Sorry for the last chapter, my muse seems to have disappeared again, or at least been buried under all the university work I have to do. Tell me what you think. I have just realised I can't do romance at all.

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Brennan paced in the Sanctuary living room (seating area?). He was all dressed up to go out, but his heart was just not in it. He kept thinking about the 'conversation' he had had with Shalimar. No matter how hard he tried, he kept thinking of what she had said.

Brennan growled, he was going to break something if he didn't stop thinking about it . . . *~ Emma . . . NO. ~*

*~ I am going to kill him, tear him into little pieces if he so much as looks at Emma. ~*

Somehow, and Brennan didn't want to closely examine why, it was easier thinking about Edward than about Emma. It was easier thinking about Edward and Emma than about his relationship with her. Brennan was spoiling for a fight, and he was hoping that Edward would give it to him. He had been waiting for an opportunity to hit that bastard.

"Where is everyone?" Emma's voice interrupted his murderous thoughts. Brennan whirled around and the words he had planned to use just died in his throat. In fact, all coherent thoughts just flew out his head.

"So where is everyone?" Emma repeated. "Brennan, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Wha? I guess they should be coming soon." Brennan continued to stare at Emma. This was not the Emma he was used to seeing; this woman in front of him was a stronger - a compelling, sensual stranger.

Brennan could not take his eyes off Emma, she looked stunning in that black dress of hers. "New dress?" he asked as his eyes travelled slowly up her body.

"Yes, well I've never worn it before. Do you like it?" Emma deliberately turned around - oh so slowly, to let Brennan get a good look at the dress.

Brennan's jaw dropped open and he was having trouble breathing. He swallowed; finding it very difficult to tear his eyes of the enticing amount of flesh he could see before him. His fingers literally itched to touch Emma. He wondered if her skin was as soft as it looked.

He wanted to run his fingers down her bare arms and across that fascinating pattern on her back. He wanted to run his mouth down her neck, right down to that enticing little shadow between her breasts.

*~ Whoa, what's happening? ~* Brennan shook his head, desperately trying to clear it.

Emma watched Brennan stare at her. He made her feel beautiful. She wanted to be closer to him, wanted him to be nearer to her. She took a small step forward and smiled up at him.

Brennan's eyes darkened; did Emma understand how . . . desirable she looked right now? *~ She can't. She's too innocent. ~*

Emma took another step forward, she was so close to him - too close. Brennan could smell her perfume now and it was making him feel dizzy. He closed his eyes, he had to make this stop somehow.

Bad idea, very bad idea. He felt Emma's soft hand touch his forehead gently. "Are you all right Brennan? You seem very flushed right now." Her voice was low, concerned - seductive.

"Yeah, I am fine." *~ But I won't be if you come any closer. ~* Brennan clenched his fists, if he was not careful, he was going to haul Emma into his arms . . . *~ and kiss her senseless. ~*

"Are you sure?" Emma's voice became slightly husky. She had heard Brennan, loud and clear. She looked at him, captivated by the rise and fall of his chest. She could see his arm muscles strain under the tight control Brennan kept on them.

Gently, and ever so leisurely, she ran her fingers over his arms. "Relax, Brennan. You're so tense. That can't be good for you." She used this opportunity to come even closer to him.

Brennan eyes flew open; he was sure that he heard a teasing note in Emma's voice. He looked at her; completely shocked to see a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. *~ So she thinks this is funny does she? I am doing all I can to stop myself from scaring her and all she can do is laugh at me?! ~*

Brennan watched mesmerised as Emma leaned in ever so slightly. He could fell her breath fan his hot face, her fingers gently traced the line of his jaw. Her eyes mocked him. *~ So you want to play do you? Well so be it. ~*

Emma's eyes widened as she saw Brennan smile back at her. Actually, it was too fierce to be a smile. She instinctively took a step back; maybe she had pushed him too far. *~ I shouldn't have worn this dress. What was I thinking?! ~*

"I think I will go look for the others." Emma hurriedly said, getting a bit nervous. *~What have I gotten myself into? ~*

Brennan's expressions had become even more . . . hungry. His eyes raked her, over her hips, her small waist. His eyes followed the swell of her breast and stopped at her soft mouth. They remained fixated on her mouth, watching as Emma struggled to breathe normally.

Emma gulped, she was losing control of this game very quickly. She didn't like it, she was supposed to be in control here! She WAS in control here! Determinedly she turned around.

"Not this time; I am not letting you run away from me again." Brennan's voice was a rough whisper. Before Emma could do or say anything, he had pulled her into his arms.

Emma gasped as she felt his arms encircle her waist. She looked at him, and lost herself in his eyes. They seared her, melting her insides until she was unsure if she could stand unaided. She tried to step back and take the initiative once again.

Brennan smirked, 'We're going to finish this Emma." Before she could say anything, think anything, he kissed her.

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