Author note:

thanks again for all the positive comments, I enjoy writing and will continue to do so as long as people enjoy reading.

Please let me know what you think of this chapter and what you would like to see for the big 4 0 chapter, would you like to know what happens next (cheeky wink) or skip to work the next day.

Happy Sunday Berina-kins

Ch 39

Serena opened the door to find Robbie standing there with a large bunch of flowers. "Serena."

"Robbie… what are you doing here?"

"Um, can I come in?" He looked pleadingly.

"No, I'm busy, please leave." There is no mistaking the hostile tone in her voice. Bernie was listening and decided to go out to the hallway. She came up behind Serena and placed a protective arm around her shoulder bringing her into her body slightly. Thankfully, for once, Serena was not startled; she seemed grateful for the reinforcements.

"I see, busy with Army Dyke Barbie." He threw his head back in a laugh. "Decided to shack up with the next poor unfortunate soul who took a shine to you. I mean you come with baggage and you're not exactly in your prime. Talking of baggage where have you shipped the retard off to while you sink your claws into this one."

Serena felt Bernie tense up and saw her right hand clenching. How dare he show up here and upset Serena. How dare he speak about Jason like that. Jason was ten times the man this scumbag was.

Serena wrapped her arm around the back of Bernie's waist and gave a squeeze to her hip followed by making patterns with the pad of her thumb. She could feel Bernie's breathing and new she was trying to restrain herself.

"She wants to deck me doesn't she Serena?" Robbie smirked. "Come on then, give it your best shot."

Bernie, who was starting to simmer down; felt her anger rising and went to step forward.

Serena placed her right hand on Bernie's abs, "He isn't worth it Bernie." She directed a deathly stare to Robbie, "If she did punch you, you would definitely need a bloody doctor. But not this one."

Robbie looked at the scene in front of him, there's no way Serena is happy with this substitute! "Why are you so angry Bernie, is it because you know Serena needs a real man and you are just, well, something to fill the gap for now?"

"Shut up Robbie." Serena all but shouted at him. "Why the hell would I settle for a McDonalds Happy Meal from the drive through" She swept her arm motioning to Robbie, "When I have prime steak here at home." Her hand returning to Bernie's stomach.

"Ha, you are joking right! I know exactly what you need to be satisfied, no woman can offer you that Sweetheart."

Serena was now virtually holding Bernie back, "Poor Robbie, you no idea! I did think you could satisfy me but quite frankly in comparison to what I have now, you were crap. I don't have to fake orgasms anymore, or pretend that I'm asleep." She said the words to her last sentence slowly to ensure that it sank in. He just stood there his mouth agape. Bernie seemed to relax a little as Robbie was definitely winded by that comment.

"Now if you wouldn't mind buggering off and not coming back that would be great; and I will say this only once; if you come back here, or to the hospital I will call the police and report you harassment. This," she waved her arm in his direction, "Is what this is. I don't want you anymore. I have everything I want and need with Bernie."

With that she slammed the door as she pulled Bernie back. She looked through the spy hole to see Robbie throw the flowers at the door and head to his car and speed up. She turned round, Bernie stood stock still both fists clenched, she was breathing heavily, "You should have let me deck him."

Serena ran her hands down Bernie's arms and grabbed her wrists, putting her fingers to Bernie's pulse points. Her pulse was racing, "No darling, that would have played right into his hands. I need you to calm down for me please." She was now rubbing the pulse points with the flat of her thumbs and looking into Bernie's eyes encouraging her to match her breathing. "Had you hit him you would be in a police cell now; remember he has a lot of clout. He would have claimed he was visiting me in peace and he got KO'd by his exes crazy girlfriend." Serena instantly regretted her last sentence, FUCK! She was thinking how to back track. She did not think Bernie was crazy. At all. Before she could fix the situation Bernie looked up, "Is that what you think, that I'm fucking crazy?" Her tone cold and serious.

Serena let go of her wrists and wrapped Bernie in a hug that included her arms, "Good god no, darling no. I think you are wonderfully sane. You, you are not crazy. That bastard deserved a punch on the nose, but if you did, he would have twisted it and made it look like an unprovoked attack."

She looked at Bernie, she looked wounded. Serena started to cry, "Please believe me darling." FUCK!

Bernie wriggled free of Serena's grip and gave her a small smile and gave her a peck on the lips. "As long as you don't think I'm crazy…. Is it OK if I get some air."

Serena wiped her tears, "If it helps." She opened the door for Bernie as she was now in her trainers and coat.

Bernie gave Serena a look as the door closed. Bernie picked up the abandoned flowers and put them in the outside bin, she then paced. She went for her cigarettes and put one between her lips as she went for the lighter. She sat on the wall as she flicked the lighter on, and then off as she decided not to light the cigarette. For some time she sat on the wall focusing on the flame of the lighter going on and then off. The unlit cigarette remaining in her mouth. She felt herself calming as she replayed the door step scene. Serena had been wonderful. She only hoped that Serena was not too upset by that bastard's words and the fact that Bernie got angry. Serena did really cut him down with her words, Bernie wondered if it was all true. After some time she made for the door as she suddenly realised she had left Serena alone for a while and she would also be recalling the poison that Robbie had spouted.

Serena paced the kitchen with her wine, "Fucking bastard!" She said to the kitchen. How bloody dare he! She did not care what he had said about her. But Jason, Bernie; they did not deserve that. She should have kneed him in the balls, he would have required surgery to retrieve his testicles from his stomach. "Bastard."

She started cleaning the kitchen work top and put everything else in the dishwasher needing to do something to contain her anger. Once the kitchen was as clean as it could possibly be she sat at the table and topped up her wine. Bernie had been outside ages, she wanted to go out but knew not to, Bernie needed that space; she would come in when she was ready. Jesus Bernie does not need this after everything. She laid her head in her arms on the table and cried loud tears in frustration.

She did not hear Bernie come in whilst she was breaking her heart, she just felt strong hands lift her from her position and arms wrap around her. "Serena, I'm here, please stop crying; he is not worth your tears." Bernie lifted Serena's face and wiped the tears. "Your words did more damage to him than a broken nose from me would have done. You were right to stop me hitting him." Serena nodded and Bernie kissed her passionately seeking permission with her tongue to explore deeper. Serena was surprised as Bernie had been outside for such a long time but she did not taste or smell of smoke at all, she pulled back at the surprise.

Bernie looked at her in confusion. "Serena?"

"I thought you had gone out to smoke? You didn't did you?"

Bernie shook her head. "No, I just needed time to calm down and think. I didn't need a smoke." Serena stroked Bernie's face, "I'm learning to manage my emotions better; not always good at it, but it takes practice." Serena realised that Bernie was giving her a small insight into her mind. Serena knew that when it came to Bernie it was better not to ask, but rather wait and accept these moments of openness.

Serena resumed their kiss as Bernie pushed Serena against the kitchen table, she broke the kiss to catch her breath, "Er, Um, was everything you said to Robbie true? The faking it…. Etcetera?"

"Yes, true. All true."

"And you never have to fake it with me do you?" Bernie asked knowing the answer but still a little doubtful.

"Oh come on, you know the answer to that." Serena answered kissing deeper. Bernie pushed into her grinding into her and pushing her against the table. Bernie undid the robe and pushed it off Serena's shoulders so that it dropped onto the table. She stepped back to admire Serena in the sexy lingerie. "My god. You are fucking gorgeous. I can't get enough of you." She plays with the fabric on the bra with one hand and the knickers with the other. "You know, I think I have decided I like your underwear better on you than on the bedroom floor. You look amazing, a goddess before me. Plus I like that there is still a bit of hidden mystery." Bernie ran her hand over Serena's knickers feeling how wet her core was through the fabric.

Serena could feel herself unravelling once again for the Major.

"What about if my underwear were on the kitchen floor, what would you think then?" Serena flashed her dirtiest smile.