#OKAY. TAKE MY HAND. WALK WITH ME. THE I IN LIE BY PATRICK STUMP. AND LAWRENCE GORDON.

[your-friendly-neighbourh00d-fag]

temptation makes impatient impulses pump through married men....

[non-binary-bi-fanperson]

Save Fall Out Boy

Summary: Gender neutral reader’s POV, you are a cop at the police station in which Fall Out Boy is taken in YBC after Joe is killed and you get involved.

Warnings: Character death, violance

Wordcount: 3265

A/N: This is my first fanfiction I’ve ever written, so please be gentle with the criticism. Also, English is not my first language, so sorry for any grammatical errors. Enjoy! 🖤🖤 (GIF’s not mine)

‘James and Frank are at the scene with the murderer and two witnesses, all three of them have several injuries, ambulance will take care of it, please, make everything ready for the interrogation,’ my boss told me hurriedly not long after we got a phone call from a desperate man from an abandoned hospital near the police station where I work.

Not long after that, James and Frank arrived with the three guys and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I know them. Well, as much as anybody else who likes their music. It was Patrick, Pete, and Andy from Fall Out Boy. They’re missing a band member. Is it possible that…? 

While Pete and Andy were carried away I had to stay with Patrick and my colleague, Frank and we tried to force that hook down which was attached to his left arm, right where his hand should had been. We can’t let him in to the cell with a potential weapon in - or in this case instead of - his hand now, can we? It hurt him; I could tell that, he was screaming in pain and hell, was it really attached to him, like it was burnt there or something. Damn, what have these guys been through?

Patrick was in his cell; literally the most innocent member of the band was accused with murder. What the hell is going on? My boss sent me to help James interrogating the other musicians and right when I was about to open the door, James burst out of the room, looking furious.

‘They’re a bunch of psychos, what they say makes no sense at all,’ he said to me, trying to control his anger, failing miserably. 

‘I suppose you were the bad cop with all your usual shouting, so trust me, maybe they just need some nice words and a good cop,’ I smiled at him, patting his back and going into the room.

Andy and Pete looked at me and then back at the table right in front of them. I took a seat on the chair which now was too far from the table; probably James tossed it away during one of his not-so-uncommon outbursts. 

‘Gentlemen,’ I started trying to stay professional since this whole thing was way too serious. I mean, a person just died, I can’t allow my fan-self to take over. ‘Please, tell me everything you saw, don’t let the fact that the accused is a friend of yours cloud your judgment.’

They just sat there in complete silence. I was patient, maybe they just needed time to think about a proper sentence. I waited one minute, then five, then ten more and they still haven’t said a word.

‘Gentlemen, please, we need as many details as possib-‘ I started calmly but I was cut off by a really angry Andy.

‘We just told every fucking detail to the other cop and he straight up called us crazy, what do you expect?’ In the heat of the moment the drummer even stood up and slammed his hands on the table which made me and Pete flinch.

‘Andy, please sit back down,’ Pete said. Somehow he remained calm. ‘He’s right though,’ he continued now looking at me. ‘We did tell everything and your colleague didn’t believe us, why would we make a fool out of ourselves again? Why would you believe us?’

‘Try me, I’m very open-minded,’ I told him with a small smile on my face which made him relax a little.

And they told me everything. How they had been kidnapped by a bunch of girls, how they drugged them, how they managed to escape and what happened in that hospital, everything. Honestly, when they got to the part where Patrick had yellow eyes and acted like he was possessed, I kind of doubted them, but looking in their eyes, I could tell they weren’t lying. I could feel it.

‘Okay, let’s make one thing clear,’ I said. ‘So when Patr- I mean Mr. Stump heard the music, he became this yellow-eyed demon thing, right?

‘Yes,’ Pete and Andy both nodded.

‘But… How could he just become a demon? Don’t you need to be possessed by one? And when it happens, doesn’t it take over your entire body all the time?’ I asked a bunch of questions in my confusion, I got to admit, I probably wasn’t acting so professional but I needed answers. ‘Or was Supernatural just a lie?’

Pete chuckled at my last question but Andy just stared at me which reminded me of the fact that I should be doing my job here. 

‘Alright, thank you for the cooperation, one of my colleagues will be here in a few minutes to inform you of further procedures,’ I said now more skillfully then I did before.

I was about to leave the room when Andy asked me something. ‘Wait, you believe us?’

As I looked back at him I could see the surprise in his eyes. Once again, with a small smile on my lips which I tried to hide but didn’t really succeed I answered him. ‘Well, as I said, I’m very open-minded.’ And with that, I exited the room.

Did I believe them everything? I don’t know. They were drugged, could have hallucinated half of it, and not to mention the whole emotional trauma this case could cause to them. But how they described it, it sounded too real, not like something a drugged person would hallucinate and they didn’t disagree on any of the details. If what they saw wasn’t reality at least on a tiny part of the story they would have corrected each other. But it didn’t happen, they were perfectly in sync. 

I let out a sigh while I was walking down a corridor which led me to the cell in which Patrick was. On my way there I grabbed a few paper towels; he probably needed it since he was still bleeding from a few cuts. When I was getting closer I heard him humming an unfamiliar tune, probably something from their upcoming album – if they’ll come up with another album after this. 

When I got to him, he just looked at me and then back at his hand in his lap. I couldn’t even imagine how much pain he had gone through. I mean he lost one of his hands, one of his bandmates, he’s accused of murder… 

‘Hey,’ I said in a soft tone and he looked back up at me. I was handing him the paper towels. ‘I figured you need them, you’re not in your best shape.’

‘Thanks:’ His voice only sounded like a little whisper and he gave me a weak smile when he took the towels and started wiping the blood off of his skin. 

‘Do you need anything?’ I offered. ‘Water, maybe some food? I think I can get you a sandwich or something.’

‘Why are you so nice? You’re playing the good cop now?’ he asked, his words just shouted sarcasm and irony at me.

I let out a small laugh. ‘You met James then, I suppose. No, I’m not playing the good cop as you said, I am the good cop in general. At least I’m trying to treat even the accused ones how they deserve to be treated. I don’t have to be nice to you though, I can stop whenever I want,’ I replied with a stern look, getting a little too harsh at the end.

He was just looking at me, didn’t say a word, a flash of regret could be seen in his eyes. I pitied him honestly. He seemed such a nice guy throughout the media and I couldn’t imagine who and why would have done such horrible and unbelievable things to him and the band. 

‘Look,’ I started, less sharply this time, ‘I’ve heard the whole story, and-‘ 

I was cut off by him saying ‘And now you think we’re crazy, amazing. Listen,’ he stood up and walked to the bars, now being closer to the spot where I was standing, ‘everything they told you is true. Everything. You got to believe us, I’m not a murderer, it wasn’t truly me, believe me. Please.’

He was so desperate, his bluish eyes were full of fear, despair, and pain. I could understand him, though. I couldn’t feel it but I definitely could understand. 

‘I believe you,’ I said looking into his eyes.

‘What?’ he asked in confusion and disbelief. ‘Alright, I know I just asked you to believe me, but how can you believe me? Even I think I’m crazy’

I had to force back a smile. ‘I just do, okay? And calm down, we’re going to figure something out, we just have to-‘ I stopped in the middle of my sentence because I heard footsteps. Several footsteps, to be exact, probably three pairs, two made by… High heels? What the…? 

My boss arrived with two women on his side. Wait a minute. The girls looked just like Andy and Pete described their kidnappers. Their long hair was in tight ponytails, all black clothing, leather jackets… My boss opened the door for Patrick’s cell and grabbed him, dragging him out of there, even though he protested and tried to stay with all his strength, screamed, shouted from the top of his lungs, begged me to help him. I tried, but one of the girls pinned me against the wall, holding a knife to my throat. 

‘We don’t want to hurt you,’ she hissed. ‘We only need him.’ With her head she nodded towards Patrick, who was still dragged by my boss. Looking at them, I noticed two 100$ notes in my boss’s pocket. Son of a bitch.

When they turned at the end of the corridor, the girl let me go and ran after them. As soon as I could, I followed them and arrived just on time to see the women force Patrick into a car. Lucky me, I have good eyes and quick mind so I could see the plate of the car and memorized it.

I ran to the room where I left Pete and Andy only to find them gone with only a piece of paper on the table which had an address on it. I didn’t know if I should go to that address or run the plate of the car in which Patrick was taken. The address could have been a trap for the bass player and drummer, but it also could have been a safe place.

I decided to take chances and find out where the car must have gone. After a few minutes, thanks to the traffic cameras, I could find it. I got into my own car and took a deep breath before I started it. I hope I won’t find anyone murdered… 

When I got to that older building which had the previously seen car parked in front of it, I hesitated. I know, it’s not so professional but I wasn’t doing the job for so long and it was way out of my league. I mean come on, brainwashing and demonic stuff? That’s not what a regular cop goes after. But I knew that somebody had to save those guys and since I couldn’t see anyone else who even considered helping, I felt like it was my duty.  

I managed to get into the building which wasn’t so hard considering that no one was guarding it. The tough part was not getting caught inside. I went by a room in which at least a dozen of girls were destroying instruments rhythmically slamming their hammers at them. Fortunately no one saw me. They all wore similar clothes as the women at the station and they had the same hairstyle. 

At the end of the corridor there was a locked door and I could have sworn that I heard a scream along with other noises from inside. So with a hairpin I picked the lock and slowly opened the door, careful not to make any noise in case some of the girls are in there. But no, it was only Patrick, tied to a chair, sitting calmly and staring at a brick wall with weird videos and pictures projected on it. 

I ran up to him and immediately tried to free his hand from the grip of the rope only to hear him growl at me. I looked up at his face and looked into his eyes and I couldn’t believe what I saw. They were yellow. So everything was true. Every crazy detail I was told, all of it were true. Not that I didn’t believe them but knowing about it and seeing it are two completely different things.

After I recovered from the mini-shock I just had, I realized that if I let Patrick out in this state, he would kill me. So I tried the only rational thing which came in my mind. I shut down the projector and looked deeply in the singer’s eyes. ‘Patrick,’ I started softly but desperately knowing that any of the girls could come in any moment, ‘please, you need to listen to me. It’s not you, Patrick. You have to fight this, alright?’ He just stared at me, I wasn’t even sure that he understood anything. I continued anyway, this time little more hurriedly, probably because of the fear which started to take over me. ‘Come on Patrick, you’re not like this. You’re a little ball of sunshine, you polite everyone to death, even your haters. You need to turn back, your bandmates need you, your fans need you, everyone needs you, the real you.’

At the end of my mini-speech his eyes turned back to that unique shade of blue he had and it looked like he was himself again. ‘Good cop?’ he asked weakly, looking at me, blinking a few times like he wanted to make sure what he saw was real and I chuckled hearing my ‘name’. I could see that he was confused though, he probably didn’t even know where he was.

‘Yes, it’s me, I’m gonna get you out of here,’ I said reassuringly with my lips forming a huge grin and started to free his hands again. Right when his right hand escaped my smile fell because the door swung open and a bunch of women ran into the room. Three of them dragged me away from Patrick while both of us were shouting and screaming, desperately trying to escape. I tried to free myself but their grip was too strong and tight and by kicking one of them, I only made them angry and they held down my legs as well.

They restarted the projector and Patrick’s eyes turned yellow once again. For my surprise they didn’t held him captive anymore, they let him go but he didn’t move until one of them told him to follow her and he obeyed without any questions. 

Damn it. I tried to escape once again and only earned a pretty strong punch in the face leaving my mouth bleeding. They tossed me to the ground, turned me so I lay on my back and I felt a sharp pain in my stomach. They kicked me once more which made me groan and then they exited the room.

I brought my hand down to my stomach only to feel the sharp pain again when I touched it. And there was another thing that concerned me. A warm, sticky liquid. Blood. I needed a few moments to realize that I’ve been stabbed. Well, that’s not how I imagined my day.

I was thinking about practically everything. How I couldn’t save my favorite band, how probably Andy and Pete were dead by that time, how nobody was ever going to find me, how I would probably end up in a trashcan or in the backyard of someone’s house, so yeah, pretty optimistic thoughts. I couldn’t even call anyone given that those women took and smashed my phone.

I was accepting my death, feeling that I was losing more and more blood as time went by when the door unexpectedly opened again. I didn’t even bother to look there just after I heard a small ‘oh God’ which was followed by rapid footsteps. It was Andy. 

‘Pete, they’re still alive’ he shouted to the bassist and kneeled down next to me, my blood on the floor instantly soaking the fabric of his jeans. He tried to cover my wound, putting pressure on it to stop the bleeding which made me moan in pain. It hurt like hell, but they were trying to make it easier for me by telling me stuff like ‘everything is going to be okay’ and ‘we’re here to help’ and so on, but to tell you the truth, I didn’t believe it, I knew I was going to die, there was no way they could get me out in time.

‘Bullshit,’ I said and regretted it right at that moment because it sent a wave of pain through my entire body and made me cough up blood. Now that wasn’t a good sign.

‘Hey, easy on there,’ Pete said worriedly. It kind of surprised me that he was worried about me since we didn’t even know each other but still, it made me smile weakly.

‘Guys, there’s no way I’m gonna make it so listen,’ I started seriously but had to stop because I had to cough again. ‘They took Patrick, I guess to their leader who I think is upstairs so go, leave me, you can’t save me, save him and yourselves.’

They just looked at me, not moving a single muscle and I felt my eyelids getting heavier and I knew what was coming. I managed to whisper a last weak ‘Please’ right before the pain stopped and I wasn’t suffering anymore. I closed my eyes one last time. I was still conscious when I heard one of them – I couldn’t identify the voices anymore – ask ‘What was their name?’ and the other one just answered with a weak ‘I don’t know’. This is the last thing I remember from before I let the numb darkness take over me, and I didn’t regret anything I did that day.

‘So yeah, that’s my story I guess,’ I told to the man sitting in front of me with his big curly hair, wearing all white clothing. As a matter of fact, everything around us was white, even I wore white which I wouldn’t do normally. Who thought I was going to go to Heaven and meet Joe there. That’s right, the man in front of me was the lead guitarist of Fall Out Boy. 

‘That’s awesome,’ Joe grinned. ‘I mean, not the fact that you died, that sucks, but I always wondered what it’s like to be a cop,’ he explained quickly which made me laugh.

‘Yeah, well, I think not as great as you thought,’ I said kind of getting sad because that’s not how I imagined everything. I know it’s cliché, but I was young and had my whole life ahead of me. I suppose not anymore.

‘At least you came to Heaven. Don’t get me wrong, Hell is cool as well, but-‘ he was cut off by me shouting ‘Wait, what???’ in complete disbelief which just made him chuckle.

‘I guess it’s my turn to tell my story, isn’t it?’ he asked with once again a huge grin and it just put a smile on my lips as well.

A/N: That’s it, I hope you all enjoyed, have a nice day and take care!🖤🖤

[cdc1345711]

Cartoon-Force:Restart Chapter 1:Same As It Never Was

(Charles was in a very deep sleep until a tap on his shoulder woke him up)

Charles:Heh huh......what?”

Eric:Yo Charles,wake up you pulled out an all-nighter again,keep this up and you’ll be demoted-Hell might lose your office”

Charles:Demoted?......office?....(sees he’s at a desk with pictures of his wife and kids)since when the Hell did I have a desk?”

Eric:Since 2009,you loosing your memories?”

Charles:Okay?.......(not knowing what’s going on so he asks his alien friend)what exactly was I doing?”

Eric:???You were trying to find the vigilantes,we already got the crazy Starfish guy”

Charles:(’What the Hell is he saying,since when did we hunt down our own,and ‘crazy starfish guy’?,does he mean Patrick)Why......why are we hunting vigilantes?”

Eric:Because our World Leader demands us too”

Charles:World Leader?........”

Eric:BLACK HAT”

Charles:(’WHAT-I work for Black Hat???’)”

(Just then a small Griffon arrives in his office)

Gabby:Mr.Coburn,you’re wife Katie is here for your date night”

Charles:(’Well at me and Katie are still married,hope our kids are still around’)”

Eric:You should go-I’ll pick up the slack from here,besides this is the 3rd date night you blown off,have fun with your wife”

Charles:O.....okay then(as he walks out to meet up with Katie and head to the restaurant he speaks to himself ‘How the Hell did this happen,just yesterday me and the guys were stopping and arresting Black Hat before he sent his missile,how is he World Leader and why the Hell am I working for him......?)”

Katie:(Seeing that her husband isn’t eating his burger)Are you okay Charles? you haven’t even touched your burger? Are you that stumped at work?”

Charles:(Not knowing what to say)You could say that......(except that)but Katie can I ask you a question? how many kids do we have?”

Katie:How many.....(Chuckles a bit)Jesus Charles you’ve been working too much,you’ve forgotten about our 13 kids already,you need less work-than again you are their best”

Charles:What are they doing now?”

Katie:Well,Rory,Tyler,Peter,Emily and Stella are being watched over by Moots Eve and Dotty,the boys are out of state fighting rebels and Niko is still defending the innocent-or what passes for it in ‘his’ world”

Charles:(Knowing who she’s talking about)So you don’t like......his world huh?”

Katie:How could I?,Niko is the only one doing anything remotely decent,defending those poor guys who’ve lost everything”

Charles:(’Poor Guys? as in plural?’)like who?”

Katie:Well besides the recently caught Patrick Star who lost his best friends in an impromptu bomb explosion by Black Hat Industries,there’s that one great soul trying to fight back at the regime,only to be hit with radiation becoming a  man-beast,that ex-wrestler Dedede who took too much BH serum turning demon and locked up for something ‘he’ created,”

Charles:(’That bastard,he’s ruined Ed,Dedede and Patrick’s live,wonder who else he’s ruined’)Damn that is horrible”

Katie:Then there’s the Rebel Resistance members the ‘Super Police’ have caught......,”

Charles:Caught? I thought Black Hat would just executed them”

Katie:Me too,maybe he has in secret or if he’s allowing his cronies to experiment on them”

Charles:Sounds about right......”

Katie:And don’t get me started on those ‘Mech Suit Fights’ Moots watches with his friends,those Green Gate refugees force to fight one another in the arenas is inhuman,especially how that Dark Oak guy fights”

Charles:(’Damn Lucas too-I got to fix everything’)Katie I got to tell you something......”

Katie:Okay......what is it?”

Charles:What would you say that this world isn’t what it’s suppose to be.....?,that Black Hat is ruler of shit,those vigilantes are friends and the world wasn’t Hell?”

Katie:I’d either say ‘You’re crazy’ or ‘I wish the world would be like that’,kinda hard to choose”

Charles:Well what if I said it’s what the world is suppose to be?”

Katie:Charles(not believing what he’s saying)why are you saying this.......?”

Charles:(Putting his hands on his wife’s paws)I got to do something Katie,it’s very important,but I want you to do something for me....”

Katie:What?”

Charles:I need you to take the kids and hide,find somewhere that that Big Hat bastard hasn’t took over yet and stay there,everything will be fixed”

Katie:Charles..........(Seeing the determination in his eyes-feeling in her heart everything he said is what it means and what he’s gonna do is right)okay,just......just don’t do anything stupid(he raises an eyebrow and smiles)well anything that’s not not more stupid”

Charles:I love you(kisses her)”

Katie:(Feeling the warm kiss)I love you too(’just be okay’)”

Charles:First I’ll need some help.......”

(He arrives at the building he supposedly works for)

Charles:I hope to God or what passes for one that you’re here buddy”

(He enters to see Eric in the halls,grabs him and puts his hand on his beak)

Charles:(Quite Frantically)This-world-is-a-lie-and-I-need-your-help-to-try-and-fix-it-no-questions-asked”

Eric:(Getting his hand off his beak)What the Hell are you saying?”

Charles:Read my mind......”

Eric:What? I can’t.......”

Charles:You couldn’t because I wouldn’t allow you too,but now I am just look.....”

(With some confusion,Eric looks into the mind of Charles to see something he couldn’t believe,a world where he and Charles are heroes alongside most of the vigilantes they’ve captured,him having a wife and kids,co-leading his own team and being perfectly happy,a world where it’s not a toiling Hell-Hole)

Eric:(About to cry)This world........it’s a lie”

Charles:And I want to fix it,turn it to the way it’s suppose to be.......and I need your help to do so”

Eric:(Wiping away his tears and nods his head)I’m in-what do we have to do?”

Charles:We’ll need some help-tell me can you use your telepathy to find Ed?”

Eric:That ‘Captain Melonhead’ Joker who turned into that monster?,I can,always have,just enjoyed watching those pricks lose him”

Charles:Ha,that’s classic,so where is he......?”

Eric:Where all monsters go when they don’t want to be seen........”

‘THE SEWER’

(Inside Eric and Charles search for the ‘Captain Melon-Zilla’ in hopes to talk him into helping their cause......)

Charles:God,smells like something shit,died,shit again and fermented for about a year-you sure Ed is down here?”

Eric:Positive-have a little faith”

Charles:If you remember me-you know I lost my ‘faith’ years ago”

(Before Eric could say a witty comeback,they heard a sound)

Eric:What the.......”

(A huge shadowy figure jump on top of them and swung his fists at his visitors)

Charles:Whoa-hold it big guy(grabs his flashlight and points it to the shadowy figure)Jesus”

(It was indeed Ed-or better yet Ed-Zilla in a tattered and torn outfit of Captain Melonhead)

Ed-Zilla:Evil Men hunt Ed-Zilla-ED-ZILLA SMASH EVIL MEN(he slung his fists again)”

Charles:Wait-we may look like the guys who hunt you but we’re not with them....”

Ed-Zilla:EVIL MEN LIE!!!!!!(he hits Charles and he lands on the wall)”

Charles:GODDAMMIT(’Thank God I still have my health factor-GAH-barely’)”

Eric:He’s right listen.....(Ed-Zilla grabs Eric-but Charles get’s him in a headlock)”

Charles:CALM DOWN YOU ANGRY BASTARD”

Eric:Hold him-I got this(he uses his telepathy to show Ed every happy memory he’s had in the old world)”

Ed-Zilla:(Touched by that world)Ed-Zilla a papa.......”

Charles:Yes......I should let you go now.......”

Ed-Zilla:Ed-Zilla no want to be hunted anymore-Ed-Zilla smash with you?”

Charles:Yeah there’s gonna be lot’s of smashing buddy”

Eric:Okay-we Ed,next is.....Jar Jar? the ex-representative??”

Charles:Oh thank Edward he’s here-what happened to him?”

Eric:He basically disappeared after the First Order was massacred,never been heard of since”

Charles:Shit.....Fuck......he’s probably dead(looks to the floor)what the Hell is tha(they all 3 fall into it)AAAAAAAAAAAaaaaat”

(The 3 fall into the portal wondering where they’ll end up-until they stop screaming-and finally reach their destination)

(Ed-Zilla and Eric land on the wood floor)

Charles:(Hitting a glass table)OW-BITCH!!!!!!!(checks the area)where are we?”

‘Youza are in meza’s house of wonder.......’

Charles:Jar Jar????,you’re some kind of wizard?”

Jar-Jar:Kinda-Meza knows of youza’s mission.......”

Charles:And........?”

Jar-Jar:Meza has a feelin’ theza world iza screwed up......and Meza has scene many many multiverseez,thiza world needs fixin you betcha betcha”

Eric:Well can’t you fix it? you are magic right?”

Jar Jar:EEEEH-meza no so good at reality warping powahs”

Charles:So basically Black Hat possibly has a machine or magic amulet that’s screwed the world huh,what happens if we destroy it?”

Jar Jar:Theza World would go back to normal.........or theza universe will implode....”

(The 3 just look in silence)

Charles:Let’s hope for the latter,but we’ll need more help and your teleportation spells”

Jar Jar:Okay-where do youza need meza to send you next?”

(Charles just smiles-as they’re transported to a maximum security prison-holding some of Charles’ friends........including one certain blue penguin)

Charles:Okay-I got a plan,may be total shit but we shut down the security to save Dedede”

Eric:You think it’s wise to let this guy on the team?,he did nearly destroy a whole city block,some of our heaviest hitters couldn’t beat him and that’s just in his demon form”

Charles:Precisely,but he’s super guarded so we’ll need one Hell of a distraction”

Eric:Which is why you want to take out the power and unleash every prisoner on the guards-don’t know if that’s stupid or smart.....”

Charles:You chose to follow me right? let’s go”

(Eric heads out to the control room)

Eric:Hey......(he shoots them with tranqs)area is secure......now let’s snuff out the light”

(He shuts down the power and the cells open)

Dan:We’re free”

Vile:Let’s get these pricks”

(Every inmate-with now powerless collars-attack the guards that brought them Hell since their incarceration-one of which was Patrick)

Cinnamon Bun:Not so high and mighty are you now huh?”

Guard:BACK UP,WE NEED MORE BACK UP NOW!!!!!!!”

(Charles stays while the guards guarding Dedede go and help the others and slowly walks up to Dedede’s cell)

Charles:Hey Dedede are you........dear God”

(He sees his old penguin friend in a straight jacket and tied up with chains)

Dedede:(In a depressed tone)No.......not a God.......not anymore anyway.....”

Charles:What the Hell happened to you?”

Dedede:Got too greedy,used too much ‘power-Up’,hurt a lot of people,lot of fans,I deserve to be locked up like an animal”

Charles:No-that wasn’t your fault,it was that damn drug that turned you into a monster-you’re not like that.......at least not the Dedede I thought you were”

Dedede:You’re wasting your time-i’m not the penguin I used to be.........”

Charles:I guess not-the Dedede I knew wouldn’t give up without a fight”

(As he said those words the Penguin just gave angry eyes)

Charles:(To the others)Guys it’s a bust let’s.......”

Guard:Freeze Freak”

Charles:Listen asshole I’m not in the mood for........”

(And in seconds Dedede jumps on the guards and beats them)

Charles:Thought you gave up?”

Dedede:Me?......give up?.......NEVER!!!!!”

Charles:Hell-Yeah”

(Back with the others)

Ed-Zilla:ED-ZILLA SMASH EVIL PEOPLE WHO HURT NEW FRIENDS!!!!!!!!”

Otto:I hear ya big guy”

Eric:Everyone(uses a big gun and blasts a hole in the wall)let’s blow this pop stand”

(The prisoners take their leave to freedom as Charles leaves with Dedede)

Dedede:So I heard you guys did all this for me......I guess a good repay would be to help you take down the bastard who drugged me up huh?”

“HEY”

(Everyone turns to see......Patrick Star)

Patrick:You guys did all this huh?,if you plan on taking down that butt-head with the hat I want in......”

Charles:Well.......more the merrier......we’re actually heading to our next destination-hit it Jar Jar”

(Jar Jar teleports our heroes straight to..........)

Patrick:The Mech Fight Station?????”

Charles:On the Moon?”

Eric:The Metarex tried to invade Earth-which ended poorly-so they were forced to wear battle armor and fight for Earth’s amusement-Dark Oak is one Hell of an ass-kicker Charles,he probably won’t help us”

Charles:He lost half his army,forced to fight his allies in gladiatorial Mecha Suit combat to the death all for a psychopath with a hat-you bet your alien ass and half your none-existent alien tiddies he’ll probably help us”

Ed-Zilla:Metal Man on magic picture box......”

‘And here we are Ladies,Gentlemen,and others-Dark Oak is facing off against Brown Fall Leaf,seems the Top pro is about to lose his title’

Brown Fall Leaf:You’re going down champ........”

Dark Oak:No.........(he grabs the laser cannon off Brown Fall Leaf’s arm and punches him repeatedly until his metal mask breaks into pieces)”

Brown Fall Leaf:No-wait please......give mercy.......”

Dark Oak:You should know Leaf here in the Mech Fights(picks up his rail gun and blasts a hole in Brown Fall Leaf’s chest).........there s no mercy”

(He hears the crowd shout his name while he looks at the now smoking corpse of his opponent........who was once his friend.......as he retreats to the holding chambers)

Yellow Zelkova:That was a great fight Lucas.......”

Red Pine:Hope I never get to fight you.....”

Lucas:Whatever.......”

(Lucas removes his helmet,torso and arms of his suit........and places his claws on face trying to hide the tears)

Charles:Hurts a lot doesn’t it????”

Lucas:(Shocked someone is in his chamber but immediately becomes angry)Listen I don’t do autographs so get the Hell out of my.......”

Charles:I bet it pisses you off what they do to you huh?”

Lucas:I......I don’t know what you’re talking about?(sadly he does know what Charles is talking about)”

Charles:Really?(he says in a serious tone)”

Lucas:You think I enjoy fighting my old allies,using my battle suit to end them,while entertaining a bunch of inbred violent loving swine-WELL LET ME TELL YOU.......It does....more than anything(he says in a depressed tone)”

Charles:What would you say if I told you there was a world where you’re a mechanical genius who uses his intellect to save lives instead of ending them-where you’re a hero?”

Lucas:Heh-I’d say you’re a fucking idiot,but if you’re starting a rebellion,i’d help on one condition......”

Eric:He wants us to WHAT?????”

Charles:Lucas says he’ll help if we find a way to free his allies and disable the small chips in their armor so the game master won’t activate the kill switch in them.....”

Patrick:I got a friend who can help but I’ll need to teleport to his place”

Charles:go ahead we’ll be waiting”

(Patrick leaves and in an hour he brings back a small robot)

Patrick:This is Krackus-he helped build my tech when I started my revenge”

Krackus:I can make a device to deactivate it-I just need a small engex 95 microchip.....”

Lucas:I got one in my cannon-makes a powerful boom”

Krackus:Thank you(he adds the chip into the machine)here goes nothing(presses it)”

Lucas:GAH(feels a small sting)I......I think that did it”

(The other fighters feel the sting as well)

Pale Bay Leaf:What was that......?”

Black Narcissus:Don’t have a clue......”

Lucas:That my friends...........”

‘............Is Freedom’

(He blasts down the doors of the game master’s penthouse)

Lucas:Knock,Knock”

Game Master(Jack Spicer-Xialion Showdown):Lucas,Lucas,Lucas,seems you need to know your place(presses the button to activate their death chips....and it does nothing)what......I’m sure I added batteries.....?(the fighters attack him)AAAAAH-DON’T HURT ME”

Lucas:Thank you-and I’m a being of my word,I will join your fight”

Charles:Good-we got 8 more guys to go.......”

“FREEZE SUCKAHS”

(In the mere second before the Teleportation portal arrive a bunch of Super Policemen arrive-two of which are......)

X:Officers X and Hell-Boy.......”

Hell-Boy:You boys are under arrest.......”

Eric:They on the List?..........”

Charles:Yep........GO GUYS GO”

(The teleportation portal arrives while everyone but Charles enter)

Eric:I’m not leaving you behind Chuck.....”

Charles:You got to.........and don’t call me Chuck(Throws Eric into the portal as it disappears)”

(As his friends escape Charles allows himself to be captured.......in hopes of bringing X and Hell-Boy to his side)

THE END OF CHAPTER 1-TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 2.........

[coffeesforfuckers]

Our Summers Together Are My Best Kept Secrets And My Biggest Mistakes // Chapter Six

Ships: Peterick, Brallon, Ferard, Trohley, Jalex, Zian and others in the background

Description: Summers for most kids are spent going to the beach and on vacations with your family but lots are shipped off to summer camps for the whole summer. But the kids at Hempman Summer Camp actually beg to go! Patrick Stump, Andy Hurley and Joe Trohman all met there, they had all known each other for probably over a decade because of this absolutely amazing stay-away camp for kids from the ages of six to nineteen. All the kids that were there came back until they couldn't and they always had the same kids except a few new, younger, kids every year. That is until the year that the weird kid with the jet-black, dyed, black fringe and the crazy piercings and a couple tattoos comes in like he owns the place. That year also happens to be the same year that Patrick Stump gets gum stuck to the new emo kid's face and hair. It was love at first sight... But hate at first interaction for the blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy and the complete opposite for the new kid, Pete Wentz.

Chapter 6: Six: A New Year and a New Us and Some New Friends

Patrick

Another school year come and gone, one more year left of school and camp… I'm alright with school being done but I can't believe that next year will be our last summer here.

I'm sitting where I do every year, waiting for my friends to show up. I feel an arm lock around my shoulders and a hand ruffling my hair.

��First day back at camp!” Pete shouts excitedly. I shove him off of me.

“Get off me, jeez.” I grunt and Pete drops to sit on the ground beside the Stump I was on.

“We met in this very spot last summer, Pat!” He bumps my arm with his head.

“Yep.” I blow a bubble with my gum and Pete pops it, “Dick.” I mutter as I peel the goop off my face.

“Pete! Patrick!” Andy jogs towards us, “Have you seen Joe?” He pants, it looks like he ran all the way here.

“Nope, sorry Andy. Did you check the cabin?” I reply.

“Not yet, thanks though. Talk soon!” He runs off and both Pete and I give each other a look.

“Weird.” We say in unison and Pete laughs with a grin on his face.

“Jack and Alex moved into cabin A with Rian and Zach this year. It's just You, Joe, Andy and I.” I inform and he shrugs.

“That sucks but oh well.” Pete shrugs at me, “Wanna go on an adventure?” He winks, making me laugh.

“Sure, where to?” I ask.

“The tree?” He suggests and I stand, he grins and we're off to a woods.

Dallon

By midnight I'd given up on the idea of Brendon showing up even when he'd promised he'd come.

My phone buzzes with a new message as I'm typing to him.

BeeboBreadbin : Fuck I just got this, I haven't had much battery and shut my phone off

BeeboBreadbin: I'm lost, I'm so sorry fuckkk

Dal-Do: Send me your location, I'm on my way to Pick u up rn

BeeboBreadbin: I'm sorryyyyyyy!!!

I stumble around, getting dressed and ready to head out I surprisingly didn’t wake anybody even while bumbling around like an elephant in a glass shop.

I walk out to my car and jump in, still waiting for Brendon to send me the location of where he’s at. I start it up and pull out of my parking space, starting the long as hell drive down the path through the woods. It took about twenty minutes to reach the road.

I’m probably ten minutes down the path when I notice a figure by the edge of the road about a mile up and I’m very confused. I slow down as I approach it come to a stop probably a bit more than a half-mile from whatever it was. I check my phone and see the location and look up once more. That’s when I realize what that figure was and I burst into hysterical laughter as I see that idiot sitting on his bag with a few others around him. I throw my door open and my loud cackling echos through the silent, pitch-black evening. Brendon jumps up and that’s when he notices its me, he runs towards me and throws himself onto me, both of us hitting the ground.

“Dal-do!” He shouts, his voice was just as gorgeous as him.

“Forehead!” I laugh at him and he smacks my arm playfully, “You complete idiot! How long have you been walking!?”

“The uber driver dropped me off like a mile or so from here and so I’ve been walking for a while and then I thought I had the wrong place cause this road was so long.” He frowns and I smile at him, sitting up and pushing him off me even though it felt really nice.

“Get your shit, put it in my car and I’ll bring you to camp.” Brendon jumps up and grabs his stuff, I help carry it to the car. He’d brought a whole lot of stuff.

We drive back to the car park and lug his stuff to the cabin. He was so tiny, I always expected him to be taller, then again, I am practically a giant. We get to the cabin and everybody is now awake. Spencer and Jon doing their thing off in the corner and Ryan had just gotten in.

Brendon spots Ryan and as soon as Ryan waves at him and throws him a smile, I know I lost him.

“I’m Brendon, Dallon’s friend.” He sticks his hand out to Ryan who smiles softly.

Shit.

“I’m Ryan, not so much Dallon’s friend. Not so much any of these loser’s friends.” Ryan mutters and takes Brendon’s hand.

“That’s kinda mean, dude. Dallon’s really nice and funny and he talks about Spencer and Jon a lot and they’re really nice too from what I know.” Brendon frowns.

“Well, I’m a bitch.” Ryan shrugs, “But I can’t say that I don’t like you.” He looks Brendon over.

“Fuck off Ryan.” I snap.

“What? I can’t make friends?” He glares at me.

“I’m going to bed.”

Alex

I lay awake, I can’t sleep. Jack can, but he’s restless. I wish I could comfort him, just climb into the bed with him and hold him. I miss him so much but he seems to be fine without me around. He ignores me and pretends I don’t exist whenever I try to talk to him.

This time he won’t I decide and slip out of my bed, leaning over Jack’s, shaking him until he’s awake, “What? What’s wrong? What happened?” He slurs, sitting upright and looking around. His eyes land on me and he frowns angrily.

“Jack…” I whisper, “Come with me.”

“No way in hell, Alex.” He snaps.

“Please…” I beg softly.

“Fuck off, Alex.” He grunts, going to lie back but I grab him.

“Jack, I’m begging you, please just come with me.” I speak desperately and he lets out an agrivated huff, relenting to my begging and pleading.

“Fine.” He mutters, getting up and going over to the closet of bags to grab clothes.

“No, just come, no need to get dressed.” I grab his arm and he pulls away.

“I’m putting on a shirt at least.” He glares at me for a moment. I wouldn’t mind looking at him like this though, he’s got a great body.

“Okay…” I murmur. It takes forever for him to find the thing he wanted to wear. Always so picky. This was also why he was always late.

I tug him out into the evening and he shivers so I give him my jacket. He takes it to my surprise.

“Jack, I want to try again. This time no secrets, no lies. I love you and I want everybody to know because I am proud to be yours, to be called yours. I love you so much, Jack and it’s hell without you, please just let me try again.” I beg.

“You said this last time, Alex. You then went back on your word not even a week later.” Jack crosses his arms, “So, no. Not until you can prove to me that you’re not lying.”

I had a mission and Alex Gaskarth never turns down a challenge.

***

The next morning I’m actually up in time for breakfast. I sit with Dallon, Jon, Spencer, Rian, Zach and Mikey, Jack sits as far away from our group as possible, sitting with the weird, wanna-be emo kids.

“You’re up early, ‘Lex.” Zach smiles at me. Usually I missed breakfast from my long sleeping habits.

“Yeah, I just couldn’t really sleep.” I shrug sleepily. It wasn’t a complete lie.

“You okay?” He asks and I shrug again.

“I-... I have to do something.” I stand up and everybody expects me to leave, looking at me like I was crazy when I jumped up onto the table, everybody around us that noticed also watched me weirdly, “I have an announcement to make if I can have your attention for a moment!” I call out, shaking with nerves.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Dallon whisper/yelled at me as everybody turned to watch me but my eyes were fixated on Jack who didn’t even bat an eye at me and continued talking to some guy at his table.

“Can I have everybody’s attention please!” I repeat and he still doesn’t move, “I just have to prove a point to somebody in here… Last summer I finally got up the balls to ask out the person I’ve been in love with for my entire life but it was ended because I was an asshole and wanted to keep ‘us’ a secret. I just want to say that I’m not keeping secrets anymore. I love Jack Barakat and I want you to please, please take me back.” I say loudly and hear a few gasps but Now Jack was on his face, his eyes wide at my statement. He jumps up onto his table and I roll my eyes, always making it a competition.

He points at me, “Alex Gaskarth, you sure do have some balls doing something this crazy! I can’t say no to crazy like that!” He starts to smile at me and I smile back. The room is silent and it’s so awkward, both of us just standing there, staring at each other with everybody else staring at us, “That’s a yes by the way.” He chuckles as he hops off the table and I do as well, there are some cheers but mostly nobody cares . Jack is over to my table before I even touch the floor again and he’s hugging me in a bone crushing hug that I melted into.

“You had to make a scene for that?” Rian points out.

“Yeah like couldn’t y’all just kiss a bit and be done with it.” Zach chuckles.

“Leave them alone.” Mikey smiles, “Let them have their moment and ridicule them at the wedding.”

I roll my eyes and kiss Jack passionately. I missed that sweet taste of his. He always tasted like candy with a hint of Jack Daniels, he also smelled like chocolate and Jack Daniels too. He had a thing for candy and alcohol.

“Ew, no kissing in my lobby.” Groans Gerard as he approached our table.

“You're just salty cause the only person that would ever kiss you like that is a dude.” Mikey retorts, looking up at his brother from his phone.

“Fuck you.” He mutters, sitting down at the table.

Gerard

Mikey let's out a soft snort at my reply, “Frank would.”

“Oh my fucking Christ, shut the fuck up Mikey.” I groan, Frank definitely was not into me, he was dating some girl and they were all over each other whenever I saw them together. Nobody ever believed me when I said that I was straight and so was Frank. Well I mean, I was lying, I'm bi but nobody needs to know that.

Even though I was bi I would never date Frank. Not in a million years.

“Gerard, I think you may need glasses more than me.” He mutters and turns to glance up at me from his lesbian-librarian glasses.

“Fuck you, Mikey.” I grunt.

“Fr-”

“Say it and this fork will be in your neck.” I hiss, not even looking up at him.

“Gee’s in a bad mood today.” Jack ruffles my hair and I glare up at him.

“Gee!” I hear Frank's voice echo out and I instantly groan, gripping my fork tighter in my hand, “Hey, Boo!” He giggles and kisses my neck.

“Fuck off, Frank.” I mutter through gritted teeth.

“Fucking hell… You're pissy today.” He grumbles, pulling away from me. I was being a bitch, I can admit but I mean, can you blame me? I was being harassed.

Frank sits next to me and pulls an envelope out of his pocket, dropping it on the table in front of me. I pick it up and open it, pulling out the contents.

“Whoa!” I choke and drop the papers onto the table, “Fucking Sleeping With Sirens tickets! Are you for real!? These have been sold out for months!” I shout, “You lucky bastard!”

“Happy late birthday, Gee! Very late but I just got them.” Frank grins at me.

“These are for me?” I ask him, my voice cracking.

“Yep, I have to let you know that I got you meet and greets but the passes aren't here yet. They should be here next week.” He smiles at me.

“Holy shit… Frank, why did you do this?”

“I don't know, you're my best friend and you love them and deserve to see them.” He shrugs, “That girl you like is into them too right? You should bring her!” Frank genuinely was the sweetest person ever.

“What? No, you're coming with me, Dumbass!” The look of shock that crosses his face is surprising.

“Really?”

“You bought them you nit, of course you're coming!” I smile at him and he hugs me.

He's too touchy.

Brendon

Ryan and I were super close. Well, dating really. The first few weeks were great but Ryan has been more impatient and temperamental. He hates when I talk to Dallon... or anybody for that matter. He was too jealous for me and I was beginning to be miserable.

Chapter Masterlist ~

Previous -

One - The Gum Habit Gone Bad

Two - On the Rooftop with You

Three - I Have a Forehead Texting Me and He’s Kind of Cute?

Four - Memories I Keep Locked Away for Times Like This

Five - Crying into the Void That is You

Next -

Seven - Abandoning You Was My Worst Mistake but Somehow You’re Still There For Me

[thepatricktreestump]

Dangerous: Patrick Stump fanfic

A/N: Not going to lie, I’ve gotten a ton of smut requests in my inbox lately… So be ready for a lot of that coming soon. Also a reminder that I’m starting school again so that means my schedule’s going to be really weird, sorry guys. Hope you enjoy this one…

Anonymous said: Hi! Could you do a Patrick Stump X Reader where the guys are teasing him about the reader always faking her orgasms and when he gets home he gets really dom with her? Thank you

*Reader’s POV*

Sunlight slowly filtered in through the blinds of the bedroom and you heard your boyfriend hum softly beside you, placing a light kiss on your forehead. Flashes of last night swirled in your mind. It was his lips so sweet and his hands on your body and the way he was so gentle, so kind, so caring. It was his kiss and getting lost in his eyes and holding onto him so tight and shedding the layers of your clothes until it was only the two of you. It was late hours of the night when you were still exploring each other’s bodies, trying to savor each inch of skin, pausing to catch your breath before going at it again. There was nobody else you would rather be with. He stirred slightly, then sat up as if to leave, and you sleepily grabbed ahold of his arm. “Patrick,” you mumbled, yawning halfway through his name.

“Yeah?” he chuckled, amused.

“Where you going?” you wondered, rubbing the sleep from your eyes and sitting up as well. The two of you had a long night yesterday, barely getting any sleep, and both of your bodies were sore by the time you woke up. You didn’t complain though, Patrick was always so good to you, and even though you lost a couple hours of sleep and you felt sort of shitty the next day, it was always worth it.

“To the studio,” he laughed. “Remember? I have a job?”

“But I want you to stay with me,” you whined playfully. “Just a couple more hours.”

“I have to go, baby,” he argued. “But I’ll be back soon. I promise.”

“Okay,” you sighed, laying back in bed and closing your eyes.

*Patrick’s POV* When Patrick arrived at the studio, he wasn’t prepared for what followed. “Hey Pat,” Pete smirked when all the boys had sat down around the table, taking a break from recording for a little while. “You uh, have an eventful night with y/n yesterday?”

“Shut your mouth,” Patrick narrowed his eyes. He was cranky from not getting enough sleep last night, plus, he was talking to Pete, who was known for being quite the antagonist when it came to picking an argument. “You’re just making shit up.”

“I might be, but the hickeys on your neck speak for themselves,” Pete snickered.

“What?” Patrick’s eyes went wide, self-consciously covering his neck with his hand.

“Yeah, it’s hard to lie when there’s obvious evidence,” Joe chuckled.

“How’s she been treating you anyways?” Andy raised an eyebrow.

“She’s been treating me just fine,” Patrick grumbled.  “Why such sudden interest in y/n?”

“I don’t know,” Andy shrugged. “I mean, it’s your first girlfriend in a long time.”

“Yeah ‘Trick. How are you holding up?” Joe gave a playful jab at his side. “You haven’t kissed a girl in ages. Is she too much to handle? I’m sure she’s been around plenty of times before.”

“You’re still an amateur,” Pete laughed. “What’s going to happen when she finally wants to do the do?”

“We’ve done the do plenty of times,” Patrick muttered. “And it’s honestly none of your business.”

“Woah! Hold up! You’ve fucked y/n?” Pete’s eyes lit up.

“I’m pretty sure it would be the other way around,” Joe teased. “I mean, she definitely tops.”

“Shut up,” Andy stifled a laugh. “I need to know his answer!”

“Yes, I have,” Patrick admitted shyly, although more agitated than embarrassed. “Now will you drop the subject please?”

“Woah, not so fast,” Joe insisted. “You said you’ve had sex before, but how many times?”

“I bet she’s the one to initiate it,” Pete snickered.

“Hell, she probably has to teach him what to do,” Andy rolled his eyes playfully.

“Do you think he can even get her to cum?” Joe asked.

“Nah, she probably just fakes her orgasms,” Pete chuckled.

“Will you shut the fuck up?” Patrick finally shouted, banging his fists on the table angrily. “That’s my girlfriend you’re talking about, and what we do in our spare time shouldn’t concern any of you.” He shoved himself away from the table, marching out the door, extremely frustrated.

“Hey ‘Trick, come on. We’re just playing,” Joe tried to get him to come back, but Patrick shook his head, still furious.

“You’re all a bunch of dicks,” he spat, grabbing the handle of the door. “Learn to take a hint and fuck off.” He slammed the door shut, leaving Andy, Joe, and Pete completely shocked. Patrick didn’t get angry often, and to see him this riled up over something was rare.

*Reader’s POV*

When the door swung open and your boyfriend walked in, you were extremely confused. You were on the couch, reading a book, relaxed, dressed in sweatpants and a comfy bra. “You’re home early,” you raised your eyebrows. However, as soon as you saw the anger in Patrick’s eyes, as well as the way he shut the door angrily and stomped over to where you were sitting, being home early was obviously not the problem. “What’s wrong?”

Patrick didn’t even give you another second to speak before he crashed his lips against yours, pushing you back into the couch, straddling your hips, kissing you passionately. Your eyes went wide, surprised by his sudden urge to do this, the way his hands gripped your arms and how he shoved you back into the cushions. “I’m going to fuck you so good,” he whispered in your ear, giving you chills as his lips trailed down your neck. He had never been that dominant and you had never seen him so angry. He was usually always hesitant and slow and calm. Not that you were complaining though. This was actually really hot. You had never seen this side of him before.

“Damn,” you moaned as he unclasped your bra and began kissing down towards of your breasts, massaging the other in his palm.

“Quiet sweetheart,” he instructed, hands trailing down to tug your sweatpants and underwear off at the same time, discarding them towards the floor. “I’m in control this time.”

“Fuck,” you mumbled, sitting up, trying to unbutton his dress shirt and miserably failing. Your hands were shaking and you weren’t thinking clearly. You fumbled with the buttons before giving up and tearing it open, shedding the fabric off his chest and tossing it towards the floor. “Naughty girl,” he clicked his tongue, gaze wandering towards the mess of buttons and fabric on the floor before flickering his eyes back up to meet yours. “I guess you’ll have to make it up to me then, won’t you?”

“Shit Patrick,” you exhaled, trailing a hand down his body, catching your breath. “What brought this out of you all of a sudden?”

“I just really need to fuck you,” he murmured, impatient as his lips connected with yours again, kissing you as you unzipped his pants and then tugged down his boxers. “Please.”

“I’m all yours,” you reassured, watching as he climbed on top of you, lips moving down your body, finally pushing into you, earning a loud gasp. “Oh god.”

“You’re so good baby,” he mumbled against your skin, hands on your back pressing you closer towards him, pushing you into the couch cushions with each thrust, going deeper with each inch. You started moaning, scratching his shoulders with your nails, barely hanging on. He smirked. “Going too fast, babe?”

“No,” you barely shook your head. “Perfect.”

“Good,” he smiled. “Because I think I could start getting used to this.”

“Fuck,” you bit down on your lower lip and tried to suppress a moan as you got closer to your climax. “I’m close.”

“Cum for me then,” he whispered, thrusting even harder. “I want to feel you.”

“Goddammit,” you gasped, his voice in your ear triggering your orgasm, his movements slowing as he drew closer. It wasn’t long before he came undone too, both of you exhausted and gasping for air, him turning over and holding you in his arms, the two of you laying on the couch.

“You’re so good y/n,” he murmured, placing a soft kiss on your forehead.

“What the hell was that all about?” you chuckled, still confused why this happened so fast and so sudden.

“Pete and the boys were being assholes,” he shook his head. “Said I didn’t fuck you good enough and how you’ve had better and stuff. I needed to prove them wrong.”

“Patrick,” you frowned, holding his head in your hands, placing a kiss on his lips. “You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Not even me. You’re already amazing.”

“You’re too kind,” he rolled his eyes.

“I’m being truthful,” you insisted, giving a soft smile.

“Yeah, well I do believe you owe me a little something else,” Patrick gave a sly smile, eyes darting to the mess of fabric identified as the dress shirt that still was left on the ground.

“And you call me the naughty one,” you smirked.

“Come on,” he insisted, tracing circles on your back with his fingers. “We have plenty of time. I mean, I did get off work early.”

“You’re dangerous,” you chuckled. “And the best part?”

“Hmm?” he raised an eyebrow, curious to find out.

“I’m the only one who knows,” you grinned.

[descentintobandom]

The “I” in Lie Chapter 3

Title: The “I” in Lie Chapter: 3/? Pairing: Patrick/Penelope Rating: T Fic Summary: Penelope Wentz is known for fucking things up, but this time she fucks up royally. While staying at Patrick’s house in Chicago, the two sleep together and she ends up pregnant. The problem? Patrick’s already married. Will Patrick step up and help care for Penelope and their child? Or is the friendship between these two ruined forever?

Sunlight streamed into the bedroom, hitting Penelope directly in the eyes. She groaned and rolled over in bed. “Pen, stop moving”, she heard and her eyes shot open.

Looking back at her were two hazy green eyes.

Penelope smiled, remembering last night.

After making love on the couch, they had moved to the bedroom and done it again.

“You look so beautiful”, Patrick told her, causing Penelope to blush.

The sunlight made her look like she was glowing.

“Can we stay in bed all day?” Patrick asked.

“Well someone needs to feed your son”.

Those words caused a pang in Patrick’s heart, reminding him that Penelope wasn’t his and never would be.

“When will Elisa be back?” Penelope asked him, the situation dawning on her as well.

“Sometime tomorrow night”, he told her, his hand lazily running up and down her back.

At least Penelope would have Patrick to herself for one more day. One more day where she could pretend that she and Patrick were married and Declan was their son.

Penelope never wanted children until Pete had Bronx. She adored her nephew, but she had accepted that she would probably never get married and have children of her own.

Penelope got out of the bed and went into the closet pulling on some clothes that she knew no longer fit Patrick. When she came out of the closet, Patrick was smiling at her. “What?” she asked him as she threw her hair up in a bun.

“You look so good in my clothes”.

“Oh no you don’t, Mr. Stump”, she said, leaving the bedroom. She went down to the kitchen and started making breakfast. She heard little footsteps running the stairs and Declan appeared in the doorway. “Hey little man”, she said.

“That smells so yummy!” he said.

Penelope walked over to him and picked him up. She set him on one of the bar stools and kept an eye on him as she continued making breakfast.

Patrick came down about half an hour later, freshly showered.

Penelope and Declan were eating the pancakes and eggs she made.

“Morning Penelope”, he said.

“Good morning Patrick. Did you sleep well?” she asked him, innocently taking a bite of her eggs.

“I slept amazing”, he told her, playing along.

“Daddy! Aunt Penny made breakfast!” Declan said, “It’s yummy”.

“Well Aunt Penny has always been a good cook. When we went on tour, we couldn’t wait to get home!”

Penelope gasped and threw a small piece of fruit at Patrick.

“Penelope! Stop teaching him bad manners!” Patrick scolded playfully.

When Declan was done eating, he went back to his room to get ready for the day ahead.

Patrick walked up to Penelope and pecked her on the lips. “Thank you for breakfast”, he told her.

“Anytime Trick”.

“So what did you have planned today?”

“Well I figured we could go to the zoo or something. It’s been a few years since I’ve been back”.

Patrick wanted to say that she didn’t have to go back to L.A. That she could stay in Chicago with him and Declan. But he knew her life was with Pete and her nephews.

Pete always came first and it would always be that way.

The day at the zoo was fun and entertaining, but at the same time, it was bittersweet for Patrick and Penelope.

In the morning, she would be on a plane back to L.A. and both of them would have to go back to reality.

A reality where they weren’t husband and wife. A reality where Penelope would go back to being nothing but a good friend to Patrick.

She would forever be the woman that he had cheated on his wife with.

But Patrick couldn’t bring himself to regret it.

“Please don’t go, Aunt Penny!” Declan begged.

Penelope knelt down in front of him. “I have to go home buddy. Uncle Pete needs me back in L.A.”.

“But I’ll miss you”.

“I’ll miss you too Declan. But you can still Skype me and FaceTime me whenever you want. Your daddy will have to bring you to L.A. to visit me soon”.

Saying goodbye to Declan always broke her heart. But she belonged in L.A., not Chicago. She stood up and faced Patrick.

“Be safe, okay?” he said, “Call me as soon as you land”.

Penelope nodded.

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead. He desperately wanted to kiss her, but they were in public. And he was married. Something that the wedding band on his finger never let him forget.

Penelope hugged him and breathed in his scent one last time before they called her flight. Tears filled her eyes as she pulled back.

“Don’t”, Patrick told her, “Please, please don’t cry”.

“I don’t regret it. I never will”, she said softly.

“Me either”, he said.

Penelope grabbed her carry-on bag and ruffled Declan’s hair before walking up to the counter.

The lady scanned her boarding pass and said, “Leaving your husband and son is hard. I know”.

“He…he’s not my husband”, Penelope said.

“Oh”, the lady said and handed her boarding pass back.

Penelope could feel her stare as she walked down the hallway connecting the plane to the terminal. Yes, Patrick would never be hers.

Penelope would forever be the other woman.

[anavoliselenu]

Confessed man chapter 15

She bends and picks her picture up before backing out of the door, her eyes flicking nervously from Justin to his deranged, pregnant wife, and as soon as her body is over the threshold of the penthouse door, I slam it in her face, then turn to look at my ex-whore of a husband. He’s chomping nervously on that bottom lip and maybe I shouldn’t be, but I’m mad with him, too. I steam past him and up the stairs, finding the shower still flowing when I arrive back in the en-suite. Stripping down, I scrub my teeth, then step in and make no rush to get done quickly. I’ve been up for less than half an hour, and I already feel like it should be the end of my day.

My eyes are closed as I rinse my hair, but I can feel him behind me. He’s not touching me, but I know he’s there. And he’s all worried. I can sense the anxious vibes shooting into my wet back. The evidence of his uncertainty at Coral’s claim just reinforces my concern. Have I now got to add potential baby mommas to my list of things that could cause us issues? We’ve been back from Paradise for just two days, and I’m mentally exhausted already. A life of peace and comfort. That’s what I want and need, and every time I think we’re close to exactly that, something jumps up and obliterates it.

The familiar feel of the natural sponge connects with my back, as does his palm with my tummy. He’s cautious, and he should be. The only thing that sends me loopy is him and his sordid history with women. ‘Justin, I’m not in the mood.’ I step away from him and finish rinsing my hair. He doesn’t know what to do, so as usual when he finds himself in this situation, he tries to win me back over with his touch. I expect to hear a snort of disbelief or even a scorn for denying him, but I don’t. I do, however, feel his hand slide back around my stomach. ‘I said I’m not in the mood.’ I snap harshly, shrugging him off and grabbing a towel to dry myself.

‘You promised you’d never say that.’ he murmurs sullenly.

Securing myself in the towel, I glance up and see him standing under the pounding water with his hands hanging limply by his sides. ‘I’m late.’ I leave him with trepidation written all over his face to get myself ready for work.

I’m just about to exit the bedroom when he appears, all dopey eyed and sad. ‘Baby, my heart’s splitting. I hate fighting with you.’ He makes no attempt to close the distance between us.

‘We’re not fighting,’ I brush of his solemnness. ‘You need to get the code on the elevator changed. And find out how she got up here, too.’ I walk out, but barely make it to the top of the stairs before the warmth of his palm is around my wrist, stopping me from going anywhere.

‘I will, but we need to make friends.’

‘I’m dressed. We are not making friends now.’

‘Not properly, no. But don’t make me spend all day knowing that you’re not talking to me.’ He drops to his knees in front of me and looks up. ‘The days are long enough already.’

‘I am talking to you.’ I mutter.

‘Then why are you sulking?’

I sigh. ‘Because a woman has just invaded our home and tried to stake a claim on you, Justin. That is why I’m sulking.’

‘Come here.’ He pulls me down and wraps me in his arms. ‘I love it when you trample.’

‘It’s tiring.’ I mumble into his chest. ‘I really need to go.’

‘Okay,’ he kisses my hair and pulls back, securing my cheeks in his hold. ‘Tell me we’re friends.’

‘We’re friends.’

He blasts my moodiness with his smile—my smile. ‘Good girl. We’ll make friends properly later. Go get your breakfast. I’ll be two minutes.’

‘I need to go.’ I remind him, glancing down at my Rolex. ‘It’s eight thirty already.’

‘Two minutes.’ he repeats, returning me to standing. ‘You’ll wait for me.’

‘Hurry up then!’ I push him away and he starts jogging backwards with his contented grin in place. He’s all happy and roguish again.

I find Cathy in the kitchen wrapping a bagel and still muttering under her breath. She soon stops when my presence is noted. ‘Selena,’ She scurries over, wiping her hands down her apron. ‘I tried to stop the vindictive little minx!’

Something tells me Cathy has had an encounter with Coral before. ‘Don’t worry, Cathy.’ I smile and give her a rub of her arm. ‘You know her, then?’ I press lightly.

‘Oh, I know her, and I don’t like her.’ She starts muttering again as she returns to the island to finish wrapping my breakfast. ‘She’s been turning up for months, pestering my boy and claiming poverty. I told her. I said, look here, you conniving little tramp. Leave my boy alone and try fixing your marriage.’ I smile as I watch her aggressive hand movements, virtually bashing away at my bagel. ‘I don’t know how many times my boy has sent her packing. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’ She looks up at me. ‘Have you taken your folic acid?’

‘No,’ I walk to the fridge and collect a bottle of water before taking the pills that Cathy hands me, followed by a ginger biscuit.’ Thank you.’

‘You’re welcome, dear.’ Her wrinkled face grins. ‘You certainly put her in her place.’ She laughs and retrieves my bagel, and then stuffs it in my bag. ‘You eat that, I mean it.’

‘You sound like Justin.’ I down my pills.

‘He cares, Selena. Don’t condemn him for that,’ she scolds me lightly, looking over my shoulder. ‘Here he is, and he’s dressed!’

‘I’m dressed.’ He laughs, straightening his tie. ‘As is my beautiful wife.’

I roll my eyes, but I don’t feel embarrassed at all. She’s seen it all before, and Coral’s visit has taken the edge off any mortification. ‘Can I go to work now?’

He pulls his collar down and rubs his three days’ worth of stubble. Two minutes didn’t give him time to shave. ‘Have you taken your folic acid?’

‘Yes,’ I groan.

‘Have you had your breakfast?’

I tap the side of my bag.

‘You better eat that.’ he warns, taking my hand. ‘Say goodbye to Cathy.’

‘Bye, Cathy!’

‘Bye, dear. Bye, my boy!’

I’m a little wary when we leave the penthouse, and even more wary when we step out of the elevator, into the foyer of Lusso, but she’s nowhere to be seen. I wince when I see Clive at the concierge desk, knowing he’s about to cop it in a big way.

‘Morning, Selena. Mr Ward.’ The old boy’s cheerfulness is going to be short lived once Justin lets loose.

‘Clive,’ Justin begins. ‘How the hell did a woman make it past you and up to the penthouse?’

The confusion on Clive’s face is clear. ‘Mr Ward, I’ve just come on shift.’

‘Just?’

‘Yes, I relieved the new boy…’ he glances down at his watch. ‘only ten minutes ago.’

I cringe further. It’s Casey who’ll be copping it. My sympathy for the new concierge increases. Chancing a peek at my man, I note a look of pure irritation. Casey might do well never to return. ‘When’s he back on shift?’ Justin asks shortly.

‘I finish at four.’ Clive confirms. ‘Did he do something wrong, Mr Ward? I have advised him of protocol.’

I’m pulled towards the sunlight outside. ‘For what f**king use it’s done.’ Justin mutters. ‘John’s taking you to work.’ he tells me as we emerge.

‘When do I get my Mini back?’ I ask, spotting the big guy across the car park, leaning up against the driver’s door.

‘You’re not. It’s a write off.’

‘Oh,’ I say quietly. I love my Mini. ‘Well when do I get to drive myself to work, then?’

Justin opens the passenger door of John’s Range Rover and lifts me in. ‘When I find out who stole my car.’

‘Why aren’t you taking me to work?’

He pulls my seatbelt across and secures me before dropping a kiss on my forehead. ‘I have a few meetings at The Manor.’

‘Then why did you make me wait for you?’ I ask on a scowl.

‘So I could put you in John’s car and remind you to speak with Patrick.’

I know I audibly groan. ‘You’re impossible.’

‘You’re beautiful. Have a good day.’ He kisses me once more and shuts me in, giving John a brief nod before making his way to the DBS. I’m suspicious of that nod and when John climbs in next to me, I make sure I direct my suspiciousness at him.

‘What’s up, Girl?’

‘Him.’

‘Nothing’s changed then,’ he laughs that deep, rumbling laugh.

‘No, nothing has changed.’ I grumble.

Chapter 31

I’m a whole hour late for work, but I’m not going to get away with it today. Patrick is here, and he’s standing over my desk when I finally burst through the door.

‘Flower?’ His round face is questioning, and the last thing I need today. I’m late, and now I’m going to shock him into a heart attack with my announcement. He looks up at the office clock. ‘What time do you call this?’

It’s one of the only times I’ve seen a displeased look on my boss’s face. I’ve always been so dedicated to my career, but personal stuff is getting in the way and my job has been side lined. I’m really pushing my luck, and I have been since Justin trampled into my life. ‘I’m sorry, Patrick.’ I can’t lie and feed him any rubbish on a client appointment, so I leave it at just an apology.

‘Selena, I know your life has been moving pretty quickly lately—congratulations, by the way, but I need dedication.’ He takes his comb from his inside pocket and sweeps it through his silver mop.

I’m a little shocked. Congratulations, by the way? That was hardly sincere. ‘I’m sorry.’ I repeat because I’m stumped for anything else to say. By the way? I’m a little insulted, but my slighted state isn’t drawing any further inspiration to voice it, and Patrick doesn’t give me the chance to, anyway. He goes back to his office, shutting the door behind him. I turn my confusion onto my three colleagues, who are all sitting quietly with their heads down. Has he had a pop at them, too? I collapse in my chair and decide, wisely or not, given my boss’s annoyance, to call Kate. A friendly voice. That’s what I need to hear right now.

She grunts down the phone in greeting.

‘Are you still in bed?’ I ask, firing up my computer.

‘Yep.’ is the one word, swift reply that shoots down the phone.

I smile. ‘Is a certain cute, messy haired, dimpled faced man with you?’ I pray for a yes, then hear shuffles and definitely a giggle, making my smile widen. I might have wanted to hear a friendly voice, but this will do the trick, too.

‘He is.’ She answers on a little shriek, not bothering to evade or brush off my question. ‘Sam!’

‘Okay, I’ll go.’ I have things to share, but I’m more than happy to hold off.

‘No, Selena!’

‘What?’

‘Wait!’ she demands. I hear more shuffling, definitely a few slaps and then a door close. ‘I just wanted to know how you got on with Dan.’ She’s whispering, for obvious reasons.

That wipes the smile clean from my face. Kate doesn’t need to know the gory details, and I’m just as ashamed of my brother as he is of himself. ‘Fine. It’s fine. He’s gone back to Australia, and Justin convinced him to keep quiet.’

‘I feel responsible.’

‘Kate, he’d already worked it out, before you made the entrance of the year.’ I can joke about it now. ‘Did you talk?’ I ask tentatively, taping my pen furiously on the table and wondering if there’s still scope for a bit of head bashing.

‘Yes, we talked. He knew about Dan.’ She pauses, and I know she’s waiting for a shocked gasp from me, but too much time has passed for me to fake one now.

I try, anyway. ‘Really?’ I practically shriek, receiving three sets of wide, startled eyes shoot straight to me from every corner of the office.

‘Whatever, Selena.’ she mumbles. ‘I felt like such an idiot. He’s not as daft as I thought.’

‘I know,’ I agree. ‘So, everything is okay?’

‘Yes, everything is fine. Perfect, in fact.’

I’m smiling again. ‘No more Manor?’

‘No more Manor.’ she confirms. ‘How are you? Throwing up? Achy legs? Any stretch marks?’

‘Not yet,’ I look down and notice my hand resting on my stomach. ‘I might not be the only one getting all of those things, though.’ I prick her curiosity. There’s no way in hell I’ll ever keep this one to myself.

‘Ooohhhh, who’s preggers?’ she asks, obviously intrigued. ‘Not boring Sal?’

‘No!’ I look over at boring Sal and instantly register that she is, in fact, boring Sal again. I cave on the inside for her. ‘Who then?’ Kate’s impatient voice relieves my eyes of boring, suicidal Sal and pulls me back to her pressing need for answers.

‘Coral.’

‘Fuck off!’

‘No, Coral is pregnant and that’s not all.’ I’m teasing when I really don’t need to. I have her full attention and shock. She’s heard nothing yet. ‘And she claims it’s Justin’s’

‘WHAT?’

I pull my phone away from my ear, certain that the whole office, perhaps even the whole of London, heard her. ‘It’s not, though.’

‘Wait, wait wait.’ She’s gesturing with her hands in my mind’s eye, and I hear the unmistakable scraping of a chair across her kitchen floor. She’s sitting herself down. ‘Coral’s pregnant?’

‘Yes,’

‘And she claims its Justin’s?’

‘Yes,’ I open my email as I answer, all casual and not at all affected by Kate’s shock. I’m over it.

‘But it’s not?’

‘Nope,’

‘How do you know?’ She asks the question prudently, but it’s a fair one, and I highly expected it.

‘Because she tried to pass off a peanut as a walnut.’

‘What the f**king hell are you on about?’

I sigh and continue absentmindedly scrolling my email account. ‘She has a scan picture. She’s claiming it’s a four month scan, but it’s clearly not and she’s cut all of the evidence away - the date, everything.’

‘The crafty f**king bitch! Is she that desperate?’

‘Very. She’s four-ish weeks, maximum. The last time Justin slept with the tramp was over four months ago. I swear to God, Kate, I was this…’

‘Hold up!’

‘What?’

‘Fucking hell! SAM!’ she shrieks, and I jump in my chair. ‘SAM!’

‘Will you stop yelling in my ear?’ I snap, hearing thundering footsteps down the line, then the sound of a door crashing open. There’s the mumbled, sleepy voice of Sam, and the high pitched, wide awake shriek of Kate. I can hear neither. Sam is too quiet and Kate is so loud, she’s all distorted. ‘Kate?’

‘Selena, f**king hell!’

I’m losing my rag now. ‘Stop your shouting and talk to me.’

‘Okay,’ she pants. ‘Drew slept with Coral.’

I sit up in my chair. ‘When?’

‘Oh, about four or five weeks ago.’ she says casually, which is a million miles away from the last few moments of frantic shouting and blurting of words.

‘How do you know?’

‘Sam told me. Drew was rat arsed, Coral nabbed him. The poor bloke knew nothing about it and probably wouldn’t if Sam hadn’t have turned up at his place. He caught her sneaking out.’

‘Oh shit,’ I’m not scrolling my email casually anymore. I’m tapping my pen wildly on the side of my desk. ‘How did she think she’d get away with it? I mean, the baby would be three months overdue!’

‘Desperate people do desperate things, my friend.’ She’s calmed right down. ‘Sam’s on the phone to him now. Are you okay? That must have been a shock, even if she was lying.’

‘Yeah, I’m used to shock with Justin.’ I brush it off with the apathy the whole episode deserves. Drew won’t be, though.

‘Good. You need to be careful now, don’t you?’ She asks it sweetly as a question, but there is a tinge of menace in there, too.

‘I do, I am, and I will. Listen, I’d better go. Patrick’s got the hump with me and Tom, Sal and Victoria all look like someone’s slapped them in the face. Lunch tomorrow?’

‘Perfect. Call me.’ She hangs up, and I cast a sceptical gaze around my office. It’s only ever this quiet when I’m here on my own. I glance over my shoulder to Patrick’s office and see his door shut and whilst I’m dying to call Justin and off load my new knowledge, I would be pushing my luck further. I know Sam will be calling him up, anyway. I should prep for my meeting with Ruth Quinn.

* * *

At eleven thirty, no one has spoken still, Patrick hasn’t come out of his office and I’m feeling nervous when I knock on Patrick’s door. I don’t just open it like I usually would. I wait for his okay and when it comes, I poke my head around and smile sweetly. ‘I have a noon appointment with Miss Quinn.’

‘Fine. You need to be back by two. We’re having a meeting.’ His tone is clipped, and he doesn’t look at me, choosing to keep his attention on the screen of his computer.

‘Okay,’ I shut the door with care and leave the office bewildered and concerned. A meeting? A meeting to discuss my lack of job commitment lately, no doubt, and bizarrely, I’m not even that concerned.

I’m greeted by a moped courier at the door. ‘Delivery for Selena O’Shea.’ His voice is muffled through his helmet, which he hasn’t taken off.

‘That’s me.’ I murmur apprehensively, the sound of my maiden name sending a chill down my spine.

‘Sign here, please.’ He thrusts a clipboard under my nose and I sign away, taking an envelope from him when I’m done. I don’t want to accept this delivery, but when John pulls up, I try my hardest to appear natural when I really should be appearing exasperated at the big guy’s arrival. The courier jumps on his bike and zooms off down the road without another muffled word. It’s not until John leans over and pushes the passenger door open that I realise I’m frozen in place, still with the envelope in my hand.

‘What you got there, girl?’ he asks, his smooth, shiny forehead creasing above his wraparounds.

‘Nothing,’ I stuff it in my bag and jump in, pulling my seatbelt on. ‘What are you doing here?’

He pulls straight into the traffic and starts the therapeutic tapping of his palm on the steering wheel, and I wonder how the leather hasn’t developed a dent in it from the constant drumming. ‘You have an appointment, girl.’

My inquisitive eyes bore into the side of his head. He can’t possibly know that because I’ve ensured my work diary remains under lock and key, just like my mouth. ‘How do you know?’ For the first time since I’ve known this big, menacing, black man, he looks awkward, and he’s refusing to look at me. ‘He’s making you follow me, isn’t he?’ I accuse. I don’t believe this.

His tapping increases momentum. I give him time to think about his answer, but I can tell by the look on his face that he knows I’ve got him. ‘Girl, someone tried to ram you off the road. You cannot blame him for being a little jittery. Where am I heading.’

‘Lansdowne Terrace,’ I reply. ‘So what’s your excuse for all of the other times he’s stalked me?’

‘I don’t have one.’ he answers candidly. ‘Those times he was just a crazy mother f**ker.’

I laugh and John joins me, his neck retracting just how I like it. ‘Don’t you get bored?’ I ask, thinking that he must see me as a royal pain in the arse. This definitely can’t be in his job description.

‘No,’ He quits with the laughing and turns to me, smiling fondly. ‘That crazy mother f**ker isn’t the only one who cares about you, girl.’

I have to press my lips together before my stupid pregnant emotions get the better of me and I let out an embarrassing sob. I know John won’t appreciate it. ‘I don’t mind you either.’ I shrug his affection off because I know he’ll appreciate that, and his quiet laugh confirms it.

‘I’ve been reading.’ he informs me, leaning over and opening the glove compartment. He takes a book out and hands it to me before resuming tapping of the wheel.

I read the title, and then again to make sure I have it right. ‘Bonsai trees?’

‘That’s right.’

I start flicking through the pages, admiring the pretty little trees and imagining John bent over one, delicately clipping at the fragile branches. ‘It’s a hobby?’

‘Yes, very relaxing.’

‘Where do you live, John?’ I don’t know where the question comes from. John and Bonsai trees would never be two things that I would naturally put together, but with this strange, new knowledge, I’m compelled to know.

‘Chelsea, girl.’

‘Alone?’

‘All alone.’ He laughs. ‘Me and my trees.’

I’m astonished. I would never have thought it. This is a man who on first sight I thought was a member of the Mafia—this huge, black, mean looking geezer, who patrols The Manor, keeps over exited men, and perhaps women, too, in their place, and now I find out that he lives with trees? Fascinating.

* * *

‘Are you going to wait outside for me?’ I ask John playfully when he pulls up outside Ruth Quinn’s house.

His gold tooth flashes, and he reaches over to take the book. ‘I might read a few pages, girl.’

‘I’ll be as quick as I can.’ I jump out and dash up the path to Ruth’s home.

The front door is open before I even knock. ‘Selena!’ She sounds far too happy to see me.

‘Hi, Ruth. How are you?’

‘Fabulous! Come in.’ She looks over my shoulder on a slight frown and ushers me in quickly.

I let her be curious because explaining John will take too long, and I don’t want to stay any longer than is necessary. I need to keep this as professional as possible.

She leads me down the corridor, into the kitchen. ‘Did you have a good weekend?’ she asks.

Brilliant and awful. It seems like light-years ago. ‘Yes, thank you, and you?’ I settle myself at the huge oak table and get my files out.

‘Wonderful,’ she sings, taking a seat next to me.

I smile politely and open her file. ‘So, what did you want to discuss? Cupboards?’

‘No, don’t worry about the cupboards. We’ll stick with the original. Now, the wine fridge, remind me, did we opt for the single or double width?’

If that is what she’s dragged me here for, I will be most upset. ‘Double.’ I say slowly. I’m not at all comfortable. She could have called for both of those points. My phone starts ringing from my bag, but I ignore it, even though it’s Angel. I don’t plan on being here for much longer, and there is absolutely no need for me to be, so I can call him back as soon as I escape. ‘Was that all?’ I ask dubiously. My phone rings off, then starts again immediately.

‘Do you want to get that?’ she asks, looking at my bag.

‘It’s fine,’ I shake my head mildly. She doesn’t know it, but it’s in disbelief. ‘Was there anything else Ruth?’

‘Urm,’ She looks frantically around the kitchen. ‘Yes, I’ve changed my mind about the walnut floor.’ she says, dragging a magazine over from the other side of the table. ‘I quite like this.’ She points to an oak alternative on the cover of the magazine.

I start to voice my reasons for sticking to walnut when my phone cuts me off. My shoulders sag.

Ruth pushes my bag towards me. ‘Selena, perhaps you should answer. Whoever it is obviously wants to talk to you.’

I close my eyes in a give-me-strength gesture and reach into my bag to retrieve my phone before getting up from the table and making my way into the hall. ‘Justin, I’m in a meeting. Can I call you back?’

‘I’m having Selena withdrawal.’ he murmurs. ‘Are you having Justin withdrawal?’

‘Is there a cure?’ I ask on a grin, knowing damn well what the cure is.

‘Yes, it’s called constant contact. What time are you finishing work?’

‘I’m not sure. I have a meeting at two with Patrick.’ I glance over my shoulder and see Ruth flicking through the design magazine. She may not be paying any attention, but she must be able to hear me. Maybe that’s a good thing. I’m happily married, most of the time. And I’m pregnant, too. Should I slip that into the conversation?

‘Oh good. You’re finally going to see through on your promise to talk with Patrick.’ Justin says.

‘Yes,’

‘Well it won’t take that long, will it?’

‘No, probably not, but it doesn’t matter because John will be waiting for me, won’t he?’ I answer his question with my own. I’ve probably dropped John in it, but what’s the point in pretending I don’t know?

‘He will,’ I can hear his grin in his tone. ‘How are my babies, lady?’

‘Our babies are fine,’ I realise immediately what I’ve just said, and I also notice my hand caressing my belly. ‘Justin, I need to get back. I’ll see you later.’

‘What am I supposed to do until later?’

‘Go for a run.’

‘I already did that.’ he counters proudly. ‘Maybe I’ll go shopping.’

‘Yes, go shopping.’ I encourage him, hoping he lands in Babies R Us and doesn’t emerge until gone six. ‘I love you.’ I end the conversation on something that’ll placate him for a little longer.

‘I know.’ he sighs.

‘Bye.’ I smile and hang up, making my way back to the kitchen. ‘Sorry about that.’ I wave my phone as I sit back down. ‘So, oak then?’

She looks lost in thought as she studies me for a while, and then her stare drops to my tummy, which is tucked neatly under the table. I knew she must have heard, but a tiny part of me was hoping she hadn’t.

I start scribbling down a load of complete nonsense. ‘I’ll get a price on the oak. The fitting and labour will be the same, but I’ll check it out, anyway. Are you sure we’re ditching the walnut?’ I wait for her confirmation, but when I’ve ran out of things to write and she still hasn’t answered, I look up and find her still daydreaming. ‘Ruth?’

‘Oh, sorry! I was miles away. Yes, please do.’ She jumps up. ‘Selena, I’m so sorry, I’ve not even offered you a cup of tea. Or maybe wine. We could have a cheeky lunchtime wine.’

‘No, honestly. I don’t drink.’

‘Why?’

Her abrupt question increases my unease. ‘Not in the week. I don’t drink in the week.’

‘I see. Yes, we can all get a bit carried away.’ She smiles, but it goes nowhere near her blue eyes. ‘How’s your husband?’

I can’t help the sharp inhale of breath. Not when she’s linked alcohol, getting carried, away and my husband all in two close sentences. ‘He’s good.’ I start to pack my things away, keen to leave. She may have innocently touched a nerve, but she’s still gazing longingly at me, and it’s becoming unbearable. ‘I’ll get those quotes and call you.’

I make to stand a bit too hastily and catch my heel on the leg of the chair, causing me to stumble slightly. She’s on me in a second, holding my arm to steady me. ‘Selena, are you okay?’

‘Yes, fine.’ I collect myself, trying my hardest not to appear uneasy, but now she has a hold of me and she’s not letting go. In fact, she’s trailing her hand up my arm. I tense from top to toe as it makes it to my cheek and strokes me gently.

‘So beautiful,’ she whispers.

I should move back, but I’m too shocked and my lack of recoil is allowing her to caress my cheek to her hearts content. ‘I should go,’ I say quietly, finally letting some sensibility filter into my brain. I step back and her hand falls away, a shimmer of embarrassment washing over her face. She laughs and looks away. ‘Yes, perhaps you should.’

I take her cue and make my getaway, hurrying down the hall to the front door and swinging it open. I don’t even close it behind me. John spots me rushing towards his car and jumps out. ‘Selena, girl?’ he questions as he runs a quick all over scan of me, checking I’m physically okay. Once he’s satisfied himself that I am, he looks past me and slowly reaches up to remove his sunglasses. His action wouldn’t appear so strange if he’d have left his glasses on, but he hasn’t, and now he’s looking up the path to Ruth’s house.

I slow my escape and turn to see what’s caught his interest, seeing the front door close to Ruth’s home as I do. ‘What’s up, John?’ I ask, feeling better now that I’m away from my friendly client, who now just seems creepy.

‘Nothing, girl. Get in the car.’ His glasses are replaced and he nods at me, instead of repeating himself, so I climb in and wait for him to join me. He slides in and turns towards me. ‘What’s got you in a state?’

I sag and pull my seatbelt on, feeling a little stupid. ‘I think I have a female admirer.’

I expect a laugh or at least a shocked gasp, but I get nothing, just a nod of acknowledgment and a face that turns away from me. ‘Something else to send the mother f**ker crazy.’ John rumbles dryly. ‘What’s her name?’

‘Ruth Quinn. She’s strange.’

He nods thoughtfully. ‘Back to the office?’

‘Please, John.’ I throw my bag between my feet, dislodging the envelope that I tucked neatly in there earlier. It pokes out, reminding me of its presence, and I reach down, curiosity getting the better of me.

‘What’s that?’ John asks, nodding at the brown A4 envelope that I’m holding.

‘I’m not sure.’ I sound as apprehensive as I feel. ‘A courier delivered it.’ I’m being totally honest because if this turns out to be another warning, then I’ll be telling Justin anyway, so it’s of no consequence if John knows, too. I peel the seal and pull out a piece of card and as soon as I clock the cut out letters, I lose my breath.

‘What is it?’ John asks, his voice laced with concern.

I can’t speak. There is a certain level of maliciousness linked to these sorts of letters and as I stare down at the message, assembled with various newspaper and magazine cuttings, my casual disregard of my previous warning seems quite reckless.

‘It’s another warning.’ I manage to splutter through my racing breath. I feel sick.

‘Another?’

‘Yes, I had one with some half dead flowers. I just chucked it in the bin and put it down to a jilted ex-sexual conquest.’ I open the window to get some needed fresh air.

‘What does it say?’ John keeps flicking his sunglass covered eyes over to the piece of card that I’ve dropped in my lap. I read the message to him.

‘I told you to leave him.’

A frustrated curse shoots into the air. ‘What did the other one say? Was it like that one?’

I try and collect my scattered thoughts and attempt to recall the exact wording of the other message. ‘Something along the lines of me not knowing him. They said they did.’ I shake my head in frustration. ‘I can’t remember. The other was handwritten.’ I’m furious with myself for getting rid of it when I should have been sensible and told Justin. He’s got Steve investigating the car incident and my drugging and, stupidly, I kept something from him that could’ve assisted in dealing with this. It may have sent him off the deep end initially, but the long term benefits to him knowing far outweigh the meltdown that would be guaranteed—the meltdown he’s going to have very soon because now he will know, and I’m going to be facing a seriously pissed off male. I’ve been so stupid.

‘Why haven’t you told Justin?’ John sounds concerned, only heightening my own worrying thoughts.

‘Why do you think, John?’ He can’t be so unwise to ask that question, and the deep breath and brief look of understanding that travel across his annoyed face tells me he’s not.

‘Okay, girl.’ He doesn’t say I’ve been foolish, but I know he’s thinking it.

‘I thought it was Coral.’ I say quietly.

‘Even after the dressing down that you gave her this morning?’ He’s restraining a small smile, I can tell.

‘No, I thought it was Coral before. Not now.’

‘Do you want to tell him, or should I?’ John asks seriously. I know what he means. No further elaboration is required and when he looks at me and nods at my pleading face, I know he understands. ‘I’ll tell him, girl.’

‘Can you try to calm him down, too?’

‘If we were talking about anything else, I’d say yes. But this is you. I’m not promising anything.’

I sigh, but I appreciate his frankness. ‘Thank you. Are you going back to The Manor?’

‘No, girl. I’ll call him. You just get done at work, and I’ll be waiting for you.’

‘Okay.’ I agree, feeling anxious, stupid and way too vulnerable. Once again, I’ve underestimated something that I really shouldn’t have.

* * *

The office is still uncomfortably silent when John drops me off at work. All three of my colleagues heads are firmly down, Sally still looks suicidal, and Patrick’s office door is still closed. No one acknowledges me when I pass through and Sally doesn’t offer me a coffee, so I dump my bag and head through to the kitchen to make myself one.

I’m just tipping my third sugar into the mug when my shoulders rise and tense at the sound of my beloved husband’s ringtone. If I could get away with it, I’d ignore him, but he’ll be calling the landline and failing that, charging into the office. Abandoning my coffee, I take deep breaths of courage as I go in search of my phone. This isn’t going to be a call that I can take in the openness of my office, so I hurry to the conference room and close the door behind me before connecting myself to what will be a raging mass of angry male.

‘Please don’t shout at me!’ I blurt down the line, immediately holding the phone away from my ear once I’ve made my plea.

I was right. ‘What the f**king hell were you thinking?’ he yells. ‘You stupid, stupid woman!’

My eyes close, and I quietly accept his rant, keeping my phone at a safe distance.

He’s breathing erratically between scorns. ‘I’ve been pulling my f**king hair out, trying to work with Steve and figure this shit out, and all along you had a handwritten threat?’ I hear a door slam. ‘And you tore it up? Evidence, Selena. Fucking evidence!’

‘I’m sorry!’ I’m close to tears. ‘I didn’t want to worry you. I thought it was harmless.’

‘Harmless, even after you were drugged? And did you still think it was harmless after you got rammed from the road?’ He’s so mad, but I know it’s because he’s not in control. He can’t control what’s happening, and it’s sending him crazy mad.

‘I should have told you.’

‘Fuck!’ Silence falls after his curse, and I can see a clear mental image of him slumped in his office chair, rubbing a furious circle on his temple with his fingertips. ‘Tell me you’re not leaving that office this afternoon.’

‘I have a meeting with Patrick. I’ll speak to him about Mikael.’ I’m trying to tell him what I know he wants to hear. I can’t work with Mikael, even if I don’t think it’s him anymore.

‘This isn’t the work of Mikael, Selena.’ he says more calmly than I know he’s feeling. I knew that, but what has convinced Justin? ‘Steve confirmed that Mikael was on the flight to Denmark. He’s been back and forth to London over the last few weeks, but completely legit. He couldn’t have drugged you and he couldn’t have been driving my car because both of those times it’s confirmed that he was in Denmark. And why the hell would he say that he knows me?’ Justin’s tone gets sharper as he finishes the sentence. It’s a reference to the first threat.

‘What about the man in the CCTV footage?’ I ask tentatively?

‘I don’t know, Selena.’ he sighs. ‘My car was found yesterday. Steve’s looking into it. The tracker’s been deactivated.’

‘Oh.’ I rest my tired arse down on one of the plush chairs surrounding the conference table. I could point out to him that I’m not the only one who’s been withholding information, but I won’t. I know he’s been pulling strings, calling in favours and generally doing everything other than using the police in the way they should be, whereas I have just been plain dumb.

‘Should I come to The Manor after work?’ I ask.

‘No, John will take you home as soon as you’ve spoken to Patrick. I’ll meet you there. Given this new information I’ve just found out, I’ve got Steve swinging by.’ His sarcasm doesn’t go unnoticed and neither does the edge of anger. I’ve made a huge mistake. I don’t point out that my working day may not be over after I’ve spoken to Patrick because it will serve no purpose other than instigating further growling down the phone. I really do need to play by his rules this time. ‘Don’t leave that office, and once John’s taken you home, you stay put. Do you understand me?’

‘I understand.’ I whisper.

‘Good girl. I’ll speak with Steve, but I’m out of here the second I’m done.’

‘I love you.’ I blurt urgently, like I won’t ever get to tell him again.

He sighs. ‘I know you do, baby. We’ll have a bath when I’m home. Deal?’

‘Deal.’ I agree, his soft words and promise of tub-time making me feel a little better.

‘Do what you’re told, lady.’ He hangs up after that final warning, but I don’t take my phone from my ear. I know he’s gone, but I hold it there for a few moments anyway, maybe hoping that I’m mistaken and his deep husk will install some further reassurance.

It’s only when the door to the conference room swings open and Patrick appears that I finally pull my mobile away and accept he’s gone.

‘There you are,’ He still doesn’t look impressed as he stands holding the door open. ‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes,’ I go to rise, but he waves me back down.

‘No, stay there. We’re having the meeting in here.’ He shouts through to the others and one by one, they filter in, all puzzled and all deadly quiet. Something is going down, everyone can obviously sense it, and I now gather that it’s not just me and Patrick in this meeting.

There are no trays of tea brought in by Sal and there are no fresh cream cakes to dive into. Patrick looks tired and harassed, whereas we all look majorly confused by this sudden change in meeting etiquette. What happen to the relaxed affair, where we all huddle around our boss’s desk and stuff our faces with cake while Patrick brings himself up-to-date on client progress?

‘Right,’ He sits his big body down in a chair at the head of the table and undoes his suit jacket to prevent the pull over his rounded stomach. ‘I’ve not been here much lately, and I’m sure you’re all wondering why.’

The other three all murmur their acknowledgment, and even though I had absentmindedly noticed his lack of presence in the offices lately, I hadn’t dwelled on it for long. ‘Well, there is a perfectly good reason,’ he continues. ‘and I’m now in a position to disclose it. It has been tough, keeping you all in the dark. You all know I value each and every one of you, but things needed to be ironed out and finalised.’ His hands rest on his stomach and he relaxes back in his chair. My eyes travel from Tom to Victoria to Sal, and back again a few times, trying to gage their reaction to the news of news, but they are all just staring blankly at Patrick. ‘I’m retiring.’ he sighs. ‘I’ve had it.’

There is a collective hum of relived breaths coming from everyone, except me. If he’s retiring, then what happens to Rococo Union? Have none of them thought of that yet?

‘You’ve all still got your jobs. I’ve made sure of that,’ More collective sighs. ‘but I can’t do it anymore. The rat race of London is wearing me out, so Irene and I are moving up to the Lake District.’

My first thought is… Patrick full time with Irene? What is he thinking? And my second thought is… who am I going to be working for? I don’t have to wait long to find out. The door opens and Mikael walks in.

Chapter 32

‘Meet the new owner of Rococo Union!’ Patrick sings.

Tom and Victoria swoon a little, but Sally is definitely with me in the shock department. We’re both visibly choking on thin air, but while I know damn well why I am, I have no clue what’s gotten into Sal.

‘Of course, you already know him in some capacity.’ Patrick continues, ‘Mr Van Der Haus and I have been thrashing out a deal over the last few weeks, and we’ve finally settled on mutually agreeable terms.’

‘And I can’t wait to get stuck in.’ Mikael smiles, ignoring the other members of staff and keeping his blues right on me. ‘I think we’ll work very well together.’

I predict that the hum of agreement comes from only three people in this room. I don’t agree and it doesn’t look like Sal does either. There will be nothing coming from my mouth because my throat has closed up. I watch him round the table and shake hands with Patrick before formally introducing himself to my colleagues. When he makes it to Sal, he barely looks at her and she undoubtedly burns bright red and looks down to the floor.

She’s been seeing Mikael!

My mouth gapes as I watch her fidget. That is how he knows I’m married. That is how he knows I’m pregnant and that I’m pregnant with twins. That is how he knows everything!

The room is suddenly filled with Massive Attack’s Angel and everyone looks at me, sitting in the chair like a statue, holding my phone limply in my hand.

‘Would you like to take that?’ Mikael asks on a smile, which I don’t reciprocate. Then the office door bursts open and John steams in, panting and doing a quick assessment of the scene that he’s just barged in on. Now, I can safely say that my career at Rococo Union is over.

John steps forward, with no regard for the people all looking wide eyed at him, and grabs my phone from my lifeless hand, answering it quickly. ‘She’s fine.’

My stunned brain gets up to speed with what’s happening as I watch John pace the conference room. Everyone is watching him, but no one is questioning him. He must have seen Mikael enter the office and called Justin. I almost want to yell at the big guy, but the latest stroke Mikael has pulled is the nail in the coffin for me and my employment at Rococo Union—that and the huge, mean Mafia type stomping around the office.

Mikael doesn’t need an interior design company. This is ridiculous, and crossing the fine line of obsessive… a bit like my husband did.

John looks at me and nods, me nodding back because speech still hasn’t found me. Then he hands me the phone, and I look at him in horror. I can’t have what I know will be a heated conversation with Justin here and now. I push myself back, further into the chair, but John gives me a look to suggest that I’m not going to get away with it. Justin wants to talk to me, and I know I’m going to get nowhere refusing.

Nervously taking the phone, I stand up and leave the room. ‘Justin?’

‘What the FUCK is he doing there?’ he’s rampant, probably yanking chunks of hair from his head.

‘He’s bought the company.’ I say the words quietly and calmly, having a delusional hope that by saying it calmly, might reflect the way in which he deals with this. It’s a very delusional hope.

He’s hyperventilating down the phone. ‘Get your bag, get John, and leave. Do you hear me?’

‘Yes,’ I confirm quickly, knowing I have no other option.

‘Do it now while I’m on the phone.’

‘Okay,’ I let my phone leave my ear and re-enter the office, getting six sets of eyes pointed straight at me. The tension in the air is heavy. I pick my bag up and look at John, who nods again.

‘Selena?’ Patrick’s familiar, concerned voice pulls my eyes to my boss, or ex-boss.

‘I’m sorry, Patrick. I can’t work for Rococo Union anymore.’

‘Why ever not? Exciting things will be happening. Mikael has assured me that you’ll be made a profit sharing director. I made it part of the deal, flower.’ He’s standing now and approaching me with a wrinkled brow. ‘It’s an amazing opportunity for you.’

I smile and glance at Mikael. He seems to be speechless himself now. ‘I’m sorry, I should’ve said that I can’t work for Mikael.’ Now all eyes are on the Dane. ‘Mikael has been actively pursuing me for some time. He won’t take no for an answer.’ I swing my bag onto my shoulder. ‘Sal, he’s been using you to keep tabs on me. I’m sorry.’

She’s hiding her face, but I can see that she’s crying. I feel terrible for her.

‘Are you so desperate that you’d destroy someone as sweet as Sally?’ I ask Mikael. ‘Are you so desperate to get revenge on a man that you’ll buy the company his wife works for?’

‘Revenge on that womaniser is just an advantage. I’ve wanted you from day one.’ He basically confirms Justin’s suspicions in that one sentence. ‘He doesn’t deserve you.’

‘He does deserve me, and he has me. He’ll always have me. We’ve fought off bigger beasts than you, Mikael. Nothing you can tell me will ever sway me from my decision to be with him.’ My body might be shaking, but my voice is steady and firm. ‘I have nothing more to say to you.’ I turn to leave, but stop briefly at the door. ‘I’m sorry, Patrick.’

John follows me, his giant hand set firmly on my back, as if he’s gaging my physical condition. I feel sad, but strangely resolute.

‘Selena,’

The light Danish accent that I used to find quite sexy, now just makes my skin crawl. John tries to push me on, but a stupid sense of curiosity has me fighting against the big guy’s strength and turning towards Mikael.

‘He f**ked other women when he was with you, Selena. He doesn’t deserve you.’

‘He does deserve me!’ I scream the words in his face, and he steps back, shocked.

John’s hand moves to my arm, but I shrug him off. ‘Selena, girl?’

‘No! No one gets to pass judgement on him, except me! He’s mine!’ I’ve forgiven him, and given the chance, I could probably forget. ‘You’re blinded by resentment.’ I say more calmly.

‘It’s more about you.’ The Dane flicks a cautious glance at my bodyguard.

I laugh and shake my head. ‘No, it’s not. I’m married and preg…’

‘And I still want you.’

My mouth snaps shut, and John lets out a warning growl. ‘The girl is taken.’ He tries to manoeuvre me onwards, but I’m fixed in place.

‘Did you drug me?’ I ask, but the horrified look that instantly invades his pale face tells me what I need to know.

‘Selena, I would never hurt you. I’ve bought this company for you.’

I shake my head on a disbelieving laugh. ‘You’re consumed with the need for vengeance. You don’t even know me. We’ve shared no intimacy, connection or special moments. What’s wrong with you?’

‘I know a good thing when I see it, and I’m prepared to fight for it.’

‘You’ll be fighting in vain.’ I say calmly, ‘And even if you succeed in your attempts to break us—which you never will—you couldn’t have me afterwards.’

His skin gathers on his forehead when he frowns. ‘Why?’

‘Because without him, I’d be dead.’ I turn and leave my workplace, knowing I’ll never return. I’m a little sad, but knowing what’s waiting for me past this point in my life puts the biggest smile on my face.

* * *

When I’m settled safely in John’s Range Rover and we’ve pulled away from the kerb, I register my phone in my hand and remember that he’s on the other end of the line. I don’t want to hear him, I want to see him. ‘Justin?’

It’s silent for a while, but I know he’s there. His presence travels through the line and kisses my skin. ‘I don’t deserve you.’ he says quietly. ‘He’s right, but I’m too selfish to give you up to someone who does. We’ll never be broken and you’ll never be without me, so you’ll be living forever, baby.’

Tears stab at my eyes and I think of how grateful I am that he is such a selfish man. ‘Deal.’ I whisper.

‘I’ll see you in the bath.’

‘Deal.’ I repeat because I know I’ll never manage more than one word without coughing all over them. He hangs up and I lose myself in thought as I watch London fly by the window. I feel an amazing sense of relief. For once, there’s complete silence in John’s car. There’s no humming and there’s no taping of the steering wheel. We travel in a comfortable quiet back to Lusso.

* * *

‘Let’s get you in, girl.’ John parks up and jumps out, leaving me to unbuckle and join him at the front of his car.

‘You don’t have to escort me in,’ I say, but he pulls a face that suggests he does. ‘Justin’s told you to sweep the penthouse, hasn’t he?’

‘Just a little check, that’s all, girl.’ He takes my elbow and leads me into the foyer of Lusso. I could complain, but I don’t bother. He’s being completely over cautious, but if it keeps him and my neurotic husband happy, then I’ll comply.

I’m surprised to see Casey here, but he’s not in uniform. ‘Hi, Casey.’ I call as I’m led past, not being given a moment to converse, or maybe warn him that he’s going to be facing the wrath of Justin very soon. I do notice how smart he looks in his suit, though, and I definitely spot the look of alarm on his face at the sight of the big guy, escorting me. John has that effect on most people, just like he did me.

John punches the code in and stands back to let me enter the elevator before he joins me. He taps the code in again.

‘You know the code?’ I ask, hoping to God he doesn’t know the significance of the code.

He smiles down at me, and I can’t work out if it’s a knowing look or not. ‘The mother f**ker was sensible this time, but you’d think he would be a little bit more creative.’

I cough a little, thinking just how creative Justin can be when he reaches that zero. Wonderfully creative, in fact. Mind-blowingly creative. I need to run that bath, but as the doors of the elevator open, I uncharitably remember that it’s early and Cathy is more than likely still faffing around the penthouse.

Letting us in, I immediately head towards the kitchen and dump my bag on the island, but I find no Cathy, so I set off upstairs in search of her, set on relieving her for the rest of the day.

‘Selena, girl,’ John’s thundering footsteps come after me. ‘Let me check.’

‘John, really?’ I stop and let him pass. ‘Are you babysitting me until Justin gets home?’ I truly hope not. I want to have a bath before my bath with Justin.

‘No. Peace of mind.’ he rumbles. ‘Quit with the complaining.’

I recoil a little at his shortness, but I don’t argue with the giant of a man. I let him open and close doors while I prop myself up against the glass bannister, arms folded across my chest, patiently waiting. There is no way I should be whining about this, given our surprise visitor this morning.

‘All clear,’

‘That’s a relief,’ I smile, pushing my lower back away from the glass.

John abruptly halts, his eyebrows hovering somewhere between the tops of his shades and the top of his head. ‘Don’t back chat me, girl.’ He’s really grumpy, just when I thought he and I had reached an understanding. ‘I’ll call security and get the code sorted.’

I watch him stomp off downstairs. ‘No Cathy?’ I ask his back.

‘No Cathy.’ he confirms, heading for the penthouse phone system, but his mobile starts ringing before he makes it to the landline. ‘Yes?’ he grunts, detouring into the kitchen. ‘We’re here now. Cathy’s already left, but I’ll stay until you arrive.’ His voice is getting quieter as the distance between us grows, and I know he’s talking to Justin. ‘Blue door, needs painting.’ John says on a purposed hush. I can still hear perfectly, though. That’s the disadvantage to having such a low, rumbling voice. He may sound menacing, but he can’t whisper for shit. ‘Lansdowne Terrace. I can’t be sure. I only got a glimpse, but if it’s not her, then she has a doppelganger.’

I’m unconsciously walking towards John’s voice. I heard that right, so it’s not like I need to gain closeness to ensure my ears aren’t failing me. But his attempt to keep this from my ear shot, coupled with the mention of Ruth Quinn’s address and the fact that John obviously recognises her, makes me need to see his face to gage his expression. I know it’s not going to be good, not when he’s talking to Justin, which means Justin knows Ruth Quinn, too. My blood is running colder with each step I take towards John’s low, hushed tone.

‘There’s no one there?’ John’s pacing the kitchen at the far end. ‘Ruth Quinn. I already told you. I know my eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be, but I’d put my life on it. You need to call the police, not go looking for her, you crazy mother f**ker.’

My blood is ice and my body frozen in place as I watch John turn slowly and register my presence. He might be black, but he has definitely just paled. ‘Who is she?’ I ask him.

His huge chest expands and he reaches up to take his glasses off. I wish he’d have left them on because the rare sight of his eyes has just confirmed my fears. They are worried, and the big guy doesn’t do worried. ‘Justin, you need to get your arse back here. Leave it for the police to deal with.’ John’s mobile leaves his ear, and I hear Justin’s angry yell down the phone. I can’t decipher what he’s saying, but his frustrated shout says a thousand words. The mention of police intervention can’t be good, either.

‘Who is she?’ I grate, my breathing starting to accelerate. I’m anxious and panicking, but I don’t know what about.

John sighs, defeated, yet he still doesn’t answer, instead turning his back on me. ‘It’s too late. She’s standing right here. You’d better come home.’

I hear an angry yell, and I think I catch the sound of something hitting something, like a fist on a front door—a worn, blue front door. I can feel my patience fraying. My lack of knowledge in something that I’m sensing I should know about is re-heating my frozen veins.

John hands me the phone, and I don’t delay swiping it from his hand. ‘Who is she?’ I remain calm and clear, but if I don’t get an answer, then I’ll be raging very quickly. And I already know that it’ll be the blood pressure raising kind of furious.

He’s heaving down the phone, his purposeful, thumping footsteps evident in the background. ‘I’m not sure.’

‘What do you mean?’ I’m shouting. He didn’t answer, not satisfactorily. He knows who Ruth Quinn is.

‘I’m on my way home. We’ll talk.’

‘No, tell me!’

‘Selena, I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure it’s her.’ he says, the screeching of tyres making me wince. That may be so, but John’s inability to whisper has screwed that plan up. ‘I’ll explain when I can sit you down.’

‘I’m not going to like this, am I?’ I don’t know why I’m asking. He wants to sit me down—not a good sign. There are no good signs, in fact. Even the big guy looks all concerned by what’s transpiring.

‘Baby, please, I need to see you.’

‘You didn’t answer my question.’ I remind him quietly, resting myself on a barstool. ‘What else could you possibly have to tell me, Justin?’

‘I’ll be home soon.’

‘Will it make me run?’

‘I’ll be home soon.’ he repeats and hangs up, leaving me with John’s phone suspended limply by my cheek and a stomach churning with trepidation. I almost want to run right now. Uncertainty, mixed with incredible fear, is pushing me to run away, but not to escape him because the thought of being without him sears painfully on every fragment of my being. But there’s an aching pit, deep in my stomach that’s telling me I should protect myself from whatever is about to impact on my life. Our life.

The penthouse phone screeches, making me jump, and John’s thumps his heavy feet across the kitchen, now with his glasses back in place. I won’t waste my breath trying to extract any information from him, even though he has the information that I need.

He returns to the kitchen, looking too fraught for such a menacing man. Now I’m really worried. ‘I’m needed downstairs. You’ll lock the door behind me and you won’t answer it unless I call you to say it’s me. Where’s your phone?’

‘What’s happening?’ I stand, starting to shake.

‘Where’s your phone?’ he presses, taking his own from my trembling hand.

‘In my bag. John, tell me.’

He helps himself, tipping the contents of my bag out and quickly locating my mobile. He sits it neatly on the island and picks me up, placing me gently on the stool. ‘Selena, now isn’t the time to argue with me. There’s someone the concierge is suspicious of and I’m just going to check it out. It’s probably nothing.’

I don’t believe him. Nothing suggests I should; not the tone of his voice or his body language. Everything is suggesting that I should be terrified, and I’m beginning to feel it. ‘Okay,’ I agree reluctantly.

After nodding and squeezing my shoulder affectionately, he carries his big body from the kitchen, and I soon hear the front door close, leaving me still shaking and with a racing mind. I’m failing on every level to calm myself down. I just want Justin. I don’t care what he’s got to tell me, I don’t give a damn. I clench my phone and run up the stairs to the bedroom, quickly locating the key to Justin’s office from my underwear drawer before rushing back down and making quick work of unlocking the door. I know I’ll feel better when I’m sitting in his big office chair, like he’s wrapped around me in a sense.

I burst through the door, frenzied and out of breath, only to be met by a woman, who’s standing in the middle of the room, staring at my wall.