Chapter 11

I'm kinda losing my feel for this but if you want me to carry on then just say so. The last few chapters haven't been the best but maybe the next few will be better? If you're getting bored too just PLEASE say.

Marian logged on as Djaq and opened up her e-mails. She looked at the one supposedly from Will. It was sent at 6:30 am that morning.

'Ha!' she said, to no one in particular, 'I knew he didn't send it. He didn't get in until 8 today. So it can't have been him' but she still didn't know who it was. But that would have to wait. She called Djaq to let her know the good news.

Djaq skipped back to work. She passed John who was still gazing at Alice. She rolled her eyes,

'Do it John! She's hardly gonna say no is she'

John blushed and Djaq skipped past him.

As the lift pinged open she ran towards Will into his arms,

'Sorry' she mumbled into his shirt

'Come on, Marian's holding a meeting for everyone in the office' he took her hand and pulled her gently into the conference room.

'As you all know,' Marian said in her sing song voice, 'the partners' weekend is coming up and I thought I'd better let you know the final arrangements so you know what to pack. You all know we're going to Venice and that we're staying in the 'Waterfront' hotel. But Vasey's set down a few rules,' her face fell slightly as she read the list of rules he'd handed her prior to her meeting, 'number one, there will be no sharing of rooms with the opposite sex. Anyone found doing so will be sent home. Number two, any excursions planned for the day must be attended by all. And finally, number 3, no late nights out; we have work as soon as we get back.

Just a last note from me before you all rush off. Vasey, Guy and I are going to be holding a competition for everyone to write a travel article about our time in Italy. I'd like all entries submitted 7 days after we get back. The winning article will run as our main feature in the magazine. The only rule is that you must submit your article anonymously so there can be not bias in the judging. It's open to everyone, writers, artists, photographers, security, editors and sub-editors alike. It's not a compulsory competition, just a bit of fun. Ok, that's all guys, back to work now. Don't forget, we're going to print this evening.'

People started gathering their things and heading back to their desks.

By the end of the day Will had his article and Djaq, Allan was feeling like shit, Much and Eve were looking forward to a lovely evening, Vasey was feeling full of himself, Guy was still pining over Marian, Alice was bored stiff, John was feeling more shy than ever, Marian was pleased with this month's magazine and Robin was planning how to spend the evening. Everyone was tired; they'd all stayed late to finish what they were doing but they all admitted that it was worth it. The issue looked splendid.

Djaq and Will walked home hand in hand. She was going to introduce Will to Safia. Much rushed home to have a shower and smarten himself up before his big night out.

Robin just wanted to sleep with Marian by his side. In the end they decided to go back to his flat so Marian could help him unpack all his new stuff. Besides, Much was going out all evening and they didn't expect him back. And Edward was spending the night with an old friend called Merton so they wouldn't be missed.

Much held various ties up to his neck, all of which Robin said were fine. In the end he went for a dark green silky one.

Marian threw herself onto the sofa and yawned.

'Can we just have an early night tonight Robin?'

'If that's what you really want' he started to un-button his shirt revealing his toned body.

'When you put it that way…' Marian pulled Robin onto the sofa next to her and ran her fingers over his chest. She shivered as her fingers brushed over a scar just under his left arm.

Robin felt Marian tense in his arms and he pushed her off.

'Sorry, I just…' Marian trailed off.

'It's nothing'

'It doesn't look like nothing. What happened?'

But he didn't answer.

'Well, did it hurt?'

'Like nothing else on earth' he replied flatly

'So, how did it happen?'

Robin sighed; he couldn't keep avoiding it,

'There was a raid on our camp by the Taliban in the dead of night. They went for Richard – our commanding officer, the highest man out there – so I defended him as I'd been trained to do. He was fine, I saved his life, but the attacker turned on me. He shot me in the ribs and I had to be sent home to recover'

'So, that's why you're back?' Marian asked quietly, taking in everything he'd just said.

'But I'm ok now, I promise' he looked into her eyes, 'trust me'

She nodded,

'Now, where we? I think you had your hand here,' he placed her hand back on his chest, 'and mine was here.' He put his back up her top and they continued as they had been.

Meanwhile Much had arrived at Eve's house. He rang the doorbell and waited nervously for her to come down. She opened the door and Much felt his mouth drop open. She was wearing a tight black top with a sequined wrap around her shoulders. He skirt was a full blue one that swayed in a hypnotic way when she walked. Her long blonde hair that was usually tied up was lose around her shoulders.

'I look silly, don't I? I'll go back and change, give me a minute'

But Much grabbed her hand,

'No you look…wonderful'

She smiled and locked her front door.

They walked the short distance to the little Italian place around the corner and sat down at their table.

Their food arrived and Much tucked in happily,

'It's good'

'Yeah, not as good as you're stuff though' she smiled at him across her wine glass, 'So, what's your policy on first dates?'

'What do you mean?'

'Do you think it's wrong to rush things if you know it's right?'

'Um…no. As long as both parties are happy'

'And are you happy to?'

'Yes' he replied simply as his trousers suddenly got tighter around the crotch.

Eve left some money on the table and walked back to her place with an eager Much in tow.

So, what happened when they got home? 10 reviews to find out please!