"Lucas?" Carla stuttered, looking at him up and down.

"What do you want, Carla?" Tina snapped, as her eyes shifted to Lucas. "We're busy."

"So I can see," Carla nodded. "Is this your new woman, Lucas? Because this is embarrassing, even by your standards."

"You know each other?"

"Barely," Lucas scoffed. "We had like two business meetings together."

"Oh, so this is how we're going to play it?" Carla's face turned into a grin. "You two deserve each other if you can stand there and lie through your teeth."

"I think you should leave." Lucas sighed.

"I have a better idea, maybe I should fill Tina in?"

"Go on then. Or is this more of your delusions?" Tina taunted.

"You know what, you're not even worth it." Carla rolled her eyes, walking away.

Lucas looked smug, turning round and placing a hand on Tina's cheek. He tilted her head towards him, leaning down and kissing her.

"Hold on," Tina placed a hand on his chest. "What was she on about?"

"Like you said, it's more of her delusions." He shrugged, kissing her once more.

But Tina couldn't shake off the funny feeling, she needed to get to the bottom of what was going on.

As Carla stormed back into the Rover's, she was filled with dread and anger at the sight of Lucas' face. She thought she wouldn't be so freaked out considering it had been years, but she couldn't shake of the unsettling feeling. She didn't want to live on the same street as him, especially if he was shacked up with Tina. It was such a small word and she had so many unanswered questions as to why he was there. Last time she heard, he had a business in Devon.

"Did you go round there?" Peter asked, walking out of the back room and frowning at the sight of her. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"You know that man Tina is with..."

"Yeah?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Have you spoken to him at all? He hasn't been round here much has he?" Carla rambled, raking a hand through her hair.

"I don't think so," He paused. "Why? Car, what's going on?"

"I know him," She sighed. "I know him from Devon."

"Right-..."

"He was obsessed with me, Peter. His girlfriend was an alcoholic and I guess he found comfort in another woman who paid him any attention..." Carla explained.

"Did you two have a thing?" Peter cut her off.

"No! That's what he would've wanted. We had a kiss here and there but I decided it wasn't for me." She said, sitting on the sofa as Peter followed and put his arm around her shoulders.

"Where's Si?" She added.

"He's gone back to Leannes. Go on..."

"He got so creepy, constantly trying to get away with me and turning up at places. I have no idea how he always knew where I was. And then once I caught him going through my phone and watching me outside my house-..."

"So he stalked you?" Peter's eyes widened.

"I think so," She bit her lip. "It got to the point where I was scared to be alone because he was so controlling...just like Frank. I had a friend from work and he would stay at mine time from time to put my mind at ease because I was struggling to sleep. But then once he came home with a broken nose...Lucas punched him. I guess he thought we were together and he was jealous."

"He's a psycho, Carla! Did you tell the police?"

"He's a powerful man, and when have the police ever done anything in my favour before? Anyway, eventually his girlfriend died and I was seeing less and less of him. I thought I'd escaped him when I came back here. I haven't heard from him in ages!"

"Do you think it's a coincidence that he's moved here and is with Tina McIntyre of all people?" Peter asked.

"I have no idea." She exhaled.

"Come here." He pulled her into an embrace, kissing the top of her head repeatedly.

"With those two together, I don't know what they could do. They both have it in for me, Peter. I don't feel safe."

"I'm going to protect you, okay? I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."

"I just want to get away from this street. Everywhere I look, it's a reminder of the past."

"We're moving into Victoria Court next week, baby."

"I know," She said. "But that doesn't make the thought of being on a sun lounger by the sea any less tempting."

"We will soon."

"Lucas?" Tina called, looking around Rita's house for him. "Oh, there you are."

She spotted him knelt down in the living room, and it looked like he was doing something suspicious. As the sound of Tina's voice, he jumped and stood up, giving her a smile.

"What were you doing down there?" She asked.

"I dropped something," He stuttered. "So I was looking for it."

"Oh, right. Did you find it?"

"Hmm?" He looked confused.

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Oh, it doesn't matter." He smiled, moving to the kitchen area and switching the kettle on.

"You've been acting dead shifty since Carla was here." Tina raised her eyebrows.

"Have I?" He frowned.

"You know you have. Did more happen between you two?"

"It's just weird seeing her so...so paranoid, you know? I'm not used to that."

"I thought you said you barely knew her. You said it was two business meetings?" She narrowed her eyes.

"And she always came across so strong and confident in those two meetings. Tina, what is this?" He rolled his eyes, turning around.

"Because I know you're not telling me something. You know Carla more than you're letting on. And I happen to have a lot of history with her too..."

"I knew her when she was in Devon. I had a girlfriend and she tried it on with me. I can't say I wasn't flattered, and I nearly strayed. Who could blame me? But I stayed with my girlfriend and she didn't like that. But that's all." He lied.

"Seriously? She tried it on with you?"

"Yep. And it became worse when my girlfriend died, she's wanted me for years."

"I can't believe this," Tina shook her head. "And here she is acting like a saint compared to me."

"I know," Lucas sighed. "But let's keep it between us, yeah? It's in the past."

"But this could make everyone round here see her for who she truly is. I'm a villain because of her, but she's just as bad." Tina scoffed, shaking her head.

"Look, I know where you're coming from. But it brings back unwanted memories about my girlfriend...the one who died. I don't like thinking about that time of my life, so let's look to the future instead. Our future, Hmm?" Lucas explained, pulling the Raven-haired woman into him and enveloping her in his arms.

She frowned, wrapping her arms around his middle. She thought this was a bit of fun, someone she could use to get back at Peter. But now, she wasn't sure. It looked like Lucas was wanting something more serious and worthwhile. But she didn't want this. She didn't like him.

"You sound like you really hate Carla."

"We used to get on," Tina said. "But I had an affair with Peter, they were married at the time. I'm not usually the other woman but we have something special, something worthy. It was like a massive burst of love and we have a bond. We're meant to be together. But she's brain washed him and ruined my reputation in the process."

"Do you still feel that way?" Lucas froze.

"No," Tina lied. "But the hatred and bitterness I have for Carla is still there."

As Lucas kissed her forehead, his thoughts drifted to the real woman he loves. Seeing her again; the trademark cheekbones and long glossy hair...he still wanted her. And he knew Tina wanted Peter. Why weren't they pursuing this?

"So what film are we watching tonight?" Peter asked, settled underneath a fluffy blanket as Carla made them drinks in the kitchen.

"Nothing comedy, they try too hard to be funny. No cartoons, we're not children. We aren't watching horror because-..."

"Alright, I get it." Peter chuckled. "Rom-com?"

"Mmm, I guess," Carla hit her lip, flirtatiously. "Oh, we're out of milk."

"Do you want me to go out and get some?" Peter asked, beginning to stand up.

"No, you're settled under there. I'll get it, you pick a film. Nothing too cheesy though, yeah?" She grabbed her jacket.

"Something to get us in the mood, eh?" He smirked.

"Oh, Peter!" She tutted, playfully.

As she walked to the corner shop, she felt like she was getting watched. Although she knew it was ridiculous, and mentally told herself to stop being paranoid and get on with it. Biting her lip, the unsettling feeling from within didn't leave her, so she spun her head and looked left to right.

As she carried on looking around, she saw a figure stood by the side of the Underworld van. They were facing her, and just stood there staring.

She swallowed; instantly knowing who it was.

What could she do? He wouldn't do anything. But it was clear his obsession was still very much apparent. She glared at him, before swiftly walking into the shop and releasing a deep breath she didn't know she was holding.

Sorry for the long wait! I've been busy and over time, I just lost motivation. But this chapter is introducing a new storyline I have planned for this fic and I'm excited to get back into things again if anyone is still interested.