There was an unfamiliar scent filling his nostrils – sweet and inviting – Gabe wondered if it was unique to her, or was it just a perfume than any...ne could buy. He nipped at the shell of her ear, traced its outline with his tongue, felt a little tiredness of this particular muscle. Her arms were under his shirt now, pulling it up, he moved away slightly, and let her help to take it off. It was strange, her awe-filled eyes on his chest, fingers gently tracing his muscles. He never really put. " I felt almost paralyzed. This was not the typical thing a guy like me expects when he gets home from work. "Debbie, what are you doing? Cigars! What the fuck? Is this some kind of role playing or are these ladies corrupting you?" The last half of that sentence was only partly a joke. She didn't smile."Sit down," she said coldly. As I sat, a new look came over her face. No, it wasn't exactly new--I had seen the look more and more over the last several weeks. The look said "I'm in charge. Setting the bottle in front of him, he stared at it and wondered what he should do.The glass was clear and unfogged by moisture or salt. Sealed with care, there was not even a trace of water inside. Cork and wax had been used to guarantee a watertight seal. Inside, protected from the elements was a rolled tube of fancy parchment paper wrapped in a red ribbon. Even in the dim light from the stars and the cars passing by above, the redness of the ribbon seemed to ooze a liquid warmth.Clearly, it. "It did work out quite well, didn't it?" Mark nodded enthusiastically. "It was naughty of Peter not to warn you though and we'll be able to tease Chris when he gets here about being browbeaten by his adjutant and RSM." You know they're taking over their quarter on Friday?" Yes, so does Frances so you can relax." Thank you, General."Life returned to routine. Jean Whitty invited them to dinner on Friday 6th November and Mark was able to buttonhole her with his plot for Victoria's birthday. Jean.