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Early Tuesday Morning
Kira watched Hutch dress. He was tall and lean, with a runner’s build. She licked her lips as he bent over to pull his jeans on.
“You’re eyeing me like I’m a piece of meat.”
“Aren’t you?” She stretched and yawned.
“I’ve been called a lot of things… “ He grinned. “I’ll take it as a compliment.”
Hutch had been a lot of fun, but Kira was glad he was taking off early. She was worn out from dancing half the night and fucking the other half.
“No strings, right?” He looked at her as he pulled a boot on. Women sometimes said one thing and then did the other. No commitments, then you fucked them and it’s ‘when are we getting married’.
“No strings.” She rolled over and pulled the sheets up. “You want to play again, fine. If not, fine.”
Leaning over, he patted her on the ass. They’d had a wild night. Kira liked it a little rough, and he'd been in the mood for it. Lately he’d gotten into doing what felt good for himself. Why not? Being Mr. Tender And Caring hadn’t gotten him anywhere.
“Hutch.” Kira sat up and caught his arm as he turned to leave. “This is just between us, right?”
“Kira, I said I wouldn’t tell anyone, and I won’t.”
“You know how it is. The department is tougher on women than men when it comes to fraternization and conduct.” She huffed out a breath. “What’s no big deal for you is a write up for me.”
“I know that.” He’d seen good cops reprimanded and suspended for things that wouldn’t have mattered if they’d been men. “And I know it’s not fair.”
“Life isn’t fair.” Kira let go of his arm and laid back down. “You get used to it, right?”
“Right.”
“Hey, don’t tell Starsky either, okay?”
“What?” Hutch frowned down at her. “Why?”
“Because it’s none of his business.” She sat up again. “I know you two like to compete – but wait until after we wrap up this case to brag, okay?”
“Okay, whatever you want.” A few days more or less didn’t matter. “I promise, all right?”
“All right.” Getting up to her knees, Kira let the sheet fall away from her naked body. She wrapped her arms around Hutch’s neck, kissing him as she rubbed her body against his.
Outside, Hutch coaxed his cranky car into starting. He didn’t like keeping secrets from Starsky, but this wasn’t an important secret at any rate. A little voice reminded him that keeping his girlfriends a secret from Starsky hadn’t always been the wisest moves he’d made.
“Ah, hell, she’s a cop, not a hood’s girl or a hooker pretending to be – “ The pain was weak but still there. “Sorry, Gillian, I’m just getting old and bitter.”
What the hell, Starsky didn’t need to know. It’d make the game sweeter knowing he’d already nailed Kira before Starsky got so much as a kiss.
“Sure thing, Kira, it’ll be our little secret.” The LTD chugged away from the curb.
Tuesday Night
“You look great tonight.”
“Thank you.”
Starsky pulled Kira closer to him as they danced. Tonight she was wearing a blue and white gown that brought out the gold in her hair and the blue of her eyes. She looked too pure and perfect to be in such a tawdry place.
“Did I say thank you for dinner tonight?” Her hand kneaded the muscles of his lower back.
“You did.” Kira had given him several soft kisses in the parking lot of the restaurant before they’d had to leave for the Golden Lady. Separately, of course.
“And I meant it.” Kira smiled up at him.
“So… tonight I get to guard your… “ Starsky’s eyes dipped down and back up. “Lovely form.”
“It’s your turn.” Kira had to admit that Starsky was a damn good dancer. If he moved like this in bed… She pressed a little closer.
Hutch danced by, and Starsky shot a glare in his direction. He was irritated at his partner for flirting with Kira earlier in a manner that seemed above and beyond the call of duty. He’d arrived to find Hutch draped all over Kira as they played a game of pool.
“Hey.”
“Wha – sorry.” Starsky blinked and brought his gaze back to Kira’s.
“You’re not angry, are you?” A frown pulled her lips down. “Because I didn’t make Hutch sleep in the car?”
“No, no, of course not.”
“David…”
“All right, maybe a little.” He admitted. “I spent the night all huddled up in my front seat praying I wouldn’t freeze to death before morning.”
“It wasn’t that cold.” Kira slid her fingers through the curls at the nape of his neck. “And tonight – you get to stay with me.”
“I’m looking forward to it, sweetheart.” A big smile covered his face.
“Dave! Shame on you!” Laughing, she ran a hand up his chest and over his shoulder. “I know you don’t like my flirting with Hutch, but it’s part of my cover. Heck, I’ve even flirted with old Joey over there.”
“I know, I know.” He sighed. “But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“Doesn’t mean I have to like it either.” Kira made a face.
Starsky chuckled and spun her around. “Be careful, you’ll blow your cover.”
“I made a late dinner for us. There’s a tossed salad waiting in the fridge, and I made lasagna.”
“I love lasagna.”
“Me too – careful, Dave.” She raised a hand to his cheek. “You’ll blow your cover.”
Turning his face, Starsky pressed a kiss to her palm before she walked away.
A man stepped forward and waved his ticket at Kira, claiming her.
Another song started, and Starsky left the dance floor, ignoring the hopeful looks from some of the girls waiting for a dance. He needed some air.
Outside, he leaned against the cold bricks and closed his eyes. This assignment was wearing him out – this job was wearing him out.
“Kinda stuffy in there tonight.”
Starsky didn’t turn to look at Hutch. “Anybody looking like he might be our weirdo?”
“Not yet.” Hutch took a long drink of his beer before offering it to Starsky. When his partner shook his head, Hutch took another drink. “Hell, they’re all weirdoes, Starsk.”
“You know, a lot of them are guys who’re lonely and got no one else to turn to.”
“Then why not get a hooker?” Hutch snorted. “Half these girls are turning tricks on the side anyway. Are they lonely, too?”
“It’s not about sex.” Starsky watched as two men walked into the dancehall. They weren’t regulars, and he filed their faces away so he could watch them later. “Everything isn’t about sex.”
“Everything is all – “ He chuckled. “Stop that, get out of my head.”
“I’m not in your head. Maybe if I was, I’d know what the hell you were doing.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hutch shot him a confused look. “I’m doing the same thing you’re doing. I’m trying to figure out who’s killing off these girls.”
“By hanging all over the bait?” Pushing off the wall, Starsky turned to look at his partner.
“What? What the hell are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you – being unprofessional.” Starsky’s gut churned. How could Hutch not get it?
“Unprofessional? What – ah – “ A smile lit up the baby blue eyes, and Hutch leaned back against the wall. “You’re worried I’ll beat your time.”
“I’m not worried you’ll beat my time.” Starsky jabbed a finger at him. “You couldn’t beat my time on your best day.”
“What the – “ He rubbed his chest where Starsky had poked it. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Starsky was mad at him.
“I’m talking about you behaving completely unprofessionally. I come in and find you all but fucking her against the pool table in plain sight of everybody in the joint!”
“I was not fucking her against the pool table.” Hutch said slowly. Starsky was pissed off. He took a healthy swig of his beer. An angry Starsky was a crude talking Starsky. His eyes were a dark indigo that meant he was nearing the boiling point.
It was amazing how well he could read Starsky. The aggressive stance, lips flattened into a thin line, the eyes cold and hostile. Hutch had just never seen it directed at him.
“What would you call it?”
“I’m going back inside.” Hutch pushed off the wall. “I don’t know what the hell is the matter with you – but I’m getting tired of it.”
He was almost to the front door when he heard Starsky mutter, “Maybe I’m getting tired of you.” Stopping, Hutch turned back to see Starsky walking toward the Torino.
The door opened and a couple of the regulars came out, one of the girls walking arm in arm with them. She winked at Hutch as they went past him.
“Sure they’re lonely, Starsk.” He recognized her as one of the girls who turned tricks in the hotel a few doors down. “I’m lonely too. We’re all lonely.”
Inside, he spotted Kira dancing with a bald man who was trying to look down her dress. She had on a blue and white dress that played up her blonde hair – not that it was natural, he knew from experience – and her blue eyes. She fit right in with this crowd. Cheap and trashy.
Susan sidled up to him. “Hey, wanna dance or something?”
“No, I don’t ‘wanna dance or something.’”
“Oh.”
She looked scared half to death, and Hutch felt like a complete heel. “Let’s go sit down.”
“Can we play some backgammon? It helps me take my mind off of things.”
“Sure.” He waved her toward one of the backgammon tables. “Has someone been bothering you?”
“No more than usual.” She smiled up at him as she sat down. “I just keep wondering if this guy’s the one, you know?”
“I know you’re scared, Susan.” Picking up the dice cup, he handed it to her. “We’ll catch him, I promise.”
Starsky walked past them on his way to the dance floor, and Hutch automatically tracked his partner’s movements. He caught the look Starsky gave to Kira and her current dancing partner. There was more than the usual cop checking out possible suspect there.
Now he’s worried about Shemp beating his time? Hutch gave himself a mental shake. You’re seeing things, Hutchinson.
Late Tuesday Night
Dave was a great kisser – Kira had to give him that. His lips were soft, and he kissed firmly, but not too hard, his tongue moving in creative directions rather than just ramming into her mouth.
Kira shifted slightly, letting him settle more of his weight on her. They’d moved to the pile of pillows in front of the fireplace after their late dinner. A couple glasses of wine and a little talk about what Starsky wanted for his future, and she’d let him move past the soft quick kisses to the real thing.
Now he was half on top of her, kissing her with a skill she wouldn’t have credited him for, and rubbing what felt like a good sized hard on against her hip.
Stick with the plan. She told herself sternly. Kira let him tug down the top of her dress and palm her breasts. The clasp to the bra was in the back, so he wasn’t getting bare tit until she decided he could. Which was not tonight.
“You’re so soft.” He whispered in her ear. “So sweet and soft.”
Her skin was lightly tanned – not too dark, but not too pale. Starsky kissed along her throat and down to the lace edging her bra. The damn thing didn’t hook in the front and her dress didn’t have buttons or a zipper in the back that he could slip open to get at it.
S’okay, I’d rather have my hands somewhere else anyway. He grinned and nuzzled at a nipple through the white lacy cup.
His left hand had been resting on her hip, and now he moved it down to where the hem of her dress had ridden up to her knees. Sliding his hand under the gauzy material, Starsky let his fingers glide over the soft skin of Kira's inner thigh until he found the cotton panties covering her mound.
Cotton? He paused for a moment. Tracing the lines of the panties, he found they were small enough to be sexy but still modest. A rush of protectiveness surged through him, and Starsky felt a bit guilty about touching her so intimately.
The guilt lasted until the moment Kira parted her thighs slightly and his fingers slid down to his favorite place. He gently rubbed her clit through the soft cotton, smiling at her breathy moan.
Kira tangled her fingers in the thick, curly hair, holding Starsky’s head to her breasts. The bra hadn’t seemed to bother him one bit, and he continued to nip and suck her nipples through the material. Points for creativity.
His fingers rubbed and circled lazily, making her arch up, trying to get more. Kira panted and closed her eyes as the ache inside of her deepened to a throbbing. This was delicate territory and most men were clumsy, preferring to shove their fingers in rather than play and tease where it was really needed.
“You like that?” Starsky rose up to look at Kira's face. Her eyes were closed and her lips were parted. “Is that good? You need a little more, sweetheart?”
Kira knew exactly what she wanted. But this wasn’t the time to tell him. “I – I don’t know – it’s good – “ No lie there.
“Good.” Leaning down, he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. “But I think I can do better.” Brushing his thumb back and forth over the delicate nub, Starsky pressed his fingers down and into the wetness seeping through the material of her panties.
The pressure of Starsky’s fingers and the soft cotton along the lips of her pussy made Kira hiss in her breath. The throbbing spread down to where his fingers pushed and rubbed.
“God – Dave – “ Kira bit her lip to keep from saying the things that would shock him. Things out of character with who he wanted.
“Shh… relax, sweetheart.” Starsky nibbled at her lower lip, drawing it into his mouth to suck at it.
She’d intended to stop him as soon as he got his hands under her dress, but if there was a chance Starsky could get her off – why not?
“Relax and let me take care of you.” Slipping his fingers under the damp panties, Starsky groaned as his fingers slid through the wet curls. “Just – relax – “ Good advice, Starsky, you should take it. His dick ached until he thought it would burst.
One thick finger pushed inside of her, followed by a second, and Kira arched up to force them in deeper. The heel of his hand pushed down on her clit, rubbing up and down as his fingers pumped in and out of her.
“Come for me…” He watched her face, panting against her lips as he curled his fingers up to stroke where that electric spot was.
Her hands slid down his chest and belly, fingers raking through the soft hair, not caring if she hurt him. Hitting the top of Starsky’s jeans, Kira reached eagerly between his legs, cupping the hard bulge there.
“Oh – jeez – yes – “ He pushed against her hand, rubbing into her grip. “That’s good – “
Biting down on her tongue to keep from begging him to fuck her, Kira ran her hand over his hard on. The size excited her, and she was tempted to jerk his pants open and let him have at it.
Before her resolve could break, the throbbing burst into a ripple that spread through her body. “Oh – oh – wow – “ Kira let her arms fall to her sides.
“Like that?” Starsky kissed her gently. “It gets better, sweetheart.”
Easing his fingers from her, he unbuckled his belt and opened his pants, groaning in relief as the tight jeans gave up their grip on his aching dick. Her panties were in the way and Starsky didn’t like the idea of just pulling them aside and fucking her like she was some girl he’d picked up.
Hooking his thumbs in the waistband, Starsky slid them down. He moved up and over Kira, pressing soft kisses to her lips as he pulled the panties farther down.
“David – David – no – wait – “
“What?” He raised his head and looked down at her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong – it’s just – we can’t – “ She pushed at his chest. “I – I can’t believe I just let you – “
Starsky moved off of her and forced his hard on back inside his jeans so he could fasten them. “Kira, tell me what – “
“I can’t believe I just let you – “ Kira sat up and covered her face with her hands. “Oh, God, what do you think of me?”
“Kira, sweetheart – “ He pulled her into his arms, holding her taut body against his. “I don’t think we did anything wrong.”
“It’s just too fast.” She wiped carefully at her eyes. “I just can’t go through the wrong thing again.”
“We’re not – “ Frustrated, Starsky brushed her hair away and pressed his lips to the back of her neck. “We’re not the wrong thing.”
“You don’t know that.” She pulled away and stood up, straightening her clothes as she did so. “You’re a great guy, Dave, and I want to believe this isn’t just a one night thing for you, but – “
“But what?” Standing, he took her hands in his. “I don’t know how to show you that you’re not a one night stand to me.”
“I’m sorry, Dave.” Kira stepped closer and kissed him. When he tried to deepen the kiss, she pulled away. “We’re just going too fast.”
“Then we’ll slow down.” He smiled for her and tried not to think of another night of blue balls.
“I’ll get you a blanket.” Pulling her hands free, she walked to the hall closet.
“Well, I hope your couch is comfortable.” He eyed the short, overstuffed couch.
“Oh, Dave – “ Kira clutched a blanket and pillow to her chest as she came back to where he stood glaring at her couch. “I hate to ask you to do this…”
“Not the car?” Turning, Starsky gave her his best little boy look. “I promise to be good.”
“I don’t think – “ She shook her head. “It’s not safe – “
“I’m capable of controlling myself.” A spark of anger fell into his frustration. “I’m not going to try to rape you in the middle of the night.”
“How do you know I might not try to rape you?” She ducked her head as if embarrassed.
“Well, when you put it that way…” The anger fizzled out. “Can I at least use your bathroom first?”
“Of course.”
“And uh…” He paused in the doorway. “Can we tell Hutch I slept on the couch?”
“Am I some sort of competition with you guys?” Her voice rose.
The pillow hit him in the face. “No! Of – “ The blanket, he managed to snatch out of the air before it hit him. “Of course not! It’s just – you know – “
“Men!” He looked embarrassed and sheepish all at once, and Kira let him dangle for a moment before she smiled and shook her head. “If Hutch asks – if he asks – I’ll say you slept on the couch.”
“Thank you.”
“And if you tell him anything that happened here – “ Kira picked up the pillow and raised it as if she was going to throw it at him again.
“I won’t – I promise – “ Holding his hands up, Starsky backed away. “A gentleman never kisses and tells!”
“Remember that.”
After he left the room, Kira picked up the blanket and folded it again. She smiled as she hugged it to her breasts. When Starsky came out of the bathroom, she handed him the pillow and blanket, giving him a chaste kiss goodnight before she sent him outside.
“Here we are again, baby.” Starsky shifted in the Torino’s front seat, trying to find a comfortable spot. At least this time he had a blanket and pillow.
“And blue balls – let’s not forget them.” He patted his crotch. His dick had finally given up for the night, but his balls were still pissed off at not getting any. “Sorry, boys, maybe next time.”
Kira was right; they’d moved a little too fast. Starsky sighed and wiggled down farther in the seat. He hadn’t intended to end up with his hands in her pants – not yet, anyway. He’d wanted to move slowly for a change.
“Ah, Starsky, you’re just a slave to your hormones.” Closing his eyes, he tried to go to sleep.
For once, his ability to fall asleep whenever he wanted failed him, and Starsky found himself staring at the radio. Now would be the perfect time to talk to Hutch.
Hutch had to be lying in the seat of his crappy car out in front of Susan’s house. He could pick up the mike, call in, and be patched through to Hutch in a heartbeat. They could maybe sort through the weirdness that was happening to them.
“Only then, he’d know that not only did you not end up in bed with the lovely Kira – “ Starsky laced his fingers together and laid his hands on his chest. “You didn’t even get to sleep on the couch.”
Promises were horrible things. If not for the promise he’d made to Kira, he could at least let Hutch know that he’d been having dinner with her every night, and that he was seriously falling for her.
Tomorrow night Hutch would flirt with her and try to charm his way off the couch and into her bed, because he didn’t know to back off.
“How can he not know?” The irritation Starsky had felt the last few days at his partner rose up once again. He had always been able to tell when Hutch had it bad for a girl – even when Hutch was trying to play it cool. And Hutch had always been able to spot the same feelings when it came to him. Until now.
“He’s too busy being Mr. I Hate The World.” Starsky glared at the radio. For the last several months, Hutch had become increasingly cynical and bitter.
No more morning jogs or health food shakes, and too much booze. And Hutch had let himself go – normally immaculate in the way he dressed, he was wearing baggy clothes and letting his hair grow long and shaggy.
“What the hell’s the matter with you, Hutch?” One call and they could talk this out. Starsky turned his head away from the red light on the radio. “To hell with you. I’m tired of being the one to make the first move.”
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