EVERY CLOUD HAS
"Look I'm fine, yes it hurts a bit, but I'm ok," Lian said for the tenth time as Sabrina fussed around the injured Cook.
Sabrina had taken Lian straight over to the ER at the hospital, where they'd spent half an hour waiting to see a doctor, only for him to take one look at her arm and stitch it up and give her some anti-biotic. After that they'd driven home where Lian had sat down on the couch and flicked on the TV, only for the worried waitress to immediately start fussing around, offering to get her drinks, food, basically anything the wounded woman wanted.
"Is there anything at all I can do for you, maybe a heat pad will ease it a bit" she offered looking at her tall friend.
"No, I'm fine, it doesn't hurt, just sit down and stop buzzing around like that, you're making me dizzy" Lian laughed as Sabrina stopped in mid-shuffle of some magazines and looked at her.
"Fine, if there's nothing at all I can do for you, then I'll go" she said with a slightly dejected appearance.
Trying to think of anything that would allow Sabrina to stay a little while longer, "Um, well actually a cup of coffee would be nice" she replied smiling as Sabrina leapt up and raced off into the kitchen.
Returning a few minutes later, Sabrina carried two steaming cups of coffee, placing them on the table and sitting down on the couch near Lian. Handing a cup over to the reclining woman, "Here you go, how many stitches did you end up getting anyway?"
"Um, about fifteen I think, it was so cool watching as he threaded the needle with the stringy stuff, then pushed and pulled it through my skin, stung a bit, but man was it cool" Lian chuckled remembering the experience. She'd sat up on the bench and watched the whole procedure.
"Ewww, Lian that's gross! How could you do that, that's, that's, ewwww!" she answered screwing up her nose and pulling a face to show her disdain.
'She's so cute when she does stuff like that' Lian thought as she took a sip of the hot drink and grinned as she slowly formed a plan in her mind, "Mmm, but it was interesting, did you get to see the cut at all? I know they wouldn't let you through to be with me"
"No I didn't, I...ugh, well, I usually pass-out at any sign of gore, so it was probably better that I didn't see it" the younger woman said putting her cup down and watching the TV.
"Uh huh, so if I did this," Lian said laughing and spinning around, pulling her shirtsleeve down where the large gash was, "you'll probably be sick"
"Argh, Lian that's cruel!!!" Sabrina shot back going pale at the sight of the still bloody and fresh cut.
"Aww, poor lil baby" she giggled back pulling her arm right out of the shirt, so that her whole bare arm was exposed.
Staring at the gash, Sabrina started to cry.
"Whoa, whoa there cute-stuff, what's wrong?" Lian stopped fooling around, now sorry that she'd started such a sick game.
Huddling up on the couch Sabrina started sobbing uncontrollably, "you.. got.. that.. because.. of.. me," she spluttered out between sobs pointing at the injury.
"Oh babe, no, it's ok, really. It wasn't your fault, shhhh now, it's ok" Lian cooed as she moved over towards the blubbering woman and wrapping herself around her and gently stroking the long strands of dark hair.
Sitting at the end of the couch, with Lian wrapped all around her, Sabrina had a feeling of complete safety, that no matter what the world threw at her, she could handle it. Lians strong comforting arms holding her close, gentle hands moving across and through her hair, their bodies rocking in a slow soothing rhythm. "I.. you.. you're injured, and yet you're comforting me, stupid me who got you hurt in the first place" she murmured feeling better for the support of her friend.
Tilting Sabrina's chin up, Lian looked down into the red rimmed brown eyes, tears staining her cheeks, body convulsing from the deep crying, "babe, it's not your fault, don't you ever think that this is your fault, because it's not and never will be. Hey," she paused while she waited for Sabrina to focus on her face as well as her voice, "Hey, would I be speaking to someone who'd hurt me? Would I be holding someone who'd hurt me? Would I be kissing someone who'd hurt me?" she finished, leaning down and pressing their lips softly together.
Warm soft lips against hers, strong arms holding her close, hands and fingers gently massaging her back and neck. 'Oh god, I can't believe this is happening' her mind raced as sensations flew through her body. A tingling feeling ran her entire length, and heat oozed through her body as the kiss continued. But it was the bolt of lightning that shot to her center as Lians tongue gently pleaded for and was given entry that caught Sabrina completely by surprise.
'Oh.. Oh... Oh man...Õ Lians mind yelled, trying to focus on what was happening, all she'd meant to do was give Sabrina a quick kiss, instead something else had happened, something primal had taken over, it now controlled her, and she was powerless against its force. Before she knew what was happening, her mouth had opened completely, their tongues touched and the sweet taste of Sabrina had filled her senses, driving her on and encouraging her every move.
Moments passed as both women were caught up in what had started out so simply, and yet had turned into something much more. One simple kiss had indeed become the start of something so deep, heart touching and soul melting. One kiss had literally changed everything. Lian eventually breaking off the kiss and leaning back to look at Sabrina's face, eyes still closed, a soft smile slowly spread across her face.
"You are so beautiful, do you know that" she said tracing Sabrina's jaw-line with her thumb.
"You just.. and.. Oh Lian" Sabrina mumbled falling over onto Lian and burying her face in Lians shirt.
"Shh, I know.. It's ok.." she answered still stroking the young woman's head. 'Well, that was certainly.. yes well, cold shower time I think' Lian chuckled to herself, 'it was just so.. so.. right'
"Uh huh" she replied trying not to appear as nervous as she felt.
"Uh huh, is all you can say? You just.. Lian, you, YOU just kissed me!" she cried out wondering if Lian did have any idea of what she'd just started.
"Yes I do know what I just did, I just kissed a young woman who's been slowly working her way into my heart since the day we first met. The woman who I hope will go out with me?" Lian replied also hoping that Sabrina picked up the hint.
'WHOA! That's.. wow.. Did she just ask me out?' Sabrina's mind was in a whirl, her body still tingling from the kiss, her senses reeling from everything that had happened so quickly, "Um, are you asking me out?" she queried, looking into two gray eyes that were watching her every move.
"Yes" came the simple answer.
"Oh" she replied, her mind jumping up and down in joy.
"Um I can wait for answer if you're unsure," Lian said hoping she hadn't scared her friend off.
"What? Didn't I say yes? Oops, um, YES!!!!!!" Sabrina yelled out, leaping up and giving Lian another quick kiss, "I'd love to go out with you"
"Mmm, ok, glad we got that settled then" she replied, returning the gentle kiss and then deepening it again.
Breaking off from the kiss for a second time Lian leant back on the sofa to catch her breath, "you keep this up and I'll never let you go to bed" she grinned, then blushing at the thought of how that could have been taken, " I mean.. I.. oh man"
"It's ok, I knew what you meant, but I think you'd better take the bed tonight, I don't think sleeping on the sofa with that shoulder is a good idea" Sabrina replied sitting back against the couch, laying her hands in her lap.
"Hmm, I'll think about it" Lian replied, "but firstly, if I go and get a flannel, can you just wipe some of the stains off my skin, this looks a lot worse because of them" she finished standing up and walking towards the bathroom.
"Of course, anything you need, just let me know" she answered, still trying to come to terms with what had just taken place. 'She gets a dozen plus stitches in her shoulder because I mess up, then she kisses me.. like that.. then asks me out... man, this is one day I'll never forget' her mind giggled.
Lian returned a few moments later with a lukewarm flannel in one hand, sat down on the couch and turned sideways, "here you go, just try to get as much of it off as you can. I don't think I need to tell you to be careful of the cut" she laughed.
"Uh huh, um, why don't you roll over and lay across my lap, it'd be more comfortable for you, and easier for me" she said indicating what Lian was to do. Then wincing as Lian turned around and lay down across her, giving Sabrina an unobstructed view of the wound, "Oh Lian" she breathed.
"It's ok, honest, it doesn't hurt too much, it's more of a surface cut, it's not deep, don't worry about it" she replied turning and looking into the two blue eyes that threatened to burst into tears again.
Nodding and beginning to wipe away some of the stains on Lians skin, Sabrina relished the closeness between them, noting that Lian appeared to be completely comfortable in her presence, contrary to everyone's opinions of the Cook. "Lian, can I ask you something?" she queried.
"Sure" came the reply from the drowsy body.
"This isn't exactly the time I thought I'd be asking this, but I thought you didn't like people getting close to you" she asked wiping away a long run of dried blood.
"I don't. I don't like people much, they get in my way, they get in my personal space and interfere with things that don't concern them" she answered sighing softly into Sabrinas lap.
"Um... am I.. I mean, am I annoying you?" Sabrina softly asked dabbing at some dried blood.
"No" Lian replied simply.
"Why?" she asked as the clot came away.
"I don't know. True you bugged the hell out of me at the start, rambling on, but that's kind of cute, just one of the many things I lo.. um. like about you" she finished noting to herself what she'd almost said.
'Heh, did she almost say what I think she said' Sabrina thought to herself as she took in what Lian was saying, "I had the weirdest dream last night" she rambled on, giving credence to Lians statement.
"Oh yeah? What was it about?" Lian asked turning her head from left to right, now able to look up at Sabrina's face.
"I think I was walking through a field of grass or something... then we, me and someone, came to a river, ended up going swimming in it, but it was really strange, I don't normally have dreams that vivid" she muttered, not noticing the widening of Lians eyes.
'Oh shit... that was my dream... Should I tell her... Yes, you owe her complete honesty' her mind commanded. "Um, Bri, there's something I need to tell you," Lian murmured rolling off her friends lap and sitting up.
"What?" she queried settling her arms over the top of Lians waist.
"I had that dream too, last night.. I.. that's completely different, almost the opposite of all my dreams actually.. I.. do you remember what happened before you went swimming in the dream?" she asked, as the dream came flooding back to her.
"Yes" Sabrina answered lifting her feet onto the coffee table and settling into the couch more.
"Ok... there was a kiss, correct?" Lian hesitantly asked.
"Uh huh" she replied, now becoming a little nervous.
"Mmm, sort of like this.." Lian said leaning up and kissing Sabrina exactly as she remembered it in the dream. Lips touching. Arms wrapping around each other. Two halves of a broken soul coming together, each claiming the other completely. Long minutes of thorough exploration passed, both women breaking off the kiss, both hearts racing and struggling to inhale enough air to satisfy starved lungs.
"Whoa." Sabrina exhaled as she looked back a Lian.
"Uh huh" Lian breathed returning the look.
Both women sat there, each looking at each other, both wondering about what had just happened. "ThatÕs really freaky. Do you think they're connected?" Sabrina finally asked.
Shifting her gaze to her folded hands Lian answered, "I'm not completely sure, but I think so, yes"
"Hmm, well maybe we should.. ugh, try again.. just to be sure" Sabrina giggled leaning back in towards Lians lips.
"Yeah, best to be sure" Lian replied lifting her head and taking possession of Sabrina's mouth.
On one hand time seemed to race by, on the other these moments were timeless. Both women completely focused on the sensations coursing through them. Tender touches, soft sounds as first one, then the other would release small cries of pleasure and desire. Hands and mouths exploring each other, tentatively at first, then with greater need as blood began pumping harder. Neither noticing the sounds or movements at the front door as Mary and John opened the door and walked into the apartment.
Coughing to alert her roommate that they had returned, Mary called out "UhÉ LianÉ" then with a little bit more force, "Lian! We're back" she finished closing the door and starting to laugh with John.
Breaking off from the kiss Lian looked up from the couch where she was now laid across the surface with Sabrina positioned atop of her, "OhÉ umÉ uhÉ hi guys" she managed to mumble out as the now furiously blushing younger woman buried her head on Lians chest.
"Having fun?" John quipped, only to be swatted by Mary, "Don't listen to himÉ How was work?" she said trying not to make it painfully obvious that they'd walked in on a very personal moment.
Sitting up and pulling Sabrina in closer, Lian answered, "Uh, good and bad I'm afraidÉ We know who the thief is, but he got awayÉ It was Sasha".
"DamnÉ but Harry can still press charges, right?" Mary questioned as she took hold of John's hand and gently squeezed it.
"Oh yeah, we'll get him yet" Sabrina replied stroking Lians thigh.
"So what's up with you two?" Lian asked noticing the two new comers were constantly looking at each other and smirking.
"Well we have some news of our ownÉ John asked me to marry him tonight," Mary said smiling as she hugged John.
"WHAT? That's fantastic!" Lian burst out, leaping from the couch and running over to congratulate the happy couple, "when's the big day?"
"In a few weeks, we don't want to wait, we figure after dating for three years, that's kind of redundant" John answered, laughing as Lian picked up Mary and swung her around, then hugged John, and then the both of them.
Forgetting about her arm entirely, Lian began bouncing around the livingroom, running back over to Sabrina and picking her up off the couch and kissing her again, then bounding back over to Mary and swinging her around before hugging John again. It wasn't until John wrapped his arm around her and hit the wound that she remembered the cut. Howling in pain before she could clamp down on it, Lian stumbled backward and bumping into the wall and collapsing onto the floor.
"What happened?" Mary and John both babbled as they leapt to help their friend.
"Sasha cut her" Sabrina mumbled running over to Lian and wrapping her arms around the injured woman, beginning to comfort her and retelling the story to the other two. "So when he grabbed me, Lian rushed him, they both went to the floor, Sasha lashed out at her, then ran out the back door" she finished.
"WowÉ that's one hell of a night you hadÉ how bad is the gash?" Mary asked, helping Sabrina get Lian back to the couch.
"It's not too bad" Lian answered sitting back down, "mostly just a flesh wound, no biggie"
"Yeah, that's what she said to the Doctor too, until he looked at it. I swear I didn't know who was going to pass out sooner, me or the medics" Sabrina laughed as she curled up next to Lian and whispered "is this ok?"
Looking into her friends eyes, Lian smiled and answered "noÉ" pausing for effect she continued "I want you closer, scoot up a bit", doing so Lian put her arm around Sabrina and held her close. "It wasn't that badÉ honest, it just looks bad" she muttered, wondering why they were making such a fuss over the cut.
"Uh huh, and how many stitches did you end up getting?" Mary prodded, grinning as she looked at her young friend who was so obviously happy, even though she was injured.
"Only fifteen, see no big deal" she answered stroking Sabrina's hair, "But I think I'd best be taking this young lady homeÉ unlessÉ"she trailed off looking sheepishly at Sabrina.
Looking up into the two gray orbs, Sabrina smiled softly and nodded her approval. Pulling back from Lian she stood up and offered her hand to the older woman, "I think it's time I tucked you into bed"
"Uh huh" Lian smirked as she was hauled to her feet and tugged towards her room, "night John, night Mary" she muttered as the bedroom door clicked shut.
Staring at each other, both John and Mary burst out laughing, "You think they'll get any sleep?" John smirked as he began a similar procedure with Mary. "Oh I'd say more than we will love" she finished pushing him through the bedroom door and shutting it behind her.
**************
Laying there, in the still hours of the morning, the sun faintly coming in through the window and illuminating the intertwined bodies. Dappled light falling across blonde and brown hair, fingers wrapped in bed sheets. Lians arms wrapped tightly around Sabrina, hugging her closely. Slowly her mind roused itself to a conscious level. Opening one eye and looking down on the body that she was holding, Lian smiled, last night had been wonderful, the injury she'd sustained was more than worth it. Just being able to hold Sabrina in her arms, to kiss her had been a dream come true. Her mind could only imagine what the future could possibly be like. Murmuring as she started to stir, Sabrina cracked an eye open and looked up into Lians gaze.
"Morning" Lian mumbled as she leant down and softly kissed Sabrina.
"Mmm, morning to you too" she replied returning the kiss, "did you sleep ok?"
"Uh huh, like a babe, I'm sure it has something to do with my new sleeping arrangements" she smirked as she snaked a hand around Sabrina's waist and up under her shirt to gently tickle her.
"Hey, no starting things you can't finish young lady" Sabrina giggled as she tried to squirm out of her friends reach.
"Heh, that's ok, I'm neither young nor a lady" she retorted tickling her companion with more enthusiasm.
Rolling off Lian, Sabrina began a gentle attack of her own, "and just how 'old' are you my charming knight?"
Bursting out laughing, Lian replied "I'm twenty-one, not terribly old, but if you keep making cracks like that, I'm going to die from laughter and won't have to worry about old age"
Smirking Sabrina continued her attentions, switching from tickling her friend to softly stroking. Gentle touches gave way to more intense ones, light kisses becoming deeper and longer, until both women broke off panting, looking at each other with huge grins on their faces.
"Uh, well, that's one way to wake up" Sabrina chuckled as she gently patted Lians stomach.
"Yeah, one way I'm certainly enjoyingÉ" Lian grinned at the attention she was receiving, "but unfortunately, both you and I are supposed to be at workÉ in approximately one hour" she finished as she gently stroked Sabrina's hair and placed another kiss on her sweet lips.
"MhmmÉ and if you keep this up, we're not going to make it" she mumbled as she returned the kiss deepening it.
'And this is bad why?' Lian's mind sang out as she broke away from Sabrina. "Mmm, as nice as this is, we really need to get going here, or neither of us are going to have jobs"
"Yeah, I knowÉ You taking the shower first or am I?" she questioned pulling away and climbing out of the warm bed.
"Hmm, decisions decisionsÉ" Lian laughed as she clambered out after her, "how about you go first, I'll go get some breakfast organized"
"Ok, sounds good to me" Sabrina finished walking off into the bathroom and shutting the door.
"Or the third choice being we share a shower" Lian mumbled to herself, then breaking into a fit of laugher as she strode through the bedroom door into the livingroom.
"Morning LianÉ Sleep well?" John chuckled as the tall blonde started blushing.
"Oh John, leave her aloneÉ Morning Lian, Sabrina coming?" Mary asked pouring some more coffee into John's cup.
"Yeah she will be, she's taking a shower, then she'll be out" Lian replied walking into the kitchen and getting some cereal and bread ready for their breakfasts.
"She's taking a shower and you're out hereÉ Why? Oh and IÕd say sheÕs already ÔoutÕ" John chuckled as Lian started going crimson from the neck up.
'Oh manÉ how am I gonna get out of thisÉ ' She thought as she sat down at the table peeling an apple, "Well I offered to get breakfast for her, seeing as we're both due into work soon, so it would save time this way" she mumbled inhaling the apple, "and how's the newly engaged couple this morning?"
"Fair enough" John answered as Mary sat down in his lap, "Oh I'd say we're doing pretty well thanks"
"Uh huh, perfectly happy" Mary chimed in before giving him a quick kiss.
"Oh that's it, I'm going to throw up! Excuse me if you will, I think I hear the shower calling" Lian snorted as she left the table heading back to her room and a nice hot shower, 'and one wet, cute and irresistible Sabrina' her mind added.
"Was it something I said?" John laughed as he picked Mary up and carried her back to their room.
"Right now, I don't really care" Mary answered kicking the door closed as she started nipping at Johns throat.
**************
Sitting in the office, Lian turned around and surveyed the remnants of the previous night's efforts. The video camera sat on the desk, along with some of the money Sasha had dropped as he'd fled the scene. She turned around as she heard the door open, surprised to see Sabrina walk in, followed by Harry and two police officers.
"Uh, what's going on?" she asked.
"Lian, we've got some bad news. SashaÉ he'sÉ" Harry broke off, unsure how to tell his young friend the bad news.
"He's what?" she answered feeling slightly nervous.
"You're Lian McGowan, correct?" the first officer questioned.
"Yes" she replied.
"And you were injured in this building last night?" he continued.
"Yes" she said, again, shifting in her seat.
"Would you be willing to sign a formal complaint against Sasha Cochrane?" the second officer questioned as she looked at Lian and grinned.
"Lisa! Uh, sure, why? What's going on?" she asked, happy to see the familiar face in the strange uniform.
"Oh Ray, enough with the formality, Lian, Sasha has a recordÉ" Lisa started to say,
"He'sÉ he's a real piece of work" Ray added pushing his hat off his forehead.
"What are you trying to tell me" Lian questioned, becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
"He's got five previous convictions for GBH, and another ten that weren't proved" Lisa answered as she leant against Harry's desk, "you could have been seriously hurt last night".
Lian sat there, trying to come to terms with what the officers were telling her, and her own thoughts as she tried to rationalize out her thoughts, if she'd known about this last night, would it have changed her actions, would she still have reacted the same way. 'Yeah I would have. Sabrina was in danger, I had to do something' she thought looking back up at Lisa and Ray.
"Ok, so what do we do now?" she asked, turning to see Sabrina sit down next to her and put a hand out on her knee.
"Not much we can do. We have to wait until he's either found or is seen and reported" Ray said.
"Great, so basically we just sit here, while he escapes, wonderful" Sabrina shot out, beginning to get angry at the whole situation.
"It's ok Bri, we'll get him" Lian whispered as she stroked Sabrina's hand, "Well there must be something we can do?" she asked Lisa.
"Nope, not a thing. You can press charges against him for that" Lisa answered pointing at Lians shoulder, "but otherwise there isn't anything anyone can do"
"Ok, well that's a start" Lian replied, "shall we get started then?"
They spent the rest of the morning filling out papers and signing documents. The amount of red tape that was covered shocked Harry, Lian and Sabrina. "It's no wonder there's so many crimes going on, you guys are too busy trying to pull yourselves out from under all this" Sabrina said indicating the masses of paper scattered around the office.
"Oh don't we know it" Lisa chuckled as she finished stacking the papers and putting them into a crisp manila folder. "So we'll see you guys later, if we hear anything, we'll let you know" she finished as Harry escorted her and Ray walked out the office and through the back door.
"Well that was a fun morning" Lian smirked as Sabrina jumped up and into Lians lap.
"Uh huh, but can we just not talk for a few minutesÉ Harry will be back soon andÉ" she trailed off as Lian captured her lips and started sensual assault on them.
Breaking away for a split second to mumbled something before Sabrina could silence her again, Lian muttered "I really don't think this is the time or theÉ" she was cut off as the younger woman took control again.
"Shh, no talking" Sabrina breathed as she deepened the kiss, drawing Lians tongue into her mouth and gently sucking on it.
'Oh god, this isÉ' She was the last coherent thought she could muster. Her mind was reeling, one part begging that these sweet sensations that were flooding her mind, body and soul would continue. The other scared to death that Harry would open the door any second and find them.
Pulling back and stifling a moan at the loss of contact, Lian looked down into Sabrina's face, taking in the brown eyes that had deepened into an almost black, a lecherous smile spread over those sweet lips. "YouÉ IÉ look we have to stopÉ I'mÉWe need to talk" she finished lifting Sabrina off her lap and putting her back on the seat.
"Did I do something wrong?" Sabrina asked, now confused and scared.
"No, oh gods no, it's meÉ Look I'll see if I can get us the afternoon off, my shoulder's hurting and I'd like to go home anyway" Lian answered as she walked out the door in search of Harry.
***********
Forty minutes later the two women were back at Lians apartment, seated opposite each other on the couch, hot cups of coffee in their hands.
"Look, about beforeÉ Please believe me, it wasn't you, what you were doing was incredible. I've never felt anything like that before. But IÉ I can'tÉ I mean I haven'tÉ I'mÉ" Lian mumbled breaking off, putting the coffee down on the table and walking over to the window.
"It's ok. Look we'll just play it by ear. I'm sorry for coming on so strong, IÉ I just couldn't help it. It's like I've been waiting thousands of years to kiss you again," Sabrina said hoping that would ease her friends' anxieties.
"Yeah, butÉ Bri, you need to know this. I could kiss you from here to eternity, and that doesn't bother me. Every time you touch me, my skin burns, and when you're near I can't keep my hands off you" she confessed with her head hung down as she looked at her feet.
"Ok" she answered waiting patiently for Lian to continue.
"ButÉ but after that IÉ" stopping and turning around to look her in the eyes Lian went on, "Sabrina, I'm a virgin, I've never been with anyone"
'WhoaÉ OkaaaaaayÉ Well I didn't see that one coming' she thought to herself. It had never occurred to her that she would be the more experienced of the two. Sabrina sat on the couch, trying to think of anything that she could say to reassure Lian, or to at least make her feel better. "Li, it's ok, we don't have to doÉ" she started to say.
"NO! Wait, you don't understand" Lian jumped in, afraid that Sabrina was getting the wrong message. "It's not you, I mean it is you, butÉ How to explain thisÉ I've been waiting for the right person. The one special person" she said walking back over to the couch, sitting down next to her.
"That's ok, like I said, we don't have to do anything you don't want toÉ" she tried to say again, but was cut off as Lian sealed their lips together and kissed her.
Breaking off and looking intently at the young woman before her, eyes shinning brightly even through all the stress from the last forty-eight hours. A smile that could brighten the darkest of days, "no, Sabrina, listen to what I'm sayingÉ I was waiting forÉ you" she said lowering her mouth back to the other woman's, softly kissing her, then deepening it as she tried to show her just how much cared about her.
'Oh man, she's full of surprises, I'll give her thatÉ WOW!' She thought as she felt Lians hands slip under her shirt and start stroking her stomach. Pulling away she looked into two gray orbs that were intently focused on her, "IÉ uhÉ wow, thank youÉ But look, we don't have to do anything that you're not comfortable with or don't want to do" she said as she ran her fingers through Lians hair.
"Uh huh" Lian mumbled as she started nibbling her way along Sabrina's neck, "What'd you say beforeÉ something along the lines ofÉ no talking" she chuckled as she felt the younger woman gasp as she started sucking her pulse point. "It's ok babe, I justÉ you had a right to know, that's all" she finished as she raised her head to kiss Sabrina on her lips.
"Ok" she replied as Lian softly kissed her, "now, what are we going to do about Sasha. We can't let him get away like this"
Nodding her head in agreement before resting it on Lians chest, she replied, "but thereÕs nothing we can do. You heard Lisa, itÕs out of our hands"
"Nothing is ever Ôout of our handsÕ there is always something a person can do" Lian answered before placing a kiss on her head.
The pair sat in comfortable silence. Both thinking about the various problems that they had to over come. The kitchen clock ticking away, hypnotically sending both women into slumber without too much trouble.
************
"WhatÕs going on Harry, why were the cops here, and whereÕs Sash?" Joe asked as both he and Harry walked through the hallway towards the kitchen.
"IÕll explain in a few minutes, please go and round up everyone, I need to speak to you all in the kitchen, now" he replied, as he turned off into his office leaving Joe to gather the other staff as requested.
Minutes later everyone was gathered in the quiet kitchen, all looking at each other in the hope that someone knew what was going on. Harry walked from his office, into the crowd of people. Some who had worked there for many years, others only new that season, but all of them were friends, people he thought he could trust. Not liking what he was about to do, but seeing no other option, Harry cleared his throat and looked onto the many faces.
"Everyone, I have some disturbing news. As some of you may have heard, we had a small incident here last night. For some time now, there has been money slowly disappearing from the daily takings. At first I thought it may have merely poor book keeping, unfortunately it wasnÕt" he started as he walked over to one of the benches and sat down on it, not something he would normally do, but these were not normal times.
"Who was it? What happened? WhereÕs Lian and Sabrina? And Sasha?" a dozen voices called out, wanting answers to the many questions running through the now buzzing room.
"All in good time, let me finish" Harry shouted over the bellowing voices, "We werenÕt sure who to suspect, but after much planning we attempted to catch the thief last night. Unfortunately for us he escaped"
Around of cries went up, "He, so it was a guy" one of the waitresses was heard to say amongst the noise.
"Yes it was a man, before you all get too carried away, please be quiet and hear what I have to tell you, it may indeed save us all a great deal of time, if not our lives" he said waiting for the noise level to drop down before continuing. "It was Sasha, he has been stealing considerable sums of money over the last few months, but please, no one get any hair-brained ideas of trying to catch him. We did that last night, and found out today that he has a very serious criminal background, had we known this at the time, we wouldnÕt have acted so hastily" Harry went on, scanning the room, noticing the shocked look on many of the faces.
"We had a surveillance camera set up over the register last night, we have filmed evidence of him taking the money. But when we attempted to stop him he attacked my niece and Lian, Lian was injured as she battled to protect Sabrina. He escaped and is being sort after by the police, if any of you know where he may be, or know how to find him, please tell either myself, or the authorities" He finished, sliding off the steel surface.
"But surely thereÕs something we canÉ" Liz said over the top of the voices as she made her way towards the elderly man, "and how are the girls, are they all right?"
"No, listen everybody, if you see him, DO NOT try to do anything, just make you way to a phone and call the police, please donÕt try to stop him yourselves" he answered, making sure the group of people heard him over the racket. "Yes, theyÕre both ok, a little bit rattled, but ok" he said to Liz as she put her arm around his shoulders, "they're at Lians getting some rest and trying to recover from the ordeal"
"Good, so long as their all right" she said, noticing that Joe was slowly walking out the back door, Ôwonder whereÕs he off to?Õ she thought.
Harry also noted the head chef disappearing out the backdoor.
****************
ÔDamn, that was too closeÕ Sasha thought to himself as he ran down the dark street, thinking about the night before and how close a call it had been. Jumping over another fence he continued running as fast as he could away from the restaurant. ÔToo close Sash, too damn closeÕ.
Feet pounding the cement as he ran, space and time passing by, carrying him further and further from the crime scene, ducking down through shadowy passages. Dark, stinking alleys, rotting garbage lay in the gutters, the smell was nauseating, add to it the odor of urine and alcohol, and it was a wonder he hadnÕt passed out. ÔIÕve got to get out of here, down to docks where I can hide, yeah, thatÕs the ticketÕ his mind raced as he tried to think about how he was going to get out of this mess.
Running down the streets he finally reached the Maritime Museum. Pausing to catch his breath he sat down on the pavement and looked around. Not noticing anything out of the ordinary in the middle of the night, he stood up and pushed on, knowing heÕd be happier once heÕd reached the waterfront.
Finally getting to the bank on the south side of the waterfront, he sat down to think about his next actions. Stay down here and hide, try to find some of his old contacts. He did after all still have the money heÕd stolen, a little over three thousand dollars, not a huge amount, but itÕd taken him the best part of four months to get it, now he had to decide how he was going to ÔinvestÕ his takings.
"Time to think Sasha me boy, time to think" he muttered to himself as he looked around for somewhere he could sleep for the night. The cold ground in mid winter just wasnÕt on the list of acceptable beds.
*************
He woke a few hours later, quickly looking around he remembered where he was. HeÕd been wandering pretty aimlessly the night before, and before he knew what had happened, heÕd ended up back at RyanÕs, the bar in which heÕd seen Lian quickly dispense of two unwanted admirers.
Yet again theyÕd been there, and after a few beers, heÕd spilled his story, the three of them then deciding that the blonde was in need of a serious lesson. It was perfect, between the three men, they could all take out their revenge on her. Sasha then went back to the thugsÕ house and passed out on the couch.
Looking around the room, Sasha took in the surroundings, or where they should be he thought. The room was very sparse, there was a couch, on which heÕd spent the night, a coffee table made out of a couple of old milk crates and a piece of wood. A threadbare rug on the floor that looked like it had more holes in it than a tea strainer and an old black and white television in the corner.
Rolling out off the couch and standing, he could see a doorway leading he presumed to the kitchen. Walking round to the opening he peered through. It opened into a hallway, straight ahead was the kitchen, to the right appeared to lead off to two other rooms and to the left was the bathroom. ÔPerfectÕ he thought, as it suddenly hit him how many drinks he must have had the night before.
"So what are we going to do?" Steve asked as he sat down at the table.
"I say we wait till ÔwhatÕs his nameÕ surfaces, and leave it to him, he knows her, his call" Brad replied as he sat down opposite his friend, "but one thingÕs for sure dude, sheÕs gonna wish she was never born!"
Sasha could only grin to himself as he walked through the doorway and looked at his two new allies. "Morning gentlemen, are we all up to a bit of revenge?" he chuckled pouring a cup of coffee and sitting at the table as well.
"You betÕcha pal, but itÕs up to you, your call, we just want to see her in pain" Brad answered as he rubbed his still sore nose.
"Yeah, like he said," Steve said nodding in agreement, "sheÕs gotta pay for what she done to us"
"Ok, well leave me to think this out, then weÕll get even with that bitch" Sasha answered. ÔThis is too goodÕ he thought, Ôanother two guys who hate her as much as I do, excellentÕ
**************
Joe walked out the backdoor, and stood just outside in the delivery area, thinking about what Harry had just told everyone. ÔHe didnÕt know it wasnÕt meÉ IÕve been working here for this many years, and he didnÕt knowÉ I canÕt believe thisÕ he mused as he kicked an empty barrel against the wall.
"Of all the lousy things to happenÉ this is totally unfairÉ" he said sitting down on another barrel and lighting up a cigarette.
"WhatÕs on your mind Joe?" Harry inquired as he came to the door.
"Nothing" he replied curtly.
"Right, youÕre just sitting out here, kicking the crap out of barrels and muttering to yourself. Sure I believe you" Harry said as he sat down next to his head chef.
"YouÉ after all these years, you thought I could have done that to youÉ how? Why? Surely you know me better than that" he spat, as he looked the old man square in the eyes.
"I didnÕt think it was you, but I couldnÕt be sure" he answered looking away from the mans steely gaze.
"But you didnÕt think it was Lian, thatÕs obvious" he shot back.
"IÉ IÉ thatÕs different" Harry said feeling wounded by JoeÕs attack.
"Different? How the hell is it different? IÕve worked for you since I finished my apprenticeshipÉ that was six years ago HarryÉ why is it differentÉ cause sheÕs screwing your darling little niece?" Joe yelled at the old man, only to feel HarryÕs fist connecting with his jaw.
"YOUÉ WATCHÉ YOURÉ MOUTH... YOUNGÉ MAN!" Harry yelled back as he stared down at JoeÕs prone form on the ground. "ThatÕs my lil girl youÕre talking about, and I wonÕt stand for it!"
"SorryÉ I didnÕt mean it HarryÉ It just doesnÕt seem right. YouÕve known me for six years, and yet you trusted her more than you did me" he said softly picking himself up off the ground and sitting back on the barrel.
"Apology accepted. I know it seems different, but itÕs not. I didnÕt think you had done it, but I knew Lian couldnÕt have, she never works the really late shifts. She always leaves straight after, sheÕs never had the opportunity to access the register or even the safe" Harry answered as he rubbed his knuckles, slightly amazed at how hard heÕd hit the young man.
"Yeah, I guess, it justÉ It hurt Harry, it hurt to think that you suspected me, even for an instant" Joe replied, "nice hook by the way, that hurts!"
Chuckling a little bit and rubbing his knuckles Harry said, "yeah well, teach me to hit such a hard object. Sorry about thatÉ and IÕm sorry for making you think I didnÕt trust you, I do, so please, come back inside and weÕll get some ice for thatÉ canÕt let the others think youÕve had your butt kicked by an old man"
Laughing at the thought both men stood and walked back into the restaurant.
************
Yawning as she woke up, Lian opened her eyes and looked around to see where she was. Momentarily feeling lost, she realized that she was indeed in her apartment, on the sofa with Sabrina still laid across her softly sleeping.
ÔPoor kid, sheÕs been through one hell of a weekÕ she thought, Ôhang onÉ poor kidÉ sheÕs only a few years younger than meÉ sheeshÕ her mind chuckled as she thought about the young woman lying on her. ÔWhat am I going to doÉ SashaÕs out there, somewhere, with HarryÕs money, and thereÕs nothing I can do to catch him. Not to mention my visa runs out in three weeks, and I have to leave, which is just wonderful now IÕve not only met Sabrina, but donÕt want to leave her. Jeez, it never rains when it poursÕ
Still staring off into space, Lian never saw or felt Sabrina creep up her chest. Looking down into the pools of steel gray, Sabrina leaned down and kissed Lian. Gently parting the other woman's lips with her tongue and starting a teasing exploration.
ÔWhoaÉ Earth calling all space troopersÕ Lians mind chuckled as she started to comprehend what was going on. ÔHeh, I could get used to thisÉ Uh huh, I sure couldÕ Lian thought as she leaned up into Sabrina, sending her hands around the girlsÕ back and up under her shirt where she started to massage her shoulders.
"Hi there, enjoy youÕre little nap?" Lian smirked as she broke away from the kiss.
"Ugh, yeah, but IÕm enjoying this more" Sabrina replied seizing mouth again with her own.
ÔMhmm, oh yeah, this is way more enjoyable than sleepÕ Lian thought as she felt her tongue being sucked back into SabrinaÕs mouth, where the younger woman was nibbling on the end. 'Come on Lian, time to work, not to play' her mind chided her as she recalled her previous thoughts. Breaking off from the kiss, she looked into Sabrina's eyes,
"Sabrina, there's something else we need to talk about" she said stroking the long black silken locks.
"Mmm, what about?" she answered enjoying the soothing feeling.
"About the fact that my visa runs out soon" Lian stated not relenting in her ministrations.
"Your what? When? Why didn't you tell me?" Sabrina shot out as she quickly pulled away from Lian.
"I...ugh... it runs out in three weeks, I can't renew it, it's non-renewable, I have to be out of the country the day it expires" Lian answered as she pulled the young woman back towards herself, "besides which, up until a few days ago, telling you didn't really matter"
"I guess... What are we going to do?" she asked laying her head back down on Lians chest.
"We? I... Well there's not much 'we' can do... I have to leave, I'll try to apply to come back, but I don't know how long that will take, it could be weeks, or it could be months" Lian replied as she snuggled back down into the warm couch.
"Ok, well I'm coming with you" Sabrina stated as she curled back up into a tight ball on top of Lian.
"But you... Bri, you've got classes, you can't come" Lian objected, half wishing it wasn't the case.
"Don't you want me to come?" she said with a dejected tone, setting Lian up for the fall.
"No, of course I do, but that's not the point! You have class, you can't just up and leave because of me" Lian objected, feeling like she was losing a battle she didn't realize she was fighting.
"But you'd like me to come, if I could, right?" Sabrina pushed.
"Yes, but that's not the..." Lian started to say before being cut off.
"So it's only because of my classes, otherwise I could come, right?" Sabrina said lining up the final nail to Lians coffin.
"Yes, but that's impossible, it's not going to happen" Lian said, feeling sad at the thought of leaving the young woman.
"Nothing's impossible Lian, just improbable, never impossible" she countered as she placed a quick kiss on the cooks lips, "so you just leave that to me, ok".
Holding her hands up in the air, Lian nodded before putting them down on Sabrina's shoulders and rubbing slow circles down her back. "Ok, you're the boss... How about we go grab some dinner? Hmm, eat out for once, maybe take a walk? How's that sound?"
"Sounds great, I'm starved" Sabrina replied jumping off Lian and hauling her friend to her feet.
"You're always hungry," Lian retorted before she thought about what she'd said. 'Hang on, where'd that come from?' she thought.
'Huh! I am not... Well not always anyway' Sabrina chuckled as she slapped Lian across the stomach, "har har! Come on sweet Chef oÕ mine, let's go"
*************
"Come on Brad, weÕre gonna be late, hurry up" Steve called as he walked out the front door.
"Yeah yeah yeah, youÕre nothing but an old woman!" Brad chuckled as he bolted out after his buddy.
"I am not!" Steve said back, feeling a bit hurt, "I just donÕt wanna miss any of them girlies down at the bar"
"Not like itÕd make any dif pal, they never look at you anyways" Brad shot back as they walked down the street headed towards Ryan's Bar, their favorite place to hang out and try to pick women up.
"Yeah we'll see who gets lucky tonight mate, just you wait and see" he replied with an evil grin, "got a feeling I'm gonna get lucky tonight"
Laughing, Brad slapped Steve on the back and kept walking, it was going to be an interesting night.
************
Stepping out onto the cold night's air, Lian shivered as the cool air hit her in the face. Once again thanking Mary silently for thick wool lined jacket, so far the Christmas present had turned out to be very useful.
Shuffling behind her, Sabrina walked up to Lians back, pausing just inches from the older woman, she sniffed the air, her nose tingling at the cold air, picking up the scent of Lians perfume, deciding that she liked it, Sabrina stepped in closer and hugged her tall friend.
"Hey shorty" Lian chuckled as she felt Sabrina wrap her arms around her waist.
"I am not short... I'm only a few inches shorter than you" Sabrina said as she pulled Lian in tighter.
"Yeah, and I can't say that I'd have it any other way" Lian replied, turning and placing a kiss on Sabrina's forehead, "now, is there anything you'd like to do?"
"Mmm, yeah.... But I'd settle for a walk on the beach" she answered tugging Lian off towards the beachfront.
Minutes later they were walking down along the water's edge, laughing and carrying on. One second just peacefully strolling along, talking about work and what they would do on the weekend, the next Lian would be tickling Sabrina after she'd made some smart aleck remark.
"I told you before... I am not.... ugh.... ticklish" Lian shot back as Sabrina once again tried to find Lian's most responsive spot, instead her hand found a nice warm pocket when it slipped underneath Lians jacket.
"Hey... You've been holding out on me... you're all warm, that's not fair," she said pouting and pulling on the buttons.
"I wasn't... I just know when to keep my mouth shut" Lian chuckled as persistent fingers fumbled with the jacket, "jeez Bri, anyone would think you wanted me to freeze"
"Ugh, sorry, it's just you're nice and warm, and I'm kind of cold" she answered, 'liar liar pants on fire, Sabrina, you are the worlds biggest and worst liar, you just want an excuse to get close to her' her mind teased her.
"Ugh... caught in the act I guess" she chuckled as Lian undid the last few buttons and pulled her into a big bear hug.
"Mhmm, but sometimes it's worth being caught doing the crime" Lian said as she leaned down and kissed Sabrina, nibbling on Sabrina's lower lip as she broke off, Lian continued, "not to mention the suitable punishment for the crime"
'Oh yeah, I've never been this happy about being in trouble before... definitely a good thingÕ Sabrina thought as she felt Lian bite down gently on her lip, "hmmm, yeah... that could be a good thing I suppose" she mumbled not really thinking about what she was saying.
"Yeah" Lian groaned as Sabrina seized her mouth again, kissing her furiously, her tongue being quickly sought out and sucked on. Hands roaming under her shirt, starting a hypnotic motion that stole any conscious thought from her mind and body.
**********
"Ahh, stuff you dubby, we're no dunk" Brad babbled as he fell out the bar doors onto the footpath, falling over onto his knees and staring at the cracks in the cement.
Two steps behind him was Steve, in a very similar mental and physical disposition. "Nope, not drunk, just happy" he chuckled at finding Brad looking around on the ground as
though he'd lost a contact lens.
"Stevie, help me up, pweeeeease" Brad called up from where he was, which was now flat on his back looking up into the night sky laughing like a child thatÕd had too much sugar.
"Jeez youÕre a cheap drunkÉ How many drinks did you have? ÔBout ten shots and that many beers wasnÕt itÉ ThatÕs bad man, really bad" Steve chuckled as he hauled his best-friend up, "come buddy, letÕs go home"
"Mmm, homeÉ gooooood" Brad muttered as his eyes came level with SteveÕs.
They started walking slowly along the waterfront, occasionally stopping to allow Brad to heave up some of the alcohol and nachos theyÕd been partaking of in the bar. All in all theyÕd had a good time. There werenÕt many women out at the time, but that minor detail hadnÕt stopped their gallivanting around RyanÕs as though they were GodÕs gift to society.
The only thing that had spoilt the evening was that damn woman copper thatÕd had them thrown out. Truth be told it was probably their fault for harassing the woman she was with, but that was no reason for her to threaten to run them in, they hadnÕt done anything really wrong.
One foot after the other they made their way closer to the basement apartment they rented, walking along the footpath with the cool breeze blowing in their faces was really quite refreshing, especially after the smoky bar. Pausing as they rounded the second last corner before turning into the street they wanted, both Brad and Steve looked out onto the beach, semi-amazed at what they saw. Sitting not fifty meters away were a couple, not that thatÕs terribly unusual, but as they kept watching they realized who the couple were.
"No way" Steve mumbled as he pulled Brad into the shadows of the nearby buildings.
"Whaaaa? ItÕs just someÔun gettin lucky ainÕt it" Brad slurred as he threw up for the third time.
"No you fucking drunk, itÕs not someÕun, itÕs that damn whore, the one that got us, and her bitch, oh this is too good" Steve sneered as he looked intently on the two women as the smaller one pushed the other backwards onto grassy bank.
Snapping to attention at the memory of their encounter, Brad turned and glared towards the two women, "We gotta get Ôem Stevie, we gotta get Ôem now!"
"For sure pal" the man answered looking around for something to use as a weapon, "but she ainÕt getting off lightly this time, this time IÕm going armed"
"Hey, whatta Ôbout me? Damn bitch broke ma nose" Brad cursed as the two men set off towards the women.
"DonÕt worry about it, she ainÕt even gonna see us coming" Steve said as he went racing at the two figures rolling around on the slope before him.
***********
ÔOh good god, I have got to get us back to the apartmentÕ Lian tried to think as she felt Sabrina slide both her hands up under her shirt, reaching round to the clasp on her bra. "BriÉ weÉ ugh, oh godÉ we need stop" she mumbled trying to think and speak at the same time.
"Mmm, donÕt want to" Sabrina answered pushing Lian backwards until they bumped into the grassy slope, falling gently to the ground she quickly repositioned herself on top of Lian.
"IÉ ohÉ ughÉ IÉ" Lian muttered, having completely lost all speaking capabilities when she felt one small hand creep around to her breasts, lightly touching and teasing the left nipple.
"Uh huh, me too" Sabrina smiled as she inched her way up underneath Lians shirt, kissing her way up her stomach towards Lians now very sensitive breasts.
Rolling over slowly, Lian extricated herself from SabrinaÕs deliciously torturous touch, pinning the girl with one hand, sealing their mouths together in a long sensuous kiss. She sent the other hand down the plains of her thigh, only to bring it very slowly back up the inside of her leg, stopping just below her center. Pulling back and looking down into the normally clear brown eyes that were now an almost black hue.
"We have got to stop," she said as she softly kissed the tender lips below her, "we canÕt do this here"
"Yeah, I guess youÕre right" Sabrina smirked as she leaned up stealing another kiss, "even if it would beÉ"
She never got to finish the sentence as two men suddenly loomed up behind them, one with an empty beer bottle in his hand. All she had time to do was scream as the closest man sent the bottle smashing into the back of Lians head.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Sabrina screamed as she heard the glass shatter into hundreds of shards, Lians body slumping to the ground with a thud, "what theÉ Lian?"
Lian lay on the ground, perfectly still, to anyone else it would appear that she was no more than in a deep peaceful sleep. The only sign that things were not as they appeared was the slow trickle of blood seeping from her skull.
"Yes! Ya got her Steve, well done, thatÕll teach the cow" Brad bubbled as he looked down on the deathly still body.
ÔShit, what do we do nowÕ Steve's mind suddenly yelled. It had been all very well to get back at the woman, but now that she was unconscious and seriously wounded, that was another matter. "Shut up Brad, weÕve got a minor problem nowÉ We got her all right, only now what are we gonna do with her?" he muttered looking at SabrinaÕs face as she leapt to attend the side of her friend.
"You bastards, if youÕve hurt herÉ" once again she was cut short as Brad sent his fist into the side of her jaw.
"God sheÕs annoying" he laughed as the younger woman fell on top of the other body,
"Well I guess we can take the big one back to Mr. Stuffy pants" Steve suggested nudging Lians still body with his booted foot.
"Actually, thatÕs not as dumb as you sound" Steve chuckled as he bent over to roll Sabrina off Lian, "Give me a hand Brad, this oneÕs a bigÕun"
Eventually they managed to haul Lian from under Sabrina and into a semi standing position.
"What about the other one?" Brad asked looking back at the form lying on the grass.
"What about her?" Steve sneered as he looked back.
"Heh, good point" he replied focusing on the job at hand, "told ya I was gonna get lucky tonight"
Laughing both men started walking towards their apartment, and a nice warm bed that awaited them.