I do not own any American Gothic characters, this is a work of fan fiction. This story is a continuation of my previous stories Emotion, Old Friends, Family, Difficult Decisions, Reflection, Spirit, Acceptance, Whole Again and Homecoming.

It was a cold dark November morning in Trinity SC, frost glistened in the moonlight on the large windows of the Buck mansion and the ice cold wind was trying to find it's way in through any cracks that were present in the structure.

Lucas Buck lay in his king size bed staring up at the ceiling, he always left his bedroom window open as the cold never bothered him and he enjoyed the cool freshness of the air in the mornings. Gail Emory lay asleep naked on his chest with an arm out of the covers, Lucas noticed goose pimples had begun to form over her arm and back; therefore, he pulled the covers up so her body was completely submerged under them from her chin downwards.

Gail had visited him late in the night to his surprise and she had not intended to stay overnight; however, once he had managed to seduce her by his warm living room fire it did not take much for him to convince her to stay with him, especially when her visit was due to the underhanded action she had taken to aid Matt Crower. He applauded the manipulation she had used to achieve her goal, but he was seething at the end result and if it not had been her actions that resulted in Matt Crower getting a second chance at the hospital, there would have been dire consequences for the guilty party.

Lucas was trying to think of a way to sabotage Harvard's new reinstatement which was scheduled to commence later that morning and the task would be easily completed if he released his twin; however, with Gail's dark half still lurking around she would know instantly if his twin went to work on the situation and he did not want to give her cause to pull away from him. Lucas did not like having to change his usual way of getting things done and he was finding it difficult to come up with another way to deal with this situation.

Gail stroked his bare chest and dug her nails gently into his skin. 'What time is it?' she asked.

Lucas ran his hand through her hair and caressed her cheek. 'Shush love, it's early...go back to sleep'

Gail let out a quiet yawn and pulled herself up so she could lean on his chest whilst looking at him. 'If it's so early why are you awake?'

Lucas shrugged, 'Just thinkin' on the day ahead Darlin''

Gail smiled, 'You think? What is the world coming to?' she asked sarcastically and climbed on him fully so she was straddling him.

'Well if a certain young Reporter kept her nose out of business that didn't concern her, I wouldn't have a dilemma on my hands now would I?'

Gail reached down to his manhood and bit her lip seductively when she felt he was already hard. 'Oh but where's the fun in that Sheriff?' she asked placing him inside her and beginning to ride him slowly.

Lucas inhaled deeply and sat up fully, pulling her closer to him. She had a lot of energy considering they had only settled down in his bed approximately 4 hours earlier and he applauded her stamina. The only saving grace with the Harvard situation was that Gail was more relaxed, which meant she was more willing to give in to her urges and Lucas found he did not have to chase her as much as he had previously. Right now he was more than happy to continue on with their games and gripped her buttocks tight as she began to ride him faster.

Gail let out a soft moan as she felt him move his hands slowly up from her behind to her lower back, she felt his fingertips dig into her skin and gripped his back tighter to provide support to enable her to ride him faster. His apparent acceptance of Matt's integration back into society had removed any reason for her to close herself off from him; therefore, she allowed her control to waiver when she was with him and just let go.

Lucas nipped at her shoulder and begun sucking her neck, the feeling of pleasure he experienced from being inside her was exquisite and he was beginning to crave this sensation all the time. When he sensed she was nearing her climax he thrust his hips upwards to force himself deeper inside her and felt his intense orgasm rising up from within him. He called out her name when their climax erupted together and kissed her passionately.

Gail savored the taste of his tongue in her mouth, then bit his bottom lip playfully when he broke free of the kiss and smiled. 'Has that helped your dilemma Sheriff?' she asked sarcastically.

Lucas laughed, 'It's certainly given me something to think about Miss Emory' he said, holding her hips firmly so she could not remove his manhood from inside of her.

Gail leaned down and kissed his chest, then ran her fingers through his caramel blond chest hair. 'Are you mad at me?' she asked seriously, ever since he had found out that she had convinced Doctor Charlton to reinstate Matt he seemed to be preoccupied with his thoughts.

Lucas leaned back against his wooden headboard and sighed. 'I can't be mad at you for using your initiative Darlin', I just wish you wouldn't use it to defy me'

Gail laughed and shook her head. 'If you wanted a lover who dotes over your every needs in and out of the bedroom, you should've stayed with Selena'

Lucas shook his head, moved his hands up her back then ran his fingers down it softly. 'Did I say that's what I wanted? I could snap my fingers and have Selena whenever I want, but I haven't. You have a habit of aligning yourself with all the wrong people Darlin'...Harvard, Billy-boy, hell even Selena. Are you purposely trying to irritate me?'

Gail bit her lip enticingly, 'Maybe' she said starting to slowly move up and down with his manhood still inside her. 'You don't want things to be easy Lucas...' she panted, '...you've been unchallenged in this town for far too long, are seriously trying to say you don't enjoy the game?'

Lucas grabbed her tight, rolled her over so he was on top and pulled out of her. 'Maybe you're beginnin' to understand more about me than I thought you would...I like a challenge as much as the next person, but you're certainly making it hard to stay civilized'

Gail felt a void inside her when he released himself from her. 'Were we finished?' she asked, not impressed with this display.

Lucas smiled at her annoyance, he still had control over her. 'That depends...how much do you want it?' he asked teasingly.

'You're kidding right?'

Lucas shook his head and secured her hands above her head to ensure she could not touch him. 'Not at all Darlin', with how naughty you've been recently I think it's about time you were taught some respect...I want you to beg'

Gail inhaled deeply in exasperation, she should have known he try to pull something. 'Not a chance' she said defiantly.

Lucas smiled, 'OK then' he said then moved his free hand down to her sweet spot and ran his fingers over it gently. He could sense how aroused she was at his touch and brushed his fingers over her opening softly, then pulled them away when he heard her low moan. He brought his hand back up and gently took hold of her breast, then began making circles with his tongue over her nipple.

'Lucas...' Gail panted as she stirred beneath him.

'What love?' he interrupted and brought his face close to hers.

'You're a bastard' she whispered.

Lucas laughed, 'Well that's a bit harsh...is there anything else you wanna add?' he asked playfully then licked his finger and stroked her nipple teasingly.

Gail hated this side of him, he was stubborn like her and he would not give in until she did as he had requested. 'I'll pay you back for this' she promised.

Lucas smiled knowing he had won and leaned in closer, 'I'm sorry Darlin' I didn't quite catch that' he said sarcastically.

Gail let out a long exhale. 'Please' she said quietly.

As soon as the word left her mouth Lucas's expression changed from joking to serious and he caressed her cheek gently, then opened her legs wider with his knee's and thrust his manhood into her roughly. He called out her name at the intense pleasure that surged through him as she closed around his manhood, then pounded in and out of her hard while she clawed her nails down his bare back.

Gail gripped Lucas's back as he thrust in and out of her, biting his shoulder when the pleasure became too intense. She should not condone this rough behaviour; however, they were past judgement of each other and she would be lying to herself if she denied enjoying this treatment. Part of her attraction to this questionable Adonis was his unusual tastes and being able to completely let go of all her inhibitions. Right now she succumbed to his way of taking her and wrapped her legs tightly around him to show her acceptance of the act.

When Lucas felt her legs tighten around his waist he knelt up and pulled her to him, then lifted her leg over his shoulder to allow himself to push deeper inside her. Gail called out at the mixture of pleasure and pain that came with him forcing himself deeper, which made Lucas pound into her harder. Their climax built up within them both quickly; however, Lucas did not want this act to be over so soon, so he pulled out of her then spun her onto all fours and stroked his hand tenderly down her back. 'I like it when you're stripped down like this Gail, it shows me you don't have to be high and mighty all the time'

Gail shook her head and laughed, clearly he felt the need to insert his dominance and control due to what she had pulled off with Matt. At this moment in time she did not care about being controlled, she just wanted him. 'Are we talking or are we fucking?' she panted, knowing he could not resist when she used foul language.

Lucas thrust his hard manhood deep inside her and held himself there. 'Looks like my good girl's gone bad' he panted sarcastically.

Gail was growing frustrated with this game, he was not playing fair. 'Is that what you want?...or would you just prefer me to say please?' she asked teasingly.

Lucas had planned on torturing her for a while longer, as punishment for going behind his back with Larry Charlton; however, he could not deny her when she pleaded.

Gail pushed her behind backwards slightly and continued to look forward, she could read his mind and smiled to herself. 'That's what you like isn't it? You like it when I beg..OK, please Lucas...please' she said softly then had to grip the pillow in front of her when he grabbed her hips tight and began pounding in and out of her again.

Lucas could not withstand her begging, the fact that this big city professional who held herself in such high regard accepted whichever way he chose to take her was a huge turn on and it proved she was fully his. Apart from Caleb, she was his prized accomplishment and part of him could not believe he had found his way in with her after she was so hell bent on destroying him when she first came to Trinity. The fact that he had found her weakness then exploited it to possess her made their sexual encounters all the more pleasing and he could feel his orgasm quickly rise within him when he started pounding into her.

Gail buried her head in the pillow as her climax rose within her and violently burst through, the pillow did not silence her yell and Lucas exploded inside her as he heard her call his name. When he pulled out of her he heard her painful moan, so he reached for a tissue to clean her up then pulled her onto his chest as he lay back down.

They both took a moment to catch their breath, then Gail pulled herself up so she was close to his face. 'I know every fiber of your being is telling you to do something today, but I expect you to rise above it'

Lucas caressed her cheek then smiled devilishly. 'I don't know what you mean Darlin'' he said feigning ignorance.

Gail shook her head, 'Sometimes I wish you were that stupid...I will be watching Matt today, if you do anything to him I'll find out and there will be consequences'

Lucas laughed, 'Is that a threat Gail?'

'It's whatever you want it to be Lucas...whatever it takes to keep you on your best behaviour' she said in a warning tone.

'I'll keep that in mind love' he said and pulled her to him for a passionate kiss.

Matt Crower stood in front of the mirror in his room, staring at himself suspiciously. He did not feel ready to take on his previous role as a medical professional and did not feel confident in his abilities; however, he knew Gail had done something to arrange for this opportunity and he did not want to let her down. When he decided he looked presentable enough, Matt headed downstairs to the kitchen where Loris was cooking breakfast.

'Morning Matt' Loris said smiling as she was finishing baking some pancakes, 'Are you feeling ready for your first day back at the hospital?'

Matt sat down at the table and sighed, he liked Loris and she appeared to be as convinced as Gail that he was ready to take on his old responsibilities so he did not want to let on that he felt like jumping in a car and driving out of this godforsaken town.

Loris noticed Matt was very quiet this morning and glanced at him concerned, 'Are you OK Matt?'

'Of course he is Darlin'...' Lucas said leaning against the kitchen door, '...the man escaped the nut house and has found his way into a pretty stable position within our hospital, why wouldn't he be alright?'

Loris looked from Matt to Lucas, then started dishing out pancakes onto a plate. 'To what do we owe this pleasure Sheriff?' she asked with a hint of venom in her voice.

Lucas just smiled then walked over to Matt and patted him on the shoulder. 'I'm not here for you Miss Holt, I just thought I'd offer Harvard here an escort on his first day back to start the shift off in style'

Loris regarded Lucas suspiciously, she did not know what game he was playing; however, she had grown up in this town and knew not to trust his intentions. 'Matt will be just fine waiting for his friend to pick him up, I'm sure Gail won't be long'

Matt did not like how smug Lucas appeared to be and he was not about to let the man intimidate him, Lucas was going to be around for the foreseeable future so he would have to get used to his presence and it would be worse if Matt showed him weakness. 'It's alright Loris, if the Sheriff has come out of his way to offer his services it would be rude of me not to accept' he said getting up from the table.

Loris did not want Matt going with Lucas, she had felt partly to blame for his initial breakdown due to providing him with information that could have potentially started him on that dark road and she did not want him to get caught out again. 'Matt I'll take you...' she started then began violently coughing and gasping for air.

Lucas stepped closer to Loris and patted her back gently. 'Something must've gone down the wrong way Darlin', you should be more careful...you ready Doc?' he asked and signaled for them both to leave.

Matt put a concerned hand on Loris's shoulder then headed out of the boarding house when she nodded that she was alright, he did not want to go with Lucas; however, he would not allow himself to be a victim of the mans games so walked confidently down to Lucas's navy blue Crown Victory car, which was parked at the front of the house and got in the front passenger seat.

Lucas smiled and turned on the engine. 'This must be a first for you Harvard, being able to ride in the front of a police car rather than the back'

Matt gave a closed smile to hide his gritted teeth, this was going to be a long ride and he decided the best approach was to just stay quiet.

Gail stood pacing Matt's office waiting for him to arrive, Doctor Charlton had decided to be here to welcome Matt back to work on his first day; however, it appeared he was nowhere to be found. Gail had stopped at the boarding house expecting to bring her friend to the hospital for his first shift but Loris informed her Lucas had beaten her to that privilege. Right now she was seething with her lover, especially with the things she had done earlier trying to ensure he stayed on his best behaviour.

'It appears our new starter is late' Larry said, then took a step back with the warning glance she gave him.

'This isn't down to him...'

'Regardless of that, the man has a mind of his own and he should ensure he adheres to the hospitals punctuality rules...' Larry interrupted with a sigh, 'I can't go around openly allowing him a pass just because he's your friend Gail. This does not fill me with confidence over my decision to give him another chance here'

Gail was getting sick of having to perform for so many people, but she was too stubborn to step back now so she put on her sweetest smile for Doctor Charlton. 'Oh come on Larry, we both know you could care less about what favours you show...this was the right thing to do and it's a big step for Matt, can you blame him if he's a little nervous about turning in?' she asked and placed her hand gently on the man's arm.

Gail knew full well Matt did not want to come back to work at the hospital so soon; however, she would not allow him to mope around after he had been lucky enough to be released. Lucas did not have to entertain her request to release Matt and she was working hard to keep him happy at least until her friend had a stable hold within this town. Now all she had to do was keep Doctor Charlton on side so her friend was not fired before he had even started.

Larry looked down at Gail's hand then back to her face. 'Young lady I've been around a lot longer than you and I know what you're doing...if Matt Crower is not here in the next 10 minutes I will have to reconsider his employment'

'Don't fret my good people...' Lucas said sarcastically as he entered the office, '...our new recruit has arrived. I trust you won't hold this against the Doc Larry, let's just put it down to unexpected traffic on the way in'

Gail shook her head at Lucas then went to Matt's side as he entered the office. 'Are you OK?' she asked concerned.

'Why wouldn't he be Darlin'?...' Lucas interrupted, '...he's just been accompanied by the man with the star'

Gail rolled her eyes and Matt smiled, it was obvious that his old friend was in there somewhere and she still got irritated with some of Lucas's remarks. 'I'm fine Gail, like the Sheriff said we just hit traffic'

Larry stepped forward and regarded Lucas suspiciously. 'As long as you've made it here safe then we don't have a problem, keep an eye on the time going forward Doctor and welcome back' he said patting Matt on the back as he left the office.

Gail smiled at Larry as he left, then turned towards Matt. 'On that note I think it's time we all left you to it, you need to try and get settled for the day ahead'

Matt approached Gail with a worried look on his face, 'You're just going to leave me here? What am I supposed to do?'

Lucas walked up to them both and placed his hands on Gail's hips then pulled her close to him. 'Miss Emory isn't a medical professional Harvard, she has her own job to get to...I'm sure you'll fare fine all alone in here' he said with a smirk.

Gail shook her head slowly, between Matt's dependency on her and Lucas's possessiveness she knew this was going to be a long day. 'You're not alone, Larry has arranged for Rita to man the front desk so she'll be just outside if you need any help...you'll be fine just take things slow and call me if you need anything. I'll make sure I pop in when I can' she said as she grabbed Lucas's arm then led him out of the office and closed the door behind her.

'Are you really going to leave him on his own Darlin'? That was a cry for help if I ever heard one' Lucas said looking at Matt through the office window.

'As if you care...' Gail laughed, '...I don't know what you're trying to pull here Lucas, but it's not going to work so you might as well just drop it now'

Lucas caressed her cheek and smiled devilishly, 'Oh but where's the fun in that Miss Emory' he said then turned away and walked down the hospital corridor.

Selena Coombs paced nervously in front of the church on her lunch hour, trying to muster up the courage to go inside. Ever since she attended Doctor Monroe's funeral and watched her father preside over it, she had not been able to get him out of her mind. She had been 16 years old when she was tempted away from her faith and her father by Lucas, she had not known back then what the consequences of aligning herself with the devil would be and it was only this past year that she had began to realise her priorities had changed.

Although she knew she would never truly be free of Lucas's grasp, he was no longer the first thing she thought about when she woke up and the last thing she thought about at night. This allowed her to open up her mind and the first thing that plagued her was feelings for her father, the only regret she had in life was not having a relationship with him and she had decided it was time to fix that.

Selena took a deep breath to calm her nerves then entered the church, she had always loved this place as it felt like a sanctuary. Lucas had tried throughout the years to convince her to completely renounce her faith by soiling this place with their sexual encounters; however, she had stood her ground and denied him. He was never impressed by her refusal and she would always have to pay for denying him but she made it clear this was the one place she would not defile.

It was cold and quiet in the church, it had an eerie presence and she felt as though she was being watched. When she moved deeper into the large main room of the church she noticed there was someone sat on the front pew with their head bowed. Selena turned to retreat then regained her courage and continued walking down the aisle, she only had 20 minutes left of her lunch break and did not have time for delays. When she reached the front pew she looked confused at the young girl in front of her. 'M? What are you doing here?' she asked.

Merlyn lifted her head from her prayer, she liked this church and came a few times in the week in an attempt to reconnect with her fallen family, so far these attempts had been unsuccessful. She was taken aback at being noticed then relaxed when she realised it was only Selena Coombs. 'Afternoon Miss Coombs...' she said standing up, '...I always come here for some peace and quiet, how come you're here on a school day?'

Selena regarded the young girl suspiciously, she still seemed so familiar to her but she could not put her finger on it. She knew she was not Gail's long lost cousin and she did not buy this lonesome child act; however, it was not her place to get involved and the girl seemed nice enough. 'There's no cut off time or day to embrace your faith' Selena said with a smile.

'There's no truer words' Reverend Coombs said as he entered from his office, then froze when he saw Selena. 'How dare you enter this holy place!'

Selena jumped at her fathers raised voice, she had hoped to hash this out in private; however, the unexpected presence of this young girl had thrown her off. Selena tried to regain her courage but she appeared to be falling to pieces under her fathers judgmental stare, she tried to open her mouth to speak but couldn't so she just rushed out of the church and to the safety of the outside.

Merlyn looked at the Reverend disapprovingly, 'I thought God's love spread to all people father?'

The Reverend approached Merlyn and smiled sadly, 'God's love does child...unfortunately mine doesn't'

Merlyn nodded respectfully to the man before her, it was not her place to judge so she just left the church to make sure Selena was OK. When she got outside she found Selena leaning against a tree lighting up a cigarette. 'Are you alright?' she asked.

Selena laughed and wiped her eyes to try and hide the tears that were streaming out of them. 'I'm fine, I need to get back to the school'

Merlyn did not want to leave her alone when she was so obviously upset. 'Do you mind dropping me off at home? It's really cold and Gail keeps tellin' me I'll get ill if I keep walking everywhere in this weather'

Selena smiled, she always scolded her class if any of them were late; however, at this moment in time she felt deflated and did not want to go back to the school until she pulled herself together. 'Alright, jump in. You can fill me in on how your housemates are doin' recently' Selena said as she walked to her car.

-To be continued-