The impact didn't hurt, but it startled her, and she starts to push away from the wall when Brent grabs her arm, roughly pushing her against it again. He starts screaming at her, his finger and nose in her face. "Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again, Jules!" he threatens as Shadrack and another suspected handler round the corner. He grabs her arm, jerking her towards him, "I'm sick of all your games. One minute you are all over me, then the next, you're flirting with some stranger."

Raina knows he's acting, but the anger in his voice and the firmness of his almost painful grip sends her senses reeling.

"Who's it going to be?" he yells before giving her a little shake. "Answer me!"

Raina doesn't know if she is supposed to actually answer or not, so she decides to try to pull away, the action feeling reasonable enough to her.

Her heart stops when Brent raises his hand to hit her, and she turns away from the threat of the back of his hand, instinctively bracing herself.

"What's going on here?" Shadrack demands.

Brent spins around, letting Raina go as he pretends to just notice Shadrack's presence. He agitatedly runs his hand through his hair, grabbing Raina again, pulling her close to him. "Sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. We're just working out a private issue. We'll take it outside."

The act went over convincingly enough as Shadrack angrily waves them on, grabbing Brent's arm on the way out, pulling him to the side. "Caleb, whatever you two have going on, I really couldn't care less, but don't let it affect the show," he warns. "Work it out, and don't be leaving bruises on her where the customers can see them, it's bad for business."

Brent nods, wanting to break the apathetic ring leader's nose. "We'll work it out."

"You better. I don't want to see you in this area again, it's restricted. I'll let it slide this time since you're new, but there won't be any more warnings."

"It won't happen again."

Brent keeps his firm grasp on Raina's arm until they are outside and in the car. "You alright, Raina? I didn't mean to scare you back there," he asks her, concerned about the fear in her eyes that he's sure looked too real to be an act. Disgust shoots through him at the thought that he may have accidentally harmed her in the charade, "Please tell me that I didn't hurt you."

She shakes her head before turning away from him. "You told me to play along," she mumbles, looking out the window, trying to push the flashbacks of the recent beating from her father out of her head.

Brent cranks the car, a sickening feeling starting to creep through him. He thinks of what he heard her say on the phone the other night, then tries to push the thought away, telling himself he's over thinking it, that he just caught her off guard, but he has a nagging feeling she's experienced a man's wrath before. He hopes the wrath isn't Pierce's.

Brent unlocks the door, glancing at Raina as she steps inside, "You sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," she smiles, hoping the transmitter gets them what they need so they can take down the traffickers, and so she can go home to Kas.

Brent stirs, his eyes opening quickly. All his senses are on alert as he lies motionless, listening for what awakened him. He hears it again, Raina's quiet whimper causes his pulse to quicken. He jumps out of bed, his heart racing as he grabs his gun, rushing to her room. He lowers the weapon when he realizes there's no imminent threat. Placing the gun on the dresser, he sits on the side of Raina's bed. He watches her for a moment, his eyes drinking in her silky, auburn hair and her creamy ivory skin as she sleeps. His heart longs for her, and his body recklessly needs her touch. He softly traces his finger down her cheek, closing his eyes and berating himself for coming dangerously close to crossing a line. He starts to leave when he hears another whimper escape her lips, and her body jerks. Gently, he shakes her arm to awaken her from her nightmare.

She catches him off guard when she jerks away from his touch, uttering something he doesn't quite catch as she jerks upright in bed. He doesn't miss how she looks like she's ready to tear into someone as her startled eyes meet his.

"Easy, honey," he coaxes, holding up his hands, not wanting to frighten her.

"I'm sorry," she mumbles breathlessly.

"That must have been one h.e.l.l of a nightmare," he says gently, taking in her slightly trembling hands.

Following his gaze, she shoves her hands under the blanket. Her eyes drops, "I didn't mean to wake you."

"You want some water or something?" he offers, desperately wanting to take her in his arms and comfort her, but realizing that would be a very, very bad idea.

"No, I'm fine, thanks." Raina smiles again, trying to a.s.sure him.

Hesitantly, he leaves her bed, "Alright, if you're sure." He turns back to her when he reaches her bedroom door, "I'm right here if you need me," he tells her pointedly, "for anything." He gives her one last worried glance, not at all liking all of the signs pointing to something dark in her life.

Brent is awakened again a couple of hours later. He rubs his eyes, inwardly groaning when he sees it's only 2:00 a.m.

"We've got him!"

He's wide awake at Michael's statement, he throws on his jeans as he listens to his boss telling him that there is a meeting going on right now, and the transmitter is picking up all their dirty plans for a group of girls they apparently have stashed away nearby. "I'll meet you in fifteen," he confirms, b.u.t.toning his shirt on the way out the door, quickly sending Raina a text of what is going on if he's not back by the time she gets up.

Four and half hours later, he slips through the door, dog tired, but extremely relieved they finally took down the elusive ring that has been quickly growing over the past several months. He checks on Raina, happy to see her peacefully sleeping, before falling on top of his bed, sleep finally welcoming him.

His affliction from the disturbing doubts of Pierce's possible treatment of Raina ease when he sees how her eyes light up when he tells her that they have the traffickers in custody, and she can go home. Despite his abated concern, his heart is searing with the thoughts of her leaving. He offers to take her back to D.C., making excuses of wanting to personally debrief with Dexter just so he can be with her a little longer.

He second guesses his sanity, thinking he was just seeing things in her behavior the closer they get to Washington and the happier she seems. "Easy, girl. You look like you're going to bust over there," he teases, outwardly laughing at her huge grin when he pulls into the parking deck, but his heart dying a little more.

"I might, if you don't hurry and get this car stopped," she reb.u.t.tals, playfully punching him on the arm.

He rubs his shoulder, "Alright, no need for violence, I'm getting you back to your man as quickly as I can." A pain stabs him, wishing circ.u.mstances were different, and he was the one she was so happy to return to.

Kas is waiting on them as they walk to the elevator, and he grabs Raina in his arms when she rushes to him. "I've missed you, darlin'," he whispers in her ear, pulling her tightly against him.

"I've missed you, too." She kisses him, making herself keep it tame, not wanting to be an exhibition. Being good is so hard, especially when she feels his increasing bulge pressing against her stomach.

Kas has a hard time tearing his eyes away from his beautiful wife who is back to her lovely, natural beauty. "You guys did an outstanding job. Michael told me you dismantled the largest trafficking ring found in Jersey so far."

"We couldn't have done it without Raina," he states truthfully, making sure not to look at her, knowing Kas' skills at reading people. He doesn't think there will be too much of a concern with him picking up on his wayward feelings with Kas' attention being focused solely on his wife.

"I'm going to go debrief with your boss," he mumbles quickly, not able to watch their reunion.

Brent is walking to the elevator when Kas calls after him, telling him Dexter won't be back until the morning. He hangs his head, needing to get as far away from Raina as possible to try to get her out of his head, especially after seeing her with Kas. "What time does he usually arrive?"

"He should be here by 8:00 in the morning," Kas answers, throwing his arm around Raina, pulling her closer to him as they join Brent at the elevator.

"I will find a room and come by in the morning then."

"You can stay with us," Raina offers.

"No!" Brent answers too quickly, and Kas glances his way. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm beat. I'm going to go to the nearest hotel and crash, thanks though," he recovers, careful to walk away before he gives away his obvious hesitation to share a house with the two love birds who he's positive will be up all night getting reacquainted.

"We'll see you in the morning, then," Raina tells him, giving him a quick hug.

Brent tenses at her touch, and he catches Kas' brief questioning gaze before Raina lets go, wrapping her arms around Kas' waist. He throws his hand up and heads towards his car, his emotions errantly running rampant.

Kas slips his hand over Raina's as he pulls her into the elevator, his eyes promising a night to remember. He covers her mouth with his as soon as the elevator doors are shut, leaving them both breathless as he pulls away, and the doors open on the fourth floor.

"Great job, super star," Austin praises, giving her a high five and a hug as they walk into Kas' office.

Raina blushes shyly, "Thanks."

Kas grabs his keys. "I'm heading home a little early today. Call if you need anything," he tells his team over his shoulder before stopping and turning around, "on second thought, no, don't."

Frank, Austin, Jake, and Russo laugh, knowing exactly what their boss will be doing, and Raina's face flames a deep scarlet.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR.

Kas kisses Raina's naked shoulder, "Wake up, sweetheart."

"Mmmm, do I have to?"

"Yes. I've missed making breakfast with you," he whispers in her ear, "it just doesn't taste the same."

Her smile spreads across her face, and Kas brushes his lips against hers before sliding her out of bed. "Hop in the shower, baby."

He finishes drying off and dresses while she showers, heading into the kitchen. The timing of the raid they've been working on the past week couldn't be worse. His having to be away from her this evening eats at him. He wants to be with her every minute he can, now that she's finally back. Raina had understood the reasons why he can't when he had told her about the raid last night. Her phone rings as he takes the eggs and bacon out of the fridge. He cracks open an egg, then quickly throws the sh.e.l.l in the trash, heading into the bedroom when he doesn't hear her talking.

Raina's face is ghastly white when he steps into the room, and he takes the phone from her hand, his eyes full of fire. "Leave Raina alone, Sutton, or I swear, I will end you!" he growls into the phone, the intent behind his threat perfectly clear.

There is deathly silence on the other end, and Kas throws the phone, smashing it against the wall. Raina jumps as the phone falls to pieces on the floor. He grabs his cell and dials Pete, demanding the phone be found within the hour, or he's tearing the prison apart himself. He slams his phone closed, turning back towards Raina, quickly wrapping his arms around her.

She sinks into his warmth, Chris' one word chilling her to the bone. She closes her eyes, his threat, 'Soon', rings in her head. She knows she should tell Kas what Chris said, but she decides to wait for a while after seeing him full of fury mere seconds ago.

Chris laughs cruelly as he hangs up, thinking how lucky he was to be able to rattle both of them on his last call to his Raina. He knows Pierce will do whatever is necessary to locate the phone he has had so much fun with. He hates to give it up, desperately needing to continue hearing Raina's sweet voice, but he can't risk it being found and him having to stay one minute longer in this forsaken place. He tosses the plastic wrap into the trash, knowing he can't hide the phone in the sink pipe any longer. They will eventually find it, tracking the time of the call to him being in anger management cla.s.ses. Sliding the evidence inside his sleeve, he looks at his reflection in the shatterproof mirror, making sure his face has just the right amount of repentance and grief as he steps back into the small prison meeting room, pulling off his act deviously well, even managing a teary sheen in his eyes as the psychologist tells him what a wonderful breakthrough he has had in the last few sessions.

Chris promises to practice the techniques they worked on today, and to reflect on how his childhood has played a part in what he did to Raina. He almost laughs when the doctor puts his hand rea.s.suringly on his shoulder, telling him that he can overcome his traumatic experiences. A grin spreads across his lips as he steps into the hall, actually feeling sorry for the poor imbecile and how he easily fell for his sob story. He swallows his desire to laugh as he thinks of how there is a hint of truth in what he told Dr. Ross, but isn't there always a sliver of truth to every lie?

He sees James walking down the hall right on time, and he forces himself to smile politely as he discreetly hands the phone to him as they pa.s.s, the guards at the end of the hall never seeing a thing as the evidence is being carried away by the schmuck who actually thinks has befriended him. Chris' jaw tightens, and he tries to comfort himself with the fact that he will be out in less than three months, and he will never have to see these pathetic people ever again. He finds a small solace in how, if there is anything good in this h.e.l.l-hole, it's their efficiency. The phone will be history once James hides it in the left over slop due to be thrown out in the trash that gets driven away in exactly eight minutes. A cruel smile curves the edges of his lips as he sees the warden walking towards him, four guards purposely following behind, and he is halted before being placed back into his cage.

Pete stops at the door, taking a deep breath before knocking, the realization of how his news is going to go over p.r.i.c.ks his nerves. He can only imagine the frustration Kas and Raina are feeling with actually experiencing the hara.s.sment first hand. His own frustration is boiling at not being able to find the proof to make the stalking stop. Kas opens his office door, closing it firmly behind Pete when he enters.

Pete gives a slight shake of his head, and Kas rakes his hands angrily through his hair, turning towards the window, forcing himself to calm down. Raina wraps her arms around her knees as she sits in the chair in the far corner, her gaze averting away from the fury blazing in her enraged husband's eyes.

"How is that possible?" Kas asks, doing his best to keep the anger out of his voice, failing miserably at his attempt.

"I don't know. They have torn his cell apart as well as the room where he has his anger management cla.s.ses. The only odd thing found was a crumpled piece of plastic."

"Where did you find the plastic?"

"The bathroom in the meeting room."

Kas turns back towards the window, his mind working overtime. "Is there an air conditioner, or a vent in the bathroom?"

"No."

He remains quiet as he thinks of all the possible hiding places. "Was the plastic wet?"

"A little, but there was a wet paper towel on top of it."

"Have them check the plumbing."

Pete calls the warden, requesting the pipes be checked. The minutes drag by while they wait. Kas carefully studies Pete while he speaks with the warden again.

"There was no phone, but the sink pipe was loose."

Kas runs his hand roughly across his face, "That has to be where he has been hiding it."

"They are going to have a guard with him at all times when he's not in his cell, even right outside the door during his meetings with Dr. Ross. He will be accompanied when he uses the bathroom in the meeting room."

"Good."

"You said you threatened him this morning on the phone. Did he respond at all?"

"No, he's never said anything."

Raina shifts in her seat, and Kas sees the flash of guilt in her eyes before she drops her gaze. "What is it, Raina?"

She shakes her head, not wanting to have this argument in front of Pete, but his gaze doesn't leave room for her to opt out right now. "This morning was the first time he said anything. All of the other times he just listened, never saying a word."

The look in Kas' eyes lets her know they will be discussing this as soon as Pete leaves, and she is tempted to invite Pete to move in with them.

"What did he say?" Pete asks.

"Soon." Raina chews on her bottom lip, "That's all he said."

Pete promises to continue to stay on top of Chris as Kas shakes his hand, walking him to the door. Raina subconsciously pulls her knees tighter into her when Kas turns around, anger and hurt apparent in his eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me, Raina?" his voice is quiet, making her guilt a much stronger dose than if he yelled at her.

She shrugs, looking away.

"That's not an acceptable answer," Kas informs her, pulling a chair next to hers. "Talk to me."

Hesitant jade eyes meet his molten chocolate stare, demanding an answer. "You were so angry," she whispers.

"Of course I was angry, Rain. Chris is s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g with you, and I don't take that lightly." He softens his tone, "Were you going to tell me?"

"Yes."

"When?"

The answer is another small shrug of her shoulders, and Kas stands up, not wanting to fuss at her, not with everything she is going through, but needing her to understand that she can't keep things from him. He's getting ready to take her hand and pull her into his arms to hold her before talking with her any further about this, but a knock on his door interrupts him.

"Hey, do you know if Dexter has time to talk with me now?" Brent asks, peeking his head in the door. His gaze shifts to Raina in the corner when he sees Kas' agitation. He takes in her defensive position and her expression before she quickly stands up, her face becoming neutral in a split second.

"He never makes any appointments this early, so he should be in his office," Raina offers, happy to have a reason to leave the discussion behind for a while, "I'll walk you there on my way to the archives."

Kas shakes his head, not able to repress a small smile at his wife's bottomless resourcefulness at avoiding confrontation. Worry emanates from him as he watches her leave, wishing he knew what to do to make all of this go away.