Gail sat with Matt in her office at the Trinity Guardian waiting for her meeting with Mark. She had gotten used to working from home since she had arrived in Trinity; however, Mark had ensured she had a nice office with a window overlooking the town hall in case she wanted to get away from the distractions she was facing at home.

Matt had inspected her office curiously then sat down on the new couch Mark had put in and put his feet up on the coffee table in front of it. 'This is a bit extravagant for a new employee don't you think?' he asked.

Gail smiled, the office was huge compared to the one she had held at the Charleston Post. It was set up as if she would entertain some sort of clients and she could sense the jealousy around the office whenever she came in. 'I suppose my Editor is trying to show me that I didn't make the wrong decision leaving the Post, either that or he feels the need to give me special treatment with him being an old family friend' she said glancing out of the large window at the street below her.

'You're a good Reporter Gail, it'll be more than just who you know. From what you've told me of this Mark he values you and wants you to stay at the Guardian' Matt said standing up from his position on the couch and walking towards his friend.

Gail still missed her old job; however, she had not been given much choice and she had done well to land on her feet here at the Guardian. She was loyal when it came to employment and it was not in her nature to jump from job to job, so she had no desire to leave her current position here. 'There are other ways to show appreciation rather than alienating me from the other staff by giving me this luxurious office'

'I'm sure there are other ways Gail, but I thought you might appreciate something with a little style' Mark said leaning against the office door.

Gail rolled her eyes, then turned around and forced a warm smile. 'And I love it...it's just a lot when I'm not here most of the time'

Mark shrugged, 'Well maybe that will change in the future...You're looking well Matt, it's nice to see you out and about'

Matt regarded Mark suspiciously, he had met him once or twice when he had treated his daughter at the hospital but not enough to claim to know the man. 'It's good to be out and about, thanks for allowing me to wait here for my friend'

Mark smiled and signalled for Gail to follow him. 'It's no bother, if Gail says you're alright then you're fine with me' he said and walked out of the office.

Gail placed a reassuring hand on Matt's shoulder, 'Make yourself comfortable...hopefully this will be over quickly' she said then followed Mark to their meeting.

Merlyn walked causally along the pier with Poppy, eating an ice cream. They had spent a few hours at the library and now they decided to spend some time out in the fresh air getting to know each other, as they were enjoying each others company.

'So, what brings you to town now M? I thought any family of Caleb's would've shown up when his daddy and sister died' Poppy asked licking her ice cream.

Merlyn inhaled deeply to calm her nerves, she needed to get used to the questions people may have if she was to stay around. 'I dunno, I suppose I didn't want to confuse him and wanted to let him settle in with Gail before I showed up. He's been through a lot, he didn't need to be bombarded' she lied.

Poppy nodded, 'That makes sense...he's a good little man'

Merlyn smiled, 'Yes he is. He's really fond of you I hear'

'What do you mean?' Poppy asked as they found a bench to sit down on.

Merlyn shrugged, 'I dunno...I think he might have a little crush on you. He's talked about you a lot, it's as though he's smitten'

'Caleb's a little young for that don't you think M?...' Lucas asked appearing behind the girls, '...although he sure has good taste if he is taken with this firecracker'

Merlyn sighed as Poppy stifled a giggle and her cheeks began to blush at the compliment. 'What I think is you should remember who you're taken with rather than botherin' us' she said standing up and signalling for Poppy to follow her.

'Oh I've not forgotten who my heart is callin' for Missy, I'm just makin' an observation' Lucas said walking in front of the pair to block their way.

'Heart?...' Merlyn laughed, '...I doubt it's your so called heart that's in control when you're with my cousin'

'I should hope not...' Gail said approaching the group with Matt in tow, '...I'd hate to think I'd have to waste my time dealing with the L word'

Lucas turned towards Gail and put on his best southern gentleman smile, ignoring the venomous look Matt was giving him. 'You never know Darlin', big things could be in store for us in the future' he said sarcastically.

'I think I'll pass on that...' she laughed and went to M's side, '...You should've told me you wanted to come into town, I would've swung by for you' she said to her new housemate and put a protective arm around her shoulders, sensing Lucas' aversion for her.

Merlyn smiled, 'I wasn't plannin' on going anywhere, but I stumbled across Poppy'

Gail turned towards Poppy and smiled. 'Hey stranger, how are you keeping?'

'I'm good thanks, I've missed hanging around with Caleb and Rocky though' Poppy said and stared nervously at her hands.

Gail had forgotten that she had promised to give Poppy some work, her mind had been all over the place with Caleb moving in and she had completely neglected this young girl.

Lucas saw an opportunity and decided to take it. 'Seen as you two girls have hit it off, I'm sure Gail wouldn't mind you both babysitting Caleb and Rocky on a regular basis to free her up to stay over at her friends house for a few nights in the week' he said and softly stroked his hand discreetly down Gail's back.

Before Gail could speak Poppy jumped up and down excitedly. 'That would be awesome!'

Matt walked in front of Gail to get her attention, he felt as though he had been completely pushed to the side while this conversation was taking place. 'Am I not here?' he asked.

Gail shook her head in exasperation. 'Don't be so damn dramatic...' she said to her friend and turned towards Lucas, '...I'll decide what I need from Poppy and when, I don't need your assistance Sheriff'

Lucas smiled mischievously at the chance to torment Matt and disregarded the two young girls who were present. 'If I remember correctly you were more than happy with my assistance last night Miss Emory'

Matt took an angry step towards Lucas when he heard Poppy giggle; however, Gail stepped in front of him to prevent any reaction. 'If you're not careful Sheriff you'll be assisting yourself in the future' she said grabbing Matts hand and leading him towards the pier railing.

'Well in that case I suppose I better hold my tongue and leave you good people be' Lucas laughed and gave Poppy a charming wink, making her blush again.

'You do that' Merlyn said and turned towards Matt when Lucas began to walk down the pier away from them. She had previously visited Matt in Juniper House in an attempt to provide clarity of who was real and who was not, she had witnessed the cruel games Lucas had played on the man and was amazed he was able to refrain from hurting Lucas when they were together. 'Is he OK?' she asked Gail.

'He's fine...' Gail said rubbing Matt's back softly, trying to help him calm down. She could not stop Lucas making comments about their relationship, it was just who he was; however, she was left to deal with Matt whenever Lucas decided he wanted to remind her friend what they were doing. '...You are fine aren't you? I know you're not soft enough to let his comments faze you' she said to her friend.

Matt took a deep intake of breath and turned towards Gail, this was the reaction Lucas wanted and he would not give him the satisfaction of allowing him to spoil the little time he got to spend with her. 'Of course I'm alright...' he lied, '...It would be nice if you could keep a leash on him though'

Gail forced a laugh, 'If I could keep a leash on that man it would make everybody's life much easier'

Merlyn stood close to Gail watching how she interacted with Matt. Her cousin seemed more comfortable with men than women and appeared to have no problem with friendly physical contact like hugging or holding hands when she was with the men in her life; however, when it came to her women friends she kept them at arms length. Merlyn did not know why there would be a difference in behaviour and could not hold back her curiosity. 'Why are you more friendly with men than you are with women?' she asked.

Gail turned towards to girl next to her and regarded her suspiciously, she had a curious look on her face and Gail did not like to be the object of someones curiosity as she liked her privacy. 'Cause woman don't truly know how to be friends...there is always a chance of jealousy or vindictiveness when they get together. Men are so much more simple and forthcoming, it's easier to tell when they're hiding something. That's my experience anyway...Matt this is the new boarder I was telling you about'

Matt looked over Gail's shoulder to inspect the young girl and took a sharp intake of breath, he would recognise that face anywhere. 'Merlyn Temple?' he asked surprised.

Before she could stop it the presence within Gail flew to the surface and took control at the mention of the girls true identity, causing Merlyn to take a step back when she realised something had changed in her cousin. 'Are you taking your medication friend?...' the malicious voice said, '...it's concerning that you're seeing dead people, maybe we should take you back to Juniper to be checked out'

Matt took a few steps away from his friend, something different had come over her and he did not care for the slight tone of venom in her voice or the apparent threat. 'Gail, are you alright?' he asked concerned.

The dark presence glanced towards Poppy to ensure she was out of earshot and began to circle around Matt. 'Guess again...So, you want to talk about dead people friend? Why don't we talk about your wife and child...or we could talk about the fantasies you had of me when you were locked up? I doubt they're as interesting as what I get up to with the good Sheriff, but I'm sure my other side would want to know what you believed you both did' she said with a devilish smile.

Merlyn took a few protective steps towards Matt and pushed him back, she knew from monitoring her cousin previously that this was not her and she had been taken over. Gail would not want to hurt Matt, so Merlyn tried to take the focus off him. 'Leave him alone, he's been through enough'

'Oh look, Casper has decided to jump in with us Doc...' she said to Matt then turned her attention towards Merlyn. '...You ungrateful thing...' the darkness whispered so Matt could not hear '...After what your cousin gave up for you to be here, I'd expect some loyalty'

'And what did she give up?' Lucas asked appearing out of nowhere, he had sensed his love's darkness surface and was instantly drawn to it.

Lucas was met with a malicious smile, she sensed he was trying to figure out how Merlyn came to be and it amused her that he did not know. 'That's our little secret Sheriff and we're keeping our lips sealed...if I was you though, I'd keep these people in line. The next time they try to upset her I won't hold back' the darkness said, then retreated back inside Gail to allow her control again.

Lucas stared at Gail in awe, it was as though her darkness was a separate entity and he was more intrigued than ever. What could she have given up that would assist Merlyn and how would she know how to bring her back? He had always been the only one with that much power, he did not know what he thought about her potentially being able to match him with what appeared to be little effort.

Gail gave herself a mental shake and regarded Merlyn who was stood in front of Matt protectively. 'Well don't you two look cosy' she said with a warm smile, not remembering what had just happened.

Matt glanced suspiciously at his friend, he was unsure of what he had just witnessed; however, he thought her demeanour was back to the kind woman he knew. 'Are you OK Gail?'

Gail laughed and looked at him confused. 'Why wouldn't I be?...and when did you decide to show up again?' she asked glancing at Lucas.

Lucas disregarded her question and walked close to her, then caressed her cheek gently. Gail allowed his hand to stroke her face for a moment then pulled away. 'What did you do?' he asked curiously.

Gail licked her lips playfully and smiled, 'Now that would be telling Sheriff'

Merlyn could still sense something different within her cousin and she could see how drawn to each other Lucas and Gail were. She did not fully understand what had been done to her; however, she had witnessed enough horrible things that Lucas had done to know he did not react well to being challenged and she did not want Gail getting involved with that side of him. 'My name's M...' she introduced herself loudly to Matt, in an attempt to get her cousins attention '...you're mistaken about who you think I am. I hear you've been locked up in Juniper House for quite some time, it's good that you've managed to get out and about'

Matt did not trust the girl in front of him; however, he was trying to take his mind off how close Lucas was standing to Gail and welcomed the conversation. 'I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Gail, I hear she rescued you too'

Gail glanced at them both and shook her head, 'You two need to behave...you're both making me out to be something I'm not. Do you need a ride home? I have to go check on Rocky'

Merlyn smiled at Gail's indication her house was now her home and Gail seemed more herself. 'Me and Poppy would love a ride, we could even take care of Rocky for you if you have anything else you need to do'

Lucas shook his head at the display in front of him, Matt's goodness and Merlyn's sweetness sickened him. 'Well isn't this a tender moment...when you get bored of your present company, I'll be waiting' he said to Gail as he bent down and placed a soft kiss on her lips, knowing it would infuriate both Matt and Merlyn.

Gail knew she should pull away from this dominant display; however, she was beginning to grow tired of performing for all the people around her and Lucas was her guilty pleasure after all, so she tangled her hands in his hair and pulled him closer to make the kiss more intense. When she pulled away from him she leaned close to his ear as he moved his hands to her waist. 'When you get tired of tormenting people, I'll be waiting' she whispered playfully then pulled away from him and signalled for the group to follow her to her car.

Caleb lay on the kingsize bed in his bedroom trying to wrap his mind around the Algebra homework Miss Coombs had given the class to complete, he did not see the point in wasting his time on homework; however, Gail would not let him visit with Matt until it was done.

Caleb could not concentrate on his homework as he had witnessed Poppy spending time with Merlyn today and he had forgotten how pretty she was. It was strange seeing his sister's attention on someone other than him and usually he would not like being left out, but he liked Poppy and he was happy that she had been around.

'Look at you son, being so distracted by a girl. You could do worse than that firecracker' Lucas said, leaning against his closed bedroom door.

Caleb smiled and closed his homework book, he was used to Lucas' appearing act by now and was not fazed by it. 'I dunno what you mean...and anyway you're one to talk' he said impertinently as he got up from his bed.

Lucas smiled then feigned a confused look. 'Me? whatever are you talkin' about son?'

'I'm talkin' about you hoverin' around my cousin whenever you get the chance, what are you talkin' about'?

Lucas laughed, 'Well I'm talkin' about your current infatuation with the young Miss Bowen'

'Whatever that means...' Caleb said feigning innocence, he liked being able to talk to Lucas but he knew Gail would not be impressed by his visit. '...Does Gail know you're here?'

Lucas shrugged, Gail was too busy entertaining Harvard to be concerned with his whereabouts at this present moment and Merlyn was too busy trying to fit in with Poppy to care about what Caleb was doing; therefore, he decided this would be the opportune time to bond further with his son. 'If you hadn't already noticed, the women are preoccupied son...I bet we could sneak out of here for a game of pool without them even noticing'

The thought of sneaking out gave Caleb an excited feeling; however, that was short lived when he glanced at the homework book on the bed. 'I best not, Gail would have my hide if I didn't complete that dang thing' he said nodding towards the book.

Lucas smiled, 'Oh ye of little faith son...grab your book, come here and close your eyes'

Caleb looked at Lucas suspiciously, but followed his instructions. He stood next to Lucas, closed his eyes and allowed him to take his hand. He felt something stir within him when Lucas placed the palm of his hand on his chest, Caleb inhaled deeply and allowed himself to be controlled trusting the man before him completely.

Lucas felt the small spark of power within his son and focused his twin on it, when his twin wrapped it's hand around the spark and gave an extra push he let go of Caleb's hand and they both opened their eyes.

Caleb was taken aback by the unfamiliar surroundings, he was no longer in his bedroom and he heard voices on the other side of the dark room that they were now stood in. 'What happened? Where are we?' he asked curiously.

Lucas smiled, 'Never you mind what happened, just make sure you keep this between us. We're gonna test my theory of whether we can get away with a game before you're missed'

Caleb smiled, he knew he should be scared by what just happened but he was not. He was intrigued with the forces at play and wanted to learn more; however, he would not ask questions just yet. 'What about my homework?' he asked as he followed Lucas out of the room to the large Pool Hall.

Lucas took the book from Caleb and walked towards the bar. 'Hey Marie, you're lookin' mighty fine tonight. Can you grab me my usual and a beer for my friend please Darlin'?'

Marie blushed under Lucas' gaze, she had developed a huge crush on the Sheriff since she had spotted him in here several years ago and his little compliments always made her day. 'Comin' right up Sheriff, I'm assumin' you're not gonna bust for me pretendin' your friend is of the legal age?' she asked playfully.

Lucas put on his best southern gentleman smile, it was so easy turning the women of this town to his will. 'Not unless you wanna be placed into my protective custody Darlin''

Marie bit her lip as she placed the drinks on the bar. 'That depends on whether you'll be using your handcuffs Sheriff' she said flirting.

Lucas smiled, aware of Caleb being focused on his actions. He was not stupid enough to cheat on his love, but a little harmless flirting never hurt anyone. 'Whatever the lady wants, the lady will get...' he said laughing and winked at Caleb when he handed him the beer, to indicate he was not being serious. '...while I've got you here, could you do me a favour and glance over this? It would help me a lot if it was completed before I finished my game' he said handing her the homework book.

Marie glanced at the book, then at Caleb and smiled. 'Well as long as this is our little secret and some angry parent ain't gonna accuse me of nothin''

Caleb put on his best innocent smile for Marie, 'It'll be our secret ma'am and I appreciate any help you can offer'

Marie nodded and winked at the boy, there was something about him that made her want to help. 'OK boy's, you go enjoy your game and I'll have this sorted by the time you're finished'

Lucas put an arm around Caleb and led him towards his usual pool table which was reserved just for him. 'Atta boy son, that's how it's done' he said as they toasted their drinks and began to set up the balls on the table.

Gail sat with Matt in her living room, drinking a cup of herbal tea. It was beginning to get late and she should have dropped him off at Juniper by now; however, she was waiting for Caleb to finish his homework so they could spend some time together. While they were waiting, she filled her friend in with the details of the meeting she had earlier and he was as intrigued as she was with the whole situation.

'So let me get this straight, the owner of the paper crashed your meeting just so he could introduce himself as a member of this 'elite men's club' that you're now somehow a part of?' Matt asked then took a sip of his tea.

Gail shrugged, 'Yep...apparently he wanted me to be aware that they had fully embraced me and were happy to have an Emory on board again. God know's what I'm supposed to do with that, but at least I can find out who all the players are in this town'

Matt nodded, 'I suppose Lucas Buck couldn't run the whole town by himself...it makes sense that other people are involved with the goings on around here'

Gail had considered that herself; however, she was under no illusion about the nature of this club and knew Lucas controlled everything. These over privileged men liked to believe they had some power, but this was all a front to make them feel more important and she had no doubt that nothing could be done without Lucas' authority. 'I'm not so sure about that, he doesn't need other people to do his dirty work...it's more like a front to put your attention towards the left for instance, whilst something is happening to the right'

Matt leaned forward on the chair so he was closer to his friend. He had initially thought she had fallen for Lucas' charm and had forgotten what he was capable of; however, now he was starting to realise that she just might not care what the man did. 'Gail if you suspect that, why are you with him? The man has no morals, no conscience and he certainly doesn't care about anyone. I get that you were alone due to some stupid self righteous action I attempted, but I know you're not blind so why would you be with someone you know to be questionable?'

Gail stood up from her chair and walked towards the window with her drink, this was the first time they had actually had a proper conversation about her relationship with Lucas and she needed to handle her friend carefully. 'It's not for you to judge who I choose to be with Matt...Lucas' morals or lack of are none of your business. He's done no harm to me or Caleb and he's backed off tormenting you, what more do you want?'

Matt stood up and approached Gail, she was not denying what she knew and she appeared to be glossing over what he had said. 'So, it doesn't matter how harmful he is to other people as long as it's not directed at you or your family? That's not the Gail I got to know when she came to this godforsaken town'

Gail laughed, 'A lot of things have happened since then haven't they? We can't go back to how things were Matt and if you were to find me hard evidence on some unspeakable act that Lucas Buck had supposedly performed I'd publish it, but there's no facts or evidence to find...there's only speculation'

'Spoken like a true Journalist' Lucas said entering the living room with Caleb behind him.

Gail rolled her eyes, stroked Matts arm reassuringly and turned towards Lucas. 'Do I even bother asking how you got in?'

Caleb stepped in front of Lucas before he had a chance to answer. 'I saw him coming up the path as I came downstairs and let him in before he knocked' he lied.

Lucas smiled at how effortlessly his son stuck up for him without hesitation. They had finished their game within half an hour and one of his old friends had dropped them off a few houses away, when they approached the front door he had just imagined it was unlocked then it suddenly was. Locks and chains never did stop him and it appeared that his son was not fazed by his little tricks.

Gail looked from Caleb to Lucas, unimpressed at the display. She would have heard Caleb coming down the stairs and would have heard him unlocking the front door; however, this was not the time to challenge when she was trying to justify her relationship to Matt, so she would let it go for now. 'Is that so?...' she said knowingly and watched Caleb squirm under her stare, then changed the subject. '...Have you done your homework?'

'Yes ma'am, it was hard but I managed it' he said moving closer to hand her the book for inspection.

Gail glanced at the completed calculations then over to Lucas suspiciously, the sums looked difficult and she knew Caleb could not complete them correctly himself. 'It looks like you've turned into a maths whizz over night...' she said sarcastically and threw the book down on her coffee table, '...why don't you take Matt out back and see how M is doing with Rocky, I need to have a word with the Sheriff'

Caleb glanced at Lucas who just nodded, then led Matt out back. He had enjoyed spending time with Lucas and he hoped he would not get into trouble with his cousin.

Gail watched Caleb and Matt go then signalled for Lucas to follow her to her bedroom, so she could talk with him in private. When he closed and locked the door behind them she walked close to him and leaned her face towards his, then shook her head knowingly. 'I can smell to whisky on your breath Lucas and I know Caleb didn't do that work. What's going on?' she asked suspiciously.

Lucas grabbed her hips gently and pulled her body to his, now that they were completely alone his urges began to surface and he felt himself become hard as their bodies touched. 'What does it matter Darlin'? The work's done and you look like the responsible parent' he whispered then nipped at her ear.

Gail inhaled deeply, she had also noticed that they were finally alone and no-one would dare bother her when her bedroom door was closed. She felt a stir between her legs and tried to push down her yearning for him. 'It matters to me Lucas, I don't care what other people think of me if he gets it wrong providing he is doing the work himself. Besides, you know nothing about Algebra which makes me wonder who in the hell did his homework'

Lucas turned her around and pushed her against the wall roughly, he could sense her desire being pushed down and he applauded her efforts; however, he knew her now and she needed this as much as he did. He pinned her wrists high above her head with one hand and leaned into her back. 'It's one assignment Gail, get over it' he said trying to rile her up.

Gail struggled in his grasp angry at his blatant disregard for her cousins education, then leaned her head forward to rest on the wall. 'You're an asshole' she said and took a deep intake of breath when he forced his free hand under her vest and squeezed her breast tightly.

Lucas smiled at her acceptance of his actions and let his hand trail down her stomach to the top of her skirt, he pulled it down and unzipped his pants then forced himself inside her not caring whether she was ready or not. He heard her let out a painful moan at the quickness of his motion and slowly moved in and out of her, then quickened his pace when her painful moans were replaced with pleasure.

Gail bit her lip at the painful entry he made, but relaxed into his movements and welcomed the intense feeling of him being inside her. She pushed her hips back into him to force him further inside and called out with the pleasure that followed with every thrust. 'Harder' she panted and moaned loudly when he slammed himself into her.

Lucas freed her wrists so he could grab her hips and pounded into her harder, he was past worrying that he might hurt her and had come to the realisation that she got off on the pain just like he did. He bit down hard on her shoulder, due to the intense burst of pleasure with every thrust and nuzzled his face into her neck when he felt his climax rise then explode within her.

Gail's climax hit a few seconds after Lucas' and she bit her hand to stifle her yell. When he began to remove his still hard manhood from her she laughed, 'Not a chance...Again' she ordered and smiled when he pushed deep inside her, complying with her request.

Lucas bit his lip in gratification when she ordered him not to stop, he had thought she would feel bad about being with him when her family were outside; however, she did not seem to give it a second thought. He thrust in and out of her roughly, not giving her chance to rest. If she wanted him as much as he wanted her, she would have to deal with this intensity.

Gail placed her palms on the wall, then scratched her nails down it. She loved the fulfilment of him being inside her like this, he stripped away all of her frustrations and doubt and replaced them with acceptance of him and his true nature. She could sense the raw animal inside him with every thrust and welcomed whatever consequences would occur if that animal was freed.

Gail felt something come over her and slammed a fist against the wall in frustration, somehow knowing he was holding back. 'Lucas, harder!' she ordered.

Lucas shook his head and pulled out of her, then grabbed her tight and moved her towards the bed. Throwing her down roughly on her stomach, he knelt over her and pulled her up on all fours. 'You want harder? So be it' he said and thrust himself into her behind.

Gail bit her lip and closed her eyes tight at the pain of him forcing himself inside this way, she gripped her bed sheets tight and allowed him to take her in this questionable nature. She knew he prided himself on the fact that no other man had been allowed to take this part of her and she did not have the will power to deny him whatever he wanted.

Lucas stroked her back affectionately as he kept thrusting in and out of this forbidden part of her, he knew what it took for her to allow him access here and that was more pleasurable than the act itself. He reached between her legs and pushed his fingers inside her, then smiled as he heard her moan. He took her behind with his manhood and her sweet spot with his fingers, then called out her name as he felt their climax come together.

Gail rested her head on her hands and tried to catch her breath, she was sore but she did not regret anything they did together. She felt Lucas place his hands around her stomach and let him pull her up to his chest.

Lucas kissed her neck tenderly and gently pulled out of her. 'Was that hard enough for you Darlin'?' he whispered.

Gail turned her head up towards his and kissed his lips softly. 'I think that hit the spot' she said sarcastically, then pushed away from him in search of some clean clothes.

Lucas reached for her arm and pulled her back on the bed with him, then stroked his hand through her hair. 'Where do you think you're headin' in such a rush?'

Gail lay back on the bed and took a large intake of breath to slow her heart rate. 'I have to take Matt back, we're late as it is'

Lucas shook his head slowly, then rolled over onto his back and pulled her to his chest. 'You're not goin' anywhere Darlin', just relax and you can sort taking him back in the mornin'' he said, knowing she would be sore due to his actions and needed to rest. If that meant Harvard got a pass tonight then so be it.

Gail smiled and allowed herself to relax on Lucas' chest, if he wanted to insert his authority in Juniper House and let Matt stay overnight at her place who was she to argue. 'You can't stay' she said disappointingly whilst stroking his chest.

Lucas sighed and wrapped his arms around her, this separate sleeping arrangement she was making him adhere to was beginning to bother him. 'I understand you want to shield Harvard and Caleb from our relationship Darlin', but you can't continue this way forever'

Gail pulled herself up and caressed his cheek. 'Forever is a long time Sheriff, I'm only concerned about the present and right now you and Matt cannot be trusted being in the same vicinity'

Lucas pushed her off him gently and stood up, he was not used to not getting his own way. 'Have it your way Darlin', but you need to work this out in a better way or I'll remove the object of your concern' he said threateningly as he zipped up his pants, then walked out of the bedroom.

-To be continued-