Private Take Me Home Tonight

[Dean Walker]

Dean's grin widened into a full-on wolfish smirk as Katarine kicked off her second boot, the playful fire in his stormy gray eyes sparking brighter. "Oh, I'm definitely loving this," he said, his voice low and teasing. He leaned forward slightly, propping his chin on his hand as he watched her shuffle the cards.

"But now I've got to ask… which piece comes off next if I win another round?" His brow arched with amusement, his tone as mischievous as ever.

"Socks don't count."

The game continued, and Dean played his hand with confidence, leaning back in his chair as he revealed his cards. His smirk faltered when Katarine laid her hand down with a flourish — a perfect hand, effortlessly trumping his.

He let out a long, exaggerated sigh, running a hand through his dark hair. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, though his grin crept back almost instantly.

"Alright, Mrs. Smith," he said, leaning forward with mock resignation. "Your move. Ask your question, or..." He gestured to himself with a sweep of his hand, his stormy gray eyes twinkling with humor. "Pick a piece of clothing to come off. The choice is yours."

The playful tension crackled in the air between them as he waited, clearly enjoying himself despite the loss.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I said, Just like Ronnie sang​

Tags: Dean Walker

"Socks don't count."

Oh it was going to like that was it? She narrowed her eyes at him in a challenging way and smirked. "Keep dreaming slick." Katarine giggled at his display of disbelief at her perfect hand. Lady luck was bouncing between them today and it made the game all that more enjoyable. When he gave her the option of a question or an item of clothing she smiled in triumph. She knew she'd get that boot if she wanted it, though now that she had the choice she had bigger game in mind.

"I'll be taking those pants then Mr. Smith. Try not to get too cold sitting in your underwear." She grinned at him and shuffled the cards with an impish teasing gesture as she placed the next hand slowly on the table, deliberately slow and calculated as she waited for him to comply with her demand.

 

[Dean Walker]

(post to roll)

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean's smugness deepened when Katarine narrowed her eyes at him, the challenging spark in her gaze only fueling his amusement.

But then she made her demand.

When the words left her lips — "I'll be taking those pants then, Mr. Smith" — Dean's stormy gray eyes widened slightly, and a faint flush crept up the back of his neck. For the briefest moment, he looked caught off guard, but then, of course, his grin returned, sharper and more mischievous than ever.

"Well," he said smoothly, leaning back in his chair with an air of mock innocence, "You know what you like to see." He gave her a teasing wink, his tone carrying just enough heat to try and turn the tables on her, making her blush.

Then, standing up with deliberate slowness, Dean reached for the waistband of his pants. His gaze never left hers as he slipped his thumbs beneath the fabric and began pulling them down, revealing toned legs and snug, dark boxer briefs beneath. With the same casual cool, he folded his pants and tossed them to the side before glancing down at her, his grin firmly in place.

"Hope you're enjoying the view, Mrs. Smith," he murmured, lowering himself back into his chair slowly, the intensity of his gaze daring her to look away.

The game continued, and Katarine's expression shifted as she glanced at her cards. She grimaced. Dean leaned forward with a laugh, eager to reveal his own hand — only to immediately falter. His cards were even worse than hers.

"Fuck," he groaned, dragging a hand down his face while Katarine smirked in triumph, "You're not using the Force are you?" he asked with a grin.

"Go on," he said with mock resignation, spreading his arms out like he was surrendering to his fate. "Ask away, Mrs. Smith."

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Be my little baby​

Tags: Dean Walker

Katarine smiled evilly as he slid his pants off and folded them. When he'd tossed them aside she wolf whistled at him, teasing him as he sat back down. Her own cheeks were pink with blush at the daring of the game. This certainly wasn't something Katarine was used to doing. She wondered what Valery would say if she knew about this assignment. They were all just pawns in the Grandmaster's game it seemed.

His next hand was abysmal and she actually laughed as he sat it down and cursed. "I hope you don't investigate as badly as you play cards or you might get us both killed." She teased him and shook her head, thoroughly enjoying his loss.

He spread his arms like he was surrendering to his fate and she grinned. He even asked if she was using the Force which made her chuckle. Luck was just on her side today it seemed.

"Tell me then Dean... how are you hopping this game is going to end?"

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean's stormy gray eyes widened slightly at Katarine's teasing whistle, the faintest blush creeping up his neck, but he didn't look away. Her laughter, light and full of mischief, only fueled his smirk, even as he feigned indignation at her jab.

"I hope you don't investigate as badly as you play cards, or you might get us both killed."

"Ouch," he replied, clutching his chest dramatically like her words were a mortal blow. "Now that's just mean, Mrs. Smith."

But when she leaned forward, her grin wicked and her voice low as she asked her next question — "How are you hoping this game is going to end?" — Dean's playful demeanor shifted. The blush on his cheeks deepened as her words hung in the air, the tension between them sparking like a live wire.

He held her gaze for a moment, his smirk faltering just enough to show her the crack in his armor. Finally, he let out a slow breath, running a hand through his dark hair in a gesture that was as much to steady himself as it was to stall.

"Honestly?" he asked, his voice lower now, laced with something far more serious than their usual banter. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table, and his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that left no room for misinterpretation.

"With you up against that wall," he said, his voice smooth but edged with raw honesty, "and have those lips of yours for me to claim."

For a moment, the words just hung there, heavy with unspoken desire. Dean's smirk returned, softer this time but no less daring, as he leaned back in his chair and spread his arms slightly in mock surrender. He knew this admission likely meant the end of the game one way or another, but her reaction would determine what he'd do next.

What they'd do next.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Baby, my darlin', uh, uh, oh, oh, oh​

Tags: Dean Walker

Things got intense for a moment at his admission. She felt her face flush as he locked on her eyes. Suddenly shy, she glanced down at the table, her hands fidgeting with the cards she was still holding. She could feel that his admission was a subtle end of the game they'd been playing, and a step in a very dangerous new direction. Her impishness had pushed her to get caught up in their card game, but now his raw lingering gaze was bringing out her insecurities and hesitation. The feelings were welling up, threatening to overflow and push her into the type of reckless behavior she'd promised herself she'd never engage in again.

Just as his running his hands through his hair was a gesture to calm himself, her use of sarcasm and wit was her own shield and she used it often in moments such as these. "I guess I got under your skin a little huh?" She teased him, but her eyes were guarded as she let the cards slip softly from her hands.

She got up from the table and walked a few paces towards the window, her soft socks silent as she turned her back on him. She glanced out the window at the mark they were supposed to be tailing. He hadn't moved much in the time spent playing the game but the outside of the hedonistic planet was ever changing. The sun was setting over the planet, casting a faint red glow into the room and igniting the nightlife the planet was famous for. Outside the temperature was dropping but in this hotel room there was a heat so intense that Katarine might just burn.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean watched as Katarine stood and walked to the window, her back to him, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a faint red hue across her silhouette. Her teasing words still hung in the air, but he could sense the tension beneath them, the guarded uncertainty that matched the heat burning inside him.

She was deflecting, using wit as a shield, but he wasn't about to let her retreat now. Not when the air between them was crackling with something far deeper than the playful banter they'd been trading all evening.

Without saying a word, Dean stood and crossed the room, his bare feet silent against the carpet. His stormy gray eyes stayed locked on her, studying the way she gripped the edge of the windowsill, her body tense but radiating warmth.

When he reached her, he gently wrapped a hand around the back of her neck, his touch firm but careful. The moment she felt his presence, she stiffened, but he didn't let go. He turned her around, their eyes locking once more. This time, there was no room for pretense, no playful jabs to hide behind.

Dean pulled her close, his free hand slipping around her waist, and leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was deep and unrelenting. He pressed her back gently but firmly against the window, the cool glass a stark contrast to the heat between them. For a moment, the world outside — the mission, the mark, the endless chaos of the galaxy — melted away.

When the kiss finally broke, Dean stayed close, his forehead almost resting against hers as he caught his breath. Slowly, he reached up and brushed a strand of hair from her flushed face, his stormy gaze softening as a small, knowing smile tugged at his lips.

"It's okay," he murmured, his voice low but steady. "Whatever you're feeling, it's okay."

It was only then, as the intensity of the moment began to subside, that Dean realized one critical detail. He was still standing there, pantsless, in his boxer briefs. The thought hit him like a cold splash of water, and he couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I feel a hunger​

Tags: Dean Walker

Katarine felt his hand on her neck and instantly stiffened. His strong hand turned her around and their eyes locked, his a brooding and determined gaze and hers an uncertain yet hungry one. His other hand snaked around her waist and he pulled her closer, leaning down and pushing his lips firmly against hers, just like he had admitted he wanted to earlier. She gasped slightly into his lips, and felt the cold window press into the thin tank top she was wearing, sending goosebumps down her back. The moment their lips met it was as if a valve was opened and a slight amount of pressure escaped from a system that was over burdened inside. It had been centuries since her lips touched anthers and the feeling was an overwhelming mix of euphoria and anxiety.

He pulled slightly away from her, both of them breathing hard to catch their breaths and staring at each other. Her green eyes were glued to his gray ones, the moment lingering and so many unspoken things passing between them. Despite the flirting, the playful banter, and the clear desire between the pair of them she knew he was smart enough to see that Katarine had deeper demons at bay. He softly reassured her that it was okay and she had to admire his perceptiveness, even at a time like this. She had her own story of the one who broke her heart, and unlike Dean she hadn't bounced back as easily. She held his gaze, a slight concern in her own. She wanted to explain that despite her playfulness and her teasing she really wasn't trying to lead him on. Her past weighed on her like heavy chains that kept her from the type of actions he might have enjoyed with Valery, at least for now. She wanted to admit all of this to him but the words wouldn't come. She could tell in his haze he somehow understood however. He didn't seem angry or upset at her hesitancy so maybe he understood where it came from.

He started to chuckle and Katarine did as well at the absurdity of the situation, with him standing there with his pants off, the two of them in the honeymoon suite, playing a strip card game on assignment. The mood lightened slightly as they both just laughed genuinely for a second. It felt good to stand there, their arms around each other, laughing at the situation, the flame between them still simmering but content for now.

A flicker of light across the street caught her attention and she turned her head slightly, noticing that the office light had just gone out and the door had shut. Their mark was going home for the night, which meant now was their chance to sneak across and bug the office. She let her deep green gaze return to his and smiled slightly. "To be continued...?" It was a statement... but also a hopeful question that a slower pace might not be driving him completely away.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean caught the flicker of light out of the corner of his eye just as Katarine turned to look, her attention drawn to the office across the street. The sudden shift in focus was like a bucket of cold water over the fire between them, though the simmering heat hadn't quite faded entirely.

Her green eyes met his again, and her soft smile carried a mix of humor and hope.

"To be continued…?"

Dean's smirk returned, softer this time, with a hint of sincerity in his stormy gray eyes. He nodded, his voice low but full of promise. "To be continued."

Then, with a quick glance down at his bare legs and boxer briefs, he muttered, "But first…" He turned and darted toward the pile of discarded clothes, scooping up his pants and pulling them on in record time. He buttoned them up with a chuckle, shaking his head as he glanced back at her.

"Can't exactly bug an office looking like this," he quipped, flashing her a grin as he grabbed his belt and looped it through.

Straightening, Dean walked back to her side and nodded toward the office building. "Let's get this done. But after?" His smirk softened as he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to let the weight of his words linger. "We're definitely picking up where we left off." He flashed her a wink and looked into her eyes for one last, long moment.

With that, he gestured toward the door, his demeanor shifting back into business mode, though the teasing glint in his eyes suggested he hadn't forgotten a single second of what just happened. "Shall we, Mrs. Smith?"

Katarine Ryiah
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[Katarine Ryiah]

It's a hunger​

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Tags: Dean Walker

Katarine was glad to see he wasn’t angry with her and she admired how he slipped back into business mode, though his eyes made it clear he hadn’t forgotten their little game. She smirked, delighted that she had such an effect on him. A part of her was nagging that this was a bad idea and she was going to get hurt, but she shut that voice down as she focused on the task at hand.

She grabbed a large purse and stuffed the bugs into it then threw her leather jacket on, the purse and her boots. They left the room and headed for the lift. With a ding it descended downwards. As soon as they reached the lobby she slipped her hand inside his, lacing her fingers around his and smiling like a new bride in love. To onlookers they were a happy honeymoon couple, off to see what the nightlight offered them on Zeltros. The spark between them looked real, partially because something was brewing between the two. It could just be lust between two people who played a strip game or perhaps it was more. Either way it looked real and convincing enough that nobody questioned who they were as they crossed the grand hotel.

The air outside was brisk and laced with pheromones as they left the hotel. They started walking, as if they were casual tourists with no destination in mind. In fact they planned to circle around the office building so nobody saw them make a direct line for it. Once on the other side they would find a weak point and slip in. There was bound to be security though so hopefully both were focused on the mission and not on other things.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean stepped out of the hotel lobby alongside Katarine, the brisk Zeltros air brushing against them. Her hand was still laced with his, and the warmth of her fingers sent a faint flicker of heat up his arm. They played the role of the honeymoon couple flawlessly, their body language speaking of intimacy and shared laughter — even if there was more truth to it than either might admit.

As they strolled along the street, Dean's eyes scanned their surroundings. The city's vibrant nightlife was in full swing, its neon lights casting colorful reflections on the polished streets. Zeltros was alive, buzzing with energy and pheromones that threatened to dull their focus if they weren't careful.

He glanced over at Katarine, her leather jacket fitting snugly over her frame, her green eyes sharp and alert despite her casual demeanor. They were on a mission, and no matter what spark had ignited between them, both knew better than to let it distract them when it mattered most.

Then he saw it. Her datapad buzzed softly in her purse. She had a message from someone.

It was Valery.

So, how's the room?

Unaware of the text, Dean moved forward and led the way. As they turned into the alley, Dean's tone shifted into business mode. "Alright, we've got a job to do. I'll handle the lock. Once we're inside, we'll need to move fast and quiet. If there's any tech to disable, that's on me. The bugs are yours."

He paused at the door, pulling out a small lockpicking device from his pocket. "Ready to work some magic, Mrs. Smith?" he asked, his voice soft but carrying the same playful undertone as before. The game might be on hold, but the connection between them hadn't faded. If anything, it was stronger.

At least, his feelings were getting harder to contain.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Take me home tonight​

Tags: Dean Walker

Katarine was walking beside Dean, her eyes sharp and alert as they traveled down the street. There were various people around them but nobody appeared to be following them. This was good because it meant their cover wasn't blown and the honeymoon act was believable. She felt her datapad buzz in her purse and frowned, wondering who would be contacting them while they were on a mission? She pulled it out with her free hand and smirked. Valery.. of course.

Well ti's not turned upside down yet... which I'm told you like to do.

She hit send and pushed the datapad back in her purse with a grin. They reached the building and Dean went over the plan. Katarine liked how easily he took charge, despite the fact that she was the Force user. Most people automatically deferred to a Jedi and it was admirable that he did not.

Ready to work some magic, Mrs. Smith?"

"Yes Sir." She grinned at him playfully as they reached the door and he started on the lock. She was glad he was handling the tech because it was way beyond her. That brought a frown to her face. Would he still be interested if he found out she was centuries old? Why did that matter to her? She shook her head. No time to be having such thoughts. They had a job to do!

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean worked quickly and methodically, his lockpicking device whirring softly as he focused on the task. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Katarine glancing down at her datapad again, the faint glow illuminating her smirk before she tucked it back into her purse. He arched a brow, his curiosity piqued.

"Another message from the boss?" he asked lightly, though his tone carried a playful edge.

The lock clicked, and Dean grinned as he tucked the device back into his jacket. "And… we're in," he murmured, pulling the door open just enough to peek inside. He glanced back at her, his gray eyes locking onto her emerald ones. "Stay close, Mrs. Smith. I'd hate for us to lose our honeymoon cover this early," he teased before stepping inside.

As they entered the darkened office, Katarine's datapad buzzed one final time. The screen lit up with a simple message:

Go easy on him~

Dean noticed the faint buzz and her quick glance at the text, but he didn't ask this time. Instead, he pressed forward, leading them deeper into the quiet building. The air was heavy with the scent of polished wood and stale office equipment, and their boots barely made a sound against the carpeted floor.

He stopped at the first desk, his sharp eyes scanning the room for any security measures. Satisfied that it was clear, he gestured toward Katarine and whispered, "This spot look good for planting the first bug?"

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I don't want to let you go 'til you see the light​

Tags: Dean Walker

Katarine hovered while Dean worked on the lock. Her datapad buzzed, another message from Valery, which Dean had picked up on by now. She smiled at him as he asked if it was Valery again. "She says I need to take it easy on you." He kept working on the lock while her fingers typed away on the datapad.

I don't think he's the take it easy type...

She smirked at the message but deep down she was worried that this would only end one way. Either she would shoot him down and they would part ways or he would have a few nights of fun and they would part ways. Either way Katarine was trying not to get attached because she didn't want to get left again. The idea of a man deeply committed to her was by now a foreign concept. She'd tried that road and look how it turned out. Valery didn't realize how lucky she was to have Khalil.

"Stay close, Mrs. Smith. I'd hate for us to lose our honeymoon cover this early,"

"Always." She grinned at him and they slipped inside. His gray eyes quickly scanned for security cameras as they crossed the room to the first spot he suggested. She nodded and slipped the small recording device under the table, in between one of the fastenings so that it would blend and even the cleaning staff shouldn't notice it. She pulled out the monitor from her bag and saw that the sound waves were showing up.

"The mic is hot." She showed him the display, indicating it was working.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean smirked as Katarine showed him the display, his sharp eyes scanning the screen to confirm the mic was live. But her earlier comment finally registered, and he raised an eyebrow, tilting his head with mock offense.

"Take it easy on me?" he repeated, his tone dripping with exaggerated disbelief, "Should be the other way around, if anything."

He straightened up, giving the room one last glance to ensure everything was as they found it. Satisfied, he gestured toward the door, his demeanor slipping back into business mode. "Alright, one down. Now let's get to his office. That's where the real intel will be."

Dean moved ahead, his steps light and deliberate as they navigated the quiet building. The air felt tense, the kind of stillness that could crackle with danger at any moment. As they approached the next hallway, he paused, holding out a hand to stop Katarine.

"Hold up," he whispered, his sharp eyes spotting a faint flicker of red light reflecting off the wall ahead. A motion sensor. "Looks like we've got some security to deal with."

He reached into his jacket, pulling out a small device — a jammer — with a grin. "Good thing I always come prepared." Dean knelt down and began to adjust the settings, his focus sharp as he worked to disable the sensor. After a moment, the red light flickered and faded, leaving the hallway clear.

He straightened and gestured forward. "After you, Mrs. Smith. Let's go see what Mr. Bigshot's hiding in his office." His tone was light, but the tension in his posture betrayed his readiness for anything. They were getting closer to the heart of the operation, and Dean knew the stakes were only going to get higher.

Katarine Ryiah
​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Take me home tonight​

Tags: Dean Walker

"Should be the other way around, if anything."

She raised her eyebrow at him inquisitively and watched as he gave the room a once over. He seemed satisfied and they moved on silently until he held his hand out to stop her. There was an infrared scanner that had to be dealt with. When the light blinked off she lead the way into the office. It was large and grand, the type of office that immediately let others know someone in charge worked here. The air was crisp and smelled of cleaning products, clearly the cleaning staff had started at the top and worked their way down. She walked forward to a large shiny desk that was polished so well she could see her reflection in it. With a slight click she slipped a bug underneath it.

The office itself had a few plush chairs, a bar cart, and lots of paintings on the walls. She slipped a listening device behind one of the paintings, her deep green eyes scanning over them as she did so. There wasn't any real theme to the artwork so she wondered if maybe their guy hadn't picked it out himself. It looked more like just odds and ends that looked nice were chosen. She traveled back to the desk and sat down on the big plushy chair, then picked up the desk comm unit and clicked out part of it so she could hide the bug inside, allowing them to monitor all calls. From this angle she could see the filing cabinets on the other end of the room and the door to the secretaries suite.

"Alright we should be able to hear what goes on inside this office and listen in on his calls. If our lead is right and Doctor Wells contacts this guy we will hear about it...."

She frowned as something spiked in the Force. "I think someone is coming! Hide!"

Sure enough a cleaning woman had just entered the adjacent room, mumbling about leaving her keys somewhere.

 

[Dean Walker]

Dean barely had a second to process Katarine's warning before he heard the faint shuffling of footsteps approaching the office. Without a word, his instincts kicked in, and he reached for her hand. The cleaning lady's mumbling grew louder, sending a jolt of urgency through him.

"This way," he whispered sharply, pulling Katarine toward a small broom closet tucked into the corner of the office. The door creaked faintly as he eased it open, and they slipped inside just as the adjacent door swung open.

The space was cramped — cramped enough that Dean could feel Katarine's warmth against him. His back pressed to the wall, and she was so close that he could see the flicker of green in her eyes even in the dim light filtering through the slits of the closet door. He swallowed hard, acutely aware of how close they were. Her faint scent reached him, mingling with the chemical tang of cleaning supplies, and his pulse quickened despite himself.

Outside, the cleaning woman's muttering continued as she began moving things around in the secretary's suite. Dean glanced at Katarine, his heart hammering in his chest. He wasn't sure if it was the tension of their proximity or the risk of getting caught, but every nerve in his body was on high alert.

"Guess this wasn't in the plan," he murmured softly, his voice just above a whisper. His attempt at humor was thinly veiled — more for his own benefit than anything else. He shifted slightly, trying to give her a little more space, but it was impossible in the tight quarters.

Katarine Ryiah
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