Fanfiction: Tin Man (PG)
Title: The Road Less Traveled
Pairing/Characters: 'Ambrose', 'Lavender Eyes', Ahamo, Wyatt Cain, 'Adora' Cain; 'Lavender Eyes'/Ahamo, Wyatt/'Adora'
Rating: PG
Fandom: Tin Man
Word Count: 2,471
Spoilers: Whole miniseries
Summary: The Royal Advisor and Captain of the Mystic Man's protection detail get along now.
Notes/Warnings: AU! lionille wrote The Curious Case of the Mysteriously Missing Lady-in-Waiting In Training and andrealyn wrote The Path Not Taken and the two fics together gave me the idea of writing a fic where Ambrose/Glitch is born a woman and stays one. *grin*
Beta and plot-hole-poker: umbralillium
Previous Chapter(s): 1. Rocky Beginning, 2. Smoothing the Way
The Road Less Traveled
3. Hidden Bumps
Once the car pulled up to the steps at the front of the palace, footmen appeared almost magically to unload their gear and whisk the car to the royal garage, leaving Amber Rose standing with a rather bemused Wyatt Cain. Her things had been taken inside while his had been carried off to the royal stables, where his horse had been staying during the trip. Smiling shyly, she offered her hand. "I guess this is good-bye for now, Mr. Cain."
"Yes, I suppose you're right, Miss Amber Rose," he replied, taking her hand and kissing the back. "It was a surprisingly pleasant trip."
She smiled, blushing, when he used her name rather than her title and kissed her hand. "Indeed. I hadn't expected it to go as well as it did."
"We haven't exactly got along in the past," he agreed, beautiful blue eyes meeting her brown ones. "I hope that's changed now."
Amber Rose nodded, automatically reaching up to brush her curls out of her face. "Until we see each other again, Mr. Cain."
"Until then, Miss Amber Rose." He tipped his hat to her and turned to mount the horse one of the stable hands had brought while they were talking; double-checking that his pack was in place. Apparently, it was, because he set off down the drive for the gates.
She waited until he'd disappeared through them before turning to go inside and freshen up before making her report to the Queen. Whatever fancies she may have had would disappear quickly enough once she'd buried herself in her work.
* * *
Since it was the middle of the afternoon when Wyatt got home, he wasn't surprised to find the apartment empty. Adair managed the warehouses for the family, keeping track of everything that went in and out. Since he had the apartment to himself, it gave Wyatt time to clean up and cook dinner for them. Everything was ready and waiting by the time Adair came home. He grinned when he saw Wyatt. He sauntered up to the other man, almost purring his greeting as he traced his fingers along the collar of Wyatt's shirt. "Hello, Stranger."
"Hello, Adair." Wyatt smiled and kissed Adair's cheek. His big hands drifted up to rest on the brunette's slim waist. "I missed you."
Adair pouted slightly, winding his arms around Wyatt's broad shoulders. "Is that any way to greet me after so long apart?"
"Three days is hardly forever," he retorted even as he tightened his arms around Adair's waist, drawing him closer.
"It seemed like it," his lover commented, still pouting prettily.
Chuckling, Wyatt gave in to temptation and kissed Adair, sweet, soft, and long. By the time he pulled back, the other man looked a little dazed. "I shudder to think what you'll be like when we've had to spend three weeks apart instead of three days."
"Oh, you'll enjoy the reunion, I'm sure." Adair kissed Wyatt's cheek and unwound his arms from around the broad shoulders so the shorter man could pull his chair out for him.
He grinned as Adair sat down and kissed the top of his head. "I have no doubts about that."
"Good." The taller man waited until they'd started eating before asking any questions. "How did the trip go? Was it the nightmare you feared it would be to travel with the Royal Advisor?"
Wyatt shook his head, sipping the wine he'd poured to go with their meal. "No, we talked a bit and it helped us keep from biting each other's heads off."
"Oh?" Adair arched a brown eyebrow, taking a bite of his food. "What do you mean?"
He shrugged, swallowing his food. "She came by her position honestly and worked hard for it. She knows I respect her for that, so she'll be less likely to bristle at me over a simple question."
"Such as?" Adair picked up his wineglass and gestured for Wyatt to elaborate before taking a sip.
Wyatt cleared his throat. "I asked her once how one woman could protect the Queen when it took a squad of Tin Men to protect the Mystic Man."
"I remember that day." His partner nodded and set his glass down. "Whatever she did left you pretty sore."
The blond nodded, finishing his meal. "Yeah. I think part of the reason she chose to demonstrate rather than explain was the fact that I'd specifically said one woman instead of one person."
The brunette snapped his fingers in sudden realization. "Since you said woman, she thought you were implying one man could protect the Queen better."
"Exactly. I honestly was curious and, now that I know to be more tactful about the way I phrase my questions to her, I think we'll get along better." He smiled slightly, rather liking the idea.
Adair grinned, finishing his wine. "Do you think you were sent on this mission deliberately? So you and the Royal Advisor could work things out between you?"
"I'd have to ask the Mystic Man to be certain, but, yes, I think it was deliberate," he agreed with a grin, setting his empty wineglass on the table. "Do you have any other questions or would you like dessert now?"
"Dessert, please." Adair's eyes glinted wickedly. "Questions afterwards. If we have the energy."
Chuckling, Wyatt got up to take Adair's hand and lead him to the bedroom. There was a reason he loved this man.
* * *
Amber Rose sighed and stretched, wincing when her spine popped several times. Sat in one position for too long... She rubbed her burning eyes, idly wondering what time it was. She nearly fell off the stool she was perched on when a voice startled her, "What are you doing still up, Amber Rose?"
"Majesty!" she gasped, quickly vacating her stool and curtseying. "I didn't know you were here!"
The Queen gestured for the Royal Advisor to rise. "The suns set long ago, my friend. What are you working on?"
"A design for an S.F.P.W.R.A." Amber Rose explained, gesturing to the copious notes and sketches scattered on her design table.
Violetta moved forward to examine the papers while the other woman stood back, long fingers worrying the hem of her sleeve once again. The Queen had both eyebrows raised questioningly when she turned back to the Royal Advisor. "You don't fish. Why invent something you probably won't use?"
"You know my inventions aren't just for me, Majesty," Amber Rose explained, moving forward to gather the papers together, long fingers fluttering as they expertly twitched the pile of paper straight. "Your husband may wish to fish, so the Segmented Fishing Pole with Reel Assembly would be very useful for him."
The Queen shook her head slightly. "You know he doesn't fish."
"My inventions aren't just for the royal family, either," she pointed out, carefully placing the stack of papers into a folder and setting it aside, ready for her to begin constructing a prototype the following day. "There are others who like to fish."
The two women exited the Royal Advisor's laboratory together. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, my friend: you've never been a good liar."
"It's just an idle invention, Majesty, nothing more," Amber Rose wished for a moment that Violetta was less observant, but that was part of the reason she was such a good queen. She noticed little details and analyzed their meaning and importance, all while remaining calm and composed. "Something to occupy my time and mind until something more important comes up."
The Queen nodded, lightly patting the Royal Advisor's arm. "Of course, Amber Rose, I understand. Please try not to stay up too late in the future. We need you well-rested and healthy."
"Yes, Majesty." Amber Rose curtsied and turned to enter her rooms, leaning back against the door with a sigh. I need to be more discreet with my projects... Nodding to herself, she started to get ready for bed. Once in bed, however, it took several hours for her to fall asleep.
* * *
A couple months later, Wyatt quickly got to his feet when he saw who had entered his office. "Royal Advisor. Are you here to see the Mystic Man?"
"No, I'm here to see you, Mr. Cain," she answered with a small smile, setting a box on his desk.
He remained standing for the moment, barely glancing at the box. "You wish to see me?"
"Yes." Amber Rose sat down in the chair facing his desk. "Please, sit down, Mr. Cain. This is your office, after all."
Wyatt sat down, quite curious about her visit. "Why do you want to see me?"
"I've invented something that I'd like you to field test for me," she explained, tapping the box with long, elegant fingers. "There's only so much laboratory testing can do."
He looked at the box, noticing that it was about medium-sized: not too big to carry, but too big to carry easily in one hand. Printed on top were the letters S.F.P.W.R.A. "What is this?"
"Open it and find out." Amber Rose looked calm, but Wyatt noticed that she was plucking at the hem of one sleeve with the fingers of the other hand.
Mentally shrugging, he did as she suggested. What he found inside was a series of sticks remarkably similar to his fishing pole. They were connect by some sort of string, most of which was wound around a spool attached to the thickest stick, with a crank on one end of the spool. Wyatt glanced at Amber Rose curiously. "A fishing pole?"
"A Segmented Fishing Pole with Reel Assembly," she recited, brown eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I noticed some of the trouble you had while fishing and sought to make improvements on the original design."
He nodded, picking up the object and fitting the sticks together. Once assembled, it was the same length as his own fishing pole, though the spool and crank on the end added weight. Since he'd hold that end anyway, it shouldn't be a problem. "How does it work?"
"About the same as your fishing pole," Amber Rose explained, gesturing with her hands as she talked. "I used it as my original model. Except the string extends from the reel, through the small rings on the pole to the end, where you tie your bait so you can cast it into the water, and then use the reel to bring it back in without having to put the pole down or jam it into the ground or anything like that."
Wyatt examined the pole once more, trying to visualize what she'd described. "You want me to fish with this?"
"If you could and let me know how well it worked?" she asked, looking hopeful.
He nodded, beginning to dismantle the fishing pole to put it away. "Sure, I can do that. Do you want me to write about it, or just tell you?"
"Telling me about it will be sufficient," she assured him, getting to her feet. "Thank you for doing this."
Wyatt smiled as he carefully placed the fishing pole in the box and closed it. "It'll give me a good excuse to take Adair out of the city for awhile. We both need a break."
"I'm glad I could help you with that." Amber Rose offered her hand to him. "I hope you enjoy your vacation with him."
He took her hand and kissed it as he'd been taught. "Thank you. Have a good day, Miss Amber Rose."
"You, too, Mr. Cain." Still smiling, she turned and left.
He watched her go before setting the box on the floor by the coat rack. An interesting invention...
* * *
The Royal Advisor left the Mystic Man's elegant Central City townhouse at a fast walk, skirts swishing behind her. What did you expect, you idiot? He's happy with Adair. Of course he would share something like that with him... Amber Rose caught the trolley to the entertainment district and proceeded to The Emerald Lounge. She perched on one of the bar stools and nodded to the bartender. He nodded back and fixed her a vodka martini, just the way she liked: barely a hint of vermouth and a twist of lemon to go with the vodka.
The bartender set the drink in front of her and Amber Rose took a healthy swallow, relieved when she felt the alcohol go right to her head. Given the fact that she hadn't eaten anything since lunch, it was no surprise. It just meant she'd get drunk that much quicker. That was all she wanted. Well, and to forget her troubles for a few hours.
Amber Rose didn't notice the tall, lean man who paused just inside the door to the lounge. He adjusted his coat so the Tin Man badge on the lapel caught the light and smoothed his hair back with one hand. As he moved further into the bar, his attention was caught by the slender figure perched on the stool at the end, long dark curls back into an elegant style that left her long, pale neck bare. He all but sauntered over to her. "Looking for company tonight, Miss?"
"Not especially," she replied, brown eyes--already hazy with drink--flicking up and down the figure he presented to its best advantage. "At least, not you."
"You wound me, Miss." He pressed a hand to his heart with a feigned expression of dismay. "May I ask why you don't want my company?"
"You're not him," Amber Rose answered simply, finishing the martini in front of her. "Bartender! Another!"
The man appeared as if by magic, setting the drink in front of her and taking the coin she handed him. "Last one of the evening, Miss."
"I know." She waved the man off. Those brown eyes flicked towards the man beside her. "What brings you here, Mr... Whoever-you-are?"
He seemed to take that as an invitation, because he slid smoothly onto the stool beside hers. "Simply the pleasure of your lovely company."
"Smooth-talker." Amber Rose smiled crookedly, sipping her drink. "What would the pleasure of my company involve?"
The stranger smiled suavely, white teeth gleaming in the ambient light. "Whatever you like."
"Sex?" she asked, arching both dark brows inquiringly.
Gray eyes glittered as they met brown. "If that's your preference."
"Good." She finished her drink. "Are we going to your place?"
He rose smoothly to his feet, offering his hand to her. "If you like."
"I do." She took his hand and slid smoothly from the stool, stumbling a little when she tried too hard to keep her balance. "Whoops!"
The handsome man steadied her. "Careful."
"Thank you." She leaned into him as they started from the bar, both unaware that the bartender watched them closely. "What's your name?"
"Zero."
End Chapter
A/N2: For the record, if people want a visual image for Adair, picture Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. For lots of pictures of him and the actor in other roles, go here. I have a hair fetish, so this picspam made me very happy. I especially like the season two hair. That's about how I visualize Adair's hair. Amber Rose is pretty much Alan Cumming with longer hair and boobs.
Pairing/Characters: 'Ambrose', 'Lavender Eyes', Ahamo, Wyatt Cain, 'Adora' Cain; 'Lavender Eyes'/Ahamo, Wyatt/'Adora'
Rating: PG
Fandom: Tin Man
Word Count: 2,471
Spoilers: Whole miniseries
Summary: The Royal Advisor and Captain of the Mystic Man's protection detail get along now.
Notes/Warnings: AU! lionille wrote The Curious Case of the Mysteriously Missing Lady-in-Waiting In Training and andrealyn wrote The Path Not Taken and the two fics together gave me the idea of writing a fic where Ambrose/Glitch is born a woman and stays one. *grin*
Beta and plot-hole-poker: umbralillium
Previous Chapter(s): 1. Rocky Beginning, 2. Smoothing the Way
The Road Less Traveled
3. Hidden Bumps
Once the car pulled up to the steps at the front of the palace, footmen appeared almost magically to unload their gear and whisk the car to the royal garage, leaving Amber Rose standing with a rather bemused Wyatt Cain. Her things had been taken inside while his had been carried off to the royal stables, where his horse had been staying during the trip. Smiling shyly, she offered her hand. "I guess this is good-bye for now, Mr. Cain."
"Yes, I suppose you're right, Miss Amber Rose," he replied, taking her hand and kissing the back. "It was a surprisingly pleasant trip."
She smiled, blushing, when he used her name rather than her title and kissed her hand. "Indeed. I hadn't expected it to go as well as it did."
"We haven't exactly got along in the past," he agreed, beautiful blue eyes meeting her brown ones. "I hope that's changed now."
Amber Rose nodded, automatically reaching up to brush her curls out of her face. "Until we see each other again, Mr. Cain."
"Until then, Miss Amber Rose." He tipped his hat to her and turned to mount the horse one of the stable hands had brought while they were talking; double-checking that his pack was in place. Apparently, it was, because he set off down the drive for the gates.
She waited until he'd disappeared through them before turning to go inside and freshen up before making her report to the Queen. Whatever fancies she may have had would disappear quickly enough once she'd buried herself in her work.
* * *
Since it was the middle of the afternoon when Wyatt got home, he wasn't surprised to find the apartment empty. Adair managed the warehouses for the family, keeping track of everything that went in and out. Since he had the apartment to himself, it gave Wyatt time to clean up and cook dinner for them. Everything was ready and waiting by the time Adair came home. He grinned when he saw Wyatt. He sauntered up to the other man, almost purring his greeting as he traced his fingers along the collar of Wyatt's shirt. "Hello, Stranger."
"Hello, Adair." Wyatt smiled and kissed Adair's cheek. His big hands drifted up to rest on the brunette's slim waist. "I missed you."
Adair pouted slightly, winding his arms around Wyatt's broad shoulders. "Is that any way to greet me after so long apart?"
"Three days is hardly forever," he retorted even as he tightened his arms around Adair's waist, drawing him closer.
"It seemed like it," his lover commented, still pouting prettily.
Chuckling, Wyatt gave in to temptation and kissed Adair, sweet, soft, and long. By the time he pulled back, the other man looked a little dazed. "I shudder to think what you'll be like when we've had to spend three weeks apart instead of three days."
"Oh, you'll enjoy the reunion, I'm sure." Adair kissed Wyatt's cheek and unwound his arms from around the broad shoulders so the shorter man could pull his chair out for him.
He grinned as Adair sat down and kissed the top of his head. "I have no doubts about that."
"Good." The taller man waited until they'd started eating before asking any questions. "How did the trip go? Was it the nightmare you feared it would be to travel with the Royal Advisor?"
Wyatt shook his head, sipping the wine he'd poured to go with their meal. "No, we talked a bit and it helped us keep from biting each other's heads off."
"Oh?" Adair arched a brown eyebrow, taking a bite of his food. "What do you mean?"
He shrugged, swallowing his food. "She came by her position honestly and worked hard for it. She knows I respect her for that, so she'll be less likely to bristle at me over a simple question."
"Such as?" Adair picked up his wineglass and gestured for Wyatt to elaborate before taking a sip.
Wyatt cleared his throat. "I asked her once how one woman could protect the Queen when it took a squad of Tin Men to protect the Mystic Man."
"I remember that day." His partner nodded and set his glass down. "Whatever she did left you pretty sore."
The blond nodded, finishing his meal. "Yeah. I think part of the reason she chose to demonstrate rather than explain was the fact that I'd specifically said one woman instead of one person."
The brunette snapped his fingers in sudden realization. "Since you said woman, she thought you were implying one man could protect the Queen better."
"Exactly. I honestly was curious and, now that I know to be more tactful about the way I phrase my questions to her, I think we'll get along better." He smiled slightly, rather liking the idea.
Adair grinned, finishing his wine. "Do you think you were sent on this mission deliberately? So you and the Royal Advisor could work things out between you?"
"I'd have to ask the Mystic Man to be certain, but, yes, I think it was deliberate," he agreed with a grin, setting his empty wineglass on the table. "Do you have any other questions or would you like dessert now?"
"Dessert, please." Adair's eyes glinted wickedly. "Questions afterwards. If we have the energy."
Chuckling, Wyatt got up to take Adair's hand and lead him to the bedroom. There was a reason he loved this man.
* * *
Amber Rose sighed and stretched, wincing when her spine popped several times. Sat in one position for too long... She rubbed her burning eyes, idly wondering what time it was. She nearly fell off the stool she was perched on when a voice startled her, "What are you doing still up, Amber Rose?"
"Majesty!" she gasped, quickly vacating her stool and curtseying. "I didn't know you were here!"
The Queen gestured for the Royal Advisor to rise. "The suns set long ago, my friend. What are you working on?"
"A design for an S.F.P.W.R.A." Amber Rose explained, gesturing to the copious notes and sketches scattered on her design table.
Violetta moved forward to examine the papers while the other woman stood back, long fingers worrying the hem of her sleeve once again. The Queen had both eyebrows raised questioningly when she turned back to the Royal Advisor. "You don't fish. Why invent something you probably won't use?"
"You know my inventions aren't just for me, Majesty," Amber Rose explained, moving forward to gather the papers together, long fingers fluttering as they expertly twitched the pile of paper straight. "Your husband may wish to fish, so the Segmented Fishing Pole with Reel Assembly would be very useful for him."
The Queen shook her head slightly. "You know he doesn't fish."
"My inventions aren't just for the royal family, either," she pointed out, carefully placing the stack of papers into a folder and setting it aside, ready for her to begin constructing a prototype the following day. "There are others who like to fish."
The two women exited the Royal Advisor's laboratory together. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, my friend: you've never been a good liar."
"It's just an idle invention, Majesty, nothing more," Amber Rose wished for a moment that Violetta was less observant, but that was part of the reason she was such a good queen. She noticed little details and analyzed their meaning and importance, all while remaining calm and composed. "Something to occupy my time and mind until something more important comes up."
The Queen nodded, lightly patting the Royal Advisor's arm. "Of course, Amber Rose, I understand. Please try not to stay up too late in the future. We need you well-rested and healthy."
"Yes, Majesty." Amber Rose curtsied and turned to enter her rooms, leaning back against the door with a sigh. I need to be more discreet with my projects... Nodding to herself, she started to get ready for bed. Once in bed, however, it took several hours for her to fall asleep.
* * *
A couple months later, Wyatt quickly got to his feet when he saw who had entered his office. "Royal Advisor. Are you here to see the Mystic Man?"
"No, I'm here to see you, Mr. Cain," she answered with a small smile, setting a box on his desk.
He remained standing for the moment, barely glancing at the box. "You wish to see me?"
"Yes." Amber Rose sat down in the chair facing his desk. "Please, sit down, Mr. Cain. This is your office, after all."
Wyatt sat down, quite curious about her visit. "Why do you want to see me?"
"I've invented something that I'd like you to field test for me," she explained, tapping the box with long, elegant fingers. "There's only so much laboratory testing can do."
He looked at the box, noticing that it was about medium-sized: not too big to carry, but too big to carry easily in one hand. Printed on top were the letters S.F.P.W.R.A. "What is this?"
"Open it and find out." Amber Rose looked calm, but Wyatt noticed that she was plucking at the hem of one sleeve with the fingers of the other hand.
Mentally shrugging, he did as she suggested. What he found inside was a series of sticks remarkably similar to his fishing pole. They were connect by some sort of string, most of which was wound around a spool attached to the thickest stick, with a crank on one end of the spool. Wyatt glanced at Amber Rose curiously. "A fishing pole?"
"A Segmented Fishing Pole with Reel Assembly," she recited, brown eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I noticed some of the trouble you had while fishing and sought to make improvements on the original design."
He nodded, picking up the object and fitting the sticks together. Once assembled, it was the same length as his own fishing pole, though the spool and crank on the end added weight. Since he'd hold that end anyway, it shouldn't be a problem. "How does it work?"
"About the same as your fishing pole," Amber Rose explained, gesturing with her hands as she talked. "I used it as my original model. Except the string extends from the reel, through the small rings on the pole to the end, where you tie your bait so you can cast it into the water, and then use the reel to bring it back in without having to put the pole down or jam it into the ground or anything like that."
Wyatt examined the pole once more, trying to visualize what she'd described. "You want me to fish with this?"
"If you could and let me know how well it worked?" she asked, looking hopeful.
He nodded, beginning to dismantle the fishing pole to put it away. "Sure, I can do that. Do you want me to write about it, or just tell you?"
"Telling me about it will be sufficient," she assured him, getting to her feet. "Thank you for doing this."
Wyatt smiled as he carefully placed the fishing pole in the box and closed it. "It'll give me a good excuse to take Adair out of the city for awhile. We both need a break."
"I'm glad I could help you with that." Amber Rose offered her hand to him. "I hope you enjoy your vacation with him."
He took her hand and kissed it as he'd been taught. "Thank you. Have a good day, Miss Amber Rose."
"You, too, Mr. Cain." Still smiling, she turned and left.
He watched her go before setting the box on the floor by the coat rack. An interesting invention...
* * *
The Royal Advisor left the Mystic Man's elegant Central City townhouse at a fast walk, skirts swishing behind her. What did you expect, you idiot? He's happy with Adair. Of course he would share something like that with him... Amber Rose caught the trolley to the entertainment district and proceeded to The Emerald Lounge. She perched on one of the bar stools and nodded to the bartender. He nodded back and fixed her a vodka martini, just the way she liked: barely a hint of vermouth and a twist of lemon to go with the vodka.
The bartender set the drink in front of her and Amber Rose took a healthy swallow, relieved when she felt the alcohol go right to her head. Given the fact that she hadn't eaten anything since lunch, it was no surprise. It just meant she'd get drunk that much quicker. That was all she wanted. Well, and to forget her troubles for a few hours.
Amber Rose didn't notice the tall, lean man who paused just inside the door to the lounge. He adjusted his coat so the Tin Man badge on the lapel caught the light and smoothed his hair back with one hand. As he moved further into the bar, his attention was caught by the slender figure perched on the stool at the end, long dark curls back into an elegant style that left her long, pale neck bare. He all but sauntered over to her. "Looking for company tonight, Miss?"
"Not especially," she replied, brown eyes--already hazy with drink--flicking up and down the figure he presented to its best advantage. "At least, not you."
"You wound me, Miss." He pressed a hand to his heart with a feigned expression of dismay. "May I ask why you don't want my company?"
"You're not him," Amber Rose answered simply, finishing the martini in front of her. "Bartender! Another!"
The man appeared as if by magic, setting the drink in front of her and taking the coin she handed him. "Last one of the evening, Miss."
"I know." She waved the man off. Those brown eyes flicked towards the man beside her. "What brings you here, Mr... Whoever-you-are?"
He seemed to take that as an invitation, because he slid smoothly onto the stool beside hers. "Simply the pleasure of your lovely company."
"Smooth-talker." Amber Rose smiled crookedly, sipping her drink. "What would the pleasure of my company involve?"
The stranger smiled suavely, white teeth gleaming in the ambient light. "Whatever you like."
"Sex?" she asked, arching both dark brows inquiringly.
Gray eyes glittered as they met brown. "If that's your preference."
"Good." She finished her drink. "Are we going to your place?"
He rose smoothly to his feet, offering his hand to her. "If you like."
"I do." She took his hand and slid smoothly from the stool, stumbling a little when she tried too hard to keep her balance. "Whoops!"
The handsome man steadied her. "Careful."
"Thank you." She leaned into him as they started from the bar, both unaware that the bartender watched them closely. "What's your name?"
"Zero."
End Chapter
A/N2: For the record, if people want a visual image for Adair, picture Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. For lots of pictures of him and the actor in other roles, go here. I have a hair fetish, so this picspam made me very happy. I especially like the season two hair. That's about how I visualize Adair's hair. Amber Rose is pretty much Alan Cumming with longer hair and boobs.