The usual disclaimer. They don't belong to me.
*sigh* I really do miss them though :(

Thanks to everyone who has stuck with this story & with me!:) Also to those of you who have R & R. You guys rock!
Also the usual peeps who have helped and encouraged me along the way {Hugs} Love you guys!
I've nearly finished the next chapter so you wont have to wait to long :)
Thanks again for sticking with me!
(All errors are my own)

4. The Club & The Stranger.

Cal pulled Gillian tightly against him as he walked them towards the bar. Looking around the club, he noticed it was near capacity as men and women packed the dance floor moving to some generic beat that the DJ was playing. He shook his head slightly as he watched how the men around the room studied the women, eyeing them like they were prey, and theirs for the taking.

He shuddered slightly as he thought about their motives. He instinctively pulled Gillian closer as he noticed she was the recipient of several hungry gazes. A surge of jealousy coursed through him as he watched their eyes roam over her body.

They arrived at the bar and he unwrapped his arm from around her waist and signalled to the bartender.

"Drink, love?" he asked over the loud music.

"Please." She nodded and watched as a grin spread across his face. "What?" she asked shyly, however the barman interrupted them before Cal could respond, and she watched as he turned order their drinks.

... ... ...

Gillian couldn't remember the last time she was in a place like this. It was probably before her and Alec had met, she mused. Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt an unfamiliar hand snake around her waist. She stiffened immediately. She tried to shift out of their grip, but was unable due to the lack of space. Turning slightly, she was face-to-face with a relatively attractive man. Tall, dark and handsome; a walking cliché.

"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked leering forward.

"No, thank you. I'm with someone," she responded as she felt his grip tighten.

"You sure, gorgeous?" he asked, licking his lips. "Because I bet I could show you good time."

Gillian instantly felt uneasy. The man was attractive enough, but his outright disregard for her personal space and protests was enough to alarm her.

"I'm sure," she replied through gritted teeth. She watched as a smug grin pulled at his lips and she felt her stomach turn.

"Oh, you're one of those girls," he said as he pressed himself against her. His large hand moved to grip her hip and he pulled her flush against him. He lowered his lips beside her ear as his hand slid up over her ribs. "You act like you're not interested, and play hard to get. You like to make a man work for your attention." He smirked, his voice dropping dangerously low.

Gillian pushed at his hands before he caught hold of her wrists. "You act all sweet and innocent, but I know what you really want."he whispered lowly, a predatory look in his eye. "The things I'd like to do to you."

Cal turned to pass Gillian her drink as the stranger pulled her closer. He saw the fear pass over her features and felt his own anger surge through his veins as his instinctive need to protect her overwhelmed him. Cal quickly placed the drinks on the bar and rushed toward them. He protectively placed his body between her and the man, roughly shoving the stranger backwards.

"Oi! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" he bellowed as he used his body to shield Gillian from the man's greedy gaze.

"Why don't you mind your own business, buddy," the man spat back at him.

"She is my business, buddy," he replied venomously. "Now I suggest you walk away."

"Oh yeah, or you'll what?" The man laughed as he moved to grab Gillian by the arm.

Cal quickly intercepted him pulling Gillian flush against him. "You touch her again, and that will be last thing you do," he growled as he felt his hands ball into fists at his side. He suddenly felt the unmistakable gentle touch of her hand on his shoulder and turned to face her.

"Cal, don't. He's not worth it," she whispered, silently pleading for him to drop it.

He gave her a slight nod before turning back to the man. He released Gillian momentarily and took several menacing strides towards the man. "If it wasn't for her, you'd be begging for your life right now," he growled before turning to Gillian and wrapping his arm around her waist. "Let's go get your drink, love."

... ... ...

Cal retrieved their drinks and walked them towards the edge of the club, spotting a vacant booth. He placed a hand at the small of her back as he guided her towards it and silently slipped into the cosy booth.

Cal watched as she downed her drink, her face illuminated by the dull glow of the lamp that sat in the centre of the table.

"Stop it, Cal," she whispered. She placed her glass on the table and took hold of his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She watched the way his eyes studied her, could see the concern etched across his features, his brow creased in worry. Her lips quirked slightly; she couldn't help but think that it was almost endearing the way he would always protect and worry about her.

"We don't have to stay, we can call it a night," he told her gently, lacing his fingers through hers.

"Cal, please. It was nothing that I haven't dealt with before," she told him gently, and watched as he tried to suppress his anger.

"The way he was looking at you, Gill, like you were some piece of meat, his for the taking. And the way he grabbed at you," he growled angrily. "If I had seen earlier, I would have knocked…"

Gillian shook her head lightly, silencing him. "I'm fine, honestly," she assured him giving his hand another gentle squeeze. "Let's just have fun tonight. Forget that even happened." She smiled. "You might as well make the most of me while you have me here," she teased playfully, trying to reassure him. She watched as a smile began to tug at his lips.

"Aye, aye, love," he grinned.

"You're incorrigible." She replied, unable to hide the smile in her voice.

Gillian's smile grew as she spotted something in the distance. "I'll be right back," she told him, slipping from her seat before he could protest.

Cal watched as she disappeared into the crowd, before reappearing a few moments later carrying a small round tray. In the centre sat a rack filled with various coloured drinks, or what he assumed were drinks. His eyes moved to her face and he watched as she walked towards him; a radiant smile lighting up her face.

"I haven't had these in years." She giggled sliding back into the booth. She caught him staring at her again, a gentle smile on his face.

"What?" she asked shyly, ducking her head slightly.

"Nothing." He answered, softly shaking his head. "It's just nice to see you smiling again. I've missed it," he admitted tenderly; bringing his hand up to brush a stray curl from her face.

Cal watched as a faint blush crept up onto her cheeks and smiled. He withdrew his hand and placed it atop of hers.

Not wanting to push his luck he turned his attention back to the colourful tubes in front of him

"So what are these anyway?" he asked gesturing to the tubes sitting in the rack. He chuckled a little as he watched her eyes light up playfully.

"You've never had test tube shots before, Cal?" she asked in mock horror. "And here I thought you were the experienced one," she teased.

"Oh I'd be happy to teach you a thing or two, darling," he replied flirtatiously. "But something tells me you'd be able to show me a few new tricks." He winked and watched as her blush deepened.

"I'm sure I could," she replied casually, a small smirk tugging at her two shots from the rack, she gently pushed one into his waiting hands.

"Bottoms up," She grinned mischievously, as she clinked her glass to his.

So I'm not really happy with this chapter but there it was... next chapter up soon.

Comments and reviews always appreciated. Constructive or otherwise.