Owen sat at his desk with his head in his hands. The Hub was quiet except for the low hum of the machines and distant footsteps which Owen assumed belonged to Ianto. Jack and Toshiko were out tracing the source of an energy surge, leaving Owen behind at the Hub to monitor rift activity. Gwen was at home with Rhys, waiting for Owen's signal and for the lies to continue. He could have called half an hour ago when he'd finished his report, but something stopped Owen from picking up the phone. It wasn't guilt but the satisfaction of knowing Gwen would be waiting for him. That she would be irritated because he hadn't called. He could see her now, sitting listening to Rhys babble on, growing more impatient as time ticked by. Toying with her made her more volatile; more exciting.
"If you hurt Gwen you'll have me to answer to," Ianto's voice made Owen jump. He hadn't heard the other man approaching.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Owen lied, spinning his chair around to face Ianto.
"Yes you do. I know about you and Gwen. It's not a secret anymore. Everyone's seen you together. You can't keep your hands off her. She's got a boyfriend, you know." Ianto fought to keep his voice calm.
"So why don't you remind Gwen of that lovely fact?" Owen replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"She doesn't know what she's doing. She's lonely and scared. You're taking advantage of her." There was no mistaking the accusation in Ianto's voice.
"She wanted someone to talk to. She found me. She's a big girl –"
"You're actually enjoying this aren't you?" Ianto hissed.
"Look Ianto, Gwen and I are both old enough to look after ourselves. If I needed any relationship advice, which I don't, you'd be the last person I'd call."
Owen turned his back on Ianto and picked up his mobile.
"It's not advice. I'm just telling you to stop before you make things worse."
"Oh because you're so perfect? Shagging Jack whilst you're little cyber-girlfriend was dying in the basement. Not exactly squeaky clean are you?"
"Don't you dare talk about Lisa. You don't understand."
Owen snorted.
"Then stop sticking your nose into other people's business," he turned to glare at Ianto. The Welshman diverted his gaze to the floor and flushed.
Still staring at Ianto, Owen dialled Gwen's number.
"Gwen, it's Owen."
Ianto sighed and walked away, silently cursing Owen because he knew exactly how all this would end.