lark's lips with her tongue. Her sex throbbed from her arousal and she felt a jolt of adrenalin when she tasted Lark. She loved how she tasted and how warm she felt. She began to lap up Lark's juices; lavishly attending to her hot sex's needs and felt Lark move her head. She was surprised and wasn't sure what was going on with Lark. Once she collected her thoughts and bearings as she had lost herself in Lark, she worried that something might be wrong with Lark. "Are you okay? What's wrong?" She worriedly asked as her headshot up to look at Lark.

"I'm fine baby. Someone is ringing the doorbell and my best guess would be that it's Tom." She replied disappointedly and nodded towards the door as the bell sounded again.

"Shit! He had to come now didn't he? Damn!" Rayne stammered, flustered and jumped out of the bed. She pushed her hair back and tried to calm her racing heart that pounded in her chest. She looked at Lark who sat propped up on her elbows and had a sarcastic grin on her face. "I'm sorry. I'll be right back. Hold that thought!" Rayne chuckled nervously and kissed Lark before running out of the room. Lark laughed and lay back on the bed after watching Rayne run out of the room. She inhaled and exhaled deeply to calm her pounding heart and lay there laughing in disbelief of Tom's timing.

Rayne rushed down the hall wiping the sweet from her brow and screeched to a halt on the tile floor that was slippery from her socks as she reached for the door. She swung the door open and saw Tom standing there with Max. "Is everything alright?" He worriedly asked looking around.

"Oh, aah…yeah, sure. I was in the back room and had to run up front. Sorry, I didn't hear the doorbell." She stammered, still flustered by Lark and opened the door wider for him to enter.

"Damn…I was getting nervous that something was going on in here and nearly called in reinforcements you took so damn long to get to the door." He informed her and entered the house leading his dog in as well. He placed the bag and the dog bed on the floor next to him.

'Yeah, something hot and heavy was going on in here that's for sure.' Rayne thought and grinned as she thought about what she was doing to Lark before he came. "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Hey, Max." She replied and pet the dog that sat obediently next to Tom. The dog wagged his tail slightly and leaned towards her as she stroked his silky fur. "You're beautiful Max. What is he? Is he a full blooded German Shephard or a mix?" She asked inquisitively, looking up at Tom as she continued to pet the gorgeous all white dog.

"He sure is and thanks for the compliment, he appreciates it." Tom smiled proudly and looked at his partner.

"I've never seen a white German Shepard before." Rayne enthusiastically replied and stroked the fur on his head. "I think someone in the next room is going to fall in love with you. You might not be leaving here." She smiled and chuckled as she patted his back and stood upright.

"That would be a hard fought battle between Nicole and Lark. She was in tears when she found out Max was coming over. I think she loves him more than she loves me." He chuckled, as did Rayne.

They laughed harder when Max let out a bark in reply. "Uh-oh, I think you've been replaced Tom." Rayne replied with a smile and motioned for them to enter into the living room. She stepped down into the living room and flopped in the cushy, burgundy leather couch and watched as Tom sat in the leather chair across from her. "Are there any commands I should know about with him?" She asked, and watched as the dog obediently sat next to Tom.

"Not really. He knows your basic commands such as sit, down etc. and he'll follow commands such as being quiet if you put your finger to your mouth. He's a very smart dog. The best thing to do would be to get him acclimated to anyone who will be in the house on a regular basis such as you, Lark and the house staff. Let him smell their clothing and get used to the surroundings of the house. If there is someone that doesn't belong here, he'll pick up the scent and he'll let you know." He explained and pet his dog who sat looking between the two of them.

"Will he attack anyone who isn't suppose to be in here?" She nervously asked, she didn't want any mishaps with anyone who might be visiting.

"No, not unless you give him the command to attack. He'll probably keep them pinned and scare the shit out of them by growling, but he won't attack unless you give the command." He explained, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

"Okay…cool. Now all I need to know would be the attack command and hope that I don't have to give it." Rayne smiled uneasily. She hated that her family was placed into such a bad position.

"Sure, here." He replied and handed her a piece of paper.

She opened it and chuckled at what was written on the paper. "Are you kidding me?" She asked, laughing and held up the paper.

"No, it was the only word that I could think of that someone would rarely say." He answered with a snicker, embarrassed by the word.

"It's a good think I don't call Lark this word." Rayne chuckled and looked at the word written on the paper…BUTTERCUP. "Dude, I can't imagine you yelling this if you're chasing some criminal. If I heard it I would probably fall out laughing." She teasingly laughed and looked at Max. "I bet you're embarrassed too aren't you boy?" She asked with a snicker and laughed harder when the dog, yipped in response to her question.

"Well, what can I say except it's a funny, unusual word for an attack command, but it works." He laughed and patted his dog. "Go over and see Rayne." He ordered and let go of the leash.

Max moved over next to Rayne who rubbed his back and watched as he sat next to her. "Good boy." She smiled and looked up at Tom. "Did you get any other information from our stool pigeon?"

"Not really, but I do have some good news." He smiled with an excited look on his face.

"Care to share bud?" Rayne chuckled and shook her head at his evasiveness. She knew he was dinking around with her as a joke.

"Okay…sure. Seeing as how you're my partner and everything." He laughed with a goofy twinge to his reflection. "Well, Director Stevens informed me we wouldn't be having to travel in light of the latest situation."

"You're kidding me?" Rayne enthusiastically asked, moving to the edge of her seat. She hoped he wasn't kidding as this would mean she could stay home and do a better job of protecting Lark than the currently assigned agents. 'Oh this is awesome news.' Rayne excitedly thought, at the prospects of not having to leave Lark's side.

"I'm not kidding. He felt that it would be too difficult to protect the both of you in different locations and he thinks this guys friends will be back for him especially if they know you're here. Personally, I think he knew there would be no way in hell you would leave Lark." He chuckled at his last statement knowingly.

"You got that shit right. I already introduced one of our agents to my private beach earlier in the evening. He's probably still trying to get the sand out of his mouth." She snickered and shook her head in disbelief at what the agent had done.

"No way. What did he do?" Tom asked, surprised.

"I was out on the back deck with Lark trying to get her inside and this idiot pops his head out for me to see then hides without motioning to me to identify himself. So, I coaxed Lark inside and headed down to the beach and took him down." She explained with a laugh.

"Where was his partner?" He asked, surprised by the sloppy work.

"Who knows, probably having a donut or jacking off in the sand dunes. He came running up after I had him pinned down and checked his badge."

"Freaking idiots. Why in the hell would they assign people like that?" He asked, upset by the choice of security for his partner and her wife.

"Who knows why bud. Did you get anything else out of the weasel?"

"Nah…he's being stubborn."

"He'll break, give him a few days in jail and he'll start singing like a jailbird." Rayne laughed, as did Tom.

"Let's hope so. Well, I'm outta here. I've got to stop by the store and pick up the misses some ice cream." He dryly answered and rolled his eyes as he rose to a standing position.

"Don't keep her waiting, they hate it when you do that and they won't let you forget it!" She chuckled and patted her partner on the back. 'Speaking of waiting. I'm in deep shit.' She thought inwardly and winced at the thought of her punishment. 'Lark must be stewing about now.' She thought and followed her partner to the door to see him out.

"You be a good boy and make sure you take care of Rayne and Lark okay?" He smiled, looking down at his dog and scratched his chin as Max put his paw up on his hand, licking it. "His food, toys and bedding is all here along with feeding instructions." He informed her, pointing to the pile on the floor next to the door.

"Okay…great. I promise to try and keep Lark from spoiling him too much." Rayne smiled and scratched Max's head. "Thanks again Tom. I really appreciate all of your help. I'll never forget this." She appreciatively smiled and patted his shoulder.

"Good, because I won't let you forget it!" He laughed and headed out the door.

"Bye." Rayne laughed and closed the door behind him.

Tom felt uneasy about the situation Rayne had earlier in the evening with the other agents. He decided to check them out for himself. After speaking with the agents she had the run in with and the other agents situated about the property, he was satisfied with the security and headed home.

"Come on Max, I've got some making up to do." She chuckled and grabbed his large pillow bed. She padded down the hall with Max in tow; eager to continue where she had left off earlier with Lark. She opened the door to the bedroom and sighed disappointed when she saw that Lark was sound asleep. She looked down at Max sarcastically replying, "I hope you don't mind snoring." She laughed when Max's ears perked up and she leaned down to remove his leash. She tossed the leash on her nightstand and placed his bed next to her side of the bed. The dog quickly jumped in his bed. Rayne was amazed at how easily the dog had taken to her. He seemed unfazed by his surroundings and took to them undaunted. Rayne took the shirt that Lark had worn earlier and held it to him. He eagerly sniffed the shirt. "Now, this is the most important person to protect. You got that?" She softly asked, kneeling before him and smiled when he nudged her hand with his nose, indicating he understood her orders. She patted his head and stood up moving towards the bed. 'I dig this dog. Tom might have to worry about me keeping him.' She chuckled inwardly and climbed in bed next to her slumbering beauty.

Rayne leaned over Lark, adoringly staring at her as she slept. Rayne pulled the covers over Lark's naked body and leaned down, gently kissing her cheek. She moved back up and just stared at Lark. She was fixated on the peacefully sleeping woman that she loved with her entire existence. She slipped her hand on Lark's side and moved it to her stomach as she cuddled closer to the warm body before her. She smiled when she felt the baby move under her touch and whispered, "No one will ever hurt either of you. I promise," as she kissed Lark on the forehead, sealing her declaration. Her heart fluttered when she felt Lark wiggle against her and noticed the smile on Lark's face. She lovingly watched Lark sleep and thought about how much she loved her. She caught herself doing that quite frequently of late and couldn't imagine waking up next to anyone else but with Lark for the rest of their lives. She felt a catch in her heart, in amazement that Lark felt the same way about her. In a way, she felt like she didn't deserve Lark's undying love for her as she had put her through so much hell throughout their separation and before it, but she was glad that she had it once again. She was thankful for every day she has had and will have with Lark. She would never take those moments for granted ever again.

'She's my best friend, my lover, my soul mate and the mother of my child…I love her so much.' Rayne endearingly thought and kissed her cheek, lingering there momentarily before breaking the kiss. She smiled; wiping the tears of happiness from her eyes and lay onto her back. She stared at the ceiling trying to calm her racing heart as it terrified her to think that anything would ever happen to Lark and their child. 'I've got to make sure that bastard doesn't even come close to the most important people in my life.' She thought, her resolve strengthened and her attitude quickly turned into a defensive, protective mode. No stone would go unturned until she nailed that bastard who dared to threaten her very existence. 'You can threaten or hurt me, but not Lark and our child.' She angrily thought and moved her hand onto Lark to make a connection. She would protect them at all cost, even at the expense of her own safety and well-being. If you thought a mama alligator is vicious protecting her family, then you've never seen Rayne in action protecting hers. I pity the fool who dares to cross her. Rayne smiled and her heart softened when she heard Lark's light snore and rolled onto her side. She wrapped Lark in her arms and cuddled up against her, resting her hand on Lark's that rested on her stomach. She lightly kissed Lark's cheek, protectively pulling her closer as she closed her eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.

Lark thought she was trapped in a splendid dream until she opened her eyes and realized it was reality, as she looked at Rayne who nibbled on her neck. That was even better! She moved back against Rayne and looked up at her, smiling. "What are you doing?" She asked, happy about what Rayne was doing to her.

"Hitting on you babe and trying to continue what we started last night." Rayne seductively replied and continued her onslaught of Lark's neck.

"Last night?" Lark asked, confused and looked around the room noting the lightened room from the sun. "Oh, baby…I'm so sorry. I fell asleep. Oh, Rayne!" She gasped when she felt Rayne touch her sex.

"Don't be sorry, just stop playing hard to get." Rayne chuckled in a muffle as she sank her teeth into Lark's neck.

"By all means take me darling. I can't deny you a thing." She breathlessly replied as her eyes rolled back and closed from the wonderful sensation she felt when Rayne's thumb dipped inside her warm, wet sex. "My love, that feels wonderful." She softly admitted, spreading her legs wider for Rayne as she rolled onto her stomach the best she could from her side lying position. Her large tummy didn't allow her to completely lay prone so she settled for the happy medium. Rayne's long fingers slid up and down her slick clit as her thumb moved in and out, heightening her arousal. Rayne's free hand began to gently knead Lark's breast, as her arm was located underneath Lark. Rayne's tongue traveled up Lark's neck to her ear and dipped inside sending a coursing, electrical sensation straight to her core. She opened her eyes and peered at a dog that stared back at her. She jumped, startled and asked, "Rayne, why is that dog staring at me?"

"Go lay down Max. It's okay." Rayne ordered and both chuckled about the interruption and continued their anatomy lesson. "You feel incredible my love." Rayne whispered in Lark's ear, who turned her head and Rayne quickly devoured her mouth with her own. Rayne's tongue slowly moved within, dancing with Lark's and both fighting for dominance. Rayne's won, as Lark was no match and could do nothing but allow Rayne to kiss her deeply, passionately. Rayne's fingers moved faster and in rhythm with Lark's hips that slowly rocked back and forth. She moved her thumb within to stroke the top of Lark's inner walls, sending Lark into frenzy.

"I don't know what you are doing to me Rayne, but it feels incredible." Lark softly replied, gasping for her breath after breaking the searing kiss. Lark reached back and found Rayne's hot mound, whose desire for Lark escalated. The feeling of Lark's wet sex, her kiss and remembering their Valentine's Day romantic rendezvous pulsated Rayne's clit. She thought of that beautiful night as she passionately kissed Lark and remembered how Lark had made an impromptu visit to her hotel in New Orleans where a lead had taken her. She smiled and lightly kissed Lark's lips when she thought about finding Lark in black negligee, erotically lying in her bed when she entered the romantically candle lit room. What a surprise that was! Lark had thought of everything, food, champagne, candles and Jayce who was in the next room. Can't forget him! Rayne's kissed moved to Lark's neck and she lightly nibbled on the soft, warm skin there as she remembered how significant that night was to them. They conceived their child that night and it made Rayne's heart race from the thought. Her arousal and desire was beyond her control when she thought about impregnating Lark. It was her brother's sperm, but it was her that gave the baby to Lark and it filled her with so much joy and happiness, like nothing had ever done before. She needed to feel Lark touch her.

"Touch me baby…please." She pleadingly whispered. "Oh, yes Lark!" Rayne gasped when she felt Lark obligingly fondle her clit. Rayne moved her hips up and down against Lark's fingers; she was near her climax already and couldn't hold it any longer. Rayne sank her teeth into Lark's neck who screamed and released her orgasm; over and over again, she couldn't control it. Rayne's heart pounded with excitement from Lark's multiple orgasms and feeling her warm, milky treasure that filled her hand. Her orgasms were powerful and all consuming…she had never had some so encompassing before. Rayne could no longer hold it and the powerful orgasm ripped through her body. "Aaahhh…yes!" She shouted as her body shuddered and another orgasm coursed throughout her. She collapsed against Lark and snuggled her face against Lark's neck, panting and trying to catch her breath. Her heart painfully pounded in her chest as it raced from her excitement. "Aahh…" She replied, her breathing labored as she lay on her back desperately trying to calm her racing heart.

"Are you alright?" Lark worriedly asked, leaning over Rayne. She placed her hand over Rayne's heart and felt the pounding in her chest.

Rayne laughed embarrassed by what was happening to her. "I hope so. I think I'm too old for your sexual escapades my dear." She chuckled, looking at Lark and inhaled deeply to catch her breath.

"Oh, stop that…you're not too old. Besides, you're the one that started this and let me tell you. It was wonderful. I don't know what you did to me, but it was powerful and so incredibly beautiful. I thought I was going to deliver the baby right then and there!" Lark chuckled and lightly kissed Rayne's cheek that shared in the laughter. "Are you calming down?" She asked, smiling.

"Finally." Rayne grinned and kissed the top of Lark's head when she laid it against her shoulder. Lark placed her hand over Rayne's heart and lightly stroked it with her thumb. Rayne moved her hand around Lark's back and tucked Lark as close to her as she could, resting her hand on her side. She smiled when she felt the baby move against her stomach as Lark's rested against hers. "This is paradise honey." Rayne replied, thoroughly satisfied from their romp through ecstasy and from the woman she had safely tucked in her arms.

"Yes, it is baby." Lark agreed and snuggled her face against Rayne's sweaty neck, lightly kissing it. She settled her head back against Rayne's shoulder, happy to be within the warm confines of her lover's arms and quickly drifted off to sleep.

The next week was spent trying to work out an acceptable deal on both sides, with their suspect who proved to be a formidable foe. He wanted an ironclad deal and wouldn't budge when it came to compromising. Rayne was growing more tired and angry at the asshole with every minute that passed. It didn't help that they still had no other substantial leads in the case to nail the top dog, but this jerk. Her patience was at a minimum from the stress and from not sleeping. She found herself sleeping with one eye opened and rarely was able to sleep for any longer than fifteen-minute spurts. Any slight noise woke her and she patrolled the house protectively for the rest of the night. She didn't know how much longer she could keep up the pace and hoped a break would soon come through so she could go back to her normal routine. She mulled over the paperwork before her, searching for some detail that she might have missed after looking at it for the hundredth time when the phone rang. She sipped her iced Tazo Chai, Grande that is…it was the only thing that kept her functioning and picked up the phone, swallowing the cold beverage. "Yeah." She snapped, uninterested and her demeanor changed instantly. Tom looked up worried by the pale look on her face, "I'm on my way." He watched her say, almost robotic. She was in another world.

"What's going on?" He asked, jumping from his chair and followed behind her as she quickly passed his desk.

"Lark's at the hospital." She nervously and hurriedly replied, as she was now in a full out sprint towards the door.

"What?" He shouted surprised and worried as he struggled to keep pace with her.

"There was some sort of an accident on the set." She softly replied and jumped into her car. Her heart raced with fear for Lark's safety. The agent assigned to protect Lark had call to inform Rayne what happened, but when she heard Lark was at the hospital she ended the conversation. All she could think about was getting to Lark. She squealed the tires as the car tore out of the parking garage and focused her attention on the road. Tom put the blue light up on the dashboard so they could make it through traffic quickly and without any impendence from the local authorities.

"Did they say how Lark is doing?" He asked, turning to his haggard partner. He worried about her. She looked drained, ragged and a woman on the edge. He turned on the radio to a talk news show to see if they had any information.

"No, I didn't give them a chance." She coldly answered, never losing focus on the road.

The announcer on the radio informed the audience, "This just in, famed actress Lark Morgan was just rushed to the hospital after an explosion on the set of her current movie. No, detailed information is readily available at this time, but as we get it we will relay it to you." The announcer replied and the station cut to a commercial.

"She's going to be fine, I'm sure of it Rayne." Tom attempted to reassure her and noted Rayne didn't hear a word of what he had said to her.

'I'm on my way honey. Don't worry, I'll be there very soon.' She inwardly thought, thinking Lark could hear her. 'Damn…please let her and the baby be alright.' She anxiously worried and felt the tears stinging her eyes. She mashed the accelerator to the floor and sped the car up the ramp to the emergency entrance to the hospital. She came to a skidding halt, throwing the car in gear and jumped out of the car leaving the car door open. She jogged towards the door as the security guard attempted to stop her. "Back off, Secret Service," she angrily warned, flashing her badge as she shoved past him through the doors.

The flustered guard looked at Tom who showed his badge. "Sorry, we have an agent injured here." He replied, jumping into the car. He drove off to park the car and ran towards the entrance once he had. He knew he might have to pull Rayne off of one of the other agents if she felt they hadn't protected Lark sufficiently. 'What an oxymoron as no one is sufficient enough in Rayne's mind to protect Lark except for herself.' He thought rushing into the hospital.

Rayne's focus glared at the end of the hall from her as she saw the agents posted to Lark nervously pacing back and forth in front of the treatment room doors. Her eyes narrowed and her anger coursed through her. If looks could kill, her steely, maniacal gaze would have done the trick many times over. The agent looked up and moved to approach her. "Agent Donovan…I tried to explain to you on the phone…" he attempted to explain, but felt Rayne's stiff-arm in the chest.

"Where is she?" She angrily asked, looking straight ahead, never at him.

"Aah…curtain three." He nervously replied and pointed. He rubbed his chest from the pain of her hand forcefully being thrust there as he watched her burst through the doors.

Rayne inhaled deeply and quickly blew out her air, hoping to calm her racing heart and anger. It didn't work, her hands shook as she approached the curtain, she was fearful of what she would find behind there. She pulled the curtain back and saw Lark lying in the bed, animatedly talking with the resident who was attending to the wound on her arm. Her heart instantly calmed when Lark looked up at her smiling. "Hi honey! They didn't have to call you. Are you alright?" She asked, nervous from the look on Rayne's face as she approached the bed.

"I'm fine. Are you alright?" She nervously asked, taking Lark's hand in her own as she tentatively approached the bed. She glanced over at her wound and back to Lark. It was all she could do to maintain her composure. She wanted to hold Lark and cry like a baby in relief that Lark was safe.

"I am now that you're here. I needed someone to hold my hand for when the doctor puts the stitches in my arm." She smiled as she looked up at Rayne.

"What happened?" Rayne shakily asked.

"They had a mishap on the set with one of the stunts and I got hit by something." Lark explained, and motioned towards her arm then looked back at Rayne.

"Are you hurt anywhere else? Is the baby alright?" She worriedly checked Lark over.

"Rayne, we are fine. I just cut my arm that's all." Lark answered, confused by Rayne's demeanor. "What's wrong with you?"

"Aaahhh…I'm sorry. I was terrified when I got a call that they took you to the hospital and then I heard on the radio that there was some kind of an explosion on the set and that you were rushed to the hospital." She nervously explained looking down at Lark's hand that she held and subconsciously rubbed it with her thumb. She looked back up at Lark who saw the fear in Rayne's blue eyes.

She held her lover's face in her hand and smiled comfortingly, "We are fine honey. I promise you. You don't need to worry." Lark lovingly assured Rayne and pulled her closer for a kiss.

Rayne felt stupid about the way she reacted and sat next to Lark on the bed. "I'll be right back." The young doctor smiled and exited the curtain.

Rayne blew out a breath and looked down at Lark's hand that she rubbed. "I'm sorry for the way I reacted. I just freaked out honey. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to either of you." She admitted, her blue eyes filling with tears.

"And I feel the same about you darling, but we are fine. I have a deep scratch that's it. I was off my mark during the stunt and got cut. It all happened so fast that I can't remember all of the details, but it's my fault for not being where I was suppose to be." She tried to explain.

Rayne looked up at her, "Why are you that close to a dangerous stunt anyway? They are putting you and the baby in harms way. I don't like it."

"Rayne, I was not in that much danger. Do you think I would put our child in harms way?" Lark levelly asked, somewhat hurt by the insinuation.

"No, but you shouldn't be close to any of the dangerous stunts. That's what doubles are for Lark. What would have happened if the object that hit your arm hit the baby? I don't like it." Rayne explained, not happy with what happened to Lark.

Lark inhaled deeply and exhaled, "You're right and I'm sorry. I guess I just didn't expect anything to happen. I will see to it that a double stands in for me from now on." Lark smiled reassuringly and drew Rayne in for a hug. "I love you." She whispered and held her nervous lover.

Rayne smiled and kissed Lark's cheek, "I love you," breaking the hug. They smiled at one another and Rayne moved in for a kiss.

Lark broke the kiss when the doctor entered. "Thanks for coming. Now, hold my hand. I'm afraid of stitches." Lark smiled and clutched Rayne's hand who chuckled.

"You'll be fine my love. If you're afraid of stitches what are you going to do when our baby is born?" Rayne chuckled and kissed Lark on the cheek.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I just hate the thought of needles and threads penetrating my skin." Lark explained and winced when she felt the doctor rub an antiseptic on her wound which burned.

"It will be over before you know it. Look into my eyes and focus on them there. See how much I love and adore you. Lose yourself in them and you won't feel any pain." Rayne softly spoke to her, trying to calm her fear. "See all the happy and fun times we've had together. See that you mean everything in this world to me and that I would move heaven and earth for you Lark." Rayne lovingly added, as she delicately kissed Lark.

She broke the kiss when she heard the doctor reply, "That's it. You're finished."

Rayne and Lark looked at the doctor who smiled as she placed a bandage over the wound. "Wow that was fast. I didn't feel a thing." Lark replied, surprised.

The doctor grinned and leaned closer to Lark whispering, "I wouldn't either if I had a gorgeous Adonis like you have sweet talking me," as she rose from the stool. She winked as Rayne blushed from the comment and exited the treatment area. "I'll have your discharge papers ready momentarily." Her voice trailed off as she disappeared.

Lark looked at Rayne who chuckled and arrogantly replied, "What can I say? The chicks dig me." They laughed and Rayne kissed Lark's hand, before helping her up from her semi-supine position. "Let's get you home." She smiled and stood up, helping her very pregnant wife off the table.

"Please do. I'm in no condition to fight the doctors off that are swooning all over you." Lark teasingly smiled and adjusted her clothing as the nurse entered. She went over the instructions for disinfecting the wound on her arm and for dressing changes. She informed Lark to see her doctor in a week to have the stitches removed and for her to be on the look out for any infection that might incur. Lark and Rayne smiled, and thanked the woman.

The doctor stood next to the nurse. "Oh, one more thing, if you don't mind. She's dying to get your autograph. Would you mind?" The doctor grinned, obviously embarrassing the nurse by pointing at her and from her comment.

"No problem. Can I use your pen?" Lark asked with a grin and took the pen and magazine the doctor was holding to autograph. "Whom shall I make this out too?"

"Doctor Strain," The nurse replied with a chuckle and walked away effectively paying the doctor back for the earlier embarrassment.

The doctor sheepishly grinned as she watched Lark autograph the People magazine that just happened to have Lark on the cover. "What can I say, I'm a fan and embarrassed. It was pretty funny, we were just checking out the article about the best-dressed celebrities before you came in. We all concluded that the both of you should have made the best dressed couple list." She chuckled as did Rayne and Lark.

"Thank you. You just never know, we might make the next one." Lark cordially smiled and handed the magazine back to the smitten doctor.

Rayne put her arm around Lark's waist and pulled her closer. Lark wrapped her arm around Rayne's waist, "Thank you for your help." Rayne smiled and lead her wife away.

The doctor watched as the attractive couple walked away. 'Lucky woman.' She thought with a smile and renewed hope that she might someday have a wonderful partner like that. Hmmm…which one was she referring too? Maybe both?

"Are you okay Lark? The radio made it seem like you were mortally injured." Tom worriedly asked, when he first saw them as they exited the treatment area.

"They always do that Tom. You shouldn't believe what they report; they like to get everyone riled up. It was probably a slow news day and I guarantee there will reporters outside. I'm fine, but thanks for the concern." She smiled as they walked towards the emergency room doors. Lark was right, there was a swarm of reporters waiting for them outside. "See…what did I tell you?" She asked, smiling knowingly.

"You were right honey." Rayne smiled and held her closer to her. She looked at Tom who moved to Lark's opposite side as the saw the unusually large crowd outside. Tom nodded behind him and Rayne glanced over her shoulder at the two agents assigned to Lark who lingered behind. They nodded as well as everyone exited the emergency room to a swarm of flashbulbs popping. There were advantages to being tall as Lark wasn't aware of what her lover and partner were doing.

"Lark what happened? Are you okay? Was the baby injured?" A reporter shouted out as the group stopped before one of the microphones. Rayne and Tom scanned the crowd for anything out of the unusual as Lark began to answer the question.

One onlooker stared at Rayne who instantly felt uneasy by they way they were looking at her. It was something about their eyes that confused her. The brown eyes looked familiar, very angry and haunted. She couldn't see what they looked like as they stood behind someone and wore a hat that was covered by a hooded jacket. All she could see was their eyes. "There was a minor mishap on the set and I got received a cut on my arm that required five stitches. I'm fine as well as my baby. Thank you for your concern, but I must get back to work. Sorry for the inconvenience." She replied smiling and tugged on Rayne to draw her attention so they could leave. Rayne looked down at Lark and began to move, before looking back to the person she was staring at. She saw them maliciously grin as they moved out away from the person they were standing behind, for Rayne to get a brief glimpse of and motioned with their fingers that were formed in the shape of a gun. The person moved the finger down as if they fired the gun, wickedly smiling and mouthed, 'boom,' before quickly disappearing. Rayne moved back towards where the person was to get a better glimpse and to see where they went too. Lark pulled her in the opposite direction, "This way honey." She replied and walked away still holding onto Rayne. Rayne noticed the other agents searching the crowd for the person she was looking at as they too had seen the interaction between Rayne and the mystery person. "Are you going to take me back to the set?" Lark asked looking up at her distracted lover. "Rayne! Are you listening to me?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought I saw someone I knew over there, but I was wrong. You asked if I was taking you back to the set? Do you still have work to do there?" Rayne asked, looking down at Lark, then back to the crowd, worried that something might happen. She picked up her pace towards the car and quickly ushered Lark into it.

"Unfortunately, I still have stuff to do." She frowned looking at Rayne who climbed into the back seat with Lark. "I would love it if we could go home and climb into bed together." Lark grinned and snuggled her head against Rayne's chest.

"Me too baby…me too." Rayne replied, kissing the top of Lark's head and looked side to side for any danger that might arise as Tom steered the car out of the hospital parking lot. "I'll tell you what. Tom and I will hang out with you on the set until you're finished today. How does that sound?" She asked with a smile, looking down at Lark.

"Well, my idea is much better, but since we can't do that, then your idea sounds wonderful. That would make me feel much better." She grinned looking up at Rayne and kissed her chin.

"Let's head to the set Tom." Rayne informed him as he looked at her through the rear view mirror and made a turn, heading towards the set.

Rayne and Tom stood in the wings watching the hustle and bustle of the crew moving about the set. Rayne smiled proudly, watching the makeup artist touch up Lark's makeup. "I couldn't get a good look at the mystery person in the crowd as their face was covered from the hat and the hooded jacket." Rayne informed him, disappointed that she couldn't identify the person. "We need to talk to some of the stunt men and special effects men, to see if the accident was truly one or if it was conveniently set up." Rayne suspiciously told Tom.

"Gotcha. I'll do some checking now and have the other boys sniff around here too. They did tell me that nothing looked out of the ordinary on the set before the accident. But it doesn't hurt to double check everything. I'll be back shortly." Tom informed her and walked away.

Rayne crossed her arms over her chest and scanned the set for anything out of the ordinary. She was startled when she turned and looked before her, finding Lark standing there. "Well, hello gorgeous."

"What are you up too?" Lark asked, suspicious of Rayne's demeanor.

"Nothing…just checking out how interested in all of this that Tom is. He really gets excited being on the set." Rayne lamely replied. She didn't want Lark to know anything about what was going on. She knew it would distress her and the baby, which she wasn't about to allow.

"Would you two like a very small part in the movie?" She grinned, hopeful.

"Who us?" Rayne laughed; surprised that Lark would suggest such a thing.

"Yes, you two!" Lark chuckled and put her hands on Rayne's arms.

"We're not actors." Rayne reminded Lark.

"I know, but it would be right up your alley. We have a very small part for two detectives as the actors we had for the part abruptly walked off the set after the incident we had earlier. It would be just like you are doing your own job. You could also spend a couple of days with me on the set too." Lark excitedly replied, trying to talk her into doing it. "Please for me?" She grinned and batted her eyelashes at Rayne hoping it would work. She hoped Rayne would accept her offer even though she knew Rayne wouldn't do it.

'Hmmm…it would give me a few days to check things out around here and make sure that it was definitely an accident. I need to remember to tell Tom to put in a check on the two actors who left inexplicably. ' Rayne thought, weighing her options. "Okay…sure. I'll do it." Rayne agreed with a slight smile.

"You will?" Lark asked surprised. 'That was too easy!' Lark excitedly thought.

"I'll tell Tom. He's going to freak." Rayne chuckled and headed over to Tom. They called their director to inform him of the latest developments and he agreed that staying there to investigate from the inside might be a good idea.

"Jimmy, I've got some experienced law enforcement officers for the two parts you were fretting over." Lark informed the director with a smile as she approached.

After a few takes, Rayne just wasn't cutting the mustard and the director was getting quite perturbed especially seeing as how it was at the end of the day. "Rayne, honey. Look, don't be so nervous. Just be you. Act as if you and Tom are at work and you're questioning a suspect or a potential witness. Okay?" Lark lovingly advised Rayne.

"Yeah, but this acting stuff doesn't come as naturally to me as it does you Lark and besides, I just wouldn't say the crap that they wrote." Rayne chuckled in a whisper to Lark as she held up the script that contained her lines.

"I know, they are lame lines honey, but please just say them as if you were doing this at work. It will work and we'll get out of here a lot faster." Lark grinned and lovingly patted her cheek to reassure her. Rayne smiled as they all took their marks to begin filming again.

"That's a wrap for today folks." The director announced, to the relief of his crew. "Rayne you and Tom did a great job today. You had the jitters early on, but you came through with a very good performance. So good, that I may expand your roles. I have to see how that would fit into the story, but it just might turn into a larger part." He grinned and patted her on the back. Lark was ecstatic. She had been trying to get Rayne into the business for a while now, but Rayne was never interested in doing it. Maybe she would be now.

"Okay…great. Thanks." Rayne replied, stunned by what he had told her.

"Lark darling. I'll see you later tonight at the premiere and as always, you were fabulous." He smiled and kissed Lark on the cheek.

"Thanks Jimmy. See you tonight." She smiled and hooked her arm in Rayne's watching him walk away.

"What premiere?" Rayne asked, confused by the plans for later that evening.

"Don't you remember? I told you we had to attend the premiere of Charlie's Angels tonight." Lark reminded Rayne.

"Hey, I'm going to get this silly makeup off of me. I'll talk to you in a few." Tom chuckled and headed off.

"Oh, man. I was tortured enough after watching the TV show the other night, I don't know if I could handle the movie being worse." Rayne teasingly whined and looked down at Lark who laughed.

"I've seen the trailers for it and they do some martial arts in it that I think you will enjoy." Lark grinned looking up at Rayne.

"Let's hope so. I don't want to see the 'Angels' carrying their stupid wrist purse around with their gun in it like they did in the episode we saw the other night!" Rayne laughed as did Lark. "Hey, can I ask Tom if him and Nicole want to join us tonight?" Rayne figured it would help to have an extra pair of eyes walking the carpet with her and Lark as that is always an open situation for something to happen if some sick fan wanted to take a shot at a celebrity.

"Sure, absolutely. That would be a great idea." Lark excitedly agreed.

"His year is going to be made baby. Thanks." Rayne grinned and kissed Lark appreciatively. "Hey, do you think my role might allow me to do some cool stunt work. Maybe like Tom Cruise did in Mission Impossible 2? Like his stunts on the motorcycle?" Rayne enthusiastically asked, excited about the prospects for her film role as they headed towards Larks trailer.

"I hope not. You worry the hell out of me, knowing that you have to do that kind of stuff at work. I couldn't imagine seeing you do it for real. I might deliver the baby right then and there!" Lark laughed, which was shared by Rayne.

"Oh, it would be so cool, but I don't want our child to be born on the set. So, I'll pass on that action then."

"Oh, you're so good to me." Lark sarcastically grinned.

"I know. I just keep giving and giving to you my love." Rayne teasingly answered, as they laughed harder.

"And cockier and cockier." Lark added as Rayne helped her up the stairs to her trailer that had become quite cumbersome since her pregnancy.

"Hardy har har." Rayne laughed and followed Lark into the trailer.

After changing, Rayne and Lark invited Tom to join them later that evening which he graciously accepted. He was ecstatic to put it mildly. They told him they would stop by and pick them up in the limo before heading to the premiere. Rayne and Lark had quickly traveled home to shower and change clothes. As promised, they picked up Tom and Nicole before heading to the premiere. Nicole and Lark were quickly catching up on what had been happening since they last saw one another. Tom informed Rayne that he called to arrange for other agents to be scattered throughout the crowd at the premiere. Rayne felt slightly better, even though she didn't like huge crowds like that. The limo stopped and Rayne exited the limo first. She quickly scanned the crowd as Tom exited next. He held out his hand for Nicole who exited the limo. Rayne leaned down and helped Lark out of the limo. It took a little extra help to get her out as her center of gravity made it difficult because of the baby.

"You're my hero." Lark chuckled and lovingly patted Rayne's cheek who laughed.

"And I like it that way." Rayne added as she entwined her fingers around Lark's. She inhaled to calm her nervousness and walked along the red carpet with Lark who smiled and waved to the crowd. The crowd was screaming and shouting and the flashbulbs of the cameras made if very difficult and confusing to see what was going on. Rayne and Tom both struggled to adjust their eyes, despite the sunglasses they wore to block out the light and it unnerved Rayne. She clutched Lark's hand tightly who moved closer to the crowd to pose for pictures and to shake hands. Rayne grew more nervous and looked into the crowd searching for the other agents. Her heart quickened when she saw the person from earlier in the day. She pulled Lark back from the crowd.

"Rayne what are you doing?" Lark asked, confused by her actions.

"You shouldn't get so close honey." Rayne answered and stared in the direction of the person she saw, but they were gone.

"Oh, Lark. Do you need someone to fill the role of daddy to your child because I'd be more than happy to fill it?" A voice sarcastically replied from the crowd as Rayne and Tom fervently looked around for the mystery person.

"No, thank you. Rayne has already filled that position quite nicely." Lark retorted with a smile and slipped her arm around Rayne's waist for a hug. Rayne looked down at her and Lark smiled. "Oh, shit I forgot my purse honey. Can you see if you can catch the limo and get it?" Lark worriedly replied looking up at Rayne who scanned the line of limo's to see if theirs was still there.

"Yeah, it's still there thankfully. I'll be right back." Rayne answered and took off to catch the limo. She pounded on the top of the limo to alert the driver to stop and he did. She opened the door and grabbed the purse. "Sorry dude…she left her purse. Thanks!" She replied, holding up the purse and shut the door after exiting the limo. Rayne turned back to see Lark signing autographs extremely close to the crowd. 'What is she doing!' Rayne nervously and fearfully thought. "Lark, move back!" She shouted and quickly headed back to the group.

"Lark! Lark!" A voice shouted from the crowd. Rayne looked up to see a person on the same side of the ropes as Lark, charging towards her who was oblivious to what was happening, as she was busy signing autographs and couldn't hear a thing except the roar of the excited crowd.

Rayne panicked when she saw the person lunge towards Lark and desperately shouted, "Lark! Lark! Get back!"

To Be Continued…

Comments are happily accepted at Cruise1313@aol.com

Web site addy: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Land/1532 and www.clububer2000.com