He stormed into the room, the door was unlocked. Rushing in, he saw her laying on the couch, she was asleep, the music player was on. Her head moved from one side to another, she appeared to be having a nightmare, he could see tears in the corners of her eyes and on her cheeks, her golden hair was spread on the back of her head. She looked frightened and he had to wake her up.  “Doc,” he said, sitting next to her, he gently touched her shoulder, she jumped at his touch “don’t touch me!” Her yell caught him off guard but then he knew what she was dreaming about. It was Stefano. “ Doc, Doc, hey, it’s me, it’s John… it’s all right, it’s over, he’s not gonna hurt you anymore” he grabbed her shoulders, looking into her eyes, he could see that she’s starting to understand what’s going on.

She pulled from him, still shaking “ Oh John..what are you doing here?” She was embarrassed he found her in that state. “ I’m sorry for barging in on you like this, I was waiting for the elevator when I heard you scream, I didn’t even know you’re working tonight. What are you doing here so late?” They both stood up. She fixed her skirt “ hmmm, they needed help and I was free.. besides.. I can hardly sleep at all these days“ she stopped. Realizing that she was giving too much away, she didn’t want him to know that she’s been having a difficult time falling asleep since that horrific night. She didn’t want him to know that she can’t talk to Roman. She didn’t, but he did. He knew her so well. He could see her hands curled up into fists, he got closer to her “Marlena. I’ve been meaning to call you.. I wanted to give you space, to let you work things out with Roman.. “ she lifted her eyes to look at him, she noticed he shaved that long beard off, he looked so good. Only a few scratches remained by the side of his neck “ I know” she whispered, swallowing hard “I just.. I can’t keep on living like this…” leaning on the desk behind her, she continued “ I must heal.. I need to work this thing out... I just need time you know..”.

He nodded, putting his hands into his pockets

“ you can always talk to me, you know that Doc..and I know you feel like Roman can’t aid you.. but you can tell him how you feel, he might be-“

“I can’t, I can’t “ she turned her back to him “ I just feel so alone.. I’m scared.. I’m scared and the memories keep haunting me, I keep hearing his words, feeling his h-hands… hi-his lips.. “ she took a deep breath of air in, before each word, having a hard time putting her memories into sentences, he didn’t talk, she needed to let it out “ I can still feel him, I can still feel that dreadful belt around my… w-wrists..” she closed her eyes, tears falling to her cheeks and dying on her lips. He came closer, she could feel his hot intoxicating smell on her nape. “ I must concentrate on healing.. I must..” she bowed her head and he inhaled deeply, he was so close to her, her smell was divine, he had missed her, he felt so guilty for not being able to stop the madness that was that night.

“I want to help you heal Marlena “ a shiver ran through her body.. that moment a slow 60’s soul tune began playing ( “Cry to me” by solomon burke) she turned to face him, not saying a word, he wiped her wet cheeks, she closed her eyes, inhaling his touch. Opening them, she gazed straight into his eyes, her mouth fell open. He wanted to ask, wanted to make sure, but this was not a time for words. Slowly he put his mouth to hers, she returned his kiss, slowly, their lips nearly hovering on top of each other. His hands moved to caress her cheek, her collarbone. With one heavy breath, he deepened the kiss, pressing her body closer to him. It felt so right, nothing mattered that moment. His tongue probed her mouth, while his hands held the back of her head. Leaving her mouth, he caught her eyes and locked on them again, sending his hands to her blouse, undoing each button.

She didn’t move, she needed him, her eyes never leaving his. He lowered the fabric and it fell on the desk behind her. She arched her back when he lowered his lips to leave a trail of open mouth kisses on her neck, between her perfect breasts. He unhooked her bra, letting it drop to the floor.

How he had missed these breasts. Holding her waist, he quickly sat her on her desk, she let out a surprised groan. His mouth made his way toward her full breasts and took one nipple in, sucking it hard before starting licking it gently, she sighed loudly, “John …” it felt so good. How she missed his touch. He bit her neck on his way up to look at her face, her eyes were smoldering and he recognized this look. Still staring into her hazel orbs, he sent his big hands to caressed her knees up until her hips, before she knew it, he spread her legs with one quick motion, her tight skirt ripped open and his action caused her to gasp. “ I need you” was all she said before she could feel his right hand going up her inner thigh, she opened her mouth to breath out when his lips came crashing back into her with a scorching kiss. His fingers found her lacy undergarment and pulled it out, it was black and it made him smile. His fingers came next, she lowered herself to lay on her elbows. She was so wet, aching for his touch, it has been so long since she felt like this.. he insert another finger and her head fell to the back, moaning “look at me” he whispered and she obeyed.

She could see his two fingers inside of her, it drove her mad, his mouth followed, all she could do was look at his action and what he did to her body. His tongue licked between her shaved lips and the feeling almost drove her off the edge. He was always so good at this, he knew her body so well and knew just what she needed, what she so hungrily craved. The sensation was intoxicating and she felt his probing taught bringing her to the rim of ecstasy, closing her eyes again with pure pleasure. He stopped and she let out a heavy frustrated sigh “ Joh-“

“Look at me,” he said, almost sounding like a question, his voice was low. She did. She fought so hard to keep her eyes open while she watched him ravaging her, the way she always loved.

Her ragged moans let him know, she’s near. He knew they couldn’t risk anyone hearing her. He sent his hands to her open mouth and she grabbed his index finger to her mouth and started to suck on it. Then it happened, she could feel a hot wave running through her body and she came hard against his mouth, shuddering,  her eyes fell to the back of her head and she moaned into his finger.