Hey everyone. This is my first Hustle fic, so please be kind, but constructive criticism is always welcome. Please don't forget to review, and if you do I'll give you………well nothing.

But don't let that put you off.

Set in series 4, so there's no Mickey (sorry:S)

Much love……

Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, just borrowing them for a while.

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The young woman sidled up to the bar, brushing back the locks of her dark, luscious hair as she flashed a friendly smile at the bartender. Unaware of the male attention directed towards her – or more precisely, the long silky legs revealed by the curve hugging pencil skirt she wore – she cast her dark soulful eyes around the bar, as though searching for someone. Obviously not finding the desired person, she settled herself on a barstool, falling into effortless conversation with the barman.

It was easy to tell that she was comfortable in her surroundings; from the relaxed smiles passing across her full glossy lips as she chatted away to the portly middle aged man behind the bar, occasionally sipping from the red wine he had placed in front of her. Her slim fingers, absentmindedly, traced errant circles on the smooth surface of the bars counter.

Despite her deceiving appearance, Stacie Monroe was not just a pretty face. Level-headed, smart, feisty and sexy, she was not a woman to be messed with. In a crew with three testosterone ridden men (except maybe Albert and especially Danny) she could definitely hold her own.

Just as Eddie moved away to serve another customer, two strong arms came down on either side of her to rest securely on the bar. She felt hot breath flutter across her neck, leaving goose bumps in its wake, as a blonde head leant down to whisper suggestively in her ear.

"Miss me?"

Rolling her eyes heavenward, she gave him a push, but was unable to suppress the smile that tugged at her lips.

"Hardly"

"Liar"

Danny gave her a charming grin and sat down on her left, turning towards Eddie and gesturing for a drink. Still smiling, she raised the glass to her lips, all the while allowing her eyes to roam over Danny's figure.

He still wore the same black designer suit he'd had on earlier for their meeting with the mark. The top buttons on his royal blue shirt, however, had been undone to partially reveal a smooth and toned chest.

Her smile having broadened slightly, she tore her gaze away, just as Eddie placed a pint in front of him. Taking a long drink, he placed it back on the bar, before turning back to face her fully, giving her his sole focus and attention. Before he could give what was sure to be either a sarcastic or a very suggestive – but tempting – remark, she cut him off.

"So where's Albie and the boys?"

"Albert's meeting friends, as is Ash and Billy is-"

"Here"

Both grifters turned to see Billy stood behind them; a charming smile painted on his lips, beside him stood a young blonde woman of about the same age. From the way her arms were draped across him, Stacie could tell instantly that the young girl was infatuated with Danny's young protégé.

"Guys, this is Laura"

He gestured towards his scantily clad companion briefly, before turning quickly back to Danny, almost as though seeking approval. Danny only nodded in response, and gave the young woman a charismatic smile.

Stacie turned away, hiding her frown in her now half empty wine glass, slightly offended and somewhat hurt – though she couldn't tell why – by the appreciative gleam that danced through Danny's eyes as he exchanged pleasantries with the two.

Apparently having gained the approval he was seeking, Billy ushered his friend towards a table in the corner, throwing a smile and a cheeky wink over his shoulder as he did.

Having shaken away the small twinge of jealousy – though she wouldn't admit that's what it was – she turned back to Danny and gave him a sly smile.

"You sure you two aren't related? Seems to be a real chip off the old block"

Flashing his cocky grin, he straightened up, and brushed his shoulders off in an arrogant gesture.

"Yeah well, he learnt from the best"

Rolling her eyes, she raised her glass to her lips and drank, only too aware of Danny's closeness.

There had always been chemistry between them, an undeniable attraction; the cheeky banter and sarcastic bickering, adequate proof of the connection between the two. Something that seemed to have intensified since Danny had stepped up to lead them.

But they were both so guarded, pretending to be ignorant of their bond, hiding behind suggestive remarks, both only half believing that that's all there was. Afraid that if they were to give in to temptation, than that would be it; there wouldn't be anything else. No friendship and no chance of the relationship that they both secretly desired.

She had tried to convince herself time and time again that was the truth. That she didn't feel anything for him besides attraction. She argued with herself, claiming that there was nothing to Danny except charm; that he wasn't the kind of man she wanted or needed.

But it seemed that was the reason behind it all; the motive behind her attraction to him. He was all boyish charm and cheesy one liners. And as rough around the edges as he was, there was still that soft side to him that was revealed only on a rare occasion. He could be the perfect gentlemen when need be, all chivalry and sensitivity.

Shaking herself of the thoughts that seemed to strangely frequent recently, Stacie broke herself out of her reverie and turned back towards him.

And there it was; that soft side. He had been watching her, his dazzling blue eyes; clouded with something she just couldn't define, softened by an unrecognizable emotion. His lips pulled into a gentle, affectionate smile.

"What?"

He shook his head a few times, ridding himself of the thoughts that had dominated his mind for the past few moments.

"Nothing"

Deciding to stick to common ground, and rid them of the slightly awkward silence, she inquired as to the progress of their latest con.

"So he fell for it?"

"Hook, line and sinker"

"When's he paying?"

"Next Monday"

Stacie raised a slim eyebrow, knowing only too well that Danny tended to be an impatient person. He shrugged in way of response.

"His choice. Gotta let him think he's in control"

"Who would have thought it? Danny Blue has patience"

"Yeah well I'm full of endearing and surprising qualities, me"

He gave her a flirty smile, leaning towards her slightly. Sending her own flirtatious back at him, she stood up from the stool.

"I'm sure"

Danny's eyes followed her closely as she headed towards the ladies room, aware that his eyes weren't the only to do so.

He knew she felt it; both, the connection and the attraction.

The chemistry between them was palpable, smouldering almost. The connection obvious, in the frequent looks and glances they shared. If only she wasn't so cautious, so sensible. A bond like theirs was never meant to be sensible or rational. It was supposed to be impulsive, a whirlwind of delirious emotions and pleasure.

He broke abruptly out of his thoughts when she sat down again, placing one long illustrious leg over the other.

She turned away and finished off her drink, pretending not to notice as he let his eyes roam appreciatively up her legs. Smiling slightly, she placed her empty glass down on the bar.

"I'm going up, you coming"

"Yeah may as well, its gone quiet anyway"

Downing the rest of his drink in one, he stood up beside her.

"Think we should check on Billy?"

"Nah he's a big boy, can look after himself" He glanced towards the corner, before turning back to her with a roguish grin "Anyway I think he's a little busy"

Stacie glanced over his shoulder, to see Billy and his companion in what could only be called the tongue and mouth version of wrestling. Rolling her eyes, she let out an exasperated sigh.

"Men"

"Oh come on, let him have a little fun"

She sent him a raised eyebrow in response, causing his smile to broaden.

Stepping forward he ushered her towards the door, his hand resting on the small of her back.

As they stepped out into the cool night air, he removed his arm from her back and instead wrapped it around her shoulders in a gesture that suggested they were just friends, but to most it was obvious that their relationship had more maning than platonic.

"C'mon we'll get takeout, my treat"

She sent him a mischievous smile, and pressed herself lightly into his side, feeling safer with him, than she would have done on hr own.

"Ooh big spender"

They wandered down the street, Danny's protests and Stacie's laughter following after them.