Well, what can I say in my defence? I hadn't intended to abandon this one for so long, but life and a couple of other projects got in the way. Apologies to those who'd taken the time to read and review – I promise to update regularly from now on. Quick reminder of previous events before we continue:

After a rocky start, Lorraine and Jason were reunited on his release from prison thanks to Faye, Lorraine's best friend and business partner. The gorgeous Mr Grant promised to turn over a new leaf but there were doubts about his sincerity when Faye followed him to a clandestine meeting with an attractive young woman.

Hospitalised and left in a coma after a vicious beating, Jason was eventually exonerated when Jacks, the young woman in question, explained that he'd rescued her from a desperate situation with a brothel owner, the infamous O'Malley. Faye began a relationship with dishy DCI David Walsh, the investigating officer, good guy and Jason lookalike.

Now, read on …

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xxxxx

Chapter 10

"Why don't you come in for a while? Jason's home and I'm sure they'd both be happy to see you."

David shrugged.

"Sure, why not? Be nice to catch up."

As they strolled into the living room, Jason raised a questioning eyebrow from his place on the sofa, his eyes twinkling.

"Did you two kids have fun, then?"

Faye glanced up at David and smiled.

"We did, thanks. David took me to this lovely bistro, the food was fabulous."

Lorraine caught Faye's eye from the other side of the breakfast bar.

"Drinks, both?"

"I'd love a glass of wine. David?"

"I'm driving, so you'd better make it coffee."

He took a seat opposite Jason, giving Faye a surreptitious wink. She snorted and Jason narrowed his eyes, glancing from one to the other.

"Private joke?"

Faye nodded, smirking as she wandered off to put the kettle on.

"Jase, can I get you anything while I'm up?"

"Thanks, but no thanks. No booze while I'm still on these pain meds, and I've had enough coffee to sink the Titanic."

David turned his attention to the man sitting opposite him. The facial bruises had faded but clearly he was still in some discomfort, wincing slightly as he shifted position.

"Glad to be home, then?"

"Hell, yeah. Although I must admit one or two of those nurses had very nice … bedside manners."

"Excuse me, I am in the room, you know."

Lorraine glared at him as she carried two glasses of wine to the table, one for herself and one for Faye. Jason reached for her thigh and squeezed it, gazing up at her fondly.

"You know there's only one 'nurse' I'm interested in. Any chance you could put the outfit on and give me a bed bath later?"

He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and Lorraine flushed, pushing his hand away.

"Jason Grant! I'd slap you for that if you weren't an invalid."

David chuckled and Jason pouted.

"Not that I'm much use to you at the moment, love. In fact we'll probably have to enlist DCI Walsh's help to get me as far as the bedroom later. Pathetic, huh?"

He blew out a long breath, and David shook his head in denial.

"Hardly. You took one hell of a beating, after all. Speaking of which, I don't suppose you've remembered anything else since we last spoke?"

Jason shook his head, grimacing as he recalled that night.

"Nothing significant. Two big blokes wearing balaclavas. One punched me in the stomach while the other got me right in the kidneys. I went down like a sack of spuds, curled into a ball, and then everything went black …"

Lorraine shuddered, reaching for Jason's hand as Faye rejoined them, placing a coffee in front of David. He took a sip, glancing from one to the other.

"Sorry, didn't mean to rake it all up again. It's just that without anything else to go on, my only option is to hand it over to the Vice Squad - at least that way we should be able to get O'Malley for immoral earnings …"

He ground to a halt looking somewhat uncomfortable, but Jason shrugged in dismissal.

"Don't worry, its water off a duck's back. I've learned the error of my ways. And at least my girls didn't live in fear of violence, or worse. That bastard deserves everything he gets."

David nodded.

"I know. With a bit of luck we might get him sent down for five, out in three. Jacks has offered to testify and hopefully she can persuade some of the other girls to join her, maybe even set up a sting."

Jason opened his mouth to protest but David held up a hand.

"It's OK, she won't be in any danger, I promise. And nor will any of the others. You'll just have to trust me on that …"

xxxxx

"Jason, promise me something, will you?"

"What's that, love?"

They were lying in bed, Lorraine nestled into his side, her arm slung loosely around his waist so as not to cause him any unnecessary discomfort.

"Whatever happens, you won't go looking for revenge?"

He was silent for a long moment and she moved to prop herself up on one elbow so she could look down into his face.

"I mean it, Jase. I couldn't go through that again."

She shuddered and he reached up to stroke her cheek.

"I promise I won't go looking for revenge. Scout's honour."

Lorraine narrowed her eyes.

"Were you ever a Boy Scout?"

"Well, no … but believe me, I have no desire to go through it again either. It's entirely in DCI Walsh's capable hands from now on. Happy?"

She turned her face into his palm and kissed it.

"Getting there. You know, you and David have a lot in common."

He snorted.

"Of course we do. Him being a much respected DCI and pillar of the community and me being a convicted criminal."

She smoothed the hair back from his forehead.

"Maybe, but you're both good guys. Look at what you did for Jacks. A lot of blokes would've just turned their backs. And it's not your fault you had so few advantages growing up. If he'd had your childhood he'd have probably turned out just like you – and vice versa."

Jason shrugged.

"Who knows? I don't regret the past but that's what it is - history. I've got a chance at something better now, and a lot of that is down to you."

She leant in to kiss him, being careful not to lean on his chest. The bruises were yellowing now, but the ribs still caused him a good deal of pain.

"That's nice of you to say, but most of the credit goes to you for being determined to turn your life around. You'd have done that with or without me."

"Don't be so sure. And it's much more fun doing it with you." His lips twitched. "Or it will be, once I can move again."

She grinned.

"Luckily, I'm a patient woman. I can wait."

He rolled his eyes.

"Maybe you can, but being in bed with you and not being able to take advantage … its driving me mad."

He grimaced and her grin widened.

"Easy tiger, you heard what the consultant said. Serious rest for the next few days, or he wouldn't have allowed you home. I'm not going anywhere, I'll be right here when you start to feel up to it again."

He groaned eloquently.

"Trouble is I feel up to it now, at least in my head. Maybe I could just feel you up instead?"

His eyelids were already starting to droop and she shook her head ruefully.

"Nice as that offer is, it's been a long day and we both need to get some sleep."

She lay down and snuggled up close to him.

"Jase?"

"Hmmm?"

His voice was heavy with exhaustion.

"Just so you know, it's lovely to have you home again."

There was no reply and she knew he was already out for the count.

xxxxx

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Hope this has whetted one or two appetites for more – if so, please let me know. I promise that Jason won't be resting up for too long … ;)