The Scars Run So Deep

Fresh Blood At Christmas

The case against Alexander and Nazariy was building up thanks in part to the evidence and documented information we had from Elena. Harry had been to the house several times in the last few days with photographs of people we thought they associated with, Elena had recognised a good sixty percent of them as visitors to her home over the years. These people were mixed in with the Russian Mafia, east end gangland shootings, and various forms of corruption.

Things between Elena and I were good, albeit complicated due to pretty much everything being against us. We never got time on our own because we had no choice, at the end of the day I was here to keep Elena safe first and foremost - the way I felt about her was second to that until we were in the all clear. I had no idea what was going to happen afterwards but I had woken up every morning with her in my arms this week and it felt incredible.

This particular morning that I woke up holding this incredible woman was Christmas morning and I couldn't believe looking down at her sleep that this girl was for a few hidden hours all mine. I slid myself out from under her arm to head downstairs and make Elena breakfast, shrugging my jeans on but leaving my shirt behind - well I had no choice really, she slept in them every night. Making my way downstairs, I found Jasper and one of the new members of the team, James making coffee - I saw the look on their faces as I approached, it was common knowledge amongst the men here that I was sleeping with Elena but I doubted anyone realised that I had fallen in love with her. I don't think that even Elena knew it, I hadn't told her how I felt - I just didn't think it would help matters.

"Morning Lucas, and er... Merry Christmas to you the guys are ordering in food from the Chinese if you feel like joining us, and Elena of course."

I felt bad really, I had organised for the support team to stay in the house next door for today, honouring the promise I had made to Elena when all this had begun we were going to have a proper Christmas Day. During the last couple of days I had bought some gifts for her, simple things just to give Elena something to open, I was sure in the past she would have had expensive gifts but with no emotional sentiment so instead I had tried to find her gifts that I thought she would like. Making the French toast, coffee and fresh orange juice I tried to think of how to tell them that we were going to want to be alone...

"A good morning to you too Jasper, and yes Merry Christmas to you both... I think the plan is for Christmas dinner here judging by the food Elena bought recently, thank you for the offer though. I will need you guys to keep an eye on both properties in shifts still so can you organise the rota properly - it may have been a while since we've had to deal with a possible attack but we can't afford to be lax."

I noticed James watching me scowling, I didn't know what it was about him but I didn't like or trust at all. I'd caught him watching Elena which made me jealous, but it was something more than that. I had a bad feeling about him, but Harry swore that he had been vetted thoroughly so I had to trust what the man I'd known for over a decade said, didn't I? I heard him mutter something to Jasper, the stupid man didn't even keep him voice low enough for me to not hear it.

"Must be a good morning for him every morning, waking up to that fine piece of ass... Wouldn't mind offer Mrs Dimitrov personal protection like that."

I saw red, moving across the kitchen I pinned James against the wall, his arm locked painfully behind his back as I buried his face against the open brickwork. Part of me hoped he'd struggle so I could break the bastards arm... Leaning forward so I could speak quietly and directly to him, I pulled his arm further up his back.

"What Elena and I do or don't do is none of your God damn business, you James is it, are here to do a job and that is to ensure that she is kept safe. Now, before I put a call in to Sir Harry Pearce and Matt in CO19 can I suggest you get yourself out there and do you bloody job!"