Passport. OK.

Australian dollars. OK.

Sun lotion. OK.

Bikini. OK.

Terry. Not OK.

Where the hell was he?

My luggage at my feet together with Terry's carry on he had asked me to pack for him. He had left his home three days ago, after having received a rather mysterious phone call urging him to meet Dino some place.

"I have to run...I swear I will be back in time for the trip," he had told me before kissing me goodbye quickly and disappearing like a thief. Terry never talks about the missions. First I thought it was because he didn't want to talk to me, as a person. As his girlfriend in particular, I mean. But now I know he wants to protect me from the ugly details, the moments he may be in danger and the great tensions inherent in his job.

Each time he has to leave for several days on a business trip or a mission, I try to immerse myself in my work, stay extra hours at the office to be able to spend a little more time than usual with him as soon as he comes back. If I don't have the time to think he can't be hurt or even worse, if I'm able to block the awful images from my mind, it won't happen. That's all. Of course I know it's a way to put my head in the sand. I even admit it's quite a dumb and immature way to deal with the situation but it's the only way I've found that allows me to live through the nights and days without him.

My eyes were riveted to the huge digital clock on the departure panel at the international airport. Only a few minutes left.

"Terry...you'd better be here soon or we'll miss the plane. Where the hell are you?" I said to myself. No news from him since the evening before. "If you don't show up in time, Terry, I swear the forensics won't be able to identify you with your dental records..."

There he was, passing the airport entrance doors in a resolute stride, scanning the main hall. Searching for his target. Me as a matter of fact. The moment I saw him, my heart skipped a beat. I held my breath, waiting for the next wave to hit me. It never fails: the instant he lays his eyes on me I feel penetrated by a hot-white blade that takes an utterly control of my soul.  Just like that. A heat then spreads like a warm peace blanket and my mind takes control again. I feel relaxed and whole again. Does he know he has this kind of effect on me? Does he know that I've never let anyone else close enough to have that kind of effect on me?

I waved frantically to him. He joined me and we fell in each other's arms. Unfortunately we didn't have much time for the hello kiss and after a languorous and wet kiss our plane was called.

"We got to go, mon Coeur. Come on." His hand was already on his carry on. I clung a second more to him, reluctant to break our embrace, drinking his smell like nectar. I grabbed his hand tightly and let him lead the way. No time for sweet talk. But an absolute wicked idea was already forming inside my head. "Oh Terry, we will make it up before landing on your native land. You can count on me!" I thought.

Our brisk walk toward the boarding gate was cut by the usual security checks. As it had been the last call for our flight, only one business man was passing through the metallic arch ahead of us.

Everything was going smoothly, our luggage rolling through the X-ray tunnel together with our shoes, Terry and I waiting to get our things back. The man behind the screen called his two charming colleagues to come see something. Terry frowned, I held my breath. He turned toward me and lifted his chin and cocked his eyebrows in interrogation. I shook my head and shrugged as if I didn't know what was happening. Of course I knew and I was silently praying that nothing in his pack was forbidden on a plane.

It was a sight. All the three men, their faces glued to the screen, pointing their fingers to things we weren't able to see, whispering and smiling like goofs. Terry was keeping a close eye on his watch and after 5 minutes of this strange manoeuvre, he asked them in the nicest way possible if there was any fucking problem because we had a plane to catch.

"No problem, sir," the screen man hiccupped, clearly trying to hold laughter at bay.

"Enjoy your trip, Ma'am" he added at my intention and winked in a conspiratorial way.

I feigned ignorance of what he was talking about but winked back while Terry turned his back a second to take his keys back.

We boarded the Qantas 747-400 Longreach Boeing. With only one hour stop in Singapore it was the quickest plane Terry had found to reach Sydney during the course of the next evening. At the entrance of the first class section, a very nice and elegant stewardess named Ann escorted us to our seat and helped us for the settings. Terry chose the window seat. I chose the aisle, something to do with bladder and urgent needs.

Once we were buckled and the plane was at its cruise speed, Terry came back on the subject. "Why do you think the security employees smiled when our luggage when through the X-ray tunnel?" he asked me. That was bothering him, it was clear. I would have to do my best not to make him more suspicious about his carry on.

"I have absolutely no idea, Terry. Maybe it was the size of your underwear? They never got to see anyone with so huge boxers..." I perfectly knew, like any other man that Terry needed to be stroked at the right place to remove any doubt about what really was in his carry on.

"Don't embarrass me...you know how shy I am...ya reckon they think it was a concealed gun...?" He seemed pretty pleased by my compliment and threw a look at his crotch suggestively.

That meant he was buying the dubious explanation I had found. Good.

"A concealed gun?" I asked.

Man, he was close! 

"You couldn't say it more appropriately! I can't wait to handle it. Will you teach me how to shoot it?" I looked at him sideways and smiled mischievously.

His face changed from confidence to concern, taking my hand tenderly in his he added "Almost didn't make it. But you know I wouldn't let you down, don't you...? Let's get this show on the road...you gonna run that hello kiss back over me again....? Lead me to the champagne..."

"Champagne? Remember it's for the equator crossing Terry... so it will have to wait until then. We'll order it after we take off from Singapore. If we start drinking champagne now, you'll have to tie me to my seat to make me sit straight! As for the hello kiss back...I don't see any good reason to wait any longer."

We tilted our heads at the same time. Mutual knowledge of the other. He leaned and he pulled me closer by my captured hand. My other hand rested on his thigh for balance. First his lips touched my bottom and then my upper lip. He kissed them almost reverently. Tasting me, waiting for me to open my mouth. And I did. I also panted because the time he was taking until his tongue finally entered my waiting mouth was killing me. It was like a dance. A subtle dance of reunion. To get re-acquainted intimately with the other. Two people. One heart.

He had never told me that he loved me. How I was aching to hear those words coming from his kissable and lovable mouth! Maybe he was scared. Maybe he didn't feel ready for such a statement. Maybe he felt awkward to verbalize his feelings. However it had always been unconceivable for me to push him in any way. The time would come. And I received daily other proofs that I was more than a sex buddy for him.

The kisses he would give me: so passionate and soul twisting. 

The way he would hold my hand: so tenderly and respectfully. 

Or the way he would look at me: so intently and whole fully. 

It was marks of love for me. I was taking them as they were. Precious gifts from a precious man. 

The kiss was making us both crazy with need. He pitched one of my erected nipples through my blouse while my hand went a little more north. I was about to stroke his crotch we were suddenly interrupted by someone clearing her throat. The nice Ann.

Oh merde! In a hurry I sat up straight, tidying my clothes in nervous strokes, trying to look as causal as possible. In the other hand, Terry, the rascal, threw her an accessory smile.

"Been too long, luv, you know how it is?"

"I understand very well, sir..." she threw a bright smile at Terry and resumed, "I wondered if you wanted to see a movie. We have a wide selection here, have a look and when you're ready, just call me, OK?"

Terry took the catalogue she was handing him and nodded. She winked at him and left noiselessly.

That reminded me of...

"I almost forgot!" I put my hand on the catalogue keeping Terry from open it "We don't need this for the moment: I took a movie with me! You'll never guess..." I told him.

"What? Let me think... "Airplane!?" No? "Die Hard 2" No?" He pulled a face searching for other possible nightmarish plane movies.

"No, you goof. It's "Heaven's Burning." Thought it could be a good way to get in the mood for Sydney..."

He groaned in frustration. 

"What? You already seen it?"

He shook his head.

"So, isn't it a perfect opportunity? Come on...be a good sport. Then you'll choose a movie from the catalogue. I let you see anything you want...Please?"

"Gaia...." He watched me with a severe look. But I could tell he was close to capitulating.

"Anything you want, Terry. Cross my heart." I drew a cross on my chest and mimicked the spit on the floor.

"Anything I want?" he cocked an eyebrow, suddenly interested in my proposition. "I already know the perfect movie we can see next. It's called "Ever done it in an airplane loo?"

"Terry!" I swatted him playfully on the shoulder.

He looked at me, leaned toward my ear and purred in his deepest, lowest and sexiest voice:

"Don't tell me you haven't thought of it yet. Know you like the back of my hand..."

"Or the tip of your cock, you mean...and no, I won't tell you that I never thought about it. Why do you think I'm wearing a skirt?"

He lowered his eyes and noticed my pleated skirt and the matching blouse. Nothing much would get in his way.

His eyes were gleaming when he raised them a second later.

"Good girl." With one finger he tickled the palm of my hand while his eyes bore into mine. 

The idea of sharing that kind of experience in a plane had the same effect on him than on me. I suddenly wondered if he had already done it. Maybe. No. Certainly. If you think about it, he had spent half of his life in airplanes! For me, well, it was a first.

"Your girl," I added.

"Yes...my girl," he smiled boyishly and kissed me quickly on the lips. Is that me or did he seem a little embarrassed?

So we both watched Colin's movie. Terry was in deep thought at the end of the film. Didn't say much about it except it was certainly one of the darkest Australian comedies he'd ever seen. I told him that it was not a dark comedy for me. Rather more like a "Tristan and Isolde" story with multiple homicides, racism and torture in addition. "The director wanted to lead us to the direction of a tragic love story," I added.

"That's rich. And how would you know what the director was referring to? You're psychic or what?"

"No, Terry. Not psychic but I know classical music on the tip of my fingers. The music we heard at the end, when the car is turned upside down on the beach is from Richard Wagner's opera 'Tristan and Isolde. Liebestod' if my memory is good."

I closed my eyes and searched in a corner of my memory the exact words I had learned so many years ago...

"Mild und leise / wie er lächelt, / wie das Auge / hold er öffnet / seht ihr's, Freunde? / Seht ihr's nicht?"

"You speak German?" he looked surprised

"And little bit of Italian too." 

"You never told me you were a language freak..."

"There are so many things you still don't know about me, Terry." I smiled softly and let my fingers run on his face, smoothing the tension that had appeared after my enigmatic answer. If I ever find the courage to fully open up to him, will our relationship survive this ground swell?

We didn't speak much for the rest of the trip to Singapore, both lost in our own thoughts. He absentmindedly looked through the small window at the cloudless sky, his mind certainly seized upon the mixed emotions of returning to his antipodal country after so many years. Recalling good and bad memories, the family he had left behind, the new friends he had gained in the process.

The hour long stop was a torture for me. Sitting so close from my lover for so many hours, unable to touch him in the intimate way I was longing for, I felt restless, almost feverish. Terry noticed my state and with a devilish smile on his face stroked my nape in a pseudo tender motion perfectly knowing that it was one of the most erogenous parts of my body.  That deepened my agitation and he chuckled when I started crossing and uncrossing my legs searching for friction. I held onto my vengeance when I watched him squirm on his seat after I had delicately licked the tip of my Montblanc pen in a detached manner fully knowing the impact it will have on him.

After the plane was stabilized again and on its way to Sydney (at last), Ann magically appeared with one the best champagnes on the market and which Terry knew was my favorite: a Dom Pérignon 1969.  Several days ago I had called the airplane company to order a champagne bottle on the flight but it appeared that Terry had also called to order that specific bottle for the unique occasion we were about to celebrate. How sweet and thoughtful of him...We drank it slowly, savoring the dizziness it procured, whispering dirty little fantasies in each other's ear as we deliciously watched the erotic tension rise into the other's eyes.

The moment had come. I finished my glass and rose. Turning toward Terry I bent deep, my breast literally springing out of my blouse, my half-cup black lace bra inefficient in this awkward position. He licked his lips and tried in a very pathetic way to watch my eyes.

"I have to go to the toilets...try to knock on the toilet's door...if you're a good boy I may let you in..."

But while strolling toward the toilets I started to worry. And what if someone heard us? What was happening to the people caught in the act in the toilets? Are they cuffed and handed to the police after landing? I tried to remember any kind of article I had read dealing with that subject but I remembered none. Well, I'm usually curious by nature but I hoped this time I wouldn't have to learn the consequences we both might face if it ever happened...

As soon as the door closed I put my hand on the sink to keep my balance, removed my already soaking panties and stuffed them inside my handbag. I sent a silent thankful prayer for the hold-up stockings' genius inventor before unbuttoning my blouse completely. Best way to avoid a disaster...I decently couldn't join my seat back with a blouse gaping at the wrong place because of the loss of a few buttons...

Three sharp knocks on the door made me jump. The space was so confined that the noise resonated like a cathedral. "We will have to be extra careful if we don't want to draw to much attention to our illegal activity" I thought to myself.

I half-opened the door. He checked the premises for anyone who would notice him entering the toilets. I tensed. The way was clear. Good. The toilets were so small that I had to back against the wall to allow him to open enough the door to enter. But as he closed the door and locked it, the tension in me vanished instantly and I found myself wrapped around his body in no time. His lips were everywhere, wetting my lips, my jaws, my ears and my neck.

"Babes...hum... you're so good. I've been hard since the taxi ride to the airport. I want you. Want you so much. Can you feel me?" he panted against my skin.

Oh yeah. I could feel him alright.

His hands were going up my skirt, pushing it up on my hips. His hands first went up my silky legs, discovered the lacy parts of my stocking and then my naked flesh. "You're a naughty girl, Gaia. Very naughty..." His hot breath tickled my cleavage and I felt his tongue approaching the nipple he had removed from my bra.

"But you like when I'm naughty, n'est-ce-pas? When I make you burn with need, when you're dying to enter me and bury yourself into me. You feel alive. You feel whole...Just like I feel"

"Hum....." was his only response.

My hands weren't backward, gaining access to his swollen cock, painfully straining against the front part of his pants. 

I stroked once. A moan. 

Twice. A groan. 

Three times. A wild bite on my earlobe. 

Four times. Two fingers entered me deep. My head banged against the wall and I whimpered. I was close. So close. But I had an idea and I would have to stop this assault on my senses for a few seconds to realize it.

"Wait!" I reluctantly removed his fingers from my core. 

"What, babes...what's the matter?" he said panting hard, his hands both up in a waiting stance.

"Sit on the toilets, Terry. Go on. But first let me help you a little bit" He looked quizzically at me and I nodded in encouragement. I opened his fly and was only half-surprised when my hand came directly in contact with his naked cock. Oh....commando...someone was hoping to get as lucky as me!

With difficulty he then maneuvered himself in the narrow space to sit on the toilets, his penis pointing up and his face taut with the effort of controlling his lust.

"And now what?" he waited for my next move.

I turned my back on him and caught his look in the mirror in front of us. "Now that." I raised my skirt above my hips for him to see my naked buttocks as I lowered slowly, impaling myself on him.

The mirror was big and square, slightly set above the sink. The way it was disposed, it only allowed us to see our faces and my uncovered breast. Nothing more. Nothing less. Oh my God, it was such a turn on...

His hands flew to my hips and he roughly pushed the last centimeters down his shaft. The sensation was breathtaking. When he was hilted all the way, his hands flew to my breast where he let his passion unleash. I rode him hard taking leverage with my hands on his thighs.

As my eyes closed, Terry groaned into my ear. "Open your eyes, Gaia. See what you do to me...I'm losing myself in you."

And I watched us without shame as we made love, touching the sky, reaching for the other. It was truly a beautiful moment. In a loo's plane, I admit. But anywhere is just the right place if I'm in Terry's arms.

I don't remember if we made a lot of noise, or if anyone suspected what had just happened but if anyone had taken a second to truly look at us, they would have known. Terry discreetly left the place of our playing and I rejoined him shortly after I had washed myself and put some order in my clothes. He shook his head and chuckled.

"You are a very naughty girl...I may have to punish you when we get on the ground...."

"Oh but I intend you to do that, Terry. I'm even looking forward to it..." a mischievous smile on lighting my face.

"I didn't think it was humanly possible for me in a plane dunny. Didn't think there was enough room to manoeuvre my torso. You learn something new every day...and you look like you've learnt a few new tricks...you been reading some dirty magazines...?"

"Well, how am I supposed to kill time when you're not with me? I'm so eager to learn new tricks..." I bat my eyes in an innocent way.

"Get a lifetime subscription then..."

We both laughed, happy like teenagers who had done something wild and forbidden.

When our plane landed, the night was still young in Australian time. Not more than eleven. But the excitement of the trip, the intense days at work before to be able to steal a few days' vacation, the recent restless nights when Terry's absence had been the most unbearable, our "little" session in the plane's toilet and finally the jet lag had left me without any energy.

After the rental car's retrieval, Terry didn't need to insist a long time for me to let him drive. I watched him as he negotiated the car through the Friday night traffic. Quietness seemed to fall on him as he found his way through the familiar streets to our hotel.

I must have dozed off then because the next thing my cloudy mind registered was a loud "WHAT THE FUCK?" Terry shouted and then the pressure he suddenly put on the brakes made the tires screech.

Jerking awake, I felt disoriented until I looked at Terry. His face was set and both his hands were up in a surrender position. What intrigued me were several red spots that seemed to be floating on his upper body.

"Don't move!" he whispered to me. His eyes were following something moving outside the car and I followed his glance. Time seemed as if frozen. I didn't dare breathe.

My heart seized in a second. Armed guys were surrounding our car. 

This couldn't be happening, I said to myself. The setup I had meticulously organized for Terry wasn't supposed to happen until we reached our hotel room.

Flash.

Powerful lights blinded us momentarily. Shouted orders I didn't understand were thrown. My car door opened in a big crash as two hands grabbed me and threw me on the hard surface of the road. The only thing I saw was Terry receiving the same treatment. He nodded to me imperceptibly in reassurance. He had noticed my panicked look. My mind was blank, my muscles spasmed. A foot on my neck was pushing me to the ground, bruising my left cheek.

I whimpered when my arms were roughly pulled behind my back and cuffed in a tight grip. Half carried, half dragged, I was brought to a dark van whose side door was wide open. Panic reached another level...Terry was pushed into another van. Separated. We were being separated.

No! I shouted and tried to flee from the force holding me but with no avail. The two men dressed in black from head to toe on my both sides grabbed me and threw me on the van's floor. The slamming of the door made me jump. The engine roared.

A second later, the ceiling light was on and my cuffs removed. Coming from the passenger seat, a man in his forties shot me a bright smile. He crouched near me and stretched his hand in a welcoming motion.

"Welcome to Australia...Christopher McLean. At your service." He said watching me intently a small grin lingering on his face. I looked at his hand in total shock. It took me a long moment to make the connection. When I did, relief passed through me at light speed. It was him! My Australian SAS contact! I almost cried.

Almost. 

My fist connected with his jaw before I had the time to think about what I was doing and he fell back onto his buttocks. "Why the fuck did you scare the shit out of me? You were supposed to intervene at the hotel!" I shouted at him, feeling the anger erupting in me.

Fortunately for me, Chris, as he asked me to call him, didn't hit me back but laughed and added that it was good to know that Terry was with someone with some mordancy. I took that as a compliment.

A few minutes later, when I was a whole lot calmer, he filled all the blanks about this mission. No, it was not an early intervention. Dino had emailed Chris to give new orders. Something about ME saying that we didn't get the hotel's formal permission to use the underground parking as playground. Le salaud! He had me set up also! Another sweet revenge to plan....wait Dino...rira bien qui rira le dernier.

Chris told me that when he got my email asking for help the thought of playing tricks on his old buddy made him happy for days! I asked him not to manhandle Terry too much, that I needed him in good shape for the rest of our stay. He winked at me knowingly and solemnly promised me that the parts Terry and I would need most wouldn't be touched...

At the base, I was given a full dinner and a soft blanket. I was able to watch the treatment Terry was receiving on a small surveillance television. He was kept in a cell tied to a chair. At least 7 persons were present and trying to make him talk about his projects on the island. He was finally told that the national anti-terrorist force had the suspicion that he was carrying dangerous weapons with him.

You know Terry; he tried to joke about the size of his boxers and the fact that what he had between his legs WAS the mass destruction weapon they were looking for. I winced at the rather unpleasant response he received. Chris assured me that Terry was accustomed to much more pain in training. It bothered me anyway.

"I'll make it up to you, Terry, I promise." I said to myself.

We both leaned in anticipation when Terry's luggage was put on the table and the zipper pulled....

The soldier pulled out a package and set it out right in front of the captain of my heart. "THAT is what I call a dangerous weapon...Mr. Thorne. What do you have to say in your defence?"

One by one the contents were put before his incredulous eyes.

The soldier read the description.

The Pleasure Wand...

Heads up...

A DVD called "The Dungeon Play"

An anal jewel...

Some Australian cuffs...

Oh... a harness...

Some bondage strips...

A beaded rotator anal toy...

A leatherneck-wrist restraint lock...

And last but not least...some literature...

The last thing I heard before collapsing from laughing was: "GAIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I'm sure Dino will receive some priceless material in revenge for this.

Then Terry put on his amenable face and began to explain. "I can explain...." he began. 

And then I saw his brain turning over. No! He would turn this one on its head. 

"..Well, actually I can't. You know that woman who you picked up with me? Name of Gaia...She's a French Madame...you know, one of those real classy types who cater to the rich and famous? Runs this expensive brothel in Paris. So she attached herself to me on the flight over. Told me she was going to open an upscale cathouse in Sydney and then film all the goings on...blackmail, you know?"

He paused and waited for that to sink in. The interrogators looked slightly unsure. He continued: "So I was driving her to the police station - just doing my public duty, officer, when you clowns pulled me over...I have no idea how those sordid items got into my luggage. Obviously she planted them - she's the blackmail specialist after all...."

The men began to pile the offending sex toys into a box. Terry suddenly sat up sharply. 

"Oi....leave me the butt jewel, that belongs to me....I know just the woman who needs kicking up the arse..."

OH...MY....GOD! I was shocked! And you know I need a lot to be shocked. What kind of wicked ideas a mind can find to get out of trouble!

So Terry wanted to play the victim...hum...how interesting. But he was pushing his luck without even knowing it. Chris had planned to appear in front of him in order to end the game. But this would have to wait now.

My partner in crime threw me a crooked smile as he watched me thinking about the way to go on with the role play. The only way was to use Terry's accusation to my advantage. Fifteen minutes later, Chris and I had it all planned and organized.

I loved Terry so much. I couldn't think about a better opportunity to show him that the way I loved him implied that I could sacrifice myself for him. That, for once, someone could put itself in danger for HIS sake.

Terry's cell door was pushed and I heard steps and some metal clicking.

A small ventilation opening allowed me to listen from the cell I had been locked in a few minutes ago. Alone for a few instants, I had put myself in condition: ruffled my hair and messed my clothes. The terror and the helplessness I had felt during the intervention still lingering and the memory had the desired effect. My eyes instantly filled with tears. Of course, I felt just a tiny pang of guilty conscience to play this new trick on Terry.

But he would be happy at the end. I knew it. Who ever said that the path to love wasn't tortuous sometimes?

"Mr. Thorne, you are clear of any charge and free to go. Here is your passport. We are sorry for the inconvenience that we may have caused you. I will personally drive you to your hotel. Please follow me." When the officer almost finally spoke I started involuntarily.

It seemed I was in the right state of mind to make Terry think I was in deep trouble...

"And what about the woman? Gaia?" His voice was strong but knowing him as I did, I noticed a twinge of uneasiness.

"She corroborated your sayings. Explained why she came to Australia, how she set you up with the luggage. The officer in charge wants to keep her for a few hours. Wants to discover her contacts in Sydney. But if you want my opinion, after hearing all the spicy details of her little business going in Paris, he is looking for some other kind of "contacts" with her. ..." he chuckled wickedly.

"Can I see her before leaving?"

"She had this kind of effect on you too? Hum? Can't say I blame you after all. But she's not my type...too sophisticated...I prefer them..." the officer was cut by Terry's gruff voice:"I just want to talk to her. It's because of her if I went through this awful situation." He couldn't be nearer to the truth, could he?

The officer seemed to think for a moment and finally agreed. My breathing became erratic. I've never been a very good liar. As a kid, anytime I had been caught with my hand in the cookie jar I had tried to firmly deny but my red cheeks or nervous demeanor had always betrayed me. Now it was different. I had chosen to live this moment. I could do it.

Sitting on my heels against the filthy wall, I raised my cuffed hands to protect my eyes from the sudden light of the corridor. 

Terry. 

A sudden urge to throw myself in his arms and call it a game passed through me but I resisted when I saw him put both his fists on his hips and a cocky smile on his wonderful lips. The officer leaned on the doorway, not missing a piece of the scene.

"So, now, Gaia, where's the sassy, sophisticated and suave woman I met on the flight?" Terry mocked.

He stared at me. Seriously?  I shivered. Turning to the officer he asked for a moment of privacy.

"Five minutes, that's your lot, mate. More and I'm sure she'll find a way to into your pants..." He switched the cell light on before closing and locking the door, leaving Terry and I alone.

He was crouching beside me in a flash, touching me all over, checking me; assuring himself I hadn't received any bad treatment.  His eyes searched mine as he asked me if I was hurt. I shook my head. "Oh...Terry...oh...I'm so sorry..." I sobbed "So sorry. If I had known... And then they told me that I was...une entraîneuse...a madam. That you had told them that we had met during the flight and...

"Shhhh, luv, shhhhhh. It's alright. I was so stunned when they opened the fucking carry on that it kind of.... Shhhh, Gaia, we'll find a way, I promise," he whispered in my ear.

He raised his eyes and moved them as if searching for something in the ceiling. He suspected that they were listening. His finger on my lips told me to watch my words but his fingers were soon replaced by his lips. We kissed for a few seconds and I saw, for the very first time, Terry the professional, the solution finder, the detached person becoming the man he was while on a mission.

"They let me out. I was told you were staying....Gaia...there's nothing that I can do now. I'm outnumbered, without any gear. We don't stand a chance against them. Tell me exactly what the officer in charge told you."

I gulped painfully and closed my eyes, remembering the words I had rehearsed. "He said that he was very interested in me showing him my talents. Heard the French women were real bitches in bed, he said, that it was a good opportunity to see if their representative was up to our reputation. He said he loved women with mordancy"

"Mordancy?" Terry seemed taken aback by this word. He stood and paced for a few seconds before coming back to me "What did you tell him?" he watched me intently, listening for my answer.

"That if he wanted mordancy he could go and shag a gator."

"That wasn't wise, Gaia..."

"I know... I know... you can't change people in a night, Terry. I had to say something..." I hadn't a clue of what was going on in his head but I could hear the wheels clicking.

"We don't have much time left, Gaia. Listen to me. Listen carefully. I'm coming back. I promise. Until then, adopt the lowest profile possible. No smart remarks, no aggressive behavior, do as you are told. A few hours, I'm begging you. Promise me."

"But Terry...don't leave me...please, don't leave me!" I looked at him in panic, catching his shirt and pulling him closer to me.

"Promise me!"

"I promise."

We heard footsteps in the corridor and the key turning. Terry grabbed my hair roughly and planted a bruising kiss on my lips - except that his tongue was soft and languorous. He released me abruptly and rose to his feet.

"Bye then, Gaia. It's been a pleasure meeting you finally. If you're able to open your business in Sydney, don't forget to send me an invitation for the opening. I'll be there. Trust me. I wouldn't want to miss such an opportunity..."

With that he turned his heels and left the cell without a backwards look.

Chris brought me to a small Spartan room filled by army bed and a functional narrow closet. Of course, there was no toilet or shower inside the room. It didn't matter though. I was so tired I couldn't remember my own name.

Sleep claimed me as soon as my head touched the pillow. It felt like a big and deep fall. I welcomed it gratefully. But my last emotion on this surprising and exhausting day was sadness.

Sadness of having to spend my first night on Australian soil without Terry. Guess who's to blame? My fault completely. I can be so dumb sometimes. There I was enjoying the trick I was playing on my lover but still searching for his caring and reassuring presence during the night. I missed the way he would hold me, whisper sweet things before dropping to sleep. Sometimes, back home, I wake up during the night and touch his face just to be sure that it was not a dream.

That this man had really chosen to stay with me! That he wanted me in his life! What a wonderful feeling after all. I couldn't get enough of it. Would he even talk to me after the truth revealed? Maybe I had gone too far.

"Gaia?"

I woke up with a start

"Yeah?" My mouth was pasty, my head throbbing from the shortness of my rest. "What time is it?"

"It's 6:30. In the morning," Chris answered me. I looked at him; he seemed fresh and had showered. I only had...what...an hour...an hour and a half sleep? God, I felt like shit.

"Chris...let me sleep. It's far too early. He won't be back until 10 or 11. Leave me alone...I'm not going to survive if I have to wake up now." I covered my head with the blanket to block the first sunrays entering the room and fell instantly asleep again.

I'm not much of a morning person then. Well, I live pretty well with this fact... And no, I'm not like Clarity who can sleep 45 minutes per night a whole week through and still look fresh and be nice with people. No. But I lived pretty well with this fact too...thank you very much.

The blanket shifted and I threw a look at Chris who was still holding a corner.

"He's coming right now. On his way," he said as he watched my reaction closely.

"You know it's not humanly possible. The ride to the hotel takes at least 2 hours" I muttered.

"He never made it to the hotel," he chuckled

Stunned and perfectly waken now, I slowly sit on the bed.

"Neutralized the officer and the two guards accompanying him." 

Outnumbered...my ass.

A wide grin was lightening Chris' face. He found this contretemps hilarious. The fact that Terry, his friend for years, had surprised him was a huge welcome gift in itself.

"My men reported as soon as they could use their hands again. Had been left on the side of the road; I sent someone to get them. My estimation? We'll hear from him in less than 15 minutes."

Chris pursued "Looks like he can't wait to have you out of here. I'm afraid to tell you that the welcome lunch we planned will rather be a welcome breakfast. Or a brunch. Depending on how long my team will be able to slow him down. But I wouldn't count on it. He's not one of the best professionals on the market for nothing. You'd better get ready now and try to break your morning fixing record time."

"Fixing? You...!" I threw my cushion at him but I missed my target as he made a wise retreat. He laughed and closed the door quickly. His laugh was contagious and I surprised myself grinning like a goof. Army men...

I rummaged inside my carry on which had been brought in the room and pulled out my toilet case, a towel and some light clothes for the day. I first went to the toilets and finally found the shower at the end of the corridor. I hurried briskly while praying that no one would see me in this state. When I opened the door I did a double take. It was a huge bathroom with at least 15 showers separated by light dividing walls. So much for intimacy.

I chose the farthest booth and opened the tabs. When the water reached the right temperature I gladly stepped under the hot sprays and closed my eyes in pure contentment. Nothing like a hot shower to help me feel human again. My bruised cheek stung at the contact of the water, making remember of last night intervention.

But soon the scented foam enveloping me made me almost feel like home. Except Terry wouldn't be joining me for some sensual watery game. I sighted. Only a few hours left and we would be alone again inside a comfortable hotel room surrounded by luxury and lewdness. Wetness started to flow from my folds at the very thought of the coming depravations we would indulge our bodies. God, how I missed him!

After a few relaxing moments I rinsed my body and closed the water. When I leaned my head back to take some droplets out of my hair a gloved hand flashed before my eyes. It was already too late to scream. The hand clapped my mouth as the other grabbed my waist to prevent me from moving. No! I was in the nude alone in a huge bathroom. No one will be able to hear me as everybody was upstairs getting ready for Terry's arrival. Some metallic piece of the man's jacket bit my back painfully. He tightened his grasp as I fought to break free.

"Shhhh, babes, it's OK. It's me."

Terry's voice.

"It's me, I came back as soon as possible," he whispered in my ear gently removing his hand from my face. "Hush, no noise, do you understand?"

Relief instantly rushed inside me. He was back. I nodded and he released me completely.

Turning, I jumped into his arms forgetting about the metallic zippers biting my breast and my ribs. I looked at him and nearly came. He was dressed in black from head to foot, certainly an army gear he had stolen from one of the guard. His head was covered by a balaclava as only his eyes and mouth were visible. He was so handsome: manly and rough but he was also showing tenderness and concern. A deadly combination to me. When I started to grip his balaclava to remove it, his grip on my wrist prevented me from it.

The next moment he stunned me with one of the most tender and sweetest kiss he ever gave me. The only thing I could do was cling to him and try not to think about the possible repercussions my foolish behavior will make me face.

Oh my God. What did I do? This wonderful man had put himself in danger to rescue me. He had suffered enough because of my desire to get back at him. This was going to end. Now. Vengeance is a main course that is best eaten cold we say in French. But now it seemed more like a "cold vengeance". It didn't make any sense anymore. It was just a childish game and I really felt ashamed of myself for scaring him and forcing him to think that leaving me here in the hands of a maniac was the only solution to save us both.

Breaking the kiss, I looked into his eyes. My voice was shaky and unsure. 

"Terry....there's...I..." I couldn't look at him. My eyes wandered on the floor, my mind searching for the right words.

"Gaia....we can't talk for the moment," he whispered again. "We must get outta here now. Dress and put your shoes on. Look at me!" His hands framed my face and he lifted it to get my attention. "The only way to succeed is to move fast. Surprise them. They don't expect me for at least 15 to 30 minutes, tops. If we can sneak out they won't be searching for us until then. It gives us a small advantage that can make the difference. But Gaia, I have to tell you how important not to be caught. They may shoot at us. Do you understand? Do exactly what I tell you and above all...don't make a noise."

"Shoot at us? But Terry...!" Strong panic gripped my heart again for the second time in less than 12 hours. What if, by total surprise, anyone drew a gun? Oh my God!!!

He silenced me with another kiss, holding me against his body. 

"I know a way out. A fanlight in a dormitory two doors on the left from here. Where I came from. Dress while I go see if the way's clear. Do it quick, leave everything else behind! Wait for me. Everything's gonna be alright, babes. Trust me. But hey, Gaia, no noise, remember? It's our only chance."

"No!" Hopelessly I tried to hold on to him, explain the awful game I put him in but he just took both my hands off his jacket and shook his head firmly while throwing me a deadly look.

A second later the door of the bathroom closed silently.

I broke a record time at this moment. I didn't dress; I simply jumped into my clothes, forgetting about underwear and shoes. I ran like a maniac toward the door and listened intently to any kind of noise coming from behind it.

Nothing.

Taking my chance, I cracked the door open and stepped out on the tip of my toes. This was creepy: Terry was nowhere to be seen; the corridor was silent and empty. I paused and decided against all odds to tiptoe toward the room with the fanlight Terry told me about. My ear against the dormitory door I listened carefully and took a last deep breath before turning the door's knob in a slow and noiseless motion.

The door opened in a brisk dash. Someone had been hidden behind it. Unbalance as I was, I didn't have the time to remove my hand from the knob; I tripped inside the dormitory and hit the ground on all fours.

Through my hair which was covering my face, I first thought that I was dreaming.

At least 20 guns were directly pointed at me. Lined up like a firing squad. The men behind the weapons were threatening enough for me to move an inch.

Now recalling these moments, I still don't understand how I managed not to piss into my white linen pants. Maybe my brain had already worked out that 20 armed guys, pointing guns at a woman half clothed in a dormitory in the middle of the Australian bush was something so strange that it could only be a dream coming out of my wicked mind.

My heart and eyes were telling me another story. I was not dreaming.

I could feel the burning the fall had caused on my palms and knees.

I could feel the taste of blood in my mouth in response of the gripping of my heart.

I could feel the hot draught as 40 eyes watched my breasts hanging down and jiggling under the erratic beat of my heart.

"Gentlemen....I'm proud to officially introduce you to Terry's sweetheart....Gaia."

Chris' voice broke into the room and instantly the 20 guns were pointed down and replaced by grinning faces. Some of the men nodded in salutation. But a majority of them still watched me pretty intently and I can tell you it was not in the eyes...

Two legs moved in front of me, hiding me from the interested and amused looks they were indulging me.  I recognized the boots instantly. Soon an inviting hand was stretched before my face.

"Gottcha! Never try to play such a trick on an army man, Gaia. Or be ready to face the consequences!"

The reality of the situation fell on me like a ton of bricks. Terry was not in danger anymore. He was safe. Silent tears of relief invaded my eyes as I stood up. The game was over. Finally.

And no one was hurt. Thank God.

"How?" My body was slowly getting under my control. But my voice croaked awfully. I won't have any voice left tomorrow. Heavy stress always does that to me. Leaves me voiceless for at least 3 days. Sure the hotel's neighbors won't get annoyed by my screaming. Well, maybe it won't be a bad thing after all.

"How did I know you set me up? Well, there're certain words you'd better avoid, luv. Like "mordancy" for example. Didn't take much time to work out your little game, woman. Only one person ever said that word to me: that dipstick McLean!

"Don't say it wasn't fun, drongo!" Chris had given instructions to his men who were now leaving the dormitory. He strolled toward us and patted Terry playfully behind the head.

"Mate, it's good to see you at last. Thought we were going on with this crap for days. Couldn't quite believe my ears when you contacted me after neutralizing the guards. Almost fell flat on my ass! But boy, you should've seen your face when the guy opened the carry on! Priceless. Wait until the others see that. You'll hear about it for years!!!

"See? Don't tell me..." Terry turned his head and threw a sharp look at his friend and then at me.

"Yep. Got everything on video tape. I may even become rich with that stuff, ya know? I'll sell it for big bucks to all your ex-colleagues. And who can I thank? My brand new partner in crime, Gaia. Gaia, my dear, it's been a real pleasure. You're one tough Sheila!"

One hand on my lower back, the other one parting my hair, Chris kissed my forehead tenderly. "And if by any chance you leave that sod one day, don't hesitate to come to Australia again. There's this fantasy I recently had about a French woman and some shameful sexual practices..." he winked at me.

"I wouldn't count on it, McLean. She's too much woman for you. How can she respect you if you let her hit you on your first encounter?" They both laughed heartedly.

I could see how much they appreciated each other. They were playing it tough, throwing gross jokes and slapping each other's back but I was not fooled. Deep friendship was bonding them. I made a mental note to ask Terry to give me an account of their adventures together. Sure it would be a nice way to spend the flight back if we were too tired for some adventures of our own in the plane's toilets...

We spend the rest of the morning with Chris and his team, getting to know each man by their names and sharing some impressions of the night we had spent together. One thing was always coming back into the conversation: how much they were impressed by Terry's capability and professionalism. Me? I was impressed by the fact that these men were putting their lives in the line for the good of their country with full knowledge of the fact.

I watched Terry as he talked animatedly with everyone. Sometimes he would catch me watching him. And invariably my core would tighten at the prospect of the moments to come.  They will be memorable. I could count on him...

Breakfast was joyful moment. An interesting experience also: I ate sausages and eggs at 7:30 in the morning washed with tea with milk. You see, I'm more a croissant and espresso person but you could be surprised of what you're able to eat when you're starving!

We left the team several minutes after, not until we had greeted and hugged everyone who had been involved in this big adventure. Chris took me apart and said that the video tape was being sent directly to Dino this very day. He couldn't take the risk of handing it to me because he knew Terry might be tempted to destroy it. I kissed Chris twice on the cheeks like we do in Paris.

"It's been such a pleasure to meet you, Chris, and thank you so much again. From the bottom of my heart. Terry and I both appreciated very much what you did for us. And I learned my lesson, you know. Next time I want to play a trick on Terry, I'll have to be extra careful and we'll need to meet before to avoid any silly mistake that could give us away!"

He kissed my hand reverently. Terry and I drove away from the base in the rental car. Promises had been exchanged that we would me again and soon.

Not a word was exchanged during the trip to the hotel. Each of us lost into its own memories of the special moments we had shared. I thought about the unexpected turn of event the night had brought, the pain I had felt when Terry had been manhandled and the surprising episode in the shower.

My goodness! That thought alone could make me come.

Terry had returned to his civilian clothes but I have to admit that the way he had looked in combats had been a real turn on for me. It had been the very first time I had seen him in a uniform. He once told me that he was now a white collar guy. That the risky missions were in the past. That the most dangerous mission he accepted these days was to be Uma's cooking guinea pig. If you think he's kidding, well you haven't been invited to her place yet. You wouldn't be laughing, believe me...

But I digress from the subject. Terry. Uniform.

I was deep into my fantasy when he pulled in the parking lot. He snapped his fingers in front of my eyes to catch my attention.

"Our room's waiting. Hurry."

The luggage was pulled out of the trunk by a very impatient Terry before I even had the time to step out of the car.  I had to run behind him to keep up. The next moment, we were inside our room. The door locked, the "do not disturb" sign hanging, him behind me, his hands on my hips, his mouth on my ear.

His voice came out harsh and husky "You've been a very naughty girl, Gaia..."

Sensuously his lips nipped the place that he knew would fire me instantly. Just under my ear, near my nape. He didn't need to do it, really. My senses were already on fire.

I leaned on him and turned my head up in submission. He pushed my hair aside, baring my neck completely. His erection pressed against my backside; it felt like heaven.

I wriggled, caressing his cock languorously with my buttocks.

"Don't say it wasn't fun!" I teased him with a broken voice.

"Oh, it was fun. And it's only beginning, luv. You packed enough sex toys to open a fucking high-class brothel in Australia's biggest cities" he untied the knot of my cache-coeur on my left hip in a quick motion. I gasped when he started fondling my nipples. Due to the position, I was unable to touch him. And that frustrated me beyond reason.

"I wondered...which toy where you planning to use on me first?" he teased me with his tongue into my ear. One hand left my breast and trailed down to my sex. Too taken by the assault he was making on my senses, I couldn't answer.

"The cuffs?" he went on.

I shook my head.

"The heads up kit?"

He groaned when his fingers found my folds dripping, my clit swollen. I gasped.

I shook my head again.

"Hum...certainly not the bondage strip..."

Again, I shook my head no.

"Tell me now, or I shall torture you until you beg for mercy..." he bit my ear lobe, tormenting me more if possible.

I turned in his arms. His eyes were the color of the rough sea before a storm. A friend once told me that she believed the eyes were the window of the soul. It couldn't be truer in Terry's case. Now that I knew him better, there were certain feelings I could read into his eyes also he thought he could hide them from me. Deep care, tenderness, jealousy or lust.

"It never crossed my mind to ever use that kind of toys on you, Terry. One look from you and my core quivers. You'll never need to use any artifice to make me want you..."

When his lips took mine, I could feel that my words had touched him deeply. But I also could tell this was not the kind of answer he was waiting for.

"Tell me what you want, Terry...I can be any women," I panted against his lips. A flicker of dark passion passed through his eyes. His body tensed and he deepened his kiss.

In a breath, my pants were on my ankles. He firmly gripped my buttocks and ground himself against my belly. Lifting me off the ground, Terry carried me toward the huge canopy bed where he dropped me unceremoniously. He tore his clothes and advanced near the edge of the bed like a wolf advancing on his prey. I wanted to be his prey. At his mercy. I wanted him to eat me alive. I wanted to melt into him. Be one with him. Inside of me, I just knew he wanted to be the wolf. He wanted me to be the prey.

I raised my hands above my head and spread my legs in a silent invitation. 

My body said "Take me".

My soul said "I'm yours."

My heart said "I love you."

He crawled up on the bed, covering me with his sumptuous body. He held himself up on his arms, maneuvering himself around until his cock was solidly pressed against my core. Without waiting or hesitation, he entered me in one swift motion. I climaxed before he was all the way hilted. He momentarily let me catch my breath before driving restlessly into me, thrusting, grunting, his hands pinning me to the mattress, seeking for his own release. We both came at the same time in a blissful explosion.

I remember every second of the glorious hours we spent in this hotel room in Melbourne. 

We shared more than sex. 

We shared our fantasies, our hopes, our fears and plans for the future.

January 17th was a big day for Terry and me. The weather was perfect to attend Roger Federer's first match at the Australia Open: sunny and hot.  I had seen many tennis matches on TV but never in real and certainly not one where the N° 1 player at the ATP Champion Race Position played! I was a huge fan of Roger Federer. He was a gentleman on the court, a sweetheart with his fans, and a very humble man with a huge sense of humor. Once he said in an interview I read a few days ago: "A friend offered me $10 for every match I win 7:6 in the third set; it was too little, so I didn't accept it. But then he raised it to $20 and I couldn't refuse." See? I told you.

It was clear that Terry had pulled a few strings to get the VIP tickets he had offered me for Christmas. We had a wonderful view on the court and when the match started I watched the crowd loudly cheer for Roger. 'Win the crowd!' These words reverberated inside my head. Other times, other games. But yes, Federer had definitely won the crowd.

Evidently Federer easily won against Santoro in a little bit more than an hour and a half, for the greatest joy of the crowd who came to see the Swiss man. But poor Fabrice Santoro. He didn't stand a chance. During the match he frequently shook his head in appreciation as Federer passed him with a flow of winners.

But I wasn't at the end of my surprises. When the game was over, Federer walloped two spare balls into the overexcited crowd. Believe or not, Terry caught the first one. And believe or not, nobody tried to take it from him after the threatening stare he threw around him at the attention of the greedy faced people surrounding us.

"Come." He pushed me toward the exit, his hand on my lower back. And when he found the quiet place he was looking for he handed me the ball.

"That's for you. A souvenir."

I literally melted. He is so good-hearted and touching. And the best part of it? He is my man.

You know me, I made a point of thanking him the best way I could in a public place...

"It's not finished yet, come with me," he took my hand and led me into the backstage of the stadium. Every time we would meet a security guard blocking a door or a passage, Terry would flash a badge that would allow us to pursue into the labyrinth of alleys, corridors and locker rooms. When the last door was pushed, we found ourselves in what it seemed an interview room, filled with photographs, journalists, cameras and microphones.

I was mesmerized, glued to the floor. Roger Federer was in front of us, answering the torrent of questions that was thrown at him. Simply, quietly and with a natural grace that floored everyone present at this press conference. He thanked every one and finally rose to leave.

As he was being escorted toward a discreet door on the left side of the stage he scanned the room and noticed someone he knew standing right behind us. My heart stopped. No, that couldn't be. Roger Federer wasn't looking behind us, he was looking AT Terry! OH MY GOD! The tennis man briefly spoke to his coach and made a gesture to follow him. I was dead and gone straight to heaven. "That can't be, that can't be," I kept repeating to myself. Next thing, we were in front of him, Terry and Roger were clasping their backs in a virile gesture...

"Hey Terry! You came! It's always such a pleasure to see you again after all these years," 

"Wouldn't want to miss your first match here for all the gold in the world, Roger! Thanks for the invitations...Oh...Roger? This is Gaia. The French woman I told you about. Gaia, Roger..."

Roger Federer (THE GREATEST TENNIS PLAYER ON EARTH - OH MY GOD!!!) extended his hand and I took it in an automatic way. He was here; I was touching his hand; Smiling like an idiot.

"Oh, bonjour Gaia. C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer."

"Euhhhh...moi aussi." My mouth was dry, my brain empty, my hand wet..."Gaia?" Terry interrupted my reverie "Give him the ball."

"What?" I will hate myself for months to have acted so pathetically...

"Your souvenir...the tennis ball, remember? Give it to him." Terry insisted.

"Oh!!! Yes...I'm sorry..." I fumbled inside my backpack and gave it to him. He signed it and returned it to me.

"Terry, let's not wait another 5 years before we see each other again, right? I will be in Wimbledon next June...maybe we could share a pint together sometimes? What do you say?" Roger's coach approached and whispered something.

"That would be great, Roger. I'm looking forward to it. And Roger, great match!"

"Thanks Terry. And don't forget, you owe me 120 bucks! I'm sorry, I have to flee. Sponsors, you know..."

"Of course. Take care and see ya soon..."

When I came back inside my body - how to explain such a dumb behavior otherwise? - I turned to Terry.

"You know ROGER FEDERER and you never told me? How is that possible?" I inquired.

"There are so many things you still don't know about me, Gaia," he chuckled at my utterly shocked expression "It's a long and thrilling story. I'll tell it...but only if you're a good girl..."

During the drive back to the hotel he recognized that his greatest pleasure had been to watch the exaltation, enthusiasm and true happiness I had felt during that day.

"Your pleasure is my pleasure," he said to me then. Everything is said, don't you think? And that's why I love him so much. 

Now back at my home, I know I'll remember that trip to Australia like a moment out of time. And it appears, now that work has caught up with us, that Terry added one more gift to the trip: he gave me the freedom to be any woman with him.