Hi guys! I'm so sorry I disappeared! It hasn't been the best year for me - but I'm here to bring you another installment of Hotline This follows the previous chapter and things get a little steamy when Daryl and Caryl head back to Alexandria. As always - have fun with it! Enjoy this little escape and fingers crossed for an awesome premiere tonight!

Disclaimer: I do not own the walking dead…or Glenn would still be here dammitt!

Chapter 19: Touch

Carol couldn't help herself. Her body was pressed so close to Daryl's and the entire ride back to Alexandria had been torture. She'd had her arms around his middle for the better part of twenty minutes and he seemed to feel better the longer she held on. He was solid, strong, warm… His natural scent was amplified by their time together. Carol knew they both smelled like sex but she didn't care. She loved him, and he loved her.

After they'd confessed to one another in the field, Daryl and Carol laid together in awe. They stared at each other as they tried to process the words they'd finally spoken aloud. The hunter eventually helped his mate back into her clothes. She'd blushed when he fastened her bra. The lovers handled each other with a sudden tenderness. He'd given her a quick kiss after helping her back onto the horse. From the instant she mounted their steed, Carol made sure she was flush against Daryl. She lost count of the soft kisses she'd placed between his shoulder blades during their slow journey home.

Now that they'd reached the gate, Carol wasn't ready to give up the closeness. Her hands were roaming from his chest, down to his stomach. She just wanted to touch him. With her forehead resting against his back, she closed her eyes and dug her nails into the fabric of his shirt. It wasn't enough.

Daryl's grip tightened on the rope. He knew he was supposed to call out…announce their arrival, but the words were sticking in his throat. He could feel Carol's need in the way that she pulled at his clothes. Her body was soft against his. He liked having her wrapped around him.

Restless, the horse stamped at the ground, startling the lovers. Daryl cleared his throat and reached for one of Carol's wrists. "We gotta go in," he whispered as he gently pried her hand away.

"Wait…please."

Bowing his head, the hunter honored his woman's request.

Her palms splayed slowly against his stomach, and she silently wished she could feel the heat of his skin. She didn't want anything to separate them.

"Carol."

"I just like the way this feels."

He took a deep breath before answering. "Me too."

She hugged him harder.

"You gonna be in my bed tonight?"

"You saying you want me there?" she asked.

Daryl shot her a look over his shoulder. "That's what I'm sayin'."

Carol just smirked at him.

"Ain't been near as fun without ya." He growled softly.

"Have you been…" she couldn't keep the grin off her face.

"Been what?" Daryl still had his eyes trained on her.

She cleared her throat. "Taking care of yourself?"

He nearly choked. After turning away to cough, the hunter seemed to regain his composure. "Ain't like your ass was payin' me any mind."

Carol's core tightened. There was something incredibly fascinating about the idea of Daryl touching himself. "What did you think about while you did it?"

"Woman…"

"How many times?" Her nails were clawing at his shirt again.

Having reached his limit, Daryl called out to whomever might be waiting behind the walls. "Hey! Someone wanna let us in!"

"Daryl? That you?" a familiar voice yelled back.

"Me 'n Carol!"

"Hang tight!"

Carol let go of her partner with a huff. "Spoil sport."

"Ya ask too many questions."

They could hear the creaking as the gate was slowly pulled open from within.

"You mean to tell me you're not the least bit curious?" she asked.

The hairs at the base of his neck stood up. During their seven-day drought, it never occurred to Daryl that his woman might be satisfying her own needs. Swallowing hard, he looked over his shoulder again. "How many times?"

Carol chewed her bottom lip as she tried to remember. When she finally met her man's gaze again, there was a smug smile on her lips. "Had to be at least eight. Not sure though. Kinda lost track."

Daryl's lips parted. There was a sudden crease in his brow and he couldn't make himself look away. All he could think about was Carol…her hands…and where they'd been. He was picturing her on her back…two nimble fingers circling her clit.

Fuck.

His lids grew heavy and he nearly leaned in to kiss her, but the clang of the gate opening brought him back to reality.

"Focus." Carol whispered.

Feeling somewhat disoriented, he gave the horse a weak nudge in the sides, urging it forward.

"Well shit cowboy. What ya'll got there?" Abraham asked as he approached the nervous animal.

"Easy." said Daryl. He tugged the rope to keep his mount in check. "We found him in the woods a ways. Couple miles out."

"He give ya'll any trouble?"

"He was scared at first, but he got us back here in one piece. Figure we can put him to work." said Carol.

"No shit. Reg 'n Deanna are gonna be all about this." Abraham was close enough to touch the horse. He cautiously laid a broad hand on its side and gave it a pat. "You're a big sumbitch."

"Careful. He took out a walker back in them woods." The hunter gestured behind them.

"He's somethin.' Mind if I try him out?"

"He's all yours." Carol chuckled.

Daryl swung his leg over and hopped down with a thud. On instinct, he turned around and extended an arm for his mate. Blushing slightly, she took his hand and slid down. Wanting to make themselves scarce before the horse drew a crowd, the lovers began heading in the direction of their house.

"Here." Daryl handed the rope off to Abraham.

"Where ya'll goin'?"

"Hm?" Carol asked.

Abraham took a step back and eyed his companions up and down. "Damn. You sure he didn't give ya trouble? Ya'll look like he threw your sorry asses."

Daryl and Carol paused to look at each other. Their hair was mussed, tangled, and they both had dirt on their hands…small smudges on their skin. Carol supposed they didn't look all that bad, until she noticed the grass stains on the knees of Daryl's pants. The hunter followed his woman's gaze and felt his stomach drop.

Sensing that they'd already lingered too long, she gave Abraham a tired smile and shrugged. "What can I say? That was a long afternoon. We're gonna head back to the house and clean up. If you see Rick first, can you let him know we're back?"

"You got it. Now go on. Ya'll look like shit."

Carol had to laugh. "Thanks." She turned away and eyed her partner. "Come on. You heard him."

Daryl answered with a nod and the two of them did their best not to break into a run.

"What you think the odds are that this bitch is empty?" The hunter asked in a low growl.

"Hmm. I'd say…one in fifty. Roughly."

"Well don't sugar coat it none."

She snorted. "I only say that because sometimes it feels like there are fifty of us living here."

"You ain't lyin." They'd finally climbed their own porch steps and Daryl paused before grabbing the doorknob.

"What is it?" she asked.

He licked his bottom lip and considered his words. "Jus…I was thinkin'."

"Yes?"

"I'd like to do the washin'…if ya don't mind the company."

Carol's arms were folded across her chest as she studied him.

Taking her silence as a rejection, he turned back towards the door and reached for the knob.

"Wait. You mean you wanna share the shower? Is that it?"

"If you're up for it. Yeah. We done it before."

She smiled as she thought back to their first night together. "We have. I seem to remember it lead to a little more than washing up for one of us."

He sighed through his nose. "Woman; that ain't what I'm askin' for. Ya done me good out there 'n I ain't exactly bounced back from it yet. I just wanna take care of ya."

Carol brought her fingertips to her lips and hid her growing smile. "Did you say you wanna take care of me?"

"If your ass will let me."

She stood on the porch, completely amazed by the fact that such an amazing man was offering to wash the dirt from her hair. Too stunned to do anything else, Carol nodded. "I'd like that."

Daryl smirked at her.

"Question is…what do we do if you open that door and find people sitting on the couch?" she asked.

The hunter didn't want to entertain that possibility. He shook his head slowly. "I don't know. We'll figure it out. Think we done pretty good flyin' under the radar up until now."

"Alright then. Fingers crossed."

"Fingers crossed." He echoed as he turned the knob and pulled the door open.

They stepped carefully over the threshold and eased the door shut behind them. Daryl and Carol found themselves staring at an empty living room. Glancing to the right, they noticed the kitchen was deserted as well. Understandably suspicious, they continued to scan the room. The lovers slowly advanced. Each step was light, hesitant, as if they were walking on ice that might give way beneath their boots at any second. Only once a full minute of undisturbed silence had passed did they finally allow themselves to breathe.

Daryl dropped his pack on the floor and groaned in relief while Carol slumped into a barstool. She folded her arms and let her elbows rest on the smooth counter top.

"One in fifty…" she laughed.

The hunter was pacing slowly, his hands running up over his face and into his hair. "Shit. I can't believe none of them assholes are-"

An unwelcome sound caught their attention. They both turned to eye the staircase as Eugene hurried down.

Carol squeezed her eyes shut and put her head on the counter. Daryl's hands went to his hips as he bowed his head and accepted the wrench that had just been thrown into their plan.

"Welcome. May I ask to which assholes you're referring?" The would-be scientist lifted a granola bar to his mouth and took a bite.

"Come again?"

"A moment ago." Said Eugene. "You were speaking of assholes."

Daryl fought to keep his eyes from rolling all the way back into his skull. "Naw. That was nothin.' Just blowin' off some steam is all."

"I see. Am I to assume you were successful in locating your equine target?"

Carol was rubbing her temples as she tried not to laugh. Eugene had been with them for some time but she still wasn't used to the way he spoke.

"We got him." Daryl huffed. He was quickly losing patience, and he hadn't had much to begin with. "Abraham's seein' to him now."

"Then congratulations are in order." Eugene extended a fist and waited.

The hunter reluctantly bumped it. "You the only one here?" he asked.

"Negative. Rosita's upstairs."

Carol turned on her barstool and smirked at Eugene. "House to yourselves? You two making a day of it?" she asked.

The man's face grew pale.

Daryl leaned back against the counter and snorted in amusement. "Didn't know ya'll were like that. Abraham don't mind?"

"No. You've misread the situation. I can assure you. No such relationship exists." His hands had begun to shake.

"Naw? Ya look awful guilty for someone ain't been foolin' with another man's woman."

"That is not the case. Nervousness is my natural reaction in the face of false allegations. I swear to you here and now that I have not laid a hand on that woman, nor would I ever take such a liberty…she-"

"Daryl; enough. It's ok Eugene. We believe you. We were just giving you a hard time and we shouldn't have. I'm sorry."

Eugene blinked several times and tried to calm his frayed nerves.

Carol hopped down from the stool and walked over to her friend. She placed a soft hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Really. We know you're not that kind of person. We've just had a long day."

"I see." he answered without meeting her gaze.

Daryl's narrowed eyes were locked on the scene in front of him…specifically on the delicate hand that was resting on Eugene's shoulder. He could feel a fire flickering to life inside him. The hunter had next to no tolerance for Carol touching other men. It didn't matter that it was Eugene. He muffled a growl and tried to control his temper.

"I'm sorry." she repeated, a sad smile on her lips.

He finally lifted his chin and nodded. "Apology accepted. Pardon my overreaction."

"Don't give it another thought."

"I'm helping her repair one of our radios. That's what I…what we were doing upstairs."

"Well good. I'm sure you'll get it fixed." she said, her hand finally falling away as she returned to her barstool.

The three companions lingered in the space between the living room and the kitchen. An awkward silence had fallen over them and it was only broken when Eugene took another bite of his granola bar. Daryl shot Carol a look out of the corner of his eye.

"Hey." She called to Eugene. "You wouldn't happen to know if there's clean towels upstairs would you? Think we're gonna need some showers here in a minute." She chuckled as she looked down at her sweat-stained clothes.

"I'd be happy to procure those for you. One moment."

"Thanks." Carol gave him another smile before he headed for the staircase.

The lovers waited until they heard him reach the top landing. "You done makin' eyes at that dumbass?"

"Are you really jealous of Eugene? You know what…it doesn't matter. I don't have time for this and neither do you. We've got about thirty seconds before he's back down here. Get in the shower."

Daryl was confused. "What are ya gonna tell him when he gets back and I'm gone?"

"That you needed some time to yourself, to cool down. That you're letting me have the first shower. I'll tell him you're in your room, now go!"

They both looked up when they heard Eugene's footsteps echoing overhead. He was making his way back down the second-floor hallway.

"Daryl; this whole thing was your idea. Either go now or shower alone."

The hunter wasn't entirely sold on Carol's plan, but he didn't have a better one to offer. Without another word he pushed himself away from the counter and hurried towards the hall that lead to the bathroom.

She made sure she was calm, poised when her friend returned to the living room, his arms laden with fresh towels. "You're a lifesaver."

"No ma'am. Just trying to help is all."

"Well it's appreciated. Thank you." She accepted the offering as she eased down off the barstool.

"You are most welcome. And your counterpart?" he asked.

Carol refused to let herself slip. "He generously offered to give me first crack at the shower."

"I see. That strikes me as being out of character for Daryl."

"Because you've been so kind…I won't tell him you said that." Carol smiled at the nervous man.

Eugene met her gaze and swallowed hard. "Understood."

Feeling confident, she turned on her heel and walked calmly out of the room. As she made her way down the hall, a single thought kept the smile on Carol's face.

He might already be naked.

It's fine. Ya need to quit worryin'.

Daryl was growing agitated. He felt stupid…weak for worrying about something as simple as a shower.

Ain't nothin' wrong with what you're doin'.

His hands were locked at the back of his skull as he paced in the small bathroom. He knew he had every right to be with Carol. They were adults with no one to answer to. Despite all the facts in front of him, Daryl couldn't help but to feel as though he was breaking some sort of rule.

What kinda sense does that make?

"It don't." he muttered to himself.

Your ass ain't fifteen no more. Ain't no one gonna beat ya if they catch you in here with a girl.

"She ain't a girl." he sighed.

Carol was a grown woman who made her own choices. For whatever reason, she'd chosen to be with Daryl. The hunter was still somewhat shell-shocked by what they'd admitted to one another in the field. He guessed the revelation was adding to his anxiety. It was as if sudden pressure had been added to their relationship.

That's just your nerves talkin'. It's Carol. You 'n her. That's it.

With a silent nod, Daryl acknowledged the simple truth. He wanted her and she wanted him. Nothing else mattered.

The soft click of a door opening nearly made his heart stop. He spun around in time to see Carol stepping into the bathroom. She eased the door shut and made sure to lock it.

"Shit…" he breathed, one hand going to his forehead.

She set the towels down on the counter near the sink. "You ok?"

"Ya 'bout made me piss myself."

Carol snorted. "Easy tiger."

He rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"You're a little keyed up for someone who came twice in that field. Should I be worried? Feel like I'm not doing my job if I can't get you to relax after sex." she teased.

"Woman; don't start."

"Just making sure you're ok. That's all." Carol moved towards him and placed her hands lightly on his chest.

"Sorry. I just…keep thinkin' we're doin' somethin' wrong."

"We're not. I promise. Everything we've done has been very, very right." She assured him, her fingertips clawing at his shirt.

The look on her face was easing his fears. He had no arguments for her.

"I see you saved the fun stuff for me." said Carol.

"What's that now?"

She blushed as her hands moved down his shirt. When her fingers began working on the lowest button, Daryl swallowed hard.

"Ya ain't gotta do that."

"I want to."

Finally accepting that he needed to let himself enjoy the moment, the hunter shrugged off his vest. His heart beat was becoming a steady pound. Unsure of what else to do, he slid his hands into his back pockets and waited for Carol to finish.

She was careful. The cotton was wearing thin and several of the buttons seemed to be hanging on by a thread. She could feel her lover's stomach trembling each time her fingertips brushed his skin.

"This still makes you nervous," she said softly.

Daryl couldn't speak.

Carol accepted the silence and kept working. She'd reached his chest. "Don't worry. It's the same for me."

He lifted his chin. "Yeah?"

She took a calming breath before meeting his gaze. "Yeah." She pushed the last button through the hole.

The hunter felt vulnerable with his shirt open but his woman just smiled at him.

"May I?" She asked.

He nodded and closed his eyes as Carol slowly worked the shirt off his shoulders. She held her breath and pushed the fabric down his arms. Daryl finally pulled his hands from his pockets, letting the shirt fall. He reached back to brace his palms on the edge of the sink.

Wanting to admire the man in front of her, Carol hugged herself. She sighed as her eyes roamed his body. She followed the faint trail of dark hair, visible just above his belt buckle, up to his belly button. Her cheeks grew warm when she remembered the first time she'd dipped the tip of her tongue into it. Needing more of him, her eyes wandered higher still.

Every inch of exposed skin shone with sweat. She could see smudges from the grass and dirt…lines her own nails had left on his stomach and chest. Carol knew the origins of each mark on her lover's frame, but it still felt as though she was looking at signs of a struggle…battle scars. She supposed she was. All of their unions had been something of a struggle. They wanted to control each other.

His chest was heaving slightly as she stared.

He's still afraid.

She took in the curves of his shoulders. Something about them made her weak. They were broad, strong…Carol often found herself thinking they were Daryl's most masculine feature. The first night they'd loved one another…her legs had been on those shoulders. The memory still woke her in the middle of the night. She'd never met anyone that possessed strength like his.

Carol's heart rate was steadily increasing. No detail escaped her notice. Her hungry eyes followed the lines of his collarbones. They were sexy and she had to smile. She liked running her fingertips along them whenever they woke up next to each other.

The hunter was doing his best to keep from shaking. He hated appearing nervous under her gaze but it was a natural reaction. He couldn't seem to stop it. He'd never been comfortable in his own skin and now he was trapped in a small space with Carol. The rosy light of a late-afternoon glow was spilling in through a window above the shower; he swore he could feel it highlighting every flaw on his body. Daryl wished he could understand what Carol saw when she looked at him.

"It's ok," she whispered, moving closer.

Her hands drifted to his waistband and lingered lightly. She gasped, her eyes closing when she felt the waves of heat pouring off of him. The musk that only he carried was quickly filling the room, surrounding Carol. It seemed to get into her clothes…her hair…it was everywhere in an instant. He smelled like sex and wilderness and the scent was addictive. She could taste it on her tongue. Her physical attraction to Daryl increased tenfold as her fingers curled tightly around his waistband. Lost in his scent, she failed to realize that she'd begun unfastening his belt.

"Carol…" he growled.

Blinking suddenly, she focused on his face. "Please. Let me do this."

He gripped the edge of the sink even harder. The porcelain was slick beneath his palms. All he could do was watch Carol's hands as she worked on his buckle. He was trying to control his breathing.

She handled the worn leather with ease and moved on to his zipper, inhaling him all the while. The rush went straight to her brain and she felt herself growing lightheaded.

"Daryl…" she whined softly, shaking her head in awe. Carol just needed to say his name.

He swallowed hard and squeezed his eyes shut as he waited.

She tugged his zipper down slowly and had to keep herself from reaching into his boxers. She didn't understand how her need for him could be worse than it was in the field. His seed was still inside her…she was still aching with the force of what he'd done to her but it didn't seem to matter. With her hands so close to his groin, all Carol wanted was to touch him.

"God Daryl." She stood frozen, the zipper tab still caught between her thumb and forefinger. She'd already pulled it all the way down.

He didn't know what to do…whether or not to speak.

Carol couldn't take it anymore. He was too enticing. Without warning, she sank to her knees in front of him. Her lips were less than an inch from his manhood.

Daryl felt a slight tremor move through his frame. His stomach flipped at the sight of Carol on her knees.

Her nails pricked the skin of his hips as she pulled his pants and boxers down below his thighs. She stopped when she saw his cock. He didn't need to be erect to fascinate her. Her lips parted as admired the length and thickness of his shaft. It was difficult to accept the fact that something so impressive had been inside her so many times. She stared dreamily at the part of Daryl's body that had brought her the most intense pleasure she'd ever known. Leaning in closer, she caught her own scent and shivered. Unable to stop herself, Carol placed a gentle kiss to his cock.

The hunter's eyes slammed shut, his head going back. "Baby…don't…" he pleaded.

"I'm sorry." she whispered. "It's just…"

Daryl was struggling in the grip of pleasure and pain. His climaxes had left him sore but he still twitched when Carol's lips grazed him. He could feel her warm breath hitting him when she spoke.

She tried to keep her chest from heaving as she stared up at him. "Has anyone ever told you…"

"Fuck," he growled. He forced himself to meet her gaze. "Told me what woman?"

Carol was clawing at his thighs. "That you're fucking hung?" The lust in her voice startled them both.

In that moment, Daryl wished that there was some way…any way for him to get his cock up. He wanted more than anything to feel Carol's warm mouth surrounding him…her slick tongue loving him…

Christ.

"Woman…I can't. Fuck I can't…"

Still clinging to his thighs, she kissed the tip of his member.

Daryl jerked at the sensation. "Jesus!"

"I told you it's ok. I'll wait. Just thought you should know you're appreciated." She smirked up at him.

"Fuck." His head went back again as he tried to control his urges. The last thing he needed was his woman, on her knees, whispering to him about how much she loved his manhood. He couldn't handle anymore blood rushing to his groin.

Carol bit her bottom lip, her eyes still fixed on Daryl's shaft, as she worked his pants and boxers the rest of the way down his legs. Part of her felt guilty for being so entranced by his body, but she quickly forced the negative thoughts from her mind. He was her lover, friend, partner… She loved him for everything he was and everything he wasn't.

Let yourself be happy.

Daryl was selfless, loyal, and she knew he wouldn't hesitate to put himself in danger if it meant protecting those closest to him. He'd proven that enough times. His physical appearance was just a wonderful bonus.

You're allowed to like it.

Smiling to herself, Carol urged him to step out of his clothes. She could feel the sudden stab of need in her core as she stood up. Taking a slow step back, she gave the hunter a moment to breathe.

Daryl's toes were curling. Nervous energy had pooled low in his belly…his fingertips… He licked his lips and wondered if he'd be able to relax. Carol had seen him naked enough times, but this was different. Normally his anxiety was eclipsed by lust, exhaustion, or a combination of the two. There was no urgency to propel him forward this time. She'd undressed him with painful slowness only to stand and stare at him afterward. The appraisal was unnerving.

Meanwhile, Carol's hands were clasped at the back of her skull. She shook her head and sighed. Her blush had become a glow that lit up her whole face.

"I'm filthy." the hunter growled under his breath before looking away.

He couldn't maintain eye contact with her. All he could think about was the sweat he'd been covered in all afternoon, the grass that was probably caught somewhere in his hair, and the dirt on his hands.

"I want you." she admitted.

Daryl looked at his woman questioningly. He didn't understand.

"Just like this." Carol eyed him up and down.

He glanced at his body and wondered what exactly she found so appealing.

She could hear his thoughts. "All of it."

"Hm?" He lifted his chin to refocus on her.

"You wanna know what it is I like about you? Everything. Every. Single. Thing." She chuckled. "I like all of it."

His gaze was skeptical.

"You could be covered in mud and I'd want you."

"Yeah?"

"Absolutely." she smiled.

He managed to pry one hand off the edge of the sink. As he studied his fingers, he noticed the dirt under his nails. "This don't turn ya off?"

Carol had to laugh. "You saying a little dirt is a deal breaker for you? That it?"

Daryl could see the smudges on her forearms, her chest…she even had one on her cheek. Her hair was mussed and her clothes had darkened with sweat. He started to smile when he realized that none of it bothered him. He couldn't think of anything more appealing than the woman standing in front of him.

Giggling, she reached for the hem of her shirt.

"Don't." He moved into her space and gently gripped her wrists.

Carol arched an eyebrow.

"I got this." He took the hem in his hands and began to pull it up.

Carol lifted her arms dutifully.

The second he caught sight of her stomach, Daryl understood why she'd undressed him so slowly. It was fun. Dragging the process out allowed him to savor each inch of newly exposed skin. The anticipation gave him a rush he wasn't used to. His lips parted as he took a moment to stare at her tight, pale stomach. He marveled at the fact that her body had endured so much, before and after the turn, but remained beautiful. Needing to touch her, Daryl held her shirt up with one hand and pressed the other to her stomach. His fingers spread as he tried to feel as much of her as he could.

She tensed for a moment but the warmth of his palm quickly became a welcome sensation. Afraid to breathe, Carol waited him out.

The hunter was drawn to his mate. He moved even closer and looked into her eyes. They stared at each other in silence until Carol signaled him with a slight nod. Knowing that he needed to keep going, Daryl slid his hand up from her stomach…back to the hem that was lingering near her ribcage. He cleared his throat softly and did his best to focus as he tugged the shirt up.

Carol's arms were still raised and Daryl was momentarily fascinated by how long and slender they were. The skin was incredibly soft as his fingertips brushed it. He continued to move the fabric up along those arms until he'd pulled it off. Suddenly at a loss, he stood in front of her with the shirt in his hands.

Sensing that her partner still needed time, she leaned back against the wall and remained silent.

Daryl knew she was so much more than flesh and blood, but he couldn't help his fixation. He stood in that small room and drank her in. Carol's body had the power to excite him like nothing else ever had. From the tips of her toes to the ends of her hair…every inch of her made his blood run hot. Sleek yet powerful, and undeniably feminine, Carol's frame kept him locked in place.

His eyes followed the curves of her breasts over and over. Each time, he found himself trying to understand her. He wanted to know how she'd become so intoxicating. He was addicted to her…her body. The way her hair smelled, the sounds she made when they were in bed together and the look on her face when her orgasms struck…he needed all of it.

Trapped in that moment with Carol, the hunter stared hopelessly at her chest. As much as he loved seeing her naked, he had to admit that there was something sexy about her bra. It seemed to be a size too small and Daryl wondered if she'd done that on purpose. The cups were low-cut and the fabric was smooth. The longer he stared, the more convinced he became that Carol chose the bra with him in mind. She knew he liked the way dark colors looked against her skin. The black straps curved up and over her shoulders…tempting him. His eyes wandered back to her delicious cleavage and he bit the corner of his lip. The cups were perfectly full of the softness he'd held in his hands a hundred times. Smirking a little, Daryl made a mental note to spend more time on her breasts before, during and after sex.

He tossed the shirt aside and beckoned his woman with the crook of a finger. Carol pushed herself from the wall and braced her hands on her lover's chest. They locked eyes as Daryl reached around to unfasten her bra clasp.

"You like it." she whispered.

"What's that?" He growled under his breath.

"Going slow."

He grunted softly when he felt the clasp give. Carol eased back and waited for Daryl to act. Her mouth was quickly going dry.

The hunter made sure to hold her gaze as he reached for the thin straps. He could see the flush spreading on her face the instant his fingertips touched her shoulders. With more self control than he'd ever exercised in his life, Daryl carefully slid the straps down and left a trail of goosebumps on her arms. When he felt the cups falling away, he finally let himself look down.

"Fuck…"

The bra hit the ground and Daryl couldn't stop staring at her nipples. It pained him to look at her amazing body and not be able to take her the way he wanted to. She deserved all the pleasure he could possibly provide. He wanted to slide into her core, fuck her against the bathroom wall and make her breasts shake.

Carol's breathing had grown shallow. She couldn't handle the way he was staring at her. Before their relationship changed, she'd always seen Daryl as asexual…or at least strangely unaffected by any women he encountered. She'd occasionally wondered if it was even women he was interested in. He'd never shown interest in anyone. He was an anomaly.

But as soon as her lips hit his in that kitchen, any mystery he'd been cloaking himself in disappeared. Daryl's preferences became very clear very quickly. His body's immediate response to hers took her breath away. She knew when he took her on the counter that the two things he needed were a woman, and control.

In that small space with her man, Carol couldn't believe she'd ever questioned his interests. He was the best lover she'd ever had. Daryl was in tune with her body as well as his own. When he was inside her, the hunter knew exactly how to move. The very first time he pushed into her sex, he made Carol his. With one thrust she'd become his woman. A fact she was reminded of as he stared at her breasts.

The hunter's blue eyes flicked to her face before he placed his hands on her breasts. Carol sucked in a sharp breath as a sudden thrill rushed through her. She was afraid to move.

Daryl's touch was light. His fingers were splaying as he enjoyed the softness of her skin. Having her in his palms was making him restless and he began gently forcing her to back up. When Carol felt the wall at her back, she stared wide-eyed at her partner.

But Daryl had no answers for her. He just needed to maintain contact. His thumbs grazed her nipples causing them to tighten instantly. Wanting more reactions from her, he tightened his grip slightly, squeezing the two soft swells. Carol's head went back to rest against the wall as she arched into his touch. The pain in her sex intensified with each passing second.

Daryl massaged her slowly, torturing both of them. The tenderness felt so good in his palms and all he wanted was to take care of her. His grip was becoming stronger. Some magnetic force was keeping his hands on her frame. The hunter never wanted to lose the soothing warmth of her flesh.

Carol didn't know when her eyes slammed shut, or when her fingers found their way to Daryl's wrists. All she knew was that she needed him to keep going. Moans were locked behind her lips as she urged him to caress her.

When she gripped his wrists, Daryl's lips parted. She was clinging to him, tugging..forcing him to stay. Watching her struggle with desire was one of the most primal things he'd ever witnessed. Right then, Carol wasn't a mother, a widow or a fighter. She was a woman who needed her lover. All he could see was the physical embodiment of pure want. Her body craved his touch and she was speaking without words.

Confident that he could give her everything she needed, Daryl squeezed her harder. She whined desperately and refused to let go of his wrists. Drawn to her skin, the hunter nuzzled the side of her face. He realized that he'd never been compelled to behave that way with anyone else. His reactions to Carol were new, powerful, and he was still learning to navigate them. The same person that made him want to fuck her on her knees like an animal had the ability to make him groan when his cheek brushed hers. She'd become precious to him.

Still gripping her breasts, Daryl ducked his head to nip at the crook of her neck. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed being close to his mate.

"Daryl…" She pleaded.

But he couldn't stop. With his lips on her body, the hunter continued to massage her breasts. Her scent was controlling him.

Close to tears, Carol clawed his wrists and gasped for air.

The sharp sound startled him and he finally pulled back, breathless. His eyes scanned her face as he tried to understand what was wrong.

"Baby?"

Her chest was heaving in his grasp. "It's just…it's so good."

Daryl smirked as he looked down and pushed her beautiful breasts together. "These right here…" he paused to run his thumbs across her nipples. "These are fuckin' magic."

Carol had to laugh.

"I ain't playin' woman."

"I know. I'm sorry. It's just…I'm not used to thinking of myself as magic."

The hunter considered that for a moment. "Well I ain't used to thinkin' of myself as hung."

She snorted and brought one hand up to hide her smile. "That's hard to believe."

A crease formed in Daryl's brow. "How would I know woman? What do I got to compare it to?"

They both laughed then. She shook her head slowly. "I don't know. I just assumed men know when they're…gifted."

"We don't know shit till a woman tells us."

"Well glad I could be here to tell you how amazing you are…in every sense of the word."

He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and they stood smiling at each other.

She took a second to glance down at her chest. Daryl's hands looked like they belonged there. "Magic huh?"

He answered with a slow nod.

Carol bit her lip and met his gaze. "What else do you like?"

It dawned on the hunter that he hadn't taken her pants off yet. Feeling as though he'd just been given another gift to unwrap, Daryl stared at his woman before sinking down to his knees.

"Fuck," she breathed. The word slipped from between her teeth before she could stop it.

His hands slid down slowly from her chest, to her smooth stomach, lower…until his fingers were curling hungrily around her waistband.

Carol was mesmerized. Every little motion fascinated her. She could feel herself getting wet all over again. Daryl was already tugging her pants down her hips.

Fresh sweat broke out on his skin when her panties came into view but he didn't let himself stop.

"Goddamitt…" he growled, the sound heavy with frustration.

"Wh-what?" she panted.

He shook his head. "Forgot about these damn boots."

A nervous giggle escaped her. "I feel like that happens a lot."

"Can't help it," he shrugged. "I start thinkin' about that body 'n I get stupid."

Carol had to cover her face with her hands.

Daryl smiled at her reaction. Doing his best to focus, he made quick work of the straps on her boots.

Her face was completely flushed by the time her feet were bare.

He continued to pull her pants down and made sure to run his hands along the sides of her legs in the process. He felt goose bumps rising wherever he touched her.

That shit better not go away.

"C'mon woman."

She carefully stepped out of the material that had pooled at her ankles. Standing in that bathroom, in nothing more than her panties, Carol had to acknowledge the absurdity of it all.

"How'd we get here?" she asked, scarcely realizing she'd spoken the words aloud. Her eyes scanned the ceiling for an answer.

"What's that?" Daryl's hands slid up her calves.

The sensation made her toes curl. She braced one palm against the wall while the other cupped her forehead. Her lips formed a tired smile as she stared down at her partner.

"Just never thought I'd be hiding out in a bathroom…in the middle of the afternoon with…"

"With me?" He asked softly.

"With anyone." she admitted. "But especially someone like you."

The hunter massaged the backs of her legs. "Ain't exactly where I pictured myself…"

Carol kept her eyes on his.

"But seein' as we're here; I'm guessin' we oughtta enjoy it."

"Are you enjoying this?"

He gave her a slow nod. "I'm sure as shit enjoyin' this view."

A sudden rush of warmth spread through her frame. Daryl was staring up at her breasts. "It's pretty good from up here too." She smirked.

He dismissed the praise with a snort.

"No really. This is quite the treat. What would it take for you to spend a whole day like this?"

"Like this?" His brows knit together.

"Naked."

"Woman; hush."

She could only stare at him and stifle a groan.

"Speakin' of bein' naked…your ass ain't there yet."

"You wanna get me there?" she whispered.

Daryl reached up and let his fingers curl around the edge of her panties. He bit the corner of his bottom lip as he tried to decide how long to wait.

Carol had begun to sweat. The room was getting smaller.

His eyes flicked to hers for half a heartbeat before he started to tug the fabric down.

Carol's head went back, her eyes closing.

Daryl tried to go slow but he'd exhausted all of his patience. He needed his woman. Every inch of her. He jerked the flimsy panties the rest of the way down. On his knees, the hunter found himself level with Carol's sex. He wasn't even aware that his hands had made their way to her hips…fingers splaying over the curves he loved. His eyes closed as he breathed her in. The high was instantaneous. His nails dug into her skin and he had to kiss her.

"Daryl!" Her hand quickly formed a fist against the wall.

"Woman…" he breathed, the lone word hitting her skin.

Carol knew then, without a doubt, she belonged to Daryl. Her thoughts, her body…every part of her was his.

The hunter kissed her core, letting his lips linger. He'd never felt closer to a woman. Her scent was in his lungs…his brain. He didn't understand how she could make him feel weaker and stronger in the same instant.

"Daryl." She pleaded quietly.

"Tell me woman." He nuzzled the space between her legs.

"I think you should stop…"

The hunter nuzzled her again before looking up with dreamy eyes. "Why?"

"Because." She sighed. "You're making me want something you can't deliver."

Daryl stood up slowly and loomed over his mate. Holding her face gently with one hand, he forced her to look at him. "What exactly is it you think I can't deliver?"

She swallowed hard and tried to ignore the emptiness in her core.

"Ya need me to take care of that body…I'll do it."

Carol worked to slow her breathing, but it was difficult with her lover standing so close. "Maybe we should take that shower now."

Daryl let one hand trail down between their bodies. Without warning, he drug a single fingertip along her slit, making her jerk.

"Seems like you're wet enough already."

"Daryl please." Her walls were open and all she wanted was for him to slide that finger into her core.

Sensing that he'd spent enough time teasing her, he finally pulled his hand away and took a step back. The hunter eyed his woman and wondered what he'd done to deserve her.

"What?" she asked, her chest heaving lightly.

"Nothin'. Just like ya."

"Enough to get the shower going?" Carol laughed.

Daryl just turned away and pulled the curtain aside.

Carol watched in fascination as her lover bent over to work the faucets.

He could feel her eyes on him. "Whatcha lookin' at woman?"

"Your ass."

Surprised by the quick honesty, Daryl shot her a look over his shoulder.

"What? You asked."

Shaking his head, he stood up and held the curtain aside. "C'mon."

Carol was almost giddy as she stepped over the side of the tub. She groaned the second the hot water hit her.

"That good?" Daryl stepped in after her.

"Almost as good as sex." She teased.

He pointed a finger at her. "You shut your mouth."

Carol blinked as the spray continued to rain over them. "You gonna shut it for me?"

Daryl wasted no time. He grabbed her by the waist and kissed her hard. Carol gasped at the feeling of his slick, toned body suddenly pressed against hers. He was living, breathing sex standing in front of her. She could feel his broad hands sliding down to her lower back.

He let himself taste her for several heartbeats. She was sweet and warm…with water on her lips. When he released her, they were both breathless. He had to keep himself from grabbing her ass.

"Well that was nice." she whispered.

"I said I was gonna take care of ya."

Carol placed a quick kiss to his lips.

Smiling, he reached for a small ledge and began lathering his hands with some bar soap.

"You're really gonna wash me?"

"Yes ma'am." He paused to shake a few strands of wet hair out of his face.

"Just tell me what to do then."

"Arms up."

Carol obeyed and did her best to remain calm.

The hunter set the soap back on the ledge and reached up to gently grip Carol's wrists. With his eyes on hers, Daryl slowly ran his soapy hands down his lover's arms. He kept going until he reached her ribcage. He paused with his thumbs just beneath the swells of her breasts.

"Please." she whispered.

Daryl braced himself before he placed his broad palms on her chest. The lovers both trembled when he gripped her. She'd been soft before, but with the lather…Daryl's hands seemed to glide over the surface of her skin. She was the smoothest, most supple thing he'd ever touched.

"Carol."

She couldn't answer him. She lowered her arms and tried to keep from shaking.

"I jus…" He licked water from his bottom lip.

"What?"

The hunter bowed his head but kept his hands on her body.

"Daryl?"

"I know we been at this a little while now…"

"We should've started sooner." she mused.

"Jus sometimes…I still feel like I ain't allowed to touch ya."

Carol placed a palm to the side of his face. "I get it."

"Ya do?"

She nodded while her thumb brushed his cheekbone. "It's still a little strange. It's us."

He felt somewhat lighter and let himself smirk.

"Same thing happens to me sometimes." Carol admitted.

"Ya sure get past it quick."

She glanced down at the tanned hands that were still gripping her breasts. "You seem to be doing ok."

"Every now 'n then I get to thinkin' you're gonna smack me."

A small chuckle escaped her. "Not unless you want me to."

"That right?" The thought was intriguing.

She brushed aside some of his damp hair and stared into his eyes. "Daryl; I'm more than happy to entertain any fantasy, fetish or perversion you might want to explore."

He was looking at Carol as if he'd never seen her before. His grip loosened and his stomach flipped a little. "Ya mean that?"

"Surprised you'd doubt me…considering some of the things we tried that first night."

Daryl hadn't forgotten. He was pretty sure he never would.

"Anything?" He asked in a low growl.

"Try me."

The hunter shook his head and squeezed her breasts. "You're somethin' else woman."

"So are you." she smiled.

They stood beneath the warm water in silence for several seconds, simply enjoying the contact.

Carol's hand finally slid down to her partner's chest. She could feel the thud of his heart beating beneath her palm. "Aren't you gonna keep going?"

Daryl squeezed her again. "Hard to let go."

She stood on her toes to kiss him. "Try."

He blinked droplets away from his lashes and took a calming breath. It wasn't his first time touching his woman…or even showering with her. He wasn't sure where the nervousness was coming from. But he knew he had to keep his word.

Wanting to please his mate, the hunter let his hands roam down her sides. He gripped her waist and took a moment to appreciate her figure. She was slim, but not overly so. He loved the shape of her body. Every inch…every line and curve… It was all beautiful.

"I bet ya always been like this."

Carol gave him a funny look. "Like what?"

"Amazin'."

She didn't know what to say.

"I'm sorry if Ed didn't see it."

Carol blew out a breath as she tried to keep her emotions in check. "Well…All that matters is that you do."

"Woman; that's about the only thing I see."

She ran her hands over her face before pushing them into her hair.

Daryl was rubbing her hips. "Think I oughtta keep goin'."

"I think you're right."

He pulled her closer until their wet bodies were flush. Carol's arms instinctively wrapped around his neck while his hands roamed. He moved from her hips to her lower back; his fingertips pressed in near the base of her spine.

"God…" she hummed into the crook of his neck.

"Good?"

She tugged the ends of his hair.

Daryl's eyes closed when he reached her ass. The flesh was firm in his grasp and he had to squeeze her. He couldn't control it. The hunter clutched at his mate as if she might be ripped away from him. His fingers curled like claws and he was suddenly reminded that Carol had the ability to turn him into the animal he really was. Her slick breasts were pressed against him and her ass was in his hands. Daryl had everything he needed in that shower.

He began kneading her flesh. His soapy palms made her seem impossibly smooth and the feeling was enough to make him whine. With his eyes still slammed shut tight, Daryl indulged in his woman.

Carol was suffering with want. All she could do was pant against her lover's collar bone while he touched her. The combination of what they'd done in the field and her current need for Daryl made her core ache. Their union had taken a toll on her body but she wanted more. She would always want more.

He nipped at her shoulder and massaged her harder. "Ya got the best fuckin' ass," he growled. His nails were starting to prick her skin.

"It's yours." she breathed.

The hunter clawed her without warning. "Goddamn right it is. Jesus."

"Daryl!"

"Fuck…" he forced himself to release her.

Carol eased back to look her lover in the eye. "You ok?"

"I just wanted to take care of ya."

"What makes you think you're not?"

Daryl shook more hair out of his face. "All I can think about is fuckin' ya."

Carol's core tightened painfully. "You know that's part of it right?"

He opened and closed his fists, afraid to keep touching her. "What is?"

She rubbed the planes of his chest as she stood in front of him. "Sex. Release. God Daryl…every orgasm you give me makes me feel younger. When you're inside me…you're taking care of me."

The hunter swallowed hard. "Ya mean that?"

She smiled at him as clear drops ran down her face. "To quote a friend…I don't say shit I don't mean."

He smirked at that and carefully sank to his knees.

"You know I get wet every time you do that?" Carol groaned.

"Woman…when your ass does this shit…I swear to christ I gotta think about walkers to keep from comin'."

"Really?"

"Seein' ya on your knees in front of me…It don't get much better than that."

"Sweet talker."

He grabbed Carol's calves and stared up at her. "Ya wanna hand me that soap?"

She reached for the ledge and could feel Daryl watching her. When she moved to hand her partner the bar, the hunter was shaking his head.

"What?" she asked. Carol wasn't sure what to do with her hands. She ran them through her hair again and tried to relax.

"Nothin'. Ya just got a body on ya."

"Daryl…" her eyes closed as a smile spread on her lips.

"Ya try 'n hide it but…"

"Stop. I don't hide anything. There's nothing to hide."

"Bullshit woman. Tits like that…" He stared up at her breasts and watched as rivulets slipped down between them. "And these thighs…" His free hand roamed up the back of her leg until he was gripping her thigh just below her ass.

Carol swore she could feel another climax building.

"Ya got no fuckin' idea how much I missed ya."

"God Daryl." she moaned.

He kissed her core and squeezed her ass.

"Oh fuck!"

Daryl let his tongue brush her clit before he began lathering his hands.

"More." she begged.

"Hold on to me if ya gotta." His warm tongue moved slowly across her clit.

Her nails immediately sank into his shoulders, but the hunter didn't notice the pain. He was so close to his woman's core and the taste of her skin was mesmerizing him. He grabbed her ass hard and began kneading the flesh with soapy hands.

"Fuck I wanna get back inside ya." He breathed against her sex.

Carol bit her bottom lip and tried not to cry out. "I told you…it's yours. I need to feel you…I'm already wet." Her eyes were slammed shut as her needs tripped off her tongue.

Daryl gave her core another kiss before lifting his chin. "I ain't talkin' 'bout that pussy."

A staggering jolt of electricity sped through her frame. When her eyes flew open, she found herself staring down at her lover's face. His cold, blue eyes were fixed on her and his expression was all seriousness and hunger. There was no trace of the playful smirk he'd been sporting moments before.

All she could say was, "Oh…you mean…"

With a slow nod, Daryl told her everything she needed to know.

Carol felt her entire body tense. He hadn't taken her that way since their first night together. She still remembered the intensity of that orgasm…the incredible pressure and friction. She'd come undone as he moved inside her…pain and pleasure blurring together to create feelings that were almost too much to handle. The whole thing left her weak and aching. It had taken days to recover…

Despite the soreness she'd been left with, Carol knew she'd never come harder. She hadn't anticipated her body's reaction and the climax shocked her. She'd seized so tightly around him, urging his own orgasm to rush forward with violent speed. Her trembling arms held her up until Daryl's weight took them both down to the bed.

"Only if you're up for it." He added.

She blinked in an attempt to clear her head.

The hunter kissed her thigh before meeting her gaze again. "Say somethin'."

Carol looked into his eyes and knew her decision had already been made. She couldn't deny him anything.

That's probably not a good thing…

She smiled at the thought. There would always be pain with Daryl. That was just part of it. Whether they were clawing, biting, pulling each other's hair or pushing each other to their limits…the pleasure always eclipsed it. The rush of pure joy that came with every kiss, caress and stroke was well worth any discomfort the lovers had to endure along the way.

"What are ya thinkin' woman?" he growled softly.

Her hands moved up from his strong shoulders, along the sides of his neck until her fingers were threading in his hair. "You're on." she smirked at him.

Daryl's excitement was tempered by his skepticism.

Carol could read the doubt on his face. "Just tell me when and where."

"You ain't just fuckin' with me?" His fingertips were pressing anxiously into the flesh of her ass.

She chuckled and tightened her grip on his hair. "No sir."

"I fuckin' love ya." he growled before nipping at her thigh.

Carol was struck by the strange sensation of having her chest and core tighten in the same instant.

"Show me." she breathed.

He kept his eyes on hers as he licked her clit.

"Jesus."

"I was thinkin' tonight." He nuzzled her inner thigh and clung to her ass.

"Yeah?"

"Mhmm." The hunter's eyes were closed as he enjoyed the feeling of her wet skin.

Carol's body was growing impatient. She needed her partner.

"Tell me what I gotta do to get ya there."

"Hmm?"

"I want ya to want it."

Her hands were forming fists in his hair. "What makes you think I don't?"

He stopped massaging her flesh and looked up. "I jus…I know it's a lot."

She blinked more water away from her lashes. "It is. But that doesn't mean it isn't fun."

"Still. I wanna make sure your ass is ready."

Carol finally released him and clasped her hands in front of her face as she considered her next words.

"C'mon woman. I know you got ideas rollin' round in that head of yours."

"So many." she sighed.

"Feel like sharin'?"

"Think I might need you to get me off again." She could feel her toes starting to curl.

"Alright. Tell me how." His hands slid down from her ass to squeeze her thighs.

"Touch me."

"Like this?" He reached for the heat between her legs, letting his fingertips brush it.

"You're on the right track." She loved staring at him while he touched her.

"Yeah?"

Carol bucked lightly against his hand.

"Easy woman."

"I need you." She whined.

"Ya got me." He dipped his tongue into her belly button before standing up.

Carol was suddenly stricken by his height. Words were failing her.

Daryl's eyes were blue slits as he motioned for his mate to turn around.

Feeling as though she'd been robbed of her free will, she obeyed him without question. She stood trembling with her back to her partner.

The hunter's touch was light as he grazed her ribcage and let his fingers trail down along her sides until he reached her hips. Moving in close, he rubbed the front of her thighs and growled into the crook of her neck. "Hands on the wall. Show me that pussy."

If it hadn't been for Daryl's body behind her, and his grip on her hips, Carol swore she would've fallen to her knees. She couldn't seem to breathe or speak. The only sound came from the rush of the shower head and the soft pat of droplets hitting the floor.

Standing wet and naked with her lover was a surreal experience. The light streaming in from the window gave the small space an otherworldly glow and Carol felt as though she might be dreaming.

Daryl grabbed her breasts and sank his teeth into her shoulder without warning.

She had to cover her mouth to keep from screaming.

Still squeezing her, he muttered more demands against her skin. "Now woman. You want me to make ya come…then ya best get them fuckin' hands on the fuckin' wall."

A heavy moan was trapped behind her wet palm.

He reached down and smacked her ass. One broad hand was still gripping her breast.

Unnerved by his boldness, Carol glanced over her shoulder.

"Tell me to fuckin' stop." He breathed. Strands of wet hair hung in his eyes.

Her pussy tensed and she knew she was already dripping.

Daryl licked water from his lip and pointed at the opposite end of the shower. "Now."

Trembling with need, Carol forced herself to move. With each step she worried she would stumble. She could hardly feel the water pelting her body anymore. All that mattered was the pain in her core, the sound of Daryl's voice, and the way he was talking to her. When her palms were finally flush against the slick wall she looked back at him and awaited further instruction. Her eyes followed the clear beads rolling down his flat stomach. Her mouth was going dry and she couldn't stop herself from staring at his groin.

The hunter followed her gaze and placed his hands on his hips. When he lifted his chin he saw that Carol was still fixated on his body. Her lids had grown heavy.

Filled with the incredible confidence that only she could give him, Daryl took a slow step in her direction. "Ya like this cock woman?"

Carol nodded without taking her eyes from her lover's groin.

"Ya want it?"

Again she nodded.

He'd moved even closer. Carol's body was shaking.

His hands went to her hips as he pressed himself gently against her ass.

Carol's eyes slammed shut.

"I know it ain't hard now." he growled under his breath. "But tonight…I'm gonna make sure ya get it all. You hear me woman?"

She pushed back against him, wanting to feel his shaft.

"I know ya want it. I'm gonna fuck ya hard 'n your ass is gonna take it."

Carol was close to tears. Her nails began to claw the wall while her core tightened. "Daryl…please!" she begged.

He eased back slightly and stared down at her sex. "I want ya thinkin' about my dick while I'm touchin' ya. Want ya to want it. You're gonna be beggin' me for it by tonight."

"Yes!" she moaned.

"Now arch your damn back 'n show me that pussy."

Carol's frustration had her nearing a breaking point. She felt so painfully empty and the trembling in her arms was getting worse.

Daryl eyed her movements and took a slight step back to appraise her. Nearly satisfied, he raised his hands and let the warm water wash any trace of soap away. "Spread them legs."

"Daryl please!" Her eyes were shut so tightly that it was making her skull ache.

He shook the damp hair from his face and stared hard at the sweet spot between her legs.

"That's it…" he muttered.

"Please!"

"Shut your mouth." He warned as one hand went to her thigh. The other dipped down between her legs. Completely focused on his mission, Daryl began petting her lightly…stroking front to back. He could feel her jerk and twitch in anticipation. The hunter made sure to let the tip of his middle finger brush her clit each time he reached the front of her sex.

The stabbing pain was becoming unbearable. Her insides were contracting every few seconds.

He smirked as he teased her slit. Using only his middle finger, Daryl circled her entrance and enjoyed the slickness he could already feel.

Carol pushed back, needing him inside her, but he wouldn't give in.

He kept circling and his touch seemed to grow lighter with each circuit. Carol's body was screaming. She would never understand how someone with such a terrible temper could exercise such incredible control. His precision bordered on surgical and each time that calloused fingertip grazed the most sensitive part of her body, Carol could feel the aching emptiness intensify.

Despite the desire coursing through her bloodstream, she was afraid. There was something alarming about needing someone so desperately. She knew she couldn't stop the pain herself…no other man could possibly satisfy the cravings she was experiencing in that moment. It had to be Daryl.

Only him. Only his body.

It didn't make sense. Her skull began to pound in time with her heart. Sweat and water slipped from the ends of her hair…down between her breasts, following a path to her stomach.

It's just pain…just physical hunger.

She knew she should be able to stop it on her own. She'd spent ten years trapped in a marriage where the only pleasure came from her own practiced fingers. But this was different. It wasn't just the yearning of one body for another…this was a sensation that Daryl had created within her. He was the only one who could give her what she needed. Her thighs were shaking. She couldn't take it anymore. When he traced her entrance again, she pushed her core back against his hand.

"Just touch me." She pleaded, her head hanging low as she fought to keep her hands against the wall.

Fascinated by the urgency in her voice, the hunter stopped teasing. With one hand still gripping her thigh, and the other poised near her sex, Daryl cleared his throat. The power he had over his mate was intoxicating. In that moment, she was pure desire. Her beautiful body begging for contact…

"Breathe." He whispered, the lone word almost lost in the rush of falling water.

The instant she sucked the humid air into her lungs, Carol's eyes opened wide.

With the perfect blend of accuracy and force, the hunter pushed his middle finger into her.

A phantom moan escaped her as she threw her head back and felt her entire frame tense.

Daryl didn't move. He held himself still within her walls and waited as she worked through the new sensation. She was slowly pushing her body back and he knew she needed more. His eyes eased shut as he savored everything he could feel inside his woman. He'd slid straight into her center with ease…her arousal coating him, slick and warm. He'd never felt anything like her. Being able to touch her so deeply…to feel the most intimate part of her…it made the hunter's breath catch. No one had ever trusted him like Carol did. All he wanted was to bring her pleasure and make her blood sing. He massaged the back of her thigh and felt her tighten around him.

Carol's parted lips were quivering as her core narrowed. While her body was grateful for the contact, she knew it wasn't enough. She needed more force…to feel full. With the wall holding her up, she pushed back and clenched hard. She sank her teeth into her bottom lip and relished the stiffness of Daryl's finger between her legs. "God…touch me."

The hunter gripped her thigh almost angrily…seizing the flesh as though it belonged to him. Careful not to make any sudden movements inside her, Daryl barely flexed his fingertip. The slight motion was enough to make Carol gasp.

"D-deeper." she pleaded.

"Lemme feel ya." He growled softly.

She clawed the shower wall and forced her insides to relax.

Daryl's lids grew heavy when he felt her walls release him; he had to sigh in awe. The added space enabled him to manipulate the tip of his finger. Gently, cautiously, he explored her. The heat seemed to be growing worse as he touched his woman. She was so wonderfully warm and wet. He could feel her need surrounding him. Pulling back just slightly, Daryl noticed her reaction was immediate. Carol's walls trembled but she wouldn't allow them to close around him. The tension was palpable beneath the palm that still held her thigh.

Exhaling slowly, the hunter eased back into her center and felt her tremble again. The hair at the base of his neck stood up when he realized fresh arousal was seeping from somewhere deep inside…welcoming him. He'd hardly touched his mate and her need had already intensified. His own hunger began to build as he marveled at how deliciously soft her walls were.

A body meant for touchin'…

"Ya keep it tight woman." He breathed, the sound thick with lust.

Carol was going to break. She let out a painful groan.

"Show me how tight ya are. Show me how much ya want it." He pulled back enough to make her gasp.

Hissing, she clamped shut around the bit of him that lingered inside her.

"Fuckin' Christ."

His nails dug into the meat of her thigh as he fought to maintain control. That velvety wet softness hugging his finger made him want her. He was already addicted to Carol's body but the strength he could feel in her sex seemed to amplify his need. The tension was perfect…her core molding around him, urging him to keep touching…stroking. His heart rate sped up as he thought back to the moment he first slipped into her heat. He swore she felt better every time he entered her. The hunter still wasn't sure how he'd managed to finish her so many times. Whenever he was inside her, Daryl worried that the grip of her pussy would force him towards an early orgasm but somehow he held on. He froze as the realization hit him…

She made ya better.

Grateful and amazed, Daryl slid carefully back into her center.

"Oh." She moaned.

His hand traveled up to her hip. "Jus tell me what ya want."

Carol's back continued to arch as she welcomed the invasion. "More."

With all of his focus on her, the hunter began to pull back. "Like tha?"

"All…the way…" She stammered.

Daryl withdrew his finger and she shuddered at the emptiness. His chest had begun to heave.

"Woman…look at me." The words came out as rough whispers.

Swallowing hard, she forced herself to glance back at him. With steam pressing against every inch of exposed skin and the heat of an unfulfilled need growing worse in her core, Carol felt as though she might faint. It was all too much. Her blue eyes wandered to his face and she stood, panting, weak, staring at her lover.

The hunter stared back. He could see beads of water quivering on her bottom lip. When the tip of her pink tongue flicked out to taste them, Daryl's stomach tensed. He brought his hand up and held it front of his face.

Carol's breath caught in her throat. She couldn't look away.

With his eyes locked on hers, he put his finger in his mouth and sucked.

She tightened painfully and whined at the act of sheer lust she was witnessing.

He wanted to keep looking at her but the second the flavor hit his tongue, Daryl's eyes closed. Groaning, he let himself taste her. He squeezed her hip harder and made sure to suck every trace of her from his finger.

The shower floor was slick beneath her feet and Carol feared she would slip. She'd found herself in a sudden haze. She couldn't understand exactly what was taking place. The sound her lover made when he tasted her…it stopped her heart for half a second. She'd never seen a man enjoy a woman that way.

When he found the strength to open his eyes again, he was momentarily shaken by Carol's expression. He could see the pain…the awe and need written on her face. Before he could release his next breath, an overpowering sense of calm washed over Daryl. Like the warm water still raining down from the shower head, the feeling enveloped him, lending him comfort and confidence. Everything seemed to slow as the world fell away. The house, Alexandria…even the deserted cities beyond its walls…it all ceased to exist as he stared at Carol. They were the last living souls on earth…survivors. She was the only connection he needed…the one thing he was tethered to.

With the center of his world standing so close, her pleasure became paramount. The hunter didn't want to speak or move unless it was to give her joy. Hopelessly fixated on his lover, Daryl let his instincts take over. The familiar, primal urges became hushed whispers in his ear…the voice inside guiding every action. With new assurance, he moved his hand back down between her legs and took a moment to savor the heat of her need. His flesh hadn't made contact but his fingertips twitched hungrily as the warmth from her sex pressed against them…an invitation.

Daryl and Carol were still staring at one another. Droplets continued to cling to their lashes, making them blink, but they refused to look away. Without speaking, the hunter moved to stroke her. He grazed her clit before dragging his fingertips back lightly along the length of her slit. He made sure his middle finger pressed up enough to force fresh wetness from her. She whined as her walls opened again but Daryl wouldn't penetrate. He simply withdrew his hand and waited.

Carol didn't understand the hesitation. She'd never needed anything so badly. Her partner eyed his hand for half a heartbeat before extending it towards her. The lovers were silent but no instructions were needed. Daryl moved slowly, leaning even further over his woman's pale back. With his groin pressed to the softness of her ass, he offered her his hand.

They locked eyes for an instant, both knowing what came next. Carol felt that she'd been hypnotized as she opened her mouth. When her lips closed around his finger she moaned heavily. Daryl sucked in a sharp breath but fought to maintain his composure.

This is about her.

He kept his body pressed gently against her while she sucked. He could feel every little motion of her tongue as it caressed his finger…the strength and suction that had driven him to orgasm so many times… Her moans were building as she tasted herself.

Daryl had never experienced anything close to what was taking place between him and Carol in that shower. The sheer lust and need…the trust they'd placed in each other… He knew, as she licked her own arousal from his finger, that this was pure desire. The heat of it was mind numbing.

Knowing that he couldn't endure much more, the hunter slowly pulled himself from between his lover's lips. She was reluctant to let him go, her tongue still flicking against his skin. She glanced at him from beneath her lashes and began panting the second he slipped from her mouth. Her cheeks were flushed and he knew he had to act. Sensing that they understood one another, Carol broke the trance and looked away. She refocused on the white shower wall, her nails still clawing at it every few seconds.

Standing back up, the hunter put a sliver of space between his body and hers. He massaged her hip as he repositioned his hand near her core. Carol's teeth were sinking painfully into her lip as her walls continued to open in anticipation. She spread her legs just a fraction of an inch wider and made sure her back was arched.

The slight adjustments weren't lost on Daryl. His narrowed eyes caught every motion…each little preparation.

She needs it.

Releasing a slow breath, he pushed his middle finger back into her slit. She clamped around him instantly and threw her head back in ecstasy.

"Ohh…" she groaned at the ceiling. Her mouth was open and warm droplets began pelting her tongue.

The sound of her pleasure gave Daryl a chill. He needed more from her…gasps, moans, tension and wetness. Without warning he began stroking Carol's insides. He wanted to feel everything. Probing gently, he pressed into her center. The moisture surrounding him eased the way. It was as if her body was coaxing him in…craving a deeper touch. He knew she wanted to hold him between her thighs.

His grip was tightening on her hip as he tried to remain focused. The hunter's eyes wandered from her supple ass to her pussy and back again. While he manipulated his finger within her walls, Daryl was simultaneously thinking of how he'd come into her core earlier, and how he planned to do the same in her tight ass later that night. He had to shake his head and remind himself that he was in that shower for one reason…to take care of his mate.

Carol felt as though the beating of her own heart might choke her. The pounding grew worse when Daryl began to explore. His finger couldn't compare to his cock but the contact was still enough to make her body riot. He was rigid and unafraid as he pushed in. She worked with him…arching as he entered her in the hopes of guiding him straight into her center. That was where she needed him. Fighting to keep her hands on the wall, Carol stood in awe of the fact that no one had ever touched her the way Daryl did. No one had ever taken the time. He was working with a singular goal in mind and it was incredible to think that it was her own satisfaction.

"Please." she breathed.

He braced himself and pulled his finger back slowly through her narrowing core.

Carol hissed as her brows knit together. The agonizing slowness of his movements was causing her insides to contract.

The hunter didn't withdraw completely. With just the tip of his finger resting in her entrance he flexed, teasing her.

Carol's shoulder blades tensed painfully as she bowed her head. Her arms were shaking again.

"Daryl…" she begged, a slight tremor in her voice.

A soft grunt escaped him as he pushed back in forcefully. Her frame jerked and he relished the heat of her sex that he could feel against his palm. She was hugging him…molding around him. His mouth was set in a hard line as he stared down at his captive. Determined to please her, he began moving back and forth. He didn't ask permission or give her any warning. His thick finger slid back and then probed inward in a repetitive, piston-like motion.

Carol was too shocked to cry out. The amplified sensations in her core took her breath away. She was forced to let her forehead rest against the shower wall while her nails continued to claw the slick surface.

Daryl could feel the muscles in her pussy clamping down, squeezing him. He moved faster, slipping through her passage and grunting a little each time. The hunter was savoring the control he had over his mate as he toyed with her sex. He kept her locked in place with a solid grip on her hip. She couldn't get away. Free to do with her what he pleased, he continued to push and touch her as deeply as he could.

"God!" She moaned.

Her partner wasn't giving her much freedom but she still managed to shift back slightly whenever he slid forward. She wanted to work with him…welcome him. His nails bit into her hip as she struggled to move. The slight sting served as a fresh reminder. She was his property. Carol took a strange satisfaction from the submission. Her head was beginning to ache from the way she was resting against the wall but it didn't matter. He had her. He was the only man alive with the power to fulfill her needs.

Wanting to be closer, Daryl slowed their pace. His strokes became weaker…his touch lighter.

Carol's walls closed in tightly around him as a pitiful whine escaped her, but the hunter refused to increase his speed. Instead, he leaned over his woman's back again. His hand roamed from her hip all the way along her side until he was clutching at a slick, soft breast.

"Baby…I…I.." but she was choking on the words.

With his lips at her ear, Daryl growled. "You're mine."

She clenched again, but his finger had almost slowed to a stop.

"This pussy…that ass…these tits." He grabbed her breast a little harder, squeezing the flesh in his palm. "All of it." His words were warm breaths hitting her ear.

Carol was weak with want. "Yes." she whimpered.

"Again." He demanded, flicking his tongue against her ear.

"Yes!" she hissed as the trembling in her arms worsened.

"One more time woman." His finger was still inside her.

She needed the motion more than anything.

"Yes." Carol breathed.

Finally satisfied, the hunter took a moment to bury his face in her damp hair. He massaged her breast as he pulled her scent into his lungs. A deep growl was building in his chest. "Carol…" Daryl failed to realize he'd spoken her name aloud.

She responded by hugging him harder. All she wanted was to feel him move.

He bit gently into her shoulder and felt her body tense.

Carol gasped when his teeth caught her skin.

When Daryl finally released her, he let his tongue drag across the mark he'd made. His eyes opened slowly and he took another deep breath. The smell of her wet hair was enough to make him fall for Carol all over again, in an instant. The attraction consumed him and he growled against the nape of her neck.

"Tell me what ya want woman."

"T…touch me."

He tugged at her nipple. His breathing had become strained. "You can do better than that."

Summoning all her strength, Carol forced herself to glance over her shoulder. She blinked a few times to get her bearings and found herself staring into Daryl's blue eyes. She questioned him without speaking while water glistened on her lips.

"Tell me." He urged. "Tell me everything."

"I…"

He curled his finger just slightly inside her. She opened and closed around him but couldn't seem to take her eyes from his.

"Ya want it in your cunt?" Daryl bit her shoulder instead of waiting for an answer.

She couldn't speak. She was trapped…frozen. Every word that passed Daryl's lips seemed to make her wet.

He eyed her face and the flush on her cheeks told him she was enjoying the torture. He curled his finger again and saw her eyes flutter. "Ya best keep them eyes on me. Look at me and tell me how ya want it."

"There…" she muttered weakly.

Daryl pushed in just a bit deeper. "That it?"

She hissed and gave him a slight nod.

"Ya want it fast or slow?"

Carol swallowed hard and tried to determine whether or not any of this was really happening. "F..fast."

Hungry for her orgasm, the hunter gave her a subtle smirk before building the rhythm between her legs. He was dipping in and out of her with purpose, making sure she felt it all. Every slip of his finger…

Each stroke made it harder for Carol to keep her eyes open. All she wanted was to slam them shut and scream, but he'd given her an order and she had no intentions of disobeying her lover. So she watched him as he touched her. He was panting a little and she knew he was relishing the control. His strong hand was still clutching her breast. She felt his grip tighten each time he pushed into her.

Daryl licked his lips and stared hard at his mate. "Ya like it. Ya like me playin' with this pussy."

Carol felt so weak under his gaze. "Yes." she groaned.

He continued to probe her wetness, but he knew she needed more. "It ain't enough is it?"

She shook her head and fought to contain a scream.

The hunter eased back, giving them both a little breathing room. He grudgingly released her breast and let his hand slide back along the line of her body. He resumed his grip on the back of her thigh and stood up straight. As he loomed over his woman, Daryl wanted to do everything to her. He wanted to work her body until she couldn't stand. She was so pale, lithe, ready and willing…

Sexy fuckin' thing.

With their eyes still locked, Daryl withdrew his finger, making her gasp. "Keep it open for me woman."

Through the mist and steam, Carol focused on his hand. The pounding of her heart had become a painful thrum in her chest.

He clawed at her thigh before sending two fingers into her core.

"Fuck Daryl!" She cried.

But he couldn't hear her. Nothing mattered but her release. He needed to get her there.

The added pressure was helping and she was forced to succumb. Carol's eyes closed while Daryl touched her. She whined at the ceiling and clung to the hardness inside her.

Daryl could feel it in the way her body tensed; she was getting closer. He growled under his breath and spread his two fingers in a 'v' shape, stretching her.

"God!" she moaned as one of her hands formed a shaking fist against the wall.

"Yeah." He breathed. "That's what ya need ain't it? Right there."

Carol struggled to push back as he pressed in. She wanted as much as he could possibly give.

"Ya want it?" Daryl snarled before flexing his fingers.

She didn't have the strength to answer.

"Your ass better show me."

Her frame stiffened when she felt the rhythm die between her legs. Daryl was still buried in her sex but he'd stopped moving. His free hand continued to massage the flesh of her thigh while he waited. She could hear him panting.

"F…fuck me." She begged softly.

"Ya gotta work for it woman."

Carol could hardly breathe. "Please."

He sank in deeper and clawed her leg. "Move."

She understood then. With her mouth dry and her heart rate steadily climbing, Carol pushed back and managed a slight rock of the hips. The feeling of Daryl's fingers as her walls moved past them was everything she needed.

The faintest hint of a smirk appeared on the hunter's mouth. "Go on. Ride it."

Carol didn't speak. She simply clenched him and repeated the motions, her body savoring the hardness. With every move, her sex gripped him harder.

Daryl sucked his bottom lip and enjoyed the spectacle. "That's it woman. Like tha." He loved watching her…knowing that she craved him so badly. "I wanna get that pussy off."

"Touch me!" she pleaded, her voice shaking. Carol forced herself to keep pushing back, taking him in again and again.

"Fuck." he breathed. "That's mine." He felt some of his control slipping away as he resumed his ministrations between her legs. Grunting, Daryl drove his fingers into her core with a sudden urgency that made her hiss.

Carol wasn't sure when her hips stopped rocking, but her partner had taken the lead again. He was probing her insides forcefully, determined to make her come. Paralyzed, she stood completely still and clenched her teeth as he fucked her. Her toes were curling and her nails were scraping hopelessly against the wall. She just needed him to keep going. Her body needed his touch.

The moisture in her passage was incredible as Daryl slid back and forth. He couldn't believe how good she felt. More than anything, the hunter wished he had the stamina to hold another erection and sink into her. He wanted to bathe his cock in that wetness that he loved so much. Without thinking, Daryl pushed a third finger into her pussy. Her body trembled around him but he didn't care. The added pressure only served to spur him on.

She was weak with want and her lover was driving her closer and closer to orgasm. She could feel the momentum building inside her with each stroke. The hunter was unafraid as he continued to send his fingers through her heat. Each time he dipped down into Carol's center they both gasped. It was too much for her but she was too far gone to stop him…

The anticipation was making Daryl sweat. The salty droplets forming quietly on his skin were stolen by the rushing water…disappearing between heartbeats. He touched his woman's insides with a blend of tenderness and lust. It wasn't just the freedom that sent adrenaline coursing through his veins…the incredible freedom to handle her however he wanted….It was the knowledge that she wanted him to. She wanted release and Daryl had accepted that his sole purpose in life was to give his partner anything she wanted.

He knew they weren't perfect. Their friendship, their intimacy…whether it was physical or otherwise, was messy. Sometimes they were clumsy. Daryl knew that they had a tendency to handle each other too roughly. Sometimes they pushed too hard. The lovers had been overcome by lust and selfish need before. They'd attacked one another's bodies and often lost sight of why they were touching, kissing or biting in the first place. But this was different. As restless as he was between his woman's thighs, Daryl knew exactly what he was doing and why he was doing it. He loved her.

The thought was heavy…he swore he could feel the weight of it on his back, pressing against him like the steam filling the shower. With parted lips, he pleasured his lover and tried to memorize the sounds she made in response. He could feel it in the way she tightened around him; her climax was moments away. Daryl needed it more than his next breath.

"Come on woman." He panted. He pressed in as far as he could go, feeling every part of her.

The penetration was so fluid…so sudden and deep that Carol cried out. There was no time to consider the consequences. She didn't care who else was in the house or whether they might've heard her. Daryl had been right when the two of them spoke in the field…she couldn't keep quiet with him inside her. As the hunter worked to send her over the edge, Carol released her pain and ecstasy in the form of a strained groan. The sound echoed in the cramped space and held so much more than sexual frustration. It was a lamentation…her aching regret for all the time she and Daryl had wasted…the months and weeks they'd spent apart when they could've been pressed against each other. He sank fully into her core and she wondered how different things might've been if they'd discovered one another sooner.

We could've had this…so many days like this…

But the thought quickly melted in the furnace of her mind. Her lover's touch was all-consuming. Despite the fact that he was focused on her sex, Carol could feel ripples of pleasure all over her body…the sensations radiating outwards. Blue fire shot up her spine forcing another broken cry from her lips. Her fingertips were pressed so firmly to the shower wall that the stiffness was becoming painful. He was still clutching her thigh, restraining her…

"Daryl!" she moaned.

"I'm here woman. I'm right here."

She let out a staggered breath and felt her insides flutter. Carol was lightheaded, desperate for air but she couldn't seem to get enough with her heart in her throat. She was coming undone.

"Fuckin' come." He growled softly, probing her again. "Right here…right now."

"Fuck…" she sighed. The trembling in her legs was growing worse.

"C'mon!" He pressed in hard and fast. Carol jerked but the hunter refused to slow his pace. "I know ya want it. You bad fuckin' thing." He pulled back and pushed in a steady rhythm. "That pussy's wet."

She was gnawing her lip while her walls opened for him.

"Ya want it deep. Right between them thighs…" Her need was coating the length of his fingers…she'd begun to twitch. "I'm gonna make ya come." He snarled as he invaded her sex. With narrowed eyes, Daryl stared at her pussy and began dipping in and out of her even faster. She was getting tighter…the heat intensifying with each stroke…

Carol didn't know whether to scream or cry. There was such a surge of energy inside her that she feared she might burst apart trying to contain it. It didn't matter how many times they'd been together; she was never fully prepared for the feelings he created in her. It always stole the air from her lungs and blurred the lines between fantasy and reality. As she struggled to stay conscious, Daryl touched her so deeply that her eyes slammed shut and her frame seized around him.

Everything collided inside her. The sweet ache of desire, the pain that drove her forward…tension in her walls and the surreal satisfaction of a primal need being fulfilled…every sensation struck with full force in the space of a second, rendering Carol helpless. The rush came and an powerful wave of heat and bliss was suddenly spreading over every inch of her body.

Carol shuttered and whined as creases formed at the corners of her eyes. The joy of physical release overpowered her and she couldn't stop the wetness from flooding her sex. She clawed the wall as her body let go. Carol knew that Daryl was still caressing her…through the storm of climax she could feel his fingers moving, building the slickness within her walls. She couldn't be sure if she was screaming or not, and she didn't know if there was still solid ground beneath her feet. Her muscles had begun to spasm wildly around the hardness that lingered inside her. She'd lost control in the most wonderful way and nothing else mattered. Glowing and breathless, she squeezed her lover's fingers and rode the waves of her orgasm.

His woman was completely frozen around him…her spine arched and her head thrown back. Daryl's heart skipped a beat when he felt the change. Those warm walls closed instantly, clamping shut and trembling. Nothing felt better than her release…the wet heat of it on his fingertips. The twitching in her core urged him to keep going.

"That's it." He whispered, almost to himself. "C'mon woman."

She was still coming as he played with her…the friction in her core was perfect and she had to sigh. Dizzy, euphoric, Carol let the warm, staggered breaths pass her lips each time Daryl slipped into her center. Her body was his and she wanted him to tease and torture it until she couldn't stand up. She didn't understand how it was possible to feel so incredibly relieved and exhausted in the same instant.

God Daryl…

The climax wracked her body, sapping every ounce of her strength. After a lifetime of repression…of shame and sex without pleasure…it seemed as though the effects of every orgasm were felt ten-fold. Every last one. Carol swore she felt the rush spread all the way from her fingertips to her curling toes.

While her core continued to vibrate, tightening and relaxing with each wavering breath that escaped her lungs, she marveled at the fact that this was her norm now. Carol Peletier was someone who experienced multiple orgasms on any given day. Before the turn; sexual gratification was the furthest thing from her mind. The most she could've hoped for was a single, fleeting climax every few months…and only when she drew on enough courage to console herself behind a locked door in an empty house.

Daryl's fingers were still moving weakly inside her. She could feel him spreading them; he was idly stretching her while her walls contracted, closing around him. Carol realized he was enjoying the resistance. He liked the feeling of her aching muscles pushing against him while he tried to hold her open. She sighed with satisfaction as he experimented with her sex.

No one had ever been so fascinated with her…by her. Even though she'd already come, Daryl was still eager to touch and feel. She wasn't sure how long they'd been in the shower…but she knew her legs would fail her soon. Carol was only fighting to stay upright so that her partner could continue his ministrations.

Just keep going…as long as you want.

She didn't have the energy to speak the words aloud.

Daryl sucked his lip when he felt her strong, shaking walls press in.

"That's mine." He breathed.

Carol was growing weaker with each passing second; her legs were trembling. Her breasts rose and fell as she worked to inhale the steam all around her.

As the convulsions slowed between her thighs, the hunter seemed to remember the significance of where they were and what they were doing.

We already been gone too long.

But he ran his free hand along the delicious curve of Carol's hip and shook off the sudden anxiety.

It don't matter. She needed that.

"Easy woman." He growled.

Carol barely registered what he'd said but instinctively, she knew what was coming. She kept her hands pressed to the wall and braced herself.

The hunter finally withdrew his fingers, sliding from her core just as smoothly as he'd entered it.

"Oh…" She whimpered at the emptiness and felt her legs giving way. Before she could crumble, Daryl snaked a hand underneath his mate, one palm flat against her stomach. With the other on her hip, he steadied her.

"I got ya."

Completely spent, she gave in and let him take her weight.

He held onto her body as he slowly sank to his knees. Daryl sat on his calves while Carol leaned back against him, limp in his grasp. She was still panting as her heart rate returned to normal.

The water was becoming cooler but it was a welcome change. The gentle spray of droplets seemed soothing in the wake of what they'd done. Feverish skin grew calm and stiff toes uncurled.

Daryl's hands were lightly roaming her frame, from her waist, up and over her breasts until he reached her shoulders. She stirred when she felt him massaging her. Too weak for words, Carol sighed and let herself enjoy the pressure.

The hunter continued to work on her shoulders and began to marvel at how pliant she was. He couldn't feel a single trace of tension in her muscles. She hummed, shifting slightly, and her soft, wet hair brushed his collar bone. Her back was pressed to his chest and Daryl stared longingly down at the expanse of skin that was still on display for him.

Water pooled in the well of her throat before spilling over. He watched the beads follow one another down her chest…over the peaks of her breasts. Some clung to her nipples while others slipped even further. Tiny streams formed on her body, trickling down until they met and disappeared between her thighs.

She was so still and he could feel the calm settling into her limbs. Her eyes were closed and her breathing gradually grew even. There was something beautiful about her weakness. Her skin was smooth, pale against him and he ran his hands along the sides of her arms. She didn't move or speak. Her brow didn't even crease. Daryl was mesmerized by his lover's paralysis…the depth of her satisfaction. One slender leg was extended in front of her while the other was raised, bent at the knee. He couldn't recall ever seeing her so relaxed.

As he held his woman, Daryl felt the water grow colder…a subtle reminder that they'd lingered too long. He brought one hand up and carefully traced her jaw line. "Carol…"

"Hm?" She stirred again but her eyes didn't open.

He hated to disturb her but the thought of discovery was making him anxious. "Carol. Look at me."

Another sigh escaped her before she finally glanced up at him. A smile spread on her lips instantly. "Hey."

Daryl had to smile back. "Hey."

The wonderfully dazed expression on her face distracted him and he forgot why he'd said anything in the first place.

"You ok?" She asked as she reached up to stroke a lock of his hair.

He blinked and brought the world back into focus. "I'm good. But I'm thinkin' you might be better."

She laughed at that. "I think you're right. Jesus…Why can't I feel like this all the time?"

He brushed the top of her head with his scruff. "I'll work on it."

"Quit. That's not what I mean."

"Long as you say. But if that ass needs tendin' to…if you ain't gettin' enough jus tell me 'n I'll have at ya."

"That so?" She smirked, tugging at his hair a little harder.

"Yes ma'am." He snaked a calloused hand down until he felt her sex. "All you gotta do is say the word 'n I'll throw that ass on my bed."

She shivered when he touched her.

"Think you can stand up? Much as I like seein' ya like this…I think we done outstayed our welcome."

Her blue eyes questioned him.

"God damn water's cold woman."

Carol chuckled. "Oh. I hadn't noticed."

"Mhmm." He teased, nuzzling the top of her head again. "C'mon."

"Fine." She huffed and braced her palms on the shower floor.

The lovers were careful, working to stifle their grunts as they stood up in the cramped space.

They eyed each other's wet, naked bodies before Daryl grudgingly pulled the curtain aside. He gave her his hand and they stepped over the side of the tub together.

"Fuck." She reached for a towel and ran it over her face.

"What are you carryin' on about?"

"Nothing. That was just a really, really good shower."

Daryl snorted as he dried himself off.

She stared at his ass and had to keep herself from grabbing it. She'd been staring for several seconds when it suddenly occurred to her that neither of them had clean clothes to change into.

"Oh shit…"

"Somethin' wrong?" He turned to look at her over his shoulder.

"We didn't bring clothes…"

Daryl's eyes wandered to the filthy shirts and pants littering the bathroom floor. "We could put 'em back on?"

But Carol was already wrapping a towel around her body. "You are not putting dirty clothes back on."

"What the hell you want me to do woman?"

She nodded at the towel he was holding. "Use it."

He felt his stomach drop. "No. Ain't no way…If one of them assholes catches…"

"Stop." She moved towards him and placed her hands on his chest. In the next instant her body was flush against his and he was gripping her ass through the towel.

Daryl didn't understand what had gotten into her but he liked how close she was.

"What are ya doin'?"

"I'm letting you have your way tonight. Aren't I?"

He was afraid to speak.

"So do this for me." She whispered.

"You really want me walkin' outta here in a damn towel?" Despite the skepticism in his voice his fingers were still clutching hungrily at her ass.

She shrugged and rubbed the planes of his chest. "Maybe I like the risk."

The hunter was intrigued. "So that's it ain't it? You like that? Thinkin' someone might catch us?"

"Maybe." She smirked.

He was starting to tug at the towel…his fingertips grazing the bare flesh of her ass. "It turn ya on?"

Carol pressed her body into his and drug her nails down his skin. "Just a little."

Any fear he might've been harboring disappeared. He wasn't about to deny his woman anything that had the potential to excite her. There was a low rumble in his chest and it took everything to keep from ripping the towel off her body.

"I say we go for it." she breathed.

Daryl held her gaze for several heartbeats. "Fine." He kept his eyes on hers as took a step back to wrap his own towel around his waist.

She watched in fascination as his hands carefully tucked the fabric until it hung low on his hips.

He watched her while she watched him. The way she'd wrapped herself…her breasts seemed to be pushed together perfectly, highlighting the cleavage he already loved.

"I'm tellin' ya right now…if Eugene fuckin' sees ya like this I'm beatin' his ass."

His tone made her want him all over again.

"If anyone fuckin' sees ya…" he warned.

"Guess we better be quick then." She bent down to collect her clothes.

Daryl got an even better view of her chest and felt his blood pressure rising. He forced himself to look away while he gathered his laundry.

With their dirty clothes in their arms, Daryl and Carol stared at each other.

"This is some juvenile shit." He said, shaking the long, damp hair out of his eyes.

"You backing out on me?"

He huffed and made sure his clothes were tucked securely under one arm. "You get under my damn skin."

She just smirked and waited.

Swallowing hard, the hunter turned the knob and took his first hesitant step into the hall. Daryl and Carol were practiced in the art of stealth. They knew how to move undetected through their environment. Their steps were soundless and they kept their breathing even. The only reminder of Carol's presence behind him was the scent from her hair. Goosebumps rose on their skin the second they left the steamy seclusion of the bathroom.

Daryl could feel a chill in the pit of his stomach. It worsened with every step he took. They were completely vulnerable. Wet…nearly naked…animals seeking shelter. Moving just slowly enough to avoid making the floorboards creak, they managed to make steady progress. He kept his focus on his bedroom door up ahead.

Carol was vibrating with a blend of excitement and nervousness as she followed her partner down the hallway. The hairs at the base of her neck were standing on end she could hardly contain the energy buzzing beneath her skin. She nearly opened her mouth to speak but a familiar sound stole her attention. She and Daryl froze when they heard the thud of someone coming down the stairs…

The hunter shot her a look and hissed under his breath. "Fuckin' move!"

Not knowing whether to laugh or scream, Carol reached for her lover's hand and gripped it tight. Praying they didn't slip, they broke into a dead run down the hall. Daryl skidded to a halt in front of his door and pulled it open with frightening urgency. He dragged Carol in after him and slammed the door harder than he meant to.

The instant they crossed the threshold they dropped their clothes and collapsed on the bed. Their skin was still slick and their hearts were pounding wildly behind their ribs, but they made it. Daryl's hands were in his hair while Carol's ran over her face.

"Holy shit." She laughed.

"Fuck me." His chest was heaving.

Carol laid on her back and stared at the ceiling.

"Another couple seconds 'n one of them assholes woulda seen us."

"But they didn't." she said, a smug tone to her voice.

Daryl rolled onto his side and studied his mate.

She could feel his eyes on her. "You felt it right? The rush?" She glanced at him and the seriousness on his face made her pause. "Daryl? You didn't think it was hot?" Carol licked her lips anxiously.

He broke the connection long enough to reach down and take his towel off. Carol's core tensed when she realized she wasn't the only one that was excited. Without waiting for permission, he crawled until his body was looming over hers. His breathing had picked up and his eyes were narrowed.

"D…Daryl?" She stammered.

But the hunter wasn't interested in talking. He ripped the towel off of his woman, revealing her breasts, smooth stomach and her core. He forced her legs apart with his hips and sank down, his weight on top of her. She grabbed two fist-full's of his hair and questioned him again.

"Daryl?"

The restless hunter bucked between her thighs and clawed the bedspread.

"Yeah." He growled. "It was fuckin' hot."

She hardly had time to gasp before his mouth caught hers.

To be continued! I'm sorry again for the wait. It's been a tough time lately and I'm grateful to anyone who still reads and enjoys this story! More to come ;) If you had fun please review!

XOXO

-Sami