TITLE: "NIGHTMARES

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "WAKING DREAMS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "Inara faces up to her past at a cost. Zoe discovers that finding the Captain is only part of the battle."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"NIGHTMARES

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The handsome face looked smug. Replete after the feast of delights he had eaten. Inara ate sparingly, her eyes watching his every movement while giving the appearance of simply being attentive. He was not fooled for a minute though it pleased him to let her have her little fantasies. She thought she could punish him for the past, win back what was lost so very long ago. But no whore in the 'verse could ever be a virgin again and that would be what it would take to make her whole. The notion amused him mightily. He smirked then chuckled darkly. Inara's eyes narrowed slightly.

"You are amused?"

He sipped his wine and watched her over the rim of the glass. Oh this was delicious. Precious. Priceless even. "Why not? I never thought to see you again. I thought my allure had worn off."

She resisted the urge to spit at him and managed a mild and almost sweet smile. Only those who knew her well would recognise the look laced with poison that went with it. "I see your fortunes have gone from strength to strength."

Paul Santo smiled smugly. "A fact you could have taken advantage of had you been wiser."

*Had I been wiser I would not have come near you except to spit on your grave*. Naturally the sentiment was not said aloud.

"You said you wanted something from me?"

She took a