A/N: I don't own anyone but poor Alex...

Okay so I learned somethings from RE: Revelations 2 which will affect the storyline for the sequel to this story. But I think it's gonna work BEAUTIFULLY! But you will have to wait until we conclude this little gem. But if you want to venture guesses PM me ;)


Present...

Piers was numb.

He couldn't form a single word, a phrase, anything to relay comfort to Alex. He just sat there; and looked directly at her, spying the glistening pools pricking the corners of her eyes. He felt helpless.

"I felt so...broken, laying there on the floor and he knew it. He basked in every second of my suffering." Acid laced her tongue with a tinge of pain. It was the kind of pain that shredded one's psyche, leaving behind a deep wound that would merely fester and never heal. "My body couldn't, wouldn't move. So, I just lay there, wishing to just die."

With the grace of an 80 year old, Alex curled her body into a tight ball, hugging her knees flush to her chest.

"The only thing I knew was pain. That night, everything went black."

She sunk into the couch, letting her head fall back against the back.

Piers felt the helplessness melt and burn into anger.

"That son of a bitch." Alex snorted softly.

"You're being too generous, Piers. He was a pathetic asshole who had the age old wet dream of dominating the world. He thought billions of years of evolution was being wasted away like rotted fruit. That the weak and feeble were taking over with their sickly progeny as the strong were going extinct. The world needed a reset, a rebirth and he was going to be the God of that new awakening."

She shook her head disgustedly.

"Wish I could've been there to see Chris feed him those rockets. You know, even after Jill came home I felt as if a part of him was lost in that volcano. Sometimes, he would stare off, lost in some thought or memory that invaded his mind. I suspect Wesker was never too far from his thoughts. But then again," she laughed humorlessly, "the fucker isn't too far from mine either. He is very much a part of me now." She paused and took a hard drink, letting the rim of the glass come to rest in the center of her forehead. "Sometimes, I don't know if that doesn't make Chris sick and harbor thoughts of disgust towards me."

"Stop that!" Piers couldn't stand to hear her say another word. "Chris would NEVER think of you as something vile. It wasn't your fault, what happened to you. He knows it. I know it."

"Chris is good at hiding what he doesn't want others to see. I'm sure you heard about incident after Africa."

"No," Piers carefully drawled his reply.

"After Kijuju, there was a ceremony for Chris's actions. The BSAA wanted to give him this prestigious award and parade him around. It was a lavish affair with banners, a seven course meal that would've fed several countries, and of course booze. Booze that flowed like rivers. Oh yeah, and every single upper level head from the branches and the Director. Pretty big deal. But I digress. I was seated in the front with Quint, Keith, Sheva, Josh, Jill, and Claire. We were so proud of him. Everyone was dressed in gowns that I'm sure cost more than all of our salaries combined. The Director gave this lengthy speech that was lip service to the media and visiting dignitaries. When Chris was to walk out and accept, he was nowhere to be seen. Everyone began looking around, wondering if perhaps he had not heard his name. Then a few moments passed and he came out. Something wasn't right. He was rigid and tense. I could see his jaw clenching as his hand gripped the sides of the podium like he was ready to rip the top off. He started to speak but the words were slurred."

She shook her head and poured the remaining liquor out.

"Then, he snapped." Her fingers mimicked the word.

"Snapped?" Piers's eyes widened and brow knitted.

"He abruptly took off and fled. Jill and I raced after him."

"Jesus," the marksman swore.

"We found him 10 minutes later. He had barricaded himself in the coat check room. He was swinging a cane, screaming Wesker's name. Chris was fighting air. Fucking air. He yelled at the top of his lungs, swearing Wesker would pay for what he did to Jill and I. After Rockfort, he had begun extensive arduous physical training regiments. It was a response mechanism. It was a way for him to fight the demons, to regain some semblance of control in his life. I couldn't blame him; not after all the shit that happened up to that point. You know, at first, after he found me, I didn't recognize him because of all the extra muscle mass. It was his voice that anchored me."

She gulped the last bit of amber brown then set the tumbler down one final time. Not so much as a buzz. Goddamn virus...

"I didn't know," Piers shook his head. It was so much to take in. Chris, his Captain, the man he looked up to...

"Few know Piers. I know how you look up to him and it's a shock. Hell, his vanishing act is more than a shock. Fucking bitch Ada!" Her body bristled and voice sharpened at the woman's name but it wasn't as dangerous like in the hospital. "I think I've dumped enough on you for one night."

"Alex," Piers sighed heavily, "You haven't 'dumped' anything on me."

"Okay then hashed up." The corners of her mouth ticked up.

"Alright, 'hashed up,'" it was the best he was going to get.

"I think I'll crash for the night. We'll head out again tomorrow. Maybe the snow will cut us a break. Makes killing Ja'vo a bitch ya know?"

This time a quiet though genuine laugh resonated, disarming the young sniper.

"I'm going to take a shower." She pushed up and off the couch, padding across the thick fibers to her bag.


"I think the heat went out."

Alex craned her head to see Piers fiddling with the thermostat. "Damn it!"

"We can call down to the front desk. I'm sure it's temporary. And we are in the Czech Republic in the dead of winter which isn't exactly the Virgin Islands."

The marksman simply snarled at the offensive device, giving up the short lived battle. It was going to be a long night indeed. Too bad there wasn't a fireplace in the room. At least there would be some source of heat being generated. Piers supposed he could don some extra layers and the spare blanket in the closet...

"You know," Alex whispered millimeters from his ear. The searing puffs of breath startled Piers sending a slight shiver down his spine. Alex caught the human reaction, noting the shudder as it fanned across his body. "You know you could just share a bed with me. I mean, I am my own furnace and clearly you've been weighing your options as to how to avoid freezing."

She straightened up, patiently waiting for an answer. She could hear Pier's heart hammering against his sternum as he considered her gesture. It was cute watching him make a decision as if he had just been approached by the most popular girl in school.

"You can relax, there's no harm in two grown adults sharing a bed. Besides, I don't want to see or hear you shivering all night. Chris and Jill did it on a few icy missions. No harm no foul." She casually shrugged while he just stared. "And," her head dropped until her eyes were boring into the carpet. A foot swept before the other as she struggled to form the right words. Her sink tingled with the kiss of blush which crept up her neck and cheeks. Now she felt like the one being approached by the popular boy; shying away from his inquisitive gaze. "I don't want to be alone."

There! She said it! Now why was that so hard to get out? She had just said it was no issue with him curled up in the same bed with her, in a non sexual manner, being warmed up by her body. Basic function to survival: Retaining precious warmth to keep alive.

What the HELL was wrong with her?! An hour ago she was recalling one of the most traumatic moments in her life and now she felt as if she was reliving her first high school crush?! No, no, no no...

JESUS! WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH ME!?

Piers is a friend. And those she considered friend or lover had her unwavering trust and protection. That's what this was. That's what happened in that alleyway. Opening up to him, that was her giving him trust. She was offering protection. Shielding him from the Ja'vo yet ripping open her carefully guarded secret for her efforts.

"I'm going to head to bed," she willed her mind to focus. Before she eased between the blankets, Alex paused and cast a final glance. "Offer still stands but if you don't want to it's fine."

Piers took a deep breath, making his decision.


Alex drifted in the plane that resided between consciousness and slumber. That was one of the curses of being infected: one's body was shed the primitive instinct of obeying the night. Sleep was more of a luxury than necessity. Unlike her friends, she could rest for a few minutes and be operational as if though she had taken the traditional means. She was no longer a slave to the circadian rhythms her body once happily obliged. Though it made for long nights and days on occasion. Tonight was an exception. Perhaps it was the strain inflicted upon her mind, body, and soul in this desperate hunt.

Their search continued digging up dead ends or they were weeks too late. Did Chris know they were crisscrossing the Continent looking for him? Did he remember them? Did he even care!? Or were they victims of cruel fate? But she refused to surrender; not until he was brought home. Jill and Claire were counting on her to come back with Chris.; even if it meant running into Hell and dancing with the Devil himself.

The dip in the mattress dragged her back to the world of the living. She didn't twist around as she knew who it was. She could detect him by scent. The subtle blend of musk and human; one that stood out even from Chris's powerful essence.

Piers carefully and slowly crawled in, scooting in until he his chest was flush to her back. His movements were hesitant, testing how far he could move.

"I don't bite," came the groggy voice. "Hard..."

Alex listened and let her senses take over from sight. His heart was still racing though it was showing signs of slowing. His scent was comforting, welcoming as an arm was hooked around her waist. Piers heard the deep groan of contentment. The marksman nuzzled his head along the nape of her neck, allowing the waves of heat to envelope his chilled skin. It penetrated the faded Red Wings shirt and yoga pants, delivering a delicious comfort that relaxed his tense form.

"We're going to find him." He whispered.

Alex didn't respond.

"We have to." Her reply was quiet almost inaudible.

He was compelled to draw her closer into him. She didn't resist or utter a protest at the growing closeness. He was a little surprised, though a part of him was thrilled, when she shifted tighter into his embrace. The subtle sigh which escaped her slightly parted lips sent a shiver down his spine. So, this is what it was like. It was perfect.

But it wasn't...

No, Piers shook his head. He couldn't delve into dangerous territory. He respected Chris and that included his relationship with Alex. Yet, he wasn't pulling away either.

His musings interrupted by the shift in the body alongside his. Alex had rolled to her other side, facing him. Through the inky darkness she watched as his eyes stayed trained on her. She could see it written on his face: confusion. Alex remained still in his arms, afraid to create even the slightest hints of consciousness, instead choosing to observe the young agent. The short hot puffs of breath tickled her nose and lips but yet, she didn't react. What was it she could see simmering in his gaze? Something had changed...

Piers could hear the steady rhythm of her breathing. He couldn't see the serene expression; he could only envision the passive features which had blanketed her face. Sure he had seen her asleep on the flight to London but her face had been furrowed and tense.

Before he could stop himself, Piers's hand cupped the side of her face, lazily caressing the searing skin with his thumb. She was asleep, she wouldn't know what he was doing. She wouldn't feel his touch.

Alex remained silent. Her heart quickened slightly at the slow but not unwelcome intrusion. Thankfully, Piers's hearing was too weak to detect the upbeat in her pulse. She missed it, this simple but powerful act. Chris was always touching her when they were alone. A hand on her bare shoulder or fingers tracing along the curvature of her spine. Unspoken but spoken with their bodies.

The rebellious sigh slipped between her lips, shattering her masquerade.

Piers froze then quickly retracted his hand. He whipped his torso around, flipping the light to see Alex stretched out, awake but partially concealed by the blanket.

"A-Alex you were awake?" He struggled to form his words. "The whole time?!"

"Yeah," she nodded slowly. Her ears and neck were burning even more than normal. The blush danced around her jaw before fanning out across her cheeks and ears. The guilty smile cracked the corners of her lips. Piers collapsed back into the mattress with arm draped across his eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything," her voice cracked and grew high. "I...liked it; what you were doing."

"Y-You did?" He felt her fingers curling around his forearm, slowly pulling it away from his face. He couldn't meet her eyes. She sat up, hovering over the distressed marksman. "Piers," she began to coax him out of his temporary shell.

"Look at me," Alex slid her hand over his jaw and cheek before letting it come to rest in the crux of his neck and jaw. Piers collected her hand into his before turning to meet her knowing eyes. "It's alright."

"No, it's not," he slowly but angrily shook his head. "You're with Chris! And Chris..." he pounded his fists into the mattress on either side of his thighs. "Chris left you! He broke your heart Alex! You don't deserve that! You're an amazing woman and any man would be blind to, no stupid to be willing to let you slip through their fingers!"

His emotions gathered like a violent summer storm, volatile and unpredictable.

Before he knew it, Piers was claiming Alex's lips with his. He pushed everything he had into it, collecting her face with his shaky hands as he took a hard breath and regrettably severed the intimate connection. He licked his lips before seeking those luscious lips again. This time, she kissed him back. The sigh of content hummed between their mouths, sending unexpected shudders through her body. Piers quickly took her in his arms, pressing their bodies tight before lowering them to the bed with his body covering hers. Her heart hammered against her sternum, feelings she thought had went quiet after Edonia reignited from simmering embers. Sensations that sent tiny jolts of energy through every fiber in her body, igniting a need she had been in denial over.

Tongues and teeth clicked and clashed in the growing battle between them. Alex opened her mouth wider, letting the thick wet muscle dance dangerously with hers. Piers was melting in her arms, basking in this delicious moment. It felt right, having Alex in his arms, tasting her across his lips, hearing the tiny whimpers playing along his ears. Slender fingers teased the skin exposed from the lifted shirt. Piers groaned, pushing her deeper into the mattress. His hips pressed to hers; his hardening prick nudging her.

"Wait," Alex abruptly jerked back but breathed against his swollen lips. "We can't..."

Piers peered through half lidded eyes, partially concealing his lust. Alex rested her forehead to his. Letting her fingers sweep back and forth along his face. They couldn't. She peered down at the ring planted on her left hand. It glared accusingly at her in the dim lighting.

"I-I can't...I'm sorry," her knees shot into Piers's solar plexus, knocking the wind from his lungs as she leaped out of bed and sprinted for the bathroom leaving the marksman dazed and reeling from what had occurred. He didn't notice the slight throb from her knee jerk reaction to his gut.


Alex slid down the dingy wall until she was hugging her knees with head resting sideways upon them. Clear trails trickled from her nose and eyes, staining her pants and shirt. Her chest and throat constricted as she fought back the rising sobs but they came out as spongy hiccups that resonated off the narrow walls. Her heart ached; ached with so much pain. Why!? Why!? Why?! Why?!

"Alex," Piers rapped lightly on the door. "Can I come in?"

"Please, don't," she begged him pathetically while shaking her head though he couldn't see it through the door.

"No," he called out from the other side. "I'm coming in." The door knob creaked then clicked before the door was pushed ajar. Alex couldn't meet his watery gaze as Piers slipped in. The shadows of his lithe form floated across her face before he turned and glided down the wall to join her.

"Hey," he shook her shoulder. "Alex, look at me...please." She felt his arm make its way between the lower lumbar of her back and the wall until it was hooked firmly around the narrow section of her waist.

"I'm sorry," she buried her face in her knees. "I'm sorry Piers."

"It should be me apologizing Alex. I kissed you. I kissed you and I shouldn't have." Regret smothered his lingering embers of desire.

"But I kissed you back. I should've stopped it but I didn't. I wanted it! I wanted...I wanted more! I wanted YOU! Jesus, I'm so fucked up!"

"No, no you're not!" His tone sharpened. "You're hu-"

"No, I'm not. Not anymore." She felt her pants turning moist with tears and snot.

"You still have emotions, a conscious," he paused before saying, "a heart."

"A broken one," she sniffled. "In love with someone who willingly abandoned them. Then..." she smacked the back of her head in the wall several times. "Then there's you. I didn't expect to, I didn't intend to but I did. I can't help it. DAMN IT ALEX!"

Piers kept quiet but drew her in his protective embrace.

"I love Chris but..." finally her head lifted from her knees. Narrow sharp trails marked the whites of her eyes. Where Carolina blue had been etched something else had arisen. Blood and gold illuminated her irises which reflected with striking clarity in his own. The tiny gasp of surprise was a rusted knife through her heart.

"Alex, your eyes."

"No, no don't look," Alex snapped her head away, ashamed to have him even seen them. "They're ugly."

"I want to. Please?" He couldn't stop himself from attempting to bring her back. He wasn't fearful or even disgusted with what he witnessed.

"They're hideous. They remind me of..." she forced an exhausted sigh. "I can't even control them!"

"Alex," Piers didn't let up but Alex was equally determined, refusing to let him see the reptilian rings. She hated it when Chris caught a glimpse of them, fleeing to the bedroom or bathroom until they cooled to ice blue.

"Please," he pulled a little harder, feeling the muscles in her neck stiffen. "I didn't run when you told me the truth."

Doesn't she understand? Doesn't she realize I won't leave her?

He sensed the tension subsiding and shift in muscle and bone as she allowed him to catch a glimpse. Awe and a childish curiosity swept across his handsome face. They reminded him of...

"Fire."

"What?"

"Your eyes; they remind me of fire."

"You're just trying to make me feel better." It was sweet attempt but that was it.

"No, I'm being serious. I don't see what you do."

"Then what do you see?" This should be rich.

"Two fires; two beautiful fires." Alex willed her gaze to lift to his, seeing sincerity ringing it.

"No one ever said anything so..."

"Honest?" Alex nodded numbly.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that."

Alex tilted inward until she was leaning on Piers for support. His chin came to rest upon the top of her head. He slid his other arm in front of her chest to which Alex curled her hands around.

"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it."

Both sat in comfortable silence. The initial uncertainty and apprehension dissipating like fog in the sunlight. Alex shut her eyes and shifted deeper against his body.

"I"m sorry I freaked out on you."

Piers responded by sliding his arms tighter around her.

"They are beautiful." He dared to utter.

"Thank you," she whispered tearfully. "Why does it have to be so fucking agonizing?"

"What?" His hand was running over hers.

"This," Alex mirrored his movement. "I love Chris, god do I ever but I can't shut it off." The spring within her cracked the surface and she spun around, straddling his thighs. His heart was calm but hers wasn't. "I can't shut this," her mouth captured his in a sweet yet tearful kiss, pressing their lips tight for several heated seconds. "Off" she breathed. "I feel something for you Piers. I shouldn't but I do."

There, it was out. Alex couldn't lie to herself or him.

Piers was compelled to gather her face in his hands. Her skin was soft and inviting against his touch.

"What am I going to do?" Fresh tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

"We are going to keep looking for Chris. You love him." It was killing him to say each word now that he knew. "He loves you so much."

"Then why did he leave?"

"I don't know Alex." His fingers fanned back and forth then down and back up her face. "When we find him, we'll get answers."

A short nod was all he would get.

"Alex," Piers angled his head and narrowed his eyes. "They're..."

"What?! What is it?!" Excitement rising within her.

"Your eyes are...BLUE!" But they were gorgeous even now. "But they're still so beautiful. And even when they ignite I mean it; simply stunning." The octave in his voice lowered, hovering above a thick whisper.

"I can sleep on the couch tonight." He offered.

"No, don't. I don't want to see or hear you shivering all night." A smirk crossed her face.

"Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't have said anything if I wasn't." An eyebrow arched.

"I promise I won't kiss you again."

"I promise not to leer at you in the dark."

"Deal," he extended a hand to which Alex gave a firm shake. "Come on."

Alex hopped up and assisted Piers to his feet. Their backs and asses were numb from sitting on the unforgiving floor and against the equally harsh wall. Skin tingled as blood returned to the neglected fibers.


This time, they left the light on.

Piers slowly carded his hand through the drying raven strands, never letting his eyes stray from hers. They were softer and more open.

I wanted more! I wanted YOU!

Her teary confession was on repeat in his mind. Piers wanted her too. Wanted all of her: mind, body and soul. Desired nothing more than to savor every inch of flesh with his tongue and lips; to tell her how beautiful she was every single day; wake up to her nestled in his arms. He yearned to hear their bodies speak as they lay intertwined; naked and coated in a thick sheen of sweat. The primal part of him hungered to mark her with mouth and cock; hear her cry his name in euphoric release. To know that sweet smile would be waiting for him when he returned from deployment.

They crossed a line.

There was no looking back.

There was NO turning back.

Alex hoped Chris wouldn't run when they found him; that he would come home to everyone. She had gotten him back after Jill was saved from Africa. It was right after that he had proposed. Before the break down at the ceremony.


The chill of the air conditioner pebbled their burning skin as they lay there content in one another's arms. It was finally beginning to look up for them. Jill was back home, alive and Albert Wesker was DEAD. The BSAA had allotted Chris some needed leave after the events in West Africa.

He rested on his side, one arm draped over Alex's waist with his other looping under her neck with his hand threading through her hair. It was partially damp, thanks to the fervent sex. Chris cracked a lazy smile as he watched her sleep. He missed these moments. He missed her. The pain in his heart had grown as the chasm between them deepened during that strained point in their relationship.

He missed them.

"Hey," she groaned and stirred in his arms but pushed deeper against him. She peered up with one eye peeking upward towards him. "It's cold..." She shivered for added effect. Chris arched an eyebrow given how high her body temperature was thanks to the T-Virus in her DNA.

"Right," he lightly chuckled yet accommodated her with a tug of the blanket followed by a light kiss to her forehead. He slowly pulled away but it was the beginning of a trail which lead downward until their mouths were connected. Alex melted into him, feeling her body ignite from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes. The passionate dance they shared so many times easily played out. Chris sighed at the welcomed invasion of small slick muscle into his waiting mouth. It tenderly caressed across the underside before gliding along the top with long delicious strokes.

The lovers continued this sensual entanglement for several minutes longer before Chris severed the burning connection. Alex whimpered at the loss of warmth, dismayed at the halt of her rising arousal which earned her a wicked grin from Chris.

"What?" He breathed across her lips, letting them brush along in a teasing manner.

"What?!" Alex growled playfully and caught his bottom lip between hers. Slow gentle sucking elicited the low groan from his throat. "You," the quiet pop released him from her hold, "That's WHAT. Getting me hot and bothered then blocking me that's WHAT."

"But you love me regardless."

"Most days," she claimed another peck.

His hand slipped from her hair and came to rest on the right side of her face; his eyes turning serious.

"Chris?" Alex felt a pang of anxiety in the center of her chest.

"Ever since," he took a breath so he could find the right words, "Ever since I found you, I told myself I wouldn't lose you again. Four years...Four years I thought I had lost you."

"You had," Alex traced the ravines and ripples of his arm. "But then you found me."

The deep shiver that invaded his being resonated into hers. Alex couldn't recall parts of her torment at Wesker's hand and what little she could was painful to say the least.

"Alex, I..." His throat closed up and Chris mentally cursed.

"No," she shushed him with a press of her fingers to his lips. "No, you don't have to say whatever it is you're trying to tell me."

His head shook adamantly and withdrew her fingers from his lips. A subtle kiss pressed into the pad of each digit before gathering her hand in his.

"I do," he whispered. "I've thought about this for a while now."

"Thought about what!?" There it was; the anxiety and apprehension.

A cool sensation slid up her left ring finger, casting initial fears and trepidation aside. "Chris..." Her eyes widened in surprise. "I-is this..."

He just smiled while holding her hand offering a small nod. She looked up, seeing the age lines around his eyes evaporating.

"After you came home and began to get your life back, I saw the strong independent woman I met 5 years ago. Your strength, your determination to reclaim everything he took from you made me realize what I had."

Alex felt her heart sprinting as he spoke. Was this really happening!?

"It's yes."

Chris felt his grin widen until it hurt. She said YES. He loved this woman more and more every day!

"I never thought I would find happiness with everything that's happened since the Arklay Mountains. Then you came into my life. The BEST thing that has happened to me."

"And I am not going to run."

"I know you won't. You're too damned stubborn."

"Got that right." Alex snuggled into his chest, breathing cologne, sex, and him. For the rest of her life she would get to inhale the rich blend or at the least his scent. The rich infusion of musk and something earthy. Of course he still had that damned smoking habit but she could see past that. He was human.

Chris peered down to find she had fallen back asleep. A few wayward strands of night masked her eye. It enhanced the lightening in her skin; a result of the T-Virus infection.

"An alabaster goddess...Immaculate! Wouldn't you agree Chris?"

Wesker's taunt sullied the moment. He had loved the chocolate layers, noting they were a shade softer than his own. But now, they were gone. Destroyed because of a deceased comic book villain.

"He won't hurt you anymore. I PROMISE."

With that, Chris pulled her close to him, as if loosening his embrace would let her slip from him again. That bastard was out there; plotting and watching.

"You really think you can protect her from me Chris?! I succeeded once and I can do it again! Look at her! She's the next step in human evolution! You are unworthy!"

"You INFECTED her with the virus!" Anger rushed to the surface.

"And it bestowed her with the Gift! Look at her Chris! Perfect! Beautiful! Mine..."

"Not yours Wesker," he muttered with acid saturating his tongue. "Never yours..."


Alex allowed herself to curl along Piers; head resting on his shoulder with face nuzzled into his chest. Invisible flames licked his flesh, shielding him from the chill growing in the air. Chris would shamelessly hide behind or in front of her when he was cold in winter. But he was alone and here she was, pouring her heart out to a man that wasn't him; admitting she had fallen for another when she was engaged to him. She felt naked but not vulnerable.

Piers squeezed his eyes shut and adjusted his position until Alex was sprawled out along his lean body. He sensed her arms and legs slowly relax as they came to rest across his torso and parallel to his leg. Alex was right: She was her own furnace. But it was the type of warmth that enveloped liked a thick blanket or stepping out into the sun during a warm spring day. She looked so peaceful; a faint smile danced across her lips though he blinked and it was gone.

"It's alright."

Piers froze.

"You arm," Alex sighed heavily. "It's alright. Move it."

His arm obeyed and linked with the other across the center of his abs. Perfect.

Alex listened to the deep rhythm of his heart, allowing her body to drift away. Piers couldn't help to smile.

"Goodnight," he breathed.


There! It's out! Now how will this play out as they continue looking for one wayward BSAA agent?!