Prohibition

[Lana "Big Mama" Celeste]

*Standing out on the balcony with the city’s lights burning far below, Lana closed her eyes and imagined them as thousands of candles on a birthday cake. Even if she made a wish and blew them out, and even if that wish came true, nothing could make her happier than how she felt standing here wrapped in Eddies strong embrace. She had ached to feel his arms around her, the whole time he had been gone. Turning her head up to face him, her lips begged for his kiss and he quickly answered her request with a long deep kiss that made her toes curl. She turned around so that she was facing him, her lips never leaving his, as her arms reached up to wrap around his neck. Breathing in his scent as though it were her favourite perfume, Lana felt dizzy as though she were about to pass out from the sheer joy of having him back in her arms where he belonged.

Without breaking the kiss, Eddy swept her up in his arms and carried her back into her room. She thought that he was going to take her straight to the bed, and she felt the inside of her thighs grow warm at the prospect. The delicious aroma of the rose petals reached her senses though, seemingly at the same time as him, and she could not help but let out a small groan of protest as his lips left hers only to be a few centimetres away. She nodded and smiled dreamily as he spoke of the bath, feeling safe and warm in his arms.

~mmmhmmm..~ she murmured. When she spoke, her voice was even more husky than normal. ~I was more interested in getting dirty..~ she laughed, the sound throaty and rich. ~But yeah, lets get all soapy.~ With one last kiss, she wriggled out of his arms, her feet soon touching upon the smooth floor. Kicking off her shoes, she walked over to the tub and ran her fingers through the hot water.

~Perfect..~ she smiled up at him. ~ Now, how about you help me out of these clothes before the water goes cold, hmm?~ *

[Fast Eddy]

Eddy's eyes wandered over Lana's shapely form as she dragged her hand through the rose-petal water. His pulse quickened as she turned to him, and he was suddenly hot and cold all over. The whole scene felt surreal to him -- surrounded by opulence, the lavish trappings he'd always dreamed of but never truly believed in, dressed in clothes he couldn't afford in a year of honest work, with the dame he'd dreamed of every night for years. He had stepped out of a cell-block nightmare into the fantasy every two-bit con and greasy smuggler aspired to.

Time froze for just a moment, and Eddy savored it like fine wine. The fire light cast Lana in a golden halo, her lavender eyes glowing, perfect mouth drawn into a sultry pout, platinum locks framing her face. Her hand, gliding through the bubbles in the claw-footed tub. The smell of rose petals.

"Now, how about you help me out of these clothes before the water goes cold, hmm?" Time moved forward one more, and Eddy found himself wanting to shout his joy to the world. Instead, he put on a wolfish grin.

"Glad to. I've been fighting the urge to tear 'em off you all night." Eddy started toward Lana, then stopped and cast an appraising look over her attire. "But I'd hate to ruin your outfit. Looks expensive."

Eddy slowly reached his hands under Lana's jacket, gliding up the sides of her trim waist. Up to her shoulders, then caressing her smooth neck with gentle fingers, before sliding down her back, moving the jacket down and onto the floor. As he slid the jacket off, his hands made their way down her spine, pulling Lana close as they found their way to the waistline of her skirt. The skillful fingers untucked her blouse as his eyes locked onto Lana's once more, bright and burning, before pulling her closer. His mouth sought hers, hot and hungry for her. His lips moved along her jaw to her neck, where his teeth gently gripped her flesh as he enjoyed the taste of her. His arms tightened, pressing her against his muscular body, as his kiss made its way to her ear. His breath was hot, his voice a whisper. "I want you," he said simply, before biting her earlobe.

Suddenly, he pulled away. His eyebrows drew together, mouth a sever line. "Too bad your corset's in the way. How the hell do you get into one of those things, anyway?" Eddy's face split into his most charming grin, obviously enjoying the tease. He casually tossed his jacket onto the bed, and began unbuttoning the white shirt beneath, but his hands froze at about the third button, and he stared down at them.

"Uh, I just thought about this, but... well..." Eddy released the button and brushed his hands down the front of his shirt self-consciously. "I wanted to warn you first. I've, uh... changed, a little." Eddy didn't know how to put it into words. He'd always been gifted with an athlete's physique, with a solid build over a sturdy frame, but this was different.

Eddy's time in prison, every day in the gym, most on the weight bench, had altered his body. All traces of padding had been burned away, until musculature stood in stark definition. Each tendon and sinew was now clearly defined; pectorals, trapezeus, laterals, abdominals, almost as if they had been carved into the surface of torso. His arms and legs had swollen, too.

In prison, it's been a matter of intimidation, a way to dissuade the bored brawlers from harassing him. But here, in the real world, with Lana... Suddenly, Eddy felt like he was living in a stranger's body, and another wave of conscience hit him.

"I, uh... I just wanted you to know," he said, glancing up at Lana. His fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, suddenly much less steady.

[Lana "Big Mama" Celeste]

*The scent of rose petals was almost overwhelming, and combined with the giddy joy she felt from being with Eddy again after so long, Lana felt as though she might pass out as she lifted her hand from the water, bubbles dripping off her long nimble fingers. She raised a slightly trembling hand to her temple and rubbed it absently while a dreamy smile crept across her lips as Eddy spoke about his desire to tear her clothes off her body. As he spoke about how expensive her outfit was, she laughed and drawled in her deep husky voice ~Eat your heart out baby..~ as she preened for him.

Then, his hands were on her, and Lana shivered as his hands found first her waist, then her shoulders and then her neck. As he trailed his fingers down her back and effectively removed her jacket, Lana let out a contented sigh. Her body had ached for his touch for the longest time, and now she felt herself trembling all over at the anticipation of what was to come. Arching her back as he pulled her closer to him, Lanas hungry mouth welcomed his with a passion that had been burning the whole time he had been away. Her tongue sought and found his, and she lost herself in the kiss. She groaned in protest as he pulled away, his mouth trailing down her jaw, but felt her toes curling as he told her that he wanted her.

~I want you too Eddy.. with every inch of my heart and soul.. there has been nobody since you left.. nobody but you..~

She giggled as he professed his struggle with her corset. ~You really have been gone away too long my love..~ Nimble fingers moved quickly and expertly as she unlaced the corset which fortunately fastened in the front. Her ample bosom spilled out of its previously tight restraints as the corset fell to her ankles, and soon she was standing before him in nothing but a black pair of silk gossamer panties, a garter belt and stockings and her peacock blue peep toe stilettos. Kicking off her heels, she smiled coyly at him as he started to remove his own jacket and shirt. Her slender brow arched in surprise when he stopped unbuttoning his shirt to tell her that he had changed during their time apart. She nodded, as if in understanding as he spoke of his time inside and the need to keep in shape. Lana shuddered as she imagined what horrors he might have had to face and she closed her eyes briefly to mutter a silent prayer of thanks to God for returning her lover to her safe and sound. As he continued to unbutton his shirt, she noticed his hands shaking, and she moved forward to help him with the task.

~My love, I would love you no matter what you looked like, you know that… you don’t need to “warn me” or fear how I think of you, for nothing could ever taint the way that I feel about you..~ she unbuttoned his shirt and reached her hands up inside the shirt, pushing it back off his broad shoulders and pulling it down over his bulging biceps. At the sight of his new found muscles, Lana bit the inside of her lip in awe of the work of art that was now Eddy’s body. How he could think that it would bother her, was beyond her comprehension. Yet, knowing Eddy as she did, she could understand that he probably wanted everything to be back to the way it was before he had gone down. Of course, that was impossible, too much time had passed and things had changed. One thing that would never change however was the love she felt for this man standing before her in nothing but his pants and shoes and she intended to show him just how much love there was in her heart. And other body parts…

Wrapping her arms around him, Lana smiled up at him as she pressed her naked chest against his own. His flesh was warm against her and she shivered in delight as she nuzzled his neck.

~That bath will go cool soon darling…. I would hate to see it go to waste…~

She was interrupted by the urgent knocking on her main bedroom door. Immediately, the sweet and coy expression on her face was replaced by impatient fury as she glared at the door.

~Maria knows that we are NOT to be disturbed!~ She growled before letting go of Eddy to stalk towards the door.

~I said no disruptions!~ Lana yelled at the closed door.

~I am sorry m’lady..~ Maria simpered through the door. ~ I do not mean to interrupt..~

~Well you ARE interrupting Maria.. now leave!~ there was steam starting to come out of Lanas ears at the thought of having her first alone time with Eddy in years being interrupted.

~But.. M’lady.. you said that we were to inform you immediately of any raids.. and I am sorry to tell you but there was a raid… at one of the clubs. That Captain Jackarkness..~

Lana cursed under her breath and stalked over to her bedroom door. Yanking a dark crimson robe off the hook on the back of her door, she pulled it on and tied the sash around her narrow waist. Shooting an apologetic look at Eddy, Lana sighed and opened the door.

Maria stood on the front stoop of the door, her head and eyes lowered, prepared for the wrath of Lana. But Big Mama knew that Maria was just doing her job and after taking a deep breath to steady her rage, she asked for the details of the raid.

~P.J called m’lady… That pig Jackarkness.. he raided the club with a group of his men just after midnight. They trashed the place pretty well he said, and they found the contraband.. they arrested Mick and Terry.. ~ Maria rung her hands, reminding Lana about the awkward attraction that had been going on between Maria and Terry for the past few months. Reaching out to place a hand on Maria’s arm, Lana urged her to go on. ~P.J said he was arranging bail for the boys, but he said that the club would need a few grand spent on cleaning it up. And.. all the booze is gone… ALL of it…~

Lana sighed and rubbed her temples. After a few moments of silence, she smiled at Maria. ~Thank you for telling me.. you were right to tell me. But P.J seems to have things in hand.. I will deal with Officer Jackarkness.. don’t you worry about that. For now though, I need to spend some time with Master Eddy. Why don’t you take the rest of the night off and go and see how Terry is holding up?~

Maria’s eyes lit up and she smiled and kissed Lana on the cheek. ~Thank you Miss..~ she whispered before she turned and left.

Lana sighed as she closed the door and stood with her back against it, looking at Eddy. Her happy mood of only a moment ago had all but been erased by the news of another raid, the fifth in one month. The pig and his boys seemed hell bent on putting Lana out of business and Lana felt her stomach get tied up in knots at the thought of what she must do. But that was for another time… now, was her time with Eddy.

Untying the sash, Lana slid out of the robe and let it fall to be a puddle around her feet. Walking over to Eddy, she wrapped her arms around him and breathed in his scent for a few moments before she pulled back her face to smile up at him.

~I am sorry about that darling.. there is much I have to tell you.. so much I am afraid. But.. all of that can wait.. now.. it is just you and me, as it always should have been.. so…~ She reached down and began to unzip his pants. ~Where were we?~ *

[Fast Eddy]

God, but she was something. Beautiful in the most classical sense, with immaculate taste and cutting edge style. And now she stood before him in an outfit that most guys only dreamed of seeing there dame in. The sight of Lana's bare flesh set Eddy's pulse to racing, his mouth to watering, and garnered an immediate response from his male self. As Lana put her arms around him and pressed herself against him, that response fortified, a solid testament to her charms. Her body felt delicious, her breathy words in his ear like feathers that tickled the skin. He wrapped his strong arms around her, one hand slipping around her waist, the other traveling lower, fingers sliding beneath the silky black fabric of her panties to cup one shapely buttock, fingers gently grasping, probing lower...

... when a knock came at the door.

As Lana stormed over to grab her robe and lambaste her maid, Eddy let out a huge sigh. It figured.

Eddy observed Lana's change in demeanor. Something was going down. Something big. Curiosity and concern vied with his ardor, unable to stop from straining to hear her conversation with the maid. He caught bits and pieces, a raid and a cop. Work for later, to be sure. No doubt Lana would need to see to this.

His lady closed the door and leaned back against it, her frustration plain on her face. Eddy wanted to tear his hair out, would have tracked down and killed whatever cop had spoiled there evening, if only to erase that look from Lana's face then and there. In fact, that's exactly what he'd do. Eddy found himself working into a frenzy. He'd find the pig that made her unhappy and make him wish he'd never been born. His jaw clenched tight, hands balling into fists. Eddy would throw him from a building, or a bridge, or in front of a freight train. Eddy would shank him in the most delicate places, and when he was lying there bleeding, Eddy would lift him by the neck, and...

...then Lana's robe fell to the floor. The violent imaginings were scattered, along with all other cohesive thought.

As Lana helped Eddy out of his pants, his ardor swelled once more. As nervous as he'd been earlier that night, he didn't feel at all awkward, standing proud in his new satin boxers. He couldn't suppress a grin. He put his arms around Lana once more and drew her close, his mouth finding her neck. He slowly sank down to kneel before her, trailing kisses down her collar, between her breasts, across her belly. His hands trailed down her back, and as he came to rest on his knees, his fingers hooked the waistband of her panties and slid them down to the floor. He helped Lana out of her stiletto heels, his breath hot on her thighs, then looked up into her face as he rolled down her garter belt and stockings.

Eddy's hands trailed up the backs of her legs, over her rump, and up to her back. He took a few long moments to enjoy the view, staring up into Lana's violet eyes before standing once more. "There," he said. "Let's get into the bath before it gets cold." Taking her hand, he led her back to the tub. Eddy dropped his shorts and climbed into the tub, sinking down into the mostly-hot water with a groan. He submerged completely for a few moments before his head broke the surface. "This," he sighed, "is almost heaven." Eddy pushed his soaked hair back off of his face, and held his hand out to Lana. "Care to join me, gorgeous?"

Of course, it's not easy to take a man seriously with a rose petal clinging to his forehead.

[Lana "Big Mama" Celeste]

*Lana smiled a grin of sheer delight as Eddy began to help her to become completely undressed, taking to the task as one might unwrap a gift which they had been hoping to receive for so long that they just had to savour the anticipation of finally seeing the gift in all its glorious detail. His hands felt like a thousand tiny little sparks of electricity as they roamed over her silky skin, his lips like honey as they kissed the places he had not seen in far too long.

She cast an approving glance over his boxer shorts and her own gift that awaited her within as he stood up and grinned at her after helping her out of her stilettos. Her grin widened as he dropped the shorts and stepped into the bathtub, the huge tub being more than big enough to accommodate him comfortably while still allowing more than enough room for her to join him. As he pushed the hair out of his eyes and held out his hand to her while inviting her to join him, she burst out laughing at the sight of the rose petal on his head. Taking the offered hand, she stepped into the warm water which was the perfect temperature and slid her now wet and slippery body up to his, the soapy water forming waves against their bare skin.

~Only you could still look sexy with a rose petal on her head..~she breathed in her husky voice as she reached up to pluck the petal from his wet head, her lips finding his as her wet breasts pushed up against his broad bare chest. Breaking the kiss with a giggle, she showed him the rose petal before blowing it back into the water. It came to rest on the water, just short of laying on his other head which was making itself known as it pressed against her stomach. Letting out a deep sigh of contentment, she began to rub her wet torso against it, smiling up into his eyes. ~Oh Eddy… it has been too long. I thought I would never see you again.. that even if I did.. you would have forgotten all about me. I never dreamed that you would be here again.. in my arms… in my bath… ~she giggled and looked over at the bed. ~And soon to be in the bed I had made for the both of us.~

Her lips found his again, their tongues soon doing the talking of the words that both of them had been yearning to say. Sliding her wet slippery body up against his quickly, she moved her legs apart, easily welcoming her most favourite part of his anatomy into its long lost home. Although slow and rhythmic at first, their love making soon picked up enough speed to cause a small tidal wave of water to splash onto the floor beside the tub. Pulling away from him reluctantly, she smiled apologetically as she reached down to gently and slowly remove their last physical connection. Laughing at the expression that was bound to cross his face at this moment, she purred ~Perhaps we should move to the bed, m’love? I gave Maria the night off remember? So what on earth would we do if we flooded the place?~

She slowly rose from the tub, loving the way that the suds and petals clung to her naked body, deliberately moving as slowly as possible so that he could enjoy the view from his vantage point. Finally, she stepped from the warm water, her bare feet soon standing in the puddle by the tub. Smiling down at him, it was now her turn to offer him her hand as she helped him out of the water. *

[Fast Eddy]

Their lovemaking was like a fantasy. Lana's heat was greater than that of the bath, her body a gyrating study of perfection in motion. Her gentle moans were music in his ears. The water gleamed on her perfect skin; her skin was like silk against his own as they moved together in their breathy exertions. It wasn't long before their excitement exceeded the limits of the tub, evidenced by the rose-petal laced cascade of water that sloshed out of the tub and onto the tile floor.

Lana gently disengaged from their bond, rather suddenly bringing an end to their aquatic antics. Eddy was stunned, and he must have had an expression on his face like he'd been punched in the gut, because Lana laughed and suggested they take their fun elsewhere. Eddy couldn't help but grin at that -- he planned to take her everywhere.

As Lana rose, for Eddy it was like watching Venus, goddess of beauty, emerging from the sea. She stood over him, the bathwater running down her body in rivulets and falling from her fingertips, her breasts, her hair. Once again, Eddy captured the image forever in his mind, looking up the length of her perfect form, eyes lingering on all the places he'd fantasized about for so long. He let his slow gaze come to rest on her eyes, her smile, and it took his breath away.

Then Lana was out of the bath, offering her hand to help Eddy out of the tub. He accepted, rising, still standing tall, and stepped onto the floor. "The bed sounds great," he said, drawing her close, "but we're still all wet." Their bare, soapy skin pressed together once more. "Maybe we should dry off by the fire?"

Eddy wrapped his arms around Lana and his hands slid down her backside, to her thighs. He took hold of these and easily lifted her off the floor. Lana's arms circled his neck as her legs wrapped around his waist. Her body pressed against his, setting his own flesh afire. His lips roamed her neck and shoulders as he carried her to stand before the fireplace. Here, Eddy rotated his hips slightly and lowered Lana down upon himself, guiding her onto his renewed passion.

Once more they moved as one, bodies taut and straining into one another. Slowly at first, their bodies grinding together in gentle ecstasy, mouths locked into a kiss that transcended words. The fire of that kiss kindled the flame of their lovemaking, and as that fire built, so did their passion. Their cries of pleasure mingled with the sound of their bodies working together, the heat of the fire outstripped by the sweet, burning agony of their embrace.

Gradually, Eddy slowed his body once more, carefully banking the flame of his passion. Arms tight around Lana, his lips on her ear, he breathed, "I think we've dried enough. Well..." he let the words trail off as he pressed Lana tight upon him. "Let's go to bed."

Eddy carried Lana away from the fireplace, each footstep a delightful jolt, and over to the massive round bed. Here, he gently lowered her onto the satin sheets and stopped a moment to admire her once more. Her skin was flushed from their pleasure, and glowed softly in the candle light. Her beautiful bosom heaved breathily, her thighs quivered in excitement. Eddy then allow his hands, and mouth, to admire what his eyes had beheld. Every shudder was like honey on his tongue, every moan more beautiful than a soprano's aria, as he sought her ecstatic release.

Finally, Eddy climbed upon the bed with Lana, stretching out with a pleased sigh. "Nice bed," he remarked casually as his fingers trailed over her bare skin. "Hope it's sturdy." At that, he grinned over at her. He reached out and ran a finger along her ear and down her neck.

[Lana "Big Mama" Celeste]

*She watched him rise out of the water, an Adonis of glistening muscles and hardness, her eyes drinking in the sight of every inch of him. As he commented on the fact that they were both still wet, she tilted her head to the side as if she were contemplating a possible solution to the dilemma before bursting into a fit of giggles as he effortlessly picked her up and carried her over to the fireplace. Wrapping her long wet legs and arms around him, Lana pressed herself up against his hard body, kissing his neck and shoulders while he walked as he did the same. Soon they had reached the fireplace and in a true testament to his strength and endurance he managed to not only manoeuvre their wet bodies into a more accommodating embrace, but also continued their love making in a way that made her breath catch in her throat while her toes curled as they were wrapped around his thighs.

Without the restraints of their former wet boudoir, Lana gasped as she felt just how much Eddy had missed her, over and over and over again as they bodies moved as one in a fluid rhythmic motion. She had forgotten how wonderful it felt to have him deep inside her and her thighs tightened around his hips as her long nails clawed at his back, driving him deeper into her still. Moaning into his mouth as his own breath met hers in short hot little gasps, Lana used her lips and tongue to taste every single inch of his mouth while her hands roamed all over his broad back. She was on the edge of her own sweet release when he slowed his pace and suggested that they move towards the bed. Unable to speak, she merely nodded slowly, feeling as though she were in a dream as he carried her to the bed, while still deep inside her. Every step he took sent shudders of pleasure throughout her entire centre, and she closed her eyes in ecstasy before he gently lowered her to the bed. Knowing that he was gazing down at her, she preened before his gaze, stretching her relaxed and flushed body out onto the smooth satin sheets, her body quivering in anticipation of his returning touch. Smiling up into those eyes that she adored more than anything else in this world, she soon lost herself in the sheer ecstasy that was now flowing throughout her body as his mouth and talented tongue sent her onto a rising wave of passion. Crying out his name several times as he brought her to the edge before falling over it like a raging waterfall, Lana squeezed her eyes shut and thanked the heavens above for returning her boy safely home to her in such a manner.

As he finally lay down on the bed beside her, she opened her eyes to see the smug smile on his handsome face. Her own lips curved into a contented grin as he commented on the bed and wondered if it was sturdy enough. Propping herself up onto one elbow she smiled at him as his finger trailed down her neck. ~Oh don’t you worry about a thing, my dear sweet boy..~she purred. ~I insisted that they make it the strongest bed in the whole country. Knowing us though… I do wonder how long it will last..~ With a soft giggle, she leant over to kiss his lips briefly before her own lips soon travelled down his wide jaw, throat, neck and shoulders. Stopping briefly to tease his nipples with her tongue, her mouth quickly headed down south before she kissed him in that special place that made every single one of his muscles instantly contract. Enjoying seeing what effect she was having on his body, she paid him the same attention he had just bestowed upon her before climbing ontop of him once more. Starting slowly at first, and then picking up speed as they moved together in perfect rhythm and balance, they proceeded to test just how strong the bed really was as Lana rode Eddy until his eyes rolled back in his head and they both collapsed into an exhausted sweaty heap. Climbing off his now relaxed body, she snuggled up to his side as she rested her blonde head on his heaving chest. Lazily tracing one fingertip over his left nipple, she smiled happily as they began the soft pillow talk that was so comforting after such satisfying sex. Soon, their ragged breathing returned to normal, and Lana smiled softly as her eyes drifted closed.
~I love you Eddy..~ she whispered, just before she fell fast asleep.

**0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0**

When she awoke, soft golden light was being filtered through the heavy thick drapes that adorned the French windows. Lana yawned and stretched like a cat after a long siesta in the sun, her eyes flickering open when she felt Eddys muscular naked form beside her and his strong arm draped casually around her shoulders. Relieved that the previous night had not just been a dream, Lana felt a lazy smile creep onto her lips as she watched the man she loved sleep. His chest rose and fell slowly, as a small smile played on his lips even in his dreams. Lana wondered if he was dreaming about her, perhaps even remembering their night of passion. Hoping to rekindle those memories for him, a mischievous glint sparked in her sapphire eyes as her hand reached down to see just how awake the rest of his body was. Happy with her discovery, she began to wake Eddy up in a way that no red blooded man could be angry with her for, especially not her beloved.*

[Fast Eddy]

Lana's efforts brought Eddy to wakefulness, though he was convinced that he must be dreaming. He was still in the lavishly appointed room he had fallen asleep in, and the same beautiful woman was still there with him, teasing him back to life with her ministrations. He sighed deeply, content to his soul, even as his body was hard and tense.

They made love again, last night's fire replaced with tender ecstasy, two souls joined as one and lost in the joy of their embrace. Their passion was none diminished, only desperate grasps replaced by caressing touches, frantic energy replaced by slowly savored completeness. Once spent, they lay in one another's arms and whispered of their love for one another. They made love once more before finally rising from the bed to start their day, though Eddy would have been content to remain.

Bathing and showering were strange tasks for Eddy. His body remembered how, but his mind was still in shock that he did so in a proper bathroom, and not a 6 foot by 8 foot cell. His morning cleanup finished, he stepped out onto the balcony to observe the city by day, clad in nothing but a large cotton towel. The air was brisk, but not uncomfortable, and he was invigorated simply by existing in this place, at this moment. His life would finally return to what it was supposed to be.

Eddy's mind drifted with his eyes across the city, to approximately where his little hole-in-the-wall room was, hidden in an trash-filled alley. He would return there today, he decided, if he had a free moment. Lana wanted him close (and he heartily agreed), so he would need to go back to gather his meager possessions. And, of course, the ring.

Thinking of the ring drew Eddy's mind back to the beach. They had enjoyed a wonderful day together, laughing in the sun, playing in the sand, and making love in the surf. It was the same day they'd taken the picture together, his only companion during his time away. They had to go back, soon.

Eddy's pleasant daydream was suddenly quashed by the thought of business intruding into his mind. He had business to deal with, too. He had a sinking feeling that he'd be hearing from Vinny Fatone before long, and wasn't sure how he felt about the encounter. On one hand, Vinny'd given him the money for Lana's ring, on the condition that Eddy spend a little time behind bars for him. On the other hand, Vinny promised it would be 6 months, tops, and it had turned out to be more than 2 and a half years. Two more years than they'd agreed on. Sure, he got the dough, and a little to spare, but the way Eddy saw it, Vinny owed him.

The problem was, Vinny's fortune had taken a lucky turn while Eddy was away, and he was now one of the most powerful men in the city. Eddy was just a smuggler, and an ex-con to boot. How could he make demands on someone with the resources of a mob boss? He'd be lucky if he didn't end up at the bottom of a river, thinking like that. Unless he could come up with something that would be mutually beneficial. That, he could probably talk Vinny into.

Mutually beneficial, hm? Eddy's mind went back to the night before, hearing the voice of Lana's maid reporting to her boss that someone had busted up one of her clubs. What did she say that pig's name was? Eddy thought a moment more. It had reminded him of "jackass". What was it? It was...

Jackarkness.

Eddy grinned to himself. Yeah, now he was ready to talk to Vinny.

[Lana "Big Mama" Celeste]

*The hot water from the shower poured down upon her blonde head, the steam rising to clear her senses which had been full of nothing but Eddy since his return. Stretching her body under the hot blast of water, Lana felt a lazy smile crease her full lips as she felt muscles that she didn’t know she had groan in protest at the sudden stretch. After so long apart, the fact that she and Eddy had made love three times in less than twenty four hours, and with such.. vigour, mind you, meant that her body might take some time becoming used to such a workout. Her heart was an entirely different matter however. Eddy had never left her heart, and neither had her love for him. She stretched again, this time all the way down to her toes, before she washed the last traces of her strawberry scented soap off her body and turned off the brass taps.

Soon, she was dry and dressed in an outfit she had deemed appropriate for a day such as the one she had ahead of her: A tailored black and white pinstriped skirt that stopped just below her knees, which were clad in silk thigh high stockings of light grey and her favourite black and white heels indicated business was on the cards from the waist down. Her ample bosom meant that anything short of a straight jacket would have any success of making her appear less voluptuous than she really was, but she was satisfied that the tailored black and white pinstriped jacket, nipped in below her bust with two pearl buttons and the white satin camisole she wore underneath was far more businesslike than her usual colourful garments. Maria had arrived at precisely the right time to fasten her platinum blonde curls into a professional looking coif, fastened by a comb of onyx and mother of pearl. The only flash of colour she allowed was her customary bright red lipstick and the crimson lingerie she wore under her outfit, but only Eddy would be witness to the beauty of such items after the long day that was ahead.

At the thought of her business at hand, Lana sighed deeply, her brow furrowing slightly as she walked out of the bathroom, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor. She gazed around her master suite wondering where Eddy was, before a slight breeze brought to her his scent from the balcony. Her brow smoothed as she walked out to the balcony, the sight of him clad in nothing but a towel causing her business woman mode to crumble as she thought about ripping that towel off him and making love to him on the balcony for the whole city to see. Although her heart and groin warmed at the thought, her muscles screamed in protest and she chuckled softly to herself as she settled for wrapping her arms around his stomach, resting her face against his smooth, muscular back. Soon, she had manoeuvred it so that she was resting against his chest, his strong arms wrapped around her where they belonged as she gazed out at the city stretched below them. It was her city, and she was set to make sure that everyone, especially the Pig Jackarkness, know it. Thinking of him, she sighed and looked up at Eddy. Trailing her finger along his broad chin, she rose on tiptoe to kiss his lips softly before she sighed again and reluctantly detangled herself from his arms.

~Well m’love, as much as I would give anything to stay here with you all day, sadly I have work to do. One of my clubs was raided last night, so I need to check on the boys, bail some of them out of the clink, get the place cleaned up and ready for business which means I need to restock the shelves and then pay Jackarkness a little visit….~ she trailed off as a memory of her last time with the Pig came to mind. The way that he had leered at her, as he had her cornered in his office, his sweaty palms pawing at her while his big leg shoved hard between her knees, forcing her legs apart. Shuddering at the memory, she moved away from Eddy slightly, staring back out across the city, but seeing nothing but the look upon the Pig’s face when she had told him that she would never let him take her to his bed, no matter what damage he thought he could do to her little empire. He had clearly taken it as a challenge, and had set about causing her as much drama and headaches as he could. Lana’s blood began to boil as she thought about having to lay eyes on him again. She had no real plan as to what she would do exactly, she had a few heavies she planned on taking with her, though she doubted that she would use them. What was the point? He was the Chief of Police, and a corrupt one at that. Short of killing the Pig there wasn’t really anything she could do….

The thought of killing him, caused a brief smile to creep across her lips. Of course, she would never dirty her hands, but she knew more than a few men who would. A few of them even owed her a favour or two, especially Vinny.

All of these thoughts crossed her mind in approximately two minutes however, hardly any time for Eddy to wonder what was going on in her head. Knowing that he would hardly have missed her sudden unease however, she flashed him her brilliant smile and reached over to squeeze his hand.

~On second thoughts.. I might leave the Pig for a while. He will be expecting an immediate response.. let him stew for a while, anticipating my next move.~

She was reluctant to tell Eddy her plans of using Vinny’s help. After the history the two of them shared, Lana wanted Eddy to have nothing to do with Vinny ever again. His power and street cred could not be denied however, and Lana knew he would be a powerful asset to have in her corner. She would just have to deal with him while Eddy was otherwise distracted.

~So my darling..~ she drawled, smiling up at him as Maria bustled into the bedroom, delivering a tray of fresh coffee and croissants which she placed on the table closest to the balcony before she disappeared quickly again. ~What are your plans for the day, hmm?~ She crossed to the French doors, pulling open the drapes so that she could reach in and grab both cups of coffee, handing one to Eddy before she sipped from her own cup and reached for a croissant. ~Don’t you want to go and collect your belongings? I can have Carlos drive you… or I have several cars in the garage you are welcome to help yourself to?~ She bit into the golden pastry, smiling around her mouthful as she chewed and waited for his answer. *

[Fast Eddy]

Eddy let his gaze slide over the city for only a moment longer before he turned from the balcony and strode back into Lana's regally-appointed space. The mingling scents of strawberry, sex, and breakfast drew an appreciative sigh as he glanced around. The bed was still in disarray from its most recent use, but there was no sign of his suit; presumably picked up by the ever-effective Maria while he wasn't looking to have it cleaned and pressed.

~So my darling..~ Lana drawled, smiling up at him as Maria bustled into the bedroom, delivering a tray of fresh coffee and croissants which she placed on the table closest to the balcony before she disappeared quickly again. ~What are your plans for the day, hmm? Don’t you want to go and collect your belongings? I can have Carlos drive you… or I have several cars in the garage you are welcome to help yourself to?~

Heaving another great sigh, Eddy stretched languorously, arms curled up over his head, and felt his back pop from his neck to his tail bone -- something that had not happened in almost three years. He held the pose, chiseled muscles across his chest, abdomen, arms, and legs tense and standing out in stark contrast. As he rose up onto his toes to finish the stretch, the cotton towel wound 'round his waist came free and slid to the floor. He finished the stretch with a third sigh as his feet came back down to the floor. He flashed a dazzling smile and a wink at Lana, who sat demurely eating her breakfast

"Thanks, doll. There are a few things I need to pick up." He crossed to the armoire, feeling comfortable in his nudity for the first time in years. He swung the doors open to look over th wares, "I'm sure your man Carlos is a great driver, but I can chauffeur myself today." He pulled a shirt from the hangar and held it up against his chest, then hung it up again, muttering about alterations. With a shrug, he settled for some pleated brown trousers that narrowed at the ankles, polished loafers, and a white linen button-down.

"There's also a few loose ends that have needed tying for, oh, three years or so. I need to see if any of my old supply lines still work. I'd bet dimes to donuts that my old buddies in Blue are still as crooked as ever, if I apply the proper leverage. And then, of course, I'll have to stop in and see Vinny." Eddy kept his eyes on his fingers as he did up the buttons on his shirt. "We got some catching up to do, him and me." The shirt was tighter than it was designed to be, and Eddy looked himself over with a grimace. "And maybe I'll swing by the department store and buy a couple shirts." He glanced over at Lana. "Can't lay around in the buff ALL day, right? Well, YOU could..." Eddy leered comically, grin wide and eyebrows bouncing.

"How 'bout we meet up for dinner? Say, 5-ish?" Eddy slid his feet into the loafers and stomped them a couple of times to help break them in. "We've still got catching up to do, too." He grinned again, swaggering over to stand before Lana. "Unless you got other plans?"

[Moridanu]

*sighs dreamily* mmmmmm fun times.