Author's note: This requires some explanation. It stems from a conversation based on a recent event where I was visiting relatives and when I went to bed I realized there was a glow-in-the-dark crucifix hanging on the wall. This incident was brought up in a tumblr comment to story #2 in the previous chapter (the smutty one). Just roll with it. :)

It shouldn't have happened. Lucien couldn't believe his luck. When he asked Jean to accompany him while he worked on a case on the far side of Bendigo he did not intend the work to last late into the night. And when he found them two rooms in a dingy guest house on the edge of town he never dreamed she would sneak into his room. Now, half naked and caressing Jean's bare back he was gloriously happy. Lucien ran both hands over her bum, rolling Jean on top of him as she giggled with delight. That skirt would have to go next. Suddenly Jean froze in his arms. He could feel the tendons in her neck stiffen under his lips.

"Jeannie darling, everything all right?"

Jean looked up, her gaze fixed on the wall above the headboard.

"What on earth is that?"

Lucien glanced up. Unable to see he gently placed her back on the bed and sat up.

"Bloody hell."

A large crucifix on the wall, barely noticed when he first walked in the room, was glowing above their heads, illuminating the room with an eerie green light. The outline of Christ dying on the cross was clearly visible. Lucien ran his hand nervously through his hair.

"Well that's something new."

"How on earth is it glowing?"

"Some sort of radium phosphorescence would be my guess."

"Is that safe?"

"Probably not. Don't worry, one night won't hurt. I'll keep you safe."

Lucien pulled Jean back down onto the bed and into his arms. A few minutes later Jean was sitting up again. She pulled the sheet tight against her, trying to cover her bare chest. Lucien tugged ineffectively on her hand.

"I'm sorry Lucien. I want to, I really do. But this isn't a good idea."

"Well if the radiation bothers you that much I'll move the bed to the other side of the room. We can move it back in the morning."

"No it's not that. We're sinning before the eyes of God."

"Oh come now, we're going to be married soon. Surely a few weeks won't make a difference."

"I know that Lucien. But it's one thing to know that here…"

Jean took Lucien's hand and pressed it against her heart, making his eyes water.

"…but having God shine a spot light on you while you're sinning is another. It would be too…awful."

"Well if it's awful I'm not doing my job."

"Lucien! You know what I mean."

"Well if it bothers you that much I'll take it off the wall and throw him under the bed for the night."

"Lucien don't you dare!"

"Well, just don't think about it. We're all alone far from home, and I have the most beautiful woman in the world in my arms."

Lucien teased the sheet free from her hands and peppered kisses across the top of her chest. He smiled as he felt Jean sigh and lean into him. Slowly he ran his hand up her leg, curling the tips of his fingers around the hem of her stocking. Suddenly Jean let out a huff of exasperation. This time she rolled to the edge of the bed and stood up. Lucien stood with her.

"Jean!"

"I'm sorry Lucien, I just can't. Not with…him watching us. If that isn't a sign that this is wrong, I don't know what is."

Jean searched for her shirt and buttoned it up hastily, looking around wildly for the rest of her things.

"Besides, I remembered I have to attend mass before breakfast."

"Out here? How?"

"Well there must be a church around here somewhere!"

Jean pulled her jacket tightly around her, picked up her room key off the dresser, and stalked out of the room. Lucien stood for a moment, stunned, before glaring at the crucifix, whose greenish glow stared back.

"Well I hope you're proud of yourself."

Lucien removed the rest of his clothes before flopping back down on the bed. He would kill for a drink, but at this hour there was none to be had. It was probably for the best. Before he pulled up the covers he glanced back up at the dark outline, staring out mournfully in the darkness.

"Well, I guess it's just you and me tonight."