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silentglassbreak · 7 months

Text

Fragmented

Noah Sebastian x OFC

I had far too much fun writing this chapter.

Warnings: Threats of violence.

+It goes without saying. This is a work of fiction. My words are mine. Plagiarism is a crime.

Taglist: @flowery-mess @lma1986 @myownthoughts12 @poisongirl616 @missduffsblog @reidsblessing @malerieee @jilliemiw86 @thisbicc @xx-like-a-villian-xx @diabolicdiatonics

Part 10 - Take Me Under

“She’s actually fucking suing us?!”

“Mr. Sebastian, I understand you’re upset, but I’m going to have to ask that you lower your voice.”

I tightened my jaw, and squeezed my eyes shut. Elizabeth was sat across the table, her eyes stern on all of us.

After I got the paperwork last night, I called Jolly, who immediately called Alec. The rest of the guys were all served the same lawsuit this morning, and we were told to meet down at Rourke, Mansfield, and Jones, Elizabeth’s office.

I was breathing heavily, massaging my temple with one hand.

“Ms. Hollis has filed for wrongful termination, emotional distress, and sexual harassment.” Her eyes looked up at us, Alec’s mouth hanging open wide. “She’s seeking two million in damages.”

I felt the air leave my lungs.

Two million dollars?

“We have thirty days to respond to the suit, so we need to discuss if we want to counter sue.”

“Wait…what does that mean?” Folio looked absolutely puzzled.

“It means that we can sue her back, for damages.” Jolly chimed in, leaning back in his chair and tapping his fingers on the table.

“How the fuck can she even do this?” I was working overtime to keep my voice even, tugging at my turtleneck.

“She can do whatever she wants. Whether she wins or not is the real question.” Elizabeth and her co-counsel were sitting, flipping through the complaint paperwork. The man sat next to her, who was introduced as Richard Rourke, head of the firm, had his eyes scanning the paperwork at lightning speed.

“Her case is fairly weak, but it’s hard to tell how much ground she can get until we take depositions.” His voice was impossibly deep, serious as a heart attack.

“Depositions?” Nick spoke up.

“Statements. About all of the events.” Elizabeth clarified.

Alec, who had a copy of the complaint in front of him, was reading through it. My eyes glanced over.

“This references the night at the club and the hotel, and then an incident in San Diego where you intimidated her?”

He looked at me sideways, and I rolled my eyes.

“I didn’t fucking intimidate her. I went to her room to give her a piece of my fucking mind.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “In what way?”

“I banged on her God damn door, and yelled at her. She had manipulated me!”

She closed her eyes and set her pen down. “Noah, she says in the suit you lunged at her, and she had to hide behind the door. And that you had to be restrained by Mr. Ruffilo and Mr. Karlsson. That’s not true, right?”

I sat back and scoffed, eyes falling to the table. “This is insane.”

“Mr. Sebastian? Is it true?” Richard asked, baritone voice vibrating through me.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed hard. “It may be.”

The two lawyers exchanged glances, eyes solemn.

“Alright, look,” Elizabeth took her glasses off and set them on the table, her demeanor relaxing for a moment. “I’m going to level with you. I don’t know that we get out of this without some kind of offer.”

I clenched my teeth, staring intently at her.

“I’ve spoken to the insurance, and they’ve assured that if we can get the sexual harassment piece dropped, they will cover this. But if we can’t? This would be out of pocket.”

“To who?” Jolly asked. “To Sumerian?”

Elizabeth shrugged, eyes softening. “It would be joint liability between Sumerian, and Bad Omens, which means all of you may be liable.”

My mouth fell open. “It’ll bankrupt us! We’re successful, but not two million dollars successful!”

“Okay, let’s just take a step back.” Richard placed his palm on the table. “We’re not there yet. For now, let’s just decide if we intend to counter sue, or attempt to settle.” He raised an eyebrow at us. “Either we fight, or we fold. Ultimately it’s up to the insurance, but if they don’t cover it, you guys need to be all in.”

“We’ll give you all a few minutes to discuss it.” Elizabeth stated before she stood from the table with Richard, them both making way toward the door.

Once they left, we all turned toward each other, eyes on Alec.

“What do we do?” Nick asked, Alec looking stressed.

“My gut tells me to take a stand. Who knows what kind of message we’re sending this girl if we just offer to settle?”

I shrugged. “Dude, what is this going to do to our reputations?”

Jolly voiced his opinion. “Well, if it goes our way, it could show a lot of integrity on our end. Not allowing someone to take advantage?”

“Fuck man, I don’t know about you guys, but I ain’t got a million fucking dollars to pay this chick.” Folio was rubbing his face.

“None of us do. But do we really want to let her win?” Nick shrugged.

“Okay, but does that mean we go as far as counter suing her?” I asked.

“I think we should. Emotional distress? Defamation?” Jolly’s voice was concerned.

Folio chuckled. “Realistically, Noah could sue for sexual harassment.”

I eyed him in disbelief. “You think?”

“Fuck yeah, man.” Nick piped up. “She threw herself at you, told people she was going to fuck you, made passes at you. Followed you to your hotel room in the middle of the night? Sounds like harassment to me.”

My chest rose and fell, trying to maintain a sense of calm. “Okay. So let’s do it.”

“That means the insurance won’t back us. It’s a big gamble. Are you sure?” Alec looked directly at me.

“Will Sumerian support us?”

With a sincere grin, Alec clapped my shoulder. “One hundred percent. You guys are family.”

Jolly snorted. “We’ve made the label a lot of money, is what he means.”

Alec pointed at Jolly. “That too.”

This made us all start laughing, like a band of fucking hyenas.

At that moment, Elizabeth and Richard re-entered the room.

“Sounds like we’ve made a decision?” Richard stood with his hands in the pockets of his perfectly ironed slacks.

I pushed my chest out, giving everyone at the table one last look for assurance.

“We’re all in.”

The next month was a whirlwind. The album release was on hold until the lawsuit was dealt with, which was entirely up in the air. Rachel’s lawyers were surprised at our decision to file a counter to their suit, and we received the official denial from the insurance company.

Sumerian hired separate lawyers for each of us upon Elizabeth’s request, to forego any conflicts of interest. I got to stick with Elizabeth specifically, as we filed as separate plaintiffs for the sexual harassment suit. It was all so official, so litigate, that I barely understood any of it.

I had several different meetings with Elizabeth, who insisted I refer to her as Liz, in preparation for my deposition. She told me essentially what I could and couldn’t say, and what would build our case better.

She had me email her the texts threads between Rachel and I, and had gone over each event in disgusting detail so many times. Down to the color of Rachel’s fucking panties. It was grotesque, but I had hoped it was a means to an end. I was exhausted by it all.

Aside from that, I had barely spoken to Mileena since Knott’s, not feeling the same level of affection I did previously. Something about her attitude toward our situation, and the fact that she had reacted the way she did, sat heavy on my heart, keeping the feelings of want and missing her at a good distance, being replaced with resentment and frustration.

When I saw her each week to exchange Addison and Angel, I kept our contact brief, most times not even letting her in. I knew she was hurt by it, now clearly over our argument, but I didn’t feel bad. In fact, I felt satisfied. Some part of me, a sick, enraged part, wanted her to hurt. Maybe then she’d feel how I had been over the last four and a half fucking months.

I was paying a price for all of this that I didn’t fucking deserve, and after a lot of careful consideration, I finally recognized that. Maybe it wasn’t her who deserved better. Maybe it was me.

Most times when she called, I let it go to voicemail. Most texts were left unanswered. I spoke to her as much as I had to, and not a breath more.

Today, she was due to drop Addison off, but she was late. That was becoming more and more of a trend. Had I not been such a tolerant human, I may be annoyed with her. But given all of my other circumstances, I elected not to be, and just enjoy the small bits of extra time I had to be alone.

When my doorbell chimed, I jogged down the stairs, shirtless, having been folding laundry upstairs.

I answered the door and was surprised to find Laura on the other side, Addison standing at her side and holding her hand.

As always, I greeted my daughter first, then Angel, bringing them in, and then swung the door open to let Laura inside, but she politely declined.

“Sorry, I can’t stay. I need to get home.”

I just raised an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”

She shrugged, an impatient look behind her smile. “Do you care?”

This struck me, making me double take before responding. “What?”

“Noah, you’ve avoided her for weeks. And then you don’t even ask why she’s not here? Do you care if everything is okay?”

I smiled, now annoyed but trying not to show it. “Uhm, I wasn’t asking about Leena specifically, but alright.”

She huffed. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a rough day.”

“You’re good. Just making sure you guys are alright.”

Laura nodded. “I am. Just tired. Leena’s…” She sighed. “She’s dealing.”

“With?”

“Everything? Her and Justin broke up, which wasn’t pretty. You’re not talking to her. She didn’t get the job she wanted. And the lawsuit.”

I raised a hand to stop her. “The lawsuit? That has nothing to do with her.”

She raised her brows, eyes popping open. “No one told you?”

I just shook my head.

“Leena was subpoenaed by Rachel’s lawyer to give a statement. We both were.”

I deadpanned, my brain not processing the information.

“What?!”

“Yeah. We don’t know why, but we can’t get out of it, apparently.”

My hand clenched the doorknob, threatening to break it off. “What the fuck do they want your statements for?”

She shook her head. “No clue.”

I groaned. “Let me call my lawyer. I’ll see what I can find out.”

Laura smiled. “Thanks. I know she’ll appreciate that.”

My jaw clicked. “Not doing it for her.”

Laura rolled her eyes. “Noah, she’s really struggling. I caught her trying to buy vodka.”

“Oh,” I crossed my arms over my chest, glancing back in the house to see Addison sat in front of the TV, toys in hand. “so she’s about where I was four months ago? Sounds about right.”

Her eyes narrowed at me. “You have no empathy for her? She’s supposed to be your soulmate, isn’t she?”

I laughed at that. What a joke. “Yeah, I fucking thought so. But instead she toyed with my emotions so she could fuck me whenever she felt like it.” I leaned back on the doorframe, crossing one leg over the other. “So pardon me if I don’t feel bad. Her being butthurt over her and her boyfriend breaking up sounds like a her problem.”

Laura was staring at me, clearly taken back by my attitude. “You’ve changed, Noah.”

Nodding, I smiled with no joy. “You’re right. I have. It happens when someone is pushed to their breaking point.”

She began to take a step back toward her car. “She loves you.”

Considering this, I resolved to just stating what I considered the obvious. “She doesn’t love me, Laura. She loves the idea. She loves that I love her. That she can do whatever she wants, and I would be here waiting. Too bad that’s over.”

And with that, I shut the door.

I waited an hour until Addison was settled down for her nap before I dialed Elizabeth.

She answered on the second ring. “Hey Noah, how you doing?”

“I’m alright, I just needed to ask you something.”

“What up?”

“Did you know Mileena Richards and Laura Perry were subpoenaed to be deposed?”

The line went silent for a few beats.

“By who?”

“Rachel’s attorney.”

I could hear her breathe on the other end. “Why? Do you know?”

“No. I saw Laura today and she told me. They don’t know why either.”

“Mm,” I could hear a pen clicking on the other end. “Isn’t Mileena your daughter’s mother?”

“She is.”

“And you two aren’t together, correct?”

“Right.”

She sighed. “I’ll call the other attorney. Realistically, this could work out for us.”

I furrowed my brow. “How is that?”

“Well, what's the likelihood that the mother of your child is going to badmouth you?”

I chewed my thumbnail. “Erm,”

I hesitated, and I could hear her voice become apprehensive.

“What?”

“We’re not exactly on good terms.”

“How bad?”

“I mean, it could be worse, I guess? We’re not exactly speaking?”

“Well,” She had a light laugh in her words. “who does she hate more? You, or Rachel?”

I snorted. “Valid point.”

“Exactly. I wouldn’t worry. But probably best you smooth things over a little bit with her.”

Groaning, I sat back on the couch. “It’s complicated.”

“So un-complicate it. Be nice.” She chuckled. “I get that’s hard for you.” I rolled my eyes.

“I can try.”

“Just don’t discuss the case.”

I affirmed, and ended the call.

Staring at my screen, I pulled up our text thread, eyes scanning over the ignored texts from the last few weeks. They came less frequently as time had gone on.

Leena: Noah, we should talk about this.

The night of the fight.

Leena: So, we’re not talking now? Can you answer the phone?

Leena: I don’t want to fight, Noah. I just want to talk.

The next day.

Leena: Well, for what it’s worth, I broke up with Justin. Hope you’re happy.

Three days later.

Leena: Could use a friend. Can I call you, please?

Two weeks later.

Leena: I’ll drop Addie off about 11 today. I’ve got to get her bathed first.

Three weeks.

Leena: I miss you.

Yesterday.

I sighed hard, nearly regretting my decision, but typing the message anyway.

Me: Got a few?

The message was read, but the typing bubble didn’t pop up for four minutes.

Leena: For?

Rolling my eyes, I fired back a message.

Me: To talk.

Leena: Is Addie okay?

Me: Napping.

Leena: So what’s there to talk about?

Frustrated, I set my phone down. She wasn’t going to make this easy.

Me: Just…talk?

Leena: We haven’t talked in weeks. You haven’t wanted to.

Me: Now I do.

The message was read, but no type bubble appeared. I sat, staring at the screen, surprised when I saw her name flashing, a call coming through.

I swiped it open.

“Hey.” I kept my voice calm, trying to sound casual.

“What’s up?” Her voice sounded so tired, despondent. A pang of guilt hit me, but I swallowed it.

“How are you?”

She was quiet, which made me fidget in anticipation.

“You want to know how I am? Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

A hard sigh came through the receiver, and I stood up, needing to pace to keep my nerves in place.

“You’re kidding, right?” She should sound annoyed, exasperated. Instead, she sounded depressed.

“Nope.”

“Noah, what’s going on? What do you want to talk about?”

I stopped pacing, scrubbing a hand over my face and hair. “I just…” Lying to her was harder than I remember. “Laura mentioned you were going through it.”

“So?”

“I wanted to check in.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I do still care about you.”

A weak, tired laugh came through. “Sure you do.” I didn’t respond, not knowing what to even say. “This has nothing to do with the lawsuit, right?”

I sat back down on the couch, leaning my elbows on my knees.

“No. We’re not even supposed to talk about it.”

She scoffed. “So it is about the lawsuit. You talked to your lawyer, and she’s afraid I’m going to shit talk you?”

Was she fucking psychic?

“It’s not about that, Leena.”

“So what’s it about then?” There was a little more fire now, and it made my own spark ever so slightly.

“It’s about wanting to know if you’re okay.”

“Define ‘okay’.” The seriousness in her tone was unmistakable.

“Well, why don’t you tell me how you are, and I’ll tell you if that’s okay?”

This made her laugh, a dark, angry sound. “Let’s see. I’m breathing. I’ve eaten some in the last couple days. I showered today, I guess that’s good. How’s that?”

Sarcasm dripping from her words, I cringed.

“Sounds okay, I suppose.”

“So glad you think so.”

“Leena,” I closed my eyes, trying not to give in to the argument building inside of me. “can you blame me for distancing myself?”

She didn’t answer, so I continued.

“You got so mad at me, and I kept being made out to be this villain. The fucking bad guy. Every time. I can only take so much.”

Still no answer, so I checked the phone to make sure the call was still connected. I heard a breath on the other end, but I kept talking.

“The way you feel now? That’s how I felt for months. Just sitting. Waiting. Hurting. Maybe it’s fair that you feel it for a little while, too.”

Her voice was strained. “You don’t think I was hurting?”

Biting my lip, I answered carefully. “Didn’t seem like it.”

“Noah, breaking up with you was so painful, I thought it may fucking kill me.”

“That’s a little dramatic, don’t you think?”

The sound that came through was something like a gasp.

“Did you call me just to mock me? Tell me I deserve this?”

“No.”

“So why did you call?”

“I don’t know.” I let my head fall forward. “Just wanted to.”

“Yeah? Well maybe you should just leave me to fucking wallow, then.”

“Mileena, Jesus fucking Christ, stop!” I finally snapped.

Going silent again, I took my chance.

“Despite the fact that I’m angry at you, and am not entirely sure what I want anymore from you, I still fucking care! I still love you.”

“Do you?”

Letting my breath go, I squeezed the phone. “Yes. Don’t ever fucking doubt that.”

There was a moment, a fleeting second, where I felt the pain. Where her hurt was pouring out. It came out as a choked sob.

“Noah?” Her voice was thick with tears.

“Hmm?” Was all I could muster.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” I pushed back my own tears, not willing to let them fall.

“For what I did to you. I shouldn’t have done it.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Done what?”

“Left you.” Her voice was cracked clean in half, now becoming hysterical. “I fucked up. I fucked everything up and now I’ve lost you. I should have just fought harder. Talked to you. I never should’ve done any of this.”

It was too much. It was too hard, threatening to rip my heartstrings right out and worm its way back in past my walls.

“I’ve got to go.”

She stopped her words short, hearing me.

“Oh.” She sniffled. “Okay, I’m sorry.”

“I’ll call you later.”

I hung up the phone, tossing it onto the couch. Letting my face fall into my hands, I allowed myself only a moment of weakness, where I cried, with no restraint, alone in my living room.

The room we sat in was so fucking cold. Who manages the fucking temperatures in these legal buildings?! It was at least sixty degrees, making a chill run up my spine, beneath my black blazer. Liz sat next to me, typing on her cell.

“How long is it supposed to be?”

She didn’t look up at me to respond. “Should be anytime now. I know they can’t start without us.”

“Leena’s late.”

She sighed. “They can wait. They want her statement? They can wait for her.”

I nodded, hearing the doors to the lobby open, and seeing two bodies walk in.

I hadn’t seen Mileena in two weeks since we spoke on the phone. Laura had done all hand-offs since then. We hadn’t spoken, and I nearly regretted it.

I’m not sure what I expected. Leena to walk in, hair a mess? Makeup running? Wearing sweats?

Instead, she tapped in her favorite black short heels, pencil skirt that hugged her hips, white button-up blouse tucked in, top button undone. Her black hair was pin-straight, lips painted a deep crimson, and black eyeliner sharpening around her brown irises, she looked…unbelievable.

I should be bummed, but instead, I was delighted. I could be angry with her, and still appreciate how stunning she was.

Her and Laura approached Liz and I, stopping in front of us. My lawyer and I stood, her taking their hands one at a time and shaking them. “Nice to meet you both. I’m Elizabeth Jones, Mr. Sebastian’s attorney.”

Mileena smiled at her, but I noticed her eyes remained cold, not looking at me.

“Good to meet you. Are they ready?”

Before Liz could respond, the door opened, a young woman beckoning us in the room.

We all sat around a long table, Rachel at one end, and I at the other. The tension in the room was so gelatinous, it could be cut with a plastic spork. My stomach made an uncomfortable turn when Rachel’s lawyer took Laura’s statement first, Liz objecting to, what felt like, random questions, and told her very brief knowledge of the events.

“Do we need a recess before we proceed with Ms. Richards?”

All eyes turned to Mileena, who had sat still as a statue the entire time, three seats away from me.

She shook her head. “I’m good if you are. I’d like to be done. I have my daughter with a sitter.”

Rachel’s audacity was showing as she rolled her eyes to Mileena’s statement. I bit down hard on my tongue.

“Alright, Ms. Richards. Let’s get started.” The tall, skinny man who represented Rachel walked Mileena through her oath, and began asking questions right away.

“How long have you known Ms. Hollis?”

“Since about September 2023, when Noah was on tour.”

“And what was your relationship with Ms. Hollis?”

“Friendly. We were acquaintances. She worked for the band, who I spend a lot of time with, so we saw each other often.”

“Had you and Mr. Sebastian ever discussed Ms. Hollis, or her employment, prior to the incidents in question?”

“Objection, hearsay.” Liz eyed the lawyer.

“Mr. Sebastian is here to corroborate, is he not?” His attitude was sharp.

“He’s not testifying right now, is he?”

The lawyer rolled his eyes, moving on to the next question.

“Had you ever had any indication that Mr. Sebastian and Ms. Hollis were involved, prior to the incident?”

“No.”

It was firm, and something in me smiled.

“So, he was a good liar?”

“Objection, argumentative. Come on, Drew.” Liz lectured the attorney.

He held up a hand.

“Okay. Let me move on.” He narrowed his eyes. “When were you first made aware of the night of the incident in Manhattan?”

Mileena kept her poker face even. “In San Diego.”

“That would’ve been May 26th, correct?”

“Yes.”

“And did Mr. Sebastian make you aware of that event?”

“Clarify?” She was so calm. With no preparation, even.

“Did he tell you he was with Ms. Hollis that night?”

“Objection.” Liz smirked. “Hearsay.”

Her and Mileena exchanged glances. She was baiting the attorney, and Liz knew it.

I was so turned on.

“How did you come to find out about the night in question?”

“I knew Noah was going to the club. I encouraged him to.”

“Were you aware Ms. Hollis would be there?”

“I assumed. She was a member of their staff.”

“And you had no problem with it?”

“No. As I mentioned, I had no reason to have a problem with it. Noah wasn’t interested.”

“You were sure of that?”

“Yes.”

My chest swelled with pride, but I hid my smile.

“Can you please, in your own words, walk me through the events in San Diego?”

“Which parts? The entire day?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I woke up. I usually pee first thing, but that day, I may have brushed my teeth first. It was about 7:30-“

“Ms. Richards, I’m asking about the events including Ms. Hollis and Mr. Sebastian.”

“Oh. You said the entire day.”

Liz and I both turned our heads, hiding our laughs. Rachel narrowed her eyes.

“Ms. Perry and I arrived at the hotel in San Diego about noon. We met with the group and greeted them. I hugged Ms. Hollis, even. Then. Mr. Sebastian and I went up to his room, where we engaged in about forty-five minutes of rigorous sex.”

I bit down on my fingers, stifling my laughter. Rachel glared at me.

“He then left for the venue to do sound check. I went to the venue for the concert at about 4:30PM with Laura, didn’t see Ms. Hollis at all. Then, after the show, Noah and I went back to his hotel room.”

She paused, her eyes glazing over slightly.

“And?” The attorney edged on.

“I took a shower, and Noah left to get snacks from the lobby. When I got out of the shower, I heard screaming from the hallway. I checked the peephole and saw Noah and Ms. Hollis engaged in some form of argument.”

“And what did that entail?”

“I can’t tell you that verbatim.” She sighed. “All I know is Ms. Hollis was upset with Noah, and I heard her claim that she had feelings for him. She left, and he came back in the room.”

“I see.” He was taking notes on his notepad. “And then you and Mr. Sebastian argued?”

Leena’s face fell, her eyes turning on the attorney, shooting daggers.

“With all due respect, Mr. Riley, but that’s not pertinent to this case.”

He pursed his lips. “No? You didn’t leave that night due to the argument between Mr. Sebastian and Ms. Hollis?”

I watched her intently, seeing the wave of emotions wash over her face. Sadness, pain, anger, and, eventually, exhaustion. She closed her eyes for a moment, but shot him, and then Rachel a warning glance.

“That, sir, is none of yours,” Her index finger pointed down the table to Rachel. “or her business.”

Mileena took a breath, and then stood from the table.

“Now, that is all I witnessed. I have nothing else to add.”

“We’re not done, Ms. Richards.” He motioned to Liz. “She still gets to cross-examine.”

Liz had a triumphant smile on her face, leaned back in her office chair.

“I’m good. I’ve got all I need.”

Mileena just nodded curtly, hooking her bag on her shoulder.

“I guess, then, thank you for your time Ms. Richards.” Mr. Riley stood from the table, an uneasy expression on his face, and held his hand out for Mileena. She shook it uncomfortably.

"I think that's all for the day, gentlemen." Liz stood with the rest of the group, gathering her notes. "Mr. Sebastian and Ms. Hollis' depositions are set for the 2nd of September. Are we still on board?"

Rachel's attorney stole a glance toward his client and his co-counsel, faces stern, before looking back at Liz. "I believe so, but we'll reach out if anything changes."

Liz bid them goodbye, and I noticed Mileena had already made her exit.

I slipped out of the room, noticing her and Laura already halfway out of the door to the building. I jogged after them, opening the door and the sun nearly blinding me.

"Wait up!" I called after them before they climbed into Laura's Altima.

Leena turned around, exchanging a look with Laura, who sat down into the driver's seat, and closed the door.

I was only about ten feet away, and Leena stepped forward, closing the gap until we were face to face.

"What's up?" I could still see the hurt on her features, and I felt all of my insides turn to marshmallow fluff, nearly bursting from my chest.

"That was," I took a long breath. "incredible."

Her lips upturned slightly as she tucked a stray piece of hair out of her face behind her ear.

"It was the truth."

"It was hilarious. You made that jackass earn his paycheck today."

She gave me a full smile now. "Thanks, Noah."

"Listen, I'm sorry I didn't call you back."

She shook her head, waving me off. "No, I get it. You need space, I respect that."

My eyes searched her face, but she was looking at her shoes, kicking at the asphalt. "I want to talk. Maybe we can make some time?"

Mileena peered up at me, and opened her mouth to speak, but we were interrupted.

"Hey!"

Both of our heads snapped to the right, seeing the red-blonde hair and bright green blouse stalking toward us, a look of fury on her face.

"What the fuck was that?!" Her question was targeted at me, which made me straighten and my face harden.

"What do you mean?"

She held her hand up, motioning between Leena and I. "You practiced that, right? Her testimony? That's acting in fucking concert. We can get her entire statement thrown out."

I scoffed, turning toward her. "You fucking asked for it, Rachel. Now you're mad it didn't go your way? Shocking."

I had my body in front of Mileena, shielding her.

"She can't fucking protect you, Noah. I don't know why she fucking would anyway." She smirked at us. "You two aren't even together anymore, I've heard."

I felt my throat tighten, the horrific things I wanted to say balling up in my windpipe.

Something was going to spill out, but before it could, Leena took a step in front of me, the scariest, most threatening smile painted on her face.

"Rachel?" The other woman glared at her, eyes full of fire. "We haven't had a chance to talk since all of this happened."

Rachel crossed her arms, looking amused. "No, we haven't."

"In fact, we haven't talked since before I knew how much of a psychotic bitch you were, so I should probably make a few things clear."

The redhead looked like she may explode, her face turning an unhealthy shade of maroon.

Leena's voice was crisp, each word falling off of her tongue so vividly clear.

"You don't know much about me, but you may already know that, like Noah, I'm a recovering alcoholic."

Rachel snorted. "So?"

"So, you clearly aren't aware of what I'm capable of."

"Capable of what? Drinking me under the table?" Rachel chuckled at her own joke, and I clenched my jaw.

But Mileena laughed with her, a sickening sweet sound.

"No, no, probably not anymore." She took a fraction of a step closer, and I imagined Rachel could feel her cool breath on her face. "But, I do, however have a bit of experience I bet you don't have."

Quirking an eyebrow, Rachel put all of her weight on one hip. "Like?"

"Like, I've been in bar fights, jail fights, hell, I even socked a girl in rehab once." She let her smile fall, her eyes becoming a new shade of black. "And that was over some drinks and a pack of smokes. Imagine what I would do to someone who threatens my family."

Mileena then stepped nose to nose with Rachel, who now had her eyes blown wide.

"Whether you like it or not, babydoll, that guy is my family. Together or not, he's mine. So, I sincerely recommend that you head back inside, and leave him alone." Leena stepped back, replacing her smile. "Before I knock your teeth down your fucking throat."

I could see the bravado fading on Rachel, but she was still stood, trying to remain confident.

"Is that a threat?"

Mileena turned back toward me, moving to walk to the car. She threw a glance over her shoulder.

"It's a guarantee."

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