Ash returned his kiss with a sense of wonder, feeling that incredible rush of darkness, and now everything from him. Only that everything from him was everything from her, too, and the arousal they both felt was spiralled upwards again, more intense than ever. She suddenly felt an all encompassing need for him, and clamped her muscles tight around him, drawing her hips back slowly. He gasped, breaking their kiss, and she moved her hands, placing them on the tree trunk behind her to support herself as she began moving her hips back and forth, using her muscles in time with them. He swore under his breath and began thrusting in time with her, burying his head in the curve of her neck again as he moaned in intense pleasure. She did the same, feeling her own pleasure being heightened by his, as his was by her own, climbing higher and higher. His thrusts grew harder and rougher, as his gaze turned more intense, and she moved her hands to around his neck, holding herself up and letting hi
He felt her rush of emotion as she uttered the word, and he smiled wide, taking her hand and placing the ring on her finger. She blushed brightly, and he could feel his own cheeks flushing a little, and pulled her down beside him, wrapping her in his arms as he kissed her deeply. His own rush of emotion only got stronger, and he let it overwhelm him, knowing she'd feel just how deep his love was for her. And he felt hers too, overwhelming her as she returned his kiss, softly and tenderly, and for a long moment it was as though only the two of them existed, wrapped up in each other's deep feeling of love. When they finally moved apart, she was smiling wide at him, still blushing, but happy. So happy. He felt that too, within himself, despite everything, and he never wanted to be without it again. Or without her. "I love you," she whispered softly, and he touched his nose gently to hers, "I love you," he responded, and her face brightened even more. He kissed her again, and they lost
One year and six months later:The bunker had provided exactly what they'd sought, though its origins were still shrouded in mystery.They'd been able to set up something of a home here, secure and well defended. Lukas had been able to reverse engineer the phone they'd taken from Craig, and not only been able to use its new technology, but also trace the last few members that posed a significant threat, along with the last of their munitions.He'd also been able to send lengthy transcripts and history to several other news networks not yet taken over by Newscience, who were more than eager to break the story of his other, shadier organisation, and its links to his other businesses and donation recipients. The story had rocked the country, with many politicians' and business' involvement being publicly exposed. Newscience had collapsed, along with many underground smuggling networks, with enough of an impact to make any who might fill the void feel more than a little wary. They heard
He sighed as he glanced at the lit up road sign telling him it was another 30km until he reached his destination. He'd been driving for hours, and he was keen to get this job over and done with. This whole ordeal had been going on for far too long. Soon enough, his car took the turnoff into Violet Cove, a quiet little seaside town at this time of year. He was grateful for that, at least. His work would be much easier without the crowds that flocked here during the summertime, and all of the extra eyes and ears that came with them. He stopped for fuel, then food, at the first place he found open this late, a small retro style diner near the edge of town. The waitress gave him a wary look as she hurriedly took his order, seeming eager to leave his table. That was nothing unusual, he was not someone that most people felt at all comfortable around. Even before he had received the long, jagged scar that ran halfway down the right side of his face, he
Ashallia sat on a stool in her Dad's old workshop, carefully filing the edges of the intricate metal piece she'd just created. She wiped her tear-stained cheek with the back of her hand. She always missed him more when she was here, in his space, but especially now. She felt so alone. Liam had dumped her, and so had all her 'popular' friends the moment they realised he had. And her closest friends had resented her the moment she began dating him. She missed them too. Alena was always so bright and infectiously upbeat, and Jacinta had always understood her better than almost anyone. Anyone except her Dad. She looked around at all of his old tools and workbenches, and wiped another falling tear. Dating Liam had been the worst mistake of her life, and she hated him for it. She'd fallen hard for him though, or at least for the charming facade he'd put on to get her to date him in the beginning. She hated him for that, too. 'Ugh
After spending the rest of the early hours driving around, familiarising himself with the layout of the small town, he sat waiting in his car for the rental agency to open. He'd booked a private house off a homeshare website, just a few hours ago, hoping to be discreet. Two days earlier, he'd also booked a cheap motel for several weeks from now. His target, Henrik Leighton, owned the larger hotel, and both of the motels in the town. He knew he'd be checking the bookings for anything unusual, especially at this time of year. With any luck, he'd have a few weeks before Henrik expected him here. The property manager was late, and looked half asleep. He guessed they didn't appreciate the early start this far into the off season. He felt little sympathy for that, given the odd - and long - hours that he usually worked. After finally getting the keys, he headed for the lush-looking holiday house. Having deliberately chosen one close to the w
Ashallia turned down the alley behind Pete's Place, heading towards the back entrance. She'd managed to walk here without seeing anyone she knew, thankfully, and hoped the night would continue that way. She left her things in her locker, then put on her apron, and tied her curls up into a loose bun. Charlie was the chef on tonight, and he smiled at her as she walked through the kitchen, towards the front of house "Hey Ash, how's things?"She forced a smile, with just a "Hey Charlie" in response. Charlie was a decent guy, and always friendly to her, but she didn't want to face the questions tonight. After a quick hi to the other kitchen staff, she grabbed an order pad and pen, tucked them into her apron pocket, and headed through to the front, where her heart dropped to her stomach. Liam and his friends were seated in one of the booths, along with Kacey, who she'd found him with at Paige's party, on Saturday night. That was when he'd dumped her.
After leaving the holiday house, he'd meandered through the town, always taking the quieter, darker, back streets and alleys, slowly working his way through the centre and out towards the less affluent area of town.He knew Henrik owned several other businesses in this area, and he'd hoped to get close enough to hear, or see, something useful. And it seemed he was in luck.There was a mighty crash from one of the warehouse loading docks, followed by several smaller ones and some yelling. He melted into the shadows - a peculiar ability of his kind - where his presence was almost completely imperceptible. Silently, he slipped closer until he was in proper earshot, "..needs to be cleaned up and out by tomorrow! Henrik'll be checking back Friday, and if he sees this mess your ass is in it!" Some more loud noise followed, along with some muttering and swearing, before all went calm again.He smiled, seeming satisfied. Friday. Perfect. Slipping away, he se