Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It started in a blur of adrenaline and fury.

JJ’s lungs burned as she tore through the abandoned warehouse yard, boots pounding against cracked pavement, gun drawn but her focus locked on the unsub ahead of her. He was fast. But she was faster.

“FBI! Stop!” She shouted.

He didn’t. He turned left, toward a crumbling alley lined with broken crates—and JJ didn’t hesitate. She barreled after him, her mind already calculating how many ways this could go wrong. And when he stumbled, just for a second, JJ saw her opening. She tackled him hard, both of them slamming to the ground.

The fight wasn’t over.

He threw an elbow. JJ caught it in the ribs. She winced, gasping, but didn’t stop. His fist clipped her cheek. Her lip split. He kicked, but she was already on top of him, knee to his chest, wrenching his wrist back until she heard the pop and felt the weapon drop from his hand.

“Stay down!” She shouted, her voice sharp and breathless, blood smeared on her temple.

He didn’t move again.

A moment later, Derek came running up behind her, cuffs ready, eyes wide as they took in the sight of her—smeared with dirt and blood, uniform jacket ripped at the shoulder, hair disheveled.

He knelt beside her, cuffing the now-limp man, before glancing at her face. “Damn, JJ.”

“I’m fine,” she muttered, brushing her lip with the back of her glove and wincing.

“You arrested him. But he got a few shots in first.”

JJ tried to smile, but it came out more like a grimace.

“You know Emily is going to lose her mind when she sees you, right?”

JJ’s face fell slightly. “Yeah,” she said softly. “That’s what I’m worried about.”

****

By the time they got back to the BAU, her bruises were already darkening. Her lip was still bleeding, and her ribs ached with every step. Emily was waiting just inside the bullpen, arms crossed tightly, eyes locked on the entrance.

She’d heard over comms that JJ was okay. Fine, they said.

But the moment JJ stepped through the glass doors, Emily’s breath caught in her throat.

JJ slowed under her stare—sharp, burning, flickering with restrained panic. Emily’s eyes scanned her from head to toe, lingering on the blood on her collar, the bruises already rising along her jaw, and the way she held herself just a little too stiffly.

“Jesus, Jennifer…” Emily whispered, her voice tight.

JJ gave a sheepish shrug. “He fought back.”

Emily didn’t speak. She looked like she wanted to—needed to—but couldn’t trust her voice to come out steady. Her jaw clenched. Her hands curled into fists. Her entire body was vibrating with the effort not to fall apart in front of everyone.

Then she moved—one step forward, brushing her knuckles over JJ’s uninjured cheek. She held her there, just for a second. Breathing her in. Grounding herself.

“Let’s go home,” she finally said, her voice low and controlled.

JJ just nodded, relieved.

****

JJ sat on the closed toilet lid in their bathroom, sighing as Emily gently peeled off her jacket. Her white tank top beneath was streaked with dirt and blood—some hers, some not.

Emily knelt in front of her, the first-aid kit open, her hands trembling as she reached for a cloth. She didn’t say anything for a long time. Just worked in quiet concentration, dabbing at the split lip, the cheekbone already turning a sickly shade of purple, and the scrape near her temple.

“I hate this,” Emily said finally, her voice cracking. “I hate seeing you like this.”

JJ gave her a small, aching smile. “I’m okay, Em.”

“You weren’t okay out there,” Emily whispered, brushing blonde hair behind her ear. “You were alone. You were hurt. You could’ve—” She stopped herself.

JJ reached up, her scraped hand cupping Emily’s cheek. “But I’m here. Because I had you and the team. Always.”

Emily leaned into the touch, then kissed her softly—so reverently, so carefully, like she was trying to piece JJ back together one kiss at a time.

JJ tugged her in closer, lips moving slowly, deepening with every pass, until they were both breathless and flushed. Their love surged in every press of their mouths, in every shared inhale, and in the desperate way their hands gripped one another.

“You’re my whole damn world,” Emily whispered, resting their foreheads together. “You don’t get to scare me like that.”

“I’d do it again,” JJ whispered back. “But I’ll try not to make a habit of it.”

Emily huffed out a wet laugh, eyes shimmering. “Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up properly.”

***

Emily helped her shower, holding her steady under the warm water. She guided JJ’s movements, hands sliding over sore ribs and scraped skin with reverence, rinsing away the blood and grime. JJ let herself be taken care of. For once, she didn’t argue. She let Emily shampoo her hair, kiss her shoulder, and run a washcloth down her spine like a prayer.

When they stepped out, Emily wrapped her in a towel, pressing a kiss to her damp forehead.

JJ met her eyes. “You okay?”

Emily exhaled slowly, then nodded.

****

Later, in their bedroom, JJ lay back against the pillows as Emily climbed in beside her, reaching for the arnica cream and dabbing it on each bruise like it might erase the pain.

She kissed JJ’s temple.

Then her cheek.

Then the purpling bruise under her eye.

One by one, Emily kissed every scrape and mark she could find—her ribs, her knuckles, her jaw—each touch a vow, each kiss a silent never again.

JJ let her. Not because she needed it, but because she knew Emily did. Because the love in Emily’s touch was louder than any spoken words.

When Emily finally reached her lips again, JJ pulled her in tight, kissing her slow and deep. A kiss that said thank you, that said I’m here, that said I love you in all the ways words couldn’t.

“I love you,” Emily whispered, her forehead resting against hers.

“I love you too,” JJ breathed. “More than anything.”

They curled into each other beneath the sheets, legs tangled, hearts finally steady. JJ sighed into Emily’s shoulder, fingers tracing slow circles on her back.

“Next time,” Emily whispered, “let Morgan take the beating.”

JJ laughed, the sound warm against her skin. “Noted.”

And as the night closed in around them, Emily kissed her once more—right over her heart.

Because love, in the end, wasn’t just about showing up.

It was about staying.

Even when it hurt.

Even when it scared you.

Even when your person came home bruised and battered—because they came home.

And that was everything.

Chapter Text

The sun had already begun its slow descent over the horizon, casting gold across the stone tiles of their private villa. The pool shimmered beneath it, crystal clear and still—save for Emily’s lazy movements as she drifted near the edge, arms spread along the ledge, sunglasses on, skin sun-warmed and dripping.

She was waiting.

And, god, it was worth the wait.

When JJ finally stepped outside, Emily forgot how to breathe.

The red bikini was barely there—a wicked little number that clung to her curves like it was painted on. Her golden hair was piled up in a messy bun, stray strands kissing her flushed cheeks, and her hips swayed with sinful confidence as if she had no idea what she was doing to Emily.

But she knew.

JJ stopped at the edge of the pool, tilting her head with a smirk. “You’re staring.”

“I’m trying to survive,” Emily replied, her voice already thick. “But you just made it impossible.”

JJ didn’t answer—she just stepped into the water, slow and smooth, letting it rise over her thighs and her waist, the red of her bikini darkening as it soaked. Then, without a word, she dove beneath the surface.

Emily tensed in anticipation.

JJ surfaced right in front of her, gleaming and smug, then launched herself into Emily’s arms.

Emily caught her easily, hands sliding beneath her thighs as JJ wrapped her legs around her waist, pressing her body close and wet and perfect.

“God, I love when you do that,” Emily breathed, kissing along her jaw and down to the damp skin just behind her ear. “Get all clingy and greedy.”

JJ smirked against her throat. “I’m on vacation. I’m allowed to be greedy.”

Emily chuckled low in her throat, her fingers flexing over JJ’s ass. “You know I’m not going to stop you.”

“You never do.”

****

They moved effortlessly through the water, Emily guiding them to the center of the pool, JJ wrapped around her like a second skin. The water rippled around them, the sun painting them gold and pink as it sank lower in the sky.

JJ kissed her—deep and slow, tongue tracing Emily’s bottom lip before slipping inside, teasing and tasting. Her nails raked lightly across Emily’s shoulders as she pressed closer, their slick skin sliding together, hot and urgent.

“You taste like wine,” JJ murmured.

“You taste like my undoing,” Emily countered.

The kiss turned messier, wetter—more needy. Emily’s hands moved under the water, one gripping JJ’s ass while the other slid along her back and up to the string of her bikini top. She tugged slowly, eyes locked with JJ’s.

“You don’t need this anymore,” Emily growled, pulling the string loose and letting the red top drift from JJ’s body.

She didn’t even toss it—just threw it blindly over her shoulder onto the pool ledge.

JJ let out a breathless laugh that melted into a moan as Emily’s mouth found her chest.

The suction was immediate and unapologetic—Emily’s lips sealing around a peaked nipple, her tongue dragging slow, deliberate circles before her teeth scraped gently. JJ whimpered, fingers tangling in Emily’s hair, her back arching as heat spiked low and deep.

“You’re insatiable,” she panted.

“I’ve had a lot of time to fantasize,” Emily murmured against her skin before switching to the other breast with the same focused hunger. “And you wore this little red thing just to kill me.”

JJ didn’t respond with words—she reached down instead, tugging at the straps of Emily’s own bikini top. “Fair’s fair.”

With one swift motion, she pulled it off and tossed it onto the ledge beside hers. Then her hands slid over Emily’s breasts, cupping them, thumbs rubbing slowly over tight nipples, grinning when Emily’s breath hitched.

“I love how responsive you are,” JJ whispered, pressing wet kisses to Emily’s jaw, her neck, and down to her collarbone. “Like your body’s just waiting for me.”

“It is,” Emily rasped, nearly trembling beneath her.

They stayed wrapped up in each other, floating, kissing, exploring—slow, sensual worship. JJ rolled her hips deliberately against Emily, their bare chests sliding together with slick heat, water sloshing around them with every movement.

“I love you,” JJ said between kisses, her voice suddenly soft, reverent.

Emily looked at her—really looked—and smiled like it cracked something open inside her.

“I love you more than I know how to say.”

JJ rested her forehead against hers, both of them breathing heavily but steadily, grounding each other. “Then don’t say it. Just show me.”

And Emily did—with her hands, with her mouth, with the way she held JJ like she was the only thing keeping her heart alive.

Eventually, JJ curled against her chest again, sated for now, their legs tangling lazily as they floated.

“We should go inside soon,” JJ murmured, her voice low and spent.

“We will.” Emily smiled, brushing wet hair from her face. “When I’m done memorizing every inch of you.”

JJ grinned. “That might take a while.”

Emily met her gaze, eyes blazing with love and something far more primal. “Good thing we’ve got all night.”

And they did.

No interruptions. No cases. No team.

Just them.

Skin on skin, floating in sun-warmed water, tasting like heat and home and forever.

Chapter Text

Emily didn’t even hear the front door close behind her.

She was already halfway through the living room when her bag slipped from her shoulder and hit the floor with a dull thud. Her blazer followed, tossed somewhere near the couch. Her body moved on autopilot—depleted, sluggish, worn thin by the weight of the day.

This wasn’t just exhaustion. It was bone-deep. Her limbs were heavy. Her mind was fogged with too many hours of back-to-back meetings, budget disputes, a congressional oversight call that lasted forever, and too many names in too many files. The title Unit Chief sounded impressive on paper, but today it had felt like a millstone dragging her under.

She collapsed onto the couch without grace or thought, sinking into the cushions like she could disappear inside them. One hand dragged down her face. The other simply curled in her lap, fingers twitching from phantom typing.

Then came the sound that cut through everything: footsteps. Not distant, not rushed—purposeful. Familiar.

Arms circled her from behind, steady and sure. A chin brushed against her shoulder. A kiss landed just below her jaw.

“Long day, Chief?” JJ’s voice was low, teasing—just enough to make her eyes sting.

Emily exhaled. “You have no idea.”

JJ’s arms tightened around her, and she leaned in, nose skimming the line of Emily’s neck. “I’ve got you now.”

Emily turned her head slightly, allowing herself the indulgence of leaning into her. JJ’s hands found her biceps, thumbs tracing slow, soothing lines. She looked at Emily with a mix of affection and quiet concern, her brow furrowing as she studied her girlfriend’s face.

“You look like you haven’t breathed since breakfast.”

Emily let out a half-laugh, half-sigh. “ That’s optimistic. Garcia tried to schedule a working lunch. And Barnes's replacement wants a full review of the 2009 archives. Which is—” she broke off, defeated, “—madness.”

JJ leaned in and kissed her temple. It wasn’t a quick peck—it lingered, like she was trying to draw out the tension with her lips.

“Enough,” JJ whispered. “No more work talk. You’re not the chief tonight.”

Emily blinked at her. “Then what am I?”

JJ smiled as she took her hand and gently pulled her up from the couch. “You’re mine.”

****

Emily let herself be led—no resistance, just a quiet surrender. JJ brought her into the bedroom, already transformed. Candles flickered on the dresser. The lighting was low and golden, casting soft shadows across the room. One of Emily’s favorite jazz records played low in the background.

JJ turned to face her, fingers brushing Emily’s shirt collar.

“I can undress myself,” Emily murmured, though her voice was barely above a breath.

JJ met her gaze. “I know. But let me.”

There was reverence in the way JJ moved—fingers steady, deliberate. She unfastened each button like it meant something. With every inch of skin revealed, she pressed a kiss: to her collarbone, her shoulder, the hollow of her throat. Her touch wasn’t delicate—it was intentional, purposeful. It said, You’re safe. You’re loved. You can let go now.

Emily’s eyes fluttered closed. Her breathing slowed.

“Jennifer…”

JJ hushed her with another kiss, deeper now. Her hand slid along Emily’s jaw, anchoring her. The other rested just over her heart, feeling the frantic rhythm beneath her ribs.

“You give everything to everyone else,” JJ whispered. “Let me be the one who gives back.”

The kiss that followed was fierce in its tenderness. It wasn’t rushed. It was all-consuming. Lips met lips again and again, hungry and slow, until Emily was clinging to her, kissing back like it was the only thing keeping her together.

JJ eased her onto the bed, crawling up after her. Their bodies found each other easily, instinctively—legs tangling, hands roving, mouths barely parting. Emily’s fingers slid beneath JJ’s shirt, tracing muscle, feeling the heartbeat she trusted more than her own.

Every touch JJ gave was designed to soothe—her palms smoothing over tight shoulders, kisses trailing down the curve of her spine, her voice murmuring sweet nothings into the hush of the room.

“You don’t have to hold anything tonight,” JJ said. “Not with me.”

Emily shuddered. Her walls cracked open.

She let herself be undressed, let herself be touched and kissed, and cared for in a way she rarely allowed. JJ didn’t ask for anything—she just gave, over and over, as if love itself could be poured into someone drop by drop.

And it worked.

Emily came undone beneath her name, her fingers tangled in blonde hair, her gasps muffled against JJ’s shoulder. When it was over, JJ didn’t pull away. She stayed close, their limbs entwined, her hand trailing slow, grounding lines across Emily’s back.

For once, there were no thoughts of paperwork, no ghosts of old cases clawing at the corners of her mind. Just JJ and the steady drum of her heartbeat beneath Emily’s cheek.

“You feel different,” JJ said after a long silence. “Lighter.”

“I do.” Emily looked up, brushing her thumb along JJ’s cheekbone. “You made it all stop.”

JJ smiled and kissed her—softly this time, not to silence her, but to seal something in. “That’s the plan.”

Emily pulled her closer. “I don’t deserve you.”

JJ tucked the blanket around them and rested her forehead against Emily’s. “Tough luck. You’ve got me anyway.”

The world was quiet. The only sound was breath, the only light candle-gold, and the only feeling—peace.

“Thank you,” Emily whispered.

“Always,” JJ answered, already drifting into sleep.

And as Emily closed her eyes, she realized the weight of the BAU, the title, the pressure—it would all be there tomorrow.

But for tonight, she didn’t have to carry it.

Because JJ was already carrying her.

Chapter Text

“Then just leave!”

The words flew from Emily’s mouth like a blade she couldn’t pull back fast enough. Sharp. Final.

She didn’t mean them.

But JJ’s eyes went wide—shocked, hurt—before her expression steeled, lips pressed into a line as she grabbed her keys from the hook and turned for the door.

It slammed behind her hard enough to rattle the pictures on the wall.

Silence followed. Long and brutal.

Emily stood there, chest heaving, heart punching against her ribs like it wanted to chase after her before her mind had caught up. And when it finally did—the regret hit like a freight train.

“Fuck.”

The fight had been loud. Ugly. The kind you only have with someone who knows exactly where to hit you with their words. It had started with something small—something neither of them would remember by morning—but they’d both gone for the jugular.

And now… JJ was gone.

Emily didn’t bother with a coat. She didn’t grab her phone. She didn’t even lock the door behind her.

She just ran out into the rain.

It was pouring—sideways, sharp, relentless—but she didn’t care. Her boots pounded the pavement as she tore down the block, scanning every shadow.

Where would JJ go?

She didn’t even get past the corner when she saw her.

Sitting on the curb, knees drawn up, soaking wet. A portrait of heartbreak.

Emily stopped in her tracks. The ache in her chest bloomed so big she thought it might crush her.

JJ didn’t look at her. Didn’t speak. She just stared at the street, rain streaking down her face, her arms wrapped tightly around her knees like she was trying to hold herself together.

Emily didn’t speak either.

She walked forward, dropped to a crouch, and pulled JJ forward so she could slide her arms beneath JJ’s legs and back.

JJ didn’t resist.

She clung to her instead—arms around her neck, legs around her waist, holding on like Emily was gravity. Like she wanted to disappear into her and forget they’d ever fought at all.

Emily didn’t say a word.

She just carried her home.

The rain soaked them both to the bone. But JJ never let go. And Emily never loosened her grip.

****

When they got inside, the air was thick with everything unsaid.

Emily didn’t hesitate.

She walked them straight to the bathroom, set JJ down, and began undressing her with shaking hands—peeling away her wet clothes like they were armor she no longer needed. JJ helped silently, her eyes locked on Emily the entire time.

Once they were bare, Emily pulled her into the shower.

No pretense. No urgency. Just JJ pressed against her chest as the hot water poured down over them, washing away the storm but not the pain.

Their hands roamed with reverence, like each was relearning the map of the other’s body. Touches that said, I’m sorry, without needing to say anything at all.

Emily leaned in, her lips grazing JJ’s forehead. “I didn’t mean it.”

JJ closed her eyes.

“I was mad. I was scared. I lashed out. But I never—never—wanted you to walk out that door. I don’t ever want to watch you leave again. Not even for a minute.”

JJ’s hands slid up her back, clinging tightly. Her voice cracked when she whispered, “I’m sorry too. I love you, Emily.”

Emily kissed her like it was a vow.

It started slow—just mouths meeting with shared breath and tremors still caught in their bones. But it didn’t stay slow. Their mouths opened wider, their tongues slid deeper, and suddenly they couldn’t get close enough. The ache between them had flipped—pain into longing, fear into need.

JJ pressed her body fully into Emily’s, chest to chest, hip to hip, and Emily responded in kind—pressing her against the tile, one arm braced beside her head, the other roaming down her side, across her ribs, over her hip.

She kissed JJ with everything she had left.

And JJ gave it all back.

The water eventually turned cold.

****

They stumbled out in towels and into bed, barely making it under the covers before they were on each other again—kisses slick and desperate, hands everywhere. JJ pulled Emily in with a quiet gasp, nails raking lightly over her back. Emily groaned into her mouth, trailing kisses down her neck, over her collarbone, to the curve of her breast.

They moved like they were making up for every second they’d wasted in anger. Like they were rewriting what had been broken.

It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t careful.

It was honest.

Emily kissed the underside of JJ’s jaw, murmuring into her skin. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

And JJ whimpered back, eyes wet, heart open. “I’m yours. I always will be.”

They made love slowly, then hard, then slowly again—legs tangled, breath shared, pleasure unfolding between whispered promises and gasped apologies.

It didn’t matter who said what anymore.

It mattered that they found their way back.

Afterward, JJ curled into Emily’s chest, still breathless, their skin slick with sweat and love.

“I hated being away from you,” JJ whispered.

“You never will be again,” Emily promised, kissing her temple, her cheek, and her lips.

They drifted like that—wrapped in each other, the storm outside now a dull hum behind the windowpane.

All relationships have their fights. The kind where things cracked wide open.

But what mattered was what came after.

The holding. The healing. The choosing each other again and again, even when it hurt.

And tonight?

Tonight, love won.

Chapter Text

The music thumped low and steady through the bar, enough bass to rattle the high tables and pulse through the soles of Emily’s boots. It smelled like beer, sweat, and sticky floor mats—nothing glamorous, but after a brutal week chasing monsters, she and JJ had decided they deserved something simple, something messy and loud and full of alcohol.

And clearly… they’d committed.

JJ was already tipsy—blatantly tipsy—the kind that made her laugh louder, press closer, and get bolder with every sip. She was tucked into the booth right next to Emily, practically in her lap, her hand resting high on Emily’s inner thigh and sliding higher each time she “accidentally” giggled into her shoulder.

Emily was buzzed too, but holding it together—barely. Not when JJ was looking at her like that, biting her lip and tracing lazy circles against the inside of her thigh like it wasn’t driving her absolutely insane.

“You’re trouble,” Emily murmured, breath ghosting against JJ’s ear.

JJ’s grin turned wicked, eyes glittering in the low light. “And you love it.”

Before Emily could answer, JJ turned her face and kissed her—sloppy and hot and filled with tequila. Their lips clashed, mouths parting with heat, and JJ climbed into her lap like it was her damn seat. Emily’s hands found her hips instinctively, gripping hard.

The kiss was more show than subtle, more tongue than technique, and when JJ finally pulled away, her lips were red and swollen, and she looked so fucking pleased with herself.

“I’ll get us another round,” she purred, breathless, nipping at Emily’s bottom lip one last time before sliding off her lap.

Emily exhaled like she’d been punched, watching JJ strut toward the bar, a little wobbly on her heels, a lot flirty without meaning to be. Blonde hair loose and wild, her shirt clinging in all the right places, her hips swaying in a way that made Emily’s mouth go dry.

And Emily wasn’t the only one watching.

****

There was a woman—leaning against the bar already, tall, toned, brunette, predatory in her confidence. She spotted JJ like a shark in water, tracking her with a smirk and angling her body to intercept.

Emily saw it coming before it happened.

JJ didn’t notice—she was too busy trying to get the bartender’s attention, blinking through the blur of alcohol and music. The woman sidled closer, brushing her arm against JJ’s. A line was spoken—Emily couldn’t hear it—but JJ laughed, bright and unaware.

Emily’s hands clenched into fists.

The woman leaned in, said something else, then placed her hand on JJ’s hip—her hip—fingers splaying, thumb dragging just slightly beneath the hem of JJ’s shirt.

JJ blinked, still too drunk to register it as anything more than a friendly chat. She turned a little, smiling politely.

The woman leaned in closer.

Emily was done.

She didn’t storm over—no, she prowled. All simmering heat and dark intent. By the time she reached the bar, her eyes were burning holes into the woman’s smug little smile.

JJ turned just as Emily stepped up behind her—then gasped when Emily’s arm snaked tight around her waist, yanking her flush against her body.

“She’s taken,” Emily said, her voice low and dangerous, like the warning growl of a predator before it bites.

The woman raised an eyebrow, unbothered. “Didn’t see a ring.”

Emily’s eyes narrowed. “Didn’t realize I needed one to lay claim. But since you’re slow on context clues—she’s mine. Hands. Off.”

JJ melted into her instantly, tipping her head back against Emily’s shoulder with a soft, “Hey, babe,” like she’d just realized what was happening.

But Emily didn’t give the woman a chance to answer.

She spun JJ in her arms, cupped her face, and kissed her like it was a challenge. Like she was staking a claim. Like she needed everyone in that goddamn bar to know who JJ belonged to.

Their mouths crashed together, all open lips and possessive heat, Emily’s fingers tangling in JJ’s hair, the other hand squeezing her hip where that woman’s had just been. JJ gasped into her mouth, then whimpered, clutching at Emily’s shirt like she was seconds from begging for more.

When Emily finally pulled back, JJ’s lips were kissed raw, her eyes dazed.

“Jesus Christ,” JJ breathed. “You good?”

Emily didn’t take her eyes off the other woman, who was now glaring with a tight, awkward smile.

“Crystal,” she said, her tone sugar-sweet and venom-laced. “Unless you’d like to try again. I love repeating myself.”

The woman raised her hands and stepped back. “Loud and clear.”

Emily didn’t look away until the woman walked off. Then she turned her attention fully to JJ, whose pupils were blown wide, chest rising and falling like she’d just run a mile.

“That was…” JJ blinked. “...kinda hot.”

Emily handed her one of the drinks the bartender had just placed down. “She touched your hip.”

“I didn’t even notice,” JJ giggled, swaying. “I was thinking about your hands on my thigh. And your tongue in my mouth.”

Emily choked on a groan. “JJ…”

JJ leaned in close again, lips brushing Emily’s jaw. “You get hot when you’re jealous.”

“You get handsy when you’re drunk.”

JJ grinned. “Still am.”

****

They made it back to their booth somehow—JJ giggling the entire way, Emily dragging her hand up the back of JJ’s shirt in retaliation. JJ practically fell into the seat, and when Emily joined her, JJ immediately crawled into her lap again without asking.

“I’m going to ruin you tonight,” JJ whispered against her neck, drunk and breathy and bold.

Emily hissed out a breath. “You already are.”

JJ kissed her, tongue sweeping deep, wet, messy, and addictive. Emily’s hands curled against her ass as JJ rocked against her, slow and deliberate.

“I love you,” JJ whispered. “Even when you growl.”

Emily caught her bottom lip in her teeth. “I love you,” she growled back, “especially when I get to growl for you.”

JJ kissed her again. Filthy, hot, full of promise.

“You’re mine,” Emily muttered into her mouth.

“I know,” JJ smiled, nipping at her lips. “And I fucking love it.”

And that’s how they stayed—tangled up in each other, drunk on tequila and tongue, hands slipping beneath fabric like they didn’t give a damn who saw. The music thumped on. The lights blurred. The world faded.

Because sure, someone else could flirt with JJ.
They could try a line.
Make her laugh.
Even put a hand on her.

But only Emily got to make her melt.
Only Emily got the moans in her ear, the scratch of nails down her back, and the way JJ bit her lip like she was starving for more.
Only Emily got to take her home and tear her apart—one kiss, one whimper, one filthy promise at a time.

And tonight?

She wasn’t just going to remind JJ who she belonged to.
She was going to make her feel it—until her thighs ached and her voice was gone.

Over and over again.