Stand
By You
~Sequel to Every Day~
Live or Die Series Final Part
Chapter 1
Bolting upright in bed,
sweating profusely, her midnight blue eyes were wide in both fear and
relief.
Looking around the huge
bedroom, Juliana suddenly remembered where she was and let out a trembling
sigh, running a hand through her cropped shoulder length black hair. She
cut it shortly after Keira was born, her now nine year old daughter. Nine
years. She still couldn't believe it'd been that long since her and Taker
had been together, though Juliana rarely called him by his birth name. He
couldn't stand it, preferring Taker, though Keira melted him whenever she
called him Daddy.
It was the cutest thing
to watch a nine year old little girl bring such a dominating and intimidating
presence like Taker to his knees when she batted her midnight blue eyes at
him. Eyes that mirrored her mother's even though there was a hint of
green throughout them, so technically she had hazel eyes. Juliana slowly
slid out of bed and frowned, wrapping her arms around herself, knowing she only
had nightmares whenever Taker was away on another job, refusing to give up what
he loved doing most. He hadn't been home in two months and Juliana missed
him terribly as she blinked back tears and went to the bathroom to splash cold
water on her face.
Juliana stepped out of
the bathroom upstairs of the two story house, the Texas heat not helping
matters, though the AC was on. She sighed and left the bathroom light on,
wrapping her arms around herself, feeling a chill rush down her back.
Something wasn't right; she could feel it down to her bone marrow.
“You're being paranoid
again.” She muttered and chuckled half-heartedly, knowing exactly what Taker
would say if he walked in at that moment. “Calm down Jules, quit jumping to
conclusions you fool ass woman.” Juliana mocked and began laughing softly while
trying to impersonate Taker's deep rich Texan accented voice, missing it like
crazy, a heaving sigh following. Her ears perked up when she heard
giggling coming from downstairs, eyes narrowing, deciding to go investigate.
Downstairs, on the XBOX
when she should have been in bed, was Keira.
She was trying not to giggle, listening to her Uncle John through the
headset she wore as they worked together -though from their own respective
homes and systems- through the war game they were playing. “Two o'clock,
sniper.” She narrowed her hazel eyes, grinning in a way that was reminiscent of
her father, thoroughly evil, when John nailed the shot.
“And THAT, baby girl, is
how you blow a motha's head right off!” John crowed, his enthusiasm spilling
over through the set.
“I can't concentrate when
you do that!” Keira, in her excitement, was forgetting that it was three AM and
she wasn't supposed to be up…much less playing a war game on the XBOX with
Uncle John. “You made me MISS, Johnny!”
“YOU GOT ME BLOWN THE
FUCK UP, KEIRA! You SUCK!” John groaned,
waiting for the game to respawn itself. “You seriously got to work on your aim.”
“You can bite my
backside.”
“I'm going to kick your
little ass when I see you!” John growled when he heard her snickering,
wondering how a nine year old could possess so much attitude. “I mean it; I'm
going to put my foot so far up your ass you'll taste my shoe-”
“KEIRA GET YOUR ASS TO
BED!”
“Oh FUCK!”
Startled, Keira began to
scream, finally shutting it when the man behind the angry baritone stepped out
of the doorway. “Daddy!”
“Good girl, suck up to
him, save our asses.”
Juliana heard that tone
and felt a shiver run down her back, knowing Taker had arrived home from
whatever job he did for the mayor. Taker was well known around town,
especially with the authority since he saved the mayor's life on more than one
occasion. Now he was home and yelling at
their disobedient daughter…and Juliana had a sinking feeling she knew why Keira
was up at three AM instead of in bed like any normal nine year old.
“Keira, what the hell are
you doing up this late?” Juliana demanded, stepping out of the shadows while
the little girl slowly pulled the headset off of her head. Juliana
narrowed her eyes and stalked over, snatching it from her and could hear her
best friend's voice on the other end. “JONATHAN FELIX-ANTHONY CENA, WHAT DO YOU
THINK YOU'RE DOING KEEPING MY DAUGHTER UP AT THREE AM IN THE DAMN MORNING
PLAYING VIDEO GAMES?”
“You, bed.”
Taker pointed at his
daughter, trying to keep the scowl firmly on his face. It wasn't her he was really angry with but
Cena, the moron ADULT who had a little girl up shooting Russian commies on the
gaming console at three in the fucking morning.
Kids generally got into trouble; it was the adult’s job to keep them OUT
of it.
Muttering under her
breath, Keira gave him a hug before turning towards the stairs. She knew better than to even look at her
mother, instead opting to keep her head down and hope to make it up the steps
with her backside in one piece.
“John, when I get my
hands on you, I'll-”
Juliana blinked when the
headset was snatched out of her hands, a pair of acid green eyes locking with
midnight blue, all the anger suddenly draining from her. A small smile crossed her face as he walked
over to shut the game console off, setting the headset back on the stand. John made the mistake of buying Keira a
gaming system with a brand new forty two inch television and the works. Juliana wanted to kill him, but one look from
her daughter's shining bluish green eyes and she couldn't take it away, though
at three AM in the damn morning she could!
Taker slowly turned
around, letting out a breath. He could
feel the anger leaving him at the sight of his woman. He loved his job, but at the same time he
hated being away from Juliana and Keira for weeks at a time. Of course, before leaving, he was usually
glad to be getting out of the house and away from two females, not to mention
the addition of Jule's adopted brother, John.
But that usually wore off quickly.
Returning her smile, he crossed the living room until he was in front of
her, pulling her into his arms.
Juliana sighed in
contentment, her legs wrapping around his waist as soon as Taker lifted her up,
pressing her forehead against his. “I'm not going to ask why you're here, I'm
just glad you are.” Especially after the nightmare she just had, Juliana needed
his warmth and comfort, kissing him softly, missing him more than words could
say. Hard to believe they were finally
content with life after everything they'd been through together, having a
beautiful daughter in the process.
The fact that they were
still together, with a beautiful daughter, and him resuming his old job spoke
volumes to Taker. He had once challenged
Juliana to love him, to trust him, and the results had been...a very, very bad
time for him. He would have never
thought that all these years later, they would be together, let alone have a
daughter. Holding her close, Taker
rested his head on top of hers, letting out a contented sigh.
“I'm glad too.” He
rumbled huskily.
“You better be.” She
smirked and jumped when Taker slapped her ass, biting back a squeal of
surprise. “Don't do that with prying ears nearby.” She ordered, her mouth right
by his ear as she hugged him again, knowing Keira was already in her room.
One thing Keira didn't do
was disobey her father's orders, regardless of what they were. With Juliana, she hardly listened and when
she did, it was slim to none. She ended
up sneaking around doing what she wanted anyway...like staying up at three A.M.
playing video games with her godfather.
Juliana was going to kill John, but right now, all she wanted to do was
be in Mark's arms.
“Welcome home.” She
whispered and felt him slowly walk toward the stairs, nuzzling his neck.
“Good to be home.” He
murmured, navigating the stairs carefully.
He knew his way around
the house; he could navigate the house blind.
However, the variable was Keira.
He had once been walking upstairs, stepped on a Barbie car, and gone
flying backwards. Not one of his finer
moments and not one he cared to repeat with Juliana in his arms.
At Keira's door, he
gently set her down and listened. He
half expected her to be awake and bouncing on the bed. Instead, he heard the soft sighs she made
while sleeping. Smiling slightly, he
began backing Juliana towards their bedroom, an evil predatory gleam shining in
his eyes.
Keira was a sound sleeper
just like Taker, hardly anything fazed the girl. She could sleep through a tornado, Juliana
would bet her life on it. The look Taker
suddenly gave her sent chills of anticipation through her body and Juliana
couldn't help smirking, knowing he missed her.
She slowly backed into
the room, crooking her finger at him and watched with hungry eyes as Mark shut
the door with his foot lightly. The
clicking sound let Juliana know two things: She was trapped and wouldn't be
getting anymore sleep that night since Mark hadn't been home in two very long
months. Just to make his simmering blood
and raging desire flare, Juliana purposely removed her nightgown, leaving her
clad in just a pair of white panties.
And that was enough to
make Taker want to adjust himself as the confines of his now too tight jeans
was really uncomfortable. It had been a
very long two months. He had never believed
he would be the kind of man to be in a committed, exclusive relationship, let
alone WANT to be in one, but here he was.
And now his cock was really suffering, not helped by Juliana's wicked
ways and taunts. Taking a moment, he
tilted his head to the side, using the light coming through the window to study
her, a low growl escaping his throat.
His growling always sent
shivers down her back and it was no different this time, his eyes darkening to
almost black pools. “Problem Taker?” Juliana asked innocently.
She smirked and slid into
the welcoming cold bed that she'd slept alone in for two months, missing his
warmth. Taker was her furnace and Juliana didn't sleep well whenever he
was away from her. She didn't know if it was the fact they had a rocky
past or maybe it was just her insomnia kicking in, Juliana shoved every other
thought from her mind when Taker joined her in bed and yanked her against him,
kissing the breath right out of her.
If the bed was cold, he
didn't feel it. All he felt was
Juliana's body against his as his hands ravaged her, reacquainting himself with
her curves. He could feel goose bumps
breaking out over his flesh as his large calloused hands skimmed down her ribs
to the waistband of her white panties, not removing them just yet. He broke the kiss only when it seemed they
both would go faint from lack of air, trailing his mouth across her cheek to
her earlobe and then down the side of her throat, savoring the feel and taste
of her.
~!~
Hours later, Juliana lay
in bed gently tracing Taker's tattoos with her fingertip feather lightly,
coming down from the heights of passion only her and Taker experienced
together. She was so happy to have him
back home, but knew sooner or later he would find another job and be away
again. Juliana didn't like the fact he
still enjoyed being a bodyguard for a living, especially since she still
considered him HER bodyguard in a way.
He was her protector, her
and Keira's.
Another thing that
bothered Juliana was the fact that Taker hadn't mentioned marriage since they'd
been together. At first she thought it
was because he didn't fully trust her with his heart, which she didn't blame
him for, but after having Keira and deciding they were in this for the long
haul, the trust and love grew until it became unconditional. Juliana wanted nothing more than to marry
this man, but knew Taker wasn't the marrying kind and knew that if he really
wanted to, he could up and leave her at any given moment without a second
thought.
He was perfectly content
to just lie there, enjoy the contented, languorous feeling that he felt every
time they made love. He loved the
feeling of her in his arms, just lazily touching him as she always did; the
woman had to have all his tattoos memorized by now. When she hesitated for a moment, he knew her
mind was probably quite active and kissed the top of her head.
“What're you thinkin'
bout darlin'?” He murmured his voice a lazy husky drawl, something that only
happened at night, when it was just them.
No secrets between them
was one of the conditions Taker gave Juliana when they first got back
together...after he came back from the dead and found out she was
pregnant. But there were some thoughts
that Juliana still kept to herself and the marriage thing was one of them. She was happy and didn't want to complicate things,
though her and Taker still had their heated arguments followed by rough
passionate make up sex.
“Nothing really, I'm just
happy you're here with me.” She snuggled against him, her hand resting over his
steady beating heart, her head resting on his arm and draped one of her legs
over his. She loved how Taker ran his
fingers in circles on her back absentmindedly, the feeling always lulling her
to sleep. “What are you thinking about?”
“I'm thinking about what
you're thinking.” He replied with a smirk, catching her hand when she lazily
swatted him, bringing her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingertips. “I
missed you and Keira.” He murmured, placing her palm over his heart, resting
his hand on top of hers. “I don't think I'll take any more jobs for awhile.” He
missed his family and wanted to spend some serious time with them, to not be
called away to protect some prick politician who probably deserved to be shot
anyway.
Juliana's eyes shot open
when he said that and she rolled to sit up a little, her black hair framing her
face haphazardly while he still continued playing with her fingertips. “You
won't? But I thought you love what you
do?” She hoped it wasn't because of her that Taker decided not to take any more
jobs for awhile, though one look in his eyes told her the entire story. It killed him to be away from them, from her,
and that made Juliana's heart sore to the heavens. “You know I love you and I
support you in any decision you make, right?”
“Of course I know that.”
He replied simply, hugging her tightly against him for a moment before relaxing
again. “I just want a break from it.
It's not like we're hurting for money.” She was rich, having inherited
everything from her murdered father and insane psycho bitch, thankfully dead
mother. He was fairly well off too. They could have travelled the world a few
times without overly taxing their funds. “I want to spend time with my family.”
The biggest smile crossed
her lips when he said that and Juliana moved to where she straddled him again,
leaning down to kiss his lips softly, slowly, enjoying the feeling of his lips
against hers. “Me and Keira having you all to ourselves?” Well, John was also a
factor since he lived right down the road, but Juliana wasn't thinking about
that at the moment. “Mmm the possibilities...” She laced their fingers together
and laughed when Taker suddenly growled, rolling her on her back, hovering as
their noses touched. “Keira is going to be VERY happy to hear that her daddy is
staying home for awhile.” That little girl had Taker wrapped around her little
finger and Juliana knew she was born a daddy's girl.
“As long as she promises
not to try to convince me to let her drive the motorcycle.”
He chuckled, his eyes
twinkling at the recollection of when she had been six. Pleading for him to let her steer while he
drove, ‘just a short trip, daddy, please', Taker could still hear her sweet
angelic voice echoing in his head. She
almost had him convinced before Juliana had walked out into the garage and put
a stop to it. When it came to his little
girl, Taker was complete and total mush.
“What about you, hmm?” He
asked huskily, digging his hips against hers. “How happy are you to hear it?”
“Ecstatic.” She
whispered, cupping his face in her soft hand as their lips touched again, her
legs instantly parting for him without Juliana realizing it. “I can finally
sleep normal again and get more than three hours of sleep.” When Taker frowned,
Juliana couldn't help chuckling softly, knowing he worried about her insomnia
and lack of sleep. “You already know when you're away I don't sleep well, but
you're here now and I can catch up on sleep...” She trailed off, wrapping her
legs around his waist, gasping when he brushed against her. “Just not
tonight...”
Round two commenced after
that and no other words were spoken.
Chapter 2
“Mom, I had this dream
that dad came home and-” Keira had walked into the bedroom and was already
crawling into the bed when she realized that her mother wasn’t alone, that her
father was home and staring at her out of one half-closed, green eye. “DADDY!”
Taker caught her before
she could actually jump and land on him, experience teaching him that kids were
not so gentle about where their knees or other flailing limbs landed. “Princess,
what are you doing up at...seven?” He asked, glancing at the alarm clock on the
side table.
“Cartoons.”
Juliana slowly opened her
eyes, her body tingling from head to toe from all the wicked wonderful things
Taker did to her body earlier that morning.
They'd barely gotten to sleep by six and their loving daughter was
already up at the crack of dawn because of cartoons. “Morning sweetheart.” She
mumbled sleepily, snuggling against the pillow, keeping the blanket up so her
daughter didn't see anything she was supposed to. “I thought for sure you'd
sleep longer after staying up until 3 AM with your Uncle John...” When Keira
bit her bottom lip, Juliana simply raised an eyebrow. “Was it his idea and
don't lie.”
“No, it was mine.”
Keira sighed, sincerely hoping
she wouldn't get punished for admitting this.
She was always told that liars wound up in trouble and telling the truth
meant no trouble. Sometimes, however,
that wasn't the case. Adults were funny
and tended to change their minds at the drop of a hat.
“He actually told me I
should be in bed, but...” She shrugged nonchalantly. It was Uncle John, she had shot something and
he forgot all about bedtime and was more focused on the game.
Taker was considering
this, wondering if Keira would lie to save John's ass, arching an eyebrow at
her.
“Honest Daddy!”
“John probably warned her
she'd get in trouble and as soon as she started playing, his little pea brain
focused on the game.”
Juliana yawned loudly,
trying to wake up, but her body was deliciously sore from the multiple
encounters she had with her incredible...boyfriend. Was he even her boyfriend anymore or
something more? It was too damn early to
decipher that as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, pinching the bridge of
her nose.
“I'm leaving the
punishment up to your father, Keira. If
he thinks you don't need to be punished, then you won't.” It was Taker's turn
to discipline their child; Juliana was tired of always being the bad guy. “You
need to learn how to listen when I tell you to do something.”
When Keira turned those
big hazel eyes onto him, Mark mentally steeled his resolve, damn that child and
those large, adorable eyes. “No XBOX for a week.” He grunted, ignoring the way
her tiny mouth turned down into a half-frown, half-pout. “And if you played
over MY game, heaven help you.”
“I didn't play over your
game...I beat mine.” She announced with a tiny hint of a smirk, shrieking when
he growled and shot upright. “MOM!” She laughed, her face tingeing pink as she
began laughing, being tickled mercilessly by her father.
Juliana STILL couldn't
believe Taker actually ENJOYED playing the XBOX after cursing it to hell and
back when John used to blare the TV while playing it. John lived with them until two years ago when
Taker finally couldn't take another man living in his house, which John didn't
mind. He had a small shack down the
street now and it was fully paid off thanks to Juliana.
When Taker protested it,
she told him to deal with it because John was family and she as helping her
family. Taker shut up after that and
they never spoke of it again, having always kept their finances separate. It was almost as if they lived separate lives
whenever Taker left on his trips, but now that he was staying home maybe all
that would change and they could finally be a real family.
“Keira, guess what?” When
her daughter's eyes moved to her mother hopefully, Juliana's smile widened.
“Your Daddy is staying home for awhile now.”
Keira looked back and
forth between them, wondering if this was some 'white lie' they were feeding
her to make her not feel sad about Dad's eventual leaving. “Really?” She
demanded with an arched eyebrow, looking skeptical.
Taker had seen that very
same expression before, numerous times, on her mother and hid a smile, forcing
himself to look solemn. “Yes darlin', I'm staying home for awhile. I have to catch up on my game. “He ignored
that damn little smirk. “Spend time with your mom...”
“And me!”
“Spend time with the
dog...”
“Dad, we don't have a
dog.”
“And the cat.”
“Or a cat, what about
me?”
He grinned, laughing
outright when she decked him.
Juliana couldn't help
laughing when Taker faked being hurt, holding his arm, shaking her head. She'd sat up in bed a little with the
blankets still drawn up; knowing Keira wouldn't be leaving her Daddy's side for
awhile. They told her countless times
that Taker was staying home and he always ended up leaving for business. Juliana hoped he didn't go back on his word,
though she wouldn't be surprised if he did because being cooped up in a house
with her and Keira constantly was a lot for him to handle. He was a great father though and Juliana
loved him unconditionally, flaws and all.
“You do realize that once
she's older, she could probably whip your ass right?” When Taker arched a slow
black eyebrow down at her, that same smirk Keira had on her face moments ago
was now on Juliana's face.
“See, this just isn't
fair.” Taker had a playful side apparently, but it usually only came out for
his daughter. “I come home and you two both gang up on me...you both even give
me the same damn look!”
Keira decked him again.
“I am a young and impress...impressed child.”
“Impressionable.”
“Yes, that. Mom, pancakes?”
Juliana groaned, knowing
she wasn't going to be able to sleep in because her daughter wouldn't stop
pestering her to cook. Taker couldn't
make breakfast to save his life, but he could fry up a mean steak on the grill. Typical male.
Juliana sighed and finally nodded reluctantly, watching as Keira bounded
off the bed with a squeal of excitement.
“Go watch your cartoons
and we'll meet you down there in a bit.
Daddy can watch cartoons with you.” When her big eyes widened with even
more excitement, Juliana relished the look that came over Taker's eyes,
giggling. As soon as Keira was out of
the room, Juliana slipped out of the bed before Taker could make a grab for
her, shaking her finger at him. “Not right now, I have to feed my second
bottomless pit.”
“And I have to watch
cartoons? Are you kidding me?” Taker
growled, hauling himself out of the bed, not bothering with a sheet. Knowing Keira, she probably already had the
television on and was absorbed into whatever the hell she was watching. Leering wickedly at Juliana, he followed her
into the bathroom adjacent their bedroom. “Before I go downstairs, I need a
shower.” He announced, smirking as he looked her over, getting a bit of a kick
out of it when she raised an eyebrow at him. “I'd ask you to join me, but you
got breakfast to go cook, woman.”
Juliana shrugged
nonchalantly, deciding she would play the game since he wanted to be a tease.
“I got plenty last night, enjoy your shower and remember cartoons are waiting
for you!”
She winked and pulled out
some cotton shorts with a matching tank top, slipping panties and a bra on
while the shower started. She giggled,
hearing Taker grumbling through from the bathroom and brushed her hair,
deciding she would take a shower after breakfast was done. Juliana stopped short when she heard a squeal
downstairs, groaning.
“No...”
“UNCLE JOHNNY!!!”
Juliana was now in hell.
“Keira, my little homie,
what is crackin'?” John's overly exuberant and completely cheerful voice seemed
to reach the entire house. He had been
up at the crack of dawn, had his morning cereal loaded with ungodly amounts of
sugar and was now over for second breakfast.
“Dad's home.” Keira
announced, grinning brightly as she moved over for him to sit on the couch with
her. “He and Mom were still in bed though.
I think they're getting up.”
“What's Mom making for
breakfast?”
“Pancakes.”
“Wicked!”
Taker banged his head
against the tiled wall, wondering if it was an act of god that he could hear
'wicked' all the way upstairs, in the shower, where he currently was.
“You have a lot of nerve
showing up here after what you pulled last night, Cena.” Juliana stated from
the doorway, causing both John and Keira to cringe, which made her feel a sense
of accomplishment in itself. “You better hope Taker is lenient since you decided
it would be wise to keep his nine year old little girl up until three AM
blowing people up on the PS3.”
She smirked when John
paled a little and headed inside the kitchen to start breakfast. She wore a pair of loose black pajama pants
with a matching tank top, her black hair pulled back in a clip of sorts since
it was shorter. She enjoyed it being
shoulder length and decided she might be cutting it shorter the next time she
got her hair done.
“Keira, do you want
blueberry or strawberry pancakes?”
“XBOX mom, it's an XBOX!”
Keira corrected exasperatedly, shaking her head and shared a look with John.
“Strawberry please.”
“In my defense, I DID
tell her to go back to bed...once...” John cleared his throat; glad Juliana
went back to cooking, not so glad about Taker being home and possibly in a
killing mood. He wasn't about to be
frightened off though…oh no, he had a niece to continue corrupting. “So while
we wait for breakfast...”
“I'm grounded from the
XBOX.”
“Jules, can Keira spend
the day with me?” John asked sweetly.
“You already know what
your father said, Keira.” Juliana reminded her daughter while stirring the
pancake batter, sighing when Keira began whining. It was her summer vacation, but Juliana
didn't want her up at all hours of the night, especially when Taker was
home. They needed alone time and Keira
staying up late would only make her think that once school started up again,
she'd be able to continue staying up at all hours of the night. “Not to mention
you're supposed to be spending time with Dad today by watching cartoons and
then whatever else you wanted to do...besides playing the XBOX.”
John clutched his chest,
his blue eyes widening tearfully and his mouth turned down into a pout. “That
is just breaking my heart, Juliana.” He said, sniffling. “Who will I play with
then?”
He was an overgrown child
and admitted it. That and he secretly,
and not-so-secretly, liked annoying his adopted sister…sometimes. Not so much her other half, he was deadly…literally. John still couldn’t get over Juliana’s taste
in men, though even he had to admit Taker was the best fit for her. That and he protected her when John couldn’t.
“Hey mom, let's put Uncle
John on eharmony.com, he could meet a lady friend!” Keira suggested amiably.
John rubbed his chin
thoughtfully, considering it.
“I don't even want to
know how you know about that site.” Juliana sighed somewhat wistfully, not
believing how fast her daughter was growing up.
It was scary really. She remembered the day she went into labor
and how Taker was moments away from missing the greatest moment in both of
their lives: The birth of Keira. He'd
been away on business, but because of her condition, Taker instructed her to
contact him as soon as her water broke and he'd be there before the baby was
born. He barreled through nurses and
doctors to get to the room and made it minutes before Keira's cries filled the
room.
Juliana couldn't believe
he actually made it and that made her fall even more in love with him. They thought they would be having a boy
because Juliana had kept having dreams about a baby boy, so they were very
surprised when a little girl greeted them.
No little girl was ever loved as much as Keira was, especially when it
came to her godfather Uncle Johnny.
“Well, I know about that
site eharmony.com-” Keira sang it like she was being paid to advertise it and
did so cheerfully. “Because we have TV.
TV has a lot of commercials, and it shows a lot of lonely adults. You guys need to buy some teddy bears and get
some friends...”
John was just staring at
Keira like she was the most fascinating thing he had ever seen, which...up to
this point, she was. He was smiling
again, his blue eyes crinkled at the corners at he listened to her. “Do you
even have any idea what you're talking about?” He couldn’t help asking, trying
not to chuckle.
“Nope.”
“She gets that from you.”
“I think that's a great
idea actually.”
Juliana hated that John
was alone, wanting him to find someone who could make him as happy as Taker
made her...for the most part. There were
times where Juliana wondered how they got here and how much hell they'd been
through to get to this point in their lives.
Then she thought back to when she witnessed Taker and John both being
shot right before her very eyes, lying cold and presumably dead in the icy
snow, while the brother she never knew about took her away to a secluded
area. She ended up setting the house
completely on fire and had nightmares about it for months afterwards, even
after Taker revealed he wasn't really dead.
Lots of sleepless nights
came and went, but Taker had stood by her through it all. Once in awhile, like the night before,
Juliana still bolted upright in a cold sweat from nightmares of her past. She hated it and wished she could let
everything go, but it that was clearly easier said than done. She'd been so deep in thought that she hadn't
realized Taker came up behind her until she felt his arm snake around her
waist, causing her to jump slightly and ended up flipping a pancake right on
the floor.
“Damn it!” She cursed,
immediately bending down to clean it up, knowing John was keeping Keira
preoccupied in the living room. “You are very quiet; I thought you were in the
other room with them.” Juliana laughed it off, tossing the pancake in the
garbage before beginning another one.
Taker had being quiet
down to an art. For example, he was very
quiet about the fact that since he was RIGHT behind her when she had flipped
that pancake to the floor, and then bent down to retrieve it, that her ass
rubbed right against his fresh out of a cold shower crotch. Planting a kiss on the side of her throat, he
backed away and turned towards the table, eyeballing John.
“As much as the idea of
finding him a woman appeals to me...I don't think we could pay a girl enough to
date him.” He said seriously, though his green eyes twinkled. “Maybe if we
could find one who's had a lobotomy...”
“HEY!”
Chapter 3
Juliana couldn't stop the
giggles from erupting out of her mouth and tossed a towel at Taker, knowing he
wanted to wipe down the table before setting it. “Nah, I think he could find
someone who would put him in his place, knock him down a peg or two...” She
smirked at the thought of a woman putting John in his place, tapping her chin
in thought. “Keira, can you get online and register your sweet Uncle on that
site?” Keira was a computer whiz. “Make sure you put that he's looking for
someone the complete OPPOSITE of him.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa...what
site?”
“Eharmony.com.” Keira
sang, grinning sweetly when John growled at her.
“You want our nine year
old daughter to go on a dating site?”
“And build a profile for
me, to...wait a minute...” John rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Hey, Keira,
let's go do it right now while your Mom finishes breakfast.”
Taker could only watch as
they headed out towards the den, looking very confused. “Well what the
hell...?”
“Can we upload that
picture of me pushing you on the swing?
Chicks dig guys with kids.”
“Juliana, he's using our
daughter to score!” Taker groaned, throwing down the towel.
“No, no, no...” Juliana
sighed, knowing she'd have to pick out the picture. “I know the perfect one.”
She walked past Taker,
knowing the pancakes would take a few minutes on the skillet and immediately
lifted Keira out of the seat, taking her place.
A few clicks later and there was a beautiful picture of John that
Juliana took while sitting on the beach.
He had a light blue shirt completely unbuttoned with baggy blue jean
shorts, his hair spiked up somewhat, his hand shoved in the right front
pocket. He started out at the water deep
in thought, a calm expression on his handsome face, blue eyes captivating. She smiled triumphantly when John simply
gawked at the picture and kissed his cheek, winking.
“THAT is the perfect
picture. You'll be getting responses in
no time, bro.”
“Wow that is a really
nice picture, Mom. You should do that.”
“Do what honey?” Juliana
became confused for a moment.
Keira rolled her eyes
exasperatedly, sighing impatiently and pointed to the picture. “Taking
pictures, whatever that's called.”
“Photography.” Taker
supplied, taking the camera from Juliana. “And why do we have a picture like
that of John?” He asked, having followed them, ignoring the look John shot him.
“Because I'm family? Not to mention, fucking gorgeous, how could
she not keep that picture? Look at those
abs!” John pulled up his shirt, showing off his well defined abs. “Check that
out.”
Keira began to giggle.
Taker turned back to
Juliana. “Just hurry up and get him a woman.” He said, not admitting right now,
not while John was around, that she had taken a very good picture and it would
be a good career option.
“I don't know why I kept
it, it was a month ago. We were on the
beach with Keira and I saw John was in deep thought about something. I just snapped a picture; I love how the sun
is reflecting off of his face too.” She smiled, proud of her work and elbowed
John when he wouldn't pull his shirt back down, smirking as he grunted. “Behave
before I knock you down a peg or two myself.”
She then went back into
the kitchen to finish breakfast, flipping the pancakes back on the
skillet. Unbeknownst to Taker, Juliana
had a fair amount of him as well that she'd snapped without him realizing it,
though she would never show him. Those
were hers to keep whenever he went away to keep her sanity intact.
When Juliana was back in
the kitchen, John turned to smirk at Taker, flexing his muscles beneath the
shirt. “She kept it because I am quite the specimen.”
“If by specimen, you mean
annoying little prick of a bug that's going to get stepped on, then yes…Yes,
you are.”
Keira was trying to flex
her muscles.
Shaking his head, Taker headed
back to the kitchen, setting out glasses on the table, even one for John.
“You're awfully quiet this morning.” He commented, glancing over at Juliana
through slightly narrowed eyes.
“Am I?”
When Taker nodded,
Juliana shrugged absentmindedly, trying to hide the fact that she'd been
troubled lately about the whole marriage thing.
Taker was not the marrying kind and Juliana thought she hadn't been
either, but she wanted to tie herself to this man in every way possible. She wanted to be his one and only, he was all
she thought about besides Keira morning, noon and night.
It scared her every time
he left because Juliana was afraid he wouldn't make it back to her. Being a bodyguard, that meant he would have
to take a bullet for whoever he was protecting and that part terrified her the
most, but she couldn't say anything to him about it. Taker wouldn't change for anyone, not even
her, and Juliana accepted him fully for who he was and what he chose to do for
a living.
“Will you get a plate for
me for these?” She asked, once again pulling out of her deep thoughts.
“Mmmhmm…” He did as she
asked, knowing damn well she wasn't telling him the truth, but she wasn't
actually lying to him either.
She was just not sharing
what was on her mind. Most likely because
she either figured it was too minimal to bother him with, which nothing ever
could be, or because she thought it would upset or hurt him. That one, he could never make a promise on. Nobody could ever promise to 'not get upset'
and he thought people who did were fools.
Leaning back against the counter, Taker watched as she finished up,
deciding that when he and Juliana had a moment alone, and they would, he would
get the truth out of her.
“I'm glad you're home.”
Juliana murmured softly, walking over to grab the plate from him, reaching up
on her tiptoes to kiss him softly, lingeringly. “I love you and I made you an
omelet.” Since she knew Taker didn't like pancakes all that much, Juliana
wanted his first day back home to be perfect, flawless. “Breakfast is ready!”
She announced, placing the eggs and bacon on the table along with a huge
platter full of pancakes and Taker's gigantic omelet already on his own
plate. She helped Keira since the little
girl wanted to do things on her own nowadays and finally sat down when everyone
was content, sipping her orange juice.
“Mom, these are SOOO
good.” Keira stated with a small, contented sigh, remembering not to talk with
her mouth full when she got a 'look'.
Swallowing it down with a drink of OJ, she smiled. “Sorry. Hey, you could be a chef, and then take
pictures of the food!”
Taker grinned, glancing
at Juliana. He had a complete 'man'
moment and allowed his mind to wander a bit on the X-rated side of that kind of
job, draining his own glass of juice in one swallow. “Hot damn...”
“The pancakes aren't
hot...” John frowned, very confused, and not seeing the glimmer in Mark's green
eyes, it wasn't meant for him anyway. “How come you get the omelet?”
“Because he doesn't like
pancakes that much and I wanted him to actually enjoy his breakfast after being
gone for two months.” Juliana answered coolly before taking a bite of her eggs,
having slathered them in syrup.
They had a private
workout area in the basement so Juliana kept her figure, which is why she could
eat anything she wanted practically.
Keira was the same way and had Taker's appetite, which was both good and
bad. Good because the child ate healthy
and bad because Juliana knew, as she grew older, her appetite would increase
tenfold. Juliana stood up from the table
and opened the balcony doors that lead out to the veranda of the house, letting
some of the fresh breeze in before sitting back down.
Keira kicked John under
the table at the exact same time Taker did, her kick admittedly not quite as
painful as her father’s.
John's entire face turned
red and he lowered his head to the table, pushing his plate aside. “Must. Not.
Scream. Or. Curse.” He muttered lowly.
Taker finished his omelet
with a grin on his face, though his eyes were serious and constantly moving
back to Jules.
Breakfast finished after
the throbbing pain in John's legs finally stopped and Juliana instructed
everyone to go watch cartoons with Keira while she cleaned up. She collected the dishes and put them in the
sink, wiping down the counters and whatnot, along with her favorite skillet she
specifically used for pancakes. They
were Keira's favorite along with Juliana, though she preferred French toast
above anything else.
She could hear Keira
laughing at the cartoons in the other room and smiled, knowing Taker was in
hell right now and actually enjoyed it.
He needed to spend some quiet time with his daughter while John was in
the other room talking to a woman who found his profile alluring. Juliana just hoped John looked before he
leapt, not wanting him to get hurt or used.
Taker hated cartoons with
a passion, but endured them for his daughter.
He could not, for the life of him, understand what the hell was going
on. Why were the bugs talking? Keira had once started explaining it to him,
but when she had gotten to the part about the fat spider adopting a beetle and
a bedbug, he had been totally lost.
However, at the same time, this was great because she snuggled up on his
lap, with her head resting back against his chest, his chin resting on her head
and that he definitely looked forward too.
“Hey Jules...Think if I
go out on a date, we do a double or something?
In case this chick isn't really...you know, real?”
“If I can find someone
suitable to watch Keira, then yes. If
not then you're on your own. Just...be
careful about it, John. Get to know her
first, don't just leap.”
Even though that's
exactly what Juliana had done with Taker in a way. Their relationship was more complicated
though, way more than what John's would be hopefully. Unless the girl he met ended up needed saving
and John came to her rescue so to speak.
“And I'm not sure if
Taker would want to go on a double date.
We haven't been on a date in...” Now that she thought about it, Juliana
couldn't recall an actual date with Taker, immediately pushing that thought
aside. “Either way, you'll be fine.”
John seemed to be reading
her mind waves because he looked at her sympathetically, pushing away from the
computer and followed her back into the kitchen. “You haven't ever been out on
a date with Taker, have you?” He asked quietly; unless of course, they counted
all those times they had been running for their lives or fighting off insane
relatives of hers, then they had had several dates.
Insane dates.
“It doesn't matter, we
spend time together whenever he's home and he's always there for me and
Keira. In a way, we do have dates; we
just don't go out anywhere, which again is fine with me.” Juliana honestly
wouldn't have minded going out to a movie or even a ride on his bike, which
Taker did when he wanted to get away from the house. She felt John place his hand on her shoulder
and Juliana closed her eyes briefly, setting another dish in the sink, taking a
deep breath. “I'm fine John, really.
I'll talk to him about it; maybe he'll wanna go out on a double date in
case you decide to make a complete fool of yourself.”
“Hey, I never make a
complete fool of myself, just a partial!” John protested, knowing she didn't
want to talk about it and if he tried to hug her, she'd probably sucker punch
him.
Over the years, Juliana
had begun closing herself off a bit, as if building a wall. He was kind of blaming that on everything
that had happened to her, PLUS Taker.
The guy had a job as a bodyguard, as if he hadn't tempted fate enough,
John was almost certain Taker had a death wish.
He was rarely home, he was a grouch...John scowled suddenly. He felt like going out there, smacking Taker
and telling him to quit running out on his family.
“I'm just joking with
you.”
Juliana laughed softly,
though it sounded more sad then actually cheerful like it should've been. In truth, Juliana was happy with her life,
she was just afraid it would all come crashing down after everything that happened. She didn't want to lose Taker; that part
terrified her the most and she had no idea John was thinking the same exact
thing as her.
“He told me last night
he's not going anywhere for awhile, that he wants to spend time with his
family...” She said quietly, rinsing off another dish.
How many times had he
said that to her, only to run out whenever a call was made taking him away
again? Keira even doubted it when they
told her earlier that morning that daddy was staying home for awhile. That part broke Juliana's heart, though she
hid it well, having mastered hiding her emotions over the years.
“Whatever time we do have
with him I cherish; now help me dry these since you want to keep bugging me.”
“Oh yeah, caring about
your emotional welfare is bugging you.” John snorted, though he did pick up a
dish towel and begin to help, knowing where each dish went.
He wondered if Taker
could have said the same. If John didn't
consider Juliana his sister or find the idea of boning his 'sister' completely repulsive
-because of the whole sibling thing, not cause she was mangy, she wasn't- he
would have probably tried going after her.
As it was...no, not happening.
Plus, she loved Taker with everything in her for SOME reason John
couldn't even begin to fathom. Yes, the
guy had saved them many times over. Yes,
he had his moments of being cool. He
just wasn't so good with the relationship/family thing.
“Oh stop it, you worry
too much.” Juliana scolded, watching him arch an eyebrow at her and Juliana had
to look away, hating how well John could read her.
They'd been best friends
for years and Juliana knew she would probably crumble if something happened to
John. He was her brother and the only
person she could talk to about absolutely anything. Maybe talking to him about the marriage thing
wouldn't be a bad idea; Juliana decided she had to talk to someone about it
before she blurted it to Taker.
“Look, I need to talk to
you about something and I need you to keep an open mind about it, okay? This is really important and if I don't talk
to someone about it soon, I'm going to end up bursting. I just want you to listen and support me, can
you do that?” When John scowled, claiming he always did that, Juliana brushed it
off. “Do you think I'm the marrying kind?”
Chapter 4
John almost dropped the
plate he had been drying, recovering quickly and put it away to give himself a
moment to think. Finally, he turned to
face her, studying her thoughtfully. “If you had asked me that nine, ten years
ago, no. Now…I think you are, but...”
There was always that but and he really hated the quick hurt that flashed in
her eyes. “But I think you kinda close yourself off and keep things to
yourself, which makes me say yes and no.” He knew where this conversation
ultimately would head. “You want him to commit, don't you, Jules?” He asked
softly.
“Forget it, I don't want
to talk about this anymore.” Juliana couldn't even fathom Taker not committing
to her and decided this subject was better left alone. She didn't want to think about it anymore
than she already had to and shook her head when John went to say something
else. “Don't.” She ordered, pressing her finger against his lips, silencing
him. “Please, promise me you'll forget I ever asked that damn question. Promise me right now, John Cena.”
She trembled slightly and
took a deep breath when he stiffly nodded, turning back to do the rest of the
dishes in silence. She closed herself
off for several reasons, Juliana felt in her mind and heart she had every damn
right to do it too with everything that had happened in her past! So maybe she wasn't the marrying kind after
all...Juliana shoved it out of her mind, setting a glass on the towel laid out
on the counter.
John regretted promising,
though he hadn't actually said it either. “Jules, I'm sorry.” He ignored her
warning shrug when he wrapped his arms around her from behind, bending down to
rest his chin on her shoulder. “You are a wonderful mother, a beautiful person
and a great friend. You should let
people in more; it's not healthy to keep everything bottled up like you do.” He
was waiting for the elbow to the ribs and lord knew she had pointy elbows. “You
are marrying kind, honey.” He kissed her cheek.
“What the hell are you
doing?”
“I am doing the dishes
while John here won't stop worrying about me like he always does.”
She did kiss John’s cheek
though, letting him know she appreciated what he said silently, blinking the
tears away from her eyes. Deep down,
John was right and Juliana knew it, but letting people in more was easier said
than done. She let him in fully because
of how long they knew each other and she let Taker in almost all the way.
There were certain things
she just couldn't talk to him about though, like the marriage thing because he
wouldn't understand. She knew him well
and didn't want to push him into anything, afraid she'd scare him away and
she'd never see him again. It was always
that hidden fear of losing him and Juliana tried ignoring him, but again that
was easier said than done.
“I thought you were
watching cartoons with Keira or are you done with the whole talking bugs
thing?”
“Commercial break, she's
using the bathroom.” Taker shrugged, wondering just why Cena was looking so
serious. He knew the kid wasn't as dumb
as he acted, or looked, but it was still fairly rare to see him looking this
way. “Everything alright?”
“Peachy.” John got that
'happy go lucky idiot' expression on his face, snapping his towel at Jule's ass
and bolted before she could retaliate.
Shaking his head, Taker
walked over to take the idiot's place. “Everything alright, Jules?” He
repeated, more softly this time.
“Of course it is. You know how John is, Taker. He's always worrying about me. I think he's afraid I'm gonna end up a shell
of myself again and that's not going to happen.
He'll just have to get over his fears or whatever the hell he's
thinking.” It was partially telling the truth because John had openly told her
that once while Taker was away on another job. “Will you put these away for
me?” She asked, handing him the glasses with a smile on her face, sighing when
he simply set them in the cupboard. The
tension between them was thick, but Juliana had to find a way to sever it and
hopped on the counter that was dish free for the moment, pulling him down for a
soft passionate kiss.
This was her using a very
effective distraction tactic so he couldn't ply her with anymore
questions. And truthfully, the tactic
usually worked, it wasn’t working this time though. With great force of will, Taker broke the
kiss, resting his forehead against hers. “Why would John think you're going to
wind up a shell, Juliana?” He asked quietly, his piercing green eyes staring
intensely into hers. John wouldn't just
think that out of nowhere; the kid wasn't that paranoid, even he knew that.
“Because I hardly go out
and do things, but I'm a mother. There's
no reason for me to go out. He actually
wanted to go on a double date because he met a girl on that site already and I
told him I'd have to talk to you about it first. I don't know what he's thinking Taker, you
know how John can be. I think he's
nervous about meeting a woman since he hasn't had a girlfriend in...Years...”
Because of her, a pang of guilt shot through Juliana, but she immediately
pushed it away instantly. “I don't know why he would think I'm gonna turn into
a shell when I'm the happiest I've ever been.
You need to stop worrying too.
Between you and him, I honestly don't know who's worse.” She laughed
softly, kissing him once more, this time softer and lightly, almost a brush and
enjoyed the closeness.
“We can't worry about
you?” He replied, kissing her lightly and pulled back. “In years? How many years are we talking?”
When she rattled off her
guess, Taker arched an eyebrow and actually felt pity for the guy. That was a long time to go without a
woman. Then...he realized, with a
feeling of guilt twisting his own stomach, that he could not recall if he had
ever taken Juliana out. A motorcycle
ride probably didn't count with women.
“What kind...of date?”
Hell, Taker couldn’t even remember the last time he’d been on an actual date,
period.
“Knowing John, it would
probably be a club or something like that.” She shrugged nonchalantly, seeing
how hesitant Taker was and caressed his face with her hand, smiling. “We don't
have to go, I already told him he'd have to go by himself more than
likely. He'll be fine, he just wants us
along in case things don't work out with the gal, but he's an adult and can
handle it himself.” She kissed him softly, needing to finish cleaning the
kitchen up, but he wasn’t letting her move.
A club, yes that would be
Cena's style and Taker could already envision the hell that it would be. “We
should go. Out, I mean.” He corrected
himself when she gave him a 'are you serious' look, clearing his throat. This wasn't familiar territory for him, but
he wanted to go out with Juliana, she deserved it. “I'm sure we could find a
good babysitter for Keira, it would be nice,” He didn't stumble over the word,
mildly pleased with himself. “For us to go out.
And besides, if John's date turns out to be totally fucked up, I want to
be able to laugh at him.” There, that sounded more like him.
Juliana blinked,
wondering if she'd heard Taker correctly or if she'd have to clean her ears
out. “You...You actually WANT to go?” When he nodded, Juliana was at a loss for
words, not knowing exactly what to say.
He was doing this for her and Juliana didn't want him to do it just
because she wanted it. “Taker, I'm fine with just staying here, I don't want
you doing this because you feel you have to.” He'd never EVER taken her out
anywhere, not even to a restaurant, so Juliana couldn't help feeling a little
paranoid. She went to say something else
and Taker silenced her with first his finger then his lips, pulling her into
his strong arms, melting her instantly.
He could have argued with
her all day, insisted he wanted to do this and even if he had completely meant
it, she would have still protested. This
was the quickest and best way of shutting her up. When he had finished kissing her senseless
and breathless, he pulled away, feeling pretty pleased with himself and showed
it with a smirk.
“Find out from John when
and where, go out shopping and buy yourself something to wear...Something that
shows off those gorgeous legs of yours...” He ran his hands down her thighs.
Juliana flushed a deep
crimson red, chewing her bottom lip, knowing Taker meant what he said and
sighed at the feeling of his huge calloused hands caressing her skin. “Mmm that
feels wonderful.” She whispered, feeling the heat even through the thin
material of her pajama pants, pulling him closer as she began wrapping her legs
around his waist. “I'm not going to a club, we'll compromise on where to go.”
Her mouth right by his ear, Juliana smirked when he shuttered against her,
nipping it lightly with her teeth.
“Daddy, where are you?”
Juliana laughed when
Taker groaned, kissing him heatedly once more before finally peeling herself away
to hop off of the counter, straightening herself out. “Cartoons a wait! Since you're watching her, I'll go shopping
with John. It'll give you and Keira some
quality time together. I love you.” She
smiled when he said it back and watched him walk back into what he considered
hell as far as the cartoons went. “JOHN!!”
Taking a moment to get
himself a cold glass of water, Taker inwardly adjusted himself and then
followed his daughter back to the living room, grinning broadly when she began
filling him in on what he had missed, resuming her spot curled up on his lap.
“Hey, Jules!” John was
back at the computer, grinning. “What's up?” She was grinning, she was beaming;
he was lost. “Uh...I don't understand...you look...weirdly thrilled…” Yes the
paranoia was always there when it came to Juliana.
“Me and you are going
shopping today while Taker watches Keira.
I talked to him about the double date and he actually wants to go!”
Juliana was ecstatic, her heart beating wildly in her chest, having never really
gone on a real date before. She probably
looked like a kid in a candy store or would once they got to the mall. “He
wants me to buy myself something to wear and we need to find you something if
you're going to present yourself properly.” She was already pulling him out of
the computer chair, barely giving him time to bid the blonde on the screen
goodbye before dragging him upstairs in excitement. “Oh and we're not going to
a club because that's not mine or Taker's style, so we'll have to compromise.”
“Okay...I'm not doing a
bar, Jules.” John replied seriously, wrinkling his nose. He knew exactly where Taker's taste in bars
ran and that was not his style at all. “Dinner?
Dancing?” He suggested, having already informed Evetta, his date, that
it would probably be a double date, which she had been relatively cool with.
“And stop dragging me, I can walk woman!” He followed her into her bedroom,
watching as she began searching for clothes. “Any idea what kind of clothes
you're looking for?” He always looked good, he couldn't remember the last time
she went shopping for something besides jeans.
“A dress more than
likely, I want to look...nice for a change.” She couldn't think of any other
word to use, tossing things out of her closet. “So what’s her name?”
“Evie.”
“Evie eh? She sounds beautiful already.” Juliana smiled
at the look in John's eyes, knowing he was smitten and they hadn't even met in
person. “And dinner and dancing sounds fine with me, Taker doesn't really do
the bars anymore.” She knew what John was thinking, remembering back when
Juliana had to sew Taker up in the back of a scummy bar, after revealing her
true self to him. Faking having a
cracked rib had been the best move she could make and Juliana hadn't regretted
it, anything to get her out of that prison she had to refer to back then as
home. “And you need to wear something nice because wherever we're going to
dinner at is going to be elegant and classy, something out of the
ordinary. So dress pants with a nice
dark blue dress shirt will work for you.
Blue is your color, keep that in mind, bro.”
“White Jules, I look
wickedly awesome in WHITE. Black dress
pants, black dress shoes, and a white dress shirt.” He corrected her, seeing
her scowl and knew damn well they'd be having a battle of the dress shirt later
on, grinning at her evilly. Shopping was
fun, he liked to shop. “You need to wear a short little black dress, something
that'll show off your legs and if Taker won't dance with you, then I will.” His
grin broadened, knowing how well that would go over with Rent-A-Cop, chuckling
at the memory of calling Taker that back in the day.
“You better behave and I
have a feeling you'll be having your arms already full with Miss Evie.” She
winked with a grin, the light in her eyes shining brightly. “And I'm not
wearing black, I'll pick out my own damn dress thank you very much.” She rolled
her eyes when John shot back with he was picking his own shirt out, causing
Juliana to toss her hands up in the air. “Fine, wearing black and white, she'll
think you're a goddamn cop or some shit.” She snorted derisively, changing into
a pair of jeans with a black short sleeved shirt, pulling her hair back in a
ponytail and slipped her white tennis shoes on. “Come on, I'm driving.” She
walked out with John hot on her trail, laughing when he tried yanking the keys
from her. “Do it again and I'll make you fly down these stairs.”
“Yeah, you do that and
then you'll have no one around to give you an HONEST opinion about how fat your
ass is in whatever you try on.” He shot back, jumping down the rest of the
steps before she could shove him. “Alright munchkin, I'm taking your Mom out.”
“Where too?” Keira asked,
looking both amused and curious, not budging from her spot on her dad's lap.
“Strip club.”
“What's a strip-”
“Cena, get out now before
I murder you.”
Juliana gaped and slapped
John hard upside the head, smirking when he groaned and could hear Keira's
giggling laughter along with Mark's deep rumbling. “Love you both, be back
soon!” She pressed her fingers to her lips and blew them both a quick kiss
before exiting, ignoring John's grumbling. “A STRIP CLUB? You've lost your goddamn mind, that is your
goddaughter you moron!” She growled, stepping inside her blue Ford Focus and
started the ignition, barely waiting for John to buckle up before peeling out
of there.
If John was smart, he
wouldn't say anything about how big her ass was in whatever she tried on or
she'd run his ass over with her car.
Chapter 5
John waited until he was
reasonably sure Juliana wouldn't try to either push him out of the car or slam
his side into something that would kill him before venturing speaking again.
“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said it.” He said contritely, wondering if now
would be a good time to mention that Keira knew the best way to kill something
was a headshot, and that technically, a strip club was a less dangerous pass
time. He mentally vetoed that. “So where
exactly are we going? The mall?”
They arrived at the mall
about a half an hour later since they lived on the outskirts of the city. She pulled into the parking lot, getting a
relative close spot and stepped out of the car, waiting for John. She still couldn't believe he told Keira they
were going to a strip joint, Juliana knew Taker wouldn't forget it either and
would make John pay for it when they were on their double date. Juliana knew Taker better than probably
anyone and sort of felt sorry for John, who was completely oblivious to the
fact Taker was going to make his life miserable in front of his date. She giggled quietly and waved John off when
he demanded to know what she was laughing about, simply saying she still
couldn't believe Taker had agreed to go on a double date.
“We'll shop for you first
and then me since you already know somewhat the outfit you want to wear. So pick a store.”
Shaking his head, and
trying to stifle the curiosity about whatever had made her laugh, John led the
way to the Brooks Brother store. He
wasn't interested in a suit, but they also dealt in dress shirts and
slacks. Though… “You know...” He mused,
rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he looked over some of the suits on display.
“I would make a really handsome James Bond, what do you think?” He turned to
look down at her, wiggling his eyebrows before bringing his hands up in front
of his face, forming a gun with his fingers.
“Not even remotely
close.”
Juliana laughed when
John's face fell, trying not to laugh at his expense, but it was too damn funny
picturing him as a James Bond. Christ,
the man was scared to death of guns because he'd been shot in the leg while
trying to protect foolishly once. She
knew John would do it again in a heartbeat if necessary. Now Taker dressed as James Bond...Juliana
immediately shoved that out of her mind, needing to focus on the tasks at hand
because they didn't have much time.
“Why don't you try the
suit on and see what it does for you?” She suggested, deciding to let him pick
out what he wanted to wear and would shoot him herself if he chose anything
Hawaiian or gaudy looking.
John was considering it
just on the principal that it would annoy Juliana and give him a good laugh in
return. But since this was their first
shopping excursion outside of a Wal-Mart in quite some time...he wasn't in any
hurry to end it. He didn’t know if they
would ever have this opportunity again.
“May I be of assistance?”
John turned to find a
man, around his height, with light brown hair in a nice suit standing
there. He glanced at the silver name
tag: Randy. “Um, something blue, pinstriped maybe?” He glanced at Juliana.
“He wants to look
like...James Bond...only modern day.” Juliana had a hard time saying that out
loud, laughing when John glared at her while the man named Randy pulled him
away to sift through the many suits they offered.
She was thoroughly
enjoying this and decided John would be occupied for awhile, so she stepped out
to make a call home, wanting to check on things. When nobody answered, Juliana sighed and knew
Keira probably had her father sucked into cartoons with the TV blaring, so
nobody could hear the phone ringing. She
slipped her phone back in her purse and walked back inside just as John walked
out of the changing room in...a pinstriped blue suit.
“Wow, you look INCREDIBLE
in that!”
John was examining
himself in a set of mirrors, brushing imaginary lint off his suit with a
pleased smirk. “I do look fuckable if I do say so myself.” He chuckled
lightheartedly.
Randy arched an eyebrow,
his mouth curving up a little at that.
He remained standing off to the side, watching as they examined the
suit.
“I will definitely take
it, Randy.” John grinned. “I like you, any guy who has good taste in suits is
alright in my book.”
Randy was wondering now,
if this guy was always like this and if he had been dropped much as a child.
“I told you blue was your
color.” Juliana smirked when John stuck his tongue out at her, simply folding
her arms in front of her chest in a silent 'I told you so'. She loved proving him right, which happened
frequently. “Go change out of it before you ruin the suit.” She shoved him
gently but firmly back toward the dressing rooms, still wondering what on earth
she was going to buy to wear for the double date.
Something sexy yet
classy, Juliana didn't want to look like a whore after all
Huffing, and muttering
under his breath about 'bossy, cruel women', John headed back to the changing
room. “I'll bring the suit out, Randy. I
don't need any help with the buttons.”
“Is he always like that?”
Randy had to ask, hiding his annoyance with that loud-mouthed, obnoxious
customer, turning his piercing gaze onto the woman. It was more than obvious that the pair
weren't romantically involved, but they didn't look like siblings either. He kept a lid on the curiosity.
“Twenty four hours, seven
days a week.” Juliana answered without a moment's hesitation, smirking when
Randy actually blanched at her. “No worries, he's like my big brother so I put
him in his spot when needed.” She winked and giggled at the grumbling coming
from the changing room. “Do I have to light a fire under you, Cena? We don't have all day you know.” Juliana
loved baiting him and burst out laughing when Randy couldn't help doing so,
both of them fully enjoying John's discomfort. “I really hope your date sticks
around otherwise Taker might have to pay her off in order for you to keep a
woman.”
“Hey, if anything, I'll
have to pay HER to stick around after seeing HIM!” John shouted back from the
changing room, obviously not amused. “Ahh!”
Randy winced when it
sounded like the other man had fallen.
“Don't come in! I'm fine!
The suit is fine too!” John shouted in a panic. “Hey...this carpet is
really comfortable...”
“Oh Jesus...” Randy rolled
his eyes and shook his head. “Are you sure you don't need help, sir?”
“Only if you feel like
helping me tuck my junk back in my boxers, dude.”
Juliana completely lost
it as she doubled over, laughing so hard tears were streaming down her
face. When Randy handed her a tissue,
she just laughed harder, dabbing her eyes and couldn't stop laughing. John walked out and one look at him instantly
made her burst in another fit of uncontrollable giggles, finally remembering
why she put up with him for so long. He
was so funny and could make her laugh even when she felt the lowest, which had
been earlier that morning. They checked
out and John walked out with his suit while Juliana contemplated which store to
venture in order to find her outfit for the double date.
“So when are we going on
this date exactly?”
John glanced down at his
watch, still grinning. He was fairly
certain Randy had never been so happy to see a customer leave, the man had
practically bowed them out the door. John
made a mental note to come back sometime, just to watch those elf ears go
red. Maybe he'd bring Keira, she'd find
it amusing too.
“In about six hours.” He
answered, groaning when she stomped on his foot. “What'd I do, Jules?” He
demanded, hopping on one foot, holding the other one up and surveying the
damage to his trainers.
“SIX HOURS?! Christ, we don't have time to waste then!”
She grabbed his hand,
ignoring his protests about his throbbing foot, and took off toward the first
dress shop they could find. She already decided
she was wearing a dress, something out of the ordinary for her, and flat out
refused to wear black. She wore enough
black in the bedroom, she wanted to look different and beautiful for him,
smiling at the thought. They walked in a
small dress shop and Juliana immediately went sifting through the dresses,
trying to find the perfect one.
“Anything except black
and blue, I want something different.” She stated before John could ask what
she was looking for, chewing her bottom lip at all the different cuts and
designs, sighing.
John arched an eyebrow,
wondering just what in the hell was wrong with blue. Her eyes were blue, blue made them pop, much
like him and blue. However, he wasn't
protesting it due to his still slightly throbbing foot. Instead, he stopped her, held her at arm's
length and surveyed her thoughtfully.
“How about something in a
cream color?” He suggested after a moment, knowing damn well she'd probably
shoot him down, but he could honestly see in her wearing that color and pulling
it off. With her skin tone and raven
hair, she would be a vision.
Cream...Juliana kept
searching through the dresses, finally finding one that really jumped out at
her. “I'll be right back.” She said in a rush and practically raced to the
dressing room, grinning from ear to ear.
Not wanting John to see
it until she was actually wearing the dress, Juliana changed quickly. She finally took a deep breath, smoothing the
dress out over her flat stomach, and turned around to stare in the mirror, her
eyes widening. The dress was a Patra
beaded chiffon dress that flowed and rested just above the knees. Soft chiffon twists were just below the
V-neck, ruche on the bodice and brought flattering focus to the dress.
There was shoulder and
back straps that shimmered with bold sequin and beaded embellishments that
looked like diamonds and rhinestones combined on the straps. Juliana could only stand there and couldn't
believe what was staring back in the mirror, slowly removing the tie from her
hair, letting it frame her face and fan her shoulders. When she heard John's impatient crowing, she
finally stepped out slowly with a shy smile on her face.
“Please don't laugh.”
John had been
half-heartedly browsing dresses, noting a few that were extremely skimpy, planning
on asking Juliana to try them on. “Why would I laugh at you?” He asked, turning
around and his jaw dropped. It took him
a full minute to recover and when he did, he was tempted to hug her, but didn't
want to ruin the vision before him. “You look beautiful Jules.” He whispered,
trying to remember if he had ever seen her in something like this, looking so
radiant. “Wow.” Taker was going to be knocked for at least two loops, possibly
three.
“What? What's wrong?
Look you said cream and-” John immediately cut her off by pressing his
finger to her lips, his blue eyes slowly giving her a once over, making Juliana
blush from head to toe.
If this was any
indication then Taker's world was about to be rocked out of orbit. Juliana felt proud of herself and actually
had to admit John's choice in color wasn't a bad idea. Juliana didn't realize it, but she looked
like a downgraded bride at that moment, the color against her tanned skin
making her breathtaking. Factor in her
black hair, she was a dark angel, especially with her dark midnight blue eyes.
“So this is the one
definitely?” When John could only nod, at a complete loss for words, Juliana
giggled and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for your help, bro.” She then walked
back behind the dressing room door to change out of the dress, not able to wait
to go home and show Taker, though he wouldn't see it until she was actually
wearing it.
John cleared his head
enough to shoot off one of his comments. “So, do you need any help getting out
of it? Maybe as payment for giving you
good advice?” He ducked when one of her shoes came flying over the changing
stall door, picking it off the floor with a chuckle. When she came out with the dress folded over
his arm, he was smirking. “Let's go pay and get that dress in a garment bag,
before you get pissed and choke me with it, thereby ruining both the dress and
my good looks.” He kissed the top of her head “You did look really beautiful in
it, Jules.”
“Thanks pervert.” Juliana
chortled when John looked wounded again, elbowing him in the ribs while she
paid for the dress.
It wasn't exactly cheap,
but to Juliana it was chump change as she simply gave the cashier her credit
card. She'd also picked out some
matching dangling earrings and a simple necklace to accent the dress along with
a pair of two inch black open toed heels that strapped up her calves. They walked out of the mall about twenty
minutes later and Juliana was all smiles, trying not to break the speed limit
in order to get home so she could get ready for the double date.
“I hope Taker found
someone to watch Keira or we won't be going, you realize that right?”
“It's TAKER, the guy
could probably get access to the President if he really wanted too.” John
replied with a snort. He strongly
suspected Taker could do just about anything he put his mind too. That was the problem, he might not have found
a babysitter because he might not have wanted to gone and scowled. “Does he
have anything to wear? Like a suit?” He
asked, not about to be embarrassed if the guy showed up in his usual jeans,
biker boots, and black leather vest. Or
see his date drool over the guy, for SOME reason, leather did that to women.
“Taker can wear whatever
he wants and you will deal with it.” Juliana stated emphatically, refusing to make
Taker even more uncomfortable than he probably already would be. “It's bad
enough he's doing this because of me, John.
Just let him be comfortable in his own skin, alright?” She sighed when
he huffed, reluctantly agreeing to it and Juliana patted his knee comfortingly,
letting him know tonight would be go off without a hitch. Now she had to figure out if Taker had found
a babysitter and whipped her cell phone out, once again trying the house phone.
“HELLO?” Came Keira's
extremely loud voice, giggling. “No Dad, not that one! Try another!”
“Darlin', who is it? And I liked that one!” Taker's voice sounded
exasperated in the background.
“No, it looks all wrong,
next. Who is it?” Keira returned her
attention to the phone.
“Keira, it's Mommy.”
Juliana couldn't help laughing when Taker growled in the background, shaking
her head. “Let me talk to Dad for a second please.” She heard some shuffling
and Keira's exasperated groan before Taker's voice finally flowed through the
phone into her ear. “Hey, I was wondering if you found a babysitter for Keira
or should I call around?” Juliana asked, stopping at a red light, smiling
softly at the sound of Keira's voice telling her father what he should and
should NOT wear tonight for the double date. “Taker?”
“Hold on, Jules. Keira, put those back, I don't even know how
I got them!”
“Dad, they are PERFECT,
they're dress pants! You are wearin'
them or you're not going!”
“Fine, lay them on the
bed.” Taker sighed, trying not to smile. “I found a babysitter. She has a great record.” By that, he meant
that he had already accessed background information, as well as her history
with the childcare service. “So...did John ever decide when?”
“Tonight in about four
hours.” Juliana answered somewhat exasperatedly. “We're on our way back so if
you want a shower, you better grab one now.
Love you and listen to Keira.” She giggled when Taker growled before
hanging up the phone, tossing it in her purse and headed through the green light
toward home.
Four hours? They were kidding...No, this was exactly like
John to rush into things dick first, head second. Shaking his head, Taker went back to scouring
the closet, knowing Keira probably had already located the pair of dress shoes he
had tossed in the back.
“Ooh, shiny...they still
got the paper in them too!” She pulled out the crumpled tissue paper from the
shoes. “Haven't you ever worn these?”
“Nope.” He was leaning
into the back of the closet, rifling through the clothes he didn't wear but
had, just in case, finally pulling out a shirt. “How about this?”
She nodded, staring up at
him. “That is your color.”
Taker grinned at his nine
year old daughter.
Chapter 6
John asked her a few
questions about what he should and shouldn't do on the date, but all Juliana
could tell him was to be himself. She
knew he was extremely nervous, finally taking his hand and squeezing it gently.
“Any woman would be lucky to have you and if she doesn't feel that way, then
she's not good enough for you. Remember
that. So be goofy, loveable self and
she'll fall at your feet.” She winked, causing John to grin, knowing she'd made
him feel a little bit better, but that didn't do anything for Juliana's
nerves. The closer they got to the
house, the more she wondered if wearing that dress was the best idea.
About twenty minutes
later or so, Juliana finally pulled into the driveway of the house and cut the
ignition, sitting there for a second. “I need a minute.” She whispered, closing
her eyes and swallowed past the lump that suddenly formed in her throat,
pressing her forehead against the steering wheel. “I know I've been with Taker
for a long time, nine plus years, but...is it wrong to feel completely nervous
since this is our first official date together?” She glanced over at John, who
looked just as pale as her, knowing he needed the comfort more than her right
now. “Sorry, forget I said anything. I'm
fine, but we really are pressed for time.
Come on.” Stepping out of the vehicle before John could say much,
Juliana grabbed her bags along with the dress, which was in a white zip up bag,
heading through the garage and walked inside the house, John trailing behind.
John grabbed Juliana
round the wrist -gently, he was a strong man after all- and pulled her back
into the garage before Keira or Taker could notice they had arrived. “No, it is
not wrong to feel nervous.” He said softly.
Knowing damn well nine
years of being with someone and NOT having gone out on a date had to be some
kind of sin, against the law or something.
He just hadn't dated period, which was lame. Nine plus years celibate...he paled. He really didn't need a sexual relationship
right away though, he needed a lot of stamina building solo sessions first.
“Just...relax, and try to
enjoy yourself. I'll even behave.” He grinned
encouragingly, swallowing down his own anxiety.
“Be you.” She whispered
and kissed his cheek, hugging him tightly around the neck, knowing both of them
were about to tread on unknown territory. “And if she does one thing to ruin
this evening, I'll be running her over.” Juliana said in his ear, causing John
to squeeze her tighter and they broke apart, knowing they were running out of
time to get ready. “Come on, we have to get you all dolled up.”
Laughing as they both
entered the kitchen again, Juliana slowly headed upstairs while John took the
downstairs bathroom to get ready. She
stepped inside the bedroom and delicately laid the dress bag on the bed along
with her bag with the shoes and jewelry inside, hoping this was the right
decision. Her palms became sweaty and
Juliana was fairly certain her heart might burst out of her chest with how fast
it was pounding. She jumped when Keira's
voice sounded behind her, causing Juliana to whip around.
“Keira, you really should
wear bells child. You scared me.”
“I'm practicing my
sneaking.” Keira announced, eyeballing the garment bag. “So, let's see it
then. I helped Dad pick out his clothes,
but you can't see them until you leave.
Even then, he might wear his duster just to hide it from you.” She looked
pleased, grinning. “Is the dress pretty?
It is a dress, right? Oh, I
googled 'strip club', Mom. You did NOT
go to one, I'm going to go smack John for lying.” She shook her head, looking
disgusted. “You adults do some really, really weird things.”
Taker poked his head out
of the bathroom, arching an eyebrow, and then brushed water off his face. His eyes went towards the garment bag on the
bed, looking curious. “You going to show it to us?” He asked, though something
told him Juliana wasn’t going to just as he wasn’t showing her what he was
wearing until they left.
“You'll see it when I'm
in it.” Juliana immediately snatched it from the bed, clutching like a
lifeline, and smirked when Taker narrowed his eyes. “Don't give me that look
and yes, my darling daughter, it is a dress and you have every right to go
smack your godfather for saying we went to a strip club.” She was still
contemplating running him over with her car after the double date ended,
watching as Keira ran out of the room to go give her godfather a piece of her
little mind. “Don't even think about peeking or I won't wear it.” She
threatened when Taker took a step toward her, not caring if he seen the shoes
and jewelry she bought, but the dress was a surprise. “Are you done with the shower?”
“Hmmm, maybe. Unless you'd like me to come scrub your
back?” He murmured suggestively, crossing the room until he stood in front of
her in nothing but a towel that was draped rakishly around his hips. Water droplets were still making their way
down his chest from his wet hair. “Wash your hair...or anything else you'd
like.” He purred, bending down until their lips were barely touching.
“You're evil you know
that.” She breathed and sighed when he gently brushed his lips against hers,
almost dropping the bag. She could feel
his arm snaking around her waist and Juliana knew exactly what he was trying to
do, immediately stepping away. “As much as I'd love for that to happen, I want
to surprise you with what I bought. I
hope you like it.” She flashed a nervous smile and walked over to grab the
other bags, winking over her shoulder at him. “And I can't wait to see what you
and munchkin picked out for you to wear.” The bathroom door closed and Juliana
locked it, setting everything down before stripping out of her clothes, hopping
into the shower.
“Hey, give me my bag!” He
ordered, waiting outside the door until she opened it a crack, just enough
space to pass through his leather toiletry bag, which contained his brush,
razor, hair ties, cologne; all the stuff he was going to need.
“Dad, John is wearing a
suit! And-” Keira clamped her hands over
her eyes and began backing out, reaching back with a hand. “And you should wear
some clothes! You never know when I'm
going to barge in!”
“Give me a minute to pull
on my pants, darlin'.”
“And underwear!”
She was not his daughter.
Even in the bathroom
under the sprays, Juliana couldn't help laughing, feeling very blessed to have
such a unique beautiful family. It was
almost too good to be true at times. Juliana
finished her shower and stepped out, having grabbed new under garments, which
were also cream colored lace, flat out refusing to wear thongs or anything
trashy. She looked in the mirror, wiping
it down before beginning the transformation.
She parted her bangs to
the side, which hung just to the middle of her cheek in a layered fashion, the
rest of her hair hanging loosely just a little past her shoulders. She slipped the strapless cream colored bra on
with the matching panties and they were silk so no panty lines would show
through the chiffon. She put light black
eyeliner on with cream colored eye shadow, bringing out her midnight blue eyes
with clear gloss and foundation to hide any blemishes. Her earrings were simple dangling rhinestone
and diamonds that matched the dress's decor perfectly.
Juliana had shaved her
legs and knew she wouldn't need to wear knee highs or anything like that,
knowing Taker enjoyed looking at her legs for some reason. Juliana clipped the matching necklace on,
which had a dangling rhinestone teardrop on a diamond chain. It was just enough, not too elegant she hoped
anyway.
Finally, Juliana looked
over at the bag and pulled the dress out, slipping into it and zipped it up in
the back. The reflection staring back at
her was one that Juliana hadn't expected and she hoped Taker's fell to his
knees at the sight of her, smirking before finally strapping her black
heels. She picked up her mess and made
sure everything was as it should be before finally opening the door and walking
out.
John was down in the
living room, adjusting his cufflinks and admiring himself. “I am one handsome
guy.” He said cheerfully, having even done his hair, as much as he could
anyway. “Now if only your Mom and Dad were as gorgeous as me.” He informed
Keira seriously, grinning when she kicked him in the shin. “Hey now!”
“My Dad is beautiful!”
That was a very nice
thing of her to say if not entirely truthful.
Taker stepped out of the downstairs bathroom where he had finished
getting around, wearing black dress slacks, the shiny shoes and a button up
shirt that he had never even removed from the package. His black hair was tied back into a ponytail
with a black rubber band, shaved and trimmed his mustache and goatee. He wore a simple silver chain around his
neck, though tucked under the collar and a silver watch he had bought for some
reason he could no longer remember. He
had cleaned up fairly nice.
“Hell...has just frozen
over.”
“I'm inclined to agree
with you on that, Keira, he is beautiful.” Juliana stated from behind, having
entered the room unnoticed until three pairs of eyes turned around to stare at
her.
Juliana instantly flushed
and could feel her heartbeat quicken again at the sight of Taker, her knees
weakening. The light grey buttoned up
shirt hugged his muscular chest and arms perfectly, the first three
undone. Juliana had to learn how to
breathe again as Keira instantly rushed over to her with big bluish green eyes,
which were wide as saucers.
“Mom, you look...”
“Different I know.”
Juliana smiled and bent down, smoothing out Keira's hair, being careful of the
dress.
“No, you look
incredible! Dad, look at Mom! She's all dressed up!” Keira was speechless,
she'd never seen her mother look this way before.
He WAS looking at
Juliana, he just couldn't make his mouth work.
Nor did he want too. He just
wanted to stare at her, though when it looked like John was about to snatch her
up or something else unwisely similar, he stepped forward and extended his
hand. When she took it, he pulled her
gently to him and bent down to brush his lips against hers.
“All this is worth it,
just to see you like this, you're...stunning, Juliana.” He murmured, knowing
that word did not do her the justice she deserved.
“So are you, Taker.” She
whispered, reaching up to caress his smooth face with the back of her hand, the
biggest smile on her face. It was almost
as if the entire world had disappeared around them and it was just them
standing in front of each other, staring in each other's eyes, falling even
more in love if that was possible. “I'm glad you like it, I was nervous it
wouldn't be enough or too dressy...” She was busy fixing his shirt, running her
hands down the material to smooth it out even more, trembling just the
slightest. “I love you.”
“I love you too, darlin'
and the dress is perfect. Or rather,
you're perfect.”
John was just watching
this feeling mildly grossed out AND like he was snooping on a private
moment. He took Keira's hand and guided
her towards the front door. “Let's go wait on the porch for the sitter, okay?”
He suggested softly, giving her parents a moment alone.
Taker had to catch her
hands to stop her from smoothing his shirt to death, bringing them to his mouth
in order to kiss her fingertips. “Why are you so nervous, Jules?” He asked in a
husky voice, his eyes locking with hers.
“It's stupid, it's really
stupid. No it's idiotic AND stupid
because we've been together for nearly nine years.” She shook her head and
sighed when Taker ran his finger down her cheek very gently, not wanting to
muse anything. “This is our first official date...you know actually going out
in public instead of always staying in.
I told you it was stupid to be nervous about, but I can't help it. This is my first date...ever...”
Taker had been the only
man she'd been with, he'd taken her virginity and Ken hadn't taken her out
anywhere. Her and John had gone out to
eat and to see movies together, but that wasn't a date per say. Taker was the love of her life, the man she
wanted to wake up and fall asleep beside and grow old with for the rest of her
life.
It took him a
moment. She had been sheltered,
somewhat, minus her sneaking, wild-child excursions with John which didn't
count as dating as the two were nothing but friends. And he had been with her ever since she had
been forced to relocate from her father.
And he had never taken her out. Other
than a bar for a beer, which wasn't a date, he really was an asshole.
“I'm sorry, Jules.” He
apologized, having never really given it much thought until now.
“I don't want you to feel
bad about it because I don't regret anything that's happened between us good or
bad. You know I love you and if we never
went on a single date together, then I wouldn't care. I enjoy being home with you and Keira. Please, I don't want you feeling guilty about
this.” She brought his face down to hers, pressing their foreheads together,
her heart breaking because she knew exactly what he was thinking. “You're the
perfect guy or damn near close to it. I
only asked to do this because of John, he needs support right now. I don't care about going out on dates or
anything like that because what I have here is more important. And I'm talking way too much, sorry.” She
smiled tentatively, smoothing his shirt out once more before very softly
kissing the part of his chest that was bare, sighing in contentment. “You smell
good, just so you know.”
“You look good.” He shot
back with a grin, stepping out of reach so she couldn't keep smoothing his
shirt. Once again, he found himself
staring at her, thinking he should have taken her out years ago, seeing her all
dolled up like this. The color wasn't
something he would have ever pegged her for wearing, it looked spectacular
though. “You know, that almost looks like a bridesmaid dress or something.” He
said thoughtfully after a moment. “Planning John's wedding already?”
Juliana paled for a
second before the color returned to her cheeks, suddenly walking past him
toward a closet that had a full length mirror in it. She opened it and sure enough, the more
Juliana looked at her reflection, the more the realization dawned on her. She looked like a downgraded bride, the color...she
was going to kill John. He was
definitely being run down with her car.
She finally knew why he picked the color and bit back a scowl, shutting
the door with authority.
“He probably won't make
it to his wedding.” She said sweetly, though it didn't reach her eyes as she
headed outside to see what her daughter and sneaky best friend were up to.
Wondering what he had
missed, Taker followed her.
Chapter 7
John and Keira were
sitting together on the porch swing, John's suit jacket off so he didn't ruin
it, his arm draped around her. When he
seen the stormy look in Juliana's eyes, he knew she had cottoned onto the
reason behind his suggestion. Well, part
of the reason. She really did look
beautiful, that color was set off by her hair, eyes and skin tone.
“You two look...nice, together.”
He wasn't going anything other than nice because, from him, anything else would
have sounded either snarky, or worse, gay.
“They're beautiful! Hey, the sitter, think she'll be nice to me?”
“She better be if she
knows what's good for her.” Juliana stated coldly, shooting John a glare before
taking a deep breath. “Me and you are having a long talk later.” She promised
in his ear to where nobody could hear him, standing up just as a car pulled
up. A brunette stepped out that looked
to be in her twenty's or a little older than that. Juliana glanced back at Taker and knew she
had to trust him considering his line of work, feeling his arm wrap around her
waist. “Hi, I'm Juliana, Keira's mother.”
“It's really nice to meet
you, I'm Evetta, but most people call me Evie.” She smiled warmly with
chocolate brown eyes, her eyes moving to the beautiful little girl before her.
“And what's your name little one?”
“Oh brother.”
Juliana nudged her
daughter, flashing another smile, and went to say something when John suddenly
stood up from the porch, his eyes boring into the woman. “Uhhh...”
“Mom...isn't she a little
dressed up to be my babysitter?”
Evie was indeed a little
dressed up, more so than what a babysitter should have been. This was easily explained: she wasn't the
babysitter. She was John's date. She laughed softly when she realized her few
inches above the knee, blue and white pinstriped dress matched John's.
“I'm sorry.” She said,
moving towards him when he stepped towards her, recognizing him instantly. “My
picture shows me with blonde hair but I dyed it brown last week.”
“You are beautiful.” John
informed her.
Taker crossed his eyes,
trying not to facepalm himself and let out a breath when another pulled up.
“That's the sitter.”
“She brought games!”
An elderly woman walked
up, though she looked to be in her fifties and wore gaudy jewelry. She didn't smell bad and had short curly grey
hair with warm grey eyes, wearing a simple navy blue dress that had a pink belt
around the waist. “Good evenin', are you Mark Calaway?”
Juliana smiled softly,
already liking the older woman and stepped forward after she shook Taker's
hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you...?”
“Just call me Momma Jean,
deary and is this the little darlin' I'm watchin' tonight?”
Keira grinned from ear to
ear. “I love Monopoly and it's the Disney version! Mommy look!”
Juliana beamed, nodding
at how excited her daughter was. “We'll try not being out too late, Miss Jean.”
“Take your time deary,
she's in good hands I promise.”
Taker was very pleased
with his choice in babysitters, ignoring the 'she used your birth name and you
let her' look he got from Cena. He
wasn't about to demand this old woman call him 'Taker, he snorted. That and he had wanted a babysitter who
wouldn't let Keira play XBOX, stay up all night and get hopped up on caffeine.
Keira waited impatiently
while her parents began leaving instructions. “Okay, can we go play Monopoly
now, Momma Jean, please?” She asked politely when her Mom and Dad shut up.
Evie smiled, hiding it
behind her hand. This child was simply
too cute. “She's adorable.” She murmured to John.
Now he was officially in
love. “We ready?”
“I suppose.” Juliana was
really nervous leaving Keira in this woman's hands, but she would be completely
safe. The house was locked down with the
state of the art security system. “Be good for her alright? We'll be home in a few hours.” She hugged
Keira tightly, kissing the top of her head. “I love you Keira.”
“Love you too Momma and
don't rush, have fun with Dad. You two
need it.”
Juliana sighed, knowing
that was easier said than done. “We will.”
She stepped aside and let
Taker hug her goodbye, giving her explicit instructions not to drink any
caffeine and to go to bed no later than ten like he'd instructed Momma
Jean. She felt Taker laced their fingers
together and he lead her over to the Chevy Silverado, helping her up in it
while John helped Evie in the back.
Within moments, they were pulling away from the house, Juliana glancing
back and smiled when Taker pulled her over to snuggle against him.
Taker had also told Keira
were he kept his extra cell phone in case anything happened. He had warned her against calling because the
sitter was 'mean', he had stressed the 'emergency only' until she had scolded
him for nagging her. He had almost told
her where the taser was, but...He had checked out the babysitter and was fairly
secure in the knowledge that she was trustworthy, but just in case...He
relaxed, feeling Juliana relaxing against him and smiled. This might not be a bad night after all. He glanced in the rearview mirror, John was
actually holding a serious conversation; he was definitely impressed.
“So,” He murmured,
pausing briefly. “Just where are we going?”
“I have no idea, talk to the
man with the plan.” Juliana jabbed her thumb behind at John, who jolted out of
his conversation with Evie, who looked as though she was already smitten with
him. When he simply said for Juliana to
choose, she sighed and knew that was coming, trying to think. “How about that
place that you can have a steak dinner and there's a dance floor in it?” She
suggested, knowing it wasn't a club because it was for actual slow dancing
mostly.
“Oh I know exactly what
you're talking about. I think it's
called the Sizzle and the dinner there is fantastic. It's not really a club with loud music and
strobe lights, which I'm perfectly fine with.
Are you?” Evie asked, smiling when John just nodded.
Juliana was liking Evie
even more.
Taker was liking Evie
too, she had rendered John virtually silent.
THAT was the woman for John. He
decided he might even hold off on screwing with the kid just to make sure this
date went smoothly. He was beginning to
see the possibility of less John around, equating that with more Evie. He grinned, quickly dropping a kiss on the
top of Juliana's head.
With her giving him
instructions, he quickly located the Sizzle, studying the place
thoughtfully. At least it wasn't a club,
with horrible, deafening music and who knew what else. He stepped out of the Chevy and walked around
to Juliana's side, opening the door and extending his hand to her.
Juliana smiled and
slipped her and into his, carefully stepping down out of the truck, moving her
hair to the side a little bit. She knew
one of the many reasons they never went on an actual date is because Juliana's
life seemed to always be in danger. Not
to mention she sort of faked her own death after killing Ken Anderson and her
psychotic mother.
It was the right thing to
do to keep hidden for the past seven years, but no other danger had come their
way so maybe it was safe to finally go on dates with Taker...if he wanted to
take her. The two couples walked inside
the Sizzler with Evie talking about her career as a journalist for the local
newspaper. They sat down at a table and
Juliana instantly snuggled into Taker's side again, both of them looking at a
menu.
When Evie asked him what
he did, John was at a bit of a loss. “Well...” He wasn't about to tell her his
job consisted of playing video games and occasionally putting in hours as a gym
trainer. A benefit to that was he got to
use the equipment for free, a body like his wasn't achieved by sitting on his
ass.
“He works with me.” Taker
supplied, actually feeling bad for the idiot, not looking up from the menu.
“In security.” John
agreed, latching on.
It wasn't really a lie,
maybe an exaggeration. He hadn't worked
in years and he wouldn't actually count it as working because running for his
life, trying to stay a few steps ahead then getting shot didn't really seem to
qualify as a job. He considered kicking
Jules under the table when she smirked from behind the menu.
“Security eh? Well at least I know I'll be safe if we work
out.” Evie giggled softly, enjoying John's company immensely and glanced over
at Juliana and the tall intimidating guy, not knowing his name. “So what is
your name or should I just call you tall and dark?” She smirked when Juliana
giggled more, folding her arms in front of her chest.
“Just call him Taker.” Juliana
offered, winking up at him and sighed when he softly kissed her lips.
“Alright.”
John was expecting a
barrage of questions about that. Usually
the first one was: What kind of name is 'Taker?
But Evie didn't ask, she seemed to accept it immediately. He glanced at Taker who was giving him a
'don't fuck this up' look.
“While we're
waiting...would you dance with me?” He asked, pushing away from the table and
extended his hand to her.
“I'd love too.” She smiled,
allowing him to pull her to her feet and then out onto the dance floor.
“Plan their wedding.”
Taker chuckled, shaking his head as he put down the menu. “She's definitely
going to be a keeper.” He could see it now...they'd be able to sleep in again
when school started up, without having to worry about John bursting into the
house at ungodly hours. He stared down
at Juliana, noting the sparkle in her beautiful midnight blue eyes, bending
down to kiss her.
On one hand, Juliana kept
wondering why Taker was mentioning marriage when the subject hadn't come up
between them in the past almost eight years they'd been together. Then again, Juliana wouldn't mind planning
John's wedding because he deserved to settle down with someone who completed
him. Evie seemed to fit perfectly in
that category and John was already falling for her, Juliana could tell.
She just had to accept
the fact she'd never get married and be happy with Taker the way they were for
the rest of their lives. Marriage was
simply a piece of paper and an expensive piece of jewelry, but deep down
Juliana knew that wasn't how she felt about it anymore. It was about committing to the one she loved
and being together until the end of time.
She broke out of her thoughts when she felt Taker nuzzle her neck,
instantly closing her eyes to relish the feeling, a moan escaping her.
“You had a faraway look
in your eyes...” He whispered in her ear before nipping her lobe. “What were
you thinking of, hmm?” She had been playing the 'let's not answer that
question' game with him since he had gotten home, but he wasn't asking directly
and outright this time. No, he went with
sneaky distraction and then murmured the question while she was enjoying the
distraction. Nobody ever said that he
played fairly.
“Just the fact that I can
actually imagine John standing at the altar in a wedding.” She lied smoothly,
shivering when he continued playing with her earlobe, moving to her neck and
felt him lift her to sit sideways on his lap. “Is this allowed?” She giggled
when he simply shrugged, knowing Taker wasn't one to follow rules except his
own. She definitely wasn't complaining
either, enjoying the attention he was giving her, snuggling even closer while
his hot breath on her ear and neck lit her body on fire.
“What do you think
they'll do?” He rumbled in her ear, one hand wrapped around her, with his palm
flat against her belly. His other hand
was on her thigh, massaging slow circles against her through the dress, loving
the material, though he loved what was underneath it even more. “Throw me out?”
That was laughable, he
doubted anyone would even be able to work up the nerve to ask him to stop
mauling his woman publically. He might
have dressed like a gentleman, that did not actually make him one and he was
sure that fact had crossed someone's mind at least once tonight. Other than Juliana's. A gentleman wouldn't be running his hand up
underneath the dress.
“Mmm, silk...”
Juliana grabbed his wrist
before that large hand could caress her any further, trembling slightly against
him. “Later, I want to at least eat dinner first.”
Her cheeks were a deep
dark crimson red, her breathing ragged and kissed him soundly. John and Evie were heading back to the table
and Juliana really didn't want them witnessing Taker mauling her in the booth,
slipping off of his lap reluctantly. She
straightened her dress and simply snuggled against his side, grabbing his wrist
when his hand went to slide up her dress again.
“Evil.” She muttered with
a smirk, smiling when John and Evie sat back down, both breathing heavily and
their lips were slightly swollen. “Did you two kids have fun?”
“Yes.” Evie's eyes were
sparkling. “You told me you couldn't dance.” She accused John, laughing when he
just shrugged at her.
“Must've been you
bringing it out in me.”
That was corny, he had to
fight the urge to roll his eyes, wondering if anyone would notice if he
adjusted himself beneath the table. Now
he remembered why he usually stuck with the relatively tight jeans. Juliana tended to get a rise out of him.
John eyeballed Jules,
concern in his eyes. “You're all flushed, are you alright?”
“I'm peachy, you're a
little flushed yourself there, bro.” She shot back with a smirk, causing Evie's
cheeks to join theirs.
Taker was the only one
who seemed calm as a cucumber, which didn't surprise Juliana in the slightest
since he was giving her all the attention.
Juliana would be sure to reciprocate it later on once they were alone. The waitress walked over and took their orders,
which was steak with all the trimmings, Juliana having a craving for it ever
since Taker came home. When Evie and
John went out dancing again, Juliana decided maybe it was time to ask Taker the
burning question about marriage, but she didn't know how to go about it.
“Taker...” She sighed
when their drinks were placed in front of them, instantly making her lose her
nerve.
He hadn't missed the tone
of voice, the way she had said his name and arched an eyebrow, taking a sip of
his beer. Hey, he was drinking it from a
glass, that made it look better, though he was fairly certain he was losing
points on his man card. “What is it?” He demanded, hazarding a guess that she
had been working up the nerve to talk to him about something, probably the same
thing she had been thinking about when she seemed to go off into la-la land.
Juliana had to think fast
and took a sip of her wine, slowly setting the glass down on the table. “I'm
just worried about Keira being with that babysitter. Don't laugh.
I can't help it, this is the first time I've been away from her since
she was born besides having John watch her to go to the store.” She decided to
talk about motherhood, bringing up marriage would only complicate things and
Juliana's fear of Taker leaving still lingered even after nearly ten years. “Is
it wrong or am I being too overprotective?”
He was beginning to lose
count of how many times she had either semi-lied about what she was thinking or
changed the topic a bit in order to avoid actually answering him properly. It was getting....irritating. Taker took a long, slow sip of his beer
before answering, considering her.
“No, it's not being too
overprotective.” He said as he set the glass back down, his eyes meeting hers.
“If you want, you can call and check-in with them. I'm sure Keira is probably feeling a bit
anxious as well.” He was going to go along with the distract and move on tactic
for now.
When they got home, in
their bedroom, it would be another matter entirely.
Chapter 8
“No, I already promised
her I wouldn't call unless it was an absolute emergency.”
She hadn't realized
that's exactly what Taker made Keira promise them, wanting her parents to enjoy
themselves tonight. She began moving her
head when Thriving Ivory began playing over the speakers of the place, smiling
as her eyes closed. This was one of her
favorite bands, trying to ignore Taker's tension that she could no doubt
feel. Did he know she was lying to him
about what she'd really been thinking about?
He could read her better than John...Juliana fought not to pale glanced
out at the dance floor, smiling at the sight of John and Evie snuggled against
each other while they slowly swayed back and forth.
Considering he had a
habit of 'reading her mind', Taker found it highly impractical of Jules to keep
something from him. He usually spotted
dead-on when she was trying to hide something from him, or avoiding a
topic. Deciding a little more shock
treatment -him coming out, dressing up probably had been the surprise of the
century- was in order, he stood up and gently took her hand, pulling her up
alongside him so their bodies were pressed together tightly.
“Dance with me.” He
rumbled, staring down at her out of intense emerald orbs.
Juliana didn't know what to
think of Taker's behavior, wondering when the man ever danced. She didn't understand what came over him and
wasn't about to question it. Her father
had made sure she took dancing lessons for the many banquets he threw in the
Harrison mansion.
She smiled as they
twirled around the dance floor, getting lost in each other and he even dipped
her a few times. Her eyes never left his
and wondered what Taker was thinking, wondering if he ever thought about the
possibility of marriage. When he twirled
her and brought her in his arms again, Juliana finally decided to take the dive
so to speak.
“What's on your mind,
handsome?”
“You.” He replied with a
smile slight, telling her the truth.
She was on his mind, she
was usually on his mind, even when she shouldn't have been. Her and whatever it was that seemed to be
gnawing at her, something she felt she couldn't share with him, or maybe
wouldn't. The thought that she wouldn't
suddenly sent his mind into overdrive, wondering what could be so bad that she
didn't want to tell him.
Was she afraid of him?
Was she afraid of his
reaction?
If that were the case,
then it would of had to be something very bad.
He then began thinking of the relatively few things she could do that
would totally piss him off, the top two being leaving him and running off with
their daughter and cheating on him. He
knew she wouldn't attempt the first, he would be able to eventually find
them. The second thought both left him
feeling like there was a knife in his heart AND pissed him off, his grip on her
tightening for a brief moment.
“I love you.” Juliana
could feel his apprehension and sighed inwardly, knowing she would have to talk
to him about what had been on her mind for the past few months.
Maybe John was right,
maybe she should open up to people a little bit more. She hated keeping anything from Taker, it
wasn't fair to him because the relationship already had trust issues in the
past. She kissed his chest that was
visible his fingers lightly graze up and down her back, the chiffon dress
flowing every time he twirled her gently.
“There's something I need
to talk to you about later tonight when we're alone, I don't want to do it
right now. It's not anything bad, I
promise.”
She smiled when he
reluctantly nodded, knowing Taker would be patient until they arrived
home. Then she would have no choice, but
to talk to him about the marriage thing, just wanting to get it out in the
open. Before Taker could say anything
else, people began screaming, causing her eyes to widen as John and Evie came
rushing up to them.
“There was an explosion
outside! I think it was the truck!” Evie
was trembling from head to toe, burying her face in the side of John's neck.
“WHAT?”
Taker had already let her
go and was heading for the door, weaving around people effortlessly and those
he couldn't get around, he moved out of his way. He could hear John right behind him, Evie and
Juliana following. His green eyes
narrowed when he seen that it was the truck that had gone up, the cars beside
it also on fire.
“Run.” He ordered,
knowing damn well this could lead to a chain explosion that came up close to
the building, to them. Ignoring the
beginnings of panic as other people began to cotton onto that fact. Literally snatching up Juliana and tossing
her over his shoulder, he began to move away from the now extremely deadly
parking lot and out towards the open.
John was following suit,
though he had scooped Evie up against his chest, cradling her to him. “Some first
date, huh?” He managed to get out as he and Taker both used their large frames
to get the hell out of there.
Evie didn't know what to
say, blinking and trembled against him as tears shined in her chocolate brown
eyes. “John, what's going on?”
Juliana clamped her hands
over her ears as the building began to shake slightly, knowing the explosions
were already happening. “Taker...”
She blinked when people
came rushing at them and knew Taker wouldn't let anything happen to her,
feeling as though her heart might explode from how fast it thundered against
her chest. Keira! What if something happened to Keira? The truck was gone, how the hell were they
supposed to get home?! Juliana chanced
moving her head and could already see Taker on his cell phone, trying to talk
over the shouting people as another explosion happened.
John was sincerely hoping
that the truck had had a leak or something and some retarded person had just
flicked a cigarette down in the wrong place.
That was better than any other alternative that his mind was throwing at
him. He really hated being paranoid, but
Juliana's history of attracting people who wanted her dead seemed to keep him
on his toes and his nerves on edge, whenever something out of the ordinary -and
this fucking qualified- happened. “I don't know honey, probably some kind of
malfunction.” He managed to make himself heard, trying to soothe her.
When they were at a safe
distance away, with nothing nearby to catch on fire in case the flames came
this way, Taker slowly let Juliana down, turning to look at the inferno.
Juliana could only stand
there and watch the flames, silent tears streaming down her face. Who the hell had done this? This wasn't coincidence, Juliana learned long
ago that whenever exploding cars were around, bad things happened. John nearly died, Juliana closing her eyes
tightly shut as the memory washed over her, trembling from head to toe.
Her voice screaming his
name and the relief washing over her when she heard John's voice, letting her
know he'd survived, but not without being injured. Why couldn't people just leave her alone and
let her be happy with Taker? Was it
really a crime for her to have a normal happy life? This was why they never went out on a date
together because in public something bad always happened.
“I-I have to call
K-Keira.” She stepped away from everyone to take her cell phone out, trying to
stop shaking, not wanting to scare their daughter.
“Hey Mom!” Keira answered
cheerfully on the third ring. “Momma Jean and I are still playing Monopoly,
she's really good!” She had absolutely no idea anything was wrong. “We were
outside for a bit, she let me buy an ice cream cone when the ice cream truck
came by, the guy was really nice and gave me extra sprinkles!” She was having a
great time, completely unaware of the shaky, relieved sigh that her mother let
out. “You should go out on more dates so I can be babysat by Momma Jean! How's the date going anyway? Why you calling? I'm fine!”
Juliana clutched the
phone as the relief washed over her, nodding, the tears not stopping. “It's
going fine baby girl, I'm just calling to check in. You know how I am. I can't help worrying about you.” She said in
a surprisingly calm voice, smiling when Keira squealed that she landed on what
sounded like a good property. “Tell Momma Jean we're going to be heading back
soon and make sure the house is completely locked up, okay?” When Keira agreed,
Juliana was almost afraid to hang up with her. “I love you, Keira, Daddy and I
will be home soon.”
“Okay, take your
time!! Love you too!!” The phone went
dead.
She was perfectly fine,
Juliana took a few more deep breaths and wiped her tears away, eyes narrowing
slightly because she was tired of being attacked. She took the earrings and necklace off, shoving
them in her purse, having a small gun in there just in case. Taker had taught her how to shoot a gun, not
wanting her to be completely defenseless why he was away on business trips.
“Do you really think it
was just some malfunction?” Evie asked, staring with wide eyes at the scene
playing out before her eyes. It was hard
to believe that not ten minutes ago they had been dancing and having a good
time in the building that was now being consumed by an inferno.
“Somebody could have been
smoking and put it out too near a leaking vehicle.” John said reassuringly,
trying to convince himself. He was too
fucking paranoid, not everything was about Juliana damn it. She didn't have anyone left who wanted her
dead. He glanced at her. He hoped
anyway.
“John's probably right.”
Taker agreed, not entirely sure he believed that, he knew that things were
rarely coincidental when it came to Juliana.
The woman was a walking magnet for trouble.
“How are we getting home,
Taker?” Juliana asked, just wanting to be with their daughter right now, too
freaked out by the sudden explosion of the Silverado.
“Wouldn't you have
noticed if there was a leak though?” Evie wasn't that stupid, she was highly
intelligent and looked up at John with wary eyes. “I could call my friend who
can give us all a lift back home. He's a
limo driver...”
Juliana looked at Taker,
waiting for him to tell them what was going to be done, waiting for him to take
action like he always did.
“I already called for a
rental.”
“That was awfully fast.”
Evie said suspiciously, having absolutely no idea of his connections.
“You'll have to meet it
though.” He pointed to the line of cop cars, fire trucks, and ambulances that
was converging.
“Wait, what about you?”
John hadn't missed that
'you'll', and was trying to keep Evie from asking another question. He really liked her, but she was a bit too
smart for her own good. Not to mention,
if something was up...he couldn't be involved with her, that'd be putting her
in danger.
Taker shot him a 'what do
you think' look. “I'll be giving a statement.” He said evenly, having no such
intentions. He was going to find out
just what was going on.
Evie frowned, not
believing what an evening this turned out to be and sighed heavily. “Thank you
for the ride, Taker.” She kissed John's cheek and rushed off toward the rental,
knowing she'd be stuck in traffic for awhile.
“John...” Juliana watched
him walk away from them and felt terrible, more tears starting to fall.
She hated her life because
it seemed to always be in danger. This
explosion was a sign, there was no other explanation. It'd been nearly eight years since anything
happened, but that didn't mean anything.
It took Cassandra's son four years to track her down, wanting her to
feel safe and secure before striking.
Juliana watched as Taker walked over to speak with the police, heading
over toward where John was standing. She
had no idea what to say to him and simply stood there, both waiting with bated
breath.
John really hated Taker;
the man had ordered two rentals, apparently anticipating Evie's immediate
desire to get the hell out of there. “She was a nice girl.” He offered after
five minutes of silence between them, not knowing what else to say as he tried
to see what was going on. He hadn't
realized how far they had ran until just now, knowing it had been the extra
fear and adrenaline that had caused it.
He could see, however, that the fires were slowly being brought under
control.
This was going to take
hours.
“Maybe she'll call and
text you...”
Juliana highly doubted
it, feeling terrible for her best friend and could feel a headache coming
on. She didn't care if her dress was
chiffon or not, the heels were killing her feet as Juliana walked over to sit
down in the grass, resting her chin on her knees, her purse tucked on her
lap. She was keeping it close just in
case she would need to sink a bullet in someone's head.
“I'm sorry John...for
everything.” She whispered, closing her eyes as the guilt crashed over her,
wondering when enough would be enough.
“Hey, hey...” John
dropped down next to her, not really giving two flying fucks about his
suit. It was just a suit, it could be
replaced. People couldn't. “It's not
your fault. For all we know, they were
after Evie.” When she snorted, he nodded. “Think about it, she was super smart,
way too smart for me. She could have
been on the run from the mob, maybe she stole a shitload of money.” When he got
another snort, he sighed and wrapped an arm around her, knowing his idiotic
jokes weren't working. “Sorry.” He murmured quietly. “But this isn't your
fault, Jules.” He squeezed her gently, resting his head against hers. “It's
not, you got to know that.”
“Why isn't it John? Have you even thought about the past lately? First my psychotic mother comes back from the
dead wanting me dead along with Anderson and then her offspring comes along
four years later to try to end me as revenge for her death. It's been nine years since anything has
happened, but obviously someone else has found me and wants me dead.” Juliana
could feel her heart shattering at the thought of them on the run again and
this time with an innocent seven year old with them. “John, I need you to make
me a promise right now. If something
happens to where I have to run again, you have to stay behind and raise Keira.”
When his eyes widened, Juliana held her hand up, tears in her eyes. “Protect
her...with everything you have...I don't want her involved in whatever crazy
journey we're about to embark on. Promise
me right now, Jonathan.”
“Okay, okay, I promise.”
He had to get that out first, knowing she wouldn't want to hear anything else
right away. When she looked relatively
relieved by that, he cleared his throat. “Now don't take this wrong.” Which she
probably would, given what had happened in the past and wasn't a believer in
coincidences either, not that he blamed her. “But did you stop and think that
maybe, just maybe, there's a small chance this has nothing to do with you? Maybe it was some kind of accident. Or maybe it's me someone is after. I'm sure I broke a lot of hearts with the
EHarmony thing.” He groaned when she elbowed him. “I know, bad time for a joke. But...maybe this is just a...coincidence?”
“John, you're smarter
than that, don't act dumb and don't try downplaying this. This isn't just a coincidence. Our shack was burned to the ground along with
your car exploding, don't you remember that?
Exploding vehicles, especially OURS, is a BAD sign.” Juliana was
realistic and wished she didn't have to be because John wanted to hear that
maybe this was just one big accident.
Highly unlikely and Juliana wasn't about to bullshit him on it either.
“I'm sorry, but deep down you KNOW this goes deeper than just a coincidence.”
Taker walked over at that moment as she stood up from the grass, the tears
having subsided for now. Juliana would
have a breakdown when she got home after seeing her daughter safe and sound,
worried to death about Keira right now. “What's going on?”
“Well...” He settled himself
on the grass alongside her, wedging her between him and John, feeling John
retracting his arm as he slid his own around her. “They can't get too close to
the cars because they're still pretty-”
“Hot and on fire?”
“Yeah, but given how bad
the explosion was and the amount of damage, their guessing a bomb.” Which was
his personal opinion as well, not that it needed to be said aloud. He was already certain that Juliana and John
had already reached that conclusion as well. “Evie leave?”
John nodded miserably.
“Yeah, not that I blame her.”
“Sorry man.” Taker
actually patted John's shoulder sympathetically.
Chapter 9
A bomb.
Juliana could already
feel her stomach doing flips and they weren't good ones. “I want to get home to
Keira, Mark.” She never used his birth name, only when Juliana wanted to get a
point across to him as she stood up from the grass. “I don't know what's going
on and I don't care right now. Our
daughter needs us, fuck the cops and fuck everything else. We have to get home!” What if the damn house
had a bomb in it and they were too late to save her and Momma Jean? Juliana had to stop thinking like that
because now her paranoia and fear had skyrocketed, which was never a good thing
for anyone, especially Taker. “Please, I just want Keira in my arms so I know
she's safe, so I can see nothing's happened to her...”
Nodding, he stood up and
pulled her up by her hands, hugging her briefly. He knew there wasn't any point in arguing
-not that he would, he wanted to go home and see Keira as well- because Jules
would either take the rental and leave them, or hoof it. He wasn't having either. He shared a look with John, following her to
the car.
“You drive.” Taker
ordered, pushing John away from the passenger door and opened the back door for
Juliana, sliding in after her, pulling her back into his arms.
Juliana could only
imagine what lay before them now, trying to hold it together until they got
home and seen Keira was sleeping peacefully in her room. The night had been completely destroyed and
it was all Juliana's fault for even mentioning going on a stupid date. “I never
want to go out in public again.” She muttered, meaning every word she said,
knowing it was bad enough when she went to the grocery store for food.
No wonder Taker ever took
her out anywhere, danger was always lurking behind every corner and Juliana was
tired of running for her life. Living in
constant fear wasn't the way to live, but what other choice did she have? No other words were spoken as John drove them
back to the house, the only sound being the car turning and John's foot putting
the pedal to the metal.
Taker really didn't want
to tell her that if this bomb hadn't been by random choice that they were going
to have to move. He knew it would come
to here within the next day or two. He
caught John's eye in the mirror every now and then, the man always looking at
his adopted sister.
Taker seen the worry and
indecision flickering in John's eyes, wondering just what had him actually thinking
so damn hard. He felt relief flood
through him when they pulled into the driveway, the house still in one
piece. Though, he wasn't relaxing or
letting his guard down until he was inside and seen Keira. Apparently Juliana had the same idea because
she practically flew out of the car.
“Deary...”
Juliana didn't stop to
talk to Momma Jean, knowing Taker would take care of it and rushed upstairs to
Keira's room. She opened the door and
saw her beautiful daughter sleeping peacefully, the window locked nice and
tight with the shades drawn. At her side
was the taser Taker had given her, breaking Juliana's heart even more.
She slowly walked over
and bent down, brushing a strand of black hair from Keira's face, softly
brushing her lips against Keira's forehead.
She took the taser and placed it on the dresser before reluctantly
leaving the room, leaving the door completely ajar just in case something did
happen. She then headed to the bedroom
down the hallway and walked inside, heading over to the windowsill, just
letting silent tears slip down her cheeks.
‘When is going to finally
be over?’ She thought brokenly, pressing her forehead against the cool glass
window.
Taker finished with Momma
Jean, trying not to be too obvious about hurrying her out the door, allowing
her to tell him every little detail of the night, wishing the old broad would
hurry the hell up. He was grateful she
had taken such good care of his daughter, but he needed her to leave. Finally, after he had pressed several large
bills into her hand, he managed to get her out of the house, ignoring her
protests that she couldn't take so much money.
“Ma'am, you did a great
job with our daughter, please.”
John made himself useful and
helped the old woman to her car, soothing her rather miffed feelings.
Juliana watched as Momma
Jean pulled away and finally stood up from the windowsill, closing the shades
before beginning to slip out of her dress.
Exhaustion was creeping up inside of her and all Juliana wanted to do
was lay down. She didn't bother putting
anything else on, wearing the silk bra and panties she bought and didn't bother
hanging up the dress, honestly not caring.
It was just clothing as
she slipped under the comforter and curled up in a tight ball, the tears not
stopping. Having that nightmare was an
omen, Juliana was sure of it now, but she couldn't tell Taker because he would
simply brush it off. The marriage
conversation had also vanished into thin air because now Juliana was more
worried about living then anything.
Sighing, he shed the
dress shoes, and unbuttoned the dress shirt, making his way back upstairs. He needed to get a hold of his contact at the
local police department and see if anything new had come up, but at the same
time, he also knew they probably wouldn't know anything for awhile yet. They had to wait until they could get close
enough without burning themselves on flaming hot, melted metal.
Taker stopped in the
doorway and stared down at the bed, making out a lump that was definitely
Juliana beneath the blankets. He could
see her trembling and knew she was probably crying. Sighing softly, he set down on the edge of
the bed, reaching out to place a hand on the lump.
A hand came out from beneath
the blanket and grabbed his, letting him know she was alright. Juliana slowly sat up in bed, the blanket
pooling on her lap, knowing neither of them would be in the mood for anything
intimate tonight. “When are we leaving?” She asked quietly, already knowing it
was coming and tucked a strand of a hair behind her ear, her voice low.
She knew Taker hated
tears and tried stopping them, wiping her face after releasing his hand, just
staring straight ahead. Juliana learned
long ago that whatever Taker wanted to do was for the best, so she didn't fight
him on almost anything he said when he came to being safe. Lessons were definitely learned in the time
span she’d known Taker, Juliana had finally realized that being irrational and
running away was not the answer, especially when her life was on the line.
“I don't know yet,
Jules.” He replied calmly, gently turning her so she was facing him. Using the pads of his thumbs, he wiped away
the remaining tears on her cheeks, bending down to kiss her forehead. “I want
to make sure this wasn't random, just in case.” He knew it probably wasn't,
some aunt or uncle had probably come out of the woodwork and found her and
decided they wanted her money or something. “But I don't want to frighten Keira
either by rushing off. So maybe tomorrow
morning, we'll discuss the possibility of moving with her, ease her into it as
much as we can. This way if and when we
do, she won't be frightened or shocked.”
“She's not coming with
us, Taker.” Juliana pulled away from him and slipped out of bed, walking over
to the dresser to pull out a nightgown, feeling cold suddenly. “If we move,
it's because we're going on the run again and I won't...I can't subject her to
that lifestyle. I asked John to watch
over her, to protect her and raise her if we have to leave...” Her voice
cracked, but Juliana knew this was the best thing to do for Keira, knowing it
would kill her to leave all of her friends and school behind. “She doesn't
deserve this...John promised...”
Out of all his planning, the
possibility of leaving Keira behind had never crossed his mind. Of course, Juliana was right, Keira couldn't
be subjected to that, to being on the run, to being in constant fear. He remembered when he had been shot, he had
lain in a forest, covered in snow for days, almost dead.
No…that wasn't for his
daughter.
But he couldn't see them
being away from her like that, feeling a surprising clench of his heart and his
chest tighten, actually letting out a small gasp of pain. That was a first, parenthood had screwed him
up. He loved Juliana and would give up
his life for her, but this was his daughter...and he knew Juliana felt the same
way he did.
“We should...consider
sending them away then. They could be in
danger here.” They could be used against Jules in other words.
Juliana nodded, feeling
her knees weaken, but knew this was for the best for both Keira and John. “Do
it, you and I both know that wasn't a coincidence and someone is after me
again.”
There was no use in beating
around the bush, Juliana would be running for the rest of her life unless she
stayed hidden. She was going to lose two
of her lifelines, Taker being her third.
Keira and John were huge parts of her life and losing them...maybe
Juliana would end up that same shell and if that was the case, there was no use
in having Taker around to witness and deal with it.
“Send me away too.” She
turned to stare at him, tears pouring down her face like two rapid streams.
“You've been through enough, Taker. You
nearly died and I won't let it happen again.
I love you too much to subject you to anymore of this.” Separating was
for the best, Juliana had to do this on her own without putting the people she
loved most in danger. “Please don't fight me on this, you have no ties to me or
anything besides Keira and we're sending her away to live with John.”
He considered smacking
her for that, feeling anger beginning to course through him. He had been with her for most of the
past…ten, twelve years, longer? Eight,
nine years of peace and then the dark years before that. Four years apart, between 'incidents', but he
had come back when she needed him the most.
He always came back and now she thought he was just going to walk away
because she told him too?
“And I love you too much
to walk away, no matter what it costs me, so don't even THINK about it,
Juliana.” He growled evenly.
“Why are you being so
damn stubborn about this? I'm not good
for you, don't you see that?” She snapped, tossing her hands up in the air, the
frustration building to a breaking point as the tears started up again. “Don't
you want peace in your life, Mark? Don't
you want to...to get married someday to a woman who is WORTHY of it?! Who is not constantly on the run from lunatic
relatives because of money and god knows what the fuck else? I love you enough to know when to say enough
is enough, you need to learn the same thing.
Because I swear to fucking god if I see another bullet enter your body
like I did those nine years ago...” She didn't want to finish that statement,
remembering what happened the last time she said she'd kill herself, trying to
be rational about this, but all rationality flew out the window. “I just want
you to be happy because you deserve it...”
“The ONLY woman I'm
marrying is you.” He said firmly, grabbing her by the shoulders and dragged her
up onto her knees, staring into her eyes; his own blazing with a mixture of
anger, exasperation and love. “I'm happy with YOU, Juliana. You and Keira are my life.” He had been
planning on making this vacation home permanent, but hadn't known how to tell
her, knowing she would think he was only getting her hopes up. “If I can't be
with you then what the fuck am I supposed to live for?” He didn't let her
answer him, instead covered her mouth with his, kissing her almost
violently. He was angry and a little
frightened by her words, wondering if she would try to take off on her own,
slip away from him.
The desperation, anger
and passion in that kiss curled her toes and Juliana could only melt against
him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
Her heart had nearly stopped when he said the only woman he was marrying
was her, wondering how long he'd been thinking about it. Juliana couldn't breathe and didn't care as
she clutched onto any part of Taker she could get her hands on, her back
hitting the carpeted floor with him hovering over her.
She enjoyed his weight,
welcomed it and curled her legs around his massive thighs, her own desperation
shining through. Hell, Juliana knew the
only way she would ever be able to leave Taker is if he did indeed send her
away to a secluded place where absolutely nobody would find her, not even
him. It was impossible, she couldn't do
it and whatever was coming for them or whoever, they would fight it together
just like they had for the past twelve plus years.
She seemed to have put
the fool notion of them separating out of her mind, which pleased him more than
words could ever say. Leaving Keira
behind was bad enough, losing Jules as well...he wouldn't have been able to
handle it. He had never formed
attachments with anybody, it had never seemed a wise idea given his profession.
Then one job turned into
this...a love to last a lifetime and beyond.
It was beyond him how it happened, but he'd be damned if he lost it now,
if he lost his family. Hungrily, his
hands roamed her body, feeling the silk undergarments she had worn beneath her
dress beneath his palms, deepening the kiss as he tried to pour everything he
was feeling into it.
“Taker, the door...Keira...”
Her mumbled words were soon silenced by another fiery kiss that send her world
spiraling out of control. Neither of
them cared about anything except each other at that moment as his lips finally
left hers, rendering her speechless, feeling them trail down her neck to her
breast, the nightgown disappearing. “Mmm Taker...”
She could barely breathe,
he was suffocating her with his kisses and love, but it wasn't a bad
thing. Juliana's eyes nearly flew open
when he ripped her silk panties off, unfastening her bra and completely took
her for his own hungrily, animalistically and ardently. All she could do was surrender and once again
went to heights only she could reach with this man, enjoying every second of
it.
Keira could sleep through
anything, they both had agreed on that many times before, and now it was a
confirmed fact. With the door wide open,
and the ungodly amount of noise they had made, if that child hadn't woken
up...well, nothing could rouse her.
Except perhaps the scent of pancakes.
Chapter 10
“I love you.” He
murmured, laying flat on his back, still on the floor, holding her close to
him, but with enough distance to allow them both to cool down. “And you're not
leavin' me.” He added darkly, rolling onto his side and staring down at her.
“Understand?”
Juliana nodded, reaching
up to caress his face as he kissed her wrist, holding her hand there as her
thumb ran back and forth across it. “I love you too and I'm not going anywhere. Keira isn't either. We'll fight whatever and whoever is coming
after us. This is our family, splitting
up is too dangerous. I was just thinking
irrationally like always and you pulled me back to reality.” As long as she was
with Taker, Juliana knew she was as safe as she was going to be, same with
Keira and John. “Though for safety purposes, we need to move John back in here
temporarily unless we are moving somewhere else.”
Either way, John was
following suit.
He considered that,
stroking his goatee thoughtfully. “I don't know, Jules…you were kind of right
when you suggested putting them together.” When she gave him a look, he held up
a hand, silently urging her to let him explain. “Darlin', whoever did this had
absolutely no qualms, no guilt, over it.
He or she blew up the truck, knowing the explosion would do more than
just damage our car. They knew the
restaurant would probably catch fire too, with all those other people in it,
and didn't care.” He was stressing this because obviously this psychopath did
not care who was hurt, no remorse over it, and probably wouldn't hesitate to
use Keira or John.
“What if we send them
away together and they end up being used anyway? Taker, I'd rather have them with us,
splitting up is a horrible idea. I'm sorry
I mentioned it.” She sighed when Taker lifted her up, gently setting her on the
huge king sized bed and pulled him on top of her, knowing he came willingly
since he was three times her size. “I know whoever did this had no regret about
those other people, but we have the greatest protector on the planet with
us. You're better than the Terminator,
remember? They won't be any safer than
with us.”
“Yeah, but unlike the
Terminator, I'm not made of steel and invincible flesh.” Taker reminded,
tapping his chest where he still had a scar from the bullet that had almost
pierced his heart.
He knew he wasn't
unstoppable. He was the best, yes, but
that scar was also proof even he could be subject to the flaws of being
human. Her faith in him was nearly overwhelming.
“We'll let John know in
the morning, we'll get them ready.” He murmured, brushing his lips against
hers. He knew it would be hard for all
of them to leave, they had built a peaceful life here.
“You're still the best in
my book.” She murmured against his lips, sighing at the thought of leaving, but
it really was for their safety. At least
they would all be together, Juliana didn't want to lose anyone, especially the
man on top of her. She pressed her lips
against the scar on his chest, closing her eyes, knowing they were all taking a
chance, but it was a chance they were willing to take. “Let's go to sleep, we
have a big day tomorrow.” She whispered, knowing they were both exhausted, but
apparently Taker had other ideas in mind as her eyes slowly rolled in the back
of her head when he slipped right back inside of her.
Sleep definitely wasn't
on the agenda that night.
Well, for her it
was. When he had exhausted Jules, and
was fairly certain she was sound asleep, he crept out of the bedroom, heading
quietly downstairs. He was not surprised
in the slightest to find John curled up on the couch, still in his dress shirt
and slacks, clutching a baseball bat.
Shaking his head, he made
his way to the den. He had ID's to
procure, new birth certificates, cash to transfer...he was going to do whatever
he could to make sure his family was safe and started by giving them a new life
as new people was the first step. The
second was killing whoever was doing this.
~!~
“My name is...You want to
change our identities and everything?”
Juliana couldn't believe
what Taker had been working on, having woken up a few hours after making love,
having panicked because he wasn't beside her.
She found him downstairs in his office apparently already at work with
changing everything about them. They
never had to change their identities before, Taker must've thought this was a
very serious threat, swallowing hard. “My name is Jasmine and Keira's
is...Kylie?” When he nodded stiffly, she was almost hesitant to ask the next
question. “What about John's?”
“Anthony. He should be able to remember that.” He
snorted, sighing and cracked his fingers.
He had always had an issue with computers, mostly the tiny keyboards,
but had discovered they definitely had their uses, providing one didn't leave
an online trail. And keyboards could be
custom made, finger issue solved. “He's still your brother, he looks more like you
then me.” He smiled humorlessly. “And I figured it would look weird to have a
'friend' with us wherever we wind up. We
can explain a brother away.” He glanced towards the living room. “He still
sleeping with the baseball bat?”
“Do you blame him after
what happened last night?” She watched him simply shake his head, walking over
to wrap an arm around Taker's shoulders, kissing the top of his head. “I'm sure
he'll love that name considering it's part of his middle name. Jonathan Felix-Anthony Cena.” She smiled when
Taker raised an eyebrow, causing Juliana to shrug. “So should we dye our hair,
change our appearances or anything?” Whatever Taker wanted to do she was
willing as long as all four of them could stay together. “And what are you
calling yourself?”
“William.” He shrugged
when she arched an eyebrow. “Not a whole lot of people out there that know my
real name, Jules. Definitely not anyone
you might know.” There was a very good reason for that too, one he wasn't
giving up at the moment. “I'll have to go out and pick up the ID's, I had them
rush ordered.”
He smirked slightly,
knowing the source was trustworthy, enough.
Just to be on the safe side though, he had every intention of leaving
the guy with a concussion so he'd have a hard time remembering the transaction. Dead would be safer, but it also wasn’t an
option.
“Money has been
transferred, and I'll draw out enough cash to last us a good long while so
we're not leaving too big a paper trail.”
“Hurry back, I'll start
getting everyone up and get to packing.” She turned the chair until he faced
her, cupping his face in her soft hands and kissed him, pressing her forehead
against his. “Please be careful.” She then walked out of the study and went to
go wake up John, knowing she'd have to be careful since he had a baseball bat.
“John?” She shook him, deciding to do it by the shoulders, sighing when he kept
snoring. “JOHN!”
Startled, John shot up,
swinging. The bat almost connected, full
force and that was considerable with knees first for Jules, only for a hand to
intercept. The sound of the bat smacking
the palm was literally loud enough to clear John's mind and when he realized
what he had done, he dropped the bat.
“Oh shit, I'm sorry!” He
apologized, shooting up from the couch.
Taker shook out his hand,
ignoring the stinging, fairly certain one of the little bones was broken, or
chipped as he stared at John. “I'm trusting you to protect my family, not
murder them.” He said venomously.
“That was my fault, I
couldn't get him up.” Juliana stated, slowly standing back up since she'd
ducked for cover when the bat came swinging her way. “Maybe sleeping with a bat
isn't the best idea, Anthony.” She suggested and walked inside the kitchen to
start the coffee, wearing a black silk robe that went to her knees, tied
tightly since she wore absolutely nothing beneath at the moment.
Of course Taker -William-
didn't need to know that.
“Anthony? You know I don't like being called that.”
John called after her, apologizing again to Taker, and making sure he wasn't
going to get his head knocked off as he edged towards the kitchen, needing
coffee and she wasn't making it fast enough. “I was paranoid. Exploding cars do that to me.” He added
defensively.
Snorting, Taker walked up
behind Jules, wrapping his arms around her and pulled her back against him,
kissing the side of her throat. “I'll be back soon.” He murmured in her ear.
“I love you, please
hurry.” She whispered, turning to brush her lips against his before he
reluctantly pulled away to go out to the garage. “And you'd better get over your
dislike of that name because that is your new name.” When John's eyes shot out
of their sockets, Juliana sighed warily, pulling herself up to sit on the
counter. “We're leaving and you're coming with unless you don't ever want to
see us again. We're changing our names,
identities, everything. I don't know
where he's taking us, but I know one thing, we have to stick together. My new name is Jasmine and Keira's is Kylie. It was either that or send both you and Keira
away somewhere secluded and safe, but I don't want you away from us. I want to stick together.”
John considered that for
a moment, having known this was fairly inevitable. He hadn't acknowledged it maybe, but in the back
of his mind, he had known from the minute that explosion happened they were
going to go on the run again. He knew he
had a choice unlike them, he could just disappear and pretend he had never even
heard of them. But they were his
family. His sister, his
niece/goddaughter, and...well, Taker was like the grumpy, dangerous, psychotic
grandpa. Family.
“Of course I'm coming,
it's been awhile since I've changed my identity and gone on the run, could be
fun.” Not like he was leaving anything behind, other than Evie, who was
probably telling people about her really horrible first date and probably
terrified of anybody on eHarmony.
The coffee cup slipped
out of Juliana's hand as she visibly paled, immediately rushing after Taker.
“STOP!” She screamed over the roaring engine of his bike, causing him to stop
as she raced down the driveway, glad he'd heard her. “Taker stop for a second,
we have another problem!!” He cut the ignition and simply stared at her out of
somewhat bewildered eyes, wondering if Juliana was about to have another
breakdown. “I just thought of this, Evetta was with us last night in
public...when the damn bomb blew up the truck.
Don't you think whoever did this saw her with us? So wouldn't that put her in danger as well?”
John groaned from behind because Juliana knew she was right. “You need to make
an identity for her, she has to come with us.”
Taker slid his sunglasses
back over his eyes, so nobody would see him rolling them. Yes, that thought had crossed his mind. No, he hadn't really cared. Yes, she was a nice woman, but his first
priority was to his family and John.
“Alright, we'll make her
John's wife.”
“What?! Taker, seriously, the woman is going to
probably be freaked out and pissed off enough WITHOUT adding marriage to the mix,
even if it is fake.”
“Two couples traveling,
it's called a family holiday. One couple
with two tagalongs is called a posse.
You want me to get her a ring too?”
“Oh yeah sure, buy her a
huge fucking rock, and give her my undying love!”
“Alright.” He revved the
engine again.
“Wait...he's joking
right? He knows I was- TAKER!”
Juliana bit her lip hard
to keep from laughing at the stunned expression on John's face as Taker took
off down the road. “He's not joking, come on we have a lot to get done. First things first, we need to wake up Keira
-Kylie- and then pack up everything we can take with us. Then we need to go pay Evetta a visit...” Her
words trailed off as Juliana stopped, turning to face John with hardened eyes.
“If we have to kidnap her, it will be done so be prepared, bro.”
“Oh, gee, I'm going to be
definitely getting this marriage off on the wrong foot.” John replied
sarcastically, following her inside. “So, riddle me this, sis. How are you explaining all this to...Kylie?”
How did one explain to a nine year old that her name was being changed? “I'm
going to have to run home and pack my duffel along with my duct tape and drug
kit. You know, the one I use on every
unwitting bride.” He wiggled his eyebrows when she glared at him. “Hey, let me
have my humor, I just lost my freewill.”
Juliana had no idea how
they were going to explain to Keira what was going on. “I'm waiting for Tak-
William to get back and then we're going to sit her down and calmly tell her
what's happening without giving too much detail.” There was no other way to do
it as she poured herself a cup of java, needing it desperately since she'd only
gotten three to four hours of sleep. “You better go home now and get your
things while everything is still dormant, just remember Evetta is our last stop
and we have to make it fast.”
“Coffee first.” John
said, pouring himself a cup and then added a few ice cubes from the freezer to
it in order to make it tolerable to drink immediately. “So, what's the game
plan with Evie? Besides kidnap?” How did
he explain to someone that because she went out on a blind date with him, she
was now a victim in some kind of deadly game?
He drained the mug, ignoring the fact that the ice hadn't really done
anything and shook his head. “I'll be back real soon honey, keep everything
locked.” He bent down to kiss Jules cheek and left, groaning softly. “I'm sorry
Evie.” He murmured aloud. “I think I just ruined your life.”
Juliana immediately checked
every single window and door in the house, making sure it was locked nice and
tight. Then she set the alarm before
going upstairs to change in a pair of skinny blue jeans with a long sleeved
black shirt, leaving her hair down. She
brushed her teeth and began packing, knowing they wouldn't be able to take
everything. She let the tears fall
because she'd miss this house, having brought Keira home from the hospital and
had half her childhood within it.
“Mom, what's going on?”
Keira asked tiredly, walking inside the bedroom rubbing her eyes, wearing a
baby blue nightgown. “Where’s Daddy?” When there was no response from her
mother, Keira frowned and tried again, becoming somewhat startled at the tears
on her mother’s face. “Mom? Why are you
crying?” Keira climbed on the toilet so she was eye level with her mom,
frowning and reached out to brush them away. “What's wrong?”
Chapter 11
Juliana sniffled a little
and pulled Keira into her arms, hugging her tightly, but not enough to hurt
her. “Something bad has happened sweetheart and when Daddy comes home,
everything will be explained to you.” She pulled back to stare in Keira's
confused eyes, brushing a black strand of hair away from her face. “Will you
help Mommy by going to pack up your room as much as you can?” She asked,
watching Keira blink and knew that probably wasn't the best thing to ask a nine
year old. “Or why don't you help me in here instead?”
Keira was more than
confused by that request and nodded, passing things from the cupboard over the
toilet to her Mom, still yawning. “What about Uncle John?” She asked after a
moment. “Is he coming too? We can't
leave him!” When her mom nodded, she smiled slightly, her stomach letting out a
loud rumble. “I'm starving.” Keira announced, hopping down from the toilet.
“I'm going to go get some cereal.” She started for the door.
“I come with donuts!”
John announced from downstairs, having used his key to let himself in. “And all
my spare boxers!”
“Uncle John! Guess what?
We're moving!”
“What? No, you can't leave me!” He teased, bending
down to pick her up when she ran to him.
When she began explaining how he had to go with them, he hugged her
tightly, unable to help himself.
“He's coming with us
sweetheart, don't worry.” Juliana walked toward them, kissing John's cheek as a
thank you for the donuts, before handing Keira over a chocolate one. “John,
will you help her pack up her room while I finish upstairs? We're not taking everything, we'll just have
to buy new stuff.” They had plenty of money and Juliana knew John would
probably request every gaming system on the planet, which they were taking with
them so they wouldn't have to be replaced. “Taker should be back momentarily.”
She got a second cup of coffee and ate a donut, listening as Keira chattered
about Momma Jean to John.
“You had ice cream? Without me?”
John looked hurt as they
grabbed trash bags from under the sink.
They would pack her a duffel, had to have one of those, loaded with
necessities in case things went even more insane and they had to book it in an
instant. John also knew that Taker would
make sure there would be room in whatever vehicle he was procuring for Keira's
belongings. The man would want to keep
things as comfortable for her as possible.
“Yeah, and the man gave
me extra sprinkles, he said I had pretty eyes!” She chattered on excitedly,
following him up the stairs.
“Kids...” Juliana
chortled and set her coffee up on the sink, knowing they would have to handle
the Evetta situation very carefully.
Kidnapping with a nine year old...Juliana groaned and pinched the bridge
of her nose, deciding they would probably have to make a trip over to Evetta's
in case they had to temporarily knock her out. “John?” She called while walking
up the stairs, hearing him laughing with Keira, hoping that never disappeared.
“John, can you come here for a second?” When he stepped out, promising to
return in a few minutes, Juliana pulled him further away from the door. “Me and
you are going to have to make a trip to Evetta's when Taker gets home. If we have to kidnap her, that'll involve
using ether and we can just tell Keira she's sleeping when we put her in the
car. Get what I'm saying?”
“Yeah, I already thought
about that Jules.” He said after a moment. “I called her and asked if it'd be
alright if I came over to talk to her, to apologize for last night.” He raised
a hand when both her eyebrows darted upwards. “I didn't say it any way but
normal and made it sound as innocent and inconspicuous as possible, in case the
lines are tapped. She even said she was
sorry for freaking out, not that I blame her.
So…she'll be expecting me, which makes things...easier.” He finished
lamely; kidnapping was not easy, and his niece wasn't going to see him do it
either, he agreed with Jules on that.
“Good, I'll go with you
because we're going to have to explain to her about everything that's happened
up to this point.” Juliana stated, holding her hand up when John went to say
something. “Maybe if she hears the whole story, she might be more reluctant to
leave behind her life here and take an adventure with us.”
She couldn't call it
anything else and walked back into the bedroom to finish packing her
things. Taker wouldn't like that they
would have to venture out to Evetta's, but it had to be done and quickly. Taker wanted to be on the road by early
afternoon and it was already going on nine AM.
“Yes, explosions,
homicide, bullet wounds...an adventure of a lifetime!” John did not say this
loud enough for Keira to overhear, though when a shoe came flying at his head,
he knew Juliana had caught it. “Alright munchkin, you best have everything
packed, even the dust bunnies!”
“Seriously?”
“Yep, can't leave them
behind.” John informed her, his next sentence drowned out by the sound of the
Taker's return. “Your Dad's back.”
Taker had made a pit stop
at an out of the way pawnshop, browsing the rings. He knew Jules ring size, and he was guessing
that Evie was maybe a half size bigger.
He picked up a generic ring for Evie, and then devoted a little more
time then he should have for Jules. This
was not the way he imagined ever giving her a ring, but...He paid for them,
with cash, and went to finish business.
He wanted everyone out of town by afternoon.
“DADDY!!!”
Juliana took a deep
breath as she walked out with three huge bags, John helping her with two of
them as they headed downstairs. All of
her and Taker's clothes, along with her new chiffon dress, though Juliana
probably wouldn't be wearing it again.
Still, memories of their first date turned explosive disaster. They watched as Taker lifted Keira in his
arms, hugging her tightly before guiding her into the living room. John caught something Taker tossed at John,
which was a black velvet ring box, causing Juliana to smirk because she knew
Taker wasn't joking.
“Come on Johnny, we have
to go retrieve your wife and give her the surprise of a lifetime.”
“Wait, hold on.” Taker
gently set Keira down. “Why don't you set up the XBOX, and we'll play one quick
game before packing it?” He suggested, knowing damn well John wouldn't allow it
to be left behind and watched her rush to the system. Taking Juliana's hand, he
dragged her into the kitchen, ignoring John's 'you fucking suck, Taker' and
turned to face her. “This isn't the way I ever imagined doing this, darlin'.”
He admitted, realizing she was confused.
Sighing at himself, he
reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a second box, watching her face
turn down to stare at it. Slowly, he opened
it and held it out, unable to really say anything. Marry me sounded really stupid all things
considered. He wanted to marry her, just
not while they were on the run, posing as different people. He wanted to marry Juliana Harrison, not
Jasmine Cole.
Her fingers trembled as
she held the ring box, staring up into his beautiful green eyes before looking
down at it again. She knew what it was
and took a shuttering breath before opening it, tears instantly pouring down
her face. It was a simple blue sapphire
ring cut in the shape of a teardrop and set on a silver band.
She watched as he slowly
lowered on one knee, taking her free hand in his and the tears flowed even
faster, laughing in disbelief. This
wasn't happening, he wasn't really proposing marriage to her was he? Before he could even utter a word, Juliana
pressed a finger to his lips and took the ring, slipping on her left ring
finger and kissed him passionately, throwing her arms around his neck.
He had no idea what kind
of reaction he was expecting, but this wasn't it. He had almost thought she would be upset and
think he was teasing her because of going on the run and posing as a married
couple instead of being an actual married couple. When the kiss broke, he rested his forehead
against hers.
“When this is all over, I
want to marry you, Juliana.” He said, using her proper name, making it known
that he wanted the real thing and he would wait until he could have it. “So
that's what I'm asking. After I've made
our family safe, will you marry me?”
“Yes...” She didn't trust
her voice so it came out in a mere whisper, slowly pulling back before kissing
him once again. “I'll marry you no matter what our names are.” She looked down
at the ring and loved how the stone sparkled, which nearly matched the color of
her eyes. “I love you so much, Taker.” She sniffled, wiping her tears away and
knew they had no time to have a moment together because they were going on the
run again. “John and I are going to get Evetta, will you explain to Keira
what's going on? I know you'll be able
to handle it better than me.”
“What? Are you kidding me?” He demanded, groaning
when he realized she wasn't. “Can't I go commit the felony?”
“I wish.” John replied,
walking in. “Jules, I put our...tools, in the car. Can we do this before I regain my sanity?” He
was staring down at the ring still in his hand, swallowing hard.
“It's not real. The ring is, but the intent isn't, twit.”
“Coming from the guy
who's been in a steady relationship for nine years solid, said to the guy whose
first date in NINE YEARS ended in an explosion.”
Juliana cringed when
Taker growled, knowing that was the wrong thing for John to say. “Just handle
our daughter, we'll be back soon. Come
on before you end up dead, bro.”
She shoved John out of
the door, winking back at Taker and slipped into the Ford Focus. They had no time to waste and Juliana sighed
when rain began falling, thinking it fit the moment perfectly. They were about to go on another dangerous,
deadly adventure and probably add kidnapping to their growing list of felonies.
John was thinking along
the same line as her. “Do you think we're going to get into Heaven when we die,
Jules?” He asked suddenly. “I mean killing, probably future kidnap, all that
shit that's happened, do they make exceptions when murder is in defense?”
Sometimes, he actually
did worry about this. He was a believer,
but he also sometimes questioned God's sanity.
A THIRD time? They were playing
the run and don't get killed game, a THIRD time. Where the hell was the justice in that?
“I don't know, John. Honestly, I think we all go up there when we
die and anything that we've done is automatically repented. It's my firm belief we're already living in
hell.”
Juliana pulled out of the
driveway, hoping they didn't have to resort to kidnapping John's 'wife',
swallowing hard. What if they couldn't
pull this off? Maybe Taker should've done
it, but Juliana would rather have him with Keira while they took care of this
matter. She drove down the road while
John stared out the window, silence forming between them, Juliana already
having the address where Evetta lived on a piece of paper in her hand.
John was having a mental
panic attack.
Yes, he had done some
very stupid things in his life.
Yes, he had been in more
fucked up situations then he could count on both hands.
Yes, he had done some bad
things in order to survive.
Kidnapping a woman who
had been twisted up in something she had no idea about...that really bothered
him. He wished Taker could have done
this, the man hardly had attacks of conscience.
John shivered, remembering how Taker had acted like he had been on Ken's
side, Juliana's now dead ex-fiancé, and had been okay with Juliana
dying...Everyone had believed it. Taker
couldn't have a normal conscience, not if he could pull off a cruel act like
that -even if it was just an act- and not lose any sleep.
Taking a deep breath as
they pulled into the driveway of the small one story blue house, Juliana cut
the ignition and looked over at John. “Come on, let's get this over with. Don't forget the ring and bag of stuff in
case things don't go well...”
She watched as John paled
and sighed, hoping they could pull this off without completely screwing it
up. Juliana and John headed up to the
front door, knowing when they returned Taker would already have Evetta's new
identity. If John lost his nerve,
Juliana was probably going to run him over with her Focus.
“Knock.” She ordered in a
monotone voice, waiting for the door to open.
When Evie heard the knock
on the door, she hurried to answer it.
She had gotten home and calmed down, admitting she had been a bit of a
fool. But how many people went on a
first date only to wind up standing near a field watching cars and the
restaurant go up in flames? She had
panicked, plain and simple. She was also
fairly excited John had called, figuring she had majorly screwed that up.
“Hey, I'm glad you came.”
She greeted when she had opened the door, not noticing Juliana right away.
“So am I.” John couldn’t
keep the smile off his face, she was actually genuinely pleased to see
him. Oh, that made this worse... “Can we
talk?”
Chapter 12
“Evetta, we have to talk
and we don't have much time.” Juliana stepped in front of John, gently but
firmly pushing the woman back into her house, guiding her to the living
room. They all sat down, John besides
Evetta while Juliana remained standing, knowing she had to explain things
rather quickly. “Evetta, your life is in danger. Now if you want me to waste time explaining
exactly why it is, I will. That bomb
last night wasn't a coincidence and the reason for that is, for the past twelve
years, I've been hunted by different family members who've wanted me dead.”
Evetta felt her jaw drop
and Juliana sighed, knowing she would have to go into the whole explanation,
starting at the beginning with her engagement to Ken, Taker becoming her
bodyguard and her psychotic supposed dead mother really being alive. Then she went on about her never known
brother, her mother's evil offspring, Alan, not leaving out the fact both Taker
and John nearly lost their lives. If
Evetta was coming with them, which the woman really didn’t have a choice, then
Juliana felt she at least owed a solid truthful explanation about why Evetta’s
life wasn’t safe anymore.
“I thought I was going to
have to raise the baby on my own, but Taker came back after lying in the cold
snow for three days. The bullet missed
his heart by mere centimeters and he's very lucky to be alive. He gave John his only bullet proof vest and
saved his life.” Juliana began crying throughout the explanation, hating that
she had to drag the past up, but it was necessary. “Now someone else is after
me and we don't know why or who it is.
You were spotted with us and that means your life is now in danger
too. So with that being said...”
Evetta sat there in
stunned silence, glancing back and forth between them. Finally, a smile curved her lips. “I get it,
this is a joke.” She said with a soft laugh. “This isn't some local show, some
prank is it?” She stood up, shaking her head. “It really isn't that funny
though, people died last night.”
John flinched, not
needing to know that and slowly stood up.
He could already see where this was going. “It's no joke, Evie.” He said
softly, pulling off his shirt and pointing to an old scar. Just a small thing
really. “This is where the bullet lodged and got stuck. The vest slowed it down
enough that it didn't go in to deep.” He waited while she studied it, then
pulled his shirt back on.
“You are... either
serious or insane. And I'm inclined to
go with insane.” Her tone was becoming angry. “Do you two have any idea how
ridiculous that sounds?”
“Believe me, I wish it
wasn't true, but it is. All of it. Taker is the best and he can protect you as
well as all of us. If you stay here,
whoever is after me will come here and end your life.” Juliana knew she sounded
somewhat cold about it, wiping her tears away, but they were running out of
time. “This isn't a joke by any means.
We need you to come with us willingly and pose as John's wife. We're all getting new identities and names,
you have no choice in this matter. So
you can either come easily or we'll have to force you...” It wasn't the first
time Juliana committed a felony and it wouldn't be the last. “Please don't make
this any harder than it has to be.”
“You're insane.” Evetta
said unequivocally, already moving towards the kitchen, where both the knives
and her phone were.
When she went to actually
run, she was suddenly pulled back. It
was abrupt but gentle and she opened her mouth to scream, but a large hand
cupped her mouth. John had just reacted
and was surprised he had done that, blinking.
He shot Jules an 'oh fuck' look.
The plan had just went completely south, just as he’d feared it would.
“Evie, please stop
struggling.” He said as politely as he could, considering she had just elbowed
him rather sharply.
“Evetta, I...” Juliana
suddenly froze, her eyes widening and sniffed the air, swallowing hard.
“John...do you smell that?” Her eyebrow furrowed, a worried look coming over
her eyes. “Let her go.” She ordered, hoping the woman didn't run or else they
would have to knock her out next time. “Evetta, are you cooking something? Is something burning?” Juliana demanded, her
heart pounding furiously in her chest and jumped when the house began rumbling
a little. “What the fuck?!”
John inhaled,
frowning. He smelled something burning along
with gasoline, not a very good combination.
When Evetta began really thrashing, her mouth moving a mile a minute
beneath his palm, he knew she wasn't going to do anything quietly or
peacefully. She was getting pissed off,
and probably terrified out of her wits.
When the house actually seemed to shudder, it struck him.
“The house is on fire!”
Behind his hand, she was
screaming, her eyes widening.
John dived out of the way
when the kitchen suddenly went up with a roar, flames spilling out of the archway
and licking the living room wall. “Out!”
Juliana screamed along
with Evetta, rushing toward the front door and knew John would take care of his
'wife'. They barely made it out of the
house and had to dive off of the porch as it went up in flames, exploding,
shards of wood and debris showering over them. “FUCK!” She cursed, having been
cut up a little, but nothing Juliana couldn't handle.
John had ended up
knocking Evetta out with a pressure point because the woman would not stop
struggling. It was a good thing too
because she would've watched her house go up in flames. Once they managed to get in the car, which
had been parked far enough down the driveway not to be wrecked a lot, just
dented, Juliana didn't waste a second and began speeding back home.
They had to get out of
town NOW!
John sat in the backseat
with Evetta's head on his lap, staring down at her. He was glad she was out, it meant she wasn't
conscious to see the little cut on the side of her face or see the smoke
billowing from what had been her house.
Glad he didn't have to see the realization of 'it wasn't a joke' in her
eyes. Or that they were insane and had
done it on purpose. Sighing, he slid the ring on her finger.
“Hey Jules, I'm married.”
He tried to use his usual goofy tone, to make a joke and couldn't even do that
right now. Taker was going to FLIP, John
swallowed. Whoever had done this...they
were probably too close for comfort.
“Congratulations.” She
muttered, trembling a little and floored it to the house as fast as she could,
hoping no cops stopped them. There was
no time for that, they were out of time.
Five minutes later Juliana screeched the tires to a halt in the driveway
and she hopped out, John carrying a knocked out Evetta in his arms inside the
house. “TAKER!!” Juliana cried out, suddenly feeling the overwhelming panic
attack overtaking her as she dropped to her knees, hyperventilating, not
believing they were seconds away from being blown up AGAIN.
John unceremoniously
dropped his 'bride' on the couch before grabbing Jules by the forearms, hearing
'Taker's calm, measured footsteps upstairs and his reassuring baritone saying
something to a now panicky Keira. “Stop it!” He ordered gravely.
He hadn't gone all to
pieces after kidnapping a woman, she was not going to fall apart right here,
with Keira coming. She could wait and
have her panic attack in private LATER.
Like he was planning on doing.
“Keira's coming, do you
want to scare her?”
John was right, Juliana
had to pull it together and slapped herself across the face as hard as she
could, blinking before standing up. “I'm fine, fine...just fine...”
Evetta's house was blown
to smithereens and they'd been there moments before it happened. Was someone watching them and deliberately
doing this or were they just damn lucky again?
Juliana had a sinking feeling they were being watched and swallowed
hard, raking a shaking hand through her hair.
“Hey sweetheart.” Juliana
walked over and lifted Keira up in her arms, kissing her forehead. “Are we
almost ready to go?” The urgency in her voice wasn't missed as Taker made his
presence known.
Taker had heard her
bellow from upstairs. It had been hard
to miss it and he had explained to Keira that Mommy was just 'excited'. Though how he was going to explain the passed
out woman on his couch was another story entirely.
“Yeah, everythin' is
loaded and ready to go.” He had been watching out the window with Keira, having
packed and loaded the SUV, including a small arsenal of weapons.
“Uh... isn't that uncle
John's date?” Keira asked curiously, staring down at the woman. Curiously. “Why
is she sleeping on the couch?”
“She was so happy when we
got married that she fainted.” John said seriously, showing off the wedding
ring on Evie's limp hand.
“You got married?! So she's my aunt?”
Taker arched an eyebrow,
taking in the three's appearance. “Another one?” He asked quietly, not wanting
to scare Keira by saying 'what the fuck happened'.
Juliana nodded, flashing
a quick smile. “Since we're moving, Uncle John couldn't bear leaving the love
of his life behind so he asked her to marry him. We just got back from the ceremony, sorry you
couldn't be there, angel.” God she felt horrible lying to her daughter, but it
was the only way, hoping Taker was gentle about explaining things to her.
“Excuse me, I need to go clean up a bit.” She walked past them and into the
bathroom, knowing Taker would follow her while John preoccupied Keira and his
newlywed bride. Juliana turned the water
on and splashed cold water on her face, finally letting a few more tears fall.
“What happened?” He had
been right behind her, following her quietly up the stairs.
Arching an eyebrow, Taker
plucked a shard of glass off her shirt, which had been whole and clean when she
left and now looked like she had been on the fringe of a war or something. When she took a deep, he gently turned her
around, staring down into her face. It
took him a few moments to realize it wasn't just water running down her face
but tears, and he pulled her into a tight embrace.
“I'm here Jules, I've got
you.” He murmured soothingly, running his fingers through her hair.
“T-The house...caught on
fire...and exploded...” She said through sobs, burying her face in Taker's
chest, wrapping her arms tightly around him as her entire body trembled from
head to toe.
It scared her to
death. Juliana was glad she'd gotten out
of there in one piece and winced at her arm, pulling away from Taker to remove
her shirt. There was a huge gash on her
arm from diving off of the porch, Juliana was lucky to be alive along with John
and Evetta.
“Get me that sewing kit,
we need to get out of here before whoever blew her house up comes here...”
“I'll do it.” He said,
pulling the sewing kit off the back of the toilet.
Quickly and as gently as
he could, he rinsed the wound before gesturing for her to sit down. They didn't have time to get her liquored up
and nothing but aspirin for the pain.
This was going to hurt.
“What was that?” Keira
demanded when it sounded like a foot coming down really hard upstairs, glancing
at the ceiling. Her Dad had indeed
explained things to her, but she was still piecing some parts together. That and all the adults were tense and
nervous, it was wearing on her a bit.
Juliana had covered her
mouth with her hand to keep her screams at bay, stomping her foot on the
flooring until Mark set her on the counter, instead bringing her heel against
it. Tears streamed down her face as he
continued sewing her up, wondering if this agony would ever end. She needed to be knocked out and begged Taker
to do it, but he simply shook his head, continuing the task at hand. When it was done, Juliana leaned back against
the mirror and coughed out through tears, closing her eyes as exhaustion
overtook her, Taker pulling her shirt back on.
“Thank you...”
From personal experience,
he knew being sewed up, without something to ease the pain, hurt like a
bitch. He had sewn himself up before,
but then again, he had also been stabbed, shot, set on fire and a few other
things. He was pretty good about
handling pain. After she had her shirt
on properly, he kissed her forehead.
“There's some Vicodin in
the car in my bag. You can take one when
we're on the road.” He said softly, helping her to stand upright.
Juliana nodded and walked
out of the bathroom, ignoring John's worried look and smiled when Keira came up
to her, wondering why her new Auntie wasn't awake yet. “She will be in a few
hours, angel. Come on, we have to get
going.” She watched as John grabbed his 'wife' while Taker pulled out a gun,
going first as he lead them to the SUV.
Juliana took the front
while John and Evetta took the far backseats so Keira could lay down and sleep
whenever she wanted. She had her bag of
things to keep her occupied. Juliana
waved Taker off when he offered the Vicodin, instead just leaning back and
buckled up, saying a silent goodbye to the house that held half of Keira's
childhood.
About twenty minutes
after they left, the house exploded, nobody in the SUV realizing.
Chapter 13
Silence reigned for the
first three hours, all of them lost in their own thoughts. Nobody asked him where they were going and he
didn't offer up any information. Taker
was thinking of every place they had ever been, every place associated with
Juliana or just the Harrison name in general.
Those were places they were staying far away from. Of course, sometimes it was prudent to hide
right out in the open where it would be least expected, but he wasn't taking
any chances with his family. He wasn't
going to risk anything.
“She's waking... can
someone pass me the ether? She might try
to kill me.” John said softly, a hint of panic in his tone.
Juliana was sleeping, the
pain in her arm having gotten to be too much to handle.
“What is ether?” Keira
asked, blinking when her new aunt began stirring, grinning from ear to ear.
“She's waking up!! Mommy!!”
Juliana jolted awake,
bolting upright and whipped around, her eyes widening at the sight of Evetta's
eyes slowly opening. “What do we do, Taker?” She asked, trying to wake up, her
mind still fuzzy from passing out.
“Let her wake up.” He
replied, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. “And if she doesn’t mind her
manners, we'll pull over and I'll talk to her.” He winked in the glass at
Keira, smiling faintly when she giggled.
Evetta rubbed her neck
gingerly, frowning when she felt her hair catch on something and pulled her
hand down, peering at it through the dim light.
Then she took in her surroundings, and the people, frowning.
“Hi, Aunt Evie, remember
me?”
John smiled when her
furious brown eyes flashed on him, and shrugged apologetically. “Surprise?”
“I really, really like
her.” Taker commented off-handedly when Evetta smacked John.
Juliana winced, though
she had to inform Evetta on something the woman still didn't have a clue about.
“Your house is gone, whoever is after us set it on fire. You can thank me later for trying to warn
you.” She couldn't help sounding a little condescending, smirking when Evetta
muttered something about suing eHarmony.com when this was all over with.
“I can't believe you and
my Uncle Johnny got married!!” The little girl squealed out in excitement.
“WHAT?”
Taker shot Jules a
warning look. Now wasn't the time to use
that tone of voice, especially considering the woman in the backseat could
probably go berserk and do some damage before she was restrained. “Save it for
when we pull over.” He murmured, reaching over to take her hand, squeezing it
gently.
“Yeah, Mom told me about
the shotgun wedding.” Keira grinned, clapping her hands together happily. “I
think this is great! One big happy
family!”
John was ready for the
second hit, catching her hand in his. “Not in front of our niece, honey.” He
said, his blue eyes warning her to just try that one more time. “Juliana and I
tried explaining it to you. Yes, it
sounds like something out of a movie or a book, but it's not. It's very real and I'm sorry that I got you
involved. I would have never gone out
with you if I would have known what would happen.” He kept his voice low so
Keira didn't hear him.
“Sorry.” Juliana
whispered, feeling a little on edge and could remember when Taker used that
voice with her a time or two.
Why was it so different
if she used it?
That woman's life was in
danger and they were saving it, even if they did kidnap her from an exploding
house. Hell it wasn't even kidnap in
Juliana's eyes. She glanced in the rearview
mirror and watched as John spoke quietly to a fuming Evetta, who wanted to maim
him. Keira was completely oblivious and
kept asking how the shotgun wedding was, causing both John and Evetta to purse
their lips while Juliana supplied an answer.
“It was a southern bell
wedding with jeans, cowboy boots and hats, sweetheart. Now play your DS.”
“I would NEVER get
married in jeans and a cowboy hat, or boots!”
“That would be very
tacky. A shotgun wedding is where a
couple runs off to get married without anyone around, a quick wedding.” Evie
said, scowling when John actually had the audacity to wink at her.
“So...when we get
settled, can you have a real wedding?”
Thank god for his
daughter, Taker thought as he choked on the water he had been sipping, putting
the bottle back in the cup holder, laughing.
John and Evetta were both
giving him the evil eye.
“What'd I say?!”
“Nothing sweetheart,
Evetta's right, but they both were wearing jeans.” She winked back at them
along with her daughter, trying hard not to laugh. “And yes, they can have a
real wedding once everything is settled.
In the meantime, why don't you give your Auntie Evie a great big hug and
welcome her to the family hmmm?” She watched as Taker shook his head over at
her, snuggling up to him. “I learned my evilness from you.” She murmured, his
arm snaking around her to press her even closer.
“Ooo we can play the
XBOX, me and Uncle Johnny always play that late at night, but shhh don't tell
my parents!” She whispered somewhat loudly, grinning with extended hands. “I
want back there, Uncle please!”
Knowing damn well having
Keira back there would deter Evetta from slapping him, he hauled her back
across the seat and planted her between him and his 'wife'. “Sure thing sugar
plum, you can protect me.”
“Aunt Evie, you have
stuff in your hair.”
Frowning, she began
picking tiny pieces of splintered wood and other things out of her hair. When she pulled out a piece that was clearly
burnt, the reality of what had almost happened hit her and she began crying.
“JOHN MADE HER CRY!”
Juliana knew that was
coming and simply smiled in the mirror at her daughter. “She's just overwhelmed
with joy to be married to your Uncle Johnny, sweetheart. Show her your new game when she calms down.”
That's exactly how
Juliana felt when she arrived back at the house, missing it already and could
already feel tears burning her eyes.
Instead she closed them, envisioning where they would be spending the
next chapter of their lives. Evetta
would be able to leave...once the threat was handled.
Letting Keira take over
the handling of Evetta -it never failed to amaze him how adults could begin to
calm themselves when it started affecting a child-, Taker turned his attention back
to the road and his fiancée. “When you were at her house, did you notice
anything unusual?” He asked softly. “Any strange people around? Vehicles that looked suspicious?” So far,
whoever was doing this was showing an affinity for blowing shit up, that was
not a good sign.
“No, we were in a hurry
to get out of there and we didn't smell the gas until we were inside the
house.” She spoke quietly, sighing heavily and ran her fingers through her
hair. “They love pyro, that much is obvious, but I honestly don't even know
anyone who loves fire.” She looked up at Taker, who looked somewhat troubled,
and chewed her bottom lip as something dawned on her. “Didn't you once tell me
you were lit on fire and nearly died?”
Now THAT was a memory he
had no intention of reliving. “Yeah, a long, long time ago.” He replied after a
moment, frowning. “But I don't think this is about me, darlin'. As much as I hate sayin' this, that second
explosion happened when you were there, seems like you're the target. This could be a hired person, someone who
uses fire as a way to get rid of all the evidence.” All this fire talk...sucked
and his eyes narrowed. “Got any other relatives we haven't thought about?”
“No, I never had any
siblings besides that psycho Alan and my parents were also lonely children.”
Juliana wondered why the
subject of fire made Taker edgy, deciding not to bring it up again. She looked straight ahead, a gnawing feeling
in the pit of her stomach that the fire would ultimately link them to whoever
was doing this. Obviously someone wanted
her dead, why would anyone else come after them? Closing her eyes, Juliana fell asleep to the
sound of Taker's heartbeat, hoping they survived this next journey.
He drove for the rest of
the day and all through the night, only stopping when they needed gas, or
whenever Keira announced she needed a 'potty break'. Juliana slept through it all and he hadn't
the heart to wake her, promising himself he would stop for coffee when she did
rouse. He was a bit surprised when
Evetta didn't try to run at the first stop.
Instead, she took Keira into the restroom while John stood guard at the
door, ignoring the curious looks he was getting from the women coming in and
out.
“Hey man, I'll drive.”
John offered, poking his head up from the middle seat, careful not to disturb
Jules. “You look dead, pardon the pun.”
“No, I got it.”
“Taker... get some rest,
even you gotta sleep sometime.” John pointed out softly.
After a moment, Taker
nodded and pulled over.
Juliana slowly opened her
eyes and looked around, feeling Taker's arm tighten around her and yawned. She slowly looked up, seeing she was now in
the backseat with Taker and Keira while John and Evetta occupied the front. They hadn't spoken hardly a word to each
other, though Juliana had a feeling Evetta would warm up to them in time. If not, this was going to be a very long
journey.
“Where are we?” She
murmured quietly, glancing over at Evetta, who was sleeping against the window
while John drove.
“California, northern
California.” John answered from his place upfront, checking the route Taker had
given him. “We're almost to wherever it is we're going, Jasmine.” He winked at
her in the mirror. “Want to stop for a coffee?
Maybe to take a piss?” He joked, glancing over at Evetta to make sure he
hadn't woke her up.
“I need to pee...” Keira
muttered tiredly from the backseat.
“Rest stop it is.”
Juliana stepped out of
the SUV and stretched her sore limbs before cracking her back, not sure how
long they'd been driving. It'd been a
few days no doubt and Evetta had finally stopped glaring at John...for the most
part. That was good, the woman was
slowly coming around and Juliana knew she would have to apologize, but not
right now. She walked over to the
drinking fountain, then thought better of it, opting for a bottled water
instead out of the machine. Keira walked
over and grabbed her hand, dragging her toward the bathroom along with a still
groggy Evetta.
“I'm not going to lie, a
bed would be really lovely right now.” Evie yawned, attempting to salvage her
hair in the mirror as Keira took one of the two free stalls, gesturing Jules on
when she hesitated. “You've been sleeping awhile, I'm sure you need it more
than I do.” At one of the previous pit stops, she had cleaned her face and
tended the cut, not to mention changed out of her not so fantastic anymore
shirt and brushed the debris out of her hair.
When Jules came out and approached the sink, she offered a hesitant
smile. “Thank you, by the way.”
“I am sorry we had to
drag you into this.” Juliana said quietly, washing her hands, the cut on her
cheek slowly disappearing, but it was still visible. “John's not a bad guy,
none of us are. And you can leave as
soon as the threat is dealt with.” She promised, knowing John wouldn't like
hearing that, but they'd already taken the poor woman away from everything
she'd ever known and forced her to change her identity. She smiled when Keira walked out and
immediately went to her side, slipping her small hand in her mother's. “I think
we're almost at our destination and then all of us will have a bed to sleep
in.”
“Good, because John and
Dad both snore really, really bad.” Keira informed her, yawning again. “Evie
makes funny little snorting noises and you talk a lot in you sleep, Mom” She observed
and tilted her head up, surveying her mother curiously. “Who is Cassandra?” She
asked inquisitively.
Juliana cringed when her
daughter asked her that, not realizing she had talked in her sleep, groaning
inwardly. “Just a lady I met in my past, nothing special to talk about.” She
answered smoothly, bending down to brush her lips against her daughter's
forehead. “Come on, you know Daddy and John aren't patient and I think it's my
turn to drive.” They walked out alongside Evetta, who was turning out to be
suspiciously understanding. Juliana
decided she'd voice her opinion to Taker about Evetta's calm behavior, knowing
that couldn't be a good omen.
Keira waited until she
was in the car before asking another question, knowing that John and Dad were
impatient. “Who's Alan?”
John, in the process of
passing back coffee to Evetta, spilled some over himself. “DAMN IT!”
Evie snatched napkins out
of the bag of baked goods he had bought inside, mopping him up. She had absolutely no idea that him spilling
coffee was the result of his niece's question.
While she had been filled on what she needed to know, they hadn't given
her intimate details, for which she was very grateful.
Taker shared a look with
Juliana.
“Another meaningless
person in the past you don't need to worry about, Keira.”
Juliana watched her
daughter sigh exasperatedly, sharing a worried look with Taker and slipped
behind the wheel. Juliana decided she
wouldn't be sleeping in the car or around her daughter anymore for awhile, not
wanting her to hear anymore names from the past come back to haunt her. The last thing she wanted was to open Keira
up to those two horrendous people who were dead, she was just glad she hadn’t
let the name Ken slip from her lips.
“That is NOT fair! Why can't I know who they are? I hate not knowing!” Keira complained, almost
on the verge of whining. “Uncle Johnny, do you know who they are?”
Juliana shot him a look
that clearly said if he said a word about Alan or Cassandra, she would kill
him.
“Nope. Not unless she's referring to the actor who
played Night Crawler in X2.” John said, lying smoothly. He was not about to get his balls chopped off
or his tongue sliced out for telling Keira just who psycho-bitch and her
psycho-spawn were.
“Night Crawler was pretty
cool.” Keira admitted, still eyeballing them suspiciously. “But…”
“Keira, have you ever
played a WII?”
Taker shook his head when
the conversation turned to gaming, and reached for Jule's hand, squeezing gently.
“I got you some coffee
with a bag of chips and a few other things.” She informed him softly, pointing
to the coffee that was in the cup holder alongside her own. She smiled when he kissed the back of her
hand and pulled out of there while Keira discussed the different abilities of
the WII with Evetta. “I love you.” She whispered, sighing when he leaned over
to brush his lips against hers, heading in the direction Taker told her to
go. They were heading to Washington from
the looks of it, which would be different since it was north instead of south.
Washington indeed.
He had been there a
handful of times. He had picked it for
the fact that the area they were going was fairly isolated, wild animals not
counting. Taker idly wondered if he could
feed John to a bear or possibly a mountain lion, smirking slightly.
“Uh... that's a lot of
trees.”
“No kidding. Think we can get Wi-Fi out here?”
He pinched the bridge of
his nose. “Turn right up here Jules.”
Juliana simply did what
Taker told her, driving down the country road that was arched by huge trees,
wondering where they were going. She had
a feeling Taker would put them out in the middle of nowhere, but had no idea it
would be DEEP in the heart of Washington with huge trees that were hidden from
virtually anything. They were hiding
out, waiting for the storm to hit, ball to drop, bomb to explode, however one
wanted to word it. She glanced in the
rearview mirror, seeing John wasn't excited and Keira couldn't stop looking out
the window, mesmerized by everything new she was seeing.
John was depressed, they
were going to be camping! That's what
this was, camping in a house! And while
'Taker might have been able to entertain himself by carving wood figurines or
some shit, John's own attention span demanded a bit more than that. Then he glanced at Evie, arching an
eyebrow. If only she actually liked him,
that might've helped a little.
“Dad, Mom, can we make a
tree fort?” Keira demanded, her eyes huge as she took in the trees. “We could
even make on IN a tree!”
Taker stifled a laugh at
that, glancing back at their daughter. “We'll see, darlin'.”
“Uncle Johnny will
probably get bored out here so he can help you make one.”
Chapter 14
Juliana bit back a smirk
when John gaped at her, feeling Taker's hand grab her free one as she kept
driving down the road, knowing all of them were in dire need of some rest,
preferably not in an SUV. He squeezed
her hand and Juliana glanced back at him, smiling with sparkling midnight blue
eyes. Everything would be fine, they had
to believe that in their minds and hearts.
Whoever was after them, they would fight off just like everyone else and
Juliana was ready, lacing her fingers with Taker, the gorgeous sapphire stone
glistening on her left ring finger beautifully.
“Hear that Uncle John,
we're making a fort!”
“That sounds like fun,
can I help?”
John perked right up,
deciding this could be interesting, maybe even fun and shared a grin with
Keira.
“There it is.” Taker said
as the house came into view, resting at the end of the dirt road, which in
reality was a very long driveway. “That's...home.”
Juliana blinked at the
size of the house, slowly turning her head to stare at Taker before locking her
eyes back on what they all would call home.
It was a three story wide house that was painted an off white with black
trimmings, which Juliana didn't mind too much.
It was just...bigger than what they were used to.
She slowly pulled up to
the front of the house and cut the ignition, slipping out of the driver's seat
to stare up at it. She had a feeling
that John would end up having his own part of the house, probably the very top
floor, so that way he wasn't always bugging Taker. Unbeknownst to everyone except Taker, there
was another two story house that was on the same land, which was several
hundred yards away from the three story house and that was for the newlyweds.
“Ho-lee Hell...” Keira
let out a whistle, ignoring the looks she received from the four adults, she
was too busy staring up at the house. “That is HUGE...I want two rooms, can I
have two rooms?”
“How'd you get THIS one?”
John had to ask, every time Taker came up with a new property, it made John
anxious. The man never said if he bought
it properly, stole it, murdered off previous owners, he always said the same
thing.
“Took it.”
“I knew that was coming.”
Ignoring John, Taker
walked around to his fiancée, taking her hand. “What do you think?”
“You never fail to amaze
me, Taker.” She murmured softly, lacing their fingers together again as she
continued admiring the house, already knowing when they walked in it was more
than likely completely refurbished and set up with furniture. She stared at the key that dangled from
Taker's hand and took it, giving him a passionate kiss for payment, before
heading up the stairs. Juliana didn't
move much when Taker stopped John and Evetta from advancing, her eyebrow slowly
raising. “Taker, what-” Her eyes widened when another set of keys were tossed
at John.
“What the hell?” John
caught the keys, staring at them, before looking at Taker in confusion. “You
stole TWO houses? What the fuck is WRONG
with you man, you can't just be stealing people's shit!”
“Wait, these houses are
stolen?” Evetta wasn't entirely sure she knew what was going on, but was
getting an idea that the houses weren't in Taker's, or whoever he was,
name. At least not his real name.
“The houses aren't
stolen, sheesh.” Keira rolled her eyes, already pushing her way inside.
“They're in MY name.”
“You bought houses under
Keira's name? Are you serious?”
He began laughing at that
one, shaking his head. “Just...go away, you live behind us, through the woods,
not far off. Just stick to the path and
you'll be fine.”
Evie was having another
issue. “Wait a minute, you want me to go off alone with him?”
“Well, honey, we are
married.” John winked at her, groaning when she smacked him. “I want a divorce,
Evetta, this abuse is out of hand.”
Urging his family inside,
Taker shut the door on the newlyweds.
Juliana couldn't stop
laughing, not believing Taker actually bought both of these houses under their
daughter's name. It made her heart
flutter at the same time though as the door closed behind them, the bickering
muffled. It was absolutely beautiful as
Juliana's eyes stared at the winding staircase, one of the many things she
always wanted in a house.
“Oh my...”
She slowly walked away
from both Taker and Keira to explore the house, running her fingers over the
freshly painted walls, not surprised by all the furniture set up already. Taker definitely had connections. Hell, the way it looked Keira could probably
have a whole floor by herself.
He hadn't bought the land
and houses under his daughter's real name, but under one of the fake aliases he
had procured for her, one where she was obviously much older. His paper trails were all messed up and would
probably confuse anyone who was looking for them that way. He grinned to himself, watching as Juliana
and Keira explored.
“And upstairs-” He shook
his head when Keira hauled herself up the stairs, her sneakered feet pounding
on the floors.
“I CALL THIS ROOM!”
“If it's the one with the
flat-screen, NO!”
“DAD!”
“Mind your father,
Keira.” Juliana chuckled as they walked inside the room, which was no doubt a
master suite with a king sized bed and even had a Jacuzzi garden tub in the
master bathroom. This was unbelievable
as Juliana grinned from ear to ear, definitely deciding they would be very
comfortable here. It wasn't all about
money to her, but at that moment, she couldn't help loving everything about
this house. “Go show her what's in her room, I'm sure she won't be
disappointed.” Keira grabbed his hand and lead him out of the master suite,
leaving Juliana standing there to admire it alone.
Shaking his head, he
escorted his daughter down the hall.
While the house was definitely large enough for her to have the entire
third floor to herself, he'd be damned if she wasn't nearby when she was
sleeping. He was too paranoid for
anything else.
“This is your room.” His
green eyes twinkled as she took in the plain room, the standard bed, and bare
walls. “What do you think?”
“It looks like a prison.”
“But your playroom is
upstairs so-” He began laughing outright when she took off running again, soon
hearing 'DAD, AWESOME’.
“You just love making her
think the worst don't you?” Juliana remarked from behind, smirking when Taker
pulled her against his side as they slowly ventured up to Keira's playroom,
eyes widening at everything before her. “Oh my god, she's gonna be living up
here, you realize that right?” It had a huge flat screen with every single
gaming system currently made, controllers, games upon games, movies upon
movies...it was every kid's dream come true and every parent's nightmare.
Now personally, he wasn't
one for spoiling children, especially his own.
He had seen totally bratty, obnoxious, spoiled kids and swore he wasn't
raising his like that. And at their old
house, she hadn't had all this, just the XBOX downstairs, but it wasn't just
hers, it was everyone's.
She had all this now
because...he needed to keep her distracted from what would be going on around
the house. Like him working on figuring
out whoever was doing this to them, knowing damn well that if they were holed
up here for too long, they'd all become anxious. It had happened before, it could and probably
would happen again.
Spoiling Keira was a
decoy, Juliana didn't want the little girl worrying about what was going on
around them. She decided she would be
asking him later on about what exactly he said to Keira as far as the past
went. He didn't mention Alan and
Cassandra because obviously Keira asked her about her dreams, which apparently
Juliana had been talking in her sleep lately.
That wasn't good, she didn't want to dream about those psycho relatives
of hers who made her life literally a living miserable hell. Sleeping pills were going to be on her next
shopping list.
Taker pinched the bridge
of his nose when his cell phone -his new, freshly activated, under a different
name cell phone- rang, knowing it could only be John. They had purchased them the night before at a
stop. “What?” He demanded, heading down the two sets of stairs again. That was going to be hell, he should have
rethought that one. He wasn't exactly a
spring chicken anymore.
“You are the fuckin'
best, bro!” John said excitedly. “Evie is already in the kitchen, she fell in
love with it and is cooking! For
us! I mean, me and her, not you.”
“She's probably going to
poison you.”
“I didn't think of
that...”
~!~
Later that night, after
they dragged everything packed in the SUV inside, Juliana lay in a relaxing
garden tub full of bubbles smelling of lavender. Her black hair was pinned up on top of her
head, everything covered in bubbles from the neck down. She loved the garden tub, it was one of her
favorite things of the house because they also had one at the old house. Juliana had candles lit and soft music playing
to keep the atmosphere soothing and calm.
It'd been a rough couple of days and Juliana's muscles ached from
Evetta's house exploding to packing, moving and driving for the past four or
five days...she'd lost track.
He stood in Keira's open
doorway, staring at her as she slept.
She was exhausted; hell, they all were.
That had been a very, very long trip and the day had seemed even
longer. But they were settled now, so
tomorrow they would be able to relax. As
much as possible given the circumstances.
He and John had already
made plans to go around the property and start setting up the security
measures, knowing he would probably have to give the women strict instructions
to stick to specific paths. Unless of
course they wanted to lose a leg. Groaning,
he peeled off his muscle shirt and tossed it behind his shoulder as he headed
down the hallway and into their bedroom, arching an eyebrow when he seen the
bathroom light on, inhaling deeply.
“Mmm...”
He could hear the
swishing of water as Juliana lifted her hand out of the liquid to admire her
ring, sighing. Did he propose to her out
of love or because she had to call herself Jasmine Cole? Juliana didn't want to think about it and set
it right back down as she leaned back, her eyes drifting shut, not hearing the
door slowly being pushed open, the dark green eyes watching her every
move. She was completely content for the
most part and could feel her attachment already growing to the rather large
house.
“Why are you just
standing there?” She asked when he didn't move, having felt his presence and
slowly opened her eyes with a smile. “You look exhausted, Taker.”
He had been watching her
examine the ring. If he had known she
would be affected by a ring so much, he probably would have bought her one
years ago. Shrugging, he stepped into
the large bathroom, his eyes roaming her in the dim lighting, secretly
despising bubbles and wondered how pissed off she would be if he poured all the
bubble bath down the drain, smirking slightly.
“You do too.” He replied,
unfastening his jeans and began sliding them off, taking his time because he
was tired and...she was watching.
It didn't matter how many
times she saw this man naked, he always took her breath away. This time was no exception. Juliana had to learn how to breathe again and
felt the hunger within her body increase.
He always managed to make her forget about everything else
They hadn't been able to
make love in at least five days, after being away from each other for two
months. They had one night, ONE NIGHT,
alone and it all came crashing down because of this pyromaniac after them. Juliana didn't want to think about that right
now and slowly drew her knees up, the tub big enough to fit probably two of him
along with her tiny frame.
“Anything I can do to
help you relax?” She asked coyly with an innocent, eyes already darkening once
his jeans were fully off. The man went
commando and Juliana definitely wasn't complaining, loving it.
Smirking slightly, Taker
joined her in the garden tub, sighing contentedly as the still hot water
surrounded him. There was a perk to
being filthy rich, being able to express ordered custom sized things…like this
garden tub. A regular sized one would
never have lasted, not with them. They
would of had to replace it after one attempted joint bath.
“You can wash my back,
darlin', if you want to help me relax.” He said to her, reaching back to unbind
his hair, shaking it loose and felt the tension in his head beginning to
fade. When she arched an eyebrow, he
shrugged again. “You asked.” He was teasing her, it was cute to see the way she
reacted. Sometimes she acted in a way he
had predicted, other times she surprised him.
“Ass.” Juliana chuckled
softly and slowly began running her fingers through his black hair, loving how
silky soft it was against her touch.
She moved it all to hang
over his left shoulder and took the loofah sponge, squirting some of his body
wash on it since he probably didn't want to smell like lavender. She pressed a soft kiss to his broad back
before beginning to run the loofah sponge over his skin, loving how the muscles
rippled beneath her touch. The
temperature in the tub increased tenfold as she continued running the loofah
sponge up and down before finally replacing it with her hands, enjoying
touching him. She missed him so much,
Juliana hadn't really spent that much time with him since he'd been home and it
wasn't fair. None of this was fair to
any of them, especially Evetta, who had to suffer John being...well...John.
His eyes closed, enjoying
her ministrations, though when he felt her hand slipping around his waist and
to his abdomen, his eyes shot open, a low growl escaping his throat. “Woman...”
He rumbled cautiously, a hiss escaping his clenched teeth when her fingers
slipped beneath the water. Ignoring the
water splashing up the sides of the garden tub, he whirled around as fast as he
could and pulled her up onto his lap, drawing her legs around his waist. “See
what you've done...” He murmured, arching his hips against her.
“No, I can't see through
bubbles, so why don't you show me what I've done?” She challenged, slipping her
hand between them to slide down his bare chest, running a single fingernail
down the length of him. “Mmm let me feel you, Taker...” She nearly cried out as
he filled her receptive body with his hardened shaft, making her thighs tremble
instantly. They'd only been together
twice since he'd been back from one of his many jobs, so Juliana wasn't fully
adjusted to him yet. Hell, even after nine
years, she STILL wasn't fully adjusted to him. “Taker...” She moaned out, her
mouth right by his ear, hands gripping his huge biceps as he began gliding in
and out of her beneath the water, whipping her head back as she moved in time
with him before attaching her lips to his neck.
With as many times as
they had made love, or flat out fucked, it never failed to surprise 'Taker just
how tight she was or how her body molded to his so perfectly. It was like she had been designed just for
him. That thought made him growl
possessively, one hand moving up her spine to grip the back of her neck,
bringing her head up to meet his, his mouth claiming hers in a demanding
kiss. His free hand moved to her hip,
kneading her flesh, urging her on as he rose up to meet her each time she came
back down on him.
Who would've thought
Juliana would end up with the same man who nearly raped her while trying to
protect her?
She often thought back to
that night, remembering how terrified she was of him when he ripped her shirt
directly down the middle along with her shorts.
Taker was a volatile man and Juliana had learned to accept it, even
though he was very gentle with her. It
still baffled her the first time they did make love together, it'd been after
the whole Cassandra/Ken fiasco. Taker
had returned after Juliana thought he'd disappeared on her again and they spent
the entire night making love, letting him take the one thing that meant more to
her than her own life: her virginity.
He was the only man she
ever slept with and there was nobody better out there, he was her perfect
match. Stars exploded behind her eyelids
as Juliana and Taker came together as one, clinging to each other for dear
life. She trembled against him while he
simply held her, maintaining control, suddenly lifting her up out of the tub to
continue in the bedroom. Again, there
were no complaints as Juliana welcomed her fiancé with open arms.
“You know...” Taker said
afterwards, not allowing her to move off him, perfectly comfortable with her
being sprawled out on his naked body, threading his fingers through her hair
thoughtfully. “When this is all over, I think we should try for a son. I would really like a boy.” When she shot him
a look, he grinned and leaned forward to kiss her, shutting up any comments she
might have had.
Chapter 15
“You can't make me sleep
on the couch, Evie.” John was tired and he wanted a bed. He wanted the bed that was made up, the huge
king sized bed. Not the full sized guest
bed.
“Guest room, John.” Evie
replied, sitting on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair out, staring at him
intently.
Yes, they weren't
actually married or hardly knew each other, so she had a right to be worried,
but he wasn't like THAT. While he
wouldn't say no to a round or two -when he was so dead his dick was probably
lifeless- he wasn't going to force it from her either. Grunting, he stormed over to the bed and
snatched up a set of the pillows.
“Fine, if that’s what you
want.” He was a gentleman; he was giving her the only bed that would fit him
properly and hated himself right now.
“Look, I understand that
you can't comprehend what's going on because all of you are fucking psychos, so
I'll make this easier for you. I'm NOT
sharing a bed with you and we are NOT married.
I don't care if I have a damn ring on my finger, it's all for show. And another thing...” She squealed out when
he suddenly DIVED on the bed, stomach first, plopping right down with a small
grunt. Evie reacted instantly, jumping
off of the bed and glared at him angrily, tempted to throw her brush at him.
“Asshole!”
Her mouth had honestly
gotten annoying and now John was beginning to understand why Taker had been
so...cocksucker-ish to Juliana during the Ken and Cassandra incident. She had been a pain in the ass while the man
was trying to protect her. Of course,
John wasn't evil like Taker was, fortunately for Evie.
“You know, I think I WILL
sleep in here.” He said, folding his arms beneath his head and stretched out
comfortably, the bed large enough for both of them. “YOU can have the couch or
the guest room...wifey.” He couldn't honestly resist that last bit.
If looks could kill, John
would be dead on the bed as a cold corpse.
Evetta threw her brush at him out of anger and blinked when it clocked
him directly below the belt, his roar of pain telling her it was time to leave
the room. “Kidnapping asshole!”
She spat before rushing
out of the room, slamming the door behind her and stormed to the guest room,
tears in her eyes. She hated it here,
they took her away from everything she'd ever known. And Evetta had a feeling it was going to be a
long time before anything was right in her life again.
John made it as far as
the hallway before he realized he had every intention of wrapping his hands
around her throat and squeezing until she passed out. Groaning, John leaned against the wall, one
hand moving to cup himself, not believing she had just done that. If he really
was a psychotic kidnapper, then she would have been dead or worse by now.
Cursing under his breath,
he inhaled deeply and finally straightened up.
He stared at the guest room door, wondering if he should go in
there. He was half expecting her to try to
escape, and shrugged, walking downstairs to set the alarm. If she tried, she'd REALLY hate him. He couldn't have her running around outside
the house, knowing Taker there were probably some really nasty traps out there
to tide them over until they have set up the security system.
John was right, Evetta
had planned on running away that night and already had her bag packed. She didn't want to stay in this house with a
psycho she'd met on eHarmony.com. She
was going to sue them as soon as she got out of this, that much was clear.
Scowling, Evetta pulled
on her black pants and black zip-up hooded sweatshirt, pulling her brunette
hair back in a ponytail, knowing it was going to be a long trek to the next
town over. There she could possibly get
a hold of someone from Texas, one of her friend’s maybe, to come take her away
from this hell. When Evetta knew John
was sleeping, she slowly crept out of the guest room and headed downstairs,
cringing when the few steps creaked and hoped John was a heavy sleeper.
John wasn't sleeping at
all. He was pretending to be, having
faked some pretty realistic snores just to see what she would do. He should have warned her, but he was
curious. He was watching on a handheld monitor,
using the controls to switch between cameras, wondering just how Taker managed
to do all this.
But he had learned a long
time ago the man had his ways, probably involving Satan and harvesting souls
for limitless power. When she made it
out the front door, John shook his head and rolled out of bed. If she didn't stick to the path, she was
screwed, and it was dark as hell out there, security lights weren't installed
yet.
“Damn it...” He sighed,
knowing he was going to have to go after her, and probably wind up in agony for
it.
Not wasting a second,
Evetta took off running as fast as her legs could carry her, having been an
all-star runner in high school in track.
She was in shape, her body seemingly molded to perfection. She had nothing on her, no cell phone -there
wasn't a need for one considering there was no reception where they were at-
and she had no idea where she was. She
could hear her name being yelled and knew instantly it was John, making her run
even faster.
“Fuck you asshole.” She
growled, refusing to be a prisoner and dove into the deep woods, knowing her
black attire would camouflage her for the most part. Maybe trekking through the woods would be
better, anything was better than that two story prison, even though she loved
the kitchen it had.
John was catching up,
sadly used to having to run through impossible areas and conditions, mentally
making a note to thank Taker for the lovely scenery. When he darted through a patch of moonlight
that made it through the trees, he seen Evetta up ahead, and something silver along
the ground. “STOP, EVIE!” He shouted in pure panic, knowing it was probably
something that would wind up killing or decapitating her.
Taker was a sick man and
took no chances. When she actually
hesitated, he sighed out in relief, only for the hesitation to end and she was
in motion again. Pulling on some inner
strength he would always claim he didn't have, he managed to cover the ground
to her and grabbed her by the arm, shoving her out of the way when she tripped
the wire. John heard something snap and
tried moving his own ass to safety, groaning when something came flying out of
a tree. Pushing the now standing up
Evetta again, out of the way, he threw up his hands in time to prevent his head
getting knocked off, but heard and felt a finger or two break.
“SON OF A BITCH!”
Evetta's eyes widened in
shock, stumbling over another wire, seeing John was holding his throbbing hand
with the broken fingers. “JOHN, WATCH OUT!”
She immediately shoved
him out of the way when a huge log came out of the tree and clocked her right
in the head, having taken the blow for him.
Her body crumpled to the ground in a heap, the log having split her
forehead wide open so blood was pouring down her face along with hot
tears. Her body hit the ground hard,
mere centimeters away from another wire as her eyes closed, not moving.
Cursing John grabbed his
two broken fingers, took a deep breath and straightened them out, letting out
another 'son of a bitch', knowing later he would have to actually tie them in
place or something. This was Taker's
field, not his. His was comedic relief,
not hero antics. He gingerly bent down
and picked her up, carrying her back the way he had come, keeping an eye open
for anything that might knock them off, really hating Taker at the moment. Really not liking Evetta either, damn
woman.
Was her house blowing up
not proof enough that this was fucking serious?
He followed the path back to the house, knowing he was on it because it
was smooth and worn. When he reached the
porch and the dim light, he seen the damage to her head and paled, knowing he
had to contact Taker immediately.
Juliana was busy with
Taker's head between her legs, crying out in sheer ecstasy, when both of their
cell phones began blaring. They ignored
it, too busy being consumed in their passion, but they wouldn't stop
ringing. Taker started growling and it
was out of pure anger, not passion, ripping the blankets off. Juliana swallowed hard, trying to learn how
to breathe and watched as he silently pointed to the phone while gritting his
teeth. Sighing, Juliana reached over and
yanked the cell phone from the nightstand, flipping it open to be on speaker
phone.
“This BETTER be a life or
death situation or I swear to god, John, I'll KILL you.” Her voice was
deceptively calm, cheeks flushed.
“It's a life or death
situation.” Came John's voice in a very serious, grave tone, which wasn't
normal for him. “Evetta tried bailing and...let's just say Taker has some
really murderous traps about this place.
Her head is split open like a fucking watermelon, get over here!” He
hung up.
Taker had already gotten
up and started dressing at the mention of 'traps', cursing under his breath.
John stared down at Evie,
who he had laid on the couch, not daring to move her anymore. He had used a clean, damp towel to stop the
bleeding from her forehead, but he couldn't patch her up, not with his broken
fingers on the hand he relied on.
Juliana bolted out of bed
and immediately took the jeans Taker tossed at her, not even wanting to know
what that was out there that had split Evetta's head open. She swallowed hard and could already feel the
tears burn her eyes, hating that they had to live like this. It didn't matter how nice and big the house
was, they were prisoners and that was no way to live.
“What about Keira?” She
asked, knowing their little girl was sleeping peacefully in her bedroom,
staring at Taker when he stopped dressing. “Mark, what about our daughter? I'm going to wake her up, we can't leave her
here alone.”
“So get her up and bring
her over.” Taker said impatiently, not about to let Evetta die on his
watch. So far his track record
was...mostly...spotless, one incident that was many years ago but since then,
no deaths. “Carry a flashlight and follow the path, it runs straight through to
the other house.” He pulled a bag out from under the bed, checking it quickly
to make sure everything he would need was in it, which was basically everything
as he didn't know just what trap they had encountered, hoping John's 'like a
fucking watermelon' comment was an exaggeration.
“You expect me and Keira,
your FAMILY, to venture out there at night after hearing about what happened to
Evetta? Have you lost your goddamn
mind?!” Her voice rose considerably high, not believing what he was saying and
knew his instinct as a bodyguard was kicking into high gear. “You know
what? Go alone, I'm not risking my life
or my daughter's just so you can run to another woman's rescue.” Snorting,
Juliana stalked past him out of the bedroom and growled when he grabbed her
arm, yanking it away from him instantly. “Don't touch me! Just go Taker, GO!” Juliana was going to stay
with Keira, knowing the little girl would probably have a hard time sleeping
that night in a new house anyway and didn't want her being alone.
Running to another
woman's rescue?
Was she fucking
serious?
He did not have time for
this and snorted, his eyes flashing green fire as he slung the bag over his
shoulder and took off, thundering down the stairs. As for asking his family to venture out
there, he knew damn well Juliana wasn't stupid enough to stray from the path if
she was told not to, whereas Evetta had fucking RUN and ignored the
warnings. Cursing under his breath, he
grabbed a flashlight from the counter and headed down the path. When he came back, he and Juliana were going
to have it out.
Juliana could only watch
from the window of Keira's room as he charged to John's, shaking her head
sadly. Sometimes she wondered what Taker
loved most: His family or his job. She
knew deep down she was being irrational, but everything about what was going on
was irrational.
Why did it have to be
this way?
Why did he have to have
deadly traps around their supposed new home?
Juliana sighed heavily
and stared down at Keira, who was surprisingly sleeping peacefully. “Sweet
dreams, angel.” She whispered, walking out and once again leaving the door
ajar, going to make sure the house was locked up tight.
~!~
“What the fuck,
Cena? You were supposed to be watching
her!” Taker bellowed when he seen Evetta, beginning to dig out what he would
need from the bag. He was already in a
piss poor mood, this was just the icing on his shitty cake.
John knew that and felt
bad about it without 'Taker adding his two cents in. “What the fuck do you got
LOG TRAPS and TRIPWIRES out there for, idiot?”
“Let me think, oh yeah,
because someone's already tried killing us TWICE!”
“You said you were
putting in a REAL security system!”
“TOMORROW, I SAID
TOMORROW!” He bellowed, threading a needle after cleaning the wound.
“Oh god please...please
stop yelling...” Evetta groaned out, her head feeling as though it might
explode, tears already sliding down her cheeks.
The pain was excruciating and Evie couldn't believe she was still alive,
trying to open her eyes. “The light...” She mumbled, already slipping back into
unconsciousness, the darkness welcoming because it meant no pain. “John...watch
out...” She went completely limp, her heartbeat weak from the loss of blood,
hoping John was alright.
John sat down on the
floor, his blue eyes wide and buried his face in his drawn knees. “I knew I
shoulda just used ether to knock her out...” He rumbled, he should have never
let her leave the master bedroom. He should
have tied her down. Her being tied down,
pissed off and murderous was way better than this.
Not replying, Taker
tended the wound, finally finishing and eyeballed his work. “Hand me the
syringe.” He ordered gravely.
“The what?” John
hesitantly reached into the bag and pulled out a loaded syringe, still in its
wrapper. “I don't want to know HOW you get this shit, but what is it?”
“She'll be pain free when
she wakes up, let's put it that way.”
Just as Taker was about
to plunge the needle in her forehead, an ear piercing scream echoed throughout
the small two story house as Evetta's eyes shot open. That just made her throbbing head intensify
in pain and Evetta instinctively backed up on the couch, her vision blurry.
“GET AWAY FROM ME!!” She screamed, her heart pounding faster than a jack rabbits
and stumbled off of the couch, scooting back on the floor. Not realizing she was beginning to rip the
stitches a little as a trickle of blood oozed its way down her nose.
John seen the completely
murderous look on Taker's face, again, and knew he had to catch Evetta and calm
her down before she wound up with that needle jammed in her ass. Not putting it past the somewhat insane
bodyguard to do it. Ignoring her screams
and feeble kicks, he scooped her up in his arms and began making soothing
noises, trying to calm her down.
“I've got you, Evie. I've
got you, you're safe.” He crooned in her ear, shooting Taker a 'back off' look
when the man approached. “Just...leave it on the table or something, go away.”
“You're going to actually
do it yourself?” His eyes gleamed almost sadistically, knowing John was...
squeamish.
“Uh... sure…”
Evetta began crying her
heart out, clinging to John, unable to stop because of the pain. She slowly calmed down, trying to block out
the pain, clinging to John even more. “J-John?” She slowly reached a hand up to
touch her nose, breathing even heavier when a small smear of blood covered it.
“Oh god I'm bleeding...” She said it in a softer voice, slowly pulling away
from him, knowing she had to see how deep the gash was. “Let go of me, I'm a
goddamn nurse!” She snapped, shoving away from him when he refused to let her
go and past Taker, her vision somewhat blurred. “Fuck I have a concussion...How
deep is the cut and did you get hurt, John?”
John could only stare at
her. The woman had just taken a log to
the skull and was now back to being her usual cheerful and loving self,
mentally smacking himself for his mental sarcasm. “Broken fingers, I can-” He let
out a groan of pain when Taker fixed that for him. “Thanks, buddy.” He wheezed,
cradling his now throbbing hand to his chest.
“Anytime.” Taker smacked
him on the back, fixing Evetta with a look. “I wouldn't go straying around the
property anymore, not until I have a chance to get out tomorrow and tear all
that shit down.”
“Yeah, please do because
I really don't want another log killing anymore of my brain cells, dude.” She
snorted when he simply arched an eyebrow, shaking her head. “You know, you all
are out of your goddamn minds.”
Chapter 16
Evetta winced when she
touched the stitches and shook her head, not believing what a piss poor job the
sewing job was. She took the bag Taker
brought and sifted through it, beginning to remove the stitches one by one,
rolling her eyes when John simply gawked at her. “I'm a nurse, I graduated from
medical school a few years ago and I've been working at the hospital at night
in the ER, but eventually I want to open my own practice.” She began sewing
herself up again, pulling the skin tighter, nodding and knowing she would
probably have one hell of a scar, sighing.
John heard Taker leaving,
surprised he hadn't tried doing something wicked and cruel to Evetta for
damaging the work. He wondered if her
tinkering with the stitches, then redoing them, was going to leave an even
worse scar. That and she was doing this
all without any pain medication, she had to be a super mutant or
something. John decided he wouldn't be
telling Keira that, just in case Keira tried to test that theory.
“Um...doesn't that...hurt?”
He asked lamely.
“You didn't seriously
just ask a nurse a question like that, did you?” When he lowered his head,
Evetta couldn't help shaking her head at him as she continued stitching herself
up. “My first year in med school, I cut my hand on a saw that's used for
amputation and...well I nearly sawed it off.
I didn’t want anyone knowing about it so I had to sew myself up. It was good practice.” She had the scar on
her right hand if John didn't believe her, focusing in the mirror. “This
doesn't hurt as much as you may think it does, but then again I'm not a pussy.”
He was going to assume
that nearly sawing it off had been an exaggeration, not wanting to picture her
with her hand flopping from her wrist, dangling from skin. Knowing she wouldn't have been able to
reconnect tendons and bones...he was going to make himself ill if he didn't
stop thinking that. “Pussy, no. Idiot,
yes. What the hell did you go running
for? We TOLD you not too, anything off
the path is...well, dangerous, and likely to decapitate your head.” He
shuddered at the thought of what ELSE was out there Taker had concocted.
“I ran because I'm
scared. I don't know any of you and I
feel like I'm a prisoner here, which I am.” Evetta explained while continuing
the task at hand, needing to stop when she came to a very sensitive area on her
forehead, taking a couple deep breaths before starting again. “But I also can't
help believing everything Juliana said about her past, especially since my
house exploded, which I know neither of you would do. I panicked okay? I thought I could get away and go back to my
life the way it was, but nothing is ever going to be the same again.” Tears
stung her brown eyes as she took the small scissors and snipped the last of the
thread off, beginning to wrap the white bandage around her forehead to keep it
covered so it could heal.
John just watched her,
though when he realized that the syringe was still just sitting there where
Taker had left it, on the coffee table, he picked it up and checked to make
sure the little covering on the needle was firmly in place. Just in case...he wasn't about to have her
stab him with pain killers. This time
she probably would have been smart enough to stick to the path.
“Uh, Taker left some meds
if you want them, want me to give them to you, I mean...” The woman was
twisted; she had just stitched her forehead up. “Wow...”
“What?” She couldn't help
laughing softly at the bewildered look in his eyes and on his handsome face,
wincing a little since laughing made it hurt more. “Fuck pain killers, if
you've got some aspirin that'll work fine.” Not to mention having a concussion
didn't mix well with pain killers and Evie enjoyed staying awake instead of
falling into a permanent slumber. She
walked over and sat on the couch, watching as John walked over to the cabinet
to grab the aspirin along with a glass of water.
While he was at it, John
smashed the syringe and disposed of the broken pieces, making sure to kick the
bag gently away from her. While he liked
her -somewhat-, he no longer trusted her.
One, she had run off after being warned about the shit out there -not
that they expected it to be backwoods traps meant to kill and not detain- and
two, she had stitched herself up without medication, which reminded him of
Taker.
That also meant he
couldn't trust her because she might have been related to the guy.
“I need to stay awake for
at least three hours.” Evetta announced, smirking when John nearly jumped out
of his skin, having snuck up right behind him. Her brunette hair still had leaves poking out
of it and she had dirt on her face, but other than that she still looked like
the knockout John met through eHarmony.com. “So can I ask you a question?” She
slowly began backing him into the kitchen, raising a slow eyebrow. “I don't
bite John, I just want to know whose idea was it for you to meet a girl on
eHarmony.com?”
She did really remind him
of 'Taker; it was scary as hell and what made him even more worried was the
fact that he STILL found her really hot, not wanting to delve into that one.
“Um, Keira did actually.” That was embarrassing, sort of, but when she arched
an eyebrow he shrugged, reaching out to pull some leaves from her hair with his
good hand. “She realized I hadn't been on a date for…as long as she could
remember and wanted me to make a profile.
So she and Jules did, and...” John realized how pathetic he sounded,
clearing his throat.
“That's cute in a very
disturbing way, I'll have to ask Juliana and Keira how long you've been without
a woman...” She smirked when his eyes locked on hers, immediately lowering them
to his hand, frowning. “Your hand.” Evetta remembered hearing him yell out,
swallowing hard and immediately brought it into the light. “Stay right here.”
She ordered and rushed to find the bag, which he'd kicked clumsily under the
coffee table and pulled out a stint with medical tape. “Come with me now.” She
ordered, not giving him a choice and pointed at the couch. “Do not make this
hard.”
“Taker already put them
back in place.” John hadn't flexed them or anything and he had been intending
on doing what she looked like she was fixing to do, but he had forgotten when
she started talking to him. “I can handle it.”
He had broken them
stopping a log from taking off her head, wincing at the memory. When she rattled off another 'don't make this
hard' line, he had to snort. He was
quite a bit bigger than her and 'strong as an ox', though...she got a gleam in
her eyes that told him to test out the 'is she a female Taker' theory some other
time. He dropped down onto the couch
“Be gentle with me.” He
half-joked.
“Shut up and take it like
a man, don't be a pussy.” Evetta chided with a smirk, shoving him back with a
lot of force for a tiny person and straddled his lap, taking his hand in front
of her. “He didn't set them right.” She sighed and snapped them on the other
side, causing a stream of cuss words to come out of his mouth. “Wow such a
dirty mouth. Did your mother ever teach
you manners when you're in the presence of a lady, boy?”
“I think she had a
specific definition of lady, Evie.” He replied without thinking, groaning when
she drew the bandage a bit tighter than necessary. “Alright woman, you made
your point!” She was a vicious little thing, that first date hadn't really
shown off what she was like that well.
He tried reconciling the woman who had fled in tears with the one
straddling his lap and torturing him, shifting… “Goddamn...” He muttered under
his breath.
“What was that dear?” She
tightened the bandage more, smirking when he grunted something about his
fingers hurting. “Of course they will, they're broken idiot.” She snorted and
continued wrapping the bandage, scooting further back on his lap to where she
straddled his thighs, keeping his fingers as straight as they possibly could
go. “You know, you should feel lucky to have met a woman who actually knows
what she's doing when it comes to medical attention. And we're married on top of it supposedly.”
She still wore the gaudy diamond ring on her left ring finger, looking sickened
by it because it was a gold band.
John arched an eyebrow at
that, staring at her ring when he seen the expression on her face. “What? You
don't like it? I didn't pick it out.”
He mentally smacked
himself for that, realizing how bad it sounded.
They were 'married' but he hadn't been the one to pick out the
ring. He was definitely not good at this
husband thing, figuring if he ever did really get married, this might actually
be a good time for some practice. When
she shifted again on his lap, he wondered if this 'marriage' came with all the
benefits that a real one had. Of course,
he knew that probably wasn't something he should be thinking, but damn it...he
was a man and it had been a very long nine years.
“I know you didn't, you
don't seem like the type to pick up a gaudy looking thing like this,
but...it'll suffice since we're not technically ‘married’.” She did the
quotations with her fingers and finished his hand, sliding her fingertips
gently up his arm to make sure the sling was fully intact, locking eyes with
him again. “I won't run again, I promise.” That was as close to an apology as
he was going to get after everything he'd put her through. So if he'd accept it and they'd move on from
this fiasco that she caused, though again Evetta wasn't admitting that. “Go to
bed, you're exhausted.”
It was probably a good
thing John didn't know what Evetta was thinking because he would have strangled
her. Then again, it was also a good
thing she didn't know what he was thinking because she would have broken all
the rest of his fingers. “You have to stay up, and I'm not going to sleep while
you're...awake.” He might've been a fool, but not a complete fool. Yes, she had said she wasn't going to run,
but...He didn't know her all that well, especially since she had shown him she
wasn't as sweet and demure as he had first thought, she'd knocked his ass for a
loop. “I'll stay up with you.”
Evetta shrugged and
slowly slid from his lap, extending her hand to him silently. When John hesitated, Evie lost her patience,
rolling her eyes. “Oh for heaven's sake!” She grabbed his good hand and pulled
him up from the couch, though she knew John helped with it, pulling him back to
the master bedroom. “Since you're going to be stubborn about it, we can at
least be comfortable and maybe get to know each other a little better.”
After all, Evetta never
broke a promise and that meant she was going to be spending a great deal of
time with her new 'hubby'. She walked
over and pulled out a baby blue nightgown from the dresser, turning her back as
she slipped her pants and sweatshirt off before pulling it on, giving him a
glimpse at exactly what kind of body she had.
When she turned around and caught him staring at her chest, Evetta
smirked.
“My eyes are up here,
Johnny.”
The woman had just
stripped in front of him, and even with the broken fingers, his body was
reacting to the sight. HIs body was
beginning to tell him 'fuck her already, moron', and his eyes had darkened to a
deep, stormy blue color. “I know where your eyes are, Evie.” He replied, his
voice low and husky, not bothering with looking at her eyes.
Instead he allowed his
gaze to move down her body and then slowly back up, visually feasting on
her. When he did finally meet her eyes,
he was ready to throw her on the bed.
The way he devoured her made Evetta hot in a very good way, though she
would never admit it. Instead, she
simply walked over to the other side of the bed and slid on top of it, her beautifully
tanned legs very visible, the nightgown riding up her thighs as one of the
spaghetti straps fell down her shoulder.
“How long has it been for
you, John?” She asked in a somewhat coy voice, scooting a little closer to him
with a smile on her face, ignoring the pain in her head. “Hmm? How long has it been since you've been
touched?”
She was screwing with him
and he was going to let her do it. What
the HELL was wrong with him? “Nine years.” He admitted gruffly, he had to be
the most pathetic man in the world.
Taker had been
threatening for years to have his man card pulled and, for once, John could
finally agree with him. Folding his arms
over his chest -or attempted too with the sling-, he tried not to stare at her
legs, wondering what he had done to piss god off so much he would devise such a
beautiful vision, but in reality was probably hell? Evetta let a tsk noise escape her lips as she
moved even closer to him, slowly running her hand up and down his muscular
thigh, the hunger in her eyes as much as it was in his.
“You know what I think
would be the perfect way to stay awake?” She asked, already swinging one leg
over the other, straddling him once again as her long brunette hair fell over
her shoulders and down her back, already feeling him rise to the occasion.
“What I think we should do for hours and HOURS on end?” It was official, she
was having too much fun with him.
Swallowing hard, John
could only shake his head, his good hand moving to rest on her waist, leaning
up from the headboard so his face was closer to hers. She was teasing him, she had to be, oh god if
she moved one more time he was going to explode in his shorts. And the thought of that humiliation put the
beast on a leash, though he had a feeling if she kept giving him that look,
with those bedroom eyes, he was going to be screwed and lose control.
Moving in closer to where
they're lips nearly touched, Evetta suddenly smirked wickedly, brown eyes
gleaming. “I think we should eat ice cream and watch a movie.”
She slapped his chest
playfully and bounded off of him, knowing exactly what she did to him. Nine years...the poor man probably couldn't
have sex let alone a girlfriend with everything he'd been through. Oh well, it wasn't her problem. Evetta headed to the kitchen to get her ice
cream and let John cool off, giggling.
Letting out a string of
curses that would have impressed Juliana, John banged his head back against the
headboard, wincing and reached back to hold the spot. Though it did distract him from the pain that
was his raging hard-on. That little
cocktease! John was actually
entertaining thoughts he had never entertained in his life and they all
included doing things that would probably get him prison time. Still cursing, he rolled off the bed and
walked out the door, heading for the bathroom.
She was lucky he didn't jerk off on her clothes or something.
“Damn it!”
Chapter 17
While John was having a
hell of a time with his new wife, Juliana currently waited for Taker to return and
had slipped back in bed. She refused to
leave the master suite just because he was a jackass to her earlier. Juliana knew she had a point and so did he,
they clashed frequently and she hated fighting with him.
The ring on her finger
wasn't the real thing, they weren't really married and he could leave whenever
he damn well pleased. She couldn't shake
that worry and eventually managed to fall asleep, only to wake up when the
front door downstairs slammed shut. She
immediately shut her eyes again and pretended she was sleeping, hearing
deliberate footsteps coming down the hallway.
He paused in the doorway
and cocked his head to the side, hearing Keira's light snoring from down the
hall, before quietly closing the bedroom door and walking over to the bed,
making sure his footsteps were heard. He
reached down and ripped away the blanket. “You can quit pretendin', Jules.” He
grunted, staring down at her, nudging her over as he sat on the bed and began
pulling his boots off. “Evetta got her head smashed in by a flying log and
John's fingers were broken.” He informed her, wondering if she still was having
whatever issues she'd had earlier.
“Well that's fucking
wonderful and for your information, I WAS sleeping until you decided to slam
the front door shut downstairs.” She stated coldly, pulling the blankets right
back where they were and laid back down, turning her back to face him. If he was going to be an asshole then she was
going to be a bitch. She didn't want to
talk to him when he was in this type of mood because she was likely to try
hurting him with his smartass remarks.
Rolling his eyes, he
stood up and peeled off his clothing, kicking those and the boots aside so they
wouldn't be tripped over in the morning.
Staring down at the bed and his still in fully fledged bitch mode, peach
of a wife, he smiled slightly. He slid
beneath the covers with her, reaching out and pulled her back until they were
spooning, resting his palm on her stomach.
“I love you too,
darlin'.” He murmured in her ear, feeling how tense she was against him.
No matter how angry
Juliana became with Taker, that didn't stop her from loving him any less. “I
love you too, but I'm still mad at you.” She stated, not pulling away because
being in his arms felt too good.
Even though she felt like
elbowing him in the jaw. She continued
staring at the wall and closed her eyes when he rolled her over to lay on her
back, staring up at him with narrowed midnight blue eyes, folding her arms in
front of her. She wore a simple black
nightgown that barely covered her ass, just something to slip into because she
didn't like sleeping naked alone.
“Well, I'm still pretty
pissed off with you too.” He informed her, not about to tell her that he had
been so pissed he probably hadn't done Evie's stitches or John's fingers
right. That was a first for him and he
wasn't very pleased with it. This woman
drove him insane; sometimes in a good way, sometimes not so good. “But we both
think we're right and neither of us are goin' to apologize, so...I love you, go
to sleep.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers.
“It's not about who's
right and who's wrong.” Juliana wasn't about to let him off the hook that
easily and accepted his kiss, sitting up to face him fully, immediately
lowering her eyes. “I just can't believe you wanted me to bring Keira out there
with all of your death traps after what happened to Evetta. It makes me wonder sometimes if you even
think about our welfare or if you do what you think is best no matter the
circumstances. I know you love us and I
know you want to protect us the best you can, but is it really necessary to
have all of those death traps out there to where our daughter can get to them,
Mark?” She wasn't accusing him; it was a simple question and Juliana knew he'd
probably fly off the handle at her.
“Darlin’, you were the
one who said you were goin' to wake up Keira.
I would have left you both here; there was no point in all of us going
over there for that.” That is how it had wound up anyway, but at first she had
said they weren't leaving Keira alone in the house and she was going to wake
Keira up. There hadn’t been time for him
to linger while Keira was woken up and dressed to go outside. “And I told you
about the path, you would have been fine.
Keira knows not to be wandering off until I get out there and take all
that shit down.” He really did not like explaining himself, but for her he
would.
“I was worried about John
and Evetta! Dear god, her head was split
open by a fucking log and you wanted me to just stay here?!” Juliana growled,
sounding exasperated and laid back down, pursing her lips tightly
together. In truth, Juliana knew he was
right, but she had too much pride to admit it, knowing she had to put their
daughter before John. Even after seven
years, Juliana still had a hard time doing that. “I just...I react whenever
something happens to him and I wanna be there like he's been there for me. He's my brother and I know it's not easy for
him to pretend to be married to Evetta.
Hell, I know what it's like being felt like you're a prisoner...”
Considering this was the
third time they had to retreat into an unknown location, he could understand
that. He also knew she was too proud to
say she was wrong, just like he was too proud to apologize whenever he screwed
up, usually. “You can see them tomorrow, I think it was a good thing you and
Keira didn't go. When Evetta woke up,
she began freaking the hell out.” He didn't mention that he had also been
holding a syringe near her head at the time.
“I don't know what you
want me to say, Taker.” Juliana sighed tiredly, the night completely ruined
that started out so promising. “I don't want to argue with you about this
anymore, I'm tired, you're tired. Let's
just go to bed.” She went to roll over only for him to stop her again, staring
up into his eyes. Juliana was dying to
ask him the one question that burned on her tongue since this whole ordeal
began, but refrained, knowing it wouldn't do any good. “I hate fighting with
you.” She whispered, reaching up to caress his face with her hand, tears
building in her eyes. “I hate this...”
“So quit fighting with
me. This is pointless, it's over and
done with.” He replied, in a calm and rational tone, knowing that was probably
going to irritate her, but he couldn't help being matter-of-fact about it.
“Juliana...” He breathed when she frowned, bending down to kiss her. “I love
you and I don't want to fight with you either.
You're tired and you're right, I'm tired too.” He was really tired and
had been since earlier, but she had been so tempting in the tub… “Go to sleep
darlin'.” He murmured, pulling her against him.
“I love you too.” She
accepted his embrace, breathing in his scent, all of her anger vanishing. “I'm
sorry for what I said, I didn't mean it the way it came out.” She knew it was
cruel when she said he was going to save another woman, feeling stupid for even
saying that. “I was angry and-”
She sighed when his
finger pressed against her lips, quickly replacing it with his lips, instantly
melting against him. Juliana felt
terrible for saying that and buried her fingers in his hair, trying to make it
up to him somehow, someway. He was
everything to her and more, but the one good thing about fighting with Taker
was the making up.
The making up after a
fight was very good indeed and, sometimes, he picked fights with her just so
they could make-up. Growling softly in
the back of his throat, he rolled onto his back and pulled her with him so she
was straddling his waist. His hands
moved to rest on her hips, feeling the warmth of her body through her
nightgown.
“You're beautiful,
Juliana.” He murmured, staring up at her, his eyes adjusted to the darkness of
the bedroom.
She was cast in darkness
and shadows, his dark angel.
“You're impossible.” She
murmured and pulled back to remove the nightgown, not wearing anything else
beneath, smirking down at him when he growled again. “No more fighting.” She
knew that wasn't going to happen considering each of them had their own unique
quirks and tempers. “I love you.” Juliana pressed her lips to his, moaning as
he rolled her over on her back, hovering over her, her knees bending instantly
and pressing against his muscular sides.
It was going to be a very
long night for them both.
Long night, but pure heaven.
Though at the rate they
were going, neither of them were going to catch up on sleep, not that he overly
minded. It was really hard to bitch
about lack of rest when there was a beautiful women laying beneath him, all
flushed and trembling, with her black hair mussed on the pillows and that
smoky, pleased look in her eyes. If this
was the price he was paying for not sleeping, he would gladly continue paying
it.
~!~
“So let me get this
straight: She straddled your lap and made you hot and bothered, all because she
wanted ice cream?” Juliana blinked when John scowled at her, holding her hands
up, seeing he got little to no sleep.
Juliana tried so hard not to laugh, but her face turned completely red
and she simply couldn't stop herself from snorting, trying hard to hold it in.
“I'm...terribly...sorry...for...you...” That was all she could get out before
bursting into full fledged laughter, tears stinging her eyes.
“Thank you, Jules.” John
said stiffly. “I'm glad my pain and suffering amuse you.”
He hadn't slept all that
well. Usually, he didn't have any
problems in that department, nothing some solo time wouldn't take care of. But then again, other than Jules, Keira and
clients when he occasionally put in time working as a gym trainer, he hadn't spent
much time in female company.
Juliana stopped laughing
eventually and hugged John, knowing he was going through a very rough time
right now. Kidnapping a woman he met on
eHarmony.com and watching her have her head split open by a log would make any guy's
time rough. “How is she doing?” Juliana asked seriously, arching an eyebrow
when John merely shrugged. “Let me guess, you came here as soon as you got up
and you haven't even talked to her today, correct?”
“No, I talked to her this
morning.” John said with a slight smirk. “She asked me how my night went and I
told her I was fantasizing about the many ways I could crush her spine with my
hands.” He dodged when Jules went to hit him. “Hey! If it makes you feel any better, she laughed
at me! And for your information, if
she's feeling any pain, then she's like your hubby and hiding it. The broad sewed her forehead up after tearing
out his crappy stitches without using anything for the pain.”
Juliana stared at John
and wondered if he was joking or if he was serious. The look in his eyes told her what she needed
to know, causing her to swallow hard. “So...she's a female version of Taker?”
When John nodded solemnly, that just made Juliana laugh harder, not able to help
herself and stopped John from getting up to leave. “Oh come on! Seriously?
You're sitting here telling me that your 'wife',” She paused, doing the
quotations with her fingers. “Is a female version of Taker, Rent-A-Cop and you
expect me NOT to laugh?” She actually punched him gently in the arm. “My god,
you were destined to be together for sure!”
“NO, NO, NO!” John
roared, shaking his head. “HELL NO! I
could never be stuck with someone like him, are you insane? He terrifies me half the time, how'd that
work out with a woman? I don't want to
be in a relationship with a female Taker!
I'd be worrying about what she'd do to me if I pissed her off or
something! Probably destroy my balls or
something! Quit laughing, Juliana!” If
his fingers weren't broken, he would have lunged for her.
“She'd definitely be able
to put you in your place!” Juliana laughed harder, tears beginning to fall down
her cheeks as she clutched her stomach, not believing the turn of events. John was 'married' to a female version of
Taker, the love of her life. “I can't wait to have the real shotgun wedding.”
She jumped when John went to lunge for her, sticking her tongue out. “Man, can
you imagine having babies that have both your blood and her blood running
through their veins? They'd be WORSE
than Keira, myself and Taker combined!” Juliana couldn't help baiting him,
payback was indeed a bitch after all those years of John baiting her about
spiders and anything else that came to his mind.
“Fuck you, Juliana.” John
said quietly, watching as she continued laughing at him.
He loved her, he couldn't
hurt her. That did not mean she wasn't
going to find several spiders -and possibly some miniature guns- in her bed one
day. He had spent all this time living
alone. He was her brother, the godfather/uncle of Keira and occasionally could
be considered Taker's buddy, when the man was desperate enough for the company
of a male he wasn't supposed to be protecting.
The first woman outside of his family that he got to know... turned out
to be one hell of a cosmic prank on him.
“Hey, I will have you
know I like Evetta. She's got fire and
spunk, she doesn't take your shit and she's not afraid to leap.” Juliana
stated, once she stopped laughing again, folding her arms in front of her
chest. “Maybe you should stop thinking of her as mini-female Taker and start,
oh I don't know, treating her like a WOMAN.
I know you have it in you, Cena, you just have to reach deep down inside
and pull out the gentleman I KNOW you can be.” She grinned when he flipped her
off, blowing a kiss to him in response. “I love you, but sometimes you're blind
to things that are right in front of you.
Leap, I did with Taker and now look where we are.”
John scoffed at her.
“Yeah, look where you are, unhappily unmarried and constantly freaking out that
he'll leave you.” He shot back, shaking his head. “I am not you, Juliana. I'm
not the blind one, I know what's in front of me.” A woman who was out to drive
him completely insane whether it be by getting her skull bashed open or turning
him on and then leaving him cold because she apparently found torturing him and
being a cocktease amusing. John looked
away from her, running a hand through his short brown hair.
The laughter died
instantly from Juliana as she stared at John, not believing he just said that.
“So you're saying I'm blind? That I
don't know what's in front of me? For
your fucking information, Cena, I AM happy with my life! Unlike someone who hasn't had contact with
the opposite sex besides a woman he considers his own sister for the past nine
fucking years! Why don't you look in the
goddamn mirror before passing judgment on someone else, asshole?”
She stood up and walked
out, effectively ending the conversation, tears burning her eyes. Juliana wasn't unhappily unmarried, she was
just happily unmarried with a healthy fear that Taker would leave her again
like he did last time. Throwing that in
her face broke Juliana's heart and all she wanted to do was curl up in bed and
have a good long cry.
“Screw her.” John
muttered angrily, feeling too miserable for his own self to feel miserable for
what he had said to her.
Growling, he headed
upstairs, planning on sleeping in the guest room, or at least trying too. He didn't need women, all they did was fuck
you up! Him, passing judgment? Well wasn't that the pot calling the kettle
black? Sighing, he ignored Evetta when
she poked her head out of the master bedroom, closing the guest door behind him
and dropped onto the bed, sighing when it buckled slightly.
“Just my...” He winced
when the bed collapsed, knowing he shouldn't have tested his weight on the damn
thing. “Luck.”
Chapter 18
The entire walk back to
her own house, all Juliana could think about was John's words, tears streaming
down her face. Of course she was scared
Taker would leave! He had no other
commitment to her besides Keira and even then, that wasn't enough. She glanced down at the ring again and that
doubt entered her mind, wondering why Taker proposed to her just before they
had to leave Texas? Sniffling, Juliana
clutched her zip up sweatshirt to her body tighter, the wind whipping through
her hair and tried drying her tears before she got home. It was getting colder outside and she knew
they would be getting snow soon, sticking to the path Taker showed her just in
case he didn't get rid of all the death traps.
“Mom!” Keira shouted,
walking towards the path from the woods alongside her dad, who had taken her
out with him. “I learned all about tripwires!”
Taker grinned slightly.
“She even saved my ass from-” He frowned, realizing her cheeks were
tear-stained, slinging the sack with broken wires and triggers over his back.
“What happened?”
“Why is Mom crying?”
“Nothing I'm fine, it's
cold out here.” Juliana flashed a quick smile at her daughter, seeing the worry
etched in Keira's face, rubbing her arms up and down through the thick
sweatshirt. “I'm going back to the house, I'm not feeling well.” She walked
past them and kept trekking down the path Taker laid out for them, refusing to
get rid of his death traps.
Shrugging, Taker just
exchanged eye rolls with Keira. He was
playing it cool for his daughter, but wondered what was honestly going on. He hesitated, glancing towards the garage and
then back to where Jules was walking quickly away from them. Sighing, he continued with his work, knowing
next was installing the new security system.
No more swinging logs from hell or tripwires, in came the state of the
art technology. All terrain and condition
ready cameras, silent alarm triggers...he wasn't getting anymore midnight calls
for broken fingers and split heads.
“Can I play with your
knife?” Keira asked, reaching for the sheath on his belt.
“Only if you want your
Momma to whoop both our asses.”
There was no way in hell
Juliana was telling Taker what John said to her, knowing how Taker's temper
could be. He'd end up busting John's
head open worse than Evie's. As much as
she wanted John to hurt for what he said, she couldn't stand by and allow Taker
to destroy him. What John said was true
and the more Juliana thought about it, the more she knew she was screwed. She had a ring on her finger that wasn't
attached to anything except the man who gave it to her out of sheer
convenience.
Why hadn't he proposed to
her sooner?
“Damn you John.” She
whispered, deciding to cook a big dinner because it would help get her mind off
of things...hopefully.
“Momma! I'm starving, feed me!” Keira shrieked as she
ran through the kitchen door, her cheeks rosy from being outside all day. Grinning, she shrugged off her coat and hung
it up, walking over to the stove, being led by her nose. “MMMM...What's
that? Can I have some? Uncle John and Auntie Evie are coming over
for dinner by the way.” She said this all in one great big breath. “Did you SEE
Aunt Evie's head? It's all torn up! And John's fingers are broken, I didn't know
and I kinda grabbed them and...”
“He screamed like a
bitch.”
“Yes I saw her head.”
How in the hell could
John show his face after what he said to her earlier? Juliana was going to stick her spatula up his
ass if he walked through her front door.
But then she seen how happy Keira was that her Uncle Johnny and Aunt
Evie were coming over for dinner, knowing she couldn't tell them to send John
packing. Evetta was more than welcome to
stay, but Juliana was angry with John right now, livid even as she began
stirring the batter for her pineapple upside down cake.
“We're having ham for
dinner with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, cheesy veggies, green beans,
asparagus, Brussels sprouts and dinner rolls.
Cake for dessert.” She turned her back to both of them as she continued
stirring, having been cooking all day.
“Everything but the
asparagus and Brussels sprouts sounds good.
Can I lick the bowl when you're done?”
“If you don't eat the
greens, you'll never grow to be taller than me.” He had caught the fleeting
expression on Juliana's face, wondering what was going on. John had been abnormally quiet, even after
Keira had invited them over. If that
moron had upset Jules...Taker was going to break the rest of his fingers one by
one. “Need some help?” He offered, washing his hands at the sink.
“Yeah, can you get the
apricot glaze out of the fridge for the ham?” Juliana was busy pouring the cake
batter into a pan, smiling down at her daughter. “You can have the spoon, I
don't want you getting sick. There's raw
eggs in here.”
“But Mom!! That's what kids do! I'm a kid, I want the bowl!”
“No, I've worked very
hard on this meal and you're not going to spoil it by licking the bowl. Now why don't you go play until dinner's
ready?” She suggested in a final tone, handing over the spoon and sighed when
Keira just tossed it on the floor before bolting out of the kitchen. “Kids...”
“Keira, get your ass back
in here and pick it up!” Taker roared, watching out of narrowed green eyes as
she trudged back in and did as she was told, well aware she wasn't looking at
him or her Mom. When she darted back
out, he shook his head. “That girl has an attitude on her.” No idea where she
got it, he was such a sweet and mild-mannered man. Snorting, he got the apricot glaze from the
fridge and passed it to Jules, catching her by wrapping his arm around her
waist and pulled her against him. “Everything alright?”
“Never better.” She
answered quietly, closing her eyes when he bent his head down to run his nose
along her skin, making her break out in goose bumps. Juliana kept a firm hold on the bowl of glaze
and shivered involuntarily when his mouth was right by her ear. “Taker...” She
made the mistake of turning her head and brushed her lips against his, midnight
blue staring into acid green. “I'd better glaze the ham.”
She pulled away from him
and set the bowl of glaze down on the counter, putting her oven mitts on and
pulled the ham out on the huge rack.
Taker had a really horrible, lewd comment to make about her glazing
things, but refrained from making it, groaning softly as he turned away from
her. Making himself useful, he began
rinsing out the dishes in the sink and placing them into the dishwasher.
“John seemed awfully
quiet this morning, even considering what happened last night.” He said
conversationally, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
“He probably feels bad
about what happened to Evetta.” She said in a monotone voice, really not
wanting to discuss John at the moment, pushing his words in the far recesses of
her mind. Juliana cooked this big meal
for a reason and now Taker was in here trying to find out what was going
on. She couldn't win for losing. “Can
you take the corn and drain it for me in the strainer?” She was already hanging
over the huge pot of boiling hot water, waiting patiently for him to slip some
mitts on so he didn't burn himself before beginning to glaze the ham.
Knowing better than to
keep on pushing while handling boiling hot objects, he slid on oven mitts and
did as told, turning his face from the steam that rose up from the sink. He would just see how the rest of the night
went before jumping to anymore conclusions.
If John and Juliana weren't acting normal, maybe he'd just beat John's
head in to cover bases.
“They're coming!” Keira
announced excitedly.
“Go get the door then.”
“Would you stop moping
and try to enjoy the evening?” Evetta glared at John when he simply shot her
one, folding her arms in front of her chest, wearing a simple pair of jeans
with a long sleeved red shirt. “Taker, I need liquor.” She demanded as soon as
the door opened, immediately cringing. “Sorry doll face, where's your mommy and
daddy?” She walked inside past Keira, heading for the kitchen. “What the hell
is the occasion?”
Juliana shrugged
nonchalantly. “I just wanted to cook a big meal, first one in the new house and
all.” She lied smoothly, having a glass of wine and offered one to Evetta.
“No hard liquor I take
it?”
Juliana actually smirked,
raising an eyebrow when Evetta simply down the first glass of wine. “How about
after dinner we'll have a few shots of Tequila Rose? It's my favorite.”
“Nah, I prefer the hard
stuff like straight Tequila over that pink shit.”
“Well no, she said hi.”
John corrected, the first smile crossing his face at the indignant look on
Keira's. She usually got bucket loads of
attention from her parents and him, she was indeed a bit spoiled.
“She walked right on by,
after mussin' my hair!” Keira protested, stalking into the kitchen, a scowl on
her face.
Taker turned, arching an
eyebrow when Keira looked like she was fixing to have a conniption fit. “What's
got your feathers ruffled?”
“She's feeling
neglected.” John appeared in the doorway, looking over Juliana and Evetta
quickly before turning his attention back to Keira.
“I'm sorry kiddo, I
didn't mean to ignore you, but that amazing smell caught my attention.” Evetta
said smoothly and bent down to be eye level with Keira, winking. “You know
you're still my favorite right?” She'd gotten to know the little girl on the
ride here and became completely enthralled with her. “Forgive me?”
Keira considered her and
finally nodded with a smile, hugging her Aunt Evie around the neck gently.
“How's your head?”
“Never better, doll
face.” She stood back up and watched as John headed into the living room,
scoffing. “Would you two just make up already?
Jesus, you'd think you're the ones who are married.”
Juliana physically
cringed when Evetta said that right in front of Taker, folding her arms in
front of her chest, scowling now. “Not until he apologizes to me first.”
Arching an eyebrow, Taker
instructed Keira to go annoy John, which she did with a grin on her face. He reminded himself to find it adorable
later, right now he was more curious about whatever Evetta seemed to know that
he did not. “What happened?” He asked in a calm, almost careless sort of way,
knowing damn well Juliana would clam up if he sounded as irritated as he actually
was.
“They had an argument
this morning and-”
“It's between me and him,
nobody else.” She directed that at Taker, knowing he would kill John if he
found out what was said between them.
Both Evetta and Taker stared
at her as Juliana turned her back, causing the woman to stare up at Taker
exasperatedly. “You're as stubborn as he is, he said the same damn thing to me
earlier when I asked him what the hell was going on. I heard some of it, not all.”
“Evetta I like you, I
really do, but if you tell him one damn thing that was said between me and
John, I will personally take you out.” Juliana promised with a sweet smile,
though it didn't reach her eyes. “Now drop it, new subject.”
“Well screw this.” Taker
stalked away, shouting. “JOHN!”
“Fuck off, Taker!”
“Oooh, Daddy is gonna
whoop your butt for that!” Keira giggled from her place beside John on the
couch, a controller between her hands. “Dad, do it AFTER I beat him, we're
playing Blur.”
Taker left the women in
the kitchen, knowing Juliana and John had argued. Now he wanted to know what it had been
about. That would determine how badly he
had to beat John’s ass.
“Uhhh sorry?”
Juliana tossed her hands
up in the air and threw the towel down on the counter, knowing the ham still
had to cook for a little bit and everything else was pretty much done. “Thanks
a lot.” She stormed past Evetta and into the living room, standing between
Taker and John. “Enough, we had a little argument and everything is fine now
right John?”
“Uhhh?” Keira blinked at
the adults, looking up at them.
“RIGHT?”
“Oh yeah, peachy keen.”
John replied sarcastically, not even looking at her, busy taking advantage of
Keira's lapse in attention to drive her right off the track and into a cop car.
“You cheatin' wiener!”
She growled, nudging him in the ribs with her elbow.
“What were you fighting
about?”
“None of your fucking
business.” John snapped while continuing to obliterate the game. “Believe it or
not, we do have arguments and don't need you butting in.”
Apparently, that argument
had fucked Cena up in the head because Taker knew he couldn't be in the right
frame of mind talking like that and arched an eyebrow.
Juliana crossed her eyes
at the way John was speaking to Taker, trying to keep the peace between the two
men, letting out a slow breath. “John, I'm sorry for what I said about you
being with a mini-Taker.” She jumped back when he bolted off of the couch,
pressed against Taker's chest, knowing she had to bait him. “But you had no
right to say what you did to me. I was
just joking around with you, you took it too far...”
“Who is a mini-Taker?”
Evetta folded her arms in front of her chest, having been listening in the
doorway, arching an eyebrow.
“I told John that you
reminded me of Taker because of your pain threshold, according to him.”
“Oh that?” Evetta waved
it off with a soft laugh, shaking her head. “I'm a nurse and I had to stitch my
hand up one time, that doesn't mean I'll take a bullet for someone. Taker is way more hardcore than me.”
“So, you're not upset
that I compared you to Taker?”
“I take it as a
compliment, he's one mean tough SOB.”
“If you would have
stopped before 'judgmental' I wouldn't have gone off on you.” John replied, his
blue eyes narrowed, his gaze darting between her and Taker. Knowing if it weren't for the fact that she
was currently in the man's arms, Taker probably would have ripped his head off.
“As it was, I found it a bit...hypocritical.” He wasn't going to repeat what he
had said earlier. He was still a
bit...peeved with her for earlier, but not enough to bring that all out,
knowing damn well it would have led to Jules and Taker fighting opposed to him
and Jules.
“I am so lost.” Keira
announced, staring at the adults from over the couch.
So was Taker.
Chapter 19
“You know how I feel
about that, John! And you were being
judgmental by saying that shit! So I
don't regret saying what I did about Evetta because it's the damn TRUTH!”
Juliana snapped, not believing they were fighting about this, tears stinging
her eyes. “As if I haven't been through enough lately, why would you say
something that cruel to me? I've done
NOTHING except be there for you and support you since day ONE and you've done
the same for me, but it's not my fault you decided to go on eHarmony.com and
ended up with a woman version of Taker!
So stick it up your ass, we're done here!” She stormed away from Taker,
not caring if he beat the hell out of John or not and went to check on her ham.
Evetta stopped John from
going after Juliana, blocking his entrance. “Why is it so wrong for me like
him? Is he really that bad? Am I really that bad?”
“You're the one who
fucking put me on that stupid fucking site so fuck off, Juliana!” John shouted,
not bowling Evetta over like he could have done, frowning when he realized what
she was asking him. “No.” He grunted, turning around with a resigned sigh.
“You and me, outside.”
Taker ordered, not about to whoop his ass in front of his daughter.
“Yeah, fuck you too.”
John growled, storming outside, throwing aside the sling for his hand, knowing
Taker would probably try to choke him with it.
Keira jumped when the
door slammed behind the two men, the house shaking from it. “Aunt Evie...?”
“Goddamn it!” Evetta
couldn't let Taker kill John, even if she wanted to ring his neck herself and
headed outside, seeing John was trying to dart past Taker. “STOP IT BOTH OF YOU
RIGHT NOW!” She shouted, causing both men to stare at her and stormed over to
where her hubby stood with his broken fingers. “Look, I know you're pissed off
at him, but fighting isn't going to solve anything. Juliana is upset, why don't you go in there
and console her while I handle pissy pants out here?” She suggested, already
pulling John away from Taker, standing in front of him. “Or better yet, we'll
leave and you can have a peaceful meal with Juliana and doll face.” Evetta was
already backtracking John down the path, her eyes never leaving Taker's. “Knock
it off if you want to live you asshole.” She growled quietly when John tried
getting past her. “We're leaving, come on.”
John seriously had enough
and stopped letting her move him. He
arched an eyebrow when she let out a grunt of surprise when she wound up
pushing on his chest and nothing was happening.
People who knew him usually forgot that he was tall and built, it was
probably because he was generally happy go lucky and joking around.
“Woman,” He growled down
at her. “Get off of me.”
If he hadn't been so
surprised over Evetta butting in, Taker might've been inclined to applaud
John's sudden growth in balls. As it
was, he stormed back into the house, heading straight for the kitchen, AFTER
telling Keira everything was fine and John was alright. John was a lucky man having someone like
Evetta to stop him from having a match gash like Evetta had.
“Don't growl at me you
big stupid Neanderthal! You completely
ruined dinner and my chance at hard liquor, thanks asshole!” She stomped on his
foot for good measure, hearing cuss words stream out of his mouth moments
later, having worn her two inch steel toed boots before heading back to the two
story house. She would have to make
dinner and miss out a feast with Juliana, having wanted to try making things
right between her and John. “Damn it...”
John could actually
envision himself punching this woman, and the only woman he had ever laid hands
on in a violent manner was Cassandra. He
figured that did not count against him because Cassandra had been a psycho
bitch who had tried to gouge his eyes out AND had been trying to kill
Jules. He let her storm on ahead of him,
leaning against a tree and took several deep breaths, trying to ignore the pain
in his foot. He had ruined her chance
for liquor...oh, the poor dear.
Juliana was busy
finishing up dinner in the kitchen, setting the table, not caring if John and
Evetta left. John had pushed her too far
and it was all because he was pissed off that he was stuck with Evetta. He's the one who chose her on that website,
he would suffer the damn consequences.
Juliana actually met the love of her life in person, even though he'd
been originally hired as her bodyguard.
When Taker entered the kitchen, Juliana didn't look at him and held her
hand up when he came toward her.
“I don't want to talk
about it. I want to eat dinner
peacefully and quietly.” If he couldn't give her that, Juliana simply would be
eating upstairs in their bedroom as she turned to set another dish on the
table, tears stinging her eyes, quickly blinking them back.
He could see she was in
no state to discuss what had happened.
To be honest, he was feeling drained from it, just from seeing the pain
she was in. All his anger seeped out of
him and he stepped forward, waiting until she had put the dish down before
turning her around and pulling her into his arms, burying his face in her hair.
Juliana couldn't help
letting a few tears slip down her cheeks as she buried her face in his chest,
inhaling his scent, trying hard to stay strong until after dinner. Then she could take a bath and cry her heart
out alone, though she had a feeling Taker would try joining her. That wasn't a good idea because Juliana
wasn't in the mood to have sex, make love, have a romp, whatever one wanted to
call it.
“I'm okay.” She whispered,
feeling his hands run up and down her back, trying to soothe her and Juliana
appreciated it, simply standing there while he held her close.
Gently, Taker tilted her
face up in order to wipe the tears away with the pads of his thumbs, his green eyes
staring down at her intently, tenderness evident in them.
“Okay, can someone tell
me what that was all about?” Keira demanded as she walked into the kitchen. “I
tried to talk to Johnny and he just patted my head-” She scowled, beginning to
find that gesture very annoying because everyone did it. “And told me to go
eat.”
His daughter and her
impeccable timing.
“Don't worry about it,
angel. Let's just eat.”
Juliana hadn't forgotten
about her cake, popping it in the oven while she finished setting the
table. She would have to tell Taker
about the argument and felt sick about it, her stomach churning at the thought
of what he might say or even do. She
didn't want to think about it and sat down at the table, wiping the rest of her
tears away and handed Keira a plate after Taker. She let Keira make her own plate along with
Taker, wishing the dinner hadn't been a total disaster.
Because her parents were
obviously not in their right frames of mind, Keira loaded up on everything
except the Brussels sprouts and asparagus, arching an eyebrow when she realized
her Dad was piling them on his plate. “Uh, Daddy?” She cleared her throat to
get his attention.
“Hmm?” He glanced down at
her, having been staring at Juliana.
She pointed at his plate.
“Don't you think you've grown enough?”
“Ah...Christ...”
Juliana started laughing
out of nowhere and it was actually joyful sounding, not able to help
herself. Sure enough, she looked over
and Taker's plate was covered in sprouts and asparagus, causing her to laugh harder. She stood up and took his plate away to help
him with it, knowing he was very distracted, kissing his lips.
“I got it,” Juliana
giggled against his lips and felt his arm wrap around her waist, reaching over
to make him a proper plate of food. She
looked at the sprouts and asparagus and started laughing again, shaking her
head before kissing him once more, pressing her forehead to his.
Keira was yet again
confused, wondering what in the world was going on. Adults were crazy, they never made sense. When she grew up, she was NOT going to be
crazy. She was definitely not going to
eat a bunch of nasty foods either.
His own mood picking up
drastically, Taker began spooning Brussels sprouts on Keira's plate, his eyes
twinkling wickedly. “Eat up, kiddo.”
She scooped it with her
spoon and popped it in her mouth, making a face. “There, I ate one, no more!”
She gagged, reaching for her glass of milk.
Laughing, Taker reached
over to take Juliana's hand, bringing it to his mouth for a kiss.
“Not at the table!”
Juliana could remember
back before Keira was born how her and Taker would eat at the table together
with her in his lap. They would feed
each other and Juliana had several ideas about what she wanted to do with the apricot
glaze. Taker could be a complete
gentleman like he was at that moment and it warmed her heart, the doubts
temporarily killed. She loaded her plate
up, holding Taker's hand the entire time while eating with her free hand, knowing
neither of them minded. The ham was
delicious along with everything else, Juliana finally feeling better about
everything and nodded when Keira asked if she could be excused.
“I'm stuffed worse than a
turkey on Thanksgiving.”
Juliana nodded, trying
not to laugh at her pain-filled daughter's face.
“Good, let's cook you and
see if you taste like a turkey on Thanksgiving.” Taker teased, watching her
glance at the oven as if considering it. “I'm teasin', why don't you go wash
your face, you got glaze all over your cheeks.” He waited until he heard water
splashing in the bathroom before pushing his chair out and pulling Juliana onto
his lap, chuckling when she laughed. “You got glaze on your lips, darlin'.” He
murmured, bending down to kiss them. “Mmm.”
“So do you.” She murmured
against his lips, stroking his face with her hand and pressed her forehead
against his.
Was he happy with
her?
Juliana always wondered
that in the back of her mind, trying her best to make him as happy as she could
without overdoing it. So much love,
tenderness and worry resided in his green eyes that it made her chest constrict
painfully. When he tapped her nose with
his finger, she couldn't help smiling and fed him another bite of ham.
“That wasn't what I
wanted, wench.” He growled playfully after chewing and swallowing, bending down
to capture her lips again, smirking slightly as he pulled away.
He could have spent all
day and night just kissing her, minus the sex.
The sex was definitely a bonus, but he loved to kiss her. Taker eyeballed all the food on the table and
gently set her upright, standing up as well.
“Why don't you go draw
yourself a hot bubble bath and I'll clean up down here and get Keira settled
down for the night?” He suggested, brushing his knuckles down the side of her
face.
“Are you sure?” She
sighed gently when he pressed a finger against her lips, letting her know
everything would be taken care of. “My cake, don't forget to take it out. I don't want it to burn.” When he assured he
had it all taken care of, Juliana couldn't help bringing his face down to hers,
kissing him passionately and deeply. “Thank you.”
He kissed her forehead
and Juliana reluctantly pulled away from him to walk upstairs, feeling
exhausted after fighting with John. She
wondered if they'd ever be the same again now that she knew how he truly felt
about everything. John never did like
Taker so why did this hurt Juliana so much to actually know John had doubts
just like her? Tears stung her eyes as
she drew the bath she longed for and poured the bubble bath inside, trying not
to start crying again.
Completely oblivious to
the fact that his future wife was upstairs trying not to cry her heart out,
Taker began putting away leftovers and straightening up the kitchen, not
wanting Juliana to come down tomorrow and feel like she had fed a pack of
hogs. He even recruited Keira, knowing
some responsibility wouldn't hurt her.
The girl didn't mind work; she just didn't like 'normal' work. Like today, she had helped him with the
security and loved it.
She was an odd
child.
Then he got Keira around
for bed, having her go take a bath.
Then, after she had dried off and dressed in her Princess PJs, Taker sat
her down between his legs as he brushed out her hair, listening as she talked
about whatever floated through her mind.
He hated the situation, but at the same time felt very blessed for his
family.
After having a good cry
alone, which is what Juliana needed more than anything, she finally washed her
hair and body, feeling like a wrinkled prune.
She stepped out of the tub about an hour later and wrapped a towel
around her body, staring in the mirror, seeing the crow’s feet beginning to
form at the corners of her eyes. She
sighed gently and brushed her hair and teeth before changing into black cotton
panties with a matching bra, slipping a blue nightgown on that went to her
knees and had Alice on it from the new Alice In Wonderland movie. She shut the light off and walked out, seeing
Taker hadn't made it up to the bedroom again and ventured out to see where he
was at.
Taker was laying on
Keira's bed, his legs dangling off the edge of it, with Keira resting curled up
next to him, her head resting on his arm.
His black hair had come undone, covering one shoulder and part of his face,
his eyes closed. On his chest was the
book they had been reading: Charlotte's Web.
Making a little snort,
Keira unconsciously reached down to pull her comforter up, snuggling back into
his side.
Juliana's heart instantly
melted at the sight before her, tears shining in her eyes and knew she couldn't
wake them up. Keira had missed her
father being around and deserved to fall asleep against him. She shut the light off and covered them up a
little more before exiting the bedroom, heading back to the master suite.
‘I'm such a fool.’ She
thought and slid into bed beneath the comforter, curling on her side and
clutched his pillow, knowing Taker would probably sleep with their angel all
night and she was fine with that.
Chapter 20
John was drinking.
Evetta's hard liquor had
stuck with him and he had done a thorough search on the house. When he had explored the basement, he hit pay
dirt with tequila. He had no clue what
his 'wife' was doing, but he was sitting in the kitchen, wearing nothing but a
pair of denim shorts with the bottle before him. He hadn't even bothered with a glass, he
didn't need one. Keira had asked them
over and he had totally screwed that one up.
He was the one who didn't
blow up, so what had he done? He'd blown
up. Given how moody Juliana could be and
psychotic Taker was, he figured he was the relatively stable one of the circle
of adults. But...that could have also
been the tequila talking.
Evetta walked into the
kitchen and could see through the darkness John had a bottle of liquor in front
of him, drinking heavily. She didn't say
a single word and walked past him to get a glass of water, wearing just a baggy
shirt with panties underneath, nothing fancy.
Her long brunette hair was damp from a shower and hung down her back,
brushed.
She wanted to ask John if
he was enjoying himself, but refrained because they'd been through enough
fighting for one evening. He hated her
and made that perfectly clear, which hurt Evetta, but she wasn't going to let
it get her down. So what if the man she
was supposedly married to didn't like her?
There were plenty of other fish in the sea once she was out of this hell
hole.
He didn't hate her.
John hated the fact that
she unnerved him in a way that thoroughly reminded him of Taker. It was bad enough that he felt like half a man
whenever Taker decided to show him up; he didn't need that from a woman he was
attracted too! That and he hadn't need
said woman to screw with him and give him blue balls just because she
apparently had a cruel streak. All he
had done was try to protect her and, like his relationship with Jules, he had
totally messed it up. Groaning, he let
his head drop to the table with a loud thud.
“Damn it.”
She'd barely stepped out
of the kitchen when she heard that thud, knowing John was very distraught over
his fight with Juliana. They were close,
she could clearly see that and Evetta wanted to help. She reluctantly walked back into the kitchen
and watched as John took another swig from the Tequila bottle, sighing heavily.
“That's not going to
help.” She said softly, padding over to stand right behind him, her hands
resting on his shoulders as he set the bottle down harshly on the table. “I
know we haven't exactly seen eye to eye since this whole ordeal, but we do live
together and I want to help you, John.” She began massaging his shoulders,
loving the fact he enjoyed walking around shirtless. “Just tell me what to do
to make this easier for you.”
It was going to help, she
had that so wrong. It was going to make
him pass out and then wake up with a hangover so hellacious, he wouldn't be
able to even think about Juliana, or the fact that Keira had seen all
that. That's how it was going to help.
He snorted at her 'tell
me what to do to make this easier for you', wondering if she was about to play
another round of 'let's tease the man' on him.
Though, he was relaxing under her massage, reaching for the bottle again
and hesitated. Grunting, he grabbed her
wrist and pulled her around, dropping her down onto his lap.
“Have a drink.” He set
the bottle in front of her.
She sat sideways on his
lap and Evetta had to admit it was very comfortable, staring up into his glossy
blue eyes. She didn't say anything at
first and simply took the bottle, taking a healthy swig of it and loved how the
liquid burned down her throat. She slid
the bottle down the table enough to where he couldn't reach it, moving to
straddle his lap, moving her hair to hang down her back again.
“I want to help you,
John. Let me help you, I promise you can
have your way with me if that's what it's gonna take.” Evetta whispered and
pulled back enough to remove her shirt, letting it fall beside them to the
floor. She was in a simple pair of tan
panties and a black bra, never one to match her garments.
John simply stared at her
through the darkness, feeling what she was doing and then watched as she let
her shirt drop to the floor. He was
drunk, but not so far gone he wasn't affected by a beautiful, partially naked
woman, on his lap. It took a moment for
her words to penetrate the haze that both tequila and lust had cast over his
brain.
“You'll let me have
my...way with you, if that's what it's gonna take.” He echoed, snorting and
stood up, her legs going around his waist and gripped her tightly against
him. Somehow keeping his balance, John
carried her to the living room and dropped her unceremoniously on the couch. “I
realize I kidnapped you...but have I given the imp... impression-” He stumbled
over his words. “That I'd take advantage?”
“No! That's not what I meant, John!” Evetta was
wording it all wrong and sat up on her knees in front of him, chewing her
bottom lip thoughtfully. He kidnapped
her yes, but it was only to save her life, knowing she would've died had he not
shown up when he did with Juliana. “I know you wouldn't take advantage of me,
you're not that kind of guy.” She was trying to calm him down, slowly moving
from the couch to stand up, his insane deep blue eyes piercing her. “I don't
even know what I'm saying or doing anymore.” Grumbling, Evie knew this was
hopeless and headed back to the kitchen to get her shirt.
John's chivalry ended
right there. He was a man who had been
relatively lonely for quite some time and fueled with alcohol, though the
adrenaline rush the anger had given him was lessening that. Before Evetta could get even two steps away,
he reached out and grabbed her wrist again and whirled her right back around,
pulling her against his bare chest. His
arms firmly holding her in place, he bent down to kiss her starting out slow,
methodic. When he felt her body pressing
against his, he deepened the kiss, once more lifting her up until her legs were
back around his waist.
Evetta squealed out in
both surprise and excitement when he lifted her, loving how strong he was and
knew he could've given Taker a run for his money. His arms were ridiculously huge and Evetta
had to wonder briefly if he did steroids.
It didn't matter because the man could kiss, instantly returning it as
her arms wrapped around his neck, burying her fingers in his soft brown hair.
“Thought you didn't want
to take advantage?” Evetta couldn't help baiting him a little more, moaning
when his lips caressed her neck and ears, gripping his shoulders as her nails
gently dug into his broad muscular shoulders. “Mmm John...” He slowly began
backtracking back to the bedroom and Evetta wasn't surprised they hadn't made
it there, her back pressing against the wall, completely melting against John.
“If this is taking
advantage...you'd better stop me now.” He informed her huskily, feeling her
hands gliding over his arms again, his muscles flexing automatically.
John was one hundred
percent natural, helped by his love of working out and maintaining his
body. From the way she was groping him,
he was assuming she was enjoying his years of hard work. It took a lot of willpower to finally pull
her away from the wall, not about to do this in the damn hallway. The minute he had her on the bed though, all
bets were off.
“Why on earth would I do
that? You're already half naked, but I'm
wondering what kind of package you have...” Smirking, Evetta slid her hand down
his chest to grope him through the baggy jean shorts, licking her lips. “Mmm
you seem big enough to satisfy me...” Evetta commented, hearing his low growl
in her ear and shivered from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. “Take
me anyway you want, I can handle it.” She winked and felt her back collide with
the soft bedding, her hands exploring his body everywhere she could possibly
reach. Reaching down as Evetta's nearly
blackened eyes locked with smoky blue, her hand unsnapped his jean shorts and
pushed them down expertly with her feet.
Evetta was sending his
mind reeling; he had never heard a woman talk the way she did. Surprisingly, it was turning him on all the
more, if that were even possible.
Pushing himself off of her, he surveyed her. She still wore the bra and panties.
“These, definitely have
to go.” He stated in a low, husky voice, the look in her eyes setting his body
on fire.
Watching as she hooked
her hands in the waistband of her panties and slid them down an inch, John knew
she was teasing him. Shaking his head,
he decided to help her along and did the honors himself, throwing them over his
shoulder before caressing her calves.
Slowly inching his strong hands up her toned, beautiful legs, John
couldn’t help loving the feel of her soft skin against his touch.
Not able to resist,
Evetta giggled seductively as she sat up to unclasp her bra, pulling it off,
letting it drop to the floor before pulling John on top of her. For a man of his stature to go so long
without female companionship, Evetta felt for him and wanted him to feel
nothing but ecstasy between them. Her
nipples hardened as soon as his chest brushed against hers, parting her thighs
willingly for him as he captured her lips in a heated kiss, sending both of
their minds spiraling out of control.
“John...” She barely
managed to moan his name out, arching her back as his lips trailed down her jaw
line to her chest, paying special attention to each pert nipple, her fingers
once again gripping his hair. “Mmm that feels so good, you're lighting me on
fire, baby…”
He loved hearing that
because honestly, all things considered, John had no idea if he was going to be
able to last very long. So the least he
could do was make sure he got her off beforehand. There was no hell on earth like a woman who's
man came before her and didn't finish the job, even he knew that one.
“Good.” He chuckled
huskily, trailing his kisses down her stomach, feeling her holding her breath
in anticipation as he went lower and lower. “Let's see how hot you get...hmm?”
Her cries in sheer
pleasure echoed off of the bedroom walls as Evetta rested her legs over his
shoulders, his hands gripping her waist to pull her even closer to him. The way he devoured her whole took her breath
away. Evetta could only grab the
comforter below, not wanting to hurt him by ripping his hair out of his skull.
“John please!” She howled
out pleadingly, wishing he would stop the torment as her body flooded with a
newfound heat she'd never experienced before with a man.
He definitely knew what
he was doing in the bedroom as he began lapping at her juices that flowed from
her very willing body, tasting every inch of her. When he suckled on her swollen bud, Evetta
nearly screamed out as another orgasm tore through her body, actually bolting
upright on the bed before collapsing.
She coughed, trying to catch her breath, not knowing how much more she
could withstand.
That was his cue to stop
and let her get one breath in before taking it all away again. Feeling fairly pleased with himself, John
kissed his way up her trembling body, finally reaching her lips and kissed her,
letting her taste herself on him. He
settled himself between her legs, resting his body against hers so they were
pressed tightly together, but was mindful not to flat out crush her
either. Running his hands up her arms,
he guided them above the pillows and held her wrists in one large hand, the
other moving back down to draw her leg up over his hip, letting her feel just
how ready for her he was.
Evetta whimpered, wanting
to touch him while he took her, but John wasn't allowing it. “John please...” She
gasped and shut her eyes, panting, not believing how incredible he felt sliding
past her wet folds. “Please...oh fuck me!” Evetta squirmed beneath him, trying
to press herself closer to him as their eyes locked. When he snapped his hips forward and buried
himself to the hilt inside of her, Evetta cried out in both pleasure and pain,
his size stretching her to her absolute limit. “John!!”
He finally let go of her
wrists, feeling her hands instantly sliding around his neck and then her nails
on his back, knowing she was leaving marks but didn't honestly care. If anything, it only added fuel to the flames
as he gave her the briefest moment to adjust to him before setting the
pace. Their eyes locking, he moved back
so he was in a kneeling, almost reclining position and pulled her with
him. She was astride him now, his
incredible strength holding her up and moving her with him, bringing her down
to meet each upwards thrust.
“You're so fuckin' tight,
Evie...” He said through gritted teeth, feeling sweat beading over his body.
“Mmm you feel fuckin'
incredible inside of me.” She moaned out, meeting him for every single thrust,
not believing how explosive this bout was between them. She didn't know if it was the Tequila or just
the fact that they both hadn't had sex in a long time. Evetta didn't care as she leaned her head
back as John's mouth sealed to her chest, feeling his strength pulsating
through every part of his rock hard body, her moans soon turning to cries. “Mmm
fuck me John, fuck me as hard as you possibly can...I need it baby please...”
She was begging and pleading with him, pulling away only to get on all fours in
front of him, looking over her shoulder, shooting him those bedroom eyes again.
“Take me, show me your power...”
Growling, he moved so he
was kneeling behind her, gripping her hips with his hands hard enough to leave
fingerprint shaped bruises and pulled her back against him. “Is this what you
want, hmm?” John demanded, one hand leaving her in order to rub the head of his
cock against her soaking wet slit, hissing softly when she wiggled against him,
lightly slapping her ass. “Hmm, Evetta, do you want me to fuck you?” He teased
her, sliding into her receptive body, only to pull back out and then do it all
over again.
“YES!” She practically
screamed out, her entire body trembling at how much he teased her, knowing in
the process he was torturing himself.
When he slammed inside of
her after tormenting with his throbbing cock, Evetta dug her nails in the
bedding as he began pounding her pussy into oblivion, once again meeting him
for every thrust. The velocity was so
great that they ended up bouncing off of each other as the lethal sounds of
flesh smacking flesh echoed off of the walls.
That sound mixed with their cries in the throes of passion was enough to
send her flying over the edge as Evetta's walls began milking John for
everything he was worth, cumming in waves.
Feeling her walls locking
down on him in a vise grip, and then letting up only to happen all over again
was enough to send John's already tentative control over the edge. “Evetta!” He
rasped, pulling her back against him and held her still while he slammed into
her, cumming in her almost violently.
When it felt like his
entire body was completely empty of fluids, he let her go, feeling her grinding
slowly against him as the waves of pleasure slowly lessened from the almost
terrifying intensity they had reached, running one hand gently down her
spine. Evetta couldn't hold herself up
and collapsed stomach first on the bed, completely spent and satisfied by what
just happened, trying to learn how to breathe again. She felt John's hand run up and down her
back, slowly forcing herself to turn around on her back and pulled him down to
lay beside her.
“That was amazing...” She
whispered, snuggling against his side as she nuzzled his neck with her nose and
mouth, both of their heated bodies slowly calming down. “Do you feel better
now?” She asked after a few minutes of silence between them, moving to hover
halfway over him while he simply stared up at the ceiling, smiling tentatively.
John studied her
thoughtfully, no longer drunk, not even buzzing. He did have a pleasant high feeling, but it
wasn't associated with drinking but what had just happened between them. “That
was incredible, Evetta.” He murmured, reaching up to caress her face, bringing
her head down to meet his for a gentle kiss. “And I feel much better now.” He
added, smirking when she smirked, shaking his head. “Wench...” He whispered
softly.
Smiling, Evetta brought
the blanket up over both of them, having completely destroyed the bed during
their fuck session. “Good I'm glad, mission accomplished.” She grinned and laid
back down, feeling him pull her into his arms as she draped a leg over his
massive thigh, running slow circles around his chest with her finger. “You
know, maybe being married to you isn't so bad after all.” She commented and
kissed him before he could say anything and draped an arm over his chest,
closing her eyes with her head resting on his shoulder, loving the feeling of
his fingers trailing lazily up and down her back.
Evetta couldn't help
wondering what would happen now, closing her eyes.
John remained silent,
trying not to grin, which wasn't too hard as he was suddenly feeling pleasantly
exhausted. Leaning his head a little so
it rested lightly on hers, he closed his eyes.
Tomorrow he would go square things with Juliana and take his ass beating
like a man. Tonight, he was just going
to savor this feeling that had come over him as well as the feeling of this
enigmatic woman in his arms.
Chapter 21
Juliana was up bright and
early the next morning, feeling a little better than she had in the past few
days, deciding to make breakfast. Sure
enough, Taker had cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom and taken very good
care of her pineapple upside cake, deciding that would be dessert for
tonight. Right now, she flipped French
toast on her special skillet, knowing that would be a nice surprise for Keira. She felt terrible about the fight and planned
on going to see John, knowing they had to set things right.
Right on cue, John walked
in the back door, really glad he had kept the keys Taker had given him at his
house, so Taker hadn't been able to confiscate them after last night. He had only been mildly hung-over, which he
had popped Tylenol for and drank about half a gallon of water after, much to
Evetta's amusement. He was all grins,
though...when he seen Juliana, he hesitated, seeing that she had a very hot
skillet in front of her.
“Please don't throw that
at me, even though I would totally deserve it.”
Juliana smirked when she
heard his voice, slowly looking over her shoulder at him. “I'll consider it.”
She stated, setting the skillet down and walked over to him, after washing her
hands and dried them off on a towel.
Something was different about John, but she couldn't quite put her
finger on it. “Sit down.” She ordered, setting a plate in front of him and walked
back over to finish cooking the French toast, eggs, bacon and sausage links
already done. “Do you want toast?”
“Yes please, hold the
arsenic.” John watched her intently, making sure she wasn't tampering with his
food. He didn't think she would,
but...considering they had never actually had a fight like this...he wasn't
taking any chances. “I'm sorry, Jules.” He apologized, accepting the mug of
coffee she set in front of him. Before
she could move away, he gently grabbed her hand, holding it and stared up at
her. “Forgive me?” He asked, flashing large blue eyes at her.
Juliana smiled and
nodded, kissing his forehead softly. “Nothing to forgive, water under the
bridge. Now eat your food before it gets
cold.” She ordered, winking when John sighed with relief and fixed her own
plate. Taker and Keira hadn't come down
yet and she knew Taker was going to have kinks in every part of his body from
sleeping in Keira's small bed, smirking at the thought. She sat down at the table with a cup of
coffee. “You seem a bit more cheerful this morning. Where's Evie?”
“She went back to bed.”
John replied, ignoring the raised eyebrow she gave him over her own forkful of
French toast, occupying himself with his food.
Eventually, Juliana would find out about him and Evetta, but right
now...he wanted to keep it to himself, and avoid the forthcoming teasing he
knew he'd be on the receiving end of. “Damn that's good.” He sighed, chancing a look at her, somehow not surprises
she was still giving him the 'what are you hiding' look. “I promise, I didn't
murder her or anything!”
“Uh huh, I think I'll go
pay her a visit in a little while to make sure she's still in one piece.”
Juliana giggled when John turned red, arching a slow eyebrow, the realization
dawning on her. “You and her...” She covered her mouth with her hand when John
glared, Juliana swallowing down any comments that might upset him. “I'm happy
for you, John. She is a really great
girl with a big mouth.” She groaned when John simply grinned devilishly at her
and went back to eating, glad her brother finally got laid.
“I have this thing for
women with big mouths.” John said without even thinking, wincing when it struck
him what he had said and groaned, facepalming himself. “Sorry Jules, I stuck my
foot in it.” He apologized, quickly looking to make sure she hadn't gone for
that skillet. “And yes, you can say it: we were playing the Mambo Number 5 last
night.” And destroyed the wall, he had rolled out of bed this morning to find a
dent where the headboard had banged repeatedly against it.
Juliana smacked him
upside the head with her towel, causing him to groan and couldn't stop laughing
at the Mambo Number 5 crack. “I don't want to know what you two did, I'm just
glad it happened. Maybe now you'll be
less prone to kill each other while we're hiding out here.” Juliana wondered
how long that was going to last because there hadn't been any signs or
indication there was danger lurking. She
was starting to wonder if maybe it was all just coincidental and if that was the
case, they moved for nothing.
“Of course, Taker might
be prone to killing us if he sees what we might’ve done to the wall.” John said
with a smirk, catching the towel before she could crack him again with it,
winding it up in his fist. “Woman, don't make me-”
Taker snatched the towel
out of John's hand, rolled it tight, and then flicked him with it. Though the flick was more like a wet smack,
smirking when John let out a yelp and rubbed his arm. “Mornin' Cena, where's
your better half?” He asked casually, as if he did not just leave a welt on the
other man, bending down to drop a kiss on Jule's head while filching a piece of
bacon and popping it into his mouth.
“Recovering, I put her
through her paces last night.”
He nearly choked on the
bacon.
“They did the horizontal salsa
last night, which is why John can't stop grinning like a goofball.” Juliana
patted Taker's back when he managed to dislodge the bacon from his throat,
trying not to laugh. “Sit down before you hurt yourself, babe. I'll make you a plate.” Keira would be up in
a little while, she usually slept in longer than the adults. “Did you sleep
well with our daughter?”
“Besides the fact that my
legs are sore and my back is all fucked up from sleeping on one of her stuffed
animals, I slept great.” He replied, eyeballing John, just daring the idiot to
make another comment.
Smiling innocently, John
took a sip from his coffee mug, blue eyes twinkling. “Was it the rabbit?”
“Yeah...so?”
“The purple one?”
“Might be.”
“With the big carrot?”
“You son of a...”
“That's your fault for
falling asleep in her room while tucking her in.” Juliana teased, setting a
plate of food down in front of him and kissed his lips soundly, having cut him
off from finishing calling John what he wanted. “If you want, I'll give you a
back massage later.” She had to admit, having that huge king sized by herself
was lonely, though Juliana couldn't wake Taker up. He looked too adorable with Keira snuggled up
against him and Juliana wished she would've snapped a picture. “Now eat up.”
“I'll eat up.” He
growled, his eyes roaming over her form for a moment before flashing her a
smirk, ignoring John's silent gagging motions over the remnants of what had
been his breakfast.
“So...” John pushed away
from the table and carried his empty plate and mug to the sink, rinsing them
off. “I suppose I should go make sure Evetta hasn't succumbed to exhaustion and
is ready to get up.” He eyeballed the remaining food. “Jules, do you mind if I
make her a plate?”
Taker had to arch an
eyebrow at that one, wondering who this guy was and where the moron had gone
off too.
“I'll make your woman a
plate.” She smirked when John flushed again, giggling and piled it on because
there was plenty left over for second rounds. “Tell her we need to still get
together for our liquor night.” She stated, kissing his cheek and handed over
the covered plate of food, winking. John
walked out of the house, still having his keys in hand and Juliana had an extra
kick in her step as she began making a plate for Keira while sipping her
coffee. She needed caffeine in order to
wake up.
“So I'm assuming you and
John made up?” He asked casually, taking his time with his food, because unlike
John, Taker did not feel the need to rush through everything. Then again, John was probably hauling his
cookies back for some more...Ugh, he was going to make himself sick. When Juliana nodded happily, he found himself
smiling slightly. “Well, that's good. You two fighting... just don't seem
natural.”
“That's our first major fight
besides when he clocked me on accident.” She shook that memory out of her mind,
rubbing her jaw absentmindedly and walked over with her coffee, setting a mug
down in front of Taker. She was ready to
confront Taker about her fears the previous night, but everything was so
peaceful she didn't want to ruin it. “Everyone has a fight at least one time in
their life, this was ours.” She hoped it was their only one, Juliana hated
fighting with John almost as much as she hated fighting with Taker.
“I don't think him
clocking you counts as a fight, it was accidental.” No matter how pissed off
John got, Taker was fairly certain the kid would never lay a hand on Juliana,
not purposefully anyway. Of course, he
had been known to be wrong on occasion before, but... “I've got to go into town
today, make sure everything is...okay.
You want to leave Keira with John and come with me?” He loved his
daughter, but he wouldn't mind some one on one time with Juliana, outside of
their bedroom.
“Are you sure?” When he
nodded, Juliana decided that it would be nice getting out of the house and
actually go somewhere with Taker. Keira
would have a gaming fest with John and Evetta, knowing they would love having
her. “I'll call him and ask if he can keep her first, I don't want to just dump
Keira on them if they're doing...other things.” Now she was going to make
herself sick.
He pulled a face at that,
sincerely hoping that if they did take Keira, they could refrain from
destroying her young, impressionable mind. “Let him know that if they do watch
her and she sees any...hanky-panky, I will gut them both.” He informed her
coolly.
“What's hanky-panky?”
Keira yawned, trudging into the kitchen, her purple rabbit that clutched a
large carrot between its paws, dangling from her hand.
Taker pinched the bridge
of his nose, sighing.
Today was going to be one
of THOSE days.
“Your father is just
being weird.” Juliana shot Taker a look before smoothing Keira's hair back,
kissing her forehead. “You hungry angel?
I made French toast.” Keira grinned sleepily and went to sit at the
kitchen table while Juliana warmed her plate up. “Keira, would you like to hang
out with your Uncle Johnny and Aunt Evie today?” She asked, setting the plate
in front of the little girl, who still clutched her purple rabbit with the
carrot. Juliana couldn't stop the smirk
from forming on her lips. “Dad wants to take me to town with him, but I'll stay
if you want me to.”
“Why can't I go with
you?”
Taker had made a note to
get Juliana back later for that smirk with the rabbit, now flashing a grin at
his daughter. “Because then you'd see what we're bringing back and that
wouldn't be a very fun surprise, now would it, lil darlin'?”
“But what if I pretended
to be surprised?” Keira suggested, digging into her French toast.
“That'd be cheating.”
Juliana sincerely hoped
Taker wasn't just pulling Keira's leg and he actually had some sort of surprise
in mind to bring back for her. “You'll have fun with Johnny and Evie, you still
have to get Johnny back for leaving your game yesterday. So cream him for me and Daddy okay?” When
Keira shrugged, Juliana sighed, feeling guilty for leaving her behind, but
Taker insisted that it was just the two of them. “I'll call them now and ask.”
Whipping her cell phone out, Juliana waited for them to answer
“Mmm hello...” Evetta
giggled when John began blowing raspberries on her neck, trying to shove him
away. “Oh hey Juliana...”
“Tell her to call back
later, we're BUSY!” John said in a voice loud enough to be heard, hearing
Juliana's gag and snickered. Letting go
of Evetta, John dropped down into a chair, pulling her down onto his lap. “Give
me the phone woman...hey, not my ribs, you got pointy elbows!”
Even Taker could hear
that loud mouth and he was sitting at the table finishing his meal, rolling his
eyes. “We might have to go hire a wild animal to be the babysitter.”
“I HEARD THAT!” John
groaned again when he got another elbow.
“Jonathan, you will knock
it off and watch Keira while we go into town today.” Juliana ordered, daring
him to argue with her and heard him grumble when Evetta laughed.
“She's got you
TRAINED. I wonder if I can do that.” She
bounded off of his lap, laughing harder when he growled at her. “Bring the
munchkin over, Juliana! We'll be happy
to watch her!”
Feeling a headache coming
on, Juliana hung up and hoped they took care of Keira. “I'm gonna go change and
get ready, Keira finish up and do the same.” She also hoped those two didn't
end up killing her daughter's brain cells.
“They sounded hyper.”
Keira commented, smiling somewhat.
“I will drug you with
Benadryl.” He informed her, the corner of his lip twitching when she gave him a
'will he really' sort of look.
When he just folded his
massive arms over his chest, Keira apparently decided he was serious and got up
to go get dressed, leaving him alone in the kitchen and able to smile freely.
Shaking his head, he followed after his family, knowing he needed to change out
of the clothes he had slept uncomfortably in.
Now that he thought about it, Benadryl for John and Evetta might be in
order.
It took an hour for
everyone to get ready before they headed to John and Evetta's. Juliana wore a simple pair of dark skinny
blue jeans with a long sleeved pale blue top, her hair left down and curled at
the ends for style, framing her face.
Keira had on jeans and a princess sweatshirt, still carrying her stuffed
purple rabbit. Juliana didn't even knock
as they walked inside the house, her jaw dropping.
“Oh John!”
She immediately covered
her daughter's eyes and shoved her out the door. “Stop fucking like rabbits and
get dressed!”
John shoved Evetta off of
him, having had her ride him on the couch, cursing.
“WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG
WITH YOU! YOU KNEW WE WERE BRINGING HER
OVER!”
John was a shade of red
he had never even known existed, his pants back on and was pulling a shirt over
his head. “I... Uh-...”
“AND MY DAUGHTER SEEN YOU
TWO!”
“Taker, it... we... I-”
John really had no words for this, knowing the only explanation was: Sex is
great, and that would get his ass buried six feet deep.
Chapter 22
“We thought we'd have a
quickie before you showed up.” Evetta stated as she pulled her shirt back on
along with her pajama pants, fluffing her hair out a little. “I mean come on,
you can't tell me you wouldn't-” John covered her mouth, shutting her up before
Taker buried BOTH of them six feet under.
Juliana was currently
waiting outside with an exasperated looking Keira, having a feeling her
daughter would be questioning what John and Evetta were doing. And also knew Taker was probably going to
kill them.
“So is that what Dad was
talking about?”
“Talking about what,
angel?” Juliana was distracted, trying to hear what was going on inside the
house.
“Hanky-panky.”
Taker was giving serious
thought to just...murdering them both and then explaining to Keira that sex was
bad. It made one die, then she'd stay
his sweet little girl forever and... “What, Cena?” He growled when John
actually raised his hand.
“Can I uh, tell the girls
to come back in?” He was marginally safer with Keira around; she was the reason
her parents tended to not kick his ass, not wanting her to see the violence and
whatnot.
“Sure.” He stepped away
from the door. “Go get them.” He watched as John cautiously made his way around
him to the door. Snorting, Taker waited
until John had opened it before kicking him in the ass, sending him tumbling.
Juliana blinked when John
came FLYING out of the house, landing right in the grass with a rather loud
thump. “Uhhh...”
“Whoa Uncle Johnny, I
didn't know you could fly!”
Evetta went to berate
Taker for kicking John in the ass, only to hear that and keeled over laughing
her ass off. Juliana bit her bottom lip,
trying really hard not to join in with Evetta in the laughter.
“Umm are you...okay bro?”
She glanced back at Taker, shaking her head, the amusement shining in her
midnight blue eyes.
John rolled over
groaning, only for his blue eyes to widen and he automatically reached out to
catch Evetta who hadn't been kicked but lightly tossed, her own eyes wide.
“Hi.” He grunted, using his strength to keep her from actually landing hard on
him, though he felt a knee grazing some bad spots.
“Next time...remember
that we're bringing over a CHILD, who will remain innocent!”
“What's innocent?”
“You are, angel.” Juliana
didn't blame Taker one bit for what he did to both of them, knowing they
deserved to have their heads knocked off, but then they wouldn't have people to
watch over Keira when they wanted to be alone. “Both of you in the house and, I
swear to god John, if you say ONE thing to Keira that makes her innocence
deteriorate, I will castrate you.” She threatened before hugging Keira, kissing
the top of her head. “Be good for them, try to keep them in line okay?”
“I'll castrate them if
they get outta line.”
Juliana slapped her face.
“Do you even know what
castrate means, sweetie?” John asked, guiding Keira into the house, not looking
at Jules or Taker because he felt being kicked in the ass and sent doing
somersaults down the steps had been punishment enough; he wasn't encouraging
anymore.
“It means I'll cut IT
off.”
John glanced back at her
parents. “Oh yeah, preserving innocence.”
Taker slapped his face.
Juliana flipped him the
bird as the door shut, immediately turning to walk with Taker back down the
path, not believing they actually walked in on John and Evetta having sex on
the couch. “God I hope they spray the couch down with Febreze or something.”
She muttered, shoving her hands in the front pockets of her coat, hearing Taker
groan. “So, what's on the agenda for today?”
“No, fuck the Febreze,
they better fuckin' use Lysol. My baby
does not need to be sittin' in their...leftovers.” He closed his eye,
shuddering at the thought and grabbed her hand, squeezing gently. “Keira
might've had the right idea about castration.” Taker had been glad to hear John
had gotten past the 'funk', not so glad to walk in on THAT image. Even if Evetta had been on top…and he
promptly pushed that one out of his mind. “We're going to swap the SUV for
something more low key and pick up a couple things.” He informed her.
Juliana nodded, lacing
their fingers together as they headed toward the SUV that was parked in front
of the house, breathing in the fresh air. “I do feel bad about leaving her
behind, she's been just as cooped up as us.” She said, slipping into the
passenger seat and buckled up while Taker slid behind the wheel, smiling when
he once again held her hand. Juliana
couldn't help feeling guilty and hoped John and Evetta kept her occupied. It wasn't fair to Keira and Juliana decided
she would be taking Keira out for a day, just the two of them.
“We'll get her out, just
not today. I've got business and she'd
be in the way or get bored.” Taker said firmly, knowing that Keira would
quickly become tired of being cooped up, but this was day two so hopefully it
wasn't setting in yet. “Maybe you can text John and have him take her outside,
I cleared the woods, so long as they don't go too far from the house they’ll
fine.” Because getting lost would be all too easy. Taker wondered if that would be smart, John
in the woods...with his daughter and frowned slightly as he drove down the long
dirt road.
“So...you want me to be
bored instead while handling your business?”
Juliana smirked when
Taker squeezed her hand, staring out the window and sighed gently, enjoying the
change of scenery. Taker probably just
wanted to spend quality time with her alone and Juliana didn't mind it, but
that didn't stop her from feeling guilty they had to drop Keira in John and
Evetta's lap. Washington was indeed a
beautiful place and Juliana wondered if they would end up living here for the
rest of their lives.
“I want you to meet
someone in case something happens and you need a safe place to go.” Taker said
after a long moment, knowing that even though nothing had happened during these
past few weeks outside of their own personal drama, they couldn't be too
cautious. He didn't think those explosions were coincidence. The first one, he
had been willing to say 'hey, what if' on, but when Evetta's house had been
blown up, that was just TOO much of a coincidence to ignore. “Just in case.” He
added when she looked at him, bringing her hand up in order to kiss her
knuckles.
“What do you mean if something
happens?” Juliana pulled her hand out of his, staring at him as fear began
entering her eyes. “I'm not going anywhere without you, Taker. We're in this together.”
What the hell was he
talking about just in case?
There was no just in case
about it!
John's words once again
penetrated her mind, causing Juliana to stare out the window, closing her eyes
to blink tears away. Was Taker leaving
them? Had he finally had enough of all
the bullshit that'd been thrown at them?
Juliana felt sick, suddenly unbuckling her seatbelt.
“Pull over.” She ordered,
feeling a panic attack coming on and groaned when Taker didn't do it. “PULL THE
FUCKING CAR OVER BEFORE I HURL IN HERE!” The car screeched to a halt as Juliana
jumped out and emptied the contents of her stomach, letting the tears slip down
her cheeks.
“What the...”
Taker scooted across the
seat to stare down at her out of wide eyes, wondering what the hell was wrong
with her. She had been fine up until a
minute ago and, as far as he could tell, she hadn't undercooked breakfast
because he wasn't feeling ill. Waiting
until he was fairly certain she had finished, he pulled the bandana off his
head and untied it, jumping down to pass it to her.
“Darlin', are you okay?”
He asked softly, wondering if maybe she was pregnant.
She didn't answer him and
took the bandana from his hand, more tears falling as she wiped her mouth
off. That was disgusting, she felt like
vomiting again and allowed Taker to slowly help her stand up. “What you said...caught
me off guard.” That was the partial truth and that's all Juliana was going to
tell him, glad Keira hadn't come with them. “What do you mean just in case,
Taker? Do you know something I don't?”
She stared into his eyes, searching them for some kind of answer and found the
small hesitation. “What is it? Tell me
what's going on.” Her voice was somewhat shaky, Taker didn't know how to be
kind when it came to telling her something serious and never learned how to be.
“Please.”
She was hiding something
from him again. Taker could tell and he
had a feeling it was some long standing issue that he was completely in the
dark about, but probably the cause of. “I'm just being cautious is all, Jules.”
He said after a moment. “Cause let's face it, this feels different then the
last time. And that didn't even end
well, John and I were both taken off guard.
If it happened once, it can happen again and...if it does, I want you
and Keira to be safe, to have a way out.” Because unlike last time, they hadn't
had that.
“Stop talking like that.”
Juliana pushed away from him, shaking her head, wrapping her arms tightly
around herself. “It's not going to happen again, do you understand me
Mark? It nearly killed me the last time
I thought you were dead, it WILL kill me this time! So it doesn't matter if you do end up dying,
I'll be joining you! I nearly did last
time, you have no idea what I went through those two weeks thinking you were
dead, thinking I'd never see you again.
Life doesn't matter to me if you're not here.” She'd nearly miscarried
the baby with all the stress she'd put her body under and Juliana had been on
strict bed rest for the last five months of her pregnancy. Keira had been a miracle baby, born
prematurely, but thanks to Taker's genes she'd already been grown enough not to
be considered a premature. “I love you and I'm not going to live without you.”
“You had better, for our
daughter's sake.” Taker growled, really hating it when she spoke like
that.
He was resigned to the fact
that when he died, it would probably be taking a bullet or something for
someone he was protecting. He would
prefer that to happen protecting his family and not some politician or
something. Death wasn't romantic and
dying alongside someone you loved was only sweet when it happened in
movies. Reality was a harsh bitch and he
knew Keira needed at least one of her parents if she couldn't have both.
“I ain't dead yet woman,
so drop it.”
“Then tell me what the
fuck is going on.” She demanded, finally turning to face him again with tears
in her eyes. “Tell me what you know.
You've been hiding something from me.
Now you're talking about me and Keira having a way out in case something
happens?” That meant something was going to happen and Juliana couldn't stop
trembling, trying to calm down, but this was scary. “Do you know who's doing
this to us?” If he did and he kept it from her, Juliana was going to kick him
square in the balls.
It was a damn good thing
they weren't driving because he would have pulled over to co-cock her. She was being irrational and panicking for no
goddamn reason. What the hell was wrong
with her? She kept acting like he had
some major secret he was keeping and he didn't!
“Goddamn it, Jules.” He
snarled, grabbing her shoulders and giving her a firm shake. “It's called a
fucking contingency plan, something we've never bothered with before, but now
we have a DAUGHTER, a little girl who doesn't need to die because she's somehow
gotten dragged into this shit. If I had
ANY idea who was behind this, I would fuckin' rip their throats out in a
heartbeat, but I DON'T know!”
“Just like you proposed
to me out of convenience. All to make
people believe we actually ARE married when we're really NOT. I've been with you for nine years and now
that our lives are in danger, you finally give me a ring.” She held up her left
hand and shoved him away from her as hard as she could, tossing her hands up in
the air. “You wanna know what's been bothering me? It's the fact that when we were living our
lives peacefully, you never ONCE asked me to be your wife. It was only out of convenience that you
decided to give me a goddamn ring. You
wanna know what I'm hiding from you, Mark?
Fine, I'm terrified you're going to leave us, that you'll finally get
bored and you'll finally tire of all the bullshit that's been thrown at
us! There is no commitment between us
besides a daughter...I don't even know what to call you anymore because having
a nine year relationship with a man, most people would've gotten hitched by
now. I didn't want to push you though,
so I tried ignoring how I felt about it, but goddamn am I not worth
marrying?! Were you ever going to
propose to me if not for us running for our damn lives AGAIN?”
It was official, she had
lost her damn mind, and he could only stare at her out of eyes that grew more
acidic with each word that came from her mouth.
She was spewing poison at him and he had to turn his back on her, with
his fists clenched at his sides in order to keep himself from doing something
he would regret. When he had given her
the ring, after she had put it on, he had proposed to her, a real
proposal. He had stressed that it was
real. He had asked her to marry him when
all this shit was done and over with, but apparently he had misread her
reaction wrong because now she was...
“Get in the truck,
Juliana.” He ordered, finally turning to stare down at her.
She had her answer and it
shattered her heart into pieces, but Juliana would have to deal with it. Not saying a word, Juliana did as she was
told and closed the door before buckling up again, knowing Taker was going to
do whatever he felt was right. She let
the silent tears fall, not making a single sound and kept her hands in her lap
firmly, leaning her head against the glass window as he continued trekking into
town.
It didn't matter that
he'd proposed to her for real and not just show. He proposed to her only because they were
running away for their lives and refused to part ways with John, not wanting to
lose their daughter. Now Juliana didn't
know what kind of damage she might've caused from what she said, honestly
wishing she was dead at that moment.
Chapter 23
They had really left John
Cena, Evetta Piers, and precious Keira all by themselves? That was too funny. He strolled through the woods fearlessly,
wondering if Cena was even smart enough to know how to use the security system
that had been installed. He had to
admit, it was state of the art, very impressive. But there were ways around absolutely
anything, and when one the proper motivation...a way would be found. Humming under his breath, he let himself into
the Calaway household, knowing the three at the other house were too busy with
their gaming to bother coming this way, not that they had a real reason too.
“Impressive.” He rumbled
darkly, taking in the living room before heading upstairs.
~!~
Juliana simply followed
Taker, having dried her tears up and plastered on a fake smile when people
called her Jasmine or Mrs. Cole, playing the part perfectly. She let 'William' wrap his arm around her
waist to make it even more believable, though on the inside Juliana felt like
dying because none of this was real.
They did the errands in town, swapping out the SUV for a classic black
car that was born for speed, Taker's type of vehicle. Juliana slipped in the passenger seat, once
again buckling up and wondered where else they had to go.
She was tired and just
wanted to go back to the house.
Next they were heading to
a dealership that specialized in recreational vehicles, along with a trailer to
load them on. He had purchased two four
wheelers to keep on hand at the houses, one for John and Evetta, the other for
him, Jules and Keira. While he played
the part of loving husband, she did the loving wife bit, inside he was fairly
distracted, unable to keep his mind from throwing her words at him repeatedly.
Did she honestly think
that?
That he would get bored
and leave her?
That he was only there
for their daughter?
He had somehow survived a
life ending wound just to make it BACK to her!
In his book, that meant
love.
~!~
They really did have a
beautiful...marriage...bed, he snorted, running his fingers over the pillow,
bending down and inhaled.
Lavender.
~!~
Juliana knew this type of
car had the horsepower to haul that small trailer with the two four wheelers,
wondering what the hell they would use those for. Then she thought about it, they lived in
Washington and winters were hellacious.
It wasn't the south, it was the opposite.
She thanked the dealer
and waited patiently for Taker to put the trailer on the back of the car, all
the anger draining out of her. Juliana
knew she hurt him and didn't know how to fix it, feeling more helpless than
ever. When they were done with the
dealership, it was off to the next destination, once again the drive made in
silence.
Not to mention a car
wasn't going to fit through all those trees if they had to bolt, but the four
wheelers could…mostly. A missing limb or
two was a big difference from being dead.
Not even bothering with the contact, he headed home, knowing he could
give the call later tonight or in the morning.
Right now, he was ready to go home and either lock himself in the garage
or…he didn't even know anymore.
~!~
It was probably a good
thing he had skipped the contact, as he had already paid said contact a
visit. It had been very enlightening to
say the least. Sighing, he pushed
himself off the bed where he had been comfortably lying and headed back
downstairs, ready to leave. His footsteps
made no sound, even though he had the house to himself. He halted when he spotted a picture of the
daughter on the wall, grabbing it and tucked it beneath his jacket.
Remembering to lock the
door on his way out, he left.
They arrived home about
an hour later, Juliana pulled her coat off and hanging it up while Taker headed
into the kitchen. What was she supposed
to do now? Juliana could feel the guilt
eating her alive already and ran a hand through her hair, still not believing
she blurted out everything.
When he mentioned the
just in case contact, Juliana panicked because she didn't want to lose him ever
again. Eventually he would die, but she
wanted it to be in her arms when he was ninety years old, completely grey and
wanted to die with him. She watched as
he grabbed a beer out of the fridge and headed upstairs to the room, stopping
short when something caught her eye.
“What the hell?” There
was a single nail in the wall and it looked like a picture was missing, Juliana
looking around, frowning. “Ta-” She immediately stopped herself, knowing she'd
caused him enough pain for one day and headed upstairs, ignoring the picture
deal.
Ignoring her anyways,
Taker slammed the bedroom door shut behind him.
He needed some time by himself to sort out the shit that was running
through his head. Pausing, he stared
down at the bed, seeing the normally smooth comforter was somewhat mussed, and
arched an eyebrow. That was not Juliana,
but then again…He snorted, raising the can to his lips and drained it one
swallow, wishing he had been thinking clearly enough to just grab the damn case
so he could really distort his thinking.
She had probably been worrying over him leaving her, abandoning
her...and not bothered to even tell him until now.
Juliana jumped when she
heard the bedroom door slam shut upstairs and decided staying downstairs would
be best, simply sinking down on the steps, burying her face in her hands. “What
have I done?” She whispered, sobbing quietly and knew Taker wanted to be alone
right now, which Juliana wasn't dumb enough to bother him.
She slowly pulled herself
up from the steps and walked into the living room, laying down on the couch and
closed her eyes, clutching the pillow against her. She hadn't meant for it to come out, Juliana
planned on taking her worries to the grave with her, but Taker talking about a
just in case contact completely sent her over the edge. She didn't even move when the front door
opened, simply keeping her eyes closed so more tears wouldn't fall.
~!~
There was trouble in
paradise.
There had to be because
Taker was not walking around the property with a gun, wondering who had been in
the house. And he knew Taker noticed
everything, unless something had him very distracted. Even then, it would have been a doozy of a
distraction.
Arching a brow, he
followed Taker, keeping in the trees, and shook his head when he seen the man
going into the garage. This was going to
be a bit too easy, it was almost disappointing.
He had heard such wonderful things about the almighty Undertaker and his
almost supernatural ability to know when something was wrong.
~!~
“Mommy, guess what, I
beat-Mom?” Keira frowned, walking over to the couch where her mother lay prone,
shaking her a little. “Mom, what's wrong?”
“Nothing baby girl, just
tired. It's been a long day.” Juliana
murmured quietly, popping her eyes open to see Keira's worried face before
moving her gaze to Evetta's. “Did you have fun?”
“Yeah, I beat the crap
outta Uncle Johnny and blew him up good for you and Daddy!” Keira grinned,
sitting down on the couch as her mother slowly sat up, feeling like something
wasn't right in the house.
“Thank you for taking
care of her, Evetta.”
“It was my pleasure, she
was entertaining.” Evetta replied with a slight grin, sitting down in a chair
and studied Juliana carefully. Keira had
been right, the woman looked...like she had had a very rotten day. “Everything
alright?” She asked softly.
“I'm going to go get you
some water or something, you look sick.” Keira announced, heading for the
kitchen. “Where's Dad anyway?”
Evetta didn't miss the
way Juliana's eyes seemed to flinch without actually flinching, arching an
eyebrow. What on earth...?
“I need a drink.” Juliana
announced, standing up from the couch and headed straight for the liquor
cabinet, scrubbing a hand down her face. “Do you want one, Evie?” She asked,
accepting the glass of water her daughter gave her and downed it in three
gulps, just wanting to get completely hammered tonight. “Drinking alone sucks, but
I'll do it if you have to get back to John...”
“Oh no, John's busy with
the XBOX, trying to figure out how he lost to doll face over there.” Evetta
laughed, shaking her head. “I'll just call and let him know I'll be home late,
and that I might need him to come over and get me if I'm three sheets to the
wind.” She knew he wasn't about to tell her she couldn't have some girl's time
with Juliana when he had gotten all smashed the night before AND just
reconciled with Jules, even John wasn't going to push his luck.
“So... where's my
surprise?”
“Your father has it in
the garage I think, go ask him.” Juliana instructed, pouring a shot of Tequila
Rose and downed it before handing over a bottle of straight Tequila to Evetta.
“Good, he still can't admit defeat whenever my angel beats him. It's quite amusing actually.” Juliana walked
past her to the living room with two shot glasses, setting them down on the
coffee table. “Thank you for drinking with me, Evetta.”
“No, thank you, I really
could use one of these.” Evetta smiled, watching as Juliana filled the shot
glasses. “You look like you could use one too, rough day?” She asked
sympathetically, admitting to herself that she was glad SHE wasn't in Juliana's
shoes. While she was caught up in
this...fiasco, from what she had understood, everything bad originated from
Juliana's family or what was left of it.
That could not feel good.
“FOURWHEELERS!”
“She really does have...a
lot of energy.”
“She gets it from
me. I used to be a hellcat growing up, though
my father never noticed. He was too busy
counting his money and making sure nobody was taking money from him.” She
snorted, downing another shot, leaning back against the couch with a bottle in
one hand and a shot glass in the other. “Do you have a solid family,
Evetta? I mean I know we took you away
from everything you've ever known, but before you met us psycho people, did you
have a solid family who loved you?”
“I have two sisters, and
a younger brother, both my parents are alive.” Evetta confirmed, swallowing
hard for a moment. “We're all scattered over the States so, we usually just get
together for Christmas, calls once a month...That kind of family, but...I like
to think we were close.” She drained her shot, holding out the glass for a refill,
staring down at the pink liquid for a moment. “I feel almost like a jackass
telling you that, especially after...everything you went through with your own
family.” Juliana and John had told her about Cassandra and Alan. “But you have
a beautiful family now.”
Juliana waved her off
dismissively, chuckling almost ruefully. “I had everything I could ever want in
my life because my father spoiled me so he didn't have to spend time with
me. I lived in a huge mansion with maids
and servants, every woman's dream.” She snorted, pouring herself another shot.
“I would've given everything I had to trade with someone who had practically
nothing, but had loving parents. You're
very lucky Evetta and I know I have a beautiful family now.” That made Juliana
smile, even though right now she didn't know what kind of damage she'd caused
between her and Taker.
Evetta turned towards the
window when she heard something growling, arching an eyebrow when she seen
Taker and Keira backing off a trailer on a four-wheeler. “How does he manage to
sneak around like that? Honestly? It's just not natural.” She shook her head,
glad he was taking care of Keira because that meant Juliana could relax. “Trust
me, three other siblings, sometimes I wished I had a mansion just so I could
hide from them. And our brother was a
nasty little brat, until he was about...twenty.” She joked. “He was good for
two snakes in the bed and a spider's nest down your winter boots.”
“I didn't have any
siblings.” There was no way Juliana would acknowledge the fact her and Alan had
the same blood, downing yet another shot. “John has been my one and only
brother, blood or not. He's been there
with me through everything...everything...” She lowered her head, the guilt crashing
over her and felt a few tears slip down her cheeks. “I've put his life in
danger so many times, Evie. I've told
him countless times he needs to leave and run far away, but he won't do
it. I've gotten him shot and nearly
killed, what kind of friend is that?
What kind of friend and girlfriend for that matter am I?”
“The kind who must be a
very wonderful woman and friend to have people so loyal to her?” Evetta
suggested, figuring they BOTH needed another drink and leaned forward to refill
their glasses. “If John didn't love you, he wouldn't be here right now. Even I know that much about him. He adores you, Juliana. It tore him up when you two were fighting, he
just didn't want to admit it.” She couldn't really comment on Taker because she
didn't know the man that well. “I'm not trying to change the subject TOO much,
but...why does everyone call him Taker?”
Juliana sat up a little
more and took the shot Evetta handed her, downing it, swallowing slowly as she
stared down at the shot glass with a small smile. “Because of his job. He was a bodyguard and they used to call him
The Undertaker. He refused to use his
birth name. Hell, me and John used to
call him Rent-A-Cop.” She laughed at that one, though it sounded incredibly
sad, wiping her tears away. “I've just always called him that, but there are
times when I will use his birth name. He
hates it, Mark is the worst name to him.
And believe me when I tell you it tore me up just as much as it did John
when we were fighting. I never want to
fight with him again.”
Evetta stored away that fact
about Taker for a later date, wondering what the hell was so wrong with his
name. A fully grown man running around
being called The Undertaker seemed odd to her, but...if that fit the bill, so
be it. “Rent-A-Cop...” She snorted, finding that more than amusing and had to
quit snickering before raising her glass. “I bet he didn't take kindly to
that.” She ran a finger over her lips, shaking her head. “I will never be able
to look at him now without thinking that, thanks Jules.”
“Just don't call him that,
he won't be happy if you do.” Juliana could actually picture both John and
Evetta calling Taker Rent-A-Cop and found herself giggling uncontrollably, her
buzz fully sunk in and it was only going to get better. “We didn't
exactly...get along with him when he first became my bodyguard. I sort of...made him think I had a split
personality because when I was at the mansion, I was a quiet mouse. Then I ended up in the hospital after putting
a blood capsule in my mouth and pretending I'd had internal injuries, before
telling him what was really going on. I
was engaged to a guy named Ken Anderson, who is now dead along with my psycho
mother and Alan. My father wanted us to
marry so our families could join together to form this huge dynasty, but Ken
was out for revenge. The Harrison's and
Anderson's loathed each other for centuries and they finally wanted to make
things right. So I was going to be
forced to marry Ken and, as you can clearly see, that didn't happen because he
was the who tried killing me along with Cassandra.”
“A legit, century long,
family feud...you know, that would be so romantic if this were a Harlequin...”
Evetta sighed for a moment. “But...we know how reality plays out. My dear, you had a very fucked up family
life, and it is amazing that you are... normal.” She eyeballed Juliana
intently. “You are normal, right? Aside
from making people think you have a split-personality?” Her lips curved into a
gentle, teasing smile, letting Juliana know she was just playing.
Chapter 24
“I'm as normal as I can
be, though I have a temper and I lash out and say dumb things like today. I actually told Taker that I was afraid he'd
leave me, that he'd get bored and accused him of proposing to me out of
convenience because we had to run for our lives once again.” Juliana scoffed,
rolling her eyes, feeling like the biggest idiot as fresh tears stung her eyes.
“That man has done nothing but protect and love me for the past twelve years
and I threw that at him. You know this
is our second time together right? After
the Cassandra fiasco ended, we had a falling out and I didn't see Taker or John
for four years. I went into hiding, but somehow Alan found me and Taker came to
my rescue again. After four years...”
Juliana suddenly realized what a cold hearted bitch she was and began crying.
“Wow...” Evetta more
mouthed that then actually said it, considering it for a moment. “Well you
know, if he's been doing bodyguard work all this time, I guess it makes sense
to worry a bit. I mean, maybe he likes a little excitement, and then you're at
home with the kid and-” She realized she was only making it worse and
backtracked. “What I'm trying to say is that you're concerns were normal. But I do honestly believe that he loves you,
I don't know him very well-” Definitely not as well as she knew John and
Juliana, they were the more approachable of the adults. “But the way he looks
at you and it seems like he's trying to...to make sure everything works out.”
“I already told him I
support him in whatever decisions he makes because I fully trust him. That's another reason we had our falling
out...” Juliana had to take another shot before continuing, beginning to
tremble as the memory washed over her. “I ended up doing this whole dead
fiancée coming back from the dead scenario to try to scare Ken and end
everything because Taker sort of...vanished.
Ken nearly killed me and I flew through a windshield...” Juliana waved
that off, knowing it would be too much to explain. “I'll make a long story
short, I thought Taker was in cahoots with Ken and he actually made me and John
believe he was while Ken had me captive at the mansion, where I found out that
my mother wasn't really dead, that she was alive and wanted me dead. Taker broke my trust for him and it took me a
long time to get over it, to come to the realization that if he truly wanted me
dead, I would be dead. But the trust was
a huge reason why we didn't work out the first time and why we parted for four
years, thinking we'd never see each other again. I mean, can you imagine the man you're in
love with, who is protecting you, make you believe he was in cahoots with the
man who wanted you dead?” When Evetta could only shake her head slowly, Juliana
nodded, taking another shot. “But I love him, I love him so much. I trust him completely now because I know he
would take a bullet for me, he would die for me and Keira. He'd do anything to make us happy and after
what I told him today, I don't know if things will ever be the same between us
and I don't want it to be that way. I
just want it to be good again, fuck marriage!
Who needs it? It's a piece of
fucking paper and a ring! Why do I want
it so badly when he's been with me for eight straight years? Why would I spew that shit at him and break
his heart? I'm fucked in the head,
Evie.”
“You're human, and
subject to doubt just like the rest of us.” Evetta corrected gently, lapsing
back into silence as she processed all that information.
She was going to have to remember
to ask John about some of this stuff, figuring it was definitely worth hearing
about. The woman had dressed up as a
dead...what, bride? She could just
picture Juliana in a bridal gown, looking pale and ghostly, clearing her throat
and she sipped her Tequila Rose.
“Marriage is nice.”
Evetta agreed slowly. “But when you think about it, it IS just a piece of
paper. What's important is that two
people love and respect each other, and trust of course.”
“And we have that. We have that already so why would I even
think we had to get married? Why would I
question why he proposed to me before leaving Houston instead of during the
nine years we had peace?” Juliana buried her head in her hands, gripping her
black hair, which was growing longer again. “He's the love of my life, I
flipped out on him today because he was saying something about a just in case
person that we could go to if something happened...” She swallowed hard,
sitting Indian style on the couch in front of this woman. “I told him I didn't
want to hear it, that he wasn't going to die.
Taker never talks like that unless he knows SOMETHING is going on or
something is about to happen...” Juliana accepted a shot of straight Tequila,
groaning as it burned down her throat. “I don't know how to fix this, I don't
know what to do or think anymore.”
“Okay, from my
understanding, you guys didn't have Keira back in the day,” Evie was slipped
off the chair in order to sit on the floor, stretching her legs out before her
and rested her head back against the seat, considering her drink. “There's that
whole 'nothing to lose' thing and dying with the one you love is great. Then a kid comes into play...” She trailed
off. “Would you want him to die if you knew Keira wouldn't have you?” She asked
softly.
“No of course not.”
Juliana whispered, starting to understand why Taker had done what he did,
feeling even worse as she drew her knees up, burying her face in them. “I would
do whatever I could for Keira, even if he did die, because she's a part of him. She's my angel, my everything. I know if the roles were reversed and I died,
Taker would find a way to go on because he would have to stay strong for our
daughter. So I have to do the same
thing, no matter what happens.” When Evetta nodded and patted her hand, Juliana
couldn't help taking hers and squeezing it, glad she had another female to talk
too.
Evetta was glad she could
do something because she had never been in and hopefully would never be in,
Juliana's place. “Here.” She tugged Jules up, getting to her feet as well. “Why
don't we get some ice and raid the liquor cabinet, and I'll make us some lovely
mixed drinks with the tequila rose? I'm
pretty certain the other day I seen some vanilla schnapps, have you ever had a
Dirty Condom?” She kept her expression innocent when Juliana gave her a look.
“A Dirty Condom?” She
couldn't stop giggling when Evetta began doing as she said, pulling different
kinds of liquor out while Juliana got the blender out. “Ooo we need music!!”
She nearly stumbled into the living room and began sifting through her CDs,
finally putting on some Brad Paisley, knowing both of them could dance to it.
“I'll be right back! I'm gonna go change
into something more comfy!” She shouted before rushing upstairs, laughing when
she stumbled again and walked into the master suite, pulling her shirt and
jeans off, trying to find one of her long nightshirts along with one for Evie.
“What is she doing?”
Keira asked when she and her Dad walked into the kitchen, both of them arching
identical eyebrows and cocking their head to the side as Evetta danced while
mixing two glasses of something questionable.
“Good question. What're
those?” Taker asked when she turned around, eyeballing the bottle of vanilla
schnapps and Tequila Rose, not even sure if he wanted to know.
“Bend down and I'll tell
you, not for little ears.”
His eyes widened when
Evetta informed him what the drinks were and glanced down at Keira who was
frowning. “Let's go upstairs lil darlin', and I'll read you a story.” Shaking
his head, he ushered her out of the kitchen.
Women...were strange.
“I'm ready for my Dirty
Condom!!” Juliana shouted as she ran out of the room in her Mickey Mouse long
nightshirt, stopping in her tracks at the sight of her daughter and Taker,
covering her mouth with her hand.
Juliana began turning into a strawberry as she sobered up really
quickly, though her buzz was still there. “Oh shit! Sorry!
Uhhh...I meant my dirty glove...Uhhh...something like that! Love you both!” Juliana rushed down the
stairs and could hear Evetta laughing her ass off because she'd heard Juliana
yell from upstairs about the drink. “I didn't know they were back!”
“Back and now wondering
about dirty condoms no doubt, I'm sure Rent-A-Cop will smooth things over for
the munchkin.” Evetta laughed, shaking her head, passing over the drink and
raised her glass. “To... what was it?
Dirty Gloves?” She joked, then eyeballed Jule's shirt. “I have a Donald
Duck nightshirt like that!” She announced, wondering if she'd be able to talk
John into running it over for her.
“Really?!” Juliana was
falling more in love with her 'sister-in-law' the more time they spent
together, taking a long sip of her drink. “Call him right now! We can wear them while dancing!” Juliana was
going to kick back and have a good time with Evetta, another woman, so glad
she'd thought of the idea to save this woman from being blown to smithereens.
“Here use my cell!” She tossed it at Evetta, both of them giggling as they
dialed John's number while sipping their Dirty Condoms. “He better answer...”
“What Jules? I've almost beat the boss on this...are you
giggling?”
“John, darling, I need
you to do me a favor.”
“What?” He asked
suspiciously. Evie and Jules, giggling,
that couldn't be good.
“I need you to bring that
Donald Duck nightshirt I made you buy me on the trip here, remember?”
“How could I forget? You pitched a fit over it.”
“Because it is identical
to the one I USED to own and I love Donald Duck, bring it over? Please?
Pretty please with something sexy on top?”
Groaning, he cursed women
and their sex-me-up voices. “Fine.”
“Thank you bro!!” Juliana
shouted over the phone, causing both women to giggle again as the line went
dead, loving the Dirty Condom drink. “Damn girl, what other drinks do you
know?”
Juliana began dancing to
Brad Paisley, having moved the coffee table to the other side of the room,
pulling her hair back in a ponytail. She
finished her drink and set the glass of the table while Evetta began mixing up
another concoction. Juliana knew when she
woke up in the morning she would curse the thought of liquor, but not tonight.
Evetta knew a lot of
mixed drinks, but stuck with making drinks involving Tequila Rose, not wanting
to screw up their systems up TOO badly. “I am going to have to crash here if I
can't see straight enough to dial-a-hubby!” She laughed, giggling when said
'hubby' came bursting in the kitchen door, looking like he had ran the entire
way here. “Thank you, baby.” She kissed him while taking the shirt from his
grasp. “I'll just go...change.” Winking at him, she sashayed to the downstairs
bathroom.
“Who the hell is that and
where'd Evetta go?” John demanded, staring at Jules out of wide eyes, then took
in the drinks. “Oh hell...”
“Johnny boy!!” Juliana
bounced over, wrapping her arms around him and giving him a squeeze, grinning
from ear to ear with glazed blue eyes. “I'm kidnapping your girl for the night,
hope you don't mind! God I LOVE this
song! Brad Paisley is amazing and so is
this drink! It's called a Dirty Condom,
did you even know that existed? It's SO
good! I love you, just wanted you to
know that. You've been there for me and
I'll never be able to thank you enough.” She giggled and downed another shot of
Tequila, having a nice stash of it in the liquor cabinet.
John could only stare at
her, trying to recall the last time he had seen her drunk AND all giggly happy
like this. Since he couldn't remember,
he just pushed it aside and enjoyed this. “So I'm guessing I'm being kicked out?”
He teased, knowing the girls bonding was actually a good thing. It would prevent them from going completely
bonkers.
“Yes, you are.” Evie
announced, coming back in her nightshirt and tossed her clothes at him, smiling
sweetly. “But keep your phone on and near you in case I need a piggyback ride
home!” Singing along to the song, she slid across the kitchen in her socks and
picked up her drink.
“Wait a minute, a Dirty
Condom?!”
“Mmmhmm and it's
delicious!” Juliana took her glass and refilled it with Evetta's help, both
girls grinning wickedly. “You don't have to leave, you could hang out with
Taker upstairs. He's probably fallen
asleep with angel again.” She couldn't help laughing when John turned red and
skipped into the living room, beginning to sing to Brad Paisley. “Cause he's
everything I've ever wanted, everything I neeeeed...Oh he's everything to
me...” The lyrics weren't right, but Juliana didn't care as she began swaying
to the music, taking a long gulp of her second Dirty Condom.
Shaking his head, John
turned up the volume on his cell phone and headed out the door. He wasn't going to hang out with two drunk
girls, no doubt they'd wind up using him as a manikin or make-up palette. He did not TRUST drunk giggly women,
especially THOSE two drunk giggly women and he wasn't chilling out with Taker.
“Call me when-”
“Yeah, yeah go on then!”
Evetta lightly kicked his rear as he walked out, shutting the door behind him
and went out to join Juliana.
For hours on end, Juliana
and Evetta drank and danced to country music of all kinds, both of them loving
it. John had came and gotten Evetta and
Juliana simply lay on the couch, passed out from all the energy she put forth
in the drinking and dancing. It felt
great though, she'd have to definitely convince Evetta to do it again. She had no idea what time it was, but Juliana
had closed her eyes and fell out, the shot glass hanging from her hand on the
carpet, the now empty bottles of Tequila Rose and Vanilla Schnapps on the
coffee table.
Taker stared down at
Juliana, not surprised she had passed out with the music still going and all
the damn lights on. He took inventory of
the empty bottles, almost tempted to pick them up since she was probably going
to be suffering one HELL of a hangover.
For such small women, they sure had packed it away. Carefully -and he wasn't sure why since he
could have probably blared a foghorn by her head and it wouldn't have phased
her-, he lifted Juliana off of the couch, cradling her against his chest. Well, there wasn't much he could do about her
impending migraine, but he could at least see that she woke up in a comfortable
bed.
Juliana felt the warmth
in her subconscious, snuggling against the body as Taker carried her up to
their master suite, gently laying her down on the bed. She'd cried after Evetta left, having a few
more shots of liquor. The guilt once
again took over everything else, so her face was somewhat tear-streaked and
red. Her black hair splayed all over the
pillow as the comforter was pulled up on top of her, Juliana not moving an
inch.
She desperately needed
this night to just let loose and stop worrying about everything else going on
in her life. To stop worrying about
Taker leaving her, any nonsense and to simply have fun. She definitely did that and it was thanks to Evetta's
lovely mixed drinks.
Chapter 25
“DAD, MOM, THERE'S A
BUNCH OF BOTTLES IN THE LIVING ROOM AND KITCHEN!”
Now THAT was not the
wake-up call anybody who had gone on a bender the night before needed. Taker rolled out of bed and was heading for
the door, before Keira could actually run in on them. He had slept in pajama bottoms, cradling
Juliana against him all night. She had
slept like she was dead, not a big surprise.
He loved her, wasn't about to lose her and, sometime very soon, they
were going to have to talk all these issues between them out.
Juliana couldn't even
open her eyes because her head was already pounding something fierce, feeling
like it would burst. “Keira...” She whispered, slowly prying her eyes open and
that just made the pain increase tenfold. “Fuck...” She cursed, slowly managing
to sit up in bed and felt huge warm hands grab her arms, pain-filled blue
locking with concerned green. “Taker...” She whispered, not able to talk
normally because it would kill her head, taking the three aspirin he handed her
with the glass of water. “Thank you.” She swallowed them down along with the
water, wincing since it even hurt to swallow, burying her head in her hands.
Oh yeah, she was going to
be in bed all day. Shaking his head, he
lowered her back down onto the pillows. “You just lie there and...sleep it
off. I'll bring you up some more water
and maybe some saltines.” He knew the biggest cause of a hangover was the fact
that drinking alcohol dehydrated the body, so water was the best way to deal
with it. On top of copious amounts of
pain killers. “I'll also keep Keira downstairs and the noise to a minimum.” He
smiled slightly, reminding a few nights where he had been in her position, glad
he wasn't at the moment.
“No, no I'm fine.” Juliana
insisted softly, refusing to stay in bed all day just because of a hangover and
slowly stood up, using the wall to brace herself. “I just need...a few
minutes...” She tried ignoring the pounding in her head, knowing any real
mother would just fight through it and that's exactly what Juliana was going to
do. “I'll take a shower and I'll be good to go.” She headed into the bathroom
and ran the cold water, splashing some on her face, coughing a little. When she looked in the mirror, Juliana
immediately pulled her gaze from the hideous reflection, going over to start
the shower.
Shaking his head, Taker
headed downstairs, scooping Keira up on his hip when she rushed him. “Aren't
you a bit too big for this sort of thing?” He teased, carrying her into the
kitchen.
“No, not for you. You're the strongest man in the world,
right?” Keira grinned when he nodded. “So is Mom alright? She and Aunt Evie were pretty loud last
night.”
“She's not feelin' the
best, but she's comin' down, so how bout we have a quiet day?” He suggested,
setting her on top of the counter before rifling around in the cupboards. Him and Keira would have bacon and eggs,
Juliana was getting toast.
After a rather cool
shower, Juliana felt a little more alive as she stepped out, changing into a
pair of black pajama pants with a long sleeved shirt, gently and carefully
brushing her hair out. The aspirin was
slowly dulling her headache, which was a good thing, but Juliana felt sick from
all the alcohol she consumed. She
brushed her teeth and slowly walked out, heading downstairs and could smell the
food, making her stomach grumble loudly.
Juliana headed into the kitchen and stopped at the sight of Taker and
Keira cooking, smiling when Keira turned around and walked over to her.
“Morning Mom, we made you
toast.” Keira said quietly, remembering what her father said about having a
soft voice.
“Morning angel, thank
you.” She whispered and sat on the stool, glancing at all the bottles that were
currently in the recycling bin. “Dear god...”
“Yeah, that's what I
said.” Taker snorted, his back to her as he made sure he didn't wind up with
grease on his bare chest. “Keira, plates?”
Nodding, she tried to
quietly push a chair over to the cupboards, making it scrape against the tiles
until she was there. Then she climbed it
to get the plates, setting them one by one on the counter. That followed with her carrying them to the
table, each one making a gentle 'clink' as she set the table.
Taker was trying not to
laugh, his massive shoulder shaking as she murmured 'oops' with each noise.
Juliana raised a slow
eyebrow at her daughter, wondering why she was saying 'oops' with every dish
that was set on the table. “Keira, are you okay?” She asked hesitantly,
glancing back at Taker, his shoulders shaking violently.
“I'm TRYING to be quiet
because you don't feel good.” Keira whispered exasperatedly, rolling her eyes
when her mother gaped at her. “Daddy told me it's a quiet day.”
“Did Daddy also tell you
that he's laughing at you right now?”
Keira whipped around and
glared at her father. “Daddy!”
Juliana ignored her
pounding head and laughed softly.
“Sorry darlin', I
couldn't help it, you are just too cute.” He turned off the burners and turned
to stare down at her, mildly amused when she planted her hands on her hips,
giving him a look that reminded him very thoroughly of her mother.
“When I'm cute, you say
‘aww’, not laugh at me.” She informed him sternly, sniffing and turned away
from him, swinging her hair as she did so.
And now she was getting
attitude, he had to fix their plates to keep himself from laughing outright.
Juliana accepted the
plate of toast from Taker and stopped him before he could walk away, grabbing
his hand. It didn't matter if they ever
got married, Juliana was done with the doubts because he'd stuck with her this
long. Whatever happened was meant to
happen and she'd wait for him on the other side, just like she knew he'd wait
for her, if something happened to one or both of them. She pulled him down as much as she could and
kissed him passionately, cupping his face in her soft small hands, pouring
everything she had into it, every feeling, every emotion, not holding back and
didn't care that their daughter was standing right there.
Mildly surprised, he
returned the kiss, knowing not to let himself get too carried away with it
because of the obvious: her hangover.
But he got her message clearly and his emerald green eyes were sparkling
when they pulled away from each other. “I love you too, darlin'.” He murmured,
cupping her face gently.
Rolling her eyes, Keira
focused on her food. Why did they have
to be so mushy? Especially when she was
trying to eat?
“I'm sorry.” She
whispered, feeling his forehead press against hers, refusing to pull him away
because Juliana wanted to feel him against her. “I love you, I'm sorry for what
I said and I swear I won't doubt you anymore.”
Juliana could feel tears building in her eyes
and blinked, letting them slip down her cheeks, hating the fact she'd hurt the
man she loved more than life itself. His
thumbs gently swiped them away and Juliana could only staring at him
sorrowfully, so much guilt and pain in her eyes, hoping he forgave her. She didn’t deserve it, Taker was a good man who
didn’t deserve to have poison spewed at him the way she did.
“I'm sorry too.” Taker
murmured, wishing there was something he could do to take the obvious pain she
felt away.
He had nothing to forgive
her for, she had only said what had been on her mind, in her heart. After he had calmed down, Taker realized he
probably hadn't done much in the way of reassuring her that he wasn't about to
walk out on her. He had taken her patience
and acceptance of his job for granted.
He had taken her for granted and it would never happen again.
“You have nothing to be
sorry for, I was a cold-hearted bitch to you.” She pointed out and felt his
hand caress her face, seeing pain and sorrow in his own eyes, breaking her
heart. “Mark, look at me.” She requested when he lowered his eyes from her,
forcing those green eyes to lock with hers again. “Do you see this?” She slowly
slipped the ring off of her ringer, tilting her head slightly. “This is just a
piece of jewelry. It has nothing to do
with how you feel about me and how much you love me. Just like marriage is just a piece of damn
paper and a piece of jewelry that most people can't afford. I don't need this to prove to me how you
feel. I don't need anything except you.”
Evetta had really opened Juliana's eyes and made her realize just what a moron
she was being about this whole thing.
Well that was something
he had never expected to hear, he figured most women would want nothing more
than to settle down and get married.
Though he also did not consider Juliana to be 'most women'. But still, it was a bit of a surprise to hear
it.
“All that is true,
Juliana. We don't need rings or a piece
of paper, we love each other and that is enough. Be that as it may though...”
He rumbled after a moment, bending down to kiss her forehead. “You're not
getting out of marrying me, darlin'.” Even though they didn't need to be, he
still wanted to marry her, to make it 'official', to let the world know she was
his in every aspect, in every way, and he was hers.
“Whatever you say, Taker.”
She smiled when he took the ring from her and slipped right back on her finger,
where it belonged.
Juliana felt much better
and chuckled when Keira looked completely clueless, the pounding in her head
not even bothering her that much anymore.
Taker pulled up a chair beside her at the island while Juliana ate her
toast, even taking a strip of bacon he offered her. Things were going to get better, Juliana
could only hope, and leaned her head against Taker's shoulder with a gentle
sigh.
“So...does this mean I
can be loud today?”
“Be yourself, angel.”
Juliana chuckled, kissing Taker's cheek before finishing her breakfast, even
trying some orange juice and, of course, water.
“Does that also mean
you're getting married? Cause I want to
be the flower girl.”
“We're getting married,
eventually. Calm down and eat, Keira.”
Taker said, shaking his head and flashed a grin down at Juliana. He became aware instantly of the much lighter
mood in the house, realizing now how tense and depressing everything had seemed
until they had settled the issue between them.
Kissing the top of Jule's head, he finished his breakfast, trying not to
smile...too much.
Keira had finished her
breakfast and started heading up the stairs, frowning when she stopped, looking
at the wall. “Hey Mom, where's our picture from Disney World?”
Juliana had been laughing
at something Taker said, glancing over toward where Keira was standing. “What
angel?” She walked over, watching Keira point to the wall.
“My picture from Disney
World is missing. Remember? It was with Belle from Beauty and the
Beast. It's gone...” Keira looked up at
her mother, looking like she might cry. “Where is it?”
Frowning, Taker got up
and walked over to see what they were going on about. He immediately realized what picture Keira
was talking about, wondering why he hadn't noticed it before. Of course, he had been distracted by the
issues between him and Juliana, but still...Stroking his goatee thoughtfully,
his mind went back to yesterday when they had gotten home, remembering how the
bedding had seemed off. While that would
seem really odd to some people, he knew Juliana had...neatness issues.
“Did John take it?” He
asked calmly.
“No, John would never
take a picture from the house.” Juliana frowned deeply, not liking the look
that came over her fiancé’s face, swallowing hard. “Taker?”
“Why would Uncle Johnny
wanna steal a picture of me?” That didn't make any sense and Keira was only
seven, knowing her uncle would never do something like that.
“Come to think of it, my
lavender body wash is missing too.” When Taker whipped around to face Juliana,
she swallowed hard, feeling her breathing quicken a little. “I mean I probably
misplaced it, but I could've sworn I left it on the tub the last time I took a
bath. I went to grab it for my shower
and it was gone...”
“Why would anyone want to
steal a picture and body wash?” Keira shook her head, staring up at the adults
as if they might have the answer. Being
adults, they didn't and she sighed, shaking her head again. “Strange world.”
Any other time, he would
have found his daughter's comments amusing, but at the moment however, Taker
wasn't amused, mentally cussing himself out.
He had noticed the bed yesterday, so chances were, the body wash and
picture were taken yesterday as well. “John, Evie and you stayed over at John’s
the entire time, right?” He asked, looking down at Keira.
“Yep, I whooped them
good.” She grinned proudly.
Juliana managed to give
Keira a grin as well, but the worry couldn't be missed in her eyes as she
watched Taker survey the wall more carefully.
She could tell Taker wasn't happy by the missing picture and body wash,
shivering at the thought that someone unwelcome might've been in their house.
“I'm sure I just misplaced the body wash, Taker.” She reasoned, not wanting to
get everyone in an uproar and lifted Keira in her arms, kissing her forehead
softly. “We'll find your picture sweetie, I'm sure it's around here somewhere.”
Juliana didn't want to worry Keira and tapped her nose, trying to reassure her
everything was alright.
“I'm going to give John a
call.” Taker said, smiling down at Keira and headed back upstairs, not wanting
to worry his daughter.
He glanced back at
Juliana, seeing the look on her face. He
knew it mirrored his own. Someone had
probably been in their house, and they were supposed to be in hiding. Not to mention how would some get past
security? He made a mental note to check
the log, knowing it wouldn't really tell him WHO had been there so much as
times, but he was going to assume whoever it was had managed to get a hold of
the password.
“Come on angel, why don't
we go upstairs in your play area and you can show me how to blow someone up on
the XBOX?” Juliana suggested, already guiding Keira upstairs and tried not to
let her mind wander to what had happened.
John was supposed to be
their lookout, though it wasn't easy considering his house was two miles away
from theirs. Juliana shook that thought
out of her mind and hoped they didn't have to move again. She settled on the couch while Keira got
everything situated, snuggling against her side.
“So what's this game
called?”
“Bioshock.” Keira grinned
evilly.
This was definitely
John's doing.
Chapter 26
“What the hell would I
want Jule's body wash for?” John was a bit confused as to why Taker was asking
him about women's shower crap, rolling his eyes since the man couldn't see him
doing it over the phone. “Sorry to disappoint you man, but I use Axe, it's manlier.”
“You're really thick in
the head Cena. Jule's body wash is
missing, and so is a picture off the wall.”
“Maybe the picture was
never put up? And I lose my body wash
all the time!”
Pinching the bridge of
his nose, Taker contemplated going over their just to wring John's fat neck.
“It was that Beauty and the Beast picture, with Keira in it, you honestly think
we'd forget to hang that one up?”
That was Keira's favorite
picture; it had to be up at all times so she could see it. “No.”
While Taker was giving
John a lesson in attention to detail, Juliana was busy gaping at the huge flat
screen television, watching the rather graphic game. She had to cover her mouth a few times,
blinking, wondering how the hell her sweet baby girl got hooked on such
a...violent game.
“Now watch this!” Keira
was fully into it and proceeded to blow a monster's head off, the blood
splattering on the screen for added effect.
“How about you show me a
different game?”
“Mom! No!
Bioshock is awesome! Besides, I'm
the good guy! I have to get past all
these Splicers and make it to Atlas. His
family is trapped and he can't save them on his own! Watch!” She pointed to the screen as her
character plunged a large needle with a syringe of bright red stuff right into
his arm. “I'm splicing myself; it'll give me wicked powers!”
After giving John some
instructions, Taker hung up and checked the security log. Somehow he wasn't surprised to find that the
house had indeed been accessed yesterday, while they had been in town. Someone who had the code all along. Cursing under his breath, he headed to check
on Juliana and Keira, knowing he couldn't just go out and survey the property
without telling her what was going on; she'd panic.
“What the hell do you
mean you're splicing yourself?” Juliana tilted her head, having watched the
character her daughter was playing sink a needle right into his arm full of red
liquid. “This game isn't for you...”
Keira snorted, rolling
her eyes. “Where have you been, on planet doubt?” She laughed when her mother
folded her arms in front of her chest. “I've been playing this ever since the
first one came out! This is the second
one. Now watch how I do this. This is how I roll.”
Juliana slapped her face,
her daughter was talking street now?
Taker had walked in just
in time to hear that last bit and knew damn well that was John's influence
coming out in his precious daughter, who was not so precious when she talking
like she was cruising the ghetto. “This is the game Uncle John got you for your
birthday?” He asked, folding his arms over his chest.
“Yep, my first choice was
Grand Theft Auto, but…he said mom would probably kill him if he got it for me.”
“Yeah...Jules, could I
talk to you?”
“Sure.” Juliana was
thankful Taker was pulling her away from the gruesome game, shaking her head
when Keira began sit dancing, reminding her even more of John. “Lord...” She
groaned, following Taker out of the play room, walking a ways down before
stopping in the hallway. “What's going on?” She immediately asked, seeing the
worry in his eyes and swallowed hard when he simply closed his eyes. “Someone
was in here yesterday weren't they?” It wasn't a question and all Taker could
do was nod, causing Juliana to let out a shaky breath. “And I'm venturing a guess
that it wasn't John or Evie was it?”
“No, not if they were
with Keira all day like she said. I even
checked with John and he said they were all sitting in front of the damn gaming
system.” He grunted, wishing that John might have been lying, knowing the man
hadn't. John might've been a fool on
occasion, but when it came to the safety of their family, he was business, sort
of. “Someone who had the access codes.
I've changed them, but...I'm goin' to have to go out and check out the
property, see if I can find anythin'.
You going to be alright here with Keira or do you want to go wait for me
at John's?”
“I'll go with you.”
Juliana didn't want to leave Taker's side, especially since someone they didn't
know was in their house and they were supposed to be in hiding from whatever
danger had found them in Texas. “We'll send Keira with John and Evie; she'll be
safe with them. But I'm going with you.”
Her tone was final; there
was no debate over this and Juliana hoped Taker didn't fight her on the
decision. She was going with him. He last time he'd gone out to do something by
himself...Juliana didn't want to think about it and swallowed hard, heading
back to tell Keira she was going over to Uncle Johnny's for awhile. Taker didn't honestly mind her coming with
him; he just wasn't sure if she would have wanted Keira to be out of her sight
given what they had just found out.
He couldn't take Keira
out with him, the property was rather large and by the time they got back, it
might be pretty late in the afternoon.
Then he remembered the four wheelers...But Keira still wasn't going,
just in case their unknown lurker was still about. He highly doubted it though. While Juliana got Keira ready to go, he
called John back to let him know he was going to have Keira.
“And here I thought you
were calling because you missed me already.”
“John, stop teasing him
already.” Evie scolded, grabbing the phone from Taker with a smile, winking when
John glared at her. “Get over it. Hey
Rent-A-Cop! Oops sorry, I meant to say
Taker!” She giggled when John gaped at her, knowing Juliana probably would be
paying the price for that little crack. “What's up?”
“Why do I have to go to
Uncle Johnny's again?”Keira wasn't going easily this time, seeing how worried
both of her parents were. She was very
observant for a seven year old. “What's going on, Mom?”
“Nothing angel, daddy and
I just want to check the grounds to make sure everything is fine, which it is.”
She hoped anyway.
Taker made a mental note
to punish Juliana later for spilling that Rent-A-Cop bit to Evetta, knowing
they had probably talked about a lot of things last night during their drinking
fest, groaning at the thought. “We need John to watch Keira for a few hours.”
He said flatly, not in the mood to really say it all over again since he had
just explained to John what was going on.
“And I can't go for
that? I want to go outside! Are you riding the four-wheelers? I would love to ride with you, please Mommy?”
Keira clasped her hands together in front of her and batted her long eyelashes.
“Pretty please?”
Feeling her heart lurch
painfully in her chest, Juliana hated the pleading look in her daughter's eyes
and wanted to tell her she could go with them, but knew Taker wouldn't allow
it. She didn't know what to do, not
wanting Taker going alone on the property, but her daughter also didn't want to
keep being pushed on her Uncle Johnny. “We'll stay here then together and do
whatever you want.” Juliana finally said, feeling sick to her stomach, but knew
her hands were tied. Taker would be
alright; Juliana had to have a little faith in him and ran a hand through her
hair.
When Taker got off the
phone, after explaining a few more details to John, he returned to the girls,
arching an eyebrow at the sight of Keira putting in a two-player, family
friendly game. “I thought we were takin' her to John's and Evetta's?” He
stated, looking confused considering only moments ago Juliana was hell bent on
going with him to check the property.
“Just because you don't
mind abandonin' me...” Keira grumbled hurtfully.
His nine year old
daughter thought he was abandoning her?
Shaking his head, Taker walked over to hug her, only to get an elbow in
his stomach, grunting.
“Go on, go outside and
leave me here.”
Juliana swallowed hard
and stood up from the couch, knowing Keira was angry with her father right
now. She had every reason to be. She was being cooped up in this house and couldn't
go anywhere with them, always being left alone with John and Evetta. Hell, Juliana felt even culpable and watched
as Taker tried talking to Keira, who blatantly ignored him.
“Sweetheart, don't ignore
your Dad. He's only trying to protect
us...”
“Protect us from what?”
Keira demanded, staring up at her dad with angry eyes. “I thought you said the
bad people wouldn't find us here?”
“Darlin’, I didn’t think
they would, and even now I’m not sure who’s out there, but I gotta go
check. I don’t want anything happening
to you or Mom. Or Uncle John and Aunt
Evie.” He added as an afterthought.
“Taker, I...” Juliana
frowned when her cell phone began ringing, knowing instantly it was John and
walked over to answer it, while Taker continued trying to console their
daughter. “John, this isn't a good time...”
“You'd better make it a
good time, Juliana Harrison.”
Juliana's eyes widened
when she heard that voice, swallowing hard, feeling as though her heart might
explode. He was the one who had broken
into the house, she was sure of it and he had John... “John...”
“Come get him if you want
him.”
A scream echoed in the
background, followed by a grunt of pain as the line went dead. The evil chuckle from the attacker was the
last thing Juliana heard as her cell phone slipped from her fingers, dropping
to the carpeted flooring, every part of her body trembling violently. Not thinking about anything except John's
safety, Juliana bolted out of the room and downstairs, tears streaming down her
face.
Taker snatched up Keira,
ignoring her screaming demands to know what was going on and chased after
Juliana. He caught her before she had
even made the kitchen door, whirling her around. He could tell something had happened but he’d
be damned if she ran over there without him or protection.
“Just wait.” He growled
when she tried pulling free. “Bottom cupboard where you keep the canned goods,
there’s a taser gun and a shotgun. Grab
them, THEN we’ll go.” They were not just walking into danger unarmed; over
Taker’s dead body would that happen.
Juliana was breathing
hard and knew Taker was right, covering her mouth with her hand. “John...” She
couldn't say anymore and immediately rushed over to the canned goods cabinet,
tossing everything out and pulled the taser and shotgun out, immediately
loading it with bullets. She was going
to kill whoever hurt her brother, knowing John was in trouble and so was
Evetta. “He's there...he's there with them right now, Taker! We have to go NOW! John's in trouble!” Her hangover was gone,
Juliana was ready to blow someone's head off, tired of running and hiding from
everyone.
Still ignoring Keira,
Taker grabbed the shotgun from Juliana, arching an eyebrow when she made a grab
for it. “Woman, just go.” He ordered, following her out the door. Given his size, it would have seemed highly
unlikely for him to be able to run as quickly as he did.
“I want to know what’s
going on!” Keira shouted, keeping her eyes closed as they ran, getting dizzy
from seeing the ground moving so quickly beneath her, from a long way up.
So many thoughts ran
through Juliana's mind, her heart rate speeding up with each second that passed
as she sprinted to John and Evie's, having a small pistol in her hand. She pulled it out of her sock, having a sinking
feeling something was going to happen that morning, and strapped her ankle
holder on. It was very small, but it had
a mean bite and would do enough damage.
Juliana stopped short, hearing Taker behind her with a panicking Keira
and kicked the door open after shooting the doorknob, her heart stopping at the
sight before them.
“JOHN!” She screamed,
dropping the gun and rushed over to his bloody battered form. “John please,
please wake up!” Juliana pleaded; John's body covered in lacerations and lay in
a pool of his own blood. She put his
head in her lap, covered in his blood.
“You stay right here!”
Taker ordered sharply, setting Keira down right next to Juliana. Knowing Jules wasn’t really in any fit state
to mind her, he bent down and unsheathed his hunting knife, extending it handle
first to his daughter. “This ain’t a toy.”
“I know.” Keira stared at
it, but handled it correctly just like he had shown her. “I won’t move.”
Sparing one quick glance
at John, Taker began searching the house, starting with the bottom, one ear
cocked for any sounds from where his family was.
“John...” Juliana sobbed,
burying her face in his chest, having lost so much in her life.
Her father, which wasn't
a huge loss and then thinking her mother had been dead, only for Juliana to
find out she'd been alive all along.
Then she found out she had a brother, a real flesh and blood brother,
who also wanted her dead to gain revenge for their psychotic mother’s death. She'd nearly lost Taker, Keira and now she
lost John, the only piece of her life that kept her from going insane. Slowly lifting her head, Juliana began to
feel rage she never knew existed and looked into John's pale bloody face,
running her finger down his cheek.
“I'll make things right,
bro. I'll end this, I swear it.” She
slowly stood up, watching as Keira looked up at her with tear-filled eyes.
“Mommy, is Uncle John…”
Keira looked back down at her uncle, feeling hot tears beginning to run down
her now pale cheeks. “He’s not dead, right?
He isn’t!” She bent down and began shaking her uncle’s shoulders,
clenching her tiny hands into fists, beginning to beat on his chest when she
couldn’t wake him. “Wake up, Johnny!” She ordered, her voice coming out shrill,
broken only by a heart-wrenching sob. “WAKE UP!”
Juliana couldn't say
anything and simply closed her eyes, not believing she'd been too late, the
amount of damage done meant John had been pulverized quickly. It'd been a quick, painless death for him and
Juliana felt more tears sliding down her cheeks silently, not even making a
sound. When John's cell phone began
ringing, she grabbed it before Keira could react, flipping it open.
“Whoever you are, I don't
care what it takes, I WILL kill you for taking my brother's life.” She vowed
darkly, her voice deceptively calm, not even shaky anymore. “I'm not afraid of
you, so if you want me mother fucker, come and get me!”
“Juliana...” Evetta
sobbed, crying out when her hair was yanked. “Please...help me...”
In the background,
decidedly demonic laughter rang, accenting another scream from Evetta.
Chapter 27
Taker walked back into
the living room, hunkering down and pressed two fingers to John’s neck,
frowning when he didn’t feel a pulse.
Though at the same time, it was hard to feel much of anything the blood
covering the man was still slick, not fully dried yet. He knew Juliana was on
the phone with whoever was behind all of this and that the psycho had Evetta.
All he could do was sink to
his knees, reaching across John’s body to pull a hysterical Keira into his
arms, the shotgun lying on the floor beside him. John was gone, actually gone. Given the man’s sheer dumb luck, Taker
figured he’d always pull through; he was the constant pain in the ass always
there and now he was gone.
Gritting her teeth,
Juliana shut the cell phone and tossed it against the wall, watching it smash
into a million pieces. She saw Taker was
busy trying to calm their hysterical daughter down and Juliana knew he would
hate her for what she was about to do. “I'll make things right.” She grabbed
Taker's shotgun and ran out of the house, hearing Taker curse violently behind
her. He'd given John a four wheeler and
Juliana knew that was her only way out of here, knowing she had to save Evetta
and avenge John's death. “I love you Taker, I'm sorry.” She saw the
four-wheeler and was grateful the keys were already in it, the snow beginning
to fall. It didn't matter; her tears
frozen to her face, Juliana hopped on the four-wheeler and kicked it into gear
before speeding in the woods on a trail.
Why was he not
surprised? Honestly? Damn fool woman, rushing off without a clue
where the hell she was going, without even really knowing the area surrounding
them. He loved Juliana, but he had never
denied she tended to let her emotions override her brains at the very worst of
times. Clutching Keira to him, he stood
up on wobbly legs, carrying her over to the couch.
“Darlin', can you hear
me?” He asked, crouching down so he was eye-level with her. When she nodded, he pulled a bandana out of
his back pocket. “I'm going to...to move John, okay?” Keira nodded again, not
able to speak. “And I need you to sit right there, don't move.”
“What about Mommy?” She
finally whispered, her voice hoarse.
“After I get Uncle
John…settled, we’ll go after her, okay?” He had to wipe away a tear, seeing her
nod. “Okay.”
“I want to help.” Keira
announced, sniffling as she moved off the couch.
She grabbed John's pant
leg, trying to pull him up, a fresh set of tears coursing down her cheeks. Taker gently eased John's upper body back to
the ground when his daughter threw herself on top of her Uncle. He was crying silently; he acknowledged it,
the pain in his chest at seeing his baby like this was breaking his heart. Then he was worried as hell about Juliana,
figuring he'd find her ass frozen somewhere.
“Aw fuck...you're
crying...I am dead...”
It was a faint, pain
filled whisper, but Keira heard it and her head shot up. “Uncle John?!”
Taker was more than a
little shaken by John NOT being dead; he'd had to pull Keira off of the man and
then help John up onto the couch. “What happened?”
“Man, I don't know...”
John groaned, holding the damp towel Keira had gotten him to his head, pulling
it back to stare at all the blood. He
cringed, knowing head wounds usually bled horribly even when they weren't that
bad. He felt like his ribs were caving
in though, knowing at least one was definitely broken. “We were waiting for you
guys to bring Keira over and Evetta went to get a drink. She screamed and I
went after her and...That’s all I remember.” Pain-filled blue eyes met worried
green. “Evetta's gone, isn't she?”
Taker nodded solemnly.
“And Jules probably ran
out of here, right?” He wasn't surprised by the second nod. “Why aren't you
chasin' her down already?”
Keira was too busy
crying, clinging to her Uncle Johnny, wondering where her mom was at. She was worried and finally looked around the
now destroyed house, furniture turned over, things broken. Keira frowned when she noticed something,
looking back at her father and Uncle, almost afraid to leave for fear he'd
disappear and die again. Swallowing
hard, Keira slid off of the couch and walked over to the far corner, picking a
picture frame up, her eyes widening.
“My picture!”
Frowning, Taker walked
over to her, taking the picture from her. “How'd this get here?” He demanded,
turning to John.
“Hell if I know.” John
could barely shrug.
He flipped the frame
over, studying it before sliding the picture out, flipping the photo over.
What a beautiful girl you have.
He could only stare at
the letters, glancing down at Keira. “Keira, you and Uncle John are going down
to the basement.” The basements were safe houses, to be used only in
emergencies and about the only thing that could get in them would have been a
nuclear missile.
“Are you going after
Mommy?”
“Yes.”
~!~
Juliana knew how to drive
a four-wheeler pretty well, having had one at the mansion before her life had
become a living nightmare. Granted,
there were good times with Taker and...John...Juliana swallowed hard as she
blinked tears away, refusing to let her emotions get the best of her. It always happened that way, but this time she
was thinking clearly and knew exactly what she had to do. If Juliana survived this, she hoped Taker
could forgive her, but this was something she had to do alone.
“I'm coming Evie.” She
whispered into the darkened night, the snow falling harder as she saw the faint
trail, which went on for miles it seemed.
Juliana cocked the sawed off shotgun and kept trekking, not caring that
her body was being jolted and ravaged by branches, hardly able to see.
As Juliana rode through
the woods, all she could keep thinking about was the first time she'd met
John. It'd been in high school, after
she'd begged her father to let her attend the regular high school instead of
the academy all rich snobs went to. It
was her first day and Juliana had gotten lost.
She turned the corner and
bumped into someone, strong hands gripping her arms, her eyes locking with baby
blue orbs. He asked if she was lost and
then point blank said she was hot. Juliana
threatened to castrate him and they'd been friends ever since, John protecting
her from anyone who messed with her, even Ken.
Now he was dead, her best friend and the man she trusted more than Taker
was gone and it was all because of her.
Juliana slowed down a
little when a small shack showed in the distance, telling her instantly that's
where this murdering bastard took Evetta.
Juliana didn't want him to hear her coming, knowing just by his voice it
was a man, and cut the ignition of the four-wheeler. She made sure the shotgun was loaded and
rechecked the bullets before shutting it, glaring at the shack, the snow
swirling around her as blustery winds quickly followed.
They'd been in Washington
longer than she thought, winter had already approached, but Juliana couldn't
feel anything. She was dead and cold inside,
wanting to blow this mother fucker's head off for taking John away from
her. He may have gotten John, but she'd
be damned if he got Evetta too.
Juliana stood right
outside of the double doors, which looked rotted through, breathing
heavily. It was a long trek just from
the woods to the shack, having left her four-wheeler hidden so they could make
a quick escape. With the shotgun cocked,
Juliana mentally counted to three and kicked the doors open, looking around,
midnight blue eyes peeled for any sudden movement. She slowly headed inside, the blustery
weather whistling behind her, some snow blowing inside, but nothing fazed
her. She was frozen from head to toe.
Again she didn't care.
“Welcome Juliana.”
Everything went
completely dark as Juliana crumpled to the ground, having been struck from
behind in the head.
He smirked, glancing over
at his accomplice who had helped him so far. “That was easier than I thought
it'd be.”
“Prepare the bait, our
prey is on his way.”
~!~
Taker followed Juliana's
tracks through the snow, glad he had gotten two four-wheelers, one for his
household and one for John's. He ignored
the warnings in his head that were telling him if he hit a tree; he was dead. It was cold and slippery; he couldn't feel
his hands but he didn't care. What he
cared about was catching up with Juliana before she caught up with whoever had
been strong enough to do that shit to John.
“If she's alright,
Lord... I'll kill her.” He muttered, also ignoring the pounding fear that
maybe...she wasn't alright.
Maybe he was too late.
A shack suddenly came
into view and Taker slowed the four-wheeler until it finally lurched to a stop
and stiffly dismounted. It looked like
an average hunting shack, but way out here?
He knew hunter's liked being way out, but even this was so far...Hell,
his own property was set a good distance from the town.
Wishing he had thought to
bring a weapon other than his fists, he began walking towards the shack,
spotting Juliana's four-wheeler through the snow that was now coming down
harder and faster. A blizzard was on the
way and he was standing outside a broken shack, with no idea what lay inside of
it. Taking a deep breath and sending a
quick prayer heavenward, he approached.
Before Taker entered the
shack, something caught the corner of his eye, forcing him to look through the
whipping snow. Twenty feet or so away
from the shack, there was a large wooden shrine of sorts and Juliana currently
dangled from it, tied to a huge thick tree trunk. She had a black band tied around her mouth,
her black hair whipping in the breeze, wearing just her jeans with her
t-shirt. Her sweatshirt had been taken
off and the closer Taker approached, the more visible the culprit became.
“Hello big brother.” The man
said by way of greeting, holding Evetta as she kneeled in the snow, a black
belt wrapped tightly around her throat.
“T-Taker...” She wheezed
as tears slid down her face, big eyes wide with fear. “P-Please...”
“Surprise.”
Taker was reeling,
literally reeling as he stared at someone he thought long since dead. His green eyes were wide in disbelief,
staring at the man before him, the giant man before him, a few inches taller
than 'Taker. “You’re dead.” He finally managed to choke out, the part of his mind
that wasn't in shock busy fitting the pieces of the puzzle together. “It wasn't
Juliana, she wasn't the target this time.” He whispered, tearing his eyes from
his 'dead' brother in order to look at Evetta, finally moving his horrified
gaze to his fiancée. “Let them go.” He ordered, forcing strength into his tone.
“It's not them you want, is it...Glen?”
“How observant you are,
though don't you wish you would've figured it out sooner...Mark?” He smirked
when the man cringed, gripping the leather strap tighter while holding a lit
torch in his other hand, threatening to drop it on the pile of wood that would
go up in flames, having doused it with gasoline. “You know, I have to admit, it
was a bitch tracking you down after you left Texas. Did you enjoy my little bonfires?” He
chuckled wickedly, dragging Evetta with him by the leather strap as he slowly
moved toward the wooden shrine he'd built. “You destroyed my life and now I
destroy yours, an eye for an eye, big brother.”
“It was an accident Glen,
I never meant for...I didn't mean for it to happen.” Taker said, slowly
approaching, the scent of gasoline reaching him as the wind changed, nearly
knocking him off his feet at how strong it was.
He knew just one little spark from that torch would be enough to send it
all up and Juliana was just hanging there.
Glen had made her into a barbeque.
“Taker...p-please...”
Evetta mewled again, letting out a gasp when the belt tightened.
“Come on Glen, let the
women go, we'll settle this. Man to man,
brother to brother.” He looked down at Evetta, trying to convey with his eyes
that everything would be alright.
Glen laughed maniacally,
wondering if his big brother was really that desperate and nearly dropped the
torch, only to catch it at the last possible second. “There's no reason for me
to let the women go, Taker.” He stated, sounding as if he was talking about the
weather, his curly brown locks swirling around his face, which was covered in a
black and red mask. “Isn't that right precious?”
Evetta began whimpering
and cringing away from him, closing her eyes tightly shut when he bent his head
down to inhale her scent. “Let...Let...” Suddenly, she began laughing as well
and it sent chills throughout Taker's body, her eyes looking up at Glen. “Let
me go baby, I think it's time he knows the truth about everything.”
Taker could only watch as
Evetta got to her feet as Glen removed the belt, his green eyes narrowing as he
realized what was going on. “I should've let you bleed to fucking death.” He
spat, his fists clenching at his sides, wanting nothing more than to wrap them
around her scrawny throat and choke until her eyes popped out of their
sockets. But he had to focus on Glen, on
his baby brother, who was not dead, who wore a mask and who currently held
Juliana over an unlit bonfire.
“Indeed you should've,
but there's no point in reliving the past now, is there?” Evetta cackled and
rubbed her throat a little, winking up at Glen, glancing over at Juliana with
sick humor in her brown eyes. “How's John by the way? Oh that's right, he's dead isn't he?” They
both laughed, Glen's arm wrapping around her waist, slipping a gun in her hand
as she immediately pointed it at Taker. “Glen darling, please stack a little
more wood for poor Juliana. I think
she's starting to get cold.”
Glen nodded and turned
around to do as she asked, his eyes glazing over as a bullet suddenly lodged in
his back. “What...the...” He couldn't even get the word fuck out as he fell in
the snow, blood instantly spilling out, surrounding him.
Evetta smirked, shaking
her head almost pitifully. “You were a good puppet, but now it's time for the
master to take back the strings.” She turned her eyes back to Taker, still
holding the gun, sighing with great relief. “Alone at last...mostly.”
Chapter 28
Now THAT he hadn't been
expecting.
He hadn't been expecting
to see Glen.
He hadn't been expecting
to find out Evetta was a cold-hearted, murderous bitch.
But he had expected to
have to somehow rescue Juliana from being torched to death. Then...another curve, how many more of those
was he going to have to take before realizing that this was just...not
normal. Normal being people were after
JULIANA, with familial ties. Evetta had
just blown most of that out of the water with shooting Glen. Taker, could not for the life of him, figure
out what he had done to her.
“What the FUCK, lady?”
Evetta couldn't help
giggling wickedly as she still held the torch, staring at Taker with lust
building in her eyes. “Do you have any idea how long I've waited for this
moment, Mark? A very, VERY long time.”
She slowly pulled the wig off and revealed fiery red hair, shaking it out a
little, sighing with relief as she tossed it in the snow. “Isn't it amazing
what a little wig can do to someone's appearance?” She watched his eyes grow
wider and bigger, smirking and licked her lips. “Do you remember me now, Mark,
or do I need to jog your memory some more?”
He seen the lust in her
eyes and was very repulsed by it, wondering how best to play this one out. He needed his memory jogged, that was for
damn sure. He could remember a few
red-heads from back in the day, but Juliana had pretty much erased every other
woman from existence in his mind.
“Darlin'...why don't you
come away from there?” He suggested, not looking at Juliana.
He didn’t want this
crazed broad to decide to toss down that torch.
He knew he had to get Juliana down and inside immediately. The temperature had dropped rapidly and his
teeth were beginning to chatter. Juliana
was in just her jeans and tee shirt; he could only imagine what pain she was in
right now.
“Take another step and
I'll end her.” Evetta threatened, knowing exactly what kind of game he was
playing with her. “Does the name Mary ring a bell to you, Taker? Maybe it doesn't, you've been around the
block a few times haven't you?” She snorted in disgust, waving that off with
the gun, still keeping a trained eye on him. “Then how about Mary Lewinski?”
The familiarity began dawning in his eyes and she loved it, stopping as she
placed her hands on her hips, that lust never leaving her brown orbs. “I dated
Glen...all so I could get to you. It
didn't work out too well, so I had to...improvise and change strategy a
little...”
“Yeah... I remember
you...” He said slowly, recognition dawning in his green eyes, a slight cruel
smirk spreading across his lips. He knew
damn well she wasn't going to fall for his games and it was going to come down
to a fight with probably all of them getting badly burnt. “Damn honey...” He
purposefully let his eyes rake critically over her. “Last time I seen you, you
were about six sizes bigger and wore some ugly fuckin' glasses. Amazing what a little cosmetic surgery will
do, isn't it?” It would have been easier if this was another family member
after Juliana; women scorned were not to be trifled with.
“Not to mention it’s very
expensive, but totally worth it. Mark,
I've thought about you for years, even after you thought you killed your poor
little brother.” She smirked, glancing over her shoulder at Glen, who laid
presumably dead in the snow, sighing wistfully. “He was a good boyfriend, but
he was a boy and I needed a man in my life.
And I knew the only way to be with you was to try destroying everyone in
your life you ever cared about and loved.” Mary glanced up at Juliana with cold
eyes, clutching the torch tightly in her hand before her gaze moved back to
Mark. “I didn't mean for the house to go up in flames the way it did. You would think one little spark wouldn't
cause that big of a fire...” She watched his eyes narrow, laughing evilly. “And
I certainly didn't expect your brother to survive, though I have to admit it
was a sheer stroke of luck when he did wake up in the hospital and didn't know
who he was. I called him Kane and told
him a bunch of bullshit lies about how you tried killing him and wanted him
dead, that the big brother loathed his little brother; jealousy can be an ugly
thing. He believed every word I said,
hung on them, and slowly but surely we began tracking you down. You were bouncing all over the place,
sweetheart, I had no idea where to look for you. But we found you once we discovered you were
protecting one of the richest families in the United States...The Harrisons. You know, Cassandra was quite the bitch for
what she did to her daughter and she deserved what she got, but Ken on the
other hand...” Mary licked her lips lewdly, ignoring the icy wind that brushed
across her face. “He was definitely a great fuck and quite the helper in trying
to destroy Juliana Harrison. Imagine my
surprise to find out you saved the day, noble hero, only to part ways with your
true love and you vanished AGAIN. It was
so hard tracking you down and, once again, we wouldn't have found you if it
hadn't been for Alan. I met him while he
was trying to track Juliana down and he was a decent fuck as well, but also
deserved what he got. Still, he didn't
get the job done and I knew the ONLY way to make sure Juliana Harrison never
breathed again was to do the job MYSELF.
So here we are, Mark, and Juliana Harrison will soon be extra crispy.”
“Whoa, wait one moment
lady...” Taker sneered the word 'lady', making sure she knew that he did not
consider her a lady at all. “Are you tellin' me you whored yourself out just to
get to me?” When her eyes narrowed, he hid a vicious smirk. “I don't like my
women loose, Mary.” He gave her a thorough once over, allowing his upper lip to
curl into a sneer of disdain. “Or fake.”
The talking had to end
soon; he couldn't keep her distracted anymore.
Juliana wasn't going to last much longer and he knew Mary wasn't likely
to keep holding that torch much more either.
He just needed a small distraction, something that would draw her
attention away from him and Juliana. His
gaze strayed behind her to his now dead brother, green eyes widening in
surprise.
“The only fake thing
about me is my hair color and stomach, everything is else is one hundred
percent real. And of course I whored
myself out, do you have any idea how disgusting it was sleeping with your
brother?” She actually gagged, looking thoroughly sickened by the very idea.
“He's disfigured, we had to fuck in the dark or else I couldn't do it and, of
course I imagined it was you. It's
always been you Mark and it will always be you.
I finally have you all to myself, after all these years...” Mary let the
biggest smile cross her face, savoring this moment, wanting to make it last
forever if possible. “I love you, Mark, and now we can finally be together
forever.” Without preamble, Mary tossed the lit torch on the wooden shrine,
watching as it ignited in a huge flame while still holding the gun to Taker.
“Now as punishment for being so much trouble, you can watch the love of your
life burn to death.”
Taker didn't care about
being shot; he lunged forward when she dropped the torch, knowing that it
wouldn't take long for the flames to reach Juliana was hanging over them from
that tree. Keeping his eyes on the
prize, he plowed forward. One hand
clamped against flesh to slow the bleeding, Glen forced his long legs to hold
him up, using his free hand to peel off his mask when Mary spun around, her
eyes wide. Flicking his damp hair back over his shoulders, he stared down at
her, letting her see what SHE had done to him, the horrible disfigurement the
fire had left.
That was his distraction.
“Glen...you're ALIVE?”
Mary blinked, feeling the panic rising within her and turned her head, glaring
at the sight of Mark fighting through the flames. “NO!” She shot the gun and
didn't know if she nailed him or not, having been tackled in the cold snow by
Glen.
Juliana could feel
something warm, her head pounding vigorously, from what she didn't know. Smoke billowed around her as the flames began
slowly licking towards her, engulfing the entire wooden shrine besides the tree
trunk she was currently tied against. A
deep sigh escaped her as her eyes slowly opened, inhaling and immediately began
coughing, the fumes making her dizzy.
They suddenly snapped open as Juliana lifted her head, looking around,
realizing she was surrounded by fire.
She was going to burn to
death and never know who killed John!
“Woman, wake your goddamn
ass up!” Taker ordered, seeing Juliana drifting in and out of consciousness,
watching as realization dawned on her face of where she was and what was
happening. Grunting, he balanced himself
on the logs and branches that comprised the funeral pyre, cursing when flames
licked up his legs and reached for her after retrieving his hunting knife from
its sheath -he had taken it back from Keira when he had put her and John in the
basement-, his height his friend in this situation. “Hold on, darlin'...” He
murmured, smoke rising around them as he began cutting at her binds.
Taker was here and saving
her again, that was all Juliana could remember as she slumped against him while
he cut the binds from her wrists, moving down to her ankles. “Taker...” She
breathed out, inhaling more of the smoke than she should've and felt her body
being lifted. Juliana didn't have the
strength to even lift her arms to wrap around his neck, slowly slipping back
into the welcoming darkness that looked more than inviting. She could faintly here Taker's voice telling
her to stay awake, but Juliana couldn't, going completely limp in his arms.
Mary had gotten him,
again, but that was alright because Glen wasn't going to die alone. He wrapped his arms around her as tightly as
he could, crushing her with what strength he had left.
“Mark...” Mary rasped out
as she took her last breath just as the wooden shrine went completely up,
crackling as smoke filtered the air, Glen crushing her to death.
Stumbling in the melting
snow, Taker moved as fast as he could away from Mary and Glen's final resting
place, which was now a full-on inferno.
The further away he got, the more snow he trudged in, heading for the
four-wheelers. “Goddamn you woman...” He growled, shaking her gently, draping
her against him and held her up with one arm while he used his other to tilt
her head back, checking her airways. “Wake up!” He gave her another shake,
cursing when she just remained limp in his arms. Groaning softly, he lowered himself onto the
four-wheeler, keeping a careful hold on her. “Don't worry darlin', I got
you. I'll get you back home, Keira and
John are waitin'. John's alive,
Jules...hear me?” He bent down to press a kiss to her forehead before starting
the four-wheeler, peeling out of there.
She didn't move for
several long minutes, not moving an inch or breathing for that matter. The four wheeler began rumbling through the
trees, Taker taking the path right back to the house. Suddenly, Juliana's began coughing violently,
her eyes flying open, expecting to see flames surrounding her.
The four-wheeler slowly
came to a halt as Juliana kept coughing, black soot coming out on her hands
from how much smoke she'd inhaled, her chest feeling tight. She felt a warm hand on her back and Juliana
slowly looked up right into Taker's eyes, tears forming in her own. They were alive, both of them, and Juliana
could only stare at him before beginning to cough again, trembling incredibly
hard because of how cold she was.
It hadn't been as easy
getting back home as it had been getting way out to the shack. For one, the snow had covered the tracks, but
he knew he was going the right way. He
did let out a small sigh of relief when John's house came into view. “Alright,
inside.” He murmured, still holding her close as he lifted her off his lap and
then to the ground, keeping a firm grip on Juliana's hand as he dismounted.
“Come on.” Scooping her back up into his arms, he hurried into the house.
“That you, Taker?” John's
voice came over the intercom.
“Yeah, yeah it's me.” He
groaned softly, letting Juliana down near the couch, unable to carry her anymore.
Turning his back to her, he peeled off his jacket, staring down at the bullet
wound in his stomach. It had taken cloth right into his flesh and was beginning
to bleed worse now that he was out of the cold.
“We're coming up.”
“Taker...” Juliana couldn't
even talk, her voice hoarse from coughing so much, not recognizing the voice
over the intercom.
Juliana could tell
something was wrong because Taker kept his back to her, tears streaming down
her face, knowing he had to be angry with her for running off.
First John was dead, then
she'd been struck from behind in the head and still had no idea who caused this
horrible mess. She slowly stood up from
the couch, stumbling since she was still unthawing, and managed to place a
freezing hand on Taker's bare arm, causing him to whip around as she stumbled
back. Her eyes instantly darted to his
stomach and could clearly tell he'd been shot, shaking her head as more tears
streamed down her face.
“God no...No please!” She
began coughing more, dropping to her knees from physical, mental and emotional
exhaustion, not able to take anymore.
Juliana curled up in a tight ball and hacked as hard and loud as she
could muster up, crying at the same time.
He was the one bleeding
out, but she was the one curled up in a ball on the floor. Taker couldn't help shaking his head and grin
at how…idiotic it seemed. “Could you please get up, wobble your frozen legs
into the kitchen, and get me a towel?” He nudged her with his boot, knowing she
was still unthawing, but he had to sit down before he passed out.
“Did you bring Mom back?”
Keira came flying into the living room, throwing herself on top of her mother.
“Mom, are you alright? Mommy?”
John came along much
slower, holding his now wrapped ribs, seriously finding it messed up that his
seven year old niece had had to help bandage him. “You got her...” He breathed,
a relieved smile crossing his face as he glanced down at the man who was more
than likely going to be his future brother-in-law. “What the hell is wrong...”
His eyes trailed down to where Taker's hands were pressed. “With you...”
Chapter 29
“He's shot...He's shot
again and it's my fault because I was trying to avenge John's death!” Juliana
couldn't help crying harder, feeling Keira clutch her hand and squeeze it,
hacking even more. “Help me up, Keira.” The little girl helped as much as she
could, but Juliana suddenly felt a strong arm wrap around her waist, lifting
her with ease. “Thanks Taker.”
She felt like an ice cube
and suddenly froze, seeing Taker wasn't behind her. He was sitting on the couch holding his
abdomen while Keira rushed into the kitchen to get him a towel. So who the hell had helped her stand up? Juliana slowly turned around and felt her
midnight eyes widen in shock at the sight of John standing before her, not
having the strength to move another inch.
“John?” She stumbled
back, going white as a sheet and shook her head, knowing she was losing her
mind. “Oh my god, no! I'm seeing ghosts
now! I need to be put in a goddamn mental
institution! You're dead! What the hell is going on?!” It was too much
for Juliana to take; she'd lost John and now his ghost had come back to haunt
her. Taker was shot and all Juliana
could do was collapse, not even hearing Keira shriek.
“MOM!”
“You know something,
Juliana is a fucking nut.” John commented, stepping over her and headed for the
kitchen. “Keira, go get some blankets out of the hallway closet for your Mom.”
He wasn't in as much pain
as he had been, thanks to a few Vicodin Taker had given him, so while he was
able to move without groaning like a little girl, he was taking charge. And it was very odd to be giving orders and
tending to everyone else because usually, that was Taker's job. But Taker couldn't do it and Juliana was having
a breakdown.
Keira came flying back
with an armful of blankets, beginning to spread them out over her mom, glancing
at her father. “He's BLEEDIN'!”
“Darlin', go get the
first aid kit underneath the bathroom sink, and the bottle of peroxide.”
She took off again and
found what her father wanted, heading back into the living room moments later
and handed the items to her father, frowning because he was bleeding badly.
“Daddy?” When he simply gave her an assuring smile, Keira's eyes glanced back
at her mother, who lay prone on the floor, slowly edging towards her. “What's
that on Mom's head?” She touched the black hair, which was sopping wet from the
snow storm and pulled her hand back, eyes widening. “SHE'S BLEEDIN' TOO!”
Juliana didn't move.
John came running out of
the kitchen, cursing because even with the Vicodin that wasn't a smart move.
“Goddamn it, I can't take care of both of you at the same fucking time!”
“Call 9-1-1, idiot. Then tend to her, I'm not goin' anywhere.”
“What if someone else decides
to...” He made a cutting motion across his throat. “Us?”
“Well, it's not exactly
as if they have their work cut out for them.
Look at us?”
Keira was now using one
the blankets to hold against her mom's head, knowing enough that cuts stopped
bleeding when pressure was applied. “Hurry up, Johnny!” She shrieked, near
hysterics.
~!~
Her eyes slowly fluttered
open and Juliana wasn't sure how long she'd been out, her throat incredibly
dry. Her eyes surveyed the room around
her, smelling the sterile environment, feeling her heart rate increase a
little. A hospital...she was in a
hospital. Juliana slowly sat up on the
bed, running a hand through her hair and ignored the IV in her hand, looking
down at it. The pesky little thing, she
scowled and slid it out, wincing since it'd been a long time since she had to
visit a hospital. The last time had been
when she had Keira...her baby girl?
Where was she? Where was Taker? John...Juliana immediately felt tears swell
in her eyes at the thought of her deceased brother, closing her eyes as they
silently slid down her cheeks, feeling very weak. Juliana noticed a pitcher of water on the
table beside her and took it, filling the plastic cup, trying to sip some down
to ease the burning in her throat, the tears not stopping.
“I'm sorry John...”
“For what?” John asked,
having just walked into the room, frowning down at her, a puzzled expression on
his still bruised face.
He remembered what Taker had
told him about her thinking he was dead and almost smiled at his own
foolishness. Sitting down carefully on
the side of the bed, he reached out to steady the cup, taking it from her when
the water actually began slopping up the sides and splashing the bedding.
“Juliana, I'm here, I'm alive. I promise
you, I am not a ghost.” He assured her, setting the glass down and reaching out
to cup her face gently in his hands. “Hey, breathe honey.” His eyes shot
worriedly to the monitor she was hooked up too, taking note of her racing
heart. “Jules, calm down, please?”
“J-John?” She managed to
croak out, her hands trembling as he wiped the stray tears that kept falling,
Juliana unable to stop them.
He was here. He was alive.
He wasn't dead buried six feet under somewhere bloody and beaten? Juliana would never get that image out of her
head of how she'd found John as long as she lived. His hands felt too warm to be a ghost and
Juliana shakily reached out, pressing her hand over his beating heart, fresh
tears sliding down her cheeks and flowing over his hands.
“I thought I was too
late...I thought...” She couldn't even speak and simply tossed her arms around
his neck, hugging him as tight as she could, not caring how much her body hurt.
“No, you weren't.” John
assured her, holding her a bit more gently than she was holding him. “Jules,
honey, my ribs...” He winced after a long moment, gently guiding her back
against her pillows. “One broken rib, two cracked.” He said almost proudly.
“And for once, I was the last man standing, which for me, is a first.” He was
trying to get her to smile, plucking a tissue off the stand and passed it to
her. “Taker thought I was dead too.” And Keira, that was still giving him
nightmares, hearing his niece screaming his name repeatedly and would probably
give him nightmares for some time to come yet. “He even cried over me, though
he says he'll deny it.”
Suddenly, it dawned on
Juliana that Taker had been shot and she'd fainted like an idiot. “Where is
he?” She demanded hoarsely, already sitting up fully on the bed and went to rip
the machine attachments off, when John stopped her. “John, he was shot! I have to make sure he's alright! Please tell me he's alright...”
There was no way in hell
Juliana could lose Taker now after everything they'd been through, new tears
forming in her eyes. John went to say
something when the door swung open, Keira walking in along with her handsome
father, the love of Juliana's life. She
locked eyes with him and finally laid back on the bed, closing her eyes as the
biggest smile crossed her face, knowing it was over. All the danger was behind them, everything
that happened was the past and she still had what was left of her family
intact.
“Dad is not supposed to
be out of bed.” Keira said with a scowl, climbing up onto the bed, mindful of
Uncle John's warnings to be careful. “He got an infection.”
“Hush up.” Taker ordered,
easing himself into the chair opposite of John on the other side of Juliana,
bending over to kiss her gently. “About time you woke up.” He murmured, his
green eyes taking in her pale face. “You had me worried.”
“And me!”
“Hell, I wasn't worried.”
Keira fixed John with a
look.
“Okay, I was a bit. But your Mom is tough, she always pulls
through.”
“Are you alright? God I'm so sorry, I should've helped you
instead of fainting like an idiot.” Juliana sighed when he pressed a finger to
her lips, the guilt swimming in her blue eyes, but the good news was that he
was here. He got shot, but he was still
standing tall and still watching over her like he always did…Like he always
would. “I love you, I'm so sorry...” He pressed his forehead to hers, knowing
any other man would've walked away after all the bullshit she'd been through
long ago, but not Taker. He stood right
beside her and they fought through anything and everything that was thrown
their way. “John, will you please tell the doctor I want my husband's bed moved
in here with me?”
“Husband?”
“That's right, my
unbelievably brave, extraordinary husband.”
“There is a priest here.”
Taker said with a sly smile, ignoring the gaping look John was shooting him and
Juliana. “I'm sure he wouldn't mind performing the ceremony.”
“In a hospital?” Keira
demanded, disbelief coloring her tone.
“Darlin', if there is
anythin' I have learned after a THIRD time of this…it's that there is no time
like the present to grab onto what you got and hold it tight.”
“Like me and Mom?”
“Exactly.”
“Johnny, let's go find
the priest!”
John was STILL staring at
them when Keira dragged him out of the room.
As soon as the door shut,
Juliana sat up in the hospital bed and took Taker's hands in hers, frowning
because he was pale, knowing it had to be from the infection. “How bad does it
hurt?” She asked quietly, sighing when he simply kissed her lips, but Juliana
didn't miss his grimace, her frown deepening. “Mark, you have to rest...” She
gasped when he lifted her up in his arms, knowing that definitely wasn't good
for his wound and began protesting, only for his lips to descend on hers. She sighed resignedly when he settled on the
rather huge bed, both of them curled up with each other, his finger running
down her cheek while Juliana stared in his eyes, covering his hand with hers.
“I'm not goin' to lie to
you, I'll need a home nurse for awhile.” He informed her, his eyes sparkling
with humor, something that had been missing over the past few weeks. “One
preferably in a short, white nurse uniform, high heels, and-” He caught her
hand before it could land on his chest, bringing it to his mouth and kissed her
palm. “Don't play rough with me woman, neither of us are in any fit state to be
fighting over who gets bottom.” Smirking, he leaned in to brush his lips
against hers. “Don't you ever do that to me again, Juliana. Don't ever run off like that.” He whispered
almost hoarsely. “I was goin' out of my mind.”
Her eyes lowered in
shame, knowing it was because of her that Taker had once again gotten shot,
still not believing he wanted to marry her after everything that happened. What was she supposed to say? Sorry again?
How many times would Taker hear that before finally demanding something
more? Tears stung her eyes and Juliana
closed them when he lifted her chin with his strong hand, midnight blue locking
on emerald green.
“I didn't even know what
I was doing, I just saw complete red and wanted to avenge John's death. I wasn't thinking rationally...and I'm
sorry.” That was all Juliana could really say. “I don't know what else to say
except I love you and I'm sorry you got shot again because of me...”
Now Taker felt guilty.
It wasn't because of her
that he had gotten shot. He had gotten
shot because of himself, because of some insane broad who...He cracked his neck
from side to side, frowning. “Jules...I understand about John.” He said slowly,
wondering how to tell her that he had been wrong.
It wasn't somebody after
her, well no...Mary HAD been after Jules, to get rid of her to get to him. It was so messed up how everything tied
together, like a neat little package, involving everyone from Juliana’s past
and it all had been because of him. Mary
had been involved with Ken and Alan, she had pushed them along in their own madness.
“I think I should tell
you about my brother.” He said finally, seeing her eyes widening and knew it
was finally his turn to do the explaining.
Juliana could only stare
at him, digesting everything that came out of Taker's mouth, so many different
emotions rushing through her at once. Evetta
had really been a woman named Mary, who wanted Mark all for herself. She'd hunted him down, found out he was
Juliana's bodyguard and immediately put the plans in motion to try destroying
her.
All this time...Cassandra
and Alan both wanted her dead, along with Ken, but it had been Mary pulling the
strings for everyone. She'd been the one
telling and urging them to go through with the plans, fueling their fires of
rage. And the worst part of it all was
the fact Taker had been blamed for something that he had no control over.
He hadn't burned his
parent's house down the ground and killed them, having thought he killed his
little brother too, Mary had. Juliana
had to sit up because she like she might vomit, eyes widening at the sight of John
walking into the room with Keira in tow, her heart instantly breaking for
him. Evetta had been the only woman John
trusted, besides Juliana, since before she could remember and she turned out to
be a psycho bitch.
“Jesus...”
He nodded, feeling
absolutely exhausted by explaining all of that.
He had given John the short-hand version and simply told Keira that
'Aunt Evie' had taken the other four-wheeler and hightailed it out of
there. He wasn't about to tell his baby
the truth, not at her age, maybe never if he could keep it that.
“You tell her?” John
asked, offering a small smile when Juliana gave him a sympathetic look. “Hey, I
got Keira, I'm cool.”
“I told Johnny I would
marry him when I got old enough.” Keira said seriously.
Taker merely arched an
eyebrow.
“Did you really?” Juliana
couldn't help smiling when Keira snuggled against John, his arms wrapping
around her, tilting her head slightly. “You know what? After everything that's happened, I'd be
honored if you married my daughter once she's of age and has gotten a proper
education.” She stated, watching John grin and snuggled against Taker, feeling
him kiss the top of her head. Juliana
meant that too and time would only tell if John and Keira really did end up
together. “Relax, she's only nine.” She murmured quietly to where only Taker
could hear, being careful of his stomach region.
“Yeah, NINE, and John's
how old?” Taker said, relaying a message to John with his eyes. The message being 'if you even THINK about
it, I will cut off your dick and feed it to you'.
John smiled, shaking his
head. He loved his adopted niece and she
was nine. She would grow up, forget
about him, and marry some boy that would never be good enough for her. Then he and Taker would be on the same page
for once, the thought making John chuckle softly.
“We found the priest.” He
said innocently, getting the topic off his pending nuptials to Keira.
“Oh, yeah! He said he COULD perform a wedding!”
Chapter 30
Tears formed in her eyes as
she stared at her baby girl, not believing how beautiful she looked as she
stared in the full length mirror. “You look breathtaking, Keira.” Juliana
stated, holding out a bouquet of white roses that had little diamonds in them
along with blue tints. “He's not going to be able to take his eyes off you.”
Keira beamed proudly and
turned to stare in the mirror, smoothing out the invisible wrinkles of her
gown, incredibly nervous. “I really do love him, Mom.” She said quietly,
turning so Juliana could fix her veil as it fell gently over her face.
“Then go get him.”
Juliana wasn't about to hold her daughter back from claiming her groom,
remembering her wedding day with her own husband, which seemed like only
yesterday.
In a hospital of all
places, where it had all really began.
~!~
Taker could only stare at
his soon-to-be son-in-law, having known this day was coming since his daughter
had been fifteen years old. “You had better take damn good care of her.” He
growled, adjusting his suit jacket in the mirror and then glanced at the watch
on his wrist, knowing he had to go walk his daughter down that aisle in less
than ten minutes.
“I've been taking care of
her since day one.” John said evenly, adjusting his cufflinks before running
his fingertips over his hair, smoothing down anywhere that looked odd. “She
won't run out on me, will she?” He asked nervously.
“I couldn't get that
lucky.” He growled, turning and seen the very real concern and worry on John's
face, not believing he was doing this as he reached out to grip John's
shoulder, giving him a reassuring shake. “That girl loves you; she's been
planning this day since she was ten years old, she's not going to leave you at
the altar.”
John smiled.
~!~
“Mom, what if I'm not a
good wife?” Keira asked hesitantly, having always turned to her mother for
advice while the woman slipped a bracelet on her wrist that glittered with
diamonds.
“You will be a great wife
because John loves you unconditionally, Keira.
Hell, you told me when you were nine years old that you were going to
marry him and now look here we are.
You're nineteen years old, he gave you a promise ring at fifteen and
nearly gave your father a heart attack.” Juliana giggled at the memory, smiling
softly when Keira grinned, her bluish green eyes twinkling. “There is nothing
you can say or do that will change John's mind and you know it. Just like I knew it with your father.”
“You and Dad really have
been through the ringer.” Keira commented, having finally heard all the details
of how her parents got together, finding it dangerously romantic and gruesome
all in one. “I want what you two have and I believe I have that with John. I know I used to call him uncle and
everything, but he's everything to me and there's nobody out there I'd rather
walk toward.”
“Life's too short,
angel. Don't question anything. Just follow your heart and it'll lead you
down the right path.”
~!~
John bounced nervously
from one foot to the other, glancing at the clock. While he remembered clearly telling Taker
that Keira would wind up marrying some boy other than him and at the time
believing it, he found himself rethinking that as she grew older. To some it might have seemed odd, or maybe
even perverse, to give a fifteen year old girl a promise ring, but John knew
the day would come when Keira would be an adult and he would be allowed to
demonstrate his love without her daddy blowing his head or balls off. Keira had gone out and dated; she had lived a
normal teen life, but she always maintained that she was waiting on him.
“Alright, it's time for
you to get out there and for me to...” Taker shook his head, blinking as he
stared up at the ceiling. “Cena, one thing?”
“Yeah?”
“Do NOT make me a grandpa
for at least another five, better yet ten, years.”
“Sure thing, pops.”
~!~
“This is it, oh my god
I'm so nervous...” Keira felt like she would either faint or vomit, feeling her
mother's supportive hand on her back, tears stinging her eyes. “Thanks for
everything, Mom.”
“Of course, anything for
you, Keira.” Juliana suddenly stopped, making Keira halt in her steps and
lifted the veil as she stared into her daughter's eyes. “One more thing: Keira,
no matter what happens, always love him.
Don't question what he does, support him in any decision he makes. Don't ever...doubt how he feels for you,
alright? Do that for me.”
Keira nodded with a big
smile, hugging her mother tightly. “I won't, Mom, I promise. I love you.” She slowly pulled back, letting
the veil once again slide over her face, each woman having a single tears
sliding down their cheek.
“I love you too, Keira.”
Together, Keira and her
mother walked out of the dressing room and headed toward where her father
awaited them. Juliana released her hand,
wearing a simple pale blue dress with her now long black hair up in spiral
curls on top of her head, some of it graying, which she didn't mind. Keira walked over to her father and gripped
his hand tightly in her own, knowing she was about to becoming Mrs. Keira
Calaway-Cena, flat out refusing not to hyphenate her name.
“Don't let me fall,
Daddy.” She whispered as the music began, smiling at Kyle, her younger ten year
old brother, as he walked down the aisle with Mom.
“I got you, darlin'.” He
replied, patting her hand gently.
He was more worried about
himself falling or maybe tossing her over his shoulder and carrying her far
away. Catching his wife's eye as she
passed, he seen her subtly shake her head no and threw her wink. The vixen could still read his mind. He wanted to fidget in the suit he wore,
wearing a blue undershirt beneath the black.
When it was time for him to walk her down the aisle, to give her away,
he had to force his legs to move.
It seemed like each step
was a flashback.
The day she was
born. Her first step. The first time she fell off a bicycle. Learning how to shoot a gun. Pressing blankets to her mother's head. Disney World.
Prom. Wedding…He let out a breath
when they reached the end of the aisle, turning towards her and smiled, slowly
raising the veil. He bent down and kissed her cheek, trying not to show his
reluctance as he slowly guided her hand to John's.
John had to learn how to
breathe all over again.
Juliana watched with a
tearful smile as John and Keira professed their love to one another, saying
their vows, never breaking eye contact.
She could clearly see how much they truly loved each other, looking up
when a large warm hand took hers, their fingers lacing together. That's how Juliana felt for her husband and
no matter how old they grew, the feelings never changed. They still couldn't keep their hands off each
other and Keira accused them of acting like teenagers at times, but Juliana
didn't care.
Unbeknownst to everyone,
Juliana had been two months pregnant with Kyle during the whole incident with
Mary and Glen. She didn't even know it
until the doctor came into her hospital room, right after Taker and Juliana had
been married by a priest, both completely floored by the news. Juliana had cried her heart out while Taker
held her tightly, knowing both of them realized how close they were to losing
their baby.
Taker was absolutely
ecstatic when a beautiful healthy baby boy was born seven months later and they
decided to keep the K names, deciding on Kyle William Calaway. Juliana glanced over at her son, not
believing how sharp he looked in his tux, and also couldn't believe he was
already ten years old. Time flew by too
fast for everyone and now here they were, watching as their nineteen year old
daughter was getting married to Juliana's best friend.
As the Priest recited the
traditional wedding rote, Taker was letting his own mind wander, keeping a firm
grip on Juliana's hand. How had the time
gone by so fast? He knew if he blinked,
chances were, Kyle would be all grown up and ready to get married next. When it came time for the vows, he
straightened up, curious against his will about what John was going to
say. John had refused to let anyone read
them over for him, he had done them by himself, though Taker did suspect
Juliana might have helped him just a bit, just to make sure no rapping
occurred.
When the priest announced
John and Keira husband and wife, Juliana felt Taker's grip on her hand tighten
slightly, both of them watching as John stepped forward to slowly lift Keira's
veil. Keira smiled through tears in her
hazel eyes, which were more blue than green at the moment, everything about the
moment absolutely perfect. The moment
John's lips touched hers, Keira instantly melted and slipped her arm around his
neck, gripping the back of it while his arms wrapped tightly around her. It was a soft passionate kiss, no tongue
involved, just simple pure love between the two of them. When John reluctantly pulled away, Keira was
breathless and pressed her forehead against his, his arms still around
her.
They were finally Mr. and
Mrs. John Cena.
Resting his head on top
of hers, John glanced at Taker who just nodded at him. He wondered if Juliana would be upset if he
snatched up his bride and made a beeline for the doors. There was a reception planned, but...he
glanced down at Keira, then smiled, bending down to brush his lips against hers
again.
If that boy tried running
off before he could tell his daughter goodbye, Taker would murder him. Wrapping an arm around Juliana's shoulder, he
turned his head in order to dab some dust out of the corner of his eye,
clearing his throat gruffly.
The reception was
breathtaking with the same type of flowers that Keira had carried down the
aisle, white dust and glitter, along with the color blue. Blue and silver, those were the colors and
they fit the newlywed couple perfectly.
Juliana walked in with her arm linked through Taker's, grinning from ear
to ear while Taker looked gruff as usual.
They took their seats, after being announced as mother and father of the
bride.
Keira and John began
dancing through the door, raising their hands in the air, fully taking in the
moment because it was time to shine brightly.
The music thumped and Keira laughed when John actually did a spin move
on the dance floor and smirked at his bride.
Keira snorted and gently set her flowers down, having changed into a
shimmering silver dress that would allow her to dance the night away, proceeding
to do a dance move of her own that put John's to shame. The guests were loving every minute of it as
the DJ played music whenever they performed a move.
“I got you beat, admit
it.” Keira finally stated in a microphone, laughing softly.
They were having a
dance-off...But he supposed he wouldn't have expected anything less. Keira had made him watch countless videos on
YouTube showing wedding dances. He had
been fairly certain she was going to try to talk the bridal party into doing
Thriller, or making John do the final dance from Dirty Dancing. This was infinitely much better.
John's blue eyes were
sparkling as he threw his jacket on the back of a chair, loosening his tie as
he stared at Keira.
If he ever tried a move
like that, he would have torn a muscle. “Damn.”
“Come on hubby, show me
what you got!” Keira challenged, having picked the perfect dress because, while
it was low and slim, it also stretched so she could lift it up to perform her
moves.
Juliana was laughing so
hard, clapping along with the crowd while Taker simply stood there, actually
admiring his son-in-law for the moves he was pulling off. John was still in his prime, along with
Juliana, hell Taker wasn't even that old...only by a few years. But all the stress from running for their
lives had definitely taken its toll, which is why Juliana just kept the gray in
her black hair, carrying them proudly.
“You know, I have to
admit I'm a little jealous considering we got married in a hospital.” Juliana
teased, giggling when Taker wrapped his arms around her, growling in her ear.
“Woman, if you want a
party, we can have one on our anniversary.
Just don't ask me to destroy my di-” He stopped before actually saying
it, clearing his throat. “On the dance floor.” Laughing softly, he nuzzled her
neck lightly. “Did you ever think this day would honestly come, Jules?”
What he wanted to ask was
what happened to their little girl and where did all the time go? It was sad, but at the same time, he couldn't
recall ever seeing Keira so happy. So
long as John kept that sparkle in her eyes and the roses in her cheeks, he
would be satisfied.
“Hell, there were times I
thought we wouldn't make it period. But
we did it together and our wedding was perfect.
It was quick, harmless and we didn't even have to dress up.” Juliana
couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear, leaning back against Taker's chest,
knowing what he was thinking about. “She had to grow up sometime, Taker. Time flies when you're having fun and having
kids.” She patted his hand, closing her eyes briefly, just enjoying the feel of
him against her.
Life was a lot shorter
than she ever realized.
“Indeed it does,
darlin'.” He murmured, smirking slightly. “We could always have another baby.”
He teased, knowing the age gap between Keira and Kyle was a fairly big one, but
they had always gotten on very well despite it.
Then again...he thought of the midnight feedings, disgusting diapers and
fussy moments where it seemed like he had been losing his mind. “Come on, dance
with me.” He took her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor when John and
Keira finished their little dance-off, the song changing to something slow,
something he could move too.
It's like a storm
That cuts a path
It breaks your will
It feels like that
You think you're lost
But you're not lost on your own
You're not alone
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you've done all you can do
If you can't cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I won't let go
The words to this song
rang true to Juliana as Taker slowly moved with her on the dance floor, closing
her eyes, knowing he would always be there for her. He had indeed stood beside her through
everything, every single hell on earth.
He wiped her tears away and fought for her in every way known to man,
holding her tight at night to assure her he would protect her with his
life. He would never let her go, no
matter the circumstances, and Juliana knew her daughter was feeling the exact
same way as she swayed in the arms of her new husband.
It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it's dark
This part of life
Oh it finds us all
And we're too small
To stop the rain
Oh but when it rains
They had never really had
a song, but as he listened to the words of the song playing, he would have said
this is it. This was their song. It described them, and their life together,
so perfectly. They had had their ups,
and Lord knew they had more than their share of downs, but they still never let
each other go and always fought for each other.
“I love you.” He murmured
in her ear.
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you've done all you can do
And you can't cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I won't let you fall
Don't be afraid to fall
I'm right here to catch you
I won't let you drown
It won't let you down
You're gonna make it
Yeah I know you can make it
Tears swelled in her eyes
as Juliana closed them, so many emotions rushing through her at once. Never did she think in a million years she
would be dancing with Taker at their daughter’s wedding. The first time they kissed, Juliana still
thought back to it and felt the heat rush through her body. Kissing Taker, no matter how many times, felt
like the first time.
He was incredible in
every way, even with his temper and dry sense of humor. If someone walked up to Juliana back then,
before she met Taker, and said she would be married with two kids by the time
she was forty, she would’ve laughed in their faces. But here she was, in the arms of the only man
she would die with, not wanting it any other way. Juliana moved closer to him, resting her head
on his chest, sighing in sheer contentment.
“I love you too, Taker.”
She whispered, slowly pulling back to stare up into his eyes and another first
kiss happened, the passion between them never snuffing out.
Cause I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you've done all you can do
And you can't cope
And I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I won't let go
What they had had
survived constant danger, being on the run, betrayals, and more than once, even
death. When it seemed like she couldn't
go on any further, he had stepped up and fought for her. When his own demons had come back to haunt
them and he had suffered through the guilt for it, she had held him and refused
to let go, refused to let anything come between them. For them, their love was timeless,
endless...And he couldn't imagine life without her.
Oh I'm gonna hold you
And I won't let go
Won't let you go
No I won't
The reception ended and
it was time to say goodbye to the newlyweds before they disappeared on their
honeymoon to Cancun. John always wanted
to go there and Keira loved the beach, so the choice wasn't that
difficult. Juliana smiled at a smirking
John, shaking her head, knowing some things would truly never change.
“I'm not even going to
tell you to take care of her because I know you will.” Juliana stated
confidently, looping her arm through his as they walked. “Just...promise me one
thing, John.”
“What's that Jules?”
“That no matter what
happens, you will stand by her and help her through anything life throws at
you.” Juliana could already feel the tears once again and stepped forward to fix
John's tie, smoothing it out a little. “You know better than anyone it's full
of curves and swerves, just promise me that.”
“I promise to stand by
her, Jules, you got my word on that.”
Nodding, Juliana tossed
her arms around his neck, hugging the man she considered a brother close and
now he was even more. He was her
son-in-law, but that brother factor would never diminish.
“Are you okay Dad?” Keira
asked, peering up into her father's face while mom and John said their
goodbyes.
“I'm fine, darlin'.” He
bent down to hug her, burying his face in her hair and squeezed perhaps a
little harder than necessary. “I love you, Keira.”
“I love you too, daddy.”
She whispered, pulling away and using her fingertips to blot at her eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before
she went over to say bye to her mother.
Turning, Taker watched as
John wiped tears off his face with the sleeve of his shirt, shaking his head.
“That's what handkerchiefs are for.”
“Do I get a hug too, Dad?”
John asked, with a hint of a grin.
“Ah hell, might as well.”
“They're hugging...”
Keira turned from her mom, keeping her arm wrapped around her waist, in order
to arch an eyebrow. “Do you have a camera?
I want this in my wedding album.”
Juliana already had that
covered, having told the photographer they wanted a few shots at the end and
waved them over without Taker and John realizing. The photographer snapped enough pictures for
Keira and John to pick from later on, Juliana grinning from ear to ear and
hugged her daughter one final time. “I'll see you in a month or so. Take care of each other, I love you angel.”
“I love you too, Mom and
I know you'll always stand by me, no matter what I do with my life.” Keira
whispered, fresh tears stinging her eyes and reluctantly released her mother as
John extended his hand to her. His
beautiful blue eyes boring into hers, Keira smiled and slipped her hand into
his, both of them walking away toward the awaiting limousine that would take
them to the airport.
Juliana watched as they
pulled away and slowly walked outside, looking down when Kyle wrapped a small
arm around her waist. “Hey little man, you've been quiet all evening.”
“I was too busy tryin' to
get all these girls to leave me alone.” He scowled darkly, which reminded her
of Taker, having his emerald green eyes and her black hair.
“Is that right? Did you ask one of them to dance?” She
teased, causing Kyle to groan loudly as they continued walking down the
sidewalk, Juliana dropping a kiss on top of his head.
“Mom...girls are...”
“They have cooties.”
Taker said, joining his family, shaking his head when Kyle began nodding.
“Well, Mom and Keira
don't, but...”
“One day, little man, I
will tell you how I got rid of your mother's cooties.” He grinned when she shot
him a look.
“You can get rid of
them?” Kyle arched an eyebrow, looking back and forth between his parents, then
scowled. “You're teasin' me!”
“No really, your Dad is
telling the truth. Though HE was the one
who had the cooties.” She stage whispered, giggling when Taker growled and
rolled her eyes. “But don't worry son, you'll grow out of them soon enough.”
Laughing, Juliana
couldn't wait for Kyle to start with the hormones because that meant he would
no longer think girls had cooties. Her
children had grown up so fast, especially Keira, though Juliana knew John would
take very good care of her. Together,
the rest of the Calaway family walked away from the reception hall and slid
into the Chevy Silverado, Kyle in the backseat yawning loudly. She slid next to Taker and smiled when he
wrapped an arm around her shoulders, kissing his neck tenderly before snuggling
while he pulled away from the reception hall, heading home and somehow knew the
danger, running and hiding was behind them forever.
The End.