Okay, I've been sitting on this for a few days even though it's been ready, but I've been working, and extra monies is always a good thing.

This chapter and the next one was so fun to write, I grinned the whole way through. So I hope you enjoy it atleast half as much.

Oh and someone was saying something about finding a reader for my fics so the mistakes aren't as abundant, so if anyone knows

anything about how to do that please tell me...Thanx Corrode

Oh I don't own LOCI or any of the characters, don't sue.

Consumed...

I sat staring out at the rain. Lazy droplets circling one and other in a mesmerizing dance. They jumped and glided on a perfect

temporal scale. My attention absorbed in thoughts of Robert. Robert, my dark lover. Why did I feel like their was something missing

when it came to him. Something I should know yet did not. Lately he had taken on more substance for me, becoming more solid.

A face so ingrained into me. A symbol of all that was good-everything I wanted in this life. Dressed up in dark shadows.

I wanted love, not rape, not possession. Stability a strong foundation that would not crumble, even at the chance of structural damage.

And something to build opon..What every goddamn woman wants-hopes to exists.

So in this -lack of sleep, dark men scaling the shadows, my apartment exploding of unnatural disaster...It's too much. Sensory

overload. A victim of random coincidences, compiled for my enjoyment! So here I sit staring glumly out Bobby's front room

window.

Sipping at a hot tot tie-tea with a healthy dollop of whisky in it-trying to mask the chill that has settled in my body.

I curled my toes up beneath me, noticing when Bobby placed a fleece-like lap blanket over my shoulders-I could smell him in the fabric.

And I stated this fact flatly.

''It smells like you''.

''Sorry I might have something fresher..''

I giggled, not realizing he would take it so out of context.

''No Bobby, I was just stating a fact, not saying that you stink.''

''You like the way I smell?'' Leave it to Bobby to get right to the heart of the matter. Trying not to think about it I answered quickly.

''I'm around you so much that it's comforting''. Not really a lie, but I wasn't about to tell him that his scent turned me on.

Made me throb with anticapation,yern for things...I know I am important to him. It's just that I wanted something more than

plutonic partnerly backslaps.

Something a bit more affectionate, kinky. Yea-kinky and raw..loving and fucking. Couldn't I have both?

I smiled, feeling the heat come off of Bobby's pacing form. If he would just grab me, and thrust me against a wall. Dip me around for a kiss...

Giving me no time for resistance, or reasonable arguments. God if only...

It would take so much to even put him in that position, that desperate. Even if he did want me, witch he'd shown no ad version to in the past

five years. It would take a fucken miracle. I snorted blowing my hair from my face I stated''This is nice why don't you pull up a coach or something

and join me?''

Holding his arms behind his back he appeared to be considering something.

''Alex I think you should stay here at least for tonight''.

I gulped thinking about all the wrong things that could happen if I spent the night with this man. Darting a glance through my hair-to his eyes-then

lips-resting on his hands that even now fiddled in his lap.

A blush forming on my chest down to my toes. Still hiding behind my hair Bobby came in closer, bending to catch a glimpse of my expression.

Becoming very uncomfortable with the images that plagued my thoughts. I choose my best Bobby defense wisely-humor.

''Oh come on Bobby it takes more that that to get me into bed''. Playfully hitting his arm I noticed his amused look-yes! The deflection had worked.

''Somehow Alex I don't think it would be easy at all. I think you'd make me work for it''.

Almost choking on his statement-I had not expected him to play along-The hot liquid

flowed down the wrong pipe. Coughing and sputtering, I finished my last sip. He smiled

sardonically laughing while rubbing his neck.

''I think I need another one, please no skimping on the whisky, and maybe I'll consider

your proposel''.Placing the mug in his grasp, I turned back toward the window.

This evening was beginning to look up. Maybe it was the alcohol, the romantic rain, or

the out of character teasing from my partner. But I felt pretty damn good considering.

I winked at him as he left the room.

It was getting late. I needed to decide. Too much longer and last minute choices would

leave me with only one. Could I stay here?

I mean I saw him almost all day long, and managed not to jump him. It was just on such a different level. His apartment…His musky scent mixed into every available surface.

Teasing me, calling me to a bedroom where he lay tangled in his covers all night long.

It would be so easy to sneak in, as he lay there, venerable, and half asleep…running

my hands down his chest, tracing the trail of curls all the way down. He'd be awake

by that time, and I'd have my answers. With a growl I'd end up underneath him as he pinned me gasping to the bed. Oh god…I shivered so hard I almost cut my lip with my

teeth. Stop it Alex! I could do this I could make it through one night.

I felt safe here. We'd spent nights together before.Steakouts, late night case loads,

piece of cake. So why should this be any different?

Because its dangerous-I heard the tiny voice above my shoulder whisper.Bobbys not

dangerous, I thought..angry at this disembodied nucience.What if you get it Alex?

What if you get what you wish for?

Yeah right-so I want him physically. That doesn't mean I'll act out on it, I'm a grown woman for gods sakes.

I was suddenly angry. Why the hell couldn't I have Bobby Goren? Feeling like a child

being denied her favorite treat I crossed my arms over my chest, and pouted.

''Whats wrong''? Handing me my drink he sat back down.

''Just having an argument with myself…I've decided to stay''.Quickly, but quietly I

was not going to give myself room to back out. I know I can do this. So fuck it I'm going

to. Trying not to laugh as I realized that was exactly what I was not going to do.

Damn you Goren! One man should never cause this much angst.

''Come on it wont be that bad-if I snore you can always poke me in the ribs''.

Horrified I asked in a small voice''Thiers the couch right?''

Hiding his smile behind his hand I noticed he was teasing me again- note to self catch

Bobby off work more often.

''I geuss you do make a guy work for your favor, huh Alex?''

Smiling I dropped him another wink, and stated''You bet your ass I do''!

''wouldn't my ass already be part of the package?''

Feeling empowered of whisky. I leaned in like I was letting him in on something. Placing

my hand on his leg, looking him square in the eyes. I said low, and throaty.

''I'll only take the whole package…Bobby''. Wanting to finish this out with a resounding

check-mate…take that Bobby Goren-don't verbally spar with me unless you mean it-

And to test a theory. His reaction.. face red, lack of response. Was encouraging but I hadn't meant to embarrass him. I knew I had hit a nerve. The question, was it the one I'd

been aiming for? Score one point for me? The victory was hallow. Letting him down

easily I defused the situation.

''Besides, who would want just an ass anyhow? What fun would that be?''

Slapping his arm I downed the rest of my drink.