John and Marlena (Finally) Get a Q!

Chapter 69 - Shockwave

Gene awakened early the next morning and lay there, simply watching Marlena sleep. She was half on her stomach, and her hair was tousled from the night's sleep. She wore a white, lacy nightgown that she had slipped on after their lovemaking the night before, 'just in case' she said. One gauzy strap had slipped off a lightly freckled shoulder during the night and he had to fight the urge to undress her completely. Instead, he watched her, fascinated by the way her chest rose and fell with even the lightest of breaths. Dark lashes fanned over her cheeks, trembling every so often as she slowly rose out of her dream state.

With a small smile, he leaned to brush his lips slowly across her exposed shoulder and watched as her eyelids slowly fluttered open. It took her a moment to gain her bearings.

"Hi," she breathed sleepily.

"Hi beautiful," he winked at her with a grin, "sleep well?"

"Mmmmm," she closed her eyes again and stretched languorously. "Marvelously."

"Good," he continued to watch her as she turned over, exposing the creamy skin of her cleavage.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked as she ran her fingers through her hair, brushing it from her face.

"Mmmm-hmmmm," he ran his hand down the satin of her gown, over the curve of her hip.

Marlena smiled, her honey-colored eyes never leaving his. Reaching down, she caught his hand with hers and she drew it upward, planting a soft kiss in his palm and then seductively kissing the tip of each finger. Gene closed his eyes, trying to ignore the effect that she was having on him. He knew what her intention was, but there was too much risk involved.

"I think I'd better go and get us some coffee," he suggested, pulling away from her slightly.

"Spoilsport," her eyes were alive with amusement.

"*Someone* has to be sensible around here," he desperately didn't want to be that person, but it looked like he had no choice.

"They do?" her fingers slipped around his neck and he felt her curves melt against him.

"They do.... oh," her lips were on him, devouring his neck. It was a moment before he could collect himself enough to push her away. "Marlena, the children could wake any minute."

"Oh," her shoulders fell as his words brought her back to reality. "Of course, you're right," she looked up at him apologetically. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking."

"Don't be sorry," he grinned, "I rather like it."

"You do?" the grin returned to her face.

"I do." He kissed her gently

"Just don't be long, will you?" her fingers brushed at his unruly hair, the smile on her face enticing.

"I won't," he kissed her again, "I promise."

Taking his leave, he departed the bedroom. He passed the children's bedrooms and was pleased to see that they were still fast asleep. Quietly, he padded downstairs and made his way to the kitchen. With practiced ease, he filled the percolator and switched it on.

"Well, isn't this just *peachy*," Q whirled at the sound of the derisive tone and found himself face-to-face with Q2. Q2 simply grinned in his laconic way. "Oh Q. You're a bad, bad, *naughty* Q."

******

Carrie awoke with the nausea. Another trip to the bathroom was enough to convince her that she was not yet over the morning sickness, and even as she got ready for work, she found that she could not stifle the threatening illness.