Disclaimer: I don't own 'em - which is probably just as well, cause I'd never let the boys outta my sight if I did. Not making a red cent off them, either…

Note: This is just a little smutlette that came to me one night shortly after I joined up over on the Jezebelles list. Was originally going to be a Buck story, but Josiah piped up and said he wanted some attention. The OFC, Eliza Daniels, is mine - and one who is apparently making her way thru all seven men - LOL! She's got three so far…no, four…no, three…well, whatever. But when this idea popped in my head, she decided it had to be for her, and she always gets her way (well…almost always). This little story takes place about a month and a half after the events in my story 'Captivated' (which is still a work in progress, go figure<G>) and, I will admit to you that there will be repercussions for these two in a later work as well (also in progress). Enjoy!

Get a hold of yourself, Sanchez, he said silently to the image in the mirror. You're here to protect her - not to indulge in some wild sexual fantasy."For Christ's sake, you're old enough to be her father," he hissed at his reflection. "And even if you weren't…"

"Josiah?" her soft voice called from the other side of the door. "Is-is everything all right? I thought I heard you talking…you're not on the phone with Chris, are you?"

"Just talking to myself. I promised I wouldn't call him if you didn't want me to." He could hear the fear in her voice and couldn't help wondering if it wasn't directed more to what Larabee would do if he found out all they had been keeping from him. Even if you do think he should know what's going on, now surely wouldn't be the time to tell him. Man would probably hear the lust in your voice…once he got through with the bastard that's stalking Eliza, he'd tear your heart out next.

"I put on some water for tea…unless you'd rather have coffee?"

"Tea is just fine, Eliza. I'll be right out." Josiah didn't think he had ever heard such frailty, such fear, in her voice before. Not even after that mess with Poplar and that snake he worked for; not even after an encounter with Ethan had she seemed this fragile. Having that bastard for a father - it's a wonder she trusts any man. But she has a capacity for love that is truly awe-inspiring. She sees you as a father figure, surely. Hell, if Chris didn't kill you, Walt certainly would for thinking what you are.

Walter King was Eliza's supervisor in the Springs' Division DEA. He'd taken quite a shine to his newest agent - she reminded him of his own daughter. And he came to you…because he trusted you to help. Especially since Eliza refused to tell Chris…and since Chris and Vin were away, Walt came to you. And look at you. No better than her real father, thinking such impure thoughts about her.

But she's not my daughter, a little voice inside him argued. She's a beautiful, vibrant young woman - a man would have to be blind to not see that. And I am only a man - driven by the same desires of the flesh as any man.

"A dirty old man," his reflection muttered back at him.

Eliza stood at her kitchen counter, staring out into the darkness. She gave no thought to the steaming water she poured over a tea bag with trembling hands; her mind occupied with the events of the past few weeks.

It had started off innocently enough - just a faceless name trying to chat her up while she was doing some research online. The usual online pick up, asking for age, sex, and location; someone who got off on cybersex, she supposed. After about the fourth or fifth message - each one getting increasingly more explicit and crude - she'd hit the "Ignore" button. "And that's the end of him," she'd said triumphantly. Or so she had thought.

The next two nights were more of the same - the guy reappearing with a new nickname only seconds after she'd put the previous one on her ignore list. Still, she wasn't overly concerned - she'd seen enough of this kind of behavior online before not to pay it much heed. She'd even joked about it with Chris.

"Well, if you ever tire of me, I suppose I can give this guy a call," she teased, leaning up to give him a kiss.

"That's just what you need, Liz…another twisted…"

"Come on, Larabee. You know most of these guys are just talk," she took hold of his hands and pulled him down beside her. "Besides, he's probably living in Timbuktu somewhere…nowhere near here."

"Probably in a tiny cabin in Siberia…and wanting to see if you'll warm him better than his fur coat." Chris disconnected the modem and slammed the laptop shut. He smiled and drew her to her feet. "Speaking of keeping warm…"

"Ow! Shit!" Eliza dropped the kettle, causing more scalding water to hit her already reddening and throbbing hand.

"Eliza? Are you all right?" Josiah hurried into the kitchen, unsure of what would greet him.

"Yeah, I …damn! I burned my hand." She just stood there, staring down at the irritated skin.

"Here, let me see." He took her hand, his larger one dwarfing it; his other hand at her back, he led her toward the sink. "It doesn't appear to be blistering, but it is awfully red." He turned the cold water on; making certain it wasn't too cold. Slipping behind her, he took her hand in both of his and moved it underneath the stream of water. "Too cold?" he asked, when he felt her shiver.

"N-no…it's just…just takes a little getting used to." She let out a staccato breath, disjointed thoughts whirling around in her mind.

"Looks like you miscalculated the depth of that mug there. How'd it happen?" He felt the tremors, knew how close she was to completely falling apart, and kept the conversation going in an effort to calm her. His eyes roamed from her small hands to her ebony tresses; her head so close to his chest that, were he to take a step forward, it would be resting against him. Jesus, Sanchez…can't you think of anything else?

"I guess I wasn't thinking…"

"Or thinking too much," Josiah interjected. I can definitely empathize with that.

"Yes," Eliza said softly, "I suppose you're right. My mind wandered and I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing…" she winced as the water hit a particularly tender spot. She looked down in amazement at the hands holding hers…that such large and powerful hands could be so gentle surprised her.

"Understandable, considering…" He inhaled; the sent of wild raspberries wafted over him and he smiled. She sure does love raspberries. He closed his eyes and suppressed a sigh, a vision of her big blue eyes appearing before him. They flew open again as he felt her soft, warm body fall back against him. His left arm moved of its own accord, slipping around her waist. His mind and body warred with each other; his mind certain that the culmination of events had taken their toll and Eliza was near collapse, while his body thrilled at the feel of her pressed up against him.

"E-Eliza?" he croaked, cursing his voice for breaking.

Misreading his tone as one of concern, Eliza struggled to regain her own composure. "I'm okay, Josiah, it's just…" Just what, Lib? Just that you wanted to know what that broad chest would feel like? Wanted to feel that strong arm wrap itself tightly around you?. She shook her head, trying to dispel the voice that shouted inside her head. She tried to convince herself that she was just seeking comfort and reassurance from a friend. Why then, was her heart beating faster than a Buddy Rich drum solo?

She felt herself being turned in his embrace, vaguely aware that her hand was no longer under the running water. Her injured hand was laid gently against his chest and her eyes widened as she felt the rapid pounding of his heart beneath her palm. A hand cupped her chin and slowly raised her face up toward his. Blue eyes met blue and Eliza felt a jolt of electricity run through her.

Josiah gazed down at this dark-haired pixie, nearly a foot shorter than he, who was now in his arms. His eyes trailed from hers to rest on her quivering lips and he fleetingly wondered if they tasted of the raspberries she so loved. Eliza drew in a sharp breath and Josiah suddenly realized what he was in danger of doing. His arms dropped abruptly to his side and he took a quick step back. Run away while you still can, a voice screamed inside him. He was unsure if the warning was for Eliza…or himself.

"We should get that hand wrapped up," he said quickly, turning his eyes from hers. "Do you have a first aid kit?"

"Josiah," Eliza chuckled softly, the sound wrapping around him until he almost groaned from the pleasure of it. "Nathan helped me move in here…so you know there's probably a kit in every room. At the very least there's one in each bath."

Josiah couldn't help but laugh, knowing how true her assessment of the medic was. His deep, resonant tone filled the room with its warmth; Eliza sighed audibly, a sense that she was safe as long as he was near washing over her. Josiah turned, not wanting her to see what the sound of that sigh was doing to him.

"I'll go find one of those kits so we can fix you right up," he said quietly.

"I'll finish pouring…"

"No…" he turned back to her and led her away from the kitchen. "You go sit in the living room. I'll take care of the tea."

"But, Josiah…I…"

"Go on," he cut in again, pushing her gently toward the next room. "We don't want you doing any further damage."

"Is that a polite way of saying I'm clumsy?" she grinned back at him. "Okay, okay…I'm going."

Josiah searched the bathroom cabinet for the first aid kit. He paused when he found a bottle of Eliza's bath gel; he opened it and inhaled the sweet scent. A picture of her in his arms flashed before him, followed by an even more disturbing image of Eliza, in all her naked glory, working the gel into a lather over her glistening skin. This is not going to happen…No point in torturing yourself, Josiah, cause it's not going to happen. Determined, he placed the bottle back and grabbed the first aid kit. He took a deep breath and walked back out into the next room.

"When did the term 'go sit in the living room' come to mean 'why don't you light a fire'?" he said, coming up beside her as she fought with the fireplace poker. He took it from her hand and guided her over to the sofa.

"I'm not a helpless child," Eliza huffed. "You sound just like…" for some reason she stopped before uttering Chris' name.

"Chris." Josiah finished. Maybe if he kept saying his name it would keep him from betraying his friend. His friend - yes, that was it. Just keep reminding yourself that she's Chris' girl. He knelt down in front of her and gently took her hand. "I understand how difficult it is for you to trust in someone…" He took the gauze and lightly wrapped her hand, being careful not to wrap it too tight. He looked up and saw that she was watching intently, staring at his hands with an almost wistful expression on her face.

"Eliza?" Startled, her eyes rose to meet his; her cheeks flushed and Josiah almost dropped the kit to the floor, an urge to press his lips to those rosy cheeks rushing through him. Get your mind out of the gutter, Sanchez…she needs reassurance, not blatant lust."You can trust me," he said softly, finishing his earlier thought. "I won't ever hurt you, Eliza."

"I-I know," Eliza stuttered. Why did the sound of her name tripping off Josiah's tongue make her heart lurch? Did he have any idea what that soft, rich baritone was doing to her inside? She stared into the blue depths of his eyes and felt an overwhelming desire to take his face in her hands and guide his lips to hers. Somehow she just knew that this was a man who knew how to kiss a woman.

This is crazy Libby. Chris is quite skilled in the art of pleasuring a woman. So why are you sitting here imagining an illicit, passionate encounter with one of his colleagues? You're behaving like some oversexed trollop. Oh God, now I'm even thinking in Ezra-ese!

"Walt didn't give me all the details. How long has this been going on, Eliza?" Josiah's voice broke through her thoughts; blinking rapidly, she fought to banish the erotic images that assailed her mind.

"It was just a few private Internet messages - you know how people try and pick you up online…"

"Not personally, no." Josiah smiled.

"Well…you know what I mean…" Eliza blushed under his gaze and Josiah knew he had get away from her before he did something they'd both regret.

"I'll go get that tea," he stood quickly. "Keep talking," he called as he made his way back into the kitchen. He looked back at her, marveling at how she could make a pair of sweats look sexy, all soft and warm. Oh yeah…that's keeping your mind off things, Sanchez. Some madman is stalking the poor girl and all you can think about is getting your own hands on her. And what does it say for you that a sweat suit gets you hot? Christ Sanchez…you need to get out more. He glanced upward. Sorry Lord…but a man gets lonely sometimes.

"Every day it seemed this kook became more and more persistent. It was just a nuisance at first…I didn't even think anything of it…"

"Until?" Josiah prodded. He prepared the tea. "Milk? Lemon?"

"Just sugar, please," Eliza responded. She took a deep breath and continued. "Until the guy called me by name." She spoke it softly, as if almost hoping Josiah wouldn't pick up on it.

"He knew your name?" Josiah felt a rush of anger at this man who'd terrorized her so. He handed her a mug and sat beside her. He handed her some aspirin. "Take these." Keeping his voice calm, he asked again, "How long has this been going on, Eliza?"

"It started the beginning of the month…" she said evasively.

"You mean Chris was still here when all this started? And you didn't tell him?" Josiah put down his teacup and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Eliza, why?"

"Josiah…you know how he is. He would have smothered me - I would never have been able to do anything without having him by my side." Eliza shifted on the sofa; she curled her legs underneath her, cradling her teacup in both hands. "And he did know about it…kind of. He was there one of the first nights it happened - we were jo-joking about it."

"But you didn't tell him when things turned - when this guy revealed that he knew about you." She nodded. "Just how much did he know?"

"Just my…" Eliza began; stopping when she realized Josiah didn't believe her. "He started throwing out veiled hints…talking about the cold weather; asking if I was lonely on nights that Chris and I weren't together…"

"He knew when you were alone? Did he call you? Did you ever hear his voice?" He gently rubbed her back, trying to calm her frazzled nerves. He longed to gather her up and hold her close, but he knew he wouldn't be able to leave it at that and he'd end up frightening her even more.

"No, no…he never called. I guess that's why I didn't take it too seriously." Josiah's eyes narrowed, seeing the lie for what it was. He suspected that she had known nearly from the beginning just how serious the situation was…and had been determined to deal with it on her own.

Just as she always does - not wanting to rely on anyone else. Oh Eliza, when will you realize that you can trust us? That we all care for you and want to protect you? How can we break through that invisible wall you've erected? I had thought Chris had broken through…but there is still so much fear and uncertainty in you.

"When did you finally decide to tell Walt?" he asked softly. The room fell silent; Josiah's eyes watching her carefully as she stared into the fire.

"I-I didn't." Eliza said finally; she avoided his eyes, staring down into her tea instead. She lifted the cup up to her lips with trembling hands.

"Then how…?" he cut off abruptly as the answer came to him. "He sent Walt a message."

"A warning - a triumphant trumpeting," she said bitterly. "I don't understand why he sent it…if his intention was to hurt me, why warn us that he was going to do it?"

"Because he suspected you wouldn't take it seriously…which you obviously didn't." Or you tried to convince everyone else that you didn't take it seriously. Oh, Eliza, he sighed, squeezing her shoulder, you carried this burden alone all this time? Hiding this from all of us…just made it that much heavier to carry. His eyes looked her over, from the way she was curled up in the corner of the sofa - trying to make herself as small as possible - to the weariness in her eyes.

"I convinced Walt that it was nothing, that there was no point in worrying Chris." She sighed. "And that worked too…"

"Until today." She nodded. Josiah took hold of her chin and forced her to look at him. "Eliza, honey…if that box hadn't fallen off your desk…" Eliza shut her eyes and swallowed hard, her face paling. "That rattlesnake would have struck you in the face!"

A flash of lightning lit up the sky outside; the accompanying crash of thunder had Eliza jumping into the air. She dropped her cup, the brown liquid spilling to the floor. Josiah took hold of her arms and turned her to face him, his eyes scanning her face and body.

"Did you burn yourself?"

"No…no. It just startled me." Eliza broke free from his grasp and crossed the room. She looked out into the darkness. "He's out there…I can feel him," she whispered, hugging herself.

"Eliza," Josiah spoke quietly; he stood up and walked over beside her. "Let me call Chris."

"No!" Eliza shook her head vehemently. "He's where he needs to be - doing what needs to be done. I can't ask him to walk away from that because of…"

"Eliza, your life is more important than some re-certification!" Josiah said, turning her to face him. "Chris would be here in a second if he knew…"

"And that's why he can't know! Please Josiah…I've already caused him enough trouble." Her head drooped; the next words she spoke were so soft he had to strain to hear them. "Between Dean and…and the case…I'm surprised he even puts up with me."

"Eliza, he loves you."

"He's never said it…" she broke off, shocked at how open she was being with him. Why does he keep bringing up Chris? It's almost as if he's afraid not to…

"Hasn't he shown you that he cares for you? Does he actually have to say the words?" Josiah tipped her head back up and gazed into her eyes. Why do you keep touching her? Torturing yourself with something you can't have? A tear fell to her cheek and he brushed it away before he could stop himself.

"He doesn't have to, but…"

"But sometimes you need to hear it spoken?" Eliza nodded. "Have you told him?" Her eyes widened, startled by him turning her argument on its head.

"I…" she fought back tears. "But what if - what if he doesn't? I mean…what if he compares me to her and I fall way short? What could he possibly find in me that's worthy of a love like he shared with her?" She closed her eyes, her head falling to one side as if to escape his scrutiny.

"What could he find? Eliza…" Josiah stroked her cheek tenderly; a single teardrop slipped from the web of her long eyelashes to fall upon his hand. "Eliza, look at me. Please…" Her eyes opened slowly, the depth of despair in them pained him. "Don't you know how much you have to offer? You're a beautiful, desirable woman, Eliza. Surely you know that."

"How co-could anyone love me, knowing…" she said brokenly. "My own fa-father told me no man could ever love me," she whispered, "that I was only good for…" Josiah immediately reached up and placed his fingers over her mouth, stopping her words.

"Your father," he almost growled, "told you that to keep control over you. Men like Ethan feed on power. He preyed on your insecurities; twisted a daughter's love to suit his own contemptible needs. He is the one who is undeserving of a daughter like you." He moved his fingers to underneath her chin and lifted it. "Eliza...look at me!" he commanded. Blue eyes rose to meet his. "Little One, I have seldom met anyone as deserving of love as you are. In spite of all the pain and suffering you have been through, in spite of the poor example of your father, you are kind, loving and gentle. Your spirit is like a warm golden light to all who see you...and know you. Don't be afraid to love, Eliza...don't be afraid to BE loved. You are deserving..."

A lightning strike hit close by; they heard a loud POP and the room went dark. Eliza screamed; she felt herself being pulled against a strong chest and she wrapped her arms around his waist. She felt a hand on her hip; Josiah's other hand wound itself into her hair. Tipping her head back, he lowered his lips to hers.

"Raspberries," he murmured, a smile in his voice. "Somehow…I just knew they would taste of raspberries." His arm tightened around her waist; he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding past her parted lips. Eliza moaned softly, her hand sliding up his back. Josiah's hand slipped beneath her sweatshirt and caressed her bare back. She trembled and pressed closer to him.

The shrill ring of her telephone tore them apart. Both breathing heavily, they stared into each other's eyes before a second ring tore her gaze away. Eliza walked slowly toward the phone, wishing she had never allowed herself to be convinced to buy a corded phone.

"Hello." Her voice wavered slightly; she glanced over at Josiah to find he had turned his back to her.

"Eliza darlin', it's Buck. Everything okay out there?"

"Yes Bucklin," she sighed. "We're in the dark, but other than that…"

"Yeah, figured when the power went out that I should call and check in," the Irishman replied. "It's out all over…big blizzard blowing in. What the hell do they call this kind of storm anyway? A snow shower? A thunder blizzard?"

"That's a wonderful question, Buck…maybe you should call the weather channel and ask."

"You two just might find yourselves stranded out there if this blizzard hits…don't do anything I wouldn't do," Buck joked. Eliza rolled her eyes, thinking that left a whole lot open. "You two be careful, Eliza. And if you need us…we'll come by dogsled if we have to."

"We will," Eliza responded. "Buck, I-I'm really worn out. It's been a long day…"

"I understand, darlin'. You've got your cell nearby in case the phone line goes out?"

"Yes Mother," Eliza groaned. "Goodnight Buck." She put the phone down before he had a chance to say anything else. She turned back toward Josiah. He was bent down before the fire; he tossed another log on. She walked over behind him.

"Josiah?" she whispered; he flinched when she touched his shoulder.

"Don't." The word was practically torn from his throat. He stood and crossed the room, putting as much space as possible between them.

Tears sprang to her eyes and she choked back a sob. Staring forlornly into the fire, she spoke. "I'm sorry." The words barely had any depth to them, so softly were they spoken. And yet Josiah had heard them. He walked over to her and stood just inches behind her.

"Sorry? Eliza, it is I who should be begging your forgiveness." His hand reached out to caress her shoulder; it hovered in the air just above her as he forced himself to stop. "You were frightened and I-I took advantage of the situation. I should never have…"

"Josiah, I…I wanted you to…" Eliza turned to look at him; she took hold of his hand, enclosing it in both of hers.

"Eliza please…" he groaned, but didn't pull away. Eliza brought his hand up to her lips. "Don't," he pleaded, deep down knowing he wanted her to disobey him. "If you do, I'm lost!"

She turned his hand palm up and pressed her lips to it. "Then we'll find our way together," she replied softly, releasing his hand. Expecting him to turn away again, she was surprised when that palm caressed her cheek; she leaned into it and closed her eyes. A callused thumb traced a path across her lower lip; Eliza sighed, her eyes fluttered open and she gazed up at him.

"Kiss me." Her plaintive request spurred him into action; he crushed her to him, his mouth devouring hers. She threw her arms around his neck; his arm encircling her waist, Josiah straightened up, lifting her off the floor. Eliza broke off the kiss, lowering her lips to nuzzle his neck.

"Eliza," Josiah breathed, nearly losing his grip on her. "Sweet Jesus!" He lowered her back to the floor and pulled himself away. Gazing down into her passion-filled blue eyes, he shook his head. "We can't do this! I can't…" Eliza pressed a finger to his lips.

"My mother told me once to never let a gift pass you by…you never know what miracle may come from it." She gasped as he drew the digit into his mouth and suckled on it. "Oh God! Josiah, please!"

He swept her up into his arms, his lips brushing across hers before blazing a trail down to her neck and nuzzling behind her ear. Eliza's hand found its way to the "V" of his shirt, playing with the shock of hair she found there. Her nails lightly combed through the hair on his chest; Josiah growled and he ground his mouth to hers. He started down the hallway, kicking in the door to the guest room.

Josiah stepped into the middle of the darkened room. Tightening the arm about her waist, the other arm dropped away from under her knees to wrap around her. Clutching her close to him, he slowly lowered her down the length of his body; he smiled as she gasped into his mouth at the evidence of his arousal.

Eliza's breath caught when a large hand cupped the curve of her behind and held her tight against his growing erection. Tremors shook her body; her fingernails dug into his arm as she clung to him. Abruptly, the hard, muscular body fell away from her and, confused, her eyes flew open. The two peered at each other in the darkness; the only light spilling into the room coming from the snow falling outside.

"Eliza," he said huskily, "Stop this now…while you still can. This is wrong. I-I'm old enough to be your father…"

"Something this beautiful can't be wrong," Eliza replied softly, gazing up into his eyes. "And you're not my father - you're nothing like Ethan." She reached down and took hold of the hem of her shirt. "This is beautiful - you're beautiful." She started to lift the shirt over her head.

"No," Josiah ordered, taking hold of her hands and drawing them gently away from the sweatshirt. Eliza's face dropped and she started to turn away; she paused, her eyes widening when he dropped to his knees in front of her. "That's my job." He bared her midriff and kissed her bare belly.

"Jo-siah," Eliza said breathlessly.

"Which direction should I go in first?" Josiah mused, surprising Eliza with his playfulness. "Down?" he lowered her waistband slightly, planting a kiss just below her belly button. "Or up?" Using his tongue, he blazed an achingly slow trail past her belly button and up to the valley between her breasts.

"Oh God!" she cried out; her body shaking violently, she clutched at his shoulders.

"Up?" he snaked his tongue to his left, swirling it around her right breast before drawing the nipple into his mouth and sucking on it. Eliza whimpered, her nails digging into his flesh. "Or…" she gasped as he followed the same trail down that he had taken up, "Down?" he moved even lower, finally stopping just above the dark curls.

"OH!" Eliza shrieked, her knees buckling. Josiah's hands grasped her about the waist; he held her tightly, keeping her from sinking to the floor. "Pl-p-please," she pleaded. He rose slowly to his feet; he guided her back and set her down on the edge of the bed, kneeling before her once again.

"I think…we'll start by going up," Josiah rumbled; in one stroke he lifted the sweatshirt over her head and tossed it across the room. Eliza groaned an objection and he paused to look up at her. "No? Did I make an error in judgment?"

Eliza opened her mouth to protest; a whimper escaping her as his mouth closed over her left breast. Her back arched; one hand found its way into his thick hair, while the other gripped the bedspread, bunching it up in her fist. She winced slightly, her injured hand beginning to throb.

"Maybe I made the right choice after all," he mused. He felt her stiffen; he looked up at her face and saw the small grimace. Suspecting the reason behind it, he lifted her right hand up in front of him. He kissed her fingers; turning the hand over, he brushed his lips against her palm. Eliza sighed and he saw the pained look fade.

He took her face in his hands and drew her mouth down to his. Eliza's hands moved down to unbutton his shirt, a sudden desire to feel his bare chest against hers spurring her to move quickly. She fumbled with the buttons; Josiah noticed how her injured hand inhibited her and moved to help. She slid the shirt from his shoulders and bent down to kiss his chest. He growled as her tongue circled his nipple.

"Getting even with me, eh?" Her answer was to rake her nails down his chest to his abdomen. She paused a moment, a gleam in her eye, before drawing her nails over the taut bulge in his jeans. He moved swiftly, pushing her back onto the bed. His large body covering hers, his mouth and hands explored her body; he kissed and caressed her, making quick work of removing her remaining clothing.

He rose from the bed and stood over her. Blue eyes heavy-lidded with desire peered up at him; unconsciously her tongue snaked out to moisten her lips. Her gaze dropped from his face to where his hands rested on his waistband. Almost as if he were waiting until I looked down…who could've ever imagined what lurked behind those cerulean blue eyes. A tremor shot through her at the thought of his body crushing hers.

Josiah watched as her eyes lowered; her could feel them burning a path down his chest to his abdomen. Realizing he had her rapt attention, he unfastened his jeans - teasing her with his unhurried pace. Rapt? It is I who am enraptured of her. How can this be anything but a dream? Why else would this enchanting little sprite be lying here before me? And gazing up at me with such adoration?

He finally slid the jeans from his body; Eliza's eyes widened at the view she beheld and for the first time since he'd carried her from the living room, Josiah sensed some hesitation in her. His heart lurched, knowing how difficult it would be to walk away if she changed her mind. I would never force you, Eliza. Never! he vowed silently. Lord, it would kill me to walk away from her now…but I will if that's what she asks of me.

"Eliza?" That one word encompassed all the questions running through Josiah's mind. Her eyes locked with his and her uncertainty melted away. She reached out to him, taking his hand and guiding him to sit down beside her. Rising up to meet him, she placed a feather-light kiss to his lips. His hand slipped from her grasp, gliding across her hip to the small of her back; pulling her closer, he deepened the kiss. Eliza's left hand moved across his back as her tongue slid past his lips to tease his. Josiah pulled back suddenly when he felt her hand drop between his legs and stroke him slowly.

"Heavenly creature or beguiling temptress," he mused, his voice thick with longing. "It matters not..." He groaned as she continued her exquisite torture; he crushed his lips to hers, climbing across her onto the bed. He rolled onto his back, drawing her along with him until she was nestled against his chest. He gazed down into her eyes. "For you have fully ensnared me in your web. My only thought, my only desire this night - lie in pleasing you."

Eliza's lips trembled and tears fell to her cheeks at his touching declaration. Josiah kissed her tears away as he lifted her above to straddle him. He guided her downward, hearing her little gasp as he entered her. He thrust upward slowly, easing himself inside her little by little. Their bodies moved together in a gradual, easy rhythm.

"Now, now, my little pixie," he scolded when she tried to speed things up, "there's a lot to be said for taking things slow." Pleasure built up in her like the tide, each wave longer and more powerful than the previous one. His hands roved up and down her body, half caressing, half supporting her. Josiah struggled to maintain his leisurely pace, every moan that escaped her lips wrapping itself around his heart.

"Jo-ho-si-ah," exclaimed Eliza breathlessly. He brought her to the peak, her entire body quaking in ecstasy; then back down to earth and began all over again. Her breathing became rapid, her second climax hitting her more forcefully than the first. Josiah leaned upward, his tongue lapping at the valley between her breasts; she screamed out his name and collapsed against him, her body trembling violently.

Having seen to her pleasure first, he was now ready to give himself over to the fire burning within him. Cradling her back and head in his hands, he rolled over, trapping her body beneath his. His resolve broken, his thrusts came harder and faster. Eliza writhed beneath him, her back arching upward to meet him.

"Eliza!" he cried out as he exploded inside her, the sound of her own climax thundering in his ears. Completely spent, he fell atop her with a groan. Both panting heavily, they clung to each other; his mouth found hers and he kissed her tenderly.

"No," she whispered vehemently, holding tightly to him when he tried to move from atop her. "Not yet…"

"I'm crushing you…"

"No," she repeated, her arms tightening around him and her cheek resting against his. "I'm not ready to let you go," she whispered into his ear. Josiah burrowed his face into her neck and nipped lightly at the flesh there. "Mmmm," Eliza moaned softly, running a hand through his hair.

"Until my last breath I shall treasure this night, this wondrous dream you allowed me to share." He rolled onto his back, a smile springing to his face when her body curled up against his. Her head nestled against his shoulder and her bandaged hand played with the pale curls on his chest.

His smile broadened as one leg sprawled possessively across his body. For this one night at least they belonged to no one but each other. Nothing else existed beyond this room; all that mattered were the two intertwined bodies. Both bodies glistening with sweat, each face wearing a contented smile. His arm tightened around her waist and he kissed the top of her head. The last thing he remembered before drifting off to sleep was the scent of raspberries.

"Josiah." The soft, muffled voice intruded upon his subconscious. Josiah rolled onto his back, a smile on his face. "Josiah?" He heard the voice again, this time a little louder.

"Eliza," he murmured, an image of her naked body curled up against him drifted across his memory. His eyes flew open, scanning the room for some sign that the image was real. "No…" he shook his head. "We couldn't…she wouldn't…" He fell back against the pillow. "Dear Lord, what have I done?"

"Josiah?" Eliza called again.

"Wait, wait…" he muttered to himself. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Sanchez…it was just a dream - had to be a dream." He glanced around the room, seeing nothing that would prove the images in his head were anything more than a dream. What about the fact that your clothes are lying all over the floor? a little voice inside his head shouted.

"Just a dream," he said again. "Has to be…" But what a dream, the voice spoke again. There was enough steam in there to keep you warm all night - so warm that you threw off your clothes.

"Josiah?" He heard her voice right outside the door; panicked, he jumped from the bed and grabbed frantically for his jeans.

"Ju-just a minute, Eliza," he called out, struggling to get his legs into the pants. Please, Lord, don't let her open the door while I'm hanging out like this, he pleaded silently.

"I made coffee," Eliza said softly. "I-I didn't know if you ate breakfast or not…I could make you something…"

"Coffee's fine," he said curtly.

"Oh…okay," she replied, startled by his briskness. Josiah sighed, angry at himself for being short with her. He hurriedly finished dressing and headed out to the living room. He found her sitting near the fire, cradling her coffee cup in both hands.

"It's not industrial strength, like Vin's," Eliza said, indicating the coffee. "But…"

"Eliza…" A loud pounding at the door interrupted him. Eliza jumped from the chair and reached for her gun. "Get behind me," Josiah hissed; she looked up to see his weapon drawn.

"But, Josiah…"

"Get behind me now!" he ordered, grabbing her by the arm and putting himself between her and the door. The pounding grew louder.

"Josiah, open up! It's me…Buck." Both sighed audibly; Josiah holstered his weapon. He turned toward her and pried the gun from her shaking hand. He led her to the sofa; then strode to the door.

"You could have called, brother," he said, pulling the door open. "Instead of scaring a body to death like that."

"The phone lines are out," Buck replied, stepping past him. "And neither of you were answering your cells." He stepped into the room and looked over at Eliza; the remaining three men, Ezra and Nathan, with J.D. bringing up the rear, followed him. "You two all right in here? Eliza, darlin'," he sat down next to her and hugged her. "What happened to your hand? Nathan…"

"It's just a little burn…it's-it's nothing," she said quickly, trying in vain to wave the medic off. "Nathan, really…I just poured hot water on it…"

"What would possess you to do such a thing?"

"I just thought it looked like a fun thing to do Ezra," Eliza said angrily. "What do you think?"

"Whoa! Hold on there…time out." Buck held his hands up. "No harm, no foul."

"I'm sorry," Eliza sighed. Josiah stood off to the side, silently observing her. She looked tired and a little dazed under all the attention the others were bestowing upon her. She allowed Nathan to examine and tend to the burn on her hand, but the man could see that she was uncomfortable.

"Boys," he spoke up finally, "What's brought you all out here this early in the morning?" Eliza looked up at him and their eyes locked for the briefest of moments before he tore his gaze away. He couldn't get the image of her soft, supple body out of his mind; kept seeing flashes of Eliza's body writhing beneath him, her body damp with perspiration. 'It seemed so real…but how could it be?'

"Well, darlin'," Buck took Eliza's hand, "they found your admirer early this morning." Her eyes widened and she glanced from face to face. "He was found out in the woods back behind the house."

Josiah saw Eliza flinch; he took a step toward her and then stopped. He heard her declaration from the previous night, knowing that her tormentor had been near. How close had he been? What had he seen? There was nothing for him to see, Sanchez…because NOTHING happened. It's all in your head - how could you think she ever would turn to you?

"He-he was here?"

"He was half-frozen when they discovered him," Ezra said softly. "Apparently he underestimated Nature's fury. They're not certain he'll make it."

"Then…then it's over?" Eliza said shakily. They all heard a car door slam outside.

"Liz! Liz!" Her eyes widened as she heard Chris' voice. Josiah thought he saw her pale slightly as she turned toward the door.

Just your imagination Preacher. Surely having Chris here eases her mind…and it ain't like she's clinging to your side, is it? Time to return to the real world.

"Chris?" Eliza found herself swept up into a powerful embrace. "How-how…what are you doing here?"

"Buck called me yesterday…" he replied; another voice called out from the doorway.

"Took the next flight out," Tanner said with a grin. "What an adventure that was…getting from there to here. What with the storm and all." He glanced around at the group gathered there. "Beth, are you all right?"

"Yes, but…" she looked from the two newcomers to Buck. "You called him? After I asked…"

"I'm glad he did," Chris broke in; he took her head in his hands and kissed her. "Why didn't you tell me?" He caught sight of the bandage on her right hand. "What happened?" He directed the question not to Eliza, but to Nathan.

"Scalded her hand with some hot water, Chris," the medic responded. "Nothing serious. Looks like someone took care of it right away," he added, looking pointedly at Josiah. Chris turned to the ex-anthropologist.

"Thank you for watching over her, Josiah. Hope she wasn't too much of a handful for you."

Josiah nearly choked at the image that arose from the other man's words. He paused a moment before answering. "Not at all, brother…in fact, it was a most delightful evening."

Eliza's face reddened; Larabee chuckled, assuming it colored in anger. "Don't get all bent out of shape, Liz…I should be angry at you for keeping this from me."

"Now Mr. Larabee," Ezra piped up. "I imagine we should be exceedingly grateful that Eliza is unharmed…comparatively speaking, Nathan," he added when the man opened his mouth to disagree. "That we all came through this virtually unscathed is truly a miracle."

"It's a time for all kinds of miracles," Eliza said softly.

Josiah's head shot up, his gaze seeking hers. She met his eyes briefly before turning away, leaving him even more unsure of what was real and what was just a beautiful dream.

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