Part VIII

The sun just recently began its trek towards the western horizon but its heat beat down on the earth. The summer humidity was sticky as honey for mid July and a slight drought showed by the browning grass. Katia took a deep breath and let the humid air tightly fill her chest yet she was smiling.

"You better visit before classes start," chided Mike.

Katia had her hands on her hips, her head dropped to one side, and her expression amused. "I promise, Mikie."

The young man suspiciously narrowed his blue eyes. He shifted his sitting position some on the trunk of his Civic. He placed his hands on the edge of the trunk and crossed his ankles. "You better, Katia or else next semester will be very long."

Katia dropped her arms to her side as her body shook with laughter. "God." She shook her head and stepped up to him.

Mike quickly opened his arms and accepted the small women into his embrace. Despite he was hot and sticky; he didn't care and held onto his best friend. He then turned his head for a kiss on her temple.

Katia giggled as her friend's wiry goatee brushed her skin. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." Mike frowned as he truly considered that statement. He swayed their hugging forms then he finally released. "Be safe driving down there. Tell Ashley I said hi."

"I will." Katia grabbed Mike's hands and held onto them. "Thank you for spending time with me."

Mike chuckled then shrugged before saying, "All I did was eat and drive us to the restaurant." He squeezed her hands. "Thank you for paying."

"Well I figured since you won't take any money to pay you back then I'll just have to pay for everything for awhile."

Mike sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes. "You're awful at accepting gifts."

"So are you," shot back the grinning woman.

Mike's lips curled into a grin. "Maybe." He then swung their arms away then back into their bodies. "Come on, time to go."

Katia sighed, turned around, and managed to switch their hands around. She sensed Mike following right behind her to her car. She squeezed his hands one last time then opened her car door. "I'll see you soon, Mikie." She flopped into the driver's seat, tossed her purse onto the passenger seat, and closed the door.

"I better," teased the young man after the driver's window came down. He leaned through the window and kissed Katia on the cheek quickly. "Bye, sweetie." He straightened up just as Katia started the car.

Katia smirked, put the car in gear, and peered up at Mike then quickly said, "Seeyah, loveyah, bye."

Mike laughed and watched Katia pull away. He slowly rotated on his heels as his friend drove off. He slipped his hands into his pockets and sighed when she was out of his vision.

Katia made her way back onto Route 50 and she knew Easton was only halfway to Salisbury. She felt a yawn come over her and she covered it with her hand. As she got out of Easton, she wondered what her girlfriend was up to right now. She considered texting her but decided to let it go since it wouldn't be long before she saw her.

The drive turned out to be pleasant enough as long as Katia kept to sixty mph or so otherwise the heat would get to her. On a couple of occasions she almost gave into her air conditioner but just contained her weakness. It wasn't but half an hour or so before Katia made it across the Nanticoke River Bridge and the traffic was slightly thick. She figured it had to be people traveling down to the beaches for the weekend.

Katia came up on a slower moving car so she pulled back then waited for an opening in the fast lane. She finally had one and blinked into the spot then sped up to pass the slower car. Just as she got past the slower car, she noticed a blue truck that was in the crossover of 50 north and south. She narrowed her eyes at him and willed him to stay put until she passed but just as she came up to the intersection, the truck pulled out right in front of her.

Katia hit her brakes in time and luckily nobody was behind her as she dropped down to forty just in time before going into the truck's rear. She suddenly became full of anger and yelled, "You asshole!" She pushed on her gas pedal as the truck sped up faster. She cursed under her breath, "Where's a cop when you need one?" She decided to get away from the truck and pulled back into the slow lane behind that same slow car again.

Then something in the rear view mirror caught Katia's attention and she stole a quick look. Her eyes were filled with the view of a lightening fast car with flashing blue and red lights. Now she couldn't resist her devilishly grin. Just as the patrol cop flew past her, she called out, "Go get 'em!" She then evilly laughed and happily watched the dark state trooper car pull up behind the truck that almost ran into her earlier.

Katia tried to get a closer look at the troopers in the car and she could make out the driver better than the passenger. Yet something told her that it may be Ashley in the trooper car.

The truck finally switched into the slow lane and the patrol car moved in behind it. When he realized the trooper was after him, he slowed down onto the shoulder and came to a halt.

Katia drove past and tried to steal a look into the patrol car but all she made out were two female troopers. She felt content as she shifted back into her seat. She knew it had to be Ashley, something told her and a part of her felt slightly bad for the driver in the truck. If it was one of the characteristics about Ashley it was that she was protective over her loved ones.

It wasn't long before Katia took the exit for Mardela Springs and headed for her girlfriend's house. But it was her cell's announcement about a new text message that caught her. She grabbed her cell and flipped it open in fluent motion. She read the message and smiled at Ashley's text. She managed to multitask by driving and slowly punching in her reply then she sent it.

Sergeant Carver leaned to her right some and unsnapped her cell phone from its halter at her side. She opened it and read Katia's reply, which made her faintly smile.

Corporal Haden glanced over but refrained from saying anything, yet. She'd noticed how the sergeant took their last stop with the man in the pickup truck a little personal. She wasn't sure why but she intended to ask before they arrived at the barracks.

Ashley closed up her phone after a hasty reply. She clipped the phone back into its home then became comfortable again.

"You took that last stop personal," stated Corporal Haden.

Ashley's eyes darkened at her counterpart's statement. "I did," she only acknowledged.

Alexa Haden stole a quick glance at the sergeant but she refrained from saying anything else. The topic was certainly not open for discussion. She turned on the right blinker, got into the slow lane then took the exit for the barracks.

The sergeant faintly sighed because she didn't want to be constantly fussing with this other trooper. She had a feeling she'd be spending a lot of time with Haden so she needed to get along. She grasped the seat belt strap that went across her chest then she forced herself into a conversation. "What you doing this weekend?"

Corporal Haden was inwardly taken aback by the question. She sensed Carver was trying to be friendly and she gave into it. "Still unpacking."

A distant grin touched Ashley's lips. "I remember that when I first moved here." She lifted a dark eyebrow at the trooper. "It'll take you half a year to get settle in."

Haden kept a still expression and only whispered, "Perhaps." She slowed the patrol car down as they came up on the last red light before the barracks. "Anything planned for your weekend?"

Sergeant Carver slowly nodded then replied, "My friend is down. I believe we're going to the movies tonight… not sure about the rest of the weekend."

Haden's lips lightly puckered then her cool blue eyes met Ashley's own. "What movie?"

"Batman Begins."

Alexa couldn't contain her hidden grin. She turned her head away when the red light went green. She blinked onto the shoulder and pulled into the barracks. She pulled behind the barracks and parked the dark car into an open spot. When she got out, she met the sergeant at the back of the car. "Perhaps the Batman concept isn't too far fetched." She paused and locked her gaze with Carver's. "A renegade hero."

The sergeant watched the Haden's stoic expression but she broke the seriousness quickly. "And that's why there are troopers." She watched Haden's face stay emotionless but her ice eyes where what gave her away as they twinkled in amusement.

Corporal Haden came around the trunk of the car then held out her right hand. "Call me Alexa."

Sergeant Carver clasped the strong hand. "Ashley."

Alexa remained stoic yet Ashley could sense some shift in her. When they broke the handshake, they began their trek to the back of the barracks. The troopers entered into the busy barracks, it was Friday and every Friday seemed to be insane. They went directly to the First Sergeant to report to him of their progress, tickets and paperwork in hand.

"How'd it go?" First Sergeant Morse lifted his gaze from his paperwork and leaned back to get a fuller view of the two tall but opposite troopers.

"Sufficient, sir," reported Haden.

The first sergeant folded his hands in the lap. "Get your reports processed then before you go the captain wants to see you both."

Sergeant Carver almost sighed at his orders.

The corporal dipped her head in her only response. Then she broke away as did the sergeant.

The two troopers quickly worked on their reports yet Trooper Carver was disrupted by another trooper. She stopped her work and offered a smile at Trooper Tarn.

"I came to say goodbye." Trooper Tarn shifted uneasily before the sergeant.

Carver's body shook with a silent laugh. "Your last day?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Completely packed up?"

Trooper Tarn lifted her right hand and seesawed it in midair. "So, so." Her hand fell back to her side. "Tonight's project."

Ashley studied the short, dark haired trooper and absorbed her personality that she'd seen so far. "You'll do fine in Centreville."

"I know they could use the help," brushed off the trooper.

The sergeant merely nodded then stood up. "I'm sure we'll see each other again." She held out her hand.

"You can count on it, sergeant." Trooper Tarn briskly shook the sergeant's hand then released. "Have a good weekend."

"Good luck moving." Ashley smiled and watched as the young trooper quietly left and went back to her counter duty. She sat back down and finished the last of her work. Just as she finished up, she sensed somebody at her side and she knew exactly who it was without looking. "Are you ready?" she asked without pausing in her work.

The corporal lifted a blond eyebrow. "Yes." She remained still, hands behind her back, and her expression was iced.

Trooper Carver finished up, unconsciously tapped her hat on the desk, and stood up next to the waiting corporal.

"You are quite efficient with your paperwork."

The sergeant's tongue ran along her teeth and her blue eyes were darkening. "I produce quality too."

Haden remained unmoved by the nuanced comment. "My work contains quality and quantity."

Sergeant Carver grunted and stepped around the blond bombshell. "I never knew perfection was blond." She started walking off.

The corporal had spun around on the heels of her boots, her head tilted, and eyes locked on the disappearing sergeant. "Indeed," she murmured to nobody but herself. She hurried after Trooper Carver, who was bee lining to the captain's office. She made quick work of crossing the distance between the desks and into the captain's office.

Captain Jonson lifted her head when her two troopers entered. She lowered her pen and leaned back into her desk chair, it leaned back with her some. "How were things today?"

"They were sufficient, captain," reported the corporal.

The captain noted that the sergeant didn't make any rebukes nor did her demeanor contest anything. "How are you two getting along?"

The sergeant cleared her voice then stated, "We've managed to find some middle ground."

Corporal Haden shifted some in her solid, military like stance. Her hands were behind her back while her back remained ridged. "Indeed," she murmured with her icy eyes on the sergeant.

The sergeant licked her lips but refrained from looking at the other trooper.

Captain Jonson remained silent as she watched the entire exchange. Finally she straightened up in her chair and spoke. "Well it looks as if you two are fated... and a lot sooner than I planned." She rose up from her chair.

"I believe fated is an inaccurate word, captain."

Captain Jonson grinned at the tall, blond trooper. "It is actually quite appropriate, Haden." She picked up her mug of coffee then trekked over to the window that had half closed blinds. She briefly watched the Route 13 traffic then turned around, her left hand back on the sill and her right hand holding the mug.

"And exactly what have you been planning?" inquired the sergeant.

The captain grinned now at the question. "A bit of an upheaval of sorts."

The corporal's eyes narrowed at the captain's teasing words. "These riddles are quite illogical, captain." She then picked out the chuckling sound from Sergeant Carver.

Captain Jonson grinned at Ashley Carver then looked at the corporal. "But highly amusing nonetheless." She took a sip of her coffee then straightened up from the windowsill. She slowly approached the troopers but her eyes were fixed on Trooper Carver. "Have you heard about the problem with the local police and Salisbury students?"

Ashley arched a dark eyebrow at her superior. "Some but not all, captain."

The captain took another seat but this time on the corner of her desk. She cupped her mug between her hands and let the warm circulate through her hands.

"The local police are illegally searching and entering students' premises," stated the corporal.

Caitlin Jonson studied the tall blond, her head tilting to the side some. "What else do you know, Haden?"

The corporal blinked then factually stated, "Just recently a student's car was parked on Dogwood Drive, it was broken into, and the police went to his dorm. When they requested him to move it and he refused, they forced him from his room." She paused then added, "He was then arrested for disobeying an officer."

The sergeant huffed at the local police's incompetence.

"Plus there are many more false arrests and the police are trespassing, searching without reasonable cause… the list goes on."

"They are targeting the students," summarized the corporal, "but what does that have to do with us?"

The captain's thin lips smoothed out into a dangerous grin. She merely sipped her coffee before forming her answer.

"We're going to investigate it."

Captain Jonson lowered her mug to her lap and smiled at Trooper Carver.

Corporal Haden realized in fact that the other trooper was correct in her assessment of the situation. "Captain, we are not allowed to perform such duties. This is a matter for IAB."

The captain chuckled and with her left hand she brushed back her auburn hair. "I think I realize this, corporal. I've only been in the police force longer than you've been alive." She peered down into her mug; it was far too low than how long this meeting would take. She inwardly sighed and lifted her head. "This will be your first assignment as training detectives."

"Captain, I will not comply." Haden was stiff, her eyes frozen blue, and her voice clipped. "If we perform this investigation then what is to stop IAB from investigating Carver and I?" Her eyes narrowed down. "Or even you."

Captain Jonson quietly set her mug down on her desk, slid off the desk, and stepped up between the tall officers but her head was turned to the corporal. She may have been shorter than them but when her swirling grey eyes locked with icy blue ones, the corporal felt much shorter and overpowered. "When you first were sworn as a trooper you pledged to protect the citizens… even from ourselves. I have not received the pips I have today because I backed down from protecting them." Her voice was growling and her expression dark enough to scare a bullet. "You will do this assignment and I will deal with IAB. Are we clear?"

The corporal held a stare down with the captain but she knew protocol. She finally chewed out, "Understood, captain."

Captain Jonson shifted some in hopes it'd loosen the tension in her body. She was still amazed how this trooper could infuriate her to no end yet in the recesses of her mind she found it refreshing. However, she'd never admit that to anybody including herself. "We will start this assignment on Wednesday." Her hands instinctively shifted to her hips. "I will be having First Sergeant Caleb assisting you both. He's was recently promoted from detective so he has some experience to offer. By Wednesday hopefully he'll have as much information as he can give you." She looked between the two troopers then finally stated, "I expect you both to work with him and certainly with each other. It is rather imperative that we handle this carefully and discreetly."

"I believe we will be opening a can of worms," offered the sergeant.

The captain sighed then folded her arms over her chest. "That is what I am afraid of." She glanced between them. "This will not be easy and you'll be making plenty of enemies."

Ashley Carver looked at her counterpart and her eyebrow went up in question.

The corporal nodded at the look then prompted, "You are right, captain." When questioning grey eyes lifted to her, she continued. "We have pledged to protect the citizens… regardless of the costs."

The captain absorbed the peace offering from the corporal.

"We will stop it, captain," promised the sergeant.

The captain dipped her head in agreement then quietly stated, "I only expect the best… especially coming from you two." She turned, picked up her mug, and walked back behind her desk. "I think that is it for now. Dismissed."

The two troopers turned on their heels and Haden let Carver go first to the door but the captain's voice made them stop.

"Have a good weekend too."

Ashley flashed a smile back at the captain, her hand resting on the closed door's knob. "You too, captain."

Haden only nodded to the captain then followed the sergeant out. When she had the door shut after she was out, she stepped up to Ashley's side.

Trooper Carver bit her lower lip then looked at the corporal. "Remember this guideline: the captain is always right."

The corporal's birth marked eyebrow rose up high. "I will… endeavor to keep that in mind." She now turned to completely face the sergeant. "We are now partners."

Sergeant Carver kept a stoic expression but her eyes twinkled in reaction. "I believe so… lucky me."

Corporal Haden's expression twisted into confusion. "I do not see how that is luck."

Ashley sighed then patted the other trooper's back. "See you Monday." She started off towards her desk to collect her things.

Alexa finally went to her own desk and began cleaning up. She was quite fast with it and decided to make a quick stop at the sergeant's desk. "Have a good weekend… Ashley."

Carver was sitting down and was about to get up, her fingers just brushed her trooper hat. She dropped her head back and met silvery blue eyes. "You too, Alexa."

The corporal dipped her head some then her long strides carried her out of the barracks.

Ashley briefly watched her leave then she rose up. She caught sight of Trooper Tarn up by the counter and she waved. "Take care, Tarn."

"You too, serge."

Trooper Carver went to the captain's office and knocked on the door. When the captain called her in, she only jarred the door and poked her head in. "Have a minute, captain?"

"Come in, sergeant." The captain had just taken the last sip of her coffee. She was astounded it survived her meeting with the two troopers earlier. She relaxed back in her chair as the trooper entered her office. "Sit down."

Ashley accepted the offer and settled into a wood chair.

"What's on your mind, sergeant?"

Ashley played with her hat in her hands for a moment then lifted her head. "I have some concerns about doing this investigation. More personal than work related."

"What are they?" encouraged the captain.

The trooper finally set her hat on her knee and rested her right hand on it. "A… close friend of mine is a Salisbury student."

"I see," murmured Captain Jonson. She quietly understood there may be some underlining meaning to Ashley's classification of a 'friend' but she couldn't be sure. "I would advise you to remain discreet about what you tell your friend. Just as any investigation they are not public knowledge other than what I decide should be released for the citizens' benefit."

"And in this case, nothing would be public."

Captain Caitlin Jonson sighed and laced her hands together in her lap. She considered the various options then finally decided on one. "I would advise them of the situation with the local police. I am sure they have heard some of the problems considering they're a student. Otherwise refrain from telling them that you'll be investigating it."

"Of course, captain."

"Is that all?"

Ashley Carver nodded then stood up but she paused from leaving, her left hand touching the corner of the desk while she held her hat in the other. "Captain, I was just curious...." At the tilt of the captain's head, she asked, "Is or has Corporal Haden been in the army?"

"I do not believe so, Carver."

The sergeant tapped her fingertips against the desk then nodded. She now smiled at the captain. "See you Monday, captain."

Captain Jonson nodded then watched her trooper leave the office. She sighed and folded her hands together as she considered the sergeant's curiosity about Haden's background. She too was somewhat as to the corporal's background beyond just the standard background information. There was something unusual about the corporal and the only link she had to that was the way the corporal spoke. She shrugged it off for now and decided she needed to finish up her work.



Part IX

Katia remained quiet and still as she watched the traffic pass by from her view out of the passenger seat window. She had her elbow against the sill and her chin cupped by her hand. Yet her attention was drawn away from slowly moving traffic because of the gentle squeeze to her left hand.

Ashley smiled when she had her girlfriend's eyes on her. "Tired?"

The younger woman shook her head and lowered her right arm to her lap. "Not too much." Gradually her lips curved into a grin. "Not enough to miss out on you buying me popcorn."

The state trooper groaned, rolled her eyes, and looked back at the red light that was between them and the movie theatre.

"I'm worth it," protested the college student but all she heard was a grunt. "Plus a soda."

"I swear," muttered Ashley, "you give a mouse a cookie; they'll want a glass of milk."

Katia had an offended look. "Are you saying I'm a mouse?"

"Well your appetite is closer related to a-"

"Ashlinn K. Carver," growled Katia.

Ashley flashed her most devilish look before she hit the gas pedal and went through the green light.

It wasn't long before the couple was standing in the line outside of the theatre to purchase their tickets. Katia was on her tiptoes trying to get a view of the movie times for Batman Begins but the man in front of her was just a hair or two too tall.

Ashley bit her lower lip to hold her laugh in at her girlfriend's predicament. She knew far better… for now. She swallowed her laugh then leaned over to Katia then whispered, "Seven forty-five is the next showing."

Katia's lips puckered in thought as she stole a look at her phone's time. She realized they had about thirty minutes. "Great. Plenty of time to catch the previews."

The trooper shook her head while straightening up again. "I think you enjoy the previews more than the movie."

The college student turned her head to her girlfriend. "I do not."

Ashley lifted an eyebrow at the smaller woman.

"I do not," repeated Katia.

"That's why you always fuss at me to hurry up so we won't miss the previews."

"No," countered Katia as she took a few steps forward in the line. "I don't want to miss the movie."

"Noooo," drew out the officer, "you always say previews… not movie."

Katia shifted closer to Ashley, grabbed her arm with both her hands and when Ashley peered down into her eyes she said, "Baby, I'll let you in on a secret."

The trooper decided to go along, she bent closer to her girlfriend.

Katia cleared her throat a little then whispered, "You can either agree with me or be wrong."

Ashley laughed and let out the biggest sigh while straightening up again. She shifted forward again and she noted Katia hadn't let go of her arm. She wasn't too use to having any of her girlfriends show any public affection unless it was at a safe, gay area as she considered it. But then again, being just shy of six feet and a dark features made her seem too unapproachable. If it was one thing she knew it was how to use her assets to her advantage and she had more assets than most.

Katia unconsciously rubbed her thumb across Ashley's smooth skin, just above her wrist. She released her left hand but kept her closer hand locked in place. She noticed the couple ahead was getting their tickets so she knew it was almost time. She pulled out her cell phone from her back pocket, pulled up a number, and waited for the exact moment.

Ashley came up to the ticket window and ordered the two tickets for her and Katia. Just after she did, her cell phone began erratically vibrating with a call so she twisted around to look at her cell on her hip.

Katia quickly took her opening and her debit card materialized in her hand. She hastily slipped it under the window to the cashier and she giggled at her success.

The state trooper's eyebrows were tightly knit together at seeing Katia's name on the caller ID. With her mouth half open to say something, she turn her head back to see Katia signing a receipt for the tickets. Her jaw snapped shut as she realized she'd just been completely played by her sneaky girlfriend.

Katia took her receipt, the tickets, and turned to Ashley.

Ashley dropped her gaze to the two tickets that her partner held out to her.

At Ashley's dumbfounded look, Katia snickered and stated, "Can you take them?" She pressed them into Ashley's reaching hand then strolled off while tucking her receipt into her wallet.

The state trooper was on her girlfriend's heels as they went into the theatre finally. When Katia paused in the middle of the lobby, she stepped up directly behind her. She bent her head down and murmured, "You did that just so I'd pay for the popcorn and soda."

Katia laughed at the teasing voice that brushed her ear. She dropped her head back until her crisp green eyes met very soft blue ones. "Something like that."

Ashley's eyes went into slits. "Or are you just trying to get some tonight?"

Green eyes darkened two shades and Katia whispered, "Do I need to try?"

Ashley chuckled and kissed the side of Katia's head while murmuring, "Never." She placed her right hand to the small of Katia's back and urged her forward before they collected anymore onlookers.

The couple finally made it into a line behind a concession stand and they purchased a large soda and popcorn to share between each other. Katia carried the Cherry Coke while her girlfriend handled the popcorn tub, as she called it. She smirked at seeing her girlfriend idly tossing pieces of popcorn into her mouth.

"At that rate, the popcorn won't even make it through the previews."

The trooper gave her partner a dangerous look. "The buttered popcorn won't."

"Well good to know I can gnaw on the kernels during the movie," muttered the younger woman as she yanked the door open.

Ashley quietly chuckled to herself. She fell into step behind Katia but she managed to maneuver her right arm around Katia's waist and stop her. She lowered her head down until her lips brushed the edge of Katia's soft ear. "Mmmm love you, K."

Katia couldn't resist her smile. She murmured back, "I love you too." She shifted out of the embrace just as two teenage girls went flying down the corridor to exit the theatre. Katia shifted her purse on her shoulder but when she started forward again, she was caught off balance by a sharp pinch to her ass. "Ashley!"

The state trooper couldn't resist. She stiffened up though when a sharp set of green eyes held her in place. She flashed her dazzling pearls.

Katia's eyes were slits, her lip curled, and her finger pointed at Ashley. "You…" She growled, twirled around, and marched the rest of the way into the theatre.

Ashley sighed happily, shrugged, and hurried after her girlfriend. She then found something quite peculiar as she followed Katia all the way to the top row and Katia went to the very end of the row. At first Ashley was tempted to ask but something made her let it go. It was fairly unusual for her girlfriend to pick that spot, which was the complete opposite since Katia liked being in the center near the front. This type of position in the theatre was more to Ashley's own liking.

The pair remained quiet as they munched on the popcorn and watched the ads flicker across the screen. Katia had settled the huge soda in the cup holder between them. She was complete focused on the screen while she was reaching forward for more popcorn. When her fingers closed around the popcorn, she only picked up thin air. Her head quickly whipped around and she spotted the popcorn tub was now on Ashley's right side instead of between them.

"Ash," hissed the college student.

"What?"

Katia demonstrated her best warning look as her answer.

"I paid for it, its mine." The trooper plucked a piece of popcorn from the tub then popped it into her mouth.

"You need to learn to share."

Ashley popped another piece into her mouth. "You had some."

Katia's expression darkened. "I paid for your ticket," she drew out.

Ashley thoughtfully chewed on the popcorn while considering her girlfriend's words. Her head bobbed a few times then she stated, "What's mine is mine and what's yours is mine."

"You're really cruising for a bruising, aren't you?" hotly whispered Katia.

Ashley's lips spread into a wide grin. "I can only try." She then ever so slowly brought the tub closer and closer to Katia but just as Katia grabbed for some, she quickly drew it away.

Katia bared her teeth.

"Mmmm you're beautiful when you're angry."

"You…won't…be… saying… that… soon." Katia's voice was deep and each word was soaked with rage.

Ashley remained tensed, a smirk playing her lips, and the tub of popcorn held far away from Katia's reach.

"If you don't bring that back over here…" started Katia.

"You'll what?" teased the older woman.

Katia's demeanor suddenly shifted into cool confidence. "I'll have you feeding it to me soon." She picked up the soda that was between them and placed it in the cup holder to her left. "Among other things," she coolly added.

Ashley opened her mouth to protest but she was completely stunned when Katia moved so fast. Her open mouth was now covered by the warmest lips. She sensed Katia's right hand snaking behind her head and pulling her down deeper into the kiss. Ashley moaned softly and became lost into the passionate kiss. She completely lost focus of her plans plus something else.

Katia's right hand hastily outstretched to catch the tipping tub of popcorn and only a few kernels escaped. She broke the kiss and freed the popcorn from its captor. She demonstrated her best leering expression while purring, "Don't lose it." She took a second to fully enjoy Ashley's passion hungry eyes. She receded back into her chair and the tub coming with her into her lap. She happily sighed and started throwing the popcorn into her mouth.

Ashley was dead silent except for her clearing her throat. She leaned back into her comfortable chair and tried to absorb what just happened. She licked her dry lips then whispered, "Can you pass the soda?"

Katia lost her control and she started to laugh finally. She almost choked on some of the popcorn but she managed to get it down just in time. She was shaking her head while grabbing the soda.

The state trooper happily took a long draw of the soda and listened to Katia's laughs subside. She then put the soda down between them again. She leaned back far into her chair, stretched her legs out, and finally sensed the heat of her cheeks reside.

Katia bit her lower lip as she held out the popcorn in a peace offering.

The state trooper calmly took it, her eyes rather focused on the commercials on the theatre screen. She gathered a large handful of the popcorn and cupped it into her left hand. She twisted to her left some then plucked a piece of popcorn from her horde and held it out towards Katia, a smirk on her face.

Katia quickly caught her girlfriend's reference to her earlier joke. She laughed and leaned forward, her lips gliding over long fingers.

Ashley's dark eyebrow gradually arched up and her grin spread deeper. She enjoyed the show that Katia provided her and the shocks through her body were even better as Katia's tongue wrapped around her fingers. It was then that she finally sensed something, a lot of some things.

Katia pulled away once she had the popcorn in her mouth yet Ashley leaned in towards her.

The trooper brought her lips close to Katia's right ear and whispered, "I think we're more entertaining than the upcoming movie."

The college student dared herself to look out over at the audience below them. They were certainly the audience and she and Ashley were the show. She suddenly lost all her bravado and sunk down into her chair, her head slightly hung down to hide her stop sign red cheeks.

The never fearful trooper gazed back over the audience and gave her darkest look, which made everybody turn their heads quite fast. Her frame gently shook from a silent laugh. She then checked on Katia to see her very deep in the chair so she reached over and ran her hand up and down Katia's thigh to soothe her.

The young woman peered up with soft eyes and playfully whispered, "Always my protector, aren't yah, tiger?"

Ashley squeezed the small knee under her hand and winked. "Always, always."

Suddenly the music in the theatre was cut off and the screen flickered with the beginnings of the previews. Katia felt safer when the lights dimmed so she wiggled back up in her seat. She offered the popcorn to her girlfriend and quickly became engrossed by the previews.

Ashley always found Katia's enjoyment far more fascinating than anything else. She'd always steal a few glances now and again to watch Katia. Some of her best memories were of watching Katia and her expressions.

The couple became quite engrossed in the movie as did the rest of the audience. It wasn't until after the soda was finished, a bathroom break later, and the empty popcorn tub was on the floor that Katia had lifted the armrest between her and Ashley. She then easily managed to snuggle up to the larger, warmer body that she always sought when the theatre was much too cold from the air conditioning. And in past times, Ashley had repeatedly tried to convince her girlfriend to bring a fleece to keep warm during the movies but Katia just as equally refused. It didn't take too long for Ashley to figure out why when Katia always curled up against her and Ashley never argued anymore.

However by the time that the movie was close to coming to an end, Ashley was the one sunk down in her seat and trying hard to muffle very loud groans.

Katia was sitting high in her chair, her eyes on the movie, and the most satisfying smirk on her face. She stole a look down at her girlfriend's passion hungry face then her eyes followed Ashley's source of torment. Katia had managed slip her right hand between Ashley's jeans, between her underwear, and her finger tips gently toyed with a hard yet wet clit.

The trooper was biting her lower lip. Her head dropped back against the head rest and her eyes shut tightly. She'd already lifted her right leg up onto the chair to easily block anybody's view but Katia's and her right hand gripped her knee. She heard the movie but it only processed through her mind like a gargled radio. She was too busy fighting every urge to grab Katia and take her.

Katia licked her lips then leaned towards her girlfriend, her eyes darkly twinkling. "Watching the movie?"

Ashley's only response was a deep, low growl, which was a promise for later tonight.

The younger woman chuckled and sat up right again, her eyes on the movie but her attention fully on what her hand was doing to Ashley. These were the rare chances Katia took when she could sexually dominate her partner and she enjoyed it that way. She knew tonight that Ashley would return the favor ten times over and Katia made sure to encourage it now.

Finally the movie came to its credits and Katia released Ashley of her sweet torture. The state trooper remain still in her seat and tried to regain some composure but her hungry passion was merely set aside for now.

Katia had grabbed her purse and set it in her lap. She enjoyed watching her partner force her body to sit up. She now had to drop her head back some to gaze up at Ashley. "Ready?"

Ashley just nodded then stood up.

Katia was about to grab the empty popcorn tub and soda but she paused in mid-action when two strong hands rested on her hips. She was locked by two fire blue eyes. She sensed the hunger burning off of Ashley and swallowing her now. Katia slightly swayed in her standing position, her eyes closed now.

Ashley thoroughly enjoyed watching the change in Katia. She did nothing else except release Katia and pick up their debris around them. She didn't say anything either as she walked down the row of empty chairs.

Katia pulled on her resolve and shook away as much as she could then hurried to catch up.

The couple finally made it to the parking lot that was quickly emptying out of cars and people. Ashley's hands were clenched at her side and her car keys dangling from her right hand. She pushed the button to unlock the car and the car's lights came to life.

Katia quietly chuckled at the car's illumination. She could tell that her girlfriend loved the car. Just as she was headed to the passenger side of the car, Ashley grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her back. Katia quickly found herself shoved against the trunk of Ashley's car and her very tall, dark trooper pressing down on her. Katia held her breath when her eyes met Ashley's.

Ashley had her hands on either side of Katia and pressed against the trunk. She lowered her head down close to Katia's then her deep voice hotly whispered, "Don't think for a second you'll get any sleep tonight."

Katia was gripping the edge of the trunk, her knuckles white and red. "I wasn't... planning on it."

"Good," murmured Ashley. She now pressed her body completely against Katia's and she brought her lips brushing against Katia's ear. "You're mine tonight."

Katia's eyes were closed and she gently whimpered before desperately murmuring, "Always." And just as she was about to bite Ashley's nearby neck the strong, hot body quickly pulled away. Katia's eyes hastily opened to see her smirking girlfriend walk away. Katia slumped against the trunk and her arms just kept her up. She heard Ashley get into the car so she forced herself up after a deep, shaky breath.

Ashley remained impassive when Katia fell into the car. She started the car and headed out of the mall parking lot to go home. Just as they got off of Route 13 and onto Route 50, she sensed Katia's hand taking hers.

Katia brought Ashley's hand up to her lips. She lightly kissed the top of Ashley's hand then turned her hand over. She knew Ashley's exact pulse point at her wrist because it was the perfect spot. She brought the tip of her tongue over the sensitive pulse point and she heard Ashley softly moan.

The state trooper used her control to stay focused on the road but she couldn't completely resist Katia, never.

Katia gently grazed her teeth over the warm pulse point and was again given a soft moan. She lightly sucked then kissed Ashley's sensitive spot before pulling back. She'd loved the day when she discovered that spot on Ashley, it was so small and simple yet so affective.

When they finally made it to the driveway, Ashley didn't even bother parking the car into the garage and let it sit beside Katia's car. She killed the engine then silently got out of the car.

Katia did the same but was much slower just so it would drive Ashley crazy. She found her girlfriend waiting for her by the edge of the small stone walkway to the front of the house and now she couldn't be slow. She quickly stepped up to Ashley and she stepped around the tall trooper. She paused and held out her hands behind her, much stronger ones took hers. Katia led the way to the front door and she freed one hand to open up the house with her key.

The taller, darker woman followed inside the dark house. She shut the door behind her with a kick of her foot then she easily reached behind to lock it for the night.

Katia was about to move away to get to the light switch but strong arms grabbed her. She suddenly found herself pegged against the wall with Ashley against her. Katia's purse slipped from her shoulder and hit the floor but she could have cared less. Her body was taken over by the raging need for Ashley.

Ashley easily sensed Kattia's need. She'd had done a lot of work in figuring out what Katia wanted and when by the different level of needs. She knew it would always be a work in progress as Katia changed but it was something she enjoyed figuring out. And now, she could sense that Katia was extremely passive besides the earlier attempts to coax Ashley's passion.

"Ashley," pleaded Katia, her hands holding onto the stronger body.

Ashley met the plea with a burning kiss.

Katia returned the hot desire; her tongue dancing against Ashley's. Her chest rose and fell as quickly as her body became hot.

Ashley pulled away from the kiss then brought her head down more. Her teeth found Katia's right ear where she gently bit at the edge. Katia's moans fueled her more and lightly trailed her tongue down the rim of Katia's ear. She'd come to discover long ago that Katia's ears were very sensitive and more so her right.

Katia whimpered on the onslaught of pleasure flooding her body. Her body's natural urge to pull away came to life but Ashley pulled her back. This only increased her desire when Ashley took the control and forced her back. Katia softly cried when Ashley bit slightly harder just to shock Katia. Ashley withdrew some and whispered, "Okay?"

A long time ago Katia had come to an understanding with her lover about any of this. She was to be honest in all things no matter what. She nuzzled the side of Ashley's face and whispered, "Yes, don't stop. I trust you, Ash."

Ashley stopped curving her desire and she brought her lips down to Katia's ear. It wasn't long though before she switched sides but Katia made her pause in between with an encouraging bite to Ashley's neck. Ashley finally wanted more though but couldn't travel her lips any further down so she captured Katia's warm lips.

Since Ashley was much taller she had to solve the problem and maneuvered her hands perfectly behind Katia. She then used her strength to lift Katia up higher against the wall. She never broke the kiss though and Katia found herself level with Ashley now. Katia broke from the first kiss then went in for a second as her right hand tangled into dark locks.

Somewhere in the middle of the second kiss, Katia had managed to wrap her legs around Ashley's waist. She was completely dependent on Ashley's strength and body to support them.

Ashley growled at the end of the kiss and her lips found their way to Katia's neck finally.

Katia groaned loudly and dropped her head back against the wall. She held tightly to her lover and she sensed one of Ashley's hands under her ass to support her weight and the other trailing under her shirt on her back. Suddenly a bite to her neck made her whimper loudly and she dug her nails into Ashley's back. She then made use of the deep v-cut in Katia's shirt and trailed several kisses down. She brought her teeth against the well covered right nipple but lightly nipped to stir a throaty groan from her small lover.

The trooper shifted and moved away from the wall as her head came back up to Katia's. "I got you," she quietly promised and she didn't pick out any fear from Katia.

Katia leaned into her lover's hot body and she gently kissed at Ashley's neck with a few nips. She sensed the ground moving below her because of Ashley and it made her shiver in pleasure. Finally she came to sit on something rather harder and cold then with a lift of her head she realized she was now sitting on the kitchen counter top.

With Ashley's now freed hand, she grabbed the stool that was tucked under the counter and pushed it aside. She was then able to slide Katia further onto the counter so that she was safe from falling.

Katia never freed her legs from Ashley's wais until she had to do such. She was then drawn into an aggressive kiss that she matched. It wasn't long before her lover ended the kiss then easily pulled Katia's watch top off of her burning body.

Ashley slowly ran her hands up Katia's smooth, flat stomach while leaning in to whisper, "You're so beautiful."

Katia whimpered at the words. She then moaned when Ashley's fingertips grazed just under her bra. "Please, Ashley," came her throaty demand.

Ashley's hungry grin developed and her eyes were very dark. She leaned in to softly kiss against the top of Katia's right breast while her hands slid behind her back.

Katia surrendered to her lover's control. Her head fell back and she mostly spoke moans or whimpers. She was taken over by the pleasure her aggressive girlfriend gave her. She remained on the counter for longer than she could remember and being taken over by Ashley's touches and kisses. It wasn't until later that she found herself carried to the sofa nearby for a moment to breath.

Ashley had given her some minutes to recover but she was far from finished. She rested above her small lover and enjoyed the emotions flickering across Katia's face. She then knew Katia was ready again when she started pulling Ashley's shirt off too.

"Ooo god," loudly moaned out Katia when her burning skin finally made contact with Ashley's. She wanted Ashley's jeans and boots off next but it was too late as Ashley took her again.

It wasn't until a few hours later that Ashley found herself on the edge of the sofa, on her side, completely absolved of her clothes, and her sleeping girlfriend tucked between her and the back of the sofa. Ashley smiled as she watched her worn out lover sleep heavily. She her head propped up by her right hand and her left hand lightly trailed up and down Katia's smooth legs.

Ashley leaned down and gently kissed Katia's forehead. For a response, Katia sighed at her and shifted in closer to Ashley's body. This made Ashley silently laugh but she closed her eyes so that she could listen to her body. She still held some leftover passion but it was something her girlfriend would most likely free within a few hours. It was always the waiting that caused Ashley to be even needier and she wouldn't change it either.

Slowly Ashley opened her crystal blue eyes and continued studying Katia. Her thoughts wondered back to the first night they'd ever made love, which only was two months ago and it not even close to when Katia asked her out. She recalled the night when they came home from Onancock and they were finally girlfriends after so long. Katia and Ashley were both consumed by desire and needs to please each other but it was Katia that became scared.

Ashley had half expected it since the wounds from Bobby Fluehr and the rape were not completely healed. From that particular night on, the couple carefully worked through Katia's fears and unknown but understood amount of trust developed between them.

What always baffled Ashley was how Katia wanted and seemed to need Ashley to be the aggressor. She'd expected Katia to want the control since she'd lost control from the rape yet it was the opposite. She'd always meant to ask her lover how that'd happen yet she was glad it worked that way. For most often than not, Ashley enjoyed being in control and being aggressive however she had her times where she didn't want to be. It so happened that those moments coincided with the rare times Katia wanted to be dominant.

Ashley's train of thoughts and memories broke apart when Katia stirred and peered up with a weary expression.

The trooper grinned at the smaller woman and lowered her head close.

Katia pressed her right hand against Ashley's bare chest and smiled.

Ashley quietly chuckled then very quickly slipped off the sofa.

Before Katia could shift she found strong arms coming around her. She was then easily lifted into the air and pressed against the warm body to shelter her against the cool air c conditioning. "I can walk," she muttered.

The dark trooper huffed and teased, "As I recall a year ago you liked being carried."

Katia smirked up at her lover. "You weren't suppose to figure that out."

Ashley laughed in response. She then began the short trip to the bedroom but she took her time to get around the litter of clothes in the living room. She came to the side of the bed and carefully lowered Katia down.

The small woman sunk into the soft, made bed but she immediately was chilled when Ashley's body separated from hers. She didn't waste any time pulling the bed sheets down and crawling under them. At first she was still chilled, goose bumps waving up and down her arms and legs but then it warmed and especially when Ashley got into bed from being in the bathroom.

The dark trooper settled into the bed and sighed contently. She then smiled as Katia snuggled up to her, a small arm wrapping around her stomach and a blond hair feathering over her chest.

Katia kissed Ashley's temple then murmured, "Love you."

"Hmmm love you too." Ashley's eyes drifted shut but she noticed Katia's breathing wasn't settling down. Then it wasn't long before she noticed Katia's small hand rubbing her stomach.

Ashley remained still except for her left hand that was snaked between the opening of Katia's neck and wrapped around. She lightly trailed her nails up and down Katia's shoulder blade under the blankets. She then sharply sucked in her breath when Katia's hand went further down her stomach and her fingertips dipped into her soft curls.

Katia grinned at the reaction. "I never said goodnight," she sensually teased. She then started her long but pleasing torture for Ashley that would only end when she thought Ashley was ready. Her hands glided over every inch of Ashley's smooth yet soon moist skin and she teased each sensitive spot Ashley could endure. Finally Katia dipped into the essence of her lover and brought Ashley to the highest point.

It was quite some time later that the couple ever found any fitful sleep. They eventually found themselves completely drained by passion and entangled in each other's love when it was a few hours before the sun would awake.



Continued.