The one unavoidable thing in life was death. It happened to everyone, yet some, fought it like a lion, while others followed it like a moth to a flame. She was one such moth. A grim smile pulled at Terra's lips as she scooped up her drink and swallowed it in one shot. The burn of alcohol ran down her throat and she let out a hiss.

Turning, she eased her elbow up onto the glass bar top and scanned the room. The nightclub blared with music, as the masses danced mindlessly to the techno that boomed about her. Lights flared in varying shades of blue, purple and red, cutting across the room and shining on the stone edifices. The arched domes that rose above were reminiscent of the churches in the days of old, brining with it a sense of sin in a house of innocence. Innocence. What a concept. Gritting her teeth she shook her head. Focus, Terra. This was no time to daydream. She had a job to do.

Then she saw it. A burgundy velvet jacket. Pushing off the bar, she strode through the crowd, her eyes never leaving the back of the fellow. A woman within the masses, squealed and threw her arms around the man. Her bleached blonde tresses waved as she undulated against him, making sure her overly large breast implants rubbed up against him.

“Banner, where have you been?” The woman pouted and Terra wanted to slam her fist into that sly whore's face.

Banner eased the clinger's arms from him. “Not now, Susan, I'm busy.”

The cow let out a little whine and moved away. Yeah, Keep walking. Squeezing through the dancers that converged on the little space that the couple had made, Terra quickened her steps to catch up with her target.

He broke out into the open at the edge of the dance floor, then strode down the hall and into the men's room up ahead. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted the sign and a cold smile broke over her features. Perfect. Marching toward the door, she dropped her hand on the butt of her gun before pushing into the john.

The stench of urine and bleach bombarded her from all sides as she stepped into the warmly lit room. The door shut behind her, muffling the sound of the music that reverberated through the building. He stood with his back to her, before a urinal, his black hair slicked back perfectly.

“Hello, Banner.” His name was like ash on her tongue.

He didn't twitch in surprise, but rather tilted his head and turned so she could see his profile. He hadn't changed one bit. The strong line of his jaw and soft stubble always sent a shiver of delight through her. Not now. She knew what lay in that black heart of his.

“Terra. I'm surprised it took you this long.” He zipped his pants, then turned. Eyes as dark as death stared back at her.

“Consider yourself lucky, because I'm not letting you go this time.”

He chuckled, playing briefly with the frayed edge of his cuff. “Come on then. Show me what you have.”

Wasting no time, she whipped out her gun but didn't give a thought to his speed. Before the gun had even cleared its holster, he had her wrist in a vice-grip, slamming it upon the tiles above. The cold terra cotta seared into her back as his scent wafted over her. The musk of male and outdoors, and a musty smell that seemed to come from his jacket. His face was a mere inch from hers, his hot breath feathering her cheek. “Think a gun will do the trick, Deathdealer?”

She struggled to get her arm free but he proved far too strong for her. “Fuck you.”

His eyes glimmered. “I have and will again.”

Her lips thinned as a fury burned though her veins and leant her its strength. Her knee came up and although he sensed her movement, he was unable to avoid the majority of the strike. His groan of pain sent a spiral of satisfaction through her as he stumbled back.

Taking advantage of his weakness she slammed her foot into his face.