WARNING: This story contains NC-17 related material. So if you are too young to know what that means. You are TOO YOUNG to be reading this story.

Revelation of Steele - Part VI

    Devonroe could not sense fear in his old acquaintance.  How odd he thought, but then again he'd never been able to read the young man before him.  And that was what intrigued Devonroe the most about Mr. Steele.  He wasn't a man that would be easy prey for he was a hunter himself.

    "Exactly what do I have that's of utmost importance to you Mr. Steele?"

    "My associate, Miss Holt.   You kidnapped her and I am here to negotiate for her safe return."

    Devonroe stood up and slowly walked around his desk, never once breaking eye contact with Remington.  Monroe shuddered inwardly as he remembered exactly what this man was capable of.  Mr. Devonroe reminded Monroe of a Viper trying to find a vulnerable spot on his prey to strike.

    "My dear Mr. Steele, kidnapping is such a harsh word.  I prefer to think of her as collateral,"  Devonroe said with slow deliberation.  After all, I thought I was being generous." When Devonroe saw Steele's jaw clench slow realization dawned on him as he continued. "I mean after all, she's not your usual taste is she?  That scrap of a girl is hardly worth six hundred thousand dollars so how about we just call it even?"

    Icy calm, Steele thought to himself.  He's just trying to get a rise out of you old boy.  Don't fall for it or it could mean the end for us all.

    Remington sat down in a nearby chair, Monroe followed him.  As Remington made himself comfortable, his gaze returned to Mr. Devonroe.  Remington smiled slowly and tried his best to look at ease, if not slightly bored as he spoke.  "On the contrary Raven,   Miss Holt is worth in excess of 1.5 million dollars." 

    Mr. Devonroe had been dealing too long in the illegal realm to let that sum shake him. "1.5 million dollars?  You don't say?  And how did you come up with that sum of money?"

    Remington put on his best poker face as he answered.  "It was easy enough, considering that's how much the Oturo dagger is worth." 

    Devonroe lost some of his composure at hearing that name.  He sat on his desk before his legs buckled out from under him.   His eyes took on a far off look as he smiled greedily.  "The Oturo dagger?  You have it?  Where is it?  I must see it, I must have it!"  How long had he wanted that dagger?  He thought, he had been collecting rare things for years and the Oturo dagger was one of the ancient artifacts he hadn't acquired.  Just as he was about to steal it, someone had beaten him to it.  That someone Devonroe thought, was staring him right in the face.

    Laura was pacing around the small room she was in.  She had been trying to find a way out for the last hour but it was useless. She sat down on the couch and curled her feet up under her.  She'd heard enough when she was brought here to know exactly how much trouble she was in.  She'd met Mr. Devonroe when she'd gotten here and she had never seen such coldness in a person's eyes.  He enjoyed toying with people like they were his pets.  Mulch was right, this man was a hunter and it didn't matter if it was animals or people.

    "Oh damn!" Laura muttered.   "What was I thinking?  I should have listened to Remington when he suggested not going alone with Mulch back to his office.  But I had to PROVE that I was capable of handling it myself.  Well right now I don’t FEEL very capable,"  she remembered the last thing Devonroe said to here as one of his muscle men took her away.  He had said that he hoped her associate Remington Steele came up with six hundred thousand dollars or she'd be sliced up and mailed back to her agency in small gift wrapped boxes.  She didn't doubt for one minute that he was telling the truth.  For the first time since her house exploded behind her, Laura was scared to death!

    Laura hugged herself and did a mental calculation.  Great, she thought.  There is no way he can come up with that much cash. The agency doesn't have anywhere near that in liquid assets and I don't think he could talk Vigilance Insurance into giving him the money for this one.  Laura stood up and resumed her pacing.  How ironic. We finally admit our true feelings to one another, we finally make love and look what happens.

    We get tangled up in this mess with Mulch, on the hook for over half a million dollars, I get kidnapped and on top of that Remington will try to free me and may end up getting himself killed.  Laura's heart constricted as she contemplated that last thought. Tears welled up in her eyes as she lay down on the couch.  "Please, don't let him come to any harm,"  she whispered.  "He's my life; I love him so much it hurts.  Not to mention that we just had the best sex of my life!" Laura smiled warmly in memory. "I can't lose him now. I can't!"

    "You stole it!"   Devonroe accused.  "I sent my men after it some eleven years ago, they came back to tell me that someone had beaten them to it!  I thought it lost to me forever and now you tell me you've had it all along!" 

    Remington crossed his legs, it was his turn to smile that slow, calculating smile. "So I did Brazzo.  The question is how much is it worth to you?"

    The glazed look in Devonroe's face told Steele all he needed to know; it was priceless to The Raven and he wanted it for his collection.

    Devonroe stood up and walked back around his desk to sit down.  He fingered the dagger on the velvet lined case on his desk. His mind wandered as he thought of where he'd place the Oturo dagger when he got it.  He looked up at Steele and said, "the dagger is worth as much to me as this Miss Holt seems to be worth to you." 

    Steele said he doubted it but proposed an exchange.  "I give you the dagger, you give me Miss Holt, safe, sound and unharmed," Steele finished with deliberate meaning.

    Devonroe stood up and walked around to stand in front of Steele.  They sized each other up and came to a non-verbal agreement. Neither one trusted the other but they each had something priceless that the other wanted.  Devonroe extended his hand and Steele took it.  They shaked, a quick firm shake and verbally agreed.

    "So Mr. Steele, I will give you Miss Holt in exchange for the dagger.  But I don't relish trusting you any more than you do me.  So how do we exchange them?"

    Steele looked at Monroe, he nodded.   Steele turned back to face The Raven.  Monroe will go with me to get the dagger; I will bring the dagger to you, you will give me Miss Holt and Miss Holt and I will then leave.  If Miss Holt and I don't make it out within ten minutes of my going in, Monroe will go to the authorities and tell them all about our little rendezvous."

    The Raven smiled coldly at him.   "And how will he prove that I HAVE the dagger, should anything happen to you and Miss Holt? Hypothetically of course?"

    "Well Brazzo, I have taken the liberty of leaving certain evidence in a place known only to Monroe and myself.  If anything happens to me Monroe will not hesitate to take the evidence to the police.   He would also not hesitate to disclose your very long list of past accomplishments to the right "people." The right underworld people that is," Remington eyed him as his stressed his meaning.  "After all, you'd be surprised how many of your old associates would love to find you after your untimely disappearance. Sort of talk about old times and old debts as it were."

    The double entendre was not lost on Devonroe.  He silently nodded agreement to the proposed arrangements. "When?" 

    "Why the sooner the better of course.  It will take us an hour," Devonroe nodded as Steele and Monroe began walking to the door.  Remington stopped and turned to face Devonroe. "Oh and just so you know, Monroe will be wired, should anything happen to him unexpectedly, our operatives will have your house swarming with police faster than you can blink.   You'd be surprised how far the name Remington Steele goes up the judicial ladder." And with that Remington and Monroe left.

    Devonroe smiled and realized that he had underestimated the man before him.  Another time and another place he would have enjoyed having this man as an adversary, but now there were too many reasons for him to keep his anonymity.  Pity.  Devonroe thought.  He would have relished hunting such a formidable prey.

***

    "Well George, I hope you've learned your lesson in all this," Steele said sternly.

    "Oh I have I can assure you Mr. Steele, I have given up trying to get rich quick.  I am going in to business with my brother, he may not be a good accountant but he is a hell of a cook!  I am going to try marketing some of his culinary creations."

    Steele, Laura, Mildred and Monroe looked extremely doubtful.

    George walked up to Laura and took her hands in his. "Laura, I am so sorry I put you both in danger.  It was stupid and selfish and I beg you to forgive me?"

    Laura looked at Mulch and then at Remington who's look told her that he was only forgiving Mulch if she did.  Laura looked back at George and told him that she forgave him.  He had a few tears in his eyes as he hugged her.   Just then Mildred announced that the "Welcome Home Laura" party had come to and end and that it was time for Monroe, George and her to be going.  Remington smiled and made a mental note to do something nice for Mildred on the morrow.  Laura and Remington walked everyone out to the elevator.  Steele shut the door of his apartment, locked it and walked arm in arm back to the living room with Laura.

    Remington pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly before leaning down and kissing her soundly.  Laura returned the kiss with all the fear and worry she'd felt in the last twenty-four hours.  She had been so terrified that she'd never see him again; never feel him arms around her, never experience what she had the first time they'd make love.  Steele sensed her thoughts and held her even tighter.

    "Laura, I was so worried.   I never thought I'd breathe again when I saw the lock of your hair in that envelope Devonroe sent me.  I have never been so scared of losing someone in my life!"

    "I know what you mean,"   Laura replied.  "Oh Remington, I shouldn't have gone to Mulch's on my own.  I should have waited for you.  We are partners, in every sense of the word, but there I was trying to prove I could handle anything.  I almost got myself killed and he could very well have killed you too.  And if that would have happened…"

    "But it didn't Laura. It's not your fault it's Mulch's.  I swear I'll kill the bloody bastard before I let him do this again!" Steele said angrily.

    "He promised he wouldn't," Laura soothed as she rubbed Remington's back.

    "Anyway, it's over now eh?   And we have some celebrating to do," Remington led Laura to the couch and sat down beside her he looked at her thoughtfully for a moment before he spoke. "Laura, we never got around to discussing what happened yesterday.  I mean, you never told me why you left the office that morning.  Where did you go?" 

    Laura looked at her hands and back up to Remington.  "I took at drive to the coast.  I felt I needed to clear my head before I spoke with you about what's been on my mind lately.  I'm sorry I just ran out like that Remington.  I guess I was feeling a little scared at all the emotions rattling around in my head lately."

    Remington smoothed Laura's hair back as he ran a hand gently down her face.  Laura kissed his hand and continued. "I realized Remington that I loved you, desperately, and I needed to tell you.  I know now that as long as I have you in my life, I can survive anything.  My past doesn't hurt quite as much as it used to because I have you to share it with,. to share myself with.  I was always so hesitant to open up, I thought I could handle it all but yesterday proved to me that nobody can handle everything by themselves," 

    "When it looked as if Devonroe would make good on his threat, I thought about the irony of it all.  How we had just admitted to each other how we've been feeling for years, how we made the most passionate love I've ever known and that now we'd never have the future we both wanted so desperately.  It felt so damn unfair and it also made me realize that time isn't promised to anyone."  Remington concluded.

    Laura looked at him, the love she felt for him shining in her eyes.  She leaned up and brushed her lips against his.   He caught them with his mouth and sucked her bottom lip in to his mouth.

    "Laura, I would cease to exist if it weren't for you.  You are my life, everything I do is for you.  I don't want to waste anymore time showing you how much you mean to me.  I don't ever want to be in the position I was yesterday Laura, having to gamble for your life.  I shudder to think what would have happened if Brazzo hadn't wanted the Oturo dagger so desperately.   What if he'd said no?"

     Laura shushed him with her finger to his lips.  "But he didn't say no Remington and that's all that matters.  This isn't the first time your previous profession has saved my life.   I suppose I should thank my lucky stars for the superlative skills that Daniel taught you."

    Remington looked totally shocked as he scooped Laura into his arms.  "Why Laura, I know for sure that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me!"  He kissed her with a passion that let her know just how scared he'd been that he'd lose her.  He leaned her back against the couch to kiss her thoroughly and show her just how glad he was she was here and safe.

    As their kisses intensified, Laura began to moan.  She ran her fingers through his hair and up and down his back before grabbing his behind and kneading it with abandon.  It was Remington's turn to moan as he grabbed Laura's right breast and began circling her sensitive area with his thumb.

    "Mmm that feels so good."   Laura gushed as she stuck her tongue in his mouth.  He loved that she'd become more forceful since they'd made love the first time.  Remington got the notion that THIS was the Laura Holt that had come before Wilson had insisted she tone down her desires.  Remington was glad to know that they were beginning to resurface, that he'd been the one that brought them out.  He smiled against her lips as he told himself he'd be in for it once they FULLY returned!

    Laura was beginning to lose all coherent thought.  She reached down between them and found Remington's increasing erection. She began massaging him between his pants and her hand. Remington moaned and press himself in to her hand and ground Laura into the couch.

    "Ahh Laura, you're making me insane!"  He moaned in her ear. 

    She shuddered as his warm breath made the hair in her ear tingle.  Remington knew if he didn't stop things now, they'd be at the point of no return.  With that thought he sat up on the couch. Laura followed him after a few seconds with a puzzled look on her face.

    "Remington?" she questioned, "what's the matter?"

    Remington kissed her and assured her nothing was wrong. "I just wanted to toast your safe return love." Remington said. 

    Laura looked more than a bit frustrated by his admission. "Umm, couldn't this have waited until later?  Much later?"

    Remington was off the couch and heading for the kitchen. "Sorry darling, but your return is too important not to toast,"

    Laura remained on the couch contemplating killing him when he returned with champagne, two glasses and a box with a large bow.

    "What's this?" Laura asked smiling.

    "Oh just a little something to celebrate our good fortune, but first the toast!" Remington said as he filled each glass with Dom Perignon.

    "Why Mr. Steele, is it your birthday or something?" Laura asked remembering his surprise when she'd pulled out the same expensive bottle of champagne.

    "Alas no Miss Holt, but this is a special occasion.  It's not every day that I get to hold the woman I love in my arms with such blatantly sinful expectations for the remainder of the evening," he winked.

    Laura giggled in delight, why couldn't he just say he was happy she was here?  She thought with an increasing warmness in her stomach, brought on by the way he was looking at her.

    "So, what do we toast to Mr. Steele?" Laura asked

    "Well that would depend on you Miss Holt,"

    Laura looked bewildered. "On me?   Why?"

    "Because you have to open the box first, then we'll make the toast," Remington said with a wicked smile.

    Laura eyed him warily was she picked up the box.  She shook it but couldn't find a clue as to what was inside.  She began unwrapping the gift with as much speed as she could muster.  Inside the box was a small teddy bear holding another box.  Laura laughed as she reminded Mr. Steele of the time he'd asked her if he "looked" like the type of man that would give a woman a teddy bear.  He shared in her laughter as he told her that there are exceptions to every rule and of course Laura was worth it.  Laura finally opened the second box, it contained a bed of blue velvet, on that bed was the largest, most intriguing diamond ring she'd ever seen. Laura's eyes bulged wide as she looked from the diamond ring, to Remington and back to the diamond.  She'd never expected it would be a diamond!  Laura was utterly speechless so Remington did the honors.  He picked up the ring from the velvet and placed it on the third finger of her left hand.   Laura still hadn't said a word but tears were streaming from her face.   Remington held the hand he'd placed the ring on as he made eye contact with her.

    "Laura, I wanted you to know that you mean the world to me.  I want to spend the rest of my life by your side, working with you, being with you and most importantly showing you how much I truly love you."

    Laura could barely see him she was crying so much.  Remington reached up to wipe the tears from her eyes and kissed her briefly. "Laura Holt, will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?"

    Laura was shaking with emotion.   Never had she dreamed he'd ask her to marry him, not after they'd just professed their love for one another.  She thought it would take a while for them to work up to this point.  Laura gazed at the beautiful princess cut diamond with sapphires and diamonds encircling the large stone.  Good Lord she thought, he asked me to marry him!

    "Laura?" Remington asked a little uncertainly.  He knew he'd surprised her but he didn't know it would take her this long to recover.  Laura was shaken out of her stupor and she began shaking her head.  "Yes, Remington Steele, yes I will marry you!"

    With that Remington grabbed Laura's face in his hands and kissed her soundly.  She wound her arms around his neck and held on like she'd never let go.  Now it was Remington's turn to be overwhelmed by emotion.  His eyes were misty when he pulled back from Laura.

    "I love you Mr. Steele," Laura said with feeling.

    "And I love you Miss Holt, soon to me Mrs. Steele,"

    Laura blinked back more tears as he handed her a glass. "To you Laura Holt, for making me feel wanted, needed, accepted and loved.  I never had any of that growing up and didn't feel I'd ever have someone truly love me for me.  But then I walked in to your life and you walked in to my heart.  I am forever yours Laura and I thank you for saying you want to spend the rest of your life as my wife."

    When he would have clinked her glass, Laura moved it back a bit as she spoke.  "To you Remington Steele, we may never know your real name but that doesn't matter to me anymore.  You are all I envisioned Remington Steele to be; warm, caring, a humanitarian, loving and incredibly passionate.   All the things I wanted in my ideal man.  And you've lived up to each and every one of them.  I have been in love with you from the very first and I know that there is no other man for me but you.  I too am forever yours and I thank you for saying you want to spend the rest of your life as my husband,"

    With both heartfelt declarations, they clinked their glasses.  Remington put his glass down and reached for Laura's.   He stood up from where he'd knelt beside the couch and pulled Laura into his arms to kiss her soundly.  She put her arms around his neck as he picked her up and headed for his bedroom.

    "To the bedroom, Mr. Steele?" Laura asked, her eyes shining with love for her blue eyed man of mystery.

    "To the bedroom, Mrs. Steele." Remington confirmed as he returned a look of love to the woman who had changed this thief's life forever by stealing HIS heart.