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Sinful Pleasures

Book One of the In the Tomorrow Series

Belle Roark

Published by Belle Roark at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 Belle Roark

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Chapter 1-

Brittany shook her head in disbelief. This was not happening to her. Chalk it up for the worst day of my life, she thought bitterly. She had just dropped her son, Tristian, off at school and was on her way to pay the bills downtown. This idiot ran the light and totaled her car.

"MY BABY! YOU IDIOT! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! DID YOU GET YOUR LICENSE FROM THE CRACKER JACK BOX?" She was ranting and raving, as she crawled out of the window of her car. The local police officers pulled up on scene. Johnny Hill grabbed her and was holding her back. She pulled away and searched for her cigarettes. She found them by the brake pedal. Her blood was still boiling and no amount of cigarettes would be able to calm her. Hell she didn't think any alcohol would do either.

"Easy there, Brett. You've got that poor kid scared to death!" He scolded. "Are you okay?"

She looked at him with fire in her eyes. "That damn kid just wrecked my baby. Thirty thousand dollar car. I sunk money into her. She's totaled. I've had that car fresh off the line. Damn it and she's gone! My daddy gave her to me. Do you know what she ran in the quarter mile? She's definately not stock."

"Bobby, keep that kid over there." Johnny ordered. "I think that's the Griggs' boy." He added. She scowled at him. "Brett, you got a cut on your forehead. You should let the paramedics take a look."

"I'm fine." She said, miserably. She looked at her car. It had rolled. 1990 Ford mustang convertible, the limited seven up edition with deep emerald jewel green exterior and white leather interior. She was the rarest of the rare. Although there were 4103 with 261 being exported, hers were especially rare with specifications made by her dad. Her name was stitched into the dash, in gold. She hung her head down and cried. It was the only thing he ever gave her that meant anything. She had taken such good care of it the past seven years and now it was being loaded onto the flatbed to go to the junkyard. She shook her head.

"No! Take it to my address. I can't part with her." She cried out to Luke, the tow truck driver. He looked at her and shrugged.

"It's gonna cost a pretty penny to repair her. Cheaper to buy a new car." He commented.

"I don't care. It'll take time but I have to keep her."

"Are you sure you're ok, Brittany? The car rolled." Johnny asked, concerned.

"Good thing I got that roll bar installed, huh?" She brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "I'm fine." She wiped the tears away. She walked over to the sidewalk and grabbed her purse and sunglasses that were thrown clear. She looked at the broken arm on her Liz Claiborne sunglasses and cursed. Her Gucci purse was destroyed. The strap had been torn off and the leather was badly damaged. Her cell phone rang. "Now what?" She muttered.

"Brittany, hey how's it going?" Her best friend, Gretchen asked.

"Swell, I just had my car totaled by some kid in a SUV." She stated.

"Are you ok? What about Tristian?" Her voice laced with concern.

"I'm fine and Tristian's at school."

"Well, thank God." Gretchen commented. Brittany rolled her eyes. "So I guess picking Tara up from school is out of the question?"

Tara was Gretchen's fifteen-year-old daughter, who had adopted Christian and her as second parents. She was always offering to baby-sit but just wanted to come out and hang out with Christian mostly. They had karaoked a lot in the garage that he converted into a mini studio.

"No of course not. You forgot we moved to Mayberry. I'm sure I can see if Susie will loan me her car."

"I'm really sorry to put you in this predicament."

"Nah, I'm fine and I'll get her. Don't worry." She hung up.

She spotted Susie pushing through the crowd. She smiled. This small town of possibly 500 was like Mayberry. Nothing can happen without everyone knowing and knowing who's involved. She rolled her eyes. What the hell was I thinking?

"Thank God you're ok!" Susie praised. Brittany wrinkled her nose. She didn't feel like praising anyone her car was totaled. She shook her head.

"As if anything else can go wrong today." She sighed. "My phone has been cut off. The power's next if I don't get it paid. I just can't get used to this suburban life. I still have to get Tristian and Christian is working today at that new place and..." She broke down and sat on the sidewalk. "My sunglass's broken!"

Susie clucked her tongue. "Easy girl. You can borrow my car." Susie reminded Brittany of Martina McBride. Short and petite, Susie was a wonderful friend and neighbor.

After traveling from Virginia and moving from house to house because of financing problems, she and Christian finally had a home of their own. It was a nice little house on a dead end street in town. They knew it was theirs before they saw inside it. A home of their own on their own. In this small town, they learned what it meant to have friends and a home. Although they have been there just under a year, it felt as if they were born and raised there.

She smiled, gratefully at Susie and gave her a hug. "You're the best."

"Hell, what are friends for?" Susie commented.

"To survive, that's for sure." Brittany replied.

She went and paid the bills and then picked up Tara. Tara was feeling bad. Brittany took her home and laid her down in the spare bedroom, also known as Tristian's playroom. She fell asleep immediately. Brittany walked outside and lit a cigarette. As she puffed away, she enjoyed the scenery and reminisced.

"Brittany? Brittany Sheffield?" Christian inquired, as he walked over to her. She sat perched on a bar stool at the end corner of the counter.

She looked up and smiled, drunkenly, "Hey, Christian. How's it going?"

"Good. And you?" He asked, watching her light up a cigarette and drink the rest of her drink.

"Great. Celebrating." She stated, motioning the waitress for another one.

Really? What?" He asked, as he took a swig of his beer and lit a cigarette.

"My birthday, of course. Hell everyone forgets."

"Your friends forgot?" He sympathized.

She nodded her head. He looked her over. Brittany Sheffield had long auburn hair and green eyes. She was tall and confident. She was wearing simple black jeans and a white sweater. She wore black leather boots. She was elegant in her own style. She frowned.

"Yeah, they forgot. My best friend was too busy with my fiancé to remember." She drank her new drink down. He watched in awe, as she didn't even come up for air until it was finished.

"I remember you giving them a run for their money in high school with the funnel." He joked.

She smiled. "Yeah. That's me party girl." She sighed and shook her head.

"So come hang out with me and my friends. We'll help you celebrate." He offered.

She looked him over. Christian Cross was definitely in the sexiest man alive category. She had always admired him. Although they ran in the same circles in high school, they were never single at the same time. Now here he was in black jeans and a dark blue shirt. The blue brought out his eyes. God, she could just lose herself in his eyes and drown. His long black hair feathered back out of his face. She took a breath. She wasn't ready for anything. She sure as hell wasn't the type to take him home and bed. She shook her head.

"No, I'm just not in the mood." She declined.

"Come on. I remember you used to play a mean game of pool?" He persuaded. "Unless you're chicken?" He smiled and she melted.

"Alright." She got off the stool and the room rotated. "Wow, when did Outlaws get a moving floor?" He chuckled and took her arm. He introduced her to his friends, Greg and Tim. She ordered some crown royal shots. They watched as she amazed them by taking them straight with no chasers.

The phone rang, bringing her back to reality. "Hello?"

"Hi, honey. Guess it works?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"How's everything going?"

"Great. My car was wrecked today. No Tristian is at school and ok. Tara's sick. I paid the bills. I have Susie's car. I still have to call insurance so it's a good thing it's back on."

"I'm sorry. Are you ok?"

"Yeah. The car rolled and I managed to walk away from it."

"Thank God."

"Why? What about my car? I'm so tired of people saying that. My car was totaled."

Christian sighed. "You know it's a blessing you are still here for me and Tristian."

She rolled her eyes and pouted. "It's not fair."

"Did you bring her home?"

"Damn straight. I had Luke bring it on the flatbed."

"I'll see how bad she is when I get home."

"A hundred grand." She replied, sarcastically.

"What? That's absurd, Brett!" He exclaimed. "I'll never have that kind of money."

"One day you will, Christian and I want her fixed. I won't give her up."

He sighed. "There's no guarantee."

"No there aren't but we take that leap of faith and see what happens, right?"

"Yeah, but, baby I gotta go. I love you." He hung up.

Brittany stared out across the yard. The whole reason for them moving out to Tennessee was for Christian to pursue his passion of singing. Last weekend they had gone to the studio and finally recorded Christian's demo. They were going to pass it along to the major labels on Music Row. They told them not to get their hopes up but they would do their best. It was a waiting game now. She knew in her heart that that was what Christian was supposed to do. If only it was that simple for her to know where she stood in this world. She lit another cigarette and drifted back to the past.

Brittany packed up and moved out that night. She went and stayed with Tavish and planned out her next move. She moved into another apartment and slowly began to move things around Keith's business under his nose. She started to date Christian. He moved in shortly after.

One night they were siting around and he brought out his guitar and began to sing Arms Wide Open by Creed. She listened in awe.

"Do you write songs?" She asked him. He shook his head.

"I can write music for a song."

"Let me see if I have something you can use." She opened the bottom desk drawer and pulled out a binder.

He began to play some music. She flipped through the pages before she looked up. "I think I got one."

She took it out and handed it to him and he began to strum and sing the words. She smiled.

"This is what we are supposed to do." She stated firmly.

It seemed like so long ago but it was just a couple years ago. She broke out of her flashback and went to go pick up Tristian. When she arrived home, she noticed their explorer in the driveway.

She walked in and put Tristian down for his nap. She walked out to the garage and found Christian singing. She stood in the doorway listening to him. She loved listening to him sing and watching him perform. He was a natural. He stopped the music.

"Guess what?" He asked. He was excited. She could tell.

"What? You have better news than I do?" She replied, sarcastically.

He grinned. She melted. "How about a new car?"

He held up a letter. She squealed with delight when she saw the Dream Works letterhead.

"No way! Oh my gosh! How awesome." She read it. They wanted to sign him.

The perfect ending to a crappy day.

Chapter 2

Christian Cross became an overnight success story. He took country music by storm. He had a huge fan base already. It was amazing to see how fast everything took place. He had interviews and shows scheduled. Everyone wanted him on his or her show.

It had been six months of non-stop action. It still didn't seem like it would slow down any. He would want her to return to Tennessee with Tristian. He didn't like him traveling so much and not getting the education he needed.

She sat on the side of the stage watching him in concert she was elated. She couldn't believe the turnout for his concert here in Los Angeles. She couldn't believe she was there. It had been her goal to get here and now that she was here, she wasn't planning on leaving.

Christian had promised to take her to the mall to go shopping. She would then figure out a way to stay longer. At least get an apartment or condominium. It just wasn't fair that she had to go back to that boring small town, while he was living it up. She had a life before him and Tristian and she loved her life, Christian, and Tristian but something had to give for her.

"Look at this place. It's so huge!" Brittany commented as she looked up around the mall. She ran directly into someone and looked to apologize.

Instead, she became speechless. She was staring at Rick Lancet. The hottest male pop star out right now. He was tall with short brown hair and brown eyes. She finally found her voice. "I'm so sorry. I'm being a tourist." Her accent came out thick.

He raised an eyebrow and smiled. "It's ok. Where are you from?"

"Tennessee." She replied. Their eyes were locked and they couldn't break free.

"Oh my God! Honey do you know who that is?" His wife, Kymberly, squealed. Kymberly Dawson was the hottest female pop star. Kymberly was bleached blonde-haired woman with brown eyes. Brittany really couldn't see what everyone believed to be so wonderful about her except her huge chest. Together they made the perfect Hollywood couple, Barbie and Ken of pop music.

"No I don't." He was trying hard to break away. However, this girl had him completely intrigued. "Who are you?" He asked.

"Not her. Christian, hi, it's a pleasure to meet you." Kymberly extended a manicured hand to him. Christian gently brought it to his lips.

"The pleasure is mine." He replied. She smiled, coyly.

"Brittany." She replied. Rick smiled.

"It's a pleasure, Brittany." He kissed her hand, and for a minute, she thought she would faint.

"I would love to talk to you some more. I'm a huge fan of yours." Kymberly rambled on to Christian, oblivious to everything else around her. Christian and she had been wrapped in conversation.

Rick smiled and whispered to her. "She doesn't shut up."

They went out to dinner together. As they were seated, people started coming over. Brittany watched as the three of them indulged their fans in signing autographs. She sat back feeling like an outsider. She stared at the menu. She always tried to stay away from the cameras. She sighed and excused herself to the bathroom. She stared in the mirror. What are you doing here? This isn't your life. No matter how bad you want it. It isn't you. You can't be like them. She cursed at herself.

"You know for someone who looks so damn innocent you sure are a hell cat." Keith complimented, as he helped her drag the body to the car.

"Whatever. You know you wouldn't have it any other way. Rough on the streets and dirty in bed. The perfect woman." Brittany retorted, positioning the body behind the steering wheel.

"Maybe you should go to one of those finishing schools and learn to be a lady?" He joked.

"Yeah and you can go to hell and learn how to burn." She reached in the car and released the parking brake. They stood back and watched it roll off the pier.

"Good job." He complimented.

"Do I get a gold star?" She asked, sarcastically.

"Nope, something better." He replied, grabbing her. He undid her jeans and slid his hands down them. She gasped. He slid his fingers into her. "Ready to get dirty?" He teased. He pushed her down on the docks, sliding her jeans down. "On all fours, bitch." He growled. He had his way with her. She let him. Why fight the inevitable? She thought, hopelessly. After he was done, she slipped back into her jeans, got a pill out of her pocket, and swallowed it.

Keith Summers watched her. Damn, she was hot. She was more woman than he knew what to do with. She was right that she was the perfect woman. Every guy she meets gets aroused. He couldn't stand working without her because he was afraid she'd run off but then working with her all he could think of was getting deep inside of her. She was definitely a professional at everything she did.

"You look great!" Kymberly purred, as she looked at Brittany in the mirror.

She wrinkled her nose at the sight of herself in a bikini. "You got a one piece?"

"Why? You don't need it." She said, turning to Rick. "Right?"

He nodded in agreement. "You look great, Brett."

"See? He's the one that has the right to say it." She smiled.

"I'm not sure I can do this, Kym."

"Too late. I'm not listening to you, Brittany. You already agreed so you have to. You can't back out now." Kym argued.

"But you don't seem to understand that I don't want to jump in bed with your husband."

"I wouldn't trust just anyone with him. Come on. We're both happily married. So it's perfect."

Brittany shook her head. "I'm honored that you want me in the video but I just can't."

Rick placed a hand on her shoulder. "You'll be fine. I'll take care of you."

She looked at him. That's what I'm afraid of, she thought. Instead, she smiled. "Thanks."

Brittany laid on the beach chair wearing her sunglasses. Rick was walking along the beach. She lowered her shades as he walked over. Kym was singing in the background. Brittany could hardly breathe as he sat down on the edge of her chair. He reached out and touched her face. Out of pure instinct, she pulled away.

"CUT!" Stan, the director shouted. "Brittany, honey, you can't pull away. You're supposed to be into him." He instructed. She nodded. "Roll tape."

Rick smiled, as he leaned across her to get the tanning lotion. He poured it over her legs and rubbed it in. She swallowed hard, watching him. She licked her lips, as he rubbed her thighs. He massaged her feet. She was holding her breath.

"You're very sexy." He whispered.

"Yeah, right." She replied, unmoved.

He rubbed her belly, smiling at the butterfly belly ring and matching tattoo. "I bet there are stories behind those." He commented.

"You don't get to hear them. But so you know all my belly rings have a matching tattoo."

"I don't see... oh you are bad." He smiled. "Kym won't get one. She's afraid."

"Fear is a terrible habit to have."

"Aren't you scared of anything?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. My turn."

He looked at her puzzled. "For what?"

"To rub you down."

"That's not in the script."

"Afraid?" She challenged. He pulled her to her feet and sat down on the chair.

She took the bottle of lotion from him and poured it on his chest. She rubbed him down and he closed his eyes and moaned. She smiled.

"CUT! Whose idea was that?" Stan commanded.

Brittany looked sheepishly at him. "Mine."

"That was brilliant. I loved it. I mean after all we'll have female viewers too." He was excited.

Brittany took a deep breath. Rick chuckled. "Were you scared?"

She shook her head. "No nervous."

Kym walked over. "See, you two were great. There was real chemistry on the set. I could feel it. So, hungry?" She asked. Brittany shook her head.

"No, thanks. I think I'm gonna do some sightseeing. I've never been here before. It's so beautiful and I have a things to do and see list. I have to accomplish it in the few weeks that we're here."

"Oh, well, in that case why don't Rick take you around? It's not safe to be out by yourself. They'll try to take advantage of you. I would go but I don't like the heat."

Brittany tried not to show her dislike in the way Kym acted. She was so spoiled but since she grew up with everything on a golden platter for her what else could be expected of her? She shrugged. "I don't mind being by myself and I seriously doubt anyone is gonna bother me."

Kym shook her head. "Nonsense. Rick, you don't mind, do you?"

Rick shrugged. "No I don't mind. I would love to enjoy the sights too."

"See then it's settled. After all, you two are doing an intimate scene so you might as well get comfortable together." She walked off. Brittany watched her go and shook her head.

Rick read her thoughts. "Almost as if she wanted us to get comfortable in bed." He muttered.

She looked at him, wearily. "So want to go shark diving?"

"You're kidding right?"

Brittany and Rick got back late. They had to run to the hotel and change. Brittany slid into a black dress. She swept her hair up in a neat French roll and threw on some accessories. There'd be hell to pay since she couldn't get hair and makeup. She looked in the mirror, opened up her makeup bag, and threw it on hurriedly. Rick was already banging on her door. One last glance in the mirror and she ran out the door. They showed up at the restaurant they were filming at and everyone was staring at them. She felt self-conscious and tried to shy away from the stares behind Rick.

"Sorry, we got lost." Brittany apologized.

Rick chuckled. "That's putting it mildly."

Stan shook his head. "Places everyone."

Rick pulled out her chair and she sat. Kym started singing in the background again. Brittany smiled up at the waiter as he poured the wine. She sipped it staring into Rick's eyes. She placed her glass down and he reached over for her hand. She smiled.

"I had fun today." He replied.

"Me too."

"What's on the agenda for tomorrow?"

She laughed. "Surfing."

"I guess you're not kidding. What's after that?"

"Its all day. You have to take a class. The day after is pottery class, though."

"I think that's more my speed. These life threatening thrills you're after just are too much."

"You have to live your life not just have a life."

"You have the most interesting philosophies."

She smiled. "Stop teasing me."

"I'm not." He leaned over and cupped her face in his hands. She took a deep breath and held it. He leaned closer and kissed her. She allowed herself to kiss him back.

"CUT!" Stan called out. "You two are just awesome!"

Kym came over. She looked stunning in the red dress she was wearing. "Wow. What a kiss!" She exclaimed. "I don't know the last time you kissed me like that." She pouted. Rick pulled her to him and kissed her. Brittany then allowed herself to breathe.

She thought about heading back to the hotel but decided to go for a walk along the beach. She took off her heels and walked barefooted in the sand.

At first, she was excited about it. Then realizing she had to do a love scene with Rick, she felt sick. Kymberly had made it clear she wanted the hottest, sexiest video award this year for this video.

It was great to be in Jamaica and able to do things. Nevertheless, she was missing Christian and Tristian and couldn't believe he was letting her do this.

She heard footsteps behind her and braced herself. As a hand fell upon her shoulder, she grabbed it and flipped the person on their back. She looked down at a stunned Rick.

"I'm so sorry." She helped him up. He brushed the sand off him.

"Well, I see you don't really need me."

"I took self defense classes. I'm jumpy when it comes to people sneaking up on me. It's pure instincts. I hope I didn't hurt you too bad."

"Nah. I'll be ok when I can get to my chiropractor again."

"So what's up?"

"I just thought you would like company. Plus, my wife shoved me out the door to find you."

"Well, at least now you can tell her I'm not defenseless."

"Where are you off to?"

"To eat. Didn't you notice that we didn't eat today?"

He thought about it and laughed. "You're right."

She arrived on set. They had already set up the bed. She stared at it. She couldn't breathe every time she thought about it. Rick came up behind her and stood. She inhaled sharply.

"I can't do this." She whispered.

"I'll help you."

She sighed and went to her dressing room.

She slid into her robe. I can't breathe. I can't do this. God help me. I don't want to do this. The knock at the door startled her. "Who is it?"

"Kym." Brittany opened the door. Kym stepped in.

"Stop being so nervous. Just imagine you're with Christian and go at it. I really want this steamy. Don't think of Rick as my husband. For the next however long, he's all yours."

"Please don't tell me you told Rick that too." Brittany replied.

"Of course I did. I want this to be really hot. I don't want him to feel as if he's betraying me. And I don't want you to feel that way. So as long as it takes and however it takes I want you two to be comfortable and make it real as possible."

Brittany smiled, "You really have a way with words."

As she walked over to the bed, the music started. She could feel everyone watching this time. Kym was using voice-overs instead of singing right now because she wanted to watch. She wanted to make sure they did it right. Rick glanced up at her. He was already in bed. Brittany tried to shrug off the robe but she was frozen with fear. Rick noticed and sat up. He reached over and pulled her into bed. He undid her robe and slid it off her. He tossed it aside. He kissed her.

"CUT!"

Brittany closed her eyes. This was gonna be a long day.

"Brittany, you have to slide the robe off standing up." Stan called out.

Rick looked at her. She was shaking. "It's ok. I'll help you." They both grabbed their robes and put them back on. He stood up with her.

"Roll it."

Rick reached over, untied her robe, and slid it off. He opened the covers for her to slide in. He then took his off and climbed in with her.

"Rewriting the script." He smiled, kissing her. The cameras were all around and she could feel them. She was shaking again. He whispered in her ears calming her. "Relax. Breathe. It's just us. Close your eyes for a moment. Breathe." He was kissing her neck. She turned it more and arched up to him. "There you go. It's just me and you."

She turned back and captured his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. The kissing and rubbing against one another went on. She writhed around in the motions. She was careful to avoid too much eye contact with Rick. She could feel him losing control and was embarrassed by it. She was ashamed that she was getting just as aroused. It seemed like an eternity before she finally heard the words she was waiting for.

"CUT!" Stan called out. "Alright you two take a break."

She looked at Rick. He was staring at her in a weird way. "What?"

He shook his head and reached for his robe that someone was handing him. He quickly walked away. She stared after him. Her heart was racing. Someone was holding out her robe, she took it gratefully and pulled it on. She headed back to her dressing room. Kym grabbed her arm.

"I need a favor. I know I've been asking a lot lately but can you sing?"

Brittany laughed. "No. That's not my department."

Stan walked over. "Our backup singer got sick. We need the back up vocals. Can you please help?" He pleaded.

Brittany shook her head. "I really can't sing."

"Try this. You've heard Kym sing it. Please." He handed her the chorus. Brittany reluctantly looked it over and opened her mouth.

"You keep leading me-leading me back to you." She sang out perfectly on key. Rick had stepped out of his dressing room and froze staring at her. In fact, everyone was staring at her.

"Impressive. I think we discovered a gem right here." Stan complimented excitedly. "Come with us."

Kym hung back pouting. Rick walked up beside her. "Hoping to embarrass her?"

Kym gave him a look of horror. "I would never do that. I'm quite impressed by all her hidden talents. How many have you found?" She shot back, defensively.

"Easy. You are the one for me." He slid his arms around her and kissed her while he watched Brittany getting set up to sing.

Brittany locked the door and headed over to her purse. She opened up her compact and smiled. Man, how I have missed you. You are gonna get me through this mess. She thought to herself as she picked up a little pill. She swallowed it and then drank some soda. She sat in front of the vanity staring at her reflection. She wrinkled her nose. When is it all gonna change, Lord? The voice that came back startled her. When you decide to change it. She looked around the room. Her imagination was running wild on her or that pill kicked in too fast. Whatever, she thought, as if God would talk to me. She banished the thought.

Christian had gotten her into church when she got with him. She confessed her sins and repented. She walked by faith and not by sight. She left her world behind, for a while. She closed her eyes. It wasn't her fault. Not really. Christian was the one that faltered and took her down with him. If he couldn't be true, why should she believe she could?

"You're overreacting, Brett. She's nothing more than a co-worker." Christian defended.

Brittany shook her head. Four months she had been suffering through this pregnancy and he had been running around on her. Now when it's all there in black and white he's denying it. "Why? Why did you marry me? Did you think I wouldn't find out? How stupid do you think I am? I'm not one of those stupid girls you used to go out with. I have street smarts."

"Just because it happened to you before doesn't mean I'm doing it!"

"And you were at her house when I was here in pain why?"

He shook his head. "Why do we have to keep going over this?"

"Because I needed you and you were off with that whore!"

He walked away. "I'm not doing this."

"You want to be single; you go right ahead and walk out that door." She warned.

He looked at her and sighed. He sat on the couch. "Fine but I'm not saying anything to you."

"No. I'm sure you're all talked out." She glared at him. "Why do you want this baby?"

He looked at her. "I love you and the baby."

"You know it's not too late. We can back out of this and go our separate ways."

He shook his head. "That's not an option. You know that. I want you both."

She was crying. "Yeah, like you wanted HER today."

He sighed. "I don't want anyone except you and our baby."

She was the one that left. She considered running off the bridge, getting in an accident but she couldn't bring herself to wreck her car. Instead, she ran to Tavish, he was the only one who really knew how to comfort her. He was the only one who cared about her.

"Things will be different, Brett, When the baby comes. He's scared right now and running wild. He'll settle into it. Give it time." Tavish had promised holding her in his arms.

"Brittany! It's show time. Come on." Someone called through the door, jerking her into reality. She sighed. She pulled on the white gown. She went over and opened the door. Rick stood before her. She stepped back.

"I didn't mean to scare you." He said.

She shook her head. "You surprised me. I wasn't expecting you to be there. Anyone for that fact. What do you want?"

He took a deep breath and shook his head. "I was just gonna walk you over."

"Thanks." She replied. She was relaxing. The pill she took earlier was taking her fears away.

She watched, as Kym appeared looking stunning in the white negligee. Kym looked at her. "I think you may want make up to touch up and do something with your hair. You still have that tousled look."

Brittany nodded and did as she was told. Pick your battles. She thought to herself.

The music started up and Kym and Rick fell into bed, kissing and caressing. It looked really passionate.

They keyed her to walk in the room. She stood beside the bed as Rick kissed Kym. He looked at her. He closed his eyes as if trying to forget her.

"You keep leading me-leading me back to you. Oh oh oh you keep leading me back to you ou ou."

"Alright you guys. That's a wrap. Get ready for the next scene."

Kym pulled Rick to her and kissed him. Brittany headed back to her room. She pulled the dress off her and sat in front of the mirror. The knock at the door startled her. She grabbed for her robe as Kym opened the door.

"You were wonderful."

Brittany forced a smile. "Thanks."

"Are you ready? They're waiting."

She'd be better in this shower scene. She would be able to focus more on Rick.

Brittany just about ran off the set as soon as the director called cut. She was dressed and running back to her hotel room to hide. She didn't wait for Kym or Rick. She just wanted to get away from the prying eyes and the embarrassment. His touches and kisses were setting fire to her. She had never thought that she would ever want anyone after Christian. Now she still fought the thought that she even had a remote chance.

Halfway to the hotel she heard some music and followed it to a club. She sat down and ordered a drink and dinner. She remembered a time she would have never gone anywhere by herself. But that was the past; she wasn't gonna think about it now. She wanted to enjoy some authentic Jamaican cuisine and get drunk. She wanted to erase this day from her memory.

Rick walked in. She stared at him. Why won't he go away? He walked over and sat down with her. She gave him a sideways glance and waited for him to explain himself. The waitress came over and took his order. She was staring at him pretty hard trying to recall who he was as she walked off.

He looked at her. "Kym." He stated. She nodded.

"Were we not good enough today?" She asked, sarcastically.

"Of course not. I do think she enjoyed your humility though."

Brittany looked away. "Yeah, it came a day early. At least it wasn't in bed."

He chuckled. "Me, too. They might have gotten suspicious then."

Her cheeks reddened. "Yeah, well, it happens."

"You sing beautifully. Did you know or was that another hidden talent?"

She shrugged. "Christian's the singer, not me. I write."

"Maybe we can work on a song together."

She eyed him trying to see if he was teasing her. She knew he wasn't. "Maybe."

"We didn't get to go surfing." He faked a pout.

"You must be so heart broken." She quipped. The waitress brought them their drinks. She was still concentrating on Rick. Brittany lit a cigarette.

He smiled. "I know you are so I set it up for tomorrow and we got the day off so they can review the shots taken today to see if we need to redo any. Of course, if we do it's gonna be a long night. But we got the day free. I figured you wouldn't be heartbroken to miss your pottery class."

She looked at him and smiled. "Really. You did that? Thanks, that was thoughtful. Actually, I'm pretty happy that we got to go shark diving. I'm just sorry I got us lost."

"I enjoyed diving and exploring with you. It was exciting being that close to the sharks."

Her face lit up. "They are so majestic. You know I always wanted to do that. Funny in third grade I wanted to be a marine biologist."

"Really? What happened?"

She nodded. "Life. It takes you through more things and shows you more. Then you wonder why should I settle for that when I can have this?"

"You're not that materialistic." He cornered.

She shook her head. "Not now. I was. Real bad. Christian saved me. Sort of. Now I care about the things I have not what I can get. I respect it a lot more. Of course with Christian and the life we had I had to live on a budget." She shivered at the word.

He chuckled. "So what do you want to be now?" He asked.

She shrugged. "Happy."

Their food arrived. The waitress couldn't control herself anymore. "Aren't you Rick Lancet?"

Rick glanced at her and shook her head. "Sorry. I get that a lot but no, I wish."

She frowned and walked away. Brittany raised an eyebrow at him but shrugged it off.

"Aren't you happy?" He asked.

"I guess I should be. I mean my husband is famous and I have money." She shook her head. "I want my own life. You know? My own career, my own wealth, my life. I don't want to be dependant."

"I can understand that. So what do you want to do?"

She shrugged. "Be a drug lord?"

He laughed. "I think that's a hard profession to get into. You have to be born into it and honey; I think that's too late for you. Come on, seriously, what do you want to do?"

"I don't know. I'm not as talented as everyone else I know is. I mean since I've been on this roller coaster I have met talented singers and movie stars. That's not me. I don't have any special talents." He was staring at her again in that way. "What?"

"But you wrote his songs. That's something. You don't see it?" He asked, in disbelief. "You're good at what you do. Everything that you do. Do you not know that when we do our scenes you change into someone else? You are terrific in front of the camera. If you weren't then we would still be doing those scenes repeatedly. Not that I would mind but you are a natural in front of the camera." He complimented her. He took her hands in his and gazed into her eyes. "Do you always search for things that are right in front of you and not know it?"

She swallowed hard. "I don't know what you mean." It came out soft as a whisper.

"You feel it too?" He whispered.

Brittany closed her eyes. "Feel what?"

He pulled away. "You're right. Nothing, I apologize."

They arrived back at the hotel and he walked her to her door. He lingered there while she opened the door. He stole a glance around the hallway before pulling her in his arms and kissing her. Brittany melted against him as they pushed their way into the room. They were backing towards the bed. They fell back against it and he brushed her hair away from her face.

"You're so beautiful." He whispered.

She shook her head and pushed him away. "We can't. We can't do this."

He nodded in agreement. "Sorry. I got carried away. It's just that you have this control."

She raised her eyebrow at him. "Me? Yeah right. Look Rick don't. Ok just don't. I don't have the self-esteem to go through the humiliation that you really think that. I'm just sorry I'm not an easy mark for you. I'm married and I take that vow seriously."

He shook his head. "I'm serious. I want to know if you feel it to. Then I'll leave."

She glared at him. "You insist on doing this to me? Fine. Yes, I find myself drawn to you."

He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. She sighed. "Sweet dreams, Britt." He left.

She stared after him. Her lips were burning from his kisses. She closed her eyes and screamed quietly. I can't take this. I can't. I'm not strong. I'm human. Please don't do this to me.

"Come on, CeCe Why not? We've been best friends forever." Tavish pleaded.

She looked at him, wearily. "I want it to be special. You know that."

"You know I love you. Love's important." He countered, rubbing on her leg.

She giggled. "You're impossible. I want to feel the passion."

"You know we finally decided to date and you won't give it up." He pouted.

She laid in his bed in a tee shirt that came down to her knees. "But I live here with you. I feel like your sister." He growled, as he rolled on top of her. Her eyes widened.

"Do you feel that, CeCe? I wouldn't have that if you were my sister and I wouldn't have you in my bed!" She shrunk against the pillow and bit her lip. "Damn." He cursed rolling off her. "Sorry."

She turned away. He turned off the light. He felt her arms slide around him.

"OK." She whispered.

"No." He stated. "You were right."

She lowered her hands. He drew a sharp breath. "No you were right. I would rather you take it then some guy that didn't care a damn about me. At least I know you would die for me."

The phone was ringing. She woke from her dream. She reached over and answered it. "Hello?"

"Hi, honey. How's everything going?" Christian greeted, cheerfully.

"Great. I'm having a blast. Wish you were here, though."

"My flight will be in tonight."

She sat up. "Really? That's great! Tristian coming with you?"

"Of course."

"I love you."

"I love you too. I'll see you tonight and you can fill me in on everything."

"OK." She hung up. She jumped out of bed and took a shower. When she finished, dressing there was a knock at the door. Rick's voice was behind it. "Are you ready to go yet?"

She opened the door. His eyes raked her over. Suddenly she was self-conscious in the bikini top and shorts. Her bikini top had the rebel flag design on it and the boy shorts matched it. She tugged at the legs now.

"Wow! You look phenomenal." He commented. "Oh by the way, I love the tattoo on your butt. It suits you. You should change your belly ring to fit it, though." He smiled.

"My playboy bunny. I was wondering if you actually saw it or if someone told you about it." She noted his Ocean Pacific swim trunks and tank top. She looked away, guiltily. "Christian called. He's flying in tonight with Tristian."

He forced a smile. "That's great. We'll make sure we don't get lost this time."

Brittany was a natural. She learned quickly and in no time was surfing like a professional. The ocean on the other hand was pounding Rick. He finally gave up and watched her from the beach. After a while, she came in and sat beside him. She reached in the cooler and pulled out a soda. She reached in her bag and got her cigarettes out.

"Wow! That was so fun!" She exclaimed, happily.

Rick smiled. "You're a natural."

"Thanks. I always thought it would be boring. But I really enjoyed it."

"Christian surf?"

She nodded, inhaling. "Yeah. He's a beach bum."

"Why now?"

She shrugged. "He's always been better at everything. I could never pick up the things if he taught me. He took me skiing one time and well this is what he told me. 'It's just like skating.'" Rick looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah. Well, guess what you can't put your toe down to stop. I made a human snowball." She laughed. "After that it was umm golfing. Just hit a ball to the hole. I sprained my wrist. Let's see after that umm bowling. I threw out my back. Of course mind you I am real good at these things just not around him." Rick was laughing so hard at her.

"Does he make you that nervous?"

"Let's just say if I didn't know better I'd swear he was on scene yesterday."

"So I guess we can't show him how well you surf?"

"Only if you tape it. I'll probably drown if he watches me."

"That's sad. So he thinks you're a total klutz at everything?" She nodded. "Aren't you good at anything around him?" She shook her head. He was about to say something and she cut him off.

"Not even that but we won't go there. I feel really inadequate around him for some odd reason. I took tennis in college. To pass we had to beat the teacher. I passed. So, I took Christian out and he never played before. He beat me."

Rick looked at her and shook his head. "Well, I'm glad you can be yourself around me."

When they got back to the hotel, they saw Kym and Christian in the restaurant. They walked over to join them.

"Hey!" Christian said, getting up to hug Brittany. "I just ran into Kym and she said you two went surfing. How did you do?"

She grinned. "I did pretty good."

"She's being modest. She was a natural. The guys out there even said it."

"Really?" Christian asked, skeptically. "We'll have to go out sometime."

She shook her head. "Don't know when we'll get the chance to."

"Speaking of natural, we reviewed the video today and oh my God. The camera loves you, Brett. I think Stan is thinking of casting you in some films. He really fell in love with you. You and Rick had so much chemistry on tape I thought it was gonna melt all the equipment." Kym gushed.

Brittany glanced away, shyly. "Oh please. You don't have to exaggerate."

"No I'm serious." Kym said grabbing her hand. "Do you know what that means?"

Brittany shook her head. "I don't have that kind of talent. Excuse me. I think I got too much sun. I need to go lie down." She looked at Christian. "You don't have to rush up."

"No I'm coming with you." He answered. "I'll see you guys later."

They went up to the room. She peeled off her clothes and walked into the bathroom. He followed. She turned the water on in the shower. "Want company?" He asked, seductively.

She nodded her head. "But just so you know I'm on my period."

He pouted. "But I'm feeling really neglected."

She shook her head. "I really don't feel good tonight. I just want to lay in your arms and sleep. It's been so long since I was able to sleep. I miss being in your arms."

He kissed her on the forehead. "Me too, honey."

The nightmares came back while she slept. The past she was running from that ran after her. The cry of a baby and the sound of the engine roaring to life. She cried. The tears soaked the pillow and woke her.

Christian was gone when she woke. He left a note asking her to call him. She got dressed. She picked up the phone and called him. She then, headed down to the hotel restaurant. She ran into Rick in the hall. He looked at her. She took a deep breath, inhaling his cologne.

"Sorry, Brett. I was just on my way to the restaurant."

"Me, too." She replied, quietly, avoiding eye contact. "Did you take a nap too?"

He nodded as he pressed the down button and backed away waiting for the elevator. She stole a glance in his direction. He nervously avoided eye contact.

She could not remember what she did wrong. "What did I do?" Brittany whispered.

Rick shook his head. "It wasn't you."

"You're different now."

The elevator door opened, Rick stood aside to let her go first. "I'm sorry." He whispered, softly to her. They stood close, he looked in her eyes, and she heard him whimper. She melted against him, leaned up, and kissed him. She closed her eyes and in that moment, she forgot everything around her. It was only her, him, and this kiss.

The bell dinged and they pulled away, guiltily as the door opened. They walked into the restaurant and spotted Christian and Kym at a secluded back table. They looked at each other.

They made their way back to the table and watched as Christian and Kym straightened their posture more. Brittany looked uneasily at Christian. "Is everything okay?"

He smiled and nodded. "How are you feeling?"

"Better."

"Well, how would you like to go back to Cali?"

"You're kidding right?"

"You said that you wanted to visit right?"

Brittany smiled. "Honestly?"

Christian smiled. "Anything for you, love." He kissed her.

Chapter 3

Brittany stared out the window. She couldn't believe she was on her way back to California. Kym had told Christian about the many opportunities that awaited her and begged him to let her take her back. Christian had decided that it was in her best interest to go. With a tearful goodbye, Brittany had boarded the plane. She hated the thought of being away from him and Tristian for so long. She made up her mind to quickly get settled and send for Tristian.

"It's gonna be fine." Kym comforted, patting her hand. "I have to go pee." She got up.

Rick looked at her. She sighed; her eyes were threatening to spill over again. He reached over and took her hand. "I'm here." She nodded and squeezed his hand before letting go.

"Do you believe in God?" She asked.

"Yeah, of course. Don't you?"

She shrugged. "I'm trying. I mean I know Jesus died for me and all that but... Do you believe He plans ALL things in your life?"

Rick thought for a moment. "That's what the Bible says."

"Every single mistake and second of your life?"

Rick nodded. "He knows we're human and not perfect. Mistakes are allowed."

She shook her head. "Do you believe everything has a purpose?"

"Yeah. Everything in your life has been planned for a purpose."

She sat in silence. "Everything?"

He nodded. "Everything." He confirmed, watching her intensely. "Why?"

She shrugged. "Just wondering."

"You know you can talk to me."

She nodded. She turned toward the window and closed her eyes. She didn't want to talk about it she wanted to forget it. Why wasn't she able to forget it? Why did it haunt her so much?

"CeCe, don't worry. I've got everything under control here." Tavish soothed.

He sounded so close but she knew he was far away. She was holding the phone and looking out the window for Christian. "Are you sure? I mean Keith is not gonna just let me go."

"I told you before you're safe. I am taking care of it. He may have a contract on you but no one is stupid enough to go after you. Don't worry. You did the right thing. Christian is a good guy."

She smiled, looking at the wedding band on her finger. "Yeah, a real good guy."

"Congrats. Now, get off there before he comes home. And you don't have to keep in touch. I'll know if you need me. But I think Christian will take you far away from this mess you got into."

She giggled. "But it was worth it."

"Yeah it sure was." He agreed.

"But what about..."

"A wedding present. Forget it and leave it in the past. Live for today and tomorrow, princess."

"Tavish, how can I ever repay you?"

"You already repaid me a long time ago. Anyways, I know if I ever need you..."

"Always. Anytime. For anything." She hung up.

She stared at the mirror. She went into the closet and took out her Fender stratacaster. She opened the case and removed her guitar. Christian always wondered why she was so protective over it. She opened the inside of the case. It had been hollowed out. Inside was ten million dollars; she ran her hands across it.

"It wasn't for love." She whispered. Rick looked at her; she had fallen asleep and now was talking. Kymberly had found a reporter on the plane to talk with and he sat there and listened to Brittany. She was tossing almost as if she was fighting someone. What wasn't for love? He thought, sadly. "I need the passion and the love." She murmured.

He watched and listened as her dreams tormented her. He could not make sense of it but was happy to wake her when they neared landing.

Kym sat back down and looked over at Brittany as she woke. "You slept the whole time?"

Brittany nodded. "I'm not good at traveling."

They gathered their luggage and jumped in the awaiting limo. Kym's cell phone rang. She talked on it for a few minutes then hung up. "I have to go to the studio." She announced. "You two go on back to the house and get settled. I'll be home as soon as I can."

Rick watched Brittany out on the patio smoking a cigarette. She paced nervously.

"You talk in your sleep." He chuckled. She looked up, horrified.

"What did I say?" She stammered.

He shrugged. "Nothing that made sense."

She sighed. "You couldn't make anything out?"

"It wasn't for love." He recited, guiltily.

She nodded. "Oh."

"What does it mean?"

She shook her head. "I'm not ready to talk about it. None of it."

He nodded. "Ok."

She glanced at him. "Rick, what's love anyways?"

"A feeling. It overwhelms you and doesn't let go."

She thought for a moment. "Is it only love and lust? No in between?"

"What do you mean?"

"Between two people. Love or lust that attracts them?"

"Well, yeah I guess so."

"Nothing in between?"

He shook his head. "What else is there?"

"I don't know but what if it was neither?"

"Fear?"

"What do you mean?"

"Fear of being alone or fear of the person. Fear can make us be with someone."

"Oh. I never thought of that."

"Where are you going with this?"

"No where."

He shook his head and walked back in the house. She followed. He turned and pulled her to him. "I have no idea what you have done to me but I want you in my arms. I want to feel your kiss. Your passion."

"Is it love or lust?" She whispered.

"Neither." He growled.

"Fear?" She insisted.

"A sinful pleasure." He replied, taking her lips captive. She melted against him and closed her eyes. She was feeling the security in his arms and the heat of his kiss.

He let her go. She swayed for a moment and he thought she would faint. "We can't do this."

"I know." She whispered, backing away.

He looked at her. "Don't think for a second if we weren't married I wouldn't pursue you."

She turned away, embarrassed. "It's been a long day. I think I better go to my room."

He wanted so bad to pull her back in his arms. "Please don't go. Let's talk."

She looked wearily at him. "About what?"

"Us. Everything. I don't want to be away from you." He confessed.

"Ok. Let's fix some drinks and settle on the couch."

He nodded in agreement. He watched as she skillfully mixed the drinks and handed one to him.

"Where did you learn that?"

"I have a book on bartending. Ever since I saw Cocktail with Tom Cruise, I wanted to be a bartender. So I learned and mastered it."

"Another one of your skills that Christian doesn't know about?"

She laughed. "Oh he knows that I use too much. You know how it goes."

"So he gets wasted off one of your drinks?" He laughed.

She nodded. "So what do you like to do, Rick?"

"Well besides singing, I don't know. Lately it seems as if I don't have any time. We bought this house and Kym wants to hire people to do things that I can do and save money. Not to mention feel like it's mine. You know king of the castle thing."

She smiled. "Yeah, I know. I thought after Christian made it I would do that but I got more pleasure doing it myself. Landscaping and decorating. Now that I had the money to do it."

"So where do you live?"

"A small town in Tennessee. Mayberry." She joked.

"Thinking of moving now?"

She nodded. "Without a doubt. I mean I never felt right anywhere."

"Except here?"

"I always dreamed of coming to Cali. I just couldn't afford it."

"I know. When all this happened years ago it took me by surprise too."

She took a sip and glanced over her cup at him. "So what do you want out of life?"

He shook his head. "Love and happiness. What else?"

"Do you have that?" She asked.

He thought for a moment. "Yeah, I do. What about you?"

"What I want out of life?" He nodded. "Easy. To find my purpose."

"What do you mean?"

"You know why you were put here? Why your life is how it is?"

He looked at her thoughtfully. "How long have you been a Christian?"

She shook her head. "I'm not sure if I'm a very good one."

"Why?"

She looked at him. "I'm still wondering if there's a God then why me?"

"Why you what?" He prodded.

She sighed. "Why am I tormented?" She paused before adding, "By you."

He silently nodded. "I know the feeling but it doesn't mean we're bad Christians it just means we're humans. We make mistakes and sin."

She shook her head. "You don't understand before you there was no one who could turn my head or heart. Before Christian, I couldn't have cared less about anyone except myself. Christian saved me from hell and I can't do this to him."

He nodded. "I know. Kymberly saved me, too. I was partying and girls galore every night. Then she came in like an angel and there was no one til you."

They stared into each other's eyes. "So now what?" She whispered.

"I don't know. You don't seem to understand the affect you have on me. Kym could never do the things you do to me. Just to see you drives my senses wild. You are so damn sexy and you don't even know it. Maybe that's what the biggest turn on is. I don't want to break up our happy homes but from the first time I saw you I knew. You reached into my soul and woke me. I keep hoping that it would just go away but the closer I get to you the more I know it's not going away."

"So you just need a conquest?" She offered.

He shook his head. "I think if I were to have you I would never be able to get enough of you."

She looked at him, shocked. "I wasn't suggesting..."

"I know." He cut her off. "You would never. I was just stating the truth. I can't get enough."

She sharply inhaled. "Rick," She whispered, softly, looking away.

He couldn't control himself any longer and took her in his arms, kissing her. She leaned into him and was overcome by the urgency that he exuded. She responded to him. Their hands were exploring each other in newfound wonder. Her hands traced over his broad chest and he moaned. She gasped as his hand slipped under her shirt to explore.

It seemed like forever before he finally pushed her away. She quickly got to her feet and straightened her clothes. She walked out on the patio and lit a cigarette. He walked out and stood away from her. He watched her as she nervously glanced around the neighborhood.

"I'm--"She stopped him by cutting him off.

"Don't cheapen it by saying you're sorry unless you really are."

"I'm gonna lose it one day. I'm not strong. I'm human."

The words echoed in her head. She had repeated those exact words the other day. She sighed. "What do you want from me? Why me? I have nothing. Not a thing. I don't even have real talent."

"You're an excellent songwriter."

"I'm a lyricist. I can't even put it to music. Christian does that. He sings it. I come up with words that are merely poems more so than songs. They just fit when Christian sings it."

"No. You're too hard on yourself."

"See? So why me? I'm a pessimist. Nothing ever works for me. I just end up on a lucky run with Christian. I have nothing. I am nothing. I mean do you see me in comparison to Kym?"

"You're beautiful. Sexy. My God, Brittany, what is it gonna take for you to see that?"

She shook her head. "You're wrong. Rick, I don't know what you think you see but it's not here in me. I'm average. I'm a mom and faithful wife that has been tempted. I can't fall. I have too much to lose. You have it all. Nothing would hurt for you but me, I can't do it."

"I'm not asking you to. I'm merely stating that you have taken my control to the test."

"I don't mean to." She answered, meekly. Her voice trembled. The past was haunting her. So many times, she had heard the edge in the voice to know what it meant. Those words that threatened her. She closed her eyes and fought back the tears.

"Hey. I didn't mean to hurt you." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. She broke down and cried in his arms. "What? What's the matter, sweetheart?"

She shook her head. "I can't do this. I can't do this." She repeated repeatedly.

He laid her in bed and pulled the covers over her. She was almost asleep. She had cried and made no sense of the words that she uttered but he could feel she was completely terrified. He stared at her wondering what could have frightened her so bad. What kind of ghosts haunted her from her past? He sighed and closed the door behind him. He walked back downstairs and waited for Kym. The telephone rang and it was she.

"Hey. I'm just gonna sleep here. No use in me coming home to turn around and come back in the morning." She chirped. "Is Brittany still awake?"

"No she went to bed a while ago. I've been waiting up."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I think I have to leave tomorrow night for an interview in New York. I have to promote my new video. We'll be debuting it soon."

"Ok. Well, I'm gonna go up to my lonely bed and go to sleep."

"Well, if you want you can keep Brittany company in that big house of ours." She replied, sarcastically. There was almost sincerity to it.

"Naw, what do I want with another country girl. I already have one."

"I'm not THAT country. Oh my gawd, you would think she was from the sticks. Christian doesn't have that thick southern accent."

"Be nice." Rick scolded.

"Humph. Fine. But so you know I'm very unhappy I can't get home to you. But I trust you with Miss Southern Belle."

"Gee, thanks honey. That means so much to me."

"I love you."

"I love you, too." They hung up.

Rick thought for a moment to go back to Brittany's room and curl up with her. It would be so nice. But he couldn't afford for Kym to change her mind and come home to get the wrong idea.

He woke in the morning and went downstairs to find Brittany cooking breakfast. She turned around and smiled. Her eyes raked over him in his sweat pants and tank top.

"Morning, I was just fixing some biscuits and sausage gravy. I had to go to the store. I hope you don't mind that I borrowed your car. It'll be done in a minute. I made fresh coffee too."

"Wow. You cook?"

"Hmm, yeah. Hidden talent."

"You have a lot of those." He took in her simple black tee shirt and jean shorts.

She smiled. "Sorry about last night."

He shrugged. "We're all entitled to breakdowns."

She fixed their plates and sat down. She watched him as he picked up his fork. She then bowed her head and said grace silently to herself. He followed suit.

"Force of habit." She said.

He nodded. "Good habit to have. We get so busy we forget."

She shook her head. "Can't forget."

"So what's your plan for today?"

She looked at him. "I got a call from Kym. Our scripts should be arriving sometime this morning. I figured we'd wait around for them and go house hunting on the Internet."

He looked at her. "House hunting?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna need a place to stay while we film. I can't stay here."

"Of course. Ok. I'm sorry. I'm not awake yet."

The doorbell rang and he got up and answered it. The courier handed him the package, glancing around him, no doubt trying to get a glance of Kymberly. Rick shut the door before he could see Brittany.

He opened the manila envelope and pulled out two scripts. He handed her one. They finished their breakfast in silence as they read over the script. As they finished it at the same time, they stared up at each other.

"Wow." He commented.

"More than wow. How can I possibly? Whoa!"

"That's some awesome writing."

She nodded. "It's real steamy."

"Who are we supposed to be trying out for?"

"Umm, mine is highlighted as Carrie."

"Oh here it is." He chuckled. "I'm Ken."

She looked at him. "But aren't they the-"

"Yeah. Here we go again."

She surfed the Internet looking for homes. She entered in her criteria and had to look for just the right one. Rick was sitting beside her. She finally turned to him and said, "I give up. It's not here. I'll have to find property and build it."

"What are you looking for?"

"Something spectacular. Unique and on the coast."

"Ok. Let's go down to Santa Monica."

She looked at him. "Oh sure. Like I know where that is."

He smiled. "That's why I'm driving."

She climbed in his black Cadillac Escalade. It was loaded with all the extras. She had never really liked them. A co-worker of hers had one that he had let her take to the store but she didn't enjoy the ride in it. Now she settled in the passenger side seat and fastened her seat belt.

He drove her out to the beach. She was in awe looking around. It was so beautiful. No movies in the world could show off the beauty it possessed.

"Can we walk?" She asked, shyly. He nodded.

Brittany slipped off her sandals and left them in the truck. He looked at her and she giggled. "I want to feel the sand in between my toes."

He nodded. They walked along the coastline for a while. She froze in her tracks, staring up ahead. He followed her gaze. "Wow. That's beautiful."

"It's mine. I have to find out how to get to it."

"Sure. We'll drive around til we find it. We can't go up the cliff."

She looked at him. "If I have to I will. I have to have it."

He nodded. "Ok then let's go figure out how to get up there."

She stared at the A-frame sitting on top of the cliff. She had envisioned it so many times in her dreams. Please just once be on my side. Let me have good luck. Let this house be my new home. She prayed, silently.

"Turn here." Brittany cried out. Rick swung the truck into the narrow dirt road without questions.

They drove up the path and after a mile; it turned into a paved road. It winded up the hill through woods but in the clearing was the house.

"Good call." Rick complimented her. She smiled.

An iron wrought gate that encircled the whole property from what she could see surrounded the house. She jumped out and looked through the gate.

Rick watched from the truck. She walked over to one side of the gate and triumphantly pulled the weeds away to reveal the for sale sign. She turned back to Rick. He gave her the thumbs up as she pulled out her cell phone to call the realtor. He watched as she hung up and then made another call.

After she spoke for a while she walked back to his window. "She'll be here in ten. I'm gonna try the gate." She walked over and pushed the gate. It opened. She got back in the truck. "Every once in a while luck is on my side."

He laughed. "Well, let's go see your new home."

Chapter 4

They pulled up and she stared in awe at the house. The A-frame house was full of windows all around it. It had a beautiful two-tier deck on the front that encircled around the house leading to a three-tier deck in back. The back deck was complete with a barbecue pit; picnic area, hot tub, and it lead down to an inground swimming pool. It over looked the ocean sitting high on the cliff. The view was breathtaking.

Rick walked over to the back door and turned the knob. It opened. "Hey come on." He insisted. She followed him inside. They walked into the kitchen. It was huge. The appliances were hidden behind cherry wood panels. It was definitely gourmet styled with an island in the center. The kitchen opened up to a vast dining room furnished with a large cherry wood-dining suite. From there, it opened to an enormous great room with a fireplace. The great room led to the front of the house where it had high ceilings. They saw the realtor pull up. Rick opened the front door and greeted her.

They toured the rest of the house and Brittany was trying so hard to contain her eagerness. She knew if she hid her happiness, she could probably get a better deal on the house. She gazed around the humongous master bedroom in awe. She crossed the room to the balcony doors and swung them open. She stared out over the ocean. The scenery was breathtaking.

"It seems that the owner is just getting rid of it. It's been on the market for quite sometime and we can probably negotiate a good deal." Rick whispered in her ear.

She nodded still hypnotized by the view. He leaned a little closer and breathed in her perfume.

Finally, she whispered, "It's mine. It has to be mine."

Rick and Brittany sat on the set getting ready for their audition. She wrinkled her nose. He looked at her. She looked as if she was having second thoughts. She was backing away when he grabbed her.

"Ok, you two, when you're ready." The casting director, Kelli, hollered.

"Deep breath." Rick ordered. They performed their scene as they had rehearsed the night before.

"Cut." Kelli called. They pulled away from their kiss. As she stared into his eyes, she felt a chill go through her. She turned away.

"Wow. Brittany, you've never done any acting before?"

Brittany shook her head. "No, ma'am."

"I heard you sing?"

"Back up."

"Can I hear?"

She took a deep breath and began a verse of 'Amazing Grace'. Kelli stared at her. "You call that back up?" She shook her head. "Amazing."

Rick smiled. "She's discovered a lot of hidden talents lately."

Kelli nodded in agreement. "So I see. Well, of course you two are cast for the part. They were right when they said you two had definite chemistry that lit up the place."

"Thanks." Brittany replied. "I think."

Kelli laughed and handed them their itineraries. "Here, we start production in a week. Hope that's time enough to get your affairs in order."

"Hey Christian. It's me. Yeah I got the part. I'm excited. We're gonna be shooting here for the most. I think the last shot will be done in Hawaii or somewhere like that. Yeah, I did back up on her video. That's not the same as the cd. Stop. I suck at it. Seriously. I don't know why they say that. Yeah ok. Are you having fun? What's Tristian doing? Really? Oh yeah guess what? I found my house. Yeah. We're negotiating now. Uh huh. No, it's my money. I already talked to Jerry about it. Yeah, he gave me my price range. Whatever. Ok. Love you too."

She hung up and looked over at Rick who was still on his cell phone talking with Kym. She kicked a rock on the sidewalk as she waited for him.

He hung up and looked at her. "Hungry?"

She nodded. "Seeing as we couldn't eat this morning."

"Where to?"

"This is your area. You choose. And remember I'm as country as it gets so I don't need the fancy stuff."

"That's great to hear because I am actually in the mood for a big juicy hamburger."

"Mmm. Sounds good. Know any places around here?"

He shook his head. "Let me just make a phone call real quick." He stepped away from her and then came back. "Ok. Had to make sure it was ok for us to come down. Let's go."

She hopped in the truck and fastened her seatbelt. As they drove, she took in the sights. He turned on the radio and turned it up with some rap music. She winced and finally reached over and turned it back down.

He looked at her. "No you didn't." he accused.

"Yes I did. I can't stand that mess. How can you listen to that stuff?"

"Easy." He turned it back up. She pouted before reaching back over and clicking it off again.

"Don't make me break it, Rick." She warned.

He looked at her. "You got to be kidding me. This is my car! I can listen to it if I want!" He argued. He reached to turn it on and she slapped his hand.

"I'm serious." She stated. He shook his head. They were coming up to a car dealership. "Turn there." He did so. As soon as they came to a complete stop, she had hopped out of the truck.

"Brett, what are you doing?" he asked. "I won't turn it back on. Come on."

She continued walking around. Then she saw it. It was a dark purple XJ220. She was beautiful. Rick caught up to her and grabbed her arm.

A salesperson rounded the other corner at the same time. "Hi. How are you doing today? IS there something I can show you?" He grinned.

The car hypnotized Brittany. She was looking it over. Rick tugged at her.

"Beautiful car, isn't it?" The salesperson prodded.

Brittany finally looked up. "How much?"

The guy looked perplexed. "Umm. I'll have to go check but we'll have to—"

She shook her head. "Just tell me how much you want." She dismissed him and flipped open her cell phone. She turned her back to them both.

Rick shrugged as the guy disappeared into his office.

Brittany turned back around. "I have to thank you for that little spat. I would have never found her. I owe you." She smiled.

He shook his head. "You can't be serious?"

She looked at him. "Oh yes I can. This is a very rare 1993 XJ220. Zero to 60 in 4 seconds and zero to 100 in 7. It's rare because there were only 275 made and they were never sold in the US. So not only is this an excellent find but I can guarantee you won't find many of these babies lying around. I'm hoping these idiots do not know what they have." She smiled, smugly.

The salesperson appeared and looked at her. "The boss said he'd take six hundred grand for it." Brittany tried to hide her enthusiasm.

"As if. I guess I had better test drive it. Then we'll see."

Rick leaned over to the person. "She must not have liked your price. She normally goes on these impulse buys unless the price disappoints what she already valued it at."

The person straightened his composure and looked at her. "We can take four."

She smiled. "Great. I'll be in in a moment. Let me call my accountant."

The person walked away happy. She waited until he was securely inside before wrapping her arms around Rick and kissing him. "You are wonderful. Do you know we just 'Stole' this car? Oh. I love you!" She bounced off to the office, leaving Rick glued to the street.

He finally walked in and sat beside her as she filled out the necessary paperwork. "Oh I want personalized plates." She scribbled something down and gave it to the salesperson. He smiled.

"Of course."

Rick looked at her. She smiled. The guy handed her the keys and she took them. "I'll be back to pick her up. Can you people detail her for me? Thanks." With that, she headed for the door.

Rick stared after her, as did the two men that were helping her. "Wow. What a woman." One commented. Rick shot a glare at him. He quickly disappeared into another room. Rick followed her out.

"Are we done?" He asked her. She nodded and got back in the truck.

She noticed that they were pulling into a modest house out of the way. She looked at him, puzzled.

"Where are we?"

He smiled. "My brother's the only one I know that makes the best hamburgers."

She paled. "No. I don't meet family well. I mean they don't like me."

He laughed. "Nonsense. Come on." He jumped out and she watched as a lady approached him. She took a deep breath and got out.

"Gabby, I want you to meet a good friend of mine. This is Brittany Cross. Brittany this is my sister in law, Gabby."

Brittany smiled. "Hi. It's nice to meet you." She extended her hand.

Gabby shook it and then turned back to Rick. "Kym working?"

Brittany noticed the coldness. Rick nodded and without missing a beat added, "Yeah, she told Brittany to keep me company. So where's Andy?"

"Out back. Want a beer?" Rick nodded. She looked at Brittany. "What about you?"

Brittany shook her head. "I don't drink beer. Do you have tea?"

Gabby rolled her eyes. "Sure." With that, she walked off.

"Wow. She's too friendly." Brittany muttered.

Rick chuckled. "I guess I should have warned you about her. I didn't think she was here. Sorry. Come meet my brother."

Brittany followed him through the house and out back. She caught her breath. Andy was the spitting image of Rick. They were definitely brothers.

"Andy, meet Brittany. Brittany, my brother, Andy."

"Pleasure." He took hold of her hand. She smiled. He looked at Rick. "Do I need to worry?" Rick shook his head. Gabby returned with the drinks.

She handed Brittany her glass. "So what do you do?"

"I'm a songwriter." Brittany answered.

"Among actress, model, singer, and con artist." Rick added.

"Oh really?" Gabby looked at her. "Con artist?"

"She just conned this guy out of an 800000 dollar car for 400 g's."

Gabby arched her eyebrow. Brittany shook her head. "No that was you."

"Well, I helped only because I knew what you were up to."

Brittany laughed. "How could you possibly know?"

Rick looked at her. "I know you." Brittany sobered up. She saw the glance between Andy and Gabby. She looked away. Andy pulled Rick aside.

"Man what are you doing?" Andy asked.

Rick looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Come on man. I see the way you're looking at her."

Rick shook his head. "You're wrong. We're just friends."

Andy looked him in the eyes. "No man. You're wrong."

Rick looked over Andy's shoulders at Brittany. "Maybe man. But we're married. I know this and so does she. We're not trying to do anything."

Andy shook his head. "Whatever it is, stop it. Kym and you have something good and I can't speak for this girl but whatever is between you two forget it."

"Yeah, I'm trying."

"Well then take her and have a night but get over it before Kym finds out." Rick shook his head and pushed his brother away.

"That's wrong. I told you it's not like that." Rick growled.

Andy looked at him then at Brittany. Brittany was praying that she would just turn invisible. Gabby glared at her. She nervously tried to drink the unsweetened tea that Gabby had given her. Not wanting to insult Gabby by asking for sugar. Get me out of here! She screamed in her head.

Rick grabbed her. "Come on, Brett. We'll go somewhere else. Apparently we're not wanted here." He took the glass from her and placed it on the patio table as they passed it.

In the truck, she snuck a glance at him. He was angry. She didn't know and was afraid to ask. She knew it was because of her. She wanted to talk to him to listen to him but she sat in their silence. She finally reached over and turned the radio on. She left it on the rap station. He looked at her and turned it off. She reached over to turn it back on and he slapped her hand playfully. She giggled.

He pulled over at the boardwalk. She marveled at the view. "The infamous Santa Monica Pier?" She questioned. He nodded.

He got out. "Come on. I'm still hungry." She followed him.

They sat in a waterfront diner. She gazed out over the ocean. "I never thought I would want to be in the city."

"It doesn't feel like it here."

She shrugged. "I don't know how it feels. I haven't woke up yet."

He smiled. "Feels like a dream?"

She nodded. "I can't believe that six months ago, I was a nobody. If anyone told me that in six months I would be having a hamburger with Rick Lancet I would have died laughing."

"Is it so impossible that we got together?"

"My husband sings country. Now if they said I would be with Kenny Chesney or Tim McGraw and Faith I might have accepted that. You're far from country."

He pouted. "I grew up country."

"And ran from your roots?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Run and hide and hope no one will bring it up."

"Country's not bad. I thought that too. I ran as fast as I could to the city to find myself right back in the country. I guess it just wasn't time."

"Now?"

"I'm in awe here. Everything is fast paced and cold. Not at all friendly, I lived in that small town for a year. I guess I got used to it. Funny when I lived in Virginia I couldn't wait to leave. Then when I got to Tennessee, I fell in love. It felt homey. But now in Cali, I can't imagine being anywhere else."

He nodded. "Yeah, I never thought the city life would be for me either but I got used to it. In the pop world, it moves pretty fast. You seen Kym, she's always on the go. In demand. I get to slow down. It's nice to sit back and breathe. Maybe it is time to go back to my roots as you put it."

"When was the last time?"

He shook his head. "Holidays. When it matters most. You?"

She shook her head. "Nothing will ever make me go back to Virginia."

He frowned. She looked away. "So what did your brother say that made you so angry?" She questioned, changing the subject.

"That I need to get you out of my system."

She nodded. "One night stand?"

"Yeah." He watched her intensely. She was unemotional. She looked as if she was drifting away. "What's on your mind?"

"A million things." She closed her beautiful green eyes to hide the pain she felt. "Do you think he's right? Do you think it'll work?"

"No." He reached out and touched her cheek. She looked at him. "He's wrong. This thing that's taken us by control isn't gonna let go that easy."

She swallowed hard. It felt as if the wind was knocked out of her. Their food came and they ate in silence. The silence allowed her thoughts to take her back.

Her hands wrapped around her Berretta Cheetah pistol. The man in front of her stood steadfast and looked dead in her eyes. He sneered at her. He didn't think she had it in her to pull the trigger. She was after all just a female. Her hands never shook. They were steady and surprised her. She had been target practicing numerous times with Keith and was always very accurate on her shots. Of course, her father had trained her. She sighed.

"Any last words?" She asked.

"Go to hell, bitch." He spat.

She shrugged. "You first." She squeezed the trigger. It shot him right between the eyes and he fell.

"Brett?" Rick was waving his hand in front of her. She smiled. "Ready?"

"Yeah. I'm done. Now what?"

"I figured we could go to the amusement park."

"Really?" Her face brightened. "I really love them. Christian doesn't have the stomach for them. I always missed going to the fairs and stuff. Until Tristian gets older, I guess."

"Well, let's go. We still have to pick up your car."

She nodded. "Afterwards. I have my keys and I told them to leave it inside the car anyways. I didn't want to deal with them at all." Her cell phone rang and she gave it a funny look. "I don't know the number." She answered it. "Hello."

"Mrs. Cross, the sellers have accepted your offer."

"Really? Oh my gosh. Thank you God!" She squealed.

"We can close as early as this Friday if you would like."

"Absolutely! That's great. Thanks." She hung up.

Rick smiled. "It seems as if your luck has changed."

She smiled. "Damn straight!"

After a fun filled day with Rick, she was following him back to his house. As they got there she beeped her horn, he came over.

"Hop in. Be my first." She coaxed, seductively. He sat in the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt.

"I'm not sure if I like not being in control."

She smiled. "Hang on." She turned up the radio. It was playing Christian's CD. She loved it. She always had a copy with her.

On the highway, she turned it down. She looked over at Rick. He smiled.

"You're a pretty good driver."

"Thanks. I used to be a tomboy. I hung out with the guys. They were always trying to scare me with their driving. Then I got behind the wheel. They never said a word about women drivers around me."

He laughed. "You and your hidden talents."

"Wait til you see my plates."

"What did you get?"

"H-8-2-W-8."

"Hate to wait. Pretty impressive. Where are we going?"

"While I was experiencing firsts with you, I figured we could go out on the town. I would love to go to that club that's always on the news."

"Wild Orchid?"

She nodded. "That's it. I wanna be star struck."

He smiled. She was acting so different. "Turn at the next light. They have a back entrance for us stars."

As she entered the club, she was star struck. She was trying hard not to hang onto Rick but since the club was packed, she was afraid of being separated from him. The music was loud and the dance floor was packed. She tugged at his shirt and motioned for the dance floor. He shook his head.

She frowned and hollered up to him. "Don't tell me you can't dance!"

He shook his head and motioned for drinks. He gave the order to the waitress and then led her to the dance floor as the music changed to slow. He held her fast as she tried to weasel away. It was a song about them. She held tight to him and let the rest of the world fade away. For the next three minutes and forty three seconds, he was hers and she was his. It was only as he released her that she realized that the song they were dancing to was a duet by him and Kym.

She headed for a small table for two and the waitress brought over their drinks. He had ordered her a Hurricane no doubt for their memorable night in Jamaica. He had a beer. She watched him as he surveyed the room. She looked around and recognized a bunch of celebrities. She was in awe.

Rick stood there and looked at her. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. She had finished her drink and was ready to leave the crowded place. It wasn't until she was unlocking her car that she realized that she hadn't smoked in a couple of days.

"Have you noticed anything different about me?"

He nodded. "Lots of things. Especially proud that you quit smoking."

She straightened up and grinned. "I think that calls for a celebration."

"Nearest liquor store?" He asked, reading her thoughts. She nodded and threw him the keys. "You're kidding? Christian said you never let him drive your car. At least not the mustang."

"My baby. May she rest in peace."

"I thought you were getting another one?"

"I am. But mine is gone. Anyways, Christian doesn't appreciate my vehicles. He doesn't know how to drive them."

"And I do?"

She shrugged. "I just had a drink. I don't need to drive these crowded streets."

He pulled up to a liquor store and walked in. He came right back out with a brown paper bag. She looked at him. "What did you get?"

"Celebrating drinks." He smiled as he pulled out. He floored the pedal and the car jerked forward. She smiled.

Inside the house, Brittany went upstairs and changed. She slid into her favorite tee shirt, which just happened to be a Miami Hurricanes, which were Rick's favorite basketball team and a pair of black sweats. She padded downstairs and he smiled. He too had changed into black sweats and a Yankees tee shirt. She smiled.

"Trade shirts with ya?" She said.

"Ok." He took off his shirt. She took off hers. He moved to take the shirt but pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She kissed him back.

He laid them on the floor carefully. She ran her nails lightly across his back. He groaned. He continued to kiss her and let his hands roam over her body. He was enjoying how she arched up to him.

She finally pulled away from him. She took his shirt and pulled it over her. Then grabbed hers and pulled it over him. He looked at her. She smiled.

"As enjoyable as that was..." He nodded in agreement. He stood up and took her hand helping her to her feet. He pulled her tightly to him and she whimpered. "I don't think I can be strong a second time." She whispered.

He held her close rubbing her back. "Why do I feel this way?"

She held tight to him and looked in his eyes, searching for a lie. A hint of teasing anything but what she found. She wriggled away. She went to the kitchen and pulled out the bottle of champagne. She looked back at him. "You didn't have to get this."

"You said we were celebrating...the new you." He opened it and poured it into two flutes. He handed one to her and took the other. He held it up in toast. "To the new Brittany Cross. Non-smoker and very talented. Welcome to LA."

Brittany woke to the sunlight streaming in the window. She rolled over and stifled a scream. Oh my God, what have I done? Rick opened his eyes and smiled at her. "Good morning." He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

"Morning." She did a quick feel and gave a relieved sigh that she still had clothes on. She tried hard to recap the night before but it grew fuzzy.

"We didn't." Rick reassured her. She smiled. "I just wanted to know how it would be waking up to you in the morning." She bit her lip.

He got up and walked out without further explanation. She frowned. She pulled herself out of bed and went into the bathroom. She ran the water for the shower and undressed. She submersed herself under the water. Drifting back to her past, that refused to let her go. Now more than ever.

"CeCe Did you hear me?"

"I heard you."

"So?"

"So what?"

"You owe me."

"Yeah, I know."

"And?"

"What do you want?"

"You know what I want."

"Tavish, I can't do that."

"Yes, you can. I helped you and you help me."

"But how could I possibly..."

"Easy. You'll see. Everything will work out perfectly."

"Just get in?"

"You got it. See I knew you were the best."

"And my life..."

"What about it?"

"Do you not know?"

"You'll be fine. Just get it done."

"If I can't?"

"I have faith in you."

"Always."

"CeCe don't fail me."

"Brett?" Rick knocked on her door.

"I'll be out in a minute." She called turning off the water and grabbing her towel. She wrapped it around her and opened the door. Rick stood before her. She backed away.

"Kym called. She needs you to fly out to New York tonight. They need to rerecord you."

Brittany shook her head. "Why can't she get her regular back up singer now?" She asked, finally grabbing a long tee shirt and pulling it over her.

He watched her, wanting to just take her in his arms and free them of this torture. He sighed. "She wants you."

"So I'm supposed to fly out there, sing, and fly back here?" He nodded. She shook her head. "I can't. I'm closing on my house tomorrow. I can't get there until tomorrow afternoon. Tell her that."

"You call and tell her."

She sighed and took the phone he handed her. "Hey, girl! How's it going? Rick told me you called. Yeah. I can't. I'm closing on my house tomorrow. I can be out there tomorrow afternoon, if that's ok? Ok. Sure, see ya then." She hung up and shook her head. "Guess what?" He looked at her. "You have to escort me."

"Really? I wouldn't dream of letting you out of my sight."

She smiled and shook her head. He pulled her to him. He gazed into her eyes. She hated that the torture they kept putting themselves in.

"Why does it feel so right to have you in my arms? Why does it feel so right to kiss your lips?" He whispered. "Would it be so wrong to make sweet love to you?"

She sighed, laying her head against his chest. "It would be so wrong but feel so right so we have to keep it at bay."

He looked at her. His eyes brightened. "I have a great idea."

"What?"

"Come on." He took her hand pulling her with him, excitedly.

Downstairs, he grabbed a notebook and pencil. She smiled. "Turn our emotions into a song. Brilliant. So that it'll be in black and white?"

He smiled. "Who would know?"

Chapter 5

Brittany stared in awe at the man sitting across from her. She knew he didn't think she knew who he was but she did. Leo Carlini, west Coast mob boss, the most powerful man on the West Coast. He was in his late forties and still was very stylish. He wore a dark gray suit. His black hair was turning gray on the sides but showed less in the ponytail. His black eyes were piercing, as it looked her over. She admired him. The petite woman that sat poised beside him was no doubt his wife, Charlene Carlini. She was in her early forties. She must have been born and bred wealthy from her attitude.

"So, Brittany, are you a model?" Leo asked, as they waited for the realtor and loan officers to get the papers together.

She shook her head. She nervously flattened her black skirt. "No, sir. Thank you for the compliment, though." She knew he was prying for how she could afford the house. She had purposely asked Rick to stay home and wait for her. She wanted to get a better feel on Leo Carlini.

"Actress?" Charlene offered.

"No, ma'am." She smiled. "Inheritance."

They nodded. "We're sorry." Leo sent his condolences. She shook her head.

"I never knew 'em." She said. They looked at her and she shrugged.

After the signing, she hugged them both. "It may be a little inappropriate but I got you both a little something to say thank you." Brittany replied.

They looked at each other. "Funny. We did the same thing."

As they walked out to the car, Leo stopped in his tracks. "This is yours?"

"Yes sir. Why?"

"It's a very rare car."

"250 made, not in the US. There are probably 2 or 3 of these here in the states." She informed him. He looked at her and smiled.

"Very good."

She opened the trunk and took out two wrapped boxes. Charlene had walked over to their car to get hers. She looked at Leo. "So what do you do?"

He shrugged. "This and that."

"Oh, sorry. Umm the gate at the house..."

"I already left instructions at the house for all the security equipment."

She nodded. "You must be real important for all that security..." She pried.

He smiled at her. "Yeah."

"Well, is there anything else I need to know about the house?"

He shook his head. "I can't think of anything."

"Great. Well, thanks again."

Charlene handed her a basket filled with things. She briefly took it all in. She hugged Charlene again and thanked them.

Charlene was heading back to the car and Leo walked up to her window. He handed her a business card. "In case you have any problems." He walked off.

She smiled. That's what I was aiming for all along, big guy! She thought, happily. She looked at the card.

Rick and her landed in New York and were ushered into an awaiting limo where they found Kym and Christian drinking champagne.

"Look we're all together again." Kym squealed.

Brittany forced a smile. "You two hooked up out here?" She looked at Christian, who smiled.

"Yeah. Kym took me and showed me around. I mean I didn't think that you would have a problem with it."

Brittany shook her head. "Why would I? I just didn't know." She leaned over, kissed him, and smelled Kym perfume on him. She pushed the thought away. They had been spending time together of course her perfume would be on him.

"So what else have you two been up to?" Rick asked.

"Uh-uh. You bought a house today?" Christian turned back to Brittany.

She beamed. "Not just any house, my dream house. It's perfect. Everything I always wanted."

"In California. You know the next earthquake is gonna put that state in the ocean." Christian joked.

Kym jabbed him playfully in the ribs. "Stop. I live there too."

Rick rolled his eyes, unnoticed to everyone except Brittany. He saw her looking at him and smiled. She looked back at Christian.

"I have pictures." She pulled them from her purse, handed them to Christian, and watched as Kym hovered close to him to see them too. Brittany wrinkled her nose. She knew she shouldn't feel so jealous but the blonde-haired woman was all but sitting on top of him. He didn't seem to care. Of course, guys never notice anything anyways.

"Wow. That's beautiful. And it's by us?" Kym asked, looking up at her.

Brittany nodded. "Yeah. From what I can tell is that most country stars still live in LA so it's not like we have to be separate."

Christian nodded. "I know we talked about it. And you're right. If you're gonna have a career in LA then I have to support you like you supported me."

She smiled and kissed him. "I love you."

He smiled. "I love you, too. I still can't believe you're gonna sing on her album and not mine."

"I'll sing on yours. You just can't be there. You can't be here either."

"Do I make you that nervous?"

She frowned. "I don't know. I just know around you it never goes right."

Brittany stood in the small studio booth. She couldn't breathe. There were too many people staring at her including Christian. She had the earphones on her and was listening to the music. She was struggling to remember the words to the chorus.

She sang it out. She closed her eyes. Straight from the heart, your love keeps leading me, keeps leading me back to you--- oh straight from the heart, your love keeps leading me leading me back to you ou ou. She opened her eyes and saw them all smiling. She closed her eyes again. Straight from the heart, your love keeps leading me, keeps leading me back to you--- oh straight from the heart, your love keeps leading me leading me back to you ou ou. Oh, Let me go cuz I don't wanna go back to you ou ou.

She heard them hooting and carrying on. She smiled, removing the earphones. Christian opened the door and enveloped her in his arms.

"You were great. Didn't I tell you that you had a beautiful voice?"

She shook her head. "I'm not a singer."

Kym huffed. "Yeah, you make me sick how talented you are."

Brittany looked at her. "Me? Please you've been doing this since you were what six? Gimme a break!"

"Well, you're very talented; Brett and I'd hate to see you waste it."

"Thanks. I'm starving. Anywhere good to eat?"

"Yeah. I can't ever do just one take, have you, guys?"

Christian and Rick shook their head. "Nope." They replied in unison.

"What does that mean?"

Before they could reply, Stan popped his head out. "You can go that was great, Brittany. I can't wait to work more with you. Kym, I really think instead of a duet with Christian I think you should consider Brittany."

Brittany stared at them as their mouths hit the floor. "Who are you, Ms. Perfect?" Kym asked, sarcastically.

"I have no idea what you are talking about. I guarantee that I am far from perfect. Ask Christian."

Christian laughed. "Far from perfect but close enough."

"A duet?" Brittany inquired.

Christian nodded. "I was thinking of using her for that duet you wrote."

"Which one?"

"Just In Time."

"Oh yeah. Her vocals would be spectacular on that."

"I mean you won't sing with me..."

Brittany patted his hand reassuring him. "I think it's a great idea."

"You don't by chance have it on you?" Kym asked.

"I don't need it on me. It's my song. I know it by heart."

"Once again, you amaze me, Brittany." Kym complimented.

They headed for the elevator. Brittany stopped, quickly causing Rick to run into her.

"Sorry." He murmured. She shook her head. She reached in her pocket and pulled out her cell phone. It was on vibrating mode. She looked at it and stepped to the side.

"Hey what's up?" She answered. Christian looked at her inquisitively. She shook her head. "Yeah, um can I— oh ok. Yeah I took care of that. Uh huh. Yeah, listen really- oh ok um no I can't- really I can't-well I got to work." She giggled. "Seriously, I'll get back to you when I can. No that's ok. I know and as I said, I got it covered. Yeah, I did. Please like I ever. Later." She hung up.

"Everything ok?" Christian asked, fishing for who the caller was.

She smiled and nodded, dismissing it. "I'm starving. So what's good around here?"

"Umm that would be Savoy's. It's excellent." Kym replied. "Very romantic, too. I think with us all being apart a little romance is good."

Kym looked at Rick and squeezed his hand. He leaned down and kissed her.

Christian wrapped his arms around Brittany. "That's a great idea."

Chapter 6

Brittany and Christian laid in their bed. She rolled over and kissed him.

"I've missed you so much. I'm so glad I came here. I was trying to figure out every reason not to. But I'm glad I got to be with you." She said, as she got up.

He watched her slip into her robe. "I'm glad you came too. I was thinking that I should be able to get some time off in a bit and you, Tristian and I should go away. Maybe we can work on our little girl?"

She smiled. "The only problem is now I don't know my schedule. It seems that we'll be filming forever. I think I can get off around Christmas and our anniversary?"

"Will you forget about me?" He asked.

She reached in the refrigerator and pulled out a Sundrop. He laughed. "Did you stock up before you left Tennessee?"

She nodded. "Did you forget about me?"

He shook his head. "I could never forget you."

"Even being here with Kym?"

He smiled. "Have you forgotten me being with Rick?"

"Point taken. I love you Christian. You are my heart and soul but I have to admit that the closeness is growing with Rick."

He looked at her. "Yeah I know. It seems as if Kym and I run into each other a lot lately too. I'm sorry, baby, I can quit now if you think..."

"I'm being silly, Christian, we went through worst right?"

He nodded. "Can we work on our little girl?"

She shook her head. "I have to work now. I have to do this for myself."

He nodded. "With Rick."

She sighed. "Yeah. But aren't you running around with Miss Pop Princess?"

"She's not like you." He pulled her back to bed. "Let's pretend we're working on our little girl." He kissed her.

The next morning, Brittany and Kym left for the studio. Christian and Rick left for the golf course.

Brittany pouted. Kym rolled her eyes. "If we finish up here, we can meet them on the course. Ok?"

Brittany sighed and shrugged. "You just don't get it. Christian and I always golfed together. It seems lately we HAVE to do things apart. As much as I enjoy having this new, life and all I want to share it with him. He and Tristian are my world."

Kym sighed. "I guess Rick and I are used to being apart now that it doesn't bother me. I mean we never really had that closeness thing, since we were always busy. So I kinda envy that about the two of you."

"Christian and me?"

Kym shook her head. "You and Rick. You two are spending so much time together. I mean not that I think anything but I just wished I could have time like that."

"Why can't you? Don't you run the show? Without you being happy how can they make money?"

Once again, Kym shook her head. "I wish it was that simple. Christian thought that too. He thought he only had to work so long and could take off. It's not that simple. It's very demanding, as you've seen. Tours and interviews. It's the hardest job ever."

Brittany and Kym wrapped up things at the studio. Brittany looked at her watch.

"Well, we won't make it to the course to have a good round so how about shopping?"

Kym smiled. "That sounds great."

Brittany stared wide-eyed as she looked around Bloomingdale's. She had ordered their catalog before Christian had made it just to see what it would be like. Now as she stood their as Kym looked at the jewelry she felt as if she would faint from the high prices.

Kym was looking at a present for Rick. "Do you think he'll like it?" She asked holding up a watch that cost at least 1200 dollars.

Brittany nodded. "Yeah, Christmas is coming up. I can't believe it's been a year already. It's surprising how quick he took off."

Kym nodded. "I think once we do the duet thing together his fan base will expand over to pop too. It'll be good for him. More fans, more money. Not only that but that means mine will increase from the countryside. I think it'll be cool."

"Yeah me too." Brittany agreed. "You know I don't think I can do this Tiffany's thing yet. Let's go clothes shopping."

"Sak's?"

"I don't know. I mean Christian is just starting and I did just get that house. How about Target?"

"What? You're kidding, right? That's like going to Wal-Mart."

Brittany shook her head. "Target's better. Trust me. I just can't spend that kind of money on clothes. I mean not yet at least. Give me some time. Maybe after my career builds up I'll be able to."

Kym shook her head. "Fine, let's just go see if the guys want to meet to eat."

Brittany sulked in the corner booth. The three of them had been surrounded by fans at the restaurant. She wrinkled her nose. Here we go again, she thought. Not only did I completely outcast myself with Kym today I have to sit here as a nobody while they sign autographs. She rolled her eyes. She leaned over to Christian.

"I'll be at the hotel." She exited.

She walked along the streets. At first, she was going to return to the hotel but something caught her eye.

He was watching her. He wore a black Yankees baseball cap. It covered his face but she could see the long dirty blonde hair. His build was the same as Tavish's; from what she could detect around the jean jacket he wore. Did he really travel to New York? He looked at her and smiled. I'd know that face anywhere. She looked around and saw that none of them had come after her. She crossed the street to him and gave him a hug. He hugged her tightly.

"Girl, I have missed you so much. LA agrees with you." He complimented her as he pushed her away and looked her over.

She wore a simple black velour sweater, black jeans, and black boots. She smiled. "I've missed you, too. Why are you here? I told you I had everything..."

"Under control. I know. I wanted to see you. Normally I do it without being caught. But today you looked so sad I wanted to be there for you."

The wind was picking up, making her shiver. She nodded. He hailed a cab and one stopped. They got in.

"Manhattan Square." He instructed.

She looked at him. "I've been here I don't know how many times and I don't know my way around. How do you?"

"That's where my hotel is."

"Oh." She settled back in the seat. "Why are we going there?"

He looked at her and smiled. "Easy. Just to talk. We have much to talk about."

She nodded. "Ok. Nothing else."

He shook his head. "You have my word, Princess. Nothing else."

Brittany arrived at her hotel very late that night. She stumbled into her hotel room.

"Thank God. I have been so worried about you. Where have you been and what is wrong with your cell?" Christian wrapped her in his arms, holding her tight.

Kym and Rick stood by. They were concerned about her. She pushed away from Christian.

"I'm fine. I just got lost and I end up touring New York City and Manhattan, that's all." She pulled out her cell phone. It had died. "The batteries are dead in it. I couldn't recharge it. I'm sorry I worried you all. I was starting to wonder if I would ever make it back. I couldn't remember where the hotel was then if it wasn't for the key, I probably would have never made it back because I didn't know the name. I mean it's not like Holiday Inn or anything. I'm just not used to this."

"One of these days you'll think before you do these impulsive things, Britt. You had us worried sick." Christian continued to scold her.

She looked at him. "I'm not a child. I'm a grown woman. I can go for walks and drive around the fricking state if I want. I don't have the obligations you all do. If I want to go enjoy myself, I will. Now as I said I'm sorry if I worried you, all but I am very tired and am going to bed. Good night." She stormed off to the bedroom and slammed the door.

There was a gentle knock and she knew instantly they had sent Rick to talk to her.

"Come in, Rick."

He stuck his head in. "How did you know?"

"Please who else would it be? Certainly not Kym. She thinks I am so... I don't even know. Untrendy since I don't spend $300 for a top. After the way I chewed out Christian I knew it wouldn't be him. Process of elimination." She pulled the covers up. She had undressed and slipped into bed. She was very tired and emotionally drained from the conversation with Tavish. She just wanted to sleep.

"I was worried. I didn't think you skipped town without me so I thought maybe you were taken." He frowned. She patted his hand.

"I'm fine. I'm right here."

"Seriously, where were you?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. I ended up in Manhattan and had to find my way back."

"Why Manhattan?"

"Why not?"

"Ok. I'm sorry about dinner."

She shrugged. "Shouldn't I be used to it?" She asked nonchalantly.

He sighed. "You know someday you'll be just as famous."

"I don't care. Now please, tell them I'm fine and I'm just tired."

He nodded. "Ok but you owe me."

"I owe everyone." She replied, bitterly.

Rick ignored it and walked out.

Brittany woke in the sunlight. She opened her eyes. Her head hurt. She had smoked a lot. She was surprised Christian hadn't noticed. She was really bombed last night. It had been so long since she just let go and went back to way back when. Tavish always allowed her to be herself. No not herself, someone else. Someone who didn't give a damn about anyone except herself.

When she left home at sixteen, she left behind everything. Her clothes, her belongings, her name, everything. She went to Tavish and stayed with him. He had always known her as CeCe. She used her part of her middle name, Cecelia, as her alias on the streets. She hated the name Brittany. It was just so prim and proper, everything she didn't want to be. She wanted to be bad, to be street smart. So, she lived it all.

It came with regrets, but it was her life to do, as she wanted to. Along with regrets, it came with a price she would forever be indebted to.

She rolled over and looked at Christian sleeping peacefully. No doubt if he knew she was wasted last night then he just spared her the embarrassment. She sighed.

She got up and took a shower. When she came out, Christian was awake.

"You wanna talk about what happened last night?" He asked.

She looked at him, unsure of where to go from there. The only way to go is the truth, was her first thought. She sighed. "I ran into an old friend. We went out and got stoned. So what?"

He shook his head. "Britt, you can't be doing this stuff anymore. We have an image now. We are being watched by the media. What if-"

"Please, I'm a nobody. Nobody is watching me. Nobody was watching me. Don't do this to me, Christian. I'm a big girl and I can make decisions. Right or wrong, they're mine. At least let me have that!" She fussed.

He reached out for her to come to him. "Baby, what's going on with you? You're slipping back. You've been doing so well. Tell me what's going on to make you go back to that stuff?"

"I'm not going back. I just wanted for once to belong again. I'm such an outsider around you guys."

He shook his head. "You're not an outsider. Pretty soon everyone that seen you with us is gonna be so upset because they didn't get your autograph when they had the chance. Anyways, I love you beside me. I love you. So stop this nonsense."

She nodded. "No more."

"Promise?"

She nodded, hoping he would accept that but he didn't. "Say it."

"I promise."

"Good girl. Now come back to bed before we have to go meet the pop couple for breakfast." He seduced her.

They made their way downstairs and met Kym and Rick. They piled in the awaiting limo and Kym instructed the driver where to go.

"So how are you feeling this morning?" Kym asked, looking a Brittany.

"Fine. Thanks. It was a tiring journey. The good side of it is I saw more of New York."

Kym smiled. "So from here I guess you two will be flying back to Cali to do the movie?"

Rick shook his head. "No, they called and they moved locations. We're filming in Virginia."

Brittany thought she would faint. She must have paled because Christian looked at her questioningly. "Are you ok, honey?"

She shook her head. She was gonna be sick. "Pull over." She said, hoarsely.

The driver pulled over and she jumped out of the limo. She tried to breathe in the air and tried so hard to force back everything.

Christian got out with her. "Honey?"

"I'll be fine. I guess I'm hungrier than I thought."

"Ok. We'll be there in a few minutes. Come on." He ushered her back into the cab.

"Britt? Is there a problem going to Virginia?" Kym asked, prying.

Brittany shook her head. "No it should be fun to go back and actually be someone. Anyways, what's the likelihood that they would pick anywhere remotely close to where I grew up?"

Rick looked at her. His expression said it all. She shook her head. "Aw come on! Give me a break. What would possess them to film there?" She exclaimed.

Chapter 7

Brittany sat in her chair on the side of the set of their new movie. It was gonna be a long drawn out day. It had already been three months. She had no idea how tiring and long movies were to make. She figured it would be an easy thing to do. She didn't think there were so many scenes, sets, and mistakes. Just as the making of Kym's video didn't take as short as she thought. Who knew that there was so much involved? Whether a 3-minute video or two-hour movie took so damn long to make.

She laid her head on her arms. I just want to sleep for a minute, she thought pitifully.

"Britt! You're up. Get in place." Someone called out to her.

She looked up. Rick was walking over. "You ok?" He asked. She nodded.

She went on the set and stood. She was working opposite of Justin McCoy. Once upon a time, she had thought he was a hottie. Now after getting to know him she thought he was the most self-centered asshole ever to set foot on Earth.

This scene was a fight scene between her and Justin. His character is an abusive husband and she gets to take a beating but finally bites back. The whole script was the basic story of an abusive husband, the wife that finally says enough is enough, and the knight in shining armor to rescue her and take her to happily ever after.

She was enjoying this strong woman role. It was kind of like the life lesson she already learned. It was easy for her to slip into character.

Rick watched her as she dove and ducked around on the set. She was agile and aggressive. She performed every move as they had choreographed earlier.

The people around him buzzed with excitement over her. She was definitely a star in the making. She was completely transformed when the cameras were on. He was impressed with her ability to captivate the whole crew.

"CUT! That's a wrap for today. As always, Britt, you were wonderful." The director called to her.

She smiled beautifully. "Thanks, Kevin. I had fun today."

She came off the set and someone handed her a towel and a bottle of water. She took it happily. She walked over towards Rick as Justin trailed behind her.

"You know you almost landed that last punch." He complained.

She scoffed. "It would have been too sweet if I did." She retorted.

Rick shook his head. "I told you you had to play nice with the other children."

She rolled her eyes. "I don't wanna play nice with him. He's mean to me." She pouted.

He laughed. Justin stormed away. She shook her head. "I'm gonna hit the showers and then grab a bite to eat. Wanna join me?"

"For a shower? Sure." Rick answered, cockily.

She shook her head. "Dinner." She annunciated each syllable.

"That's not what you said."

She laughed. "You're impossible."

They sat in a booth at Applebee's. She looked at the menu debating between the fried chicken salad and the rib and chicken basket.

"What are you getting?" She asked.

"The steak." He answered.

"Ugh. It's been so long since we have had decent food. I don't know."

The waitress came over and Rick gave her his order. She now waited for Brittany to decide. Brittany sighed.

"I'll have the fried chicken salad, extra chicken. French dressing. No garlic bread. Also, a Hurricane."

Rick smiled. "I'll take one too."

The waitress walked off. He looked at her. "So are you enjoying yourself?"

She nodded. "I love it."

"I thought you would. You have looked tired lately. Are you not sleeping well?"

She shrugged. "Something about not being in Christian's arms. I got used to it."

"If ya want..."

She shook her head. "Thanks but no thanks."

He smiled. "Can't blame me for trying."

The waitress came back and put the drinks down. She looked at Rick. Then shook her head and left.

He laughed. "She doesn't think it's possible. Isn't that cool?"

Brittany smiled. "Yeah. Why would Rick Lancet be here?" She giggled.

"Do you know how beautiful you are?" He asked her taking her by complete surprise. "I've been watching you the past three months and I've been trying so hard to stay at bay but Brittany you are something special. I can't help it."

She stared at him at a loss for words. She had thought that everything had been a complete dream. Everything that happened between them was a figment of her imagination. Since they left New York, it seemed as if there was just a comfortable friendship between them. She thought that everything she felt still was just her.

She shook her head finally gaining her composure and finding her voice. "I thought we put it behind us."

He shook his head. "I tried. I turned to God. I prayed it would go away. I prayed for the strength. I asked forgiveness for my thoughts. I can't help it. I fail in every way I turn. I am so drawn to you."

She knew how he felt. She had done the same. Why? Why do I have to continually be tested? I can't help it. I'm with him for so long. I've been thrown together with him. How can it not happen? I love Christian. Please, God, give us strength to continue to fight this.

She drank her drink without responding. She studied him, trying to figure out how she would get out of this situation.

"Rick, we can't plain and simple. I'm happily married and so are you. Let this go. I'm begging you. Too many people will get hurt and no good can come out of this. This is more than our lives we screw up. Kym, Christian, and even Tristian's lives are involved. We have to think of them."

He looked at her and shook his head, sadly. "Don't you think I know that? I think about it all the time. If there was any other way. I would love to get you out of my head. The fact is I can't. I am facing the facts that you have a hold on me. I have no idea what God intends for us but I can't let you go. I need you as much as you need me. I know we were thrown together for a reason. Right now I have no idea what that reason is but I know it's a good one."

Christian had been nominated for three categories in the CMA awards. She was so excited for him. The Horizon Award, Best Male Vocalist, and Entertainer of the Year. She knew he would get the Horizon award and maybe even Male Vocalist but Entertainer was a hard category.

She got to her hotel room where her hairdresser and makeup artist was waiting already. They waited for her to dress before fussing over her.

She slipped into her gown. It was made by a new fashion designer she had discovered. Maria Sanchez was graduating top of her class when Brittany approached her with a once in a lifetime opportunity. Maria would be the exclusive designer for Brittany and Christian Cross. She gladly accepted.

Brittany smiled in the full-length mirror. "Maria, you really out did your self on this one."

Maria smiled. "It suits you. Just as Christian had hoped."

Brittany smiled. She knew Christian had given Maria the design on this one. It was a light blue flowing A frame dress with hand held "wings".

Jenny and Heather quickly fixed her hair and makeup. Christian walked in and smiled.

"You look like an angel."

She looked at him from the mirror. He was breathtaking in his black pants and white shirt. Maria had designed the jacket he was putting on. It was black and had a dark red cross on the back of it. The red letters read 'Leap of Faith'. It was gorgeous. Simple elegance was what they asked from her. Nothing too fancy and nothing too shabby.

She stood up, went over, and kissed him. "I've missed you."  
"I didn't think they were gonna let you out."

"I had to beg and plead but they gave in."

He smiled. "Wow, you're beautiful. Did Rick come with you?"

She nodded. "He went off to get ready with Kym. Why did you want them here?"

"They are our friends."

"Yeah but we have other friends that aren't here." She cornered.

"I know but Rick and Kym have really been supportive. Our other so called friends have seemed to drift off like they normally do."

She sighed. "Jealousy will do that."

He nodded. "Anyways, are you ready?"

She nodded. "Yep, let's go. I have butterflies for you."

He smiled. "This is gonna be great."

"Not nervous?"

He shook his head. "Excited."

"Wow. Look at the change. You've gotten used to this."

He smiled. "You will too."  
"Not me. I will never get used to the spotlight. It's really not me. Just a passing thing. You know I'll get tired of it."

He shook his head. "You can't get tired of something you're good at."

They took the elevator down to the lobby where they met Rick and Kym.

"Wow." Brittany gasped.

Kym wore a stunning red dress with the V line to her mid section. Rick wore a black suit.

"Wow, yourself." Kym smiled.

Brittany felt underdressed. Maybe it's not so much underdressed as underdeveloped. She thought, sadly. Christian put his arm around her waist and guided her to the waiting limo. The four of them got in.

"Oh Brittany this is your first time on the red carpet." Kym chirped.

Brittany smiled and nodded. Christian had an awards' show that she couldn't get to because of the filming. She had sulked about it, watching it on the television with Rick.

"I love this dress. Who made it?"

"Maria Sanchez."

"Never heard of her."

"Well, now you have. She's exclusively ours."

Kym nodded, as she felt the material. She turned to Rick. "How's the movie coming?"

He nodded. "Good. I think we'll be ready to premiere in another month or so."

She nodded. "Then are you gonna work on your tour?"

He nodded. "Yeah. I'm actually in the studio now. Back and forth. We're working on the soundtrack."

"We?"

"Britt and me."

Christian and Kym's eyes fell on her. "You and Rick are working on the soundtrack?" Christian asked.

She nodded. "We're not the only ones."

He shook his head in disbelief. "Wow. Any more surprises?"

"Playboy wants her to model." Rick offered.

Christian turned back to Brittany who was trying hard to keep a straight face.

"So?" He asked.

"Still thinking about it."

"Oh. At least you're giving it thought."

Kym shook her head. "I think that's degrading."

"No kidding." Brittany mumbled.

Before anyone else could comment, the door to the limo swung open. Rick climbed out and took Kym's hand helping her out. Then Christian and Brittany. The screams were overwhelming.

Jenna Hawkes, a CMT reporter, pulled Christian aside.

"You must be excited. Three categories. Wow."

Christian smiled. "Yeah. Excited and honored."

"You're performing tonight, too? A hint of what you'll be performing?"

He nodded. "But that's a surprise."

Inside, they seated Brittany and Rick while Christian and Kym disappeared backstage. Rick frowned.

"Have you noticed anything weird about those two?"

"You mean the unexplained togetherness or the unexplained run-ins?"

He nodded. "That's what I thought. I was just wondering if it was just jealousy."

"Nope. Real as real could be."

"Do you think..."

"No. Christian loves me and Kym loves you. It's just like suggesting we are."

"That's not comforting."

She shot him a glance. Her cell phone rang. She quickly answered it. "What?"

"Now is that any way to talk to an old friend?" The voice chilled her to the bone. Keith had found her.

"Now's not a good time."

"Never is with you."

"Yeah. How?"

"Ran into a friend of yours. You know the one that's been protecting you? He won't protect you anymore."

She swallowed hard. He had to be lying. No way could Tavish be hurt.

"I must say you were stunning in that blue dress. I could see every curve. I can still taste you." He antagonized her. She bit back the words that came to her. She shook her head. No longer that person. Past is past. She thought, wildly.

"Leave me alone."

"I want what's mine, you included." He hung up.

She tried her hardest to enjoy the CMA's but her thoughts kept going back to Tavish. Did Keith kill him? Had he betrayed her in death? How else would he know how to find her? Tavish please be ok. Life as I know it would end if I knew you were no longer there.

Christian won the Horizon award. She smiled and clapped. He walked up to give his speech.

"I'd like to thank God first and foremost because without Him nothing is possible. My lovely wife and songwriter, Brittany. My little boy, Tristian, I love you. I want to thank my label and producer for believing in me. My manager, my crew, my band for all your support and work without you I wouldn't be anything wither. My fans, you are the best. I love you all."

They were announcing Christian and Kym. They were singing 'Just in Time'. Rick looked at her. Christian and Kym sang it beautifully. The video played behind them. Brittany noticed it for the first time. The video was of Christian and Kym.

Her heart was breaking as the video clips played with them together. She swallowed hard and Rick gently patted her hand. She shook her head and got up.

She disappeared into the limo, hiding the tears. "Airport, please." She called the house. The nanny, Lydia, answered. Brittany quickly explained that she needed Tristian packed and ready to go to the airport. She asked Lydia if she wanted to go, too. Lydia agreed and Brittany asked her to be ready and meet her at the airport.

She called and left a message on Christian's cell phone that she was returning to Virginia with Tristian. She went on to congratulate him on his awards and his performance. She ended with an I love you and hung up. She stared out the window of the plane. Her thoughts floated elsewhere in time.

This isn't happening to me? How could it happen? I can't tell Tavish. I can't tell anyone. Damn it. She stared at the white EPT stick. It had a big plus sign in the middle of it. Of course, why not me? Time to run again. Leave before he returns. Contact him after you take care of this.

Chapter 8

Brittany pulled up to the small brick house. It sat back in the woods. She looked at it. So many memories came flooding back to her. She grew up here, for the most part. Anything significant in her life it happened here. This is where her life began and ended.

"Whatcha thinking about?" Tavish asked, as he laid beside CeCe. He passed a joint over to her.

She took a hit. "You ever think we'll get out of here?"

He looked at her. "You don't like it here?" He mocked her.

"There's more to life than this." She continued to complain. She was in one of her moods. Restless and aggravated.

He rolled over and sat facing her on his side. "You don't like this?"

She frowned. "Of course not. I want more out of my life." She pushed him away.

"Baby, stick with me. I got big plans for us." He alleged. "We're gonna have it all. All for us."

She laughed. "For us? Really? Sure."

She got out of her rental jaguar and walked to the door. She looked at the gray Nissan Frontier in the driveway. She knocked on it.

"Hold on." A voice called. She let out her breath. Tavish opened the door and she threw her arms around him.

"Oh thank God. He said you were dead. Oh, God Tavish I was so scared. I had to come." She rambled.

"Easy there gorgeous." He pushed her gently to sit on the couch. He tried to analyze what she just said. "Who said I was dead?"

"Keith. He called—"  
"He called you. How the hell? Oh no. He might have baited you." He went and looked out the windows. "Come on. It's not safe here." He walked back to his and came out with a tee shirt on. She had noticed he had come to the door in just jeans.

"I didn't mean to interrupt." She looked away bashfully.

He smiled. "Lost innocence." He touched her face gently. He looked into her eyes. "Point is to make sure you're safe."

She looked away. Gunshot rang out and she hit the floor. Tavish grabbed hold of Brittany tightly, covering her. "Gotta get you out of here. It's a set up."

He crawled along the floor. He looked at her. "Car unlocked?"

She nodded. "I can make it."

"I don't know where the shots are coming from. You got your phone on you?"

She nodded and pulled it out. She handed it to him. He dialed some numbers.

"Hey. We're under fire. Get some guys and come out here. Yeah, CeCe gave me a surprise visit."

More gunshots.

"Stay down and be quiet." He hollered back. He looked over a Brittany. "Can you still handle a gun?"

"Like riding a bike, right?"

He crawled over to a panel on the wall and opened it. He tossed her a SKS. She smiled. "My kinda toy."

He shook his head and they crawled to the window. The gunshots had died down. They were waiting to see if Tavish and Brittany would come out.

Some big trucks pulled up through the yard. It stopped in front of the door. Brittany was already scrambling for the handle.

"Go!" Tavish yelled.

She turned it and jumped out, climbing into the truck bed. Tavish dove in beside her and the truck pulled out.

Brittany was breathing hard. Tavish smiled at her. "Just like old times."

She nodded. "Good thing the vehicles don't change. I wouldn't have known to go for the door."  
" You never forget. Your instincts are sharp."

"Yeah, what happened today?"

"Love."

She shook her head.

"Admit it. You jeopardized yourself because of your love for me."

She shook her head. "I don't think so."

He smiled. "It's ok if you don't want to admit it. I know. I felt you trembling in my arms."

The truck pulled over as it started to rain.

She climbed out. The rain was coming down hard and it was soaking her. They ran into the restaurant for cover.

"Good to see ya again, CeCe." The guys crowded around her.

"Yeah, it's good to see you all again, too. Thanks for saving my tail back there."

"It's worth saving." Someone said and they all agreed. She smiled and shook her head. Some things never change.

"So tell me about this phone call." Tavish inquired.

She recalled the phone call for them.

"So he's found her and now we have no choice but to take care of him." Austin growled. She looked up at him. Austin Taylor was Tavish's cousin. He had dark hair and eyes. He was really built and his temper had steroids written all over it.

Tavish nodded his head. "I guess we should have done it way back when but I figured we could hold them at bay."

"Ok. So we'll head back to Austin's place for a game plan." Mark Hinson, Tavish's second cousin replied. He was tall and skinny but he drove the best get away vehicle possible.

"You go on. I need to escort CeCe back to her hotel." Tavish replied.

"Ok. We'll get her car and turn it in for her. Chances are they'll try to track it. Better off getting something else." Austin instructed.

She nodded. "Thanks. I'd be dead without you all."

"Well, we can remember numerous times where we could have died and you saved us."

She nodded. "What are families for?"

"Here you can take mine." Luke offered his keys.

Tavish led her out. She climbed into the truck. He looked at her. She was still beautiful. The rain had washed her hair straight down and the makeup off her face. Now she was how he remembered her. All natural. His eyes roamed over her breasts. She always swore if she got money she was gonna get a boob job. He was glad she didn't. They were just right. Not big and not tiny. She was still lean and fit. She must have a personal trainer, although she was obsessed with her weight.

Brittany shifted uncomfortably under Tavish's gaze. "Stop." She pleaded.

He smiled and put the truck in drive. He concentrated on the road. He turned off. She stared at him. Even though she had been away for so long, she knew where he was taking her. She sighed.

He turned the truck off, as they sat on the dead end dirt road.

"What are we doing here?"

"Don't play coy, CeCe. It's not you."

"Tavish, stop."

"I'm not doing anything. You need to talk so talk."

She exhaled. He looked at her.

"You thought I was...I can't believe you. Do you not know me anymore?"

She shook her head. "Sorry. I..." She stopped.

"What happened?"

"Where do I start?"

"The beginning?"  
She nodded. "I started working on the movie here. I met Justin McCoy."

"He's on that movie about the serial rapist, right?"

She nodded. "Apparently the movie went to his head. He's seriously ill."

"He attacked you?"

She nodded. She watched as Tavish went into a rage. "Easy, let me finish. You know I can fight. I fended him off. Nevertheless, I have to work with him. He is out to get me. I have to stay on guard constantly. He's sworn to have me one way or another and I really think he means it. I didn't mention it to anyone. I really want to do this and I don't want to be a troublemaker."

He put his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry. Guys are such jerks to you. I wish I could change that."

"Christian forgot me."

"What do you mean?"

"Did you see how he and Kym sang together?"

Tavish nodded. "Yeah, honey, it'll be ok. You know that don't you?"

She nodded. "I guess."

"Rick seems like a good guy."

She shrugged. "I'm not in it."

"What do you mean?"

"My heart can only be broken but so many times. Right?"

He nodded. "When love comes around again, you'll be ready."

"Thanks, Tavish."

"Any time."

Brittany got out and walked into the hotel. She ran into Rick at the elevator.

"There you are!"

She smiled. "Have you been looking for me?"

He nodded. "About last night..."

She shrugged. "What's done is done."

"But you have Tristian."

She nodded. "I wanted time with him."

"While we're filming?"

She nodded. "What's wrong with that?"

They stepped into the elevator.

"We're gonna start promoting the movie. That means more time away. At least with Christian he got to see him. Now he won't see either of you."

"He'll be with me. Thank you for your concern but he's my son."

As soon as the doors opened, she slipped out. Rick grabbed her arm. His door was right there; he opened it, and pushed her in.

He kissed her. She kissed him back. He grabbed her shirt and pulled it over her. She pulled off his shirt. They moved to the bed. He pulled away and began kissing her neck as he undid her jeans. He slid them off. Then undid his and tossed them in the pile of clothes. He climbed into bed with her. They kissed and groped each other.

He laid in her arms, listening to her heartbeat. It was beating so fast.  
"Do you want to go further?"

She couldn't find her voice. Everywhere he had touched her burned with renewed fuel. It was electrifying. She wanted to know him but she couldn't. She knew this. She didn't know why they tortured themselves with getting all aroused then cooling down. There was never a cool down. It just fueled for further next time.

"Britt?" He looked up at her. She smiled at him. She pulled him back up to her and kissed him.

"What am I gonna do with you?" She whispered.  
"Love me? And let me love you?"

She looked away from the sincerity in his eyes.

"When are you gonna open your eyes, Britt?"

"What do you mean?"

"They're together. We should be, too. You can't fight fate."

"You can if it's not God's will."

"How do you know it's not?"

"Because," The tears were falling. "Why would it happen again? Why would God cause this pain over and over again to me?"

"We never ask why. We just accept it."

Brittany stood under the shower, trying to wash away the guilt and shame she felt. She stared at her hands. They had held him in them. She had felt his arousal. She had needed him so bad. It had been so long since she had felt that kind of passion. Damn it all to hell! She cursed.

She got out and wrapped a towel around her. Lydia had taken Tristian to get something to eat and she was to meet them. The knock at the door surprised her. She figured it was Rick and walked over and unlocked it. Justin burst into the room. She let out a startled scream, before he hurled himself on her and covered her mouth.

She struggled against his weight. She tried to bite his hand but he was wearing thick gloves. She couldn't move.

"Were you waiting on me, love?" He taunted. She glared at him. He undid the towel and let it fall away from her.

He was undoing his pants, when Rick appeared behind him. Her eyes widened. He had a dangerous look on his face. His elbow came straight down the backside of Justin's head. Justin fell to the side. He looked stunned at Rick.

"Hey, man. There's plenty of her to go around. Just wait your turn."

Rick's fist landed hard against him. Brittany scrambled to her feet. "Rick!"

He turned to her and wrapped her in his arms. He had knocked Justin out cold. He went to the phone and called for the police.

She shook her head. "I'll be a troublemaker. He's a star. I'm nobody. They'll attack me."

He shook his head. "I walked in on it."

"Still." She frowned. "Why me?"

Chapter 9

Rick let her get dressed then escorted her downstairs. After the circus was over, Justin was handcuffed and taken downtown. She was now officially not allowed to go anywhere by herself. Not only were that Rick's rules but also Kelli agreed.

Brittany met up with Lydia and Tristian. She scooped Tristian up in her arms. "You are getting so big."

She told Lydia to take the rest of the day off. Rick and her were taking Tristian to the park.

Rick enjoyed the day just as much as Brittany enjoyed spoiling Tristian. Tristian was very active but by the last round of the zoo, he finally closed his eyes to take his nap. Rick double-checked peering in the stroller. Rick then wrapped Brittany in his arms and kissed her.

She melted into his arms. "It feels so good right here in your arms." She murmured.

"I know. We could divorce them."

"Umm. And be the public outcast."

"Yeah I guess the tabloids would have a field day with it."

"Let's just stay like this."

"Best of both worlds?"

"Not really. Best of this world."

He smiled. "Come on. I think I saw cotton candy."

"Really?" Her eyes lit like a child's. "Candy apples too?"

"I don't think Virginia is that high tech." He joked. She smiled and leaned into his arms. A flash went off.

She froze. They both turned to see a photographer taking pictures of them. She wrinkled her nose and turned back around.

"Ignore them and they'll go away."

She continued on their stroll. She looked at Rick. "Should we leave?"

He nodded. They went to the truck and loaded everything in. The photographer continued to follow them.

Rick looked concerned. Brittany took out her phone. She dialed a number.

"Hey. I got a tail on me. We're on Happy Hill Road heading towards Food Lion in Chester. Can you take care of it? Yeah the pictures...Thanks." She hung up.

Rick glanced at her. "Who did you call?"

"My bodyguard."

He chuckled. "I didn't know you had one."

"I have several but only here."

He nodded. "Were you always a hoodlum?" He asked as a big jacked up 4x4 cut out behind him almost hitting the photographer's car. The car, which was a Honda Accord, jerked over off the road. It came to a stop.

Brittany looked back. She saw the guys get out and head over to the car. "I resent that. I'm not a hoodlum. My friends are." She laughed.

He shook his head. "Well, I guess that means our story is safe?"

"Of course."

"They won't develop it and come back to black mail you?"  
She laughed. "We're in Virginia. How smart do you think they are?"

He squeezed her hand. "You're smart."

She shrugged. "Some would argue the fact."

"Like?"

"My folks."

"When do I get to meet them?"

She shook her head. "I don't exist."

He frowned. "Come on."

She shook her head. "I died at 16."

"That's sad."

She shrugged. "I lived. I'm doing well. I guess they might wish it was me on TV when they see it but they won't acknowledge me."

"Why?"

She shook her head. "Who knows? My mom and dad married young. They didn't want me. I was a burden. As far as I can remember, I was on my own. Then my dad gave me the car, my baby. The only thing he ever gave me that meant anything. That was my way out. My freedom."

He nodded. "I think they would like to see you."

"No. You're wrong there. They left as soon as they found out I wasn't coming back."

"So you did go back?"

"Just to see..."

"They were gone. Oh baby, I'm so sorry." He held her hand tightly.

"Don't be." She squeezed his hand. "My life went on and so did theirs."

"How do they just abandoned their child?" He asked.

She sighed. She couldn't tell him. How could she tell him it was all HER choice. She wanted to do something that they could be proud of her for. She wanted to be someone in their eyes. But no for now she has to make them out to be the bad people. Even if they were the ones that had prepared her for mostly everything that happened in her life. Then there were the times when she just winged it.

Chapter 10

Back in sunny California, Brittany rolled out of bed. She stretched and pulled on her jogging shorts and tank top. She headed down the stairs. She grabbed her headphones that laid on the counter and out the back door. She had a stairway that lead down the cliff onto the beach put in shortly after she moved in.

She put the headphones on and turned it up. She enjoyed running early in the morning. She loved watching the sunrise. It was so rewarding knowing that all of this was hers. All her dreams were coming true.

She felt her phone vibrate. She pulled off her headphones and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Mrs. Cross? I expected to get your answering machine."

"Nope, you got me. Who is this?"

"Leo Carlini."

"What can I do for you?"

"I just received some valuable information and I was wondering if I could meet with you."

"Sure. When and where?"  
"You're gonna let me pick?"

"Should I worry?"

"No, of course not. How about the restaurant Alexander's?"

"Is that the Italian restaurant by the Boulevard?"

"Yep. How about eight? Will that give you enough time?"

"Sure." Brittany hung up. Her mind went a million miles a minute. She called Tavish.

"Hey it's me. I got the meeting. It's today at 8 at Alexander's. Yeah. I will. Just in case, make sure of...ok. Thanks."

Brittany dressed in a navy blue pantsuit. She pulled her hair in a French roll. She added diamond earring and necklace to it. She checked her image in the mirror.

Here goes nothing. She took a deep breath.

AS she approached Alexander's it was 7:30. She parked a block away and walked passed it. She peered in and looked around.

She came back in the opposite direction and walked up to the door. It read Closed. She knocked on the door. A big fat man walked up to the door. He was probably in his forties and balding. He wore an apron over his suit. She took a deep breath. He opened the door slightly.

"I'm meeting Mr. Carlini."

He stepped aside. She walked in.

"I'm gonna have to pat you down."

She looked at him. "You do know that this suit is conformed to my body. That means any bulge would be noticeable and if I put it anywhere else it would be a bitch to get out in a hurry." She snapped.

He nodded and extended his arm to lead the way. She followed him. She saw Leo Carlini sitting in back. He was dressed in a dark black suit and his hair was slicked back. She looked around. It felt like a bad mobster movie.

He stood as she approached. "Thank you for joining me."

She nodded and sat down as he did.

"My you are deceiving."

She peered at him, innocently. "Whatever do you mean?"

"CeCe Chaffin. Did you know there's a million dollar hit on you?"

"Damn I thought I was worth more."

He smiled. "That's dead. Five million alive." He watched her pretty green eyes widen. "Ok. Tell me what happened and I'll see if I can get you out of it."

She looked at him quizzically. "Why?"

"You don't remember?"

She shook her head. "Remember what?"

"Man it must have been about 10 years ago. You helped me out big time. I had a problem on the East coast. I called around and was told you could handle it. You did a wonderful job on it. Very creative."

"The pier." She whispered.

"Was that your only kill?"

She looked away. "So now what? Even the score?"

"No. Not even. But I could use someone with your skill."

She shook her head. "I don't do that anymore."

"Why? You were so good at it. What happened? I mean Keith can be a jerk sometimes but if you had complained to the right person that could have been rectified."

She shook her head. "I'm a female. Men don't listen to females. They're only for one purpose."

"I see. Trained and reprogrammed. I'm sorry about that. You're an excellent asset and I would love to add you to the team."

"I can't. I've stayed out of it for quite sometime."

"Yes, please tell me how you managed to give Keith the slip for so long?"

"Easy. I still have insiders helping me."

"That would be Tavish's group?"

She eyed him. "If you know everything, why question me?

"I'm trying to figure out why he wants you dead."  
"You would if I knew all your secrets and stole 10 million from you." She shrugged. He smiled.

"My girl you are something rare. Tell me more."

"Can I get a drink?"

"What do you want?"

"Iced tea is fine."

"Nothing stronger?"

She shook her head. "Too early."

"I never thought I would ever hear that from you." Her face fell. She stared at Leo. The voice had come from behind her and there was no mistaking it was Keith.

She swallowed hard and tried to keep her composure. She was staring at Leo to see if there was any hint of compassion on his face but he was unreadable.

Keith walked up and put his hand on her shoulder. "Stand up. Let me see you."

She rose to her feet and turned to face him. He walked around her. "LA agrees with you." He complimented.

She stood still. Surveying the room and counting everyone present. She noted her exits and everything in her way to them.

"Don't be so nervous. Old friends getting together. I must say Leo, I don't know how you did it, but you got her here and in the open. Did you really think he would help you?" He mocked her.

She bowed her head, in defeat. "No I didn't think he would help." Her head flew up and she reached into her sleeves and pulled out her guns. She fired away. She did a forward somersault in the air heading towards the door. She landed a few feet from the door and ran for it. Bullets ricocheted around her. She ducked and continued running.

"Don't let her get away!" She heard Keith holler. Leo just laughed.

Safely in her car on the interstate, she called Tavish. "They shot at me. Keith was there. What the hell is going on?"

"Whoa. Slow down, girl."

"Leo set me up! Keith was there I barely got out alive. Now I have to send Tristian back to Tennessee and take care of this shit! What the hell have you done to me?"

Tavish chuckled. "I love it when you're furious. So now are you ready to take care of the problem?"

"Please?"

"Your wish is my command." He hung up. Her cell phone rang automatically.

"Hello?"

"You left so quickly." Leo replied sarcastically.

"You set me up. You know that could be costly."

"I don't think I'll lose any sleep. You are impressive though."

"Don't underestimate me. Keith did."

"He's still alive."

"Will you worry when he's not?"

"No. I'm surprised he's still alive."

"Me too."

"Let me proposition you."

"You have nothing I want."

"I'll take care of your little problem and you run my bar."

"No thanks. I'll take care of ALL my problems. This time I'll have to tie up loose ends. Too bad I have to include you."

"It's not wise to threaten me."

"News flash. I don't threaten. Leo, you made the worst enemy possible."

"A girl? Ha." She hung up.

She arrived back at her place. She had called ahead and had Lydia and Tristian pack to meet Christian in Las Vegas.

She noticed that Rick was there. She got out and walked up the stairs to the back deck. He sat there waiting for her.

"Wow. You look good. Interview?"

"Sort of. What are you doing here?"

"I had to talk to you."

"Wanna come in?"

He shook his head. "Safer out here."

She looked around. I beg to differ. She thought. "Ok. What's up?"

He looked her over. "I've decided it's not safe around you anymore. I need to stay away from you." He was watching her face.

Brittany turned away. The words stung as if he was anything more than a friend was. She closed her eyes, fighting the tears.

"I understand." She heard herself reply. She continued her way to the door.

"Britt?"

"Yeah, Rick?"

"It's for the best, right?"

"Umm, yeah. Of course. We can be professional on screen and in the studio. Like we've been doing except no more time after work together alone. That's a good idea." She choked on the words.

He watched as she walked away. He knew at the moment she was no doubt the hardest person he ever had to say good-bye to. He let the tears fall as he drove away.

She fell against the door and cried.

"Why do you run?" She wiped her eyes and faced Keith. She looked around. "It's just you and me."

"Go away, Keith."

"I'm not finished with you." He looked at the house. "So is this what my money bought you?"

She shrugged. He reached over and grabbed her, forcing her to her feet. He shoved her into the living room.

She fell to the floor and scrambled to get back to her feet but he kicked her back down. She stayed down and glared at him from the floor. She glanced out of the corner of her eye to the false bottom on the couch.

"Bitch. All this time looking for you and you were right there. Smart ass."

"Never thought of you as bright." She hissed. He slapped her.

She shook her head. "So kill me already." She edged her way to the couch.

"That would be too good for you. The thing you hate the most is what?"

She shook her head. "No." She reached up and slipped the small 380 into her sleeve.

He laughed. "That's supposed to change my mind from taking you?"

She swallowed hard and looked around. She took a deep breath and rose to her feet. He looked at her and smiled.

"Fine. You take me down, you can have me."

He smiled. "Aww, you're gonna make this so easy. And I get your consent."

He lunged for her and a gunshot rang out. She watched as his eyes widened.

"Sue me. I cheated." She snarled.

Brittany took a deep breath. She lowered the gun. Leo clapped as he walked in the back door. She whirled around pointing it at him.

"See, you're still a killer."

She stared at him. "Yeah. I know what I am."

"Easy, I came just in case you couldn't do it." He waved his arm around. Her house was surrounded by snipers. She looked at him.

"What?"

"I told you. I want you on my team."

She shook her head. "I told you. I'm out of it. Now excuse me but I have a phone call to make." She picked up her phone.

"How are you gonna explain this?"

"Like I'm stupid enough to call the police?"

"Let me dispose of him for you."

"Free of charge?"

"Nothing's free, my dear."

"I can do this without you."

He smiled. "You're so good. Why waste your talents?"

She sighed. "Ok. I give up. What do you need from me?"

"Come work at my club."

"I have a job."

He smiled. "Yeah. I know what you do, dear but you'll have some spare time."

She shook her head. I don't want to go back. I wanted to be free. She thought, miserably. "Sure, when do you want me to start?"

"Tonight. Be there at six. Here's the address." He handed her a piece of paper.

He waved his hand and a bunch of men tramped in and removed the body. "Club soda works best." He replied as he exited.

So does ripping it out. She thought.

Chapter 11

Brittany showed up at The Lair. She entered promptly at six. Leo was sitting at a table with other people she assumed was the rest of the crew.

He motioned her to sit. "Everyone this is Brittany. She'll be filling in as nighttime manager. I hope you all will help her to learn the ropes around here."

They looked her over. A brown-haired woman wearing halter-top and low riding jeans smiled and greeted her. "I'm Kelly, the bartender. I also work clean up detail."

"I'm Terrence, the disc jockey. Also known as the intelligence specialist." The man that extended his hand to her reminded her of Woody Allen.

"Jake, bouncer. Guess I'm combat/weaponry. Whatever." She looked at the man. He stood at least 6'4 with bulging muscles. He was like three Arnold Schwarzeneggers.

"Jason, I do the same as Jake." She nodded. He was just as big. Man, what the hell am I doing here? I don't want to do this again. I got out. I owe Tavish. No matter what. I owe him.

"The other two waitresses that come in aren't aware of what goes on here." Leo commented.

She nodded her head. "Well, it's great to meet you all and I look forward to getting more insight from you all." Her accent came out thicker than she wanted it too. They all smiled and left to go set up.

Leo led her to his office. She sat on the plush leather sofa. His eyes roamed across her. "Tell me, Brittany, did you know your husband was cheating on you with Kymberly Lancet?"

She sat, silently. Part of this was to see how fast she'd break down. She had gone through it numerous times before.

"Doesn't that bother you that he didn't think you were good enough for him? Maybe you didn't do the things he liked?"

She sat there unemotional. He watched her intensely to see if there was a flicker of anything.

"I guess you don't really care since you've been bedding Rick Lancet."

She ignored it. She thought of nothing and just stared right through him.

"I know about your secret. The one you left in Virginia." He taunted. She didn't flinch.

He smiled. "Ok, sweetie, you can relax." He replied, as there was a knock on the door.

He opened it. "Hey guys! Come on in. I want you to meet someone."

He stepped aside and two teenage boys step in. They looked at her.

A younger version of Leo extended his hand. He had short dark brown hair with blue eyes. He had to be about fourteen or so. "Hi, I'm Sean Carlini."

She nodded. "I see the resemblance. I'm Brittany, the new nighttime manager."

The other guy extended his hand. "Stefan." She smiled at him. He wore his black hair feathered back like Christian once did at his age.

"Nice to meet you."

"Sorry but aren't you in Kym's new video with Rick Lancet?" Stefan asked.

She nodded. He looked over at Sean and held out his hand. Sean reached in his pocket and placed five dollars in it.

Brittany laughed. Leo shook his head. "Remind me not to let you handle the gambling." He joked. "Brittany, these are our runners. They handle the pick ups and drops."

She wrinkled her mouth up. Leo looked at her. "Is that a problem?"

"Well, yeah. These two are what barely out of junior high school? What do they know?"

"Do you not remember how old you were?"

"That's different."

"How?"

"I didn't want to live."

Leo looked at Sean and Stefan. They shrugged. "Don't be so negative towards them."

"Sorry guys. It's been a rough day. I'll be fine as soon as I catch up on everything."

Leo nodded. "Ok you two, Brittany and I have work to discuss."

They exited. Leo put his hand on her shoulder. "I have a favor to ask of you."

"That's why I'm here."

"Tell me why you're here."

"You asked, no you cornered me."

"You gave in so easily. Now I know better."

"Do I have your trust, Leo?"

"Of course."

"I knew I would have to earn it before I told you."

He eyed her with new suspicion. "Tell me what?"

"We intercepted a contract before it was in place. You and your family have been targeted."

He shook his head. "Impossible. I run the west coast."

"Apparently, someone else wants too."

"You?"

She shook her head. "Like I said, I knew I would have to earn your trust before I told you but of course time is of essence. It's so easy for those things to get out there. I know it happened to me."

He picked up the phone and handed it to her. "Call Tavish."

She pulled out her cell phone and called him. She handed it to him. "No offense."

"McHale. I have your girl here who just gave me some disturbing news."

Leo sat down with a thud, as he listened on the phone. He gazed up at Brittany who sat perfectly still. He looked as if he just aged another 20 years.

After Leo hung up, he left the room. Brittany sat there. Her phone rang. She answered it.

"Talk to me."

"How's it going?"

The voice chilled her to the bone. "Do you not stay dead?"

Keith laughed. "Now you know I would never be that easy to kill."

"No I really thought you would be."

He laughed again. "So I thought I had Leo in my corner...I should have known he'd take a piece of ass over me."

"What a shame."

"He'll have to pay as you will."

"If you didn't die, who was it?"

"My brother." He hung up.

Brittany thought long and hard accessing the situation. Keith had a twin. Ok, I guess that explains a lot. I mean he did seem weird at times. So, they were switching out on me. Lucky me. There are two and now one.

Leo entered the room. Brittany looked at him. He had a glass of brandy and a tall glass that she couldn't tell what was in it. He handed it to her. She took it but didn't drink it.

"I didn't poison it. I need you."  
She shook her head. "Force of habit to never drink anything I didn't make."

He nodded. "It's a Rum and Coke."

"He's not dead."

"Who Keith? We buried him."

She shook her head. "He called me."

"Maybe it's a recording. Someone doesn't want you to think he's dead."

"Maybe he had a twin."

"Well then I guess you're gonna be busy researching huh?"

She sighed. "Guess so. So show me what you need me to do."

After a grueling ten hours of training, Brittany undressed and crawled into bed. Training consisted of not only running the club but also armed and unarmed combat. She slept uneasily through the night, tormented by the nightmares of her past. She knew they were catching up to her. She kept running and fighting.

Chapter 12

Brittany stretched on the bed, not wanting to get up. Her phone rang and she reached over answering it, lazily. "Hello?"

"Did I wake you?"

"It's no biggie. I guess I better get up and get going."

"Wanna get some breakfast?"

"Sure, gimme fifteen minutes and come get me? I don't think I can drive yet."

"Late night?"

"Yeah, I started working."

"You can tell me when I pick you up."

"Let me go so I can get in the shower and be ready for you."

"That sounds nice but I'm already here. Come let me in so I can see what you look like in the morning."

"You've seen me in the morning."

"I know but still..."

"I'm on my way."

Brittany grabbed a ponytail holder as she passed the dresser and pulled her hair up in a swoop. She tugged self-consciously at her tee shirt, which was a half shirt.

She opened the door and walked into Tavish's awaiting arms. "I still need a shower." She purred against him.

He smiled. "You want company?"

"Shame on you."

He shook his head. "Maybe I'll just wait down here."

She shrugged. "That's better. I'll be down in a minute."

When she got dressed and came downstairs, the smell of eggs, bacon, and biscuits filled her nose.

She went straight into the kitchen where Tavish was busy over the stove and didn't notice her. "Is there anything you can't do?"

He looked at her and winked. "Not with you by my side."

She smiled. "It smells great. Not going out then?" He shook his head and she took a seat on the barstool.

She watched him. Her thoughts were turning back to so long ago.

"Britt? You ready to eat?"

She nodded and he sat beside her at the bar. They both bowed their heads and he said the prayers.

"Lord, Father, thank you for allowing us to have the strength to go on with our lives after what has happened. Thank you for giving us each other to draw strength from one another. We thank you for this meal and all the blessings and trials in our life. For we know all this is in your perfect plan and only you know what that plan is. We follow in faith and love. Amen."

Brittany let out a breath before confirming. "Amen."

Tavish looked at her and squeezed her hand. "It's gonna be okay. Trust that."

She grabbed the paper and opened it.

"Someone you've always thought of as to die for will suddenly turn to you with that certain look in their eyes. What you do about it is your business -- but you really should think about the consequences. Just this once. That's what my horoscope read." She laughed at it.

"What does mine say?"

She scoured the page and grinned. "Put your energy into getting things accomplished. Actions will lead to advancement. Your dedication and determination will be what will get you ahead."

"Hmm...that sounds promising. So what are your plans today?"

"I was heading over to Rodeo Drive." He raised an eyebrow and she smiled. "I wanted to know what it would be like." She finished coyly.

He nodded. "Want company?"  
"I still haven't figured out if I can do this but I'm hoping on it."

"Why change?"

"Shouldn't I up my status?"

He shook his head. "You shouldn't change for anyone. The trip to Rodeo Drive?"

"I just want to know how it feels. I never got to do that. I mean since Christian made it I've been on the road with him and then working. I never got to let things soak in til I moved out here to Cali."

Once again, Tavish shook his head. "Why change? Is it because of Kym?"

She sighed. "Maybe."

He hugged her. "Why do you think she's a threat? You are so sexy and smart. You have ten times more than she does. You share a child with him. You're perfect."

She shook her head. "No, you're wrong. Somewhere I went wrong. Somewhere I lost him. Maybe it was when he asked for a little girl, maybe I should have."

"Stop being so hard on yourself. You act as if there's something going on."

She frowned, knowing that was true. It seemed odd that Christian would ask if there was a possibility that he was having an affair. "And Rick?"

"He walked away before things got too far. You do have that effect on men."

She shook her head, sadly. "I don't see it, Tav. I just see me. Plain and average. What's so special about me?"

He smiled. "That right there. The sincerity and innocence that so many women loose. But you have always kept it."

"Why are you here?"

"You needed a friend. I came."

She shook her head. "Tell me."

"Keith had a twin brother. Kevin. I can't believe you overlooked it"

"Give me a break, Tav. He was rich." She taunted. "Anyways, I told you."

He shook his head. "Whatever. Anyways, assuming that was Kevin and not Keith, he won't be that stupid to come at you again without preparations."

"This is crazy. I should have taken care of him way back when."

"I told you so."

She glared at him. "What else?"

He bit his lip. "He's married and has a kid."

She shook her head. "What idiot would marry him?"

"Debbie."

"No."

He nodded. Her so-called best friend married her ex fiancée. The irony. "The kid?"

"He's ten."

She nodded. "So it was that night. And he chose to make an honest woman out of her. How quaint."

Tavish felt the hatred from that comment. But nothing prepared him for what she said next.

"Do what has to be done."

Chapter 13

Christian watched Brittany as she walked across the room. They were at the premiere party of 'Careless Whispers'. She wore a beautiful sapphire blue dress. A teardrop diamond hung around her neck. She had her hair swept up in a French roll. She was so beautiful as she made her way through the crowd of people.

Brittany looked up to find Christian watching her. She smiled. She made her way back to him, politely dodging conversations.

"Sorry." She kissed him.

"Don't be. This is your night. Enjoy it. I'm just here to support you."

She smiled. "Thanks."

"You were spectacular in that movie. And the way you sounded on the song. You redid it beautifully. I'm so proud of you."

She shied away. She was blushing. He leaned over and kissed her on her cheek.

He had noticed the tension between her and Rick tonight. It bothered him. He looked over and caught Kym watching him. She was dressed in an elegant low v-neck line black and white dress. He focused his attention back on Brittany.

Kelli came over. "You have such a talented wife."

Christian smiled. "Thanks. I'm very proud of her."

"We are too. She really did a wonderful job. I can't wait to cast her in another movie but I know after tonight she is gonna be swamped with offers."

Christian smiled. Brittany had wondered off to the bathroom.

Brittany walked into a stall and flipped her phone open.

"Talk to me."

"It's done."

"Ok. Thanks."

"He's gonna come after you full force now. You know that right?"

"Yeah. I do."

"At all cost."

She swallowed. She knew she just put Tristian and Christian in harm's way. "I know what I'm doing. Did you get everything set up?"

"Yeah. You're presidential."

She laughed. "Great. Don't worry. I got it covered."

"I know. But damn, you're crazy. And the funny thing is everyone's rooting for you."

"Why is that funny?"

"You're taking out an East coast mob boss. I think it's pretty funny."

"Humph. It's not funny what he did."

"I know, sweetie, but you have to understand that this is fascinating that you are single handedly taking him out."

"Yeah. Whatever. I gotta get back to the party. Thanks again."

She opened the stall and Kym stood in front of the mirror. She was applying her lipstick.

"Hey. You were wonderful tonight."

"Thanks."

"I was wondering if you'd come on tour with me?"

Brittany laughed. "No thanks."

Kym shook her head. She wore her hair down tonight. "I don't understand. You have a gift and you refuse to do anything with it."

"I'm flattered. I enjoy being behind the scenes. I don't enjoy all the publicity." Or the way they can dig things up. "I know that this movie is gonna be huge but its focus is more on Rick than me."

Kym rolled her eyes. "You can't be that naïve."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh gawd, you are." She shook her head. "As much as I hate this. You really were awesome on that screen. This is about you. You turned the tables."

Brittany smiled. "I appreciate the compliment but you are mistaken. I have to get back to Christian."

She walked out the door and ran into Rick. She swallowed hard. She forced a smile. "Sorry."

He breathed in her perfume. The one she always wore, Wildheart. He closed his eyes. She pushed away. He smiled. "You know it's never a problem for you to run into me. That's how we met."

She nodded. "Yeah. I gotta go." She maneuvered around him but not before Kelli caught the two of them.

"There you two are. Come you have to be up front for the toast."

She shoved them together and pushed them to the front of the room. Someone clanked on the glass and the room came to order. Brittany suddenly aware of how crowded it was began to panic.

Rick put his arms around her and supported her. He saw her stumble. "Easy, Breathe. It's ok. I'm here." He said through his smile.

She shook her head. "I can't."

"Easy. I'm right here. Breathe." He whispered.

She finally eased up. She focused on Christian, standing there in front of her. He looked amazing in the black suit. Kym stood beside him, looking as if she belonged with him.

She stumbled through the speech they wanted her to give. And she was relieved when they finally let her go. She couldn't breathe being close to Rick and having everyone staring at her. She smiled and endured it but was ecstatic when Christian announced that he had an early flight in the morning.

She snuggled up to Christian after they had made love. She felt so distant. She felt alone. She held tight to him though, hoping to find her way back. He kissed her on her forehead.

"Good night."

"Good night."

"I love you."

"I love you."

"I love you very much."

"I love you so very much."

"Sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams."

She raised her head to him and kissed him on the lips. He kissed her back.

"You were wonderful tonight."

"Thanks to you."

"Yeah for once I helped you and not hurt you." He joked.

She smiled. "You never hurt me. You just make me nervous."

"Not tonight."

"No not tonight. Tonight, you were my loving and supportive husband."

"Now can I have my baby girl?"

She shook her head. "No."

"Why?"

"I had another offer tonight. A horror movie. The script is coming in the morning. I also, have the club now."

"Club?"

"Yeah. Damn, that's right I haven't talked to you about it. I'm half owner on a dance club."

"Something you always wanted to do?"

She shrugged. "Yeah."

"Ok."

Just like that. Okay. She loved that about him. No questions. He trusted her.

"Maybe in a year or two."

He nodded. He was tired and already drifting off to sleep. She left it alone.

In the morning, Brittany awoke and Christian was still beside her. She looked at the clock.

"Honey? You missed your flight."

"Huh?" He woke some. "No I cancelled it. I'll get another flight later. I wanted to stay with you. I felt bad that I fell asleep while you were talking to me."

"Aww. That's so sweet. I gotta go get Tristian up and on his way. I'll be back."

Christian listened as she argued with their son to get out of bed. Tristian was determined not to get up. He laughed as he heard the little boy scream. Brittany had thrown ice-cold water on him. Now he was fussing with her and she was laughing. He got out of bed and threw on his robe.

"Tristian, are you arguing with your mother?" He asked, sternly, trying to hide his smile.

Tristian pouted. "She started it."

"Go on and get cleaned up and dressed for school."

"He's getting more and more like you every day. I tell ya he runs me ragged." Brittany scolded Christian.

Christian smiled and shrugged. "I can't help he got the better genes." He ducked as she threw the rest of the water in his direction. He charged at her and tackled her, pushing her back into the bedroom. They landed on the bed and kissed.

She looked into his eyes and was confused by what she saw. She didn't see herself there anymore. She pushed him off her. "I have to get breakfast started."

He watched her go, puzzled. His cell phone rang. He reached over and grabbed it off the nightstand.

"Hello?"

"I miss you." A voice purred.

"I miss you, too." He whispered, checking the hallway for any sight of Brittany. "I missed my flight."

"Hurry. I'm so hot."

He moaned. "Ok. I'm on my way." He hung up. He frowned. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He had to let someone go. He didn't want them to get hurt. How did he become so stupid to betray Britt again? She forgave him before but now. There was no more forgiveness in her heart. He knew she knew. She was smart that way. He sighed and packed his suitcase.

Brittany answered her cell phone as she poured Cookie Crisp in a bowl.

"You bitch!"

"Morning to you to."

"I'm coming for you and only you. You are gonna wish you died way back when."

"I'm waiting." She hung up.

Brittany was waiting for him as he came down the stairs. She had the keys. "Come on, Dad. You're gonna make us late." Her smile faded when she saw the suitcase he lugged behind him.

"Sorry. Work called. I gotta get going." He leaned down and gave Tristian a big hug. "You mind your momma and do as she says." He kissed Tristian, as the little boy held on to him. Christian looked at Brittany for help.

She smiled, sympathetically. "Come on, hon. We'll visit Daddy this weekend."

He pouted. "We can't. I have to do that project with Bobby this weekend."

Brittany nodded. "That's right."

"Why can't you two have normal jobs?" He asked, as he stomped off. "I'll be in the car."

She looked at Christian. The words had hit home. All he ever wanted was to give Tristian and her everything. "Don't take it to hard. He's having a hard time adjusting out here."

"So go back to Tennessee."

She shook her head. "I can't. This is my home now. He'll be fine. He'll adjust. He's six. What do you expect?"

Christian shrugged. "What project do kindergarteners have to do?"

She laughed. "You forget I have him in a private Christian academy. They expect more from their students. He has to work on the alphabets and be creative in presentation. I think it's cool."

"Bobby?"

"He's in his class. From what I hear, Mom is a model and Dad is unknown. Real scandalous at the school but I don't follow gossip." She kissed him. "But I do have to jet so I love you."

Chapter 14

Brittany watched as the snow fell. She was in Colorado filming. They were issuing a winter advisory. A blizzard was getting ready to hit. She would be grounded here for the holidays.

It seemed like the past years have flown by. Her career had taken off after the release of her movie with Rick. Rick. Her thoughts always turned to him. It's been a year since he last spoke to her. In his arms at the premiere, it had felt so right and she felt at ease.

She plopped on her bed in the cabin and pouted. She never really cared for the holidays because she never had the money but the past couple of years it was fun to get in the spirit. Now she got to hate it again.

There was a knock at the door. The snow was coming down harder. She sighed and walked over to it. She opened it and a squeal escaped her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, excitedly. She pulled him in from the cold.

The v-neck she wore did nothing to hide the chill she felt. She folded her arms across her chest.

"Well, I got snowed in, too and I figured we shouldn't have to spend it all alone." Rick said, softly.

She smiled. "But..."

"No buts. Unless we manage to get lucky it really looks as if we're gonna be snowed in for a while. I hope you went grocery shopping because I didn't."

"How did you know I was here?"

He looked away sheepishly. "I saw you when we came in. I just avoided you. I figured I would be able to do my concert and get out unnoticed."

"Oh." She turned away and walked over to the window. She stared out over the mountains. She saw him in the glass. He was taking off his jacket, scarf, and hat and hanging them on the chair in front of the fire. He wore a black turtleneck sweater and black jeans. He took his hiking boots off and placed them by the fire too. Oh, why does my heart still skip a beat when I see him? Why am I so happy to see him? She closed her eyes. He walked up behind her and wrapped her in his arms.

"I've missed you in my arms."

"I've missed being in them." She turned to him. "Kiss me." He complied.

They woke in the morning. She smiled at him. He was watching her as she stretched luxuriously.

"I don't know when I slept that good before." Brittany commented.

"You're so beautiful."

She licked her lips and kissed his chest. "Is it still snowing?"

"From what I can see."

She sighed. "No hope on getting anywhere?"

"You wanna try?"

"Kind of hungry. Kind of afraid of staying alone with you."

He nodded. "Point taken. Well dress warm and let's go play in the snow. The best that can happen is we hike it."

She nodded. She pulled the covers back and got out. She wore her Miami Hurricanes tee shirt and gray sweats. She padded over to her suitcase. She opened it and sorted through it taking out a white turtleneck, a black cashmere sweater, and black jeans. She closed the door to the bathroom and changed. She walked out and it astounded Rick.

"Do you ever have a bad day?"

She didn't know what he meant. She frowned. "I have my days."

He shook his head. "I didn't mean that. You are so beautiful. When you wake up and when you go to sleep. All day. No make up or anything."

She shrugged. "If you say so."

He pulled her to him. "Can I have you?"

She gave him a half smile. "Are you mine?"

He kissed her. "I think I was yours from the day we met at the mall." He whispered in her ear.

She held her breath and closed her eyes. Here they were away from the world. Literally closed off. Their cell phones didn't work; the phones and power lines were out. Can I fall? Can I let go? Can I stop this fight? You keep bringing him to me. Am I his? My heart? What of it?

She exhaled and pulled away. "Let's go see if we can get anywhere. I'm really hungry."

"Did you just not heed the warning?"

She laughed. "It came a day early. I was really hoping to be on a plane."

He pulled her back to him. "I'm glad it did." He kissed her. His hands caressed her cheek.

"Me too."

They walked out and sunk into the ground to their waist. They turned around and went back in.

He was laughing. She shivered uncontrollably running back to the fireplace. She warmed up and went to change out of her clothes. He was changing as she entered the room. Her eyes roamed over his body. It seemed so familiar to her even if they had never done anything.

He caught her gaze, stopped, and got in bed. She swallowed hard and came to the bedside. Ok, Lord, I'm giving in. I can't fight it anymore. Please forgive me. She removed her clothes and slipped into bed.

He looked at her. Her body was flawless. He began kissing every inch. She pressed her head further into the pillow arching to his kisses. They burned her skin. He trailed all over her and she feverishly pulled him back up to her.

He looked into her eyes and they were wild with desire. He was aching just as much as she was. He slid between her legs. God, she was smooth. Every inch of her.

Her body burned with desire. Her nipples were constricted and she was so ready for him. She could feel his hardness against her just waiting.

He kissed her, his tongue entangling with hers as he eased himself in. She groaned against it and he worried it was a protest. He pulled back only to have her sink her nails in and pull him towards her.

"Don't you dare." She breathed heatedly. "I need you too much."

"Princess, I couldn't stop now if I tried." He continued to kiss her hungrily. He cupped a breast in his hand.

She arched up to him and he drove in deeper. I'm gonna burn in hell but damn I'm gonna feel good. With every thrust, she lifted her hips to meet him. He picked up the pace, going faster and deeper.

The intensity of it was building for an explosive orgasm. She tossed her head back and arched against him screaming out his name as her body found release. He did the same and fell against her. They were both soaked from sweat and breathing heavily. Rick listened to her heart racing against his.

They laid there unable to speak. The words just wouldn't come. Brittany closed her eyes and ran her hands through his hair. If I fall, Rick, will you catch me?

Brittany woke and felt Rick's skin next to her. It wasn't a dream. Oh God, please forgive me. He turned to her.

She smiled. "Morning."

"Do you have any food?"

She shrugged. "I doubt it. I didn't buy any. Sorry."

"What did you do for food?"

She shrugged again. "I went out."

"We're gonna starve to death."

She gave a sly smile as she snuggled up to him. "But we'll get our exercise."

He looked uncomfortable. She backed away. "Oh. Sorry." She stammered, as she got up and went to the bathroom.

When she came out, she was dressed in a simple tee shirt with no bra and pants. She had her hair down. He watched her as she walked over to the refrigerator. She opened it.

"Hey I do have food! Here's some lunchmeat and cheese. Damn, I guess they stock it. That's cool. In the cupboards there might be some bread and chips!" She called out excitedly. She began to make sandwiches.

He got up and walked over to her. She tried not to look at him because he hadn't gotten dressed. Through her tee shirt, he could see she was getting aroused.

"I didn't mean I didn't want you. I meant that we didn't have birth control."

"Oh. Well, I take the Depo-Provera shot. It's good for three months. I just had it before I left and unless you think we'll be here for three months, we should be good to go."

"Brett?"

She still avoided his eyes. She knew hers would betray her. "Yeah."

"I found something out before I came here. I know I should have told you but I couldn't."

She turned to him. "What?"

"Well, now it's just the wrong time but I want you to know it had nothing to do with what just happened."

"What?"

"Kym's pregnant." He stated, flatly.

"Oh." She replied. "You're not happy?"

"It's not mine."

"What?"

"I haven't been with her."

"Oh. Do you know..."

"Christian."

"No way."

"Britt, she's lying. She's always busy or tired."

"So why accuse Christian?"

"Who else has she been with?"

Brittany looked away. There it goes. My world breaking apart. Bye bye. My world as I know it destroyed. Funny it wasn't me that did it, or did I?

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to be so mean about it."

She shook her head. "Needed the reality slap. She admit it?"

He shook his head. "She's not gonna unless she knows Christian will leave you."

She nodded. "Well, I guess I have to make it easy for him, huh?"

"Brett?"

She walked away. She was looking out the window watching the snow still falling. The tears were stinging her eyes. You gave me a way out. But did it have to hurt?

He hugged her tightly. She sighed and snuggled closer to him. Tell me, God, why do I feel so safe in his arms? When I'm with him the world no longer exists. Brittany thought to herself.

They ate and Brittany crawled back to bed. She watched as Rick threw a log in the fireplace. He crawled in bed with her. She snuggled into his arms.

As much as she wanted him, she knew that they could just cuddle. And she enjoyed that.

"Rick?"

"Yeah?"

"You said she was always with Christian. How do you know?"

"She always told me how she ran into him here and there. The way she talked about him gave her away. She really was taken by him. She despised you."

"I know. I guess I knew I just didn't want to admit it. I thought I was just trying to justify...you."

He nodded. "I know hon. I was doing the same thing. But when she told me she was pregnant, I knew there was no way."

"Hmm, well at least we got through four in a half years of fame and fortune before it ruined us."

"Yeah but I think it's been going on for a while." He said, softly.

"Really?"

"I don't know. I can't prove it. Like you said, I think I was justifying why I could be with you. And when I cut the ties with you thinking if I just focused on me and her but it wasn't there anymore."

She leaned up and kissed him. "We're not gonna put it together here. Here it's just us. There is nothing else. Just us."

He smiled and rolled her on top of him. "Okay, just us." She felt his arousal and repositioned herself to take advantage of it. He groaned. He captured a nipple in his mouth and gripped the other in his hand. She leaned her head back in ecstasy.

They moved together in perfect precision. Her body trembled on the brink of an orgasm. He arched back hard, thrusting himself deeper into her as he exploded. She found herself letting go to the pure sensation that shot through her body. She fell against him.

This time she couldn't bite back the words. "Wow. Keeps getting better."

"MMM." Rick moaned. "I know it's wrong but baby you wear me out. I'm gonna nap."

Brittany couldn't have been happier to hear that. She couldn't find the strength to roll off him and felt bad snoozing on top of him. She now snuggled happily against him and fell in a sound sleep, listening to their heartbeats.

When she woke, she noticed she was on the mattress and Rick wasn't beside her. She lifted her head and looked around. She saw the light on in the bathroom and laid back down. She waited for his return.

As she waited, she decided it would be better to fix something to eat. So, she got up and padded across the room. Let's see how you like the torture.

She searched through the cabinets looking for something to fix. She turned as he came out of the bathroom. He smiled.

"What's for dinner?" He snaked his arms around her and pulled her close. He kissed her neck as she tilted her head to the side.

She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around him. She stared in to his eyes and in that instant, she knew she had fallen. God help me, I'm in love.

He closed his eyes. "Brett?" He whispered, as he leaned towards her.

"Yes, Rick?" She replied, softly.

"If this is wrong, why does it feel so right?"

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips. He gave into to her. She nibbled on his ear. "If I fall will you catch me?" She asked him softly as she ran her hands down his back, lightly scratching him.

He swooped her in his arms and took her back to bed. "I've already caught you baby." He made love to her and she wondered if he really meant it.

He laid against her and listened to her breathing. She ran her hands through his hair. He loved how sensual she was. It had never been that passionate between him and Kym. He closed his eyes. He wasn't to think about her, but he couldn't help but compare and contrast the two.

"Rick?"

"Huh?" He mumbled.

"I'm hungry."

"Sandwiches?"

"That seems to be all that we have, but I think I saw some cookies in the cupboard."

"Sweet tooth?"

"I've worked up an appetite."

He smiled against her skin. She was so smooth. He ran has hands over her belly and watched her suck in her breath.

"Tell me about the tattoos."

"Well, one summer when I was...younger, I went to the beach with a friend."

"Boyfriend?"

"No. If you didn't interrupt you would have found out." She scolded playfully. "I found a swimsuit with a playboy bunny on the butt. It was a tan through fabric. So, at the end of the day, I had a playboy bunny on my butt. I decided to keep it permanently."

"Now where did you tell me your friend's sex?"

"When you asked." She giggled.

He shook his head and looked up at her. "So what about this one." He ran his hand across the butterfly on her stomach. She bit her lip.

"Surgery."

"What happened?" he asked kissing it. He found the raised spot.

"I was shot."

He looked at her for a hint that she was teasing but she showed none. "How did you get shot?"

She laughed. "With a gun. But I didn't want an ugly scar there so after I got out of the hospital I got a tattoo to cover it up."

"Right when you got out?"

She nodded. "Hurt like hell but I wasn't gonna have a scar during spring break." She shrugged. "I guess it was worth it."

"Who shot you?"

She shrugged. "Wrong place. Wrong time. I survived. It's no biggie." She ran her hand down his back. "Now you. Tell me about this one on your arm." She kissed it. He smiled.

"It was a band thing. All the guys from the group have it."

"Group?"

"You're kidding right?"

She shook her head. "I didn't know."

"I was in a boy band as they called it way back when."

She stifled a giggle. "You're kidding. So the tattoo means?"

"Well, it's just the Celtic band. I thought it looked cool. You really didn't know?"

"I don't want to bust up your ego but I have to admit that I never listened to you at all before I met you. Then I went to Best Buy and bought up yours and Kym's stuff. Even that series you did."

He shook his head. "That was horrible having people in your business 24-7."

"I couldn't have done it. Trust me it was a pain to watch. Is she that stupid?"

He shrugged. "Sometimes I wondered how she managed the A's in school. Book smarts I guess. That's where it ends. So, what did you listen to if you weren't listening to boy bands?"

Brittany shrugged. "I guess I was still head banging then. I don't know. I was listening to everything for a while after that. I did go through a period of a boy band so I won't tell you who they were because it wasn't your group." She hid a smile. He shook his head.

"Head banging?"

"Oh yeah. Man, I loved heavy metal. Loud, electric guitars and non-comprehensive lyrics being yelled. Rock on. Yeah but now I love my country music and contemporary Christian music."

"That explains a lot." With the glance, she gave him, he elaborated on it. "CrossFest." She smiled.

"My pet project. I'll continue it of course, despite whatever happens between Christian and myself, CrossFest is gonna carry on. It was a huge success."

"How did you come up with the idea?"

"When we first moved out to Tennessee, we ended up in Alabama one weekend for Soul Fest. A free day to worship and praise. It was so huge and when I saw how many teens responded to that I was overwhelmed. I kept thinking if I had something like that way back when maybe, my life would have been different. So, that was my giving back to our small town. Once a year, they host a huge day of praise and worship with the top names of country and Christian music and it's for upcoming artists to show their stuff, too. I enjoyed putting it together. And Christian leaves it for me. I just schedule him in there and find others to perform."

Rick kissed her. "Way back when? What could be so bad? I think you grew up just fine." She shook her head and pushed away, arranging the pillows so she could sit up.

He did the same on his side. "Getting serious?"

"No comfortable. You don't want to know. Less is better than the truth."

"I wanna know all of you."

She debated on it. "Tell me about you first. Then if I think I can I will."

"What do you wanna know?"  
"Something Kym doesn't know."

"That deep." She nodded. "Ok. Something Kym doesn't know." He pondered for a moment. A smile crept across his face. "Ok. Kym doesn't know that I'm in love with someone else."

She frowned. "That shouldn't count." He chuckled. She shook her head. "Something Kym or I don't know."

He contemplated longer. He sighed. "Ok, here goes nothing. Way back when as you put it," He paused, collecting his thoughts or trying hard to get it out. He swallowed hard. She noticed he was struggling with it. "I met a girl while I was on tour. I had broken a way from the hectic scene at one of the places." He looked a million miles away as he relived the story to tell her.

Chapter 15

Rick wandered about the mall, unnoticed. He liked that in this town people didn't recognize him or thought there was no way he would be walking around without bodyguards. He was looking in one of the store windows, when he ran into someone. He looked up to apologize and she stole his breath away.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going." She apologized. She swept her auburn hair out of her face. Her green eyes shown bright. She wore a black Ozzy Osbourne tee shirt, with a black and blue flannel shirt over top of it and black tight jeans that looked painted on her. She cast her gaze away from him all of a sudden.

"No, please, it was my fault. Are you ok?" Rick stammered. She nodded and tried to dodge around him. He didn't want her to go. He grabbed her shoulder. "Can I buy you lunch?" She looked at him with surprise.

"Me?" She looked around as if looking for the hidden cameras. "You're kidding right?" He shook his head and she stared at him. Finally, she shrugged. "Ok."

She had a sexy southern accent that she tried her hardest to control. Everything about her was driving him crazy. He had never known any female to have that immediate attraction to him.

She got in his car with him. "You're not from around here?"

He nodded. She gave him directions. They found themselves at an Applebee's. They ordered. As they waited for the food, they talked.

"Do you always go off with strangers?" He joked.

She shrugged. "You seem harmless but maybe you should be the one that's worried."

"No not with you. What's your name?"

She smiled. "Does it matter?"

He nodded. "Yeah. It does."

"CeCe."

"Mine's—"

"I didn't ask." He looked at her, puzzled.

"From the moment you saw me there's only been one thing on your mind. Am I wrong?" He shook his head. "So do you really want to sit through this meal?" He shook his head. He grabbed the waitress as she went by and asked for it to go.

She sat in the car with their food in the backseat of the Lexus. She was admiring the car when he asked, "Which way?"

"Rental?"

He nodded. "I don't want to-"

She smiled. "Turn right. Go all the way up. There are hotels. Pick your choice." She settled against the seat and changed the station to a heavy metal station.

They arrived at the Comfort Inn and she waited in the car as he went to get a room. He came back and they went around the back of the hotel. He opened the car door for her and then the hotel's. She bit her lip, nervously, as she entered. He knew that she was out of character. She didn't seem like the type of girl to do this all the time.

He watched her intensely. She turned to him and began to undress. She slipped the flannel shirt off and pulled off the tee shirt to reveal a black lace bra holding a pair of perfect sized breasts in them. She unhooked from the front and freed herself of it. She stood before him, topless. He licked his lips.

She sat on the edge of the bed and took off her boots and socks. She stood and undid her jeans and peeled them off her. She wore lace panties. He was aroused and patiently waiting for her. She slipped out of them.

She held his gaze the whole time never taking her eyes off him. She walked over and took his shirt off running her long nails down his chest to the edge of his jeans. He groaned. She unzipped his pants and pulled them off. He had already slipped out of his shoes. She licked his lips and he thought she was gonna make him crazy.

She slid his boxers off him and knelt. He groaned and ran his fingers through her hair as she went down on him. He couldn't stand it, pulled her to her feet, and pushed her on the bed. There was no way he was gonna come in her mouth. He had to have her.

She scooted up the bed and opened for him. He thought he would die if he didn't hurry. He needed her so bad. The desire for her burned in him. He knew nothing about her and maybe it was wrong but right now, nothing else mattered.

He slid into her to realize that she was a virgin. He looked at her as she tossed her head back in ecstasy. She pulled him to her and pushed her hips to him. He went deeper into her and thought he would just drown in her eyes. She watched him as he made love to her. He kissed her hard, bruising her lips. He sucked on her breasts and neck. He devoured every inch of her in his mind. He couldn't get enough of her. It was the most intense and passionate lovemaking he had ever felt. He called out her name as he climaxed. And she clung to him as she found her release. She kissed him so deeply.

After it was over, she dressed in the bathroom. She waited out by the car and smoked a cigarette. He waited as she finished and drove her back to her car. A beautiful emerald green mustang convertible.

Brittany sat frozen. She couldn't speak and she couldn't look at him. She got up and put on her tee shirt. It came down past her butt. She crossed the room to the window. She stared out over the mountains. The snowfall was slowing. This couldn't be happening. After all, I've been through, and you bring him back to me. What of her?

Chapter 16

Brittany cursed herself as she got in her car. She turned the engine over and sat there. The radio was playing some boy band crooning about love. She rolled her eyes. The voice. She stared at the radio. The disc jockey came on saying they were in concert. She laughed. As if. She pushed the thought away and changed the station to her favorite. The band that was playing was screaming about a road to hell. Yep, that's what I'm on.

Her thoughts drifted back to the guy she had just had sex with. No made love with. Her first. It hadn't hurt, like everyone always told her. Even with his size, which had scared her a little, she just let go. She touched her bruised lips, still feeling his kisses. He was incredibly sexy with his short brown hair and blue eyes. She had gotten lost in them when he looked at her.

She licked her lips remembering. She had never been so enticed by a guy. Let alone knowing that she wanted him and vice versa. She felt the immediate connection between them. What's done is done. She drove back to Tavish's. He'll be worried.

A month in a half later, she was locked in the bathroom. This isn't happening to me? How could it happen? I can't tell Tavish. I can't tell anyone. Damn it. She stared at the white EPT stick. It had a big plus sign in the middle of it. Of course, why not me? Time to run again. Leave before he returns. Contact him after you take care of this.

She packed and left. She drove to the city and got an apartment the next morning. She stayed away from the places she normally would go and laid low. She delivered a baby girl eight months later and left her for adoption.

She returned to her apartment and called Tavish. She told him everything. She knew he would watch over her little one and make sure no harm came to her. The only thing she asked was she didn't want to know anything. She hung up and cried.

"Brittany?" Rick asked, pulling her to him. She was crying, uncontrollably.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know." She whimpered.

He looked at her, puzzled. "Know what?"

She shook her head and continued to cry. "I'm so sorry Rick. I didn't know. I—"

She tried to collect her thoughts. Her words. Everything was wrong. She couldn't think straight and couldn't breathe.

"Easy. Take a breath and calm down."

She whimpered. The tears were still falling. "You. It was always you. I didn't know. I thought and I said no, I couldn't be that special. I was a nobody. Why would you look at me that way? I thought it was someone taking advantage of...the fact he looked like you."

He froze and turned her to him. "Are you saying..."

"My baby. My mustang. It was a limited edition 1990 emerald green convertible mustang. It had a white top. We were at Regency Square. We went over to Applebee's. Then to the Comfort Inn."

"Oh my God." He hit the floor on his knees. "It should have been so obvious. Why wasn't it?"

"It was so long ago." She bit her lip. "Rick, there's something else." He looked up at her. The tears that fell from his eyes broke her heart. "We have a daughter."

He shook his head. "What?"

She fell beside him. "I'm sorry."

"Where is she?"

She stared at him in disbelief. He didn't accuse her of anything. He didn't argue the fact or anything. She shook her head. "I don't know. I gave her up."

He looked at her. "Why?"

"I loved her. I loved you. I didn't have you. I didn't want her." She bowed her head and cried.

He looked at her. "We have to find her and make things right."

She shook her head. "Is that right of us? To invade her life that she's built without us? How is that gonna look?"

"To hell with how it looks. We could have had something so special."

"My fault?"

"No, oh God, no." He pulled her to him and kissed her. "Damn, Brittany, I love you. I have loved you from the first moment I ran into you at the mall. Oh God, we have to make this right."

"How is that possible? She's practically grown up now. Actually, she's turning eleven tomorrow."

"Can you find her? Do you know?" He was excited and upset.

"I had someone keep an eye on her."

He thought for a minute. "Who?"

She looked away, not able to face him. How could she begin to tell him the double life she'd been leading for so long? Could she trust him with her secrets? With all of her pain? She sighed. It used to be so simple. Way back when she didn't feel.

She suspired. "Tavish, my best friend."

"Is that who she's with?"

She shook her head. The tears were falling again. "You don't understand. I couldn't raise her by myself and I didn't know how to get a hold of you because I didn't want to know you. I was scared."

"I don't blame you." He held her close to him. "I blame myself for leaving you with that kind of decision to make."

"I wanted to. I really did. But it hurt so bad to see her. She was you."

He closed his eyes. He could almost see her. "I always had dreams of a baby girl. Weird, huh? I used to wonder if that was my biological clock ticking. Kym didn't want children. I did."

"I'm so sorry." She whispered.

"Can you get in touch with Tavish and find out about her?"

She nodded. "If you want that. We have to consider how she'll feel."

"What's her name?"

"I didn't name her."

He looked at her. She was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was heartbroken and he couldn't imagine the pain she went through.

"I figured whoever adopted her would love to name her. I didn't feel it was my right. I was in so deep over my head." She looked at him searching his face. She sighed. "My life wasn't picture perfect. I told you that I left home when I was 16. I met you I was just 17. I never dated. Tavish, my best friend, well he was a lot older than I was. I stayed with him. He had his own place and said as long as I continued school..." She shook her head and fought back the tears. "He was to be my first but I said no when I reconsidered he fought me on it. You were my first."

He lowered his head, taking it all in. "My God, Brittany."

"How cruel is fate?"

"It was fate that brought us back together. Think about it, hon. Everything we went through to get to each other."

She shook her head. "Maybe you were better off but I wasn't."

He looked at her. She was tortured and in pain and he had no clue how to help her. "Purpose and plan for everything."

"Yeah, what is it? Thy will be done?" She was furious. "Everything I suffered and for what? Here and now?"

"Easy, Brett." She walked away to the window. She glared out and shook her head.

"You don't understand. I went through hell to get here. I wasn't looking for you and I tortured myself through the holidays with her memories. If you weren't here I can guarantee that I would have never made it out this cabin alive this year."

"How can you say that? You still have Tristian." He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "Baby, it's gonna be ok now."

"No it's not! Now there's the scandals galore. Everything I didn't want but your wife! Damn her! Damn her to hell! I hate this. Do you know the shit they'll bring up about me? The shit they'll say? It'll be my fault. Even though it wasn't it's my fault! Everything." She screamed, as she tore away from him. She went to her suitcase. She opened it and took out a pillbox. She took the pill.

He asked, "What's that?"

"Valium."

She sunk to the floor in front of the fireplace. He sat beside her and massaged her shoulders. "It's ok. Stop worrying about it."

"You don't understand."

"You won't let me."

"I'm not perfect."

"Neither am I."

"I made horrible mistakes."

"We all have."

"I've broken all ten commandments."

He paused and ran the list through his head. "All of them?"

She nodded. "Can't think of a single one I haven't."

"Another god before Him?"

She nodded. "Yeah I went through a real dark period for a while in middle school. The other idol. Dishonor my folks. Killed. Cheated. Stole. Misused the name. Worked on the Sabbath day. False testimony. Envied my neighbors. Yeah that's all of them. I am so evil."

He looked at her and laughed. She looked up shocked. "I'm sorry. Really. I just can't see how you think you're so evil."

"I was." She frowned.

"You were saved and baptized?"

"Yeah."

"Then those sins are forgiven."

"Yeah. Ok. But that's why we couldn't have a life together. Because of me. I was in a lost period. I couldn't find myself, no, I didn't want to. I didn't want to live."

"I can't imagine feeling like that. What would make you feel that way?"

"I was alone. From day one, my parents didn't want me. Tavish, he used me." From the look Rick sent her she added, "Not for sex. For my other talents." She stopped. "I'm a trained killer." His mouth opened. But she continued. "For the mob. I was helping to run drugs at 12 and I was sniffing out narcs at 13. I would never bat an eye to protect Tavish for all he's done for me. He trained me and used me. It never occurred to him that my life would be forever turned tragic by this. I was...the best he had ever seen."

Rick walked into the kitchen and opened the liquor cabinet. He grabbed some pint bottles and brought them over. He handed her a couple and opened one for himself. She took it and drank it down in a gulp.

"Was that really valium you took?"

She smiled. "A form of it."

"How did you get involved?"

Chapter 17

Brittany sat against the tree by the river writing her thoughts. She was lost in the story she was creating and didn't hear the footsteps behind her.

"Excuse me." She jumped, startled by the deepness of the voice. She looked up. "I don't mean to startle you but I was wondering if you perhaps seen my girlfriend?"

She stared up at the person speaking to her. He was gorgeous. The long blonde hair and green eyes, he reminded her of the lead singer of Skid Row. He must have been about 20. He wore a black tee shirt with the Grateful Dead emblem on it and faded jeans.

She smiled and shook her head. "Sorry, I've been engrossed and haven't noticed anyone."

"What are you doing?"

"Writing a story. I'm gonna be a novelist."

He smiled. Her stomach did flip-flops. "Really? Can I read it while I wait?"

"Sure, just remember I'm still young and inexperienced so don't be so harsh."

He laughed. "Deal." He sat down beside her under the tree. He took her notebook and began to read it.

After what seemed like torturous hours, he handed it back to her. "Wow, impressive. I've never been a book person but I have to say that you had me engrossed in it. You don't seem to be that inexperienced." She smiled. She could tell he was genuine about the compliment.

"Thanks, I watch a lot of TV." She glanced at her watch. "I don't think she's coming."

"Huh?"

"Your girlfriend."

He chuckled. "I guess not. You live around here?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I come here to get away. It's so peaceful and I can write."

"Parents fight a lot?"

She laughed. "Uh-uh. They umm like to be by themselves."

He nodded. "I got ya. I'm Tavish McHale."

"CeCe Chaffin." She replied. She didn't feel comfortable giving him her real name. Cecelia was her middle name and Chaffin was a form of Sheffield. She justified to herself. Like he would ever talk to me again anyways.

"So what else do you do, CeCe when your parents are getting busy?"

She tried not to blush at the comment but she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. He's gonna know I'm just a kid now.

"I'm sorry. That was crude. I apologize. What else do you like to do?"

"I don't know. I don't really do anything. I usually run and then after I cool down I write."

"You run?"

"Yeah through the park."

"The whole park?" His eyes were wide with surprise. He looked her over.

"Yeah. I love exercise. Almost as much as I love writing."

His mind was working over time. He thought about all the ways he could use her for his runs. He had been watching her for a while now and had found her routine.

She was young enough to be naïve and lonely enough to need to belong. She was beautiful enough to pass by and innocent enough to get away with murder. He looked at her and watched as she squirmed under his gaze.

She wore a pair off cutoff jean shorts and a tank top. She didn't have a bra on and was just starting to develop. She was definitely going to be very beautiful when she got older and he would like to be there for that.

"So, CeCe, you hungry?" He asked her.

"I don't know if I should..."

He smiled. "I'll have you back before they know you're gone."

"I doubt they would know." She mumbled. "Sure."

"What do you want?"

She looked away sheepishly. "I don't know. They don't take me out to eat."

He shook his head. "Your mother must be jealous of how beautiful you are."

She smiled. "Thanks." Then she turned self-conscious. "What about your girlfriend?"

"She can find another boyfriend. I don't like to be stood up. Come on." He led her over to his truck. She followed slowly, still playing out all the scenarios in her head. She finally decided that if she died it would be no loss. She climbed in the truck and put her seat belt on.

"Well, I'm gonna take you out to a nice dinner."

"Dressed like this?"

He smiled. He was gonna enjoy her.

Brittany watched as Rick downed another bottle. "He raised me. Maybe it wasn't the right way but he took care of me. I remember getting my period for the first time when I was out with him. He went to the store and got what I needed and came back. He handed it to me and told me the directions were in the box. He got me new clothes, too. I knew everything I was doing was wrong. My parents taught me that much but hell; I was loved for the first time in my life. But he knew what he was doing. He knew that with me, he was gonna go far."

"CeCe, I need to go to the bathroom. Can you give this to my friend when he gets here? He's running late and has to grab it and go. I'm afraid I'll miss him if I wait to return." Tavish explained. Brittany nodded. It's not the first time he's used her to drop off. She wasn't that stupid she didn't know what he was doing.

She watched as he rounded the corner to the bathrooms. The mall was crowded for a weekday. She sat and waited. A guy approached her, wearing a leather jacket and a skull earring.

"Hey, are you Tavish's friend?" He asked, looking her over.

She grabbed the manila envelope and shook her head. "No, I don't know who you're talking about."

"It's ok. I'm a friend of his. He asked me to pick something up." He eyed the package and reached for it. She pulled away.

"If you don't leave me alone, I'll scream. Now go away."

"Give me that package." He reached for her again and she bolted.

As she pushed passed people, she mumbled her apologies. She ran into a group of bikers.

"I'm so sorry. There's a man chasing me." She sobbed. They pushed her aside and she ran. She could hear the guy trying to get around them.

"She stole something of mine!" He yelled.

She was running at full speed and rounded the corner. She spotted Tavish and he looked bewildered at her.

She kept running. He ran out the doors in the opposite direction from her to get the truck. She heard the man behind her.

"Come back here. Damn it." He hollered.

The truck was pulling up beside her. She looked over and took a deep breath. He opened the door. She jumped and caught the inside and slid in.

She was breathing hard. She shook her head. She grabbed her drink that was sitting in the console from earlier and took a swig.

"What happened?" He asked.

"I didn't want to be busted."

"What? Busted for what?"

"Drugs." She stated flatly. She looked at him and challenged him to deny it. He stared straight ahead and drove, glancing in the rearview to see if there was anyone following.

"How long have you known?"

She sighed. "My parents are DEA. I knew from day one with you."

He knew her parents were Drug Enforcement Agents. He loved the irony of their daughter working for him. After all, who better to cover for him?

She glared at him. "You knew?"

He smiled. "Honey, I know everything about you. Did you think I didn't know that you were deceiving me?"

"ME? You're the one who thought I was naïve and stupid! But I wasn't the one to set up for a narc to buy off of me!"

"A narc? How would you know?"

She sneered at him. "I'm not telling you. I just know it was."

He pulled off the road into an abandoned parking lot. "Talk."

She held her lips firm together. He glared at her. He considered dragging her out the truck and beating her half to death for defying him.

"Please?" He asked. She looked at him. He flashed that smile of his and she sighed.

"You're a jerk. That was mean. I thought you cared about me but you were using me." She pouted. He was gonna have to be delicate about this. She was on the edge. She could bring him down if she wanted to run to mommy and daddy. He reached out and smoothed her hair back.

"I'm sorry, CeCe. I never meant to hurt you and it's not just for that. I enjoy your company. You're so pretty and smart. I'd miss you if I didn't get to see you. This was just a perk for me."

She considered his words carefully. "You're just saying that. You're just being nice to me now. Tav, I'm not stupid. I do have a television set and I do watch it. I know about guys like you and I know about the drug world. I read all my parents stuff. Of course, it was research on my story but I know. Just stop lying to me. That's all I'm asking right now. From here on out, I want nothing but the truth.

He pondered for a moment. "Ok. CeCe, I'm not lying when I tell you I enjoy your company. I love having you around. You are perfect in so many ways and still have room to grow and learn. When I first saw you, yes it was all a set up. I knew your life and I knew how unhappy you were. I thought befriending you and having you help me. After all, who would suspect you? But I swear to you right now that I never thought I was putting you in danger and never thought that you were stupid."

She looked at him. He held out his arms and she leaned into them. He gave her a big hug. "The skull earring in his ear was a fake."

"And how does that prove he's a narc?"

"Why would you wear a fake?"

"Good point. He was supposed to be a regular. I'll have to get in touch with them to find out what went wrong."

"Don't you know you're not supposed to deal with outsiders or dealers you know are gonna rat you out?"

He smiled. "Now I do." He tousled her hair. She straightened up.

"It's a good thing I continued running." She lit up a cigarette. He shook his head, as she rolled down the window.

"I should have never let you start on those."

"But I can still run and now you know I'm more valuable than ever." She smiled, slyly at him. "If I wasn't you would have drugged me out of this truck and beat me half to death for defying you." She smiled and winked at him. He shook his head and put the truck back in drive.

She was gonna be a handful. Maybe he should just get rid of her now. After all, this had all started for revenge on her folks. He pondered it and looked over at her. No, she was special. She was right. She proved to be invaluable.

Chapter 18

Tavish had her pinned to the mat. She glared at him with fire in her eyes. In a swift motion, he was laying flat on his back. He stared at her wide-eyed. She smiled, victoriously.

"I did it!" She squealed. "I finally got out of it!"

He smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "I'm getting too old for you."

"Yep. Old and slow." She agreed. She got to her feet and held out her hand for him. He grabbed it and flipped her over on her back.

"That's for being cocky." He quickly got on her before she could move and had her immobile. She frowned. He leaned down and kissed her gently. "This is for being you." She closed her eyes. It was so sweet. Her first kiss. He smiled, as she opened them. "Come on. I think we're done for the day. There's not much more to show you."

She raised an eyebrow. He laughed. "Sorry, sweetie. I can't show you that."

She shook her head. "Fine. I gotta shower and take off anyways."

"Really? You mean I don't have to baby-sit tonight." He joked. She stuck her tongue out at him.

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes. "Go find someone to take that aggravation off. You know the one I give you." She walked off. He watched her and let out a low growl. She knew how to get under his skin.

Under the cold water of the shower, Brittany tried to breathe. The coldness was chilling her but it wasn't taking away the pain. She got out and wrapped a towel around her.

She stole a glance around and went into Tavish's office. She sat in his chair and tried to open his desk. It was locked. She frowned.

"You know if you just ask..." She jumped and looked up. Tavish stood before her. "I kinda figured you'd be looking for something to ease the pain."

She glanced away, sheepishly. "We've been together too long, CeCe. I know you."

"Can I please?"

He smiled. "I did a line for you on the table already."

She got up and walked over to him. "Thanks." She leaned towards him then pulled away fast and walked off.

Images of just ripping that towel away from her and having her raced through his head. He finally grabbed her. He took her to the bedroom. He was kissing her. She was trying so hard to be calm. He enjoyed that about her. She was so inexperienced and he tried to control himself against her. He laid her on the bed.

He unwrapped the towel and marveled at her body. She was exquisite. She had grown into a woman in front of his eyes and now he let out a low moan. Her breasts were taut from his gaze. She was slender and he licked his lips. Her womanhood was smooth. He had talked her into always keeping it smooth.

She looked caught between being ashamed and being scared. The other night he had suggested it but she had turned him away. Then she wanted to and he had gotten up and left. He found some tramp he could have and thought of CeCe. It wasn't the same. And now, the angel on his shoulder was scolding him for taking advantage of her. But the devil was telling him she was asking for it.

He turned away. "Get dressed. I'll be out tonight. Make sure you lock up." With that, he left. She heard the front door shut. She let out a deep breath.

She pulled herself together and on shaking legs she got dressed. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her auburn hair was long and straight. It was easy for her to sweep in a ponytail, but so plain. She didn't see what everyone else saw. She thought she was average. Her breasts weren't that big. She lifted weights and felt that probably kept them from growing to their full potential. Even though she had long legs, she felt they were too masculine with all the training she did. She didn't have a wardrobe. Tavish had offered to take her shopping but she decided on a couple pairs of black jeans and she could wear his shirts. No big deal. She didn't want him to fuss over her.

Brittany looked down at Rick. He laid in her lap. She stared at all the empty bottles laying on the floor. They had been drinking a lot.

"I'm sorry you went through all that." He said, softly.

She shook her head. "It wasn't that. Tavish was a teacher. He might have had bad intentions but he was nevertheless my best friend. He taught me so much. It was after that killed me. The after part was far worse than the before. But I will save that for another night. Now, I just want to take you back to bed and make love to you."

"MMM. That sounds good. I love you, Britt.

"I love you, too, Rick."

"Will you leave Christian?"

"Will you leave Kym?"

They sat in silence. The snow had stopped falling. They stared into the fire.

Brittany rose to her feet. "Let's go to bed."

Rick got up. "Who'd you kill?" He asked, drunkenly.

"A bad guy."

He nodded his head. She helped him to bed and laid beside him. She snuggled in his arms and they fell asleep.

"CeCe. CeCe. Come on wake up." She opened her eyes and sat straight up.

She looked around the room. "He's being taken care of." She glared at Keith.

"You can't. Leave him alone. Please."

"That's it. I love it when you beg."

"Keith, please. Anything. But don't hurt him." The tears fell. "Please."

"What if it's too late?" He asked, toying with her.

"No. No. Keith, please. I'll do anything. Please."

He grinned. It was an evil grin. She shrunk away from it. "I love when you say that." He came towards her and she winced from what she knew was coming. She choked back the vile that she felt. She held back the scream.

She woke in a sweat. She looked beside her and felt relief as she saw Rick still sleeping soundly beside her.

"Just a nightmare." She murmured. She padded to the window. The holidays, it never let her sleep. She gazed out and sighed. What happens when they get back?

Chapter 19

Rick looked out on the snow. It was starting to fall again. Brittany was still sleeping. He was replaying everything she had told him. His head was hurting and still fuzzy.

He had daughter. She was eleven. He wondered who she favored, him, or Britt. He couldn't get over Brittany. He had tried desperately to remember the ride back to her car. He was in a hurry. He was running late to his show. He must have given her the impression that she was a one-night stand. He condemned himself, aloud.

Brittany stirred. He turned towards her. She was having another one of those dreams. She didn't get to the tragic part, at least that's what she said. But he couldn't help but wonder what kind of man befriends a twelve year old? He thought of all the things she must have endured, but no, he was her first. He felt it and saw the blood. He knew.

"No. Please. No." She whimpered in her sleep. She sounded so desperate. So scared. He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. She snuggled. "I love you so much, Rick. Don't leave me." She whispered, still asleep.

He sighed. How were they to deal with this?

"Rick?" She called out in her sleep. "I'm sorry. So sorry. Please. No. Don't leave me." She cried. The tears were falling from her eyes.

He couldn't take it anymore and shook her awake. "Baby, I'm here. Right here."

She opened her eyes and threw her arms around his neck. She hugged him tightly to her. "Don't leave me. Please don't. I can't loose you. I can't loose my heart again. Not to you. I'm so sorry. I should have..."

He kissed her, quieting her. "I'm not going anywhere. We'll get through this."

He made love to her. She kept telling him how much she loved him and he responded the same way. They fell asleep in each other's arms.

"Merry Christmas." He said, kissing her.

"Bah humbug." She replied.

He ignored her. "I have a surprise for you."

She looked at him. "You didn't know you were having Christmas with me and you better not give me anything that was going to Kym." She commanded.

He laughed. "You are so cute when you're upset."

She stuck her tongue out at him.

"You could put that to better use you know?" He ducked as she threw a pillow at him. He laughed so more at her.

Despite her depression, Brittany felt comforted having Rick there to keep it light for her. He took everything she did and turned it around. He was trying so hard to make it better for her.

"What do you have?"

"I thought you didn't want it."

"It was for Kym?"

He shook his head. "No. Been carrying it around for you."

She eyed him suspiciously. "You're fibbing."

He shook his head. "No seriously. I have."

"Let me see."

He turned and showed his tattoo to her. "Look carefully." He told her.

She looked at the interlocking Celtic band wrapping around his arm. She studied it and that's when she saw it. "Oh!"

He smiled. "Yeah. You were the one."

She looked at him. She was speechless. Inside the interlocking design was the letters...CC. She kissed him.

"Better?"

She smiled. "Much."

He wanted to know more but was afraid to push her. She looked so relaxed now. She laid in his arms.

"You know I kick myself for not letting you know me." She said quietly.

"You shouldn't. What's done is done."

"But look at all the lives I screwed up because of it."

"We'll all survive."

"Tristian and our daughter?"

"Tristian would be going through this regardless of you." She shook her head.

"I wanted my own stuff. I got selfish. I should have just stayed home and had another kid."

"So he would be torn? If Christian loved you there would have been nothing for Kym." He reasoned. "This was what was best. Stop beating yourself up."

"But—"

"Honey, I'm sorry for what ever you had to go through but we're together now and that's all that matters."

Her eyes overflowed and blurred. "After all of that, I worked at a night club. I didn't want Tavish's help anymore. I felt that I needed to get myself together and on my own two feet. I graduated and was accepted at a local college. I planned to be independent."

"CeCe, you're up." Gary, the nighttime manager grinned. He was fat and bald and she despised the way he ogled her every time she got on stage. His lewd comments off the stage sent her blood boiling.

She did a last glance in the mirror and opened her compact. She took out a pill and swallowed it. As she walked passed him, he pinched her butt.

She slapped his hand away. As much as she disliked stripping at his club, it was paying the bills. Melissa Etheridge started playing in the background and she walked on stage. She became someone different on stage. The little white pills always helped relax her.

After her routine, Gary said that she had a private dance in back waiting for her. She wrinkled her nose. She hated this part of her job but it paid the best. She walked back and saw Keith Summers.

Keith was a regular at the club. He always asked for her, making her number one enemy to the other girls. Keith was wealthy. Although he was old enough to be her father, she liked how he usually just asked her to sit and talk to him.

She figured he was lonely and afraid women only wanted him for his money. He wasn't bad looking for his age. He was very business like in his appearance. He had short brown hair feathered back and hazel eyes. His features were rough but his body seemed to have aged nicely. He was still fit and firm.

She took her seat. "How's it going, Keith?" She drawled.

He smiled. "I love that accent."

"You can have it." She smiled, warmly.

"How's my queen?"

She shook her head. "I've been better." He gave her a sideways glance and she continued. "I'm tired of being here. I can't wait to get my degree and get out of here."

"What are you majoring in?"

"Business. I'm minoring in writing." She smiled.

"Really. How interesting. Do you write?"

She shrugged. "I guess. I dabble in it. I love it though."

"Why don't you try to get a job doing something else than?"

"What and give this up?" She threw her hands up and he laughed.

"I see. I guess this is a story in the making. So, when are you gonna let me take you out?"

She shook her head. "I'm not allowed to date clients and I can't miss work. I need the money too bad."

"Kid?" He asked, looking at her up and down. She felt his gaze and suddenly became self-conscious.

"No. Just me. I want nice things so I'm over my means right now."

"I can help."

She shook her head. "I have to do it myself. But thanks."

"I don't mind."

"I know. I appreciate it. I really do." She looked at the time and shook her head. "I gotta get back to work.

He threw some more money on the table. "You're mine."

The edge on his voice alarmed her. But he gently patted her hand and eased her. "I paid. I can keep you." He smiled. "Tell me, CeCe, why won't you go out with me? I've been asking you since I met you."

"I'm not ready to date." She said, simply. "I'm not looking for anyone."

He sighed. "It's because I'm old."

She giggled. "You're married too. I'm not that type of girl, Keith."

"Why do you say I'm married?"

"The tan line on your left ring finger."

He frowned. "I was. She passed away."

"I'm sorry. I was—"  
"You meant nothing by it. How could you have known?" He smiled and touched her cheek. "You're so beautiful. I have an idea."

"What's your idea?" She asked leaning closer to him. He peered down her top as she did.

He swallowed hard. "Come work for me."

"Doing what?"

"Personal assistant? Can you type?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

"Come on. It'll be great and it'll get you out of here."

She shook her head. "Sorry. I can't. I get paid too much here."

"How much do you make here a night?"

"It varies. Somewhere between 200-500 a night. I only work 5 hours. You really can't beat that."

"A hundred dollars an hour than."

She looked at him. "Are you serious?"

"Sure. What do you say?"

She smiled. "I can't date the boss."

"No but there may be some dinners and lunch dates I'll need you for."

She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks."

Chapter 20

Rick looked at her. He shook his head. "Baby,"

She held up her hand. "I should have known better, but I let him use me. My sights were on the prize all ready. I couldn't care less about my soul or my body. I was going after the money. The..." She looked at him. "I wanted to be the drug lord. I wasn't joking when I told you."

He stared at her. She wondered if he was seeing her in a different light now. She sat up and kissed him. "It doesn't bother me." He reassured her.

"I love you." She whispered, snuggling deeper into his arms. "I never loved until you. I knew devotion, loyalty, fear, companionship but until you showed me love I thought it was a myth."

"I hate that you went through that. What would make you want to do that?"

She shook her head. "At the time it seemed like a good idea. What else could drive my parents crazy except to know that their daughter was in a drug cartel?"

"Did they?"

She nodded. "Yep. They raided a place on us. I barely got out the door. The only thing that saved me was the element of surprise when my dad grabbed me and saw who I was. He let go and I ran. He wouldn't shoot. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall listening to that conversation."

"So it was revenge on your parents."

She nodded. "Sad, huh?"

"Yeah."

Brittany lounged by the pool. She laid half asleep with her sunglasses on. She commended herself on a job well done. She had won over not only Keith but also Giovanni. She set the sails in motion.

Giovanni had invited her and Keith to his estate for a party. She had slipped into her bikini while they discussed business. She wanted to be free of that for a while. The other girls hated her because she was in the business. Not just a plaything but she contributed.

"Enjoying yourself?" A deep voice asked her.

She smiled as she lowered her glasses. "It'd be better with a martini."

Giovanni handed her a glass. "Your wish is my command."

She studied him. He reminded her of Steven Segal with the long black hair. He was older at least in his fifties. But he still looked good for an old man.

She took the glass and sipped it. "Thanks."

"I was wondering if I might speak with you on a personal level, CeCe."

"Sure."

"I was wondering how serious you and Keith were."

She shook her head. "We're engaged."

"So what about a last fling?"

"Shame on you. What would your wife say?"

"She'd be jealous if I didn't invite her to join us. She thinks you are beautiful."

"And Keith?"

Giovanni shrugged. "What can he do?"

Brittany laughed. "Let me think about it. In the meantime, have you looked over my proposition I sent you?"

"Does Keith know about it?"

She shook her head. "I figured I should start with you."

"Let me think about it." He smiled. She knew that meant if she gave him what he wanted she could have what she wanted.

She pushed her glasses back up. "Just remember I'm impatient."

Giovanni Peritti regarded the female lying on his chair. She was stunningly beautiful. She was, also, brilliantly intelligent; which was rare to find.

CeCe as she was called. He found out was very invaluable to his operation in making sure that it ran smoothly without complications from the DEA. CeCe made sure it happened that way. She eliminated any threat that came near them. She was always on top of the matter and she was highly trained in combat.

He had searched for more background on her but came up with nothing. She mysteriously exists and has someone helping to cover who she really was. Against his better judgment, he decided to see exactly what she would bring him.

His eyes raked over her again. He knew she felt it. Her nipples grew taut under her bikini. He knelt down beside the chair and began kissing her. She resisted and it turned him on more.

"Why fight the inevitable, hon?" he growled at her, roughly pulling her to her feet. He twisted her arm behind her back. He had seen her in action and didn't doubt for a second that she wouldn't fight him. "I will always have what I want."

He pushed her to the house. She decided then that she wasn't going without a fight. She tossed her head back hard connecting with his face. On instinct, he grabbed his nose. She jerked around and kicked him into the pool.

She stood at the edge with a grin. His guards had come with guns raised at her. She smiled triumphantly.

He was angry. She saw his eyes. But she refused to back down. The only way for her to prove herself to be more than a play toy is to stand her ground.

Keith was at her side. "What the hell did you do?"

She shrugged. "He fell in."

Giovanni got out and stared her down. She returned it. He grabbed her and whirled her around holding her around the neck. He pressed hard against her cutting off her air.

Keith did nothing. Giovanni was forcing her to kneel and she fought to stay on her feet. She closed her eyes. Tavish taught her how to get out of this. She raised her hand, grabbing his wrist and finding the pressure point she pressed hard, sinking her finger into his skin. He let go of her but she held on.

"You need to learn manners." She snarled.

He looked at a guard and she noticed the motion to late. The butt of the gun landed against her skull.

When she woke, she couldn't move. She was tied spread eagle on a four-poster bed. She saw Giovanni and his wife Mindy enter. She knew what was going to happen and there was no way out of it but she had proven her point to Giovanni. She wouldn't go down without a fight.

"I'm glad you're awake. We're gonna have so much fun." Mindy purred.

It seemed like days when Giovanni finally untied her and gave her the approval. She smiled. If anything maybe it all would be worth it. She scurried on out before he could change his mind or take her again.

Back in her apartment, she looked around. She had bought a Fender guitar in hopes that one day she would be able to play it. She looked at the case. She opened it and looked inside. Perfect.

"I'm sorry, CeCe." Keith apologized for the hundredth time.

She shrugged. "I'll get over it."

"I don't have the balls to take him on. You're lucky you weren't killed."

She rolled her eyes. "As if."

"You know you keep on thinking you're invaluable and someone will off you."

She shook her head. "I'm not stressing over it."

"Did he hurt you?"

"No. Only the goose egg on my head."

"You're something else."

"Yeah I know." Her cell phone rang. She looked at it and excused herself.

"Hey. How's it going?"

"What are you on?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're crazy."

"Hey I've suffered big time for this. Now are you gonna help me?"

"Meet me tonight at the pier."

"Ok. Tenish?"

"Yeah. Whatever." He hung up. He was in a bad mood.

She sat on the pier. She looked out over the lake. She heard the sound of a car approaching. She turned and saw the truck.

Tavish killed the lights. "And you sit in the open? Damn, girl have I taught you nothing?"

"I've learned but please no one notices me."

Tavish shook his head. "You're killing me. What the hell happen to your head?"

He touched it gingerly and she pulled away. "Ow. Giovanni."

"What?"

"He wanted. He took."

Tavish shook his head. "I should kill him."

"Nope. We do this my way and hit him where it hurts."

"If this doesn't work?"

"Now when have you known anything of mine not to work?"

"Well, ok."

"Anyways, what happened to having it all?"

"I want to live to enjoy it."

"We'll live. Why don't you trust me? Now did you do it?"

"Yeah. Three o'clock tomorrow at Raphael's."

She smiled. "Sometimes life's too easy."

"You better be careful you're not playing with idiots. They've been in this game a long time."

She shook her head and puffed out her chest. "When it comes to me, everyone's an idiot."

He looked her over. "Yep. Men tend to forget which side is what but they do wise up afterwards."

"If they live."

Chapter 21

"My plan was simple. All I had to do was meet with Tavish's boss, Thomas Marisimo. It was a no brainer. After all, I've seen enough mob movies and read all the books my parents had. I was an expert.

Thomas trusted me wholeheartedly. He was willing to deal for a price. You learn quickly in that world nothing is free. Anyways, I already lost that battle once before. I told him, Peritti was planning to expand his territory. I had been hanging out with Keith and he knew this. I told him I would act quickly before anything happened. Better to be prepared.

"It really was simple. Let the war wage and if I was lucky Giovanni would die and Thomas would expand. I had been taking what was owed to me for quite some time and in the short two in a half years I collected 10 million in compensation. I was fed up and with everything getting ready to happen it seemed natural that Keith and I should part. He made it easy when I found him in bed with my best friend. I left.

"I have the money and all the things that come with it from the mob wanting to kill me to the mob wanting me back. I'm almost complete with my plan though, if it helps."

"Almost complete? What else is there?" Rick snapped. He walked over to the window. He wore a tee shirt and jeans.

She looked at him uncertainly. She frowned. "You're mad."

"You're involved with the mob. How am I supposed to feel?"

"You're right. I dumped too much on you."

"Get out."

"Excuse me?"

"Cut yourself free. Give back the money. Get away from them."

She laughed. "That's funny. You don't just walk away from it that easily. You either die or get pardon. I'm choosing the latter."

"And how is that?"

"Leo Carlini."

"You really are crazy."

"So people say. He's taking care of me and I'm taking care of him. I told you despite what you think it really is a simple plan. Working like a charm...sort of."

"Sort of?"

She looked away, sheepishly. "Look the snow's stopped."

"For the next five minutes. It'll start again."  
" I wish I brought my radio in."

"Left it in the car?"

She nodded. "Yeah along with my books and laptop."

"Tell me."

She smiled and walked over to him. She knelt in front of him. "I don't feel like talking anymore." She unzipped his jeans.

"Cheater." He moaned, as she took him in her mouth.

Brittany let Rick sleep. If there was a way to run, she would have taken it. She was too close to him now. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt she was in love with him. The only thing she could do was to wait out this snowstorm and disappear when they got back to the real world. She had to finish what she started before she could have a life now.

She looked out and sighed. It would soon be over and they would head back to deal with the life they hid from for the past two weeks.

It was hard to believe the New Year was upon them. She walked into the bathroom and ran the bath. Her memories flooded back.

Brittany pulled off her clothes and ran the bath water. She couldn't wait to soak in the tub. The phone rang. She picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Are you crazy?"

"What now, Tav?"

"He's an under boss."

"So?"

"Giovanni."

She caught her breath. "How the hell did he get with Giovanni?"

"Married into the family. Until his wife met an unfortunate demise. It was never proven but he is under watchful eyes."

"So he killed her for what?"

"You."

"What?"

"It was shortly after he met you. He offed her. Her brakes went out. They lived on a sharp turn."

She was silent. "Oh well."

"That makes you a suspect too."

"Please. I'm a nobody."

"Giovanni knows who the hell you are. Don't go there."

"Keith doesn't. And while he thinks I'm an idiot I can scam him."

"You scam him you're scamming Giovanni and he won't let you by."

"Once again, you worry too much. Trust me. I got it all taken care of."

"You're gonna get killed."

"Who me?" She lowered herself in the tub. The warm water felt good against her sore muscles. "I'm gonna have it all."

"Good luck with that." He hung up.

He was still mad she wouldn't come back to him. She wanted her freedom. Her thoughts floated back. They always did. She wanted that guy back. She wanted her daughter back. She cried.

She got out and threw her robe on. She walked over to her liquor cabinet and began to drink away the pain.

There was a knock on the door. She stumbled over to it and unlocked it. Keith stood there.

"What's wrong?" He asked. He acted concerned.

She shook her head. "Nothing. Just one of those nights. What are you doing here?"

"I came to see if you were up to a celebration dinner. We got the account. Thanks to you of course. I think I get more accounts now because I have you."

"I'm not up to going out but I ordered Chinese and it should be here soon. You're more than welcome to eat with me."

He nodded, accepting the invitation. She was getting drunk and it would be the perfect time.

He watched her drink the bottle in her hand in huge gulps.

"I'm so sorry." She stammered, as she bit into an egg roll. "I'm really not gonna be good company."

"Nonsense. You're upset. I just wish you'd tell me why."

She shrugged. "I'm heartbroken."

He nodded and moved closer. "Tell me about it." He put his arms around her. She cried. She didn't talk to him.

He took advantage of her. She woke in the morning, regretting letting her guard down.

Her body screamed in pain. She sluggishly got out of bed. Moving slowly, she headed for the bathroom. Her head hurt. She knew she drank too much. She was just trying to ease the pain.

Keith had taken advantage of her. She felt like he had used every inch of her for his pleasure. She turned on the shower and got in.

The hot water burned her skin. She was hoping it would burn away what she just got herself into. She was going in over her head and she knew it. There was no turning back now.

She walked to the kitchen. Keith had left a note on her fridge telling her she could come in when she felt like it. If she wanted, the day off that was fine but they had a dinner meeting tonight.

She grabbed the orange juice container and poured herself a cup. She lit a cigarette and sat down. She stared out the window and planned her next step.

Keith looked up as Brittany walked in. Just thinking about her and what he did to her last night aroused him. She came into his office and shut the door. He tried to determine if she was happy or upset with him.

She wore a black cami inside the red blazer she left unbuttoned. He gazed over her chest. She had a matching red mini skirt on to show off her shapely legs and red stilettos.

He licked his lips. She walked over to him and sat on the corner. "I kinda expected you would be there when I woke." She spoke, coyly.

He smiled. "I had an early meeting, doll. I'm sorry." He touched her leg.

She leaned down and he was gazing down her cami. She lifted his eyes and kissed him. "I locked the door."

He didn't hesitate, pulling her onto his lap. She leaned her head back, cursing herself the whole time.

Brittany shivered in the warm water as she thought of the things he did to her. She hated him. Soon he would regret ever messing with her.

Her plan was simple. It ran into a few snags but nothing she couldn't deal with. She ran the washcloth over her butterfly tattoo. She gingerly ran her finger over the scar.

"Feds!" Someone called out. They scattered.

Tavish grabbed Brittany. He was always protective over her. In any danger, he protected her. She saw the briefcase still lying on the floor. She dove for it. Before Tavish could react, someone grabbed her.

Brittany stared in the face of her father. He looked at her stunned. She broke free and ran. On the way out the door, she felt the sting of pain. Tavish was by her side to help get her into the awaiting truck.

She woke in the hospital. Tavish was nearby. "It's ok." He said, as she panicked to get out of there. "You're safe."

"But—"

"Easy." He whispered.

The doctor walked in and he looked so young. She felt she was in an episode of Doogie Houser. "Veronica, you should be so lucky that it missed any vital organs. You'll be fine. I've stitched you up and here's a prescription for pain killers."

He handed it to her. She smiled, weakly. "Can I go home?"

He shook his head. "I prefer to keep you overnight."

She frowned. "But it's my best friend's birthday."

He nodded. "Then she'll understand. I had to report the incident to the cops."

She nodded. "I don't know how much help I'll be. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time." She quipped.

He nodded again and looked at Tavish. "It's a good thing your friend was able to get you out of there."

She shrugged. "I'm in a lot of pain. Can I get a pill?"

He injected something into her IV. "I was way ahead of you. Now get some rest before the cops get here to grill you."

He walked out. She looked at Tavish. "I got it covered." He kissed her forehead. "Trust me a little."

"I do." Her eyes felt so heavy that she couldn't keep them open anymore. She closed them.

When she woke, the doctor was back. "Did you tell me your name?"

He shook his head. "Dr. Klause."

She nodded. "What did you give me?"

"Morphine."

"A little strong isn't it?"

"You needed it. By the way, your friend took care of the cops. You were out of it. I got your release papers right here and he's getting the car. We'll meet him downstairs."

"Wow. That's it?"

"Yeah. He brought a change of clothes for you in the bathroom. Do you need a nurse to help you?"

She shook her head. "No thanks. I think I got it."

"Careful getting up. The morphine is a real hang over sometimes."

She nodded and waited for him to exit. Then she threw the covers back and got to her feet. The room swirled a little. She sat back down.

She finally made it to the bathroom and got dressed when she came back out Dr. Klause was waiting for her.

"In the wheelchair."

She sat down and he put her feet up. He took her down to the lobby, where Tavish was waiting. As he got closer, he leaned down to her. "Next time, don't turn your back."

She sat stunned. Tavish helped her into the truck. She looked back at the doctor but he was already heading back in.

"Tav?" She asked as he got in.

"Yeah?"

"He was one of ours?"

"Of course."

She let out a sigh of relief.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. How's everyone?"

He was silent. She closed her eyes. "How many casualties?"

"We shouldn't have had any." He growled.

She shook her head. "Not my fault."

"I know. I took you out of it. I thought...damn we were betrayed."

"Tav, who was it?"

"Trent. We didn't loose him but he's out of commission. CeCe, I'm gonna kill whoever betrayed us." He vowed.

Chapter 22

Brittany stood in front of the mirror. It was covered in steam. She wiped it away. She stared at herself. She had run so far and so fast from it all.

She really tried to leave it in the past. She got with Christian; she learned to be composed, and well mannered. She enjoyed playing homemaker and mother. When she had Tristian, she thought her life was complete.

She had taken care of everything before she erased her past. Giovanni took a hit. Thomas promoted Tavish to underboss. The only loose end was Keith. He wasn't where he was supposed to be. Therefore, he survived. That meant he moved up and took Giovanni's place. She sighed.

One loose end and she got dragged back into it. She had to finish the job though. She was expected to come out of hiding to finish it. Not only did she come out of hiding but also now she had her old position back. Why was she always expected to be the counselor? What was the fancy name they gave her...consigliere. That was it. Italian, she had learned to speak it fluently but she learned to keep it as a hidden talent. Therefore, she could eavesdrop on conversations.

It came in handy. She learned of betrayals and other deals. She intervened on a lot of them. She learned to deal behind their backs. She made up her own crew that was surreptitious among the other bosses. Now she knew what was going on at all times. She was able to cause chaos and confusion among the families.

It was hard to assemble a crew, especially when they would not follow a woman. But if you create a male image that they would not hesitate to follow, it falls into place. She only picked out the high rankings among the families to contact. Using a voice box, she made her proposal. They never could resist it.

She was known as the Dark Angel. They talked about this person as if he was a legend in the making. She smiled every time to herself. As much as the families, hated him, they envied the way he worked. It was always assumed that the Dark Angel had to be male. No woman had the brains and skill to do what he did.

When she went underground, everyone assumed he was hiding her because she could not be found. Her crew continued their work. They dealt through Tavish and no one knew of her identity. Tavish made the deals. He was excellent at what he did and he had no problems following her lead.

She walked out to find Rick sitting up. He looked at her. Something was wrong. She could see it on his face.

"Rick?"

"I'm sorry."

She crossed the room to him. She was in bed and wrapped in his arms. "Did I scare you?"

He nodded. "I woke up and you were gone. It took me a while to comprehend that you were still here."

She snuggled against his chest. "I couldn't think of a better place to be."

She listened to his heartbeat. It was racing. He had truly been scared. "Rick?"

"Hmm?"

"Make love to me."

He pulled her on top of him and kissed her. "Any time you ask how can I say no?" She smiled and kissed him.

Chapter 23

Brittany was sitting in their lawyers' office. Christian had asked her to meet him there. She knew what it was about.

"Brittany." Justin Harrison extended his arms. She smiled and welcomed the warm hug.

Justin was not like most lawyers. He was warm and caring. He took in consideration of every case whether or not his soul would burn in hell for it before accepting them. He was a solid Christian and she enjoyed working with him.

"Justin. How are the wife and kids?"

"Good. I hear you missed the holidays."

She nodded. "Blizzard. It's ok. I got to enjoy a much-needed vacation. We never do much during the holidays anyways."

"Come on into my office."

She followed him. She sat in the chair in front of his desk. He was very organized and the only things on his desk were a picture of his family and the Lord's Prayer.

He sighed. "You know this is never an easy part for me to do and I have thought long and hard. If it were anyone else I would have said no but you and Christian have been a huge part of my life for the past four years."

She continued to smile. "What's wrong, Justin?"

"Christian is asking for a divorce."

Her smile faded. "What do you mean?"

Christian walked in. She turned to him. "You're asking for a divorce."

He looked tired. "Britt, it's—"

She put her hand up. "No. Don't. Just don't. Whatever." She turned back to Justin. "What does he want?"

Justin looked over the papers. "He's leaving everything to you."

"I don't want it. This is what I want." She looked at Justin. The tears were stinging her eyes. "My house in LA, my car in LA, my son, and that's it. He can have everything else. I only want what I had."

"But Britt, I did it all for you."

She whirled on him. "Shut up! You did nothing for me! Nothing! Shut up. I did it for me!" She scribbled her signature on the papers and got up. "I hope you and Kym are happy. I wish you both the best."

She walked out. As she got into her car, she turned the stereo up. It was playing her duet with Rick. She sat there for a few minutes and cried. Her cell phone rang. She opened it.

"Hello?"

"I found her."

"Good. Send her home."

"She'll be there tomorrow at 3pm."

"That quick."

"Yeah apparently money does have a lot of pull."

"Surprise. Surprise."

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"A little late."

"What about?"

"He divorced me today."

"Really? Do you think this is a good time?"

"No but it's something I need to do."

"Hannah."

"What?"

"Her name is Hannah. Hannah Lynn Carlisle. I sent her picture via email."

Chapter 24

Brittany and Rick stood together at the airport. They searched the crowd.

"I'm so nervous." Brittany said.

"Me, too. But we'll all get through this." He held Tristian's hand.

"Oh my Gosh!" Brittany exclaimed. "There she is."

The girl that came through the gates was tall for her age. She wore her auburn hair down covering part of her face. She wore a black tunic top and white leggings.

She carried a duffel bag on her shoulder. Brittany approached her. "Hannah?"

"Yeah." The girl looked up at her. "Oh my God! You really are Brittany Cross!"

Brittany smiled. "Yeah. Do you have more bags?"

The girl shook her head. "No, my folks said I didn't need anything else."

Brittany nodded. "Great. Well, come on this way."

"Is that Rick Lancet?"

Brittany nodded and tried to hide her amusement. Hannah shied away from Rick but quickly took to Tristian.

"Are you my new sister?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I guess I am."

Brittany smiled. "Just maybe everything will be ok." She whispered to Rick. He put his arm around her waist.

"Would I lie to you?"

She shrugged. "I don't know."

He laughed. "I would never."

"That's good to know."

Hannah was walking ahead of them with Tristian. Tristian was busy filling her in on his world. She looked back at Brittany and Rick and smiled.

"She's beautiful." They said in unison.

In the limo, Hannah chatted with Tristian. She glanced over at Rick and Brittany.

"You know where I grew up, I was lonely. I'm glad I have a brother now."

"Did you have a lot of friends?"

She shook her head, sadly. "No. I had to go to a private school and the girls didn't like me."

"Why?"

"I didn't like the things that they did. I wasn't like them."

Tristian frowned. "That's sad. I go to a private school and I have lots of friends."

She smiled. "You're very likable."

"So are you."

"Thanks. I'm hoping a lot of things will be different." She reached out and took Brittany and Rick's hand.

It took Brittany's breath the way she accepted them so quick. She must have been real lonely not knowing how she fit in to this world. She could have turned out just like Brittany.

"We hope so to, sweetie. Now that we're all together."

She smiled at Rick. "I can't wait to hear your story."

"What story?"

"The love story? The one of me?"

Brittany smiled. "It really was a love story. Are you hungry, Hannah or do you want to go home and rest?"

"I'm really too excited to sleep. Can we go out to eat?"

"What do you like to eat?" Rick asked.

"Seafood."

Tristian repeated it. He loved seafood.

Brittany looked at Rick. "The pier."

He tapped on the glass and told the driver where to go.

After dinner, Hannah wanted to walk along the beach. Brittany and Rick couldn't say no. Tristian ran along with Hannah playing in the sand.

Rick shook his head. "Here they come."

Brittany looked around. She saw the reporters and photographers making their way over to them. "Dag gone blood hounds. Come on, kids."

Hannah turned around and then grabbed Tristian. She hurried back to the limo.

"Impressive." Rick whispered to Brittany.

"Very."

When they got home, Brittany stared in awe at her new home. It was huge and beautiful. Her old home would have seemed like a miniature dollhouse.

Tristian eagerly took Hannah by the hand. "I'll show you to your room."

Rick and Brittany followed behind them. Hannah face lit up when she saw her room. "Wow!" She gasped.

"We can go out and get what you want to decorate it. We left it plain because we were unsure of what you like."

Hannah smiled. "It's great. I have my own bathroom."

"Yeah I hear teenagers like that stuff." Rick joked.

"I do...Dad."

Rick choked. His eyes misted up. "Honey, you don't have to..."

"I want to. I need to get used to calling you Dad and you Mom." She addressed them. Brittany felt the same way as Rick.

"You mean I don't have to start school tomorrow?"

Brittany shook her head. "You'll start fresh next week. Give you time to rest and adjust."

Hannah grinned. "A mini vacation. Cool."

Tristian gave her a hug. "I'm glad you're here but I still have school in the morning. My room is right next door."

"Can I see it?"

"Sure." They all walked to Tristian's room. He had decorated his room as a stage. He had every instrument known to man in his room and sound equipment.

Hannah smiled. "Wanna be a singer?"

"Just like my daddy."

She nodded. "Well, good night and sweet dreams." She gave him a hug and kiss.

Tristian turned and gave Brittany and Rick a hug and kiss. "Night, Mom. Night, Rick."

"Night." They said in unison.

"Sweet dreams, honey, and don't forget your prayers." Brittany stated.

Hannah walked back to her room and sat on the edge of her queen-sized bed. "Wow. I never had a bed this big. She gazed around. The entertainment center held a 27" television set, DVD player, and a stereo system. All the stuff was name brand, Sony and Bose.

"Are you ok?" Brittany asked, quietly. She couldn't believe how much this little girl reminded her of herself.

Hannah smiled. "I'm great. My parents are Brittany Cross and Rick Lancet."

"Overwhelming. I know. I'm so sorry, sweetie."

"Don't be. You were young and you probably weren't ready."

"I wanted to keep you. I really did."

Hannah nodded. "Tell me."

Brittany sat on the edge of the bed. Rick stood by the dresser. "I met your dad at the mall. I ran into him, literally. He took my breath away. It was love at first sight." She looked over at Rick, who nodded. "I didn't know who he was. I gave him my middle name. I was afraid of love."

"But you made love to him and had me?"

Brittany smiled. "Yes, honey."

She looked at Rick. "And you loved Mom?"

Rick nodded. "With all my heart."

"But you married other people."

"Yeah."

"Did you love Kym?"

"I thought I did."

"Did you love Christian?"

Brittany nodded. "I did."

Hannah thought about it. "And when you two met again?"

"It was stronger than ever. We just didn't put it together until we got snowed in together." Rick finished.

"And that's when you found out about me." She concluded.

Rick nodded. "Best day of my life."

Hannah smiled. "Mine too."

"I am really proud of how you turned out." Brittany quipped.

"Thanks." She went in her duffel bag and pulled out a picture. It was of Brittany way back then. "I kept it and prayed every night you would come back to me."

Brittany cried. "Oh, honey." She hugged Hannah tight to her. "I love you so much. I'm so sorry. I always thought you had your own life and didn't want me."

"I never knew your name. But I knew your face. I love you, Mom."

"Where did you get that? When did they tell you?"

"They always told me."

"Were they mean to you?"

Hannah shook her head. "One time, my adopted father smacked me. The next day he had a cast on his arm. He never touched me again."

Brittany smiled. Tavish watched over her as he promised. "You had a guardian angel, huh?"

"Tavish." She confirmed.

Brittany froze. Rick looked at her.

"When did you meet Tavish?"

Hannah shrugged. "He gave me the picture."

"Well, I'm sure you're ready for bed." Rick interrupted.

"I really want to talk to you both."

Brittany shrugged. "I don't mind. Leo gave me time off."

"I don't have anything going on either." Rick commented. "Let's head downstairs so Tristian can go to sleep."

They talked for hours. Hannah wanted to know all about them and she couldn't stop asking questions. They likewise wanted to know all about her. Sometime about one in the morning, Brittany had to get firm and send Hannah to bed.

"We'll talk in the morning. I still have to get Tristian ready for school."

Rick gave Hannah a hug and kisses and watched as she sullenly climbed the stairs.

He smiled. "Man, she's just like you. That fire in her."

Brittany nodded. "I noticed. Are you gonna be comfortable in the other room?"

He shook his head. "No but I guess it's the right thing to do."

"I can tuck you in." She purred.

"I won't let you leave then."

She frowned. "Ok. I'll see you in the morning." She kissed him and lingered not wanting to sleep in separate rooms.

"It's ok. Just temporary." He touched her face. Kissing her again, he went upstairs to his room.

She frowned. It wasn't fair. Christian and Kym flaunted their affair in front of Tristian. But of course, they were getting married. She shook free of the hatred. She had to deal with this. This wasn't good for any of them. But still as she watched Rick head up the stairs she felt heartbroken.

She laid in bed and slept restlessly until she woke at five. She dressed in her sweats and headed to the beach for her morning run and workout. She had started this routine since she moved in. No matter how late she went to bed, she had to get up and do it.

When she got back at seven Tristian was already up. Rick and Hannah were fixing breakfast. They were all laughing and didn't notice as she slipped pass them.

She went upstairs, showered, and changed for the day. She chose a light blue cashmere sweater and white jeans. She brushed her hair back. It had gotten a lot longer than she wanted. Maybe Hannah and her could go to the salon today.

"Morning." She called as she walked in and sat at the dining room table.

"Morning, Mom." Hannah greeted running and kissing her on the cheek. Tristian sat down with his bowl of cereal. Brittany smiled at him. "How did you sleep, Tristian?"

He shrugged. He was like Christian. Christian was not a morning person and although he had to get up he was best left alone for the first couple of hours.

Hannah frowned. "Are you ok, Tristian?" She showed genuine concern. "We were fixing eggs and bacon."

"He's not a morning person. He doesn't do a hot breakfast either, just cereal." She studied him. Tristian was looking increasingly like Christian every day. "Need a lift to school?"

"No. I forgot to tell you. Kym's taking me, today."

"Excuse me." Brittany retorted, shocked.

"Yeah, Dad was supposed to talk to you about it. He wanted a couple of days. I told him that today was fine. I thought since Hannah was here you would be fine."

Brittany felt the sharp sting to her heart. She forced a smile. "Sure, honey. If it's ok with you, it's fine with me."

He pushed away from the table and put his dishes in the sink. He gave her a hug and kiss. He hugged and kissed Hannah and Rick.

She watched as he disappeared upstairs and returned with his book bag slung over his shoulder. She heard the beep of the intercom at the gate. He walked to the door panel and pushed the button after checking the camera. She smiled. "Have a great day at school."

"Have a great day, Mom. Bye Rick Bye, Hannah. See you all after school."

The three of them had breakfast. Hannah tugged self-consciously at her shirt. Brittany smiled. "Wanna go through my closet?"

Hannah looked up excitedly. "Really?"

Brittany nodded. "Sure. Then we can go shopping."

"Rodeo Drive?"

Rick laughed. "Your momma doesn't shop there."

Hannah frowned. "Why not?"

"Too ritzy. I'll be afraid to wear that stuff. We can go if you really want."

"Well where do you go?"

"Outlet mall."

"That sounds fun."

"Wanna go to the salon?"

Hannah nodded. "Did you two need some alone time. I noticed that you slept in separate rooms."

Rick eyed Brittany. She responded, carefully. "You are too grown up. Rick and I don't want to dump too much on Tristian."

Hannah nodded. "I know."

Brittany smiled. "Go raid my closet. We'll be down here." She snuggled into Rick's arms on the couch.

When Hannah disappeared upstairs, Rick kissed her deeply. She melted against him. "I've missed you so much."

"Me, too." She whispered.

"Marry me."

"How romantic." She replied jokingly.

He gazed into her eyes. "I'm not kidding. Marry me. Today. No one will know."

"What do we tell Tristian?"

"Do you think he doesn't know?"

"It's so much on him."

"He'll be fine."

"He'll be upset if he's not there."

"We'll do it tonight."

She sighed. "I don't know Rick. Are we jumping the gun?"

"Why?"

"I don't get a real wedding." She pouted.

"Do you want a real wedding?"

She shrugged and shook her head. "Nah. I don't need the fancy stuff. Just us and the kids."

Hannah came down dressed in one of Brittany's old concert tee shirts and a pair of ripped up jeans. Brittany giggled.

"You're not serious."

Hannah shrugged. "Do you mind?"

Brittany shook her head. "Whatever you're comfortable with."

"I love Warrant."

"I did too. What are you doing listening to the old stuff?"

"It's better than what's out there now. I listen to country, too."

"What else?" Rick asked.

Hannah giggled. "I listen to you, too. I even had your old stuff."

"Get in the car." Rick growled, playfully. "I have my hands full with you two."

"You have to let me listen to it."

Brittany commented.

"Which car are we taking?"

"The Escalade. It's the family vehicle." Rick answered.

"Oh." Hannah sounded disappointed.

"What did you want to take?" Brittany asked, watching the light come back in her eyes. Hannah smiled.

"I saw on CMT you had a 1968 Shelby."

Brittany's smile faded. She shook her head. "Uh uh. It was Christian. He took it with him. Sorry, but I do have a 1968 Pontiac Firebird."

"400?"

Brittany showed her surprise. "Wow. You really are my daughter. 400 with turbo 400 transmission, Power steering and power brakes, factory a/c and original vinyl top."

"How awesome. I always dreamed of having a 69 cougar, 351 Windsor, dual overhead cams. They are so beautiful."

"Oh yeah? They are beautiful but you're right I should have fought for that Shelby."

Rick stared in awe at the two of them. He felt as if he walked into the twilight zone. He laughed. "That's weird. I have no idea what you two are talking about."

The girls laughed at him. "It's ok. We know how to change the tire if we get a flat. You're in good hands." Hannah joked.

"Who taught you about cars?" Brittany asked. She could not contain her curiosity.

Hannah looked shyly away. "Tavish. He told me how much you loved your muscle cars. He told me everything about you."

Brittany hung her head down. He would always be her ghost. He didn't watch her from a distant he was involved in her life. No doubt, the people she stayed with were connected to him too. That's why everything was so simple and Hannah was okay with everything. Tavish had told her. No telling how much she knew or if in fact, she was her daughter. Maybe this girl just needed someone to take her in. But as she looked at Hannah there was no denying that she was Rick's and hers. She sighed.

"You ok, Mom? Did I say something wrong?"

Brittany shook her head. They were already in the Escalade, headed to the mall. She looked out of the window and Rick laid his hand on her leg. She smiled, sadly. Her phone rang.

"Talk to me." She answered.

"Didn't I tell you not to go anywhere unless you tell me?"

"You're supposed to keep up." She retorted, hotly. "Why should I have to call? You should have people stationed already. My family and I should always be well protected." She hissed.

"Easy. You are grumpy today. What's going on?" Tavish questioned.

"As if."

"Whatever, CeCe. You just watch your back. The guards are stationed to follow you all but you still need to have your wits about you." He hung up. She winced at the shortness of his voice.

She hung up and laid it in the console. Rick looked at her.

"Everything ok?"

She nodded but in her mind, she was screaming. No, we are wanted by the mob, dead preferably. I screwed up bringing you all into this. I'm sorry. How can you forgive me? I'm so stupid and selfish. But I really am trying to end this. It just has to be the blood and gore way. There's no peace in the mob. I love you.

Chapter 25

Rick pulled into the parking deck and they got out. She looked around. She saw a few photographers. She wrinkled her nose. Soon, they'll be digging up the story. Then Christian and Kym will find out that they might have duped them but in the end, they were all with who they were supposed to be with.

Hannah was just as thrifty as Brittany was. She wasn't willing on spending a fortune even though she had it. She loved knowing that she could though. She watched as people tripped over themselves as they realized who they were.

She was worried about her Mom. Brittany seemed on edge. She tried to make it inconspicuous.

"I love this top. Mom?"

Brittany turned her attention back to her daughter. She was holding up a black lace shirt with a natural color under it to give it the illusion of it being skin. She frowned. "I don't know if I like that."

Rick put his arms around her. "I think it's cute and girlish."

Brittany nodded. "Ok. You win."

Hannah smiled at Rick. "Thanks, Dad."

He grinned. He loved hearing her call him Dad. Brittany watched him glow. She smiled. She liked seeing him that happy. He whispered in her ear. "You know I missed all the younger years. I mean I'm catching the end of Tristian's too. I want a baby."

She froze. How would she be able to do that? She didn't want another. She wanted her career, didn't she? How could he just throw that at her knowing she didn't want to give Christian another one?

"Not now." He felt her tense. "Later. When the time's right for you."

She nodded. She kissed him. The flashes that went off were incredible. It was the opportunity of a lifetime for them.

She turned snuggling into his arms and grabbed Hannah. "Smile for the cameras." Hannah did.

The next morning on the cover of People was their picture. She smiled. "Wow. You photograph very well, Hannah."

Hannah smiled. "Really."

Brittany was staring at the cover. She nodded. "I'm gonna call—" Her phone rang. Rick answered it. He held it out to her. She looked at him for a clue.

"Your agent."

She got on the phone. "Speak of the devil." She giggled. She silenced. "Really." She looked over at Hannah and nodded. "Yeah. That sounds great. Of course. Yeah well, I...I know but...ok. Bye."

She hung up and Rick was looking at her. "Did you tell your publicist about us?" He nodded. "It helps to know this."

"Sorry. I figured you told them about us already." She shook her head.

"You'll be ok. They don't like surprises and damage control."

She shrugged. "I don't care. It's not as if I can't get another agent. I'm not concerned about it." She looked at Hannah, "On the other hand, Trish says she got a call from Teen magazine to do a spread about you. Want to?"

Hannah nodded. "Really. Can I?"

Brittany smiled. "Yeah. Christian and I always kept Tristian out of the limelight. It was his wish. I leave it to my children. If you want to, we have to be there at 6 in the morning tomorrow."

Hannah nodded. "I would love to."

Brittany and Rick were married that night with Tristian and Hannah present. As she looked in his eyes and recited her vows, she knew she would die before she hurt him. She cried as he recited his. The love she felt for him was like no other.

They went out to dinner. The four of them. The best night of their lives and they ran into their exes. Christian and Kym sat at the nearest table. She looked as elegant as ever. Even pregnant she was radiant.

Brittany smiled and pulled Rick closer. Tomorrow at the shoot Hannah was gonna give them exclusive rights to her story. "Hey you two!" Brittany called out, warmly.

Christian turned around and faced her. She wore an elegant white dress with the ring glove, she loved so much. Christian always commented how she looked angelic.

Now as she stood facing him, she didn't feel sad. She felt elated. She was finally with the one she wanted.

"Brittany. Rick." Kym tried to force a smile.

"Wow. What a surprise!" Christian exclaimed.

Rick nodded and extended his hand. "How's it going man?"

Christian smiled and took it shaking it warmly. The tension eased. Christian noticed Hannah and Tristian.

"Hi." He greeted Hannah. Hannah smiled, shyly. Rick pulled her to his side and brought Tristian in front. Tristian eagerly hugged Christian and Kym.

"Guess what?" He asked eagerly. Of course giving them no time to answer. "Mom and Rick got married. And Hannah is my new sister. Isn't that cool?"

Christian and Kym looked speechless. Brittany swallowed a giggle. Oh, a camera would be lovely right now. As if on cue, a photographer snapped some pictures.

Brittany and Rick smiled. Christian looked up at her then at Hannah. "Sister?"

They nodded, unsure of how to explain. Then Brittany felt a surge of anger, how could they expect an explanation. Did they get one?

Brittany shook her head. She turned to Rick and said, "I'm hungry. We can go somewhere else." She turned on her heels to walk out. Rick and the kids followed.

"What was that all about?"

"They never gave us an explanation. Why should we?"

He shook his head. "Baby, everyone's gonna find out."

She shrugged. "I don't care. That's not the point."

"Then why not tell them?"

She frowned. "Fine."

They walked back and sat at their table. The waiter came over and they gave their order. Rick turned to Christian and Kym who still looked stunned.

Rick offered the explanation. "Brett and I were soul mates. We met a long time ago. A brief encounter that changed our life forever."

"You two slept together before?" Christian asked.

Brittany pursed her lips together. "Yeah. I didn't know who he was and vice versa."

Kym's eyes widened. "A one night stand?"

Brittany nodded. Their food was arriving at the table. Hannah and Tristian were keeping busy playing table football.

Rick excused them back to their table. "See?"

"You're right. That was worth it to see her looking at me like I was a whore."

He frowned. "You're not a whore."

"Some would beg to differ."

He shook his head, as they sat down.

Chapter 26

Brittany rolled over and kissed Rick. She smiled as he wrapped his arms around her still sleeping. Almost three years, she had been married to this wonderful man. She loved him increasingly every day.

"I gotta go get the kids up."

"Hannah's already up. I hear the shower going. You know she'll get Tristian up to."

"I know but I enjoy being Mom."

"How about being Wife and taking care of me first?"

She smiled and slipped her head under the covers. "Gladly."

Brittany walked downstairs dressed in a black top and black jeans. Hannah was pouring herself a glass of orange juice.

"Want some?" She asked Tristian. He shook his head. She shrugged. "Ok. Here." She pushed his bowl of Cookie Crisp in front of him and grabbed her bagel.

"There's cream cheese in the fridge."

"Nah. Bella said Sean would pick me up so I gotta run. Love ya Mom. I love you Daddy." She called up the stairs as she ran out the door. He came down in time to grab her and give her a hug.

"Love you too, sweetie. Have a good day."

He looked at Brittany. "What are we doing for her birthday?"

She shrugged. "Whatever she wants."

"Why don't you plan something for her?"

"Because she's fourteen. It's about time to let her decide."

"What are you getting her?"

Brittany laughed. "Whatever she wants."

"That's not how it's supposed to be."

"What are you getting her?"

"I got her studio time."

"She'd love that."

"She'd love to do something with you."

"I know. I've been so busy with that sitcom. I didn't think I wanted to do it but I totally was sucked into it. They were supposed to kill me off."

He nodded. "I know I just finally got off tour and I have some time."

"Mom?"

"Yeah, honey."

"I need to go get something for Hannah today. Will you take me after school?"

"Don't you have Christian today?"

He shook his head. "He's touring and Kym is busy with Heath and Alison." He made a face.

She winced. He was jealous of his half brother and sister. "Sure sweetie. Doesn't school get out early today?" He nodded.

"I'll be there at 12."

"Great." He got up and kissed her on the cheek. He hugged Rick and kissed his cheek. "I love you two."

"We love you. Have a great day."

Rick wrapped his arms around Brittany. "We have two great kids."

She nodded. "Wanna work on our third?"

"Really?"

She nodded. "I love you and I'm so ready to have your baby."

He swept her in his arms and carried her upstairs.

"CeCe. Get to the hospital now. St Vincent's on Third Street. Fourth floor. Now."

The caller hung up. And she floored it. She imagined the worst.

She rounded the corner of the hospital corridor and she stopped in her tracks. "Oh No!" She ran towards Jimmy.

"Jimmy!" She called out, as she got closer. He turned. His face was tear stained.

"Britt." He hugged her. "They-" He couldn't talk. She looked in the room. Leo sat in a chair by the bed where his daughter laid.

She looked up at Jimmy for an explanation. "She's gonna be fine. She fainted. Charley and Sean are gone. Donna's in surgery. It was a massacre."

She hung her head. She cried. The pain for Leo's loss and hers.

She walked into the room. "I'm so sorry, Leo." She sat on the floor by his feet. "I'm so sorry."

He shook his head. He laid a hand on her head and stroked her hair.

The young man she had met at the club walked in. Stefan was his name.

Isabella came to and saw Stefan. "Babydoll, oh Babydoll, I am so sorry." He said, kissing her forehead.

"Stefan I had the most horrifying nightmare..." He was shaking his head. The tears fell from her eyes. "No please no. Tell me they're not dead. No where's my dad?"

"I'm here Bella." Leo called to her. It was tired and far away.

"Daddy?" He came in to view. She reached for him and he took her hand.

The nurse came in, told them to let her rest, and gave her a shot. She slept.

Brittany stared at her. The girl looked in her teens. She was gonna have to go to the shrinks for this stunt. Her blood boiled.

Leo looked at her. She shook her head. "You don't need to tell me to do my job, Leo. I'm gonna find the assholes responsible and make them pay."

Jimmy came up to them. "Leo?"

Leo looked at him. Brittany didn't think he could bare any more bad news.

"Donna died." Jimmy took a deep breath. "But you have a grand daughter."

Brittany half smiled. "Leo, you're a grandpa. Congrats."

"I need to go see her. Will you escort me?"

She nodded. "I'm here as long as you need me."

Shanna Charlene Carlini was the prettiest baby she had ever seen. She had a full head of hair and although she was premature, she was a good size. She laid sleeping in the incubator and Brittany felt her heart go out to her. She owed Shanna to avenge her parents' wrongful death.

She watched Leo stare at the baby girl. She knew he felt the same way. She touched his arm.

"You'll be ok?" He nodded. "Good. If you need me..." He nodded. "I'm gonna make some calls." She turned to Jimmy. "Call me." Jimmy nodded.

He had gained a lot of respect for her in the hour she had been there. She had handled Leo as if he was her father and she was just as protective over his family as he was. Despite how long she had been with them, she knew what was going on.

"Hey." He called to her. She turned. "You'll let me have a piece."

She nodded and turned away. As soon as she was out of the hospital her, cell phone went up. She checked the last number. It was unknown. She swore.

He had called her. Keith the SOB had called her to tell her where to find Leo. She was more pissed then ever at him. He'll call again to gloat. She'd wait.

She headed to the club. She got out and unlocked the doors. She walked in to find Kelly and Terrence in deep conversation. They glared at her. She felt her defenses go up.

"What's going on?"

They shrugged. "You tell us."

She nodded. "Ok. Leo was attacked. Charlie, Donna, and Sean are dead. Isabella is in the hospital and so is Shanna."

They raised their eyebrows at the name Shanna. She explained. "The new grandbaby. Your turn."

Kelly walked up in her face and said, "We got a call that you were responsible."

Brittany laughed. "Duh. Of course, you would. This fucking cat and mouse game is getting old."

Jake was there behind her in a blink of an eye. She shook her head. "If you all really think that about me, we have a serious problem. I can tell you that the cat and mouse game is between another and me. Leo knew the risks of taking me on. So quit judging me because he kept you in the dark." She pushed by them and walked to the office.

"We checked you out." Terrence called.

"Didn't find anything either. Did ya?" She called over her shoulder.

Kelly grabbed her from behind and landed swiftly on her back. Brittany looked down at her. "You know for people like you to be in the business you sure don't know a damn thing. Now I'm gonna ask you to think for a moment, if I don't check out, exactly what could that mean?"

Kelly sighed. "Sorry, I know we've been working together for the past couple of years but when this stuff happens we usually have to assume it was someone close and with skills. You fit the profile."

Brittany extended her hand and pulled Kelly to her feet. "I know but right now the person you need to hunt for is Keith Summers. He's gonna be well hidden knowing I'm coming after him."

"East coast Keith Summers?" Terrence asked, puzzled. Brittany could almost see the light bulb come on. "The dark angel."

Kelly looked at her. "You? You took out the east coast mob? Come on."

"It was only Peritti, Marisimo was a bonus. Of course Keith was supposed to be in that mix but he wasn't."

"And his family?"

She nodded. "Yeah that was personal. Actually the funny thing is its all personal."

"Personal?" Terrence raised his eyebrow. "Revenge personal?"

She nodded. "I already explained this to Leo. He knew everything."

Kelly walked over to the bar, poured whiskey shots, and handed them out. "Ok, Britt, but shouldn't we know? I mean I would love to know how someone like you got in over your head with not just one but three mob bosses."

"I've been involved with five. Count again." Brittany shook her head. "The two that died had people replace them. Sad to say though, I'm connected to all of the families."

Terrence stared at her in awe. "How?"

She smiled. "What do they all have in common?"

Kelly shrugged. "They're..." There's the light bulb again. "Males."

Terrence raised his eyebrows. "What does that have to..." Light bulb. "Oh."

Brittany licked her lips against the taste of the whiskey. She had drunk it down and now it burned in her blood.

"Now if you excuse me I have to do some research." She walked back to her office and closed the door.

"Hey guy!" She said into the receiver.

"I thought you'd never call."

"Charlie, Sean and Donna were hit."

"What? How the hell?"

"Whoa. I don't know. I got the call courtesy of Keith."

"Shit."

"Yeah. Look I need you to find that SOB. I have to finish this."

"OK. In the mean time I'm gonna take care of his business dealings out here."

"Compliments of the Dark Angel."

"You got it. Hey I need to meet with you later this week."

She looked at her palm pilot. "How about Thursday night here at the club?"

"See ya then. I'll bring the info you need." He hung up.

Rick met her on the front tier. She held her breath. "How's Hannah?"

He nodded. "She's worried about her best friend."

"I'm sorry. I've been trying to take care of it. It really isn't my fault."

He hugged her. "I was waiting for you because I was worried about you."

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"I was at the doctor's office today before it got hectic."

He smiled. "Really?"

She smiled. "Hey daddy, want another baby?" He kissed her and placed his hand on her belly.

"I'm so excited."

"Me too. Now let's go tell our kids."

Chapter 27

Brittany sat in a booth at the club. Tavish walked in. He looked around and saw her. She got up and gave him a hug. They sat down.

"Where's Leo?"

"Grieving."

"Coming back to Virginia?"

She shook her head. "No. I'm happy here."

"You're a sitting duck out here."

"No I'm not. I'm very well guarded."

"Is this really what you want for the kids?"

She frowned, thinking of her condition now. "You're right. We'll lay low."

"I need a favor."

She looked at him. "What could I possibly do for you?"

"I need your contact with Demetry."

She laughed. "What do you need from Demetry?"

"How did you get contacts over there without me knowing?"

She frowned. "I gave you all my contacts on the east coast. That's not fair."

His eyes widened. "Please tell me you're not..."

She looked away. "I'm not even gonna finish what you are trying to insinuate. I can just tell you that I'm very hurt by it."

He looked at her, suspiciously. He knew her all too well. "Don't be stupid."

She glared at him over her drink. "Like I have ever been." She shook her head. "After all, Tav, what happened to wanting it all?"

He shook his head. "I wanna live to enjoy what I have."

She nodded. "Are you not alive and enjoying what you have?"

He nodded. "This is all I need."

"Oh really? So the world at our fingertips meant nothing to you?"

He shook his head. "How much more do you have to prove to your folks?"

"As if. I haven't been proving to my folks anything."

He shook his head. "Yes, you have. You've been set on proving that you're smarter and better than them. That you're untouchable. And granted, babe, maybe you are. You certainly have proven your immortality but you can be taken out."

She frowned. "I hope that wasn't a threat, Tav. You know how much I hate to be threatened."

He sighed. "CeCe, what's going on?"

She shrugged. "How would I know?"

"Give me Demetry's contact."

"It's Demetry, himself."

"You wouldn't be that stupid."

She drank her drink. "What if I was?"

He walked away. She watched him go contemplating her next move.

Chapter 28

Brittany waddled downstairs, Hannah hid a giggle. Brittany frowned. "Quit laughing at my expense. I feel so fat!"

Rick came up behind her and kissed her neck. "You're beautiful. I can't wait."

She smiled. "Me too." She looked at him and wondered if he knew her whole life story how would he feel then.

"What do you two have planned?"

"Why?"

"I have to go to the studio today." Hannah explained.

Tristian piped in. "I have to go to Christian's." He had long ago stopped calling Christian Daddy. She shook her head; she couldn't imagine how much it hurt him. Tristian had decided since he didn't want to be a father then he wouldn't be his. He warmed up to Rick and they became close.

"Ok. I can drop you off and I'll meet up with you two at the studio." Brittany replied.

Rick nodded. "Sounds good but are you going to be ok?"

She nodded. "I have to meet Leo at the restaurant right beside the studio so I'll be late."

Rick kissed her. "Ok. Be safe." He ushered Hannah out the door.

Brittany looked at her son. She couldn't believe how much he had grown up. "What are you and your dad gonna do this weekend?"

He frowned. "Mom..."  
"Baby, I know you don't like it but he is your dad."

"He might have raised me for a brief period but as soon as he had another one I was nobody. Unlike you and Rick who took Hannah in and treated us as equals. So I know this one won't make a difference."  
" I'm so sorry this happened to you."

He shrugged and pushed back his dark brown hair. "I don't care, Mom. I'm good. I have you and Rick and Hannah. I'm fine."

She smiled. "I'm very proud of you."

"I know. I love you, too."

"I love you more."

"I love you most." He smiled. They had done that since he was little.

She sat in front of Leo. He shook his head. "You worry me."

She frowned. "Why?"

"Your condition."

"Doesn't stop me from doing my job."

He nodded. "That's why I worry."

She shrugged. "I'm fine."

Something caught her eye. The movement was quick and she jumped out of her seat lunging for Leo. She felt the pain and heard the gunshot. "Brittany!" Leo shouted. "Somebody, call an ambulance."

"Rick. Next door. Please." She gasped.

"Stop talking." He grabbed the tablecloth and tugged violently letting the dishes and glasses clatter to the floor. He pressed hard against the bloody wound on her chest.

"I didn't see who it was. Did you?"

"I'll take care of it."

"No. I will. I promise."

"You risked your life and your baby's life for me. Are you stupid?"

She shook her head. "Loyal. Tell Rick..." She took a sharp breath. Oh, that hurts. Real bad. She couldn't look to see where she had been hit. She saw Rick push in through the crowd.

"Oh God no!" He fell to her side.

"Rick. Promise. Baby before me. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I love you. Please promise. Baby first."

He shook his head. "No. I can't loose you."

She heard the sirens. They sounded so far away. She tried to push the pain away but it was taking her consciousness. "Promise." She whispered again.

He nodded. "I love you."

The minutes turned to hours as they tried to wait patiently. He was pacing the waiting room. Leo sat there quietly. Rick glared at the old man. He was furious. Hannah sat there in prayer. Christian and Kym had come with Tristian. Apparently leaving their kids with the nanny. He didn't ask.

Finally a doctor came out. Rick jumped out of his seat.

"Mr. Lancet?" He questioned. "I'm Dr. Klause. They flew me in to take care of your wife."

"Is she ok? What about our baby?"

"I'd like to speak to you privately." He nodded, towards the children.

Rick turned and looked at them. Hannah's eyes were red and swollen from the tears she cried. She was trying to be brave now and keep Tristian calm. He nodded and followed the doctor to his office.

"The hell I just put my family through you better have some fucking good news!" Brittany screamed in her phone.

"I'm taking care of it." The voice on the other end tried to reassure her.

"Well you better." Britany was fuming.

"Calm down. We got him."

"Good. Now let me know so I can finish this."

"Are you sure?"

"Hell yeah. He ruined my life for the last damn time."

"He's in Virginia. Back home."

"So be it." She hung up. She looked in the mirror. Her hair was now blonde and she wore violet color contacts. She sighed. It was time to finish this for the last time.

She wondered if it had all been worth it. She had played everyone against one another and in the end it was she who had gotten played. Her best friend, mentor, the person who she had trusted wholeheartedly and was gonna conquer the world with had betrayed her. Now counting on other people and contacts she had made along the way and her new ally, Leo Carlini, she was still a force to be reckoned with. She would have given him the East Coast because of everything he had given her. And now, she lowered her head, she was forced to end it so everyone would know not to cross her path again.

Chapter 29

As she drove down the familiar road, she had traveled so often as a teenager she thought of her latest meeting with Leo.

"I don't have good news, Britt." He told her. "I don't know how to tell you."

She looked at him. "Just tell me."

"Tavish."

"What about him?"

"He ordered your contract, Not Keith. And Keith didn't have a twin. Tavish does. Tavish in Irish means twin."

She sat there frozen. "Why?" She finally asked, as the shock wore down.

"You are the best. There's no doubt that he wanted the east coast and by using you and your talents he got it."

"You knew?"

"I suspected."

"Why didn't you..."

"The bond between you and him it would have been hard to penetrate without evidence."

"You have evidence?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Also, the thing going on out here...You did kill Keith. He was dead."

"Oh no. I went after his family for nothing?"

He shook his head. "He had a son..."

"Heir to the throne. Shit! I was so blind. What the hell was..."

"The hit on my family?" She nodded. "Simple, to make you the enemy. He wanted you to go down. To make it look as if it was you taking me out to have my business."

She frowned. "He was trying to kill me?"

He nodded sadly. "I'm sorry."

She shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. I was blind and that got your family killed."

"You worry me."

She frowned. "Why?"

"Your condition."

"Doesn't stop me from doing my job."

He nodded. "That's why I worry."

She shrugged. "I'm fine."

Something caught her eye. The movement was quick and she jumped out of her seat lunging for Leo. She felt the pain and heard the gunshot. "Brittany!" Leo shouted. "Somebody call an ambulance."

Brittany pulled up to the small brick house. She walked up to the door and knocked on it. Tavish opened the door. The surprised look on his face made it better as she brought her 357 out in front of her. With a built on silencer, she smiled.

"I am untouchable." She said as she pulled the trigger.

Chapter 31

Brittany smiled down at the little boy in her arms. He was suckling her. Rick sat beside her on the bed. He kissed her forehead.

"Have I told you how much I love you?" Rick asked her.

"I love you more." Hannah smiled.

"I love you most." Tristian finished.

Brittany smiled at them. "No, I love you so much that I fought heaven and hell to come back to you guys."

Rick looked at her. "Are you out?" He said softly, as the kids walked out the room.

She smiled. "Yeah, I think I had enough sinful pleasures to last a lifetime. Now I think I can enjoy my blessings." Behind her back, she crossed her fingers.

Are You Ready : Book Two of the In the Tomorrow Series

Chapter 1

Hannah walked in the doors of her new school. She immediately felt under dressed in her dark blue halter and white capris. The girls seemed to give her a sideways glance to see if she would be part of their group. The guys on the other hand immediately noticed her presence and were checking her out at every angle.

She looked at the map. _Yeah right and I'll figure this out how?_ She thought, miserably.

"Hi! Can I help you out? You look lost."

Hannah turned to come face to face with a friendly face. The girl had long jet-black hair with blonde streaks through it. She had baby blue eyes and an incredible tan. She wore a white halter and dark blue capris. Hannah had to smile at the contrast.

"Oh thank you God for sending an angel to my rescue." She laughed. "Hi I'm Hannah.

"Hi Hannah. I'm Isabella. So let me see your schedule and see if we can get you on the right track." While she was studying the schedule, a guy had walked up to them.

"Hey, gorgeous." He said to Isabella. He was gorgeous with his light brown hair and blue eyes. He was tan and looked as if he stayed in shape.

She smiled up at him. "Hey, Damon, meet Hannah. Hannah, Damon."

"Hi." She said.

"So where ya coming from?"

"Virginia."

"Wow. Heck of a move." He whistled. "East Coast to West Coast." He laughed.

"Yeah, tell me about it."

"Good news." Isabella said. "I'm in all your classes except 4th period but I'm right across the hall. Pretty cool."

"That means we're in 4th together." Damon grinned. He was sizing her up.

"That's great. So now what?"

Isabella laughed. "I guess I could take you to your locker, which just happens to be by mine, too."

"So what lunch period you got?" Damon asked. Isabella rolled her eyes. They began walking in the direction to hopefully her locker.

"Damon, lay off she's new here."

"I was just thinking we could do lunch."

"You have to pardon my friend. He's failing his classes that's why he didn't get the part when I said you had all of my classes so that means lunch too."

"Oh, yeah. Sorry." He shook his head and took out a sports thermos. He took a swig of it. He handed it to Isabella and she drank some too. She handed it to Hannah, who eyed it suspiciously.

"What is it?"

"Rum and Coke." Damon answered.

Hannah shook her head. "No thanks."

Damon looked at Isabella who shrugged. "Oh. You're an innocent. Got ya. Well, I'll see ya around." He disappeared around the corner.

Hannah frowned. "An innocent?"

Isabella laughed. "Don't take it personally."

Isabella watched as Hannah tried her combination on her locker. She was a southern girl. She didn't know why she felt so compelled to talk to her but sometimes it's hard to question when you feel the pressure of someone pushing you. She liked her right away. It seemed like they would make real good friends. Not like these backstabbing bitches, she dealt with every day.

"So, Hannah, what does your folks do?"

"Huh? Oh, well, I uh." She stumbled for the words. Isabella shrugged.

"Hey that's cool. If ya don't wanna talk about it."

"Oh, yeah well, um, I just don't feel comfortable yet."

The day went by quickly and she was amazed at how friendly everyone was to her. Oh course they loved to tease her on her southern drawl. But the guys were fast to try to take her out on dates, which she had politely refused. Isabella seemed amused with the whole situation.

"So wanna hang out this weekend?"

Hannah smiled. "I'd love that." She sighed and thought, _Maybe, I'll get through this somehow._

Hannah walked outside to the awaiting Escalade. She climbed in back and leaned forward to give Brittany and Rick a kiss.

"I had the most exciting first day!" She exclaimed, excitedly, telling them all about it.

Brittany and Rick smiled as they listened intently.

Tristian sat beside her, smiling.

"I have a new best friend. Her name is Isabella Carlini."

Brittany's face paled. _Oh no not again. Stop doing this to me._ She thought miserably.

### About the Author

Like every teenage girl, I grew up in a fantasy world. Living off fairytales of Prince Charming rescuing me and taking me away to happily ever after. Only I learned it never happened in real life. Not really. I learned writing was a way to escape and create a whole other world where life could be how I wanted it to be. I guess God knew I would never grow any girls up on fairytales so He blessed me with 4 boys and a loving and supportive husband.

If you enjoyed _Sinful Pleasures_ , please check back for the rest of the series. I would love to hear from you. Thanks.

### Connect with Me Online:

cntrygrl_1@hotmail.com

