A/N: Thanks again guys for all the reviews! I don't suppose anyone knows where I can watch the old gun runner episodes? Only it'd be of great help to remind myself how the two of them reacted and interacted last time undercover. I've tried YT, but you can never hear the speech on the clips, which is what I need really. Anyway, as always let me know if you want me to try to include anything but most of all, read, review and enjoy! :)
The following morning, Stevie awoke still lying flat on her back, with Smithy's hand splayed over her stomach. Gently removing Smithy's hand from her stomach, Stevie crept out the bedroom, smiling to herself as she tried to recollect what happened last night. Stroking her neck where the bruises were finally starting to fade, Stevie struggled to remember how on earth they had reached the point last night whereby Smithy was kissing her neck.
Deciding that the fact it had happened was more than enough thought for now, Stevie made her self a strong cup of coffee and settled down on the sofa, clutching her head gently as it throbbed, reminding her that she perhaps had too much of a good night last night. Hoping Smithy was suffering just as much, Stevie practically jumped out her skin as a loud bang sounded nearby. Several more sounds followed and Stevie began to gage just how bad a neighbourhood her and Smithy had moved into. But with the knowledge that they weren't out of the clear yet, Stevie knew they'd have to keep their heads down until they were both fully initiated with the rest of the criminals operating on the estate. But Stevie refused to admit she was scared; this was a job, just as any other, and see it through to the end she would - no matter the consequences.
Taking a deep breath, Stevie calmed herself and got back to trying to nurse her head (and liver) back to normal health. Considering that during their last undercover operation, Smithy had complained Stevie was messing with his head, Stevie continued to wonder what exactly he thought he was doing kissing her last night. Revenge, maybe Stevie mused, or perhaps Smithy's take on TLC. Chuckling to herself as she remembered that was the exact line she'd used on him last year, Stevie was shocked to silence when a large parcel came flying through the letterbox. Keeping as quiet as she could, she saw through the shadows someone peer in at the window.
"Smithy?! You in there?!" A voice that Stevie guessed belonged to a local man shouted through the window, as a fist banged on the window once, then again. Feeling her heart rate increase just a little, Stevie daren't move but their guest did not appear to want to leave them be. "Smithy?! Where the hell are ya?!"
Realising she had little other choice, Stevie made her way to the door, unlocking and unlatching it slowly.
"Smithy! Where the fu-"
"Who are you?" Stevie interjected, gripping the door tightly with her right hand, with the door partially covering her body.
"Max," the man spat, eyeing Stevie up in an uncomfortable manner. "And who's this little lady when she's at home?"
Wincing as the man's grubby hand approached her face, Stevie stepped back into the house and pushed his hand away. Max however just laughed a deep, dirty laugh and scratched his head with his dirt-ridden nails.
"Ooh, she's feisty too."
"She's got a name," Stevie retorted, ensuring to keep her distance and play her cards right. Max laughed again and took a slight step forward.
"Has she now? Would she like to share?"
"No," Stevie smiled sweetly, feeling a rush of reassurance as a warm hand slipped across her back and rested on her right hip bone. Smithy, looking tired and slightly worse for wear, came to stand behind Stevie with his body pressed close against hers and his figners gently caressing the bare skin in between Stevie's top and trousers. Finding it hard to keep her concentration, Stevie reluctantly brought her hand atop of Smithy's to stop his stroking before she went insane.
"Ah, Smithy. Was wondering where the hell you'd go to. I ain't got all day, you know that. And what's with this bird getting all frigid on me?" Max turned back to Stevie and smirked. "Ain't you heard, love? It's share and share alike in this neighbourhood, so I think it's time you came and spent a little bit of quality time with Max, sweetheart."
Before she had time to protest, Smithy stepped over Stevie so he came face to face with Max. "I don't think so sunshine. This one? You keep you hands off, d'you understand?"
Max merely laughed his throaty laugh and grinned. "I don't think you understand son. We're not some petty criminals here; you're messing with the big boys now and big boys share their toys where we come from. So you're pretty lady's now our pretty lady. You get me?"
"Listen mate," Smithy growled, "You were eager to have me join your little gang yesterday, for reasons I don't particularly know but I can certainly hazard a guess. So unless you want me to take my custom elsewhere, I don't know, to the Meopham's maybe?"
Max clenched his fists at Smithy's words; the mention of his rival gang was more than enough ammunition. And for what it was worth, it was true - Smithy had been initiated quicker than most, but his past served better purpose than most.
"Touched a nerve, have I Max?" Smithy raised a knowing eyebrow as Max spat on the floor in disgust. "Let's make this clear: I'm here working for you, but she stays with me."
"We'll see about that," Max shrugged, walking away from the door. "Your presents on the floor by the way. Bring it with you."
"What, now?"
"Course now" Max replied, becoming impatient as Smithy delayed for time. "And ditch the bird. We don't want her cramping our style."
Smithy picked up the brown parcel from the floor and went to walk out the door before tangling a hand in Stevie's hair and bringing his lips crashing down to hers. Keeping the kiss going as long as he could, when Smithy finally pulled away he quickly whispered into Stevie's ear. "Tell Neil that we're definitely in. And whatever you do, don't go anywhere with anyone." Placing one last kiss on her lips, Smithy winked and made to follow Max, who blew a kiss to Stevie as they disappeared down an alley.